Prayer: E.A. Degree

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Number 182 – July 21, 2008

Dear Brethren,

Below is something I put together a long time ago, and evidently just filed it away. In sorting out some old files I came across it, and thought you might like to see it. I don’t think that this has been published before.

What follows has to do with the Prayer at Opening the Lodge as well as the first Prayer given and heard in the Entered Apprentice Degree. This information is not esoteric or private, nor are the prayers referred to even though they are part of a degree.

Sometimes a question will come up about where the prayers on the first degree come from. According to Worshipful Brother Robert G. Davis, a past president of the Philalethes society, they came from the same place, or person, and that ‘one’ is - Brother John Pennell.

Brother John Pennell was the Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Ireland in the early 18th century. He was also the Editor of the "Irish Book of Constitutions," which was first published at Dublin in 1730. The second edition was published in 1744 and the third in 1751. It is said that the Irish Constitutions was based on "Andersons Constitutions of 1723."

In this "Irish Book of Constitutions" is a two-paragraph prayer. Brother Pennell is not believed to be the one who wrote it, but he is believed to be the first one to publish it. This two-paragraph prayer is, or has become, the Prayer at opening and the first Prayer of the first degree.

The first paragraph of the Prayer begins: Great Architect of the Universe, the giver of all good gifts and Graces. Thou hast promised that 'where two or three are gathered together in Thy name Thou wilt be in the midst of them and bless them. In Thy name we have assembled and in Thy name we desire to proceed in all our doings. Grant that the sublime degrees of Freemasonry may so subdue every discordant passion within us - so harmonize and enrich our hearts with Thine own love and goodness - That the Lodge at this time may humbly reflect that order and beauty which reign forever before Thy throne."

The Second Paragraph of the prayer is: "Vouchsafe Thine aid almighty Father of the universe, to this our present convention; and grant that this candidate for Masonry may dedicate and devote his life to thy service and become a true and faithful Brother among us. Endue him with a competency of Thy divine wisdom, that by the secrets of our art, he may be the better enabled to display the beauties of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth, to the honor of Thy holy name - Amen"

So when a Mason is in Lodge and hears the opening Prayer given by the Chaplain, or when he is at a First Degree and the Master of the Lodge gives the Prayer as the Entered Apprentice first enters the Lodge, that Mason should know that what he is hearing has been the same Prayer that has been heard by Masons since about 1730.

Words to live by: Education is what’s left over after you’ve forgotten all the facts.

Please remember: if you would like to participate in the latest Masonic Monday Question, please go to http://www.lodgebuilder.org and click on the Lodge Education forum. When you have an answer send it to masonicmonday@gmail.com the Masonic Monday Question for the week of 07/21/08 is: “Define each of the following and give its relationship to Freemasonry: a) Jacobean; b) Jacobin; c) Jacobite;d) Jacobian”

More Light – Mehr Licht ©, Masonic Matters © and T.F.S. ©, are sent out by email at no charge to anyone who would like to receive them. If you enjoy these publications please share them with others. To subscribe to any one or all of these publications just send an E-mail to erhmasonic@gmail.com with Subscribe in the subject line and you will be added to the list to receive the publications. Some past issues of Ed’s publications can be read on the Web at: http://www.halpaus.net

With “Brotherly Love”,

Ed Halpaus

Grand Lodge Education Officer

I am Prince Hall's Freemason

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Number 166 – April 07, 2008

The following essay comes from a Mason who is, sadly, unknown to me; I just can’t remember who wrote it. I received it years ago, and have always liked it. It is well done, and I think you will see the value in it too. Ed

I am Prince Hall’s Mason

by Brother Kevin Gem

I am Prince Hall's Mason, not a Prince Hall Mason. From this point forward in my life, I will no longer claim to be a Prince Hall Mason but rather Prince Hall's Mason. Regardless of what additional words come before or after the tolerance of my jurisdiction I can only call myself by name, Prince Hall's Mason. I will conduct myself as he did and I will practice my individual Masonry the way he did. He has set a stellar example for me to model my Masonry after and it is one I choose to follow

I will not allow one particular religion to find its way into my Lodge room because I was handed a set of constitutions that prevent me from doing that.

I will say my prayers in the name of the Grand Architect of the Universe, that Supreme Being that all men can agree on. My first members were from various religions and it does Freemasonry no honor to not include them within my prayers. How can I exclude those men who walked the trail to that Irish Constitution Lodge beside him through a soon to be war-torn countryside? Their sons sit beside me in Lodge today and it is imperative that I honor them. I am Prince Hall's Mason.

I cannot allow you to creep your politics into my Lodge room. For the men who traveled that night to change history forever were not walking to take up a political position. They were walking to join a Fraternity. No "T" was etched in the minutes of their meetings or a side chosen in the coming war solicited from them to receive those degrees. Upon receiving their charter in 1787, no one asked them to conduct acts of rebellion against their country or to espouse the cause of a political party. How can I solicit for a particular party within my Lodge or allow the repeating of State-Policy to be declared when he did not? I am Prince Hall's Mason.

The ballot for membership will be cast in fairness and based on the Morality of the man and not his Nationality or his position in Society. Men of many races have knelt at the altar from time immemorial and I have called each one Brother. It has long been a forgotten piece of the Constitution and if it is your choosing to allow a man to be excluded from entering the Holy of Holies based upon his race it is your heart that is unclean. But should your heart be exposed and your clandestine act announced, I shall remove it

from the doors of my Lodge. When he received the charter there was no man that was excluded based on race or nationality because he himself was once excluded. Was he not my example? I am Prince Hall's Mason.

