Ars Masonica

Processus Contra Templarios Makes Appearance

2008-07-02T16:49:00.002-04:00

The Chancellor Robert R. Livingston Masonic Library's copy of the Processus Contra Templarios recently made its first public appearance outside of the Library's main location in New York City.

The Library maintains a satellite branch at the Masonic Care Community in Utica, NY. There you can find "numerous artifacts relating to the history of Freemasonry with particular emphasis on Masonry in upstate New York." The Processus was on display during the recent St. John's Day activities held there in June.

"Presented to the world in October 2007, the 700th anniversary of the arrest of the Templars, Processus Contra Templarios is a joint project of the Vatican Secret Archives and Italy's Scrinium cultural foundation. This unique work is being published in a limited run of 800 copies, under the supervision of Archive officials, and includes faithful replicas of the original parchments closely guarded at the Secret Archive, along with exclusive critical commentary on the minutes of the inquiry."

The document drew a steady crowd into the building's Templar Room, prompting discussion among the Trustees about the possibility of a future "tour". If this happens, the dates and places will be announced here & on the Library's site. As always, I will keep you informed.

Trinity Chapter, Order of DeMolay

2008-07-01T16:02:00.002-04:00

On Saturday, June 7th, the first members of the new Trinity Chapter, Order of DeMolay were initiated at the Liverpool, NY Masonic Temple.

We had a fine selection of New York State DeMolay Officers on hand to initiate six young men into the International Fraternity for young men ages 12-21. We also welcomed two other DeMolays who had been initiated last summer at Camp Turk, the Grand Lodge of New York's Masonic Youth Camp. That brought our fledgling Chapter to eight members with a few others "on deck" to join.

Of those eight, five are attending their first State Convention in August along with 3 Advisors. This, we hope, marks the beginning of a successful return of DeMolay to Central New York.

Wish us luck!!!

The Masonic Society

2008-07-01T15:36:00.003-04:00

I haven't been getting around to doing a lot of posting lately but I have really wanted to plug The Masonic Society, a new Masonic research organization that unveiled itself back in May. Its Founding Fellows include many of today's best known Masonic authors, bloggers and web-masters such as Chris Hodapp, Paul Bessel, Stephen DaFoe, S. Brent Morris and Mark Tabbert, just to name a few.

From their site:
Our name, The Masonic Society, intentionally alludes to the Royal Society, the innovative organization of visionary men who were at the forefront of the Age of Enlightenment, many of whom were present at the formation of what became modern Freemasonry. Likewise, our new Society will be at the forefront of a new age of Freemasonry, and we intend to be a vibrant, active community within the fraternity.

The goal of The Masonic Society is not just to look backward at the history of Freemasonry, but to foster the intellectual, spiritual and social growth of the modern Masonic fraternity.

To that end, The Masonic Society extends the hand of assistance and cooperation to individual Masonic research lodges in North America. It is the desire of The Masonic Society to be a partner with these lodges, to give their members the regular opportunity to publish their papers for an international audience, and to publicize their activities.

Membership in the Society is open to regular Master Masons in good standing of regular, recognized grand lodges in good standing with the Conference of Grand Masters of Masons in North America (CGMMNA), or a grand lodge in amity with a member grand lodge of CGMMNA. Non-Masons, libraries, lodges, and members of other obediences may also subscribe to the Journal at the $39 annual rate.

I have plunked down my $39 and have been finding it to be a worthwhile investment - check it out!

New York's New Grand Master

2008-05-16T14:14:00.003-04:00

May 5th & 6th saw the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of New York and my last as the Onondaga District's District Deputy Grand Master.

There were many visiting Delegates from Grand Lodges around the world as the World Conference of Masonic Grand Lodges was to be in Washington, DC later in the week.

The drama of the Grand Lodge session on an even year is the Election of the Grand Master and the Grand Line of Officers. The new Grand Master ran unopposed so the drama that ensued was in relation to other officer positions. I won't go into it here, but suffice it to say, it was a long day on the 6th.

Our new Grand Master is M.'.W.'. Edward G. Gilbert of Buffalo. Grand Master Gilbert also previously served as our Grand Lecturer - under whom, I served as an Assistant Grand Lecturer.

I wish him & his entire line the best of luck for their term.

So what am I to do now? Well..., plenty.

I have been elected as a Trustee of the Chancellor Robert R. Livingston Masonic Library, a position to which I am thrilled to have. I am also starting Trinity Chapter of the Order of DeMolay. It has been along time since my District has seen a Chapter so I hope we can get it going and it can succeed. Our Interest Meeting is tonight - wish us luck!

Livingston Library Acquires Templar Documents

2008-04-10T11:29:00.004-04:00

I am stoked this morning! My term as District Deputy Grand Master has less than a month left, plans to start a DeMolay Chapter locally are going great and I have have been nominated to a position on the Board of Trustees for the Chancellor Robert R. Livingston Masonic Library of the Grand Lodge of New York! I am riding high, my friends! To top it all off, my Templar interest reached new heights this morning when I read that the Livingston Masonic Library had indeed acquired a copy of the Processus Contra Templarios - a reproduction of Vatican documents relating to the Trial of the Templars. I can't wait to have a gander at them!

Here is the announcement:

The Chancellor Robert R Livingston Masonic Library of Grand Lodge has announced the acquisition of Processus Contra Templarios, an unprecedented publication containing a collection of facsimile manuscripts relating to the trials of the Knights Templar.

