My Journey Through the Craft Pt. 2

How does it benefit me?

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

Bro. Aaron R. Gardner, 32°, MPS.

Part 1 can be read here

Freemasonry is not to be used for business purposes. The main focus of the Fraternity is not to make new contacts to sell your business to. It is true these things do happen and some Freemasons meet some great brothers to work with, however the main focus of the Fraternity is to do exactly what the famous quote says, to “...make good men better”.

There are a number of ways the Fraternity does this and I personally can say it has done it for me in more ways than one.

First, I have met some amazing brothers who I can share anything with. At the ring of a phone call they will do anything to help me and I for them. Whether it be for financial hardship, seeking knowledge about something otherwise unknown to myself or even a business deal; these brothers have been there and helped me through it all.

Freemasonry has opened a new door for every aspect of my life. As a Soldier I had a hard time coping with military life, Freemasonry provided an escape. Reentering the Civilian world, Freemasonry has been a source of stability. It has provided friends that I can trust, not something that is very easy to do for myself. It has provided people that are more than friends, people who are more like family than even my own family at times.

The Fraternity has opened my eyes to new talents, or talents that I didn’t realize I already had. Because of Freemasonry I started writing more, reading more than I used to and feeding a desire of knowledge. Little did I know that by becoming a Freemason I would begin writing. With the writing I started about Freemasonry I found a need to write more. I can not say for sure if I would have started writing a novel, which is currently being edited. I know for sure I would not have been featured in the Working Tools Magazine, Livingstones Magazine, or iRON MiKE Magazine. It is because of Brother Todd Creason & Robert Johnson that I was able to write for the Midnight Freemasons which opened all the doors to the other publications that I have been featured in.

The writing is what inspired and honed my speaking skills. It is because of the Fraternity, that a brother in Ohio read an article I wrote and asked me to speak at his lodge. None of this would have happened if I didn’t join the Fraternity. It may have happened eventually if I were to believe in fate, but fate has a funny way of showing itself earlier than expected. I am one of the youngest Masons in my lodge today, not the youngest because my cousin joined shortly after I did, but I am also the most traveled and the one Mason in the lodge that tries to be the most active. Freemasonry opened all these doors for me and the doors have yet to start closing.

It is because of Freemasonry that I look everywhere seeking knowledge. I look through books, movies, television shows and listen to the radio looking for clues of something new to learn about. I talk to more people about their cultures and beliefs. I have become more accepting of others' opinions and can accept that my truth isn’t always the only truth. I seek the truth in everything. Who knows what the future has to offer after this current quest of knowledge and light? Because of all this I can honestly say I believe Freemasonry has made me a better man than I was before my initiation.

~AG

Bro. Aaron Gardner is an American Soldier who just recently transitioned into the Reserves after 8 years serving the Active Duty Army. He dedicates the majority of his free time to Freemasonry with his constant studies, writing and traveling from lodge to lodge to learn as much as he can regarding Freemasonry. He likes to relate his everyday life to the Craft and anything he finds he wants to spread to the world. It is his passion to study people, religion, history and Freemasonry. When he isn't working as a Soldier he is dedicating his time to the amazing and supportive Emily, writing about Freemasonry and writing his very own novel. His blog page is Celestial Brotherhood.

My Journey Through the Craft Pt. 1

Introduction and What Brought Me In

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

Bro. Aaron R. Gardner, 32°, MPS.

A lot of my articles for both The Midnight Freemasons and Celestial Brotherhood focuses on the negativity that I find with our Fraternity, what we can change, what we can do to change things and how it all affects our Fraternity. I have also focussed on our personal relationships and other aspects of our daily lives. However, there are many things that are amazing about the Craft that I sometimes fail to mention. I don’t always talk about what the Fraternity has done for myself and the many reasons I love being a Freemason. Today, I would like to address some frequently asked question by those interested in joining the Fraternity and those who have no idea what Freemasonry is. 

Freemasonry is an individual journey, so the answers in the following questions will vary from person to person. It is important to be prepared to answer these questions in case a potential candidate answers them. The responses to these questions are my personal experiences, I encourage everyone reading this to begin thinking of their own responses. 

What brought you to Freemasonry?

I was a Soldier in the United States Army when I decided to petition a lodge. While stationed overseas in Italy in a commonly shared recreation room I was watching the movie National Treasure. I found myself in a conversation about the differences between the truth and what was Hollywood fabrication in regards to Freemasonry. The man I was speaking with asked me what I truly knew and understood— I told him enough to know what is real and what is just a good story. As a history buff I already knew a lot of history surrounding the Freemasons, specifically, American History. He told me if I ever want to know more to contact him. It wasn’t until he shook my hand that I found his ring. 

Prior to this.I had had encounters with Freemasonry as well, but it was different. It wasn’t through my family, instead it was before I left for the Army. I had a going away party at the local lodge in Flushing, Michigan. My younger cousin and I were inquisitive from all the conspiracy stories we had heard about the Freemasons, their rituals and how they controlled the world. We were left alone to help set the hall up for my going away party, while alone our curiosity got the best of us. We found an unlocked door that led to the upstairs and we wandered around. 

The shadows danced across the lodge room with strange symbols and unlit candles, feeding our imaginations. A sudden noise startled us and we scurried down the stairway afraid to be left alone in the lodge hall again. Little did I know that wouldn’t be the last time I saw the that room in darkness. 

