Tuesday evening I had the pleasure of attending one of the best Fellowcraft Degrees I've seen in a long time. Over the years this degree has become more of a favorite of mine, mainly because the lectures are so incredibly difficult and it always amazes me at how some of the brothers have mastered the lectures and made them their own.
In the section dealing with the Seven liberal Arts and Sciences there are some peculiar lines in explaining Astronomy.....We are taught that Astronomy is that Divine art by which we are taught to read the wisdom, strength, and beauty of the Almighty Creator in those sacred pages, the Celestial hemisphere.
Upon researching this passage several things come to light. To begin with, as we know Astronomy is the science that deals with the material universe beyond the Earth's atmosphere. This section of the lecture describes Astronomy as that Divine art. By using Divine the author is indicating that Astronomy is heavenly or celestial and that Astronomy blurs the line between science and art and although it is a science it is really a form of art based in science.
The passage continues on by saying.... we are taught to read the wisdom, strength, and beauty of the Almighty Creator in those sacred pages, the Celestial hemisphere
The above passage was a tough, tough stumbling block for me when studying this lecture and still is. For some reason I have had a tough time understanding what the author(s) is trying to say. Here is my feeble attempt to make some sense out of this sentence which contains a ton of information.
We are taught or knowledge and skill have been imparted to us to read.....or we have the skills to look at carefully and understand or apprehend and interpret the wisdom, strength, and beauty of the Almighty Creator.......in those sacred pages.......pertaining to or related to religion or connected with religion and regarded with reverence......a page is a noteworthy or significant event or period.....the Celestial hemisphere......the universe beyond the Earth's atmosphere.....hemisphere being the area in which something happens.
Once again the author(s) of the ritual have packed a multitude of meaning into a very small package.
Astronomy is a scientific form of art dedicated to the study of the universe or outer space as we have come to know it. While the study of the stars, planets, and galaxies take us closer to God, we learn that it is a Divine art. As we read or recognize the wisdom, strength, and beauty of the Supreme Architect....we too recognize that the Celestial hemisphere is truly close to the Supreme Architect of the Universe......while we are now able to view the whole sphere or galaxy....during the writing of the ritual I think they were only able to discern a hemisphere or the covering directly above us...when there was an entire universe all around us.
When we speak of the universality of Masonry it is truly all around us.....some parts are quite visible...while other parts are a world away but still existent......this is a mighty powerful fraternity with endless bounds.....my brothers I feel we have only scratched the surface.....have fun while you study our great ritual.
Friday, September 20, 2013
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Growing Pains
The term growing pains seems to get used to describe a variety of things. It's been a number of years since most of us were in our teens and maybe slightly less than that for our children and in some cases grandchildren. Hopefully there are a few out there that may have recently experienced the growing pains and are anticipating the growing pains of their own children.
The term, growing pains, seems to fit quite nicely in describing the current state of the fraternity in our state of Michigan. It seems that we are in that strange sort of contraction area between being too big in certain areas and not big enough in others.
As we move forward, we realize we are not poised to take on the tasks involved in growing this fraternity. When we say a lodge is growing, what does that mean exactly? .... or when we say the fraternity is growing what does that mean?
Growing is quite subjective.......a lodge can be growing in their ritualistic performance, a lodge can be growing in number of members, a lodge can be growing by their involvement in the community, a lodge can be growing in the number of members who actively attend lodge meeting and functions.
It is a very hard thing to measure and everyone has their own interpretation.
We are currently going through some realigning of the districts in the entire state of Michigan. There seems to be only one question regarding this and that is.....why?
There are several good reasons for realigning, although the current thought is divided on the new boundaries. The number one reason is that the Board of General Purposes in having 53 reps had some questionable members on the board....many of whom took the job because nobody else wanted it, they were railroaded, or they were the last man standing, etc.
So, do we really want brothers acting as representatives merely to fill a position or do we want brothers in those position who will help lead the local lodges and this great fraternity as we move forward. Years ago there were probably fewer districts than the new 28, the days when brothers like WB Bob McClellan, and WB Jerry Miller were board reps and had numerous lodges to represent.
