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beyond the northeast corner
Possible
Answers to Test Questions
On
“…And Then There Was Light!”
appendix a
Richard h. sands
Introduction
We
work in Speculative Freemasonry. This means that we need to speculate about most
any question on topics of Masonic interest. Hence, for the most part, we cannot
expect there to be but one answer to a given question but rather a spectrum of
answers, all generally related. These answers are intended only to demonstrate
possible answers to the questions asked in the hope that they may stimulate you
to think further.
Test
Questions and Possible Answers on “…And Then There Was
Light!”
1.
Who
are Masons?
Members
of a fraternity who believe in a set of basic truths, taught by symbols and
allegories, designed to better themselves and their
communities.
2.
What
is the definition of modern Freemasonry?
Freemasonry
is an organized society of men, symbolically applying the principles of
Operative Masonry and architecture to the science and art of character
building.
3.
What
does the 24-inch gauge remind a Mason to do?
To
divide his time so that he has a portion for the worship of God, a portion for
his usual vocations and the assistance of others, and a portion for refreshment
and sleep.
4.
To
what use does a Mason put the square? _________ the
compasses?
To
test each and everyone of his actions by the standard of virtue, then to change
them if needed. To remind him to stay within due bounds in all of his
interactions with his fellowman.
5.
To
what use does the speculative Mason put the gavel?
To
chip off the rough edges of his character, the better to prepare him ads a
living stone for that spiritual building, eternal in the
heavens.
6.
How
does Freemasonry help a man to become a better man?
By
giving him opportunities to converse on issues of morality with like-minded men,
to practice brotherly love and relief to the needy, and to work side-by-side
with his Brothers for the betterment of others.
7.
What
is a Lodge?
A
Lodge is a constitutional number of masons, meeting in a Temple or
Center.
8.
What is the name of the local Lodge Officer responsible for presenting
five-to-ten minute programs in
Lodge to teach Freemasonry?
A
Lodge Education Officer
9.
How
does a man develop his character?
By
conversing with others on issues of morality, meeting different situations and
being tested.
10.
What
is a symbol?
Something
which stands for or suggests something else by virtue of accidental resemblance,
relationship, association, or convention.
11.
What
is an allegory?
An
expression by means of symbolic figures and actions of truths or generalizations
about human nature.
12.
Which
Presidents of the United States were Grand Masters in their
lifetimes?
Andrew
Jackson and Harry S. Truman.
13.
Name
several Masons who were among the Patriots in the struggle
for
independence.
Ethan
Allen, Benjamin Franklin, Nathaniel Greene, John Hancock, Marquis de Lafayette,
Israel Putnam, Paul Revere, Baron von Steuben, Joseph Warren and George
Washington – to name but a few.
14.
Does
honor have a future?
Only
if we continue to honor and esteem it – no pun intended!
15.
What
is the mission of Freemasonry?
To
provide an environment to help each member become a better person, and by the
improvement and strengthening of the character of the individual man, to improve
the community.
16.
What
is your primary responsibility as a Freemason?
To
preserve the reputation of the Fraternity unsullied and to become the best man
and Mason that you can possibly be!
17.
Explain
the difference between a “secret society” and a “society with
secrets.”
A
secret society does not publicize its meeting times and places, nor do its
members make their membership known to outsiders, nor does the secret society
disclose its motives. Freemasonry is a society with secrets; namely, the modes
of recognition and the verbatim ritual – that is all! It is no different than a
college fraternity in this regard.
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