Freemasonry and Teamwork

Teamwork at Pilgrim Lodge

A magazine article cannot give all the information, so Pilgrim achieving the successful Initiation of Kai is only the tip of the newsworthy iceberg. As with all things the story went far deeper than the article had space to show. Fortunately, our Pilgrim Lodge website is a good place to share the whole story.

As you will have read, Pilgrim Lodge witnessed a very special Initiation where both the Initiate and Master are wheel-chair users: Worshipful Brother. Adam, a Past Master at Pilgrim Lodge, initiated Bro. Kai into Freemasonry in general and Pilgrim Lodge 7728 in particular.

“I am deeply grateful to the Brethren and Provincial Officers for their support during my initiation. Your warm welcome and the significance of this occasion mean a great deal to me. Thank you for honoring me and making this a memorable beginning to my journey.”

Bro. Kai, after his Initiaion. 

To our knowledge it’s the first time in Freemasonry’s history, and particularly in the Province of Yorkshire, West Riding history, that a profoundly physically disabled Worshipful Master initiated a profoundly physically disabled candidate. We are proud of this and feel it shows Freemasonry is universal and promotes dignity, equality, respect, and characterises the principles of Freemasonry being inclusive and welcoming. It will emphasise that disability, and being a wheel-chair user, is not a bar to Freemasonry!

“Individual commitment to a group effort—that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilisation work.”

Vince Lombardi

As Vince Lombardi alludes; to achieve this fantastic outcome all the members of Pilgrim Lodge contributed: from Adam as WM through the Wardens, Matthew and Manni, to all members of the team taking part in the ritual and beyond: actively participating in the ceremony. Masonic tradition is important to Freemasonry and it needed to be adapted for the occasion which took planning and teamwork. Likewise Freemasonry Ritual is symbolic and must be followed which, again, took considerable planning to give Kai a ceremony to be proud of. There are many parts that need to be followed in detail so Officers and members of the Lodge needed to complete their roles in an adapted way: a way that would honour the occasion. Subtle but important changes had to be in place: from the seating arrangements to the way the ritual was undertaken.

“Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision. The ability to direct individual accomplishments toward organisational objectives. It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results.”

Andrew Carnegie

From the initial application of Kai, to the completing of the ceremony, Pilgrim epitomised that Freemasonry is universal and whatever the circumstances all are welcome. Andrew Carnegie seemed to have a handle on it too: Pilgrim Lodge members showed the ability to work together toward a common vision.

“We may have all come on different ships, but we’re in the same boat now.”

Martin Luther King, Jr.

And whilst Martin Luther King, Jr comment was filled with the symbolism of generations it is nevertheless is a truism that apples to Freemasonry. A huge thank-you to all who played their part to Initiate Kai into Pilgrim Lodge who without failure committed to their best: and not forgetting to congratulate Kai who was an excellent candidate and who we all feel will be an asset to Freemasonry.

By W Bro. Peter, Lodge Secretary