Friday, November 07, 2008

At Odds With the Grand Lodge of DC

If you read Bro. Chris Hodapp's "Freemasons for Dummies" Blog, then you have seen his November 6th, 2008 posting "GL of NY Suspend Amity with GL of District of Columbia"

The posting seems to accurately relay the facts as I have received them in a Decree from our Grand Master, the M.'.W.'. Edward G. Gilbert, so I will not repeat them here.

This is an unfortunate event that I hope can be overcome in due time. I have read a few of the comments to Bro. Hodapp's post where a few could not see a problem with the actions of the Grand Lodge of District of Columbia whereby they chartered a new Lodge in what they perceive to be free territory - that being Syria- Lebanon. That may be so...

But while I am not privy to the Diplomatic processes of Grand Lodges in matters such as this, I do know that there are Lodges there that are chartered by the Grand Lodge of Scotland as well as those under the District Grand Lodge of Syria-Lebanon as chartered by the Grand Lodge of New York. (See this site for a short history.) Those Lodges (and Grand Lodges) seem to get along just fine under some sort of arrangement.

Communication between the Grand Lodges is pertinate to its resolution - as I said before, I hope that this situation can be rectified in a timely matter and that Recognition can be restored.

Monday, November 03, 2008

Please VOTE

As Freemasons, we avoid the topics of religion and politics in our Lodge Rooms, thereby assuring peace and harmony therein. I will not breach either of those topics in this post but will remind all American Brethren (and any other Americans reading) that we have not only the Right but the Responsibility to VOTE in tomorrow's elections.

I am not going to ask or tell you who to vote for. I do urge all to get out & VOTE. Change is a word that has been used by both presidential candidates at some point or another. YOU can be an agent of change by VOTING.

Change will come with whoever wins - you can help decide what direction those changes will head by voting for the candidate of your choice. It's up to YOU...

Friday, October 10, 2008

Rose Circle Reviews

For some more reviews of last weekend's Conference of the Rose Circle Research Foundation, please visit Brother Jay Hochberg's blog "The Magpie Mason" and Brother David Lindez's "The Anthropological Mason". There's some great photos there as well.

Wednesday, October 08, 2008

Rose Circle Fall 2008 Conference

I spent last Saturday at the Rose Circle Research Foundation's Fall Conference in New York City. This was a great afternoon of esoteric indulgence as we began with an art & jewel exhibit.

At 2 PM, the lectures began with Piers A. Vaughn's topic on Alchemy and Freemasonry. Brother Vaughn is always very interesting to listen to & he didn't disappoint - I have to start some research on the 7 Liberal Arts & Sciences and their Alchemical correspondences.

Piers was followed by Brother David Lindez, who entertained us with a talk about the history of the Societas Rosicruciana in Civitatibus Foederatis. This was an extremely fascinating look at the Masonic Rosicrucian Society here in the United States. He cut his talk short so we could have more time with the last speaker of the afternoon, but I look forward to his forthcoming books on the SRICF and the Rectified Scottish Rite.

Our final speaker was Brother R.A. Gilbert who went "beyond the image" of Rosicrucian symbolism with his educational lecture. Known as an academic in Masonic circles, Brother Gilbert prove to be an entertaining speaker for what could have been a very dry subject. His sense of humor showed through as well as his esoteric side.

The day was a great success and it was great for me to see that there were Brother Masons (and non-Masons) that seemed to be quite "normal" despite their esoteric leanings - not to worry though, there were still a few eccentrics & other such beings there as well. All gathered together in relatively peaceful harmony.

I also got the chance to meet and speak face to face with Brother Jay Hochberg, who along with Brother David Lindez are members of The Masonic Society. It was great to converse with those that we normally on know over the "net". The Masonic Society, by the way, will be meeting at Masonic Week in February 2009, just outside of Washington, DC.

Monday, September 29, 2008

2008 Livingston Library Dinner Lecture Series

The next Livingston Masonic Library Dinner Lecture was recently announced. The event will take place on Monday, December 8th, 2008 in New York City. The topic for the evening will be "Freemasonry and the Arts" and will feature presenters Robert L. Barrows, Ari Roussimoff and Robert G. Davis. Barrows will present on Music, Roussimoff on Painting/Sculpture and Davis on Theatre Arts.

Last year's event was a great success and this year's edition will prove to do the same. Seating is extremely limited so book early. This is a fund raiser for the Library so if you can't make the event but would still like to support the Library, Event Sponsorships are also available.

Due to my work schedule and the fact that this event is on a Monday, there is a great chance that I will not be able to attend and will have to be satisfied with this coming weekend's Rose Circle Conference. Here are the details for the Dinner Lecture:

When: Monday, December 8, 2008 - 6:00 pm reception - 7:00 pm lecture and dinner
Where: La Petite Auberge Restaurant - 116 Lexington Avenue at 28th Street, Manhattan
More Information: Event Registration Form (PDF)
SPECIAL NOTE: Lecture open to all; only 50 seats available. Event Sponsorships are available. Please contact the Library at 212-337-6620.

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Templar Transcript Tour


COMING TO A MASONIC LODGE NEAR YOU!

