July 2012 Issue #54
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Sixteen articles of Masonic interest and education. Featuring an exclusive by best selling author Robert Cooper.
60 Pages of Masonic Content. Featuring general news and information with dedicated sections for Scottish Rite and York Rite Masonry.
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www.twtmag.com Staff Editor in Chief Cory Sigler Assistant Editor Scott Schwartzberg Subscriber Information Published monthly as both Electronic and Printed formats. Individual printed copies available for $7.95 an Issue (US) & $10.95 (Canada/EU) Subscriptions available for Single Issue, Lodge 3 Pack or Lodge 5 Pack At $7.00/Copy (US)
Submission Information Submissions can be sent to twtmag@yahoo.com Authors retain full rights of their published works.
Hello Brethren,
WELCOME
The Working Tools Masonic Magazine
Welcome to the July 2012 issue of The Working Tools Magazine. While some Lodges go dark for the summer, we at TWT continue to spread the light year round. This month is so full of amazing content it can only be described as SIZZLING. That’s my one corny joke for the month. In all seriousness, I am very proud of the articles we collected for you this month. There are several submissions from first time authors to TWT but accomplished writers. Of course, the team of regulars are back again to enlighten and inform you. Brethren, I encourage you to consider purchasing a printed copy of this issue to help support the cause. In order for this to be successful I need to be able to at least cover the cost of printing. Purchase a copy for your Lodge library or to give a new candidate. My goal is to make this the largest independent Masonic magazine in the US. I need your help to make it happen. Also, if a certain article piques your interest make sure to contact the authors to let them know. We all enjoy hearing feedback from the readers.
Until next time...
Cory Sigler, Cory Sigler, Editor In Chief Past Master, Hawthorne Fortitude #200
Postal Master Send address changes to The Working Tools Magazine. Po Box 72. Allendale, NJ 07401
Find me on Facebook: Facebook.com/corysigler Facebook.com/twtmag NEW EMAIL - TWTMAG@YAHOO.COM
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Visiting Brethren Always Welcomed To Join Us For Fellowship
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Contents This Month in Masonry….……8 One Minute Mason….………..10 Word of the Month….………...11
Featured Writers Bob Cooper….………..…….18 Shawn M Gorley……...…….21 John Paul Gomez…..……...22
“World’s Oldest Masonic Celebration”…..……..….….….13
Paul C. Smith.……….……...24
“The Promise”..…..…………...14
Kevin P. Wardally...………...26
PhoenixMasonry……….…..…15
David Browning……….……28
Old Tyler Talks…...…..…….….16
Kyle Ferguson…..…….……30 John Nagy…………………...32
Click on the page numbers to quickly jump to that page
Scott Schwartzberg & Mike Gambarrotti…………..36 Richard Vickerly……………39 Jacob Lucas………….40 & 50 Barry Newell…………….…..42
Appendant Bodies York Rite……………………………. 38
Matt Johnson………….……47 E. Oscar Alleyne…….…..…48
Scottish Rite……………………….. 46
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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This Months Contributors 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 Matt Johnson Matt Johnson is a member of Pioneer Lodge #82 in Arizona.. Matt is also a new member of
Arizona Chapter #1 and the Scottish Rite. Kyle James Ferguson Junior Warden of Kingsbury Lodge No. 466, Olyphant, PA. He is a plural member of Union Lodge No. 291, F. & A.M. and a regular member of Lackawanna Chapter No. 185 RAM, and the Valley of Scranton AASR NMJ, all of Scranton, PA. He is also a member of The Masonic Society and a Level 1 Masonic Scholar in the PA
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.
Michael Gambarrotti
Shawn M. Gorley
Raised in August 2009 at Boynton Lodge No. 236, Boynton Beach, FL, Mike is currently JW of Boynton Lodge No. 236 and the District 32 Chairman for the Florida Masonic Child ID Program.
Raised to Master Mason at Mountain Lodge # 281 in Altoona PA. He is a member of The Masonic Society, The Philalethes and currently working toward level one certification in the Pennsylvania Academy of Masonic Knowledge.
Matt Mladenka has been a Freemason and active member of Lebanon Lodge #837 in Frisco, Texas since 2008. He is the Senior Warden for 2012-2013 and chairs several committees. Lebanon Lodge was chartered in 1899 in the small North Texas community of Lebanon, approximately 40 miles north of downtown Dallas. Lebanon Lodge #837 has been one of the fastest growing Lodges under the Grand Lodge of Texas jurisdiction. Barry Newell Raised to Master Mason in 2006 in Oriental Lodge #60, Boise ID. WM in 2009. Served as Excellent High Priest for Boise Chapter #3, RAM, and currently sit as Illustrious Master for Idaho Council #1, Cryptic Masons. I also sit as Generalissimo for Idaho Commandery #1. I am also a member of the Order of the High Priesthood and the york Rite College. Member Scottish Rite since 2011.
Lee Peacock Raised in April 2010, Peacock is the Junior Warden of Greening Lodge No. 53 in Evergreen, Ala. A newspaper reporter and photographer by profession, he is also a member of the Montgomery, Ala. Scottish Rite Valley. A veteran of the war in Iraq, Peacock is also a nationally registered EMT, a National Weather Service Storm Spotter, a voting member of the Alabama Sports Writers Association and a founding member of the Alabama High School Football Historical Society. David Browning David Browning is a Master Mason and is installed as the Senior Deacon 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.
Kevin P. Wardally- In Masonry Kevin follows his Grandfather Henry Blakeley who was raised in Adelphic Union Lodge #14 in 1951. Past Master - Adelphic Union Lodge #14. MWPHGL of NY. Grand Librarian – MWPHGL of NY (Prince Hall Grand Lodge of New York State). Member of : Phylaxis Society, Scottish Rite Research Society,The Masonic Society, The Philalethes Society.
Oscar Alleyne Chairperson of the Unification Committee. Senior Warden of the Valley of Middletown, Lodge of Perfection. Sovereign Prince of the Valley of the Hudson, Council of Princes of Jerusalem. Member of the Valley of Schenectady, Sigma Consistory.
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Mail Bag Cory, I did a presentation of your magazine in chapter last night. It was well received. Brothers were interested and took down the ordering information I offered. Thanks for a great magazine. Fred Palmer Thank you Fred. I appreciate everyone that shares the information on how to find TWT and that the printed version is available to purchase. Cory Cory
Cory - I have read both printed issues from cover to cover and I'll have to admit that it is one of the few publications that sell Freemasonry! Very informative and I use with the Masonic education with my Lodge - enjoyed the Prince Hall article. I am trying to put together a History of Masonry of the county and trying to include all facets of the Freemasonry groups that are and have been present here. Thanks again for your efforts - appreciated much!
Just a quick note to let you know that it was after reading “The Working Tools Magazine” that I decided to ask for a petition from the local lodge. After learning that my Grandfather was a Mason I did a google search to see what it was all about . I came across your site and it became a valuable resource for me. I must say you are a great service to the Craft and I owe you so much. I know my Grandfather would have loved reading it too.
Dr. J
Johnny Weber. South Dakota
Thanks Doc, I’m thrilled that you have found the articles in TWT as a valuable tool in educating your Brethren. We pride ourselves in the quality of articles and information that goes into each issue. Cory
Bro. Johnny,
Received this months printed copy for the first time, and just wanted to say great job! I love the print version. Jared Broussard Thank you Bro. Jared, I’m ecstatic you liked it. We all work long and hard to make it the highest quality magazine possible from the content inside to the printer we are using to produce it for us. Cory
Wow, what a great letter. Thank you so much for taking the time to tell me this. It really means a lot to me that TWT has helped you in your Masonic journey. Cory
Last Months Poll Question
Does a Freemasons poor behavior on Facebook have any consequence on the Craft to non members? Yes- 95% No- 5% 271 Responses
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This Month in Masonry July July 21st On this date in 1758, the Grand Lodge of Scotland granted a charter to Fredericksburg Lodge in Virginia, the lodge that had conferred the Masonic degrees on George Washington in 1752 and 1753.
“The Historical Fredericksburg Lodge No.4� The Masonic Lodge at Fredericksburg is one of the most historic Lodges and one of the oldest in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Although its building has only been around since 1816, its members have existed as a standing organization officially since 1752 recorded. A chain of Masonic ritual and knowledge that has been passed down through its members unsevered to this very day, from mentor to student; the same Masonic lessons that have transformed so many good men into men of historic greatness; men such as Washington, Franklin, Monroe, Churchill, Truman and so forth. Here are some historic facts about this Lodge.
The first recorded conferral of the Royal Arch Degree in the New World in 1753, which are the oldest extant records as well. Entrusted to us are historical artifacts of great social and Masonic value such as the Holy Bible on which Brother George Washington took his Masonic Obligations, three hand-crafted Masonic "Warden's chairs" from Colonial America, a punch bowl used by the Marquis de Lafayette in 1824 when he became an honorary member, and an original Gilbert Stuart painting of George Washington (the same picture you see on the dollar bill). These are just to name a few of the "National Treasures" that we strive to preserve. Pre-Records Freemasonry
Fredericksburg was a logistics depot for the British Army and soldiers were quartered here, so it is believed that an Army Lodge met here starting in the 1730's under a mobile charter that is speculated to have been from the Grand Lodge of Ireland. With the growing disputes regarding territory within the rich Ohio River Valley between the French and English Fredericksburg Lodge is one of the two Lodges to be crowns, the British relocated their soldiers closer to the considered "Time Immemorial" or "a time before legal frontier in 1752, as a result of which the Brethren of history, and beyond legal memory," prior to its Scottish Fredericksburg lost their means to meet and have Charter of 1758. (Mother Kilwinning Lodge in Scotland fellowship. was the first and original Lodge.) On September 1, 1752 the Lodge at Fredericksburg In the 1760's the Lodge at Fredericksburg granted became a "Time Immemorial" Lodge when the brethren charters to six other Lodges, as authorized by the Grand chose to operate without a charter, and they justified it Lodge of Scotland. by means of their own will to function as just and legally constituted Freemasons originating from Lodges This Lodge has established America's oldest Masonic throughout Europe. Strangely enough, the name of the Cemetery in 1784, and maintains it to this day (with the first Master of the Lodge is unknown, as his name help of the adjacent James Monroe Museum). seems to have been struck from the records of the meetings. It is believed that he (Continued on page 9) During the Revolution, this Lodge provided George Washington, Hugh Mercer, George Weedon, William Woodford, Fielding Lewis, Thomas Posey, Gustavus Wallace, the Marquis de Lafayette and ninety-four other of its brethren to the cause of American liberty.
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(Continued from page 8) was deemed a traitor during the War of American Revolution and his name was blotted out as a result. The Scottish Charter of 1758 In the late 1750's, The Grand Lodge of England came out with an edict compelling Lodges throughout the colonies to seek a charter from recognized Grand Lodges or risk being labeled as "clandestine." Here in Fredericksburg, there was a
flourishing Scottish community serving as home for many Scottish merchants. So when Worshipful Daniel Campbell, one of our founding officers, chose to visit family in Edinburgh, Scotland, the Lodge gave him 7 pounds on April 4, 1757 along with a petition requesting to be constituted under the Grand Lodge of Scotland. On July 21, 1758, the Grand Lodge of Scotland issued a formal Charter "The Lodge at Fredericksburgh," which is still in existence and in our possession to this day. Colonial Fredericksburg
courtroom and thrown into prison until he could post bond for his good behavior. Despite this setback, Brother Duncanson made the most of his incarceration and turned it into a party. An enraged Grymes reported of the event to the Lord Governor witnessing that "with sundry other to carry table, chairs, and liquor into the gaol (jail), they there revel till late into the night." There is no known record of a reprisal for the "Jail-fest", but Judge Grymes was eventually removed by the governor in order to "restore peace and harmony to that county" and replaced by Brother Fielding Lewis at the request of Charles Dick and the other justices. With the end of the war, came the return of Brethren and the Lodge grew. As a result, a local track was established by the Masons for horse races, as was the newly established Market House, for which business transactions would be done during the day and a ballroom for dancing could be enjoyed during the night. This was a happy, golden period for Masonry; but was certainly the long calm before the storm. Fredericksburg of Today
It is now the 21st century and we have entered the Age of Communication. Grand Lodges throughout the world have seen the importance of the technologies before us and have embraced them. However, despite all the changes and innovations to both our fraternity and community, Freemasonry remains the same. This is because her universal tenets are timeless beyond fad and fashion and because men of good character will continue to seek out our West Gate to obtain the rights and benefits of being a Mason so long as our altars continue to display Let us look at the story of the "Two Merry Masons" by the names of Dr. John Sutherland and Robert Duncanson. and hold sacred the three great lights of Masonry. These two good-natured Masonic brothers came to Here in Fredericksburg, our stewardship continues. The Fredericksburg in the 1740's and were self-sufficient, but minutes of this Lodge have recorded many great held no responsibilities. Needless to say, they were Freemasons such as Washington, James Monroe, constantly itching for good-natured excitement but found Lafayette, Hugh Mercer, William Woodford, George themselves often before the courts. But in 1757, as they Weedon, Fielding Lewis and so many others. Despite the were tolerated with much amusement by most of the many honors attributed to this Lodge by these great men, justices of the court, they would gain the animosity of one the one lesson that we strive to impress upon our Judge Benjamin Grymes. members is that we must never "Live on borrowed honor." That is, we should never live on the achievements Brother Sutherland especially enraged Judge Grymes, of others, but instead we must find small ways to who issued a warrant for him "as a person of infamous perpetuate that greatness by emulating the virtues and character." The other justices defended Sutherland, but character of our beloved Brother George Washington to Grymes was a man of vicious disposition and a help ensure that this Lodge will continue to grow in superiority complex and as such knew many who would undermine his actions and spur his overzealous rage. One honor and that its legacy does not solely remain in the past. such person was Brother Charles Dick who as Sheriff In 1757, the members relocated their meetings from the small tavern that eventually became Hugh Mercer's Apothecary Shop to the coffee house across the street belonging to Brother Charles Julian. While some of our brothers were still in harm's way at the frontier during the French and Indian War, many of our local brethren held civic offices and were using their offices during this time to suppress a local tyrant within government as well.
would ignore these warrants, as did the other justices, which enraged Justice Grymes, even more. Brother Duncanson was not as fortunate as Sutherland and found himself removed from Judge Grymes'
Edited for space. For full text see:
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One Minute Mason Blog http://oneminutemason.blogspot.com/ By Bro Steve Harrison
Czar Alexander I The once-honored Brother who twice banned Freemasonry: Alexander I (1777-1825) Czar of Russia was a member of Canongate Kilwinning Lodge of Edinburgh, Scotland and a member of the Polish Grand Orient. Polish Masons gave a banquet in his honor in 1815, and Alexander was a generous donor to the group. Previously, upon becoming Czar in 1801, he almost immediately banned Freemasonry. However, Johann Boeber, who later was Grand Master of Russia, convinced him of the good works of Freemasonry. Alexander not only rescinded his ban, but also became a member. Then, over 20 years later, he again became suspicious of Freemasonry and banned it for a second time August 1, 1822.
Edgar Guest, The People's Poet American Poet Edgar Guest, Ashlar Lodge 91 of Detroit, was known as the "People's Poet." Unlike many poets who starve and wallow in obscurity, Brother Guest was labled the "foremost poet of the 20th century," and made a very comfortable living with his works. He was so prolific, he penned over 15,000 poems by writing a poem a day for over 40 years!
