From Rough Ashlar to Refined Self: The Masonic Journey Toward Perfection

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

Jim Stapleton

In Freemasonry, the Rough and Perfect Ashlars are two important symbols that represent the moral and spiritual development of the individual Mason. By understanding the meaning of the Rough and Perfect Ashlars, we can gain insight into the necessary journey of personal growth and self-improvement that is required of us all. However, despite our best efforts, perfection will always remain out of reach. This shortfall should not be seen as a failure. The important truth is that the value of perfection lies not in its attainment, but in the pursuit of perfection. The journey toward perfection helps us to grow, learn resilience, and gain a deeper understanding of ourselves.

The Rough Ashlar is a stone taken directly from the quarry in its raw and unshaped form. The rock is jagged, uneven, and not suitable for use in construction. We view the Rough Ashlar as a symbol of the new Brother as they embark on their Masonic Journey. As a Rough Ashlar, they are full of potential, but in need of refinement. The goal of the Freemason is to shape this imperfect stone into something useful, just as an operative stonemason would carve a stone hewn from the quarry into a building block fit for construction. The process of shaping the stone symbolizes our work towards self-improvement and the journey toward moral and ethical development.

In contrast, the Perfect Ashlar is a stone that has been carefully shaped, polished, and squared. Through its transformation, it is ready to be used in the construction of a building. In Freemasonry, it represents the ideal that every Mason should strive to be - a moral person that is wise and caring. The Perfect Ashlar is the product of a lifetime of continuous effort, reflection, and discipline. The stone is no longer flawed and therefore made suitable for the construction of the Spiritual Edifice. 

Striving for perfection is a noble endeavor, but we can never reach a truly perfect state. Afterall, as humans we are imperfect beings. Yet, the process of striving towards an ideal state encourages personal growth and perseverance. People who aim for perfection in their craft - whether in art, sports, science, or personal development - often achieve a level of excellence far beyond what they would have if they never made the attempt. The Japanese concept of kaizen encourages continuous improvement through small, incremental changes. Every small improvement contributes to long-term growth and fosters a mindset that values effort over final outcomes.

Consider the example of an artist. A painter may never create a "perfect" masterpiece, but the process of attempting to do so refines their technique, enhances their creativity, and deepens their emotional expression. Every mistake, correction, and revision shapes their skills and overall understanding of their craft. Similarly, the scientific field is full of examples of people building on past discoveries to achieve progress. The process of challenging existing paradigms and proposing new ideas leads to groundbreaking discoveries. Thomas Edison, considered to be amongst the most prolific inventors, experienced a number of failures. He often credited those failures as learning opportunities that helped him to achieve success. Athletes are another example because they face constant failures such as missed shots, losses, and injuries. Those who remain committed to the process of improvement often come back stronger. When perfection is thought of as a guiding principle rather than a destination, failure becomes a valuable teacher. People who embrace failure as part of the process develop resilience, adaptability, and a growth mindset.

Those who pursue perfection with the belief that it is obtainable may experience suffering as a result. Perfectionism can lead to increased anxiety, stress, depression, fear of failure, procrastination, strained relationships, etc. The unrealistic expectations they set for themselves and others is unhealthy and unproductive. 

The symbolism of the Rough and Perfect Ashlars are important images for Masons to use in their daily lives. Recognizing that we are imperfect and that we need to develop the tools, skills, and discipline to improve ourselves is the point of our spiritual journey. While the attainment of perfection is impossible for us, the journey towards perfection is where the true value lies. Slow and steady progress with the goal of working towards perfection is how we grow, develop wisdom, and become more resilient. Through this mindset we can unlock the power to become better, stronger, and more fulfilled individuals.

~JS

Jim Stapleton a Past Master of USS New Jersey Lodge No. 62. He is also a member of the New Jersey Lodge of Masonic Research and Education No. 1786. Jim received the Distinguished White Apron Award from the Grand Lodge of New Jersey. He was awarded the Daniel Carter Beard Masonic Scouter Award. Jim is also a member of the Society of King Solomon.

