Traveling Templar

Follow me on Facebook and Twitter

2012-02-05T12:19:00.000-07:00

I've started a Facebook page as a discussion group to complement this website. Enjoy and please join in the discussions.

I am also posting on my Twitter page: @KSigMason.

Levant Preceptory and the Masonic Templary reformation

2012-02-04T09:00:00.000-07:00

With one of my previous posts, I talked about the modern Templar uniform in comparison to the garb worn by the Templars during the Crusades. Lately there has been some discussion on the modern Templar uniforms and how the price has pushed many away from going in or being active with the Masonic Templars.

Brother Nick from the Millennial Freemason brought up using period garb like Levant Preceptory.

In his August 2011 article in the Knights Templar magazine, Brother Chris Hodapp, of Freemasons for Dummies, talks about the fading interest in the "paramilitary customs of marching in drill teams and rehearsing twelve-man openings." as well as shelling out the cash for the naval style dress uniform of the Victorian Age. He, along with many others, point out the lacking of Templar research that should be conducted in the Commandery, but like a lot of Masonic organizations, the education programs are almost none existent.

When one says "Templar", one usually thinks of chain-mail, broadswords, and steel helmets not black dress uniforms. There seems to be a lack of connection to the medieval Templars. Seeing the problems facing Masonic Templary, Raper Commandery #1, out of Indiana, started Levant Preceptory who refer to themselves as a Period Order of the Temple Reenactment Unit.

According to Bro. Chris:

The goal was to create a medieval period degree team for conferring the Order of the Temple, as well as a promotional public face for Indiana Templary. The mission is not to represent modern Masonic Knights Templar as a variation on the Society for Creative Anachronism, but to spread the word that Christian chivalry and knighthood still exist in a modern world as an active part of the fraternity of Freemasonry.

They kept the Preceptory as an informal club connected to Raper Commandery so they didn't have to get a new charter and be required to purchase regulation uniforms or hold business meetings.

As an informal club, Levant has no separate officers, bylaws, dues, regulations, or requirements. Knights are simply expected to provide their own medieval uniforms and equipment, and to know their assigned cast parts in the standard ritual of the Order of the Temple.
- Christopher Hodapp

While the Preceptory works under Raper Commandery and their charter, the group encourages participation from all Sir Knights of Indiana. They didn't want to detract members from their own Commanderies and to keep it unique they wanted to perform the Order of the Temple only twice a year.

Their garb consists of a broadsword, steel helmet, chainmail hauberks, gauntlets & coifs, white tunics (with a red cross over the heart), and other essential equipment. The current Armorer of Levant Preceptory, Sir Knight Robert Coleman, has a great knowledge of medieval period garb as well as outfitting men on a budget. The white tunics are made from a "heavy canvas duck material hand-sewn by Robert's wife" and custom fitted to each Knight. To keep the white tunics clean the inside of them are lined with black material. The chain-mail can be made either out of steel or aluminum, depending on the need of the Knight. All of this can be purchased for as little as $300 which is about the same price as a feathered Chapeau.

They have created equipment for conducting the ceremony outside to include special made chairs, altar, and a tent to meet in. These Sir Knights of Levant Preceptory have attracted a lot of attention not only in their state but across the nation, even performing in the surrounding states. Levant Preceptory has even appeared on a Templar documentary.

According to the previously mentioned Templar article:

In addition to conferring the Order of the Temple, Sir Knight James Dillman created a public ceremony suitable for non-Masons in which the Knights dramatize the night before the arrest of the order in France in 1307. At its first public presentation for a statewide gathering of DeMolay members and parents on the 700th anniversary of the arrests on October 13, 2007, the enthusiastic audience spent two hours afterwards asking questions, trying on the equipment, and bursting with excitement over seeing Templar Knights assembled as they had always imagined them.

This would be amazing to see and I hope to eventually to attend their presentation.

White it can be said that this isn't a solution to bringing Masonic Templary about, many young members are desiring something very similar to this kind of reformation.

Levant Preceptory has a Facebook page and a homepage if you would like to keep up on their current events as well as contact them.

To Chivalry...

May Common Sense never quell our love for high hearted adventure, nor dull expediency prevent our doing brave, splendid, foolish deeds. May we ever serve romance as we ride errant to and fro about a sunlit world. If we be not always wise, God send that we at least be admirable.

References

Hodapp, C. (2008, April 13). Levant PreceptoryConfers Templar Order. Retrieved from Freemasons For Dummies:http://freemasonsfordummies.blogspot.com/2008/04/levant-preceptory-confers-templar-order.html

Hodapp, C. (2011, August). Medieval Knighthood LivesIn Indiana’s Levant Preceptory. Knights Templar magazine, pp. 10-13.

Levant Preceptory. (n.d.). Retrievedfrom Indianapolis York Rite: http://freemasonsfordummies.com/brlodge/york2.html

Scottish Rite Installation of Officers

2012-02-02T23:50:00.000-07:00

Well, tonight the Boise Valley of the Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite, Southern Jurisdiction, installed their officers for the ensuing year. The outgoing Venerable Master of the Lodge of Perfection presided as the installing officer and this was the first open installation in many, many years with a good turnout.

Now to bed to finish up school for this week then for a very busy weekend.

Grand College of Rites

2012-02-02T10:00:00.000-07:00

Well, I submitted my petition to the Grand College of Rites. The Grand College of Rites of the United States of America is a "regular" Masonic body, dedicated to preserving the history and rituals of defunct and inactive Masonic orders. As I am dedicated to researching the history of Freemasonry, I don't know why I have not already joined this group.

The Grand College of Rites of the United States of America meets annually at the time and place of the Annual Meeting of the Grand Council of Allied Masonic Degrees of the United States of America. See Masonic Week.

There history can seen here: History of the GCR. The Official Transactions of the Grand College of Rites of the United States of America is the "Collectanea".

I had first heard of the Grand College of Rites when I was researching the appendant bodies/organizations of Freemasonry as well as research organizations.

I can't wait to be accepted to this group with so many excellent Brothers and receive the volumes of books. So much information, so much history.

A Decade

2012-01-26T12:00:00.000-07:00

Today, 10-years ago in a red carpeted room in the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) building in Boise I raised my hand to protect this country from all enemies, foreign and domestic.

It has been an interesting ride with some great high and a few lows. I have deployed to Iraq twice, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) III in '04/'05 as an Intelligence Analyst and 6-years later in support of Operation New Dawn (OND) as a Shadow 200 Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Standardization Instructor-Operator. I have gained an immense amount of experience and gained some life-long relationships.

I am almost done with my National Guard contract and currently don't plan on re-enlisting, but plan on pursuing a career with the Federal government. I am currently attending college using the Post 9/11 GI Bill to fund my way through to eventually earn both my Bachelor and Masters degree.

My First Week Back At School

2012-01-21T07:30:00.000-07:00

Well, if the first week (and introduction into the course syllabi) this Semester will be great. Classes are fun and interactive, and my Political Science Professors are passionate about teaching, yet not letting their individual beliefs bleed over into their teaching. I can see that I am going to love the Intro of International Relations course this semester; too bad it is only 50-minutes.

I hope to keep supplying this blog with plenty of posts.

The Templar Uniforms

2012-01-19T09:00:00.000-07:00

From my early interest in the Templars of the Crusades, I always found their garments, and the distinction between the two, interesting as it was both simple, but highly symbolic. Fast forward to Fall 2008 and I have entered the Asylum for the first time to see the Sir Knights seated in their uniforms; one of a black jacket (similarly used by the Naval Petty Officer), a feathered Chapeau, and armed with a sword. I, as many people have, found the difference in uniform styles to be weird (for lack of a better word). For such a prestigious order to commemorate themselves by taking the name of those valiant knights of the Crusades, but veering away from them in such a manner.

Before we delve into the history and evolution of the modern Templar uniform, one should have a basic understanding of each uniform individually.

The Garments of the Knights Templar

The best known wardrobe of the Knights Templar is a white mantle (for Knights) and brown mantle (for Sergeants) emblazoned with the red cross pattée, but I am getting ahead of myself.

As with any good and organized body there are set guidelines, regulations, or Constitution that establishes operating procedure as well as member uniformity. In the time of the Crusades this was no different. Ecclesiastical and knightly orders worked under "Rules" which governed their lives.

When the Knights Templar were first founded in Jerusalem they received a copy of the Rules of St. Augustine, but at the Council of Troyes the Templar Rule was written, the most notable participant was Bernard of Clairvaux. The result of this Council was what is commonly referred to as the "Primitive Rule". This "Primitive Rule" established the garments of the members, but originally did not bestow the honor to wear the red cross. It wasn't until 1147 when Pope Eugene III granted the right to wear the red cross. While many pictures show the Cross emblazoned in many places around the uniform it was stationed over the heart of the left side of the mantle.

Their white mantle was said to be a symbol of purity and a reflection of the knight's vow of chastity. It has also been suggested (never definitively proven) that they were required to wear sheepskin under garments and that were never to be removed as another symbol of their vows.

While many knights of the day wore their hair long, the Templars hair was cut short, but were forbidden to cut their beards. Being a member of the Armed Forces myself I can understand the practical need for short hair having worn an abundant different styles of helmets or covers. It would be no different to apply this logic to the knights of the crusades where hair could obscure their vision in their helmets while riding into battle.

The Modern (Masonic) Templar uniforms

As the Crusaders garments were defined by their Rule so too are our uniforms defined in the Constitution of the Grand Encampment, Knights Templar, USA. Now the description of the uniform changes with rank (ie subordinate Commandery officer, dais office, Grand Commandery officer, Grand Encampment officer, etc) so I will give a general description with some specifics of the Dress Uniform (not the Summer or Cap & Mantle). Also note, that a Grand Commandery may slightly alter the uniform within in its own jurisdiction, but a subordinate Commandery may not (on its own).

The Templar Dress Coat, as the Grand Encampment refers to it, is a black double-breasted frock coat with crosses upon the sleeve (each different for members, officers, Grand officers, and Grand Encampment officers). For members and non-dais officers of a subordinate Commandery, there is nothing on the shoulders, but for dais officers on up there is set shoulder boards depicting the rank. Jewels from meritorious service or rank are worn upon the left breast. The trousers shall be black broadcloth and of standard military cut (your average black dress pants).

The feathered chapeau always brings a smile to people's faces. It is trimmed with black velvet binding, and with two black and one white ostrich plume so arranged that the black plumes shall show at the edges distinctly and the end of the white plume shall not extend beyond the chapeau more than three inches, the length and width to be in proportion to the size of the Sir Knights. The exact dimensions may vary with rank/position, but for the most part the Chapeau extends to the front and rear a few inches from the head. The side is beveled, all lined with gold wire lace. On the the left side is set a rosette which varies with rank.

The swords are ornamented from hilt through the blade and vary with rank (gold plate versus silver). Some jurisdictions wear a belt and some use a shoulder strap that hides under the coat coming through a pocket on the hip.

So with this how did we come to this?

The Evolution of the Modern Uniforms

Brother Brent Morris in his book "The Complete Idiots Guide to Freemasonry" describes the original uniform of the American Knights Templar as rather simple being composed of a black triangular apron with skull & bones, a shoulder-to-hip sash, and a sword, all of which would be worn over street clothes. American Masonic Templary from its earliest recorded conferral up into the 19th century hadn't spread very quickly owing to the scandal referred to as the Morgan Affair and the American Civil War.

After the Civil War though, would come an age where many fraternal organizations (not just the Masonic one) would flourish as well as the regalia companies who supplied them. After the war we see the Templar uniform updated into something more acceptable for the Victorian Age (ca. 1837 - 1901) where we see it go from a simplistic design to a black frock coat (similar to the Civil War-era uniforms), a feathered (naval style) chapeau, a sword & scabbard, and for some time a black triangular apron (no longer used by the Grand Encampment*).

While impressive when in prossession, it is expensive, and Brett makes a certain comment in his book that I must share as I find it pertinent as well as comical:

"If expense is widely held (if inappropriate) measure of prestige, then Knights Templar topped the popular scale with their uniforms (unsuitable for anything but Templar meetings) and their exclusive membership in and fees for Lodge, Chapter, and Commandery."

* - some jurisdictions still use the apron

References

(n.d.). Chapter XIX - Uniforms - SubordinateCommanderies. In Constitution, Statutes, Disciplinary Rules, StandingResolutions, Ceremonies, Forms and Approved Decisions of the Grand Encampmentof Knights Templar of the United States of America (p. 173).

Dafoe, S. (2010, April 01). Masonic Templar Regalia.Retrieved from TemplarHistory.com:http://blog.templarhistory.com/2010/04/masonic-templar-regalia/

Dafoe, S. (n.d.). Garments Of The Knights Templar. TheWorking Tools magazine, pp. 39-40.

(2006). Chapter 8: The York Rite. In B. Morris, TheComplete Idiots Guide to Freemasonry. London: Penguin Group.

The Primitive Rule of the Templars. (n.d.). Retrieved from Project Beauceant:http://templiers.org/index-eng.php

(n.d.). U2. Uniforms. In Constitution,Laws, and Regulations Of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of the Stateof Idaho (pp. 50-51).

Upcoming Events

2012-01-16T12:25:00.003-07:00

Here are the notable upcoming events for the next few months here in the Boise area for the York Rite:

02/04: Knights Templar Groundhog's Day Breakfast

03/10: York Rite Festival - Day 1, Capitular Degrees

03/31: York Rite Festival - Day 2, Cryptic Degrees

04/08: Knights Templar Easter Observance

04/12-04/14: 2012 Grand York Rite Sessions of Idaho

04/21: York Rite Festival - Day 3, Chivalric Orders

The Year of 13

2012-01-13T13:13:00.000-07:00

Getting away from this being the supposed year that the world ends, this is a very unusual year. The superstitious hold Friday the 13th has to be a day of either severe bad luck or good luck, but this year they have to wrangle with 3 of them, separated exactly 13 weeks apart (which has not happened since 1984 - the year of my birth).

Three Friday the 13ths happen every few years. The last was in 2009, and the next is 2015. What's special about 2012 — and what won't occur again until 2040 — is that this is happening during a leap year, says Tom Fernsler, a University of Delaware math professor who sometimes goes by the name Dr. 13.

Read More

There are many historical events that have landed on Friday the 13th, the most well-known being the mass arrest of French Knights Templar on October 13th, 1307, by King Phillip IV as well as the death of the last Templar Grand Master, Jacques de Molay, who was burnt at the stake on an island near Notre Dame on Friday, March 13th, 1314.

Some of historical events are:

Butch Cassidy, a notorious American train and bank robber was born on Friday, April 13th, 1866.

Al Capone was sentenced to prison on a Friday the 13th.

Fidel Castro was born on Friday, August 13th, 1926.

Hubert Humphrey, the 38th Vice President of the USA, died on Friday, January 13th, 1978.

The "Friday the 13th virus" infected hundreds of IBM computers across Great Britain on Friday, Jan. 13, 1989. This is one of the most famous early examples of a computer virus making headlines.
Tupac Shakur was shot and killed in Las Vegas on Friday, Sept. 13th, 1996.

Read More

Triskaidekaphobia is the fear of the number 13 while fear of Friday the 13th is called paraskevidekatriaphobia or friggatriskaidekaphobia. From the time of the Templar arrest to today there are many superstitions surrounding this day.

13 Supersitions about Friday the 13th
There is at least one Friday the 13th every year, but no single year has more than three.
Months with a Friday the 13th always begin on a Sunday.
The longest period that can occur without a Friday the 13th is fourteen months.
Legend has it if 13 people sit down to dinner together, one will die within the year. In France, diners can hire a quatorzieme, or professional 14th guest.
Friday is said to be the day when Eve tempted Adam with the forbidden fruit, Abel was killed by Cain and Jesus Christ was crucified.
Many cities do not have a 13th Street or 13th Avenue.
Many buildings don't have a 13th floor.
Most airports skip having a 13th gate and airplanes a 13th row.
Many hospitals do not have a room number 13.
If you have 13 letters in your name, you have the devil's luck - Jack the Ripper, Charles Manson, Jeffrey Dahmer and Theodore Bundy all have 13 letters in their names.
There are 13 twists of the rope in a traditional hangman's noose and 13 steps leading up to the gallows.
In Formula 1 racing, there is no car with the number 13. The number has been removed after two drivers were killed in crashes, both driving cars numbered 13.
An urban myth states the British Royal Navy tried to dispel the superstition that sailing on Friday was bad luck. They built a ship named HMS Friday. On its maiden voyage, the vessel left dock on a Friday the 13th, and was never heard from again.
Source

The number 13 and Friday are recurring presences in mythological, spiritual and religious tradition. In Christianity, 13 people attended the Last Supper before Judas' betrayal and Jesus' death on a Friday. A Norse myth warns of dire consequences for dining in groups of 13 (something as we saw above, the French even feared in some instances).

For many pagans, 13 is a lucky number, because it corresponds with the number of full moons each year, says Ivo Dominguez Jr., owner of Bell, Book & Candle, a pagan and occult book and gift shop in Dover, Del.

The Numerology of 13

The number 13 symbolizes the death to the matter or to oneself and the birth to the spirit: the passage on a higher level of existence. One can see a bond between Jacob and his twelves sons as well as Christ to his 12 Apostles. According to the Druids the sacred cord has 13 segments. The Sumerians used a zodiac including 13 constellations and 26 main stars. The number 13 also falls into the Fibonacci sequence.

