From the archives: Black Friday - A Chance to Exercise the Art

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

RW Robert H. Johnson

Amidst the debates on whether or not stores and businesses should close for the Thanksgiving holiday, there are those underlying thoughts about the day after Thanksgiving -- Black Friday. Black Friday is a day for retailers nation wide, to throw open their doors and deliver savings so big, so amazing, so insane, that the public will be motivated to get up and go to those retailers at 12:01 am.

The days following Black Friday seemed to echo the sombre and sickening pathos normally attributed to that shroud, that color we typify with the color Black. We watch news clips on television, YouTube and cell phone videos of human beings, reverting to ferocious animal states as they battle one another over monetary savings.

Kids trampled to death, men and women alike suffocating in the thick of herds of what can now only be some distant cousin, some untamed, ungoverned, rapacious beast. But alas, it is us. It is human, although unrecognizable.

This year, stores did close and then decided to stave of some of the anarchy by opening later in the evening on Thanksgiving. I decided that for the first time since the last and only other time I had gone Black Friday Shopping, to go out to see what I could see.

What I saw did not disappoint. I don't mean that in any way to suggest I was looking for disorder, rather, I was hoping to see people being people. People caring and being courteous. Amid the sea of winter coats and red Starbucks cups, were the voices of happy people, saying "Excuse me", and complementing each other and of course, complaining about the long lines.

The moral fabric of humanity is a weave of altruistic principals, something we practice as Freemasons. It is something we are charged to do. To be courteous, kind, friendly, humble, to be the example. In the coming weeks we will be tried, Brethren. We will be taken to the edge and back again. Our patience, our affability will be put in the spot light. Use the stresses of the season to exercise our art of Friendship, Morality and Brotherly Love.

I know it can be hard, but the stakes are as high as they've ever been, and the world is watching. Be Freemasons.

~RHJ

Bro. Robert Johnson, PM is the Managing Editor of the Midnight Freemasons blog. He is a Freemason out of the 1st N.E. District of Illinois. He currently serves as the Secretary of Waukegan Lodge No. 78 where he is a Past Master. He also serves as the District Deputy for the 1st N.E. District of Illinois. Brother Johnson currently produces and hosts weekly Podcasts (internet radio programs) Whence Came You? & Masonic Radio Theatre which focus on topics relating to Freemasonry. He is also a co-host of The Masonic Roundtable, a Masonic talk show. He is a husband and father of four, works full time in the executive medical industry and is also an avid home brewer. He is currently working on a book of Masonic essays and one on Occult Anatomy to be released soon.

From the Archives: The 50 Year Member: Thanksgiving

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

Bro. Bill Hosler, PM

Thanksgiving morning was always a special time for the lodge. For many decades the members of the lodge opened the building on Thanksgiving Day and served the members of the community a free Thanksgiving dinner. It was a lot of work for the members, especially since they were advancing in age but it was a labor of love and everyone looked forward to it.

The smell from the lodge kitchen was amazing. Turkeys slowly roasting in the oven while some of the Brethren mixed together their home made stuffing. “The ole pie Master” Charlie Robertson was creating his traditional pies like he did every year. Charlie took pride in his pumpkin pies. There was a legend in the lodge, every year he made 10 from scratch for the big event. 

Elmer Geiger and Larry Herendeen had been sitting outside the backdoor of the temple smoking a dozen hams talking and enjoying good conversation. The two had come to the temple last night and prepared the hams with their special rub and honey and placed them on the smoker and stayed awake all night to applying apple juice to keep the ham moist and keep the fire going.

The men were having a great time as they did every year laughing and talking as the pans rattled. Most people wouldn’t be in such a good mood at six in the morning but this was a labor of love for the members of the lodge.

The 50 year member was making his famous “Shriner corn”. For years people raved about his corn. No one could ever figure out why it tasted so good. People would ask him his secret and he would just smile and say “It’s a Masonic secret” which would always bring a laugh. Many years before the old man had attended a Shriners dinner and people would eat their corn before they finished their steaks. One year he got the courage to ask the cook what he did to make the corn so good. The cooked just laughed and pointed at the propane cooker he was standing next to “Most people boil their corn in water. I boil it in butter.” the cook said as he pointed at the cauldron. Since then the 50 year member made his corn and just smiled as he watched it disappear.

