Dale,
A difficult task for the surfer-mason. The only way is to check the list that Grand Lodge puts out which says which lodges we recognize (which you will be quick to point out is not necessarily the same thing as being regular) This list is in the front of you lodge's sign-in book and also on the Grand Lodge site at http://www.grandlodge.on.ca/recognition.htm. Hence part of the problems (and solutions) we find with some new Masons. Here is an excerpt from a speech I gave in Paris (Ont. unfortunately) last year:
Our young Mason has had conversations with not only the brethren he has met at lodge but also on-line with brethren from England, France, Mexico and around the world. He has learned that Masonry is different in different parts of the world. As W. Bro. Kris Stevens, of Nipissing Lodge No. 420 and PM of HanYang Lodge No. 1048 (Scottish Constitution) Seoul, Korea, said recently at Heritage Lodge:
Masonry around the world can be grouped into approximately seven groupings:
1. Canada, Australia and New Zealand – Characterized by a focus on the operational business of running the organization, word perfect ritual, rapid progression through the degrees and officers’ chairs, low participation and large institutionalized charity
2. The United States of America – Characterized by religious zealousness, militant patriotism, rapid progression, large lodges, low participation and large institutional charity
3. Mexico – Characterized by its focus on philosophical and spiritual enlightenment through critical thought, education and application, and political engagement in civil society
4. United Kingdom – Characterized by its focus on the operational business of running the organization, fraternalism in the form of social activities and specialty Lodges and networking
5. France (Grand Orient) – Characterized by an emphasis on freedom of thought, personal psychological and moral refinement and a humanistic approach to relief in the form of social reform
6. Continental Europe – Characterized by slow progression, small Lodges, small scale charity and intellectual, spiritual and philosophical enlightenment through critical thought, education and application
7. Central and South America – Characterized by its idealism, its focus on philosophical and societal development through education and application of Masonic philosophy
All different and sometimes irreconcilable, but all based on our historical tenants and principles. So our young Mason with access to the world sees these different aspects of Masonry around the world and asks why we do things this way and not another way.
Another thing on the internet is that there is not usually a distinction made between Masons we call regular and those that we call irregular. Even the Philalethes Society Chats make no distinction. And how can they? Some jurisdictions we recognize, recognize jurisdictions we don’t. Often this is just because that jurisdiction has never asked us to be recognized, but it could be because of landmark differences, viz, Grand Orient of France. And yet they espouse the same principles and tenets as we do. We are on the verge of formally recognizing Prince Hall Masonry. They are different but similar. And have quite the presence on the internet. What can we learn from them? And what about the women’s Grand Lodges? UGLE has recently said that the Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasons, as the British women’s Grand Lodge is called, is regular in their practice, except, of course, that they admit women
Our young internet savvy Mason reads all this and his mind is filled with questions and ideas about our fraternity and its possibilities that you and I have never dreamed of.
And here's you come in. When he comes to you with his questions, as he inevitably will, you can be prepared to explain things to him. Don’t just tell him “we've always done it that way” end of conversation. Say “we've always done it that way but I don't why; perhaps we could look into that together.” - you'll both learn something that way plus you'll build a relationship and as well you'll build a future leader. Who’s the future leader? Well you both are. By finding out which way the crowd is running and getting out in front of the them, you’re a leader now, but by accepting, encouraging and mentoring the inquisitive young man, you are building a leader for the future, one who will honour your cherished traditions as you would .
And who knows, perhaps he will bring an idea which will work better than the ones we had. Maybe it’s an idea that originated with a Spanish Mason, maybe a woman Mason, or maybe his own idea. But an idea that will work.
Masonry will change, whether we want it to or not. History shows it has always done so in the past. That’s life. Our duty is to shepherd that change. Encourge and guide that young Mason, or Riter, and hopefully we’ll see the flowering of Masonry in this renaissance.
Come writers and critics who prophesy with your pen
Keep your eyes wide, the chance won’t come again
And don’t speak too soon for the wheel’s still in spin
And there’s no tellin’ who that it’s namin’For the the times they are a-changin'
Frat,
David
----- Original Message -----
From: Nancy, Dale and Allison
To: David Cameron
Sent: August 26, 2008 6:16 PM
Subject: Questions to the Editor
I have been receiving unsolicited information from web sites that claim to be Liberal Freemasons . A question came immediately to my mind.
Today, as the internet increases our capacity for exchange of information, boundaries are disappearing faster than many of us can adapt. We want to be within the regulations of our Grand Lodge. How can a mason in the jurisdiction of Grand Lodge of Canada in the Province of Ontario, possibly determine if it is regular?
Dale
Saturday, 30 August 2008
The Lost Tool of Freemasons
Respectfully,
Freemasonry is as philosophical order with the stated goal of improving the moral development of members.
Given the growing awareness of the effect of the commericalization of freemasonry since the 30's, there seems to be confusion about what can be done to arrest the further erosion of quality within the order.
Not to be unkind, but we are hard pressed to find remnants of the elitist core. Once, royal or tradesman, scientist and farmer stood in lodge as equals.
This suggests to us, the trademan or farmer selected by the elite, were of a remarkable calibre; men able to converse in a serious way on the deeper meanings of life, of the purpose of existence. A poll of lodges shows the intelligensia have been pushed aside by mob rule. As such, sadly, the expectations for entrance were not the only standard to fade in the 30's. So too has the expectation of intellectual development of the man has been removed.
The results of generations of contemplation were handed down to a group of selected men, who gradually lost the wherewithall to know what to do with that body of knowledge. As ideas cannot be extinguished, the teachings remained in our achives. The unprepared mind, has no need to search for things he does not understand. His simple needs became problemation to the purpose of Freemasonry when he was joined with many like him and together imposed their collective will, (limited expectations) on measures of success.
Where is the evidence of success? For the unprepared, success is dressing up in a suit and apron, excuding every aspect of elitism they are quick to challenge with at the ballot box. A good guy is acceptable. And so it goes on.
Entrance to the order brought forward in the jurisdiction of our Grand Lodge, requires preparation between degrees. The antients would learned the craft mouth-to-ear, would cringe if they heard the loose talk about memory work being unimportant.
Enough! Audi Vide Tace
We can use the tools of our motto to regain the path to development.
On an individual basis, quietly in the background, each serious minded fellow can bring back the moral, intellectual and philosphical conviction of Antient and Accepted Freemasonry.
We can attend lodges with vigilence, watching others to search out like-minded men. In discussion at the festive board, we can listen for opportunity to let others know, they are part of a growing number of members who are resurrecting the brilliance of masonic membership.
When Jewish boys are of a certain age, they attend school to study the Torah. Under the guidance of mentors, they are paired up with another boy. Together they are a study group who read and argue/discuss the meaning of readings. Around the world, there are many examples where ancient forms of learning have been preserved like this example.
However, I am convinced, mouth-to-ear , the lost working tool can and should be brought back as the tool of learning for freemasons.
Fraternally,
Freemasonry is as philosophical order with the stated goal of improving the moral development of members.
Given the growing awareness of the effect of the commericalization of freemasonry since the 30's, there seems to be confusion about what can be done to arrest the further erosion of quality within the order.
Not to be unkind, but we are hard pressed to find remnants of the elitist core. Once, royal or tradesman, scientist and farmer stood in lodge as equals.
This suggests to us, the trademan or farmer selected by the elite, were of a remarkable calibre; men able to converse in a serious way on the deeper meanings of life, of the purpose of existence. A poll of lodges shows the intelligensia have been pushed aside by mob rule. As such, sadly, the expectations for entrance were not the only standard to fade in the 30's. So too has the expectation of intellectual development of the man has been removed.
The results of generations of contemplation were handed down to a group of selected men, who gradually lost the wherewithall to know what to do with that body of knowledge. As ideas cannot be extinguished, the teachings remained in our achives. The unprepared mind, has no need to search for things he does not understand. His simple needs became problemation to the purpose of Freemasonry when he was joined with many like him and together imposed their collective will, (limited expectations) on measures of success.
Where is the evidence of success? For the unprepared, success is dressing up in a suit and apron, excuding every aspect of elitism they are quick to challenge with at the ballot box. A good guy is acceptable. And so it goes on.
Entrance to the order brought forward in the jurisdiction of our Grand Lodge, requires preparation between degrees. The antients would learned the craft mouth-to-ear, would cringe if they heard the loose talk about memory work being unimportant.
Enough! Audi Vide Tace
We can use the tools of our motto to regain the path to development.
On an individual basis, quietly in the background, each serious minded fellow can bring back the moral, intellectual and philosphical conviction of Antient and Accepted Freemasonry.
We can attend lodges with vigilence, watching others to search out like-minded men. In discussion at the festive board, we can listen for opportunity to let others know, they are part of a growing number of members who are resurrecting the brilliance of masonic membership.
When Jewish boys are of a certain age, they attend school to study the Torah. Under the guidance of mentors, they are paired up with another boy. Together they are a study group who read and argue/discuss the meaning of readings. Around the world, there are many examples where ancient forms of learning have been preserved like this example.
However, I am convinced, mouth-to-ear , the lost working tool can and should be brought back as the tool of learning for freemasons.
Fraternally,
Monday, 4 August 2008
Freemasonry: An Idea
What is freemasonry? It is an idea.
Freemasons will beaware of that old saw- familiarity breds contempt. Not to be unkind, but this is a limitation that a man places on himself and those around him. Some readily acknowledge the brilliance of people we know. The masses often determine brilliance by celebrity or accumulation of wealth. Others calcuate superiority through technical expertise. such the practice of law and medicine.
How do we identify the clever among us on whom we should place our trust to help lead us into the future? When we are in the presence of bright people, does an internalized sense of low esteem prompt defensiveness and competitiveness? The 5th Estate thrives on such criticism. Do we shamefully admit to the experience of schedenfreude- a small pleasure one experiences over the discomfort of others when scientists fail to find answers.
That they read more, study more, achieve more suggests they are industrious. Are they wealthier? Not necessarily, but likely. Do they hold public office? Perhaps but not necessarily. Are they pious or outspoken? Unlikely. Are they aggressive and angry? Doubtful. Or are they able to create in areas of art, business or industry?
Few are confident enough to encourage the avant garde'. Remarkably, freemasonry hands us this lesson and gives oblique directions: audi, vide, tace. To acheive enlightenment, to understand we must master of our impulsive, emotional nature. The tools listening, watching and silence are the tools of science. Until we are skilled, we are clumsy; full of potential but undisciplined, but when we learn to break down tasks into manageable bits, we can build great things.
Can we collectively apply these tools?
In the 30's standards for admission to our Order were changed; adding thousands of names to the rolls. This new, commerical common denominator, changed the criteria for admission. In the minds of brethren from that period, to compromise a benchmark to increase numbers was necessary. But I cannot help but wonder if this process was a trojan horse that undermined the strenght of our order.
It would be foolish to argue that freemasonry has been unchanged by the compromise for membership. For example, a larger membership allowed influence at a larger scale. More members, added to our financial reserves and allowed the Order to make significant contributions to health research That was and is an expression of agape.
The proliferation of lodges connected urban, suburban and rural communities which fostered social development across Ontario.
But the trojan horse was the effect on the growth of masonic literacy. Generations of masons have had little understanding of the abstract ends and means of the science which is ironic since we have lived through a time of unrestricted communication. What of our expectations ? Have they eroded to the extent few lodges value masonic scholarship?
I believe, during the past decades our Grand Lodge has vigorously fought against encroaching apathy about learning and scholarship, hampered in their efforts by the widespread, compromise of standards, that began in the 30's and absentmindedly passed on year by year.
Of course, masons who are uninformed about antient landmarks cannot reveal those secrets Those who have left before being raised, may chat idly in public passing on simplistic notions of freemasonry. We have not truly suffered egregious damage.
However, uninformed masons can not teach skills that were not taught to them. That causes a gap which must be filled.
Freemasonry is an idea; complicated and amorphous.
Everyperson has a valid opinion, reflecting a unique persepective on the world. Agreed, there are experts and so some opinions are more accurate than others. That said, however there are truths among opinions.
Brethren who chafe in lodge when education is offered, are not out of line with their incomplete training, but they should not and cannot stop progress.
The oaths and obligations, the progression of our ritual, the architecture of freemasonry all tell us our goal is to search for the lost secrets, enlightenment. An idea, especially the purest idea of antient freemasonry, cannot be extinguished.
This idea is developed through discussion- mouth to ear. Time to pick up the discussion of the gentle science and see where it takes us.
When we hear someone making an effort to express his ideas, we can convey an atmosphere of interest and encourage dialogue. The opinion will always be different that yours or mind. Are there threads of agreement for us to find? What does the speaker offer that helps us define our own thoughts? Watch, listen and be quiet and learn the lesson Pythagoras taught his students.
Dg
Freemasons will beaware of that old saw- familiarity breds contempt. Not to be unkind, but this is a limitation that a man places on himself and those around him. Some readily acknowledge the brilliance of people we know. The masses often determine brilliance by celebrity or accumulation of wealth. Others calcuate superiority through technical expertise. such the practice of law and medicine.
How do we identify the clever among us on whom we should place our trust to help lead us into the future? When we are in the presence of bright people, does an internalized sense of low esteem prompt defensiveness and competitiveness? The 5th Estate thrives on such criticism. Do we shamefully admit to the experience of schedenfreude- a small pleasure one experiences over the discomfort of others when scientists fail to find answers.
That they read more, study more, achieve more suggests they are industrious. Are they wealthier? Not necessarily, but likely. Do they hold public office? Perhaps but not necessarily. Are they pious or outspoken? Unlikely. Are they aggressive and angry? Doubtful. Or are they able to create in areas of art, business or industry?
Few are confident enough to encourage the avant garde'. Remarkably, freemasonry hands us this lesson and gives oblique directions: audi, vide, tace. To acheive enlightenment, to understand we must master of our impulsive, emotional nature. The tools listening, watching and silence are the tools of science. Until we are skilled, we are clumsy; full of potential but undisciplined, but when we learn to break down tasks into manageable bits, we can build great things.
Can we collectively apply these tools?
In the 30's standards for admission to our Order were changed; adding thousands of names to the rolls. This new, commerical common denominator, changed the criteria for admission. In the minds of brethren from that period, to compromise a benchmark to increase numbers was necessary. But I cannot help but wonder if this process was a trojan horse that undermined the strenght of our order.
It would be foolish to argue that freemasonry has been unchanged by the compromise for membership. For example, a larger membership allowed influence at a larger scale. More members, added to our financial reserves and allowed the Order to make significant contributions to health research That was and is an expression of agape.
The proliferation of lodges connected urban, suburban and rural communities which fostered social development across Ontario.
But the trojan horse was the effect on the growth of masonic literacy. Generations of masons have had little understanding of the abstract ends and means of the science which is ironic since we have lived through a time of unrestricted communication. What of our expectations ? Have they eroded to the extent few lodges value masonic scholarship?
I believe, during the past decades our Grand Lodge has vigorously fought against encroaching apathy about learning and scholarship, hampered in their efforts by the widespread, compromise of standards, that began in the 30's and absentmindedly passed on year by year.
Of course, masons who are uninformed about antient landmarks cannot reveal those secrets Those who have left before being raised, may chat idly in public passing on simplistic notions of freemasonry. We have not truly suffered egregious damage.
However, uninformed masons can not teach skills that were not taught to them. That causes a gap which must be filled.
Freemasonry is an idea; complicated and amorphous.
Everyperson has a valid opinion, reflecting a unique persepective on the world. Agreed, there are experts and so some opinions are more accurate than others. That said, however there are truths among opinions.
Brethren who chafe in lodge when education is offered, are not out of line with their incomplete training, but they should not and cannot stop progress.
The oaths and obligations, the progression of our ritual, the architecture of freemasonry all tell us our goal is to search for the lost secrets, enlightenment. An idea, especially the purest idea of antient freemasonry, cannot be extinguished.
This idea is developed through discussion- mouth to ear. Time to pick up the discussion of the gentle science and see where it takes us.
When we hear someone making an effort to express his ideas, we can convey an atmosphere of interest and encourage dialogue. The opinion will always be different that yours or mind. Are there threads of agreement for us to find? What does the speaker offer that helps us define our own thoughts? Watch, listen and be quiet and learn the lesson Pythagoras taught his students.
Dg
Friday, 25 July 2008
Hiram or Noah: Does it really matter that much?
From the onset, let me declare an important understanding. Too many Freemasons have been talking about the masonic order as if they had discovered the facts during their tour of Camelot.
Most thoughtful people can separate reality from fantasy because each, as we know are sources of useful insights. Objective reality does not necessarily reveal the context in which the facts exist. Without context, we are left struggle with the fullest meaning.
Likewise, a fanciful view of the world is a portal into abstraction which tells us of the world unseen. The antient Greeks fanciful thinking revealed the existence of an "atomic" world. Science fiction writers reveal the extent of social imagination letting us safely examine the future. The function of things unseen became revealed to Dr. Freud and his work on hysteria which helped us understand the dissociative states of front line soldiers who until then, unable receive acknowledgement of the unimaginable experience of battle turned to an internal world of psychological safety. Cervantes' tale of the elderly, Don Quixote needing validation of the existence of a noble purpose, reminds that tilting at windmills can have a fundamental purpose.
