The Working Tools Magazine Jan 2013- LIGHT VERSION

The Working Tools Magazine

Your source for Masonic articles, news and information covering all aspects of Freemasonry.

January 2013 Issue #59 $7.95

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LIGHT VERSION

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The Working Tools Masonic Magazine has been brought to you by Hawthorne Fortitude Lodge No. 200 in Ramsey NJ.

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Brethren, Welcome to a brand new Year. A brand new start to working on being the best you can be. Before I go to bed each night I think back to the days events and ask myself was I a better man today than I was yesterday? Did I work on my Ashlar enough to say I’m proud of my actions or do I need to give more attention to a certain area.

There are some what I’ll call “happenings” going around Masonry these days . Not just in the good old USA but in France and other countries as well. Our goal at TWT is to educate and enlighten the Brethren and these situations are certainly news worthy. I think it is our job to report the news while not becoming a sensationalist gossip magazine. While discussing Grand Lodge events these matters must be dealt with very delicately. Keep in mind we all took obligations.

On a much happier note, The Working Tools Magazine and The Square Magazine have created a partnership to share articles and news between the US and British counterparts. This is very exciting and amazing times for both Magazines, we hope this is equally exciting for the readers as it is for both Editors. See the press release and first article from the Square in this issue!

Cory Sigler, Editor In Chief

Cory Sigler

Find us on Facebook: Facebook.com/twtmag The articles and opinions in “The Working Tools Masonic Magazine (TWT)” are not necessarily that of the Editor-Publisher. The author of any article or submission found in TWT does not represent the Grand Lodge or any Appendant Body of the Editor-Publisher. TWT is an Independent Masonic Magazine that reports on current news and Information regarding Freemasonry and Appendant Bodies of Masonry.

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Welcome

Past Master, Hawthorne Fortitude #200

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Featured Writers

General The Square Magazine

8 David Browning

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Masonic Bio

9 The Square/Fred Parkinson

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This Month in History

10 Fred Miliken

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Masonic Resarch

12 Matt Johnson

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Old Tyler Talks

14 Shawn Gorley

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Michelle Snyder

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Paul C. Smith

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York Rite

40 P.D. Newman

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Code of Silence

41 John Nagy

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Barry Newall

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Jacob Lucas

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Scottish Rite

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Jacob Lucas

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Content

Appendant Bodies

William Stephey

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Click on the page numbers to quickly jump to that page The Working Tools is published monthly by Corsig Publishing & Cory Sigler, It is not affiliated with any Grand Lodge. Letters or inquiries should be directed to Cory Sigler, Editor, at E-mail: TWTMAG@yahoo.com All letters become the property of the Working Tools. Photographs and articles should be sent to the attention of the Editor. Every effort will be made to return photographs but this cannot be guaranteed. Please include a selfaddressed stamped envelope. The Editor reserves the right to edit all materials received.

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The Working Tools Magazine Scott Schwartzberg Raised in 2007 at USS New Jersey No. 62 in Cherry Hill, NJ, Scott is currently Marshall of Boynton Lodge No. 236, Boynton Beach, FL. He is one of the founding members of Boynton Lodge Esoteric Research Group (B.L.E.R.G.), a member of the SR Bodies at the Valley of Lake Worth, and YR Bodies of Ft. Lauderdale.

Dr. John S. Nagy is a Master Mason and author of the “Building Series” of Masonic Education books.

His books and his workshops cover aspects of Masonry designed to Build Better Builders. You can find out more about him, his books and his workshops through his website at: http://www.coach.net

David Browning David Browning is a Master Mason and is installed as the Junior Warden of Selma Lodge 320 in Selma, North Carolina. He is a Certified Lecturer and is currently serving as the District Deputy Grand Lecturer for the 16th Masonic District. He resides with his wife and three children in NC. Shawn M. Gorley is the Junior Warden of Wilmington #804 in New Wilmington, PA. He is a member of the Pennsylvania Lodge of Research, The Masonic Society, The Philalethes and is a level one certified scholar in the Pennsylvania Academy of Masonic Knowledge.

