21 minute read
18th Degree
18TH DEGREE KNIGHT OFROSE CROIXOF THE H.R.D.M.
by Nicholas Graff, 33˚, MSA, Active for Illinois
As best as I have been able to determine, I am a fourth-generation Master Mason and a thirdgeneration Scottish Rite Mason. I am continually researching my Masonic ancestry but have never been successful getting beyond that point. Many of my ancestors are from states that are part of the Southern Masonic Jurisdiction which adds an additional step to my research. I chose to write about the 18th degree, because that degree is part of my Scottish Rite legacy, and this edition of TNL celebrates the Masonic legacy of our members.
My oath as a Past Most Wise Master requires that I publicly proclaim the 18th degree as the best degree in all of Scottish Rite. Perhaps I am a bit sarcastic when I make this statement, because we have some excellent degrees in the Scottish Rite. I am extremely pleased with our new 4th Degree, Builder, and some of our older degrees are also outstanding work.
That being said, I always come back to the 18th degree as my favorite. It represents my legacy in the Scottish Rite, because I have participated in this degree in one form or another in every reunion since becoming a member of this fraternity. I started in a non-speaking part on stage, moved to a speaking part on the working floor, and finally, directed my Valley’s production of the degree. The process worked like it is supposed to work with new members slowly working their way into our degrees and ending with a leading role. This degree also got me hooked on our fraternity to the point that I live and breathe Scottish Rite Masonry.
Enough about me. Let’s talk about the 18th degree, Knight of Rose Croix of Heredom. The term “Heredom” is one of those Masonic words that no one can really agree about. It has been described as the name of a mystical holy mountain and also defined as meaning “New Temple.” This definition would seem to be confirmed by the ritual of the 18th degree. It is also the registered name of a publication of the Scottish Rite Research Society.
Before I go any further, the college professor in me demands that I give credit to a resource that I used as research for this article. While there are no direct quotes from this work, I did review his description of the 18th degree before writing this article. The book I am referring to is entitled The Masonic Pageant, written by Frank Conway, 33°, MSA, a member of the Valley of Southern New Jersey. Brother Conway’s book contains explanations of all 29 degrees of the Scottish Rite and is a must-read for the academic-minded Scottish Rite Brother.
The 18th degree was originally one of the principal degrees of the Scottish Rite. A candidate was required to see one degree from each body before completing the 32nd degree. This meant the 18th degree was shown at just about every reunion. Since we adopted the bookend concept for degrees (4th degree, three core value degrees, and the 32nd degree as the final), the 18th degree is not often exemplified. A video of this degree has not been created, and the live presentation of the degree requires a large troupe and can be difficult for a Valley to cast. This means a number of our members probably have not witnessed the 18th degree. I would encourage anyone who does not have the 18th degree marked in their passport to change this as soon as you are able.
The 18th degree is part of the works of the Chapter of Rose Croix and is the sequel to the 17th degree. The 17th
ROSE CROIX continued
degree, recently released as a video, has debuted on our Thursday Night at the Rite series. This is the degree where King Herod puts the Roman eagle on the Temple, and the townspeople revolt. The eagle is torn down, the columns of Masonry are destroyed, the Word is lost, and the Book of Life is sealed. The candidate is left wandering on the shores of the Dead Sea. Thus begins the 18th degree.
The actual title of the 18th degree is impressive: Knight of the Rose Croix, Perfect Prince Freemason of Heredom, Knight of the Eagle and Pelican. The core value of the degree is Reverence for God. This degree serves as a benchmark in our body of work, because it represents the transition from the Old Testament to the New Testament in our degrees. One could argue this transformation actually takes place during this degree.
The Rose Croix Degree teaches that the new Temple is in the heart of man where God is worshiped in spirit and in truth. The degree uses events from the life of Jesus of Nazareth to teach its lessons. The two parts of this degree that always impress me are scenes of the Last Supper and the Sermon on the Mount.
These scenes were always done with live actors behind an appropriate scrim, so the scene had the appearance of a photograph or painting. After seeing the degree, it wasn’t unusual for a candidate to ask if the scene was live or a photograph. I can also remember times when we had a scene of Jesus and the two thieves actually on crosses. Often, the actors told stories of almost falling off of the cross during the live presentation of the degree. That scene has since been removed—probably for safety reasons. The degree consists of three scenes called Apartments. The first Apartment is titled the “Dark Chamber.” In this scene, our candidate is found wandering on the shores of the Dead Sea, where he learned of the teachings of the Essenes from the 17th degree. He learns the importance of the sealed Book of Life, the lamb, and the flaming sword. He also completes a symbolic journey of 33 years, where he learns the virtues of Faith, Hope, and Charity. Finally, he is taught the sign of the Good Shepherd and receives an explanation of the eagle and pelican to begin his journey into the next Apartment. (This symbolizes end of the Law of Moses as described in the Old Testament of the Bible.)