COPY OF VATICAN’S TEMPLAR TRIAL TRANSCRIPTS ON DISPLAY ACROSS NEW YORK STATE

One of only eight hundred bilingual copies of Processus Contra Templarios to make five stops from Poughkeepsie to Buffalo during week of October 19-25

NEW YORK – In April 2008, the Chancellor Robert R Livingston Masonic Library of Grand Lodge announced the acquisition of Processus Contra Templarios, an unprecedented publication containing a collection of facsimile manuscripts relating to the trials of the Knights Templar. Now, the Library Trustees and staff announce a week-long excursion from October 19-25, during which time the Processus will be displayed and discussed, at six locations across the state: Poughkeepsie; Troy; Cooperstown; Syracuse; Great Valley; and Buffalo. Masonic groups in each location are planning events to coincide with the visit. The trip is planned to conclude on the day of the Grand Master’s Ball in Buffalo, honoring Edward G. Gilbert, Grand Master of Masons in the State of New York.


Each event will include a display of the bound volume containing the transcription of the testimony taken from the captive Knights Templar in the year 1308. The display will include facsimile reproductions of the original documents, which reproduce the handwriting of medieval Inquisitors, along with signs of eight hundred years of age, including artificial tears and mold stains. A half-hour presentation from Thomas M. Savini, Director of the Livingston Masonic Library, and William J. Thomas, Trustee of the Library, will provide an overview of the Knights Templar, describe their place in history, and discuss their interest to scholars of contemporary Freemasonry. The program includes an opportunity for questions and comments from the audience.

“This trip represents an exciting opportunity for the Livingston Library to bring a part of its collection to our patrons,” says Library Director Savini. “Many of our artifacts simply cannot leave the stable environment of our Manhattan site. And while we do lend books by mail to Masons across New York State, most of our books remain in Manhattan as reference copies, to be used at the Library. With this trip, we are bringing an item that has aroused a great deal of curiosity to Masons and others across New York.” Trustee William Thomas adds, "Freemasons really have only one secret - and that pertains to our origins. We don't truly know where we came from. One of the popular theories has us evolving from the Crusader Knights Templar. While there is no such proven link, several Masonic organizations have adopted the theme as part of their traditions. Such traditions are always the subject of lively discussion among our members."

The Holy See shocked the world when it announced that the Vatican Secret Archive would publish exclusive and previously unavailable source material on the hearings against the medieval warrior-monks. The announcement was of special interest to Freemasons and students of Masonic history, as many theorists trace modern Freemasonry’s origins to the military-religious order, and the modern Masonic Templar organization is an important part of the fraternity today. To date, there is no proven historical link between the medieval Knights Templar and modern Freemasonry.

Presented to the world in October 2007, the 700th anniversary of the arrest of the Templars, Processus Contra Templarios is a joint project of the Vatican Secret Archives and Italy’s Scrinium cultural foundation. This unique work is being published in a limited run of 800 copies, under the supervision of Archive officials, and includes faithful replicas of the original parchments closely guarded at the Secret Archive, along with exclusive critical commentary on the minutes of the inquiry.

The publication is highly valued for its documents and critical texts. The most exciting manuscript in the document collection is the “Chinon Parchment,” which contains Pope Clement V’s absolution of the Templars on charges of heresy, which had been the backbone of King Philip of France’s attempts to eliminate them. The pontiff had suspended the Templar Order, without disbanding it, and eventually re-admitted the Templar officials and the entire Order back into the Roman Church community. The pope recognized that they were guilty of many other minor crimes, but not heresy. The parchment, also known as the “Chinon Chart,” was misplaced in the Vatican archives until 2001, when a medieval historian stumbled across it. The parchment was incorrectly catalogued at some point in history and was the key document historians had been looking for.

The Vatican expected most copies of the work to be purchased by specialized libraries at top universities and by leading medieval scholars. The Livingston Masonic Library may be the only Masonic-affiliated research facility to purchase a copy, and one of only a handful of copies in the entire United States. “We are aware that this purchase will raise some eyebrows, both within and outside the Masonic fraternity,” noted Livingston Masonic Library Director Savini. “But the acquisition of this work coincides with our mission to collect, study and preserve the Masonic heritage. The Masonic heritage includes investigation into Freemasonry’s historical roots, but also the study of its inspirational roots, which include Rosicrucianism; the study of philosophy from the European Enlightenment; and study of the Knights Templar. This collection of documents is important not only to students of Freemasonry, but to medieval and religious scholars and historians as well. It is important that someone in the U.S. make this available, and the Library’s Board of Directors unanimously agreed that it should be us.”

President of the Library’s Board of Directors, Barry Mallah, explained the reasoning behind the purchase. “With such an important announcement rippling through the Masonic world, we felt the Livingston Masonic Library should continue its ground-breaking traditions of presenting important works to the research community. We were the first Masonic research library to provide online access to our museum collections and book catalogue, and obtaining the Processus is a continuation of our commitment to research.”

Original documents of the trials of the Templars have never before been offered to scholars. The epic work of Scrinium is presented in a soft leather case that contains a large-format book with scholarly commentary in Italian and English, reproductions of original parchments in Latin, and replicas of the wax seals used by 14th-century inquisitors. One parchment measuring about a foot and a half wide by more than six feet long is so detailed that it includes reproductions of stains and imperfections seen on the originals. The precise reproduction of the parchments will allow scholars to study them, touch them, and admire them as if they were dealing with the real thing. It also means the originals will not deteriorate as fast as they would if they were constantly being handled and viewed.

The Knights Templar have been a subject of both scholarly research and popular fiction for centuries, but never as popular as in recent decades. Legends of their hidden treasures, secret rituals and political power have figured over the years in medieval romances, Victorian novels, modern bestsellers such as The Da Vinci Code, and action films like National Treasure. The Knights have also been portrayed as guardians of the legendary Holy Grail. One theory says that Templars who went underground to escape the persecutions of the inquisitors in the early 14th century evolved as an organization and emerged in Scotland almost two centuries later as early modern Freemasonry.

