It seems during the economy that more and more people are trying to make money off of Freemasonry. Don't get me wrong... I don't mind Masonry in the spot light sometimes especially with Dan Brown's new book "The Symbol".
During these rough economic times people are willing to jump on anything that they think will make them some cash. We had instance in the State of South Carolina where a brother was trying to make money off of selling certain materials that were out of copyright, that were printed in the 1800's. Once confronted the so called brother turned in his dues card. Even to this day, he is trying to sell this material.
Not only is publicity good for the craft, but just how people go on reality shows and get instant fame or win the lottery to have their lives ruined shortly after this can be so with the craft. There will probably be more reports like this one http://www.tampabay.com/news/publicsafety/crime/temple-terrace-police-find-burned-bible-on-alter-in-masonic-lodge-arrest/1038176
Also, there has been a increase on Web "DDOS" attacks or Distributed Denial Of Service Attacks on Masonic websites. This is where hackers will use a army of computers to massively send tons of data traffic to a web server hosting the page and "knock" the site offline. The server just can't handle the amount of traffic hitting the page.
Or some find vulnerabilities in there code to gain access and deface the page.
So publicity does come with a price. Brethren and Future Brethren, please check yourself and subdue your passions to making a extra buck or revealing too much to media for a extra dollar.
No... Masons do not have some secret treasure that can be spent, we all don't have Mansions and nice cars.
The only true treasure that Masons have is it's teachings and brotherly love for light being spread everywhere and assisting others trying to make this turbulent ever changing world a better place with sharing love.
Love and Light,
Shane Hale
PS. I haven't read Dan Brown's "The Symbol" yet, but I heard it is a interesting read and does not really make Freemasonry look like the same ole New World Order Devil worshipers like other movies and publications do.
Freemason Store
Take Due Notice and Govern Yourselves Accordingly
Future of Masonry on the Decline?
I am meeting more and more masons from around the world and the United States. Recently, I read a article in the Knight Templar about the decline of masonry and how many lodges are closing. It seems that the lack of focus on work and other equations were mention. Sometimes it makes me wonder if it is more than just numbers. Is there something missing?
In York Rite, I have heard a lot of the degree work used to be memorized instead of read out loud. It seems that maybe work is deteriorated along the years. The importance of learning not only the blue lodge work but other work seems to be lack of.
This has really gotten me to the point of wanting to learn everything in the blue lodge and extend that to my York Rite as well. I don't want to be a "card carrying mason" I am proud to say I am a Freemason even wear my ring and put the decal on my card. I have noticed that since I have become a mason that there are some people at work including my manager use me at the butt of their jokes.
Why is there so much animosity towards Freemasons? I really don't get it these days. I hope that Freemasonry will not decline and that the article if way dead off in the Knights Templar magazine. I will govern myself accordingly and keep on keeping on for the search for more light. I hope you all will do the same.
Racial Rucus in Atlanta Lodge
I received the following news from one of our districts.
The Atlanta Journal Constitution has picked up the story, and it is now spreading through the Associated Press.
In short, Gates City Lodge in Atlanta raised a military veteran earlier this year, who was black. Two other lodges filed masonic charges against Gates Lodge, accusing them of un-masonic conduct and violating the landmarks of freemasonry for raising a non-white man. The Grand Lodge apparently allowed the charges to stand and scheduled a trial.
Gates Lodge filed suit on June 19, in the Superior Court of DeKalb County, asking for an injunction to stop the trial, among other matters. The case is pending.
There is plenty of additional information on the internet, available by a Google search.
According to most bylaws there is nothing to stop a black man from joining a regular non Prince Hall lodge except the disrupting harmony clause that would be applied to anyone thought to cause a disruption. I will look forward to see how government will intervene on this one
http://gatecity2.blogspot.com/ Link to the Lodge
http://www.ajc.com/news/content/shared-gen/ap/National/US_Freemason_Fight.html
Shriners in Greenville Sc may close
I am wanting to get this out to others to report on a Shriners Hospital possibly closing in Greenville Sc due to budget cuts.
I am helping out on Facebook trying to get a Fundraiser going http://profile.to/shanehale . If you have yet become my friend add me and just put in the message Freemason.
