Christianizing secular society and the Cult of the Supreme Being
February 5, 2010 by masonictraveler
Filed under Masonic Traveler
Recently on a local radio NPR station I happened upon a conversation with the Mayor Rex Parris, of Lancaster California. The conversation was about how the city of Lancaster, a sleepy Air Force town in the outskirts of Los Angeles county, is growing a “Christian community”.
In the discussion, which you can listen to here, Mayor Parris, in a state of the city address, called for Lancaster to grow as a “Christian community” and asked for voters to support a city ballot measure that would authorize daily Christian prayers at city council meetings. The message was framed in the context of the citizenry (voters) to promote the love of the neighbor, and the basis of the Christian faith. His foundational basis is that with a community 85% Christian, it shouldn’t be to much of a stretch to direct the community towards its natural leaning. Further, he indicated that the city had “lots” of christian churches and only one synagogue. The closest mosque being a town over
The reaction to this has included charges filed by the ACLU and an investigation of Mayor Parris as having committed a hate crime.
This raises some interesting questions about what’s going on in Los Angeles, but it has some interesting synergy with other goings on that have been manifesting across the country. What comes to mind most recently is the new blog that has started publishing under the aegis of the battle between the Antients and the Moderns, (circa 1800’s). In it, the writer has taken several specific positions, but mentioned the idea of a “Cult of the Supreme Being” especially as espoused by Albert Pike.
The rational here is that as America was founded on the principal of religious freedom, it was established on the basis of Christian principal, and its on that principal that the shift from an ambiguous God to a specific interpretation of god is necessary to continue to flourish, in the case of Lancaster, Ca, and to recover the ideology that was lost in Freemasonry, in the case of Versus the Moderns.
Without taking any particular stance on this, so as not to promote a particular direction, is this a fair way in which to steer civic life, or is it time to rein in the laissez faire trade of religion (or its previous freedoms), and focus on the principals of one particular religion, to focus on making ours specifically a Christian society? Or, more close to home, should Freemasonry be governed solely on a Christian principal? If that were to take place, would it alienate its non-christian membership?
Some concerns that I can see in the headlights include the alienation of those of other faiths, especially in communities that they may have very little representation, and then as an extension of that alienation, would pockets of other specific religions begin to spring up and within their own community, establish their religion as the basis of the community? It happens now at the secular level where you have pockets of people of similar mind, but what if you allow them to apply their faith into their civic leadership?
Another instance is something I came across in a Masonic reading circle (really more of an email chain that a brother sends out to a list). In it, he outlined clearly his disapproval at other faiths (in this case Wicca) going so far as to say that it was his belief (as applied from his Christian faith) that a pantheist should not be in the U.S. military. Again, I can understand the personal application of faith, but is it ok to assert ones own faith over another’s simply because the two are dogmatically opposed?
In the secular arena, when did theology step over into guiding democracy? I it fair to say that this simillar to the way politics in Iran is governed, a subservient republic under a theocratic leadership?
Is it a safe idea to move towards a less secular more faith based fundamental, or does the notion of a Cult of the Supreme Being invite others to participate with their religion in tow? Should faith guide us to the exclusion of others?
What do you think?
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Have you… January 20, 2010 by masonictraveler Its been a short time since the Haitian earthquake, yet the ground beneath their feet continues to move bringing further destruction and despair. If ever a time to illustrate Masonic relief, now is that time! In many of the Masonic forum, word has circulated some of the various ways to help, including sending relief to your local Grand Lodge marked Haitian relief, or to send materials directly to the Grand Lodge of the Dominican Republic! I strongly suggest sending your aid directly to the American Red Cross, a link to which you can follow from FmI that allows you to contribute 100% to them (we receives no portion of your contribution). Or, following the Red Cross relief recommendation, you can donate directly to Haitian relief by sending the text message “HAITI” to 9-0-9-9-9 which makes a $10 donation to support the American Red Cross Haiti relief efforts. I strongly urge you, if within your means, to help those in the deepest of need. And, if you insist on sending hard materials/goods through Masonic channels, the Grand Lodge of the Dominican Republic’s message of how is below. OFFICIAL NOTICE FROM Starting January 13, 2010, the Masonic Center for Collection of Humanitarian Aid for Haiti is established at the building of the Grand Lodge of the Dominican Republic, Inc., where brethren and the public-at-large may deliver their donations of non-perishable foodstuffs (rice, beans and other grains), canned food, bottled water, medicine and clothing. This contribution will be delivered through the corresponding official institutions to the needy population in our sister Republic of Haiti. Donations may be delivered at: Gran Logia de la República Dominicana, Inc. Email: info@granlogiard.org (Publication authorized by M. Wor. Bro. Edy Federico PEÑA BARET, Grand Master, and Ill. and P. Bro. Eduardo MEJÍA JABID, Sovereign Grand Commander) SOME IDEAS FOR YOUR DONATION FOR HAITI: FOODSTUFFS: MEDICINES Miguel SAVIÑÓN Grand Commission of Foreign Relations I have a note out to confirm the information, and will update as more comes available, but for now, if within your means, take a few moments, follow the link at the top of the site to the Red Cross, or simply text your message of “HAITI” to 9-0-9-9-9 which makes an immediate $10 donation in this desperate time.
