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St. John’s Lodge No. 9, F. & A. M.
Trestleboard
7910 Greenwood Ave. N.
(206) 623-0261
stjohns9@seattlemasons.org
www.seattlemasons.org
FROM THE EAST
WBro. Russ Johnson, Master
Good Masons have questioning minds. We push the
boundaries and advance our knowledge by questioning that
which others take for granted. By examining and questioning
the fundamental assertions we can break down the barriers of
understanding and see the light of truth, or sometimes just
confirm what everyone else already knew.
In looking after the future of the Lodge, I have some questions. Starting with the
most pressing need, how do we fill the officer chairs next year? Who will do all of the
work needed to operate the Lodge? This is a critical need that determines the future
success of the Lodge; yet no one is jumping up to volunteer; quite the contrary.
These interesting questions lead to others. Why is it, with a Lodge of over 200
members, we have so much difficulty finding thirteen men to fill the chairs each
year? Then, where are those 200 members? I only count around 40 members each
month. If we had all 200 members in attendance, or even half that number, St.
John’s would have manpower to spare. We currently rely on newer members to fill
the officer chairs and staff our committees, with success dependent on recruiting new
members.
My next question is why aren’t these members coming to Lodge? I know
some are too elderly to attend, others have moved away from the area, but that still
leaves over 110 local members. Why aren’t they coming to Lodge? Has anyone
asked them? Perhaps we should, we may learn something. While we are asking
them questions, we should ask what could St. John’s do to make them come to
Lodge every month? What needs and expectations do they have that the Lodge is
not fulfilling?
By asking our brothers to tell us what they want out of Lodge, we are building
a recipe for the long-term success of the Lodge, setting us on a path for another
150 years of Masonry. Our missing members are not the only ones that can
contribute to the recipe. Members that have recently left the Lodge are also
missing opportunities and can provide keen insight into unfulfilled expectations.
Perhaps we should ask them too?
Finally, we should ask the brothers we see every month if they are happy with
the Lodge experience. What do they like about the Lodge, what do they dislike?
What would they like to see changed? Another great question, how could the
Lodge change the experience so they would encourage their friends, who would be
great Masons, to join? Finally, ask our attending faithful, don’t just ask the
officers, what would the Lodge need to do so they would participate more or
become an officer?
Good questions all. I hope we all think about these questions and even ask a
few of them. The key to the future success lies within the answers. Be well
Brothers.
Family Evening with Mark Twain - Tuesday, June 2 – Greenwood Center
Masonic Tribune Spring Issue
CALENDAR
 May 13 (6pm): Board of Trustees
 May 14 (7pm): Officers meeting
 May 16 (1pm): Open Air FC
degree Roche Harbor (lunch 11am)
 May 20 (6:15pm) 7:30pm: St.
John’s 9 (dinner) Stated
 May 25: Memorial Day
 May 26 (7pm): “Intender” Masonic
Education Study
 May 28 (7pm): MM degree
cancelled
 May 28 (7pm): WF Meier Masonic
College Exposès of Freemasonry
 May 30 (noon-3pm): District 5
Bowling party Roxbury Lanes
 June 2 (6:30pm): Mark Twain
speaks – MWBro. Jefferson Jordan
Tickets required
 June 4 (7pm): Master Masons
Study Group
 June 11 (7pm): Officers meeting
 June 12 – 13: Annual
Communication Grand Lodge
(Kennewick)
 June 15 (6pm): King Solomon
Lodge Annual Strawberry Feed
 June 17 (6:15pm) 7:30pm: St.
John’s 9 (dinner) Stated; Scholarship
Night
 June 20-21: Fremont Fair
(Masonic information booth)
 June 22 (7-9pm): Ritual
instruction classes at Greenwood
 June 23 (7pm): “Intender”
Masonic Education Study
 June 24: Feast Day of St. John the
Baptist take a Brother to lunch?
 June 24 (6:30pm): District 5 Assoc.
meeting (Spiro’s Pizza)
 June 26 (6pm): Everett AquaSox
baseball family event
 July 2 (7pm): Master Masons
Study Group
 July 4: Independence Day
 July 15 (6:15pm) 7:30pm: St.
John’s 9 (dinner) Stated - Herb’s
Night
1
Serving Seattle since 1860
Page
May 2015
Jim Russell, editor
May 20 Stated Communication
May, June July – Busy, Busy, Busy!
