Wilbur D. Nesbit
He was an American poet and Humorist born in 1871 and died in 1927. He received his first three degrees from Evans Lodge #524 in Evanston Illinois, where he remained a member until his death. His Scottish Rite degrees were conferred on him in Chicago. He was honored with his 33rd degree in 1925 by the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction Supreme Council. He was also a member of the Medinah Shrine in Chicago as well.
Bro. Nesbit wrote a number of Masonic Poems, one of which is as follows:
I Sat in Lodge with You
There is a saying filled with cheer,
which calls a man to fellowship.
It means as much for him to hear
as lies within the Brother-grip.
Nay More! It opens wide the way to friendliness sincere, and true;
There are no Strangers when you say to me;
"I sat in Lodge with you"
When that is said, then I am known;
There is no questioning or doubt;
I need not walk my path alone
nor from my fellows be shut out.
These words hold all of brotherhood and help me face the world anew
there is something deep and rich and good in this:
"I sat in Lodge with you"
Though in far off lands on needs must roam,
by sea and shore and hill and plain.
These words bring him a touch of home
and lighten tasks that seem in vain.
Mens faces are no longer strange, but seems as those he always knew
when someone brings the joyous change with his:
"I sat in Lodge with you"
So you my Brother, now and then
Have often put me in your debt
by showing forth to other men
that you your friends do not forget.
When all the world seems gray and cold and I am weary, worn and blue,
then comes this golden thought I hold - you said,
"I sat in Lodge with you"
When to the last great Lodge you fare
my prayer is that I may be
one of your friends who wait you there,
intent your smiling face to see.
We, with the Warder at the gate, will have a pleasant task to do;
We' ll call, though you come soon or late:
"Come in ! We sat in Lodge with you."
Information received from the Encyclopedia of Freemasonry Part 2, 1909
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Are You a Relevant Mason?
Are You a Relevant Mason?
Cross posted with permission from the author:
Roger Tigner
Tejon Lodge 104, Colorado
It was written by WBro. Roger Tigner and it is reproduced here with the gracious permission of the author.
Freemasons, like everything in nature, have experienced ebb and flow like the swing of the pendulum. Our most famous mantra from the 20th century was the concept of “Making Good men Better”, but what do we really mean? We point to the famous masons of our past with both awe and reverence in the work they accomplished in changing the world, but what about today or more importantly – tomorrow?
Our great Masonic leaders were not great simply because they were members of the fraternity. Some were great men before they ever became masons, while other became so after having joining the fraternity, but probably would have succeeded without our influences. What made them famous then is what we should be looking at today for the benefit of our future, not just the future of the fraternity, but of our country and all who inhabit planet earth. Many would argue that the American landscape has changed to drastically to be compared with the quaint colloquialism of our colonial past, or even the America of 60 years ago, but I would argue that is why the teachings of freemasonry are so great, its teachings are timeless and they gave our country the ability to have different views of social problems and taught us to keep the common good in sight while we discussed the merits and downfalls of solving a problem. That made our forefathers relevant to their friends and countrymen and created a nation envied for its freedom of thought, freedom of speech and freedom of assembly. But what is relevant?
Merriam-Webster defines it thus: RELEVANT
1 a : having significant and demonstrable bearing on the matter at hand
b : affording evidence tending to prove or disprove the matter at issue or under discussion
c : having social relevance
Medieval Latin relevant –, relevans, from Latin, of relevare to raise up – First Known Use: 1560
Relevant today means that we care about what is happening around us, and most importantly that we try to do something about it. Freemasonry today has seen one of its lowest ebbs ever, in membership, in education, in having lost sight of what a centuries old fraternity was meant to be. Freemasonry today is almost schizophrenic in the multitude of directions its energies drive our members. Our lust for membership drives many to say “Freemasonry is for dummies and idiots” supposing that all we need to do is pander to the profane and we will be perfect in no time. Others demand that we collectively agree to calm the fears of the profane, that “we have no secrets and everything you ever wanted to know about us is on the Internet”. While still others throw themselves against the ramparts of history trying to prove the un-provable, that our Freemasonry goes beyond 1717 that the roots of our fraternity make us descendants of the actual Knights Templar, Solomon’s builder, Egyptian Priests or beyond.