As you all know earlier posts my daughter had to go to this Shriners Hospital in Greenville SC and it was a blessing to us. I encourage everyone to help save Shriners Hospitals from closing.
http://www.foxcarolina.com/money/19063150/detail.html
FundRaiser
http://apps.facebook.com/causes/261600/21097814?m=6d54c0aa
Thanks for your support!
Shane Hale
Retrospective Masonry Bail Out Plan.
Over the past couple of months I really looked inside myself and realized somethings about masonry.
A lot that it teaches is to be retrospective in your life. Everyone should just stop everything they are doing and the every day rat race and "Hussle N Bussle" of life and look at all the beautiful things that God has brought us. He is definitely the Grand Architect.
The problem with this age is everything is On Demand and rush rush. Like when I was in the military the ole "Hurry up and wait". People do not have any patience any more nor do they think clearly or long enough to appreciate life in general.
With terms like ADHD and short attention spans. I really attribute this to everyone in such a hurry and running in place like a gerbil on one of those Wire Wheels. They are running so fast to get really no where. I think the true meaning masonry teaches it to appreciate the surroundings that has been constructed. Love and appreciate people for who and what they are.
Life is so disposable today and not appreciated. Everyone wants convenience and if they do not get it they get all crazy and in a uproar. With out a cornerstone in life or any foundation we are merely a structure waiting to collapse. If everyone stopped worrying about the economy and all the media hype and really tune out and pause their life and appreciate beautiful things like a mother singing to a child or crickets chirping and night.
I think crime,corruption and other superfluities of life would tend to decrease and the nation and world for that matter would find out truly a better bail out plan.
I want to thank Freemasonry for making me a better retrospective person andhelping me to apprecitate the precious commodity called time that all of us seldom have.
Non-Masonic conduct, What do you do?
After being in the craft for almost 2 years now It has become dear to my heart. I see some people wanting to join for obviously the wrong reasons.
Their actions as a man may make many masons shutter. If you see someone that maybe pledging in another lodge that you know is not in it for the right reasons or their personal actions in real life to yourself and to others is out right despicable. What do you do?
What happens if their actions continue after they are a brother. I have seen and heard from 2 people who are hot heads and have admitted to wanting to be in it for the wrong reasons. If masonry helps them improve their personal traits and make them a better man then I am all for it but what happens if they continue to be not so level?
Visting Lodges outsite your area
I would have to say, I went to a Lodge in Georgia and saw the actual 1st degree work and a normal business meeting and I was very impressed with some of the differences between the state of South Carolina and the State of Georgia.
It left me to wonder if differences in work and rituals from state to state and country to country. What is the true integrity of the work. Who decides to make changes in the work overtime and why?
To answer my question I just looked at the different denominations in religion and the interpretations of the Holy Bible. Different denominations but same religion. Let's say I enjoyed one state's interpretation better than another. What can I do to bring change to my state?
These are just thoughts, When you see things that look to be better in interpretation and help benefit the craft as a whole, how would you go about making change? The answer would be the Grand Lodge but how?
Thought I would write this brainstorming question on how the craft can open up and make improvements over time. Changes from fund raising to ritual work ect ect.
Paying Dues
Picture above was at the Scottish Rite Center/Lodge in Nassau Bahamas
Top of the Year and the rent must be paid. A discussion was talked about at an instructional meeting and something that I would like to stress to all the brothers out there.
During these economic hard times we as brothers need to followup with the responsibility to call other brothers to ensure their welfare is ok Don't be too quick on marking members MPD when it comes to dues.
There was a case where a brother had Alstheimers and was not capable of paying them. No one knew that he had this condition with out calling.
If you have the extra time and money help a brother or just call one that you haven't heard from in a while.
Until next time... Been pretty much studying the whole process of things in the watchful steward position. The more I watch the more amazed I am with Freemasonry.
Our Masonic Ideals and wishing the new presidential administration the best!
With this being said, the excerpt below is from the article titled, "Personal Integrity" by Sir Knight Clayton J. Borne III in the January 2009 issue of Knight Templar magazine which seems to sum it all up nicely.
"Masonic Ideals:
As we strive to cultivate integrity in our personal lives and collectively in our spiritual brotherhood, our efforts meet with constant resistance. As appauling as it may be, society today is a reflection of disrespect, an unappreciative and uncaring disease that migrates into all aspects of our culture. The cure as with all other social problems is education.
