Becoming Hip and Chic

As already reported by Freemasons for Dummies yesterday, I had the archaic experience of actually reading the article “Freemasons in midst of popularity, membership boom” in the medium to which it was intended, newspaper print. It was interestingly place in the IMAGE section next to articles on CHER lighting up Vegas, and Deep Conditioning Treatments: Facials for your hair. Which gives it some context in which it was intended. Not exactly the front page, but any press is good press, especially when it’s a great article.

I think it makes a great statement to the development and growth of Freemasonry in Los Angeles (and likely abroad) but I think it points to some aspects that may not be so readably accepted in some of the smaller out of the way corners not akin to a metropolitan area with more than 12 million people.

After becoming a Master Mason (the term used for a new member who has completed all levels of study), Zulu went on to become a Scottish Rite Mason and a Shriner — both fraternal organizations that hold Masonic membership as a prerequisite. Here he wears his Shriner’s fez, his Master Mason’s apron and his daily wardrobe of French-cuffed shirts, pinstripe trousers, a shawl-collared silk brocade vest and a vintage watch chain circa 1895.
Photo: Richard Hartog / Los Angeles Times

The growing face of Freemasonry, because it skipped a generation is changing; there just isn’t a way around it. Two very excellent points I took from the article is how Br. Zulu first learned about the fraternity after tattooing Masonic symbology on several clients (Br. Zulu is a phenomenal tattooist here in the city). What his statement though meant to me is that Masonry is permeating even more deeply and personally into the lives of the men who practice it.

The other statement was from a candidate for the degrees Johnny Royal. In the interview, he talked about what he read about the Masonic ideals -- wisdom, strength, beauty and the pursuit of knowledge -- made him decide to pursue membership. "My generation wants to be part of something beyond itself," Royal said. "I want to learn; I want to participate."

I think this is a GREAT statement, and one that institutionally, we need to live up to.

But, as with any good thing, it comes with a warning from Br. Zulu. Talking about the rise and popularity increase of Masonry “The Internet continues to help. Zulu said that he gets at least four e-mails a week from prospective Masons around the globe who see his tattooed and pierced visage at the lodge website and want to be reassured such an alternative look isn't a barrier to membership.”

"Yeah, I think it's going to become hip and chic to be a Mason," Zulu said. "And that could be a dangerous thing."

Change, like it or lump it, happens.

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Some last thoughts from Br. Theron Dunn.

How can [a] Grand Lodge, in any way that can be considered within the framework of our tenets, justify the attempt to silence a brother for holding personal opinions and communicating them? Where would Henry Coil, Albert Mackey, Albert Pike, and Carl Claudy be if THEIR Grand Masters had silenced them?

At the passing of Brother Dunn, like many across the virtual and real Masonic community, I felt saddened. Sad because a great voice for the perseverance of the fraternity that we all love had fallen silent. In my reflecting on Br. Dunn, I realized that he was not done communicating to us, and that I wanted to publish one last thought that many may not of been aware of.

The following is from the recently published book "The Freethinking Freemason" by Br. Tim Bryce, published by Cornerstone Publishers. In Br. Bryce's book is an introduction by Brother Dunn. Though specificially written to introduce Br. Bryce's book, I think it stands as testament to Br. Dunn's metal. And as such, it is a worthy thing to make sure that all who knew him have the opportunity to read it.

The Following is reprinted, with permission, from Brother Tim Bryce.

THE PROBLEM WITH WR. TIM BRYCE

by W:.Tim Bryce, PM, MPS, MBBFMN
timb001@phmainstreet.com
Palm Harbor, Florida, USA
"A Foot Soldier for Freemasonry"

TIM'S NOTE: "Earlier this week, we lost W:.Bro. R. Theron Dunn, PM, to the G.A.O.T.U. His passing was premature and he will be missed by those of us who have corresponded with him over the years. Few know that in addition to his other Masonic accomplishments, including the Editor of the "Lodgeroom International," he was also honored last year for his endeavors in promoting Masonic Education which earned him membership in the coveted Masonic Brotherhood of the Blue Forget-Me-Not. I have had the privilege of knowing him for the last few years where we got to know each other well. Not long ago he wrote the following piece on me which I have also used as the intro to my new book. I believe the piece says a lot about his attitude towards the fraternity. I hope you enjoy it."

by W:.Theron Dunn, PM
Editor, "The Lodgeroom International"
February 2007

I first became aware of the writings of Worshipful Tim Bryce a couple of years ago when
he was producing his "Freemasonry for the Next Generation" eZine and his "Masonic Update" podcast. Unfortunately about the same time, both of these valuable resources came to an abrupt halt. In December 2005, by order of the Grand Master of Florida, at the time M:.W:.John Kavanaugh.

Most Worshipful Kavanaugh took offense at Wr. Bryce's articles, particularly his "Masonic Manifesto" which outlined several ideas for improving the fraternity. M:.W:.Kavanaugh's censorship of Worshipful Bryce baffled many of us and resulted in an outcry to rescind the order. This outpouring of support for Wr. Bryce was ignored by Grand Master Kavanaugh.

