Masonic Education - Bellevue Lodge #325 A.F. & A.M.

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2024 - February

GEORGE WASHINGTON, MASTER MASON

As presented by Br. Bill Miller

Brethren, this session has been prepared from the Masonic Service association Portfolio of the same name. Worshipful Brother Wes Agar has presented us with this portfolio from the MSA, which is complete with a brief but interesting narrative of Washington's Masonry, a fine group of pictorial lithographs, and a calendar of significant Masonic events in Washington's life. I have placed this fine portfolio in a binder to be included in our Lodge's library. This presentation will directly quote and take excerpts from the included narrative.

The introduction of the material suggests its usage near the date of November 4th, as a remembrance of Washington's becoming an Entered Apprentice on that date in 1732. We will look at it during this Sated Communication, the one closest to his birthday, February 22.

On November 4, 1732, a comparatively unknown man not yet twenty one years of age, was initiated as Entered Apprentice in what was then a new lodge, the "Lodge of Fredericksburg" Virginia. At that time there was no Grand Lodge of Virginia, and the Lodge of Fredericksburg had neither a charter nor a warrant.

Freemasonry in the early colonies had a different environment from what it has today. It existed in a world where roads were few and poor, seriously limiting transportation and contacts with other people, towns, farms, and villages. A home that was eight miles from town was a full day's journey away. Mail and newspapers were not regularly received. The Lodge then became the center for a usually small group of men who depended on each other for enlightenment, support, and unity of thought.

Washington, though not yet twenty-one, was an excellent candidate. He was a Major (I presume in the Virginia Militia), a trusted and skilled surveyor, and from a family with social connections. It is interesting to read the Lodge minutes of his progress through the three degrees. "1) 4th Novbr. (1732) Charles Lewis, Gorge Washington [that's all]; 2) 3rd March (1733) George Washington pass'd fellow Craft [that's all]; 3) 4th August (1733) [A listing of those present and ] Transactions ofthe evening are: George Washington rais'd Master Mason; Thomas James Enid an Apprentice." It's clear that Lodge minutes were scanty and brief.

The narrative continues to point out that Washington demonstrated his high regard for Freemasonry in many ways: his letters, his acts, and his visitations. It particularly notes certain actions: 1) when on June 23, 1777, he was proposed for Grand Master of Masons in Virginia, he declined because he had not yet been Master of a Blue Lodge, and because of his military commitments and responsibilities; 2) he was three times proposed for General Grand Master of Masons for the United States. Again, military considerations prevailed as did his apparent belief in states' rights for government and for Freemasonry; 3) another instance was Washington's laying the cornerstone of the United States capitol. These are nicely covered in the narrative.

And the narrative goes on to include interesting and well detailed information on two special Masonic Aprons that were presented Washington. One was made by Madame LaFayette. The apron contains an emblem of one of the degrees of the Royal Arch Masons. There remains no documentation of Washington having taken those degrees. Another famous apron was presented by two American brothers living in Nantes France. They had been confidential American agents during the Revolutionary War. The apron had been embroidered by some Roman Catholic nuns from the convent of Nantes.

Also included is a interesting discussion of two Bibles that have particular significance to Washington and to our Country. That portion of the narrative is itself well worth reading.

I encourage you to avail yourselves of the material in this portfolio. It will be part of our permanent library and well worth your time

Encouragement: Lastly, encouragement causes all of us to grow to our potential and the Masonic organization, in turn, to progress toward its goal of teaching the great principles of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth. To encourage a brother may be as simple as being polite in your conversations. At other times, it may mean you will have to go out of your way and do something more substantial such as providing a physical need.

Planning, Promptness, Organization, Inspiration, and Encouragement are all tools of leadership that can be used to promote the principles of Freemasonry.

The 21st century is the right time to be a Mason. It is time to do things right as we do the right things, so we once again become the preferred choice of men in our communities, attracting and retaining more youthful, community-active men as well as rekindling the interest and activity of our existing members. To do this we must have leadership not only from the Worshipful Master but all the brethren so that one is not the loneliest member.

2023 - March Through December

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2023 - February

GEORGE WASHINGTON, MASTER MASON

As presented by Br. Bill Miller

On November 4, 1732 a comparatively unknown man not yet twenty one years of age, was initiated as Entered Apprentice in what was then a new lodge, the "Lodge of Fredricksburgh" Virginia. At that time there was no Grand Lodge of Virginia, and the Lodge of Fredricksburgh had neither a charter nor a warrant.

The narrative continues to point out that Washington demonstrated his high regard for Freemasonry in many ways: his letters, his acts, and his visitations. It particularly notes certain actions: 1) when on June 23, 1777, he was proposed for Grand Master of Masons in Virginia, he declined because he had not yet been Master of a Blue Lodge, and because of his military commitments and responsibilities; 2) he was three times proposed for General Grand Master of Masons for the United States. Again military considerations prevailed as did his apparent belief in states' rights for government and for Freemasonry; 3) another instance was Washington's laying the cornerstone of the United States capitol. These are nicely covered on the narrative.

And, the narrative goes on to include interesting and well detailed information on two special Masonic Aprons that were presented Washington. One was made by Madame LaFayette. The apron contains an emblem of one of the degrees of the Royal Arch Masons. There remains no documentation of Washington having taken those degrees. Another famous apron was presented by two American brothers living in Nantes France. They had been confidential American agents during the Revolutionary War. The apron had been embroidered by some Roman Catholic nuns from the convent of Nantes.

Also included is a interesting discussion of two Bibles that have particular significance to Washington and to our Country. That portion of the narrative is itself well worth reading.

I encourage you to avail yourselves of the material in this portfolio. It will be part of our permanent library and well worth your time.

2023 - January

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2022 - October Through December

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2022 - September

The Last Stated

Taken from Masonicworld.com

It was Friday night, and the wind was blowing and there was a chill in the air, uncommonly cool for June. The street where the old Temple was located was desolate and dark.

The aging Tiler took out his keys and opened the large door to the old Temple. He turned on the Square and Compass over the door and it shone brilliantly in the darkness. He slowly climbed the twenty-seven stairs as he had done for the past fifty years.

"It is a Stated tonight" he said to himself, "all the brethren will be here, and everything must be in its proper place and station."

He opened the door to the paraphernalia room. There was a mustiness which he no longer seemed to notice. The rods of the Deacons and Stewards hung on the right, the jewels of the officers on hooks on the wall, and the aprons were stored in the old wooden box. Ever so gently, he took them and arranged the Lodge with loving care. He then opened the altar, took out the Holy Bible, Square and Compass and laid them so reverently on the altar. He checked the lesser lights, and all three were working. "The Master always wanted them checked before he opened the Lodge" he remembered. He then turned the letter "G" on and observed that it shone particularly bright tonight. He then turned all the lights off except the "G" because he always enjoyed looking at it that way. He also turned on the light over the altar even though he knew Grand Lodge didn't approve, but "It looks so right", he thought, and smiled to himself.

He opened the ledger and entered the date, A.L. 5985 The Year of Light, and 24 June 1985. "It was St. John's Day", he remarked to himself. "The Order doesn't celebrate it as they used to do."

He clothed himself in his apron and jewel, the cloth was old and faded, and the jewel was dull. He took his sword and sat down by the door to the Lodge Hall, so he could see the bright letter "G" and the Three Great Lights, and there he waited as he had for all these years, waiting for the Brethren.

He must have dozed for he noticed the door to the Lodge Hall was closed, but he was tired, very tired. It had not gone well for Ancient Land-mark Lodge for many years, but he was sure the Brethren would come tonight, "Wasn't it a Stated and St. John's Day?", he said to himself. Then he heard from inside the Lodge a voice. It was the Master saying, "The Officers will assume their Stations and Places. The Brethren will come to Order and take their seats". The Tiler thought out loud, "I'm here, Worshipful and Brethren, as I have been for all these years."

The next day they found the old Tiler. He must have passed away in his sleep. They looked into the Lodge Hall and saw the bright letter "G" and the light above the altar burning brightly. "I don't understand what happened here", the investigator said. "This old Lodge has been closed for some time".

An old Mason who was there to inventory the property remarked "Yes, I know, but this would have been the first time that a Stated would have fallen on St. John's Day in 50 years, it would have been a grand evening. There's something awful strange about this".

"What do you mean?", asked the investigator.

"Well, this old Ledger, it's dated the 24th of June 1985 and it's full of names of Brethren I haven't seen or heard of for years", remarked the old Mason.

"Strange, very strange,” said the investigator. "Well, my job is over so let's leave. Anyway, the new owners want to get started on their building construction", he added.

The old Mason turned off the main switch but observed something was wrong. "Look" he said, "the letter "G" and the light over the altar didn't go out".

"Well, maybe we should just leave them", said the investigator.

As they shut the door to the Lodge Hall and turned to leave, they both thought they heard a voice from within saying "The Officers will assume their Stations and Places. The Brethren will come to Order and take their seats". They looked at each other without comment and locked up the old Temple and left. The Square and Compass above the large door of the Temple shone brilliantly in the darkness. So Mote It Be!

2022 - August

THE LANDMARKS OF FREEMASONRY

Part 1 - AnIntroduction

Few subjects in the study of the Masonic Craft generate more interest and debate than the Landmarks of Freemasonry. Every new Brother is charged to protect and preserve them, but there is an abundance of conflicting information about what the Landmarks of Freemasonry actually are. For instance, in 1723 the Premier Grand Lodge of England sated, "Every Annual Grand Lodge has the inherent power and authority to make new regulations ...provided always that the old Land Marks be carefully preserved." Unfortunately these Landmarks were not defined in any way. In that same year Anderson's Constitutions, one of Masonry's "Old Charges", made a vague reference to the Landmarks of Freemasomy.

Before going further let's look at some definitions of Masonic Landmarks, and some descriptions of what they are or should be. One Masonic scholar seeks to establish two essential points: "1) a landmark must have existed from the time whereof the memory of man runneth not to the contrary; 2) a landmark is an element in the form of essence of the Society of such important that Freemasonry would no longer be Freemasonry if it were removed." Very few items or principles will pass that test. The MSA in a mid-1900's publication stated the following: "The Masonic conception of a landmark is fundamental law of Masonry which no body of men or Masons can repeal." That certainly takes Masonic Landmarks beyond any Grand Lodge Regulations, which by definition, can be adopted or repealed.

The definition, then of Masonic Landmarks is at least a bit elusive. Another view of these Landmarks states: "In Speculation Masomy, landmarks are certain established usages and customs, occupying the position which usages do in a community. Politically, they are termed "common law.' Masonicly they are termed Landmarks; and these Landmarks mark out the boundary line of the Masonic world, including its internal divisions and its external relations to the world. Again they are absolutely essential to the existence of Masonry as Masonry."

And now at the risk of being tedious, let's review the list of the twenty-five Landmarks developed by the renowned Masonic scholar Albert Mackey in 1858.

Modes of Recognitions
Division of Masomy into three degrees
Legend of the Third Degree
Government of the fraternity by a Grand Master
Prerogative of the Grand Master to preside over every assembly of the Craft
Prerogative of the Grand Master to grant dispensation for conferring the degrees at irregular times
Prerogative of the Grand Master to give dispensations for opening and holding Lodges
Prerogative of the Grand Master to make Masons at sight
Necessity for Masons to congregate in Lodges
Government of Lodges by a Master and two Wardens
Necessity of tiling Lodges
Right of every Mason to be represented in all general meetings of the Craft, and instruct representatives
Right of every Mason to appeal from his Lodge to the Grand Lodge or General Assembly of Masons
Right of every Mason to visit and sit in every regular Lodge
No unknown visitor can enter a Lodge without first passing an examination
No Lodge can interfere in the business of another Lodge, or give degrees to Brethren of other Lodges
Every Freemason is amenable to the laws and regulations of the Masonic Jurisdiction in which he resides, even though he may not be a member of any Lodge in that Jurisdiction
Candidates for initiation must be men, unmutilated (not crippled), free born, and of mature age
Belief in the existence in God as the Great Architect of the Universe
Belief in a resurrection to a future life
A "Book of Law" is indispensable in every lodge
Equality of all Masons
Secrecy of the institution
Foundation of a speculative science upon an operative art, and symbolic use and explanations for the purpose of religious or moral teaching
These Landmarks can never be changed

That's quite a list of Landmarks, or unchangeable customs. Next time we will see a number of different views as to what are "the real Landmarks of Masonry."

2022 - July

The Development of Freemasonry and Its Ritual in The United States

This paper is taken directly and entirely from the April 2012 M.S.A Short Talk Bulletin containing the article "Ritual Developments in the United States" by S. Brent Morris.

In the beginning, the spread of Freemasonry in the United States was propagated by itinerant Masonic Lecturers. Some were appointed by Grand Lodges, but often these men acted as independent entrepreneurs. They taught Masonic Ritual usually based on the Englishman William Preston's lectures, which were rearranged and edited by Thomas Smith Webb of Massachusetts. This particular ritual was the apparent basis for nearly all the rituals used at the time by American Grand Lodges. (As a side note" The Grand Lecturer of New York found at that time, five different systems of ritual were in use in his state.) The origin and development of Masonic Ritual in the United States has had much study. In fact, Masonic Ritual came to the United States from many sources, principally from England, Scotland, and Ireland, as well as from France, Germany, and others. There was little to no ritual guidance for American lodges from their own Grand Lodges or other sources in the colonies. Lodges had to rely on oral tradition and exposes, until the appearance of William Preston's "Illustrations of Masonry" in 1772. Even that important source did not adequately cover aspects of Degree work, or openings and closings, and additionally, it did not appear in American editions until 1804.

Actually, the best information on rituals used in America came from exposes. Imports of exposes from France, England, and other sources were highly sought after in America for use and reprinting. Between Ben Franklin's "The Mystery of Free-Masonry" in 1730, and 1826 when William Morgan disappeared, eight exposes were published and circulated in America. The most famous was "Jachin and Boaz" which had 28 editions, including one in Spanish. This particular expose contained ritual practices of both the Ancients and Modems. In fact, The National Observer (publication) claimed that the famous and highly respected American Ritualist, Thomas Smith Webb used "Jachin and Boaz" while teaching Masonic Candidates.

Webb, the American Ritualist, became friends with the Englishman John Hanmer, who taught Webb the lectures of England's William Preston. In 1796, as Masonry was spreading across America, Webb's "Freemason Monitor, or Illustrations of Masonry in Two Parts", was published to an eager Masonic audience. Webb took Preston's book, used most of it word for word, left out some pages, added some, and rearranged others, and published "Freemason Monitor, or · Illustrations of Masonry." He did by the way, acknowledge Preston's contribution to that work. This volume went through 18 editions from 1797 to 1826.

