Grand Oration
January 27, 2007
Frank C. Baker, W. Grand Orator

Most Worshipful Grand Master, Most Worshipful Past Grand Masters, Distinguished Guests, Grand Lodge Officers, Brethren all:

Before I begin my address, I would like to thank Most Worshipful Grand Master, James D. Woodward for appointing me to the office of Grand Orator. This year has been a very fulfilling, enlightening and rewarding experience, thus enabling me to have the opportunity to freely express my thoughts in twelve orations. Oh, and I would be remiss if I didn't thank my dear wife Carole who has so graciously and patiently acted as my sounding board throughout this journey.

I have tried to keep each oration interesting and fun as well as portray an important meaning that is related to our way of life. From the moral tenants that are the very essence of our Fraternity - in the civil values that are the roots of all great societies - to the personal beliefs that make us who we are; I hope I didn't bore anyone. If I did, my apologies are in order.

The Grand Lodge visitations began at my home Lodge and ended at the Grand Master's first affiliate Lodge in Utah. For me, they began with the uncertainty of inexperience and ended with the confidence that comes from experience. They began with "Cementing Our Foundations" and ended with "Winning, The Real National Treasure".

In the lecture of the Entered Apprentice degree we are reminded about the great teaching of a point within a circle and by this symbolization we are taught that the point is the individual brother and the circle is the boundary line of his conduct. Now taking this concept one dimension further; think of yourself as a point within a sphere. This brings me to the theme of my address; "The pursuit of excellence through unity". As we circumscribe our desires and keep our passions within due bounds we must also strive to reach out in all directions from the centers of our own comfort zones, from the shackles of selfishness, from the confines of our protective shells and move outwardly toward our fellow brothers, filling our spheres with the moral character, positive attitudes and civil actions that are so essentially necessary in our lodges, in our homes and in our communities. We are truly a point within a sphere.

The sphere, as a symbol adds dimension and perspective relative to our own sense of space and place in life. When we interact and communicate with one another the boundary lines of our conduct will most likely conjoin. Our personalities, our passions, our prejudices and our beliefs will mingle. If we fill our spheres with all of the great teachings of masonry; the conjoining of the spheres will most likely contain within them similar values; we become unified in thought - in action - in purpose. Now we can achieve excellence through unity; peace and harmony will prevail. Our spheres are constantly being bombarded from all directions and from all angles by all kinds of outside influence. Some of these influences are negative and detrimental to us and the Fraternity. In turn, we can defend against these negative influences by pursuing excellence through unity.

In the 1772 edition of Illustrations of Masonry, William Preston wrote; "I would not, however, have it inferred from this remark, that those masons who labour under the disadvantages of a confined education, or whose sphere of life requires a more intense application to business or study, should be discouraged in their endeavours to gain a knowledge of masonry: I only mean, that it is not absolutely necessary to be acquainted with the more intricate parts of the science, to qualify an individual to enjoy the benefits of the society, and to partake its privileges."

He went on to say, "Some are more dexterous and artificial than others, some more expert, some more eminent, some more useful; yet all, in their different spheres, may prove advantageous to the community; and our necessities as well as our consciences bind us to love one another. It is certain that the industrious tradesman proves himself a very useful member of society, and worthy of every honor the craft can confer; yet still it must be allowed, that those who, by accepting offices, exercise authority, should be properly qualified to discharge it with honor to themselves, and credit to their different stations. - All men are not blessed with the same powers, all men have not the same advantages: All men therefore are not equally qualified to govern. - Masonry is founded upon too noble, too generous principles, to admit of disquietude and variance among its professors; neither arrogance and presumption appear on the one hand, nor diffidence and inability on the other. True friendship is cultivated among different ranks of men, and that endearing happiness promoted, which constitutes the essence of civil society."

In our time - today, the world is full of negative influences such as hate and intolerance, ignorance and immorality, corruption and injustice. We have listened to the ramblings of a tyrant from the Middle East. We have seen prejudice and bigotry raise its ugly head and witnessed the destruction of property and personal freedom by crafty dictators. We have viewed with horror the taking of innocent human life by evil men. The skirt of Liberty has become frayed by the fangs of the terrorist yet still; she remains strong and holds the torch of freedom secure for all who seek the light of truth. In our time - today, it is more important than ever that we stay united in our moral principles and steadfast in the upright beliefs of this fraternity - together in unity as one common beacon of light. Excellence through unity starts with a personal commitment to improve ourselves, to do better, to search for knowledge thus protecting ourselves from negative influences by filling our spheres with the light of truth. The outcome is a unified consensus of the many on how we obtain that commitment through peacefully working together as men and masons. We are taught that each of us is a ray of the divine light and as such we can come together as one great beacon that will illuminate even the darkest corners of the globe with the light of truth. What makes us different from all others is the resolve we have to seek the truth and defend the rights of others to obtain the truth. In our time - today, more than ever Masonry must not and cannot dilute its principles through ignorance and mediocrity or by the inaction of apathy and complacency nor by the absence of excellence through unity.

When we are not civil to one another we strike a blow against the foundation of Masonry - When we do not care about one another we erode the cement that bonds our Fraternity together - When we stop seeking excellence and settle for mediocrity we will cause our Masonic edifice to crumble into the ruins of antiquity.

Within the past year each of us as individuals - as a Fraternity of Masons - as a Masonic Family have experienced pain and sorrow, love and joy, frustration and disappointment - all of the human emotions in this journey called life. We have become stronger, we have become closer and we have become unified because we have the same resolve. We maintain the same passions. We have common goals and similar beliefs. We remain focused and faced in the same direction. We pursue excellence through unity.

It has been one year since we have formally met as a Grand Lodge and now we have come full circle on this rollercoaster of ups and downs, of highs and lows, of trials and tribulations. Ask yourself: have I kept my passions within due bounds? Have I betrayed my character through prejudice and ignorance? Have I mislead my interests through selfishness and greed? This perpetual ride through the confines of life's challenges only seem to enhance the pursuit for excellence and cultivate this desire we have to belong, to relate, to be unified, to be upright men and Masons!

Now, take a moment and look to your left…now, look to your right. Who do you see? What do you see? Is there a smile on the face of the brother next to you? Is there a smile on your face? Of course there is; we have a common bond, we share togetherness and a sense of purpose that has withstood the test of time and not experienced by many groups of men. "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!"

Excellence is achieved through unity; our spheres are filled with the passions of moral men, a purpose to do good and dogma in the light of truth; brotherly love will prevail. Simply put; "Civility is to the gentlemen as the trowel is to the Mason and we are one in the same."

Now, go forth and cultivate the pursuit of excellence through unity. Spread the cement of brotherly love and friendship in your Lodges and enjoy the fulfillment and happiness that giving and sharing brings. To each and every one of you, I bid you peace.

Thank you and enjoy the rest of your day! Frank C. Baker, Worshipful Grand Orator