The Working Tools Masonic Magazine Sept 2012

Sept 2012 Issue #55

$7.95

~ Fourteen articles of Masonic interest and education.

Featuring an exclusive by best selling author Robert Cooper. ~ “The Craft in Thirty Seconds” ~ A comparison of the Scottish Rite & York Rites 8th degree ~ Alchemy in Australia- Clarifying the situation ~ Solomon’s Seal in your garden

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Welcome to the September 2012 edition of

“The Working Tools Masonic Magazine Light” If you like what you read here please consider purchasing the FULL version of The Working Tools for only $1.99 at

www.twtmag.com The Full version has over 60 pages of Masonic Education and Enlightenment including: ● Featured Articles by Freemasons for Freemasons ● Current news ● Book Reviews ● Grand Lodge information from around the world ● Dedicated Sections for Scottish Rite & York Rite Masons ● Much Much More

Download from your computer or the Apple Newsstand on your IPad or IPhone device.

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Two options of The Working Tools Magazine Electronic Format 1. “The Working Tools Light”- Free sample of The Working Tools Masonic magazine. Includes several of the articles you’ll find in the full version.

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Over 50 Pages of Masonic Interests and News. Articles covering all topics of Masonry, dedicated sections for Scottish Rite & 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.

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Submission Information Submissions can be sent to twtmag@yahoo.com

A New Beginning

WELCOME

The Working Tools Masonic Magazine

Brethren, This month starts a new beginning or a new chapter if you will for The Working Tools Masonic Magazine.

We have been quite busy behind the scenes.

We have opened up the selections on how you can access the magazine. There’s now the Full & Light version in electronic format, the printed magazine and the Apple Newsstand App where you can read TWT on the go. This was all done for the readers to give you as many options to get your Masonic news and information in a way that best suits your needs.

We built a brand new website to make it even easier for you to download/purchase TWT. We went for a clean simplistic look trying to keep the clutter down and make the selections easy to find. For the time being the “Light” version will be housed on a different server so you do not have to register on the site to download the issue. Just click on the link and off you go.

For the full magazine you will need to register once and then going forward just logon.

We have also partnered with Magzter to create an App for the Apple Newsstand to be able to automatically be notified when the latest issue is out and download it directly to your IOS device. That was a very exciting event for us, now we are using the newest technology and reaching Masons in a whole new way.

The whole team at TWT is excited to share this new & exciting information with you. Thank you for your support!!!

Until next time...

Authors retain full rights of their published works.

Editorial Disclaimer Editor reserves right to edit all submissions for space, clarity, errors or changes as needed.

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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Contents

Featured Writers

Ask The Reader……….…..……8

David Daehnke...………...

Word of the Month….……..……9

Robert Cooper………...…….21

This Month in Masonry…..……10

Todd Creason & Michael Shirley………………25

“Charlie Chaplin’s Uncle” ..…...13 Grand Lodge Spotlight.….…....14 One Minute Mason….……..…. 16 Quiz……………………………...17 Old Tyler Talks…...…..…….…..18

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Matt Johnson……….………..28 Sam Katz…………...………...29 Paul C. Smith…………...……30 Shawn Growly….……….……34 Kyle Ferguson…..…….…..…36 David Browning……….…..…38 John Nagy………...…….……41

Appendant Bodies York Rite………………………..51

Scott Schwartberg & Michael Gambarrotti…………45 David Slater……...….….……47

Scottish Rite…...…..…………..58

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 as well as a member of the Royal Arch and the Scottish Rite. He is on a one man crusade to bring "critical thinking to the masses" through his article "Believe the Best". Join him on Facebook and check it out at believethebestblog.blogspot.com."

Kyle James Ferguson is a member of Union Lodge No. 291 in Scranton, PA & Kingsbury Lodge No. 466 in Olyphant, PA. He is also a Royal Arch Mason, a Cryptic Mason, a member of the Allied Masonic Degrees, and a 32° in the AASR, NMJ where he is Junior Warden of the Keystone Lodge of Perfection in the Valley of Scranton. He is a member of The Masonic Society, a Level 1 Scholar in the PA Academy of Masonic Knowledge, a Fellow of the Grand College of Rites, and is the author of a blog called The Philosophical Freemason (http://philosophicalfreemason.blogspot.com/).

Jacob Lucas is interested in the

Michael Gambarrotti Raised in

Shawn M. Gorley Raised to

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Paul C. Smith P.M. of Rockingham Lodge No. 76 in Candia, NH the Founding Master of General Court Lodge No. 1784 (America’s only special, legislative lodge) and is the Founding and Current Master of Phoenix Lodge, No. 105 New Hampshire’s first TO lodge. He is a trustee of NH MasoniCare and is currently serving as a Grand Steward. He is a member of The Masonic Society, the Scottish Rite, York Rite, AMD, SRICF, Royal Order of Scotland, SYRCNA and Order of Knight Masons.

Sam Katz Raised April 1992, Certified to Master the 3 Blue Lodge Degrees by January 1993 and appointed an Instructor of Philadelphia Temple School of Instruction, 1995 served as Worshipful Master of Equity Lodge #591, PA F&AM, 2006 joined Endeavor Lodge #17 DE AF&AM, a dual member of Union Lodge #7, served as Marshal in the Divan of PP James T. Ruby of NUR Shrine in 2011, coordinator of Sussex County Shepherds Unit, appointed an Ambassador for the Valley of Lower Delaware of the AASR-NMJ and the webmaster for www.endeavorlodge17.org, www.valleyoflowerde.org and www.district3de.org.

Michael H. Shirley is a Past Master of Tuscola Lodge No. 332 (IL) and Leadership Development Chairman for the Grand Lodge of Illinois. He's also a member of the Illinois Lodge of Research, the Scottish Rite, the York Rite, Eastern Star, the Tall Cedars of Lebanon, and the newly-chartered Illini High Twelve No. 768 in Urbana-Champaign (IL). The author of several articles on British history, he teaches history at Eastern Illinois University.

Todd E. Creason, 33° is the author of several books and novels, including his popular “Famous American Freemasons” series.

He’s a Past Master of Ogden Lodge No. 754 (IL), a member of the Illinois Lodge of Research, and of both the Scottish Rite and York Rite. He's also a member of the Ansar Shrine (IL) and Charter President of the new Illini High Twelve No. 768 in ChampaignUrbana (IL).

