Michael Halleran at Natl Heritage Museum April 28th

"Gentlemen of the White Apron," A Lecture by Michael A. Halleran
On Freemasonry in the Civil War
at the
National Heritage Museum
Saturday, April 28, 2012 at 1 pm


Michael A. Halleran, a freelance historian and practicing attorney, sets the standard for scholarship on Freemasonry in the Civil War. On Saturday, April 28, 2012 at 1pm, he will present the talk, “Gentlemen of the White Apron: Freemasonry in the American Civil War.” The lecture will reveal the history behind the many mythical stories of Masonic Brotherhood across the Civil War battle lines. A signing of his acclaimed book, The Better Angels of Our Nature, will follow. Admission is free. The lecture is part of a series on the Civil War, and is made possible by Ruby W. Linn.

Michael Halleran is a freelance writer and a practicing attorney in the Flint Hills of East-Central Kansas. A lecturer at Emporia State University, he is also an active Freemason. Halleran received the Mackey Award for Excellence in Masonic Scholarship by the Scottish Rite Research Society for his article on Civil War Freemasonry in that society’s journal: Heredom. He is a member of the Quatuor Coronati Correspondence Circle, and the Scottish Rite Research Society where he studies American military Masonry and the traditions of military lodges worldwide.

The Museum is offering the lecture series on occasion of the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. The series is designed to explore the history of this divisive conflict, and its meaning for our nation today. It also relates to Museum’s mission of fostering an appreciation of American history, patriotism and Freemasonry, and reflects both current research and exciting themes relevant to our world. All talks are sponsored by Ruby W. Linn.

Upcoming lectures in the series are:

“Among the Ruins: Charles F. Morse and Civil War Destruction”
Saturday, September 29, 2 pm
Megan Kate Nelson of Harvard University will unfold the Civil War experience of one Massachusetts soldier, Charles F. Morse, an officer in the 2nd Mass. Rgt. His letters, drawings, and other contemporary images will draw us into the world of ruin and destruction that participants in the war found themselves confronting.


“Quilts for Civil War Soldiers: Stories from the Home Front and the Battlefield”
Saturday, October 20, 2 pm
Pamela Weeks, Curator of the New England Quilt Museum, knows the stories behind thee rare surviving Civil War quilts made by caring hands for soldiers fighting for North and South. Learn about the quilts, their makers, life on the home front during the war, and about how civilians organized to get desperately needed aid and supplies to the battlefield.

The National Heritage Museum is dedicated to presenting exhibitions on a wide variety of topics in American history and popular culture. The Museum is supported by the Scottish Rite Freemasons in the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction of the United States. The Museum is located at 33 Marrett Road in Lexington at the corner of Route 2A and Massachusetts Avenue. The Museum is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Admission to the Museum is free. For further information contact the Museum at (781) 861-6559. www.nationalheritagemuseum.org

Speaking in New Haven, CT This Saturday

I will be speaking at the Masonic Lodge of Research of Connecticut No. 401 in New Haven this coming Saturday, March 31st.

From the lodge website:

Worshipful Brother Chris Hodapp will be the recipient of the Masonic Lodge of Research James Royal Case Fellowship on March 31 in public ceremonies at the New Haven Masonic Temple, 285 Whitney Avenue. The evening will begin with dinner at 6:30 p.m., followed by the 7:30 p.m. conferral of the award and a presentation by Bro. Hodapp.

The Case Fellowship was first presented by MLR in 1971, and the recipient was Bro. Case himself. In his 6+ decades as a Mason, Jim Case served as Grand Historiographer of most of the grand Masonic bodies of Connecticut. He was a Past Master of American Lodge of Research in New York City and the author of numerous books and articles on Masonic history. Respected for his work worldwide, Bro. Case began the bicentennial history of the Grand Lodge of Connecticut before being called by the Grand Architect of the Universe in 1987.

Chris Hodapp is the twentieth recipient of the Case Fellowship and the second from Indiana. The first was MWPGM Dwight Smith, also the long-serving Grand Secretary of that Grand Lodge. Chris was the almost accidental choice to write Freemasons For Dummies, which became one of the biggest sellers in that franchise's catalog. Since that time, he has written several other Masonic-related works, some in collaboration with his wife, Alice Von Kannon. Chris also writes a popular Masonic blog.

Those desiring to attend the March 31 dinner must make prepaid reservations through WM Martin Ede not later than March 24. The cost of the dinner, to which ladies and guests are most welcome is $20 per person, and checks payable to MLR may be sent to Bro. Ede at 9 Simpson Court, Bethany, CT 06524. Questions may be directed to Martin at mede@snet.net.

When Bro. Hodapp came to Connecticut in 2008, space was at a premium to hear his address and chat with him before and after the meeting as he sold his papers. Another large crowd is anticipated for his upcoming visit.

The French Meltdown: Florida Suspends Relations with GLNF

The Grand Lodge of Florida has joined the growing ranks of North American grand lodges that have suspended fraternal relations with the Grande Loge Nationale Française. See this link for the text.

