Volume 9, Issue 2
November–December 2009
Mariner’s Lighthouse Dedicated to the Memory of RWB Charles H. Frampton, PDDGM THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF MARINER LODGE NO. 2, AFM WINNER, H. DWIGHT MCALISTER AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN MASONIC JOURNALISM 2001 & 2005
2009 Officers Worshipful Master David A. “Dave” Heins 843.303.0805; regnar275@yahoo.com Senior Warden Thomas H. “Tom” Lewis, Jr. 843.708.5365 thlwm2010@gmail.com Junior Warden Richard C. “Rick” Ivey 843.343.6700 ivey.rc@gmail.com Treasurer John E. “Jack” Daniels, PDDGM 843.708.3456 jackdaniels07@hotmail.com Secretary Michael C. “Mike” Henslee, PM 843.276.6768 mhenslee03@comcast.net Senior Deacon Thomas A. “Tom” McQueary 843.303.1442 tate.mcqueary@gmail.com Junior Deacon Mark Beasley, PM 843.469.2577 acmeprototype@yahoo.com Steward James M. “Matt” Jenkins 843.819.6336 Steward Ashley Neboschick 843.469.3171 ashley.neboschick@navy.mil Tiler Dewayne Miles 843.296.6198 Chaplain Herbert S. “Herb” Goldberg, PDDGM 843.766.3516; hstrudel@aol.com Marshal Lloyd F. “Curly” Christopher, PGMar 843.571.2709 after-burner@comcast.net Marshal Emeritus George L. Seyle, PSGD 843.766.5698 Historian O.M. “Skip” Owen, PM 843.556.4359; skipowen@knology.net News Editor Evan H. Wiskoff 843.327.4995; ewiskoff@gmail.com Physician Carey E. “Doc” Capell 843.377.5088; capellc1@citadel.edu
M a s o n i c
H i s t o r y - M a c k e y ' s
Albert Gallatin Mackey 32° This American Scholar and Sage joined this world in March of 1807. He was raised to the celestial lodge above on June 2oth 1881. He was a well known medical doctor and author of many books, and articles, most of which focused on Freemasonry. His writing where both esoteric and factual regarding the history, sciences and subtle symbol logy of the craft. A Charleston S.C. native, Dr. Mackey was Initiated, Passed and Raised in Saint Andrews Lodge # 10 right here in Charleston in 1841. He was crowned sovereign grand inspector General 33° of the Southern jurisdiction the Ancient and accepted Scottish Rite. Among many of Mackey's writings was his great Lexicon of Freemasonry. This massive volume addresses many phrases and rituals practiced within Masonry. An order as ancient and symbolic as our fraternity is ripe with obscure phrases and misunderstood symbols and rituals. For this year ends Masonic history portion or our publication and many times hereafter, we
L I G H T During prayer and the food is blessed at a Masonic event, some of the wording states, "Keep us ever mindful of the needs of others." What a powerful request to the Great Architect of the Universe. Just look around you and you will see many of these requests are being granted. We are therefore being reminded of the needs of others everyday, espe-
will allow Mackey's educated experience and wisdom to provide Historic and Masonic answers to what may be all of your questions…...Brothers, welcome to Mackey's Obscura! Acacian—A term derived from axaxia, “innocent,” and signifying a Mason, who, by living in strict obedience to the obligations and precepts of the fraternity, is free from sin. First used, I believe, by the Hutchinson. Androgynous Masonry—Degrees imitative of masonry, which have been instituted for the initiation of males and females, so called from two Greek words signifying man and woman. They where first established in France in the year 1730. under the name of “lodges of adoption”. In America there are several androgynous degrees, such as the Good Samaritan, the heroine of Jericho, and the Mason's daughter. Balustre—All documents issued by the Sovereign Inspectors or Supreme Councils of the 33°, Ancient Scotch rite, are called “Balustres.” Benac—A corrupted form of a Hebrew word signifying “the builder.”
O b s c u r a ! Chapiter—An ornamental finish to the top of a pillar. Consecration—When a new lodge is formed, it is necessary that it should be hallowed or consecrated to the purposes of masonry. The ceremonies on this occasion vary in different countries. They are detailed in all the Monitors. Copestone—The topmost stone in a building; the last laid, as the foundation stone is the first. “To celebrate the copestone," is to celebrate the completion of the edifice, a custom still observed by operative Masons. Cotytto, Mysteries of—These mysteries were instituted in Thrace, and passed over into Greece and Rome, where they where known as the rites of the Bona Dea. They where celebrated by females alone, and were conducted with so much secrecy that their ceremonies are entirely unknown. Jacques De Molay—The celebrated Grand Master of the Knights Templar at the time of their suppression by Philip the Fair and Pope Clement V. De Molay was elected Grand Master in 1297, and suffered martyrdom by being burnt to death on the 18th of March, 1314.