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Masonic Symbolism & Words Brought to you by www.masonicdictionary.com This Month’s Entry is:
EMBLEM This beautiful and significant word, so familiar to Masons, has historical affiliations with the original idea embodied in "mosaic work," on whch something is said below. Emblem is derived from the Greek prefix en, meaning in, united with ballein, meaning cast, put. The word became applied to raised decorations on pottery, to inlay work, tessellated and mosaic work; and since such designs were nearly always formal and symbolical in character, emblem came to mean an idea expressed by a picture or design. As Bacon put it, an emblem represents an intellectual conception in a sensible image. It belongs to that family of words of which type, symbol, figure, allegory, and metaphor are familiar members. - Source: 100 Words in Masonry
The emblem is an occult representation of something unknown or concealed by a sign or thing that is known. Thus, a square is in Freemasonry an emblem of morality; a plumb line, of rectitude of conduct; and a level, of equality of human conditions. Emblem is very generally used as synonymous with symbol, although the two words do not express exactly the same meaning. An emblem is properly a representation of an idea by a visible object, as in the examples quoted above; but a symbol is more extensive in its application, includes every representation of an idea by an image, whether that image is presented immediately to the senses as a visible and tangible substance, or only brought before the mind by words. Hence an action or event as described, a myth or legend, may be a symbol; and hence, too, it follows that while all emblems are symbols, all symbols are not emblems (see Symbol). - Source: Mackey's Encyclopedia of Freemasonry
TWT
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New Ties Designs Coming Mid July FraternalTies速 is owned and managed by Bro. John Paul Gomez, a member of Doric Lodge 316 of A.F. & A.M. GRC, with the help of his wife Rechelle. Our mission is simple- to provide a quality Masonic neck tie that a Freemason will be proud to wear around his neck ;-) and with the blessing of the G.A.O.T.U., earn enough profit from this endeavour that will someday allow us to quit our day jobs and spend more time nurturing our kids physically, emotionally and spiritually.
http://www.fraternalties.com
Designed by a Mason for a Mason
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“World’s Oldest Consecutive Annual Masonic Day Celebration” By Bro. Lee Peacock Florala, Ala., with a population of less than 2,000, is home to the “World’s Oldest Consecutive Annual Masonic Day Celebration.” As indicated by the name of this small southern town, Florala is located just north of the AlabamaFlorida state line and has been home to an annual Masonic celebration since just after the end of the Civil War.
The celebration, which is free and open to the public, also included a number of nonMasonic activities such as a treasure hunt, a bass tournament, a bicycle race, a womanless beauty pageant, an “anything goes” parade, a “water battle” for children, a beauty pageant, a spaghetti supper, a gospel singing, a sock hop, a street dance, a children’s chalk drawing contest, the 20th Annual Lake Jackson Cruisers Car Show, music on the town square, a parade, arts and crafts, a firefighter skills competition, live music at Lake Jackson, fireworks and the 17th Annual Alligator Trot 5K race and walk.
Also referred to as the “24th of June Celebration,” this event has been held every year in Florala since 1870 to celebrate the important Masonic figures of Saint John the Evangelist and Saint John the Baptist. The 2012 celebration, which marked the event’s 142nd year, officially began on June 1 and wrapped up with a day of events on June 30. It is held The annual Alligator Trot 5K road race and walk is annually in honor of St. John’s Day – June 24, 1717 - remarkable because it is the only 5-K (3.1-mile) race when the first Grand Lodge, the Grand Lodge of that takes place in both Alabama and Florida. The England, was established. run starts in Alabama, continues around Lake Jackson and into Florida before reentering Alabama, In its early days, Florala’s Masonic Day Celebration where the finish line is located. Interestingly, Lake was sponsored by three Masonic lodges – Chapel Jackson is named after former U.S. President Hill Lodge, Lake City Lodge No. 377 and Fidelity Andrew Jackson, a famous freemason, who stopped Lodge No. 685 of the Alabama Free and Accepted at the lake with a group of soldiers in 1818. Masons and Chapter 441 of the Order of the Eastern Star. Over the years, the Chapel Hill Lodge and Lake For more information about the annual Masonic City Lodge passed out of existence, but Fidelity Celebration in Florala, visit the Tri-Cities Chamber Lodge No. 685 and OES Chapter 441 are still going of Commerce Web site at strong and continue to sponsor this long-running tricitieschamberofcommerce.com or the 24th of June Masonic event. Celebration’s Facebook page. This year’s celebration included a wide variety of Masonic-themed events including work in the Master Mason Degree at Fidelity Lodge No. 685, the Bro. Lee Peacock crowning of a Masonic King and Queen, the naming Excel, Alabama of the Order of the Eastern Star’s “Sweetheart” and “Mason of the Year,” a dinner served by the Order of leepeacock2010.blogspot.com the Eastern Star No. 441, a Masonic open installation for Fidelity Lodge No. 685 and visiting lodge officers, a Masonic march through town and a TWT luncheon for visiting Masons, Shriners and their guests. www.twtmag.com
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“The Promise” By Bro. Matt Mladenka The Brothers of Lebanon Lodge #837, Frisco, TX fulfill century long promise.
The Dallas Morning Newspaper which published an article printed on May 6, 2011 about the yearly ceremony (http://www.dallasnews.com/news/communitynews/frisco/headlines/20110506-frisco-family-honors-centuryold-promise-to-care-for-babys-grave.ece) quoted one of our
Past Masters, as saying: “Since then, Lebanon Masonic Lodge No. 837 of Frisco has been placing flowers at the small headstone. Over 100 years ago, settlers still headed west in covered wagons as the “Old West” wound down its wild heyday. In 1908, the family of Walter M. Hagood, Jr. made a stop on Preston Ridge near the current Bethel Cemetery just north of Eldorado Parkway on its journey to more prosperous times in California. Little Walter was born on October 21, 1908 and died only four days later. Frisco resident Nancy Higginbotham told the distraught mother, who feared leaving her deceased newborn behind, that she would tend to the grave so the mother wouldn’t have to worry that the infant would be forgotten. True to her word, she tended the grave and placed flowers at the grave marker every year on Decoration Day, until her death in 1930. Her daughter, Minnie Fisher stepped in and continued the Promise until her death in 1964. Minnie’s daughter-in-law Wilma Fisher, a beloved Frisco school teacher, then accepted the role. Wilma continued the duty until her health began to fail in 2006.
From woman to woman, it was just passed down,” said David Barnes, an officer of the fraternal organization who in 2008 led a campaign to change the organization’s bylaws to say the little grave would be remembered each year. This is just an issue of respect. In today’s fast-paced society, it’s easy to lose sight of our family anchors.”.
To learn more about this special ceremony visit http://friscomasons.org/charity/the-promise/
TWT
That’s when members of this Lodge told Wilma that since she and her late husband Donald had served the Masons so well in their lives, that the Masons would assume the honor of decorating the grave. Miss Wilma died in 2008 and Lebanon Lodge #837 continues over 100 years later to keep that Promise that Nancy Higginbotham gave to that distraught mother on that fateful Autumn day. In fact, the Lodge has written the Promise into its charter, ensuring that the grave will be decorated every year in perpetuity. Please join us on Decoration Day to honor Walter M. Hagood, Jr., as well as those who served “the Promise.”
TWT www.twtmag.com
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Shrine Portrait Plates 1910 Salaam Shrine Temple Tip Tray
1926 Shenango China Happy Partying Shriner Plate
Pictured above is a Tip Tray from Salaam Shrine Temple of Newark, N.J. honoring their 1910 pilgrimage to New Orleans for the Imperial Council Session. It measures 4 3/8 inch in diameter and is accented in many beautiful colors. It definitely was a first class souvenir of the convention.
Early Zembo Shrine Temple
1920’s Shrine Vienna Tin Art Plate with Desert Scene
http://www.phoenixmasonry.org/main www.twtmag.com
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Old Tyler Talks
By Carl Claudy
“MASONIC TALK� I'm seeking a little light," said the New Brother, sitting down by the Old Tiler and reaching for his cigar case. "I think I have a match-" the Old Tiler felt in his pocket. "I get you!" grinned the New Brother, "But that's not the light I am looking for. I want light on a Masonic subject."
"Suppose he wants to talk Masonic secrets with me?" "No Mason wants to talk Masonic secrets with any man he doesn't know to be a Mason! The man who wants to talk secrets, without having sat in lodge with you, or being vouched for to you, is either very new or a very poor Mason or no Mason at all!"
"I don't pretend to be the only Masonic illuminant," answered the Old Tiler, "but if I have what you want, be sure I'll let it shine."
"But surely one can talk Masonry with strangers; if they wear the pin and have a card they are probably Masons, and-
"Every now and then," began the New Brother, "I hear Masonic talk in public places. At a poker game in a club where I was recently, I heard one man say, 'Them you have passed, but me I shall not pass!' Lots of men say they will do this or that on the square or on the level. I run across 'and govern yourself accordingly' in print every now and then. Are such public quotations from Masonic work against good Masonic practice?"
"�Talk all the Masonry you want! But make sure it is the Masonic talk you cold utter in the presence of your wife. Your true Mason won't want you to talk any other kind in public. Not long ago I was on a train, and behind me two men, neither of them Masons, arguing about Masonry. The things they knew which were not so wonderful! But I never opened my mouth. And the conductor, whom I have known for years as a Mason, heard them, and all he did was wink at me. We knew the truth; they didn't. What was the use of stirring up an argument?"
"It seems to me your question isn't very complete," answered the Old Tiler. "Why not?" "It takes no account of motives. If you hear a man say that the stream rose and his house and his children were in danger, but a tree fell across the rushing waters, so that in His mercy God damned the stream, you have heard testimony to His glory. And if you hear some man couple the name of Deity with the word which begins with D, you listen to profanity. Same sounds in each case; the difference is, the motive, the meaning. "If I declare that I will do what I say I will do 'on the square,' any one understands that I mean I will act honestly. If any hearer knows the expression is Masonic, surely the fraternity has not been injured. But if I say to a stranger, or within a stranger's hearing, 'these are certain Masonic words, and we use them in the degrees' and then repeat various phrases, I skirt dangerously close to breaking my obligation, and by the very fact that I seem to be careless with Masonic business, I am doing it harm!" "That's very plain, said the New Brother. "Suppose some man wants to learn if I am a Mason? Suppose I meet a man with a Masonic pin and want to examine him Masonicly? What about that?" "You shouldn't want to do things which can't be done!" laughed the Old Tiler. You might, indeed, put the stranger through an examination as to what Masonry he knew, but it wouldn't be Masonic. You have no right to constitute yourself an examining committee. That is the Master's prerogative.
"What about giving some sign or word in a mixed company, so I can let the other fellows know I am a Mason?" asked the New Brother. "Oh!" cried the Old Tiler. "You've been reading novels! You have an idea that when you go to a card party you should wiggle your ears or something, so that other Masons will know you are one, too! Nothing to that! Masonic recognitions are not for pleasure, but for need and use. You have been taught how to let others know, if you need to. You know how to recognize a Mason when he lets you know. But these are not for social gatherings, and the man who lards his speech with Masonic expressions is merely showing off." "I asked for light; we could substitute you for one of the Lesser Lights," said the New Brother. "If you mean that for a joke," the Old Tiler answered slowly, "I shall think my words were wasted." "I didn't," protested the New Brother. "I was only trying to say, perhaps clumsily, that I thought you'd make a good Master!" "Then I shall think only of the motive, thank you for the compliment, and forget the way you put it!" smiled the Old Tiler.
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“Masonophobia” By Bro. Robert Cooper Masonophobia is not antiMasonry. Anti-Masonry was coined by our forbears in the Craft to describe those who attacked us, either as individual Freemasons or, more often the Order as an institution. This was at a time when such people, or occasionally other organizations (often churches or other faith based groups), could be dismissed as having little influence, were known to be a bit weird and were therefore irrelevant. After all we could answer them by pointing out that Harry S Truman was a Freemason (May 8, 1884 – December 26, 1972) was the 33rd President of the United States (1945–1953). ‘Using’ people like Truman to defend Freemasonry continued into the 1960’s and 70’s but as the generations that had lived during the time of his presidency passed away the potency of that defense faded away with them. Freemasonry continued to have ‘important’ people in its ranks (for example, Edwin Eugene ‘Buzz’ Aldrin (1930 - ) and Gerald Ford 1913 – 2006) 37th President: 1974-1977 spring to mind). Although Truman was both vocal and visible as a defender of Freemasonry others were not so forthcoming. Relying mainly on prominent members as exemplars of the uprightness of the Craft became less effective as time passed and the ‘movers and shakers’ of modern society failed to follow in their forbears foots steps and become Freemasons. In other words Freemasonry began to have fewer and fewer public figures that were willing and able to defend Freemasonry in public. Europe faced a similar situation. Whilst people could remember Sir Winston Leonard SpencerChurchill, (1874 – 1965) and his leadership of the British people through the Second World War British Freemasons could point to one of the greatest modern British leaders as an
example of a modern Freemason. As in the USA as the calibre and number of prominent and influential members of society declined in number or at least became less vocal about their membership of the Craft so too did the voices raised against us increase in number and volume. Without such ‘Knights in Shining armor to defend Freemasonry new ways had to be devised in an attempt to deflect attacks. The Masonic Service Association of North America was one such admirable attempt (see: http://www.msana.com/) Grand Lodges began to issue Press Releases and to become more open in their affairs. The problem is that all these attempts are seen to come from Freemasons or Masonic organizations and can and are dismissed by our detractors as: ‘Well, they would say that wouldn’t they...’ We no longer have representatives who can speak at the center of society but instead we now speaking from outside towards the centers of power and are therefore in competition with thousands of other ‘special interest groups’ seeking to promote themselves or, in our case, simply seeking be left alone to quietly go about our business. The ‘voice’ of Freemasonry is simply swamped’ by the thousands of other minority groups seeking to influence how they are treated or perceived. If anyone does pick up our message all too often it is dismissed as coming from a secretive elite ‘everyone knows’ that our members are affluent, white anglo-saxons. Today all too often we do ourselves down in an attempt to get people to leave us alone. We explain that we are harmless, simply getting together to chat and eat rubber chicken dinners and announcing over and over again that we do not become involved in religion and politics (an open invitation to be attacked by those that are involved in religion and politics!), that in fact we don’t do much of anything at (Continued on page 19) www.twtmag.com 18
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“Masonophobia” By Bro. Robert Cooper (Continued from page 18) all. In other words there is a danger that we are neutering ourselves to such an extent that our own members are given the impression that we are worthless and have nothing to offer to society at large. Is that the way to attract new members? I am in no way decrying the efforts in very many parts of the Masonic world to get involved in local community projects. This is truly excellent and raises the profile of a Lodge, District or Grand Lodge and is great PR. Often times such efforts are reported in the local press and media and that is to be encouraged. However, the reality is that these initiatives are local whereas those that attack us do so at a state or national level where the media, politicians and religious leaders do not know or do not care about these local good works by Freemasons. I think that it is time to try and turn things around and one way of doing that is by the the use of language. Anti this or being anti that is wishy-washy. It was okay when the attacks were half-hearted and jokey (funny handshakes etc.). Anti-Masonry carries no punch. It certainly does not convey the sheer spite, venom and nastiness that now seems to be part of modern attacks on Freemasonry. That spite and nastiness is all too obvious in the European and especially the UK press (where there is no written constitution and freedom of speech is open to interpretation by those in authority). Instead a word has been developed to describe those who attack Freemasons and Freemasonry in the vile and horrible manner is with they do: Masonophobia. This labels our detractors clearly and for what they are: Masonophobes. The word does not roll easily off the tongue but try it a few times and it does become much easier. MASON – O – PHOBIC. This form of wording has been used to great affect for some minority group such HOMO – PHOBIC. Anyone who dares even very mildly to imply something that could be taken to be an attack on homosexuality is immediately labeled as being HOMOPHOBIC and a retraction immediately follows.