To All Particular Lodges


Dear Brethren,


In consequence of recent events and the ongoing disharmony within the Grande Loge Nationale Française, M:.W:. Jim J Harris, Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Florida, hereby SUSPENDS FRATERNAL RELATIONS between the Grand Lodge of Florida and the Grande Loge Nationale Française effective February 24, 2012.


This suspension of fraternal relations is based upon recommendation of M:.W:. J. Dick Martinez, Chairman of the Grand Lodge of Florida Fraternal Relations Committee, and concurs with the recommendations of the Committee on Information and Recognition of the 2012 Conference of Grand Masters of North America.


Therefore, no lodge in Florida may visit nor allow visitors or petitioners for affiliation or dual membership from any Lodge Chartered by The Grande Loge Nationale Française.


Sincerely and fraternally,Richard E. Lynn, PGM
Grand Secretary

Levant Preceptory in Detroit Last Weekend

Many thanks to the members and guests of Detroit Commandery No. 1 last Saturday for their kind hospitality as Levant Preceptory traveled to Michigan to portray the Order of the Temple in period costume. Sir Knights came from Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Canada and Trinity Commandery No. 80 in Downer's Grove, Illinois for the day, and it was a great way to spend a Saturday. Lunch and dinner were outstanding, and the Detroit Masonic Temple is the perfect place to perform this degree.

Photos thanks to Phil Whisner.



(Left to right) Chris Hodapp, Jim Dillman, Jim Iles


Front Row
Chris Hodapp, Jim Dillman, Terry Turner, Tom Tuttle, Grand Master of the Grand Encampment William H. Koon II, Grand Commander of Indiana Paul Cole, Jack Wallace, and Hermits Rob Kumpfer and Mark Haworth


Back Row
Jim Iles, Phil Whisner, Mitchell Rohrbaugh, Aaron Taylor, Carson Smith, Dale Adams, John Bridegroom, and Hermit Gary Messer

Thanks especially to Grand Commander Cole and Grand Master Koon for coming out and seeing us. Levant Preceptory is Indiana's period recreation Knight Templar team, which operates under the charter of Raper Commandery No. 1 in Indianapolis. Sir Knights participate from all across Indiana.

Charles Rangel Celebrates 200 years of Prince Hall Freemasonry in New York

New York Representative Charles Rangel celebrated the 200th anniversary of Boyer Lodge No. 1 and Prince Hall Freemasonry in New York on the floor of the House of Representatives last week.

From his remarks on March 22nd, 2012:

History notes that Boyer Lodge No. 1 was named after Jean Pierre Boyer, a native of Saint-Domingue, who was born around February 15, 1776. He was a courageous soldier and leader of the Haitian Revolution, who served as a General under Toussaint L' Ouverture in the Haitian War of Independence against the French Government. Jean Pierre Boyer served as the fourth President of Haiti from 1818 to 1843, and managed to rule for the longest period of time of any of the revolutionary leaders of his generation. He reunited the north and south of Haiti in 1820 and also invaded and took control of Santo Domingo, which brought all of Hispaniola under one government by 1822. Under President Boyer's leadership, Haiti declared independence from France in 1825, becoming the only free Black nation, then in existence.As stated by Worshipful Master Carlo Smith-Ramsay,

The daring price that our ancestors paid to boldly and audaciously decide to become Freemasons at a time in history when men of color were not entirely free men and the laws of the land provided them very little protection is the reason why we should humbly and reverently celebrate our Bi-centennial Anniversary of Boyer Lodge No. 1.''

Read his complete remarks here.

H/T to Stephen Hill

Controversial Kentucky Man Arrested for Lodge Theft

Readers from last year may recall the story of WBro. John D. Wright of Kentucky, who announced to his lodge that he was openly gay and attempted to get anti-discrimmination legislation passed at Grand Lodge in 2010. Wright went on to blog about his situation and kept the gay issue at the forefront of his posts. At one point charges were filed against him by members of his lodge, who privately told me that homosexuality was not the only reason for the charges, without elaborating at that time. He was subsequently suspended.

Well, it seems that Wright was just arrested for stealing $10,000 from his lodge between 2009 and 2011.

From the Richmond Register:

John D. Wright, 27, of Radcliff, was arrested Saturday morning by the Kentucky State Police, according to the Hardin County Detention Center’s website. An arrest warrant for Wright had been issued after a Madison grand jury indicted him last month on a felony charge of theft by failure to make required disposition of property.

Wright is being held without bond and will be transported to Madison County Detention Center. Court records show the case has been assigned to Madison Circuit Court Judge Jean C. Logue.

The charge against Wright was a direct submission to the grand jury, meaning the case had not proceeded through Madison District Court first. Most criminal cases begin with arrest and proceed in district court. Felony cases typically are referred by the judge to the grand jury. If a person is indicted on one felony charge or more by the grand jury, the case will continue in circuit court.

Commonwealth’s Attorney David Smith said the KSP and Richmond Masonic Lodge 25 had requested the case be directly submitted to the grand jury. KSP Detective Monte Owens testified at the closed hearing about the “lengthy investigation” conducted by the agency into Wright’s handling of the lodge’s funds from July 2009 to April 2011, according to KSP Post 7 Public Affairs Officer Paul Blanton. Blanton said an investigative audit was conducted of the lodge’s records.

