The [square] is an instrument made use of by operative masons .........to square their work.......... but we, as Free and Accepted Masons are taught to make use of them for more noble and glorious purposes; the plumb admonishes us to walk uprightly in our several stations before God and man, squaring our actions by the square of virtue........ (http://www.ncdistrict39.com/index_files/Page406.htm)
The square is a simple instrument of two legs forming an angle of ninety degrees. As used in freemasonry, the square is made up of 2 legs of equal length used for testing the accuracy of angles. It is not the carpenters square where one leg is longer than the other and marked of in measurements. Operative masons used the square in order to prove that stones were cut straight in order to place them. If the stones were not square, then the structure would be weekend and possibly fall. The squareness of the stones aided in the strength of the building.
The square is arguably one of the most important symbols in masonry. It is the emblem of the master of the lodge and one of the great lights in masonry. It is one of the first thing a candidate sees when the blindfold is removed.
Symbolically the square is an instrument of morality. As we develop our thoughts and actions shape our character. We are taught to square our actions in order to live a moral life. We test each of our thoughts and actions by the square. We should strive to live honest and upright lives. We should be truthful and honest in all of our doings. We should strive to build ourselves into a man that leads a moral life. For that to happen, we must fit our thoughts and actions into a form that is strong. By measuring them on the square, they will not easily fall.
October 10, 2011
September 28, 2011
The Plumb
"The Plumb is an instrument made use of by operative masons to raise perpendiculars,..... but we, as Free and Accepted Masons are taught to make use of them for more noble and glorious purposes; the plumb admonishes us to walk uprightly in our several stations before God and man, ........" http://www.ncdistrict39.com/index_files/Page406.htm
We are called to walk uprightly in our several stations before God and man. The plumb reminds us that we should do our best to live our lives in a rectitude manner with uprightness, integrity, honesty, and justice. We should strive to have integrity in what we do. If we say we are going to do something, we should strive to do it. We should be honest with what we say. We should not cheat or lie to get ahead. We should walk on a straight path and not veer to the right or the left. The plumb is a simple tool but teaches us a most important lesson.
We are called to walk uprightly in our several stations before God and man. The plumb reminds us that we should do our best to live our lives in a rectitude manner with uprightness, integrity, honesty, and justice. We should strive to have integrity in what we do. If we say we are going to do something, we should strive to do it. We should be honest with what we say. We should not cheat or lie to get ahead. We should walk on a straight path and not veer to the right or the left. The plumb is a simple tool but teaches us a most important lesson.
September 24, 2011
Grand Lodge
Last weekend I was able to attend our states Grand Lodge Annual Communication. This was a great learning experience. Our Grand Lodge is made up of the Master, Junior and Senior Wardens of each lodge as well as the Grand Officers and a few others. Our Junior Warden was not able to attend so I went as his proxy. I was only able to attend the Friday session as I had a previous commitment Saturday. It was interesting to be in a room with 850+ other masons and watch how things were handled. I was able to meet other brethren from across the state and learn about their lodges as well. I am very glad that I was able to attend and learn a little more how freemasonry operates in my state. I would suggest that any master mason attend their jurisdictions annual communication at least once. It is a great time to meet and visit other brethren as sell as get some work done.
August 25, 2011
The Common Gavel
The Common Gavel is an instrument made use of by operative masons to break off the corners of rough stones, the better to fit them for the builders use.; but we as Free and Accepted masons are taught to make use of it for the more noble and glorious purpose of divesting our hearts and consciences of all the vices and superfluities of life, thereby fitting our minds as livings stones for that spiritual building, “that house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. (http://www.ncdistrict39.com/index_files/Page330.htm)
The common gavel is another working tool of the entered apprentice. Opertavely it was used to make stones smooth so that they could be fit into a building. We are building that "house not made with hands." which symbolically is ourselves. We are to improve our own lives by getting rid of the bad and replacing it with the good. Like the 24 inch gauge, the common gavel is an instrument not directly used in the physical building of a structure. It is used in the preparation of that building. The entered apprentice is a newly made mason that is preparing himself for the further travels in his masonic life. He has not yet been given all of the tools. He is learning and preparing himself for advancement to the next degrees at this point. It is the same in life. We are to prepare ourselves to be a just and upright man. We have the qualities to some degree or else we would not have been accepted into the craft. The same with the rough ashlar, it is somewhat square yet it is not yet in a position for the master's use. As we grow and develop in both our lives and masonic life, we shape ourselves into what we have now become.
