Thoughts Become Things

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

Steven L. Harrison, 33°, FMLR

On a recent high-school tour, I saw a sign inside a classroom that read, "Thoughts become things." I like that idea. I had heard it before, but I wasn't sure where. I thought it might be a quote from an unknown person or something from a book or play. I decided to research it and maybe use it in an article.

So I went where we always go these days to find out — straight to the Internet. The first thing I ran into was this, from a Metaphysics site:

"Thoughts become things when they are given substance with feelings in the Mind."

Bunk.

It is true that thoughts can become things but it takes a whole lot more than "feelings in the mind" to make a thought — some might call it an idea — become a reality.

Good ideas are a dime a dozen; they really are. World peace — there's a good idea. Well, we've been rolling out "Visualize World Peace" bumper stickers for decades and we're still visualizing, aren't we?

Every Master or even Grand Master comes into his term filled with good ideas and the intention to make Freemasonry in general or his Lodge in particular better by the time he leaves. Sometimes it works; sometimes it doesn't.

What are the secret ingredients?

I recently had a great experience working with a group of Brothers and Eastern Star Sisters that turned out a "thing" which had originated as a "thought." Together, we published a book. It was the journal of a former Missouri Grand Secretary who lived almost the entire 19th century. He recorded a first-hand account of Masonic events that took place during that time, not just from Missouri, but elsewhere as well.

The journal had been lost for nearly three quarters of a century. It contained information not known anywhere else about our Craft. Upon finding the journal, it was a "no brainer" for one of our Brothers, then a group of Brothers, to have the seminal thought that we should publish it. Eventually, that thought became a "thing." It didn't happen overnight and it didn't happen with "feelings in the mind."

It happened because over twenty people involved in the project were dedicated and put in a lot of hard work. Dedication and hard work — those, my Brothers, are the secret ingredients.

Steve Jobs, you may recall, had a lot of good ideas; and he knew how to turn those ideas into a lot of good things. I like what he said about thoughts becoming things: "Most people have a disease: they think once they've had a good idea they've done 90% of the work. Coming up with the idea is easy. Working to make it a reality is the hard part."

~SLH

Bro. Steve Harrison, 33° is 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 Worshipful Master. He is a dual member of Kearney Lodge #311, St. Joseph Missouri Valley of the Scottish Rite, Liberty York Rite, Moila Shrine and a member and Past Dean of the DeMolay Legion of Honor. Brother Harrison is a regular contributor to the Midnight Freemasons blog as well as several other Masonic publications. His latest book, Freemasons: Tales From the Craft & Freemasons at Oak Island. Both are available on amazon.com.

Interview with the Grand Master of Illinois

by Midnight Freemason Contributors:

Bro. Wayne Greenley

and 

Robert H. Johnson, PM

Anthony R. Cracco, Most Worshipful Grand Master Ancient Free & Accepted
Masons of the state of Illinois.

Quite a while ago, Bro. Wayne approached me about doing a couple of interviews, but not just any interviews. He said, "Robert, let's interview our Grand Masters, see the two messages they have." I though to myself, that's insane, these are Grand Masters, they don't have time for that sort of thing. But, we went for it anyway. Needless to say, both the Most Worshipful Grand Master of Illinois, Tony Cracco and the Most Worshipful Grand Master of Queensland, Dr Gary Bacon said "Sure!". I was stunned. So Wayne got to work with some interview questions, standard stuff really, but questions which cut to the heart of who these gents are, where they've been and to see their vision for our beloved craft. Below is the transcript of the interview with Most Worshipful Grand Master, Tony Cracco. I hope you enjoy. A special thanks goes out to GM Tony for doing this, I know how busy you are. We appreciate it immensely. Laid out here are seven questions and seven answers...

1. When were you first initiated?

GM Tony: I was initiated as an Entered Apprentice in November 1990.

2. Why did you become a Freemason?

GM Tony: I sought out Masonry as an opportunity to provide greater guidance to my life (including getting access to gentlemen who could provide wise counsel and direction), an opportunity to make lifelong friends, and a desire to give back to the people and community around me.