Other than the indictment, Wright’s case file did not contain any additional information about the alleged crime. The indictment states he “obtained company funds ... and then dealt with the funds as his own and thereby obtained property from the company of the value of more than $10,000.”

In 2010, Wright told a Winchester Masonic lodge, at which he was the Master, that he was gay, according to a Lexington Herald-Leader story. He had been with the organization since 2007.

Wright told the newspaper that lodge members asked for his resignation, which he refused to give. Later that year, a proposed change to the Masonic state constitution to bar openly homosexual members was voted down at the group’s state gathering.

However, organizational charges were brought against Wright for going public with private Masonic information and forsaking God by declaring his homosexuality. A Masonic trial found Wright guilty of “un-Masonic conduct” on April 8, and he was indefinitely suspended, according to the Lexington newspaper.

--------------------------------
UPDATE 3/25/2013

From the Richmond Register News comes the outcome of Wright's trial:

A former Madison County man accused of stealing thousands from a Richmond Masonic Lodge entered an Alford plea in circuit court, and the state is recommending a five-year sentence. 

John D. Wright, 28, entered the plea last week to a charge of theft by failure to make required disposition of property, according to Commonwealth’s Attorney David Smith. 

An Alford plea means the defendant does not admit guilt but acknowledges that enough evidence exists for a conviction. 

The prosecution recommended Wright receive a sentence of five years in prison. His plea deal also requires that he pay $13,000 in restitution to the lodge, Smith said. 

The crime was investigated by the Kentucky State Police.The sentence recommendation is the minimum for the Class C felony, which carries a sentencing range of five to 10 years in prison. 

Wright was a treasurer of the Masonic Temple Company when, from July 2009 to April 2011, he was accused of stealing the money, according to an indictment handed down in February 2012. He reportedly “obtained company funds ... and then dealt with the funds as his own and thereby obtained property from the company of the value of more than $10,000.” 

His sentencing in Madison Circuit Court is scheduled for 2 p.m. May 9.Wright caused waves in the Kentucky Masonic community in 2010 when he told members of his Clark County lodge that he was gay after he divorced his wife, according to a Lexington Herald-Leader article. He joined the organization in 2007. 

A Frankfort lodge proposed a change to the group’s state constitution that would prohibit openly gay men from being Masons, but the proposal was rejected by vote during a 2010 Masonic statewide gathering, according to the article. 

However, a 2011 Masonic trial on mutliple counts found Wright guilty of “un-Masonic conduct,” and he was indefinitely suspended, the newspaper reported. 

Wright ran for District 4 constable in Madison County during the 2010 election. He came in third-place for the Democratic primary.

Junior Grand Deacon of Ohio Passes Away

The Junior Grand Deacon of the Grand Lodge of Ohio, Right Worshipful Brother Michael T. Puskarich, passed away suddenly on Saturday, March 17th.

From the Grand Secretary of Ohio on the GL website:

It is with sadness and a heavy heart that I inform you of the passing of our Junior Grand Deacon, and the President of the Board of Trustees of the Ohio Masonic Home, Right Worshipful Brother Michael T. Puskarich.

As a result of complications from a pulmonary embolism, Right Worshipful Brother Puskarich passed during the early hours of Saturday morning, March 17 while a patient at Good Samaritan Hospital in Zanesville. Michael is survived by his wife, Judy, and two children.

Expressions of sympathy can be sent to:

Mrs. Judy Puskarich
35500 Cadiz Piedmont
Cadiz, OH 43907-9638

Calling hours and funeral services will both be conducted at Scotts United Memorial Methodist Church, 817 East Market Street, Cadiz, OH 43907.

Calling hours are 1:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M., Thursday, March 22nd . Masonic Funeral Services will be conducted by the Grand Master Thursday evening at 6:30 P.M. Masons who plan on attending the Masonic Services should bring their own aprons.

Funeral Services will be conducted Friday morning, March 23rd at 10:30 A.M.

His love for life; his love for family; his love for the fraternity; his big, warm smile; his soft spoken voice…gone, but not forgotten.

“To live in the hearts we leave behind is not to die.” - Thomas Campbell

Fraternally,
C. Michael Watson, PGM
Grand Secretary

NASCAR's Clint Bowyer

NASCAR fans take note: the Grand Lodge of Kansas reports that driver Clint Bowyer has petitioned Emporia Lodge No. 12 for membership. The Grand Lodge joined Bowyer at an event today to dedicate the Bowyer Community Building in Emporia, made possible by his $1 million donation to the community.

From the Grand Lodge of Kansas website:

A native of Emporia, Kansas, Bowyer drives the #15 5 Hour Energy Toyota Camry in the Sprint Cup Series for Michael Waltrip Racing. Early in his career, he drove for Richard Childress Racing. He won the 2008 Nationwide Series championship.

The building, which was completed in early March was made possible by a donation of $1 million by Bowyer in July 2010 and will be available for many uses including children's and community events.

Grand Master Tracy L. Bloom presided over the ceremony, and was joined by Past Grand Masters Jimmi L. Grassi and Roy T. Sullivan, Deputy Grand Master Don Newman, and a host of Masons from across the state. On hand to watch the ceremony was a crowd of 250 spectators, community leaders and the media.

