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Since we began in 2007, The Midnight Freemasons has been the leader in providing a wide range of articles on topics of interest for Freemasons and those interested in the topic of Freemasonry.
Showing posts with label video. Show all posts
Showing posts with label video. Show all posts
Masonry is a Progressive Science?
by Midnight Freemason Contributor
Bill Hosler, PM
If we stop and really think about it, anyone who has studied the history of our Fraternity for any amount of time knows we aren’t the same groups as we were three hundred years ago. If James Anderson or Benjamin Franklin were to have the ability to visit a Masonic lodge of the twenty-first century, I truly believe they would not recognize it as the same organization.
Lodges are meeting inside their own buildings or grand temples instead of above taverns, regalia made in a factory instead of by hand at home…etc. The changes we don’t think about which have occurred since the founding of the grand lodge system have been numerous. So why do we as Freemasons find it so hard to embrace change in our Fraternity?
In this instance I am not talking about the usual force against change, the stereotypical elderly Past Master we envision sitting in the North of the Lodge room with a scowl on his face, reminding all of us how things used to be-- but a larger group which, until recently I included myself in.
This week I was listening to the current episode of the Scottish Rite Journal podcast. The piece entitled “The Purple of our Fraternity: Caring for our Material Culture” which was an article written by Heather Calloway published in May/June 2014 Scottish Rite Journal discussed how the House of the Temple cares for the priceless artifacts of our past. At the beginning of the article, Heather describes how the Scottish Rite has changed the way the group communicates over the last two centuries.
In the beginning, the Rite would confer degrees by just reading the ritual to the new members. Once he heard the story, the Brother attained that degree. The current system of degrees didn’t come about until the Albert Pike era. With the advancement in theatrical technology and a larger membership valley, they began to have the manpower and budget to produce beautifully done degree work for new members, with actors in beautifully ornate costumes and with props and backdrops obtained from companies which specialized in fraternal merchandise. This period of degree presentation has lasted for over one hundred and fifty years.
Today in the twenty-first century we live in a fraternal world with a lot fewer members. Those members we do have are either elderly and can no longer do the work involved in putting on a large production of twenty-nine degrees like acting, lighting, costumes, stage crew, sound whatever their specialty was, or they have retired to a warmer climate and are no longer active. The younger men in many valleys are trying to balance family commitments, their job, and their other Masonic obligations, because chances are, they are also active in their Blue Lodge, York Rite or other Masonic bodies.
They can only fold that twenty-four-inch gauge so many ways! Even if they had more time to commit, the number of young members would still be difficult to fill all the positions it takes to put on such elaborate productions. They might even have the issue of where to hold these large reunions. A good example of this is the Scottish Rite Valley in Fort Wayne, Indiana where I took my degrees. A few years ago, they had to sell their beautiful auditorium and now has a small office in a business park. Degree work must be done at a different location. It no longer has the luxury of a place to store large backdrops, enough costumes for many men and twenty-nine degrees.
I know many Valleys have begun to just perform a handful of degrees every year and communicate the remainder of them by the officers coming out on stage and perform what some have called “a blessing" on the others (Kind of like, "Okay, you have now just received such and such degree because I said you have.) Lots of Brethren were against this because it took away from the degree work and the candidate didn’t get the moral and the meaning of the degree intended to be conveyed. Sadly, I believe this was done out of desperation of the circumstances mentioned above, and the officers of the bodies couldn’t come up with a better way to accomplish the task.
The last few years, there has been much crying and gnashing of teeth of the collective Masonic world because The Scottish Rite Northern Jurisdiction has begun the practice of filming their degree work and presenting it to the candidates in a smaller venue on a movie screen instead of an elaborate stage show.
This degree work in the films is performed by Masons in various valleys around the jurisdiction in full costumes and with theatrical effects, much like seeing the work performed in person, on stage but in a movie format. No shortcuts are taken, and nothing is left out. The candidate still receives the same message by watching the degree performed in this form versus our current system of degree delivery. I know this isn’t what many of us believe to be the way a new Brother should receive these degrees, but after some reflection, I think these series of videos might be more beneficial to the Rite on several levels.
FINANCIAL: I’m sure this is obvious but without the need to maintain and upkeep a large theater (Not to mention the heating and cooling of such a building) which is only used a few times a year, Valleys can better use the funds they collect for such things as an almoners fund for members and their widows and orphans who are in desperate need of help in hard times.
The funds can also be saved for rainy days when their building needs emergency repairs or other unforeseen expenses. Instead of passing the hat or endless fundraisers that require manpower the body doesn’t have or rarely and barely break even instead of providing much-needed revenue the group could be on a solid financial footing.