Freemason representing the Grand Lodge did not attempt to debate the religious arguments but accused the speaker of being Masonophobic and asked when he had become a Masonophobe and him to declare publicly, there and then, if his church’s policy was now Masonophobic? And he went further: if the church was Masonophobic was it also Homophobic and Islamophobic? The representative of the church was lost for words and coughed and spluttered and the interview ended by cutting to the commercials. But the point had been made. It was a pity that is was a small radio station with a small audience but it showed that instead of fighting on their home ground (religion) Freemasons can turn the tables by asking them to explain their Masonophobic attitudes to the listeners. Brother Cooper has explored this subject in great detail (including examples of Masonophic press articles) from an historical perspective in his latest book: The Red Triangle which is available from Amazon.com at: http://www.amazon.com/The-Red-TriangleHistory-AntiMasonry/dp/0853183325/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie =UTF8&qid=1338028375&sr=1-1 Brother Cooper is also due to speak on this subject at Boynton Lodge Esoteric Group in Florida on September 8, 2012. For more information see: http://blerg4.eventbrite.com/ You can also find Brother Cooper on Facebook.
Robert’s Book “The Red Triangle” is available on Amazon.com at: http://www.amazon.com/The-Red-Triangle-History-AntiMasonry/dp/0853183325/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8 &qid=1339068205&sr=1-1
TWT Recently on a radio show when Freemasonry was being attacked by a religious leader the 19 www.twtmag.com
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“The Online Mason” By Bro. Shawn M. Gorley I can speak from personal experience, I had all of those questions and more when I was We are fortunate to live in time where information moves raised to the sublime degree of at the speed of light. It is easily accessible and most people Master Mason. I wanted more from use the Internet on a daily basis. From our phones, laptops my experience of Freemasonry, I and tablets we have the ability to gain access to information wanted to fulfill my pledges to that our forefathers could have never dreamed of, or if they continually seek more light. I have did it would take months or even years to attain the found many Masonic online forums information that is so easily available to us today. This is a and have benefited from all of them fantastic thing for Brothers engaged in the never ending search greatly, but as I continue to grow as a for light. man and mason I realize that in my search for more light there is a wonderful fringe benefit that comes with it and that is the Aside from the information and knowledge we gain from chance to meet, converse and grow with other Master Masons spending time on the Internet, there is one other substantial from all over the world on the Masonic forums. benefit we are privileged to have that shouldn't be taken for granted, and that is the chance to befriend Brothers from all For no more time than you would normally spend over the world and from all walks of life that under different reading your local newspaper in a day, you can easily benefit circumstances may never have been possible. This is one of from this. It is as easy as typing Masonic Forums into any the greatest gifts we receive from Freemasonry and by all search engine and looking over the results and picking the means is nothing new. In the Constitutions of the Freemasons right one for you. There are a lot of them out there and some as adopted in 1723 in article 1, we see that this was by all of them do have a fee to join, but as always be careful, there means intended to be a part of Freemasonry as it states " are most definitely fakes, posers, and Anti Masonic ones out Masonry becomes the center of union, and the means of there that would love to lure in a legit Master Mason, so use conciliating true friendship among persons that must else have your best judgement and trust me, as a Master Mason you will remain'd at a perpetual distance." It's wonderful to know that be able to tell the difference between the real ones and the almost three hundred years later this still rings true. fakes. Most of the real ones will check with your Grand
“Freemasonry and the Internet”
Freemasonry gives us the gift of knowing that when we are out and about in the world, and happen upon someone wearing a Masonic ring or perhaps has a Masonic license plate that most likely you could approach this person and give each other a little test and know that you are talking to a trustworthy friend. This is no different when you happen upon the right Masonic Internet forums, where you can be certain you truly are amongst brothers. Are you a serious student of the craft or just looking to communicate and meet new brothers and keep up on current events around the world in Freemasonry? Are you a member of a fairly inactive lodge that's wants to gain more from the craft but don't know where to start? Is a once a month stated meeting not enough to satisfy your desire to be an active Freemason? Are you curious to know if there are more like minded brothers in your area? Are you an experienced member of the craft looking to mentor and teach newer members of the fraternity but having a hard time finding one? Or, perhaps a new Mason looking to learn from a more experienced brother? These are just a few reasons to check out some of the Masonic Internet groups that are out there, you can most definitely gain something by one or more of them.
Lodge to confirm your status as a Mason. Another great place to find like minded brothers and form friendships is on Facebook. If you were to type in Freemasonry into the search tab on Facebook you would find an almost endless list of groups on the subject and again use your best judgement, there are a lot of them that aren't so great. You can find Masonic groups by state, such as Freemasons in PA, Michigan Masons, and Masons of Texas and so forth. There are also pages for some individual lodges from all over the world. Some of the more popular Masonic groups on Facebook that are all a great place to look at are, My Brothers Keepers, Masonic Vibes, Internet Lodge, Masonic Friends, Freemason Network, and Missouri Lodge of Research which I like because they put out a quote from famous Freemasons up daily. No matter what your interest or background you are likely to find Brothers from all over with the same interests as yourself on the Internet. So the next time you get a few spare minutes, do yourself and the craft a favor and reach out and meet some fellow Masons that " must else remain'd at a perpetual distance." Happy Hunting Brothers, and I hope to meet you out there somewhere! TWT
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“An Apron For The Heart” By Bro. John Paul Gomez, Owner of FraternalTies.com ”A well tied tie is the first serious step in life.” ~ Oscar Wilde, Author / Freemason
The beloved necktie is probably one of the most cherished clothing item amongst the distinguished gentlemen and the Freemasons. And why not- it is one of the few fashion accessories to have survived over two millennia of social change. Since ancient times, men have worn the tie to signify title, wealth, or simply just to warm their necks. Two thousand and two hundred years ago, China’s first emperor, Shih Huang Ti, and his terracotta army were buried in an underground tomb in Xi’an. Each life-size terracotta warrior wore a necktie. It seems like nobody else was allowed to wear a tie except for the members of the royal army. In ancient Europe, early Roman orators wore ties to keep their vocal cords warm. And King Louis XIV of France was the first to popularize the “cravat”- he got the idea from the Croatian mercenaries serving France during the time of Thirty Years’ War (1618-1648). In 1800s America, the necktie have become such an important piece of a gentleman’s getup that to touch another man’s tie could end you up in a duel. Harry Anderson, a famous street magician during the 80’s once said that neckties satisfy a modern man’s desire to dress in art. I couldn’t agree more: if the shirt and jacket is the frame; then the tie is the piece of art,
or a badge- like an apron for the heart. It is fitting therefore that this piece of fabric must hold a very special meaning to the man who owns it. It has the power to transform the overall image of a man wearing it. Wearing a necktie is more than just a fashion statement- to me, the necktie, like the apron that we wear around the waist, is a badge for the heart. Coming from very humble beginnings, I have never owned a tie prior to joining Freemasonry. But ever since I was a kid, I’ve always been fascinated with it. My love affair with neckties bloomed when I was Initiated into Freemasonry on 2008. I have never owned a tie before, so a couple of weeks before my day of Initiation I busied myself combing the Internet for that special and meaningful necktie. I came across a lot of cheap ones made of polyester and printed with Masonic emblems- the type that you can buy for only $10 a piece. It was not made by a Brother and hardly what I would call a piece of art. I never found that special tie and I ended up with just a plain black one which I bought from Sears. Like a kid just learning how to tie his shoelaces, I immensely enjoyed learning how to form my first knot; but I wasn’t too happy with the tie itself knowing that at least a thousand others have the same Sears tie. One night while waiting for her turn to use the computer, my wife Rechelle (Continued on page 23) www.twtmag.com
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Bro. John Paul Gomez (Continued from page 22) joked that I will never find a necktie that will meet my standards so I just better make my own. That was it, a creative spark- the gift of light! Right away I stopped surfing the net, handed her the laptop, and I started drafting fabric patterns for my very own special tie; I then paid a silk mill factory to turn my design into a swatch that is enough for just one tie, but, as luck would have it, the fabric that they made for me was enough for two! So I had them sewn into two necktiesI kept one for myself and the other one I auctioned on eBay. Let’s just say that the number of bids and encouraging feedback from that auction was enough for me to realize that it wasn’t just me looking for that special and meaningful Masonic necktie. I used the money from the auction to fund my first collection of and I want to extend that to my buyers. If any of my Masonic neckties and that was how FraternalTies was customers are reading this right now, I would like to take the opportunity to thank you for supporting our born. business. I’m sure that you will be happy to know that A quick Google search using the keywords “Masonic the funds will be used for Chienna (turning 12 this neckties” and its other variations will tell you that Aug) and Jachin’s (turning 3 this Sept) music and FraternalTies is now global leader in custom neckties sports lessons. I hope to share with you their progress for Freemasons. A proud achievement knowing that soon. FraternalTies is just 3 years old. With the amount of traffic that goes to my website www.fraternalties.com **end note** About John Paul Gomez. JPG is the and facebook page www.facebook.com/fraternalties, I incoming Junior Warden of Doric Lodge No. 316, Ontario, Canada. He is a graphics artist by trade. Some could probably make money decent enough to make of his works include “What Others Think of me as a me not worry about applying for a day job by filling the website with a lot of products. But I’ve chosen not Freemason” poster and the Official Seal of Tupelo Masonic Lodge No. 318. You can also view his other to take that route. I design silk fabrics using only the creations by visiting his website at symbols that I am intimately familiar with (this www.fraternalties.com explains why I don’t have ties for York and Scottish Rites yet) and I never mass produce (no more than 50 pieces of ties per fabric design). I want my ties special EDITORS NOTE- Brethren, if you frequent Facebook you should really “Like” the FraternalTies page not only for product information but also for the really awesome Masonic Graphics that Bro John creates on a fairly regular basis. He really is an artist is many many ways. Cory
TWT
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“From the Ashes” By Bro. Paul C Smith
In June, New Hampshire Freemasonry experienced something amazing. For the first time in over 40 years, a brand new lodge was constituted, consecrated and dedicated. The lodge is Phoenix Lodge No. 105, and it follows the ever-growing chorus of Freemasons around the country espousing the Traditional Observance or Observant model. It started February 24, 2010 when I sent an email to three fellow Masons; one of the things I stated in that email was “I think many of us think there is more to Masonry than simply reciting a lesson back...it is supposed to be that "moral and progressive science" we were told about in the FC charge.” I emailed back and forth several times, until April when the message went out to more Brethren. This sparked conversation via email for a couple of months and so we scheduled a meeting in my office in our state’s capitol in the summer, where I invited several Brothers for pizza and discussion. We met and discussed the Masonic Restoration Foundation’s formerly used lodge start-up guide and the philosophy behind the Traditional Observance movement. We decided we should continue to meet and organize thoughts. By then, word of mouth had spread and by the time of our Grand Lodge Semi-Annual communication we were ready to form as a club; we met after the session, elected our officers, and adopted some rough by-laws to help in our efforts.
In July of 2011, the club (following the formerly used guidelines of starting a T.O. lodge) brought Dennis Chornenky, the founder of the MRF, to New Hampshire to conduct a seminar on Traditional Observance Masonry and we all left feeling awestruck and inspired. Around that same point, I had suggested a lodge name that no one had any complaints with, however there wasn’t a great enthusiasm for it either. Then, a very dear friend and Brother reported on the history of some lodges in his part of the state, one of which was Phoenix, No. 13. Unfortunately, this was an early lodge and due to machinations beyond the control of many in the lodge at the time, the charter was surrendered and the lodge abandoned. This name, however, resonated with all members of the club. According to the Oxford Dictionary, the definition of the Phoenix is, “(in classical mythology) a unique bird that lived for five or six centuries in the Arabian desert, after this time burning itself on a funeral pyre and rising from the ashes with renewed youth to live through another cycle.” The metaphor of the Phoenix for the type of Masonry we sought to accomplish in New Hampshire touched the hearts of all and the decision was unanimous.
Having labored in the Masonic quarries for over a year at that point, we decided we would indeed petition the Grand Lodge of New Hampshire for dispensation to meet as a lodge and seek a permanent warrant to work. In August, the eldest member of our club nominated a slate of officers for the future lodge and the officers set to work. In By January of 2011 we were on our way and begun to September, I as the Master-designee, went to the Doricorganize plans for accoutrements, regalia and other logistics Centre Lodge meeting to speak about our concept and that to deal with. As we were a collective of Brothers from all it was our desire to meet in their building. After answering points of the state of New Hampshire, we decided to seek a few questions and speaking individually to some use of the lodge closest to the geographic center of the state. members, the lodge gave us their approbation (a requirement when a new lodge forms in our jurisdiction). The next step involved (Continued on page 25) Following advice from MRF friends and Brothers such as Shawn Eyer and Mark Tabbert, we did not focus on things that we were not ready for (specifically, a lodge name) but instead talked about how to make our goals happen.
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“From The Ashes” By Bro. Paul C Smith
(Continued from page 24) approaching the building association for use of the temple. After voluntarily offering to pay more per use than originally discussed to assist in these difficult economic times, the association formally accepted our request and we were one step closer. Throughout this process we were working on our lodge bylaws. The Brethren of the club did something amazing and completely unique in New Hampshire when they adopted the bylaws after a month or two of discussion; they adopted a mission statement at the beginning of the bylaws and concluded them with a declaration of principles. The declaration is rather long, but our mission statement is fundamental to who we are and what we seek and so I append it for your enjoyment: Phoenix Lodge is a fraternal community, united to encourage harmony in society through the practice of Masonic principles and the advancement of our shared values: integrity, excellence, benevolence, intellectual development and mutual respect.
June 8, 2012. For the first time in over 40 years, and with 108 Masons from around the country in attendance, New Hampshire consecrated, constituted and dedicated a new lodge, Phoenix Lodge No. 105. An impressive ceremony with the elected Grand Lodge line officers and corn, wine and oil, a slow procession around the giant hall in Manchester and an exquisite installation by the Grand Master for the officers of Phoenix. We immediately thereafter read an investigation report for a candidate, balloted in favor and will proceed to make a new Mason in August in this new Masonic lodge! The evening was capped off with an address by Worshipful Brother Andrew Hammer, author of Observing the Craft and Past Master of Alexandria-Washington Lodge No. 22 in Virginia and a reception downstairs where some 30 brothers joined the Master in a toast to the new lodge and our beloved fraternity.