Additionally, Mark Snider, the Master of Emporia Lodge announced that Bowyer has petitioned for membership in Emporia Lodge No. 12.

H/T to Michael Halleran, who says if Bowyer is successfully voted in, he'll be "going through the old fashioned way."

Levant Preceptory Travels To Detroit 3/24

Levant Preceptory, Indiana's medieval period recreation Templar unit, will be conferring the Order of the Temple in the Detroit Commandery #1 Asylum in the historic Detroit Masonic Temple on Saturday, March 24, 2012 at 2:00 P.M. They will be serving lunch at 12:00 P.M. and a dinner banquet will be held at approximately 5:00 P.M. following the conferral. Anyone interested in attending should contact Detroit Commandery #1 Eminent Commander S.K. Abe Albert at asa2253@aol.com or by telephone at 313-590-0503. Meal reservations need to be made no later than Wednesday, March 14, 2012. Time is very short, so please contact SK Albert right away if you are interested in attending.


Anyone who would like to go up the night before or stay Saturday evening may use the discounted room rate at the Holiday Inn in Livonia, MI, which is approximately a thirty-minute drive from the Detroit Masonic Temple. If you make a reservation at the hotel, use the group code LEV or tell them that you are with the Levant Preceptory group. Rooms have been discounted from $119.00 to $89.00.

Levant Preceptory confers the Order of the Temple in period costume, chainmaille, steel helmets and broadswords, and is made up of Sir Knights from all across Indiana. It is a club of Indianapolis' Raper Commandery No. 1, and operates under Raper's charter.

Indiana Disaster Relief From Tornados

The Grand lodge of Indiana has issued the following message about disaster relief from the recent tornados in Indiana:

Brethren,
Most of you have learned of the recent rash of tornados to hit southern Indiana. The Grand Lodge office has had several inquiries regarding ways to help with the recovery efforts. We have been in contact with two different Worshipful Masters regarding damages. The Worshipful Master of Grandview #161, WB Ira David Bevins reported that the front awning roof of their building was heavily damaged, and the building is unsafe to enter at this time. WM Bevins was not aware of any injuries, and no other serious damage in Grandview, Indiana. Their insurance company has been contacted and will help them deal with the damage.

The Worshipful Master of Henryville Lodge #651, WB Jerry Wayne Zollman, Jr. has informed us of their current situation. The lodge building escaped with minor damage, a few broken windows and some minor roof damage, which is also covered by insurance. The Masonry structure still has electricity, heat and water. WM Zollman has informed us that some members had some home damage, and one brother had serious injuries. WM Zollman has been in contact with the Red Cross and the local township authorities in his area, and has offered the use of the lodge hall as a possible shelter or distribution center. He was told that there are facilities close by to act as shelters for displaced residents as well as adequate food necessities flowing in. The lodge hall may likely become a distribution center in the coming days. WM Zollman will let us know if and what we all can do to help with their tragic situation in a couple of days as disaster relief plans are implemented. He cautions that physical help and supplies should not simply come to the community, since professional disaster relief people are on the scene and will likely turn such aide away. This office will send out further updates as information comes available. You can contact Worshipful Master Zollman at jzollman@insight.com or by telephone at (812) 569-7814 if you wish to discuss assistance with him. Money donations will likely be the best help at this time. Monetary donations can be made through the Grand Lodge Web Site under the Contributions heading followed by Disaster Relief. Monetary contributions have also been set up as listed below.

AUSTIN:
Disaster Relief Donation Center
Jennings Twp. VFD Parking Lot
Trailer will be parked between Austin City Hall
& Jennings Twp. Vol. Fire Department
Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday
10am - Noon & 2pm - 7pm
Need Donations: good used furniture, good
clean clothes,toiletries & household items
Please No Food Items @ This Location
For More Info Call: 812.794.6646

SCOTTSBURG
Disaster Relief Donation Center
Mid America Science Park
Lake Road Behind Pizza Hut
Needed Donations: non-perishable food items and snacks,
water, personal hygiene items, pillows, blankets, towels and
wash cloths, pet food, and disposable diapers.
Also needed are work gloves, generators, chain saws, rakes,
shovels, flash lights, large heavy duty trash bags, tarps,
and Large Storage totes.
Check Donations can be made to: Disaster Relief Fund
Clothing is not being accepted at this time
For More Info Call: 812.820.3472

Richard J. Elman, PGM
Grand Secretary
317-634-7904
grsec@ingrandlodge.org

New Author for Lost Symbol Movie Adaptation

Deadline New York is reporting that Dan Brown has passed the reins of writing the screen adaptation of The Lost Symbol to a new author:

Danny Strong, who wrote the Jay Roach-directed HBO films Recount and the upcoming Sarah Palin pic Game Change, is stepping up to features. Sony Pictures has set him to write The Lost Symbol, Sony’s third installment of the Dan Brown-penned thrillers focusing on symbologist Robert Langdon. The expectation is that the film will be directed by Mark Romanek after Ron Howard opted out of directing the third film, with Howard producing with Imagine partner Brian Grazer after he helmed the blockbusters The Da Vinci Code and Angels & Demons. Grazer produced the first two films in the series with the late John Calley.

