the Trestle Board

Atheists and Freemasonry

2011-01-08T20:21:00.000-08:00

In a previous post, "Universal Freemasonry", I wrote about the possibility of an atheist becoming a Freemason. Of course, most American Masons would vehemently disagree with my opinion on the matter. Despite this there exists within the liberal Masonic community a sizable population of atheists. While I do not find this to be objectionable, what I do disagree with is the propensity of these Brethren to use the Craft as a platform to promote a militant form of atheism. A recent example of this involves the Grand Orient of the USA. On their website it is announced that the GOUSA has made its first female initiate, one Margaret Downey. The article draws particular attention to her activities promoting atheism.
According to the GOUSA's website FAQ:
"The GOUSA is not concerned with the religious, metaphysical, or philosophical beliefs of its members. A person’s character, not his/her personal and private theological beliefs, is the primary focus of the GOUSA."
Why then is the GOUSA making such hay of the fact that they have initiated a prominent atheist? If one of the primary tenets of their organization is "freedom of conscience" then the fact that Sister Downey is an atheist should be of no import. In fact, it should not even be mentioned, and certainly not advertised as some sort of accomplishment. Whether they intend to or not, the GOUSA is at the very least giving the appearance that they promote atheism, which is in direct conflict with their own concept of "freedom of conscience".
Too often it seems that liberal Masonic bodies use the concept of "freedom of conscience" to promote a radical anti-religious agenda. This has happened in the past with some of the larger liberal bodies, such as the Grand Orient of France, which has seen its members protest visits of the Pope to France while dressed in full Masonic regalia. Thus I suppose that it should come as no surprise that the GOUSA would follow suit. Nonetheless, just as mainstream American Masonic bodies do not promote any one religion over another even while requiring some sort of religious belief, liberal bodies should certainly not promote an agenda of non-belief, even while lacking a requirement for a belief in deity.
Freedom of conscience should go both ways. If one wishes to be free from religion, then that is perfectly acceptable. However, this does not mean that religion should be frowned upon, and those who wish to practice it should be held in the same regard as those who don't, particularly within a Masonic organization. As I mentioned before, one of the purposes of our Craft is to "cause true friendship to exist among those who might have otherwise remained at a perpetual distance". It is only through truly following the concept of "freedom of conscience" that this can be achieved. So mote it be!

Another New Year...

2011-01-01T16:51:00.000-08:00

Here it is, another New Year and another chance to start afresh. In 2010, I was making a pretty good go of it for the first couple of months, but alas, a rash of circumstances caught up with me and curtailed my blogging momentum. Truth is, 2010 was not the greatest year for me, in the Masonic sense. Having returned from Afghanistan, I really wanted to increase my Masonic activity by visiting and possibly becoming active in the local Lodges. Unfortunately, despite my good intentions, I only managed to make one Lodge meeting here in Alaska and one in my home Lodge. I did, however, meet many fine Brethren so I was not utterly without the fellowship of the Craft.
As I begin this my 12th year as a Mason, I am resolving to start anew and truly immerse myself in the Craft. Like a foreign language, the lessons of our Fraternity can dim in our memories without proper practice and use. We need to constantly recharge our batteries through interactions with our Brethren, attendance at Lodge meetings, study and myriad other ways. I am resolving to do these things and more, with greater vigor and enthusiasm. Hopefully, a positive side effect of this will be more inspiration for blogging. At this point, I am not promising anything, but I certainly hope to be more active on the blogging scene this year. So mote it be!

More Light!

2010-07-11T05:50:00.000-07:00

It's high summer here in Alaska, and even though the days are supposedly getting shorter, it seems the sun never really goes down. This abundance of actual light has led me to ponder more upon the metaphorical Light we as Masons are seeking.
One of the main places where we are set upon the path to this Light is through the Masonic ritual. The ritual, which binds us together as Brethren, inspires us and gives us direction in our quest. Indeed, each time we move up a Degree, we state that we are seeking "more Light in Masonry". But here in the United States, it seems that our Brethren from the past have bequeathed us a system that limits this ability.
Throughout the mainstream American jurisdictions of our Craft, the ritual has been standardized, and with a few exceptions, is more or less the same everywhere. There are differences, to be sure, but by and large, a Brother experiencing the Degrees in California will experience much the same ritual as a Brother in Georgia. Things are decidedly different in other parts of the world, however.
In many jurisdictions overseas, within the same Grand body a seeker can find any of a number of different variations on the Masonic ritual. Each one, while teaching the same basic lessons, offers a unique path towards Masonic Light. Thus, a Brother is given the opportunity to choose the path that best suits his temperament, rather than being subjected to the "one size fits all" approach that prevails here.
With today's advanced communications, Brothers are being exposed to Masonic ideas from every corner of the globe. Now more than ever, inquisitive Brothers are finding that the Masonic experience is not limited to the narrow vision of mainstream American Grand Lodges. Perhaps it is time that American jurisdictions relinquish the stranglehold they have upon the Masonic ritual, and allow the practice of different Rites. By so doing, they will only be increasing the ability of the Brethren to seek that Masonic Light, of which we are all in search. So mote it be!

Update

2010-04-19T16:53:00.001-07:00

According to the counter, my blog has now received over 1000 views, so it seems that at least someone is reading this. It is gratifying to know that people find interest in my writings, and I hope that I have helped to spread Masonic Light.
I started out this year with a pretty good record, managing about one posting a week for the first few weeks of the year. Then life happened. I redeployed from Afghanistan to Alaska and have been extremely busy ever since. Between readjusting to normal life, finding a place to live and driving 3600 miles through the United States and Canada with my wife and six children, I have had very little time to devote to the Craft. Now I am mostly installed, waiting for my household goods to arrive, and hopefully I will have more time.
In my absence from the blogging scene, there has been a great deal of controversy in the Masonic world revolving around events in Arkansas. A great deal has already been written about this affair, and I will not add any further comment except to say that I find the actions of the Arkansas Grand Lodge despicable, embarrassing and unmasonic in the extreme. I offer my solidarity and support to Brother Derek Gordon and hope that whatever fate he suffers serves as a call to action for Brethren everywhere to fight against injustice in our Fraternity. We as Masons need to send the message that bigotry and intolerance have no place in our gentle Craft. Perhaps Grand Lodges need to be reminded that they exist to serve the Masons of their jurisdiction and not the other way around.
In the next few weeks I hope to resume an at least semi-regular posting schedule. Thanks for reading!

Masonic Tarot Decks

2010-02-04T19:00:00.000-08:00

Tarot cards are a rich mine of symbolism, and while not specifically Masonic in nature, they nonetheless contain much that is applicable to the Craft. There are two particular versions of the Tarot however which are explicitly Masonic.

The first of these is “Le Tarot Maçonnique” by Jean Beauchard. Brother Beauchard is a member of the Grand Lodge of France. Since the GLDF practices the European version of the Scottish Rite, the symbolism of his Tarot deck is based primarily upon this system. As you can see from his version of the High Priestess, the cards are vividly colored and drawn in a very unique style. While some of the cards may veer slightly from the traditional Tarot symbolism, they contain a great deal of material for the contemplative Mason. Each card is like a mini tracing board, and the Masonic and Tarot symbolism combine to form a powerful set of imagery to aid in the Masonic initiatory process. This deck is somewhat difficult and expensive to find as it is currently out of print, however it can be ordered from overseas here.

The second Masonic Tarot deck is known as "The Square and Compasses Tarot" and was designed by W. Bro. PC Brown. His deck is based on the Emulation workings, including the Holy Royal Arch and Mark Master degrees. According to W. Bro. Brown, this deck was designed to reflect the earliest Tarot decks as well as enhance the Masonic symbolism inherent in them. While simpler artistically than “Le Tarot Maçonnique”, this version has its own elegance and is no less symbolic and thought-provoking. In fact, American Masons may find this deck slightly easier to work with, as the symbolism contained in it is closer to the version of the Craft that we practice here. Despite this, any Mason can learn a great deal by meditating upon this deck. The Square and Compasses Tarot doesn't seem to be widely available here in the United States, but it can be ordered from England here.

In and of itself, the Tarot is a powerful tool and worthy of deep study. When it is combined with Masonic symbolism this power is only enhanced. I would highly recommend both Masonic Tarot decks to the contemplative and curious Brother. By studying and meditating upon them, a Brother can make great strides in his Masonic journey, helping him to obtain ever greater amounts of that Light we all seek.

So mote it be!

