Gourmet Meals And Blue Lodge Council

As I alluded to in my last post, this past weekend I took it upon myself to attempt to make a gourmet meal for my wife. As a theme I had decided upon French Bistro fare. It began Saturday night with the construction of an authentic French Onion Soup. Saturday saw me making the custard portion of crème brûlée, and cooking Potatoes Dauphinoise. As the potatoes were cooking, I served the French Onion Soup, complete with garlic infused crutons and a topping of melted Gruyère cheese. (Yes, I have my own kitchen torch for this and the crème brûlée.)Opened a bottle of Côtes du Rhône, and tucked in. The soup course complete, I retired to the kitchen to prepare the enree - Steak au Poivre. Assembled all and enjoyed a wonderufl meal with soft lights and jazz in the background.

Not everything was spectacular. The Potatoes Dauphinoise were a little soupy, but the effort was evident. All in all, a tiring couple of days, but worth it.

One of the lessons that I took from the Lodge is that relationships - be they Fraternal or Marital - need work and maintenance. It's easy to go day to day without really conveying to those who are special to you just what they mean in your life. It was worth all the effort.

After a busy weekend cooking, I had to go to Blue Lodge Council tonight. Blue Lodge Council is a sort of pow-wow of all the Lodges in a fairly close geographic district. Some Brothers look upon this as a chore; but I find it is an excellent way to remain informed on what is happening in Masonry in the immediate area of my Lodge. We had some interesting discussion on points of Masonic Jurisprudence, and an interesting presentation from a Past Grand Master/Past President of the Philalethes Society.

The atmosphere is less formal than a Lodge meeting, and the conversation a little more relaxed. After the meeting, I had a short but enjoyable discussion with one of our Grand Lodge Officers. Not something that always happens at a more formal event.

In all, it was a worthy investment of my time. I'm glad I attended and wish more Brethren in the District could find the time to do so. I truly believe they would find the experience as enjoyable as I did.

Stay tuned, or not, it's up to you.

On Overcoming Personal "Demons"

Last night I went out and shot a few games of pool.

No big deal to most; but I have always had a competitive streak that has managed to dampen the fun of the evening sometimes.

Last night I was able to relax and enjoy meyslf. I was able to calm my nerves when the old familiar feelings started to come over me when in competition. I managed to put things in perspective, relax and calm down.

By remembering the lessons taught in Lodge, and remembering that I have an obligation to improve my character, I was able to overcome, if only for one evening, my personal "demons" surrounding competition.

I'm not going to say that I've managed to vanquish them. Character improvement is a process, not and end. It's just nice to know that it is possible.

Now, I have to begin cooking for a special dinner tomorrow night, so if you will excuse me....

Stay tuned, or not, it's up to you.

On Masonic Misconduct

Over the past six months or so, there have been a number of pieces on the Web that have highlighted the misconduct of individual Masons and certain Masonic groups.

This is not an exercise in apologetics. If a Mason has committed an act against the law of the land, or the Masonic code of his jurisdiction, he should be made to pay the appropriate criminal, civil, and Masonic price of his actions.

What has moved me to post on this matter is the sentiment that somehow, Masonry is in some way responsible for his actions. In response to this, I would like to turn as I usually do to Carl Claudy through the words of the Old Tyler:

MASONRY'S FAILURE

"Why does Masonry fail so much?" puzzled the New Brother, dropping into a chair beside the Old Tyler in the anteroom.

"I didn't know it did," commented the Old Tyler. "But then, I'm an old man and my eyes are not very good. Maybe I don't see clearly any more. Tell me about it."

"Oh, you see well enough! You just don't want to admit that the order to the service of which you have devoted so much time and thought is just a failure!"

"Is that so!" The Old Tyler seemed surprised. "You interest me! But pity my foibles and tell me your side of it!"

"Masonry fails because it doesn't interest men sufficiently to make them practice what they preach. I was at Jones' house tonight. Went to bring him to lodge in the car. After we had left he said: 'Of course you know I'm not really going to lodge! Got a hen on! Nice fat lil' poker game. Want to sit in?' I told him I didn't. But I took him to his 'nice fat lil' game!' Now, there is a man who tells his family he is going to lodge, and then plays poker. I say Masonry has failed with him. It hasn't even taught him to tell the truth!"

