vellum Maximum

Freemason Cornelius Hedges

2008-05-21T20:49:00.000-07:00

"Father" of Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone Park, the first of the National Parks, was created at the suggestion of Freemason Cornelius Hedges, later Grand Secretary of Montana, as a national park "for the benefit and enjoyment of all the people." Yellowstone National Park is located mostly in the state of Wyoming, though it also extends into Montana and Idaho. Approximately 96% of the land area is located within the state of Wyoming. Another 3% is within Montana, with the remaining 1% in Idaho.

Established in 1872 it spans an area of 3,472 square miles and is home to a large variety of wildlife including grizzly bears, wolves, bison, and elk. Preserved within Yellowstone National Park are Old Faithful and a collection of the world's most extraordinary geysers and hot springs, and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.

CORNELIUS HEDGES was born in Westfield, Mass., October 28, 1831 and died in Helena, Mont., April 29, 1907. A member of the 1870 party led by Henry D. Washburn, (surveyor-general of the Montana territory) the explorers credited with "discovering" Yellowstone, Hedges was the main proponent of the idea of reserving the Yellowstone region in the public interest. He entered the Harvard Law School and graduated in 1855, and that same year he was admitted to the practice of law in the courts of Massachusetts.

Hedges was active in Montana Masonic affairs and was the first Master of Helena Lodge No. 3 in 1865 and 1866. Also an elder in the Presbyterian Church, he established a public library, and was an editorial writer for the Helena Herald. He was coming along, but life was not yet easy. His diary indicates that the Yellowstone trip cost him $280, and that he was uneasy about the expense.

It has been stated that the national park idea was a direct outgrowth of a suggestion made by Cornelius Hedges beside a campfire at Madison Junction on the evening of September 19, 1870. There is no reason to doubt that he advanced a proposal for the reservation of the area so that it would be held for the public good rather than for private aggrandizement. In that, however, he was only restating a proposal he had heard Acting Territorial Governor Thomas Francis Meagher make in October 1865.

Undoubtedly, Hedges' comrades recognized his proposal as a restatement of an idea that had surfaced twice before. Thus, Hedges' contribution lay not in a novel suggestion, but in that series of fine articles, so descriptive of the Yellowstone region, which he contributed to the Helena Herald on his return. He was a reporter, and it speaks well for his basic honesty that he never personally claimed to have originated the idea - only that "I first suggested the uniting of all our efforts to get it made a National Park, little dreaming that such a thing were possible."

Following his return from the Yellowstone trip, Hedges continued in the quiet, constructive way of life so typical of him. President Grant commissioned him U.S. Attorney for Montana Territory on March 3, 1871, and he became active in the Montana Historical Society in 1873. He was Superintendent of Public Instruction for Montana from January 27, 1872, to January 15, 1878, and again from February 22, 1883, to March 17, 1885, most of that time having judicial duties also. Hedges was probate judge of the court at Helena from 1875 to 1880, and from 1880 to 1887 he was the Supreme Court reporter. In 1884, Hedges was a member of the Constitutional Convention for statehood, and in 1889 he became the first Montanan elected to the State Senate from Lewis and Clark County.

His late years were spent almost entirely in the service of the Masonic Order, in which he held high and influential offices. There is a Cornelius Hedges Royal Arch Chapter #32 in Montana.

...

sent via email by and posted for Comp. Allan Miller.

Agnostics and Freemasonry

2008-05-03T05:19:00.000-07:00

by RmOlano
Sequoia Council No. 228 (AMD)
16May06

The following commentary is a reaction to a brother's question whether a decent and honorable man can continue to be a Mason if he became agnostic.

A question that deserves a worthy answer, my Brother and my hope is that my ramblings will somehow ease the burden of your journey to discover what you are trying to define. A Brother once claimed that he is already a Mason even before he was made a Mason. A pretty aggressive declaration but that was his opinion and nobody knows himself better than the speaker. On the surface, one could wonder how could that statement can be true if the Brother have not even stepped inside the tyled Lodge? How in the world he could identify himself to “one Brother to another, in the darkness as well as in the light” without going through the initiation, passing and raising process? My thought was that he defines a Mason not as a member of the Craft but one who practices the Lessons of Freemasonry. Those handgrips, tokens and passwords are not that important to him, it’s the deeds that count. A true Mason is a good man but a good man does not have to be a Mason. I disagree on the technicalities but agree on the substance.

Technicalities and substance might be something to consider in contemplating the contradiction of the notion the question posed. Our Craft never asked the Name of the candidate's Deity --- technical question, but as you already know that a belief in a Supreme Being is a requirement --- substance. Because in our geographical area is dominated by Christians therefore, the Volume of Sacred Law is always the Christian’s Holy Bible---technicalities as compared to essence of the concept of having a visible “rule and guide of our Faith” and again substance.

Man since time immemorial struggled to understand and seeks explanation of a notion that comes in multitude of forms, names, and adjectives. Savage wars were fought for the belief of the same Idea with different Names. Throughout the past, technicalities are often the cause of pains and miseries of human history. Despite of the trials and tribulations bisected with hardship, despite the long and winding rugged roads we mortals traveled, there is always a constant companion within us, a cane to help us, a light that beacon the wary travelers of time to take one more step to a place where we can rest. A place to unload our earthly baggage and be at peace at last.

My brother, without Faith is like sailing without rudder, without destination. Without Faith, the Search For That Which Was Lost is only an empty axiom, without meaning, without purpose. Our daily struggle to keep our badge of a Mason, the lamb skin apron to be spotless, is not for our Brethren or for the world to see, it is to be presented as a record of our life to the One with so many names and forms and for nobody else --- to the Absolute Truth, to the object of our journey.

