That Ashlar Ain't Going To Chip Itself: Part 2

by Midnight Freemasons Founder

Todd E. Creason

I emphasized in Part 1 how important it is for Freemasons to take the responsibility of educating themselves about Freemasonry seriously, and then sharing what they've learned with the Brethren.  But there's an even more important aspect to this education and research than just studying the subject of Freemasonry.  You know, they're called working tools for a reason.  If you want to accomplish anything, you have to use the tools yourself.  Apply them.  As my pastor would undoubtedly tell you, there's a big difference between studying the contents of the Holy Bible and applying what you find in the Holy Bible to your daily life--one is the study of theology, and the other is the application of faith.

That's the same thing we're talking about here.  When many of us joined this Fraternity, we did so with a desire to improve ourselves.  However, improvement doesn't come from filling our heads with arcane facts and information.  The improvement comes from actually applying the things we're learning.  Learning how to improve our character.  Learning how to improve the way we interact with others.  Learning to improve our moral character and living a virtuous life.  Learning how to improve the world around us.  Learning how to help those in need. 

But in order to be successful at this, we have to take a very honest inventory, and make a very detailed inspection of ourselves and our character.  Just like the operative masons did when they worked in stone, we have to find those imperfections, and the places that could use a little work, and apply those tools as necessary.  That's not an easy thing for some of us to do.  It's much easier to see the faults in others than to see the flaws in ourselves.  Honest self-reflection is something that takes great courage and great wisdom to be able to accomplish.  In order to improve ourselves we have to take a very long and honest look at the man in the mirror.

Ben Franklin had a system for doing this, and it became a habit he continued throughout his entire lifetime.  He identified 13 virtues he wanted to constantly improve himself on.  He kept track in a small book he carried with him how he did on each of those 13 virtues every day.  And each week, he selected one of those virtues to work on in particular. As remarkable a man as he is remembered as being, and as accomplished as he was in so many things, he never stopped working at trying to improve himself each and every day.

Freemasonry isn't a social club, although there is and always has been a social aspect to it.  If you joined for a ring and a bumper sticker, you're probably not going to understand what I'm talking about.  First and foremost, a Masonic Lodge is supposed to be a place of enlightenment.  It's supposed to be a place of learning--learning to improve ourselves, learning to better our character, learning to become better community leaders, better husbands, better fathers.  It's a place where men go and learn both from the wealth of knowledge Masons have accumulated over hundreds of years, but also from each other.  In too many places, this has been forgotten.  However, in many others, we're beginning to remember this again and the true purpose of Masonry, the self-improvement aspect of the Craft, is beginning to take root again. 

I encourage you to dive into all that Masonry has to offer.  Some of that knowledge you'll find in your Lodge.  Some of it in the library.  Some of it in the many wonderful research organizations out there for you to join and from the wealth of knowledge put out in the numerous publications this Fraternity has available.  There is so much there, you'll never be able to learn everything there is to know about Freemasonry in a lifetime.  But the study and application of even the most basic rudiments of our Craft will improve your life in immeasurable ways. 

You'll see those benefits once you begin, and it will drive you to continue to learn all you can.

~TEC

Todd E. Creason, 33°, FMLR is the Founder of the Midnight Freemasons blog and is a regular contributor.  He is the award winning 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 the Worshipful Master of Homer Lodge No. 199 and a Past Master of Ogden Lodge No. 754, where is currently serves as Secretary.  He is the Sovereign Master of the Eastern Illinois Council No. 356 Allied Masonic Degrees.  He is a Fellow at the Missouri Lodge of Research. (FMLR) and a charter member of a new Illinois Royal Arch Chapter, Admiration Chapter U.D.  You can contact him at: webmaster@toddcreason.org

Past Master & Widow's Night

by Midnight Freemason Guest Contributor

WB Scott Dueball

Prior to being elected to serve in the East, I had known that I wanted to bring back the Past Master's and Widows Banquet. I have been a Mason all over the country and have seen the value that events like this provide to a lodge and its members. Like many, my lodge had become consumed with the minutes, communications and degrees and had lost sight of the responsibility we have to care for our widows. In the midst of our other duties, we had forgotten that solemn obligation that we have to the families of our Brethren especially after their passing. In addition, we had forgotten to recognize the devotion of the Past Masters who continually work to support the lodge.

What I will lay out is a plan that is both simple and impactful. My approach began with a theme. Having a theme helps to focus your message. Mine was "Lifetime of Service". That obviously describes the Past Masters but also speaks to the sacrifices that their ladies and our widows have made. This theme of service was woven into the presentations and recognition handed out. The theme was expressed through the favors that everyone took home to commemorate the evening: cannons used in our round of toasts.

