I Joined The York Rite

Recently I was made a Companion of the York Rite. It was a really great experience, and I met a lot of new Brothers that I am proud to call my friends and Companions.

The York Rite is a very diverse and interesting continuation of the Masonic journey I had started in the Blue Lodge. I was chosen to "exemplify" the Royal Arch Degree. It was a really moving experience and I am honored that I was able to be a part of it. It is also interesting to note that the Royal Arch Degree is considered the conclusion of the Master Mason Degree in many lodges around the world.

I hope that I will be able to share this interesting body of Freemasonry with other Masons and grow in my own knowledge of all the new Degree work that I have been endowed with.

I made a couple videos about it. One in the morning before I went to the Chapter and Council Degrees and another afterwards expressing my happiness in having chosen to follow this path of Freemasonry.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Es6Oa1f8NS4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lbZz7AGec&NR=1

Travel well Brothers, look foward to seeing you all again soon.

Solemnly & Fraternally.

Fellow Craft Notes

For me the months of August and September have been most about the work in the Fellow Craft Degree. Either from participation in the Degree work or in working with Fellow Crafts on their catechism work. I am very wrapped up in it at the moment.

But it is in these moments that I am reminded of what a good friend and Brother once (and repeatedly) said to me. That one must take in and learn as much as they can about the Fellow Craft degree while they are a Fellow Craft. You should not look at the degree as the step before Master Mason. The Fellow Craft is full of knowledge for the newly passed Brother and that knowledge's value should not be overlooked.

I have a soft spot for the Fellow Craft lecture as well. I think it is one of the most vibrant because of it's wealth of philosophy and intelligence. The participation emmerses the newly passed Fellow Craft with a connection to our ancient Brethren.

I have a great excitement and renewal of zeal with all the new Brothers who are being passed recently I have been involved with the passing of 6 Brothers in the last 2 months and it has been a real pleasure to see all the Fellow Crafts who go out to watch the Fellow Craft Degrees at other lodges. They are learning more about their degree and showing their support for their Brothers.

I hope that we may ever be mindfull to nourish the needy, refresh the destitute, and pour the oil of joy into the hearts of the afflicted.

Keep well and travel light my Brothers.

Reading Recommendation: Twelve World Teachers

I have recently began reading Manly Palmer Hall's Twelve World Teachers. It was given to me by another Brother from my second lodge to return to the library of my home lodge, and on my way home I took a glance at it while my ride stopped for gas. I opened up the book randomly and I came to the chapter about Zoroaster (The God of Zoroastrianism) and soon found myself caught up in the book. When my Brother had finished pumping gas and made his way back in to the truck I realized I had found my next read.

Twelve World Teachers by Manly P. Hall is my current reading recommendation from our Sutherland Lodge Library.

Building Up The Lodge

The mythical beginnings of our fraternity date back to the Bible. In the great buildings of the Old Testament, most notably the Temple Of Solomon in Jerusalem. The Temple has a great signifigance to Masonry as a whole, and is a key symbol in the lodge. The Temple of Solomon is the backdrop of the Hiramic Legend and as well as an important location in that sacred volume of law that rests upon our altar.

Operative Freemasons continued this tradition by building many churches in Europe. Speculative Masons have done so by building good, solid, moral foundations in men. This vital tenet and tradition of our ancient order is as vital today as it was in antiquity.

It is up to us now to ensure that we continue to pursue this great tradition into the future and ensure it's survival for the future generations that will come. The sincere bonds of affection that are created in Freemasonry are special and sacred and we are truly blessed by the Great Architect of the Universe for those bonds we share.

But we are not lost in myth. We are real, flesh and blood, right her in front of your face. Living life as we do. But as we look back into the mists of time and legend for our own heritage we must remember always to be in connection with the traditions of Masons past. We must remember we are a continuation of what was built by our Brothers before us.

As Masons, we should be enriching ourselves with our shared heritage and common bonds. Building our bonds as Brothers, and allowing this to make our modern Freemasonry flourish. The benefit of the lodge is something that all Brothers should remember.

Much Love Brothers.