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Last month we asked on the TWT Facebook page the Brethren to answer the following: “Why did you become a Freemason?”

Rich Weaver To join the oldest and noblest fraternity in the world that practices faith, hope, and charity. All character traits I want to exemplify as a husband, father, and human being.

John McDermid In short: it called me, I just finally listened.

The long of the short, for some curious reason I somehow knew about it all my life.

My Dad'’s Dad was a Mason and he had passed long before I was ever thought of. I have heard very brief stories of who this man was, from my Dad and Uncles. But most unexpectedly and pleasantly I see who this man, my unknown Grandfather was every time I go to Lodge. The shadow of his character reveals itself more and more.

Therefore I learn more about myself, my father, my family and its roots.

There is more but, it really called me I just finally knocked and never looked back.

Michael Fisher My great-grandfather and grandfather were Masons, whereas my stepfather was a Moose. My grandfather was also VFW, DAV and American Legion. What can I say, the man loved his lodges. I am the next man in the bloodline and having grown up around it, I knew that I would get the call. I am only sad that I waited so long to listen to it. On Tuesday night, I will finally be Raised and I am looking forward to it like I looked forward to my wedding. It is an accomplishment that just feel like it is what it should be.

Daryl A. Linkous I was living in Richmond VA at the time and was going through a very dark time in my life. You can say that my lifestyle was marked by reckless excesses, and it came to pass that the way I lived at night deeply affected the way I lived during the day. On one Monday morning, an old friend and Freemason came into my office, closed the door, and proceeded to chew me out for living the way that I living, and told me that he neither knew more nor wanted to know me if I was going to live that way.

My first response was abject shock at the event, then amazement that I had one friend in the world who had the stones to tell me how bad I really was.

This man was willing to walk uprightly before me, even at the expense of a friendship. I didn’t say much of the experience for some months to come, but well noted it, and though I did not instantly become a model citizen I definitely did not become any worse that I was at that moment. Later, I came to him with my sincere gratitude, reminding him of James 5:19-20 which says “Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; let him know that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins”.

Gordon Topping I felt I was called, both Grandads, my dad, my uncles, my cousins were all Freemasons, I just wish I had knocked years ago but even at my late I was raised on June 23, 2012, and asked myself this exact question: “Why age I think it has in made a good man better . did I become a Freemason?” It came down to this: When I needed help, Brother Ed Evans came into my office, not friend to friend or even brother Matt Johnson I was searching for truth . Its been to brother, but more as father to wayward son to straighten me out. And of quite an experience course, the true nature of the Fraternity was revealed. .Paul C. Smith I was looking for more in my life. I found it..

Shawn Gorley Where else can men of all faiths and social status' sit together as equals.

Serdan Corneliu it's a matter of spirit and, as well as we feel it, communication is the cement of the Temple.

Communication and sharing.

This Months Question What does your Lodge do to motivate the Brethren to attend more meetings?

Send your answers to TWTMAG@yahoo.com. The best responses will be featured in next month’s issue.

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Masonic Symbolism & Words Brought to you by www.masonicdictionary.com This Month’s Entry is:

Lily LILY The plant so frequently mentioned in the Old Testament under the name of lily, as an emblem of purity and peace, was the lotus lily of Egypt and India.

It occupies a conspicuous place among the ornaments of the Temple furniture. The brim of the molten sea was wrought with flowers of the lotus; the chapiters on the tops of the pillars at the porch, and the tops of the pillars themselves, were adorned with the same plant.

Sir Robert Ker Porter, describing a piece of sculpture which he found at Persepolis, says

works of nature with the decorations of art, was a different dower probably a species of lilium. This is also represented in all pictures of the salutation of Gabriel to the Virgin Mary, and, in fact, has been held in mysterious veneration by people of all nations and times. It is the symbol of divinity, of purity, and abundance, and of a love most complete in perfection, charity, and benediction; as in Holy Scripture, that mirror of purity, Susanna is defined Susa, which signified the lily flower, the chief city of the Persians, bearing that name for excellency.

Almost every one in this procession holds in his hand a figure like the lotus. This flower was full of meaning among the ancients and occurs all over the East. Egypt, Persia, Palestine, and India present it everywhere over their architectures in the hands and on the heads of their sculptured figures, whether in statue or in basrelief. We also find it in the sacred vestments and architecture of the tabernacle and Temple of the Israelites.

Hence, the lily's three leaves in the arms of France meaneth Piety, Justice, and Charity." so far, the general impression of a peculiar regard to this beautiful and fragrant Sower; but the early Persians attached to it a peculiar sanctity. We must not, however, forget the difference between the lotus of the Old Testament and the lily of the New. The former is a Masonic plant; the latter is scarcely referred to. Nevertheless, through the ignorance of the early translators as to sacred plants, the lotus is constantly used for the lily; and hence the same error has crept into the Masonic instructions.

The lily which is mentioned by our Savior, as an image of peculiar beauty and glory, when comparing the

- Source: Mackey's Encyclopedia of Freemasonry

LILY WORK The lily work which is described as a part of the ornamentation of the two pillars in the porch of Solomon's Temple is said to be, from the whiteness of the plant, symbolic of purity and peace.

Properly, it is lotus work.

- Source: Mackey's Encyclopedia of Freemasonry

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Book Review of “Charlie Chaplin’s Uncle”

by Bro. Ian Okell. Review by Cory Sigler One of my greatest joy’s of being Editor of the “Working Tools” is when I get an email from an author who contacts me about a book he wrote. This happened last month when Brother Ian Okell reached out to me to tell me about his newest book “Charlie Chaplin’s Uncle” and asked if I would be interested in reviewing it.

Humor, as some of you who know me is a quality I really like in a person. Bro. Ian is a darn funny guy. In-between each chapter is a completely non related short news clipping from 1800 English newspapers that illustrates what life was like back then. If you don’t like them and want to skip them (not recommended) you will not lose any plot line. In addition to this Fowler throws out some one liners that had me laughing out loud. Once of them in particular had me in stitches. I wish I could repeat it here but I wouldn’t dare ruin it.