"Remember Roberts? He was arrested last week for forgery. He has been a member for several years. Yet Masonry couldn't teach him to be honest. There was Williamson, who tried to kill his doctor; and Burton who has been defending an ugly divorce suit...they are lodge members, but Masonry didn't teach them to be what they ought to be. And say...did you hear about Larson? Well..." the New Brother lowered his voice. "It's being whispered about that..." He leaned over to talk in the Old Tilers ear. "Now, that isn't Masonry...it's a violation of all his obligations. So I say Masonry has failed with him. What do you say?"

"Yes, Masonry failed to make an impression on these men to suit you, even as Masonry has failed to make an impression on you to suit me!" snapped the Old Tyler. "That last remark you made was an unadulterated scandal! Does Masonry teach you to talk scandal? But never mind that! Let me dig a few weeds out of the scrubby, ill-tended, and unwatered garden you miscall your mind and see if we can't get it ready to grow one straight thought!

"I know Jones. He is a member of the city club, the country club, Dr. Parkin's church, and a luncheon club. Neither church nor luncheon club teach deception or foster lies. Both instruct in morality, one by precept, the other by practice. By what right do you blame Masonry for Jones' failure to tell the truth, any more than the church or the luncheon club? Is Jones' mother to blame because she didn't teach her boy never to tell a lie? How about his Sunday School teacher and his wife? Are they to blame? If not, why is Masonry to blame?

"Roberts has been accused of forgery. I don't know whether he is guilty or not. Williamson seems to have had some real justification for feeling enmity toward his doctor, although nothing justifies murder, of course. Burton may be a sinner or sinned against...I don't know. As for Larson, it will take more than your whispers of scandal to make me believe ill of a brother until I know something.

"But let us suppose Roberts a forger, Williamson a murderer, Burton a Don Juan. All these men grew up, went to school, got out in the world, joined clubs, societies, orders, became Masons, members of a church...Why pick on Masonry as the failure when these men go wrong? Is it just? If the church of God can't keep a man straight how can Masonry be expected to?

"It is rankly unjust to blame Christ for the failures of those who profess to follow Him. Was it Christ's fault that Peter denied Him and Judas betrayed Him? Was it the fault of the religion they professed? Or was it the fault of the man, the character, the up-bringing, the times?

"Men fail, and fall, and rise and try again...or fall and stay in the mud. To those who rise Masonry has a helping hand to extend. To those who fail and stay fallen, she has charity. Not hers the fault that humanity is frail. She hold the torch; if they close their eyes to its radiance and refuse to see the narrow path that the torch illumines, will you blame the torch?

"Masonry does not fail men. Men fail Masonry. Masonry has the teachings, the thought, the ennobling influence, the example to set, the vision to show those who have eyes to see. If they close their hearts to the ennobling influence, will not profit by the example and shut their eyes to the vision, is that the fault of Masonry?

"You, my brother, have just talked scandal without proof; a whispered slander against the good name of a Mason. Has Masonry failed with you that it has not taught you tolerance, brotherly love, reticence, charity of thought? Or is the failure in you as it may be within these men you mention?"

"The Old Tyler waited. The New Brother hung his head. At last he spoke.

"I am most properly rebuked. How shall I make amends?"

"A great teacher said to you and all like you and to me and all like me; 'Go, and sin no more!'" answered the Old Tyler reverently.

These words are as true today as when they were written in 1924. Perhaps it is a failing of mine to rely on the words of those who have a greater command of the English Language than I. But, our thoughts are much the same.

To tear down, to accuse, to find fault with others, is far easier than it is to build, to be intimate enough with human frailty to forgive, to bring out the best in others.

Yes, when transgressions are committed, penalties must be paid. But should that not be an end to it? How long will we grind the transgressor under our heel until the debt is considered paid?

Not just Masons, but to all of you I ask in all humility and sincerity, how long will the misdeeds of others rent space in your soul until it is enough? Haven't we seen through the history of our race the terrible destructive power of unrelenting vendetta? How much of yourself are you willing to give to the perceived foe? Can't we find it within ourselves pity for those who have not received enough light and remain in darkness? Can't we find within ourselves the capacity to see even the most depraved wretch as one who deserves judgement tempered with mercy?

Mercy.

How we cry for mercy for ourselves but remain adamant in denying it to others! How very much our world stands in need of mercy. Thousands are dead in Darfur for its lack. Millions more met their end throughout history because the need for justice outweighed the human capacity for mercy.

Perhaps Solomon erred when he asked for wisdom. He may have been better served by asking for the gift of mercy.

By all means, when transgressions are tried and proven, meet out justice. But I think she remains blindfolded because she cannot bear to witness our lack of mercy to temper justice.