Jacob Lucas is interested in the history of the Craft and its ritual. He is an officer in his Symbolic Lodge, as well as his Scottish Rite Valley and York Rite Bodies. He provides Masonic Education at meetings.

Barry Newell was raised in Oriental Lodge #60 in 2006. I have presided as Worshipful Master of my home Lodge and the Idaho Lodge of Research, Excellent High Priest of a Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, and Illustrious Master of a Council of Cryptic Masons. I currently preside as Eminent Commander of Idaho Commandery #1. I am also a member of the Eastern Star, Scottish Rite, Grand College of Rites, Red Cross of Constantine, and York Rite College, and involved with the Job's Daughters.

Paul C. Smith is P.M. of Rockingham Lodge No. 76 in Candia, NH the Founding Master of General Court Lodge No. 1784 (America’s only special, legislative lodge) and is the Founding Master of Phoenix Lodge No. 105.; New Hampshire’s first TO lodge. He is a trustee of NH MasoniCare, is a member of several other Masonic bodies and is currently serving as a Grand Steward.

William Stephey Jr. Is currently the Senior Steward of Ionic Lodge #31 Newport DE. Very active in both York Rite and Scottish Rite Masonry, also he serves as Captain General, of St. Johns Commandery and is Master of Entrances on the Council of Sovereign Princes of Jerusalem in the Valley of Wilmington . His real treasures; however, are found in the love his Brothers have shown him.

Michelle Snyder, is an author, speaker, columnist, and blogger. Her post-graduate degree is from the University of Wales. She lives outside Boston where she teaches classes in symbology and works with a children's theater group. She is co-owner of White Knight Studio with her husband Jay, a MM at Meridian Lodge in Natick, MA. Their work with Dr. Duncan-Enzmann’s translations of Ice Age Language is the subject of several books and seminars they produce. Michelle’s artwork, inspired by her love of symbols, mythology, and folklore has appeared in galleries from Massachusetts to California. Michelle is also an officer in OES, Palestine 114. http://whiteknightstudio.blogspot.com/ http://www.whiteknightstudio.com/ Frederic L. Milliken - is a Past Master of Plymouth Lodge, in Plymouth Massachusetts and Past Master of Paul Revere Lodge, Brockton, Massachusetts. He has played "William Munroe" in the Paul Revere Colonial Degree Team, "Squire Bentley" in the play "A Rose upon the Altar" and has belonged to the Scottish Rite & Shrine in Massachusetts. He is presently Chaplain Pride of Mt. Pisgah No. 135, Prince Hall Texas, where is he is also a Knight Templar Prince Hall. He is also a Tennessee Squire. Fred is also the newly appointed Executive Director of the Phoenix Masonry website and museum.

Phillip Daniel Newman is a member of Tupelo Lodge, No. 318 (F.&A.M.), New Albany Chapter of R.A.M., No. 49, New Albany Council of R.&S.M., No. 3, Barney Trice Council of R.&.S.M., No. 48 (S.E.M.),New Albany Commandery of K.T., No. 29, Valley of Corinth, Orient of MS (A.&A.S.R., S.J.), MS College (S.R.I.C.F.) 7

This Months Contributors

Matt Johnson is an active member of Pioneer Lodge #82 of Arizona and the Scottish Rite. He is the author of "The Freemason Conspiracy" available only at twtmag.com.

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“The Working Tools Masonic Magazine” and “The Square” form new partnership” The Working Tools Masonic Magazine and The Square Magazine have come together to form a new partnership bringing the Fraternal ties between the Atlantic ocean closer than ever.

“This is a dream come true to work with Brother Richard in a project this large in scope”, said Cory Sigler, Editor and Publisher of The Working Tools(TWT). “It’s about spreading as much Masonic light as possible.” The Working Tools is the largest monthly independent Masonic magazine found in the United States.

“Combining all aspects of Freemasonry for all levels of Freemasons in a fun and enlightening way is our passion.” Brother Sigler added.

Richard Gan, the Editor of The Square, said “I am delighted to be involved with this very exciting initiative, which will help increase understanding and interest in Freemasonry on both sides of the ‘Pond’.”

