Our District Deputy Grand Master, R.W.B. Neil Westmacott, has asked that this article by Bro. Art Berry, Secretary of Euclid Lodge No. 158, be circulated to all lodges in District 5:
“How has your membership in Freemasonry impacted your personal life?”
Good afternoon my friends and brothers. Euclid Lodge No. 158 in Port Alberni British Columbia is working diligently to develop and implement both our long and short rage plans and in that process it has been established by our Worshipful Master, W. Bro. Ralph Rayner that his priority for this year will be membership. Brother Byron Hoover has been given the mandate to drive the membership committee and he has been busy consulting with several brethren to gather their input and then to finalize his program. He and I met and following our meeting I decided to ask myself a question:
“How has your membership in Freemasonry impacted your personal life?”
This was my honest answer;
“Freemasonry introduced me to so many powerful men, most of whom had little financial wealth.”
I then decided to ask many of the men that I have met and become friends with to respond to the same question based on the philosophy we so frequently refer to 3-5-7 thus 15 word responses and; and their responses are below.
I want to say thank you to each and every one who responded for taking the time to think internally and for sharing your personal experiences, they have most definitely solidified why I became a Freemason, and why I am so very proud to still be one.
I also decided to share one personal story from V. W. Brother Denney whose message is powerful and identifies the type of individual that I feel our craft should constantly be on the lookout for; it is men of that character and mindset who will help Freemasonry to strengthen our foundations for a strong and long lasting future.
There are some great words which are recited in the “Circle of Friends” during the Board of Installed Masters which says;
“If our work in Freemasonry has taught us but one thing, accomplished but one purpose,
And that being the forming and cementing of true and lasting friendships,
Then our labour about the Altar of Freemasonry has not been in Vain”
No last names are used in the comments below and if you feel that these testimonials might help your Lodge in its membership evaluations please feel free to share them with your members or a prospective individual, who knows a future Grand Master, might be the result.
S&F
“Still working on Likeable” Bro. Art Berry
Secretary, Euclid Lodge No. 158, Port Alberni, BC
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Through Freemasonry I have become a better man and established lifetime friendships with extraordinary individuals.
Bill C, – Quesnel, BC
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Masonry has led me to an improved understanding of my duties to God, society and me.
Dave S, – Campbell River, BC
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The night I knelt at the Altar cemented my relationship with the G.A.O.T. U.
Errol S, – Toronto, Ont
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Providing moral principles; freemasonry has established a high ethical standard for me to live by
Barry T, – Parksville, BC
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Freemasonry has evolved as a guiding light and support, from friendship, in my life. I try to give back same.
Fred P, – Victoria, BC
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Stronger love of family more centered better understanding and appreciation for all that is around me.
Andy M, – Nanaimo, BC
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Freemasonry helps me stay spiritually, morally and socially grounded and has enriched my life overall.
Grant K, – Victoria, BC
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I can honestly tell my son that there truly are many great men in this world, Freemasons.
Brad S, – Nanaimo, BC
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No matter how down on myself I get, I am supported by my brothers; amen.
Sandy M, – Port Alberni, BC
From his wife:
He is more considerate of others.
He has a supporting social network that many non-Masons do not, yet need.
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Freemasonry enabled me to make choices, and it taught me to be a better man.
Clark W. – Minesing, Ont
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Freemasonry has taught me to be more patient, tolerant and understanding of others in my daily life, more positive in my outlook and more passionate about living a life of high principles.
Neil W. – Nanoose Bay, BC
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Freemasonry has taught me to be respectful to all mankind, especially to my fellow brethren.
JOSH P. – NANAIMO, BC
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Understanding who I was and where I was going, opportunity to reflect on the purpose of life.
Brian T. – Kamloops, BC
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It has taught me to be forthright with others and to live by the word of God
John F. – Oakville, Ont.
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I have learned to accept Brotherly Love, Humility, and Honesty. Made me pure as a man
It has filled me with empathy for my fellow man, and made me revisit my spiritual beliefs.
Jim J. – Powell River, BC
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Freemasonry is a perspective for life, family of unconditional friendships, reminders to consider & practise moral stability.
Gordon M. – Qualicum Beach, BC
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Freemasonry has made me more thoughtful of others, decisive in my different responsibilities in life.
Ron Y. – Parksville, BC
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The square and compass define who I am, feeling good but striving to be better.
Freemasonry is the Lighthouse of my soul, solid, visible, simple, an unerring lifetime navigational tool.
Freemasonry to me means fellowship with men of good will, a place for respectful bonding.
The craft offers safe harbour to body, mind and spirit, where equality and love rule.
Freemasonry is an ancient fountain of universal truth and learning, where men may drink together.
The Masonic Order offers ancient wisdom to stabilize men in these days of modern chaos.
The Craft is a gathering of loving fellowship for GOD, Good Orderly Direction for all,
Don C. – Parksville, BC
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The Masonic philosophy has provided an inner peace and satisfaction with my Lot in Life.
Terence S. -Pickering, Ont
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Freemasonry challenges me to look upward to my God, inward to myself, and outward to others.
Murray W. – Bowser, BC
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Freemasonry teaches me how to speak and behave as an honourable man.
Alan M. – Nanoose Bay, BC
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It means I have a home with friends as I have moved through western Canada.
