The importance of "DOORS" - FOR THE GOOD OF MASONRY - PUBLIC - Access To This Area For All Members, New Posts for Hall Lodge Members Only

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The importance of "DOORS" - FOR THE GOOD OF MASONRY - PUBLIC - Access To This Area For All Members, New Posts for Hall Lodge Members Only - HALL LODGE MESSAGE CENTER

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Posted: Sat Apr 26th, 2008 09:33 PM

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S.S.Keefer
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THE word "door" occurs quite infrequently in Masonic monitors and rituals,
yet we realize that we could hardly have Masonic Temples, hold Masonic
meetings, do Masonic degree work or even become Freemasons without them. May
we present some thoughts on the subject of figurative as well as literal
doors, and consider some of the many beautiful symbolisms which they suggest
to teach.

This writer recently heard a most interesting and inspirational sermon,
delivered by Brother Vernon A. Loescher, pastor of the First Plymouth
Congregational Church of Denver, in which it was pointed out that doors have
two major purposes: first, to serve as a barrier to keep someone or
something out, or in; and second, to serve as passage way or as a means of
exit or entrance. Doors should be tightly closed . . . to keep out cheap
gossip, for it damages the person discussed and clutters up our mental
houses with junky furniture. They should be closed against vain regrets,
which can but rob us of the power to avoid repeating past mistakes. They
should be closed on self-pity, for that robs us of the ability to see how
very rich we really are, and of the ability to grasp new opportunities. As
barriers doors ought to be closed to keep within ourselves the confidence
which friends may have entrusted to us, to confine within ourselves, and
leave unuttered, thoughtless criticisms which might do much injury. For the
keeping of those two doors closed there is a motto from the Scriptures: "O
Lord, keep the door of my lips." (Ps. 141:3).

Doors which ought to be opened wide as entrances to our lives are those of a
glowing knowledge, for if we discontinue to grow we begin to die, and
opening wide the door of knowledge permits some new mental furniture to be
brought in. We should also open the door of good resolutions and then wedge
it securely so that it cannot blow shut. In order that our lives be not
suffocated with our own interests or introspection, we should have adequate
exits, such as opened doors of widening friendships; doors of daily service
to others; doors of relaxation, kept open by developing a hobby; and doors
of prayer, for it is a saving exit from self-suffocation and brings new
power and perspective into our lives.

There are in the Bible more than 150 references to doors. We read there of
doors of opportunity, of promise, of faith; shut doors and open doors. Jesus
said that a man's heart is really a door, at which He knocks for admission.
He is also THE DOOR, without equal, before we stand, and thru which we must
enter if we expect to have that fuller, richer, more abundant and
consecrated life here, and Life Eternal in the hereafter.

One perhaps fantastic conception of the use and meaning and symbolism of
doors in our Masonic institution might be described thus: Let us picture
Freemasonry as a majestic building constructed of the purest, most beautiful
and incorruptible material that mind can imagine. On either side of the main
building rise two massive towers of equal height and beauty. Thru the richly
ornamented front door of this building, the eligible non-Mason periodically
sees hundreds of his friends and acquaintances coming and going. The large
majority of these men are leaders in all the reputable walks of life, and
they are men who strive to put into daily practice the tenets and principles
of Freemasonry. They are clean, upright, honest, charitable, tolerant and
friendly. A non-member longs to be numbered with them. He may wonder why he
has not been invited by some of his more intimate friends to enter the
portal thru which so much good emanates, for he has frequently been openly
and enthusiastically solicited by members of other fraternal organizations.
Finally he opens his own door of resolution and makes some inquiries in
regard to becoming a Freemason. And that inquiry opens the door of
enlightenment, which, in turn, opens the door of decision. His petition is
cheerfully received, provided he has the proper moral, mental, and physical
qualifications, and then comes that happy long-to-be-remembered day when he
is notified to appeal at the door of initiation.