...

Tulare Mason Lodge turns 125

2008-04-20T14:12:00.000-07:00

BY LUIS HERNANDEZ
• lhernand@visalia.gannett.com
• April 11, 2008

As they celebrate the lodge's 125 year, members are seeking to increase membership, driving it back to where it was in the 1950s when there were an estimated 350 members. Currently, there are 97 members.
And as far as Lodge Master Jack Hodge is concerned, there is no reason not to belong to his organization.
"I guarantee you: I'll give more reasons to become a Mason than you can give me not to be a Mason," he said. "We take good men and make better men out of them."
To join the local mason lodge, members must:
Be adult men.
Believe in a supreme being.
Have strong moral values.
"If you're interested in Tulare, Tulare history, the antique nature of the building [on West Tulare Avenue], it makes a very nice organization to be a part of," said Steve Presant, a 22-year lodge member.

Similar to other service clubs, the Mason's lodge seeks to contribute to the community, Hodge said.
"We promote friendship, brotherly love, relief and the truth," he said.
Among other civic-oriented project, the lodge:
Hosts as annual essay writing event promoting local education and honoring students.
Sponsors a child registration program for safety purposes.
"We're a proud organization," Hodge said. "We're proud of our heritage. We're proud of the fact we go back to the time when the temple of King Solomon was built. We have carried masonry through the ages."
And what's not to be proud about an organization that has been around for three centuries and past membership includes some prominent early Tulare
residents?
"It tells us that the things we stand for, and stood for, are good," he said. "We have weathered the storm of time and we're still in existence. There must be something that we're doing right."
Presant agreed.
"It's a good way to get involved with some good men who meet on a regular basis," Presant said.
While there is plenty to accomplish while being lodge master, Hodge said near the top of the list is membership increase.
"We are always working on membership," he said. "We would like to see new members come and take the reigns."

The Mason lodge has met uninterrupted at the Masonic Temple, 135 West Tulare Ave., for more than eight decades.

Presant, also President of Tulare Cultural Arts Foundation, said the temple, also known as the Pratt Building, is the city's oldest commercial building.
And while it previously was a rooming house and an armory and some renovations have been made, the temple is a historic building, Presant said. A large room for lodge meetings was added, but some of the original rooms still remain. The brick front is an attractive look for the two-story building.

Hanging on a second floor wall, there is a frame containing photos of former members. Reading the names and their involvement in early Tulare is like taking a trip back in time, Presant said.
"There is a lot of history here," he said.

Copyright ©2008 Visalia Times-Delta Tulare Advance-Register
Use of this site signifies your agreement to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy , updated March 2007

*** from article emailed/forwarded by Comp Allan Miller.

*** Tulare Masonic Temple--- Home of Sequoia Council No. 228 (AMD)

Message to a New Master Mason

2008-04-08T19:10:00.000-07:00

Well Done my Brother, “I congratulate you upon becoming a Master Mason and such commend you to the kind care, love and protection of all Master Masons whether dispersed, the eyes of the Fraternity are now upon you…..”

Path of a Master Mason

In your journey through the three degrees of Symbolic Masonry and as you have learned the proficiency lecture for each degree, no doubt many questions have arise concerning the meaning of the ritualistic ceremonies, the historical implication and the "why" of the legends of Freemasonry.

Many believe the Sublime Degree of Master Mason to be the ultimate degree of Freemasonry and that all others are added and explanatory. However, most students of Freemasonry agree that the story of the Craft as presented in the three degrees is incomplete.

On the union of the Grand Lodges in 1813, a part of the compact of the union read, "Ancient Craft Masonry consists of three degrees and no more, namely, those of the Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft and Master Mason including the Holy Royal Arch."

We trust that as a newly made Master Mason you have been intrigued by the lessons and mysteries of Freemasonry which you have thus far received and that you will in due time investigate those available in the York Rite of Freemasonry in order to complete your Masonic knowledge.

--adapted from Information for Master Masons, Educational Bureau, General Grand Chapter, R.A.M

I encourage you my Brother, to continue your travel, to take advantage of what is being offered, to improve yourself and seek further light in Freemasonry which unfortunately not a popular path taken by most of the Brethren once they received the “Sublime Degree of Master Mason.” There are so many questions to ask and waiting answers to be found… too few grains of sand within the hourglass to really know what we really …in search of…

...

RmOlano

08Apr08

Date of Easter

2008-03-23T07:51:00.000-07:00

sent by/posted for
Allan Miller
22Mar08

Easter is Christianity's original moveable feast, which means it is a feast or festival day that does not occur on the same day every year. It does occur on the same day - Sunday - but even that wandered in the beginning.

Originally, Easter was so closely associated with a Jewish holy day, Passover, that they were referred to by the same name: Pesach, a Hebrew word, or Pascha, the Greek equivalent.

The English name, Easter, was not applied to the Christian holiday until William Tyndale's translation of the Bible in the early 1500s.

As early as the first century, disputes arose among Christians whether to commemorate Jesus's crucifixion or his resurrection. The crucifixionists favored a fixed date, the day before Passover, 14 Nisan of the Jewish calendar, which fell on different days in different years, while the resurrectionists, including the Bishop of Rome, preferred a fixed day, Sunday, which fell on different dates in different years.

The resurrectionists gained the ascendency, in part, because St. Paul's teachings leaned heavily towards the view that Christianity rises or falls on the resurrection. In his First Letter to the Corinthians, verses 13-14, St. Paul wrote, "If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is our faith."