The Holy See shocked the world when it announced that the Vatican Secret Archive would publish exclusive and previously unavailable source material on the hearings against the medieval warrior-monks. The announcement was of special interest to Freemasons and students of Masonic history, as many theorists trace modern Freemasonry's origins to the military-religious order, and the modern Masonic Templar organization is an important part of the fraternity today. To date, there is no proven historical link between the medieval Knights Templar and modern Freemasonry.

Presented to the world in October 2007, the 700th anniversary of the arrest of the Templars, Processus Contra Templarios is a joint project of the Vatican Secret Archives and Italy's Scrinium cultural foundation. This unique work is being published in a limited run of 800 copies, under the supervision of Archive officials, and includes faithful replicas of the original parchments closely guarded at the Secret Archive, along with exclusive critical commentary on the minutes of the inquiry.

The publication is highly valued for its documents and critical texts. The most exciting manuscript in the document collection is the "Chinon Parchment," which contains Pope Clement V's absolution of the Templars on charges of heresy, which had been the backbone of King Philip of France's attempts to eliminate them. The pontiff had suspended the Templar Order, without disbanding it, and eventually re-admitted the Templar officials and the entire Order back into the Roman Church community. The pope recognized that they were guilty of many other minor crimes, but not heresy. The parchment, also known as the "Chinon Chart," was misplaced in the Vatican archives until 2001, when a medieval historian stumbled across it. The parchment was incorrectly catalogued at some point in history and was the key document historians had been looking for.

The Vatican expected most copies of the work to be purchased by specialized libraries at top universities and by leading medieval scholars. The Livingston Masonic Library may be the only Masonic-affiliated research facility to purchase a copy, and one of only a handful of copies in the entire United States. "We are aware that this purchase will raise some eyebrows, both within and outside the Masonic fraternity," noted Thomas M. Savini, Director of the Livingston Masonic Library. "But the acquisition of this work coincides with our mission to collect, study and preserve the Masonic heritage. The Masonic heritage includes investigation into Freemasonry's historical roots, but also the study of its inspirational roots, which include Rosicrucianism; the study of philosophy from the European Enlightenment; and study of the Knights Templar. This collection of documents is important not only to students of Freemasonry, but to medieval and religious scholars and historians as well. It is important that someone in the U.S. make this available, and the Library's Board of Directors unanimously agreed that it should be us."

President of the Library's Board of Directors, Barry Mallah, explained the reasoning behind the purchase. "With such an important announcement rippling through the Masonic world, we felt the Livingston Masonic Library should continue its ground-breaking traditions of presenting important works to the research community. We were the first Masonic research library to provide online access to our museum collections and book catalogue, and obtaining the Processus is a continuation of our commitment to research." He also described an exciting opportunity for Masons and the public at large to participate. "To help offset the cost of the book and further our fundraising goals, we are inviting Masons, their lodges, other Masonic organizations, and non-Masonic individuals or organizations to make a donation to the Library on behalf of the Processus. In return, the names of donors will be added to a special commemorative document that will be deposited within the publication."

Original documents of the trials of the Templars have never before been offered to scholars. The epic work of Scrinium is presented in a soft leather case that contains a large-format book with scholarly commentary in Italian and English, reproductions of original parchments in Latin, and replicas of the wax seals used by 14th-century inquisitors. One parchment measuring about a foot and a half wide by more than six feet long is so detailed that it includes reproductions of stains and imperfections seen on the originals. The precise reproduction of the parchments will allow scholars to study them, touch them, and admire them as if they were dealing with the real thing. It also means the originals will not deteriorate as fast as they would if they were constantly being handled and viewed.

Using a "Wood's lamp," or ultraviolet light, to thoroughly analyze the original parchments, parts of text that were previously unseen were recovered by the conservators at Scrinium. The newly available text, along with standardized designations for both people and locations, will allow scholars to obtain a more accurate and genuine reading of the documents and to amend previously misinterpreted text sections, translations and commentaries. Through their collaboration with Scrinium, the Vatican Secret Archive has given academics access to a precious primary source of research into the facts surrounding the Templar Order. Further to the record and transcription of papers and parchment documents, a section focuses on the review of the Templar history and on the trial against them.

The Knights Templar have been a subject of both scholarly research and popular fiction for centuries, but never as popular as in recent decades. Legends of their hidden treasures, secret rituals and political power have figured over the years in medieval romances, Victorian novels, modern bestsellers such as The Da Vinci Code, and action films like "National Treasure." The Knights have also been portrayed as guardians of the legendary Holy Grail. One theory says that Templars who went underground to escape the persecutions of the inquisitors in the early 14th century evolved as an organization and emerged in Scotland almost two centuries later as early modern Freemasonry.

Library Director Savini said the Livingston Library makes no claim that Freemasonry is descended from the Templars. "Our Library has a duty to provide our patrons with resources that fulfill their interests and research needs, and that expand the general public's understanding of all areas relating to Freemasonry, including the numerous theories and legends relating to its origins. The Processus is an important work that helps us to serve our patrons."

The Processus Contra Templarios was acquired through the Edward J. Scheider Book Fund.

(Soon to be) Governor Patterson is a Brother Freemason

2008-03-13T11:10:00.004-04:00

I know, I know, political talk is forbidden within the Masonic Lodge, but this is not the Lodge and I am just reporting a news item.

Unless you've been living completely off the grid, you have heard of the scandal involving the Governor of New York, Eliot Spitzer. Here in New York, it has been the top news story all week (even bigger than Billy Crystal playing for the Yankees or Syracuse University's poor basketball showing). Anyway, I digress...