Moving beyond the theme, I was looking for a way to add value for our widows. What would make the evening worthwhile? How can I re-establish a connection between the lodge and these ladies? It starts with communication. Not all widows want to be contacted. Our widows committee reached out and created a list of those who wished to be contacted by the lodge. From there, we made classy invitations on cardstock. Each of the widows received a handwritten note expressing that we would cover the cost of their meal. We stated that even if they could not attend we are here if they ever needed anything.

The Grand Lodge of Illinois has a number of social services available to its members. We have a programs that provide financial assistance, medical or dental assistance. Many of these programs cover our widows and orphans. We have social and healthcare workers who can direct us to all sorts of support. Unfortunately, I doubt that our ladies know that. we wrote to the individuals representing each of these programs who were more than thrilled to provide our widows with brochures, letters, and pamphlets. I typed up a quick note to the ladies with some upcoming dates and our contact info. It was important that at the end of the day, at least they know they can call us if they need anything. Lastly, I wrote to our Grand Master and asked if he would write a few words to our PMs and Widows expressing gratitude. All of these items were clipped together and handed out at the conclusion of the evening.

In the end, the event was a roaring success. Each of the widows spoke to me and felt the value that we had worked to provide. They asked when the next event they could attend would be and how they could participate in the work we were doing as an organization. Its difficult to articulate what that meant to me. I left feeling fulfilled. My advice is to remember who the event are for. Stay focused on the widow's needs and make sure to clearly state the appreciation you have for the Past Masters.

~SD

WB Scott Dueball is the Worshipful Master of D.C. Cregier Lodge No. 81 in Wheeling, IL and holds a dual membership in Denver Lodge No. 5 in Denver, CO. He currently serves the 2nd Northeast District of the Grand Lodge of Illinois as the Education Officer and a Co-Manager of the WheelingFreemasons page. Scott is also a member of the Palatine York Rite bodies and the Valley of Chicago A.A.S.R.-N.M.J. He is passionate about the development of young masons, strategy and visioning for Lodges. He can be reached at scott@wheelingfreemasons.org ​

Southern Hospitality

By Midnight Freemason Contributor

WB Gregory J. Knott

During a recent visit to New Orleans, I had the privilege of attending a third degree at Perfect Union No. 1.  Perfect Union is the oldest lodge in Louisiana.  According to some research I did, Perfect Union was chartered March 30, 1794 by the Grand Lodge of South Carolina, as Parfaite Union No. 29.  It’s work, was originally conducted in French and later in English, later it came under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Louisiana after the grand lodge formation.

My friend, brother Michael Poll, owner of Cornerstone Publishing and the Editor of the Journal of the Masonic Society, picked me up and gave me a quick tour of downtown New Orleans.  We drove by the former grand lodge building, which is now a Hilton Hotel and other buildings with a masonic connection.   I inquired, about the damage done by hurricane Katrina a few years back and Mike was able to describe the devastation the entire region suffered.  Many of the areas have come back and others have not.

We arrived at Perfect Union Lodge, which meets in the lodge building of Germania Lodge No. 46, as do several other masonic lodges.  This lodge building suffered damage as a result of Katrina, and has been restored and updated.   The ground level is a dining room and the lodge room is on the upper level.

Wonderful smells were flowing out of the kitchen as we entered the dining room, and as I expected, the brethren were serving a traditional southern dish of red beans and rice.   Though I had never meet any of these brethren prior (other than Mike and his two sons), I was greeted like an old friend.   The food and conversation was fantastic.

This being my first visit to Perfect Union, I met with an investigation committee so that I might be properly examined and thus proving myself to be a Master Mason.  

Upon entering the lodge room on the second floor, I immediately noticed some differences to the lodge rooms I am familiar with in Illinois.  In particular, the secretary and the treasurer desks appeared to be backwards.  Each desk had a symbol on the front of that particular office, and this is how I knew they appeared to be reversed.   But this is one of the unique differences of freemasonry in Louisiana.  

There are a number of lodges, that work under the Scottish Rite blue lodge ritual.   These lodges, were formed prior to the adoption of the current Louisiana Blue Lodge ritual and were permitted to keep their historical rituals.  Thus, some of the officer stations, are in different locations than in what is referred to locally, in the York Rite lodges.  Perfect Union Lodge, works the current Louisiana ritual and the third degree that I was to see, would be conducted in this manner.   

One of the unique artifacts in the lodge, was a statue of King Solomon.   This statue used to be on the grand lodge building in downtown New Orleans, but was removed and kept after this building was sold.  I have never seen anything quite like it.

The candidate being raised that night, was the nephew of the DDGM.    Brother Poll and his sons were all members of the degree cast.  Present in the room were a Past Grand Master of Louisiana, and DDGM’s from several neighboring districts. 

The work differed from the Illinois ritual I am accustomed to, yet the words were familiar.   The degree was performed with great precision and the candidate was raised in due form.

Visiting other lodges and jurisdictions, is truly one of the greatest privileges of being a freemason.  If you are taking a business trip or a vacation, I encourage you to see if there is a local lodge that may be meeting.   You will make new friends, and enjoy the fraternal comradery that our great organization is founded upon.

