Ars Masonica

Coroneted a 33° Mason

2011-09-22T11:22:00.002-04:00

At the end of August, as Hurricane Irene was laying siege to the East Coast, I, along with my wife Marian and a handful of Brothers & their wives from the Valley of Syracuse took the last train heading west towards Chicago, IL.

The purpose of the trip was to attend the Supreme Council session of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction. It was my trip to the Annual Session and it was extra special because it was there, on Tuesday, August 30th, 2011 that I was Coroneted a 33° Mason along with over 160 other Brothers from the NMJ.

In the photo are half of the Brothers from New York who were in the class with me. They are (front l-r) Piers A. Vaughn (Valley of New York) and Donald R. Magill (Valley of Binghamton); (back l-r) Ronald C. Edmonson (Valley of Schenectady); myself; Robert M. Tyrrell (Valley of Syracuse) and Yves Etienne (Valley of New York). Also from New York, but not in this photo, were Daniel L. Clark (Valley of Utica), M. Donald Darrohn III (Valley of Rochester), Peter J. Van Elzakker (Valley of Rochester), Glenn F. Gaskill (Valley of Buffalo), Jeffrey M. Williamson (Valley of Buffalo) and William M. Winchester (Valley of Jamestown). Brother Robert M. Getschel from the Valley of Rockville Centre didn't escape the hurricane in time and could make it. He will be included in next year's class. Congratulations everyone! It was a great time and one of the most memorable days of my life.

Brother Chris Hodapp of Freemasons for Dummies fame was also a member of our class and he has a nice write up here and a nice piece on the 33° ring. Check'em out! It was great to see him out & about again.

Brother Nelson King (1945-2011)

2011-08-18T12:38:00.002-04:00

It is with much sadness, that we learn of the passing of Brother Nelson King. Bro. King is probably best known as the editor of the Philalethes magazine from 1994 though 2009. His devotion to Freemasonry had no bounds. He will be very much missed.

My condolences go out to his family.

Bro. Nelson's resume says it all (from his website):

Personal

Born June 13, 1945 in Montreal, received his primary education in Perth Ontario, and graduated from Banting Institute, University of Toronto, 1967. Married to Ellen, and has two children, Christopher, and Victoria and two granddaughters. Nelson was appointed Assistant Editor in 1992 and Editor in August 1994] of The Philalethes Society Journal of Masonic Research and Letters, the first non-United States Citizen to hold these positions.

He is also only the second Mason to ever hold the position of President and Editor of The Philalethes at the same time. He retired as Editor in June 2009. Nelson is a well-known Masonic speaker, having spoken in the jurisdictions of Alberta, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Costa Rica, Cuba, The District of Columbia, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Jamacia [EC], Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, Nova Scotia, Ohio, Oklahoma, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Quebec, Texas, Virginia, and Washington.

Nelson developed the highly successful Internet Masonic Leadership Course. His book "Confessions of a Born Again Fundamentalist Freemason" has become a Masonic Best Seller. VoicePrint®, The National Broadcast Reading Service Inc. an international broadcasting reading service for the visually impaired has recorded some of his historical articles. Nelson was instrumental if the formation of the Masonic Relief for Cuba Committee. And he serves as the Executive Director of that program. He is also one of the few Canadian Freemasons, listed in latest Edition of the "Who is Who of Freemasonry.

Masonic

Gran Logia de Costa Rica [Honorary Member]

Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Connecticut [Honorary Member]

Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Ontario and Jurisdictions [Honorary Member]

Birch Cliff Lodge No. 612 GRC Scarborough. Served as Master in 1990. [Demitted]

True Briton's Lodge No. 14 GRC. Perth Ontario

Orient Lodge No. 339 GRC [Honorary Life]

Scarborough Chapter R.A.M.

Toronto Valley, Lodges of Perfection and Rose Croix A.A.S.R. [Life]

Moore Sovereign Consistory A.A.S.R. Hamilton [Life]

York Council No. 133 Allied Masonic Degrees of the United States of America [Sovereign Master 1996]

Member of the Following Research Lodges or Societies

Allen E. Roberts Chapter The Philalethes, Boston, Massachusetts [Charter Member]

Cercle de Grasse Tilly, The Philalethes, Paris France [Hon. Life]

Civil War Lodge of Research No. 1865, [Charter Member] Grand Lodge of Virginia

Cornerstone Computer Chapter, The Philalethes on CompuServe [President 1993-1995]

Dr. Charles H. Wesley Masonic Research Society, Dayton Ohio

Fiat Lux Lodge of Research No. 1980 Grand Lodge of Alberta

Frontier Army Lodge of Masonic Research, Grand Lodge of North Dakota

Kansas Lodge of Research, Grand Lodge of Kansas

Heritage Lodge No. 730 GRC. [Life]

Illinois Lodge of Research, Grand Lodge of Illinois

Iowa Research Lodge No. 2. Grand Lodge of Iowa [Hon. Life]

Jean Scot Erigène Lodge of Research, Grande Loge de France [Hon Life]

John Ross Robertson Chapter, The Philalethes, Toronto Ontario [Life]

Leicester Lodge of Research No. 2429, United Grand Lodge of England

Louisiana Lodge of Research, Grand Lodge of Louisiana

Manchester Lodge of Research, United Grand Lodge of England

Missouri Lodge of Research, Grand Lodge of Missouri

Northern California Lodge of Research, Grand Lodge of California

Ohio Lodge of Research, Grand Lodge of Ohio

Habonim Chapter The Philalethes, San Francisco, California [Charter Member]

Oklahoma Lodge of Research, Grand Lodge of Oklahoma

Phoenixmasonry Masonic Museum and Library

Quatuor Coronati Lodge No. 2076, United Grand Lodge of England [Correspondence Circle]

South Carolina Masonic Research Society, Grand Lodge of South Carolina

Southern California Research Lodge, Grand Lodge of California

The Philalethes Society [Life] [Fellow]

The Phylaxis Society [The Prince Hall Freemasons Research Society] [Life] [Fellow]

Prometheus Chapter The Philalethes, Thessaloniki, Greece [Honorary Member]

Victoria Lodge of Education and Research, Grand Lodge of British Columbia

Virginia Research Lodge No. 1777, Grand Lodge of Virginia [Fellow]

Masonic Honors & Awards

September 1992 Elected member of The Masonic Brotherhood of the Blue Forget-Me-Not, an international Masonic Educators and Writers Society

October 1993 Elected a Fellow of The Philalethes Society

February 1994 Recipient of The Philalethes Society Distinguished Service Medal

February 1995 Recipient of the 1994 Certificate of Literature, Washington DC

February 1996 Elected to Board of Directors Masonic Leadership Center at The George Washington Masonic National Memorial. Alexandria, Virginia

April 1997 Appointed to the Board of Directors of The Masonic Brotherhood of the Blue Forget-Me-Not - Served 11 ½ years as Executive Secretary

March 1998 Elected a Fellow of The Phylaxis Society

March 1999 Jerry Marsengill Lecturer, The Iowa Lodge of Research No. 2, Grand Lodge of Iowa

November 1999 The William James Dunlop Award, The Heritage Lodge No. 730, Grand Lodge of Canada, in the Province of Ontario

February 2000 Installed as President The Philalethes Society

March 2000 The Prince Hall Civil Rights Activist Award

March 2000 27th Phylaxis Society Anniversary Award presented to Nelson King and The Philalethes Society.

April 2000 Grand Master's Leadership Award 1999 - 2000, Grand Lodge of North Carolina

June 2000 Proclaimed a Fellow of Virginia Research Lodge No. 1777 Grand Lodge of Virginia

September 2000 Elected an Honorary Member Gran Logia de Costa Rica

February 2001 Proclaimed a Member of The Society of Blue Friars

March 2001 Proclaimed a Knight Grand Cross, Order of the Temple of Solomon, Grand Lodge of North Carolina.

April 2002 The Duane E. Anderson Excellence in Masonic Education Award - Gold Medal, The Grand Lodge of Minnesota

May 2004 The 7th Annual Sam Houston Lecturer, Holland Lodge No. 1, Grand Lodge of Texas

October 2004 Humanitarian Award, The Gran Logia de Costa Rica, and Government of Costa Rica

March 2005 Inducted into Phylaxis Society Harry A. Williamson Hall of Fame. [Prince Hall]

October 2005 Elected Honorary Member Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Connecticut

October 2006 Elected Past Grand Master [Hon] Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Connecticut

September 2007 Scottish Rite of Cuba, Santiago de Cuba, dedicated the 30th Degree Class to Nelson King

March 2008 Election as an Honorary Member Logia Humanidad Stantigo De Cuba approved by Gran Logia de Cuba.

March 2008 Made a Member of The Past Grands Masters' Association of The Grand Lodge of Kansas

August 2008 Elected Honorary Member Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Ontario and Jurisdictions

March 2009 Elected Honorary Member of the Gran Logia de Cuba

Busy Summer

2011-08-18T12:12:00.005-04:00

It has been one busy summer...

The July 9th Fund Raiser Dinner Dance for the Chancellor Robert R Livingston Masonic Library, held in Amhesrt, NY was very succe

ssful! We had 138 in attendance, the food & fellowship was great and honoree M.'.W.'. Edward R. Trosin seemed quite pleased with the painting presented to him by the Library Trustees.

I was suffering from the sinus effects of a cold earlier in the week, which left me wondering if I would have a voice to MC the night's events. I survived but my voice was a wreck for the next 2 weeks.

Next up was the New York Scottish Rite's Council of Deliberation. It was held in Liverpool, NY and so driving was short.

Members of Trinity Chapter, Order of DeMolay presented the Flower Talk to the ladies

attending. There was not a dry eye following an excellent presentation by Brothers Brian Kershaw, Kyle Kennedy, Richard Torrey and

Conor Powell.

The Valley of Syracuse's Secretary, Ill.'. James D. Swan, Jr. 33° was elected Secretary for the CoD. Congratulations Jim!

The following weekend was just as busy with DeMolay's New York State Convention. Everyone had a great time with dances on both Friday & Saturday evenings, sports and lots of socializing. Trinity Chapter received the "Excellence in Leadership Preparation Award" and Brothers Conor Powell & Thomas Perry received awards recognizing their hard work in organizing the State

Degree Day held in the Spring. Master Councilor Joseph Cruz was awarded "Knight of the Year" from Excelsior Priory, Order of Knighthood.

Brother Thomas Perry followed Conor Powell as

the newly elected & installed State Junior Councilor. Conor, in the mean time, after deciding

not to run for higher office, was convinced to accept an appointed position & is now the State Deacon. Trinity Chapter is very proud of both of these young men & wish them much success in the ensuing year.