Controversy in Pennsylvania-Ballot Reform

2010-01-30T05:37:00.000-08:00

As many of you are undoubtedly already aware, there is quite a controversy brewing in Pennsylvania over a slate of ambitious reforms proposed by MW Thomas Sturgeon. While I certainly have an opinion about what is occurring there, this is an internal matter, and as such, it is not for me to make any suggestions as to how the Brethren of Pennsylvania handle the proposed reforms. The controversy does however draw attention to several important ideas, which are important for all Masons to consider.
One of the proposed reforms involves balloting. In most jurisdictions, one black cube is enough to deny a petitioner entry into the Fraternity. MW Sturgeon is proposing to change this requirement to three black cubes.
We are taught that harmony within a Lodge is extremely important. It is so important, in fact, that even an otherwise worthy candidate should be rejected if his acceptance would endanger this. As a result, unanimity is required to grant a candidate admission. Of course, if a candidate is objectionable enough to merit the casting of a black cube, then the matter should never even come to a vote, and the process should be stopped during the investigation. In theory this system should be held in high sanctity and never abused. In practice, however, this is not always the case.
To illustrate this point, I offer the following example from personal experience: an upstanding young man presented a petition to the Lodge. His father, a Past Master was the sitting Lodge chaplain. The investigating committee performed their duty and gave this young man the highest recommendation. When the time came for the vote, however, he received one black cube, and thus was rejected. Not surprisingly, the Lodge was stunned. If the candidate was truly unworthy, why did the Brother who dropped the black cube not bring his concerns to the Master during the investigation stage, thus sparing the candidate and his father the embarrassment of a negative vote?
As with many things, however, there was more to this case than initially met the eye. Even though Masonic tradition holds that no discussion should be held concerning a ballot, the Brother in question, in a fit of pique, made known his reason for rejecting the candidate. Apparently he had a conflict with the second signer of the young man’s petition. Instead of resolving the conflict in a Masonic fashion, he used the ballot box to exact his revenge. The unfortunate candidate was only incidental to the whole affair. As a result of this, a Lodge that was badly hurting for leadership and new blood lost an excellent candidate and an active Past Master.
Admittedly, cases such as the above are rare. They should be nonexistent. When an errant Brother abuses the ballot box, he not only puts his ego above the future of our Fraternity, but he also shows that he has obviously not taken to heart the lessons that it teaches. Thanks to the one black cube rule, any Brother with a chip on his shoulder can unjustly deny a candidate, and by custom, nothing can be done to stop him. Furthermore, since no discussion is allowed, this act of cowardice can be completely anonymous.
By increasing the number of black cubes required, the chances of this happening are greatly reduced. Rarely will two or more Brothers conspire in this fashion, especially if the reason for rejecting the candidate is completely un-Masonic as in the above case. Implementing this type of reform protects the sanctity of the balloting process rather than violating it as some claim.
Sometimes reform in our Fraternity can be painful. The shrieking choruses of “We’ve never done it that way!” or “This violates tradition!” can be enough to discourage even the most intrepid efforts. Despite this, reform can be worthwhile and even desirable. Ballot reform is one such instance. By instituting a rule requiring more than one black cube to deny a candidate, the sanctity of the ballot is only reinforced. In a perfect world, this would not be necessary, but sometimes even Brother Masons can let their passions get the best of them. With these reforms in place, worthy candidates will hopefully never be denied due to the un-Masonic actions of an egotistical Brother.
So mote it be!

Post script: Luckily, this story has a happy ending, if not for the original Lodge. The candidate waited the requisite time and then resubmitted his petition to the Lodge of his second signer, which happened to be about 40 miles away. He was of course accepted, and he and his father both are active there. In fact, the young man in question progressed through the chairs and is now a Past Master himself.

Masonically Inspired Studies-BOTA

2010-01-23T09:12:00.000-08:00

“When the ears of the student are ready to hear, then cometh the lips to fill them with Wisdom.”-the Kybalion

In my previous post, I mentioned that Freemasonry has led me to study various esoteric topics. One avenue of study of which I would like to make particular mention involves several of those disciplines.

About two years ago, while reading about our Craft, I came across a mention of Brother Paul Foster Case, and the organization he founded, Builders of the Adytum. Surprised that I had never heard of this, I was instantly intrigued and began delving deeper. Soon I found that this Brother, who had formerly been involved in the Golden Dawn system, created his organization in order to teach some of the important doctrines of the western mystery tradition, particularly those related to qabbalah and tarot. Furthermore, I discovered that BOTA was still extant with an active presence on the internet, and offered their teachings via a correspondence course. At around the same time, I began to see quite a bit of positive discussion about BOTA on the various online Masonic fora that I frequent. I immediately signed up and began following the courses. While my study has been off and on due to a busy life, I have found their teachings to be extremely interesting and worthwhile.

The first course which they offer is entitled “Seven Steps of Practical Occultism” and helps the student lay a foundation for future esoteric studies. While the lessons seem to be somewhat simple, I can attest that the teachings they impart have real power, and if practiced diligently can lead to tangible results. This course leads into “Introduction to Tarot” where the student is given an overview of the Major Arcana of the tarot in preparation for further study in the next course “Fundamentals of Tarot”. In “Fundamentals” the student receives deeper instruction in the symbolism and actually begins working with the cards by coloring them. This is done in order to make the cards more personal as well as to impress one’s own unique vibrations upon them. I have only progressed partially through this course, so I do not know what comes next, but from what I understand, the further courses are quite extensive, and involve several years’ worth of material. If they are anything like what I have already experienced, I can only imagine the wealth of knowledge and practical experience that they will provide.

As I mentioned before, sometimes our Craft can lead us down strange paths that we may never have previously considered. Before I joined our Fraternity, I never would have thought to find myself immersed in such esoteric material, but Freemasonry has awakened in me a burning desire to seek after and study the mysteries. Along the way, my life has been greatly enriched and my mind opened to new horizons that may have otherwise been obscured from my view by the clouds of darkness. Rather than wane, my excitement and enthusiasm for our Craft, and the knowledge it points to has only increased. I hope that this continues for the rest of my Masonic life.
So mote it be!

Can of Worms

2010-01-17T10:04:00.001-08:00

Unfortunately, I have again neglected this blog for quite some time. In my defense, I do not have decent internet access here at my location in Afghanistan, although soon that excuse will evaporate as I will be home in a few weeks. Of course, I cannot blame my dearth of output on that factor alone, given the fact that I am a bit of a slacker by nature. However, as many of us do, I have started 2010 with a new resolve and hope to post a bit more frequently. To this end, I offer the following entry:

Can of Worms

In the lecture of the second degree, we are encouraged to make the study of the seven liberal arts and sciences a central part of our Masonic education. Additionally, if one is so inclined Freemasonry can become a gateway into the study of a wealth of esoteric topics which might otherwise escape notice.

In my opinion, this is one of the benefits of our Fraternity. By setting out on the quest for “more Light in Masonry” we may find ourselves open to new vistas of thought that previously were hidden from our view. While the ritual does not always explicitly point towards these things, it can certainly foster a sort of open mindedness to ideas we may never have considered previously. The mysteries of Freemasonry can become like an onion, and as we peel away the layers, we find ever more underneath. Thus the quest for Light becomes a lifelong pursuit, leading us down new and exciting paths along the way.

For me, the Craft has opened up the proverbial “can of worms” and the subjects that have attracted my interest keep multiplying. Thanks to my involvement in Freemasonry, I have become interested in topics ranging from alchemy to rosicrucianism to qabbalah to hermeticism to tarot, and everything in between. My bookshelves are beginning to groan under the weight of the numerous tomes that I have acquired in my quest for Light on these subjects. Sometimes I feel as if the Craft has caused such a great thirst for knowledge that I am trying to slake it by drinking from a fire hose! As a result of all of this, my life has been greatly enriched in a way that I never would have imagined when I first knocked on the Lodge door.

So mote it be!

Further thoughts on Georgia....

2009-08-04T07:01:00.000-07:00

Some may accuse me of stirring the pot here, but I think it's time that the situation with Gate City Lodge in Georgia be brought up once again. In response to a letter from Bro. Chris Hodapp, Grand Master Ed Jennings of Georgia wrote that he would issue a statement on the matter in approximately 10 days. It has now been nearly a month and still no statement has come forth.
While I am willing to give the Grand Master the benefit of the doubt, it is starting to seem that the whole affair has been swept under the rug. The situation is a delicate one to be sure, and I certainly don't envy the task that the Grand Master has before him, however if he said that he would issue a statement in "about 10 days" then certainly he should assure that he keeps his word. With all the controversy this affair has engendered, it only adds fuel to the fire to not follow up as promised. Furthermore, with statements such as this one by the Grand Master of Kentucky, as well as recent progress that has been made in North Carolina, the ante has been significantly upped.
It is time for Grand Master Jennings to take a strong stand against the racist elements in his jurisdiction, and lay the Gate City Lodge affair to rest for good. While this may only start the process of healing the racial divide in Georgia Masonry, it will be a strong start indeed, and may well be looked upon as a significant turning point in Masonic race relations there. It may be a difficult road, but as Confucious said "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." So mote it be!

My thoughts on Georgia

2009-06-20T23:41:00.000-07:00

Rather than rehashing what has already been amply reported on the internet by a highly respected source, I point you to this blog entry.
I have been attempting to post comments on the blogs dealing with this, however Blogger doesn't seem to be cooperating, so I offer the following. In my opinion, it is time for Masons everywhere to stand up to this sort of intolerance. For too long, many Brethren have sat upon the fence on this issue, all in the name of not interfering in the affairs of another jurisdiction. Bigotry has no place within our Craft anywhere, and is a violation of the very principles we hold dear. Now, there may be facts in the case which we don't yet know about, however it seems fairly clear, given Georgia's history, what is happening here. It is time for Masons worldwide to take notice, and bring pressure to bear on the Grand Lodges that still hold on to archaic notions of race. In the words of the great Martin Luther King, Jr., "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." The last place where racial injustice should be found is within an institution that claims justice as one of it's cardinal virtues. My Brothers, it is time to purge our Craft of the stain of bigotry that has plagued it for too long.
So mote it be!