While these are entertaining educational exercises they serve to do no more than distract brethren from more important endeavors. Becoming good men and relevant in their homes and community. I can be honest in saying that I had no idea why I joined freemasonry. I did know that the person who asked me to become a brother was someone I did (and still do) deeply respect as being relevant, his grasp of philosophy made him a good businessman, a good husband and father, and a great man in the eyes of many, me especially.
I will be brutally honest that the good being promoted by the fraternity through our philanthropy is equally offset by something well within our control – ourselves. By allowing unworthy feet to pass the threshold, bigotry, clashes of economic classes, generational divides and all the while the pretentious demagogue rails within our sanctum. What effect does this struggle have? I would answer that the best way to evaluate your image is not to ask those within the fraternity, but to listen to how those outside the fraternity view us. Mr. Victor David Hanson was being interviewed on about the future of the European Union his answer was sad, "Well there will always be a European Union, it just won’t do anything. It will be sort of like the Masonic Lodge today in small town America. It’s still going to be there, but nobody is going to belong or do much to it.” If we are seeking to be better men and relevant is today’s society; that statement would demonstrate how really far we have fallen and how far we still have to go.
So where do we go from here?
Many would say, “who cares about him, we just be need to be nice to everyone, they can be our new members.” There is a reason we have called people outside the fraternity “profane” through our history, we do not do this to be degrading to others, profane means to treat (something sacred) with abuse, irreverence, or contemp. I cannot speak for others, but my Blue Lodge, Scottish Rite and York Rite are very sacred meeting places and none but a Mason can begin to understand why, nor treat them with the proper respect. The fraternity cannot prove a negative, we cannot prove we do not worship Baphomet any more than we can prove that Freemasonry was actually created by the Egyptian priesthood, what we can do is guard ourselves as if anyone may be profane and study the best parts of all ancient mystical traditions and see how each of them, from time immemorial, has taken good men and made them better.
Recent events in Tucson, Arizona and other places have shown the desperate need for men of deep philosophical understanding to become engaged in their community and their countries affairs. The birth of Freemasonry developed in the Age of Enlightenment as the path by which uncaring monarchs where forced from power and inspired democracies and republics based on freedom and equality were born. To these same efforts we should focus our own energies in becoming relevant masons.
To this end we must make ourselves intimately acquainted with all the principles and obligations of our fraternity, and practice in our lives outside the lodge all its duties and requirements inculcated within it. We cannot be so preoccupied with our past that we ignore the present or the future. We must divest ourselves brethren, of coldness and apathy, so fatal to the best interests of Freemasonry – our nation – our world. Shun those affections and groveling passions unworthy of a soul that claims affinity with the “Sons of Light,” and put forth all your energies to grasp whatever is noble or elevating in thought, deed and action. Study the esoteric work of Pike, De Hoyas, Hogan, Hall and all who say greatness can be found in the philosophy of every age. Seek out what is good in everyone, not to try and be better than others, but to try and be better than ourselves, to learn how we can joins hands with those outside the fraternity and treat with them squarely, rather they allowing them always to remain at a perpetual distance. Seek daily whatever can reveal new and sublime ideas pertaining to our lofty destiny, not seeking to elevate ourselves beyond deserved greatness to date, but remembering each who did his duty as a Mason and seeking to emulate them in all our thoughts, words and actions. Guard against dissentions among ourselves that we may be united in the work we do, let no root of bitterness spring up to trouble you, we are all workmen in the quarries and each performs the duties he is best suited to perform, according to the designs laid out by the Supreme Architect of the Universe on his eternal trestlboard. Use all your exertions to preserve your Lodge pure, and prevent the introduction of vice or error in its thousand forms. Seek to practice true brotherhood, and if, in the frailty of mortality, a brother falls under the influence of unholy feelings and wanders into forbidden paths, seek the wanderer out, bring him back to the fold, and show him the superior loveliness of virtue, remember that deceit and hypocrisy should be unknown among us and frankness and fair dealing distinguish us, more especially with our brethren in masonry. For if we cannot speak plainly and affectionately to those we call brother, we will never be able to speak truthfully to our God, our neighbor or our country, thence we and they will all suffer. Much may be accomplished by the force of good example, and by offering good counsel in a friendly spirit, ever remembering that err is human, to forgive divine. Finally, brethren, be of one mind; live in peace. Let nothing disturb that pure, warm and holy love which our precepts enjoin.