Ok, so the Masonry part. Fowler is a proud Freemason. He acts on the square as you would expect. He uses Masonic jargon As I am always excited to promote a Brothers artistic endeavor so appropriately. As I was reading the story I felt that the author did I gladly accepted his invitation to mail me the copy. To be honest, not try to shoehorn the language in just to try to make more sales from only knowing the title, I had no idea if this was a from the members of the Craft. The Secret Society biography on Charlie Chaplin, a fictional tale using lore is present however much like it was back then Chaplin as a character or something completely it was only talked about sparingly and usually in different all together. When I received the package a the present of other known Masons. I truly note enclosed gave me a brief summary telling me appreciated the amount of Freemasonry used, not that the book mixes Masonry, humor, trains, and too much not too little. It added to the story never action. I have gone to my local library many times distracting. and picked a random book off the shelf to take home so I am not unaccustomed to reading a book with a Bottom Line storyline that is unknown beforehand.

The ending of the story was equally satisfying as This is one of those times when life throws you a very the beginning and middle. I think by now you get special unexpected treat. My review could be very it. I really liked this book and I can’t wait for the short by simply saying “How can you go wrong with next one to come out. I give it a solid 4 Square & a humorous witty Masonically themed train ride?”

Compasses out of 5.

But that would be a disservice to both you and Bro Okell who should be praised for what he has written.

About the Author I am purposely leaving out some plot lines and characters so you can enjoy them as they come like I did. Here’s what I will tell you.

The author has done a tremendous job with so many aspects: Character development, scenery, history, inclusion of Masonry (without over doing it) and interjecting humor sometimes in the most unexpected times. With the characters I found myself caring about the safety of Fowler, the protagonist, his wife Ruth, their young nephew, and the other supporting cast. We quickly get to know all of them and what roles they will be playing without being two steps ahead of what they will do next.

Ian was for many years a ship's chandler, part of the fourth generation in his family business, supplying merchant vessels around the United Kingdom and Western Europe. Deciding that too much of his time was spent in traveling, and looking for a job which allowed more time for a home life, he set up a local business of his own; a registered firearms dealership.

However, although still fun, the gun shop has turned into a much busier operation than originally envisaged, and is now run by son Mike, with Ian relegated to the role of general dogsbody. He is also a commercially qualified pilot on medium sized twin engined aircraft.

Bro. Okell worked late 1800’s England in beautifully. I vividly saw the house they lived in, the streets he walked and the mountainsides he drove the train through. I loved the town-bytown stops the train made and the technology that each station had (or didn’t have). Mixing in a winter storm also gave the scenery another dynamic as to how this might affect the train from getting to where they needed to.

Ian and his wife Margaret, another pilot, live in Cheshire in north west England, they have three grown up children and, so far, two grandchildren. For many years writing has been his hobby, resulting in about one book a year, although never with any thought of being published. It was only after scoring high marks in a British Arts Council literary criticism website that his books found their way into print. (Amazon)

Speaking of trains, I think I now have a working knowledge on how a train works, how to drive one and what it felt like to feel the heat from the coals while I was shoveling some in to steam the Iron Horse.

http://www.amazon.com/Charlie-Chaplins-Uncle-IanOkell/dp/1781760381/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1344487092&s r=8-1&keywords=charlie+chaplins+uncle $14.95 Paperback

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Grand Lodge Spotlight The Grand Lodge of Georgia 811 Mulberry Street Macon, GA 31201.6779 Phone 478.742.1475 ~ Fax 478.742.1465 (website) http://www.glofga.org Members- 43,578 (2010)

Grand Master - M.W. Jerry Moss

Grand Lodge History A band of English colonists under the leadership of General James Edward Oglethorpe, British soldier, statesman and humanitarian, arrived on the west bank of the Savannah River on February 12, 1733.

This was the birth of the English Province of Georgia, the last of the Thirteen Colonies. Georgia was the southwestern frontier of British America for many years.

In the same year, December 13, 1733, the Grand Lodge of England at its Quarterly Communication in London adopted a resolution to "collect the Charity of this Society towards enabling the Trustees (of Georgia) to send distressed Brethren to Georgia where they may be comfortably provided for...that it be strenuously (sic) recommended by the Masters and Wardens of regular Lodges to make a generous collection amongst all their Members for that purpose..."

Some three months later, February 21, 1734, a Lodge of Freemasons was organized at Savannah under the "old Customs" (without warrant).

Noble Jones, intimate friend of James Oglethorpe, was initiated on that date, the first Freemason made in Georgia. On December 2, 1735, the Lodge was warranted by the Grand 10

Lodge of England and entered on the engraved list as "The Lodge at Savannah in Ye Province of Georgia". It was assigned number 139 on the register of English Lodges. By 1770 its number had been reduced to No. 63 and by 1792 it was No. 46, although no longer an English Lodge.

The Lodge at Savannah changed its name in or prior to 1770 to Solomon's Lodge. In 1774 and 1775, respectively, the Grand Lodge of England warranted two more Lodges in Savannah, Unity No. 465 and Grenadiers No. 481. Both Lodges died an early death.

Except for that brief period, Solomon's Lodge was the only Lodge in Georgia from 1734 until 1785.

Solomon's Lodge was the second duly constituted Lodge in America, next only to a Lodge in Boston warranted in 1733. Solomon's Lodge is the Mother Lodge of Georgia.

Serving as Provincial Grand Masters in Georgia were: Grey Elliott, 1760 until he was succeeded in 1771 by Noble Jones. Brother Jones served until his death in 1775. Sometime during the War for independence, Samuel Elbert, American soldier and later Governor of Georgia, was "elected" Provincial Grand Master. On December 15, 1786, Brother Elbert resigned as (Continued on page 11)

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Grand Lodge Spotlight - Georgia (Continued from page 10) Provincial Grand Master so that the independent Grand Lodge of Georgia might be formed.

A group of dissident Freemasons in Savannah, disapproving the workings of Solomon's Lodge, petitioned the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania in 1784 for a charter to organize a Lodge. Their petition was granted by Pennsylvania on March 31, 1785, the Lodge being listed on Pennsylvania's register as no.

42, to be known as Hiram Lodge, Savannah, Georgia.

In the true spirit of Freemasonry the differences between the two Lodges were soon reconciled. In the following year it is known that two additional Lodges existed in the , one at Augusta and one at Washington.

It is believed these four Lodges, on December 16, 1786 met together and created the most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons for the of Georgia. William Stephens, Past Master of Solomon's Lodge, now No. 1, and the first U.S. Court Judge in Georgia, was elected and installed Grand Master.

working on. One of my biggest gripes is seeing a Grand Lodge website that has no information available or if they do it’s outdated or even worse looks as if it was made during the Reagan administration. This is something that is of utmost importance in this day and age. Have a website that a 21 year old man would want to stay on longer than 30 seconds!

