Good Enough?

Freemasonry has survived for centuries through thick and thin, the Dark Ages, the Anti-Masonic movement, World Wars, and now are challenged by many hi-tech distractions. However, we seem to keep moving forward, slowly but forward and Freemasonry continues to grow. It seems that the younger members are turning to the fraternity for social ties, history, tradition, personal growth, and to learn many of the esoteric topics that the fraternity has to offer.

Esoteric or esoterism are terms that are almost as mysterious as it's teachings. According to Merriam Webster, the term esoteric is defined as follows;

a: designed for or understood by the specially initiated alone

b: requiring or exhibiting knowledge that is restricted to a small group

Now, let us go a step further....what is meant by initiate. Webster defines the term initiate as to cause or facilitate the beginning of: set going; to induct into membership by or as if by special rites. Initiated or properly admitted(as to membership or an office): instructed in some secret knowledge.

Freemasonry has a certain level of mystique and intrigue. When the "initiate" joins the fraternity they are expecting something with an almost mystical or mythical feeling This is very often diminished drastically when the initiate has his first exchange with the Junior Warden, who has a slight clue but really doesn't know how the exchange is supposed to go. The initiate immediately feels let down, and if it doesn't go as it should with the Senior Warden, all hopes of a mystical and or mythical experience escape with the forgotten or misplaced words....the initiate wonders just how seriously do these guys take their task at hand.

In my opinion there is one thing that separates us from the rest of the fraternities, and that is our ritual, rites, and ceremonies. These are designed for specific purposes and are meant to convey to the new candidates or initiates the rich teachings, traditions, history, and heritage of the craft.

My travelling includes going to regular communications usually with my counterpart, WB Dan who is a District Deputy Instructor. He gets very frustrated with correcting the same errors over and over again. WB Carl, a former District Deputy Instructor has commented that we've been making the same mistakes for 40+ years.....and it's probably longer than that.

The thing I've noticed lately is that a word or phrase makes it's way into the work....and the next thing you know.....everybody is using the wrong word or inserting a phrase that doesn't belong...and it's darn difficult to get the brothers back on track.

Some will say it's just one word or it's only 3 more words, what difference does it make. Well it makes a big difference, because it will spread and catch on much quicker and much more universally than the correct words.

The strange thing is that often when a part is read, it's read with the wrong word(s)! How is that possible? We don't realize it, but subconsciously the wrong word(s) become engrained on our minds, that even while reading it we substitute the wrong word(s)....truly amazing!

There are certain words, usually small words that are commonly substituted, this is usually a good indication that the brother truly doesn't know his part of the work as he should. He roughly knows it and can slough his way through it, but at the end of the day he has not truly studied and read correctly, his part of the work.

As we stand on the threshold of a new era in Freemasonry in the State of Michigan, we have some decisions to make. As it relates to our ritual work, do we want to say the right words, use the correct phrasing, confer the degrees as has been done for countless years...or....are we at a place where close enough is good enough?

Heroes

 Today we bid farewell to a true Masonic Hero, WB Jimmy Williams , actually Lloyd James Williams . 

Many brothers were in attendance and the fun part was trying to remember names. How good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity. 

United we were, to pay our respects to a real Masonic Hero. One can’t help but wonder how many are left and to quote my favorite country singer “Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes?”

Depending on how long a brother has been in the Craft will determine who their heroes have been, and more importantly who will move into those vacant roles. 

We have lost some real heroes. Owing to my advanced age, I have many that come to mind, but they change and evolve through the years. We need to focus on the present and lift some brothers up who are destined to take up that role. 

It’s very interesting that the Masonic Heroes do in fact emerge. There’s a stable of great Masons that are right now heroes to some brothers. The word in the stable right now is, when are these young guys going to step up, especially in the work of the craft, degree work, installation of officers, and memorials. 

That thought I had privately with myself about 15+ years ago. In my mind I knew I had to step things up. Contrary to popular belief I’ve tried to seriously study and as we say in Linden “Get on the carpet.”