Brian E. – Nanaimo, BC
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Practicing virtues that make life good, binds us together, as so they should.
Doug. S. – Nanaimo, BC
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I tend to volunteer more where ever I can, am more tolerant of others mistakes.
Stan G. – Mill Bay, BC
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I am more considerate in that I reflect more on the consequences of my actions.
Gary R. – Victoria, BC
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It has improved my own knowledge and character, and to fraternize with intelligent respectable men.
Ken M, – Nanaimo, BC
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It has provided me with the opportunity to be in the company of good men.
Richard B. – Regina, Sask
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Masonry has provided friends, direction and a stimulation of the mind in the memory work.
Mark D. – Campbell River, BC
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Fellowship, happiness, patience
Enlightenment, personal revelations and improvement
Active fun part of spreading brotherly love
Michael C, Nanaimo, BC
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Coincides with my definition of success:
- Pride in my accomplishments
- Fun and adventure in my life
- Manifest honesty and integrity
- Nurture family relationships
Sandy F. – Nanaimo, BC
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Without Masonry I would not have the opportunity to greet and meet friends (masons) from all over the world.
James A. – Barrie, Ont
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Visiting other brothers is a pearl of great price – AND you get hugs at Euclid!
Tim Y. – Cumberland, BC
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A daily reminder of the “highroad” in life’s journey I aspired to, and vowed to.
Harald S. – Nanaimo, BC
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I met a class of men who significantly influenced my life and established great fellowships
Leroy M. – Kamloops, BC
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I cannot begin to tell you in 15 words or less, but it has been a journey extraordinaire.
Ted R. – Nanaimo, BC
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The most benefit that I have derived from Freemasonry would be the friendships that I’ve made throughout the province. I have found that these are the people that I want to spend my time with.
Terry A. – Lantzville, BC
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Freemasonry embodies a philosophy whose principles encourage learning, understanding, and tolerance.
Don D. – Qualicum Beach, BC
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Where I originally had friends close in town, now I have them worldwide.
Stephen G. – Victoria, BC
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As a young man I was aware of Masonry but obviously not of its precepts and tenants; however, I always thought I would like to join. As I was attending school and not living in a place for extended periods, I never met the residency requirement nor would I have sponsors. Consequently I joined Masonry when I was 31 years old.
Masonry has presented a broad ranging philosophy for life which has stimulated my desire to learn about peoples and their cultures, history and religions. This has broadened my understanding of life and given me a philosophy to live my life. Participation in Concordant bodies such as Royal Arch and Scottish Rite has been most interesting. As I progressed I realized so many things are hidden in plain sight, if only I took the time to learn and understand.
I joined the Shrine as I was appreciative of the philanthropic nature of the organization.
Consequently I am selfish about my Masonry and public about my Shrine – both are satisfying.
I am also very proud that my son, through his observations of my activities and other Masonic friends chose, on his own, to become a Mason.
V.W. Bro. Don Denney – Millennium Lodge No. 2000; Euclid Lodge No. 158, Qualicum Beach, BC
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A rewarding journey, from reaffirming values and principles learned in my formative years, to gaining many new friendships.
Harold H. – Campbell River, B.C.
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I am free to become a better man according to the dictates of my conscience.
Byron H. – Parksville, BC
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The Masonic Lodge is overflowing with kindness; you then just pass it on to others
Richard D. – Vancouver, BC
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Enjoying genuine, lasting friendships; feeling wanted and trusted; sharing values with the best of men.
Doug F. – Victoria, BC
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Great wealth being welcomed and having deep connections although we may have never met before
Brent L. – Campbell River, BC
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Freemasonry has taught me, there is little to fear in life, and much to embrace.
Aidan G. – Vancouver, BC
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3…..Had high opinion
5….Tradition, Ritual, Formalness, Brotherhood, Honesty
7….Make friends, have fun, enjoy lifelong camaraderie
Alan C. – Nanaimo, BC
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Freemasonry has created many loyal, sincere friends and brothers during my years in the craft!
Edward B. – Qualicum Beach, BC
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42 years of Brotherly Love and Friendship rolled into one individual.
Richard A. – Courtenay, BC
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I would have to say self-confidence and that helped me big time in my career as a Paramedic.
Bob C. – Duncan, BC
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It gave me a new outlook on my relationship with my family, business and community
Stan C. – Calgary, AB
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Freemasonry has given me a sense of confidence and prestige as well as belonging to something greater than myself.
George K. – Nanaimo, BC
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As part of the “University of Life” it has contributed much to my personal growth.
Allan F. – Nanaimo, BC
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Freemasonry has evolved as a guiding light and support, from friendship, in my life. I try to give back same.
Fred P. – Victoria, BC
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I learned to accept Brotherly Love, Humility & Honesty, It made me pure as a man.
Ken S. – Nanaimo, BC
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Freemasonry taught me to judge myself by who I am, not by what I have.
Will. S. -Port Alberni, BC
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Freemasonry has allowed me to find many friends in life. After almost 25 years enjoying the craft I have been able to find myself as WM of my Lodge, allowing me to help those that haven’t found their way to possibly do so
- Bro. Ralph Rayner
W.M. Euclid Lodge No. 158, Port Alberni, BC
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Freemasonry has made me a gentler person in both my public and my private life.
Roy B. – Port Alberni, BC
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THANKS MY FRIENDS
Art