Having been cordially welcomed within the cherished outer door, and with
certain introductory declarations and explanations having been completed, he
is duly prepared for initiation. He knocks at the inner door, which is
forever closed to all cowan and eaves-droppers, and when it is opened for
his entrance, he is received in the proper and prescribed manner. A symbolic
door of faith and confidence is opened to him when he hears the Master's
prayer and the perambulatory Scripture. From then on, in his first or
Entered Apprentice floor or level, door after door opens wide, bringing him
gradually from darkness and obscurity to the glory of Masonic Light. Doors
of growing knowledge disclose to him the columns of Wisdom, Strength, and
Beauty, the meaning of Faith, Hope and Charity, the tenets of brotherly
Love, Relief, and Truth, the cardinal virtues of Temperance, Fortitude, and
Justice. Here he learns of the form, covering, furniture, ornaments, lights
and jewels of a Lodge, and the beautiful symbolism.

Weeks or months later, after a period of study, contemplation and
instruction, and having proved himself proficient, he again knocks at the
inner door. On the second or Fellowcraft level of instruction and growing
knowledge he passes thru more symbolic doors. The use of the Plumb, Square,
and Level are explained, and in the ascent of the symbolic stairway of
three, five and seven steps to the place representing the Middle Chamber he
learns about the Orders of Architecture, the Senses of Human Nature and the
Liberal Arts and Sciences. He observes that special emphasis is made on the
many doors opened up thru the science of Geometry or Freemasonry.

Having again received necessary instruction, and passing his Fellowcraft
examination, our searcher for Light is qualified and privileged to once more
knock at an inner door, this one leading to the sublime degree of Master
Mason. As in the preceding degrees, symbolic doors of increasing knowledge
and inspiration are opened wide. After having represented the character of
the immortal Tyrian and having been raised to the sublime degree, the use of
the Trowel and the Emblems or Symbols of this degree are explained. Here is
emphasized the importance of inflexible integrity and fidelity. Opening
doors reveal the sublime truth of Immortality in a way which makes an
indelible impression on the mind of the candidate.

For many Freemasons these numerous doors and lessons of symbolic Freemasonry
seem adequate and satisfying. But happily and fortunately, there are
numerous other equally inviting doors which open into vistas of
indescribable and unsurpassed beauty. They are the doors leading into and
thru the other, so-called higher levels of Freemasonry. Builded solidly upon
the foundation of symbolic Freemasonry rises the tower comprised of
Capitular, Cryptic and Chivalric Freemasonry. The four degrees of a Chapter
of Royal Arch Masons, the three degrees of a Council of Royal and Select
Masters, and the three Orders of a Commandery of Knights Templar open many
doors of opportunity to more thoroughly and satisfactorily understand and
appreciate the three Blue Lodge degrees. The same is true of that other
tower, the one comprising those indescribably beautiful and impressive
historical, religious, chivalric and philosophical degrees of the Ancient
and Accepted Scottish Rite Lodge of Perfection, the Chapter of Rose Croix,
the Council of Kadosh, and the Consistory. Each of the twenty-nine degrees
conferred in these four bodies conveys some message of importance, teaches
some further impressive lesson, emphasizes some essential truth, opens up
doors of growing knowledge, usefulness and service. A 32nd degree Mason . .
a Master of the Royal Secret . . is privileged, as is also a Knight Templar,
to view the whole field of Masonic endeavor, activity and accomplishment
from a point of vantage not available to the Master Mason. It is as if a
superbly beautiful landscape were viewed from the vantage point of a high
mountain peak. That wider horizon enables him to not only more fully
appreciate the fundamental teachings of symbolic Freemasonry but also
enables him to become a more valuable member and officer of his lodge. It
gives him more prestige as a Freemason, and results in a feeling of pride,
joy and satisfaction.

Whether one ascends the tower and goes through the doors of the York or
American Rite, or the tower of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, or
both, the increased ability, knowledge, inspiration and enthusiasm naturally
resulting means better Freemasons and better Freemasonry, with a higher
quality of leadership, happier relationships, and a greater and more
effective service to mankind.

Sent in by BR, T.K.McCutcheon from masonic paper#451

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HALL LODGE MESSAGE CENTER > PUBLIC - Access To This Area For All Members, New Posts for Hall Lodge Members Only > FOR THE GOOD OF MASONRY > The importance of "DOORS"