The month of May is the beginning of a VERY busy quarter for members of St. John’s and their families. We started
the month with our annual FABulous Family Appreciation Brunch at Ivar’s Salmon House
(well-attended and well-fed) and will enjoy a full evening of (double) programming at our
monthly stated communication on the 20th.
During the dinner hour this month we will hear from Mr. Byron Cregeur, community
outreach director of the Washington Masonic Charities. He has a vast library of resources
with information on most subjects concerning the issues of aging. Outreach Services
provides help at no cost for individuals facing major changes in their lives including loss
of spouse, declining health and change in support groups.
During the tiled portion of our evening, Bro. Blair Neumann will lead discussion on
William Preston’s Illustrations of Freemasonry – section 8 “Charity: The Distinguishing
Characteristics of Masons.” (see page 7) While Preston is remembered as a Masonic
scholar, few modern Masons have read his work. Preston’s lasting impact is in drawing
William Preston from the 1812
the perception of Freemasonry away from the bar and the dining table, and giving it a
edition of "Illustrations of
more cerebral appeal. Preston is also among those associated with the movement of
Masonry"
Masonic meetings from taverns into dedicated Masonic buildings.
In less than a couple of weeks following our stated communication, members and their family are invited to enjoy
an evening of entertainment on June 2nd with dinner and a portrayal of Bro. Mark Twain by MWBro. Jefferson Jordan.
June 12-13, twenty or more from St. John’s will participate in the 158th annual communication of Grand Lodge. June 26,
Brothers and their families will be attending the Everett AquaSox game and all-you-can-eat hot dogs, hamburgers and
sodas. Before you know it, our annual picnic at the Nile will be here on the 26th of July.
While all these fun social events are going on, St.
John’s continues to offer our monthly education sessions
with the Master Masons Study Group and the Intenders
Is there anyone who hasn’t read a little Mark Twain
Masonic Study sessions (see calendar). The Seattle
and
fallen
in love with his work? Or has heard about his
Teachers Autism committee continues its hard work in
successes
and
even a few failures? Counted among his
preparation for the teachers symposium August 12 – 13.
greatest
successes
were his live
th
Please make your May 20 dinner reservations with the
lectures
and
tales
of
adventure.
secretary at 206 623-0261 by Friday, May 15, prior to the
MWBro.
Jefferson
Jordan, Jr.,
meeting. If you need a ride, with a couple days’ notice,
Grand Master of the Most Worshipful
the secretary will be happy to find one for you.
Grand Lodge of New Mexico
GRAND LODGE ANNUAL COMMUNICATION
AF&AM, is known for his portrayal of
Bro. Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain).
The annual communication of Grand Lodge is
St. John’s is bringing MWBro. Jordan
practically around the corner. The 2015 annual
to entertain us on Tuesday, June 2nd, at
communication will be Friday, June 12th and Saturday, June
the Greenwood Masonic Center.
13th at the Three Rivers Convention Center in Kennewick.
Dinner will be served at 6:30pm,
Pre-registration, available at the GL website, is
followed by an “Evening with Mark Twain” starting at
required. Hotel space is filling fast, so find available
about 7:30. Tickets for the buffet dinner and show are $10
hotels on the website, as well. We’ll elect the Junior
in advance - $15 at the door. Mail your reservation payable
Grand Warden (a future Grand Master), vote on changes
to St. John’s Lodge, PO Box 30069, Seattle, WA, 98113 or
to our rules and laws and review our finances.
bring your payment to Lodge on Wednesday the 20th.
Three have declared their candidacy for Junior Grand
MWBro. Jordan was born in Leesville, Louisiana in
Warden. They are VWBros. James Kendall, Paul
1946. A Vietnam veteran, he attended Texas Western
Waadevig, and Charles Wood. Each has contributed his
College in El Paso, TX and owns Pioneer Equipment Sales.
thoughts about the future of Washington Freemasonry
He is Past Master of Temple Lodge #6, Albuquerque, NM,
within the pages of the Masonic Tribune. VWBros.
and Past District Deputy. He is also a member of the York
Kendall and Waadevig currently serve on the GL
Rite, Scottish Rite and the Shrine. MWBro. Jordan was
Membership Development Committee; VWBro. Wood
elected Grand Master of New Mexico in March.
serves on the GL Finance Committee.
