The Chamber of Reflection and Freemasonry

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

Bro. Dan Gentry

In our craft, we have a very esoteric feature that is no longer widely used, which would cause one to have deep reflections before and after the degrees. It is under utilized and mostly non-existent in Blue Lodges, and this is of course, the Chamber of Reflection. It is an esoteric symbol that had been a requirement to move forward in the degrees before many states and jurisdictions decided to have it moved to an appendant body of Freemasonry, and away from the Blue Lodge. You see, in our beginnings we would require a candidate to meditate in the Chamber of Reflection before entering into the First Degree. "..who has long been in darkness...", does that ring a bell? My Brothers, just think how this would impact any candidate in the degrees today. I understand this is not a popular notion in this day and age, when we are trying to streamline the process and putting on one day classes, but hear me out. 

 
It is my belief that in Freemasonry, it is not what we perceive to be the end of the journey that matters, but it is the journey itself. Yes, the impact of the journey is the most important part of any Masonic endeavor. So lets take a journey, let's look at the Chamber of Reflection, from an Esoteric point of view.

It is no secret that a Chamber of Reflection has certain items within, and though they may vary, there are some things that, for the most part, stay the same. Either an image of a skull, sometimes with crossbones, or a physical representation of such. Those seeing this symbol would usually relate it to death, or mortality and this is not incorrect. It does though, have a deeper meaning to one who can study it along with the other items. There is an hourglass, which again on the surface represents time itself and the lack of abundance. There is either actual bread and water or a representation of such, and at a glance, this could represent nourishment or the need for such things. 

There is a representation of a rooster (hopefully not a real one running around, but hey, to each their own). Again, at a glance this would represent the beginning of things, as the rooster brings in the day. Also a lantern or candle representing the small amount of light that is shown into the world. A sickle or scythe which at first look would represent the reaping of the harvest or the things that will benefit us yet to come. There are usually the letters V.I.T.R.I.O.L or Visita Interiora Terrae, Rectifcandoque, Invenies Occultum Lapidem. Which means (or is sometimes written) "Visit the interior of the earth, and purifying it, you will find the hidden stone", which most of us would relate to the changes and acceptance of the changes that are to come. The final common item is either the room itself which is a representation of a cave, or in some cases, there is a physical piece of Earth, which at first look, may represent the very place in which we exist. 

Now what if we dive into esoterics here? To help you along, I will help by simply assigning alchemical symbols and esoteric values at their simpliest form to show you what may really be involved. First off, an esoteric mind will take the skull and crossbones, the dirt or the cave representation, and the hourglass together. In doing so, we see not only brevity, but the old saying Carpe Diam, or seize the day. Learn to live the life of a Mason and apply it to every second in every day, in every facet of our being, to gain the most experience. Now, top that with the sickle, and we learn to reap quickly what we harvest, or be good intenders or mentors to those that we are given into our care. We look at the cave and realize it can be assigned the Alchemical symbol of Earth, and we add that with the rooster or cockerel, which represents sulfur, and then VITRIOL comes in with a common meaning of learning to purify the earth, or in this case ourselves, so that the best possible harvest may come to bloom and we need to do this through hope and charity (Agape).

The main event in all this, is that once you study the Temple of King Solomon in what I believe to be it’s proper assignment in being built, and that is that of a representation of the human body as it is shown as the temple, or more specifically ourselves or the individual Mason. After you take your third degree, research this, and once you grasp the idea, even at it’s most basic level, take it into the Chamber of Reflection and meditate upon it, then the whole idea of Freemasonry, at least for me it did, will come to light.

~Doc

Brother Daniel "Doc" Gentry is a Brother Master Mason under the Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Mason's of the State of Illinois, in the 1st Northeast district. His sign is Leo, and has been known to enjoy long walks in blizzards. He is stubborn and has no plans of joining the York or Scottish Rite anytime soon. Also in his spare time, he is a great DM for D&D games. Sacred Geometery! You can reach him by email at doc@midnightfreemasons.org

No Mason Left Behind : The Final Cut

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

Bro. "Doc" Gentry

No Mason Left Behind Series

This will be my final piece (for now) on this subject and I thank you for bearing with me, especially the Intenders and Mentors. In fact, Intenders and Mentors, thanks for all the hard work you do!Let me ask a question,  how many of you ever felt alone when there was a new Brother inducted into the fraternity?  Almost like the job of the lodge is to say, "Oh Brother Dan, you're the candidates Intender." And that is all the lodge does besides the ritual?  Well, let us address this now.

