“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” – Psalm 133:1
These ancient words, familiar to every Mason who has witnessed a certain Masonic degree, capture something profound about our fraternal experience. Yet their full meaning becomes most vivid not in the quiet contemplation of the lodge room, but in those moments when the entire Masonic family gathers as one. It occurs to me that this is a key component of making the overall lodge experience meaningful.
The Magic of Grand Lodge
There’s something truly special about Grand Lodge sessions that every Mason should experience. Picture this: hundreds of brethren from across the jurisdiction, converging on one city, filling a hotel lobby, and packing a convention center with the warm buzz of fraternal conversation. Men who may meet only once a year embrace like old friends, sharing stories of their lodges, their communities, and their Masonic journeys.
The atmosphere is electric with brotherhood. In the corridors between sessions, you’ll find Past Masters swapping tales with newly raised Master Masons, District Deputies comparing notes on their travels, and lifelong friends rekindling connections that span decades. These are the moments when our ritual words about brotherly love become tangible reality.
The Fellowship of Fire and Fruit
Some of the most meaningful conversations happen in the most unexpected places. Step outside any Grand Lodge venue in the evening, and you’ll find clusters of brethren sharing cigars under the stars, the glow of tobacco creating an intimate circle of fellowship. These aren’t just smoke breaks—they’re sacred spaces where masks come down, stories flow freely, and bonds deepen.
Meanwhile, inside at the hospitality suites, brethren gather around tables laden with refreshments, tropical drinks in hand, toasting successes and planning futures. There’s something beautifully human about watching distinguished Grand Officers laughing over fruity cocktails, their formal dignity giving way to genuine joy in each other’s company.
The Business We Do Together
But Grand Lodge isn’t just about socializing—it’s where the real work of Masonry gets done. When hundreds of Master Masons gather in one room to conduct the business of the Craft, something powerful happens. We debate legislation that will shape the future of our lodges. We hear reports from every corner of our jurisdiction. We make decisions collectively that no single lodge could make alone.
This is democracy in action, Masonic style. Every voice matters, from the youngest Master Mason to the most senior Past Grand Master. The debates can be spirited, but they’re conducted with the respect and decorum that befits our ancient institution. When the vote is called, we stand as one body, united in our commitment to the good of the Craft.
Unity in Diversity
Perhaps what’s most remarkable about these gatherings is how they demonstrate the beautiful diversity within our unity. Rural lodges meet urban lodges. Traditional brethren engage with progressive thinkers. Young Masons learn from their elders while bringing fresh energy to timeless principles.
Yet despite our differences in age, background, and perspective, we’re bound by something deeper than circumstances—our shared obligation to the principles of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth. When we recite our ancient charges together, when we participate in group prayer, when we join in the Pledge of Allegiance as one voice, those differences fade into insignificance.
The Ripple Effect
The real magic of Grand Lodge doesn’t end when we pack our bags and head home. Every brother returns to his lodge carrying the energy, inspiration, and connections formed during those precious days together. New friendships spark lodge visits. Fresh ideas get implemented in monthly meetings. The enthusiasm of unity spreads like ripples across our Masonic waters.
The young Mason who was nervous about his first Grand Lodge returns home with a dozen new mentors. The struggling lodge secretary discovers a solution to his challenges from a brother three states away. The Past Master rediscovers his passion for the Craft through conversations with enthusiastic new Masons.
A Living Testament
When we gather at Grand Lodge—whether for the formal sessions, the informal cigar circles, or the late-night hospitality room conversations—we become a living testament to that ancient Psalm. We prove that it truly is good and pleasant for brethren to dwell together in unity.
In our increasingly divided world, there’s something prophetic about hundreds of men of different backgrounds, beliefs, and circumstances coming together in genuine fellowship. We show that unity doesn’t require uniformity, that diversity can strengthen rather than weaken our bonds, and that ancient principles can create modern brotherhood.
So next time Grand Lodge convenes in Florida, make the effort to attend. Bring a box of good cigars to share. Order that fruity drink without embarrassment. Engage in the business of Masonry with passion and purpose. And experience firsthand how pleasant it truly is for the brethren to dwell together in unity.
After all, some truths are best understood not in solitary study, but in the warm glow of fraternal fellowship, under open skies, with good friends and shared purpose.
So mote it be.
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