There are many more things tied to 13 such as the 13 original colonies of America as well as the number conspiratorial tied to us Freemasons.

The Master of Templary Orders

2012-01-11T03:37:00.000-07:00

From "The Poetry Of Freemasonry" by Rob Morris

One is your Master, Christ, the Lord,
And we are Brethren, true and strong,
Sincere in heart, exact in word,
Abhorring vice and wrong.

Sir Knights, flash out the Cross-hilt Sword!
One is your Master, Christ, the Lord,

One word inspires the valiant Knight, —
It is the cruel Golgotha;
One star leads on with steady light,
The bright, the Orient star.

Sir Knights, flash out the Cross-hilt Sword
One is your Master, Christ, the Lord,

Where lines of Knightly legends flow,
From Bethlehem to Olivet,
There do our warrior-longings go,
There is our Master yet.

Sir Knights, flash out the Cross-hilt Sword!
One is your Master, Christ, the Lord,

And when is won this earthly strife,
Laid by the Spear, assumed the Crown,
We trust to share that peaceful life
Which our Great Captain won.

Sir Knights, flash out the Cross-hilt Sword!
One is your Master, Christ, the Lord.

Ohio Asylum of Research

2012-01-10T22:32:00.001-07:00

Last year I joined the Ohio Asylum of Research and I hope to spread the word of this new research group. From the website:

Our purpose is to study every facet of Templary. We will be meeting four times a year at various Commanderies on the fifth Saturday of the month. We will have a progressive officer line just as any other Commandery.

At the bottom of the page there is a link for the petition and where to send it. Any Sir Knight in good standing may fill out the petition below and return it to the address on the bottom of the petition with the appropriate fee.

Heading Back to College

2012-01-10T02:00:00.000-07:00

Well, its a New Year and now that I'm home from Iraq, it is time to head back to college. I am a registered student at Boise State University. I am going for a Bachelors in Political Science with an emphasis on International Relations and I haven't decided my minor, but it will either be in leadership or history.

I have the books and I'm down to a week before it starts. I am excited.

My posts may slow down, but I will keep the posts coming when I can get them in.

York Rite College conferred the 1st Degree

2012-01-09T23:28:00.000-07:00

Tonight was a great night. Companion Knights of Tri-Valley College #178, York Rite Sovereign College of North America, assembled at Idaho Lodge #1 to confer the 1st Degree of Freemasonry. They did an amazing job and I hope the candidate thoroughly enjoyed it.

I'd like to thank the Companion Knights for their performance in the conferral and thanks to Idaho Lodge #1 for allowing us to confer the degree.

Top Row (L-R): Me, David Grindle - Deputy Grand Governor of Idaho, Jerry Parsons - Seneschal, and G. Arthur Shoemaker - Secretary & Past Governor (PG)

Bottom Row (L-R): Ron Berto - Grand Governor of Idaho, Jay Leonard - Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons in Idaho, our newly obligated Brother (name withheld), Bill Curtis - Worshipful Master of Idaho #1 and Governor of Tri-Valley College #178, Stan Barker - Past Governor, and Art Easley - Chancellor

All of those in attendance at Idaho Lodge #1.

Scottish Rite Appointment

2012-01-07T14:42:00.000-07:00

Well, this last Thursday, the Boise Valley of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, Southern Jurisdiction, USA, had their monthly stated meeting where they held elections. A good friend of mine, and fellow Companion & Sir Knight of the York Rite, was elected as Venerable Master of the Lodge of Perfection. He has asked me to sit as the Prelate (Chaplain) and I have accepted. I will be installed in February.

Frank J. Kester Knights Templar Groundhog Day Breakfast

2012-01-07T03:11:00.000-07:00

Idaho Commandery #1, Knights Templar of Idaho, will be hosting their annual Frank J. Kester Knights Templar Groundhog Day Breakfast at the Boise Masonic Temple on Saturday, the 4th of February, beginning at 7:00AM. There is a requested donation of $5.00 for adults and $3.00 for children under 12 for an all you can pancake breakfast.

This years proceeds will go to supporting a minister as he takes part in the Grand Encampment's Holy Land Pilgrim program. All are invited to attend and

2012 Grand York Rite Sessions of Germany

2012-01-05T03:58:00.001-07:00

Well, I'm excited to say that I will be attending Companion George C Sellars, Most Puissant General Grand Master of the General Grand Council, Cryptic Masons International, and Companion David Grindle, Right Puissant General Grand Recorder of the General Grand Council, Cryptic Masons International, to the Annual Sessions of the Das Oberste Großkapitel der Maurer vom Königlichen Bogen von Deutschland (The Supreme Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Mason of Germany) and Das Großkonzil der Kryptischen Maurer von Deutschland (The Grand Council of Cryptic Masons of Germany). Dave asked if I would like to attend and I have set aside the money needed to go. After that we go to Romania for their York Rite Week.

These meetings will take place on May 11th and 12th in Frankfurt. See the General Grand Council's Calendar for information of this event.

Masonic Week in Romania

2012-01-05T03:57:00.000-07:00

In May, the Companions and Sir Knights of Romania will be celebrating 130 years of York Rite Masonry.

This week long event will take place in Bucharest from the 14th to the 19th of May.

Monday will be for registration, Tuesday for the Grand Chapter of the Royal Arch, Wednesday for the Grand Council of Cryptic Masons, Thursday for appendant York Rite organizations (such as KYCH, SRIR, AMD, etc), Friday will be for the Knights Templar, and all of this will culminate with the Anniversary Ceremony and Dinner on Saturday.

If you are interested in going, visit the General Grand Council website and click on "Calendar". Go to the month of May 2012, click on "Romanian York Rite Week", and click on "More Details" to get the official announcement.

York Rite College performing the EA Degree

2012-01-03T02:39:00.001-07:00

On January 9th, 2012, Tri-Valley College #178, York Rite Sovereign College of North America, will be putting on the Entered Apprentice degree for Idaho Lodge #1 in Boise, ID, starting at 7:30 PM.

All Masons are invited to attend.

New Years Day Polar Bear Jump

2012-01-01T12:55:00.000-07:00

Well after a night out on the town celebrating the New Year, I drug my butt up to Lucky Peak Reservoir. Along with hundreds other people I took the plunge and took to the freezing water in this year's Polar Bear Challenge. It was cold...really, really cold, but a lot of fun.

TAKE THE PLUNGE: Make-A-Wish Foundation’s New Year’s Day fundraiser set for Lucky Peak

Brave and dedicated individuals will kick off the New Year byplunging into the icy water, with some even attempting to ski andwakeboard. Funds raised from the event will be used to grant wishesto Idaho children battling life-threatening medical conditions.Each year the Idaho Chapter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation servesmore than 90 children.

READ MORE

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T00:00:00.000-07:00

Another year ends and another approaches. This year was a strange -- for one the deployment made the year go by so slowly, but because I missed so much the year seems to be coming to end too quickly for me.

Last year I was sitting on a base in Southern Iraq. This year I am sitting in Idaho. I expect to still be here next year and hopefully going to school still.

As for resolutions, I just plan on being happy and as healthy as I can be.

I hope you all have a Happy New Year.

Auld Lang Syne

Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind?
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and old lang syne?

For auld lang syne, my dear,
for auld lang syne,
we'll take a cup of kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.
And surely you’ll buy your pint cup!
and surely I’ll buy mine!
And we'll take a cup o’ kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

Recap of the Year

2011-12-30T20:42:00.000-07:00

For me I started 2011 out in Iraq in support of Operation New Dawn. I had been there for just over a month. For being a combat zone, it hadn't been too bad and we were preparing to move to another base.

As March came around it was time to go on leave. I chose to go to Italy instead of going home, a tough choice, but it was well worth the travel. I had an amazing time and the Italian Brethren were very hospitable.

It took me a few days to get back to my guys in Iraq thanks to a nice little dust storm that swept through Kuwait. Once I was back with my guys I went back to my normal routine of 12 hours on shift, 12 hours off shift. My days were fairly boring interrupted by the regular incoming rocket/mortar attacks. After a few months, my routine was fractured by getting sent to another base to assist another unit as an Instructor.

After some weeks I was in the midst of trying to get back to my guys, but Mother Nature decided to hinder me day after day. Finally after some time and 6 other bases later, I made it back to my guys. A few months go by, a new unit, a change of base, and we're ready to head home. After some hitches in the plan, the wheels of the C17 I was riding finally left the sands of Iraq.

As a little treat we got to stop through Rota, Spain, which was an amazing time and for the first time since leave, I felt safe and with the feeling that I did not have to return to Iraq. I had fun, but it was time to get back home.

After a week of de-mobilization in Ft. Lewis, it was time to go home and see my family and friends for the first time in a year. I was so excited and so glad to be home. To embrace those who I loved and missed so much. My friends took me out for a great night out on the town.

At the end of September I finally did something I was wanting to do for years...I went and had LASIK surgery done. Hopefully in the end this will save me some cash as I would regularly break my glasses.

Now my focus was on one of my best friend's weddings. I threw a killer Bachelor Party (as the guys all enjoyed themselves and the bride was pissed after hearing some of the stories of the entertainment :D). The wedding day came and it was amazing. The wedding party all looked great and the ceremony was amazing. I was honored to be the Best Man as Marcus and I were Pledge Brothers in Kappa Sigma, we lived together when him and his wife met, I raised him as a Master Mason, and we were both in the Idaho Army National Guard.

The rest of October was filled with hunting or Masonic events such as the Northwest York Rite Conference or going through the Scottish Rite Reunion. To cap it all off I decided to go to Pennsylvania to attend the Academy of Masonic Knowledge where Brent Morris and Cliff Porter were speaking. The time there was amazing.

Once I was home I moved into a new place with an old high school friend. She is an amazing friend and roommate.

December came and with it I was finally able to attend my first York Rite College meeting since I was initiated. Now I spend my time getting ready to go to Boise State University. It was a roller coaster year, but now I'm ready to go back to a nice, easy life.

If by Rudyard Kipling

2011-12-30T04:13:00.000-07:00

This poem is probably one of my favorite poems. It is also a great note that Rudyard Kipling was a Brother Mason.

If by Rudyard Kipling

If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too:
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or, being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or being hated don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise;

If you can dream — and not make dreams your master;
If you can think — and not make thoughts your aim,
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same:.
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build'em up with worn-out tools;

If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings,
And never breathe a word about your loss:
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on!"

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with Kings — nor lose the common touch,
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,
If all men count with you, but none too much:
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And which is more; you'll be a Man, my son!

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T04:00:00.000-07:00

I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas. Remember the reason for the season. Praise be to Lord of Lords, the King of Kings, the Blessed Redeemer, Our Savior!

"Non nobis Domine; non nobis, sed Nomini tuo da gloriam"

Freemasonry and King Athelstan

2011-12-22T03:00:00.000-07:00

History of King Athelstan

King Athelstan, the grandson of King Alfred the Great (known for his defense against the Viking invaders), Athelstan (also spelled: Athelstane, Athelstone, Athelston, Aldiston, Adelstan, Adelston, and Ethelstan) is historically known for his success in securing the submission of Constantine II, King of Scots, at the Treaty of Eamont Bridge in 927 AD through to the Battle of Brunanburh in 937 AD led to his claiming the title "King of all Britain". While overlooked by his grandfather, it is important to point out that Athelstan was the first King of a unified England from 927 AD. He reigned between 925 and 939 and was a distinguished and courageous soldier who pushed the boundaries of the kingdom further than anyone had done before.

According to Masons, particularly those of the York Rite persuasion, he holds an endearing place in our history as great supporter of Masonry in England, establishing charges and articles given to the Craft to live by.

From the Masonic Order of Athelstan's website:

In the year 926 A.D., the legendary Grand Assembly at York, was said to have been held by King Athelstan's half brother Prince Edwin, wherein the great traditions of symbolic and operative masonry were constituted, revived, or organized, and a new code of laws for the governing of the Craft instituted.

---

Under Athelstan, law codes strengthened royal control over his large kingdom. Currency was regulated to control silver's weight and to penalise fraudsters. Buying and selling was largely confined to the burghs, encouraging town life. Areas of settlement in the Midlands and Danish towns were consolidated into shires.

Overseas, Athelstan built alliances by marrying off four of his half-sisters to various rulers in Western Europe. He was also a great collector of artworks and religious relics, which he gave away too many of his followers, and to churches in order to gain the support of the clergy.

Athelstan died in 939 at the height of his power, and was buried in Malmesbury Abbey. He had been an ardent supporter and endower of the Abbey, and it is fitting that he should be buried there.

Here is from the York Rite Sovereign College of North America's website on the origins of the York Rite:

The York Rite takes its name from the Ancient English city of York, around whose minster, or cathedral, cluster many Masonic traditions. Here , these traditions tell us, Athelstan, who reigned more than a thousand years ago and who was the first king of all England, granted the first charter to the Masonic guilds. Here, in 1705, a Grand Lodge in London, to whose constitution the Grand Lodge of England later appealed as the true source of authentic Freemasonry. Though early disappearing from the Masonic scene, this Grand Lodge left an indelible impression upon the institution, and its name --- York --- will survive as long as Freemasonry continues.

According to Phillip G. Elam in his paper "King Athelstan: Masonry's First Royal Patron",

History of manuscripts

The three manuscripts that surround the York Rite legend and King Athelstan are the: Halliwell Manuscript (Regius Poem), Cooke Manuscript, and Landsdowne Manuscript. There is also one I had not heard of before doing this research, this is known as the Roberts Manuscript; claiming to be dated around the 13th century.

Regius Poem/Halliwell Manuscript

This manuscript is admitted to be the oldest genuine record of the Craft of Masonry known. The general consensus on the age of the document dates its writing to between the late 1300s and the middle of the 15th century, and from internal evidence its author appears to have been a West of England clergyman. The manuscript was recorded in various personal inventories as it changed hands until it came into possession of the Royal Library, which was donated to the British Museum in 1757 by King George II to form the nucleus of the present British Library.

During this time, the document was generally described as a poem of moral duties. The significance of the document as relating to Freemasonry was not realized until it was featured in an article on Freemasonry by James Halliwell in 1840.

The text of the document states that Freemasonry was brought to England during the reign of King Athelstan from 924 to 939.

In Egypt he taught it full wide,
In divers lands on every side;
Many years afterward, I understand,
Ere that the craft came into this land.
This craft came into England, as I you say,
In time of good King Athelstane's day;
He made then both hall and even bower,
And high temples of great honor,
To disport him in both day and night,
And to worship his God with all his might.
This good lord loved this craft full well,
And purposed to strengthen it every part,
For divers faults that in the craft he found;
He sent about into the land

Cooke Manuscript

The Matthew Cooke Manuscript is the oldest of a class of about one hundred early documents known as Freemasonry's Gothic Constitutions, and the second oldest known manuscript in Masonic history. Typically, the Gothic Constitutions included an invocation, a mythical legend of ancient Masonry, a list of charges and regulations for Masons, and an oath or obligation.

The manuscript was published by R. Spencer, London, in 1861 and it was edited by Mr. Matthew Cooke—hence the name. It has been dated at 1450 or thereabouts, an estimate in which most of the specialists have concurred.

And after that there was a worthy king in England, called Athelstan, and his youngest son loved well the science of Geometry ; and he know well, as well as the masons themselves, that their handicraft was the practice of the science of Geometry. Therefore he drew to their councils (or took counsel, or lessons, of them) and learned the practical part of that science in addition to his theoretical (or book) knowledge. For of the speculative part he was a master. And he loved well masonry and masons. And he became a mason himself. And he give them charges and usages such as are now customary in England and in other countries. And he ordained that they should have reasonable pay. And he purchased a free patent of the king that they might hold an assembly at what time they thought reasonable and come together to consult. Of the which charges, usages and assembly it is written and taught in our Book of Charges; wherefore I leave it for the present.

---

Many years after, in the time of king Athelstan, sometime king of England, by common assent of his Council and other great lords of the land on account of great defects found amongst masons, a certain rule was ordained for them.

Landsdowne Manuscript

The lesser known of the manuscripts, this catalogs the old charges of Freemasonry. According to Albert Mackey:

This version of the Old Charges is of very early date, about the middle or latter half of the sixteenth century, as these Free Masons Orders and Constitutions are believed to have been part of the collection made by Lord Burghley, Secretary of State in the time of Edward VI, who died 1598 A.D.

From the manuscript:

Thereat was he himselfe and did help to make Masons and gave them Charges as you shall heare afterwards, soone after the Decease of St. Albones there came Diverse Warrs into England out of Diverse Nations so that the good rule of Masons was dishired and put downe vntill the tyme of Kin% Adilsion in his tyme there was a worthy King in England that brought this Land into good rest and he builded many great workes and buildings, therefore he loved well Masons for he had a Sonne called Edwin the which Loved Masons much more then his ffather did and he was soe practized in Geometry that he delighted much to come and talke with Masons and to Learne of them the Craft, And after for the love he had to Masons and to the Craft, he was made Mason at Windsor and he gott of the King his ffather a Charter and Commission once every yeare to have Assembley within the Realme where they would within England and to correct within themselves ffaults & Trespasses that weere done as Touching the Craft, and he held them an Assembley at Yorke and there he made Masons and gave them Charges and taught them the Manners, and Comands the same to be kept ever afterwards And tooke them the Charter and Commission to keep their Assembly and Ordained that it should be renewed from King to King.