As discarding our legends would be anathema to enlightenment. it is equally blind of us to not research the stories about the beginnings of freemasonry. If we can validate historical points or not, once examined, we can delineate fact from fancy. This will help us understand the thinking of the men who wrote the articles, to understand what they were trying to illustrate and why.
Why for example,are we so ready to accept information that is inaccurate simply because it is part of a masonic legend?
What is the point? To find "the point" of freemasonry we leap to a higher level of abstraction. At those levels, meaning is obscured, but not a barrier. The point of freemasonry is for each mason to determine who we arrive at the singularity of thought which is at the core of speculative freemasonry.
Are we poised on the brink of a Universal Order? I say yes and we have been on that brink for a long time. But to achieve that goal, we must resolve an essential struggle.
Is there one or more than one path to the goal?
Bring to your mind a picture of a forest, cool, deep and dark, that you have entered with a sense of apprehension seeking knowledge. You come many branches and from each another series of branches. As you progress, the branches change direction. You cannot stop and the uncertainty becomes routine for you.
Is your path to the goal still there when you turn around? No. Is there more than one path? Maybe. What have your learned?
It is OK to believe our myths have lessons for us. It is not OK to accept myth as fact; they are distinct sources of knowledge and until we examine both elements, our understanding remains at the brink, looking into the abyss.
Most thoughtful people can separate reality from fantasy because each, as we know are sources of useful insights. Objective reality does not necessarily reveal the context in which the facts exist. Without context, we are left struggle with the fullest meaning.
Likewise, a fanciful view of the world is a portal into abstraction which tells us of the world unseen. The antient Greeks fanciful thinking revealed the existence of an "atomic" world. Science fiction writers reveal the extent of social imagination letting us safely examine the future. The function of things unseen became revealed to Dr. Freud and his work on hysteria which helped us understand the dissociative states of front line soldiers who until then, unable receive acknowledgement of the unimaginable experience of battle turned to an internal world of psychological safety. Cervantes' tale of the elderly, Don Quixote needing validation of the existence of a noble purpose, reminds that tilting at windmills can have a fundamental purpose.
As discarding our legends would be anathema to enlightenment. it is equally blind of us to not research the stories about the beginnings of freemasonry. If we can validate historical points or not, once examined, we can delineate fact from fancy. This will help us understand the thinking of the men who wrote the articles, to understand what they were trying to illustrate and why.
Why for example,are we so ready to accept information that is inaccurate simply because it is part of a masonic legend?
What is the point? To find "the point" of freemasonry we leap to a higher level of abstraction. At those levels, meaning is obscured, but not a barrier. The point of freemasonry is for each mason to determine who we arrive at the singularity of thought which is at the core of speculative freemasonry.
Are we poised on the brink of a Universal Order? I say yes and we have been on that brink for a long time. But to achieve that goal, we must resolve an essential struggle.
Is there one or more than one path to the goal?
Bring to your mind a picture of a forest, cool, deep and dark, that you have entered with a sense of apprehension seeking knowledge. You come many branches and from each another series of branches. As you progress, the branches change direction. You cannot stop and the uncertainty becomes routine for you.
Is your path to the goal still there when you turn around? No. Is there more than one path? Maybe. What have your learned?
It is OK to believe our myths have lessons for us. It is not OK to accept myth as fact; they are distinct sources of knowledge and until we examine both elements, our understanding remains at the brink, looking into the abyss.
Sunday, 20 July 2008
On the Status Quo Threat of a Universal Nation
History is the impressions of someone else. It contains all the filters of that individual view point. What helps us understand the accuracy of historic descriptions is an understand of the social context of the time, in which the event takes place.
For example, do you believe Freemasonry began in 1717? What of the minute books from the 16th century? In Scotland and Ireland, where the threat of invasion forged a solid defense that brought strangers together culturally, the idea of a central authority for freemasons was anathema to the order. The efforts of the English Grand Lodge was irrelevant to the Irish and Scottish freemasons, where the interdependence of independent lodges continues to this day, albeit under an umbrella of Grand Lodges in both jurisdictions that sprang up decades after the London lodges decided on the benefit of a collective control of free men.
Today, we know more about what we don't know of the period. Dr. James Anderson is credited with writing a constitution but, we have no way to prove that assumption. We do know he was a protestant clergyman who worked with John Desaigulier, also a clergyman and the 3rd Grand Master of the GL. John was born into a Huguenots family that escaped France during the Catholic purge of protestants.
Is it lost to us that France had previously purged the country of all jewish people? And can we not see within the Preston-Webb work, strong and repeated references to protestant and Jewish edits, as if, in an English atmosphere of tolerance we find those influences predominant. But, they predominant at what expense?
So ask! What reason would a freemason have to ask that question? It becomes essential for the mason who sees a potential for universality through masonic principles. From the Nicenean gathering, catholicism was defined as the one, the only faith for the entire world, masonic principles challenge as a secular, a-political tendon. Webb-Preston leave us to look to the inward man, to see a brotherhood of common struggle, common dreams- singularity of mind.
Rearranging a few words to include elements of the Vedas, the Torah and Koran brings to the surface, hidden elements of the Kabala, Mithras, cult of Isis, Osiris and Horus, even Zoroaster.
Should we do this? It is already done. What will it do to us?
We are equipped, even the simple minded, with great intellectual capacity. If a man sets out to find a flaw in the Mona Lisa, he will find it. If his task is to find a problem with the architecture of Hagia Sophia he will be successful.
But if he contemplates the teachings of a sunrise, he will find that too. And if he looks for understanding in the heart of an enemy, it will be revealed.
What judgments can be made when one understands the heart of a man? Ahhh, that is a goal a man discovers alone. The way to enlightenment is through contemplation and repeated effort.
Are we sure the person who wrote the history is contemplative and drawing an accurate picture of events? More likely I'm afraid, he is burdened by religio-political intonation.
Most people are limited by their own experiences. Men have imaginations and an ability to learn from the experience of others. Freemasonry injects the Philosopher Kings into our world just as Plato suggested.
Dg
If you enjoyed this article, use Google to find more about the Gnostics and Zoroaster
For example, do you believe Freemasonry began in 1717? What of the minute books from the 16th century? In Scotland and Ireland, where the threat of invasion forged a solid defense that brought strangers together culturally, the idea of a central authority for freemasons was anathema to the order. The efforts of the English Grand Lodge was irrelevant to the Irish and Scottish freemasons, where the interdependence of independent lodges continues to this day, albeit under an umbrella of Grand Lodges in both jurisdictions that sprang up decades after the London lodges decided on the benefit of a collective control of free men.
Today, we know more about what we don't know of the period. Dr. James Anderson is credited with writing a constitution but, we have no way to prove that assumption. We do know he was a protestant clergyman who worked with John Desaigulier, also a clergyman and the 3rd Grand Master of the GL. John was born into a Huguenots family that escaped France during the Catholic purge of protestants.
Is it lost to us that France had previously purged the country of all jewish people? And can we not see within the Preston-Webb work, strong and repeated references to protestant and Jewish edits, as if, in an English atmosphere of tolerance we find those influences predominant. But, they predominant at what expense?
So ask! What reason would a freemason have to ask that question? It becomes essential for the mason who sees a potential for universality through masonic principles. From the Nicenean gathering, catholicism was defined as the one, the only faith for the entire world, masonic principles challenge as a secular, a-political tendon. Webb-Preston leave us to look to the inward man, to see a brotherhood of common struggle, common dreams- singularity of mind.
Rearranging a few words to include elements of the Vedas, the Torah and Koran brings to the surface, hidden elements of the Kabala, Mithras, cult of Isis, Osiris and Horus, even Zoroaster.
Should we do this? It is already done. What will it do to us?
We are equipped, even the simple minded, with great intellectual capacity. If a man sets out to find a flaw in the Mona Lisa, he will find it. If his task is to find a problem with the architecture of Hagia Sophia he will be successful.
But if he contemplates the teachings of a sunrise, he will find that too. And if he looks for understanding in the heart of an enemy, it will be revealed.
What judgments can be made when one understands the heart of a man? Ahhh, that is a goal a man discovers alone. The way to enlightenment is through contemplation and repeated effort.
Are we sure the person who wrote the history is contemplative and drawing an accurate picture of events? More likely I'm afraid, he is burdened by religio-political intonation.
Most people are limited by their own experiences. Men have imaginations and an ability to learn from the experience of others. Freemasonry injects the Philosopher Kings into our world just as Plato suggested.
Dg
If you enjoyed this article, use Google to find more about the Gnostics and Zoroaster
Saturday, 19 July 2008
Why doing for others Elevates the Sense of Self
One night, the lodge was overcrowded and a few masons went off to get chairs. One quickly came back with one and sat down. The next brought a few chairs for others. The first took care of himself but the second took care of others and in that act, elevated his actions to a noble gesture~a sacred expression of agape.
Sitting down for a drink, one brother took care to offer one to his guest before taking care of himself. The next brother quickly ordered for himself, sat back and waited.
The old farmer comes in from the fields after a hard days labour. Before he sits for his dinner, the horses are water and let out to pasture as he and his dogs bring in the cows for milking. After turning them out to the fields for the night, he calls the calves for feeding and chases them off because they are insatiable at that age. Next the pigs need feed and lastly the chickens get some grain in their pen but ducks and geese are barn yard protectors and have a trough of their own.
After he washes the milking equipment and hanging it to dry, he has a few minutes with his grandson to talk about the stars. He tells the boy to be sure enough wood is brought in next morning to keep the stove going for cooking and heating water and then walks ahead in the dark to the farm house with boy jogging behind as little boys do, to wash up, sit down, say a prayer of thanks and then they eat.
A life of service does not happen because someone reads noble ideas. It happens when a man applies his learning to life around him. Mason have no language and no voice that commmunicates as perfectly as their actions.
A foolish man talks of great deeds and does nothing. A rich man does great deeds for others and acts in silence. A wise man knows the foolish man is a small gesture away from greatness and approaches him with a spiritual sense.
It is by acting spiritually that good men locate a point of perfect balance.
Dg
Sitting down for a drink, one brother took care to offer one to his guest before taking care of himself. The next brother quickly ordered for himself, sat back and waited.
The old farmer comes in from the fields after a hard days labour. Before he sits for his dinner, the horses are water and let out to pasture as he and his dogs bring in the cows for milking. After turning them out to the fields for the night, he calls the calves for feeding and chases them off because they are insatiable at that age. Next the pigs need feed and lastly the chickens get some grain in their pen but ducks and geese are barn yard protectors and have a trough of their own.
After he washes the milking equipment and hanging it to dry, he has a few minutes with his grandson to talk about the stars. He tells the boy to be sure enough wood is brought in next morning to keep the stove going for cooking and heating water and then walks ahead in the dark to the farm house with boy jogging behind as little boys do, to wash up, sit down, say a prayer of thanks and then they eat.
A life of service does not happen because someone reads noble ideas. It happens when a man applies his learning to life around him. Mason have no language and no voice that commmunicates as perfectly as their actions.
A foolish man talks of great deeds and does nothing. A rich man does great deeds for others and acts in silence. A wise man knows the foolish man is a small gesture away from greatness and approaches him with a spiritual sense.
It is by acting spiritually that good men locate a point of perfect balance.
Dg
Saturday, 31 May 2008
Can an Annual Communication blend Governance and Education?
The urge is strong, to claim legitimacy by adhering to historical practices at the expense of change. It would take an unusually courageous group of men, to change old practices especially for the larger numbers of masons for whom masonry is a concrete, literal process; like having the latin litergy intact; people knowing their place and respect for authority.
Frustrating as it might be, rigid adherence to anything is simply an illusion of stability. Time moves on and history has continually taught us that change is inevitable. Not change for the sake of change but what we call progress.
I put it to you, that the urge to progress is stronger that the urge to claim legitimacy by manufacturing a link to the passed.
But there is a third urge- that of stability and predictability which has a deeper, emotional effect. I believe it is possible and necessary for old order lodges, to broach the gap between those who resist any change and those who embrace the idea new is better; knowing those who wield authority unwisely will drive a wedge of isolation between a membership and those in high position.
Making changes unexpectedly is for most people, disorienting and stressful. Changes driven by necessity are remarkably low key events and usuallyhave a desirable outcome that ripples around the pond. Bigger the pond, smaller the ripple.
Who determines need you might ask? Those who are most aware!
Who are most aware? Natural leaders!
Who are the natural leaders? Those who are trusted.
Who are trusted? Those who serve others.
Why are those who serve others, most trusted? Because through the service to others, a man becomes more accurately aware of his own nature.
Why is that important? Because it is the advice of the Oracle.
What was that advice? Know thyself.
We know, to survive, organizations, just like people, must be adaptive; that's another word for flexible. Even an oak tree gives a little in high wind, just enough to survive the storm.
I know it is a ridiculously simple idea but what if we give a little to survive into the next millenium? Only in hindsight do we know the rightness of our decisions. But to make the best decision possible, requires good, accurate information, on which to base the moves.
Communication and the open exchange of ideas relieves pressure points if it is done in an atmosphere of fraternity. Our Grand Lodge seems to be embracing that type of thinking, sending envoys out to Districts to facilitate discussion groups.
We are encouraged to forward ideas through the DDGM in a district, who then moves the idea forward to the next level of discussion.
Gentlemen's agreements remain intact. Nostagia is unassailed. Old men cling to the familiarity of a day gone by and young men struggle for meaning, living and shaping their own version of history by participation.
For our Grand Lodge Officers, the Grand Lodge Annual Communication is defined in protocol. However, each mason is able to define for himself, what the Annual Communication is for him. It is 6008 A.L. and communication has accellerated exponentially. We all gain from the universal access to information that is now upon us.
The purpose of the functional purpose of attending the Annual Communication is lost to many fellows. Is it feasible to many the AC multi-dimensional? Change that is attempted at glacial speed, usually emerges in a convulsion. I hate the argy- bargy stuff.
Moving at 7 knots, I remain, faithfully and fraternally,
Dale
Frustrating as it might be, rigid adherence to anything is simply an illusion of stability. Time moves on and history has continually taught us that change is inevitable. Not change for the sake of change but what we call progress.
I put it to you, that the urge to progress is stronger that the urge to claim legitimacy by manufacturing a link to the passed.
But there is a third urge- that of stability and predictability which has a deeper, emotional effect. I believe it is possible and necessary for old order lodges, to broach the gap between those who resist any change and those who embrace the idea new is better; knowing those who wield authority unwisely will drive a wedge of isolation between a membership and those in high position.
Making changes unexpectedly is for most people, disorienting and stressful. Changes driven by necessity are remarkably low key events and usuallyhave a desirable outcome that ripples around the pond. Bigger the pond, smaller the ripple.
Who determines need you might ask? Those who are most aware!
Who are most aware? Natural leaders!
Who are the natural leaders? Those who are trusted.
Who are trusted? Those who serve others.
Why are those who serve others, most trusted? Because through the service to others, a man becomes more accurately aware of his own nature.
Why is that important? Because it is the advice of the Oracle.
What was that advice? Know thyself.
We know, to survive, organizations, just like people, must be adaptive; that's another word for flexible. Even an oak tree gives a little in high wind, just enough to survive the storm.
I know it is a ridiculously simple idea but what if we give a little to survive into the next millenium? Only in hindsight do we know the rightness of our decisions. But to make the best decision possible, requires good, accurate information, on which to base the moves.
Communication and the open exchange of ideas relieves pressure points if it is done in an atmosphere of fraternity. Our Grand Lodge seems to be embracing that type of thinking, sending envoys out to Districts to facilitate discussion groups.
We are encouraged to forward ideas through the DDGM in a district, who then moves the idea forward to the next level of discussion.
Gentlemen's agreements remain intact. Nostagia is unassailed. Old men cling to the familiarity of a day gone by and young men struggle for meaning, living and shaping their own version of history by participation.
For our Grand Lodge Officers, the Grand Lodge Annual Communication is defined in protocol. However, each mason is able to define for himself, what the Annual Communication is for him. It is 6008 A.L. and communication has accellerated exponentially. We all gain from the universal access to information that is now upon us.
The purpose of the functional purpose of attending the Annual Communication is lost to many fellows. Is it feasible to many the AC multi-dimensional? Change that is attempted at glacial speed, usually emerges in a convulsion. I hate the argy- bargy stuff.
Moving at 7 knots, I remain, faithfully and fraternally,
Dale
Monday, 19 May 2008
Meanderings on A Theme: Freemasonry In Decline
The Essential Freemason
Freemasonry makes an assumption that we come to the order in ignorance and through the process of masonry, if followed faithfully, enlightenment may be achieved. It is undeniable that a lodge begins connecting with each applicant even before he gives the necessary affirmation of belief in a higher power. Why do so few masons understand the meaning.
We need only a general sense of good character. Usually, we do not reveal the amount of time and financial commitment needed to maintain a lodge and support charitable acts. Not nearly enough is said and most often, not at all.