Not that long ago GM was on the brink of extinction, they did some downsizing and belt tightening and emerged on the other side leaner, stronger, more efficient, and ready to grow. My thought is that this great fraternity will emerge leaner, stronger, more efficient and ready to grow.....not just in numbers of members but growing in community involvement, personal growth, integrity, and in quality.
The term, growing pains, seems to fit quite nicely in describing the current state of the fraternity in our state of Michigan. It seems that we are in that strange sort of contraction area between being too big in certain areas and not big enough in others.
As we move forward, we realize we are not poised to take on the tasks involved in growing this fraternity. When we say a lodge is growing, what does that mean exactly? .... or when we say the fraternity is growing what does that mean?
Growing is quite subjective.......a lodge can be growing in their ritualistic performance, a lodge can be growing in number of members, a lodge can be growing by their involvement in the community, a lodge can be growing in the number of members who actively attend lodge meeting and functions.
It is a very hard thing to measure and everyone has their own interpretation.
We are currently going through some realigning of the districts in the entire state of Michigan. There seems to be only one question regarding this and that is.....why?
There are several good reasons for realigning, although the current thought is divided on the new boundaries. The number one reason is that the Board of General Purposes in having 53 reps had some questionable members on the board....many of whom took the job because nobody else wanted it, they were railroaded, or they were the last man standing, etc.
So, do we really want brothers acting as representatives merely to fill a position or do we want brothers in those position who will help lead the local lodges and this great fraternity as we move forward. Years ago there were probably fewer districts than the new 28, the days when brothers like WB Bob McClellan, and WB Jerry Miller were board reps and had numerous lodges to represent.
Not that long ago GM was on the brink of extinction, they did some downsizing and belt tightening and emerged on the other side leaner, stronger, more efficient, and ready to grow. My thought is that this great fraternity will emerge leaner, stronger, more efficient and ready to grow.....not just in numbers of members but growing in community involvement, personal growth, integrity, and in quality.
Random Thoughts
It's been too long since I've posted anything. Given that business is booming, finally, it's a little tough to do much research. However, there are a couple of things that seem to be running through my head as of late.
Although in 2012 the Grand Lodge of Michigan for the first time in 50+ years had positive growth in membership, yet there is still grumblings about how the fraternity is shrinking and on the verge of becoming non existent.
My reply to that is one word which has become very popular as of late---REALLY????
In my own lodge we are normally dark during July and August...but this year we've had a regular in July and degree work on most of the subsequent lodge nights for the whole month of July.
Again, rumblings....we've always had the summer off.....we've never done it this way before....really?
So, we complain that we're not growing and when we do have an opportunity to grow we complain because we've never done work in July. This brings up the old cliche of having one's cake and eating it too.
Our latest EA is a young man in his twenties....he got interested in Freemasonry through research on the internet.....seems his grandfather was a Mason, his father is not, but he has a very strong interest....hmmmm....where have I heard this before....hmmmmmm
Another thing which is constantly on my mind lately is the discussion regarding the fabric of our nation....what our nation has evolved into, in comparison to the principles it was founded upon. We are somewhat privileged in knowing that the country was founded on the same principles that our fraternity was founded upon.
It's pretty neat to know that our nation and our fraternity started with the same core foundational principles.....of course our fraternity had the opportunity to grow for about 60 years before forming this great nation of the Unite States of America.
Again.....there are plenty of dooms-sayers that claim our country is in it's last days and that we will cease to exist......but our country being founded on the same principles as our craft can and will be tested and stretched to the limits....but....our country and our fraternity are things larger than us...both having been created on such strong foundations that they will not meet their demise, although both will be tested to the limit....I believe both will survive and become stronger than ever.
Although in 2012 the Grand Lodge of Michigan for the first time in 50+ years had positive growth in membership, yet there is still grumblings about how the fraternity is shrinking and on the verge of becoming non existent.
