The Apprentice of Creation Pt. 1 Working Tools of the Mind and Body

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

By J.E. Frey, 32°

Part 1: Working Tools of the Mind and Body

My Brethren, during the ceremonies of our initiation we dedicate ourselves to mysteries in many ways yet to be reveled to us. I hope each Mason personally found it a very humbling experience, to subject your will into the trust of your unknown brothers. Your faith being well founded and your trust in a stranger’s hands you begin your journey into the darkness of yourself. This feeling resonated with the Apprentice being a “bearer of burden” putting his trust into his brother’s hands to be lowered into the quarries of darkness to cut the stone which would become the spark of creation. 

But the subjection of your will and your personal sacrifice to live up to the standards of the fraternity will not be in vain. Your gift for such dedication and zeal earn you the privilege and opportunity to now wield the working tools of life. These working tools are presented to the Mason at each degree to show how he can specifically build a moral character, but their meaning is steeped with deeper mysteries then we are enlightened upon. 

The first working tool the Apprentice receives is referred to the “Common Gavel” which is said to derive its shape from a gable, or a corner of a foundation, where a corner stone would be laid. The word gavel is derived from the German word Gipfel, which refers to the peak or summit of a mountain. (Mackey,1921) So it can be safe to associate that the gavel has a direct correlation to the idea of the ashlar are a reflection of it both being of a steep design as opposed to a blunt hammer. The gavel is given to remove the rough corners of the rough ashlar, which the Apprentice brings up from the quarry. The Gavel removes all undesired natural material from the stone. These undesired parts are symbolic for the negative aspects of our psyche. In Jungian psychoanalytic psychology the first step in the psychological process of individuation is to face what is known as the shadow archetype accepting the aspects of yourself you do not wish for society to recognize about you. Psychologically the gavel works the same way, we morally must recognize the negative aspects of ourselves and accept that we must have a willingness to change.

Kingston Parish Church

      The idea of the Gavel is given as a symbol of force of power that initiates the act of creation. “It’s a powerful instrument. When used for power alone it can be destructive. But power that is channeled toward good purposes will result in constructive achievement.” (Allan Roberts, 1971) This shows the Apprentice that the force within him is choice, or will. Will is important concept that has been pondered by both theologians and philosophers alike. 

Will is the ability of the individual Mason to affect his environment around him for the better. This force is how the Mason must engage in change of himself for the betterment of society. This force is his first tool to shape society by influence and justice. In the tradition of Masonry the force of the people is liberty. But as the society we build is liberated from oppression and the tyrant, it remains the individual duty of the Mason to enlighten his people through intellectual leadership. 

“The blind Force of the people is a Force that must be economized, and also managed... It must be regulated by Intellect. Intellect is to the people and the people's Force, what the slender needle of the compass is to the ship--its soul…Thought is a force, and philosophy should be an energy, finding its aim and its effects in the amelioration of mankind… The FORCE of the people, or the popular will, in action and exerted, symbolized by the GAVEL, regulated and guided by and acting within the limits of LAW and ORDER, symbolized by the TWENTY-FOUR-INCH RULE, has for its fruit LIBERTY, EQUALITY, and FRATERNITY,--liberty regulated by law; equality of rights in the eye of the law; brotherhood with its duties and obligations as well as its benefits.” (Albert Pike, 1871)

So it is almost placed upon the Apprentice to be a guardian to remain vigil that the motivations of the unjust do not rise and pollute the good reason of society. We are to realize that we must subject our will to the will of the people aiding in civic society and representing the intellect that must guide the force of the people. 

The 24-inch gauge is given to the Apprentice as the symbol of the intellect that must measure and determine which aspects must be removed to create form. It is symbolic for structuring our selves, mainly structuring our force into three equal parts, eight for the service of God, eight for usual vocation, and eight for rest and relaxation. This is symbolic of the formation of our will, or an intellectual birth if you will. Once we as the Apprentice becomes conscious of his ability to structure his potential force he may give that energy form thus creating a change toward a more perfect state. 

James E Frey, 32° is a Past Sovereign Prince and current librarian of Valley of Danville AASR. Founder of the R.E.B.I.S Research Society he sits on two Blue Lodge Education committees as well as a guest lecturer on Occultism and Esoteric studies in masonry. He is also a Member of the Oak Lawn York Rite, Medinah Shriners, and Golden Dawn Collegium Spiritu Sancti. He also works as a counselor with emotionally and behaviorally challenged children.

The Impact of Taking Your Values to Work

by Midnight Freemasons Contributor

R.H. Johnson 32°

I sometimes wonder how different my work ethic would be if I did not take the values of Freemasonry to work with me. I look back to before I was a Brother, a mere six years ago and ask myself, do I like who I remember? Probably not as much as I would hope to. 

Don't be this guy

The values I took and continue to take from the Craft are seemingly infinite. When you think about it, there really is not one choice I make in a day that Freemasonry  doesn’t impact in some way. It’s like a little reminder in the back of my brain, always there, always poking me and saying “Hey, are you sure you want to go about it that way?” whenever I have to make a questionable judgment call. It’s like a mother-in-law guilt trip, joking of course. 

