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.
July 29, 2011
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.
May 14, 2011
Scottish Rite meeting
This past Thursday night I was able to attend my first Scottish Rite meeting. It was very interesting to see the ritual done. It is similar but different to that of the blue lodge.
We had a class for the Master Craftsman program before the meal and it was very interesting. I would highly recommend this program to any member of the Scottish Rite. We spent about 40 minutes going over a powerpoint presentation on the history of freemasonry and the Scottish Rite. It was very interesting and informative. The more I learn about the history and ritual, the more interested I get.
We had a meal with the brethren of the lodge and it was a great time of fellowship. I got to spend some time with brothers from my class and exchange notes of what we have experienced. There were 2 of us in my class that attended a "Friends Dinner and Auction" put on by our valley the prior weekend. I did pick up a beautiful 14k white gold ring there but was outbid on some other things.
I am considering becoming a member of the Knights of St. Andrews. This is a group within the Scottish Rite that helps out a lot. They basically do the meals and cleanup for each meeting. They also help out with the reunions and degree work. This would be an opportunity to serve and help out. I live less than a mile from the lodge building and can do things there that some of the brothers that live further away can not. I am not sure yet if I am going to join now or wait a while. Either way, I would be doing many of the same things anyway so it will not add much to my time.
We had a class for the Master Craftsman program before the meal and it was very interesting. I would highly recommend this program to any member of the Scottish Rite. We spent about 40 minutes going over a powerpoint presentation on the history of freemasonry and the Scottish Rite. It was very interesting and informative. The more I learn about the history and ritual, the more interested I get.
We had a meal with the brethren of the lodge and it was a great time of fellowship. I got to spend some time with brothers from my class and exchange notes of what we have experienced. There were 2 of us in my class that attended a "Friends Dinner and Auction" put on by our valley the prior weekend. I did pick up a beautiful 14k white gold ring there but was outbid on some other things.
I am considering becoming a member of the Knights of St. Andrews. This is a group within the Scottish Rite that helps out a lot. They basically do the meals and cleanup for each meeting. They also help out with the reunions and degree work. This would be an opportunity to serve and help out. I live less than a mile from the lodge building and can do things there that some of the brothers that live further away can not. I am not sure yet if I am going to join now or wait a while. Either way, I would be doing many of the same things anyway so it will not add much to my time.
May 2, 2011
School of instruction
This past Saturday there was a district wide school of instruction. It was presented by our Deputy District Grand Lecturer (DDGL). It was an instructional period on the ritual and dealing with the finer points. There were people from most all of the lodges in our district and I was able to meet many brothers that I had not yet had the pleasure. It was only 5 hours long but covered all of the degrees. It is interesting to see how others do things compared to how we do them in our lodge. All said and done, it was a very interesting day that taught me a lot about how and why things are done the way they are.
In the Chairs
I just got back from lodge where I was installed as the Junior Steward. I am taking the place of a brother that needed to resign his position. He is away at college and graduating this Saturday. He is getting a teaching degree but is unable to find a job. He is going to be joining the US Army instead. Our WM wanted me to take his place so I stepped up for the remainder of the year. This should be a fun position. I have been filling in since being raised anyway.
Basically the duties of the stewards in the lodge is to provide for the comfort of the brethren. That means they are the cooks and such. We do not do meals before each meeting and do light snacks afterwords. The only time we do meals is before a third degree and that is usually provided by one of the brothers. In that case it is the stewards responsibility to set up and clean up afterwards. Most brothers in the lodge help each other out with this.
I am hoping that this summer we can do a BBQ where we do a few shoulders or hams for the brothers. I love to cook pig. It would be good to do some things like this outside of lodge meetings just to hang out and socialize.
I am looking forward to the coming years in my journey east. It is a big commitment to take a chair if you go all the way through. It is also a great honor that I do not take lightly.
Basically the duties of the stewards in the lodge is to provide for the comfort of the brethren. That means they are the cooks and such. We do not do meals before each meeting and do light snacks afterwords. The only time we do meals is before a third degree and that is usually provided by one of the brothers. In that case it is the stewards responsibility to set up and clean up afterwards. Most brothers in the lodge help each other out with this.
I am hoping that this summer we can do a BBQ where we do a few shoulders or hams for the brothers. I love to cook pig. It would be good to do some things like this outside of lodge meetings just to hang out and socialize.
I am looking forward to the coming years in my journey east. It is a big commitment to take a chair if you go all the way through. It is also a great honor that I do not take lightly.
April 26, 2011
Scottish Rite Reunion Day Two
First of all, let me apologize for the delay in posting this entry. It has been a little over a week since we had the second day of the reunion. It was another packed day full of information. The day started again at 7:15 for breakfast followed by the 19th-32nd degrees. The 19th through 22nd degrees were communicated. During that we were told what the degrees taught and explained the meanings behind each degree. The 23rd through the 29th were exemplicated. By that I mean it was between communicated and conferred. There were narrators that read all the roles and explained the degree to us. A candidate was chosen to fill in for the class and was led through their part of the degree. It is a great way to understand the degrees that are not conferred. I wish all of them not conferred were done that way. Brothers from the Valley of Knoxville (TN) came down and conferred the 30th degree. That was a beautiful enactment and I appreciate the time and effort for them to drive that distance for us. The 31st degree was communicated and the 32nd was conferred.
