Freemasons For Dummies

Yale Teaching Assistant Blames "Satanic Freemasonry" for Catholic Sex Abuse Scandals

2012-01-27T23:10:00.006-05:00

Wonder what's getting passed off as scholarship in Ivy League schools these days?

A Yale University teaching assistant and graduate student has posted her 53,000 word doctoral thesis online, entitled "Shakespeare and Dante: Demonic Agency as Literary Theory.” Margherita Viggiano was let go from her position as an art history TA and dismissed by the dean of the graduate school, Edward Barnaby, after a heated exchange of truly loony emails. The central theme to Viggiano's thesis is that "Satanic Freemasons" infiltrated the Catholic Church and arranged for priests to sexually molest children to destroy the Church from within.

According to the Ivygate website, Viggiano was apparently notorious for distributing conspiracy-laden handouts to undergraduates.

From the Ivygate website entry, In Doctoral Thesis, Rogue Yale T.A. Blames “Satanic Freemasonry” for Catholic Sex Abuse Scandals:

It’s unclear whether Yale has yet accepted Viggiano’s thesis; we’ve emailed Yale’s Department of Comparative Literature for comment, and will update if we hear back.

Referring to an Italian woman who had been “demonically possessed” and the Church’s efforts to save her, Viggiano writes:

"Her case is so exceptional, and the reasons of her continuing sufferings so disturbing, that one wonders why the Church hierarchy in Rome did not publicly intervene to denounce the phenomenon of Satanism in the Catholic Church. The crime of her cursing happened in Italy, performed by Italian fallen priests: therefore, it would have been logical for the Vatican, in Rome, to start a formal investigation into Satanism, looking for the causes that drive ordained priests to renegade God, renounce eternal life, and embrace the cult of Satan instead. If the hierarchy had done so, other scandalous events such as the repeated cases of pedophilia would have been better understood – and perhaps avoided – in light of the infiltration of Freemasonic elements in the Church, with an aim to discrediting the Church in the eyes of the world. As we will see in the section Freemasonry and Satanism, the abuse of children is completely in line with the ‘requirements’ of the church of Satan for its adepts. The defilement and, possibly, the ultimate sacrifice of an innocent – and children of course represent The Innocent, par excellence – is Satan’s attempt to ape the Passion of Jesus, to repeat it for his own glory and the damnation of the priests performing it. [clxxiv]"

The endnote to which “[clxxiv]” refers is, well, you’ll have to see for yourself, after the jump. (Warning: it’s disturbing.)

"[clxxiv] As we will see, Satanic Freemasonry re-enacts the Passion of our Lord quite literally, with the skinning and crucifixion of innocent victims: preferably children, who are figurae Christi. This practice has been in use since the Passion itself, two thousand years ago – but we will especially focus on a famous artistic representation of this torture dating from the Renaissance."

As for Catholic priests themselves, on the other hand:

"Far from being victim souls, many members of the Church hierarchy are often unfaithful and morally corrupted, and a number of them have betrayed God to be part of Freemasonry, which is defined by Jesus as the church of Satan on earth, active within God’s Church itself and covered by a mask of hypocritical respectability."

We’re don’t know what on earth she’s talking about. Unfortunately. At the same time, both the length and complexity of her thesis suggest that those florid emails to Edward Barnaby, her students, and her peers weren’t the result of a momentary lack of judgement, but honest and deep conviction. We’re not sure whether that makes her behavior and her beliefs less, or more, disturbing.

"America's Book Of Secrets: Freemasons" Next Saturday Night

2012-01-21T23:33:00.006-05:00

Next Saturday night, January 28th, Alice and I will appear in "America's Book Of Secrets: Freemasons" at 10PM on the H2 network (formerly History International). I haven't seen the episode, so I can make no promises about it. I know how much they shot and the questions we answered, but who knows what the final edit contains. I know they also used interviews with Dr. Bob Hieronimus and MW Akram Elias, PGM of the Grand Lodge of Washington DC, and I am told they shot scenes inside of DC's Naval Lodge No. 4. I have seen a preview that shows the participation of famed paranoid Jim Marrs and the execrable Alex Jones on the "anti" side. In the name of balance, you know.

The History Channel folks interviewed us at Indiana Freemasons' Hall, with a few shots at the Indianapolis Scottish Rite Cathedral, as well. The Cathedral is the biggest Scottish Rite building in the world, and the Indianapolis Valley has the largest AASR membership in the world.

Knight Masons

2012-01-21T19:05:00.004-05:00

I had the honor today of joining Knight Masons Indiana Council No. 15. Knight Masonry is based on Irish versions of what we in the U.S. work as Red Cross degrees in the Knights Templar, all concerning the return to Jerusalem of the Jews from the Babylonian captivity: Knight of the Sword, Knight of the East, and Knight of the East and West. In Ireland the degrees were split off 1923 and a Grand Council was formally constituted. In the U.S., Knight Masons is an invitational York Rite body, while in Ireland, Mark Master and Royal Arch Masons may apply to join.

My thanks to the officers and participants in today's degrees. The work was held at the new Sahara Grotto building on Indianapolis' south side.

Thomas W. Jackson Suffers Stroke

2012-01-17T16:27:00.002-05:00

Over the weekend, Mark Tabbert reported that RW Bro. Thomas W. Jackson Past Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, had a mild stroke, but is recovering well and may be home from the hospital.

Special Order Issued by Shriners in Arkansas Battle

2012-01-17T15:38:00.001-05:00

Michael G. Severe, Imperial Potentate of Shriners International, has issued a Special Order dated today concerning the situation in Arkansas:

SHRINERS INTERNATIONAL

Special Order No. 3

PO Box 31356

Tampa, FL 33631-3356
Series 2011-2012

January 17, 2012

To
the Officers and Nobles of Sahara Shriners and Scimitar Shriners,
Fraternal Greetings:

The
matter of the edict issued by the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of
Arkansas in his letter dated December 8, 2011 addressed to Shriners
International, All Subordinate Lodges in Arkansas, All Master Masons
of Arkansas, All Grand Jurisdictions and All Appendant Bodies in
Arkansas, is well known by each of you.

After careful review and consideration, and in consequence of the
gravity of the effect of the aforesaid edict, I issue the following
findings, conclusions and order.

Findings And Conclusions

Pertaining to the document titled A Response dated January 13, 2012
that I sent to the Grand Lodges of the Conference of Grand Masters for
North America and to the subordinate temples of Shriners International
and others. By reference thereto, I incorporate all of its
provisions herein.

Shriners
International, with very few exceptions, has enjoyed a fraternal and
harmonious relationship with all Grand Lodges since it came into
existence in 1872. The very few exceptions that did occur were
approached by Shriners International and the affected Grand Lodge with
the utmost respect for each other and their charitable and fraternal
missions. With an abundance of good will toward each other, every
difference was resolved and we maintained the integrity of our
existing relationship for the good of Freemasonry, the good of
Shriners International, and for the greater good of humanity.

The
Conference of Grand Masters for North America consists of 65 or more
diverse and distinctive Grand Lodges. Shriners International
consists of one entity. Shriners International acknowledges that
no Grand Lodge can cede its sovereignty, power and authority to
another Grand Lodge. Each Grand Lodge has its own governance.
When a divisive issue exists between two Grand Lodges, there is no
claim of sovereignty of one over the other. Instead, with
brotherhood, and an abundance of good will, the Grand Lodges resolve
the divisive issue and continue operating their respective bodies
independently yet in harmony and amity with each other.

Likewise, while cherishing its Masonic background, Shriners
International is an independent and distinctive fraternal
organization. It cannot cede its sovereignty, power and
authority to any other fraternal body - be it a Grand Lodge or
otherwise. If it did, it would be governed, controlled and
operated by 65 or more independent Grand Lodges - each with
differing landmarks, constitutions, bylaws, rules and regulations.
Shriners International would no longer exist as an independent
fraternal organization as it has since 1872.

It
is abundantly evident that the action taken by the Grand Lodge of
Arkansas in issuing its edict is designed to suppress or proscribe
Shriners International, its members, and its two Shrine temples in the
state of Arkansas.

Shrine Law

Articles of incorporation.

§4.1 This nonprofit corporation, organized and existing
under the laws of the state of Iowa, assuming all the powers and
obligations granted to bodies corporate under such laws, is to exist
perpetually, unless sooner dissolved in the manner provided by law, or
as prescribed by the bylaws of this corporation.

§5.1 The objects and purposes of this corporation, and
business to be transacted by it are:

(b) To be the irrevocable common agent, representative and
supreme authority in all matters appertaining to the government of the
system of the subordinate fraternal lodges or temples known in the
aggregate as Shriners International, located in states around the
world and, as such, shall have supreme and complete original
jurisdiction and essential powers necessary to such control and
government to:
(1)
Enact and enforce bylaws and regulations for the government of itself
and subordinate lodges or temples and members of the Order known in
the aggregate as Shriners International, and to alter, amend and
repeal the same at its pleasure.

(10) Hear and decide all charges and complaints against any
officer of Shriners International, or of any subordinate lodge or
temple, and to inflict such punishment as may seem just and proper.

(12) Exercise such power and control, and perform such acts, as
may seem proper and necessary to carry out the full purpose and intent
of this corporation.

Bylaws.

§202.4 The powers, objects and purposes of Shriners
International are those set forth in the articles of incorporation, as
amended from time to time.

§207.8 Except as specifically provided by the articles of
incorporation or bylaws of this corporation, or resolution of the
board of directors, no temple, unit Shrine club, group or person:
(a)
Has the authority, express or implied, to act as the agent of,
to act on behalf of, or to bind Shriners International.

(b) Can by its act or omission obligate or bind Shriners
international.

Order

For
all the foregoing reasons, and many more, and by the authority in me
vested by virtue of §206.5(a)(5) and §323.8(d) of the
international bylaws, I hereby CERTIFY that the Grand Lodge of Masons
of Arkansas has taken action which is designed to suppress or
proscribe Shriners International, its members and its two temples in
the state of Arkansas (Sahara Shriners and Scimitar Shriners).

Now, for so long as such threat of suppression or proscription
continues, Shriners International, its members, and its temples in the
jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Arkansas, retain all their rights,
responsibilities and authority, notwithstanding any provision of the
bylaws to the contrary.

This special order shall be read by the Recorders of Sahara Shriners
and Scimitar Shriners in the presence of all of the Nobility at their
next stated meetings and it shall be made a part of the permanent
record and archives of the
temples.

I am confident that the full import, significance and authority of
this special order is self-evident and that it will be understood by
the Nobles of Sahara Shriners and Scimitar Shriners, and such others
as appropriate.

__________________________________

Michael G. Severe - Imperial Potentate

Expelled Mason Sues Australian GL

2012-01-17T15:30:00.003-05:00

In case you thought that bringing civil court cases against grand lodges was a strictly U.S. phenomenon, comes this story from Australia.

From Adeleaide Now, "Dismissed Freemason Pleads Case" by Sean Fewster:

Six years of unrest within the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of South Australia and Northern Territory are the subject of an Adelaide Magistrates Court lawsuit.

James Spriggs has asked the court to force the reinstatement of his Freemasons membership.

He claims the elite group denied him "natural justice" by expelling him when he complained about the way it ran an aged care facility.

The society, however, has told the court Mr Spriggs' "persistent and unwarranted interference" amounted to "conduct unbecoming a Freemason".

[snip]

The court action centres on Mr Spriggs' opposition to the running of the Memorial Masonic Village in Darwin. Court papers assert that, since 2006, he has written letters accusing the village's board - consisting of Freemasons - of mismanagement.

At the time, he held the elected position of "Worshipful Master" of the Darwin Lodge, which falls under the jurisdiction of Adelaide's Grand Lodge.

Mr Spriggs' letters claimed "unchecked innuendo" about the village potentially being sold had done "psychological abuse" to its tenants.

In his statement of claim, Mr Spriggs says his expulsion was "oppressive and unreasonable". "They did not advise me of any details of the matters they considered I had done wrong," he says.

Mr Spriggs has asked the court to reinstate his membership and award him costs.

In their defence documents, the Freemasons say Mr Spriggs' "persistent" claims of mismanagement were not supported by any evidence. "(He was told) the consequences of continued conflict with the elected board would be expulsion," the papers say.

Shrine Response To Grand Lodge of Arkansas

2012-01-16T16:44:00.004-05:00

The Shrine has officially responded to the Grand Lodge of Arkansas with the following letter of January 13th that has been widely circulated. It came with numerous attachments that I'm not able to easily post here because of technical limitations (my own skills, primarily), but the letter is the important portion:

To the Grand Lodges of the Conference of Grand Masters for North America and to the subordinate temples of Shriners International:

By now, you will have received a letter dated December 8, 2011 from the Grand Master of Arkansas regarding action he has taken against Floyd R. Buffington, Potentate of Scimitar Shriners, as well as Shriners International. I ask your indulgence while I present you with the facts as I understand them.

The prerequisite for membership in Shriners International is that the petitioner must be in good standing as a Master Mason of a lodge recognized by or in amity with the Conference of Grand Masters of North America.

Bro. and Potentate Floyd R. Buffington is a Master Mason in good standing in the Grand Lodge of Iowa and was a Master Mason in good standing in the Grand Lodge of Arkansas until his membership therein was revoked by that Grand Lodge.

It appears that the incident in dispute occurred at a non-Masonic and non-Shrine event. Floyd R. Buffington had invited some friends to join him for a Christmas party at a local country club. A number of other groups were at the country club at the same time. There was another party in the next room for teens and the music was intolerably loud. After being asked to reduce the volume at the teen party, the mother of one of the teens became irate and a confrontation ensued between her and some of those at the Buffington party. This is the same lady who made her claims against Potentate Buffington. Who said what, and who commenced the incident, between Potentate Buffington and the lady, is subject to which witness receives your credibility. Suffice it to say, that the allegations of each party are disputed by the other party.

Brother and Noble Floyd R. Buffington was elected potentate of Scimitar Shriners for 2010. Under §325.2(b) of the bylaws of Shriners International, a Noble may not serve as potentate of any temple for more than 2 years. Potentate Buffington decided that he would like to serve a second term. This did not meet with unanimous approval. Among those disapproving was 2005 potentate of Scimitar Shriners, Carroll Elder. Efforts by some Nobles to persuade him not to seek a second term were not heeded. He ran, and the Nobles of the temple did elect Floyd R. Buffington to a second term - as their 2011 potentate. He has now completed this second term.

Soon after his election as the 2011 potentate of Scimitar Shriners, 2005 potentate of Scimitar Shriners Carroll Elder sent a letter to the Grand Master and filed a complaint in Springdale Lodge 316 (the home lodge of Bro, Buffington and Bro. Elder) alleging unmasonic conduct during the above mentioned non-Shrine non-Masonic activity. It is worth mentioning that Noble and Bro. Elder was not even in attendance at the activity.

An investigating committee at Bro. Buffington’s Arkansas Masonic lodge, consisting of Bro. Larry Holt, P.M., Bro. Gary Gambill, P.M., and Bro. Shane Howeth, P.M., looked into the complaint and brought no Masonic charges, but did note the internal conflict at Scimitar Shriners caused by the potentate seeking a second term. Further, no Masonic complaint was instituted in the Masonic lodge in Iowa of which Potentate Buffington is a member; nor any Shrine complaint instituted in Scimitar Shriners, the Shrine temple in which Potentate Buffington is a member.

A copy of the lodge investigating committee’s report is attached hereto and made a part hereof by reference (Attachment A).

Thereafter, the Grand Master appointed a Grand Lodge investigation committee, consisting of individuals of his choosing, to “look into” the allegations. After receiving the report of this committee (which report has not been seen by Potentate Buffington), the Grand Master charged Potentate Buffington with unmasonic conduct and so informed him. The Grand Master then suspended Potentate Buffington “from all rights of a Master Mason” in Arkansas pending the outcome of a Grand Lodge Trial Commission, that would take place at a later time. That is, the Grand Master suspended Potentate Buffington prior to any trial. Then, after the trial of the Grand Lodge Trial Commission, a report of the trial committee was sent to the Grand Master (but none was sent to Potentate Buffington). The Grand Master then sent a letter dated August 31, 2011 to Potentate Buffington informing him of his immediate expulsion from Freemasonry in Arkansas.

The investigating committee of Potentate Buffington’s lodge, of which Bro. Larry Holt, P.M. was a member as mentioned before, then filed an Appeal to the Board of Appeals and Grievances of the Grand Lodge regarding the expulsion of Potentate Buffington from Masonry by the Grand Master. A copy of that appeal is attached hereto and made a part hereof by reference (Attachment B).

I have been informed that Bro. Larry Holt, P.M. was expelled from Freemasonry by the Grand Master without a trial for filing the Appeal to the Board of Appeals and Grievances of the Grand Lodge.

Potentate Buffington, pursuant to Shrine fraternal law, asked that his Shrine membership not be terminated until he had an opportunity to be heard. A hearing will be held before the Grievances and Appeals Committee of Shriners International regarding his Shrine membership no later than the 2012 annual session of Shriners International in July. The final decision of his Shrine membership will then rest with the Representatives at the annual session.

I, as Imperial Potentate, held a telephone conference with the Grand Master of Masons of Arkansas on December 14, 2011. In attendance with me were the General Counsel and General Counsel Emeritus of Shriners International. In attendance with the Grand Master were the Deputy Grand Master, Grand Secretary (PGM), Grand Secretary Emeritus (PGM), Grand Treasurer and Grand Treasurer Emeritus (PGM).

During this telephone conference the Grand Master wanted to know what Shriners International intended to do. In response, the representatives of Shriners International outlined the different governing laws between the Grand Lodge and Shriners International; and that the Imperial Potentate had taken an oath to govern his organization in accordance with its laws and that the Grand Master took an oath to govern his organization in accordance with its laws. It was explained that disciplinary procedures in the Shrine are governed by §330.2 of its international bylaws which provide the guidelines for the determination of whether an accused Noble should be disciplined, the extent of such discipline if appropriate and to assure fair play and substantial justice as these concepts are understood and practiced in North America. As a result, it often takes a little longer to resolve disciplinary issues.

