From the Archives: The 50 Year Member - Part Twelve - Demon Rum

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

Bro. Bill Hosler, PM

“I can't believe this!” Herb Johnson exclaimed. “This is going to destroy Freemasonry!” Mike Bailey smiled, “Aww come on Herb. We all know what happened the day you were raised.” The entire dinner table busted out in laughter. The color in Herb's face turned bright red as he began to wave his arms around in a wild manner. “You mark my words! When this is implemented you are going to see Masons laying on the front steps of the temple drunk as a skunk. The fraternities’ reputation will be shot!” Herb punctuated each point of his argument by pounding his fist on the table.

The usual lodge dinner that always before the stated meeting, was more animated than usual. The members discovered that a resolution was passed at the recent Grand lodge communication repealing the ban on alcohol within a Masonic temple. Masonic lodges within the state were now allowed not only to possess alcohol, but also enjoy a drink before and after a Masonic event.

“I think it's a good thing”, Brad Sloffer said as he cut a piece of meatloaf. As the manager of this building, it gets frustrating showing the building to people who want to rent the hall for a wedding reception and then tell them you can't serve alcohol at the party or even to toast the couple's future of the bride and groom. They look at you like you are from Mars and then you never see them again. I can honestly say we have lost at least a hundred thousand dollars in rental revenue in just the last few years alone by this silly rule!” Mike Bailey retorted, “We need every dime to keep this building going. The temple is falling down around our ears! Makes me wonder how many temples in the state could have been saved from being sold or from the wrecking ball if we wouldn't have had this silly rule.”

“It isn't silly!” Herb said loudly, his voice nearly shrill. “This ruling will ruin us! How many of our Brethren will get pulled over for DUI's on their way home from a meeting? I'm sure there are many members who have been alcoholics in their past. Do we really want to tempt them with alcohol? What would our Masonic forefathers think of all of this?”

The 50 year member put his fork down and snickered. “I think they would ask why it took so long to repeal this rule and then question us why this silliness began in the first place.” Herb looked at the old man dumbfounded. “John I can't believe you support this. You of all people should know what this will do to Freemasonry!”

“I know exactly what it will do for Freemasonry. It will save it.” The 50 year member continued. “If you go and read the minutes of this lodge or any other lodge that was chartered before this silly ban you will read about the fine dinners and celebrations that the lodge held. Fine foods and barrels of cider, beer and yes even hard liquor was purchased by the lodges for the enjoyment of the members. There was a real spirit of fraternity. It wasn't just cold coffee and a frozen lasagna from a big box store. Those gatherings feed the soul as well as the body.”

Herb continued, “You are missing the point John!” Are you not concerned about our members getting
sloshed and giving the Craft a bad name?” “Absolutely not! The 50 year member exclaimed. Herb you go down to the Shrine and you would see many members enjoying a beer on a regular basis. How many Shriners do you see sloppy drunk and passed out in front of the Shrine Center? None! The reason you don't see it is because the members of this fraternity are responsible people. We watch out for each other. If it looks like a brother might be drinking a bit too much you then whisper good council in his ear and find him a ride home. I find it a bit hypocritical of us to say we can drink in this Masonic building, but not the other building just because of the symbol displayed on the front door.”

The old man continued, I also find it hypocritical to say we allow only the finest men to join our exclusive group but then we tell them we do not trust them to drink an alcoholic beverage. Then we preach that we do not convert the purpose of refreshment into intemperance or excess. We say one thing then we practice another. How can we be taken seriously if we speak out of both sides of our mouths?

We are a fraternity that began above taverns. Our Brethren would come to lodge, enjoy a drink or two and then open lodge. When the business was over, they would enjoy a drink and have a large festive board complete with toasts. Do you think George Washington lifted his glass in a toast filled with grape juice? Of course not! It was a glass filled with a fine wine. I doubt if excessive drinking was even considered by these men. They were gentlemen of refinement and knew how to conduct themselves.

The only reason we had this silly rule was because of a few temperance zealots and religious fanatics gained control of our Grand lodge in the Victorian era and forced their will on our members. There was nothing Masonic about it at the time and there is nothing Masonic about it now. In my opinion, this was the first upright step in the destruction of the fraternity. The United States is the only country in the world that denies their Brethren a drink in the building. Tell me Herb, have you heard about rampant alcoholism and alcohol induced car crashes in any other country that involve Masons?