The partnership consists of sharing of articles, resources, and talents.

Each issue of the two publicatio ns will feature articles found in the respective titles.

Both publications can be found as print, digitally and on the Apple ITunes Newsstand.

The Square, the independent Masonic magazine brought to you by the world's oldest Masonic publisher, brings you in-depth and thought provoking articles on all aspects of Freemasonry written by the leading Masonic writers in the world.

Find The Working Tools at www.twtmag.com and on ITunes at http://tinyurl.com/twtm ag. The Square can be found at http://thesquaremagazine.c om and on ITunes at http://bit.ly/TheSquareApp

Masons and non-Masons alike will find something of interest in the wide variety of articles and special features, which cover the whole spectrum of Freemasonry, including historical, social, charitable, esoteric, other Orders, collecting, ephemera, philately, book reviews, poetry, news and events, and on a lighter note Masonic humor.

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Masonic Bio

(October 4, 1815 – January 9, 1895 (aged 79)) was born in Armagh, Ulster County, Ireland, but moved to the United States at the age of 4 months. He was a prominent Freemason, and was instrumental in the founding of the Order of the Eastern Star and the Order of the Amaranth. He also founded what may be the largest Masonic publishing, regalia, and supply house currently active, Macoy Publishing & Masonic Supply Company.

Growing up in America and having attained a considerable degree of education, Macoy entered the printing craft as soon as he was old enough to work. He spent most of his life in that business and in Masonic activities in New York City. In 1849, he started a Masonic supply and publishing business, which, under the name, Macoy Publishing & Masonic Supply Company, is still in active operation.

knighted in Palestine Encampment No. 18 of New York City, in February, 1851, and in March withdrew to join Morton Encampment No. 4. On April 28, 1874, he affiliated with DeWitt Clinton Commandery No. 27 Knights Templar, where his membership continued for 20 years. He received the Scottish Rite degrees sometime prior to December 9, 1850, for on that date he received the 33rd Degree, Sovereign Grand Inspector General.

In 1866 Macoy published , which comprised his own work ("General History of Freemasonry" and "Cyclopaedia of Freemasonry") as well as George Oliver's of 1853.

Robert Macoy and Rob Morris were close friends and their families often visited each other in Kentucky and New York. Before 1860 Macoy became interested in Morris' efforts to promote an organization for female relatives of Masons. Morris had formed "Constellations" - also the "Family System" in conferring degrees, but these proved too elaborate and cumbersome. Morris turned over his books on "Adoptive" Masonry to Macoy in 1868.

Macoy was initiated in Lebanon Lodge No. 191 in New York City, January 20, 1848, passed, January 27, and Raised February 3 of that year. On August 15, Macoy published his first Adoptive 1855, he withdrew to affiliate with Rite for the Eastern Star in 1869 havAdelphic Lodge No. 348. He was electing organized the work into the Chaped Deputy Grand Master of New York ter system and it is from Macoy's rite in June, 1856 and reelected in 1857. He that all Eastern Star rituals used today was exalted in Orient Chapter No. 138, Royal have been taken. In 1883 Macoy founded at Arch Masons, September 5, 1849 and became a New York the Order of the Amaranth in connecmember of Adelphic Chapter No. 150 on Decem- tion with the Eastern Star. ber 24, 1855. He was also affiliated with Union Chapter No. 180, Americas Chapter No. 215, and De Witt Clinton Chapter No. 142. He also received the Cryptic degrees and was a charter member of Adelphic Council No. 7, Royal and Select Masters. He was elected Grand Recorder of the Grand Council on June 4, 1855. He was also

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This Month in Masonry - January

