freemasonry and the establishment of the united
states
by
Alva N. rogers
This month we celebrate the 220 anniversary of America's
Independence. It seems only fitting that we recall the crucial part
played by Freemasonry in winning the Revolution and establishing our
Republic.
Across the eons of time and out of Western Europe
Freemasons
came to the shores of an unknown and new world. They brought
with them a devotion to Masonry and the Great Truths the craft had
learned. The values these men planted on these shores grew into a
new nation. A nation based upon revolutionary ideas that would
change not only the British Empire but the world. While some
Freemason who contributed are known, there are many unsung and
unrecognized among America's first patriots. The very nature of the
values of Freemasonry explain why so many freemason were
committed to the cause that brought forth this nation.
The Encyclopedia Britannica defines Freemasonry as "the
teachings
and practices of the secret fraternal order of Free and Accepted
Masons, the largest worldwide secret society."
While Freemasonry is not a religion and does not attempted
to
supplant religious institutions, it is founded on faith in God.
Freemasonry is not a political organization and does not
seek the
control of political institutions, it is concerned with the problems of
society.
Freemasonry abhors all forms of tyranny whether over the
mind or
the spirit of mankind. Yet, it does not advocate armed revolt against
civil or ecclesiastical tyrants.
Freemasonry understands clearly that the improvement of
mankind
and society is dependent upon the activities of good men. Its
conviction that each individual is created in the image of God, and is
without equivocation the supreme value in this world. It is therefore
the individual's duty to live a life full of character and service; and
those individuals best equipped are those who accept Masonic truth
which enlightens their mind and frees their spirit; and that Masonry
is able to impart such truth only to those who seek it.
These Brothers migrating from Western Europe to make homes
for
themselves in the American wilderness, erecting Masonic altars in
this new land so that they might fellowship with their brothers and
impart Masonic light to others in quest of it are this nations first real
patriots.
The great truths they taught inspired American Freemasons
to
struggle and win freedom for this land and to be the leaders in
making it a constitutional Republic.
Since time immemorial Masonic law has decreed that within
a
Masonic lodge all Master Masons are equal in respect to rights,
benefits and the obligations they owe the Craft and their brothers.
From this Masonic law and tradition it was only a small
step to the
conviction that all men should stand equal before the law, and that
the power of government is derived from the people. The
abhorrence of taxation without representation was yet only one
additional step. It, however, was a step that would lead to political
strife and revolt.
From the old operative guilds of the Middle Ages came the
concept
of useful work and opportunity to improve one's standing. From this
seed came what the world knows as the American free enterprise
system.
From ancient times Freemasonry has taught that each owes
it to
himself, the Craft, and mankind to engage in a never-ending search
for light. Once again it is a simple transition to the concept of
freedom of thought, speech, press, and the public education of
children.
While Freemasonry requires each initiate to confess a
belief in a
Supreme Being and the immortality of the soul we do not go further.
Theocratic in faith and philosophy, freemasonry does not attempt to
limit any Brother's conception of the divine. Each is free to fashion
his own creed and his own theology. Such teachings and practice
are the fabric of the idea of religious liberty. Compelling a man to
profess or support religious dogmas he disbelieves is not only sinful
it is tyrannical.
For these reasons and others Freemasonry has encountered
opposition across the ages and in many lands. They are also the
reason why Freemasons were in the forefront of those who resisted
the tyrannies of King George and the Parliament. Historians have
concluded that 20% of America's Freemasons of the time were
enrolled in the Continental Army or the militia of the various states.
All Americans owe a debt of gratitude to Freemasonry.
From the
alters of Freemasonry, future patriots learned valuable lessons.
Lesson that shaped the character and spirit of the patriots who
would not wavier in their convictions and won freedom for our land
and established for it " a government of the people, by the people,
and for the people."
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