Eventually the matter of the date of Easter, called the Quartodeciman Controversy from the Latin word for the 14th, was settled at the Council of Nicea in 325, the same gathering of church dignitaries that composed the fundamental statement of Christian faith, the Nicene Creed; the council choose the first Sunday after the full moon on or after the vernal equinox.

Eastern and western churches have since devised their own interpretations of that formula. Eastern churches use the actual equinox and the full moon as seen from Jerusalem, while western churches decree March 21st to be the equinox and define an ecclesiastical full moon that may or may not coincide with any actual full moon.

As a result, Easter, may fall on different days for orthodox and catholic Christians, as it does this year, March 23rd in the West, and April 27th in the East - or it may fall on the same date for both traditions as it did on April 8th last year.

Orthodox Easter also invariably falls after Passover in recognition that the resurrection occurred after Passover. In the West, Easter may precede Passover by several weeks.

For Men's Only

2008-03-01T14:01:00.000-08:00

by RmOlano

1Mar08

In 1888 response to Albert Mackey's Landmarks, Albert Pike wrote that Freemasonry's "true definition is that it is a system of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols." Like defining beauty, Freemasonry can be seen, and interpreted in many ways limited only to the eyes of beholders. Some it can be a social or fraternal group, for others it can be a way of life. If we subscribed to the notion that this Craft is about social interaction then there is a merit in grouping the members according to gender. Specific or mixed does makes sense as long as nobody is forced to join a group, be it may specific or combination thereof. If men can form our own group then women should have all the rights to form their own. While “mixed company” has its merits and roadblocks, in my own myopic view, it will take time for the mainstream Freemasons to accept this format. We don’t have to look far to see the present issues the Fraternity is dealing with all-male Fraternity let alone all-female Masonic Lodges.

Although we are witnessing some progress or at least not outright refusal to acknowledge the existence of the regularity of all-female Freemasonry, it is amazing to be an eyewitness of some Brethren who albeit their position and stature within the Fraternity continue to defy the very same Tenets of the Craft. In our lecture, we are reminded that Justice is “that standard or boundary of right which enables us to render unto every man his just due, without distinction.” Without understanding justice how can we find Truth, which brings to the dilemma of the kind of Brotherly Love we practice if we are hoodwinked from the Truth?

Freemasonry does change. It was said to evolve from operative to speculative. Operative, from actual builders of magnificent edifices to memorialize human offerings to Deity to speculative---we are now erecting “temples not made by hands.” The Fraternity was also postulated to originate from all male warrior-monks---Templar nevertheless, in our contemporary times; defending ones faith is not a gender selective domain. The Degree of Master Mason was relatively “new” addition. The institution of Grand Lodge is also a change. Even the popular square and compass as Masonic emblem was a result of change. As to our Obligation, it seems strange to hold ourselves only to selected part because we abhorred a portion thereof. We all know that like all other corporeal part of the Craft, the Obligation which some of us hold so dearly is also but a symbol of the Freemasonry. Something not to be taken literally but to interpret and study it as one of the Mysteries/Lessons of the Craft.

If we see the Craft through Albert Pikes vision in 1888 that the ideal is about "building a temple not made by hands, but eternal in heaven," who in this world can claim that the notion of practicing morality and improving oneself through Freemasonry is only reserved for male gender? Who can rightfully claim that the slogan "making good men to a better man" only applies to human being classified as male? What can be used as a reference or justification that only man is allowed, "to improve himself in Masonry?"

Ms Laurel Bergren recently inquired what makes her gender be not worthy to learn the “secret” of subduing passion and improving oneself through Masonry. Is there any Justice and Truth that only male can practice the “system of morality veiled in allegories and illustrated by symbols?” Like Ms Bergren, I am waiting for someone to answer her question, “Are women any less deserving of God’s Grace?”

I commend the Brother from GLNY for a very nice exposition of the fallacy of self-induce masculine superiority complex. Having acknowledged the intrinsic advantage of women with “far greater extent than men of our species ever will have,” then in a round-about way the answer to Ms. Bergren question is obviously "No, women are not less deserving of God's Grace." Having that issue settled, we then can continue to discuss Bro/Doc Paul original article of "Why Masonry should remain a men’s club." As WB Ken noted, the crux of the dialogue is not about women joining male Masonic Lodges but facing the inquiry of why it seems strange to many Brethren to allow the opposite gender to practice a “system of morality veiled with allegories and illustrated by symbols?”To non-Masons especially to women who are reading this exchange of opinions, the hollowness of speaking about men’s task to protect and nurture that “God gift” to humanity is undeniably transparent. Anyone who views Freemasonry as a way of life will be hard pressed to defend this issue unless one would take a myopic view that Freemasonry is nothing but a “good old boy” network masquerading as fraternity.

Let us not kid ourselves that even with long years of the Craft existence, there are still members of the Craft who don’t recognize other duly made Masons because the colors of the skin, religious belief, jurisdiction territorial jealousy, and other petty excuses. Before we really start tooting our own horn, let us look deeply into our heart and ask the question---what are we really in search of? And maybe in the bowels of darkness buried deep within the crypt of cold calculating human emotion, we can find a flicker of light just enough to understand what the word “tolerance” really meant.

...

Freemasonry in California: 1950 - 1975

2008-02-20T16:00:00.000-08:00

Research and study have shown that the history of California Masonry falls into two distinct categories - the wayfarers and the seafarers. Some of the first Masons to visit this State were seafaring men, and the Charter of California Lodge No. 1 was brought aboard ship from Washington DC, via the Isthmus of Panama, and to San Francisco. The wayfaring members of the fraternity were included in every important overland emigrant party coming from the eastern states to California in the formative years of the mid 1800s. The Charter for Western Star lodge No. 2 was carried from Missouri to California in 1848.

