Grand Librarian
Numerous are the occasions where, throughout history, a small group overwhelmed their larger opposition. Perhaps this took place on the battlefield. Perhaps it was in the halls of justice, or in the various congresses and assemblies where the rights of all people were fought for. In these instances, it was not the size of their group that won the day, but their fortitude – that cardinal virtue which is so frequently extolled in Freemasonry.
Yet, these are all groups of individuals. And, as individuals, mankind has produced world-changing results, from religious guidance to scientific discoveries, to philosophical understanding, and to be that one voice that leads their group – perhaps to war, or perhaps to peace.
Freemasonry is but a group of individuals. Individuals with a generally similar mindset and worldview, yet at times with vast differences in how best to accomplish their goals and purposes. This is but one reason why each and every individual is important to our fraternity. If we can unquestionably learn anything from history it is, perhaps, that one person really does make the difference. One viewpoint. One word spoken. One action taken.
Whatever our membership numbers are – locally, regionally, nationally, or globally – the individual remains. The ability to act upon the square, still exists. The ability to persevere in the practice of every commendable virtue, still exists. The ability to enforce, by precept and example, the tenets of our Institution, still exists. These are the virtues, characteristics, and actions upheld and made by individuals, and are only made stronger when such individuals assemble together.
Freemasonry is relevant today, and will be relevant tomorrow, because of the innumerable individuals who still look to improve themselves, and because those individuals will, naturally, be attracted one to another. All that remains is for us to remember the command as found in the Epistle to the Ephesians: “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” If we do, success is the only possible result. Freemasonry, notwithstanding, will not only survive – it will thrive.
Fraternally,
Jared Stanley, Grand Librarian
Grand Lodge of Mississippi