Spitzer has resigned and the Lieutenant Governor David A. Paterson will be sworn in as the new Governor of New York on St. Patrick's day, March 17th. In addition, to being the first African-American and the first legally blind Governor of the State of New York, Mr. Patterson is also a Brother Freemason. I would like to thank Brother Chris Hodapp for breaking this new item for us over at his "Freemasons for Dummies" blog. How he stays on top of all that is beyond me, but I am grateful for his hard work.

Brother Patterson's bio from the Lt. Governor's page of the NYS website:

David A. Paterson was elected New York’s lieutenant governor on November 7, 2006.

Elected to represent Harlem in the New York State Senate in 1985, David Paterson has demanded and achieved change at every level, not simply by what he stands for but by who he is.

In 2002, David Paterson was elected minority leader of the New York State Senate, the first non-white legislative leader in New York’s history. In 2004 in Boston, he became the first visually impaired person to address a Democratic National Convention. And 2006 saw Mr. Paterson make history again by being elected New York’s first African-American lieutenant governor.

As New York State Senate minority leader, David Paterson led the charge on several crucial issues for New York’s future, proposing legislation for a $1 billion voter-approved stem cell research initiative, demanding a statewide alternative energy strategy, insisting on strong action to fight against domestic violence, and serving as the primary champion for minority- and women-owned businesses in New York. As a result, Governor Spitzer asked Mr. Paterson to continue to lead New York State on these issues as lieutenant governor.

Lt. Governor Paterson, who is legally blind, is also nationally recognized as a leading advocate for the visually and physically impaired. A graduate of Columbia University and Hofstra Law School, Mr. Paterson also currently serves as an adjunct professor at Columbia’s School for International and Public Affairs. David Paterson lives in Harlem with his wife, Michelle, and their two children, Ashley and Alex, and he is the son of Basil Paterson, the first non-white secretary of state of New York and the first African-American vice-chair of the national Democratic Party.

Brother Patterson belongs to Boyer Lodge No. 1, of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of New York.

Good luck Brother Patterson!!!

Templar Obsession

2008-02-21T17:41:00.002-05:00

I have been obsessed with the Knights Templar for some time. I love to find books & movies with Templar references and that is what I have been doing with my free time over the past few months.

I received the Director's Cut of "Kingdom of Heaven" for Christmas. The theatrical version of this film had several plot points and characters cut from it in order to get the time down. While it was still a good watch, you were definitely cheated from seeing Ridley Scott's vision of the epic. Unfortunately for someone with an interest in the Templars, the two nastiest characters in the story happen to be Knights of the Order. I guess they couldn't all be great guys and there are still excellent examples of what a knight (and Freemason) should be in the character of Balian as portrayed by Orlando Bloom. Check out the Director's Cut!

I have also been reading some Templar novels over the past few months, namely Robyn Young’s “Brethren: An Epic Adventure of the Knights Templar” and “Knights of the Black and White” by Jack Whyte.

Robyn Young’s debut novel centers mostly upon the character of Will Campbell, a young man in training to become a Knight of the Temple. He becomes involved with a secret organization within the Order and risks his life while trying to retrieve the Book of the Grail. This book, it seems, allegorically tells the Order’s secrets and if it were to come to light would spell the end of the Knights of the Temple. The author has done an excellent job in her research of the period. She describes the time & places beautifully without slowing down the story. If you like it, the second book (yes, it’s a trilogy), “Crusade” is already on the shelves.

Jack Whyte has a little more writing experience under his belt, with his Camulod series of Arthurian novels. He steps in the Knights Templar arena with “Knights of the Black and White”, the first novel in, yes, you guessed it, another trilogy. This book tells of the creation of the Knights by members of the Order of the Rebirth of Sion; their acquisition of the stables over the famed Temple of Solomon as their headquarters and their years of digging under the said Temple to find??? Well, I can’t tell you what they find but while they were digging a lot is going on in Jerusalem. This a massive story but when you finish it, you will be ready for the second one, “Standard of Honor” – check them both out!

Lastly it would be a crime not to mention "The Templar Code for Dummies" by Brother Christopher Hodapp and Alice Von Kannon. I have really enjoyed reading this book and can't recommend it highly enough. History can be powerfully boring to read at times, even when it's a subject that you are really interested in, but the authors have written a very enjoyable reference book that keeps you very entertained. This book belongs in every Templar enthusiast's and Freemason's library. Stop reading this blog & get out there buy this book!

Sanctum Sanctorum Forum: Interactive Online Alchemy 101 Course

2008-02-12T16:41:00.000-05:00

A friend of mine over at the Sanctum Sanctorum Forum asked me if I would pass on some info about the Interactive Online Alchemy 101 Course that will be running over there. So without further adeau, heres the scoop...

TSS is hosting its first interactive Alchemy 101 course proctored by world-reknowned master alchemist and author WB Timothy W. Hogan! Available only in the restricted Master Mason forum. Register, inquire within and someone will help you. The date and time the course begins will be announced this weekend on TSS. Bro. Hogan has written The Alchemical Keys to Masonic Ritual, and Revelation of the Holy Grail.

What is www.TheSanctumSanctorum.com (TSS)?
TSS is a resource for Masonic education and networking established by Freemasons to educate the Craft and the general public on what Freemasonry is all about. It is designed to put into electronic practice the three principal tenets of Freemasonry--Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth. It is a window into which the world of Freemasonry may look and see the true reflection of Freemasonry around the world.

Why is there a need for www.TheSanctumSanctorum.com?
The internet is rife with inaccurate information about Freemasonry. TSS was created as a public forum where people with a genuine interest in the ancient Craft may come to ask sincere questions and get replies from experienced Freemasons. TSS is an online masonic community, where Freemasons from around the globe can learn from each other.