My reply to that is one word which has become very popular as of late---REALLY????
In my own lodge we are normally dark during July and August...but this year we've had a regular in July and degree work on most of the subsequent lodge nights for the whole month of July.
Again, rumblings....we've always had the summer off.....we've never done it this way before....really?
So, we complain that we're not growing and when we do have an opportunity to grow we complain because we've never done work in July. This brings up the old cliche of having one's cake and eating it too.
Our latest EA is a young man in his twenties....he got interested in Freemasonry through research on the internet.....seems his grandfather was a Mason, his father is not, but he has a very strong interest....hmmmm....where have I heard this before....hmmmmmm
Another thing which is constantly on my mind lately is the discussion regarding the fabric of our nation....what our nation has evolved into, in comparison to the principles it was founded upon. We are somewhat privileged in knowing that the country was founded on the same principles that our fraternity was founded upon.
It's pretty neat to know that our nation and our fraternity started with the same core foundational principles.....of course our fraternity had the opportunity to grow for about 60 years before forming this great nation of the Unite States of America.
Again.....there are plenty of dooms-sayers that claim our country is in it's last days and that we will cease to exist......but our country being founded on the same principles as our craft can and will be tested and stretched to the limits....but....our country and our fraternity are things larger than us...both having been created on such strong foundations that they will not meet their demise, although both will be tested to the limit....I believe both will survive and become stronger than ever.
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
What ya got cookin'?
Stumbled across a little fact that is new to me. For the more seasoned Masons, the name Hank Williams is pretty familiar. Maybe the younger Masons are more familiar with Hank Jr. or Hank3.
Hank Williams died an early tragic death as so many young performers do. However, his legend lives on through not only his music but of his son and grandson as well.
The name Hank is one that Williams adopted in his teen years to replace his given name of Hiram King Williams, he figured it would be more suited for his musical aspirations.
Hank's dad was a Mason and his mother a member of the Order of Eastern Star. The first born of the union of Elonzo Huble "Lon" Williams and Jessie Lillybelle "Lillie" Skipper was a little girl named, Irene. Their second baby was a boy who died shortly after birth and the third child a son named Hiram King William.
As Paul Harvey always said, " and now you know the rest of the story."
Hank Williams died an early tragic death as so many young performers do. However, his legend lives on through not only his music but of his son and grandson as well.
The name Hank is one that Williams adopted in his teen years to replace his given name of Hiram King Williams, he figured it would be more suited for his musical aspirations.
Hank's dad was a Mason and his mother a member of the Order of Eastern Star. The first born of the union of Elonzo Huble "Lon" Williams and Jessie Lillybelle "Lillie" Skipper was a little girl named, Irene. Their second baby was a boy who died shortly after birth and the third child a son named Hiram King William.
As Paul Harvey always said, " and now you know the rest of the story."
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Modern Day Stone Age
I had the good fortune of seeing a new brother last evening, outside of a lodge setting. As we talked I remembered him and we had a nice visit.
Some things came up in our discussion which weren't so nice, in fact they hit me like a three-pound sledge in the forehead. This brother is relatively young in Masonic years, owns and operates a business, and is eager to learn.
He made mention that had he known the relative inactivity of the lodge he joined he would have sought out a different lodge. In joining a lodge he chose the one in the town where he lives. The unfortunate thing is that particular lodge has lost it's way and is struggling to stay afloat. However, he is a fairly new member and he attended at least one degree at his lodge, which he mentioned had very poor attendance.
Education and learning about Masonry also came up in our conversation. This young man is hungry and eager to learn. He related how he has learned nothing since being raised. We all know that he surely picked up some morsel of knowledge while observing the degree. But, his point must be well taken and seriously considered by all of us.
My intention is not to point out the deficiencies of this lodge......but to point out the deficiencies of our fraternity as a whole. I hate to sound like a broken record, or keep beating a dead horse, choose your own cliche.....we have to change and become more educated ourselves to impart knowledge to the new young brothers.
