Brothers, there was a time in our past when Freemasonry paid special
and particular attention to the fundamental needs of its members and,
because it did, the Craft flourished well beyond the seemingly limited
horizons of modern comprehension. In fact, in those days, which might
accurately be referred to as Freemasonry's Golden Age, the Craft
became so internationally powerful and influential, it was rather kept
elusively arcane and decidedly difficult to join. This, as one would
expect, formed the seed from which sprang popular Masonic myth and
legend. Clearly, at its zenith height, it was widely acknowledged and
generally accepted that every man who hoped to succeed in the world
was compelled by a valid notion of temporal practicality to accede to
Masonic membership as early as possible.
* * * * *
For the past fifty years or so, there has been a disturbing trend, particularly in
American Freemasonry, to cravenly yield to non-Masonic influences and
summarily abandon the practical reasons that historically compelled men to
become Masons. Some "modern" Masons even go so far as to abet
anti-Masons in condemning traditional Masonic tenets and practices by openly
declaring them to be in some degree gauche and politically incorrect. It is
therefore quite understandable why Brothers who ardently believe in traditional
Masonry, sit around staring vainly into space wondering in bewilderment why
Freemasonry has been, and continues to be, in such decline.
Yes, of course, there are the wonderful philosophical, spiritual, and social
benefits extant throughout the Craft, but the business, financial, political, and
practical matters of life have been so stifled in American Masonry today that it
would be virtually unrecognizable by men like Benjamin Franklin, George
Washington, Andrew Jackson, and, well, just about everyone else of note in
our past. It appears to be the inevitable result of a dissembling political
correctness that has the "powers that be" terrified of appearing to the public
somewhat elitist and inordinately influential in the affairs of the world.
The fact seems to be that, if this downward trend is not corrected, the
obligations that we made to each other before God and the Brotherhood will be
less and less meaningful. Those who believe in the letter of those obligations
will understand precisely what I am addressing. However, those who believe
and declare that we must first see to the welfare of the world BEFORE we see
to the welfare of our own Brothers clearly understand very little and are
sacrificing much in exchange for a marginally acceptable declaration in the
arena of public opinion. They are, in my opinion, both individually and
collectively responsible for American Freemasonry's steady erosion and
decline.
and particular attention to the fundamental needs of its members and,
because it did, the Craft flourished well beyond the seemingly limited
horizons of modern comprehension. In fact, in those days, which might
accurately be referred to as Freemasonry's Golden Age, the Craft
became so internationally powerful and influential, it was rather kept
elusively arcane and decidedly difficult to join. This, as one would
expect, formed the seed from which sprang popular Masonic myth and
legend. Clearly, at its zenith height, it was widely acknowledged and
generally accepted that every man who hoped to succeed in the world
was compelled by a valid notion of temporal practicality to accede to
Masonic membership as early as possible.
* * * * *
For the past fifty years or so, there has been a disturbing trend, particularly in
American Freemasonry, to cravenly yield to non-Masonic influences and
summarily abandon the practical reasons that historically compelled men to
become Masons. Some "modern" Masons even go so far as to abet
anti-Masons in condemning traditional Masonic tenets and practices by openly
declaring them to be in some degree gauche and politically incorrect. It is
therefore quite understandable why Brothers who ardently believe in traditional
Masonry, sit around staring vainly into space wondering in bewilderment why
Freemasonry has been, and continues to be, in such decline.
Yes, of course, there are the wonderful philosophical, spiritual, and social
benefits extant throughout the Craft, but the business, financial, political, and
practical matters of life have been so stifled in American Masonry today that it
would be virtually unrecognizable by men like Benjamin Franklin, George
Washington, Andrew Jackson, and, well, just about everyone else of note in
our past. It appears to be the inevitable result of a dissembling political
correctness that has the "powers that be" terrified of appearing to the public
somewhat elitist and inordinately influential in the affairs of the world.
The fact seems to be that, if this downward trend is not corrected, the
obligations that we made to each other before God and the Brotherhood will be
less and less meaningful. Those who believe in the letter of those obligations
will understand precisely what I am addressing. However, those who believe
and declare that we must first see to the welfare of the world BEFORE we see
to the welfare of our own Brothers clearly understand very little and are
sacrificing much in exchange for a marginally acceptable declaration in the
arena of public opinion. They are, in my opinion, both individually and
collectively responsible for American Freemasonry's steady erosion and
decline.
| The International Masonic Blue Pages "Masons For Masons" THE MISSION |
| BROTHERS! Come and Join Us in this Monumental Effort that will become Part of Masonic History! |
Imagine for a moment that you are a sitting member of the Continental
Congress in the early summer of 1776. The momentous subject of freedom
through revolution had already been debated and passed and a remarkable
document declaring independence is now awaiting your signature.