In addition to all that, I have updated & moved the Valley of Syracuse's website - visit it's new home at www.syr-aasr.org. I am also serving on the planning committee for the Valley's 150th Anniversary which will be held on the weekend of April 27-29, 2012. Watch for more details.

Livingston Library Fundraiser - July 9th

2011-05-09T13:38:00.004-04:00

The Chancellor Robert R Livingston Masonic Library Dinner and Dance Honoring M.W. Edward R. Trosin, Past Grand Master of Masons will be held on Saturday, July 9^th, 2011 at Classics V, 2425 Niagara Falls Blvd., Amherst, NY 14228.

For the first time, the Library’s primary fundraiser will be held outside of the Metro-New York area. Please join us in honoring Past Grand Master M.W. Edward R. Trosin, for his years of dedication and leadership to Freemasonry.

Cost for the Dinner will be $40.00. Meal choices include Prime Rib, Poached Salmon, Chicken Francaise or Vegetable Lasagna. Cut-off date for dinner reservations is July 1^st.

For those who wish to stay close to the dinner-venue, we have a block of rooms set aside at the Holiday Inn Buffalo-Amherst, 1881 Niagara Falls Blvd., Amherst, NY 14228. We have rooms set aside for Friday, July 8^th and Saturday, July 9^th. Cost is: $119.00 (plus taxes) per night if staying both Friday & Saturday; $129.00 (plus taxes) if staying only Saturday. Check-in is 2:00 PM or later, and checkout is by Noon. For reservations, please call the Holiday Inn at 716-691-8181. Please note that cut-off date for room reservations is June 24^th.

If you cannot attend the dinner, we invite you to consider taking out an ad in the dinner-journal to show your support for M.W. Edward R. Trosin. Pricing for journal ads are: Gold Page is $250.00; Silver Page is $200.00; Full White Page is $100.00; Half White Page is $65.00 and a Quarter White Page is $30.00.

A Dinner Reservation/Journal Ad form can be emailed as a PDF to you upon request. Please send an email to rjpowell@arsmasonica.com

Please consider supporting YOUR Chancellor Robert R Livingston Masonic Library!

MacNulty Livingston Library Lecture Postponed

2011-04-04T16:54:00.001-04:00

Due to unforeseen heart surgery, Brother W. Kirk MacNulty is postponing his lecture scheduled for April 15 at Masonic Hall. The dinner lecture will be re-scheduled for a date to be determined, once Brother MacNulty is fully recuperated. He is doing fine, and in good spirits, but after discussion it is felt that his time is best served resting and regaining full strength.

The Livingston Masonic Library apologizes for any inconvenience. We will announce the new date once it is set.

Livingston Masonic Library Dinner Lecture: The Secret Identity of Masons

2011-03-24T16:50:00.004-04:00

The Chancellor Robert R Livingston Masonic Library of Grand Lodge presents a dinner lecture featuring W. Kirk MacNulty, author of ‘Way of the Craftsman,’ ‘Freemasonry: Symbols, Secrets, Significance’ and ‘A Journey Through Ritual and Symbol.’

MacNulty’s writing focuses on the impact of Masonic history, philosophy and symbolism on the psychological and spiritual development of the individual. MacNulty’s presentation speaks to Mason and non-Mason alike, bringing personal meaning to the universal principles of Freemasonry, and opening the participant’s vision to a deep and profound interpretation of the centuries-old traditions.
The speaker will have limited copies of his books available for cash purchase.

The lecture: The Secret Identity of Masons

When: Friday, April 15, 2011 @ 6:00 PM

Where: Masonic Hall
71 West 23rd Street
2nd Floor Banquet Room

The event is open to the general public
Dinner and Lecture: $60.00

Reservation and prepayment required to:

Livingston Masonic Library
71 West 23rd Street, 14th fl
New York, NY 10010
212-337-6620

Email questions to info@nymasoniclibrary.org

Processus Contra Templarios Visits Skaneateles

2011-02-02T09:57:00.002-05:00

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. Each year since then, the Library has transported the Processus to sites throughout New York State, so that Freemasons and others interested in Masonic history and legend may examine this unique collection. The Library is pleased to bring the Processus to Skaneateles Lodge 522 F&AM, 13 E. Genesee St., Skaneateles on February 3rd 2011.

The 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 includes 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, provides an overview of the Knights Templar, describes their place in history, and discusses their interest to scholars of contemporary Freemasonry. The program includes an opportunity for questions and comments from the audience.

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 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 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.

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.

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. The Livingston Library makes no claim that Freemasonry is descended from the Templars.

The evening will begin at 6:30 PM with a Cocktail Reception followed by the presentation at 7:30 PM. Admission to the event will be $10 per person at the door. All money raised will go the Skaneateles Historical Society.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT TIM GANNON at 727-5142 or by email Lodge522@ymail.com

New York 33º Class of 2011

2010-10-07T16:42:00.003-04:00

In early September, Ill.'. Peter Samiec, 33º, Deputy for the State of New York, AASR made the following announcement in his "News & Views" newsletter:

Congratulations!!!

These Brothers from the Empire State were elected to receive the 33º next year.

One of the highlights of any State Dinner at the conclusion of the Supreme Council Annual session is the announcement of those who have been elected to be coroneted a Sovereign Grand Inspector General, 33º Honorary Member of Our Supreme Council.

That honor was bestowed upon these worthy Brethren and they will be a part of the Class of 2011 in Chicago, IL.

Valley of Utica
Daniel L. Clark

Valley of Rochester
M. Donald Darrohn III
Peter J. Van Elzakker

Valley of Schenectady
Ronald C. Edmonson

Valley of New York City
Yves Etienne
Piers A. Vaughan

Valley of Buffalo
Glenn F. Gaskill
Jeffrey M. Williamson

Valley of Rockville Centre
Robert M. Getschel

Valley of Binghamton
Donald R. Magill

Valley of Jamestown
William M. Winchester

And

Valley of Syracuse
Richard J. Powell
Robert M. Tyrrell

On behalf of all the Active and Honorary Members of the New York State Council of Deliberation, congratulations on your well deserved recognition.

Well done, good and faithful Brethren!!

Catching Up

2010-09-28T16:49:00.004-04:00

The summer is over, fall has begun and they are already saying we may see a few flakes of snow before the week is out. I wasn't very good at posting any thing over the summer months and I seem to very, very busy Masonically and with my family so postings may be infrequent this fall as well.

I am very proud to report that my son, Conor, was elected the State Junior Councilor for New York DeMolay in August. His life can as busy or busier than my own but I know that he does love DeMolay & has a great time with his Brothers. It's soccer season now & he has begun his second season on the Varsity team (he's only a Sophomore) so that takes up the bulk of his time until early November. In the photo , l-r, Conor Powell, State Junior Councilor, Mike Celetano, State Senior Councilor and Mike Hernandez, State Master Councilor.

My life continues to get busier...

York Rite Video

2010-07-23T10:27:00.005-04:00

I understand that Bro. Chris Hodapp wrote & produced this wee video about the York Rite. Very nicely done...

Past Grand Master Calvin G. Bond Has Passed On

2010-06-20T11:19:00.005-04:00

Calvin G. Bond, 85, of Oswego, passed away on Saturday, June 19, 2010 at Seneca Hill Manor.

Calvin (Cal) was born in South New Haven, son of the late John and Bertha L. (Fairley) Bond on June 8th, his mother’s birthday.

He is survived by Constance (Holmes) Bond of Oswego; three sisters, Bertha Emerson of New Haven; Ruth Schneider of Liverpool; Helen Griffin of Mexico; two sisters-in-laws, Shirley Bond of W. Virginia and Barbara Sawyer of Scriba.

Cal was predeceased by four sisters, M. Isabel LaClair, Evelyn G. Bond, Dora M. Thornell, Elizabeth L. Rein and four brothers, Edward T., John D., Theodore H. and James W. Bond.

A graduate of RBI, and I.A.S. School of Controllership and Oswego State University.

Cal was Treasurer of Oswego Package Boiler Co., Inc. until retirement in 1979.

He was involved in many organizations including Oswego Rotary, Red Cross, YMCA, United Way and Oswego Hospital financial matters. Cal was a long time member of the Church of the Resurrection and served in many capacities.

Cal’s interests and talents included landscaping and floral arranging, sharing antiques, and appreciating the beauty of the world in general. His outstanding baritone voice was enjoyed at his church, choral groups, weddings and other special occasions.

Cal had a long Masonic career with the local, district and state offices some which include the Oswego Lodge #127 and Master 1954, he originated and co-chaired the Officers Training Seminars, Trustee of Masonic Home, Grand Master of Masons in the State of New York 1984-1986 and in 1988 was appointed Grand Lecturer of Grand Lodge, Grand Governor of the York Rite Sovereign College for seven years, President and Chairman of the NY Masonic Youth Foundation and President of the NY DeMolay foundation for ten years, the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Honorary member in numerous lodges and Chapters receiving many honors and medal.

Cal led US Masons in raising over three million dollars towards refurbishing the Statute of Liberty and presided at the one hundredth anniversary celebration of laying of the Cornerstone of the pedestal.

Throughout his Masonic career he especially enjoyed the opportunity to teach the Masonic Ritual and character building.

He had cherished memories of family and friends throughout his lifetime.

Funeral Services will be held 10a.m. Wednesday at the Church of the Resurrection. Burial will be in New Haven Cemetery.

A Masonic Service will be held 7p.m. Tuesday at the Funeral Home.

Calling hours will be held 4-8p.m. Monday and 4-8p.m. Tuesday at the Nelson Funeral Home, 11 West Albany St. Oswego.

Donations: Church of the Resurrection, 120 West Fifth St.

I had the pleasure of knowing Past Grand Master Bond. He was a very inspirational person, a great Mason and a true gentleman. He was always quick with encouragement and brotherly advice. He will be missed, not only in our immediate area of the Onondaga & Oswego Districts, but everywhere. Please make time for a moment of silence sometime today to reflect on his memory.

Oklahoma DeMolay 'Sweetheart' Tori Sebrant Found

2010-05-30T20:02:00.003-04:00

Brother Chris Hodapp passed this onto me: "It was announced at 10AM Sunday, May 30th that Tori has been found, and she is safe. Thanks to all who helped to search for her."

Oklahoma DeMolay 'Sweetheart' Tori Sebrant Missing

2010-05-28T09:17:00.003-04:00

I hope that Chris Hodapp doesn't mind my blatant stealing of his post but this involves a Oklahoma DeMolay Chapter Sweetheart. Please take heed of this posting...