The Masonic ideals and their influence on society thru the ages have been exerted in no better or more nobler purpose than the ageless struggle by the Brotherhood for "Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity" and ultimately a secure freedom for society. Our Fraternity thru the ages has been the champion of oppressed people with the object being the emancipation of mankind from every form of tyranny. Within our lodges, liberty or freedom, especially in thought was freely encouraged. That freedom, based on these principles, made possible the natural progression of a transformed life.
The humanist philosophy so prevalent in society poses obstructions to our Masonic ideals. The basic concept of Liberty has always had an aggressive enemy. It is the self-centered concept of entitlement. The entitlement belief is the direct result of the modernist doctrine that there is no rational basis for values. Despite our Masonic brotherhood's continued efforts to promote integrity, the value system of society has been erroded. Many of society's values become problematic; in other words, nothing is truely good or bad. It's all a matter of opinion. We must ask then, how and why have principles? Do as you please or whatever you can rationalize as being right. Without the Liberty to choose our own actions and make our own choices, we lose the qualities that make us uniquely human. It is only when people do the right thing freely that we can have confidence in their character. If they act out of principles such as truth, benevolence, and productiveness as taught in our lodges, then we know that their actions result from good character and the principle of liberty is preserved."
After reading this excellent article from our Knight Templar magazine, I can't help but think of the direction our nation and the mindset of it's people will be going. When thinking of our charities as a Brotherhood given freely, and others that would be hampered by those "charities" or "patriotic duties" to be mandated by laws. Many in our country want to turn a blind eye to this, and to our dire financial realities. President Obama and others of his ilk want to lead the charge by promising to deliver more things to more people, at taxpayer expense, and dig us into an ever deeper hole. There simply is no way to pay for it all without dramatically raising taxes on all the productive citizens and businesses in this country. If the Obamas of this country have their way, government will grow, entitlements will grow, our deficit will grow, and the tax increases needed to support it all will stifle any potential growth of our economy.
Have you ever dug yourself out of financial hole? If you are honest, you will admit digging out meant working more, saving, spending less, and generally living within your means. I seriously doubt most of us would consider borrowing more, or taking from others to be the solution. Why should we support representatives and a government in Washington that would behave any other way. The language of hope and change is nice, and has a feel good tone, but those of us who run a household or a business know that talk of hope and change is not enough to get the job done. Digging out of a hole requires spending less money, and creating more wealth; it is as simple as that. Irresponsible promises, trying to be everything to everybody, unchecked spending, and crippling taxation are a recipe for disaster. Real hope and real change will require all of us to pitch in to work, grow our economy and urge those on entitlements toward greater independence and productivity.
The No. 1 economic threat facing the United States today isn't globalization, stagnant wages, unfair trade policy or illegal immigration. And it certainly isn't what one cable TV demagogue glibly calls a "war on the middle class" by big media, big corporations and big special interests.
Rather, it's this sense of entitlement that many Americans take with them into the workplace, in their expectations from their government, and the eagerness with which they as individuals shift the blame when things don't go according to plan.
The key is to never to take responsibility for the personal decisions you've made. Eventually, some opportunistic politician will come along and confirm what you've always suspected -- that you are at the mercy of forces beyond your control, and this politician will tell you that he would take more from others who have more, or "the rich" to help you to become as successful as they are, all for the price of your vote and blind support.
This simply isn't what our Founding Fathers intended from government, and it's not in line with our Masonic ideals that we as good and upright Masons inculcate in our lodges, and try to impress on the hearts and minds of those outside of our lodge. It's this mindset that I fear most from the proposed actions of the upcoming administration.
2009 Seats and Greets
Ahh, The wonderful time of year. The Masonic change new faces new elections and change. It is wonderful to see this and watch the craft as it maintains it's deep heritage of men making themselves better.
I just got appointed as steward and all of a sudden constraints I have had a major work schedule change and with the economy I find myself doing a digital hustle trying to make ends meet. I don't know if it is just me or what. But, to attend a meeting and leave just seems to be a breath of fresh air when times are tough. I feel like a total refreshment when you leave a business meeting or degree work.
Been soo busy I feel guilty about not attending my York Rite meetings either. Well, Had to put a personal post in hope all you brothers a great 2009 and I promise to post meaningful material.