As you sit quietly awaiting your turn, you watch attentively as, one by one, other
members are called upon to affix their signature to that most historic and
dangerous document. Your mind starts to wander a bit as you consider the
consequences of the action of this august body. Then, your name is called and
you are suddenly snapped out of your reverie. You can feel your pulse quicken
and heart pounding in your chest. You take a deep breath, rise, approach the
document, and are handed a quill pen. You look at the pen in your hand for a
moment and then at your comrades standing and sitting about you in silent and
reverent anticipation of your impending action. It is at that moment that you are
struck with the realization that, if caught, it would mean death for all who sign it,
and so you are made keenly aware that your very life is going to depend on the
integrity, valor, dedication, and common vision of all of the men present.
As you gaze at the faces of your comrades, such as John Hancock and
Benjamin Franklin, something utterly miraculous suddenly takes place in the
deepest part of your being and you begin to feel an enormous sense of pride
and comfort sweep over you because you know that every man present is, in
fact, a man of valor, virtue, and integrity and is unshakably bound by his most
sacred honor not to break the oath he had so gravely taken in the presence of
Almighty God and those assembled. And so, you gladly sign the document and
join your comrades in history.
It is that very same sense of pride and comfort that sweeps over me every time
I see a Brother step forward and sign up as a member of The National Masonic
Blue Pages. These Brothers are, in my opinion, men of their word and are to be
counted on to fulfill all of their sworn obligations in the very best Masonic
tradition. I am grateful and honored to be tallied among them, as should we all
be! Thank you, Brothers!
AND SO THE QUILL IS PASSED TO YOU . . . WILL YOU SIGN?
Congress in the early summer of 1776. The momentous subject of freedom
through revolution had already been debated and passed and a remarkable
document declaring independence is now awaiting your signature.
As you sit quietly awaiting your turn, you watch attentively as, one by one, other
members are called upon to affix their signature to that most historic and
dangerous document. Your mind starts to wander a bit as you consider the
consequences of the action of this august body. Then, your name is called and
you are suddenly snapped out of your reverie. You can feel your pulse quicken
and heart pounding in your chest. You take a deep breath, rise, approach the
document, and are handed a quill pen. You look at the pen in your hand for a
moment and then at your comrades standing and sitting about you in silent and
reverent anticipation of your impending action. It is at that moment that you are
struck with the realization that, if caught, it would mean death for all who sign it,
and so you are made keenly aware that your very life is going to depend on the
integrity, valor, dedication, and common vision of all of the men present.
As you gaze at the faces of your comrades, such as John Hancock and
Benjamin Franklin, something utterly miraculous suddenly takes place in the
deepest part of your being and you begin to feel an enormous sense of pride
and comfort sweep over you because you know that every man present is, in
fact, a man of valor, virtue, and integrity and is unshakably bound by his most
sacred honor not to break the oath he had so gravely taken in the presence of
Almighty God and those assembled. And so, you gladly sign the document and
join your comrades in history.
It is that very same sense of pride and comfort that sweeps over me every time
I see a Brother step forward and sign up as a member of The National Masonic
Blue Pages. These Brothers are, in my opinion, men of their word and are to be
counted on to fulfill all of their sworn obligations in the very best Masonic
tradition. I am grateful and honored to be tallied among them, as should we all
be! Thank you, Brothers!
AND SO THE QUILL IS PASSED TO YOU . . . WILL YOU SIGN?
| My Brothers! |
| "OUR DUTY AS MASONS IS TO PARTICIPATE IN BROTHERHOOD, RATHER THAN MERELY PROFESS OUR BELIEF IN BROTHERHOOD!" --- BRO. JAMES McKENNA BROTHERS HELPING BROTHERS . . . THAT'S WHAT BROTHERS DO! |
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taking care of the widows and orphans of our members LONG BEFORE they actually become widows
and orphans, just as it was done in our distant past.
On this site, you will find that there are many ways of participating, some of which may pleasantly surprise you.
It's all about Brotherhood! It is only my humble attempt at creating a simple mechanism for converting the
philosophy of the Craft into something vibrantly alive and continuously kinetic!
