Summertime Blues

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

Jim Stapleton

In some jurisdictions, Masonic Lodges do not hold their Regular Meetings during the hot summer months. This time period is often referred to as Lodges going dark. The break from business meetings is a welcomed respite for a number of Brothers. The recess gives them the ability to spend precious time with family and friends. They might choose to go on vacation, go for a hike, or maybe even enjoy a drink with an umbrella on a sunny beach. 

However, what about those Brothers that rely on a packed schedule of Lodge meetings to keep busy? There could be Brothers amongst us that have limited social networks outside of Lodge. They might be divorced or widowed. Perhaps they don’t have many family members nearby. Their lifeline is the fellowship that they share when spending time with their Brothers. Without the Fraternity, they might experience loneliness and isolation. 

People that are lonely might have a hard time expressing how they feel. They might be embarrassed to admit that they feel isolated. So, it might not be readily apparent that they are distressed. There are Brothers out there that need help but won’t ask for help. 

We can assist the Brothers that are struggling to get through the summer slowdown of Masonic activity. A simple check-in phone call to see how the Brothers are doing could be helpful. Even a brief visit might be a welcomed gesture. If you have some people over for a barbecue, perhaps you can extend an invitation. 

The summer break from Masonic Lodge meetings is a well-deserved respite for many Brothers. However, it is important to remember those who rely on the fellowship and structure of the gatherings to counter loneliness and isolation. As Masons, it is our duty to be mindful of our Brothers in need. Together, we can strengthen the bond of Brotherhood and make a positive impact on each other's lives.

~JS

Jim Stapleton is the Senior Warden of USS New Jersey Lodge No. 62. He is also a member of the New Jersey Lodge of Masonic Research and Education No. 1786. Jim received the Distinguished White Apron Award from the Grand Lodge of New Jersey. He was awarded the Daniel Carter Beard Masonic Scouter Award. Jim is also a member of the Society of King Solomon.

The Crucial Role of Family

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

Bro. Erik Geehern

Last night was our Installation of Officers.  After conducting the essential business of the evening, we adjourned downstairs to a reception graciously hosted and organized by the wives of our three primary officers. I felt immense gratitude towards my extraordinary wife of nearly twenty years, whose tireless efforts made this event truly exceptional. I was equally appreciative of the hard work and involvement of the other two spouses. While my wife has always been a pillar of support in everything I pursue, last night held a unique significance. It symbolized the culmination of my journey to the East, and having her by my side last night filled my heart with an overwhelming sense of joy that words cannot adequately capture.

Every Mason understands that the foundation of our Fraternity rests upon the principles of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth. This transformative journey embraces personal growth, spiritual development, and a deep commitment to serving humanity. However, we must recognize the indispensable role played by our family, spouses, significant others, friends, and loved ones. It is difficult to fully convey the significance of having such a support system beyond the walls of the Lodge, and the immensely positive impact it has on our Masonic experience defies adequate expression.

Family members' unwavering support and encouragement form the bedrock of a Mason's journey. When our loved ones comprehend, support, and wholeheartedly embrace our pursuit of Freemasonry, it transcends being a mere extracurricular activity and becomes an integral aspect of our existence. Their support and participation can give us a profound sense of belonging and provides a shared platform to exchange our experiences, navigate challenges, and celebrate triumphs. The support of our families fosters an environment of trust and understanding, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the teachings and principles of Freemasonry. Moreover, these invaluable lessons extend beyond the Lodge, positively influencing and enriching our lives on the domestic front.

The importance of family support extends beyond mere participation in Masonic events. Families often play a vital role in the logistical aspects of our Masonic endeavors. From preparing meals for Lodge dinners to assisting with fundraising activities, their involvement brings efficiency, warmth, and a sense of camaraderie. These acts of love and dedication enhance the overall Masonic experience for all, fostering a spirit of unity and cooperation among Brethren.

Embarking on this journey without the unwavering support, insightful perspective, and invaluable assistance of my wife would be simply unimaginable.  A Brother, friend, and mentor to me once told her after an event that she was “a better Mason than most”, a statement she jokingly retells almost any time I ask her to help with some new endeavor for the benefit of the Craft.  There are Brothers in our small Lodge where I have never met a member of their family, where their Masonry is for them and them alone.  Some may use the Fraternity as an escape from their home life, as an excuse to go out a few times a month with the guys.  In my personal opinion, these Brothers may be missing the essence and true purpose of Freemasonry.

As I reflect on the years since I joined Freemasonry, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for my family's unwavering support and active involvement. From the moment I expressed my desire to begin this journey, they have been my rock, my pillars of strength. Their constant encouragement, understanding, and participation have been instrumental in shaping my Masonic path. They have stood by me through every endeavor, offering their love and unwavering belief in the principles we hold dear. My family's devotion has fueled my commitment, inspired me to strive for excellence, and reminded me of the profound impact Freemasonry can have not only on my own life but also on our collective journey. Together, we have built a bond that transcends the Lodge, fostering a legacy of unity, compassion, and service. To my beloved family, words cannot adequately convey the depth of my appreciation. You are the foundation upon which my Masonic journey stands, and for that, I am eternally grateful.