On October 9, 1950 - The Centennial Anniversary of the Grand Lodge of California was officially celebrated during the 101st Annual Communication. The observance actually opened on April 9, 1950, the exact 100th anniversary date with a statewide radio broadcast. On the Sunday morning of the Centennial Week Observance, a tribute was held at the tomb of Freemason Thomas Starr King (1824-64), one of California's most distinguished citizens of years gone by. He was an American Unitarian minister, influential in California politics during the American Civil War. During the Civil War, he spoke zealously in favor of the Union and was credited by Abraham Lincoln with saving California from becoming a separate republic. King was twice appointed Grand Orator of the Grand Lodge. King's church and tomb in San Francisco are designated historical monuments, and two streets in the city (Starr King Way, on which the church is located, and King Street in the Mission Bay neighborhood) are named for him. There is also a statue of him in Golden Gate Park, facing JFK Drive, quite close to the De Young Museum. At the end of the first century of Grand Lodge, there were 605 Lodges and 196,800 Masons.

In 1951 - The membership passed 200,000. To assist Blue Lodges in the dissemination of Masonic information, the Grand Lodge authorized the establishment of 4 research lodges: Northern California, Southern California, El Camino, and Central California. Open to all Master Masons, the lodges can confer no degrees. In 1951 Brother Louis C. Drapeau (1885-1973) a member of Poinsettia Lodge No. 633, Ventura, served as the 86th GM, he attended Georgetown Law School in Washington DC, and as a young lawyer returned to his home in Ventura. Brother Drapeau later became a Superior Court Judge and then a member of the Court of Appeal, the first jurist from Ventura to be appointed.

On January 16, 1953 - An extraordinary event took place in the gymnasium of Alcalanes High School in Contra Costa County. In the presence of 1,140 Master Masons, the GM instituted 3 new lodges: Alcalanes Lodge, St. John's Lodge, and San Ramon Valley Lodge. At the Session GL approved the purchase of Nob Hill property for the purchase price of $740,000, this spurred plans for the Memorial Temple.

In 1953 - The official publication of the GL known as California Freemason was first printed. Initially only 20,000 copies were distributed, however, such was the success that it was soon mailed to every Master Mason of the constituent lodges.

In 1954 - The 89th GM was Henry Christian Clausen (1905-92) a native of San Francisco. He was made a Mason in Ingleside Lodge No. 630 in 1935, Master in 1939, and served as Grand Orator in 1940. From 1931-33 he had served as Assistant United States Attorney for the Northern District of California. From 1969-85 he was the Sovereign Grand Commander of the Supreme Council AASR (SJ) USA. Clausen was assigned in 1944 by the U.S. Secretary of War, to conduct one of the many investigations of the Pearl Harbor attack in 1941. In Clausen's own book about his Pearl Harbor investigation, Pearl Harbor: Final Judgement, published in 1992, shortly before his death, Clausen mentioned Freemasonry several times.

On September 19, 1956 - The cornerstone of the new temple under construction on Nob Hill was laid in due and ancient form by the GM. This temple was the first to be owned by the GL, in the past it had always been a tenant. Recognizing the longevity of many Masons, the GL adopted a 75 year veteran's button and authorized its presentation.

On September 25, 1957 - A plaque marking the site of the first public school in California was dedicated in ceremonies conducted by the GM. The plaque was placed in Portsmouth Square, San Francisco, on the exact spot where the first school building in California was erected in 1847.
In September 1958 - During the 109th Annual Communication the new California Masonic Memorial Temple was dedicated by the GM and his officers. Among the visiting dignitaries who addressed the GL, of course, was the Earl of Scarbrough, GM of the United GL of England. He presented to the GL of California a silver and crystal ink stand made in 1783, during the reign of King George III, to be used by each of the future GMs of California Masons.

On May 13, 1961 - The GL convened in Sacramento, for the purpose of relaying the cornerstone of the State Capitol. Almost 100 years ago to the day in 1861. A week later a Masonic plaque was dedicated at the Burbank Memorial Gardens at Santa Rosa. Brother Luther Burbank (1849-1926) a member of Santa Rosa Lodge No. 57 had gained worldwide fame as a horticulturist, and on his death, his gardens were established as a memorial.

In 1964 - The California fraternity had a membership of 244,499 Master Masons and 707 lodges. Today some 44 years later in 2008 there are 68,287 members and 348 lodges.

On October 12, 1966 - An important milestone was reached when the GM officiated at the mortgage burning ceremony to mark the retirement of the indebtedness of the GL Temple.

On June 25, 1967 - The Grand Master and Grand Secretary attended the 250th Anniversary celebration of the United Grand Lodge of England in London. At the banquet the GM of California presented the retiring GM of UGLE, the Rt. Hon. 11th Earl of Scarbrough, with a beautiful clock, handmade of redwood burl. On June 27, the new GM of UGLE, HRH Prince Edward The Duke of Kent was installed at a special communication at the Royal Albert Hall in London, when 7,000 Masons attended.

On April 19, 1968 - The cornerstone of Chico High School was laid. It was discovered 5 days later that perhaps for the first time in GL history the stone and capsule had been stolen. A few days later the cornerstone and capsule with a few items missing, were recovered.

On November 17, 1968 - In the Los Angeles Sports Arena, the Inspectors of the Fifth Division hosted a reception for the GM unlike any event held before. They named it 'The First All Masonic Family Reception for the Grand Master' and there were more than 13,000 in attendance.

On June 1, 1969 - The GL was invited to lay the cornerstone of the new addition to the Shriners' Hospital for Crippled Children in San Francisco. The Imperial Potentate and other members of the Divan were present.

