Lodge Burroughs Strange No. 87
Vijayawada, India

"Why I became a Mason" is a question posed to me by very many of my friends and relatives. sometimes even Masons - a question which though looks simple it indeed complex and leads to contemplation - contemplation over a period of 40 years.

It cannot be denied that a vast number of candidates had approached and continue to approach the portals of our Order in absolute ignorance of the nature of our institution, than out of sheer curiosity, or at the least, for the more acceptable, though equally nebulous reason of being blessed with Masonic relatives and friends. I was however a little more fortunate or blessed in being a Lewis-though this special privilege in my younger days had not helped in removing that fearful apprehension of sordid ordeals attached to Masonry prevalent commonly amongst not only the lay public but even amongst the educated class.

I am reminded of a practical instance which had affected my mother Lodge to a considerable extent on this score. Lodge Pandyan had, as early as in 1920, felt the need to remove it Temple to the outskirts of Madurai City due to developing congestion within the inner precinct of the city where the Temple was situated. All endeavours to sell the Building to any individual having proved a failure, in 1920 an offer was made to Madurai Municipality to sell the building. The Municipal Chairman, in all good faith, offered to purchase the property for not less than Rs. 25,000, but nothing had happened in the succession of Councils for years. This process was oft repeated till 1937, when the offer was again made to the municipality, as by then the Lodge's abode in the city was engulfed on all sides by squalid quarters; and it became imperative for the Lodge to move out. A letter finally came from the Commissioner of the Municipality, an I.C.S. Officer, setting out the reason for this inordinate delay on the part of the successive Municipal Councils to have averted the purchase of the Lodge Building. He had explained in the letter that ever since the initial offer was made to the Municipality in 1920, the successive Municipal Councils had been periodically considering the subject of purchasing the Building for use of a Municipal School, and that each time, the subject had been shelved unanimously by the Councillors, for the reason that the building was a haunted place and that most of them believed that the building was an abode of black magic and sorcery. Hence the Councilors had, for a period of nearly 17 long years, championed the cause of saving the poor innocent school children from occupying such an abode. The Municipal Commissioner, had, however, volunteered that if the price be reduced from Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 15,000, he hoped to convince the Councillors to venture out to make the purchase, as very many of the then Councillors believed that the building could be sanctified by special poojas. The Lodge, after much deliberation, had no alternative but to accept the offer to the Municipality, for a loss in price amounting to Rs. 10,000 and that too, after a lapse of 17 years - only because of the unfavourable image that Masonry had projected in the community. I understand that similar atmosphere prevails in many places where Masonic Temples are situated. This is indeed a sorry state of affairs.

If a census were taken within the Lodge, not only in India, but throughout the world of Freemasonry on the subject of the treatment of aspirants for initiation, it is probable that result would show that despite the advancement made in Masonic thinking in the matter, a vast majority still have their candidates not only in a state of complete and utter darkness but also in a condition of anxiety which is quite unwarranted.

It is indeed a fundamental principle in our order that no "improper solicitation" be made to entreat or petition a person to become a member. But it is common knowledge that many of our friends and relatives, who could be considered as suitable building materials for Masonry, lie languished simply because they are not aware of the very existence of our beautiful institution and in certain cases, they do not know the nature of our order. I feel that a discreet and casual enquiry put to a close friend or relative, who could be considered to be suitable material, to ascertain if he has ever given any thought of the Order, should in no way offend the Constitution. I know of very many cases, where worthy men, who could have adorned our Order with distinction, had expressed rather very late in their lives that, as is the rules in several associations, they were under the impression that it would be polite to await an invitation rather than seek admission, to avoid the possibility of causing embarrassment. This added to the reticence of their Masonic friends, had made them keep away from the subject, rather than thrust themselves.

The strange and repugnant wall of reticence is unfortunately found even between the fathers who are Masons and their sons. Many stones of lustre and beauty and strength have thus been left unturned.

It is my firm conviction that there need not be any secret with regard to the basic principles of Freemasonry, Are we not to tell the educated men that Masonry is a fraternal Association for just, upright and freemen of mature age, sound judgement and strict morals?

While I would strongly champion the fundamental principle that no 'Improper solicitation" be made to attractmen into Masonry, I would like to see that proper steps be taken to dispel the fearful apprehensions and anaemic misunderstanding of Masonry that are prevalent in our society, to endeavour to project true image of Masonry in the eyes of the public, to become integral part of the society and this Nation, without shedding any of its tenets and dignity, and to attract into our exalted order, proper and precious materials which remain unturned and which would prove to be ornaments to our Order.

I consider myself most fortunate not only in being a Lewis but in having had an opportunity to know during my adulthood that it was worthwhile to become a Mason, to be aware that Masonic brotherhood was worldwide, that Masonry is meant to make a man a better man and that the principles are sound and based on moral principles. It may be that I had gained these thoughts in my conscience and inner self, by fleeting images of the Masonic relationship of my father with the other members of his Lodge. It may be, the grand and the edifying passages of the Masonic Ritual which I had wantonly or un-wantonly overheard or eavesdropped when being recited by my father, in preparation for ceremonies, had presumably prepared me in my mental approach to become a Mason, Though my resolve was received by many friends and relatives with sympathy, I am happy I had the courage to approach my father and to express my desire that I would like to be Mason.

"Why I became a Mason?" Well, it is amazing that I have become a Mason in spite of all the wall of utter secrecy. I am happy I have become a Mason.