I am presently reading a book titled “The Meaning of Masonry” by W.L. Wilmshurst.  In it I found a passage that I thought might be interesting to some of you given the current state of our Craft.

But ere that time comes, and that the Craft itself may the better appreciate what can be told, it is desirable, nay even necessary, that its own members should make some effort to realize the meaning of their own institution, and should display symptoms of earnest desire to treat it less as a system of archaic and perfunctory rites, and more as a vital reality capable of entering into and dominating their lives; less as a merely pleasant social order, and more as a sacred and serious method of initiation into the profoundest truths of life.  It is written that “to him that hath, shall be given, and from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath”; and it remains with the Craft itself to determine by its own action whether it shall enter into its full heritage, or whether, by failing to realize and to safeguard the value of what it possesses, by suffering its own mysteries to be vulgarized and profaned, its organization will degenerate and pass into disrepute and deserved oblivion, as has been the fate of many secret orders in the past.

My brothers, the 5th edition of this book was published in 1927 and despite its age, it’s as relevant today as it ever was.  We have all spoken many times about those among us who haven’t taken the teachings of Masonry to heart and of the importance of seeking more light and getting a true Masonic education, but, perhaps we lack perspective…

It occurred to me after reading this passage and listening to W.Bro. Brian Napier’s lecture the other night that though the craft is certainly bigger than an individual, a mother Lodge, or a Grand Lodge, yet it still relies on each and every one of us for its protection and wellbeing.  Our craft has given itself to us for safekeeping and centuries of Masonic lineage now rest in our hands.  It is an interesting microcosm in and of itself - perhaps the Grand Architect has a special fondness for irony; why else would He entrust us with so noble an institution so that we can – and do – water it down with politicking, one day classes, lowered or nonexistent standards and utterly ridiculous proficiency requirements all in the name of collecting dues?

I would posit that perhaps our Grand Architect entrusted us with such an institution simply because it provides an environment where each and every one of us could make a lasting difference. 

Or not. 

We all have a breaking point and some of us might be close or have already hit it;  despite my short time in the Craft, I have already seen a number of Brethren leave and not return.  But we need only realize that by quitting, walking away or not showing up to lodge, we will have left our Craft in the hands of those who don’t really care to know or understand it, or would rather treat it as a social club, thereby allowing it “to be vulgarized and profaned” at which point it will “degenerate and pass into disrepute and deserved oblivion”… and he that hath not, what little remains shall also be taken away. 

However, if we stick around and defend our Craft by championing its ideals and tenets, we can truly serve the greater good… and to he that hath, even more shall be given.

We are taught that the “all seeing eye, whom the sun, moon and stars obey… penetrates the inmost recesses of the human heart and will judge us according to our merits”.  It’s all a test, Brethren - the stakes are high and it sure as heck won’t be easy, but at least we’re in it together.  

And that’s an absolute honor and a privilege. 

S&F,
Scott

Fraternal Greetings!

Looking at the calendar, it has indeed been quite a while since my last post.  A couple of months ago my lodge requested my assistance with redesigning our trestleboard and website so I took some time off from blogging so I could direct my energies towards those projects.  Well we have finally gone live with our new website design and it can now be seen at http://www.unionlodge19.com.   I urge visitors to my blog to check out the website as all comments and suggestions are welcome.

I hope to continue blogging about my experiences once the new trestleboard is sent out.

S&F,
Scott G. Arnold 

Despite all the garbage about Masonry on youtube, every once and a while you come across something worth sharing.  This one is from the Missouri Grand Lodge of Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons.

Last night I had the pleasure of traveling to Milltown Lodge No. 294 F&AM in Milltown, New Jersey to see an Entered Apprentice degree put on for the first time.  The degree was excellent in its execution and it was quite an educational experience to witness the whole degree without a hoodwink on.  It also warmed my heart that there was not just one candidate, but 4, who were entered last night and  I believe I heard that this particular lodge also has another 4 candidates awaiting their EA degree as well.  It looks to me like we as a Fraternity are rounding the membership bend and are continually taking on more and more people - I have great hopes that this continues!

A big congratulations and a hearty welcome are in order for these four new brothers.  I hope your journey in Freemasonry is as rewarding and fruitful as mine has been thus far!

As I write this today, I am a new person;  My body which has carried me through my 24 years of life thus far remains the same yet I am different in a way only another Brother Mason could understand.  I have learned that earthly titles which have been bestowed upon us are ultimately meaningless - Brother, Father, Mother, Sister, President, CEO, Chief, Freemason.  Nay, it is what you are in your heart and soul that defines just who you really are.

Today, I am a Master Mason... and like the grains of sand through the hourglass of life, my Journey has just begun...

This past Tuesday night, I had the pleasure of visiting Philo Lodge No. 243 in South River, NJ to see a Fellowcraft Degree be put on.  It was also my first time traveling to another Lodge so it was quite an interesting experience.  The Brethren of Philo Lodge did an excellent job with the degree and it was a prime opportunity for me to soak in the details I had missed by virtue of the hoodwink during my own Fellowcraft degree.  I also had much to learn about floorwork, signing in and out of the lodge and various other ritual movements that I was previously unaware of. 

