How Can The Appendant Bodies Strengthen The Blue Lodge?

Midnight Freemasons Contributor

Joe Covell

For those familiar with my work with Midnight Freemasons, this subject matter may seem completely off-brand compared to what has been previously published. One might ask why such a stark departure from the usual trestleboards of mysticism, esotericism, spiritualism, and the like. In addition to this blog, I’ve expanded my ideas into new spaces under the persona “Arcanum in the Brainum,” a nod to the classic Cypress Hill song, "Insane in the Brain." Arcanum in the Brainum brings together a mix of in-person and virtual study groups, engaging social media channels, and multimedia content enhanced by AI tools like Pictory, Leonardo, ChatGPT, and VSub. This includes visually rich images and videos inspired by my previous articles, as well as audio clips from recorded study group sessions and other sources.

To me, the ideal lodge is one that offers a mix of thought-provoking programs that inspire attendees to dive deeper, along with those that are lighthearted and entertaining, in other words, something for everyone. The work we do as Masons carries a deeper meaning beyond what meets the eye, but there’s still a strong need for disciplined ritual instruction, focused work, and well-organized, synchronized administration. Within the world of Freemasonry, there’s a role for every member, one that complements their strengths, interests, and passions.

Having become a Mason in 2022, my progression through the appendant bodies has been incredibly fast, including all three York Rite Bodies, Scottish Rite, Shrine, Tall Cedars, Allied Masonic Degrees, and more. I can say with complete confidence that no one forced me into anything I wasn’t ready for. I spent a good five years exploring Freemasonry before joining and knew exactly what I wanted to pursue, actively seeking membership. Not only did I join these various organizations, but I currently hold officer roles in four of them. To say "desperate times call for desperate measures" would be a complete understatement, but I have not taken on any role that I am not capable of fulfilling.

If you are a grumpy past master reading this, I have a fairly good idea of your thoughts on the matter. Here in Pennsylvania, I have heard discussions about requiring newly made Masons to wait a mandatory one year before joining any other bodies. I understand the reasoning behind this, but from my experience, I personally feel this would be a huge detriment. My justification for doing so much so soon was that I wanted to join everything I was interested in and start from the ground floor to better determine which directions I wanted to pursue. I received my Royal Arch in November 2022 and was asked to be Scribe of the Chapter that January. I put it off until January 2024, jumping straight to King (out of necessity), and now I am serving my year Most Excellent High Priest in 2025.

In my mother lodge, Quakertown Lodge No. 512, I served as Junior Master of Ceremonies and often stepped in as Pursuivant on evenings when attendance was sparse. For those unfamiliar with Pennsylvania Masonry, this might sound a bit unusual, as Pennsylvania often does things differently. The Junior and Senior Masters of Ceremonies, for instance, are comparable to Stewards in most other jurisdictions, positioned near the Senior Warden. The Pursuivant, on the other hand, sits between the Junior and Senior Masters of Ceremonies and is responsible for tiling the lodge. In Pennsylvania, all three officers, along with the Tyler, carry swords as part of their duties. 

In 2024, I chose to become a plural member of Shiloh-MacCalla Lodge No. 558, and by 2025, I find myself honored to serve as Junior Warden. Shiloh-MacCalla Lodge is more than just a Blue Lodge; it is also home to Lansdale Royal Arch Chapter No. 301, Damascus Commandery No. 95, and Akhawiyah Council No. 185 (Allied Masonic Degrees), all of which I am proud to be a member of.

Before committing to being King in 2024, I had firmly held to the idea that I must first go through Blue Lodge before taking on any leadership role in any of the bodies. As 2023 progressed and I saw the dire need for fresh legs in these other bodies, I realized that going through the Chapter line would better prepare me to be a stronger leader in the Blue Lodge line. The appendant bodies tend to have a much more laid-back atmosphere compared to the Blue Lodge. This is not to suggest that they should be taken any less seriously, only that regular stated meetings tend to be far less attended than those of the Blue Lodge, and the requirements are also not as stringent.

Currently, in Pennsylvania, in order to be Junior Warden, the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania requires that a brother must be certified in the Business of the Lodge. To be Senior Warden, he must be certified in the First Degree, and to be Worshipful Master, he needs to be certified in either the First and Second Degrees or the Third Degree. Some districts require certification in all three degrees, mainly to ensure there are enough qualified brothers who can confer all three degrees when needed.

The Grand Holy Royal Arch Chapter of Pennsylvania, at the time of writing, requires that in order to be considered a Past High Priest, a Companion (not referred to as brothers in the Royal Arch Chapter) must be proficient in either a degree or in the role of Principal Sojourner or Captain of the Host in the Royal Arch Degree. The Captain of the Host dialogue has a similar word count to reciting the Lord’s Prayer twice. To be recognized as a Past High Priest, the Companion must meet this requirement. However, this proficiency is not necessary to become the Most Excellent High Priest of the Chapter. If a Companion chooses not to meet the requirement, he does not receive the honor of being designated as a Past High Priest.

Similar to the requirements in the Royal Arch, the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Pennsylvania requires a Sir Knight to be proficient in the Fifth Libation to become Eminent Commander of the subordinate Commandery. This does not require anywhere near the amount of memory work that the Blue Lodge demands. Is the point here to suggest that the appendant bodies don’t require as much memory or ritual work? While that may appear to be the argument, the agenda being presented, that the appendant bodies can help prepare Blue Lodge officers, can be supported by the idea that there is much less pressure on the officers of the appendant bodies compared to those of the Blue Lodge.