As a result of the order, Wr. Bryce sought and found several other venues which allowed him to continue to publish his Masonic articles, all of which seek to improve the fraternity, not to destroy it. The Lodgeroom International Magazine, recognizing the value in Wr. Bryce's efforts, has published many of his articles for the benefit of Freemasonry.

Everything seemed to settle in to a Status Quo until Wr. Bryce took a stand on the recognition of Prince Hall. Then, in December 2006, Wr. Bryce received another letter from the current Grand Master, Most Worshipful Robert Trump. Like the previous instruction, M:.W:.Trump instructed Wr. Bryce to cease and desist his weekly e-mail bulletins regarding his work.

M:.W:.Trump's letter alluded to claims having been made to other grand jurisdictions that accused Wr. Bryce of being an Internet spammer. Consequently, the Grand Master used this as a basis to order him to cease and desist such broadcasts. Each e-mail that Wr. Bryce had sent included a means of removing the recipient from further communications, and everyone that had requested to be removed, had been.

On the surface, it appears Wr. Bryce is the center of a controversy in Florida. On the Internet, he has been called on more than one occasion "egotistical," a "self-promoter," "pompous," etc. His defenders, on the other hand, welcome his writings and laud him with praise and support. One has to wonder what this is all about and why he receives all of this attention. Having followed these events over the last year, and having corresponded and talked with Wr. Bryce, perhaps I can shed some light as to what is going on.

The key to understanding our Brother from Florida is his background.

First, Wr. Bryce comes from a long line of Freemasons. His father and grandfather were raised Master Masons under the Grand Lodge of New York, and the family traces their roots back to Scotland. He has been a Master Mason for ten years, and in that time has been very active in his lodge and Freemasonry in general. He has gone through the chairs of his Lodge and served as Worshipful Master and as Secretary.

Wr. Bryce served as President of his local Masters & Wardens Association, and as Zone and District Chairman for Public Relations for the Grand Lodge of Florida. Wr. Bryce has also further served the Grand Lodge of Florida as editor of the "Florida Mason," the Grand Lodge's official publication. Wr. Bryce is a member of the Philalethes Society, the well known and respected Masonic research group.

His efforts did not go unnoticed. As a result of his diligent efforts on behalf of the fraternity, Wr. Bryce was awarded membership in the Masonic Brotherhood of the Blue Forget Me Not (an honorary society for Masonic Education), and he was made a Knight Zuri by the Knights of Freemasonry Universal.

Professionally, Wr. Bryce works as a management consultant specializing in methodologies for systems development. For the last 30 years he has traveled the globe consulting with companies of all sizes and shapes to cleanup their systems development practices. There are plenty of tools and experts for cleaning up computer programs, but if you want to bring order out of the chaos in a major information system project, Bryce is your man.

Bryce's professional career involves considerable training and writing pertaining to management and computer related topics. His book, "The IRM Revolution: Blueprint for the 21st Century" (co-written with his father) made it to the Top 10 list for management related books in Japan. He has also developed a long list of articles over the years making him a past master of the short essay. Between his persona and his ability to generate articles, one begins to understand his style of writing which some describe as "brutally frank." To some, this is refreshing; to some critics, he has been described as too bold and too outspoken for his own good.

My experience with Wr. Bryce has shown me that it is his professional background and enthusiasm for the fraternity that drives him. Wr. Bryce has developed a reputation as a no-nonsense type, a man who may not be politically correct, but knows how to get the job done.

So why has Wr. Bryce drawn the wrath of at least two Grand Masters in the Grand Lodge of Florida? I think it's because he is not afraid to speak his mind and challenge the status quo. He is a good Mason, one who is not afraid to follow his obligation to the fraternity, to point out problems, and to offer solutions. His writings make us stop, think, and examine. More though, he does not simply point out problems, he offers thoughtful and insightful solutions.

He has told me that it is not important that people agree with him, but rather he wants them to stop, engage their minds, and seek further light. He openly admits that he doesn't have all of the answers. On the other hand, he considers it critical that we be allowed to discuss them as Masons within the rightful constraints of our obligations. One thing he has said numerous times, "If there is anything constant in life, it is change." He once told me that he doesn't believe in criticizing something unless you can offer an alternative, which he regularly does.

Between Wr. Bryce's professional and Masonic background, he brings a lot to the table. People can accuse him of many things, but in my experience, he cannot be accused of not being fair, honest and courteous. In a word, a Masonic example.

Which brings us to the nub of the problem. Wr. Bryce has developed a reputation as a "straight shooter," and has become what many weak managers fear, an "unofficial leader." We have all seen it happen, where one member of the group, with more experience or insight leads the group because the "official" leadership is unsure, weak, or so out of touch the group has lost the will to follow.

It is the opinion of this Mason that Wr. Bryce, through his diligent and untiring efforts on behalf of Freemasonry has become this unofficial leader. I cannot speak to the management of the Grand Lodge of Florida, not being a member of that jurisdiction, nor can I speak to the management goals and imperatives of the two grand masters of Florida who tried to silence Wr. Bryce. However, one thing is clear: For every order a Grand Master of Florida issues to censor Wr. Bryce, the greater his notoriety grows.