Unless educated in the craft, a member of the investigating committee has only a superficial sense of the craft and likely does not himself know how to describe freemasonry except by a few empty slogans. It’s a little like open casting for a play. Every has an opportunity but few making to the real stage. However, there are no qualifiers for an examining committee but rank and that perpetuates a problem; the lost opportunity to teach. Self improvement? To make a good man better? Quasi-Religious movement? A service club without the expectation of work or donating?
We ride on the coat-tails of a reputation that has become tarnished; a reputation of excellence, or brilliance and innovation, including the liberal arts and sciences.
The nucleus of freemasonry is self-improvement but the way we are going is is breeding apathy.
Moral development, within freemasonry is not like canon law. We are not told what to do and we are not motivated by a veiled threat of damnation, pergatory or guilt. Masonry is an simply an opportunity, outlined by landmarks, symbols and allegory, requiring free will to qualify and self determination to probe deeper insights. It is all difficult and for most men, impossible to acheive those insights, because that takes perserverence and desire. Perhaps more could and should be done in some lodges to encourage this type of effort.
The fundamentals are taught by catechism. Gradually, as the overwhelming experience of initiation, passing and raising subsides, a man is ready to be instructed about a new alphabet of hieroglyphs, new manners and learning his role within the larger order. Students need to be prepared by those who are qualified to instruct while challenging their curiousity.
A program of discussion and mentoring is an old-world form of learning/teaching .
Core topics:
Myth/Legend/Allegory
a) Birth & Death: The Lifespan of a Man
b) Darkness to Light: Understanding vs Superstition
Symbolic vs Literal Meaning
a) Philosophers, Scientists and Stone Workers
History of the Order
a) Early records
b) 17th Century: Social Development Scotland, Ireland and England
c) Freemasonry in Canada
I Am That I Am
a) Ineffable Name and Man
The Nature of Precaution with Politics and Religion
a) The consequence
Philosophy Applied
a) Participation in Masonic Function
The Masonic Way
a) Judgement in the Highest Order: What Albert Pike Did to Prejudice and
Mia culpa. Compared to a time long gone, the standards of freemasonry have eroded. We have let in those who have failed to join the mainstream of masonic philosophy. Have we done this in order to be a democratic movement?
Political correctness requires that I disavow we are an organization of men and a group of uncommon men by intent. I am not allowed to admit there are many, many men, who are not suitable. I am also not allowed to admit there are those among us who benefit from membership but make no contribution. Am I being a harsh, unfair judge or confessing a frustration? Is this why I want tests of achievement and the demonstration of effort to qualify for offices? Yes.
We seem to agree that this is a sensitive problem but lowered standards are a product of our own lack of preparation. How can I blame the new man for poor work when the master who trains him is incomplete?
Drilling down into the problem we may realize what this phenomena can teach us. First, are we letting anyone into the order? There is a sense that lodges are desparate and willing to ignore standards. Anyone can become a mason.
I have suggested, those who ignored standards in the past were unaware of the long term or cumulative consequences. Symptoms of that include low proportions of participation; indifference to masonic education; generations of officers of all stripes, who are unprepared mixed in with a core of dutiful men who struggle to hold the order together.
German philosopher, Immanuel Kant, defined enlightenment this way: “Enlightenment is the liberation of man from his self-caused state of minority. Minority is the incapacity of using one understands without the direction of another. This state of minority is self-caused when its source lies not in a lack of understanding but in a lack of determination to use it without the assistance of another.”
The enemy of Freemasonry is ennui; fighting complacency in the face of our problems is the challenge.
Dale
Freemasonry makes an assumption that we come to the order in ignorance and through the process of masonry, if followed faithfully, enlightenment may be achieved. It is undeniable that a lodge begins connecting with each applicant even before he gives the necessary affirmation of belief in a higher power. Why do so few masons understand the meaning.
We need only a general sense of good character. Usually, we do not reveal the amount of time and financial commitment needed to maintain a lodge and support charitable acts. Not nearly enough is said and most often, not at all.
Unless educated in the craft, a member of the investigating committee has only a superficial sense of the craft and likely does not himself know how to describe freemasonry except by a few empty slogans. It’s a little like open casting for a play. Every has an opportunity but few making to the real stage. However, there are no qualifiers for an examining committee but rank and that perpetuates a problem; the lost opportunity to teach. Self improvement? To make a good man better? Quasi-Religious movement? A service club without the expectation of work or donating?
We ride on the coat-tails of a reputation that has become tarnished; a reputation of excellence, or brilliance and innovation, including the liberal arts and sciences.
The nucleus of freemasonry is self-improvement but the way we are going is is breeding apathy.
Moral development, within freemasonry is not like canon law. We are not told what to do and we are not motivated by a veiled threat of damnation, pergatory or guilt. Masonry is an simply an opportunity, outlined by landmarks, symbols and allegory, requiring free will to qualify and self determination to probe deeper insights. It is all difficult and for most men, impossible to acheive those insights, because that takes perserverence and desire. Perhaps more could and should be done in some lodges to encourage this type of effort.
The fundamentals are taught by catechism. Gradually, as the overwhelming experience of initiation, passing and raising subsides, a man is ready to be instructed about a new alphabet of hieroglyphs, new manners and learning his role within the larger order. Students need to be prepared by those who are qualified to instruct while challenging their curiousity.
A program of discussion and mentoring is an old-world form of learning/teaching .
Core topics:
Myth/Legend/Allegory
a) Birth & Death: The Lifespan of a Man
b) Darkness to Light: Understanding vs Superstition
Symbolic vs Literal Meaning
a) Philosophers, Scientists and Stone Workers
History of the Order
a) Early records
b) 17th Century: Social Development Scotland, Ireland and England
c) Freemasonry in Canada
I Am That I Am
a) Ineffable Name and Man
The Nature of Precaution with Politics and Religion
a) The consequence
Philosophy Applied
a) Participation in Masonic Function
The Masonic Way
a) Judgement in the Highest Order: What Albert Pike Did to Prejudice and
Mia culpa. Compared to a time long gone, the standards of freemasonry have eroded. We have let in those who have failed to join the mainstream of masonic philosophy. Have we done this in order to be a democratic movement?
Political correctness requires that I disavow we are an organization of men and a group of uncommon men by intent. I am not allowed to admit there are many, many men, who are not suitable. I am also not allowed to admit there are those among us who benefit from membership but make no contribution. Am I being a harsh, unfair judge or confessing a frustration? Is this why I want tests of achievement and the demonstration of effort to qualify for offices? Yes.
We seem to agree that this is a sensitive problem but lowered standards are a product of our own lack of preparation. How can I blame the new man for poor work when the master who trains him is incomplete?
Drilling down into the problem we may realize what this phenomena can teach us. First, are we letting anyone into the order? There is a sense that lodges are desparate and willing to ignore standards. Anyone can become a mason.
I have suggested, those who ignored standards in the past were unaware of the long term or cumulative consequences. Symptoms of that include low proportions of participation; indifference to masonic education; generations of officers of all stripes, who are unprepared mixed in with a core of dutiful men who struggle to hold the order together.
German philosopher, Immanuel Kant, defined enlightenment this way: “Enlightenment is the liberation of man from his self-caused state of minority. Minority is the incapacity of using one understands without the direction of another. This state of minority is self-caused when its source lies not in a lack of understanding but in a lack of determination to use it without the assistance of another.”
The enemy of Freemasonry is ennui; fighting complacency in the face of our problems is the challenge.
Dale
Thursday, 8 May 2008
The Road to Hell Is Paved With Good Intentions
History is readily quoted by contemporary brethren, reminding us of the famous men and minds, great ideas and noble deeds on which our order is based.
Rather than limiting the number of entrants decades ago doors of lodges were opened wider.
Today, that opening practice appears to be have borne a hidden cost. The intellectual property of freemasonry has been lost and an unpleasant reality has returned to haunt us. Lodge success being measured in the rate of activity has lost sight of the outcome.
That outcome is the point of this discussion paper. Men are moving without understanding where they have been and the meaning of what they have experienced.
When we were boys, most of us knew of one who was unable to do the work but was nevertheless promoted. In those days, little was known of learning disabilities and those boys suffered life defining humiliation, often growing up believing they were inadequate.
In a way, many of us have proceeded from degree to degree by social promotion, realize there are gaps in our understanding of the craft and yet our committment is strong.
Some of us find we are asking questions and are finding self-directed learning is available as well as course work, like the Correspondence Course of the College of Freemasonry.
But can our observations help those who are coming behind us before they are moved too far, too fast?
I think the change has already begun, sponteneously and widespread in pockets and lodges where inquiring masons are voicing those expectations and looking for the change that returns us to the days of the freethinkers.
Rather than limiting the number of entrants decades ago doors of lodges were opened wider.
Today, that opening practice appears to be have borne a hidden cost. The intellectual property of freemasonry has been lost and an unpleasant reality has returned to haunt us. Lodge success being measured in the rate of activity has lost sight of the outcome.
That outcome is the point of this discussion paper. Men are moving without understanding where they have been and the meaning of what they have experienced.
When we were boys, most of us knew of one who was unable to do the work but was nevertheless promoted. In those days, little was known of learning disabilities and those boys suffered life defining humiliation, often growing up believing they were inadequate.
In a way, many of us have proceeded from degree to degree by social promotion, realize there are gaps in our understanding of the craft and yet our committment is strong.
Some of us find we are asking questions and are finding self-directed learning is available as well as course work, like the Correspondence Course of the College of Freemasonry.
But can our observations help those who are coming behind us before they are moved too far, too fast?
I think the change has already begun, sponteneously and widespread in pockets and lodges where inquiring masons are voicing those expectations and looking for the change that returns us to the days of the freethinkers.
Saturday, 19 April 2008
The Domain of Meaning: A Freemason Catching Up
By the time masonic philosophy was being refined into a coherent organization, europeans had already replaced determinism with a phenomenological sense of the world. Well crafted history and the wealth of our culture, allows us the time and means to understand how superstition was replaced by science.
Today, the accumulated knowledge of ancient and advanced cultures is available to us. As if the progress we have made is permanent, our children follow the lead of the adults, being indifferent to learning and understanding the values and morays of our nations. The estates of politics, religion and media mute the appetite for learning. Conspiracy theorists and the weakminded playing on the notion that uninformed, or what the academics call ignorance, are people more easily controlled than well educated conjure stories that is this a planned or deliberate outcome. Television: the opiate of the masses.
Why then, am I galled by the lack of appetite for masonic education? Why do I find it intellectually offensive that decades of freemasons have not educated themselves in the way of freemasonic thought?
Enlightenment is the singular purpose of freemasonry, but each man must alone and according to his own initiative, enter the into the world of philosophical reasoning essentially blind to the scope of the challenge at hand.
I find it useful to do the heavy lifting first. So to avoid the embarrasment of rigidity, let's look at context with what I think is the most absorbing of all ways of thinking. Buddhism. Here is something I lifted from the internet...
"Buddhism has the characteristics of what would be expected in a cosmic religion for the future: it transcends a personal God, avoids dogmas and theology; it covers both the natural & spiritual, and it is based on a religious sense aspiring from the experience of all things, natural and spiritual, as a meaningful unity" A widely cited, but apparently spurious quotation attributed to Albert Einstein 1
"The greatest achievement is selflessness.
The greatest worth is self-mastery.
The greatest quality is seeking to serve others.
The greatest precept is continual awareness.
The greatest medicine is the emptiness of everything.
The greatest action is not conforming with the worlds ways.
The greatest magic is transmuting the passions.
The greatest generosity is non-attachment.
The greatest goodness is a peaceful mind.
The greatest patience is humility.
The greatest effort is not concerned with results.
The greatest meditation is a mind that lets go.
The greatest wisdom is seeing through appearances." Atisha.
"If you live the sacred and despise the ordinary, you are still bobbing in the ocean of delusion." Lin-Chi.
"Aware of the suffering caused by the destruction of life, I vow to cultivate compassion and learn ways to protect lives of people, animals, plants, and minerals. I am determined not to kill, not to let others kill, and not to condone any killing in the world, in my thinking, and in my way of life.” Ven. Thich Nhat Hanh.
"When the mind begins to become still, we then begin to truly see it. When you first try to stabilize and pacify the mind, initially it will become very busy because it’s not accustomed to being still. In fact, it doesn’t even necessarily want to become still, but it is essential to get a hold of the mind to recognize its nature. This practice is extremely important. ... Eventually you will find yourself in a state where your mind is clear and open all the time. It is just like when the clouds are removed from the sky and the sun can clearly be seen, shining all the time. This is coming close to the state of liberation, liberation from all traces of suffering. ... The truth of this practice is universal. It isn’t necessary to call it a religion to practice it. Whether one is a Hindu or a Moslem or a Christian or a Buddhist simply doesn’t matter. Anyone can practice this because this is the nature of the mind, the nature of everyone’s mind. If you can get a handle on your mind, and pacify it in this way, you will definitely experience these results, and you will see them in your daily life situation. There is no need to put this into any kind of category, any kind of "ism." Venerable Gyatrul Rinpoche
Today, the accumulated knowledge of ancient and advanced cultures is available to us. As if the progress we have made is permanent, our children follow the lead of the adults, being indifferent to learning and understanding the values and morays of our nations. The estates of politics, religion and media mute the appetite for learning. Conspiracy theorists and the weakminded playing on the notion that uninformed, or what the academics call ignorance, are people more easily controlled than well educated conjure stories that is this a planned or deliberate outcome. Television: the opiate of the masses.
Why then, am I galled by the lack of appetite for masonic education? Why do I find it intellectually offensive that decades of freemasons have not educated themselves in the way of freemasonic thought?
Enlightenment is the singular purpose of freemasonry, but each man must alone and according to his own initiative, enter the into the world of philosophical reasoning essentially blind to the scope of the challenge at hand.
I find it useful to do the heavy lifting first. So to avoid the embarrasment of rigidity, let's look at context with what I think is the most absorbing of all ways of thinking. Buddhism. Here is something I lifted from the internet...
"Buddhism has the characteristics of what would be expected in a cosmic religion for the future: it transcends a personal God, avoids dogmas and theology; it covers both the natural & spiritual, and it is based on a religious sense aspiring from the experience of all things, natural and spiritual, as a meaningful unity" A widely cited, but apparently spurious quotation attributed to Albert Einstein 1
"The greatest achievement is selflessness.
The greatest worth is self-mastery.
The greatest quality is seeking to serve others.
The greatest precept is continual awareness.
The greatest medicine is the emptiness of everything.
The greatest action is not conforming with the worlds ways.
The greatest magic is transmuting the passions.
The greatest generosity is non-attachment.
The greatest goodness is a peaceful mind.
The greatest patience is humility.
The greatest effort is not concerned with results.
The greatest meditation is a mind that lets go.
The greatest wisdom is seeing through appearances." Atisha.
"If you live the sacred and despise the ordinary, you are still bobbing in the ocean of delusion." Lin-Chi.
"Aware of the suffering caused by the destruction of life, I vow to cultivate compassion and learn ways to protect lives of people, animals, plants, and minerals. I am determined not to kill, not to let others kill, and not to condone any killing in the world, in my thinking, and in my way of life.” Ven. Thich Nhat Hanh.
"When the mind begins to become still, we then begin to truly see it. When you first try to stabilize and pacify the mind, initially it will become very busy because it’s not accustomed to being still. In fact, it doesn’t even necessarily want to become still, but it is essential to get a hold of the mind to recognize its nature. This practice is extremely important. ... Eventually you will find yourself in a state where your mind is clear and open all the time. It is just like when the clouds are removed from the sky and the sun can clearly be seen, shining all the time. This is coming close to the state of liberation, liberation from all traces of suffering. ... The truth of this practice is universal. It isn’t necessary to call it a religion to practice it. Whether one is a Hindu or a Moslem or a Christian or a Buddhist simply doesn’t matter. Anyone can practice this because this is the nature of the mind, the nature of everyone’s mind. If you can get a handle on your mind, and pacify it in this way, you will definitely experience these results, and you will see them in your daily life situation. There is no need to put this into any kind of category, any kind of "ism." Venerable Gyatrul Rinpoche
Thursday, 17 April 2008
Newspapers and Starry Nights
How did freemasonry become the repository of so much allegorical
communication? Our early ancestors left designs and symbols cut into
stone, which remain to this day for us to ponder. What story or
message did the writer intend? The imponderable question is often
asked in freemasonry and not just by the priests of the order but
continously from the moment we receive the preparation of an Entered
Apprentice. Encouraged to derive our own understanding of the
universe, we have clad our world like layers of paint, the hardened
faded surface hiding tones beneath. A symbol is a silent package of
information revealed publically yet if the message is not obvious,
surely then and paradoxically what is in constant view must contain a
message hidden for a reason. Or is it?
In the craft, symbols are used to communicate information to large
numbers of people. What is the root of the entire process whereby a
design of simple lines contains an important story? Much of our work
has reference to ancient cultures.; especially the Egyptians which
is not entirely a coincidence. During the early 18th century, when
the Grand Lodge was formed there was popular interest in Egyptology
across Britain and Europe. If we adjust our thinking to that period
the frequent use of Egyptian orientations had great appeal to our
ancient brethren.
