by Senior Midnight Freemason Contributor
Gregory J. Knott 33°
Authors note: I originally wrote this article in 2014 and have updated it with a few changes. Since that time, I have remained an active Scouter. I was proud to see my son Hayden earn his Eagle Scout award in 2020, as well as numerous other Scouts that we had in our Cub Scout Pack and Troop over the years, also earn their Eagle award.
I am even more convinced than I was in 2014, that what this country needs more of is: Scouting and Freemasonry.
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As a Boy Scout, one of the first things I had to learn was the 12 points of the Scout Law. I still say them often. The Boy Scout Handbook¹ provides a brief description of what the 12 points mean to a Scout. I wondered what they might read like if we applied them to Freemasonry.
A Scout is Trustworthy.
A Scout tells the truth. He is honest, and he keeps his promises. People can depend on him.
A Mason is a true and trusty brother, his bond is his word, and his brothers can count on him.
A Scout is Loyal.
A Scout is true to his family, friends, Scout leaders, school, and nation.
A Mason has a duty to God, his country, family, friends, neighbors and himself.
A Scout is Helpful.
A Scout cares about other people. He willingly volunteers to help others without expecting payment or reward.
A Mason practices faith, hope and charity.
A Scout is Friendly.
A Scout is a friend to all. He is a brother to other Scouts. He offers his friendship to people of all races and nations, and respects them even if their beliefs and customs are different from his own.
A Mason is always ready to extend his hand in friendship to a fellow Mason and contribute to the relief of our widows and orphans.
A Scout is Courteous.
A Scout is polite to everyone regardless of age or position. He knows that using good manners makes it easier for people to get along.
A Mason exemplifies a demeanor of respect towards his brothers.
A Scout is Kind.
A Scout knows there is strength in being gentle. He treats others as he wants to be treated. Without good reason, he does not harm or kill any living thing.
A Mason shows brotherly love to his brothers and exhibits a sincere kindness to all whom he meets.
A Scout is Obedient.
A Scout follows the rules of his family, school, and troop. He obeys the laws of his community and country. If he thinks these rules and laws are unfair, he tries to have them changed in an orderly manner rather than disobeying them.
A Mason is loyal to his country, respects the rule of law and squares his actions by the square of virtue.
A Scout is Cheerful.
A Scout looks for the bright side of life. He cheerfully does tasks that come his way. He tries to make others happy.
A Mason greets a fellow brother with a smile, a firm handshake, and a warm greeting.
A Scout is Thrifty.
A Scout works to pay his own way and to help others. He saves for the future. He protects and conserves natural resources. He carefully uses time and property.
A Mason thrives to preserve the ancient usages and customs of the fraternity, yet is open to new ideas and means of growing our fraternity.
A Scout is Brave.
A Scout can face danger although he is afraid. He has the courage to stand for what he thinks is right even if others laugh at him or threaten him.
A Mason understands that wisdom, strength, and beauty are the pillars of a well-governed lodge. He lives by a set of principles that set him apart from others in society, even if at times it may seem difficult to do so.
A Scout is Clean.
A Scout keeps his body and mind fit and clean. He chooses the company of those who live by high standards. He helps keep his home and community clean.
A Mason is pure in thought, words and deeds.
A Scout is Reverent.
A Scout is reverent toward God. He is faithful in his religious duties. He respects the beliefs of others.
A Mason has a belief in God, living his life by that great book, and seeks the blessing of deity.
¹ Excerpted from page 47-54, Boy Scout Handbook, 11th Edition,
(#33105), copyright 1998 by BSA, ISBN 0-8395-3105-2
~GJK
Gregory J. Knott, 33° is a founding member and Senior Contributor of the Midnight Freemasons blog. He is a Past Master of St. Joseph Lodge No. 970 in St. Joseph (IL) and a plural member of Ogden Lodge No. 754 (IL), Homer Lodge No. 199 (IL) and Naval Lodge No. 4 in Washington, DC. He’s a member of the Scottish Rite, the York Rite, Eastern Star and is the Charter Secretary of the Illini High Twelve Club No. 768 in Champaign-Urbana. He is also a member of ANSAR Shrine (IL) and the Eastern Illinois Council No. 356 Allied Masonic Degrees. Greg serves on the Board of Directors of The Masonic Society and is a member of the Scottish Rite Research Society and The Philathes Society. He is a charter member of a new Illinois Royal Arch Chapter, Admiration Chapter U.D. and serves as its Secretary. Greg is very involved in Boy Scouts—an Eagle Scout himself, he is a member of the National Association of Masonic Scouters. You can contact him at gknott63@gmail.com