Palmettobug's Masonic line blog has some nice articles on the recent lodge foreclosures. Well soo much to do and read no time to do it.
Hope all you have a great New Year!
Govern Yourself Accordingly
When the pressures of recession
Make us concentrate on greed,
Take heed, a worthy Mason
Cares about another's needs;
Don't let pressures of the moment
Make your obligation sway,
Stop and help a fallen brother
Or another by the way;
What you give is like a bubble
Whenever you assist,
What it costs in time and trouble
Is, soon after, never missed;
Brother, bear that obligation
You accepted on your knee,
It's in direct relation
To your own security;
Never hesitate, my brother
Square your actions now and say,
"I'll remember I'm a Mason,
"And behave like that today;"
"With regard to human kindness
And the 'Golden Rule', I pray,
I'll remember I'm a Mason...
And behave like that today."
A holiday Masonic Post
A Canadian brother my the name of POW Mason he got it from someone else It is a very good article on brotherly love.
Author Unknown
It was a tale of Masonic men surrounding a campfire in the Old West, at night, discussing the Fraternity and its teachings. One old man listened patiently, and finally spoke up:
"I can tell you more bout Masonry in a little example than some of the great Masonic philosophers can in books. Everybody Stand up, and gather in circle around the campfire ."
They did that. "Now, everybody hold hands with the man next to him." they did that, too. "Now, what do you see looking ahead ?"
"The face of a brother through the flames."
"What do you feel in front of you?"
" The warmth of the fire, and the comfort it brings on a cool night."
" What do you Feel at your side?"
"The warm hand of a brother." "OK. Now drop the hands, and turn around."
They do so. "Now what do you see, looking ahead?" Complete darkness."
What do you feel, looking ahead?"
"A sense of loneliness, of being alienated".
"What do you feel at your side?' Nothing at all."
What do you feel on your backside?"
" The warmth of the fire." " So it Is with Masonry," said the old man. "In Masonry gatherings, you can feel the warmth of Masonry interaction, you can see the face of a Brother through the light Masonry brings to you, and you can always feel the warm hand of your Masonic Brother.
When you turn away from masonry, and are out in the world , you see darkness, feel alienated and alone, and do not feel the warm hand of your Masonic Brother. But Masonry, and the warmth and light it brings, are just a turn away from you."
Officer Installation
Well I am finally a officer and look forward to making my rounds around the chairs. Sorry haven't posted a lot lately it has been so hectic around the holidays. The lodge has elected me to position of a steward a very observant role and I can't wait to start being more active in the blue lodge. I also was elected in the York Rite but being so new
I think I am a steward or some type of officer. I am still getting used to the commandry ways. I am now trying to figure out what lecture to learn first I really want to learn the 2nd degree lecture due to the complexity and beauty of the lecture as well as not many people know it and it would help out the few that do in our district and help them take a break.
I have to say I am proud to be a mason and love being a part of this magnificent fraternity and brotherhood!!
Entered Apprentice a Father and Son Team
Me being a father myself I wondered what that feeling must of felt like to have one of your own flesh and blood take the same path and walk in the same footprint you did.
Even though I have rekindled my relationship with my dad over the past 2 years after him being out of my life since age of 3. I really truly felt a bond of Father and Son last night and the energy amongst the brother hood was awesome.
I felt such a privileged to be a part of this event. Masonry is not only a brotherhood it is a family. To see wonderful fellowship and watch other brothers,fathers crying on such an emotional event is such a awesome sight to see.
This was right after a wonderful story of our Grand Lodge Master conferring a father and son degree on dire circumstances. I just had to post this email I received about the wonderful event!
Email here and please keep this brother and his family in your Prayers!!!
Historic Masonic Event
Brethren,
I am sending this to all my Masonic email contacts and ask that all Secretaries in the 29th District forward it to their members. I also ask all others to forward this to any Brother they know that loves WB Bob Cape. Some of you will get duplicate copies of this because you are multiple group lits of mine.
Last night we had what I feel was an historic Masonic event!