Webb worked to help organize and systematize American Ritual. His book was often referred to as "The American Standard Work", which aided significantly in bringing uniformity to the work of American Freemasonry. Webb's work and lectures became immensely popular. While he may not have found the true original rituals of Masonry, his work was much better than anything else available to American Grand Lodges. Virtually all of the Grand Lodges adopted his work. Pennsylvania did not.

2022 - June

A Single Step: The Masonic First Degree

by Richard H. Ryder, 2016

According to Lao-Tzu, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step”. This is true for many of life’s journeys, and for Freemasons these profound words have special meaning.

A first step toward the East begins our Masonic journey down a symbolic path from youth into manhood, toward age and eternity. The first degree symbolically prepares us for that journey from the rough to perfect ashlar and forms a cornerstone for a firm and supportive foundation.

Like all beginnings, the first step in Freemasonry is accompanied by feelings of anticipation and uncertainty. A new initiate may ask many questions of himself: “What brought me here?”, “Why am I here at this point in my life?”, “What can I offer?”, and “What do I expect to gain”? In a period of darkness, having prepared his heart and mind, he seeks the light of truth and answers to life’s basic questions. With God’s help and his own exertion, he seeks admission and takes that first step toward understanding.

As from the quarry, he emerges in a state of roughness and purity. Destitute, uneducated, and innocent, he relies on others to guide him. He meets resistance along the way, which teaches him valuable lessons that he stores within the repository of his soul. Silence is broken by words spoken from those who have already taken this journey and now impart the same wisdom and encouragement passed on through generations of predecessors.

And then begins the lifelong process of self-reflection and internalization of Masonic lessons. Like the ancient workers, he begins to form his own internal temple made not with stone, but with the building block of life’s lessons. These are the true secrets of Freemasonry, present to all beings, but now perceived within the context of a much larger set of experiences. He learns of the everlasting impact of charity, the application of the builder’s tools to remind him of important lessons, the guiding influence of those who came before us, and the power of Masonic tenets, namely, brotherly love, relief, and truth. And finally, virtues are impressed upon the mind that he may judge wisely, moderate self-interest, practice self-control, and confront uncertainty with strength and courage.

From this meaningful ceremony emerges a transformed individual prepared to view life from a completely new perspective. The new entered apprentice is now able to look at himself and others in new ways and better understands that it is not the outward appearance of a man that is important, but the internal qualities. With this newfound understanding he begins to prepare himself for the rest of his journey from the rough to perfect ashlar. He will soon realize that all men, having taken this same step, are willing to assist him on his journey under the watchful eye of a Supreme Being who stands watch over all of us into eternity.

2022 - May

The Masonic Equinox

MARCH 20, 2010 BY MASONIC TRAVELER

The spring equinox is upon us, and in this present age, the tilt of the planet is of little concern. But in this period of the equinox, an interesting thing happens. For the briefest moment of time the planet becomes suspended in place, a point when the earth is neither closer to nor further away from the sun.

The equinox’s, vernal (spring) and autumnal(fall) are the middle points to the summer and winter solstice. This is an echo to the balance of all points, and from each of those compass points, there is a center, a middle aspect of the compass from which the needle point pivots.

The middle space is similar to the point in which a pendulum on its back-and-forth motion for the briefest of instances touches an absolute 0 point, the moment between the furthest of its arc’s reach. At that middle point, some say, is where miracles happen, where for the briefest of moments the motion of balance is in perfect harmony before the plumb line swings away in its motion. it also suggests that at these instances of the pendulum 0 point are the high (or low) points of our lives, the punctuated moments of transition between two periods.

From a Masonic perspective, we can equate this time of year, this equinox to the measuring of our point within a circle, the plumb line achieving that 0 center point in its swing up to its furthest reaches. Tradition tells us that the plumb measures our vertical, but when given motion, even something so slight as the earth’s rotation, it can also demonstrate the path of our circumference, our diameter, and our rotational motion around our axis (see Foucault’s Pendulum). As the plumb traces its circumference, in the space of the sphere, the plumb also orients back through the center of the circumference, when marking the furthest points of our radius.

In a more metaphysical aspect, the idea of the equinox could be viewed as a more than the transition point, but the idea of the position movement, the transition from one place to another, from one idea to another. And in an even more profound way, this can be seen as at once not being initiated, to being initiated encompassing the start of transition from one inner idea to another, the growing path of our thought and its sway of our own internal gravity. In this point of view, we can easily see the similarities to the ideas of alchemy and the changing of states.

One caution, however, is that there is no definition of what the states are, or if they are up into a higher realm or down into a lower attitude. Remember, Jacob’s ladder was both a way to ascend to heaven and a way to descend to earth (and possibly sub-terra). In reflecting on this, it is good to keep in mind that your mental state defines your position, and with some exertion, you can manifest the power of your position.

In more traditional celebration, the Equinox is as much a means to reflect on our relative state as it is a means to celebrate our resurrection and means to create life (fertility). Following close behind the first day of spring is the celebration of Palm Sunday, Passover, and Easter, and in the months to come the celebrations of Beltaine, Walpurgis and Floralia, each of which from Pagan (Roman era) celebrations of the blossoming spring renewal and the return of the sun.

Whatever your celebration, welcome to the spring, and the renewal of life. Welcome the vernal equinox and our changing of states.

2022 - April

ANOTHER VIEW OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF FREEMASONRY

By Br. Bill Miller

The material in this paper is taken directly and entirely from the ARTICLE, "Royal Arch Degree' by Edward R. Graham, as it appears in the Winter 2013 Edition of "The Royal Arch Degree Magazine." This paper uses direct quotes, excerpts, and paraphrasing from that article.

Masonry as we know it today began in the last half of the 1300's. The earliest known Masonic document, the "Reguis Manuscript", (1390) described the beginning of a Masonic ceremony, which consisted of: an opening prayer, instructions, or charges, and an obligation. That was the entire admitting ceremony. This ceremony was apparently for fully trained masons, or Fellow Crafts, since there was only one class, or level, of trained stonemasons at the time.

No evidence of more than one degree appears until the latter half of the 1500's when some hints of two degrees occurred. Actually by 1598, minutes from two Scottish Lodges clearly show the existence of two degrees. They were the Entered Apprentice and Fellow Craft Degrees. Little is known of the ceremonies involved, however, there is some evidence that there were secret words and signs.

In 1696, the "Edinburgh Register House Manuscript”: provided details of actual ceremonies. The Entered Apprentice Degree consisted of an obligation, a sign, a certain position and words of entry, and communication of what was referred to as the True Word, which was actually two words, which we will refer to a "B" and "J". There were also some questions and answers. According to this article, the obligation and sign contained elements which are still present today. The questions and answers are considered the oldest known version of Masonic memorized catechism.

The ceremony for the next degree was called "Master Mason or Fellow Craft, because at that time the two terms were interchangeable. (The Master Mason was a Fellowcraft who was an employer, while the Fellow Craft was an employee.) This degree came approximately seven years after initiation. It consisted of an obligation (the same as the Entered Apprentice with three words omitted), signs, words of entry, a position, and a word was given on the F.P.O.F., and some test questions. This article goes on to say that the "SloanManuscript" of 1700 gives the Word which issimilar to today's Substitute Word.

The first indications of a Third Degree came in 1711 and 1723. The "Graham Manuscript" of 1726 clearly refers to three degrees. This manuscript apparently contains the first reference to a raising, although it was Noah, not Hiram who was raised. Again, according to this article, this degree was not a new invention, but was simply a rearrangement of the two original degrees into three. Certain material, such as the second pillar was taken from the First Degree and moved to the Second Degree. The communication of "The Word": was moved to the Third Degree, to which was added the beginning of the Hiramic Legend. The use of the Substitute Word apparently began in the 1600's, when the first speculative masons were admitted into the operative lodges. By the time the Third Degree was generally established, the use of the Substitute Word" was standard. And, again according to this article, the formation of the first Grand Lodge (1717) was essentially the work of Speculative Masons who had never received the "True Word."

2022 - March

FREEMASONRY IS MANY THINGS

By Br. William A. Carpenter

Masonicworld.com

Freemasonry is a Story of Life; with all its joys, its heartaches, its failures and its final triumph over all earthly things.

Anyone can read it, in countless books. Its teachings, its symbols, and its ambitions, are open for general observation. They are practiced in the light and held up for all the world to see.

Freemasonry is not practiced in the dark, neither are its teachings the dogma of some forbidden cult. We, as Freemasons, are required to reflect the light; to practice its teachings and love by their direction. No greater thing can be said of Freemasonry than that it is an ideal way of life.

No other fraternity offers such profound lessons in its Ritual or Work as does Freemasonry. Each word and each act in the ceremonies of the Lodge carries a true lesson to each of us, if we will but open our eyes to see, our ears to hear and hearts to accept.

We can study Freemasonry for years, as we attend its meetings, and each time we stop to think on the things said and done, we get a new meaning and inspiration from them. There is a never-ending source of pleasure in the various shades of meaning that can be read into each line of our work. Each new meaning and interpretation that we put into some word or act will make that passage live for us, and we will begin to see Freemasonry for what it is intended. Great men have devoted many years of study and meditation to the cause of Freemasonry and when their work is finished, they realize that they have only begun to see the light and that they have only started to uncover the true meanings of the work.

Freemasonry has been talked of and written about by countless men in every country of the world. Its members have been persecuted in all lands at one time or the other but is still grows and flourishes as no other fraternity on earth today.

There must be something good and great in Freemasonry, for it to stand through the years as a beacon of light to its members and as a symbol of the true way of life for all to see and follow. Its greatness is not due to its secret teachings, its mysteries or fanfare of its deeds, but rather to the profound lessons taught to its members and to the comfort, inspiration and enlightenment brought to all who will but study Freemasonry frowns on advertising its good deeds, preferring to let those who benefit from them reflect its goodness, that others might have hope and desire the better things of life.

Freemasonry offers comfort to those who sorrow, hope for those who despair, wise counsel for those who err, and the joys and contentment of life to all.

SEEK AND YE SHALL FIND.

The making of a Freemason consists in a continued course of education, and of character forming. While it may be accepted that it is an innermost desire, followed by obligations that makes one a member of the Craft, yet in a truer sense, a man is never a Freemason until he truthfully and loyally lives up to his obligations. And he cannot do that until he understands them, and eventually knows their scope and real meaning.

Freemasonry can very well be divided into many phases. Its landmarks, its customs, its constitution, and its laws, just to mention a few, if studied and mastered, can provide a most interesting course for the Master Mason seeking Masonic knowledge. Its historical background can provide an interesting program of investigation to the member attracted to a desire for research.

One peculiarity about Freemasonry is that it will stand investigation. The deeper the research, the more extensive the knowledge of its hidden art and mysteries, the more highly it is appreciated. A member of the Craft who merely takes his degrees in a listless, careless sort of manner, and then remains as just a spectator at Lodge meetings, may hold to the opinion that Freemasonry differs little from other societies. To the contrary, the Master Mason who delves deeply into Masonic literature, takes a lively interest in every part of the Ritualistic and lodge Work, and learns the origin, meaning and moral bearing of its symbols, cannot possibly fall into such an error. To him Freemasonry has a refining and elevating influence not to be found in the ordinary run of organizations.

The philosophies of Freemasonry, when discovered and then accepted and practiced, provide that simple but profound solution to the problems of human relationships. May it be accepted that Freemasonry is a way of living to the Master Mason who is interested enough to appraise and value the wealth that is his, and his alone, by virtue of his Masonic Member- ship.

The best-informed Master Mason is the Master Mason who reads and studies. Consequently, if we want Freemasonry to be of practical usefulness and cultural attainment, we, as Freemasons, must not neglect our Masonic reading, our Masonic studying, and our research for more Masonic Light.

NEEDED: A KNOWLEDGE OF FREEMASONRY.

At no time in Masonic history has there been a greater need for understanding of what Freemasonry is and what it stands for than there is today. Much has been left undone in the education of Members of our Lodges.

The first essential in Masonic education is that desire to become interested and enthused in Freemasonry followed by a thirst for knowledge as to what Freemasonry is all about. Here is where the instructors can serve well and can influence the candidate in a continuous search for more Masonic Light.

The qualifications for instructing are less exciting than may be imagined. What is essential is a basic knowledge of Freemasonry by the instructor. In this day and age, with so many counter attractions, it becomes more evident that greater efforts must be put forth to instruct our new Members in the ideals and fundamentals of Freemasonry.

Every Lodge should have a definite program along authentic Masonic educational line. We must understand what Freemasonry really is before we can practice Freemasonry in our lives. We must remember that Freemasonry is judged by the actions of its individual members. We must always set an example to those outside the Craft.

The need for Masonic knowledge is often evidenced in our Lodges. This can be alleviated where dedicated members qualify as instructors and then serve in teaching the principles and fundamentals of Freemasonry to all who will listen.

2022 - February

The Landmarks

Taken from Masoniclibrary.org.au

In early times, prior to the development of modern surveying techniques, and the recording of the position, shape, and size, of land areas, it was very difficult to establish the permanent boundaries of a farm, estate, or other piece of land. Almost the only known way was to fix upon some prominent feature, such as a hill, a stream, a rock, or even a tree, and draw a line from it to some other feature, and thus establish the limits beyond which a man's property could not, or should not, go. Later, more or less permanent stone markers, with identifying marks cut into them, were set up. Their self-explanatory name was landmarks.

Throughout history, we see evidence that the destruction or removal of landmarks, was considered a serious offense, as without them, there was no means of measuring the encroachment by one person on the property of another.

In the craft of Freemasonry there are certain principles, practices, traditions, usages, and laws, which are considered to be significant to the essential identity and nature of Freemasonry. These things, which are spoken of as the Ancient Landmarks of Freemasonry, cannot be changed by any Freemason, Lodge, or even a Grand Lodge.

It is not intended to make an exhaustive list of the things that constitute the Ancient Landmarks. However, the following are some examples of the things Freemasons see them to be, - the things which make Freemasonry different from other organizations.

Belief in God
An important feature of a Lodge Room is a pedestal, upon which is an open Volume of the Sacred Law. As Freemasonry holds the concepts of the Brotherhood of Man, under the Fatherhood of GOD, belief in a Supreme Being is a fundamental requirement of Freemasonry. If this spiritual belief were removed, Freemasonry would degenerate, and cease to exist. A Belief in a Supreme Being is therefore accepted as being a Landmark in Freemasonry.