My thanks to Brother Poll and the other brothers of Perfect Union Lodge No. 1, for allowing me to visit and witness a third degree.

~GJK

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), Homer Lodge No. 199 (IL) and Naval Lodge No. 4 in Washington, DC.  

That Ashlar Ain't Going To Chip Itself: Part 1

by Midnight Freemasons Founder

Todd E. Creason

I often hear grumbling from new Masons that education is not being provided in their lodges.  Sadly, that's true in a great many places today.  In fact, I was disappointed myself when I became a Master Mason and found the same thing true.  I expected that what I had learned going through my degrees would be further explained and expanded upon.  That wasn't the case.  I joined the York Rite and found the same thing true.  I joined the Scottish Rite and found the same thing true.  It seemed to me that beyond the degrees, all those bodies at that time were offering their members were business meetings, long on business and completely devoid of any educational aspects. 

However, it does no good to grumble about it and try and push your Lodge into doing education.  The truth of the matter is that in many places, it's not that these bodies won't do education--it's because they can't.  It's been so long since education has been a part of that culture that many in leadership of these bodies have never learned anything beyond what is contained within those degrees, and the ritual itself.  There are no Masonic scholars or teachers there! 

So what I'm encouraging you to do, is to do the same thing I did.  Educate yourself!  There is no shortage of material.  There are libraries in many Lodges--sadly many unused, but on the bright side, you'll have the place to yourself.  Many of the terrific books on Freemasonry are available at Barnes & Noble or can be ordered from Amazon.  There are vast resources available through Masonic research organizations.  See if your state has a Lodge of Research.  There are great resources available like the Library at the House of the Temple with extremely knowledgable individuals like my friend Arturo de Hoyos there to assist you with your research topics.  The more you explore the topics of Freemasonry, and the more you network, the more like-minded people you're going to encounter--Masons interested in bringing education back to Freemasonry. 

Take personal responsibility for your education, and begin learning and researching.  And then share what you're learning!  Be the change!  You be the one to bring that education back to your Lodge, to your Valley, to your Chapter.  Travel to other Lodges.  Speak.  Write.  Network with Brothers that share your interests.

That's what I've tried to do.  And along the way I've run into a lot of Masons wanting to do the same thing--that's how this blog the Midnight Freemasons got started.  I started pushing out pieces back in about 2006 or 2007, and then a few years ago I got the idea to turn it into a contributor blog--then there were two of us, then six, then ten, and now 12 (there have been as many as 14 Midnight Freemasons)--and I couldn't even guess at this point how many guest contributors we've had over the last few years, and how many more we've got coming.  Our Editor Robert Johnson has the Whence Came You? Podcast.  He's was also instrumental in creating and being a member of The Masonic Roundtable podcast.  Just about all of the Midnight Freemasons have expanded into their own education projects.  It's an amazing thing to see--the remarkable research that's being shared, and the creative ways that it is being done. 

Fellow Midnight Freemason Greg Knott and I are very passionate about this subject, and have pushed hard on this topic for many years.  And we've had great success at it.  We've put together presentations, videos, and written numerous articles.  As a result of our efforts, we've run across many other Brothers wanting to do the same thing, and they've helped us put together a new High 12 Club that meets each month--simple format, we have a meal in a local restaurant, and we have a speaker that teaches our members something new.  And these Masons we've linked up with helped put together a new Royal Arch Chapter of the York Rite, Admiration Chapter, with a focus on Masonic education.  Not even chartered yet, Admiration Chapter is already experiencing tremendous interest, and is already growing rapidly.

As I wrote in my first book, Freemasonry has always attracted industrious men.  If you want education in your Lodge, and if you're reading this blog there is a good indication that you do, then don't wait for somebody else to do it.  Take your education upon yourself, seek out others with those same interests, network with knowledgeable people within the Fraternity to assist you with finding materials relevant to your research interests.  And when you feel comfortable that you've become knowledgeable enough to do so, by all means share it! 

I'll tell you from experience--there are no limits to what you can accomplish in this Fraternity if you're willing to apply yourself.  As you work on improving yourself through this process of learning, you'll be able to help improve others as well.  And I think you'll discover as I have, that there is nothing more satisfying.

~TEC

Todd E. Creason, 33°, FMLR is the Founder of the Midnight Freemasons blog and is a regular contributor.  He is the award winning 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 the Worshipful Master of Homer Lodge No. 199 and a Past Master of Ogden Lodge No. 754, where is currently serves as Secretary.  He is the Sovereign Master of the Eastern Illinois Council No. 356 Allied Masonic Degrees.  He is a Fellow at the Missouri Lodge of Research. (FMLR) and a charter member of a new Illinois Royal Arch Chapter, Admiration Chapter U.D.  You can contact him at: webmaster@toddcreason.org