Justice George Gelaga King, has stated that “freemasons are not connected with witchcraft or sorcery”.
Justice King made this statement on the 26th September, 2009 during the 60th Anniversary celebrations of the District Grand Lodge of Sierra Leone and The Gambia where he was speaking on the topic “Freemasonry Yesterday and Today.”
Propounding on his topic, Justice King stated that every member of the craft is aware of the undeniable presumption that “freemasonry is a peculiar system of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols”.
With the brief definition of freemasonry, he said that members of the populace, out of irresistible craving to know the reasons for the establishment of freemasonry, attribute the art to names beyond the imagination of the membership. These allegations, he said, are efforts to satisfy their state of ignorance regarding the existence of freemasonry.
Additionally, he disclosed that the history of freemasonry could be traced far back to the medieval period during which he pointed out, that masons during those periods were people skilled in different works of life. He said that even though those freemasons were illiterates, yet they were able to construct over 2,000 cathedrals, thousand chapels, numerous castles and dozens of monasteries and fortresses. He added that they were equally versed in architecture, engineering, arts and respectively in geometry and chemistry.
Holistically, he stated, masons were considered think- thanks, and were respected almost all over Europe for their ability and contribution to nation building. He said that masons organized themselves into unions, and instituted hard and fast rules, which, when violated, resulted to stipulated fines. “Morality stands to be the by-word of the cause” he maintained.
The Chairman of the ceremony Bro. Dr. Daniel Josephus Olubunmi Robin-Coker, in his opening remarks reiterated that “freemasonry has no association with witchcraft or sorcery” adding that the function of freemasonry is to protect the dignity of man by instilling moral values and behaviors. He also said that the services rendered by freemasons cut across racial differences, ethnic barriers and religious denominations since their membership comprises of people from diverse backgrounds.
Alhaji UNS Jah remarked that masonry transcends religious prejudices as a result of the simple fact that it serves the purposes of man. He said it is an institution accepted worldwide and constantly craving to enhance nation building.
Dr. Nemata Walker expressed her curiosity to know why women are not initiated into freemasonry, and further questioned why women are referred to as “fair ladies” which she said is a drive to marginalize women in causes in which they think they can serve better. She appealed for a redefinition of the rules governing masonry in a bid to allow women participation in the craft. However, her request could not be granted simply because freemasonry is regarded as “a club for men” taking into cognizance of its origin. Alternatively, the membership responded that women are encouraged to partner with freemason groups limited to women particularly in Europe to enhance their participation in the craft.
As laudable as the ceremony was; with explanations on the activities of freemasonry, some invitees registered their sincere regrets as to why they did not seize the opportunity to be initiated into freemasonry when it availed itself.
By Poindexter Sama
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