The Working Tools Magazine

“

January 26- On this date in 1887, Sir Arthur

Masonic references in Sir Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (1859-1930) was three novels with Sherlock Holmes and chara Conan Doyle was not a particularly active freemason. One widely quoted report in the October 1901 Masonic Illustrated claims: "While at the seat of war, he attended the never-to-beforgotten scratch lodge at Bloemfontein in company with Bro. Rudyard Kipling." In fact, Kipling was in Bloemfontein only between March 17 and April 3, 1900, a period when Rising Star Lodge No. 1022 E.C., the only lodge meeting in that part of South Africa, did not meet. At an April 5, 1900 meeting letters were recei ved by the

lodge from both Lord Kitchener and Conan Doyle, expressing their regrets at being unable to attend. A "loyal resolution" to be sent to the Prince of Wales was proposed by Kitchener at an April 23, 1900 meeting; a document signed by both Lord Roberts, who had not been present at the 10

meeting, and Conan Doyle. The minutes of the lodge’s November 7, 1901 meeting refute the newspaper report and deny that Bros. Doyle and Kipling had ever visited their lodge. Also in 1900 Conan Doyle was made an honorary member of The Lodge of Edinburgh (Mary’s Chapel) No. 1 in recognition of his acceptance of an invitation to speak at a Burns' Night Dinner.

There is no mention of Freemasonry in his autobiography, Memories and Adventures and it is said that "Dr. Doyle looked in on Freemasonry and soon looked out again."

There are, however seven distinct and several other oblique references to Freemasonry in his fiction.

The Adventure of the Norwood Builder (1903) "You mentioned your name as if I should recognize it, but beyond the obvious facts that you are a bachelor, a solicitor, a Freemason, and an asthmatic, I know nothing whatever about you."

The Oxford Dictionary of Quotations. Oxford University Press, Oxford: 1980 [p.192].

The Adventure of the Red-headed League (1891) "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason. that he has been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of writing lately, I can deduce nothing else."

"Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?"

"I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, especially as, rather against the strict rules of your (Continued on page 11) www.twtmag.com

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Conan Doyle received his 1st degree.

Arthur Conan Doyle’s writings the author of fifty-six short stories and John H. Watson M.D., as the principal cters.

(Continued from page 10) order, you use an arc-and-compass breastpin."

A Treasury of Sherlock Holmes. Hanover House, Garden City, New York: 1955 [p. 222-23].

The Adventure of the Retired Colourman (1927) Another private investigator is described by Watson as "a stern-looking impassive man..., a dark man with grey tinted glasses and a large masonic pin projecting from his tie."

The Land of Mist "He is one of those who wander about on the obscure edges of Masonry, talking with whispers and reverence of mysteries where no mystery is."

[AQC xciii 3] London : Universal library co, [1926]. 254 p ; 16 cm The Lost World Mr. Hungerton leaves to attend a masonic meeting. Lord Roxton says to Malone: "between you an' me close tiled." [AQC xciii 3] London : Hodder and Stoughton, [1912]. vii, [8]319, [1] p : front., ill. ; 20cm

A Scandal in Bohemia (1891) "There is a wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among the horsey men. Be one of them, and you will know all that there is to know."

A Study in Scarlet (1886) "Gold ring, with Masonic device."

A Treasury of Sherlock Holmes. Hanover House, Garden City, New York: 1955 [p.

21].

The Valley of Fear (1914) Among the clues are a card with the symbol V.V.341 scrawled upon it, referring to the Ancient Order of Freemen, the "The Scowrers", Lodge 341, Vermissa Valley, USA. " There is no town without a lodge" and "grips and passwords are helpful. A brand mark on the arm of the murder victim: an equilateral triangle inside a circle. [AQC xciii 3] London : Smith, Elder, 1915,189p ; 21cm "John McMurdo", said the voice, "are you already a member of the Ancient Order of Freemen?"

He bowed in assent.

"Is your lodge No. 29, Chicago?"

He bowed again.

Information courtesy of Grand Lodge of British Columbia and Yukon http://www.freemasonry.bcy.ca 11

This Month in Masonry - January

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Working Tools Magazine Is One Day ReallyTheEnough to Teach the Lessons of the Three Symbolic Degrees of the Blue Lodge?

By David L. Browning, Certified Lecturer, DDGL 16th District of North Carolina Some Grand Lodge jurisdictions offer a one day class that allows a candidate to be initiated, passed, and raised, all within the same day. In North Carolina our code states that a candidate cannot receive more than one degree per day and that he must satisfactorily return his catechism in open lodge before he can move to the next degree. Both of these requirements would need to be removed to make it possible for someone to receive all three degrees in a one day period. We will explore whether or not there is value in pursuing this course of action below and I will offer my opinion on the subject.