The GL of Georgia website is definitely above average. There is a full menu of information available that a Mason would benefit from but for a non member the info is a bit limited. I would like to see more material that a perspective member could take away and learn about what they would find in Masonry.

The most vital information is there: Contact names, address, telephone numbers etc… The Lodge Finder function is present however its not searchable using a radius from an address so a traveling Brother who doesn’t know the area might be confused.

The next eight Lodges in Georgia were: Columbia No. 3, Augusta; St. Louis No. 4, Washington; Washington No. 5, Washington; St. John's No. 6, Sunbury; Little River No. 7, Little River; St. Patrick's No. 8, Waynesboro; St. George's No. 9, Kiokas; Union No. 10, Savannah.

Something of concern was that I had to click on “Masonic Messenger” to learn that it is the Grand Lodge publication and not an Instant Message function. I would label it more clearly or add it to the front page with a graphic and a link. It looks like a fine publication. Why not make it more noticeable for visitors to read?

With the exception of Solomon's No. 1, all of the above Lodges are extinct. Social Lodge, originally No. 18, Augusta, Georgia, now also No. 1, was chartered in December, 1799. Georgia has 451 Lodges and 72,451 members (as of October, 1997).

Kudos go out for a nice Masonic Education section for self study outside the Lodge (which unfortunately is where most of our education is done now).

Certificates for completing the study lessons with a passing grade is nice touch.

Freemasonry has existed continuously in Georgia since 1734. The Grand Lodge of Georgia, F. & A. M., has existed since 1786.

Since I started this article the GL added some small touches to their main page. There is now a running total showing the amount of pints of blood collected from Lodge drives . Clicking on that link will bring you an area listing the location sites for the Blood Drives. Also now seen is a tally showing the number of Child ID packets provided to parents.

Small but nice reminders to the community showing the work we do in our towns.

The Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons for the of Georgia was incorporated with perpetual duration on February 6, 1796, by an Act of the General Assembly of Georgia passed for that purpose, and has been delivered down to the present day.

Good Job on a website well done!

Website Review It’s always a pleasure as a reviewer to have something good to say about the topic they are 11

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Fall Masonic Quiz As leaves fall, footballs fly, the World Series beckons & votes are cast, what are some of the Masonic ties? Match name/number at bottom to these events/accomplishments: 1. Legendary pioneering coach that has a nationwide youth football program named for him___ 2. Movie title song “Autumn Leaves” popularized by its singer in 1956 ___ 3. Best pitchers in NL & AL win the award named for this winningest pitcher___ 4. Holds Pro Baseball’s record for a career batting average at .366! ___ 5. World famous magician & escape artist dies on Halloween! ___ 6. This President was the first to proclaim a national day of “Thanksgiving” ___ 7. This President was starting center for a National Champ football team @ Michigan ___ 8. Second American President to be assassinated, September 1901 ___ 9. This President ordered American forces into Canada fall of 1812 during War of 1812 ___ 10.First NFL Quarterback to appear in five Super Bowls ___ 11.NFL Hall of Fame Linebacker who won two Super Bowl rings ___ 12.In 1948 the Presidential election pitted 4 Masons against each other; the winner ___

1. Gerald Ford

7 James Madison

2. William McKinely

8. Cy Young

3. Glen "Pop" Warner

9. John Elway

4. George Washington

10. Ray Nitschke

5. Harry Truman

11. Ty Cobb

6. Nat King Cole

12. Harry Houdini

Gerald Edgar – Mosaic #125 AF&AM – Dubuque, Iowa

gvlc6@hotmail.com

Answers: 3 - 6 - 8 - 11 - 12 - 4 - 1 - 2 - 7 - 9 - 10 -5

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Old Tyler Talks

By Carl Claudy

“MASONRY IN BUSINESS�

How many brethren in this lodge are worth a hundred thousand dollars?" inquired the New Brother of the Old Tiler in the anteroom.

''If the company was to develop a Masonic property or build a temple, I could see that your common Masonry might make an appeal. But I see no reason for anyone to buy stock in your company except a business reason.

"I don't know. Jones and Brown and Robinson and Hitchcock, certainly, and perhaps Wilson and Moore. You want to make a "A mutual lodge membership may serve as an introduction between any two men to discuss anything of interest to one, in touch?" The Old Tiler looked curiously at his questioner. which he hopes to interest the other. Your mutual lodge "A friend of mine is interested in forming a company," membership is a guarantee that you will receive a welcome. It answered the New Brother, "and I intend to invest with him. ought to guarantee the other man that you will not abuse his As I want to see it succeed, I'll go to see all the wealthy men time and confidence by taking up the one to exploit the other. and ask for subscriptions. We are going to manufacture a He has the same right to expect consideration from you that patent elevator device, that. . ." you have to expect consideration from him. But you have no right to expect him to suspend his business judgment just ''Why confine your list to those in this lodge? There are more because you are both Masons. men with money outside the lodge than in it."

"If you have what you believe is a good proposition, and, "But I have no right to ask them to invest money in a company therefore give your Masonic friends an opportunity to make just because I am interested in it!" The New Brother looked some money, your motive in listing thc wealthy members of very virtuous. this lodge is commendable. But you have no such idea. You hope they will win, and so, help you to win. But if they lose, "Have you a right to ask brethren to spend money on your that's their lookout. That is not Masonic. behalf because you belong to the lodge?" The Old Tiler looked shocked. ''Masonry does not butt into a man's business. Only insofar as "Why, of course. We are brethren, are we not? Brethren help each other, don't they?"

"I see no reason why any brother should spend money exploiting an invention, just because you are interested," answered the Old Tiler. ''Masonry is not intended to influence a man's business. If these brethren think well of the invention they will invest. If they don't think well of it, they won't. But Masonry does not enter into the matter."

