A Day In Elizabethtown

Normally I would be sleeping in on the weekend especially with a busy week ahead of me. However, this morning I found myself having very bitter thoughts toward my alarm clock as it repeatedly refused to shut up at 6:30 this morning. My wife wasn’t pleased either.

I was up and on the road by about 7:15 with at least an hour and a half drive ahead of me. It was time to head to the Secretary Seminar in Elizabethtown. I have been to this particular Masonic Village before so I knew which way I needed to go and, more importantly, which way not to go. I arrived about 10 minutes before the session was about to start, wove in-between the brothers rushing to a meeting of the Academy of Masonic Knowledge, and immediately found a seat in the back and pulled out my computer to fill in the repetitive moments with a few items that I needed to take care of for the week ahead.

Overall, mush of the information that was covered comprised of things that I have picked up along the way but there were a few moments when things were clarified and I was finally able to move forward with projects that have persistently been pushed back. The most important aspects included the digitization of lodge records which we can now proceed unhindered in our goal of making our records more accessible, compact, and efficient. In addition to this back office knowledge, I learned more about the efforts to shorten the lodge meetings and, therefore, making my job during stated meetings a heck of a lot easier. It is nothing that is difficult to begin with but now there is a lot less time involved.

The upgrading of the online database and email was the most prominent topic of presentation and discussion throughout the day. While there are many changes coming that are designed to make things more efficient, I am going to hold off on forming an opinion until the beta test which I signed up for. There were many good and dedicated men in the room and I had the pleasure of getting to know a few of them.

One of the most dedicated men that I was fortunate to meet during my time in Lancaster County was not present at the seminar. After the meeting concluded, I stopped by to visit with a three times Past Master of my lodge to pay my respects. His wife of 59 years had passed away during the week and I wanted to make a point to let him know that we, his brothers, are there for him should he need us for anything. It was a difficult visit but one that made the trip worth the effort and made me glad that I chose this day to attend the seminar over all others. After all, we are more than a fraternity, we are brothers, we are family.  

From The Beginning…

I have seen many degree conferrals since becoming a Mason and I have even filled in as an officer on a few occasions in the past but last night was a little different. This time through, for the first time, I watched as two brothers receive their second degree and one man become a Mason from the perspective of and elected officer. While all brothers should take ownership and pride in the conferral of degrees and witnessing the journey that is taking place before their eyes, that feeling is magnified when you play a role in that process, no matter how small that role may be.

Given all the members that pay dues, many of which live close by, I am constantly surprised by the low turnout both at stated meetings and extra meetings as well when we can be witnesses to the same process that we all have gone through. I recently came across a question which asked whether someone can truly call themselves a Mason if they never attend or participate in lodge activities. While there is no clear cut answer to this query, my perspective on the subject is rather simple.

A man becomes a Mason as soon as he receives his first degree and, as an Entered Apprentice, he is then granted all the rights, privileges, and responsibilities of that degree. At that point he is a man who has become a Mason. Later he receives his Fellowcraft degree and raised to the degree of Master Mason (3^rd) and that is when we sometimes lose a few due to misdirection. While many Masons attend stated meetings every month, for most that is the extent of their Masonic experience.

That is really only a fraction of the Masonic experience. In my experience, it is the times beyond the stated meeting that make up what it is to be a Mason. First of all you are always a Mason not just during meetings so being familiar with the craft both in knowledge and action so you can favorably represent the fraternity is critical. Secondly, and on which the first point relies, being a part of the lodge in some way is essential to the pursuit of light and knowledge of the craft as well as the formation of bonds with your brothers. What better way to both remind yourself of that pursuit but also form bonds with new brothers than to be there to greet them at the beginning of their journey.   

These are times that are separate from the rest of the day. While, as I have previously mentioned, there were certainly a lot going on that day, this was one of the rare opportunities to take a break from all of that and focus on what is happening right in from of me. From the opening to the closing charge, it is a window of appreciating the present and a moment that you know is both greater than yourself but also a memory that will live on in the minds of others as well as your own.  