Respect For The Civil Law
Freemasons are good citizens and may not engage in riots or rebellion. Political discussion is not allowed in Masonic assemblies, in order to avoid controversy, and to preserve harmony.

Secrecy
There are certain confidences revealed in our ceremonies which are considered private to ourselves, and which we do not share with the outside world. These confidences relate only to certain parts of our ceremonial ritual, and the means of recognition between Masons. These confidences stem from the operative masons' desire, in times past, to protect their reputation for sound work and good conduct, thus ensuring that their work continued at the highest standard.

Sound Qualifications
Each Candidate for Freemasonry must be well recommended, of good character, and of mature age. These qualifications are required so that we may be assured that a Candidate will be capable of living a Masonic life, in all its aspects. The principal tenets of Freemasonry are Friendship, Morality, and Brotherly Love.

Friendship
Man is a social creature and, usually, cannot find happiness by himself, but seeks the companionship of other of like mind. To be accepted by a Lodge, is evidence that the Lodge believes that the friendship of Freemasonry will appeal to you, and that your friendly spirit will be acceptable to it. Sincerity, loyalty, tolerance, sympathy, interest, devotedness, and unselfishness are some of the ingredients of true friendship.

Morality
Good morals are the accepted standards of behavior, by which any action is measured, and form the exercise of those accepted standards. There is no such thing as a Masonic morality which indicates a separate or exclusive code of conduct. Our standards are those contained in the Volume of the Sacred Law, and adherence to those principles is strongly developed amongst Freemasons.

Brotherly Love
This tenet can be described as impartial friendship and shows mutual respect and understanding between men. Each respects the other as a friend, a companion, an associate, and a neighbor. To work with that person is one of life's pleasures. Freemasonry builds on brotherhood and provides opportunities to share true fellowship. It encourages us to practice Brotherly Love, and to make it part of our existence.

These then, are just a few of the principal tenets or foundations of Freemasonry

2022 - JaNUARY

The History of Mathematics In Freemasonry

Taken in part from www.masonic.com

The Freemasons is a “society with secrets” that has been shrouded in mystery for years. Freemasons have always attempted to keep their rituals and practices secretive, only revealing small pieces of the big picture.

One example where Freemasonry influences mathematics can be seen through the degrees Freemasons go through as they progress from an entry-level candidate to being initiated into the Freemason’s society.

Freemasons work their way up the Freemason hierarchy by taking on additional responsibilities and reaching new levels of understanding before being granted each successive degree or level to achieve within Freemasonry. Each degree offers Freemasons a deeper insight into the world around them in terms of spiritual thought and religious pursuits. Scottish Rite Freemasons can progress through a total of 33 degrees over the course of their Masonic journey.

This level of advancement is representative of Freemason’s participation within mathematics, as they attempt to reach new levels and understandings in mathematical knowledge.

In addition to this Freemasons have been known throughout history for their contributions towards math and science discoveries with many famous scientists Freemasons.

One example of Freemasonry influencing mathematics is seen through King Solomon’s Temple located in Jerusalem (not confirmed) around 1000 B.C.

The temple was built using measurements that reflected Pythagorean triples (a set of three whole numbers), this discovery was later named “Solomon’s triangle“. These sets of numbers were very important at the time because they helped advance geometry by allowing the Stonemasons (operative masons) to design buildings that took into consideration the golden ratio or what is commonly referred to as the divine proportion.

The ancient stonemasons’ use of mathematics, specifical geometry, can also be seen in another famous architectural work:

The Pyramids of Giza. These pyramids contain many features including measurements and alignments with celestial bodies all based on math formulas used within Freemasonry at this time period.

Freemasonry has influenced not only mathematicians but also scientists throughout history with their contributions towards the field as well as through art like architecture.

Freemasonic influence can still be seen today with its impact on various structures that are Masonic or contain Freemasonic symbolism.

Furthermore, these advances in math have had a huge impact over the years with Freemasons being credited as the first to use “imaginary numbers” which is now used by mathematicians and scientists in a variety of branches within math.

Many Freemasons throughout history have been famous for their contributions towards mathematics whether they were known during their lifetime or not, but Freemasonry still has an influence on modern math through various symbols that are recognized around Freemason’s today.

2021 - November

CREATING INTEREST

By R.W. Brother Edward L. Bennett,

Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Washington

To create interest is like building a structure; first, you must lay a good foundation. Consequently, to create interest in Masonic affairs, the foundation should be the newly-raised Master Mason.

Well-informed Masons usually become interested Masons. Therefore, instruction of our new members should include teaching all these things: that the object of our Fraternity is to elevate and uphold standards of morality, to inculcate virtue, to encourage loyalty, to foster patriotism, to protect liberty, and to promulgate the sublime doctrine of the Fatherhood of God and the Brotherhood of Man. Our members should know that we do not devise ways and means of acquiring political power, or of obtruding political ideas upon their minds. That we do not challenge or contest, affirm or deny the religious creeds of our fellow man, nor do we solicit the favor, influence the prejudices, or court the admiration of our fellow man.

They should be taught that Masonry seeks to elevate the meek and lowly and to reduce the powerful and influential to one common plane, and upon that level of equality it teaches the prince and the peasant that the only rivalry worthy of approbation is that of who best can work and best agree.

They should know with the force of a conviction that Masonry ignores and repudiates the trappings end distinctions which men have invented to obtain and to maintain ascendancy over their fellow man, and insists on the sublime truth that all men are brethren, so that each member may kneel at her altar, assume her vows, and discharge the obligations imposed, side by side with the man of influence, the man of letters, and the man of wealth. Freemasonry teaches that it is not a man's belief, but his actions that she contemplates. That it does not weave a network of intricate doctrines about him, to confuse and hamper his mind, but leaves him free to choose his religion, his politics and his course of social life. That Masonry simply asks that he be a man, a whole man, and nothing but a man.

The newly-made Mason should be taught that Masonry stands outside, dissociated from politics, - from affiliation with any religious denomination and domination by any religion, and is free from social distinctions. That Masonry has not emblazoned her triumphs upon the pages of history, though many Masons have made history, because she fosters no revolutions, she attacks no governments, she enters no conspiracies, she sheds no blood. Her mission is one of peace; her motto, "Fraternity." The field of her labor is moral, not physical. It is the character and conduct of her votaries that she seeks to improve. Her members must know that Masonry has always been a harbinger of peace, the advocating of justice, and the exponent of truth. It does not point to battle flags and fields of carnage as an incentive to loyalty in her members.

Masonry must make clear to her members that she seeks to make us better individuals and to alleviate the sorrows of others. It teaches universal love, which enriches both recipient and donor. It whispers the word of friendly admonition in the ear of the erring, and in silence and secrecy drops its charities in the hand of poverty with a touch so delicate that it relieves without humiliation. It binds its votaries in an ever increasing bond of sacred union. Strand after strand is added until the cable is impossible to break. That cable, made of the very fibers of our hearts and intertwined with our most sacred affections, is attached to the derrick of the spiritual temple, that building not made with hands.

A newly-made Mason should be told that the un-changeableness of Masonry is a wonder among its best friends, but the reason is very simple. She has laid hold upon the great fundamental truths that are commensurate with human existence, truth that will be applicable as far and as long as the human race exists: "Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth." The day has never been, and never will be, when brotherly love will not be a necessity and a virtue among men. The day has never been, and, in the present order of things, will never be, when relief will not be a necessity and a virtue. The declaration, "The poor you have always with you," is as true today as it was over two thousand years ago. To succor and relieve the distressed, to rescue the perishing, to warn of danger, to aid in counsel, to feed the hungry and clothe the naked are just as much the imperative duty of the Mason today as when the first great light shone down upon her sacred attar. And truth, which has long been buried beneath a mass of human error and superstition, is emerging from the debris of exploded theories and distorted fancies, and is rising like a shining sun upon a dark sky, to illuminate the minds and permeate the hearts, and to dominate the lives of men.

If the mind of the newly-raised Master Mason has been impressed with this foundation of the purposes and aims of Masonry, his interest in Masonic affairs wish ever be uppermost in his daily life and actions. To be impressed he must be taught.

Then he could say that Masonic work does not stop at the conferring of degrees and dispatching the routine business of the lodge. These are but means to an end, necessary preliminaries which equip Masons to work together.

Then he must realize that Masonic work is to assist, encourage and defend the Brethren, protect the oppressed, right the wrongs, raise the fallen, relieve want and distress, enlighten the people, serve well the common weal, and be fruitful in all good works.

He would further say that to be true to my obligation as a Mason, I will participate in lodge work, serve on committees of the lodge, support its programs and those of Grand Lodge, and work in and for my community, state and country. He would, by his actions, inspire other men to believe that Masonry truly makes good men better men.

If the necessity of teaching all these lessons to one new member is also impressed on the members of the lodge, the teacher becomes the pupil and relearns these old truths. As he teaches, he thinks of his obligations; and again the truth is proven, "The more I give, the greater the debt."

A building will stand only as long as its foundation lasts, and our Fraternity rests on its foundation, the newly-raised Master Mason. To create his interest in Masonic activities, we must make sure that he is well-informed about our purposes and genuinely inspired to act according to them.

2021 - October

What is Freemasonry

Taken in full from the 5-15 Minute Talk by Br. Elbert Bede

What is there about it that has attracted the patronage of Kings, Potentates, Presidents, and many others whose names have been emblazoned upon the pages of history? What is there about it that has caused such mean as George Washington to prize membership therein and such men as Albert E. Pike to devote their lives to it?

What is Freemasonry? What is there about it that has brought it into disfavor with totalitarian rulers, political and ecclesiastical? What is there about it that has enabled it to survive persecution by tyrants and caused it to flourish wherever men are free?

How may Freemasonry be briefly defined? A brief definition for the novitiate who wishes to tell his friends what he has received? A brief definition for the curious among the profane?

Some say Freemasonry is a liberal education, but that definition does not satisfy. It may be the source of a liberal education for those who devote sufficient time to study of its Lessons and Teachings, its Allegories and Symbols, but Freemasonry can supply only the material and the vehicle. It cannot funnel knowledge into the minds of men.

Some say Freemasonry is a religion, but many Freemasons will not agree with that definition. True there are contained in the Lessons and Teachings of Freemasonry full instructions for leading an upright and Christian life, and the obligations of Freemasonry are taken in the name of God, but Freemasonry imposes no religion upon its votaries, and denies them no religion. It has no creeds, no dogma. Craft Freemasonry does not differentiate between Jew, Gentile, Roman Catholic, Protestant, Mohammedan, or member of any sect that recognizes and believes in a Supreme Being. Freemasonry teaches that death is not annihilation and that there is life or existence of some kind in another realm beyond this one.

Freemasonry is a “system of morality veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols.” All of us have heard that one. Then, we need only an explanation of the allegories and an interpretation of symbols, but every one of millions of Freemasons may have one or more of his own explanations of each allegory and one or more of his own interpretations of each symbol, and each of his explanations and interpretations will be correct so far as he is concerned, so we may get millions of definitions from the same allegories and the same symbols.

What does Freemasonry require its votaries to believe? What else does it require of them? If we had answers to those questions, we might evolve a definition of Freemasonry. Freemasonry asks its votaries to believe nothing except what, to their minds, seems reasonable. Freemasonry requires no Brother to do anything other than those things he knows he should do whether or not he is obligated to perform them. About all that Freemasonry asks its votaries to do is to so act that they may be prepared for life beyond the veil, but Freemasonry has many beautiful ceremonies that illustrate and emphasize these simple things.

If we knew whence came the principles, the lessons and the teaching of Freemasonry, perhaps we might evolve a brief definition of Freemasonry; but the principles of Freemasonry, the great truths upon which it is founded, existed at the beginning of time. They have existed I full splendor from that time to this and will continue to exist until time shall be no more. If we knew what conditions were when time started, or what they will be when time ceases, we might have the basis for a brief definition of Freemasonry.

Students have spent lives delving into the mysteries of Freemasonry without discovering a concise, or even full, answer to our question. There is no ready answer for the world that the world would understand. Freemasonry is an Institution, but it is more a theory or philosophy of life. It is what is in the heart, not always what the tongue proclaims.

There may be no better answer than “Freemasonry is what Freemasons ARE.”

“Elevator Speech”

From the Grand Lodge of Nebraska website

Have you ever been in a situation where you are asked what Masonry is about, and you have little time to get a message across? Below is a short “elevator speech” to use.

“Masonry is the world’s oldest fraternity of gentlemen founded on the code of ethics of the stonemasons who built King Solomon’s Temple. Through the symbolic portrayal of their principles and tools, we instill in modern men a moral code supporting the highest standards of conduct. While our primary focus is on improving the lives of individual brothers, we also believe in extending charity to the needy and providing service to our communities."

2021 - September

Unknown

Coming Soon...

2021 - August

THE DEVELOPMENT OF SPECULATIVE FREEMASONRY AND ITS RITUALS

A Brief Summary and Overview

This paper is taken entirely and solely from the book "The Masonic Myth" by Jay Kinney. This paper consists of direct quotes, excerpts, and paraphrases taken from the book.

Modem Speculative Freemasonry began to take shape during the mid to late 1600's about the time the Renaissance was gaining momentum, and the Age of Enlightenment was developing. In essence, this was a time of a beginning in the loosening of Church control and an increasing pursuit of overall knowledge. Both of these occurrences more fully developed later in the 1600's and .into the early 1700's.

A clearer evolvement of Speculative Freemasonry was apparent from that period through the early to mid-1800's. This rise, or evolving, of Speculative Freemasonry seems to be accompanied by an influx of gentlemen and non-operatives into lodges and circles formerly dominated by operative stone masons. The need for lodges as trade institutions was on the wane, but their potential as confidential gathering places for seekers of knowledge and for those who held certain concepts was on the rise. Basically, the medieval guilds were on their way out and a new breed of gentlemen scholars, eluding Church control, were making their presence known.

The status and safety ofthese transitioning Speculative Lodges was unpredictable and often in peril, based on the whims and actions ofthe Church and/or Crown. The earlier operative Masonic lodges were anchored in aChristian (actually Catholic) worldview. Asspeculatives gained influence in the lodges, these lodges took on a more Protestant, and eventually a more ecumenical viewpoint. In fact, in the face ofreligious strife and conflict in the nation, and fights between the Stuarts and Hanovers forthe monarchy, Freemasonry sought amore sectarian basis for a universal brotherhood. It chose to develop a brotherhood of men who would not judge the fine points of each other's beliefs.

