By Joseph Maddalena
Hometown Weekly Correspondent
The Grand Lodge of Massachusetts recently held its annual open house initiative, where every lodge in the state of Massachusetts hosted an open house on the same day. The primary goal of this event was to cultivate stronger relationships with their local communities and extend a warm invitation to the public to explore the inner workings of their Masonic lodges. Through these open houses, attendees had the opportunity to delve into the local history and gain a better understanding of Freemasonry.
The open house was held at the Westwood Masonic Building, nestled at 655 High St, Westwood in the town of Westwood. This remarkable structure served as the home to four distinct and unique Masonic lodges: Rabboni, West Roxbury, Dorchester, Celestial, and Prospect Lodge. Each of these lodges had left an indelible mark on the Westwood community, and they all had intriguing histories worth exploring.
During the visit, guests had the privilege of engaging with the Master of Prospect Lodge, Steve Sears. He kindly offered attendees a tour of their splendid building. Sears was presented with a poignant question about what the public should understand regarding Freemasonry. With a thoughtful demeanor, Sears responded, "We are not a secret society; we are a society with secrets."
This succinct statement encapsulated a core principle of Freemasonry—the distinction between secrecy and privacy. While Freemasonry had often been shrouded in mystery, it was essential to recognize that the organization's intentions were far from nefarious. In reality, Freemasonry aimed to preserve certain ancient customs, rituals, and teachings, sharing them with individuals who expressed a sincere interest in its principles and values.
The open house initiative, as witnessed in Westwood, illustrated Freemasonry's commitment to transparency and openness. By welcoming the public into their lodges, they hoped to debunk misconceptions and reveal the benevolent aspects of their organization. These open houses provided an opportunity for the community to engage in dialogue with Masons and learn more about the positive contributions Freemasonry had made to society over the years.
In the town of Westwood, the four Masonic lodges housed in the Westwood Masonic Building were deeply ingrained in the local fabric. Each lodge had its own unique traditions, fostering a sense of pride and community involvement. They were far from enigmatic secret societies, and the open house event was a testament to their willingness to share their history, values, and contributions with the public.
The Grand Lodge of Massachusetts' commitment to fostering community relationships and demystifying Freemasonry was commendable. The annual open house served as a beacon of transparency, showcasing that Freemasonry was a society with valuable lessons and insights, rather than a secretive cabal. As the doors of these Masonic lodges swung open to the public, the community was encouraged to explore, learn, and, most importantly, gain a deeper appreciation for the principles Freemasonry upheld.