And to my wife, whose presence at barbeques, food drives, toy drives, and even work details has meant so much to me.  Your warmth, love, and dedication have created a supportive environment that has allowed me to fully embrace the Masonic path.  I am in awe of your willingness to lend a helping hand, whether it be in organizing fundraising initiatives or preparing delicious meals for Lodge gatherings. Your participation has not only made these events more enjoyable but I pray has also inspired other Masonic families to actively engage in the pursuit of our shared principles.

Embrace the opportunity to involve your families in your Masonic journey, as much as they are willing and able. Encourage them to form connections and bonds with your Brothers and their families, fostering a sense of camaraderie and unity. Organize family events that celebrate the collective spirit of Freemasonry and provide a platform for genuine appreciation. Let your loved ones know just how deeply grateful you are for their unwavering support and the invaluable contributions they make to your Masonic endeavors. By recognizing and involving our families, we strengthen the fabric of our Masonic community, creating a lasting legacy of togetherness and shared experiences.

~EG

Bro. Erik M. Geehern is currently Master of Goshen Masonic Lodge #365 in Goshen, NY under the Grand Lodge of New York. He was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason in October of 2019 and since then has served in various progressive chairs along the road to the east. He writes and curates a newsletter for his Lodge quarterly which disseminates education, history, and esoterics. He is also a member of the Grand College of Rites, the American Lodge of Research, and the Kansas Lodge of Research. He works in restaurant operations & consulting, and when not engaged in his usual vocation, or laboring in the Craft, he loves spending time with his wife and two children.

From The Archives: The 50 Year Member- That Noble Contention

By Midnight Freemason Contributor

Bill Hosler, PM

The stillness of the temple’s Masonic library was shattered by the sounds of footsteps walking down the creaky wooden floors of the hallway outside the wood-paneled room. The 50-year member seemed puzzled to see the door of the library opened for a change. It is so rare to find anyone actually visiting the beautiful old room containing tomes of Masonic knowledge and history written by some of the greatest minds of the last few centuries. “Someone must be cleaning in there or using it as a storage room again.” The old man thought.

To the old man’s surprise and delight, he noticed a light was on as he walked by the room, but the room was occupied! Stopping dead in his tracks his feet left the creaky wooden floor of the hall and stepped into the deep plush blue carpet of the library.

There in the corner of the room with his feet resting on an ottoman, quietly seated in a beautiful old leather Queen Anne chair. The brown leather still in magnificent shape despite years of non-use was Pudge. It appeared Pudge’s mind was a million miles away lost in the contents of a dusty book the young man had pulled from the shelves of the Masonic library.

Pudge jumped in a startled fright as the old man exclaimed “There you are! I thought you dropped off the face of the earth! I have not seen you on social media in a few weeks. You have not been texting or returning emails. You have not even been here in the lodge for a couple of weeks. We missed you during degree work the other night.”

Still trying to catch his breath from the fright, his hands shaking, Pudge put his book down on his lap and sighed. “Yeah, I have been taking a little break from everything recently. I really needed to recharge and recenter my mind. I really think I am having a nervous breakdown. My stomach has been tied up in knots, and I feel nervous when I leave the house. I just cannot cope with all this negativity and constant arguing going on around me all time, so I have been spending a lot of time at home reading books, listening to calming music, and meditating."

Pudge continues “Everywhere I look all of my friends are at each other’s throats over one issue or the other. I cannot turn on a TV or look at social media without people I know and love hating on each other, calling each other names, and threatening violence. It just doesn’t seem to stop. It almost makes me feel like my skin is crawling.”

“You can’t even seek refuge in lodge anymore. There are people being nasty towards each other at supper, or fighting afterward if we stop off before going home. I even notice it within a tiled lodge. I know there has always been bickering in stated meetings. Either we are spending too much on light bulbs about the proper way to do floor work. It has always been that way and it will probably never change but right now all of it just feels like fingernails across a blackboard. I just feel like I need to get away from all of this for a while or I will literally lose my mind.”

The old man smiled and slowly sat down in the chair next to Pudge. “I feel bad you didn’t think you could come to me for help. I want you to know you can always come to me to be a sounding board or if you need a shoulder to cry on. It is like I have told you, I think of you like I do one of my sons.” He patted the young man on his hand. “I totally understand, Pudge. Honestly, I honestly think all of this has been hard on all of us. I wish I could say a few magic words and make all this craziness go away but sadly I cannot. Hopefully, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I have been thinking about this, I do not think we have any more discourse or angst than we have had before, we just have it in our faces more. Enough twenty-four news coverage and up-to-the-minute news, via the internet we just cannot escape it. We cannot even go out for a walk or venture out for a cup of coffee without a device bringing it to your attention. It is like you can’t get away from it. Add to that everything else we have encountered this year and it is almost like shaking a can of pop and opening it while the contents are still under pressure. All the soda shoots out everywhere spilling over everything and if you get a face full of it.”