It also seems to appear that much of the Masonic degree rituals evolved during the Speculative Era. However, no one knows with any amount of certainty which parts of our rituals date back to operative days and which are "newer." Consequently, the rituals as a whole have acquired a "time immemorial" status. It is worth noting however, that the basic three degrees, including the Hiramic Legend, which is usually ascribed to the 1600's to early 1700's, dwell on and concentrate on The Old Testament.

Kinney brings these points, and much more, together in a number of summary statements.

Early operative lodges had simple rituals that maintained secrecy for tradecraft reasons. There was a gradual influx of non-operative members who were intrigued with occult and esoteric studies.
Speculative Masonry parted from trade purposes and moved to Age of Enlightenment values including looking at Kabbalah and other esoteric beliefs.
The complexity and numbers of Degrees increased in the 1700's into the 1800's. The so-called higher degrees seemed to lean further to the esoteric and the occult by the late 1700's.
Consolidation and systemization ofrituals occurred around the turn ofthe 19thCentury (ie. About 1798-1813) more or less freezing the Blue Lodge Degree Rituals.

Speculative Freemasonry, including the York and Scottish Rites, as a whole was the product of a discontinuous collective effort spread over a century and a half.

“Elevator Speech”

From the Grand Lodge of Nebraska website

Have you ever been in a situation where you are asked what Masonry is about, and you have little time to get a message across? Below is a short “elevator speech” to use.

2021 - July

The Development of Freemasonry and Its Ritual in The United States

This paper is taken directly and entirely from the April 2012 M.S.A Short Talk Bulletin containing the article "Ritual Developments in the United States" by S. Brent Morris.

Lodges had to rely on oral tradition and exposes, until the appearance of William Preston's "Illustrations of Masonry" in 1772. Even that important source did not adequately cover aspects of Degree work, or openings and closings, and additionally, it did not appear in American editions until 1804.

“Elevator Speech”

From the Grand Lodge of Nebraska website

Have you ever been in a situation where you are asked what Masonry is about, and you have little time to get a message across? Below is a short “elevator speech” to use.

Masonry is the world’s oldest fraternity of gentlemen founded on the code of ethics of the stonemasons who built King Solomon’s Temple. Through the symbolic portrayal of their principles and tools, we instill in modern men a moral code supporting the highest standards of conduct. While our primary focus is on improving the lives of individual brothers, we also believe in extending charity to the needy and providing service to our communities.

2021 - June

Freemasonry: A Beautiful Society

By Brother Vincent Djokoto

What is Freemasonry?
Freemasonry is the largest secular, fraternal and charitable organization that exists throughout the free world. It teaches moral lessons and self-knowledge through participation in a progression of allegorical two-part plays. Freemasonry offers its members an approach to life which seeks to reinforce thoughtfulness for others, kindness in the community, honesty in business, courtesy in society and fairness in all things.

Freemasonry is not a religion. Religion deals in a man’s relationship with his God. Freemasonry deals in relations between men. Freemasonry does not instruct its members in what their religious beliefs should be, nor does it offer sacraments. Freemasonry embraces all men who believe in God. Its membership includes Christians, Jews, Hindus, Sikhs, Muslims, Parsees and others.

Is Freemasonry a secret society?
Freemasonry is not a secret society. Freemasonry is a society with secrets. Lodge meetings, like those of many other associations, are private and open only to members. The rules and aims of Freemasonry are available to the public, many of the well-known books on Freemasonry are available at libraries. Information is also available on the Grand Lodge and Provincial Grand Lodge websites. The meeting places are known and, in many areas, they are used by the local community for activities other than Freemasonry. Members are encouraged to speak openly about Freemasonry.

What are the secrets of Freemasonry?
The secrets in Freemasonry are the traditional modes of recognition. They are used as a test of membership.

What happens at a Lodge meeting?
The meeting is in two parts. As in any association, there is a certain amount of administrative procedure: minutes of the last meeting, discussion and voting on financial matters, election of officers, news and correspondence, proposing and balloting for new members. Then there are ceremonies for admitting new Masons, or for the annual installation of the Master and the appointment of officers.

The three ceremonies for admitting a new Mason are in two parts: a dramatic instruction in the principles and lessons taught in the Craft followed by a lecture in which the candidate’s various duties are spelt out. Basic Freemasonry consists of the three ‘Craft’ degrees: Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft and Master Mason. The ritual is a shared experience which binds the members together.

Why do Freemasons wear regalia?
Wearing regalia is historical and symbolic and, like a uniform, serves to indicate to members where they rank in the organization.

Does Freemasonry accept Roman Catholics as members?
Yes. It does. The prime qualification for admission into Freemasonry has always been a belief in God. How that belief is expressed is entirely up to the individual. There are many Catholic Freemasons.

Is Freemasonry a political pressure group?
Freemasonry, as a body, will never express a political view. Individual Freemasons will have their own views on politics, and may indeed, be very active politicians. The discussion of politics at Masonic meetings has always been prohibited.

“Elevator Speech”

From the Grand Lodge of Nebraska website

Have you ever been in a situation where you are asked what Masonry is about, and you have little time to get a message across? Below is a short “elevator speech” to use.

2021 - May

Commentary on the Pledge of Allegiance

by Br. Red Skelton

As a schoolboy, one of Red Skelton's teachers explained the words and meaning of the Pledge of Allegiance to his class. Skelton later wrote down, and eventually recorded, his recollection of this lecture. It is followed by an observation of his own.

I - - Me; an individual; a committee of one.

Pledge - - Dedicate all of my worldly goods to give without self-pity.

Allegiance - - My love and my devotion.

To the Flag - - Our standard; Old Glory ; a symbol of Freedom; wherever she waves there is respect, because your loyalty has given her a dignity that shouts, Freedom is everybody's job.

United - - That means that we have all come together.

States - - Individual communities that have united into fortyeight great states. Forty-eight individual communities with pride and dignity and purpose. All divided with imaginary boundaries, yet united to a common purpose, and that is love for country.

And to the Republic - - Republic--a state in which sovereign power is invested in representatives chosen by the people to govern. And government is the people; and it's from the people to the leaders, not from the leaders to the people.

For which it stands

One Nation - - One Nation--meaning, so blessed by God.

Indivisible - - Incapable of being divided.

With Liberty - - Which is Freedom; the right of power to live one's own life, without threats, fear, or some sort of retaliation.

And Justice - - The principle, or qualities, of dealing fairly with others.

For All - - For All--which means, boys and girls, it's as much your country as it is mine.

And now, boys and girls, let me hear you recite the Pledge of Allegiance:

I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic, for which it stands; one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Since I was a small boy, two states have been added to our country, and two words have been added to the Pledge of Allegiance: Under God. Wouldn't it be a pity if someone said that is a prayer, and that would be eliminated from schools, too?

2021 - April

MOMMY, IS THAT MAN A MASON?

by Ex. Comp. Don Maybaugh, Jr. (Ohio)

The Royal Arch Mason - Spring 1977

The following story was related to me by my daughter.

A couple of months ago, my five-year-old granddaughter was in the front yard, jumping rope with her sister. The one end of the rope was tied to a tree, the other end, in the hands of her sister was being twirled. My granddaughter was jumping when suddenly the rope became tangled.

Just then a retired neighbor from the next street came walking by. Seeing the girls were in trouble, he stopped to help untangle the rope and retied it properly. He then took hold of the other end and spent several minutes showing them how to twirl it properly. My granddaughter then thanked him.

His answer to her was, "Honey, you don't have to thank me it was my duty," after which he continued walking down the street.

My granddaughter then went into the house and asked her mother, "Mommy, is that man a Mason?" Her mother smiled and said, "Yes, honey, that man is a Mason!"

They say that out of the mouths of babes come words of wisdom. That same man was senior warden 30 years ago, when I was raised a Master Mason. Although, due to ill health, he had not attended lodge in the last few years, he still remembered his obligations. When he was active, he inspired me enough that I vowed to myself that someday I would become master. Due to my work for 20 years, I was unable to fulfill that vow. But, in the last few years, I have been privileged to serve as master, high priest, and now as generalissimo of my Commandery. I am hoping to serve as commander next year.

As such, I have often heard, "Why is attendance in all bodies on the decline?" We strive for perfection in our lodge ritual work, but do we, as Masons, let our light shine before men that they may see our good works?

The Mason of whom I have spoken, although unable to attend lodge, was able to impress a five-year-old girl. Can we not learn from this event that our everyday lives in lodge, work and the home are what it is all about? My little granddaughter has seen me rush home from work, dress, and hurry to lodge. The night I was installed as master, she gave me a worshipful master's pin to wear on my lapel.

She may be only five years old, but she seems to know what Masonry is about.

I ask each of you who read this now ... during your lifetime, how many times has the question been asked about you by your neighbors, adults, and children alike, is he a Mason?

Earlier this evening we gave this man a Masonic burial service. I than related this event to his widow and family. Upon returning home, I asked myself: How many times has this man let his light before other that they could see his good works?

2021 - March

THE LODGE OF THE HOLY SAINTS JOHN OF JERUSALEM

The material in this paper has been taken from "Coil's Masonic Encyclopedia" a nd the booklet "One Hundred One Questions about Freemasonry." Direct quotes, excerpts, and paraphrasing from these works have been used.

Many Master Masons have wondered about the answer to the question, "What is the Lodge of the Holy Saints John of Jerusalem?" In fact, there never was such a lodge.

Originally, as shown in the Gothic Legends, lodges were dedicated to King Solomon. Later, perhaps around the end of the 1500's, many lodges were being dedicated to Saint John the Baptist, an important forerunner to Christ. However, in some places, Saint John the Evangelist was more revered and thus some lodges were dedicated to him. Gradually, Masons merged the dedications to include both the Saints.

Stepping back into history for a bit of background, dedications to the Saints John were also made by other organizations as early as the 400's. In fact, the Church had adopted two pagan celebrations, those of the Summer and Winter Solstices. And they made them Saint John the Baptist Day in the summer and Saint John the Evangelist Day in the winter.

According to the legend, those operative Masons who had already adopted Saints John the Baptist, began to believe that both Saints John were Craftsmen and thus must have a lodge. And where could this lodge be but in Jerusalem. Thus, The Lodge of The Holy Saints John of Jerusalem came into being, albeit, an imaginary existence.

No such lodge has ever existed, but according to our M.S.A. Booklet, "it is not a fiction -it is an ideal, which gives us standards...in an otherwise dim and drab being. "The point of this ideal lodge appears to be,that we come from an ideal or dream lodge into our actual workaday world, where, in fact, our standards and ideas will be tested. The Lodge of The Holy Saints John is the goal or desired standard for the starting points of one's Masonic journey. It establishes the examples, ideals, and virtues that Freemasons must follow.

As an additional side note, Coil indicates, the first ritualistic reference to the Saints John in America occurs in Thomas Smith Webb's "Monitor" in 1797. Coil further states that, "in the 1700's, it was not unusual for communication between lodges to begin, 'From the Lodge of the Holy Saints John of Jerusalem, under the distinctive name of their own lodge."'

2021 - February

THE LETTER "G" WITHIN THE SQUARE AND COMPASS

The material in this paper has been taken from "Coil's Masonic Encyclopedia", "Freemasonry for Dummies", and "The Everything Freemasons Book." This paper uses direct quotes, excerpts, and paraphrasing from these sources.

The letter G is a well-known symbol of Freemasonry, though not a very old one. The time of its adoption is unknown, but it was probably not much before the middle ofthe 1700's. Itis not derived from the "Gothic Constitutions" (i.e. Ancient Charges), or otherwise from Medieval Freemasonry. In fact, it is not even mentioned in any ofthe early exposes, prior to Samuel Pritchard's "Masonry Dissected":in 1730. And even in that work, it was not seriously developed.

According to most sources the letter G appears primarily in North American depictions of the square and compass. It is displayed in many lodges in English speaking countries, usually over the Worshipful Master's Chair. Masons understand that the Letter G has two meanings; first it is the initial of God; and is specifically used as such to avoid any particular sectarian representation of deity, so that all Masons, regardless of their personal religion, may give reverence to the G.A.O.T.U. And, secondly, the letter G also stands for geometry, the basis of Freemasonry's ongms.

In countries where language does not permit G to represent God, the AllSeeing Eye is often substituted over the Master's chair, and often within a triangle or pyramid. This also is to depict ·a non-sectarian representation of deity.

Coil notes (i.e. referring to the combined symbol, the square and compass) that "the [original] contained no letter G in the center, and the fact is that as late as 1873, the letter [inside] the symbol was unusual." He also stated that "...the G was evidently added by some jeweler in making a badge or pin.

The idea [however] took hold, and became very popular, being generally regarded as the symbol of Freemasonry [at least in North America and many English-speaking nations]." He goes on to say, "no representation of this combined symbol has been found as early as the 1850's." Other sources claim that there were instances of the appearance of the combined symbol before 1850. Never-the-less, this combined symbol appeared to acquire virtually full acceptance since the Civil War, at least in North America.

In this next quote, Coil makes some strong points and opinions: "With symbols, as with rituals, Masons have not been very discriminating, analytical, or logical, but are prone to accept much without question. The Square, Compass, and Bible make a symbol, but nowhere in [the history of] Masonry is there a Square, Compass, and [letter] G in the center. The G is a suspended symbol alone. The only regulation Masonic symbol of [the] Square and Compass with anything in the center is that of the symbol with the Blazing Star, Sun, or Moon in the center."

A somewhat different view and approach comes from the book, "Freemasons for Dummies", "...because the [individual] symbols are actually exclusive of each other in ritual lectures, it can be strongly argued that the G shouldn't appear with the square and compass at all. On the other hand, it can also be argued that because the tools represent the Craft, and the G represents both God and the ancient origins of the fraternity [which is] geometry, the North American version more properly unites the principles of Freemasonry with the spiritual guidance of God and the physical world of geometry in one compact symbol."

2021 - January

The Due Guard: A Look At Its Origin And Meaning

The material in this paper consists of excerpts, direct quotes, and paraphrasing from sources used.

No one has succeeded giving a satisfactory explanation of the origin or meaning of the term "due guard." As with many areas and topics within Masonic History, several different sources provide a number of different views and explanations.