This piece is directed to the lodge as a whole, and especially the three principle officers. Let's address some lodge officers and see if we're doing all we can. Brothers Stewards and Brother Junior Warden, you see the lodge as a whole from your positions and offices, not just in ritual but in general. Brothers Stewards, your jobs are during times of refreshments and fellowship. You have seen the new Brother interact in all aspects of Freemasonry not only in the ritual. What does this new Brother bring to the table of Freemasonry as a whole? Did you explain your offices and what they represent as a whole, to the new Brother?  Brother Junior Warden, did you fulfill your purpose with this new Brother? Did you give the "New Brother Report" to the Senior Warden and the Worshipful Master? You three are the "Open Eyes" of the lodge, I pray you did your duties not only your rituals.

Brother Marshal, Brother Junior Deacon and Brother Senior Warden, how has the west impressed upon this new Brother? Brother Marshal, do you believe that your position is opening and closing the doors? Did you teach the esoteric purpose of your office?  How about you, Brother Junior Deacon? Have you have had the most intimate relationship with this Brother outside of his Intender/Mentor, what have you given him? What did you notice of worth from this Brother? Did you impart the new Brother with old knowledge so that he may grow? Brother Senior Warden, overseer of the West Gate, did you notice this Brother on each of his entries? What imprint did his comings and goings leave upon you? With the information from the Junior Warden, what information can you pass to the Worshipful Master so that he can perform his duties upon this new Brother? 

Finally Brother Senior Deacon and Brother Worshipful Master, you two most of all are responsible  in the development of the new Brother, your fulfillment of your duties are the most detrimental. Brother Senior Deacon, how did you follow through and guide this Brother in his actions outside of ritual? Brother Worshipful Master, did you take the advice and information as well as recommendations from the Junior and Senior Warden? Did you use that to create a plan of action to give this new Brother proper instruction? Do you know how to properly set him to work according to his passions and skills? 

Here's the secret my Brothers, it takes a lodge to raise a Master Mason. As he was given instruction and walked the path through the body, starting at the heart and ending as part of the soul, remember, he did it with the whole lodge.  Did we give him proper resources and instruction? Can we do better in raising a Master Mason? Will we?

No One Takes A Step In Freemasonry Alone! No One!

~Doc

No Mason Left Behind Part 4

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

Bro. "Doc" Gentry

Part One

Part Two

Part Three

I promise there will only be one to twelve more after this one, so bear with me.  Your candidate/brother, whom you have walked this entire journey with so far, should be fired up! You should be seeing the fruition of the events up to now because you are doing it right. You have introduced him to places like this blog and podcasts like "Masonic Roundtable" and "Whence Came You". You have saturated his life with not only the reading material that he gains from the completion of each degree, but books that help him dive into simple understandings of the craft. If you don’t know any, Born in Blood comes to mind without getting up from my desk (I’m not showing off, I really am that lazy) and this is consuming his life. You are what you eat, remember that phrase.  It is given to not govern the food you eat, though in most cases it seems to be appropriate, but to let you know that you will become what you saturate your life with. Now if you are watching the Daredevil seasons on Netflix, you're not alone there, they are really good.  But you need to have a healthy balance of the everything else (50%) and Freemasonry (50%) in your entertainment.

