Chilton County Ashlar Fall 2012 by Mike Welborn

CHILTON COUNTY ASHLAR CLANTON MASONIC LODGE 423

PRESERVING THE PAST, SERVING THE PRESENT, PREPARING THE FUTURE

Volume 1 Number 3

PRESERVING THE PAST SERVING THE PRESENT PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE

F all 2012

IN THIS ISSUE From the Worshipful Master ....................................................................................................... 2 Scouting and Freemasonry .......................................................................................................... 3 Can a Stated Communication Be Interesting and Fun? ............................................................... 5 Events .......................................................................................................................................... 8 Clanton Lodge #423 to Host Lodge Birthday Celebration ......................................................... 11 The Level and the Square ........................................................................................................... 12

The Chilton County Ashlar is a quarterly publication edited and produced entirely by Clanton Masonic Lodge #423 located in Clanton, Alabama.

For information on how to subscribe or how to advertise, please contact the Clanton Lodge 423: Clanton Masonic Lodge 423 P. O. Box 2471

Clanton, Alabama 35045 http://clanton423.org

All articles must be submitted by the 15th of every month in order to be printed the the current newsletter webmaster@clanton423.org

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FALL 2012

By Order of the Worshipful Master Jim Ray, Worship Master Brethren, Thanks so much for the confidence that you have placed in me by electing me Worshipful Master for the coming year. It is a great honor for me to hold this position, and I’ll do my best to be a good leader. Andy Ellison has done a great job this past year through his excellent leadership and thoughtful planning. As a group we accomplished quite a lot. My goal is to build on these good works. It is no secret that the membership in many fraternal organizations has declined gradually over the last twentyfive years. Our lodge is no exception, and we are in need of new members that will take an active role in the work and management of our lodge. Our focus this year will be to bring more light to the lodge’s good works and to share information about masonry. We trust that the information sharing will reward us with increased interest in masonry and some new members. We will also explore areas where we can expand our support to the neediest in our county. Most of you know that we have been researching what other lodges are doing that is working for them. One of the most exciting sources we have uncovered is a program sponsored by the Masonic Service Organization call the “Mark Twain Award”. Participating lodges submit an application outlining their good works. These applications include items and activities that fit exactly with our goals of bringing more light to our good works and creating an interest in our organization. The senior officers and I will be reviewing the research material shortly. Following this first meeting we will be bringing our recommendations to the entire group of lodge officers for discussion. One topic that has received very little discussion is our guidelines for smoking in the lodge. We are working on a revision that can be satisfactory to all concerned. We will be bringing this topic to the brethren for discussion during July. Mike Wellborn is doing a great job with the website and our text communications, so it is much easier for everyone to stay abreast of the activities of the lodge. If you have not been to the lodge lately, we’re asking that you come down and enjoy a meeting. We eat at 6:30 P.M. and the meeting starts at 7:00 P.M. Visit with some old friends and meet some new ones. Fraternally, Jim Ray