Herb seemed stunned at the 50 year member’s statement. “Well, maybe but times are different now. What about a Brother who is a recovering alcoholic? All we would be doing is tempt him to fall off the wagon.” The old man shook his head. “I've been hearing this old saw for years. This is another example of why we should have been protecting the west gate all these years. It clearly says in the requirements for membership in our Grand Lodge that the petitioner cannot be an alcoholic. He shouldn't have been made a Mason in the first place, but since he is here and obviously he will not be going anywhere; his Brethren will keep an eye on him. They would make sure he stays on the straight and narrow. That is what we do.”

Herb began muttering under his breath. “I better get the lodge ready for opening. I will see you all inside.” He rose from his chair and walked away. Mike Bailey snickered, “Well I guess he isn't happy right now, but to be honest I am.” Mike continued, “I like the sound of having a drink before lodge and enjoying a fine meal after we close.” Brad Sloffer smiled. “I'm happy too! It was frustrating for years to see every other reception hall in town filled most all weekends just because they can serve alcohol. Maybe now I can rent the hall on New Year’s Eve too. We have such a beautiful, ornate ballroom that just sits empty because we could not rent it regardless of the price being offered. Maybe now I can compete with our competition! Our caterer told me this will become THE venue now! Not only will we be able to keep our building, but the profits will go a long way to restore and repairs things that have been neglected for decades.”

Pudge, who stayed silent during the debate finally spoke up. “I like the idea of coming into the social room and having a nice scotch with a cigar as I have a nice Masonic discussion with my Brethren. It sounds like what grown-ups would do.”

“I agree Pudge.” The 50 year member replied. “For years we have been saddled with this rule. Members would leave the lodge as quickly as they could so they could enjoy fellowship somewhere else instead of the building their dues paid for. Now maybe we can restore the fellowship our Fraternity greatly needs to restore. I really think we are on the right track. I bet this place will become a beehive of activity again like it used to be”

Pudge smiled. “Exactly! I don't think anyone looks at this as an opportunity where they can now get hammered at lodge and then go home. This is just another way I can spend time with my brothers in a place that was built by Masons who came before us.” The old man smiled. “I like how you put that Pudge. For years I have had an antique bar in storage that would be perfect in the Social room. I think we need to take a look at it and think of the perfect place to put it.”

~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 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.

This is why we can't have nice things!

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

Bill Hosler, PM

Growing up, I thought it was just my dysfunctional family.  Every now and then I or my brother or my sister, or two of us in a conspiracy against the other would end up doing something that would start a large argument among the Hosler children.  Screaming and name-calling ensued and eventually, something would end up getting broken because the argument would become physical.  At this point, my mom often would join the chorus of loud voices with her famous “THIS IS WHY WE CAN’T HAVE NICE THINGS!” cry.  I think this was an unspoken code between us siblings that we had better knock it off or the next step would be my father walking into the room like Chuck Norris, belt in hand to bring peace and quiet back to his kingdom. Dad wasn’t concerned about justice, he just wanted quiet so he could hear his television program again.  It wasn’t until I grew up until I discovered that Mom’s famous chant was something every mother says.  (Maybe it is taught at mother’s school right before the “If your friends jumped off a bridge would you jump too?” nonsense.)

Not long ago I was on a flight from Anchorage, Alaska to Oklahoma City.  The flight was long and cramped.  I was bored so I decided to find something to pass the time.  While catching up with Twitter I saw a tweet and I began to smile.  I knew I shouldn’t do it but the devil sitting on my shoulder talked me into it.  (Maybe the little angel who should have been on the other shoulder was detained by TSA.  But he was definitely not on the job.)

The tweet was posted from the account of the United Grand Lodge of England.  The photo celebrates an open house that was held at the Grand temple in London.  Pictured in the photograph were Dr. David Staples, Grand Secretary of the UGLE and the Grand Secretary of the women’s Freemason Grand Lodge in the UK.  The tweet read: “It's Grand Secretary Central! The Grand Secretaries of both the United Grand Lodge of England and Freemasonry for Women are here at @FreemasonsHall for #OpenHouseLondon today to answer any questions you may have about #Freemasonry for both men and women.”

I could almost feel the moderators of The Winding Stairs Facebook Group cringe as I posted the photo.  I knew what was about to happen but since I am a moderator in the group myself with a lot of time on my hands, I thought I could keep the oncoming dumpster fire down to a smoldering campfire.