The Egyptians , being an old culture had numerous gods drawn from the
stars that expressed a sense of origins. There is more than a few
references to this and some are quite familiar to freemasons. Let's
explore the sources of some of those items.
Symbols had been used in cultures that predated the pyramid builders,
however it was the genius of Egyptians to use symbols to communicate
information.
Imagine living in a land where it did not rain but produced high
yield crops. That was life in the lower Nile. Each year the river
flooded dangerously and swept everything in its path. When the water
receded, it left behind silt rich in nutrients that in turn produced
more grain than could be used locally. Phoenicians, who couldn't
grow enough, became trade partners buying the surplus. We find this
symbolized in many lodges. Time has slightly stretched the meaning
with a play on words: a corn (or kernel) of wheat became for us an
ear of corn, but the idea is still there.
Anubis or Sirius later became the symbol of the guide to the
underworld, but we use it for a different meaning as the glimmering
star in the East. We have to go back to the Egyptians to find the
link.
Rural works could not be resumed in Egypt until after the Nile had
receded. Of course, anything that could remind people of the seasons
flood would hurry the pace to finish taking in crops before danger
arrived. The local people began setting out a small form in the
community where people were most likely to see them, to remind one
another about the seasonal floods; a form that gave details as if it
was the front page of a newspaper. For example, to tell everyone
the flood level was dropping a public sign of husbandry was put out.
It was called Museus which meant saved by the waters.
The Egyptians developed adoration of the sun as G-d, the author of
all good and looked to the star Osiris as their symbolic founder.
Like speculative freemasons they were acquainted with the signs of
the Zodiac and from the heavens poured out a sense of purpose and
logic that explained the unexplainable. The symbolical names were
used to regulate sowing, mowing, harvest and many other works .
They found it was convenient to put out a small figurine or a single
letter to notify the exact time which certain general works were to
begin in common and when the feasts were to be celebrated. The
figures were so popular that little by little they began to be
refined,to explain even more sophisticated information. This method
of explanation introduced eastern cultures to the use of allegory.
( Pythagoras who travelled through eastern countries is thought to
have brought the custom back to Italy.)
Year after year they watched the river swell right after an Etesian
(annual) wind blowing north to south, which was about the time the
sun was passing under the stars of the crab constellation, which we
call Cancer. They then began to gauge the exact time to finish the
harvest and so avoid the high water when the sun was under a
different constellation, that of the lion, Leo. Then a few weeks
after that, one of the most brilliant and almost the largest star in
the heavens came over the horizon just before sunrise. That star
became the public mark for everyone to head for the higher ground.
To the Egyptians is became a warning of danger and they gave it a
name: Thaaut or Thaaut, or in Egyptian Anubis and in Greek Sirius
The people stayed safely in their towns for two months because of a
message that was marked by the heavens.
This leading light later became the Glimmering-Star of masonry. The
shining star therefore represents prudence which should appear
conspicuous in the conduct of every mason; also celebrated as the
star which appeared in the east guiding wise men of Bethlehem,
fulfilled a prophecy through a message in the stars.
The appearance of Sirius each year was an early warning system and it
sits as a beacon for all who know it's meaning, knowledge which
ensures our safety. And of course the pillars being in Cancer and
Capricorn might just be an even more interesting allegory...
Dg
Generously referenced from:
Mysteries of Freemasonry or the Exposition of The Religious Dogmas
and Customs of The Ancient Egyptians Shewing their Identity with The
Order of Modern Masonry by John Fellows.1866
communication? Our early ancestors left designs and symbols cut into
stone, which remain to this day for us to ponder. What story or
message did the writer intend? The imponderable question is often
asked in freemasonry and not just by the priests of the order but
continously from the moment we receive the preparation of an Entered
Apprentice. Encouraged to derive our own understanding of the
universe, we have clad our world like layers of paint, the hardened
faded surface hiding tones beneath. A symbol is a silent package of
information revealed publically yet if the message is not obvious,
surely then and paradoxically what is in constant view must contain a
message hidden for a reason. Or is it?
In the craft, symbols are used to communicate information to large
numbers of people. What is the root of the entire process whereby a
design of simple lines contains an important story? Much of our work
has reference to ancient cultures.; especially the Egyptians which
is not entirely a coincidence. During the early 18th century, when
the Grand Lodge was formed there was popular interest in Egyptology
across Britain and Europe. If we adjust our thinking to that period
the frequent use of Egyptian orientations had great appeal to our
ancient brethren.
The Egyptians , being an old culture had numerous gods drawn from the
stars that expressed a sense of origins. There is more than a few
references to this and some are quite familiar to freemasons. Let's
explore the sources of some of those items.
Symbols had been used in cultures that predated the pyramid builders,
however it was the genius of Egyptians to use symbols to communicate
information.
Imagine living in a land where it did not rain but produced high
yield crops. That was life in the lower Nile. Each year the river
flooded dangerously and swept everything in its path. When the water
receded, it left behind silt rich in nutrients that in turn produced
more grain than could be used locally. Phoenicians, who couldn't
grow enough, became trade partners buying the surplus. We find this
symbolized in many lodges. Time has slightly stretched the meaning
with a play on words: a corn (or kernel) of wheat became for us an
ear of corn, but the idea is still there.
Anubis or Sirius later became the symbol of the guide to the
underworld, but we use it for a different meaning as the glimmering
star in the East. We have to go back to the Egyptians to find the
link.
Rural works could not be resumed in Egypt until after the Nile had
receded. Of course, anything that could remind people of the seasons
flood would hurry the pace to finish taking in crops before danger
arrived. The local people began setting out a small form in the
community where people were most likely to see them, to remind one
another about the seasonal floods; a form that gave details as if it
was the front page of a newspaper. For example, to tell everyone
the flood level was dropping a public sign of husbandry was put out.
It was called Museus which meant saved by the waters.
The Egyptians developed adoration of the sun as G-d, the author of
all good and looked to the star Osiris as their symbolic founder.
Like speculative freemasons they were acquainted with the signs of
the Zodiac and from the heavens poured out a sense of purpose and
logic that explained the unexplainable. The symbolical names were
used to regulate sowing, mowing, harvest and many other works .
They found it was convenient to put out a small figurine or a single
letter to notify the exact time which certain general works were to
begin in common and when the feasts were to be celebrated. The
figures were so popular that little by little they began to be
refined,to explain even more sophisticated information. This method
of explanation introduced eastern cultures to the use of allegory.
( Pythagoras who travelled through eastern countries is thought to
have brought the custom back to Italy.)
Year after year they watched the river swell right after an Etesian
(annual) wind blowing north to south, which was about the time the
sun was passing under the stars of the crab constellation, which we
call Cancer. They then began to gauge the exact time to finish the
harvest and so avoid the high water when the sun was under a
different constellation, that of the lion, Leo. Then a few weeks
after that, one of the most brilliant and almost the largest star in
the heavens came over the horizon just before sunrise. That star
became the public mark for everyone to head for the higher ground.
To the Egyptians is became a warning of danger and they gave it a
name: Thaaut or Thaaut, or in Egyptian Anubis and in Greek Sirius
The people stayed safely in their towns for two months because of a
message that was marked by the heavens.
This leading light later became the Glimmering-Star of masonry. The
shining star therefore represents prudence which should appear
conspicuous in the conduct of every mason; also celebrated as the
star which appeared in the east guiding wise men of Bethlehem,
fulfilled a prophecy through a message in the stars.
The appearance of Sirius each year was an early warning system and it
sits as a beacon for all who know it's meaning, knowledge which
ensures our safety. And of course the pillars being in Cancer and
Capricorn might just be an even more interesting allegory...
Dg
Generously referenced from:
Mysteries of Freemasonry or the Exposition of The Religious Dogmas
and Customs of The Ancient Egyptians Shewing their Identity with The
Order of Modern Masonry by John Fellows.1866
Saturday, 29 March 2008
Witnessing the Apogee of Freemasonry
I am convinced that the worry over an ebb and flow of standards for entrance that preoccupies us is simply a matter of myopic vision. The impression of deteriorating character is often expressed by masons hoping sincerely to stop a trend which, in that opinion has the potential to shrink the order. In whispers they shudder at the unthinkable~could the order decline like Rome?
In Canada we have had the unthinkable happen all around us. In one generation, the Hudson's Bay Company is sold to foreign interests. Milk is not delivered to the door. Teachers are abused by children. Parents assault referees and abuse little atheletes as the Canadian game becomes bloated by money. Walls are being built around neighbourhoods in a misguided frenzy to create the illusion of safety because of the illusion of risk that is played on my insurance companies.
Illusion, impression or fact?
Nostalgia with our past, like those famous rose coloured glasses tints our thinking about the early generations. Of course there were a few leaders and even fewer brilliant minds who are remembered in the records left for us. But there were larger numbers of men who joined for all manner of reasons and who were a cause for the same concerns then as we have today.
We are not all brilliant scientists, renowed philosophers or royality. And it stretches credibility to think illiterate stone workers had access to mysteries of antient cultures and a philosphy of social reform.
It was like minded men, who were humble enough and intelligent enough to learn think critically and who recognized insight was vulnerable to political and religious agendae.
The leaders and risk takers, those who were aware and made a contribution have been treated well by history.
In Canada we have had the unthinkable happen all around us. In one generation, the Hudson's Bay Company is sold to foreign interests. Milk is not delivered to the door. Teachers are abused by children. Parents assault referees and abuse little atheletes as the Canadian game becomes bloated by money. Walls are being built around neighbourhoods in a misguided frenzy to create the illusion of safety because of the illusion of risk that is played on my insurance companies.
Illusion, impression or fact?
Nostalgia with our past, like those famous rose coloured glasses tints our thinking about the early generations. Of course there were a few leaders and even fewer brilliant minds who are remembered in the records left for us. But there were larger numbers of men who joined for all manner of reasons and who were a cause for the same concerns then as we have today.
We are not all brilliant scientists, renowed philosophers or royality. And it stretches credibility to think illiterate stone workers had access to mysteries of antient cultures and a philosphy of social reform.
It was like minded men, who were humble enough and intelligent enough to learn think critically and who recognized insight was vulnerable to political and religious agendae.
The leaders and risk takers, those who were aware and made a contribution have been treated well by history.
Sunday, 17 February 2008
Charles Sankey Masonic Collection: A tour
A well known mason around Niagara, Dr. Charles Sankey donated his entire collection to Brock University at St. Catharines. The collection is used by requesting a book, manuscript or paper which is signed out for use in the library itself.
On May 10 a rare opportunity will take place when Mr. David Sharron, Director of Archives and Special Collections and Dale Graham, Alumni Association Chairman have arranged a tour.
A select group of 15 masons will receive a talk by Mr. Sharron about the collection and be allowed access to the entire collection.
The outing will conclude with a "de-briefing" at a local Niagara landmark before disembarking. For the serious student of the Craft, this is wonderful opportunity should not be missed.
Spaces are going quickly. To reserve or with questions, please contact: me at graham-hall@sympatico.ca or call 519-372-9321.
Tour details: 10am Saturday May 10th Brock University Gibson Library
Dale
On May 10 a rare opportunity will take place when Mr. David Sharron, Director of Archives and Special Collections and Dale Graham, Alumni Association Chairman have arranged a tour.
A select group of 15 masons will receive a talk by Mr. Sharron about the collection and be allowed access to the entire collection.
The outing will conclude with a "de-briefing" at a local Niagara landmark before disembarking. For the serious student of the Craft, this is wonderful opportunity should not be missed.
Spaces are going quickly. To reserve or with questions, please contact: me at graham-hall@sympatico.ca or call 519-372-9321.
Tour details: 10am Saturday May 10th Brock University Gibson Library
Dale
Friday, 15 February 2008
College Royal- An Enjoyable day with Science
http://www.collegeroyal.uoguelph.ca/
March 15th and 16th
Each year the doors are thrown open at the University of Guelph to the public along with an invitation to experience science first hand. It is a special experience that every year attracts thousands. To find out more about the event, visit the College Royal website.
This can be a part of your daily advancement as a freemason.
Dg
March 15th and 16th
Each year the doors are thrown open at the University of Guelph to the public along with an invitation to experience science first hand. It is a special experience that every year attracts thousands. To find out more about the event, visit the College Royal website.
This can be a part of your daily advancement as a freemason.
Dg
Saturday, 9 February 2008
Ignorance: The Failing of the Idle Mind
From a prologue within a degree of the Scottish Rite...
"There is no place in a good world for the idler and the drone. They are worse than useless: they are harmful because they hold back the wheel of progress..."
I suggest, the speed of our progress toward a universal goal is held back by ignorance. But for a freemason, when we locate ignorance, we have discovered an opportunity for learning. I think the opportunities are treasure maps not visible to all, waiting to be discovered. The clearest clues to finding the maps are events in our world that define intolerance.
Here is an example of what I mean. The other day a stranger came by and we passed the usual Canadian greeting about weather. One of us, (me) said something about global warming and that is when things became interesting. The other, who I will call friendly man, declared comfortably, there was no global warming; that scientists were spinning a line and it was all about ownership of Arab oil. That was the moment I realized I was in the presence of genius, so in true masonic fashion, I quietly listened. Friendly man went on; explaining in ernest that by the time a muslim child was 5 or 6 years old, he already had been taught by his parents to hate people. He added, Southern Baptists in Texas were also crazy and hated black people...etc. My well dressed, distinguished friendly man, within 2 minutes was into a monologue about world intolerance being caused by other people. I was amazed friendly man was so oblivious to his own ignorance. And I walked away puzzled.
Since we have sworn to build a world of tolerance and enlightenment we have the absolute freedom to explore by casting our net over the four corners of the earth and beyond. The scientific process frees us to replace our current beliefs when new information is known to us. The quality and length of life has improved for us because of the gradual evolution of knowledge applied.
As children, many of us were taught discovery of North America was by Christopher Columbus the Anglicization of the latin Christophorus Columbus. He was probably born in Genoa and his real name was Cristoforo Colombo. " in 1492 Columbus sailed the ocean blue". We now know there were fully developed, sophisticated cultures in place when the italian sailor landed. He didn't discover and he wasn't first. (see vikings and templars).
Who was credited first to climb Everest? Until relatively recently western cultures were taught it was Edmund Hillary. But that modest man ensured the world acknowledged a man who wasn't of our culture, his Tibetan guide and companion Tenzig Norgay who also amazed the world 29th May 1953.
Jim Al-Khalili is a professor of pysics at the University of Surrey; he is the 2007 recipient of the Royal Society Michael Faraday prize. (Some of you will recall the link between freemasonry and the Royal Society, but that's a topic for another day.) Jim was raised by a Protestant Christian mother and a Shia Muslim father and has an exceptional world view. I mention him here because of his quote:
"There is no place in a good world for the idler and the drone. They are worse than useless: they are harmful because they hold back the wheel of progress..."
I suggest, the speed of our progress toward a universal goal is held back by ignorance. But for a freemason, when we locate ignorance, we have discovered an opportunity for learning. I think the opportunities are treasure maps not visible to all, waiting to be discovered. The clearest clues to finding the maps are events in our world that define intolerance.
Here is an example of what I mean. The other day a stranger came by and we passed the usual Canadian greeting about weather. One of us, (me) said something about global warming and that is when things became interesting. The other, who I will call friendly man, declared comfortably, there was no global warming; that scientists were spinning a line and it was all about ownership of Arab oil. That was the moment I realized I was in the presence of genius, so in true masonic fashion, I quietly listened. Friendly man went on; explaining in ernest that by the time a muslim child was 5 or 6 years old, he already had been taught by his parents to hate people. He added, Southern Baptists in Texas were also crazy and hated black people...etc. My well dressed, distinguished friendly man, within 2 minutes was into a monologue about world intolerance being caused by other people. I was amazed friendly man was so oblivious to his own ignorance. And I walked away puzzled.
Since we have sworn to build a world of tolerance and enlightenment we have the absolute freedom to explore by casting our net over the four corners of the earth and beyond. The scientific process frees us to replace our current beliefs when new information is known to us. The quality and length of life has improved for us because of the gradual evolution of knowledge applied.
As children, many of us were taught discovery of North America was by Christopher Columbus the Anglicization of the latin Christophorus Columbus. He was probably born in Genoa and his real name was Cristoforo Colombo. " in 1492 Columbus sailed the ocean blue". We now know there were fully developed, sophisticated cultures in place when the italian sailor landed. He didn't discover and he wasn't first. (see vikings and templars).
Who was credited first to climb Everest? Until relatively recently western cultures were taught it was Edmund Hillary. But that modest man ensured the world acknowledged a man who wasn't of our culture, his Tibetan guide and companion Tenzig Norgay who also amazed the world 29th May 1953.
Jim Al-Khalili is a professor of pysics at the University of Surrey; he is the 2007 recipient of the Royal Society Michael Faraday prize. (Some of you will recall the link between freemasonry and the Royal Society, but that's a topic for another day.) Jim was raised by a Protestant Christian mother and a Shia Muslim father and has an exceptional world view. I mention him here because of his quote:
If there is anything I truly believe, it is that progress through reason is a good thing-knowledge and enlightenment are always better than ignorance.