Library Director Savini said the Livingston Library makes no claim that Freemasonry is descended from the Templars. “Our Library has a duty to provide our patrons with resources that fulfill their interests and research needs, and that expand the general public’s understanding of all areas relating to Freemasonry, including the numerous theories and legends relating to its origins. The Processus is an important work that helps us to serve our patrons.”

The Processus Contra Templarios was acquired through the Edward J. Scheider Book Fund.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT

THOMAS M. SAVINI, DIRECTOR OF THE LIBRARY

212-337-6619 / tmsavini@nymasoniclibrary.org


Sunday, October 19th
2:00 PM
Dutchess District
Wappingers Lodge No. 671
150 Myers Corners Road, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590

Monday, October 20th
2:00 PM
Troy/Capital Region
Mt. Zion Lodge No. 311
39 Brunswick Road, Troy, NY 12180

Tuesday, October 21st
7:00 PM
Otsego-Schoharie Region
Otsego Lodge No. 138
77 Main Street, Cooperstown, NY 13326

Wednesday, October 22nd
7:00 PM
Syracuse / Onondaga & Oswego Districts
Memorial Lodge No. 648
648 Centerville Place, North Syracuse, NY 13212

Thursday, October 23rd
7:00 PM
Cattaraugus / Chautauqua / Allegany Region
Great Valley Lodge No. 1178
4585 Route 219, Great Valley, NY 14741

Friday, October 24th
11:00 AM (Tentative)
Buffalo / Erie District
Buffalo & Erie County Historical Society
22 Nottingham Terrace, Buffalo, NY 14

Wednesday, September 03, 2008

Freemasonry & the Secret Work of the Rosicrucians

On October 4th, 2008, the Rose Circle Research Foundation will present its fall conference.

I missed the last one in the spring and still regret it. If you are interested in Esoteric Freemasonry or Rosicrucianism, then this will be a great conference for you.

I have my ticket - will I meet you there?

The Details...


Date: October 4th, 2008
Time: 12:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Location: Masonic Hall, 71 West 23rd St., New York, NY 10010

View an inspiring installation of esoteric fine art, followed by a fascinating series of presentations and discussions on the impact and intersection between the public face of Freemasonry and the hidden work of Rosicrucianism.

Schedule:

  • 12:00pm – 2:00pm "Ambiance" - an esoteric fine art installation by David Lindez
  • 2:00pm – 5:00pm Lectures and Q&A
  • 6:00pm Salon de Rose Croix (separate event)

Lecture Topics:

  • R. A. Gilbert - Beyond the Image: the Spiritual Reality Behind the Symbol of the Rose and Cross
  • Piers A. Vaughan - Spiritual Alchemy and the Lodge
  • David Lindez - Setting the Record Straight: The History of the Masonic Rosicrucians in the USA

About the Speakers:

  • R. A. Gilbert - British author of numerous masonic, historical and Rosicrucian books, journals and articles, Gilbert most recently co-authored 'Freemasonry: A Celebration of the Craft' with John Hamill, Director of Communications for the United Grand Lodge of England. Gilbert is England's foremost book antiquarian, and will shortly defend his Doctoral thesis at Oxford University. As former Librarian and Archivist to the SRIA, he became well known for his numerous contributions to Rosicrucian Scholarship. Gilbert is an expert on Freemasonry, the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn & Christian Esoterica in general. He is a Past Prestonian Lecturer (1997) & former editor of Ars Quatuor Coronatorum (AQC) while currently serving as chairman of QCCC Ltd.

    Articles by Gilbert:
    http://www.mastermason.com/luxocculta/westcott.htm
    http://www.mastermason.com/luxocculta/hermetic.htm

    Books by Gilbert:
    http://www.amazon.com/s?ie=UTF8&search-type=ss&index=books&field-author=R.%20A.%20Gilbert&page=1
    http://www.bookfinder.com/author/r-a-gilbert/
  • Piers A. Vaughan - Masonic speaker, writer and noted translator of rare French Rosicrucian and Martinist texts. High Council officer for the SRICF, noted high grade member of numerous Chivalric and Esoteric Masonic Orders, expert on Rosicrucian Healing and noted for his liturgical
    contributions as an Arch Bishop in the Old Templar Catholic Church. Vaughan is currently the Director of IT & Operations for Globecon in New York City's financial district and has served a distinguished career in the banking industry as a Project Manager and Program Manager for Deutsche Bank and other Fortune 500 companies.
  • David Lindez - an artist & author hailing from Montclair, NJ. Lindez's fine art installations have been shown in galleries throughout the world, including the Kinkeleba in NYC, Bayonne, Hoboken, New Brunswick, San Juan and Puerto Rico. His works are a permanent installation in the Kurt Art Gallery in Kingston, Jamaica. Lindez serves as the Grand Archivist for the Societas Rosicruciana In Civitatibus Foederatis (an invitational Order for Christian Masons in the US) as well as the Grand Chancellor for the Military & Hospitaller Order of St Lazarus. Lindez's poetry and writings on the anthropological & historical views of various subcultures in the rustbelt of the Northeastern United States, the Western mind & ancient spirituality, Freemasonry and other orders, have been published around the world in various academic journals, magazines and encyclopedias. Currently, David is working on two authoritative books documenting the histories of the SRICF and the Scottish Rectified Rite in the USA.

