Masonic Lodges

What is a Lodge?
"lodge" means where a group of Masons meet in some place as well as the room or a building in which we meet.  They are sometimes called "temples" because much of the symbolism that is used to teach its lessons comes from the building of King Solomon's Temple in the Holy Land.  The word "lodge" itself comes from the structures which stonemasons built against the sides of the cathedrals during construction. 

• A lodge is the center of Mason activities. It is where we gather to conduct normal business, bring up ideas for charities, offer help to sick and distressed and where we do our rituals for degrees.
• There are some variation in detail from lodge to lodge in different states and countries, but lodge rooms today are set up very similar to the diagram below.

 

 

• Every lodge has several officers. The Worshipful Master, Senior and Junior Wardens, Senior and Junior Decons, Senior and Junior Stewards, Tiler, Treasurer and a Secretary.  For more info about the duties of each position click HERE

 

• Every lodge also includes an Altar with Volume of Sacred Law surrounded by three lights in the center.  Usually it is the Bible in the U.S., but it can be any religious book desired. 



Scottish Rite Tribute to American Flag

Though politics are never discussed in lodge,  we do have a love of country.  Weather it is America or not, a Mason is encouraged to be a responsible law abiding citizen.  That doesn't mean we can't try to change things, but change must take place in legal ways.
Patriotism is taught more dramatically in Scottish Rite and they made a great tribute to the flag that represents a country that was built with a very strong Masonic influence.

Masonic Poem "We Meet on the Level"

Famous Freemasons: Samuel L. Clemens (Mark Twain)

 Samuel L. Clemens belonged to Polar Star Lodge No. 79 in St. Louis where he was raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason on July 10, 1861. Before writing some of his most famous novels.  He was considered the "Father of American Literature".  Never afraid to express his mind and go against the grain, he broke the barriers to expose the good and bad of America with his writings. 
History Channel had a great biography summarizing his rich and exciting life.

"Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but really great people make you feel that you too can become great"- Bro. Samuel L. Clemens

Freemasonry in Movies: National Treasure

 

"Ben Gates comes from a family of treasure hunters. Now his grandfather believes that the forefathers' buried a treasure somewhere in the country and have placed clues everywhere but unfortunately the clues are highly cryptic and scaterred all over the place. Now Ben thinks he has found it but it only leads him to another clue which is on the back of the Declaration of Independence. Now one of his associates Ian wants to steal it so that they could get the clue but Ben refuses to do it so he tries to kill Ben. But Ben evades him and tries to warn the authorities about Ian's plans but they don't believe him. So Ben takes it upon himself to steal it in order to protect it. And he does but Abigail Chase the curator of the National Archives, where it is kept, discovers what he has done and tries to stop him but gets caught in the crossfire between Ben and Ian, so Ben takes her with him. While she doesn't believe him, he is determined to prove he is right about the treasure. But it won't be easy cause Ian's always a step behind him and he is being hunted by the FBI."

 

 

I personally really enjoyed this movie even though it is very exaggerated about Freemasonry.  This movie contains a lot of myths and fantasy about the craft, but I still like this movie all the same because it is one of the few movies that has Freemasonry so strongly involved with the story. If you're looking for a movie with some slightly romanticized Freemason storyline, this is a good one.

 

 

 

Hollow brick outside Independence Hall containing a tool for the treasure hunt.  Marked with the Square and Compasses



Conspiracy Theory: New World Order

As a Master Mason, I am now part of the New World Order and can now help with the plans to replace all government and religious leaders with freemasons and rule the world with the rest of the secret elite over an authoritarian world government.........Right after we raise enough money by selling pancakes.

That about sums up the meaning of the New World Order,(NWO).  It's the belief that everything that is happening and has happened, from Jack the Ripper to 9/11, is some incredibly huge plot to have a one world government and put people under it's spell under an elite group, or groups, to keep you as slaves and Freemasonry is a major part (or only part)of it.  Sounds like a Great movie, but most over-the-top stories are.