For many brothers, the memory work required to progress through the Blue Lodge line can be extremely intimidating. I see the Royal Arch Chapter (as well as other bodies) as the perfect incubator for newer brothers to gain experience and build their confidence. It’s no secret that only a small percentage of Master Masons ever seek further light by joining appendant bodies. What if these bodies were marketed not only as offering more of the story to be unfolded but also as a Blue Lodge officer training program? Once a member goes through the line of an appendant body, he gains confidence in his ability to lead a meeting, organize, and oversee (with the help of the Secretary, Treasurer, or equivalent roles) the Chapter’s business. He will then possess the skills needed to lead the Blue Lodge.

After the brother recognizes that he possesses the necessary qualifications to be a leader, he may become more motivated to learn the work well enough to meet any requirement, and perhaps even well enough to confer it on new candidates. There will always be those who excel at administration and those who excel at Ritual, though it is rare for a brother to excel at both.

Are there bound to be hiccups in this proposed model? Of course. I would classify myself as someone who does well with memory work (once I put in the effort to learn), but I often confuse terms like Brother with Companion or Lodge with Chapter. Another observation: the dialogues of the Senior Warden in the Blue Lodge and the King in the Royal Arch Chapter are similar, but just different enough to cause confusion. I often wonder why the creators of these rituals couldn’t have standardized the lines, simply substituting the appropriate officer’s title. That question is a research topic on its own, one I am not yet prepared to tackle.

This model doesn’t just benefit the Blue Lodge; it also encourages more brothers to become active in the Appendant bodies, strengthening the fraternity as a whole.

~JC

Joe Covell is new to Masonry, having been raised in March of 2022 at Quakertown Lodge No. 512 in Quakertown, Pennsylvania. He is a student of Esoteric Philosophy since 2016 and loves to discuss it with like-minded brethren. He is involved in The Valley of Allentown AASR where he helps administer the Valley’s social media accounts. He is a member of Lansdale Royal Arch Chapter No. 301, Doylestown Cryptic Council No. 51, Damascus Commandery No. 95, and a Noble of LuLu Shrine. He has plans to highlight Masonic Education by facilitating study groups on various topics at his Blue Lodge. He is currently going through the chairs at Quakertown Lodge No. 512, as well as the other bodies of which he is a member. 

The Occult Lodge: Part Six

From the Dawn to Darkness

by Midnight Freemason Contributor 

Bro. James E. Frey 32° KT, ROS

Part One

Part Two

Part Three

Part Four

Part Five

Aeister Crowley

The Ordo Templi Orientis, or the Oriental Temple of the East or the Order of Oriental Templars, was founded between 1895 and 1906 as an elite invitational group of Masons who established a more esoteric version of the Masonic Rites focusing on sexual energies. The OTO was founded by Theodor Reuss who had a long history of participating in occult and fringe masonic groups. In 1880 Reuss attempted to revive the Bavarian Order of the Illuminati of Adam Weisthaupt and again in 1888, both times failing miserably. Upon this failure he began to formulate the outline of the OTO with Carl Keller in 1895.
Reuss then sought out to legitimize his group by reaching out and becoming active in other streams of esotericism. He soon was introduced to Dr. William Wynn Wescott, leading member of the S.R.I.A and founder of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. At the time Wescott was the Grand Master of the Swedenborgian Rite of Phremasonry and provided Reuss with a charter to form his own lodge dated July 24, 1901 and a letter of authorization to form an S.I.R.A group in Germany February 24, 1902. Reuss was also designated an inspector with the Martinist Order in Germany by Gerard Encausse (aka Papus) who provided him with a charter June 24, 1901.

OTO Temple

Westcott and Papus assisted Reuss with establishing his order, Papus helped Reuss establish the OTO Gnostic Catholic Church and Wescott assisted Reuss in contacting John Yarker to recive chaters for the Rites of Memphis and Misraim September 24, 1902. By attaining these charters from the leading esoteric and occult leaders he became legitimized to create his own Order. Reuss based the structure of his Order around the Swedish Rite of ten degrees inspired heavily around the Templar mythos and the theoretical aspects of sexual magic.

In 1910 Reuss became acquainted with Aleister Crowley, British Occultist and Former Golden Dawn Member, while living in London. The story goes that Reuss was reading Aleister Crowley’s “Confessions” and discovered that he had published their supreme secret. He then contacted Crowley and admitted him to the first three degrees and then only two years later Crowley was advanced to the tenth degree and placed as Grand Master in charge of Great Britain and Ireland. Crowley then wrote The "Manifesto of the OTO", which described its basic ten-degree system the 7th, 8th, and 9th, degrees being Kellner’s three degree system of the Academia Masonica.

In 1914, Crowley moved to the United States and began to break away from the Masonic influences of the OTO and began integrating the concepts of his own religion of Thelema. He then wrote a religious service for this new version of the OTO called the Gnostic Mass. Reusss' O.T.O system  contained their versions of the degrees Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft and Master Mason. The fourth degree being Holy Royal Arch and the fifth degree was Scotch Mason. Crowley attempted to work this Masonic-based O.T.O. in Detroit, Michigan which resulted in the Supreme Council of the Scottish Rite declaring them to be clandestine, centered on the basis that the O.T.O. rituals were too similar to Scottish Rite Masonry's own rituals.

In a 1930 letter to Arnold Krumm-Heller, Crowley Wrote:

“However, when it came to the considerations of the practical details of the rituals to be worked, the general Council of the Scottish Rite could not see its way to tolerate them, on the ground that the symbolism in some places touched too nearly that of the orthodox Masonry of the Lodges.”