When we begin to live our ideals, because only by living them will people outside begin to take note that Freemasonry has indeed made you a better man and more importantly making you a Relevant Mason.
Therefore the master goes about doing nothing, teaching no talking.
The ten thousand things rise and fall without cease,
Creating, yet not possessing, Working, yet not taking credit, Work is done, then forgotten.
Therefore it lasts forever.
From the Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu Chinese Philosopher 6th Century BCE
Legend says Lao Tzu traveled from the East to the West after having attained light and knowledge.
Freemasons, like everything in nature, have experienced ebb and flow like the swing of the pendulum. Our most famous mantra from the 20th century was the concept of “Making Good men Better”, but what do we really mean? We point to the famous masons of our past with both awe and reverence in the work they accomplished in changing the world, but what about today or more importantly – tomorrow?
Our great Masonic leaders were not great simply because they were members of the fraternity. Some were great men before they ever became masons, while other became so after having joining the fraternity, but probably would have succeeded without our influences. What made them famous then is what we should be looking at today for the benefit of our future, not just the future of the fraternity, but of our country and all who inhabit planet earth. Many would argue that the American landscape has changed to drastically to be compared with the quaint colloquialism of our colonial past, or even the America of 60 years ago, but I would argue that is why the teachings of freemasonry are so great, its teachings are timeless and they gave our country the ability to have different views of social problems and taught us to keep the common good in sight while we discussed the merits and downfalls of solving a problem. That made our forefathers relevant to their friends and countrymen and created a nation envied for its freedom of thought, freedom of speech and freedom of assembly. But what is relevant?
Merriam-Webster defines it thus: RELEVANT
1 a : having significant and demonstrable bearing on the matter at hand
b : affording evidence tending to prove or disprove the matter at issue or under discussion
c : having social relevance
Medieval Latin relevant –, relevans, from Latin, of relevare to raise up – First Known Use: 1560
Relevant today means that we care about what is happening around us, and most importantly that we try to do something about it. Freemasonry today has seen one of its lowest ebbs ever, in membership, in education, in having lost sight of what a centuries old fraternity was meant to be. Freemasonry today is almost schizophrenic in the multitude of directions its energies drive our members. Our lust for membership drives many to say “Freemasonry is for dummies and idiots” supposing that all we need to do is pander to the profane and we will be perfect in no time. Others demand that we collectively agree to calm the fears of the profane, that “we have no secrets and everything you ever wanted to know about us is on the Internet”. While still others throw themselves against the ramparts of history trying to prove the un-provable, that our Freemasonry goes beyond 1717 that the roots of our fraternity make us descendants of the actual Knights Templar, Solomon’s builder, Egyptian Priests or beyond.
While these are entertaining educational exercises they serve to do no more than distract brethren from more important endeavors. Becoming good men and relevant in their homes and community. I can be honest in saying that I had no idea why I joined freemasonry. I did know that the person who asked me to become a brother was someone I did (and still do) deeply respect as being relevant, his grasp of philosophy made him a good businessman, a good husband and father, and a great man in the eyes of many, me especially.
I will be brutally honest that the good being promoted by the fraternity through our philanthropy is equally offset by something well within our control – ourselves. By allowing unworthy feet to pass the threshold, bigotry, clashes of economic classes, generational divides and all the while the pretentious demagogue rails within our sanctum. What effect does this struggle have? I would answer that the best way to evaluate your image is not to ask those within the fraternity, but to listen to how those outside the fraternity view us. Mr. Victor David Hanson was being interviewed on about the future of the European Union his answer was sad, "Well there will always be a European Union, it just won’t do anything. It will be sort of like the Masonic Lodge today in small town America. It’s still going to be there, but nobody is going to belong or do much to it.” If we are seeking to be better men and relevant is today’s society; that statement would demonstrate how really far we have fallen and how far we still have to go.
So where do we go from here?
Many would say, “who cares about him, we just be need to be nice to everyone, they can be our new members.” There is a reason we have called people outside the fraternity “profane” through our history, we do not do this to be degrading to others, profane means to treat (something sacred) with abuse, irreverence, or contemp. I cannot speak for others, but my Blue Lodge, Scottish Rite and York Rite are very sacred meeting places and none but a Mason can begin to understand why, nor treat them with the proper respect. The fraternity cannot prove a negative, we cannot prove we do not worship Baphomet any more than we can prove that Freemasonry was actually created by the Egyptian priesthood, what we can do is guard ourselves as if anyone may be profane and study the best parts of all ancient mystical traditions and see how each of them, from time immemorial, has taken good men and made them better.