The old man continued: “I cannot change the world, but I can do my best to tidy up my little corner of it. Sometimes when a man, a Brother is caught up in the moment he is blind to his surroundings. It is kinda like tunnel vision. Sadly, he may not see he is on the road to destruction until he has reached the point of no return. Maybe if you happen to encounter one of these Brothers who has forgotten how to subdue his passions, Maybe let's say has gotten caught up in the moment, maybe try to take him aside just the two of you, and try to whisper some good counsel in his ear. It is a gamble. He may understand what you are trying to say to him ad heed your advice, or he may cuss you out. Hopefully someday what you said to him will begin to make sense and if it is not too late, he can change course. All you can do is try to help your brother, but it is up to him whether he accepts it.”

He paused and said: “Not long ago I came across a Past Grand Master from California, MWB Russ Charvonia. He has dedicated his Masonic career to Masonic civility. The Brother has written on the subject and given talks about civility. Most of this material he provides was created long before our current situation, but I can sure tell you all of it sure hits home right now. He has taken all the material he has collected and he has created and he put it all together on a website https://www.masoniccivility.org/. It really has a lot of great information that one can use in lodge newsletters or present during your lodge. Some of it can even be used in the profane world. Kinda reminded me of a song my son used to listen to back in the '80s, called People are People by Dispatchy Moods.” Pudge replied and laughed: "I think you mean Depeche Mode."

The old man smiled and said: “Yes, that's what I said. When I was your age I always remember hearing: “You are either part of the solution or you are part of the problem!” Sitting here with your head in the sand like an ostrich, hoping it all goes away is a way to deal with the problem, but in no way is it a solution. I know it's hard to stand in the line of fire between two opposing forces but like it says in the Volume of Sacred Law: “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.”

Pudge started laughing and said, “There is also another saying, “The pioneers get all the arrows”. Pudge continued. “Seriously, I get what you are saying. All of this does not seem like it is going away anytime soon. I guess instead of sitting at home in the dark cowering in the corner until someone else fixes all the problems I could at least put my fears aside and try to be the solution. If it’s to be, it's up to me like they say. Let’s give it a shot. I hope I can count on your help and support on this. I have a feeling I am surely going to need it. “

“You know you can count on me.” The 50-year member said “I think between the two of us we can come up with some kind of program to help get this off the ground. The DDGM is a friend of mine I will see if there are resources the Grand Lodge can provide to help us with this. Who knows? They may even want to adopt what we create and introduce it to lodges across the jurisdiction.”

Pudge's eyes widened with amazement “Wouldn’t that be something?” Pudge said, “Honestly, that would be nice if it happened but If I did this it wouldn’t be to make a big name for myself.” The 50-year member chuckled “I understand that. Your humility is legendary. Call me later in the week and let me know what you come up with. Just do not become a hermit. You are too young and not rich enough to become the next Howard Hughes.”

“OK, Bro,” Pudge said with a confused look on his face. “Right now, I am going to sit here and finish reading this book. I wish someone would have told me about this room long before now. But I have one question for you. Who is Howard Hughes?” The old man groaned and put his hand on his forehead. “Oh geez!!! I must be getting old! Tell you what, just Google him!” He paused and then said mischievously: “I’ll talk to you later. I’m going to go home and take some anti-aging pills as long as I remember what I was planning to do once I reach the house!”

~BH

WB Bill Hosler was made a Master Mason in 2002 in Three Rivers Lodge #733 in Indiana. He served as Worshipful Master in 2007 and became a member of the internet committee for Indiana's Grand Lodge. Bill is currently a member of Roff Lodge No. 169 in Roff Oklahoma and Lebanon Lodge No. 837 in Frisco, Texas. Bill is also a member of the Valley of Fort Wayne Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite in Indiana. A typical active Freemason, Bill also served as the High Priest of Fort Wayne's Chapter of the York Rite No. 19 and was commander of the Fort Wayne Commandery No. 4 of the Knight Templar. During all this, he also served as the webmaster and magazine editor for the Mizpah Shrine in Fort Wayne Indiana.

Practicing the Principal Tenets of Freemasonry

by Midnight Freemason Guest Contributor

Bro. Adam Samuel Roth

The next time you go to Lodge and sit down on the sidelines, take a look at the brother on your right. Do you have his number in your phone? Take a look at the brother on your left. Do you have his number in your phone? How well do you know your brothers? Would you feel comfortable asking your brother for help or advice if needed? Would you help him or give truthful advice if he asked?

The principal tenets of Freemasonry are Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth. These tenets are intertwined because you can't have one without the other. You cannot be one's brother unless you are willing to be true to them and give them aid. This is how you express love.

In many jurisdictions, a charge is given when a Lodge is closed. In that charge, we are challenged to remember that we have "solemnly bound" ourselves to "relieve every Brother who shall need your assistance." But do we actually do this? Do we use the excuse of our cable tow being too short too often? Being a father of two children not yet in school, I know that I am guilty of this.

Along with giving help to our brothers in need, we need to ensure that a brother is not too proud to ask for help. In many Jewish circles, you are encouraged to ask for help when you need it. When you ask for help, you are giving someone an opportunity to fulfill their obligation to do a mitzvah. A mitzvah is often translated to mean a good deed, but it actually means commandment. In the Jewish faith, there are 613 mitzvot or commandments that need to be observed. A number of them are related to being true while giving aid to those who are in need. The word mitzvah is related to the Aramaic word tzavta, which means to attach or join. By fulfilling the mitzvah and Masonic tenet of Relief, you are creating an attachment to your brother, a connection for Brotherly Love to flourish.