Tonight I am very old and tired man.

Stay tuned, or not, it's up to you

Blog Against Theocracy: There Are Two Pillars In My Lodge

I'm telling no Masonic "secrets" here. In fact, an example of the pillars I am refering to can be seen on the templates for all the individual Lodge Web sites for the Jurisdiction of Connecticut. In fact, many people who are not Masons in the state of Connecticut see such pillars every year when the attend officer installations because a friend or loved one has decided to serve their Lodge in that capacity.

While there are a number of interpretations of what those two pillars sgnify, some given in Masonic ritual, others derived by a Brother's own contemplation of them, I would like to propose a posible interpretation that applies to this weekends Blogswarm Against Theocracy.

I submit that these two pillars could be seen as representing Faith and Reason. While both pillars are beautiful themselves, they stand apart. Neither is taller than the other, and they differ somewhat in their orientation. They are not combined into one gaudy monolinth. Each has their own dignity and each has their own purpose.

Am I suggesting that Faith and Reason cannot be combined? No. What I am saying is that each is capable of being separate from the other and when presented together for a harmonious tableau that is pleasing to the eye just as the ability of faith and reason to exist in the same person, or same society, should be pleasing to the sensibilities of all civilized people.

Theocracy does not allow for this. Theocracy imposes belief on those who chose a different path, will they or nil they. Sadly, many religions define "evil" as "that which is not like us" and seek either to destroy what is considered evil or change it so, (at least in outward appearance), it is "good", (i.e. exactly like us).

The founders of the United States realized that "evil" did not equate to "different". By allowing for the free exercise of religion, or the right to exercise no religion, (i.e. no religious test in order to qualify for public office), they attempted to establish a society where it fell to the individual and not the state to decide what, if any, religious practice they would follow. To quote Thomas Jefferson yet again:

"Where the preamble declares, that coercion is a departure from the plan of the holy author of our religion, an amendment was proposed by inserting "Jesus Christ," so that it would read "A departure from the plan of Jesus Christ, the holy author of our religion;" the insertion was rejected by the great majority, in proof that they meant to comprehend, within the mantle of its protection, the Jew and the Gentile, the Christian and Mohammedan, the Hindoo and Infidel of every denomination."

-Thomas Jefferson, Autobiography, in reference to the Virginia Act for Religious Freedom

Do we need further proof that the founders of the United States meant that Church and State?

There are two pillars in my Lodge....




Stay tuned, or not, it's up to you.

If Your Interested in Participating

For those of you who read this blog and are interested in participating in the Blog Against Theocracy this weekend, directions for doing so may be found here.

Sorry for not adding this to my previous post.

Stay tuned, or not, it's up to you.

Blogs Against Theocracy

On this Easter weekend once again a large number of bloggers are turning their attention to the encroachment on their freedoms by those who would seek to replace the Constitution and Bill of Rights of The United States with a system of laws based upon the Old Testament as interpreted by some sects of Christianity.

While it might seem odd that a Freemason would join in this activity since the most common form of Freemasonry in the United States requires belief in a Supreme Being in order to join, until you consider the words of a 1926 Short Talk Bulleting entitled Freedom Of Faith:

In America we are proud of the fact that the Church is separate from the State, and justly so! Our freedom of faith is our most precious heritage, a thing of priceless worth. Too often we take it for granted, forgetting what it cost and to whom we are indebted for it. The right of each man to worship God in the way his heart loves best is so in keeping with the idea and spirit of Masonry, so much a part of its genius, that we need to celebrate it anew in the 150th year of our National Life. If for no other reason, because both directly and indirectly, our Craft had much to do with it becoming a part of our Constitution.

Our fathers founded our Republic upon a new basis, reversing the whole history of mankind. Before that time a country without its National Church with its Official Creed, was quite unknown. But America broke new ground, made a new adventure which must be recognized, by far, the most important since the Reformation, and even more far-reaching. Such a thing was not done without difficulty.

Even in Colonial Times, Church and State were one. In New England the ideal was theocracy, a Church which included the State. In the South, if the State included the Church, they were none the less united. Religious liberty was almost unknown, except by those who defied the law and endured the persecution to enjoy it.

Few realize that prior to the Revolution it was against the law not to go to Church. It was a crime not to Baptize a child in the established Church. It was a crime to bring a Quaker into the colony, and there was a law on the statute books - though, happily not enforce - that permitted the burning of heretics. Witches had been burned in New England; Quakers had been hung. Everybody was required to pay tithes to maintain the Church, and that regardless of their religious affiliations. Those who failed to do so were thrown into prison.