Page
2
MARK TWAIN VISITS IN JUNE
Take Me Out to the Ballgame
Mark Twain - writing about Virginia City,
St. John’s Masons and families are heading to the
Everett AquaSox baseball game Friday, June 26. “Preadmission” opens at 6pm into the Coca
Cola Food Pavilion, with hot dog,
hamburgers, fruit salad, baked beans,
soft drink and reserved seating. Free
parking on site.
Here’s a look at our future
Mariners vs. the Boise Hawks (Colorado Rockies farm
club). First pitch will be thrown at 7:05; fireworks
following the game.
Get your $10 ticket ($22 value!) from WBro. Terry
Grove (425) 610-4561. Only a few tickets remain, so act
fast!
Nev., in 1863:
Minors Standing
Team
Carkeek Dental Care
Phinney Ridge Cabinet
Masons St. John's
Wilson Brother's Auto
Runs
Runs
W L T Scored Allowed Win %
4
3
2
2
2
3
3
4
0
0
1
2
60
64
46
71
42
67
73
81
.667
.500
.417
.375
Remaining schedule:
Wed. 5/06 - 5:30 pm Soundview #3 Beavers
Sat. 5/9 Noon - Soundview #3 Ballard Elks Lodge
Mon. 5/11 - 5:30 pm Soundview #4 Phinney Ridge Cabinet
Tues. 5/12 - 5:30 pm Maple Leaf #2 Cougars
Sat. 5/16 - 11:30am North Acres #2 Hi-Life
Wed. May 20 - 5:30pm Soundview #3 Greenwood Hardware
Wed. May 27 - 5:30pm Ingraham HS softball Wilson Bros. Auto
North Acres field is located at NE 128th and 1st NE.
Soundview fields are at NW 92nd & 15th NW.
Ingraham HS is at 1819 North 135th
Maple Leaf field is at 1020 NE 82nd St.
Washington is nicknamed "The Evergreen State"
because it sounds better than "The Incessant
Nagging Drizzle State."
--Dave Barry
An Evening with Mark Twain
Dinner and show: $10 (advance), $15 at door
Send $10 to “St. John's Lodge No. 9”, identify “Twain”
PO Box 30069, Seattle, WA, 98113
DISTRICT BOWLING PARTY END OF MAY
Brothers, family and friends are
invited to a bowling party at the West
Seattle Roxbury Lanes, Saturday,
May 30th. The party begins at 12
o’clock noon, with fun and prizes
promised. $10 includes shoes and lines of bowling.
Advanced registration appreciated but not required.
MAY MEETING HIGHLIGHTS:
Here’s a look at what’s happening at our May stated
communication:
Dinner - guests welcome
1. Menu: Appetizer - Mushroom strudel w/ goat
cheese and Madeira sauce. Main course: Chicken cordon
bleu with lemon beurre blanc sauce, southwestern corn
and pinto bean gratin, and mashed potatoes and gravy.
Dessert: Chocolate iced brownie. (allergies, vegetarian?
Let us know a week before.)
2. Speaker - Mr. Byron Cregeur community outreach
Stated Meeting - tiled
1. Officer step-up
2. General business – reports & planning
3. Masonic education: “Charity: The Distinguishing
Characteristics of Masons”
Refreshments
Kick back, visit, and enjoy a beverage and dessert
3
For several years St. John’s has sponsored at least
one team, and sometimes three teams in the Northwest
Little League program. This year
we are sponsoring a “Minor” team
and a “Major” team (defined by
age).
This year the boys are
struggling a little (not as much as
the Mariners) and would appreciate our support “in the
stands” as well as with our pocketbook.
Page
ST. JOHN’S SPONSERS NORTRHWEST
LITTLE LEAGUE BASEBALL TEAMS
“I secured a place in a nearby quartz mill to screen sand
with a long-handled shovel. I hate a long-handled shovel.
I never could learn to swing it properly. As often as any
other way the sand didn’t reach the screen at all, but went
over my head and down my back, inside of my clothes. It
was the most detestable work I have ever engaged in, but
it paid ten dollars a week and board — and the board was
worthwhile, because it consisted not only of bacon, beans,
coffee, bread and molasses, but we had stewed dried
apples every day in the week just the same as if it were
Sunday. But this palatial life, this gross and luxurious life,
had to come to an end, and there were two sufficient
reasons for it. On my side, I could not endure the heavy
labor; and on the Company’s side, they did not feel justified
in paying me to shovel sand down my back; so I was
discharged just at the moment that I was going to resign.”