Not every Masonic Jurisdiction in the world uses the "Due Guard" as we in the United States know it. While Freemasonry is said to be universal; in actuality, there are some differences in ritual and custom among all the Grand Lodges of the world. One author says that the "Due Guard" still survives in some English and Irish lodges, as well as in its use throughout American lodges. He further states that it was inspired by, and was a carryover from, operative lodges. Again, not all sources agree.

Coil's Masonic Encyclopedia accepts the view that the term has been attributed to the French phrase, "Dieu me guard", meaning "God guard me." However, Coil further notes that "it is questionable that the British would have adopted a French term. He furthermore states that the term, or its use, was not adopted by British or Continental lodges." As a possible support for this view, Dr. Albert Mackey, a renowned American Masonic Scholar, said that this term is an "Americanism", and of comparatively recent origin. There is some documentation that conflicts with this view on the timing.

In any event, the Due Guard gradually became a sign, and came into full use in American lodges, where there had apparently never been the slightest doubt as to its propriety or authenticity. Again, according to Coil, "the simplest explanation of its meaning is to liken it to 'due form', meaning proper and sufficient form, so that the Due Guard would be a proper and sufficient guard."

Another writer adds an additional perspective: "The Due Guard is a keeper and protection against the accidental loss or betrayal of the real sign of the degree; because any invitation to give that sign is immediately countered by a demand for the Due Guard. Thus, without the Due Guard from one Brother, the sign of the degree will not be vouchsafed by another."

Point in fact, no one apparently has irrefutable facts as to the real origin or meaning of the term "Due Guard", as important that term, or action, is to our ritual.

2020 - December

NO GRAND LODGE OF THE UNITED STATES

One of the things non-Masons in the United States seem to find hard to understand is that no single person, or national organization, or governing body, can speak for American Freemasonry. There is, as we know, no Grand Lodge of the United States. And, when there was a time when this seemed to be closed to happening, a true national Grand Lodge of the United States never came to be.

The development and culmination of events during and immediately after the Revolutionary War tell the bulk of the story. Prior to the war, most American Lodges maintained good ties with their home lodges in the British Isles. However, as the Revolution developed, the various colonial lodges broke this with those mother lodges. For example, after the Loyalist Grand Master of South Carolina left to return to England, and at the subsequent breakout of the War, South Carolina established its own independent Grand Lodge in 1777.

While the revolutionary colonies were trying to maintain some semblance of political unity with each other, Masons as such, seemed to be satisfied with independent state Grand Lodges. However, such Masonic independence was not fully accepted. General Mordecai Gist, speaking for a large group of military Masons, petitioned the various developing Grand Lodges in 1778 to establish an American Grand Lodge. The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania approved a similar petition and resolution in 1780.

At that time Masons and other Americans were rallying around the War's most renowned hero, George Washington. This appeared to be an especially auspicious time for Masonry, according to Jay Kinney in "The Masonic Myth", "to hitch a ride on his coattails and boost their own prestige." Washington was certainly the top choice to be the Grand Master. Additionally, one prominent author felt that Washington's appointment to that position would significantly help heal the serious rift between "Ancients" and Modems" which became so prominent during the Revolutionary War. However, other things were occupying Washington's time and energies. He was leading a country and army against what was then probably the greatest military force in the world. He declined the honor, and "American Masonry remained apportioned among state Grand Lodges."

At the end of the Revolutionary War several states had established, or were establishing, their own Grand Lodges. Other attempts were tried to establish a central Grand Lodge for the United States, but without a man such as Washington to be the leader, and because of various state peculiarities or demands for independence, no Grand Lodge of the United State was ever established. And taking a quote from the book "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Freemasonry'', "This left the country with independent state Grand Lodges connected by a network of bilateral recognition." ---That's where we are today.

2020 - November

CARDINAL VIRTUES

by William R. Fischer

If you had three wishes what would you wish for? Most people would wish to;

1. Live forever.

2. Win the lottery.

3. Have peace on earth.

Living forever, although it seems immortal, is one of the most mortal parts of mankind abilities. We all live forever, for as long as you live that is forever. When your body expires your spirit lives on and people who know you will remember you, and that remembrance will keep you living forever

Winning the lottery is much more difficult. First you have to play to win and then be one out of twenty million. But, all of this does not matter because we have enough for ourselves and our families. We have enough to live on, and to survive, we may not have it as easy as others but we have enough.

Peace on earth is a matter of cooperation and understanding. The more we understand each other the less difficult it will be to cooperate and achieve peace.

We can be sure that some have other wants or needs, noble and selfish, but what about an alternative. How about ABILITY, STRENGTH, and WISDOM.

With ability TEMPERANCE would be easy. If you have the ability to accomplish what you wish, temperance would be the first accomplishment. To be able to control ones desires is the goal of every good man. This would make it easy for you to help others through your example and your knowledge.

With strength FORTITUDE is a part. To be strong of character you must have fortitude. Fortitude is the driving force in strength of character. This would give you the skill to deal with those who would subvert the good you are trying to do.

With wisdom PRUDENCE would be found and JUSTICE could be served. Prudence is a part of wisdom. To be wise is to be prudent. Justice is known to a wise person. Thus, to be wise is to have the know-how to administer justice. Having the knowledge to use prudence and dispense justice can only come from wisdom. Thus, we would be able to tell who is in need and who is causing the pain of need.

So if given three wishes, maybe we should wish for:

The ability to help those in need.

The strength to forgive those who cause pain.

The wisdom to know the difference.

If we all did this we would still live forever, we would all be richer and peace on earth would last for an eternity.

2020 - October

The First Masonic Lodge in Nebraska

Bellevue Masonic Lodge No. 325, Ancient Free and Accept Masons, is celebrating 65 years of service to the community in 2020. The Lodge has been at its current location at 1908 Franklin Street in Bellevue, NE since 1955. But the history of this lodge stretches back a lot farther than that.

In the spring of 1854, seven Masons among the early settlers of the Nebraska Territory decided, after some long discussions, to petition the Grand Lodge of Illinois for a dispensation that would give them the authority to establish a Masonic Lodge in the community of Bellevue. In 1855 the first meeting of Masons in Bellevue was held in a two-story Trading Post owned by the American Fur Company and operated by Peter A. Sarpy. This was the first meeting of a Masonic Lodge in the Nebraska Territory. The original name of the lodge was Nebraska Lodge No. 184, Bellevue, NE and it received its charter in October 1855. In the fall of 1857, the name was changed to Nebraska Lodge No. 1, Bellevue, NE, by resolution from the Grand Lodge of Nebraska A.F. & A.M. The lodge continued to operate in Bellevue until January 24, 1888, when by the authority of the Grand Lodge of Nebraska the location of the lodge was moved to Omaha, where it remains today. The Grand Lodge made the decision because of their concern that with so many new communities being established in Eastern Nebraska Bellevue might wither and the Lodge fade away.

Bellevue Lodge was re-chartered in June 1955, and the cornerstone of their current building was laid on August 1, 1959. Bellevue Masons have been meeting the first Wednesday of the month ever since. The Masons at Bellevue continue to be a strong force in the community, participating in many community activities, as well as donating to numerous local charities. They provide the opportunity for young men to learn many leadership skills, as well as provide services to others.

Their motto is “Men putting ethics into practice.” Making good men better men has always been a hallmark of the world’s oldest fraternity, and it is a guiding principle of Bellevue Masonic Lodge.

Drawing of The American Fur Company Trading Post, operated by Peter A. Sarpy

2020 - September

THE DEVELOPMENT OF FREEMASONRY AND ITS RITUAL IN THE UNITED STATES

This paper is taken directly and entirely from the April 2012 M.S.A Short Talk Bulletin containing the article "Ritual Developments in the United States" by S. Brent Morris

The origin and development of Masonic Ritual in the United States has had much study. In fact, Masonic Ritual came to the United States from many sources, principally from England, Scotland, and Ireland, as well as from France, Germany, and others. There was little to no ritual guidance for American lodges from their own Grand Lodges or other sources in the colonies. Lodges had to rely on oral tradition and exposes, until the appearance of William Preston's "Illustrations of Masonry" in 1772. Even that important source did not adequately cover aspects of Degree work, or openings and closings, and additionally, it did not appear in American editions until 1804.

2020 - August

EARLY FREEMASONRY: THE ANTIENTS AND THE MODERNS

It has been said that "the history of Freemasonry before its official 1717 establishment is confounding and elusive." Its post 1717 era is no less puzzling, even though better records were kept and more research has been done.

The Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons in England was formed as the first Grand Lodge in history. It was composed of four London Lodges named after their meeting places: The Rummer and Grapes; The Crown; The Apple Tree; and The Goose and Gridiron. On June 24, 1717, St. John the Baptist Day, these four Lodges met and officially formed the Grand Lodge.

One of the reasons for the Grand Lodge coming into being was to ensure that Freemasonry wouldn't just become another eating, drinking and carousing club. Additionally, because of the comparatively high number of exposes and somewhat lax Lodge Visitor Examinations, many immigrants, free-loaders, and other imposters were gaining admittance to the Lodges. These "Visitors" were draining the charity coffers and sensibilities, as well as getting free meals and drinks.

To counter this illicit invasion, the new Grand Lodge took it upon itself to switch the. passwords of the First and Second Degrees and make some ritual changes. This not only angered the would- be illicit visitors, but also upset legitimate Masons from outside the geographical and administrative jurisdiction of the new Grand Lodge.

Another festering sore point was that new, or Premier, Grand Lodge was actively courting nobility and royalty as members, and as such was introducing more modern philosophical concepts and rituals. These new classes of membership were more highly educated and more cosmopolitan, and more in tune with the emerging Age of Enlightenment. These efforts of modernization were essentially at odds with the more manual laboring class and the members of the country-side Lodges. These country Lodges had their own traditions and rituals, and they resisted the Premier Grand Lodge in London.

Before long two rival Grand Lodges emerged and each claimed to have more ancient roots than the Grand Lodge in London. The first of these new Grand Lodges was the "Grand Lodge of All England" and was founded in 1725. It was located in the city of York and its group of Lodges was essentially in Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Cheshire. This Grand Lodge encompassed only fourteen Lodges and went out of existence in 1792.

In 1751 another Grand Lodge, one with a significant number of Irish Masons that had been denied admission to various London Lodges, formed "The Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons According to the Old Institutions." (As a reminder the Premier Grand Lodge was in fact more elitist and bourgeois; and had made revisions in the rituals.) Many of the Irish and Scotch Masons that formed the new "Antient" Grand Lodge were privy to customs and rituals that not only differed from but also pre-dated those of the Premier Grand Lodge in London. Because of this, and as a means of attracting new members, this new Grand Lodge dubbed itself "the Antients'', and referred to the Premier Grand Lodge in London as the "Moderns". The rivalry continued for approximately sixty years until December 27, 1813 (St. John the Evangelist Day) when the two Grand Lodges merged into the current "The United Grand Lodge of Antient Freemasons of England" which is today formally known as "The United Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons in England." Informally it is called "The United Grand Lodge of England."

The provisions of the merger were compromises which avoided standardization of all the rituals and also allowed Lodges to incorporate their own established customs. The Antients were proponents of a Fourth Degree for Antient Craft Masonry, that being the Degree of the Royal Arch. This was an important point of difference between the two Grand Lodges. The merger "settled" the issue with the following "Diplomatic Statement." "It is declared and pronounced that pure Antient Masonry consists of three degrees, and no more, viz those of: the Entered Apprentice, the Fellow Craft, and the Master Mason (including the Supreme Order of the Holy Royal Arch)". This was to make the Royal Arch an integral part of the Master Mason degree and not a separate fourth degree.

Inclosing some additional points are of value:

During the Antients and Moderns schism, The American Revolution took place.
Many of the English Military were Scotch and Irish, and many of them represented England's military presence in Colonial America. A high number of these military personnel belonged to Lodges of the Antients.
The English Military in the colonies was one of the leading avenues for new Colonial Lodges and Masons.
In the Colonies, the Moderns initially predominated, and they in turn, were predominately Loyalists who were often the upper crust of society.
As the Revolutionary War progressed, many of these Colonial Moderns returned to England or immigrated to Canada. The Moderns viliually disappeared from America by the end of the War.
Ben Franklin was a member of a Modem's Lodge in Pennsylvania. He was in fact a Grand Master. When he died, his Lodge, now an Antient Lodge, denied him a Masonic Funeral.

Educational Question:

This author and humorist was raised a Master Mason in Lincoln Lodge No. 19, in Lincoln Nebraska in 1902.

2020 - July

The point within a circle is a common symbol used in Freemasonry

From Freemasons

Like many masonic symbols the origin of the point in the circle is unknown. In carvings from Ancient Egypt the Alpha and Omega symbols representing God often as a circle with a point between them. In the case of the Egyptian symbol the two vertical lines are replaced with snakes.

Regardless of what the origin of the symbol is, Freemasonry has adopted to represent what is, in the opinion of this writer, one of our most important ideas in Freemasonry. In all interpretations of this image, the point in the center represents the individual man or mason.

Taking just the circle it is a reminder that we are all circumscribed with a circle in our lives and those who enter that circle, both in a literal sense (people we see) and figurative sense (people who our actions may have impact), have a claim on our kind offices. Our good will to our fellow man and our fellow mason is paramount to the moral ideals behind Freemasonry. It can also be said that the same circle is a dividing line between our internal passions and a mason's duty to God and his fellow man. A mason should never allow his internal passions, prejudices and selfish interests to pass outside the circle.

There are many other references to the circle with the point in its center, there are also just as many interpretations of it's meaning throughout history and in the masonic fraternity. As an example some say it is in reference to the candidate circumambulating the masonic altar.

The two lines on either side of the circle, for Freemasons represent St. John the Baptist on the left and St. John the Evangelist the right. Two prominent Saints in Freemasonry because of their connection with what is deemed the Mother lodge in Jerusalem. St. John Lodge of Jerusalem was first believed to be dedicated to St. John the Baptist first and then St. John the Evangelist. The Feast of St. John the Baptist falls on the Summer Solstice, the Feast of St. John the Evangelist falls on the Winter Solstice so the lines are also often said to represent the Summer and Winter Solstice.

Educational Question:

Of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and James Monroe, he was not a Mason.

2020 - June

The Common Gavel

By the Masonic Research & Education Committee, MW Grand Lodge F&AM of Washington

“The Common Gavel is an instrument used by operative masons to break off the corners of rough stones, the better to fit them for the builder’s use; but we, as Free and Accepted Masons, are taught to make use of it for the more noble and glorious purpose of divesting our hearts and consciences of all vices and superfluities of this life, thereby fitting our minds, as living stones for that spiritual building—that house not made with hands—eternal in the heavens.”