Which begs the question: Why does Florida want to suppress his writings?

As noted above, within the boundaries of my obligation, it is hard to say. Wr. Bryce claims he has made enemies over the years who represent the "old-guard" and resist any attempt to change or modernize our fraternity. Change has a tendency to scare people, and Freemasonry is based on tradition, which is supposed to be unchanging, even when the "tradition" in question isn't really Masonic in nature.

Wr. Bryce, through his dissertations, seems to be frightening the Grand Lodge of Florida. His dissertation on the Masonic Necessity of all Mainstream Grand Lodges extending fraternal recognition to Prince Hall Masonry has touched off a discussion that is long past due in Florida. In return, the Grand Lodge of Florida is reacting to this threat by attempting to put an end to it... by silencing Wr. Bryce, using the rules of the fraternity he is bound by his obligations to obey.

The problem with all of this is Freemasonry, by its very tenets, stands for freedom of speech and freedom of thought. Keeping my obligations firmly in the front of my mind as I write this and examine the situation:

How can the Grand Lodge of Florida, in any way that can be considered within the framework of our tenets, justify the attempt to silence a brother for holding personal opinions and communicating them? Where would Henry Coil, Albert Mackey, Albert Pike, and Carl Claudy be if THEIR Grand Masters had silenced them? Or tied to.

I will leave you with one last thought: There is a legend about a certain Jewish Carpenter who was arrested for speaking against the existing temporal powers, convicted and executed. In his execution, a religion was born... The Grand Lodge of Florida might be well advised to consider a simple truth: a martyr's teachings carry more power than an unmolested teacher.

But I can write this. My Grand Lodge isn't trying to censor me.

Keep the Faith.


NOTE: The opinions expressed in this essay are my own and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of any Grand Masonic jurisdiction or any other Masonic related body. As with all of my Masonic articles herein, please feel free to reuse them in Masonic publications or re-post them on Masonic web sites (except Florida). When doing so, please add the following:

Article reprinted with permission of the author and www.FreemasonInformation.com

Please forward me a copy of the publication when it is produced.

To receive notices of Tim's writings, subscribe to his Discussion Group.

You can also "tune in" to Bro. Tim's audio podcasts at the "Lodgeroom International" (UK):

http://podcast.lodgeroominternational.com/

Also be sure to check out Tim's "Pet Peeve of the Week" (non-Masonic related) at:

http://www.phmainstreet.com/timbryce.htm

Copyright © 2008 by Tim Bryce. All rights reserved.

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WHAT IS A WOMAN’S ROLE IN FREEMASONRY TODAY?

Something I received in the mail today from the California Grand Lodge. Unfortunately, there is no associated web address for it that has this information on-line (yet).

The event sounds like an interesting one, I may try to make it to the bay area to take part in it. What seems concerning is the nature of its framing in its description verbiage. It seems to speak to the role of women have served in “Regular Freemasonry” and not as Freemasons. But I'm sure there will be some discussion to the latter too. The 2008 Coil lecturer mentioned, Br. Robert G. Davis, is the Secretary of the Guthrie Scottish Rite, and from the few conversations I’ve had with him I found him to be a VERY worthy brother to listen to.

Eighth Annual California Masonic Symposium
FREEMASONRY and WOMEN
August 22-23, 2008
San Francisco, California

Sponsored by:
The Grand Lodge of California,
California Masonic Foundation, and the
Institute for Masonic Studies

WHAT IS A WOMAN’S ROLE IN FREEMASONRY TODAY?

Many Masons would be surprised to learn of the diverse roles played and varied contributions made by women in our fraternity’s history. Join distinguished members and scholars from across the country as they explore “Freemasonry and Women”. This year’s presenters include Dr. John L. Cooper III, Past Grand Secretary and noted Masonic Scholar, Janet Wintermute, Master Mason of the Eastern Order of International Co-Masonry; and a distinguished panel of guests. The evening’s featured speaker and Henry Coil Lecturer for 2008 will be Brother Robert G Davis, author of Understanding Manhood in America: Freemasonry’s Enduring Path to the Mature Masculine.

The event will be held at the California Grand Lodge in the California Conference Rooms at 1111 California Street, San Francisco, CA 94108

Friday evenings Welcome Reception
8:00 P.M. to 10:00 P.M.

Saturday Symposium
9:00 AM to 5:00 P.M.
Banquet and keynote address at 6:00 P.M.

Cost is:
$70 per person for the symposium ($80 after July 22)
$50 per person for the Banquet ($60 after July 22)

Registration is by mailed form, or printable form at www.freemason.org (not up at time of writing). Look for more info on the CA GL website soon.

For more information contact the California Grand Lodge at this special email address:
symposium@freemason.org

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When the shill is on the other foot.

Not many know who John Slifko is. Perhaps a select inner audience of Freemasonry may know his name, just as many probably don't know who R.W. Tom Jackson is. So the announcement by "former brother" Slifko of his Demit from the "Regular" Grand Lodge of California went through some rather closed circle channels. Even at a late point, "former brother" Slifko made an announcement in some of his private circles and message boards, and it seems that it has percolated, rather quickly, to the bottom feeders of the Masonic world, us bloggers.

