The Simplest of Things

by Midnight Freemason Contributor
Bro. Randy Sanders


A few evenings ago I asked my wife how she might like her dinner prepared.  I purchased a few fillets of a nice white ocean fish, which although good didn’t have much flavor.  She suggested garlic, salt, and pepper marinade, which over a 4 hour period was absolutely perfect for those fillets then paired with rice and mixed vegetables.  Over the past year, I moved away from my expensive pellet grill back to an old heavy steel charcoal barrel-style grill.  The very basic charcoal along with a simple rub produces results just not attainable with pellet or gas grills.  I’m not giving up on a good complex sauce to accompany a perfectly cooked pasta or changing up my often gourmet seasonings for different cultural nuances.  Rather, I rediscovered an experience.  In and of itself, the changes seem innocuous enough, but I see it as a trend in my life as I rethink the complexities of not just cooking but everything, even Freemasonry. 


Part of this stems from an exercise performed in the Winter of 2020 and again recently in Winter 2022 at the Scottish Rite’s Academy Of Reflection Winter Contemplative Retreat.  One of the exercises in the retreat is to eat in silence, slowly, and going back to simplicity by focusing on the food, process of eating, and what that means to you.  I found it to be stimulating as I considered the flavors and textures of the basic meals we enjoyed together in silence.  


The lesson was partially lost on me for a time as we entered the COVID pandemic years, and I rediscovered the beauty of the exercise in the 2022 retreat.  Then came the realization of how simplicity extends to all facets of my life.  My realization of this came with the additional realization that I had already begun doing this exercise in other areas of my life.  Unknowingly, I returned to basic cooking techniques.  At work, I returned to questioning everything, asking why processes existed, and cutting out meetings, and with Freemasonry, I must admit to the same.


Cutting out meetings?  But, your obligations!


Brothers, I continue to promote a healthy Masonic fraternity.  I respect my blue lodge and appendant bodies, and I am committed to helping them in every way possible.  Did I mention convenient?  No?  I do mean any way possible.  My cable-tow doesn’t end just because some meeting is inconvenient. However, let’s strip away the superfluities, the processes, the pageantry.  When we get down to it, what am I contributing, except dues, to any one organization?  


If the answer is “nothing”, then it’s time to think about what you can offer.  What value can you bring to the table?  There is always an answer of yes.  There’s always value you bring.  The craft needs you, but you may not realize your own worth so keep it simple.  Contribute in small ways then worry later about contributing in larger ways.  Find the things you love and bring those things you love to the craft rather than trying to be something you aren’t.  We meditate for a deeper meaning to “who am I” and “why am I here” when the question may be as simple as “I’m good at landscaping, so maybe I can help the lodge building look better?” or, “if I attend this meeting I considered skipping, can I find a means to contribute while enjoying the fellowship of Brethren?”  And my favorite: “I may not be the best at ritual, but I can do a silent part when needed.”


It's the simplest of things.


~RS

Randy and his wife Elyana live near St. Louis, Missouri, USA. Randy earned a Bachelors Degree in Chemistry with an emphasis in Biochemistry, and he works in Telecom IT management. He volunteers as a professional and personal mentor, NRA certified Chief Range Safety Officer and enjoys competitive tactical pistol, rifle, and shotgun. He has 30 plus years teaching Wing Chun Kung Fu, Chi Kung, and healing arts. Randy served as a Logistics Section Chief on two different United States federal Disaster Medical Assistance Teams over a 12 year span. Randy is a 32nd degree KCCH and Knight Templar. His Masonic bio includes past Lodge Education Officer for two symbolic lodges, Founder of the Wentzville Lodge Book Club, member of the Grand Lodge of Missouri Education Committee, Sovereign Master of the E. F. Coonrod AMD Council No. 493, Co-Librarian of the Scottish Rite Valley of St. Louis, Clerk for the Academy of Reflection through the Valley of Guthrie, and a Facilitator for the Masonic Legacy Society. Randy is a founding administrator for Refracted Light, full contributor to Midnight Freemasons, and an international presenter on esoteric topics. Randy hosts an open ongoing weekly Masonic virtual Happy Hour on Friday evenings. Randy is an accomplished home chef, a certified barbecue judge, raises Great Pyrenees dogs, and enjoys travel and philosophy.

Danny Thomas: Freemason and Humanitarian

by Midnight Freemason Contributor
Steven L. Harrison, 33°, FMLR


Danny Thomas (1912 – 1991), a member of Gothic Lodge 270 in Hamilton Square, New Jersey, was an American nightclub entertainer, television star, and producer. Born Amos Muzyad Yakhoob Kairouz, Brother Thomas was best known for his role in the television show "Make Room for Daddy."  A devout Roman Catholic, Brother Thomas was also an avid golfer with a handicap of ten, one of the original owners of the Miami Dolphins, the sponsor of two PGA tour tournaments, and the first non-Jewish member of Hillcrest country club in Los Angeles.

 Creating an American Icon

It's a little-known fact that in a 1960 episode of his TV show, Thomas was inadvertently responsible for creating an American icon.  In that episode, a country-bumpkin sheriff stopped Thomas' character for speeding.  The plot followed Thomas' trials and tribulations while dealing with the small-town sheriff, who was also the town judge and newspaper editor.  That popular episode turned out to be a pilot for one of TV's most enduring series, "The Andy Griffith Show." It featured the exploits of that country sheriff. Griffith was not a Freemason, but held the Fraternity in high regard and actually got his comedic start playing summers at the Dare County Shrine Club in North Carolina. 

His Daughter "That Girl"

Brother Thomas also helped his daughter, Marlo, get started in her acting career in the situation comedy "That Girl." In it, Marlo portrayed a young woman on her own in New York. The show is recognized as the first television series to feature an independent single working woman. In 1969, Thomas made a cameo appearance on it playing a priest. In his only scene, his daughter bumps into him and says, "Excuse me, Father." Danny replies, "That's all right, my child." Many did not get the inside joke.

Doing a "Danny Thomas"

Thomas' comedic trademark was the spit-take. On many occasions on his situation comedy and also other shows, Thomas could be seen taking a drink and then reacting to something another character said by spraying the drink out of his mouth. Some even credit Thomas with inventing the spit-take. While that is not accurate he certainly was the comedian who perfected it. In fact, during his time, a spit-take from any character became known as "doing a Danny Thomas."

His Greatest Accomplishment

In 1962, Thomas founded St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, based on the premise that "no child should die in the dawn of life." The hospital today is one of the premier institutions for children's health care, treating children with all forms of cancer and other devastating diseases. Its operating expenditures amount to nearly $3 million per day, but no patient is charged for the services it provides. Among his many professional and humanitarian successes, St. Jude's is considered to be Brother Thomas' most important accomplishment.

Brother Thomas was also a member of the Scottish Rite and Al Malaikah Shrine in Los Angeles.  He received the Congressional Gold Medal and in 2012, the US Postal Service honored him by issuing a "Forever" stamp recognizing his humanitarian accomplishments.