This event is open to all interested in Esoteric studies. No affiliation with any particular order or body is required. Seating is limited, so please buy your ticket today as we expect to sell out in advance.

Tickets are only $40. Buy your ticket here.

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

GEORGE PETER: Educator, Author, Leader, Historian and Brother

New York Freemasonry and the Craft, in general, lost one of its best last weekend. RW George Peter, our Grand Historian Emeritus, has left our earthly plane for that House not made with hands, eternal in the heavens, and he will be sorely missed.

I first met Brother George when I was invited to join the Societas Rosicruciana in Civitabus Foederatis . He was its Chief Adept at the time and was very warm & welcoming. He was a constant source of Masonic information and was always ready to share his knowledge & experience.

He always had his wife with him and you could tell how much the two of them loved each other. They were the model couple for the institute of marriage. I always thought that he looked lost following her passing. Hopefully, they are together again.

Freemasonry has lost one of its best examples of what it’s all about – let’s honor RW Peter by trying to emulate him and make ourselves better Masons in the process.

His Obituary reads:

On August 10th 2008, George Peter, 86, was reunited with his beloved wife Gloria Barnell (1924-2005). George's life and work was a reflection of his passion for learning, for his community, and for those he held dear. He will be remembered for his dedication to the multiple roles he fulfilled within the communities he loved: Cornell University, the Village of Aurora, NY and the Brotherhood of the Masonic Order. George was a beloved brother, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather; role model, mentor, and friend.

Born on October 21, 1921 in Ithaca NY to an Armenian father, Joseph Peter (nee Hovsep Bedros Karamardian) and Syrian mother, Helen Mike, George grew up with his 8 siblings on a farm in the hills of South Danby. He graduated from Ithaca High School in 1940 and shortly after enlisted in the Army Air Corps. While in service to his country from 1942-1946, he met the love of his life Gloria Barnell in Lincoln, Nebraska. They were married on June 11, 1945 and remained devoted to each other until her death on June 22nd 2005 just 11 days after their 60th wedding anniversary.

George spent his early career operating his own TV repair business, as well as working full time at Cornell University from 1947. George remained at Cornell until his retirement in 1988. He began his tenure at the University as an electronics technician and went on to teach courses in electronics, and eventually to serve as one of the four professionals appointed to undertake the installation of the world's first fixed-base radio telescope at Arecibo Puerto Rico, where he moved with his family in 1960. After two years in Puerto Rico, George returned to Ithaca to direct the Research and Development Lab of the National Astronomy & Ionosphere Center (NAIC) that continued to design, build and install the radio astronomy receivers used at the Arecibo Telescope. Arecibo remains the largest radio astronomy telescope in the world.
A lover of "life, love, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness," George worked tirelessly in his "spare time" as an advocate for his colleagues—the more than 5,000 Cornell University employees. Greatly inspired by the founding principals, and principles, of his country, George created employee representation on the University governance body called the Cornell Senate (which previously included only faculty and students). In 1975, he became the first employee representative to the Cornell Board of Trustees and served 4 terms in that role, serving on the executive committee of the board for most of that time, and on the search committees for two of Cornell's presidents. He was appointed Trustee Emeritus in 1988. He was one of the founders of the Cornell Recreation Club and an active member of Cornell Retirees Association.
In recognition George's service to Cornell, the George Peter Dedicated Service Award was established – and George personally attended those awards ceremonies up until his death. In support of his fellow employees, George wrote a weekly column entitled Leadership Leads, in the Cornell employee newspaper he helped to found, The Paw Print, for which he was broadly recognized and appreciated.

But perhaps nowhere were George's personal values better exemplified than in his volunteer work as a member of the Masonic Order. He is Past Master of both Hobasco Lodge #716 and Scipio Lodge #110, and past District Deputy Grand Master for the Cayuga-Tompkins District. He also served as Grand Historian for the Grand Lodge of the State of New York from 1993 until 2008, when he was appointed Grand Historian Emeritus. He was also a member of the York Rite and Scottish Rite Bodies, AMD, Chief Adept NY College SRICF, Past Master of the American Lodge of Research, member Philalethes Society, member Quatuor Coronati, member Kalurah, A.A.O.N.M.S., Past Dad Advisor and Chairman of Advisory Board Order of DeMolay for Boys in Ithaca.

George's passion for leadership development and education was expressed in Masonic circles through his 12 years as chairman on the Leadership Services Committee. The son of hard-working immigrant parents, George himself had limited educational opportunities but yet committed himself to furthering the educational opportunities of others by co-founding leadership development courses for Freemasons across NY State. This initiative evolved into what is now known as the Masonic University of New York, or MUNY. For many years he participated in the North East Conference of Masonic Education and Libraries, which involved Masonic educators from Maine to Virginia in planning for the betterment of their membership.
For these contributions, George has been honored by the Grand Lodges of New York and Connecticut. The Masonic Lodge of Research in New Haven presented the 2006 James Royal Case Fellowship in May of 2007. There have been 15 Case Fellows, named in honor of the late Grand Historian of Connecticut, and George was the third New York Mason in the group of "internationally famed Masonic writers and educators." In 2007 the Grand Lodge of the State of New York developed the George Peter Award to recognize a Mason who has devoted himself to the education of his Brothers, struck a medal bearing George's likeness, and made him the first recipient of the honor.

