Observing the Craft: The Pursuit of Excellence in Masonic Labour and Observance

by Andrew Hammer

The Masonic bestseller written by Andrew Hammer, Observing the Craft is a manifesto of sorts for the observant Mason, who seeks quality over quantity in every aspect of Freemasonry. It is a stringent argument for the Symbolic Lodge as being the whole of Masonry, calling for nothing but the utmost effort and commitment to be put into the operation of a Masonic lodge and its meetings.

Genres: Philosophy

145 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

Andrew Hammer is the Past Master of Alexandria-Washingon Lodge N. 22 (A.L. 6010), and holds a Gold Card in the Grand Lodge of Virginia, which certifies his proficiency in all aspects of Masonic ritual. He is a Royal Arch Mason, a Companion of the Allied Masonic Degrees and a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason. He is a member of the Quatuor Coronati Correspondence Circle, the Philalethes Society, the Masonic Society, and sits on the Executive Committee of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial Association. He resides in Alexandria Virginia.

Reviews

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of the best work on Freemasonry I’ve read. Hammer challenges every major trend developed in Masonry in the last 50 years to make Masonry more “user friendly.” He claims that, in fact, we got too large. We focus on numbers – both of members and degrees – rather than excellence. We’re continually distracted by useless bodies of degrees that have little or nothing to do with the Blue Lodge, and in some cases (Knights Templar) actually contradict the Old Charges. He has articulated my disillusion with Freemasonry perfectly.

[Hans · Rating 4 out of 5]

Masonry has meant different things to different people during each era of its existence. There was a time when Masons were involved more Politically, then they backed off from that. There were times when they were more involved in Fraternization and creating 'Masonic Clubs' for every taste and idea. Then Masonry became Philanthropic with its focus on huge national charities. Andrew Hammer with his concise and potent work advocates a return to the true heart and soul of Freemasonry. Tweaking his words just a little this is what I have sumrized is its ultimate purpose:

"Freemasonry is primarily an esoteric and philosophical society engaged in the work of internal self-development"

Andrew Hammer states that Freemasons have gone to great lengths to not only distract themselves but have found innumerable ways to avoid focusing on its true mission and purpose.

Here are some of my favorite excerpts:

"We value secrecy because it respects the privacy of the spiritual quest of both the individual Mason and the Lodge"


"Men who should be Masons will make time for the craft...A man who 'hasn't time' to make that commitment is a man who, no matter how fine he may otherwise be, is not ready to become a Mason, nor should we want him to. The Craft must not change its principles, methods or techniques to descend to take all men at all costs, especially those who have told us that they do not have time for it"

"We are free men with free minds; that is enough, and we have no desire to go out of our way to explain ourselves to those whose minds are captive to fear and willful ignorance."

"If they are not willing to work for it, then they should not be in it"

"At times it has seemed as if we ourselves are doing the work of our opponents, by purging the Craft of all of its mystery and philosophical heft, in order to deliver up a meek and banal image of our organization to its slanderers"

[James of the Redwoods · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book addressed to and for Masons.

The viewpoints it contains and the suggestions offered are thoughtful and go to the root of many issues confronting today's Lodges.

I will offer any potential reader this caution: Be prepared to have some of your strongly held views and opinions be shaken to their core. The author has boldly stated his views and done so without apology. Often, I felt the blood rise in my face as I read several sections that I fully admit struck close to home. Like a quickly ripped off bandage, the discomfort faded and I was left with much on which to contemplate.

I recommend that this book should be required reading for all Masons - particularly the line officers.

[Christian D · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is intended for Freemasons. Brother Hammer is clear, concise, and direct in his assertions of what it means to “observe” the Craft. I hope this work inspires the Brethren to consider these assertions and strive for excellence in their own Masonic experience, as I intend to do.

For a little more practical application, I would recommend following this book to read “The Craft Driven Lodge” by Dan Hrinko, as an excellent companion with practical advice on implementing the principles asserted in this book.

[Scott Medsker · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fantastic book about an organization that means so much to me. While the initial portion on appendant bodies seems, to me, unnecessarily harsh and derisive, the point is well taken regarding their potential impact on the Symbolic Lodge and must be considered. This book has invigorated me to think about what we can each do to improve our work and, as a result, improve our own lives and fraternity.

[Samuel Saul Richardson · Rating 3 out of 5]

My first Masonic book, and although it was short I found it very insightful. Although most of my review and/or opinion on the topics covered will be reserved for conversation with my fellow Masons, I would recommend this book to those others in the Craft. It offers a good reflection of Freemasonry as a whole, along with the affiliate bodies, and different practices that may or may not occur in your specific Lodge.

[Curtis Hendzell · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent argument for the pursuit of excellence in the workings of one's Masonic lodge. I hope to adopt several of its theses into my own lodge.

[Gene · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are a Mason and concerned about your Lodge, this is a must read. I recommend all Masons read this. Bro. Hammer brings up a lot of points to ponder and seek further light.

[Andrew Martins · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for any Mason who is serious about Craft masonry. This book puts the blue lodge front in center where it should be.

I highly recommend this read to Masons new and old.

[Jon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly a great book. I may actually read it again.

[Alex Towey · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I have read about Freemasonry!