He died in Los Angeles on February 6, 1991, of heart failure.  Just two days before that, the 79-year-old entertainer had filmed a commercial to celebrate St. Jude's 29th anniversary.  The commercial aired after his death.  He is buried on the hospital's grounds in Memphis, Tennessee.

~SLH

Bro. Steve Harrison, 33°  is Past Master of Liberty Lodge #31, Liberty, Missouri. He is also a Fellow and Past Master of the Missouri Lodge of Research. Among his other Masonic memberships is the St. Joseph Missouri Valley of the Scottish Rite, Liberty York Rite bodies, and Moila Shrine. He is also a member and Past Dean of the DeMolay Legion of Honor. Brother Harrison is a regular contributor to the Midnight Freemasons blog as well as several other Masonic publications. Brother Steve was Editor of the Missouri Freemason magazine for a decade and is a regular contributor to the Whence Came You podcast. Born in Indiana, he has a Master's Degree from Indiana University and is retired from a 35-year career in information technology. Steve and his wife Carolyn reside in northwest Missouri. He is the author of dozens of magazine articles and three books: Freemasonry Crosses the Mississippi, Freemasons — Tales From the Craft and Freemasons at Oak Island.

The War In Ukraine - A Personal Perspective

by Midnight Freemason Guest Contributor

Alžběta Týblová


On March 14 at Liberty Lodge #31, Alžběta 'Bety' Týblová, a Liberty High School exchange student from Prague, gave a moving account of her family and friends' experiences in Ukraine. Pictured left to right are lodge Master Rod Guzman, Bety, and her sponsoring family Randy, Linda, and Zachary Hicks.

 Editor's Note: Alžběta 'Bety' Týblová is an 18 year old exchange student studying at Liberty High School near Kansas City for the current school year. Brother Randy Hicks, a member of Liberty Lodge 31, is her sponsor. Bety lives in Prague and has close ties to family and friends who are now under siege in Ukraine. Last week at Liberty lodge she gave a moving and personal account of her family and friends' experiences with the devastating war raging next door to her home. The text of her remarks to the Brothers of the lodge follows.


Hello, my name is Bety Tyblova, I am an exchange student from the Czech Republic staying here in America for the school year with the Hicks family. My host father, Randy, suggested I speak in this venue to try and convey my perspective of the current conflict between Ukraine and Russia and I am grateful for the opportunity to talk about this with you this evening. 

 

First of all, I would like to emphasize that I am not here to tell you why the conflict is happening. Only one person, Vladimir Putin, can answer that question for you and I don’t think there’s any real right answer as to why Russia has attacked the democratic sovereignty of the Ukraine. I cannot see into Putin’s mind, so I cannot tell you why he has decided to destroy innocent, free people’s lives. My goal this evening is to help you understand the European perspective on this war. I hope you will have grace because as an 18-year-old girl, there’s no way I can convey all of the hurt, pain, and fear felt across Europe in this crisis, but I hope that I can appeal to your empathy and compassion to emphasize how vital this conflict is not only to my country and to myself, but to everyone in this room. I am here to help you understand that what you read every day in the newspaper about Putin’s invasion of Ukraine is real, and it is happening to real people, thousands of them, at this very moment. I am here to show you how this situation is perceived by someone who is not Ukrainian or Russian, but who is also not American. First and foremost, I want to make it very clear that it is not the Russian people who are to blame for everything that is happening in Eastern Europe right now. The blame falls on one man, and one man alone, and that man is Vladimir Putin. He alone is responsible for the bloodshed, the blood of innocent citizens in Ukraine but also that of Russian soldiers who were unknowingly sent to war. Most Russian soldiers have no idea that they are at war; they have been told that they are only going to practice, or that they are going to “liberate” Ukraine. Shortly after the invasion of Ukraine, the Ukrainian army captured two Russian soldiers, the first of the war, who said that they had no idea that they were at war, why the Ukrainians had captured them. They had run out of gas in their vehicle on their way to Ukraine, and the unsuspecting soldiers came to ask the Ukrainian police if they had gas to spare. Both individuals were arrested immediately. It is crucial that you understand that these men did not know the game their autocratic leader was playing. It was not their decision to invade, and they did not do so willingly or knowingly. Please, do not blame the Russian people or Russian soldiers for their unknowing participation in this travesty against human life. This is the deranged mind of one autocrat, Putin, laying fear and travesty at the doorstep of innocent people on both sides.


My country is lucky to be a member of NATO and the European Union. I am grateful for the strong allies we have in Europe because without membership in the North Atlantic Alliance, it is possible that my country would be part of the war right now. While we are separate from Ukraine and Russia, and perhaps you are finding it odd that I am speaking on the issue to you here tonight as a citizen of an independent state, but we are not far from all that is going on. The Czech Republic is 242 miles from Ukraine. This is a 3 and a half hour car ride; just about the distance from here to St. Louis. Not only do we draw raw material from Ukraine, but it is common that the people in Europe travel to neighboring countries, much like you might visit Kansas or Arkansas over the weekend. As a result, some of my closest friends are Ukrainian and/or Russian. This is why this topic is so important to me and why I need to talk to you tonight. This is territory I know, territory my family has been many times. At this time, it is heartbreaking to me that I cannot do much to help, but even more so, I cannot be with them. I can’t be the emotional and mental support that they need now more than ever. The only thing I can do is to help inform you, and bring the situation closer to people who only see the conflict via TV and newspapers. To remind you that these are real people, with lives and families, who are under attack. People I have called friend and family in my life.


A few days after the war started, one of my friends here in Liberty said she couldn’t understand what was going on and why it was such a problem. For those of you who don’t know, Ukraine used to be a part of the Soviet Union. My friend did not understand what the problem was and why they didn’t just rejoin Russia. Since 1991, Ukraine has been an independent country, more than 30 years now. Moreover, Ukraine adopted a democratic framework, and it does not exist under Putin’s communist system. My friend did not understand the significance of the pain, suffering, and heart with which the Ukrainian people lived prior to this time under communist rule, and the relief felt when they were finally freed to exist as their own nation, free to express themselves as part of a democratic society finally released from autocracy and tyranny. What, in this day and age, makes Putin feel he can strip those rights, own these free people once again is beyond me. To put this into the perspective of American history, America was not always a separate state. It did not always look the way it does now, nor did it always enjoy the freedoms of democracy it now does. At one time, America was a colony of England; a then autocratic governance which found value in the ownership of an entire group of people and their land. Imagine that St. Louis was invaded by an autocracy which assumed ownership of you as the American democracy. Regardless of what you had made of your life, a ruler of a completely different country decided that that life belonged to him now. Imagine you are 18, never having even lived under that ruler’s thumb, and you are told that you have 2 options: fight for your home and your family and your friends or be oppressed under the dictatorial rule of another state. I choose to believe that most of you would select option 1, to fight for your rights to live life how you want to live it and--remember Ukraine has been a democracy for 30 years—how your parents and grandparents endured for it to be lived that way. The Ukrainian people chose the same way and they continue to fight for their democracy right now.


