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freemason

Whither are we Traveling

by MasterMason

Whither are we Travelling

In 1963 a Past Grand Master of The Grand Lodge of Indiana published a little book titled  “Whither are we Travelling” and somewhere along the line I have obtained a copy.

In this book he asks 10 Questions and proceeds to answer them from his perspective. In this issue I am sharing Question #10 with you. Please remember that this is written from an American Masonry perspective, but a lot is applicable to all of us.

Lets Try Freemasonry

Question #10 “Are there not too many well-meaning Brethren who are working overtime to make Freemasonry something other than Freemasonry”

In all the land there is weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth. The Masonic Gimmick Manufacturing Company Unlimited is working overtime devising stunts to “modernize” Freemasonry, to put it in line with ten thousand other organizations that clamour for the attention of Society.

Among it many products we are urged to try are these:-

  1. Abandon the “Free will and Accord” rule which has placed our Craft far above the main line of societies & permit outright solicitation.
  2. Ape the Service Clubs and get busy on “projects”.
  3. Go into the organized “do good” business in a big way. Find an area of the human body that has not yet been exploited, and “Exploit It”. Set a quota, have a kick off dinner & get out ringing the doorbells.
  4. Subsidize other organizations right and left, and in the doing, ignore, neglect and starve the parent body.
  5. Feminize the Fraternity.
  6. Hire press agents to tell the World, like Little Jack Horner, what great boys we are. (“Masonry is not getting its proper share of publicity” complains one Grand Master.)
  7. Imitate Hollywood. Stage an extravaganza. Bring in all the groups that ever fancied themselves remotely related to Freemasonry. Form a parade, blow the bugle and beat the drums.
  8. Let Freemasonry “Take a Position” on the public issues of the day. Stand up and be counted.
  9. Go all out for materialism. Raise money; spend it.     Build Temples & Institutions. Whatever can be done by the writing of a cheque
  10. Centralize, centralize, centralize

Why won’t someone suggest that “We Try Freemasonry”??

Certainly we haven’t been trying it these many years and we have experimented with just about everything the mind of man can imagine.    Why not just get back to basics?????

Looking at the overall picture of Freemasonry it is my opinion that the greatest need is for the membership to have a better understanding of what our Fraternity is and especially of what it is NOT.

What is this Freemasonry to which I urge our Brethren to return??

What are its aims and objectives??

What does it do??

Perhaps the last place we would expect to find an answer would be in the First Book of Kings, and, even then, the answer will come as something of a disappointment, for it is all so different from the ways to which we have become accustomed.

Elijah was languishing in his cave on Mount Horeb in the conviction that of all God’s Children he alone had remained faithful to his trust. By divine command, Elijah went forth and stood upon the mountain, and the prophet tells us what happened:

“And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and break in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake: but the Lord was not in the earthquake: and after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice”

What does this mean to us this day? It means that Freemasonry erects its Temples within the hearts of men. Even though we may not understand what we are saying, we sound forth our purpose in trumpet tones when, in our own Declaration of Principles, we proclaim,

“Through the improvement and strengthening of the character of the individual man, Freemasonry seeks to improve the Community”

 And we tell the Candidate for the Degrees of Masonry the same thing in words striking in their simplicity.          “The design of the Masonic Institution” we say to him, “is to make it members wiser, better and consequently happier”

Not a word here about mass action; no pressure groups, nor resolutions on matters of government policy.

No “Pro” this or “Anti” that.

No sales talk for any pet scheme.

No great undertakings to cure the ills of the world by making everyone over to fit a pattern of our own design.

No running around like chickens with their heads cut off in search of a do-good project which will gain favourable public notice.

No restless biting of the nails to compete with a service club or other such body.

No endless “busy-ness” which loses sight of the objective.

The Message of Freemasonry? Just This:

That God is not to be found in the wind, nor in the earthquake, nor in the fire, but in the still small voice.

The Purpose of Freemasonry?

Its purpose is the same as it has been since the day when the stones of King Solomon’s Temple were hewn, squared and numbered in the quarries where they were raised. It is to take an individual- just one man at a time, and as good a man as possible, and try to make a better man out of him. THAT IS ALL.

How desperately the World needs that!!!!  And if the technique is outmoded, then the experience of two thousand years is all wrong and the Parable of the Mustard Seed is horse and buggy philosophy and the Leaven in the Loaf is a cruel hoax.