For those that don't know, "former brother" Slifko is now the Grand Master of the nascent Grand Orient of the United States of America, who was just recently recognized and Chartered by the Grand Orient of France. The question is what does that mean to you?

My answer, absolutely nothing besides a quick sound bite to the new Grand Orient and the fast reporting of Brother Hodapp on something that seemed to of happened weeks ago. It begs the question of WHY would the Masonic world be so interested in a new "clandestine" organization's leadership? Why, if there were a distinct scent of irregularity, would you try and defame someone so quickly over what may be a questionable take on what his or her obligation means to him or her? Oh, I get it, its what their obligations mean to other people, not to you.

All I can offer here is a small note to say that perhaps "former brother" Slifko's departure from the comfortable Regularity of California signals a change in the way Freemasonry will do business. After all, why would anyone want to leave something so, well, "Regular"? Maybe it’s a stretch, but didn't Washington do something like this when he opted to lead the forces against the "Regular" government of England?

What bothers me is why the need for a surrogate or shill to make this announcement of "former brother" Slifko's new journey on his Masonic career, especially seeing how many of us out there seem to know him and have followed his published career so closely. Maybe its his widespread success with the Roosevelt Center? Hum, that’s not it, as he hasn’t published anything in the “Masonic” world. Oh, that’s right, he's been mentioned in a couple of articles in the college paper from UCLA, and once in a Canadian publication. I think it may be good to get my hands on the Canadian piece, it sounds nefarious.

Best of luck "former brother" Slifko. Perhaps the family will one day be led back together, and we can change "former brother" to "brother-in-law" or some such.

In case you didn't know the definition of shill, I thought I'd include the link.

shill
[shil] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation Slang.
–noun

1. a person who poses as a customer in order to decoy others into participating, as at a gambling house, auction, confidence game, etc.
2. a person who publicizes or praises something or someone for reasons of self-interest, personal profit, or friendship or loyalty.
3. –verb (used without object)
4. to work as a shill: He shills for a large casino.
5. –verb (used with object)
6. to advertise or promote (a product) as or in the manner of a huckster; hustle: He was hired to shill a new TV show.

[Origin: 1920–25; orig. uncert.]
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.

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Br. Theron Dunn

Brothers, sadly it was reported in the comments of the Burning Taper and on Freemasons for Dummies that Brother Theron has passed away at 12:15pm PDT on May 13th.

Rest in Peace.

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Blog is a four letter word.

This is a sort of stream of conscious piece that I chose to let flow from the source. I write it after recently reading the article “On the Secrecy of Membership” from Robert Wolfarth in the May, 2008, Journal of Scottish Rite. In that article there is a passage that seemed to me very dismissive of the opinions of bloggers. That passage said: “ I venture to guess that most descriptions posted on the web are courtesy of the least knowledgeable writers. Even among well-meaning blogs, I have run across many a dismissive definition like I think its [Freemasonry] some kind of weird religion”. “They’re a bunch of old men with secret handshakes, but I don’t know what they do.” “There aren’t many of them around anymore.” Perhaps his intent wasn’t meant for Masonic bloggers, but that is the context in which I wanted to approach the outlook of blogging. Maybe my reaction is also just a four letter word too.

I get it bloggers are at best a step above the mumblers and grumblers within a crowd of onlookers. They are not typically scholars, nor published authors, or leaders in a specific community of authoritarian collective.

No, to that set bloggers are a bunch of whining ner-do-wells who have the audacity to stand up in their respective places and express themselves on the topics that they have little knowledge of but seemingly find a particular interest in. Unorganized, isolated, and individualistic, bloggers are often accused of manufacturing dissent where none should exist, to produce voices to a topic that should otherwise remain silent. The literati who are usually the brunt of such uneducated rants of “thought blogging”, no doubt find the ideas of a blog to be a four letter word too.

But because someone likes to take the time to key in their thoughts and allow their mental ramblings to trundle across the glowing electronic screen doesn’t mean you have to read them. Nor, does it mean that it will resonate with an audience of other ner-do-well’s who have yet to put their thoughts into the public sphere. It does however represent one individual’s idea, which can be more important than the culmination of everything that comes from it.

Blogs, even Masonic blogs, represent the best kind of contemplative research. They represent someone stepping off on a limb by taking the time out of their day to share their thoughts with anyone who will listen. Also, they represent a snapshot of what an individual thinks on a topic. Is there a breakdown in the information that the individual is receiving? Is the institution that they are commenting on doing everything it can to communicate the “right” message, or is it saying nothing at all instead relying on a wealth of ancient authors to champion a message?

The thoughts represented by bloggers are just as important as yours, even if you don’t agree with them. What’s troubling in calling blogs these four letter words is the distinct absolutism that exists on the other side in proclaiming their position as relative right.

But then, what do I know, I’m just a blogger.

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WBro. Theron Dunn Gravely Ill

I am cross posting this from Br Hodap's blog so it gets as wide a distribution as possible.

