"Perception"
Provo Utah Visitation
Allen W. Record, W. Grand Orator

Most Worshipful Grand Master, Past Grand Masters, Worshipful Masters, Brothers, Ladies and Friends, it is my pleasure to be with you this evening and to deliver this Oration. Tonight my oration is titled Perception.

In my work, I have been called upon on several occasions to work with managers on several levels to help them with their interactions with others and specifically their subordinates. One of the main things I stress is this; Perception IS Reality. This is true regardless of what the individual “knows” reality to be, their truth is not necessarily the perception of others, and therefore their truth is not reality. This is a very difficult thing for many to grasp because it forces the acceptance of an “alternate reality” if you will, and once realized, it requires a look in the mirror.

All of us in this room tonight know what Masonry is. We know it to be the oldest and greatest fraternity on the face of the earth. We know that we try to attract good men, and endeavor to make them better, and we know that we do good works for our fellow Masons, and the communities in which we live and meet. Even though we each know these things to be true, is that really the perception of those in the community and the general public? I know we would all like to say yes, but what we know to be true, may not be what reality, based on the publics perception of us.

Let’s examine a few examples of this, and explore some possible things we as Masons can do to either change peoples perception of Freemasonry, or at the very least give them a perception of Freemasonry.

Many of us have had someone we’ve never met before make a comment about a ring we may be wearing, a necklace we have on, or a decal we have on the back of our car. I have personally experienced this on several occasions. What I found to be disturbing is that when I have answered their query by telling them that I’m a Mason, and that the square and compasses they see are a symbol of Freemasonry, the follow up question by some are “who are the masons?”, or “what is Freemasonry?”. My first thought is, how can you not know who the Masons are, how can you not know about this great organization that does so much for the community? Rather than actually say that to them, I usually ask them if they are familiar with the Shriners, or the Shrine Hospitals for Children. This usually provides a positive response to which I tie the Shrine back to Freemasonry. From there depending on the situation, the conversation turns to more information about Masonry, or just simply saying nothing more. Regardless of how long the conversation, at the end of it there is always one of four results; a perception is changed, made, solidified, or enhanced. This occurs based upon the information provided, the words used, and even body language.

A common perception of the craft is that we are just a bunch of old guys. Now depending on the particular Lodge, this perception may indeed be true; however, we know we are much more than that. Our Lodges, here in Utah and throughout the world are getting younger and younger by the year. This perception is easily changed by simply being out in the community and showing the public the faces of our membership.

Of course the most widespread perception of Masonry is that we are a secret society. We all know this is not true, but this is where a look in the mirror is warranted. Why are we viewed as a secret society? What have ‘WE’ done to promote that perception? I’m pleased to say that in this Grand Lodge, and many others throughout the Country and world have looked in that mirror. We as a jurisdiction are opening the doors of every one of our temples and inviting the public to come in and see the buildings for themselves. We do this not to recruit members, or even to dispel rumors, but to help the general public change, solidify, or enhance their perception of us, or to gain an initial perception.

In the third degree we are charged that it ought to be our constant care to preserve unsullied the reputation of our institution. By opening our doors to the public, we are doing just that.

Another piece to perception understands that it goes both ways. Our perception of others & the public at large is our reality, even though it may not be theirs. We may have a perception that the public may not be interested what we have to say or do. This again requires a look in the mirror and questions need to be asked. Do they have an interest in us? Do we want them to be interested in what we say and do, or do we secretly like the “aire of mystery” about us? Hopefully, we as a Fraternity will continue to assume that they are interested and we continue to offer opportunities to provide positive perceptions about ourselves.

In the media and in Hollywood as of late, Freemasonry has come to the forefront of people’s consciousness. Many of the perceptions about the craft that have been formed by these movies and books are quite fanciful, and some are down right negative. Some now believe that the Masons are hiding some secret treasure. That perception is very true on both sides, just not the same treasure. While some have been lead to believe that there is gold and jewels being hidden by us, we know that the Treasure we have is that of our Fraternity. The Treasure of true friendship and brotherhood, which makes us all rich. The negative perceptions that have been formed are enhanced by the Anti-Masonic groups. Rumors of plots to overthrow governments, plans of salvation, and the secret meanings of our rituals are just a few things they put out. To this we need to ask only a couple questions. Do we want to change their perception? Most importantly, can we change their perception? Of course we would like to change their perception, but realistically, we can’t, or at least not right away.

What we can do, is this. Always be mindful of our actions and words. Show the world through our actions that we are who and what we say we are. Give everyone we encounter a positive perception of us as people and as Masons. Some day, one of those people might discuss Masonry with another, and they will look back at our words and actions to decide what they will say about the Fraternity.

At this point, it is my perception that the Grand Master would like to go upstairs and start the meeting, so with that, thanks for your attention, please enjoy the rest of your evening.