Do I really want to be a Past Master?

by Midnight Freemason Guest Contributor

Matthew Walters

If I can take a minute to set the backdrop for this “epistle” (as one of my Masonic Mentors dubs my emails to the Lodge and our York Rite), I am thirty-eight years old, married with two children under the age of three and am a public servant by occupation.  I was Initiated, Passed, and Raised in September 2017, November 2017, and March 2018 respectively.  I sat the remaining portion of the year on the sidelines learning about this new and amazing brotherhood that I had joined.  I am a first-generation Freemason in my direct line with some distant great uncles who were (deceased) Masons and Shriners. My working knowledge of Freemasonry was directly from a co-worker of whom I asked, “the question.”  From there I was adopted into a smaller circle of passionate younger masons in my Lodge and introduced to my first “salty old dog” Past Master.  

The group brought me under their wing with items to read, fellowship after meetings with a few beers and late-night masonic talks.  I was hooked.  Ready to be involved like they were.  Some of them were officers, soon to be officers, lodge educators, catechism coaches, and meal providers for Stated meetings.  The fellowship was real and flowing.  My wife met their wives.  It was a glorious time.  Skip a rock and I hear about the York Rite.  This group is all apart of something special and big, they refer to planning meetings aka “White Boarding.”  I see a dry-erase board with names, roles, and supply lists.  So, I ask, what is that?  I am informed that they are part of saving our local York Rite body which dates to 1886 for the Chapter (1944 – Council and 1922 -Commandery).  “What’s the project and how can I help?”  “Well, you need to be a member to help and that’s just it, we are learning all the Degrees and Orders from memory and have a class that is going through them in long form and not at a festival.”  Another new mason and I jump on the next festival as we are burning hot and wanting to be apart.  I was then admitted and received all Degrees and Orders conferred on me in a large class in April of 2019.  Three days later the two of us have non-speaking roles in the Royal Master’s Degree.  Excited to give back that fast, I want a speaking role in the Illustrious Order of the Red Cross.  Ask and ye shall receive.  Every Saturday we practice for weeks learning the floor work and ritual from the old salty dog we will call Boaz.  I became involved in fellowship during hours of practice, laughing, telling stories and getting deeper into this fraternity, and learning simultaneously about the Craft lodge.  

Insert my first dose of the reality of the Past Master flex.  As a new member, I asked to be involved in my blue lodge.  The Master elect is filling roles, so I ask to have a position as an appointed officer.  Junior Steward it is.  I am off to a great start.  I want to give an education; I have been reading and studying.  The master says yes.  I present a research piece on the details of the Entered Apprentice Scripture and why I think it is important.  Three or so pages later, there is no discussion, the lodge applauds, and I sit down.  A Past Master comes up after the Stated and said for your first education it was pretty good but a little long for this crowd.  Shorten your next one.  Yes, sir, I am on it.  A meeting or so later attendance is down, and a prominent Past Master and former District officer comments in open lodge that if those York Rite guys would show up to the Stated like they did their own York Rite meetings and practices, we wouldn’t be talking about attendance.  At which time Boaz, as a Past Master, but not of this Lodge asks the brother which ones aren’t here, as most of the line currently is York Rite and those on the sideline are too.  The standoff is over quickly with quiet whispers on the sidelines.  While seconds in duration, this felt like a long scene in Tombstone when Doc Holiday has just been introduced to Johnny Ringo in the saloon.  I have never seen brotherly behavior like this before.  Finger-pointing and maybe a false accusation in open lodge, whew that was weird, I am glad it is over.  