He himself was not a "Prince Hall Mason," nor was he "Mainstream," "4 Letter, 3 Letter, or any other titular association" attached as a suffix or a prefix to the title he most revered. He was only a Freemason, and understood there was no higher acknowledgment he could receive then to be called Brother. Why should I consider myself better then he? I am Prince Hall's Mason.

He himself chose the long path to legitimacy over the short walk to spuriousness. He was a practitioner of Freemasonry by the rules established and followed them to the letter. He never denied a knock at his door for visitation and welcomed all who would consider themselves worthy to approach who could prove their selves to be justly, perfectly, and regularly initiated into our order. Who am I to establish a requirement above his? I am Prince Hall's Mason.

Yes Brother, from this point on I am Prince Hall's Mason because I owe my existence to that man's journey on that night. If I must travel, why should I stray from the path laid down before me and pursue the easier course? He is my example and I will attempt to be yours.

Words to live by: “A Person lost in his work has probably found his future.” anonymous

Please remember: if you would like to participate in the latest Masonic Monday Question, please go to http://www.lodgebuilder.org and click on the Lodge Education forum. Past Masonic Monday Questions and the current one may also be read on the Web Site for the G.L. of MN at www.mn-masons.org under Masonic Monday Q&A When you have an answer send it to masonicmonday@gmail.com the Masonic Monday question for the week of 04/07/08 is: Masonically, what are Fool, Dotage, Libertine, and Profane?

More Light – Mehr Licht ©, Masonic Matters © and T.F.S. ©, are sent out by E-mail at no charge to anyone who would like to receive them. If you enjoy these publications please share them with others. To subscribe to any one or all of these publications just send an E-mail to erhmasonic@gmail.com with Subscribe in the subject line and you will be added to the list to receive the publications. Past issues of all of Ed’s publications can be read at http://www.halpaus.net

With brotherly love,

Ed Halpaus

Thoughts from a Brother

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Number 149 – December 10, 2007

From St. George’s Banner, September 1992, Brother Kevan Van Herd, editor

Thoughts from a Brother
(Editorial from Bro. Jim Robertson's Desk)

If you ask a Brother why he became a Mason, you often receive a variety of answers. Some joined because a friend whom they respected was a Mason, and encouraged them. Some joined out of filial respect; it was a family tradition, some because they were intrigued by the mystery of Fraternity. Whatever the reason for joining the reasons for remaining a Mason are quite as varied. For some, the theatricality of the ritual is an alluring element. For some the fellowship is an essential part of attending Lodge. For some it is an obligation which they accepted freely, and continue to feel obligated to the Fraternity.

For many it is difficult to define what continues to connect them to Masonry. "Once a Mason, always a Mason", may be true on one level - once in receipt of the secrets they cannot be expunged by either suspension or expulsion. But once having all the Light that can be conferred up you in a Master Mason's Lodge, one has only begun to learn what it is to be a Mason.

There are some practitioners of the Craft whom we are proud to stand beside in Lodge. They have taken their obligations outside of the Temple and practice those tenets of our Fraternity in their everyday lives. It is these examples to young Masons that determine whether we become Freemasons in the true sense of the word or merely card carrying members of a social club.

[If] it is not to develop, through interaction with the Brethren, a greater inner strength and equilibrium in our lives, then we are neglecting one of the most important elements Masonry has to offer. Education and moral development are our stated aims and though the Brotherhood we must strive to attain them. It is believed that through the group we can make good men better. But this can only succeed if all participate.


Please remember: if you would like to participate in the latest Masonic Monday Question, please go to http://www.lodgebuilder.org and click on the Lodge Education forum. Past Masonic Monday Questions and the current one may also be read on the Web Site for the G.L. of MN at www.mn-masons.org under Masonic Monday Q&A When you have an answer send it to masonicmonday@gmail.com The question for the week of 12-10-07 is: “Why are, 'Worshipful Masters” called Worshipful?”

More Light – Mehr Licht ©, Masonic Matters © and T.F.S. ©, are sent out by E-mail at no charge to anyone who would like to receive them. If you enjoy these publications please share them with others. To subscribe to any one or all of these publications just send an E-mail to ed@halpaus.net with Subscribe and the Title, or ‘all 3,’ in the subject line and you will be added to the list to receive the publication you want.

With “Brotherly Love”,
Ed Halpaus

Squirrels Among Us

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Number 139 – October 01, 2007

From the newsletter of the Masonic Lodge in Forest Lake, MN we have the Secretary’s column written by the then Secretary, W. Brother Mike Hill. I always like Brother Mike’s insight and his writing; I think you will too.

Squirrels Among Us

Squirrels had overrun three churches in town. After much discussion the elders of the first church determined that the animals were predestined to be there. Who were they to interfere with God’s will? They reasoned. Soon the squirrels multiplied.

The elders of the second church decided that they could not harm any of God’s creatures. So they humanely trapped the squirrels and set them free outside of town. Three days later the squirrels were back.

It was only the third church that succeeded in keeping the pests away. The elders baptized the squirrels and registered them as members of the church. Now they only see them on Christmas and Easter.

Sometimes it seems Masons follow the same course of action when it comes to increasing membership. There are several men outside of our Lodges who have heard about Masonry and/or have a sense of the good works we do. They want to belong to an organization, which brings a sense of family and promotes community service.

However, once a Candidate begins his degree work we forget the tenets that brought them and ourselves together. For instance, how many Lodges publish a “Greeter Schedule” in their newsletters? Yes, that would be two Brethren assigned to greet Candidates and visiting Brethren who attend Degree Work and Stated Communications.