This evening both Manny Blanco of Moreno Valley Lodge and Adam Kendall in California are reporting that Brother Theron Dunn has been hospitalized with kidney failure. The outlook is so dire that he is in danger of not surviving the weekend.

Read more here.

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of own free will, and well recommended...

The text below showed up today in a past entry from Bro. Tim Bryce titled "Recognizing Prince Hall Masonry".

In Brother Bryce's post, he aptly laid out the reason that all Grand Lodges should, without equivocation, recognize Prince Hall Masonry, whether or not they desire to be recognized. The reason this is such an important issue are for the reasons stated in the text below.

Let me say that I have no way to validate what this brother posted, nor do I have any reason to think that is is a misrepresentation. Like any stone cutter I realize every trued stone has six sides, but the side this brief story presents should make clear why EVERY GRAND LODGE, under the umbrella of "Regular" Freemasonry, should stand and recognize Prince Hall Freemasonry and actively root out EVERY whisper of racism that exists in its darkest recesses. And if not, then every Grand Lodge that does recognize Prince Hall should shun and drop recognition from those that do not.

If this organization expects to exist for any length of time, it needs to step out of the dark ages of the Jim Crow laws to truly take on the mantle of the enlightened society it claims to be.

This is the side that was posted this evening:

I would just like to say that I believe that it is all about race. I along with two other friends decided to petition OUR local lodge. We all work for the same company and do so much together. Well the time came for us to petition at the lodge and that's when it hit. My two buddies were allowed to fill out petitions but our friend how vouched for us came to me and handed me a phone number and said that the brothers of the lodge said that since I was BLACK. I would have to petition a Prince Hall Lodge. I was the only one that have lived in this town their entire life. I was in the military for ten years and worked for the local sheriff department for seven years. I decided to go to another lodge in the next district and petition. I was told to report to the lodge 30 min prior to the meeting that night. several weeks went by before three more members of the lodge came to visit my family at our house. Ato my surprise I know two of the guys. We had a great time and I had a good feeling. Shortly after I was told that the vote was going before the lodge. The day after the vote I received a call from the WM of the lodge. He asked me to meet him . I did just that. he told me that I was black cubed and he tried to make me feel better but of course I did not. He said to me that I came highly recommended, but there were still some old timmers who just could not get over their prejudices. He asked me to wait six months and repetition to the lodge. The next day I received a call from my friend who had vouched for me. He told me that several so called brothers from the lodge had approached him and said " next time a black Man wantsto join the lodge just tell him to go to Prince Hall". My friend appoliged to me and said that he was really hurt. I was the one that was hurt. My Father is a Mason up north he is 32 degree. He told me to wait visit the Prince hall lodge. The Lodge was over an hour away instead of ten minutes like my local lodge. I did petition the Prince Hall Lodge and I can proudly say that I am a fellow craft mason and will be raised to mm very soon. What I learned early off was that a mason must be a man, legal age, of own free will, and well recommended. That was me. What happend????

What happened? All I can say is that it was a travesty and not the fraternity I signed up for. You brothers, have the ability to make this change and apply the lessons you learned. Does your side of the perfect ashlar true up with this brothers side?

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...in the courtroom of public opinion.

I haven't talked a lot about Sandy Frost and her journalist exposé of the Shrine and the Shrine hospitals as our brother at the Widow's Son has done a great job at keeping up with it. I did want to mention a piece that was published yesterday, May 7th, called Shriners Launch PR Campaign, Settle Lawsuit Prior to Worldwide Masonic Grand Masters' Conference.

Without the commentary, I'll let you be the judge of the facts in the courtroom of public opinion.

Briefly, from the piece, is a paragraph that stood out to me as in interesting bit of commentary from Ms. Frost on the problem at hand. The quote is predicated on another quote from the Indian Grand Master at the 7th World Conference of Grand Lodges in Santiago Chile. In his speech he mentions an attributable problem to the modern world as their being a “breakdown of spiritual order.” Something at hand, so it would seem here. From Ms. Frost:

From where I sit, it appears that the Shriners have been hijacked by those who have violated their Masonic vows; hijacked by those who wanting to run their non profit hospitals like a money making business; hijacked by those who abuse their positions of public trust for private gain; hijacked by those who may have suffered a personal “breakdown of spiritual order” by acting as if “Shrine law is above the law of the land” to the point that they get busted by the FBI in a prostitution sting and have been called as witnesses to testify about their alleged involvement in child sex tourism.

What's troubling is the quote at the after this paragraph from the Grand lodge of Scotland in 1938. Who knew their crystal balls could see so far into the future.

That quote reads:

“Everyone who enters Freemasonry is, at the outset, strictly forbidden to countenance any act which may have a tendency to subvert the peace and good order of society, he must pay due obedience to the law of any state in which he resides…..”

quotes Copyright © 2008 by Sandy Frost. Used by permission.

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The World Conference of Masonic Grand Lodges under way.

The World Conference of Masonic Grand Lodges kicked off yesterday with a resounding success. Originally posted in the first mention of this event, these images come from Brother William J. Baumbach II, from ACACIA LODGE No. 16 A.F. & A.M. in Virginia, the Images below are just a few of the images he took that night of the event. Reportedly, there were in excess of 700 Grand Masters and entourages, including security, attendees, and spouses. It seems to me that the event was very well attended and that there will be a measure of intense dialog and ideation from it.