I can hear the grumbling now.....well if they learned their lessons the way we did they would have knowledge..perhaps they would.....and I think that was a much more informative, learning process also....but the fact remains.....change has occurred....and we no longer do the catechisms that way.
This brief conversation hit me right between the eyes because I know we, for the most part fall very short in relating our great history and heritage and the meanings of our rites and ceremonies. Remember our fraternity is rich in symbolism and we must be able and willing to translate those symbols and allegories to our new young brothers.
Although our roots may be firmly
planted in the stone age....that is the building of the great edifices of stone...our fraternity has to respond to the modern day expectations of our new young brothers.
Some things came up in our discussion which weren't so nice, in fact they hit me like a three-pound sledge in the forehead. This brother is relatively young in Masonic years, owns and operates a business, and is eager to learn.
He made mention that had he known the relative inactivity of the lodge he joined he would have sought out a different lodge. In joining a lodge he chose the one in the town where he lives. The unfortunate thing is that particular lodge has lost it's way and is struggling to stay afloat. However, he is a fairly new member and he attended at least one degree at his lodge, which he mentioned had very poor attendance.
Education and learning about Masonry also came up in our conversation. This young man is hungry and eager to learn. He related how he has learned nothing since being raised. We all know that he surely picked up some morsel of knowledge while observing the degree. But, his point must be well taken and seriously considered by all of us.
My intention is not to point out the deficiencies of this lodge......but to point out the deficiencies of our fraternity as a whole. I hate to sound like a broken record, or keep beating a dead horse, choose your own cliche.....we have to change and become more educated ourselves to impart knowledge to the new young brothers.
I can hear the grumbling now.....well if they learned their lessons the way we did they would have knowledge..perhaps they would.....and I think that was a much more informative, learning process also....but the fact remains.....change has occurred....and we no longer do the catechisms that way.
This brief conversation hit me right between the eyes because I know we, for the most part fall very short in relating our great history and heritage and the meanings of our rites and ceremonies. Remember our fraternity is rich in symbolism and we must be able and willing to translate those symbols and allegories to our new young brothers.Although our roots may be firmly
planted in the stone age....that is the building of the great edifices of stone...our fraternity has to respond to the modern day expectations of our new young brothers.
Saturday, March 30, 2013
Fare Thee Well
There is a solemn task imposed on all us as Free and Accepted Masons, the Masonic Memorial. It is said that it matters not to him, whether two or three, or hundreds have assembled with the insignia of the craft to honor his memory.
It should matter to we brothers who continue on in his absence. We in Ancient District 20 have a rich heritage of traveling to other lodges and conferring degrees. Quite often there may be 30-50 visiting brothers to either take part in or simply witness the degree work. Too often we don't see the same type of numbers at Masonic Memorials.
It should matter enough to us to travel to those memorials and help in paying the last offices to the dead. Also, at times it almost seems to be a popularity event. Those brothers who were active naturally seem to draw larger attendance than those brothers who for whatever reason may not have been as active in Masonry but very likely was active in other areas........but we are all brothers in the end.
Popularity doesn't always guarantee a respectable showing of brothers at a memorial. We need to make an effort at attending these rites and ceremonies as much as we do attending degrees. Sometimes a memorial may not be at a convenient time, this has happened to me all too often. It seems that many memorials take place on Thursday evening at 7pm, unfortunately Thursday is my evening to work until 7pm. I have missed several memorials because of this, but that makes me much more conscious of the ones I can attend.
This issue was raised by WB Gary Childs at a recent meeting of King Solomon's Club, I took that to heart. There have been times when I really didn't feel like getting dressed to head out to a memorial on Sunday evening, but after getting there the cammaradiere of the attendees while getting ready for the service is usually a fine display of brotherhood. Some of us have started going to a nearby restaurant following the service to grab a bite to eat and continue the fellowship. Afterall as Masons if there is one thing we get right it's, eating.