The mere fact that some men do not comprehend its purpose does not mean that Freemasonry has no purpose, nor that its purpose is outmoded; it only means that the stones are not being well hewn and squared in the quarries where they are raised.

Freemasonry has not been tried in the balance and found wanting: it has been found difficult and not tried.

 

More than anything else today, the world yearns for that same kind of gentle, healing influence in the hearts of men. The Masonic Institution, which sometimes is looked upon with scorn because it does not operate in the conventional manner, is prepared to bear witness to the fact that the conventional way of our age leaves much to be desired, and to stand upon its own majestic systems is to change human lives.

The message to the Brethren of the Craft is this:

“Freemasonry has more to offer the 21st Century than the 21st Century has to offer Freemasonry.”

Comment

In the past week alone, I have been approached by two young men enquiring when, following the degrees, they are going to be exposed to the mysteries of Freemasonry and possibly find themselves in an environment where the sharing of ideals; discussion and debate can take place.  I am at a loss for an answer to this question as outside of Lodges of Education & Research which meet infrequently, I know of no such organized grouping. This speaks to me of the need for small “Masonic Circles” and if anyone knows of such bodies and has any information as to their size and structure I would be delighted to know.

Why does Freemasonry forbid Brethren to ask their friends to become Masons??

One of the fundamental concepts of Freemasonry is that application for Freemasonry must be wholly a voluntary act.

A man must seek for himself and join “of his own free will and accord”.

Under no other formula can men unite Brethren of a thousand religious and political beliefs.

Under no more constricting act could Freemasonry accomplish her only end, the building of character among men.

Men who become members of a Masonic Lodge for any other reason than their own desires can neither receive nor give to others the advantages of a wholly voluntary association.

Freemasonry is bigger than any man; the man must seek its blessings; it never seeks the man.

(Taken from One Hundred and One Questions about Freemasonry produced by the Masonic Service Assoc)

 

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Wages of a Fellowcraft

by MasterMason

For some time I have wondered what is intended by the words of the Senior Warden in the closing of the Lodge (Emulation Ritual) when, being asked by the Worshipful Master as to his place in the Lodge, he responds, (in part)

“to close the Lodge, by command of the WM after having seen that every Brother has had his due “

To my mind, I immediately think of monetary WAGES, however, not being operative masons how do we expect to receive wages?  Hopefully this paper will add some light to that question or maybe even add more questions for contemplation and discussion.

The Wages of a Fellowcraft

Corn, Wine and Oil

Amended from a paper presented by Bro. E.J. Dunn-Barclay Lodge No.90 in The Masonic Bulletin-BC& Yukon (Canada) Jan 1940

The wages of a Fellowcraft Mason, we are told, are corn, wine, oil and, in some jurisdictions, specie. The symbolism of the three of these is comparatively obvious.

Corn and oil represent, as they have from time immemorial, the necessities of life, food and shelter.

Specie symbolizes not only the immediate rewards of our labor, but also the transition of Masonry from an Operative Craft Guild of which our ancient brethren were members, to a speculative and spiritual force, in the modern community where the guild  system has been replaced by no other tie between master and man than that of the earning of wages.  But of all the symbolic wages of the Fellowcraft Degree, it is wine that intrigues the writer the most.

Wine is rich in associations, from most of which we can gather instruction in the very fundamentals of our Craft in that wine represents something more than a sheer necessity.  For the mere purpose of quenching thirst, water would have served not merely as well, but even better.  Wine, from the earliest times has represented something more, a symbol, if you wish, of enjoyment at the proper times and places. It is associated with fellowship, in the highest and worthiest use of the word.

But there is another side to its use. Wine is a two-edged sword.  Indiscriminately used, it brings discredit to the user and may even destroy him.  It demands of the recipient, that he may properly enjoy its taste, for its fullest appreciation and moderation, for his own protection and the avoidance of satiety.

It is worthy of note that the wage of wine is reserved for the Fellowcraft Degree, where the beneficiary is presumed to have received some instruction in subduing his passions and improving himself in Masonry, and the fact that it is dispensed by a warden whose duties are to see that none convert the purposes of refreshment into those of intemperance.

The fact that wine represents something more than a mere necessity of life, is not without Masonic significance, nor should the fact that, in primitive times, it was used as wages be overlooked.  As Masons, we are supposed to do more than the absolute minimum necessities of our daily avocation.  We are supposed to have a pride in our work, a joy in it, and a self-discipline which requires us to perform every task to the utmost of our ability and in keeping with Masonic ideals.