Later down the road, after my conversation with the Freemason in Italy, I started to research what Freemasonry really was. Again, I already knew a lot of the history, but what I really wanted to know about, was that dark room I saw as a young man. I wanted to know what was so special about this organization to have lasted so many years. I wanted to know the secrets. I petitioned the lodge in my hometown, which was so nice to allow my going away party in their hall— the lodge that did nothing more than shroud itself in even more mystery and lore with it’s shadows still dancing through my mind. 

I found some of the secrets, and I search for more constantly. At least, now, I have the right people to surround myself with and tools to answer all my questions when the time is right and I ask the right ones. 

~AG

Bro. Aaron Gardner , an American Soldier who just recently transitioned into the Reserves after 8 years serving the Active Duty Army. He dedicates the majority of his free time to Freemasonry with his constant studies, writing and traveling from lodge to lodge to learn as much as he can regarding Freemasonry. He likes to relate his everyday life to the Craft and anything he finds he wants to spread to the world. It is his passion to study people, religion, history and Freemasonry. When he isn't working as a Soldier he is dedicating his time to the amazing and supportive Emily, writing about Freemasonry and writing his very own novel. His blog page is Celestial Brotherhood.

The Military Spouse & The Mason’s Lady

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

Bro. Aaron Gardner 32°, MPS

If you follow Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, man has a number of needs in order to survive. Physiological needs would include oxygen to breathe, food to eat and water to drink. It continues to security of the basic needs to survive and further up the pyramid you will find something that is often overlooked—Belonging. Our fraternity offers the companionship that one may need in order to feel that sense of belonging; the Military offers the camaraderie amongst other Soldiers. There is just one piece of belonging that the Fraternity and Military does not offer; Partnership and love. As it is said in the Army, “If the Army wanted you to have a wife, she would have been issued.” 

In the military the Service Member’s significant other is known as a "Milso," or Military spouse. In Freemasonry, these women are known as Mason’s Ladies. Both these types of women play crucial roles in the development and support system of the Mason or Service Member. Without these women it is impossible for a Soldier/Airmen/Marine/Seaman to feel that sense of belonging and security while serving their country. A spouse's role is just as important to a Mason as if he were in the Military.

When a Soldier/Airmen/Marine/Seamen deploys he must have the support system his significant other provides back home to secure his mind while overseas. She typically takes care of all the family issues, bills, food, and lives the life of a single mother even though she is married. She is expected to take on the role of both parent figures and is understanding when her man in uniform answers the call to serve his country. There are a number of running derogatory jokes involving Military Spouses, one in particular mentions how the Military Spouse takes the backseat to the Country at all times. However, this may seem true, it could not be more false. If the Non-Commissioned Officers Corps is the backbone of the Army, those in the “Silent Ranks” are the heart.

Just the same as a Military Spouse must understand— a Mason’s lady must understand when her Master Mason must attend lodge. It is known that Freemasonry will never come in conflict with obligations with career, deity or family. However, some Master Masons dedicate a lot of time to the Craft. It is not to take away from those who cannot, instead, a way for that particular Master Mason to fulfill their personal journey. A Mason’s lady is supportive of her husband’s laudable pursuits. If he finds interest in writing and writes about the Craft, she will support his endeavors. That doesn't mean she has to read every article he publishes or attend every dinner, but simply lets him know she admires his efforts. 

When a Brother is asked to travel and speak at another lodge, she may or may not go with her husband. That is ultimately her decision, but it makes things more enjoyable for a brother to be accompanied by his wife. If she does not travel with the brother, it may be for the purpose of work, children and the same duties a military spouse will have to accomplish when a Soldier is deployed. None-the-less, it is always nice to see a brother accompanied by his companion. 

Freemasonry isn't just a Fraternity and the Military isn't just a job. They are ways of life. Freemasonry’s values and purpose should radiate out of a Brother in his daily life. It is about our own personal journey to betterment, and should be a part of who we are. Our significant others are a part of who we are, and they graciously give up parts of us so we can pursue our Masonic path. A Mason’s lady should be respected and not taken for granted. It takes a special woman to be a Military spouse and/or Mason’s Lady. Let us remember our families and those who encourage us as we travel from West to East in search of a better understanding of this life, and remember the following quote about a Military Spouse pertains to a Mason’s Lady: 

“A Happy Wife makes a happy troop, a happy troop makes happy unit. A happy unit makes a good deployment,” or in Mason’s terms: “A happy lady makes a happy Mason, A happy Mason makes happy lodge and a happy lodge is productive.” 

AG

Bro. Aaron Gardner, an American Soldier who just recently transitioned into the Reserves after 8 years serving the Active Duty Army. He dedicates the majority of his free time to Freemasonry with his constant studies, writing and traveling from lodge to lodge to learn as much as he can regarding Freemasonry. He likes to relate his everyday life to the Craft and anything he finds he wants to spread to the world. It is his passion to study people, religion, history and Freemasonry. When he isn't working as a Soldier he is dedicating his time to the amazing and supportive Emily, writing about Freemasonry and writing his very own novel. His blog page is Celestial Brotherhood.

Why So Serious?

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

Bro. Aaron Gardner, 32°, MPS

Throughout time there has always been some sort of governing body that has dictated how we act. They tell us how we should think, dress, walk or even laugh. It could be a formal governing body such as the the legal system in the country, or just the cultural norms of any given culture that we belong to. 