The Truth?  Sure, we do want to take over the world.  If everyone believed in personal liberty, religious freedom, social responsibly, equality and tolerance we could save our money and tear up our membership cards.  Those are noble and common-sense ideas however, not Masonic and freemasonry can't just sell those ideas in a market.  It can only be used to guide our actions, not control them. 

The only agenda Freemasonry has is to improve the lives of its members and hope that they go on to improve the lives of others and their communities.  It cannot tell you who to vote for, what religion to follow, what to think, how to pray, who to choose as friends etc.......Quite the opposite of totalitarianism.

Nothing is controlling me under the fraternity, it teaches me to do good, but cannot force me....Only I can choose my own path on my own.  I chose to become a Mason on my own free will, and I can choose to leave anytime I want if I ever find that something conflicts with me, my family, my country or my duty to God.  Nothing is keeping me "under it's spell" and there is no threat to harm me or my family if I choose to do so.

Scottish Rite

"WHAT IS THE SCOTTISH RITE? It is a branch of Freemasonry designed to supplement and amplify the philosophical teachings of the first three degrees. The Scottish Rite claims to build upon the ethical teachings and philosophy of blue lodge Masonry through dramatic presentation. The Scottish Rite is sometimes called the "University of Freemasonry" because it uses extensive allegory and drama in its degrees to explore the philosophy, history, ethics and ultimate truths that guide Freemasons' lives.

HOW DOES THE SCOTTISH RITE ELABORATE ON THE CRAFT LODGE DEGREES?
It presents in degrees from the fourth to the thirty-second an interpretation of the lessons of the craft degrees by the use of drama and lectures appealing to both the ear and eye to explore the great truths which Freemasonry professes.

HOW MANY DEGREES ARE THERE IN SCOTTISH RITE?
There are 29 Scottish Rite regular degrees, which follow the three degrees conferred in craft lodges. The 33˚ is conferred only by the Supreme Council, the governing body of Scottish Rite Masonry.

WHAT ABOUT THE OTHER DEGREES?
The fourth to the fourteenth inclusive are conferred by Lodges of Perfection. The fifteenth and sixteenth are conferred by the Council of Princes of Jerusalem. The seventeenth and eighteenth are conferred by the Chapter of Rose Croix. The nineteenth to the thirty-second inclusive are conferred by Consistories. Each Lodge, Council, Chapter and Consistory is an organized Body within the Valley (geographical area) served by it.

WHY ARE THESE DEGREES CALLED SCOTTISH RITE?
Any connection with Scotland would seem to be vague. The reason may be that one or two of the degrees were long supposed to have been devised by the Chevalier Andrew Michael Ramsay, a learned Scotsman, who was tutor to Prince Charles Edward, the young Pretender. These degrees seem to have afforded a meeting place for those in exile in France who were adherents of the Stuarts, and who were plotting for the restoration of James II and his son to the throne of England. No degree of the Scottish Rite seems to have ever had its origin in Scotland.

WHAT IS THE GENERAL FIELD COVERED BY EACH OF THE GROUPS OF DEGREES?
LODGE OF PERFECTION: The 4th through 14th degrees are called Ineffable Degrees because their principal purpose is the investigation and contemplation of the ineffable name of the Deity. The degrees amplify the legend of the Master Mason degree and the story of the building of King Solomon's Temple. These degrees are designed to impress more forcefully the teachings of the first three degrees.

COUNCIL OF PRINCES OF JERUSALEM: The two historical degrees are the 15th degree and 16th degree. They cover the period from B.C. 538 to B.C. 516. These degrees depict events connected with the end of the Babylonian captivity of Israel, the return of some of the captives to Jerusalem, and the rebuilding of the Temple.