On the philosophical side of matters with respect to Phoenix, we hold ourselves to high ideals by dedicating to the propositions of (among other things): NO progressive officer line; $360 annual dues; white tie and tails for The next step was to meet with the District Deputies Grand officers; white tie and tails/tuxedo/dark suit, white shirt and Master and Grand Lecturer who were to examine us, our dark tie for members; white gloves for all; constant and mission and ritual abilities before making any vigilant Masonic education for all- to the point where we recommendation to the Grand Lodge as to our fitfulness in created a Lodge Education Officer and Masonic Formation being made a regular lodge. The meetings went well and at Committee designed for these purposes; a thorough the Semi-Annual Communication of November 2011, we investigation process (including a multi-page submitted to the Grand Lodge of New Hampshire a request questionnaire); focusing on the initiatic experience of the for dispensation, letters of approbation from the afore candidate through use of the chamber of reflection, a six mentioned grand lodge officers, and fees. We met again, month minimum wait between each degree with complete for the last time as a club, in December and had a wonderful ritual working and a presentation in lodge; use of the Chain Masonic discussion. The Grand Master issued Phoenix of Union after the closing of the lodge; ritual excellence; an Lodge a dispensation on December 27, 2011 (St. John the Agape (festive board) after every meeting; and a Latin Evangelist Day) and we met as a lodge (business only) in motto which genuinely sums up our goals “E Luce March of this year. In April, we held our full “dressScientia” or “From Light, Knowledge.” rehearsal” lodge meeting in formal attire; we had musical selections, periods of silence, a paper from the Master and Phoenix Lodge No. 105 in Tilton, New Hampshire meets comments from the Grand Master. We concluded the on the second Friday in March, April, June, August, evening with the chain of union and as the members and October and December. An Agape follows every meeting, visitors processed out of the lodge, I greeted each with a the cost of which is $35 with a reservation to the Master hand shake or embrace and thanked them for coming. It required two weeks before the meeting. We welcome you was an inspiring event. to join us in fraternal fellowship. Ever onward Brethren! Several weeks later, at the 223rd Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of New Hampshire, the report was read recommending we be granted a charter. There was no discussion (though it was asked for) and the vote, astoundingly to me, was unanimous in favor.
*The Phoenix Lodge logo was designed by Bro. Ryan Flynn, Senior Deacon of Ancient York Lodge No. 89 in Nashua, NH.
TWT
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Why Join “Higher” Houses? By Bro. Kevin P. Wardally There are three main reasons why I feel that Masons, once they are ready should actively pursue and participate in the works of the higher houses in Masonry. They are as follows: 1. There is more to learn in Masonry and the Higher Houses can teach it. 2. The relationships you build joining the Higher Houses are valuable ones and lifetime long ones. 3. The opportunity to serve in the Higher Houses sometimes comes quicker than in the Blue House. I will elaborate on each but let me begin with the very real statement that my Past Master is already saying in his head “There Are No Higher Degrees Than the Third Degree in Masonry and thus no Higher Houses,” that being true and being said there are other very valuable Masonic Bodies that a Mason may become a member of and get real value from belonging too. And Craft Masonry not so long ago once included one of the branches of the Higher Houses and several folks have falsely alleged that you may not even enter Blue Houses in parts of the world if you do not have your 7th Degree. 1 – More To Learn The story of GMHA does not end in the Blue House ritual. In fact there are many questions left unanswered and the Higher Degrees and Houses help fill in that very important story. We all know that the Temple of Solomon was completed, who took responsibility for the daily trestle board? What happened to the 12 FCs? What is the “real” word that we all hear about? Why does every Shriner carry a black stone on him at all times? Who is the real army of Masonry? All of these questions and more are answered in the Higher Houses and to know these things is worth the journey.
profound rituals with other Masons from every Lodge in the building and across Masonic Districts in the State. When you can call another Mason “classmate” as you will in the Shrine, “companion” as you will in the Red House (Holy Royal Arch Mason), “sublime prince” as you will in the Consistory, it means you have shared an experience that only he can truly understand with you and that is a beautiful thing for as the saying goes “the love is really deeper in the Shrine.”
3 – The Opportunity To Serve Comes Quicker Now this is not the case in my lodge where we have recently been blessed with progressive leadership that allows a man to spearhead any project or idea that he can envision, but in other Lodges it often takes years to sit in even the most base seat in the Lodge and even longer to get the respect and acknowledgement of the Principal officers enough to get your idea on the Trestle board. In the higher houses it is often a much more direct route to not only serve in a seat that prepares you for leadership of that house but for example in the Shrine if you want to propose a specific community service project all you need do is get the support of a handful of your fellow Nobles and present it to the body at a Regular meeting and it will be added to the service agenda for that year. That is not how it works in most Blue Houses and thus a Mason attracted to doing more community service may find himself drawn to one of the Higher Houses that gives him the freedom to serve as he may see fit without going thru the internal Blue Lodge politics.
In summary although there is no higher degree than third in Masonry there is much more to learn and experience and I humbly suggest to you that you will find those things in the Higher Houses.
2 – The Relationships You Build Are Lifetime Ones A man can make every study class and Stated Communication for his lodge and never meet or develop deep relationships with other good Brother Masons because they meet on different nights than when they are in the building. Part of the great things about Higher Houses is they allow you to experience some deep and
Your Brother, RW Kevin P. Wardally Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of NY Past Master Adelphic Union Lodge #14
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Be seen by Freemasons all around the world. Reach your Target Audience! Contact us at twtmag@yahoo.com
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“Can We Ever Be Perfect Ashlars” By Bro. David Browning, DDGL NC 16th Masonic District
We come into Masonry as rough ashlars, full of imperfections, but should we be naive enough to believe that we can ever be perfect ashlars? We are taught in the lecture of the first degree that “… by the rough ashlar we are reminded of our rude and imperfect state by nature; by the perfect ashlar of that state of perfection at which we hope to arrive by a virtuous education, our own endeavors, and the blessings of God”. Should we believe that the three symbolic degrees of the blue lodge transform us into perfect ashlars? Or is it the higher order degrees of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite or the Ancient York Rite that transform us? I would venture to say that none of these in and of themselves transforms us but rather that each will play its own role in the process. I will attempt to explain this further throughout the following paragraphs. So what constitutes a virtuous education? The foundation of a virtuous education is those moral lessons that we have learned and lived by prior to joining the fraternity that has allowed us to be found worth to be made a Mason. Masonry builds on this foundation by first requiring all candidates who enter in search of light to go through the three symbolic degrees of the Blue Lodge. On top of this Masonry offers various ways to continue our virtuous education including receiving and studying the Scottish Rite and/or York Rite degrees. It should also include, at a minimum, studies from the Volume of Sacred Law from one’s own religion, a study of the seven liberal sciences (grammar, rhetoric, logic, arithmetic, geometry, music, and astronomy), writings of the great thinkers of the current and past times, as well as any other source that will broaden and enlighten one’s mind by providing alternative explanations and viewpoints for consideration. A virtuous education is not a course or a course of study but instead is a life long journey. Through our own endeavors we are able to put our virtuous education to work helping others. Although our own endeavors can take many forms, the one that should be top of mind for every Mason is our charitable work. We know that we were induced to become a Master Mason “…that I might receive more wages and be thereby the better enabled to support myself and family, and contribute to the relief of distressed brother
Master Masons, their widows, and orphans”. To some Masons they consider this to be the extent of their endeavors but if we listen to all of the lessons we know that “…these generous principles are to extend further; every human being has a claim upon your kind offices”. Helping the distressed and being active in our lodge and other fraternal organizations is a great way to fulfill our duties to God, our country, our neighbors, and ourselves. Some will strike a better balance than others between their education and endeavors. Some may have more education than others but may spend less time helping and serving others. On the other hand, some may spend all of their time helping and serving others but never pursue a virtuous education. With these inequalities we may wonder how anyone could ever be considered a perfect ashlar. This is where the final and most important ingredient, the blessings of God, comes into the equation. Without the generous blessings of the Great Architect of the Universe we could never become a perfect ashlar. Perhaps the greatest blessing that is bestowed upon us is to overlook our imperfections, thus allowing us to be perfect ashlars in his sight, regardless of our mortal flaws and short comings.
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2012 semi-annual meeting in Philadelphia July 28, 2012 The Masonic Society meets in semi-annual session during the summer months at various locations throughout the U.S. and Canada. We have chosen Philadelphia for our 2012 semiannual meeting in part so that we can tour the beautiful Grand Lodge Temple. Our meeting will be in Philadelphia, on Saturday, July 28, with a tour in the morning and a program of speakers in the afternoon. We will also hold a banquet with guest speaker in the evening. The program and banquet will be held at the historic Union League in Philadelphia.
Speakers for our afternoon session include Thomas Savini, Director, Livingston Masonic Library Grand Lodge of New York Presentation of the Robert R. Livingston Library Ben Hoff, PM, New Jersey Lodge of Research - Presenting a paper on the original Ahiman Rezon Howard Kanowitz, New Jersey Lodge of Research - Presenting a very unique talk on the Battle of Gettysburg Ray Thorne, current WM of the New Jersey Lodge of Research - Who has a work in progress suitable to our Pennsylvania audience.
Our Banquet speaker will be R. W. Thomas W. Jackson, Past Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, and Executive Secretary of the World Conference of Regular Masonic Grand Lodges. For more information about this event and for links to the registration page and accommodations, please go to: http://themasonicsociety.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=60&Itemid=80
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“The Mason Mill: Why Modern Freemasonry is Comparable to Communism” By Bro. Kyle Fergurson Freemasonry has become a factory. The major idea promulgated by most Grand Lodges these days is that our membership is too low and without an increase, we will lose our great Fraternity that we love so much. The solution provided by our leaders is, you guessed it, make as many Masons as possible in as little time as possible. We have outgoing Grand Masters justifying their terms in office by how much of a membership increase they brought to the Fraternity. I’ve yet to hear one talk about how proud he was because of the great educational program that promotes philosophical discussion and thereby instills a higher level of intellectualism in the minds of our new Masons. I would probably need some sort of medical treatment upon hearing a Grand Master’s proudest moment in office being this scenario.
First, we need to prove that the management of Freemasonry fits the definition of a communist system. To fit this system, we first need to show authoritarian rule.
In most Grand Lodges, the decision making power of the Grand Master cannot be questioned. He is supreme in his jurisdiction and whatever decision he makes must be upheld regardless of the opinion of the membership. Without naming specific jurisdictions, a prime example of this happened in a situation regarding a certain Grand Lodge’s ritual. There was a certain word in this ritual that was never taken to mean anything negative by the Now, this problem is not new, nor is this topic lacking members who spoke it. It was only questioned by those outside articles and blogs written on the subject. So, why am I writing the Fraternity who used it against us because they lacked the another one to add to the list? Because I think there is another understanding of the true meaning of this word. Nonetheless, outlook on this topic that has yet to be explored. this word was removed from the ritual to appease those outside the Fraternity who used it against us. The membership in this Freemasonry is known for having influenced governjurisdiction was extremely upset, including influential members ment throughout the world, especially in the United States, of the Grand Lodge, and, regardless of this severe opposition, where the Constitution is based Masonic principles; principles the membership was told that it was an edict of the Grand Masthat weren’t found anywhere else in the world in 1776 outside ter and his decisions are only reversible by him or by a succeedof the Masonic Lodges. After all of these years of Masonry afing Grand Master. This example shows supreme rule in that fecting government and political philosophy, I am starting to jurisdiction. We are told that our ritual connects us with our think that a certain political philosophy is starting to have an effect on Freemasonry. Before I get any further into this subject, Brethren of the past. It is our most ancient possession, yet, can be changed at the whim of a Grand Master regardless of what let it be known that I do NOT think for one second that any the membership considers appropriate. Grand Lodge is intentionally attempting to apply this political ideology to the administration of their respective jurisdictions, I know that some of you reading this may be saying, but I do think that the new ideas common among most Grand “Well, Kyle, there is a new Grand Master elected every one or Lodges is quite comparable to the idea I am about to propose. two years (depending on jurisdiction), so how can you justify authoritarian rule if term lengths are so strongly enforced?” There is a political philosophy that focuses on the auHere is my response: anyone who has ever voted in a Grand thoritarian rule of the person in charge, government run factoLodge election knows that it is mostly for show. The person enries who’s imposed standards are focused on the quantity of tering the bottom of the Grand Line is chosen by the current what is produced, and not the quality of that product, and the suppression of the will of the governed while, at the same time, Grand Master and his name added to the list of who to vote for, the governed are told that their will is suppressed for the good of then the members pile into a room and copy down those names the country. This political ideology is called communism. Com- onto their voting card. When the results are read in open Grand Lodge, every vote goes to the listed individuals. Now, I know munism is defined by Merriam-Webster as: there are exceptions to this and I applaud the Grand Lodges that a: A doctrine based on Marxian socialism and Marxare the opposite, but for the overwhelming majority of us, this is ism-Leninism that was the official ideology of the Union of So- the reality. The individuals chosen to enter the Grand Line are viet Socialist Republics; chosen for a reason: Because they agree with the ideas and edicts imposed by the current Grand Master and promise to upb: A totalitarian system of government in which a sinhold those edicts throughout their term. Basically, the election is gle authoritarian party controls state-owned means of producpredetermined and is merely ceremonial. We can look at any tion. country that is ruled by a dictator who is “elected” and see the The second definition fits the current state of Freemasame thing. Not surprisingly, the current dictator, or the person sonry to a T, and, by showing the correlation between that defi- of his choosing, is chosen by “unanimous vote” to remain, or nition and the administrative practices governing Freemasonry, I become, dictator. Yet, after this announcement, thousands of will show you how the government of Freemasonry is compara- people riot in the streets. How can the election be “unanimous”? ble to the government the USSR under Soviet communist rule. It obviously was not; it was predetermined. This is sadly the case in modern Freemasonry. (Continued on page 31)
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Bro. Kyle Ferguson (Continued from page 30) I think, by the above examples, I products that last only briefly then wither away, never to be have shown that in most Grand Lodges, authoritarian rule is not just a reality, but a perfectly accepted practice.
used again. The people working at these facilities do not care about the quality of their work because they are only judged by the amount of product they put out.
Next, according to definition b above, we must show that there are government operated production facilities. Well, in Freemasonry, we make one thing: Masons. In a capitalist society, one where production standards are dictated by the individual businesses, the focus is quality. Obviously, they want to produce as many as possible in as short a time as possible, but quality is never sacrificed for quantity. They would rather shut down their operation than produce below quality product. Numbers are second to quality and, if quality products are made, they will always beat out a competitor if that competitor’s focus is merely on number.
Lodges are deemed successful by highest membership increase, not by highest retention rate. There is little to no education once one receives the Master Mason Degree, and, in my opinion, there is little to no education as one is going through the degrees as well. We are forced to obey the edicts of our supreme rulers regardless of our opinion and, even when the majority of the membership objects, we are told that “it is for the betterment of the Fraternity”, just as the workers in the USSR were told that they were being dehumanized for the betterment of the country.