The young lady pictured, Tori Sebrant, has been missing since May 24th. Tori was last seen on Monday, May 24th, 2010, leaving for lunch from Stillwater High School, Stillwater, Oklahoma. It is my understanding that she is this year's sweetheart for the Stillwater DeMolay Chapter.

She is 15 years old, 5'8", around 160 with hazel eyes and fair skin. She has brown hair with blond highlights (although one report from a friend says she colored her hair solid auburn the night before she went missing).

Tori is an avid walker. If you are local to the Stillwater area, please look for her in parks, quiet neighborhoods and on walking trails. Please spread the word.

Contact the Stillwater Police Dept. at: 405-372-4171

Tori's family can be reached at: 503-888-0479
Find Tori Facebook Page
Or e-mail: helpfindtori@gmail.com

What have I been up to?

2010-05-25T11:26:00.004-04:00

Ok, I know what you're thinking: "where the hell have you been?" And you are right, I have been very lax in my posting s here of late but I have been busy with Masonic activities.

Earlier this month, I attended the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of New York. Congratulations to the new Grand Line headed by our new Grand Master M.'.W.'. Vincent Libone.

The following weekend was the Installation of Officers for Trinity Chapter, Order of DeMolay. My, son Conor was the outgoing Master Councilor and the incoming Scribe. Always the proud father, I am extremely happy to report that Conor was presented the Representative DeMolay award that evening - the first for Trinity! On top of that, he also was awarded the Past Master Councilor-Meritorious Service Award which is given for excellence in term planning & execution (also a first for Trinity and, I have heard, possibly the only active DeMolay in NYS to have it). His Chapter Brothers have been inspired with most of them asking for the Representative DeMolay paperwork and the Senior Councilor asking what he needs to do to get the PMC-MSA when he is the Master Councilor. I am very, very proud! (in the photo, left to right: Dad Keith Rung, Finger Lakes Division Councilor; Conor Powell, PMC-MSA; Andrew Roberts, NY State Master Councilor; Katie Heller, NY State Sweetheart)

I have also been doing Scottish Rite & Royal Arch Degrees as well as making long overdue appearances at Commandery and Council Meetings. I have started Facebook Pages for the Valley of Syracuse, AASR; the NY Council of Deliberation, AASR; and Trinity Chapter. So you see, I have been busy.

I hope to begin regular posts gain very soon - keep your eyes open...

Liverpool-Syracuse Lodge No. 501

2010-03-07T13:33:00.003-05:00

Congratulations to Liverpool-Syracuse Lodge No. 501, F&AM on being awarded the Mark Twain Masonic Awareness Award from the Masonic Service Association of North America.

From the Masonic Information Center:

The goal of the award is two-fold - The MIC intends for the Twain Award to recognize those lodges, regardless of size, that demonstrate energy, innovation and creativity communicating the values of Freemasonry as suggested in the MIC report, It’s About Time.

~and~

Lodge participation in the Twain Award means signing up as early as March to benefit from a MIC-sponsored communications forum, the Twain Award Participant Forum, designed to bring lodges closer together through Internet resources. The Twain Forum links lodges with Masonic resources through online forums, chat rooms, listservs, and emails. Using improved communications, lodges across North America can share with each other new and exciting ways of bringing Freemasonry into the social fabric of the community.

Liverpool- Syracuse Lodge is very deserving of this award. Their website is one of the best in the world. Check'em out at http://www.syracusemasons.com/ Good work my Brothers!

24 Hours of Brotherhood

2010-03-07T12:54:00.004-05:00

or rather, 24 Hours of No Sleep...

I spent my last weekend in February with the New York State DeMolays when Trinity Chapter (of which I am an Advisor and my son is the Master Councilor) hosted their "24 Hours of Brotherhood" in Liverpool, NY.

It was very well attended with over 70 DeMolays and Advisors from all over New York State. There were video game,competitions, poker games and a pool tournament. We went to a Syracuse Crunch hockey game and rushed back to catch the second half of the Syracuse University-Villanova basketball game. Everyone camped out in the Lodge building but, as I said, there was very little sleep to be had.

The highlight of the weekend for me was a Medieval Swordsmanship demonstration by Todd Sullivan from the Lake Ontario Fechtschule. The presentation was well received and I highly recommend you check out Todd's site if you have even a passing interest in the Knightly Art of the Sword.

GRAND MASTER'S URGENT APPEAL FOR HAITIAN RELIEF

2010-01-20T14:23:00.000-05:00

Most Worshipful Edward G. Gilbert, Grand Master of Masons in the State of New York, has issued an urgent appeal to all Masons in the jurisdiction for all individual Brother Masons and Masonic Lodges to come to the aid of those who have been devastated by the disaster in Haiti. The Grand Master is requesting that tax deductible contributions be made in the form of checks to the Masonic Brotherhood Fund, Inc and marked "Special Haitian Relief Fund" and mailed to Masonic Brotherhood Fund, Inc., 71 West 23rd Street, New York, NY 10010. These monies will be made available directly to provide and augment aid and assistance to those members of our Masonic family that hail within the Grand Orient d’Haiti that have been devastated by the earthquake and its collateral damage in the Caribbean.

The full text of the Grand Master's appeal follows:

January 20, 2010

My Dear Brethren and Friends,

This past decade has seen the world stage beset by a multitude of cataclysmic events caused by Nature and others far too frequently caused by the consequents and interventions of Mankind. The Masonic Fraternity has consistently and swiftly hastened to the calls of the needy and the distressed as is wont by our basic tenets and obligations. A code of belief that emanates from that enduring biblical verse, “and now abideth Faith, Hope, Charity, these three: but the greatest of these is Charity.”

Today, we have barely set foot upon the path of a new decade; when Nature has tested our resolve by unleashing a devastating earthquake of monstrous proportions, which has rained havoc, destruction and ruin upon our fellow brothers and sisters of the human family in Haiti. We at the Grand Lodge of New York shall do our part toward answering the call of these distressed Masons and their families in providing a source of much needed help, support and comfort. Together, we will stand united with our fellow brethren in Haiti, providing them with brotherly love to cement and heal their current hardship, and to offer a beacon of hope to rebuild stronger bonds of friendship for a better tomorrow.

Heeding the call I have established a Special Haitian Relief Fund under the umbrella of the Masonic Brotherhood Fund, to provide and augment aid and assistance to those members of our Masonic family that hail within the Grand Orient d’Haiti that have been devastated by the earthquake and its collateral damage in the Caribbean.

In an effort to help supplement and thereby better enable our Grand Lodge to offer financial assistance, I am appealing to every Lodge to keep these unfortunate Brethren and their families paramount in your prayers and to give genuine consideration in supporting this Special Haitian Relief Fund. Checks and Money Orders should be made payable to the Masonic Brotherhood Fund earmarked for the Special Haitian Relief Fund and mailed to the Masonic Brotherhood Fund, 71 West 23rd Street, New York, NY 10010.

Brother James Buchanan, fifteenth President of the United States, once said, “The test of leadership is not to put greatness into humanity, but to elicit it, for the greatness is already there.” Brethren, as members of our gentle Craft, I know that I can depend on each of you to lead with your heart, because you are truly a great brotherhood.

With kindest fraternal regards, I remain your friend and brother,

Edward G. Gilbert

Grand Master

Translation of the Processus Contra Templarios

2010-01-09T15:47:00.006-05:00

The Chancellor Robert R Livingston Masonic Library recently added a translation of the Processus Contra Templarios.

According to Director Tom Savini, "the single volume is slightly smaller in dimension than the volume included in the actual Processus, and it is surrounded by a leather 'dust jacket' similar in appearance to the leather binder included with the Processus. The translation is divided into two parts: the first translates the contents of the Processus from Latin into Italian; the second translates the contents into English. Each section is preceded by an abstract of all the facsimile documents. Each document is then transcribed in its entirety. Our translation is numbered the same as our copy of the Processus itself, 355/799, which indicates some thought and consideration on the part of the publisher."

Another excellent acquisition to this great Library's collection!

Back in Action

2009-12-22T19:09:00.002-05:00

It's been a while since my last post - I have wanted to log on & comment on a few things here & there, but just didn't get around to it. I contemplated having the blog go "black" until the new year in memory of my father but that seemed like a cop out so I am back.

I have been busy Masonically with Scottish Rite, Royal Arch, Templar & Lodge activities. Last month, I received a "Blue Hat" - Dedicated Service Award from the Valley of Syracuse, AASR and was very pleased to have my wife - Marian, son - Conor, and my mother, Betty present for the presentation. Earlier this month, I attended the holiday party for Central City Commandery No. 25, Knights Templar along with members from my son's DeMolay Chapter, Trinity. I was very proud when Conor and his DeMolay Brother, Shontay presented "The Ceremony of Light" for the very first time. He seems to have a knack for Ritual work and also likes it. I was appointed the "Captain of the Host" for Charles H. Platt Chapter No. 247, Royal Arch Masons for the ensuing year so I have have alot of new Ritual to learn myself.

I have some Chancellor Robert R Livingston Masonic Library news to reveal in my next post so stay tuned...

My Dad

2009-11-02T16:16:00.004-05:00

Every year has its highs & lows and this year has been no different. I experienced my lowest point on Thursday October 22nd when my Father, Edgar Powell, Jr. passed on after what seems like a long battle against bad lungs, heart & stomach problems.

My Dad was not a Mason. He was many things but I couldn't convince him to become my Brother. He was married for 53 years to my Mom, Betty (in photo) who looked after him religiously - no one could have ever asked for a more devoted wife. He was well loved in my home town of Brushton, NY (try to find it on a map of northern NY State) and he was active with the American Legion, Moira Volunteer Fire Department and almost any youth sporting organization that was to be found in our town. He liked to have fun, but his last few years didn't allow him to get out like he used to - he will be missed by everyone who knew him.

His "send off" was a tribute to him -- my wife described it in emails to family & friends:

We have just arrived home a few hours ago after what has been a very sad week.We did not have the luxury of cell phone or computer access up north, only in the hospital library and my only quick email on that morning was to my boss. Rick's parents live in a region that is not serviced by most modern day communication things.

Edgar passed away Thursday October 22nd at 5:10am. We were there and it was very peaceful, he died in his sleep. He was waked on Friday, and I can honestly tell you hundreds of people came for the two calling hours, one in the afternoon and the other in the evening.

Saturday was the funeral and the Fire Department led the procession to the church and then to the grave site with Edgar's uniform on the back and a black flag flying. Then there was the Rescue (Ambulance) Department who closed off all the roads for the procession to pass and saluted him and they were all decked out in their uniforms. Then there was the American Legion for Military Veterans who gave a twenty one gun salute and presented each grandchild with a spent shell and then presented Betty with a the flag that had draped the casket and the rest of the spent shells expertly wrapped in it and placed it in a display case which is now sitting on our mantel. This makes Rick happy.