Our sub-culture in Freemasonry is no different. We must adhere to all the cultural norms of our broader culture, as well as the laws of our society. It’s silly to say, but, the cliches in High School are more well defined and developed outside of school. In School you had your Jocks, Band Geeks and you had the groups that didn't fit into the typical stereotypes. Those stereotypes and subcultures did not just vanish outside school; you have your ‘Professional Businessmen’, ‘Hippies’ and you still have the social outcasts that don’t fit into any of the generic stereotypes. If you are a ‘Professional’ you are expected to wear a suit and tie, be well read and live the life of a businessman. As we get older, our interest , belief systems and life structures change. Some become more carefree while others “buckle down”. This is the way of life as we all know it. Some may call it a mid-life crisis, but, we really change through out our entire life. Just trying to find what feels right for us. 

We are taught that Freemasonry is there to guide us, to show us better ways to act. It is a society of “Free-Thinkers”. You can find all age groups in the organization, from your young and inexperienced, to the older and well acquainted. We can’t really put an age group on any of these, though. We all would like to believe that life continues in a linear formula. However, it doesn’t. There are older gentlemen in our Fraternity who are just as inexperienced as some of the younger gentlemen; there are younger men who are more experienced than some of the older. The idea that one should listen to his elders is null and void. The idea that we should classify an individual based on their background or culture is ignorant. 

Our informal governing body of our social norms is encompassed by a larger formal governing body, we call Grand Lodge. Grand Lodge dictates the laws of the subordinate lodges, and subordinate lodges are in themselves a sub-culture of a sub-culture. Every lodge you go to will be different from the lodge down the street. In one lodge it may be required to wear full Masonic dress, while the lodge that shares the same building only requires that you show up. Is one lodge right and the other wrong? As long as the lodge is in adherence with Grand Lodge laws, no. Normally, we would say that's the culture of that lodge. Traditional Observance culture is full tuxedo, others are more relaxed. Some lodges are extremely somber and grave, while other lodges are less serious. We take it upon ourselves to try and correct ones behavior because “That isn't how a Freemason must act.” So many times the memes about Freemasonry are torn a part by gentlemen who are bit too sensitive to the jokes portrayed in the picture. Are they wrong for not finding the humor? No. Just the same as a brother who does find it funny isn't wrong, either. 

We are too caught up in the “what would so-and-so think?”. Brothers, if you find a joke funny, regardless of the nature, laugh. If you don’t find any kind of humor in it, don’t. Perhaps you think it's juvenile, or you just don’t understand it. Either way, there is no need to ruin the fun others may see in it. If you think that our Fraternity is a such a prestigious organization that humor doesn't belong, I would like for you to look at yourself and ask why. We are a prestigious organization, there is no denying that. We are also an organization that deals very closely with the ideas of mortality. Death, though, is very serious business and is not the only meaning behind the term mortality. Mortality is literally defined as subjected to death. That means our focus is not on death but what is subjected to death, which is life. Life is something we learn as we go. It is not all serious business, it is a roller coaster of emotions that we learn on our own individual non-linear path. We are an organization that professes the ideas of free thought. It is not our place to demean another person because they thought differently than you, let alone a brother.  

Why do we continue to oppress an individual because we disagree with them? 

Why are we so serious?

~AG

Bro. Aaron Gardner, an American Soldier who just recently transitioned into the Reserves after 8 years serving the Active Duty Army. He dedicates the majority of his free time to Freemasonry with his constant studies, writing and traveling from lodge to lodge to learn as much as he can regarding Freemasonry. He likes to relate his everyday life to the Craft and anything he finds he wants to spread to the world. It is his passion to study people, religion, history and Freemasonry. When he isn't working as a Soldier he is dedicating his time to the amazing and supportive Emily, writing about Freemasonry and writing his very own novel. His blog page is Celestial Brotherhood.

Social Media and The Craft

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

Bro. Aaron Gardner 32°, MPS

Being a Soldier and Freemason, my experience with the Craft has been anything but ordinary. When I started researching Freemasonry I was overseas in Italy, using the Internet to find all the information possible before finally deciding to petition to my home lodge in Flushing, Michigan. When I finally made it back to Michigan, I was a special case.  The Grand Lodge allowed me to be Initiated, Passed and Raised in the same day. This was allowed only because I was leaving Michigan shortly thereafter to be stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Before arriving in Oklahoma, I researched different lodges in the area. I signed up for a website called The Freemason Network, which was hosted by the Southern Jurisdiction, Scottish Rite. I have written a few things for that website and eventually my ideas and articles grew outward toward a more public domain called Celestial Brotherhood, which I still write and operate today. Shortly after arriving at Fort Sill, I was attached to a unit that was deploying overseas. From there I would continue my blog as well as write for this website and I would get the majority of my masonic education, brotherly contact and article ideas from different magazines and social media. 

Social Media plays an important role in the world today. Though obviously true for the Profane world, it is just as vital – though not as obviously so – for the Craft. There isn't a social media site out there that doesn't have some kind of Masonic posting or subgroup. From all the Masonic groups and pages on Facebook or the Masonic “subreddits" on Reddit to individual blogs or websites, no matter where you turn on the Internet there is something about Freemasonry. One might have to search a little harder on some sites than others, but overall Freemasonry has a huge footprint in the world of Social Media. Now, what does this mean to the Fraternity?  Does this movement benefit the Craft, or is it detrimental?  The answer is found in how we engage in social media as men and Masons.