After further discussions, a Grand Lodge representative stated that Shriners International must follow the Grand Lodge laws in its Shrine governance within the state of Arkansas and referred to a letter written to the Grand Lodge on January 3, 2001 by the newly elected potentates of the two shrine temples in Arkansas, although they had not yet been installed. The original letter is in the possession of the Grand Lodge of Arkansas. A copy of the letter is attached hereto and made a part hereof by reference (Attachment C). The provisions thereof were as follows:

Requested “formal recognition of the Shrine as an organization having Masonic membership as a prerequisite to its own,” and that they request “to be in amity with the Grand Jurisdiction of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Arkansas.”

The two potentates-elect go on to say that the letter is written “on behalf of the Master Masons of Arkansas who hold membership in the Shrine and is signed as such by the potentates of Scimitar and Sahara Temples” and “that in making this request, and on behalf of our membership, the officers of the Shrine acknowledge the Grand Lodge of Arkansas as the fundamental unit and foundation of the whole of Freemasonry within this Grand Jurisdiction.” The letter further stated that the two potentates “affirm that the officers of the Shrine will hold the obligations of a Master Mason to be inviolate at all times and under all circumstances.” And they affirm that “the officers of the Shrine will allow no person to visit a tiled meeting, or be admitted into or retain membership in either of the Shrine temples of Arkansas, who is not a Master Mason in good standing of a subordinate lodge of this or another Grand Jurisdiction recognized by the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Arkansas.”

The contents of the letter by the two potentates-elect were “approved by Imperial Potentate Robert N. Turnipseed.”

I further call to your attention that the foregoing letter never asked – nor could it – that the two Shrine temples in Arkansas would be “appendant” bodies of the Grand Lodge of Arkansas and would be governed by the Grand Lodge of Arkansas. This would be in violation of the articles of incorporation and bylaws of Shriners International.

Then, later on during the year, the Grand Lodge, by its unilateral action, perhaps at a Grand Lodge annual communication, recognized the Shrine as an “appendant body,” of the Grand Lodge. It is apparent that the Grand Lodge chose the word “appendant” very carefully and, thereafter, gave it a construction that connotes that the appendant body (Shriners International) is a subservient body to the supreme body (Grand Lodge of Arkansas).

Realizing the foregoing connotation, Scimitar Shriners, requested the Grand Lodge to withdraw its action of “appendant” recognition. The Grand Lodge has not done so.

During the telephone conference with the Grand Lodge on December 14, 2011, when the representatives of the Grand Lodge specified that Shriners International was an “appendant body” of the Grand Lodge and must abide by the decisions of the Grand Lodge, whether or not they are in conflict with the governing laws of Shriners International, the conference call was summarily concluded by the Grand Lodge with the statement that you “will hear from us very shortly.”

During the telephone conference, Shriners International requested the Grand Lodge to withdraw its action of “appendant” recognition. The Grand Lodge said it would not.

So, upon receipt of the December 8, 2011 letter from the Grand Lodge of Arkansas, which was received on or about December 22, 2011, it was apparent that the Grand Lodge had made its irrevocable decision six days before the conference call (which was held on December 14, 2011), and all reasonable efforts by Shriners International to resolve this controversy in an amicable and brotherly manner were futile.

Prior to 1989, there had been occasional instances of fraternal controversy between Shriners International and a Grand Lodge. I am pleased to inform you that all of them had been resolved in the highest traditions of our two great fraternal organizations – Freemasonry and Shriners International.

On July 7, 1989 (some 23 years ago), at the annual session of Shriners International, a resolution entitled Sovereignty, Rights And Responsibilities was unanimously adopted by the representatives. I attach a copy thereof and make it a part hereof by reference (Attachment D). The resolution provided mutual clarity and respect for our two fraternal organizations. Any differences after that date between a Grand Lodge and Shriners International were resolved in accordance with the principles of that document. So, it is with sorrow that I have found it necessary to report to you in this communication about the unresolved differences between the Grand Lodge of Arkansas and Shriners International.

The December 8, 2011 letter and edict from the Grand Lodge of Arkansas is self-evident. You have read it. To emphasize the severity of the edict, the Grand Lodge has informed Shriners in Arkansas that transporting children to and from our Shrine hospitals is a violation of the edict and that the Grand Master and will expel violators of his edict.

Before I end this Response letter to you, I would be remiss if I did not commend Bro. Floyd R. Buffington for his unselfish voluntary act. He, knowing that I cannot, and will not, violate my oath of office as Imperial Potentate and transfer governance of Shriners International in the state of Arkansas to the Grand Master thereof, took a demit from the Shrine. He is, therefore, no longer a member of Scimitar Shriners. Bro. Buffington demitted with the hope that the Grand Master would then revoke his edict so that the other Shrine Masons in Arkansas would not suffer the consequences threatened by the Grand Master. This solicitous and voluntary act by Potentate Buffington was brought to the attention of the Grand Lodge of Arkansas – to no avail. The Grand Master has declined to revoke his edict against Shriners International in his state.

I, as Imperial potentate, must now, with utmost reluctance, respond to the actions recited in the Grand Master’s letter. I must take appropriate action to protect and defend Shriners International and abide by my oath of office to “faithfully and to the best of my ability, discharge the duties of the office to which I have been elected.”

I will now, without further delay, issue a Special Order pursuant to the governing bylaws of our fraternal organization, to protect Shriners International from suppression by the Grand Master of Arkansas.

Dated this 13th day of January, 2012.

Michael G. Severe – Imperial Potentate

John Cooper III in Glendale, CA 3/13

2012-01-15T18:17:00.001-05:00

Glendale Lodge #368 in Glendale, California will host a special lecture by Grand Lodge of California Senior Grand Warden Right Worshipful John Cooper III on March 13th at 7:30PM. The topic will be "Freemasonry and Personal Transformation: The Impact of Masonic Initiation"

This will be a tiled meeting for Entered Apprentices and above.

Contact:

Jhairo Echevarria
Junior Warden
Glendale Lodge No. 368
Free and Accepted Masons of California

Facebook Event Link
http://www.facebook.com/events/357077324306958/

Glendale Lodge Website
www.Glendalemasons.com

Big Day

2012-01-14T21:31:00.007-05:00

It was a densely packed Masonic day today for me. First, I had the extreme pleasure of speaking to a full house at the Indianapolis Scottish Rite Cathedral this morning for the Grand Lodge of Indiana's annual Founder's Day. Many thanks to everyone for the kind reception. I do appreciate it.

Second, it was the official opening day for the Grand Lodge Library & Museum in Indiana Freemasons' Hall. The crowd was enthusiastic for the ribbon cutting, and it's been a very long time since that many brethren were packed onto the 5th floor. The design and exhibits were very well received, and we have created a museum Indiana's brethren can be proud of, with a plan for future rotating exhibits.

Finally, the day ended with my initiation into the Indiana College of the Societas Rosicruciana In Civitatibus Foederatis, for which I had the honor of being the keynote speaker.

It was a terrific day, and I'm bloody exhausted.

Washington's Birthday Gala at Memorial 2/22

2012-01-12T14:00:00.002-05:00

You are cordially invited to the George Washington Masonic Memorial's celebration of George Washington's Birthday on February 22, 2012. Special events during the celebration include:

Special Communication of Alexandria-Washington Lodge No. 22 (Tuesday evening, February 21),

Morning Wreath Laying at Washington's Tomb,

Ribbon-Cutting and Opening of the Family of Freemasonry Exhibit,

George Washington Symposium featuring distinguished academics,

Classical Music Concert (free for banquet attendees), and

Gala Banquet and Presentation of the George Washington Memorial Award – formal attire (black or white tie) required.

Only 150 tickets are available to the Gala Celebration Banquet on the evening of February 22. Reserve your place at this festive and exclusive occasion while tickets are still available. Reservations close on February 10, 2012. Tickets are $100 per person.

Online reservation and payment is available at:

http://www.gwmemorial.org/birthday-celebration-2012.php

Please call Director of Communications and Development Douglas Wood at (703) 683-2007, x2013 if you have any questions.

Reserve Now for Masonic Week Feb. 8-13

2012-01-11T23:55:00.001-05:00

Make your reservations now for Masonic Week, February 8-13 in Alexandria, Virginia. All banquet tickets must be purchased in advance from the website, so don't forget to reserve now.

Masonic Week seems to grow larger every year. Don't miss it. And especially don't miss the Masonic Society Banquet on Friday night, February 10th, featuring our speaker "Art of Manliness" author, Brother Brett McKay. We'll again be hosting our legendary hospitality suite this year, so stop in and spend some time with us.

Arizona Update

2012-01-10T13:26:00.003-05:00

The following letter is now being circulated by the Grand Master of Arizona as further explanation of his removal of the Deputy GM from office.

Thanks to St. Charles Lodge #241

2012-01-08T21:38:00.004-05:00

I'm just back tonight from speaking at St. Charles Lodge #241 outside of St. Louis. Many thanks to WBro. Jay Underdown and everyone who made Alice and I feel so welcome. It was a great turnout, and a beautiful lodge. The perfect combination for my first real speaking trip since last March. And who can argue with 60 degrees in St. Louis in January?

And a fantastic dinner, I might add...

Iowa Conference on Masonic Education February 10-11, 2012

2012-01-08T21:29:00.003-05:00

The 2012 Iowa Conference on Masonic Education will be held on February 10 and 11, 2012 at the Grand Lodge of Iowa Masonic Library in Cedar Rapids.

The scheduled presenters are:

Brother Cliff Porter - "The Secret Psychology of Freemasonry: The hidden psychological system within the rituals and forms of a lodge that create a system of self development and allow for improved interpersonal communication."

Brother Chad Simpson - Symbolism of the 3rd Degree

Brother Thomas Wilkerson - Military Lodges

Brother George Harrison - Masonic Symbolism Course and Iowa Academy of Masonic Knowledge

Brother Jons Olsson - Square and Compass Beats Rifles and Cannon

Brother Ryan Broderson – “The Temple of Solomon”

The schedule for the conference is:

Friday, February 10
1:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. Tours of the Iowa Masonic Library and Museums, 813 1st Ave SE
5:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. Social time at the Cedar Rapids Scottish Rite, 616 A Ave NE
6:00 P.M. Dinner followed by a presentation by Brother Cliff Porter "The Form of a Lodge: Creating a Fulfilling Lodge Experience"

Saturday, February 11
7:30 A.M. to 8:45 A.M. Conference registration
9:00 A.M. Conference begins with a welcome from MW Jerry L. Levay
12:00 to 12:45 Lunch
1:00 P.M. Presentations resume
4:00 P.M. Conference concludes

Registration Information:
Registration is REQUIRED as space is limited to the first 150 participants. Registration for the Conference is $15.00 which includes lunch on Saturday. If you plan to attend the dinner and speaker on Friday evening the meal is $10.00. Complete your reservation at: http://bit.ly/xgbINP (Click the "open" button, complete form, and then be sure to click “submit form” after completing the requested information). When the 150 reservation threshold is reached, your name will be put on a waiting list. Attendance will be confirmed 10 days prior to the Conference. Please contact Brother Tim Anderson at 319-365-1438 or dgs@gl-iowa.org if you have any questions regarding the registration process. Payment for registration fees will be made on-site at the Conference.

Indiana Grand Lodge Library & Museum Prepares for Grand Re-Opening 1/14

2012-01-04T20:32:00.004-05:00

The Grand Lodge Library & Museum on the 5th floor of Indiana Freemasons’ Hall in Indianapolis is on track to open for Founder’s Day 2012, January 14th. Dramatic lighting has been installed, the room has been painted to highlight exhibits, and the floors have been refinished. Our IUPUI Interns have completed the design phase of the project, and are finishing building the exhibits. The 5th floor foyer is being updated, furniture has been reupholstered, and the new entrance will feature museum exhibits. Fourteen new display cases have been delivered in December, and all artifacts for the first displays have been catalogued and photographed, while future exhibit artifacts have been stored in compliance with archival standards. Many of our historic pictures have been digitized to be displayed on a touchscreen LCD monitor, along with numerous other artifacts for future virtual exhibits. The descriptive and interpretive labels are now all written, and are being edited prior to going to print later this week.

The new logo for the Library and Museum displayed above is the creation of one of our IUPUI interns, Emily Lytle-Painter. The logo's nine stars symbolize the nine founding Lodges of the Grand Lodge of Indiana. Emily, our other intern Kate Massman, and numerous volunteers at the IUPUI Museum Studies Department are working very hard to assure that all be proud at our Grand Opening on Founders' Day.

Speaking in Missouri Saturday

2012-01-04T17:42:00.001-05:00

On January 7th, 2012 I'll be speaking outside of St. Louis at St. Charles Lodge #241 A.F.&A.M., 2051 Collier Corporate Parkway, St. Charles, MO 63303

Dinner will be at the Lodge Hall at 6:00 pm, with the talk to follow.

Dinner is $16.00 in advance or $19.00 at the door, if space is available.

Make your reservations early, as seating for dinner is limited. There is no charge for the talk. The menu will be roast beef, chicken breast, salad, vegetable, potatoes rolls, and dessert. Drinks are included.

For questions and reservations, contact WB Jay Underdown at sueandjay@centurytel.net

Black Watch Masonic Degree Team in Ohio in April

2012-01-03T16:24:00.003-05:00

Members of the Black Watch Masonic Degree Team from Scotland will be in Cincinnati for two weeks and will enjoy a variety of social and fraternal programs while they’re here. Best of all, they will provide two exemplifications of the Scottish Master Mason degree.

The first Scottish Master Mason degree will be exemplified in Portsmouth, Ohio on April 14, 2012. The second will take place at the Cincinnati Masonic Center on April 20, 2012 and will feature a special dinner.

You do not need to be a Scottish Rite Mason to purchase tickets to the two Scottish Master Mason degree events. All Master Masons in good standing may buy tickets to either or both degree presentations.

Click here for more information or to buy tickets online.

Tickets are required for both portrayals of the Scottish Master Mason degree. They are sold through the Valley of Cincinnati only and are available on a first come, first served basis. Ticket orders will be accepted by mail and electronically through the Website, www.32masons.com.

MM Degree in Springtown, Texas 1/14

2012-01-02T21:13:00.006-05:00

My brother-in-law, Robert L. Funcannon Jr., will be raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason on Saturday, January 14th at Eureka Lodge No.371 in Springtown, Texas. Unfortunately, I'm not able to travel that far yet, and I am unable to attend the event that day. If there are any brethren in the Ft. Worth area who want to go visiting that morning, breakfast will begin at 7:00AM, and the degrees (there will be two that day) will start at 8:30.

The lodge is located at 101 West Main Street in Springtown.

Give my regards to WM Chris Beam.

Bob's father, grandfather and uncle were all Indiana Freemasons, and I couldn't be prouder of him.

47th Annual Masonic Spring Workshop April 20-22

2012-01-02T20:12:00.003-05:00

The 47th Annual Masonic Spring Workshop will be held again at the beautiful Delta Lodge at Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada, April 20-22, 2012. This year's theme is "Our Future Through Our Past," and the keynote speaker is Robert L.D. Cooper, Curator and Librarian of the Grand Lodge of Scotland and author of several books including Cracking the Freemason’s Code and The Rosslyn Hoax. Also speaking will be Andrew Hammer, author of Observing The Craft.

This is truly an outstanding event, and well worth making the trip.

For registration and more information, visit the website here.

R.I.P. G.O.U.S.A.

2012-01-02T18:52:00.003-05:00

I received this today, what amounts to an epitaph for the short-lived Grand Orient of the USA, an irregular group that generated much heat and very little light on the web. Perhaps other members can shed some illumination on the details. Calmly.

Bro. Chris, as one who has always cared for truth and facts, I wanted to inform you that perhaps this is the last information you get on GOUSA. For the past month, all GOUSA websites have been turned off and I’ve been told by someone (Ms. Qeresh Cesar) who is friends Mr. Dale Brown (last GM appointed a few months ago) that GOUSA has closed its doors for good. In looking at Halcyon Charities (who really are the ones that own the building GOUSA claim as their own http://www.halcyoncharities.org/) the square and compasses on top of the door seems to have been blurred on purpose so it no longer points to a Masonic organization. Even Halcyon Lodge’s website which was hosted on separate servers from GOUSA’s site is turned off.

Personally, I think this was a great idea but the people who decided to executed when crazy with power and drove this idea to the ground, now making it a lot more difficult for others to move Continental Freemasonry forward in the U.S. I think it will be a while before a good respectable group of liberal freemasons are taken seriously, leaving Benjamin Franklin (then man) as the last great Modern freemason in the U.S.

Thank you very much to you for always keeping all brethren, of all persuasions , in the U.S. up to date with everything that goes on in and out of mainstream freemasonry.

I wish you a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year 2012.

Frat. David Tamayo, PM.

I did go and look at the Halcyon website, and they have not obliterated their building's connection to Freemasonry. They discuss it in the History section.

Trouble in Arizona

2012-01-02T16:03:00.003-05:00

I have received several messages regarding the removal of the Deputy Grand Master Michael Meier by the Grand Master of Arizona, D. Brook Cunningham, on December 26th. I have seen a copy of the letter from the Grand Master, but know no details. The GL of Arizona has had a difficult year. The Senior Grand Warden and the only other elected officer besides the Grand Master himself have recently resigned, as well.

Worthington, Ohio

2011-12-31T19:35:00.002-05:00

My friend Chad Simpson gives a tour of the Ohio Masonic museum and Grand Lodge headquarters in Worthington to a happy blogger here, There’s Plenty of Good Behavior on Display at the Worthington Masonic Museum.

Nicely done, Chad.

Arkansas Yanks Recognition of the Shrine

2011-12-28T16:35:00.010-05:00

Here we go again. The Grand Master of Arkansas has joined Michigan in declaring the Shrine clandestine in his state, for a similar reason.

His letter (of December 8th, I believe, although the date was partially obscured) reads:

To: Shrine International
To: All Subordinate Lodges in Arkansas
To: All Master Masons of Arkansas
To: All Grand Jurisdictions
To: All Appendant Bodies in Arkansas

This letter is to inform you of the actions of Shriners International as it pertains to the M.'. W/. Grand Lodge of Arkansas. Shriners International has in their writings at the very least indicated that they believe that the laws of Shrine supersede that of Arkansas Grand Lodge, along with the authority to govern Master Masons within its jurisdiction.