Many, many people, both young and old thought the world of Edgar. He was very involved in the community as you can tell from my account. He will be dearly missed.

We have all been very upset about the loss of Edgar and we will all miss him very much. Conor took it the worse when the last call came from the Fire Department while at the grave site. The fire engine radio calls out Edgar's name and calls him for the last call and all the Fire Men were standing to attention. It was heart breaking. Such is the passing of a very good man in a small town and how he is honored.

Dad - you will be missed but never forgotten. Edgar Powell, Jr., 1932-2009

DeMolay

2009-09-28T14:59:00.004-04:00

Yesterday (9/27/09) was a very big & emotional day for the Powell family - no we didn't finish reading "The Lost Symbol" (still plugging away - not what they would call great literature, but I am enjoying it) and it wasn't because the Jets won again (J-E-T-S! Jets! Jets! Jets!). No yesterday afternoon, my son, Conor, was installed as the Master Councilor for Trinity Chapter, Order of DeMolay and following that Installation, DeMolay's Honory Legion of Honor was conferred upon me.

As I said, it was emotional. Not for Conor. Not for my wife, Marian. But for me...

Ok, I am sure that they had their moments but I am usually the very reserved one (much to the surprise of all my old college friends) at these things. But not today. Nope.

At the completion of the Legion of Honor ceremony, I was asked to say a few words. Not a problem, as a Past DDGM, AGL, etc., I have often spoken in front of large crowds. But something happened.

The applause from the crowd turned in to the DeMolay's version which I equate to almost a type of clapping chant. And I lost it.

I tried to thank Marian & Conor for all their support. For all the nights that I am away on Masonic business, for their understanding and their love. I wanted to thank MW Bruce Widger, a Past Grand Master for the State of New York, my Masonic Mentor & friend. I barely got any of it out when I was overcome with emotion. Yeah. That's right. I balled like a baby.

Afterward, the NY State Master Councilor, Andrew Roberts spoke and reminded us all that a reaction such as mine usually springs from very strong feelings. He is absolutely correct. In the Order of DeMolay, I have found an organization that I wish I had known about as a teen ager - I would have loved it as, I think, my own son does. In today's fast & loose society, it's still nice to see an organization that promotes such things as love of parents, reverence for sacred things, courtesy, comradeship, fidelity, cleanness and patriotism. It's nice to know that you can be a part of all these things and still be cool. And cool they are...

But these guys need Advisers. If you are a very active Freemason and even if you are not that active, these young men need you, your Lodge, your Scottish Rite Valley, your York Rite bodies to step up and support them. They need money, yes that always helps, but more importantly they need your involvement. Go find the nearest DeMolay Chapter and volunteer to be an Adviser - they always need rides to & from events, help at their meetings and they need new members so bring in your sons, grandsons and nephews. It will be the most rewarding thing you will ever do. It has been for me.

After I composed myself, I asked Trinity Chapter to stand. I told them "this award may have been for me, but it is all about you." And it is. DeMolay is a great organization and I am extremely honored & humbled to be a new Legionnaire, but it's not about us, it's about them. Those young men are our future. Think about that...

Sneak Preview

2009-09-14T13:38:00.002-04:00

Tomorrow's the big day! Freemasons everywhere, brace yourselves for the onslaught of "Lost Symbol" mania...

Yesterday, Parade Magazine had Dan Brown and his new book as its cover story. Here you can read a sneak preview of the book with its prologue and first chapter. They also have an interview with Mr. Brown here.

The Prologue starts the book at the House of the Temple with Dan Brown's idea of Masonic Initiation - mind you, he is not a Freemason, so it's his interpretation of something he has not experienced. Initiation has to be experienced - reading (or writing, in this case) about it can never do it justice and always creates inaccuracies.

That said, I for one, hope that he has done justice to the fraternity and I look forward to reading it beginning tomorrow...

What, Me Worry?

2009-09-13T20:49:00.002-04:00

Well, we are just a couple of days away from the release of Dan Brown's "The Lost Symbol"...

What have I been up to since my last post? Not worrying about his book - looking forward to it but not worrying about. After all, most of us expected this book about 3-4 years ago and were preparing for it then. Let's read it before we panic.

What I have been up to this summer is keeping busy despite the crappy weather we experienced. I attended the New York Council of Deliberation, the New York DeMolay State Convention, worked at a Safety ID session with Trinity DeMolay Chapter and drove my son to soccer tryouts (he made the Varsity team as a Freshman).

At the DeMolay State Convention, I learned that I was to receive their Honorary Legion of Honor - a very big surprise so I am very excited & honored by this. It will be conferred upon me on Sunday September 27th - the same that I hope to also see my son installed as Master Councilor of Trinity Chapter.

A busy summer, yes, but not spent worrying about "The Lost Symbol" - there will plenty of time for that on Tuesday...

The Face of the Lost Symbol

2009-07-08T11:54:00.005-04:00

The cover of Dan Brown's followup to "The DaVinci Code" was revealed yesterday. The US cover (left) shows a background of Alchemical symbols with a tear revealing the Capitol Building in Washington, DC. Smack dab in the middle of the page is a wax seal of the 33rd Degree of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry. The UK cover (below right) depicts a key with the Masonic Square & Compasses over the Capitol.

Rumors for the past several years have hinted that the novel will concern the Freemasons and our Nation's Capitol. The covers seems to suggest the same. I guess it is time to brush up Alchemy, Scottish Rite symbolism - and that means Albert Pike and the "mysterious" lay out of Washington.

I would like to thank Brother Chris Hodapp who also pointed out a very interesting blog detailing "tweets" concerning the book - check out "Key to the Lost Symbol Tweets"

"The Lost Symbol" hits the shelf on September 15th, 2009.

Scottish Rite Leadership

2009-06-19T12:18:00.003-04:00

A couple of Saturdays ago, I attended a Leadership Retreat for the Officers of the Valley of Syracuse, AASR.

The session was very well attended by our Valley Officers both present & past as well as some from neighboring Valleys as well. An enjoyable time was had by all and here is a couple of things that were mentioned by attendees:

Several Brothers mentioned the great programs being spear-headed by the Southern Jurisdiction and would like to see the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction follow suit.

One Brother mentioned that there seems to be a trend to dumb down our Rituals and Teachings - many were in agreement and expressed disappointment in this trend.

I am in agreement with both of these observations. A lot of Brothers come to the organization looking for "more light" - sometimes light of a more esoteric nature, only to attend a degree that seems to be a badly written version of a morality play that has been revised to death to be more likable to a "modern" pallet. There's a treasure trove of symbolism in those Scottish Rite degrees and it seems to be a shame that we in the NMJ have to constantly look to the SJ for what we crave.

It's probably up to those of us here in the trenches to get something started at the ground level - maybe that's how it been done in the SJ only to be picked up & supported bu the Supreme Council. I don't know.

I have been tempted to get a group together locally to study this sort of thing but under a general "Blue Lodge" heading. Maybe I should get it together with some Scottish Rite Brothers, start with a study of the Symbolic Degrees and then move onto the 4th though the 32nd Degree. What do you think? I welcome all suggestions and idea, especially from anyone in the area.

It was announced at our gathering that I, along with fellow Brothers Norm Kruth and Harley DeShane, had received the Valley's Dedicated Service Award and we are therefore eligible to wear the Blue Hat pictured above. Wish me luck as I enter my two year term as our Consistorial Orator and Secretary of our Knights of St. Andrew Chapter.

NY & DC Are Cool...

2009-06-19T12:14:00.003-04:00

As a follow-up to my post last month about more trouble possibly brewing between the Grand Lodges of New York & the District of Columbia, I have heard that all is well and everything that had been agreed upon has been taken care of.

My source is a local Brother here in the Syracuse area who is also a member of a Lodge within the District of Columbia. Good news all around!

York Rite College

2009-06-05T15:47:00.003-04:00

A few weeks ago, I had the distinct honor to be initiated into the Central New York York Rite College No. 27.

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 Commander or Preceptory (Canada.)

The Reference for the following information is a pamphlet published by the York Rite Sovereign College of North America.
"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

LEGEND OF YORK

"This craft came into England, as I tell you, in the time of good king Athelsan's reign; he made then both hall, and also bower and lofty temples of great honor, to take his recreation 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 in every part on account of various defects that he had discovered in the craft. He sent about into all the land, after all the masons of the craft, to come straight to him, to amend all these defects by good counsel, if it might so happen, He then permitted an assembly to be made of divers lords in their ranks, dukes, earls, and barons, also knights, squires and many more, and the great burgesses of that city, they were all there in their degree; these were there, each one in every way to make laws for the state of these nations. There they sought by their wisdom bow they might govern it; there they found out fifteen articles, and there they made fifteen points."----Regius Manuscript, circa 1390----Regius Manuscript, circa 1390

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.

ORIGIN OF THE COLLEGE

The York Rite Sovereign College of North America came into being in the City of Detroit, Michigan on January 6, 1957. It was the result of a meeting called by Richard W. Lewis, Past Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Michigan, and attended by the heads of the four Michigan York Rite grand Bodies and a number of distinguished Masonic leaders from other States. These founders, responding to a need which had long been recognized in the York Rite, outlined the structure and purpose of the new organization and arranged for its incorporation.

PURPOSES

The purpose of the York Rite Sovereign College of North America, as set forth in its Constitution and By-Laws, are as follows:
(1) To foster a spirit of cooperation an coordination among each of the Bodies of York Rite Masonry.
(2) To assist in worthy efforts to improve the ritualistic and dramatic presentation of York Rite work.
(3) To conduct an education program in order to inculcate a greater appreciation of the principles, ideals and programs of York Rite Masonry.
(4) To strengthen York Rite Masonry in every possible manner.
(5) To build up a love of country and to aid and support genuine Americanism.
(6) To reward outstanding service to York Rite Masonry by awards, honors and other methods of proper recognition.
(7) To support Charitable and Benevolent Endeavors of Freemasonry.

Following my stint as the Onondaga District DDGM, I have found myself active once again in my Royal Arch Chapter. Unfortunately, I have yet to find the time to fit in The Cryptic Council or Commandery, although, I do belong to both.

I think that the York Rite Bodies are sometimes overshadowed by the Scottish Rite in this country. It is often said and I quite agree, that the Holy Royal Arch completes Blue Lodge Masonry. There are many ritual & symbolic similarities between the Royal Arch Chapter and the Scottish Rite's Lodge of Perfection - I highly recommend that you try both.