How many Lodges have a “Mentors Program” to help candidates with their memorization work, which meets regularly? In fact, how many Lodges use the Mentors Program to learn and improve their degree work? How many Lodges use the Greeters & Mentors to learn about their new members and for the new members to become comfortable with the elder Brethren?

How many Lodge Brethren call Candidates or new Brethren before Degree Work or Stated Communications and offer to pick them up? How many Brethren go out after a community event for a cup of coffee and a piece of pie to chat about the highlights and enjoy the fellowship?

Lastly, it seems there are a lot of Brethren who believe it is up to the Grand Lodge to come up with a solution on how to make Masonry interesting so men will want to remain Masons and share the experience with their families…I wonder about this.


Please remember: if you would like to participate in the latest Masonic Monday Question, please go to http://www.lodgebuilder.org and click on the Lodge Education forum. Past Masonic Monday Questions and the current one may also be read on the Web Site for the G.L. of MN at www.mn-masons.org under Masonic Monday Q&A When you have an answer send it to masonicmonday@gmail.com This week’s question is: “Must all three chairs be occupied throughout the Craft ceremonies?”

More Light – Mehr Licht ©, Masonic Matters © and T.F.S. ©, are sent out by E-mail at no charge to anyone who would like to receive them. If you enjoy these publications please share them with others. To subscribe to any one or all of these publications just send an E-mail to ed@halpaus.net with Subscribe and the Title, or ‘all 3,’ in the subject line and you will be added to the list to receive the publication you want.

Fraternally,
Ed Halpaus

A Charge to be given to Brethren

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Number 138 – September 24, 2007

The following is found in a book I highly recommend to the Masonic Student: “The Freemason at Work” by Brother Harry Carr & revised by Brother Frederick Smyth; published by Lewis Masonic. It’s a good book to read for enjoyment as well as learning. It is written with Freemasonry in England in mind, so to me it is even more interesting. The Charge that follows is found in this book; it was for printed in 1735 in W. Smith’s Pocket Companion.

A SHORT CHARGE to be given to new admitted BRETHREN.

You are now admitted by the unanimous Consent of our Lodge, a Fellow of our most Antient and Honorable SOCIETY; Antient, as having subsisted from times immemorial, and Honorable, as tending in every Particular to render a Man so that will be but conformable to its glorious Precepts. The greatest Monarchs in all Ages, as well of Asia and Africa as of Europe, have been Encouragers of the Royal Art; and many of them have presided as Grand Masters over the Masons in their respective Territories, not thinking it any lessening to their Imperial Dignities to Level themselves with their Brethren in MASONRY, and to act as they did.

The World's great Architect is our Supreme Master, and the unerring Rule he has given us, is that by which we Work.

Religious Disputes are never suffered in the Lodge; for as MASONS, we only pursue the universal Religion or the Religion of Nature. This is the Cement which unites Men of the most different Principles in one sacred Band, and brings together those who were the most distant from one another.

There are three general Heads of Duty which MASONS ought always to inculcate, viz., to God, our Neighbors and ourselves.

To God, in never mentioning his Name but with that Reverential Awe which becomes a Creature to bear to his Creator, and to look upon him always as the Sumum Bonum which we came into the World to enjoy, and according to that View to regulate all our Pursuits.

To our Neighbors, in acting upon the Square, or doing as we would be done by.

To ourselves, in avoiding all Intemperances and Excesses, whereby we may be rendered incapable of following our Work, or led into Behavior unbecoming our laudable Profession, and in always keeping within due Bounds, and free from all Pollution.

In the State, a MASON is to behave as a peaceable and dutiful Subject, conforming cheerfully to the Government under which he lives.

He is to pay a due Deference to his Superiors, and from his Inferiors he is rather to receive Honor with some Reluctance, than to extort it.

He is to be a Man of Benevolence and Charity, not sitting down contented while his Fellow Creatures, but much more his Brethren, are in Want, when it is in his Power (without prejudicing himself or Family) to relieve them.

In the Lodge, he is to behave with all due Decorum, lest the Beauty and Harmony thereof should be disturbed or broke.
He is to be Obedient to the Master and presiding Officers, and to apply himself closely to the Business of Masonry, that he may sooner become a Proficient therein, both for his own Credit and for that of the Lodge.

He is not to neglect his own necessary Avocations for the sake of MASONRY, nor to involve himself in quarrels with those who through Ignorance may speak evil of, or ridicule it.

He is to be a Lover of the Arts and Sciences, and to take all Opportunities of improving himself therein.

If he recommends a Friend to be made a MASON, he must vouch him to be such as he really believes will conform to the aforesaid Duties, lest by his Misconduct at any time the Lodge should pass under some evil Imputations. Nothing can prove more shocking to all faithful MASONS, than to see any of their Brethren profane or break through the sacred Rules of their Order, and such as can do it they wish had never been admitted.

Please remember: if you would like to participate in the latest Masonic Monday Question, please go to http://www.lodgebuilder.org and click on the Lodge Education forum. Past Masonic Monday Questions and the current one may also be read on the Web Site for the G.L. of MN at www.mn-masons.org under Masonic Monday Q&A When you have an answer send it to masonicmonday@gmail.com This week’s question is: Which is correct; Compasses or Compass, and why?

More Light – Mehr Licht ©, Masonic Matters © and T.F.S. ©, are sent out by E-mail at no charge to anyone who would like to receive them. If you enjoy these publications please share them with others. To subscribe to any one or all of these publications just send an E-mail to ed@halpaus.net with Subscribe and the Title, or ‘all 3,’ in the subject line and you will be added to the list to receive the publication you want.