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cially now with the economy in such poor condition. Here in the United States, with an abundance of everything, we see so many suffering citizens standing in Soup Kitchen lines, standing in line at Crises Ministries or other homeless shelters, lying on sidewalks at night in many cities or just pan-handling. How is this possible here in our coun-
try where our government sends billions of dollars overseas to other countries to assist their poor and hungry people. Shouldn't we look after our own citizens first?
As the prayer says, "needs of others," does "others" mean other than Masons or does it mean other than Cont. page 3
Page II
Mariner’s Lighthouse
W i s d o m
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Brethren,
what they have seen.
As we close out this Masonic year, I wanted to take this final opportunity to personally thank all of the brethren for their dedication and hard work. Having been a grateful member prior to being this lodge’s Master, it is gratifying to see the same faces towing the line as well as the new faces taking up positions for the work we do.
We have raised numerous new brothers this year and we have visited many lodges upon the trowel to spread Mariner`s brotherly love and affection. We have also had visitors from many other lodges this year and were allowed to show them how Mariner performs its work. David Heins works for AC’s Bar & Grill as Kitchen Manager. He is the Current Worshipful Master for 2009. He resides in James Island, SC.
The Officers have performed admirably as is proven by the fraternal love we have received from the Grand Lodge this year. The Grand Lodge Officers who have attended our meet2009 Master of the Year. ings and degree work have been delighted to say the least by
First Annual Award .
P a y
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We all should know about the children of Israel’s 40 years in the wilderness prior to crossing the Jordan River into the Promise Land. But do you know why it was 40 years? Upon their first arrival at the river, the Lord ordered Moses to send scouts into the land of Canaan to explore it and report back. Twelve scouts were sent, one from each of the twelve tribes. When they returned they report of the beauty and plenty found there, but eleven were afraid of the people who occupied the land. Only Caleb from the tribe of Judah believed and trusted in the Lord. This angered God! His chosen people still had not learned to trust in Him; that He would deliver them.
c r a f t s m a n
Most gratifying of all however, has been the way our Lodge and the Fraternity as a whole has come together to help our esteemed Brother “Tony” Boosinger. Spearheaded by Worshipful Brother Bobby Pennington Jr and his son, WB Bobby Pennington III, our fraternity has been able to help
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He ordered His nation to wander through the wilderness until all who had explored the land and their descendants over the age of twenty had passed – all but Caleb. The number of 40 years was determined by one year for each of the days the scouts were in the land of Canaan (Numbers 14: 34). Read the entire account of these events – Numbers – Chapters 13 and 14. Read the Great Light daily – it is the GAOTU’s true Word!
Charleston County Masonic Association (CCMA) will increase the per capita from $24.00 a year to $50.00 a year – over a 100% increase. Due to this fact and per our bylaws, annual dues for Mariner Lodge will increase from $5.84 per month ($70.00 annually) to $8.34 per month ($100.00 annually). Also, many of you may not know, forty year life members who completed the 40 years after 2003, the lodge pays a threequarter per capita. This will also increase from $18.00 a year to $37.50 per year. Thank you in advance for your understanding and continual support.
————————————————— WB Michael C. Henslee, PM Secretary of Mariner Lodge #2
My Brothers, Shortly you will be receiving dues notices for 2010. Beginning January 1, 2010, the
M a c key ' s `
O b s c u r a
C o n t i n u e s !
Marshal—An Officer common to several masonic bodies, whose duty is to regulate processions and other public solemnities. Martinism—A rite or modification of masonry, instituted at Lyons, in France, towards the end of the last century, by the Marquis de St. Martin. St. Martin was a disciple of Paschalis, the rite established by whom, in 1754, he attempted to reform. The degrees in Martin’s rite were ten, divided into two classes or temples. The first temple comprised the degrees of Apprentice, Fellow Craft, Master, Ancient Master, Elect, Grand Architect, and Master of the Secret. The degrees of the second temple were Prince of Jerusalem, Knight of Palestine, and Knight Kadosh. Martinism extended from Lyons into principal cities of France, Germany, and even Russia. Melchisedek—King of Salem, and a Priest of the Most High God, of whom all that we know is to be found in the passages of Scripture read at the conferring of the degree of High Priesthood. Some theologians have supposed him to have been Shem, the son of Noah. Philosophic Lodge—The degree of Knights of the Sun is sometimes thus styled. Saint John’s Masonry—A term used like “Ancient Craft Masonry,” to designate the three primitive degrees. They are so styled by the Grand Lodge of Scotland. “The Grand Lodge of Scotland practices no degrees of masonry but those of Apprentice, Fellow-Craft, and Master Mason, denominated St. John’s Masonry.”