Smarting under these infringements on religious liberty, Jefferson led, and Madison followed, in the fierce struggle to separate Church and State. To Jefferson, more than to any other man, we owe our liberty of faith today. The famous law which first forbade any religious tests for public office was written by Jefferson, and its principles were embodied in the first amendment to the National Constitution. The heart of that stature, couched in noble language, is as follows:

"We, the General Assembly of Virginia, do enact that no man shall be compelled to frequent or support any religious worship, place, or ministry whatsoever, nor shall he be enforced, restrained, molested, or burdened in his body or goods, or shall he otherwise suffer on account of his religious opinions or beliefs; but that all men shall be free to profess, and by arguments, to maintain their opinions in matters of religion; and that the same shall in no wise diminish, enlarge, or effect their civic capacities."

What seems a natural and inalienable right of man to us today, was a daring demand in those days. It is a curious fact that while Jefferson did not differ widely in his religious views from Franklin, Adams and even Washington; he was singled out for the most savage attacks for his part in writing the above law, and pressing for its passage in Virginia - and later, in the Nation. Throughout his life he was a target of bitter abuse, nor did it cease after his death. Even the casual reader of the newspapers and pamphlets of that day knows how Jefferson was lampooned for his fight for liberty of faith. He was called a "Skeptic," an "Infidel," an "Atheist" - names which had terrifying meanings in those days - all because he demanded that each man have the right to hold such religious faith as seemed to him right and true and good. So much our liberty of faith cost; against such odds the spirit of tolerance had to make its way.

The writings of Jefferson abound in allusions to his religious views, which he made no effort to conceal. They also show his familiarity with the Bible, in which he surpassed any leading man of his time, not excepting Franklin who was a student of it. The ethics of Jesus fascinated him. During his first term in the White house he found time to make a syllabus of the teachings of Jesus compared with the moral codes of other religions, in which he made a strong case for the superiority of the ethics of Jesus. In 1816 he wrote to his friend Thompson of what he had been doing:

"I have mad a wee little book, which I call the Philosophy of Jesus. It is paradigm of his doctrines, made by cutting the texts out of the book and arranging them on the pages of a blank book, in a certain order of time and subject. A more beautiful; and precious morsel of ethics I have never seen. It is a document in proof that I am a real Christian, that is, a disciple of the doctrines of Jesus."

Yet this was the man denounced as an "Atheist," and held up to scorn as enemy of God and man, because he held that others had a right to disagree with him and yet enjoy the honors of citizenship. No wonder he wrote his confession of faith in the word: "I have sworn upon the Altar of God, eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man." Ignorance and intolerance were the two enemies which he fought all his days, without truce.

From Paris he wrote to George Wythe in 1786: "Preach, my dear sir, a crusade against ignorance, establish and improve the law for educating the people." To that end he himself had founded the University of Virginia, in which there were no religious tests for professors or pupils. Students of theology were invited to attend and enjoy the lectures and the library. As he said: "By bringing the sects together and mixing them with the mass of other students we shall soften their aspirates. liberalize and neutralize their prejudices and make the general religion a religion of peace, reason and sanity."

In his own life Jefferson was brought up in a Church, and was a fairly regular attendant on its services. As an Architect he planned at least one church, and gave freely to the erection of others and to the support of public worship. A lover of the Bible, he gave freely to Bible Societies. No one ever heard him use an oath, and his magnanimity was such that he placed a marble bust of his political antagonist. Hamilton, in the hall of Monticello. Such was the man who, dying murmured with his last breath, as he sank into sleep the old, beautiful Bible Prayer: "Now Lettest Thy Servant Depart In Peace."

While it has not been shown that Jefferson was a Mason, as was at one time thought, all Masons will honor in the Lodge, and in their hearts, the man to whom, more than to any other of the men who laid the foundation of our Republic, we are indebted for the religious freedom - that is, for the glory of a free Church in a free country. For it was as much an emancipation for the Church as for the State, and it has been an unmixed blessing to both.

To have written the Declaration of Political Independence was a great honor, but not a few will think it an even greater honor to have led in the achievement of religious independence. It closed a long and bloody chapter of history; it marked a new era, second only to that of the advent of Christ among men.