Our First Steps In Masonry

The evolution that a man makes when he first comes from the outer world is began when we reaches out for light. It is that effort that the individual candidate and Mason that sparks the fuse of our great Masonic expansion. It is the driving force behind why we are Masons in the first place.

Mankind has always dreamed of grasping knowledge in it's fullness and those men who asked and became Freemasons have made a declaration that they seek knowledge and light to shine unto their paths. The paths which lead men to their destinies and fates. Those paths which all men alive must tread.

The steps which a Mason first takes are those of understanding his degree. Some men do so by catechism cyphers, others by memory alone, but rest assured that the proficiency of his respective degree should be the concern of all Masons in the Blue Lodge.

The connections that a Mason develops when learning his catechisms are bonds which are truly unique and special. In these lessons Masons find out who they are and what they are truly capable of. Inside these degrees are some of the most useful maxims for character building in men. This is only reinforced by the bond established between a mentor and his pupil.

After one returns his work as a Master Mason (in this humble Mason's opinion) a Mason may go out and instruct new Brothers in their work and continue the bonds of fellowship into the future. So that the lodge may benefit from this good work, and Brotherhood may be developed amongst the Brothers of the lodge.

Let us not forget those who aided us in our work growing in Masonry, and look foward to doing all we can to help those Brothers with theirs. May the blessings of heaven rest upon you and all of those you love, and may we meet in good health and spirits next time. Have a great Labor Day!

A Trip To Grand Lodge

Bro. Bureau and Bro. Wendling of Sutherland Lodge #174 F&AM recently visited the Grand Lodge of Florida in Jacksonville. This is an account of their visit:

"We were greeted by the Grand Secretary Richard Lynn with Brotherly Love. Most Worshipful Lyn P.G.M. took us Brothers on a very detailed tour of the Grand Lodge and introduced us to theose behind the scenes to make the Grand Lodge run efficiently.

Being young in our Masonic lives we were in awe of this tri-story Grand Lodge. We started our tour on the main floor where all the magic happens. He showed us the newest addition to the Grand Lodge, their new printer. Which uses a block of colored clay to print and it saved them thousands of dollars in printing costs. As he took us on the tour we met several individuals that make it all possible and put everything together for our own lodges. One of the most amazing things to see was the 'vault'. This is where the lodges minutes and bylaws are kept since the Grand Lodge existed. Just to see the books from the early 1800's (which are not allowed to be touched without gloves) was breathtaking. To see information from our very own Sutherland Lodge No 174 from the 1930's was even more spectacular! They even have the original "books" of course those are locked away in a separate safe. After seeing this magnificent room we went upstairs to the third floor where accounting is done and the area for the Lodge Room is.

On the third floor they have a magnificent library which you must have an appointment to see any of the books. From there we went to the basement which was located in the bomb shelter where the bookstore is and any and all materials or books you wish to order is kept. It was amazing to see how much there acutally was in this room and how very well organized it was. We finished up our tour with the most amazing and breathtaking event. We toured the Grand Lodge musuem. Words cannot describe this two story history, from the pictures of all the past Grand Masters to the memorabilia from the history of Masonry in and around the world.

With all said I have suggested to Worshipful Scott that we rent a 12-15 passenger van and make the day trip to Jacksonville to allow those to experience the Grand Lodge. It is about a 4 hour drive there and with a large group it will take a few hours to tour. So we should plan on making it a full day venture. I will be getting with Worshipful Scott on the price and date." ~ Brothers Micheal G. Bureau and Rick Wendling.

Fellowcraft Degree!

Hey Guys! Brother Aaron here. Just keeping you up to date on the happenings at Sutherland.

I have to say that it is a great feeling to see people make progress in their Masonic journeys and watching them share in the rich traditions that our Craft has to offer. It has been most exciting being a part of the degrees in my lodge and one of the most satisfying parts is that I am taking a hands on role in mentoring my Brother in the ways of Freemasonry. That is both an honor and a privilidge to do.

Now my Brothers and I continue on to the Fellowcraft catechism and work on the continuation of that degree we all remember so well. I look foward to continuing to being a part of such a great lodge and community.