MANPOWER: Anyone who has organized a reunion weekend, or any large Masonic event knows how frustrating it is trying to find Brethren who will commit (and show up) to assist in putting on an event, can attest to how frustrating it can be. Back in the day this usually wasn’t an issue. You would have multiple men volunteer or just show up to help. But today many times you begin to feel like a one-man band.
Rehearsals no one shows up for, finding members to fill roles and then asking them to fill multiple roles because no one either volunteered or was a no-show. Hoping you can find people to set up tables for lunch…etc. In the end, it will get done but not to the standards or vision you had at first perceived it would be, and those few volunteers you had will eventually burn out and begin not to show up anymore.
With a scaled down reunion, a handful of Brethren can set the room up the night before and have everything in place for the next morning. Not only will the candidates have a pleasant experience, but your crew will also! No one will have to wake up at 4am on Saturday morning to set things up. They will be able to enjoy themselves and go home that night without being exhausted. They might enjoy it so much they might volunteer for your next event!
RETENTION: The two reasons I listed above are pretty much common sense. But I don’t think many people have really thought about how we can retain members with the model I am discussing. But I feel this could be an important point and so far, (as far as I know) has been overlooked.
As we know most incoming members have no idea about the degrees, how they are performed, what they contain, whatever. From many studies we have heard about over the years they are just looking for education, deeper meaning for life. They don’t care about “How it used to be done.” They just want to become better men, as we tell them can be done, by putting on a Masonic apron.
As it is now, a man sits down in a theater seat, watches a couple of plays, sees some officers tell him the plays you didn’t see are “communicated” to you (Whatever that means) and BAM! You are a Scottish Rite Mason! No explanation of what he just experienced-- just a dues card and a lapel pin. "Thanks for coming! Make sure to come back again and see the same degree next year or visit a reunion in another city and hope they present different degrees than your valley does."
One hundred and fifty years ago it was common for a young man to attend a vaudeville show or a play as a form of entertainment. For today’s twenty-first century man attending a live stage show (Other than a concert) is a rare event. In this age of “Netflix and chill” if a man does venture to a theater it would be to see a big screen special effects laden movie. In my opinion, live plays, with amateur actors might be a new concept for him and the message of the play could be lost just because of the novelty of the experience.
We all know that the society of today is heavily influenced by movies and television. We constantly quote movies in our daily lives. We as Freemasons know movies influence young men thanks to the joining boom after the National Treasure movie was released. Video can be a tremendous influencer on our incoming members.
When the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction polled its membership and potential members one of the top things, they said they wanted was Masonic Education. They didn’t specify how it was delivered. They just asked for Masonic light (Sound familiar?) I don’t know how many times I’ve heard Brethren wish they could have seen all the Scottish Rite degrees instead of just a few at a reunion. (Or all of them crammed into a weekend).
Video allow for so much more Masonic Education than a stage play. During a reunion men can be seated comfortably in a Lodge room and after each video an instructor or leader could lead a group discussion on what the candidate believes the moral of the lesson way, and what was the symbolism used. The group can interact amongst themselves with guidance of the leader before they move on to the next lesson. In this way, a candidate has an idea of what the Rite is trying to teach him and what Masonry expects from him. It also helps the candidates get to know each other as they progress through the degrees, building teamwork and friendships. It also eliminates the constant complaint of degree work “being taught like drinking from a firehose instead of a garden hose.”
Videos also allow for Scottish Rite bodies to take degree work “on the road” to lodges in areas that are difficult for Brethren who live a great distance away from the Scottish Rite Temples. This could spark interest from Brethren who feel driving to the city for a meeting every month isn’t worth their time or gas money. If the Brethren see that a meeting is more than just the reading of minutes, that they actually could benefit from attending they might be more apt to attend meetings more regularly.
These videos would also be a great way to hold Masonic Education nights for interested members. They would be fantastic if they could be incorporated into study clubs which work in conjunction with the Master Craftsman program or The Hauts Grades Academy. Think of the discussions and positive Interaction among members!
Brethren, these are just a few examples of ways this small change could lead to a positive effect on our Fraternity. I’m sure creative minds who gather together could come up with even more benefits and uses for this new way of doing things. Like I said before, nothing I propose is a “Masonic landmark” and has not been done since “time immemorial”. It was once an innovation to the way things are done in the new age, just like what I am proposing. I am just asking you to sit down with an open mind and consider what I have laid out here.