Afterwards we had a humble meal, satisfying in it's simplicity, and flavored by fellowship.  All in all, it was a great evening with some great people and I look forward to February 5th when I will be travelling to Milltown Lodge No. 294 to see an Entered Apprentice degree.

Congratulations are in order to the two Brothers from Philo Lodge on their advancement to Fellowcraft and I wish them the best in learning their next proficiency.

Lately I have been buried in the Fellowcraft Proficiency in my efforts to learn it word perfect.  It has been quite a challenge and there are still some sections that I am working on but the material is quite interesting.  I really hope I'm ready as I prove proficiency this coming Monday.

I have also found out that February 4th will be the big night when I will be raised to the Sublime Degree.  I'll be sure to write about all my experiences soon.

Greetings Brethren,

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season!

Just wanted to drop a quick line and let you know why I have been a bit absent on here... My lodge has asked me to write a paper on the Entered Apprentice and Fellowcraft degrees to be presented to the Brethren; on top of that I have been trying to study my Fellowcraft proficiency so I've been a bit stretched for free time.  I hope to be posting again soon and I will certainly post my paper once it has been completed.

Take care.

The level was used by operative masons to lay their work surfaces perfectly horizontal thereby providing not only a solid foundation on which to build but a framework true to their designs.  The level worked by virtue of gravity and under principles established in a number of our seven liberal arts and sciences; the simplicity in its construction belies the complex underpinnings of its operation.  Such is the beauty of this simple tool... and of life.

Speculatively, it is a reminder that all men progress alike towards eternity - equally as vulnerable to the same passions, fears and temptations regardless of our socio-economic status, race or creed.  By it, we are taught to be charitable to those who are less fortunate and not to be envious of those who have amassed power and wealth beyond our own situation.  After all, death's hand knows nothing of our earthly possessions or positions.

I view the weight swinging rhythmically on the end of the string as a sensor perceptible only to our actions; its movements mysteriously synchronized, as if by magnetic force, to the lives we lead; the precision of its measurements, unrivaled.  The string I see as an allusion to our cable tow and a reminder that our actions should be governed by our bond to both brother Masons and mankind alike.  All of this, however, would be useless without some constant force to keep it in check; the weight would float around haphazardly, twisting and knotting the string by which it is held... perhaps even breaking away from it.  The tool would be rendered useless by virtue of its inaccuracy.

Gravity is a force to which none of us are exempt.  Its universality implies immense strength and is haunted by the specter of destruction; without a sound structure, it can cause roofs to collapse around us.  It can render short falls deadly.  Yet at the same time we depend on it for in its absence, earth would be flung from its orbit and the universe would descend into the depths of chaos.  It is, in essence, a great mythological force much like Inanna, the Sumerian Goddess of love and war, who's duty was as follows:

To pester, insult, deride, desecrate - and to venerate - is your domain, Inanna.
Downheartedness, calamity, heartache - and joy and good cheer - is your domain, Inanna.
Trembling, affright, terror - dazzling and glory - is your domain, Inanna.

On the other hand, Freemasonry, if given the chance, can also be that universal force which bind us all.  It gives us wisdom, strength and beauty; it constructs the pillars of strength and establishment in a world of weakness and disenfranchisement; it is our personal lighthouse while we are cast away on the seas of darkness.  While we as mortals must subject to gravity, we as Freemasons should strive to calibrate our levels by something more tangible, something pure.

Those who care not how much the weight moves nor how the string sways will surely live under the rules of gravity.  They may amount to nothing in their lives or they may rule the world - but they will always be limited in some fashion by the rules to which they have subscribed.

No... not me...

I'd rather let Freemasonry be my gravity.

What makes a man a Mason, O brother of mine?
It isn’t the due guard, nor is it the sign,
It isn’t the jewel which hangs on your breast
It isn’t the apron in which you are dressed

It isn’t the step, nor the token, nor the grip,
Nor lectures that fluently flow from the lip,
Nor yet the possession of that mystic word
On five points of fellowship duly conferred.

Though these are essential, desirable, fine,
They don’t make a Mason, O brother of mine.
That you to your sworn obligation are true
'Tis that, brother mine, makes a Mason of you.

Secure in your heart you must safeguard and trust,
With lodge and with brother be honest and just,
Assist the deserving who cry in their need,
Be chaste in your thought, in your word and your deed.

Support he who falters, with hope banish fear,
And whisper advice in an erring one’s ear.
Then will the Great Lights on your path brightly shine,
And you’ll be a Mason, O brother of mine.

Your use of life’s hours by the gauge you must try,
The gavel of vices with courage apply;
Your walk must be upright, as shown by the plumb,
On the level, to bourn whence no travelers come,

The Book of your faith be the rule and the guide,
The compass your passions shut safely inside;
The stone which the Architect placed in your care
Must pass the strict test of His unerring square.

And then you will meet
with approval divine,
And you’ll be a Mason,
O brother of mine.