Grand Librarian
If, right this moment, you wanted to see if your lodge mentioned anything about Mississippi seceding from the union in 1861, or which Worshipful Masters lead your lodge through the Great Depression, or exactly when some ‘fix’ was made to the building a decade or so ago, would you know where to look?
If you do know where to look, how confident are you that that resource will be there tomorrow, or next century, for another Freemason to view and learn from?
While it may be impractical to secure all of our records into climate controlled, fire- and waterproof areas, we can make an effort. Please allow me to encourage you, Brethren, to look into the holdings of your lodge. To me, the minute books are the most important. They contain the history your lodge will be known for. Yes, the old gavels, jewels, hats, and more, have some level of interest and hold some meaning – but your lodge needs those minute books.
We must ensure these original documents are kept safe, until the time comes that they may be permitted to be copied and secured in multiple locations. Give careful consideration to where your records are stored. Consider if pipes run in the ceiling above them, if they are easily accessible to be removed quickly, should the need arise, and any other contingency you can think to prepare for.
As much as it is our duty to make a proper record today, for future masons, we must also strive to protect the records of our past – for the sake of all of Freemasonry.
Jared Stanley, Grand Librarian
Grand Lodge of Mississippi