Military Lodges (or the lack thereof)

2009-05-16T07:18:00.000-07:00

Finding myself again deployed to a war zone, I have been reflecting upon the concept of military Lodges, or more precisely why there is such a lack thereof. Military Lodges have played an important part in American Masonic history. Indeed, some of the earliest Masonic activity on our continent was due to military Lodges, but sadly, it seems for the most part, they are no longer prominent on the American Masonic landscape. So what is a Masonic soldier to do while he's off fighting for his country?
In my opinion, when a Brother Mason is at war, this may be one of the most vital times during his life to be reminded of the tenets of our gentle Craft. But without the welcoming hand of Masonic fellowship with like minded Brethren, this can be difficult. Imagine trying to live for a year or more, under the most trying of circumstances, far from the comforts of home. Even the most dedicated of Brethren might have difficulties living up to the principles of our Fraternity. Our military Brothers deserve to have the opportunity to practice the Craft together as part of an organized Lodge. Why, then, are they being denied this opportunity?
Besides demographic reasons, I think a great deal of the problem has to do with jurisdictional issues. Over the last couple of years I have followed the blog of Brother Charles Martin and his efforts to establish a military Lodge in Iraq. Unfortunately, due to various circumstances this has not happened. This is the only attempt I have encountered by a "mainstream" Grand Lodge to attempt to revive the tradition of the traveling military Lodge. There are however some options if an eager Brother looks outside of the "mainstream". The most notable of these is the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Oklahoma, which has established military Lodges throughout the world, including Iraq and Afghanistan. Of course, many will not be able to seek the fellowship of these Lodges due to petty jurisdictional issues. In fact, I had a disheartening experience in this area last year when I was in Iraq. I happened to meet a young (in the Masonic sense) Entered Apprentice who was eager to expand his Masonic knowledge. I mentioned the presence of a Lodge on base and he expressed a desire to fellowship with these Brethren. When he checked with his coach back home, however, he was strongly warned to not associate with the Lodge because it was a Prince Hall Lodge, and of course there were recognition issues. He was clearly disappointed and didn't understand why he should be denied the opportunity to advance in his Masonic knowledge.
Personally, I believe that unless the "mainstream" grand Lodges step up to the plate and start establishing military Lodges, at the very least they should "look the other way" and tacitly allow military Masons overseas to seek Light where they can find it. It is a great disservice to our Brethren who are in harm's way to deny them the opportunity to practice the Craft because of meaningless recognition issues. By breaking down these jurisdictional barriers, our military Brothers will be given a greater opportunity to advance in their Masonic journey, even when they are far from home. So mote it be!

Going to Afghanistan

2009-04-26T21:08:00.000-07:00

As some of you may remember, in June of 2008 I started a four month stint in Iraq. Well, of course that has come and gone, and now I have some new, exciting changes in my Army career. Foremost amongst these has been a change of station to Ft. Richardson in Anchorage Alaska. Having been previously stationed in California, Texas and Georgia this was quite a change. I really didn't have much of a chance to enjoy it, however, as we shipped off to Afghanistan about 45 days after my arrival. Currently, I am at Bagram Air Field, in transit to my final destination.
This deployment will be much different than my previous. My new unit is part of an Airborne infantry brigade, and is thus much more tactically oriented. What this means is that I will be "outside the wire" on a regular basis and much more "in harm's way". Also, this will be a 10 month deployment as opposed to my short time in Iraq.
While I am somewhat nervous about my new assignment, I am excited for the new opportunity, and looking forward to exercising my skills in a tactical environment.
On a Masonic note, I have met several military Brothers, and hope to meet more during my time over here. I know that there are several military Lodges in Afghanistan, and perhaps I will have the opportunity to meet with these Brethren. I also hope to further my Masonic education. My Masonic reading list for the 10 months includes Manly P. Hall's "The Secret Teachings of all Ages", WL Wilmshurst's "The Masonic Initiation" as well as a couple of texts on Hermeticism and my Builders of the Adytum lessons. Hopefully, without some of the distractions of normal life I will be able to profit from these works.
During this time my postings here may be sporadic, but I will attempt to step up my output a bit. I would appreciate any positive thoughts/prayers/whatever on behalf of myself and my family.

Reflections on the Kybalion

2009-03-22T10:48:00.000-07:00

In a previous post, I mentioned the fact that the North is considered a place of darkness in American Masonic ritual. Living in Alaska, this is something I will experience, when during the depths of winter there are only a few hours of sunlight each day. However, on the flip side of that is the fact that at the height of the summer there are practically 24 hours of light. This reminds me of the Kybalion and its principle of polarity which states:
"Everything is dual; everything has poles; everything has its pair of opposites; like and unlike are the same; opposites are identical in nature, but different in degree; extremes meet; all truths are but half-truths; all paradoxes may be reconciled."
When we feel that we are mired in darkness, either literal or figurative, this principle reminds us that darkness and light are but opposite sides of the same coin. With some mental effort, we can change the darkness into light, even that Masonic Light of which we are all in search. In fact, the Kybalion instructs us in another principle, that of Rhythm, which is useful in this regard, and states:
"Everything flows, out and in; everything has its tides; all things rise and fall; the pendulum-swing manifests in everything; the measure of the swing to the right is the measure of the swing to the left; rhythm compensates."
By recognizing the first principle and applying the second, we can change our periods of deepest darkness into those of the greatest light. All it takes is a mental effort to swing the pendulum back towards the light, and we can banish the darkness. Much like the North, we can transform the dark shadows of the seemingly never-ending night into an equal measure of warm effulgent sunlight to fill the recesses of our souls. . We need only learn to use our mental abilities, and we can take control of and utilize these principles to enrich our lives as well as bring us closer to our own Masonic enlightenment. So mote it be!

Masonic mediocrity

2009-03-02T21:45:00.000-08:00

This is going to be a bit of a rant, so if you don't want to indulge me, then I suggest you click the back button now....
Not too long ago, I decided that the time had come for me to take my York Rite degrees. Of course I would have preferred to take them old style, one at a time over several days, however I felt a bit pressed for time, and the one day option was all that was available to me. So, I reported to the local York Rite building bright and early on a Saturday morning. I was greeted with the standard fare of coffee and donuts, and after some socializing the time came to begin. First off was the Mark degree, for which I was chosen as the candidate. This seemed a fortuitous start, as I felt that I would only receive the full experience of the degrees if I was the candidate. A Past Grand Master served as my guide, and thus I expected to see top notch work. Unfortunately I was sorely disappointed. What ensued over the next several hours was the poorest display of ritual I have encountered in my ten years as a Mason. Not only did the Brethren not know their lines, they could not even read them properly from the book, and that was if they could even follow along. Floorwork was atrocious, and more often than not those serving as guides hardly knew where the candidates needed to be. Props were missing, as were Brethren to fill the various roles. Two of the degrees were not even exemplified, but rather shown on DVD. Yes, you heard me right, on DVD! And I may not have even objected to this had the production values on the DVDs been decent, however the ritual work thus portrayed was only a notch or two above what I was seeing live. I could go on, but I don't want to sound too bitter! At the end of the very long day, I felt cheated. I had given up an entire day off (which at the time was a very precious commodity) and a considerable sum of money only to receive very little Masonic light in return. As I drove home to a slightly put-out wife, I seriously questioned if i would ever return to this particular York Rite body.
Each branch of our Craft has valuable lessons to teach. However these lessons can be lost if we only make a half hearted effort in presenting the ritual. To-the-letter perfection is certainly not required, however we should always try to present the ritual in a manner consistent with the solemnity of the occasion. Often, brethren make sacrifices in terms of time and money to receive these degrees. What kind of message are we sending if we can't even be bothered to do a passable job of presenting them? Masonic mediocrity must be stamped out if our Craft is to prosper. By not taking the presentation of the various degrees seriously enough, we tell the candidates that we do not value these degrees, and thus they will not value them either.

The North

2009-03-02T21:26:00.000-08:00

As we all know, the North has been deemed a place of Masonic darkness, due to the fact that the sun could not dart its rays into that part of the Temple. Thus, there is no officer seated in the North. Of course, i've always wondered why there is even a station there. This was obviously meant to draw attention to something, although admittedly I do not know what that might be. Why, you might ask, did I bring this up? For an incredibly awkward Masonic segue, of course!
Uncle Sam in all his wisdom has decided that my stellar (cough, cough!) linguistic skills are needed in Alaska. Thus, I am now residing in the beautiful northern metropolis of Anchorage. It is quite a bit colder here than I am used to, but I am happy to at least be on the west coast, even if a wee bit further north than usual. Currently I am separated from my family, due to the fact that housing is tight here and there are not a whole lot of units available on post that are suitable for a family of seven. This is not a big deal though because within thirty days or so, I will be deploying to Afghanistan. I don't know the details yet, and in the meantime I hope to fire off a few relevant Masonic posts. As of late, my output has slackened considerably, but I hope to reverse this trend!

Book Review: the Way of the Craftsman by W. Kirk Macnulty

2008-12-28T21:55:00.000-08:00

There are a few books that should be in every Freemason's library. Among those are such classic works as WL Wilmshurst's the Meaning of Masonry and the Masonic Initiation, and Albert Pike's Morals and Dogma (for the American SR Mason). Rarely, however, does a contemporary work deserve a place amongst such venerated company. W. Kirk Macnulty's the Way of the Craftsman is one such book.
I first came across this tome about five years ago when attending the annual communication of the Grand Lodge of California. At the time, I was a bit short on cash, so I put it on my wish list. Over the past couple of years, I have been trying to obtain it, but it is hard to come by. In fact, if you try to purchase it on Amazon, it goes for well over fifty dollars. I was finally able to locate it directly though the publisher Central Regalia in London for about $17.50.
This book is well worth the effort of obtaining it. In fact, I would go so far as to say that this is probably the best contemporary work in terms of interpreting the symbols of our Craft. Macnulty applies a unique approach, interpreting Masonic symbols in terms of a God-centered psychology. In this model, everything from the structure of the Temple, to the officers of the Lodge has an important meaning. For example, the seven officers (in English ritual) represent "seven stages of psychological consciousness possible to the incarnate human being." From there, the author goes through the important symbols of each degree, illustrating how our rituals form the basis of a psychological process of self-discovery, which ultimately can lead to the possession of what psychologists refer to as one's "Self". The title refers to the fact that self-discovery is a lifetime labor. To obtain this knowledge, one must embark upon "the way of the Craftsman" and endeavor to apply the principles of the Craft on a daily basis. It is only through diligent labor that the "lost secrets" of a Master Mason can be found. To this end, the author includes a chapter outlining suggestions for embarking upon the Work.
I would recommend this book to any Master Mason desiring to have a deeper knowledge of the symbolism of our Craft, and thus by extension, himself. Relatively short but concise at only 150 pages, this book contains a wealth of valuable information that will give the contemplative Mason much upon which to meditate. By applying the approach advocated by Macnulty, one's Masonic journey can be greatly enriched, and even seemingly insignificant parts of the ritual can serve as guideposts towards greater Masonic enlightenment.