On August 18, 1973 - The GL was invited to lay the cornerstone of the new and completed Home for Children in Covina. Brother Ralph H. Head (of Santa Barbara), a Board Member, acted as Master of Ceremonies.

In October, 1973 - The first open installation of a GM along with other Grand Officers of the Grand Lodge was held.

On June 30, 1974 - The total membership of the jurisdiction was 220,337, and that as a result of consolidations there were 32 fewer constituent lodges.

In November, 1974 - California Lodge No. 1 in San Francisco celebrated its 125th anniversary.

On February 21, 1975 - The GM issued a proclamation calling for the observation of the 125th anniversary of Grand Lodge by every constituent lodge. The GM directed that a portion of the address be read at the April 1975 stated meeting of each lodge in this jurisdiction and printed in lodge bulletins where possible.

Freemasonry in California will be determined by what Masons do today, tomorrow and in the years that follow.

*** sent via email by Comp Allan Miller, Secretary.

Early Royal Arch & Cryptic Degrees in America

2008-01-30T16:01:00.000-08:00

Freemasonry in the United States of America has an unusual early history. Imported from Europe - England, Ireland, Scotland, France, and Germany - it quickly became one of the most important colonial organizations. It remained an exclusive organization through the revolution, and began expanding its membership base into the middle class.

Masonic historians have safely set 1730 as the date of the beginning of American Masonry. Whatever Masonic meetings may have been held before 1730 they were not recorded. Although activity after 1730 rapidly increased and is documented. Traveling British military Lodges spread Masonry through much of North America as they initiated civilians in towns where they were stationed.

Royal Arch

The first "high degree" to appear in America was the Royal Arch Degree first recorded in December 1753 at Fredericksburg Lodge in Virginia. The degree began to spread through the colonies.

The earliest Chapters were:

1758 - Jerusalem Chapter in Philadelphia
1769 - St. Andrew's Chapter, Boston
1790 - Cyrus Chapter, Newburyport, Mass.
1792 - A Chapter in Charleston, SC
1793 - Harmony Chapter, Philadelphia

In 1795 the first Grand Chapter was organized in Pennsylvania, and on October 24, 1797 the first national American organization was created in the General Grand Chapter of the New England States, which is today the General Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons International.

Cryptic Council

The Degrees of Royal & Select Master seem to have originated as "side degrees" available from itinerant Masonic lecturers. They are known collectively as the Cryptic Degrees, or the Cryptic Rite. The Secret Master Degree was conferred at Charleston, SC, in 1783, and the Royal Master Degree in New York City in 1804.

In 1810 the degrees became permanently associated together with the formation of Columbia Grand Council of Royal & Select Masters in NYC - even though "Grand" is in the name, the body was only local.

The earliest Councils were:

1810 - New York City
1815 - New Hampshire
1817 - Massachusetts, Virginia, Vermont
1818 - Rhode Island, Connecticut

By 1830 there were Grand Councils in 10 states. Under the influence of the well known ritualist Jeremy Ladd Cross's Chart and other monitors, the Select Master's Degree came to be viewed as the culmination of 'American Craft Masonry', even if Councils were found in only a few metropolitan areas and their degrees available to only a few. The General Grand Council of Cryptic Masons International was organized on August 23, 1890 and is the ruling body.

It all started in 1730 and the later growth of the Royal Arch and then eventually Cryptic Degrees was probably what lead to the super structure of the American York Rite system consisting of the Craft Lodge, the Royal Arch Chapter, the Royal & Select Council, and the Knight Templar Commandery.

*** posted for Ill Allan Miller. 25Jan08

Not 4 Everybody

2008-01-14T20:35:00.000-08:00

Letters and Figures
By RmOlano
21Jan06

More often than not, success is always measured in numbers. In the context of declining membership, most of the letters or articles I have seen and read were the expressions of concern of a “dying Fraternity.” Because the Order loses X number due to passing away or disinterest compared to X number of raised to Master Mason degree with its collateral result of amount of paid membership dues. This writer tends to lean in favor of the camp of those who believe in quality rather than quantity. Like many of the current members, this humble traveler will be extremely glad if more good men flock to join our Fraternity in a hope of making themselves a better man. However, reality dictates that the Craft is not the only group that offers that notion. Freemasonry does not have the monopoly of self improvement while respecting other beliefs. Our Craft will always have “competition” to the pool of good men and to dream of taking them all is just like that word---dream.

An argument could be advanced that the Fraternity was never conceived to be a large group. All the indications to limit the membership were still being practiced and observed despite of the attempt of those craved for change to adapt to modern times. It seems that adaptation means a way to reverse the downward slope of membership issue and the mathematical answer to the problem is to increase the production. Many ideas that floated around and some were actually implemented were designed to bring more individual “to participate in our privileges” as in one-day conferrals and ease off usual requirements such as writing an essay instead of “committing to memories certain parts of the lecture.” How many of us do not even pause to discard something we consider cheap, easy to replace and of little value if not outright worthless?

Men used to flock in our Fraternity because they expect that the Craft were “above” or rather, not like other organizations. The Order used to attract men who are not “ordinary” people; they may be living better than familiar folks, possess skills that are not common or engaged in a profession that pays a notch or two higher than average. The fact was that during the Golden Years of Freemasonry, members of the Fraternity were not your everyday “ordinary” men. One could ask why does “exclusive” country clubs have a year-long waiting list for membership. Despite of expensive membership fees, men who can barely play golf lined up to get in? Why? Because they expect quality; be it may in service, using real glass instead of Styrofoam cup, real sit down dinner instead of being catered by amateurs or kids, or maybe the need to be associated with people and environment that is not “ordinary.” An assembly with room full of attendees wearing open neck shirt and jeans feels different than with a gathering of people wearing coat and tie and/or tuxedo. Men who understand quality dressed up for important events, they “adorn great and important undertakings.”