Ukraine has been a troubled country for several years. In 2014, the Civil War began, which has lasted until now. There is a brief documentary on this war on Netflix, where everything is summarized in detail and I recommend everyone in this room watch it. It is called Winter on Fire: Ukraine’s Fight for Freedom for those that are interested. In brief, Putin used this war to invade Ukraine. Putin publicly declared that he wants to “liberate” Ukraine and save them from the political system which they chose when they gained their independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. This is not the first time a Russian leader has claimed something like this. In 1968, Russia invaded the Czech Republic (then Czechoslovakia) claiming the same reasoning. The Czechs did not want to be part of Russia either, but we did not have the strength to defend ourselves so the Russians occupied us, strengthening the authoritarian wing of the communist party of Czechoslovakia. Ukraine has immense heart and bravery, and they are escalating the conflict to avoid the same fate as my country in 1968 which took 23 years to reverse.


As I said, the conflict in Ukraine is not something which just began on February 24th this year. This began when Russia wanted to take back the island of Crimea, a gift from Russia to Ukraine after the end of World War II. Before 2013, however, Russia decided to take back Crimea and declare it Russian territory once more. At that time, not only the civil war in Ukraine began, but also the war between Russia and Ukraine.


The media and television have spoken extensively about this conflict, as I’m sure you’ve either seen or followed. But I also understand that this is a far away issue for many of you. This is not happening on American soil, and thankfully, does not need to. This is thousands and thousands of miles away from your home, from your family, from your friends and neighbors and land; this is another continent. It’s a different world as far as I’m sure many of you are concerned. But I am here from that other continent to tell you about what is happening. I wish I could even do justice to the atrocities that are happening this very second, as I stand here and try to make you understand fully. This hurts for me to have to do. I hurt for my friends and my family that live in Ukraine, for the people I love that are standing on a battlefield right now, afraid that they are living on land that they will die on.


When the war began, the entirety of Europe was talking about it. Here in America, there was nothing. I did not know until I got home from school. The day it began and when the news was first released that Russia had invaded Ukraine, I felt overwhelmingly hopeless. The worst scenarios appeared in front of my eyes. My little sister called me that day, there was despair in her voice as she told me how the news had affected those around her. After a few minutes, the conversation led to a question. “What if it sucks and I never see you again? What if you stay in America so you don’t have to go back to war? What if you stay in America and I never see you?” I didn’t know what to say, because that’s when the situation really hit me. I’m in America now, I’m isolated from it all and I’m separated from it just like you are, thousands of miles away. But the people in Europe, my family, my friends who are part of it know exactly what could happen. My best friend, who has been living in Prague for 5 years, has family in Ukraine. Two weeks before the start of the war, her boyfriend was deported from the Czech Republic to Ukraine due to documentation issues. I can’t even describe in words the pain she exuded when this conflict began and every day, afraid that her boyfriend will go to war and never see him again. She’s afraid when her boyfriend doesn’t text her back within a few minutes. One day she texted me and then called me in tears that her boyfriend hadn’t answered her messages. He hadn’t called since the morning, she didn’t know what was going on, and nor did his friends know where he was. She didn’t hear anything for almost 24 hours. When she did, he apologized for not calling, but he had spent the day digging trenches in his backyard for his family in case Russian troops invaded their village. Teenagers here just can’t fathom this kind of anxiety, this kind of fear right now. This was not the kind of anxiety that perhaps your daughter has felt when her boyfriend doesn’t respond to her texts—“is he off with some girl? Is he ignoring me? Does he not like me anymore?”—this is the kind of fear a girl feels when her boyfriend very well might be in hiding from the Russian army or, God forbid, dead. There are hundreds of stories like this, many translated on the Internet and accessible to you. These are the stories of strangers to you, but these people are part of my life, part of my home, and while these may be strangers experiencing a war to you, this is my family and friends’ reality. This is my reality. I hear from my friends and family how they fight for their friends, but also about how their fathers went to war, how family Members died, how they left their hometowns and homes, and they hope that that will eventually allow them to escape. These are people, in a town of the same development as St. Louis or Kansas City, who are seeing their homes flattened, their lives destroyed, everything they hold dear ruined by artillery, because of the whims of one man. They do not know if they can leave the country, or what they will even do if they do leave the country. The only possible way out is via the Slovak Republic, the other Ukrainian borders are occupied by Russian tanks and the way is impossible. Buses that supply basic necessities for Ukrainian refugees are gathering on the Slovak border, or buses that are waiting to be filled by Ukrainians who have crossed the Russian border and then will be taken to larger cities by Slovakians. But then what? Alone, in a foreign country with a foreign language, without anything, by themselves, and only the money and belongings they could carry with them. All they can do is pray. And fight.


This is difficult for me to talk about with you. They are real stories, real people I know personally. I saw some of them just a few months ago. And now all I hear are their frightened voices. And now, every night, I read the newspaper to see what happened, how the day went, what threatens my family and friends. I have to wake up every day, go to school, and live my life, just like my friends and family in the Czech Republic. People are dying. To my friends at school here, this is just newspaper headlines, just words. But these are real people and they are really dying. Their lives are really being destroyed. Their churches, their hospitals, their schools, their grocery stores. Flattened, without a second thought, without remorse, by one aggressive man. Here people laugh and live their lives as if nothing is happening. I am not, of course, saying everyone should suspend their lives and live only in the pain and misery of Ukraine, but I think we need help. I can’t tell you 100% the right thing to do to help, but by sending money to organizations to help Ukraine, for example, I think that we can help make a difference. They need it more than we do right now. I found a couple American organizations that have fundraising opportunities to support Ukraine. Beyond that, I hope you’ll join me and my host father in prayer for the families and people of Ukraine right now as they experience war in their backyards. Thank you.

~AT

A Contemplative Winter Retreat

by Midnight Freemason Contributor
Bro. Randy Sanders


The last 50 miles were brutal.  Not because of the 8-hour drive, but because I was giddy with anticipation.  I hadn’t seen my Brothers for too long, and the excitement continued to build all week leading up to the retreat.  I stopped in Tulsa for an overdue lunch with my brother, and we feasted on some of the best Oklahoma-style hamburgers to be found outside your own backyard grill.  It was an excellent visit, but it was time to hit the road again for that last 100-mile stretch to Guthrie.


And there it was.  I rounded the familiar corners in Guthrie to see the magnificent view of the Guthrie Scottish Rite Temple.  I wasn’t the first to arrive, and it took a few minutes to connect and coordinate with those who arrived before me.  After some room setup and kitchen logistics, most of us gathered at a local restaurant for an excellent feast of food, fellowship, and joy.  Afterward, the last of the arrivals were settled without incident into the apartments, or sleeping rooms, onsite in the Temple, and we made our way to the absolutely gorgeous Assyrian Room which we used as our primary gathering place for the weekend.


We were just under a dozen, and it was a good number.  A Brother from Canada became our first international attendee, and we all bonded in a manner difficult to describe but obvious in experience.  Brother instructors Chuck and Doug described the weekend, the process, and the meditations.  As Clerk, my duties included rolling through the logistics and site operations.  I always feel I talk too much, and then the follow-up Q&A tells me I should have detailed another couple of minutes.  Excellent questions, hopefully, I did them justice with my answers.