Universal Freemasonry

2008-10-11T15:00:00.000-07:00

Lately, I have been seriously considering making a radical change in my own Masonic journey, and thinking about the nature and universality of our Craft. In doing so, I have been considering just how long my cable-tow might be, and have reached some surprising conclusions.
For much of my Masonic career, I have accepted without question the proposition that certain segments of the human race, most notably women and atheists, could not be made Masons. This principle is so fundamental to "mainstream" Freemasonry, that it is even considered one of the Ancient Landmarks. But what is it about a woman or an atheist that precludes them from being a Mason? As I thought about this question, I came to the conclusion that there is no rational reason why this should be. In fact, the more I pondered the question, the more I became convinced that women and atheists can and should be allowed to become Masons.

One of the stated purposes of our Craft is to "cause true friendship to exist among those who might have otherwise remained at a perpetual distance". What better application of this lofty ideal than to bring together in Brotherhood believers and atheists, men and women, all on an equal footing? How good and how pleasant it is for Brethren to dwell together in unity, despite what might have otherwise been insurmountable differences!
Many will argue that an atheist can have no real morality because they do not believe in a Supreme Being, and thus cannot be trusted to keep an oath. This is simply absurd. While I agree that it may be more difficult to enforce a rigid morality upon oneself without the idea of some sort of eternal consequences, it is certainly not impossible. In fact, in my opinion, the atheist who subscribes to a moral code consistent with Masonic principles is to be commended, possibly even over one who has their moral code imposed by an external force, such as an organized religion. To maintain such a moral code is difficult in today's world, and the atheist who does must certainly exert a great deal more effort to do it than the typical religious adherent.
What about women? In ancient times, women were not allowed to be Masons due to societal constraints. There just weren't very many female stonemasons in the operative guilds. As the Fraternity evolved, the social climate of the times also prevented women from becoming speculative Masons. This was codified, and has continued to the present day. However, just because something has "always been done that way" does not make it correct. Society has evolved, and many of the barriers that have been placed in front of women have been overcome. There is no compelling reason why our Craft should not evolve as well, and recognize that women can be Masons. To deny half of the world's population the opportunity to benefit from the lessons of Freemasonry based on outdated societal constraints is, in my opinion, a violation of the very principles we hold dear.
I accept that this is a controversial view, far outside the "mainstream", and that many Brethren will vehemently disagree. I only ask that each Mason honestly examine his own heart and conscience for the answer to this issue. By accepting women and atheists as Masons, we can only enrich our own Masonic journey. Furthermore, in an increasingly materialistic and selfish world, Masonic values are needed now more than they have ever been. How can having more Masons propagating these values be a bad thing?
So mote it be!

As a postscript to the above, let me add that there are some orders of our Craft in which an atheist might not feel comfortable. Two obvious examples of this are some of the mainstream York Rite orders as well as the less common (at least in the United States) Rectified Scottish Rite. To remove religious references from these orders would destroy their unique character, and I do not advocate this. I suppose that even while allowing atheists into our Craft generally, there would be certain Rites into which they simply could not be admitted. I concede that this is somewhat of a "have your cake and eat it too" approach, but then again, I also do not advocate the wholesale integration of women and atheists into our Craft. I believe that Freemasonry can be a "big tent" with room for all types of Masonic obediences, whether they be single sex, integrated, liberal, conservative, or any mix thereof. There need be no friction between the different obediences if Masons would adopt a "live and let live" attitude. Recognition should be left up to individual Masons and Lodges and not usurped by any "Grand" body.

Book Review: Freemasonry: Ritual, Symbols, and History of the Secret Society

2008-08-23T12:00:00.000-07:00

One good thing about being in Iraq is the fact that I have had plenty of time to catch up on my reading. Anticipating this, I brought quite a few books, but as usual, I haven’t read as much as I had planned. Nevertheless, I have done a good bit of Masonic reading. One of the books I recently finished is Freemasonry: Rituals, Symbols and History of the Secret Society by Mark Stavish. I picked up this book quite awhile ago, and was intrigued from the get go. After reading the foreword, written by Lon Milo Duquette, which describes a secret gathering of esoterically inclined Masons, I knew that this wouldn’t be the typical rehash of our Craft’s history. Instead it reads like a textbook, guiding the reader from King Solomon’s Temple, right through to the present day, with sections dedicated to such diverse topics as sacred geometry, occult masonry, and the quest for the lost word. Each chapter includes a list of exercises designed to allow the reader to put into practice the concepts presented in the text. Brother Stavish also suggests further readings for those who wish to delve deeper and obtain further enlightenment. The writing is clear, easy to read, and moves at a fast enough pace to keep even the most easily distracted Brother enthralled. Throughout the book, Brother Stavish presents a unique perspective on our Craft, and ties together the many disparate threads that have influenced its development. He not only highlights the history, but through it elucidates the philosophy and symbols of Freemasonry. A Brother who works through this book will come away with a new understanding of our Fraternity. This book will not only benefit the newly raised Brother, but also the seasoned veteran, and everyone in between. I highly recommend this book to all Masons, particularly those who desire to gain a greater understanding of some of the more esoteric aspects of our Craft.

My Thoughts on the GOUSA

2008-07-07T17:00:00.000-07:00

Well, believe it or not, I am posting this from Iraq. Unexpectedly, the base on which I am stationed has excellent internet facilities, and I find myself with plenty of time to post. What an amazing world we live in!
Recently, a major event has happened in the American Masonic world, and surprisingly, I have seen very little written about it in the blogosphere or on the various fora I peruse regularly. According to their website , the Grand Orient of the United States of America has received a patent from the Grand Orient of France, thus establishing it as a legitimate Masonic body, with authority to work in North America. This patent gives the fledgling Grand Orient a direct line of descent from the original London Grand Lodge through the Grand Orient of France, with which it also has a treaty of amity. For the first time, there is now a liberal, European-style, male-only obedience in the United States.
While many Brethren may argue over the particulars of this patent, the fact is that the Grand Orient of the United States is now a legitimate, properly established Masonic body. Some may see this as a threat to the current system, but I view it as a positive development. In much of the country, Freemasonry has been in decline and has degenerated into nothing more than a social club for aging men. There are places where this is not true, and in recent years the Craft has seen an influx of younger men, however as a general rule it seems that American Freemasonry is in trouble. For a striking contrast, one need only look to our European Brethren, particularly in France. Freemasonry is flourishing there, and elsewhere, despite stricter entrance requirements, higher dues, and longer times between degrees. It is obvious that they are doing something right that we are not.
From my limited interactions with Grand Orient Brethren, it seems that they desire to follow this European model. I believe that there is a real demand for this style of Freemasonry here in the United States. Many American Masons feel that there is something missing in the Craft as it is practiced today here in the United States. Perhaps the new Grand Orient will help to restore this. Additionally, this style of Freemasonry will reach out to new segments of the populace, good men who may not have otherwise been drawn to our Fraternity. How can there being more men who practice the tenets of our Craft be a bad thing? f nothing else, perhaps the presence of this new obedience will cause the "mainstream" Grand Lodges to take a hard look at the way they are doing things, and possibly drive them to implement some of the reforms that are long overdue. All in all, our Craft can only benefit from this new American Masonic body. So mote it be!

Going to Iraq...

2008-05-29T15:45:00.000-07:00

It has again been quite some time since my last post. Suffice it to say that I have been very busy. The intervening time has been filled with a two week vacation to Paris (about which I hope to write later), a couple of birthdays, a couple of mini vacations, visiting family, and preparing for my deployment to Iraq. Our Craft has been been very prominent in my thoughts of late, I just haven't had much time to commit those thoughts to this blog. I have several unfinished posts on deck, and I hope to have time to polish them up and get them posted in the near future. I have also been doing quite a bit of Masonic reading, and would like to post some reviews and thoughts on it. These things however, may or may not be possible. As I mentioned above, come Saturday I am deploying to Iraq. I will be there for approximately the next four months, although it could be as long as six depending on the whims of the Army. I will be at a very large, relatively safe base that has a lot of infrastructure in place, so I hope to have fairly regular internet access, my work schedule, of course, permitting. With any luck, I will also meet some Brethren over there and at least be able to enjoy some good Masonic fellowship.
I consider myself very lucky. The circumstances under which I am going are nearly as good as they can possibly be. I have been in the Army five years, and this is my first time. Furthermore, I am going for only 4-6 months, and to a relatively safe spot. That being said, however, I still welcome any positive thoughts/prayers/whatever on behalf of myself and my family.

False impressions...