Shortly after the Grand Lodge Session in February, 2011,1 was presented with significant evidence that a Master Mason in this Grand Jurisdiction had acted in an un-masonic manner. On June 1, 2011, I appointed a Grand Lodge Investigation Committee to look into the above allegations. On July 5. 2011, after receiving the report from the Grand Lodge Investigation Committee, as Grand Master of Masons in Arkansas, I charged the above Arkansas Master Mason with Un-masonic Conduct. His general behavior was unbecoming of a Master Mason, in violation of Section 2.1.46 of the Arkansas Masonic Digest of Laws. He was informed of these charges and that he was suspended from all rights of a Master Mason in this Grand Jurisdiction pending outcome of a Grand Lodge Trial Commission.

Following a Grand Lodge Trial, the above Master Mason's charges of Un-masonic Conduct were upheld and a penalty of Expulsion was assessed.

After reviewing the report sent to me from the Grand Lodge Trial Commission, a letter was sent to him on August 31, 2011, informing him of his immediate expulsion from the Fraternity. In accordance with historical practice a copy of the above referenced letter was sent to the Appendant Bodies of Arkansas. The Grand Lodge of Iowa, and Shriners International.

On October 25, 2011, I was made aware of a letter from Shriners International approving this individuals request for a stay, and a letter from the Imperial Potentate, informing him that he was to remain a member and continue as Potentate of Scimitar Shrine Temple.

As Grand Master of Masons in Arkansas, I therefore order: All reference to the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine of North America hereby be removed and declared clandestine and illegitimate.

[snip]

As Grand Master of Masons in Arkansas, I further order that Master Masons within this Grand Jurisdiction shall not participate in any Shrine activity that in any way presents itself as being part of the Masonic Fraternity. Further, Master Masons within this Grand Jurisdiction are not permitted to display any Masonic emblem on a Shrine Fez or as a part of a Shrine uniform. The Worshipful Masters and all Appendant or recognized bodies are ordered to immediately remove, from their Lodges, and/or meeting facilities, any and all references, pictures, articles, or other paraphernalia, that contain any Shrine emblem, or any connection between the Shrine and Freemasonry. All Shrine Clubs within this Grand Jurisdiction, and other related organizations and units, are not permitted to utilize Masonic properties for any purpose. No Master Mason within this Grand Jurisdiction is to promote or indicate the existence of any form of relationship between this Grand Jurisdiction and the Shrine. No Master Mason within this Grand Jurisdiction shall engage in the solicitation of, or permit a Shriner to solicit, any member of the Fraternity for membership in the Shrine while in attendance at any Masonic Function The provisions of this order apply to all Master Masons residing within this Grand Jurisdiction and to Master Masons who are members of Subordinate Lodges within this Grand Jurisdiction while visiting or residence of another Grand Jurisdiction.

Violations of any part of this order will be deemed punishable by a penalty of expulsion from the Fraternity. Such penalty will be administered without the benefit of a trial.

Myles A. Oliver, Grand Master

Nebraska Student Masonic Group Opens at University

2011-12-27T04:19:00.003-05:00

Wade Kendle writes in the December issue of Nebraska's Masonic News about a new Masonic student group on the campus of the University of Nebraska at Linclon (UNL). From "Registered Student Organization forming on the campus of UNL":

Over the past month or so, it has been my honor and privilege to help start the ball rolling for the formation of a Registered Student Organization (RSO) on the campus of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln called “The Freemasons of UNL”. As of today, a Letter of Intent has been filed and accepted with the student government with 5 student signatures, all Freemasons, and the organization’s faculty advisor, M.W.B. James F. Brown Jr., Professor of Accounting.

We have two other UNL faculty lined up who will be secondary advisors to the organization. From the acceptance of the Letter of Intent, the organization has 90 days to file a constitution with the student government. Within 14 days after the constitution is received, a committee from the student government (ASUN) will decide whether the constitution is in good order and the group
can meet as an official RSO.

Assuming all goes well with the constitution, we hope to have the group approved and meeting as an RSO early spring 2012.
It has been many years since there was a student organization comprised of Master Masons on UNL’s campus. In fact, Acacia
Fraternity, founded in 1904, was the last to have such a membership requirement and Acacia dropped its Masonic membership requirement in 1933. The Acacia Chapter on UNL’s campus is the oldest existing Acacia Chapter, being the fourth Chapter founded. Recently, Nebraska Chapter has run into hard times, having to rent out the Fraternity’s house due to low membership. In speaking with the national office, they are living once more in their house on Vine Street, but there are currently less than ten active members of Acacia in the house. Hopefully the RSO and Acacia can work together in some way to the benefit of both organizations. I’ve attempted to contact the Chapter Advisor concerning the RSO but I have yet to speak to him.

Membership in the RSO will not be limited to Freemasons. It will be open to any student who is interested in learning more about the Masons, their history, the appendant bodies, and, if so motivated, joining the larger Fraternity. Per UNL RSO guidelines, there can be non-student members, though only UNL student members have voting rights and are allowed to hold office. Our current thought is to allow non-student members but require them to be dues paying members of an adult body, either Blue Lodge or Eastern Star. Quite a bit of thought has gone into developing the structure of the organization. While space does not permit me to publish the proposed constitution, I can tell you I’m excited and encouraged by the positive comments I’ve had helping to get the group started. Our founding members hold Masonic memberships in Lincoln, Weeping Water, and Las Vegas, NV. I’ve been privileged to cross paths with them at some point in time, even helping to raise two of them.

The benefits of having a student group on campus are enormous! A RSO can sponsor events on campus and have a booth at Big Red Welcome. I’ve been a member of the Grand Lodge’s Public Relations Committee and the Grand Chapter’s Youth Committee when conversation turned to how we can engage Masonic Youth on college campuses across Nebraska.

We seem to lose our Youth during the college years and relatively few of them go on to join our adult bodies. Hopefully the RSO
will be a place Masonic Youth can congregate and help bridge the gap between the youth groups and adult organizations. We also hope UNL’s RSO can serve as a template for the formation of others at UNO, UNK, Peru State, Wayne State, and Chadron State. Though, assuming RSO requirements are the same from campus to campus, the largest hurdle to overcome will be finding enough college students who are Master Masons to sign the Letter of Intent. My Blue Lodge is in the process of raising one attending Peru State, but that’s only one.

If you are a college student or know of a college student who would like more information about “The Freemasons of UNL”, contact myself or chapter advisor M.W.B. James F. Brown Jr.

H/T to Greg Prososki

Valley of Chicago Opens New Building

2011-12-26T16:22:00.003-05:00

The Scottish Rite Valley of Chicago will hold its Inaugural Meeting in its newly constructed headquarters on January 19, 2012, with a special appearance by author S. Brent Morris:

Join us on Thursday, January 19, 2012, for the Inaugural Meeting of the new home of the Scottish Rite Valley of Chicago. The new home of the Valley of Chicago is located at 383 E. Lake Street in Bloomingdale, Illinois 60108.

Summary of the evening's festivities:

The building will open at 6:00 pm, just in time for members to explore the various spaces such as the library, museum and the Masonic Lodge room, as well as to enjoy a beverage in the lounge or a round of billiards in the game room.

A buffet dinner will be served starting at 6:30 pm, with the Stated Meeting to open at 7:30 pm.

Following the close of the meeting, you may choose to listen to an informative presentation by special guest speaker S. Brent Morris, 33°, Masonic author and scholar and editor of the Scottish Rite Journal for the Southern Jurisdiction.

Everyone is encouraged to join together for afterglow in the lounge.

DUE TO CONSTRUCTION, THIS EVENT IS CURRENTLY SOLD OUT. RESERVATIONS ARE NOW BEING ACCEPTED ON A WAITLIST BASIS. WE WILL TRY TO ACCOMODATE AS MANY OF OUR MEMBERS AS POSSIBLE.

The new building's official dedication will be on Saturday, March 17, 2012.

Silver Templar Trophies On The Auction Block

2011-12-24T04:14:00.004-05:00

What happens when we lose the priceless items of our heritage? Someone else puts a price on them. Spotted on a listing of a Sotheby's auction in New York.

Additional highlights of the silver on offer include five trophy pieces from the St. Bernard Commandery No. 35, Knights Templar, Chicago. By World War I, an estimated one in every eight adult men and women in the United States belonging to some kind of fraternal order, and marching competitions at the state and national levels drew audiences in the tens of thousands and produced intense rivalries. In a half-century of competition, St. Bernard Commandery from Chicago claimed more prizes that almost any other commandery, including the trophies offered this January. Among other treasures, the group features the 29th Triennial Conclave at San Francisco, CA, 1904: An American Silver and Copper “Indian” Punch Bowl, Stand and Ladle Attributed to Joseph Heinrich, New York, Retailed by Hammersmith & Field, San Francisco dated 1904 (est. $150/250,000), and the 22nd Triennial Conclave at San Francisco, CA, 1883: An American Silver, Bronze, and California Gold Quartz “Knights Templar” Trophy, George C. Shreve & Co., San Francisco, with figures attributed to F. Marion Wells in 1883 (est. $150/250,000).

The full catalog can be seen here with photos.

Bro. Brother’s Journal

2011-12-21T21:30:00.006-05:00

Allegedly discovered at a country auction, Bro. Brother’s Journal contains the personal reminiscences, the earliest dating from 1893, of Hiram H. Brother (1872 – 1970), a prominent Freemason from Kansas City. Published serially in the Scottish Rite Journal from 2007-2010 and 'edited' by Brother Michael Halleran, the complete collection (to date) will be available in January 2012 in paperback including all stories previously published plus several new adventures, with original illustrations by Ted Bastien (of "Bugsport" fame).

Keep checking the Brother Brother's Journal website for updates. It will be published by Macoy Publishing.

This mulligatawny soupçon of tales from Bro. B’s diary will provide many an evening of happy diversion. For those disposed to the observation of the passing parade, they will fondly encounter famous brethren, as well as an affable assemblage of seditious secretaries, timid tilers, pesky prompters, grim Grand Masters, rakes, rotters, bounders and ear benders, who are, dare I say it, not dissimilar from the lovable fellows who inhabit our own lodges today.

Michael Halleran is also the author of The Better Nature of Our Angels, an outstanding book about Freemasonry during the American Civil War.

Also follow Bro. Brother's Facebook page here.

Here's To Chivalry

2011-12-20T17:21:00.003-05:00

A commercial that might well be about Freemasons. Here's to chivalry.

H/T Robert Davis

(It's over a year old. Simon Laplace spotted it last year. I'm just late.)

Journal of the Masonic Society Issue #14 Coming

2011-12-20T14:51:00.004-05:00

The delayed Issue #14 of the Journal of the Masonic Society is at the printers at last and will start hitting mailboxes after Christmas. Articles include:

A Mason’s Cabletow by Shawn Carrick

The Working Tools of a Canadian Mason by Michael Bayrak

Scottish Freemasonry...of Its Own Free Will and Accord by Doug Bewick

Tamino’s Initiation: Vengeance, Virtue & Enlightenment In Mozart’s The Magic Flute by R. Bradley Bunn

Is Freemasonry Dangerous? by Jason E. Marshall

TMS Semi-Annual Meeting Recap by James R. Dillman

n-Dimensional Masonry by Michael Bayrak

New Jersey Lodge Celebrates Christmas in a Big Way

2011-12-18T01:21:00.004-05:00

The brethren of Hiram Abiff Lodge No. 16 (Prince Hall) in Pleasantville, New Jersey held their annual Christmas party and gave away 72 bicycles and hundreds of toys. New Jersey's Prince Hall Grand Master Robert Oglesby, Sr. said between $8,000 and $10,000 worth of bicycles, toys, food and candy canes were given away on Saturday.

From the Press of Atlantic City:

Mayleanne Lugo smiled as she approached Santa Claus inside Pleasantville Middle School's cafeteria on Saturday morning.

The 3-year-old Egg Harbor Township resident's smile grew when Santa gave her a small container of Play-Doh, which she hugged against her chest until she became the first of 72 local children to win a bicycle, her first, at the 34th annual Hiram Abiff Lodge No. 16 Christmas party.

And even though Lugo's tiny feet did not know exactly how to maneuver the pedals on her new bicycle, her now enormous smile showed her excitement.

"I never heard about anything like this until a friend told me about it. But I love it, and she obviously loves it too," Lugo's mother Fabiola Rodriquez, 32, said while looking down at her daughter, who was inspecting her new wheels. "This is a wonderful thing they do."

The large-scale holiday tradition started under the direction of the Masonic lodge's past master Clarence Williams, who was at Saturday's event helping to hand out gifts.

"He told us he wanted to do something positive in the community for the children," said past Grand Master John Bettis, who was the president of that year's membership class. "We had 200 or 300 kids here for the first year, when we only had two bikes - one boy's bike and one girl's bike - to give away. And it just grew from there."

This year, more than 600 children - from infants to 12 year olds - flooded into the cafeteria for a chance to get one of the 72 bicycles or hundreds of other toys that were given away.

Midland, Texas Masons Celebrate 125 Years

2011-12-16T01:32:00.002-05:00

The Freemasons in Midland, Texas are celebrating their 125th anniversary this week.

From the Midland Reporter Telegram:

"I'm just so excited," said Olin McMillan, worshipful master of Lodge 623. "We're not the oldest institution in Midland, but for 125 years, we've been providing continuous service."

Masons are a group of men who share the virtues of honesty, morality, integrity and tolerance, officials said.

The first Masonic Lodge in Midland was founded on July 30, 1886, only five years after the establishment of the town of Midway -- which became Midland. The post office was established two years in 1884 and Midland County in 1885.

Charter members included the county's first clerk, attorney, sheriff and treasurer. Other members included W.E. Bailey, the city's first doctor, and J.C. Peoples, who was instrumental in organizing First Presbyterian Church in 1885, McMillan said.

Eastern Star -- the women's arm of the lodge -- was created in 1887 and received its official charter in 1905. The Order of the Rainbow for Girls was chartered in November 1948, records indicate.

Members have been in their current building, 1600 W. Wall St., since 1953.

Congratulations, brethren.

Thomas Jefferson's Bible at Smithsonian

2011-12-16T00:24:00.003-05:00

The famous (or infamous) Thomas Jefferson bible is on display at the Smithsonian through the end of May. What makes it special?

From today's Huffington Post:

How would you feel about taking a razor blade to a Bible?

Thomas Jefferson, apparently, didn't have any qualms about it.

In his retirement, the nation's third president carried out a project he had contemplated for years: he literally cut and pasted passages from the four Gospels into one integrated narrative of Jesus' life -- minus the miracles and supernatural events.

The result, he said, was "the most sublime and benevolent code of morals which has ever been offered to man." Judging by the wear and tear on the book, it appears Jefferson read it regularly.

Known as "The Jefferson Bible," the 84-page patchwork book is on display at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History here through May 28, 2012. Smithsonian Books has released a commemorative full-color edition, and Tarcher/Penguin is publishing a pocket-size version in January.

The exhibit is the first time the book has been shown publicly since it underwent a meticulous conservation process. When the pages were removed from the binding for treatment, they were also photographed, so that the entire book can now be viewed in high-resolution digital images on the museum's website.

Curator Harry Rubenstein said the book can be controversial, but it depends on how you look at it.

"It's either a statement that strips out the divinity of Jesus ... or it's a distillation of his moral philosophy," Rubenstein said.

Jefferson cut passages from six different Bibles, in English, French, Latin and Greek. He left behind any elements that he could not support through reason or that he believed were later embellishments, including the Resurrection.

Speaking in Missouri January 7th

2011-12-15T20:43:00.004-05:00

Masonic Playing Cards

2011-12-15T17:55:00.002-05:00

Brother Yasha Beresiner has published an interesting paper on his website about the origin and different styles of Masonic tarot and playing cards. Yasha is a London dealer in antique cards, currency, maps and artwork. He is also a registered London Walks guide.

See it here: Masonic Playing Cards by Yasha Beresiner

Make Your Masonic Week Reservations Now! Feb 8-12, 2012

2011-12-13T21:33:00.003-05:00

The program, hotel and reservation form for Masonic Week in Alexandria, Virginia is up and running. All banquet tickets must be purchased in advance from the website, so don't forget to reserve now.

Masonic Week seems to grow larger every year. Don't miss it. And especially don't miss the Masonic Society Banquet on Friday night, February 10th, featuring our speaker "Art of Manliness" author, Brother Brett McKay. We'll again be hosting our legendary hospitality suite this year, so stop in and spend some time with us.

Masonic Society Journals Available Online

2011-12-12T23:13:00.004-05:00

The Masonic Society has sold out of back issues of Journals #2 and #5, so we are making them available online now for free, along with the premiere issue #1.

Read them here:

TMS Issue #1

TMS Issue #2

TMS Issue #5

Not a member of the Masonic Society? We are the fastest growing Masonic research organization in the world, and membership is a paltry $39 a year. Check us out at www.themasonicsociety.com

Issue #14 is going to press this week.

Symposium on American Freemasonry and Fraternalism Rescheduled

2011-12-11T13:56:00.001-05:00

THIS IS AN UPDATE – due to scheduling issues, the date of the Symposium on American Freemasonry and Fraternalism at the National Heritage Museum has changed – it will take place on April 28, 2012 (formerly scheduled for April 7th). The call for papers has been extended to January 2, 2012.

CALL FOR PAPERS – Symposium on American Freemasonry and Fraternalism. National Heritage Museum, Lexington, Massachusetts Perspectives on American Freemasonry and Fraternalism – Saturday, April 28, 2012

The National Heritage Museum will be holding its biannual symposium, Perspectives on American Freemasonry and Fraternalism, on April 28, 2012, at the museum, in Lexington, Massachusetts. We are now seeking paper proposals for the symposium.

The National Heritage Museum is an American history museum founded and supported by Scottish Rite Freemasons in the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction of the United States. As the repository of one of the largest collections of American Masonic and fraternal objects, books and manuscripts in the United States, the Museum aims to foster new research on American fraternalism and to encourage the use of its scholarly resources.

