Wayfarers Lodge #1001; A bit of History Part 2

An Excerpt from the Wayfarers Lodge #1001 75th Anniversary Program Booklet, Oct 31, 1992

Historical
By Frank H. Welter Sr., P.M.

On February 5th, 1916, twenty five brethren from Evans #524, Park Ridge #873 and Wilmette #931, wet at the Evanston Masonic Hall, located at 810 Davis Street, Evanston, Illinois, with the idea to form a new lodge.

Brother George Tyson, M.D. was selected as the chairman and Brother Carl M. Cooley was selected as Secretary.

During this meeting, it was decided to meet on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month.  A committee was formed to select a name for the future lodge.  Another committee was formed to select names for officers and yet another to start to draw up the by-laws.

At the next meeting held on February 16, 1916, twenty one brethren mat, at which time, the committees reported.  Three names were suggested for the Lodge, which were, "Hiram", "Northwestern" and "Cosmopolitan".  Dues in the amount of $5.00 were made to help with the expenses.

The third meeting was held on March 1, 1916 and out of nowhere, as far as the minutes show, the name of "Wayfarers" was picked as the new lodge name.  A motion was made to make this a permanent organization and calling it the "Wayfarers Club".  The motion passed.

During the April 19, 1916 meeting, the by-laws were sent to the Grand Lodge for approval and the fee for the degrees was fixed at $75.00  What would that amount to today?  Maybe $750.00?

All during these meetings, there always appeared a bill for cigars.

On July 5th, 1916, the District Deputy Grand Master, Worshipful Brother Robert Holt, presided in the East and a letter from the Most Worshipful Grand Master, Ralph H. Wheeler, was read that instituted Wayfarers Lodge under dispensation.  Seventy members had signed a petition to form this new lodge.  The District Deputy then invested the jewels of their office and installed in their respective stations as places.

Bro. George Tyson, WM
Bro. George Baker, SW
Bro. E. G. Gross, JW
Bro. George Carmin, Treas.
Bro. Carl Cooley, Sec.
Bro. E. J. Brown, SD
Bro. W. D. Dickson, JD
Bro. Charles Karvin, SS
Bro. Fred L. Kerr, JS

After the by-laws were read and approved, they were then sent to the Grand Lodge for approval.  During this meeting, there were twelve petitions for degrees read and referred to the investigation committee.

The remaining minutes of the Lodge under dispensation have been lost over the years.

The Lodge was constituted on November 15, 1916 and I can find nothing on who was there and who represented the Grand Lodge.

Thus our Lodge shall enter the last twenty five years before the century mark.  I hope that this Lodge continues with the spirit of good fellowship which has been very prominent as long as I have been a member.

Good Luck Wayfarers,

Frank H. Welter Sr., P.M.

February

FEBRUARY

The month of February, the third month of the winter season, is the second month of the year. 

Before the re-arrangement of the Roman Calendar by the Emperor Numa Pompilius, March was the first month of  the ten months of the year, and December was the last.  Our second month February receives its name from a Latin word which means “to Purify”, for in this month, people purified their homes and made sacrifices to the gods who loved order and cleanliness. 

The old tradition assigns the amethyst as the jewel and the primrose as the flower of this month.

Pisces – the fishes

The approach of the resumption of agricultural labors was commemorated by a mystical association with fishes as a sign of life after death.  The sun was then found among the stars of the fishes. 

Of the twelve tribes of Israel, it is probable that the tribe of Simeon and Levi bore the zodiacal sign of  Pisces as their tribal emblem, when they entered the promised land. 

The Number two:

In created things, it is the generative number.

The Duad:

Cain and Abel:

Good and Evil:

Right and Left:

Life and Death:

Day and Night:

Jachin and Boaz:

Man and Woman:

Earth and Heaven:

Surface and Center:

Light and Darkness:

Sunshine and Shadow:

The Symbol of Antagonism:

The Active and the Passive:

The Two Wardens of the Lodge:

The Female Principle in Nature:

Two Words of Two Syllables Each:

*** Excerpt from “The Master’s Lectures as delivered in Evans Lodge #524, Dec. 1923

The Cup of Brotherly Love Presentation

When:  17 March 2001
6:30pm - Dinner
7:30pm - Presentation

Where:  Evanston Masonic Temple - 1453 Maple Ave - Evanston, Ill 60201

On September 7, 1929, Norman B. Hickox, Master of Events Lodge No. 524, Illinois, formally presented a beautiful silver cup to the lodge, after raising his son as a Master Mason. The Cup of Brotherly Love, as it came to be known, was to be sent on a journey around the world, traveling always from West to East by land sea or air, and always in the custody of a Master Mason. The cup visited more than 150 host lodges as it circled the globe. On May 24, 1958, a homecoming celebration was held at Evans Lodge to commemorate the return of the cup to the lodge.

