TWENTY-FIVE CENTURIES ago the Chinese philosopher Lao-tzu wrote, "The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." For more than 275 years since Freemasonry was organized in London, England, millions of men world-wide have taken that single step on the Masonic journey. How critically important is that first single step, not only into Freemasonry, but into other venues that can expand and enrich our lives.

A short time ago my son took the first single step into the halls of Freemasonry. What made that step rewarding and stimulating to me was the opportunity to be at his side, to guide and introduce him to the secrets of our ancient and accepted Fraternity. Only a father who has been present as his son enters the domain of Masonry by stepping onto the long, white path marked by the footsteps of the ages can fully understand the feeling.

I had served as master of my lodge before my son was born. His brother was less than a month old when I was installed. During the fifty years that followed I determined to remain silent on the matter of their Masonic membership .;As we are taught, the decision would be entirely theirs. Now I wonder whether my decision to remain silent was right.

Less than a year ago, both my sons in concert decided to take the first step into Masonry. But before my older son could do so, he started on another journey from whose bourne he would not return.

It is my belief that there are many men, well recommended and well-qualified, who would ask for admission to the halls of Freemasonry if they knew what steps to take. But, determined not to pierce the veil of the unwritten law regarding solicitation, we have failed to tell them how, even though the ultimate decision to apply would be entirely theirs.

Today we are living in the Information Age. It may be time for us to take our light from under a bushel and tell men of goodwill how to take that first single step that will be both beneficial to them and to ourselves.

Ralph Head, Editor Summer 1995