Free eBook – What is Freemasonry? Available Now! Have you… January 15, 2010 by mtadmin In the issue, Paul spends come considerable time talking about Masonry, his Masonic journey, and Freemasonry’s place int he fabric of America. It really is an interesting article that I highly recommend. for those who may not remember, Br. Paul was a guest of Masonic Central very early on in 2008 where we spoke with both Paul and Jerry Samet about the their time in Masonic leadership, their work on bridging diversity in the craft, and Masonry in general. You can find the show here.
Free eBook – What is Freemasonry? Available Now! Have you… January 12, 2010 by masonictraveler Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania Weight and volume are very important. Two evenly measured weights on a opposite pans of a scale and you have a perfect balance, so long as your equipment is calibrated correctly. Add more weight to one pan and incrementally the scale will move towards which ever side the heavier burden is applied. Extrapolate this idea into a larger arena where the medium that surrounds the moving weight is fluid, and with the Newtonian force of gravity, the material closest to, and bonded tightest to the weight will move with it, in effect causing an avalanche of sorts, or at least a heightened shift of position. Perhaps you could say its an Alchemy of sorts, the transmutation from one thing into another, from one state to another. Neutral buoyancy to weight displacement. From Lead to Gold, or perhaps in this instance, from Gold to Lead. I spent some time on Chris Hodapp’s Freemasons for Dummies site trying to catch up on what has been coming out of Pennsylvania recently on their aptly titled a 21st Century (Masonic) Renaissance page. Membership Recruitment Membership Masonic Ritual Grand Lodge Governance On Image and Visibility On the page from the PA GL, they provide a brief explanation of what each change represents, and the hole that it seeks to fill, and while I am having a hard time understanding (agreeing?) with some of them, I have to say that the approach is an inventive and bold addition of weight to a scale that has long been un-moved by any form of change. On the 21 Century Renaissance site, it is easy to see the large one day class as BIG CONCERN to an otherwise interesting program and a potential affront to what has traditionally been Masonry the way its “always” been, which is clearly not the case. Not that one day classes have ever been the norm, the process of Masonry today is an evolved process that had a beginning that came from something else. It evolved, and this one day mass raising is another step in that evolution for better or worse. And, I’ll be open here, I have my own misgivings as to the intention of the one day class process, but taken in parcel with the other items, it becomes an easier bitter pill to swallow. Some of what I do like in the program: Three Black Balls Are Now Required to Reject a Candidate: Dues Can Now Be Paid By Credit or Debit: Lodge Notices Are To Be Distributed Electronically: A Masonic Congress Will Be Held in February 2010: Lodges Will Conduct Monthly Community Service: Members Will Commit A Weekly Random Act of Kindness: Personally, I have some concerns for these items, but I’m sure they are being implemented with the utmost caution. Members May Selectively Invite Good Men to Join. All of these are cause for some alarm, but as I mentioned, to enter into the 21st Century Renaissance, we enter into a period of change, just as Europe did in the post Medieval Renaissance. Members May Learn Our Ritual From Printed Manuals: All in all, I say lets see what these changes have in store for 2010. The concerns being what they are, the changes do seem to have the over arching growth and good will of the fraternity in mind. At first blush, the 21st Century Renaissance seems to be mind blowingly radical, but really, the alchemy is in putting into play the ideas of best practice to bring its large membership in the modern age. Hopefully the ambitious shift of their weight shift will be a good one and something others will adapt too and continue the Renaissance of the 21st Mason.
