The Universal Language of Freemasonry - ArchiMeD - Johannes ...

Chapter 8 - Categorization of Rituals 697
citizens. Maybe without knowing, the parents of such children hand them over
into "Masonic" hands - which must not be negative - when letting them join such
college societies. There is much more "Masonry" prevailing in public than most
people think, because it goes unrecognized as social institutions. DeMolay boys
are not ordinary boy scouts. They acquire a kind of moral teaching. The Masons
thus defend their right to do youth work:
Is the farmer who adds fertilizer to his crops soliciting their growth from
the seed? No, he is assisting that growth.
DeMolay, in fact, is not a junior Masonic organization. It is
sponsored only by Masonic-affiliated organizations. Its membership is
influenced by Masonry through contact with Masons. DeMolays are
instructed in ideals and principles by a ritual based on the ideals and
principles found in Masonic work. To impart light in Masonry is but a
logical and moral extension of our assumed duty and obligation to these
fine young men.
The same support should be given to the Order of Rainbow and to
Job's Daughters. These girls can and will exert more influence on the
membership of Masonic Lodges than any other human factor. They will
be the wives, sweethearts and mothers, the sisters and aunts of the future
members of our Fraternity. 1703
Here, we shall leave the college fraternities and youth groups and return to
the sociability and publicity of Freemasonry for men, more precisely, to the
"social brother." Roe Fulkerson has mirrored the character of a convivial Mason
in his satirical "Portrait Gallery." This is a funny story on a museum guide
showing to his audience a number of Masonic character portraits, explaining the
different types of Masons there are - for example the "Parrot Mason" who can
but repeat the ritual. Let us view with what an amount of humor and selfcriticism
Fulkerson writes on his institution when ridiculing the "social brother":
Next picture, please notice, covered with swinging door of wood.
Necessary to keep picture from coming to life and wrecking plans of
entertainment committee. Picture beneath is of enthusiastic social
Brother.
Firmly believes chief end of Masonry is to promote brotherly love
through smokers, ladies' nights, bowling teams, lodge dramatics,
societies, picnics, barbecues, automobile excursions, debates, dog-fights
and free-for-alls.
Has pet plan for holding Master Mason Degree on roller skates in
local rink. [...] Wants Master to entertain visiting Deputy Grand Master
after Lodge closes with Imitation Cock Fight, between two brethren
dressed in Latest New York Rooster Make Up. Offers to be one gamecock
himself. Believes Our Lodge should put itself on the map by
1703 The New Age Magazine, March, 1966, vol. LXXIV, No. 3, p. 42/43.