My challenge to you is the next time you need help, ask your brother for it. Do you need advice? Ask your brother for it. The next time you hear the call to help a brother in need, show your brotherly love and heed it.

~ASR

Bro. Adam Samuel Roth was raised in Anacostia Lodge No. 21, now Anacostia-Pentalpha Lodge No. 21, in Washington, DC and is a member of Acacia Lodge No. 16 in Clifton, Virginia. He has held numerous officer positions in both lodges. He is also a member of the Scottish Rite, Valleys of Washington (DC) and Alexandria, and the Kena Shrine in Manassas, VA. Bro. Roth is a devoted husband and father who works for a government agency in the United States of America.

Forget me, not my Obligation

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

Bill Hosler, PM

As anyone who has ever donned a Masonic apron knows, Freemasonry has a long and rich history.  It is true no one truly knows where Masonry started. There are many legends people believe as to where it could have begun. But we have no actual written record we can point to as evidence.  

In some ways, our Craft is really a collection of legends, stories, anecdotes, and histories woven together to make a patchwork quilt much like Fraternity itself.  From the legend of the third degree through the allegories down through the Grand lodges and their histories each lodge and the individuals that comprised each square tell a story of a memory of a Brother or a lodge event that made the Fraternity what it is today.  Hearing these stories or recalling a certain event you witnessed can give a just and upright Mason the warm feeling of Brotherly love and affection.   

As most of us know.  Not all these stories and legends are true. Some of these legends were created to illustrate a point or tell a story.  And some sadly were created out of thin air just to give the Craft some “street cred” it truly didn’t need or wasn’t worthy of. 

One of these legends is the well-known “Forget me not” legend. I really was heartbroken when I discovered the truth about this story. In my first few years as a Mason, this story gave me a really warm feeling.  The thought of men risking their lives to aid and assist each other while in the shadow of a murderous regime to me seemed like one of the purest forms of Fraternity. So when I read the works of Most Worshipful Brother Bradley S. & Jean Rickelman “The Myths about Forget-Me-Not Flowers” appearing in The Oklahoma Mason Vol 2 May 2013. And a lodge devotional entitled The Forget Me Not flower – a growing Masonic Myth https://www.lodgedevotion.net/devotion-newsletter-content/editorial-educational-articles/the-forget-me-not-flower-a-growing-myth I can honestly say I was truly broken-hearted.  I really wanted the story to be true. 

I think that is why this one legend gets much more traction than many of the other Masonic legends we meet in our Masonic journeys. We as Masons want it to be true. We need it to be true in our hearts to remind us we are all a band of brothers and we are all there for each other, through thick and thin.  

Another one of these legends that have been sadly debunked in recent years has been the story of General Lewis Armistead in the book “The Better Angels of Our Nature: Freemasonry in the American Civil War” by Most Worshipful Brother Michael A. Halleran https://amzn.to/3BfXjSk

Another debunked Masonic tale is "The lodge over Simpkins store". The sentiment behind this poem, beautiful as it may be, has recently been proved to be fictional by Brother Patrick Dey in Episode number 536 of the Whence came you? Podcast https://wcypodcast.libsyn.com/whence-came-you-0536-the-lodge-that-wasnt-over-simpkins-store

One thing each of these stories has in common (Besides not being true) is they illustrate Masonic principles each Mason cherishes; Faithfulness to your Brethren, dedication to your Masonic obligations, and spreading the cement of friendship and Brotherly love. Just a few of the “Rights, lights, and benefits” a candidate is looking for as he knocks on the door to a lodge room. 

The forget me not and the story about General Armistead are placed in times when Masonry wasn’t just about ritual and reading minutes. And worrying about the lodge building’s roof. It was when men who made a Masonic obligation showed their true character and fulfilled the words they repeated while kneeling with actions. 

So many times, we look to Masonry’s past to try and build our future. We love to point out that George Washington and John Wayne were a Mason or someone else a young man may have read about in his high school history class once with the hope that fact might impress him enough to sign a petition to join. 

Sometimes I don’t think we realize how powerful these legends really are.  Think about how many times you visit a lodge and see you see a Brother wearing a forget me not lapel pin or necktie.  The same with General Armistead. That legend is so powerful and influential to Freemasons that the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania created a monument at the Gettysburg battlefield featuring it. The Northern Masonic Jurisdiction of The Scottish Rite even uses the story to teach a lesson in one of their degrees. In many ways, these legends are as powerful and as essential to American Freemasonry as the legend in the third degree.  

If the craft has any common sense left, we should find a way to use these stories to our benefit, while at the same time pointing out their origins, to teach Masonic brethren about fulfilling their obligations.  Not in a memorized allegorical way where a man will tune it out but in a way that will truly motivate him and at the same be proud of his membership. 

Think of it this way Brethren: No one ever erected a statue or wore a lapel pin memorializing the reading of the minutes or of a pancake breakfast no more than anyone ever wrote a poem to commemorate a fish fry or a treasurer’s report. 