Strong comes in after Brown had a hand in writing a script as did Steven Knight. The project is a priority for the studio. The Da Vinci Code grossed $758 million worldwide in 2006 and while Angels & Demons dropped off to a $486 million worldwide gross in 2009, that is still a big box office haul. Tom Hanks, who played Langdon in the first two thrillers, is expected to reprise, but no commitment has been made to this point.

Speaking in New Hampshire Saturday 3/3

On Saturday, March 3rd, 2012, I'll be speaking at the Nashua Masonic Temple for Ancient York Rite Lodge. From their website:

Worshipful Brother Chris Hodapp is making his first visit to New Hampshire. Ancient York Lodge will be hosting a semi-public Fellowship dinner and presentation on Saturday, March 3, 2012. Dinner will start at 6:00pm; Bro. Hodapp’s presentation will begin at ap- proximately 7:30pm. Tickets for the event will be $20 per person. All Masons and those interested in learning about Freemasonry are welcome to attend!

Tickets will be available for purchase from Bros. Michael Henry or Chris Busby. Alternatively, they are available to purchase via PayPal.

Bro. Hodapp is the author of a number of books on Masonry including "Freemasons for Dummies". He is currently the Editor-In-Chief of "The Journal of the Masonic Society" and a Founding Fellow of the Society. He is a Past Master of Lodge Vitruvian No. 767 in Indianapolis. He received his 33° in Chicago in August 2011.

Visit the website for tickets.

Andrew Hammer in Connecticut June 4th

Wyllys – St. John's Lodge No. 4 A.F. & A.M. will present an Evening With Andrew Hammer, Author of the book, "Observing the Craft"

June 4th, 2012, 7:30pm (Dinner served at 6:00pm)

Wyllys-St. John's Lodge No. 4
11 South Main St.
West Hartford, CT, 06107

Reservations Required
Lecture only: Free
Dinner with W.B. Andrew Hammer (Prime Rib au Jus): $30
Autographed Book: $20

For reservations, please mail check with appropriate amount, names of persons attending and your selections to:

Jonathan Stein, J.W.
12 Miamis Rd.
West Hartford, CT, 06117

Please contact J.W., Jonathan Stein at: (860) 751-4482 or jstein@wsj4.org with questions.

GLNF Deemed Irregular by North American Grand Masters

The Conference of Grand Masters of North America is going on this week in Atlanta, and there are major issues in the Masonic world that the GMs will be discussing: the situation with the Shrine in Michigan and Alabama, the Grande Loge Nationale Française with its embattled GM François Stifani, and the Grand Encampment's Rectified Rite, just for starters.

The first news to leak out is from the Commission on Information for Recognition, chaired by William Holsinger, Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of California. According to the LML in English website, the Commission found that the Grande Loge Nationale Française has engaged in irregular behavior worthy of losing its recognition. It is VERY important to understand that this does NOT mean, as the LML website states, that the North American Grand Lodges have yanked recognition of the GLNF. The Commission cannot do that, and neither can the Conference. Only individual GLs can pull their recognition (as the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia did, to a certain extent, last week, joining 32 other worldwide GLs that have derecognized or severely limited their relations with the French GL). The Commission only reports on the regularity of other GLs and issues an opinion that North American GLs are free to follow or ignore. Nevertheless, if the rumor is true, this is very bad news for Stifani and the GLNF.

A new obedience is forming from the hundreds of lodges Stifani has either suspended or who have refused to pay their Grand Lodge assessments. The Union des Loges Régulières Françaises (ULRF) is forming the Grande Loge Unie de France (United Grand Lodge of France) that will either strike out on its own, or will merge back with the GLNF once Stifani is gone and the troubles are settled (if that is possible).

For the long version of what has been transpiring in France, read the ULRF's version here.

In the meantime, no word has leaked out yet in reference to the Shrine and the RER. More as it becomes available. The final Report on Recognition will be read later this week.

International Pipe Smoker's day

Roger VanGorden and I freezing ourselves on the patio in Alexandria, VA

in 2011, for the sake of reveling in the Brotherhood of the Briar.

"A pipe is the fountain of contemplation, the source of pleasure, the companion of the wise; and the man who smokes, thinks like a philosopher and acts like a Samaritan."

-Edward George Bulwer-Lytton, 1st Baron Lytton

Today is International Pipe Smoker's Day. Raise your pipe in celebration!

According to the IPSD Website,

WE ENVISION A WORLDWIDE COMMUNION
of pipe-smokers that is bound together by a shared love for pipe-smoking, mutual respect, and goodwill • We envision a society that respects the informed choice and adult use of smoking tobacco • We envision a world where governments act in good faith and integrity, and have the political will and personal courage to express their values appropriately through legislative means • This means that as a group we are united and strong in our beliefs, have understanding, patience, wisdom, enjoy the philosophical aspect of pipe-smoking, and seek to promote pipe-smoking as part of a lifestyle that can be thoroughly enjoyable to adults through the responsible use of tobacco.

MISSION
To foster links across the globe in honor of friendship, benevolence, and tranquility; and to celebrate the fraternity of pipe-smokers across all borders.