Fraternally,
Ed Halpaus

To Join or Not To Join

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Number 137 – September 17, 2007

From the Builder December 1925

TO JOIN OR NOT TO JOIN
Written by an anonymous Brother

To join, or not to join, that is the question
Whether 'tis better for myself to suffer
This non-Masonic state of outer darkness
Or tread the path of other, braver men
And by enrolling, end it? To join - to meet
No more, and in the Lodge to say we end
The cold, uncharitable, unfeeling times
Non-Masons suffer - 'Tis a consummation
Devoutly to be wished. To join the Lodge
Its mysteries perform - ay, there's the rub
For in those awful scenes what may be done
Which may intend to shake a strong man's soul?
It makes us pause. There's the respect
That makes calamity of our friendless state;
For who would bear the Solitary life
The World's indifference, the lack of Sympathy,
The want of friendly speech and the snubs
Which swelling self-importance stings us with,
Which he himself might evermore ignore,
By joining up? Who would so friendless be
To stand outside a genial Brotherhood
But that the dread of something afterwards
That unknown Society, whose secrets
No Mason reveals, puzzles the will
And makes us rather bear those ills we have
Than fly to others that we know not of?
So stand we hesitating on the brink
And so our firm resolve to join the Craft
Is sicklied o'er with the pale cast of thought
And leaves us marking time
On our own ground.

Please remember: if you would like to participate in the latest Masonic Monday Question, please go to http://www.lodgebuilder.org/ and click on the Lodge Education forum. Past Masonic Monday Questions and the current one may also be read on the Web Site for the G.L. of MN at http://www.mn-masons.org/ under Masonic Monday Q&A When you have an answer send it to masonicmonday@gmail.com This week’s question is: “Is there any secret religion in Freemasonry?” “Is Freemasonry a Secret Society?”

More Light – Mehr Licht ©, Masonic Matters © and T.F.S. ©, are sent out by E-mail at no charge to anyone who would like to receive them. If you enjoy these publications please share them with others. To subscribe to any one or all of these publications just send an E-mail to ed@halpaus.net with Subscribe and the Title, or ‘all 3,’ in the subject line and you will be added to the list to receive the publication you want.

Fraternally, Ed Halpaus

Poetry by Bro. Edgar Guest

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Number 95 – November 06, 2006

Today we have a good poem to share; I’m certain you’ll like it. It was written by Brother Edgar Guest, at one time the Poet Lauriat of Freemasonry. I had forgotten about this poem until Brother Milt Youmans sent it in the October 20th issue of the newsletter for Harry Truman Chapter no. 152 of the National Sojourners.

Veteran’ Day is November 11th.


The Things that Make a Soldier Great
By Edgar A. Guest

The things that make a soldier great and send him out to die,
To face the flaming cannon's mouth nor ever question why,
Are lilacs by a little porch, the row of tulips red,
The peonies and pansies, too, the old petunia bed,
The grass plot where his children play, the roses on the wall:
'Tis these that make a soldier great. He's fighting for them all.

Tis not the pomp and pride of kings that make a soldier brave; 'tis not allegiance to the flag that over him may wave; for soldiers never fight so well on land or on the foam as when behind the cause they see the little place called home. Endanger but that humble street whereon his children run, you make a soldier of the man who never bore a gun.

What is it through the battle smoke the valiant solider sees?
The little garden far away, the budding apple trees,
The little patch of ground back there, the children at their play,
Perhaps a tiny mound behind the simple church of gray.
The golden thread of courage isn't linked to castle dome
But to the spot, where'er it be — the humblest spot called home.

And now the lilacs bud again and all is lovely there and homesick soldiers far away know spring is in the air; the tulips come to bloom again, the grass once more is green, and every man can see the spot where all his joys have been. He sees his children smile at him, he hears the bugle call, and only death can stop him now — he's fighting for them all.


More Light – Mehr Licht ©, Masonic Matters © and T.F.S. ©, are sent out by E-mail at no charge to anyone who would like to receive them. If you enjoy these publications please share them with others. To subscribe to any one or all of these publications just send an E-mail to erh@youbetnet.com with Subscribe and the Title, or ‘all 3,’ in the subject line and you will be added to the list to receive the publication you want.

Fraternally,
Ed Halpaus

Dear Subscriber – I have had problems with my web site and e-mail address linked to the web site. So in the meantime the E-mail to contact me at is erh@youbetnet.com

I am working on getting my domain name and e-mail connected with my domain name working again, but in the mean time I need to go back to the way things were done prior to all the conveniences connected with the domain and mail distribution site connected with it.

When all of this is back on line, or if I need to make more changes I will let you know. In the meanwhile please contact me at erh@youbetnet.com

Thanks and Fraternally,
Ed Halpaus

Marked Men

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Number 96 – November 13, 2006

From “Rays of Masonry” by M.W. Brother Dewey H. Wollstein, 1953 edition Macoy Publishing:
PGM of the Grand Lodge of Georgia and editor of the Masonic Messenger.

“Marked Men”
by Dewey H. Wollstein, PGM

not long ago there appeared an article in which the phrase "marked men" was used in connection with Masons and Masonry. The more you think about it the more you realize the significance of the words. The Mason is marked by the enemies of Masonry; he is marked by the non-Masons who are friends of Masonry, and he is marked by his brother Masons.

The man who becomes a Mason immediately takes upon himself a greater obligation as a citizen, a hus­band, a father, and as a moral and upright person. He is accepted into Masonry only after he has voluntarily petitioned a lodge and has been carefully investigated as to his mental, moral and physical qualifications. He must have the capacity to love humanity and he must have the urge to grow morally and spiritually. The man must ever seek Masonry. Masonry is a great deal more interested in its strength through the strength of the individual than in numerical values. The Mason then is the recipient of the highest wisdom of the ages, and because of this truth more is expected of him. Privileges and opportunities create greater responsibilities.