The following is taken from the ritual used in Scotland. "" The Common Gavel teaches us that skill without exertion is of little avail , and that labour is the lot of man, the Heart may conceive and the Brain devise in vain if the Hand be not prompt to execute the design. The Gavel also represents the Force of Conscience which should keep down all vain and unbecoming thoughts so that our feelings and actions may be pure and unpolluted."
We need to put effort in what we do. Nothing is given to us. We should strive to make "that house not made with hands" into a perfect ashlar in order to serve our creator's purpose for our lives. We have the tools to do it. The rest is up to us.
The common gavel is another working tool of the entered apprentice. Opertavely it was used to make stones smooth so that they could be fit into a building. We are building that "house not made with hands." which symbolically is ourselves. We are to improve our own lives by getting rid of the bad and replacing it with the good. Like the 24 inch gauge, the common gavel is an instrument not directly used in the physical building of a structure. It is used in the preparation of that building. The entered apprentice is a newly made mason that is preparing himself for the further travels in his masonic life. He has not yet been given all of the tools. He is learning and preparing himself for advancement to the next degrees at this point. It is the same in life. We are to prepare ourselves to be a just and upright man. We have the qualities to some degree or else we would not have been accepted into the craft. The same with the rough ashlar, it is somewhat square yet it is not yet in a position for the master's use. As we grow and develop in both our lives and masonic life, we shape ourselves into what we have now become.
The following is taken from the ritual used in Scotland. "" The Common Gavel teaches us that skill without exertion is of little avail , and that labour is the lot of man, the Heart may conceive and the Brain devise in vain if the Hand be not prompt to execute the design. The Gavel also represents the Force of Conscience which should keep down all vain and unbecoming thoughts so that our feelings and actions may be pure and unpolluted."
We need to put effort in what we do. Nothing is given to us. We should strive to make "that house not made with hands" into a perfect ashlar in order to serve our creator's purpose for our lives. We have the tools to do it. The rest is up to us.
August 14, 2011
The 24 inch gage
The Twenty-four inch gauge is an instrument made use of my operative masons to measure and lay out their work, but we, as Free and Accepted masons are taught to make use of it for the more noble and glorious purpose of dividing our time. It being divided into twenty-four equal parts, is emblematic of the twenty-four hours of the day, which we are taught to divide into three equal parts; whereby are found eight hours for the service of God, and a distressed worthy brother; eight for our usual avocations; and eight for refreshment and sleep. (http://www.ncdistrict39.com/index_files/Page330.htm)
It is a guide to how we should measure out time in everyday life. It is saying, in a sense, that we should prioritize our time in the service of God and charity, our work, and ourselves in that order. There is time for us to do everything that is needed and we should not just waste our time idly. We pass through time from the time we are born to the time that we die. Once time is spent, we cannot reclaim it. If we wast time, it is gone forever, never to be reclaimed. Look at Ecclesiastes 3 (or the Byrd's song "To everything there is a Season") as an example. There is a time for everything. The only thing missing from there is the time to "waste". We are only given 1/3 of our time for rest and refreshment. That leaves us 2/3 that should be spent in active pursuit of our work, worship, and education. We should not waste time. What we do with it is up to us. We should make the most use of out time for the betterment of ourselves and man. I am not saying there is not time for watching football, for example, or having fun. That is a necessary part of our life if we are to stay sane. We should not only do things for amusement. We should make the most of our lives that we can.
July 29, 2011
Technology, the internet and Freemasonry
Freemasonry is considered the oldest fraternity in the world. It is based on an ancient tradition. We do many things the way they have been done for hundreds of years. It is steeped in tradition. But there is a huge difference today than the Freemasonry of our forefathers. Technology is available to us that was not in the past.
As we move further in the electronic age we need to embrace technology as a tool. More and more people are relying on the internet for their main source of information. As this increases it becomes more important for our lodges and grand lodges to have a strong internet presence. Ask yourself when was the last time you used a phone book? If you are like most of the people in the US it has probably been a while.
The internet plays a key role in the life of today's lodges. A web presence is becoming more and more important. Many candidates are using the internet to search for lodges and find information about them. I found my lodge by doing a simple web search and then emailing the secretary. A lodges website at the very minimum should list the location and when the meetings are held. It should also give a way for someone to contact a live person there. Most lodge websites list upcoming events and degrees as well. Many lodge websites offer a good bit of history and masonic info.