PURPOSE
On this day we will take a breather and celebrate the noble art of pipe-smoking and the noble spirit which pervades the brother/sisterhood of the briar. We will put into practice the time-honored and ancestral traditions of raising our pipes in toast to each other in the evening in unison and, thus, share a bowl together.

PHILOSOPHY
Today’s hectic environment almost dictates that we run on full efficiency, have total involvement in our work, our families and in every aspect of what we do to survive and achieve in a world set at high speed.• With ever-changing values it is the intent that The International Pipe-Smoking Day will allow us, the Brothers and Sisters of the Briar to step back and appreciate our rich historical value. • For pipe-smokers and pipe-smoking everywhere the day will be emblematic of our shared values, history, traditions, and aspirations.

For those of you who have long admired the art of the pipe, but didn't know where to start when it comes to partaking of the joys of the leaf and briar, The Art of Manliness website features a Pipe Smoking Primer, written by Jason Mills.

The 1979 Surgeon General's Report on Smoking and Health (Table 7, Section 13, page 17, or page 637 in pdf form) shows that, in one study (H. A. Kahn), pipe smokers of 1-4 bowls a day actually have a lower mortality rate than non-smokers. Table 8 of a second study (E.C. Hammond), shows pipe smokers who smoke more than 9 bowls a day, again, had a lower mortality rate than non-smokers.

That's because a pipe keeps us calm and free from hysterics. In fact, messing with a pipe allows the experienced puffer to avoid answering a direct question for as long as 45 minutes.

"The pipe draws wisdom from the lips of the philosopher, and shuts up the mouth of the foolish; it generates a style of conversation, contemplative, thoughtful, benevolent, and unaffected..."

-William Makepeace Thackeray, from The Social Pipe

My favorite pipe in my collection is a Stanwell calabash shape, and my tobacco is a custom blend by Dunhill from a dwindling stock that is getting low enough for me to worry. I haven't smoked much in the last year, so that's helping to save the stockpile. Until the early 2000's, I could still get my custom mixture from Dunhill in Chicago, then New York. That stopped when they went out of the pipe tobacco business. Dunhill has began to reissue its tinned tobacco in the U.S. in 2010 but I don't hold out hope for the custom mixtures ever again. *sigh*

Israeli Library Uploads Newton's Theological Texts

Israel's national library, which contains a vast trove of Issac Newton's esoteric writings, has digitised his occult collection and posted it online.

From Physorg.com:

Among the yellowed texts are Newton's famous prediction of the apocalypse in 2060.

Newton revolutionized physics, mathematics and astronomy in the 17th and 18th century, laying the foundations for most of classical mechanics - with the principal of universal gravitation and the three laws of motion bearing his name.

However, the curator of Israel's national library's humanities collection said Newton was also a devout Christian who dealt far more in theology than he did in physics and believed that scripture provided a "code" to the natural world.

"Today, we tend to make a distinction between science and faith, but to Newton it was all part of the same world," said Milka Levy-Rubin. "He believed that careful study of holy texts was a type of science, that if analyzed correctly could predict what was to come."

So he learned how to read Hebrew, scrolled through the Bible and delved into the study of Jewish philosophy, the mysticism of Kabbalah and the Talmud - a compendium of Jewish oral law and stories about 1,500 years old.

For instance, Newton based his calculation on the end of days on information gleaned from the Book of Daniel, which projected the apocalypse 1,260 years later. Newton figured that this count began from the crowning of Charlemagne as Roman emperor in the year 800.

The papers cover topics such as interpretations of the Bible, theology, the history of ancient cultures, the Tabernacle and the Jewish Temple.

The collection also contains maps that Newton sketched to assist him in his calculations and his attempts to reveal the secret knowledge he believed was encrypted within.

The texts may be accessed here.

Masonic Society Names fellows and officers

The Masonic Society held its annual Board meeting at Masonic Week in Alexandria, Virginia on February 10th, and is proud to announce the following brethren as the Fellows for 2012:

Ron Blaisdell
Cliff Porter
James R. Dillman
Mark G. Robbins
Paul Newhall

Fellows are named by the Board in recognition of their contribution to the body of knowledge of the fraternity, through their writing, their Internet work, their service to the Society, or other labors for Freemasonry. Congratulations to these hard working brethren!

The following officers were elected for 2012:

President - John R. “Bo” Cline
1st Vice President – James R. Dillman
2nd Vice President – John Palmer

Many thanks to Michael Poll for serving as President for 2010 and 2011. Mike did an outstanding job as the Society's second president, and we are deeply appreciative for his hard work and dedication.

Back From Masonic Week

Me, Nathan Brindle and Jim Dillman at the Masonic Society booth in Alexandria for Masonic Week. Photo by Roger VanGorden.

Alice, Wiley and I are home at last from Masonic Week in Alexandria. We took our leisurely time about things, so we didn't get home until Wednesday evening. As usual, the events were outstanding, with a couple of personal standouts for me (some of which I can't discuss yet, and two of which were among the most moving experiences I have had as a Mason).

On Friday, February 10th I had the very distinct honor of being named as the 101st member of the Society of Blue Friars, by Grand Abbot S. Brent Morris. The Blue Friars were formed in 1932 to recognize Masonic authors, and today there are only 26 living members. I am humbled to be in the company of so many brethren whose work I have long admired, and am deeply appreciative of this honor. Each year I look forward to the Blue Friars gathering and the paper delivered by each new member, and it was a great experience to be the one delivering it this year.