3. What does Freemasonry mean to you?

GM Tony: Our Gentle Craft provides the foundation to help quality men acquire genuine fraternal relationships as Brothers and friends. The knowledge acquired through the study of our Masonic history, the Ritual and other instructional material makes us different in a good way; by incorporating the wisdom of the ages into our daily lives, we can’t help but grow and develop into better men. Also, the ability through the several charitable efforts of our ancient and honorable fraternity to ‘relieve the suffering of others’ is a part of the timeless commitment that we have as Masons both towards our Masonic Family and the broader community.

4. What are your favorite memories being in the lodge?

GM Tony: As both a past Certified Lodge Instructor and Grand Lecturer, the excellent display of our degree work and other ceremonies that make a lasting impression are amongst my favorite. Our unique methods of instruction that have gone significantly unchanged for centuries is beautiful to watch and participate in. Basically, passing on Masonry to new Brothers and reconnecting with old friends through the many lodge activities will continue to be highlights of my experience as a Brother of our wonderful fraternity.
5. If you could go back in time and witness any Masonic event, what would you choose?

GM Tony: I would choose the laying of the cornerstone for the United States Capital. At such a historic event, to stand with Brothers like George Washington and the many shapers of our current way of life in America would be an exceptional experience. To experience firsthand the wisdom of these men acquired in part by their experience in Masonry would have been a genuine honor. As Masons, they promoted the many new freedoms that shape our country today. That time in our Masonic history in this country was a time of pride, visibility in the public and living daily the commitments made in our Masonic obligations.

6. How much of a difference do you feel you have made to (your jurisdictions) Freemasonry?

GM Tony: As Grand Master of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Illinois, it has been a privilege to serve our Illinois Masonic Family and the communities throughout the state that we positively impact. Like leaders of other large organizations, it takes a team of people to drive the success of our business and fraternal affairs in the state. By selecting talented Brothers, staff and volunteers to work on our several projects and operations, I’ve made a difference. By visiting lodges to promote the genuine care that we have for our Gentle Craft that has done so much for me and sharing that passion has inspired the positive actions of others. Through a continued reminder of the fundamental Commitment to one another as Brothers and the promotion of Civil behaviors has reconnected our jurisdiction to the more fundamental components of Masonry. Next, I continue to advocate the balance in both written and verbal communications about the elements of our fraternity that are timeless while similarly challenging us to translate our significant Masonic value to the current age through new communication mediums like video and Social Media. From this last point, we are seeing a positive response from our current Brothers and new men showing interest in Illinois Masonry.

7. What is your message to future Brothers?

GM Tony: Masonry is a time tested and honorable way of life. Though centuries old, our fraternity has demonstrated a flexibility to deliver clear value to the Brothers across those many years. Through our ancient and honorable fraternity, you will find unique fraternal relationships and have several opportunities to experience genuine fellowship. You will grow and develop as a man and Mason through the active study and teaching of the ‘wisdom of the ages’ which is part of our Stewardship to convey. You will join with like-minded men of various backgrounds to serve one another and the people around you through several opportunities to make a difference and contribute; fundamentally, to just Care for others. Overall, Masonry champions what is best in human behavior in how to live harmoniously and provides the means for passing along our Gentle Craft to future generations. Take good care of our timeless institution and translate its value into messages that your future generations will understand.

Well, there you have it. I hope you enjoyed. I'll have Wayne's interview with his Grand Master in another piece coming soon. Wayne scored an audio version as well and we will feature it on the "Whence Came You? Masonic Podcast. Many thanks to all who contributed to get these special couple of pieces done, especially to the Grand Masters and of course, our Aussie correspondent, Bro Greenley!

~WG & RHJ

Bro. Wayne Greenley is member of Mount Pleasant Lodge No. 361 and research lodge Barron Barnett Lodge No 146 both holding under the United Grand Lodge of Queensland. Currently he is studying a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and a Bachelor of Business at QUT. In his spare time he likes to read, listen to music and research the Craft. He is looking forward to joining other orders when he’s permitted to in the next year and also to soon begin his journey through the progression of officers starting off with the Inner Guard.

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 Education officer 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.

Freemasonry In Comic Books - Revisit

by Midnight Freemasons Contributor

Bro. Robert H.  Johnson 

Editors Note - Originally I wrote this piece for the Midnight Freemasons about four years ago. Wow, how time flies. I was reading another edition of The League of Extraordinary Gentleman recently and I though about this piece. I thought I'd share it again, now that so many comic movies are coming out and the Fraternity get so much more play in the pop culture scene today. Enjoy!

