I came to Freemasonry out of curiosity, at a time of turmoil. I found friendship, fraternity, intellectual interest and a useful set of templates which supplement but do not replace my religious beliefs and observances. I was impressed to have five lodges participating in my Initiation ceremony (a combined lodges night), and this stimulated me as an EA to begin visiting other lodges.

Visiting has been a most important part of my journey into Freemasonry. I regard it as the reason for our signs and other secrets. At first I visited in my own jurisdiction and later interstate and overseas -Malaysia, Hong Kong, Singapore, California, New Mexico, Texas, Washington DC, Virginia, Ohio (Prince Hall), Ontario, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, Ireland, Scotland, England, Italy (Grand Orient and Regular Grand Lodge). The experience of visiting has exposed me to varying ways of conducting meetings and different rituals, as well as affording the opportunity to meet with so many interesting people.

Freemasonry is very much a sociable organization and activity. From it I have derived great enjoyment, both inside and outside the Lodge room.

I get particular value from the lessons of the working tools (WTs), and not only in a personal sense. They provide a framework for action. Tools are intended for use, in the construction of the Temple. Freemasonry teaches that we are not alone, that building the structure requires collaboration with others. For the more senior Lodge officer, other brethren can be regarded as WTs, each having a special use or purpose and requiring respectful care in handling and maintenance, so that the aims of the Lodge can be achieved.

It is no coincidence that Freemasonry uses building tools and materials for its lessons. During the period of the 1500's to the late 1700's, there was much interest in memory training which was facilitated by likening to the construction of buildings. Also during this time there was great interest in classical architecture, accompanied by interest in the construction of the Temple at Jerusalem. There are quite a few fanciful illustrations of the Temple dating from this period. At a time when having the wrong ideas could result in the loss of your freedom or your life, Masonry spread the idea of tolerance, of agreeing to differ and the ability to ignore differences in politics, religion and social status, such that those who would otherwise remain perpetually at a distance were able to meet in lodge. Nowadays we can achieve this not only in a physical lodge, but also in a virtual or cyber lodge � provided we exercise care and consider the four cardinal virtues before hitting the REPLY button at least sometimes.

We are physical as well as intellectual and spiritual beings. Freemasonry teaches by experiences as well as by the intellect. At one stage or another one or more of the senses will be stimulated, and the responses may be physical, emotional and/or at higher levels. Repetition and subtle variations of experiences over time may result in conditioning of responses and stimulate or facilitate new insights. Emotional, intellectual and spiritual growth are often easier in an atmosphere which encourages tolerance of the new and different.

I believe that in this way Freemasonry has helped make me a better person, though the edges may still be very rough and the surfaces knobbly. Better not let my WT�s get rusty!