When I was in college, I took a course on Political Ideologies, in which they made a comparison to the government run production facilities of the USSR to the privately owned production facilities of a capitalist society. We were given the example of a tractor factory. Even though a USSR tractor factory may produce many more tractors than a facility in a capitalist country, they would be of far less quality because the communist enforced standards removed the human passion from the work, resulting in poor quality tractors. The workers making them do not care if they produce quality products, but merely are concerned with adhering to the quantity standards enforced by the government. This example of the tractor factory is unfortunately a perfect allegory for the state of modern Freemasonry and the way it is administered. The use of One Day Classes, the removal of educational and ritualistic standards, and the advancement of candidates regardless of their progress made in the previous degree or degrees are all examples of products that are only quantity oriented. We are being told that we are to focus on making as many Masons as we can. Some Grand Lodges require that every lodge or jurisdiction have a One Day Class once a year. Awards are given for how many petitions one is the first line signer on. Lodges are recognized for highest membership increases. All signs that the numbers of the USSR tractor factory are the way of the Masonic world, and not the quality focused operation of the capitalist society. The education that is available is merely the history of the Fraternity and the common meaning of our most basic symbols. No discussion of philosophy or intellectualism. There was actually a Grand Lodge in Australia whose Grand Master issued an edict that said that “esoteric discussions” are prohibited in subordinate lodges! We are being told that “this is what you will teach and this is how you will teach it.” “You will make Masons this way regardless of how you feel, as a lodge, is the best way for you to make quality Masons.” Judging by the examples provided above, we have satisfied the requirements of a communist society. Authoritarian rule of the Grand Masters, predetermined elections, the suppression of the opinion of the people by issuing edicts that are to be obeyed, no if’s, and’s, or but’s, and the “government run production facility” being the quantity over quality approach to the way we have been producing and educating Masons. We not only epitomize a communist ideology, but we actually so closely resemble one that actually existed in the USSR, and we all know what happened to them. Quantity over quality resulted in
We cannot afford to allow ourselves to become a Leninist Fraternity. Freemasonry exists because of its members and we exist as Freemasons because of it. Everything we do should be focused on quality over quantity and everything should be done to ensure that the best education and philosophy is provided to each and every candidate as they progress. I am not justifying disobeying the edicts of your Grand Master. Quite the contrary. Obey them as best as you can within the rules and regulations of your Grand Lodges while still adding the human emotion that the communist production facilities lack. Do you want the leaders of our Grand Lodges to look at the administration of our Fraternity from the opposite angle? Then become a leader. Do not walk away from Freemasonry because you are dissatisfied with the leadership of other individuals. Take the initiative within yourself and become a decisionmaker. Change the Fraternity by changing yourself first. This will take some time to get these changes implemented, but that is ok. As long as quality progress is made, then the end result will eventually come to fruition. The lack of any quality will result in the fate of the USSR. Focusing on quantity only will result in the de-Masonization of our membership; just as the focus on quantity only resulted in de-humanism in the USSR. Focus on quality will result in making the Masons that we ourselves want to be by adding the personal emotion of the Brethren doing the work. The Brethren who are initiating men do so because they believe so strongly in the philosophical and intellectual ideals of the Fraternity, not to see how many they can do, and this is capitalism at its finest. Follow every rule you are supposed to follow. Do not disobey your Grand Lodge! But, do every piece of ritual with the utmost seriousness and emotion. Mentor every candidate like you are trying to pass on every bit of Masonry you can as if you will never have the opportunity to do so again and instill that intellectualism, seriousness, and emotion into everything you do and everyone you meet. Doing this will begin to change the people around you and eventually will change the Fraternity as a whole. We have the choice to be what we want to be. We can be lead like sheep without any intellectual thought or we can be true spiritual philosophers. We cannot become simply a Mason Mill. Which factory do you choose to work in?
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The Coaches Coach: “Some Light on Masonic Cement” (Part 1 of 6) By Bro. John Nagy You were shown a Trowel; you were not given one!
That question should naturally be directed toward the material in which this Working Tool is to spread. That material would be Cement and not just any Cement. It would be a specific type of Cement that could only come from the hard Work that the Mason did during one of the previous Degrees.
During your Third Degree, you were told that the Working Tool that you are entitled to add to your Tool Box was, “The Trowel”. This entitlement does not necessarily mean that you ever will add this Working Where does one get one’s Cement? Tool to your Tool Box. It merely means that at this stage of your Masonic development, you can do this, it That Cement is not obtained through the second you so choose to. Degree Work. The second Degree involves “Head” Work. Brotherly Love and Affection Most Masons might smirk at what was just comes from “Heart Work.” This is a major conveyed. They might even dismiss it as focus of the first Degree. With its focus being overdone. This is understandable. upon Values, Morality, Divestment and Too many Masons don’t give this Working Investment, Masonic Cement is slowly but Tool a second thought save those moments surely created by the Masons so doing this when it might be clear that another Brother Work. was involved in some action that lacked its use in a noticeable way. It is in those But isn’t Cement just “Symbolic?” moments that there is usually some Mason who quickly retorts that there needs to be Masons might assume that all this Masonic some Trowel use and ample amounts of Cement talk is just Symbolic. They might Brotherly Love and Affection applied. assume that a literal translation would ever Except for these occasional moments, there readily present itself should Masons try to find it is rarely any mention of the Trowel other than during within Ritual. And should such Masons ever assume Ritual. that Masonic Cement is just Symbolic, they would be very wrong. The Trowel is not normally thought of as a Working Tool that one must develop. For that matter, neither Investigating the compounds necessary to bring about are any of the others. Many assume that the mere Cement requires exploration into the many types of Symbolic presentation of this and other Working Cements commonly used over the years. There are Tools is enough for any Mason to take what was multitudes of mixtures that have been used in the past presented and then apply it Symbolically from that with the most widely spread formula being those used moment on. Very few think this through at any great in Ordinary Portland Cement. The basic compounds length though. Assuming that such a Working Tool that produce OPC come from Limestone, Alumina, actually did get into any Brother’s hands, the next question that he might ask himself reveals much about Silica and Ferric sources. his Preparation Work. (Continued on page 33)
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“Some Light on Masonic Cement” By Bro. John Nagy (Continued from page 32) When Properly Prepared and appropriately mixed together with water, it creates a viscous fluid that readily hardens into solids with the utmost of Integrity. Interestingly enough, the compounds required to create Cement are mentioned within First Degree Lectures throughout the World. Moreover, it is amazing to this Mason that it is a rare Freemason who knows this. Especially since the Cement of Brotherly Love and Affection is such an overly emphasized articulation echoed throughout Masonic Work.
Coincidently, Charcoal burns at 1100 Degrees Centigrade. With this temperature being achieved, it can easily be used to Raise the temperature of Limestone to the necessary tipping point where it gives up its Carbon Dioxide. Doing so creates a compound called, “Lime” or Calcium Oxide. This compound is used to create Lime Mortar, Roman Cement1 and OPC. For those of you who might not make the connection, Limestone is common Chalk. If you are now starting to make the connection to Masonic Lecture at this point, you might be saying to yourself, “Well, Coach mentioned Charcoal and Chalk so far. When is he going to cover ‘Clay’?” 2 What about Clay? These two compounds, Charcoal and Chalk (limestone) are only two of three materials used in the production of Cement. The third compound, “Clay”, must be added to produce the desired Cement mix. Clay is an interesting mixture of many differing compounds. It most often has Alumina Silicates but sometimes includes Ferric compounds3 such as Ferric Oxide and Ferric Carbonate. This might seem boring to know until one makes an important connection. Not to cause any undue impatience by any further delay, all these compounds are used in the making of OPC.
Let’s explore the making of Cement and see if you might guess where the “ingredients” are hidden within Ritual. One step toward making Cement is to take Limestone and remove Carbon Dioxide from it. This is usually done by breaking the material up and subjecting it to an intense heat source. At temperatures of 900 degrees Centigrade, Lime is created. Removal occurs more quickly at 1000 degrees though. Higher temperatures are counterproductive since something called, “dead-burn” lime is created which is unreactive for Cement production purposes.
In making Cement, Clay and Lime are mixed together in a process that both grinds them into fine powder and heats them. There’s much more to this process of which I will leave to you to explore. Suffice it to say, the eventual outcome of this mixing and heating is a material called, “Clinker”. This Clinker is eventually ground4 into a fine powder too and is stored for eventual mixing with water.
Aren’t Chalk, Charcoal and Clay mentioned to us somewhere? As you might have already done, all three of these materials, Chalk, Charcoal (Continued on page 34)
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“Some Light on Masonic Cement” By Bro. John Nagy (Continued from page 33) and Clay are mentioned within Ritual. Their initial revelation to any Candidate might not be connected with Cement. The Resources are provided initially to unknowing Candidates long before they might make the connection to their eventual use. They are Symbolic of Freedom, Fervency and Zeal, of which, just as in their physical representations represent the beginnings of Cement, are the basic Building blocks of Brotherly Love and Affection.
And just as the physical components herein mentioned do not magically come together to form Cement, so do Freedom, Fervency and Zeal require certain steps for Brotherly Love and Affection to manifest as a unified Mass that has Suitable Integrity.
Footnotes 1. A name that has nothing to do with Cement used during Roman times 2. If you have not started making connections at this point, I’m hopeful that you just did. 3. Aluminum Oxide and Iron Oxide are present as Flux and add little to the Cement’s strength. 4. Usually with the addition of a little gypsum.
------------Part 2 of this article shall explore how these three Building blocks contribute to the creation of ample amounts of Brotherly Love and Affection.
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Points to Perpend: 1. From where do you believe Brotherly Love and Affection come? 2. How were you instructed to develop Brotherly Love and Affection? 3. If you were to instruct Candidates in the fine art of developing Brotherly Love and Affection, how would you go about doing this? 4. When was the last time that you witnessed a Candidate developing Brotherly Love and Affection for eventual use with his Trowel?
Part 1-6 of this series was first published in the Living Stones Magazine.
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Th e B B u ild in g THE BUILDERS B e t t SERIES e r B u i ld e r s B o o k S e r i es s This Masonic Education Series shares Light that helps ‘Build Masonic Mastery!’ – Dr. John S. Nagy You cannot find a better overview of the Veiled Work of Masons. This Uncommon Masonic Education book series shows the Work that brings ou t Mast ery in Masons. It assists Masons toward better understanding the Masonic Work that Freemasonry alludes to through its collective writings, Rituals, Lectures and Catechisms. Each book reveals: Important Connections Between and Within each of the Blue Lodge Degrees Specific Masonic Work, Its Basis and Supporting Background Key Themes that Explain Blue Lodge Symbolism, Gestures and Words Transformations and Results That Masons Can Expect (Who Do the Work!) These books assist Ment ors, Coaches, St udy Gr oups, Lect ur ers, I nst ru ct ors, Lodge Educat ion Of f icers and Gener al Lodge Mem bers with instruction that makes sense. In addition, these books are excellent for instructing higher Degree Candidates with the basics missed by typical Masonic Education offerings. These books cont ain: Concise Uncommon Masonic Educational Chapters Multitudes of Masonic Questions/Answers/Aphorisms Further Light not found in Lodges or Schools of Instruction Challenging and interesting side codes and ciphers
Imagine understanding, explaining and using Ritual better than you ever thought possible!
The Building Series Masonic Education materials help create a clearer and cleaner understanding of what is required to Build Bet t er Builders. These m at erials are f or Masons w ho w ant m ore! Volume 1 (MM Level) – Three Degree I nterconnections Volume 2 (EA Level), Volume 3 (FC Level) & Volume 4 (MM Level) – The respective Degree Work, its basis, its background and the interconnections within the Degree Video – A Jam-packed 77 minute Masonic Education Overview with additional activities and suggested readings For more information and purchase, go to http:/ / www.coach.net/ BuildingBuilders.htm www.twtmag.com
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Featured Writers- Scott Schwartzberg & Michael Gambarrotti The Progressive Line Part One: Preparing for the Future By Bro. Scott Schwartzberg
Under the rules of the Grand Lodge of Florida, F. & A.M., there shall be no nominations, nor electioneering when it comes to selecting the officers of a particular Lodge. How then, are we supposed to have the best officers for our Lodges? I submit that the Progressive Line – where it is expected that officers will tend to move up to the next highest officer position each year – is the best option that we have available. My Lodge, like many others that I know of, has many possible candidates for each officer position, especially the appointed officers. Some, such as the Tyler, Chaplain, and Marshal, are not considered part of the Progressive Line, at least in my Lodge. In other Lodges, they may be by tradition. According to the Grand Lodge of Florida Masonic Leadership Training/Lodge Officers Training (MLT) program, the Marshal is often the Junior Past Master, as this position may be called upon to fill in at any position. The steward position is one where many Brothers get their first appointed officer position. My Lodge, like others, will encourage newly-Raised Master Masons to participate at this level. The stewards assist the Junior Warden, primarily in providing refreshment, among other duties. We have a Senior Steward, a Junior Steward, and multiple Associate Stewards (who act as Junior Steward) in my Lodge. This position enables the rest of the Lodge to get to know these officers, and to see who participates and how much. The MLT gives a requirement that the Junior Steward(s) be proficient in the ritual for that position, as well as learning the ritual of the Senior Steward. It is stated in the MLT that it is anticipated that Junior Stewards will be asked to move up one chair (or more) during the year, and that he should be prepared to do so. The Senior Steward is expected to know his own ritual, to learn the ritual of the chair next in line (Junior Deacon), and also to act as a mentor for the Junior Steward(s). He is told to
build a relationship with the Junior Steward, who is likely to follow him through the chairs. The Junior Deacon, likewise, has the duty of acting as a mentor to the Senior Steward, as he also learns the ritual for the next chair, that of Senior Deacon. As he is now getting closer to the elected officer chairs, he is told to consider the length of his cable-tow, and to become better versed in the Digest (Florida Masonic Law). The Senior Deacon should, along with mentoring the Junior Deacon, be able to perform the duties of the Junior Warden. He is required to preside in the East during an Entered Apprentice Degree. He should be preparing to become an elected officer. His duties include introducing and accommodating visiting Brethren, as well as greeting arriving Brethren to each meeting. The Junior Warden is the first of the elected officers, and is to serve as a mentor for the Senior Deacon. He is being prepared for his year as Master of the Lodge, serving as the Chairman of the Lodge Vigilance and Masonic Education Committees. He is also appointed as a member of the other standing committees. He is to learn the ritual of the Senior Warden, and to preside in the East during a Fellow Craft Degree. The Senior Warden, besides mentoring the Junior Warden, serves as the Chairman of the Finance Committee and Committee on Charity. He is a member of several other committees as well. He must learn the ritual of the Worshipful Master, and preside in the East during a Master Mason Degree. He is being groomed to be the next Worshipful Master, and should prepare his budget and program during this year. This program serves to train Brothers well to serve their Lodge. Not being able to nominate a member for elective office, or to campaign for such office, the Craft will observe the Brother as he serves in each successive chair. As he fulfills the duty of each office, he is learning what is expected of him next year, in the next office. I am not stating that this Progressive Line is or should be set in stone. If an officer does not perform his duties as expected, by all means he should not be advanced to the next step. This is necessary in order to avoid a disastrous year. However, if he does perform his duties well, learning what he needs to in order to advance, by all means, he should continue to advance, on his journey East. The Grand Lodge of Florida, F. & A.M., does not have anything to say on the subject of the Progressive Line for a particular Lodge, but the Grand Lodge itself has a Progressive Grand Lodge Line, as stated in the Digest of Masonic Law. “The Deputy Grand Master, Senior Grand Warden, and Junior Grand Warden shall always be in nomination for the next successive office.” (Chapter 5, section 5.02). (Continued on page 37)
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Featured Writers- Scott Schwartzberg & Michael Gambarrotti (Continued from page 36)
The Progressive Line Part Two: Death of the Lodge By Michael Gambarrotti
A Lodge’s success can be measured by many things from membership to finances and everything in between. But what separates those Lodges comes from the participation by the officers. Whether it is an appointed position to elected, it is the responsibility of these officers to carry on the life of the Lodge with the help of the brethren. The duties of each officer depend on which office they hold. For instance, the stewards of a Lodge assist the Junior Warden in his duties of taking charge of the Lodge while dinner is served. The steward position is usually the beginning of a Brothers’ journey “through the chairs.” As we are taught in the Digest of Masonic Law of Florida F. & A. M., any Brother can be elected to any position without electioneering. This should dispel the progressive line that we see in so many of our Lodges. To understand how the progressive line works, let’s look at the positions of the officers and rank them accordingly. There are 5 elected positions (Worshipful Master, Senior Warden, Junior Warden, Treasurer and Secretary) and 6 appointed (by the Worshipful Master) positions (Senior Deacon, Junior Deacon, Senior Steward, Junior Steward, Chaplin, Marshal and Tyler. While the latter few positions are appointed, they can be elected to a principal officer position next year; however, that very rarely happens. Most Lodges will have a progressive line for officers, or as many Masons call it, the destructive line. All too often, the status quo is kept for the peace and harmony of the Lodge. Whether or not the Brother is “fit” to lead will get a promotion to the next chair in line. Why is this? Why do we keep sending those who are “unfit to lead” to positions of power? This is a question that most of us deal with when it comes to election time. In trying to understand why we keep setting ourselves up for failure, I began asking those who visit my
home Lodge how the progressive line works in their Lodge or jurisdiction. The answers I received were staggering. Many of these Brothers had the same basic answer, but there was one that I particularly took to heart. This Brother informed me that in his Lodge there was no such thing as a progressive line, all officers were elected on their merit and their dedication to the craft. Just because you served as the Junior Warden this year, may not mean that you will be Senior Warden the following. This is the way it is supposed to work, any member of the Lodge is eligible for election, but rarely do we see a shakeup. The conversation we had was enlightening and got me thinking about how destructive this concept really is. In a progressive line system, you get promoted to the next position the following year. For example, the Senior Deacon is an appointed position and the next likely position after that is the Junior Warden station, an elected position. What if your Senior Deacon does not attend Lodge or attend to his duties? Should he be given an elected position just because it’s the next step? Would you want him to be the face of your Lodge? From his election to the Junior Warden station, it will be 2 years from then that he will sit as Worshipful Master. We all have seen a Senior Warden get elected to Worshipful Master and disappear during his year in the East. Is it because of health issues or family/work obligations? His attendance or commitment may not have changed from when he was the Senior Deacon, Junior Warden or the Senior Warden, but it is more noticeable now that he is the leader of the Lodge. This will have effects that are not immediately noticeable, with the exception of attendance and the decline of new members to your Lodge. It will take a number of years for the Lodge to fully recover from such an event and in some cases with a smaller Lodge, it may never recover. Electing this Brother would not help keep the Lodge in good health. The peace and harmony we strive to keep will have disappeared. This is the destructive nature of the progressive line. It is a privilege and an honor to be asked to serve your brethren as an officer, but with great power, comes great responsibility. Each officer position, from the Tyler to the Worshipful Master, has to be earned by knowing your ritual work, instructing new brethren, expanding your knowledge of the craft and loving your Lodge. The Fraternity needs Brothers that are willing to do this and not those who are looking for titles. We need to work together to make the Lodge a better place than when we found it.
