Editing Joseph Skinner (section)

==Personal Reflections on Freemasonry==  
In 1873, Skinner expressed his enduring regard for his early Masonic experiences, recalling the camaraderie of notable Masons such as Revs. Asa Eaton and George M. Randall, and laymen like Charles W. Moore and Winslow Lewis. Skinner viewed the Institution as a powerful moral and social influence, describing Freemasonry as “a serene retreat” amid “the noise of party conflict,” embodying ancient values and fostering unity among its members. He frequently spoke on the essence of Masonic brotherhood, seeing in it an "open secret" of mutual confidence and reciprocal support that transcended time and societal divisions.