freemason

The Newest Contributor!

Lakewood #601 Midnight Freemason , ,

http://www.midnightfreemasons.org/2018/07/the-newest-contributor.html

by Midnight Freemason Contributor
WB Darin A. Lahners

It is my pleasure to introduce the newest Midnight Freemason regular contributor, Michael Arce. I have only known Michael for a few months. He emailed me regarding one of my articles and we struck up a friendship. He has an extraordinary passion for the Craft which becomes apparent when speaking with him. I know that he will be a prodigious addition to the team. He is JW of St. George’s #6, Schenectady and a member of Mt. Zion #311, Troy New York. When not in Lodge, Bro. Arce is the Marketing Manager for Capital Cardiology Associates in Albany, New York. He enjoys meeting new Brothers and hearing how the Craft has enriched their lives. He can be reached at [email protected]

~DAL

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Masonic Influencers

Lakewood #601 Midnight Freemason , ,

http://www.midnightfreemasons.org/2018/07/masonic-influencers.html

by Midnight Freemasons Contributor
Bill Hosler, PM

Recently on a Masonic discussion board I found myself tagged in a post. In the post my name was included with the names of several other fellow Midnight Freemasons and other Masonic authors. The Brother tagged us as “Some of the top Masonic Influencers of Today.”

This honor put a smile on my face. Not because of the accolades but it reminded me of all those nights, not so long ago, when I was a new Mason reading books and articles written by men who influenced me. Dwight L. Smith, Allen Roberts, Claude Claudy and several other brethren. Men who had passed to the Celestial Lodge long before I ever signed my petition, who had influenced me to lay my Masonic Cornerstone in the manner that made me the man and Mason I am today.

As I advance in my Masonic life, I’ve had the opportunity to discover other Masonic writers who continue to help me advance in my knowledge, such as James Tresner, Art De Hoyos, and Mike Poll. I am also blessed to be a member of the Midnight Freemasons, who continue to influence me to expand on my own writings and to hone my craft.

While I sat there basking in the glow of my self reflection, I began to think about all the emails, private messages and comments on my posts. There have been so many kind words from Brethren, who have approached me when attending lodge. Their words gave me the realization that it is those people, who love what we do, that influence me to continue writing. I write for the men and women who keep this Fraternity alive everyday.

When I think of the men (and women) who influence me and motivate me to sit down at my keyboard, they are the folks who spend their morning drive to work, trying to memorize a certain piece of ritual for a degree they have been asked to participate in. These are men who want to do their best, not out of their own pride, but to honor the candidate who will be conducted through that degree. Chances are people will pass by him on his lunch break sitting alone in a quiet corner of his workplace, as he sits eating a sandwich. He appears like he is mumbling to himself to make sure he still remembered what he had learned on his drive to work and will finally commit the piece to memory on his way home. Tomorrow he will begin his drive with a new section as the sun rises in the east to open and govern the day.

I’m also influenced by the Masons wife who supports her husbands Masonic journey, even if she doesn’t understand it all. She says she doesn’t mind spending evenings at home alone with the kids as he attends his never ending meetings. She trusts him even when her man rushes towards the door, in response to a car horn, with only an explanation of “It’s lodge stuff” as he kisses her cheek and hurries out the door.

She probably even laughs to herself as she helps him learn all that “secret stuff” in that book he always seems to have with him. Little of it makes sense to her but she loves to encourage him in something he loves to do. She doesn’t even mind helping to cook and clean in the lodge kitchen with the other wives while the men quickly leave dirty dishes on the tables as they rush into their lodge room.

Her friends may think she’s crazy putting up with all that “Masonic stuff”, but deep in her heart she knows everything he is doing was in an attempt to be a better husband, father  and man. That’s something her friends can’t say about their husbands. I want my writings to help him on his journey for her and their family.

I am influenced by the Brother who answers his telephone at three in the morning. Who rises from his bed to help out a Brother.

I also find influence from those Brethren who help the elderly. Whether it is taking them to a doctors appointment or to the grocery store because they can’t drive anymore. Maybe even fixing a leaky roof for a man who served the Craft for many years, but due to his advanced age has trouble getting around as well as he used to.

The only payment a Brother receives as a result of their charity work is the satisfaction in seeing the smile on a widows face as she is told her heating bill has been taken care of. That relief of knowing she won’t have to spend another cold winter bundled up as the cold wind blows outside. These men, who understand the true definition of Masonic charity, influence me to keep writing even though there might be a tear in my eye as I type.

It is ultimately about the men and women who make this Fraternity work from day to day, despite being tired or weary, and who continue to make this Fraternity work,  despite the lack of new membership. They do this in spite of the people who, for their own mercenary motives, say we are going extinct, that we are devil worshippers, or even slander our good name among the profane. They know the truth of what we stand for and will continue to labor in the quarries until that day the Grand Master of the Universe tells them to lay down their working tools and enter into eternal rest.