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York Rite News & Information
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York Rite Education “YORK RITE SOVEREIGN COLLEGE EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM” Forwarded By Bro. Richard Vickery. Chivalry,” and Exam V is titled “The York Rite Traditions and Freemasonry. Editors Note: Bro. Richard will be reporting on various Masonic interests, bringing topics to our attention that he finds would benefit the readers of TWT. The following piece was first found in The Spring 2012 edition of the York Rite Crusader, the official publication of the YRSCNA.
Enrollment in the Companion Adept of the Temple will be through the Sovereign College office. The enrollment cost will be $30.00, Resource materials which can be used in taking each exam, along with ordering information, will also be listed. Enrollees can purchase these materials to use as a guide in answering the questions provided in each exam. These resources include books which are readily available through Masonic Supply catalogues or as downloadable ebooks, such as Understanding the Royal Arch, Guide to the Royal Arch Chapter, Some Royal Arch Terms Examined, and The Royal Arch, Its Hidden Meaning.
Last year, the Education Committee recommended that an “educational tool kit” be developed and administered by the This Program is currently available. Please contact the Sovereign College. Subsequently, we received a number of Detroit Office for enrollment information. You can contact the requests to consider developing a program similar to the York Rite Sovereign College of North America at: Southern Jurisdiction Scottish Rite’s Master Craftsman program. For those not familiar with the Master Craftsman York Rite Sovereign College of North America program, it is a series of multiple choice exams and essay questions on the degrees of the Scottish Rite. It is administered 500 Temple Avenue by the House of the Temple staff in Washington, DC, and has proven to be a very popular program for the Scottish Rite. Detroit, Michigan 48201 The Education Committee agreed that a similar program should be developed and adopted by the Sovereign College. Participation by companions and knights across North America will strengthen the value of every College and the York Rite in general. To this end, the committee has developed a self-study program through the Chapter and Council Degrees and the Commandery Orders of the York Rite.
Phone: 313-833-1385 Fax: (313) 833-7735 Email: yrsc_na@yahoo.com
Please make checks for the Educational Program payable to the York Rite Sovereign College of North America and Companion Adept of the Temple is a self-study program please put a note with the letter to inform them you want to through the Degrees and Orders of the York Rite of Freemasonry administered by the Sovereign York Rite College start the program and they will forward the materials onto you. of North America. This program is offered to any York Rite Bro Richard publishes a great blog called “From Mason by enrollment through the Sovereign College office.
Darkness to Light” which can be found at The program offers a series of exams focused on the ritualistic, philosophical, and esoteric teachings of the York Rite. The exams include a combination of multiple-choice, true-false, and essay questions pertaining to information presented in the Degrees and Orders of the Rite and/or in the resource materials which are recommended for purchase with the program.
http://fromdarknesstolight-somoteitbe.blogspot.com/
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There are five exams included in the curriculum, The first two exams will cover the Chapter Degrees and are styled “The Degrees of the Capitular Rite.” Exam III is titled “The Degrees of the Cryptic Rite;” Exam IV covers “The Orders of
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York Rite News & Information Featured Writer Bro. Jacob Lucas
The third Degree in a Chapter is the Most Excellent Master Degree, in which the building of King Solomon’s Temple is completed. This ritual was written by Thomas Smith Webb, but is based on a ritual previously worked in Scotland. In England, this Degree is a part of the Cryptic Degrees, worked in the Council. In the current version of the Degree as it is worked, the layout of the Chapter is similar to that of the Symbolic Lodge, with the exception being that there is no Junior Warden. This is due to the slaying of G\M\H\A\ prior to the completion of the Temple, as represented in an earlier Degree (see March, 2012 issue). The presiding officer of this Degree is styled Right Worshipful Master. In Duncan’s opening of the Degree, there was a Junior Warden stationed in the South. When opening the Chapter for this Degree, the Brethren form a chain of union around the Altar. As the Mark Master Degree continues the Fellow Craft of the Symbolic Lodge, the Most Excellent Master continues the Master Mason Degree. The step continues from that of the Master Mason Degree, and the grip, called a covering grip, alludes to the grips of the Degrees in the Symbolic Lodge. The reception of the Candidate for this Degree is upon a keystone, which completed the Temple. The Candidate is exhorted, as are all the Brethren, to remember the virtues of H\A\ and to imitate his worthy example. We are reminded of the shortness of life, and the ongoing uncertainty of its continuance. We are told that we will one day fill our appropriate stations in the afterlife. There are two sections of this Degree, representing the completion and then the dedication of the Temple. The dedication is explained in the lecture of the Degree, to have taken place six months after the completion of the Temple, to coincide with the Feast of the Tabernacles. At the dedication, Psalm xxiv is read, written when David brought forth the Ark and placed it in the
Tabernacle at Mt. Zion, establishing a link to this representation of the dedication of the Temple, with the Ark being placed in the S\S\ or Holy of Holies. The Temple completed in this Degree represents the Temple of the present life. The foreign country a Mason is expected to travel in, after completing the Temple, is “that undiscovered country, from whose bourn no traveler returns.” The wages received are the rewards of a well-spent life, and the knowledge of Divine Truth. The Most Excellent Master is charged with the duty of dispensing light and truth to the uninformed Mason. In the current Degree as worked in my state, the obligation explains the name of the covering grip means “Teacher.” Duncan explains that it is called the “covering grip,” because, “as it covers the grips of the preceding degrees, so should we, as Most Excellent Masters… endeavor to cover [man’s’] imperfections with the broad mantle of charity and brotherly love.” The current obligation also states that the secrets shall not be communicated to any person in the world not eligible to receive them. The Ark of the Covenant brought to the dedication is specifically prohibited from being that used in the Royal Arch Degree. The obligation in the Iowa ritual of 2003 states that a Most Excellent Master will not communicate the secrets of a Most Excellent Master to a Past Master, a Past Master will not communicate the secrets of that Degree to a Mark Master, and a Mark Master will not communicate the secrets of that Degree to the rest of the world. The Chapter is not opened in the Most Excellent Master Degree in the Iowa ritual, only used for conferring the Degree, unlike that ritual which I use. The Iowa ritual also does not
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York Rite News & Information Featured Writer Bro. Jacob Lucas The presiding officer, to Mackey and Duncan, represents K\S\, to whom Lodges of Most Excellent Masters specify any need for the Ark in this Degree to be were dedicated to. Mackey explains three titles of honor, different from that of the next. compared by Kitto, in his Biblical Cyclopedia, to the modern collegiate degrees of Bachelor, Master, Doctor – In the Indiana ritual of 1952, we are informed that Rab, meaning great one, chief, or master; Rabbi, my each of us is a Craftsman – symbolically laboring on a master, or “Excellent Master”; and Rabboni, my great Spiritual Temple, which will eventually contain the master, or “Most Excellent Master.” Divine Ark of God. This is explained as being one of the great mysteries of Freemasonry. In both Duncan and Allyn, the presiding officer approaches the chain of union around the Altar while The original form of this ritual, as written by Webb, reciting Psalm xxiv. Though he is to represent K\S\, does not contain the penalty, analogous to other he only takes a step to advance when the “King of degrees, in which the “breast [is] torn open, vitals Glory” is mentioned… implying strongly that in this taken hence, and thrown upon a dung hill to rot,” ceremony, K\S\ is to represent Deity. rather, the loss of the esteem of the
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Sources Brethren who accepted you as one of them – perhaps a worse penalty! Allyn’s version of the ritual stresses the penalty (the current one) for the violation of any part of the obligation. In Webb’s ritual, as well as the nearly identical Cross ritual, the duties incumbent in a Most Excellent Master are such that he should have a perfect knowledge of all the preceding degrees. The charge informs him that “[i]f you are not already completely conversant in all the degrees heretofore conferred on you, remember, that an indulgence, prompted by a belief that you will apply yourself with double diligence to make yourself so, has induced the brethren to accept you.” As the charge to a Most Excellent Master is to dispense Light and Truth to uninformed Masons, Cross deems it impossible to comply with the obligation without an accurate acquaintance with the lectures of each degree. Mackey advises us that the completion of the Temple corresponds to man’s erection of “that house not made with hands, eternal in the Heavens.” He has been constructing his spiritual building, day by day, hour by hour, since the moment of birth. It is now completed, save the cope-stone – Death!
Allyn, Avery. Ritual of Freemasonry. 1865. Blaisdell, Ron, P.M., “The Rituals of American Freemasonry,” June 16, 2001, http://www.themasonictrowel.com/ebooks/fm_freemasonry/Bl aisdell_-_The_Rituals_of_American_Freemasonry.pdf accessed on February 20, 2012 Blaisdell, Ron. Personal communication. Cross, Jeremy Ladd. The True Masonic Chart. 1851. Cryer, Neville Barker., The Royal Arch Journey. Denslow, Ray V., A Handbook for Royal Arch Masons. Degrees, http://yorkrite.com/degrees/ accessed on February 21, 2012. Degree Ritual, General Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons International. 1996. Duncan, Malcolm C., Duncan’s Masonic Ritual and Monitor. 1866. Mackey, Albert Gallatin. The Book of the Chapter. 1870. Richardson, Jabez. Richardson’s Monitor of Freemasonry. 1860. Ritual for Degree of Most Excellent Master, Indiana. 1952. Ritual for Most Excellent Master, Iowa. 2003. Spiedel, Frederick G., The York Rite of Freemasonry: A History and Handbook. Presented by Hugh DePayens Commandery No. 30, K.T. and associated York Rite Bodies in Erie County, NY. 1978.
Mackey tells us, that as Webb remarks, the honorable title of Most Excellent Master was not conferred to Webb, Thomas Smith. The Freemason’s Monitor; or, the entire body of the workmen, but was instead Illustrations of Masonry: In Two Parts. 1808. confined to those who had earned it, through diligence and industry, received by K\S\, and acknowledged as having great skill and merit. TWT
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http://travelingtemplar.blogspot.com/
“Symbols of Royal Arch Masonry - Part 2 � Continuing on from Part 1 of Royal Arch symbols Banners of the Master of the Veils In Royal Arch Masonry, a particular significant symbol are the banners. It is important to note that there is a difference between American Royal Arch Masonry and British Royal Arch Masonry in the number of banners used. In England, there are 12, but in America there are only 4 banners displayed. Regardless of their used numbers, these banners are to represent the 12 tribes of Israel. Here we will pay attention to the American Four.
to be the second largest Israelite tribe, after Judah. The most famous Danite was Samson and his famous hair. This banner represents moral integrity, which aligns with the Masonic virtue of temperance.