Monday evening I had the opportunity to head for Baltimore to speak to the Maryland College of the SRICF. Many thanks to the fratres for their kind invitation and their generous hospitality.

The Masonic Society had another outstanding week, with many old and new members stopping by our table in the vendors' area. The hospitality suite, although smaller this year thanks to the hotel's remodeling, was packed to the rafters Thursday and Friday evenings. Many thanks to everyone who stopped in for a wee dram and great conversation, and especially to Jim Dillman for acting as our bartender and lifeguard once again.

Our banquet was outstanding, and speaker Brett McKay, co-author of The Art of Manliness, gave a terrific talk on the origin of his book and website, and what it means to be a man in today's society. Thanks, Brett, for making it a great evening, and to everyone who came out. Billy Koon stopped by to point out that we again outdrew his Knights Occidental gathering at the same time.

Looking forward to next year, the Allied Masonic Week will move hotels to the Hayatt in Reston, Virginia, February 6th through the 9th, so there are many unknown details that will be worked out as the year progresses.

George Washington Masonic Stamp Club 2/26

The 2012 annual meeting of the George Washington Masonic Stamp Club, with the conferral of the Master of Philately ceremony for new members, will take place Sunday, February 26, 2012 at the George Washington Masonic Memorial in Alexandria, Virginia.

The day's events include:

Noon – An optional ($5) tour of the upper floors and tower will begin.

1:30 – Review of Covers/social hour in North Lodge Room.

2:00 – The annual meeting, with Master of Philately.

4:45 – Regroup at Joe Theismann’s Restaurant at the bottom of the hill.

5:30 – The 55th Anniversary Dinner (“no host,” with ladies and guests welcome).

Dinner Speaker: Bro. Rudy Krutar on “Look Both Ways.”

Those desiring to receive the Master of Philately should reserve in advance by contacting Secretary John R. Allen at gwmsc1956(at)gmail.com

Membership proposals are balloted upon at each meeting. Each requires a completed application, including payment of the $20 Life Membership fee, and evidence of current membership in a recognized Blue Lodge.

Freemasonry in India Is Growing

The Grand Master of India reports that, while membership in some countries may be slipping, India is seeing new gains.

From the Times of India, "Old Secret Society Finds Future in Youth":

"Writer Dan Brown certainly created a flutter about Freemasons, but what's encouraging is that membership in India is growing while many other countries are losing members," says Balaram Biswakumar, neurologist and grand master, The Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons (AF & AM) of India.

"While fiction has played a role in this, a lot of our new masons are youngsters who have access to the Internet and have read about Freemasons and their charitable activities," he says. Kumar attributes the growth in membership to the conservative approach of selection adopted by the masons. Most new entrants have a familial masonic link.

IT professional S Ramasubramanian, who was initiated into Lodge Ramprasad in the city in January 2010, says he had some idea about masonry as his paternal uncle and cousins were part of the society. "The rituals were a bit of a surprise," he adds.

"Having said that, I must confess there is nothing scary about them. Like every religion has certain symbolic rituals so does freemasonry," says Ramasubramanian, a manager with Cognizant. Lodge Ramprasad has around 188 members, 15 of whom are in their thirties.

[snip]

Another 'brother',Harish Mohan, who joined freemasons at the age of 18 in 2003, has been a regular with his mother lodge, Om Vigneshwara. When he joined the freemasons 10 years ago, Om Vigneshwara's membership was 30. It has now doubled. Around 24 members of Om Vigneshwara are in the 20-40 age group. The entry age is 21, but it is relaxed to 18 for those whose fathers are members of lodges.

Mohan is associated with a project that provides solar power to villages across the country. He attributes the growth in membership to open sessions with families and the public at large by the Grand Lodge of India. "We are becoming more open. At Om Vigneshwara, we have two family meets every year," he says.

Masons get little time to learn about each other in the formal environs of the lodge, so members like Mahendra Jogani are trying to encourage social interaction through initiatives like the Freemasons Family Circle. The Freemasons Family Circle has 300 members in Chennai.

"This is an informal body, and is not affiliated to freemasonry. The whole objective is to provide a platform for family and social bonding," he says.

Thirty-nine-year-old Peeyush Sinha, also known as 'green mason', was drawn into the fold after hearing about the masons from friends abroad. The diamond trader joined the freemasons three months ago but says he has still not been exposed to all the rituals of the society.

"There were a lot of queries initially. They were clarified during the first two meetings. Discussions largely centre on societal change and it is very enriching," he says. Religion and politics are taboo subjects. Sinha belongs to Patel Fulchand Lodge, which has 30 members of whom he is the youngest.

Perspectives on American Freemasonry and Fraternalism: Saturday, April 28, 2012

Registration is now open for the April 28 symposium at the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum and Library in Lexington, Massachusetts.

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 fresh interpretations of American society and culture.

