MASONS: KNIGHTS OF CHARITY
This article first appeared in the November, 1981 issue of The New Age, and
is reprinted as a Short Talk Bulletin through the courtesy and with the
permission of The New Age and the author, Chesler R. MacPhee, P.G.M. Grand Lodge of California.
Politics, religion and secrecy -these are three subjects never discussed
within any legitimate Masonic lodge or during any event of Masonic
sponsorship. Our Craft is non-political in that it transcends narrow
partisanship to exalt freedom and the full development of every person's human
potential. The prohibition of sectarian concern is central to Freemasonry's
acceptance of all men who express belief in a Supreme Being and who have
dedicated themselves to His service. Most of all, Freemasonry is not a secret
organization, but one that publicly announces its meetings and openly works
for all types of civic, philanthropic and patriotic causes.
Given the multitude of beneficial activities and worthwhile projects going on
at any given Lodge, there is no time--even if it were permitted--to waste on
such unproductive matters as politics, sects, or secrecy. The "secret" purpose
of Freemasonry is public knowledge-the enlightenment of society and the
improvement of mankind.
Far from being a "secret society," Masons in America proudly wear their pins
and cordially invite non-Masons to public meetings sponsored by Masons.
Notices indicating the time and place of meetings are widely printed and in many
places advertisements in the newspapers inform of such meetings. Although
Masons seek no public approbation for their benevolence, the actual supportive
facts are that the sum of $1.3 million is made available every single day by the
Masons in this Country for such benevolence. The figure of $1.3 million per day
is not a typographical error, but rather a conservative estimate by The Masonic
Service Association that Masonic Bodies and affiliated organizations expend more
than $480 million per year in benevolent activities. About 60 percent of this
sum is made available for public assistance, and 40 percent is oriented toward
support of Masonic Homes for the young and the elderly -completely provided
for by Masons without public assistance. No organization in the history of
mankind has ever accomplished such a massive and high purpose on a continuing
basis. Crippled children's bones are healed. Many persons once given up for
dead are now returned to society because the Shrine became a catalyst in the
treatment of second and third degree burns. The great Masonic Centers in
Chicago, New York and elsewhere about the Country testify in the work of the
Masons.
The Aphasia Program the Scottish Rite sparked has been for more than 20 years
returning speechless children to society in lieu of incarceration in State
institutions. Other charitable agencies are now taking on the work, but it was
the Scottish Rite that initiated interest. Today thousands of youngsters live
normal lives because the Masons of the Scottish Rite gave of their efforts and
their substance.
More than 10 years ago at a Los Angeles Bodies Scottish Rite meeting, I
concluded my remarks by referring to the great work of the Aphasia Program of
the Mother Jurisdiction. Thereafter, a fine, clean-cut young man of about 18
years came up to greet me and said, "Mr. MacPhee, when you see the Masons of
California thank them for me." I asked, "What did the Masons do for you?" He re
plied, "When I was six years old I could not speak; had never spoken a word. No
one seemed able to help me. A friend suggested we try the Scottish Rite Aphasia
Program which had been established at Stanford University. That program did the
job for me. I graduated from high school last month as captain of the Debating
Society. So please thank the Masons for me. " It was one of the greatest
experiences I have ever had as a Mason. I think I stood twelve feet tall as I
listened to that young man.
Millions of persons have been assisted by the Masons of the Knights Templar
Eye Foundation in their expenditures for research, treatment, correction of
diseases and problems of the eyes. The Knights Templar continue to make
substantial grants to the Departments of Ophthalmology at many universities
throughout the United States. An unsolicited letter addressed to the Knights
Templar of Phoenix, Arizona, some time ago tells the story better than any words
of mine. The letter read:
"One month ago I did not know of the existence of the Knights Templar Eye
Foundation. Your making possible the corneal transplant precipitated
decisions of lasting consequences. Nine days after the transplant in the
hospital room, I heard these words, 'Mother, I see you, I see your eyes. I can
see your lips moving, Mother, I see you. ' Gentlemen, what can a grateful
mother and father say but thank you for making possible the return of our son's
vision, for giving him eyes that he may see." Thousands of such letters over
the years testify to this great work.
It is well within the mark to say that hundreds of millions of dollars are
made available annually for deserving scholarships and leadership training
programs for boys and girls and young adults of all races, colors and creeds by
the Scottish Rite, York Rite, Masonic Foundations, Hi-Twelve Clubs and other
Masonic affiliated organizations.
Today in this Country there are numerous laboratories where research is
supported by the men of Masonry -all working to find the answer to cancer,
cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, leukemia, arteriosclerosis, schizophrenia and a host of other medical problems. Then we have the great work of The
Masonic Service Association in providing funds and the manpower to continue each
year the tremendous Hospital Visitation Program.
And there is more! Space is not available to do justice to all Freemasonry
has accomplished and is accomplishing.
Masons in the early days of the guilds, before the Lodges were formed,
recognized the importance of charity for the less fortunate, and on each Patron
Saint's day they regularly provided funds for that purpose. For each Mason
learns in the First Degree, "Charity extends beyond the grave, through the
boundless ages of eternity."
Accordingly, we Masons recognize there must be a greater charity than that of
giving of our substance. And there is. It is the gift that no one else but you
can give. It is the giving of our ourselves--the giving of time and talents in a
thousand different ways to our churches, synagogues, our schools, our Lodges,
hospitals, Little Leagues, Boy and Girls Scouts, Boys' Clubs, DeMolays,
Rainbows, Jobs' Daughters and others. Through these acts we personally help the
weak, the poor, the needy, the sick and those requiring our care and love.
Think for a moment of the giving of yourself by extending the charity of
compassion to those with whom you may not agree. Or consider how Masons are
the first to extend our hands in friendship to those who would despitefully
use us. I once wrote, "The individual who would truly exemplify Brotherly Love
comes closest to Heaven on Earth." I believe it!
It has been said that Masonic charity is the greatest of all virtues, for
such charity is indeed the law of balance.
And it is entirely conceivable that the guidance of the so-called Patron
Saints of the medieval Masons indoctrinated a concern for others, a
responsibility to the guild and subsequent Lodge members.
Thus down through the ages came the importance to the men of Masonry in the
giving of charity or relief in its many forms including financial help and
relief for the distressed in body, mind and spirit. How proud these early Masons
would be to see the great philanthropic work of their counterparts today
providing extensive humanitarian service to all mankind in the giving of
themselves and their substance in a manner unparalleled in the history of the
world.
Masons do indeed have substantial cause to be proud of their heritage and
their efforts today on behalf of all mankind.
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