Coconut Grove Lodge No.258 F.&A.M.

I have been inundated with Masonic news groups and some new Masons whom seem to think that they have a need to write articles on Freemasonry. There are several so called Masonic Yahoo Groups asking Masons (and non Masons) to join their Group and read their articles and contribute to their Group.

Like it or not I would like all my brothers to know my feelings on this subject. I have been a Mason just short of 36 years and if I learned only one thing that is we don't need the so called pre-mason intellects to come into our beloved fraternity and spouse their need to show what they seem to think is Gods gift to the greatest fraternity in the world their intellect. OK yes I am talking about Brothers who, for the most part, have not spent but very few hours in a Blue Lodge learning, or teaching Masonic principles and Masonic etiquette.

It brings to my mind these so called researchers of Freemasonry who write books and articles on Freemason as to where they receive all this information, and to what their intention are I can only guess that they want to stand out in and among Masonic circles. I can't believe any one these authors are over a hundred years old or more, and talk from experience. Brother if you are doing research from old books, please get involved in your Blue Lodge, after all Freemasonry stood alone for many, many years before append 'ant organizations were formed. My gung-ho Brothers you can and will spend your life time being completely involved in your Blue Lodge.

Please think of your Blue Lodge, as it was formed and intended to be, your Masonic family. Remember you have taken three different oaths and obligations to help and support your Blue Lodge. You either are or your not part of the foundation what keeps your Lodge in operation. There is nothing more you can give to a new Brother at his degrees then to see Brothers on the side lines. Spend more time with and in your Blue Lodge and support all its principles. Show what your intentions were in asking for a petition for the three degrees in the first instance. Over the years I have been a Master Mason I have listened to Brothers by the dozens lament on the subject of deceasing membership, its my contention that Freemasonry has been prostituted by trying to fill our membership rolls with bodies. How many times I have heard the phrase "WHERE ARE ALL THE NEW BROTHERS WE RAISED" well I say that your Blue Lodge has not given new members anything to want to come back to, that is if these new members had hopes of joining the most prestigious fraternity in the world. Sorry Brothers those of you how think its cute to sit on the sidelines and during meeting and talk to another when only the Master of the Lodge has the right to recognize a Brother to stand and speak.

Blue Lodge Masonic education is so beautiful and so deep it takes many years to learn. In 36 years I have not learned all there is to offer a serious Brother. I feel sure that this open letter will not make it into any Yahoo Group, nor any other printed news letter/paper. And yes my Brothers your Blue Lodge only offers you the number of third degree Master Mason, please take it from me you have attained the highest degree number in Blue Lodge Freemasonry. If this so called letter offends any of my Brothers I am sorry, I only know what I have learned and have a need to say this in an open letter.

Last but not least brothers visit your Blue Lodge and notice the incompetence of the Officers sitting in chairs in which they can't show any proficiency in their part of opening the Lodge, let alone exemplify a degree, yet we continue to advance through the appointed and elected chairs these same Brothers. This has caused a very serious breakdown in most all of our Blue Lodges. I guess I have said enough to cause those Brothers who don't feel a need to contribute to their Blue Lodge if only by attendance due their obligation.

W. Brother John E. Gardner
9070 S.W. 69th. Terrace
Miami, Florida 33173
Home 305-596-5259
Cell 305-801-3924
Email JGARD40022@AOL.COM