Sacrifices for the Good of the Craft

I recently enjoyed a visit to a great little town called Ashville, North Carolina.  During this visit, I was reminded as to why I joined Masonry.  The trip was to do a presentation on the Cup of Brotherly Love to an audience who has seen it for the first time.  A lot of hard work was put in on the part of the Mt. Hermon Lodge to make this event happen. 

Just before the trip, our host mentioned that he had no idea what his turn out would be like, there were a lot of other Masonic events going on in the local area during the same weekend.  In Chicago that translates to, we may get one or two people show up if we are lucky. 

On a bad day, they managed to get about 25 people show up, who were genuinely interested in the history of the Cup and the message it presents.  We then ventured out to a second Lodge that was having a Lodge fund raising dinner and their turn out was great!  There must have been 50 to 75 Brothers, Family and Friends in attendance.  We gave them a condensed version of the presentation in the form of a short Q & A session and photo ops. 

I was impressed with the dedication these men have to their Lodges and their Temples.  You can see the pride they have of their accomplishments and what their Lodges has to offer.  I really felt like Masonry was truly being worked there as you can see the dedication to the craft hard at work. 

H.L. Haywood wrote in his book Symbolic Freemasonry, “  Unless a man is willing to work, to endure hardships, and to make sacrifices, he should stay outside of the Order;  his name and his dues are valueless if they are not accompanied by his willingness ever to serve as a loyal son of Freemasonry.” 

You can see this particular quote in action with the Brethren I met at that Lodge and you can see that same value in many Brothers I know in the Lodges I visit in the Chicago area.  It is what I read about and see how Masonry was in the years past. 

I know that life is usually the deciding factor on where and how men spend their times.  We have precious few hours in our days in the 21^st century to dedicate to anything.  We work, we have family, church, other social outlets, etc.  How do we take our obligation to the 24 inch rule to heart when those 24 hours have so many competing responsibilities?  8 hours to rest and recreation, 8 hours to our vocation and 8 hours to our craft.  Considering that most people need their 8 hours of sleep, in my case, 6 is fine.  That doesn’t leave much for anything else.  Family and Friends need time too! 

I don’t believe that dedicating 8 hours in the day to our craft is what that means.  We practice our craft 24 hours a day, in how we interact with others, how we make decisions in our family and vocation.  Much of what we do can be considered recreational as well.  We have the time to dedicate to our craft, but it is camouflaged as parts and pieces of everything else we do in our daily lives.  But there also need to be that dedication to keeping the craft alive, by participating in events, taking in that Masonic education, to understand why we are involved in Masonry.  By Participating in events, other Brothers, Apprentices and Fellowcraft see that we have a vibrant and enthusiastic community and they feel that fraternity.  It motivates them to seek out that Masonic Education, it motivates them to attend fun and interesting events.  It promotes our craft and keeps it alive.  Dedication and attendance keeps those that take the time and make the effort to set up and put on those event to keep doing it and to make better and more exciting events, to raise funds for the Lodges, temples and Charities. 

“To Endure Hardships and to Make Sacrifices” is what Haywood says, and that is important.  Sometimes as Brothers, we need to attend functions we may not necessarily be interested, for the good of the Fraternity.  We shouldn’t just attend the fun stuff.  You may not be interested in Masonic education or Rod and Floor Work, but according to Harwood, one must make that sacrifice and endure that hardship for the good of the fraternity.  That knowledge you gain may allow you to keep your obligation to pass on our craft to the younger and newer generations.  You may not like fellowship nights, but making an appearance shows others that we truly have a vibrant and enthusiastic community.  Even if your appearance is for just a short while, it adds value to your lodge membership and allows you to serve the craft. 

Personally, I just don’t have the time to memorize stuff, but I have to, so I do.  I do without that episode of House on TV or I go to bed an hour later to fit in a little study time.  Maybe even study a little while I am on the Metra.  I sacrifice a little time to do something I don’t really like to do, but know I have to, for the good of my Lodge. 

I feel H.L. Haywood’s words are very meaningful and truly outline a quality that is necessary in all brothers to add value to our Lodges and ensure the continuation and success of our Craft. 

Cup of Brotherly Love - Journey's End

These Guys Know how to do it! 

Sunday was a beautiful day in Ashville. We had a nice breakfast, coffee on the parkway, a great lunch and did a little shopping before heading home.

I work for a major airline and generally fly as space available and for free. At the start of the day it was not looking good for me. The morning flights were packed and the evening flight was full. I decided to chance it and sit in the airport to see if a seat opened up. At the ticket counter, I was told it didn't look good for me. The Cup was at my side and its good travel energy started to work its magic. The cup must have wanted to get home because at the last minute, I went up and asked the agent how the seats were and he told me no problem, there were 7 open seats and one of them was mine!

The Cup came through and we were on our way home!