Recent events in Tucson, Arizona and other places have shown the desperate need for men of deep philosophical understanding to become engaged in their community and their countries affairs. The birth of Freemasonry developed in the Age of Enlightenment as the path by which uncaring monarchs where forced from power and inspired democracies and republics based on freedom and equality were born. To these same efforts we should focus our own energies in becoming relevant masons.
To this end we must make ourselves intimately acquainted with all the principles and obligations of our fraternity, and practice in our lives outside the lodge all its duties and requirements inculcated within it. We cannot be so preoccupied with our past that we ignore the present or the future. We must divest ourselves brethren, of coldness and apathy, so fatal to the best interests of Freemasonry – our nation – our world. Shun those affections and groveling passions unworthy of a soul that claims affinity with the “Sons of Light,” and put forth all your energies to grasp whatever is noble or elevating in thought, deed and action. Study the esoteric work of Pike, De Hoyas, Hogan, Hall and all who say greatness can be found in the philosophy of every age. Seek out what is good in everyone, not to try and be better than others, but to try and be better than ourselves, to learn how we can joins hands with those outside the fraternity and treat with them squarely, rather they allowing them always to remain at a perpetual distance. Seek daily whatever can reveal new and sublime ideas pertaining to our lofty destiny, not seeking to elevate ourselves beyond deserved greatness to date, but remembering each who did his duty as a Mason and seeking to emulate them in all our thoughts, words and actions. Guard against dissentions among ourselves that we may be united in the work we do, let no root of bitterness spring up to trouble you, we are all workmen in the quarries and each performs the duties he is best suited to perform, according to the designs laid out by the Supreme Architect of the Universe on his eternal trestlboard. Use all your exertions to preserve your Lodge pure, and prevent the introduction of vice or error in its thousand forms. Seek to practice true brotherhood, and if, in the frailty of mortality, a brother falls under the influence of unholy feelings and wanders into forbidden paths, seek the wanderer out, bring him back to the fold, and show him the superior loveliness of virtue, remember that deceit and hypocrisy should be unknown among us and frankness and fair dealing distinguish us, more especially with our brethren in masonry. For if we cannot speak plainly and affectionately to those we call brother, we will never be able to speak truthfully to our God, our neighbor or our country, thence we and they will all suffer. Much may be accomplished by the force of good example, and by offering good counsel in a friendly spirit, ever remembering that err is human, to forgive divine. Finally, brethren, be of one mind; live in peace. Let nothing disturb that pure, warm and holy love which our precepts enjoin.
When we begin to live our ideals, because only by living them will people outside begin to take note that Freemasonry has indeed made you a better man and more importantly making you a Relevant Mason.
Therefore the master goes about doing nothing, teaching no talking.
The ten thousand things rise and fall without cease,
Creating, yet not possessing, Working, yet not taking credit, Work is done, then forgotten.
Therefore it lasts forever.
From the Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu Chinese Philosopher 6th Century BCE
Legend says Lao Tzu traveled from the East to the West after having attained light and knowledge.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Masonic Education
We had some serious Masonic Discussion in a small setting. The bitter cold scared a few guys off, but overall, some great discussion. We had a presentation on the new State Intender program. A short paper was presented on a related topic and we had dinner as well.
Next Month, we will have a personal research project night. March we will have a presentation on the Cup of Brotherly Love.
Keep us in mind!
Next Month, we will have a personal research project night. March we will have a presentation on the Cup of Brotherly Love.
Keep us in mind!
Thursday, January 20, 2011
The Hows and Whys
Erasmus was a 16th century theologian who wrote a collection of Ciceronian dialogs in his works, The Colloquies. One particular dialog, The Godly Feast, touches on a topic which was a focus of discussion for a Brother and I over a past weekend.