It’s Official

As I knelt before the word of G-d and was administer the Oath of Secretary of my lodge I couldn’t help but look back and think about all that has changed over the past year and a half. The same man that was administering the oath was the mason I met in the summer of 2012 to start the process of becoming a brother. Not knowing anyone from the lodge, he was the first one I met, petition in hand with a secondary signer (my uncle) already filled in. He was the first person at the lodge I got to know and now he was escorting me to my new station.

Also in attendance was the man who served as my second line signer, who accompanied me through my first three degrees, and who was now witnessing my next step by becoming an officer in the lodge that has quickly become a passionate part of my life. My uncle supported my journey from the first time I discussed my desire to join the fraternity and continues to support my growth in the craft. Having him there as a representative of my family made the night even more special and I appreciate everything he has, unknowingly, done for me.

Being the first one of the night to take the oath of office I was able to sit back and witness the remaining transitions. Obviously, this was my first experience watching let alone participating in the installation of officers and it was interesting to see the humbled pride that men have when being granted with such an honor. We all know that each of our posts will require a lot of work but there is great satisfaction in the work that we do and there is a brotherly love that is magnified when the entire lodge supports your appointment.

Of course, with a new administration comes new goals, new objectives, as well as a desire to improve upon the lodge and leave a positive impression on our fellow brothers and the craft itself. Now is the time to be a motivated idealist. The challenge is to maintain that drive to keep moving things forward no matter how slow the progress may be. It is a period of transition and a time of learning for all of us. It is our job to serve our brothers and to enhance their masonic experience. While not an original idea that is my objective throughout my service to my lodge, my fellow brothers, and to freemasonry. Tonight was the first small step in accomplishing that goal.

Quarter For Your Thoughts

I hate missing work. The days that I am not in the office I usually find myself thinking about what needs to be done, what I could be doing, and what way I could improve existing plans, content, or schedules. However, there are days every now and again when I find myself out of the office and just experiencing life. There are work related thoughts that pass through but they are, for the most part, contained from all that is around me and all that I am seeing, hearing, and simply being.

I got up this morning at my usual time but instead of rushing out of bed, I took a more leisurely pace getting ready for the day. After taking care of a few pressing matters on the computer, I put on my tie, threw on my sport coat, and made my way to the front of the apartment building to wait for my ride into the city.

While I was originally planning on taking the train in by myself, after a brief discussion with the outgoing lodge secretary last night we decided to carpool. It was a very pleasant ride into Philadelphia and it was good to spend some time with my fellow brother outside of the lodge simply catching up on other matters mostly unrelated to the weekly tasks we handle in the office. Having made excellent time we walked into the lobby of the grand lodge about 30 minutes before the Quarterly Communication was to begin.

While we were plenty early for the meeting, we were still too late to get a seat right away so we got a different perspective on the recession into Corinthian Hall. Sometimes being part of the last group to be seated has its benefits as we found ourselves sitting two rows back in the front of the hall. With everyone seated the meeting officially began and all the business and ritual was addressed in due order. This being the first meeting of its kind that either one of us had attended it was a morning of simply soaking things in as the Grand Master conducted both an inspirational and heartfelt meeting for this would be the last meeting that he would oversee as a new Grand Master will start his term at the end of the month.

Once the meeting had ended, the thoughts of work began to become more prominent but not enough to keep us from enjoying the fellowship over lunch in the dining room. And, of course, following an excellent meal surrounded by an impressive collection of brothers we made very quick stops by the museum and a dangerous detour into the store (it always turns out to be more than just the pin I went in there to pick up). At that point, our masonic day was done and we began making our way back into the suburbs.

While I originally planned on taking the entire day off, that wasn’t going to happen so as soon as I got back into the apartment I resumed what I was doing when I stepped out this morning. Such is the balance between my passion for freemasonry and my passion for my job. And, honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Are You Being Served?

Sunday saw the second half of our Masonic weekend. Actually, it was more like the last third as I spent Friday night at Scottish Rite, Saturday raising money for the Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, and yesterday I was enjoying and serving pancakes at our first annual flapjack fundraiser. Once again, we found ourselves at Applebee’s on City Avenue but this time the proceeds were to benefit our lodge and some of the work that needs to be done.