~BH

WB Bill Hosler was made a Master Mason in 2002 in Three Rivers Lodge #733 in Indiana. He served as Worshipful Master in 2007 and became a member of the internet committee for Indiana's Grand Lodge. Bill is currently a member of Roff Lodge No. 169 in Roff Oklahoma and Lebanon Lodge No. 837 in Frisco, Texas. Bill is also a member of the Valley of Fort Wayne Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite in Indiana. A typical active Freemason, Bill also served as the High Priest of Fort Wayne's Chapter of the York Rite No. 19 and was commander of the Fort Wayne Commandery No. 4 of the Knight Templar. During all this, he also served as the webmaster and magazine editor for the Mizpah Shrine in Fort Wayne Indiana.

Time for a Little Kindness

by Senior Midnight Freemason Contributor
WB Gregory J. Knott

Those who are kind benefit themselves, 

but the cruel bring ruin on themselves.

Proverbs 11:17 NIV

One of the fundamental tenets of our fraternity is that of brotherly love.  Within this concept, we are taught to treat all others equally with respect and tolerance.  Digging down further, we learn that we should use kindness towards others.  Kindness is the pathway to getting to know someone else, in a much deeper and meaningful way.

Any quick review of social media will reveal a lack of kindness towards one another.  I have long thought that if people were meeting in person, they would never say things or act so rudely towards one another. Hiding behind the computer screen provides an easy opportunity for people to be anything but kind. They are often downright cruel.

As Freemasons, we have the amazing opportunity to set an example for others.   Here are some easy ideas you might use:

• Call your neighbor to check on them and see how they are doing

• Volunteer at a local charity

• Give blood

• Tell a coworker how much you appreciate them and the work they do

• Become a mentor

• Hold the door for someone

• Smile and say hello

• Say thank you

The last couple of years have been tough on all of us, but with a little more kindness in the world, we can weather this current storm and soon arrive at a wonderful sun-filled day with the hope of a bright future for all of humanity.

Thank you.

~GJK

WB Gregory J. Knott 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. You can contact him at gknott63@gmail.com

Marking Time

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

Bro. Randy Sanders

When in High School, I was part of the competition marching band.  We did pretty well, and I learned many of my lessons in discipline and perseverance while practicing very early and during very long hours.  I gave up my summers while dedicating it to marching practice and playing the music until perfect.  This period also marks my initiation and activity in the local DeMolay chapter, although by my Junior and Senior years I had already found my attention and focus had drifted toward band practice and the competitions.

The discipline and perseverance paid off, although admittedly I could have benefited from some lessons in patience.  We won the competitions, traveled, won more competitions, and suddenly the season was over.  No more Friday football games, no more 6:15am Mellophone sectionals, nada.  It left a void in me until the next marching season was upon us.  I enjoyed sleeping in a couple of hours later each morning before classes started, but there was something important missing in me.  That void was tangible in that I missed working together with my classmates trying to perfect a move or emphasize some piece of music.  I feel the same in lodge as we go dark for a couple of months in the summer or get into the Holidays.

I previously wrote about the need to refresh ourselves and recharge our Masonic batteries, and that still applies.  I’m happy and a bit relieved that my Blue Lodges and most other bodies are rather quiet during the heat of our summer as I need the break.  Yet, here I am with the void again.  I’m looking at my calendar wondering where I can go sit with Brothers this evening or next?  Who opted not to go dark, so maybe I can help out with some degree work or just show up showing support?

I know I’m not alone with these feelings of simply marking time, and returning to degree work after COVID was a blessing for us all.  I encourage you to reach out to your lodge brothers that you haven’t seen in a while.  Pick 5 or 10, and simply send them a text.  Pick up the phone and call a few of the older generations that may not be as comfortable with texting.  They may be a bit nervous about returning to lodge, and maybe that friendly voice, mouth-to-ear, is something they need to hear.  I know it helps me when I hear from Brothers.

~Bro. Randy

Bro. Randy and his wife Elyana live in O'Fallon, MO just outside of St. Louis. Randy earned a Bachelors in Chemistry with an emphasis in Biochemistry, and he works in telecom IT. He volunteers his time as a professional and personal mentor, is an NRA certified Chief Range Safety Officer, and enjoys competitive tactical pistol. He has a 30+ year background teaching Wing Chun Kung Fu, Chi Kung, and healing arts. Randy's Masonic bio includes lodge education officer of two blue lodges, running the Wentzville Lodge Book Club, active in York Rite AMD, Scottish Rite Valley of St. Louis co-librarian, Clerk of the Academy Of Reflection through the Valley of Guthrie, a trained facilitator for the Masonic Legacy Society. As a pre-COVID-19 pioneer in Masonic virtual education, Randy is an administrator of Refracted Light and an international presenter on esoteric topics. Randy enjoys facilitating and presenting Masonic esoteric education, and he hosts an open, weekly Masonic virtual Friday Happy Hour. Randy is an accomplished home chef, a certified barbecue judge, raises Great Pyrenees dogs, and enjoys travel and philosophy.

Are we “Woke” or is everyone else just now catching up?

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

Bill Hosler, PM

This last weekend the London-based newspaper The Telegraph published a feature story entitled “Millennials and Vegans welcome: Have the Freemasons gone woke?”.  Needless to say, discussions on various Masonic groups on social media went into overdrive.