To do so, we are informed, will ensure that we can expect to receive our wages in an amount which will enable us to get more out of life than the mere necessities of it.  Particularly is this true in Masonry, for as a speculative art or science, Masonry rewards us in proportion to what we put into it.

Commentary   In my opinion, it is quite reasonable to assume that in today’s Masonic environment we would not see wages our Lodges paying wages in the form of  Corn; Wine; Oil or Specie, therefore  HOW  is the Senior Warden able to state that every brother has had his due???  How can this be done??

My answer is, I believe I have witnessed TWO examples employed in Lodges which I have had the opportunity and pleasure to attend and I will now share those with you:

  1. Fraternity Lodge #23, Mazatlan Mexico; Grand Logia of Sinaloa. (Honourary Member)

This Lodge has an Appointed Officer, titled the “Orator” who at the end of the Lodge meeting takes the floor and comments on the evenings proceedings.  In his comments he specifically identifies Brethren who have contributed to the proceedings and extends gratitude and thanks on behalf of the Lodge, this is followed by applause.  From my observation these comments are very well received and brethren seem to be very pleased to have been recognized. This process they identify as the issuance of “Wages”.

  1. True Resolution Lodge #16, Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Prince Hall Masons of Washington and Jurisdiction (Grand Lodge Representative and Associate Member)

In this Lodge a Senior Member of the Lodge is appointed by the Worshipful Master to “Pass out Wages” at the close of the proceedings, which he does in much the same fashion as in Mexico, again followed by applause.

In other Jurisdictions, (that I am familiar with), including that of my home Lodge, there is no formal process in place, and any such compliments (wages) are left for the attending Brethren to extend under “Good of the Order”

Conclusion

Personally, I find it very interesting to view customs and practices, such as the above, and feel that by doing so, I get to learn more about my neighbours and appreciate their uniqueness.

Hopefully you will have found this sharing of some interest you.

 

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The Twelve Days of Christmas & Attitudes

by MasterMason

The Christmas Carol  known as “The Twelve Days of Christmas”

History informs us that from 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly and had to resort to discrete forms of communication.

It is believed that this particular Carol, fell into this category and was written anonymously for the purpose of providing a catechism for young Roman Catholics. The thought apparently was that by singing the Carol they would be able to state & reinforce their beliefs.

Being Freemasons we are very familiar with these TWO levels of communication: namely the Exoteric (apparent to all) and the Esoteric (requiring an in-depth search for the hidden meaning)

The information provided below has been shared with me, and while I have no way of verifying its validity, it is a beautiful story and as such very worth sharing.

You will note that I have not seen it necessary to place numbers beside each verse.

The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ.

Two turtle Doves were the Old Testament and New

Three French Hens stood for Faith, Hope & Love.

The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke & John.

The five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law, (Pentateuch) the first five books of the Old Testament.

The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation.

Seven swans-a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit (Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership, and Mercy)

The eight maids-a-milking were the eight beatitudes.

Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit- i.e. (Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control)

The ten lords-a-leaping were the ten commandments.

The eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples.

The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in the Apostles’ Creed.

Comment It seems to me that each time human beings are faced with intolerance and discrimination they seem to be able to come up with very unique ways to manage, and still get their message across. Possibly this Carol would not exist today if it were not for the conditions in place at that time, however, it does speak to the conviction of Freemasonry regarding the “Universality of Man”

OUR ATTITUDES

Our attitudes are like our shadows, they follow every thinking individual in his total activities.  They are impelling forces in action, they shape our purposes. They largely determine our policies and practices. They are the very foundation of our many decisions, decisions which affect us personally, our families, our relations to others in society and our actions as citizens. They are to human conduct what gunpowder is to shot, yet how many times do we given them much thought?

Hardly, if ever, do we bother to ascertain what our attitudes are, how we acquire them, or where they are leading us. That we acquire them is a certainty. We acquire many of them unconsciously from the four corners of our existence and are not aware of them unless we are confronted with a problem or a decision. They are crystallized in our minds on the basis of what we hear, see, feel and learn by contact with our fellow man. They result from our studies and our search for knowledge.  Many of our attitudes are by necessity, transitory, temporary, and fleeting.  Many are inherited from friends, parents and associates. Others are created by our environment, some are fundamental and permanent, permeating our entire existence. They stay with us for life, and shape our acts, our thoughts and react upon our personality for good or bad.