2008-03-04T23:59:00.000-08:00

Reading back through my previous posts, I have realized that they may give someone the wrong impression about me. Many of these posts are critical of various aspects of our Craft, and because of this, some may be led to believe that I have a negative attitude towards our Fraternity. To set the record straight, nothing could be farther from the truth. Freemasonry stands second only to my religion as a guiding force in my life. I am mostly satisfied with my Masonic experience, and could not imagine where my life would be without it.
Despite this, however, I feel that our Fraternity could and should be so much more than it has become. We have let our Fraternity decay from the inside for far too long. It is time for Masons in this country to take action, drastic if need be, to restore our Craft to the grandeur it once held. In progressive jurisdictions, this can be achieved within the framework of the existing system. Sadly, in others, this may not be possible. This, in my opinion, is where organizations like the Grand Orient of the USA, Vulcan Lodge, and the Rite of the Rose Cross of Gold come in. If the Grand Lodges have become so entrenched in their change-fearing mentalities that they are no longer sensitive to the wants and needs of the Brethren, then perhaps these alternative organizations can be the catalyst for the drastic change needed. In fact, I feel that these offshoots are a positive development. If nothing else they show that there are Brethren out there who value the Craft, and are willing to fight the stagnation and decline, even if it means leaving the comfort of the established system.
When Brethren such as myself stand idly by and do nothing to arrest the decline of our Craft, then the battle is already lost. For this reason, I write this blog. I love our Fraternity and only desire for it to return to its rightful place in our society. If, by drawing attention to the issues and fostering an open debate, I can help to bring Light to even one Brother, then I feel like I have done my small part.
So mote it be!

Mouth to Ear

2008-02-25T00:01:00.000-08:00

Ritual is the cornerstone of our Fraternity. It is part of what binds us together as Brethren around the world despite race, religion, creed or any other difference which might insurmountably divide us. Though it may be practiced in different ways in different places, it teaches the same underlying lessons. Along with these differences come different methods for transmitting the rituals. Some jurisdictions allow a cipher with the ritual encoded in a fashion such that anyone who has seen it enough times can easily decode what would appear as jibberish to the uninitiated eye. Others only allow the ritual to be passed from mouth to ear. Is one method better than the other? While both methods have their pros and cons,I believe that the former is superior.
In my opinion, Freemasonry is a transformative science. As such, its purpose is to bring about a change in each individual. What "change" can entail is subjective, and different for each Brother, but to effect this change, it is necessary for the individual to experience the ritual and its teachings repeatedly. Obviously, we can only experience the ritual first hand one time, and there are myriad factors that might prevent a Brother from seeing the degrees again. Thus, another way to "experience" the ritual becomes necessary. When we have access to the ritual in printed form, we have a powerful tool that can aid us in this, allowing us to keep fresh in our minds the lessons that are taught to us in each degree. Repeated meditative study of the ritual can lead to great insight into our Craft, and greatly aid in the transformative process. By keeping the printed ritual under lock and key, and only allowing its transmission from mouth to ear, Grand Lodges are usurping every Mason's prerogative to gain a deeper understanding of our Craft, and placing themselves as an obstacle between a Brother and personal transformation. Is this not reminiscent of the tyranny of the Church during the dark ages, keeping the Scriptures away from the masses?
While study of the ritual is certainly not the be all end all of the transformative process, it is certainly an important and useful tool that every Mason should be allowed to use. By denying the Brethren access to the ritual, Grand Lodges are aiding in denying the very purpose of our Craft. In closing, I leave this question, raised by Dion Fortune in The Mystical Qabalah, and very appropriate to the issue at hand: "Is there any good reason why initiates of the present day should put all this knowledge into a secret box and sit upon the lid?" I think not!
So mote it be!

Grand Lodge Reform

2008-01-18T22:55:00.000-08:00

I've been meaning to post for some time, but unfortunately life has kept me pretty busy lately. I barely have time to think, let alone post anything substantive. Once again, the lessons of the 24 inch gauge seem to be lost on me. It being the new year, I have of course resolved to post more. I have quite a bit I want to say about our Craft, from ideas for reform, to book reviews and more. Enough of the pleasantries, however, it's time for me to step on my soapbox....
Lately, there has been much talk of Grand Lodges and the role they play in our Fraternity, largely due to events centering around Halcyon Lodge, Euclid Lodge, and the Grand Orient of the USA. Without going into details which have been rehashed endlessly on various blogs and fora, these Brethren felt that they could no longer function within their respective Grand Lodge systems. The only solution that they found tenable, was to "go it alone", outside of the mainstream Grand Lodge system.
To simplify the arguments, there are basically two sides to the Grand Lodge issue. One group of Brethren believe that the status quo should be maintained, and that the only way to bring about reform is to "work within the system". The second group more or less support the actions of the rebellious Brethren, and argue that the Craft is undemocratic, and due to institutional inertia and the "we've always done it that way"mentality, is not susceptible to change from within. As in all things, the truth lies somewhere in the middle, but for all the vitriol and unmasonic conduct that this issue has caused, few constructive ideas have come out of the debate.
The fact of the matter is that our Craft is not strictly democratic in much the same way that our government is not. We elect representatives, who, at least ostensibly, represent our interests at the higher levels. In Freemasonry, as we know, this takes various forms. For example, in one of my jurisdictions, sitting Masters, Wardens, and the Past Masters of a Lodge (as a group) have a vote at Grand Lodge. In my other, it is only Masters and Past Masters who have a vote. If we lived in a perfect world, every Mason would feel adequately represented by this system, but as we know, this does not always occur. How can this problem be solved?
I feel that the solution is simple, if not elegant. Why don't we make our Craft truly democratic? There are many Brethren, such as myself, who are truly passionate about our Fraternity, but just do not have the time or means (at least for the time being) to advance through the officer line to gain a vote in Grand Lodge. Furthermore, they often do not feel that their ideas are represented at the Grand Lodge level. This problem could easily be eliminated if all Master Masons in good standing were given a vote in Grand Lodge. One of the most important tenets of our Craft is the equality of all men, and this should begin within the precincts of our Grand Lodge. If every worthy Brother was empowered with his own voice in the government of our Craft, perhaps many of the issues that trouble the Fraternity could be better addressed. Open discussion would be fostered, and those who feel disenfranchised would have their opportunity to "work within the system" and make a difference. Freemasonry as a whole could only benefit from a more open and participatory system of government.
When well meaning Brethren who are obviously passionate about the Craft begin to feel that they have to leave the system because of the actions of their Grand Lodge, then it becomes obvious that something is wrong with the way we are doing things. Instead of pointing fingers and labeling these Brethren as "clandestine" or "irregular", perhaps we should apply our Working Tools to our own Ashlars and find a way to smooth our own rough edges. By democratizing our Fraternity, and allowing all worthy Brethren a greater say in it's government, we can begin to address the problems, rather than the symptoms, that are plaguing our Craft, and move forward in unity towards a brighter future. So mote it be!

The horrible "E" word

2007-12-15T15:30:00.000-08:00

There is a word, which when brought up in many Lodges, can instantly provoke a deafening chorus of tut-tutting from the old-timers on the sidelines. This word has been known to provoke unrestrained debate and contention between the Brethren. The mere mention of this word will strike abject terror in the hearts of many rank-and-file Masons. What is this horrible epithet?
As I have mentioned before, there are those among the Brethren who believe that there is a deeper aspect to the Craft. To them, Freemasonry is a transformational art, rooted within the Western and other mystery traditions. They are not afraid to use the term "esoteric" when referring to our Fraternity. Why then is there such a fear of this word among the Brethren who disagree?
Due to the demographical composition of the United States, most Masons here subscribe to one form of the Christian faith or another. Despite the fact that sectarian religion is not to have any place in the functions of a Lodge, a certain Christian influence is often felt. Sometimes this takes the form of extemporaneous Lodge prayers being closed in the name of Jesus Christ. More often, it results in a fierce resistance to anything deemed non Christian, which is manifested by vocal opposition to the idea that there can be anything "deeper" hidden beneath the exoteric teachings of our Fraternity. Thus they condemn those Brethren who believe that Freemasonry is esoteric in its very nature, because they believe that somehow this is satanic or in conflict with their own beliefs. Nothing could be further from the truth, especially since these Brethren are free to develop an opinion of the meaning of Freemasonry, based on their own personal belief structure. In fact, one of the most basic tenets of esoteric teachings is that the student must seek them out for himself. No one can be forced onto the esoteric path.
Masonry is a beautiful allegorical system, syncretized from many ancient sources. Upon close examination of the various degrees and symbols one can easily find elements of many religions and mystery schools. No matter what an individual Mason might think about the origins or meaning of our Craft, there is no denying the presence of these elements. Whoever wrote our ritual purposefully included them in order to impart a greater Truth. It is up to each Mason to find that Truth for himself.
The beauty of our Craft is, as I have mentioned before, that this Truth is somewhat subjective, and can have different meanings to different Brethren. Freemasonry is many layered, much like an onion. If some wish to "peel the onion" and delve deeper into the mysteries of our Fraternity, then they deserve to be afforded that privilege. Others may be satisfied with the exoteric teachings of our ritual. As long as both sides apply mutual tolerance, and practice the lessons of the Trowel, peace and harmony can and will prevail in our Lodges. After all, isn't one of the principle tenets of Freemasonry to "cause true friendship to exist among those who might have otherwise remained at a perpetual distance"?
So mote it be!

