The Voice of Freemasonry | Vol. 29 No. 2

a plea for freemasonry – revisited

A Plea for Freemasonry – Revisited

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or those inclined to the study of Masonic history, one of the most alluring aspects has always been the timeless nature of our teachings. While our rituals have evolved over the centuries, the core tenets that bring us together have remained largely unchanged. An unfortunate side effect of this is that the issues that face our fraternity are often timeless as well.

James D. Hodgkins Master, The Colonial Lodge, No. 1821

Worshipful Brother Mackey was an obvious choice to give the evening’s oration.

While the circumstances surrounding his address were quite different from today, the lessons contained therein are The interest and/ absolutely timeless. or apprehension of When examining his the profane in Freeaddress, it is impormasonry seems to tant to keep a few be almost cyclical; thoughts in mind. at times leading to Mackey was writunparalleled growth ing at a time when (Golden Age of FraAmerican Masonry ternalism, 1870-1910) was finally stepping and instances where out from under the our numbers were specter of the Morgan devastated (Morgan Affair. Our numbers Affair, mid-19th cenhad dwindled subtury). Fortunately, a stantially in the close examination mid-19th century. shows that we are Also, Mackey was on the cusp of both one of the last seria quantitative, and, ous Masonic authors perhaps more imporwhose writing was tantly, qualitative characterized but growth in the strength we refer to as the of Freemasonry. This “Romantic School.” growth is only posThus, when his ideas sible if we plan for and regarding the origins actively cultivate it, of our ritual are disotherwise it will pass cussed, it is crucial us by. Oftentimes, to remember that his ideas for the future ideas about the hismay be garnered from torical roots of the Albert Gallatin Mackey the past.

(March 12, 1807 – June 20, 1881) Craft have largely On the evening of Oct. been disproven by 20, 1870, Dr. Albert Gallatin Mackey gave an modern scholars, both Masonic and academic. address entitled “A Plea for Freemasonry” before All subsequent quotations come directly from Lafayette Lodge, No. 19 on the occasion of their Mackey’s address, the full transcription of which Grand Visitation. Being one of the most decorated is available on the Grand Lodge’s website: and accomplished Masonic authors in the United Download Transcription Now  States and an affiliate member of No. 19, Right

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