Written By: Ill. J. Brian McNaughton, 33°
Valley: Fort Wayne, IN
A vision statement is utilized to describe an organization’s long-term goals and it encapsulates the emotional context of what an organization wishes to become. In Masonic terms, a vision statement represents an organization’s desired transition from a rough to perfect ashlar. In 2010, the Scottish Rite, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction adopted the following vision statement:
“We will strive to be a fraternity that fulfills our Masonic obligation to care for our members.“
We will care
for our members. But, what does it mean to care? This seemingly innocuous word is at the very heart of our Vision Statement and one that we as Masons have obligated ourselves upon. Interestingly, its deeper complexity is the very key to our future and something we should all take a moment to reflect upon.
During a recent round-table panel discussion, the question was raised of whether this vision statement was still applicable to our organization. In effect, it was acknowledged that we as a fraternity have deep esteem (care) for our members and so our work, according to our vision statement, is therefore complete. Right? Not exactly. With esteem and emotional care, we have just begun to scratch the surface. The term “care” is a wonderfully multi-faceted word that bears with it three distinct applications:
* Emotional Care
* Supportive Care
* Nurturing Care
Emotional care, or Brotherly Love and affection, is a basic tenant of our fraternity. It is with this level of care that the Worshipful Master greeted each of us at the altar of Freemasonry and we further obligated ourselves to two additional levels of care for one another. Emotional care is frequently demonstrated through our Brother-To-Brother calling outreach.
By supportive care, we refer to those efforts currently underway with our Grand Almoner’s Fund in our constant efforts to help, aid, and assist our Brothers and families in times of dire financial distress.
It is through the addition of nurturing care that the multi-faceted definition of care becomes complete. Our obligation to help, aid, and assist extends beyond emotional and supportive care. It is also our duty to assume the mantle of teacher and gardener to help our members grow. The youngest Entered Apprentice is reminded of this by the Worshipful Master that he should seek out and learn from more experienced Brothers in the fraternity so that he might improve in Masonry. Nurturing care is equally vital for growth, education, and development in both our personal and organizational journey from rough to perfect ashlar.
Our Vision Statement is an evolving goal of fulfilling the emotional, supportive, and nurturing care of our members and is one that we must all continue to strive
to achieve.
“We will strive to be a fraternity that fulfills our Masonic obligation to care for our members.“
Sincerely & Fraternally,
J. Brian McNaughton, 33°