These men are my biggest influencers. The men that despite everything; grumpy Past Masters, Grand lodge red tape, trying to serve in multiple offices whatever makes them think about walking away from Freemasonry but continues on, who doesn’t quit. Those are my biggest influencers. As long as they don’t quit and continue to be Freemasons, I will continue to write. Thank you Brethren for all you do.

~BH
WB Bill Hosler was made a Master Mason in 2002 in Three Rivers Lodge #733 in Indiana. He served as Worshipful Master in 2007 and became a member of the internet committee for Indiana’s Grand Lodge. Bill is currently a member of Roff Lodge No. 169 in Roff Oklahoma and Lebanon Lodge No. 837 in Frisco,Texas. Bill is also a member of the Valley of Fort Wayne Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite in Indiana. A typical active Freemason, Bill also served as the High Priest of Fort Wayne’s Chapter of the York Rite No. 19 and was commander of of the Fort Wayne Commandery No. 4 of the Knight Templar. During all this he also served as the webmaster and magazine editor for the Mizpah Shrine in Fort Wayne Indiana.

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Impact of War – Part 2

Lakewood #601 Midnight Freemason , ,

http://www.midnightfreemasons.org/2018/07/impact-of-war-part-2.html

by Senior Midnight Freemason Contributor
WB Gregory J. Knott

George Newbury (far right) and Shipmates aboard the USS Delaware during WW 1. Newbury was later Sovereign Grand Commander for the Scottish Rite NMJ 1965-1975. Image – Scottish Rite Masonic Museum

In part one of this series, I began to examine the impacts of the Great War (WW I) on Illinois Freemasonry (specifically the recognition issues in France) and the changes that Illinois MWGM Austin H. Scrogin was implementing as a result. [i] These changes were referenced in his annual report to the 79thannual meeting of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Illinois.

MWB Scrogin fielded many requests for Army lodges to be organized in France. Scrogin wrote, “There is so much danger involved in this that I did not feel like taking the responsibility. One of the essential entrances into Masonry is that of character. Many men who enter into the service of their country make good soldiers would not make good Masons. The uncertainties of determining the fitness of men are so apparent that there is on security against the admission of the unworthy. These army-made Masons would return to their homes and would be recognized members of the craft.”

MWB Scrogin was deeply concerned about guarding the west gate and that the standards of the craft would be weakened. This seems to be in deep contrast to the present-day Freemasonry, where nearly all who approach the west gate are admitted.

Another area that MWB Scrogin spoke was regarding the physical qualification of a mason. Tradition held that only individuals in perfect physical condition could become Freemasons. However, the impact of war had left many young soldiers with wounds that would technically by masonic code, make the ineligible for membership within the fraternity.

MWB Scrogin said, “The ‘perfect youth’ theory, still held by many grand lodges, is a relic of conditions long since outgrown. It is the internal and not the external qualifications that fit men to be Freemasons…Hundreds of thousands of young men have gone into service of their country. Many of these are under age now (21 was the minimum age in Illinois in 1918). These, the flower of our young manhood, are at the front battling for the liberty of the whole world and are the special guardians of American institutions. It is my opinion that our law should be changed as to permit those returning heroes, though maimed and torn in our defense, to apply to our lodges for admission…”

Legislation was drafted for consideration to making changes to the Illinois Masonic Code regarding physical qualifications that was later adopted.

In part 3 of this series, I will examine the German speaking lodges in Illinois.

~GJK

WB Gregory J. Knott is the Worshipful Master of Ogden Lodge No. 754 in Ogden (IL) and a plural member of St. Joseph Lodge No. 970 (IL), Homer Lodge No. 199 (IL) and Naval Lodge No. 4 in Washington, DC.

[i]Scrogin, Austin H. Proceedings of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Illinois. Vol. 79, Grand Lodge of Illinois, 1918.

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How Ben Franklin Gave St. John’s Lodge A Little Push

Lakewood #601 Midnight Freemason , ,

http://www.midnightfreemasons.org/2018/07/how-ben-franklin-gave-st-johns-lodge.html

by Midnight Freemasons Contributor
Todd E. Creason

Almost everyone knows that Benjamin Franklin was a Freemason, but not so many know the interesting way Benjamin Franklin came to join the Freemasons. 

Benjamin Franklin very much wanted to join St. John’s Lodge, but at that time, you had to be invited to join the Freemasons.  He had a difficult time getting invited to join, and he hadn’t been subtle in dropping hints that he’d like to join.  He valued many of the same values the Freemasons respected.  Much like Franklin, the Freemasons were dedicated to civic works and fellowship.  They held a nonsectarian policy about religious toleration which mirrored his own beliefs.  And without question, Franklin also saw membership as a step on the social ladder. 

In hopes of currying favor with the Freemasons, he began to publish small, favorable pieces about the Freemasons in his newspaper.  Butthat didn’t work, so he tried a slightly different tactic.  In December of 1730, he published a long article in his paper claiming to have uncovered some of the secrets of the Freemasons.  He claimed one of these secrets was that many of the so-called “secrets” were actually hoaxes.  And he claimed he would begin publishing those “secrets” in a series. 

That got their attention!