Free eBook – What is Freemasonry? Available Now! Have you… January 5, 2010 by mtadmin National Heritage Museum Symposium The National Heritage Museum has been working diligently at putting together their upcoming symposium in April. Over the holiday they published an update to their site announcing the list of speakers, and I have to admit, what an interesting list it is. The symposium is aptly titled New Perspectives on American Freemasonry and Fraternalism and is going to be held in Lexington, Massachusetts. What the symposium is looking to present is the newest research on American fraternal groups from the past through the present day. Interestingly, the museum previews the topic to us saying: By 1900, over 250 fraternal groups existed in America, numbering six million participants. The study of their activities and influence in the United States, past and present, offers the potential for new interpretations of American society and culture. I couldn’t agree more, so much of our past is overlooked or presumed to be solved, until we can look at it with a new eye or a fresh perspective. In their offering, Jessica Harland-Jacobs, Associate Professor of History at the University of Florida, and author of Builders of Empire: Freemasons and British Imperialism, 1717-1927 For those who may not remember, Professor Harland-Jacob was a guest on Masonic Central in 2008. For a preview of her work, I highly recommend you listen the pod cast on her book Builders of Empire Rounding out the programs schedule are six scholars from the United States, Canada, and Britain. Sponsored in part by the Supreme Council, 33°, N. M. J., U.S.A., registration is open NOW and is a very reasonable $50 for the day long event ($45 for museum members), and includes morning refreshments, a mid day lunch, and end of day reception where you can meet and mingle with the speakers. To register, visit the symposium website and download and complete the reception form, then fax to 781-861-9846 or mail to Claudia Roche, National Heritage Museum, 33 Marrett Road, Lexington, MA 02421. Registration deadline is March 24th, 2010. For more information, you can contact Claudia Roche at croche@monh.org or by phone at 781-861-6559, x 4142. If you go, you have to send us photos or let us know what you thought about it.
Free eBook – What is Freemasonry? Available Now! Have you… December 30, 2009 by masonictraveler Highlights are a staple to every nightly news, we live in bits and bytes, electronically and in our day to day doings. With that in mind, I thought a recap of some of 2009’s Masonic blogs would be a great way to close out the year. Obviously this isn’t everything that happened, but these are some of the illuminated moments that stood out to me. I have to admit, this started as a collection of all things newsie and/or important in 2009, but what I soon realized was that its not so much the important points, but the conversations and ideas that surrounded them. So, in the end what I’ve collected are some of the posts that particularly caught my attention in 09. I apologize if I missed any particular post. If there is a particular one you think should be added, or a link to something from 2009 that belongs on this list, drop it into the comments! January: Don’t Tread on Me – From The Metaphysical Freemason February: One-Day Ritual Class – From the Grand Master’s Musings March: Jennifer Emick, formerly of the about.com/altreligion blog, launches the new Symbol Dictionary A Short Masonic Look at Cuba—In Pictures – From Justa Mason Grand Master’s Job Expectations – From MNGrandMaster09 England around 1717 – From Leon Zeldis on FmI A Masonic Bill of Rights – From Tim Bryce on FmI April: ‘So help me God’, on the 220th anniversary of George Washington’s first presidential inauguration – From The Magpie Mason Masonic Duties: Citizenship – From Masonic Minute Are Illiterates Raising Illiterates? – From John Nagy on FmI Connecticut and Rhode Island to merge Grand Lodges Special to The Hartford Times and not to forget the aboves follow up: Grand Lodge merger talks stalled – From the Tao of Masonry and the follow up to the follow up… Hoax, Deconstructed May: Federal Probe of the Shrine’s Royal Order of Jesters Expands in the wake of its prostitution and other spurious charges. – From Freemasons for Dummies It Was So Much Better Back Then. Really. – From Justa Mason York Rite Alchemy – From Lodgical The Catholic Church and Freemasonry – From Gate City Lodge on FmI Solomon the Magician – From Isaiah Coffey on FmI The “truth” on Conspiracies with Chris Hodapp – From Masonic Central June: and My brother’s keeper. Open Racism in Georgia Freemasonry. – From FmI Not just a Club for Old Men – From A Christian Mason Mormon and Mason – From The Sprig of Acacia The Restaurant at the End of the Masonic Universe – From Stephan Dafoe on FmI July: He coined G.A.O.T.U. – From The Magpie Mason The heart is deceitful above all things. – From Manthanein Chronicles What will Freemasonry Offer My Son? – From Tim Darnell on FmI August: The Back Nine of the Magnum Opus – From the 47th Problem of Euclid on FmI Social Media & the Non-Profit – How Social Media is vital to fraternities – From Masonic Central on FmI September: Dan Brown’s long awaited “The Lost Symbol” hits the shelves to much fanfare in both the Masonic and the profane world. The Lost Symbol – it’s the symbol of the symbolism. From Greg Stewart on FmI Interview with Baphomet – From The Setting Maul – Voices From The Clefts… The Seven Blunders