As many of you know Worshipful Brother Robert Henry Cape is under Hospice care and not doing very well at all. When Brother Wayne Carey and I visited with WB Bob yesterday afternoon, I put Most Worshipful Brother Jerry Carver, Grand Master of Masons in SC on the speaker phone with WB Bob, his loving wife Carole and his EA candidate son John who is up here from Texas to be with his Dad before he goes back to Texas to get his EA Degree on Tuesday from Humble Lodge 979 of Humble, Texas. Our Grand Master knew that Bob, who could not even move his head on his pillow, had asked to be put on a plane to Houston so he could be at his son’s initiation. After speaking to the Cape family, MW Brother Carver asked John if he would like to have his EA Degree done here. John was in disbelief that such a wonderful thing could happen but said he would love it to be that way.
I want to let all of you know that, within a couple of hours, MW Brother Carver had the consent of the Grand Master of Texas and Humble Lodge for Pawleys Island 409 to confer a courtesy EA Degree on John Cape in Bob’s house! He gave us special Dispensation to do so and it was done at 8:00PM last night, less than seven hours after the phone call mentioned above.
I want to apologize in advance if you did not get a call from me to attend but you must understand that I had to keep the number of Brothers small because of the venue. I can assure you that WB Bob considered that all of you were there in spirit. We had 13 Brothers present – 8 from PI409 including Bob and 4 from other Lodges in the 29th District and, of course John Cape.
Below are a few excerpts from the Minutes of this wonderful Masonic event:
Secretary Peteet noted that this degree is very special because WB Bob Cape is bedridden under Hospice care and could not go to Texas to see his son John get his EA Degree which was scheduled for next Tuesday at Humble Lodge #979 in Humble, Texas. RW Peteet asked all to appreciate the effort of our Grand Master to clear this degree with MW Brother Tommy Griffin, Grand Master of Masons in Texas and WM Mark Mullins of John’s Lodge which Most Worshipful Brother Carver accomplished within two hours earlier today.
…newly made EA John Cape gave a heartfelt thanks to all, but especially his father, WB Bob, who was his inspiration to become a Mason. Several Brothers spoke of their admiration for WB Bob Cape, but it was Bob’s old friend Brother Bud Chestnut who spoke truly from his heart about his long-time love and admiration for all that WB Bob has done for the Craft and his brothers.
I feel that, as Secretary, I must add a few parenthetical notes about this historic meeting:
I know that we could have filled a large hall with Brothers who would want to be here for WB Bob and his son John, but due to the venue and Bob’s condition, I felt that I had to restrict the attendance to a small number. I apologize to all that did not know about this meeting.
WB Bob’s wife Carole has been his steadfast supporter in all things regarding our Craft for many years and she deserves all of our thanks for allowing us to intrude in her home at this time.
For those of you who haven’t seen WB Bob lately, he is in really bad shape which is probably obvious when someone is under Hospice care. He is totally aware when he hears a Brother telling him that they are there, but he is unable to really communicate because all he can get out is a barley audible whisper.
But if you could have watched him while this degree for his son was being done, you would have been amazed at his strength by seeing him focused on WM Seman and Candidate John while John was being obligated. It also brought tears of joy to my eyes when twice tonight, I saw WB Bob raise his hands and actually clap his fingers together. Once when his son John gave his thanks to the Lodge and his father for being his inspiration to join Masonry and secondly when his old friend Bud Chestnut spoke about him.
Tonight has made me more proud of Masonry than anything else because I saw that this Brotherhood can accomplish all things if we just give it a try. It could have been a different Grand Master that approved this, it could have been a different Brother that was in distress, it could have been many things but tonight was proof to me that Masonry is what Masonry is – Brothers caring for Brothers!
Fraternally yours,
Hugh C. Peteet, PM
Secretary, PI 409
DDGM, 29th District
PS- Today was certainly a new day. WB Bob was alert and clear-eyed and speaking in a normal voice. These facts allowed me to know with certainty that the Fraternity did a fantastic thing last night! Please get your calls in to WB Bob and keep him and the entire family in your prayers.
I hope you have enjoyed this heart found story! Not only is Masonry alive and well so is the human spirit of Faith Hope and Charity! It makes me proud of our Grand Master of South Carolina and honored to be a part of this wonderful fraternity!!