The fall is now on us, and Lodge elections are approaching, the Secretary informs the Lodge he is older, wishing to spend more time with his grandkids, and will be stepping down at the end of the year.  No one asks to learn or become an assistant to that highly sought-after chair in or after the meeting.  I approached him the next month and asked if he would teach me what was needed, that I would be interested in becoming his Assistant Secretary, he smiled and said yes.  That is heard by some Past Masters, and I am told by one that I need to be sure that I understand giving up going through the line as this isn’t a two-to-three-year commitment.  Hey, the Lodge needs me, and I am ready to serve.  At the next meeting, it is announced I am the Assistant Secretary, all knowing full well that means my name will be read aloud in a few months as Secretary…it does haha.  About a year or so later, the now Past Secretary passes away.  

Meeting after meeting I find myself having to refer to the Code (governing document of rules/regulations/constitution in my jurisdiction) to answer questions, Past Masters and Masters look to me in meetings to have the answer.  I was not prepared for this part.  I begin reading the Code and do so cover to cover.  I dog ear pages, email the Grand Lodge questions not covered, ask Past Masters.  On the later group, I begin to get differing answers locally in my Lodge.  Coming to degree practices, I see disagreement after disagreement from Past Masters who are coaching the new officers on their roles.  It’s the left foot, right foot, the versus thee, should, and shall.  I begin to question teachers and get “tradition” as my answer.  I asked for items of lighting in degree, I get told the Code by one, the ritual by another, and tradition by a third.  Degree after degree men are correcting officers on the ritual in the degree, after the degree, prompting words of all types during a freeze up or pause by officers.  Past Masters and Past Masters only are allowed (or condoned) to do this.  Officers don’t question them and don’t know from practice to practice how it may go.  Bad mouthing current officers’ ability to lead, confer degrees, spending lodge funds for meals being catered, floor work, coaching, all begin to come to light in my eyes in groups of Past Masters after meetings, practices, and degrees.  I’ve now lost count of how many strikes just were thrown there.  My apologies.  Now my lodge is no different than yours, the Shrine, the York, the Scottish Rite, etc. take the new brothers you hear from Past Masters.  I get it, but wait, do they?  Do men seek what they aren’t getting in their Lodge elsewhere?  My answer is yes.  But it is also they are looking to be treated like a brother, and not a kid brother who is beaten up by the older sibling to make you tough.  Love does hurt but we try to minimize it right?

So, you think I am done with this little article or are saying to yourself “ok stop complaining, let me tell you how to fix it” …but I am not done just yet.  Fast forward a few months and new men don’t return to Lodge and begin to step out of line for verbal treatment and constant correction.  Fact, I asked via phone calls and a survey to the members why they don’t attend.  District combined degrees begin to be set by a few Past Masters and not the sitting Master of my Lodge.  Code violations galore begin to be seen across the District, as Past Masters flex and claim unity of District Lodges. My eyes are opened once again as I come to light to the drama of Masonry.  Past Masters guide sitting Master’s to incorrect actions in Lodge meetings.  “Tradition” is repeated a lot.  “For the good of Masonry” at other times.  Insert sister Lodge bashing now, “in you know Lodge name, they are the way they are.”  Or “that’s insert Past Master who runs that Lodge, they have always been that way.”  “But our lodge is better than that we don’t do that.”  In opening meetings, we allow visiting Past Masters to sing the praise for degree work of my Lodge and thinking ours is superior to others in the district in front of members from those Lodges.  Yes, that means the multiple visiting Past Masters put down their own Lodges in the process.  We are on the level, yes?  Or the Lodge who votes on petitions with only the criminal background check but no subordinate Lodge Committee of Investigation.  We also have a sitting Past Master who is told by a District officer, at a District degree, that he can open an Emergent communication without notice to their membership due to them having a quorum, of a lodge he isn’t a member of.  Why some may ask, so that a catechism of a brother can be heard, so he can join the 3rd Degree that was planned for the Stated in about thirty minutes.  Due and timely notice for an Emergent anyone?  Do we have membership requirements to open Lodges?  Wow, I am glad I am not in that lodge you say, I have just covered over half of my district in Past Master behavior in front of me or after the fact through complaints of others to me, like I can do something about it as Secretary of the one and only Lodge I am a member.  Masonic charges do come to mind for some of the issues, but who would be left?  Notify the District officers you say, done and done and several have in my short time also contributed to this problem being a bit of a good ole boy nomination club, not to mention are direct stories past and present mentioned above.