He thinks and is right that in the west, many think of Islam as a radical, intolerant culture and do so because we are unaware of the major Islamic contributions to knowledge and a philosophy of tolerance. Here are some stirring samples of what he means which for an open mind, is rather enlightening.
One of the greatest rulers the Islamic world has ever seen: the ninth-century Abbasid caliph of Baghdad, Abu Ja'far Abdullah al-Ma'mun. He came to power in AD813 and launched the golden age of Arabic science. He created the greatest centre of learning the world has seen, known as Bayt al-Hikma: the House of Wisdom.
The history of science acknowledges the valuable contributions of the ancient Greeks that would not be matched until the European Renaissance and the arrival of Copernicus and Galileo in the 16th century. But the scientists and philosophers whom Ma'mum brought together sparked a period of scientific achievement that was just as important as the Greeks or the Renaissance and we cannot simply project the European dark ages on the rest of the world.
The Persian philosopher Avicenna-born in AD980 is famous as the greatest physician of the middle ages. His Canon of Medicine was the standard medical text in the Islamic world and across Europe until the 17th century, a period of more than 600 years. But Avicenna was also the greatest philosopher of Islam and one of the most important of all time in medieval philosophy. In his shadow came along Abu Rayhan al-Biruni, a philosopher, mathematician and astronomer, theologian, encyclopedist, linguist, historian, geographer, pharmacists and physician. He is also considered the father of geology and anthropology. The only other figure in history whose legacy rivals the scope of his scholarship is Leonardo da Vinci. And yet Biruni is hardly known in the western world.
Copernicus' genius is undisputed however many of his calculations were taken from the manuscripts of the 14th-century Syrian astronomer Ibn al-Shatir. We know nothing of this man.
William Harvey was the first to correctly describe the blood circulation in 1616. Not so. The first was a 13th-century Andalucian physician Ibn al-Nafees.
Issac Newton continued the work begun 700 years earlier. For one of the greatet of the Abbasid scientists was the Iraqi Ibn al-Haytham born AD965 who is believed to be the world first physicist and the father of modern scientific method- long before the Renaissance scholars such as Bacon and Descartes.
Even more surprising is that a 9th-century Iraqi zoologist al-Jahith developed a rudimentary theory of natural selection a thousand years before Darwin. In The Book of Animals he speculated that the environment cold effect the characteristics of species, forcing them to adapt and then pass on those traits to future generations.
What does this matter to Jim today? Because at a time of increased cultural and religious tensions, misunderstandings and intolerance, the Islamic world needs to be seen through new eyes. (Remember what we owe to Arab science. Jim Al-Khalili. Comment * Debate- The Guardian Weekly 08.02.08 pg 20)
Why in the world are people so hesitent to acknowledge the greatness of other minds. Is it ignorance? Are we really like sheep, so easily lead by those who would stir discontent for their own purposes, that we cannot reserve judgement for ourselves? If that is the case, woe are we.
Strange names, strange language are no surprise to we of celtic heritage. I am of the antient clan Graeme or Graemoch and they did not speak English nor read or write. They were called paegan and barbarian. But they made a contribution as any Irish or Scot will remind us. You and your culture will have a similar sense of persecution and struggle which is revealed in history. And look at us now. Brethren of different cultures, languages, colour blind to differences.If we can achieve the same sense of familiarity with other cultures and understand that all good men share a common goal, we move one step closer to our goal. We are not the risk takers even comparable to our antient brethren who handed us a library and a mindset of liberal thought. Our beliefs are so a-political that some think we are dreamers or have a secret agenda. Maybe they are right. Maybe the secret agenda is the believe we are more alike than dissimilar.
Dg
Saturday, 19 January 2008
Contemporary Effects: Time Management Problems
On time management: What is the average and what is the expected amount of time absorbed by each commitment? What may be contributing to the breakdown in participatory hours may include poor management skills. Each stage in freemasonry consumes/requires X amount of hours more than previous. We call this commitment. Commitment is demonstrated by regular participation at masonic events. As we advance into offices, a usual rule of thumb is doubling the amount of time required as we advance to the next chair until that culminates in a total commitment from the Chair of King Solomon.
However, commitment is also demonstrated by entrance into appendant groups. Each appendant has progressive opportunity, each opportunity demonstrating further commitment and within each, opportunity to serve is encouraged.
Again each step requires more time commitment.
We may be witnessing a large scale over extention taking place because of two factors. A) Accumulative time commitments B) Poor time management skills
In each of the appendant orders, no where is there systematic description (or awareness) of the amount of ADDED time that will be required.
To improve outcomes, it would be better to explain to a new candidate the amount of added time required by the commitment he is considering.
Then it would be essential to not make an error with a 2nd assumption; that the individual has sufficient time management skill to coordinate his schedule.
We see symptoms of this phenomena each day. Forthright men become frustrated, then burned out because they cannot navigate the myriad schedules and priorities.
Each chair, each commitment, each appendant group, office after office, the time commitment is cumulative.
I suggest the time management required to sustain the commitments for years takes advanced skills that the average person does not have. Freemasonry generally presents a one dimensional view of the commitment. I suggest we take a cumulative view which will lead us to an ephany of sorts.
If we as an order can define the problem, we can find solutions. In fact it would be possible to mapping out commitments including time commitment ranges- minimum average to maximum.
Add work, family and personal time and that describes a number of masons. Does this cast a light into the shadows?
Dg
However, commitment is also demonstrated by entrance into appendant groups. Each appendant has progressive opportunity, each opportunity demonstrating further commitment and within each, opportunity to serve is encouraged.
Again each step requires more time commitment.
We may be witnessing a large scale over extention taking place because of two factors. A) Accumulative time commitments B) Poor time management skills
In each of the appendant orders, no where is there systematic description (or awareness) of the amount of ADDED time that will be required.
To improve outcomes, it would be better to explain to a new candidate the amount of added time required by the commitment he is considering.
Then it would be essential to not make an error with a 2nd assumption; that the individual has sufficient time management skill to coordinate his schedule.
We see symptoms of this phenomena each day. Forthright men become frustrated, then burned out because they cannot navigate the myriad schedules and priorities.
Each chair, each commitment, each appendant group, office after office, the time commitment is cumulative.
I suggest the time management required to sustain the commitments for years takes advanced skills that the average person does not have. Freemasonry generally presents a one dimensional view of the commitment. I suggest we take a cumulative view which will lead us to an ephany of sorts.
If we as an order can define the problem, we can find solutions. In fact it would be possible to mapping out commitments including time commitment ranges- minimum average to maximum.
Add work, family and personal time and that describes a number of masons. Does this cast a light into the shadows?
Dg
chair, each commitment, each appendant group, office after office, the time commitment is cumulative.
I suggest the time management required to sustain the commitments for years takes advanced skills that the average person does not have. Freemasonry generally presents a one dimensional view of the commitment. I suggest we take a cumulative view which will lead us to an ephany of sorts.
If we as an order can define the problem, we can find solutions. In fact it would be possible to mapping out commitments including time commitment ranges- minimum average to maximum.
Add work, family and personal time and that describes a number of masons. Does this cast a light into the shadows?
Dg
I suggest the time management required to sustain the commitments for years takes advanced skills that the average person does not have. Freemasonry generally presents a one dimensional view of the commitment. I suggest we take a cumulative view which will lead us to an ephany of sorts.
If we as an order can define the problem, we can find solutions. In fact it would be possible to mapping out commitments including time commitment ranges- minimum average to maximum.
Add work, family and personal time and that describes a number of masons. Does this cast a light into the shadows?
Dg
Thursday, 17 January 2008
Excellent Blog Site
Brothers, I am very impressed and enthused about this site. Thank you Dale for initiating it. I am looking forward contributing myself as well as all your contributions.
I am currently looking into an article in the last Masonic magazine about a pilgrimage to Wilson district. Once I learn more on this, unless you already have the info, I am interested in attending this pilgramage. It is near my home town and I believe our current GM will be in attendance as Woodstock is his home town as well. More to follow.
Have a good day.
I am currently looking into an article in the last Masonic magazine about a pilgrimage to Wilson district. Once I learn more on this, unless you already have the info, I am interested in attending this pilgramage. It is near my home town and I believe our current GM will be in attendance as Woodstock is his home town as well. More to follow.
Have a good day.
Wednesday, 16 January 2008
ABRACADABRA
[Q] From Speranza Spiratos: “Can you shed some magical clarity on the word abracadabra please?”
[A] Let me wave my wand ... Ah, a brief sputter, then nothing. It seems the origin isn’t known for certain.
These days it’s just a joking conjuror’s incantation with no force behind it, like hocus pocus and other meaningless phrases. But the word is extremely ancient and originally was thought to be a powerful invocation with mystical powers.
What we know for sure is that it was first recorded in a Latin medical poem, De medicina praecepta, by the Roman physician Quintus Serenus Sammonicus in the second century AD. It’s believed to have come into English via French and Latin from a Greek word abrasadabra (the change from s to c seems to have been through a confused transliteration of the Greek). Serenus Sammonicus said that to get well a sick person should wear an amulet around the neck, a piece of parchment inscribed with a triangular formula derived from the word, which acts like a funnel to drive the sickness out of the body:
A B R A C A D A B R A
A B R A C A D A B R
A B R A C A D A B
A B R A C A D A
A B R A C A D
A B R A C A
A B R A C
A B R A
A B R
A B
A
However, it seems likely that abracadabra is older and that it derives from one of the Semitic languages, though nobody can say for sure, because there is no written record before Serenus Sammonicus. For what it’s worth, here are some theories:
It’s from the Aramaic phrase avra kehdabra, meaning “I will create as I speak”.
The source is three Hebrew words, ab (father), ben (son), and ruach acadosch (holy spirit).
It’s from the Chaldean abbada ke dabra, meaning “perish like the word”.
It originated with a Gnostic sect in Alexandria called the Basilidians and was probably based on Abrasax, the name of their supreme deity (Abraxas in Latin sources).
Fans of the Harry Potter books will know the killing curse, Avada Kedavra, in which J K Rowling seems to have combined the supposed Aramaic source of abracadabra with the Latin cadaver, a dead body.
[Q] From Speranza Spiratos: “Can you shed some magical clarity on the word abracadabra please?”
[A] Let me wave my wand ... Ah, a brief sputter, then nothing. It seems the origin isn’t known for certain.
These days it’s just a joking conjuror’s incantation with no force behind it, like hocus pocus and other meaningless phrases. But the word is extremely ancient and originally was thought to be a powerful invocation with mystical powers.
What we know for sure is that it was first recorded in a Latin medical poem, De medicina praecepta, by the Roman physician Quintus Serenus Sammonicus in the second century AD. It’s believed to have come into English via French and Latin from a Greek word abrasadabra (the change from s to c seems to have been through a confused transliteration of the Greek). Serenus Sammonicus said that to get well a sick person should wear an amulet around the neck, a piece of parchment inscribed with a triangular formula derived from the word, which acts like a funnel to drive the sickness out of the body:
A B R A C A D A B R A
A B R A C A D A B R
A B R A C A D A B
A B R A C A D A
A B R A C A D
A B R A C A
A B R A C
A B R A
A B R
A B
A
However, it seems likely that abracadabra is older and that it derives from one of the Semitic languages, though nobody can say for sure, because there is no written record before Serenus Sammonicus. For what it’s worth, here are some theories:
It’s from the Aramaic phrase avra kehdabra, meaning “I will create as I speak”.
The source is three Hebrew words, ab (father), ben (son), and ruach acadosch (holy spirit).
It’s from the Chaldean abbada ke dabra, meaning “perish like the word”.
It originated with a Gnostic sect in Alexandria called the Basilidians and was probably based on Abrasax, the name of their supreme deity (Abraxas in Latin sources).
Fans of the Harry Potter books will know the killing curse, Avada Kedavra, in which J K Rowling seems to have combined the supposed Aramaic source of abracadabra with the Latin cadaver, a dead body.
Tuesday, 15 January 2008
Repairs in the Lodge
For some time, I've noticed most of us experience eye strain due to the poor lighting in our lodge. Two of the shades are cracked and need to be replaced which would be a good time to consider lights that complement the woodwork and make it easier to see without squinting. The lighting over the altar and at the wardens is ridiculous especially since we know it is easy to fix.
The worn carpeting is now a tripping hazard for one and all who enter the room. After someone is hurt is too late.
The smell of mold is clear each time we open the building. I'm guessing bacteria has been growing in the carpeting around the basement drain, all of which is a risk to everyone in the building.
Can our Temple Board get on this within the month? It has puzzled me why the TM doesn't meet when it is necessary but makes work wait for the 2 or 3 meetings held annually. Replacing the fridge too years and only happened when Jim and Cec took a lead role and got it done. Thanks boys.
If one of our old fellows falls sick because of the mold or trips on the carpet, I'd feel it could have been avoided. What do you think? Am I full of beans on this one?
Dale
The worn carpeting is now a tripping hazard for one and all who enter the room. After someone is hurt is too late.
The smell of mold is clear each time we open the building. I'm guessing bacteria has been growing in the carpeting around the basement drain, all of which is a risk to everyone in the building.
Can our Temple Board get on this within the month? It has puzzled me why the TM doesn't meet when it is necessary but makes work wait for the 2 or 3 meetings held annually. Replacing the fridge too years and only happened when Jim and Cec took a lead role and got it done. Thanks boys.
If one of our old fellows falls sick because of the mold or trips on the carpet, I'd feel it could have been avoided. What do you think? Am I full of beans on this one?
Dale
Sunday, 13 January 2008
The Significance of Seven Stars
The Pythagoreans described the heptad-the number as worthy of veneration. It was held to be ther number of religion, because man is controlled by seven celestial spirits to whom it is proper for him to make offerings.
The Elohim of the Jews were supposedly seven in number. Tehy were the Spirits of the Dawn, more commonly known as the Archangels controlling the planets. The seven Archangels, with the three spirits controlling the sun in its threefold aspect, constitute the 10, the sacred Pythaorean decad.
10 was the most sacred number.
The Pythagoreans declared arithmetic to be he mother of the mathematical sciences. This is proved by the fact that geometry, music and astronomy are dependent upon it but it is not dependent upon them.
Here is a piece written a few months ago...
The Newsletter Oct 2007
c/o Iain Mackenzie
2366 Cavendish Drive
Burlington, ON L7P 3B4
Sir,
Regarding Vol.21 No.4 Questions to the Fraternity
My simple answers for your information:
Explain the significance of the seven stars. Why are they place over the SW’s chair?
Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn her Seven Pillars.
In the Tracing-Board of the Seventeenth Degree, or Knight of the East & West, is the representation of a man clothed in a white robe, with a golden girdle round his waist, is right hand extended and surround with seven stars. The Seventeenth is an apocalyptic Degree and this symbol is taken for the passage in Revelation (I 16)” and he had in his right hand seven stars.” It is a symbol of the seven churches of Asia.
Seven Stars in the west: like the seven stars of the Pleiades reminds us of the Vernal Equinox. Summer Solstice, Midsummer’s Night is one of the 4 celebrated ancient and scared days. when day is longest, light of the sun at it’s most powerful; Winter Solstice, the shortest day when the sun is “reborn” of darkness, celebrates new beginning; Autumnal Equinox,” the dark night of the soul, is celebration of the harvest. And the Vernal Equinox, when day and night are in perfect balance, celebrates new life and that reminds us of the symbol with which the Senior Warden is invested, the level. Seven, the sacred number representing to the Hebrew, completion and perfection.
For stars to be seen we wait until the sun sets. Rising in the east our star sets in the west and brings the necessary darkness. “Any old sailor knows, you need night to see the stars”.
Why does “Charity” comprehend the whole?
The Socratic Method; isn’t it amazing what it does to the mind. This is an excellent question and we need to prepare to answer it but understanding more about the term charity, especially why freemasonry reveals comprehension of the whole depends on it.
The canon of freemasonry includes a path for those who wish to achieve the heights. In the JW lecture we are taught that the highest rung on the connection between heaven and earth is charity. It is an element of the character which fulfills a man and part of what enables him to live a content, wholesome and meaningful life.
I think we should not be too critical of those who have not thought in depth about charity. Throughout history, there are examples of the misery and suffering of poverty. Many pious people have been taught that charity is demeaning, somehow wrong and how often have we listened to a clever boy tell us, the hungry single mother and her children want or deserve their lot in life. He has not seen the world through the eyes of someone in need or has become cold to suffering. Therein is a demonstration of a form of charity; compassion and empathy.
Philanthropy or a foundation fund is a wonderful act for those who realize how deeply satisfying to care for someone who may never know the source. Some masons who say it is they who benefit. Others would say it is a selfless act and become suspicious of the motive behind silence when meagre self promotion is so rampant. Charity involves currency of a different sort. In this bank, we hold the riches of insight. When faced with starvation a person can and should do anything to survive. We have all heard that statement. But there are limits and who judges those limits; those who have starved or the affluent? Another form of charity is to accept the starving man’s justification for acting in uncommon ways and not criminalize him. Leniency is another word for charity.