of the Masonic World – From The Euphrates on FmI October: Tolerance Awareness Tuesday – What Do We Fear? – From MNGrandMaster09 Masonry and the Pursuit of Happiness – From The Rose City Mason What is Gnosticism? – From the Papers of Robert G. Davis Praise vs. Prayer – From the 47th Problem of Euclid on FmI Symbols and Symbolism – From Carlos Antonio Martinez on FmI November: Which Public Image Do We Claim? – From the Papers of Robert G. Davis November is Upon Us – From The Weekly Owl Lon Milo Duquette on Masonic Central – From Masonic Central on FmI December: Halcyon Lodge prevails in court case brought against them by Grand Lodge of Ohio. From The Burining Taper Changes at the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania – From Freemasons for Dummies Tennis Shoe and T-Shirt Wearers Should Read This – From the Palmetto Mason Free eBook – What is Freemasonry? Available Now! Have you… December 25, 2009 by mtadmin Dies Natalis Solis Invicti Sol Invictus INVENTORI LUCIS SOLI INVICTO AUGUSTO
Free eBook – What is Freemasonry? Available Now! Have you… December 18, 2009 by mtadmin The Holy Saints John At its surface, the Christmas holiday has no intrinsic connection to the fraternity of Freemasonry. What I mean by that is no where in the degrees does it link itself to any particular holiday in its practice, in particular the Christmas holiday season. There are, however, certain celebrations that have become a part of the fraternity which are linked to one of the interesting symbols that resides at the heart of the practice. Without any specific reference, Masons are said to come from a Lodge of the Holy Saints John, the specific why and how of this connection is lost in the sands of metaphorical time, but some connection infers a balance to the celestial equinox (from summer to winter and back again). Through this link, winter is said to be represented by the Saint John the Evangelist, whose feast day falls on December 27th. This Holy Saint John has an interesting symbolic significance, in that, as John the Baptist (who represents the other Holy Saint John) was the precursor to the coming Christ, John the Evangelist is said to be the first disciple at the Lake of Genesareth who recognized the Christ and believe that he had risen. Of the Saint it is also said that he was the only disciple of Christ to not to forsake him in the hour of His Passion at the foot of the cross. John the Evangelist In creating the original construct of the two Johns, the conclusion that I came to was that they struck a balance between zeal and knowledge, the Baptist who was the precursor of the Christ living in his zeal for the coming son of God and the Evangelist as the representation of knowing that the Christ was the son of God. Only in piecing the component of knowing did it become clear to me that it was not about the degree of knowledge gained, but the degree to which the Evangelist trusted his intuition, to know what was before him. An interesting parallel comes in the book of Matthew where this very lesson is communicated to Peter from the Christ who says in Matthew 16:15-17 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” This is somewhat out of original context, but illustrative of revealed knowledge based on experience, on learning. John the Evangelist came to that knowledge by his experience with the Christ. Another way of looking at this experience is coming from darkness to light, an awakening, and if you take it further, the dawning of awareness. This awareness sits squarely with the idea of Sol Invictus, or the conquering sun which overcomes its captivity of night from the summer solstice and again begins to vanquish the night in its ever increasing minutes of daylight. Further work attributed to John the Evangelist are the Epistles of John, and the book of Revelation, though his Pope Adrian I connection to them in later centuries has been contentious, as much of his life from 2000 years ago is lost to time. Within the church his feast day is first mentioned in the Sacramentary of Pope Adrian I near 772 A.D. The message of the church, and something each of us can take away from John the Evangelist is to “Apply thyself, therefore, to purity of heart, and thou shalt be like Saint John, a beloved disciple of Jesus, and shalt be filled with heavenly wisdom.” The feast of the Evangelist is little remembered today, except within Masonry where it is celebrated by a few lodges that still practice the Table Lodge ritual where brothers gather together to celebrate it with toasts to those brothers present and absent. in the past, it was considered a feast day of high importance for Freemasonry because of its proximity to the holidays and the presence of lodge members being close to home. Because of this, It gave those brothers a festival to meet under to punctuate the closing of the year. Meeting like this though is something less convenient in this modern day as most with families travels abroad to celebrate the holiday. Because it is celebrated less does not diminish the importance of the day, nor the symbol itself, as in the modern ritual we are reminded that we come from the Holy Saint John’s in Jerusalem, and as such we should pause and reflect on just what that means. John the Evangelist gives us an important lesson to pursue knowledge and wake from the darkness and renew our commitment to the awakening light of the Victorious Sun. Even taken out the Christian metaphor, we can salute with Sol Invictus, as knowledge is re-awakened from its cold wintry defeat. Through the lens of symbolism, John the Evangelist gives us a means to find resonance with the holiday of giving and compassion to the fraternity of brotherly love, relief, and truth. Happy Holidays!