Junior Warden Message
Bro. John Murray Louderback
Bro. Jeffrey Pullen
There is no self in the bee hive. Life is not about self
-interest. No other purpose but to serve the hive. Each
individual blessed with the innate understanding that the
individual will parish without the group. A sense of
service, of duty, to contribute to the welfare of society as a
whole. Becoming a collaborative, cooperative, productive
organism unto itself. This interconnected organism can
then confidently be expected to work miracles.
By surrender of self to the Will of God the individual
honey bee is surrounded with balance and harmony. The
parallel of this is found in our Masonic Lodge. The Lodge
as the hive becomes for the individual a place of
sanctuary; a collective of likeminded, spiritually
connected individuals focused on doing good for
humanity; a brotherhood with common purpose and
objective to do good works for man.
If we can agree to conduct our lives without ego, to
collaboratively work in common beliefs and goals, then
we can also, confidently be expected to work miracles.
The real lesson for us to learn from the honey bee is
the full realization that we are not separate organisms unto
ourselves. That the unity of all life is a truth whose
destiny cannot be separated from the whole.
In our sacred retreat of friendship and virtue, the true
nature of Masonry is revealed. We realize there is
something far more important than self - interest. That we
also are totally dependent on the welfare of our Lodge and
society. That we are nothing without the collective dividend
to our community, and that we must all contribute to that
collective good for our Lodge and society.
If our Lodge is to survive, if our planet is to survive,
we need not look further then the example of the honey bee
for a balanced, harmonious, cooperative society.
When will the next teardrop fall?
The staff in the Community Outreach program
understands that many people prefer to age in their own
homes but are facing issues that are beyond their
control or making it difficult for them to cope with the
issues of aging. They provide information and referral
to community-based resources and other senior services
throughout the state of Washington. Outreach Services
offers a vast library of resources and can find
information on most subjects concerning the issues of
aging. They can help arrange in-home assessments of
needs, monitoring of provided in-home services, and
safety assessments.
Community Outreach director Mr. Byron Cregeur
will be addressing us following dinner on May 20.
That is a bit of a long quote. To say anything less
would not do justice to the intent.
The Earthquake that has shaken the homes and
families in Tibet has been on my mind for the last week.
Also, too, the news on our own streets, across the nation
acts of protest, violence and civil unrest. As one man
alone I can do little to change any of this. As a Lodge we
can do little. The entire Masonic Brotherhood can and
does make a difference one mind at a time, one heart at a
time.
This is not a call to action. It is a gentle reminder of
how fragile we are. It is not a question of money, I am
sure that our government and the leaders of many great
nations are getting out their checkbooks. The people will
soon forget what they were so angry about. Yet we as
Masons are obligated to aid all our Brothers as best we
can. We do so by first making our selves better – able to
aid and willing to care. It is thru the willingness and aid
of others that I am learning to improve myself in Masonry.
With my best wish that none of my brothers suffer from
the peril that is always lurking.
Fun & Games at St. John’s Summer Picnic
Our St. John’s Lodge picnic should
again be exciting this year with a
“Western” theme complete with
cowpoke attire. Bro. Ken Wehl promises
some challenging games for the kids and
a little bit of “magic time” even for those
who have a little of the youngster still
inside us. The festivities will again be held at the Nile
picnic grounds on Sunday July 26, a couple of weeks
earlier than recent picnic gatherings.
4
Grand Lodge Community Outreach
“Disasters of the most appalling kind befall men every
day, leaving them broken and helpless. How often have
we seen a noble and able man suddenly smitten down in
midlife, stripped not only of his savings but also of his
power to earn, as the result of some blow no mortal wit
could avert? There he lies, shunted out of active life
when most needed and most able and willing to serve. Life
may any day turn Ruffian and strike one of us such a blow,
disaster following fast and following faster, until we are at
its mercy. It is to such experiences that the Rite of
Destitution has reference, pledging us to aid as
individuals and as Lodges; and we have a right to be
proud that our Craft does not fail in the doing of good. It
is rich in benevolence, and it knows how to hide its labors
under the cover of secrecy, using its privacy to shield it
and those whom it aids.”
Short Talk Bulletin, Vol. I, Nov. 1923, No. 11
Page
Senior Warden Message
GOOD OF THE ORDER
OUTDOOR FELLOWCRAFT DEGREE
o Charity Committee chair WBro. Richard Hawley
and Bro. Paul Bernal will be reviewing the process for
recommendation of charities. The deadline for submitting
charity requests will be late June in preparation for the
2016 budgeting process.
