Rights, Privileges, and Responsibilities

When conferring degrees at various stages of our lives, there is heard the phrase, " I confer upon you this degree, with all of the rights, privileges, and responsibilities". Generally in the excitement of the moment, the full meaning of these words is easily forgotten. Likewise, in the Lodge when an initiate advances, the full meaning of the obligation and the lessons are not fully comprehended.

Within a short time, however, the new Mason recognizes and assumes the "rights" accorded him. He comes to know that he has the "right" to attend Lodge meetings, he votes upon new members, he can admonish and correct less informed Masons, and he can enforce the tenets of the Order. Within each Lodge, whether Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, or Masters' Lodge, rights are accorded the members and they should be proud of those rights.

It is easy to see privileges accorded a Mason, especially those earned by previous generations of honorable, community minded, charitable and good men. How often are recalled the State and National leaders who were members of the Fraternity and by being a member, each Mason enjoys the privilege of association with men such as them. It is a privilege to have the confidence and support of our Brothers, not alone the Brotherly affection and care.

But many forget that with the above rights and privileges, there are great responsibilities placed upon a Mason. Beyond the individual commitments of the obligations, there are expectations of better conduct, working toward personal improvement, having high integrity, seeking truth, and working toward Light. Virtue, honor, and reputation are expected, but at a higher level than before becoming a Mason.

Character and trust are qualities that require constant attention for each Mason is an example of all Masons to those outside the Lodge. Our responsibility to the All-Seeing Eye should prompt each Mason to treat all fairly upon a level of doing unto others, as they wish them to do to them. A Mason should a straighter path, following the plumb line, and understanding how level will be that time, when facing the Great Architect.

Being a Mason has rights and privileges, but responsibilities are what the true
Mason recognizes, accepts, and assumes.