More of Mackey`s Wisdom in Next Issue.
Volume 9, Issue 2
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this distressed worthy brother and delight in his strong and speedy recovery. Now we must prepare for the upcoming Masonic year. As always we will be having the Annual Officer Installation & Banquet to both open the new year and close out the preceding one. This banquet will celebrate a great year. We will instill new officers this year and challenge them as always to confer our degrees in the most excellent way that our Lodge historically has done. I wanted to personally congratulate WB Bobby Pennington Jr. as he received from the Masters & Wardens Club, Mason
David Heins works for AC’s Bar & Grill as Kitchen Manager. He is the Current Worshipful Master for 2009. He resides in James Island, SC.
E a s t !
of the Year for the 1st Masonic District. His assistance in the lodge with his beautiful and articulated lectures have made him more than worthy of this award. Also I wanted to thank all the members of Mariner for making my year as Master of this Lodge one of the greatest years of my life. I wish all of Mariner a happy and healthy holiday. I look forward to 2010 when we return.
Fraternally, David A. Heins, Worshipful Master
2009 Master of the Year. Mariner Lodge #2 (2009) First Annual Award .
Physicians Corner STROKES can occur at any age. Usually an artery carrying blood to the brain clots off, starving part of the brain and causing loss of control of some body functions. The damage can be partial or complete, temporary or permanent. Treatment right after symptoms begin greatly improves the chance of limiting damage. If you think you may be having a stroke, get to an ER immediately!
L I G H T
Symptoms of Stroke: Sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm or leg on one side Loss of speech, trouble talking or understanding speech Sudden dimness or loss of vision, particularly in one eye Sudden, severe headache Unexplained dizziness; unstable walking or falling
level under control. Limit the alcohol you drink. Quit smoking (or don't ever start). Some can benefit from low-dose aspirin (81 mg);discuss with your doctor.
Preventing Stroke:
Follow your doc's advice to control blood pressure. Avoid high-cholesterol, high-fat foods; eat less sodium (salt).
F R O M T H E C H A P L A I N ( C O N T . )
yourself? Does it really matter which? Whether the needy are Masons or not, it is our Masonic duty to provide Charity to all who request it. Remember that Charity is the Bond of Peace and the Perfection of every Virtue as stated in our closing prayer. Keep all this in mind the next time you hear, " Keep us ever mindful of the needs of others. Herbert S. Goldberg, PDDGM, PM Chaplain
If you have diabetes, keep your blood sugar
The lord is my rock and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, whose “strength in whom I will trust; my buckler and the horn of my salvation and my high tower.
Carey Capell is the Head Surgeon for the Citadel, a military college located in downtown Charleston. He is a retired Colonel in the Air Force and resides in Charleston, SC.
Strength From The West until the 19th century, the great majority of people were illiterate. Given that the ritual uses a great many archaic words that many modern brethren are unfamiliar with and may thus mispronounce or misinterpret, it’s easy to see how over the centuries rituals in places separated geographically may inadvertently have evolved and drifted apart.