It’s up to the stable to lead but also encourage brothers, challenge them, this will smart a little…..but correct them, mentor them, include them, and praise their accomplishments. 

There were many lessons taught today at WB Jimmy’s memorial. Heroes pass on. In the end we have memories of their character and their life. The uniting and reuniting of brotherhood, you can’t get that feeling from scrolling on your phone. 

Frail brothers overcome their challenges and rally for one of their heroes. A memorial is truly the last offices we pay to the dead. 

We learned that we need to do a better job of explaining to the new brothers the importance of attending memorials. Granted, time does play a factor but the normal attendance is low from the newer brothers regardless of time. The stable needs to lead and mentor. 

Personally I learned the most from the 12th chapter of Ecclesiastes. The literal meaning of the prose shined through dramatically. Perhaps Jimmy had a hand in that. 

Just as the brothers would show up for WB Jimmy to do the Second Section of the Master Mason degree they showed up for their hero one last time. Fare thee well WB Jimmy….fare thee well. 

Thanks for the Memories

 Fellowship Lodge #490 had so many traditions that it takes a while to bring them all back to memory. My apologies for seeming to be one themed as of late, but I feel it bears sharing so other lodges may profit from some ideas and to imagine what it was like in the "glory days"

Every year at the Annual Stated Meeting, which is a fancy way of saying the December Regular, a special meal was served after the meeting.........OYSTER STEW.....not for me but the brothers enjoyed it immensely.

One year I had the pleasure of watching Larry Batiste make the concoction. Two gallons of drained raw oysters, about a gallon and a half of whole milk, couple of pounds of butter, salt, and pepper. Get it warmed through a slight simmer with the butter melted....done. I also enjoyed watching the older brothers slurp a couple of bowls down....and they would all joke they were going home to chase the wife around the house.

Come Installation of Officers time there were a couple of more traditions. Boutonnieres for the officers and corsages for their wives or significant other. Two robust poinsettias were perched in front of the lectern in the East, one for the outgoing Master's wife and one for the incoming Master's wife.

At the November Regular the officers would wear their tails to be photographed for the Installation in December. I was in the West in November preparing for my time in the East. November was also our annual Memorial Service for the brothers who had passed that year. This particular year WB Bob Shaw was going out as Master and I was in the West.

When I arrived WB Bob informed me that we had a task to do that evening after the Memorial Service, we were to scatter the ashes of a deceased brother who had requested that his ashes be scattered at the Flint Masonic Temple. Worshipful Master Bob Shaw and myself climbed out on to the fire escape on the Blue Floor which was directly behind the Masters Chair and hallway. WB Bob opened the door and we went out on the fire escape in the brisk snowy wind of November. After a moment of silence Bob opened the bag and began to empty the brothers ashes....just then a real strong November snowy gust came rifling down the alleyway and I do believe we had more of the brother on our black tuxedos with tails than got scattered. I will never forget this experience.

A long and I do mean very long standing tradition for many years was Brother Marshall Burns, who served Fellowship Lodge for well over 40 years as Tyler. Brother Burns began working in Buick in 1927, which was 10 years before the union. He dug the basement of their home with a team of horses. Marshall was an amazing man, a kind gentle man, and had an unwavering loyalty to Fellowship Lodge. Among other things Marshall was a Bee-Keeper and made the best honey from his bees.

I remember fondly that WB Lynn Ross was installing the officers and when it came to the Tyler being installed, WB Lynn said "Brother Marshall Burns you are now going to be installed as Tyler of this lodge for the 43rd consecutive year, consider yourself installed my brother."

One last thing is that Brother Marshall would show up at every Memorial Service in his black suit, narrow black tie, trench coat and dress hat carrying the "funeral case" which contained the white aprons, gloves, and registry book for memorials. He was always at least 30 minutes early and performed this task amazingly well, such an air about him. Not bad for an old country boy who was a gentleman's gentleman.

