Why I am a Mason
The Reverend Louis R. Gant, 33°
District Superintendent
The United Methodist Church
"Are you a Mason?" The question was asked by the Master of the local
Lodge. We were about to do a funeral service together. The answer was easy:
"Yes." That same question has been asked, and the same answer given
many times in my ministry. Until recently no one ever asked, "Why?"
That is a bit harder to answer. But let me try...
It was in a little East Texas town that I first encountered a man who called
himself a "Freemason." As I observed his behavior in the community, it
was evident to me that he had something and knew something that I wanted to have
and know. There was a behavior that seemed to supplement his religious faith. As
we talked, it was soon clear that I wanted to become a part of that group of men
who called themselves "Masons."
There are some things that I don't remember about that night I took that first
step toward a rich and rewarding experience that has enhanced my life. But there
are some things that I will never forget. There was a foundation of
trust...trust in God as the One to whom I could look for support and
counsel...trust in a Brother who could lead me in my blindness to the light of
understanding. I discovered the reality of prayer as the place to begin before
undertaking any task.
So I began the journey that through the years was to lead me to a new
understanding of myself, my fellow human beings and God. On that journey I
discovered that I was not searching for some particular religious creed that
would set me apart from other people. I was in fact discovering some great
principles that would enable me to live life at its very best. Principles like
faith...hope...charity...wisdom... beauty...truth. I would discover that there
is a universal love and respect for all persons of all religious creeds and
beliefs. My Masonry would let me stand with my Brothers as an equal no matter
what their theology or religious beliefs.
While Masonry has never been a religion for me, it has set before me some very
high moral and ethical standards that have supported my religious beliefs. It
has also confirmed my duty to "feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and
support the widows and orphans." While it is impressive to know the extent
of Masonry's charitable organizations and agencies that work for healing and
health (some say we spend over $1 million a day), it is much more impressive to
see a child walk, or a child see, or a child be nursed back to health from a
severe burn. Most would not have been able to receive such help had it not been
for the benevolent concern of some Masons. So I saw duty acted out in deeds.
As I remember those early days working in the Lodge, I remember the care and
support of those fellow Lodge members. They made me feel that I was someone
special about whom they really cared. Across the years as I have moved to
different churches (some United Methodist ministers move a lot), and visited in
different Lodges in different places, that same feeling of support and
Brotherhood has been there. Because of my position in the Church and membership
in the Lodge, I have always felt wanted and accepted. That's a very special
feeling!
While this great Country of ours has felt the impact of leaders who have been
Masons, much of what Masonry represents is seen in those men who have lived the
principles of Freemasonry in their respective communities. On my journey I have
met some of them. One of them was Ben LeNorman, whose honesty was known and
respected. He was an example to the youth of the little town where he lived.
That example brought many a young man to knock on Masonry's door. Another was
Don Davis, whose compassion for those who were hurting was unsurpassed. He would
give of his time and money so that a crippled child might have dignity and
health. He was willing to reach out to help anyone who might be hurting. No time
was too valuable to give. No distance was too far to fly or drive. No effort was
too great to make. When he heard the cry for help, he was ready to respond.
These were good men who were better men because they were Masons. Neither of
them will have their names in the books of history, but they will always be
remembered by those whose lives they touched. And the best thing is that you
know these men. Their names may be different, but they are a part of every Lodge
and live in every corner of this great land of ours. They are those who believe
that
Masonry is not something to commit to memory, it is something to live. You never
hear it in their boasting...you see it in their living.
So the question "Why are you a Mason?" can be answered. It has allowed
me to grow personally...to serve my God...and to reach out in concern to my
fellow human beings. It has supported my personal faith and work as a churchman.
Let no one say you cannot be a Christian and a Mason at the same time. I know
too many who are both and proud to be both. Ben was...Don was...I am.
I will always be glad that one day in a little East Texas town...