More NY/DC Trouble Brewing?

2009-05-07T16:53:00.004-04:00

Earlier this week I was in New York City to attend the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of New York. The meetings went well even without our Grand Master present. He is still recovering from a series of recent surgeries, but he is making progress and I wish him a speedier recovery.

There were the usual number of visitors from other jurisdictions. The Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Scotland was there to present an award to my mentor, M.'.W.'. Bruce Widger, Past Grand Master of New York, who was also recently approved as our Grand Representative to Scotland.

Also present was the current Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia, M.'.W.'. Kwame Acquaah, who was received with much praise for his handling of the Syria-Lebanon situation earlier this year. New York Past Grand Master M.'.W.'. Gary Henningsen had many good things to say about Grand Master Aquaah but he was unhappy to report that there were some within the Grand Lodge of D.C. that are not willing to follow their Grand Master's decision on that matter. It sounds like Recognition is again in jeopardy if things are not cleared up within the next month or so.

Keep your eyes & ears open for more news on this as it happens...

Hair today, gone tomorrow...

2009-03-30T16:22:00.002-04:00

On Sunday, March 22nd, I participated in a St. Baldrick's Foundation Event locally with my son and one of his DeMolay Brothers.

The photo to the left shows the before & after shots for your viewing amusement.

I am happy to report that our event has raised $212,508.25 to help conquer childhood cancer! This number is rising and based on calculations it should come in around $272,000 before we are through.

St. Baldrick's Foundation

2009-03-18T11:24:00.008-04:00

This Sunday, March 22nd, I will be participating in our local St. Baldrick's Foundation event at Kitty Hoynes in Syracuse.

I will be representing our Trinity Chapter, Order of DeMolay and will be joined by our Junior Councilor and my son, Brother Conor as well as Brother Tom Perry. We will have our heads shaved as we raise money to find a cure for kid's cancer.

Please consider sponsoring us by clicking here.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!

2009-03-17T09:26:00.004-04:00

I'd like to raise a pint to all of the Irish out there today! Of course, everyone considers himself Irish on St. Patrick's Day. I, myself, officially became a citizen of Ireland fairly recently so I, will raise a pint of Guinness a wee bit later today.

Before you head out for the festivities, why don't you check out the website for the Grand Lodge of Ireland. Ireland boasts the second oldest Grand Lodge is the world and I highly recommend a visit to the country as well as their website. You'll have a fantastic time and meet some great Brethren while there.

I will also take some time to plug the Knight Masons. The Grand Council of Knight Masons has its seat in Dublin, Ireland but we have our own Grand Council here in the States as well.

The Grand Council of Knight Masons of the United States of America, in consideration of its origin strives to:

1. Perpetuate the ancient rituals of the Irish Masonic Canon, (the "Green" degrees) by promoting their frequent and regular conferral inits constituent councils, and by its expectation that such conferral will be executed with an accuracy, a precision, and a dramatic power congruent with the highest traditions of the Masonic institution.

2. Elevate to membership in its constituent councils only those Freemasons who in their character and persons have amply and thoroughly demonstrated in their Masonic lives, by means of a faithful attachment to the institution, a true and honorable record of service to its goals, and a genuine dedication to its high ideals.

3. Foster in its constituent councils the regular exploration and studyof the Masonic Tradition and Heritage by means of an aggressive program of scholarly inquiry and research, and to pursue that Masonic learning in the spirit of our Celtic forbears who kept the light of faith burning in times of darkness.

4. Encourage its constituent councils to discover in the pleasures and diversions of the festive board that warm fellowship and that joyous fraternity, which have ever characterized and actuated the great spirit of this Ancient Craft.

5. Promote the charitable dimension so central to, and inherent in, Masonic life and tradition by obliging its constituent councils to contribute with customary Masonic liberality to those institutions, both Masonic and non-Masonic, which serve the needs of the greater community.

New York DeMolay

2009-03-12T15:12:00.002-04:00

This month, DeMolay International turns 90 years old! That's right, it was 90 years ago that Brother Frank S. Land created the DeMolay Fraternity as a result of wanting to help out the son of a late Lodge member.

Since then, the organization has grown dramatically with more than 1000 Chapters worldwide. Along with several Brothers, I helped start Trinity Chapter here in the Syracuse area only a year ago. The Chapter is really starting to grow and the lads are having a great time.

In celebration of this birthday, New York DeMolay is sponsoring a gathering at the Grand Lodge building on Saturday, March 28th. From the State Master Councilor, Brian Bidnick:

"On March 28^th, the members and advisors of New York DeMolay and many other jurisdictions will come together in New York City for a celebration in honor of this historic event. The event will be held in Masonic Hall, New York City, the location of where the original chapter in New York State met and one of the premier Masonic Buildings in the world. The plan is to have all the things that makes DeMolay great - good food, good fellowship, and good fun combined with the initiation of new Brothers from our jurisdiction and others."

The tentative schedule for the event is:

3:30 PM to 5:30 PM New York State DeMolay Chapter opens – Grand Lodge Room

Initiatory and DeMolay Degree Portrayals (open to Master Masons and Advisors)

Historical Presentation (open to the public – 5:00 PM)

5:30 PM to 7:30 PM Dinner - 2^nd Floor ($15.00 per adult, Youth below 18 - $10.00)

7:30 PM to 8:30 PM Magic Show presentation – Grand Lodge Room (see Flyer attached)

8:30 PM to Midnight Dance – 2^nd Floor (everyone welcomed as our guests)

"We would like you to join us. Mark the date and come out as the entire state throws the party of the century, and invite all of your friends and family to come along. All active and senior DeMolays, candidates for membership, advisors, sweethearts, Masonic members, OES and all those that are interested in the youth of our country are welcomed and encouraged to attend. Degrees will be performed by New York DeMolay that afternoon, and several jurisdictions are bringing many prospective members to share in the fun!

I, along with several members of Trinity Chapter will be there. For more information, visit the New York DeMolay website."

New York Freemasonry

2009-03-12T14:38:00.003-04:00

So what's up with Masonry in the State of New York? Wellllll...

Most of you know that the Grand Lodge of New York has restored its recognition of the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia.
Details can be found on Brother Hodapp's "Freemasons for Dummies" Blog and Brother Hochberg's "Magpie Mason" Blog. I am very pleased to see that this is getting cleared up and applaud both Grand Masters for their dedication.

Speaking of our Grand Master, M.'.W.'. Edward G. Gilbert -- he is currently resting at home following bypass surgery. I would like to wish him a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing him around New York State Lodges again very soon. Watch the GLoNY's website for further updates.

French Scottish Rite Rose Croix Pendant

2009-03-03T15:41:00.002-05:00

Here's another recently added piece from the Chancellor Robert R. Livingston Masonic Library's Artifact Collection.

It is a pendant dating from the mid 1800s that was worn on a Master's collar in France.

More information on this item can be found here.

Livingston Masonic Library

2009-01-29T14:47:00.003-05:00

Last Friday, I crawled out of bed at 2:45 AM so I could drive 4.5 hours to New York City to assist other Trustees as well as the Staff of the Chancellor Robert R Livingston Masonic Library with an assessment project for the American Historical Association.

The ability to make the journey was dubious from the get- go: it's January in CNY so bad weather can stop everything in its tracks, my wife & son had the flu so I was worried about leaving them and I never know these days when I am going to wake up with vertigo. The stars aligned and everything worked out. Two Mountain Dew Amps later and I was in Manhattan. The meeting went well and we are moving forward with the project.

Something that many people miss who visit the Library's website is the Artifact Collection, which includes a large number of items that the Library's Curator, Catherine Walter, has photographed and posted.

I hope to make these artifacts a part of my blog by highlighting the new items as they are posted to the site as well as by showing some off from the collection.

Today's piece is "a Grand Master's jewel that was sculpted by Brother Gutzon Borglum, who also made Mount Rushmore."

The Templars: The Secret History Revealed

2009-01-17T14:20:00.002-05:00

Remember Processus Contra Templarios- a reproduction of Vatican documents relating to the Trial of the Templars, that I reported about way back when? Well the person who came across those documents in the Vatican's Secret Archives has written a book.

From Amazon.com:

Product Description
At its height, the Order of the Knights Templar rivaled the kingdoms of Europe in military might, economic power, and political influence. For 700 years the tragic demise of this society of warrior-monks amid accusations of heresy has been plagued by controversy, in part because the transcript of their trial by the InquisitionÑwhich held the key to the truthÑhad vanished.

Templar historian Barbara Frale happened to be studying a document at the Vatican Secret Archives when she suddenly realized that it was none other than the long-lost transcript! It revealed that Pope Clement V had absolved the order of all charges of heresy. Using this sensational new information, Frale chronicles the TemplarsÕ spectacular rise and fall against a sweeping backdrop of war, religious fervor, and the struggle for dominance, and finally lifts the centuries-old cloak of mystery surrounding one of the worldÕs most intriguing secret societies.

About the Author
Barbara Frale is a historian on staff at the Vatican Secret Archives. A specialist on the Templars, the Crusades, and the papacy, she earned her Ph.D. at the University of Venice. She lives in Viterbo, Italy.

This looks like it may be of interest. My copy is on the way...

Missing in Action

2009-01-17T13:30:00.002-05:00

A very belated "Happy New Year" to all - I apologize for being away for so long. I came down with a case of vertigo a few weeks before Christmas and I have been fighting it ever since. Hasn't been terribly bad since that first spell but I have been a bit "fuzzy around the edges." I am feeling a bit better these past few days so I hope to begin posting again.

Since my last post the Chancellor Robert R. Livingston Masonic Library held another of its Library Diner Series, this one being entitled "Freemasonry and the Arts". I didn't get a chance to attend but Fellow Blogger, "The Magpie Mason" was there and has some great photos and commentary starting here. Check it out.

I haven't been saying much about the conflict between my Grand Lodge of New York and the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia because, as far as I know, there still hasn't been any sort of resolution. It is a pain but I am trying to respect our Grand Master's Decree and since I am not privy to the discussions, I will not comment.

At Odds With the Grand Lodge of DC

2008-11-07T12:14:00.002-05:00

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.

Please VOTE

2008-11-03T13:37:00.002-05:00

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...

Rose Circle Reviews

2008-10-10T17:00:00.002-04:00

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.

Rose Circle Fall 2008 Conference

2008-10-08T17:52:00.003-04:00

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.

2008 Livingston Library Dinner Lecture Series

2008-09-29T13:56:00.002-04:00

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.