Like the book by Alan Deutschman entitled, “Change or Die”, if we don’t change the course of how we are doing things, eventually there will be a time when we can no longer continue with our current methods. If and when the time comes it might be too late to try and change. I’m sure one thing we all can agree on is no longer having a Scottish Rite body to be a member of is a change none of us wish to see happen.
I know many Valleys have begun to just perform a handful of degrees every year and communicate the remainder of them by the officers coming out on stage and perform what some have called “a blessing" on the others (Kind of like, "Okay, you have now just received such and such degree because I said you have.) Lots of Brethren were against this because it took away from the degree work and the candidate didn’t get the moral and the meaning of the degree intended to be conveyed. Sadly, I believe this was done out of desperation of the circumstances mentioned above, and the officers of the bodies couldn’t come up with a better way to accomplish the task.
The last few years, there has been much crying and gnashing of teeth of the collective Masonic world because The Scottish Rite Northern Jurisdiction has begun the practice of filming their degree work and presenting it to the candidates in a smaller venue on a movie screen instead of an elaborate stage show.
This degree work in the films is performed by Masons in various valleys around the jurisdiction in full costumes and with theatrical effects, much like seeing the work performed in person, on stage but in a movie format. No shortcuts are taken, and nothing is left out. The candidate still receives the same message by watching the degree performed in this form versus our current system of degree delivery. I know this isn’t what many of us believe to be the way a new Brother should receive these degrees, but after some reflection, I think these series of videos might be more beneficial to the Rite on several levels.
FINANCIAL: I’m sure this is obvious but without the need to maintain and upkeep a large theater (Not to mention the heating and cooling of such a building) which is only used a few times a year, Valleys can better use the funds they collect for such things as an almoners fund for members and their widows and orphans who are in desperate need of help in hard times.
The funds can also be saved for rainy days when their building needs emergency repairs or other unforeseen expenses. Instead of passing the hat or endless fundraisers that require manpower the body doesn’t have or rarely and barely break even instead of providing much-needed revenue the group could be on a solid financial footing.
MANPOWER: Anyone who has organized a reunion weekend, or any large Masonic event knows how frustrating it is trying to find Brethren who will commit (and show up) to assist in putting on an event, can attest to how frustrating it can be. Back in the day this usually wasn’t an issue. You would have multiple men volunteer or just show up to help. But today many times you begin to feel like a one-man band.
Rehearsals no one shows up for, finding members to fill roles and then asking them to fill multiple roles because no one either volunteered or was a no-show. Hoping you can find people to set up tables for lunch…etc. In the end, it will get done but not to the standards or vision you had at first perceived it would be, and those few volunteers you had will eventually burn out and begin not to show up anymore.
With a scaled down reunion, a handful of Brethren can set the room up the night before and have everything in place for the next morning. Not only will the candidates have a pleasant experience, but your crew will also! No one will have to wake up at 4am on Saturday morning to set things up. They will be able to enjoy themselves and go home that night without being exhausted. They might enjoy it so much they might volunteer for your next event!
RETENTION: The two reasons I listed above are pretty much common sense. But I don’t think many people have really thought about how we can retain members with the model I am discussing. But I feel this could be an important point and so far, (as far as I know) has been overlooked.
As we know most incoming members have no idea about the degrees, how they are performed, what they contain, whatever. From many studies we have heard about over the years they are just looking for education, deeper meaning for life. They don’t care about “How it used to be done.” They just want to become better men, as we tell them can be done, by putting on a Masonic apron.
As it is now, a man sits down in a theater seat, watches a couple of plays, sees some officers tell him the plays you didn’t see are “communicated” to you (Whatever that means) and BAM! You are a Scottish Rite Mason! No explanation of what he just experienced-- just a dues card and a lapel pin. "Thanks for coming! Make sure to come back again and see the same degree next year or visit a reunion in another city and hope they present different degrees than your valley does."
One hundred and fifty years ago it was common for a young man to attend a vaudeville show or a play as a form of entertainment. For today’s twenty-first century man attending a live stage show (Other than a concert) is a rare event. In this age of “Netflix and chill” if a man does venture to a theater it would be to see a big screen special effects laden movie. In my opinion, live plays, with amateur actors might be a new concept for him and the message of the play could be lost just because of the novelty of the experience.
We all know that the society of today is heavily influenced by movies and television. We constantly quote movies in our daily lives. We as Freemasons know movies influence young men thanks to the joining boom after the National Treasure movie was released. Video can be a tremendous influencer on our incoming members.
When the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction polled its membership and potential members one of the top things, they said they wanted was Masonic Education. They didn’t specify how it was delivered. They just asked for Masonic light (Sound familiar?) I don’t know how many times I’ve heard Brethren wish they could have seen all the Scottish Rite degrees instead of just a few at a reunion. (Or all of them crammed into a weekend).