"But it would mean much to me and to my friend, if this company should succeed and make a lot of money!" explained the New Mason.

it guarantees that a brother is honest is it a help in business. As it promises mutual esteem and helpfulness it smoothes the business path. But when you use Masonry to make the other fellow do something financial which he otherwise wouldn't do, it is not a proper use of Masonry. Ask your friends to help you-that's what friends are for. But don't ask strangers, merely because they are fellow lodge members, to risk their money unless you are willing to begin by not using Masonry as a means to private gain! Your friends will help you-brethren not close friends expect you to treat them in a brotherly way. It's not brotherly to go to wealthy strangers and say, 'I want some money from you, because we are both Masons!' " The Old Tiler stopped, short of breath.

''Suppose it doesn't succeed, and loses a lot of money?" suggested the Old Tiler. The New Brother began to write in his The New Brother looked up from his busy writing , "I could notebook. hardly, keep up with you!" he exclaimed. ''You talked so fast.

But I'm sure I got most of it. This will make a dandy speech!" ''That won't happen," he answered as he scribbled. "This is bound to succeed. But any business man takes a risk in any "Speech?'' company in which he invests." ''Now we get to the root of the matter!" exclaimed the Old Tiler. "They are to help you, because of their Masonry, which is mutual with you both; but if they lose, that's because they took a business risk!

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"Certainly. I have no intentions of getting any subscriptions from anyone. I was after material for a talk I have been asked to give on Masonry in Business!"

"Upon my word!" cried the Old Tiler. Then he chuckled. I hope you will see that I am invited inside to hear it," he said good naturedly.

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“Solomon’s Seal” By Bro. David Daehnke Solomon’s Seal (genus Polygonatum ) is a medicinal herb that is native to North America, Europe and Asia. Gardeners and nature lovers know the plant well, for it is easily identifiable and easily cultivated. This hardy perennial has stems of three feet that gracefully curve downward, light green leaves and white bell-shaped flowers which are followed by bluish-black berries. It thrives in a light, well drained, humus rich soil in partial shade. Some gardeners look at Solomon’s Seal as invasive, but it is easily controlled by splitting with a spade.

Solomon's Seal is a very hardy plant. It prefers a light soil and a shady situation, being a native of woods. If grown in a suitable soil and place and not crowded by shrubs, it will thrive and multiply very rapidly by the creeping rootstocks. It will be better for occasional liberal dressings of leaf compost, or an annual top dressing of decayed manure in March.

Seeds, sown as soon as gathered in the autumn, germinate in early spring, or the roots may be divided to any extent. The best time to transplant or part the roots is in autumn, after the stalks decay, but it may safely be done at any time, if taken up with plenty of soil, until they begin to shoot in the spring, when the ground should be dug about them and kept clean from weeds.

They should also have room to spread and must not be removed more than every third or fourth year.

The creeping rootstock, rhizome or underground stem, is thick and white and is lifted in autumn and used in herbal medicine.

Because of the creeping rootstock, the plant multiplies very rapidly. The plant's botanical genus, Polygonatum, refers to the "many-angled" knots on the root or the numerous joints on the stems. Its English name is believed to refer to the flat, round scars on the rootstocks, resembling the impressions of a seal; and when the root is cut transversely, it resembles Hebrew characters, giving rise to the legend that the wise King Solomon, who knew of the virtues of the roots, set his seal upon them.

You can estimate the plant's age by examining the rhizome. Each year the stem leaves a scar, or "seal" on the rhizome. Counting these will give you an idea of how long your plant has been alive.

King Solomon, the son of King David, established Jerusalem as the city of justice and peace. His name reflects the original name of the city, Shalem. Solomon is said to have been given both wisdom and knowledge, this is usually taken to mean wise government, the ability to distinguish morally between good and evil, and a thorough understanding of the universe. "Behold I have given you a wise and understanding heart; there has been none like you before you, nor after you shall any arise like you." (Kings 1, 3, 12) The legend of King Solomon's Seal, of the wondrous signet ring that he received from heaven, is common to Judaism, to Christianity and to Islam. King Solomon's Seal, whose base is 14

on the ground and whose tip reaches heaven, symbolizes a harmony of opposites, whose significance is manifold as much as it is multi-cultural. It reflects the cosmic order, the skies, the movement of the stars in their spheres, and the perpetual flow between heaven and earth, between the elements of air and fire. The Seal, therefore, symbolizes super-human wisdom and rule by divine grace.

The symbol of the hexagram, the star-like figure formed by two triangles, has many connotations, especially when it is enclosed by a circle; super-natural powers have been attributed to it in many parts of the world since ancient times.

Through geometry, in which the Pythagoreans and their followers saw cosmic symbolism, the hexagram and the pentagram became an expression of heaven and its reflection on earth, the divine and its reflection in creation and of the connection between heaven and earth, between the macrocosm and the microcosm, and between spirit and matter.

King Solomon's Seal combines strength and beauty, symbolism and illustrative quality and all within a geometric figure, the most important characteristic of Islamic art. The Muslim artists’ love of geometry allows the true essence of King Solomon's Seal as a symbol of the connection between the two worlds to be expressed; in this context, it symbolizes the link between science, beauty and metaphysics, with elements of medicine and magic, astronomy and astrology, the art of irrigation and its influence on the garden, and the symbolic connection between pleasure gardens and the Garden of Eden, between the sky and architectural domes and on traditional cosmology and its connection to religion.

Solomon’s seal can be found in garden centers throughout the country and will be a graceful addition to any shady garden. It also works well as a contrasting plant to shade loving hosta.

(WB David Daehnke is Past Master of Hawthorne Fortitude Lodge in Ramsey, New Jersey, and is widely known as The Gardening Guru. You can visit his website at www.thegardeningguru.com or read his online gardening publication, Organic Gardens Today at www.organicgardenstoday.com ) TWT

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“The Importance of Good Masonic Ritual”

By Bro. David Browning

“Freemasonry, a beautiful system of morality, veiled in allegory, and illustrated by symbols…” is one of the most well-known and used quotes of our Fraternity. It is through our ritual that this beautiful system of morality is imparted to our candidates and allegories and symbols play an important role in how these moral lessons are conveyed. Ensuring that these fundamental moral lessons are conveyed consistently and that each candidate has the opportunity to learn these moral lessons is the goal of our ritual. It should also be the lofty goal of every brother to ensure that we only practice good Masonic ritual.

reinforce and teach new lessons that are essential for the candidate to learn as he advances his knowledge in Masonry. The catechism is also a reinforcement of the candidates understanding of what he has been through and his opportunity to show that he is willing to labor in quarry to advance in his Masonic career. The coach and the brother being coached each have a responsibility to ensure that this is learned as correctly as possible before returning it in open lodge.