Roberts Manuscript

He began to build manyAbbeys, Monasteries, and other religious houses, as also castles and diversFortresses for defence of his realm. He loved Masons more than his father; hegreatly study'd Geometry, and sent into many lands for men expert in thescience. He gave them a very large charter to hold a yearly assembly, andpower to correct offenders in the said science; and the king himself caused aGeneral Assembly of all Masons in his realm at York, and there made manyMasons, and gave them a deep charge for observation of all such articles asbelonged unto Masonry, and delivered them the said Charter to keep.

References

1. Wikipedia. (2011, November 24). Retrieved from Masonic Manuscripts: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Masonic_manuscripts

2. Elam, P. G. (n.d.). Masonic Forum. Retrieved from King Athelstan: Masonry's First Royal Patron: http://www.masonicforum.ro/archive/en/nr21/patron.html

3. Hughan, W. J. (1872). The Old Charges of British Freemasons. London.

4. Masonic Dictionary. (n.d.). Retrieved from The Landsdowne Manuscript: http://www.masonicdictionary.com/lansdowne.html

5. Masonic Dictionary. (n.d.). Retrieved from The York Legend: http://www.masonicdictionary.com/yorkl.html

6. Speth, T. b. (n.d.). Matthew Cooke Manuscript. England.

7. The Masonic Order of Athelstan in England, Wales, and its Provinces Overseas. (n.d.). Retrieved from Who was King Athelstan?: http://athelstan.org.uk/history/who-was-king-athelstan?showall=1

8. Wikipedia. (n.d.). Retrieved from Athelstan: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%86thelstan

"Whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave: even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve."

Matt.20:26-27-28

YREP: Continuation and Update

2011-12-22T01:30:00.000-07:00

Talking with a Brother on the Master Mason forum and he was discussing the Chancellor Robert R Livingston Masonic Library of the Grand Lodge of New York and a course they have. This is the reading course geared towards the York Rite:

12. The Tabernacle Near the Ruins, the Royal Arch Course:
Royal Arch, Capstone of Freemasonry by Ray Vaughn Denslow
Lessons in Capitular Masonry by Charles C. Hunt
Thomas Smith Webb, Freemason, Musician, Entrepreneur by Herbert R. Leyland
Light from the Sanctuary by Charles Albert Snodgrass
The Royal Arch, its Hidden Meaning by George Harold Steinmetz
13. The Secret Vault Under the Tabernacle, the Cryptic Mason Course:
An Encyclopedia of Cryptic Masonry by Ray Vaughn Denslow
One Hundred Years, 1823-1923, of the Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters, State of New York compiled by Herbert W. Greenlan
A History of the Cryptic Rite vol. 1 by Eugene E. Hinman
A Short Story About Cryptic Masonry by A. Thompson Phillips
14. The Commandery, the Knights Templar course:
History of the Knights Templar by Charles G. Addison
The Temple and the Lodge by Michael Baigent and Richard Leigh
The Crusades by Michael Paine
The Templars by Piers Paul Read
Dungeon, Fire, Sword by John J. Robinson

I am still trying to figure out how to implement the system and what books to use, this seems like a good set of books to start from. I'll keep you updated.

From Darkness to Light

2011-12-20T14:35:00.001-07:00

Just watched this on the Masons with Horns Facebook page. It's a great video done by the Brothers of Culver City-Foshay Lodge #467. Great job Brothers.

Christmas Observance

2011-12-18T20:41:00.000-07:00

Today my Commandery conducted their Christmas Observance at the Boise Masonic Temple. We had an excellent turnout and had 2 out of the 5 Grand presiding officers present to give their responses to the toasts. They were: Jay A. Leonard, Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons in Idaho and William K. Curtis, Jr., Right Eminent Grand Commander of the Knights Templar of Idaho. Companion B Dale Winch, Jr. Past Grand High Priest, was present to represent the Most Excellent Grand High Priest, John W. Zeller, Sr., Companion Johnny Willis, Grand Chaplain, was present to represent the Most Illustrious Grand Master, Arthur F. Easley; and Sir Knight Ernest I. Teter, Past Northwest Department Commander, attended to represent the current Right Eminent Department Commander of the Northwest Department, Sir Knight Mike Johnson.

David C. Triplett with some assistance from Miss Idaho Job's Daughter, Alexandra Koper, gave the Christmas Observance Address and did a fantastic job.He talked about how the story of Jesus is the greatest love story of the world.

At the close of it all, we had the Jobies from Bethel #29 (Boise) come and form their closing cross while singing us a hymn. Excellent job Daughters.

Introduction to the Christmas Observance

The Observance of the Anniversary of the Birth of Our Blessed Savior will be celebrated on Christmas Day or a day near to in the Asylum of the Commandery.

It is the responsibility of the Commander to select a time and date. All members of the Commandery will be notified and are expected to attend.

An invitation should be extended to the Most Worshipful Grand Master, the Most Excellent Grand High Priest, Most Illustrious Grand Master, and Right Eminent Grand Commander of the jurisdiction. Each one of these together with the representative of the Most Eminent Grand Master of the Grand Encampment, Knights Templar, USA, will give responses to the toasts.

Wine should be used to give the Toasts to those 5.

A trianglular table with black cloth with 12 candles, 12 chalices, a crucifix, and Holy Bible opened to the 28th Chapter of the Gospel of Matthew atop it. The Sir Knight Junior Warden will be in charge of the Chosen Twelve during the line of march as well as the lighting of the candles and the partaking of the Toasts.

Installation of 2012 Lodge officers

2011-12-16T22:39:00.002-07:00

Tonight was the 102nd Installation of officers for my home Lodge. The Brethren assembled and closed the 2011 Lodge of Tribute then joined the rest of the guest for an amazing dinner prepared by the incoming Worshipful Master and our re-elected Treasurer. The dinner was served by the young women of Friendship Assembly #9, International Order of the Rainbow for Girls. Afterward it was time to be installed. I was installed as Marshal of my home Lodge, Worshipful Master of the Idaho Lodge of Research #1965, and Junior Deacon for Idaho City Historical Lodge #1863.

The Worshipful Master of my home Lodge asked a Past Master (and current Master of Kadosh of Boise Consistory, AASR) to be the Installing Worshipful Master and another Past Master (and Past Grand Master of Idaho) to be the Installing Marshall.

The newly installed Worshipful Master then had his officers introduce any guests they had brought. He then introduced all Worshipful Master-elects, visiting Worshipful Masters, Past Masters, 50-year members, our District Deputy Grand Master, appointed Grand Lodge officers, elected Grand Lodge officers, Past Grand Masters, and the Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons in Idaho. After some short speeches it was time for presentation. As the most junior Past Master present I had the honor of presenting the new Junior Past Master with his Past Master's Certificate, Past Master's Apron, Past Master's lapel pin, and Past Master's jewel (which is worn only in Lodge and then locked up because of its value). The 2011-2012 Miss Idaho Job's Daughter presented her lapel pin to myself and the Worshipful Master.

After all things were said, we did a closing procession and exited the Lodge. Once the guest started to leave we entered the Lodge again and opened a Lodge of Tribute for 2012. Once that was done I headed home for some needed sleep. It has been a long day.

Installation of 2012 Commandery Officers

2011-12-15T21:08:00.000-07:00

Tonight my Commandery held its public ceremony for the installation of officers. William K. Curtis, Jr., the Right Eminent Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery, Knights Templar of Idaho, presided as the Installing Commander and Ernest I Teter, Past Northwest Department Commander, was the Installing Marshal.

I have the pleasure of serving the Eminent Commander, and the Commandery, as the Generalissimo. We have a great line-up of officers and I hope this year is an amazing year for the Boise York Rite and Freemasonry everywhere.

Chivalry: Past and Present

2011-12-12T19:45:00.000-07:00

When I was dubbed (from the French word 'adoubement' meaning "to call by a distinctive title, epithet, or nickname"), I wondered that did this conferment truly make a knight or just one in name only. The knights of old lived by a chivalrous code and today we strive to gentleman living by a modern chivalric code.

Chivalry from the French word "chevalerie" or "chevalier" meaning horseman or knight. The term was used to describe to the medieval institution of knighthood which has an aristocratic military origin of individual training and service to others.

Definition

According to Merriam-Webster's Dictionary, Chivalry is defined as gallant or distinguished gentlemen;the system, spirit, or customs of medieval knighthood; or the qualities of the ideal knight.

In the July 2010 edition of the Knights Templar magazine, Brian R. Price, defined chivalry as an idealization of virtue, a wedding of military excellence with courtesy, a sense of justice, piety, and honor.

History & Origin

To discuss chivalry, we necessarily must discuss the fall of the Roman Empire and the emergence of knights in the Dark Ages of medieval Europe.

Prior to the 5th century (specifically during the Imperial Roman Period), Rome, the Eternal City, had never been under siege, but now the city has fallen to invading Gothic warriors. The Roman Empire had been sick and falling for some time; population dwindling due to sickness and war and a corrupt inept government were major factors.

I should clear up that when I talk of the Roman Empire I talk specifically of the Western Roman Empire and not the Eastern Roman Empire (commonly known as the Byzantine Empire). In the 3rd century AD Diocletian divided up the empire into two major regions, an Eastern and a Western, in an attempt to keep control. This truly divided the two regions and cut off the Roman Empire from the luxuries coming from the East. Civil War ensued, incursions on the borders of the Empire, and disease started weakening the Empire. Due to the shrinking population the Roman armies started hiring barbarians as mercenaries who held no loyalty to the Empire, and by their treatment they really didn't need to give any. The Empire became so dependent on them that their defenses were basically gone and Rome was ripe for the taking. Soon the fallen empire was constantly being invaded by Saxons, Britains, Franks, Vandals, Goths, and so forth. Rome was shattered into a thousand pieces.

Now we see a time when war was so persistent that it was rarely disturbed by moments of peace, the decay of innovation, illiteracy, no access to medicine or any of the basic human needs of survival. Population of major urban cities shrank and you saw more rural, almost tribal, living taking hold often centered around a war lord who was trying to make a name for himself and take a piece of the old Roman pie.

This time period of doom and gloom would shape Western Civilization for a millenia. There was glue (or cement, rather) that kept many united. This was Christianity. On Christmas Day, 496 AD, at the Basilica in Reims, Clovis a Frankish barbarian warlord renounced his pagan ways and was baptized Christian, thereby being anointed a Christian King. This move united his people under the religion of Christianity. This was a strategic move by Clovis to win the hearts and minds of his people who were primarily Roman; as the Christian religion had really taken foot since the conversion of Constantine the Great. In a world of uncertainty and chaos, Christianity promised salvation, eternal peace, and glory in the Hereafter.

Now the Roman Empire was still shattered into pieces and the warlords were feuding with each other. Alliances and politics shifted as regular as the ebbs and flows of the tides. Now from the time when Clovis first had command of armed men, at the age of 15, once he conquered a tribe or a village, he would not just kill everyone, he would invite the conquered men to take up arms for his cause. By the time of his Baptism, at the age of 30, he had amassed a good army and set himself as a Master of Gaul (France). By the time of his death in 511 AD, he had united most of the barbaric tribes in Gaul and united them under the banner of Christianity.

Starting around the 530 AD, Justinian, Emperor of the Byzantine Empire, seeks to reunite and raise the the Roman Empire from the ashes. By 538 AD, he has most of Italy, Sicily, and much of Northern Africa conquered by Byzantine forces. The forces left depopulated cities and mass destruction in their wake. His forces may have been able to complete his goals, but Constantinople as well as Europe was about to get hit by a pandemic, the Bubonic Plague. Trade, one of their greatest, attributes would lead to the death of almost 50% of the entire population. Small appearances of disease would appear throughout the next couple of centuries to knock down small pockets of Europe. His forces held the conquered areas until his death in 565 AD.

With lands conquered, cities destroyed, a population ravaged by disease and war, the time were looking horrid and brutish; death was probably a blessing in many cases. In comparison to centuries past, this must have been a very Dark Age. Low productivity/industry, bad economics, low defenses, and very low morale just let the people of Europe ripe for more invasions and tribal wars.

Yet in all of this darkness, there was still a flicker of light. The monasteries became some of the most important institutions in Europe. They were major centers of commerce and knowledge. Life was hard and strict, but these monks kept important records of history and many books/manuscripts were copied for ages yet unborn to read and learn. Monks were both men of cloth and knowledge. They were often some of the few literate in Europe.

In the 7th century, while Christianity was spreading more and more across Europe and the Church united many during this chaotic period, the followers of another Prophet were taking up arms in conquest. Islam was spreading quicker and faster than Christianity had. Spreading from Northern Africa, the Muslim Moors had hit Spain and were now on their way to France. They saw the Franks as men so stuck in civil war they saw them as easy pickings. Moorish General Abdul Rahman al-Rafiki crossed into France with an army of 50,000 men (mix of cavalry and infantry). There first few incursions were really massacres where chroniclers say only God knows how many were slain.

The Moorish invaders turned Northward to further their conquest, but the Commander of the Frankish Army was waiting. This man was Charles Martel and he had anticipated the Moorish invasion. He was proactive and had to convince the citizenry, the farmers, to take up the sword and shield to protect their land, their lives, and their religion from these invaders. He was at a disadvantage as he was not going to be using professional soldiers, but those who were only willing to fight during the non-harvest seasons. He needed money, but he was able to convince the Church to hand over property and money to train the men into an effective corps to fight the Moors.

In October, 732, the two forces met. The Franks had dug atop a wooded hillside that gave them a strategic advantage. Both sides were at a stand still for several days when the Moorish General advanced not wanting to wait for the winter cold to hit them. Both Christian and Muslim scholars say the Frankish infantry held their ground, and while the battle ensued Charles Martel sent a group to the Moorish encampment to plunder and destroy it. Overnight the Moors withdrew back to Spain and this stunning win (known as the Battle of Tours) won Charles the nickname "the Hammer". He was heralded as the savior of Christendom.

Charles Martel's descendants would over the next several centuries transform Europe and one would become Emperor and called the Father of Europe. Christmas Day, 800 AD, at St. Peter's Basillica in Rome, Charlemagne is crowned as Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire. He was an intelligent man and a military man, not having ever lost a military battle Not since the fall of Rome had so much of the Europe been under the command of one man. Charlemagne worked on increasing education and rising Europe from the darkness. He also sought to conquer more land and spread Christianity. He accomplished this with not only infantry, but also by experience horsemen. He punished those pagans who would not convert or those who disobeyed the dogma of Christianity. It was brutal, but a successful campaign and his domain grew.

To control this ever increasing empire, he divided it up into hundreds of counties where a Count was put in charge who answered directly to Charlemagne. He kept a close eye on them and didn't shut himself away, but visited them often. In his travels he tried to rekindle an age of learning and innovation. Even he learned to read and write. He ruled for 14 years as Emperor. In this time as Emperor, when Europe seemed to be coming out of the darkness, he would face a terrible force - the men from the North.

Bands of Vikings, starting in Britain, started invading and plundering villages and cities. Many of these early victims were far enough North that they did not fear too many invaders from the sea so they were unprepared for this force of men who cared nothing for the sanctity of church and its property. These Viking left Scandinavia due to over population and the monasteries looked like easy victims just asking to be attacked. Their boats were not only sea worthy, but could ford up the rivers due to their shallow draft, which made their appearance unexpected. They soon expanded their attacks from just the British Isles, but to the heart of the Holy Roman Empire itself.

Even bribes couldn't hold back these men and their attacks occurred decades after the death of Charlemagne in 814 AD. In 866 AD, it wasn't' just a band, but an army of Vikings that came ashore in Britain to not just plunder, but to take land. The great city of York fell to the Viking conquest. It wasn't until Alfred the Great that the Viking incursions were pushed back and defeated. He had studied them and realized that with their love of quick plunders that they hated attacking fortresses, so that is what he built. They [the Vikings] did not have the siege technology to attack them. Alfred the Great just let the Vikings wear themselves out. Over 25-years of fighting he pushed them back, but not all of them entirely. Many of the Vikings picked up and moved elsewhere in search of victims, but some stayed and assimilated. At this same time in France, the Carolingian Empire (starting with the crowning of Charlemagne), after the death of Charlemagne, was being divided and fought over by the the Lords who helped run this dynasty. The incursions of the Vikings didn't help the situation any further, which would eventually lead to the downfall of this empire where it was nothing more than hundreds of counties and lordships.

Now, through all of these past centuries of battles came the establishment of a professional fighting forces. With innovations such as the strirrup for horse riding. Mounted soldiers were expensive and usually attach to a Lord, men of wealth. These men were not necesarilly the knights we think of today, many of them were just men who were required to pay a service to their Lord. They cared more about the coin and could easily be compared to a soldier in the Mafia. They were hired thugs and muscle often to invade another Lord's land and force them under the Lord who had hired them. The knights we think of today wouldn't come about til around and after the Crusades, nor did the synonymous belief of knights being from nobility come til the Crusades.

After the abatement of the Viking invasions there were many soldiers who were unwilling to put down the sword. The Viking invasions had militarized Europe and there were many Lords who were willing to buy their sword to form their own army to force their will upon the peasants.

This savagery led the Church to establish rules that these knights must live by or face excommunication. Part of this policy relied on the superstition of the saintly relics. The Church would often say if the knights would not follow the rules the saints associated with the relics would come after the knights and punish them. The Church issued two proclamation on God's position on war and fighting. They were called the Peace of God and the Truce of God.