By attending a memorial one gets to enjoy the pre-service fellowship and usually get reaquainted with a brother who hasn't been around for a while, pay respect to a deceased brother, show support to the family and friends of the departed brother, remember that we are travelling upon that level of time, and possibly have a sandwich and coffee later, and close the event with more fellowhip and socializing, hmmmmm
It's all about how we look at things and the decisions we make about how we will respond. Take a good hard look at your schedule the next time you learn of a Masonic Memorial, regardless of lodge number, you might just find that by honoring a deceased brother, good things may come your way......and may both of you
.....Fare thee well.......
It should matter to we brothers who continue on in his absence. We in Ancient District 20 have a rich heritage of traveling to other lodges and conferring degrees. Quite often there may be 30-50 visiting brothers to either take part in or simply witness the degree work. Too often we don't see the same type of numbers at Masonic Memorials.
It should matter enough to us to travel to those memorials and help in paying the last offices to the dead. Also, at times it almost seems to be a popularity event. Those brothers who were active naturally seem to draw larger attendance than those brothers who for whatever reason may not have been as active in Masonry but very likely was active in other areas........but we are all brothers in the end.
Popularity doesn't always guarantee a respectable showing of brothers at a memorial. We need to make an effort at attending these rites and ceremonies as much as we do attending degrees. Sometimes a memorial may not be at a convenient time, this has happened to me all too often. It seems that many memorials take place on Thursday evening at 7pm, unfortunately Thursday is my evening to work until 7pm. I have missed several memorials because of this, but that makes me much more conscious of the ones I can attend.
This issue was raised by WB Gary Childs at a recent meeting of King Solomon's Club, I took that to heart. There have been times when I really didn't feel like getting dressed to head out to a memorial on Sunday evening, but after getting there the cammaradiere of the attendees while getting ready for the service is usually a fine display of brotherhood. Some of us have started going to a nearby restaurant following the service to grab a bite to eat and continue the fellowship. Afterall as Masons if there is one thing we get right it's, eating.
By attending a memorial one gets to enjoy the pre-service fellowship and usually get reaquainted with a brother who hasn't been around for a while, pay respect to a deceased brother, show support to the family and friends of the departed brother, remember that we are travelling upon that level of time, and possibly have a sandwich and coffee later, and close the event with more fellowhip and socializing, hmmmmm
It's all about how we look at things and the decisions we make about how we will respond. Take a good hard look at your schedule the next time you learn of a Masonic Memorial, regardless of lodge number, you might just find that by honoring a deceased brother, good things may come your way......and may both of you
.....Fare thee well.......
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Movable & Immovable
Had the pleasure of attending an Entered Apprentice Degree at Linden Lodge #132 last evening. This was a special degree performed with all of the lights on. Unfortunately my back didn't cooperate very well and I had to leave early. There was the usual fine compliment of brothers in attendance for this joint degree on two candidates one from Linden #132 and one from Fellowship #490 both Monday evening lodges who are working in a new spirit of cooperation.
As I was sitting outside the lodge room I had an interesting conversation with one of the new candidates and the Tiler of Linden lodge. Often times the spirit of Freemasonry takes place with a couple of brothers just talking about life....ahhh....the original social media....human interaction.
Also, I was thinking about what was going to be said inside the lodge room. Actually all during the day on Monday I couldn't get the part of the lecture dealing with the jewels of a lodge out of my head.
In contemplating this section I pondered what is truly being said....three movable and three immovable jewels. We are taught that the movable jewels are the "rough ashlar, the perfect ashlar, and the trestle-board" and when viewing the illustrations of these jewels I'm not so sure I want to move them. Some lodges have small renditions of the ashlars and the trestle board could be moved but seems cumbersome.
Then we have the immovable jewels....the square, level, and plumb. Certainly they seem more capable of being moved. Even the operative version of these tools are easily carried in one hand and obviously the speculative versions are much smaller and lighter versions.
Why....are these terms movable and immovable used along with jewels?
A jewel is a precious possession, something that is treasured, esteemed and indispensable.
What about movable and immovable ?
It turns out that movable means capable of being moved without injury...able to be rearranged.