If anyone reading should happen to have an ear of any of the speakers, I would love to get a hold of a transcript of the speeches to republish.



Also, from his reply on the original post, I thought it germane to bring this into a post unto itself. From Brother Baumbach:

05-07-08 Pictures of the World Conference of Masonic Grand Lodges reception held at the George Washington Masonic Memorial in Alexandria, Va. There were about 600 registered Grand Masters and their entourage from around the World. They came by the bus load, about 10 buses all together, they also arrived in Limousines. A few also had bodyguards, and with how they had speakerphone earpieces and how they talked up their jacket sleeve into a microphone, it made me feel like I was with the president of the United States and his Secret Service Agents! And several different languages were being spoken. I was not able to take pictures of all 600 because they arrived in groups and separated throughout the building, but here are 72 pictures for you to enjoy.

The full set of images, for now, are available at the Acacia Lodge website.

The event is being noticed too, as there was a write up in the Washington Post on it today.

All images ©2008 William J. Baumbach II

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Aphorisms of Pythagoras

Last night I spent some time in Manly Hall's Secret Teaching's of All Ages and came across these aphorisms of Pythagoras. Hall attributes them to works gathered by Iamblichus, of which these are merely 10 of a total of thirty-nine.

Hall, in collecting these into the Secret teaching does much to illustrate the "mystic" path of the seeker, which could easily be codified into that of the Freemason.

These original aphorisms were translated from the Greek by Thomas Taylor. And for those not familiar with Aphorismic statements, they were at one point the favored method of instruction used in the Pythagorean university of Crotona.

Ten of the most representative of Pythagorus' aphorisms are reproduced below with a brief elucidation by Hall of their concealed meanings.

I. Declining from the public ways, walk in unfrequented paths.
By this it is to be understood that those who desire wisdom must seek it in solitude. Pythagoras taught that the dot symbolized the power of the number 1, the line the power of the number 2, the surface the power of the number 3, and the solid the power of the number 4.

II. Govern your tongue before all other things, following the gods.
This aphorism warns man that his words, instead of representing him, misrepresent him, and that when in doubt as to what he should say, he should always be silent.

III. The wind blowing, adore the sound.
Pythagoras here reminds his disciples that the fiat of God is heard in the voice of the elements, and that all things in Nature manifest through harmony, rhythm, order, or procedure the attributes of the Deity.

IV. Assist a man in raising a burden; but do not assist him in laying it down.
The student is instructed to aid the diligent but never to assist those who seek to evade their responsibilities, for it is a great sin to encourage indolence.

V. Speak not about Pythagoric concerns without light.
The world is herein warned that it should not attempt to interpret the mysteries of God and the secrets of the sciences without spiritual and intellectual illumination.

VI. Having departed from your house, turn not back, for the furies will be your attendants.
Pythagoras here warns his followers that any who begin the search for truth and, after having learned part of the mystery, become discouraged and attempt to return again to their former ways of vice and ignorance, will suffer exceedingly; for it is better to know nothing about Divinity than to learn a little and then stop without learning all.

VII. Nourish a cock, but sacrifice it not; for it is sacred to the sun and moon.
Two great lessons are concealed in this aphorism. The first is a warning against the sacrifice of living things to the gods, because life is sacred and man should not destroy it even as an offering to the Deity. The second warns man that the human body here referred to as a cock is sacred to the sun (God) and the moon (Nature), and should be guarded and preserved as man's most precious medium of expression. Pythagoras also warned his disciples against suicide.

VIII. Receive not a swallow into your house.
This warns the seeker after truth not to allow drifting thoughts to come into his mind nor shiftless persons to enter into his life. He must ever surround himself with rationally inspired thinkers and with conscientious workers.

IX. Offer not your right hand easily to anyone.
This warns the disciple to keep his own counsel and not offer wisdom and knowledge (his right hand) to such as are incapable of appreciating them. The hand here represents Truth, which raises those who have fallen because of ignorance; but as many of the unregenerate do not desire wisdom they will cut off the hand that is extended in kindness to them. Time alone can effect the redemption of the ignorant masses

X. When rising from the bedclothes, roll them together, and obliterate the impression of the body.
Pythagoras directed his disciples who had awakened from the sleep of ignorance into the waking state of intelligence to eliminate from their recollection all memory of their former spiritual darkness; for a wise man in passing leaves no form behind him which others less intelligent, seeing, shall use as a mold for the casting of idols.

Sadly, after some research, I have been unable to locate the other 29 aphorisms. One thing interesting I have found is the profound depth of Pythagorean wisdom and its influence on Western culture and to perhaps Freemasonry.

The original text from The Secret Teachings is from Phoenix Masonry.

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Where secret cabals meet to discuss the Chupacabra

Where will you be on June 7th and 8th?

I suppose the phrase “your either with us or against us” may be appropriate here, but if your in the know, then you already know where you stand. For those in the dark, or the purveyors of the “secret” there is hope, and that hope is at the 2008 Conspiracy Con in Santa Clara California!