We spoke of the importance of Masonic Education, whereas, I often have no problem with finding help or instruction on the “HOW” to perform ritual, as a young and newly raised Mason, I find it rather difficult to find help on the “WHY” we do what we do. Other than being given a book and told, “read this”. As an Entered Apprentice and Fellowcraft, it was most difficult as I was not privy to certain bits of information that I am now. Through certain “advanced degrees” I have had a number of “Ah Ha” moments, which help translate some of what I read, but there is not much available out there for the general “Master Mason” populace to partake in with out certain affiliations or invitations, and even then, one I attended, focused more on the fellowship rather than the content of the instruction.
Erasmus wrote in the Godly Feast, “ …God rejects “them” not because they would keep the rites of the law, but because , foolishly puffed up by keeping them, they would neglect what God especially requires of us.” He goes on to say, “ … They thought God much in their debt because they frequented the temple on holy days, offered burnt sacrifices, abstained from certain foods, and fasted occasionally. They embraced the shadows, and neglected the substance.” Erasmus indicates that King Solomon said, “ To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.”
What does he mean by these passages? One could say through context of the dialog, which was a Christian Humanist publication touching on corruption in the Church, that when you focus merely on the ritual itself, we sometimes lose focus on what the ritual itself means and why we perform the rituals. Some puff themselves up in pride if they can perfectly perform a ritual or they can say that they regularly attend Temple, but can they truly or accurately tell you why that ritual exists or what does it mean?
Erasmus adds, “… these become displeasing to God if a person relies on such observances but neglects the works of mercy when a Brother’s need calls for charity.” If we perform the act, but lose sight of the meaning of the act, do we hold the beliefs in our hearts? His words tell me that to be worthy of the Title Master Mason, the ability to perform the ritual is merely a small part of the whole. Not only is it truly important to know why we do the ritual and what it symbolizes is the second part of a threefold way of life. The final factor is to understand the “WHY” and live my life in accordance with the system of morality it represents. To “walk the walk and not just talk the talk” and not become a MINO . A phrase I recently heard, “A Mason in Name Only”.
Erasmus finishes that portion of the dialog by saying, “ … And the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings. One does not keep the law unless one keeps it in accordance with God’s purpose.” This strengthens my thought that unless we know the purpose of the ritual, and live the ritual, it holds little meaning.
My Brother and I discussed the fact that as Masons, we see a great deal of focus on how to perform the rituals. While I find this extremely important, to keep our age old customs and rituals, I think we have lost touch with why a lot of this is done. Finding Masonic Education is rare, almost as if the “Secret” of Freemasonry is even “Secret” to its members. I co-founded the Evanston Masonic Research Society to help dispel that concept and to help Brothers, old and new re-focus on the why rather than the hows in the ancient craft of Freemasonry. I am one who does not wish to be a Mason in Name Only, nor do I have the time or ability to become what one Brother coined, a “Super Mason”. I mearly hope to make the motto of our fledgling society hold more truth, “not more men in Masonry, but more Masonry in men”
Monday, January 17, 2011
Justice, Brotherhood and Truth
“And so I say to you today that I still stand by nonviolence... And the other thing is that I am concerned about a better world. I'm concerned about justice. I'm concerned about brotherhood. I'm concerned about truth. And when one is concerned about these, he can never advocate violence. For through violence you may murder a murderer but you can't murder. Through violence you may murder a liar but you can't establish truth. Through violence you may murder a hater, but you can't murder hate. Darkness cannot put out darkness. Only light can do that. And I say to you, I have also decided to stick to love. For I know that love is ultimately the only answer to mankind's problems. And I'm going to talk about it everywhere I go.” – Dr. M. L. King, August 16, 1967
These are the values which I have come to better understand through the light of Masonry. These are not new values to me, but through Masonry, I have come to see them and understand them better. I don’t think that it can be better said than through the words above, a quote by a man honored today for his vision and perseverance. These are values that reign true on both a small and large scale, that should apply to use in all aspects of our lives, not just on a grand scale.
How we deal with our brothers and fellows on a one on one basis is just as importance as how we try to move our nation. How we run and interact in our Lodge is just as paramount as how we live and interact in our society.
“the quality of being just; righteousness, equitableness, or moral rightness: to uphold the justice of a cause.” is how we define Justice. To abide by our obligations and to live by the system of morality to which we subscribe as Masons in all aspects of our lives. To actually live it in our day to day interactions and to allow it to influence our decision making in Lodge and out.
