tao1776

In the State of Massachusetts in the United States, a Master Mason that has accepted the position of Lodge Chaplain hears this charge at installation:

My Brother: You are appointed Chaplain of this Lodge, and I invest you with this jewel.

It is your special duty to conduct the devotions of the Lodge and bear before the throne of Heavenly Grace the spiritual needs of your Brethren. In all your interaction with your Lodge it is expected that you will “allure to brighter worlds and lead the way.”

I find it strange, that with so great a charge, you find very little written or posted regarding Lodge Chaplains. It doesn’t seem a necessity that a Lodge have a Chaplain as I have heard that not all Lodges have a Chaplain.

I can see that there may lie within, some inherent danger, being such that Freemasonry is not a religion. I have heard tell of over zealous Masons within the “Bible Belt” of the Southern United States Christianizing their Lodges. I’ve never heard of Lodges in India going, “Hindu” or Lodges in California going, “left coast” but I suppose that it can happen.

Freemasonry has taken the non-denominational route, which contrary to popular opinion is the route of wisdom.

Studying the Holy Texts, Scriptures and Sutras, you read, see and hear based on your ethnicity, your heritage, your intellect, your background and countless other variables. If one could so easily read and fully digest the language behind the words, you wouldn’t find multiple sects within the major religions of the world. There would be one Christianity, one Buddhism, one Muslim faith. Instead, we have many people, all reading the same Holy Texts, Scriptures and Sutras with everyone coming to a different conclusion.

When I say the name, “God” it feels as though I am trying to sum up the history of the universe in one word. My perception of God is beyond telling; beyond words, but it is a word to which we can all agree, refers to our individual perception of our higher power, our sense of Deity.

So, to what level should a Lodge Chaplain take his charge? Is it a figurehead position? Have you known any Lodge Chaplains that have, “lead the way?”

I fully understand that Chaplains are non-denominational - they must be so! and that is not my question.

I guess that, understanding the orgins and usage of Chaplains per se, I would expect that within the walls of Freemasonry, the Chaplain would be more active in reaching out to those that are too infirm to to attend an open Lodge, to comfort the widows of the departed, to be a source of counsel to those in need and NOT just a reader of prayers for ritual and the opening and closings of the Lodge.

I am sincerely and calmly asking for some thoughtful feedback.

jpeffer2007

My honest opinion is that Lodges shouldn't have Chaplains. In my Lodge we do not advocate any "one" religion, only that religion in which all men agree...brotherly love to all.


Jamie

D. W. Brown

I've always been a little confused by this position also Brother Jamie. It especially gets my goat (pun intended) when they pray and will inevitably say "In Jesus name we pray" like they were at a Christian church. I think it should be done away with as it has no bearing on Freemasonry.

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Dale Brown, 3°
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jpeffer2007

I completely agree. We open with the Venerable Master giving an invocation to Deity. It is devoid of any specific religious references. We don't even have a Chaplain.

Jamie

Stealth

Amen!!!!!!!