The Second Banner depicts a man upon a purple background and is said to represent the Israelite tribe of Reuben. This color stands for royalty, sovereignty, and magic/enchantment. Like the color blue, this color reminds us not only of our connection to the Blue The colors of these four banners are Blue, Purple, Lodge, but the union of Craft and Scarlet, and White representing the tribes of Judah, Royal Arch Masonry. This man, Ephraim, Reuben, and Dan. The devices attached to against the other creatures of this these four banners, respective to their colors are: an Earth, is an emblem of intelligence, the gift from God to eagle, a man, an ox, and a lion. According to the be stewards of this Earth. According to the Torah, this Masonic Leader blog, "But as to what were the devices tribe consisted of the descendants of Reuben, the first on the banners, or what were their various colors, the son of Jacob, who lived on the East side of the Dead Bible is absolutely silent. To the inventive genius of the Sea. Together, this banner represents strength, which Talmudists are we indebted for all that we know or corresponds to the Masonic virtue of fortitude. profess to know on this subject." These four banners are filled with many meaning. The Third Banner is scarlet with an ox depicted upon it, to represent the tribe of Ephraim. Scarlet is a color With the First Banner we see the color blue to remind fervency, zeal, of passion, and of us of our intimate connection with the Blue Lodge. blood and therefore life. It used to Symbolically the color blue can mean friendship, represent warriors with their loyalty/fidelity, integrity, steadfastness, and strength. bravery and courage as well as the By strength we see the Royal Arch degree complete the blood of martyrs' in their Master Mason degree, thereby completing ones steadfastness to their beliefs. The ox initiatory journey through Ancient Craft Masonry and is seen as a patient, diligent, and strengthening ones knowledge of the powerful (as in strength) animal. lessons imparted. The device attached From the Bible, the ox was a to this banner is the Eagle who has sacrificial animal and symbolizes been a symbol of courage (fortitude), St. Luke. This tribe is said to be the spirit, strength, messengers of descendants of Ephraim, a son of Joseph. Even though heaven, and masters of the air. The he wasn't the eldest he received the blessing of the Tribe of Dan is represented by this firstborn as Jacob, his grandfather, foresaw that banner. According to the Book of Ephraim's descendents would be the greatest of his Numbers, the Tribe of Dan was said siblings. The area occupied (Continued on page 43)
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York Rite News & Information - Featured Writer- Bro. Barry Newell (Continued from page 42) by this tribe was at the center of Canaan, a very The Arch mountainous region giving it protection, and was highly It is all too obvious why the Arch is important to Royal fertile which gave the people prosperity. This banner Arch Masonry. represents patience and diligence, and compare that to the Masonic virtue of prudence. As we learn of the 5 orders of architecture in The Fourth Banner with its pure the FellowCraft degree, white background shows us the lion upon it, the sigil of the Tribe so do we see another important architectural of Judah. White is a wondrous marvel and that is the color and it symbolizes many arch. According to the things such as light, innocence, Merriam-Webster purity, joy, sanctity, silence, Dictionary, an arch is a secrecy, humility, and balance. Traditionally, the lion was seen as "curved structural member spanning an opening and serving as a support lord of the land, the king of the beasts, as the eagle is supreme in (as for the wall or other weight above the opening)." The word "arch" comes from the Latin term "arcus" the air. It was used by warriors meaning "to bow." Arches are said to have started and noblemen alike as a symbol of their strength and appearing around the 2nd millennium B.C. and have authority. Symbolically the lion represents courage, been used by cultures across the world. valor, power, royalty, dignity, justice, wisdom, and ferocity. The lion while the ancients saw the lion as a Aches are also symbolic of the sky. The blue sky "solar animal", but the lion is primarily a nocturnal reminds us of the values taught to us in the Blue Lodge hunter; with this we see the lion as a symbol of balance and teaches us that these virtues should be as expansive between night and day, darkness and light. The tribe of of arch of heaven that above us. To the ancient Judah, the leading tribe of the Kingdom of Judah, is Egyptians, the goddess Nut was the goddess of the sky. known for its important Jewish leaders to include David She was often represented as a nude women arching and his royal lineage, the prophet Isaiah, and over the Earth. For the Greeks, Uranus was the god of Zerubbabel (as claimed by the Exilarchs). This banner the sky, which the Greeks saw a brass dome decorated represents promptness and readiness, and can be with the cosmos. This arch of sky was also a favorite of compared to the Masonic virtue of justice. the goddess of rainbows, Iris. In many mythologies the sky was seen as a vault, a dome, arching over the Earth. Turning our attention to the number 4, see many symbolic meanings emerge. The old phrase goes, "the Arches are gateways, symbols of transition and change. Master's Degree without the Royal Arch is a story half Arches are associated with doors, gateways, or supports told, a song half sung and a promise unfulfilled." Four of a bridge. It is through or by an arch that we gain represents completion which corresponds to Royal Arch passage to something beyond. This transitioning can be Masonry completing the Master Mason's degree. The internal or external; internally as in a change of number four signifies stability, solidity, order, personality or perspective and externally as in change in endurance, and nature whereby we observe the four location or career. Spiritually, the arch represents a seasons, the four cardinal directions, four winds, four gateway or transition between the two worlds. We are quarters of the moon, and the four elements. By it we constantly transitioning through life and eventually we are reminded of the four arms to a cross, the four rivers will come to face our final arch, one which we all must of Paradise that formed a cross, and we read in the 1st pass through, and meet our Creator. Chapter of the Book of Genesis that God, on the fourth day, put lights in the firmament to separate light from The Keystone darkness, to mark days, and to outline the passing of No arch would be complete though with a keystone. A seasons and time. keystone is a wedge shaped stone placed at the apex of These banners lead us, as candidates are guided, to the an arch, and is the last piece placed during construction next symbol, the arch. and locks all the stones into (Continued on page 44)
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York Rite News & Information - Featured Writer- Bro. Barry Newell (Continued from page 43) position. This keystone gives the arch its strength and ability to bear the weight. According to the Texas Grand Chapter Short Talk Bulletin, "the purpose of a Keystone is to impart to Royal Arch Masonry its vitality, and perpetuity." Of the degrees that fall under Royal Arch Masonry, the Mark Master degree deals with the Keystone as a primary symbol. The Most Excellent Master degree deals with it in the ceremony and holds it in high esteem. Again, from the same short talk bulletin, "in the Royal Arch degree, the Keystone is rediscovered in the ruins of the Temple." It is also important to note that the keystone, by being at the apex of arch and what gives it strength, is closest to God and should inspire us to continue upward in faith and knowledge to God, and follow his guidance as the keystone of our lives. We as living arches are nothing without God and his Word, our spiritual Keystone. Officers Jewels The jewels of the Officers of the Chapter, from their symbolism, tell an interesting story. For the High Priest, I refer you to Part 1 for the symbolism and meanings. We will only cover some of the officers, not all of them. They will be the King, Scribe, Captain of the Host, Principal Sojourner, and Royal Arch Captain.
absence of the High Priest and the King, the Scribe is to preside over the Chapter. The jewel of his office is the Plumb surmounted by a turban. It is an emblem of rectitude and vigilance, ever reminding us to walk uprightly before God and man. As Scribe we should admonish our fellow Companions to fidelity and industry while at labor, and temperance and moderation while at refreshment. Just as the other two have, so to does the Scribe have a type of headdress on his jewel, and, with the other two, it symbolizes the authority of his officer. The Captain of the Host shares similar duties with that of Senior Deacon and the Marshall of the Blue Lodge as he assists with the opening and closing of a Chapter just as a Deacon would, but also is the superintendent of processions, public or private. The jewel of this officer is an armed soldier engraved upon a triangular plate, which is a symbol of order, security, and decorum. To guide the blind by a way they know not, and lead them in paths that they have not known is the duty of the Principal Sojourner. From, the installation of officers, we are informed that this officers should be qualified to make darkness light before the guided and make crooked things straight. We see a correspondence between this officer and that of the Senior Deacon who leads the blind, the uninitiated, through the darkness. The badge of this officer is the pilgrim engraved upon the triangular plate.
The equivalent to the Lodge's Junior Deacon, the Chapter has the Royal Arch Captain. Together with the help of the Captain of the Host, he is to ensure all in One would think with the title of "King", that he would attendance are Royal Arch Masons and guard the 4th, be the presiding officer, but in Royal Arch Masonry the last, banner. The jewel of his office is the sword upon the triangular plate as a symbol of security of not only King is subordinate to the High Priest to teach us that our duty to God is comes first. The badge of this officer the banner, but entire Chapter from those who have no is the Level surmounted by the Crown which according traveled the rugged path of trial. to the installation ceremony we are told this should remind us that although this officer is a representative For full reference information please visit the Traveling of the king, yet we remain on a level with them as Templar website. respects our duty to God, country, and ourselves. As we learn in the Blue Lodge, the level denotes equality. Time passes us all by and death will come to all of us. Death cares nothing of our incidental differences and will reduce us all to the same state in the end. As I pointed out in Part 1, the Crown is an emblem of authority or sovereignty. When I first heard the term "Scribe" used for the name of an officer, I thought they were referring to the Secretary, as that is how it is in Kappa Sigma. In the
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THE HOURS OF MASONRY The Masons of the York Rite have only the terms "high twelve" and "low twelve" to designate particular Masonic times, that is noon and midnight; and in relation to the hours of labor and rest, they seem to have preserved but one tradition, namely, that Masons begin to work at six in the morning, are called to refreshment at high twelve; called on again at an hour past high twelve, and continue their labor until "low six" or evening.
Q.- "What are these three hours?"
But some of the Masons of the continent and of the continental rites have paid more attention to the system of Masonic horometry, and have formed or invented a variety of terms and legends in relation to Masonic hours. Among these rites, that of Zinnendorf, established about the end of the last century in Germany, has some curious details. The following extract from the ritual is translated from Lenning's Encyclopeadia of Freemasonry :
There are other divisions into Masonic weeks and years, but what has been given above is enough to show the care with which Masonic symbolism is cultivated among these philosophical rites, for all these answers are of course allegorical and symbolical.- One more answer in this catechism of the Zinnendorf ritual may conclude this paragraph, as it is highly suggestive of a deep religious truth.
A.- "Noon., high noon and midnight." Q.- "What are the hours when Freemasons do not work ?" A.- "Twelve and high midnight"
Q- "How many hours are there in a Freemason's Lodge?" A.- " Five."
Q.- "How long is a Mason's day?"
Q.- " How are these hours called?"
A.- "From the beginning of the year to the end."
A. - "Twelve, noon, high noon, midnight and high midnight." Q.- " When is it twelve ?" A.- " Before the Lodge is opened and when the Lodge is closed." Q.- "When is it noon ?"
And so, indeed, it is. The work of a true Mason is never done, - his day of labor never ends, - and at all hours and in all seasons, his task still goes nobly on for the search, - the untiring search after knowledge must be ever employing him, from week to week, from month to month, and from year to year, until days, weeks, and months and years, shall all have passed away, and life ends with the search still.
A.- "When the Master is about to open the Lodge." Q.- " When is it high noon ?"
THE CRAFTSMAN - 1866
A.- " When the Lodge is duly opened." Q.- "When is it midnight ?" A.- "When the Master is about to close the Lodge." Q.- "When is it high midnight ?" A.- "When the Lodge is closed and the profane are allowed to approach." Q.- "How many consecutive hours do Freemasons work in their Lodge?"
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A.- "Three hours."
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Scottish Rite News & Information
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“Joining the Scottish Rite” by Bro. Matt Johnson I have been a fan of Albert Pike for some time now. Unlike a lot of Scottish Rite Masons I have encountered, I have actually read through "Morals and Dogma", "Esoterika" and "Clausen's Commentaries". In previous articles, I would opine about the Scottish Rite, but truth be told, I only knew it from a distance. After reading "Observing the Craft", I was tempted to never join the Scottish Rite. Brother Hammer has a chapter called "Dealing with Distractions" that would seem to encourage Masons to not join the Scottish Rite. As much as I enjoyed the wisdom of "Observing the Craft", I could not disagree more. I am glad I decided to go and find out for myself. I recently became a Scottish Rite Mason and it was POWERFUL. I thoroughly enjoyed it. As much as I liked the Royal Arch and as much as I STILL believe the Blue lodge is everything and should be our main focus, the Scottish Rite is an amazing experience. Not only did I go through several degrees that I felt were very informative, I received a stack of books to study by such men as Arturo De Hoyos and Rex Hutchens. Not to mention a hat and a ring! For the Mason who has lingering questions after becoming a Master Mason, the Scottish Rite gives not only the answers one finds in the Royal Arch, but goes light years beyond it. At the same time, it still leaves room for individual interpretation like the Blue Lodge does. It is the Royal Arch, the Knights Templar and the ancient mystery schools all wrapped into one. The Scottish Rite of the Southern Jurisdiciton seems to "get it" in my opinion as far as Masonic education is concerned. Check out their website. They have every book you could ever possibly want, their own free
social media tool for Master Masons (freemasonnetwork.net) that is open to all Master Masons...not just members of the Scottish Rite and that is just the beginning. I think every Master Mason should join the Scottish Rite or at least the Scottish Rite Research Society. The crop of younger Masons are looking for something deep and interesting. They grew up on Hogwarts, Assasin’s Creed and Jedis. I contend the Blue Lodge has all a Mason needs. However, I am now strongly convinced that the Scottish Rite is the best source for Masonic education by far. Especially if your interests are in the more esoteric or philosophical side of the Craft. Even if you never join, check out their website and other materials. Brother Albert Pike may have left us for the Celestial Lodge 121 years ago, but his work lives on. Stay in your Blue Lodge, but if you are looking for additional education, check out the Scottish Rite. Thanks to the Scottish Rite Masons of Phoenix for a very enjoyable reunion. I look forward to many more to come. “What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us; what we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal.” --Albert Pike
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“The Little Valley That Could” By Bro. E. Oscar Alleyne With the belief that planning across the region could be an effective and efficient way to address common needs, the two Scottish Rite Valleys in the Lower-to-Mid Hudson Valley region in collaboration with the New York Council of Deliberation developed a Valley Unification Planning Initiative in 2010. The group was tasked with the organizing, strategic planning and creating a proposal for Unification with recommendations for implementation. The seven counties - Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster, and Westchester represented in this Unification Planning Initiative cover a large geographic area of nearly five thousand square miles with a combined population of 2.3 million residents. Demographically, the region ranges from rural to urban and is bordered by Pennsylvania and New Jersey to the west, Connecticut and Massachusetts to the east and New York City to the south. The region possesses a rich history and highly developed network of Freemasons, providing extensive programs and dedicated services for their membership and community.
the Scottish Rite among the Masons in the region, leaving them to knock on the door of two Valleys: the Valley of Middletown and the Valley of the Hudson. The Valley of Middletown was chartered in 1953 as a one body Valley with a Lodge of Perfection. The Valley of the Hudson was originally constituted in 1956 as the Valley of White Plains. In 2004, the Valley changed its name to the Valley of Westchester, until 2007 when it relocated to Wappingers Falls, NY and adopted the name “Valley of the Hudson”. The Valley of White Plains first started with all four Scottish Rite bodies, however in 2004 it surrendered its Chapter of Rose Croix and Consistory, and currently maintains a Lodge of Perfection and Council Princes of Jerusalem. Currently combined membership in the two Scottish Rite Valleys located in this Region is approximately 300 Scottish Rite Masons.
In order for any Scottish Rite Freemason in this region to complete his journey through the Rite, he must travel either 3 hours west to the Valley of Binghamton, 2 hours south to the Valley of New York City or 2 hours north to the Valley of Albany or the Valley of Schenectady to be able to join the other bodies. The call for Unification was as an essential solution to the growing member and organizational needs while promising fertile This strategic planning initiative identified costground for exploration of sustainable strategies. The effective, community-based and member driven programs to improve the Inspiration, Convenience and requirement of extensive travel and associated costs Excitement for Scottish Rite in the region. In the last does little to inspire the convenience of enjoyable membership in the Rite. There was a glaring need to few years, there has been growing interest in joining www.twtmag.com
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Bro. E. Oscar Alleyne Given a positive outcome, in September the new and unified Valley of the Hudson will be consecrated by the Supreme Council NMJ and the NY Council of The Committee proposed the creation of one unified Deliberation. The new Valley has adopted the Valley of the Hudson with the geographic placement streamlined structure for governance as provided by of each Body deliberately in the areas with greater the recent changes in the Supreme Council population of Freemasons. The locations selected Constitutions requiring less officers for elected were Middletown in Orange County, Wappingers positions. On November 16-17, 2012, the Valley will Falls in Dutchess County, Saugerties in Ulster County be hosting a Lodge of Perfection Reunion where it has and Mt. Kisco in Westchester County. The invited Valleys from 5 different states in the NMJ to Committee proposed that the Middletown Lodge of bring their candidates and assist in exemplifying all of Perfection will remain in Middletown, NY, serving the Lodge of Perfection degrees culminating in the as the gate-keeper for all Masons in the region who 32° Degree featuring cast members from all of the are interested in becoming Master Travelers. It Valleys present in a true spirit of Unification. It recommended that the Council of Princes of promises to be a spectacular event! Jerusalem be located in Mt. Kisco, NY, while the Chapter Rose Croix be located in Saugerties, NY. The Consistory was recommended to be located at Committee Members were Ian Berman, John Cola TPM, Dist. Steve Koch (MSA, 2012), Ben Clark, Bob Hogan, Jose Wappingers Falls, NY thereby providing a capstone experience for all Sublime Princes of the Ithier, James McCann, Dist. Sam Phelps (MSA, 2012), Dist. Steve Rubinstein, MSA, E. Oscar Alleyne, John Stoltz, and Royal Secret. This is supported by the rationale that each one of the Charles VanDeMark. four bodies would be able to meet independently in www.valleyofthehudsonaasr.org their own location in order to plan Degrees, recruit Search on Facebook for Valley of Middletown AASR new members, hold community, fundraiser and & the Valley of the Hudson AASR member Scottish Rite events. These are important conditions for success in meeting the needs of the Masonic and Scottish Rite community and well serves the strategic planning for unification along the lines of improving access to all interested in the Scottish Rite vision. Successful partnerships in this unification TWT effort will build a membership base representing a wide range of members. These shared experiences can often result in unique opportunities at the body and Valley level to foster collaboration and the discovery of new ways to advance our goals and improve outcomes. improve the access to Scottish Rite and improve its overall experience.
