Fritz Springmeier

This opposition may take the form of subtle sophisticated ridiculeof the titles, costuming, archaic ritual or public ceremonies of theCraft, but, engaged in conversation that same clergy will finally outwith the truth; he simply does not like the competition for the livesof his good people.The author and his wife entertained regional officers of the ministerialgroup of his religious organization on the same day one of thepastors had conducted a funeral that had Masonic graveside services.This pastor expounded, at length, on the absurdity of these "fat littlemen running around the grave with their aprons, books and sticks."Another pastor, who had been called upon to address an Easter morningservice at a Scottish Rite Temple started in on his reactions togrown men in costumes, etc. But as the conversation went on it becamevery apparent that their real objection was the "competition" atthese crucial times—burial and Easter festival.The author, who was at the time, a Grand Chaplain, slipped outof the room and clothed himself in apron and jewel of his office andreturned. His entrance was met with absolute silence and then withmany, many questions. The ensuing discussion proved, without exception,that all non-Masonic clergy present really resented and fearedthe competition they felt existed in the sense of loyalty their peoplegave to Masonry and its allied organizations.The Rev. R. H. Kendrick of Springfield, Massachusetts, writes:In my own personal experience I have not knowingly come acrossthose who oppose Masonry because they believe it to be another religion.Rather the attitude of most of the clergy with whom I havetalked is one of mild opposition on the supposition that it keeps menfrom church. There is some truth in this, I do believe, especially whenyou think of those who are going through the chairs. On the otherhand we know that there are many, men in Masonry who wouldn't beactive church members if they were not Masons.Few non-Masonic clergy have any idea of the large number oftheir active supporters who are members of the Fraternity. They areaware unfortunately, of those Masons who use their Masonic affiliation(if such really exists) to serve as an excuse against any participationin the ongoing of life in a positive creative manner. If a man's lifeand work proves that he is indeed living up to the ideals as taughtby Masonry, then I know of no clergy who would really resent hispresence or the presence of Masonry in the life of that man, whetherthat person be in or out of a religious institution.Many a man owes his beginning in depth of spiritual growth to thelodge. If this be an insult to Organized Religion—then let it stand as126such. Rather it is a compliment to the Fraternity and to the OrganizedReligious body in which Masons may affiliate—Masonry has startedthem on their journey towards light and in their search they havefound light in other places; have recognized it and are using it toshed upon their journey.W. A. E. Johnson, D.D., Superintendent of the Methodist Church,Barbourville, Kentucky:There are more than 100,000 Freemasons in Kentucky and I havenever known a man among them who has not been a deeply religiousman, especially those who have occupied high offices.This same viewpoint is extended of course, to the youth organizationsthat affiliate with the Masonic lodge in most communities. Thisauthor has served as advisor to the Order of DeMolay and can testifyto that excellent group. His wife has served in Job's Daughters andmany of the young ladies from his congregation have been in theOrder of Rainbow. It is time that these groups are seen, not as competition,but as allied organizations, as Dr. Billy Graham said:I find two kinds of young people today. First (and least important)are those given to rebellion and violence. We have always had those,even as far back as Cain and Abel. These vow to annihilate the "middleclass" morality and ethic, and to toss away the time-honored traditionsand ideals of yester year. But happily, this group is a tiny minority,with more noise than influence. Then, there are thoughtful, concernedyoung people—who seek to correct the errors in moral navigationthat have been made by their elders, intelligently and responsibly.There are the young people upon which the hope of America's futurerests and DeMolays are part of this group. . . . May God richly bless allDeMoIays as they continue their good work.The Reverend William Clyde Donald of Fenton, Michigan, wrote avery astute article on the relationship of Organized Religion to theyouth organizations as sponsored by Masonry:In relationship to youth the Masonic lodge has a great advantage inone respect over the church. The church is interested in youth, but as arule its dealing with youth is confined rather largely to the youth in thefamilies in relationship with that church. Masonry (through its youthprogram) can minister unto youth in the community regardless oftheir family church relationships. Masons meet as Masons, not asMethodist or Presbyterian, etc. Their sons and daughters and theirfriends of their children can come and receive training that will buildthem into stalwart citizens. The DeMolay, Order of Rainbow, and JobsDaughters give Masons and the Eastern Star a great opportunity totrain youth to believe in and have great faith in the Creator and Sus-