In this piece, I am giving the author the benefit of the doubt that he was just trying to give the story a headline that would gather the most link clicks or readers. My jaundiced eye on many things in life, (Especially on the media’s coverage of Freemasonry in the United Kingdom), thinks it was a veiled way to take a swipe at the Fraternity. They did this knowing it would cause many of the elder Brethren in England to ruin their appetite for their Sunday roast dinners and cause negative posts on the web, making us look like fools.  If that was objective. Mission accomplished.

I will be completely honest with you and tell you I did not read the story that was published.  It was placed behind a paywall and, to be honest, I have read enough of these types of stories over the years so I am pretty much convinced how it was slanted.  If I am wrong I will totally apologize to the author of the piece Joe Schute.  Honestly, none of this is why I am decided to write about this today.

One of the biggest pet peeves I have discovered since I started writing is people on social media who will just read the headline of a piece, maybe look at the attached photo and form an opinion and begin to comment in the post, having no idea what they are talking about, not only making themselves look like fools but their ignorance usually ends up causing a flame-fest instead of an educated dialogue.  This topic was no different.

The Brethren on our various social channels went insane with crazy comments and kneejerk reactions.  Not to mention a few snippets of ritual some brethren have memorized when they want to prove their point.  All of this because of a silly made-up word.  “Woke”

I do my best not to express my political beliefs when I am writing on any Masonic topic.  I say this because I want no one trying to twist my words saying I am advocating, either way for Freemasonry and some political or cultural agenda.  If you know me personally you know my feelings and so I am sure you know I am not advocating for anything of any kind.  The thing that gets me this whole thing is much to do about nothing.  I will explain why.  

What many of these young people are calling “being woke” here in the last few years.  We collectively have been calling it “Freemasonry.

We are told we are not to judge people by the color of their skin or their national origins.  We as Freemasons believe that our Fraternity is inclusive.  We judge no man by his color or from whence he came.  All we ask is that he be a law-abiding citizen and be willing to join us and comply with our rules and keep our secrets.  We are the originators of the concept of “All men are created equal” and being upon the square.

These young people believe in conducting “Days of giving” and Days of service”.  Needless to say, Freemasonry has been trying to make a better world for almost three centuries.  (Don’t make me pull out the old cliche about how we donate two million dollars a day to charities). 

Freemasons have always been at the forefront of social justice too.  (Sadly, sometimes individual members have been on the wrong side of it too).  Many Brethren fought wars or marched in protest of injustice and tyranny.  I truly hope and pray we will continue to do so.

These are just examples.  Yes, I know there is someone out there just itching to point out how there have been Freemasons who have been also on the wrong side of things.  That is true, as we all have our opinion and free will.  Those men will have to answer to the Supreme Architect of the Universe for their transgressions.  I just like to believe that there are more Brethren out in the world working for good than for evil.  If that is not the case then what I write here makes no difference.  My point still stands. For centuries Freemasons have been “woke”.  It’s now the rest of the world that has been in darkness is finally beginning to catch up with us.

In the end, it really does not matter what color a man's skin is, his nationality, or his heritage.  Nor does his socio-economic status, his sexuality, or his diet. Rich, poor, gay, straight, vegan, it doesn't matter! If he has circled that altar as you have, he is your Brother and you need to treat him as such. I want to leave you with this last thing.  It might be the most important part of this whole essay.  Guard your writings.

If you go back and read the comments on this story on social media or any story like this you will see what I am saying.  I hate to say it but some of the comments on these posts are hateful! Racial slurs, comments on people’s sexual choices, profanity.  Not to mention name-calling.  I hope most of them are trolls, but I must believe some of these posters have sat in a Masonic lodge.  How can a man who professed to love his Masonic Brother and assist him in his times of distress call him vile and vicious names?  Apparently, that man has not learned anything from our teachings. Posting in the public comments of a story or on Facebook…etc. whether anonymous or not still reflects an image of us in the profane world.  It is almost the equivalent of being drunk in public while wearing a Masonic T-shirt.  You are making the rest of us and you look bad.

Like I said at the beginning of this piece.  I have no idea or not whether this journalist created that headline for clicks or to get ignorant and vile kneejerk comments to make us look bad to the world.  If that was his intention you fell right into his trap and gave him what he wanted.  

Well played Brethren.

~BH

WB Bill Hosler was made a Master Mason in 2002 in Three Rivers Lodge #733 in Indiana. He served as Worshipful Master in 2007 and became a member of the internet committee for Indiana's Grand Lodge. Bill is currently a member of Roff Lodge No. 169 in Roff Oklahoma and Lebanon Lodge No. 837 in Frisco, Texas. Bill is also a member of the Valley of Fort Wayne Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite in Indiana. A typical active Freemason, Bill also served as the High Priest of Fort Wayne's Chapter of the York Rite No. 19 and was commander of the Fort Wayne Commandery No. 4 of the Knight Templar. During all this, he also served as the webmaster and magazine editor for the Mizpah Shrine in Fort Wayne Indiana.

"WE SHOWED UP"

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

Bro. Randy Sanders

It came out of the blue and with little notice: A Masonic widow needed help moving.