In 1914 Crowley then fully integrated Thelema into the OTO by rewriting the initiatory rituals and incorporating his own philosophical understanding of the grade work. By rewriting the degrees Crowley removed most of those symbolic connections to Masonry. He did not rewrite the fourth degree ritual, which remains in its form and structure related to the various Royal Arch rituals of Masonry.

Gnostic Mass

In 1920 Theodore Reuss suffered a stroke and communications between Reuss and Crowley began to deteriorate. Crowley broke ties with Reuss and proclaimed himself Outer Head of the Order. In 1925, during a tumultuous Conference of Grand Masters, Crowley was officially elected as Outer Head of the Order.

The majority of the philosophy of the OTO can be summed up by the quote that began Crowley’s involvement with Reuss in Crowley’s confessions:

“It offers a rational basis for universal brotherhood and for universal religion. It puts forward a scientific statement which is a summary of all that is at present known about the universe by means of a simple, yet sublime symbolism, artistically arranged. It also enables each man to discover for himself his personal destiny, indicates the moral and intellectual qualities which he requires in order to fulfil it freely, and finally puts in his hands an unimaginably powerful weapon which he may use to develop in himself every faculty which he may need in his work.”

Crowley’s new OTO system was re written into different schools of triads based on the tarot. The entire system is as follows: 0° Minerval, I° Man & Brother,  II° Magician,  III° Master Magician,  IV° Perfect Magician & Companion of the Holy Royal Arch of Enoch, and P.I.—Perfect Initiate, or Prince of Jerusalem. Then came the honorary degree of Knight of the East & West. The next school was The Lovers Triad which focused on active and passive energies of the soul. V° Sovereign Prince Rose-Croix, and Knight of the Pelican & Eagle, Knight of the Red Eagle, and Member of the Senate of Knight Hermetic Philosophers, VI° Illustrious Knight of the Order of Kadosh, and Companion of the Holy Graal Grand Inquisitor Commander, and Member of the Grand Tribunal Prince of the Royal Secret, VII°—Theoreticus, and Very Illustrious Sovereign Grand Inspector General Magus of Light, and Bishop of Ecclesia Gnostica Catholica Grandmaster of Light, and Inspector of Rites & Degrees. The degrees of the Hermit Triad are of sexual nature. In the VIII° of Perfect Pontiff of the Illuminati, the initiate is taught masturbation magical practices, in the IX° of Initiate of the Sactuary of Gnosis the magical techniques related to traditional intercourse, and in the XI° of Initiate of the Eleventh degree a form of sex magic involving non-traditional intercourse is taught. The final Supreme Secret is given in the X° Rex Summus Sanctissimus.

~JEF

James E Frey 32° classifies himself as a gentleman of the old world, which means he is known to stand in the great forests reciting poetry to fair-haired damsels while wrestling bears for sport. He is a District Education Officer for the Grand Lodge of Illinois, a Past Sovereign Prince of the of Danville AASR, member of the Oak Lawn York Rite, Medinah Shriners, Royal Order of Scotland, Quram Council Allied Masonic Degrees and initiate of the Golden Dawn Collegium Spiritu Sancti. He is also a guest lecturer on Occultism and Esoteric studies in masonry for the R.E.B.I.S Research Society.

Masonic Service Centers

by Midnight Freemasons Senior Contributor

WB Gregory J. Knott

 In 2004 the State of Illinois dedicated the World War II Illinois Veterans Memorial in Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield, Illinois. I was privileged to be there for this dedication and it was an event that I will never forget.
 
I recently returned to visit this memorial for the first time since the dedication. It was still very impressive and is a fitting tribute to the men and women of Illinois who served so gallantly in the defense of freedom and our country. 

One addition since the dedication was a small marble bench as you entered one end of the memorial. As I examined the bench I was surprised to find a plaque placed by the Grand Lodge of Ancient Free & Accepted Masons of the State of Illinois commemorating the efforts our grand lodge undertook in sponsoring seven service centers in Illinois to assist in the war effort. 

The plaque reads “In World War II from 1942 to 1945, the Grand Lodge of Illinois established seven fully equipped service centers. These centers served more than two million citizen soldiers offering them hospitality and relaxation regardless if they whether they were Masons or not.” 

Illinois had several major military bases that were key in training the soldiers and sailors who fought in the war. These service centers were located at:

• Great Lakes Navy Base at North Chicago 
• Fort Sheridan at Highland Park 
• Navy Pier/Northwestern in Chicago 
• Camp Grant in Rockford 
• Chanute Field in Rantoul 
• Scott Field in Belleville

After the war these centers helped veterans adjust to civilian life. The plaque stated over 8,000 Illinois Masons served in the war. 

The Masonic Service Association played a significant national role in coordinating these centers. After the war, the MSA continued the work of helping Veterans through the Hospital Visitation Program in affiliation with the US Department of Veterans Affairs. This program is still active and going very strong. My local lodges participate in the Illiana VA Center in Danville, Illinois. 

To learn more about the Illinois World War II Memorial visit http://ww2il.com/welcome/

~GJK 

WB Gregory J. Knott is the 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.

Is It Too Late?

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

Judy Gordon

"if you want to be successful, it's just this simple. Know what you are doing. Love what you are doing. And believe  what you are doing." Will Rogers

Have you ever been chairman of a project and were afraid that no one would attend or participate?  In 2010 Illinois Job’s Daughters Grand Guardian assigned Ray and I a project. It was not a little project, it was a HUGE project. This project would be the first time that Illinois Job’s Daughters had ever done this project. This project was an AD BOOK for Illinois Job’s Daughters annual grand session.