It was our first attempt at such an event and while we didn’t bring in a significant sum it was still a valuable learning experience that we got while, at the same time, remaining in the black. It was also another great day to spend with my wife and my brothers. Of course, we also kept the hat out from the day before and added a little bit from our total raising money for Alex’s cause.

Now, I’m not a morning person and an early rise on the weekend usually equates to a bad day but while my body may have been a bit tired I was full of energy at the same time. This is a different kind of good tired which I have written about previously. This is the tired that follows two days of putting forth the time and energy to give back. This is the tired that revitalizes you for the week to come and makes you look forward to the next opportunity to give of yourself.

But I must be honest, it wasn’t just about the fundraising. It was a great day to get to know a little more about each of the brothers present. Young and old, regardless of degree or affiliation with other Masonic bodies, we are all treated as equals. We all lead different lives with the commonality of a strong and ageless brotherhood. We welcome one another and our families. We welcome brothers and non-brothers alike with the same warmth and invite them to join us, in this instance, for breakfast.

It is moments like this past weekend that reaffirm my commitment and reassure me of my decision to become a Mason. I guess that it goes to show that not all light can be found within the walls of the lodge. Much, if not most, light is found in your fellow brothers and in your collective actions beyond the walls of the lodge. Light is limitless and is present all around us; it is our job to seek it out and recognize the illumination. If you seek light look around you, you may be surprised at where the rays originate.

Thirty Two Times Two

Yesterday I did something that I rarely do… I left work a little early for personal reasons. Actually it was for Masonic reasons. Last night I headed back to the Grand Lodge in Philadelphia to ‘complete’ my Scottish Rite degree work. While it is an education that will never end it was a night when I would receive my thirty second degree along with a number of my fellow brothers from my blue lodge (we may have been the most well represented of the lodges in the Valley).

Having gone through the one day class back in April, seeing so many brothers doing degree work all at once was not a strange sight for me. It is actually quite impressive to see so many committed brothers take another step in their Masonic journey. If anything it was an uplifting feeling being part of such a large group of 79 brothers (out of 88 petitioners) advancing at the same time.

I know that this achievement is just the beginning. There are a lot of degrees that I was unable to witness thus far and there are many things that I still need to learn. But the culmination of this first step has put me on good footing so that I can run rather than walk in my Masonic pursuits. How far and how fast will I be able to go I don’t know but I am going to try and make as much progress as possible.

My next planned step is to witness the wide variety of degrees that, so far, I have not been witness to and record my experiences with each and every one of them. I am looking forward not only to experiencing this part of the journey but also sharing it with a number of my fellow brothers. After all, that is part of being a member of this fraternity. We share our Masonic experience with our brothers and support one another in the journey.

It is an amazing sense of pride and accomplishment having gone from a man to a mason to a 32° Scottish Rite Mason in a matter of approximately six months. That’s right that means I received my thirty second degree less than two weeks after my thirty second birthday. And throughout this process I have been greeted, welcomed, and supported as a fellow brother. It just goes to show that, if you put forth the effort and are sincere in our intentions, you will be treated as family and your fellow brothers will stand behind you and beside you as you search for more light.

Getting A Handle On Things

There are some things that I know how to do and others I still have to learn when it comes to the secretarial duties that will soon be handed off to me at the lodge. This was evident on Tuesday night when we were trying to tie things up for the Thursday stated meeting. While I have taken over a few projects there are a lot of others that are still a bit of a, for lack of a better word, mystery to me. And while I know what I am doing with some of the tasks there are formatting details that I still need to get a better handle of and methods that I need to master.

However, it is an exciting time at the lodge. There are a lot of changes on the horizon and not just of the officers sitting at the respective stations. We are getting a few younger members in the door with a lot of energy to give to their fellow brothers. And, while still slow, some projects seem to be clearing hurdles and will soon be started.

We are starting new projects, earning new degrees, experiencing other Masonic bodies, and upgrading the place where we all gather and enjoy the time we spend with our fraternity. Maybe it is a change in my own perspective, but there seems to be a different energy and motivation found within the walls of our ‘modern’ lodge. Of course, maybe things really have changed and I am simply there to play witness to the revival.