CHILTON COUNTY ASHLAR

Scouting and Freemasonry http://www.theeducator.ca/ Scouting and Freemasonry are independent worldwide Movements, both founded on moral principles and there are many parallels between the two Movements. The first of these, and the foremost membership requirement of each Movement, is that those who join must profess a belief in a Supreme Being. By not requiring a member’s Supreme Being to be specifically the Christian understanding of God, both Scouting and Freemasonry became attractive to people from around the World. And each also became a place where people of different faiths could meet in fellowship and harmony, with shared moral values, despite the religious, social, cultural and national differences. The second moral principle shared by the two Movements is service to others. Each Movement expresses this value in its own way. Freemasonry requires every new member, or initiate, to pledge themselves that they are prompted to solicit by a sincere wish to render themselves more extensively serviceable to their fellow creatures. Later in their Masonic progression, on being raised to the third degree, the Freemason takes an obligation that is largely concerned with service to others. Scouting teaches services to others in its Promise and Law. A Scout promises to help other people (‘no matter what Country, Class or Creed the other may belong’). The third moral principle they have in common is to look after and develop oneself. Again this is expressed in different terms. In Scouting, one learns to always “Do your best” and to “Be Prepared”, and to develop young people in achieving their full physical, intellectual, social and spiritual potential so that they may take a constructive place in society. Freemasonry offers personal development in the form of a spiritual, but not religious journey. The degree structure and ritual of Freemasonry emphasizes the Mason’s growth as he progresses from ignorance to enlightenment. In progressing from the first to the second degree, the Entered Apprentice Freemason learns that Freemasonry is described as “A peculiar system of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols.” This beguiling explanation simply means that Freemasonry has a dedicated moral code, and communicates this through stories and symbols. Scouting undoubtedly has its own moral code, expresses in the Scout Law. BadenPowell used stories, or yarns to communicate his messages especially in his “ritual book – Scouting for Boys” and have used symbols, especially in its uniform, badges and emblems. The Freemason’s first degree obligation requires a Candidate to make a promise, in the presence of the Supreme Being and the members of the Lodge, “to keep their honour and to obey a moral code”, and Freemasonry’s commitment to charity and Brotherly love parallels the Scout Promise to help other people. There are two other rather more visible parallels between Scouting and Freemasonry. Both use handshakes different from those in normal everyday use. Scouts greet each other with a left handshake, which was chosen to be distinctive from the right to allow Scouts to identify each other. Freemasonry’s system of handshakes is linked to the degree to which a Mason belongs. The handshake is a means to recognizing another Freemason of the same degree and “Serves to distinguish a brother by night as well as by day”

FALL 2012 The second of these visible parallels is the system of salutes. Scouts salute with three fingers, representing the three pats of the Scout Promise, which are: * Duty to God and Country * Help other people * Keep the Scout Law Freemasons use a complex system of salutes being physical expressions of the Craft. The initiate becomes an Entered Apprentice on taking his first Obligation, a Fellowcraft on being passed to the second degree and a Master Mason on being raised to the third degree. At each point he takes an obligation “restricted to that degree”. Thereafter he may make further progress by becoming Master of his Lodge. Scouting is also built on a system of progression Firstly a six year old joins as a Beaver Scout, followed on as a Cub Scout and then a Scout and at the age of fourteen an Explorer Scout and at all these stages reinforcing their personal development and values and principles of Scouting. The final stage of development being as the Scout Leader of the Troop or Section. Freemasonry bestows honours upon its members for valued service. Within a private Lodge the highest honour that can be bestowed is that of Master of the Lodge. Provincial Grand Lodges appoint worthy Masons to Provincial Grand Rank at different grades. Grand Lodges bestow Grand Rank at similar grades to Provincial Grand Rank. Scouting also recognizes adult good service over many years by bestowing one of four awards, namely the Chief Scout’s Commendation for Good Service, the Medal of Merit (for outstanding service), the Silver Acorn (for specially distinguished service) and the Silver Wolf (for service of the most exceptional nature). An interesting parallel is that of diversity. Of the six areas of diversity (Age, Disability, Gender, Sexuality, Race, Religion or Belief), Scouting and Freemasonry have similar approaches. Both Movements have a membership that comprises people from different races, religions and beliefs and both require members to believe in a Supreme Being. Both Movements take active steps to accommodate disabled members. Both have lower age limits, but no upper age limits, for membership. A coincidental parallel is that, in the UK, both Movements have, in a senior position, H.R.H. The Duke of Kent, KG, who is both the Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of England and the President of the Scout Association, Indeed, he is the latest in a long line of Royal patrons who have endorsed the work of both Movements since their earliest days. The final parallel is one that can only really be appreciated by someone who has been a member of both movements. Scouting has given us our moral basis, the values and code that have been sought throughout our lives. It gives us a sense of belonging and purpose through difficult stages of our childhood and adolescence. From Scouting, we learn responsibility, self reliance and the importance of service to others. Freemasonry has given us a vehicle through which we can develop our understanding of those same values. It has enabled us to develop our sense of purpose and to build and inner strength and resilience. – Scouting and Freemasonry: two parallel Movements Taken from the Web Site, (introductory Page) for “Be Prepared Lodge” #9845 U.G.L.E.

