Freemasonry uses allegorical symbols to teach a philosophy concerning the nature of the Creator, the origins of the universe, and humanity’s universal destiny. The Freemasonic initiate is put on the path of his personal study by being introduced to the ritual, he will receive, proportionate to his ability to understand, deep mystic revelations regarding the nature of the universe and our mystic journey through it.

Through dealing exclusively with religious themes, Freemasonry is not a religion. Nor is the Masonic Lodge a place of worship; it would be better considered a classroom. Freemasonry “teaches" a philosophy to lead the initiate towards the essence of humanistic study. All that is required of the initiate is an expressed belief in higher intelligence (God); therefore, no atheist can become a Mason.

Blue Lodge Freemasonry and its “higher" bodies, the York and Scottish Rite teach a view of life that for centuries has been on the cutting edge of Philosophy. Most Freemasons, however, do not understand the allegorical, mystic significance in the ritual work. For most, Masonry is a fraternal club with secret ritualistic initiation which meets once or twice a month for fellowship and to sponsor charities.

There are three degrees in Freemasonry. The first is Entered Apprentice Degree, purification or a birth into Freemasonry. The Fellow Craft Degree represents the learning years or, symbolically, manhood. The Master Mason Degree is a symbolic death as one man (H.A.) and resurrection and reincarnation into a more perfect life as a Master Mason, an adept in the art of life, a man with the secret knowledge. Progressing through the three degrees of Masonry, the student increases in Masonic Knowledge. When the student “knows" the next step, he is passed and then “raised" up as a Master Mason. He is then informed that one of the most important duties of a Master Mason is to “seek truth".

The four prime beliefs of freemasonry are: the Fatherhood of God; the brotherhood of man; relief to others; and the search for truth. First and foremost, Freemasonry is a philosophy based on the position that there is a Supreme Being and that all human beings are of the same family. All men are created equal in the eyes of the Supreme Being.

Whether white, black, Christian, Jew, Muslim, European, African, or Asian, we are all brothers. The duty of a Freemason is to practice brotherly love and friendship by transcending the differences in people to find their similarities.

While in a Masonic Lodge anywhere in the world, a Brother Master Mason cannot discuss politics or religion, in order that first and foremost there is harmony among the Brethren while in the Lodge.

Relief, the third prime belief, means that Freemasons are obligated to help others less fortunate than themselves when it is possible to do so. Charity work, whether of the group or individuals, is most important.

The search for truth, the last fundamental principle, is a Masonic mainstay. In all worldly endeavors Masons are reminded to be truthful to others, to follow the path of truth, and ever to look for the truth in their daily lives. As one’s knowledge grows, the search becomes easier. Freemasonry leads toward truth by giving the student “working tools" to find true answers.

Practicing the four Masonic beliefs outside the lodge instills harmony into everyday life. When enough Masons throughout the world practice the four fundamental beliefs toward their fellowmen, they will be passing along the true code of ethics for the earth. Hopefully, by this example others will move towards the ideal of practiced harmony and treat their fellowmen with peace, love, tolerance, and understanding, and this worldly peace will in turn improve the harmony of the universe.

If freemasonry does nothing else, it will continue to shape world events by bringing together men of different races, creeds, and nationalities under the auspices of the Masonic teachings of brotherly love, friendship, relief, and truth. In this one act, it will have served mankind on a grand scale by promoting a dialogue among all members of the human race.

Did you know the Statue of Liberty was given to America by French Freemasons? There is another statue just like it in France on an island in the Seine.

The character propagated as “Lady Liberty,” supposedly derived from the Roman goddess Libertus, is simply a patriotic pseudonym for the public.

Lady Liberty has been known throughout history as Isis of Egypt. She is the Pagan mother Goddess of the Brotherhood, nearly always depicted dressed in robe, wearing a crown of thorns, and carrying the torch of illumination.

She is symbolic of both the Moon and “dog-star” Sirius, which is why the English word for God is simply Dog backwards.

Literacy is commonly defined as the ability to read and write. In order to effectively participate in society it is essential that we be able to read and write.

The second sense of literacy is the state of being informed, well educated, and knowledgeable about the realms of history, philosophy, politics, literature, music art, theater, science and technology.

These conceptions of literacy emphasize individual achievements and incline us to overlook the social nature of literacy.

Literacy, like language, is a means by which members of a culture construct and share meanings and intentions.

Children acquire competencies by immersion and participation in the daily activities. When oral and written texts are involved, children also become literate as they learn to participate in the use of texts. Upon entering school, children are exposed to a new set of social practices, a new culture having its own rules concerning the use of language and literacy.