It wasn’t that long ago that this building was something that I visited once a month where I got to know a few of the men over dinner. Now there is a much warmer and welcoming feeling when the doors open. The same men and the same greetings just a deeper connection to the craft, the building, and the second home that we have all come to realize has been around us the entire time.

That is the change. You can see the desire to be there (regardless of the words that are spoken) and the passion that each of these men have for the brotherhood. There is a great sense of belonging and my own feelings toward the lodge have only gotten stronger as I have learned more about my impending duties, about the building, and about each of the brothers that I have gotten to know over the past year (only six of those months as a Mason).

With just under two months to go before taking over the daily tasks of the lodge I am looking forward to the honor and responsibility. And I am looking forward to the changes and improvements that are just on the horizon. With so much I still have to learn it is going to be a challenge but one that I am going to enjoy along the way.

Taking Another Step

Friday night was a long time coming but something that surprised me when I looked on the calendar. I had submitted my Scottish Rite petition in the spring, not long after becoming a Mason, and had the fall class days on my calendar for some time. On occasion I would glance at my schedule or I would receive a correspondence from Philadelphia about the approaching date but lately my mind has been elsewhere and so the reminders around me remained in the background.

About halfway through the week, when scheduling another meeting, I noticed the Scottish Rite class on my calendar. So, by the time Friday came around, my excitement was renewed and I was eager to get into the city following work. Despite the sluggish trek southbound to center city, I continued to look forward to a unique evening with many brothers from my lodge, some whom I have met at other lodges, and quite a few that I would be meeting for the first time; all different lodges coming together for a singular night of Scottish Rite Freemasonry.

For many of us, this was our first Masonic event attended at the magnificent Grand Lodge. Nearly all of us had toured the building at one point or another but actually attending a meeting is a completely different experience that really is difficult to articulate. And it’s not just about the magnificence of the building and the architecture that surrounds you, there is a different feeling to the meeting and a humbling honor to be in such a space central to the Masonic Commonwealth.

While I will not divulge all that took place last night I will say that it was something completely different than other degree work experienced up until that point while retaining the deep meaning and impact that freemasonry has on a man. It is a night that retains your attention much like those very first moments when we all started our Masonic journey. Friday night was very much a continuation of that journey, another point of light in our Masonic lives, a fraternal memory that will continue to illuminate our past as we strive to improve our future.

I am looking forward not just to the “completion” of this initial stage of degree work in November but of continuing to experience all the degrees over and over as the month, years, and decades pass.  I look forward to forging and strengthening the bonds with my fellow brothers on these special nights. And I eagerly anticipate the humbling effect that such a grand place can have on me to magnify the fact that we are one welcoming brotherhood not a collection of egotistical individuals. We are there for one another and for the good of freemasonry.

I Know Something You Don’t Know!

No! I'm not going to outright say the cliche. Deal with it!

Today was quite the interesting day. Nothing was any different through about noon but during a meeting with my boss something interesting happened. It is something that I am not going to share at the moment but I will write about later in the month. Let’s just say that I will be able to return to a previous topic covered extensively on this blog.

My day was long but didn’t seem like it. Noon helped with that a bit but my day wasn’t dependent upon it. It is getting really busy around the office but in a really good way that makes you look forward to the next day and the following week. It drives you to get things done and see how much you can accomplish by the end of the week. I think I am a little behind this week but that could just be the particular reflection I see.

Before I knew it the day was over and I was in the car on my way to the lodge. It is Tuesday night after all and I was awake this week. That was another interesting time. It is the most future focused meeting at the lodge that I have had up to this point. It was refreshing to hear about the goals that some of the brothers have for the lodge and the building in general.

There is a lot of work that needs to be done but nothing that can’t be overcome with some thought, effort, and a significant amount of funds. I hope the money tree yields a good harvest this year. All kidding aside, if the changes are implemented correctly it would be a long term windfall unseen in this small band of brothers.

Fourteen hours after leaving for work, I pulled back into the parking lot and walked into the dark apartment with my wife sound asleep in the bedroom. While I enjoy the time we have now to talk at night it was a nice change, especially as of late, to see her peacefully sleeping. We are both overdue for some much needed rest.