You have now travelled to the door with your brother for the third time. He is ready and prepared because you have taken each step with him, as well as took the guidance from all these articles. You have parted upon him the simple yet mind blowing words, over all you've prepared to have him in the right mind for this prestigious event. So before all this, did you stop the giggling chuckles and jokes about live farm animals and any other non-serious venture other brothers brought to the brothers ears? Did you part upon him the solemn nature of this degree to which he is about to attain? Have you kept his anxiety down (trust me they are lying when they say they are fine, it is slightly nerve racking and that is a good thing) as well as reassure him that everyone, including yourself has taken this path? Again this is his night, all his, and more importantly this is THE night!!! He is about to become a Master Mason and finally erase all doubts about his equality in the lodge, if he still has any remaining.   

A few personal bits here, kind of close to my heart. If your lodge wants to do multiple third degrees at the same time, fight them! How can this be his day if he is sharing it? How can he feel the impact of the degree if it is being done to others at the same time? How can it possibly effect his life if he does not take the journey in a solemn fashion as to which this degree was intended to be performed? Do not bow down to "the rush"or rather, the push of candidates to brothers to Master Masons as fast as possible, you will do him a disservice!  Do not allow him, if he so chooses, to be pushed aside if he wishes to return his degree in open lodge (if your jurisdiction does this. If they don’t trust me, you are missing out on a lot of opportunity here). This should be his day and his alone. There is a lot to take in here, other meaningless distractions here should be tossed away. I have seen too many multiple third degrees to know that there is not any good to come of it for the brother, it only serves to the pocket books and per diem of the lodge/Grand Lodge. I don’t care about that or them, as a Mentor/Intender my job lay strictly with the brother and only the brother to whom was placed in my care. Then there is my biggest pet peeve and trust me I am close to taking them away and ripping them up in front of these people. DO NOT let that new Master Mason take a petition. I believe that this shouldn't even be allowed in lodge during this time, or before.  It should be a Masonic Offense to allow "Petition Vultures" to circle a new brother, pushing their petitions into his face. Let the man take in the fact that he is a newly raised Master Mason and everything that it entails. If you're one of those brothers who waves a petition in a brand new Master Mason's face, just stop. This is a time of celebration of a man's travels to the degree of Master Mason! Opinions vary, but I would personally like to see a two year waiting list to be able to jump into an appendant body. I digress.

When he is done with this degree, his path is not traveled, it is only beginning. His journey is not done, it has truly just started. This is not the end all be all. The goal is neither chair nor title. The goal of Freemasonry is the betterment of oneself, and that is all it ever is.

Again, make yourself available, and know that there is still much to do. Yes he is a Brother Master Mason on the level, but he is still new. He will have questions that  he doesn't even know yet, nor does he know to ask them.  DO NOT leave him behind now, once a Mentor/Intender always one.  No Mason Left Behind, ever!

~Doc

Brother Daniel "Doc" Gentry is a Brother Master Mason under the Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Mason's of the State of Illinois, in the 1st Northeast district. His sign is Leo, and has been known to enjoy long walks in blizzards. He is stubborn and has no plans of joining the York or Scottish Rite anytime soon. Also in his spare time, he is a great DM for D&D games. Sacred Geometery! You can reach him by email at doc@midnightfreemasons.org

No Mason Left Behind Part 3

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

Bro. "Doc" Gentry

Part One

Part Two

I just want to touch on a few things. First, congratulations on taking the first steps in Masonry with your candidate / brother and doing it right with all the advice given to you. I hope you realize that I am just gathering information, the best practices as it were, of the way others have mentored and has been successful. These aren't original "Doc" thoughts, because SUPRISE, I'm not that smart.

Your candidate has taken his time to observe and take in your words of wisdom-- the esoteric teachings to which he has either gone crazy with or thought they were cool and has since moved on. As a brother, and yes as Entered Apprentices, they are brothers on the level, your lodge has invited him to stated meetings and other EA degrees and hopefully your lodge had a Worshipful Master who was smart enough to invite the new brother to the East at these events to see the whole thing from that perspective, I mean what's the purpose of becoming a Master Mason if not only to one day become a Past Master. (I will write another piece on this later, just place that idea to the rear of your mind for now). Your candidate / brother is now absorbing information, asking comprehensive and very deep questions about their journey so far, because if you follow the steps, that is exactly what happens, questions get asked! Also, I hope he is still being encouraged to write in his journal of all the feelings and emotions through each step he has taken. 