Mystic Rose.
The most impressive portion of this degree is contained within the Chamber of the Mystic Rose. Here the candidate learns the Story of the Cross, and the symbolism of the Mystic Rose and Cubic Stone is explained. The candidate then completes his journey by moving into the third Apartment of the degree, The Chamber of Light.
In this Apartment, the candidate is asked a series of questions only to learn that he always had the knowledge of the Lost Word. With this knowledge, the candidate is able to open the Book of Life, and the Lost Word is revealed. The degree ends with our Brother being created a Knight of Rose Croix and learning of the New Law.
Admittedly, this degree seems to be based upon the Christian religion because of the references to Jesus Christ in the degree. Article 613 of our Constitution states “A candidate for membership must take his obligation upon that Book which to him is the Volume of the Sacred Law.” While this degree is about the life of Christ, the lessons it teaches are about the new law. The Prologist specifically says, “Man must have a new Temple in his heart, and the Kingdom lives in the heart of men.”
The lessons of the 18th degree really apply to all men who believe in a Supreme Being. Wait, what did we declare upon our first admission into a lodge of Masons when we were asked in whom we placed our trust? I also seem to recall the words of Constans as he departs the Sanctuary to help defend his city.
The Prologist of the 18th has ritual that I will never forget. When I directed this degree, I insisted that he hit this line hard and recite it word for word. It is a question that I think every Mason and particularly every Scottish Rite Mason should have an answer to. It’s not an answer that should be proclaimed for all to hear; it should exist in your heart. We must each answer in our own way and in accordance with our own religious convictions. The ritual goes like this, “What think ye of Jesus?”
LEGACY A Connection With the Past by Craig Froelich, 33°, MSA, Valley of Madison
I’m a third-generation Scottish Rite Mason. I had the privilege of joining the Valley of Madison in the class honoring my grandfather, Ill. Robert A. Nadler 33°, MSA, in 1998. He was there a year or so later as I stumbled through my first speaking role in the 16th degree, and the last meeting he ever attended was when I was installed as Sovereign Prince. Shortly after he passed in 2006, I was asked to join the Rose Croix line where my grandfather was a Past Most Wise Master. I still do the part of the Story of the Cross in the 18th degree, which he had done for years.
One of the things I cherish about the Scottish Rite is that there are men who were friends with my grandpa who became my friends and Brothers as well. Men I admire and respect found in him a mentor whom they admired and respected. I remember sitting at dinner with a Brother who talked for 10 minutes about what a great ritualist my grandpa was and how much he had learned from Grandpa. I never got to see him do any ritual. He wasn’t able by the time I got active, so it was great hearing those stories. To feel that
connection through the generations is one of those things that makes the Scottish Rite so special to me.
There was never any doubt in my mind that I would become a Mason.
Craig’s grandpa, Ill. Robert A. Nadler, 33°, receives his 50-year certificate from Past Grand Master Dean Massey in 1992.
We were a Masonic family, and it’s what everyone did. All of the ladies were in Eastern Star, and all the men were Masons. Even as a kid, Grandpa told me stories of what Masonry meant to him. I had no idea what I was really getting into when, more than 22 years ago, he handed me a petition for Blue Lodge and simply said, “It’s time.” That first step set me on a path that has affected my life more than anything else. I’ve met some of the greatest men in the world and made friendships that are worth more than gold. I’ve learned—more in Masonry than anywhere else—about friendship, brotherhood, leadership, compassion, and, most importantly, about myself. I never needed to be sold on Masonry. My grandfather was a kind and generous man who lived his life according to our tenets. I couldn’t have hoped for a better example.
LEGACY
It Started With a Little Blue Book
As a little boy, I can remember my dad talking to himself. As he was getting ready for work in the morning, I’d see him standing there, whispering silently to himself. On long family road trips, I’d sometimes get to sit in the front seat with him, and, again, I’d glance over and see him silently speaking. What was he saying? What was he doing? I was always intrigued that when he was having these silent conversations, nearby sat a little blue book. I recall picking it up once and the ensuing grin that crossed his face as my own contorted in confusion. What was this gibberish? It was page after page of nothing but letters. I can still clearly hear his belly laughter as I would haughtily pretend to “read” from this little blue book. My dad explained what it was in a way that I could understand, along with a simple word: Someday.
This was my first memory of Freemasonry.
Years went by, and I began to understand a bit more about this fraternity. I remember going to Maumee Lodge #725 to see my dad installed as an officer. I didn’t fully understand many of the things that were said, but I clearly recall all of the men and their ladies that I got to meet. Many of them were long-time family friends. It struck me deeply that between my parents and my grandparents, nearly ALL of our family friends had one thing in common: They were ALL Freemasons.