Templar Transcript Tour

2008-09-10T18:52:00.007-04:00

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 700^th 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 14^th 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

Freemasonry & the Secret Work of the Rosicrucians

2008-09-03T19:41:00.008-04:00

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.

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

2008-08-13T10:12:00.003-04:00

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.

Master Craftsman Program

2008-07-25T14:38:00.002-04:00

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

2008-07-25T14:22:00.002-04:00

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!!!

Processus Contra Templarios Makes Appearance

2008-07-02T16:49:00.002-04:00

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.

Trinity Chapter, Order of DeMolay

2008-07-01T16:02:00.002-04:00

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

2008-07-01T15:36:00.003-04:00

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!

New York's New Grand Master

2008-05-16T14:14:00.003-04:00

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!

Livingston Library Acquires Templar Documents

2008-04-10T11:29:00.004-04:00

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."

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.

(Soon to be) Governor Patterson is a Brother Freemason

2008-03-13T11:10:00.004-04:00

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!!!

Templar Obsession

2008-02-21T17:41:00.002-05:00

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!

Sanctum Sanctorum Forum: Interactive Online Alchemy 101 Course

2008-02-12T16:41:00.000-05:00

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.

Season's Greetings

2007-12-19T18:05:00.000-05:00

It has been quite some time since I have posted so this one will be all over the place...

I would like to begin by wishing everyone a very "Happy Holiday Season"! With all the commercialism that is now associated with this time of year, it is very easy to forget what is truly important. I wish you & yours all the best. The animated Masonic "Season's Greetings" image is courtesy of Pietre-Stones Review of Freemasonry. Visit the site, it is one of the best Masonic sites on the internet. My apologies for not crediting them with the image when I first posted this message...

Since my last posting, a lot has gone on in my life here in Syracuse, NY. I was in the middle of my Official Visits when I last was here, but I have since completed all of them except one. My own Lodge, Morning Star No. 524. I was all set to go on December 3rd when we had our first snow storm of the season. I cancelled my visit & rescheduled for January 7th, 2008. Hopefully the weather will cooperate better then. We had our second storm last weekend - not even Christmas yet & I am sick of my snow blower.

On December 5th, my step-son, Steve & his wife, Michelle welcomed their first son, Ian into the world. Everyone in the family is absolutely "over the moon" about the baby with everyone jockeying to hold him.

On the previous Saturday, I was privileged to be initiated into Glencairn Council No. 14, Order of Knight Masons, in Albany, NY. The Grand Council of Knight Masons of the United States of America is an invitational and honorary body created to, among other things, "perpetuate the ancient rituals of the Irish Masonic Canon, (the "Green" degrees) by promoting their frequent and regular conferral inits constituent councils, and by its expectation that such conferral will be executed with an accuracy, a precision, and a dramatic power congruent with the highest traditions of the Masonic institution." I became a citizen of Ireland this summer and I thought that it would be very fitting to accept their invitation. See their website to learn more about them.

Back in October, I managed to not post anything about the 700th Anniversary of the arrest of the Knights Templar. I wasn't because I didn't want to, in fact I was quite ready to, but time constraints kept me from getting here. The Templars are, in fact, related to my story concerning my Masonic membership. I had read John J. Robinson's book, Born In Blood, and found his theory concerning Freemasonry's descendency from the Knights Templar to be very interesting. My interests in the Templars continues and in future posts, I will pass on some non-fiction as well fictional book recommendations concerning them.

Another Templar related item for me is the Order of DeMolay.
"DeMolay is an organization dedicated to preparing young men to lead successful, happy, and productive lives. Basing its approach on timeless principles and practical, hands-on experience, DeMolay opens doors for young men aged 12 to 21 by developing the civic awareness, personal responsibility and leadership skills so vitally needed in society today. DeMolay combines this serious mission with a fun approach that builds important bonds of friendship among members in more than 1,000 chapters worldwide."

We are in the infancy stages of trying to resurrect a chapter here in the Central New York area. It has been a few years since we had a chapter in the area so wish us luck!

Finally, I wouldn't be doing my Librarian duty if I didn't recommend a book. I recently finished Mark Stavish's "Freemasonry: Rituals, Symbols & History of the Secret Society" which is a great introduction to the esoteric elements that can be found within the Fraternity's , well, rituals, symbols & history. It is easy reading and has a great introduction by Brother Lon Milo DuQuette. The group mentioned in his introduction sounds like it practices Masonry as a Path - I wish more could be known about it. Brother Stavish is, for those in the dark, the proprietor of the Institute for Hermetic Studies. If you have an interest in Alchemy, please check out his website and other books.

The State of Masonic Education

2007-10-09T17:35:00.000-04:00

My, my, my! How the time has passed! I have been so busy with Official Visits and other District Deputy Grand Master duties that I haven't had any time to post anything new here since our trip to DC.

As someone who likes to promote Masonic Education in all its formats and, as a Professional Librarian as well, I would like to bring to your attention, "The State of Masonic Education."

This will be a Masonic lecture and discussion to be held on Monday, December 10, 2007 at La Petite Auberge Restaurant, 116 Lexington Avenue at 28th Street in New York City. It is presented as part of the Chancellor Robert R. Livingston Masonic Library of the Grand Lodge of New York's Library Dinner Lecture Series.

The Panel for the evening will Researchers & Scholars from the Quatuor Coronati Lodge in London, the "premier lodge of Masonic research:

S. Brent Morris (Worshipful Master & 1st native-born American to hold that Office)
Peter Currie (Senior Warden & Editor of Ars Quatuor Coronati)
Yasha Beresiner (Past Master, lecturer & published author)
Trevor Stewart (Past Master & Prestonian Lecturer)
John Wade (Sheffield University's Centre for Research into Freemasonry)

It looks to be a great evening for anyone with an interest in things Masonic that goes beyond the usual watered down education that many get. S. Brent Morris is, of course that author of many an article for the Scottish Rite Research Society as well as "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Freemasonry."

My only complaint about this event is that it is held on a Monday instead of on a weekend. Many who would like to attend are, like myself, working stiffs from places other than New York City and it would be far easier to make plans for a weekend get away. Livingston Trustees take Note for the next lecture!!!

Go here for more information.

Masonic District Trip to Washington DC

2007-08-27T12:08:00.000-04:00

When I became District Deputy Grand Master in May 2006, I decided that I wanted to try a couple of things in my District that I hadn't seen done since I have been a Mason. One was to organize a Masonic Conference that leaned towards the esoteric. My idea there was to plan it around the arrival of the next Dan Brown book and have public & private sections. The public section would be held at either a public library or a bookstore and would create a forum for the public to learn more about us. Perhaps we could get Chris Hodapp to come by, speak & sign a few books and maybe attract some other Masonic Scholars to the weekend event. But, alas, Mr. Brown is dragging his feet with this new novel so that project is on the back burner for now.

The other project that I was interested in getting together was a trip to Washington DC - our nation's Capitol, a town with alot of Masonic connections and perhaps the coolest city on the planet. I asked one of my "Fellowship & Family Involvement" Chairmen, W.'. Richard Torrey to see what he could put together and, boy, did he not disappoint!

On Friday, August 17th, we packed 49 people onto a bus & headed to DC for a fun-filled time. While many of us knew each other, there were a few that we were meeting for the first time but we all quickly became fast friends. We visited many of the usual spots - Washington Monument, National Mall, National Archives, the Capitol Building and the Library of Congress, just to name a few.

About a dozen of us went to a Mets-Nationals baseball game and were surprised to find more Mets fans at the game than those cheeing for the Nats. How can a team with such a weak following justify the money that is being put into a new baseball stadium when a soccer team in the same city pulls many more fans & is having a hard time getting a stadium deal together? Can you tell that I am a soccer fan? Go DC United!

We had hoped to visit the House of the Temple, the headquarters for the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Southern Masonic Jurisdiction but with the Joint Supreme Council session starting the week after our visit, it was closed to visitors. Perhaps a good reason for another trip. We did visit the magnificent George Washington Masonic Memorial in Alexandria, VA. This a fantastic place to see even if you are not a Mason. For the Mason, it can almost seem like a pilgrimage of sorts. Lots of photos were taken without, within and from the top. Check it out the next time you are in DC!

All in all, we had a great time despite a bus driver that seemed to get lost turning around. Everyone took it in stride and enjoyed it for waht it was - a great town to visit and great company to do it with. I would like to send out a huge "Thank You" to W.'. Richard Torrey and his wife Ann for all their hard work in getting this weekend together & insuring that all were well taken care of and having a good time. Great Work!!!

Masonic Reading

2007-06-28T13:22:00.000-04:00

“Masonry, as now organized and employed, is not adequate to the demands of a realistic generation, and that to go on making men Masons, as we are doing, wholesale, without giving them an intelligent and authentic knowledge of what Masonry is, or what it means, with no definite objects beyond fellowship and philanthropy – objects to which other orders are equally devoted – is for Masonry to lose, by ignorance or neglect, what has been distinctive in its history and genius, and invite degeneration, if not disaster.” – M.'.W.'. Dwight L. Smith, Past Grand Master of Indiana, MSA Short Talk Bulletin, September 1928.

I came across that quote in a paper by Brother Stephen Dafoe, recently published in Volume 14 of Herodom, entitled “Reading, Writing and Apathy: The Rise and Fall of Masonic Education.” Herodom is, of course, the published Annual Transactions of the Scottish Rite Research Society. The Society is, in my opinion, the best Masonic Research Society in the United States and right up there with the British Quatuor Coronati. Its annual dues fee is the best $40 that you will ever spend. The paper was originally given at a communication of Lodge Vitruvian No. 767, F & AM, Indianapolis, Indiana on July 26, 2005. Brother Defoe outlines the topics covered by several Masonic publications over the past century and a half and shows that those covering Masonic Ritual, Philosophy & Symbolism have been on the decline while those covering famous Masons and fluff pieces have increased. A survey of three booksellers also seemed to indicate the same pattern. We have all seen it. So what can we do about it?

“I am a Librarian for a Law Firm here in Syracuse and I occasionally work for the County Library System as well so I am in the habit of recommending books and that’s where I will start today. I have no problems with “fluff” like “The DaVinci Code” or “National Treasure” but if you are looking for novels, why not check out Umberto Eco’s “Foucault’s Pendulum” or even Katherine Kurtz’s fantasy “Two Crown’s for America”.