Grand Lodge websites can provide a lot of information to those looking at petitioning a lodge as well as those that are members in that jurisdiction. It can give an opportunity of brothers to find out what is happening throughout the state and give them opportunities to travel to other activities. Grand lodge websites can also keep members informed on what is happening at the Grand Lodge level. Information from the Grand lodges are reported in lodge meetings but if someone does not go to a particular meeting they might miss something. Online communications can reach many people in a fast and efficient manor.
Email communications can get information spread to lodge members as well. There is a lodge in our area that does not use electronic communications. There was a group of us going to visit that lodge and the majority of the information was sent by email. We were told after the meeting that they wanted to learn how to get information sent to brothers that way because it showed to be effective. Email can be used to keep brethren informed of meetings, emergent communications, degrees, fundraisers, deaths, and any other information that might be vital to the workings of a lodge.
Facebook and other social network sites give a place to spread the same type of information with the added benefit of members being able to post pictures and videos directly for others to see. Information can be sent in real time. People can keep up with each other and what is happening.
Another electronic means of communications are masonic forums. Forums give an opportunity for brothers from across the district, state, country, and even world to communicate with each other. There are forums for all types of masonic organizations at all levels. It is a great way to meet freemasons and establish friendships to those that we would most likely never meet otherwise. Forums make the world a much smaller place.
There are many other ways to use the internet that I have not even touched on. The marriage of ancient craft freemasonry with the modern use of computers and smartphones can continue to positively impact freemasonry today. It is how the technology is adopted that can make a difference. There are many sites online that those that have a vendetta against freemasonry espouse many conspiracies about us. We can use the same internet to show who and what we really are. The internet and technology is a tool. We need to embrace it and use it to our advantage.
As we move further in the electronic age we need to embrace technology as a tool. More and more people are relying on the internet for their main source of information. As this increases it becomes more important for our lodges and grand lodges to have a strong internet presence. Ask yourself when was the last time you used a phone book? If you are like most of the people in the US it has probably been a while.
The internet plays a key role in the life of today's lodges. A web presence is becoming more and more important. Many candidates are using the internet to search for lodges and find information about them. I found my lodge by doing a simple web search and then emailing the secretary. A lodges website at the very minimum should list the location and when the meetings are held. It should also give a way for someone to contact a live person there. Most lodge websites list upcoming events and degrees as well. Many lodge websites offer a good bit of history and masonic info.
Grand Lodge websites can provide a lot of information to those looking at petitioning a lodge as well as those that are members in that jurisdiction. It can give an opportunity of brothers to find out what is happening throughout the state and give them opportunities to travel to other activities. Grand lodge websites can also keep members informed on what is happening at the Grand Lodge level. Information from the Grand lodges are reported in lodge meetings but if someone does not go to a particular meeting they might miss something. Online communications can reach many people in a fast and efficient manor.
Email communications can get information spread to lodge members as well. There is a lodge in our area that does not use electronic communications. There was a group of us going to visit that lodge and the majority of the information was sent by email. We were told after the meeting that they wanted to learn how to get information sent to brothers that way because it showed to be effective. Email can be used to keep brethren informed of meetings, emergent communications, degrees, fundraisers, deaths, and any other information that might be vital to the workings of a lodge.
Facebook and other social network sites give a place to spread the same type of information with the added benefit of members being able to post pictures and videos directly for others to see. Information can be sent in real time. People can keep up with each other and what is happening.
Another electronic means of communications are masonic forums. Forums give an opportunity for brothers from across the district, state, country, and even world to communicate with each other. There are forums for all types of masonic organizations at all levels. It is a great way to meet freemasons and establish friendships to those that we would most likely never meet otherwise. Forums make the world a much smaller place.
There are many other ways to use the internet that I have not even touched on. The marriage of ancient craft freemasonry with the modern use of computers and smartphones can continue to positively impact freemasonry today. It is how the technology is adopted that can make a difference. There are many sites online that those that have a vendetta against freemasonry espouse many conspiracies about us. We can use the same internet to show who and what we really are. The internet and technology is a tool. We need to embrace it and use it to our advantage.