The idea of being initiated, passed, and raised in one day is an interesting one and raises several great questions for consideration. The first question that comes to mind is can the lessons of Masonry can be taught in a one day class? In my humble opinion they cannot; neither can they be fully taught or should they be expected to have learned it, having only been through the three symbolic degrees and recitation of the catechisms. When we think about all of the things that Masonry will teach us over a lifetime the degrees are but the preparation or foundation to build upon for the lessons that will follow during a lifetime of laboring in the quarries.

Masonry helps prepare our hearts and minds symbolically for the lessons that will follow, but I dare say that the lessons of Masonry are truly only learned through the application of its principles over a lifetime of service, trial, and error.

Another question is whether or not the one day experience cheapens the experience for the candidate? This is one area where I think there are both pros and cons. From the candidates perspective he will not have time to reflect and ponder upon the lessons that were taught in the preceding degree before moving to the next. He also will not have the opportunity to spend time getting to know a brother the way that one gets to know one during the coaching process. I have to say that many valuable lessons are gained through the coaching process for both the candidate and the coach. Another consideration is that in a jurisdiction where almost all of the brethren have been initiated, passed, and raised through the traditional method great care will have to be taken to not treat the brother differently than those who have received the degrees through the traditional method.

I think some additional questions that we should ponder are why do we need to do this? Is it because candidates don’t have enough time to devote to the Craft? Is it because we as Masons don’t have the time to devote to practicing and conferring of the degrees? Would it make it easier to have all lodges come together and put on a central set of degrees? Would this improve the quality of our work? If candidates don’t have time to devote to the traditional system, will they have time to serve the lodge and fulfill their duties as a Master Mason?

Now that we have some of the questions on the table I will offer my own personal opinion and insight on the topic. I think that is comes down to a matter of personal preference. In my own experience, being brought to light in the first degree was a profound experience that I can say made a huge impression on me that I will never forget and will always treasure. I spent a lot of time after that night thinking through the lessons that the first degree taught me, learning the catechism, getting to know my coach, friend, and brother Harry Greene, and highly anticipating what was coming next.

The same experience was repeated throughout my second and third degrees and I don’t think I would trade the experience or the way it played out for anything in the world.

If we think about the purpose of the three degrees, they are meant to indoctrinate us into the Craft, not teach us everything about it. Masonry is a lifelong journey where we will strive to learn its lessons from our initiation, passing, and raising, and throughout our lifetime until we hear those welcome words “Well done good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord”.

I personally hope that the state of North Carolina will continue to keep our traditional way of conferring the degrees but will offer my support regardless as a member of the Craft. With that said, since we know and agree that the three degrees of the Blue Lodge form the foundation for a lifelong journey of learning and practice, I ask the question, is one day sufficient for laying the cornerstone and building the vastly important foundation?

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The Multi Talented Masonic Graphic Artist Brother Ryan J. Flynn

By Bro. Fredrick Miliken

There is a new Masonic graphic artist on the scene and he is on fire!! rother Ryan Flynn, Senior Deacon of Ancient York Lodge No 89, Nashua, New Hampshire has designed two stained glass windows for his Lodge building.

And it all started with an E-Mail.

“The Building Committee is looking to do some decals for the windows in the east. I mentioned your name. It’s time to do your thing.”

Flynn’s business partner and friend Brother Chris Busby knew that he had the right man for the job. So these two, working with Past Master Robert Bianchi of Nahua’s other Lodge, Rising Sun No 39, created two windows in plastic in five weeks. The artwork was all Flynn’s and when they get the funds to put it into real stained glass that will also be the work of Flynn. Not just a designer and artist, Flynn has also a deep understanding of the art of making stained glass windows.

It will be quite an improvement on the immense shutters that cover the windows now and make the Lodge look like a building trying to survive an imminent hurricane.