CAN A STATED COMMUNICATION BE INTERESTING AND FUN? By Rod Larson, PGM Minnesota http://www.themasonictrowel.com

What an outrageous idea, having fun and doing interesting things at a stated meeting! The stated is a business meeting and the agenda given in the Minnesota Code is very specific. You have to do the opening, read the minutes, read investigating reports, vote on petitions, review old business, talk about new business, read the letters, pay the bills and close the meeting. This doesn't show any place where you are supposed to do something fun or interesting! Besides, having fun is for the Shriners, it must be un足Masonic to have fun in a Blue Lodge. (Author's Note: Before going further I want to point out that the last paragraph is intended to be humorous. I say this because there are Masons in Minnesota who believe that the things said above are true. There are many other Masons who know that those statements are not true, but that is just the way things are done. And then there are those who are not quite sure, but who want to stay on the safe side 足 so they do as they were told the code says and no more.) Point number 1. There is nothing in the Masonic Code that prohibits fun and interesting activities at a stated meeting! Ted: "True, but there is nothing in the code that says you must make the meetings interesting. And we have our traditions余 our meetings have never been fun or interesting!" Ned: "Also there is nothing that tells how to make a meeting fun or interesting." Fred: "Besides, no one comes to the meetings anyway. Why bother trying to make them interesting?" Ed: "Hey guys, maybe someone would show up if they thought they could have a good time!" Jed: "Oh yeah, look at that agenda. How could anyone enjoy going through that?" Point number 2. The agenda listed in the Masonic Code is "suggested." Items can be moved around, added or even deleted if the Worshipful Master thinks it is appropriate to do so. Let's consider a typical meeting "done according to code." After the opening (including pledge of allegiance and greeting visitors) the W.M. and Sec. have a dialog that could last an hour. The minutes are read, petitions are read, investigating reports are read, the ballot box is passed, communications are read, bills are read and paid. After this the officers of the Lodge stand up one at a time and discuss the items of old and new business that concern them.

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This involves long discussions about whether to buy a new hook for the outhouse door or try to straighten the old one, who should be in charge of replacing the light bulb in the kitchen, etc. all very important matters for keeping the Lodge running, but not very exciting. What can be done to get a little excitement into this meeting? Well, for starters, the officers (including the W.M. and the Sec.) can hold an officers' meeting before the stated and get the routine things out of the way. Then when the meeting is ready to open, start looking for ways to break the routine. The W.M. can invite a Past Master or a visitor or even a sideliner to take the Master's chair or any other chair. Someone might write a special prayer, or one can be taken from an old Masonic book. There are even prayers that have been set to music (Burns, Morris, Kipling, etc.). If you can't find a soloist, try having everyone join together to sing or recite the prayer. On special occasions (flag day, the 4th, veterans day, etc) you may get a special color guard to present the flag. If the color guard is composed of nonMasons, the W.M. can "Declare the Lodge at recess for the purpose of public presentation." like we do for a public installation or Memorial Service (Masonic Manual page 140). In fact, the Lodge can be left at recess for nearly everything else that is on the normal agenda. (This will be discussed later.) After the visitors have left the W.M. can "Call the Lodge from recess." and the meeting can continue. To make the introductions different: Have Past Masters stand and announce their name and the year they were Junior Deacon. Have members announce the date they were initiated or raised. Have visitors tell how many miles they traveled. Give an apple (or a banana, or a prune!) to the oldest (calendar or Masonic age) person present. Sing Happy Birthday to the person whose birthday is nearest to the meeting date. Everyone enjoys being recognized use your imagination to find reasons for calling attention to the sideliners. Give them a chance to talk too. If the sideliners have so much to say that you have to drop some of the routine business hurrah. (Author's Note: Wouldn't it be great to have a stated meeting where there was so much happening among the members and visitors that you never got around to reading the minutes and they had to be carried over to the next meeting?) (Another Note from the Author: To properly talk about putting some variety into the rest of the agenda, let's agree on some abbreviations. First, most of the remaining items on the agenda are routine, ordinary, Standard Old Business items let's call them "SOB's". What we want to do is introduce some Interesting Variety let's call those things "IVs". Now, back to the meeting.) The Lodge is open and introductions have been done. What next? Consider all of the SOB's that have to be taken