Thanks for the memories.

Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder

 Writing my last blog entry opened the floodgates of memories. I took some good natured brotherly teasing about the length of the last entry but that's okay, Fellowship Lodge generates many fond memories and some not so fond, but I digress.

Something that occurred at every regular stated meeting was introductions. Introductions in Fellowship Lodge were different than most and again another tradition. After opening the lodge, the Master would go around the room and introduce every Past Master of Fellowship Lodge usually beginning with the Secretary. It would go something like this, "Good evening WB George Savage it's a pleasure having you in lodge this evening." The respondent would typically say how good it is to be in lodge and what they are looking forward to etc. This was just a nice touch and paid respect to the Past Masters of the lodge.

My association with 490 goes back to my DeMolay days. I remember like it was yesterday, we DeMolay boys were selling hot dogs and pop at the old IMA during the circus. My dad and WB Danny Helmer were chatting while we were working, WB Danny asked my dad why he didn't come to the DeMolay meetings. My dad replied that he couldn't attend, Danny said well you're a Master Mason aren't you and my dad said no that he wasn't. WB Danny then asked an obvious question, " How did David get into DeMolay?"

Dad explained that I had been sponsored by a teacher. Danny investigated further and my dad said that he had wanted to join but did not know how, BINGO ....the magic answer and WB Danny took care of that. My dad thoroughly enjoyed the craft and travelling with WB Howard Durbin and WB Jimmy Carter. My greatest accomplishment in my Masonic career was helping lead my dad to the fraternity. Of course dad joined Fellowship 490 and the rest is history as they say.

WB Mel Malone was a great influence to many brothers. I first met WB Mel as a DeMolay dad advisor. Fellowship Lodge was a huge supporter of DeMolay and most of the advisors came from 490. WB Danny Helmer, Russ Helmer, WB Chris Corrigan, WB Mel Malone, WB Roy Warren, WB LT Wiliston to name a few.

WB Mel also did the makeup for the Master Mason Degree, yes makeup. The fellowcrafts all received a trip through Mel's barber chair for makeup and beards along with the ruffians, the kings, and others. The third degree was quite the production.

Another tradition that 490 had was it's unique way of presenting the charge to the brethren. WB Mel would dress as father time complete with a scythe, beard, wig and makeup. I remember vividly WB Mel doing the charge during my degree, it took a while for me to realize who it was. After a couple of paragraphs I was able to pick up Mel's slight accent.

What made WB Mel's delivery unique was that he would come from the East and present the charge on the East side of the altar with the newly made Master Mason on the West side of the altar with the cast of the allegory assembled around the new Master Mason. Through a succession of Grand Lecturers this was deemed illegal and 490 was forbidden from doing it in this fashion again.....thus ending a long standing tradition.

This seems like an appropriate time to call this entry complete. Undoubtedly more will follow as I contemplate the wonders of Fellowship Lodge #490

Parting is Such Sweet Sorrow

 It has often been said that all good things come to an end. Regrettably it seems that Fellowship Lodge will be consolidating in with Swartz Creek Lodge.

Fellowship Lodge #490 was established many years ago, and I am embarrassed that I don't recall the exact year. It was one of the five lodges that once occupied the Flint Masonic Temple. My first recollection of Fellowship Lodge was in 1974 when I joined the Order of DeMolay.

At that time and 20-30 years prior, Fellowship Lodge #490 was the premier lodge in Genesee County. It was a well known fact that during the 50's and probably into the 60's that Fellowship Lodge would be running simultaneous degrees on the Blue Floor and the York Floor. This of course was a direct violation of Michigan Masonic Law, but necessary to handle the huge influx of members during the "hay-day" of Masonry.