But if you really want to sink your teeth into some serious Masonic material, I highly recommend the following three books:

Just released by the Scottish Rite Research Society is the “Scottish Rite Ritual Monitor & Guide” as compiled by Arturo deHoyos, 33˚. This is one massive tome concerning the Ritual, Symbolism and Education of the Supreme Council of the AASR for the Southern Masonic Jurisdiction of the United States. It contains a treasure trove of Albert Pike Scottish Rite material. Coming in at nearly 1000 pages, it is well worth more than the asking price. As a Scottish Rite Mason from the Northern Jurisdiction, I am very envious of the Southern Jurisdiction’s commitment to its Ritual and wish the my Jurisdiction would consider returning top their Ritual as opposed to constantly changing & watering down ours.

Also from Brother deHoyos is last year’s “Symbolism of the Blue Degrees of Freemasonry, Albert Pike’s Esoterika” which I have previously mentioned here. These two books alone will provide years of study for the esoterically bent Freemason.

I would also like to recommend Brother W. Kirk MacNulty’s “Freemasonry: Symbols, Secrets, Significance”. This book is beautifully put together with lots of Masonic information and many illustrations and photographs that I haven’t already seen a million times.

Buy these books, recommend them to your Masonic & Public Libraries, but more importantly, read these books and spread their Masonic Light onto your Brethren.

Annual Communication GLoNY

2007-05-22T14:21:00.000-04:00

May 7th & 8th marked the 226th Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of New York. There were Delegates from all around New York State as well as from a few other countries. There was the usual amount of pomp & circumstance and long speeches but the feeling of Brotherhood was everywhere.

The only low point in my opinion came from the guest speaker at our Grand Master's Dinner on Monday evening, former Wisconsin Governor and now Presidential Candidate Tommy Thompson. The speech mostly came off as something of a political statement concerning many of his accomplishments while Governor and US Secretary of Health and Human Services. Now, I will be honest with you. I don't care for political speeches from anyone - it doesn't matter what the party is. I think a quick reading of his biography would have been sufficient and then a speech detailing how Freemasonry has helped shape his life & ideals would have been quite appropriate. I guess you can't please everyone.

A number of Bibles were used during the two days including the infamous "George Washington" Bible on loan from St. John's Lodge No. 1. Pictured, I believe is a 16th Century Bible on loan from Francis Lewis Lodge No. 273. It was printed by Henry Middleton in 1585, 35 years before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock. Pretty impressive!

MSRICF

2007-05-04T14:32:00.000-04:00

Last weekend, the New York College of the Masonic Societas Rosicruciana in Civitabus Foederatus (MSRICF) met in Liverpool, NY to begin the process of rebuilding the organization. The MSRICF is really the only organization that I belong to that doesn't ignore the Esoteric side of the Craft.

I expressed my disappointment in the lack of symbolic education within the symbolic lodges of modern Freemasonry. Grand Lodges seem to have adopted the attitude of "if we ignore the esoteric symbolism and promote business management education, then the public will stop asking about it and we won't look silly trying to explain it."

This group really gets me going. When someone mentioned the "raising of energy" during the opening of Lodge, I really got psyched! Yes, there are others that want to experience the same as me. This very same person suggested that perhaps it was time for Freemasonry to have an Inner and an Outer Order. The Outer would deal with the Public, raise money for charities and keep the Lodges organized properly. The Inner Order would attend to the Esoteric/Spiritual Heart of Freemasonry. I think he may be onto something.

All this talk can't last though. I am preparing to head to New York this weekend for the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of New York. It's time to get back to business.

Masonic Peace Institute

2007-04-19T13:11:00.000-04:00

I received a great comment on my last post from one of the organizers of the Masonic Peace Institute. This is an organization well worth checking out. The following "Declaration" is from their website:

We, the members and supporters of the Masonic Peace Institute, are committed to the peaceful coexistence of all peoples, no matter where dispersed. To this end we will toil, spreading the cement of Brotherly Love and affection throughout humanity. We will work with any like-minded individuals and/or groups, no matter their nationality, culture, color, sex, language, rank, race, residence, or religion."

We furthermore, affirm and promote:

The equal dignity and rights of all people.

The pursuit of peace, liberty, justice, and compassion for all.

The right to the values of enlightenment, through education and unbiased information. Peaceful conflict resolution.

Truth as expressed in all cultures and recognized by all human beings.

Taking responsibility for the consequence of all action, processes and understanding.

The truth as expressed in all religions, philosophy and cultures, but proselytize none.

The men & women, of all times and from all nations, who have promoted or do now, promote peaceful civilization.

The principles of equality found in the theories of democracy, without proselytizing any political agenda, action or system.

To these ends we will act to:
Establish relations with other national and international peace organizations
Participate in worldwide events representing the humanitarian vision of democracy and peace
Conducting surveys or research and disseminate information
Become involved in peace processes where possible, proposing, participating in, and supporting peace talks and conflict resolution
Support like minded individuals and organizations
May Brotherly Love Prevail.

It's a Mad World

2007-04-17T11:45:00.000-04:00

The tragedy of the shootings at Virginia Tech yesterday took over the news that was previously obsessed with Imus and Anna Nicole Smith.

My mind is just spinning. What is going on in this world? What would possess someone to take a gun and begin shooting people? How can someone think that a racist comment would be funny? Why is the paternity of some innocent child suddenly our business?

It really seems like the world has completely come unbalanced (the weather would seem to support that idea as well - I am really sick of snow right now). Everything is done to the extreme while moving at break neck speeds. I think that it would do us all a great service to slow down and consider our choices in life and their impact upon those around us. It seems to be the new American Way to take drastic means to an end while laying the resposibility of the consequences on other folks.

That needs to change. Let's start within our Masonic Lodges - it's what were are supposedly there to do right? Find balance - maybe while standing between two columns (a little Fellowcraft Degree symbolism for those of you not following along). Leadership and responsibility skills can be grown & developed within our Lodges. But we need to take it outside its walls.

It's a mad world out there. I challenge all Masons around the world to step up and begin bringing some balance to their communities. It has to start somewhere...

Bureaucracy and Brotherhood

2007-03-22T11:49:00.000-04:00

There's a lot of bureaucracy in Freemasonry at the organizational level. I am not really a fan of it but I understand that for an organization to exist, there must be rules, regulations and the like. This means paperwork. I hate paperwork but understand its necessity and, unfortunately for me, I am pretty good at getting it done. I would much rather be studying Masonic philosophy than filling out yet another Lodge Survey that needs to be turned in within the next couple of days. It's just part of the job that I signed on for when I agreed to be District Deputy Grand Master. I am so busy with the bureaucracy that I sometimes forget what it really means to be a Freemason.

A couple of days ago, I participated in smething that helped me remember. It wasn't a lengthy discourse on the symbolism of the "All Seeing Eye" but something much simpler. I was asked by the Master of my Lodge if I could accompany him and a Past Grand Master (also a member of my Lodge) to present a 50 year pin to a Brother (with a capital B) who is very ill and living in a nursing home. Now, this is something that I admit I am not very comfortable or good at doing, but I agreed to go. None of us knew the Brother in question - he belonged to a Lodge that "merged" with ours nearly 10 years and we had never met. When we arrived, it was very clear that this Brother was extremely ill. Fortunately, his wife was present and we were able to present the plaque & pin to her for which she was very grateful. We had the chance to learn more about our Brother, his life & family. We reminded his wife that we were there should she ever need anything.

We reminded ourselves that this is what Brotherhood was all about. This is why we are Freemasons.

Snow Day

2007-02-15T15:48:00.000-05:00

Everyone at my house had a snow day yesterday. That's a bit unusual since we get alot (I mean ALOT) of snow here in Central New York State. We usually adapt to it rather quickly but yesterday we had a Nor'easter meet up with our usual Lake Effect Snow. We received somewhere in the vacinity of 18-20 inches at my house & I had to take out the snowblower twice in order to clear out my driveway. I really shouldn't bitch - those living in Oswego County, just north of us have received in excess of 14 feet and much of that came in a five day period. Keep them in your thoughts & prayers while they try to dig out while it continues to snow.

The snow can really screw up your Lodge plans as well. My Lodge has had 4 attempts at getting the First Degree done since November. Twice the candidates had problems and twice the weather was the problem - we will try again next Monday.

A couple of weeks ago about 42 Brothers risked the drive to our District in order to film bits for the Grand Lodge of New York's new DVD version of their Lodge System of Masonic Education. This DVD is meant for educating new Brothers in the Craft. We have had a VHS version for a number of years but our Grand Master rightly decided that it was a good time for an update. We had a pretty good time despite the fact that filming can actually be very slow & tedious. We had a bit to eat & shared a number of humerous moments during the filming. Thankfully the weather cooperated and the snow stayed away for the evening. Many thanks to the Brothers who came from the Oneida, Herkimer and Livingston Districts. look for all of us when the DVD is finished & released!

Happy New Year!

2007-01-15T13:29:00.000-05:00

I see that it has been a very long time since my last post, so much so that we have lived through another holiday shopping season. Beyond that, let me wish all of a very "Happy New Year!"

In my district here in Syracuse, NY, I offered up the following Masonic New Year Resolutions (adapt them, as you will for you own jurisdiction):

Improve your Ritual work. Our AGLs are available to assist with your upcoming Degrees – remember: a candidate’s first real impression of Freemasonry comes with his Initiation in the Entered Apprentice Degree. 1) Improve your Ritual work. Our AGLs are available to assist with your upcoming Degrees – remember: a candidate’s first real impression of Freemasonry comes with his Initiation in the Entered Apprentice Degree. RW Dick Gilbert & VW Kevin Parker can help you make that first impression. Let them help you. They are also planning a Lodge of Instruction & Ritual Competition in March. See their column for more details.
Further your Masonic Education. The job of the Grand Lodge Staff Officer is to attend to the Masonic Education of the Brethren in his District. RW Larry Egnaczyk will finish the “Masonic Development Course” this month & will soon follow it with either “The Road to the East” or the new edition of the “Leadership Development Course”. If you would like to learn more about Masonry and improve your leadership skills, plan on attending one of these courses. Watch his column for more information. You can also take advantage of the Livingston Masonic Library or the Masonic University of New York (MUNY) – you can find their links on the Grand Lodge website (www.nymasons.org)
Attend Masters, Wardens & Deacons sessions. This meeting on the 4th Wednesday of each month is an excellent opportunity for you to learn what is happening in the other Lodges of the Onondaga District and to discuss issues that are important to Masons & Masonry. This meeting is not just for the Masters, Wardens & Deacons of our Lodges – anyone who is interested is more than welcome to attend. Our next meeting is on January 24th at the Memorial Masonic Center in North Syracuse at 7:30 PM.
Make an effort to attend Masonic Funeral Services. There is nothing more embarrassing than having only a couple of Brothers show up to a service after a family has asked for it. Freemasonry obviously meant a lot to the deceased Brother & his family because they have asked for the service. Make an extra effort to show them that it means a lot to you as well. Worshipful Masters: if you know of a Masonic Service, please email the details to me at rjpowell@arsmasonica.com and I will forward it onto the other Masters, who, I would hope, will forward it onto the Brothers for whom they have email addresses, and get the word out.