They may constitute our philosophy whether we realize it or not, and their existence is a part of our approach to every problem or activity we confront. They are of vital importance and of immeasurable importance to us, however, we cannot possibly conceive the influence they have upon us and those surrounding us.

While we cannot trace their source we can and should at least, to some extent, attempt to analyze our attitudes toward life and direct them in paths that will be most productive for good.  Do we ever stop to ask if our attitudes are proper and wholesome?

Are they are influenced by our prejudices, or are they are tempered by intolerance?

Are they based upon unwarranted conclusions, and insufficient knowledge of facts.

It is of course impossible to catalogue all the ingredients of a proper wholesome attitude, but we can point to a few positive qualities that should be a part thereof.

They should be the result of careful thought, and they should be tempered by moderation and tolerant understanding.

They should be composed of the benevolence that readily concedes that practically every human problem has two sides and consequently at least two viewpoints.

They should be permeated by morality and seasoned by the spiritual teachings of our religion.

On the other hand our attitudes are often a matter of indifference and complacency.  They could be steeped in the notion of luck as a substitute for industry and of chance rather than planning.

They may be influenced by the growing desire among us to cultivate the idea of getting something for nothing.

They may even be are influenced by the prevalent notion that it is necessary to eliminate the struggle from life to acquire happiness.

When we reflect that, as exercise is necessary to the muscles to acquire physical strength, struggle, or degrees of it, are strengthening influences in the development of personality

and character.  Strength and struggle go together physically and spiritually.

In that connection it has occurred to me that we are attempting, to a greater degree than is good for us, to eliminate struggle from life.

While the attitude of average individuals may not change the course of great events, they are greatly important.

Many great examples could be cited to show that the attitude of one man or woman has effectively changed not only the course of that individual’s life, but the course of life for his fellowmen, for his or her state, or nation.

Attitudes defy description, they are as varied as the thoughts of men, yet they are ever present and determinative of our actions.

The assertion, or expression of an attitude, no matter how worthy of attainment sometimes is delayed for years while it takes roots in the hearts of men.

But an individual attitude if pervaded by conviction, born of truth, based on morality and right will ultimately prevail.

I know of no more important job in our lives than developing attitudes. The moral and spiritual aspects of these attitudes do not only influence us individually but they affect our marriage, our business successes, our ability to rear families and have an influence our friends and our neighbors.

Let’s take a hard look at our own personal attitudes, they are much more important than we think.  The attitudes we develop as we proceed through life can either become stumbling blocks or great building materials.

Which shall they be? With God’s help we can make them wonderful building materials.

Adapted from a paper by: Bro. Carl Brigg, Beacon Lodge, No. 190, Red Deer, Alberta Canada      September, 1969.

Comment

In uncovering this paper I thought that it would make a suitable admonition to us all as Freemasons & as we approach the beginning of another year. Hopefully I am not wrong!!!

On a very personal note, I have a sweat shirt that has the following saying on it:-

ATTITUDES ARE CONTAGIOUS ==IS YOURS WORTH CATCHING

Norm

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Bible Openings

by MasterMason

 Bible Openings

A Brother recently asked me what were the “Proper” openings when using the Bible as the V.O.S.L

I promptly give him my personal opinion, then went to the Bible on our Altar and found it to be different.

The shock on my face was evident and made me immediately seek out an answer which could be shared with others in the same position.

This paper will relate the results of my research, which has included my own library, plus a few phone calls to recognized authorities, however material on this subject has been very hard to find and the only author I have found who dealt with this subject has been Harry Carr.   I now share his opinions with you:-

Bible Openings  Question #60  “Freemason at Work” by Harry Carr  (1977)

Customs vary considerably in different parts of the country, and the following notes are designed to show some of the best-known procedures. I have added a brief note, in each case, indicating the essential Masonic significance of the passages quoted.

The earliest French exposure of the Ceremonies, Reception d’un Frey-Macon, states that the E.A. took his obligation with his right hand on the Gospel of St John, and this is confirmed by the next oldest French Version, Le Secret des Francs-Macons, of 1742.

Several later documents of this period indicate that the V.S.L was usually opened at St John 1 Chapter 5.    In the beginning was the word etc.

