From the Office of the Right Worshipful Grand Lecturer
TAPPING THE OUTSIDE OF FREEMASONRY
We, as Masons, speak proudly, and justifiably so, of the Great Teachings of our Fraternity. We make loudly applauded speeches (at least, we hope they'll be loudly applauded) about the Sublime and Eternal Truths contained within our Symbols.
We sometimes speak of Freemasonry as a liberal education, which it is. We sometimes speak of Freemasonry as a religion, which it isn't. But, despite all the splendid things we say about Freemasonry, and justifiably so, isn't it true that very few of us gives any considerable time to a study of the Lessons and Teachings which we vocally hold in such high esteem? Isn't it true that at every exemplification of a degree we see and hear many things which we but partially understand, yet our curiosity is not aroused to such an extent that we make any serious effort to discover the meaning of the things we do not comprehend.
I am reminded of the faithful railway employee, who spent fifty years of his life tapping the wheels of trains that stopped at a certain division point. The superintendent of the road had heard of the faithful employee. One day he got off his special train for the purpose of complimenting the old man. When the superintendent got off, the old employee already was tapping the wheels. He went down one side and up the other. When the task had been completed, the superintendent stepped up and introduced himself.
I understand you have been on this job for half a century and have never missed a day. That's correct, the old man said. It must be a great deal of satisfaction to you to look back upon 50 years of faithful service. Yes, sir, it certainly is the old man said. You must take a great deal of pride in the fact that for half a century, pleasant days and stormy days, in rain or shine,
snow and sleet, you have played your part in looking after the safety of the passengers on this great railway. Yes sir, I'm mighty proud of my record. The superintendent said now, my good man, explain to me why you tap those wheels. The old man said I'll be doggoned if I know.
Isn't our Masonry a great deal like the service of the faithful old railway employee? Don't the greater number of us merely tap the outside, the surface, without having much idea of what it is all about. Isn't the greater number of us so lacking in curiosity that we don't try to find out why we do this or why we do that or what it means to do it. Let's develop a little curiosity.