The day has finally come for the second degree and you are ready! You give him those really wise words and tell him you will be there to help when it's done. You sit in lodge and watch and someone fumbles their ritual, others forget their lines, and remember, this is the hardest degree to perform, but at the end, so much information is given to the brother and there will be shock from it all, even if it is done correctly. This is your chance to shine brother, to be that Mentor that will go down in the history books, fore you will talk with your Intendee after its all over. 

Don't blow it! Don't say something stupid like, "Do you have any questions?" Or "Would you like me to explain anything?" No, no, no, no! You are smarter then this, you're a Master Mason for goodness sake! You need to block out a good chunk of time after this event, but not right after, because he is going to be confused. Don't believe me? Remember when you did it! Go back into your journal (if you kept one) and look into what you were feeling and thinking right after this. Every brother I mentored, after the second degree feel the need to go write in their journal, it's overwhelming. So wait. Wait until after the cake and pie, wait until after the handshakes and congratulations, wait until after the lodge is closed and locked. Let him take in the second degree before you try and talk about it. They don't even know how to pose the questions they have yet. So when you finally get to the time where you will talk to them, front load some questions you think they are going to have. What's wrong with being prepared? Take a good amount of time to go through these and the ones you have that they don't ask, pose them and answer them anyway. This may take multiple sessions and that's fine, it means they are on the right path in Masonry! We don't just say ritual, real master Mason's know at the baseline what they mean and have enough understanding to explain them simply. We have studied it to not just memorize, but to figure out what we heard. 

Take your time, Freemasonry is not a race, it's a life long journey for the perfect ashlar. You will make mistakes too, admit them. No matter what your Grand Lodge says do not, do NOT, DO NOT pressure that brother to "hurry" their journey. Numbers and retention be damned! These experiences are for him and no one else and you as the Intender should be blessed to be on this journey with them, remember, no one takes a step in Freemasonry alone, not even the Intender, don't forget that. You as the Intender are a Mason, and No Mason Left Behind is not just a cute statement!

~DG

Brother Daniel "Doc" Gentry is a Brother Master Mason under the Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Mason's of the State of Illinois, in the 1st Northeast district. His sign is Leo, and has been known to enjoy long walks in blizzards. He is stubborn and has no plans of joining the York or Scottish Rite anytime soon. Also in his spare time, he is a great DM for D&D games. Sacred Geometery! You can reach him by email at doc@midnightfreemasons.org

No Mason Left Behind: Part Deux

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

Bro. "Doc" Gentry

Read Part One Here

Welcome back all ya'll (that's the plural form of ya'll that don't speak southern). I hope you didn't think the last piece was the "end all be all" of this understanding of us being present, but let's move on to the degrees and let's start on initiation. So if we have followed a healthy train of thought on mentoring, then they have met and talked with the brother the lodge has assigned as a mentor for this individual, the Intender. I hope you have spent time getting to know this possible brother more than just having him come out to you and made an effort to learn more about them outside lodge and to get to know their family, and hopefully for them to get to know yours. Yes, we focus on the individual, our potential new brother, but his family must not feel left out either. 

Hopefully you talked about some of the history, how some states differ, and even explained clandestine freemasonry and the stance by the Grand Lodge of your area on this topic. I hope you know that all clandestine lodges aren't the same. I also hope you had time to explain the difference between irregular and clandestine lodges. Now it's the candidates night!

Your candidate comes into fellowship with the brothers, but he is and should be the focus. If everything goes the right way, he is the focus of the night, all brothers are positioning to talk to him, to know his feelings and thoughts, and even his expectations of the night. Hopefully he has started a journal to write this down because he may forget if he doesn't and without that retrospect later in his Masonic life, he will miss out on growth opportunities. Everything is in place and ready to go and it goes off without a hitch. Ok so what little things did you share beforehand? And did you leave enough mystery to keep this ceremony in a light to leave an impact? Ok did you share 1-3 things of an esoteric value of the degree to which the new brother went through? No!?! Why not? You don't do the esoteric stuff? I got that, but what if the new brother does? I'm not saying you need to delve into the mysteries of Sacred Geometry and give the new brother all the new mysteries of the universe, in fact esoteric studies are proven to bring different light, though similar, to each researcher. You do however, need to know a few things to show them the path and the plethora of different facets our brotherhood has in store for them. 

