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“THE PRACTICAL GLOBALISATION OF FREEMASONRY”

It has always been known that Freemasonry was spread across the Globe, and with minor variations conveyed the same message of Brotherhood round the World. Ignorant busy-bodies have sometimes denigrated our fraternal movement from envy perhaps, but nevertheless it has flourished in most liberal societies, and taken under its wing men with inclinations towards spiritual and intellectual betterment, ranging under its banners men of different faiths, nationalities and social status. So it has been for more than three centuries.

In more recent times, with the convenience of modern travel, communications and reach, the World itself has become a smaller place, allowing for more accessible connections to be made between the peoples of the world in general, and those of our fraternity in particular.

We are therefore now seeing invitations being received from other recognized Constitutions and jurisdictions, for get-togethers, which not only promote fraternal relations but help in the exchange of Masonic information, and in learning from each others experience in managing our fraternal administrations.

We can envisage a growth in such exchanges, in a sort of Masonic Tourism developing where groups of Masons from one country could visit another, in a kind of exchange program, and indeed even in our own country, we could move around our Masonic jurisdictions, and gain valuable and enriching experiences, of people, places and the practice of Masonry. Could this perhaps then lead to more permanent vacation linkages being organized, particularly involving Mason’s families, and especially children? And Senior Citizens as well.

I do not know how many of you know that residents of our Masonic Senior Citizen’s Homes in the U.K. are taken on holidays funded by Grand Charity. Something for us to ponder over on Elders’ Day (October 2^nd) for our own Senior Citizen’s Project, when it is up and running.

It has been found by studies that Information Technology has most assisted the Service Sector in its global growth, as the Internet and tele-communications has facilitated global access to various services. Can Masonry be an exception? As a small example even our own D.G.L. Website has certainly improved the communications, and dispersal of information between our Brethren and between them and our administration – and even if many of our Brethren have not regularly accessed it, I am sure they are comforted by the thought of such access being available, when required.

In my travels and contacts round the World, I emphasise the need to give effect to such practical manifestations of our Global reach, so that the bonds of Masonry enable us to reach across socially to our confreres round the World, and exchange with them, our knowledge, experience and culture.

So mote it be!