Most of you know about the open-air Master Mason
degree held each summer at the
Granite Falls Masonic Park.
Fewer are aware that San Juan
Lodge No. 175 annually holds an
outdoor Fellowcraft degree that is
equally entertaining.
The degree this year will be
Saturday, May 16. The degree is held at the McMillin
Mausoleum in Roche Harbor. There may be some fine
tuning on the actual start of the degree work, but everything
will be scheduled to fall within the arrival and departure
times of the ferry. Ladies are encouraged to come for the
salmon and spit-roasted pig BBQ, and shop in Friday
Harbor during the degree, or to stay at the Lodge.
Dress is casual.
Attendees should walk on to the ferry (could be quite
a back-up for cars). Shuttles will be provided between
Friday Harbor and Roche Harbor, and rides will be
provided to those who need them between the ferry
landing in Friday Harbor and the San Juan Lodge.
 Start BBQ: 11am
 Start Degree: 1:30 pm
 Donation: Suggested for BBQ of $20 per person
 Ferry departs Anacortes at 9:30 am, arrives Friday
Harbor 10:35 am
 Ferry departs Friday Harbor at 4:15 pm, arrives
Anacortes 5:40 pm
Since 1961, San Juan Lodge No. 175 has hosted an
annual Outdoor Second Degree at the Mausoleum.
o Fellowship The Mark Twain show
(June 2) and the AquaSox baseball game (June 26) still
have tickets available. The FABulous Family
Appreciation Brunch at Ivar’s Salmon House was again a
family favorite success. Our anniversary dinner will be
Sunday, September 20, at Ray’s Boathouse Restaurant on
Shilshole.
o Membership Bro. Paul Doak welcomes interested
parties into the library to discuss Freemasonry and answer
questions following our dinners on the 3rd Wednesday of
each month.
o Scholarship The scholarship committee interviewed
a full complement of scholarship applicants on Saturday,
April 25 in the Greenwood Masonic library.
o Seattle Teachers Autism Symposium Members of
the STAS committee visited the UW campus last month to
look at the facilities and to prepare for the logistics for this
summer’s STAS program. To date we have 400 teachers
who have registered through the STAS website.
o Lodge Management WBro. Russell Johnson
announced that the Past Masters group held its second
quarterly brunch on Saturday, April 25 at Jimmy’s On
Broadway at 10am. These brothers meet for social
purposes as well as to offer feedback and suggestions.
They offered feedback on a couple of sections of the
developing St. John’s Operating Manual at that session.
PO Box 30069, Seattle, WA 98113
Tomorrow’s Leaders – Where are They?
One of them might be in your community today.
Your daughters and sons, nephews and nieces, your
grandchildren and your neighbors all have that potential.
How can you help prepare them for leadership? What can
you do to mold their character and skills to help create
responsible, caring adults? Give them the opportunity for
membership in Masonic Youth Organizations. DeMolay,
Job’s Daughters, and Rainbow are international
organizations that promote good citizenship and develop
leadership and character.
Membership in Rainbow Girls
is open to young women from eleven
to twenty; in Job’s Daughters, ten to
twenty; and DeMolay is open to
young men from twelve to twentyone years of age. These are important years during which
permanent standards of character and ideals of citizenship
are developed. The groups that our young people
associate with during these years can be a real influence in
their lives.
5
o Education WBro. Eric Koteles
reports that our tyled education programs
are confirmed through June. The Master
Mason Study Group meets at the
Greenwood Masonic library on the third
Friday of the month.
Page
o Company Store WBro. Hans Wehl has a dozen new
St. John’s firing cannons that have been added to the
company store. They are available at $18 each.
6
Page
May Masonic Education Topic: Bro. Blair Neumann will lead discussion on William Preston’s
Illustrations of Freemasonry – section 8 Charity The Distinguishing Characteristics of Masons.
SECTION 8: CHARITY DISTINGUISHES MASONS by William Preston
Charity is the chief of every social virtue, and the distinguishing characteristic of Masons. This virtue includes a
supreme degree of love to the great Creator and Governor of the universe, and an unlimited affection to the beings of his
creation, of all characters and of every denomination. This last duty is forcibly inculcated by the example of the Deity
himself, who liberally dispenses his beneficence to unnumbered worlds.