From an early age, I knew in my heart that I wanted to be a part of this organization, and knew that I had to wait until I was 21. More time passed. I went to college and became a member of Delta Tau Delta. I later learned that three of the founding members were also Freemasons. When
I turned 21, I asked my dad what it took to join. I can still clearly recall the exact place where we stood and the look on his face. It should come as no surprise that he had a petition ready. I went through the application process and made preparations to attend a special one-day event to obtain my Entered Apprentice and Fellow Craft degrees in Michigan City, Indiana. We would all be there: my dad, my grandfather, and me. The next week, I returned to Maumee for my Master Mason degree. One of the greatest moments and memories of my life was entering the lodge for the second section and seeing my father sitting there in the East. Twelve months later, I graduated from college and returned
A petition waits for the fourth generation of the McNaughton family.
by John Brian McNaughton, 33°, Active for Indiana
home wanting to get involved. December of that year, I took the next step and was installed as Senior Steward.
Eight months later, I was at a wedding and sat at a table with some friends from high school. A very nice young woman that had graduated a year after us joined us. I hadn’t known her well, but the conversation was friendly. At one point, her eyes went wide in shock as she looked at my hand and noticed my Scottish Rite ring. She exclaimed, “My dad has one just like that!” We celebrate our 20th anniversary this November.
A few years after our wedding, I became a third-generation Past Master of Maumee Lodge and the youngest Master (28) in its history. I served again as Master in 2006. My wife, parents, and grandparents gently and lovingly supported me every step of the way. I was tremendously humbled and honored to receive a call letting me know I had been elected to receive the thirtythird degree. It is not often that I am struck speechless. This was one of those times.
Three generations of McNaughtons: (left to right) John Willard, John William, and John Brian in 2004.
Serving the Blue Lodge was an extremely fulfilling and rewarding experience, and I genuinely loved every second of it I also got to see first-hand how much the Scottish Rite meant to my dad and my grandfather. There was reason for this, and I was determined to find the answers for myself. Later in the same year I first served as Master, I also became Captain of the Guard in the Fort Wayne Lodge of Perfection. In 2009, I presided as Thrice Potent Master at the age of 33 and became a thirdgeneration Thrice Potent Master of the Fort Wayne Lodge of Perfection. Later that summer, I was tremendously humbled and honored to receive a call letting me know I had been elected to receive the thirty-third degree. It is not often that I am struck speechless. This was one of those times.
My father was Sovereign Grand Commander at the time, and I recall finding out that I was going to be the class exemplar in Chicago in 2011. No pressure. Standing there face to face just as we had the day he raised me nearly 15 years prior, my dad presented me with my 33° ring. With that, I became a third-generation 33° for the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite.
The Grand Architect of the Universe blessed my wife, Macy, and me with two wonderful boys. As our family grew, so too grew the hope of expanding our family’s Masonic legacy. Within moments of their birth, each of our sons had their tiny inked footprints stamped onto Blue Lodge and Scottish Rite petitions in the hope that they will carry on this legacy into the fourth generation and beyond. These are safely locked away for Someday.
This is our legacy.
LEGACY
A Masonic and Military Legacy
The fourth child of William E. and Alice H. Crosby, I was born on November 14, 1931, in Meridian, Mississippi, and grew up in the small town of Bonita wanting to be both a Mason and a veteran—a Mason, because dad, two brothers, and a brother-in-law were Masons, and a veteran, because both brothers and brother-in-law were veterans of World War II and Korea.
Inthe summer of 1952, I was assigned to the 581st Maintenance Squadron of the 13th Air Force and stationed at Clark Air Force Base in the Philippines. A few weeks before my 21st birthday, I wrote home saying, “Dad, I don’t know what I’m supposed to ask but do you think it’s possible for me to be a Mason?”
Since I was 2,000 miles from home, I wasn’t even sure it could happen. Several months later, a man named Alfred Adrian, Senior Warden of Leonard Wood Lodge #105, came by
the shop to let me know that there was a lodge on base and that the officers of that storied lodge would be happy to confer the three degrees of Masonry as a courtesy to King Solomon #333 in Meridian, Mississippi.
The lodge was one of the most beautiful buildings on base as was the work done by the officers. My
Four generations of Masons: (left to right) William E. Crosby, Lucius O. Crosby, John E. Crosby, and Tyler E. Crosby
by Lucius O. Crosby, 32˚, Valley of Cincinnati
initiation, passing, and raising occurred in due form in the spring of 1953. There were no uniforms worn in the lodge, and having been advised of the base rules and regulations, I wondered if we were Brothers outside the lodge. Several days later, I got my answer when I saluted a major who returned my salute, followed by, “Good morning, Brother.” The major was WM Richard N. Thompson.