July 17, 2011
NC-TN mountain top degree
I was able to attend the NC-TN mountain top degree yesterday 7/16/11. When we made it to the top of the mountain it was in the clouds and raining. It was decided that the degree be moved to Greenville lodge #3 in Greenville, TN. This lodge has a very interesting history. It was chartered in 1801 as NC lodge #43 and became TN lodge #3. They have the charter from NC hanging on the wall in the lodge room. Andrew Jackson also served as SW pro tem in 1801 according to lodge records. There were approximately 18 members of TL lodges as well as 22 members from NC lodges. We had a wonderful meal provided by the brothers of Greenville #3 and had a great time visiting each other. After lunch we retired to the lodge where we raised a brother from Black Mountain #663 to the sublime degree of master mason. The brethren of NC put on a great degree. In attendance was the GM of TN, M.:W.: Mack Johnson along with the Deputy GM and Grand SW. I enjoyed meeting the brothers in TN and had a wonderful time. I plan on attending next year when TN puts on the degree. If anyone is close during July, it is well worth the trip. Hopefully next year the weather will cooperate a little better.
May 31, 2011
GM visit
Last week I attended our GM's district visit. The Brothers at Biltmore 446 put on a great dinner before the visit and were great hosts for the night. This was only the second time that I had been to a lodge outside of my mother lodge and I enjoyed it very much. The lodge was opened and business conducted with the business being conducted and news passed on by Most Worshipful Lewis Ledford. I had the opportunity to meet and talk with him before and after the meeting. It was a great honor.
Other than our GM being in attendance there was the Grand Secretary, DDGM, DDGL of district 39 and 40, and even Most Worshipful Past Grand Master of the State of Tennessee Dr. Thomas Boduch. It was a great night with good information presented. If a new brother has the opportunity to attend a meeting with their GM, I would highly recommend it. It will give you a better understanding of what is happening in your jurisdiction as well as meet many new brothers from your area.
Other than our GM being in attendance there was the Grand Secretary, DDGM, DDGL of district 39 and 40, and even Most Worshipful Past Grand Master of the State of Tennessee Dr. Thomas Boduch. It was a great night with good information presented. If a new brother has the opportunity to attend a meeting with their GM, I would highly recommend it. It will give you a better understanding of what is happening in your jurisdiction as well as meet many new brothers from your area.
I am the one in the middle along with my WM and GM.
May 23, 2011
Masonic Marker visit
One place I had never been is just 2 miles off a side road between Waynesville, NC and Maggie Valley, NC. It is the Great Smoky Mountains Masonic Marker. It was dedicated July 11, 1938 and is made up of 687 stones and items sent from lodges all over the globe and from every continent including Antarctica. Leading up to the monument from the east is a series of 3, 5, 7, and steps with the names of contributing bodies engraved on each.
For more history check out http://www.phoenixmasonry.org/masonicmuseum/Great_Smoky_Mountains_Masonic_Monument.htm as well as http://www.phoenixmasonry.org/masonicmuseum/Catalogue_of_Stones.pdf for a great pdf file of some more history and complete diagrams of the monument and each stone in it.
I would encourage each Freemason to visit this marker if they are in the area. This was constructed during a time just before WWII and with the political tension rising. It is a monument to the cement of brotherly love and affection that bonds us into one sacred band of brothers. It is a lesson that we should never forget.
(Click on pictures for larger images)
This reads "The Visible stones of this marker were sent from historic or interesting places by Freemasons of the Americas, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and the Isles of the Seas. To Universal Benevolence"
symbols for each of the York Rite bodies. It is very nicely done and beautiful.
I plan on going back soon with a camera other than my phone to get some better pictures.
May 20, 2011
Why are we here?
Why are we here? More specifically, why did we join freemasonry? What is the motivation that drew us to freemasonry? For some it is creating friendships with a group of men. For others it might be family tradition. Some might even see it as a way to help their business or job. Still others might have joined to help make themselves a better man, husband, and father. And for others it might be some link to the more esoteric side such as alchemy, hermeticism, or kabbalah. Each of us joined freemasonery for our on personal reasons.
This simple question may well be one of the most important we ask ourselves. We need to look deeply within our own person and honestly ask why we joined this society. Is it what we expected it would be? Has our initial impression of it changed? Have we changed?
I know that I have started to actively change the way that I see things and my behavior. I have become a more patient person when dealing with others. I still have a long way to go with that aspect. Freemasonry has allowed me to look at what I value most in my life in a more detailed level. I am still very much a rough ashlar that is working on smoothing myself out. It is going to be a life long journey.
