The North Carolina Mason

They never judged anyone by the color of their skin, their gender, their sexuality, their wealth, or their religion, only by the content of their character. Appalachian folks take seriously the commandment to love our neighbors. My dad moved to a nursing home a few years ago because of debilitating back issues, but despite his pain, he immediately became the mayor of Pisgah Manor, greeting every new resident, making them feel welcome, making them feel a part of the community, and making them feel a sense of belonging. A sense of belonging is important to us as humans. The connections between us are what give our lives purpose and meaning. It is, in fact, a sense of belonging that makes being a Freemason meaningful to me. We often talk about our charity, our ritual, the esoteric, and leadership as essential elements of Masonry, and they absolutely are, but I would say to you that the most important part about being a Mason, the foundation upon which the rest is built, is our fraternalism, our sense of belonging. The pandemic put a real spotlight on community and the challenges we have in the modern world building a sense of belonging. A report came out just a few months ago saying 20 percent of all men in the United States report that they do NOT have a single close friend! Twenty percent! And as many said they only have one. This isn't just troubling, it's a crisis. Whether we are extroverts or introverts, people are social creatures. We need friendships and relationships to be emotionally healthy and physically healthy, and need to have meaningful and joyful lives. Having a sense of belonging, having a group of men with whom you are close, having brothers whom you trust and can depend upon, is the cure. As we work to ensure that our fraternity not only survives but thrives, we know that the lodge experience is the place to start. If all you do at a stated communication is argue about the power bill, after a while, you're probably not going to come back. That's why excellent ritual and great Masonic education are keys, but what I've come to realize is that the core of any great lodge experience is building and promoting a sense of belonging. That's why I am going to come back next month, because I care about these guys, and they care about me. History, mysticism, esotericism, charity, and family tradition may bring you to Masonry, but it Kevan D. Frazier, Grand Master FM E GND MTEr Remember the First Tenet of Masonry I was fortunate to grow up in a very loving household. My mom and dad offered their love unconditionally, not only to me but friends and family alike. My parents taught me that everyone is a child of God and worthy of respect. 4 | T H E M A S O N M AGA Z I N E

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