I am a member of Co-masonry. May I join the forum?
TSS has a policy prohibiting anyone claiming to be a Freemason who is not a member of a Grand Lodge or Orient that is not recognised by at least one regular Grand Lodge, as defined by the various regular Grand Lodges of North America.

Is this just “another” forum about masonry? What is different about www.TheSanctumSanctorum.com?
TSS is firmly committed to providing quality educational discourse about Freemasonry on the web. Some of the very best minds in Freemasonry have gathered at TSS to assist the developing Freemason get the most out of his Craft, and to assist the public to understand Freemasonry. At TSS we are constantly developing projects and programs to meet our goal of providing quality interactive and educational experiences about Freemasonry.

Season's Greetings

2007-12-19T18:05:00.000-05:00

It has been quite some time since I have posted so this one will be all over the place...

I would like to begin by wishing everyone a very "Happy Holiday Season"! With all the commercialism that is now associated with this time of year, it is very easy to forget what is truly important. I wish you & yours all the best. The animated Masonic "Season's Greetings" image is courtesy of Pietre-Stones Review of Freemasonry. Visit the site, it is one of the best Masonic sites on the internet. My apologies for not crediting them with the image when I first posted this message...

Since my last posting, a lot has gone on in my life here in Syracuse, NY. I was in the middle of my Official Visits when I last was here, but I have since completed all of them except one. My own Lodge, Morning Star No. 524. I was all set to go on December 3rd when we had our first snow storm of the season. I cancelled my visit & rescheduled for January 7th, 2008. Hopefully the weather will cooperate better then. We had our second storm last weekend - not even Christmas yet & I am sick of my snow blower.

On December 5th, my step-son, Steve & his wife, Michelle welcomed their first son, Ian into the world. Everyone in the family is absolutely "over the moon" about the baby with everyone jockeying to hold him.

On the previous Saturday, I was privileged to be initiated into Glencairn Council No. 14, Order of Knight Masons, in Albany, NY. The Grand Council of Knight Masons of the United States of America is an invitational and honorary body created to, among other things, "perpetuate the ancient rituals of the Irish Masonic Canon, (the "Green" degrees) by promoting their frequent and regular conferral inits constituent councils, and by its expectation that such conferral will be executed with an accuracy, a precision, and a dramatic power congruent with the highest traditions of the Masonic institution." I became a citizen of Ireland this summer and I thought that it would be very fitting to accept their invitation. See their website to learn more about them.

Back in October, I managed to not post anything about the 700th Anniversary of the arrest of the Knights Templar. I wasn't because I didn't want to, in fact I was quite ready to, but time constraints kept me from getting here. The Templars are, in fact, related to my story concerning my Masonic membership. I had read John J. Robinson's book, Born In Blood, and found his theory concerning Freemasonry's descendency from the Knights Templar to be very interesting. My interests in the Templars continues and in future posts, I will pass on some non-fiction as well fictional book recommendations concerning them.

Another Templar related item for me is the Order of DeMolay.
"DeMolay is an organization dedicated to preparing young men to lead successful, happy, and productive lives. Basing its approach on timeless principles and practical, hands-on experience, DeMolay opens doors for young men aged 12 to 21 by developing the civic awareness, personal responsibility and leadership skills so vitally needed in society today. DeMolay combines this serious mission with a fun approach that builds important bonds of friendship among members in more than 1,000 chapters worldwide."

We are in the infancy stages of trying to resurrect a chapter here in the Central New York area. It has been a few years since we had a chapter in the area so wish us luck!

Finally, I wouldn't be doing my Librarian duty if I didn't recommend a book. I recently finished Mark Stavish's "Freemasonry: Rituals, Symbols & History of the Secret Society" which is a great introduction to the esoteric elements that can be found within the Fraternity's , well, rituals, symbols & history. It is easy reading and has a great introduction by Brother Lon Milo DuQuette. The group mentioned in his introduction sounds like it practices Masonry as a Path - I wish more could be known about it. Brother Stavish is, for those in the dark, the proprietor of the Institute for Hermetic Studies. If you have an interest in Alchemy, please check out his website and other books.

The State of Masonic Education

2007-10-09T17:35:00.000-04:00

My, my, my! How the time has passed! I have been so busy with Official Visits and other District Deputy Grand Master duties that I haven't had any time to post anything new here since our trip to DC.

As someone who likes to promote Masonic Education in all its formats and, as a Professional Librarian as well, I would like to bring to your attention, "The State of Masonic Education."

This will be a Masonic lecture and discussion to be held on Monday, December 10, 2007 at La Petite Auberge Restaurant, 116 Lexington Avenue at 28th Street in New York City. It is presented as part of the Chancellor Robert R. Livingston Masonic Library of the Grand Lodge of New York's Library Dinner Lecture Series.

The Panel for the evening will Researchers & Scholars from the Quatuor Coronati Lodge in London, the "premier lodge of Masonic research:

S. Brent Morris (Worshipful Master & 1st native-born American to hold that Office)
Peter Currie (Senior Warden & Editor of Ars Quatuor Coronati)
Yasha Beresiner (Past Master, lecturer & published author)
Trevor Stewart (Past Master & Prestonian Lecturer)
John Wade (Sheffield University's Centre for Research into Freemasonry)

It looks to be a great evening for anyone with an interest in things Masonic that goes beyond the usual watered down education that many get. S. Brent Morris is, of course that author of many an article for the Scottish Rite Research Society as well as "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Freemasonry."

My only complaint about this event is that it is held on a Monday instead of on a weekend. Many who would like to attend are, like myself, working stiffs from places other than New York City and it would be far easier to make plans for a weekend get away. Livingston Trustees take Note for the next lecture!!!