Upon his death, George was completing three books which represent his areas of passion: The Power and Passion of Freemasonry, Leadership Leads, and twelve chapters of his family life growing up on the South Danby farm during the Depression era. Each of these are soon to be published.

Of enormous importance to George and Gloria, was their beloved community of Aurora, NY which they adopted upon their move from Ithaca in 1971. They quickly became pillars of community spirit in Aurora, and for many years hosted the community's annual ice cream social. In 1974, George rallied his neighbors to create what became the yearly Aurorafest celebration which continues to this day. The Village of Aurora and its inhabitants have been an inspiration and comfort to George and Gloria over the years and collectively, they supported George through Gloria's illness and eventual death. They have been an invaluable support to George and his family in recent weeks.

Finally, George's life was underscored by his large and loving family. In addition to his beloved wife and his parents, he was pre-deceased by his brothers, Jacob and Moses Peter, sister-in-law Hazel Peter, brothers-in-law Horen Bakerjian and Bill Smith, nephew Samuel, nieces Judy Peter Fallon and Lorraine Peter Droste, and a grand nephew Brian Walpole. He is survived by his children: Michael J. Peter and his wife Wilnive, known as TC (Ft. Lauderdale, FL), Patrice DiLorenzo and her husband Scottie Morris (Key West, FL), Denice Peter Karamardian (Ithaca, NY), Paula J. Peter and her partner Michael Ward (Ithaca, NY). He is also survived by his grandchildren Aubryn Allyn Sidle, Lauren DiLorenzo, C. Connor Sidle, Savan Karamardian DeSouza, and great granddaughter Aurora Gayle Atkins. George's surviving siblings and spouses are John and Charlotte Peter (Syracuse, NY) Susie Bakerjian (Los Palos Verdes, CA.), Mitchell and Pat Peter (Naples, FL), Samuel and Ruth Peter (Ithaca NY and Bonita Springs, FL), Laura Smith (Trumansburg, NY) and Lois Peter (Bradenton, FL). Numerous nieces and nephews, Masonic Brothers, surrogate family, and friends from around the world loved and will miss their Uncle/Brother George.

Calling hours will be held at Shakelton Funeral Home on Main Street in Aurora NY on Saturday morning, August 16 from 10:00am until 1:00pm, and on Sunday morning, August 17th from 9:00am until 1:00pm.

Friday, July 25, 2008

Master Craftsman Program

The Scottish Rite's Southern Jurisdiction continues to be a Leader when it comes to Masonic Education (ME). There are some good ME programs out there and there are some bad ME programs out there (that's right, it's all about ME), but they have developed a high quality product with their Master Craftsman Program.

Here's what you need to know:
  • The Master Craftsman Program is an exciting new by-mail correspondence course designed and administered by staff at the House of the Temple in Washington, DC under the guidance and leadership of the Supreme Council, 33° of the A. and A. Scottish Rite – Southern Jurisdiction.
  • Consisting of 6 lessons, it utilizes The Scottish Rite Ritual Monitor and Guide by Arturo de Hoyos.
  • The course fee of $35.00 includes all 6 lessons and materials, the Ritual Monitor and Guide, and a personalized certificate and lapel pin upon completion of the program.
  • Your first shipment will include a welcome letter, the first quiz and return envelope, and a handsome folder in which to keep your work organized.
  • Also included is Arturo de Hoyos` incomparable resource: The Scottish Rite Ritual Monitor and Guide.

  • The Scottish Rite Ritual Monitor and Guide is a massive tome that cost $65 on its own -- this program is the best deal you will ever receive on an ME program and/or a book of its quality. If you are serious about seeking more Light, sign up today.

    I just received my package and I am ready to dive in!

    Scottish Rite Journal Plug

    I was quite surprised and very pleased when I received a call from my Scottish Rite Valley's Secretary to tell that I was mentioned in the July-August 2008 Scottish Rite Journal.

    Ars Masonica, along with several other Masonic Blogs were discussed in the Brother James T. Tresner II article "Book Review: The Wind Between The Atoms."

    The Scottish Rite Journal is the Southern Jurisdiction's official magazine and is always packed with great articles. I may get a lot of flak for this (I am a member in the Northern Jurisdiction) but I believe it to be the best Scottish Rite and quite possibly, the best Masonic publication in the United States. The entire content of the current issue as well as past issues can be found at the link above.

    I am honored by the mention in it as well as being associated with the other Brothers and their work in the review. Thank You!!!

    Wednesday, July 02, 2008

    Processus Contra Templarios Makes Appearance

    The Chancellor Robert R. Livingston Masonic Library's copy of the Processus Contra Templarios recently made its first public appearance outside of the Library's main location in New York City.

    The Library maintains a satellite branch at the Masonic Care Community in Utica, NY. There you can find "numerous artifacts relating to the history of Freemasonry with particular emphasis on Masonry in upstate New York." The Processus was on display during the recent St. John's Day activities held there in June.

    "Presented to the world in October 2007, the 700th anniversary of the arrest of the Templars, Processus Contra Templarios is a joint project of the Vatican Secret Archives and Italy's Scrinium cultural foundation. This unique work is being published in a limited run of 800 copies, under the supervision of Archive officials, and includes faithful replicas of the original parchments closely guarded at the Secret Archive, along with exclusive critical commentary on the minutes of the inquiry."

    The document drew a steady crowd into the building's Templar Room, prompting discussion among the Trustees about the possibility of a future "tour". If this happens, the dates and places will be announced here & on the Library's site. As always, I will keep you informed.