As the session ended Friday night, we took our weekend vows of silence knowing it wouldn’t be lifted for almost 36 hours except for one break.  We made previous arrangements to call my cell phone for any emergencies, and all but my cell phone were turned off for the weekend.  Yeah, it was scary for many, and for me too.  My own personal vow was to only check the phone for inbound calls so I disconnected too.  It was time to focus inwardly and begin contemplating, well everything, until lights out at midnight.  The next morning, I awakened everyone by the ringing of the bell (a beautiful singing bowl) and began our first of several challenges.  First was the gathering for breakfast, which seems easy enough until you remember to try to stay silent and avoid most eye contact.  One of the weekend’s several lessons included a quiet focus on meals.  That is, eating slowly, in silence, considering everything you can about your meal.  When I first attended the retreat, I was initially put off by the process as we didn’t begin with a prayer.  As Freemasons, don’t we begin everything with an invocation of blessing by Deity?  It took me a couple of meals to realize I was already in communion with Deity, constantly, and someone else saying a group prayer was nice but unnecessary so long as I maintained my own prayers.  That lesson I continue today.  It was my lesson in focus, maintaining simplicity, and focusing on just quietly tuning into, or listening, for Deity.


A Brother experienced the annoyance of being locked out of the apartment he chose.  The locks are meant to be taped-over thereby disabled, but Oklahoma’s Grand Lodge recently held session in the building, and ladies had been using the apartments to change clothes.  Some door tape had been removed and unfortunately caught us off guard.  Although we tried as best we could to gain entrance, we determined we could not without causing damage to the door or frame.  The locked-out Brother adapted and used the experience as a different kind of contemplative exercise.  Saturday morning I (yes, I had to break silence) contacted the Temple staff who dispatched a Brother who does Temple maintenance.  It happened in such a manner that I don’t know if anyone witnessed it but myself, which is a happy dance because we didn’t disturb the attendees or instructors who were in an early morning quiet time of self-contemplation.  The lock was opened, and the situation was rectified.


We meditated.  We did group sessions.  We did private sessions with instructors.  We made good use of the time spent.  Can I describe it?  Maybe in 100 pages, but no, not really.  Would I recommend it?  Let’s just say I’ve already cleared next year’s retreat with my wife, even if the 16 hours of driving time was a bit brutal for one weekend.  I found some answers to some questions that had been bugging me, and I found a few more questions for which I don’t yet have answers.  I realized a lesson in simplicity that had been at the periphery of my mind for a couple of years, and I refocused on my own coursework within the Academy.  What surprised me was the new and deeper respect I found for our instructors.  Don’t get me wrong, I already thought they were all fantastic, but this weekend deepened that view and gave insight into the work and sacrifice Brother instructors Chuck, Doug, Bob, and Tom make for us.


Our short dozen barely spoke to each other for the vast majority of the weekend, yet we bonded in friendship and fellowship in the deepest of ways.  As we cleaned the Temple behind us, packed the cars, and said our goodbyes, the emotions were deep.  This year too, I spent the majority of my drive home in silence, simply thinking of what had happened and already looking forward to the Academy Of Reflection’s next meetings and the Summer Social.


~RS

Randy and his wife Elyana live near St. Louis, Missouri, USA. Randy earned a Bachelors Degree in Chemistry with an emphasis in Biochemistry, and he works in Telecom IT management. He volunteers as a professional and personal mentor, NRA certified Chief Range Safety Officer and enjoys competitive tactical pistol, rifle, and shotgun. He has 30 plus years teaching Wing Chun Kung Fu, Chi Kung, and healing arts. Randy served as a Logistics Section Chief on two different United States federal Disaster Medical Assistance Teams over a 12 year span. Randy is a 32nd degree KCCH and Knight Templar. His Masonic bio includes past Lodge Education Officer for two symbolic lodges, Founder of the Wentzville Lodge Book Club, member of the Grand Lodge of Missouri Education Committee, Sovereign Master of the E. F. Coonrod AMD Council No. 493, Co-Librarian of the Scottish Rite Valley of St. Louis, Clerk for the Academy of Reflection through the Valley of Guthrie, and a Facilitator for the Masonic Legacy Society. Randy is a founding administrator for Refracted Light, full contributor to Midnight Freemasons, and an international presenter on esoteric topics. Randy hosts an open ongoing weekly Masonic virtual Happy Hour on Friday evenings. Randy is an accomplished home chef, a certified barbecue judge, raises Great Pyrenees dogs, and enjoys travel and philosophy.

St. Patrick's Day and Freemasonry

by Midnight Freemason Contributor
 Steven L. Harrison, 33°, PM, FMLR

Every school kid learns March 17 is the day we celebrate the life and deeds of  Maewyn Succat, the second Bishop of Ireland, who is better known as Ireland's Patron Saint, St. Patrick.  Those same school kids also learn Patrick's great triumph was chasing the snakes out of Ireland.  It's true, there are no snakes in Ireland; however, that's more likely because there have never been any snakes on the isolated island.   

Captured and taken into slavery as a youth, Maewyn, a.k.a. Patrick, escaped to the European mainland.  While a slave he had converted from paganism to Christianity, and once on the continent, he sought refuge at Marmoutier Abbey, a French monastery.  There, he accepted his calling, which was to convert other pagans to Christianity.  With that, he returned to Ireland and became very successful at making those conversions.  In a manner of speaking, the "serpents" he figuratively chased from Ireland were the pagan Druids, not actual reptiles.

After a successful ministry, Patrick retired to County Down, where he died on  March 17, 461 A.D.  Although never officially canonized by the Catholic Church he is, in fact, recognized as a saint; and today we celebrate the Feast of St. Patrick, or St. Patrick's Day, on the anniversary of his death.

However, even in Ireland prior to the late 18th century, St. Patrick's Day was not that big of a deal.  The same was true in North America, where the churches in Boston, with its large Irish population, didn't recognize the day until 1737.

"So, what," you may ask, "does this have to do with the Freemasons?" 

About twenty years later, during the French-Indian War, a young Masonic Colonel recognized the morale among his troops was low and decided they needed what today we would call some "down time."  It was March, at the end of a long, brutal winter and many of the troops were Irish.  It didn't take the Colonel long to figure out the best day to declare a general holiday would be St. Patrick's day.

Several years later, that same Freemason, now a general in the American Revolution, faced a very similar problem.  Billeted at Morristown, New Jersey, his troops were discouraged after a long winter of devastating fighting and losses.  On top of that, the preceding winter of 1779-80 was brutally cold.  That General, George Washington, again had many Irish troops under his command and once again he saw the opportunity of celebrating St. Patrick's Day to boost morale.  With that, Washington issued the order giving his troops their first day off in over two years, “The General directs that all fatigue and working parties cease for to-morrow the SEVENTEENTH instant, a day held in particular regard by the people of [Ireland].”


The respite from the ravages of war and winter went over well with the troops, some of whom were said to celebrate with a "hogshead of rum."  Washington is credited with establishing the first instances of a secular celebration of St. Patrick's day, a tradition which caught on and has grown to become a major event today, with the hogshead of rum long replaced by freely flowing green beer.