There are four Brothers of Leonard Wood Lodge #105 who I will always remember: WM Richard N. Thompson; SW Alfred Adrian; my mentor JW Dallas Tandy; and a giant of a man whom we all affectionately called Sgt. Bromley. These four Brothers kept this two-striper busy and out of trouble with ritual practice,
filling the chairs, and outside activities. In the summer of 1954 when several of us were to return stateside, WM Adrian held a banquet in our honor inviting all Masons, their wives, family, and guests.
I am proud to be a Mason.
My dad passed away in 1960 without us ever sitting in lodge together. I made a promise that this would not happen were I to have a son interested in becoming a Mason. In May 1997, WM Mike Gigandet of Queen City Lodge #761, Clarksville, Tennessee, graciously permitted me to raise my son John. Now he and his son Tyler are members of Edenton (Ohio) Lodge #332. Today at 88, a Blue Lodge Mason for 67 years and a Scottish Rite Mason for 58 years, I can honestly say that I am proud to be a Mason. I have thoroughly enjoyed it and feel honored to have been associated with Brothers I like, trust, and respect. Most are veterans. All believe in God, love their families, are patriotic, recite the Pledge of Allegiance with feeling, help others, read their Bibles, live by The Golden Rule, and believe we are all brothers and sisters made in the image of the Supreme Architect. Most importantly, we know that whatever our position in life, we are Brothers all. I pray that I have been deserving of the honor of being a Mason and worthy of the confidence my Brothers have reposed in me.
LEGACY
My Role Model
by Joseph Flowers, 32°, Valley of Cambridge
Ibecame a Freemason, and now a Brother of the Scottish Rite, NMJ, mainly because of my grandfather, Aaron Lowery. The impact he had on me as a child and young man was so profound that I wanted to emulate his character in every facet of life. One way I knew I could do this was to become a Mason, and in March 2008, I did just that.
He was proud of me for joining, and because of that, I knew I was on the right path. About a year later, I enlisted into the United States Marine Corps—another common bond that my grandfather and I shared. He retired as a Master Sergeant in the Army Reserves, but he never made mention of the Army. All he would ever say about his time as a Marine was, “Five years, ten months, and twenty-two days.” He was very proud of his service which included fighting in the Korean War.
At my promotion to Corporal, I
Joe’s promotion ceremony. Standing with Joe are (left to right) his mother, Diane Offenberger; his wife Alina; and his grandfather Aaron Lowery. right Joseph and Aaron shovel dirt out of grandad’s old pickup truck.
was honored that he pinned me, commemorating our shared passion of service. He has since passed, but I continue to reflect on the decisions he made in his life and how I can make similar decisions in mine: I was married with the same wedding band, I drive his old Ford pickup, sit at his old desk, and one of these days, I’ll be able to rightfully wear his 32nd degree Masonic ring.
I find his dedication to his wife, children, family, country, and God to be unmatched by anyone I’ve met. As another step towards mirroring his life choices, I am now a Brother of the Scottish Rite, having joined in the first Virtual Reunion. Although he cannot witness and experience this moment with me, I know he’s proud. I’ve already registered for the other two Virtual Reunions to continue my journey, and I am anxiously awaiting an opportunity to become a 32nd degree Mason—the same as my granddad.
I’m what most consider traditional, and I enjoy sentimental things. For example, memories of my grandfather and me sharing a moment on the tailgate of an old Ford pickup, tipping
back a couple IBC root beers after working on the farm, are priceless. I do often ponder what he would do if he were in my shoes today. In doing so, I’ve become a better man of God, husband, father, and Brother. The lessons he’s taught me are lessons I fully intend to pass on to my son, who we named Aaron after my grandfather. Remembering the past and looking toward the future is the essence of a strong, resilient, and enduring legacy.
Flowers’ Christmas 2013 LEGACY
Three Generations
and Counting by Tom Ewald, 32°, Valley of Milwaukee
My father, Emil Ewald 33°, became a Scottish Rite Mason in the Spring, 1964 Class in the Valley of Milwaukee. In 1998, my three brothers and I all became Master Masons together. (It was first time in Wisconsin that four sons became Master Masons at the same time.) My brother Craig and I joined Scottish Rite in 2000, and today I am a Past Commander in Chief (2016) and a 33°- elect.
In 2002, my other two brothers, Brian and Dan, became Scottish Rite Masons. In 2017, my stepson Ryan and all four of my nephews (Eric, Jay, Kevin, and Brett) became Master Masons through Wisconsin’s Day of Light program. If not for this contemporary approach they all would not have been able to join, much less together like their
fathers had. In 2018, my Father was the class honoree for the Valley of Milwaukee spring reunion. That day, my stepson Ryan, and nephews, Eric and Brett, became Scottish Rite Masons in their Grandpa’s class. Masonry is well rooted into our family’s third generation and is a proud part of our family’s legacy.
Three generations of the Ewald family gather at the Masonic altar.