Go here for more information.

Masonic District Trip to Washington DC

2007-08-27T12:08:00.000-04:00

When I became District Deputy Grand Master in May 2006, I decided that I wanted to try a couple of things in my District that I hadn't seen done since I have been a Mason. One was to organize a Masonic Conference that leaned towards the esoteric. My idea there was to plan it around the arrival of the next Dan Brown book and have public & private sections. The public section would be held at either a public library or a bookstore and would create a forum for the public to learn more about us. Perhaps we could get Chris Hodapp to come by, speak & sign a few books and maybe attract some other Masonic Scholars to the weekend event. But, alas, Mr. Brown is dragging his feet with this new novel so that project is on the back burner for now.

The other project that I was interested in getting together was a trip to Washington DC - our nation's Capitol, a town with alot of Masonic connections and perhaps the coolest city on the planet. I asked one of my "Fellowship & Family Involvement" Chairmen, W.'. Richard Torrey to see what he could put together and, boy, did he not disappoint!

On Friday, August 17th, we packed 49 people onto a bus & headed to DC for a fun-filled time. While many of us knew each other, there were a few that we were meeting for the first time but we all quickly became fast friends. We visited many of the usual spots - Washington Monument, National Mall, National Archives, the Capitol Building and the Library of Congress, just to name a few.

About a dozen of us went to a Mets-Nationals baseball game and were surprised to find more Mets fans at the game than those cheeing for the Nats. How can a team with such a weak following justify the money that is being put into a new baseball stadium when a soccer team in the same city pulls many more fans & is having a hard time getting a stadium deal together? Can you tell that I am a soccer fan? Go DC United!

We had hoped to visit the House of the Temple, the headquarters for the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Southern Masonic Jurisdiction but with the Joint Supreme Council session starting the week after our visit, it was closed to visitors. Perhaps a good reason for another trip. We did visit the magnificent George Washington Masonic Memorial in Alexandria, VA. This a fantastic place to see even if you are not a Mason. For the Mason, it can almost seem like a pilgrimage of sorts. Lots of photos were taken without, within and from the top. Check it out the next time you are in DC!

All in all, we had a great time despite a bus driver that seemed to get lost turning around. Everyone took it in stride and enjoyed it for waht it was - a great town to visit and great company to do it with. I would like to send out a huge "Thank You" to W.'. Richard Torrey and his wife Ann for all their hard work in getting this weekend together & insuring that all were well taken care of and having a good time. Great Work!!!

Masonic Reading

2007-06-28T13:22:00.000-04:00

“Masonry, as now organized and employed, is not adequate to the demands of a realistic generation, and that to go on making men Masons, as we are doing, wholesale, without giving them an intelligent and authentic knowledge of what Masonry is, or what it means, with no definite objects beyond fellowship and philanthropy – objects to which other orders are equally devoted – is for Masonry to lose, by ignorance or neglect, what has been distinctive in its history and genius, and invite degeneration, if not disaster.” – M.'.W.'. Dwight L. Smith, Past Grand Master of Indiana, MSA Short Talk Bulletin, September 1928.

I came across that quote in a paper by Brother Stephen Dafoe, recently published in Volume 14 of Herodom, entitled “Reading, Writing and Apathy: The Rise and Fall of Masonic Education.” Herodom is, of course, the published Annual Transactions of the Scottish Rite Research Society. The Society is, in my opinion, the best Masonic Research Society in the United States and right up there with the British Quatuor Coronati. Its annual dues fee is the best $40 that you will ever spend. The paper was originally given at a communication of Lodge Vitruvian No. 767, F & AM, Indianapolis, Indiana on July 26, 2005. Brother Defoe outlines the topics covered by several Masonic publications over the past century and a half and shows that those covering Masonic Ritual, Philosophy & Symbolism have been on the decline while those covering famous Masons and fluff pieces have increased. A survey of three booksellers also seemed to indicate the same pattern. We have all seen it. So what can we do about it?

“I am a Librarian for a Law Firm here in Syracuse and I occasionally work for the County Library System as well so I am in the habit of recommending books and that’s where I will start today. I have no problems with “fluff” like “The DaVinci Code” or “National Treasure” but if you are looking for novels, why not check out Umberto Eco’s “Foucault’s Pendulum” or even Katherine Kurtz’s fantasy “Two Crown’s for America”.

But if you really want to sink your teeth into some serious Masonic material, I highly recommend the following three books:

Just released by the Scottish Rite Research Society is the “Scottish Rite Ritual Monitor & Guide” as compiled by Arturo deHoyos, 33˚. This is one massive tome concerning the Ritual, Symbolism and Education of the Supreme Council of the AASR for the Southern Masonic Jurisdiction of the United States. It contains a treasure trove of Albert Pike Scottish Rite material. Coming in at nearly 1000 pages, it is well worth more than the asking price. As a Scottish Rite Mason from the Northern Jurisdiction, I am very envious of the Southern Jurisdiction’s commitment to its Ritual and wish the my Jurisdiction would consider returning top their Ritual as opposed to constantly changing & watering down ours.

Also from Brother deHoyos is last year’s “Symbolism of the Blue Degrees of Freemasonry, Albert Pike’s Esoterika” which I have previously mentioned here. These two books alone will provide years of study for the esoterically bent Freemason.

I would also like to recommend Brother W. Kirk MacNulty’s “Freemasonry: Symbols, Secrets, Significance”. This book is beautifully put together with lots of Masonic information and many illustrations and photographs that I haven’t already seen a million times.

Buy these books, recommend them to your Masonic & Public Libraries, but more importantly, read these books and spread their Masonic Light onto your Brethren.