~SLH


Steve Harrison, 33° KCCH
, is a Past Master of Liberty Lodge #31, Liberty, Missouri. He is the editor of the Missouri Freemason magazine, author of the book Freemasonry Crosses the Mississippi, a Fellow of the Missouri Lodge of Research and also its Senior Warden. He is a dual member of Kearney Lodge #311, St. Joseph Missouri Valley of the Scottish Rite, Liberty York Rite, Moila Shrine and is a member of the DeMolay Legion of Honor.

The Masonic Philosophy of George Washington


by Midnight Freemasons Contributor
James E. Frey

PART I: THE MASONIC CHARACTER

Freemason George Washington
My Brethren, the subject of Masonry and its connection to the Founding Fathers and the American Revolution has inspired much research and heated debate. The progression of history has accepted the Craft as a mere footnote in the events that lead to the founding of our great nation, when in actuality the Masonic philosophy was a driving force behind the social change of the enlightenment era. Masonry and its rich ideals and virtues changed the social consciousness of the founders to accept social justice not only as inevitability but as a duty they owed to God and the common lot of humanity. They accepted the responsibility of bearing the sword of justice and the torch of destiny and stood strong against the tyranny of kings and monarchs.

The Founding Fathers were really rebelling against the claim of a man that it was the will of God that he is ordained to rule. The Founders saw the darkness of this system, that it was based upon ignorance and fear. Their goal was to lift humanity towards the light of political liberation and democracy, as they also believed it was the will of Deity to institute this change in history. The Grand Lodge of Massachusetts addresses the Masonic influence in the American Revolution when they write to George Washington December 10, 1792.

“A Band of brothers, having always joined the acclamations of their countryman, now testify their respect for the milder virtues which have graced the man. Taught by the precepts of our Society; that we all its members stand upon the level, we venture to assume this station & to approach you with that freedom which diminishes our diffidence without lessening our respect.”

Out of all of the Founding Fathers no man is more revered in American Masonry then George Washington. In fact he was almost dubbed the title Grand Master General, or Grand Master of North America, before he declined as an act of humbleness. Washington has become an almost archetypal figure of the Masonic and American character. He stands as an ideal, a symbol for the courage to fight for freedom and not to accept the whims and dictates of those who claim authority not given to them by the consent of the people. But what were Washington’s true feelings and thoughts on the craft? What were his concerns on the new nation he forged out of steel and bullets? 

Washington was a strong proponent of the Masonic philosophy and how it helped shape his character into the strong leader that we venerate as a champion of liberty. Washington addressed the nature of a true mason when he wrote back to John Cutler, Grand Master of Massachusetts on December 27, 1792.

“Flattering as it may be to the human mind & truly honorable… that the milder virtues of the heart are highly respected by a Society whose liberal principles must be founded in the immutable laws of truth and justice…to enlarge the sphere of social happiness is worthy the benevolent design of a Masonic institution; and it is most fervently to be wished, that the conduct of every member of the fraternity… that discover the principles which actuate them; may tend to convince mankind that the grand object of masonry is to promote the happiness of the human race..”
           
Washington addressed the philosophical mind state of a mason as being concerned with the virtues of the heart.  A Mason should have a strong sense of compassion and mercy toward his fellow man. We can see this concept echoed in the Masonic teaching of “Charity” and “Relief”. That is it the position of a Mason to relieve the distressed of those who are afflicted by strife and to offer a hand of charity to help those who do not have the needs to stand for themselves. This sphere of social happiness is the sphere in which this philosophy spreads into the national character. Washington also addresses that this sphere must exist upon the backbone of truth and justice. This truth and justice is the foundational belief that all man is created equal. It is not wealth of privilege that creates a higher class of citizens; this was the belief of the world. In the new world the virtues of the individual would be the basis for social esteem. So this sphere of happiness could not exist within the old system of belief and government. So it is the true duty of the Mason to shield the oppressed and stand up for justice and truth. A Mason shall not stand idly by as his fellow man is exploited by the privileged and powerful.

This is the benevolent design of the Masonic institution that American government implemented, that no one could rule without the consent of the ruled.  Those who are self-serving will not exploit us as a people.  A true leader, like a true Mason, is interested in the welfare of others and will stand in defiance of tyranny and injustice. It is these ideals that are instilled into every candidate upon the checkered floor, the nature of both good and evil.  Washington believed that this new form of government by the people for the people was the great social change that Masonry offered the world. It was the great plan implemented that when established would inspire the rest of the world to throw off the chains of monarchy and take up the cause of truth and justice.

Paul Revere another famous American Mason and Founding Father addresses this Masonic plan when he was Grand Master of Massachusetts wrote to Washington, March 21, 1797

“Of these (Masonic teachings) may you partake in all their purity and satisfaction; and we will assure ourselves that your attachment to this social plan will increase; and that under the auspices of your encouragement, assistance and patronage, the Craft will attain its highest ornament, perfection, and praise. And it is our ardent prayer, that when your light shall be no more visible in this earthly temple, you may be raised to the All Perfect Lodge above; be seated on the right of the Supreme Architect of the Universe, and there receive the refreshment your labors merited."

Freemason Paul Revere
Revere discusses how if a man takes in the Masonic teachings in purity and without polluting the truth and universality of it you will understand that this social plan of the Masonic character is assured to be just and true. Revere believed that the Craft would reach its apex of influence when all members adopted this plan to indoctrinate Masonic values into the American character, thus creating a nation of the highest virtue and moral culture. Revere uses Washington as an example of how his Masonic character is a shining beacon of light that we must all adhere to become like.

Washington responded to Revere on April 24, 1797 and further addresses the Masonic character as being selfless in nature. He claims the true reward to the Mason is the betterment of himself through his morality bringing himself and society closer to God. Washington writes.

“No pleasure, except that which results from a consciousness of having, to the utmost of my abilities, discharges, the trusts which have been reposed in me by my Country, can equal the satisfaction I feel from the unequivocated proofs I continually receive of its approbation of my public conduct… my wishes that bounteous Providence will continue to bless and preserve our country in Peace and in the prosperity it has enjoyed, will be warm and sincere; and my attachment to the Society on which we are members will dispose me always to contribute my best endeavors to promote the honor and interest of the Craft.”

In this Washington shows that the American character should be self-sacrificing in its display of justice and charity. He says his fullest reward of all his earthly labors is that the All Seeing Eye of Providence has blessed their endeavors to liberate mankind politically, thus reflecting honor and the interest of the Craft. In this statement he expresses his belief that God has blessed the Masonic agenda of social justice. To establish a new form of government, and that it is the duty of Masonry to aid in the American destiny of the liberation of humanity. This is the proper attitude of the true Mason. To do what is right and strive to benefit others with no hope for monetary value and reward, only that honor be reflected upon the Craft and society profit through God’s will.