Many may say that it is detrimental and could only hurt our Fraternity, no matter what discussions take place. One should remember however, that Social Media is a tool and should be treated as such. It is a universal tool that could help our trowels and cable tows reach further lengths than we otherwise could have imagined. Lengthening our cable tows is a double edged sword. Though we can go further with our influence, we can also hang ourselves with the extra rope. That old saying, “Think before you act” is even more important today with Social Media. Everything we say, do and take pictures of is now more easily accessible. The profane can look at our Social Media pages and use our actions against us. So we must remember to enlarge our square, compasses and our plumb accordingly.  In addition to twisting our words the anti- or non-masonic community can also illegitimately obtain our secrets. This has already taken place to some degree, as the grips, names, and rituals can all be found on the Internet. However, just because all of the secrets of Masonry can be found online, isn't a legitimate excuse to slack in our obligations when it comes to what we put on Social Media.  

In order to ensure our secrets stay secret we must remember to keep our obligations, regardless of medium. It doesn't matter if you are discussing Blue Lodge, Scottish Rite or York Rite information, our obligations state that we will never reveal, always conceal the Secrets of Freemasonry. If the profane find out something we hold dear to our hearts as a secret and publish it online, it is not our responsibility to confront them, nor shall we forget to uphold our obligations. If a man gives you a grip and asks you what it is, you simply tell them it is just a hand shake, or something of that nature. How they found out about the grip is inconsequential. The only thing we can do is protect it still. The grip itself is not secret, but the use of it is.  Knowing the actual secrets of Freemasonry is just as important as keeping them.  Engage your Grand Lodge and have open and free discussions regarding the Secrets of Freemasonry.  Part of the issue we see is that individuals want to protect the secrets, but don't really know what is and what is not secret. 

Some may say, if Social media can hang our Fraternity, “Why don’t we just stop the use of it?” In today’s society, such an inward subculture will die out without interaction with the outside world. Good men would never come to Freemasonry unless they have a family member in the Fraternity.  I would not have petitioned the Grand Lodge of Michigan, and likely never became part of the Scottish Rite, if not for the information provided online. Social media helps us stay in contact with one another and it is easier to contact a brother overseas online now than it is through “snail mail.” 

The world is changing around us. As a Fraternity, we need to adapt to the changes. Social media is a great way to get information out to the world. If a Lodge posts, on their Facebook group or Twitter, of an event they are hosting, brothers of that and surrounding lodges will have the information and can further disseminate the same to everyone they know. This has the potential to raise awareness, become public, and raise more money for our good causes. It is important to our Craft, that we stay with the times and progress forward. The fewer lodges that go dark, the more relevancy and influence we have on the world. Only the dead have a valid excuse to never change.

~AG

Bro. Aaron Gardner , an American Soldier who just recently transitioned into the Reserves after 8 years serving the Active Duty Army. He dedicates the majority of his free time to Freemasonry with his constant studies, writing and traveling from lodge to lodge to learn as much as he can regarding Freemasonry. He likes to relate his everyday life to the Craft and anything he finds he wants to spread to the world. It is his passion to study people, religion, history and Freemasonry. When he isn't working as a Soldier he is dedicating his time to the amazing and supportive Emily, writing about Freemasonry and writing his very own novel. His blog page is Celestial Brotherhood.

Cheap Brotherhood

a rebuttal to "Have We Cheapened Our Fraternity?" By: R.W Mohamad Yatim; Living Stones Magazine, October 2014

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

Bro. Aaron Gardner, 32°, MPS

There was an article in Living Stones magazine this past October that asked a very interesting question. Have we cheapened our Fraternity? The article goes through an entire spiel of what initiation fees and dues cost in various lodges during different time periods.  Right Worshipful Brother Yatim insists his article is not a call to increase dues. However, it is a call to brothers who are able to reach into their pockets and help provide more than what the dues are capable. I am in agreement with RW Brother Yatim that the Fraternity is much more than showing up and paying yearly dues at an ultra low price. It is a requirement for a lodge to effectively manage their budget. I have even written about a lodge budget myself for the Midnight Freemasons. 

I however, cannot get over the fact that he seemingly attacked lodges that typically cater toward the Blue Collar workers. Most of these men show up to their lodges with out suit and tie. They have a suit and tie ready for the one instance they may use them in the year, however, the usual attire for a brother in these lodges are jeans and a button up.  Honestly, some of these brothers show up in work clothes. He further asks if we are supposed to portray the “Cream of the Crop”, the first class citizens of our society are within this Fraternity, how would visitors or a potential candidate see our Fraternity with these individuals in the lodge?  I believe the real question is: Are we making judgments on a brother who works hard all day, comes to lodge before seeing his family and dedicates the only time he has to the Craft; to better his community, his friends, family and himself? 

Have we really cheapened the Fraternity to the point of worrying more about the money than the cause? My brothers, Freemasonry is having a hard time finding the funds to support our many programs. It could be because our retention is low, our dues are lower than what our ancestors paid based of their salary, or, it could be because we continue to live in the glory days. Honestly, I believe it is a combination of it all.  What should we do in order to fix it? Brothers, there are books upon books, articles and podcasts dedicated to fixing our problems as a Fraternity. Our problem is not JUST that we don’t charge enough, it’s not JUST our retention numbers, and it’s not JUST that we are living in the old days. Brothers,  it is that we won’t do anything about it. Our Grand Lodges have pushed out plan after plan, strangling some jurisdictions control. Some Grand Lodges have issued a “Big Government” ideology that tells the lodge verbatim what they will and will not do.