It is not particularly our province to enter into a disquisition of every branch of this amiable virtue; we shall, therefore,
only briefly state the happy effects of a benevolent disposition toward mankind, and show, that charity exerted on proper
objects, is the greatest pleasure man can possibly enjoy.
“….The greatest of these is Charity; for our Faith may be lost
The bounds of the greatest nation, or the most
in sight; Hope may end in fruition; but Charity extends
extensive empire, cannot circumscribe the generosity of a
beyond the grave through the boundless realms of eternity.”
liberal mind. Men, in whatever situation they are placed,
are still, in a great measure, the same. They are exposed to
CHARITY
similar dangers and misfortunes. They have not wisdom to
SHORT TALK BULLETIN - Vol. III February, 1925 No. 2,
foresee, or power to prevent, the evils incident to human
by: Unknown author; edited by space restriction
nature. They hang as it were, in perpetual suspense
The subject of charity, or brotherly aid, may well be
between hope and fear, sickness and health, plenty and
illustrated by a sketch of a condition that developed itself
want. A mutual chain of dependence subsists throughout
among the Roman people many centuries ago. In
the animal creation. The whole human species are therefore essentials that condition was the same as the condition in
proper objects for the exercise of charity.
which we now live.
In the early days of the Roman Republic a man grew
Beings who partake of one common nature ought to be
actuated by the same motives and interests. Hence, to soothe up in the house in which he was born; when he married he
brought his wife to live with him under the paternal roof;
the unhappy, by sympathizing with their misfortunes, and to
restore peace and tranquility to agitated spirits, constitute the when he died he left his sons abiding in the same place.
Neighboring families were similarly stabilized, and all
general and great ends of the Masonic system. This
these groups, owing to this perpetual neighborliness and to
humane, this generous disposition, fires the breast with
manly feelings, and enlivens that spirit of compassion which intermarriage, became so inwoven with each other that in a
community there would not be one stranger.
is the glory of the human frame, and which not only rivals,
In such a community the individual was not left to his
but outshines every other pleasure that the mind is capable
own
private resources; he was surrounded by others ever
of enjoying.
ready to aid him in misfortune, nurse him in illness and
All human passions, when directed by the superior
mourn him in death.
principle of reason, tend to promote some useful purpose;
But, there came a time when this stability of life was
but compassion toward proper objects is the most
broken
up. By degrees the Romans conquered adjoining
beneficial of all the affections, and excites more lasting
territory.
A great military system was organized. Whole
degrees of happiness; as it extends to greater numbers, and
nations
were
brought into the Roman Empire. Great cities
alleviates the infirmities and evils which are incident to
arose; travel was made possible; and a feverish restlessness
human existence.
took the place of the old stability. The old calm neighborPossessed of this amiable, this godlike disposition,
hood life was destroyed, and in its place there grew up a
Masons are shocked at misery under every form and
fermenting life in town and city. A man no longer lived and
appearance. When they behold an object pining under the
died in the place of his birth, but moved from place to place,
miseries of a distressed body or mind, the healing accents
becoming a stranger in his own neighborhood and scarce
which flow from the tongue mitigate the pain of the
knew other persons living under the same roof. In misforunhappy sufferer, and make even adversity, in its dismal
tune and death he was thrown back on his own, unaided,
state, look gay. When pity is excited, they assuage grief,
individual resources.
and cheerfully relieve distress. If a brother be in want,
In this situation men set out about the creating of a
every heart is moved; when he is hungry, we feed him;
bond
that would take the place of the lost neighborhood
when he is naked, we clothe him; when he is in trouble, we
ties.
They
organized themselves into “Collegia” - groups
fly to his relief. Thus we confirm the propriety of the title
formed of men in the same trade - which in the early days
we bear; and convince the world at large, that BROTHER,
of their history were principally devoted to securing for a
among Masons, is more than the name.
7
Page
man a becoming burial service, the lack of which so filled a alone, friendless or forsaken. The invisible but helpful arms
Roman with dread.
of our Order surround him, wherever he may be.