Overall, a great trip and a great group of Brothers at Mt. Hermon and Hominy lodges in beautiful NC!

Cup of Brotherly Love, Part 4

Saturday was a great Masonic day! We started off with a really great southern style breakfast, then headed over to the lodge to set up for the event.

We tux'ed out and headed back to the lodge. Mt. Hermon Lodge #118 had a nice turn out of about 25 people who were very excite to see the cup and hear its message. Everyone there wanted to have a photo of it and touch the cup to feel a part of its allure. We had a nice lunch of NC BBQ and then took off for another lodge, out side of the city.

Hominy Lodge #491 was a wonderful rural lodge that was very welcoming and very friendly. We didn't put on the presentation, but we put the cup out on display and everyone was thrilled to see it and had many questions. They set us up with a great southern dinner and some great fellowship.

It was a wonderful experience to present the cup to an audience that truly appreciated its story and meaning.

We went back to the Ashville temple for a few photos and to wind down from a long day. We went out to the Thirsty Monk for a few micro-brews and good conversation with our new friends.

At 930pm we were featured on a nationally syndicated radio show hosted by Joshua P. Warren. He is a host on Speaking of Strange and interviewed us on the allure of the Cup and its history.

Overall, a great Saturday and a great new addition to the history of Evans Lodge #524.


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Cup of Brotherly Love, Part III

We made it to Ashville NC and the day started off great! The Temple building here is awesome. An incredible building that was built in 1913.

We started off with a tour of the building and then a photo session with the cup.

We were invited to dinner with the Worshipful Master of the Lodge. It was some great food and great conversation. The Cup did its job and brought some brothers together in fraternity.

We got a tour of the Grove Park Inn Spa and then headed back to the hotel for the night.

Ashville NC is very welcoming and beautiful little town. Definitely a place for a weekend visit. Plus, some serious Masonry takes place and from what I hear a very theatrical 3rd Degree. I would love to come see it some time!

Cup of Brotherly Love, Part II

The Journey begins.

I got the Cup through 21st century security without question and we are sitting at the gate. I have the Cup in my possession, the Photo Album is in my checked bag and it took the biggest bag I had.

I am nervous because I am traveling space available to a destination that doesn't have a lot of flights going to it. The other day, it was wide open, so I'm not sweating it too much, but you never know.

I have my camera, so we will have some photos soon.

Cheers!


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Cup Of Brotherly Love's Journey Part 1

On Friday I will Travel to Ashville N. C. to present the Cup of Brotherly Love to Mt. Hermon Lodge #118.  This is the first time that the Cup will leave Evanston in quite some time and it is a bit of an undertaking.  The Cup itself must be in the possession of a Master Mason at all times and cannot be in Checked Baggage.  This presents quite the challenge.  For the most part, the cup is in a 50+ year old carrying case.  It is accompanied by its travel book, which is encased in an acrylic box and a very large and heavy photo book which also cannot be x-rayed.   There is a number of other items which need to be brought along as well to make the presentation properly.

I work for United Airlines, so I travel nearly free, I just pay for the taxes.  My trip will cost me $60.00 and that is donated by me to the program.  As Curator of the Cup, I have to make the trip.  I will be accompanied by WM David Lanier of Evans Lodge #524, who will assist me in presenting the Cup.  Basically, there is too much stuff for one person to carry, so I will need the help.  Evans Lodge #524 will be picking up the tab for his ticket since we didn’t want to chance 2 people flying space available, like I do.  We will both fly to Greenville S.C. and will be picked up by a Brother from Mt. Hermon Lodge. 

In talking with him, it seems that he is faced with the typical Masonic Problems, knowing who and how many people will show up to the presentation.  All the proceeds will go to their local Masonic charities.  I had the opportunity to check out their website, it seems that Mt. Hermon Lodge has a long History and I really look forward to meeting and talking with brothers from North Carolina.  There is a possibility that we may be asked to present at a second lodge in the area on Saturday night, so this is a great opportunity! 

The travelling presentation is a new thing, we are asking for a donation from Mt. Hermon to cover the costs of the Cup’s journey.  Basically, a bit to cover travel and a room for the weekend.  I will Chronicle the Cup’s first Journey in a number of years in this blog, I hope you enjoy the story! 

Mt. Hermon Lodge:  http://www.masonic118.com/

Talking and walking

Before I was Accepted as an Entered Apprentice, the committee of future Brothers has asked me an important question, “Why are you interested in Masonry?”  That is a question that I had no problem in answering. 

In my twenties, I was dedicated to serving my country.  I spent eight years in the Marines, living overseas and dedicating my life to a higher cause.  There was order, structure and discipline, a band of brothers who came together for a common cause, working together as a team to accomplish a common goal.    

In my thirties, I was dedicated to my work.  I was focused on bettering myself by improving my work skills and my education.  I was working with a team of other individuals to accomplish a common goal.  A goal which I benefitted from if we succeeded. 