Personally, I make it to several conventions every year, usually in the form of trade shows and other business like gatherings. As a youth I went to Comic Con’s and Game Cons, which were usually a host of retail booths of rare or hard to find ephemera from the genre of what was being attended (that rare 100 sided die, or the lead miniature of Cathulu).

But here, as we see from the organizer Brian Hall, there is a specific agenda. From event organizer Brian Hall:

The primary goals of CONSPIRACY CON are to directly expose and analyze the "real" problems and the "real" problem-makers of yesterday, today and tomorrow, as well as to provide courses of action and potential solutions to the challenges that are placed upon humankind by these forces, which (for the moment) may seem invisible, perpetual and insurmountable.

I submit to each and every one of you reading this that the conspiratorial view of history is far closer to the truth than any other version of history. And, what backs this statement up... history. The so-called "conspiracy theorists" are proven time and time again to be right far more often than not. God bless the "conspiracy theorists" of today. For tomorrow they will be called "hero."

Topics of discussion at the Con will be:

• The Nuclear Threat Scam
• The 4th Reich in America
• Cover-Ups: UFO’s to 9-11
• Chemtrails and Morgellons
• The 2012 Conspiracy
• 9-11: An “inside Job”
• Global Depopulation
• Yitzhak Rabin/JFK
• Vatican Assassins
• Pentagon Crimes

So if your not a part of the “secret” maybe you can go and learn something. And if you are a part of the “secret”, you better watch yourself, as the new secret society of anti-secret societarians is forming and watching and talking about you at a convention in Santa Clara.

What was it Fox Moulder’s poster said? I want to believe...

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9th Annual World Conference of Masonic Grand Lodges

This is how the conspiracy theories get started.

For the past few years, there has been a tradition of the worlds Grand Masters getting together to talk shop. Each installation of the conference takes place somewhere around the world, a moveable feast if you will. This year, this May in fact, the conference is set to take place in Washington D.C.

On the World Conference Website I found the following itinerary:

Standing Up to Darkness - Thursday, May 8th, 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

• Ethics: cultivating ethical behavior in a civil society
• Brotherhood of Man: countering fanaticism, intolerance, and tyranny

Masonic Integrity - Thursday, May 8th, 2:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

• Guarding Against Manipulation: countering forces trying to infiltrate lodges for their own objectives
• Maintaining Grand Lodge Integrity: preventing schisms

Global Fraternal Networking - Friday, May 9th, 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

• Strengthening civil society: assisting civic groups to establish worldwide partnerships for the betterment of humanity
• Developing and promoting cultural and academic exchanges among Masons worldwide

A Special Masonic Program

On the website there are two very well spoken introductions to the event, one from the Grand Master of Washington D.C., Grand Master Akram Elias, and the other from R.W. Tom Jackson, the Executive Grand Secretary of the World Conference. One paragraph that stands out to me from Br. Jackson is when he speaks of the conference, saying:

“Several themes have been selected for this conference, which notes the need for the philosophy of the craft to expose its relevancy in today's society while at the same time reminding us of our need of self-examination.”

It sounds like a very illuminating event.

From the Grand Lodge of Washington D.C., who is host to the event this year:

Grand Lodge of Free And Accepted Masons of the District of Columbia Hosts 9th Annual

World Conference of Masonic Grand Lodges
Press Release - April 25, 2008 -- For the first time ever, the Grand Lodge of Free And Accepted Masons of the District of Columbia will play host to a historic and grand event, the 9th World Conference of Masonic Grand Lodges, at the Renaissance Washington DC Hotel, May 7th, 2008 through May 10th, 2008.

This conference will bring together international Masonic leaders comprised of high-level officials in government, business and civic service. Specifically, large delegations from Africa, Latin America and Europe are expected to be in attendance. Masonic leaders will discuss how the Society of Freemasonry can utilize its position to promote universal understanding, enlightened ideas, and goodwill globally.

Members of the press are invited to cover keynote speakers, banquets, the World War II Memorial wreath-laying and Masonic award ceremonies. Congressman John Lewis (D-GA) is to be honored at a reception on Thursday, May 8th in the Cannon Caucus Room on Capitol Hill for his lifetime dedication to civil rights. Congressman Joe Wilson (R-SC) will be honored during the May 10th banquet with Freemasonry's Medal of Freedom for his commitment to preserving freedom and liberty across the globe. A number of educational scholarships will also be presented at the May 10th closing banquet, with college scholarships being awarded to 15 D.C. public high school graduating seniors as well as two current American University students.

On May 10th, at 11:00 a.m., a public wreath laying ceremony will be held at the National World War II Memorial to recognize all Freemasons killed during World War II.

As the world's oldest and largest fraternal society with more than half of its membership in the United States, Freemasonry has a rich history of involvement in the founding of America and her development for over two centuries. The 9th World Conference of Masonic Grand Lodges will be the largest international public gathering of Freemasons in Washington D.C. since the laying of the cornerstone of the U.S. Capitol building by President and Freemason George Washington on September 18, 1793.