Three Distinct Knocks, an English exposure of 1760, gave different pages for all three Degrees:

First Degree        The Second Epistle of Peter, with its reference to brotherly kindness and charity

Second Degree  The story, from Judges, 12, of the test of the Ephraimites.

Third Degree       I Kings Chapter 7.  the final details of Solomon’s Pillars

Cartwright, in his Commentary on Freemasonic Ritual, cites the procedure on Old Yorkshire Lodges where the following is customary:

First Degree         Psalm 133, ‘ Behold how good etc.

Second Degree    Amos, Chapter 7 Verse 7  The Lord stood upon a wall made by a plumbline etc.

Third Degree        Ecclesiastes, 12, Then the dust shall return to the Earth as it was etc.

The Bristol Working is unusual in that the Master actually quotes, during the Three Opening Ceremonies,

the full texts from the pages on which the V.S.L. has to be opened i.e.

First Degree         Ruth, 2, Verse 19. The Story of Ruth and Boaz

Second Degree    Judges, 12, Verses, 5&6   The test of the Ephraimites.

Third Degree        Gen, 4 Verses 5-22   The Birth of Jabal & Jubal who are mentioned in the Old Charges.

Of course there is no official Grand Lodge Ruling on this question, and few of the “named” rituals prescribe any particular page-openings for the three Degrees

Cartwright states that the Perfect Ceremonies, in their Editions from 1918 onwards, specify Second Chronicles. Chapter 6, as a standard ‘opening’ for all Degrees; it deals with Solomon’s prayer at the consecration of the Temple.

Generally, Cartwright agrees with the widespread practice, in English Lodges, where a haphazard opening of the V.S.L. suffices, but if a particular page is to stay open through all Degrees, he favours, Second Corinthians  2, which is prescribed in the English Ritual.

That passage deals with the preliminaries to the building of the Temple, and of Solomon’s first embassage to Hiram, King of Tyre, asking for timber, etc, and a “man cunning to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass etc.”

A German correspondent writes to say that many Lodges in that country use the following:

First Degree      John, 1,1.  In the beginning was the word etc.

Second Degree Matthew 22, Verse 39.  Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself etc.

Third Degree     2nd Chronicles. 6. Solomon’s dedication of the Temple.

Comment

My sources indicate that English Emulation practice is simply to open the V.O.S.L. at random, rather than to specify any CORRECT opening.

As to individual Lodges, wherever located, it would appear, from the wear and tear of the pages in their Bibles, that decisions were made many years ago as to what the appropriate openings would be and for reasons that were important to those Brethren at that time.

My conclusion is that the actual opening is vastly secondary to the use we make of the teachings within.

PS.  From a personal information, and educational aspect, may I suggest that the next time you are in your own Lodge, why not investigate the Bible openings, and if possible, determine WHY.

This could lead to some very rewarding findings and possibly an excellent topic for discussion.

Another Note

A few years ago my Lodge, Victoria Columbia #1, made a decision to become more inclusive as to the VOSL’s on our Altar and in doing so provide an even greater comfort & welcome to Brethren among us, who may not be of the Christian faith.  We now have FOUR VOSL’s on our relatively small altar, representing the Jewish, Muslim, Sikh and Christian Brethren who may be in attendance.

We have seen this as just one small step in recognizing that we really are a Universal Brotherhood.

Have a wonderful day & God Bless you and yours.            Norm.

 

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Working Tools in MM Degree (Ancient Workings) etc.

by MasterMason

THE WORKING TOOLS IN THE MASTER MASON DEGREE (Ancient Workings)

“The Working Tools of a Master Mason are all the tools in Masonry indiscriminately but more especially the TROWEL”

In beginning, I will first provide you with the definition of the TROWEL as provided in The Lexicon of Freemasonry by Albert G. Mackey.  It is, in part, as follows;

“An implement of operative Masonry, which has been adapted by speculative Masons, as the peculiar working tool of the Master’s Degree”

By this implement, and its use in operative Masonry to spread the cement which binds all the parts of the building into one common mass, we are taught to spread the cement of affection and kindness, which unites all the members of the Masonic family, wheresoever dispersed over the globe, into one companionship of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth.

THE TROWEL –

The Trowel is an important symbol and working took in Craft Masonry in many parts of the world, although it has become obsolete in England and in those rituals based on English workings.  However, the Trowel was still being used in England in the 18th Century, when Masonry was being spread abroad, and, perhaps, as a result, American Lodges still use it as the only “Working Tool” in their Master Mason’s Degree.