In my forties, I got a taste of serving my country again and I missed it.  I missed the brotherhood that the military provided to me.  The organization and discipline it provided.  It was a great year and a half of giving back to the troops by doing my civil service and contributing to the efforts of my nation.  But when that ended, I needed more.  I looked around and checked out the American Legion, the Knights of Columbus and the AF&AM. 

After doing some reading and personal reflection, I felt that Masonry was my choice as such a venerable and respected organization with rich history and culture.  A system of Morality, which meant lessons in discipline to subdue my passions.  An organization with structure and a clear chain of command.  An organization that allowed me to continue my civil service to give back to my community and build solid relationships with seriously like-minded individuals. 

So when I recently read the forum on what is missing from Masonry, I look back at what Masonry seemed to me, before I joined.  I am not saying that it is not what it sold itself to be.  It is very much that organization, but you have to look harder into it to find it.  So what is missing, most lodges have 50 to 100 plus men on the roles, so members don’t seem to be the problem.  Motivated men with great ideas on activities and fund raisers are of no short supply either.  Each lodge has several men that are willing to take the bull by the horns and hold on for the wild ride.  So what are we missing?

One thing I notice is, where are all those men on the rolls?  If you have 120 men on the roll call, and only 15 come out for a meeting or you can barely scrape up 10 guys to come out to an event, I can see what we are missing.  I know life is important, work, school, family, etc. are all the priority, but how hard is it to dedicate one, maybe two nights a month to your lodge, especially when you know that at least one of those nights is the same night every month and has been like that for years. 

Is it a lack of activity?  I can’t say that it is, there are at least 4 nights a month of activities to choose from, just from my Lodge to choose from (two meetings, a masonic education night and a fellowship night) .  For some that one night a month is one night a month, for seven different bodies…..which one to choose?  Decisions … Decisions.  I work, I go to school, I have a social life, not so much a family, but I manage to get out to at least one event a week and because I go to these events, I know that there are a lot of others like me.   So what are we missing? 

How do we motivate those good men on the rolls to get more involved with their lodges and to support the activities, like the Masons were able to do in the years past?  What did Masons to in the 1940s and 1950s that lured men into the lodges and made the predominant community and lodge members?  What magic did they have that made men want more?  What did they do to make men look forward to putting on a suit and attending Lodge or supporting a lodge event with their Wife or Lady?  That is what we are missing. 

The Scottish Rite, York Rite, Shrine, have all been around for a long time, so we know men supported all of those organizations and still made it out to support their blue lodges.  The men that come out now in support of all these things are not who we are concerning ourselves with, we know that they come out and we know that they support the cause.  It is those names on the roll call which we don’t see or those men that come out and get their degrees and don’t come back or maybe those men who start their degrees but don’t finish.    How to we work our magic on them?

We need to step back sometimes and look at ourselves from the outside.   Many talk a good talk, but do they walk that walk?  Do they practice the tenets of Masonry that they preach?  Do we concern ourselves with too much internal politics and allow that to taint our experiences?  Do we think with a forward momentum and embrace changes that can propel us to the 21^st century while preserving our rich history and venerated rituals or do we try too hard to cling to the past and refuse to move with Time.  Do we close ourselves into cliques within the clique and make insiders feel like outsiders with our unintentional behaviors?  Do we really get involved with our communities and out charities?  Do we work hard to educate our new brethren, not just in ritual but in the esoteric meanings of that ritual.  Do we add value to the membership of a man by truly taking a good man and making him better?   Do new Masons see that and recognize it?  We live in a society of instant gratification, that is evident in how we as Americans operate.  If we don’t see instant value in something or it isn’t instantly a value to our life, we lose interest in it and few have the personality to stick with it and make it or put into it in order to get something out of it.

So those that do support the cause, those that do come out, need to shine, to practice what we preach, to live In the light of Masonry so that we motivate others to do the same.  We can’t let petty differences or politics tarnish the gleam of Masonry that we want others to see.  We need to be what we sell to those who have interest.  We need to talk and walk the same path of light to lead those who seek guidance to the same glorious immortality. 

Freemasonry and the Roman Catholic Church

Thursday 19 May 2011
630pm Dinner - 730pm Presentation

Brother Bruce Hudson 33rd Degree of the Valley of Chicago Speakers Committee will present on the history of Freemasonry and the Roman Catholic Church.  He will also discuss the Papal Bull and current relations.

Brother Hudson has been a Freemason since August 1954.  Belongs to and is Past Presiding Officer in York and Scottish Rite, Sojourners, AMD, Knight Masons, Lodge of Research, etc., etc., etc. (can't think of anything I don;t belong to including DeMolay)  33d and KYCH 

Been a Roman Catholic since 28 June 1975.  Serving in 2 Ministries.  A Mandated Minister of both the Eucharist and the Lectionary at Holy Name Cathedral

U S Marine for 30 years.  Deputy Sheriff of Cook County for 26 years.  Been retired since 2002.  