Annual Communication GLoNY

2007-05-22T14:21:00.000-04:00

May 7th & 8th marked the 226th Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of New York. There were Delegates from all around New York State as well as from a few other countries. There was the usual amount of pomp & circumstance and long speeches but the feeling of Brotherhood was everywhere.

The only low point in my opinion came from the guest speaker at our Grand Master's Dinner on Monday evening, former Wisconsin Governor and now Presidential Candidate Tommy Thompson. The speech mostly came off as something of a political statement concerning many of his accomplishments while Governor and US Secretary of Health and Human Services. Now, I will be honest with you. I don't care for political speeches from anyone - it doesn't matter what the party is. I think a quick reading of his biography would have been sufficient and then a speech detailing how Freemasonry has helped shape his life & ideals would have been quite appropriate. I guess you can't please everyone.

A number of Bibles were used during the two days including the infamous "George Washington" Bible on loan from St. John's Lodge No. 1. Pictured, I believe is a 16th Century Bible on loan from Francis Lewis Lodge No. 273. It was printed by Henry Middleton in 1585, 35 years before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock. Pretty impressive!

MSRICF

2007-05-04T14:32:00.000-04:00

Last weekend, the New York College of the Masonic Societas Rosicruciana in Civitabus Foederatus (MSRICF) met in Liverpool, NY to begin the process of rebuilding the organization. The MSRICF is really the only organization that I belong to that doesn't ignore the Esoteric side of the Craft.

I expressed my disappointment in the lack of symbolic education within the symbolic lodges of modern Freemasonry. Grand Lodges seem to have adopted the attitude of "if we ignore the esoteric symbolism and promote business management education, then the public will stop asking about it and we won't look silly trying to explain it."

This group really gets me going. When someone mentioned the "raising of energy" during the opening of Lodge, I really got psyched! Yes, there are others that want to experience the same as me. This very same person suggested that perhaps it was time for Freemasonry to have an Inner and an Outer Order. The Outer would deal with the Public, raise money for charities and keep the Lodges organized properly. The Inner Order would attend to the Esoteric/Spiritual Heart of Freemasonry. I think he may be onto something.

All this talk can't last though. I am preparing to head to New York this weekend for the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of New York. It's time to get back to business.

Masonic Peace Institute

2007-04-19T13:11:00.000-04:00

I received a great comment on my last post from one of the organizers of the Masonic Peace Institute. This is an organization well worth checking out. The following "Declaration" is from their website:

We, the members and supporters of the Masonic Peace Institute, are committed to the peaceful coexistence of all peoples, no matter where dispersed. To this end we will toil, spreading the cement of Brotherly Love and affection throughout humanity. We will work with any like-minded individuals and/or groups, no matter their nationality, culture, color, sex, language, rank, race, residence, or religion."

We furthermore, affirm and promote:

The equal dignity and rights of all people.

The pursuit of peace, liberty, justice, and compassion for all.

The right to the values of enlightenment, through education and unbiased information. Peaceful conflict resolution.

Truth as expressed in all cultures and recognized by all human beings.

Taking responsibility for the consequence of all action, processes and understanding.

The truth as expressed in all religions, philosophy and cultures, but proselytize none.

The men & women, of all times and from all nations, who have promoted or do now, promote peaceful civilization.

The principles of equality found in the theories of democracy, without proselytizing any political agenda, action or system.

To these ends we will act to:
Establish relations with other national and international peace organizations
Participate in worldwide events representing the humanitarian vision of democracy and peace
Conducting surveys or research and disseminate information
Become involved in peace processes where possible, proposing, participating in, and supporting peace talks and conflict resolution
Support like minded individuals and organizations
May Brotherly Love Prevail.

It's a Mad World

2007-04-17T11:45:00.000-04:00

The tragedy of the shootings at Virginia Tech yesterday took over the news that was previously obsessed with Imus and Anna Nicole Smith.

My mind is just spinning. What is going on in this world? What would possess someone to take a gun and begin shooting people? How can someone think that a racist comment would be funny? Why is the paternity of some innocent child suddenly our business?

It really seems like the world has completely come unbalanced (the weather would seem to support that idea as well - I am really sick of snow right now). Everything is done to the extreme while moving at break neck speeds. I think that it would do us all a great service to slow down and consider our choices in life and their impact upon those around us. It seems to be the new American Way to take drastic means to an end while laying the resposibility of the consequences on other folks.

That needs to change. Let's start within our Masonic Lodges - it's what were are supposedly there to do right? Find balance - maybe while standing between two columns (a little Fellowcraft Degree symbolism for those of you not following along). Leadership and responsibility skills can be grown & developed within our Lodges. But we need to take it outside its walls.

It's a mad world out there. I challenge all Masons around the world to step up and begin bringing some balance to their communities. It has to start somewhere...

Bureaucracy and Brotherhood

2007-03-22T11:49:00.000-04:00

There's a lot of bureaucracy in Freemasonry at the organizational level. I am not really a fan of it but I understand that for an organization to exist, there must be rules, regulations and the like. This means paperwork. I hate paperwork but understand its necessity and, unfortunately for me, I am pretty good at getting it done. I would much rather be studying Masonic philosophy than filling out yet another Lodge Survey that needs to be turned in within the next couple of days. It's just part of the job that I signed on for when I agreed to be District Deputy Grand Master. I am so busy with the bureaucracy that I sometimes forget what it really means to be a Freemason.