On a Thursday evening, the notice came to me initially via messenger and later as an email. One of our Masonic widows needed assistance. Not only did she need assistance, but it was also for Saturday morning, and for several of us, it was over an hour away. I have nothing but pride and honor of being with the brethren as we pitched in to complete the mission.

It began as a single last-minute message out to another few individuals, asking if they in turn might help get the word out to the Brothers. A query we are seeing more and more--help for a widow, yet we can be so immersed into our own lives we forget that a few hours can make such a big difference. My part in this was small. I copied the text and sent it out to a few dozen close Brothers via my own text message. I suppose that's our current version of the Masonic phone tree of the '70s and '80s. There really wasn't time to do much more than coordinate with our Brother who remained in communication with the widow, but I did discuss it during the Friday Masonic Happy Hour, garnering another volunteer. How many of us could clear a morning and early afternoon on one day's notice? I had so many Brothers reach out to me saying, "not Saturday, but I can help - tell me how?", and how cool was that? How awesome to know that even if they couldn't make it to the event, they still had our backs by offering other assistance. The Brothers responded.

The weather was just this side of abysmal. We had a full day of slow soaking rain in the upper 30's, and we were blessed with very little wind. Yet we showed up. We pushed through. We didn't let a little weather or distance stop us from being the Masons we all want to be.

Saturday morning a Mason and a couple of DeMolays met at my house having no idea if we were the only ones, or who might have responded separately. To my delight, we had over a dozen respond and had great fellowship as we made quick work of loading a U-Haul and a couple of our trucks. Cold, wet, and tired, we were all back home by early afternoon with a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.

I'm always pleasantly surprised at the dedication and fortitude of the Brethren, and I want to give a quick shout out to Brother DeMolays Darien and Landon Beck (I'm a senior DeMolay and proud to be their Brother), Brother Masons Glenn Parker, and Jess Botterbush, to Brother Terry Coppotelli for coordinating this, and Brothers Bret Akers, Ken Harper, and Robbie Bowles for making sure the information was propagated. There were more, and they also took time and made effort. Effort and time, something which is precious against our own 24-inch gauges. It takes showing up, being there for each other, being there - for our widows and orphans. You gentlemen and the whole of the moving crew - you humble me and make me proud.

~RS

Bro. Randy and his wife Elyana live in O'Fallon, MO just outside of St. Louis. Randy earned a
Bachelors in Chemistry with an emphasis in Biochemistry, and he works in telecom IT. He volunteers his time as a professional and personal mentor, is an NRA certified Chief Range Safety Officer, and enjoys competitive tactical pistol. He has a 30+ year background teaching Wing Chun Kung Fu, Chi Kung, and healing arts. Randy's Masonic bio includes lodge education officer of two blue lodges, running the Wentzville Lodge Book Club, active in York Rite AMD, Scottish Rite Valley of St. Louis co-librarian, Clerk of the Academy Of Reflection through the Valley of Guthrie, a trained facilitator for the Masonic Legacy Society. As a pre-COVID-19 pioneer in Masonic virtual education, Randy is an administrator of Refracted Light and an international presenter on esoteric topics. Randy enjoys facilitating and presenting Masonic esoteric education, and he hosts an open, weekly Masonic virtual Friday Happy Hour. Randy is an accomplished home chef, a certified barbecue judge, raises Great Pyrenees dogs, and enjoys travel and philosophy.

Subduing Your Passions

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

Bro. Steven L. Harrison 33˚, FMLR

"What come you here to do?

To learn to subdue my passions and improve myself in Freemasonry."

Sometime in the early '90s I met and interviewed Richard A. Pick. That's right. A result of parents who had either a cruel sense of humor or perhaps were a bit naive, his name was Dick Pick. He was and, still is, although he died in 1994, one of my technology heroes. Back in the mid-60s, the government funded his efforts to develop a comprehensive programming/database system, which he called Generalized Information Retrieval Language System (GIRLS) – Dick's parents weren't the only ones with a sense of humor. 

At the time of the interview the Pick System, as it came to be known, was a hot rival to Unix. In fact, in one article, Time Magazine observed, "If Dick Pick had worked at AT&T, there would be no Unix." Unless you have no knowledge of technology or live on the backside of the moon, you probably know Unix won that war. Regardless, Pick ran with his system and built an impressive company which, for a while, was an important force in the IT industry. 

After the interview, I attended a dinner and sat in nerd-vana along with a roomful of other geeks and listened to my IT idol give a scriptless, rambling speech. His technical expertise outweighed his speaking abilities. Nevertheless, he had a lot of good things to say, so I flew home, wrote an article and… if I do say so myself… turned the interview and his sow's ear of a speech into a silk purse, publishing it in a local tech journal.

Days later, I got a call from Pickworld Magazine wanting to reprint the piece. The magazine was the national journal for all-things Pick. They offered no money for it, but I figured it was good exposure and gave them permission. When the next edition of the magazine arrived, I opened it with great anticipation looking for my masterpiece – and there it was, word for word, presented as Dick Pick's own column, with nary a mention of me!  My brain exploded.