Immovable means impossible to alter, unyielding in principal, purpose or adherance; steadfast.
Therefore the movable jewels; the rough ashlar, the perfect ashlar, and the trestle-board are always changing or moving. The rough ashlar...a rude and imperfect stone taken from the quarry is symbolic of the candidate for Masonry....he is a rude and imperfect stone take from the quarry of the human race...hence movement. The perfect ashlar is a stone made ready by the Fellowcrafts for the builders use....again movement....the rough ashlar or candidate begins to be shaped by the tools of the Fellowcraft, the better to fit him for the builders use. By furthering his education in Freemasonry he begins to be shaped or changed to prepare him for the Builders use. In other words he is becoming a changed and improved man to be a better fit for the Builders use or Gods use. The trestle-board is also ever changing...the plans laid down are seldom the same for each building...so is the spiritual trestle-board for each man, God has a different plan for each of his creation. Thus plans are ever changing and evolving for Gods plan for that man.
The immovable jewels....the square, level and plumb.....the square teaches morality, the level equality and the plumb rectitude of life. Remembering that these are immovable, steadfast and unyielding in principal. The square always teaches morality, the level always teaches equality and the plumb always teaches rectitude of life.
In conclusion the movable jewels are always changing but are always guided by the steadfast principles of the immovable jewels.
Search these things out my brothers you will be continually amazed by the words of our ritual and will more than likely question those who wish to change it.
As I was sitting outside the lodge room I had an interesting conversation with one of the new candidates and the Tiler of Linden lodge. Often times the spirit of Freemasonry takes place with a couple of brothers just talking about life....ahhh....the original social media....human interaction.
Also, I was thinking about what was going to be said inside the lodge room. Actually all during the day on Monday I couldn't get the part of the lecture dealing with the jewels of a lodge out of my head.
In contemplating this section I pondered what is truly being said....three movable and three immovable jewels. We are taught that the movable jewels are the "rough ashlar, the perfect ashlar, and the trestle-board" and when viewing the illustrations of these jewels I'm not so sure I want to move them. Some lodges have small renditions of the ashlars and the trestle board could be moved but seems cumbersome.
Then we have the immovable jewels....the square, level, and plumb. Certainly they seem more capable of being moved. Even the operative version of these tools are easily carried in one hand and obviously the speculative versions are much smaller and lighter versions.
Why....are these terms movable and immovable used along with jewels?
A jewel is a precious possession, something that is treasured, esteemed and indispensable.
What about movable and immovable ?
It turns out that movable means capable of being moved without injury...able to be rearranged.
Immovable means impossible to alter, unyielding in principal, purpose or adherance; steadfast.
Therefore the movable jewels; the rough ashlar, the perfect ashlar, and the trestle-board are always changing or moving. The rough ashlar...a rude and imperfect stone taken from the quarry is symbolic of the candidate for Masonry....he is a rude and imperfect stone take from the quarry of the human race...hence movement. The perfect ashlar is a stone made ready by the Fellowcrafts for the builders use....again movement....the rough ashlar or candidate begins to be shaped by the tools of the Fellowcraft, the better to fit him for the builders use. By furthering his education in Freemasonry he begins to be shaped or changed to prepare him for the Builders use. In other words he is becoming a changed and improved man to be a better fit for the Builders use or Gods use. The trestle-board is also ever changing...the plans laid down are seldom the same for each building...so is the spiritual trestle-board for each man, God has a different plan for each of his creation. Thus plans are ever changing and evolving for Gods plan for that man.
The immovable jewels....the square, level and plumb.....the square teaches morality, the level equality and the plumb rectitude of life. Remembering that these are immovable, steadfast and unyielding in principal. The square always teaches morality, the level always teaches equality and the plumb always teaches rectitude of life.
In conclusion the movable jewels are always changing but are always guided by the steadfast principles of the immovable jewels.
Search these things out my brothers you will be continually amazed by the words of our ritual and will more than likely question those who wish to change it.
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