The symposium seeks to present the newest research on American fraternal groups from the past through the present day. By 1900, over 250 American fraternal groups existed, numbering six million members. The study of their activities and influence in the United States, past and present, offers the potential for new interpretations of American society and culture. Diverse perspectives on this topic are sought; proposals are invited from a broad range of research areas, including history, material and visual culture, anthropology, sociology, literary studies and criticism, gender studies, political science, African American studies, art history, economics, or any combination of disciplines. Perspectives on and interpretations of all time periods are welcome.

Possible topics include:

Comparative studies of American fraternalism and European or other international forms of fraternalism
Prince Hall Freemasonry and other African-American fraternal groups
Ethnically- and religiously-based fraternal groups
Fraternal groups for women or teens
Role of fraternal groups in social movements
The material culture of Freemasonry and fraternalism
Anti-Masonry and anti-fraternal movements, issues and groups
Fraternal symbolism and ritual
The expression of Freemasonry and fraternalism through art, music, and literature
Approaches to Freemasonry – from disciplinary, interdisciplinary, or transnational perspectives; the historiography and methodology of the study of American fraternalism
Proposals should be for 30 minute research papers; the day’s schedule will allow for audience questions and feedback.

Proposal Format: Submit an abstract of 400 words or less with a resume or c.v. that is no more than two pages. Be sure to include full contact information (name, address, email, phone, affiliation).

Send proposals to: Aimee E. Newell, Ph.D., Director of Collections, National Heritage Museum, by email at anewell@monh.org or by mail to 33 Marrett Road, Lexington, MA 02421.

Deadline for proposals to be received is January 2, 2012. For more information about the National Heritage Museum, see www.nationalheritagemuseum.org. For questions, contact Aimee E. Newell as above, or call 781-457-4144.

New Book: "Secret Societies In America: Foundational Studies of Fraternalism."

2011-12-10T14:48:00.003-05:00

A new book has been published, co-Edited by Mark. A Tabbert & William D. Moore: "Secret Societies In America: Foundational Studies of Fraternalism."

Fraternal organizations, often called "secret societies" because of their proprietary ritual initiations, have thrived in America since the 1730s. Only recently, however, have they become the subject of rigorous academic scrutiny. Bringing together foundational studies in American fraternalism by respected journalists, historians, and sociologists, this volume seeks to contribute to a greater understanding of this aspect of American life. Two respected authorities in the field have carefully selected and edited writings which shed light on how contemporaries understood fraternalism during its golden age of the 1800s, document how the 20th centuries scholars understood these groups, and hopefully facilitate further research into this quintessentially characteristic American phenomenon.

CONTENTS
Journalistic Studies

1- Harwood, W.S. "Secret Societies in America." 1897
2 - Hill, Walter, B. “The Great American Safety-valve.” 1892
3 - Foster, J.M. "Secret Societies and the State" 1898
4 - Harger, Charles Moreau, “The Lodge,” 1896
5 - Weir, Hugh C. "Romance of the Secret Society." 1911
6 - Merz, Charles. "Halt! Who comes There?." 1923
7 - Merz, Charles. "Sweet Land of Secrecy." 1927
8 - Lehman, Milton. "It takes three to make a lodge." 1948

Historical Studies
9 - Schlesinger, Sr., Arthur M. "Biography of a Nation of Joiners." 1944
10 - Davis, David Brion. “Some Themes of Counter-Subversion: An Analysis of Anti-Masonic, Anti-Catholic, and Anti-Mormon Literature.” 1960

Sociological Studies
11 - Simmel, Greg. "The Sociology of Secrecy and of Secret Societies." 1906
12 - Gist, Noel P. “Culture Patterning in Secret Society Ceremonials.” 1936
13 - Gist, Noel P., “Structure and Process in Secret Societies.” 1938

Insurance Studies
14 - Meyer, B.H. "Fraternal Beneficiary Societies in America." 1901
15 - Stevens, Albert Clark. "Fraternal insurance." 1900
16 - Landis, Abb. “Life Insurance by Fraternal Orders.” 1904
17 - Nichols, Walter S., “Fraternal Insurance: Its Character, Virtues and Defects” 1904
18 – Page, Walter H., “Insurance that Does Not Insure.” 1911
19 - Knight, Charles K., “Fraternal Life Insurance.” 1927

295 Pages
Price: 24.95

Please purchase through the GW Masonic Memorial Gift shop -- proceeds help the Memorial's educational mission.
-- plus if you request, Mark will be happy to autograph copies.

http://gwmemorial.org/cgi-bin/webdata_gws.cgi?fid=1323469051&cgifunction=form

New York PGM Bidnick Suspended

2011-12-09T21:37:00.004-05:00

New York's Past Grand Master Neal Bidnick has been suspended for a year after a Masonic trial. According to the letter circulated by the Grand Lodge of New York, he was suspended for marching in a parade after being expressly forbidden to appear in public Masonic ceremonies by an edict issued last summer by current GM Vincent Libone.

"Art of Manliness" Author to Speak at Masonic Society Annual Banquet 2/10

2011-12-09T13:12:00.004-05:00

The Masonic Society's 2012 Annual Meeting will once again be held during Masonic Week in Alexandria, VA, February 8-12. The meeting is set for Friday, February 10 at 6:00 P.M. in the host hotel, the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center. Here is a link to the official website where you can find registration and hotel reservation information. Please take note of the deadlines for meals and hotel reservations. We hope many of you will be able to join us.

http://www.yorkrite.com/MasonicWeek/index.html

The Annual Meeting will consist of a banquet, a short business meeting that will include election of officers for 2012 and 2013, and our speaker. The business portion of the evening will be intentionally brief as it is our desire that this evening be primarily devoted to education and fellowship. As usual, we will be hosting a hospitality room in the hotel. There will be snacks, libations, and plenty of good conversation. The Masonic Society hospitality suite is always a popular destination. Visitors have the opportunity to meet and mingle with many noted Masonic authors and educators, the TMS officers and directors, fellow members of TMS, and brethren from around the country and world. We are known for pouring with a heavy hand. The room number will be available in the hotel lobby.

The featured speaker at the TMS Annual Meeting will be Brett McKay who with his wife Kate publishes The Art of Manliness blog and website. Brett hails from Tulsa, OK and was passed to the degree of Fellowcraft in his lodge, having made the decision to become a Freemason fairly recently. From The Art of Manliness webpage:

Brett and Kate McKay are the married team behind the popular website, artofmanliness.com. Started in 2008, The Art of Manliness was designed to fill a niche in the men’s media market–a totally different kind of magazine for men. Instead of constantly regurgitating articles on six pack abs, boobs, and cars, The Art of Manliness focuses on reviving the lost art of manliness. We look to the past to find the best traditional manliness has to offer while leaving behind the mistakes of yesteryear. We aim to teach the skills and virtues that turn boys into men of substance and character.

The message of the Art of Manliness has deeply resonated with today’s men, catapulting the site to popularity. In just three years the site has grown to nearly 3 million visitors a month, over 4 million page views a month, and over 100,000 daily subscribers. In addition, the Art of Manliness has a thriving online social network called the Art of Manliness Community. With nearly 18,000 registered members and over 4,000 forum topics, we’ve developed a community of men (and some women) who have a passion for reviving the lost art of manliness.

In 2009, the McKay’s published their first book The Art of Manliness: Classic Skills and Manners for the Modern Man.

Brett has a degree in Letters from the University of Oklahoma where he focused on classical history and philosophy. He graduated summa cum laude from the University of Tulsa College of Law. Kate has a bachelor’s in history from Brigham Young University and graduated summa cum laude with a masters in religion from Oklahoma City University. The McKay’s live in Tulsa, OK with their son Gus.

Brett and Kate's latest book, The Art of Manliness-Manvotionals: Timeless Wisdom and Advice on Living the 7 Manly Virtues, was recently released.

Tickets for the banquet must be purchased in advance from the Masonic Week website. Price is $65 per person, and ladies and non-Masons are invited. Please join us for a great evening!

Not a member of the Masonic Society? Read about us at www.themasonicsociety.com

H/T Jim Dillman

An Ugly Meeting Saturday in France (GLNF)

2011-12-04T17:24:00.006-05:00

A report from Paris via François Koch's blog, La Lumiere, on the L'Express magazine website:

Annual Meeting of the GLNF. Brothers Shout "Resign" at the Grand Master

December 3, 2011
by Francois Koch

The brothers shouted "Resign!" and "Thug!" at the address of the Grand Master François Stifani at the Annual Meeting of the Grande Loge Nationale Française (GLNF). It was this afternoon, in Levallois-Perret. Due to demonstration by opponents of Francois Stifani outside the main entrance, the few foreign delegations [in attendance] came into the room through another door.

Only 1200 delegates attended the meeting in an room set up for 3000. According to the accounts I have received, about two-thirds of the participants shouted "Resign!" and "Thug!" to the Grand Master. So, Francois Stifani was hardly able to speak, in this meeting, which lasted two and a half hours. The witnesses refer to a "climate of insurrection." It was like the Annual Communication of March 2010. Except that this was a ritual meeting, where order is supposed to reign. The reports were jeered. And it did not proceed to any vote.

[snip]

It was nothing like the atmosphere of the meeting yesterday (December 2) of the Sovereign Grand Committee, whose members are appointed by the Grand Master. In the Grand Temple de Pisan, François Stifani received a standing ovation. He gave a speech saying the GLNF was located in another dimension than the secular world, "JUSTICE CAN NOT SET IN our case. Contrary to what has been said for too many months, French Freemasonry is not and can not be restricted to being a simple association like thousands of others, including operating procedures which must be modified according to circumstances and interests of one or the other. "

Someone has posted a video of the meeting here.

==================

UPDATE:

Read the English translation of GM François Stifani's speech before the assembly here. (Big file, slow connection. Please be patient.)

Reminder: 92Y Event Cancelled

2011-12-03T13:26:00.002-05:00

Just a reminder: Alice and I will NOT be speaking Sunday in New York City at the 92nd Street Y as part of their Sunday Symposium. I am simply not well enough to travel yet. My deepest apologies to anyone who was planning on being there.

Michigan: Shriners Respond To Grand Master's Order

2011-12-02T19:56:00.006-05:00

The following letter was passed to me today in response to the order by the Grand Master of Michigan severing recognition with the Shrine. See here for the first part of this story and the Grand Master's Letter.

Here is the response of Michael G. Severe, Imperial Potentate, Shriners international:

----------------------------------------

November 30, 2011
To the Elected Officers and Nobles of Ahmed Shriners, Elf Khurafeh Shriners, Moslem Shriners and Saladin Shriners:
By now you have received or been informed of the actions of the Grand Master of Michigan expelling Illustrious Sir Craig H. Hatch from Masonry. As you know, there are two sides to every story. In this letter I will inform you of the material facts that have come to my attention, cite our Shrine Law and present my conclusions based upon our Shrine Law.

FACTS
Some time ago, the Elf Khurafeh Potentate, Craig Hatch, was arrested and charged with violating the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act, a felony punishable by a year or more in jail. At his court appearance in February of 2011 Potentate Hatch and an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Michigan entered into a confidential “plea and sentence agreement” that included a plea of “guilty” by Potentate Hatch. According to Potentate Hatch’s attorney, the guilty plea was taken under advisement and an Order Delaying Sentence was entered by the Judge and the case was set for a return date in February, 2012. The final outcome of the case at that time is uncertain and among the possible results the charge against Potentate Hatch could be dismissed.
There has never been any Masonic trial of Potentate Hatch; never been any Shrine trial of Potentate Hatch; never been any criminal or civil trial of Potentate Hatch.

However, on June 14, 2011, the newly installed Grand Master of Michigan, Frederick Kaiser, issued a letter in which he ruled that the term “convicted” would henceforth be defined as either an adjudication of guilt(by either a judge or jury) or by a plea of guilty.
Then, in July, the Grand Master expelled Potentate Hatch from Masonry for the stated reason that Potentate Hatch was “convicted” of a crime punishable by incarceration of one or more years.

An appeal of this order to the Grand lodge on behalf of Potentate Hatch has been referred to the appropriate Committee for consideration and the Committee’s report at the Annual Communication on June 2, 2012.

I, as Imperial Potentate, was extremely distressed by the foregoing. Nonetheless, I asked my representatives to communicate with Potentate Hatch in an effort to present a resolution to the Grand Master that would be satisfactory to him. My representatives approached Potentate Hatch and stressed the sensitivity of the situation between the two bodies and implored him to voluntarily agree not to attend any tiled meeting or ceremonial of Masonry or the Shrine. So, even though he was in good standing with the Shrine (as the appeal of his expulsion was not final), he agreed to this recommendation for the good of peace and harmony between the Grand Lodge of Michigan and Shriners International. Thereupon, on November 1, 2011 I issued a letter to Potentate Hatch confirming his non-attendance. I believed that this would satisfy the Grand Master within the parameters of Shrine Law.
On November 11, 2011, at the request of the Grand Master, I and my General Counsels joined in a conference call with Grand Master Kaiser and his representatives. Additional conferences ensued but I followed our Shrine Law and refused to expel Potentate Hatch based upon the Grand Master’s definition of “conviction.”

Thereafter, the Grand master chose to release another letter dated November 23, 2011 wherein he issued the following orders:
It is, therefore my Order that no Mason who holds membership in a Michigan lodge or in a lodge chartered by a recognized Grand Lodge who resides or sojourns in Michigan may: (1) attend a non-public function of any Shrine in Michigan or (2) have any Masonic interaction of any kind with any Shrine organization in Michigan. Furthermore, no Shrine function or activity will be afforded a special privilege not afforded any other unrelated organization that is allowed to use a building dedicated to Masonic purposes or on the grounds of a building so dedicated.

Violation of these provisions by a Mason under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Michigan is punishable by charges of un-Masonic conduct.

This ruling is to be read at your next regular communication and spread upon the minutes of your lodge.

SHRINE LAW
Shrine law is found in our General Order and our Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws.

General Order No 1. A resolution was adopted by the unanimous vote of the Representatives at the 1989 annual session of Shriners International. This resolution can be found on page 22 of General Order No. 1, Series of 2011-2012, entitled Sovereignty, Rights and Responsibilities. I urge you to read it in its entirety but call to your attention paragraph 1 thereof which states:
The Shrine is a separate and distinct legal fraternal corporation; it must abide by its articles of incorporation and bylaws; and its officers must abide by their oath of office to “strictly conform to the requirements of Shrine law.” The Shrine accepts that the various Grand Lodges all have different Masonic codes and bylaws that govern their organizations.

Bylaw. §323.8 of Shriners International Bylaws state that “If a Noble loses his membership in the prerequisite body for any reason other than non-payment of dues, the loss of membership in his temple is effective when it becomes final in the prerequisite body unless he shall file an appeal with the Imperial Recorder within 30 days after the loss of his membership in the prerequisite body.” (emphasis added)

Annotation. Expulsion of a member by his Grand Lodge does not terminate Shrine membership until that loss becomes final.
Article 30. §330.2 of Article 30 of our international bylaws states:

This Article is intended to provide the guidelines for the determination of whether an accused Noble should be disciplined, the extent of such discipline if appropriate and to assure fair play and substantial justice as these concepts are understood and practiced in North America. (emphasis added)

As Imperial Potentate, I took the following oath of office:
I do solemnly promise and vow that I will faithfully and to the best of my ability discharge the duties of the office to which I have been elected, and that I will strictly conform to the requirements of Shrine law. (emphasis added)

All temple officers take the following oath of office:

I do solemnly promise and vow that I will faithfully and to the best of my ability, discharge the duties of the office to which I have been elected, and that I will strictly conform to the requirements of Shrine law and the bylaws of my temple. (emphasis added)

CONCLUSIONS
Under Shrine Law, Potentate Hatch’s expulsion from Masonry and the loss of membership in his temple is effective when it becomes “final” if and when the appeal to the Grand Lodge is denied. Under our Bylaws he remains a member in good standing until that time.

As you can see, by my actions herein recited, I am fulfilling my obligations. You can do no less.
I encourage all of you to continue to support our Shrine fraternity and our Shriners Hospitals for Children.

You are to read this communication at your next meeting and make it a part of the minutes.

Yours in the Faith,
Michael G. Severe, Imperial Potentate, Shriners international

C: Imperial Divan
Grand Lodge of Michigan

Ill. C. Fred Kleinknecht Passes Away

2011-12-02T13:00:00.003-05:00

Ill. C. Fred Kleinknecht, 33°, Past Sovereign Grand Commander of the Scottish Rite Southern Jurisdiction, passed away yesterday at the age of 87. His extensive obituary may be seen at the Supreme Council website here.

"In 1949, he began his Masonic journey in Maryland’s Silver Spring Lodge No. 215. He joined the Scottish Rite in Baltimore in 1950, received the rank and decoration of a Knight Commander of the Court of Honour in 1955, and was coroneted an Inspector General Honorary of the Thirty-third Degree in 1959. He was also a member of Mt. Pleasant Chapter No. 13, R.A.M., King David Council No. 19, R.&S.M., St. Elmo Commandery No. 12, K.T., Boumi Shriners, the National Sojourners, and many, many other Masonic organizations. . .

By 1966, the then current Grand Commander, Luther A. Smith, placed Fred in positions of increasing responsibility, leading to his appointment as Assistant to the Grand Commander on January 1, 1966, and Acting Grand Secretary General on January 1, 1967. The Supreme Council endorsed Bro. Smith’s confidence and elected Fred Grand Secretary General and S.G.I.G. at-large on September 28, 1967. He served in this position for nineteen years until the Supreme Council elected him Sovereign Grand Commander on October 23, 1985. . .

The funeral for Ill. C. Fred Kleinknecht, 33°, Past Grand Commander, will be held at the House of the Temple, 1733 16th St. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20009, 202–232–3579, on Tuesday, December 6, 2011, at 11:00 a.m., officiated by Rev. W. Kenneth Lyons, 33°, G.C., Grand Chaplain of the Supreme Council. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the House of the Temple Historic Preservation Foundation, Inc."

RIP

Ohio: Freemason University Online Leadership Program

2011-12-02T12:20:00.003-05:00

The Grand Lodge of Ohio has just announced the formation of Freemason University, an online learning program designed to promote ritual appreciation, lodge management and lodge leadership, using video, audio and written material. The website is still being developed with material (have a look at the Leadership area). Check back regularly for more information.