Is freemasonry what I expected? To be honest, I would have to say yes and no. I am not completely sure what I expected when I joined. I did not know anyone to be a mason. After I joined, I found out that there were quite a few people that I knew were masons. I did not know what they did or what happened in lodge. I had done research before petitioning, but there was still some mischaracterizations. What I found was a great group of men that cared for each other and helped each other and the community.
There is a common definition that all of us have probably heard multiple times. Freemasonry is ‘a system of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols’. It is a group of men that meet and are based on the three principle tenets of brotherly love, relief and truth. We follow the virtues of faith hope and charity. All of freemasonry is supported on the three great pillars of wisdom, strength and beauty. There is a lot more to it than that as well. There is the beautiful ritual. Within it, the lessons of morality are taught.
Have my views of freemasonry changed? For sure. It is a lot more involved than what I first believed. It is not just a group of guys that meet and talk. They are involved in actually trying to make men better and help the community. One wise man told me that you get out of freemasonry what you put into it. If you are looking for a group of friends, it is there. If you are looking for a way to support charity, it is there. If you are looking to carry a card and not do much, you can do that as well. If you are looking to grow into a better husband, father, and man, the tools are given to you in freemasonry. If you are looking for esoteric meaning and philosophical thought, it is there.
What I am trying to say is that Freemasonry is a lot of things. What one man receives might be something completely different that another. Each of us gets out of it what we want. We can be as involved as we want or not. It is up to the individual. I tend to think that you should be involved to the best of your ability if you are able.
If you are a Freemason, I encourage you to honestly answer these questions to yourself.
Why did we become a Freemason?
Is it what we expected?
Has our impression of freemasonry changed?
Have we changed?
Why are we a Freemason?
If you are thinking of petitioning a lodge, research what freemasonry is. Talk to people that are masons. Call a local lodge and schedule a visit. Ask questions. Most of all, keep your mind open. There is a lot of false information out there.
This simple question may well be one of the most important we ask ourselves. We need to look deeply within our own person and honestly ask why we joined this society. Is it what we expected it would be? Has our initial impression of it changed? Have we changed?
I know that I have started to actively change the way that I see things and my behavior. I have become a more patient person when dealing with others. I still have a long way to go with that aspect. Freemasonry has allowed me to look at what I value most in my life in a more detailed level. I am still very much a rough ashlar that is working on smoothing myself out. It is going to be a life long journey.
Is freemasonry what I expected? To be honest, I would have to say yes and no. I am not completely sure what I expected when I joined. I did not know anyone to be a mason. After I joined, I found out that there were quite a few people that I knew were masons. I did not know what they did or what happened in lodge. I had done research before petitioning, but there was still some mischaracterizations. What I found was a great group of men that cared for each other and helped each other and the community.
There is a common definition that all of us have probably heard multiple times. Freemasonry is ‘a system of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols’. It is a group of men that meet and are based on the three principle tenets of brotherly love, relief and truth. We follow the virtues of faith hope and charity. All of freemasonry is supported on the three great pillars of wisdom, strength and beauty. There is a lot more to it than that as well. There is the beautiful ritual. Within it, the lessons of morality are taught.
Have my views of freemasonry changed? For sure. It is a lot more involved than what I first believed. It is not just a group of guys that meet and talk. They are involved in actually trying to make men better and help the community. One wise man told me that you get out of freemasonry what you put into it. If you are looking for a group of friends, it is there. If you are looking for a way to support charity, it is there. If you are looking to carry a card and not do much, you can do that as well. If you are looking to grow into a better husband, father, and man, the tools are given to you in freemasonry. If you are looking for esoteric meaning and philosophical thought, it is there.
What I am trying to say is that Freemasonry is a lot of things. What one man receives might be something completely different that another. Each of us gets out of it what we want. We can be as involved as we want or not. It is up to the individual. I tend to think that you should be involved to the best of your ability if you are able.
If you are a Freemason, I encourage you to honestly answer these questions to yourself.
Why did we become a Freemason?
Is it what we expected?
Has our impression of freemasonry changed?
Have we changed?
Why are we a Freemason?
If you are thinking of petitioning a lodge, research what freemasonry is. Talk to people that are masons. Call a local lodge and schedule a visit. Ask questions. Most of all, keep your mind open. There is a lot of false information out there.
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