The American Dream

By Midnight Freemason Contributor

 Bro. Aaron Gardner, 32°, MPS

It has become somewhat cliche’ and mundane to mention our forefathers when we speak of Freemasonry. However, Today could not be any better of a day to mention what Freemasonry has meant to our country.

We all know the history of American Freemasonry, the people who were involved and the dream they had for a “light upon the world”. From Paul Revere galloping down the streets, to General George Washington sailing down the Potomac, they all had a dream to bring ideals they learned within Craft to an entire nation of people. To teach brotherly love amongst all citizens, to set a country to work and see that those qualified do not go away dissatisfied.  We all have heard the phrase “The American Dream”, but what is the American Dream? 

Nathan Hale believed in the dream so much he is quoted, “ I have only regret that I have but one life to give for my country.”, before being executed for the dreams of the future America. Those dreams included a nation of people who did not look at the social class of an individual, the idea of religious tolerance and putting the power where it belonged; in the hands of it’s people, not the ones who held an office. 

The Craft brought ideas such as a majority vote. With out the influence of Freemasonry we could very well just have people appointed into offices that controlled the Economy, Legal system, and the Executive Order. The idea of representation is shown through out Freemasonry with a Grand Lodge and subordinate lodges. It is theoretically a smaller scale of what the Nation is. The people of a lodge elect a Worshipful Master to represent them on their behalf in Grand Lodge meetings, much like the states elect a Governor, Senators, and State Representatives.

You see, the American Dream was more than idea. It was a collection of ideas by brethren who saw what the world could really be if everyone came together on the level. It was that collection that so many, literally, broke their necks for. It was treason to rise against the King and fight for what they believed was right. It wasn't just for our Country that they put their lives on the line for, however. It was the ideals behind our sacred Craft, that they were willing to die for. But, they understood; United We Stand, Together We Fall. All because of one pillar we stand beside within our Craft. 

Today, it is troubling to see what so many have chosen to forget; not just in our Nation, but in our Fraternity. I have traveled to a few lodges recently in which everyone is voting for the changes in their particular Grand Lodge and bylaws. The most disturbing phrase was heard in a few of these lodges, “At your will, Worshipful.” Brethren, let me be clear. Yes, it is at the Worshipful Master’s will when he votes in the Grand Lodge. However, when ideas are poured into the lodge about how the Worshipful Master should vote, he is representing you. He needs to know what the majority of the lodge will think if the Grand Lodge increases the Per Capita, or changes the bylaws to state something that it didn't before. When presenting the information to the Lodge the Worshipful Master is gathering the collective thoughts from everyone who will be affected. When he approaches the Grand Lodge, he is given more information regarding the election and will determine rather or not his vote will truly represent everything that YOU have told him. 

These rights as a Master Mason, to be represented by what you want, was passed into what is our Country’s dream. Independence Day is more than just a holiday to celebrate our gratefulness for those who fought so bravely and died heroically against the British. It is a day we should be grateful for those who fought so bravely and died heroically to preserve the nature of Freemasonry: Harmony through Unity. As you watch the fireworks and remember how great this  Country is, never forget how great our Fraternity is as well and the chaos that became order. 

Happy Independence Day!

AG