Pax Dei (Peace of God) proclaimed that certain individuals, particularly the defenseless (peasants and clergy), should not be attacked by knights. Treuga Dei (Truce of God) proclaimed that certain times should be void of fighting by knights (such as the Sabbath Day). The Truce of God seems particularly to focused on preventing Christian knights from fighting each other. This really helped the Church redirect the knights fighting energy and stem the violence of private wars in a Feudal society. This redirection would soon be pointed towards the Middle East when a call for help comes from the Byzantine Emperor and eventually what we now refer to as the Crusades.

Modern Chivalry

In medieval times, the code of chivalry focused on three areas: the military, social life, and religion. Today our codes will naturally be different as times have changed customs, some traditions, beliefs, and attitudes, but there will be some similarities as there are some traditions and beliefs that are timeless and founded upon truth and goodness.

The basic foundation of the chivalric code of old leads us to the modern chivalric code and the basics for being a gentleman. Brett and Kate McKay point out in their book that a man who has mastered the art of manliness (being a true gentleman) embodies the characteristics of: looks out for and is loyal to his friends and family, does the right thing, even when it is not convenient, is proficient in the manly arts (dress/appear, hospitality, education, etc), treats women with respect and honor, serves and gives back to his community, sacrifices for the good of others, works hard and seldom complains, exhibits both great courage and tender compassion, has a confident swagger but isn't a pompous jerk, is witty without succumbing to sarcasm, and embraces instead of shirking responsibility.

Today many think chivalry is dead because many men are not gentlemen, but rather meat-heads more focused on their looks than life and trying to imitate moronic spectacles from TV sitcoms. Too many men from the time of manliness and chivalry are not around anymore and there exist too few bastions of true chivalry. One of these is the Masonic fraternity.

From the beginnings of our lessons in Masonry we see examples of chivalry. Many symbols can be shown to represent actions and beliefs that all good men should embrace, but I particularly want to focus on the 3 Tenets: Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth. By truth is every noble virtue we know founded upon and should dictate every thought, word, and action. As the Square teaches us to square our actions, the level to treat every person as equal, and the plumb to walk uprightly before God and man, so does Brotherly teach us to regard the whole human species as one family, thereby rendering us responsible to aid, support, and protect to the best of our ability. The last, but not least (I know, cliche) is Relief, and as the lecture tells us, all men are required to assist the distressed, destitute, and sorrowed. This last tenet can also be seen in the lessons given in the Order of the Temple where one must vow to defend the weak and defenseless.

There are many outside the Masonic fraternity who strive to bring back the courteous actions and appearances of chivalry from past generations. One example as I stated above is the couple, Brett & Kate McKay who wrote the book "Art of Manliness", but many others talk about how chivalry isn't dead in this modern world. Brian R. Price talks about timeless virtues of: Courtesy, respect, generosity, honesty, fidelity, humility, justice, excellence (prowess), courage, loyalty, and duty.

To my fellow Sir Knights (and all true gentleman), I challenge to act as such and strive to keep chivalry alive.

My Chivalric Code

Charity: benevolent goodwill toward or love of humanity
Humility: A modest or low view of one's own importance; humbleness or modesty
Integrity:firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values; incorruptible
Valor: strength of mind or spirit that enables a person to encounter danger with firmness : personal bravery or courage
Altruism: unselfish regard for or devotion to the welfare of others
Loyalty: A strong feeling of support or allegiance
Resolute: Admirably purposeful, determined, and unwavering; determined
Yielding: to be productive and never a useless drone

References

1. The New International Encyclopaedia, Vol V (New York: Dodd, Mead & Co., 1920) 250.

2. Chivalry. (2011, November 25). Retrieved December 11, 2011, from Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chivalry

3. Chivalry. (n.d.). Retrieved from Merriam-Webster Dictionary: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chivalry

4. Price, B. R. (2010). Isn’t Chivalry Dead?! Knight Templar, 34.

5. History Channel. (2007). The Dark Ages [Documentary DVD].

6. Peace and Truce of God. (2011, December 11). Retrieved December 12, 2011, from Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peace_and_Truce_of_God

7. Knight. (2011, December 11). Retrieved December 12, 2011, from Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knight#Terminology

8. McKay, B. a. (2009). The Art of Manliness: Classic Skills and Manners for the Modern Man. Cincinnati: HOW Books.

Masonic Week 2012

2011-12-12T19:42:00.000-07:00

Masonic Week will be held in Alexandria, Virginia, from February 8-12. Many organizations will be meeting there, to include the Masonic Society where Brett McKay will be the keynote speaker.

Introduction to Masonic Week

Perhaps in can be defined as an "In-Gathering" of Masons of National Appendant Bodies for the purpose of conducting Annual Meetings. It provides an excellent opportunity to meet and "converse on the level" with many well known Freemasons, especially of the York Rite. It is also a time to enjoy excellent banquets and even "fun degrees".

Kappa Sigma - 142 years of Excellence

2011-12-10T13:08:00.000-07:00

Today marks the 142nd Anniversary of the founding of the Kappa Sigma fraternity. I have had the pleasure of being in Kappa Sigma for the last 5-years. I have gained a great set of friends and Brothers, particularly my Pledge Brothers who I spent countless hours with during our Pledgeship.

The Motto

The Star and Crescent shall not be worn by every man, but only by him who is worthy to wear it. He must be a gentleman ... a man of honor and courage ... a man of zeal, yet humble ... an intelligent man ... a man of truth ... one who tempers action with wisdom and, above all else, one who walks in the light of God.

History

The Kappa Sigma fraternity was founded at the University of Virginia on December 10th, 1869. This fraternity was founded by what the Brothers of Kappa Sigma call "The Five Friends and Brothers". They are: William Grigsby McCormick, George Miles Arnold, Frank Courtney Nicodemus, John Covert Boyd, and Edmund Law Rogers.

Along side the Founders of our Fraternity, the Golden Hearted Virginian is probably one of the most famous men within Kappa Sigma. Stephen Alonzo Jackson, the Golden Hearted Virginian, was not only the first Worthy Grand Master, but was also the writer of our Constitution and architect of our Ritual.

During his speech at the 2nd Grand Conclave in 1878 talked about the expansion of this Brotherhood, and the following words are still recited by all Pledges and Brothers today:

Why not, my Brothers, since we of today live and cherish the principles of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity, throw such a halo around those principles that they may be handed down as a precious heirloom to ages yet unborn? Why not put our apples of gold in pictures of silver? May we not rest contentedly until the Star and Crescent is the pride of every college and university in the land!

AEKΔB Brothers!!

2012 Chapter & Council Officer Installations

2011-12-08T22:52:00.000-07:00

Tonight the Boise York Rite bodies met for the December Stated meeting and to install the 2012 officers for the Chapter and Council. Since the Council presided over this joint monthly meeting, the Council officers were installed first. I have the honor of serving as the Illustrious Master of the Council. We were installed into our chairs by the Most Illustrious Grand Master of the Grand Council, Crytpic Masons of Idaho, Most Illustrious Companion Arthur Easley.

After a quick apron change it was time to install the offices for the Royal Arch Chapter. For the Chapter, I was installed as King and we had the pleasure of having David C Triplett, a Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge, AF&AM of Idaho, install us.

If it wasn't for the late hour I would have taken some pictures, but that will come later.

I'd also like to extend a thanks to the local Job's Daughters who cooked and served dinner.

York Rite College meeting

2011-12-03T13:42:00.000-07:00

Today Tri-Valley College #178 (YRSCNA) met in Boise, Idaho. It was the first meeting I have been able to attend since I was initiated into them over a year ago.

It was a normal business meeting where we balloted on potential members. I also proposed to put together a degree team and put on a 1st degree ceremony for the Governor's home Lodge to showcase the purpose of the York Rite College, that of assisting the Blue Lodge and York Rite bodies in the degree work. We're going to do it in our tuxedos. The Companion Knights really liked the idea to showcase the College to the Lodges and York Rite bodies to show them that we are there.

A sad note is that our Governor could not be present as his father passed away 2 days ago who was a lifelong Mason and he will be surely missed.

Our next meeting is during the York Rite Grand Sessions in April.

Royal Arch Research Assistance gives 100k grant to autism advocacy group

2011-12-01T23:43:00.001-07:00

Saw this on the web tonight and thought I'd share:

Royal Arch Masons Present Autism Speaks with $100,000 Royal Arch Research Assistance Grant

(Media-Newswire.com) - NEW YORK, N.Y. ( November 16, 2011 ) -- On Thursday, November 10, the General Chapter of Royal Arch Masons International presented Autism Speaks, the world’s largest autism research and advocacy organization, with a $100,000 Royal Arch Research Assistance ( RARA ) grant in support of the Autism Speaks early diagnosis and early intervention initiative to investigate auditory processing disorders in children with autism.

Read More

The Royal Arch Research Assistance (RARA), as described in one of my introductory posts on York Rite Freemasonry, is the charity provided by the General Grand Chapter, Royal Arch Masons International. Much of their work has surrounded assisting research on auditory disorders.

Vandalism Update

2011-11-29T14:43:00.001-07:00

The media did pick up the story and here is an article from the Idaho Statesman:

Sometime between midnight Saturday and early Sunday morning, vandalsspray painted the entrance of the historic Masonic Temple at 215 N.10th St. in Downtown Boise.

The graffiti read "V 4 Victory." Those were the same words spraypainted at the Masonic Temple in Meridian this summer, said CoreyTurner, vice president of the Boise Masonic Temple Association.

"We don't know who it is, or who to suspect," said Turner. There wasno other damage to the building. Vandals broke a window at the templein Meridian, but didn't damage that building otherwise.

---

Ultimate Carpet Cleaning cleaned up the spray paint for free, said Turner.

I am for one, very appreciative of Ultimate Carpet Cleaning for their generosity.

Boise Masonic Temple Vandalized!!

2011-11-28T02:59:00.001-07:00

Tonight, or rather this morning, when I jumped on Facebook I saw that a good friend and Brother who leads the Temple Board for the Boise Masonic Temple posted this picture:

I am shocked and appalled at this act of vandalism and I hope the perpetrators are caught. I never would have imagined this happening to a Lodge in Idaho, but I guess anti-Masons are everywhere.

To those who did this, you are a bunch of cowards.

I will update as I find out more.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

2011-11-24T03:30:00.000-07:00

I wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving!! This is a year for me to be truly thankful for a great many things. I owe so much to my supports in my life: God for keeping me, my family for their unending love and support for me in my many endeavors in life, my friends who make every day fun and fulfilling, and to the Masons who have made the last 5-years memorable. Bless all of you and have a wonderful day.

York Rite Education Program (YREP)

2011-11-16T02:08:00.000-07:00

As I said during the previous post, I talked about the Under 40's committee. At November's Stated meeting I held a survey of the membership covering what influenced them to join, what they liked about the organization/meetings, and what would they like to improve. A third of those that answered joined the York Rite were seeking further light in Freemasonry. Over half of those that joined enjoy the fellowship provided by the York Rite. In the "Improvements" section they had the chance to pick up multiple choices so I'm only going to give the #1 answer. 77% of those surveyed (22% of the answers given) want more...education programs. This answer was given not just by the younger crowd, but was spread across the spectrum of ages.

The Scottish Rite has its Master Craftsman Program which states the program is intended to:

Increase and test your knowledge of the Scottish Rite while you learn about its structure and organization, its rich history, and its deeply philosophic Masonic teachings

For a nominal price of $35 they issue you a book with 6 quizzes to take, and after one has taken it a certificate of completion and lapel pin is issued. This could be done with the York Rite and be an amazing success.

The York Rite has an amazing history; an interesting relationship between the 3 bodies; and a rich symbolism and lessons taught in the degrees and orders. I see some hurdles though to overcome:

A centralized, governing body that presides over the program
Establishing a book, or set of books, that covers the bases for all 3 bodies

The easiest thing may to have a separate program for each body, but I would wish to unite the education program.

The curriculum I had in mind would follow in a fashion similar to this:

Part I - History
Quiz 1 - Origin of the Royal Arch degrees and its journey to America
Quiz 2 - Origin of the Chivalric orders and its journey to America
Quiz 3 - Origin and History of the Cryptic Rite
Part II - Royal Arch Degrees
Quiz 4 - Mark Master degree
Quiz 5 - Past Master (Virtual) and Most Excellent Master degrees
Quiz 6 - Royal Arch Mason degree
Part III - Cryptic Degrees
Quiz 7 - Royal Master degree
Quiz 8 - Select Master degree
Quiz 9 - Super Excellent Master degree
Part IV - Chivalric Orders
Quiz 10 - Order of the Red Cross
Quiz 11 - Order of Malta
Quiz 12 - Order of the Temple
Part V - Honorary and Invitational Bodies (HIB)
Quiz 13 - Chair degrees (to include the KYCH)
Quiz 14 - HIB requiring membership in the Royal Arch
Quiz 15 - HIB requiring membership in the Knights Templar
Quiz 16 - Other misc. honorary or invite-only organizations

None of this is set in stone and I will gladly take any assistance/advice, but in the mean time I plan on starting an Education Program at each York Rite meeting. The piece I will read will be tailored to the specific group meeting and it is my hope that some will learn more and inspire them to start researching themselves.

Under 40's committee

2011-11-12T20:25:00.000-07:00

During the Northwest York Rite Conference last month we were briefed by the General Grand Chapter, Royal Arch Masons International (GGCRAM) about a new committee being formed, called Under 40's. This new committee is aimed to keep the General Grand Chapter "abreast of the needs and aims of our newer younger members".

It will be led by a national chairman with regional chairman, all assigned by the General Grand High Priest. Then there will be chairman for each State/jurisdiction to be chosen by the Grand High Priest.

That leads me to the current goals of the committee.

1. Determine the interest of the “40 and Under” demographic of R.A.M.
2. Assist in providing content for the R.A.M. E-magazine
3. Update the training ligature of the GGCRAM
4. Assist in the organization of a ‘Future Leaders’ Program

I am current working on a survey for new members and absent members alike to see what they would like to see from the York Rite. I'm trying to maximize the experience of the members, revitalize and stimulate the Companions.

If anyone is interested in assisting with this committee, contact your State's Ambassador to the General Grand Chapter.

My Station and Places: Generalissimo

2011-11-11T01:30:00.000-07:00

The Generalissimo is the second officer in a Commandery of Knights Templar. His duty is to assist the Eminent Commander in the dispatch of business and, in the Commanders absence, preside over the Commandery. According to Encyclopedia of Freemasonry, the use of this title is fairly new and peculiar to American Masonic Templary.

Merriam-Webster defines Generalissimo as "the chief commander of an army" the first use of this word was in Italy around 1621. It originates from "generale", Italian for General, and the suffix -issimo, itself from Latin -issimus, meaning "utmost, to the highest grade".

On the symbolic interpretations of the jewel of the Generalissimo, Sir Knight George L. Marshall, Jr., wrote in the March 2011 edition of the Knights Templar magazine the following:

The jewel of the Generalissimo is shown at right. The metal is silver color for both the suspension bar and the jewel as it is for all remaining officers’ jewels as well. The jewel is a square, surmounted by a paschal Lamb. The square is to remind you that friendship and love should ever govern Freemasons and particularly Knights Templar. The square, as we know, is the jewel of office of the Worshipful Master of a Blue Lodge. Additionally, we are taught that the square is a symbol of morality. Since the square was used by operative masons to prove that angles were 90° or “right,” it naturally became an emblem of accuracy, integrity, and rightness. As stones are cut to fit into a building, so our acts and thoughts are built together into a structure of character badly or firmly and must be tested by a moral standard of which the simple square is a symbol.

The paschal lamb atop the square has long been a symbol of Christ, apparently coming into use about the 15th Century. This symbol is sometimes referred to by the Latin name Agnus Dei (Lamb of God) or in heraldry, Holy Lamb. Heraldry defines it thus: a representation of a lamb passant [walking] having around its head a nimbus [halo] and supporting on the dexter [right] shoulder a crosslike staff bearing a flag argent [silver or white] charged with a cross gules [red].

(Words in square brackets are supplied by me.) The term “paschal” originally related to the Passover, or Seder, of the Jews, and the paschal lamb was a lamb slaughtered and eaten on the eve of the first day of Passover. Jesus, the Lamb of God, was crucified during the time of Passover and so became our symbolic paschal lamb. The cross borne by the lamb represents the manner of his death and the flag His banner under which we as Templars have become His Knights. The walking or marching lamb illustrates that activity we should pursue in marching steadily onward to help spread His kingdom on earth.

Thus, this jewel also reminds us to conduct ourselves with those high standards of morality and character which were taught by the Lamb of God while He walked among men and with that unconditional love that He exemplified in His sacrifice on Calvary.

Be thou Faithful unto Death,

and I will give Thee a Crown of Life

Boise York Rite Elections

2011-11-10T22:31:00.000-07:00

Well this tonight was the Stated Communication for the York Rite bodies in Boise, Royal Arch Masons presided.

The meeting opened with 25+ in attendance. When we finally came to the Elections, and so came the nominations. In each body I was elected as follows:

Chapter: King

Council: Illustrious Master

Commandery: Generalissimo

The meeting was nice and short with an excellent dinner before hand.

Upcoming Events:

November 19th is Day 2 of the York Rite Fall Festival

December 3rd is a meeting for Tri-Valley College #178, York Rite Sovereign College of North America.