So as we look upon the Masonic Character what do we see? From the writings of Revere and Washington we see a man dedicated to serve and protect others. A True Mason understands how the ideals of the Craft can change the character of not only an individual, but also a nation. If the Founding Fathers had not held these virtues and ideals so close to their hearts, in what kind of a nation would we live? Would they have proclaimed themselves rulers to satisfy only their own self-interests? Would they have exploited the people to benefit only themselves? It is a scary thought to think that the American principles could have never existed. But it was the belief of the Founding Fathers that the virtues and ideals of the Masonic institution were a intricate part of the destiny of mankind and the will of God. So when we as Masons lost sight of those truest of virtues, when we join a group for only a lapel pin, or we step outside the length of our obligation, let us remember that the virtues we enact are a central part of God’s plan to liberate mankind from the darkness into the light of individual duty and justice. Let us learn from the example of the Founding Fathers, who resisted all temptation to oppress and exploit, but to remain steadfast to the virtues of the craft and to the obligation that makes good men better.

~JEF

Part II of this article will be appearing soon on the Midnight Freemasons blog

James E Frey, 32° is a Past Sovereign Prince and current librarian of Valley of Danville AASR. Founder of the R.E.B.I.S Research Society he sits on two Blue Lodge Education committees as well as a guest lecturer on Occultism and Esoteric studies in masonry. He is also a Member of the Oak Lawn York Rite, Medinah Shriners, and Golden Dawn Collegium Spiritu Sancti. He also works as a counselor with emotionally and behaviorally challenged children.


Masonic Connections in an Early Illinois Masonic Lodge

by Midnight Freemason Emeritus Contributor
Brian L. Pettice, 33˚


As part of last year’s celebration of the 175th Anniversary of the Charter of Olive Branch Lodge 38 in Danville, Illinois, the lodge shared this piece illustrating how connections between the lodge, a few of its members, Abraham Lincoln, and one of those member’s daughters affected each of their lives, as well as the course and history of the nation.

Ward Hill Lamon was the fifth Master of Olive Branch Lodge No. 38. Of Brother Lamon, Brother Gilbert Haven Stephens for the Special Section of the September 29, 1946,  Danville Commercial-News, wrote, “We now come to the next master of Olive Branch lodge and find him a man not only well known in the city and county but really a national character—Ward H. Lamon. He came from Virginia to Illinois in 1847 and practiced law, later becoming a law partner with Lincoln. It is said that the partnership was successful because Lincoln did the work but would never charge for his services, while Lamon always collected liberal fees. It was a notable partnership too, physically as well as mentally, for Lincoln was six-feet four and Lamon was six-feet two. Lincoln was quaint, direct, and practical while Lamon was inclined to be flowery and fervid. Above all other characteristics, Lamon was fearless and for that reason Lincoln chose him as his companion and bodyguard on his trip to Washington in March of 1861 when he knew of the threats and plots to assassinate or lynch him.

There were plots revealed almost daily and Lamon had the responsibility of breaking them up. This was hard because the President often broke away from the protection of those who guarded him and would be found walking alone to the stores or on a visit to his friends. Lamon was not present when the President was assassinated.”

While Brother Stephens gave a wonderful synopsis of Lamon’s relationship with Lincoln given the brevity required by breadth of his overall subject, the 100 year history of the lodge, and the space limits placed on him by the medium he was writing for, a special section of the local paper, there were some things he didn’t mention that are important to the subject we are looking at today.

According to author Michael Burlingame’s book Abraham Lincoln: A Life, Ward Hill Lamon, and fellow Olive Branch Past Master Oliver Davis were among those Eighth Circuit attorneys who descended upon the 1860 Republican convention in Chicago and, directed by Eighth Circuit Judge and future Associate Justice of the Supreme Court David Davis, persuaded the delegates to turn from presumptive nominee William H. Seward and nominate Abraham Lincoln as the Republican candidate for President of the United States. So, Lamon’s connection and, through him and Oliver Davis, Olive Branch Lodge’s connection to Lincoln, in some small part, helped to propel Lincoln to the Presidency and lead to the events that would carry the country into civil war and change the course of its history.

Brother Stephens also didn’t mention that among Lamon’s children would be a daughter who would grow up to be a woman, in many respects, ahead of her time. She would deal with personal tragedy and, with the help of another brother from Olive Branch Lodge, find success, see the world, and live life on her own terms.

Former Danville resident and Commercial-News reporter, Kevin Cullen wrote in an article published in the Commercial-News on June 16, 2019, “When Dorothy Lamon Teillard died in 1953, at age 95, the Commercial-News noted that the last local living link to Abraham Lincoln was broken. Teillard was the last surviving child of Ward Hill Lamon— Lincoln’s law partner in Danville, his bodyguard in Washington and his true friend.”

Born on November 13, 1858 to Ward Hill and Angeline Lamon, Dolly, as she was known lived an incredible life.

According to Linda McCarty in her article, ‘Miss Dolly’ Offers Look at Colorful Life New Book Explores Woman with ‘Grace, Strength, Intelligence’, published in the August 20, 2003 edition of The Winchester Star Winchester, VA, Dolly’s mother died five months after she was born and she was raised in Danville by an aunt and uncle. As a young girl, she visited her father in Washington, DC, and related her memories of a carriage ride with her father and the President. In 1880 she was married to William Carnahan of Danville. The couple would have two children. One child died in infancy and a daughter, Ruth, would die of diphtheria when she was nearly four in 1886. In 1885, Dolly’s husband left her and Ruth. Dolly became a single, working mother at a time when that was very rare. 1885 also marked the year that a brother from Olive Branch Lodge offered her a job that would change her life. That brother, General John Charles Black, was at the time the U.S. Commissioner of Pensions. He offered her a job in Washington, D.C. She was eminently qualified and successful in her government career and it enabled her to maintain her independence and offered her opportunities to travel. She took many trips to Europe and eventually married Xavier Teillard, who had tutored her in French prior to one of her Paris trips. The couple would move to France in 1921. Xavier would pass in 1934, but Dolly would stay there until 1941 when World War II would force her to return to the United States.

Undoubtedly though, her connection to a brother of Olive Branch Lodge and his offer to help the child of his Masonic brother changed the course of her life. Brother Black and Brother Lamon also shared another connection as Brother Black’s actions would also contribute to the Union victory in the Civil War and he too would go on to be a National Figure.

Lottie E. Jones in her book, History of Vermilion County Illinois, A Tale of Its Evolution, Settlement and progress for Nearly a Century Volume 1, would say of that brother, “1847 was the year that John Charles Black came to Vermilion County with his mother. He was but a boy of eight years of age and he made Danville his home during his youth and young manhood. It was from Danville he went to college, and in Danville he lived after the war, in which he distinguished himself, was over.”

According to the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, Brother Black was born in Lexington, Mississippi January 27, 1839. He attended school in Danville and college at Wabash College in Crawfordsville, Indiana, graduating after the close of the Civil War. He served in the Union Army from April 14, 1861, to August 15, 1865. Entering the war as a private he would be promoted to sergeant major, major, lieutenant colonel, and colonel before being brevetted brigadier general. He would receive the Congressional Medal of Honor (he and his brother William would be the first pair of brothers to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor). He studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1867. He served as Commissioner of Pensions from March 17, 1885, to March 27, 1889. He was elected as a Democrat to the Fifty-third Congress serving from March 4, 1893, to January 12, 1895. He was appointed United States Attorney for the northern district of Illinois from 1895-1899. He was commander in chief of the Grand Army of the Republic in 1903 and 1904. He was a member of the United States Civil Service Commission from 1904-1913.