In the course of time these organizations - we could
Mythic story tells us that the ancient gods invisibly
rightly call them Lodges - assumed more and more
and secretly followed their favorites in all their
functions until at last a man found in them charities, social
wanderings, and when these were exposed to danger or
life, business aid, religious influences, friendships and
threatened with destruction, would unveil themselves in
other features of general protection. To live a stranger in a
their awful beauty and power, and stand forth to preserve
city was no longer a thing to dread, to a man who could
them from harm, or to avenge their wrongs. So
find in such a fellowship, the same friendship and support
Freemasonry surrounds all her children with her preserving
that his forefather had secured in the old-time
presence, revealing herself only in the hour of peril,
neighborhood. We men of today are living under just such
sickness or distress.
conditions as brought Collegia into existence. The great
It is an erroneous idea, but one widely prevalent, that
majority of us are living in towns and cities; many of us are Freemasonry is a benefit society; that persons join it that
subject to conditions that shuttle us about from place to
they may be cared for in their periods of adversity.
place, and from situation to situation, so that life has lost its Nothing could be further from the truth; at least
firmness and security. Our next-door neighbor is a stranger; theoretically one unites with our Fraternity that he may
we may live in an apartment house, where even with
serve and minister to the needs of others.
dwellers on the same floor we have no ties at all.
Freemasonry is not, in itself, a charitable
In the midst of such conditions the individual is often
organization. That is, the primary purpose of the Order is
thrown entirely upon his own
not charitable relief to its members.
“By the exercise of Brotherly
resources. It is here that the Lodge
Masonic charity is a great fact; it
comes in, for the Lodge, from this
Love we are taught to regard the
is an inherent part of the Masonic
whole human race as one family—
present point of view, is nothing other
system; but it is not the primary
the high and the low, the rich and the
than a substitute for the old-fashioned
purpose or function of Freemasonry.
poor; who, created by one Almighty
small community life, wherein
The fundamental creed of
Parent and inhabitants of the same
neighbor was so tied to neighbor that
Masonry is and ever must be, the
there was no need of charities, social
planet, ought to aid, support and
study of Masonic philosophy. As
protect each other. On this principle,
centers or employment bureaus. In a
Freemasons come together for the
Masonry unites men of every country,
Lodge a man need no longer be a
discussion of Masonic truth, a strong
sect and opinion, and conciliates true
stranger; he finds there other men
feeling of brotherhood naturally
friendship among those who might
who, like himself, are eager to
results. The friendships formed in
otherwise remain perpetually at a
establish friendships, engage in social
this work carry in themselves a desire
distance.”
intercourse, and pool the resources of
to relive the necessities of unfortunate
all in behalf of the needs of each.
brothers.
From all this one can see at a glance what brotherly
The real Masonic charity (or assistance) that is
aid really is. It is the substitution of the friend for the
afforded by one brother to another is assistance in the
stranger. It is a spirit which throws round a man the
learning and understanding of Masonic truth.
comforts and securities of love. When a worthy brother in
We are not taught that we shall afford one another
distress, or his family, is helped, it is not as a pauper, as in
political, business or social assistance. Masonic Lodges
the fashion of public charity, but the kindly help which one
are not political organizations; they are no business
neighbor is always so glad to lend to another. Masonic
syndicates; they are not social cliques. The average
charity is strong, kindly, beautiful and tender; and not
Freemason looks askance at the brother who seems to seek
charity at all in the narrow sense of the word. Nay, it does
assistance of such sort. However, it is not to be denied that
not wait until a brother is in distress, but throws about
the strong and enduring friendships formed in the Lodge
him in his strength and prosperity the affectionate arm of
are a real assistance to a man in all of his legitimate
friendship, without which life is cold and harsh.
endeavors. But we must not forget that if we assist a
Friendship, Fraternity and Fellowship - this is the soul of
brother Freemason in his endeavors, we assist him as a
Freemasonry, of which charity is but one gesture with a
friend, and not because there is anything in Masonry that
thousand meanings.
teaches us to discriminate in favor of Freemasons in the
Freemasonry not only inculcates the principals of love
ordinary relationships of life.
and benevolence, it seeks to give them actual and living
It is a common error to regard charity as that
presence in all occupations and intercourse of life. It not only
sentiment which prompts us to extend assistance to the
feels, it acts! It not only pities human suffering, it relieves
unfortunate. Charity in a Masonic sense has a much
it! Nowhere in the world can a good Mason feel himself
broader meaning, and embraces affection and goodwill
Freemasonry; I have lost my brotherly feelings; I have
gone to seed.”
Unless a man has the right kind of a heart you cannot
make him the right kind of a Freemason. You can fill his
brain full of obligations and teach him by symbols, and
send him forth from the Lodge room loaded to the guards
with good intentions, and if his heart is not right he will
walk a block out of his way to keep from giving a poor
beggar a nickel, and then hasten back again, circulate a
scandal, or interfere in matters that do not concern him.