By the enemies of Masonry he is watched with eyes of hate, and even his best deeds and purest motives may be distorted to the extent that his enemies will discern that which is not there.
By the friends of Masonry the Mason is also a "marked man." They want to see him live up to the ideals of Masonry. As non-Masons they do not know about the school of Masonry, but they know about the product of the school—the Mason. They seek to sup­port the Mason and Masonry in every laudable under­taking. But by the same token let the Mason fall short of his duties and obligations and his friends must direct criticism not only against him as an individual but against the Craft.

Then among our brothers we are "marked men." We mark our brothers as men in whom we place implicit trust and confidence. We give strength to each other through that trust and confidence. When the world refers to Masons as "clannish," it must be recognized as half-truth. Men who are associated together for the purpose of moral and spiritual development must natu­rally seek to achieve that divine purpose through fel­lowship and association.
Truly we are Marked Men.


More Light – Mehr Licht ©, Masonic Matters © and T.F.S. ©, are sent out by E-mail at no charge to anyone who would like to receive them. If you enjoy these publications please share them with others. To subscribe to any one or all of these publications just send an E-mail to erh@youbetnet.com with Subscribe and the Title, or ‘all 3,’ in the subject line and you will be added to the list to receive the publication you want.

Fraternally,
Ed Halpaus

Dress Code for Lodge

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Number 97 – November 20, 2006

Fraternal Filler ~ A Matter of Opinion
By Bro. John Worlein, editeur du jour

October 2006

“Around the Lodge”, we often hear men discuss: How does one dress for Lodge?

Many Lodges have a ‘dress code’ for officers and Brethren; others are more casual or perhaps even host a “come as you are” attitude. Older members may feel that wearing better clothes shows ‘respect’, that’s the way they were brought up. Younger members have likely not had this same upbringing and may view wearing a coat and tie as an unnecessary formality. Considering the wide age difference between the younger and older Masons (with no substantial middle age group), this can cause some misunderstandings and perhaps even a little friction.

While at the Mayo clinic recently, I observed how people waiting for appointments were dressed. I speculate that the average age was 60 years or older. Close to three-fourths of those viewed – both men and women - wore denims and a polo shirt. Most of the balance wore very average everyday clothing and only 3 or 4 percent wore ‘dressier’ clothing, sports coat or blazer for men and dresses for women. 20 or more years ago few persons would have wore denims in such a public setting and many more would have ‘dressed for the occasion’. People today obviously have a very different philosophy regarding their public image than in the past, and in the main, I am in agreement.

Nonetheless, I approach the issue of dressing for ‘Lodge’ from a more traditional point of view. It can be very similar to dining out with friends, that special dinner at a fancy restaurant will be the same whether you dress for it or not, but it is the preparation and anticipation that helps ‘set the stage’ and the focus to make that event memorable.

A Lodge Communication is no different, without your personal preparation and the anticipation of a meaningful and satisfying evening; it will most likely be just another ‘meeting’, the waste of a clean shirt as I view it.

If you think about it, dressing for ‘Lodge’ consists of a lot more than just donning clothing; your attitude needs to be ‘dressed’ as well. A Masonic communication can be a very uplifting experience if everyone is properly prepared for it in mind and spirit.

Wearing the right clothing implies a seriousness and mindset for what will happen that evening. And is not just for your own benefit either, your brethren will notice and if there are candidates, they too will realize the sincerity involved. I’m not speaking about ‘over-dressing’ with gaudy or inappropriate formality, but rather in serious, workmanlike apparel and attitude.

One lodge I attend has a simple dress code – dark suit, white shirt and plain bowtie, it is not a substitute for a tux, simply attire that is dignified yet not attention getting – the attention is placed elsewhere – on Freemasonry.”

More Light – Mehr Licht ©, Masonic Matters © and T.F.S. ©, are sent out by E-mail at no charge to anyone who would like to receive them. If you enjoy these publications please share them with others. To subscribe to any one or all of these publications just send an E-mail to ed@halpaus.net with Subscribe and the Title, or ‘all 3,’ in the subject line and you will be added to the list to receive the publication you want.

Fraternally,
Ed Halpaus

Poetry by Brother H. Johnson

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Number 98 – November 27, 2006

A Poem by W. Brother Harley Johnson, which I believe you will like. W.B. Harley is a Past Master of Koochiching Lodge #270 at International Falls, Minnesota. Brother Harley is also a Past Grand Lodge District Representative for District #1 of the Grand Lodge of Minnesota

Last night, I dreamed,I was in a room, and could not seeQuestions were askedmy answers were threeSomeone said just waitothers must know of your questtheir answers returnits for the bestSomeone said let him enterI could not, there was somethingbarring my way, then someone said knock and I grasped the ringI lifted to the wall and thenlet it fallan answer returned oflet him enter our hallI could not see, it was darkand lonely out thereand some one said follow your guideyou have nothing to fear,I walked in that darknessfor many a mile, or so it seemed,each step courage to takethis must be the end of my dream.Yet I traveled on toward I knew noteach step followed the otherwith questions asked , and answersgiven by another,I was taught to walk as you shouldgiven the road I had started onand brought to place whereI made promises upon.I was given a Apronby which to labor withyet I was told never toplace Moral stains on itThan they showed me their toolsand showed me how to use themto a builders use a place wheremy soul my dream to sendsome where along the roadmy eyes become unheededthat I should see what so longwas in a darkness hoodedMy dream was so strangethat I knew I saw a truth,that we ask for light so we as menshall find the vineyards truth

More Light – Mehr Licht ©, Masonic Matters © and T.F.S. ©, are sent out by E-mail at no charge to anyone who would like to receive them. If you enjoy these publications please share them with others. To subscribe to any one or all of these publications just send an E-mail to ed@halpaus.net with Subscribe and the Title, or ‘all 3,’ in the subject line and you will be added to the list to receive the publication you want.