So I took the bull by the horns and went with it. Now with every project, there are issues. One of the biggest issues I had and still have is DEADLINES. Of course everyone thinks the deadlines do not apply to them. As deadlines approach and pass, the phone calls and emails start. “Is it too late? Can I still have an ad? How much is it for a small ad?” I chuckle, shrug my shoulders and Ray being the “patient” man says, “of course, but I need it ASAP”.

Five Ad books have come and gone. Within the next two years, I will be passing the spreadsheet to another worthy chairman as I will be preparing for my year as Grand Guardian. I will train her well, as she will have to work with the graphic designer (the patient man).

To those of you that have donated to the ad book –thank you! If you haven’t donated, you have missed out on a wonderful opportunity;  and on behalf of Illinois Job’s Daughters, we thank you. Without YOU, the daughters of Illinois would not benefit from your generosity. Stay tuned for next year’s book.

~JAG

Judy Gordon is very active in Job's Daughters. She's the Past Honored Queen, and Past Bethel Guardian of Bethel No. 55, Pekin (IL). She received the Cryptic Masons Masonic Youth Leadership Award along with her husband, Ray Gordon in July 2007. She's also Past Matron of the Morton Chapter No. 974 (IL) of the Order of the Eastern Star and Historian of the Emblem Club No. 424 of Pekin (IL). Judy is the recipient of the Degree of Royal Purple (2012) and elected to the Grand Line Illinois Job's Daughters (2015-16). Boaz joined the family in September 2013 and grandmother of 3 wonderful grandsons.

Freemasonry With A Side Of Fries

by Midnight Freemasons Contributor

Todd E. Creason

photo by Sir Knight Robert Johnson

When you become a Master Mason, you quickly learn that there are a lot of things out there you can do, and a lot of appendant bodies and clubs you can become a part of outside of your Lodge. You can join the Scottish Rite, the York Rite, or you could become a Shriner. There's even a few groups you could join if you have certain interests--like a Harley in your garage for instance. If that's the case, you might want to contact your local Widows Sons club. That's right, there are motorcycle riding Masons! You can ride the road with Brothers that share that same interest, and help them raise money and do good in the world at the same time.

But there's one club I'm particularly proud of being involved with, because I didn't just join it, I helped charter it. It's a rare priviledge to charter a new Masonic club, and that's exactly what fellow Midnight Freemason Greg Knott and I did--and I'll give him most of the credit.

It's a long story about how we got there, so I'll save you the history. But just over a year ago, we chartered a brand new group called the Illini High Twelve No. 768 in Urbana-Champaign, Illinois. It's a lunch club. We're a little different than most High Twelve clubs because we had a very different goal. I can't say enough about how flexible High Twelve International was with us in allowing us to run this club a lot differently than most High Twelves operate. They were extremely accomodating, because I think they knew we were onto a very good idea.

We wanted to use the club as a bridge between Freemasonry, the community, and the campus of the University of Illinois. We wanted to create something very casual and "come as you are" and we wanted it to be open to both Masons and non-Masons. Only Masons can be members, but you can bring anybody you want to come along. Our members bring friends, spouses, family, and co-workers along for lunch. Many of our members are young and work for a living, so the rule is come when you can even if you're late, and leave when you need to. Each month we have lunch, and then an invited speaker. I started as the Charter President, and Greg Knott began as Secretary (for life). We got the word out about what we wanted to do, and we had a big group of Masons who wanted to join even before we chartered. When we were chartered, we were the largest new High Twelve club in the United States. And we've continued to grow. In the beginning, we started out with one table in the dining room of the Urbana Garden Restaurant where we meet. Just over a year later, we now have that entire dining room for our monthly meeting.

UofI President Robert Easter with Todd Creason and Greg Knott

It's worked out well. Greg Knott has lined up some impressive speakers. We've had the Sheriff. We've had the Presidents of two colleges as speakers (including the President of the University of Illinois). We've had the CEO of the Boy Scouts, and the Daughters of the American Revolution just to name a few--and we're just getting started.

But it's our members that have made it work. They bring new Entered Apprentices, Fellowcrafts, and Master Masons from their Lodges to lunch. These new members get a chance to meet and talk to a lot of Masons, and it helps them network, and meet other Masons. It helps them get used to the idea that Masonry isn't just in their lodge, they are part of a very large family, and we're everywhere--and they are welcome wherever Masons meet. Many of these new Masons go on to be very active in their lodges. We've also had a few of the non-Mason guests of our members get interested in becoming a Mason after meeting Masons from all walks of life in a very casual setting. They've petitioned a Lodge and have become Masons after joining us for a burger and fries and a great speaker. I knew our idea was beginning to work as we had hoped it would when I went to a 1st Degree at Greg Knott's Lodge and realized I knew the candidate. He was a University of Illinois student, and I'd met him at one of our Illini High Twelve meetings. He was the guest of one of our members, and he decided to join the Fraternity.

In the beginning . . . just a bunch of Masons having lunch.

I expect that idea Greg and I had will spread. It works because it's a simple idea, it's a fun and casual meeting, and we get some really good speakers and learn something while we're there. And what I enjoy the most is the opportunity to get together for lunch each month with Brothers that I really enjoy being around. Michael Shirley, another of the Midnight Freemasons contributor, is also a charter member of the Illini High Twelve. He's working on doing the same thing we've done at the University of Illinois at Eastern Illinois University where he is a history professor--and knowing him as well as I do, I'm sure he'll find a way to do it better.