Video allow for so much more Masonic Education than a stage play. During a reunion men can be seated comfortably in a Lodge room and after each video an instructor or leader could lead a group discussion on what the candidate believes the moral of the lesson way, and what was the symbolism used. The group can interact amongst themselves with guidance of the leader before they move on to the next lesson. In this way, a candidate has an idea of what the Rite is trying to teach him and what Masonry expects from him. It also helps the candidates get to know each other as they progress through the degrees, building teamwork and friendships. It also eliminates the constant complaint of degree work “being taught like drinking from a firehose instead of a garden hose.”
Videos also allow for Scottish Rite bodies to take degree work “on the road” to lodges in areas that are difficult for Brethren who live a great distance away from the Scottish Rite Temples. This could spark interest from Brethren who feel driving to the city for a meeting every month isn’t worth their time or gas money. If the Brethren see that a meeting is more than just the reading of minutes, that they actually could benefit from attending they might be more apt to attend meetings more regularly.
These videos would also be a great way to hold Masonic Education nights for interested members. They would be fantastic if they could be incorporated into study clubs which work in conjunction with the Master Craftsman program or The Hauts Grades Academy. Think of the discussions and positive Interaction among members!
Brethren, these are just a few examples of ways this small change could lead to a positive effect on our Fraternity. I’m sure creative minds who gather together could come up with even more benefits and uses for this new way of doing things. Like I said before, nothing I propose is a “Masonic landmark” and has not been done since “time immemorial”. It was once an innovation to the way things are done in the new age, just like what I am proposing. I am just asking you to sit down with an open mind and consider what I have laid out here.
Like the book by Alan Deutschman entitled, “Change or Die”, if we don’t change the course of how we are doing things, eventually there will be a time when we can no longer continue with our current methods. If and when the time comes it might be too late to try and change. I’m sure one thing we all can agree on is no longer having a Scottish Rite body to be a member of is a change none of us wish to see happen.
~BH
The Curator Series Goes YouTube
by Midnight Freemason Contributor
RW Robert H. Johnson
"RJ, when will you publish a podcast daily?" I've had to answer that question numerous times. I wish I could do this, but simply stated, I just can't do it without being employed as a full time content creator. That's just the way it goes sometimes. But you know, sometimes we do have *some* extra time, and with a little effort, maybe we could do a new project.
I started thinking a few weeks ago after WB Dueball wrote a piece about all the knickknacks we tend to collect over time as Masons. I thought, some of these things have a history to tell and many have little stories about how they were acquired. What if we told those stories a few times a week? So, I decided to go for it. Just like many of you, I have tons of Masonic things; certificates, medals, pins, skulls, pictures, plates, carvings, and more. A while back (a couple years) I started a series on the Midnight Freemasons that attempted, every once in a while, to showcase something in my collection in an article, one such piece is HERE.
I only wrote a few of these pieces, not because I was bored or I found it difficult, but I just had so much stuff. What would I pick next? So I decided it was time to just start a new venture. If you've already found the new show "The Curators" on YouTube, great! If not, have look. The goal is to have a few videos a week published, each one about a different item. I'll tell you the history, what it means to me, and in some cases, what it means symbolically. I'll tell you the story of how I cam across them too.
It's also my hope that when I meet Brothers on the road, if they have something unique, we can do an episode right there, live. Ah yes, the beauty of smartphones! Before I close out this little announcement, I want to throw a thanks out there to Bro. Alex Powers of the Historical Light podcast. I had this little idea and went to him to ask his opinion and to see if he felt it was a good concept. He cheered me on and has been an inspiration. Thanks, Alex! I also need to thank all the writers of this blog for their tireless work in telling stories and sharing history with us all. If you like what you see, please subscribe to the new channel. The new site is HERE.
~RHJ
RWB, Robert Johnson 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.
Midnight Freemason Spotlight: Sir Knight Robert Johnson
by Midnight Freemasons Founder
Todd E. Creason
 |
| Sir Knight Robert Johnson |
Robert produces a weekly podcast Whence Came You? If you're unfamiliar with it, you should listen to it. You can do that by clicking on the link in the right-hand column. I can't imagine the amount of time it takes to put together enough material, and produce a show each week. It shows his great love and dedication to the Fraternity. His videos--well, I love his videos. In fact, I guarantee you in the near future, Robert and I are going to work on one of these together. I produced a video earlier this year--it's not easy. I think Robert is a little better at it than I am. I can't imagine what we might come up with together.