So I am going to wrap this up and head to bed. While not conveyed well in this post it was an exciting day and one that you will better understand in a couple of weeks. I will just leave you with the final thought/teaser… I not only have a new job but for the first time I am feeling like an adult in the wide working world. It is amazing how two jobs in the same industry can differ so greatly. Stay tuned!

Make The Time To Sign A Bible!

Upon receiving my third degree, I went around to all the officers and had them sign on the appropriate line in my Masonic Bible. We all share this same experience and it carries with it great meaning and a tremendous sense of accomplishment. It is a record that we will hand down for generations.

While I haven’t been a member of the brotherhood for very long, I have had the privilege of having been on the other side of this tradition as well. It is a different feeling when you are the one signing your name. However, I consider it a great honor not just to fill in as an officer during a conferral but to have my name as a part of someone’s family history.

To be able to share in that moment in a Mason’s life is something that I don’t take lightly. It is also something that I encourage every brother to do. Even if you are simply present it demonstrates the commitment that we have to one another no matter how long a fellow Mason has been a member of the fraternity.

As you continuing enjoying your summer (hopefully taking some of my previous points into consideration) and begin to plan for the fall, I ask that you set aside some time every month (every week if possible) and participate in as many conferrals possible. This is particularly important to new members as it builds experience and brotherhood within the lodge. These are the moments that truly bridge the generational gap not only due to the diversity of those entering the craft but also as witnesses to the transformation that we all experienced.

Be there to help your new brother rise. Take this time and embrace it as it can also help you stay upright and remind you of your commitment. The light may be new to some but it shines on all of us and its radiance is never brighter than during this momentous time as a man becomes a Mason. 

To read more about the importance of the Masonic Bible and to increase your Masonic knowledge please visit the St. John's Lodge No. 1 website and read about the George Washington Inaugural Bible (still in use by the lodge to this day).

Mason Vacation?

During the months of July and August we all, like many of the basic cable TV networks, take a break from our regularly scheduled programming. As the heat of summer increases we take some time off to spend time with family. But what about our fraternal family?

Even though we are away from the lodge for a couple of months doesn’t mean we should distance ourselves from our brothers. In fact, this should be a time when we reach out to those whom we have not seen for some time and those that may be suspended. We should take advantage of this time of year to bring the lodge together and strengthen the brotherhood.

As many of you know, brothers new to the fraternity have an opportunity in their first year to demonstrate their commitment, leadership, and passion for Freemasonry. One of the requirements outlined is for them to assist the Lodge Secretary in reaching out to members who are in danger of being suspended. Having new members conduct this outreach with their Masonic motivation still fresh in their mind is a great way to motivate absent members who may have lost sight of why they made the transition from man to Mason. Of course, this outreach should also be expanded to those who have already been suspended.

An additional, and optional, requirement is for new Masons to reach out to brothers who have, for whatever reason, not been to lodge in the last six months. Maybe a brother has lost his Masonic light. Maybe they just needed to make the time and needed a little extra push to attend. In my opinion, and I am sure this is shared by many of my fellow brothers, that these are all brothers in need and within the length of a cable tow making it our duty to help them in any way we can.

Also keep in mind that summer is a time when people move. Keep an ear open to any brothers that may be new to the area, reach out to them, and introduce them to other brothers in the area. Let them know that fraternity has no boarders.

Another focus for all Brothers during this break in the Masonic year should be education. We must all do what we can to increase our Masonic knowledge. Whether you are looking to go through the chairs, earn additional degrees, or simply want to increase your knowledge this is an optimal time to sharpen your mind and prepare for when meetings resume.

Lastly, I encourage you spend time with other brothers outside of the lodge during these next two months. Get a group together for a happy hour. Create a fellowship event (maybe include some of the aforementioned suggestions). Bring your families together for dinner or some kind of family friendly activity such as a baseball game, movie, museum, or a day trip to the beach.

Remember, fraternity is not limited by the walls of a lodge.    

What are your plans for a Masonic summer?