The great strength of our Fraternity is that it empowers us. New Master Masons, being surrounded by industrious men, quickly figure out that each of us has a gift or a skill that we can put to good use in our communities, and within our Fraternity. That is certainly the lesson I first learned. The other early lesson I learned, is that only a small part of what Freemasonry is all about takes place within the walls of a Masonic Lodge--we take the values we learn in that Lodge and from our Brothers out into the world with us wherever we go. It's hard to tell in the beginning what interest or what passion you have will translate into a skill you can put to good use.

Greg Knott and I were able to take our GREAT love and passion for lunch, and turn it into something truly unique.

~TEC

Todd E. Creason, 33° is the founder of the Midnight Freemasons blog and continues to be a regular contributor. He is the author of several books and novels, including the Famous American Freemasons series. He is member of Homer Lodge No. 199, and a Past Master of Ogden Lodge No. 754 (IL). He is a member the Scottish Rite Valley of Danville, the York Rite Bodies of Champaign/Urbana (IL), the Ansar Shrine (IL), Eastern Illinois Council No. 356 Allied Masonic Degrees, and Charter President of the Illini High Twelve in Champaign-Urbana (IL). You can contact him at: webmaster@toddcreason.org

 

The Treasure Hunt

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

Bro. Robert H Johnson 32°

It was the night of a big meeting. We had a ton to go over, I had Masonic education and Worshipful had to go over the all the changes which the Grand Lodge wanted to vote on at the next annual meeting. I was feeling a little guilty, you see I was working a ton on the podcast, writing and of course the day job.

The crayon drawn maps.

I wanted to stay home and hang out with my boys, but I just couldn't. I have three sons and the oldest always asks me about the lodge and about the symbols. I think he will definitely become a Brother some day. The other two boys are a little younger. They know when they see the Square and Compasses, that it means "Freemasons".

I was feeling guilty, so I did the best thing I could think of, I created a Masonic treasure hunt in the house. I made a map on construction paper on which I drew a map, wrote out clues, drew some pictures and even put a few Masonically themed items on it.

Since there are three of them, I declared that the search would be for the "Ancient Bubble-Gum of the Select Masters" which was hidden in an "Ark" hidden in the "Secret Core". I sent them all over the house, giving clues to items and places. For instance, the first place they were to find was the "...the door which only height can open." This is the door to the basement which has a shiny sliding lock which is six feet high on the door.

The small "Ark" just big enough for 3
pieces of bubble-gum.

While I was at my meeting discussing the ins and outs of the amendments to codes, discussing circumambulation and talking about the need to adhere to the 6 month rule in regards to a petitioner, they (my sons) were embarking on "the most exciting adventure ever" according to my middle son. When they finally got to the second to last clue, which was "...the fallen ranger points the way to the Secret Core", they had to find the spot where a splayed out pink "Power Ranger" action figure's hand was pointing to.

It was pointing to a white box tucked neatly under the stairs which had the words "Secret Core" on it. Of course the box was just old packaging for a work out system, but they didn't notice that at all. They ran over to the box, climbed up on all the other junk we keep under the stairs and pulled out the box.

The three of them looked at each other and the oldest opens the cardboard "Secret Core" box. Inside was a small "Ark" I built out of balsa wood some time ago. I had engraved some Masonic symbols on it which made it pretty special to the boys. Before they were allowed to open the "Ark" they had to utter the sacred words, which some of you may recognize from "The Day The Earth Stood Still", an old black and white sic-fi movie from 1951, (which I love by the way), "Klaatu Barada Nikto".

They all read the words of the paper and said them in unity. My wife told me it was really "cute". At that point they opened the "Ark" carefully and beheld three unwrapped pieces of the sugariest bubble-gum I could find. The final words on the map "...Brave Select Masters, Chew Wisely".


~RHJ

Bro. Robert Johnson, 32° is the Managing Editor of the Midnight Freemasons blog. He is a Freemason out of the First North-East District of Illinois. He belongs to Waukegan Lodge No. 78. He is also a member of the York Rite bodies Royal Arch, Cryptic Council, Knights Templar, AMD, The Illinois Lodge of Research and a member of the Scottish Rite Valley of Chicago as well as a charter member of the Society of King Solomon, a charity organization run by the Grand Lodge of Illinois. Brother Johnson currently produces and hosts a weekly Podcast (internet radio program) Whence Came You? which focuses on topics relating to Freemasonry. In addition, he produces video shorts focusing on driving interest in the Fraternity and writes original Masonic papers from time to time. He is a husband and father of three. He works full time in the safety industry and is also a photographer on the side as well as an avid home brewer. He is currently working on a book of Masonic essays.

The Society of King Solomon

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

Bro. Robert Johnson 32°

If you're anything like me, you read the title of this blog, "The Society of King Solomon" and immediately thought "What the heck is that?". Well, I'm here to let you know what it is now that I have not only figured it out, but also have become a charter member.

I'm sure you all know how big Freemasonry is in charities, both local and national. The Society of King Solomon is an Illinois based organization which recognizes extraordinary contributions to the Illinois Masonic Charities Fund. The Illinois Masonic Charity Fund insures that individual charities like the ILCHIP (Illinois Child Identification Program), Masonic Outreach Services and the Illinois Masonic Children's Homes stay operational and funded.

Every year when I pay my dues to my home lodge, I always include a bit extra to be put into these charities, but I asked myself "What else can I do?". I first heard about the Society of King Solomon at a special Masters Dinner at a local Shrine Club, the Medinah Shrine Club to be exact.