Mentoring An Entered Apprentice

It seems difficult to express in words how truly amazing it was to mentor my friend through the first degree of Freemasonry. It was a thrilling experience, even through the mistakes, and one I would not trade for anything. I am proud that my Brother committed to the work of his Entered Apprentice Degree, and am proud that he is interested in assisting the other EA's to have their work done as well.

It is my hope that there will be as much enthusiasm from the candidate for the next degree. I am really looking foward to passing these Brothers to the degree of Fellow Craft. This is an experience that I am greatly enjoying. Simply knowing that I am helping people grow in our fraternity.

Atlantis?

Many people have many different ideas and theories that they have postulated about Freemasonry and a dark, sinister connection that it has with the occult. One of my favorites was recently brought up by a Brother whom I have a lot of respect for, although the broadcast clip he showed was a newer spin than the one I had heard before, it reminded me of the ideas I had once heard before.

This man was claiming that our order was actually ruling the world as the "Modern Atlanteans" and behind all events in world history, which has been heard before and is equally propostorous as all the other world domination theories.

It has been said that Sir Francis Bacon was connected with our fraternity. In his work called New Atlantis: A Work Unfinished Bacon describes the creation of a new nation where "generosity and enlightenment, dignity and splendour, piety and public spirit" are the commonly held qualities of it inhabitants.

I have always held this to be the real "Atlantean" connection to Freemasonry.

What Being A Brother Is About

At first there was darkness

A light, we were without

Then through our own needs

We started to reach out

Groping for that light

Which we could have no doubt

Would shine a light unto our paths

And from it wisdom could sprout

Growing together with one mind

And helping eachother out

Building our spiritual building together

That through the darkness we will stand out

When hard times come upon us

The trials, troubles, and difficulties throughout

It is in these tense troubled moments

You will find what being a Brother is all about

Poem About The Twenty-Four Inch Gauge

Twenty Four Inches

Twenty Four Parts

Twenty Four moments to look at our hearts

Twenty Four hours

In the space of a day

Twenty Four moments to choose your own way

When divided by three

We find ourselves eight

With these proportions we do something great

Eight for vocations

Eight for a nod

and Eight humble hours for the service of God

I am no wise man

and I am no sage

but I'll remember forever the twenty four inch gauge

Thoughts On Catechism Training

I remember when I was going through my catechism training with Worshipful Ken Warner and how enormous the task seemed before me. I remember when I was daunted by the feat of memorizing my cypher and my return so that I could progress. I am reminded of those feelings lately because I am mentoring my friend David, who was recently initiated as an Entered Apprentice in our lodge.

Going into his training, it was interesting to be on the other side. It was not new to me to help my friend with his hurdles as he commits to memory his catechism, but it was unique in that he counts on me for my help and guidance and I try to be there for his studies as much as I can. It's a great experience to help brothers go through their catechisms, it's a memory that you will share with them forever.

I remember the people who challenged me and pushed me to do well in Masonry, like Worshipful Brian Campbell. He was always an advocate for getting new Master Masons to return their catechisms. He still comes out to mentor at the lodge.

It's nice to know that we are in a time where more brothers are trying for their proficiencies and more people are becoming Silver Card certified in our lodge. Brothers Joe Ballow, Larry Pomeroy, myself, and all others are committed to sharing our Masonic knowledge with others and helping our lodge continue to grow in such a positive direction. So mote it be!

Book Recommendation

This month I would like to recommend the book The Battle For Spain by Antony Beevor.

It is a must read for those who are interested in the Spanish Civil War and certainly one of the most thorough books I've ever read on the subject.

I would definately recommend it.

Freemasonry Under Franco

During and after the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) those who were members of Masonic lodges were rounded up, arrested, and summarily executed simply for being members of our ancient fraternity. It was reported that Masons were shot, tortured, and murdered by organized death squads all over the Spanish country.

During the war, Father Jean Tusquets (a staunch opponent and antagonist against Freemasonry) along with General Franco's personal chaplain compiled lists of those suspected of having an affiliation with Freemasonry. The lists numbered over 80,000, however there were not even 10,000 Freemasons in Spain or Morocco.