ROSE CROIX CHAPTER: The degrees of the Chapter of Rose Croix, consisting of the 17th through 18th degrees, invest the candidate with a deeper understanding of Religion, Philosophy, Ethics, and History. The intellectual challenges presented in these degrees can take years to master. The 15th and 16th degrees relate to the rebuilding of the Temple of Zerubbabel.
CONSISTORY: The Consistory Degrees illustrate the creation of the ideal balance between the spiritual and the temporal. Several of the degrees of the Consistory series, 19th to 32nd, further amplify the teachings of the previous degrees, others have the Crusades as a background.

ARE SCOTTISH RITE DEGREES HIGHER THAN THOSE OF A MASTER MASON?
There is no Masonic distinction of higher prestige than that of a "Master Mason", and the noblest and most significant emblem is the Apron of the Master Mason.

WHAT ARE THE QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR MEMBERSHIP?
Membership in good standing in a craft lodge. A belief in a Supreme Being is essential, and the usual Masonic conditions of residence, and sponsors.

WILL I BE REQUIRED TO DO ANY MEMORIZING?
No. You witness the ceremonies and drama and listen to the illustrative lectures. In order for you to more fully understand and appreciate what you have seen and heard you are expected to attend future presentations of the degrees.

ARE THERE ANY RELIGIOUS DISQUALIFICATIONS?
The Scottish Rite does not intrude on the religious beliefs of its members, but it does require that its adherents profess a belief in a Supreme Being, and urges its members to be active in their respective houses of worship. It does not attempt to teach any creed nor pretend to be a religion nor a substitute for religion. Scottish Rite practices universality.

WHAT WILL IT COST?
Minimum initiation fees have been established by Supreme Council, but each Lodge, Council, Chapter and Consistory fixes its own fees. Each body also requires annual dues as fixed by its by-laws. Some bodies also have a provision in their by-laws permitting a member to prepay his dues for the life of his membership in that body.

WILL I HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE IN THE VARIOUS ACTIVITIES OF THE RITE?
If you make known your wishes you may expect to be invited to participate in the work. There is a place for you in many of the degree presentations depending on your talents and experience and your own wishes: as a guard, as a member of the choir, or as a member of the wardrobe committee, the stage crew or make-up team. You can be an actor in a minor, intermediate or major role as your talents permit. There is also the possibility of being on the reception committee or to be an officer of the body.

WHEN WILL I BE ENTITLED TO WEAR THE SCOTTISH RITE RING?
After receiving the fourteenth degree.

AFTER BECOMING A MEMBER OF SCOTTISH RITE WILL I BE PERMITTED OR REQUIRED TO TAKE MY DEMIT FROM MY CRAFT LODGE?
No. Termination of membership in a craft lodge, for any reason, automatically terminates your membership in Scottish Rite.

WHAT IS A REUNION?
It is the practice in most Valleys to hold a Reunion of the members once or twice a year, when all the degrees of the Lodge, Council, Chapter or Consistory are conferred or communicated on a class of candidates over a period of a few days. This gives an opportunity for some social fellowship and it is also more convenient for the members living some distance from the meeting place.

IS IT IMPROPER TO SOLICIT ANY MASTER MASON TO JOIN THE RITE?
No. One should have no hesitation in inviting a Brother to delve further into the teachings of Masonry, thus providing a more meaningful life for himself and his family"

Source:  http://www.scottishriteonline.org/AbouttheScottishRite/FAQsTrivia.aspx

Interested in the history of Scottish Rite?  Check out this video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9Jsv5tFAHo

The Rituals and Degrees in Freemasonry

Rituals in Freemasonry are what Freemasons use to make new members and teach simple lessons about morality and conduct.  They may be performed on a regular meeting night, but they're usually done by themselves at a special, or called, meeting.
The rituals are designed around the symbolic story of the building of a temple and a new mason goes through three degrees and three different parts of the temple.  To a Freemason, the temple is his own character; the designs are the virtuous and moral lessons sacred to his own religion, and the architect is the Grand Architect of the Universe.   The three degrees are as follows.