Pudge was chopping onions which would be added to the dressing. Pudge wasn’t talking much. The old man smiled because he could tell Pudge wasn’t a morning person.

“Hey Pudge” the old man said. “Do you need me to get you some coffee?” “Yeah about a gallon of it” Pudge said as he concentrated on chopping onions. It’s bad enough to be up so early he didn’t want to lose a finger too. “I don’t get why we do this” Pudge said “Thanksgiving doesn’t have anything to do with Masonry.”

The old man stopped in his tracks. “Well it certainly does have a lot to do with Masonry!” the old man said. “I can’t believe you don’t see it Pudge.” “It’s a holiday about overeating and watching football, I can’t see anything Masonic about that.” 

The old man shook his head “Sadly that is all Thanksgiving is about these days” The 50 year member said. “The origins of Thanksgiving just as important today as they were then, maybe even more so.” “What the Pilgrims?” Pudge asked. “Partly the old man replied, but I am talking about the symbolism of the day.”

“Thanksgiving is a day set aside to give thanks to the Supreme Architect Of the Universe for the blessings we received during the last year. Something everyone, especially Masons should do everyday not just one day a year. 

It is also about charity. The Indians helped their fellow man and taught the Pilgrims how to survive in the new world. Without that charity we wouldn’t be here now. Masons are taught to help out their fellow man, especially a Brother Mason in their time of need.

It is also and fellowship. Friends, getting together, enjoying a good meal having a good time. That is spreading of cement of Brotherly love. Not only does it nourish the body but it also helps nourish the soul.

Pudge, we could have this celebration for lodge members and our families but why not spread our blessings with our community? Many of the people who come don’t have families nearby or are elderly and have no families. Not only do they get to talk with other people but they get a nice meal. A holiday spent among people instead of a day alone. 

Out of all the things we do to get our lodge’s name in the paper this is the one thing we do that is truly a benefit to our fellow man without any strings attached. Just to make ourselves feel good.”

Pudge laid his knife on the cutting board. “You know. I am always amazed how you can find Freemasonry in any situation.” as he started laughing. The old man smiled and looked at Pudge “My Brother Freemasonry is all around us. If you look you can see it. It’s all part of chipping away that ashlar of yours.”

~BH

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

From the Archives: The Real "First Thanksgiving"

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

Bro. Steven L Harrison, PM, FMLR 33°

We all know the story of the "Pilgrims and Indians" celebrating the "First Thanksgiving." First in the "New World" it may have been, but it was not the first United States Thanksgiving. Brother George Washington proclaimed that first official Thanksgiving celebration in 1789, when he declared November 26 to be set aside not to be thankful for the nation's bounty but to give thanks for the newly adopted Constitution. Washington also enjoined people to "...unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications... beseeching [God] to pardon our national and other transgressions.” Although celebrated off-and-on, usually unofficially, from that time forward, Thanksgiving did not become a permanent official US holiday until Brother Franklin D. Roosevelt proclaimed it so in 1939.

~SLH

Steve Harrison, 33° KCCH, is a Past Master of Liberty Lodge #31, Liberty, Missouri. He is the editor of the Missouri Freemason magazine, 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.

Giving Thanks

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

Bill Hosler, PM

Every November we Americans (and for my Brethren in Canada October) do the same thing. We gather together and enjoy a feast with our family and friends for a feast, fellowship, and football. It can warm the heart of even the most sarcastic, bitter old Past Master. (Yes, I’m talking about myself.) 

At some point between the ”pass the stuffing” and Grandpa falling asleep in front of the television after ingesting too much turkey someone will suggest (At least on TV and in the movies. I’ve never seen it done in person) for everyone to tell the group assembled something they are thankful for. 

Normally, I’m not one for doing something so corny, but in this year of one devastating body blow after another, I feel like I need to express my gratitude to all those who helped me and their fellow man survive this span of three hundred sixty five days.

First off, I want to thank my Creator, family, and friends. The last few years have been difficult for me healthwise and personally but thanks to all the prayers and emotional support we all have made it through and we will all be will be stronger when the pandemic is finally over. 

Of course, I am going to thank all the front line workers (Hospital personnel, ambulance drivers, restaurant workers, and grocers, and everyone else who kept the country together while the rest of us hunkered down in our respective homes). 