B

It’s one thing to be an artist but it’s another to have the knowledge of the Craft to actually create something that is relevant. Flynn is not a one dimensional person. He combines a knowledge of history, numerology, religion, ancient symbols and sacred geometry with his art and design. And he has the ability to manufacture art, a person of great creativity who also has the abilities of practical application. How many artist’s do you know who can also make a stained glass window?

Here is how it all came together:

, quips Flynn.

Flynn has been an artist since childhood and has the credentials, the education and the experience to spread his wings now in this new found Brotherhood of Freemasonry.

Euclid Angle 14

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(Continued from page 14)

North Window

South Window

(Continued on page 16) 15

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(Continued from page 15)

into 3 large clay tablets depicting the 3 Degrees in Freemasonry stylized to mimic Egyptian hieroglyphics.

But first he must get the stained glass design made into actual stained glass windows. And that is going to take money. If you would like to contribute to this endeavor, this labor of love, please visit and consider purchasing a Masonic Stained Glass Print!

Ryan J. Flynn

Ryan J. Flynn and his creation

This multidimensional, multi talented Mason is already looking ahead to the next project for his Lodge, multidimensional and multi talented because he is also a student of hieroglyphics. And that expertise will translate 16

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Also Available on Amazon.com The Lost Unicorn: A fairy tale about Shyla of Tomenshire

Art and Symbols: Once Upon a Time

World of Symbols

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World of Symbols: Secrets of the Mermaids

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?

“What Came

Here To Do”

By Paul C. Smith, PM According to Merriam Webster, decorum is defined as propriety and good taste in conduct or appearance, orderliness, and the conventions of polite behavior.

Decorum has a place in every organization, in every action and frankly, in every thought. I previously wrote for this magazine about a potential Masonic political spectrum, as Freemasonry is not immune to the machinations of politics. It is with this mind that I feel compelled to write about Masonic decorum, because Freemasonry should not be immune to the basic good behavior required of this private society of gentlemen, especially with what has happened recently in the Masonic world.

Masonic decorum is a broad term and has many references; in my own lodge we have adopted a set of guidelines from how the members and officers dress to the use of cellular devices, from how a Brother should appropriately address the East to his conduct when seated. This is an example of decorum appropriate to Lodge behavior. When a Brother is appointed as Grand Representative to a foreign jurisdiction he should send a letter to the Grand Secretary of that jurisdiction extending his thanks and inquiring about his counterpart. This is one of the few times it is actually appropriate for a Brother to write another Grand Lodge directly because Masonic protocol dictates that Grand Lodges communicate directly through Grand Secretaries only. Masonic protocol is another example of Masonic decorum, especially in respect to communication. It’s the same reason why a Brother in open lodge is not to criticize his own Grand Master or even a Grand Master of a foreign jurisdiction because as I will point out, that foreign jurisdiction is sovereign in its government of the affairs of the Craft in its own area.

The last weekend of November 2012 saw what was arguably the biggest breakdown of Masonic decorum I have witnessed in my time in the Craft. The Grand Master of Florida issued a decision regarding religion and the landmarks of the Craft in his jurisdiction. Each year Grand Masters make decisions relating to the business of the Craft in their jurisdictions, it is one of the rights appertaining their offices. However in this instance, the decision “went viral,” spreading across blogs, Twitter and Facebook and the decision was roundly attacked. (I will not comment on the actual decision except to say that it does seem to lack certain

understandings.) However, what troubled me greatly was the vitriol that emanated from many Brothers across our great land; learned Brethren who know about decorum yet were so blinded with rage they could not remember the answer to that question “what came you here to do?” I saw Brothers disparage another Brother with swears, question his integrity, patriotism and intelligence and call him a racist; it also gave clandestine groups more ammunition in their war against “mainstream Masonry.”