On May 8, 2012, the members of the Valley of Middletown voted affirmatively to approve the adoption of unified Bylaws with the Valley of the Hudson who also voted affirmatively to approve on May 10, 2012. The proposal will be further reviewed and voted upon by the Administrative Board of the New York State Council of Deliberation at the Annual Meeting in July 2012. The proposal will then be forwarded to the Supreme Council’s Jurisprudence Committee and Executive Board for review and vote of approval in August 2012.
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Scottish Rite News & Information
- Featured Writer- Jacob Lucas
In the Southern Jurisdiction, this degree is that of Confidential Secretary or Intimate Secretary, while in the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, the degree is Master of the Brazen Serpent. The degree of Confidential Secretary takes place in the audience-chamber of K\S\The Candidate is shown the value of self-control, and not to rush to judgment, but rather to act in good faith. Master of the Brazen Serpent was formerly the 25°, Knight of the Brazen Serpent, and was moved to the Lodge of Perfection along with other Old Testament-based ritual. This ritual is based on the biblical account of Moses and the Brazen Serpent, and teaches the lesson of Faith – in God, in ourselves, and in each other. The Francken manuscript of 1783 had this ritual under the name Perfect Master by Curiosity, or Intimate Secretary, or English Master. In this ritual, similar to that still used in the Southern Jurisdiction under the name Confidential Secretary, there are two officers, both in the East, representing K\S\ and H\, K\ of T\, with other Brethren as guards, stationed outside the Lodge room. The Candidate, representing Joabert, a favorite of the wise King, is placed at the Lodge door, which has been left purposely open, so that he can stick his head in, and “peep.” The guards make noise, causing H\, K\ of T\ to turn, and spot the eavesdropper. He wants to put the man to death. K\S\ prevails upon him to spare the man’s life, as God does not want the blood of a man shed. K\S\ procures pardon for the offense, and Joabert becomes the Intimate
Secretary to write down and witness the articles of the new alliance between the kings. The history of this degree teaches that K\S\ promised H\, K\ of T\ a province consisting of 30 governments (cities), to be delivered upon completion of the Temple. Having received no word in over a year, K\H\ visited the province, and was mortified to find it barren, populated by uncultivated people, and likely to be a burden to him, instead of an advantage. He rushed to the palace of K\S\ to confront him about this, which was witnessed by Joabert, who feared for the safety of his king and friend, which caused him to linger near the open door. K\S\ explains that he has not yet delivered the cities to H\, K\ of T\, as he has not yet had them rebuilt, and planned on satisfying both the spirit and the letter of the law regarding his intention. In Dalcho’s 1801 ritual, the name of the degree is Intimate Secretary. It is similar to the Francken manuscript, although in this ritual the treaty between the two kings referred to a province of 20 cities in Galilea, instead of the unnamed region containing 30 cities. This ritual also specifically refers to the Candidate as a “Cowan,” rather than as an eavesdropper. In the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, the ritual followed the earlier versions. That written by K. H. van Rensselaer, and copied by Enoch Carson in 1853 included appropriate verses of scripture, such as “a brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city.”1 This version does not have a quarrel between the two kings, Joabert being apprehended at the entrance to the chamber after seeing the anger of K\H\. (Continued on page 51) www.twtmag.com
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Scottish Rite News & Information
- Featured Writer- Jacob Lucas
(Continued from page 50) The version of the Intimate Secretary degree written by Cross deals with 30 cities in Galilea. The treaty written in this degree is a perpetual alliance signed by K\S\ and K\H\, to which Joabert was Intimate Secretary. Allyn’s version is substantially similar. These are much shorter than the earlier manuscripts, being more summary than ritual. The Intimate Secretary degree manuscript given to Albert Pike in 1854, was similar to the earlier versions, in which Joabert was a favorite of K\S\, and included the 30 cities promised to H\, K\ of T \. In Pike’s Magnum Opus, the name of the degree is Confidential Secretary. There are three officers in this version, K\S\ as the Master and H\, K\ of T \, as the sole Warden, both sitting in the East, and styled Thrice Illustrious. The other officer is Zerbal, the Captain of the Guard for K\S\. The Candidate for this version, as an eavesdropper, is Zabud, a favorite of the King. K\H\ angrily mentions that Adonhiram took him to Galilea to see the 20 cities promised him by K \S\. He discusses how he called K\S\ “Brother,” working together in the Sacred Mysteries, even though they did not share the same God(s). As a result of what he sees as the perfidy of K\S\, giving him cities that will cost him, rather than earn him money, K\H\ is ready to call off the league between their nations. Upon receiving explanation that K\S\ is planning to keep his promise in the spirit as well as in the letter, that K\H\ visited the cities sooner than expected, K\H\ forgives K\S\. K\S\ informs K\H\ that forgiveness is a divine virtue, after which the Tyrian King agrees to forgive Zabud, the Wise King stating that death is too harsh a punishment for curiosity. Zerbal, Captain of the Guard, explains the reason behind Zabud approaching the door, the same fear for the safety of his friend the King that is mentioned as far back as the Francken MS. H\, K\ of T\, receives Zabud into his circle of friends, to fill the void left by the death of H\A\.
K\H\ asks K\S\ to have his Secretary write up a new treaty between the peoples of each King, in both Hebrew and Phoenician. As the late H\A\ had been the Secretary of K\S\, there is now no one to write the treaty. K\H\ suggests that Zabud be appointed Confidential Secretary. The lesson of this degree is to punish idle curiosity and to reward zeal and fidelity. In Morals and Dogma, we learn in the degree of Confidential Secretary that duty is the guiding compass behind the true Mason’s life, and that the performance of that duty is the charge of the Mason, whether or not a reward is received. We are taught that we are not born for ourselves alone, but that we have duty to our country and to our friends. Sometimes that duty consists of giving to others, sometimes by receiving that which is given, and sometimes to bind human society together by arts or industry. We must not think that the advancement of a Brother lessens our own worth. Life is NOT a zerosum game! We learn that if a man pays close attention to the ledgers in his life, ensuring that he has been paid in full for each favor he has done, though he may have amassed great wealth, he is a poor man. If he is not gracious to those who do him a favor, it is he who has his true wealth diminished, not them. A man may forgive an injury done to him, but he must never forget a good (Continued on page 52) www.twtmag.com
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Scottish Rite News & Information
- Featured Writer- Jacob Lucas
(Continued from page 51) turn. The true duty of the Mason is to endeavor to make man think better of his neighbor. If a Confidential Secretary confirms that he takes the lesson of this degree, as he has vowed, to be the rule, law, and guide of his life and conduct, then he will be entitled to advance in Masonry, because he is fit to do so. If he does not, then he has already advanced too far. McClenachan’s version of this degree tells us specifically that this degree is not connected to either the degree preceding it or succeeding it, merely enacting an episode that occurred while the period of mourning over the loss of H\A\ was ongoing. He adds one thing that changes the meaning of this degree, at least for me – Joabert is newly appointed Lieutenant of the Guard, giving him a reason, and presumably training, to defend his King from what he fears is the anger of a visitor. He informs us of the lessons of this degree, that we should be ever careful never to offend a Brother by prying into his secrets, and also that, Masonically, eaves-dropping is a criminal act. The Grand Orator tells us to be zealous and faithful, acting the peacemaker in case of dissention, dispute and quarrels among the Brethren. McClenachan describes the setting of the chamber of K\S \, with black hangings, strewn with tears, emblematical of the repentance of Joabert, as well as the grief of K\S\ and all true Craftsmen, for the loss of H\A \. This version also uses the 20 cities of Pike, rather than the 30 cities of the earlier accounts, as payment to H\, K\ of T\, in lieu of the timbers and stone used to construct the Temple. In the Southern Jurisdiction Intimate or Confidential Secretary degree in use in 1955, Zerbal, Captain of the Guard for K\S\, stands up for Zabūd, telling the kings that he was
acting to ensure that he could defend his King, not eavesdropping. This would make sense if Zabūd were a member of the King’s Guard, not merely a faithful servant, as most versions of the degree have him. In the current Confidential Secretary degree, the lecture is removed from the degree. Instead of the previous obligation, the Candidate is now required to affirm that he can observe secrecy, and perform his duties as Confidential Secretary. In the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, the ritual of the former 25°, Master of the Brazen Serpent, was adopted as the new 6°, in 1996. Although the ritual of the 1951 version of Master of the Brazen Serpent was used, and moved to the Lodge of Perfection, the degree retained the name of the 6°, Intimate Secretary, until 2003. The Pike 25°, Master of the Brazen Serpent, was used as the basis for the degree in the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction from 1855 to 1896. The history of the legend behind the degree was based on a monastic military Order, founded during the Crusades, the Knights of the Brazen Serpent, taking their name from an Old Testament biblical tale 2. The 1951 Master of the Brazen Serpent ritual added the ceremonial section in which the officers discuss contemporary problems, emphasizing man’s unceasing search for Brotherhood and peace. This optional opening scene should have the cast members in modern dress, while the five following scenes take place in a desert setting. The people of Israel are having a hard time in the desert, after fleeing Egypt, losing faith in the leadership of Moses, and in God. Those who have faith in the words of God are healed. The (Continued on page 53) www.twtmag.com
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Scottish Rite News & Information
- Featured Writer- Jacob Lucas
(Continued from page 52) answer to the spiritual problems of mankind are faith – in their fellow human beings, and in God. I was able to access an older Dutch version of this degree from the 19th century, which is not currently used, that of Secret Secretary. This is similar to the older versions of the degree, with the 30 cities due as payment, though the spelling of the eavesdropper’s name is “Johabert.” We are told that Johabert was the favorite of K\S\, prior to becoming Secret Secretary (Geheimschrijver).
Sources Allyn, Avery. Ritual of Freemasonry. 1865. Cross, Jeremy Ladd. The Templar’s Chart, or Hieroglyphic Monitor.1852. De Hoyos, Arturo, 33°, G\C\. Scottish Rite Monitor and Guide, 3rd Edition – Revised and Enlarged, 2011. Washington, DC. The Supreme Council, 33° De Hoyos, Arturo, 33°, G\C\. Masonic Formulas and Rituals Transcribed by Albert Pike in 1854 and 1855. 2010. Washington, DC. Scottish Rite Research Society
Rituals of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, USA. 4° - 32°, August 2011. Supreme Council, 33°, AASR, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction. Ordo ab Chao: The Original and Complete Rituals, 4th-33rd degrees of the first Supreme Council, 33rd degree at Charleston, South Carolina, 1995. Transcribed from newly discovered manuscript rituals in a private collection. Claimed to be transcribed from rituals belonging to Giles F. Yates, 33°, member of both the Supreme Councils for the Southern Jurisdiction and the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction. Rituaal voor de Graad van Geheimschrijver
Hutchens, Rex R., 33°, G\C\. A Bridge to Light, 3rd Edition, 2006. Washington, DC. The Supreme Council, 33°
Footnotes
Francken, Henry A., Francken Manuscript, 1783. McClenachan, Charles T., 33°, The Book of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, 1867.
1 2
Partridge, Irving E., Jr., 33°, The Rituals of The Supreme Council, 33°, AASR for the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, United States of America, 1976. Supreme Council, 33°, AASR, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction.
Proverbs 18:19 Numbers 21:4-9
Pike, Albert, 33°, Magnum Opus or The Great Work, 1857. Pike, Albert, 33°, Morals and Dogma, 1871. Schwartzberg, Scott, 32°, “The Scottish Rite: Southern and Northern Jurisdictions,” 2011, unpublished. Forwarded to me by W. Bro. Cory Sigler, and used by permission of the author.
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Trexler, C. DeForest, 33°, The degree Rituals of The Supreme Council, 33°, AASR for the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, United States of America, 2008. Supreme Council, 33°, AASR, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction.
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“Published since 1970, The Northern Light is the premiere magazine of Scottish Rite Masonry in America. The magazine is delivered quarterly to every member of the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction and distributed world-wide to other Supreme Councils and subscribers. If you are not a member of our jurisdiction and would like to receive The Northern Light please contact editor@supremecouncil.org Or mail your request to: Supreme Council, attn: The Northern Light, P.O. Box 519, Lexington, MA 02420-0519.” You can read past issues going back to the 1970’s of this great magazine. I always look forward to receiving it in the mail, I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. - Cory
http://www.scottishritenmj.org/TheNorthernLight.aspx The Scottish Rite Medal for Masonic Service is unlike other medals and awards presented to worthy Brothers for exemplary service to the Scottish Rite or to the country or community. The Medal for Masonic Service may be By RICHARD B. BURGESS, 33° awarded to a Brother Mason who fully embodies the tenets "Why, I could get one of those!” I wonder how often we, as of the Masonic fraternity even if he is not a member of the Masons, have been at a ceremony when one of our Brother Scottish Rite. Masons is called up to receive an award from a Grand Instead of the usual process by which an award is decided Lodge, a symbolic lodge or from one of the appendant upon and presented, nominations emanate from the local bodies. Sitting there, sharing in the excitement of the level and are based on the recommendations of three of the moment, how many of us, with just a touch of envy, have Brother’s peers. State Deputies, Active Members and thought to ourselves, “Good For Brother Hiram, but I really Active Emeritus Members along with Valley Secretaries are have worked harder for the fraternity than he has. When encouraged to recommend worthy Brothers in their will it be my turn?” Certainly, as Masons we are quick to respective localities. Application forms are available turn such unwelcome thoughts out of our minds and through the office of the Sovereign Grand Commander or concentrate rather on sharing the joy of the current the Valleys. recipient’s moment of recognition.
Recognizing Members:Scottish Rite Medal for Masonic Service
Large organizations know full well the value of a reward system. If an organization such as Freemasonry only concentrates on making awards to its leaders rather than to its members then it is condemning itself to a bleak and endangered future. Sovereign Grand Commander McNaughton has realized that leadership without membership is the death knell for an organization. Since his mandate began back in 2004, he has initiated new awards which have helped to stimulate the interest, service and dedication of many of our Brothers. The Sovereign Grand Commander’s Award for Distinguished Service as well the Van Rensselaer Membership Award have been presented to several outstanding Scottish Rite Brothers in the past few years. Most recently, Grand Commander McNaughton created a new award for Masonic service which he has presented to 17 Masons as of this writing.
Once the local Brothers have decided upon a worthy candidate, a form is filled out supported by three recommendations. The form is then sent to the Grand Commander’s office for approval. The medal is ordered, engraved and shipped directly to the Valley Secretary who will make arrangements for its presentation. The Sovereign Grand Commander does not usually take part in the presentation of this award but endorses it most enthusiastically, firmly believing that if leadership ignores membership and does nothing to stimulate a sense of appreciation of worth, then the individual will quickly lose interest in the organization. Whether it comes in self awareness or in the intrinsic form of a medal, such feelings can only result in good works for our Scottish Rite.
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