This humble writer submits that our Fraternity is not for everybody and limited only to those who qualifies. Just like military or religious vocation, our Craft is NOT for general population. Not everybody can get in; there are requirements to be met such as capability to meet financial obligations, mental aptitude to tackle what are needed for the rituals, availability of time for the Craft without concern for second job, etc. The lowering of standards such as requirements to be more financially “affordable,” and taking anyone who ask without regard to the issue of “bringing honor to our ancient institution” are some of the reasons why members dropped off and some of unintended consequences of quantity approach and not to mention an unpleasant result in the coffers of those who depend on it. A Master once said that he rather have a membership roll with nine names of brothers who regularly shows up in meetings and conferrals listed than one hundred names on the roster including names of those regular nine. People showed up because they like to and not because they have to. Numbers seems irrelevant in the context of maintaining “those truly Masonic ornaments, Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth.”

...

Printed in Ventura County York Rite Bulletin May-June 2007

Masonic Emblem

2007-12-31T13:41:00.000-08:00

Letters and Figures
by RmOlano
26Dec05

“Masonry is a progressive moral system, veiled in allegories and illustrated in symbols."---Albert Pike response to Mackey's Ancient Landmarks.

The Lessons of Freemasonry are often presented through the use of representation of something close to the subjects. What the students see or hear are not to be taken literally. The system is designed to challenge our "corporeal and mental faculties to their fullest energy." And just like a good teacher, the Order will make the serious student to ---Think. Often times, we hear voices of concern regarding this method of instruction and that the Craft as a whole needs to change and adapt to the present time. In my own myopic view, we should return to the basic or more traditional way in place of the contemporary system. Quality rather than quantity. A simple question of the reasons behind the indirect way of conveying the message through the use of symbols or allegories sounds a reasonable. However, the other or direct way might take away the one feature which makes the study of Freemasonry unique. Resembling an attempt to define beauty, the meaning of symbols and allegories will depend in the eye of the beholder.

Almost everybody recognizes the Square and Compass as the popular symbol of the Fraternity. Along with All-Seeing Eye, beehive and other emblems mentioned in our lectures, the hourglass is also a symbol of the Order. To non members, the hourglass is always a primitive watch use to approximate time. And as the modern era advances from mechanical to digital age, the hourglass is relegated as a museum artifact. For Masons, the hourglass does not represent time rather; it is a symbol of life. It reminds us that we, as mortals have only limited amount of sand within the glass. As each particle passed through the portal that determines the speed of passage, one had to reflect that in spite of the accomplishments, accolades and future hopes, those sands will continue to pour regardless. And when the last grain falls out, then life as we know it in this world will be over. The hourglass represents man's limitations of his mortal existence. It is an emblem of Life not of Time since the former is finite while the latter will always outlive and consistently beyond the reach of our mortal life.

In this short Lesson of Freemasonry I hope to convey that in the study of our Craft which you are so interested, one should be really careful on what you read or see for they could mean something else. Veiled in allegories and illustrated in symbols. Not because we don’t understand things meant it is wrong or in need of change. If I am be allowed to whisper a soft counsel to brother ears---don’t be frustrated since a number of our own brethren who joined the Craft for their own personal ambitions do not even ask half of your own questions. For further reading: Masonic Symbols.

*** *** *** HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL *** *** ***

...

Printed in The California Encompasser (The official publication of Grand York Rite Bodies of California) March 2006.

About Philippine Masonic History

2007-12-16T12:04:00.000-08:00

RmOlano
16Dec07

“Originally attached to the Grand Lodge of Spain - the Philippine archipelago is a former colony of Spain - the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of The Philippines became autonomous on 19 December 1912.”

I thank the WB for his research however, allow me to adjust his article and hopefully fill in some void in between. The Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippines (GLP) was NEVER been “attached to the Grand Lodge of Spain.” In order to make a balance presentation, the following materials were taken from history pages of two Lodges under the GLP, an equal number from Independent Grand Lodge of the Philippine Islands (IGLPI) and a Lodge under Gran Logia Nacional de Filipinas (GLNF). Furthermore, a short quote from official statements from both Grand Lodges:

First from GLP:

“Logia Isarog No. 378 in Nueva Caceres remained under the jurisdiction of the Gran Oriente de Francia until the early part of 1915. On September 16, 1915, Logia Isarog No. 378 was constituted as Logia ISAROG No. 376 under the Gran Logia Regional de Filipinas (Grand Regional Council) under the Gran Oriente Español. In spite of the protest made by the Regional Grand Lodge, the Mother Lodge of England and the Grand Lodges in the world maintained the legitimacy of the Grand Lodge of the Philippine Islands. In order to prevent disharmony and discord between the Spanish speaking and English speaking Lodges, the lodges then existing under the Regional Grand Council were fused or unified with Grand Lodge of the Philippine Islands." History of Isarog Lodge No. 33, F&AM.

“On February 14, 1917, as a result of the fusion of the lodges in the Philippines, and in part due to the changed political climate, SILANGANAN LODGE NO. 305 under the GRAN ORIENTE ESPANOL became SILANGANAN LODGE NO. 19, under the jurisdiction of the GRAND LODGE OF FREE & ACCEPTED MASONS OF THE PHILIPPINES, MW W. H. Taylor, the Grand Master, presiding.” Silanganan Lodge No. 19 History.

