Under the Canopy of Diversity: A Better Understanding of Freemasonry

Authors:
Peter Verrall and Kerry Nicholls

The latest book produced by the Australian and New Zealand Masonic Research Council, it is a must buy. At RRP of $30.00 AUD per copy or $25.00 AUD for resale by Lodges (minimum order of 10), it represents a good deal for the inquiring mind. This 250-page, full-colour book combines new information with challenging discoveries about Freemasonry which will both inform and entertain the reader.

Orders should be placed with:
Alan Gale, Books Editor:
[Contact him via email here]
or
ANZMRC Book Order
C/- Alan Gale, 117 Wheatley St
Gosnells, WA, Australia, 6110

About the book

Works of Masonic Research should not be confused with Masonic History lessons. The legends, symbolism, allegories and many moral themes of the three Craft Degrees provide a wealth of inspiration for speculative endeavour.

Authors WBro Kerry Nicholls and  RWBro Peter Verrall have brought much good ore to the surface and present it in a highly refi ned state. Both bring new material to light in their work and soundly researched their topics. They show that research, when properly conducted, is certainly not boring. Indeed it can challenge and threaten a reader’s beliefs. This is a good thing. The challenge of differing ideas is a catalyst for increased learning and understanding.

Freemasonry and Free Thought

The nature of Freemasonry is to encourage its Brethren to expand their horizons. The calling for Brethren to “make some daily progress” is more often observed in the breach than in the practice. The two authors selected for the 2009 lecture tour have provided all Brethren with an iron clad reason to reverse that trend. Whether one’s interest is in Women and Freemasonry, or the dramatic side of ritual performance, the history and traditions surrounding the Lodge officers, through to the role of Freemasonry in establishing the nation of Vietnam and its language, there is plenty of material.

Freemasons are encouraged to set aside their personal differences and work together in harmony. Achieving this requires a certain willingness to also set aside one’s personal opinions and allow them to be challenged and explored. The free thought of Freemasonry is the freedom to discuss, examine and learn about the diversity which exists under the canopy of heaven in order to gain a better understanding.

Again, this is something which both authors achieve. Reading this book will leave you changed. You will have learnt something new, you will have been challenged by some of the fi ndings, you will have discovered something about the breadth and depth of Freemasonry and, hopefully, you will have enjoyed the experience.

Knowledge and Light

The Entered Apprentice in the New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory is given a strong lesson in the importance of knowledge: Light ever was the object and attainment in all ancient mysteries. It was then and is know the symbol of Truth and Knowledge: a fact of which we must never lose sight when considering the nature and signifi cance of Masonic Light In seeking Light, one is seeking to remove the darkness of ignorance, which is a curse on humanity. Ignorance breeds suspicion, creates distrust and causes errors of judgement and action. By teaching its members to seek the Light of Knowledge, Freemasonry is also seeking to bring peace and harmony to humanity. Knowledge builds understanding and understanding brings peace. By seeking to expand our knowledge and increase our understanding of Freemasonry, Verrall and Nicholls are asking us all to practice outside the Lodge that which we are taught within. This collection of essays is visible proof that the authors have applied that maxim.

This book is recommended to all Freemasons, wheresoever they may be. Read, enjoy, but most importantly: discuss the findings and be prepared to challenge them. You never know, it might prompt you to burst into print yourself!

RWBro Verrall will be touring the research lodges of New Zealand and WBro Nicholls will be touring the research lodges of Australia in September and October. Don’t miss out!!