An Army On Foot, The Hard Way Is The Masonic Way"

This is the Way Brethren

The article "An Army On Foot, The Hard Way Is The Masonic Way" by Dwight L. Smith does not exist as a standalone work. The phrase appears to be a misattribution or conflation of themes from Smith’s well-known essay Whither Are We Traveling? (1964), a critique of modern Freemasonry.

In that essay, Smith argues that Freemasonry has lost its way by prioritizing ease, efficiency, and popularity over its traditional values of discipline, moral instruction, and personal sacrifice. He laments that Masons now seek shortcuts—such as treating charity as writing a check rather than personal service, or valuing titles over character—instead of embracing the "hard way" of self-improvement and quiet dedication.

The metaphor of an "army on foot" aligns with Smith’s belief that true Masonic progress requires slow, deliberate effort, not flashy programs or mass membership campaigns. He criticizes the dilution of standards, weak leadership, and the fragmentation of Freemasonry into side bodies that distract from the core work of the Symbolic Lodge.

Smith calls for a return to rigor, integrity, and spiritual depth—the "hard way" that builds real Masons, not just members. While the exact title "An Army On Foot, The Hard Way Is The Masonic Way" is not found in his published works, it captures the central theme of his message: authentic Freemasonry demands effort, sacrifice, and a rejection of complacency.

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**Masonic Muscle: Dwight L. Smith’s *Why This Confusion In The Temple*, Chapter 11 – “Where The Stones Are Raised”** explores the profound metaphor of sacred labor in Freemasonry. The episode delves into Smith’s critique of modern Masonic centralization, contrasting it with the ancient, individualized effort required to prepare temple stones. Just as the Kohathites carried holy objects on their shoulders and each stone was hewn and numbered in the quarry, true Masonic growth demands personal dedication—not mass-produced rituals. The chapter warns against reducing initiation to “three evenings” or treating candidates as mere fees, emphasizing that **Masonic knowledge**, **spiritual growth**, and **brotherhood** must be earned through effort, not bureaucracy.

This theme resonates throughout the podcast: **Freemasonry** is not a passive membership but a craft built on **esoteric symbolism**, **personal responsibility**, and **speculative Masonry**. The **Ark of the Covenant**, the **Temple of Solomon**, and the **shoulder-carried burdens** symbolize the weight of wisdom each Mason must bear. As the episode unfolds, it challenges listeners to reject impersonal systems and return to the **ancient traditions** where each man is shaped like a living stone—through **self-development**, **ritual depth**, and **Masonic philosophy**.

Repeating the core: **Masonic knowledge** transforms through personal effort. **Spiritual growth** comes not from standardized degrees but from **esoteric symbolism** lived daily. The **brotherhood** thrives when each member embraces **personal responsibility**. **Freemasonry** remains vital only when grounded in **ancient traditions**, **ritual depth**, and **speculative Masonry**. True **Masonic philosophy** demands more than attendance—it requires the **shoulder-carried burden** of lifelong learning and **self-development**.

If this exploration of Why This Confusion In The Temple stirred your Masonic spirit, subscribe to Masonic Muscle wherever you listen. Each episode is a step deeper into the craft—unpacking symbolism, challenging modern complacency, and calling every Brother to personal responsibility in the Lodge.

Share this episode with a Brother who values spiritual growth over ritual repetition. Then, visit our Instagram @MasonicMuscle and answer this: What does “carrying the burden on your shoulders” mean in your Masonic journey? Your insight could shape our next discussion.

Want more light? Leave a review—your voice helps us reach more Masons ready to build their inner temple, one living stone at a time.

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Earlier this year I had the opportunity to talk to the new Master of Palm Springs Lodge No.693 and aske him what his goals are for this year?

We talked a little more about other things around the topic but he never went through or enumerated a list.

A few weeks later I again reached out to him and followed up on his goals and his vision for Palm Springs Lodge No.693.

He quickly responded and here are his 8 goals he wishes to work throughout the year.

When the year starts and you have your first stated meeting, the realities of lodge life begin to sink in on all involved.

The eight areas of lodge life should be an eye opener for any aspiring lodge leader because you now see all these different areas you had not probably thought about.

Lets go over his list.

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