Masonic Society Feast of St. Andrew Wednesday Nov. 30th

2011-11-28T13:36:00.001-05:00

From Brother Jay Hochberg in New Jersey:

The New Jersey Second Circle of The Masonic Society will host its second annual Feast of Saint Andrew with another great dinner and guest speaker.

We'll return to Bloomfield Steak and Seafood House in Bloomfield for a terrific meal and Light from the podium, courtesy, this time, of a history professor from Centenary College.

Wednesday, November 30 at 7 p.m.

http://themasonicsociety.com

Professor Breandán Mac Suibhne will present "The Freemasons and the Fannet Ghost: An Episode in Irish Cultural History, 1786–1822." This will be a reprise of his lecture to the International Conference on the History of Freemasonry in Virginia this May. It is part ghost story, and part colorful Irish history, but it is a tale you won't forget.

Breandán Mac Suibhne, Assistant Professor of History at Centenary College, is a historian of society and culture in eighteenth- and nineteenth-century Ireland. He has published on para-militarism and the construction of Irish identity in the 1780s, republican rebellion and its suppression in the 1790s, and agrarian 'improvement' and social and political unrest in the 1800s. One of the founding editors of "Field Day Review," an interdisciplinary journal of Irish politics and culture past and present, he also is editor of "John Gamble, Society and Manners in Early Nineteenth-Century Ireland," and, with David Dickson, he edited "Hugh Dorian, The Outer Edge of Ulster: A Memoir of Social Life in Nineteenth-Century Donegal," the most extensive account of Ireland's Great Famine. He is completing a monograph on north-west Ulster, c. 1786–1822.

Bloomfield Steak and Seafood House
409 Franklin Street in Bloomfield
(Only a few hundred feet from GSP Exit 148.)

Let's get together for drinks at 6:30, and we'll retire to our room at 7 p.m.

It is NOT necessary to be a member of The Masonic Society to attend. All Masons are welcome, as are our ladies, family, and friends.

If you were there last year, you noticed it's a small space. Seating IS limited to 30. Reservations are required and, as always, must be made in advance by transmitting your payment, via PayPal, to:

masonicrsvp@gmail.com

Cost per person: $40. (If you think of it, it would help me if you sent $41, because PayPal takes its "cut" of the transaction.)

For entrees we'll have broiled salmon, chicken marsala, and prime rib, plus red roasted potatoes, all served as buffet. Plus there will be copious appetizers, the house salad, soft drinks, and coffee & dessert.

(And of course the famous Masonic Society gift bag awaits you at the end of the evening.)

Cordially & fraternally,

Jay Hochberg
NJ Lodge of Masonic Research and Education No. 1786
Trenton

GL of Michigan Withdraws Recognition of Shrine

2011-11-26T12:04:00.007-05:00

The Grand Master of Michigan, MW Frederick E. Kaiser, Jr., has withdrawn official recognition of the Shrine there, and it has been declared clandestine and illegal. Michigan Masons may not attend tyled Shrine meetings in that state.

The problem stems from a Mason who was expelled by the Grand Master in July allegedly for pleading guilty to a crime punishable by incarceration of one or more years, and per Michigan's Masonic rules. Unfortunately, the Elf Khurafeh Shrine and the Imperial Shrine (Shriners International) in Tampa didn't agree and kept the suspended Mason as a full member of the Shrine. A slight complication: he's the current Potentate. He had pled guilty to possessing and operating gambling devices, and probably won't be sentenced until February. However, since he did plead guilty, the GM expelled him. The Shrine did not.

So.

From the GM's letter of November 23rd:

The expelled Mason, by action of Elf Khurafeh Shrine, headquartered in Saginaw, Michigan continues to be a member and Potentate of that Shrine. Elf Khurafeh’s action to retain him was subsequently upheld by the Imperial Potentate. This situation exists despite the reputed requirement that a member of the Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of
the Mystic Shrine (Shriner’s International) must also be a Mason in good standing.

Discussion was initiated with the Imperial Potentate, and counsel for the Imperial Shrine. The Grand Lodge of Michigan explained its position, and requested that the Imperial Potentate reconsider his decision, given information previously unavailable to him. Unfortunately for all concerned and with heavy heart, I must state that no modification of
his position, nor of Elf Khurafeh Shrine’s, has occurred.

Elf Khurafeh Shrine and the Imperial Potentate have failed to adhere to their own Shrine law, by retaining a non-Mason in their ranks. They have also failed to honor their obligations under Michigan Masonic Law. Therefore, acting under §3.10.2.2 of Michigan Masonic Law, the Grand Lodge of Michigan hereby withdraws formal recognition of the Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (Shriner’s International) as a Masonic organization in the State of Michigan. The relevant sections of Michigan Masonic Law are as follows:

§3.8.2: Any and all organizations, associations, or persons within the State of Michigan, professing to have
any authority, power or privileges in Ancient Craft Masonry, not fraternally recognized by this Grand Lodge, are
declared to be clandestine and illegal, and all Masonic intercourse with any of them is prohibited.

§8.1.2.9: All Master Masons under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Michigan who hold membership in
Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine are forbidden to attend tiled Shrine meetings when there is in
attendance a suspended or expelled Mason.

It is therefore my order that no Mason who holds membership in a Michigan Lodge, or in a Lodge chartered by a recognized Grand Lodge who resides or sojourns in Michigan, may (1) attend any nonpublic function of any Shrine in Michigan or (2) have any Masonic interaction of any kind with any Shrine organization in Michigan. Furthermore, no Shrine function or activity will be afforded a special privilege not afforded any other unrelated organization that is allowed to use a building dedicated to Masonic purposes, or on the grounds of a building so dedicated.

Violation of these provisions by a Mason under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Michigan is punishable by charges of un-Masonic conduct.

Arguments with Grand Masters don't generally turn out well.

Manuscript Naming Napoleon Bonaparte a Freemason

2011-11-25T14:47:00.004-05:00

In the ongoing question as to whether Napoleon Bonaparte was a Freemason or not, Blog Maconnique is reporting on an 1805 manuscript for sale that describes a Masonic banquet attended by "Brother Bonaparte".

According to Jacques Huyghebaert's translation, a French bookshop " La Librairie des Colporteurs", in Saint-Emilion ( http://www.man.uscr.it ) is currently selling a Masonic Manuscript dated about 1805 which specifically refers to Napoleon Bonaparte being a Freemason for €600.

"Complete manuscript fully organizing a Freemason banquet at the very begining of 19th century. The manuscript is softbound with marbled paper and a handwritten label in the middle with "Banquet works" in French. The banquet is a Masonic ritual meal held most often during astronomical solstices, each lodge having its own rituals. Thus, one will find in the manuscript a series of health and hymns with air normalized by the French music reference book Clef du caveau (key of the vault), some instructions on the symbolic placement of the brothers and many details on the ceremonies.The names of the utensils are listed on a table which contains common names and their equivalent in Masonic symbolism (for example, bread becomes rough stone). Each page is written on watermarked laid in the fleur-de-lys (pre-Revolution period) with a beautiful writing inside black and red frames; pages are numbered and composed with care. Cover is fragile, some pin size holes through the pages, good overall condition.

The manuscript, referring to f. -. Bonaparte and the first victory of the French consul must be dated around 1805, when the FreeMasonry is reborn at the end of the Terror and at the time Napoleon Bonaparte proposed an alliance with the Grand Orient of France. Many dignitaries of the imperial regime were also Freemasons."

CANCELLED: December 4th in New York at 92Y

2011-11-22T17:30:00.003-05:00

Alice and I were scheduled to speak in New York City at the 92nd Street Y on December 4th. My recovery is going slower than was expected, and so we have reluctantly had to cancel this event.

If you ordered tickets, please contact the Y.

My sincerest apologies to everyone, but I'm just not able to travel just yet. I would have much rather been in New York than sleeping too much and swallowing too many pain pills. Hopefully we can reschedule this event.

Indianapolis Prince Hall Thanksgiving

2011-11-22T14:36:00.001-05:00

Several Broad Ripple Lodge brethren and I will again participate in the annual Indianapolis Prince Hall Thanksgiving dinner program. Last year more than 1,000 meals were served to the homeless, shut-ins and others who would otherwise not have a Thanksgiving dinner – an annual tradition that began back in 1983. Our lodge members have taken part in this event since 2002, and it's always a packed house.

The morning is always a labor of love, and brethren from PHA lodges and their Eastern Star ladies from all over the city take part in prepping, cooking, packing, cleaning up, answering the phones, and coordinating deliveries. And it's always great to reconnect with folks I haven't seen since the previous year.

Thanks to the Prince Hall Masons of Central Lodge No. 1, Trinity No. 18, Meridian Lodge No. 33, Southern Cross No. 39, Fidelity Lodge No. 55, Sumner A. Furniss No. 61 (and anyone else I might have forgotten!), for all that you do to help the community, and for keeping this program running strong year after year.

George Washington Masonic Apron Displayed in WVa

2011-11-17T13:26:00.002-05:00

From the West Virginia State Journal, Masonic Lodge to Display Apron Owned by Washington, today:

Mt. Nebo Lodge No. 91, a Masonic lodge in Shepherdstown, will celebrate its bicentennial with a public open house on Dec. 11 where people can come view George Washington's Masonic apron.

The lodge, which is located at 121 E. German St., will be open to the public from noon to 3 p.m.

The apron will go on display at 1 p.m. and Laura B. Simo, associate curator at Mount Vernon Estate, Museum and Gardens in Virginia, will give a presentation about the apron's history.
Following that, the lodge's current Master, George Alwin, of Shepherdstown, will present a history of the Mt. Nebo Lodge, which was chartered in Shepherdstown on Dec. 11, 1811.

The apron it owns was given to Washington in 1784 by the Marquis de Lafayette, who was also a Mason, and worn regularly by Washington until his death in 1799.

After Martha Washington died in 1802, the apron was purchased from her estate for $6 by Thomas Hammond, husband of George's niece, Mildred Washington. She was the daughter of George's brother Charles, who founded Charles Town, WV.

Hammond was a member of the Mt. Nebo Lodge, and he gave the apron to the lodge before he died in 1820.

Since then, the apron has been displayed in public only on rare occasions.

Its first public appearance was in 1844, at the 90th anniversary of the first Masonic meeting in what is now West Virginia, in Charles Town.

Subsequently, the apron was displayed at the laying of the cornerstone for the Smithsonian Institution in 1847 and the cornerstone ceremony for the Washington Monument in 1848.

Until recently, its last major public appearance was at the 100th anniversary of Washington's death at Mount Vernon in 1899.

Shriners Seek Photos From Past

2011-11-16T14:02:00.002-05:00

The Shriners are looking for photos to document their history for their anniversary next year:

Shriners International is in search of historic Shriner photographs, film and video to help promote our anniversary year in 2012. We encourage you to explore your temple's archives, storage room or even the attic of your home to see what treasures you might discover. Our greatest need is for photos from 1872 - 1962.

We prefer that photographs be submitted electronically to aflenghi@shrinenet.org. If you have a large number of photos, please be sure to e-mail them in a compressed folder. If you choose to physically mail your photos or a photo CD, send them to Shriners International Headquarters, Attention: Amanda Flenghi, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607. Please note that we will not be able to return photos to you. By submitting photographs, you acknowledge that you or your temple are the owner and that you consent to the reproduction or use of the images by Shriners International Headquarters.

For film or video, please e-mail aflenghi@shrinenet.org. In your e-mail please describe the content, the year it was recorded and the format of the film or video.

New Hampshire Traditional Observance Group Seeks Dispensation

2011-11-16T12:02:00.003-05:00

A new Traditional Observance lodge is forming in New Hampshire, to be called Phoenix Lodge. WBro. Paul C. Smith explains the plans for the new lodge on the Grand Lodge of NH website here:

A Traditional Observance Lodge is a lodge that is focused on the initiatic experience of a candidate. Utilizing methods such as a chamber of reflection, the candidate is left with a deep and meaningful experience of what should be a life-changing moment on his entrance into our fraternity. A T.O. Lodge focuses on education and introspection; before a candidate can advance to the next degree, not only must he recite his lesson in full, but present a paper on a topic of his choosing, usually discussing the degree and its importance to him. Papers and presentations are the norm for meetings, as are silence, musical pieces and introspective meditation; we should all strive for enlightenment not only as a time period of the past, but as a recurring state of mind. An Agape (or Festive Board) takes place after every meeting, where discussion and pure Masonic love is shared by all attending. A T.O. Lodge requires the officers and members to dress formally with white gloves, signifying our pure intentions in the Craft. New Hampshire ritual will be used in our lodge, with some best practices from sister jurisdictions being available outside of our normal ritual. Very important is the dues of a T.O. Lodge; purposely high because of the many aspects that the members get from it will be well worth the cost (books, aprons, discussions, meals, guest speakers, etc.)- our lodge would require dues of $360 annually.

While these things may not seem like everyone’s cup of tea, statistics show that this is what many men who are seeking petitions are looking for in Masonry. The goal of this T.O. Lodge is not to steal members, in fact, membership will be purposely low-72 in all, with no more than 3 to 4 candidates expected per year, negating the argument that we will be taking away candidates…after all, if a lodge is worried about losing one candidate to another lodge, it has bigger problems.

Our members will NOT leave their lodges, they will continue to be productive and helpful members of their mother lodge as long as they wish. Visitors will always be welcome, but adherence to the dress code and formalities observed in the lodge are requested. The goal is to be elite…but not elitist. New Hampshire Freemasons are humble, honest and forthright Yankees, and that is what sets us apart from other jurisdictions. Everything we will seek to do in the lodge will be for one distinct purpose; to leave an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of those who choose to become members.

The name that was chosen for our lodge is Phoenix; because as the mythical bird rose from the ashes of the fire that consumed its former self, so to do we believe that our lodge will help to make Masonry flourish again.

There will be approximately 20 members on our charter from across the many districts of our state, and the only direction we seek to go is up.

Our club meetings are open to attend ($10 donation requested); our next meeting will be on December 9 at the Tilton Masonic Temple at 7 PM; be warned however, if you plan on coming, be prepared to join in the conversation and have fun!

"Edges of Freemasonry" Intl Conference Sept 2012

2011-11-15T12:55:00.002-05:00

"Edges of Freemasonry – Western Esotericism and the Enlightenment" is a two-day conference and an international and academic event organized by the University of Tampere School of Social Sciences and Humanities in association with The Research Lodge Minerva No.27 of the Grand Lodge of F. & A. M. of Finland.

Edges of Freemasonry – Western Esotericism and the Enlightenment aims to investigate exceptional but prominent new currents in human sciences. The conference focuses on modern Freemasonry as a cultural and historically constituted phenomenon but also seeks to create a dialogue with wider contexts like the Enlightenment and especially the history of western esotericism, which has increasingly attracted the attention of academic research. On this basis the conference organizers are hoping to establish a multi-disclipinary and discursive environment to study western cultural and intellectual life from standpoints hitherto somewhat neglected by scholarship.

The conference is open to scholars, researchers and post-graduate students from various disciplines as well as members of masonic lodges and the general public. The conference will take place at the University of Tampere on 7–8 September 2012. The conference language is English.

The call for papers as well as registration for the conference will open on 30th June 2011.

For more information, see the Conference website at http://www.edges.fi/

H/T to E C Ballard

Virginia's Historic Halifax Lodge No. 96

2011-11-15T12:31:00.003-05:00

The 1828 Federal style home of Virginia's Halifax Lodge No. 96 will be open for tours this Sunday as part of the Halifax County Historical Society’s Fall Foliage Homes Tour. Theirs is the oldest existing building in the town.

From the Gazette Virginian:

The Halifax Hiram Lodge, or Masonic Lodge as it is more often called, is the oldest structure in the Mountain Road Historic District and the oldest public building in the Town of Halifax. The lodge has been owned and maintained by the Masons since being built in 1828.

Its most distinguishing feature is a late Georgian entrance, original to the date of construction. The exterior of the lodge is brick, with Flemish bond laid with occasional glazed headers on the front, while on the sides, brick is laid in running bond.
The rear annex was built in the early 1940s and houses a kitchen and a staircase, which replaced the original stairway to the second floor meeting room.

In 1929 the Masons offered to share the building with the Halifax Woman’s Club, which still uses it today as its headquarters. In 2002 the club sponsored a fundraising campaign to help Masons with a restoration of the building.

Until the mid-1900s, lodge members held meetings on or around the first full moon of each month. This gave members “moonlight” for those riding on horseback or walking to and from night meetings. However, this practice prompted the community for many years to call the meeting place, the “Moon Lodge.”

The Lodge lost its charter for several years for reasons unknown, but a new charter was granted in 1867.

Happy Veteran's Day

2011-11-11T21:38:00.001-05:00

Thanks to all veterans for their selfless dedication and service.

H/T Erin Hammer

Pyramids Closed To Stop "Masonic Concert"

2011-11-11T03:27:00.002-05:00

Egyptian antiquities officials are closing the pyramids at Giza today to prevent rituals and a "Masonic Concert" that had been planned for 11/11/11.

From the "Talking Pyramids" blog site:

Atef Abu Zahab, head of the Department of Pharaonic Archaeology said that the decision to close the pyramids only came “after much pressure” from Egyptian Internet users. The “rituals” were referred to by Youm7 in connection to a “Masonic Concert”.

Ali al-Asfar, general manager of the Pyramids at Giza, confirmed the cancellation of the Masonic concert, “11/11,” scheduled for Friday at the Great Pyramid of Khufu.   Asfar told Youm7 that the Supreme Council of Antiquities notified the Ministry of the Interior about the cancellation, and the ministry will cooperate with security forces.  He called on all Egyptians to visit the pyramids Friday to ensure no concert takes place.

  He said the Supreme Council of Antiquities did not receive fees from the concert organizing company, and it would not retract its cancellation.

The Supreme Council of Antiquities has confirmed the closure of the the pyramids at Giza but made no mention of any planned rituals, instead referring to necessary maintenance after a busy period.