It was a full day for sure. It was not as overwhelming as the first Saturday since we had an idea of what to expect. I was voted to be class president for some strange reason. Basically, it is my responsibility to communicate with those in my class and keep them informed of what is happening.
At the end of the day we were presented with the first section of the Master Craftsman program and The Scottish Rite Ritual Monitor and Guide by Arturo de Hoyos. That is a huge book. We should have the first essay done before the next regular meeting and we will go over the material for the quiz as a class. This looks like a great program that any Scottish Rite mason should participate in. I will write more about that as I go along I am sure.
Our valley did have an open meeting between the two weekends to celebrate Maundy Thursday that I was sadly unable to attend due to another engagement. I look forward to the next regular meeting next month. I would like to thank all the brethren that helped put on the reunion for us. It is an amazing experience and look forward to becoming an active part.
Tonight I have a practice for a second degree that we will be conferring in my blue lodge. I am going to be a steward for that degree. I am also going to be inducted as the Junior Steward at our next stated communication. Our current Junior Steward is graduating college and getting ready to join the Army. This has been an amazing experience and has already changed my life for the better.
It was a full day for sure. It was not as overwhelming as the first Saturday since we had an idea of what to expect. I was voted to be class president for some strange reason. Basically, it is my responsibility to communicate with those in my class and keep them informed of what is happening.
At the end of the day we were presented with the first section of the Master Craftsman program and The Scottish Rite Ritual Monitor and Guide by Arturo de Hoyos. That is a huge book. We should have the first essay done before the next regular meeting and we will go over the material for the quiz as a class. This looks like a great program that any Scottish Rite mason should participate in. I will write more about that as I go along I am sure.
Our valley did have an open meeting between the two weekends to celebrate Maundy Thursday that I was sadly unable to attend due to another engagement. I look forward to the next regular meeting next month. I would like to thank all the brethren that helped put on the reunion for us. It is an amazing experience and look forward to becoming an active part.
Tonight I have a practice for a second degree that we will be conferring in my blue lodge. I am going to be a steward for that degree. I am also going to be inducted as the Junior Steward at our next stated communication. Our current Junior Steward is graduating college and getting ready to join the Army. This has been an amazing experience and has already changed my life for the better.
April 11, 2011
Scottish Rite Reunion Day One
The day was a very long one with a lot of information given at once. There is to much information to absorb all at one time. I am glad there is a week between the 2 days we are doing this so that I can reflect on what I experienced.
Our day started at 7:15 am with a light breakfast and then we started in with the degrees 4-18. There were 6 candidates for the degrees in the class. In the Scottish Rite the degrees are conferred as a short play you watch. During each play one candidate is chosen to play that part. Certain degrees must be conferred in that manor and some are just explained to the candidates. This day we saw the 4th, 9th-10th, 14th, 15th and 18th. The rest were explained.These plays were very well done and quite interesting to watch.
We are lucky in that the director of education for the orient of NC is a member of our valley. He is trying a very different method in explaining the degrees not acted out and it is working very well. I have no knowledge of how it was done before, but they are taking those degrees not acted out and carrying on a conversation and parts of the degrees between multiple people and explaining each section as they go. From my understanding it is taking longer to do it this way, but we are hearing more and understanding more.
We even had Bill Brunk, SGIG for NC there to talk to us a little. This was a wonderful and full day of education. We finished up about 5:30 that afternoon. I look forward to next weekend to finish the degrees.
As for what I expect and plan from the SR, I expect to stay very active in my blue lodge. That is, and should, be my main concentration for now. There is a lot to learn and experience there first. It is the foundation of masonry and it should not be neglected. I plan on using the SR as a tool for more education and will participate as fully as I can. If there is one that is neglected any (and I do not plan on neglecting any) it will be the SR. This is a life long journey and I have time to experience it.
Our day started at 7:15 am with a light breakfast and then we started in with the degrees 4-18. There were 6 candidates for the degrees in the class. In the Scottish Rite the degrees are conferred as a short play you watch. During each play one candidate is chosen to play that part. Certain degrees must be conferred in that manor and some are just explained to the candidates. This day we saw the 4th, 9th-10th, 14th, 15th and 18th. The rest were explained.These plays were very well done and quite interesting to watch.
We are lucky in that the director of education for the orient of NC is a member of our valley. He is trying a very different method in explaining the degrees not acted out and it is working very well. I have no knowledge of how it was done before, but they are taking those degrees not acted out and carrying on a conversation and parts of the degrees between multiple people and explaining each section as they go. From my understanding it is taking longer to do it this way, but we are hearing more and understanding more.
We even had Bill Brunk, SGIG for NC there to talk to us a little. This was a wonderful and full day of education. We finished up about 5:30 that afternoon. I look forward to next weekend to finish the degrees.
As for what I expect and plan from the SR, I expect to stay very active in my blue lodge. That is, and should, be my main concentration for now. There is a lot to learn and experience there first. It is the foundation of masonry and it should not be neglected. I plan on using the SR as a tool for more education and will participate as fully as I can. If there is one that is neglected any (and I do not plan on neglecting any) it will be the SR. This is a life long journey and I have time to experience it.
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