Second from IGLPI:

“Cavite Lodge was constituted in 1902 under the Grand Lodge of California. Later it joined other 2 Lodges in the Philippines to form the Grand Lodge of the Philippine Islands. Later it was joined by other 27 Filipino based lodges under the Grand Logia Regional de Filipinas of the Grand Oriente Espanol in 1917. On September 10, 2007, it joined the other ancient, very old, and old lodges to form the Independent Grand Lodge of the Philippine Islands (IGLPI)." Cavite Lodge No. 2 History.

"When the 29 Lodges under the Gran Oriente Espanol, two under the Grand Lodge of Scotland, two under the Grande Oriente de Espana, one under the Grande Oriente Lusitano de Unido, and 11 under the Grand Lodge of the Philippine Islands were finally united, Bagong Buhay Lodge listed 115 Master Masons as members and after the union, it was originally agreed that a Filipino Grand Master alternates with an American Grand Master in heading the unified Grand Lodge." Rechartering and Renumbering of Bagong Buhay Lodge.

Third from Grand Lodges:

“Invariably, confusion ensued. The Americans kept membership in their lodges to themselves; the Filipinos clamored for recognition, until, finally, the three American lodges that were chartered under the constitution of the Grand Lodge of California sought dispensation from their Mother Grand Lodge to form their own and thus established in 1912 what came to be the Grand Lodge of the Philippine Islands. Their respective Lodge numbers were also changed and became Manila Lodge No. 1, Cavite Lodge No. 2 and Corregidor Lodge No. 3, respectively.” Brief History of Freemasonry in the Philippines (GLP).

“Our research showed that the 27 lodges under the Gran Logia Regional de Filipinas , under the Gran Oriente Espanol, BROKE OFF and AFFILIATED with the Americans - Grand Lodge of the Philippine Islands with their 10 lodges in 1917 under the reason of FUSION. When the FUSION did not happen, the lodges REVERTED back to the Gran Oriente Espanol." A History of Philippine Masonry.

Finally, a statement from Freemasons of Gran Logia Nacional de Filipinas.

“The history of masonry in the Philippines was marked, however, by a period of growth pains, when in 1912 American masons in the country formed the Grand Lodge of the Philippine Islands. This brought two Grand Lodges – the other one being the Grand Regional Lodge under Gran Oriente Espanol – face to face in the question of territory and jurisdiction.” Magdalo Lodge No. 79 History.

The history of the formation of Freemasonic bodies in the Philippines is akin to reading the history of the nation. There are so many names that can be found in both versions that in Philippine History classes one question that is always been asked --- Why there are so many Freemasons in the history books? A question not specifically related to the Philippines but also elsewhere including the history of United States of America. Freemasons can be found in both sides of the aisles standing on the checked pavement doing their civic duties in face of adversities.

For additional tool for research see: Katipunan ng mga Mason. A compilation of Filipino Freemasonry websites.

...

Peace On Earth

2007-12-05T18:05:00.000-08:00

by RmOlano
05Dec05

The following paragraph was taken from my email response to a Brother from Brazil. I pasted it in here to give the readers one of the reasons and an idea of why even a great concept such Freemasonry is facing tremendous resistance world-wide. In an article "Universal Masonry," the Past Grand Master Hahn was quoted about the notion of a better world through the influence of our Craft. The concept was grand and I support it however, the reality where the whole world would embrace the our system and live in a "Masonic world" is unfortunately will continue to be a nebulous dream:

" As one of the world oldest and largest fraternity, our Craft comes in multitude of flavors. This is the result of being a part of an "independently operated and owned" units. As you already know that there is no single world-wide governing body which could actively enforce rules or standards. Each Grand Lodge reign supreme in their own territory and no one can dispute its decisions. A Grand Lodge can declare blue as black or orange as yellow and there is nothing other Grand Lodge can do to change that decision except to withdraw its recognition. Breaking off fraternal relations and ordering individual Lodges to cease visitation and communication is not consistent in keeping harmony within the temple but at times the only way to disassociate one opinion from the other."

Even our Craft has its own problems. Peace on this earth will come when everyone living on the planet decided to bring it about. Individual governments, world organizations, religious bodies or even a concept as great as Freemasonry does not have the power to convince mankind the insanity of hurting each other. As long as man is walking on the face of this earth, man will continue to display this weakness or fault. We cannot help it simply because we are mortals and not gods. Various religious dogmas are clear about the prerequisites for entering a place with different names as Christians known it as Heaven. Depending which belief you are subscribing, the requirements could be as easy as just "believing in Him" or carrying out deadly tasks in behalf of religious order. Then there is another hard way --- by trying to live as a better man, to practice a moral science known as Freemasonry. Work not just Faith. Master Masons often heard the words "all perfect, glorious, and celestial Lodge above, where the Supreme Grand Master of the Universe forever presides." This is where my Brethren, we will find the real Peace.

*** May your days be merry and bright --- Happy Holidays ***

...