December 8th is the December Stated Communication of the Boise York Rite, Council will preside. After the meeting, the Chapter and Council will do their officer installations.

December 15th is the officer installation of Idaho Commandery #1 with drinks and snacks afterward.

Tomorrow night is Election Night for my Lodge so that will be interesting.

Miss you Asher

2011-11-09T00:20:00.000-07:00

Today marks the sad day, one year ago, when Asher, my Godson, was taken from this world. It was a tragic accident and no parent should ever have to go through the living Hell that my longest and best friend had to go through. No parent should ever have to bury their child.

I was in training for my Iraq deployment when it happened and I found out through Facebook. I knew I had to, but I dreaded the call. What would I say? I finally made the call and it was one of the hardest things I could do, to hear my friend, my brother, retell the story of his child's death. No matter how I found the tears cascaded down my face.

My little sister, God bless her, went in my place to the funeral. It touched her too as she knew the family and she has a son just a few months younger than Asher. It made her appreciate every minute she has had with her son.

"There's a man Ian never got to know - the man he was growing up to be. He's a good-looking, clear-eyed young fella, about 25. I can see him. He's the type of guy that men want to be around, because he has integrity, you know? He has character. You can't fake that. He's a guy women want to be around, too, because there's tenderness in him, respect, loyalty, and courage. And women respond to that. Makes him a terrific husband, this guy. I see him as a father. That's where he really shines. See, when he looks in his kid's eyes and that kid knows that his dad really sees him, he sees who he is. Then that child knows that he is an amazing person. He's quite a guy that I'll never get to meet. I wish I had."

- What Dreams May Come, Eulogy for a Dead Son

We miss you Asher!!

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T10:37:00.000-06:00

I hope everyone has a safe and fun Halloween! I am on my way back from the East Coast and once I'm home it's time to relax for a few days before the York Rite Festival.

My time at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial

2011-10-30T18:10:00.000-06:00

Well, I slept in and it was nice. Since it was Sunday and most of the sights around the National Mall would be closed, I decided to just make the drive down to Alexandria, Virginia, to see the George Washington Masonic National Memorial.

After a 2-hour drive, I finally came up a great sight.

The building is spectacular and driving up I had to stop and jump out to take pictures.

Once you climb the stairs and get through the large doors, you come to a large hall.

George Washington at the Cornerstone ceremony of the National Capitol

St. John's Day Observance at the Old Christ Church in Philadelphia, PA

The tour guide talked to us about the history of the memorial and some of the more striking points are:

That the building was built without ever going into debt, but because of this took around 60-years to complete
The statue of George Washington in the main hall is 17-ft and 7-tons, and they had to put it into the building by carrying it up the steps through the main entrance (through those pillars).

We toured the 4th floor - Museum, 5th floor - Royal Arch, 8th floor - Knights Templar, and 9th floor - Observatory Deck / Tall Cedars of Lebanon.

If you would like here, is a link to the interactive online tour.

George Washington, The Mason

George Washington joined the Masonic Lodge in Fredericksburg, Virginia at the age of 20 in 1752. His Masonic membership, like the others public titles and duties he performed, was expected from a young man of his social status in colonial Virginia. During the War for Independence, General Washington attended Masonic celebration and religious observances in several states. He also supported Masonic Lodges that formed within army regiments.

At his first inauguration in 1791, President Washington took his oath of office on a Bible from St. John's Lodge in New York. During his two terms, he visited Masons in North and South Carolina and presided over the cornerstone ceremony for the U.S. Capitol in 1793.

In retirement, Washington became charter Master of the newly chartered Alexandria Lodge No. 22, sat for a portrait in his Masonic regalia, and in death, was buried with Masonic honors.

Such was Washington's character, that from almost the day he took his Masonic obligations until his death, he became the same man in private that he was in public. In Masonic terms, he remained "a just and upright Mason" and became a true Master Mason. Washington was, in Masonic terms, a “living stone” who became the cornerstone of American civilization. He remains the milestone others civilizations follow into liberty and equality. He is Freemasonry's “perfect ashlar” upon which countless Master Masons gauge their labors in their own Lodges and in their own communities.

A Timeline of George Washington's Masonic Activities
1752
November 4, 1752 - Initiated as Entered Apprentice at Fredericksburg Lodge No. 4, Fredericksburg, Virginia.
1753
March 3, 1753 - Passed to the Degree of Fellow Craft at Fredericksburg Lodge No. 4

August 4, 1753 - Raised a Master Masaon at Fredericksburg Lodge No. 4.
1778
December 28, 1778 - Marched in a Masonic procession in celebration of Saint John the Evangelist Day
1779
June 24, 1779 - Celebrated Saint John the Baptist Day with American Union Military Lodge at West Point, New York

December 27, 1779 - Celebrated Saint John the Evangelist Day with American Union Military Lodge at Morristown, New Jersey
1781
October - Reportedly visited Lodge No. 9 at Yorktown, VA with General Lafayette after defeat of British General Cornwallis
1782
Brothers Watson and Cassoul of Nantes, France present Washington with exquisite silk Masonic apron, acknowledged by letter dated August 10

June 24, 1782 - St. John the Baptist celebration - Marked with American Union Military Lodge at West Point, New York.

December 27, 1782 - St. John the Evangelist Day - Celebrated with Solomon's Lodge No. 1, Poughkeepsie, New York.
1784
June 24, 1784 - St. John the Baptist celebration - Marked with Alexandria Lodge, Alexandria, Virginia
June 24, 1784 - Made an honorary member of Alexandria Lodge No. 39 (Now Alexandria-Washington Lodge No. 22) Alexandria, Virginia
August 1784 - Presented a Masonic apron made by Madame de Lafayette to General and Bro. de Lafayette
1785
February 12, 1785 - Walked in Masonic funeral procession for Bro. William Ramsay at Alexandria, Virginia
1788
April 28, 1788 - Named Charter Worshipful Master of Alexandria Lodge No. 22 when a new charter from the Grand Lodge of Virginia was issued. Unanimously re-elected Master December 20, 1788 for one year.
1789
Elected honorary member of Holland Lodge No. 8, New York, NY

April 30- Inaugurated President of the United States using Bible from St. John's Lodge No. 1, New York
1791
April 15, 1791 - Welcomed by members of St. John's Lodge No. 2, New Bern, NC

May 1791 - Received the greetings of the Grand Lodge of South Carolina by General Mordecai Gist, Grand Master, Charleston, SC
1793
September 18 Acting Grand Master - Laid the cornerstone for the United States Capitol, Washington, D.C. 1794 Sat for William Williams, portraitist, in Masonic regalia at the request of Alexandria Lodge 1797 March 28 Received a Masonic delegation from Alexandria Lodge
1798
April 1, 1798 - Attended Alexandria Lodge No. 22 Proposed a toast at the banquet that followed
1799
December 18, 1799 - Buried at Mount Vernon with Masonic rites as well as those of the church, conducted by Alexandria Lodge
SOURCE

Summary of the Academy of Masonic Knowledge

2011-10-29T21:51:00.000-06:00

Well, in good form, I couldn't sleep last night (yet another night lately of sleeplessness) and this morning I slept through the alarm. Of all days, I had to sleep in on the day of a speech I wanted to see. Cursing I dressed and raced to the Masonic Village in Elizabethtown where the presentations were located. To top it all off, PA was hit with an early snow storm, but the snow did not slow me and I only missed the first 20-minutes of Brent Morris's speech on "Writing Research Papers".

He gave a nice speech with some great points, and gave me some new ideas to research. Some of these inspirations came from his lips as some knowledge he was lacking in historical knowledge. He did a Q&A with the Brethren present then the important part of the day...lunch.

I sat with Cliff Porter, one of the speakers, and a few Brothers from some of the online forums. It was good to put the faces to the names. If it had not been for the ending of lunch and the reconvening of the presentations we probably could have talked all day about every little thing concerning Masonry.

Cliff was amazed at my journey to the East Coast and honored me by introducing me to the congregation. He presentation was on the psychology of Freemasonry and different personality types. He could only talk for about 45-minutes. He also did a Q&A.

Thomas Jackson, Chairman of the Academy of Masonic Knowledge, even gave a few words and one of the things he said really caught my eye (this is paraphrased):

"If we could combine the enthusiasm of the youth with the knowledge of the elderly we could move the world."

We finished the Q&A where Cliff asked me and a few others to have drinks at his hotel. We accepted. Afterwards I took a tour of the Masonic Cultural Center and took some pictures. It's quite a spectacular place.

These next few photos are of the tunnels that run beneath the buildings in the village so that the inhabitants did not have to face the inclements and vicisitudes of the weather outside.

Once I had my fill I took off for Cliff's hotel, and after some hick-ups with getting gas, I made it there. We talked Craft and opinions over some drinks before heading into the restaurant. We ate, we talked, and we exchanged contact information, but then it was time to depart.

I definitely would suggest, that if you ever have a chance, go see Cliff Porter give one of his speeches and meet him. He is quite a character.

Visiting the City of Brotherly Love

2011-10-29T00:24:00.000-06:00

I got in a little later than I thought last night, but no matter, this morning I was up and at them at the crack of dawn. I made my way to Philadelphia and first, and foremost, the Masonic Temple of the Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Pennsylvania. The building and all of its rooms were beautiful and immense. Here are some photos:

Oriental Hall

Gothic Hall

Ionic Hall

Egyptian Hall

Norman Hall

Renaissance Hall

Corinthian Hall

After having some lunch, I walked around the areas surrounding Independence Hall. I first stopped by the Graff House, or Declaration House, where Thomas Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence. Sadly the original house burnt down, but they had replicas and some displays.

I walked over to the Burial Yard of the Old Christ Church to look upon the grave of the good Brother Benjamin Franklin.

Finally it was time to go tour Independence Hall. I was able to get into an earlier than scheduled tour with a very enthusiastic tour guide. He explained to us the history of the buildings.

I then walked around Independence Square.

Then crossed over to Washington Square to see the Tomb of the Unknown Revolutionary War Soldier.

As I had only maybe 2-hours of sleep under my belt I was feeling sluggish so I made the trek back to Harrisburg. Now here I lay, getting ready for bed, and looking forward to tomorrow's speeches at the Masonic Village in Elizabethtown.

Happy Birthday Statue of Liberty!!!

2011-10-28T17:44:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday to this historic symbol of our country. May she continue to stand for generations and spread her light.

US celebrates Statue of Liberty's 125th birthday

NEW YORK (AP) — Scores of people waved tiny flags after taking the oath of U.S. citizenship at the foot of the Statue of Liberty on Friday, 125 years after the iconic American symbol welcoming visitors and immigrants was dedicated.

"We are a nation of diverse people," Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar said during the naturalization ceremony on Liberty Island. "And that diversity strengthens our nation.

The new Americans, 125 immigrants from 46 countries, pledged to renounce foreign power, then posed for photos with their citizenship certificates.

READ MORE

Academy of Masonic Knowledge - Grand Lodge of PA

2011-10-27T11:09:00.000-06:00

During this last weekend I found out on The Sanctum Sanctorum forum that there would be a meeting of the Academy of Masonic Knowledge in the Masonic Village in Elizabethtown, PA, today, I decided it was time for some traveling so I booked a flight, car, and hotel immediately.

Academy Introduction

The Pennsylvania Academy of Masonic Knowledge will strive to create an environment that will encourage Masons to seek a greater understanding of the nature and purposes of Freemasonry in all its many aspects - past, present, and future - and to share that understanding with others.

To this end, the Academy will offer learning opportunities in which Masons may participate in dialogues with similarly inclined brethren, witness prominent Masonic scholars discussing various aspects of Freemasonry, and pursue home study at their own pace and in their own areas of interest, through publications on Masonic subjects recommended by the Academy.

In addition to providing a learning experience for Freemasons, the Academy will be a vehicle affording recognition to Masons who share their knowledge of Freemasonry with fellow Masons or the public by the written or spoken word.

The Academy Logo

The Academy logo symbolizes the Academy of Masonic Knowledge’s unyielding pursuit of academic ideas, the achievements of our past, the bright future ahead for Freemasonry, and the fraternity’s dedication to high goals.

The Field, or Banner, refers to ideals of essential importance:

Alpha, or Advancement of Organizational Ideals

Sigma, or Scholastic Achievement

Gamma, or Fellowship

The Laurel symbolizes victory, or triumph, and the continued pursuit of academic ideals.

The Torches are symbolic of learning, and remind us that every person is a potential source of knowledge, with the added responsibility to bring enlightenment to all whom encounters.

The Chevron is symbolic of rank, or merit. The three points of the Chevron represent the individual Brother, his Masonic affiliation, and the Nation.

The Shield, bearing the Square and Compasses and the letter “G” symbolizes protection of our fraternity through the dissemination of God’s Truth.

The Agenda

The day started out with

If you are interested in joining, go to this site.

2011 Scottish Rite Fall Reunion

2011-10-23T20:13:00.000-06:00

Day 1

Six A.M. came too soon Saturday morning when the alarm clock woke me up from my slumber. I headed down to the El Korah Shrine building (as it is better suited to host the ceremonies) to receive the degrees of the Ancient and Accepted Rite of the Scottish Rite, Southern Jurisdiction of the USA.

First we had some breakfast and did a quick introduction into the Scottish Rite. We then went up to a side room where we sat with our class leader, the Venerable Master of the Lodge of Perfection, and awaited the call for us to ballroom where the ceremony would be held. When we did, we went through the 4° - Secret Master. It was a well done, solemn ceremony.

Then we got to the 5° - Perfect Master, but I refer to it as the "Broken Bench" degree. It started out well, but when one of the casting member sat down onto a bench it gave a slow, moaning creek and the last man to sit down is a rather large man. Five minutes didn't even pass and soon CRASH! Down they went, all those on the bench as the wood gave way beneath the combined wait. Then came the laughter from both the men on their backs and those sitting around the room. They finished the degree in fine fashion. After communicating the 9° - 13°, we were put through the 14° - Perfect Elu.

After communicating the 15° thru the 17°. I got to be the exemplified candidate during the 1st section of the 18° - Knight of the Rose Croix. It was a lot of fun and I had one of the more interactive parts as the active candidate.

After we finished with the 2nd section of the 18° we headed over to the Scottish Ritie building just a few blocks away where we were communicated the 19°thru the 24°. It should be noted that while we went through the 24°, we still will be going through the 22° - Prince of Libanus on Day 2.

We were given a short break before the Open Bar Social Hour before the Cap & Roses Banquet commenced. The evening went great with some Makers & Cokes while chit-chatting with the families of the members and candidates; one of the wives is even interested in joining the Eastern Star! The candidates from both the Spring 2011 and my class were presented with their 32° Cap and rose for their lady, which we had many in attendance.

Day 2

It was nice to sleep in a little today prior to finishing off the degrees. Prior to taking the 22° we were communicated the 25° through 29°. I really enjoyed the time we communicated as my class was an exciting one, full of laughter and quite a bit of knowledge. The 22° ceremony was an interesting one discussing the merits of labor, and I some some symbolism for humility.

The 30° - Knight Kadosh (the last of the degrees for the Council of Kadosh), was just as impressive symbolically as it was performed. Then it was time for the Consistory.

We were communicated the 31° - Inspector Inquisitor and the Personal Representative to Joe Alexander, 33° - the Sovereign Inspector General of Idaho, talked to us, and prepared us for the 32°.

The 32° - Master of the Royal Secret was definitely the most impressive degree of the Scottish Rite.

I am still processing all of the information, but already being a York Rite Mason going through this I did see some similarities that filled in some spots where the York Rite had left empty.

Upcoming Events

2011-10-15T13:32:00.000-06:00

The Boise York Rite in conjunction with other Idaho York Rite bodies from around the state will be holding the 2011 York Rite Fall Festival this November. Day 1, the Capitular and Cryptic Degrees, will be conferred on the 5th of November at the Boise Masonic Temple starting at 8:00am. Day 2, the Chivalric Orders, will be conferred on the 19th of November at the Boise Masonic Temple starting at 8:00am.

November 10th is the November stated meeting for the Boise York Rite bodies where we will be holding elections for 2012. Dinner will be at 6:30pm and the meeting will start at 7:30pm.

December 3rd Tri-Valley College #178, York Rite Sovereign College of North America, will be meeting at the Boise Masonic Temple. The time is still to be determined.

December 8th is the December stated meeting for the Boise York Rite bodies. Dinner starts at 6:30pm and the meeting will start at 7:30pm. After the meeting the Chapter and Council will hold officer installations.

On December 15th, Idaho Commandery #1 will be having their officer installations which will be open to the public. The ceremony will start at 7:30pm. Not sure as of late when the Christmas Observance will be, but I will update when I have the chance.

North West Regional York Rite Conference

2011-10-15T13:23:00.000-06:00

The North West Regional York Rite Conference (NWRYRC) was held in Boise, Idaho, this year. Thursday was to get registered and socialize with other attendants at a Wine & Cheese social. It was good to see everyone after being absent for a year, and as well as to meet several new faces.

Afterwards a number of us went over to the Boise Masonic Temple to hold the October York Rite business meeting where the Commandery opened up and presided over. I felt a little rusty at first, but it came back to me soon enough. Since both the Illustrious Master and Deputy Master were both absent I had the honor of acting as Illustrious Master for the Council. This meeting was important as we set up the cast for the upcoming Fall Festival happening in November. As the current Most Worshipful Grand Master will not be attending Day 1 of the Festival, I have volunteered to take his spot in the Royal Master and a Past Grand Master will not be there for Day 2 so I am taking his spot in the Order of Malta...that of Prior. It will be a great time.

