This get’s to be my last post as Thrice Illustrious Master of Council, and I am happy to step aside knowing we had a great year. We labored, we learned, and we earned all we shall receive. It is my understanding that we have completed all that is needed for an award from Grand Council – without it being a primary focus (or a focus at all). The companions of our council made this happen.
I leave you with a ‘side bar’ lesson from my Scottish Rite studies – because it is fitting.
“To many men there is nothing of value or interest in philosophical speculation; as to many men there is no melody in music. These are natural incapacities that diminish the value neither of music or philosophy.”
— Albert Pike, Legenda XXXII
Here is the core idea of Albert Pike’s quote broken down simply:
- Some people just don’t get it: Just like some people are tone-deaf and can’t appreciate a beautiful song, others have zero interest in deep, philosophical thinking.
- It’s a natural trait, not a flaw: Missing the point of philosophy or music is just a natural lack of interest or capacity—it doesn’t make someone a bad person.
- Lack of appreciation doesn’t equal lack of worth: Just because someone doesn’t understand or care about music or philosophy doesn’t mean those things are useless. Their actual value remains unchanged, regardless of who appreciates them.
In short: Just because you don’t “get” something doesn’t mean it’s worthless.
In the Craft, every Brother receives the same degrees, but not every Brother seeks the same depth.
- Respect the Diversity of the Craft: Some men enter Masonry solely for fellowship and charity. To them, the deeper philosophical mysteries hold no melody. This is a natural disposition, not a flaw, and it does not make their Masonic journey any less valid.
- The Depth is There for the Seekers: A Brother’s indifference to the esoteric does not diminish the profound truths hidden within our symbols. For those who choose to ask, seek, and knock, the Craft reveals layers of infinite light and wisdom.
- Guard the Value: Never measure the worth of Masonic philosophy by those who ignore it.
The Takeaway: Respect where every Brother stands on the rugged path. Someone else’s choice to enjoy the shade at the base of the mountain shouldn’t stop you from climbing to the summit. We will always have those who join and go through the motions and never seek more light. It is evident throughout our history for the last 150 years – if you do some reading you’ll quickly realize this. Do not let those members keep you or other Brethren from seeking more light in your journey.
“…it must be always remembered that the ceremony is not the substance. It is but the outer garment which covers and perhaps adorns it, as clothing does the human figure… take from Masonry these external ceremonies, and you still have remaining its philosophy and science. These have, of course, always continued the same, while the ceremonies have varied in different ages… Its ceremonies are external additions, which affect not its substance.” Albert G. Mackey The Symbolism of Freemasonry (1869).
Carl H. Claudy. In his Introduction to Freemasonry: Entered Apprentice (1931), he wrote:
“Take from Freemasonry its symbols and but the husk remains, the kernel is gone. He who hears but the words of Freemasonry misses their meaning entirely.”It was an honor to have served the Council. It is my hope that you all continue to seek more light.
James A. Clark
Thrice Illustrious Master
Lubbock Council No. 183