What then is Masonry ? If it could answer, I believe it would say;

I am rooted in the midst of great antiquity, and point to God and eternity. I am the Past, Present and future; I belong to the ages. I circle the globe and stand at the crossroads of the world. I am steeped in tradition and traced in the pages of history. I have rites and words that have beauty, symmetry and rhythm. I have knowledge, wisdom and secrets locked in my bosom, which I give to men who come to me desiring me in their hearts. I place upon my altars Holy Writ and turn to the deity in prayer. I hold a Square and Compasses in my hands and contemplate a line from earth to heaven. I speculate with all the tools of operative masons, and I translate their use into moral values and spiritual building. I await all free men of lawful age and good report, but solicit none. I admit them of their own free will and accord, and teach them brotherhood and unity. I make builders of men of those who are willing, and give them my tools that they may work. I stoop to raise the fallen brethren and cast out the unworthy. I walk in the way of charity and travel the road of peace and harmony. I render aid to the poor, the sick and the distressed. I answer the cry of the orphan, and sustain the widow and the aged. I commit to the earth brethren who travel to that "Undiscovered Country". I ponder at the moment of the ravages of time, as I stand at the door of eternity. I am a way of life that teaches immortality. I raise men from darkness to light.

Published in The Empire State Mason, September/October 1963