A couple of days ago, I participated in smething that helped me remember. It wasn't a lengthy discourse on the symbolism of the "All Seeing Eye" but something much simpler. I was asked by the Master of my Lodge if I could accompany him and a Past Grand Master (also a member of my Lodge) to present a 50 year pin to a Brother (with a capital B) who is very ill and living in a nursing home. Now, this is something that I admit I am not very comfortable or good at doing, but I agreed to go. None of us knew the Brother in question - he belonged to a Lodge that "merged" with ours nearly 10 years and we had never met. When we arrived, it was very clear that this Brother was extremely ill. Fortunately, his wife was present and we were able to present the plaque & pin to her for which she was very grateful. We had the chance to learn more about our Brother, his life & family. We reminded his wife that we were there should she ever need anything.

We reminded ourselves that this is what Brotherhood was all about. This is why we are Freemasons.

Snow Day

2007-02-15T15:48:00.000-05:00

Everyone at my house had a snow day yesterday. That's a bit unusual since we get alot (I mean ALOT) of snow here in Central New York State. We usually adapt to it rather quickly but yesterday we had a Nor'easter meet up with our usual Lake Effect Snow. We received somewhere in the vacinity of 18-20 inches at my house & I had to take out the snowblower twice in order to clear out my driveway. I really shouldn't bitch - those living in Oswego County, just north of us have received in excess of 14 feet and much of that came in a five day period. Keep them in your thoughts & prayers while they try to dig out while it continues to snow.

The snow can really screw up your Lodge plans as well. My Lodge has had 4 attempts at getting the First Degree done since November. Twice the candidates had problems and twice the weather was the problem - we will try again next Monday.

A couple of weeks ago about 42 Brothers risked the drive to our District in order to film bits for the Grand Lodge of New York's new DVD version of their Lodge System of Masonic Education. This DVD is meant for educating new Brothers in the Craft. We have had a VHS version for a number of years but our Grand Master rightly decided that it was a good time for an update. We had a pretty good time despite the fact that filming can actually be very slow & tedious. We had a bit to eat & shared a number of humerous moments during the filming. Thankfully the weather cooperated and the snow stayed away for the evening. Many thanks to the Brothers who came from the Oneida, Herkimer and Livingston Districts. look for all of us when the DVD is finished & released!

Happy New Year!

2007-01-15T13:29:00.000-05:00

I see that it has been a very long time since my last post, so much so that we have lived through another holiday shopping season. Beyond that, let me wish all of a very "Happy New Year!"

In my district here in Syracuse, NY, I offered up the following Masonic New Year Resolutions (adapt them, as you will for you own jurisdiction):

Improve your Ritual work. Our AGLs are available to assist with your upcoming Degrees – remember: a candidate’s first real impression of Freemasonry comes with his Initiation in the Entered Apprentice Degree. 1) Improve your Ritual work. Our AGLs are available to assist with your upcoming Degrees – remember: a candidate’s first real impression of Freemasonry comes with his Initiation in the Entered Apprentice Degree. RW Dick Gilbert & VW Kevin Parker can help you make that first impression. Let them help you. They are also planning a Lodge of Instruction & Ritual Competition in March. See their column for more details.
Further your Masonic Education. The job of the Grand Lodge Staff Officer is to attend to the Masonic Education of the Brethren in his District. RW Larry Egnaczyk will finish the “Masonic Development Course” this month & will soon follow it with either “The Road to the East” or the new edition of the “Leadership Development Course”. If you would like to learn more about Masonry and improve your leadership skills, plan on attending one of these courses. Watch his column for more information. You can also take advantage of the Livingston Masonic Library or the Masonic University of New York (MUNY) – you can find their links on the Grand Lodge website (www.nymasons.org)
Attend Masters, Wardens & Deacons sessions. This meeting on the 4th Wednesday of each month is an excellent opportunity for you to learn what is happening in the other Lodges of the Onondaga District and to discuss issues that are important to Masons & Masonry. This meeting is not just for the Masters, Wardens & Deacons of our Lodges – anyone who is interested is more than welcome to attend. Our next meeting is on January 24th at the Memorial Masonic Center in North Syracuse at 7:30 PM.
Make an effort to attend Masonic Funeral Services. There is nothing more embarrassing than having only a couple of Brothers show up to a service after a family has asked for it. Freemasonry obviously meant a lot to the deceased Brother & his family because they have asked for the service. Make an extra effort to show them that it means a lot to you as well. Worshipful Masters: if you know of a Masonic Service, please email the details to me at rjpowell@arsmasonica.com and I will forward it onto the other Masters, who, I would hope, will forward it onto the Brothers for whom they have email addresses, and get the word out.

After my post about Esoterika Lodge, I received calls from a Brother from that Lodge and another in Minnesota offering their encouragement. So far, I haven't heard from anyone in this District interested, but I will see.

Esoterika Lodge

2006-11-22T14:48:00.000-05:00

There is an interesting article on a new Symbolic Lodge in Seattle in the current issue of the Scottish Rite Journal entitled "Esoterika Lodge: A Unique Experiment in Freemasonry".

The Lodge was formed by the organizers of Knights of St. Andrew Chapters in the Seattle area. During those organizaional meetings the Brothers discussed the things they felt were lacking in their own Lodges and decided to form one along the lines of the Tradional Observance Lodges of European design. Although I love my own Lodge, I have always felt that there should be something more to it than just the good fellowship, mediocre degrees and business meetings. I have always yearned for something a little more dignified and esoteric. If I lived in Washington State, I would be going out of my way to belong to this Lodge. What's different?