Similar to the other Working Tools, the Common Gavel is only mentioned in the initial ceremony to the initiate. There is no explanation in later ritual, or in the lectures. This educational piece considers only the Common Gavel, not the Master’s gavel, or the Setting Maul, which may be discussed in a later unit.

The Common Gavel is one of the most powerful tools we have, however. What use is the Square or the 24 inch Gauge if we cannot take some action to square our actions or to improve our behavior regarding how we spend our time? Without the Common Gavel, we could measure our inadequacies, our “vices and superfluities” all we wanted, and quantify them in hours we spend on them in a day, but our self-improvement would be limited, at best.

There are some items in our lives that clearly could and should be eliminated by the application of this tool. These are the items in the Rough Ashlar of our lives that stick out prominently from the surface. Some behaviors, some attitudes do not need to be pointed out to us through the use of the Square and the Gauge. If we are in danger of bankruptcy, it is clearly in our best interest to revise our spending habits. It may be easy to break off these prominent features of our Ashlar with a few hard blows from the Gavel. However, there are some things that are less obvious, and much less easy to remove.

Let us consider an item that some would consider trivial: biting one’s nails. This is a minor vice, one that does not stand out like bankruptcy might. It will not yield to one sharp blow as a large outcropping of rock might. We must analyze ourselves and see that this small imperfection is affecting our lives, and that it must be removed. Then, it must be slowly chipped away at, flake by flake, with delicacy. The excising of habits such as this require a measured response, not a sudden shattering blow.

One must carefully consider what vice needs to be removed, and how best remove it. Think also of the Ashlars. The Perfect Ashlar in many Lodges is polished to a reflective finish. How can this be accomplished with just a gavel? The blows must be very small indeed, for we have no other Tool to use to remove this extraneous material.

The Gavel can also be a consideration when we think of the Trowel. If the Trowel spreads the cement that unites us into a common mass, clearly it will be harder to fit those stones which are unsmoothed by the Gavel into the building. It will take much more effort and more mortar to join the building together if the stones are more uneven and do not fit together smoothly, and the resulting structure will not be as strong.

Without doubt by improving ourselves we improve the structure of Masonry and our community. Let us thus use the Common gavel in our lives in concert with the other tools to break off those rough corners, fitting ourselves to that Temple in Heaven, as well as our Lodge on Earth.

Educational Question:

These symbols represent those moral and spiritual virtues which should govern our conduct.

2020 - May

Masonic Retention

From Masonic Lodge of Education

Masonic retention is a word upon the lips of every Grand Lodge, subordinate lodge and its many Freemason members, today, across the world.

It may surprise you to know that Masonic retention was on the mind of Albert Mackey, Freemason Researcher and Historian, when he wrote Mackey's Encyclopedia of Freemasonry over 130 years ago. Here is what he wrote:

Parrot Masons:

"One who commits to memory the questions and answers of the catechetical (sic: Relating to or consisting of asking questions and receiving answers by rote rather than by understanding) lectures, and the formulas of the ritual but pays no attention to the history and philosophy of the institution; is commonly called a Parrot Mason, because he is supposed to repeat what he has learned without any conception of its true meaning.

In former times, such superficial Freemasons were held by many in high repute because of the facility with which they passed through the ceremonies of a reception, and they were generally designated as Bright Masons.

But, the progress of Freemasonry as a science now requires something more than a mere knowledge of the lectures to constitute a Masonic scholar."...Mackey's Revised Encyclopedia of Freemasonry, Vol. 2, Page 752, Albert Gallatin Mackey, 33˚, published by The Masonic History Company, Revised ed. copyright 1929, Original copyright 1873.

Masonic Retention:

Memorization without understanding will only take a person to the end of his memorized work...much like memorizing a geometric equation does not prove truly useful unless you understand its components.

Example: If I asked you to tell me the equation to measure the area of a circle, the answer quickly coming from your lips may very well be Pi r² ... and I would applaud your knowledge.

But how useful is that knowledge if you do not know that:

Pi = the ratio of the circumference to the diameter of a circle; approximately equal to 3.14159265358979323846..., or 3.1416 if you round it off.

r = Radius of the circle...the measurement from the center-point to its perimeter or boundary.

² (Squared) = the radius times itself.

Therefore, your quick answer of Pi r² (the equation with which you may perform the task) was absolutely correct, but if you cannot understand each component of the equation, you cannot "do the math", and therefore your journey ends.

Memorization of ritual is important within Freemasonry, however without learning the biblical, symbolic and historical components within Freemasonry's depths, your journey, too, will end without you actually finding Freemasonry's true light.

True Masonic retention is obtained when both ritual and Masonic knowledge are balanced with one another. Masonic education is the only means with which the fraternity can both retain its current membership and produce new members to carry on Freemasonry's proud traditions.

Educational Question:

The Western Wall, or “Wailing Wall”, in Jerusalem, is the only part of this building still standing.

2020 - April

The Casting of the Pillars for Solomon’s Porch

Douglas M. Messimer, PM Tuckahoe Lodge 347 # 73 in a series 4/2015

According to the Bible, “In the 480th year after the Israelites had come out of Egypt, in the fourth year of Solomon’s reign over Israel, in the second month, he began to build the temple of the LORD.”(1 Kings 6:1) King Solomon brought Huram-Abi (thought to be Hiram Abif), whose mother was a widow from the tribe of Naphtali and whose father was a man from Tyre and a person who was a craftsman in bronze. Huram was very good at all kinds of work. In 2 Chronicles 2:7 it says that he was "...skilled to work in gold and silver, bronze and iron, and in purple, crimson, and blue yarn." He was especially good at working with bronze.

Hiram Abif also made before the house two pillars of thirty and five cubits high, and the chapiter that was on the top of each of them was five cubits. Their composition was of molten or cast brass, the better to withstand inundation or conflagration, that they might not be removed by flood or destroyed by fire. They were cast in the clay grounds on the banks of the River Jordan where King Solomon ordered these and all the sacred vessels of the Temple to be cast. The clay used for the casting the pillars of Jachin and Boaz had a peculiar characteristic, and was only found in a particular area of the plains of Jordan between the cities of Succoth and Zeredatha. The pillars and all sacred vessels of the Temple were cast there by Hiram Abif.

In the description of the casting of the two pillars, we find in First Kings, that the clay ground was between Succoth and Zarthan. In 2nd Chronicles, it is recorded that they were cast in the clay ground between Succoth and Zeredathah. Biblical scholars have determined that the two names refer to the same place. Zaredathah stood in the Jordan Valley, on the east bank of the river, a few miles northwest of Succoth and approximately 36 miles north-northeast of Jerusalem.

Until recently no one had been able to find any remains of the city of Zaredathah , nor the clay grounds of Jordan, or any place with evidence of casting activity, near enough to Jerusalem to have been used for the casting of vessels for Solomon’s Temple. In 1964 an ancient city was discovered that had been buried for nearly 3000 years that meets all the requirements.

These clay grounds were where the bronze castings for the Temple of Solomon were made. The clay in this area is of unusual tenacity, is rather thick in nature and is nicely fitted for making molds. It is said to be the best matrix-clay in Palestine. It has been used for about the last 50 years by modern jewelers of Jerusalem in making molds for casting small articles of brass and other metals.

Educational Question:

It is the ancient Hebrew word for "strength".

2021 - December

A Tree Is Known by Its Fruit

Taken in full from the 5-15 Minute Talk by Br. Elbert Bede

When the Master is installed in one of the subsequent bodies of Freemasonry he is admonished substantially as follows:

“You should so conduct yourself and should so lead the lodge that to those in this community the fact that one is a Freemason will be an avouchement and his decency”

This reminds me of the old maxim that a tree is known by its fruit. It is difficult to think of a maxim with more of truth in it. In order to develop a Masonic lesson, in order to develop Masonic symbolism, let Freemasonry be visioned as a great tree towering toward the heavens, with its roots and branches spreading over the world. Its members are its fruit, and it is known by its fruit. It is judged by the acts of its members. Sometimes we hear the question asked by someone by speaking disapprovingly of something one of our members has done. “Can such a person be a Freemason?” The reputation of the Masonic tree is such that those who ask the question quoted are amazed and astounded by the possibility that the great Masonic tree may have produced some unfit fruit. The Masonic tree is being judged by its fruit. More frequently we hear the remark, made by one speaking approvingly of the actions of one of our members, “Why, he is a Freemason!” with an infection which implies that nothing less should be expected of a Freemason. One making the foregoing remark suggests that the Masonic tree produces only good fruit, sound fruit, fit fruit. Is each of us, as he goes about his daily tasks, so conducting himself – are his actions such – is the language he uses such that even the profane over the world may exclaim with approbation, “Why, he’s a Freemason,” just as though that were an avouchment of his honesty, his integrity, his temperance, and his decency?

If Freemasonry, as an institution, may be pictured as a great tree, the lodge may be pictured as a small tree. The Master would be the trunk of the tree, the larger branches would be the officers, and the smaller branches would be the general membership. With the Master symbolizing the trunk of the tree, he will be in direct contact with his members, the smaller branches. It is his duty to know that they have the food and the drink to be found in the fabric of Freemasonry, that come to the Master by way of the roots of the tree. The Master will at all times know how it goes with his members, so that when his term of office ends, the fruit of the tree will be rosily ripened and mellowed

A tree is known by its fruit. The Masonic tree is known by its fruit. Let each of us so live, so act, so talk, that the world may say of each of us with approval, “Why, he’s a Freemason!” Let that be an avouchement of our honesty, our integrity, our temperance, and our decency

2020 - March

America’s Forgotten Custom of “Pounding” People in Need

By Appalachian Magazine - January 1, 2020

The idea of giving someone down on their luck a thorough pounding just doesn’t sound very nice; however, once upon a time in American history, “pounding” someone who had fallen upon hard times was not only an incredible act of benevolence, but also a true act of love.

Despite having grown up in Appalachia and having been raised in church, I had never heard of this phrase until just a few years ago, when a woman whom I knew said, “Our church still pounds the preacher every year!” Upon first hearing this, I wasn’t so sure that pounding the preacher was something that a local church should be bragging about doing until I inquired a bit further. Turns out, pounding someone dates back to the 1800s and can be first traced to America’s Quakers. The act derives its name, because when a new minister would be sent to a congregation in a new town, the members of the new church would all show up at the preacher’s new home with a pound of various items, such as coffee, sugar, flour or honey. When dropping off items to help the new clergyman out, congregants would spend time with him, also getting to know his family.

In October 1895, a Pennsylvania newspaper reported news of a recent pounding, “Last evening about forty of the little Junior Christian Endeavors of Pomfret Street AME Church, led by Mrs. MJ Redmad, Miss Maud Cloyd and Mrs. Richard Thompson called at the parsonage to pay their respects to Rev. and Mrs. JH Bell, in a substantial way and soon after they had well filled the table. Mrs. Redman made the presentation address and Mrs. JH Bell responded. IT was very pleasant affair. After singing a few lovely songs and refreshments the Little Juniors departed with blessings of the pastor and his wife.”

Over time, the act that was once reserved for preachers and ministers began to find its way into the homes of ordinary people, allowing friends and the community an opportunity to help others in their hour of need. At its zenith of popularity, even newlyweds were being showered with gifts, one pound at a time!

Sadly, these days, there aren’t a whole lot of people or churches who still regularly pound people, but as we enter the year 2020 our new year’s resolution is to bring back this forgotten piece of Americana!

Note from the Secretary: Even through this article is not Masonic related, I thought it showed a great example of “Brotherly Love and Charity.”

Educational Question:

This Nebraska Mason and prosecutor died just a few days after the conclusion of the famous “Scopes Trial”. (Email the secretary if you think you know the answer at [email protected])

2020 - February

LETTER PERFECT

Taken from The Masonic Short Talk

"Do we put too much emphasis on Ritual, and not enough on the higher things in Masonry?" It is easy enough to state that Ritual are certain words arranged in a certain way, which have come down to us from time "Immemorial" and by means of which we confer degrees, impart Masonic teachings to novices, and incidentally, to the brethren who attend lodge. But when we ask "Why Ritual?" the answer is not so easy.

Why insistence upon an exact memorization of the "Words" of the Ritual? Why lay so much stress upon the successful employment of a mighty memory? Why do we insist that those who confer degrees should spend painful hours in long and arduous study so sentences may be uttered in a certain way for the instruction of candidates? There are several reason why Ritual is important. Let us examine and see for ourselves that there really are explanations of the need for memorization.

One of the great appeals of Freemasonry, both to the profane and the initiate, is its antiquity. The Order can trace an unbroken history of more than three hundred years in its present form (the first Grand Lodge was formed in 1717), and has irrefutable documentary evidence of a much longer existence in simpler forms. There is very complete circumstantial evidence that Freemasonry is the legitimate and only heir to guilds, societies, organizations and systems of teaching which run so far back into the past that they are lost in the mists which shroud antiquity.

If we alter our Ritual, either intentionally or by poor memorization, we gradually lose the many references concealed in our words and sentences, which tell the story of where we came from and when. It is a beautiful thing to do as all those who have gone this way before us. To say the same words, take the same obligations, repeat the same ceremonies that George Washington underwent, gives us a feeling of kinship with the Father of this country which no non-Mason may have. But we may lose this connection if we change our Ritual, little by little, altering it by poor work; forgetting or leaving words out. To drop out a word here, put in a new one there, eliminate this sentence and add that one to our Ritual, in a very few years, the old Ritual will be entirely altered and become something new.

Ritual is the thread which binds us to those who immediately preceded us, as their Ritual bound them to their fathers. The Ritual we hand down to our sons and their sons, will be their bond with us, and through us with the historic dead. To alter that bond intentionally is to wrong those who come after us, even as we have been wronged where those who preceded us were care-less or inefficient in their memorization and rendition of the Ritual.

We give that "Good and Wholesome Instruction" which a Master is sworn to do, but all that may be done without in any way altering the fundamentals of our ritual and methods of teaching. Freemasonry is not a thing, but a system of thought. It is not something that may be bought or sold, it can only be won. We may not wrap up Freemasonry in a package and give to an initiate. Our duty is to lead him so that the way is clear and to give him instructions in such a way that he cannot miss the path. This we do by our ceremonies and our Rituals. In our Ritual are contained the germ of all those philosophical and moral truths which Freemasonry teaches. In our Ritual are at least one explanation of our symbols. In the Ritual are the real secrets of Freemasonry made plain for those who have ears to hear.