One definition of charity is benevolence toward those in need of disfavour. When we experience forgiveness we are seeing an expression of charity. When we express non- sexual and unselfish love such as brotherly love between masons, it is a charity or giving of deep feeling to another. In English the word agape more often replaces charity.
Such strong reactions are prompted by the politics of charity. Fortunately carrying out the acts can be done without talking about it. Darn that Jacob, for dreaming about a ladder connecting the sublunary abode with the eternal mansions. Darn those dreamers who understand charity is not about giving, that it is about receiving much more in return that we can give to others.
Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have he gift of prophecy and understand all mysteries and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I cold remove mountains and have not charity, I am nothing.
a esse ad posse
Thank you for the opportunity.
W.Bro. Dale Graham F.C.F.,
North Star Lodge No. 322 Grey Masonic District
The Elohim of the Jews were supposedly seven in number. Tehy were the Spirits of the Dawn, more commonly known as the Archangels controlling the planets. The seven Archangels, with the three spirits controlling the sun in its threefold aspect, constitute the 10, the sacred Pythaorean decad.
10 was the most sacred number.
The Pythagoreans declared arithmetic to be he mother of the mathematical sciences. This is proved by the fact that geometry, music and astronomy are dependent upon it but it is not dependent upon them.
Here is a piece written a few months ago...
The Newsletter Oct 2007
c/o Iain Mackenzie
2366 Cavendish Drive
Burlington, ON L7P 3B4
Sir,
Regarding Vol.21 No.4 Questions to the Fraternity
My simple answers for your information:
Explain the significance of the seven stars. Why are they place over the SW’s chair?
Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn her Seven Pillars.
In the Tracing-Board of the Seventeenth Degree, or Knight of the East & West, is the representation of a man clothed in a white robe, with a golden girdle round his waist, is right hand extended and surround with seven stars. The Seventeenth is an apocalyptic Degree and this symbol is taken for the passage in Revelation (I 16)” and he had in his right hand seven stars.” It is a symbol of the seven churches of Asia.
Seven Stars in the west: like the seven stars of the Pleiades reminds us of the Vernal Equinox. Summer Solstice, Midsummer’s Night is one of the 4 celebrated ancient and scared days. when day is longest, light of the sun at it’s most powerful; Winter Solstice, the shortest day when the sun is “reborn” of darkness, celebrates new beginning; Autumnal Equinox,” the dark night of the soul, is celebration of the harvest. And the Vernal Equinox, when day and night are in perfect balance, celebrates new life and that reminds us of the symbol with which the Senior Warden is invested, the level. Seven, the sacred number representing to the Hebrew, completion and perfection.
For stars to be seen we wait until the sun sets. Rising in the east our star sets in the west and brings the necessary darkness. “Any old sailor knows, you need night to see the stars”.
Why does “Charity” comprehend the whole?
The Socratic Method; isn’t it amazing what it does to the mind. This is an excellent question and we need to prepare to answer it but understanding more about the term charity, especially why freemasonry reveals comprehension of the whole depends on it.
The canon of freemasonry includes a path for those who wish to achieve the heights. In the JW lecture we are taught that the highest rung on the connection between heaven and earth is charity. It is an element of the character which fulfills a man and part of what enables him to live a content, wholesome and meaningful life.
I think we should not be too critical of those who have not thought in depth about charity. Throughout history, there are examples of the misery and suffering of poverty. Many pious people have been taught that charity is demeaning, somehow wrong and how often have we listened to a clever boy tell us, the hungry single mother and her children want or deserve their lot in life. He has not seen the world through the eyes of someone in need or has become cold to suffering. Therein is a demonstration of a form of charity; compassion and empathy.
Philanthropy or a foundation fund is a wonderful act for those who realize how deeply satisfying to care for someone who may never know the source. Some masons who say it is they who benefit. Others would say it is a selfless act and become suspicious of the motive behind silence when meagre self promotion is so rampant. Charity involves currency of a different sort. In this bank, we hold the riches of insight. When faced with starvation a person can and should do anything to survive. We have all heard that statement. But there are limits and who judges those limits; those who have starved or the affluent? Another form of charity is to accept the starving man’s justification for acting in uncommon ways and not criminalize him. Leniency is another word for charity.
One definition of charity is benevolence toward those in need of disfavour. When we experience forgiveness we are seeing an expression of charity. When we express non- sexual and unselfish love such as brotherly love between masons, it is a charity or giving of deep feeling to another. In English the word agape more often replaces charity.
Such strong reactions are prompted by the politics of charity. Fortunately carrying out the acts can be done without talking about it. Darn that Jacob, for dreaming about a ladder connecting the sublunary abode with the eternal mansions. Darn those dreamers who understand charity is not about giving, that it is about receiving much more in return that we can give to others.
Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have he gift of prophecy and understand all mysteries and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I cold remove mountains and have not charity, I am nothing.
a esse ad posse
Thank you for the opportunity.
W.Bro. Dale Graham F.C.F.,
North Star Lodge No. 322 Grey Masonic District
The Newsletter
c/o Iain Mackenzie
2366 Cavendish Drive
Burlington, ON L7P 3B4
Sir,
Regarding Vol.21 No.4 Questions to the Fraternity
My simple answers for your information:
Explain the significance of the seven stars. Why are they place over the SW’s chair?
Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn her Seven Pillars.
In the Tracing-Board of the Seventeenth Degree, or Knight of the East & West, is the representation of a man clothed in a white robe, with a golden girdle round his waist, is right hand extended and surround with seven stars. The Seventeenth is an apocalyptic Degree and this symbol is taken for the passage in Revelation (I 16)” and he had in his right hand seven stars.” It is a symbol of the seven churches of Asia.
Seven Stars in the west: like the seven stars of the Pleiades reminds us of the Vernal Equinox. Summer Solstice, Midsummer’s Night is one of the 4 celebrated ancient and scared days. when day is longest, light of the sun at it’s most powerful; Winter Solstice, the shortest day when the sun is “reborn” of darkness, celebrates new beginning; Autumnal Equinox,” the dark night of the soul, is celebration of the harvest. And the Vernal Equinox, when day and night are in perfect balance, celebrates new life and that reminds us of the symbol with which the Senior Warden is invested, the level. Seven, the sacred number representing to the Hebrew, completion and perfection.
For stars to be seen we wait until the sun sets. Rising in the east our star sets in the west and brings the necessary darkness. “Any old sailor knows, you need night to see the stars”.
Why does “Charity” comprehend the whole?
The Socratic Method; isn’t it amazing what it does to the mind. This is an excellent question and we need to prepare to answer it but understanding more about the term charity, especially why freemasonry reveals comprehension of the whole depends on it.
The canon of freemasonry includes a path for those who wish to achieve the heights. In the JW lecture we are taught that the highest rung on the connection between heaven and earth is charity. It is an element of the character which fulfills a man and part of what enables him to live a content, wholesome and meaningful life.
I think we should not be too critical of those who have not thought in depth about charity. Throughout history, there are examples of the misery and suffering of poverty. Many pious people have been taught that charity is demeaning, somehow wrong and how often have we listened to a clever boy tell us, the hungry single mother and her children want or deserve their lot in life. He has not seen the world through the eyes of someone in need or has become cold to suffering. Therein is a demonstration of a form of charity; compassion and empathy.
Philanthropy or a foundation fund is a wonderful act for those who realize how deeply satisfying to care for someone who may never know the source. Some masons who say it is they who benefit. Others would say it is a selfless act and become suspicious of the motive behind silence when meagre self promotion is so rampant. Charity involves currency of a different sort. In this bank, we hold the riches of insight. When faced with starvation a person can and should do anything to survive. We have all heard that statement. But there are limits and who judges those limits; those who have starved or the affluent? Another form of charity is to accept the starving man’s justification for acting in uncommon ways and not criminalize him. Leniency is another word for charity.
One definition of charity is benevolence toward those in need of disfavour. When we experience forgiveness we are seeing an expression of charity. When we express non- sexual and unselfish love such as brotherly love between masons, it is a charity or giving of deep feeling to another. In English the word agape more often replaces charity.
Such strong reactions are prompted by the politics of charity. Fortunately carrying out the acts can be done without talking about it. Darn that Jacob, for dreaming about a ladder connecting the sublunary abode with the eternal mansions. Darn those dreamers who understand charity is not about giving, that it is about receiving much more in return that we can give to others.
Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have he gift of prophecy and understand all mysteries and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I cold remove mountains and have not charity, I am nothing.
a esse ad posse
Thank you for the opportunity.
W.Bro. Dale Graham F.C.F.,
North Star Lodge No. 322 Grey Masonic District
c/o Iain Mackenzie
2366 Cavendish Drive
Burlington, ON L7P 3B4
Sir,
Regarding Vol.21 No.4 Questions to the Fraternity
My simple answers for your information:
Explain the significance of the seven stars. Why are they place over the SW’s chair?
Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn her Seven Pillars.
In the Tracing-Board of the Seventeenth Degree, or Knight of the East & West, is the representation of a man clothed in a white robe, with a golden girdle round his waist, is right hand extended and surround with seven stars. The Seventeenth is an apocalyptic Degree and this symbol is taken for the passage in Revelation (I 16)” and he had in his right hand seven stars.” It is a symbol of the seven churches of Asia.
Seven Stars in the west: like the seven stars of the Pleiades reminds us of the Vernal Equinox. Summer Solstice, Midsummer’s Night is one of the 4 celebrated ancient and scared days. when day is longest, light of the sun at it’s most powerful; Winter Solstice, the shortest day when the sun is “reborn” of darkness, celebrates new beginning; Autumnal Equinox,” the dark night of the soul, is celebration of the harvest. And the Vernal Equinox, when day and night are in perfect balance, celebrates new life and that reminds us of the symbol with which the Senior Warden is invested, the level. Seven, the sacred number representing to the Hebrew, completion and perfection.
For stars to be seen we wait until the sun sets. Rising in the east our star sets in the west and brings the necessary darkness. “Any old sailor knows, you need night to see the stars”.
Why does “Charity” comprehend the whole?
The Socratic Method; isn’t it amazing what it does to the mind. This is an excellent question and we need to prepare to answer it but understanding more about the term charity, especially why freemasonry reveals comprehension of the whole depends on it.
The canon of freemasonry includes a path for those who wish to achieve the heights. In the JW lecture we are taught that the highest rung on the connection between heaven and earth is charity. It is an element of the character which fulfills a man and part of what enables him to live a content, wholesome and meaningful life.
I think we should not be too critical of those who have not thought in depth about charity. Throughout history, there are examples of the misery and suffering of poverty. Many pious people have been taught that charity is demeaning, somehow wrong and how often have we listened to a clever boy tell us, the hungry single mother and her children want or deserve their lot in life. He has not seen the world through the eyes of someone in need or has become cold to suffering. Therein is a demonstration of a form of charity; compassion and empathy.
Philanthropy or a foundation fund is a wonderful act for those who realize how deeply satisfying to care for someone who may never know the source. Some masons who say it is they who benefit. Others would say it is a selfless act and become suspicious of the motive behind silence when meagre self promotion is so rampant. Charity involves currency of a different sort. In this bank, we hold the riches of insight. When faced with starvation a person can and should do anything to survive. We have all heard that statement. But there are limits and who judges those limits; those who have starved or the affluent? Another form of charity is to accept the starving man’s justification for acting in uncommon ways and not criminalize him. Leniency is another word for charity.
One definition of charity is benevolence toward those in need of disfavour. When we experience forgiveness we are seeing an expression of charity. When we express non- sexual and unselfish love such as brotherly love between masons, it is a charity or giving of deep feeling to another. In English the word agape more often replaces charity.
Such strong reactions are prompted by the politics of charity. Fortunately carrying out the acts can be done without talking about it. Darn that Jacob, for dreaming about a ladder connecting the sublunary abode with the eternal mansions. Darn those dreamers who understand charity is not about giving, that it is about receiving much more in return that we can give to others.
Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have he gift of prophecy and understand all mysteries and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I cold remove mountains and have not charity, I am nothing.
a esse ad posse
Thank you for the opportunity.
W.Bro. Dale Graham F.C.F.,
North Star Lodge No. 322 Grey Masonic District
January Summons
Dear Sir and Brother,
I am directed by the Worshipful Master to
request your attendance at the meeting of
North Star Lodge No. 322 A.F.& A.M.
G.R.C., to be held at the Masonic Lodge,
Owen Sound, on Wednesday,
January 2, 2008 at 7:30 PM.
Fraternally,
W. Bro. Bill Griffith
Secretary
Board of General Purposes Meeting
Sunday, December 30th, 2007 at 10:30 A.M.
Secretary’s Corner ---Dues 2008
Brethren, the annual dues for 2008 are $90.00
and are due and payable on January 1, 2008. If
paid before then you can save $10.00 and pay
only $80.00. Out of province dues are now
$ 70.00 per year.
Dues past due for 2007. $ _______ . * If
an amount is shown here you are in arrears
for past dues. Please contact Secretary to
arrange payment.
Worshipful Masters Trestle Board
Entered Apprentices
Bro. Cam Duggan Bro. Todd Ramsey
Bro. Robert Alexander Bro. Bill Robbin
Bro. Ted Schneider Bro. Chad Cranney
Bro. Keith Fetterly Bro. William Brown
Fellowcraft
Bro. Ross Johnson
Bro. Todd Griffith
Work of the Evening
Initiation on Mr. Michael Murray Rennie
recommended by W. Bro. Cecil Rawn and
W. Bro. H. Murray Rennie.
Balloting
Pending favourable reports by Examining
Committee, balloting when be held for
Mr. Dwayne David Frook recommended by
Bro. Jeff Knights and W. Bro. Bill Griffith, and
Mr. Philip Stephan Mann recommended by
Bro. Jeff Knights and W. Bro. Bill Griffith
Emergent Meeting
An emergent meeting is scheduled for
January 16th, 2008 for the purpose of
Initiation for Mr. Michael Richard Thompson
recommended by Bro. Eugene Underhill and
Bro. Jason Mervyn.
*****Important Request*****
Help save the Lodge Money!!!
Please email the Secretary with your email
address if you wish to get your summons
by email. Summons still will be mailed to
those brethren not wishing to receive it
electronically.
******************************
District Events
Grey District Bonspiel is scheduled for
January 19th, 2008 at Durham Curling Club,
Durham.
A Blood Donor Clinic will be held on
Wednesday, January 2nd, 2008 from 2 PM
to 8 PM., at the Royal Can. Legion. All
brethren who donate be sure to sign Masonic
register in front lobby.
Message From the East
BRETHREN;
AT OUR LAST GATHERING WE
HAD THE VERY DISTINCT HONOR OF
HAVING THE DDGM OF GREY
DISTRICT VISIT OUR LODGE. THE
EVENING WAS A MEMORABLE ONE
FOR ALL AND THE MASONIC
EDUCATION THAT WAS PRESENTED
BY BRO. GREG HEATHERS AND W.
BRO. DALE GRAHAM BEING THE
HIGHLIGHT OF THE EVENING.
ON TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11TH
WE TRAVELLED TO DURHAM LODGE
FOR A FRATERNAL VISIT AND WHILE
THERE THE BRETHREN OF DURHAM
LODGE CONFERED THE THIRD
DEGREE ON BRO. STEVE GABROWSKI.
THE WORK WAS VERY SKILLFULLY
HANDELED BY W. MASTER JOHN BELL
AND HIS BRETHREN AND I WOULD
LIKE TO AGAIN THANK THEM AND
ALL NORTH STAR BRETHREN WHO
TRAVELLED WITH US FOR A VERY
ENJOYABLE EVENING.
ON SUNDAY DECEMBER 16TH
WE ATTENDED OUR ANNUAL
CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PARTY. THIS
YEARS EVENT WAS HELD AT DUAL
ACRES FARM. THE WEATHER DID
NOT CO-OPERATE IN THE WAY WE
WOULD HAVE LIKED, BUT ALL WENT
EXTREMELY WELL AND OUR
COLLECTIVE HATS SHOULD GO OFF
TO BRO. JASON MERVYN AND HIS
CREW FOR A JOB WELL DONE. ALSO
TO DURK AND ALMA DEVRIES FOR
HAVING US OUT THERE AND FOR
BEING VERY GRACIOUS HOSTS.
ANOTHER YEAR HAS COME
AND GONE AND WITH IT ANOTHER
JOURNEY BEGINS. IN JANUARY, WE
WILL BE MEETING TWICE TO DO THE
GOOD WORK OF MASONRY AND I
WOULD VERY MUCH ENJOY
EVERYONE’S COMPANY WHEN WE
MEET NEXT TO INITIATE ANOTHER
WORTHY MAN INTO THE SECRETS
AND MYSTERIES OF FREEMASONRY.
COME JOIN US AND WELCOME
IN SOME NEW MEN INTO THE
FRATERNITY.
YOUR FRIEND AND BROTHER
ALWAYS,
CECIL RAWN – W.M.
I am directed by the Worshipful Master to
request your attendance at the meeting of
North Star Lodge No. 322 A.F.& A.M.
G.R.C., to be held at the Masonic Lodge,
Owen Sound, on Wednesday,
January 2, 2008 at 7:30 PM.
