A Letter to New Master Masons

Our Dear Brother,

Welcome to Smithfield Lodge!

You have just entered a new world. A world as separate and as distinct from that in which you lived, before you became a Mason, as light is to darkness; as day is to night; or as heaven is to earth. You may not be aware of this fact, because you have just reached the base of the "Masonic Mountain." Your Entered Apprentice Degree took you through the lowland approaches to the Mountain and tested your native intelligence. Your Fellowcraft Degree prepared you mentally for the journey through the foothills. It encouraged you to add education to your intellect. Finally, your Master's Degree established you at the base of the "Mountain." It taught you the need to be true and faithful to the trust given you in this life, through your mastery of yourself. You are now entitled to receive as much light as your desire and ability will permit. It is impossible to know the full beauty of Freemasonry until you reach the Mountain Top. We can assure you that the results will be worth the effort.

In Masonry, as in mountain climbing, you can only attain the full exhilaration and stimulation through your own effort and exertion. As in mountain climbing, every upward step will extend your vision and expand your perspective. When you reach the summit, your horizons will be unlimited.

Even though Freemasonry is not a religion, some men have experienced a spiritual rebirth. This happens as their relationship with other "Mountain Climbers" opens their eyes to their position in the "scheme of things" -- in "God's Plan for Mankind." As a result, they have become better fathers, better husbands, better churchmen, and better citizens.

You now have a decision to make. First, you can choose to stay at the foot of the Masonic mountain. Many thousands have done this, "Who have gone this way before you." Second, you can decide that you do not like the "mountain climate" and go back to the swamps and mires which are the habitats of ordinary men -- the bogs of despondency, loneliness and despair. Thirdly, you can start climbing by the study of, and participation in, the Masonic Way of Life. A life where peace, serenity and happiness prevail.

As Brother Mason, it is our duty to caution you -- if you decide to start climbing -- that, like any endeavor, you will run into those who will want you to stay with them at the base camp. You will run into those who started out, but clouds obscured their view of the summit. They have decided they are not up to the task and that all is vanity. They will want you to return to the foothills or even to the swamplands with them. Even worse, you may come across the misguided Brother who, because of envy or lack of moral fiber, may try to throw stumbling blocks in your way. These are the ones who were not properly interviewed before admission. Please, do NOT let any of these negative Brethren turn you from the path towards the peak. Look on them as minor obstacles, and pray for them. Help them because as Brother Masons they need it, and Masonry needs all the strength of all Masons.

We are eternally grateful to The Grand Architect that where you find one "hinderer," you will find thousands of helping Brothers. These wonderful men will cheerfully lend you a hand when the way is rough, throw you a rope to cross a crevasse, or show you a smoother path up the mountain side. The choice is yours, our Brother. The members of Smithfield Lodge and all worthy Masons about the world, hope you decide to START CLIMBING.