Brotherhood seems self explanatory, but is it? Do we practice Brotherhood when we sit on the sidelines and not pick up the rope to join in the pull. Brotherhood to me means to join in the activities and help the cause. To live Masonry and not just wear the ring. Life comes first, my vocation and my family, but when I can and I have the time, I choose to help my brothers in their endeavors as part of the team.
Truth, is honor a creed I have subscribed to my entire adult life. An attribute instilled in me during my days as an Eagle Scout in the BSA and my time as a Sergeant of Marines in the Corps. It is a creed to which I believe in and keep to heart when I interact with my Companions, Brothers and Fellows. It is an important attribute to keep and to allow you to believe in the words above. If you do not believe in truthfulness, you can not justly use your most powerful weapon, your intellect, to further our cause and system of morality. You must actually live by it and not just say you do to be truly honorable. Because if you don’t, eventually, it will circle around to find you and cause you to question yourself and create disharmony in your thoughts.
Justice, Brotherhood and Truth, three Masonic values which I hold to heart and believe are vital to one truly living in the Light of Masonry. The Light that will put out darkness in our world. Maybe it is contagious, we will see.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Pope recognizes Knights Templar
On this day in 1128, Pope Honorius II grants a papal sanction to the military order known as the Knights Templar, declaring it to be an army of God.
Led by the Frenchman Hughes de Payens, the Knights Templar organization was founded in 1118. Its self-imposed mission was to protect Christian pilgrims on their way to the Holy Land during the Crusades, the series of military expeditions aimed at defeating Muslims inPalestine Jerusalem 's Temple Mount
While the individual knights were not allowed to own property, there was no such restriction on the organization as a whole, and over the years many rich Christians gave gifts of land and other valuables to support the Knights Templar. By the time the Crusades ended unsuccessfully in the early 14th century, the order had grown extremely wealthy, provoking the jealousy of both religious and secular powers. In 1307, King Philip IV of France and Pope Clement V combined to take down the Knights Templar, arresting the grand master, Jacques de Molay, on charges of heresy, sacrilege and Satanism. Under torture, Molay and other leading Templars confessed and were eventually burned at the stake. Clement dissolved the Templars in 1312, assigning their property and monetary assets to a rival order, the Knights Hospitalers. In fact, though, Philip and his English counterpart, King Edward II, claimed most of the wealth after banning the organization from their respective countries.
The modern-day Catholic Church has admitted that the persecution of the Knights Templar was unjustified and claimed that Pope Clement was pressured by secular rulers to dissolve the order. Over the centuries, myths and legends about the Templars have grown, including the belief that they may have discovered holy relics atTemple Mount
(Quoted from: http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/pope-recognizes-knights-templar )
Led by the Frenchman Hughes de Payens, the Knights Templar organization was founded in 1118. Its self-imposed mission was to protect Christian pilgrims on their way to the Holy Land during the Crusades, the series of military expeditions aimed at defeating Muslims in
While the individual knights were not allowed to own property, there was no such restriction on the organization as a whole, and over the years many rich Christians gave gifts of land and other valuables to support the Knights Templar. By the time the Crusades ended unsuccessfully in the early 14th century, the order had grown extremely wealthy, provoking the jealousy of both religious and secular powers. In 1307, King Philip IV of France and Pope Clement V combined to take down the Knights Templar, arresting the grand master, Jacques de Molay, on charges of heresy, sacrilege and Satanism. Under torture, Molay and other leading Templars confessed and were eventually burned at the stake. Clement dissolved the Templars in 1312, assigning their property and monetary assets to a rival order, the Knights Hospitalers. In fact, though, Philip and his English counterpart, King Edward II, claimed most of the wealth after banning the organization from their respective countries.
The modern-day Catholic Church has admitted that the persecution of the Knights Templar was unjustified and claimed that Pope Clement was pressured by secular rulers to dissolve the order. Over the centuries, myths and legends about the Templars have grown, including the belief that they may have discovered holy relics at
(Quoted from: http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/pope-recognizes-knights-templar )
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Evanston Royal Arch Chapter #144 Royal Arch Days
A great Photo of the Class of Jan 2011. Men from Evanston, Glenview, Wilmette, Joliet, Kankakee and M.I.B. all together to confer the 4th through 7th Degrees in the Royal Arch. We were fortunate to have in attendance the M.E.G.H.P. of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Illinois, Chuck Horwitz.
