Page 25 - Montana Freemason Magazine November 2013

Montana Freemason November 2013
Here, I can read Masonic philosophy, work on ritual
memorization exercises, and simply think in silence. Who Speaks for Freemasonry?
This space is made sacred in that I perform no Masons should know the Answer
other function in it, except to dwell in thought. There
is no television, no radio, and nothing to eat or drink,
except for a cup of coffee or a glass of wine that often
accompanies me on late night reading and writing
exercises. I can dim the lights and read by candlelight
if I so wish to do so. For some candles play an
important role. They might also create a spiritual
experience within sacred spaces. I also have artwork
and objects that retain a special esoteric meaning to
me. No matter how a Brother designs his sacred space
it is uniquely his and no two spaces are ever the same.
In this short essay, I hope to inspire my fellow
Brethren in seeking their own chamber of reflection
in establishing a sacred space for meaningful thought.
In building our own man caves of the mind we are
creating places where we can remove ourselves from
the everyday world to embrace the wisdom that is
found in the teachings of our fraternity. Sacred space
does not only have to exist in a house of worship or
in a Masonic Lodge. Rather, it is available to every
Brother in his own home or workshop.
Works Cited
Belanger, L. (2005, February 3). Man land: More homes
have a room just for him, and you'll know it when you see
it. Retrieved from The Boston Globe: http://www.boston.
com/yourlife/home/articles/2005/02/03/man_land/
Burkle, W. (2012, Spring). Creating and Using a Personal
Sacred Space: Why, Where and How. The Journal of the
Masonic Society, pp. 19-24.
Mackey, A. G. (1917). An Encyclopedia of Freemasonry.
London: The Masonic History Company.
Ranasinghe, K. (2011, Winter). Spatial Symbolism,
Ceremonial Dance, and Masonic Ritual. The Journal of the
Masonic Society, pp. 20-22.
Volume 89 Number 5
When the Masonic Information Center (MIC)
was created 20 years ago, one of the major
problems it encountered with the news media
and with the general public was the issue of
Masonic Authority.
That issue still exists, and all Masons - particularly
Masonic leaders - should be aware of who can,
and who cannot, speak for Freemasonry.
It is difficult for the general public to understand
that Freemasonry is structured in such as way
that its highest “Masonic Authority” rests within
the Grand Lodge for each state, province, or
jurisdiction.
Many Masonic writers express their opinions, and
with the help of the internet, those views may be
widely distributed, and even treated as “Masonic
Authority.” Sometimes, when reading a column
in the official publication of one of the national
Masonic -related organizations, a perception
might be created that these organizations - not
Grand Lodges - are speaking for Freemasonry.
In both cases, they are only speaking for
themselves, as individuals or organizations.
Their opinions are not authoritiave for all
Freemasonry.
In 2001, the MIC created the Statement on
Masonic Authority, reprinted in the box on this
page. It is brief and gives a clear explanation as to
where ultimate “Masonic Authority” rests.
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