Before the flight attendants passed out the first package of peanuts the posts started.  Some from the “He-man woman-haters” branch of Freemasonry, who like to throw the word clandestine around and remind everyone they will never forget their obligations by never sitting in a lodge room with women and the usual posts that go with any picture of a person wearing an apron in a skirt.  Then the other side was defending the tweet.  How we need to get more progressive like our English Brethren I thought to myself.  However, my favorite comments are from the Brethren who have no clue and say “Well, if women want to be Masons they can join the Eastern Star” like it is the same thing. They also decide to throw a few SMIB’s into the mix for absolutely no reason and I saw things begin to slowly devolve.

As the conversation progressed, the dialogue started to become un-Masonic.  The Name-calling began.  Some actual threats were made.  I began to think this whole thing had gone too far.  Sadly, for the group and for Freemasonry, I had to ban some members from the group for their conduct.  In a way, I am not sorry because we were able to do what should have been done at their lodge’s West Gate.  If a man is going to threaten, harass, or generally treat a Masonic brother in such a manner he doesn’t deserve to be a member of The Winding Stairs group, or the Fraternity itself.  I can’t do anything about the latter, but I have the power to keep the integrity of the former.

The saddest part of this whole scene to me is all this snarling and gnashing was completely unnecessary.  If someone would do a bit of easy research beforehand instead of going off half-cocked, this wouldn’t be a thing at all.

The He-man woman haters continually say that the United Grand Lodge of England is rubbing shoulders with a clandestine organization.  That they have recognized them as Freemasons.  Allow me to let you in on a little secret: They haven’t.   The UGLE’s relationship with the two female grand lodges in the UK is like dealing with the Mafia: “It’s business, not personal.”.  The ladies help the Grand Lodge at fundraising for charity and they rent the building for their Grand Communication.  There is no Fraternal visitation between the groups.  In no way does the male Grand Lodge consider themselves to be in amity with either of the feminine organizations.  In simple terms it is like they are saying: “You ladies want to be Masons?  Cool! No skin off our noses.  Have fun!” They each do their thing, and everyone is happy. You can read more about it at these links:  http://freemasonsfordummies.blogspot.com/2018/12/ugle-and-female-freemasonry.html

https://www.ugle.org.uk/become-freemason/women-freemasons

Another one of these misunderstood topics which is sure to destroy Freemasonry as we know it is the dreaded Chamber of Reflection.  Basically, the chamber of reflection is a room with no windows, usually painted black.  Before a petitioner is allowed to progress to the Entered Apprentice degree he is placed in the room of complete darkness.  He is given a match and instructed to light the candle before him.  Once the candle is lit, he sees several objects before him on a table with a paper and a pen.  

After some time of thinking about the step he is about to take and whether he wishes to progress he answers the questions on the paper.  If the petitioner answers correctly he is allowed to continue to the degree work.  The process is designed to make him really think about if he is truly serious about gaining membership and if he is truly willing to devote himself to the lifetime of work that lays before him.  The process isn’t that uncommon.  Many Grand Lodges around the world have this as part of their ritual and even the Knights Templar here in the United States uses it in their degree work.  

The "funny" thing is that nearly every time a group of Masons suggests they add this to their lodge ritual, the eyes of several Brethren will bug out and find it hard to breathe.  Without understanding, the reasoning for the room or the fact that is used the world over a knee will automatically jerk up and the brother whose face has now reddened and is close to hyperventilating will be strictly against it, threatening to call the Grand Lodge, then Grand Master, then The Grand Architect of the Universe…Etc. or any other Grand which can keep his lodge from falling down into the rabbit hole of clandestine Freemasonry. 

I heard a tale about one Brother who while in lodge, decided to jump up and compare the Chamber as a place to give a candidate hallucinogenic drug and perform Satan worship.  (I hope that sound I hear is your eyes rolling from here). As silly as it sounds, it is such things that keep our numbers from growing and our retention numbers from free falling.   (Even sillier, I wonder how many of these Brethren whose aprons end up in a wad sat in a similar room before they became Sir Knights of the Knights Templar.  Probably the same number who amount had zero problems drinking libations with real wine during Templar ceremonies but object to having alcohol inside a Masonic temple.)

This brings me to the next item on my rant list: Demon rum.  This may shock none of you, but Grand Lodge Freemasonry began in rooms above taverns.  (I will wait for all of you to regain your composure.). In fact, throughout the eighteenth century and much of the nineteenth century, it was commonplace for beer, ale and hard liquor to be consumed before and after lodge meetings. Wine was also served at dinners and feasts.

