Harmony in the Lodge
Harmony in the Lodge
What does harmony in the lodge mean to you?
Harmony is a word that is not as popular today is it was in the 1800’s. It’s defined as a consistent, orderly, or pleasing arrangement of parts; congruity. It also means agreement or concord.
The working tools from the third degree say, “The Trowel is an instrument used by operative masons to spread the cement which unites the building into one common mass; but we, as Free and Accepted Masons, are taught to make use of it for the more noble and glorious purpose of spreading the cement of brotherly love and affection—that cement which unites us into one sacred band or society of friends and Brothers, among whom no contention should ever exist, but that noble contention, or rather emulation, of who best can work and best agree.”
Do we use the Trowel to the fullest purpose?
I contend that we do not always live to this ideal. Is any Lodge so perfect as such to maintain harmony constantly? Are the Lodges that do manage to maintain a higher degree of harmony doing so without conscious effort and hard work? I do not believe they are.
One thing that I see as a glaring contributor to discord in the Lodge is the lack of adherence to three specific thoughts put forth in our Closing Charge
You have been enjoined to remind a Brother in the most friendly manner of his fault, to endeavor to aid his reformation, and to defend his character.
These are words of which every one of us needs to be reminded of from time to time. How does a man accomplish this? One way is that when a Brother is perceived to be in need of wise council, it’s best not to tarry. The sooner that a Brother can be reminded of his faults, the sooner he will enjoy restoration. Is this an easy conversation? Mostly, it’s not. At least, not at first. In fact, it may seem scary, or weird. Effective coaching and being coached, along with providing and receiving feedback, are learned behaviors and all must be practiced with a large degree of grace. Practiced with consistency, they can be mastered by anyone. The first ingredient of success is to praise in public and coach in private. Feedback is not always accurate, so from the receiver’s standpoint the best answer may be, “thank you for the feedback”. However, feedback is always a gift. Sometimes that gift is as wonderful as that shiny new thing that you’ve always wanted. Sometimes that gift is a bag of used under garments from the thrift store. Above all, be direct, stick to the facts and avoid emotion. We must have the fortitude to demonstrate brotherly love, or we will not enjoy the harmony which results from the precise application of the Working Tools and Closing Charge.
Brené Brown, in her book – Dare to Lead, says, “to be clear is kind”. When you gracefully remind a brother in the most friendly manner of his faults, you are being clear and therefore, being kind. When any contention that exists between Brothers is addressed in the manner described, it is exposed and can be resolved, thus transforming negative contention into that most noble contention, allowing the emulation of who best can work and best agree.