Free eBook – What is Freemasonry? Available Now! Have you… December 9, 2009 by masonictraveler Relativity is relative Things have been quiet on the inter-webs in recent weeks as we start the slow descent down the calendar page to the holidays. Especially as most of north America is under the first major winter storm, I write this as my balmy So Cal thermometer outside tells me its 33 degrees (appropriate, I know). A question someone asked me recently is if Masonry is relevant today in this age before I could break into the usual elevator speech, I paused for a second to think about the question, and further, to consider the implication of the immediate yes that was already starting to roll off my tongue. Just like the weather, relativity changes, with time, activity, and interest, relativity seems to go up and down running hot at times as some controversy or exciting event is taking place, or cold in periods of little activity or action. That ultimately, relevance is relative. And in those nanoseconds of answering the question, the thought went to the higher outlook to ask is it relative in an age that itself questions its own relativity. With so many variables, how can one possible answer (let alone assimilate) the question. Relative is relative. Each individual member, through his own thoughts and outlook, holds the answer. Is it relative, and if so why? But, if your mind drifted to no, then why not? Because it is a member run organization (like the Boy Scouts) relativity is a self generated energy, that is as imaginative as a lodge (or an individual member) can be, then so too will the fraternity be just as imaginative. Relative becomes our relativity. A very good friend and brother said to me once that to be interesting you need to be interested, and this applies to all aspects of life, home, work, family, faith, and fraternity. Imagine your relative shift with a subtle adjustment of interest. The relativity of the idea takes on the qualities of your outlook, relativity matches your relativity to the subject. The short answer to the question asked of me was yes, Freemasonry is relative, for the simple reason that I see it as so. Its important to me and vary valuable, and that my relativity of it is relevent.
Free eBook – What is Freemasonry? Available Now! Have you… December 4, 2009 by masonictraveler How difficult is it to imagine two enemy combatants coming face to face on a smoke swept battle field, deep animosity boiling within towards one another, such that minutes before both exchanged volleys of gunfire at one another in the hopes of ending the others life with prejudice. And then, as if struck by a lightening bolt from the heavens, the bitterness and drive that had sought to make one the survivor and the other a casualty of the brutal warring between them dissolves; amidst the strum and drang around them they find themselves able to meet on a level that transcends the uniforms they are covered with and sides they hold allegiance to. The lightening strike that they are struck by comes as if from a divine power, an instant transcendence from their brutal human nature such that this divine bolt strikes and with such a force brings them both to a level that neither can truly fathom from the brutality that they are surrounded by. The two men are transcended from the barbaric engines fueled by the nature to win into the better angels of their nature. From the bolt that struck them, they realize that they are family. More specifically, that they’re Brothers. And, by his own admission, The Better Angels of Our Nature: Freemasonry in the American Civil War, is the first academic study of Masonry’s role in the War Between the States. Why this is important makes for an interesting story. Several months back I had the opportunity to sit in a presentation given by Brother Halleran on the subject and was enthralled at the stories that he described of two enemy combatants who, upon realizing they were brothers, did what they could to exercise their mystical tie. From the evidence in the book, the tales that take shape include the Confederate GeneralL Lewis A. Armistead extraordinary funeral of Lt. Commander John E. Hart to the oft-told legend of the death of Confederate General Lewis A. Armistead at Gettysburg. Throughout Better Angels examines primary source material to determine and construct what actually occurred. Other areas that Brother Halleran examines are Masonry in regimental lodges, among prisoners of war, and Masonry in battle. At its heart, Better Angels details the response of the fraternity to America’s greatest calamity, documenting in many instances the war was not only one of brother against brother, but of Brother against Brother. Having had the opportunity to see Br. Halleran’s presentation and witness first hand his evidence consisting of images of soldiers, their masonic ephemera, and the degree to which these soldiers held Masonry to the heart, it became apparent to me that truly the better angels of their natures prevailed. In the months leading up to his extraordinary book being released, you can find a sneak peek on his publishers website at Alabama University Press and on Br. Michael’s own website at http://michaelhalleran.com. Look for it to hit the shelves mid March of 2010.