    Tuesday, July 01, 2008

    Trinity Chapter, Order of DeMolay

    On Saturday, June 7th, the first members of the new Trinity Chapter, Order of DeMolay were initiated at the Liverpool, NY Masonic Temple.

    We had a fine selection of New York State DeMolay Officers on hand to initiate six young men into the International Fraternity for young men ages 12-21. We also welcomed two other DeMolays who had been initiated last summer at Camp Turk, the Grand Lodge of New York's Masonic Youth Camp. That brought our fledgling Chapter to eight members with a few others "on deck" to join.

    Of those eight, five are attending their first State Convention in August along with 3 Advisors. This, we hope, marks the beginning of a successful return of DeMolay to Central New York.

    Wish us luck!!!

    The Masonic Society

    I haven't been getting around to doing a lot of posting lately but I have really wanted to plug The Masonic Society, a new Masonic research organization that unveiled itself back in May. Its Founding Fellows include many of today's best known Masonic authors, bloggers and web-masters such as Chris Hodapp, Paul Bessel, Stephen DaFoe, S. Brent Morris and Mark Tabbert, just to name a few.

    From their site:
    Our name, The Masonic Society, intentionally alludes to the Royal Society, the innovative organization of visionary men who were at the forefront of the Age of Enlightenment, many of whom were present at the formation of what became modern Freemasonry. Likewise, our new Society will be at the forefront of a new age of Freemasonry, and we intend to be a vibrant, active community within the fraternity.

    The goal of The Masonic Society is not just to look backward at the history of Freemasonry, but to foster the intellectual, spiritual and social growth of the modern Masonic fraternity.

    To that end, The Masonic Society extends the hand of assistance and cooperation to individual Masonic research lodges in North America. It is the desire of The Masonic Society to be a partner with these lodges, to give their members the regular opportunity to publish their papers for an international audience, and to publicize their activities.

    Membership in the Society is open to regular Master Masons in good standing of regular, recognized grand lodges in good standing with the Conference of Grand Masters of Masons in North America (CGMMNA), or a grand lodge in amity with a member grand lodge of CGMMNA. Non-Masons, libraries, lodges, and members of other obediences may also subscribe to the Journal at the $39 annual rate.

    I have plunked down my $39 and have been finding it to be a worthwhile investment - check it out!

    Friday, May 16, 2008

    New York's New Grand Master

    May 5th & 6th saw the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of New York and my last as the Onondaga District's District Deputy Grand Master.

    There were many visiting Delegates from Grand Lodges around the world as the World Conference of Masonic Grand Lodges was to be in Washington, DC later in the week.

    The drama of the Grand Lodge session on an even year is the Election of the Grand Master and the Grand Line of Officers. The new Grand Master ran unopposed so the drama that ensued was in relation to other officer positions. I won't go into it here, but suffice it to say, it was a long day on the 6th.

    Our new Grand Master is M.'.W.'. Edward G. Gilbert of Buffalo. Grand Master Gilbert also previously served as our Grand Lecturer - under whom, I served as an Assistant Grand Lecturer.

    I wish him & his entire line the best of luck for their term.

    So what am I to do now? Well..., plenty.

    I have been elected as a Trustee of the Chancellor Robert R. Livingston Masonic Library, a position to which I am thrilled to have. I am also starting Trinity Chapter of the Order of DeMolay. It has been along time since my District has seen a Chapter so I hope we can get it going and it can succeed. Our Interest Meeting is tonight - wish us luck!

    Thursday, April 10, 2008

    Livingston Library Acquires Templar Documents

    I am stoked this morning! My term as District Deputy Grand Master has less than a month left, plans to start a DeMolay Chapter locally are going great and I have have been nominated to a position on the Board of Trustees for the Chancellor Robert R. Livingston Masonic Library of the Grand Lodge of New York! I am riding high, my friends! To top it all off, my Templar interest reached new heights this morning when I read that the Livingston Masonic Library had indeed acquired a copy of the Processus Contra Templarios - a reproduction of Vatican documents relating to the Trial of the Templars. I can't wait to have a gander at them!

    Here is the announcement:

    The Chancellor Robert R Livingston Masonic Library of Grand Lodge has announced the acquisition of Processus Contra Templarios, an unprecedented publication containing a collection of facsimile manuscripts relating to the trials of the Knights Templar.

    The Holy See shocked the world when it announced that the Vatican Secret Archive would publish exclusive and previously unavailable source material on the hearings against the medieval warrior-monks. The announcement was of special interest to Freemasons and students of Masonic history, as many theorists trace modern Freemasonry's origins to the military-religious order, and the modern Masonic Templar organization is an important part of the fraternity today. To date, there is no proven historical link between the medieval Knights Templar and modern Freemasonry.

    Presented to the world in October 2007, the 700th anniversary of the arrest of the Templars, Processus Contra Templarios is a joint project of the Vatican Secret Archives and Italy's Scrinium cultural foundation. This unique work is being published in a limited run of 800 copies, under the supervision of Archive officials, and includes faithful replicas of the original parchments closely guarded at the Secret Archive, along with exclusive critical commentary on the minutes of the inquiry.

    The publication is highly valued for its documents and critical texts. The most exciting manuscript in the document collection is the "Chinon Parchment," which contains Pope Clement V's absolution of the Templars on charges of heresy, which had been the backbone of King Philip of France's attempts to eliminate them. The pontiff had suspended the Templar Order, without disbanding it, and eventually re-admitted the Templar officials and the entire Order back into the Roman Church community. The pope recognized that they were guilty of many other minor crimes, but not heresy. The parchment, also known as the "Chinon Chart," was misplaced in the Vatican archives until 2001, when a medieval historian stumbled across it. The parchment was incorrectly catalogued at some point in history and was the key document historians had been looking for.