It was a great day filled with some great fellowship and a lot of information to digest. What I need to do now is find a book that can fill my need to find information on the history and symbolism of the Royal Arch and or the York Rite.
Any one out there have any suggestions?
It was a great day filled with some great fellowship and a lot of information to digest. What I need to do now is find a book that can fill my need to find information on the history and symbolism of the Royal Arch and or the York Rite.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Valley of Chicago
I attended my first meeting for the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, Valley of Chicago. I was very impressed with how it was run. A very organized effort, a great dinner and a well run meeting. I was able to experience the 6th Degree and it was very well done.
I recently read the Southern Jurisdiction 6th degree and it is quite different. I need to compare the two and see how the messages compare given the differences in presentation. I need to find a N.M.J. ritual guide like the S.J guide I am reading for the Mastercraftsman Course. It would give me a great perspective on the differences between the two entities.
I hope to get more involved with the Valley of Chicago. This is more of what I thought Masonry was all about. I was asked to be an Ambassador for the VoC, I think that this will be a great opportunity.
I recently read the Southern Jurisdiction 6th degree and it is quite different. I need to compare the two and see how the messages compare given the differences in presentation. I need to find a N.M.J. ritual guide like the S.J guide I am reading for the Mastercraftsman Course. It would give me a great perspective on the differences between the two entities.
I hope to get more involved with the Valley of Chicago. This is more of what I thought Masonry was all about. I was asked to be an Ambassador for the VoC, I think that this will be a great opportunity.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Charity ? ! ?
I was under the impression that as Masons, charity was one of our greatest qualities.
Politics seem to be the greatest quality of some men who think they are great Masons, but only seem to be in it for their own interests or for what they support. I had a project to try an raise a few dollars for a repair to the building in which we have out meetings. As the representative of the building, I brought it up to the brethren in attendance that I would like to raise a few bucks to help defray the cost of the repair. Just pass the hat and put a buck or so in if you can.
One man, stood up and angrily shot it down as not a priority or in their best interests. One other stood up and joined in while all the other brothers looked on and shook their heads or laughed about it. I pointed out that I am not asking the lodge for anything, I am asking the brothers to put a dollar or two into the hat to help the Temple. He kept it up, no one spoke up until one brother, the one unemployed brother, stood up and pledged fifty dollars to help. But the damage was done and my request went ignored.
In the year that I have been active, and I am very active, I see politics rear its evil head all too much in the organization. I see cliques form, I see people stab others in the back, talk about others behind their back and try to manipulate others to suit their needs. I see people play each other, I see good men leave or lose interest because of it.
It is really taking away from my experience. I know why, because the guy that did it doesn't really like me, mainly because Im not afraid to challenge him and have, but that is another story. I just do not feel that there is a place for politics in the lodge, especially not in front of the District Deputy Grand Master. I feel that if you dont want to contribute, then don't, just let the hat pass you by. Why publicly make an issue out of someone trying to do something nice for the place we all call home. It was embarrassing and uncalled for and in my opinion very Un-Masonic.
I thought that this would be one place where that stuff didnt happen, especially in a situation concerning charity. It takes away from my experience, causes me to lose more respect for that man and question how people look at themselves and call themselves Masons.
The DDGM used a coined phrase earlier and is presenting on it this month. M.I.N.O. Mason in Name Only. I think that this really has merit and I see that it really has meaning.
Politics seem to be the greatest quality of some men who think they are great Masons, but only seem to be in it for their own interests or for what they support. I had a project to try an raise a few dollars for a repair to the building in which we have out meetings. As the representative of the building, I brought it up to the brethren in attendance that I would like to raise a few bucks to help defray the cost of the repair. Just pass the hat and put a buck or so in if you can.
One man, stood up and angrily shot it down as not a priority or in their best interests. One other stood up and joined in while all the other brothers looked on and shook their heads or laughed about it. I pointed out that I am not asking the lodge for anything, I am asking the brothers to put a dollar or two into the hat to help the Temple. He kept it up, no one spoke up until one brother, the one unemployed brother, stood up and pledged fifty dollars to help. But the damage was done and my request went ignored.
In the year that I have been active, and I am very active, I see politics rear its evil head all too much in the organization. I see cliques form, I see people stab others in the back, talk about others behind their back and try to manipulate others to suit their needs. I see people play each other, I see good men leave or lose interest because of it.