There has been a lot written about Masonic ritual during the history of our Fraternity and yet it is still one of most intriguing subjects to the uninitiated. Our ritual is meant to be symbolic in every aspect with the overall goal “to imprint upon the mind wise and serious truths”. It is during the conferring of the three symbolic degrees that we learn moral lessons about how we should endeavor to live our lives. In many cases these lessons are nothing new, as an immoral man would find it difficult, if not impossible, to make it into our Fraternity. In my humble opinion, it is not the content of these lessons, but rather the manner that they are conveyed to the candidate in such a short period of time, that makes them so powerful and potentially life changing to all who enter our Fraternity.

This is one of the reasons why it is so imperative that our rituals be carried out with dignity and respect and performed as correctly as humanly possible.

The Entered Apprentice degree is a candidate’s first impression of our Fraternity and we should strive to make that impression the best that it can be. We only get one chance to make a good first impression. That impression, if positive, should serve to encourage the new brother to learn his catechism and seek more light in Masonry. That impression, if negative, may cost us a candidate who otherwise may have made us a good Mason. With the ever increasing challenges that we face in attracting new members and maintaining our membership levels we cannot afford is for a new candidate to be so unimpressed with the experience of being initiated that he goes home after Initiation and never darkens the door of the lodge again. I know that this is the worst case scenario; however, it is something that we can all play a part in preventing by ensuring that the degree work that we put on is done to the best of our We have all seen good degree work, and ability. unfortunately, in many cases, we have also seen degree Passing a brother to the degree of Fellow Craft work which is not so good. There is no such thing as a perfect degree. With that said, I feel that every lodge and presents another opportunity for us to show the new brother of our Fraternity has a personal responsibility to brother that he is important to us by working hard and ensure that every degree that they participate in is the best ensuring that this degree is also a good one. During this that it can be. When observing a degree you can always degree the brother is more likely to absorb more of what tell those lodges and brethren who have studied and is occurring during the ritual than he did during his rehearsed their part(s) as opposed to those who go through Initiation as he will hopefully be less nervous than he the motions and put on, at best, a mediocre degree. We was during the preceding degree and has now realized should all do our diligence to ensure that we are never part that these rituals are not meant to embarrass or offend, of a degree that is not the best that we are capable of putting but rather, to teach and impart the moral lessons and knowledge that will allow him to serve our Fraternity on. with honor throughout the rest of his life. Once again, In addition to the actual degree, there is a lecture we hope that the brother will go home following his which accompanies each degree. This lecture, when given Advancement with the same eagerness that he had (Continued on page 17) as it has been passed down through the ages, serves to 16

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Browning- “Good Masonic Ritual” (Continued from page 16) on the night of Initiation and will learn and return his catechism to seek further light in Masonry.

One last ritual which is often overlooked in discussions of our ritual is the conferring of Masonic Rites. The funeral service and the conferring of Masonic Rites is our last opportunity to pay respect to a fallen Brother. In many cases it is also one of the first impressions that many who are unfamiliar with our Fraternity will have. We owe it to the fallen Brother, his family, friends, and loved ones to ensure that we perform this ceremony with the dignity and respect that is earned through a life of devoted service to the Fraternity. In addition, this ceremony is often the catalyst that causes an uninitiated to seek the light of our Fraternity.

Raising a Brother to the Sublime degree of Master Mason is our final opportunity to ensure that we are putting on a good degree and ensure that the Brother learns those final lessons of morality that our symbolic degrees are designed to impart. Unfortunately, there are often many parts of this degree which go unrehearsed until the night of the degree. We can only hope that this does not present major problems during the degree. Our hope should be that the newly raised Master Mason continues his Masonic I hope that you have found this information learning and will also have a strong desire to assist with future degree work hopefully become a line officer and one valuable and that it helps to underscore the importance of ensuring that we only perform good Masonic ritual. day rule and govern over the lodge for a period of time.

I would hate for any of us to ever become aware that a All of our degrees, more especially the Master candidate has decided not to return because we did not Mason degree, are meant to be solemn occasions and thus take our ritual seriously. The rituals of our Fraternity should be performed with the dignity and respect that are have so much to offer and I sincerely hope that you will due to both the candidate and the honor of our Fraternity. join me in ensuring that we give our Masonic ritual the We all should do our part to ensure that our degree work proper level of importance so that we give our candidates can never be compared to a hazing which is often the case and our brethren the best possible experience and impression of our beloved Fraternity. of some fraternal organizations.

TWT

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The Coaches Coach: “Some Light on Masonic Cement” (Part 3 of 6)

By Bro. John Nagy It’s right there before you! – Dr. John S. Nagy When future Masters choose to develop their Masonic Cement they embark on a Journey that enriches Life. This enrichment is not isolated to just themselves. All those whom they encounter thereafter benefit from these efforts too. That’s just the way this development Works. It splashes upon all involved.

Masters know that Masonic Cement is not something that is readily available. It must be developed and then manufactured for it to be available. It is a woeful Mason who makes effort to spread such Cement who has yet to manifest it Properly from the Working Materials he has around him. It’s unfortunate that some Brothers attempt to do this though.

Such efforts are more akin to spreading destructive Trumpery than any other action a man may take. Masters also know that whatever is Built with un-tempered Material will merely add to existing Rubbish. This is why they take great pains in assuring Masonic Cement’s Proper Preparation.

To begin the process, Candidate’s must realize that the Working Materials necessary to manufacture Masonic Cement are already present throughout his Journey. What’s more, these materials are introduced at specific point in his Journey to assure no premature activities. Life presents itself as the first ingredient necessary to this Cement’s creation. The Entry into the Craft presents a second ingredient. The Obligation upon the Altar is a third ingredient. Lastly, the Properly guided Work that a Mason does from the point of his Obligation brings Masonic Cement to fruition. All these Working Materials must be present though for this to occur and, most assuredly, each must be properly presented for all to agree.

Gate. Masons know this because this Working Material being present was one of the conditions of Entry. All Masons and, more importantly, Masonic investigators of Candidates know that Chalk is Symbolic for Freedom. They also know that this Working Material must be present as the true state of any Candidate whom makes effort to Enter into Freemasonry.