Fraternally,
W. Bro. Bill Griffith
Secretary
Board of General Purposes Meeting
Sunday, December 30th, 2007 at 10:30 A.M.
Secretary’s Corner ---Dues 2008
Brethren, the annual dues for 2008 are $90.00
and are due and payable on January 1, 2008. If
paid before then you can save $10.00 and pay
only $80.00. Out of province dues are now
$ 70.00 per year.
Dues past due for 2007. $ _______ . * If
an amount is shown here you are in arrears
for past dues. Please contact Secretary to
arrange payment.
Worshipful Masters Trestle Board
Entered Apprentices
Bro. Cam Duggan Bro. Todd Ramsey
Bro. Robert Alexander Bro. Bill Robbin
Bro. Ted Schneider Bro. Chad Cranney
Bro. Keith Fetterly Bro. William Brown
Fellowcraft
Bro. Ross Johnson
Bro. Todd Griffith
Work of the Evening
Initiation on Mr. Michael Murray Rennie
recommended by W. Bro. Cecil Rawn and
W. Bro. H. Murray Rennie.
Balloting
Pending favourable reports by Examining
Committee, balloting when be held for
Mr. Dwayne David Frook recommended by
Bro. Jeff Knights and W. Bro. Bill Griffith, and
Mr. Philip Stephan Mann recommended by
Bro. Jeff Knights and W. Bro. Bill Griffith
Emergent Meeting
An emergent meeting is scheduled for
January 16th, 2008 for the purpose of
Initiation for Mr. Michael Richard Thompson
recommended by Bro. Eugene Underhill and
Bro. Jason Mervyn.
*****Important Request*****
Help save the Lodge Money!!!
Please email the Secretary with your email
address if you wish to get your summons
by email. Summons still will be mailed to
those brethren not wishing to receive it
electronically.
******************************
District Events
Grey District Bonspiel is scheduled for
January 19th, 2008 at Durham Curling Club,
Durham.
A Blood Donor Clinic will be held on
Wednesday, January 2nd, 2008 from 2 PM
to 8 PM., at the Royal Can. Legion. All
brethren who donate be sure to sign Masonic
register in front lobby.
Message From the East
BRETHREN;
AT OUR LAST GATHERING WE
HAD THE VERY DISTINCT HONOR OF
HAVING THE DDGM OF GREY
DISTRICT VISIT OUR LODGE. THE
EVENING WAS A MEMORABLE ONE
FOR ALL AND THE MASONIC
EDUCATION THAT WAS PRESENTED
BY BRO. GREG HEATHERS AND W.
BRO. DALE GRAHAM BEING THE
HIGHLIGHT OF THE EVENING.
ON TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11TH
WE TRAVELLED TO DURHAM LODGE
FOR A FRATERNAL VISIT AND WHILE
THERE THE BRETHREN OF DURHAM
LODGE CONFERED THE THIRD
DEGREE ON BRO. STEVE GABROWSKI.
THE WORK WAS VERY SKILLFULLY
HANDELED BY W. MASTER JOHN BELL
AND HIS BRETHREN AND I WOULD
LIKE TO AGAIN THANK THEM AND
ALL NORTH STAR BRETHREN WHO
TRAVELLED WITH US FOR A VERY
ENJOYABLE EVENING.
ON SUNDAY DECEMBER 16TH
WE ATTENDED OUR ANNUAL
CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PARTY. THIS
YEARS EVENT WAS HELD AT DUAL
ACRES FARM. THE WEATHER DID
NOT CO-OPERATE IN THE WAY WE
WOULD HAVE LIKED, BUT ALL WENT
EXTREMELY WELL AND OUR
COLLECTIVE HATS SHOULD GO OFF
TO BRO. JASON MERVYN AND HIS
CREW FOR A JOB WELL DONE. ALSO
TO DURK AND ALMA DEVRIES FOR
HAVING US OUT THERE AND FOR
BEING VERY GRACIOUS HOSTS.
ANOTHER YEAR HAS COME
AND GONE AND WITH IT ANOTHER
JOURNEY BEGINS. IN JANUARY, WE
WILL BE MEETING TWICE TO DO THE
GOOD WORK OF MASONRY AND I
WOULD VERY MUCH ENJOY
EVERYONE’S COMPANY WHEN WE
MEET NEXT TO INITIATE ANOTHER
WORTHY MAN INTO THE SECRETS
AND MYSTERIES OF FREEMASONRY.
COME JOIN US AND WELCOME
IN SOME NEW MEN INTO THE
FRATERNITY.
YOUR FRIEND AND BROTHER
ALWAYS,
CECIL RAWN – W.M.
2007-2008 Deputy Grand Master's Itinerary
Deputy Grand Master’s Itinerary 2007 ~ 2008
1 October 2007
DATE TIME EVENT PLACE
Tuesday 2 October 6:00 St. John’s Lodge 21a Vankleek Hill
Wednesday 10 October 10:00 Management Committee Meeting Hamilton
Thursday 11 October 8:00 Oak Branch Lodge 261 - Installation Innerkip
Saturday 13 October 4:30 Celebration ’07 Grand Master and Mary Woodstock
Tuesday 16 October WMW Medal Presentation - John Medland Brooklin
Wednesday 17 October 7:30 Temple Lodge 690 - Installation Waterloo
Friday 19 October Georgina Lodge 343 - Mason of the Year Rameses, Toronto
Saturday 20 October 10:00 A&ASR Think Tank Meeting St. Catharines
Wednesday 24 October 6:00 Oshawa Scottish Rite Club Harvest Dinner Oshawa
Thursday 25 October Mt Dennis 599 & Astra 682 - Amalgamation Renforth, Etobicoke
Friday 26 October 5:00 R.W. Bro. Lee Shea Appreciation Night Bracebridge
Saturday 27 October 2:00 Royal Order of Scotland Hamilton
Sunday 28 October 6:00 Valley of Guelph 33rds Dinner & Ladies Night Orangeville
Tuesday 30 October 7:00 A&ASR Lodge of Perfection (7th deg) Guelph
Thursday 1 November 7:30 RAM Kitchener Chapter 117 - Installation Waterloo
Saturday 3 November B of GP Meeting (Hon - Elect - Appoint) Hamilton
Thursday 8 November 7:30 Orono Lodge Dedication Orono
Friday 9 November 8:45 A&ASR Consistory (Gr Pontiff deg) Hamilton
Past Grand Masters’ Meeting Hamilton
Saturday 10 November A&ASR Consistory Hamilton
Monday 12 November 7:30 New Dominion Lodge 205 - Installation Elmira
Wednesday 14 November Grand Lodge Office Hamilton
Thursday 15 November 7:30 Kerr Lodge 230 - Speaker Barrie
Friday 16 November Victoria 470 & Caledonian 249 Amalgamation Victoria Harbour
Saturday 17 November 9:45 A&ASR Lodge of Perfection (13th deg) Guelph
12:00 Reception OES General Grand Chapter Committee Members Orangeville
6:00 Markham Union Lodge 87 - 150th Ann, Cedarbrae Golf & Country Club, Markham
Wednesday 21 November 7:30 West Gate Lodge 734 Streetsville
Friday 23 November 7:30 Georgina Lodge 343 – Installation Toronto
Tuesday 27 November 9:30 New Light Lodge 744 – Installation Cambridge
Saturday 8 December Golden Rule 126 & Hastings 633 Amalgamation Campbellford
Sunday 9 December 2:00 Knights Templar Christmas Observance Waterloo
Monday 10 December Amalgamation Maple Leaf 119 & Prince Arthur 228 Bath
Tuesday 11 December 7:30 Norfolk Lodge 10 – Installation Simcoe
Wednesday 12 December 10:00 Grand Lodge Office Hamilton
Thursday 13 December 6:00 Wilmot Lodge 318 - Annual Christmas Feast Baden
Monday 17 December Mystic Tie Lodge 279 – Christmas Dinner Cambridge
Tuesday 18 December 11:00 Eat and Argue Club Christmas Luncheon Toronto
St. John’s 75 & St. Andrew’s 16 Amalgamation York Temple, Millwood Road, Toronto
Thursday 20 December 7:30 Preston Lodge 297 – Installation Cambridge
2008
Wednesday 2 January Waterloo Lodge 539 – Installation Waterloo
Saturday 5 January DDGM Mid-term Meeting Scarborough
Tuesday 8 January Alma Lodge 72 – Installation Cambridge
Thursday 10 January Galt Lodge 257 – Installation Cambridge
Tuesday 15 January 6:15 A&ASR Hamilton Sovereign Lodge of Perfection Hamilton
Friday 18 January Kilwinning Lodge 64 - Scottish Appreciation London
Tuesday 22 January 11:00 New Light Lodge 744 – Burns Luncheon Cambridge
Thursday 24 January Consecon Lodge 50 - Installation Consecon
Saturday 26 January 3:00 Orillia Lodge 192 – Installation Orillia
Thursday 14 – Wednesday 20 February
North American Conference Louisville, Kentucky
Saturday 1 March 5:00 Sarnia District Ladies Night Wyoming
Friday 7 March 6:00 Waterloo District GM Reception Concordia Club, Kitchener
Thursday 20 March A&ASR Rose Croix Maundy Thursday Guelph
Sunday 23 March A&ASR Rose Croix Easter Ceremonies Guelph
Tuesday 25 March A&ASR Rose Croix – 16th & 17th deg Guelph
Thursday 27 – Sunday 30 March
All Canada Conference Winnipeg
Thursday 3 – Saturday 5 April
Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons St. Catharines
Tuesday 15 April Algonquin Lodge 536 – Installation Sudbury
Saturday 19 April Black Creek Interpreters’ Luncheon Toronto
Sunday 20 April 2:00 Wilson South District Divine Service St. Paul’s United Church, Tillsonburg
Saturday 26 April Royal Order of Scotland Hamilton
Sunday 27 April 7:30 Waterloo District Divine Service, St. John’s Anglican Cambridge
Tuesday 29 April A&ASR Rose Croix – 18th deg Guelph
Wednesday 30 April St, Lawrence District DGM Reception, Nation Lodge 556 Spencerville
Monday 5 May 7:30 Grand Junior Wardens’ Reunion, Lakeshore Lodge 645 Etobikoke
Thursday 8 May Doric Lodge 58 – Installation Ottawa
Friday 9 May Grand Lodge Officers Degree reception Timmins
Saturday 10 May Grand Lodge Officers Degree Timmins
Wednesday 14 May Anniversary Lodge 733 - Installation Renforth, Etobicoke
Tuesday 20 – Wednesday 21 May Eastern Tour Ottawa
Wednesday 21 9:30 Luxor Daylight Lodge 741 – Installation Masonic Centre, Walkley Road, Ottawa
6:00 Bonnechere Lodge 433 – Installation Eganville
Friday 23 May Dedication Reba lodge, Brantford
2:00 Dedication Jarvis Lodge
Tuesday 27 May 7:00 A&ASR Lodge of Perfection & Rose Croix Installation Guelph
Saturday 31 May 11:00 Reception Helen Delaney WGM OES
Sunday 1 June 7:00 Hamilton Districts Sunrise Service Holy Trinity Picnic Grounds, Binbrook
2:00 Toronto York District Divine Service Sharon Temple, Sharon
Friday 6 June
Tuesday 10 June 7:30 Grand River Lodge 151 – Installation Waterloo
Friday 13 June 6:00 Hunter’s Sugar Shack Spencerville
Saturday 14 June 1:00 St. Lawrence Degree - Hunter’s Quarry Spencerville
Monday 16 June 6:00 Mystic Tie Lodge 279 – Summer BBQ Cambridge
Tuesday 17 June 10:00 Centennial Daylight Lodge 679 - Installation Hamilton
Thursday 19 June 7:30 Kerr Lodge 230 – Installation Barrie
Sunday 22 June 2:00 Norfolk Lodge 10 – Pilgrimage St. John’s Woodhouse
Wednesday 25 June Dufferin Daylight Lodge 570 - Installation Thornhill
Oshawa Scottish Rite Strawberry Dinner Oshawa
Saturday 28 June Reception Calvin Thomas, WGP OES Belleville
Monday 30 June Hanover Lodge 432 - Steak Fry Hanover
Saturday 12 July Fairmont Royal York Hotel Toronto
Sunday 13 July FRY
R.W.Bro. Raymond Daniels DGM
Monday 14 July Board of General Purposes FRY Toronto
Tuesday 15 July Masonic Foundation, Masonic Holdings FRY Toronto
Board of General Purposes FRY Toronto
Wednesday 16 July Grand Lodge FRY Toronto
Thursday 17 July Grand Lodge FRY Toronto
1 October 2007
DATE TIME EVENT PLACE
Tuesday 2 October 6:00 St. John’s Lodge 21a Vankleek Hill
Wednesday 10 October 10:00 Management Committee Meeting Hamilton
Thursday 11 October 8:00 Oak Branch Lodge 261 - Installation Innerkip
Saturday 13 October 4:30 Celebration ’07 Grand Master and Mary Woodstock
Tuesday 16 October WMW Medal Presentation - John Medland Brooklin
Wednesday 17 October 7:30 Temple Lodge 690 - Installation Waterloo
Friday 19 October Georgina Lodge 343 - Mason of the Year Rameses, Toronto
Saturday 20 October 10:00 A&ASR Think Tank Meeting St. Catharines
Wednesday 24 October 6:00 Oshawa Scottish Rite Club Harvest Dinner Oshawa
Thursday 25 October Mt Dennis 599 & Astra 682 - Amalgamation Renforth, Etobicoke
Friday 26 October 5:00 R.W. Bro. Lee Shea Appreciation Night Bracebridge
Saturday 27 October 2:00 Royal Order of Scotland Hamilton
Sunday 28 October 6:00 Valley of Guelph 33rds Dinner & Ladies Night Orangeville
Tuesday 30 October 7:00 A&ASR Lodge of Perfection (7th deg) Guelph
Thursday 1 November 7:30 RAM Kitchener Chapter 117 - Installation Waterloo
Saturday 3 November B of GP Meeting (Hon - Elect - Appoint) Hamilton
Thursday 8 November 7:30 Orono Lodge Dedication Orono
Friday 9 November 8:45 A&ASR Consistory (Gr Pontiff deg) Hamilton
Past Grand Masters’ Meeting Hamilton
Saturday 10 November A&ASR Consistory Hamilton
Monday 12 November 7:30 New Dominion Lodge 205 - Installation Elmira
Wednesday 14 November Grand Lodge Office Hamilton
Thursday 15 November 7:30 Kerr Lodge 230 - Speaker Barrie
Friday 16 November Victoria 470 & Caledonian 249 Amalgamation Victoria Harbour
Saturday 17 November 9:45 A&ASR Lodge of Perfection (13th deg) Guelph
12:00 Reception OES General Grand Chapter Committee Members Orangeville
6:00 Markham Union Lodge 87 - 150th Ann, Cedarbrae Golf & Country Club, Markham
Wednesday 21 November 7:30 West Gate Lodge 734 Streetsville
Friday 23 November 7:30 Georgina Lodge 343 – Installation Toronto
Tuesday 27 November 9:30 New Light Lodge 744 – Installation Cambridge
Saturday 8 December Golden Rule 126 & Hastings 633 Amalgamation Campbellford
Sunday 9 December 2:00 Knights Templar Christmas Observance Waterloo
Monday 10 December Amalgamation Maple Leaf 119 & Prince Arthur 228 Bath
Tuesday 11 December 7:30 Norfolk Lodge 10 – Installation Simcoe
Wednesday 12 December 10:00 Grand Lodge Office Hamilton
Thursday 13 December 6:00 Wilmot Lodge 318 - Annual Christmas Feast Baden
Monday 17 December Mystic Tie Lodge 279 – Christmas Dinner Cambridge
Tuesday 18 December 11:00 Eat and Argue Club Christmas Luncheon Toronto
St. John’s 75 & St. Andrew’s 16 Amalgamation York Temple, Millwood Road, Toronto
Thursday 20 December 7:30 Preston Lodge 297 – Installation Cambridge
2008
Wednesday 2 January Waterloo Lodge 539 – Installation Waterloo
Saturday 5 January DDGM Mid-term Meeting Scarborough
Tuesday 8 January Alma Lodge 72 – Installation Cambridge
Thursday 10 January Galt Lodge 257 – Installation Cambridge
Tuesday 15 January 6:15 A&ASR Hamilton Sovereign Lodge of Perfection Hamilton
Friday 18 January Kilwinning Lodge 64 - Scottish Appreciation London
Tuesday 22 January 11:00 New Light Lodge 744 – Burns Luncheon Cambridge
Thursday 24 January Consecon Lodge 50 - Installation Consecon
Saturday 26 January 3:00 Orillia Lodge 192 – Installation Orillia
Thursday 14 – Wednesday 20 February
North American Conference Louisville, Kentucky
Saturday 1 March 5:00 Sarnia District Ladies Night Wyoming
Friday 7 March 6:00 Waterloo District GM Reception Concordia Club, Kitchener
Thursday 20 March A&ASR Rose Croix Maundy Thursday Guelph
Sunday 23 March A&ASR Rose Croix Easter Ceremonies Guelph
Tuesday 25 March A&ASR Rose Croix – 16th & 17th deg Guelph
Thursday 27 – Sunday 30 March
All Canada Conference Winnipeg
Thursday 3 – Saturday 5 April
Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons St. Catharines
Tuesday 15 April Algonquin Lodge 536 – Installation Sudbury
Saturday 19 April Black Creek Interpreters’ Luncheon Toronto
Sunday 20 April 2:00 Wilson South District Divine Service St. Paul’s United Church, Tillsonburg
Saturday 26 April Royal Order of Scotland Hamilton
Sunday 27 April 7:30 Waterloo District Divine Service, St. John’s Anglican Cambridge
Tuesday 29 April A&ASR Rose Croix – 18th deg Guelph
Wednesday 30 April St, Lawrence District DGM Reception, Nation Lodge 556 Spencerville
Monday 5 May 7:30 Grand Junior Wardens’ Reunion, Lakeshore Lodge 645 Etobikoke
Thursday 8 May Doric Lodge 58 – Installation Ottawa
Friday 9 May Grand Lodge Officers Degree reception Timmins
Saturday 10 May Grand Lodge Officers Degree Timmins
Wednesday 14 May Anniversary Lodge 733 - Installation Renforth, Etobicoke
Tuesday 20 – Wednesday 21 May Eastern Tour Ottawa
Wednesday 21 9:30 Luxor Daylight Lodge 741 – Installation Masonic Centre, Walkley Road, Ottawa
6:00 Bonnechere Lodge 433 – Installation Eganville
Friday 23 May Dedication Reba lodge, Brantford
2:00 Dedication Jarvis Lodge
Tuesday 27 May 7:00 A&ASR Lodge of Perfection & Rose Croix Installation Guelph
Saturday 31 May 11:00 Reception Helen Delaney WGM OES
Sunday 1 June 7:00 Hamilton Districts Sunrise Service Holy Trinity Picnic Grounds, Binbrook
2:00 Toronto York District Divine Service Sharon Temple, Sharon
Friday 6 June
Tuesday 10 June 7:30 Grand River Lodge 151 – Installation Waterloo
Friday 13 June 6:00 Hunter’s Sugar Shack Spencerville
Saturday 14 June 1:00 St. Lawrence Degree - Hunter’s Quarry Spencerville
Monday 16 June 6:00 Mystic Tie Lodge 279 – Summer BBQ Cambridge
Tuesday 17 June 10:00 Centennial Daylight Lodge 679 - Installation Hamilton
Thursday 19 June 7:30 Kerr Lodge 230 – Installation Barrie
Sunday 22 June 2:00 Norfolk Lodge 10 – Pilgrimage St. John’s Woodhouse
Wednesday 25 June Dufferin Daylight Lodge 570 - Installation Thornhill
Oshawa Scottish Rite Strawberry Dinner Oshawa
Saturday 28 June Reception Calvin Thomas, WGP OES Belleville
Monday 30 June Hanover Lodge 432 - Steak Fry Hanover
Saturday 12 July Fairmont Royal York Hotel Toronto
Sunday 13 July FRY
R.W.Bro. Raymond Daniels DGM
Monday 14 July Board of General Purposes FRY Toronto
Tuesday 15 July Masonic Foundation, Masonic Holdings FRY Toronto
Board of General Purposes FRY Toronto
Wednesday 16 July Grand Lodge FRY Toronto
Thursday 17 July Grand Lodge FRY Toronto
The Grand Masters Itinerary
Grand Master’s Itinerary
Wed Dec 5 Ionic 25, Installation, Banq 6:30 Tor-Millwood
Fri Dec 7 King Hiram 566 Installation Tor-Annette
Sat Dec 8 Amalgamation
Golden Rule 126-Hastings 633 Campbellford
Mon Dec 10 Maple Leaf 119/Prince Arthur 228
Amalgamation & Installation Bath
Wed Dec 12 Leaders Meeting 10:30am Keele St.