But in all seriousness, when a difficult situation arises those values just seem to come through and it shows. You see, my “day job” is in safety in the workplace. Although I am not a manager, I seem receive more respect from employees than many. Those same employees come to talk to me in place of the human resources department for advice, family issues and anything else and I believe its because I am able to keep secrets and offer advice which is safe, truthful and meaningful. 

And where did I learn to do this? Well at the place all Masons are first prepared to become  a Mason. In my heart, but those qualities were absolutely refined in the lodge room. 

My supervisors all know my lodge schedule, they don't interfere with it either. They know, that to me, it’s my “church”. They know that I am a charitable man, a good man, a powerful man (in the sense of the examples I set in honesty and integrity in the work place), and above all a rich man, not with money of course. The richness that comes from family, friends, neighbors, Brothers, Fellows and life itself. 

A square deal.

There are times I catch co-workers staring when I have a conversation with a well off client. They see me talking and laughing with them, shaking hands and even hugging some of them. After the client leaves my supervisors would say, “How do you know that guy?” And I simply say “He’s one of my Brothers”. 

At the end of the day, I can say that Freemasonry lends itself to a professional and meaningful experience in the work place. There is an  an excerpt, the phrase “Plain dealings  distinguish us” which shows that we are men of truth, that there are no hidden objectives, in other words, no manure, or whatever other colorful word you choose to use. 

These virtues which we are taught and employ don’t stop at the threshold of ANY door, especially the work place. Freemasonry is not just a weekly meeting, it’s a way of life, and so you should employ it for everything contained within your life.

~Bro. R.H. Johnson 32°

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

The Incident

by Midnight Freemasons Contributor

 Steven L. Harrison, PM, FMLR

Prince Hall

      The following story is true.  As is usually the case in sensitive stories, all references to individuals and the Lodge involved have been removed.  I was not present, but I have heard this account from multiple first-hand sources and what they say is consistent.

      In January 2013, the members of "Standard Lodge #101" met to consider the petition of an African American man.  For his own personal reasons the man had decided he did not want to petition for Prince Hall affiliation.  The investigating committee had reported full and favorable and the Lodge proceeded to vote.  Four black cubes appeared in the ballot box, denying the man admission to the fraternity for no other reason than his race.  It was not an issue with most members of the Lodge, some of whom reported the incident to a member of the state's Grand Advancing Line.

      Two weeks later, at Standard Lodge's next stated meeting, members were surprised to find the Grand Officers of the state at their meeting, with the candidate who had been denied membership.  The Grand Master opened Standard Lodge #101 and called for another vote on the candidate.  We will never know what was in the ballot box; speculation is that there may again have been four black cubes.  The Grand Master, however, as is his prerogative, declared the ballot "clear in the East."  He then conducted the initiation of our new Brother.

Bro. Zulu, out of CA.

      Four members of Standard Lodge, in protest, have demitted.  While the remainder of the members of Standard Lodge voted in favor, our new Brother has transferred to a different Lodge, where he is as welcome as any new member.

      The history of the United States began with many accepting the scourge of slavery.  Today, we have an African American president.  We've progressed a long way.  Freemasonry, likewise, has come a long way.  Regrettably, as evidenced by this incident, the journey is not over.  We are, however, traveling men, experienced with overcoming the perils of a rough and rugged road. 

~SH

Steve Harrison, 32° 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.

The Renewal of a Lodge

by Midnight Freemasons Contributor

Gregory J. Knott

St. Joseph Lodge No. 970 in St. Joseph Illinois

        Recently St. Joseph Lodge No. 970 in St. Joseph Illinois hosted Most Worshipful Brother Terry L. Seward, Grand Master of Illinois AF & AM for the raising of a brother to the sublime degree of Master Mason.  This was quite a special visit for our lodge.  We are a group of brethren that has brought a lodge back from the brink of death to become a vibrant, growing and active lodge in our area.

Having the Grand Master present was special because it really solidified all the hard work that has been done by the members over the last 5 years.  St. Joseph Lodge has grown in membership four consecutive years, won the Illinois Grand Masters Award of Excellence twice; in 2011 we became the first lodge in Illinois ever to win the Mark Twain Award from the Masonic Service Association.

We have increased our awareness in the community by sponsoring our high school Scholastic Bowl Team, the annual community Memorial Day service, established a Scouting Venturing Crew, award a scholarship to a high school senior, began an outreach program to our widows, involving our families with our annual picnic, Thanksgiving dinner and a movie night for kids in the lodge room.

To recognize the community we give our annual Community Builders award, honoring members of our community who make significant contributions to our community.

For our brethren we have had events such as Saturday morning Masters Breakfasts, Lodge education nights, walking in a 5K and an election night gathering.

Phoenix symbolizing rebirth.

I bring our story to you for the purpose of encouraging you to improve your lodge.  Give the brethren a reason to come to your stated meetings. Try something different other than reading the minutes and paying the bills (we don’t read our minutes by the way they are printed and handed out).  

Start with a simple goal of improving one thing for your lodge this year.  Perhaps you bring a new brother in as member, provide a masonic education moment at a stated meeting or reach out to your widows.   

I can assure you that the effort you put into lodge will be returned to you tenfold.

Sincerely & Fraternally,

W.B. Gregory J. Knott

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