While checking in, one of my friends and Brothers, Joe, asked me if I would be interested in donating to the Society of King Solomon, then explained to me that depending on the amount I donated I would get some kind of jewel. But to be honest, I just didn't have that kind of money. After all just an associate membership was five-hundred dollars. After talking to him about it and the director of the program, it turns out that bequeathing also qualifies you for not only associate but also full memberships.

That being said, that is indeed how I chose to give to the Society of King Solomon. I asked my financial guy to get me a form so I could update my beneficiaries, I then filled them out and then got those forms to the Grand Lodge of Illinois. After that, I received in the mail, a very nice jewel which I am supposed to wear to all Masonic events.

Many of the Grand Lodges across the states have programs which are very similar. I urge you all to look into your Grand Lodge and find out the specifics. If you are in Illinois then click here and it will take you directly to the page on the Grand Lodge of Illinois' website which explains it completely. Remember, even if you don't have the money to give now, bequeathing (giving from your life insurance or other after your passing) is a great option. I know it isn't all that comfortable to think about our own demise, but discuss it with your family and decide together. It is a good cause which deserves our help.

~RHJ



Bro. Robert Johnson, 32° is the editor of the Midnight Freemasons blog.  He is a Freemason out of the First North-East District of Illinois. He belongs to Waukegan Lodge No. 78. He is also a member of the York Rite bodies Royal Arch, Cryptic Council and Knights Templar, and a member of the Scottish Rite Valley of Chicago.  Brother Johnson currently produces and hosts a weekly Podcast (internet radio program) Whence Came You? which focuses on topics relating to Freemasonry. In addition, he produces video shorts focusing on driving interest in the Fraternity and writes original Masonic papers from time to time. He is a husband and father of three. He works full time in the safety industry and is also a photographer on the side as well as an avid home brewer. He is also working on two books, one is of a Masonic nature.

"Lead From The Front"

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

Judy Gordon

 
     It’s the most wonderful time of the year….no it’s not Christmas. It’s Installation time. It’s Jobie Time!!! These young ladies have been elected and/or appointed by the Bethel to serve it for the ensuing term of office, which is six months.

     Job's Daughters has five elected officers: Marshal, Guide, Junior Princess, Senior 
Princess and Honored Queen

Honored Queen - leads meetings, initiations, installations, events, etc. Presides over Third Epoch of initiation.

Senior Princess - assists the Honored Queen in her duties. Presides over Second Epoch of initiation.
Junior Princess - assists the Honored Queen in her duties. Presides over First Epoch of initiation.
Guide - guides pilgrims through initiation.
Marshal - assists the Guide in her duties. In charge of paraphernalia and escorts National Emblem during meetings.

Appointed
Senior Custodian - assists the Marshal with paraphernalia, assists the Senior Princess during initiation, and performs any duties assigned by the Honored Queen.
Junior Custodian - assists the Marshal with paraphernalia, assists the Junior Princess during initiation, and performs any duties assigned by the Honored Queen.
Recorder - record notes during meetings, receive bethel funds, and turn them over to the Treasurer.
Librarian - gives a report on literature, the arts, and/or sciences at each meeting.
Chaplain - leads prayers during meetings.
Treasurer - receive bethel funds, keep an accurate record, and turn them over to the Guardian Treasurer.
First Messenger - assists the Junior Princess during initiation.
Second Messenger - assists the Junior Princess during initiation.
Third Messenger - assists the Senior Princess during initiation.
Fourth Messenger - assists the Senior Princess during initiation.
Fifth Messenger - assists the Honored Queen during initiation.
Inner Guard - responds to Outer Guards warnings from outside and gives the Honored Queen's instructions to the Outer Guard.
Outer Guard - prevents interruptions during meetings.
Musician - leads songs and music, usually plays organ or piano
Bethel Choir

For more information on meeting times, please contact: iljdwebmaster.com
Or check out the website www.illinoisjobsdaughters.org

Bethel #14 Barrington

Meetings: 2nd & 4th Fridays

312 S. Cook Street

Barrington, IL

Bethel #20 Fairview Heights

Meetings: 2nd & 4th Tuesdays

9950 St. Clair Ave.
Fairview Heights, IL

Bethel #24 Belleville
Meetings: 2nd & 4th Thursdays
225 E. "A" Street
Belleville, IL

Bethel #29 Millburn
Meetings: 2nd & 4th Wednesdays
38710 N. US Hwy 45
Millburn, IL

Bethel #49 Decatur
Meetings: 1st & 3rd Mondays 
224 W. William Street
Decatur, IL

Bethel #52 Ottawa
Meetings: 1st & 3rd Wednesdays
916 Columbus Street
Ottawa, IL

Bethel #55 Pekin
Meetings: 1st & 3rd Mondays
338 Elizabeth Street
Pekin, IL

Bethel #57 Love's Park
Meetings: 1st & 3rd Tuesdays
6780 N. 2nd Street
Love's Park, IL

Bethel #63 Western Springs
Meetings: 1st & 3rd Wednesdays
1215 Chestnut Street
Western Springs, IL

Bethel #65 Columbia
Meetings: 1st & 3rd Mondays
1207 N. Main Street
Columbia, IL

Bethel #66 DeKalb
Meetings: 2nd & 4th Mondays
(Intersection) 
S. 4th Street and Fairview
Dekalb, IL

Bethel #67 O'Fallon
Meetings: 2nd & 4th Mondays
122 E. State Street
O'Fallon, IL

Bethel #82 Quincy
Meetings: 2nd & 4th Tuesdays
428 Jersey Street
Quincy, IL

Bethel #98 Crystal Lake
Meetings: 2nd & 4th Thursdays
200 Ellsworth Street
Crystal Lake, IL

Bethel #111 Elmwood
Meetings: 2nd & 4th Thursdays
3819 N. Prospect Rd.
Peoria Heights, IL

These young ladies love to have company and would welcome any Master Mason to their meeting. I challenge YOU to lead from the front. 