    The Vatican expected most copies of the work to be purchased by specialized libraries at top universities and by leading medieval scholars. The Livingston Masonic Library may be the only Masonic-affiliated research facility to purchase a copy, and one of only a handful of copies in the entire United States. "We are aware that this purchase will raise some eyebrows, both within and outside the Masonic fraternity," noted Thomas M. Savini, Director of the Livingston Masonic Library. "But the acquisition of this work coincides with our mission to collect, study and preserve the Masonic heritage. The Masonic heritage includes investigation into Freemasonry's historical roots, but also the study of its inspirational roots, which include Rosicrucianism; the study of philosophy from the European Enlightenment; and study of the Knights Templar. This collection of documents is important not only to students of Freemasonry, but to medieval and religious scholars and historians as well. It is important that someone in the U.S. make this available, and the Library's Board of Directors unanimously agreed that it should be us."

    President of the Library's Board of Directors, Barry Mallah, explained the reasoning behind the purchase. "With such an important announcement rippling through the Masonic world, we felt the Livingston Masonic Library should continue its ground-breaking traditions of presenting important works to the research community. We were the first Masonic research library to provide online access to our museum collections and book catalogue, and obtaining the Processus is a continuation of our commitment to research." He also described an exciting opportunity for Masons and the public at large to participate. "To help offset the cost of the book and further our fundraising goals, we are inviting Masons, their lodges, other Masonic organizations, and non-Masonic individuals or organizations to make a donation to the Library on behalf of the Processus. In return, the names of donors will be added to a special commemorative document that will be deposited within the publication."

    Original documents of the trials of the Templars have never before been offered to scholars. The epic work of Scrinium is presented in a soft leather case that contains a large-format book with scholarly commentary in Italian and English, reproductions of original parchments in Latin, and replicas of the wax seals used by 14th-century inquisitors. One parchment measuring about a foot and a half wide by more than six feet long is so detailed that it includes reproductions of stains and imperfections seen on the originals. The precise reproduction of the parchments will allow scholars to study them, touch them, and admire them as if they were dealing with the real thing. It also means the originals will not deteriorate as fast as they would if they were constantly being handled and viewed.

    Using a "Wood's lamp," or ultraviolet light, to thoroughly analyze the original parchments, parts of text that were previously unseen were recovered by the conservators at Scrinium. The newly available text, along with standardized designations for both people and locations, will allow scholars to obtain a more accurate and genuine reading of the documents and to amend previously misinterpreted text sections, translations and commentaries. Through their collaboration with Scrinium, the Vatican Secret Archive has given academics access to a precious primary source of research into the facts surrounding the Templar Order. Further to the record and transcription of papers and parchment documents, a section focuses on the review of the Templar history and on the trial against them.

    The Knights Templar have been a subject of both scholarly research and popular fiction for centuries, but never as popular as in recent decades. Legends of their hidden treasures, secret rituals and political power have figured over the years in medieval romances, Victorian novels, modern bestsellers such as The Da Vinci Code, and action films like "National Treasure." The Knights have also been portrayed as guardians of the legendary Holy Grail. One theory says that Templars who went underground to escape the persecutions of the inquisitors in the early 14th century evolved as an organization and emerged in Scotland almost two centuries later as early modern Freemasonry.

    Library Director Savini said the Livingston Library makes no claim that Freemasonry is descended from the Templars. "Our Library has a duty to provide our patrons with resources that fulfill their interests and research needs, and that expand the general public's understanding of all areas relating to Freemasonry, including the numerous theories and legends relating to its origins. The Processus is an important work that helps us to serve our patrons."

    The Processus Contra Templarios was acquired through the Edward J. Scheider Book Fund.

    Thursday, March 13, 2008

    (Soon to be) Governor Patterson is a Brother Freemason

    I know, I know, political talk is forbidden within the Masonic Lodge, but this is not the Lodge and I am just reporting a news item.

    Unless you've been living completely off the grid, you have heard of the scandal involving the Governor of New York, Eliot Spitzer. Here in New York, it has been the top news story all week (even bigger than Billy Crystal playing for the Yankees or Syracuse University's poor basketball showing). Anyway, I digress...

    Spitzer has resigned and the Lieutenant Governor David A. Paterson will be sworn in as the new Governor of New York on St. Patrick's day, March 17th. In addition, to being the first African-American and the first legally blind Governor of the State of New York, Mr. Patterson is also a Brother Freemason. I would like to thank Brother Chris Hodapp for breaking this new item for us over at his "Freemasons for Dummies" blog. How he stays on top of all that is beyond me, but I am grateful for his hard work.

    Brother Patterson's bio from the Lt. Governor's page of the NYS website:

    David A. Paterson was elected New York’s lieutenant governor on November 7, 2006.

    Elected to represent Harlem in the New York State Senate in 1985, David Paterson has demanded and achieved change at every level, not simply by what he stands for but by who he is.

    In 2002, David Paterson was elected minority leader of the New York State Senate, the first non-white legislative leader in New York’s history. In 2004 in Boston, he became the first visually impaired person to address a Democratic National Convention. And 2006 saw Mr. Paterson make history again by being elected New York’s first African-American lieutenant governor.