Brother Black also served the Grand Lodge of Illinois as Grand Orator in 1894 and 1895. Brother Black died on August 17, 1915. He is interred in Spring Hill Cemetery, Danville, Illinois.

All of these people lived in the same times and lived formative parts of their lives in the same place, but they also had other connections in common. They had in common Olive Branch 38 and its lessons of integrity and loyalty—the obligation it instilled to care for each other and their fellow men. They lived these lessons as best they could and provided an example for all of us to follow.

~BLP

Brian L. Pettice, 33° is a Past Master of Anchor Lodge No. 980 and plural member of Olive Branch Lodge No. 38 in Danville, IL and an Honorary Member of a couple of others. He is also an active member of both the York and Scottish Rites. He cherishes the Brothers that have become Friends over the years and is thankful for the opportunities Freemasonry gives and has given him to examine and improve himself, to meet people he might not otherwise have had chance to meet, and to do things he might not otherwise have had a chance to do. He is employed as an electrician at the University of Illinois and lives near Alvin, IL with his wife Janet and their son Aidan. He looks forward to sharing the joy the fraternity brings him with others. His email address is aasrmason@gmail.com.

That's a Wrap

by Senior Midnight Freemason Contributor
Gregory J. Knott 33° 

Illini High Twelve Chapter No. 768 recently decided to turn in our charter. The chapter first organized as a Masonic lunch club in 2011 and eventually the decision was made to pursue a chapter with High Twelve International. We successfully completed the organizing requirements and charted in 2012.

The club was very strong for many years, with numerous guest speakers from throughout our community. Attendance was generally good and the meetings were very enjoyable. We met in a local restaurant that provided good service and good food. The right combination of everything right? So you might ask, why did the chapter decide to close?

The COVID-19 most definitely played a role. We last met as a club in February 2020 and because of all the things that happened the last two years, the club didn’t get back together.

The other reason is that we didn’t have anyone who wanted to step up and be the club secretary. I was the original charter secretary for the five years and fellow Midnight Freemason Darin Lahners took the reins the last five years. The endless cycle of chasing dues and other administrative functions just didn’t appeal to anyone else as a volunteer job. Without anyone to chase the paper, the club effectively died.

I would like to offer a few observations that we learned over the last decade. The first is that the national or parent body should be cognizant of the amount of administrative overhead they require in regards to time and resources. If the pandemic has done anything, it has caused us to think long and hard about how business is conducted and has forced organizations to reassess if long-standing administrative functions were truly even needed. Masonic bodies would be well served to examine their business and administrative practices to see if they can make it easier for their constituent organizations.

Next, I would suggest you may not always need to put a strong administrative function around your efforts. Though we have turned in our charter, we are talking about continuing to meet as a more informal lunch or dinner club. We can still have the occasional guest speakers and invite our fellow Masons and their families to join us for food and fellowship.

In conclusion, I consider our efforts as the Illini High Twelve Club, very successful. I am glad we came together and I want to thank High Twelve International for all their assistance over the years. I personally plan to stay in High Twelve as a member of another club and look forward to their growth over the coming years.

~GJK

Gregory J. Knott, 33° is a founding member and Senior Contributor of the Midnight Freemasons blog. He is a Past Master of St. Joseph Lodge No. 970 in St. Joseph (IL) and a plural member of Ogden Lodge No. 754 (IL), Homer Lodge No. 199 (IL) and Naval Lodge No. 4 in Washington, DC. He’s a member of the Scottish Rite, the York Rite, Eastern Star and is the Charter Secretary of the Illini High Twelve Club No. 768 in Champaign-Urbana. He is also a member of ANSAR Shrine (IL) and the Eastern Illinois Council No. 356 Allied Masonic Degrees. Greg serves on the Board of Directors of The Masonic Society and is a member of the Scottish Rite Research Society and The Philathes Society. He is a charter member of a new Illinois Royal Arch Chapter, Admiration Chapter U.D., and serves as its Secretary. Greg is very involved in Boy Scouts—an Eagle Scout himself, he is a member of the National Association of Masonic Scouters.

Going From Asking How To Actually Doing

by Midnight Freemason Guest Contributor
Mark St. Cyr


I was nudged by a fellow Brother and contributor to the Midnight  Freemason’s site (Br. Randy Sanders) to write a few ideas on  “How” some of my assertions can be put into motion.  


Below is the first of just three that came off the top of my head.  They are all self-directional as well as actionable, meaning: if one has the wherewithal and fortitude to actually start - you can. All it takes (using Seth Godin’s mantra) is for you to “Go!” and actually begin.  


Here’s the first of three, all within a theme, and the reasoning why  they are so formidable versus the same old same old “Let’s do a  ____________!” (fill in the blank here. i.e., fish fry, pancakes, etc.) 


The primary issue: “We want to be seen in the community!”  


The primary problem: Most actually do more hiding trying to figure out how to be seen than actually being seen.  

Here’s a “How to” that’ll generate immediacy both to the issue,  as well as buy-in from your fellow brethren to pursue ever larger goals… 


First: Demand of yourself to stop attending the take-out meals,  “green beans,” hot dogs, mac and cheese, etc., etc., etc., on throw-away dinnerware in your Lodge cafeteria that looks like it’s furnished with hand-me-downs allotted from the local thrift store,  today!


The idea that doing the above under those conditions is somehow preserving the idea of “fellowship” over bread and table is an outright ludicrous construct.  


Yes, I just said that. So now, with the aforementioned now “on the table” pun intended. For your next meeting, or as soon as  humanly possible, do the following: 

Find the most high-profile restaurant (i.e., white table clothed) in your location that has the availability of reserving a table that is both separated from the other diners, yet, is also visible to them.  


In other words, not some separate room or walled-off area. But not so close as to be within elbows of other diners. There must be some form of noticeable separation whether by a railing or clearly noticeable area of distance such as a double-wide aisle et cetera.  


When it comes to what I’m insinuating using the “white table clothed” verbiage: A sit-down, table-clothed venue such as a  steak house e.g., Ruth’s Chris, Smith & Wollensky, or other fine dining styled restaurant. This means that Longhorn Steakhouse, Golden Corral, Applebee’s styled are a no.  


Ask for, or print out their menu. Also, ask for a bar menu if  possible, or just kindly ask the bartender for the price of a top-shelf drink served straight or “neat.” i.e., brandy, whiskey, scotch,  bourbon, etc. 


Caveat: Must be “top shelf” or name brand. e.g., Maker’s Mark,  Patron, Chivas, Remy Martin, et cetera. No “well liquor” as it’s commonly known. 


Pick no more than two of their top entrees that cost relatively the same i.e., Prime rib or Filet. Sirloin or Veal, etc., etc. (no chicken 

dinner type stuff, period.) Also, don’t forget a beverage such as a tonic and desert if applicable. 


Calculate for two bar drinks. 


