This month I would like to share the words of James A. Foshay, distinguished public school educator, Grand Master and later Grand Orator of the Grand Lodge of California. As quoted from his Grand Oration of 1912, he sets forth his goals for Masonic education which are still relevant and laudable to this day:
“It is our duty to take the rough ashlar—the entered apprentice—to note his possibilities and capabilities, and to assist him quietly and steadily to overcome self, to govern his appetites and passions, to realize that he is a moral being, fit to attain his highest ambitions if he obey the dictates of his better conscience, and thus to become an exemplar of one of the greatest of institutions, whose noble influences and noble deeds have merited the admiration of the world.
It is our duty to teach carefully the seeker after truth as he passes through the several stages and receives the degrees, and to unfold to him the deep, underlying principles and truths of Masonry. We must not think that the work is accomplished when a member receives his full initiation, but we should assist in training him toward the highest ideals, which it is our privilege to have. It is the silent force, which makes for good citizenship and leads man to fulfill his highest and best mission. If our work does not make the brother stronger and better, and more fully prepare him to face the world, we have failed.
Masonry makes for character by precept and example. Each Mason should build in himself a temple of imperishable character by living the lessons that are taught in the lodge room. As the entered apprentice is placed in the northeast corner of the lodge ready to begin his work of preparation, so in life should he be placed in a moral environment, under the ‘teachings of the Holy Bible and the guidance of divine leadership, and so should his character be formed. By working in harmony with the laws of nature, and the moral environment which surrounds him, a Mason grows into a true, upright, moral man, and fulfils his duty to be a strong, living force, and to exert a power for good in the world.”
Fraternally,
Mike Miller,
Junior Warden