Since I live with an ”essential worker” and hear about not only the hardships the patients and families have to endure but also the struggles the workers are dealing with. Exhaustion, isolation from their families, the lack of necessary materials..etc. It makes you proud that these people give so much of themselves to care for their fellow man.

Masonically, I also want to thank all the Brethren across the globe who helped the Craft rediscover Masonic relief. Without all the pressure to continually bring in new numbers the members of our Fraternity rolled up their sleeves and once again began t practice Freemasonry once again.

Masons checking on their elderly Brethren and the widows of the lodge and making sure they have the necessities of life like food, their medications, ensuring their homes are comfortable and well maintained. It was also great to be able to gather “virtually” with lodge members that I haven’t been able to see for a long time due to their distance away from me.

I am also grateful to all of those who have taken the time to better themselves and others by reading, writing, and help to spread Masonic education.

It has been amazing to see how many of us, many of who never embraced technology before the pandemic, participate in Zoom meetings learning about their Fraternity. I know myself personally I was able to attend several lectures I would never have had the opportunity to participate in during a typical Masonic year. Talking with many of my friends they had to turn down multiple invitations to speak because they had already been booked by Masonic organizations from across the globe to spread light. (Surprisingly, with all this Freemasonry being discussed by members all through cyberspace secrets of Masonry haven’t been stolen by some virtual clean. I’ll pause right here for a moment to allow you to compose yourself after this shocking revelation )

I would also like to thank my fellow Midnight Freemasons. Until I met Robert Johnson and the rest of the group, I had never thought about trying to write anything. With their encouragement and guidance, they have opened up an entirely new world for me I never would have dreamed existed. It has allowed me to serve the Craft in a way I never would have imagined and given me opportunities to do things I never realized I was capable of doing.

Lastly, on behalf of myself and my fellow Midnight Freemasons, I want to thank you, the person who is reading this. Without you reading, commenting, and sharing our works this website wouldn’t be as popular as it has become.

I know I can speak on their behalf by saying none of us have ever dreamed this blog would have become as popular or as well known without your patronage and sharing what we write with your friends and the Brethren of your lodge.

I hope you will indulge in my sappiness just this one time. But honestly, I think this plague has opened my eyes to what is important in life. I think maybe a lot of us have also discovered or rediscovered what was important to us; Our family our friends and our Craft. 

 

~BH

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

 

November, A Month of Thanks

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

Bill Hosler, PM 

"No warmth, no cheerfulness, no healthful ease, 

No comfortable feel in any member - 

No shade, no shine, no butterflies, no bees, 

No fruits, no flowers, no leaves, no birds - 

November!" 

- Thomas Hood 

As the cold northern winds blow through the darkened gray skies, we see the leaves on the trees begin to turn color and fall to the ground, and we know winter is just around the corner. While some look forward to the colder weather and the snow that will soon arrive, most of us shudder with what impending doom (Okay, that’s a little dramatic but you get my point.) in these days without the sunshine and warmth of the summer. It's hard not to feel a little depression as you make your way through these days without sunlight, and harder still. trying to be thankful.

Despite November’s depressing gray clothing, I believe this month is the perfect time of year to give thanks to our Creator for all the blessings it bestows upon us, not only every day but throughout our lives.

Now, I am not just talking about a turkey dinner and a football game with relatives you see three times a year. Or the lame game of round robin , “What are you thankful for”, as you pass the mashed potatoes and you say something just to appease Aunt Mildred. I mean real thanks. If you think about it, November is almost like the Grand Architect’s “reset button”.

As the things that began to come to life in the beginning of the year and gain maturity through the summer months will now begin to whither and eventually die in the darkness of the winter time. It could be argued that the seasons are emblematic to the degrees of Freemasonry.

As we advance through the degrees we are told (in some jurisdictions) that the Entered Apprentice degree is like a man’s youth, the Fellowcraft degree is like adulthood and the Master Mason degree is compared to a man’s old age or maturity. As the seasons process through their cycle so does a man until he is called by his Creator. I feel in a way that the darkened days filled with coldness have been given to us in order to give us time to stop and reflect on all the good things we have in our lives and as a reminder to thank our creator for the bountiful life he has provided for us.