 Is it a control thing? Is possible, but I don’t think it started out as such. I believe the Grand Lodges that are issuing out these laws, originally had no choice because our subordinate lodges failed to do what they were supposed to.  Some were too lazy to keep up with their own bylaws, adopting the “Grand Lodge Basic”.  I have even seen lodges give up their individual rights to vote in Grand Lodge to the Worshipful Master of the Lodge.  It wasn’t because the Worshipful Master was the only vote that mattered in Grand Lodge, it was simply because the members of the Lodge didn’t want to stay in session to hear the issues being brought forth to Grand Lodge. It is not “at the will of the Worshipful Master”. The Worshipful Master’s vote represents the majority of his Lodge.

Brothers, we can point the finger and say what and who is to blame, but that will never solve the issue. It has been expressed and debated multiple times in various forums the reasons we are in this predicament of decline.  It is time to stop talking about it, and do something about it. In my presentation “Man in the Mirror” I ask the commonly referred joke “How many Master Masons does it take to change a light bulb?”  Usually you hear the answers from the crowd, “Three” or “I don’t know…” It’s not a trick question. The answer is One. All it takes is a Master Mason to see the problem, address it and fix it. It all starts with that man in the mirror, The Change you want to see. 

Allow the individual Lodges to determine what is best for their lodge and community. If it means the lodge turns to Tuxedos and higher dues, as long as it works for that lodge to stay alive. If the lodge is mostly blue collar, there is nothing wrong with a brother wearing jeans and a polo to regular scheduled meetings. We are the cream of the crop, brethren. It isn’t about how we look on the outside, but how we conduct business on the inside. From the inside we can change our image, which will change the world. We, my brethren,  are the ones that must step up and say what is right for our lodge. With our participation and discussion with each other inside lodge, we can determine what is right, what is wrong, what works and what doesn’t. Once we do that, retention will not be the issue, appearance will not be the issue, the dues will not be the issue and we will soon realize the glory days are not behind us, but, right in front. 

~AG

Bro. Aaron Gardner, an American Soldier who just recently transitioned into the Reserves after 8 years serving the Active Duty Army. He dedicates the majority of his free time to Freemasonry with his constant studies, writing and traveling from lodge to lodge to learn as much as he can regarding Freemasonry. He likes to relate his everyday life to the Craft and anything he finds he wants to spread to the world. It is his passion to study people, religion, history and Freemasonry. When he isn't working as a Soldier he is dedicating his time to the amazing and supportive Emily, writing about Freemasonry and writing his very own novel. His blog page is Celestial Brotherhood.

The Brick Wall of Change

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

Bro. Aaron Gardner

I have mentioned on Celestial Brotherhood, and various other articles across the Freemason community, a revolution is on the verge of breaking out in our Craft. Please remember, this is not a revolution that involves guns and bloodshed. Instead, the revolution is and will be a peaceful one, which is quite necessary for the Fraternity to successfully advance. We are not here to fight the old way of doing things, instead we are trying to improve things. There will always be undertakings that have worked in the past and are still relevant today. Some Grand Lodges are helping to quickly facilitate the changes, while others appear to be more apt to stifle rather than support these coming changes.

As Aristotle said, “The secret of change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old, but building the new.” If we want this change, we will have to work for it. The sooner we realize this, the easier the change will come and the brick wall of change will crumble. Everyone involved needs to be willing to compromise. It is important to impress upon those hesitant to support the coming changes that we do not seek to fight or eliminate the established traditions, but to improve upon them. There will always be work that has been successful in the past and continues to be so today. We are all responsible for the wall that is prohibiting us from moving forward into the Twenty-first Century.

The brick wall preventing us from progressing has been laid for years. We are constantly applying more mortar and laying more bricks with each passing year. It is not solely put up by the stereotypical grumpy Past Masters or other members who oppose any changes; it is collectively built by all of us. Even those who appear to be progressive.

In order to take down that wall— make the change that is needed— we need to stop fighting and forcing our thoughts down everyone’s throats. Instead, be subtle about the change. Baby steps work better than giant leaps. Rather than eliminate and change, alter what exists to improve upon it. So, your lodge really enjoys having the pancake breakfast, but it is not as productive as you would like to see. Make a suggestion to the brethren of your lodge to make the pancake breakfast the main event, but have other ways of fundraising within the breakfast. For example, a raffle drawing is a great way to get people interested in donating more to a cause. Why not have your pancake breakfast and pass around the raffle tickets while at the breakfast?

Another great idea was presented at the 16th District of Ohio’s rollout plan. This district has proven just how far our Fraternity is coming along. It is a very progressive district and is looking to find more efficient and effective ways to engage in fundraising while making it’s presence known in the community, something about which will be further detailed in coming articles.

The idea that was brought forward at the district meeting was to make booths to sit at in the local fairs. Not cheap cardboard booths, but something that would last. They pulled the funds together to afford the wood, and used the labor from the lodge to build these booths. Because it is a booth that will last, they will have the booths readily available at anytime and can be used for more than just the local community fairs. It puts them outside in the community and allows the people to see them. It takes work, it takes dedication and most of all it takes time. Some times that’s more than what we are willing to give to the Craft. It is understandable that busy schedules can keep one from working inside Freemasonry, but consider the lesson of the 24-inch gauge and work accordingly.

When the Fraternity finally get past all the hiccups of dedicating time, money, and work, the only thing left in it’s way will be members calling for change, but being unwilling to provide the change. For effective change to happen, one needs to stop telling his lodge that they want change, and, instead, needs to begin providing it. Each Brother can, individually, take a brick out of this wall— collectively tearing it down together with old and new ways of work.