As has been said, Masonry had much to do with it, directly and indirectly. Directly in that the leaders with whom Jefferson worked and without whom he would have failed were, most of them, Masons. And indirectly by virtue of the fact that Masonry does its greatest work, not by laws and edicts, but by its teachings and influence. If any one will read the Virginia Statue on religious liberty, and the first amendment of the Constitution, along side the article on God and Religion in the Constitution of the Grand Lodge of England in 1732, he will discover that the spirit and purpose of all three documents are the same. The Masonic Constitution, written more than fifty years earlier, was one of the ancestors of the other statements.

Thus by our history, no less than by our Constitution and genius, Masons are pledged to keep Church and State separated, and to watch vigilantly every insidious effort to unite the two. Such efforts are always afoot, disguised in all sorts of ways, but we ought to be able to detect the wolf even when it wears the white rode of a lamb. It asks for clear thinking and tireless vigil, but Masons will not fall asleep and let the work of our fathers be undone.

Just now the whole set of the old world is against the spirit and ideals of our Republic. Dictators strut to and for, declaring themselves supermen born to rule their fellows. Heretofore the loss of political liberty has always been followed by a loss of religious freedom. The two go together, as our fathers joined them; and what God hath joined man must not put asunder.

Now the participation of a Mason doesn't seem so strange does it?

There may be those who believe that because the Democratic Party won a majority in the last election that the dangers of religion encroaching upon freedom may have lessened. One has only to listen to the words of a candidate for the Republican nomination to run for the highest office in the land:

"I have opponents in this race who do not want to change the Constitution. But I believe it’s a lot easier to change the Constitution than it would be to change the word of the living God. And that’s what we need to do — to amend the Constitution so it’s in God’s standards rather than try to change God’s standards so it lines up with some contemporary view." ~ Mike Huckabee

Again, let me make this clear. In defending the Constitution and Bill of Rights I am in no way attacking Christianity, Judaism, Islam, or any other religion. If an individual decides to add restrictions on their behavior, or undertake activities that are in accordance with the law of the land that go beyond what required by the duties of citizenship, then that is their right.

To attempt to force others to do so is oppression. I will have none of it.

Stay tuned, or not, it's up to you.

Kudos to Tengrain of Mock Paper Scissors, (link at right), for once again providing an incredible graphic for this undertaking. You're the best Ten.

In Search For Truth

A post on another blog led me to think about the nature of truth.

It occurred to me that there can indeed be more than one variety of truth. There is the truth of your perspective. If you were to see a wire-frame diagram of a six sided figure, you may well call what you're looking at a cube. In fact, it is not. It is a two dimensional representation of a cube.

Then there is poetic truth. As Masons, we should be well acquainted with this idea. Much of our "work" is not meant to be taken as literal truth, but is meant to teach certain moral lessons by allegory. Does this make the lesson any less "true"?

There is of course scientific truth. That which can be verified by observation and experiment. To most of us perhaps, this is the definition we carry around in our heads. If we cannot verify a statement by data gathered in experiment then an idea is relegated to the dustbin of our minds.

This week, millions will hear the question: "What is truth?" Perhaps that question should mean more to us as Masons.

Just a thought.

Stay tuned, or not, it's up to you.

An Uphill Battle

It seems that the more one tries to be a positive force for others, the more misfortune seems to befall your circle of friends.

Yet another individual has suffered a setback in his life, and I hope to be there for him.

This man is not a Mason, (or perhaps it would be better to say he is a Mason without an apron), and has entered into a downward spiral not of his own making.

I wonder, with worsening economic conditions, how often we will be called upon to succor those in need. Will the strength of charity be tested to the breaking point?
Just how much can one person do to alleviate the suffering they find around them?

We are cautioned, as Masons, not to give beyond our ability to maintain ourselves and our families. But, lately, I've been wondering just how large my "family" is.

Perhaps that's one of the distinguishing characteristics of a true Master Mason.

Stay tuned, or not, it's up to you.

Being There

Recently, a friend of mine had a bad turn of events. It was nothing earth shattering, his life is not in danger, and there is nothing to prevent him from overcoming the turbulence in his life.

While I'm sure there are other people in his life that are helping him through his present troubles, I thought it imperative that I add my efforts to help him overcome his present circumstances.

This after all is one of the basic aspects of being a Freemason. We have a sworn duty to aid those in need if we are able. We cannot turn a blind eye to the troubles of others.

This does not extend to monetary support, although if we are able and it is required we certainly shouldn't overlook that avenue of assistance. I do believe that it is more important to provide emotional support and a sympathetic ear to those who are facing a challenge.

In a very real sense, if we understand our Masonic Profession, we are not only our Brother's keepers, but responsible for all of humankind.