It seems the pressure came from more than just “Egyptian Internet users” with ten revolutionary coalitions calling for Friday prayers to be held on the Giza Plateau in protest on the officially approved Masonic ceremony:

The coalitions involved are the Revolution of Free Egypt, the Muslim Brotherhood and Upper Egypt, who will coordinate with a number of public activists and figures. Statements from the Supreme Council of Antiquities and Giza Governorate have both stated the Masonic ceremony has been completely cancelled.  The coalitions reported in a statement that Jews have some beliefs that the date, 11-11-2011, will never be repeated, and that some think the world will end on this day. It is also said to be a watershed day in the Masonic and Jews’ lives.  The coalitions also reported that the attendants of the ceremony will surround the pyramid in a Star of David shape and put a diamond of the same shape at the top of the pyramid.

Ft. Wayne, Indiana Masons Hope To Restore Rare Organ

2011-11-10T09:17:00.005-05:00

The brethren of the Ft Wayne, Indiana Temple posess a rare organ for which they hope to raise $250,000 to restore. Read about it here.

The presence of a musical instrument wasn’t unusual. The building is strewn with pianos. The organ, though, isn’t just any organ. It’s a pipe organ, called an Estey 2525. It has 1,100 pipes.

It was installed in 1926 at a cost of $8,000. It was donated by the widow of John Bass, a local industrialist who Snyder said was worth about $4 billion in today’s dollars when he died in 1920.

Bass’s widow donated an identical organ to First Presbyterian Church, but that organ was replaced long ago.

The organ at the Masonic building, though, remains. In some ways it is the victim of neglect. Some parts designed to last 50 years are now 86 years old.

In other ways, though, the neglect has saved the organ. Until Snyder discovered it and started talking about it, few Masons who use the temple even realized it was there. Those who used the massive room where the organ is located had seen it, but they’d never heard it.

No one had played it or tinkered with it in more than 30 years, perhaps since Gerald Ford was president. That inactivity helped preserve it.

Just exactly how significant is this organ? I asked Snyder. People talk about the organ at Embassy Theatre; are they comparable? Well, Snyder said, if the Embassy’s organ is a juke box, the temple’s organ is a grand piano.

Since Snyder discovered the organ, it’s become his pet project. He located an organ expert in Marion who understands the instrument. He rounded up a crew of volunteer Masons, lured the crew that maintains the Embassy’s organ to help out on their own time and scrounged up a few thousand dollars for replacement parts. One goal, Snyder said, is to let the public know the organ is there and give them a chance to hear it.

“If it languishes and you don’t use it, it goes away,” Snyder said.

At the Three Rivers Festival this year, there was an organ tour called Follow the Pipes, where people could listen to some of the biggest organs in town. The concerts at the Masonic Temple attracted only about 20 people each.

This month, the American Guild of Organists will meet in Fort Wayne where they will get an opportunity to see and play the organ, which should generate some publicity.

For the long term, though, Snyder would like to fully restore the organ. That won’t be cheap. The organ in tip-top shape is probably worth $400,000. In its present condition, it is probably worth $200,000 and needs about $250,000 worth of work, Snyder said.

For now, Snyder isn’t trying to launch a fund drive, though he said he won’t turn down donations. Instead, he’s found a lodge in New York that was once home to members of the Rockefeller family and other moneyed Masons. It has a fund that can be used only for lodges for charitable purposes, so he’s seeking financial help from them.

Meanwhile, he wants to set up some concerts so the public can hear the instrument. He hopes to have a performance sometime after the start of the year.

For more about the rare Estay 2525 pipe organ, see here.

Major Projects Proceed At Indiana Freemasons' Hall

2011-11-09T21:21:00.003-05:00

The Indianapolis Masonic Temple Board Association has secured a $250,000 loan to complete numerous projects around Indiana Freemasons' Hall that will improve the Temple aesthetically and structurally, as well as improving our energy use and safety, and providing new services for our members. The many new projects approved by the Temple Board include:

• New energy-efficient windows for the whole building.
• Repairs to steam traps and improvements to the condensate system that will allow the boiler to operate more efficiently.
• Repairs to the ventilation dampers which will allow greater airflow and exhaust of heat in the summer.
• Installation of internet, phone and cable TV wiring to all floors.
• Plaster restoration and ceiling repair on the 7th floor from damage caused by a 20 year water leak, which has been repaired.
• Replacement of wall sconces missing from the 7th floor.
• Complete renovation of the fire escape, including replacement of the rusting decking with new galvanized decks.
• Extensive repair of exterior limestone spalling.
• Complete renovation and modernization of the 2nd floor kitchen, with new, modern appliances, a new commercial dishwasher, larger ice machine, paint and flooring.

Because of the nature of the loan and the repayment structure, this will make up the total of our discretionary spending for new projects for several years, but it means we are able to accomplish it all in a much shorter period of time. Upon completion of these projects, the total spent on building improvements in the last five years will exceed $800,000. The Temple Board certainly welcomes any financial assistance lodges or individual Masons may wish to contribute to these and other projects. Tax-deductible donations may be made to our 501c3 corporation with checks made out to Freemasons' Hall Inc. and mailed to the Indianapolis Masonic Temple Association, 525 N. Illinois St., Indianapolis, IN 46204.

These are in addition to the many renovations undertaken around the building by the various lodges and the Commandery which have gone far to improve the appearance of the third, fifth and seventh floors. Freemasons' Hall looks and functions better today than it has in literally decades. Much credit goes to the Building Superintendent Randy Spaulding and to Board President James Dillman, who spend untold hours caring for the building, crawling through ductwork, tracing down hidden plumbing lines, or beating up contractors for the best prices for us.

In other news around the Temple, the Grand Secretary's office has temporarily moved to the third floor while the office is gutted and completely remodeled. Both the Scholarship Board office and the state office for Indiana DeMolay have recently moved into the Temple. The international research origination, the Masonic Society, also leases space in the building, along with the Masonic Relief Board of Indiana and the Indiana Masonic Home Foundation.

The Library and Museum on the 5th floor will be open in time for Founder's Day. New cases are being installed, along with dramatic new lighting, and the Museum Board has hired two interns from IUPUI to assist with cataloguing and display ideas to preserve Indiana's priceless Masonic heritage.

Indiana Freemasons' Hall is your Temple. It is not simply the home of the lodges that meet there, but it is the headquarters of our entire fraternity in Indiana, and every Indiana Freemason should be proud of it. Like the Schofield House, the Grand Master has issued a standing dispensation so that any Indiana lodge may confer up to three degrees per year in one of its four lodge rooms without requesting special permission. Simply make a reservation for one of the rooms at the security desk.

Michigan Prayer Group Targeting Masons For Baal Worship

2011-11-09T14:24:00.003-05:00

A fundamentalist Christian group in Michigan is targeting Muslims and Freemasons for allowing the false God Baal to control the United States. Really. They held a prayer rally last Friday in Detroit to get this evil under control.

From the Michigan Messenger :

Rachel Tabachnick at Talk2Action has been listening to the frequent conference calls that Transformation Michigan, the key local organizing group, has been hosting and reports on a pre-rally planning call from September.

Anita Christopher, a West Michigan apostolic preacher affiliated with the group, and John Benefiel of the International House of Prayer said on the call that they had been going to all 377 Masonic temples in the state to initiate a “divorce” proceeding with Baal, an ancient Semitic god mentioned in the Bible as a false idol. The Detroit prayer rally, he said, would break the spell of Islam over the nation:

"I believe this is going to result in the biggest harvest of souls we’ve ever seen. I know because you’ve told me in your state there, in the Dearborn area in particular, that’s probably the biggest stronghold of Islam in our nation. Well, in going to the masonic lodges, I believe that we are earning authority from God. And that’s correct, we do earn authority from God. Just like the parable of the talents and the parable of minas. When you handle what God has given you in the right way, he’ll multiply your authority.

… I believe we’ll earn authority to pull down the spirit of Islam over our nation. And here’s why I say that. When you study it out, you find that freemasonry and Islam are very very tied to the same root.”

Benefiel has published a decree divorcing America from Baal. On this call he implied that while Islam is currently protected by the First Amendment in the U.S. because of the influence of Baal, but that the prayer rally would allow Christians to take over and eliminate such protections:

RIP Brother Joe Frazier

2011-11-08T18:59:00.008-05:00

RIP to Brother Smokin' Joe Frazier, member of M.B. Taylor Lodge No. 141 in Hammonton, New Jersey. He joined in a one day class on March 28, 2009.

Brother Frazier was an Olympic and Undisputed World Heavyweight boxing champion, whose professional career lasted from 1965 to 1976, with a one-fight comeback in 1981. The International Boxing Research Organization rated Frazier among the ten greatest heavyweights of all time. He was an inductee of both the International Boxing Hall of Fame and the World Boxing Hall of Fame.

He passed to the Celestial Lodge yesterday after an unsuccessful bout with liver cancer.

H/T to R.W. Rick Robins and Bill Berman. Photos by Rick Robins.

Speaking Tonight in Indianapolis

2011-11-07T17:00:00.000-05:00

I'll be speaking this evening at Frank S. Land Lodge No. 758 at Indiana Freemasons Hall this evening at 7:00PM. It's my first speaking event since last March, and I'm looking forward to being with brethren tonight. Many thanks to them for their kind invitation.

Freemasons and the Courts

2011-11-07T16:21:00.004-05:00

I came across an interesting historical paper by a non-Mason about the rule of law and the role of civil courts in dealing with internal Masonic disputes. Kevin Butterfield is an assistant professor of classics and letters at the University of Oklahoma.

Have a look at The Right to Be a Freemason: Secret Societies and the Power of the Law in the Early Republic by Kevin Butterfield here.

His paper uses the recent court battle between Past Grand Master Frank Haas and the Grand Lodge of West Virginia as a jumping off point to discuss historic situations of Masons suing lodges and grand lodges over the right to be a Mason, and the opinions of the courts in these cases. It's hardly a new phenomenon, and courts rely heavily on fraternal groups' own internal rules to render their decisions.

A gentle warning to grand masters who think they can make their own rules or dispense with existing ones.

Red Cross of Constantine

2011-11-05T22:34:00.006-04:00

I had the distinct honor today of receiving the first order of the Masonic and Military Order of the Red Cross of Constantine in St. James Conclave in Indianapolis, at the Scottish Rite Cathedral. Congratulations to my friends Nathan Brindle, Jerry Collins and Gary Brinley who joined me as Knight Companions. It was a special occasion especially to have my friend and Brother Roger S. Van Gorden confer the degree. Roger was my first contact with Masonry in Indiana when I sought membership, and he entrusted me as his Senior Warden after just two years in the fraternity. Nathan and I joined our lodge together, and these two fine gentlemen have walked with me in nearly every avenue of my Masonic life since 1998. Thanks to you both (and to all of the brethren at St. James Conclave) for a memorable day.

LtR: Gary Brinley, Rodney Mann, Nathan Brindle, me, Roger Van Gorden. Photo by Patti Van Gorden

Update on Georgia

2011-11-05T22:03:00.004-04:00

It is my understanding that Brothers Victor Marshall and Zeithlin Waters of Gate City Lodge No. 2 in Georgia who were blackballed at the Scottish Rite in Atlanta had their ballot "healed" by the Sovereign Grand Inspector General, and that they completed their 32nd degree conferrals today. An injustice has been put right, and all of the brethren who made this turnaround possible are to be commended for their actions.

Congratulations to Brothers Marshall and Waters—but most important— to ALL of the newest Masters of the Royal Secret in Georgia who received their degrees today. Let's hope more than only an unjust vote was placed on the path to healing.

WEOFM: Presentations by W. Kirk MacNulty and Ralph McNeal

2011-11-04T11:54:00.005-04:00

The latest video presentation from the Worldwide Exemplification of Freemasonry is The Philosophical Background for Masonic Symbolism by author W. Kirk MacNulty, PM. (CLICK HERE TO VIEW)

Last week's video was Prince Hall Freemasonry, Pt. 1 by Ralph McNeal, of the MWPHGL of Arizona. See it here.

The Worldwide Exemplification of Freemasonry 2011 Lecture Series is a free presentation of Masonic education endorsed by the Grand Lodge of Indiana F&AM, beginning January 1, 2011 and running through December 31, 2011.

Maryland's Membership Outreach Program

2011-11-04T10:12:00.005-04:00

The Washington Times reports today on the Grand Lodge of Maryland's public relations and membership campaign.

From "Masons make no secret of a desire for new members" by Jordan Otero:

Maryland's Grand Lodge this year debuted a radio spot encouraging men “ready to put your mark on this world” to visit the new group’s website, Askafreemason.org. Maryland Masons said the marketing push followed a similar membership drive in Massachusetts, which included television ads featuring an actor playing famous Mason Benjamin Franklin.

“We wanted to make an opportunity available for people to visit lodges and to find out more about what we are and what we do,” said Tom Foster, director of communications for the Grand Lodge of Maryland.

[snip]

“There’s been a significant increase in petitions to join,” he said. “We’re at nearly double the petitions we had last year to date.”

He added that running advertisements and hosting open houses have made “a positive step in the right direction.”

Mr. Foster said there might not be a secret Masonic gold hoard hidden beneath New York City, as portrayed in “National Treasure,” but there is a “national treasure of Masons” that comes with Freemason membership.

“We have a saying that says, ‘Find your inner greatness,’” said Mr. Foster. “You can do that through Masonry.”

The Grand Lodge of Maryland purchased the broadcast rights to the tasteful, well-produced, and very successful campaign created by the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, www.askafreemason.org which features Ben Franklin in radio, TV and extended internet spots.

The Grand Lodge of Maryland AF&AM has 100 lodges, with about 16,700 members.

Alice & I at New York's 92nd Street Y 12/4/2011

2011-10-31T19:27:00.005-04:00

NOTE: THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED!

Alice Von Kannon and I will be speaking back to back in New York City at the 92nd Street Y at 92nd and Lexington Ave. as part of their Sunday Symposium Series on Sunday, December 4th. The topic is "Great Secret Societies Demystified." We'll be in the Weill Art Gallery, and the program begins at 11AM.

Massachusetts to Double Dues?

2011-10-30T14:09:00.003-04:00

Longtime readers know that I tend to fall in with the "Freemasonry in the U.S. is too cheap" crowd. Now brethren are reporting that the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts is looking at doubling their current per capita dues to the GL, from $29 to $60, as well as raising the minimum lodges may charge for initiations from $50 to $300. I suspect there will be heated conversations on both sides of the question.

The proposal was announced in a letter from the Grand Master:

M.W. Richard J. Stewart
Grand Master
October 17, 2011

Dear Brother,

As you may know, at the September Quarterly Communication I spoke on a subject of such great importance to our future that I believe it is necessary to share my remarks directly with you. The title of my address was "The Value of Freemasonry."

As active members of this great fraternity, we appreciate the role Freemasonry plays in our lives. To those who feel Greatness lies within us, Freemasonry offers an unparalleled opportunity to build moral and spiritual well-being and can truly make a good man better. We say that we make good men better; actually, we take good men and allow them the opportunity to become better men.

As custodians of the Masonic legacy of the oldest Grand Lodge in the Western Hemisphere, we have a duty. In all of our Masonic endeavors we must strive to support, defend, and build on what we stand for as a fraternity. Our brand, if you will.

We also have an obligation to future generations to ensure them that Freemasonry - not withstanding the many moral, social, and economical trials facing the world in the Twenty-first Century - will not only survive, but to thrive.

I believe we, as a fraternity, are making great progress. We have begun to see the fruits of our labors over the past several years, raising thousands of new Masons. We have created high-quality education and training opportunities to prepare our members for leadership positions in their Lodges and in Grand Lodge.

Think of where we would be if we had not embarked on our membership program in 2005 and launched the Ben Franklin awareness campaign? Your Board of Directors and Past Grand Masters have thrown their support behind all of these initiatives. The financial investment has been considerable, but worth it.

The cost of these programs plus those associated with running Grand Lodge and fulfilling its mission is in excess of what we collect in dues, rent, and charitable donations. For this Masonic year we will have a deficit of well over $3 million. That money has to come from somewhere: it comes from our invested funds.

But, is it fair to all concerned to engage in deficit spending in the years ahead? In particular, is it fair to the next generation of Masons? How can we properly instruct them on the value of Freemasonry if we rely too heavily on the contributions and labor of previous generations to pay our current bills?

At my request, R.W. Mason W. Russell, Past Deputy Grand Master and Grand Lodge Director, addressed Grand Lodge and explained the realities of our financial situation. To ensure we share the message as widely as our members will hear it, Bro. Russell presented his remarks a second time on film. The video can be viewed on MassMasons.org, our new members-only information center. You must register to enter the site, so please have your dues card on hand because you will need to provide your member identification number.

I strongly encourage you to spend a few minutes watching the video and to familiarize yourself with the issues we are facing, the steps we have taken to address them, and the solutions we are proposing to move forward.

As R.W. Bro. Russell explains, we cannot continue to incur deficits at the current rate and level without jeopardizing our future. I, as well as our Past Grand Masters, whole-heartedly support the Board of Directors in their efforts to cut spending where it can be done, and to increase revenue.

The first step in the process was initiated this spring when the Budget subcommittee of the Board of Directors conducted a line-item review and reduced spending by more than $100,000 from last year. We will continue to scrutinize spending to identify other potential reductions.

So that it is in writing, above my name and signature, I have summarized the proposed changes to the Grand Constitutions:

To increase Grand Lodge dues from $29 to $60 (Section 330).
To increase the minimum initiation fee a Lodge demands from a candidate from $50 to $300 (Section 400).

At the December Quarterly Communication, you can expect to hear proposals to amend the Grand Lodge Constitutions to increase our annual Grand Lodge dues as well as the fees for the degrees. These proposals will be discussed at the March Quarterly, and voted at the June Communication.

We cannot change the Grand Constitutions on a whim. Nor do we take lightly the decision to change the Grand Constitution. If we did not believe these actions were necessary, we would not propose them to you. I urge you to acquaint yourself with the facts, discuss your concerns and questions with your Lodge, and consider well the proposals.

May the Great Architect of the Universe continue to bless you and your family, our beloved Fraternity, and our great Country.

Cordially & fraternally,

M.W. Richard J. Stewart
Grand Master

Masonic Mural for Naperville, Illinois

2011-10-30T12:59:00.004-04:00

Naperville, Illinois has dedicated a portion of its downtown area to what it calls its Century Walk, with dozens of public murals depicting Naperville's history. Yesterday, the local Masonic lodge unvelied its contribution, the 40th mural in the town.

