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Masonry Is Like a Garden

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Masonry Is Like a Garden
By Most Illustrious Companion John D. Barnes
Past Most Illustrious Grand Master and Grand Treasurer, Grand Council of New Jersey

\"Snow\"
Snow (Public Domain)

In the depth of winter I finally learned that there was in me an invincible summer.  – Albert Camus, Lyrical and Critical Essays

My Companion:

In spite of the January storms, the grass will come up in the Spring. Right now, it lies dormant under the snow and ice. Winter holds us in his cold, cold hand, and the harsh breezes make it even colder. Our cars slide on the ice, our shoes are covered with salt from the slush on the streets, and the Sun is in the sky for only a short time. And yet, in the space of a few short weeks, the days will lengthen, the snow and ice will melt, and the salt will wash away.

So it is with the treasures within the Crypt. They are lying in Darkness, waiting to be found, ready to grow when brought to light. Watered with the sweat and tears of hard-laboring Select Masters as they wield their trowels, they will sprout in our hearts. Protected by the Swords of those same Select Masters, ever ready to defend what they have made, they will grow strong and true.

Masonry is like a garden. If it all looked the same, it would not be very interesting. The variety within York Rite and Scottish Rite, AMD, Red Cross, Knight Masons, and so many other groups bring flavor and nuances to our Lodges. As we each walk through the garden, enjoying the variety displaced in the landscape of nature, we are each improved by our experiences within those groups of Brothers. When you bring those experiences to your Lodge, your family, and your friends, you improve both them and yourself.

That is the true purpose of Masonry.

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