Let me be clear on one very important topic, this epistle was not meant to bash my Lodge, my District, or my Grand Jurisdiction.  I know you all have your story of that group, clique, or whatever of Past Masters that run the lodge you are a member of.  But my thought is this when I decline the role one day as Secretary, do I want to get in line.  Do I want to be a Past Master who is a Worshipful Brother and not just a Brother?  Do I want to sign the registry and put PM behind my name, so all know who sign in after me that I am a Past Master?  Do I want to wear a non-approved Past Master apron and violate the Code in an open lodge after an education was given, as to needing to replace them with a legal and Grand Lodge/Code-approved Past Master apron?  I do not know.  And to that core I mentioned earlier, well they aren’t all here anymore in my lodge.  A small few are in my York Rite body that is still thriving and loving and friendly.  I am currently on my second term in the East there, and while the York has a thousand titles, I am just the man in the East trying to keep education at the forefront of the body and the studying of the ritual and connection to and through craft masonry.  On my Lodge, District and the Craft, we shall see what the future holds.  I hope this piece helps some who read it learn what not to do.  If some are reading it and you are doing some of the above things, I hope this helps aid your reformation to do good unto all, more especially to the household of the faithful…and you learn the definition of Brother.  I will close this by saying, that I know there are a ton of good Masters, Past Masters, and Past Grand Masters out there.  I am not bashing you for leading and doing the right thing.  I want to pass the chairs in my heart and honor that role and title.  I believe in doing things the right way.  Maybe it will be in my mother lodge, or maybe I will honor the “traveling man” and journey to a new Lodge one day or help charter the “Change” Lodge where all are equal, welcome, and live the tenants of Masonry.

~MW

Matthew Walters resides in North Carolina with his wife and two children. Raised a Master Mason in 2018, he is currently the Secretary of his Lodge and has been since 2020, as well as serving on the Lodge Education Committee.  Other fraternal memberships include the York Rite where he has served as HP, IM, and EC (2023-present). He is also a member of the Allied Masonic Degrees, Knight Masons, and York Rite Sovereign College.  

Obligations

by Midnight Freemason Guest Contributor

WB. J.P. Fleming

“Your regular and punctual attendance is requested”

“The Duties you have to perform are as such….”

“Furthermore! I will answer all due signs and summonses..”

“Furthermore! I will aid and assist all worthy Brothers…”

Obligations, we take them at the altar during our degrees. We take them when we stand up and volunteer for an officer position. They are a foundational basis of our fraternity. Some of us have endured to take them in front of God, our friends and loved ones when we entered the perilous journey of Holy Matrimony. Now, some of what I say here may not please some of you. It may downright make you angry and stir in you some great emotion. I am willing to accept that wrath, as I have taken an obligation myself, one to whisper good council. I have also made an obligation to myself as an education officer/committee member and so forth to bring the craft knowledge, whether it wants it or not. You see there has been much concern of late, with the craft and its dwindling numbers. Some concern extends to lodges that have recently purchased new buildings or attempted other monetary ventures with thoughts that it may gain membership. The main question on the trustees minds and the brotherhood's lips, would be “Will this (insert expense) be enough to bring in the new masons, to carry on this legacy?”

I am here as a younger mason, as a millennial, as one of the “new generation,” to tell you that as I see it that the answer is, “No.” Not just a regular no, but a resounding “No.” Younger newer masons that have never heard of the craft, will not join a lodge long term. I am not speaking of the legacy of old members, the generational masons that have family lineage. I am speaking of the new blood. You may ask “How is new mason retention and obligations related?” That is fairly simple, it's what we are offering. That said, “What are we offering?” To make good men better? A social club where you can meet men of a higher caliber? Brotherly Love? Relief? Truth?