~AG

Bro. Aaron Gardner , an American Soldier who just recently transitioned into the Reserves after 8 years serving the Active Duty Army. He dedicates the majority of his free time to Freemasonry with his constant studies, writing and traveling from lodge to lodge to learn as much as he can regarding Freemasonry. He likes to relate his everyday life to the Craft and anything he finds he wants to spread to the world. It is his passion to study people, religion, history and Freemasonry. When he isn't working as a Soldier he is dedicating his time to the amazing and supportive Emily, writing about Freemasonry and writing his very own novel. His blog page is Celestial Brotherhood.

Budgeting the Lodge - For the Better of the Fraternity

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

Bro. Aaron Gardner

We all see the saving tips and how to turn your dollar into a million plans all over the Internet. Rather they are get rich schemes or legitimate savings tips and ideas, they are all over the place. In today’s world of credit it’s easy to see why. So many individuals are actually going further in debt to pay off other debt. Which is ridiculous, however we do have a Government that shows that it is perfectly all right… No, I am not going to start giving ideas on how we can fix our Federal Government’s current financial predicament. Although, in our fraternity we do have a similar situation—on a much smaller scale that is.  

Countless times I have talked to brethren across the nation and even in different countries to find one problem that we have in our society. Our lodges are struggling to provide for the communities they serve, the buildings they use and sadly the brethren who sit inside the lodge. 

Every lodge has a minimum amount of funding they have to have in their given financial institutions. It could be a zero balance or it could be ranging anywhere from $1 to $5,000 dollars.  Regardless of what they have in the account, there is a troubling situation when our lodges are having a hard time coming on top of their overhead.  Many point the finger at the loss of memberships and lack of petitions. When the bills start piling up, are those really the problems we need to identify? 

I’d like to make a couple suggestions on where we should focus in order to be sure we have enough money in our lodge for our usual expenses, emergency expenses as well as expenses for new programs. 

First, for those lodges who have lost members, yes this is tragic, however it doesn’t mean that your lodge can’t come out on top.  We may be suffering from fewer members than in previous years; however, our fraternity has lasted through out the centuries despite the challenges set against us.  If you have a masonic body made up of fewer than 10 members who regularly show for stated meetings, perhaps its time to consider consolidating with other local lodges. 

I know, this is not in the best interest for the history of your lodge and you want to uphold that history. Yet, is it really upholding the lodge history when you may have to close the doors due to lack of membership? Remember, when we close a lodge we always ask the members if they have anything for the better of the fraternity; trying to uphold one particular lodge’s history is not for the better of our organization. Let’s consider the benefits of consolidating: 

• Bills would be shared amongst a different lodge. 
• We can always learn from other lodges experiences.
• We can be a part of history and create a newer lodge in the community and create fresh ideas out of the rubble of two or more closed lodges. The phoenix of your community. 
• A larger community to reach out to and possibly receives more petitions.
• With a larger body, the sometimes-lacking ritual can be restored without more than one person sharing roles. 

These are just a few benefits that our local lodges would experience. There are a lot more and together we can contemplate these. I just suggest our WM’s and PM’s and officers alike consider these when sitting at the trestle board trying to save their lodge. 

For those lodges that are not lacking in membership, but are still having a hard time paying the bills, let me ask you a simple question. What is your lodge’s primary means of income? If you answer with your member’s dues, are they high enough? If they are low enough for a member to pay out of pocket change, perhaps you should increase them. I have talked to brethren across the country about their dues and they all seem to agree about a months worth of pay should be average for the year. Now, of course this all is depending on your location and the average income for a household in your community. It is up to your lodge to find a medium with your members on what their membership is worth to them.  

If your member’s are already paying a considerable amount for their dues perhaps it is time to look at your expenses. If you have a large enough body of members and they are paying a substantial amount for dues, where is your lodge’s money going? What programs is your lodge participating in that could use some readjustments? I suggest you write down all of your bills in order of precedence. First and foremost you need to pay overhead. That is the most important bill, there would be no building without it. Overhead consists of the usual, Property Tax/Rent, Electricity, Gas (If you have it) Heating and A/C. Then write down the programs your lodge is funding in order by expenses, The Most expensive first. 

Once you have all your outcome money written down in order of precedence, start looking at the programs and figuring if any of the programs can be either scrapped, consolidated or you can provide less money for any of them. If there is a program that seems to not be going anywhere, and is more costly than producing results, GET RID OF IT! These types of programs are toxic to our society and more damaging to your community. Yes, I understand your lodges “Christmas Bike Program” is a great and noble cause, it works in other lodges and your hoping it will eventually become worth the money spent and the time invested.  Well, until that time don’t fund it. It is important that your lodge stays above water or else it wouldn’t be very beneficial. 

Refocus your lodge’s money through the programs. If you are spending a substantial amount of money on one program but not another, ask why that is. It could be that one program legitimately needs that money dedicated toward it. It’s also possible that some of those funds are not functioning the way they should.  The solution to this is rather simple; pull some of those funds and divide them amongst other programs that may need more attention. If none of this helps get your lodge back above water, there are other solutions to the funding issues. 

Do you have a lack of obedience in your lodge?  Are members causing distractions during degree work? Fine them. There are plenty of lodges across this nation who are known to cite a fine toward their members if they are being less than productive during work.  It is a simple way to earn money in the lodge and it helps instill discipline.  A win-win if you ask me, although I really do not want to be the member that has to pay the fine. 