Friday started out with presentations by the General Grand Chapter, General Grand Council, and Grand Encampment. This lasted until lunch then we broke into different groups. Many could choose between the 3 bodies, but a few of us were asked to sit in on a Leaders Program put on by Sir Knight John Palmer, editor of the Knights Templar Magazine. The first session we went over a great deal to include a very brief history of American Templary, personality types, and styles of leadership. It started the juices flowing in how I can best help assist and lead the Masonic bodies I will be a member of.

After a brief recess, we gathered for a social hour before the Grand Banquet. Great food with some great drinks. After we were done the Grand Encampment presented a belated certificate to a Sir Knight who had been a Grand Commander in the 90s. Then for some post dinner entertainment we watched as the boys and girls of the Tiernan Irish Dancers presented us various dances at. At all levels and ages it was quite impressive and the kids did a fantastic job.

I had thought I would relax the rest of the night, but the men of Kappa Sigma requested my presence to help out with a Question Night with the Pledges. I was there till 2am before I had to call it quits and get some sleep.

Saturday morning brought a delicious meal from the Brothers of Oriental Lodge #60 then it was back to the Leadership Program with Sir Knight John Palmer where he finished his excellent program. Among those there we traded emails and phone numbers to keep in touch. Then some of us gathered for the final meal, a baked potato lunch. Said goodbye to those heading out of the area and now it's time for a nap.

I have a lot to think about, and really to start planning and implementing. After these last few days the horizon looks good for a busy Fall/Winter for me.

Boise Masonic Temple given Historic Landmark status

2011-10-13T09:14:00.001-06:00

Back in late August, a Past Master (PM), and former janitor of the Masonic Temple, told me that the Boise Masonic Temple was being considered by the Boise City Council as a historical landmark.

Here is an article on the matter:

Council to Consider Masonic Temple as Landmark

The Boise City Council will brush up on a bit of history at its next meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 30. Council members will be asked to consider historic landmark status for the Masonic Temple Lodge at 215 N. 10th St.

The temple, built in 1907 from designs by architect Ross Cartee, has played host to countless dances, weddings and funerals for the past century. At one time, the temple even was a central voting spot for civic elections. The temple was remodeled in 1920 in the Renaissance Revival style by architects Wayland and Fennell.

The Local Historic Landmark program began in 2010 and is completely voluntary. If the Masonic Temple Lodge gains status, there will be a total of 33 local landmarks within the City of Boise. As a landmark, owners agree to notify the Historic Preservation Commission of significant alteration or demolition. In return, a landmark would be given a bronze plaque and featured in future editions of the Shaping Boise book.

Source.

When I looked into the Council minutes I found that the ordinance (O-30-11) didn't have it's first reading until the September 20th meeting. The second reading was during the September 27th meeting. The third reading was at the October 4th meeting where the council voted on the motion and it passed.

I still haven't heard when or if a ceremony will be held but I will take pictures when it is presented.

Settling In

2011-09-28T23:49:00.001-06:00

Well since I've been home I've slowly jumped back into what I called my life.

While sorting through my mail I have found a few expected items. For my contributions I have joined the Grand Masters Club in the Knights Templar Eye Foundation and the Athelstan Nobility award in the York Rite College.

I have also started the paperwork in getting back into college. It will be weird to be back in school. I'm also taking on a Little Brother for my Kappa Sigma Chapter.

I have gone to a few Mason meetings; two Fall District Communications and the 2nd Annual Historical Lodge meeting. At the first District meeting I attended the Grand Master honored me with his newly made "Idaho Freemason Medal of Merit". I hope to have more Masonic soon, bit that will have to wait til some things are confirmed.

Tomorrow I will undergo LASIK eye surgery. Next week my friend is getting married. October I also have Commandery, a York Rite conference, the Fall Scottish Rite Reunion, and some fun hunting with the family.

I made it to Boise!

2011-09-17T11:47:00.001-06:00

Well I finished with de-mobilizing in Ft. Lewis and flew back to Idaho last night.

My parents, younger sister, nephew, one of my Kappa Sigma Pledge Brothers, and high school friends greeted me at the air terminal. I hugged them all for a while.

I went out with my KSig buddy and many of my old friends. It was a blast. We drank and shared stories. Then to top the night we stopped by a late night pizza place. So good.

On my way down to the bars my Lodge Secretary called me and said the Brethren of the Lodge of Research elected me as Worshipful Master. I have to appoint an editor-in-chief for the LoR's magazine called the "Transaction". I will be installed during my home Lodges installation ceremony in December.

Back in the USA.

2011-09-10T12:09:00.001-06:00

Well with this new month comes a new chapter in my life. I have finished my time in Iraq and new currently de-mobilizing. I hope to make it home quickly.

Leaving Iraq

2011-09-07T21:30:00.000-06:00

Well, the time has come and I am pleased to say I am leaving Iraq to head back home, and rejoining life as I knew it. See you soon America!!

This Day in History

2011-09-06T14:44:00.000-06:00

On this day in 1901 William McKinley was shot by anarchist Leon Czolgosz. In 1915, the prototype for the tank was unveiled. In 1997, more than 2 billion watched the Princess Diana funeral on TV. In 2007, Italian opera tenor Luciano Pavarotti died at the age of 71.

On this day in 1958, one of my favorite comedians was born, Jeff Foxworthy.

On this day in 1984, the one and only KSigMason was born! Yes, it is my 27th birthday. I am still in Iraq which means this is the first birthday I have had not on American soil. I will soon be home though and cannot wait to be out of here.

Masonic Forums

2011-08-31T14:17:00.000-06:00

For those Brethren interested in corresponding electronically with others around the globe, here is a list of forums I frequent:

The Sanctum Sanctorum

The Masonic Society forum - please note that you must be a paying member to join this forum

The Freemason Hall

The Trestle Board

The Master Mason Forum

Creation Theories of Masonic Templary: Ramsay's Oration

2011-08-31T13:00:00.000-06:00

"The fact remains that there is no trace of chivalric degrees in Freemasonry prior to Ramsay's Oration." These are the words of Stephen Dafoe in his book "Compasses and the Cross". Ramsay who ironically was not of noble birth (thereby ineligible for knighthood) is credited with giving a speech that would give birth to the various theories Masonic Knighthood.

Who was Chevalier Ramsay?

Andrew Michael Ramsay was born 9 January circa 1681 in Ayr, Scotland. After graduating from the University of Edinburgh he was employed (through much of his life) as a tutor to the children of the aristocracy.

Ramsay was made a Freemason 26 March 1729 at Horn Lodge in the Palace Yard, Westminster. In 1730, Ramsay was employed in France and here it is said he was a member Louis l'Argent Lodge where he held the office of Orator. He is said to have been a Grand Orator, but it seems to be more of an honorary title held between Lodges as at the time there was no Grand Lodge formed in France. And as Bro. Dafoe puts it in his book, "It was in his capacity as Orator that Ramsay prepared and delivered an address that would form the building blocks upon which chivalric Masonry would rise." This address he is said to have given on 21 March 1737.

Motivation

Regardless of when he gave it and what office he held, the biggest question is why he gave this address. It is noted by many that in England, Freemasonry while held for those of the upper echelon of society, it was still by large a gentleman's club. It is possible that Ramsay was trying to market Freemasonry to the French aristocracy who would not have had any interest in joining an organization that descended from working class men. This is supported by the Oration itself wherein he talks about not taking the name of 'Freemason' literal and looking to see their were "religious warriors and princes".

There is very little doubt to the fact that Ramsay invented this chivalric history of Freemasonry, but nonetheless he sparked the fire that would be the creation of Chivalric Masonic orders. He may not have invented these "high degrees", as they were once called, but he played a very important role.

Ramsay's Oration

The noble ardour which you, gentlemen, evince to enter into the most noble and very illustrious Order of Freemasons, is a certain proof that you already possess all the qualities necessary to become members, that is, humanity, pure morals, inviolable secrecy, and a taste for the fine arts.

Lycurgus, Solon, Numa, and all political legislators have failed to make their institutions lasting. However wise their laws may have been, they have not been able to spread through all countries and ages. As they only kept in view victories and conquests, military violence, and the elevation of one people at the expense of another, they have not had the power to become universal, nor to make themselves acceptable to the taste, spirit, and interest of all nations. Philanthropy was not their basis. Patriotism badly understood and pushed to excess, often destroyed in these warrior republics love and humanity in general. Mankind is not essentially distinguished by the tongues spoken, the clothes worn, the lands occupied, or the dignities with which it is invested.

Our Society was at the outset established to revive and spread these essential maxims borrowed from the nature of man. We desire to reunite all men of enlightened minds, gentle manners, and agreeable wit, not only by a love for the fine arts, but much more by the grand principles of virtue, science, and religion, where the interests of the Fraternity shall become those of the whole human race, whence all Nations shall be enabled to draw useful knowledge, and where the subjects of all Kingdoms shall learn to cherish one another without renouncing, their own country. Our ancestors, the Crusaders, gathered together from all parts of Christendom in the Holy Land, desired thus to reunite into one sole Fraternity the individuals of all nations. What obligations do we not owe to these superior men who, without gross selfish interests, without even listening to the inborn tendency to dominate, imagined such an institution, the sole aim of which is to unite minds and hearts in order to make them better, and form in the course of ages a spiritual empire where, without derogating from the various duties which different States exact, a new people shall be created, which, composed of many nations, shall in some sort cement them all into one by the tie of virtue and science.

The second requisite of our Society is sound morals. The religious orders were established to make perfect Christians, military orders to inspire a love of true glory, and the Order of Freemasons, to make men lovable men, good citizens, good subjects, inviolable in their promises, faithful adorers of the God of Love, lovers rather of virtue than of reward.

"Polliciti servare fidem, sanctumque vereri Numen amicito, mores, non munera amare.

Nevertheless, we do not confine ourselves to purely civic virtues. We have amongst us three kinds of brothers: Novices or Apprentices, Fellows or Professed Brothers, Masters or Perfected Brothers. To the first are explained the moral virtues; to the second the heroic virtues; to the last the Christian virtues; so that our institution embraces the whole philosophy of sentiment and the complete theology of the heart.

Because a sad, savage, and misanthropic Philosophy disgusts virtuous men, our ancestors, the Crusaders, wished to render it lovable by the attractions of innocent pleasures, agreeable music, pure joy, and moderate gaiety. Our festivals are not what the profane world and the ignorant vulgar imagine. All the vices of heart and soul are banished there, and irreligion, libertinage, incredulity, and debauch are proscribed.

Our banquets resemble those virtuous symposia of Horace, where the conversation only touched what could enlighten the soul discipline the heart, and inspire a taste for the true, the good, and the beautiful.

Thus the obligations imposed upon you by the Order, are to protect your brothers by your authority, to enlighten them by your knowledge, to edify them by your virtues, to succor them in their necessities, to sacrifice all personal resentment, and to strive after an that may contribute to the peace and unity of society.

We have secrets; they are figurative signs and sacred words, composing a language sometimes mute, sometimes very eloquent, in order to communicate with one another at the greatest distance, and to recognize our brothers of whatsoever tongue. These were words of war which the Crusaders gave each other in order to guarantee them from the surprises of the Saracens, who often crept in amongst them to kill them. These signs and words recall the remembrance either of some part of our science, or of some moral virtue, or of some mystery of the faith.

That has happened to us which never befell any former Society. Our Lodges have been established, and are spread in all civilized nations, and, nevertheless, among this numerous multitude of men never has a brother betrayed our secrets. Those natures most trivial, most indiscreet, least schooled to silence, learn this great art on entering our Society.

Such is the power over all natures of the idea of a fraternal bond! This inviolable secret contributes powerfully to unite the subjects of all nations, and to render the communication of benefits easy and mutual between us. We have many examples in the annals of our Order. Our brothers, traveling in divers lands, have only needed to make themselves known in our Lodges in order to be there immediately overwhelmed by all kinds of succor, even in time of the most bloody wars, and illustrious prisoners have found brothers where they only expected to meet enemies. Should any fail in the solemn promises which bind us, you know, gentlemen, that the penalties which we impose upon him are remorse of conscience, shame at his perfidy, and exclusion from our Society, according to those beautiful lines of Horace:

Est et fideli tuta silentio Merces
vetabo qui Cereris sacrum

Vulgarit arcanae, sub isdem

Sit tragibus, fragilemque mecum

Solvat phaselum

Yes, sirs, the famous festivals of Ceres at Eleusis, of Isis in Egypt, of Minerva at Athens, of Urania amongst the Phenicians, and of Diana in Scythia were connected with ours. In those places mysteries were celebrated which concealed many vestiges of the ancient religion of Noah and the Patriarchs. They concluded with banquets and libations, and neither that intemperance nor excess were known into which the heathen gradually fell. The source of these infamies was the admission to the nocturnal assemblies of persons of both sexes in contravention of the primitive usages. It is in order to prevent similar abuses that women are excluded from our Order. We are not so unjust as to regard the fair sex as incapable of keeping a secret. But their presence might insensibly corrupt the purity of our maxims and manners.

The fourth quality required in our Order is the taste for useful sciences and the liberal arts. Thus, the Order exacts of each of you to contribute, by his protection, liberality, or labor, to a vast work for which no academy can suffice, because all these societies being composed of a very small number of men, their work cannot embrace an object so extended.

All the Grand Masters in Germany, England, Italy, and elsewhere, exhort all the learned men and all the artisans of the Fraternity to unite to furnish the materials for a Universal Dictionary of the liberal arts and useful sciences, excepting only theology and politics. The work has already been commenced in London, and by means of the union of our brothers it may be carried to a conclusion in a few years. Not only are technical words and their etymology explained, but the history of each art and science, its principles and operations, are described. By this means the lights of all nations will be united in one single work, which will be a universal library of all that is beautiful, great, luminous, solid, and useful in all the sciences and in all noble arts. This work will augment in each century, according to the increase of knowledge, and it will spread emulation and the taste for things of beauty and utility over all of Europe.

Every family, every Republic, every Empire, of which the origin is lost in obscure antiquity, has its fable and its truth, its legend and its history. Some ascribe our institution to Solomon, some to Moses, some to Abraham, some to Noah, and some to Enoch, who built the first city, or even to Adam. Without any pretence of denying these origins, I pass on to matters less ancient. This, then, is a part of what I have gathered in the annals of Great Britain, in the Acts of Parliament, which speak often of our privileges, and in the living traditions of the English people, which has been the center of our Society since the eleventh century.

At the time of the Crusades in Palestine many princes, lords, and citizens associated themselves, and vowed to restore the Temple of the Christians in the Holy Land, and to employ themselves in bringing back their architecture to its first institution. They agreed upon several ancient signs and symbolic words drawn from the well of religion in order to recognize themselves amongst the heathen and Saracens. These signs and words were only communicated to those who promised solemnly, and even sometimes at the foot of the altar, never to reveal them. This sacred promise was therefore not an execrable oath, as it has been called, but a respectable bond to unite Christians of all nationalities in one confraternity. Some time afterwards our Order formed an intimate union with the Knights of St John of Jerusalem. From that time our Lodges took the name of Lodges of St John.

This union was made after the example set by the Israelites when they erected the second Temple, who whilst they handled the trowel and mortar with one hand, in the other held the sword and buckler.

Our Order therefore must not be considered a revival of the Bacchanals, but as an order founded in remote antiquity, and renewed in the Holy Land by our ancestors in order to recall the memory of the most sublime truths amidst the pleasures of society.

The kings, princes, and lords returned from Palestine to their own lands, and there established divers Lodges. At the time of the last Crusades many Lodges were already erected in Germany, Italy, Spain, France, and from thence in Scotland, because of the close alliance between the French and the Scotch.

James, Lord Steward of Scotland, was Grand Master of a Lodge established at Kilwinning, in the West of Scotland, MCCLXXXVI, shortly after the death of Alexander III, King of Scotland, and one year before John Baliol mounted the throne. This lord received as Freemasons into his Lodge the Earls of Gloucester and Ulster, the one English, the other Irish.

By degrees our Lodges and our rites were neglected in most places. This is why of so many historians only those of Great Britain speak of our Order. Nevertheless it preserved its splendor among those Scotsmen to whom the Kings of France confided during many centuries the safeguard of their royal persons.

After the deplorable mishaps in the Crusades, the perishing of the Christian armies, and the triumph of Bendocdar, Sultan of Egypt, during the eighth and last Crusade, that great Prince Edward, son of Henry III, King of England, seeing there was no longer any safety for his brethren in the Holy Land, from whence the Christian troops were retiring, brought them all back, and this colony of brothers was established in England. As this prince was endowed with all heroic qualities, he loved the fine arts, declared himself protector of our Order, conceded to it new privileges, and then the members of this fraternity took the name of Freemasons, after the example set by their ancestors. Since that time Great Britain became the seat of our Order, the conservator of our laws, and the depository of our secrets. The fatal religious discords which embarrassed and tore Europe in the sixteenth century caused our Order to degenerate from the nobility of its origin. Many of our rites and usages which were contrary to the prejudices of the times were changed, disguised, suppressed.

