Times Advocate, 1999-09-29, Page 22L+
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Exeter Times Advocate
Masons foresee valuable role in society
The Masonic Order of Ontario's Grand Master Robert McKibbon from London and Worshipful Master Ross
Ferguson of Exeter's Lebannon Forest Masonic Lodge show the area's chapters at the International Plowing
Match near Dashwood. Ferguson coordinated the Masonic display.
By Kate Monk
TIMES -ADVOCATE STAFF
DASHWOOD -- "If a fellow wanted to broaden
the scope of his life, he would be hard pressed to
find a greater opportunity than that of becoming
a Freemason," Grand Master Robert McKibbon of
London told the T -A during an interview at the
International Plowing Match Sept. 22.
McKibbon is the head of Ontario's Masonic
organization.
While society tends to see Masonry as a secret
order shrouded in mystery, McKibbon said it's
far from being secretive, pointing to the display
at the IPM, Masonic buildings, Internet Web site
and the presence of Masons in community pro-
jects.
He admitted Masons have some secrets "just as
any family" does.
"Really our only secrets are of recogni-
tion," he said, alluding to the secret hand-
shakes and passwords. The secrecy
aspect has been used by those who
attack what Masons stand for,
McKibbon added.
He also denies Masonry is a religion
but said Masons believe a person's
religion is a personal choice,
whether he calls that
supreme being Allah, Buddha or
Jesus Christ.
"Masonry supports all religions
in their value system,
McKibbon said.
To become a Mason, he said
a man must "believe in a supreme being who
will punish vice and reward virtue and who
believes the supreme being has revealed his will
to man."
Masons donot recruit members — men have to
approach a Masonic Lodge in order to become a
member. Men from all walks of life and nationali-
ties are Masons, and is a tradition that is a posi-
tive aspect of the organization.
"Masonry allows me to see the world t'
many viewpoints," he said.
"The origin is a brotherhood of all walks of pile,
creed and colour who strive for high moral val-
ues with integrity as a guiding light," he
explained.
McKibbon said Masonry has a role to play in
society in the next century as an "anchor in the
virtues of society" in a rapidly changing world.
Along with stability, McKibbon said Masonry
can provide the personal touch people lack as
people become more isolated.
"It's not just a club. It's a fraternal organiza-
tion," he said.
McKibbon said Masonry adds character build-
ing to all the benefits of a service club.
"You have the good of the service clubs in com-
munity: building in the Masonic Order as well as
the bonding of humans of like mind of reaching
for a high plateau of character, integrity and
virtues plus the intrinsic values important to soci-
ety," he explained.
Membership numbers peaked after the Second
World War.
Masonry filled a void in the lives of soldiers
returning from the war and many veterans joined
the Lodge for the comradery, McKibbon said. But
as those men got older, the number of Masons
declined. As well, in smaller towns where young
men move away, there aren't as many young
men to replace the ones who pass away.
Another factor leading to declining membership
is the change in society as a whole with people
having less spare time for organizations.
"(Membership) is declining but we're seeing it
level off at the moment," McKibbon said.
Although he doubts membership will ever
return to the 100,000 mark in Ontario, he is opti-
mistic numbers will increase. There are approxi-
mately 70,000 Masons in Ontario.
McKibbon said he is seeing a resurgence in
membership, particularly among the grandsons
of Masons.
He said some lodges have young members and
it only takes one or two men who appreciate
what Masonry can do for their lives and their
friends will join the lodge as well.
McKibbon also sees Masonry as a way for men
to leave a legacy for future generations. An
example is the Help -2 -Hear millennium project of
the Masons of Ontario.
The goal is to raise a $2 million capital fund.
and use the interest to establish a universal
Neonatal Hearing Screening system which will
detect hearing loss in the early stages of a child's
life. Research has indicated the earlier detection
is carried out, the more benefits can be achieved.
The campaign is important to McKibbon who
said the venture won't hurt the other charity
work the Masons do.
"When you lose your hearing, you end. up in
a world of isolation," he said.
Three other organizations are affiliated
with the Masonic Order.
The Order of the Eastern Star is for
women who have a relative who is a
Master Mason. The Order of DeMolay is
for boys aged 12-21 who have a father
who is a Mason or is sponsored by a
Mason. Job's Daughters are girls aged
11-20 whose father is a Mason.