Our corporate attorney was a good friend of mine. I marched straight to his office and ranted about the offense I had suffered. He explained the ins and outs of plagiarism and cautioned me this was more of an ethical than a legal matter. In the end, he advised me there wasn't much I could do except protest.  Still, I wanted blood. Blood, the attorney couldn't give me, but he had some good advice. My wise friend looked at me across his desk, leaned forward, and said, "Steve, learn to choose your battles."

Choosing our battles has a lot in common with subduing our passions, doesn't it? We hear that admonition in every Lodge meeting; but subduing our passions does not mean letting people walk all over us. "Improve myself in Freemasonry" follows for a reason. It implies we should approach conflict not just as adults, but as compassionate, understanding Brothers. It tells us to think before we act and choose our battles, knowing when to act, when to back off, and not go for blood.

It's easier said than done. Learning to subdue your passions is a journey whose destination is a moving target. I recently shared with a Brother an issue I just can't let go of. That thing had cropped up in an incident unrelated to him, and instead of going completely off the rails, I discussed the matter with him.  I basically used him as a therapist. That's the great thing about our Brothers. We know when we ask they will keep things in confidence. Talking things through really helps. You don't need a therapist, you need a Brother who will listen or a friend who advises you to choose your battles. As a bonus, discussions like that sometimes lead to plans for dealing with tough issues; that's exactly what happened in this case.

As for that little episode with the magazine, I phoned Dick Pick and got his personal assurance that he was unaware of the magazine's actions. He actually made the magazine apologize and print a correction. That helped. But after all these years of hearing it in Lodge, I'm still working on subduing my passions. I'm not good at it. Maybe that's why, almost thirty years later, my library shelf still contains a copy of my original article, that edition of Pickworld, and the magazine's letter of apology.

~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.

Brothers for Life

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

Bro. Michael Arce

(Photo l to r: WB Patrick M. Connor, Jr. and Bro. Michael T. Arce)

Most of my closest friends in life are my fellow Brother Masons. These men are a diverse group, literally touching every culture, lifestyle, political, and religious background. I also have a Brother, who always joked about being brothers someday --- back when we were college roommates. Patrick Connor played lacrosse and was a fine arts major at the University of Arizona when we met. I was the guy who rented the last room in our house. That year in Tucson, Pat and I spent many late nights talking about our two favorite subjects: our dreams and life. 

Even the best-made plans are subject to change. Instead of finishing my degree, I moved from Tucson to Albany, New York, to begin my life. Pat's journey eventually led him to Rhode Island. Pat was the best man at my wedding, and I was honored to be his. With miles between us, we stayed connected through our new lives. When I share my Masonic story, I say with a smile that Pat is why I petitioned a Lodge. "Mike, I know how much you like history. I remember all of our late night talks about life. You would get so much out of this," he would tell me about Freemasonry. I eventually discovered the calling in my heart to visit the Lodge building I would stare at during red lights. Pat was the first person I called after my first visit.

There is a five-year difference in the start of our Masonic journeys. When I was struggling to make time to study the degree proficiencies, Pat was the Master Mason with the calm voice of reason that encouraged me to keep pressing on. I was excited when he was elected a Junior Warden of his Lodge; he congratulated me years later when I took my place in the South. I circled the year he would be elected Master in my calendar; nothing would keep me from visiting his Lodge. That year was 2020. 

Like everything else this year, my visit was in doubt as Lodge meetings moved to computer screens during the shutdown. There was a glimmer of hope in July that his jurisdiction would be reopening Lodges for meetings. The same day that I reached out to my Grand Lodge to arrange for my visit to Harmony Lodge #9 in Cranston, Rhode Island --- New York Governor Mario Cuomo put Rhode Island on our state's quarantine list. Another delay in a year of postponements, I thought. By mid-August, Rhode Island was off the list, and my visit was cleared!

Harmony Lodge was having their first meeting since the pandemic the evening I attended. I was warmly welcomed by the Brothers and sat in awe of the top-notch ritual work in Opening and Closing their Lodge. What made the evening truly memorable was when my best friend, the Worshipful Master, invited me to a seat in the East. During my introduction, he said, "Michael was like my brother before you, my Brothers." I sat next to him that evening, thinking of the magnitude of the moment. Just over twenty years ago, two strangers became best friends and now shared a unique bond as Freemasons.

I'd like to say that the evening's highpoint was visiting Harmony Lodge #9; it has been beautifully restored. Meeting the Brethern was also notable. I hope to travel again as a speaker one evening! The most precious memory of my trip happened after the meeting. Instead of staying up into the early hours of the morning discussing the future and life, we spoke of ritual and Masonry. We shared those parts of degree work and Masonic teachings that can only be communicated with another Brother Mason. Knowing that I will always have my best friend as a Brother for life that I can share this experience brought new meaning to The Tyler's Toast.

"Happy to meet, sorry to part, happy to meet again."
~MA

Brother Michael Arce is a member of Mt. Vernon Lodge #3 in Albany, New York. When not in Lodge, Bro. Arce is the Marketing Manager for Capital Cardiology Associates in Albany, New York. He enjoys meeting new Brothers and hearing how the Craft has enriched their lives. He can be reached at michael.arce@me.com