First, I believe there is a right way and a wrong way to address this issue. I would call your attention to an event early in the last decade; the Grand Lodge of Minnesota made a decision to recognize the Grand Lodge of France (GLdF), and this decision was very costly for them as nearly every Grand Lodge in the United States withdrew recognition, which hurt the rank and file Brothers more than anyone else. They soon reversed course and Masonic discourse was restored. An example like this would most assuredly be a message to the leadership of Florida’s Grand Lodge; if one, ten, or all of the US grand lodges withdrew recognition from Florida, perhaps this would be a motivation to reconsider the afore mentioned order. How does this happen? Quite simply, the Brethren make it happen. One way is for Brothers in an individual jurisdiction to bring this to the attention of their Brethren and bring it before them as a motion at their own Grand Lodge session. If this happens in enough places, the message becomes loud and clear…frankly, if it happens in ONE place, I believe the message is loud and clear. I know that at least one attempt in this fashion is going to be worked on, and it is quite appropriate.

I do not believe that the right way to handle this is to have a Brother in Bangor, Maine phone the Grand Master of Florida and proceed to yell at him. As I mentioned before, grand lodges are sovereign in their government and while they belong to a common conference of grand masters, the only people to whom the grand master is accountable are the Masons of his jurisdiction.

Which leads to the second point; Brethren of the affronted jurisdiction can and should deal with their Grand Master in whatever manner they determine, because Freemasonry belongs to them, not the few who wear purple, nor persons from thousands of miles away. This can mean filing charges,

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future Grand Masters invalidating decisions, etc…but this is their decision, and should not be determined by bloggers, Masons from New Mexico or New Hampshire or Facebook theologians. Indeed, shortly after “all Hell broke loose,” an esteemed writer for this periodical, Brother John Nagy, wrote on his own Facebook wall “My Brothers All, as you are well aware, a metaphorical tornado has touched down in my area of the country and has affected many of our dear Brothers. We are making every effort to minimize its damage and make whole those Brothers affected. If you want to be supportive, I ask you earnestly and sincerely to not post anything upon my wall referring to this situation. There are very capable Brothers that are making every effort to whisper kind counsel in those ears most able of minimizing its affect. If you insist on doing anything, please pray for those affected and those most capable of assisting them in their time of need.” Whispering good counsel is one of our most sacrosanct charges as Master Masons, and who better to give us that lesson than a Brother from that jurisdiction that is held in high esteem, anywhere he travels?

I am not an apologist for the Grand Master of Florida, as I stated I think the decision shows a lack of understanding, but just as I would not publicly diminish the custodian of New Hampshire’s Ancient Landmarks, I will not for Florida. Masonic decorum dictates that we all act squarely and within the high ideals of our Masters of yesterday. If we feel that said ideals are being tarnished, it is up to us, acting within the due bounds of our Craft and with the decency of gentlemen to handle what is in front of us.

Speak up in your blogs if you must, but before you accuse others of unMasonic conduct, make due inquiry within yourself before hitting the post button. Ours is a Craft, and like all trades requiring dexterity and skill to operate, we must continually labor to make sure it is successful; one of those ways is to remember decorum in our actions, words and thoughts.

1. Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, Tenth Edition; Springfield, MA, 1997.

2. Facebook profile, Dr. John S. Nagy, retrieved December 10, 2012.

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“Consi http://travelingtemplar.blogspot.com/

The fourth body of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry is called the Consistory. This body consists of the 31° and the 32°.

Here is a brief description of the degrees:

and symbolism of the degree; so it is displayed here. It is of pure white lambskin with a Teutonic Cross embroidered in black and silver upon the flap.

The collar is white and at the point upon the breast is a The central teaching gold triangle emitting rays with the letters 'XXXI' of this degree is in the center. justice. To be free, a Mason must begin by passing judgment on This degree teaches many lessons, but the mystery himself. He presents concealed is that man is a creature of free will and himself for capable of recreating himself. If he e x a m i n a t i o n . accomplishes this goal, he will attain a genuine By acting honestly in first giving judgment on power that can shake the limits of science, surpass himself within the principles of justice and equity, the problems of this earth, decipher the secrets it should not be doubted when he shall do the of space, surpass the limits of ceremony and same to his brothers. The brother who finds mercy catechism, and attain genuine enlightenment; a in himself, who has not been too lenient towards gnosis which is the foundation of all religions. He himself, or punish himself too severely, can also will also surpass the narrow views of interest in judge his brothers. In so doing, he can be certain the area of morals, and will comprehend a that he has not acted contrary to his former genuine virtue that transcends his own interest. obligations. He has freed himself.