$10.00 donation will cover dinner and proceeds will go to Evans Lodge’s Cup Program. 

Please RSVP by emailing me.  RSVPs are needed so that we know how much food to bring for the dinner.  

Future Presentations:

16 April:  Ashville N. C.  The Lodge in Ashville is putting on a Grand event inviting Lodges from all over the State of North Carolina, including their Grand Lodge.  If you are interested in attending, please contact me and I will but you in touch with their Worshipful Master.  

Wayfarers Lodge #1001; A bit of History

Did you know...........

James F. Stiles Jr., 

Former Chairman of the Board, Vice President, Treasurer and Director of Abbott Laboratories, Chicago.  Brother Stiles was born 27 June 1892.

Brother Stiles started as an order picker in the Abbott Laboratories shipping room, where he started in 1913.  Dr. Wallace C. Abbott can lay claim to one of the most unique methods of personnel recruitment: delivering babies whom he later employed!  Brother Stiles was one of those babies.  

Brother Stiles was also President of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce from 1945 to 1947 and a Republican delegate to the Republican National Convention in 1960.

Brother Stiles was raised on 21 May 1919 at wayfarers Lodge #1001 in Evanston, Illinois.  He was also Past Sovereign of St. John's Conclave #1, the Red Cross of Constantine in Chicago.

I can not find a date of his death anywhere, but he was a Wayfarer of note and a part of our history.

Evans Lodge #524; a bit of History

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

A Charge To The Fraternity by Benjamin Franklin

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.

http://workonthetrestleboard.blogspot.com/2011/01/are-you-relevant-mason.html

The Hows and Whys

Erasmus was a 16^th 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” 

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. 

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 in Palestine. The Templars took their name from the location of their headquarters, at Jerusalem's Temple Mount. For a while, the Templars had only nine members, mostly due to their rigid rules. In addition to having noble birth, the knights were required to take strict vows of poverty, obedience and chastity. In 1127, new promotional efforts convinced many more noblemen to join the order, gradually increasing its size and influence.
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 Temple Mount, including the Holy Grail, the Ark of the Covenant or parts of the cross from Christ's crucifixion. The imagined secrets of the Templars have inspired various books and movies, including the blockbuster novel and film The Da Vinci Code.
(Quoted from:  http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/pope-recognizes-knights-templar  )

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?

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.

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.  

Masonry in Men

H. L. Haywood once wrote, Not more men in Masonry, but more Masonry in men.

This has been a topic of discussion between myself and a few Brothers.  I once has a prominent Mason in our area tell me that because he felt cheated by the Blue Lightning experience he went through, it caused him to seek more light in Masonry on his own.  He is unique, as too often, we discussed, the rest of the men get their secret decoder rings and just say "Cool, I'm a Mason!" and off they go.

One of the items brought up by our discussions was the concept of quantity over quality.   We rush guys in, get them degrees as soon as possible so that they don't lose interest, don't focus on education at all between the degrees and rush the experience.  In my case, by the time I was a fellowcraft, I was quite confused.  What word?  huh? grip?  when do I use that? There was no place for me to go to learn and no one offered to help.  Id occasionally get a short paper given to me to read or a regional publication to go through.

I understand the need for members, it is for the financial well being of the Blue Lodge.  We need members, to pay fees and dues so that the lodge can survive.  Each year we lose members due to indifference, death, lack of time, whatever and we need to replace them.  But should we do this at the sacrifice of who we are and what we are all about?

We have been fortunate to have some new members and Entered Apprentices who appreciate the education and have been participating in events.  Still, the discussion led to the possibility that some men may not get involved because they truly do not have Masonry in their hearts.  Long ago, it took long periods of time to advance from Apprentice to Fellowcraft and then to be raised a Master Mason.  Why?  It was to see who was dedicated to the craft, to weed out those who truly didn't have it in themselves to be a true part of the organization.  What did I say earlier?  We move guys through so that they don't lose interest.  Perhaps they lose interest if they truly don't have the craft in their heart?  Some may some may not, we should never say all or never, but it is a possibility.

Could it be that some men dont get too involved because when they were raised, Masonic Education was not a focus or a factor in the process?  They didn't exactly know what they were getting into or what was expected of them?  I revert back to the 24 inch rule.  This particular symbol always sticks out to me as one thing I learned well, equally dividing our time between work, rest and craft.  Sometimes I devote a little more to one than the other, but in the long run it all evens out.  I am devoted to my craft and my devotion is trying to  instill that devotion into others.  To be true to H. L. Haywood's quote and put more Masonry into men.

The Masonic Calendar - 28 December 6010 A.L.