Fraternally,
Ed Halpaus

Masonry's Decalog

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Number 99 – December 04, 2006

Brother Albert Pike in his book Morals and Dogma on pages 17 & 18 describes
Masonry’s Decalogue.

“Masonry has its Decalogue, which is its law to its initiates. These are its Ten Commandments

I. “O .•. God is the eternal, omnipotent, Immutable Wisdom and Supreme Intelligence and Exhaustless Love.
Thou shalt adore, revere, and love Him!
Thou shalt honor Him by practicing the virtues!
II. “O .•. Thy religion shall be, to do good because it is a pleasure to thee, and not merely because it is a duty.
That thou mayest become a friend to the wise man, thou shalt obey its precepts!
Thy soul is immortal! Thou shalt do nothing to degrade it!
III. “O .•. Thou shalt unceasingly war against vice!
Thou shalt not do unto others that which thou wouldst not wish them to do unto thee!
Thou shalt be submissive to thy fortunes, and keep burning the light of wisdom!
IV. “O .•. Thou shalt honor thy parents!
Thou shalt pay respect and homage to the aged!
Thou shalt instruct the young!
Thou shalt protect and defend infancy and innocence!
V. “O .•. Thou shalt cherish thy wife and thy children! Thou shalt love thy country, and obey its laws!
VI. “O .•. Thy friend shall be to thee a second self! Misfortunes shall not estrange thee from him!
Thou shalt do for his memory whatever thou wouldst do for him, if he were living!
VII. “O .•. Thou shalt avoid and flee from insincere friendships!
Thou shalt in everything refrain from excess!
Thou shalt fear to be the cause of a stain on thy memory!
VIII. “O .•. Thou shalt allow no passions to become thy master!
Thou shalt make the passions of others profitable lessons to thyself!
Thou shalt be indulgent to error!
IX. “O .•. Thou shalt hear much: Thou shalt speak little: Thou shalt act well!
Thou shalt forget injuries!
Thou shalt render good for evil!
X. “O .•. Thou shalt study to know men; that thereby thou mayest learn to know thyself!
Thou shalt ever seek after virtue!
Thou shalt be just!
Thou shalt avoid idleness!

“But the greatest commandment of Masonry is this: ‘A new commandment give I unto you: that ye love one another! He that saith that he is in the light, and hateth his brother, remaineth still in the darkness.’

“Such are the moral duties of a Mason.”

More Light – Mehr Licht ©, Masonic Matters © and T.F.S. ©, are sent out by E-mail at no charge to anyone who would like to receive them. If you enjoy these publications please share them with others. To subscribe to any one or all of these publications just send an E-mail to ed@halpaus.net with Subscribe and the Title, or ‘all 3,’ in the subject line and you will be added to the list to receive the publication you want.

Fraternally,
Ed Halpaus

A Lodge

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Number 100 – December 11, 2006
The Lodge
By Brother Joseph Fort Newton

A Lodge is a body of men so organized that they move and work together as if many men had but one body. The Operative Freemasons were under necessity to work together as a body because they were engaged on the same task, at the same time, under one supervision. They knew that nowhere, nor under any circumstances, could a public building be erected if each man worked alone; nor was it a mystery that they had a room for themselves, because they had to think together, decide together, know their places and designs together, and to receive at one time instructions for their labor. Insofar as they were a body of men of flesh-and-blood, working together because it was impossible to work alone, we also in Speculative Freemasonry are a body of flesh-and-blood men in an actual and literal body, and not in any abstract or unreal sense, because ours is the same Lodge as theirs. If we say that it is a symbolic Lodge it is not because we have turned the Lodge itself into a symbol, but because we as Speculative Masons do not make the same use of it that Operative Masons did. In one sense it is impossible to put this meaning into words, because to possess it fully and for himself a man must enter into it, and become a member, and learn it by experience; in another sense it is not difficult to put it into words, though they would fall short; if expressed in words the meaning of the Lodge when symbolically used would be expressed in some such fashion as:—"A Masonic Lodge was a body of men. The men formed a body in order to do their work in architecture. Craftsmen could not act adversely or independently of each other when constructing a building. This necessity for working as a body was true of Operative Masons; it is also true of any men engaged in any work. To be in association, to act collectively, for many men to be as if they were one man, is everywhere necessary in work. If you cannot sustain yourself, or give your family the food, housing, furniture, clothing, and medicine which they must have in order to live, if to have those things it is for you a question of life or death, then you must be able to work together with other men, to be in association with them, to cooperate with them, to go through the days with them peaceably and harmoniously, to be in a brotherhood with them, to lodge with them, because not otherwise can you continue to work, and without work you will cease to be.
"If any man thinks that he can be a lone wolf, if he believes that brotherhood, and fraternalism, and friendliness are Utopian ideals and luxuries of sentiment or unreal dreams, he is a moron or a fool. The brotherhood of men in work is not a dream but a stark reality, not a vision but a necessity, for without it any man would starve to death and peoples would perish. Freemasonry does not hold brotherhood, which is membership in a body of men at work, before us as a desirable but remote ideal, hanging in the skies of some unattainable future, but knows it to be a necessity, and not only a necessity but one which may even be for some men a cruel necessity, because it is an iron law of things. We are not Brothers because we hope to be but because we already are; we are not Brothers because we desire to be, but because we must be."
The Lodge itself is the form taken by brotherhood in Freemasonry, so is it also Masonic sociability. Masonic fraternalism, Masonic association, is not a frame-work or background, is not an opportunity or occasion, but is itself what these things are. In substance as well as in form it is unlike any other body of men, certainly it is not to be confused with collectivism, socialism, or communism, which are either economic or political forms of association. It is not consistent with individualism if by individualism is meant that competition in which men prey upon each other; but it is consistent with competition if by competition is meant that emulation of who best can work and best agree.

