
                       Environmentalism:
                     Brotherhood in Action


ACID RAIN, SMOG, WATER POLLUTION, the greenhouse effect,
extinct and endangered animalsin recent times, the focus of
America and indeed of the world has been on the declining state of our
planet.  Billions of dollars and endless hours of research are spent each
year in analyzing the effects of pollution on the environment.  Huge
rally's have been organized, such as Earth Day here in Washington, D.C.,
to raise public awareness and support.  The involvement is great, often
drawing big name stars and hundreds of thousands of "earth activists." 
  There are, however, other members of the population who do not seek
high publicity and extensive media exposure.  Instead they work every
day trying to make a difference, however small, by solving local
problems and uncovering answers to our enviromental dilemma.  They
work quietly and often without recognition.  I am pleased to note that
many of these people are our Brothers.  Masons across America and in
every corner of the globe are becoming more aware of the problems
facing our natural community and are stepping forward to help.
  Recently, a conference was held in Seattle, Washington, called
"Brotherhood in Action: Interdependence in an Emerging Global
Society."  This international meeting of Brethren was designed to review
two subjects basic to Freemasonry: humanity's place in and responsibili-
ty for the universe.  
  One speaker, Dr. George A. Seielstad, a professor of Astronomy and
a National Science Foundation Fellow, posed this problem.  "One
species, Homo sapiens, has acquired sufficient power to act with global
consequences.  Yet this power has accumulated so rapidly that humans
have not acquired experience to manage it; neither do we have the
luxury of waiting until our wisdom matches our capabilities."  
  The chairman of this conference, Stephen Schafer, 32, emphasized
the importance of enviromental action now:  "The content of this
conference is basic and intrinsic to Brotherhood and Freemasonry.  It
will give us a new perspective, based on recent scientific discoveries, on
our universal principles of Brotherhood, and...our responsibilities in an
emerging global society."
  This theme of Masonic involvement in our natural community is
evident in our own publication, The Scottish Rite Journal, where recent
issues have underlined examples of Masonic ecological awareness.  In
the June 1990 issue of The Journal, Dr. Melvyn N. Freed, 32, KC
CH, expressed grave concern about pollution in his article "An Act of
Reclamation."  He asked, "What can we, as Free and Accepted Masons,
do to salvage our inheritance, Mother Earth?  I urge that we separately
and collectively accept leadership in developing programs of reclaiming
our environment, our natural heritage."  
  What can we, as Masons, do to save our earth, the greatest of natural
resources?  Perhaps, we could start a local renewal project, such as the
Brothers of Harmony Lodge No. 340, Pikeville, North Carolina, who
initiated an "Adopt A Highway" program.  As noted in the "Of Current
Interest" section of the May 1990 issue, these concerned Brethren
maintain the cleanliness and beauty of their local road systems.  
  In fact, they further improve and protect the natural area around the
highways by clearing away refuse, much of it potentially hazardous, and
then encouraging the regrowth of native plant life.  In addition, much
of the material they collect can be recycled, and the resulting funds
donated to a local cause, possibly a Scottish Rite Language Disorders
Center.  Thus two worthy goals are achievedAmerica's handicapped
children aided and our enviroment improved!  Since the publication of
the above article, I have received letters from many other lodges
throughout the Southern Jurisdiction, each with its own "Adopt A
Highway" or other enviromental program.   
  Robert Burns, renowned eighteenth century poet and Masonic
Brother, wrote of his concern for the environment in this verse: "I'm
truly sorry man's dominion has broken nature's social union."  Similarly
the twentieth century horticulturist, Luther Burbank, 33, troubled by
the devastating effects of pollution on the plants he experimented with,
created hybrid strains of vegetation which produced their bounty faster
and with much greater resistance to air and water pollution.  These
men, living centuries apart, were conscious of a problem which today
has taken on disastrous proportions.  Just as Masonry fosters the unity
and cooperation of all humankind, so too does our Craft encourage us
to unite in revitalizing our precious natural environment.
  For Freemasons, environmentalism has never been a craze which
eventually fades into the background when another project comes along. 
Instead, the community of man and nature has been and always will be
an integral part of who we are as Masons and what we seek to
accomplish on this, our Mother Earth.  