You see, No Mason Left Behind means that each Intender has a relevant understanding of the various topics within Masonry to be able to speak on a topic to show a direction, not give the answers but give a path that leads to the answers. I know this is tougher for the longer running members sometimes, and there is nothing wrong with their reasons for joining the fraternity. How do you know if it is something you don't like, if you are not sure what it is?

How about the historical aspects of the degree they just went through? Do you understand the ritual enough to translate it for them? You know that mad scientist Einstein said that if you truly know something, you can explain it simple enough that others will understand it, or something like that. I look at it this way, Freemasonry is a lot like the medical field, in that when you think you know it all, you no longer understand any of it. We all, from the newest Entered Apprentice to the 50 year Master Mason need to continue to study, learn and apply Freemasonry. No one takes a step alone, not even the guy who has been Grand Master. In fact the longer you are a Freemason, the more important it is for you to surround yourself with "younger" Freemasons. Not by age, but how long they've been in the brotherhood.

I will leave you with that thought, let it sink in and let the hate-mail come forth. I love you all and like what I say or disagree, please let me know, comment or drop me an e-mail. I would love to hear your thoughts.

Read Part Three

In love and on the level,

-Doc   

Brother Daniel "Doc" Gentry is a Brother Master Mason under the Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Mason's of the State of Illinois, in the 1st Northeast district. His sign is Leo, and has been known to enjoy long walks in blizzards. He is stubborn and has no plans of joining the York or Scottish Rite anytime soon. Also in his spare time, he is a great DM for D&D games. Sacred Geometery! You can reach him by email at doc@midnightfreemasons.org

Mentoring

by Midnight Freemason Guest Contributor

Bro. Dan "Doc" Gentry

One topic that is always on my mind is mentoring and how in this area we need to step it up! You see, it is each and every Master Mason's job to mentor the next generation of masons working their way through the steps of Freemasonry. The problem seems to be that most Master Masons have no idea what they are doing. Perhaps, because they've never been taught, so here are some tips.

First and foremost, and I cannot stress this enough, encourage the possible candidate, from the first time they petition until a year after they are raised to keep a journal of all their experiences, their feelings during the degrees and possible problems they may have encountered during these times. At the end of the time frame, let them have the floor in lodge to tell about their experiences. This will not only benefit the Brother, but the lodge in general!

Second, and equally as important, is to make sure you have an available "class" to present to potential candidates and their families and yes I said families. The Grand Lodge of Illinois already has one available for you, it's called "On The Threshold"!  I'm sure there are other Grand Lodges that have similar items, but I can only speak from experience. DO NOT just hand the potential candidate the material and say something like, "Call me if you have any questions." Oh how I hate this, for the main reason of missing an important opportunity. I've said it before and I will say it again, no one takes a step in Freemasonry alone! Sit down with the potential candidate and their family members. Remember, once a person simply takes their degrees, without an bonding or fraternalism, , their family will feel like they are in the dark, something we need to avoid if we are to have active Masons and supportive families. Take the time to answer all their questions to the best of your ability. At this point you should know what is actually a secret and what is not. I would suggest you end this session with a tour of the lodge room.

After this, if they petition, the mentoring continues. Invite at least the candidate, if not their family, to dinner to break bread with and talk before lodge. Also, if you see persons like this at lodge, everyone should make themselves available to them. Let them ask questions and feel like part of the family. If your lodge does not do meals, at least invite the candidate to come for fellowship before lodge starts so they may be able to meet the brethren. Remember, all this is still even before they are initiated into the craft.