Then what we mean by literacy is based upon the nature of learning. Therefore participation in social practices is extremely important, and our teaching practices must be focused upon creating conditions that invite learners to become involved in literate social practices that have genuine meaning to them and their future.

So no more texting at the Dinner table!

There it sat, wrapped in green paper with drawings of Candy Canes, surrounded by a carefully-tied broad red ribbon. The smell of the cookies inside the package lingered in the air. The Master’s wife had baked several dozen of the Christmas treats and put them into little parcels to be delivered to the widows of members of the Lodge. The Master had driven around to drop them off, along with a card and a holiday wish from their late husband’s brothers in Masonry. But one package remained on the dining room table.

“All of the guys jumped up and volunteered at the last stated meeting to take these little packages to the widows, but I’m the only one who’s been doing it”, thought the Master to himself. “I know! I’ll call around and see who can deliver this last one.”

He speed dialed his Senior Warden. The Warden answered.

“Bob, it’s Rick,” said the Master cheerfully. “Mrs. Brown’s cookies are over here and I was wondering if you could drop them off?

“We talked to her a few days ago and told her we’d do it tonight, and…”

“Wow, I’d like to,” “but tonight’s really a bad night. It’s my War craft night and I’m kicking Ass.”

“Can’t you play some other night?”

“Not now. I’m in the middle of this. Maybe tomorrow, if I’m not at a new level in a few hours.”

The Master thanked him and put a call in to the Junior Deacon.

“Steve, remember you said you could help deliver the widow’s Christmas presents? Well, Mrs. Brown is sitting at…”

“I am sorry,” said the Junior Deacon. “I know I said that, but my office Christmas party is tonight and I have to go to that. The boss kind of expects it.”

“Can’t you say no or get there a little late?”

“Well you know he doesn’t have a very good opinion of us because when he wants me to work late and I can’t cause we’re doing something at the lodge. Besides the drinks are free. Talk to you next meeting.”
The Junior Deacon hung up. Somewhat discouraged, the Master tried a few other members, but all were busy with parties or just too tired after work. Finally, the Master tried the last person on his list, a Past Master of the Lodge.

“Joe, I need your help. Last meeting you said you’d help deliver the widow’s gifts. Mrs. Brown is sitting at home waiting and…”

“Brown/!” he interrupted. “Did you know he dumped on me the whole year I was in the chair. He kept giving me hell for every little thing.”

“But Joe that doesn’t have anything to do with this widow, its lodge tradition we go out and deliver..”

“And another thing,” butted in the Past Master. “ Last meeting you came down to the Alter at the wrong time. And you didn’t knock correctly to close the Lodge. Can’t you follow traditions?”

“We were talking about Mrs. Brown…”

“Brown. The hell with him.” and the phone went dead.

The Master prepared to deliver the lonely package, when the phone rang. He picked up the receiver.

“Hello my name is Mrs. Lane,” the feeble old voice said, “I live next door to Gladys Brown. I though I should call you. She has been taken to the Hospital.”

“What!?” answered the stunned Master.

“ I invited her to dinner this evening, but she couldn’t come because she was expecting the Masons gift. She got a little tried waiting so was attempting to call you Masons to see if there was a problem, but she tripped on the carpet and fell. I think she was on the floor for awhile. It looks serious. Thought I should call you.”

“My father was a Mason a long time ago,” Mrs. Lane said. “He didn’t talk about it much, but I remember one year during the depression, the Masons helped us. One Christmas we had nothing, but a bunch of Masons came to the house with a lovely tree, presents and a turkey. The put the tree up and we all sang Christmas songs. Oh it was lovely. I learned then that when things are tough you can depend on Masons.”

Thank you for calling me Mrs. Lane,” said the Master.

“To bad someone didn’t get here a little earlier because this probably wouldn’t have happened,” added the old women. “ But God Bless you Masons.”

“Yes, thanks again,” replied the Master and gently hung up the phone.

As the Master put on his jacket, and picked up the little wrapped parcel, and walked out into the moon -it evening, he wondered if the Masons today really were like their forefathers.

On September 11, 1826, William Morgan published an expose on the rituals of Freemasonry.  Shortly after he was arrested on two separate occasions for debts owed.  Each time a Masonic friend stepped forward and paid his debt.  The second time a person claiming to be his friend not only paid his debt, but had a carriage waiting for him outside of the jail.

Morgan got in the carriage with others and road off and was never seen or heard from again.

The legend has it that the local Masons murdered Morgan in retaliation for his written expose of the rituals.  There was a trial held of those who freed Morgan and were thought responsible for his disappearance.

Matters were made worse when nothing was done to the supposed abductors.  Unfortunate, from the prospective of those following the trial, the jury and the presiding judge were all Masons.

This promoted the formation of the Anti-Mason political party, the beginning of a three party system.