Within a couple of weeks, Benjamin Franklin was initiated into the St. John’s Lodge.  Shortly after his initiation, his newspaper printed a retraction of the article and put in its place a glowing piece about the positive influences of Freemasonry.

Brother Benjamin Franklin became a Master Mason at St. John’s Lodge in Philadelphia in 1731. 

~TEC

originally published 12/16/13

Todd E. Creason, 33° is the founder of the Midnight Freemasons blog and continues to be a regular contributor. He is the author of several books and novels, including the Famous American Freemasons series. He is member of Homer Lodge No. 199, and a Past Master of Ogden Lodge No. 754 (IL). He is a member the Scottish Rite Valley of Danville, the York Rite Bodies of Champaign/Urbana (IL), the Ansar Shrine (IL), Eastern Illinois Council No. 356 Allied Masonic Degrees, and Charter President of the Illini High Twelve in Champaign-Urbana (IL). You can contact him at: [email protected]

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The Circle of Life and Learning

Lakewood #601 Midnight Freemason , ,

http://www.midnightfreemasons.org/2018/07/the-circle-of-life-and-learning.html

by Midnight Freemason Contributor
Bill Hosler, PM


I visited you today. Seeing you lying there it appeared like you were sleeping, like so many times I visited your house and you had fell asleep on the couch to the television show you were watching. The white lambskin apron around your waist and the sprig of acacia in your hand jolted me back to reality.

While I stood there looking at you I realized u my life would be different now. No more would I walk into the lodge room and see your smiling face and feel the clasp of your hand in mine. No more would I hear you say “Good evening Brother”, with a cheerfulness that made even the most boring Masonic meeting seem worthwhile.

Sitting with you on my back porch on a beautiful summer evening. Puffing cigars and watching the puffs of smoke dancing with the lightening bugs. Discussing the esoteric symbolism of a Masonic degree to the sounds of crickets and the tinkling of the ice cubes as it mixes with the scotch in our glasses. These things would be no more. I keep thinking you now know the answers to all those mysterious questions we posed. In a way I envy you, that the hoodwink of the world has been removed from your eyes.

You were my rock when I was an officer of the lodge. Your advice and constant encouragement not only kept me from quitting when times got difficult but you gave me the confidence to carry on. I couldn’t have done it without your guidance and encouragement.

I imagine there will be several times a day I’ll pick up my phone to call you to arrange for a lunch date and run lines for an upcoming degree. I’m sure every time I realize that you won’t be answering, I’ll begin to grieve your loss all over again, slowly putting my phone down.

For so many years you have been there for me. From the night I was raised to the Sublime degree, to being one of my groomsmen on my wedding day. I remember the smile on your face as I handed you a cigar in the waiting room of the hospital the night my kids were born. You were not just my Masonic brother you were part of my family.

You weren’t just there for me in the good times. You held me as tears fell down my cheeks when my parents passed away. You seemed to know just the right thing to say to comfort me. I also remember the time when you showed up on my doorstep with groceries and Christmas presents when times were tough. You were always there, good times and bad. No matter how I tried you wouldn’t let me pay you back. “That’s what Brothers are for!”, you would say. “If you want to pay me back, extend a charitable hand to another Brother in need someday.” I never forgot that and you taught me a great lesson.

You have been a part of me and my family for most of my adult life. You have taught me so much. Not just how to be a good Mason, but how to be a good husband, father and most of all, to be a good man. I realize I never truly got to thank you for all the good you have done for me and all you have taught me.

As our last visit is now over and I take my place with five other Brethren to carry you to your final resting place I am having trouble holding my tears. So many memories of you continue to flash through my mind, like a movie on a loop.

I realize now as we slowly walk to that final spot, you have been preparing me for this day since I became an Entered Apprentice.

Like the days of the operative Masons, when I became an Entered Apprentice, I also became your apprentice and you became my mentor. You didn’t teach me how to cut stone or work in the quarry with a builders tools, but you taught me about life, using the working tools of a Master Mason .

You have been preparing me for the day you could no longer walk with me, and now now I must make that first upright step on my own without you. I know now is time for the student to assume the role of the teacher.

Your memory will always live in my heart and to continue your memory. I will find a poor, blind candidate desiring to be brought from darkness to light and use the tools you placed in my hands and help him form his ashlar into a living stone, which I pray will keep your memory alive in all Masons. It’s the circle of life and learning.

~BH

WB Bill Hosler was made a Master Mason in 2002 in Three Rivers Lodge #733 in Indiana. He served as Worshipful Master in 2007 and became a member of the internet committee for Indiana’s Grand Lodge. Bill is currently a member of Roff Lodge No. 169 in Roff Oklahoma and Lebanon Lodge No. 837 in Frisco,Texas. Bill is also a member of the Valley of Fort Wayne Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite in Indiana. A typical active Freemason, Bill also served as the High Priest of Fort Wayne’s Chapter of the York Rite No. 19 and was commander of of the Fort Wayne Commandery No. 4 of the Knight Templar. During all this he also served as the webmaster and magazine editor for the Mizpah Shrine in Fort Wayne Indiana.

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