"Lead from the front" ~Audie Murphy, The most decorated soldier to ever serve the USA.

~JG

Judy Gordon is very active in Job's Daughters. She's the Past Honored Queen, and Bethel Guardian of Bethel No. 55, Pekin (IL). She received the Cryptic Masons Masonic Youth Leadership Award along with her husband, Ray Gordon in July 2007. She's also Past Matron of the Morton Chapter No. 974 (IL) of the Order of the Eastern Star and Historian of the Emblem Club No. 424 of Pekin (IL) Judy is the recipient of the Degree of Royal Purple (2012) and elected as the Grand Marshal for Illinois Job's Daughters (2015-16). Ray and Judy have three grandkids, and a very spoiled dog, Reggie (who incidentally volunteers as a Therapy Dog at local hospitals and nursing homes.)

Masonic Week

by Midnight Freemason contributor

WB Gregory J Knott

     Earlier this winter I had the opportunity to attend Masonic Week in Reston, Virginia.  Masonic Week is considered by some to be the event for Masonry nationally if you want to meet the authors, movers and shakers in Freemasonry.  Despite the many high profile attendees, many people I speak with still don't know what Masonic Week is.

 
  Masonic Week is really a series of meetings of Masonic Bodies that use this opportunity to come together in one location and share Masonic fellowship.  The Allied Masonic Degrees (AMD) are the center piece of the meetings.  AMD was the original organizer of Masonic Week and it has been held in the Washington DC area since 1938.  Numerous including the Masonic Society, the Philalethes Society, Knight Masons and many others held their meetings. 

 
  The absolute best part of Masonic Week is meeting the brethren attending.    I had the opportunity to listen and/or speak with Masonic authors Christopher Hodapp, Brent Morris, Arturo de Hoyos, Andrew Hammer and John Palmer.  The Masonic Society hospitality suite was one of the favorite stops on the weekend.  Here in an informal setting, you can converse with some of the most well informed brethren in Masonry today. 

   
 Brother Jay Hochberg of the Magpie Mason, has an excellent series of articles from past years of Masonic Week. 

   
 Masonic Week 2014 is already in the planning process and will once again be held in the Hyatt at Reston, Virginia on February 13-16, 2014.   I would encourage all that can attend to do so.  It will be an experience you will never forget.

~GJK

WB Gregory J. Knott is the Past Master of St. Joseph Lodge No. 970 in St. Joseph (IL) and a plural member of Ogden Lodge No. 754 (IL), and Homer Lodge No. 199 (IL). He's a member of both the Scottish Rite, and the York Rite, and is the Charter Secretary of the Illini High Twelve Club in Champaign-Urbana. He's also a member of the Ansar Shrine (IL) and the Eastern Illinois Council No. 356 Allied Masonic Degrees. Greg is very involved in Boy Scouts--an Eagle Scout himself, he serves the Grand Lodge of Illinois A. F. & A. M. as their representative to the National Association of Masonic Scouters.

The Feast of the Paschal Lamb, An Honor

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

R.W.B. Michael H Shirley

Photo from Life Magazine

A couple of years ago I accepted an offer to become an officer in the George E. Burow Chapter of Rose Croix in the Valley of Danville, Illinois, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, NMJ. I knew what some of my duties would be (perform in degrees, take on increasing responsibility in Valley functions, attend board meetings, buy a tuxedo), but I was unclear on one thing, since I hadn’t attended it: the Feast of the Paschal Lamb. The Feast is conducted annually by past and present Rose Croix officers as a memorial to Valley members who have died in the preceding year. My wife describes it as an All Souls Day ceremony for Masons, and that’s a pretty good analogy. It’s open to the public, and family and friends of the decedents are specially invited to attend. 

In Danville, most of the speaking parts are taken by Past Most Wise Masters, with current officers taking spots as needed. For the past two years, I’ve had the duty of reading the Mystic Roll, the names of those who have died. Given our aging membership, it’s a long list, and it takes a while to read, especially since it’s done along with a slide show of each member’s name and photograph. And of all the things I’ve done in Masonry, it’s probably what I am most grateful for. 

Photo by WB Greg Knott

Last year, I sat out of sight in a balcony with a hand-held microphone, reading names from a glitchy program off of the screen in front of me. I was too nervous to really notice anything save my desire not to miss any names and pronounce them all correctly. This year, I stood at a podium, reading each name as it appeared on the screen, looking ahead on a list in front of me. There were no glitches; my Rose Croix Brethren did everything beautifully and the slide program worked as it was supposed to. And I realized again that everything passes. These were men who had loved Freemasonry as I do, who had participated in degrees there at the Danville Masonic Temple, standing on the floor of the preceptory as I did, and now they were gone. Each name, each face, held a lifetime of joy, sorrow, and everything in between, shared with their families, friends, and Brothers, and now they shared just a little more. Each name became a meditation for me, a moment of solemnity as I spoke it as clearly and reverently as I could, thinking of the times past when this ceremony was conducted by men who had since then all been called home by the Grand Warden of Heaven, to the time in the future when our own names would be pronounced, to be followed in a few seconds by another name, and then another.  And ultimately, no one would be left alive who remembered any of us as anything other than a name. So getting each name right mattered. Speaking each name reverently mattered. 