CHILTON COUNTY ASHLAR

CAN A STATED COMMUNICATION BE INTERESTING AND FUN? By Rod Larson, PGM Minnesota From Page 6

care of minutes, petitions, reports, votes, bills. Try this rule: Put an IV in behind every SOB! For example. Have the secretary read the minutes of the last stated communication (an SOB). Then have the Senior Warden read that note from brother Zed down in Texas (an IV). Then the secretary can read the minutes of the Master Mason Degree (an SOB) and the new Master Masons can be introduced, giving each one a chance to tell where he works, how many kids he has, where he likes to fish , etc. (an IV). Next, let's suppose there is one petition (an SOB). Have the top signer read it (a small IV) and then (since the petition says so little about the man) have the top signer tell the Lodge about the man he is sponsoring (a big IV). Next there is an investigating committee report (this may be an IV in some Lodges) and the balloting. If there is only one person to be voted on, the balloting is a piece of variety, but when there are four or five then they get pretty repetitious and something has to be done in between ballots. Suppose we have voted on two candidates. Neither one is an SOB, but it is time for an IV. The Education Committee Chairman stands up and reads parts of the latest MSA bulletin (every Lodge in Minnesota gets this publication). Next the Lodge votes on two more candidates and then the Lodge Historian stands up and reads parts of the Lodge minutes from 50 years ago tonight. One more ballot, on a brother who wants to affiliate, and the W.M declares the Lodge at recess for a public ceremony. The DeMolay Chapter Dad brings in the members of the Chapter and members of the Mother's Club (they were told when to be there and you did not keep them waiting). He introduces them, and the boys proceed to put on part of their degree work. The W.M. presents the DeMolay Chapter with a $50 donation from the Lodge, to be used for Annual Conclave expenses. The DeMolays and mothers are then invited to take seats on the sidelines and observe what goes on at a Masonic meeting! (One More Author's Note: What is this stuff about women and boys being at a Masonic Meeting? Please note that the Lodge is at recess, like it is at a public installation or a memorial service. As long as no item of "Masonic business" is discussed and the signs and knocks are not used, it is permissible for nonsecret and public business to be conducted in the presence of nonMasons.) (Author's Note cont.: What is "Masonic business" and how is it different from "public business"? Masonic business is anything relating to the "secrets" of Masonry signs, passwords, obligations, the form of the degrees, the Legend of the Third Degree, the ballot and items of Masonic confidentiality between a man and the Lodge. Under the last item are included petitions, unMasonic conduct charges, reprimands, Masonic trials, charity to a needy brother, etc.) (Conclusion of Author's Note: At our hypothetical meeting the new petitions and the balloting have been finished and I am assuming that the rest of the business is of the public variety, so the guests can be in the Lodge. The W.M. should warn the brothers not to salute while the guests are there and he should be careful not to use his gavel!)

The next item of business is a report from the Trustees (SOB). Then the W.M. presents a certificate of recognition to brother Ted for being the most enthusiastic member of the Lodge during the past six months (IV). (Another Author's Note: INVENT reasons to recognize and reward brothers! In a volunteer organization this is the only pay that a person gets.) The Membership Committee then reports on their plans for the Friendship Night program (SOB), followed by the

EVENTS

FALL 2012

SEPTEMBER EVENTS 1 3 4 10 12 18 19 24 26

Clanton 423 BBQ Labor Day Clanton 423 Regular Communication Maplesville 706 Regular Communication Stanley Cost 411 Regular Communication Clanton 423 Regular Communication Chilton/Shelby Degree Team Practice Maplesville 706 Regular Communication Stanley Cost 411 Regular Communication