Tally (i.e., dinner price, beverage, dessert, and bar), calculate the tax (if you don’t know just ask someone or look at your last dining out receipt for clues) then add 30% gratuity to the total (yes,  including the tax). 


Example: Steak dinner with a beverage and dessert $65.00, two  bar drinks $20.00, tax $8.50 (10% exp) sub total: $93.50. Gratuity  30% ($28.05) Grand total: $121.55 which now equals $120 or  $125 required per Brother.  


Now, with your figure in hand… 


Approach as many brethren as comfortable (you need a min of 5  to accept - 10 is better - 15 and up is outstanding) and state… “I’m looking for at least five brothers to start a new tradition.  Here’s what it is, here’s where we’ll go, here’s the choice for menu, it comes with two toasts and includes the tip. Attire is to be black suit (minimum: dark) and tie. No changes, this is what it is. Are you in?” 


That’s it. Wait for a yes or no. No more discussion, no entertaining this or that possibility or, can this or that be changed.  Nothing. All that one needs from that moment on is: Are you in?  Yes or no? Period, full stop. 


It should be evident without saying, but just in case, of course, you can keep selling your “why” you want to do this and why you think it's both needed and beneficial. What you can’t do is alter your proposition. That’s the no-no for further discussion points.

If they can’t give an answer or they want to think about it, that’s their prerogative. However, what you need to do is keep asking till you get the first five. Again, kindly just move on to the next till you do. 


When five say “Yes!” Make the reservation as immediately as possible and make it known. No, “OK I’ll make it in two weeks because we’re not going to even meet until three.”  No, do it then and there, tell the others the date, time, and place. 


Then, keep your word and make sure during the wait time you double-check the venue for any snags and remind the others of just how “Great!” this whole thing is going to be. 


If for any reason you can’t get five: wait and offer it up at every meeting (outside of closed) going forward. Yes, every single one until you do. 


Here’s what it accomplishes… 

First: In today’s fragile economy any restaurant will be more than glad to see you, but also, more than excited if they believe you’ll both make it a regular while also partaking of their higher-priced fare - and not asking for any discount. Please re-read that last line again and again if need be. Asking for any discount diminishes its impact.  


You’ll also be setting yourselves apart from the crowd to the wait staff where your table alone can change the monetary situation of an overworked, underpaid waiter or waitress, that will appreciate the opportunity to be assigned to your table or tables. 


To further elaborate why this point should not be glossed over is what you’ll also establish - is a presence in said establishment for which the servers will not only be glad to accommodate but might actually fight over as to who will be assigned. Why? 


Because the tip will be both worth it. i.e., “The Masons are eating here tonight, right? Can I be the one that takes care of that  table?” They will also make this type of comment to others. 


Or said differently, they’ll be a buzz both via the serving staff as well as others to be ready when “The Masons” show up. Again,  why?  


Because both the fare and staff attention to the table in full view  with properly attired men gathered will be both a sales signal for  the restaurant, as well as a calling card for Masons, because it  will be asked, “Who is that group over there?” And staff and  others will say “It’s the Masons, they’re here every _________  (month, week, bi-weekly, etc.) 

Here’s what it also does… 


It begins the process of the same for those partaking as separating themselves out from the mundane and lackluster aspects their Lodge has fallen into, and start the process of true camaraderie partaken in surroundings worthy of their investment into the Craft itself. i.e., you’re setting the table for excellence and showing others the way that they can join. And you need not ask anyone for permission. 


As a matter of fact: others will begin to ask for permission to join. Think about it. 

One final note when it comes to the above for calculating food,  drinks, and tips… 

If someone states, “Well, I don’t drink so I shouldn’t…” kindly state it’s non-negotiable. 


If you need an example to counter just say, “When you pay for a  ticket that includes an open bar, do you ask for a discount?” If  they say, “Yes!” Just laugh it off and move on. Seriously, move on! 


In regard to the amounts, they can and will vary wildly.  


In your area, you might have a fine dining establishment that comes in a bit less, or you may only have the option of one that costs more. Regardless of the input cost one thing does not change: the 30% tip. As a matter of principle, any and all  “change” over and above gets included.


Example… 

If two of the attendees do not drink and/or toast with a cheaper substitute, the cost saved gets left to the servers.  


In other words, the calculation for the dinner was at $120.00  each. Everyone pays $120.00 for a total of $600.00 If the bill works out to be less for any reason, any and all extra goes to the server. Period, full stop. i.e., $600.00 was collected - $600.00 is what is given to the server. i.e., keep the change. 


Everyone pays in cash and has it ready, in full, before they sit down. No excuses, no exceptions. 


We’re all adults here, we all have bank accounts, we all have ATM  access. Everyone is to have at-the-ready their $120.00 (as an example) to be added with everyone else's. There is no change or “Hey, I only have $112.45, can I make it up later? I didn’t have a chance to get to the bank.” type of excuses or arguments.  (Side note: If anyone says “I think we’re leaving a bit too much  money left over to the servers.” State you understand their point,  but feel they’re also missing the larger one, and if need be gently ask them if they wish you don’t ask them to participate next time if they feel uncomfortable with the premise of the function. 

You’re not playing kid games here, you’re acting and participating in a venue that requires a certain “buy-in” for that participation.  Don’t allow the frugal or ‘cheap’ to sway you from the original premise - or you’ll be back to paper plates before you know it. 


The calculation as to do this either before Lodge, after Lodge or as a separate event is malleable. Personally, my preference would be after a meeting if not too late. Also, the two drinks should be set for one toast style before the meal, then one to conclude. This way the idea of “consuming too much” is negated. 


It must be done, at a minimum, once a month. Twice or bi-weekly is even better if circumstances (and/or pocketbooks) prevail. However, there must not be, nor should there be, any assertions to accommodate cheapening either the total (i.e., ticket price) or the venue. If someone says “Hey, why does it have to be white table-clothed type stuff?! What’s wrong with a fancy BBQ  house?”  Just kindly state that’s not what you’re looking to do and move on. Again - move on. They either just don’t get it, or worse, don’t want to. 


Do this and you will establish a presence in full view of the community that is both worthy, talked about, but more importantly, benefits the brothers and the Craft by setting an example of both excellence and buy-in that can be built upon. 


So, now with the above in hand, and since I’ve actually shared column space many times right alongside Mr. Godin, let me state in no uncertain terms his mantra…

Go!  


There’s now no excuse unless you want to make one, which is precisely why the above is there - to prevent one. And here’s the  hidden little secret why this is the first step in three regarding  “Being seen in the community…” 


The first step that needs to be seen before anyone else, is you,  as to how you see and present yourself - to yourself, then live up to that image.  


That’s not a play on words - it’s a truism for life that’s also known  as a ritual for success. (See what I did there?) 


Again for emphasis: You first have to raise the self-image of how you see yourself along with the fortitude you’re determined to follow through with it, first.  


Then, you move to do the same in concert with your fellow  Brothers to project that cumulative image - before - you embark on trying to gain the attention of others.  

Skip this step at the beginning - and the ending is always the same: failure. 

We’ll move the example forward with one that actually involves the community in greater detail in the next edition. See you then. 


Mark St.Cyr 

Freemason