Masons steeped in tradition

By Jessica Coleman
Staff Writer
    Few organizations are as surrounded by mystery and folklore as Freemasons. It is well known as the oldest fraternity in the world and is steeped in traditions that may seem archaic to some. 
    They still use titles like “Worshipful Master,” and they still have a member, called the Tiler, guarding the door of their closed sessions with a sword. 
    Many of these traditions go back centuries. The the first Grand Lodge was formed in 1717, and some believe masonry to be at least 300 years older than that. 
    The oldest masonic document is dated 1390 A.D. Because the fraternity values privacy, centuries-old traditions, and symbolism, it is often surrounded by rumors and conspiracy theories.
     Masonry is often accused of everything from being responsible for Jack the Ripper to controlling the United States government, but members of the Edna Masonic Lodge laugh and point out that the truth is far less spectacular or clandestine. 
    “The Masonic Lodge is a philanthropic organization,”  said Bill Rowland, treasurer of the Edna Masonic Lodge. “We help organizations. You aren’t going to see a lot of people saying ‘look at me, I gave $100 to whatever organization,’ It is just what we do.”
    Rowland said he is aware of the myths and theories, and  dismisses them, especially since they make no effort to hide their membership or existence. “People who are against Masonry have their minds made up,” he said, 
    “So a lot of us – we know the truth – so we’re just going to walk off. Maybe that perpetuates the idea that we’re some kind of secret organization, except that we all wear jewelry with Masonic symbols. The building has a sign. We have our pictures in the newspaper.”
    They acknowledge that some of their titles and traditions can seem outdated to some, and that things that aren’t well-understood are often surrounded with myths. 
    In order to be a Mason, one must believe in a deity, whether it be the Christian God or another. Membership is contingent on belief in a “supreme being.” You also must be a man, and, according to Rowland, one of high moral character. One masonic mantra is “Masonry makes good men better.” 
    Mason Steve Baylor listed former U.S. presidents like Andrew Jackson and Teddy Roosevelt, historical figures such as Paul Revere and Ben Franklin, history-makers like Neil Armstrong,  all of whom were recognized Masons. 
    Despite all the swirling rumors of secret rituals, the Masons invited their families, friends, and the media into their installation of new officers on July 15, in a ceremony that kept with Masonic tradition and used traditional Masonic symbols, each representing a position, many of which are representative of old stone mason’s tools like the square and compass. 
    Edna’s newly-installed Master Steve Raab said he is happy to answer more questions regarding Masonry, and can be reached at 361-771-8531.