Or are we offering 3 to 4 worn-out masons who have done 90% of the work for so long that they have become jaded from constantly picking up the slack because “Someone forgot?” Generally, someone who forgot, this isn’t their first, second, or third time, and from what I have been seeing lately these forgetful brothers are also officers. However, these now jaded tried and true masons not only took those obligations seriously, they believed in them. I don’t have to tell you brothers though, you’re the ones that are attending your lodge's activities as I write this. You’re actually attending, and frankly that’s the sad part. Not that you are attending, of course, but that those that need this message are the ones that are absent, because they “Had other things on their plate”, “No slack left in their cable tow.” Being one of the members that shows up, it puts you in a bit of a position of choice, well choice and burdensome guilt, for which I apologize. Your choice is to put in the work, or you can just sit on the sidelines enjoying the fruits of everyone else’s labor. 

Back to those new masons, if they are coming in to make themselves better, but they see no one holding themselves to a higher standard, why would they stay? If they are coming in for the social aspects, are they going to want to be around people that break promises? Is it brotherly love they are seeing when everyone leaves their work for another brother to pick up the slack? Because it is definitely not Relief! That's how we get grumpy past masters that give you the evil eye when you step wrong. As for truth , if a brother makes an obligation, a promise, and does not fulfill that obligation, he lied not only to himself, but he lied to the Grand Architect. Would this not be akin to breaking one’s marriage vows, because they “forgot?” Not sure that one is going to hold up in divorce court, let alone the aftermath when you reach your final destination.

Anyone who thought they signed up to the craft and thought they were getting something for nothing, is so very wrong. We all signed up to Work! That's the voluntary part of our organization, this is something we wanted. Not only did we want it, we paid money every year for the privilege in order to do it! There is a saying in the military, when you take your oath, your obligation to the country, I am sure many of you have heard it. They say you are writing a blank check to Uncle Sam, for up to and including one life. My brothers, this is an obligation made to our government. We all made an obligation at the altar to God; what does that check say? “Up to and including one soul?” The work never ends, our work never ends. After many years it may slow a little, but it doesn’t end. Many an old timer will claim they have put their work in, but that obligation doesn’t have an expiration date. Many things can be done, need to be done, and in my personal opinion, mentorship is at the top of the list. Words of wisdom, don’t expire either.

My lesson is this, if you want your lodge, this fraternity, to survive, give those new masons something to look up to, something to look forward to. Don’t give them a feast of hastily purchased fast food because you forgot and it was on the way. Don’t give them exasperated members that are being pulled in every direction because no one else will volunteer for a committee. And for the love of all that is holy don’t give them broken promises. Give them mentorship. Give them aspirations to help others and continue this work that has been going on for three centuries. Give them Freemasonry, and do it by fulfilling your obligations, wherever, whatever, your station, place, or folding chair.

~JPF

Justin Fleming is a Master Mason from the wonderful forests of Oregon where he lives with his wife and sons. Most recently was the Worshipful Master of Pearl Lodge #66 Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Oregon (2024) where he is a life-member. He also holds life-member status at Gresham #152 AF&AM of Oregon where he was Entered (2016), Passed (2017, and Raised (2017). Justin received the “Mason of the Year” award in 2021 from West Allis Lodge #291 Free and Accepted Masons of Wisconsin during his 2-year stint in the Midwest. Justin is also a Basic Lodge of Instruction trainer as well as a Master Trainer for the Fellows of the Craft. He is also a member of the Scottish Rite Valley of Salem Oregon, and the Sojourners Chapter of the Widows Sons. He can be reached at flemingjustin5@gmail.com.