Sir Knight Templar that is
Well, It is done. I am now a Sir Knight. It was one of the most memorable degrees ever. The work was impeccable. I can't wait to get involved with this work and helping out. I think the Order of the Temple and the Royal Arch degrees bring a deep meaning for personal development. Along with the Blue Degree I think the work is one of the most importance. The degree work and lectures are beautiful in meaning and tend to make you stop time and take a snapshot of your life and make you think in retrospect.
I often think what other knights could of went through back in 11oo's. I am proud to be a part of the York Rite and look forward to doing more work with them. I may later do other appendant bodies but now I have my plate full with the Blue Lodge and the Templar Conclaves,Asylums.
Fraternally,
Shane Hale
Clandestine Part II
Seems more and more clandestine masonic lodges are popping up and even applying for their own State license plate. It seems now days to try a brother at the door is not acceptable the true and only way is to check dues card.
I always wondered why some people would want to go against the grain and start their own branch of masonry. And then I thought to myself, With the economy being so out of whack all over the world it has to be only one reason and that reason is money..
So don't get offended if you ever travel to a AFM lodge in South Carolina and have your dues card checked it is for the sanctity and safety to keep the ancient work of the craft in tact.
Order of The Commandery
Ok, as I prepare for the last part of the York Rite I was doing some more reading on the Commandery. I noticed that the York Rite in our area being the in Southern United States does not really have a appealing membership or participation rate as the Shriners or Scottish Rite appendant bodies. Well I am looking forward to this journey for the Order of Commandery continues and finalizes.
I feel the York Rite so far up to the Cryptic Council has been a awesome experience in my quest to seek further light in masonry and in my opinion even though one of the darker appendant bodies, To me seems to be the most exciting.
Here are some pieces of information I found on the Internet about the Order of the Commandery.
The Commandery orders represent a new direction of Masonic thought and experience, in that they no longer refer to Ancient Craft Masonry, but to ideals and practices of chivalry and Christianity.
The first Commandery order, the Illustrious Order of the Red Cross, presents the story of the Jewish Prince, Zerubbabel, and his efforts to secure permission of the Persian King Darius to rebuild the second temple at Jerusalem. The next order, Knight of Malta, is a complete departure from Masonry based on the Old Testament and is the first Christian order. Here, the candidate represents a knightly warrior of the Crusades prior to his departure for the Holy Land. The last order is that of Knight Templar, the crowning glory of the York Rite system. Again, in this totally Christian order, the candidate represents a knightly postulant who desires to unite with a Commandery of Knights Templar during the era of the Crusades.
After several trials to test his faith, courage, and humility, he is rewarded by achieving his desire.
Interesting stuff wish me luck!
Fraternally,
Shane Hale
York Rite from 3rd to Select Master
Well, I have made it to select master and it was a long journey of a day very interesting degree work. I personally was very fond of the Mark Master degree but all was very insightful and after it was over it seemed everyone who went through were left scratching their heads and contemplating on the events they saw. I am still running the work through my head over and over again. There are alot of messages in each degree alot of the Royal Arch and Cryptic council were mixed up not revealing any of the specifics it reminded me of a Star Wars saga from Star Wars to Attack of the clones in that order or mis order. I think masonry should make these degree mandatory or at least the Mark Master. Alot of good deep messages in this degree. I will agree with Burning Taper I think there is much more in the degree work and I think I kind of caught some of the messages that were trying to be relayed. Next up Order of Red Cross and Malta to complete the commandarie and York Rite.
York Rite Degree Preparation
Non-Masonic Investment Tip for Beer Drinkers during a bad economy!
Okay, I know some of you may not drink and this is not really Masonic oriented but I am trying to make some light of the rough waters our economy has been in.
Please note sound advice below.
If you had purchased $1,000 of shares in Delta Airlines one year ago, you will have $49.00 today.
If you had purchased $1,000 of shares in AIG one year ago, you will have $33.00 today.
If you had purchased $1,000 of shares in Lehman Brothers one year ago, you will have $0.00 today.
But, if you had purchased $1,000 worth of beer one year ago, drank all the beer, then turned in the aluminum cans for recycling refund, you will have received a $214.00.
Based on the above, the best current investment plan is to drink heavily & recycle. It is called the 401-Keg.
**********
A recent study found that the average American walks about 900 miles a year.Another study found that Americans drink, on average, 22 gallons of alcohol a year.That means that, on average, Americans get about 41 miles to the gallon!
Makes you proud to be an American!