Masonic Revolution

2007-11-18T21:59:00.000-08:00

It seems that we are in the midst of a Masonic revolution.
The first shots were fired a couple of years ago in Georgia and Alabama. Now it seems the revolution is picking up steam, with the recent events at Halcyon Lodge in Ohio and the appearance of Euclid Lodge in Michigan. Furthermore, a new statement has been posted on the website of Sirius Lodge offering support to these Lodges, and mentioning others that stand outside the "mainstream" of American Freemasonry.
Before "mainstream" Masons go off half-cocked, condemning these Brethren as "clandestine" or "irregular" perhaps we would do well to consider the underlying causes that are leading to these events. Rather than criticizing these Brethren for their actions, perhaps we should engage in some introspection. Every indication is that these Brethren have a deep love for our Craft. Why is it, then, that they have decided that it was necessary to step outside of the "mainstream" and "go it alone" in their quest for more Light in Masonry? Is there a problem with the current system? Have the "powers that be" become so interested in their own preservation that they quash all independent thought? Have we become so mired in the "we've always done it that way" mentality, that no new ideas are even tolerated? Have we strayed so far from our esoteric and philosophical roots that we have become another "Moose Lodge" type of organization? How can we arrest the decline of our great institution?
We need to ask ourselves all of these questions and more. Perhaps the Brethren of these Lodges have found some of the answers. If so, are we willing to listen?
Good luck Brethren!

Interesting dilemma

2007-10-24T21:15:00.000-07:00

It has been quite awhile since my last post. This has mostly been due to being very busy between my two jobs and having no time for anything other than sleep. Unfortunately, it seems I have not learned the lessons of the 24 inch gauge very well.

Currently, I am faced with something of a dilemma. There is a young man at one of my jobs who desires to petition the Craft for membership. As far as I can determine, he meets all of the qualifications to become a Mason. I have known him for the requisite amount of time, and under normal circumstances, I would be more than happy to present him with a petition. There is, however, one little problem. Simply put, I don't like this person. This has nothing to do with anything that might disqualify him from our Fraternity, and we are civil enough to each other, but there is something about his personality that just rubs me the wrong way. Perhaps I can overcome this in the future, but as of right now, I don't want to give him a petition. Am I wrong in this?
What I find most vexing, is that he seems sincere. Over the past year I have been "stringing him along" so to speak, to try and determine his sincerity. Recently, I lent him a copy of "Freemasonry for Dummies" and told him that I wanted him to read most of it before I would proceed any further. Imagine my surprise when two days later he informed me that he had read it cover to cover. I know this may all seem heavy handed, but I have a good reason. About 6 months ago, I recommended another young man from work, and after taking his First Degree, he dropped out. Understandably, I am a bit "gun shy" now.
So my question is, what should I do? Should I go ahead and recommend him, and hope to overcome my conflict with him after he becomes a Brother or am I right in denying him the opportunity to petition our Craft?

What is Freemasonry?

2007-09-20T21:47:00.000-07:00

How often when talking about the Craft do we hear these words? What is the proper response to them? I have often thought about what Freemasonry means to me, and this has lead me to reflect on this topic. Is there any one correct answer?
In many Lodges, it seems the Brethren are divided into two camps. I like to call the first the "old guard". Generally, these Brethren are, as the name implies, older. Often they have been members of our Fraternity for 25 years or more. To them, Freemasonry is like a more dignified extension of a college fraternity. They are perfectly content to come to the Lodge, drink some coffee, and enjoy the fellowship of their Brothers. Throw in a meal now and again, and maybe some charity work on the side, and they feel fulfilled in their Masonic experience. To them, Freemasonry is like a more illustrious Lion's club, or maybe even a family tradition. Good men and true, they embody many of the virtues taught by the ritual, and are often very active in the community.
On the other hand, we have what I like to call the "youngsters". To them, Masonry can be all of the above, but even more. It is a repository of ancient, arcane wisdom hidden somewhere behind the symbols and degrees. Perhaps they view it as a continuance of the western mystery schools, and are not afraid of the terms "occult" or "esoteric". As a general rule, they are very enthusiastic, and often cause trouble in Lodges because they want to try something new or push the Lodge in a new direction. They are very internet savvy, and don't always fit the stereotypical picture of what a Mason should be. Many of these men came into our Fraternity after much individual study and not necessarily due to a family tradition. These men value the Craft every bit as much as the "old guard" but definitely see it in a much different light.
So, the question then becomes, who is right here, and can the two sides coexist peacefully in the same Lodge? I believe that the answer to the question is that they are both right and can coexist. The beauty of our Craft is that it can have different meaning for different people. Our ritual is written so that it can be interpreted in many ways. Some Brethren may be satisfied with what they find on the surface, while others may wish to delve deeper. Both are equally valid attitudes. Freemasonry teaches nothing, if not tolerance, and its practice should start in the Lodgeroom.
So, if you find yourself shaking your head at those "youngsters" and all their crazy ideas, just take a step back and remember that these men are the future of the Fraternity and love it as much as you do. Perhaps you might even learn from them. Alternately, if you find yourself the object of some not so subtle tut-tutting by the "old guard", remember that they have been around awhile and may be a surprising source of Masonic knowledge. With a little bit of work and understanding the two sides can come together to form "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." So mote it be!

Dues, dues, dues

2007-09-01T14:50:00.000-07:00

The Masonic blogosphere is all abuzz of late over the topic of today's dues and their inadequacy to provide any sort of meaningful program for the members of the Lodge. Before you read my own thoughts, I would suggest checking out this post over at Masonic Minute and this post at Freemasons for Dummies.
These ideas dovetail nicely with what I have said here in earlier posts . In order to make Freemasonry more attractive to potential members as well as retain those we already have, we need to attach value to membership. If all that our Craft can provide is a couple of boring business meetings a month coupled with some mediocre at best dinners, then frankly, we deserve to die off. But, I for one happen to think that that there is, and can be, more.
I won't bore you with why dues should be raised-if you have read the above posts, then anything I say will just be repetitive. While I don't necessarily agree with some of the solutions presented, the reasoning behind why dues should be raised is rock solid. Dues in most Lodges are criminally low. Just to provide an example, one Lodge I belong to in Georgia charges a bargain basement $40 a year, and frankly, it provides about $40 worth of value. My home Lodge has a flexible dues plan, which states that the dues will be a certain amount on top of the annual per capita charged by Grand Lodge. This adds up to about $80 this year, and while this might seem like at least a nominal improvement, it must be remembered that my home Lodge is located in Southern California where the cost of living is much higher. As a result, the $80 I pay for that Lodge is about the equivalent of the $40 I pay in Georgia. What is this saying about the value of membership in our Fraternity? Break it down to a per-month level ($3.33 and $6.66 respectively), and you can see that it's less than what might be spent on a single trip to Starbucks! A Lodge certainly can't do anything meaningful with such a paltry sum.
I definitely advocate a sharp increase in dues. This will be painful for many, but I think the benefits will far outweigh the cost. Furthermore, if a Brother can't afford an increase due to a "fixed income" or other reasons, fine, then remit his dues, or work out some way for him to pay. I also advocate looking at an alternate structure for the paying of dues. Perhaps a Lodge wants to raise its dues to $500 a year. For some, this may be a difficult amount to cough up all at once. But, again, if you break it down to a per-month level, then it is a much more manageable $41.66. Why not allow financially challenged Brethren to pay their dues on a quarterly, or in extreme cases, monthly basis? Sure, this will create all kinds of extra work for the secretary, as dues cards would have to be updated more often for some, but all in all the Lodges would be more financially stable, and better able to provide the type of value that will attract, retain, and activate members.
Along with this, however, I also advocate the Lodge doing more for its members. All this extra money will do no good if it all goes into a bank account somewhere and figuratively collects dust. The Lodges must begin to provide value to their members. One good place to start might be an upgrade of facilities. Many of our Temples are run down and unattractive, both inside and out. Many of the accoutrements of a properly furnished Lodge which are mentioned in the degree work are conspicuously absent. How about bringing degree presentations into the 21st century using the numerous multimedia resources available to us? Most Lodges' idea of a "multimedia" system usually consists of a 1980's era slide projector. Additionally, we could make the Lodge a place where the Brethren might want to come to and spend time in outside of meetings. To this end, Lodges could upgrade their furniture and decor, install TVs and home theatre systems, pool and ping pong tables, and countless other amenities for their members. One Lodge that seems to be doing a good job of this is Halcyon Lodge #498 in Cleveland, Ohio. Really, the possibilities of what can be done are endless, anything from upgrading Lodge libraries, to bringing in guest speakers, to professionally catering meals.
If we keep doing things the same way we always have, then of course we will achieve the same results. Our dues structure is ridiculously outdated and needs to be brought current with the times. Inevitably, there will be some squawking and complaining, but with a little bit of "outside the box" thinking and a whole lot of Brotherly Love, we can make the changes necessary.