If we memorize our Ritual badly, we put the emphasis on the way we say it, not on what we say. If we omit or interpolate, we change the instructions which generations of Masons have found to be effective. If we do not pass on to others what we have received, just as we have received it, we handicap those who profess to teach. And thus can have no right to complain if they do not become good Masons, but merely lodge members. A candidate comes to us knowing nothing of the Fraternity beyond the fact that it is an association of men in an Order which has had the approbation of leaders of men for hundreds of years. The impression we make upon him when he takes his degrees will influence not only the kind of Mason he becomes, but in some respects, the judgment the world make of Masonry, since it can only judge the institution from the individual.

The impression make upon him will depend very largely on the character of the work we do. The care and attention we have given to its preparation, and the ease with which the dear old words come from our hearts and lips.

Any one, with time and attention, can memorize Ritual. But it is not enough merely to know it and deliver it so it sounds as something learned by rote, parrot like, unimpressive. We may not speak as an orator speaks, but we all can attain the perfection of letter-knowledge. We can learn our Ritual so that it becomes a part of us, and give it forth with ease and clarity.

Be not discourage then, if Ritual "Comes Hard." Fail not in the task, nor question that it is worthwhile. For on what we do and on the way in which we do it depends in a large measure the Freemasonry of the future. As we do well or ill, so will those who come after us do ill or well.

Educational Question:

This Iowa city was originally known as Shiboleth. (Email the secretary if you think you know the answer at [email protected])

2020 - January

Mediocrity in Masonry…Shame on us!

By: Robert G. Davis 33*, Grand Cross

One of the questions that occasionally eats at me when I am driving home from a Masonic event, degree, or function that has been woefully mediocre, is how our members can sit through such Masonic happenings month after month and still believe our fraternity is relevant and meaningful to men’s lives? How honest are we in claiming we make good men better while persistently repeating practices and behaviors which are so distinctively average, or worse? Selfimprovement involves some form of positive change. It requires some level of progress; entails some elevated sense of being. Explain to me how a lodge facilitates self-improvement by offering its members a venue that doesn’t “feel” any different when they are inside the lodge than outside of it.

Perhaps many of us come into Masonry looking for nothing more than fraternal association. But, if that’s the case, it ought to be the best fraternal association we have ever had!

Once we encounter the preparation room, or make our progress through the degrees, it is hard to dismiss the awareness that we are engaged in something wholly different from our other community experiences. We quickly learn that Masonry has a higher calling which requires that we make an ascent into the very center of our being.

An endeavor of such high importance and due solemnity is not a run of the mill undertaking. It becomes clear there is nothing mediocre about Masonry. So why do we make it that way?

Here’s the problem. Accepting mediocrity in our lodge practices is the same as living a mediocre life. By making un-extraordinary acts and behaviors our ordinary practice, we entrap ourselves from knowing how precious life really is. We don’t use opportunities that come our way as means of expressing how special we really are. Instead, we walk the walk with the rest of the herd and soon find ourselves in such a deep rut of limitations we lose sight of our own value. We become trapped in mediocrity.

Regrettably, this too often seems the condition in which lodges, Scottish Rite Valleys, York Rite Chapters, Councils and Commanderies find themselves. When nothing extraordinary, educational, insightful, compelling, intellectual, contemplative, spiritual or fraternal occurs in our private, sacred, fraternal spaces, then we become only another ordinary, average, run of the mill, dime-a-dozen organization. It is hard to see how this kind of Masonry takes good men and makes them betters.

It is not the kind of Masonry we should want to share with our friends.

I believe that if we truly want to move “from the square to the compasses,” we have to dare to be different. And we can’t dare to be different by following someone else’s expectations. When a lodge does the same thing year after year, it is accepting by default someone else’s expectations. There is nothing creative, inspiring, or different about parroting ritual, paying bills, and going home. That’s doing only what many others have done before us.

To distinguish ourselves among men and organizations, we first have to perceive in our own minds that we have something to do which will ultimately set us above the average. We start by thinking about the choices before us.

Do we choose what is safe, rather than what is right? Do we only do things right, or do we do the right things? Do we set out on a new path, or take the same old, comfortable way? Do we bring credit to our teachings, or debit them as ideals of the past? Do we become the examples that young men want to emulate, or do we seem to them as just another group of ho hum guys?

You see, the choice always controls the chooser. To be exemplary men, or an exemplary organization, we have to be exceptional in our awareness of who we are, what we are here to be doing, what we know, and how we practice what we know. We have to have the courage to be different from the rest of the crowd—nobler in our expectations and more refined in our state of mind.

Because that’s just the way Masonry is!

A note from Bellevue Lodge’s secretary:

Some of you may be wondering why I chose this article for Masonic Education. I believe that W.M. Kyle has some great ideas that will help lead the lodge into the future and I would encourage all of you to not only listen to his ideas, but to get involved and participate in them. We have seen the lodge try many new things over the last 4 or 5 years. Some worked, some did not. But at least the leadership is trying to find ways to make the lodge an interesting organization to belong to. We have made our presence known in the community, but we cannot continue to expect the same 5 or 6 men to make our events happen. So please don’t just sit on the sideline. Get involved!

Educational Question:

This American Grand Lodge was the second to recognize Prince Hall Masonry as a legitimate Masonic body. (Email the secretary if you think you know the answer at [email protected])

2019 - December

Today in Masonic History it's Christmas Day

From Masonrytoday.com

On this special day I am taking the opportunity to talk about Freemasonry and its role in the world. Freemasonry, as you know it is not a religion. We welcome people of all different faiths and beliefs into our organization we only ask that you have a monotheistic belief in a supreme being.

This brings me to the time of year we are in, Christmas. At one time in the world this was the celebration of hope as we moved from the darkest day of the year and the days began to get brighter. We now celebrate with Christmas and the birth of Christ who taught very specific lessons when dealing with your fellow man. These lessons are taught in other religions as well. The lessons Christ taught were of tolerance, justice, hope and kindness, to only name a few. These lessons are taught throughout Freemasonry. It is because of this that I believe Freemasonry truly embodies the idea of the Christmas season year round.

In our lodges and other Masonic organizations we daily, not just at this time of year, plan and perform acts to help the communities we are in. We teach our brothers to deal honestly and fairly with all whom we encounter. We stand on the level with our brothers whether we have known them for years or we are first meeting them on that day. We don't care what their religious affiliation is or their political affiliation we know that if they are standing there in that room with us, they believe that we have the right to our beliefs just as we believe they have the right to theirs. The positive energy that is generated in our lodges hopefully makes its way into the community through the acts of the individual masons. We learn the lessons of tolerance, justice and hope so well in our meetings and Masonic activities that we instinctively act in the same way when out in the world.

We have been accused of running the world, most certainly not the case. I do believe we are changing it every day though, when we walk out into the world and display that Masonic Spirit, that Christmas Spirit and we make the world just that much better by being in it and sharing with the world the ideals that Freemasonry is founded on.

I say this in the most secular way possible, Merry Christmas to all regardless of faith. May this season bring you joy, happiness and a better tomorrow!

2019 - November

The Entered Apprentice; The Meaning of the Term

Excerpted from “The Masonic Scholar: A Manual of Masonic Education for Candidates”

You are now an Entered Apprentice. The first step in your journey to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason has been taken. Doubtless you found your initiation an experience you will never wish to forget. A Degree of Masonry is not an isolated experience, but an ever-enduring privilege. Always you may sit in your own lodge when open on the Entered Apprentice Degree; always you can return to observe, to participate in, and to study its ceremonies.

Doubtless you have an eager curiosity to learn more about this remarkable Degree before you receive that of Fellow Craft. Perhaps its ceremonies seemed strange to you; its language fell on your ears with unaccustomed accents; and at its end, you may have been somewhat bewildered. It is our function to help you interpret it by giving you a brief explanation of the term “Entered Apprentice”.

The builders of those remarkable structures in Europe and Great Britain, from six hundred to nine hundred years ago we call operative masons, because they were builders in the literal sense. It was necessary for the Operative Masons to recruit new members to replace those lost through removal, accident, illness, or death. To do this, they used the apprenticeship system, which was in vogue in all crafts for many centuries.

The word “apprentice” means “learner” or beginner, one who is taking his first steps I mastering a trade, art or profession. The operative apprentice was a boy, usually from ten to fifteen years of age. He was required to be sound in body, in order to do work requiring physical strength and endurance. He had to be of good habits, obedient and willing to learn, and of unquestioned reputation, and be well recommended by Masons already members of the craft. When such a boy was chosen as an apprentice, he was called into the lodge where all the members could assure themselves of his mental, moral and physical qualifications. If they voted to receive him, he was given much information about the Craft, what it required of its members, something of its early history and tradition, and what his duties would be. He gave a solemn promise to obey his superiors, to work diligently, to observe the laws and rules and to keep the secrets.

After being thus obligated, he was bound over, or indentured, to one of the more experienced Master Masons. As a rule, he lived with this Master Mason, and from him, day by day, learned the methods and secrets of the trade. This apprenticeship lasted usually seven years.

After this young man had “gone to school” in this manner long enough to give assurance of his fitness to master the art and to become an acceptable member of the Society, his name was entered on the books of the Lodge and he was given a recognized place in the Craft organization and, because of this official entering of his name, he was given the title “Entered Apprentice”. All those of the same degree of advancement constituted the rank or grade of Apprentice Masons.

It is difficult to appreciate the care our Operative Masonic forebears devoted to these learners. The Intender, as the Master Mason to whom the Apprentice was indentured was called, was obliged bylaw to teach him theory as well as practice. Not until the Apprentice, after many years, could prove his proficiency by meeting the most rigid tests of skill, was he permitted to advance to a higher rank in the Craft. Other Master Masons with whom he was set at work at the simpler tasks also were his teachers. He was given Moral instruction; his conduct was carefully scrutinized; many rules were laid down to control his manner of life. When we read the Old Charges and ancient documents that have come down to us, we are impressed by the amount of space devoted to apprentices. The Operative Masons knew that the Apprentice of today made the Master Mason of the future.

As time passed, therefore, there grew up about the rank and duties and regulations of the Apprentice an organized set of customs, ceremonies, rules, traditions, etc. These at last crystallized into a well-defined unit, which we may describe as the Operative Entered Apprentice Degree. When, after the Reformation, Operative Masonry was transformed into Speculative Masonry, the Entered Apprentice Degree was retained as one of the Degrees of the Speculative Lodge, modified, of course, to meet the needs of the Speculative Fraternity.

As an Entered Apprentice you are a learner, a beginner in Speculative Masonry. You have taken the first steps in the mastery of our art. And it is because you have this rank that certain things are expected of you. First, you must learn certain portions of the Degree, so as to prove your proficiency in open Lodge. But you are to learn these parts not merely to pass this test; you should master them so thoroughly that they will remain with you throughout life, because you will have need of them many times in the future. Second, you must learn the laws, rules, and regulations; by which, an Entered Apprentice is governed.

As you stood in the northeast corner of the Lodge during your initiation, you were taught a certain lesson concerning a cornerstone. The meaning of that lesson should now be clear to you. You are a cornerstone of the Craft. The day will probably come when, into your hands, will fall your share of the responsibilities of the Lodge. You are a cornerstone on which the fraternity is being erected. It is our hope and expectation that you will prove a solid foundation, true and tried, set foursquare on which our great Fraternity may safely build.

2019 - October

I Am Proud To Be A Mason

by Seymour Atlas

Taken from the Masonic Short Talk Bulletin.

I shall never forget my first thought as I made my initial entrance into the Masonic Lodge that conferred the Entered Apprentice Degree on me, and followed with the Fellow Craft and Master Mason Degrees. I was immediately made to feel that I was surrounded by Brothers. I felt there were no strangers present. This was one big family that seemed to have adopted me, and I, in turn, was elated to adopt them as my family.

My horizon of Masonry expanded, and my pride and joy were bubbling and effervescent. I couldn't wait to be able to confer the Degrees on others as there was so much I wanted to explain and elaborate about each Degree.

I was offered this opportunity and immediately began to study and memorize many parts, and over the years I became very active, holding office, lecturing, and taking an active part in every phase of Masonry where my talents and abilities could be used. One aspect of Masonry that has made a great impression on me was the ability of all Brothers, regardless of religion, to ask me “why did I need Masonry as a Rabbi”, because my profession was one of integrity, kindness, honesty, and all the attributes expounded in Masonry. It was difficult for many to grasp my need for this addition and supplement to religion. I worked with men of different religions, as well as of the Hebrew faith, and they were all impressed when I would say that Masonry is not a religion, but to be a Mason we had to believe in God, and if this was the only aspect of our religion and we had no other formal religion, yet we adhered to all the moral teachings of Masonry; this too would have put us in the category of men of integrity. However, Masonry is not a substitute for religion, nor is it a religion.

My experience has shown that Masons are, for the most part, deeply religious men. I am proud to be a Mason and a part of an organization that is devoted to helping, without question or embarrassment, widows, orphans, and those in need.

I am proud to be a Mason and to be a part of a Fraternity dedicated to the upholding of the Constitution of the United States of America and the Bill of Rights.

I am proud to be a Mason who believes in the freedom of mankind and the sanctity of human life.

I am proud to be a Mason who believes in the dignity of God's children and opposes hatred and bigotry, and stands for truth, justice, kindness, integrity, and righteousness for all.

I am proud to be a Mason and shall always be happy to number myself among those who uphold those cardinal principles and moral standards of life that are so needed if our organization is to continue on the high level that has been its character from its inception. May God grant it continued strength to go, to grow, and to glow so that I and all Masons can exclaim: "I am proud to be a Mason!"

2019 - September

The Art of Forming a Pleasing Concords: Music and The Masonic Lodge

Music is the sixth of the seven Liberal Arts and Sciences. Pythagoras and his followers were keen on studying music as a science. But what is the meaning of forming a pleasing concord?

The meaning is “The state of being in agreement or concord. The combination of simultaneously sounded musical notes to produce a pleasing effect. The quality of forming a pleasing and consistent whole.” The Senior Warden is sometimes associated with this Science of a Pleasing Concord, as the Senior Warden asks for harmony in the Lodge.

Music is part of all of us. Our heartbeat is the basic pattern, with sounds ranging from the first cry of a newborn baby to our last gasp for breath. The sense of hearing is improved, so that we recognize ditties and rhythms and syncopation. Clapping and singing are part of who we are as humans.