The absence of this Working Material makes any Candidate unsuitable, just as the absence of Limestone from the Cement making process would make the rendering of Lime impossible. Its absence is a flaw that makes any Ashlar unsuitable for the Builder’s Use. Being Symbolic for Freedom, the absence of Chalk would make any effort to manufacture Masonic Cement impossible. Masters already know that no Freedom exists without Choice and the ability to exercise this Choice freely. Much like Properly Prepared Chalk, Free Choice is what makes possible the Bond that renders Masonic Cement so firm. Any Cement produced that lacks such Bonds is Rubbish.

Obligation Once a Candidate Enters through the West Gate, he is given an opportunity to take upon himself an Obligation. This is not just any Obligation. It is a Solemn and Binding Obligation of which will guide his future choices.

(If you are sensing the classical elements being alluded to once again, your senses are not imagining this.)

Properly Prepared Chalk must be involved for this to occur. It must be for it to have any hold upon future Choices. Any preparation that is improper will negatively affect the bind that this Obligation has upon the Candidate’s future Choices. An Obligating act is only worthy when it is done supported by a Candidate’s Free Will and Accord.

Entry The Chalk required to manufacture Masonic Cement is present long before any Candidate Enters through the West

To the untrained Mason, this act might appear to have nothing to do with another Working Material – Clay. It’s unfortunate that few Masons (Continued on page 20)

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“Some Light on Masonic Cement” By Bro. John Nagy (Continued from page 19) make the connection between Obligation and Clay. Some Brothers do recall that Clay is Symbolic for Zeal. Few Brothers though take the time to Grasp that no worthwhile Zeal exists without a clearly stated and well-understood Obligation that drives it. Worthwhile Zeal is founded

upon an unwavering Commitment to bring about a result that is highly desired. Clay symbolically directs those individuals who desire specific results. That direction is always provided as an Obligation to that end. In this respect, Clay is also a Symbolic Binding agent necessary for Masonic Cement to have its hold.

Much as the material Clay provides essential components to produce ordinary Cement, Clay as a symbolic Working Material provides essential components in the production of Masonic Cement.

Charcoal It is only after a Candidate has Entered and Obligated himself that what Charcoal represents becomes even more important. It is at this stage that the Symbolic reserves of Charcoal must be ignited and then stoked. These activities help produce the necessary heat required to both transform and properly unite all the other Working Materials involved.

Revisiting this stage to Perpend its necessity would be a Prudent move for both Candidate and Coach. If it doesn’t become clear to a Candidate at first, it should be pointed out to him that unlit Charcoal produces no Work for any man who possesses it. To be useful Charcoal must be ignited. It is only when it is ignited that it can bring about results. It is only after it is lit that what Charcoal represents Symbolically to a Brother, can render Masonic Cement.

More importantly though, it is not the mere igniting of Charcoal that does this. It is the Proper Directing of this ignited Charcoal that produces the results Masons Desire.

it’s merely useless and perhaps even burdensome inventory.

Light is not likely to originate spontaneously. Neither is the knowledge to make Cement. Unless you know how to manufacture Cement through experience or through being told, you are blind to the presence of any raw material necessary to make it. Only knowledgeable people see within their environment the materials necessary to do what must be done. Candidates come into Freemasonry not experienced in either knowing fully what Working Materials are necessary to make Cement or knowing how to Properly Prepare them for use. Instilling this knowledge is part of the focus of the Apprentice Work and the coaching that seasoned Brothers provide.

Information pointing out the Operative Working Materials to make Cement is clearly provided to Brothers at the Apprentice level. What is not revealed though are the reasons for providing these Materials. Masters secretly hope that such provisions lacking Light might spark curiosity within the Candidates, but they already know that it is a rare Brother who takes the time to ask, “why” and has the Fortitude to seek more. It’s unfortunate too since, with very little investigation, further information can be obtained that one can follow to actually make this Cement.

Information pointing out the Speculative Working Materials to which one can make Masonic Cement is also clearly provided to Candidates during their initial Degree.

With further examination, and some well focused Coaching and encouragement, Candidates make the connections necessary to make Masonic Cement.

The initial process for making Masonic Cement involved assuring that Entering Brothers have two necessary Working Materials. Life provides another. The final process that directs the remaining material, ignited Charcoal, is what makes the Masonic Cement possible.

Stages

Proper Preparation Masters know all too well that people require Light to change their views and behaviors toward beneficial ends. This is the nature of beneficial Transformation and this applies toward people doing anything differently for the better. More importantly, for that Light to do any good it must make sense or it’s truly not Light;

Just as ordinary Cement requires special care in its Proper Preparation, Masonic Cement requires due care in its Preparation. Specific guidelines must be adhered to. One example of this is the transformation of Limestone into Lime. Limestone must be heated just enough to release its Carbon Dioxide, but no more. This Divestiture of the Unnecessary Excessive carbon dioxide is critical to making Lime that functions in the manner required for firm bonding. Heat the Limestone

(Continued on page 21)

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“Some Light on Masonic Cement” By Bro. John Nagy (Continued from page 20) too much and it becomes “dead-burn” Lime; a useless material for what is intended.

Masterful Masons recognize the principle at play in this important information. This principle, denoted by “Nothing Too Much” and “Divestiture of Unnecessary Excess”, is so important that it was carved into the walls of Apollo’s Temple at Delphi and it was also carved into Ritual! It’s one of the first principles communicated to Brothers when they Enter into Freemasonry. It represents a specific Point in that Entrance.

It’s also critical in tempering one’s actions in making Masonic Cement and any other worthwhile activity.

If you haven’t gathered what word communicates all this to Candidates, then know that it is “Temperance”. This one word communicates to Candidates the importance of regulating one’s actions to assure that one doesn’t over do even good actions. To assure that Masonic Cement is made Proper, Temperance in a Brother’s actions must be practiced at all times.

How does one learn to practice Temperance?

Temperance is about making Rightful Choices. Just as experience and education helps make available accessible knowledge, making Right Choices helps Direct one’s actions toward Temperate manners. The ability to Choose Freely was determined prior to a Candidate’s Entry. Freely making Rightful Choices is encouraged and further cultivated during the Candidate’s time as an Apprentice.

This cultivation begins with the Candidate Setting his Plumb. This involves uncovering and determining what is most important in Life and, in particular, his Life. From this determination comes a better understanding of what remains as unimportant. This determination of what is important and unimportant is alluded to by the Threshingfloor surrounding the Altar. It was so important an activity that a Checkered Pavement is used in many Lodges to reflect this. Why is it so important? This one activity alone Establishes the firm Foundation upon which all other Apprentice Work is Built.