Thus, it will become his nature to help his fellow men, and, in so doing, he will discover the divine The lessons of this degree teach us to judge light within which brings true freedom of yourself in the same light as you judge others thought, freedom of conscience, and freedom of consider both actions and motives. culture.

The jewel of the degree is a Teutonic Cross of The lessons of this degree are that "genuine silver worn with a white watered ribbon around brotherhood requires mutual regard, opinion, the neck. esteem and charity". We always look for the good in all, make allowances for other's short comings.

Though no apron is worn in We trust the Supreme Architect to lead us to the Tribunal, there was an friendship, morality and brotherly love. apron that was to be worn when the Inspector Inquisitor visited an inferior body.

That custom has been dispensed with but the apron is still a part of the history (Continued on page 20)

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story �

The cordon is worn from the right shoulder to the left hip and is four inches wide, doubled, black edged with white on the principal side and crimson on the other. At the point of the principal side is embroidered a red Teutonic Cross with a silver doubleheaded eagle superimposed.

On the crimson side, at the height of the heart, is The jewel of the order embroidered a Teutonic Cross is a Teutonic Cross of in black. gold with arms frosted. In the center are the letters 'XXXII°', surrounded by a green wreath.

(Continued from page 19)

The apron is of white silk or velvet, twelve inches square, edged with two stripes of gold lace, each half an inch wide, and an inch apart, and fringed with gold. Between the stripes of lace is a stripe of black velvet. On the flap are embroidered six flags, three on each side, the lower one blue, the middle one red, and the upper one gold.

On these, in the center, is a Teutonic Cross of gold, and over that an eye of gold, surrounded by rays.

On the cross, a black double-headed eagle, with beak and claws of gold, holding a sword of gold, one claw on the hilt.. On the body of the apron is the Tracing -Board of the degree in all the colors. The reverse side of the apron is of crimson silk or velvet. It is tied by a heavy cord of crimson silk.

1.Constitory. (n.d.). Retrieved from Scottish Rite of California: http://www.scottishritecalifornia.org/consistory.htm 2. Scottish Rite Degrees: Consistory. (n.d.). Retrieved from Master Mason: http://www.mastermason.com/jjcrowder/scottish/sc ottish.html#eagle 3. Scottish Rite Consistory. (n.d.). Retrieved from MasonicDictionary.com: http://www.masonicdictionary.com/consistory.html 4. What Are The Scottish Rite Degrees? (n.d.).

Retrieved from Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry in Jacksonville, Florida: http://www.aasrvalleyofjax.org/scottish_rite_degree s.htm

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Scottish Rite dedicates $2 million to relief of Brothers affected by Hurricane Sandy

John William McNaughton, Sovereign Grand Commander announced that the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction that,

“…the Supreme Council's Almoner's Fund made a commitment to our Brethren in both New Jersey and New York. To each of those jurisdictions, we pledged $1,000,000 for the purpose of assisting in their efforts to start the rebuilding process.”

This news is a real boost to efforts to help Masons in need in these areas. Our fraternity was on the ground in both states shortly after the super-storm hit, working alongside Masonic Lodges that were organizing food and clothing to those whose homes were destroyed. In the first few days of the disaster, the Scottish Rite distributed more that $200,000 in debit cards to Brothers – financial relief at a time when many banks were closed and ATM machines were empty.

Ill. Brother David A. Glattly, Deputy for New Jersey, has been spearheading the effort in the Garden State.

He has visited and directly helped many of his fellow Masons. For men whose home has been ravaged this can me quite emotional. Brother Glattly describes the experience:

"The response by our Masonic Brothers is heartwarming when we offer them financial assistance.

It is difficult for a Mason, familiar with giving charity, to instead accept it. We have often shared tears and hugs with our Brothers. These are special moments."

While the storm occurred October 28, the work to rebuild continues. If you want to help, you can donate to the Scottish Rite Benevolent Foundation Almoners Fund by going to http://www.scottishritenmj.org/ and access “Donate Now” under Almoner’s Fund.

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