Thus it was that many of our brothers forgot, like the ancient Jews, the spirit of our laws, and only retained the letter and shell. The beginnings of a remedy have already been made. It is only necessary to continue, and to at last bring everything back to its original institution. This work cannot be difficult in a State where religion and the Government can only be favorable to our laws.

From the British Isles the Royal Art is now repassing into France, under the reign of the most amiable of Kings, whose humanity animates all his virtues, and under the ministry of a Mentor, who has realized all that could be imagined most fabulous.

In this happy age when love of peace has become the virtue of heroes, this nation one of the most spiritual of Europe, will become the center of the Order. She will clothe our work, our statutes, and our customs with grace, delicacy, and good taste, essential qualities of the Order, of which the basis is the wisdom, strength, and beauty of genius. It is in future in our Lodges, as it were in public schools, that Frenchmen shall learn, without traveling, the characters of all nations, and that strangers shall experience that France is the home of all peoples.

Patria gentis humano.

Creation Theories of Masonic Templary: Rite of Strict Observance

2011-08-31T11:24:00.000-06:00

Continuing on my research of Masonic Templary, let us delve into the theories of the supposed roots of Masonry stemming from the Knights Templars of the Crusades. We'll start this series off by discussing the Rite of Strict Observance.

The Legend of Pierre d'Audmont

Legend says that Pierre d’Aumont, the Preceptor of Auvergne, with a number of knights fled to Scotland disguised as operative Masons. On arrival they created a new order to preserve the traditions of the soon to be disbanded Knights Templar. This new order they named Franc Maçons. This order would later be known as Free Masons when they travelled to England.

Truth is that the Preceptor of Auvergne was not Pierre d’Audmont, but rather Imbert Blanke who did indeed flee to England after dodging the arrests of 13 October 1307. He was there arrested and later played a role in defending his Brethren in the courts. Many Masonic scholars such as Stephen Dafoe point out the absurdity of this legend, particularly the etymology of the name of Freemason. Albert Mackey believes that it was through Ramsey’s Oration that this legend of Templar continuation was able to take hold, but dismisses it as rubbish having no “particle of historical evidence”. Although he does admit that this legend has had a large influence on the modern Masonic organization particularly with the incorporation of Templar Orders.

The legend of Pierre d’Audmont is said to be the brainchild of the Rite of Strict Observance, which was largely promoted by Karl Gotthelf von Hund in Germany between 1751 and 1754.

The Rite of Strict Observance

A decade prior, a few German Lodges had started giving their Entered Apprentices and Fellowcrafts the names of French Knights. Most of these Lodges were in Dresden, but von Hund founded one of these Lodges on his estates East of Dresden around 1751. It was from the close ties of these Lodges that the Rite of Strict Observance was created.

It was said that the Rite originated with C.G. Marschall von Bieberstein, who had founded two of the Lodges in Germany; one in Dresden and one in Naumber called “Lodge of the Three Hammers”. Von Hund is said to have taken over after von Bieberstein died in 1750. Under von Hund’s watch, the Rites degrees consisted of: Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, Master Mason, Scottish Master, Novice, and Knights Templar. The Scottish Master degree concerned itself with the preservation of the lost word of Freemasonry which had been cut on a plate of pure metal, placed in a secure location, and centuries later discovered. This was not an exclusive belief as the Ecossais degrees used this, which had sprung up after Ramsey’s Oration.

One of the most strange aspects of the Rite of Strict Observance was that the adherence had to swear an oath to blindly follow the directives of unknown superiors who ruled the order. This invisible leader was said to have possibly been Charles Edward Stuart, the Young Pretender. This was the same man whom Ramsey had tried to tutor some year prior. There is a lack of evidence that supports this idea, but nonetheless the invisible rulers communicated through von Hund.

The order did not develop any wide-spread appeal for a couple of decades, possibly due to the Seven Year War. From 23 May to 6 July 1775, a convention was held in Brunswick as there was a lot of confusion among the members. Even though they met for some time nothing really came of it other than more confusion among the members. Another convention was called on 15 August 1776 in Wiesbaden at the request of a Baron von Gugumos. During the convention though the members suspected the Baron was a fraud and demanded the Baron do what he promised. The Baron left the convention and never returned to do what he promised.

The End

After von Hund’s death in 28 October 1776, the Rite began to go downhill. The Duke of Sudermania, Grand Master of Swedish Grand Lodge, was elected and installed as Deputy Grand Master of the Rite in 1778. Two years later he resigned. From July 1782 to September 1783, there was a convention held in Wilhelsmbad where it was resolved that the Freemasons were not descendants of the Templars, that there were no “unknown superiors” to hand out instruction, and soon after the Rite came to an end.

The Rectified Scottish Rite

It should be clarified that the Rite did not die out entirely. It was to be absorbed into an order called the Rectified Rite created by Jean-Baptiste Willermoz in 1774. Willermoz had been initiated into the Rite of Strict Observance in 1773. Although based on the Rite of Strict Observance, this Rectified Rite consisted of Scottish Master, Esquire Novice, Knights Beneficent of the Holy City, Professed and Grand Professed. This Rite is still practiced today, but the last two degrees are not always conducted.

The Rectified Scottish Rite exists in Belgium, France, the UK, and the US. There has been recent scandal with the creation of the Grand Priory of America as not all the Grand Masters of the US Grand Lodges all recognize it as they say they did not receive their charter from a legitimate and recognized Priory. This tale is still playing out.

Change

2011-08-04T02:08:00.000-06:00

As I sit here, I am thinking back to the song "Time Marches On" by Tracy Lawrence where he sings "the only thing that stays the same is everything changes". If you had asked me a few months ago what I had planned on doing after this deployment, I would have said that I was moving to the East Coast and pursuing a career.

Now I am having doubt. This deployment has put into perspective many things about where I want to take my life and also shown me that I have strayed from the road I wanted to be on. The road I was on was set hastily by bad experiences from previous job as a full-time Guardsman. I should've stepped back from that and looked around, but instead I felt tainted, jaded, and I wanted out. So much that I was willing to move away from family, friends, and Brothers who I hold very dear to my heart.

I sit here, and those who are close to me in the Sandbox have whispered council that I wish had come sooner as I have made some decisions that I wish I now hadn't. Nothing serious, but I feel I have missed a chance at something for this next year.

Before me are decisions of going back to school, finishing my degree, finding an affordable place to live, and a part-time job that will help pay the bills and other expenditures. Do I try to make something of past relationships that may still hold a spark? So much on my mind and I'm not even home yet.

Happy Independence Day!!

2011-07-04T07:48:00.000-06:00

I wish everyone happiness on this great day! Happy Birthday USA!!

The Chivalric Orders

2011-06-29T05:12:00.000-06:00

The Chivalric Orders are a set of three Orders culminating in the grade of Knight Templar, and controlled by that body. This body is markedly different from its foreign counterparts, in that it exhibits a paramilitary structure and outlook on Masonry, being the only branch of Masonry in the world that is a uniformed body. Its requirement that its members be professed Christians has led to calls of condemnation from other Masonic bodies and organizations both inside and outside the United States, claiming that the body is more of a Christian organization rather than a Masonic body. These have had little effect on the body, however, as many of the organizations criticizing the body have similar degrees among themselves. The American body is also arranged different from its nearest relatives in England. The American body includes the Illustrious Order of the Red Cross, which is not conferred in any other organization, though it has very close cousins in the Irish and American Order of Knight Masons and in the English Allied Masonic Degrees grade of the Red Cross of Babylon. Also, in the United States, the Order of Malta is conferred on members before being eligible to receive the Order of the Temple, whereas in England, the Order of Malta is an honorary grade bestowed on Knights Templar. In the United States, all business is transacted in the Order of the Temple, the other bodies only being opened for the conferral of the Orders. In England, the Order of Malta meets and operates as a separate body in addition to the Order of the Temple.

Illustrious Order of the Red Cross

An Order emphasizing the lesson of truth. Elements of this Order were practiced in Ancient Lodges before the final form of the Master Mason Degree came into use. It is still practiced in the full ceremonial form by the Knight Masons of Ireland and the Knight Masons of the United States, and as the Red Cross of Babylon in the English Order of the Allied Masonic Degrees.

Order of Malta

An Order emphasizing the lesson of faith. This Order requires the Mason to profess and practice the Christian faith. The pass degree of the Mediterranean Pass, or Knight of St. Paul prepares the candidate for the Order by introducing the lesson and example of the unfearing and faithful martyr of Christianity. The Order is centered on allegorical elements of the Knights of Malta, inheritors of the medieval Knights Hospitaller.

Order of the Temple

An Order emphasizing the lessons of self-sacrifice and reverence. It is meant to rekindle the spirit of the medieval Knights Templar devotion and self-sacrifice to Christianity. The history of the Masonic Order is long and convoluted, with the Order's ritual differing between that conferred in England and in the United States. That practiced in the United States has a slight militant zeal to the lesson of Christianity, whereas the English ritual is more allegorical. However, the American ritual is most impressive, and more emphasis is placed on the solemnity and reverence associated with the Crucifixion, Resurrection, and Ascension of Christ. The presiding body is a Commandery, and the presiding officer is a Commander (titled Eminent).

The Cryptic Degrees

2011-06-29T05:07:00.001-06:00

The Cryptic Degrees are a set of three degrees controlled by the Select Masters Council. The degrees get their name from the reference to a hidden or secret vault in the degrees, hence the term Cryptic. Only the first two degrees are regularly worked, the third degree, that of Super Excellent Master, is worked as an honorary degree, not being required as a requisite for membership in the Council. It is also somewhat peculiar in its association with the Cryptic degrees, as it is more closely allied in theme and character with the Royal Arch and the Illustrious Order of the Red Cross. The history of the body as a whole is also shrouded in uncertainty and controversy. Though there is early evidence of Councils of Royal and Select Masters being worked in the United States, the degrees were worked variously by their own Councils, Royal Arch Chapters, and even Lodges of Perfection of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite. Though the Scottish Rite has long relinquished any claim to these degrees, several Grand Jurisdictions (VA & WVA) still confer them as a part of Capitular Masonry. In England, the degree of Most Excellent Master is grouped with this body. In the United States, all business is conducted in the Select Masters Council, the other two bodies only being opened for the conferral of degrees. Some jurisdictions hold "table councils" in similar manner to "table lodges" as a social focal point of their local York Rite bodies.

Royal Master

A Degree emphasizing the lessons of patience and fortitude. The Degree centers around the Fellowcraft Masons who were artificers fabricating the fittings and furniture of the Temple. It is unusual in that the first part of the Degree depicts events taking place before the death of the Grand Master Hiram Abif, and the last part depicts events occurring after his death.

Select Master

A Degree emphasizing the lessons of devotion and zeal. The Degree centers on the construction and furnishing of a Secret Vault beneath the Sanctum Sanctorum of the Temple, and the deposition of those secrets pertaining to the Craft by the three ancient Grand Masters of the Craft. This Degree bridges the events surrounding the concealment and loss of the Ineffable Word and the events leading to the recover of the Word in the Royal Arch Degree. The presiding body is a Council, and the presiding officer is a Master (titled Illustrious).

Super Excellent Master

A Degree emphasizing the lessons of loyalty and faithfulness. The Degree centers around the events leading to the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple at the hands of the Chaldeans. The Degree is narrated by small interludes of biblical prophecy that highlight the end of the first Temple and the construction of the second Temple. It is noteworthy for its scenes of the Jewish court of Zedekiah and the Chaldean court of Nebuchadnezzar. This degree is an honorary one, and a member of the Council not needing to have it in order to hold membership or office.

The Capitular Degrees

2011-06-29T04:59:00.000-06:00

The Capitular Degrees are a set of four degrees controlled by the Royal Arch Chapter. They center on the construction phases of Solomon's Temple, with the exception of the degree of Past Master, hence the title of Capitular. The degree of Past Master is the vestigial remnant of the former custom that the degree of the Royal Arch could only be conferred on a Past Master of a Symbolic Blue Lodge. In the United States, these degrees are considered as proprietary to the Royal Arch, while in England there is no Past Master degree as found here, and the Mark Master degree is controlled by its own Grand Lodge. The Most Excellent Master degree is also part of the Cryptic Degree in England. As stated in the forward, the Royal Arch overseas is controlled by Chapters attached to English Blue Lodges. The Royal Arch Chapters have occasionally been referred to as the "Red lodge" in older Masonic publications, though they should more accurately be described as the "Red degrees." In the United States, all Chapter business is conducted in a Royal Arch Chapter, the other bodies being only opened for the conferral of degrees. Some jurisdictions open Mark Master Lodges as "table lodges," which act as a social focus for the local York Rite bodies.

Mark Master

A Degree that emphasizes the lessons of regularity, discipline, and integrity. It is a most impressive Degree centered on the story of the Fellowcraft of the quarry and their role in the building of the Temple. Its importance in English Craft Masonry can be judged by the fact that it operates as a separate Grand Lodge, and is highly sought by members of the Craft in that jurisdiction.

Past Master (Virtual)

A Degree that emphasizes the lesson of harmony. This Degree is conferred because ancient custom required that a Mason must be a Past Master in order to be exalted to the Royal Arch. In some Grand Jurisdictions this Degree is conferred upon all sitting Masters of the Blue Lodge. The Degree confers no actual rank upon the recipient, but is exemplified to maintain the ancient custom.

Most Excellent Master

A Degree that emphasizes the lesson of reverence. This Degree is centered on the dedication of the Temple after its completion, particularly the consecration of the Sanctum Sanctorum and the descent of the Host into the Temple. It is complimentary to the Mark Master Degree and completes the symbolic lessons introduced in that Degree.

The Royal Arch

The completion of the Master Mason Degree and the summit of the original Degrees of the Blue Lodge as practiced in the Antients Lodges of England before 1820. The Degree explains the origins of the Substitute Word found in the Master Mason Degree, the recovery of the Ineffable Word, and its concealment within the Royal Arch Word. This Degree, together with the Master Mason Degree, may have once been exemplified as one large or "super" Degree, with the Master Mason Degree explaining the loss of the Master's Word and the Royal Arch explaining the recovery of the Master's Word. The presiding body is a Chapter, and the presiding officer is a High Priest (titled Excellent).

The Degrees of the York Rite

2011-06-29T04:56:00.000-06:00

In addition to my post on the basic description of York Rite Freemasonry, here is information on each individual degree within the 3 separate bodies.

The York Rite, or more correctly, the American Rite, is based on the early remnants of Craft Masonry that were practiced in the early 1700's. The formation of the first Grand Lodge of England in 1717 specified that the lodges were to confer only the degrees of Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and Master Mason, all other degrees being considered spurious. However, many lodges had been conferring other degrees that they considered an integral part of Masonry, in particular that of the Royal Arch, and formed their own Grand Lodge in 1751, terming themselves the "Antients" and the other Grand Lodge members the "Moderns." With the merger of the two Grand Lodges in 1813 into the United Grand Lodge of England, the lodges agreed that only the three accepted degrees of Masonry would be used by the lodges, but the degree of the Royal Arch would be attached to Chapters allied directly to these lodges and bearing the same number as the lodge, though as a separate body. Thus, unlike the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, which claims to hold the power of conferring the first three degrees of Masonry in addition to those under its jurisdiction, those found in the York Rite have rightfully acknowledged the fact that they are considered appendant to those of Ancient Craft Masonry. It is still the practice in English Masonry that a Masonic member is not considered to be in possession of all the degrees of Ancient Craft Masonry until he has been exalted to the Royal Arch.

Early American Lodges operated in a similar manner until the establishment of the General Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons. For a period in US history, the Cryptic degrees were controlled by various state Grand Chapter jurisdictions, until the establishment of the General Grand Council. The Chivalric Orders have been controlled by the Grand Encampment since the early 19th century in the United States. All three bodies are technically autonomous Masonic entities, only the requirement of membership in the Royal Arch connecting the Cryptic degrees and Chivalric Orders together.

Appendant to the York Rite Bodies are several additional Masonic bodies, most of which are invitational in nature. Membership in many of them is predicated on membership in the Royal Arch, though some have memberships predicated on other bodies of the York Rite, or membership in all of the York Rite bodies. Many are found in other jurisdictions outside of the United States, but several are uniquely American in their origin.

The Invitational and Honorary Bodies of the York Rite

2011-06-29T04:45:00.000-06:00

A treasure trove of information on the York Rite can be found at the website www.yorkrite.org

Many are unaware of the several invitational, honorary bodies that branch from the York Rite. Below is a list, with description, of the various groups:

Allied Masonic Degrees

The Allied Masonic Degrees are an invitational organization, and requires membership in the Royal Arch as well as the Symbolic Lodge. Membership is limited to 27 members per council.

Be it remembered that on August 5, 1933, this Grand Council took as its date of formation January 14, 1892, since this date was the beginning of the Allied Masonic Degrees in America with the formation of the Sovereign College of Allied Masonic and Christian Degrees at Richmond, Virginia, that on April 16, 1932, the subsequent establishment of a Grand Council of Allied Masonic Degrees of the United States of America occurred in Salisbury, North Carolina, and that the union of the two bodies was drawn up and entered into July 18, 1933, and was ratified by the North Carolina Grand Council August 5, 1933 and was ratified by the Sovereign College at Norway, Maine August 24, 1933, and became effective as of September 7, 1933.

The Allied Masonic Degrees are detached degrees some of which, many years ago, were conferred under Craft warrants and formed part of the then loosely governed Freemasonry of the period.