Once his Plumb is Set, he is further encouraged to take a Moral Inventory. Candidates unfamiliar with Ritual may not immediately recognize this action or the

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encouragement behind it. The clues alluding to it are in the form of a direct Charge to Divest himself of Vices and Superfluities and Invest himself with Virtues. No Candidate can do any of these activities without first knowing what Vices, Superfluities and Virtues are.

Coaches must insist that Candidates explore them thoroughly if these Candidates are to have any success.

Furthermore, Candidates must also know how they apply to himself and have action plans to bring about this much needed Divestment and Investment. It is well understood by Masters that such actions Strengthen a Candidate’s Moral Integrity. Candidates must come to know this too for any future Masonic Cement to have its potential hold.

Along with his Divesting and Investing activities, he is further encouraged by Ritual to Establish specific beneficial Standards and Boundaries. These Limits of Operation provide additional support in both his Establishing Proper Time Management and his Circumscribing and Subduing of Passions and Desires; two activities that enrich Life more fully if done Properly, but more importantly, each activity helps form Strong bonds.

Once Again, the Work committed to by the Candidate is all based upon making Rightful Choices. This is dependent upon his ability to both Choose Freely and Set his Plumb.

Without such basis, the making of Masonic Cement would be nothing but folly. Masonic Cement requires Rightful Choices for its creation.

In time, all these actions assist in bringing about men who know exactly what Choices to make and for all the Right Reasons. Additionally, Candidate skills are further cultivated to judge both their own actions and those of others. Exercising Prudence and Justice becomes effortless for they have already Established a Strong Foundation in which to Work upon.

There are some very beneficial side effects that become evident for those Candidates who do this Apprentice Work.

Candidates become less Burdened by unnecessary activities, things, people and thoughts. They also become Strengthened by practicing necessary Rightful Choices.

Most of all, by taking both more effective and more efficient actions, Candidates have the Fortitude they need to follow through on their initial and future Obligations.

This series 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 22

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“Royal Order of Scotland ” The Royal Order of Scotland is a fascinating group from its known history to its legend, and for invitational, honorary groups it sits towards the top, in my opinion. The hard part is there isn't a lot of information on the group, in comparison to other honorary and invitational groups in Freemasonry.

The Grand Lodge of the Royal Order of Scotland is stationed out of Edinburgh. It has several Provincial Grand Lodges located around the world. According to the Order, the King of Scots is the hereditary Grand Master. In his absence the worldwide order is governed by the Deputy Grand Master and Governor of the Order. At every meeting of the Order during the absence of the King, wherever held, a vacant chair or throne must be placed at the right hand of the presiding officer.

Currently the Deputy Grand Master and Governor is Andrew Bruce, Lord Elgin, 15th Earl of Elgin and 17th Earl of Kincardine. The Provincial Grand Lodges are governed by a Provincial Grand Master, which for the United States of America this is Edward H. Fowler, Jr. The two degrees conferred in this Order are:

of worthy Freemasons who coveted this honour, the Grand Lodge of the Order, when it found it necessary to establish Provincial Grand Lodges elsewhere than in Scotland, granted each Provincial Grand Lodge permission to promote sixty-three Freemasons of the Degree of Heredom to the honour of Knighthood under the Grand Lodge. In some of the Provincial Grand Lodges where the members of Heredom number many hundreds, special powers have been given to increase the number of Knights of the Rosy Cross.

This degree as its name implies deals with many things similar to that seen in the Rose Croix degree of the Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite. This degree is primarily conferred by the Grand Lodge in Edinburgh, but can be conferred by a Provincial Grand Master or his deputy on special occasions.

While the legend takes the Order back to 1314, there exists no records to substantiate such claims. Early records date the Order back to the 18th century Europe. ● Knight of the Rosy Cross It is said to have flourished in France by Scottish refugees who adhered to the Jacobite cause. The Order took roots in England where it grew for some years which then led to its establishing its headquarters in According to tradition, the degree of Heredom of Kilwinning Edinburgh, Scotland, where it has been stationed since that was established in Judea (Palestine), but if this occurred during time.

Activity dwindled down to near extinction in the early the time of the Crusades, tradition in silent. The name 19th century, but in the mid-century there was a resurgence Kilwinning refers to the place where the Order was reestablished by King Robert the Bruce, where he is said to have where Provincial Grand Lodges were established. presided as the first Grand Master.

Originally, membership in the Order was limited to Scotsmen or those of Scottish descent, but later the privilege was The Degree of Heredom of Kilwinning is a peculiarly extended to Master Masons of other nationalities. Today to be interesting Degree and full of instruction to Craft Masons, as in its lectures it explains the symbolism and teaching contained eligible to be invited to this group, one must be a Master Mason in good standing for a minimum of 5-years, be a 32° of in the first three Degrees of what is sometimes referred to as the Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite or Knight Templar of St. John s Masonry. the York Rite, and profess to be a Trinitarian Christian. In The Rosy Cross degree is based on the legend of the Battle of addition, they require that the proposed applicant be one who Bannockburn. On St. John's Day in 1314, this degree was has performed services to the Craft (such as offices held in the created by King Robert the Bruce, who fighting for Scottish various Masonic bodies, or such honors such as KCCH, 33°, independence is said to have received assistance for a group of RCC, or KYCH), their church (such as offices held), and the knights, rumored to have been Knights Templar fleeing the public (helping with youth groups or public service such as inquisition in France and mainland Europe. He conferred this military).

Knighthood upon those who assisted as a reward for their Full References found on website. service. From the Provincial Grand Lodge of the USA's website (http://www.roosusa.org) : ● Heredom of Kilwinning

The number on whom the Knighthood might be conferred was limited to sixty-three, but in years, owing to the large number 23

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“The Noble Guide�

by Bro. Eugenio Rosado

The Noble Guide led me to the East.

We stopped before the bright sun, and the Moon was behind us.

Then, he drew from his garment, tools made of pure gold, and placed them on the palm of my hands.

He vested me with a white apron.

He said: Go and build temples.

Do not use corrupt materials.

If you do, you will lose everything you have been given.

He forewarned me: Never give or divulge the words that are now recorded in your heart.

Never break the covenant you have entered into.

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