In 1983 it was my pleasure to join Fellowship Lodge #490 or as many referred to it as simply 490. It was the intention of the lodge to take me to their sister lodge in Anderson, Indiana for my Master Mason degree. I took my Entered Apprentice degree and gave my examination, full form, in open lodge. The vote was in the affirmative and I was scheduled to take my Fellowcraft Degree shortly there after.

The Monday came for me to receive my Fellowcraft Degree and I was scheduled to travel to Anderson, Indiana to receive my Master Mason degree in Fellowship Lodge there in Anderson. So 5 days after taking my Fellowcraft Degree we boarded WB Bob Shaw's motorhome and started toward Anderson.

That was quite the ride. WB Howard Durbin grilling me on the examination while WB Bob Shaw was driving of course, also riding along was my dad, WB Dale Thomas and his dad, and possibly WB Pete Crane. About half way there, WB Howard determined I knew it and said just briefly go over it, you know it.

Lodge was opened by WB Richard Short(a topic for a whole other blog entry) and WB Roger Wills was Senior Deacon and would give me the examination.....the funny thing is that WB Roger got stuck and I gave him a word and he carried on. Later in the evening one of the mature brothers from Indiana got me off to the side and asked me if I had prompted the Senior Deacon.....he commented that he had never seen that before.

My brothers from 490 put on one hell of a second section in full form, costumes, props, the whole nine. It was fantastic.

Fellowship #490 was known throughout the state and probably other areas as having a first-class Master Mason degree team. They had travelled extensively in the earlier years. This was just one of many fine traditions that 490 had that most other lodges did not.

One of the traditions were that the main officers wore tuxedos with tails for degree work, it was expected and demanded of the officers. Soon I found myself as a Steward and we wore black robes much like a judge wears, another tradition.

The Entered Apprentice degree had props for all of the different parts of the second section of the Entered Apprentice degree. Those stations were set up for each EA degree and the brothers manning those stations wore white robes and white doughboy hats, yet another tradition. It was rumored that back in the day they also had props for the FC degree but I never saw those used.

The Master Mason degree had numerous props, rather large blocks with an arch and keystone for the east and costumes for all, both kings, three overseers, the fellowcrafts in costume heed to toe along with makeup and beards, a full complement of guards in full costume, a captain of the guards, a night watchman, a sea faring man and a sea captain, and even disguises for the three fellowcrafts travelling down to Joppa.

Many times we would be doing the first section of the MM degree and we would take a break and open the doors to the inner lobby and there would be dozens of brothers mingling in full costume ready to go for the second section. Often back in the robing area Brother Howard Diem's hairpiece would be on a Styrofoam head while he did his duty as third base, a masterful job, and I can't ever recall seeing Howard in lodge other than third base.

One advantage that we had was having Batiste's restaurant in the basement. I had many very fine meals at lodge and during the day at lunch in the basement restaurant. Another tradition of Fellowship lodge was quarterly family nights. Once a quarter Fellowship lodge hosted a family night in the auditorium with the main meal, usually Swiss-steak, prepared by Batiste....the Swiss-steak was lovingly referred to as "lodge meat" by WB Chris Corrigan's sons WB Tim and George. Postcards were sent out ahead of time and last name first letters A-L brought salad with M-Z bringing desert to pass among the tables. Usually there were about 100 in attendance. While I was in DeMolay we would bus tables, pour coffee, and distribute little cartons of milk. What a glorious tradition.

In the main dining room in the basement every year the lodge would host Past Masters, Widows, and Awards night. This was held in honor of all Past Masters and Widows, also anniversary awards were given out 25, Lifetime, 50 years etc., and also the Mason of the Year award....which incidentally was in place well before Grand Lodge Mason of the Year, in fact it is said that the Grand Lodge borrowed the idea from 490. Again, more traditions.

Something else that existed was the 490 Past Masters Club, some brothers knew nothing of the existence of such a club including myself, that is until I completed my time in the East, and I believe it was about one year after that I was invited into the club. It was usually held at a Past Masters home and grilled steaks were served and it also included a little ritualistic ceremony as well all in good jest, I don't recall attending another one after that.