With Yesterday being the Feast Day of St. John the Evangelist, it signifies the beginning of the Masonic Calendar.  This is a good day to put together a brief explanation of that calendar as put together by Robert Macoy in 1867.

"In affixing dates to official Masonic documents, Freemasons should always use the calendar peculiar to themselves: the common calendar, or vulgar era, may also be used in the same instrument. The dates vary in the different branches of the order.

Masons of the York and French rites, date from the creation of the world, calling it "Anno Lucis," which they abbreviate A.·. L.·. signifying "in the year of Light." Thus with them the present year is A.·. L.·. 5852. Masons of the York rite begin the year on the first January, but in the French rite it commences on the first of March, and instead of the month receiving their usual names, they are designated numerically. as first, second, third, &c. Thus, the "1st day of the 11th Masonic month, Anno Lucis, 5852." The French sometimes, instead of the initials A.·. L.·., use "L'an de la V.·. L.·., or "Vraie Lumiere," that is, "Year of True Light."

Royal Arch Masons commence their era with the year in which Zerubbabel began to build the second temple, which was 530 years before Christ. Their style for the year 1852 is, therefore, A.·. Inv.·., that is, Anno Inventionis, or, in the year of the Discovery, 2382.

Royal and Select Masters very often make use of the common Masonic date, Anno Lucis, but properly they should date from the year in which Solomon's Temple was completed and their style would then be, Anno Depositionis, or, in the Year of the Deposit, and they would date the present year as 2852.

Knights Templars use the era of the organization of their order, in 1118. Their style for the present year is  A.·. O.·., Anna Ordinis, or, in the year of the Order, 734."

Rules for Discovering the Different Dates

1. TO FIND THE ANCIENT CRAFT. - Add 4000 to the vulgar era. Thus 2011 and 4000 are 6011.
2. TO FIND THE DATE OF ROYAL ARCH MASONRY. - Add 530 to the vulgar era .Thus 530 and 2011 are 2541.
3. TO FIND THE ROYAL AND SELECT MASTER'S DATE, - Add 1000 to the vulgar era. Thus 1000 and 2011 are 3011.
4. TO FIND THE KNIGHTS TEMPLARS' DATE, - Subtract 1118 from the vulgar era. Thus 1118 from 2011 is 893.

Information received and quoted from:  http://www.phoenixmasonry.org/masonic_manual/masonic_calendar.htm

Last Night's Feast Day Observance

The Feast Day of St. John was well celebrated at the Evanston Masonic Temple.  We 17 people in attendance and both lodges, Evans and Wayfarers were represented.

We began the evening with a great dinner, compliments of Evans Lodge.  We were fortunate to host our District Deputy Grand Master, Ira Gilbert as well as a few guests.

We opened the presentation with a brief history of who St. John the Evangelist was.  This presentation was posted earlier on this blog.  We then proceeded with a presentation by Worshipful Master David Lanier on the symbolism and allegory that the Saints John represent.  The presentations were followed by a short Question and Answer period and segway into announcing the Evanston Masonic Research Society's schedule and plans, then we adjourned.

Overall a successful night.  thank you Brothers who attended and made this possible!

Functions of a Masonic Lodge « DeKalb, Illinois Masonic Organizations Blog

Functions of a Masonic Lodge « DeKalb, Illinois Masonic Organizations Blog

An Excellent posting by a local lodge on their blog.

"...to train its members to an understanding of the truths which its rituals and its ceremonies are calculated to inculcate, to develop its members as benevolent men, to cultivate the social virtues among men, and to propagate the knowledge of the art."

This totally moves along the lines of my original post and the post that was done by the Masonic Traveller.  It is our duty as Master Masons to instill the devotion to our craft into those Entered Apprentices and Fellowcraft by setting the proper example and actually working to better ourselves as men. 

It is our duty as Brothers to behave in a manner so as to exemplify ourselves to others so that they do not become disillusioned or disinterested.  We need to maintain our devotion, even if we ourselves become disillusioned. 

"The beauty of our ritual, and the good fellowship among the members of our Lodges cannot be conserved when the chief aim is to make Masons and money — “for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of things which he possesseth” — and a Lodge’s life does not consist in its acquisitions, but in the contribution which it makes to civilization and society through the influence to those whom it has helped to train to what we call Masonic character." 

This is all to true.  Quality versus quantity, it is understood that many lodges are fiscally challenged and need the quantity to ensure the lodge can meet their responsibilities.  Out of that quantity, they hope to gain some quality men out of the quantity they accept.  Is this the way to go?  Does this not dilute the pool?  Like I indicated in my earlier post, all too often I see many men on the sidelines, watching the game, but are too busy in their lives to do any more than the once or twice a month meeting.  The same five of six guys are always supporting the events that are often put on by that same five or six guys, out of a hundred or so members on the rolls. 