More Light – Mehr Licht ©, Masonic Matters © and T.F.S. ©, are sent out by E-mail at no charge to anyone who would like to receive them. If you enjoy these publications please share them with others. To subscribe to any one or all of these publications just send an E-mail to ed@halpaus.net with Subscribe and the Title, or ‘all 3,’ in the subject line and you will be added to the list to receive the publication you want.

Fraternally, Ed Halpaus

Chanukah

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Number 101 – December 18, 2006

A Hebrew Blessing for Chanukah

Baruch Atah Ado-noi-Elo-hei-nu-Melech Ha-olam Asher Ki-de-sha-nu Be-mitz-vo-sav-Ve-tzi-vanu Le-had-lik Ner Cha-nu-kah

This year Hanukkah, (also spelled Chanukah,) concludes just prior to the beginning of the Christmas holiday. This Religious Holiday begins after nightfall on December 15th, so December 16th is the first day of Hanukkah.

The information I have to pass on to you about this holiday comes directly from a booklet produced and given out by Byerly’s and Lund’s Grocery Stores in Minneapolis. These are my favorite Grocery Stores, and when we were there recently I picked up ‘The Chanukah Guide.’ I really enjoyed learning about Chanukah from this little booklet.

“The festival of Chanukah is about light overcoming darkness. Our world is currently experiencing a particularly dark time. We have even become apprehensive about opening the letters in our mailbox. Our sons, daughters, friends and neighbors are half way around the world, fighting an enemy that has no borders.”

“The soul of man is the lamp of G-d’ (Proverbs). Our challenge, whether we are on the front lines or fighting rush hour at home, is to bring light into the world. The reason the Chanukah candles are lit after nightfall is to remind us that even in our darkest moments, we have the potential to illuminate when we kindle a flame.”

“King Solomon wrote, ‘Everything has its season: A time to be born, a time to die: A time for war and a time for peace’ (Ecclesiastes). In Judaism peace is essential. Yet, if one is being attacked, Jewish Law forbids a passive stance. Peace and the sanctity of human life requires, at times, that one defend one’s self, one’s family and one’s country. “

“Despite the fact that the Maccabees were fewer in strength and in numbers, they stood up against the oppressor with complete faith in G-d’s mercy. One lesson of Chanukah is that when we resolve to introduce spirituality into our lives, G-d tells his children, ‘Make for me a small opening, like the eye of a needle, and I will open for you an opening through which caravans can enter’ (Midrash). We simply need to begin the process for G-d to help us attain that which we perceived as unattainable.”

“On Chanukah we celebrate two miracles: The victory of the Maccabees over the forces of Antiochus IV in the battlefield, and the miracle of the oil, which burned for eight days. The victory on the battlefield was a miracle that affected us in a very basic and real physical sense. The miracle of the oil enabled the Jewish people to resume the service in the Holy Temple and thus was a spiritual miracle. Jews around the world recreate this miracle and spirituality today by observing Chanukah.”

The Chanukah struggle is found within each of us. Chassidic teachings explain that we have two souls. One soul is drawn to the spiritual, the other to the material. We may reconcile this duality by being involved with the material world, but toward a spiritual end. This is one reason why there are so many mitzvot in the Torah, all of them involving physical action. When the physical is engaged for spiritual purposes, the conflict is transformed into peace and harmony. A world of peace begins with inner peace. When one makes peace within, it has an effect on his or her home, environment, and eventually the entire world.”

“What does a soul look like? Look at the flame of a candle. A flame is bright, jumping, and never resting. The natural desire of a soul is to ‘jump up’ to G-d, to break free of physical limitations. The wick and candle anchor a flame, and a physical body grounds the soul, forcing the soul to do its job, to give light and warmth. The human body, precious and holy, is likened to the Holy Temple. The Baal Shem Tov, founder of Chassidism, always advised against asceticism, excessive fasting, and hurting the body. Better, he would say, to use your body to perform deeds of kindness.”

“Kindness is contagious. When our soul tells our body to do a kind deed, both the soul and body are affected. Even more, other souls around us awaken and influence their bodies to do the same. Before long we can create an international epidemic of kindness. This is one reason the Chanukah menorah is placed where it can be seen from the street, either in the doorway across from the mezuza or in the window, reminding us of our duty to share the spiritual light of warmth and wisdom with our surroundings.”

More Light – Mehr Licht ©, Masonic Matters © and T.F.S. ©, are sent out by E-mail at no charge to anyone who would like to receive them. If you enjoy these publications please share them with others. To subscribe to any one or all of these publications just send an E-mail to ed@halpaus.net with Subscribe and the Title, or ‘all3,’ in the subject line and you will be added to the list to receive the publication you want.