Vibrations cause sounds. Pitch is determined by the frequency of the vibrations. We learn to hear major, minor, and chromatic scales. If we attempt to match the pitch of the lead singer, although it takes discipline, we can achieve harmony. Many have sought to hear the sounds of the universe in radio frequency. Whole pieces of music have been dedicated to the music of the spheres.

Music as a science isn't just about making sounds that are pleasing to the ear. It is the study of the dimension of time. This is easy to observe in the musical element of rhythm. In the musical element of tone, it is observed in the frequency of vibrations which cause sound. This study of vibrations and their effect on matter was a new concept during the period of the enlightenment, but it has grown into modern wave theory.

Music, as an art, used to play a much larger role in Freemasonry than it does today. In the early days, there were songs for every occasion. It should be noted, however, that Freemasons were still meeting in taverns at this time and tavern songs were part of the normal culture. At a gathering every man present was expected to lead or at least participate in a song. Even up into the modern period, nearly every lodge had a Lodge Musician or Organist.

Freemasons are encouraged to be "lovers of the Arts & Sciences". Music, along with grammar, rhetoric, logic, arithmetic, geometry, and astronomy, is one of the seven "liberal" arts & sciences. Liberal, because free men were expected to learn them as part of their education.

Ritually, music is referred to at least twice in most Masonic jurisdictions in the world. These references are publicly available from many sources, but they find their origin in Preston’s Illustrations of Masonry: ‘Hearing is that sense by which we distinguish sounds, and are capable of enjoying all the agreeable charms of music.’ and ‘Music teaches the art of forming concords, so as to compose delightful harmony, by a proportional arrangement of acute, grave and mixed sounds.’

As with most of those other liberal arts, the use of music has become woefully absent from many Lodges in North America. However, in those Lodges where it is present, it has become almost unimaginable to conduct a meeting without it. In most observant Lodges, music is a full partner with the ritual, whether it be in the form of Masonic opening and closing odes sung by the brethren, or the performance of, or playing of recorded music throughout the meeting, as well as at significant points during the degrees. Then of course, there are the songs meant to be sung by the brethren at the Festive Board after the meeting.

Some observant Lodges offer a Moment of Reflection, which, while often being a period of silence, can just as well be an opportunity to silently meditate with a reflective piece of music. While silence is equally powerful, the use of music for such a moment has an additional advantage: it allows the Master to be fully engaged in the meditation as well. This provides for every brother to focus on the reflection without worrying about the responsibility of closing the period of silence, leaving this to be determined by the end of the music. When planning a Moment of Reflection, a note on duration is useful: unless one knows his brethren to be particularly indulgent, care should be taken to use compositions that are no longer than three to four minutes in length.

So, forming a pleasing concord in lodge is no more than the brethren being in agreement. Remembering that we meet on the level.

2019 - August

Women Freemasons

There are two groups of Women Freemasons. There are Co-Masonry lodges, which admit both men and women and the Women Freemason lodges which admit only women. The members of Co-Masonry lodges and Women Freemason lodges take Freemasonry and Freemason Ritual just as seriously as their all male counterparts. Ascending the chairs in their lodges is a much slower process than in the all-male American Freemasonry, as much study and a very high degree of proficiency is required.

While "regular" Grand Lodges across the world do not formally recognize "mixed" CoMasonry (male and female) nor Women's Masonry, in many countries there is a growing measure of mutual respect bestowed upon some of these groups, many of which use the same working tools, lectures and ritual as regular Freemasonry.

Parallel Fraternal Spirit:

Members of both Co-Masonry and Women Freemason lodges work toward the same Masonic ideals as that of regular male Freemasonry. They wish to be of service to their fellow man and woman.

Le Droit Humain is an organization which admits women Freemasons to the craft, however they are viewed as clandestine within regular Freemasonry. The term "clandestine" in Freemasonry means not formally connected with "regular" Freemasonry. Women’s Freemason Lodges and Le Droit Humain generally recognize each other and are free to visit one another, although their rituals and traditions differ in minor ways.

Women's Freemasonry is growing in popularity around the world. Since the early 1900s, women's lodges have become quite widespread in France. Internationally, women Freemasons now number in the tens of thousands and there are more than 60,000 women Freemasons in England.

Women Freemasons Working Tools:

Entered Apprentice Degree: Common Gavel, the 24 Inch Gauge and the Chisel. Fellow Craft Degree: Plumb, Rule, Level and Square Master Mason Degree: Skirret, Pencil and the Compasses.

For American Freemasons, whose Masonic education does not include the skirret (nor the chisel and pencil), and who, therefore, may not be familiar with the skirret as one of the working tools of the craft, below is a description.

A skirret is a line of cord on a reel. At the loose end of the cord is a stake. Within Freemasonry, It is used symbolically to create a straight and undeviating line of conduct. The spool of cord resides on a cord holder which freely rotates on a center pin. We might commonly see this tool used by a gardener in which to create straight rows of crops. The rotating cord holder reels out the cord which is stretched tightly. In this way, the skirret was used to mark out straight lines to create not only straight rows of crops, but perfectly straight lines for the foundation of a building or edifice. In most non-American, but English-speaking, all male regular Freemason lodges which work Emulation or similar or related ritual, the skirret is one of their working tools, as well.

Each local group is called an Obedience. Membership is by invitation only. Everyone is eligible regardless of race, creed, ethnic background or sex. All members are expected to actively participate or resign. All gatherings are formal and not social occasions.

There is no "G" in the Masonic symbol for Droit Humain lodges. There is, instead, a star, or both a "G" and a star.

For more information on this or other Masonic articles, go to https://www.masonic-lodge-of-education.com/women-freemasons.html.

2019 - July

FREEMASONRY AND MORMONISM

A Veiled Relationship

The subject of the relationship between Freemasonry and Mormonism has been and may still be, filled with poor information and misunderstanding. Neither organization has sought to emphasize any relationship with the other. Basically there are very few records that pertain to the early formation of the Mormon Church and its relationship and early similarities to Freemasonry. The records of the Grand Lodge of Illinois were almost entirely destroyed in the fire of February 1850. And just as noteworthy, a number of smaller fires of uncertain origin destroyed key records in related and neighboring lodges. Reliable information then, is scarce.

What is known is that the family of Joseph Smith Jr., the founder of Mormonism, had developed a close relationship with Freemasonry, even before the family moved to Nauvoo, Illinois, where the Mormon Church essentially came into being. In fact many writers claim that the Smith family, and therefore Mormonism, believed that Freemasonry had been of divine origin, but had been corrupted by human ambition. Thus, Mormonism could be the restoration and cleansing of a "fallen" set of beliefs.

In the early 1840's a Masonic lodge was formed by the LDS Church members in Nauvoo, Illinois. The men of the Smith Family were key members. The lodge grew by leaps and bounds, initiating large groups of Mormon men at one time, in a number of single ceremonies. Soon the local Mormon membership totaled approximately 1,300. Incidentally, the estimated entire Masonic membership in the rest of the United States was approximately 2,000. Problems occurred. Irregularities in initiation and advancement in the Mormon lodges were among them. Because of apparent and claimed attempts of the Mormon lodges to control local Freemasonry and the ritual procedures, the Grand Lodge of Illinois ordered all the Mormon lodges "to cease work and be dissolved." However, the Mormon lodges continued to operate as clandestine lodges. In 1844 local antagonism, perhaps including some Masonic participation, against the Mormons, drove them out of the area, causing them to eventually settle in Utah.

It has been said that Masonry acquainted Joseph Smith Jr. with a new ritual style that he admired and accepted, and apparently emulated in Mormonism, particularly in the Rite of Endowment (or Joining). Additionally, it must be remembered that many of the early leaders of the Mormon Church were Freemasons.

Some of the apparent similarities in the ritual and ceremonies of the two organizations are: using a prescribed ceremonial script; imparting signs, grips, and passwords; making oaths, while kneeling at an alter; vowing not to reveal ceremonial secrets; using dialogues to solicit passwords; repeating orders or reports two or three times verbatim; knocking three time for entrance; reciting three syllables in sacred language; acting out a ritual drama which represents a biblical figure; wearing an apron; using symbols such as the square and compasses; delivering lectures to review the ceremony and expanding on it meanings; and the use of such symbols as the all-seeing eye, the inverted five-pointed star (as in the Eastern Star), and the beehive.

It should be noted however, that certain revisions to the LDS Rites of Endowment took place in the 1920's and in 1990. In 1990, the use of the five points of fellowship was one of the elements eliminated. Additionally, it has been said that the current Saints i.e. the leaders of the Mormon Church do not believe that the Rite of Endowment has any relationship to Freemasonry.

2019 - June

MILITARY LODGES, A BRIEF HISTORY

(This paper uses material from the MSA Short Talk Bulletin of July 2011, “Military Lodges.” The paper includes direct quotes and excerpts from that publication. Other sources were used also.)

“A military lodge is one whose charter is granted to the members of a military unit. The lodge is not limited to one city, but moves about with the unit. Freemasonry was spread throughout much of the world by traveling military lodges.” (Complete Indiot’s Guide) The consent of the commanding officer of the regiment had to be obtained before a military lodge could be formed. Similarly, he could order its closure. Grand Lodge rules forbade civilians from joining military lodges. They were to join their local lodges.

The concept of military lodges is not new. Freemasonry, as was indicated, owes much of its world-wide nature to the Regimental Lodges of the British Armies. Accommodations were made for the professional soldiers when Grand Lodges began issuing warrants and charters to have traveling Military Lodges.

Using the system of warrants, the Irish Grand Lodge established lodges in the British army and navy. For example, the first Battalion of Royal Scots received its warrant in 1732. This lodge traveled with its regiment for over a century. By 1813 the Grand Lodges of Ireland, Scotland, and the Ancient and Modern Grand Lodges of England had a total of 218 military lodges on their roles. And, Masonic Military Lodges had been established by several members of American Regiments in the Revolutionary War. The American army had ten military lodges between 1775 and 1780. These were in regiments in the Continental Line. Seven of these lodges held warrants from the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. Three of these lodges were for troops raised in that state, while the other military lodges were for regiments from North Carolina, Maryland, Delaware, and New Jersey. New York furnished a warrant for one lodge, while each of the competing Grand Lodges of Massachusetts authorized one military lodge each.

The American Civil War saw the creation of the greatest number of military lodges in the history of the nation. This was due to the duration of the conflict and the number of men mobilized. The then common practice of ceasing campaigning during the winter months provided opportunities for increased fraternal association. As many as 244 military lodges (94 from the North and 150 from the South) formed, having been given permission from the appropriate Grand Lodges.

Several commanding generals on both sides of the conflicts were Masons. In fact, the Northern General George B. McClelland, was initiated in a military lodge in Oregon in 1853.

There are some references to military lodges in the Spanish American War. However, beginning with WWI and continuing until the end of the draft in 1973, there was a shift from state and /or local organized units to individual draftees assigned to different units as needed. It in fact remained such until the Persian Gulf Wars when Reservists and National Guardsmen again went to war as part of identifiable and distinct units.

These papers are presented one per month as part of the Masonic Education Program of Bellevue Lodge #325 A.M. & F.M. at the monthly Stated Communication.

2019 - January

Corn, wine and oil were the Masonic wages of our ancient brethren

(Taken from www.masonic-lodge-of-education.com)

In ancient operative times, the Master of the Work received the highest wages. His wages were corn, wine, oil and sometimes the coin of the realm. Fellowcraft and Entered Apprentice wages were less than the Master was, but they were kept in "mete and drynk" (meat and drink).

In Speculative Freemasonry, Masonic wages are not earned in coin. They are the rewards earned through acts of kindness, good deeds of service, and the gift of your time to others. They are earned by mentoring other brethren, helping others, remembering the widow and the orphan and visiting the sick. In short, wages are earned much as the biblical verse says: "Do unto others as you would HAVE them do unto you."

Corn, wine and oil are the Masonic elements of consecration. The adoption of these symbols is supported by the highest antiquity. Corn, wine and oil were the most important productions of Eastern countries; they constituted the wealth of the people, and were esteemed as the supports of life and the means of refreshment. David enumerates them among the greatest blessings that we enjoy, and speaks of them as in Psalm 104: 15: "wine that maketh glad the heart of man, and oil to make his face to shine, and bread which strengtheneth man's heart".

In processions, the corn alone is carried in a golden pitcher, the wine and oil are placed in silver vessels, and this is to remind us that the first, as a necessity and the "staff of life" is of more importance and more worthy of honor than the others, which are but comforts.

In devoting anything to religious purposes, the anointing with oil was considered as a necessary part of the ceremony, a rite which has descended to Christian nations. The Hebrews anointed their Kings, Prophets and High Priests with oil mingled with the richest spices. They also anointed themselves with oil on all festive occasions, whence the expression in Psalm xlv, 7: "God hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness." The tabernacle in the wilderness, and all its holy vessels, were, by God's express command, anointed with oil. Aaron and his two sons were set apart for the priesthood with the same ceremony. And the prophets and kings of Israel were consecrated to their offices by the same rite.

Hence, Freemasons' Lodges, which are but temples to the Most High, are consecrated to the sacred purposes for which they were built by strewing corn, wine and oil upon the Lodge, the emblem of the Holy Ark. Thus does this mystic ceremony instruct us to be nourished with the hidden manna of righteousness, to be refreshed with the Word of the Lord, and to rejoice with joy unspeakable in the riches of divine grace.

Wine, as a symbol of the inward refreshment of a good conscience is intended, under the name of the Wine of Refreshment, to remind us of the eternal refreshments which the good are to receive in the future life for the faithful performance of duty in the present. And, thus, your unspotted white lambskin Masonic apron is a symbol reminding you of the necessity of the purity of heart, and uprightness of conduct in order to earn the Masonic wages, which are due you.

Your final wages will be earned when you leave this world and travel to "that House not made with hands", where you will receive your Masonic wages for a life well spent in the "coin" of that realm.

MATERIAL DISCLAIMER

The material in this papers was developed from a variety of sources: books, encyclopedias, magazine articles, M.S.A Publications, television, and the internet. Most, but not all, of these sources were written and/or edited by Masons. There is no claim made that the information in these papers is original, or was originally developed by this writer. Each paper contains: direct quotes, excerpts, and paraphrasing from the sources used.

These papers are presented one per month as part of the Masonic Education Program of Bellevue Lodge #325 A.M. & F.M. at the monthly Stated Communication.

- Br. William H. Miller

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