An early English book, Preston’s Illustrations of Masonry dated 1792, says: “The Trowel is mentioned as one of the things presented to the W.M. on his installation.”  But when the ritual was revived in 1813 the trowel appears to have been dropped from the English craft Masonry altogether and is now completely obsolete in the system.

However, in Scotland today (1966) the Trowel is used as the collar jewel of the Junior Deacon, and the Grand Junior Deacon also wears this jewel as part of his regalia.  They explain the use of the Trowel this way: “The Trowel teaches that nothing can be united without proper cement, and the perfection of the building depends on the suitable disposition of the cement.  So Charity, the bond of perfection and social union, must unite separate minds and interests that, like the radii of a circle which extend from the centre to every part of the circumference, the principle of universal benevolence may be diffused to every member of the community.”

“As it is used by the operative Brother to spread cement which unites the building into one common mass, so the Freemason uses the Trowel emblematically for the noble and glorious purpose of spreading the cement of brotherly love and affection, that cement which unites the members of the fraternity into one sacred band or society of Brothers among whom no contention should ever exist.”

However, in the Scandinavian countries, all Masons in Craft Lodges wear the Trowel as a jewel.  Entered Apprentices and Fellowcrafts wear a silver Trowel and Master Masons wear a gold Trowel.

These countries use two sets of Working Tools, both sets being explained in the First Degree.  The first set consists of the square, level, and plumb rule.  The second set consists of the Trowel, hammer and compasses.

The Trowel is also well known in European Masonry.  In one French working, (if not more) the candidate in the Fellowcraft Degree is made to take five ‘voyages’ around the Lodge and on each ‘voyage’ carries a different Working Tool, namely the mallet and chisel, the square and compasses, the rule and crowbar, the level, and on the fifth and last ‘voyage’, the Trowel.

In U.S. Lodges, and therefore also in those Canadian Lodges which have taken their ritual and form from the various American states, the Trowel is the only Working Tool used in the Third Degree.

To quote Mackey’s Encyclopedia:

“This implement is considered the appropriate Working Tool of a Master Mason, because, in operative Masonry, while the Apprentice is engaged in preparing the rude materials, which require only the gauge and gavel to give them their proper shape, the Fellow Craft places them in their proper position by means of the plumb, level, and square; but the Master Mason alone, having examined their correctness and proved them true and trusty, secures them permanently in their place by spreading, with the Trowel, the cement that irrevocably binds them together.”

Robert Macoy, in his book, The Masonic Ritual, informs us that

“the Trowel is an implement made use of by operative Masons to spread the cement which unites the building into one common mass; but we, as Free and Accepted Masons, are taught to make use of it for the more noble and glorious purpose of spreading the cement of brotherly love and affection; that cement which unites us into one sacred band, or society of friends and brothers, among whom no contention should ever exist, but that noble contention, or rather emulation, of who best can work, and best agree.”

This charge, as Macoy gives it, has remained relatively unchanged to this day, and is still used by most American and some Canadian Lodges.

The Trowel has been, and still is, a respected Working Tool in the Craft throughout much of the world and, even though we may not use it ourselves, it may still provide us with much symbolism on which to moralize.

By: R.W.Bro. Kenneth Melsted; Published in

THE TRACING BOARD, G.R.S, 1966 and 1988.

Choose the Happier Thought

The next time you’re faced with a challenging situation that gives rise to negative thoughts and bad feelings, find an equally true thought about the situation that makes you feel better and lean into it. This doesn’t mean that you deny the negative it just says that you pay more attention to the positive part of the truth.

The classic measure of optimism, seeing the glass half full rather than half empty, is the perfect example of leaning into the equally true but happier thought.

Here is a real life example:  Have you ever been on a deadline and thought, “I can’t get this done on time”? The next time you are having this type of negative, self defeating thought, search your mind for  positive thoughts that are equally true. Such as “I always manage to get things done” “I can always seek help with this” The more I relax the more the ideas flow through me”

Lean into these Positive Thoughts and you will find yourself feeling better.

Adapted From Ladies Home Journal May 2008.

Friendship Believes All Things

Friends are patient and kind, they are not jealous or boastful, they are not arrogant or rude.