…..Charity or friendship, as it may well be called - is
just the habit of giving our life to others; when we give our
life away we possess more of it; the more we give, the
more we receive.
…..Buddha said: “The Charitable man is loved by all;
his friendship is prized highly; in death his heart is at rest
and full of joy, for he suffers not from repentance; he
receives the opening flower of his reward and the fruit that
ripens from it. The charitable man has found the path of
salvation. He is like the man who plants a sapling, securing
thereby the shade, the flowers and the fruit in future
years. Even so is the result of charity; even so is the joy of
him who helps those who are in need of assistance.”
Confucius said: “Love is to conquer self and turn to
courtesy. Could we conquer self and turn to courtesy for
but one day, all mankind would turn to love. The signs of
love are ever courteous of eye and ever courteous of ear; to
be ever courteous in word and ever courteous in
deed. Without the door to behave as though a great guest
were come; to treat the people as though we tendered the
high sacrifice; not to do unto others what we would not
they should do unto us; to breed no wrongs in the
home. To be respectful at home, painstaking at work,
faithful to all. Love is to mete out five things to all below
heaven - modesty and bounty, truth, earnestness and
kindness. Modesty escapes insult; bounty wins the many;
truth gains men’s trust; earnestness brings success;
kindness is the key to men’s work.”
…..Charity should be a distinguishing characteristic of
every Freemason. It is in the practice of this virtue that
man most nearly reveals his kinship to God…..
Let me be a little kinder; Let me be a little blinder
To the faults of those about me;
Let me praise a little more.
Let me be, when I am weary, Just a little bit more cheery;
Let me serve a little better
Those that I am striving for.
Let me be a little meeker With a brother who is weaker;
Let me think more of my neighbor,
And a little less of me.
8
Let me be a little braver When temptation bids me waver;
Let me strive a little harder
To be all that I should be.
Page
toward all mankind, but more especially our brethren in
Freemasonry. It is this sentiment which prompts a
Freemason to suffer long and be kind, to control his
temper, forgive the erring, reach forth his hand to stay a
falling brother, to warn him of his error and whisper in his
ear that correction which his fault may demand, to close his
ear to slander and his lips to reproach; in short, to do unto
others as he would be done by.
Charity as applied to Freemasonry is different from
the usual and accepted meaning. All true Masons meet
upon the same level, regardless of wealth or station. In
giving assistance we strive to avoid the too common error
of considering charity only as that sentiment of
commensuration which leads us to assist the poor and
unfortunate with pecuniary donations. Its Masonic
application is more noble and more extensive. We are
taught not only to relieve a brother’s material wants, the
cry of hunger, etc., but to fellowship with him upon our
own level, stripped of worldly titles and honors. When we
thus appeal to him, giving spiritual advice, lifting him up
morally and spiritually with no sense of humiliation to him,
we set him free from his passion and wants. To such
charity there is a reciprocity rich in brotherly love and
sincere appreciation.
….Freemasonry has no place for the little, selfish side
of man. Its secrets are as the dead to him who looks at life
that way. It looks for the man with the bigger soul, with
the more universal spirit; it stops and stay with him only
who sees man’s mission in the betterment of the human
race, who can take by the hand the fellow who is down and
out, and put him on his feet and send him on his way a
better man. Its teachings are wonderfully practical and
godlike when once we recognize them.
It gives the individual a higher conception of a more
definite mission; but while this is the spirit of Freemasonry,
do we all recognize it? For no man can understand and
appreciate it until he has pondered long and faithfully upon
its teachings. Too many, alas,! fail to understand or get
that broader vision which our obligations are intended to
give. To them Freemasonry is a failure; they are neither
active nor practical Masons, but merely hangers-on. Such
is not the fault of Freemasonry, but is due to the fact that
they have failed to mix thought and action.
…..The real Freemason is the man in whose everyday
life one sees an exemplification of true Freemasonry. The
real Mason may be as poor as a church mouse, or he may
be the richest man on earth. But poor or rich, destitute or
otherwise, the real Freemason demonstrates the teachings
of the Fraternity in his daily life, in his business and social
dealings with his fellow-men, in his religion and in his
politics. The real Mason does not lose his interest in
Freemasonry or his interest in his brethren. Age, position,
wealth - these do not deaden his Masonic ardor. The
real Freemason never says: “I am not interested in