Appendant bodies

2007-08-28T23:00:00.000-07:00

There is an interesting discussion going on over at the Freemason Pride message board involving appendant bodies. A link was posted to a blog entitled the Supreme Council of the Rite of Clermont which claims to be the revival of a defunct appendant body of French origin. Obviously, this Rite, if it is even actually practiced stands very little, if any, chance of being recognized by mainstream American Masonry. But I think it raises a very important issue. The York and Scottish Rites have been "the only game in town" for a long time. While their teachings are important and can definitely enrich the Masonic experience, perhaps it is time to allow new players on the field. Up until now, there have been very few attempts at forming new appendant bodies. One notable exception is the recent Rite of the Rose Cross of Gold debacle. While I do not know if these Brethren intended to form a whole new appendant body that would compete with the existing Rites, it certainly was something new and exciting. Unfortunately, they were dealt with in a shameful and unmasonic manner by their Grand Lodge. For more complete details of this fiasco, I point you to this post over at the Burning Taper.
For the past 100 years or so, the whole of Freemasonry has existed in relative tranquility. But in the early history of our Craft, this was not so. Competing Grand Lodges and appendant bodies formed quite frequently. Some sputtered out and died, while others took hold and exist to this day as fully recognized and legitimate entities. Perhaps it is time for a revolution, or at the very least evolution. I do not advocate abandoning our ancient traditions, but maybe it is time to inject some new blood into our dying Fraternity. If enthusiastic Brethren desire to revive an old Rite, or perhaps create a new one, then as long as it conforms to the Ancient Landmarks, I say so mote it be! What harm would this do? At the very worst, these bodies will sputter out and die, as so many systems have in the past. Maybe, however, one will take hold, and become the next equivalent of the York or Scottish Rites, thereby contributing to the overall spread of more Light in Masonry. While this may not be the overall answer to the problems our Craft is facing today, I certainly believe that it can be part of the solution.

Three books

2007-06-08T10:52:00.000-07:00

Well, it seems that Bro. Tom Accuosti over at The Tao of Masonry has tagged me into the "Little Known Favorites" meme that is going around the Masonic blogging community right now. I am actually a bit surprised and pleased to be considered "cool" (for lack of a better word) enough to be included, as life often prevents me from posting as often as I would like. Between five kids, the Army, and a second job, I have precious little time to blog. That being said, however, this type of thing is right up my alley. Reading is one of my favorite activities, and I am developing quite an impressive library. Of course, sometimes it seems that I collect more books than I can read, and even though I have a big enough backlog to furnish me with a couple of years good reading, I still continue to accumulate more books. Without any further ado, here is my list:
Nicomachean Ethics by Aristotle- This may or may not be "lesser" known outside of the philosophical world, but before I took political philosophy classes, I had never heard of it. This was my first introduction into political philosophy, my "gateway drug" so to speak. Aristotle, in this work, defines "happiness" as life lived in accordance with virtue. As Masons, we are familiar with some of the virtues he discusses, such as temperance, prudence and justice. In fact it is quite possible that this book had an influence on whomever originally wrote our ritual, as many Masonic principles are found on its pages. Several times when reading this book I found myself saying "Hmmm, i've heard that before!"
Prayers for the Assassin by Robert Ferrigno-I found this one on the bargain rack at Barnes and Noble. It presents a dystopian vision of a near future United States where the Islamists have won, and most Americans have converted to Islam, either by choice or force. Not the strongest writing, but a fun read, and a chilling vision of where religious extremism (of any sort) could lead this country. Some of the premises are a bit far-fetched, but it's an enjoyable story and possibly prophetic warning.
My last choice is highly specialized to my own geekish tastes. I enjoy learning languages, and although I only speak two in addition to our own, I dabble in many more. Another Barnes and Noble bargain rack find, How to Learn Any Language by Barry Farber has been a great resource to me. Mr. Farber is a famous talk show host, and throughout the years, he has achieved at least nominal proficiency in more than 25 languages. What is even more amazing, is that he learned most of these languages on his own with no formal schooling. This book outlines his methods and suggestions and is filled with amusing anecdotes and useful advice. If you want to teach yourself a language, this book is an invaluable aid.

Recognition

2007-06-06T16:31:00.000-07:00

Masonic recognition is a sore subject. Despite this, the question of who is or is not a Mason is an issue of fundamental importance to our Craft, and one that needs to be readdressed with a new perspective. On its current path, "mainstream" American Freemasonry is facing a bleak future. Membership is, for the most part, declining due to deaths and a lack of interest. At the same time, as mentioned in a previous post, our Craft is thriving in Europe and other parts of the world. The problem with this is that many of the Masonic bodies that are experiencing growth are considered "clandestine" or "irregular" by mainstream American Masonry. Obviously, however, they are doing something right, something that we as American Masons are not doing. Could it be that American "regular" Freemasonry has devolved into the sort of Moose Lodge men's social club that we are always strenuously insisting that we are not? Have the bulk of American Masons lost sight of the true philosophical, esoteric nature of our Craft, while the so called "irregular" or "clandestine" Masons are practicing the true tenets of our noble institution?
When I first became interested in Freemasonry, I was in France. I began researching, and of course since I was in France, the bulk of the material I found was written from the French perspective. (This was in 1996, before the widespread availability of the internet, so all of my information came from books) When one is speaking of the French Masonic perspective, it is almost a given that this perspective is heavily influenced by Masonic bodies which are considered "irregular", as the majority of French Masons belong to "irregular" bodies. These writings portrayed a Masonry that was vibrant and alive, steeped in the philosophical and esoteric traditions, a Masonry that was so much more than just a social club. When I returned to the United States and finally joined a Lodge, I found a completely different version of our Craft, one that was a mere husk of what it could be. But I knew that the seed was still there, and could blossom, if only nurtured and allowed the opportunity to flourish.
In some cases, such as Halcyon Lodge #498 in Cleveland, Ohio as well as the myriad Traditional Observance Lodges that have sprung up around the country, this is occurring in regular, recognized Lodges and all is well with the "powers that be". But in others, such as the infamous Rite of the Rose Cross of Gold incident, enthusiastic, knowledgeable Masons, who only want to experience the full depth of our Craft are being are being oppressed, erased from the rolls, and declared "clandestine". All of this in the name of "regularity" and "good order". So what gives?
This, in my opinion, is where the concept of recognition comes into play. As the current order stands, "regularity" and recognition are determined by the Grand Lodges, often based on recommendations received from a shadowy body known as the Commission on Information for Recognition. Any time a Grand Lodge deviates from the standard party line, as did the Grand Lodge of Minnesota several years ago in recognizing the Grand Lodge of France (which incidentally is perfectly "regular"), there are threats of being outcast from the "regular" Masonic world. It seems that the issue of recognition creates a good portion of the tension and disputes within our Craft. I advocate a simple solution to this problem. Perhaps Grand Lodges should get out of the "recognition" business altogether. Leave it up to individual Masons and Lodges to decide for themselves what constitutes a "regular" Mason. After a man receives the three degrees, he has been given ample tools for determining for himself the "regularity" of another Mason. This decision should be left up to the individual Mason's conscience, not dictated by self interested Grand Lodge and/or Scottish Rite politicians. Every Mason is on a unique journey to the East, and should be allowed to find Light for himself, wherever that may be. If he finds that the length of his cabletow includes the Grand Orient of France or the RRCG, then so mote it be.
Now, I realize that this idea is controversial, and many will disagree. Furthermore, the implementation of this would be problematic, and there are all kinds of related issues, but this is something that needs to be discussed. Change is long overdue. There are enough problems in the Masonic world without petty partisan bickering over "recognition" and "regularity". Perhaps if we set aside our differences and concentrated on the things that bind us together as Masons, we could return our Craft to being the progressive and relevant institution that it once was, and certainly can become again.

2007-04-24T21:53:00.000-07:00

"...they will come." (Part 2: Education)

Education is one of the most important aspects of our Craft, yet often, it is overlooked. As Lodges loosen requirements in order to attract new members, education is often the first thing to go, as evidenced by the proliferation of "short form" proficiencies and "one day classes". Proficiencies, however, are not the only aspect of Masonic education. Many brethren don't know even the most rudimentary of information about our Fraternity or its symbols. If you don't believe this, try a little experiment. Pick any 10 Brothers at your Lodge, and ask them basic questions like "Why are Craft Lodges also know as "Blue Lodges?" or "What is the symbolism behind the square and compass?" You might be surprised at the responses you get. If our experienced Brethren don't even know about our Craft, what then must it be like for our candidates? How can we expect them to become passionate about Freemasonry if neither we,
nor they have any idea what it is actually about? If we don't show how much we value the lessons we have been taught, our candidates and younger brethren will never value them either. In order to remedy this problem, we must focus more on educating both new candidates and those who are already Masons. Education must be an important part of the Masonic experience, from before the First Degree until we put down our Trowels and return home to the GAOTU.
How can we accomplish this? To begin with, we should provide our candidates with education before they even set foot in a Lodge. When I sought out the Craft, I had already read several books and articles, and felt that I was prepared for the experience. Many future Masons
are not. Several controversial Masonic organizations, as well as the more respected Traditional Observance Lodges, have preparatory reading requirements for their candidates. All Lodges should adopt this practice. A small amount of education prior to the first degree will only enhance the initiatory experience. This could also produce a higher quality of candidate,
and thus lead to greater retention and activity. Lodges should also adopt an intensive education program to go along with the degrees. While many states have adopted Masonic Education programs to go along with proficiencies, these are not enough. In an excellent article, Michael L. Segall of the Grand Lodge of France, mentions the fact that candidates in his jurisdiction are required to research and present papers on subjects of Masonic significance in order to advance. Even though this may seem like a daunting task for someone new to the Lodge, Bro. Segall reports that candidates are motivated, rather than repelled, by the challenge. A similar program would, in my opinion, do wonders for American Freemasonry, and we would end up with Masons more firmly rooted in the tenets of our Fraternity.
Furthermore, education should not stop after the degrees. Open, philosophic discussion of our Craft and its symbols should be a regular part of our meetings. There are numerous ways that this can be achieved. Here are just a few examples:
-Book clubs: Brothers select a book relating to Freemasonry, read it, and then come together to discuss what they learned.
-Papers: Much like the candidates, Brothers could research a topic and give a presentation in Lodge.
-Lectures: Interesting speakers could be invited to address the Lodge on topics relating to their area of expertise. Discussion can then follow.
The possibilities and potential are endless, and can be tailored to fit the unique character of each Lodge. As we better educate ourselves and fellow brethren, we show how much we value the Craft, and consequently build a stronger Fraternity for ourselves and future candidates.
Education should be given the highest priority in our Lodges. After all, the rituals are designed to teach, and if we fail to learn, then we are no better off than when we first knocked upon the Lodge door.