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Aid to Haiti – delivering RELIEF
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GRAND LODGE OF THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, INC.
SUPREME COUNCIL 33RD DEGREE, INC.
MASONIC CENTER FOR COLLECTION OF HUMANITARIAN AID FOR HAITI
Calle Arzobispo Portes No. 554 esquina Las Carreras
Ciudad Nueva, Santo Domingo, D.N.
Tel. 809-682-4173
* Beans (canned)
* Sausages (canned)
* Sardines (canned)
* Tuna (canned)
* Soda crackers
* Milk in tetrapack
* Fruit juice in tetrapack
* Other non-perishable food items
* Oral rehydration Serum
* Gauzes
* Cotton
* Analgesics (acetaminophen, ibuprophen)
* Slings
* Elastic bandages
* Antibiotics (amoxicifiline, in suspension and/or tablets)
* Antiseptics (iodine type or chlorhexidine soap)
* Sanitary napkins
Grand Lodge of the Dominican Republic, Inc.
Santo Domingo, Dominican Rep.
T 809-508-7031 / M 809-707-4416
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Paul Bessel in Moments Magazine
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Br. Paul Bessel, from the web site fame of the same name http://www.bessel.org/ was interviewed recently by the American Jewish Community magazine Moment.
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Measure for measure – Pennsylvania and the 21st Century.
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Its quite a paradigm shift in the way things have been to the way things are to be. What I mean by that is apparently, without much fanfare, the Grand Lodge isn’t just rolling out a few changes for 2010, they are rolling out a battalion of them, for what seems to be for the purpose of improving Pennsylvania Freemasonry and the lives of its members. All said, in their introduction site, the changes are (by category):
Members May Selectively Invite Good Men to Join
Three Black Balls Are Now Required to Reject a Candidate
One Day Masonic Journey: October 30, 2010 (at 13 locations and with YR, SR, and Shrine)
All-Star Teams Will Confer District-wide Degrees
An Unlimited Number of Freemasons Can Be Made in One Day
Senior Recruitment Program
Lodges Awarded for Membership Growth and Retention
“Call ‘Em All” Will Continue as “Call to the Craft”
Dues Can Now Be Paid By Credit or Debit
Lodge Notices Are To Be Distributed Electronically
Members May Learn Our Ritual From Printed Manuals That Will Be Monitored Closely And Never Used in Open Lodge
Certified Brethren Will Receive a Proficiency Award Pin
Opening and Closing of Meetings May Be Shortened
District Deputy Grand Masters May Now Serve 10 Years
Some Masonic Districts Will Be Eliminated and Realigned
A Masonic Congress Will Be Held in February 2010
A New Due Process for Suspensions and Expulsions
The Legal Structure of Grand Lodge Will Be Assessed
New Software Will Simplify the Lodge Audit Process
Committee on Masonic Homes Meeting Change
The Dress Code for Masonic Meetings Is Relaxed
Open Installations of All Symbolic Lodge Officers
Electronic Guide Will Provide Tours of the Masonic Temple
Masonic Villages Adopt-A-Resident Program
Lodges Will Conduct Monthly Community Service
Members Will Commit A Weekly Random Act of Kindness
Members Will Support Our Military Through “HELP FOR OUR HEROES”
Lodges Will Raise Funds to Support Our Masonic Villages
Masonic Youth Initiatives Will Be Supported By Lodges
But, this change isn’t without its detractors, and a website has already been published to argue the counter point to the Grand Masters plan, billed as Pennsylvania Masonic Restoration. While I respect the civil dissent, I have to say that the call to arms may be premature given the nature of the changes the Grand Lodge is trying to implement.