(NOTE: Also, on this site, you will find the names, businesses, occupations, professions and contact information of only those
good and noble Brothers who wish to participate. The concept in the business section, certainly, is rather simple: If you need a
plumber, auto mechanic, dentist, etc., for example, and there is one who is a Mason listed here who is located near you, we will do
what's right (in my opinion) in the name of Brotherly Love and Relief and transact business with him, remembering, of course, that
he will never cheat or defraud you! What could be simpler or more Masonic than that! Again, it is a situation where everyone
benefits! This does not mean, of course, that it is absolutely mandatory that you do business with a Brother and that you should not
or cannot do business with those outside of the Craft, it only means that you should consider helping members of the Craft first.)
Those of us who believe that American Freemasonry can be restored and a second "golden age" created, are of
one mind and one heart in this effort. Paradoxically, all that is required to bring a Masonic reformation about is
really nothing more than actually fulfilling the letter of the obligations we, of our own free will and accord, took
upon ourselves . . . Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth. It is not any more demanding or complicated than that!
Brothers, participation in this website is a wonderful step forward in being counted among those
stalwart Masons who not only privately declare responsibility for the welfare of their Brothers in the
Craft, but are actually willing to step up and turn their words into bold and palpable action in the
name of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth.
Each of us must decide for himself the strength and character of his personal participation in the
cause of his Brother's welfare. Those who are listed on this website and those who refer to that list
are proudly and openly declaring that they have chosen to do what they can to aid each other on
their journey. It's not about you and not about me, it's about us!
Brothers, this website is a FREE service for Masons by Masons and you are all most cordially invited to apply for
inclusion here. Let us all put into practice those cherished tenets of Brotherly Love and Relief and attempt to
create that second golden age! Together, we can do it!
Finally, this is the largest Masonic effort of its kind known to me and I believe with all my heart that it can be done,
but only with your assistance! And so, I am asking you for that assistance . . . please come forward, apply for
inclusion, and help "spread the cement that unites us . . ."
As always, in constant and unswerving dedication to the Craft, I steadfastly remain . . .
Fraternally,
Bro. James W. McKenna
and orphans, just as it was done in our distant past.
On this site, you will find that there are many ways of participating, some of which may pleasantly surprise you.
It's all about Brotherhood! It is only my humble attempt at creating a simple mechanism for converting the
philosophy of the Craft into something vibrantly alive and continuously kinetic!
(NOTE: Also, on this site, you will find the names, businesses, occupations, professions and contact information of only those
good and noble Brothers who wish to participate. The concept in the business section, certainly, is rather simple: If you need a
plumber, auto mechanic, dentist, etc., for example, and there is one who is a Mason listed here who is located near you, we will do
what's right (in my opinion) in the name of Brotherly Love and Relief and transact business with him, remembering, of course, that
he will never cheat or defraud you! What could be simpler or more Masonic than that! Again, it is a situation where everyone
benefits! This does not mean, of course, that it is absolutely mandatory that you do business with a Brother and that you should not
or cannot do business with those outside of the Craft, it only means that you should consider helping members of the Craft first.)
Those of us who believe that American Freemasonry can be restored and a second "golden age" created, are of
one mind and one heart in this effort. Paradoxically, all that is required to bring a Masonic reformation about is
really nothing more than actually fulfilling the letter of the obligations we, of our own free will and accord, took
upon ourselves . . . Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth. It is not any more demanding or complicated than that!
Brothers, participation in this website is a wonderful step forward in being counted among those
stalwart Masons who not only privately declare responsibility for the welfare of their Brothers in the
Craft, but are actually willing to step up and turn their words into bold and palpable action in the
name of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth.
Each of us must decide for himself the strength and character of his personal participation in the
cause of his Brother's welfare. Those who are listed on this website and those who refer to that list
are proudly and openly declaring that they have chosen to do what they can to aid each other on
their journey. It's not about you and not about me, it's about us!
Brothers, this website is a FREE service for Masons by Masons and you are all most cordially invited to apply for
inclusion here. Let us all put into practice those cherished tenets of Brotherly Love and Relief and attempt to
create that second golden age! Together, we can do it!
Finally, this is the largest Masonic effort of its kind known to me and I believe with all my heart that it can be done,
but only with your assistance! And so, I am asking you for that assistance . . . please come forward, apply for
inclusion, and help "spread the cement that unites us . . ."
As always, in constant and unswerving dedication to the Craft, I steadfastly remain . . .
Fraternally,
Bro. James W. McKenna