Innovation Noun Noun -- The The act act of of innovating; innovating; introduction introduction of of 1. 1. something new, in customs, rites, etc. something new, in customs, rites, etc. Innovation: Noun Noun -- A A change change effected effected by by innovating; innovating; aa change change 2. 2. in in customs; customs; something something new, new, and and contrary contrary to to estabestablished lished customs, customs, manners, manners, or or rites. rites. In the oath taken by the master of a lodge at his installation found in the Ahiman Rezon he “accepts that it is not within the power of a man or group of men to make innovation in the body of Masonry”. On the surface that would seem to mean that the master must not allow anything currently being done in the Lodge to be changed in any way, and many if not most masters (as well as Grand Lodge officers) interpret that part of the master’s oath in that way. He would then be justified to resist with every fiber of his being any change to anything that was being done the day he started his term, even if it comes to light that something was presently being done or said wrong, or could be done better. “We cannot make innovations!” Then we go visiting and the question springs to mind: “Why does this or that other lodge in town do this or that thing differently (in other words, wrong)?” “Why don’t they do things the way we do?” Then we visit a lodge or two in another jurisdiction and notice a lot of differences and the question springs to life: “How did they get so many things wrong here? Their masters took the same oath about innovations that ours did didn’t they?” Yes and no. Maybe. It turns out the answer may not even be written down, much less carved in stone. As we “travel in foreign countries” and experience more lodge meetings in more places with more differences, hopefully we remember the Masonic adage: “Wisdom dwells in contemplation – there must we seek her.” If we would be wise, we must research and contemplate seeming contradictions to see if they are in fact contradictory. Perhaps the first conclusion that appears is aided by remembering when we were children passing a short narrative or set of instructions by word of mouth around a circle and comparing what the last believed he heard to what the first said and usually finding them very different. The written parts in our ritual were only written down in the 19th century. Before that, other than the landmarks, it was a totally oral tradition because,
Brethren,
But we find differences that cannot be explained so easily. If you only ride on the surface of the ritual, the easy path dictates that the differences are just wrong. But a truly contemplative Mason seeking wisdom must therefore go back to the wisdom written by those that traveled our path to enlightenment before us. One interesting thing of note is that the same Ahiman Rezon where we find the oath the master takes defines “the body of Masonry” as the Landmarks of Masonry. So, THE ONLY THING the master promised not to innovate is the Landmarks that define what Freemasonry is. An interesting side note is that very few states in the United States (much less Europe) agree on exactly what the landmarks are, or even how many there are. Another is the documented fact that the rituals in each jurisdiction each have their own history originating from, in many cases, entirely different authors at different times, each convinced that his version is the only “correct version”. So what are we left with? I submit that we don’t throw out the baby with the bathwater. One of our stated goals is to “take good men and make them better”. One of the ways we do this is by putting on powerful degrees. Certainly one way to do that is memorizing the ritual word for word. But while we do that we also should pay attention to not just memorizing the words, but listening to what they say and applying it to our lives. If we do that we’ll probably find we put on smoother more powerful degrees that make a more lasting impression on our initiates – not just reciting the parts like Bible verses in Sunday school. We might also realize that the differently-worded rituals all actually say the same things, just in a different way. And more importantly, we might find that the ritual we struggle to learn obligates us to relieve, protect and vindicate each other. That the precious jewels are brotherly love, relief and truth. That being lodge brothers doesn’t mean we snipe at each other and fight like brothers. It means we love each other like brothers. If we lose sight of that, then no matter how perfectly we perform the ritual, it’s meaningless. Tom Lewis works for The Gel Corp. and is a life member of Jackson Lodge #45, Jackson TN. He resides in West Ashley, SC.
Notes From the Editor
I wanted to thank everyone for the feedback I have been receiving on the format and content of our new newsletter. Brother Ivey and I have tossed around the idea for a new newsletter format since 2007. At this time Worshipful Brother “Skip” Owen was delivering a fantastic newsletter on behalf of the Lodge. Skip has been towing the line for a long time and it was long overdue that the new generation give him the big Masonic High Five and let him retire. With new talent comes new ideas, and our philosophy with this newsletter is to both keep the Lodge informed as to events and to maintain messages from our Officers & Volunteer Contributors. To take this to the next level however, I wanted to modernize our content by including new and exciting articles that will grab the attention of our new brethren and give some needed nostalgia to our older revered brethren. Either way, I spend weeks searching for content to give this newsletter the spice that only Mariner deserves. On this note, I will also be asking for deadline dates from contributing brethren so that I can get it done with time to spare, which unfortunately was not the case with this Issue. I respectfully request that all volunteering contributors for January have their content, advertisements and commentaries e-mailed to me by December 3rd 2009. Do not email Brother Ivey, but me directly. My E-mail is on the front page of this newsletter. As I have been unable to attend Lodge often this year, I wanted to thank all of you for allowing me the privilege of writing and editing this Newsletter. It makes me feel like I am doing my part. Thank You to all of my contributors as well, for without your wordsmith contributions, this newsletters vision would not have been realized. Stay tuned for more…….Brother Wiskoff
Volume 9, Issue 2
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Esteemed Brethren, We are pleased to communicate the condition of our once worthy distressed brother Anthony Boosinger and to convey our humble gratitude to the Ancient Free Masons of South Carolina. Brother Anthony (Tony) Boosinger has received treatment from the Medical University of South Carolina and is expected to make a full and long lasting recovery. The surgeon described the mass removed from the underside of his brain’s protective lining to be a growth rather than a tumor. Reoccurrence is not expected. He is home recovering and rebuilding his stamina daily. He and his family plus friends and brothers are drawn closer together realizing we all face mortality. Federal aid is being made available to Tony after the third application thereof. The amount of Federal aid is not yet determined nor any medical bills received to date. Tony’s brothers, the Ancient Free Masons of South Carolina, have collectively contributed over $31,000.00 to ensure his family’s survival. Subsequent to satisfying Tony’s medical expense I will pay out the remaining funds, should they exist, as directed by the Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ancient Free Masons of SC. Our hearts fervently glow with praise to our current Grand Master MWB Barry Rickman by only whose love and support this endeavor exists. Our appreciation is extended even further to every brother in our grand jurisdiction, more especially for conveying words of support and prayer. As my family and brothers read the stack of correspondence from Masons in every corner of South Carolina our hearts are filled to overflowing! It is not surprising Tony’s treatment is successful as families of many faiths lifted his family to the Grand Architect of our existence through the medium of prayer. The lives of our wives and children are enriched by the dedication of you, my brother Masons. I am humble to God for causing Masonry to exist and more especially for affording my family the privilege to openly participate with this grand fraternity! My family and lodge brothers love you and your families. We pray daily for the Supreme Father of the Universe to dwell in your hearts, bless your families, and support you in all your laudable undertakings.