It wasn’t until the mid-to-late nineteenth when the Temperance zealots began their assault on American society.  Churches became involved in the movement and eventually, legislation began to come before Grand Lodges asking for the complete prohibition of alcohol within the walls of Masonic temples (It has been my own theory for years this was brought on by Brothers whose wives were members of the Anti-Saloon league or other such groups.) Eventually, most of our Grand lodges became as dry as one of our business meetings.

If you broach the subject of repealing these laws to one of the stalwarts of Masonic tradition, they will almost always parrot the exact same arguments against it. I know this because I have heard these feeble arguments many times in Grand Lodge discussions. Excuses such as: “What if a Brother drinks too much and gets pulled over on the way home from Lodge?”, “What about our Brothers with issues with alcoholism?”, “This would be terrible! The public would drive by our building and see drunken Masons passed out on the sidewalk in front of our building!” These may sound silly, but they work in getting the old guard to vote no to allow us to move forward.

First of all, If we all follow the teachings of Freemasonry like we say we do we will counsel a good Brother a keep him from turning refreshment into intemperance or excess? If by chance, he were to drink a bit too much, I would hope a fellow Brother would drive his Brother home and ensure he gets inside OK. I think I may remember something of an obligation for that sort of thing.

 I don’t know about your Grand Lodge, but my mother Grand Lodge actually has rules against allowing felons, addicts, and alcoholics into the Craft.  However, the only one people seem to dwell on is the felon one. So, the “Brother with drinking issues” should be a non-starter, to begin with, assuming you follow the letter of Masonic law like you want to do on all the things you are against.  

Any the one that gets my goat (pun intended), is the idea of drunken Masons passed out in front of the building.  Tell me, how many times have you seen those same drunken Masons passed out in front of a Shrine temple? Seems to me if a Brother is going to drink himself silly in front of one Masonic edifice a Noble would do the same thing in front of another building.  

Since the United States is one of the few if only Masonic country to have a prohibition against alcohol I’m sure drunken Masons must be a worldwide phenomenon, right?   If it, is I haven’t heard about it in my nearly two decades as a Mason?  

There are so many things in the craft we tend to dismiss or decide about with a knee-jerk reaction. It is almost like we are allowing our Fraternity to die an unnecessary death because an unruly mob carrying torches wish it to be governed by superstition and legend instead of science and facts.   

I bet if we were to sit down and make a list many of Freemasonry’s hot button topics could be put to bed if both sides actually knew the facts and made a plan on the subject instead of believing something told him based on urban legend or what a Past Master believed to be true sixty years ago.  Even if they don’t agree, they can at least have an intelligent discussion and perhaps come to some agreeable solution. 

Like so many things in Freemasonry (and in life itself) a little research on a subject will help you sound more intelligent but will also provide you with the information, you need to make an informed decision or opinion. Who knows? Knowing more about the Craft besides how to hold a rod during degree word or that George Washington and John Wayne were members might even enhance your love for the Fraternity. It might even allow people who were ignorant on a subject to discover that they might actually agree on the topic if they knew the facts. 

I understand that not everyone is a Masonic nerd like I am.  They don’t spend hours researching Masonic topics and history.  They have actual lives with jobs and families. They go to the lodge a few nights a month. They study the ritual and floor work and if they have a question, they might ask a Past Master who, sadly after nearly a century without Masonic education in lodges is probably as clueless as the Brother is. I can think of no other environment or in no other group where someone can argue an opinion with zero facts and not have their argument called into question with a demand that the person produces evidence in order to be believed. Except on social media, especially when talking about those subjects forbidden for us to discuss in Lodge, but that’s a different article. 

Brethren, I know this is a lot to ask.  But if we really want to make our Fraternity relevant again, we must actually embrace the forbidden Masonic “C-word”. That word is change for those of you who have tried to repress it from your memory. The various generations of members must learn to work together and accept both sides may have some ideas that have value.  In other writings, I have laid out how what I believe a lodge can do bring this about and be successful. The only things preventing them are open minds and a willingness to try new things.  I think these things will bring actual “Harmony” to a lodge instead of appeasing one side of an argument over another.  

This all really makes me wonder.  I wonder if my brother, sister, and I would have actually gotten along and worked together instead of constantly arguing and fighting if my mom could have actually have had nice things?

~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.