Finally, there is one more solution I have in my toolbox that we can use across all of our lodges. It will, possibly, cost some money at the beginning if your lodge is lacking in maintenance. However, turn your lodge into something that could bring money in from the community. When I was raised, I was raised in the very lodge that accepted my family and friends into their fellowship hall for my graduation/going away party when I was 18 years old and heading off for the Army.  Flushing Lodge #223 rents out their fellowship hall to members of the community for a decent price.  It is a great way to bring in some kind of external revenue to help alleviate the woes of the recession our country and world is going through.  Not to mention bring in potential petitions. Once you get your lodge up to standard and make it more of a sellable product you can become more visible in your community. I will not take any thunder away from fellow Midnight Freemason contributor W.B Greg Knott.  He is working on his series of “Increasing Your Lodge’s Visibility. It is a great series and beneficial to lodges looking for a way to breathe again in the recession. You can find his article here. 

With these set in place our lodges can become the shining light in our community, they once were. A community coming together for the better, our Craft of Freemasonry upstaging the conspiracies and allowing the public to see us in a different light.  Now that really is a Win-Win. 

~AG

Bro. Aaron Gardner was raised as a Master Mason in his hometown lodge of Flushing, Michigan. He has served in active duty with the United States Army for the last seven years in which he has become well traveled around the world. He is currently stationed in Lawton, Oklahoma where he is a member of Triangle Lodge #548. When Bro. Gardner is not defending the nation, he takes great pride in writing articles for his blog Celestial Brotherhood, writing his fiction novel and researching all he can involving the Craft.

Organizational Marriage

by Midnight Freemason Contributor 

Bro. Aaron Gardner

Just recently I had an interesting conversation with Brother Bill Hosler, an active contributor here at The Midnight Freemasons. We started out by talking about the idea of women Freemasons and how we disagree with the notion of women being present in a lodge of Master Masons; more on this later. The conversation soon turned into affiliates of Freemasonry and one of the most well known organizations for women within Freemasonry. Of course that includes the Order of the Eastern Star. The Order of the Eastern Star has three official eras of existence; the first being during it's founding under Bro. Doctor and PGM Robert Morris in 1850, the second starting in 1866 and finally, today's era, which started in 1876. The thought of having women involved within Freemasonry has been long and thought out. And rightly so, as it is in our existence as an order to spread brotherly love throughout the world, who better than a woman to give us an example, such as the natural instincts of motherly nurture?

The Order of Eastern Star has requirements similar to Freemasonry. To be a member of their organization, you must be the directly related to a Master Mason, i.e.; wife, daughter (including legally adopted), mother, widow, sister, half-sister, grandmother, granddaughter, great granddaughter, aunt, niece and great nieces. stepfamily, i.e.: stepmother, daughters and sisters, In-laws; daughter-in-law, mother-in-law, sister-in-law, great granddaughters, nieces, and great nieces. Men can also join the organization provided they themselves are Master Masons in good standing. Which brings us to the sole purpose of this topic, Why are Master Masons involved in O.E.S?

I was told that O.E.S exemplifies chauvinistic qualities, that it somehow provides the notion that women cannot make decisions without some kind of approval from a male figure in their life. I thoroughly believe this to be not just false but furthest from the truth. It is true that in order for the Order of Eastern Star to convene, there must be a Master Mason present in the East. However, that does not signify that he makes all the determination for the Sister’s work. Now, before I go any further let me clarify, I am in no way, shape or form involved in O.E.S. I am solely a Master Mason who believes in the cause of our craft in it’s entirety.

So, if a Master Mason must be in a chair of power how is it that it isn’t chauvinistic? Let’s put it into perspective. In the appendant bodies of Freemasonry there must be some kind of representative in all of them. For example, If you are a Shriner, you must be a Master Mason, this was almost not the case in the state of Michigan (There was a tension amongst the Shrine and the Grand Lodge, you can read here)..  To be in the Scottish or York Rites, you must also be a Master Mason. Being O.E.S is an appendant body of Freemasonry, and is no different in that respect. We as Master Masons have a responsibility to offer guidance to the organization to ensure Masonic qualities are being exemplified through out. The O.E.S is representing us after all.

This poses an issue that originally stimulated my conversation with Brother Hosler, if we must be present and guide O.E.S why not just initiate them into our fraternal organization? The simple answer is, it has everything to do with representation. Freemasonry and Order of Eastern Star are married, as such O.E.S represents Freemasonry. The Order was put into place to include our families but not go against our laws and regulations regarding Freemasonry. As such, whatever anyone does as a sister of the Order is doing so in the name of the Craft. However, whatever work we decide to do within our lodges does not represent O.E.S in anyway. If it is controversial to the Grand Lodge, the Grand Lodge will hold the members of the lodge responsible and not the members of O.E.S. However, if something is controversial amongst our sisters in O.E.S then it will be a direct reflection of the Master Mason’s. As such our marriage would be in tatters and a cause for divorce would be evident. After all, our organizations are married and the existence of O.E.S would cease due to the requirements of joining.

That being said, the Order of Eastern Star is a great organization that helps exemplify what we stand for in Freemasonry. O.E.S represents us in extremely amazing ways by supporting youth programs such as the De Molay, Job’s Daughters and Rainbow for Girls. They support different charities including Eastern Star Homes, a way to support seniors and assisted living homes, among other programs in the local communities. Where our lodges may support one aspect of different charities and community work, Order of Eastern Star acts as a secondary arm to send out more support where we may lack. I highly encourage you to look into the Order and decide if it is something you may be interested in. It will be just as rewarding as Blue Lodge, York and Scottish Rite. Together the Freemasonry family can change the world, all of us included from the 33rd Degree to the Blue Lodge, O.E.S, all the way down to our youth organizations.