After they're initiated, at least in my jurisdiction, the new brother will receive an official Intender or Mentor. I suggest we stop waiting until the end of the initiation to introduce them to each other, let them meet and talk beforehand so the Intender can give some advice, something simple like, "Make sure you try and listen to everything going on." or something similar. Afterwards, make sure you as a Mentor are available to the new Brother for questions, and also before leaving the lodge room make sure the new Brother knows how to say and perform their newfound craft fundamentals. I remember when I was initiated, it was unlike anything else I had experienced and I remember my "Nic at Night" from basic training. The new Brother will probably feel the same way as well as overwhelmed with all that had happened. At this point DO NOT just give the new Brother some material to prepare for the next step, make time together to prepare and study for their next step together.

Know the material, try to have answers ready for questions, but DO NOT be afraid to tell the Brother that you honestly don't know an answer to a question and that you will find out and get back to them, oh, and then actually get back to them with the answer! Once the Brother is made a Master Mason, DO NOT just hand them the last bit of material and then not continue to be available. They finally have all the information, now you are there to help them process it and help them grow. Another note,  love of Buddha, if you have a short or fast version of the steps, that is a quicker version of proving you're ready for the next degree,  DO NOT push the new Brother to do this, the joy is in the journey not the destination. Let them experience the full version of Freemasonry, not just some quick version just to be lazy!

A few final thoughts, protect the new Master Mason from the petition vultures and encourage them to process the information that they have just received in Blue Lodge. Second, DO NOT stop teaching, they are as impressed upon and overwhelmed as you were when you were raised. Finally, and most importantly, never say, and I know I'm repeating myself, but this is important, never say, "Ok, call me if you have any questions." Continue to set time aside, let them continue to learn from you and ask questions of you. Be the Freemason that the Craft needs you to be!

-Doc





Daniel Doc Gentry is a Freemason out of the 1st NE District of Illinois. He belongs to Milburn Lodge 127, in Milburn IL. He is also  the Associate Patron in Chapter #570, Order of the Eastern Star, Millburn Illinois, where he and his awesome wife both attend.

Why OES?

by Midnight Freemason Guest Contributor

Bro. Daniel Gentry

So, why join the Order of the Eastern Star? I cannot tell you how many times I hear this question. The funny part for me is the excuses, but that is because not only am I educated with OES, I am a member. Though if someone told you they did not want to join because their wife does not want to join, your first thought would be the same as mine, “I am Sorry Brother/Companion Master Mason, it is a shame that your wife does not want to join OES.” Now I am not a Mason that has looked to join the lateral degrees, I am not a Squire in the York Rite nor am I a Kilt Maker Monk in Scottish Rite, or whatever, but I am a member (and currently the Associate Patron) of Millburn Chapter #570 of the Order of the Eastern Star, so let me talk about what I know.

Ok so obvious answer to the burning question, why I have I not “furthered” my learning in Masonry by joining one of the “Rite’s”? The answer is two (actually three) parts.  First, I believe that the highest degree one can achieve is the 3rd Degree.  Second, I believe that there is much wisdom in the Blue Lodge, so much so that I am committed to learn everything I can before expanding my knowledge.  Of course lastly, I promised some very wise Brethren I would not rush into anything, but take my time at each pass.  So the next obvious question is, why would I have all those reasons but still join the Order of the Eastern Star, and this one is an easy answer, because I took an Oath, as all other Brethren did, and this fulfills my Oath.

Now, the Order of the Eastern Star was founded in the mid 1800’s, and its actual reason for existing is, much like Freemasonry, shrouded in secrecy.  Some believe that it was the first attempt for the French Freemasons of the time to have a Female Freemasonry or Androgynous Degrees, for men and woman to be able to have some ritual.  This is my theory, and I am not the most intelligent guy, just ask my wife, but here it is nonetheless.  I believe that the Order of the Eastern Star was created, using the evidence that for one to join they either need to be a Master Mason, or the female relative, or step relative, of a Master Mason.  So logically, don’t tell my wife I said that, she won’t stop laughing, we can conclude that the reason for the existence of the Order of the Eastern Star is to have all the female relatives in an organization where, if God forbid, anything happened to our Brother, we would have the family where we could still talk with them.  Thus, fulfilling our Oaths, as well as a deeper bond with our Brothers as well.