Please join us for this event.  It is open to Brothers, friends and family.  We ask for a $10 donation to cover the dinner  and use of the temple space.  
Please RSVP here:

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=212137155478391&index=1

Evanston Masonic Temple
1453 Maple ave.
Evanston Ill 60201

St. Andrew

St. Andrew was a Christian apostle and the brother to Saint Peter who lived during the early through mid first century A.D.  He was considered to be the founder of the Church of Byzantium an thus the patron saint of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople.

The Bible tells us that he was the brother of the apostle Simon Peter and was also a fisherman by trade.  Originally, he was a disciple of St. John the Baptist, which eventually led him to become a follower of Christ, who he immediately recognized as the Messiah.  After the death and Resurrection of Christ, Andrew went on to bring the word to Asia Minor, Scythia and as far at Volga and Kiev.  This act made him the Patron Saint of Russia and the Ukraine.

It is believed that in 38 AD, Andrew founded the See (Diocese)of Byzantium in Constantinople and installed the first Bishop.  Andrew was martyred and crucified in the Peloponnese city of Patras.  It is believed that he was bound to an "X" shaped cross called a Crux Decussata, now commonly known as the St. Andrew's Cross.  This was done by his request because he deemed himself unworthy to be crucified on the same type of cross as Christ.

At some point in the mid 10th century A.D., St. Andrew became the Patron Saint of Scotland.  Legend has it that several Relics of his were secretly brought to Scotland to a place where the modern town of St. Andrew is today.  Legend has it that on an eve of battle, Angus II, while engaged in prayer, vowed that if he was granted victory, he would appoint St. Andrew to be the Patron Saint of Scotland.  "On the morning of battle white clouds forming an X shape in the sky were said to have appeared. Óengus and his combined force, emboldened by this apparent divine intervention, took to the field and despite being inferior in terms of numbers were victorious. Having interpreted the cloud phenomenon as representing the crux decussata upon which Saint Andrew was crucified, Óengus honoured his pre-battle pledge and duly appointed Saint Andrew as the Patron Saint of Scotland. The white saltire set against a celestial blue background is said to have been adopted as the design of the flag of Scotland on the basis of this legend." (Lawson, John Parker, History of the Abbey and Palace of Holyrood house published 1848 p. 169)


This is the popular legend, but history indicates that there may be earlier references to St. Andrew as the Patron of Scotland before this.  The Feast of St. Andrew is the 30th of November in both the Eastern and Western Churches.

Now what does St. Andrew have to do with Masons......more to come later my Brothers!

Path of Light

In youth as an entered apprentice, we learn that we should seek knowledge which we can apply to how we live our lives in manhood as fellowcrafts. This is so that in age, as Master Masons, we can happily look back on our lives so that we can look forward to a glorious salvation.

As a Master Mason, I know for a fact that I still seek knowledge that can be applied to how I live my life. It is a never ending quest to gain knowledge in my craft. So many articles and books to read, posts in web forums to browse, discussions to have with good Brothers.

As a Master Mason, it didn't end. As a Royal Arch Mason, it made me want to learn more, as a Knight Templar, the thirst for knowledge was stronger. As a 32nd degree, the desire to dig deeper yet filled my mind.

We never stop learning. We will never know it all. During a degree which I have sat and watched for a second time, I took something home. A good leader must learn before he can teach. That the skill of learning never ends and that same leader can not lead without the inclusion of his Brothers.

At first, I assumed that someone would come up and give me the secrets of Masonry. I was wrong.
The secret is there only for those who are worthy to see it. Those that are willing to take the time to read and learn it. The few that actually try to live it. No one can truly live it all the time, but you know those that actually make a good attempt. We all make our own good attempts, some are better at it than others, but the point is, you try.

We never stop learning, even through our age, up to the point of our salvation. Once we close our eyes, we can no longer see the light. Not just our physical eyes, but the mind's eye as well. Just seeing is not the point, but understanding is.

Books and degrees are not the sole providers of that light, we watch the actions of our brothers. Learn from the trials of those around us and how their actions affect others. How their deeds and work brighten or dim their own lights. We learn from their success by gaining a shared wisdom or we learn from their mistakes, just as we learn from our own.

In age, we must open our eyes even wider, for sometimes our mind's eye is at rest. We at times think that by virtue of age, we have wisdom. With some things that is true, but that may be a liability with others. We must see the path set before us, to move forward so that we don't impede progress as we stumble with a closed mind. Even in age, we can still gain knowledge and move with the flow of those around us, both young and old.

To achieve that glorious immortality though our faith and our works is important. To get there, our eyes must see and follow the path of light we call Masonry.