~AG

Bro. Aaron Gardner was raised as a Master Mason in his hometown lodge of Flushing, Michigan. He has served in active duty with the United States Army for the last seven years in which he has become well traveled around the world. He is currently stationed in Lawton, Oklahoma where he is a member of Triangle Lodge #548. When Bro. Gardner is not defending the nation, he takes great pride in writing articles for his blog Celestial Brotherhood, writing his fiction novel and researching all he can involving the Craft.

Masters Wages

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

Bro. Aaron Gardner

There are a few benefits of being a United States Soldier that we seldom forget to  mention. We get to travel the world, visit countries that you may not even know exist, learn different tactics with different weapons and most of all, when we come home we get to see the faces of people that are truly grateful for our sacrifices. There is nothing more beneficial then seeing children want to be like you and older generations thankful for their freedoms.

Benefits aside, we do have a lot of hassles and troublesome times that we go through. It can be extremely rough on a solider to be away from his family for nine months to a year, sometimes even a year and half. This last deployment, I had those issues. Fortunately, I have had the opportunity to receive the benefits and wages of a Master Mason. Please understand, I am talking of how a brother takes his cable tow and extends it beyond his reach in order to take care of another.

 Earlier this week I was traveling from one of those nations some people may never have heard of, The United Arab Emirates. While I was traveling the woman of my dreams was also preparing to travel herself, half way across the nation in order to meet me at my final destination in Lawton, Oklahoma. She had her flight booked, a rental car ready in Oklahoma and a hotel ready to go-- Well, not quite. Her hotel called her prior to her departure to let her know that her room could not be booked because her card was declined. She looked into the situation to find out that her identity had been stolen and she was broke. Her plane ticket didn't get booked because of the same situation and everything was beginning to fall apart.

 Knowing Emily would still try to find a way to get to Oklahoma, I devised a plan for her to use a copy of my debit card that she had possession of. I was thinking she would be able to use the card to purchase a rental car and pay for gas and food along the long road between West Virginia and Oklahoma. I called my bank and made sure they were tracking and even put a note on my account to ensure she had access to my bank account. Even with all the preliminary steps that I took for her to use my card, I was wrong. The rental car company rejected her, she needed to prove that she was the card holder on the account. Yet again, the amazing Emily is still bound and determined to travel half way across the nation to be with me as I get off the plane. She contacted a friend of hers and he helped her, knowing how badly she wanted to be in Oklahoma. Though he is not a Master Mason, Jason has shown me that he is righteous, honorable and willing to go the distance for a friend; traits of a true Master Mason of the Craft. At the news of her still traveling I contacted multiple Freemasons who may have been in the area she was going to be traveling through. There was one brother who stood out amongst them all, he took a burden that he did not have to take at all. Thankfully he didn't actually have to bear the burden, Emily arrived in Oklahoma safe and sound.

However, the burden Bro. Brian Schimian was to take, was to take care of anything in case of an emergency and Emily needed refuge. All I asked was that no matter where he was if he would please just call a brother in the area of Emily’s location to ensure her safety. He agreed but also pushed forward with his own idea of extending his cable tow. Bro. Schimian offered to travel to her even though she would not be any where near his location. I insisted that this was far beyond his obligation that it would be more than enough to just call a brother he may know closer to her location. Because of his dedication, I just want to publicly thank Bro. Brian Schimian for his dedication, effort and friendship. If I could authorize any sort of commendation award to him I would. To quote one of your latest articles on Midnight Freemasons, you truly show where the ‘tie binds’.

This is what we are referring to, a "Master’s Wages". It is not of monetary value nor does it hold some kind of physical existence. Rev. C. H. Vail describes it perfectly in "Ancient Mysteries & Modern Masonry", "What is the reward or wages of the Speculative Mason? Not silver nor gold, but Truth." I however, would like to take it a step further and propose that a Master’s Wages are benefits we get out of helping others, working together, and benefiting from the assistance of a fellow brother taking his obligation seriously. No matter where you are from, no matter your story, we are the tie that binds-- brethren we are all headed East to collect a “Master’s Wages”.

~AG

Bro. Aaron Gardner was raised as a Master Mason in his hometown lodge of Flushing, Michigan. He has served in active duty with the United States Army for the last seven years in which he has become well traveled around the world. He is currently stationed in Lawton, Oklahoma where he is a member of Triangle Lodge #548. When Bro. Gardner is not defending the nation, he takes great pride in writing articles for his blog Celestial Brotherhood, writing his fiction novel and researching all he can involving the Craft.

Our New Addition

We have some great talent here at "The Midnight Freemasons", and we have been through a lot in the past year. We increased our audience, we forged an amazing relationship with Cory Sigler and The Working Tools Magazine, and obviously we lost one of our own, Bro. L. Scott Niccum.

But in the tradition of the new year and forging ahead, it is my pleasure to introduce a new contributor. Brother Aaron Gardner was raised as a Master Mason in his hometown lodge of Flushing, Michigan. He has served active duty with the United States Army for the last 7 years in which he has become well traveled around the world. He is currently stationed in Lawton, Oklahoma where he is a member of Triangle Lodge #548. When Bro. Gardner is not defending the nation, he takes great pride in writing articles for his blog Celestial Brotherhood, writing his fiction novel and researching all he can involving the Craft.

I believe he will bring a unique perspective to our site and I know you will all enjoy his writing!

~RHJ