In the recent pop culture explosion and success of comic books and movies that bring in millions, I am reminded of an English writer who brought some wild, controversial and downright odd stories to paper…and eventually into the movie theater.

Alan Moore, is the one who gave you the movie From Hell, The League of Extraordinary Gentleman, V for Vendetta and most recently The Watchmen. Moore is not a Freemason, but he does study occultism--I know the term sounds strange, but let’s just remember that occult means secret.

Captain Nemo, and those awesome doors! (A scene from the
movie, The League of Extraordinary Gentleman)

Alan Moore has given some insane story lines in his comics and stories many of which keep the mysteries of Freemasonry alive. Take the League of Extraordinarygentleman for instance; the comic series is littered with the jewels of a Fellowcraft and Master Mason. In fact in my count in the first book in the series, there are at twenty-one drawings of the square and compass in various forms. Not disguised either.

Check these books out if your into graphic novels, they are a good read, but mind you, there is extreme subject matter, nudity, violence, drug paraphernalia, and other adult themes. Read at your own risk and let me know how many Masonic things you can find.

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 Education officer 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.

Brothers Without Borders

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

Bro. Wayne Greenley

*Editors Note When any one of the amazing contributors decides to mention me, I feel an obligation to preface the article, mostly because I'm perhaps self conscious about it. I feel it necessary to make it known that whatever praises I receive are literally reflections of the success of those making note. It is impossible to do what any of us have done without the actions and support of our friends and Brothers. Wayne starts his piece with an over-the-top complimentary stance on my character, and I can assure you, I'm absolutely humbled by it. He continues on into what can only be described as  1 out of a thousand testaments to the brotherhood this Fraternity promulgates  In his closing statement, I can only say that the feeling is mutual. We are truly Brothers without Borders. We all can be... Read on.

See that bloke pictured up above? He, ladies and gentlemen is Worshipful Brother Robert Johnson. One of the most intellectual, generous, genuine, kind, polite (I’m running out of adjectives) down to earth blokes I have ever met. As Robert is the editor of the Midnight Freemasons, I’m wondering how much of the previous sentence he’s left in.

I’ll just mention right now that haven’t written this article so far to flatter Robert.

I first contacted Robert on July 2012 via email (two and a half years before I was initiated.) I was just after some information regarding Freemasonry after I’d listened to his podcast ‘Whence Came You’. The next day he kindly responded to my queries. Two years later I contacted him again to let him know I was petitioning to become a Freemason and since then we’ve been in close contact, we’ve even on occasion sent each other gift parcels. Now one of the things, I believe, that makes our friendship special is that Robert lives in state of Illinois in America, where as I live in the state of Queensland in Australia. Not only do we not live in the same country, we don’t even live in the same hemisphere. Yet ignoring that barrier, through the spirit of our fraternity we are Brothers.

I believe in our fraternity that we are brothers without borders, I’ve heard so many stories of brothers going abroad, meeting fine masons and given warm hospitality at lodge. Some of those friendships last a lifetime I hear. That’s only on the proviso that you travel internationally or an international brother visits your lodge. For some lodges that isn’t a regular occurrence, especially for country town lodges. But what if there was a way for Brothers to meet other Brothers from different jurisdictions?

Social websites do create this, however it’s not a hundred percent safe. Some men could pose as regular masons when they are actually clandestine. I propose we create an online social network system just for Freemasons. Grand Lodge of each jurisdiction would be the only ones who to admit masons into this system, ensuring you’d only be talking to brothers in good standing. Brothers from all over the world, all you’d just need is a computer and maybe Google Translate. You could literally have masonic pen-pals all around the world, I think our elder brothers might appreciate that.

The friendship I have with Robert is unique and special to me. I can honestly say my masonic journey so far has been more enlightened than had it been if he weren’t there.

~WG

Brother Wayne Greenley is member of Mount Pleasant Lodge No. 361 and research lodge Barron Barnett Lodge No 146 both holding under the United Grand Lodge of Queensland. Currently he is studying a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and a Bachelor of Business at QUT. In his spare time he likes to read, listen to music and research the Craft. He is looking forward to joining other orders when he’s permitted to in the next year and also to soon begin his journey through the progression of officers starting off with the Inner Guard.