OCTOBER EVENTS 2 8 10 16 17 22 24

Clanton 423 Regular Communication Maplesville 706 Regular Communication Stanley Cost 411 Regular Communication Clanton 423 Regular Communication Chilton/Shelby Degree Team Practice Maplesville 706 Regular Communication Stanley Cost 411 Regular Communication

NOVEMBER EVENTS 6 11 12 14 20 21 22 26 28

Clanton 423 Regular Communication Veterans Day Maplesville 706 Regular Communication Stanley Cost 411 Regular Communication Clanton 423 Regular Communication Chilton/Shelby Degree Team Practice Thanksgiving Maplesville 706 Regular Communication Stanley Cost 411 Regular Communication

DECEMBER EVENTS 4 10 12 17 19 24 25 26

Clanton 423 Lodge Birthday/Open Lodge Maplesville 706 Regular Communication Stanley Cost 411 Regular Communication Clanton 423 Regular Communication Chilton/Shelby Degree Team Practice Maplesville 706 Regular Communication Christmas Day Stanley Cost 411 Regular Communication

CHILTON COUNTY ASHLAR

CAN A STATED COMMUNICATION BE INTERESTING AND FUN? By Rod Larson, PGM Minnesota From Page 7

District Representative awarding a 20year certificate to brother Fred (IV). (One More Author's Note: You can buy blank certificates for anything you want!) The Building Committee report (SOB) is followed by a report from the DeMolay Mother's Club (IV). Under new business there is a discussion of a request for a glucose monitor followed by a show of hands vote to approve the purchase (IV). The W.M. then leads a discussion on a proposal by the Program Chairman to hold a family camping weekend in June (IV). Someone notices that the W.M. has removed his top hat and is wearing a fishing hat (IV). He explains that he wore that hat at the family outing last year and he hoped it would help people remember the good time we had. (Final Author's Note: If you don't have enough SOB's to fit between all the IVs don't worry. Just be sure to get the IVs in!) The W.M. puts his top hat back on and finally lets the Sec. read the bills (SOB). The vote is taken with raised hands but no gavel (IV?). The Sec. is then allowed to read any interesting communications (excluding Masonic business of course). The W.M. thanks the guests for attending and requests that the Stewards conduct them to the fellowship room for refreshments, indicating to the guests that the Lodge is going to be closed and the Masons will join them in five minutes (tell the truth!). After the guests have departed the W.M. declares the Lodge called from recess and proceeds to close. A point to keep in mind when using IVs they should be "interesting variations" from the routine. If something is done too often as an IV it will become routine in itself. The officers should hold brain storming sessions to think up new ways to make the meetings fun and interesting. The ideas used above are only a starter kit. Each Lodge should build a file of ideas. Maybe even put in a suggestion box for the brothers to use. IVs can be small (like wearing a different hat), medium sized (giving an award, special flag presentation, singing the prayer), large (a tenminute program on a Masonic topic, a special film, one of the many Masonic skits available from Grand Lodge), extra large (an annual memorial service with relatives invited, "Finn" night or Norsk, Svensk, etc. when the work or business is conducted in a different language), and even SUPER (hold the whole meeting in Table Lodge format with meal, have a family pot luck supper with special entertainment and the men go up for a 1/2 hour business meeting during the show or during a break). The challenge in using IVs is not in thinking them up, since we all know how to have fun. The challenge is in figuring out how to use them in the Lodge. As Masons we have a long tradition that tells us we should hold boring meetings we have to change this bad habit. When speculative Masonry began the meetings were all held at the "festive board" and the purpose of the meetings was to enjoy the fellowship that Masonry offered. Business was done only to the extent that it made the fellowship possible. We still proclaim the same purpose but we tend to take the easy way and we substitute form for purpose, ritual for fellowship, tradition for happiness, and we have suffered from the change. If we bring the fun, friendship and fellowship back into the Lodge, we will find members, old and new, following behind. IV STARTER KIT RULE: The size of an IV depends on how many people are involved in doing it. SMALL IVS