    As New York State Senate minority leader, David Paterson led the charge on several crucial issues for New York’s future, proposing legislation for a $1 billion voter-approved stem cell research initiative, demanding a statewide alternative energy strategy, insisting on strong action to fight against domestic violence, and serving as the primary champion for minority- and women-owned businesses in New York. As a result, Governor Spitzer asked Mr. Paterson to continue to lead New York State on these issues as lieutenant governor.

    Lt. Governor Paterson, who is legally blind, is also nationally recognized as a leading advocate for the visually and physically impaired. A graduate of Columbia University and Hofstra Law School, Mr. Paterson also currently serves as an adjunct professor at Columbia’s School for International and Public Affairs. David Paterson lives in Harlem with his wife, Michelle, and their two children, Ashley and Alex, and he is the son of Basil Paterson, the first non-white secretary of state of New York and the first African-American vice-chair of the national Democratic Party.


    Brother Patterson belongs to Boyer Lodge No. 1, of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of New York.

    Good luck Brother Patterson!!!

    Thursday, February 21, 2008

    Templar Obsession

    I have been obsessed with the Knights Templar for some time. I love to find books & movies with Templar references and that is what I have been doing with my free time over the past few months.

    I received the Director's Cut of "Kingdom of Heaven" for Christmas. The theatrical version of this film had several plot points and characters cut from it in order to get the time down. While it was still a good watch, you were definitely cheated from seeing Ridley Scott's vision of the epic. Unfortunately for someone with an interest in the Templars, the two nastiest characters in the story happen to be Knights of the Order. I guess they couldn't all be great guys and there are still excellent examples of what a knight (and Freemason) should be in the character of Balian as portrayed by Orlando Bloom. Check out the Director's Cut!

    I have also been reading some Templar novels over the past few months, namely Robyn Young’s “Brethren: An Epic Adventure of the Knights Templar” and “Knights of the Black and White” by Jack Whyte.

    Robyn Young’s debut novel centers mostly upon the character of Will Campbell, a young man in training to become a Knight of the Temple. He becomes involved with a secret organization within the Order and risks his life while trying to retrieve the Book of the Grail. This book, it seems, allegorically tells the Order’s secrets and if it were to come to light would spell the end of the Knights of the Temple. The author has done an excellent job in her research of the period. She describes the time & places beautifully without slowing down the story. If you like it, the second book (yes, it’s a trilogy), “Crusade” is already on the shelves.

    Jack Whyte has a little more writing experience under his belt, with his Camulod series of Arthurian novels. He steps in the Knights Templar arena with “Knights of the Black and White”, the first novel in, yes, you guessed it, another trilogy. This book tells of the creation of the Knights by members of the Order of the Rebirth of Sion; their acquisition of the stables over the famed Temple of Solomon as their headquarters and their years of digging under the said Temple to find??? Well, I can’t tell you what they find but while they were digging a lot is going on in Jerusalem. This a massive story but when you finish it, you will be ready for the second one, “Standard of Honor” – check them both out!

    Lastly it would be a crime not to mention "The Templar Code for Dummies" by Brother Christopher Hodapp and Alice Von Kannon. I have really enjoyed reading this book and can't recommend it highly enough. History can be powerfully boring to read at times, even when it's a subject that you are really interested in, but the authors have written a very enjoyable reference book that keeps you very entertained. This book belongs in every Templar enthusiast's and Freemason's library. Stop reading this blog & get out there buy this book!

    Tuesday, February 12, 2008

    Sanctum Sanctorum Forum: Interactive Online Alchemy 101 Course

    A friend of mine over at the Sanctum Sanctorum Forum asked me if I would pass on some info about the Interactive Online Alchemy 101 Course that will be running over there. So without further adeau, heres the scoop...

    TSS is hosting its first interactive Alchemy 101 course proctored by world-reknowned master alchemist and author WB Timothy W. Hogan! Available only in the restricted Master Mason forum. Register, inquire within and someone will help you. The date and time the course begins will be announced this weekend on TSS. Bro. Hogan has written The Alchemical Keys to Masonic Ritual, and Revelation of the Holy Grail.

    What is www.TheSanctumSanctorum.com (TSS)?
    TSS is a resource for Masonic education and networking established by Freemasons to educate the Craft and the general public on what Freemasonry is all about. It is designed to put into electronic practice the three principal tenets of Freemasonry--Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth. It is a window into which the world of Freemasonry may look and see the true reflection of Freemasonry around the world.
    Why is there a need for www.TheSanctumSanctorum.com?
    The internet is rife with inaccurate information about Freemasonry. TSS was created as a public forum where people with a genuine interest in the ancient Craft may come to ask sincere questions and get replies from experienced Freemasons. TSS is an online masonic community, where Freemasons from around the globe can learn from each other.
    I am a member of Co-masonry. May I join the forum?
    TSS has a policy prohibiting anyone claiming to be a Freemason who is not a member of a Grand Lodge or Orient that is not recognised by at least one regular Grand Lodge, as defined by the various regular Grand Lodges of North America.

    Is this just “another” forum about masonry? What is different about www.TheSanctumSanctorum.com?
    TSS is firmly committed to providing quality educational discourse about Freemasonry on the web. Some of the very best minds in Freemasonry have gathered at TSS to assist the developing Freemason get the most out of his Craft, and to assist the public to understand Freemasonry. At TSS we are constantly developing projects and programs to meet our goal of providing quality interactive and educational experiences about Freemasonry.