• The Entered Apprentice: First Degree

A new Mason becomes initiated and made into a mason (after taking an oath) with The Entered Apprentice degree. This degree represents youth.  It teaches the most basic lessons of the belief in God, the necessity of charity, truth and the value of keeping one's word. 

• The Fellow Craft: Second Degree

Once a Mason has made suitable proficiency in the Entered Apprentice Degree (usually by memorizing a part of ritual, the grip, password, sign etc), he can then be passed to the degree of Fellow Craft.  This degree represents manhood, the middle period of life.  The importance of education and work and the power of God are taught to the Mason in this degree. 

• The Master Mason: Third and Last Degree

The Master Mason degree represents age.  Death is a big theme in this degree.  The brother is encouraged to reflect on the most important messages the degrees teach, on his deeds and to make peace with his God.  After being raised to Master Mason he is now called "brother" within the fraternity.


Is there no degree higher than the 3rd?    Though there is no degree higher than Master Mason in a Masonic Lodge, you've probably heard of 32° or 33° Masons.  They exists, but not in Masonic lodge.  There are appendant groups like Scottish Rite and York Rite that have higher degree numbers, but they don't "outrank" a Master Mason, nor are they any more important than a Master Mason. 
I will talk more about some of the many appendant bodies in the future.

Freemasonry and The Fabric of America

A great lecture from  Lee Sherman Dreyfus 33° and former governor of Wisconsin.  Some great info for all curious about Freemasonry

The Freemason Movie

 

 

Official Trailer for "The Freemason" movie,  starring Sean Austin.  No word on when it will be released or if it will be in theaters or not but I will post when found out.   The Producer is a 32° Scottish Rite Freemason and said it will be viewed in a positive light, as there are many "anti-mason" people out there who believe in some outrageous conspiracy theories linked to the fraternity.  I will post about some conspiracy theories later on.

 

 

 

 

 

 
"A wealthy banker lies ritualistically and brutally murdered.

The banker's daughter and only heir, Rana (Alex McKenna), calls upon Cyrus Rothwell (Randy Wayne), a brilliant but eccentric freelance writer, to assist in the investigation.

Teaming up with veteran homicide detective Leon Weed (Sean Astin), they suddenly find themselves thrust into the cryptic world of Freemasonry- pitted against a killer searching for a legendary relic, shrouded by hundreds of years of myth and mystery. Freemasons Sheldon Lombard (Richard Dutcher) and Jericho Beck (Joseph James) decide to help Cyrus while teaching him about Masonic history, Rothwell's troubles multiply as he deduces the killer is one of the banker's close inner circle. With an inheritance of millions hanging in the balance, everyone is a suspect and every action perceived as motive. Rothwell's path becomes even more cloudy as his relationship with the beautiful heiress dances on the edge of charm and collusion. Cyrus begins to realize that if he does not solve the case soon he might be the next victim.

Cyrus is forced to come to grips with powers beyond his natural senses as well as his own mysterious past ties to Freemasonry in order to unmask the killer before they strike again"

Scottish Rite Children's Dyslexia Center

• The Scottish Rite of Freemasonry is one of two branches of Freemasonry to which a Master Mason may proceed after he has completed the first three degrees of the Symbolic or "Blue" Lodge. The Scottish Rite includes the degrees from the 4º through the 32º. 

• In 1994, Scottish Rite Freemasons launched the Children's Dyslexia Centers to provide, free of charge, tutoring to children with dyslexia. No other national charity has adopted this critical need as a major concern.
• I have provided a link to the Scottish Rite Children's Center on side of the blog if anyone is interested in finding ways to help.

Freemasonry in the Old West

A very interesting video about Freemasons in the old west.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MaT5JTupt2A

Chat with New Masons

 A very powerful message for newly raised Master Masons (for everyone else as well!).  As a newly raised Mason myself, I find it very helpful advice for practicing good. 

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UEIGNQUx6_E