Wed Dec 12 Wilson 113, Installation Waterford
Fri Dec 14 Corinthian 96, Installation Barrie
Tue Dec 18 Eat and Argue Christmas Luncheon Toronto
Tue Dec 18th Amalg.- St John’s 75, St Andrews 16 Tor-Millwood
Thu Dec 20 Trillium 575 Christmas Tor-Keele St.
Wed-Fri Dec 26-28 GL Of Massachusetts Boston
Sat Jan 05 DDGM Interim Mtg. Scarboro
Sun Jan 06 Divine Service – Independent Anglican
Church of Canada-D. Baxter Newmarket
Sat Jan 12 Installation, Friendly 383 Montego Bay
Wed Jan 16 Mercer Wilson 678, Installation Woodstock
Sat Jan 19 London SR Fam of Freemasonry London
Thu Jan 24 Consecon 50, Installation Consecon
Thu-Wed Feb 14-20 NA Conf of GMs and GSs Louisville, Ken
Wed Mar 5 True Blue 98, 150th Ann Bolton
Fri Mar 7 GM Reception,Waterloo Dist Waterloo
Mon Mar 10 Acacia Lodge No 128 F&AM Ogdensburgh, NY
Mon Mar 17 Pnyx Baldoon 312, pins Wallaceburg
Wed Mar 19 Tuscan 99, 150th Newmarket
Thu-Sun Mar 27-30 All Canada Conference Winnipeg
Thu-Sat April 3-5 RAM Grand Chapter St. Catharines
Wed April 9 Grenville 629, Inst Thornhill
Sat April 12 GM Reception, Frontenac Dist and
Albion 109, 150th Ann. Harrowsmith
Fri-Sun April 18-20 Penewobikong 487, 100th Ann Blind River
Fri April 25 GM reception, Ham A B C Hamilton
Sat April 26 Sharon 97, 150th Lions Hall Mount Albert
Mon April 28 Ashlar 610, Pin Present. London
Fri May 2 GM Reception Ontario Dist. Cobourg
Sat May 3 GM Reception Victoria Dist. Lindsay
Thu-Sun May 8-11 World Conference Washington,DC
Fri May23 Dedication Reba 515, 10:00am Brantford
Dedication King Sol’s 329, 2:00pm Jarvis
Sat May 24 GM Rec. N. Huron,
& Northern Light 93-150th, Kincardine
Fri May 30 GM Reception Peterborough Dist Peterborough
Sat May 31 Corinthian 96, 150th Ann Barrie
Sat June 7 St Marks 105, 150th Ann. Niagara Falls
Thu June 12 Lake of the Woods 445, Installation Kenora
Sat June 14 GM Rec. Western Dist Dryden
Fri June 20 Colborne 91, 150th Ann. Cobourg
Sat June 21 Lodge Bldg Ded. Upper Canada Village
Cornerstone Laying Ceremony Morrisburg
Mon June 23 Steak Fry Hanover
Tue June 24 North Entrance 463, Inst. Haliburton
Wed Dec 5 Ionic 25, Installation, Banq 6:30 Tor-Millwood
Fri Dec 7 King Hiram 566 Installation Tor-Annette
Sat Dec 8 Amalgamation
Golden Rule 126-Hastings 633 Campbellford
Mon Dec 10 Maple Leaf 119/Prince Arthur 228
Amalgamation & Installation Bath
Wed Dec 12 Leaders Meeting 10:30am Keele St.
Wed Dec 12 Wilson 113, Installation Waterford
Fri Dec 14 Corinthian 96, Installation Barrie
Tue Dec 18 Eat and Argue Christmas Luncheon Toronto
Tue Dec 18th Amalg.- St John’s 75, St Andrews 16 Tor-Millwood
Thu Dec 20 Trillium 575 Christmas Tor-Keele St.
Wed-Fri Dec 26-28 GL Of Massachusetts Boston
Sat Jan 05 DDGM Interim Mtg. Scarboro
Sun Jan 06 Divine Service – Independent Anglican
Church of Canada-D. Baxter Newmarket
Sat Jan 12 Installation, Friendly 383 Montego Bay
Wed Jan 16 Mercer Wilson 678, Installation Woodstock
Sat Jan 19 London SR Fam of Freemasonry London
Thu Jan 24 Consecon 50, Installation Consecon
Thu-Wed Feb 14-20 NA Conf of GMs and GSs Louisville, Ken
Wed Mar 5 True Blue 98, 150th Ann Bolton
Fri Mar 7 GM Reception,Waterloo Dist Waterloo
Mon Mar 10 Acacia Lodge No 128 F&AM Ogdensburgh, NY
Mon Mar 17 Pnyx Baldoon 312, pins Wallaceburg
Wed Mar 19 Tuscan 99, 150th Newmarket
Thu-Sun Mar 27-30 All Canada Conference Winnipeg
Thu-Sat April 3-5 RAM Grand Chapter St. Catharines
Wed April 9 Grenville 629, Inst Thornhill
Sat April 12 GM Reception, Frontenac Dist and
Albion 109, 150th Ann. Harrowsmith
Fri-Sun April 18-20 Penewobikong 487, 100th Ann Blind River
Fri April 25 GM reception, Ham A B C Hamilton
Sat April 26 Sharon 97, 150th Lions Hall Mount Albert
Mon April 28 Ashlar 610, Pin Present. London
Fri May 2 GM Reception Ontario Dist. Cobourg
Sat May 3 GM Reception Victoria Dist. Lindsay
Thu-Sun May 8-11 World Conference Washington,DC
Fri May23 Dedication Reba 515, 10:00am Brantford
Dedication King Sol’s 329, 2:00pm Jarvis
Sat May 24 GM Rec. N. Huron,
& Northern Light 93-150th, Kincardine
Fri May 30 GM Reception Peterborough Dist Peterborough
Sat May 31 Corinthian 96, 150th Ann Barrie
Sat June 7 St Marks 105, 150th Ann. Niagara Falls
Thu June 12 Lake of the Woods 445, Installation Kenora
Sat June 14 GM Rec. Western Dist Dryden
Fri June 20 Colborne 91, 150th Ann. Cobourg
Sat June 21 Lodge Bldg Ded. Upper Canada Village
Cornerstone Laying Ceremony Morrisburg
Mon June 23 Steak Fry Hanover
Tue June 24 North Entrance 463, Inst. Haliburton
A Survey Request December 2007
Sent: Monday, December 24, 2007 8:56 AM
Subject: Grand Lodge Survey (use wwwtorontoeastdistrict)
GRAND LODGE A.F. & A.M. OF CANADA IN THE PROVINCE OF ONTARIO
Seminars and Workshops Committee
R.W. Bro. Lloyd W. Hammell Chairman > > Toronto East District has put together a questionnaire and> distributing to their membership to gain information on future long> range planning. http://www.torontoeastdistrict.com > > As not to duplicate what has already been done, this Lodge Vitality> and Long Range Planning Survey is being emailed to you for your> feedback.> > > > The first page of the survey > > #1 YOUR DISTRICT What is your primary Masonic District? > > (There is a drop down key with the list of Districts, please pick> yours)> > > > > > The last page of the survey> > #37 (optional) if you have any additional comments related to> long-range planning or Lodge vitality, please feel free to share them> with us in the space provided below. > > (There is no wrong or poor comment to be made as this is your opinion.> THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX). Is the survey a good idea or not?> > > > > > > > PLEASE ONLY TAKE THE SURVEY ONCE <<> participate in the Masonic Vitality Survey sponsored by the Toronto East> District (They will be compiling the information) > > > > We sometimes complain that we have too much degree work going on.> (That is always a good problem to have)> > Let's give the Toronto East District lots of feed back when they start> compiling the information. > > > > I thank you for taking the time to fill out the survey, very much> appreciated. > > > > Fraternally> > Lloyd W. Hammell> > Chairman Seminars & Workshops> > Tara, Ontario. Bruce District
Subject: Grand Lodge Survey (use wwwtorontoeastdistrict)
GRAND LODGE A.F. & A.M. OF CANADA IN THE PROVINCE OF ONTARIO
Seminars and Workshops Committee
R.W. Bro. Lloyd W. Hammell Chairman > > Toronto East District has put together a questionnaire and> distributing to their membership to gain information on future long> range planning. http://www.torontoeastdistrict.com > > As not to duplicate what has already been done, this Lodge Vitality> and Long Range Planning Survey is being emailed to you for your> feedback.> > > > The first page of the survey > > #1 YOUR DISTRICT What is your primary Masonic District? > > (There is a drop down key with the list of Districts, please pick> yours)> > > > > > The last page of the survey> > #37 (optional) if you have any additional comments related to> long-range planning or Lodge vitality, please feel free to share them> with us in the space provided below. > > (There is no wrong or poor comment to be made as this is your opinion.> THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX). Is the survey a good idea or not?> > > > > > > > PLEASE ONLY TAKE THE SURVEY ONCE <<> participate in the Masonic Vitality Survey sponsored by the Toronto East> District (They will be compiling the information) > > > > We sometimes complain that we have too much degree work going on.> (That is always a good problem to have)> > Let's give the Toronto East District lots of feed back when they start> compiling the information. > > > > I thank you for taking the time to fill out the survey, very much> appreciated. > > > > Fraternally> > Lloyd W. Hammell> > Chairman Seminars & Workshops> > Tara, Ontario. Bruce District
Saturday, 12 January 2008
North Star News
Wednesday the 16th if the applicant is present and gives the necessary assurances, North Star will conduct an initiation, attended by Mr. Thompson.
Thursday 17th at 7pm the By-Laws Committee will meet at the Lodge.
Saturday the 19th , North Star has entered a team in the District Annual Bonspiel held this year in Durham.
Sunday the Master has invited everyone to join him for an 8am breakfast and will conduct a rehearsal at 9am when officers are expected at the lodge to prepare for a 3rd Degree at the regular February 6th meeting.
February 20th we have an emergent meeting. The Master will be out of the country and the IPM will have the gavel for the night, conducting the ceremony of initiation.
March 5th, the regular meeting of the lodge, I am told will be passing a member. The ceremony will be conducted by Companions of the York Rite, District 5.
The Editor reserves right to be wrong. Things change in this active lodge and of course the speed of change is...at the speed of light!!!! I crack me up sometimes...
Thursday 17th at 7pm the By-Laws Committee will meet at the Lodge.
Saturday the 19th , North Star has entered a team in the District Annual Bonspiel held this year in Durham.
Sunday the Master has invited everyone to join him for an 8am breakfast and will conduct a rehearsal at 9am when officers are expected at the lodge to prepare for a 3rd Degree at the regular February 6th meeting.
February 20th we have an emergent meeting. The Master will be out of the country and the IPM will have the gavel for the night, conducting the ceremony of initiation.
March 5th, the regular meeting of the lodge, I am told will be passing a member. The ceremony will be conducted by Companions of the York Rite, District 5.
The Editor reserves right to be wrong. Things change in this active lodge and of course the speed of change is...at the speed of light!!!! I crack me up sometimes...
Rubbing off a little more dust
The philosophers of Greece and Egypt measured a year according to four lives of the sun:
The Solar Man was symbolized by four figures.
- Winter Solstice the sun in Capricorn symbolized as a dependent infant who had escaped the Powers of Darkness.
- Vernal Equinox the sun in Aries was now represented by a beautiful youth. Centuries before christianity, the constellation was called the "Lamb of G_d" and "Saviour". The worshipers of the time addressed the RAM repeating the phrase- O Lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us." which may sound familiar to some. The Lamb of God was a title for the sun.
- Summer Solstice the sun in Cancer begins travelling backwards; the zodiac sign symbolized by a strong man, in the prime of maturity to symbolize Nature at its strongest and most fecund
- Autumnal Equinox the sun now in Libra, became an aged shuffling, bearded man
The sun starts the year at the vernal equinox and passes through 12 signs of the zodiac, each of 30 degrees. Each year, the sun loses about one degree, crossing the equator one degree slower than it did the year before. Scientists call this the precession of the equinoxes. This is how we calculate a Great Solar or a Platonic Year. It takes 29,920 years for each constellation to occupy the position at vernal equinox which it holds for 2,610 years.
What are we in now? Well, for the past 2,000 years the sun has crossed the equator at vernal equinox in Pisces, which followed the 2,610 years in Aries which followed 2,610 years in Taurus.
Taurus the Bull was significant and we can easily associate vernal equinox and the sign of an animal used in the fields particularly important in spring to prepare the ground for planting. If you are interested in the roots of our ritual, Albert Pike gave us this little pearl which undersores the importance of The Bull. The Persians (the same people who worshiped Mithras) revered the sign of the Bull especially within the symbols of astrology . " In Zoroaster's cave of initiation, the Sun and Planets were represented, overhead in gems and gold, as was also the Zodiac. The Sun appeared, emerging from the back of Taurus."
Ever wonder why the seven stars? In the constellation of the Bull are found the "Seven Sisters" the other name for the Pleiades, which we find as 7 stars at the top of the sacred ladder.
Now you may be curious enough to research the hidden meaning of the magic word- Abracadabra for what it reveals. Remember it is a word revered...
Acknowledgements to an interesting Canadian, Manly P. Hall for the esoterica and some sources.
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