Being part of this fraternity is a privilege, and nowhere is it more apparent to me than at this Feast, when I speak my Brothers’ names with gratitude, my acceptance of this obligation a part of my larger obligation as a Rose Croix officer, a Freemason, and a man. And so I stand there, as reverently as I can, looking at their faces, speaking their names. As had been done before, and would be again, by men across generations. Brothers, in unbroken line, standing and speaking for one another, past, present, and future.

~MHS

R.W.B. Michael H. Shirley is the Assistant Area Deputy Grand Master for the Eastern Area for the Grand Lodge of Illinois A.F. & A.M.  He is the Past Master of Tuscola Lodge No. 332 and Leadership Development Chairman for the Grand Lodge of Illinois. He's also a member of the Illinois Lodge of Research, the Scottish Rite, the York Rite, Eastern Star, and the Tall Cedars of Lebanon. He's also a member of the newly-chartered, Illini High Twelve No. 768 in Urbana-Champaign. The author of several articles on British history, he teaches at Eastern Illinois University.

Something Amazing Was Nearly Lost

by Midnight Freemason Contributor 

Steven L. Harrison, PM, FMLR

     I grew up in Indianapolis.  If you know nothing else about Indy, you know they hold a little party there every year on Memorial Day weekend.  They have dances, dinners, concerts, breakfasts and a huge parade.  Then, to cap it all off, several drivers strap themselves into small jets on wheels and go for a 500 mile Sunday drive.  If you've only seen it on television, try it live sometime.  TV can't possibly capture it.  Imagine standing just a few feet away from the fastest field of race cars anywhere, three abreast — the only major race that starts that way — as they scream by at straightaway speeds nearing 230 mph.  The person standing next to you can shout as loud as possible, but you won't hear.  Your body vibrates in the ruckus so that, in a way, you feel like you're touching the cars.  The scent of fuel hangs in the air... you can smell the start.  When you are there, you are in such sensory overload you don't just watch the Indianapolis 500; you participate.

     Early on, the Indy 500 carved out a place in my brain and took up residence there.  It's a part of me, and this year I will see my 40^th race.  I'm sometimes asked what is the best race I've seen there.  I sometimes answer "all of them."  There is, however, one that stands out.

     That race boiled down to being a sprint to the finish.  Nineteen-year-old Marco Andretti, grandson of racing great Mario Andretti, was leading in what was his first Indianapolis 500.  Veteran Sam Hornish, Jr., who had started on the pole, was running second, but a long way behind.  Hornish continued to close and with  a bit more than a lap left, he caught Andretti and attempted a pass.  It didn't work.  Sam lost momentum and fell ten car-lengths behind.  It was Marco's race for sure.

     For about three-quarters of the final lap, Hornish stayed far behind.  Then he turned on the afterburners.  He came out of turn four two car lengths behind and closed in.  He went right, then left and started to pull alongside.  With 400 feet left in the race, Marco Andretti still led.

     From my seat at the start/finish line, the two cars looked like they were fused together.  Then, gradually, Hornish's car oozed out of the blur.  Steadily, he continued to gain on Andretti.  Then the cars roared past with Hornish ahead by a whisker.

     Sam Hornish, Jr. had won what many analysts call the most exciting Indianapolis 500 ever.

     But that's not what I wanted to tell you about.

     Winning a great race is important; but what is more important is the character of the man.  Born in Defiance, Ohio in 1979, Sam followed in the footsteps of father when he joined  Omega Lodge #564 in 2001.   He is also a member of Zenobia Shrine in Toledo.  Brother Hornish is known on the racing circuit as a spiritual man with deep conviction, and as a fair and clean competitor.  At the end of the 2006 race, he knew that pass he attempted with a lap to go was too dangerous.  He knew it was likely to wreck Andretti, if not both of them and he elected to wait for a better opportunity.  Asked about this in his post-race press conference, Brother Hornish said, "All the wins in the world don't mean anything if you can't be glad about it at the end of the day.  I don't ever want to win a race like that, feeling like I cheated somebody out of the opportunity to win."

     Brother Sam, now a popular NASCAR racer, has been an important supporter of Shriner's Hospitals for Children.  His dedication to the principles of Freemasonry are reflected in the foundation he has established, which continues to support the Hospitals and other children's charities.

     Something amazing was nearly lost in the breathtaking ending of his Indy win.  It reflects the demeanor and Masonic background Sam Hornish demonstrates on and off the track.  In addition to winning the race, he won the Scott Brayton Sportsmanship Award.  In the 100-plus year history of the Indianapolis 500, it is the only time the race winner has won the sportsmanship award.     Acknowledging the fact that in racing the spotlight is on the driver, Brother Sam contrasted that with his work in Freemasonry, “In Lodge, it’s not about one person; it’s about working together with the whole group."  He does that well.

~SH


Steve Harrison, 32° KCCH, is a Past Master of Liberty Lodge #31, Liberty, Missouri.  He is the editor of the Missouri Freemasonmagazine, author of the book Freemasonry Crosses the Mississippi, a Fellow of the Missouri Lodge of Research and also its Senior Warden.  He is a dual member of Kearney Lodge #311, St. Joseph Missouri Valley of the Scottish Rite, Liberty York Rite, Moila Shrine and is a member of the DeMolay Legion of Honor.