For a recipe for Potato Latkes go to http://www.recipecircus.com/recipes/Leo/ -- Happy Hanukkah!
Fraternally,
Ed Halpaus

Alabama Historian Address

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Number 102 – December 25, 2006
GRAND HISTORIAN'S ADDRESS
James L. Gossett Grand Historian Grand Lodge of Alabama 1993
Most Worshipful Grand Master, I wish to express my appreciation for my appointment as Grand Historian and to state that I have enjoyed serving as a member of the Grand Lodge.
The 1992-93 Grand Lodge Officers have performed the cornerstone laying of Carbon Hill Lodge No. 494 at Carbon Hill and the dedication of Littleville Lodge No. 881 at Littleville.
Freemasonry is the oldest and largest order in the world. Since Freemasonry is a society of friends and brothers, it fits the definition of a fraternity. For centuries, Masons have opposed preju­dice, spiritual abuse, and political tyranny. Masons have stood for integrity, freedom, and individual dignity. Freemasons take pride in the part which the Fraternity has played in the history of America. Masons have been prominent in government, science, sports, entertainment, and man's newest field of space exploration. Masons believe in a Supreme Being, in morality, and a practice of charity. Therefore, Masons welcome a Christian, a Jew, a Buddhist or a Moslem.
One of Freemasonry's objectives is the making of better men. This is accomplished through teaching. Masonry tries to inculcate in the minds of those who come into it some of those virtues which are recognized as prerequisites for a better life. Its teachings include brotherhood, morality, justice, tolerance, citizenship, education and freedom of ideas, religious choice, and freedom of expression. The primary objective of a Masonic Lodge should be to train its members to understand the truths taught by its rituals and ceremonies. Brothers working individually and collectively toward the objective of Masonry can add much to the fraternity and leave the world in better condi­tion for our brothers of tomorrow.
Freemasonry came to America about the third decade of the Eighteenth Century. St. John's Lodge at Boston, Massachusetts, established in 1733, is the oldest Lodge on the North American Continent. Masonic qualities have been demonstrated by our brothers since the beginning of the fra­ternity. George Washington was proud of his Masonic Membership, saying, "The object of Freema­sonry is to promote the happiness of the human race." Washington's Masonic background was a significant part of his philosophy of life. In fact, when he took the oath of office as President, George Washington was serving as Worshipful Master of Alexandria Lodge No. 22. Despite his overwhelm­ing obligations as Commander of the American Army and later as President of the United States, Brother George Washington was an active member throughout his public life and into his retire­ment.
Freemasons laid the Cornerstone of the United States Capitol on September 18, 1793. Two hundred years later the Grand Lodges of Free and Accepted Masons of the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia reenacted this historic ceremony in Washington, D. C. to commemorate the bicentennial of the U. S. Capitol on September 18, 1993. Today, with many additions and remodeling, the United States Capitol is one of the most beautiful and widely recognized structures in the world. To the people of these United States it continues to symbolize life, liberty and happiness.
Masonic Light first came to Alabama with the establishment of Madison Lodge No. 21, under a dispensation issued by the Grand Lodge of Kentucky in 1811. Alabama was admitted to the Union in 1819. Madison Lodge No. 21 and Alabama Lodge No. 21 assisted in forming the Grand Lodge of Alabama in 1821 and were re-designated as Madison No. 1 and Alabama No. 2, respectively. The first Grand Lodge of Alabama Annual Communication was held at Cahaba on December 11, 1821. In 1822, Alabama No. 2 changed its name to Bethesda No. 2. In 1824, Madison No. 1 and Bethesda No. 2 combined to form the lodge that continues to exist as Helion Lodge No. 1, Huntsville, Alabama.
The Southern Baptist Convention of June 15 - 17, 1993, was attended by 17,886 messengers in Houston, Texas. Concerning Freemasonry, messengers overwhelmingly approved a Home Mission Board report that stopped short of condemning Freemasonry. This Home Mission Board report had been directed by The 1992 Southern Baptist Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana. The report states: "In light of the fact that many tenets and teachings of Freemasonry are not compatible with Chris­tianity and Southern Baptist doctrine, while others are compatible with Christianity and Southern Baptist doctrine, we therefore recommend that consistent with our denomination's deep convictions regarding the priesthood of the believer and the autonomy of the local church, membership in a Masonic Order be a matter of personal conscience." The recommendation also urged Baptists to "prayerfully and carefully evaluate Freemasonry in light of the Lordship of Christ, the teachings of Scripture, and the findings of this report, as led by the Holy Spirit of God."
The real worth of a Mason can never be measured in the opinion of others or in the Masonic Honors he has attained. The standard by which a Mason must be judged is by his own evaluation of his conduct and by the principles which he knows to be unchanging. As you journey through life, you I will take your cue from the beat of the drum. This feeling has been well expressed by Brother Gordon T. Hallmark in the poem that follows:

The Beat of the Drum
Each life has a beat that it follows; We call it the beat of the drum, And once the rhythm has started, The melody's sure to come.
It may be the beat of another, It may be a beat of our own, It may be a high pitched frequency, Or it may be a lower tone.
And all through our lives we must follow the beat which has come to our mind, To give our lives cadence and meaning, Our purpose in life so to find.
For our purpose is life's direction, Our life's goal it would be for some; So listen as soul and you'll hear it, The beat, beat, beat of the drum.


More Light – Mehr Licht ©, Masonic Matters © and T.F.S. ©, are sent out by E-mail at no charge to anyone who would like to receive them. If you enjoy these publications please share them with others. To subscribe to any one or all of these publications just send an E-mail to ed@halpaus.net with Subscribe and the Title, or ‘all 3,’ in the subject line and you will be added to the list to receive the publication you want.

Fraternally,
Ed Halpaus