Respectfully submitted,
Bobby E. Pennington, Jr. PM Bobby E. Pennington, III PM Mariner Lodge #2 Bobby E. Pennington, III is a Master Plumber at Winn-Penn Plumbing, Inc. He is a Past Master of Mariner #2 and resides in Summerville, SC. For any further questions you can reach him at bobbypiii@hotmail.com or his mobile number 843.343.8759 Bobby E. Pennington, Jr is the Owner and President of Winn-Penn Plumbing, Inc which specializes in Commercial Plumbing. He is a Past Master of Mariner #2 and resides in Summerville, SC. For any further questions you can reach him at mrpipe@knology.net or his mobile number 843.478.7413
Volume 9, Issue 2
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N ov e m b e r Nov 11th—Masters & Wardens Club of the 1st and 2nd Masonic Districts—Will meet @ MacArthur Lodge #427, Masonic Hall; Located 145 St. James Avenue, Goose Creek. Collation @ 1830; Meeting @ 1930. All Master Masons are welcome. Nov 12th—Business, Election of Officers—This is Mariner’s Annual Election of Officers. Come out and join us for some frater-
C a l e n d a r
“God comes to us before we go to him”
nal brotherly love & affection. Located at 1285 Orange Grove Rd, Charleston. Collation @ 6:45pm; Business & Election @ 7:30pm Nov 23rd—Master Mason Past Masters’ Degree—Located at 1285 Orange Grove Rd, Charleston. Collation @ 6:45pm; Degree @ 7:30pm This will be Mariner’s Annual Past
D e c e m b e r December 10th—Business, Installation of Officers—This is an Open Installation. Invite other Masons, your family and friends. Located at 1285 Orange Grove Rd, Charleston. Light Horderves @ 6:30pm; Open Installation @ 7:00pm. December 12th— Banquent—This is Mariner’s Annual Banquet which is
Masters’ Degree. All positions of the lodge will be filled by Mariner Past Masters. Contact WB Bobby Pennington, Jr—843.478.7413 if you would like to sit a position in the lodge that night.
C a l e n d a r open to all Masons, family, and friends. This year our annual banquet will be held at the Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite Center of Charleston. Banquet Location is at 1051 Sam Rittenburg Boulevard, Charleston, SC 29407—3314.
Ask about our cheap AD space. Help support the cost of our Official Mariner #2 AFM Newsletter. Contact Newsletter Editor for more details.. Know the businesses brothers are in. Decide whether that brother can assist you out.
Congratulations to Worshipful Brother Bobby Pennington Jr, for receiving Mason of the Year for the 1st Masonic District, from the Masters & Wardens Club. His dedication and hard work to the craft time and time again displays the inner qualities all Masons strive for.
Congratulations to Worshipful Master David A. Heins, for receiving the first ever Master of the Year for the 1st Masonic District, from the Masters & Wardens Club. With his leadership this year the craft achieved many wonders & aspired many newly raised Master Masons to actively take part in lodge.
Mariner Lodge No. 2 AFM Michael C. Henslee, PM, Secretary 1323 Hermitage Ave Charleston, SC 29412-9221
NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION PERMIT NUMBER 158 U.S. POSTAGE PAID CHARLESTON, SC
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The Mariner’s Lighthouse The Official Newsletter of Mariner Lodge No. 2 AFM The year 2000 Consolidation of: Washington #5, Friendship #9, LaCandeur #36, Walhalla #66, & Strict Observance #73
The next Regular Communication of Mariner Lodge Will be held on Thursday, November 12th, 2009 at 7:30 PM Collation precedes the meeting at 6:45 PM Please make plans to attend!