Bro. Norman Vincent Peale • Millwood Lodge No. 1062 • Brooklyn, NY
The values and ideas, the profound principals
of religion, morality, and honor for which Masonry stands, mean much
to me as an American.
There is, as I see it, nothing like Masonry. It is unique
in its fellowship which spreads over much of the earth, in addition
to our own country. Moreover, this in-depth fellowship spans the years,
even the centuries, running back into antiquity. To me it means a personal
relationship with great historical personalities and, taken by and large,
also with about the finest body of men whom it is possible to assemble
anywhere.
Attending Lodge and participating in Masonic activities
gave me confidence. I learned to work with people. I found that everyone,
every single brother, had a special talent. All I had to do was bring
it out. The Brother, then, saw quickly enough how to put his talent
to use.
And his success at Lodge work gave him confidence too!
He passed it on to others, and they still to others. It wasn't necessary
to repeat a self-help motto like "I believe in me." Just doing
the work and seeing the results were enough.
Confidence in self, in the Lodge, in Masonry, in the
community and nation - it caught on, and I have seen it spread farther
and farther as I continue my Masonic journey in life, meeting ever more
Brothers and sharing with them the confidence Freemasonry can give.
Ever since I became a Mason, the work has not only charmed
me, but also impressed me. I can further add that, as a public speaker,
it has also given me enhanced perception of the nobility of words and
their inspirational power when used in skillful combination and for
the expression of lofty thoughts.