For more information about all events please contact 202-686-1811. Media must RSVP due to security.

I wish I were close or had the extra money to go. It sounds like it will be a very good event to be at. If anyone makes it, please, let me know how it goes.

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Progressive

I stumbled across a press release today from Solarcraft about the Santa Rosa Scottish Rite, in Novato, CA , that is now powered by the sun. It announced that after a retrofit and work is completed the new system is expected to generate 44,950 kilowatt hours annually, spanning 2,677 square feet, providing the majority of the electric needs for the Santa Rosa facility.

The press release goes on to say that it was a “sound investment, the system will pay for itself in approximately 6 years.” Some of the merits of the system the press release went on to say are “The solar system will enable the Scottish Rite facility to generate enough clean electricity each day to power 13 average homes. The new system will spare the air nearly 23 tons of harmful greenhouse gases annually, equivalent to the air filtering of 5 acres of trees. Over the next 30 years, the air pollution saved will be comparable to driving over 1.6 million miles.”

Truthfully, this a terrific and super progressive thing to have done, and squarely puts the Santa Rosa Scottish Rite into the 21st Century. And really, this is the manifestation of the alchemy of change, by marrying the contentious effort to do good with the wisdom of Science and modernity.

I applaud you Santa Rosa Scottish Rite. Excellent and square work.

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Masonic Frequently Asked Questions 11-15

This next installment of the 32 questions about Freemasonry covering questions 11-15. The answers to these questions are in response to past questions that I have received at FreemasonInformation.com from non-masons.

Look for past FAQ posts
Questions 1 & 2, Questions 3 & 4, Question 5 & 6, Question 5, 6, & 7 ,Questions 8, 9, & 10

Why do so many Masonic Lodge buildings look old?
The issue of the older Masonic buildings is a paradox from the 1950's when Freemasonry was in a boom era of incredible growth. At its height, Freemasonry had upwards of 4 million members and consequently lots of member money. With its growth of membership so to did its infrastructure expand. One of the consequences of having these expensive buildings that were built in the 1950's and 60's is that they eventually ultimately fell under needed to be updated to modern building codes which became very expensive. The consequence of this is that the buildings became less and less available for public and commercial use as they fell out of code. This with a declination in membership led to fewer and fewer funds to refurbish them. Today, there is an abundance of inventory of lodges, with a decreasing volume of membership.

What are the first steps to petitioning?
The process begins first by getting to know the lodge you wish to join. This is really the first step in becoming a member, and starts with introducing yourself to a lodge at a dinner and getting to know the membership before the lodge opens.

How do I find the most suitable lodge?
In most major cities heir may be several lodges near you. The local White Pages or Yellow Pages will have a listing for those in your community. With several lodges near you (relatively speaking) the best thing to do is contact all of the ones close to you for your comfort, and set up a time to go down and meet with them. Lodges "typically" meet on the first Thursday of the month and serve a dinner prior to the regular meeting. This would probably be the best time to go in and meet the membership, even if informally. The way to go about this would be to contact the lodges (via email or phone) and let them know you are interested and would like to come in and meet them. Additionally, check the state Grand Lodge Website for a complete listing of lodges in your state.

Is every Lodge different?
Lodges do have personalities and should be evaluated as such. The dynamic, however, can change so what may seem one way may be something else another time, but you can often get a general feel for the lodge on a visit. The best things to look for are a vibrant membership with diverse age groups, and members.

What are Masonic Lodge Hours?
Most "should" have their hours posted for visitors on the outside of the building for when someone will be there. Also, check their website.

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Grand Orient of France and the Armenian Genocide

I stumbled on this from a news feed a few days back. What the article reports on is the Grand Orient of France calling for the recognition of the Armenian Genocide of 1915 in Armenia.

Even as I write this I question whether or not they should be taking such a stance as a body politic of Freemasonry. Perhaps this hearkens back to the recent GOF visit to Sarkozy, in December, to reinforce the separation of church and state. My question though, is if it is their place to take the position or not. Ultimately, I think it is a necessary action.

On one hand I say yes, their stance is an important one to take. The Genocide is said to have killed one to one and a half million Armenians at the end of the Ottoman Turk’s rein in Armenia. The lack of recognition of this by the present administration is ignoring a injustice that the community feels. Does it make it better to acknowledge it? Probably not, but it gives a measure of justice to a measure of history long overlooked.

On the other hand, my concern is that if the GO France is making such a public statement, they, by default, start to become the international voice of Freemasonry and begin to close out anyone else who stands to speak up. Perhaps this issue is a small one for the UGLE, or the 50+ Grand Lodges in North America, but it shouldn’t be.

Not as the body of Freemasonry, not as a Grand Lodge, not as a Lodge, but as a Freemason, I stand in support with the brothers of the Grand Orient of France and with them condemn indifference and silence over the Genocide. Further, I believe as they do that people must understand that committing a crime against others, they commit a crime against themselves. We want people to know about the Genocide and condemn the crime committed 93 years ago.

For more info on the Genocide and modern efforts for its recognition can be found at the Armenian National Institute.
To lend your support, visit Genocide 1915 to sign their on