Friends do not insist on having their own way, they are not irritable or resentful, they do not rejoice at wrong, but delight in what is right.

Friendship bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Friendship NEVER ends.

Adapted from Corinthians 1.

Conclusion

It is my personal belief that each of us is a very special person, with very special needs and having said that, it seems to me that what we cherish most is the understanding of our family, friends and brothers. May we learn to always keep our hearts and minds OPEN to one another.

 

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Secrecy & A Short Talk

by MasterMason

Secrecy

Secrecy Lexicon of Freemasonry,                    Albert G. Mackey (circa 1908)

The objection which has been urged against Freemasonry on the ground of its secret character is scarcely worthy of serious refutation. It has become threadbare, and always has been the objection only of envious and illiberal minds. Indeed, its force is immediately destroyed, when we reflect that to no worthy man need our mysteries be, for one moment, covered with the veil of concealment, for to all the deserving are our portals open. But the traditions and esoteric doctrines of our order are too valuable and too sacred to be permitted to become the topic of conversation for every idler who may desire to occupy his moments of leisure in speculations upon subjects which require much previous study and preparation to qualify the critic for a ripe and equitable judgment. Hence are they preserved, like the rich jewel in the casket, in the secret recesses of our Lodge, to be brought forth only when the ceremonies with which their exhibition is accompanied, have inspired that solemnity of feeling with which alone they should be approached.

Secrecy & Silence  (in part) Encyclopedia of Freemasonry      Albert. G. Mackey (circa 1919)

These virtues constitute the very essence of all Masonic character, they are the safeguard of the Institution, giving to it all its security and perpetuity, and are enforced by frequent admonitions in all the degrees, from the lowest to the highest. The Entered Apprentice begins his Masonic career by learning the duty of secrecy and silence. Hence it is appropriate that in that Degree which is the consummation of Initiation, in which the whole cycle of Masonic science is completed the abstruse (hard to understand) machinery of symbolism should be employed to impress the same important virtues on the neophyte (candidate).

The same principles of secrecy and silence existed in all the ancient mysteries and systems of worship. When Aristotle was asked what thing appeared to him to be the most difficult of performance, he replied, “To be secret and silent”

“If we turn our eyes back to antiquity” says Calcott “we shall find that the old Egyptians had so great a regard for silence and secrecy in the mysteries of their religion that they set up the God”

Harpocrates, to whom they paid particular honour and veneration, and who was represented with the right hand placed near the heart, and the left hand down the by his side and covered by a skin full of eyes.”

Among the Egyptians, the sign of silence was made by pressing the index finger of the right hand on the lips.

In today’s society, where there appears to be no limit to what can be revealed or exposed, I feel, we as Freemasons are finding ourselves very much in the circle of public opinion, which I believe offers the opportunity for each of us to represent “ A great and glorious example” of what Freemasonry means to each of us as individuals, parents and members of society. This, again in my opinion, can all be done, very effectively, within the framework of our Craft, and without violating our Integrity. We are all very capable of that challenge.

A Short Talk by a Young Master Mason following an Entered Apprentice conferral

From the moment we make the decision that we would like to be” made a mason” our Education in the Craft begins. For some of you, no doubt, that decision was made a long long time ago. For others the journey is just beginning.

Remember, with me the excitement we felt as the petition was placed in the hands of the Mason who would present it on our behalf. Also remember the way you felt on your first visit to the Lodge for the mysterious ceremony of Initiation you were about to undertake and the great mysteries of the “Masons” that you were about to learn.

If, like most, you were a little nervous, apprehensive and excited, then I say GOOD. It is with the same spirit that I myself have found when approaching Masonic Education after having been made a Master Mason. We think we have learned the Secrets, the Handshakes and even some of the History, but, it goes much deeper than that. If Freemasonry is a “beautiful system of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols” how much have we really learned???

Some of the Brethren present, no doubt, know more about the symbols than you or I, some know more about the allegory and illusions, and no doubt, do not struggle with morality as do others.

We are all called upon to “make daily advancements in the Craft” It is my role to remind you of that, and to call upon you to remember it with the same earnest zeal that you remember your first journey into Freemasonry.

I wish you well my Brothers, and hope you enjoy your early steps into Freemasonry, and that you will continue to take every opportunity to learn more about our Craft.

Bro. Brad Chesney, Star of the West Lodge #34. G.L.Alberta.

Norm.

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