Brethren,

Most adults can easily distinguish right from wrong. Some of these decisions are fairly easy to make. It is right to hold the door for someone carrying a pile of boxes. It is wrong to cheat on your taxes. When these decisions become more difficult, Masons are taught to apply the square to their actions to assist them. By acting upon the square, we set an example for the world to follow.

No where is this more important than by setting the example for our children. I am constantly amazed as I watch my older daughter, Hannah, learning right from wrong, whether it is in her interactions with her peers or with her individual decisions. But I have also noticed that my example for her has in turn become an example for my younger daughter as well. It is interesting to see Lucy intently watch her older sister for clues as to what she should do. This small example shows that you never really know how far your actions and example can travel.

In operative masonry, the square is used to square the mason’s work…to insure right angles. In speculative masonry, the square symbolizes that we must “square our actions by the square of virtues of all mankind.” In simpler terms, masons are taught to obey the golden rule… “Do unto others as you wish them to do unto you.” Essentially, this is no different from what we teach our children. Although this is not always the easiest rule to follow, it is important that we use our lives to set the example for others.

It is our responsibility and duty as fathers, brothers, uncles, sons, grandfathers….and especially as masons to follow this simple rule.

Fraternally,

Christopher J. Buck

Worshipful Master