STB-AP82
MASONIC EDUCATION for SOJOURNINC MASONS
by Raymond H. Bachman
Grand Master of Masons in Illinois
We thank M.W. Brother Bachman for permit-ting us the use of this paper as a Short Talk Bulletin. It is adapted from a presentation which he made to the Midwest Conference on Masonic Education in 1981 at Cedar Rapids, lowa.
In a discussion on the subject of Masonic education for sojourners, we need, first of all, to determine what the word "sojourner" means. The Random House Dictionary defines the word as "to stay for a time in a place; live temporarily; a temporary stay; rest, stay. " When we refer to a sojourner in the Masonic Fraternity, we think of one who is away from his home lodge. He may be from another part of his own state, from another state, or even another country.
It is very evident that man has always had a
responsibility to the sojourner even before the existence of Freemasonry. We
read in Leviticus 19:33,34 these words: "And if a stranger so-journs with
thee in your land, ye shall not vex him. But the stranger that dwelleth with
you shall be unto you as one born among you, and thou shalt love him as
thyself." In Hebre
During that period when all members of the Craft were Operative Masons, as set forth in the Regius Poem (the oldest extant written document), members were bound by many rules of moral conduct. There is also strong evidence that Masons had a word which was used as a means of recognition. It was known as the "Masons' word." A means of recognition was necessary because Masons did travel a great deal to be employed in cathedral construction projects. Resident Masons were duty bound to give shelter to these travelers, to feed them, and to give them money to be able to travel. It was then important and helpful to be a member of the Craft while sojourning away from home. With passage of time, the necessity of belong-ing to a special group to gain sustenance has become less urgent. As a result, it becomes more difficult, and in some cases almost impossible to locate the sojourner. There are some avenues, however, that provide some assistance.
Most of our appendant bodies do not re-quire a petitioner to be a member of a local lodge. If access can be gained to their records, every sojourner in their membership can be located. This is probably one of the easier courses to pursue. Many communities have an individual who welcomes each new family that moves into the community. They usually pre-sent them to their new surroundings. It is sim-ple for this individual to determine whether or not a new family has any fraternal ties.
Possibly this is a good place to mention something not to do. A certain individual received a publication from an out-of-state lodge and folded inside was a similar piece ad-dressed to an individual on the other side of town. He did not know this man. He drove to the home to deliver the publication. No one was home. The publication was placed in the mail box. He gave the name and address to the Mas-ter of his lodge so that he could call or write this brother to invite him to lodge. Several months later, he asked the Master if this sojourner had visited lodge. The Master said he had not con-tacted him yet. Something like this is hard to believe and is inexcusable.
Many sojourners, of course, look up the local lodge as
soon as possible after arriving in a new community. They enjoy the fello
Another likely place to meet sojourners is at your place of employment, particularly in a manufacturing area that attracts new people. Sojourners can often be found in the church which you attend. They will usually be identi-fiable by a pin or ring which they wear. This gives a topic on which a conversation can be in-itiated and acquaintance made.
After the sojourner is found, what is to be our
relationship with him? First, and foremost, certainly will be the offer of
fello
There are some who think that a concerted effort should be made to get the sojourner to transfer his membership. He may have senti-mental reasons for not transferring his mem-bership, or he may expect to move back at some future time.
Also, some jurisdictions require a certain number of years of continuous membership (Illinois requires ten) in the state before they become eligible to live in the Home for the Ag-ed. Dual membership can perhaps be pursued if the brother can afford it. This would allow him to hold any office in his new lodge if he so desired.
It is to the advantage of the sojourning Mason to make himself known to the local lodge for different yet similar reasons to those of the cathedral builders. Here he has someone who can give him immediate help and assistance in an emergency, until his local lodge can be contacted. Contact with his home lodge can be made by the local lodge if he should be incapa-ble of doing it himself.
If the sojourner has some special ability he may find an outlet for it with his newly found brethren to their mutual satisfaction and educa-tion.
Lastly, there is a tremendous opportunity for the
transfer of knowledge between the so-journer and his newly discovered
brethren. This is particularly true if he should be from another state or
country. Masonry is taught in many different ways in all parts of the world
even though the ultimate lessons are the same. Both the sojourner and the
local brethren can ex-change information and both learn more of Masonry and
be the better equipped to live and practice the profession. We all learn
from others because every man kno
I See You've Traveled Some
Wherever you may chance to be
Wherever you may roam,
Far away in Foreign lands,
Or just at Home, Sweet home
It always gives you pleasure,
It makes your heart strings hum
Just to hear the words of cheer
"I see you've traveled some."
When you get the brother's greeting,
As he takes you by the hand
It thrills you with a feeling
That you cannot understand,
You feel that bond of brotherhood
That aid that's sure to come
When you hear him say
in a friendly way
"I see you've traveled some. ''
And if you are a stranger,
In strange lands all alone,
If fate has left you stranded
Dead broke and far From home,
O, it's grand and glorious Feeling,
It thrills you--makes you dumb
When he says, with a grip of Fello
"I see you've traveled soome."
And when your final summons comes,
To take a last long trip,
Adorned with Lambskin Apron White
And gems of fello
The Tiller at the Golden Gate,
With square and rule and plumb
Will size up your pin, and say,
"Walk in--I see you've traveled some."