Most of us have many reasons to give thanks to the Grand Master of the Universe. Family, friends, your health. A happy, contented life are all good reasons to give thanks to the man upstairs for the blessings it has bestowed upon us.

Sadly, not all of us have been as fortunate as others. Some of you who are standing upon the darkened square may not believe you have anything to give thanks for. I truly understand that. I have been there. My sarcastic nature in the bad times seemed to dwell on all the things I didn’t have, instead of what I possessed. It’s natural to be like that.

The death of a family member, the loss of a job, a divorcee. So many things can lead you down this dark, gray path and it is easier and natural to think abut what you don’t have instead of the blessings you were given, but I like to think that the “reset button” of the coming winter can also be looked at as the start of a new year and the possibility of a better year to come.

So many new things seem to begin this time of year. In many jurisdictions, they begin a new Masonic year and the change of the leadership within many Masonic bodies symbolizes a new beginning and a new leadership, and possibly a better direction for some groups.

While we as a Fraternity continue to struggle, I give thanks that Freemasonry is still alive, long after many of those who tried to write its obituary have passed on. It may not be perfect, and we still have a lot of work left to do in order to sure up its foundation and place the Craft on a strong level footing, but I am thankful it is still here and it continues to inspire new generations of men who walk down that level of time trying to make themselves better men.

I am also thankful for all the Brethren who read and share our work with their friends and Brothers. I especially am thankful to those who write and call me, expressing their gratitude for the essays myself and other members of the Midnight Freemasons have put out. I want you to know all the kind words and support we receive, inspires us to continue what we are doing, especially since the positive feedback is much greater than the negative.

Brethren, I hope you will pause during this busy month and stop and reflect on what life has given to you and give thanks to the Creator for the blessings you have received, and maybe even show your gratitude to him by taking a Brother or his widow who may be less fortunate than you by the hand and help them make their life a little brighter. Who knows, you might be their reason to give thanks. 

~BH

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

Happy Thanksgiving!

by Midnight Freemasons Contributor

Todd E. Creason 

On behalf of the Midnight Freemasons, I'd like to wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving.  One thing I know we're all thankful for here at the Midnight Freemasons, is for our readers who have made this blog such a success over the last several years.  So enjoy this story about Thanksgiving and a famous Freemason.  I put this same story up every year.  It's becoming a Thanksgiving tradition in itself.  And it goes like this . . .

The tradition of celebrating the harvest on a Thursday goes back to Plymouth and the Pilgrims.  The most famous of these was the three day festival in 1621, when Plymouth governor William Bradford invited local Indians to join the Pilgrims feast.

But it wasn't until the 17th century that it became an annual custom.  George Washington, issuing the very first Presidential proclamation, declared November 26th, 1789 as a day of national thanksgiving for the United States Constitution.  But it never really caught on until 1863, when President Lincoln declared that Thanksgiving would fall on the fourth Thursday of November and the holiday began to be celebrated nationally.

Then comes Franklin D. Roosevelt, who decided after 75 years, he wanted to change what Lincoln had established.  He proclaimed Thanksgiving as the next to last Thursday of November.  Very few liked the change, and there was a huge controversy surrounding it.  Some Americans simply ignored FDR and celebrated Thanksgiving as they always had on the date they always had.  For the next two years, Franklin Roosevelt repeated the unpopular proclamation.  Finally, in 1941, Roosevelt gave up on it.  He signed a bill into law officially making the fourth Thursday in November the national holiday of Thanksgiving.

And we've been celebrating it on that day ever since . . .

Happy Thanksgiving!

~TEC

Todd E. Creason, 33°, FMLR is the Founder of the Midnight Freemasons blog and is a regular contributor.  He is the author of several books and novels, including the Famous American Freemasons series. He is the author of the From Labor to Refreshment blog.  He is a Past Master of Ogden Lodge No. 754 (IL), and currently serves as the Secretary, and is also a member of Homer Lodge No. 199 where he serves as Senior Warden.  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, Charter President of the Illini High Twelve in Champaign-Urbana (IL), and a Fellow of the Missouri Lodge of Research.  He is a charter member of a new Illinois Royal Arch Chapter, Admiration Chapter U.D.  He was named the 2014 Illinois Secretary of the Year Award by the Illinois Masonic Secretaries Association.  You can contact him at: webmaster@toddcreason.org