Would that sort of apathy cause those active few to become disillusioned or to become "burnt out" of doing things that others seem not to have any interest in?  How does that look to our Entered Apprentices and fellowcraft who seem to know us only for our reputation until they truly get a taste of what we are all about. 

"Therefore, it should be the duty of every Masonic Lodge to put in action a plan for the education of its members in Masonic history, symbolism and philosophy, devoting more of its meetings to this much neglected function. "

This is one reason why my Brother Lanier and I decided to start the Evanston Masonic Research Society.  to bring back academic pursuits in local Masonry.  We need to give an understanding of the symbolism and allegory to those who truly seek the Light of Masonry rather than just use this as a network of fellows. 

This was truly an inspirational post by our Brothers in DeKalb.  Cheers to you!  This post truly inspired. 

The Misguided Expectations of Freemasonry | FmI - Masonic Traveler

The Misguided Expectations of Freemasonry FmI - Masonic Traveler

I wrote about this the other day in my post which quotes the Scottish Rite. It seems I am not alone. Another well known Masonic Blogger has picked up on this same subject, in a different scenario and wrote a piece on it. Good work on his part, I though I would share this with you .

A quote from the Scottish Rite

“… the square and the compasses, the gavel and the rule.  They are emblems of his virtues and authority; and let everyone who wears or uses them remember that he will become an imposter in the ranks of honor, if he dishonors them by any act of baseness, or by sloth becomes unworthy of them.”  5^th Degree Perfect Master.

I became a Mason for a reason.  To me it isnt just a fraternity or a place to sit and hang out with guys a couple times a month.  True, the fraternal aspect is an important part of my experience, but the aspect of working together with these brothers to achieve a common goal is even more so.

In the first degree we learn that Charity is a major part of the Masonic experience.  In the fouth degree we learn that one of the Nine Great Masonic Virtues is Devotion.  As a Mason, I believe that I am bound to be devoted to my craft.  Devoted to one of the most important aspects of our Masonic life, Charity.  Charity to me isnt just putting on one big fund raiser a year or a couple small ones, just to say we did something.  Charity is a way of life that we must live on a daily basis.  Devotion to our craft doesn’t mean we neglect our responsibilities to be an active part of the Lodge, but it means we strike a perfect balance, as per the 24 inch rule.  8 hours to rest and relaxation, 8 hours to our vocation and 8 hours to our craft.

I personally do not wish to become that Mason who has allowed sloth to make me unworthy of my emblems.  Nor do I strive to be that Mason whose devotion to the craft has removed me from my other responsibilities and pursuits in life.  But if I see an event planned out in advance and it doesn't conflict with anything other than me sitting around and watching TV or hanging out, I will choose to attend it.  It serves to do what I joined the Masons for, to take a man and make him better.  If I choose to attend it, I attend it.  I don’t use some lame excuse not to show up or to cancel at the last minute, I gave my word that I would go by virtue of my RSVP or promise.  I know that others, who worked hard to put on an event or set up a meeting or prepare a presentation are counting on me to attend.  I know that the charitable effort needs my attendance to succeed.  I know that my promise to volunteer will have a positive impact on someone’s life.

All too often I see men become masons and sit on the sidelines and just let others do the work.  I personally can not do that.  I want to make a difference for my craft or those who my craft supports.  I know that my devotion may be contagious and that other men may see that and strive to match my efforts.  I know that the new Entered Apprentices will see my devotion and believe that we still stand true to our reputation.  They will know that we are not just a network of men, but a network of men that mean action.  Movers and shakers who really do affect the pulse of the world.

I am a Mason and that means something to me.  It means something to others outside of our craft and I want them to see the truth in that reputation.  That we are all good men, working on making ourselves and the world better. 

St. John the Evangelist Day

We have decided to hold an observance of the Feast Day for St. John the Evangelist.  It will be at 7pm on the 27^th of December at the Evanston Masonic Temple.  I have been asked to give a presentation on the historical aspect of who St. John the Evangelist was.  I wrote a short 2 pages on the topic and will post it here on the feast day.  WM David Lanier will give a presentation on what St. John represented allegorically to the Masons.

We chose to do this for two reasons.  First, 12/27/2010 is regarded as one of the most important days on the Masonic calendar and in times past was often observed in Lodge or at a Church service attended by members.  This wouldn’t normally motivate us to put this together, there obviously had to be some incentive!  Well, there was.

The Grand Lodge of Illinois has an Award of Excellence program and each lodge can qualify for a point toward the award if they can manage to pull together the Worshipful Master and 8 Officers/members to attend.  Evans Lodge managed to pull together 8 brothers on short notice, 2 days after Christmas.  Wayfarers is working on getting together their members so that they can qualify for a point as well.

It was short notice, but I hope we can pull this off.  It will be nice to see if we can make it happen.