From the Daily Herald, ‘Faith, Hope and Charity’ mural displays Naperville Freemasons’ values by Marie Wilson:

Sponsored by Euclid Lodge 65 in partnership with Century Walk, “Faith, Hope and Charity” by Marianne Lisson-Kuhn was unveiled Saturday morning to a crowd of about 80 people.

Before anyone got a peek at the mural, which was sheltered behind a blue “shower curtain,” Euclid Lodge’s Worshipful Master Neville Diamond told the crowd the basics of Freemasonry.

Masons stand for truth, justice, liberty, enlightenment, fraternity and philanthropy, Diamond said. Their gatherings include rituals and symbols.

Some of those symbols, such as the all-seeing eye, a compass, and tools of the stonemasonry trade, are included in the mural.

Freemasonry is not a religion, but members are religious, Diamond said.

“We aren’t a secret society, but we have secrets,” he said.

What Diamond conveyed in words to the crowd at the unveiling ceremony the mural itself is designed to convey in images.

It lists 12 famous American masons on one side, and 12 well-known Naperville masons on the other. Highlighted with nearly life-size portraits dominating the mural are one leader from each category: George Washington and Joseph Naper.

“I’m happy to let the community know what they stand for through this artwork, and hopefully more people will know what the Freemasons are about,” Lisson-Kuhn said.

In Naperville, Euclid Lodge 65 largely has stayed out of the limelight, Diamond said. But the group saw the growing body of Century Walk-sponsored art and wanted to join in by sponsoring a piece.

“I’m very proud of this mural. I’m very proud of what it represents,” said Andrew Sidelmann, president of the Naperville Masonic Temple Association.

“Faith, Hope and Charity” is Century Walk’s 40th piece of public art dedicated since 1995 when the organization formed, said Steve Hyett, a member of Century Walk’s board.

The mural can be seen on the west side of the Russell’s Dry Cleaners building at Jefferson Avenue and Main Street in Naperville.

Black Georgia Brethren Blackballed...Again

2011-10-27T22:30:00.003-04:00

When is this madness going to stop?

See: Georgia Black Mainstream Mason Is Black Balled Again For The Second Time In His Masonic Journey

1866 Copiale Cipher Decoded

2011-10-26T22:03:00.005-04:00

University of Southern California computer scientist Kevin Knight and Swedish Linguists Beáta Megyesi and Christiane Schaefer have cracked a secret society's 105 page cypher from 1866.

From a story on Lookout by Liz Goodwin:

The "Copiale Cipher" was neatly hand-written in Greek and Roman characters with some unknown symbols thrown into the mix. Researchers suspected that the original language was German, since the manuscript was found in Berlin, but they tried to match the manuscript with dozens of languages by running different "computer attacks" on the code, all to no avail.

As they explain in their paper, the researchers' first theory was that the Roman letters contained the true message, with all the other characters serving as distractions, or "nulls." It turned out their hypothesis was completely wrong. After running the cipher through the computer program, the researchers realized that their assumption was backwards--that the Roman characters were, in fact, the nulls.

Even after the code-breakers found and translated most of the unknown characters into letters, a handful of symbols remained mysterious. The researchers believe that these symbols stand for top-secret people in the society.

The manuscript described how to initiate new members into the society and other rules.

The complete report can be read here.

The translation from German can be read here.

The initiation includes plucking hair from the eyebrow of the candidate. Really?

H/T to Makia Pai.

A Cautious Personal Update

2011-10-25T11:09:00.002-04:00

It's too soon to fire off rockets in the street, because more tests are coming. That said, my last chemotherapy session was Friday, my last radiation session was yesterday, and today the surgeon is removing the annoying rubber feeding hose from my stomach (never used, in case anyone is in need of one). CAT scan from Friday shows no new cancer spread. And so, after seven long months, my little cancer adventure is winding down to a finish. I'll still get scans every three months for a while, but the truly scary and uncomfortable bits are over, and once the radiation fatigue wears off, I'll get back to my old self, albeit thinner with slightly odder looking hair.

My deepest thanks to so many folks for their kind thoughts, cards, letters, emails and prayers. You have no idea how much they have meant to Alice and me as we both struggled through this.

I hope to slowly start traveling again by the end of November, barring any complications, and Alice and I will be speaking together in New York City on December 4th at the 92nd Street Y.

Thanks again, to all you, my friends, for your support. It is greatly appreciated, and I owe each of you more than I can ever hope to repay.

Author Andrew Hammer PM to Speak in Indianapolis Tonight

2011-10-25T11:04:00.001-04:00

W:.B:. Andrew Hammer, PM of Alexandria Washington Lodge No. 22 in Virginia, and author of Observing The Craft, will speak at Lodge Vitruvian No. 767 on Tuesday, Oct 25th. Dress for visitors is tuxedo or suit. Stated meeting at 7PM at the Temple of Broad Ripple Lodge, 1716 Broad Ripple Avenue.

Dinner and Andrew's presentation will follow at 8PM at Capri Restaurant.

A festive board, the seven toasts, a great speaker, the best $50 meal you'll get for $30... it doesn't get better than this.

Lodge Vitruvian is Indiana's only European Concept lodge and was chartered in 2002.

Contact Secretary Nathan Brindle at secretary@vitruvian.org

Connecticut Withdraws French Recognition

2011-10-22T18:28:00.005-04:00

WBro. Simon Laplace from Connecticut reports that the Grand Lodge of Connecticut AF&AM has joined the growing worldwide list of grand lodges that have withdrawn recognition of the Grande Loge Nationale Française. The vote took place at today's semi-annual communication.

Most of the regular western European grand lodges have yanked recognition of GLNF over a number of issues revolving around Grand Master François Stifani who continues to cling to his purple apron like a great clinging thing. More than 600 GLNF lodges have either withdrawn from the Grand Lodge or have had their charters pulled by Stifani, and three weeks ago a full blown fight broke out as a 65 year old member attempted to enter the GL headquarters in Paris and was knocked to the ground and dragged out by security officers for failing to show his dues card. Nothing good is coming of this catastrophe, and the court appointed female attorney the civil courts in Paris installed to oversee operations seems to be ineffectual and slower than an escargot. The question remains how much longer can this situation go on?

BTW, congratulations to my friend Simon who will be installed Deputy Grand Master of Connecticut in March 2012.

Pennsylvania Academy of Masonic Knowledge Oct 29

2011-10-22T15:50:00.001-04:00

Twice a year, the Pennsylvania Academy of Masonic Knowledge meets in Elizabethtown, PA, usually presenting two outstanding speakers at each meeting. The Academy meetings are open to any Mason who wishes to attend.

Masonic authors Cliff Porter and S. Brent Morris will be speaking in Saturday, October 29, 2011 at the Pennsylvania Academy of Masonic Knowledge in the Deike Auditorium of the Freemasons Cultural Center on the campus of Masonic Village in Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania. Registration will open at 8:30 AM with the program will begin at 9:30 AM. A lunch (voluntary contribution) will be served at noon and the program will be completed by 3:00 PM.

Pennsylvania's educational program is outstanding, and other jurisdictions would benefit from similar programs. Membership in the Academy is free to all Pennsylvania Masons, and they offer a Masonic Scholar Certification program, with the requirement of an extensive reading list, and submission of evaluation papers.

Author Andrew Hammer PM to Speak in Indianapolis Oct 25th

2011-10-20T11:59:00.000-04:00

W:.B:. Andrew Hammer, PM of Alexandria Washington Lodge No. 22 in Virginia, and author of Observing The Craft, will speak at Lodge Vitruvian No. 767 on Tuesday, Oct 25th. Dress for visitors is tuxedo or suit. Stated meeting at 7PM at the Temple of Broad Ripple Lodge, 1716 Broad Ripple Avenue. Dinner and Andrew's presentation will follow at 8PM at Capri Restaurant.

A festive board, the seven toasts, a great speaker, the best $50 meal you'll get for $30... it doesn't get better than this.

Lodge Vitruvian is Indiana's only European Concept lodge and was chartered in 2002.

Possible New Director For 'The Lost Symbol'

2011-10-20T11:29:00.003-04:00

The movie column Deadline is reporting that Mark Romanek is the possible new director for the Sony Pictures big budget screen version of Dan Brown's The Lost Symbol. Ron Howard, who directed both The Da Vinci Code and The Lost Symbol, has bowed out in favor of producing. No official word on whether Tom Hanks will return as symbologist Robert Langdon, but that is expected. Brown is penning the script for the film after writer Steven Knight left the project.

Romanek is best known for 2002's One Hour Photo and the recent Never Let Me Go.

The film will be a high visibility project for Freemasonry, with much of it taking place in the Scottish Rite's House of the Temple (too early to know if they will actually shoot in the HOT, or create it on a soundstage as they did the Vatican in Angels & Demons). And in case you think these have been inconsequential films, The Da Vinci Code made $758 million worldwide in 2006, and A&D made $486 million — over a billion dollars combined.

No word on a possible release date yet.

Kentucky Recognizes Prince Hall Counterpart

2011-10-18T09:35:00.004-04:00

I just received a brief note that the Grand Lodge of Kentucky F&AM has recognized the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Kentucky F&AM. No visitation privileges were granted at this time. They are recognized as a sovereign jurisdiction only. But it's a good first step.

The Prince Hall Grand Lodge asked for recognition without visitation at this time.

This leaves Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee and West Virginia as the last nine remaining mainstream grand lodges that do not recognize their Prince Hall counterparts.

South Carolina's Solomon No. 1 Celebrates 275th Anniversary 10/29

2011-10-17T05:55:00.000-04:00

The Free and Accepted Masons of South Carolina became a Provincial Grand Lodge under the premiere Grand Lodge of England ('Moderns") in 1734. A year later, Solomon's Lodge was chartered, and is the oldest lodge in the state. It bore the number 45 on the rolls of the Grand Lodge, but number 1 in the Province. Its first meeting was held in the Sheppheard's Tavern at Broad and Church Street on October 28th, 1736.

A Special Communication will be held at 10:00 AM Saturday, October 29, 2011 to observe the 275th Anniversary of the founding of Freemasonry In the Provence of Carolina. Solomon’s Lodge No. 1 will open in due form, a commemorative plaque will be placed, and a one act play, entitled “A Lodge Is Born”, written in 1937, will be performed. Solomon’s Lodge “One Day Honorary Membership Certificates” will be presented to attending brethren. Lunch will be served. Ladies are invited to attend, and tickets are $25.00 per person (in advance and at the door).

The lodge is located in the Charleston Masonic Center at 1285 Orange Grove Road, Charleston, SC.

H/T to Brother Jonathan Jordan

Masonic Society Feast of St. Andrew Nov. 30th

2011-10-14T08:00:00.003-04:00

From Brother Jay Hochberg in New Jersey:

The New Jersey Second Circle of The Masonic Society will host its second annual Feast of Saint Andrew with another great dinner and guest speaker.

We'll return to Bloomfield Steak and Seafood House in Bloomfield for a terrific meal and Light from the podium, courtesy, this time, of a history professor from Centenary College.

Wednesday, November 30 at 7 p.m.

http://themasonicsociety.com

Professor Breandán Mac Suibhne will present "The Freemasons and the Fannet Ghost: An Episode in Irish Cultural History, 1786–1822." This will be a reprise of his lecture to the International Conference on the History of Freemasonry in Virginia this May. It is part ghost story, and part colorful Irish history, but it is a tale you won't forget.

Breandán Mac Suibhne, Assistant Professor of History at Centenary College, is a historian of society and culture in eighteenth- and nineteenth-century Ireland. He has published on para-militarism and the construction of Irish identity in the 1780s, republican rebellion and its suppression in the 1790s, and agrarian 'improvement' and social and political unrest in the 1800s. One of the founding editors of "Field Day Review," an interdisciplinary journal of Irish politics and culture past and present, he also is editor of "John Gamble, Society and Manners in Early Nineteenth-Century Ireland," and, with David Dickson, he edited "Hugh Dorian, The Outer Edge of Ulster: A Memoir of Social Life in Nineteenth-Century Donegal," the most extensive account of Ireland's Great Famine. He is completing a monograph on north-west Ulster, c. 1786–1822.

Bloomfield Steak and Seafood House
409 Franklin Street in Bloomfield
(Only a few hundred feet from GSP Exit 148.)

Let's get together for drinks at 6:30, and we'll retire to our room at 7 p.m.

It is NOT necessary to be a member of The Masonic Society to attend. All Masons are welcome, as are our ladies, family, and friends.

If you were there last year, you noticed it's a small space. Seating IS limited to 30. Reservations are required and, as always, must be made in advance by transmitting your payment, via PayPal, to:

masonicrsvp@gmail.com

Cost per person: $40. (If you think of it, it would help me if you sent $41, because PayPal takes its "cut" of the transaction.)

For entrees we'll have broiled salmon, chicken marsala, and prime rib, plus red roasted potatoes, all served as buffet. Plus there will be copious appetizers, the house salad, soft drinks, and coffee & dessert.

(And of course the famous Masonic Society gift bag awaits you at the end of the evening.)

Cordially & fraternally,

Jay Hochberg
NJ Lodge of Masonic Research and Education No. 1786
Trenton

Texas Lodge Receives $20K Grant From Local Philanthropy

2011-10-12T11:24:00.004-04:00

Young County Lodge No. 485 in Graham, Texas has received a $20,000 matching grant for lodge improvements from a local philanthropy. So how did the lodge manage to convince the board of the Bertha Foundation to make that kind of commitment to the Freemasons? By showing how they had been a part of the local community since its very beginnings. And with a personal connection to the Fund's namesake.

From the Grand Lodge of Texas website:

The importance of the Masonic presence is an obvious one when one looks at what Graham is today. It is diverse in all its parts. There are many churches, of many faiths, as well as an economy that includes work in agriculture, oil and gas, government, as well as investment and finance. It is the county seat and the hub of Young County. How can so many parts ever stand as one and grow strong? Because of Masonry, and its moral doctrines and teachings, is how this happened. YCL485 was instrumental in building the character of both men and community. Where else could men meet and share common ideas and not dwell on their differences?

Where else but the lodge could men of varied religious and economic backgrounds share their vision of what kind of future they could build… together? On the wall in the lodge room of YCL485 are the names and the pictures of those great men. Together they are the roots of our community, of whoms ideals, and those of the Masonic lodge, continue to affect the direction of this city and county yet today.

This is what was explained to the Bertha Foundation when YCL485 asked for their help. Our grant request told the story of the men who came together in the lodge by horseback on moonlight nights to share friendship and tend to the work of Masons. Tolerance turned differences to strength and these men became builders of something of the Great Architect’s design. Together they came, and together they built as only Masons can. The Bertha Foundation was impressed but needed something to tie the family directly to the lodge and not just stories told around the lodge hall. That is when the Templar Sword appeared.

One of the grandsons of one of our founding families brought the sword to a private meeting asking for some information on it. This gentleman was the one upon whom the decision would rest as to our grant being awarded or denied. He handed over the sword and asked, “ what is this?”. A Templar sword, part of the Commandery portion of the York Rite, an organization of which only Masons may gain membership he was told. He asked that the sword be drawn from its sheath so that the named engraved upon it could be seen. “H. Bruce Street”, the husband of Bertha Street, in whom’s honor the foundation had been formed , was the inscription. It was at that point that our grant moved forward and was later awarded by the Bertha Foundation board on September 22nd , 2011. The sword was donated by the family for display in our lodge library.

Shriner Killed in Parade Accident

2011-10-11T23:45:00.002-04:00

Brother Marvin Tarbox from Hancock, Maine was killed in a tragic accident during a parade on Saturday. The Shriner died after a go-kart he was driving fell off of an unloading ramp.

From the Bangor Daily News on Sunday:

Marvin Tarbox Jr., 59, was one of several members of the Bangor-based Anah Temple Shriners who were driving go-carts in the Damariscotta Pumpkin Fest Parade in Newcastle on Saturday when he was fatally injured after his go-cart toppled to the ground.

According to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, a ramp that carried the go-carts over a sport utility vehicle apparently failed while Tarbox was driving over.

Tarbox’s go-cart then flipped over and toppled onto onto the pavement, where he was struck by at least two other go-cart drivers who didn’t realize what had happened, police said. Several hundred people were attending the parade when the crash occurred.

Tarbox, who was not wearing a helmet, was taken to Miles Memorial Hospital, where he died.

Joe Kitchen, president of the Hancock County Shrine Club and a co-worker of Tarbox’s, estimated that he had known the Hancock man for about 30 years.

“Marvin was a real nice man, a very well-liked Shriner,” Kitchen said. “We are all kind of devastated over it.”

RIP, Brother.

All New England Masonic Open House This Saturday, October 15th

2011-10-11T23:41:00.000-04:00

This Saturday, October 15th, 2011, Masonic lodges all across New England will open their doors to the public in one massive, coordinated event. According to the Metaphysical Freemason blog, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Connecticut "will participate and open our doors, display our minutes -- some from the founding of this country-- and invite any who wish to visit into the lodge rooms and antechambers, rooms of reflection and such. Welcome all and mark upon the skein of time our intention for light."

Several years ago, the United Grand Lodge of England held a nationwide open house week, during which every lodge was encouraged to have some kind of a public event—tours, dinners, speeches, programs, fund raisers, blood drives, or any other occasion to invite the public in, to hear about Freemasonry, or to see Masons in action in some way. We have no national governing body in the U.S. (world conspiracy mongers, take note), but such an event would be a significant kind of goal to shoot for, and something the Conference of Grand Masters of Masons in North America or the Masonic Service Association might well consider promoting.

Dan Brown in New Hampshire 11/4

2011-10-11T10:50:00.003-04:00

Fans of The Da Vinci Code and The Lost Symbol will have a rare opportunity to meet reclusive author Dan Brown in November at his favorite hometown bookstore. Exeter, New Hampshire's Water Street Bookstore is celebrating its 20th anniversary on November 4th, and Brown will be there to meet fans and sign books, between 6-8PM.

Water Street Bookstore is located at 125 Water Street in Exeter.

Independent bookstores are a vanishing breed, and it's good to occasionally here of one that is still doing well. If you have an independent bookstore in your town, please support it.

See here for more details.