Along with being a Past Master one received a beautiful, elegant Past Masters Apron which was and still is the envy of most Past Masters from other lodges. My first time in the East in 1990 also gave me $1 per dues paying member to go toward purchasing my Past Masters ring, which incidentally most 490 Past Masters all had the same style ring. I received a check for $444 which meant at that time we had 444 dues paying members. I'm not sure how long this tradition continued, I do know that the same style apron is still presented to the outgoing Master.

The only thing that remains the same is change. I'm sure that there were traditions that had ceased to exist when I joined Fellowship Lodge, but I did have the honor of participating in many of them and being the proud recipient of many of the traditions.

It is a sad time for me to see Fellowship Lodge cease to exist as I was knew it, but in a significant way it will continue to live on with the good brothers of Swartz Creek Lodge. The traditions and memories of the past are safely lodged in the repository of my faithful breast.

What a Week

 This has been quite the interesting week in Masonry. We actually started off last Saturday by visiting Roseville Lodge for an all-degree day. That Masonic Temple is just a very fine specimen of what lodge rooms should aspire to be. We were able to stay for the Entered Apprentice and Fellowcraft degrees which were very well done and interesting in their interpretation.

Monday we had a King Solomon's Club Round-Robin at Linden Lodge and conferred the Master Mason degree on a very worthy brother from Swartz Creek Lodge. There were about 40 brothers in attendance for a great portrayal of the Master Mason Degree.

Tuesday at Fellowship Lodge the Master Mason was conferred on one of their very worthy brothers. The attendance was near 50. This was fantastic coming on the heels of Monday night. WB Austin Conquest of Fellowship Lodge put on a Master class on how a Worshipful Master should conduct the Master Mason degree.

Wednesday at Metamora Hadley was a Fellowcraft degree with 20 brothers in attendance. An excellent degree with the Worshipful Master doing his first degree along with the Senior Warden, another great evening in Masonry.

Thursday closed out the week with a Fellowcraft degree at Vassar Lodge. There were probably 30 in attendance for a fantastic degree on a very attentive candidate, and again the work was done very well.

To the nay-sayers and the skeptics it's hard to say that we are on the decline when just in our little slice of the world we had such a plethora of activity.

The glass is above half-full my brothers. Hopefully we continue on this trend, I am convinced that we will because success breeds success.

Masonry Unites Men

 As I've mentioned it's not a lack of experiences to share. This will shock a few but I have to share our experience last evening at Fellowship Lodge #236 last evening. We gathered for a Master Mason degree at Fellowship Lodge which meets at the Swartz Creek Masonic Temple. Keep in mind we had a King Solomon's Club event in Linden where the Master Mason degree was conferred the evening prior.

Both events had over 40 in attendance and last evening was probably closer to 50. Fellowship has been struggling trying to find it's way while sharing facilities with two other lodges. Thankfully the Worshipful Master Austin Conquest is serving his third consecutive term to keep stability in leadership and he has done a great job.

Last evening the brethren showed up in force and put on an extremely great Master Mason degree. We were also honored by the presence of several of our brothers from Eureka Lodge PHA including the Worshipful Master. In fact I believe there were 5 sitting Worshipful Masters in attendance along with 7 Grand Lodge representatives.

It was just one of those magical evenings in Masonry, the work went very good. The lectures were spot on, the vocals on the song was tremendous, Honorary Member WB Eddie Booth PHA served as Junior Warden and WB James PHA gave the final charge.

This will resonate in my memory bank for a long time to come. It was an incredible evening and a testament to the Craft as a whole. Just when the critics say we are on our death bed we have the opportunity to enjoy a wonderful evening and demonstrate that the glass is half-full and increasing everyday. Freemasonry not withstanding has still survived.

...Masonry unites men of every country, sect, and opinion and conciliates a true friendship among those who might otherwise have remained at a perpetual distance.