2007-03-30T13:26:00.000-07:00

"...they will come." (Part 1: Ritual)
In my previous post I lamented the decline of "mainstream" American Freemasonry, and linked this to the devaluing of membership in our Fraternity. I would be nothing more than a whiner if I did not offer my ideas as to what can be done to solve this problem. Simply put, we need to emulate our European and Prince Hall brethren, and bring value back to membership. We need to stop watering our Craft down and transforming it into another version of the Lion's or Rotary clubs. In order to stop this, there are four main areas which, in my opinion, need the most focus : ritual, education, membership, and activities. This posting will concentrate on ritual.
Ritual is the backbone of our Craft, and it is what ties us together as Masons. How often, though, is the true beauty of our ceremonies lost upon the candidate and brethren due to poor or sloppy delivery? How much of the lesson is missed due to "short form" lectures? What becomes of us as Masons when we change our rituals to conform to the whims of political correctness? We can't expect our candidates to take the ritual seriously, if it is apparent that those delivering it do not as well. I realize that not everyone is a master showman who can make the words of the ritual come to life for the listener, however, being entered, passed, and raised in a Masonic Lodge is a momentous and solemn occasion, and the delivery of the ritual should reflect this. Perhaps Blue Lodges should emulate the Scottish Rite, and allow interested brethren, who are not officers, to participate in the ritual. Many times there are officers who are excellent Lodge administrators but poor ritual performers, and this could help alleviate such a problem. Let the brethren who truly desire to perform the ritual do it. They will do a much better job and the candidate will have a much better experience.
A second aspect of the ritual problem, that goes hand in hand with the first, is the "short form" lecture. Having served as a Junior Warden myself, I realize that the lectures are difficult to memorize. But, are we doing the candidates any favors by omitting portions of the lecture, and referring them to the monitor for the explanations? Reading something in a book, will not in my opinion, have the same impact as hearing it delivered as part of a degree ceremony. If a single brother cannot handle the whole lecture (which I admit is a possibility, although I have seen several superb lecturers who can), why not divide the lecture into parts, with two or more brethren delivering the lecture together? This could serve the dual purposes of dividing the task up into more manageable chunks and breaking up the monotony of hearing one person for the whole lecture.
Additionally, we should not change our ritual because someone might be "offended". What we do inside our Lodges is our business, and what the outside world thinks is of no consequence. Our ceremonies are ancient and solemn, and every part of them, including the penalties, is designed to inculcate serious moral lessons. The kind of person who might be "offended" by parts of our ritual is not the kind of person who should be welcomed into our Fraternity anyway. This is not the Lion's club, and we have an ancient and honorable tradition to uphold. By denying this, we are denying the very essence of our Craft.
As a final note on ritual, it wouldn't hurt to "spruce" things up a bit. For example, in European Lodges, they use tracing boards to illustrate the various symbols in the degrees. In my eight years of being a Mason, I have never seen anything similar, except maybe the staircase in the second degree. How many Lodges actually have a mosaic pavement or a starry ceiling? Many important symbols are not present in our Lodges, thus detracting from the atmosphere of the ritual. It might not always be possible to replicate all of these things, but we should at least make an effort to incorporate as many of them as we can. Just because we are an ancient Fraternity, does not mean that we shouldn't take advantage of modern technology such as computers and projectors to enhance the ritual experience. Properly done, these can serve to impress upon the candidate the solemnity of the ceremony.
Ritual is the foundation upon which we build our Craft. Poor performance, shortening, or watering down the ritual only detracts from its value, and by extension, the value of membership in Freemasonry. Taking our ritual more seriously is a key step in reversing the decline of American Freemasonry.

2007-03-26T12:34:00.000-07:00

"If you build it..."
The other day I was perusing a well-known local flea market, when my wife pointed out an interesting piece of artwork, which depicted a Masonic theme. Part of this painting included a set of hands, and I asked my wife "Did you notice what color those hands were?" They were, of course, black, and I observed that I had seen several pieces of Masonic artwork that day of a similar racial composition. A discussion ensued on the state of American Freemasonry, of which my wife concluded "Prince Hall is going to save Masonry." Now, those of you who have read my previous posts know how I feel about our Prince Hall brethren. I, however, did not agree entirely with my wife on this point.
It seems to me, that just about everyone seems to be getting "it" right except American "mainstream" Grand Lodges. For example, in Europe, our Craft is thriving. I read here that in France, for example, despite a much more difficult process, Lodges have waiting lists for new candidates. They are not having to resort to "one day classes" in order to bolster their numbers. The men are flocking to them, and not just your average joe, but quality men.. As I have mentioned before, I notice a similar enthusiasm for our Craft among Brothers of the Prince Hall persuasion. This is, of course, all anecdotal, as I have never actually attended a Prince Hall Lodge, but it seems that Freemasonry is thriving and growing in this sector of the Masonic community.
The question then becomes, what are "they" doing that we are not? In my opinion, the answer is simple. They are making membership in our Fraternity worthwhile, and placing value on it. In America, we have a tendency to want to make things easier. To this end, we have eliminated long form proficiencies, shortened degrees, and relaxed entry requirements. As a result, we make becoming a Mason too easy, and when something is too easy, it is not valued or taken seriously. This is the root of the problem that American Masonry is facing.
I am reminded of a line from the movie "Field of Dreams"- "If you build it, they will come." We, as American Masons, need to take a page from our European and Prince Hall brethren and "build it." We need to make membership in our Craft worthwhile. Only then will we be able to reverse the decline that we are seeing, and bring a fresh vibrancy to our Fraternity which is desperately needed.

(I will outline some of my suggestions for improving American Freemasonry in a future post)

2007-02-27T06:34:00.000-08:00

Racism and recognition

In my previous post (yes, I know, I am infrequent, but I promise to try harder!) I wrote about the vibrancy I have seen amongst our Brethren of the Prince Hall affiliation. At the time, the thought never crossed my mind that they would be considered irregular. After all, in my home jurisdiction of California, we have recognized Prince Hall Masons for a few years. I forgot that I now find myself south of the Mason-Dixon line, where wounds that are over 140 years old have not healed. Unfortunately, the Brethren here seem to be behind the times, and refuse to extend recognition to the mainstream Prince Hall Grand Lodge here.
Far be it from me, as an outsider, to tell southern Grand Lodges how to run their business, but this is a travesty, and a clear violation of Masonic principles. In fact, no matter what excuses they make for it, the only clear reason for this is racism. Prince Hall Masons adhere to the Ancient Landmarks and are every bit as Masonic, if not more so, than we are. Plain and simple, they deserve to be fully recognized and welcomed with open arms into the "mainstream" Masonic community. This is not to say that they should integrate or merge with their "mainstream" counterparts. Prince Hall Masons have a proud heritage and traditions, and have every right to exist as a separate entity, but it must be a fully recognized entity.
Southern Grand Lodges try to hide behind the doctrine of exclusive territorial jurisdiction. This argument is completely bunk, and a ridiculous American invention. American Grand Lodges should abandon this fallacy and take this issue one step further. Every Grand Lodge that recognizes their Prince Hall counterpart should extend full recognition to every other regular Prince Hall Grand Lodge, regardless of whether or not the mainstream Grand Lodge in that state recognizes them. This way pressure can be brought to bear upon racist unmasonic practices.
Freemasonry was once a progressive organization that attracted some of the finest minds of the times. Now sadly, it seems that we have fallen behind. It is time for our noble Craft to resume its position at the vanguard of society. It is only by banishing the ugly spectre of racism that can we begin to do this.
So mote it be.

2007-01-10T16:04:00.000-08:00

Prince Hall Masons

Recently I had the opportunity to associate with some Prince Hall Masons for an extended period of time. This experience served to confirm a thought I had been mulling over for quite awhile. The average Prince Hall Mason tends to take the Craft a lot more seriously than the average "mainstream" Mason. (I put mainstream in quotes because I believe that PH Masonry is just as regular as those lodges that are considered "mainstream".) These bretheren exuded a Masonic vitality that I have rarely seen outside Prince Hall Masons. The precepts of the Craft truly informed their actions. It was obvious that Freemasonry was much more than a social club to them.
Now, to be honest, I have never attended a Prince Hall lodge meeting. My conclusions are based on what I have seen outside the Lodge. If I can tell this from what I see outside the Lodge, I can only imagine what their Lodge meetings and functions must be like. How often have you attended Lodge meeting where half of the sideliners were asleep or totally disinterested? Or if they were interested, it was mostly to criticise the delivery of the ritual? How many members of your Lodge are under 60 years of age?
It pains me to say it, but "mainstream" Freemasonry is dwindling away with a lack of enthusiasm. In my opinion, if we want to be there to carry the Craft into the future, we need to take a few lessons from Prince Hall Masons on how to live the tenets of our Craft and not just pay them lip service

2006-12-26T17:41:00.000-08:00

Welcome
Welcome to my Masonic blog. This is a place where I will post my thoughts on various topics relating to the Craft, as well as book reviews and links to interesting Masonic websites. Sometimes I tend to be a bit lazy, so the posts may be sporadic, but I will do my best to make this an interesting and enlightening blog.