Well, here are a few points from the article that demonstrate the uniqueness:

Esoterika Lodge has only four stated meetings per year.
Members dress in “uniform” at meetings (black suit, black shirt, and black tie).
The fees and dues are set intentionally high, with the annual dues at $100 and Endowed Life Membership at $1000.
Members are required to attend all meetings, unless excused by the Worshipful Master, and then only with just cause.
Members receive a copy of Albert Pike’s Esoterika: The Symbolism of the Blue Degrees of Freemasonry and are expected to read it in its entirety.
Members are expected to become involved with the rites and concordant bodies of Freemasonry and to maintain participation.
Esoterika Lodge only accepts candidates for the degrees of Masonry once a year.
Every member of Esoterika Lodge is expected to have a candidate to mentor through the degrees of Masonry throughout the year, every year.

Everything mentioned here is what I would like to see in a Lodge - not many out there though that would be willing to change. Hey, I was one of the organizers of the Knights of St. Andrew Chapter for the Valley of Syracuse, maybe it will be up to me to create interest in our own version of Esoterika Lodge No. 316 before I finish my term as District Deputy. It may give me something to look forward to.

Busy

2006-11-22T14:44:00.000-05:00

It has been nearly a month since my last post and for that I apologize. I have been extremely busy carrying out my duties as District Deputy Grand Master but I have a few items of interest that I will be posting in the days to come. "Happy Thanksgiving" to my American Brothers - keep an eye open for new items.

Got Ink?

2006-10-23T13:54:00.000-04:00

In one of my earliest posts on this blog, I had mentioned that I had originally designed the Ars Masonica logo to be a tattoo. When I recently decided that it was time to get that tat, I was told by several artists that it was too detailed for the size & place that I wanted it to go (upper left arm). Rather than "dumbing down" the image, I decide to come up with something else. As you can see, it is much simpler design but I think that it turned out rather well. It was done at Scarab Body Arts in the Armory Square area of Syracuse by Jeremiah Clifford. If you live in the area, check them out. If you would like to see other Masonic tattoos, check out the site Masonic Ink.

New York Times Article

2006-10-06T16:07:00.000-04:00

A few days ago, the New York Times printed a very good article about Freemasonry. The article featured interviews with the M.'.W.'. Neal I. Bidnick, Grand Master of Masons in the State of New York and the V.'.W.'. Thomas Savini, Director of the Robert R. Livingston Masonic Library.

Grand Master Bidnick has been made himself very available for discussion of the Craft in public forums since his installation in May. He has also been interviewed on the Radio and for CNN. I think that it's a good idea to give a "public face" for Freemasonry - it helps show that we really aren't a secretive lot plotting to take over the world.

Brother Chris Hodapp's "Freemasons for Dummies" Blog carries the text for the article.

"We will only be out twice a month."

2006-09-19T17:00:00.000-04:00

Here in the Grand Lodge of New York Juris- diction, most lodges are opened from September through June while July & August sees them dormant. A few lodges actually are dark during January & February because most of the Brothers are either in Florida or refuse to attempt driving in the snow.

Here in the Onondaga District, things really kick off the week before Labor Day with the Child ID program at the New York State Fair. This is a really big deal and alot of kids are taped each year. Actually, taped is no longer correct. The old system involved videotaping a child's movements & speech and included a data-card. The new system, just implemented, still uses the data-card but now the child is digitally photographed and a more in depth data sheet is filled out and burnt to a CD-ROM. This CD can then be given to law enforcement officials to be uploaded for an "Amber Alert". We had a very successful run, IDing over 3000 kids during the Fair's twelve days.

This past weekend, we had the Onondaga District Apron Presentations. Morning Star Lodge No. 524 presented the District Deputy Grand Master Apron to me while Brothers R.'.W.'. Larry Egnaczyck, Grand Sword Bearer, R.'.W.'. Rev. J. Michael Thesier, Grand Chaplain, R.'.W.'. Richard Gilbert & V.'.W.'. Kevin Parker, Assistant Grand Lecturers received theirs from their respective lodges. The Guest Speaker for the evening was the M.'.W.'. Neal I. Bidnick, Grand Master of Masons for the Grand Lodge of New York. The event was also graced by the presence of Past Grand Masters, M.'.W.'. Bruce Widger and M.'.W.'. Calvin Bond. Great fellowship was had by all. The standing joke for the night was a line that I am sure many a Mason gave to their significant other when considering membership: "We will only be out twice a month."

Busy Masonic Weekend in Syracuse

2006-08-01T11:30:00.000-04:00

I had a very busy Masonic weekend a few weeks ago. The New York Council of Deliberation, the Scottish Rite's equivalent to a Grand Lodge session, was held here in the Syracuse area. It was a great session with Brothers from Scottish Rite Valleys from all over New York State. Representatives were here from other concordant bodies as well as most of the Grand Line from the Grand Lodge of New York. Most were in great form but as with most things, a few complainers reared their ugly heads here and there. This is very disappointing for me as I feel these individuals have totally missed the boat as to the lessons of Freemasonry. Common courtesy is due, not only to fellow Brethren, to all members of the human race. We would all do well to remember this.

After spending Saturday (7/22) helping with C.O.D. festivities with the Knights of St. Andrew, I moved onto Sunday's activities with the GLoNY's Scholarship Presentations. It was great to see all the students (our future) show up to receive their scholarship awards from Grand Lodge. In the evening following the Scholarship Presentations, the Grand Master, the M.'.W.'. Neal I. Bidnick, the Grand Line & their wives met with our District Staff and the Worshipful Masters of our District Lodges & our wives. It is a very grass roots method of getting his message out and the addition of the wives was a very nice touch. Change is a must for Freemasonry to continue into the 21st Century and the change needs to begin at the Lodge level. Grand Master Bidnick is taking his message there. Pictured is the Grand Line and the Onondaga District Masters and Staff.