Now, what if your wife, daughter, sister, etc…does not want to join OES? Easy. Join and support them anyway.  You see, it is not just for your family, it is for everyone else’s.  Plus let’s be honest, you do not know about it enough to tell them about it.  It is true though, that if you were doing something, even partially Masonic, that your lady would probably get serious enough to join.  It would help the rest of us to get to know your family, and become part of their family as well.  What is more worth while than our families as well as them being connected to our Oaths?  Do we not have time? I know that my Chapter only meets once a month.  Is it the monetary value and lack of funds?  I only pay a $15 dues fee.  Is it the fact that your significant other does not join? I already answered this one.  In fact, I have a few reasons outside of all this that might change your mind, actually just one really important part.  Most of these women love to cook and bake, top that with the grilling and cooking sensations that we as Masons have, and BOOM! 

Seriously though, if you put on another endeavor besides your Blue Lodge, I recommend you look into joining the Order of the Eastern Star before any other.  If we don’t support them, how can they grow?  How can we say that we lived our Oaths fully?  How can anything else be more important than the small amount of time this will take?

~DG

Brother Daniel “Doc” Gentry, is a Brother Freemason from Antioch Sequoit Lodge #827, in the 1st NE District of Illinois. He is an active Brother and researcher on Masonic Subjects as well as serving as the Associate Patron in Chapter #570, Order of the Eastern Star, Millburn Illinois

The Most Important Part.

 by Midnight Freemason Guest Contributor

Bro. Daniel "Doc" Gentry

The most important part of the journey, in the same as creating a building, is the foundation of the beginning. From the first time we come to lodge and eat with brothers as someone who is “on the threshold” to the day we are raised. This time, for all masons, is critical time for a foundation of Freemasonry. Amazing, this is the time that most people will choose to not come back to lodge and finish their degrees. So let us look at this for a moment and see if there is something that we can take away from this point to make the Journey of Freemasonry more productive, and prosperous.

Freemasonry is a personal journey, an internal journey of the heart mind and soul. I would dare to say that if you see no change in your life, except for paying dues yearly, than you truly miss the function of our great craft. I believe this happens because people forget that our great craft has many different facets, but none of them are taken alone. In fact, that is what we hear, and need to hear more often, that no one takes a step in Freemasonry alone. We find sometimes that Mentors or Intenders do not keep a constant open communication between themselves and their charge. Brothers are left with the notion that they are on their own in studying, and if they need any help just call. Though this will work with a few Brothers, we are not keeping our promise to each other. I am not talking about being annoying, but being available, and willing to learn that there is a two way communication amongst brothers.

When I was going through my degrees, I had an issue where I was not able to retain what I was trying to memorize. Recently out of the military, I had a few things creep up on me, and I became distraught. I did not want to waste my Mentors time, so I refrained from calling him, or anyone for that matter, for help. On the other side of things though, not many brothers made themselves available for me to call upon either. After I admitted that I was having issues, to the point where I asked for more time for my degrees and, how I would describe it, stepped out of line letting brothers that had gone after me, pass me up, so that I could spend more time memorizing. During this time, I truly felt alone, and I did not know what to do.

It would be a good idea to encourage each candidate, to keep a log of each Masonic experience, from the day they sing their petition until their raising. Then, after they have been raised for a year, have them make a presentation to the lodge of their experiences. Let them be honest, and make sure they feel that they are part of the lodge, because we are all just brothers on the level, and take their “problems” to heart. If you can fix it make sure that they are looked into, and make corrections where you can. Remember, the worst thing that we as Masons can do is act upon the old adage, because this is the way we always have done it.

~DG

Sister Amanda Gentry and her husband 
Brother Daniel “Doc” Gentry at their installation
for their OES Chapter.

Brother Daniel “Doc” Gentry, is a Brother Freemason from Antioch Sequoit Lodge #827, in the 1st NE District of Illinois. He is an active Brother and researcher on Masonic Subjects as well as serving as the Associate Patron in Chapter #570, Order of the Eastern Star, Millburn Illinois