Brief Chronology of Early Freemasonry

2007-11-27T14:39:00.000-08:00

Brief Chronology of Early Freemasonry

in United Kingdom

1717 -1813

1717 - Premier Grand Lodge of England formed, the first GL in the world on 24 June 1717

1721 - First Book of Constitutions prepared by Dr. Anderson

1725 - Third degree introduced

1725 - Grand Lodge of York formed

1725 - Grand Lodge of Ireland formed, second GL

1730 - First of several exposures on Freemasonry printed in the press

1736 - Grand Lodge of Scotland formed, third GL

1741 - Royal Order of Scotland degree recorded being worked in London

1743 - First reference to a Royal Arch at Youghal in Ireland

1745 - Oldest known Royal Arch Chapter formed at Stirling in Scotland

1751 - Grand Lodge of the Antients formed

1753 - First lodge of Royal Order of Scotland formed in Scotland at Edinburgh

1753 - Oldest known Royal Arch minute recorded at Fredericksburg, VA, USA

1754 - Scottish Rite degree formed at Claremont in France

1758 - Oldest Royal Arch minute in England recorded at Bristol

1760 - Lodges began using names other than that of their meeting place

1761 - Grand Lodge of All England revived at York

1766 - Grand and Royal Arch of Jerusalem formed by the "Moderns"

1767 - Grand Lodge of Royal Order of Scotland formed at Edinburgh

1769 - Oldest known Mark minute recorded at Portsmouth in England

1770 - Oldest known Mark minute in Scotland recorded at Dumfries

1772 - Alleged date of the formation of the Grand Lodge of the Society of Masons of the Diluvian Order, or Royal Ark and Mark Mariners

1773 - "Moderns" Grand Lodge purchase property in Great Queen Street, London

1773 - Order of Jonathan & David & Jesus Christ being worked in the Netherlands

1776 - First Freemasons Hall built in Great Queen Street, London

1779 - Grand Lodge of England South of the River Trent formed

1780 - First known record of Royal Ark Mariner degree at Portsmouth, England.

1782 - First reference to the Rose Croix degree (AAR) in British Isles is found in Ireland

1788 - Royal Cumberland Freemasons' School (later the Royal Masonic Institute for Girls) formed by the "Modems"

1789 - Grand Lodge of England South of the River Trent ceased

1791 - First known record of a Grand Conclave of Knights Templar being held

1792 - Grand Lodge of All England at York ceased

1793 - First known record of the Rose Croix degree in England at Bath

1798 - Institution for Clothing and Educating the Sons of Indigent Freemasons (later the Royal Masonic Institute for Boys) formed by the "Antients"

1799 - First known record of the 'Old Mark' or Red Cross of Babylon degree at Haworth in England

1799 - Act of Parliament passed declaring all Societies to be unlawful that require members to take an oath not required by law. Freemasonry made exempt

1809 - Lodge of Promulgation formed by the "Moderns"

1810 - The "Antients" resolve that a union of the two Grand Lodges would be expedient

1811 - Lodge of Promulgation makes recommendations for combining the ceremonies and ritual of the 2 Grand Lodges (Moderns - PGLE & Antients - AGLE)

1813 - United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) formed on the 27 December 1813.

...

posted for Ill Comp Allan Miller from email dated 24Nov07 11:00AM

Questions of a Young Master Mason

2007-11-17T14:53:00.000-08:00

by RmOlano

April2006

Somebody mentioned that it is far easier to ask for answers than knowing the question. Having said that let me say that searching for truth will depend on one’s acceptance of the perceived truth. You have asked me questions that seem to seek for the official view of someone of an authority in the study of our Craft. Forgive me for warding the issue but in my humble opinion, I am not in a position to speak for the rest of the brethren or the Craft as a whole. But if you will allow me to take a portion of the real seekers within the group, I would speculate that each of us is searching for our version of Truth, be it may, the Holy Grail, Fountain of Youth, meaning of life, one’s own self and quite possibly, our own Faith.

In the Blue Lodge, we are coached to seek for the Lost Word, as we were made aware of the substitute during the course of events following the Tragedy in the Temple. If the newly raised Master Mason deciphered one of the Mysteries or Lesson in the Blue Lodge and seek further light in Masonry, in the Royal Arch Degree, a seeker will find the Real Word safely deposited in the faithful breasts of true friends. Our Mother Lodge also imparted a valuable lesson of adorning great and important undertakings. In the Council of Cryptic Masonry, deep inside the vault of secrecy, an attentive ear will hear the importance of appreciation to the labor expended during the search of that which was lost---the preservation of the Word. Hence, accepting the fact that we lost something valuable is the first step of the search (Blue Lodge), then if even one is successful in finding what was Lost (Royal Arch Degree), it is not the end of the search, it is equally important to preserve or keep the object of the search (Cryptic Degrees). Finally, the Order of Knights Templar is about defending ones belief---the squaring of the circle which might or seems to represent the paradox of our existence. The Lessons or Mysteries of Freemasonry does not end in the Blue Lodge. There are more knowledge and opportunities beyond the Symbolic degrees.

As to the other lessons of the Temple Tragedy, note that not all Fellow Crafts will receive the Word, it is only reserved for those who will be found worthy. Even repentance of wrongdoings will not save transgressors from earning their penalty—it is simply wise to avoid the unsavory and expedient ideas in the first place. Guilty by association.---stay away from the bad crowds. Wearing of white gloves and apron has the same effect of washing hands--- it is only for show and does not work therefore, no excuse. It is the internal not the external that matters.In your conclusion of the allegorical message of the Temple Tragedy, the answer will depend on how we see our search through the prism of our individual perception. Does knowing His Name is enough to gain admission to His place? Born Again Christians says all we have to do is to believe in Him--- Faith not Work. We Masons are taught to keep our apron spotless---Work not Faith. And mind you, we are not religion but we are religious. Knowing the Master’s Word will enable craftsman to expect to earn his just wages; however, he still has to work in order to receive the fruits of his labor. The mere possession of the Master’s Word is not a ticket to anyone’s salvation. Finding what was lost is not the end of the journey. An equally important question to ponder is what we mortals have to do once we find what we are looking for.

I am tempted to say that I hope I answered your query but rather I would wish that I provoked you for asking yourself for more inquiry. I am glad to meet a Brother who finds value of asking thought provoking questions--- a seeker of Truth.

...

Published in The California Encompasser, the official publication of California York Rite Bodies, Vol 21, June 2006.