FALL 2012 Having someone different read the prayer or give the "Charge at Closing" Having a past master or guest or sideliner do the opening Having someone other than the secretary read the minutes, communications, etc. Have a new member tell about himself then have an old member tell about himself Have someone tell a Masonic joke Have top line signer read the petition and tell the Lodge about the person he is sponsoring Five minute reading from an MSA bulletin Read from the Lodge minutes from 50 years ago MEDIUM IVS Giving an award Special flag presentation Singing the prayer at opening or closing Have someone read a Masonic poem "Introductions" by year of raising. Introduce past masters and have them give year they were a J.D. have visitors tell mileage to Lodge Give an apple to the oldest Mason Sing Happy Birthday LARGE IVS A Masonic educational skit (the Grand Secretary has them) a special film a ten足minute program on some Masonic topic Have everyone shake hands with everyone in the Lodge room Part of DeMolay or Job's work done in Lodge Presenting, in the Lodge, a scholarship or cash award to a person or group Have a representative from another fraternal group (masonic or non足masonic) come to the meeting and give a talk Special recognition for all the Masons who were raised this month EXTRA LARGE IVS Annual memorial service Finn night (Norsk, Svensk, Railroad, Telephone, etc.) Having non足masonic guests in for part of the meeting SUPER SIZE IVS Table Lodge format for a stated Family potluck with the stated "slipped in" Special entertainment night for the family

CHILTON COUNTY ASHLAR

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Clanton Lodge to Host Lodge Birthday Party By Brother Mike Welborn

Many years ago, Clanton Lodge #423 used to host an annual Christmas party complete with Santa Clause and toys for the children. This year, Clanton Lodge will revive this lost tradition and do so with a twist! On December 4, 1877, Clanton Lodge was issued it's charter from the Grand Lodge of Alabama, F&AM. This year, on the lodge's 135th birthday, Clanton Lodge will once again host an open lodge. Potluck dinner will begin at 6 pm with open lodge at 7 pm. Pretty standard stuff? WAIT! This year, Clanton Lodge will find at least one needy family and provide toys for the children for Christmas and a complete Christmas dinner for the entire family! Now that's a way to celebrate a Masonic Birthday! After all it is better to GIVE than receive! Come on out and join in our festivities!

The Level and The Square

FALL 2012

Dr. Rob Morris, LLD, Masonic Poet Laureate 18181888 WE MEET UPON THE LEVEL, AND WE PART UPON THE SQUARE, What words of precious meaning those words Masonic are! Come, let us contemplate them; they are worthy of a thought, With the highest and the lowest and the rarest they are fraught. We meet upon the Level, though from every station come The King from out his palace and the poor man from his home; For the one must leave his diadem without the Mason's door, And the other finds his true respect upon the checkered floor. We part upon the square, for the world must have its due; We mingle with its multitude, a cold, unfriendly crew; But the influence of our gatherings in memory is green, And we long, upon the level, to renew the happy scene. There's a World where all are equal,—we are hurrying towards it fast, We shall meet upon the level there when the gates of death are past; We shall stand before the Orient, and our Master will be there, To try the blocks we offer by His own unerring Square. We shall meet upon the level there, but never thence depart; There's a Mansion,— 'tis all ready for each zealous, faithful heart; There's a Mansion, and a welcome, and a multitude is there, Who have met upon the level and been tried upon the square. Let us meet upon the level, then, while laboring patient here, Let us meet and let us labor, tho' the labor seem severe; Already in the western sky the signs bid us prepare To gather up our working tools and part upon the square. Hands round, ye faithful Ghibilimites, the bright, fraternal chain; We part upon the square below, to meet in Heaven again! O what words of precious meaning those words Masonic are, WE MEET UPON THE LEVEL, AND WE PART UPON THE SQUARE.

Used with permission from Phoenix Masonic Museum and Library 足 http://www.phoenixmasonry.org/main