Acting Grand Chaplains Oration – delivered at the Darling Range No 112 WAC, on Saturday the 4^th February, 2023.

Brethren, Ladies and Gentlemen

When I was asked if I would like to deputise as Grand Chaplain due to our Grand Chaplain Brian Crisp being a member of The Darling Range Lodge, I jumped at the opportunity as my father had served as Grand Chaplain in Queensland at a time when there was many Lodges being consecrated.

Reflecting on this I thought how different Freemasonry is to the time of my father being Grand Chaplain or to when the Grand Lodge of England was formed over 300 years ago, or 100 years ago when The Darling Range Lodge was consecrated and its relevance to today’s society.

We are living in a vastly different world, and some do question whether Freemasonry has lost its meaning in today’s world of the internet, Facebook, twitter, and the like.

It is my belief that Masonry is NOT dying, quite the opposite, it has survived all of the opposition it has faced down through the ages. Regimes have brutally persecuted our Craft and fought hard to wipe it from existence. Our craft found protection among kings and princes. Yet the greatest protection was found in the hearts of ordinary men, the indispensable teachings during the time of Solomon and Jesus are just as relevant today. Freemasonry now finds this protection within the hearts of men that join us. Especially the young men, who knock at our door, yearning for something of greater substance than what can be found on Facebook or some other shallow substitute for human contact, care and concern. Freemasonry teaches men how to better themselves, how to live a life of respect, of growth, of caring and of concern. Our lodges give men a place to meet other men of integrity who possess higher ideals than ordinary society presents at large. It is in the hearts of these men, where they first became Masons, that the flame of Freemasonry burns the most brightly. A flame that burns from within and is impossible to extinguish.

What would the world be like without Freemasonry in it?

In light of current events today throughout the world and even our own country where hate filled rhetoric occupies the news, it is more important now, more than ever, for us, as Masons, to practice the values that we esteem. To practice in our daily lives those lessons learned in Masonry. This is our foundation, our heritage, and our obligation.

It is our obligation as Masons, to share the light that burns within each of us. We have a moral obligation to live lives that reflect the principles of Freemasonry, that demonstrate the tenets of brotherly love for all mankind, and that exhibits a charitable life, not only in our hearts and minds but in our daily interactions with all we chance to meet.

The world is a better place because of Freemasonry and the incredible and amazing impact it has on our society. It is not because of some building, even a grand jewel such as this building, but because of the convictions, courage, and strength of men, like all of you here today, to make a difference. Each of us have the privilege of belonging to the greatest organization in the world. We have assumed the mantle of responsibility to continue to promote the ideals of Freemasonry and to introduce other men to the Light and teachings of the craft. Men whom I call my friends, my mentors, my brothers, my family. Freemasonry is alive and well because it lives in each of us, the future of our fraternity is in our capable hands. Let all of our actions demonstrate to everyone we meet, and to the world, our dedication to the ideals of brotherhood and the betterment of mankind.

In today’s world we have progressed and one of the most admirable features of Freemasonry in this state is the fact that it not only permits but actively encourage those who profess different religious beliefs. When Freemasonry was first introduced into Western Australia it was exclusively a Christian order. We are encouraged by our leaders of Freemasonry to be respectful and accept all men and not to discriminate because of Religious, political, race or sexual preference.

Let me close with the final 2 verses of the poem “Desiderata” written in 1927 by Max Ehrmann

You are a child of the universe,

No less than the trees and the stars,

You have a right to be here

And whether or not it is clear to you

No doubt the universe is unfolding

Therefore, be at peace with God,

Whatever you conceive Him to be

And what ever your labours and aspirations

In the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.

Thank you.