"If Freemasonry is good, let us talk about it" Theodore Meriam - Part 3

HOW DO WE HELP BUILD THIS IMAGE?

We do it by telling the world about ourselves!

Now - I am not advocating a flashy, brazen, "horn-tooting" approach - not at all!  I am advocating that we have a willingness to tell the world about ourselves - and in a dignified, quality-like manner.

We can transmit the message in a number of ways - ad always with DIGNITY, QUALITY and SUBSTANCE in mind.

Let us discuss some of the ways.  In fact, let's consider this "telling the world about ourselves" in three categories:

1. The individual Mason
2. Lodge activities
3. The physical image

1. THE INDIVIDUAL - The individual Mason should always be ready to stress the QUALITY, the DIGNITY, the SUBSTANCE of the Masonic Order - and his own personal pride in being a Mason.  He should not hesitate to talk about Freemasonry.

When somebody asks - "What do you do at the Masonic Lodge?"  each Mason should be prepared to tell of some of the things that are done.  He should not "clam up."  He should not imply that "all is secret."  He can say that we participate in serious ritualistic ceremonies designed to portray in a very graphic manner many fundamental precepts of ethical, good moral conduct of our lives.  He can say that the fraternal meetings provide an opportunity for friendly, sincere conversations with fellow members concerning many, many things.  He can say that this Lodge provides an inspirational thrust to its members to be thoughtful, conscientious, participating citizens.  There are many things he can say - any one of which helps build the image of QUALITY, DIGNITY, SUBSTANCE.  (This is public relations!)

I have often felt that we should provide each new Mason with an instructional pamphlet setting forth those things that he may - and should - talk about with PRIDE.  (Remember, there is no prouder Mason that the new Mason - and most new Masons, in their natural, human way, are anxious to talk to somebody about their new status.  Let's give them the chance - and help them to do it in a manner to bring real credit to the Fraternity!)

In a negative way - I deplore the individual mason who "tells the world" with "large signs and bright lights" that he is a Mason!  This should be discouraged.  It does not add DIGNITY!

To illustrate, let me tell you o an experience.  Several years ago I was flying from California to Texas and the plane stopped at Phoenix.  A man boarded the plane and sat directly across the aisle from me.  I noticed that he wore bright blue socks witha white Masonic emblem at least four inches high embroidered on both sides of each of the socks.  This may be a personal opinion, but I felt that this display of the was entirely out of place.  In other words, there is a right and a wrong way to display an emblem and I am sure that most Masons will recognize what is in good taste and has DIGNITY.