Del Cyr has enjoyed the benefits and shared his knowledge with fellow Freemasons for the past 49 years.
As a small child, he was vaguely aware that his father, upon returning home from his job, would sometimes attend Freemasonry meetings, but Del wasn’t told anything about the organization.
That was the prevailing opinion amongst Freemasons, it was service with anonymity.
Freemansonry is an international fraternal organization rather than a service club. To that end, it is directly concerned with the improvement of the individual rather than specifically the community.
It is a system of morality (character building) teaching its lessons by allegory and illustrated by symbols. To understand those lessons demands a life-long individualistic pursuit supplemented by the assistance of research, involving reading, reflection, discussion and the assistance of one’s peers.
Del knows just how important his masonic brethren are to his understanding and through lessons learned, he has in turn, passed on wisdom gained to others. However, he was quick to add this is the behaviour expected of all masons, stating he’s just one of thousands around the world struggling to learn and share the same lessons.
“The knowledge that we have a great deal of fun while learning these lessons is a bonus,” Del said.
“As is the opportunity to gain lasting friendships of men of good character throughout the world. To contribute to the many charities supported by our various appendant Masonic Family groups is more a delight than a duty. That some of these appendant groups consist of women or young people who are also dedicated to serving others provides further opportunities for friendship.”
When asked about the religious requirements for members, Del explained that Freemasonry wasn’t about a specific religion but rather was deeply spiritual. As long as masons are dedicated to practicing the religion of their choice, as they study the masonic lessons they become an even more spiritual person.
From the age of 24 when he first joined the Masonic Lodge in 1964, Del has observed the changes in the community.
“I’ve had the opportunity to be among leaders and those who facilitated growth; it’s been a warming experience,” he said.
“Because they were always working for the betterment of the community, these Quesnel pioneers were within and outside the Masons.”
However, Masons do not work for the public recognition of their accomplishments.
“Simplistically, by practicing the concepts/precepts learned, I may have aided my community by being a loving parent and lawful citizen, willing to volunteer time or resources to make my chosen home a better place to live,” he said.
“In that sense, although there are many men within Quesnel who meet these standards, I feel Freemasonry’s lessons can contribute to making them better men.”
Although anonymity historically served to protect members, it also supported the tenets that service and participation should never be for public accolades.
But Del said for modern Masons, it needs to have a somewhat more visible presence without compromising the traditions and philosophies of the organization.
“As with any change, it takes time and a willingness to embrace such change,” Del added.
For anyone with a curiosity about the Masons, the first step is talk to a Mason or visit Grand Lodge website, www.freemasonry.bcy.ca.
“The Masonic organization is built on those who came before and those who will follow and the character development and community service that transcends that time line,” Del said.
Quesnel Masonic Lodge is celebrating 100 years this year.