Many of these detached degrees became dormant in some places, although in others they were conferred as side degrees. In time, the better of these degrees were grouped together in an organized body under the title of Allied Masonic Degrees. The degrees comprising the system in our Jurisdiction in the U.S.A. are the Royal Ark Mariner, Secret Monitor, Knight of Constantinople, Saint Lawrence the Martyr, Architect, Superintendent, Grand Tilers of Solomon, Master of Tyre, Excellent Master, Installed Sovereign Master, Installed Commander Noah, Red Branch of Eri and Ye Ancient Order of Corks. They are conferred in the United States in Councils chartered by the Grand Council. Each Council is limited to twenty seven members, with two exceptions. One of these Councils is known as the Council of the Nine Muses and is limited to nine members. The other is Grand Masters Council, which has what is known as a roving charter. The purpose of the latter Council is to provide a place of membership in the Allied Masonic Degrees for brethren residing in localities where Councils have not been organized. Membership in every Council of Allied Masonic Degrees is by invitation, and is predicated on membership in the Royal Arch Chapter.

Knight Masons

The Knight Mason Degrees have their origins to the earliest records of Masonry, in fact there is some indication that the Knight Mason Degrees may have been developed even before the degree of Master Mason!

There are three degrees - Knight of the Sword, Knight of the East, and Knight of the East and West. These "Green" degrees are ancient and are in essence "Old Testament."

Until the mid-Nineteenth Century they were worked in Ireland under the auspices of the Royal Arch Chapters and later the Commandery Preceptories.

Sovereign Rite Sovereign College

The York Rite Sovereign College of North America exists primarily to be of service to the York Rite of Freemasonry. Constituent colleges must declare fealty to the Grand Lodge of their respective jurisdictions. The pre-requisite for membership, which is by invitation only, is good-standing in all four York Rite bodies: Lodge, Chapter, Council and Commandery or Preceptory (Canada.)

Membership in a College is by invitation, and is restricted to those who hold membership in all of the other York Rite bodies. Since the primary object of every College is to foster a spirit of service and to promote and support the York Rite in every way possible, it is no surprise to find many of the leaders of the Craft numbered among its ranks. Here they find a common ground from which the can act for the welfare of all York Rite bodies without special favor to any. Colleges have been active in the organization of York Rite Festivals, degree teams, drill corps, and many other functions which serve to assist, coordinate, and unify the Rite.

The Order of the Purple Cross of York, the highest honor of the College, is conferred upon those members of the College who have distinguished themselves by their service to humanity or to the Rite, The recipients are designated Associate Regents of the Sovereign College, and from their ranks are chosen the Regents or active members of that body.

Royal Order of Scotland

The Royal Order comprises two Degrees, that of Heredom of Kilwinning and that of the Rosy Cross. Tradition tells us that the former was established in Judea, in Palestine, but whether at the time of the Crusaders of much earlier origin, tradition is silent.

Each applicant MUST BE INVITED, MUST HAVE BEEN A MASTER MASON FOR MORE THAN FIVE YEARS and MUST BE A TRINITARIAN CHRISTIAN BY FAITH. He further should hold the 32nd degree of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, although this may be waived if the Petitioner is a Knight Templar. We require that all applicants must be entitled to honor in Freemasonry because of services performed for the Craft, the Church, or the Public.

Holy Royal Arch Knights Templar Priest

The Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests is an honorary and invitational organization with membership limitations and cannot be applied for. Members are selected and extended invitations on the basis of outstanding performance as a Commander of a Commandery of Knights Templar. The order has historic roots in England that trace back to 1786, with references back to 1686, the traditional year of revival. The "Priestly Order" was referred to within the ceremonies of "The High Knights Templar" in Ireland in 1755. There are records of the conferral of this Order in the United States during the 1800's but the authority is unknown. The Grand College of America, Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests was formed in the United States in 1931. The limit of Regular Members in a Tabernacle is 33. The number of Tabernacles in a state is dependent on the number of active Commanderies in each state.

Red Cross of Constantine

The Red Cross of Constantine is officially The Masonic and Military Order of the Red Cross of Constantine and the Orders of the Holy Sepulchre and St. John the Evangelist, the latter two of which are called the Appendant Orders. There are also two chair degrees conferred on the Viceroy and Sovereign of a Conclave, and two honorary orders: Knight Commander of Constantine and Knight Grand Cross. The governing body of the Order for the United States of America, the Republic of Mexico and the Republic of the Philippines and their territories is styled The United Grand Imperial Council of Knights of the Red Cross of Constantine and Appendant Orders for the United States of America, Mexico and the Philippines.

The purpose of the Constantinian Orders are to commemorate the first elevation of Christianity from the position of a despised and proscribed heresy to that of a legally recognized and honored religion, to cultivate the social virtues, appeal to the intellectual and moral qualities, preserve as far as possible the customs of the fraternity and bring about good fellowship and understanding between all branches of Masonry.

Knights Companions of the Order meet in Conclaves of the Red Cross of Constantine and a member must be a Royal Arch Mason in good standing and subscribe to a belief in the Christian religion as revealed in the New Testament. Membership is by invitation and each Conclave has a prescribed membership limit.

Societas Rosicruciana in Civitatibus Foederatis (Rosicrucian Society)

Membership is by invitation only & predicated on regular mainstream Masonic affiliation as well as a profession of Christian faith. Membership was initially restricted to 36 members per College, but this was changed in 1908 by MW Thomas Shryock to 72 members per college. The See of the High Council is in Washington, D.C. The SRICF is in amity with the SRIS (Scotia) and the SRIA (Anglia) as well as the SRIC (Canada) and has helped the cause of Rosicruciana by empowering High Councils in their own sovereignty around the World. They are: the SRIL in Lusitania (Portugal), SRIG in Gallia (France) & the SRIR (Romania).

Grand College of Rites

Established on May 12, 1932 - The Grand College of Rites is a "regular" Masonic body, dedicated to preserving the history and rituals of defunct and inactive Masonic orders.

Any Master Mason holding membership and in good standing in a regular symbolic Lodge recognized by a majority of the Grand Lodges of Freemasonry in the United States may petition for membership in the Grand College of Rites.

Rectified Scottish Rite

The R.E.R. is a strictly Christian Order, and as such the requirements are to be a practicing Christian. There are ritualistic requirements which cannot be assumed by non-Christians. Further one needs to be a Knight Templar and a member of a Symbolic Lodge in fraternal accord with a Grand Lodge recognized by most of the members of the Conference of Grand Masters of North America. This requirement is automatically met by any Knight Templar belonging to a Commandery of Knights Templar here in the United States.

The work of the R.E.R. will be done in full form and follow along the lines intended by those who established these degrees. An initiate will remain in a Lodge of St. Andrew for at least 3 years before being advanced as a Squire Novice, and another 3 years at least before being admitted to the Chevalier Bienfaisant de Cite Saint (CBCS) degrees. By doing so, a Knight may have the full R.E.R. experience.

The final group is an organization for women related to Sir Knights of the Order of the Temple.

Social Order of the Beauceant

As the wives, widows, mothers, sisters, daughters and granddaughters of Knights Templars, they are the only ladies' fraternal order whose eligibility is determined by a Sir Knights membership in the Commandery. A new Assembly may be constituted wherever there is an active Commandery of Knights Templar of sufficient size to warrant it, and there are several interested wives or widows.

The "Chair" Degrees of York Rite Freemasonry

2011-06-29T04:08:00.000-06:00

I recently joined a new Masonic Forum and did a thread on the entire York Rite. While I've done a article on the York Rite, I haven't talked much about the invitational, honorary bodies that branch from the York Rite.

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The "Chair Degrees" of York Rite masonry, so called as the candidate must be the installed or a past presiding officer of the respective York Rite body. They may also differ somewhat in name or character from one jurisdiction to another

Order of High Priesthood

A chair degree conferred upon installed or past High Priests. Sometimes referred to as the Anointed Order of High Priesthood. In antiquity, this degree was known as the Order of Melchizadek.

Illustrious Master

A chair degree conferred upon installed or past Illustrious Masters. It is also known as the Order of the Silver Trowel from the jewel of the degree.

Knight Crusader of the Cross

A chair degree conferred upon installed or past Eminent Commanders.

Sovereign Order of Knights Preceptor

All present and Past Commanders of Constituent and Subordinate Commanderies of the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar of the United States of America in a jurisdiction where there is not any Chapter of the Order may petition for membership in the Order of Knights Preceptor. The Grand Chapter of the Order of Knights Preceptor meets annually at the time and place of the Annual Meeting of the Grand Council of Allied Masonic Degrees of the United States of America.

Past Commanders Association (in some jurisdictions)

An association for all present and Past Commanders of Constituent and Subordinate Commanderies of the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar of the United States of America.

Now I am going to include the KYCH as it has much to do with the Chair degrees.

Knight of the York Cross of Honor

Requirements for membership are that each proposed candidate for membership must have presided over a Lodge as a Master, over a Chapter as High Priest, over a Council as Illustrious Master and over a Commandry as Commander. Knights of the York Cross of Honour is a Honor Group of York Rite Masons who are dedicated to serving the Masonic Fraternity as a Labor of Love.No individual should aspire to membership in KYCH, when he has done the required work, and done it well, he will be invited to membership. Those who labor will be rewarded by being invited.

After a Mason has fulfilled the requirements of membership, his name may be proposed for membership by a member of the K.Y.C.H.. The prospective member should not know that he has been proposed. When a Priory receives a proposed, such proposal must be held over until the next stated meeting of the Priory before it is Balloted on. Some of the Ballot rules vary in different Jurisdictions, to comply with Grand Lodge Rules and Regulations. In this Jurisdiction the prospect must receive a unanimous vote by secret Ballot. The prospective proposal should not know that his name was proposed until he is official notified that he is elected to be invited to petition to membership. I f this rule is followed, no one that is proposed and rejected should ever know that he was proposed and rejected, thereby saving much embarrassment. to everyone. SEE MORE

Some Masonic books

2011-06-25T02:23:00.000-06:00

With my previous post I am starting research on early Masonic Templary and its beginnings in America. I have ordered a copy of Compasses and the Cross by Stephen Dafoe. I hope to enjoy the read and hope it will aid me on my journey.
Overview of the Compasses and the Cross:

In the Compasses and the Cross, Stephen Dafoe, the author of Nobly Born: An Illustrated History of the Knights Templar, traces the origins and evolution of the Masonic Knights Templar from their beginnings in the middle of the eighteenth century to its present form. Through the course of the book, Dafoe draws on his knowledge of the history of the original Order as well as that of the modern Masonic variant. Individual chapters will examine the various myths connecting the Templars and Freemasonry put forth by eighteenth and nineteenth century Freemasons including James Anderson, Andrew Michael Ramsay and Baron von Hund, as well as Scottish Freemasons such as William Alexander Lawrie and the Chevalier James Burnes. In addition to separating historical fact from masonic tradition, Dafoe also chronicles the differences in Masonic Templarism as it exists in Britain and the Dominion with that of the United States. An excellent and thought provoking addition to the existing information on the Knights Templar which will be essential reading for all Masons and general readers with an interest in this subject area.

While deployed I had the pleasure of meeting a Brother from another unit. In our talks, he loaned me a book called Workman Unashamed by Christopher Haffner. It was an interesting read for all who are Freemasons and of the Christian faith.

Overview:

Freemasonry has been the subject of much debate by both Christians and non-Christians alike. It has provoked several books to be published in recent years which have sensationalised the issue without proper research. The author, as a freemason and Christian, has carefully examined the accusations levelled at Freemasonry. He gives reasoned answers and explanations to the issues raised in anti-masonic publications and exposes their lack of substance. First published in 1989, this edition has been extensively revised and expanded to incorporate additional information and subsequent developments.

I was also suggested to read The Cross and Compasses by Michael Poll.

Overview:

This book contains a collection of Christian sermons delivered by Freemasons, some Christian ministers, in Christian churches. It spans the 1700's to 1900's. This work is not offered to lift up the Christian faith over any other religion, but to show that to Christian Masons, Christianity is their faith. It is what they believe and it is not diminished by their Masonic membership. A devout Christian Mason is as devout a Christian as any devout Christian. The charges that Freemasonry is anti-Christian or that Christians cannot be true Christians as well as Freemasons are false.

If anyone knows of any more excellent reads out there I hope to hear of them.

History of the Masonic Templars in America

2011-06-19T05:32:00.000-06:00

With some of the free time I have had lately while in Iraq I have started researching the history of the Masonic Knights Templar in America. I have found one piece (see below) that has given me a direction to take and I have also requested information from the Grand Encampment and my Grand Commandery. I am also sifting through research papers done by the Brothers of Quatuor Coronati Lodge No. 2076 (UGLE). The paper that has given me a big piece of the puzzle is titled "The First Knights Templar in the United States", written by Michael Kaulback.

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INTRODUCTION

A careful look must be taken at the known history of the growth and development of the Chivalric Orders of masonic knighthood if any sense is to be made of the connection between the Templars and Freemasonry. The earliest recorded masonic Knights Templar organizations were in Scotland and Ireland in the mid 1700s. They seem to have formed after a speech made by Michael Ramsay of Scotland in France purporting that the Knighthood of the Crusades had masonic influence. No-one is absolutely certain as to the exact dates involved, but in America the series of events are easier to follow.

EARLIEST RECORD

The earliest written record available in America mentioning the Knights Templar is to be found in the records of St. Andrew's Royal Arch Chapter. (called a Royal Arch lodge at that time.) On 28 August, 1769, William Davis was « Accepted and Accordingly made by receiving the four steps - That of Excellent, Super Excellent, Royal Arch, and Knight Templar. »

St. Andrew's Royal Arch Chapter must have been formed befère this date, but very little documentation exists. Originally it was believed that the British Army Lodges working in Boston (Glittering Star n° 322 organized under the Grand Lodge of Ireland and British Army Lodge n° 58 organized under the Grand Lodge of England) brought Royal Arch Masonry with them. However in the records of Saint Andrew's Lodge there is a copy of a letter dated 29 October 1762, sent to the Grand Lodge of Scotland requesting a Charter for a Royal Arch Lodge. We may conclude that there was an existing Royal Arch Lodge or at the very least a group of Royal Arch masons previous to the arrival of the British Army Lodges on 30 September 1768.

Who then were the Officers of Saint Andrew's Lodge who performed the work that day ? Looking at the list we find James Brown listed as Royal Arch Master. He was Master of Glittering Star Lodge n° 322 and listed as N° 48 on the list of Brethren, Grand Registry of Ireland. Next we have Charles Chambers listed as Senior Warden of St. Andrew's Lodge, also Senior Warden of Glittering Star Lodge N° 322 and n° 38 on the same list of Brethren. The test of the members present were members of St. Andrew's Lodge or members of British Army Lodge n° 322.

READ MORE

I will continue my research and post my findings.

A Needed Update

2011-05-17T02:50:00.001-06:00

Well I have not updated this in dome time. From the first days in Rome I spent the next few days seeing the sights and enjoying the breath taking views that the Eternal City could supply. The Roman Templars met with me and took me to dinner. It was an interesting time between the age difference and the language, but it was amazing time nonetheless.

After four days I took a train to Perugia, something random I hadn't originally planned, but I am glad as it was a beautiful mountain city and the food was amazing. I spent the night and the took off for Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance. I met with the Knights there and one of them took me on a nice tour of the historic areas. It was quite an awe inspiring time. I saw the must-see sights such as the Duomo and Palazzo Vecchio. The last night I was there I observed the locals celebrate Notte Tricolore which was marking the 150th anniversary of a united Italy.

Being a member of Kappa Sigma it's pretty much mandatory to make a pilgrimage to Bologna, the legendary home of our fraternity. I arrived early in the morning and decided to walk around the Alphabet City seeing such sights as the Basilica di San Patronio and Torre Degli Asanelli. Climbing the tower was quite the ordeal, but the view was beautiful and worth the climb. The weather had been windy and rainy since leaving Rome, but good weather was on the horizon.

I arrived in Venice and with me arrived a nice, warm Spring Day, which was nice, but I had caught a cold in Bologna. I stopped at the Pharmacy and picked up some medicine. It put a dent on he fever, but not much more. This was not going to stop me though. I was in Venice- the City of Bridges, the Floating City, or City of Masks.

I stayed on the mainland though as it was cheaper and only needed to take a short bus ride to the island.

The first day I made it to the island and decided to just walk around. I found that this maze city was quite the mind bender. I did find some fascinating architecture and finally came to a exhibit on the work of Da Vinci where i found spectacular drawings and models. I continued to walk and found many cathedrals and churches that marked the island. I loved seeing the shops with it's masks and dolls. I even found a bookstore which carried old books and in the front window was displayed several books with Masonic symbolism.

I continued to walk around the island the next few days visiting such places like St. Mark's Square. It was an amazing time overall which made it hard to get back on the train back to Rome to head back to Iraq.

To walk on such hallowed and ancient ground was a magnificent time, well worth the money. I wish I had the companionship of my love, but maybe later we will retrace my steps together.

I made it back to Kuwait and after a ling night made it to a bed to rest. I waited several days, but my Internet connection was interrupted by such natural occurrences such as sand storms. I made it to Nasariyah, but quickly moved to Al Amarah.

I have been here ever since my return. This place is quite different from Nasariyah, but not horrible.

I have some posts being drafted about some of the symbols I found when traveling Italy.

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