The people on those list became subject to the most brutal injustices and punishments simply because they were somehow tied to Masonry. Lodges and Temples were razed to the ground, set ablaze, and battered by artillery. In some cases when the Nationalist forces came entire lodge rosters were butchered at the hands of the counter-revolution. People were shot, stabbed to death, even thrown into the working engines of steam trains.

After one year of the war, all masons in the Nationalist zone who had not escaped were confirmed dead.

After Franco's troops had defeated the Popular Front government he outlawed Freemasonry in Spain with a decree on March 2nd, 1940. The punishment for most lower level brethren was 12 years in a prison cell, those who were more influencial recieved the death penalty.

Oddly enough four of Franco's generals were masons, as were many Nationalists. After the 1940 decree, Nationalists were given two months to resign from their respective lodges. However many of those masons chose to leave Spain in exile. Among them were many Republicans, Monarchists, Military professionals, and Traditionalists.

Working Tools

Recently the most satisfying part of being a freemason to me has been the constant growth and understanding I have developed, not only within myself, but of the coexistance of all members of the human family. I have been able to take the tools that where given to me and apply them to my life and see the positive changes and outcomes of their useful application.

I am not one to be boastful, more often than not I would consider myself to be rather modest, but I cannot be silent in stressing the importance of applying these working tools to life and how they effect it.

When doing such a thing it forces a man to look inward and ask himself "What kind of person am I?" This reflection is intensely important. Not only for it's commonly accepted purpose of self improvement but the realization that we are creations of the Grand Architect Of The Universe and are unique among the rest of creation in that we have been given this tremendous gift. We are separated from the rest of creation because of it.

We know that we are able to improve ourselves in many different ways.

We know that we are going to die.

We know that there is a purpose to our existence, even if we sometimes do not know what the purpose of the existence is.

These things are meant to help us. To help us guide ourselves and our brothers toward the path of righteousness, and to He who gives the righteous man his reward.

I am certainly not considered a scholar of our ancient and honourable craft, but I have seen it's benefits not only in society but in the building of the individual.

We share among ourselves a unique responsibility towards one another, a duty. It is this duty which we see when we greet a brother. The duty when we meet a new brother and feel a connection to him through our Masonic ties. When we safeguard and kindly admonish our brethren.

This gift of self improvement is made possible even more so by the tools we have been given in the course of our shared Masonic instruction. We must always remember them in our lives, and use them on ourselves and our brothers. For each of there distinctive purposes. To see that improvement in our own lives.

An Introduction To Freemasonry

Brethren,

We come from all walks of life. We all come from all manner of professions. We are many colors. We profess many different faiths. But we all have this in common, we have all found a fraternity, we have all become Free & Accepted Masons, and we are all brothers.

Freemasonry has and shall always affect the lives of men, taking good men and helping them become better men by providing them the tools to accomplish this noble and glorious task.

The roots of our fraternity date back to the building of king solomon's temple in Jerusalem around 1000 BC, but the origins of our freemasonry and be traced to medieval guilds of stone masons. The trade secrets of building churches back then, without the use of mortar, and with the use of geometry, were closely guarded secrets. This secrets were so jealously guarded that they were not even divulged to the priests of the churches that employed them. Those guilds were formed to train masons and enforce a high standard of workmanship. Masons were then, and continue to be, held to those high standards and expected to keep those most valueable secrets.

Eventually those guilds lost their purpose as the people became better educated across Europe. But in the age of enlightenment there was found in Masonry an ideal metaphor for character building in men.

By 1717, the purpose of Masonry had shifted from operative masonry (actually building structures) to a guild of speculative masons (character building). Taking the traditions of old and using them to build up good men, and make them into better men. It has been part of society for much of recorded history and part of America, long before the revolution against England in the latter years of the 18th century.

We, as Masons, hold firm to a set of timeless values and maxims which as relevant today as ever. The tenets of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth have guided us through the centuries and they will continue to do so for the remainder of time. They have helped us to become better friends, fathers, sons, professionals, and citizens.

This age old fraternity has been an inestimatable gift to me in my own life, and one of the most dynamic forces for good I have ever encountered. I am tremendously honored to be a part of this ancient and honorable order, as I am equally honored to have met so many good people throughout my masonic career.

Thank You Brothers!