Troward:The Hidden Power - Part 6

by Midnight Freemason Guest Contributor

Bro. Mark St. Cyr

Please find Part 1 here: http://www.midnightfreemasons.org/2024/06/trowardthe-hidden-power-part-1.html

Please find Part 2 here: http://www.midnightfreemasons.org/2024/07/trowardthe-hidden-power-part-2.html

Please find part 3 here: http://www.midnightfreemasons.org/2024/08/trowardthe-hidden-power-part-3.html

 Please find part 4 here: http://www.midnightfreemasons.org/2024/09/trowardthe-hidden-power-part-4.html

 Please find part 5 here: http://www.midnightfreemasons.org/2024/10/trowardthe-hidden-power-part-5.html

We often find ourselves entangled in the need to escape the limitations of traditional power structures, seeking the freedom and power that comes from understanding higher spiritual principles. This quest involves recognizing the principle of inversion, where traditional power structures must be understood in reverse to unlock true liberty and power. This concept is like reversing the flow of electricity to generate higher levels of energy, allowing us to transform our lives by reinterpreting established norms. 

The idea of inversion, though it may seem complex, is straightforward when applied to spiritual growth. In the same way that physical inversion in machinery creates new dynamics, spiritual inversion shifts our perspective, helping us understand that true power and liberty come from within. The principle that "as a man thinks, so is he" underscores this concept, suggesting that our internal beliefs shape our external reality. By recognizing this, we can free ourselves from the constraints of old ways of thinking and embrace a new paradigm where power and  liberty are interconnected. 

This principle is further illustrated by the idea that external actions are not the only causes of our experiences. Often, our internal beliefs and thoughts set the stage for our reality. This aligns with the Law of Works and the Circle of Karma, which show that the quality of our lives results from our internal states. Changing our thoughts and beliefs can break the cycle of negative experiences, leading to a new sequence of positive outcomes. 

By understanding the relationship between spirit and matter, we can see that spirit influences matter in profound ways. This recognition brings us to the Law of Faith and the Law of Liberty, which suggest that faith in our creative power and a liberated mindset can transform our lives. Embracing these laws means realizing that we are expressions of higher intelligence and love, capable of directing our thoughts and actions to align with the greater good.

In practical terms, this means recognizing the power of thought. Thought determines action, and when directed toward higher principles, it can produce significant changes in our lives. This understanding aligns with ancient teachings that emphasize the importance of inner knowledge and the connection between thought and reality. By aligning our thoughts with universal principles, we can harness the creative power of spirit to bring about positive change. 

However, not everyone possesses this knowledge. Many people still operate within limited frameworks, missing the deeper truths that could free them from unnecessary constraints. This misunderstanding often stems from misinterpretations of spiritual teachings. For instance, the idea of the Messiah in religious contexts often misses the broader implications of spiritual liberation. True spiritual freedom involves recognizing our inherent connection to the divine and the limitless possibilities that come with it. 

This realization requires a shift in perspective. We must move beyond traditional dogmas and embrace a more expansive understanding of spiritual principles. This shift involves recognizing the unity of all things and the continuous flow of creative energy that connects us to the universe. By doing so, we align ourselves with the higher laws of nature and the divine, allowing us to experience greater freedom and fulfillment. 

The practical application of these principles involves a conscious effort to align our thoughts and actions with higher truths. This process is akin to the scientific method, where hypotheses are tested and refined to reach a deeper understanding of reality. Similarly, in spiritual practice, we must test and refine our beliefs and actions to align with universal principles. This ongoing process leads to greater clarity and spiritual growth. 

The ultimate goal is to achieve a state of harmony with the universal mind, where our thoughts and actions are guided by a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of all things. This state of being is characterized by freedom from the limitations of traditional power structures and an embrace of the infinite possibilities that come with spiritual awareness. 

In conclusion, the principle of inversion and the interconnectedness of power and liberty offers a pathway to true spiritual freedom. By understanding and applying these principles, we can break free from old constraints and embrace a new paradigm of limitless potential. This journey involves a continuous process of learning, growth, and alignment with higher truths, leading to a life of greater fulfillment and harmony with the universe. 

~MSC 

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**Denotes a subtitle added for a more contemporary feel that was not included or used in the original work. 

Adapted from the original work: 

Troward, T. (1921). The Hidden Power, and other papers upon Mental science. Robert M. McBride & Company.  

All Material Cited is Free to Use within the Public Domain