It is really taking away from my experience. I know why, because the guy that did it doesn't really like me, mainly because Im not afraid to challenge him and have, but that is another story. I just do not feel that there is a place for politics in the lodge, especially not in front of the District Deputy Grand Master. I feel that if you dont want to contribute, then don't, just let the hat pass you by. Why publicly make an issue out of someone trying to do something nice for the place we all call home. It was embarrassing and uncalled for and in my opinion very Un-Masonic.
I thought that this would be one place where that stuff didnt happen, especially in a situation concerning charity. It takes away from my experience, causes me to lose more respect for that man and question how people look at themselves and call themselves Masons.
The DDGM used a coined phrase earlier and is presenting on it this month. M.I.N.O. Mason in Name Only. I think that this really has merit and I see that it really has meaning.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Helping Masons
We have a young entered apprentice who came into a little trouble today. He is 21 and alone and lost the place where he was living. No one really knows him well, but a couple of us got together and brought him to the Temple, warmed up and then took him out to lunch to hear his story.
It was an interesting story and he seems like a decent fellow, trying to break out of the tough urban life. The one thing I noticed that Masonically, there isn't much help for someone who is not a Master Mason. We had a couple of prominent Masons assisting us and came up short on Masonic ideas and possibilities.
We have a brother who recently retired from a prominent civic position at the suburb where the Temple is located. We went over to the shelter and hit our first wall. They don't take emergency cases and it can take several days to be accepted. They did give us the card for the case worker to get him started.
Believe it or not....Salvation army was full and the YMCA requires a 3 day application process and background check. If you are a young single man.....you are pretty much out of luck! The only shelter that would take an emergency homeless male was on the south side of the city....almost 140 blocks away! Which would not work because he needed to be up in our town to get his stuff from his building the next day. We literally called places for three hours and hit the wall with each one! it was very frustrating.
I understand that women and children and seniors are very important as well are families, but should it really be that difficult to get a young single man help? I can see why they roam the streets and get into trouble.
Thanks to the Evanston York Rite members, we were able to pool together enough cash to get him a warm space and some bus fare and a few extra to eat with.
I hope that he takes our advise and gets with the case worker to get into the shelter, it actually looked quite nice. We will keep up with his progress and see how he takes it.
It was an interesting story and he seems like a decent fellow, trying to break out of the tough urban life. The one thing I noticed that Masonically, there isn't much help for someone who is not a Master Mason. We had a couple of prominent Masons assisting us and came up short on Masonic ideas and possibilities.
We have a brother who recently retired from a prominent civic position at the suburb where the Temple is located. We went over to the shelter and hit our first wall. They don't take emergency cases and it can take several days to be accepted. They did give us the card for the case worker to get him started.
Believe it or not....Salvation army was full and the YMCA requires a 3 day application process and background check. If you are a young single man.....you are pretty much out of luck! The only shelter that would take an emergency homeless male was on the south side of the city....almost 140 blocks away! Which would not work because he needed to be up in our town to get his stuff from his building the next day. We literally called places for three hours and hit the wall with each one! it was very frustrating.
I understand that women and children and seniors are very important as well are families, but should it really be that difficult to get a young single man help? I can see why they roam the streets and get into trouble.
Thanks to the Evanston York Rite members, we were able to pool together enough cash to get him a warm space and some bus fare and a few extra to eat with.
I hope that he takes our advise and gets with the case worker to get into the shelter, it actually looked quite nice. We will keep up with his progress and see how he takes it.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Happy New Year
"Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man." -Brother Benjamin Franklin
Happy New Year to all of my Brothers and Fellows. I am not one to make resolutions, but I made one last year and it was a successful one. I resolved to make myself a better man and I did. I joined Freemasonry and it has been an amazing year. I have met a lot of great guys and have had some great adventures.
It hasn't been all rosy, but overall a wonderful experience. My resolution for 2011 is to gain more light in Masonry and to make myself a better man. Benjamin Franklin's words, over two hundred years old, still ring true today.
I brought a friend into Masonry, watched him get his first degree and I am looking forward to seeing him progress through his second and third degrees. I hope to see the light of Masonry inspire him through 2011 as it did for me in 2010. I hope that I can inspire other men to take up the cause and become active and productive members of Freemasonry in Chicago.
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