This is a good way to break a singular majority in a solitary vote. Harmony in the lodge still needs to be met, but giving live or die power to one brother may be to much power in one place.
This is a fantastic change that really brings things into he 21st Century.
Another great system/operations update.
This is a great idea and something FmI and Time Bryce have advocated to see for some time. Perhaps this will lead up to something National.
This is a Great program, and my guess is that it will be another hard pill to get down. Not that there isn’t a level of charity within the membership, but to be told to do is it quite different than doing it out of will and love. an interesting idea, however, is the opportunity it gives to lodges to explore what that charity looks like, from donating lodge rooms to Boy Scout Troops, hosting voter polling locations, or any other creative measure to give back to the communities from which the membership comes from.
This one escapes me, but I like the idea of it. It has a definite Pay It Forward
One Day Masonic Journey: October 30, 2010.
An Unlimited Number of Freemasons Can Be Made in One Day.
Senior Recruitment Program.
This one concerns me too, in that it would be the first state (to my knowledge) to openly WRITE what had here-to-fore only been given in written cipher. Despite the warnings and admonitions, the content will be copied and distributed no matter the level of governance and audit processes. And if not lost in the original content, photocopiers and scanners are very easy to make use of these days (though I do have some security ideas for how to safeguard the material).
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New Perspectives on American Freemasonry and Fraternalism
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The Masonic year that was 2009
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William R. Singleton-Hope-Lebanon Lodge #7 of the Free and Accepted Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia holds the First Ever Masonic Presidential Inauguration Ball for President elect Barack Obama – From The Millennial Freemason
No Second Chances, living life as a Mason. – From The Relevant Freemason
Lewis Masonic Publisher Launches US Website , from Freemasons for Dummies
Joint GL Meeting and Cornerstone of Ceremony with PHA and A.F. & A.M. in North Carolina – From Freemasons for Dummies.
Tornado Destroys Arkansas Lodge: Kills OES Member – From Freemasons for Dummies
Dateline: Farmington, CT. – From The Tao of Masonry
Henry W. Coil Library & Museum Launches Website – From Freemasons for Dummies
Masonic Bigotry and Georgia – From Freemasons for Dummies
Grand Master of Kentucky Issues Edict on Race. – From Freemasons for Dummies
Edict Issued by Grand Master of Georgia on the issues of Racism Raised earlier in the year. – From Freemasons for Dummies
Last Saturday He Died – From The Relevant Mason
FmI’s Greg Stewart released the Free e-book “What is Freemasonry?”
Explain to us in detail a Christian can be a Freemason. – From A Christian Freemason
My Two Worlds of Masonry – From Grand Master’s Musings
TSS, The Sanctum Sanctorum joins forces with FmI as the message board of choice for Masonic Discussion.
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Sol Invictus
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to the contriver of light, Sol Invictus Augustus
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Christmas and Freemasonry.
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is also called the Apostle of Charity, which may be in part, his connection to Freemasonry in addition to his unwavering resolve and purity of his love of the divine.
Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven.”
Looking at some of the other symbolic connections, the Evangelist is said to relate to the alchemical symbol of the up pointed triangle which represents fire, where again we can see a link to light and knowledge. When we combine the alchemical sign of the Baptist with that of the Evangelist, we create the star of solomon, and the duality of fire and water, further, the duality of light and dark and summer and winter.
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Relative is relative
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When the better angels of our nature prevail
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Michael Halleran (better known around here as aude vide tace) explores just this transcendence of our nature in his forth coming book Better Angels of Our Nature: Freemasonry in the American Civil War. Br. Halleran’s approach in this book is not another reexamination of fraternal lore, instead he explores the evidence, providing a critical examination of Masonry in the armies of both North and South, illuminating how Masonic fraternization worked in practice on both sides of the line.
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