Young Masons in Wall Street Journal

2011-10-11T00:02:00.005-04:00

The Wall Street Journal features an article about the fraternity in today's edition. From Latest Freemason Conspiracy: Recruiting Younger Bros by Barry Newman:

No self-respecting secret society can get by without a Facebook fan page anymore.

That's transparently true of the Freemasons, renowned for their medieval blood oaths, their often-alleged plot to create a New World Order, their locked-door conclaves of U.S. presidents and power brokers and their boring pancake breakfasts.

A menagerie of 19th-century civic and social brotherhoods, and their attendant sisterhoods, lives on around the globe: the Elks, the Moose, the Lions, the Odd Fellows. Freemasonry is the oldest of all, still the biggest, and—in the public mind—about as penetrable as the mythic crypt beneath the ninth vault of Solomon's Temple.

Secrecy gives Masonry its mystique. Yet the Masons have lately realized that they'd be lost in oblivion if it weren't for the Web.

"I looked for pictures," Matt Gallagher was saying of his Internet search for a Masonic lodge worth joining. "I really wanted to avoid a bunch of 80-year-olds."

It was Thursday evening, almost time for fellowship night at the "very young" lodge he finally did join: Braden No. 168, housed on a shady street in a columned temple the Masons built in 1910.

Mr. Gallagher is 32 years old and between jobs. He was initiated by Braden in 2009, rose to Master Mason and now is lodge education officer.

It's a post that didn't exist for 290 years after Masonry came out of its historical shadows, in 1717, as a London club for enlightened gentlemen. Mr. Gallagher's Masonic tag, if his digital function had one, might be Worshipful Webmaster.

Read the rest here. I'm quoted in the article, which I guess means I Occupy The Wall Street Journal.

2012 Prestonian Lecturer Announced: Antony Harvey

2011-10-09T14:21:00.005-04:00

It has been announced that W.Bro. Antony D.G. Harvey is to be the Prestonian Lecturer for 2012. The title of his lecture will be "Freemasonry & Scouting: two parallel organisations?".

The Lectureship is a memorial to William Preston (1742-1818) the foremost Masonic educator of his age, who left a legacy to United Grand Lodge of England to perpetuate his system of ritual lectures.

For more information about the Prestonian Lecture for 2012 see http://www.prestonian2012.org.uk/

Michael Halleran in Northwest Indiana Tomorrow Oct 8th

2011-10-07T17:09:00.001-04:00

Just a reminder that the South Bend Scottish Rite Research Guild presents “Freemasonry in the Civil War” lectured by Bro. Michael Halleran, author of "The better Angels of our Nature". Meet and Greet begins at 10am (CST).

This event will be at Excelsior Lodge No. 41, 820 Jefferson Ave., La Porte, Indiana.

Lunch will be served following the lecture, followed by the exemplification of the AASR-NMJ 26th degree “The Prince of Mercy”. Cost: $10.00 per person. **Lecture and lunch are open to everyone, Degree can only be witnessed by current or petitioned Scottish Rite Masons.

Please RSVP to Tim Farster at tfarster@hotmail.com

CALL FOR PAPERS – Symposium on American Freemasonry and Fraternalism

2011-10-07T17:03:00.002-04:00

From Jeff Croteau at the National Heritage Museum, Lexington, Massachusetts:

CALL FOR PAPERS – Symposium on American Freemasonry and Fraternalism
National Heritage Museum, Lexington, Massachusetts

Perspectives on American Freemasonry and Fraternalism
Saturday, April 7, 2012

The National Heritage Museum announces a call for papers for its biannual symposium, “Perspectives on American Freemasonry and Fraternalism,” to be held on Saturday, April 7, 2012, at the Museum in Lexington, Massachusetts.

The National Heritage Museum is an American history museum founded and supported by Scottish Rite Freemasons in the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction of the United States. As the repository of one of the largest collections of American Masonic and fraternal objects, books and manuscripts in the United States, the Museum aims to foster new research on American fraternalism and to encourage the use of its scholarly resources.

The symposium seeks to present the newest research on American fraternal groups from the past through the present day. By 1900, over 250 American fraternal groups existed, numbering six million members. The study of their activities and influence in the United States, past and present, offers the potential for new interpretations of American society and culture. Diverse perspectives on this topic are sought; proposals are invited from a broad range of research areas, including history, material and visual culture, anthropology, sociology, literary studies and criticism, gender studies, political science, African-American studies, art history, economics, or any combination of disciplines. Perspectives on and interpretations of all time periods are welcome.

Possible topics include:

• Comparative studies of American fraternalism and European or other international forms of fraternalism
• Prince Hall Freemasonry and other African-American fraternal groups
• Ethnically- and religiously-based fraternal groups
• Fraternal groups for women or teens
• Role of fraternal groups in social movements
• The material culture of Freemasonry and fraternalism
• Anti-Masonry and anti-fraternal movements, issues and groups
• Fraternal symbolism and ritual
• The expression of Freemasonry and fraternalism through art, music, and literature
• Approaches to Freemasonry – from disciplinary, interdisciplinary, or transnational perspectives; the historiography and methodology of the study of American fraternalism

Proposals should be for 30 minute research papers; the day’s schedule will allow for audience questions and feedback.

Proposal Format: Submit an abstract of 400 words or less with a resume or c.v. that is no more than two pages. Be sure to include full contact information (name, address, email, phone, affiliation).

Send proposals to: Aimee E. Newell, Ph.D., Director of Collections, National Heritage Museum, by email at anewell@monh.org or by mail to 33 Marrett Road, Lexington, MA 02421.

Deadline for proposals to be received is December 15, 2011. For more information about the National Heritage Museum, see www.nationalheritagemuseum.org. For questions, contact Aimee E. Newell as above, or call 781-457-4144.

Michael Jackson's Doctor, Conrad Murray's Freemasonry

2011-10-05T10:18:00.005-04:00

Back in 2009 when Michael Jackson died, suspicion immediately turned to his physician Dr. Conrad Murray, who is now on trial for manslaughter in the death of the pop star.

At the time, a photo was released of Murray dressed in a Masonic officer's collar, and his attorney released a statement in order to bolster his sinking character, saying Murray had joined "the Freemasonry" [sic] in 2006. Almost immediately, Freemasons in California and Murray's state of residence, Nevada, could find no record of his membership.

Back in 2010, Jackson's father Joe and his sister LaToya accused Dr. Murray of being a tool of a Masonic cabal that runs the music industry. Apparently, they have been taken in by the Masonic references by acts like Lady Gaga and Jay-Z who have been using symbolism of the fraternity in their album artwork, videos and stage shows, as "proof" of a larger Masonic conspiracy.

Dr. Conrad Murray was actually a member of the "United Most Worshipful Scottish Grand Lodge of Texas", an irregular, unrecognized bogus group in the Houston area, that has absolutely nothing to do with the Grand Lodge of Texas AF&AM, the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Texas F&AM, or any other regular, recognized form of Freemasonry. Within three years of joining, Murray was made a grand lodge officer, with the rank of Grand Medical Director, which is the title that appears on his officer's collar in the photo. The United MW Scottish Rite Grand Lodge of Texas is on the list of bogus grand lodges identified by the Phylaxis Society. Their "cabal" extends to the city limits of Houston. But such details generally elude most non-Masons.

One wonders what goes on at their meetings that would require a grand medical officer.

As you can tell from the Phylaxis Society's list of bogus grand lodges, the African-American community has been especially pestered by charlatans who stick a square and compasses on their lapel, buy some aprons, download a ritual, and declare themselves to be a "grand lodge" without any authority whatsoever. The somewhat arcane internal struggles we have involving issues of recognition and regularity undoubtedly seem quaint, silly or puzzling to non-Masons.

Dr. Murray belongs to a self-declared grand lodge in Houston that has no recognition or authority whatsoever outside of its own lodge room. In Texas, only lodges chartered by the mainstream and predominantly white Grand Lodge of Texas AF&AM or the predominantly black Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Texas are recognized as regular by the overwhelming world of Freemasonry.

The problem is that "Freemason" and "Order of the Eastern Star" are not copyrighted terms, and so bogus groups are not prohibited by law from co-opting them.

The black community has been especially plagued by these irregular Masonic groups. In some states like California, Ohio and Illinois, there are dozens and even hundreds of such fraudulent organizations that sound completely legitimate, or at least suitably ostentatious. Some were formed because of internal squabbles and schisms. Others exist solely to separate the gullible from their cash. And still others (Prince Hall Origination) date back more than 150 years to a brief experiment with a national governing organization that was quickly discarded by most Prince Hall lodges.

In any case, Dr. Murray's allegedly questionable medical activities were not motivated, controlled, or otherwise ordered by a Masonic Plot.™

I highly recommend the website of the Phylaxis Society’s Commission on Bogus Masonic Practices. It is an eye-opening introduction to a little known area of American Masonic history.

WEOFM: "Exclusive Territorial Jurisdiction" by Stewart W. Miner

2011-10-05T09:16:00.001-04:00

The latest video presentation from the Worldwide Exemplification of Freemasonry is Exclusive Territorial Jurisdiction by Stewart W. Miner, Past Grand Master and Grand Secretary Emeritus of the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia. (CLICK HERE TO VIEW)

The Worldwide Exemplification of Freemasonry 2011 Lecture Series is a free presentation of Masonic education endorsed by the Grand Lodge of Indiana F&AM, beginning January 1, 2011 and running through December 31, 2011.

Note that I am no longer placing the videos for direct viewing into the blog. Somehow they've been screwing with the code and causing major loading problems. So please use the links above.

Author Andrew Hammer PM to Speak in Indianapolis Oct 25th

2011-10-04T11:54:00.002-04:00

W:.B:. Andrew Hammer, PM of Alexandria Washington Lodge No. 22 in Virginia, and author of Observing The Craft, will speak at Lodge Vitruvian No. 767 on Tuesday, Oct 25th. Dress for visitors is tuxedo or suit. Stated meeting at 7PM at the Temple of Broad Ripple Lodge, 1716 Broad Ripple Avenue. Dinner and Andrew's presentation will follow at 8PM at Capri Restaurant.

Lodge Vitruvian is Indiana's only European Concept lodge and was chartered in 2002.

House of the Temple Centennial 10/16-18

2011-10-04T11:51:00.006-04:00

Between October 16th and 18th, the centennial celebration of the laying of the House of the Temple Cornerstone will take place in Washington DC. October 16th-17th events are limited to just 200 attendees, but the Oct 18th Reenactment is open to the public.

• Oct 16: Guided tours.
• 10/17: Cornerstone symposium. Speakers will include Thomas Luebke, Sec of US Commission on Fine Arts; Hartman Cox Architects on John Russell Pope's significance; Arturo de Hoyos on Masonic Symbolism of the House of the Temple; Sean Graystone on Renovating the Temple for a New Century.
• 10/18: Re-enactment of Conerstone ceremony with the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia.

$100 for Scottish Rite Masons and their family, $200 for non-members. Register by calling 866-448-3773

The House of the Temple is the national headquarters of the Scottish Rite Southern Jurisdiction.

Michael Halleran in Northern Indiana This Saturday Oct 8th

2011-10-04T11:39:00.000-04:00

The South Bend Scottish Rite Research Guild presents “Freemasonry in the Civil War” lectured by Bro. Michael Halleran, author of "The better Angels of our Nature". Meet and Greet begins at 10am (CST).

This event will be at Excelsior Lodge No. 41, 820 Jefferson Ave., La Porte, Indiana.

Lunch will be served following the lecture, followed by the exemplification of the AASR-NMJ 26th degree “The Prince of Mercy”. Cost: $10.00 per person. **Lecture and lunch are open to everyone, Degree can only be witnessed by current or petitioned Scottish Rite Masons.

Please RSVP to Tim Farster at tfarster@hotmail.com

Lawrence M. Principe Speaks on Alchemy October 6th in Malibu

2011-09-28T17:49:00.002-04:00

An event at the J. Paul Getty Villa in Malibu, California—Lawrence M. Principe of Johns Hopkins University will speak on Alchemy, Thursday, October 6th at 7:30PM.

From the website:

Although alchemy is better known as a phenomenon of the Middle Ages and early modern period, its origins actually lie in late antiquity. In the Hellenized Egypt of the third century AD, ancient Egyptian craft knowledge and traditions encountered Greek natural philosophy. This union resulted in the emergence of alchemy, a subject balanced between theory and practice, between material production and speculation about the hidden ways of nature.

Many of the features that would continue to characterize alchemy for the next fifteen hundred years developed in this earliest stage of the "Noble Art:" secrecy, allegory, and the goal of finding a substance or process capable of turning base metals into gold and silver. The founding figure Zosimos (about 300 AD) left behind extensive writings of which only fragments survive, yet these tantalizing bits reveal glimpses of a keen experimentalist and theorist, one who combined Aristotelian, Platonic, Gnostic, and other intellectual elements with practical work and productive endeavors.

Science historian Lawrence M. Principe of Johns Hopkins University explores these scanty fragments of text that survive, along with a few objects, that reveal a surprisingly vigorous beginning to alchemy in the waning years of the classical world.

Indiana Masonic Home Kid Invented Doritos

2011-09-27T10:57:00.006-04:00

You've probably heard the story this week that Arch Clark West, inventor of the Dorito chip, died this past week at the age of 97, and that his family intends to sprinkle the tasty snack over his gravesite. It's been all over the news for two days.

You probably didn't know that he was raised at the Indiana Masonic Home. West was born in Indianapolis on September 8th, 1914, and was placed in the Masonic Home in Franklin, Indiana after his father, who was a Mason, died, leaving his mother with two sons she couldn't support. A vast number of the children raised at the Home were not orphans, but were sent there because of tough economic times, or the loss of one parent.

West got his bachelor's degree in nearby Franklin College on a scholarship. He then became a cheese salesman in Indianapolis for Standard Brands.

He joined the Navy in 1943 and was a gunnery officer aboard the USS Holt during WWII. When the war ended, he returned to his Indianapolis job. West had a strong reputation in the food industry when the Frito Co. recruited him to be its marketing vice president in 1960. He had worked for both Lever Brothers and Young & Rubicam in New York as a liaison between the creative teams and clients that included Jell-O.

He created the Dorito chip in 1961 after Frito merged with H.F. Lay. He was marketing VP of Frito Lay in Texas at that time. Doritos started when West was on a family vacation near San Diego. He found a snack shack selling fried tortilla chips and brought home the idea.

He will be laid to rest in Dallas on October 1st. RIP.

H/T to Mike Brumback.

Call For Articles: The Masonic Society

2011-09-25T15:10:00.004-04:00

Do you have a terrific article of Masonic research just sitting in your drawer collecting dust? The Fall issue of the Journal of the Masonic Society will be going to press in late October. The Journal is always looking for original articles of Masonic research (not simply opinion pieces) that would be of interest to our international membership. Please forward your articles in Microsoft Word format (.doc or .docx) to editor@themasonicsociety.com

We are a full-color magazine, and regularly feature pictorial essays as well. Do you, your lodge or your GL museum have a Masonic "treasure" we could feature? Send it along. We also publish Masonic poetry, artwork and notices of current symposia, lectures and conferences.

Download our submission guidelines here.

Issue #13, Summer 2011, is belatedly landing in mailboxes now. As my cancer treatments come to an end, we will be back on schedule this time around, with the Fall issue actually arriving in the Fall. Many thanks to the members for their patience.

Not a member of the Masonic Society yet? We are the fastest growing Masonic research organization, with members in 13 countries, all 50 states and all Canadian provinces. Our Journal is published quarterly, and we have an annual meeting each year at Masonic Week in February in Alexandria, Virginia. In addition, we hold a semi-annual meeting in the summer at various locations around the U.S., often in conjunction with other Masonic events. Our membership includes the Journal, dues card, pin, and a beautiful wax-stamped membership patent that may be the coolest Masonic certificate you've ever received. Plus, our local "2nd Circle" groups also offer meetings and events for you to attend. All for a paltry US$39!

Opportunities to advertise in the Journal remain remarkably affordable. See our rate card on the website.

For more information see our website at www.themasonicsociety.com

W:.B:.Steven Vitale at Missouri Lodge of Research Wednesday

2011-09-25T10:42:00.004-04:00

The 2011 Missouri Lodge of Research annual meeting will be held Tuesday, September 26, 2011 at the Grand Lodge Communication at the Holiday Inn In Columbia at 3:00pm. The annual breakfast will be on Wednesday morning September 27th, at 7:00am, continuing the Truman Lecture Series with a presentation from W:.B:.Steven Vitale, 9/11 Survivor & Freemason. Cost for the breakfast is $20.00.

Bro. Vitale grew up in New York City and is currently living in Central New Jersey. He is a member and PM of St. John's Lodge No. 1 in New York. Steven's presentation is a personal account of his experiences at Ground Zero on September 11, 2001, experiences that led him to reevaluate his own life, become a Mason, and find a path to his own self-discovery.

For more information, see the website here.

Masonic Tour of Scotland July 2012

2011-09-24T17:26:00.005-04:00

Brother William Leight has organized a "Traveling Man's Masonic Tour of Scotland" for July 10-18, 2012. It is being arranged through Perillo Tours. The tour will travel to Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, Aberdeen, Inverness, and more. Sites include Rosslyn Chapel, Stirling Castle, Kilwinning Abby, Blair Castle, Balmoral, a cruise of Loch Ness, and much, much more. Price per person in a double room is $3,700 US (single supplement is $600), and includes round trip air from New York, five dinners, five breakfasts, and four-star hotel stays.

See the website for details.

George Washington Memorial Society

2011-09-24T17:21:00.002-04:00

The George Washington Masonic Memorial Association has announced the creation of a new Society comprised of a select group of members dedicated to supporting the Memorial and its Mission.

The purpose of the new George Washington Memorial Society is to raise support for the George Washington Masonic Memorial and to increase awareness of the Memorial among Masons and in the community. Membership in the Society will consist exclusively of Charter Members and Regular Members.

Charter Membership will be conferred for contributions of $1,000 or more to the Memorial with the membership application during the period from the foundation of the Society through February 22, 2013, and $250 or more per year thereafter. Regular Membership will be conferred for contributions of $500 or more to the Memorial with the membership application, and $250 or more per year thereafter.

To join, see the Society's website here.

H/T Todd Eastham