Seven scholars from the United States, Britain and Belgium will fill the day’s program:

-Jeffrey Tyssens, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, “The Goatee’s Revenge: A Founding Myth and a Founder’s Cult in American Fraternalism”

-Yoni Appelbaum, Brandeis University, “The Great Brotherhood of Toil: The Knights of Labor as a Fraternal Order”

-Adam G. Kendall, Henry W. Coil Library and Museum, “The Shadow of the Pope: Anti-Catholicism, Freemasonry, and the Knights of Columbus in 1910s California”

-Samuel Biagetti, Columbia University, “A Prehistoric Lodge in Rhode Island? – Masonry and the Messianic Moment”

-Alyce Graham, University of Delaware, “Secrecy and Democracy: Masonic Aprons, 1750-1830”

-Bradley Kime, Brigham Young University, “Masonic Motifs in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory”

-Kristofer Allerfeldt, Exeter University, “The Significance of Fraternalism in Three Criminal Organizations of Late Nineteenth Century America: The Mollie Maguires, the Ku Klux Klan and the Mafia”

All Symposium attendees are invited to a public lecture by Michael Halleran, Independent Scholar, “Gentlemen of the White Apron: Freemasonry in the American Civil War,” at 1 PM, in the Maxwell Auditorium. This presentation is made possible through the generous support of Ruby W. Linn.

The symposium is funded in part by the Supreme Council, 33°, N. M. J., U.S.A. Registration is $65 ($60 for museum members) and includes morning refreshments, lunch and a closing reception. To register, complete the Registration Form and fax to 781-861-9846 or mail to Claudia Roche, Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library, 33 Marrett Road, Lexington, MA 02421; registration deadline is APRIL 14, 2012. For more information, contact Claudia Roche at croche@monh.org or 781-457-4142.

A registration form can be downloaded here.

Northeast Masonic Symposium 4/14 Albany, NY

The Northeast Masonic Symposium will take place April 14th, 2012 at the Desmond Hotel in Albany, New York, sponsored by St. Georges Lodge No. 6. I'll be speaking that day, along with Dr. Roger M. Firestone, Terry L. Tilton and Richard Friedman. Tickets are $50, and include lunch and a cocktail reception.

For more information see the symposium website at www.northeastmasonicsymposium.com

George Washington: Zombie

William Thornton is best known for his winning design for the U.S. Capitol, building in Washington DC. As a part of his design, he envisioned a special burial niche for the body of George Washington. But Thornton was trained in Edinburgh, Scotland as a doctor, and when George Washington died in December 1799, Thornton had bigger plans than just putting the President's body in a special tomb. He concocted a scheme that would use cutting edge techniques to reanimate George's body into a zombie.

Really.

From the io9.com website, "The Capitol architect wanted to reanimate George Washington’s dead body":

The president may not have feared death, but he did fear being buried alive. Before he died, he commanded his secretary, Tobias Lear, to make sure that he would not be entombed less than three days after he died. In accordance with Washington's wishes, his body was put on ice until it could be moved to the family vault.

That's where the story gets a little strange. The morning after Washington died, his step-granddaughter Elizabeth Law arrived with a family friend, William Thornton. History best remembers Thornton as the architect who created the original design for the Capitol building, but he was also a trained physician, having studied at the University of Edinburgh. Although he did not practice medicine for much of his life, Thornton always had a keen interest in the workings of the human body, and he suggested a novel method for resurrecting the fallen warrior. Thornton told Washington's wife Martha that he wanted to thaw Washington's body by the fire and have it rubbed vigorously with blankets. Then he planned to perform a tracheotomy so he could insert a bellows into Washington's throat and pump his lungs full of air, and finally to give Washington an infusion of lamb's blood. Friends and family declined Thornton's mad scientist offer, not because they thought his solution impossible, but because they felt the nation's first president should rest in peace.

So what gave Thornton the idea to play Dr. Frankenstein? Susan E. Lederer, author of the book Flesh and Blood: Organ Transplantation and Blood Transfusion in Twentieth-Century America, notes that many physicians in the late 18th Century believed that lamb's blood had special properties, and believes Thornton meant to give Washington's circulatory system "a spark of vitality" that might jolt him back to life. But Paul Schmidt, in his article "Forgotten transfusion history: John Leacock of Barbados" published in the British Medical Journal, suggests that the University of Edinburgh may have been on the forefront of transfusion research (unless you count all those transfusion experiments in 17th-Century France). Thornton wasn't the only Edinburgh alum thinking about blood transfusions during that time period. Philip Syng Physick, an earlier Edinburgh grad (who incidentally practiced in Philadelphia, where Thornton himself briefly practiced medicine), is reported to have performed a human blood transfusion as early as 1795. John Leacock, a later graduate, performed successful transfusion experiments, believing an infusion of blood would "excite" the recipient heart. Leacock's experiments in turn influenced James Blundell, who is credited with introducing the process to the mainstream medical community. Schmidt wonders if the Edinburgh community took particular interest in those early French transfusion experiments, planting the idea in Thornton's mind.

H/T to Rob Mountain. Image: Zombie George Washington by Plemon Studios.

January Poll: Feast of St. John

Question: Does your lodge celebrate the Feast of St. John?

Yes - 124 (43%)

No - 159 (56%)

Total votes: 283

Poll closed.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.