I wanted to highlight this video again. It's very well done, and the music is awesome! He has another video, too! It's called "Whence Came You?" and you'll find it at the bottom of this page. That's my favorite of the two. It inspired me to do my own video--my video "Freemasons: Friends or Foes" is down there, too. Watch his first, and it should be fairly easy to see where I got a few of my ideas from.
Enjoy!
The York Rite: A Video By Robert Johnson
Here's another video produced by one of The Midnight Freemasons regular contributors Sir Knight Robert Johnson about the York Rite. If you scroll down to the bottom, you'll find his other video Whence Came You? in case you missed it--it's also excellent. Robert is also the producer and voice of the podcast Whence Came You?
Enjoy!
~TEC
Enjoy!
~TEC
A Video: Whence Came You?
This is a video produced by Sir Knight Robert Johnson. Robert is the producer and voice of the podcast Whence Came You? which I've talked about on here frequently. In fact, there is a player in the right-hand of The Midnight Freemason. You can listen to Robert's podcasts as you peruse the posts here.
And now here comes the fun part! Robert Johnson is joining us as a regular contributor! He'll be posting articles on The Midnight Freemason on a regular basis. As I told you earlier, Robert--welcome to the asylum.
~TEC
Sir Knight Robert Johnson 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. Brother Johnson currently produces and hosts a weekly Podcast (internet radio program) Whence Came You? which focuses on topics relating to Freemasonry. In addition, 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.
And now here comes the fun part! Robert Johnson is joining us as a regular contributor! He'll be posting articles on The Midnight Freemason on a regular basis. As I told you earlier, Robert--welcome to the asylum.
~TEC
Taylor Swift: Country Music's Entertainer of the Year
Congratulations to Taylor Swift for winning the American Country Music Entertainer of the Year Award. I thought I'd post one of my favorite videos--"Change." I've posted it before, but those of you familiar with the building will immediately recognize the location of the video as the ballroom in the Indianapolis Scottish Rite Cathedral.
~TEC
~TEC
A Video: Masonic Secrets Revealed!
I thought this was very informative. Many have wondered what truly goes on in a Lodge of Freemasons. I must admit, I was a little shocked at just how accurately this video depicted what actually goes on during our secret meetings.
~TEC
~TEC
Famous Freemason Video: Duke Ellington
Duke Ellington is considered by many to be one of America's most brilliant jazz composers and bandleaders of the twentieth century. Ellington's classics include "Don't Get Around Much Anymore," "Mood Indigo," and "I Let a Song Get Out of My Head." And he was a Freemason.
Brother Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington became a Mason in Social Lodge No. 1, Washington, D. C., PHA in 1932. He was also a 32° Scottish Rite Mason, and a member of the Shrine.
And this is one of his best--"Satin Doll." Enjoy.
And this is one of his best--"Satin Doll." Enjoy.
~TEC
Todd's Secret Project Revealed: The Video
This wasn't as easy I thought it was going to be, but I really like the way it turned out. Not bad for my first try. Have a look, and let me know what you think. And be sure and crank up the volume--I think the music really works.
~TEC
~TEC
Famous Freemason And His Daughter: The Unforgettable Nat King Cole
I sometimes forget that sometimes the best way to show the talents of some of the Famous American Freemasons I've come to know over the last few years, is to just show their talent--we have that technology now. I hope you enjoy this. It's was a beautiful song when Nat King Cole recorded it orginally, and his daughter Natalie's voice with his only makes it better.
Stunning, isn't it?
~TEC
You can learn more about famous Freemasons like Nat King Cole in Todd Creason's Famous American Freemasons series. They are available at major online booksellers everywhere, and for both Nook and Kindle.
Stunning, isn't it?
~TEC
You can learn more about famous Freemasons like Nat King Cole in Todd Creason's Famous American Freemasons series. They are available at major online booksellers everywhere, and for both Nook and Kindle.
Freemasonry Video Contest Winner: From Darkness To Light
I thought this was a terrific video. It's the winner of the second annual video contest hosted by the Grand Lodge of California F & A M. Participants in the contest were asked to answer the question: What does Masonry mean to you?
The winner, Culver City Foshay Lodge No. 467, produced this marvelous video. Congratulations!
~TEC
The winner, Culver City Foshay Lodge No. 467, produced this marvelous video. Congratulations!
~TEC
House of the Temple: Photo Collection
I found this on YouTube and thought I'd share it. It's a collection of photos takes of the House of the Temple in Washington D.C. Just beautiful. Kind of an interesting choice in music as well . . .
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