The early 19th century was a very difficult time for the New Republic: debt was rampant and , for many living in the United States, the heroes of the Revolution where now becoming the old guard of aristocracy.

There was also a growing fear of immigrants and large religious groups new to the country.  (Kind of like today?)

This all lead to the formation of the Anti-Mason Party 1828 which caricaturized  Masons as elitist and power hungry individuals looking out for only its members at the expense of the general public.

In 1832 the Anti Mason party selected William Wirt, a Mason. Who at the convention talked about the virtues of masonry.

For more information about this movement in History.  Visit the Masonic Exhibit in the Henry Coil Museum at 111 California Street San Francisco or go on line.

Scottish Rite

The Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite also had its origins in Europe. Known as the Order of the Royal Secret, had 25 degrees. History shows that the order began in Bordeaux region of France and then through the West Indies to America in 1763.

First in New Orleans then to Albany New York, Philadelphia and then Charleston, South Carolina in 1783.

The Grand Constitutions of 1786 provide for an extension of th Rite to 33 degrees, governed in each country under a Supreme Council of the 33 and Last degree.

In announcing its establishment to the Masonic World in 1802, the name was given as The Supreme Council of the Thirty-third Degree for the United States of America.

In the United States there are two Supreme Councils Northern and Southern.

The Northern Supreme Council governs 15 States north of the Ohio and east of the Mississippi Rivers. The Southern Supreme Council retains jurisdiction over all other States and Territories

Taoist Approach to Life

Here is a Taoist story of an old farmer who had worked his crops for many hard years. One day is horse ran away. Upon hearing the news, his friend and neighbor came to visit. He said “such bad luck,” with great sympathy.

“Maybe," the Farmer replied.

The next morning the horse returned, bringing with it three other wild horses. “How wonderful,” the neighbor exclaimed.

“Maybe,” replied the Farmer.

The following day, the farmer’s son tried to ride one of the wild horses and fell off breaking his leg. Again the neighbor exclaimed, “How terrible such misfortune.”

“Maybe,” answered the Farmer.

The next day, military officers came to the village to draft young men into the army. Seeing the Farmers son’s leg broken they passed him by. The neighbors congratulated the farmer on how well things turned out.

“Maybe,” said the Farmer.

I came across this story years ago and I thought it would be great to share it with you. We are all so quick to try and find reason for why things happen. Maybe like the Farmer we should subdue or passion and let things work themselves to the end. Generally things have a way of working out.

Gene Autry, Catoosa Lodge, OK
Me Blanc, Mid Day Lodge, OR
Ernest Borgnine, Abingdon Lodge, VA
Nat King Cole, Thomas Waller Lodge, PHA, CA
John Elway, South Denver Lodge, CO
Clark Gable, Beverly Hills Lodge, CA
Oliver Hardy, Solomon Lodge, FL
Harry Houdini, St. Cecile Lodge, NY
Duke Ellington, Social Lodge, PHA Washington D.C.
Richard Pryor, Henry Brown Lodge, IL
Sugar Ray Robinson, Joppa Lodge, PHA, NY
Burl Ives, Magnolia Lodge, CA,
Knight Templar,
Shriner, Al Malaikah,
Scottish Rite 33 degree

Just a few of the notable American Masons from the entertainment industry.

The real object of Freemasonry, in a philosophical and religious sense, is the search for truth. This truth is, therefore, symbolized by the Word.

From the first entrance to the reception of the highest degree, this search is continued. It is not always found and a substitute must sometimes be provided.

Yet whatever the ceremonies through which we pass, whatever the symbols in which we may be instructed, whatever the final reward we may obtain, the true end of all is the attainment of Truth.

The higher idea of truth which pervades the whole Masonic system, and which is symbolized by the Word, is that which is properly expressed to a knowledge of God. There was an Egyptian goddess named in the Hebrew, Thm, or Thme, meaning integritas, or Justice and Truth.

A Knights Templar commandery is traditionally the final body that a member joins in the York Rite after the chapter of the Royal Arch Masons and a council of Royal & Select Masters. Some jurisdictions, however, allow members to skip over membership in a council. A local Knights Templar commandery operates under a state-level Grand Commandery, however American commanderies also operate under the Grand Encampment of the United States. This is unique among American Masonic bodies, as most report to the state level alone.

While a chapter bestows the Royal Arch degrees and a council bestows the Cryptic degrees, a Knights Templar commandery bestows three orders and one passing order onto its members. This is opposed to the standard degree system found elsewhere in Freemasonry, and they are the only ones not to deal with Hiramic Legend. The York Rite orders are:

• Illustrious Order of the Red Cross
• Passing Order of St. Paul
• Order of the Knights of Malta
• Order of the Temple