It can be overwhelming. No one person can cure all the evils of the world. But because we cannot; we are not excused from performing the work before us.

After all, what come you here to do?

Stay tuned, or not, it's up to you.

Masonic Tyranny

To all those who read this blog: my post below was written before I had a chance to check the recent postings from other blogs over at King's Solomon's Lodge.

My post below was not directed at any other blogger, but was a personal reflections as they occurred to me. Please do not misconstrue my comments in that post.

As for the situation in West Virginia, I will say only this: The tenets of Freemasonry are Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth. Above all of these is truth. There comes a time when regardless of the penalty, one must speak truth to power, even if those in power do not wish to hear that truth.

Freemasonry is greater than any one man. Freemasonry is the eternal quest to fulfill our destiny as both rational and spiritual beings. Anything else is secondary. I will not speak to the particulars in West Virginia. I do not have sufficient information to do so. I will only say that no one of us is more important than all of us together.

When I was a member of a college fraternity, they gave us a short talk about the indespensible man. They advised putting your arm in a bucket of water, then taking it out. The hole that is left is the amount you will be missed.

That, I think, is a thought worthy of meditating upon.

Take due notice, govern yourself accordingly.

Removing The Excess

A great sculptor, I believe it was Michalangelo, was asked how he created such masterpieces. He replied that he removed all the parts of the stone that didn't need to be there and revealed the beauty within.

As it happens, this is an apropos analogy to the shaping of one's character. Almost. You see, human beings cannot simply cut away parts of their personality the way a physician cuts out a cancer.

Try as we might, our less than noble characteristics will surface just when we think we have eliminated them. Benjamin Franklin used to keep a book of virutes and placed a black mark against each one when he transgressed them. When someone got a look at the book they commended him at having a clean page except for one mark. To which he replied that yes, just when he thought he had acted on all his virtues, he became pleased with himself and transgressed the virtue of humility.

It is no accident that Freemasonry uses the allegory of working in stone when refering to the shaping of human character. But, perhaps, because it is a human contrivance, it fails to point out that there are times when we need to add character traits as well as subtract them. I suppose one could say that we remove the excess and add ornamentation. For me that falls a little off the mark because I find myself needing to acquire traits that I don't have.

Even if the analogy isn't perfect, it is an apt one if for no other reason than the amount of labor it requires to shape either stone or character. When I stand up from my toil, I don't see how the other workmen in the quarry may have mishandled their mouldstone. I only see the labor left to be done on mine.

Stay tuned, or not, it's up to you.

Long Receovery

I don't know what form of affliction beset me recently, but I do know that I'm glad to be feeling better.

For the past two or three weeks, every time I thought I was getting over whatever cold or flu I had caught, it would come back and lay me out again. I spent a week coughing so much that my latissimus dorsi muscles ached.

Over the course of my illness, I've missed two Lodge meetings. One for the Philisophic Lodge of Research, and one for my Mother Lodge - a Fellowcraft Degree no less. I also missed only my second meeting of the Committee For Masonic Education.

While I'm aware that my Brothers would not fault me for being absent when truly sick, I have to say that being away from Lodge made me feel worse. Partly because I was not there to help, and partly because not going reinforced how badly off I was.

My bout with whatever it was also kept me away from reading my ususal blogs and from posting here.

As I have withdrawn from the Philalethes list, this meant that I was very much out of contact with the Masonic world. If it were not for some backchannel emails about a couple of tpoics, I would have been looking for a volleyball to paint.

The spring Grand Lodge Communication is coming up in Connecticut next month, and I'm looking forward to it. I have gone to Grand Lodge every year since I received the Master Mason's Degree, and there is always something interesting that came out of the sessions I attended. This year, I might try to pursuade some of our new Brothers to attend, just to see what goes on. If nothing else, it will be a chance for them to witness how these events are run and what goes into adminitering the Fraternity in their state.

I have always held the belief that every Master Mason in Connecticut should make the effort to attend the meeting of the Grand Lodge at least once every two years. In my not so humble opinion, it would help remove the feeling that the Grand Lodge is somehow separate from what they do at the local Lodge level. I can't speak for other jurisdictions, but I have yet to pose a question to a Grand Lodge officer and not get a straight answer.

While some Masons may find the proceedings boring, I have found them a chance to build fellowship with officers in the Grand Line, and to meet and discuss issues with Brethren from Lodges all across the state. My only regret is that these discussions have yet to result in more visitation.

After all, there is no "them". There is only "us".

Stay tuned, or not, it's up to you.