After my post about Esoterika Lodge, I received calls from a Brother from that Lodge and another in Minnesota offering their encouragement. So far, I haven't heard from anyone in this District interested, but I will see.

Esoterika Lodge

2006-11-22T14:48:00.000-05:00

There is an interesting article on a new Symbolic Lodge in Seattle in the current issue of the Scottish Rite Journal entitled "Esoterika Lodge: A Unique Experiment in Freemasonry".

The Lodge was formed by the organizers of Knights of St. Andrew Chapters in the Seattle area. During those organizaional meetings the Brothers discussed the things they felt were lacking in their own Lodges and decided to form one along the lines of the Tradional Observance Lodges of European design. Although I love my own Lodge, I have always felt that there should be something more to it than just the good fellowship, mediocre degrees and business meetings. I have always yearned for something a little more dignified and esoteric. If I lived in Washington State, I would be going out of my way to belong to this Lodge. What's different?

Well, here are a few points from the article that demonstrate the uniqueness:

Esoterika Lodge has only four stated meetings per year.
Members dress in “uniform” at meetings (black suit, black shirt, and black tie).
The fees and dues are set intentionally high, with the annual dues at $100 and Endowed Life Membership at $1000.
Members are required to attend all meetings, unless excused by the Worshipful Master, and then only with just cause.
Members receive a copy of Albert Pike’s Esoterika: The Symbolism of the Blue Degrees of Freemasonry and are expected to read it in its entirety.
Members are expected to become involved with the rites and concordant bodies of Freemasonry and to maintain participation.
Esoterika Lodge only accepts candidates for the degrees of Masonry once a year.
Every member of Esoterika Lodge is expected to have a candidate to mentor through the degrees of Masonry throughout the year, every year.

Everything mentioned here is what I would like to see in a Lodge - not many out there though that would be willing to change. Hey, I was one of the organizers of the Knights of St. Andrew Chapter for the Valley of Syracuse, maybe it will be up to me to create interest in our own version of Esoterika Lodge No. 316 before I finish my term as District Deputy. It may give me something to look forward to.

Busy

2006-11-22T14:44:00.000-05:00

It has been nearly a month since my last post and for that I apologize. I have been extremely busy carrying out my duties as District Deputy Grand Master but I have a few items of interest that I will be posting in the days to come. "Happy Thanksgiving" to my American Brothers - keep an eye open for new items.

Got Ink?

2006-10-23T13:54:00.000-04:00

In one of my earliest posts on this blog, I had mentioned that I had originally designed the Ars Masonica logo to be a tattoo. When I recently decided that it was time to get that tat, I was told by several artists that it was too detailed for the size & place that I wanted it to go (upper left arm). Rather than "dumbing down" the image, I decide to come up with something else. As you can see, it is much simpler design but I think that it turned out rather well. It was done at Scarab Body Arts in the Armory Square area of Syracuse by Jeremiah Clifford. If you live in the area, check them out. If you would like to see other Masonic tattoos, check out the site Masonic Ink.

New York Times Article

2006-10-06T16:07:00.000-04:00

A few days ago, the New York Times printed a very good article about Freemasonry. The article featured interviews with the M.'.W.'. Neal I. Bidnick, Grand Master of Masons in the State of New York and the V.'.W.'. Thomas Savini, Director of the Robert R. Livingston Masonic Library.

Grand Master Bidnick has been made himself very available for discussion of the Craft in public forums since his installation in May. He has also been interviewed on the Radio and for CNN. I think that it's a good idea to give a "public face" for Freemasonry - it helps show that we really aren't a secretive lot plotting to take over the world.

Brother Chris Hodapp's "Freemasons for Dummies" Blog carries the text for the article.

"We will only be out twice a month."

2006-09-19T17:00:00.000-04:00

Here in the Grand Lodge of New York Juris- diction, most lodges are opened from September through June while July & August sees them dormant. A few lodges actually are dark during January & February because most of the Brothers are either in Florida or refuse to attempt driving in the snow.

Here in the Onondaga District, things really kick off the week before Labor Day with the Child ID program at the New York State Fair. This is a really big deal and alot of kids are taped each year. Actually, taped is no longer correct. The old system involved videotaping a child's movements & speech and included a data-card. The new system, just implemented, still uses the data-card but now the child is digitally photographed and a more in depth data sheet is filled out and burnt to a CD-ROM. This CD can then be given to law enforcement officials to be uploaded for an "Amber Alert". We had a very successful run, IDing over 3000 kids during the Fair's twelve days.

This past weekend, we had the Onondaga District Apron Presentations. Morning Star Lodge No. 524 presented the District Deputy Grand Master Apron to me while Brothers R.'.W.'. Larry Egnaczyck, Grand Sword Bearer, R.'.W.'. Rev. J. Michael Thesier, Grand Chaplain, R.'.W.'. Richard Gilbert & V.'.W.'. Kevin Parker, Assistant Grand Lecturers received theirs from their respective lodges. The Guest Speaker for the evening was the M.'.W.'. Neal I. Bidnick, Grand Master of Masons for the Grand Lodge of New York. The event was also graced by the presence of Past Grand Masters, M.'.W.'. Bruce Widger and M.'.W.'. Calvin Bond. Great fellowship was had by all. The standing joke for the night was a line that I am sure many a Mason gave to their significant other when considering membership: "We will only be out twice a month."

Busy Masonic Weekend in Syracuse

2006-08-01T11:30:00.000-04:00

I had a very busy Masonic weekend a few weeks ago. The New York Council of Deliberation, the Scottish Rite's equivalent to a Grand Lodge session, was held here in the Syracuse area. It was a great session with Brothers from Scottish Rite Valleys from all over New York State. Representatives were here from other concordant bodies as well as most of the Grand Line from the Grand Lodge of New York. Most were in great form but as with most things, a few complainers reared their ugly heads here and there. This is very disappointing for me as I feel these individuals have totally missed the boat as to the lessons of Freemasonry. Common courtesy is due, not only to fellow Brethren, to all members of the human race. We would all do well to remember this.

After spending Saturday (7/22) helping with C.O.D. festivities with the Knights of St. Andrew, I moved onto Sunday's activities with the GLoNY's Scholarship Presentations. It was great to see all the students (our future) show up to receive their scholarship awards from Grand Lodge. In the evening following the Scholarship Presentations, the Grand Master, the M.'.W.'. Neal I. Bidnick, the Grand Line & their wives met with our District Staff and the Worshipful Masters of our District Lodges & our wives. It is a very grass roots method of getting his message out and the addition of the wives was a very nice touch. Change is a must for Freemasonry to continue into the 21st Century and the change needs to begin at the Lodge level. Grand Master Bidnick is taking his message there. Pictured is the Grand Line and the Onondaga District Masters and Staff.

Masonic Compact

2006-07-10T13:44:00.000-04:00

In celebration of the 225th Anniversary of the Grand Lodge of New York, a committee brainstormed the Masonic Compact. The Compact very nicely states the principles of our order and what it means to be a Freemason.

Because I am a Freemason, I know that the rich tradition of Freemasonry and its framework of Ritual are important platforms for growth and learning; therefore I vow to stand upon these platforms to improve myself as a human being, and I vow to help in the mission of the Craft to provide tools, atmosphere, challenges and motivation to help each Brother do the same.

To read more...

St. John's Day

2006-06-29T21:06:00.000-04:00

The Grand Lodge of New York celebrated St. John's Day on Saturday, June 24th at the Masonic Care Community in Utica, NY. This is quite the place, sporting a state of the art medical research facility, an independant retirement community (Acacia Village), short & long term care as well as residential adult care facilities. It was hot & sunny as the District Deputy Grand Masters, Grand Lodge Staff Officers, Assistant Grand Lecturers marched with the Grand Master, the M.'.W.'. Neal I. Bidnick, and his elected and appointed line. Receiving appointments from the Onondaga District were V.'.W.'. Kevin Parker & R.'.W.'. Richard Gilbert, Assistant Grand Lecturers, R.'.W.'. Lawrence Egnaczyk, Grand Sword Bearer and myself, District Deputy Grand Master. M.'.W.'. Bidnick gave his message outlining his plans for the ensuing year. Of great interest is the Masonic Compact which will be posted here in the near future. Pictured is R.'.W.'. Lawrence Egnaczyk, myself and the Mid-State District Officers.

Ars Masonica Store Is Open

2006-05-25T09:56:00.000-04:00

I have opened a Cafepress shop that has a few items available with the Ars Masonica Logo. I would ask that you do not print, paint, stamp, stain, hew, cut, carve, mark or engrave my design upon anything as it is personally my property. If you like it, please feel free to purchase something from the shop. Thank you.

DaVinci Mania

2006-05-22T11:22:00.000-04:00

Well, DaVinci Mania has begun! There has been a flurry of History & Discovery Channel programs, Church seminars and a rash of books both pro & con. A lot of folks are cashing in on the popularity of Dan Brown's bestseller. I enjoyed the book - not great literature, but a great story with lots of elements that Freemasons of an esoteric nature are familiar with. I haven't seen the movie yet but the critics seem to hate it. That usually means that it will be great fun.

On May 17th, I was asked to appear on a local program called Bridge Street to discuss the "DaVinci Code" phenomenom. A click on Bridge Street will take you to the video clip as long as it is available. While I was on the show in my capacity as a Librarian, I did manage to mention my Masonic membership and the fact that I thought that members of the Craft were many of the first people to "get into" the book. Hopefully, I can get invited back when the book's sequel comes out.

Grand Lodge of New York 2006-2008

2006-05-11T09:59:00.000-04:00

At 3:00 AM, on Tuesday morning, May 2nd, I left Syracuse to attend the last day of the 2006 Grand Lodge Convocation in NYC, and in particular, the elections. Our new Grand Master is the M.'.W.'. Neal I. Bidnick; Deputy Grand Master, R.'.W.'. Edward G. Gilbert; Senior Grand Warden, R.'.W.'. Dennis A. Breheny and Junior Grand Warden, R.'.W.'. Stephen S. King. As usual the elections proved to confusing, frustrating and exciting all at once. I think that is is past time to restructure the method of voting. Maybe it is time to go electronic?

The next two years should be very interesting as M.'.W.'. Bidnick has some very good ideas. My interpretation is that he hopes to bring the Craft back to many of its basics while ushering it into the 21st Century.

As the newly appointed District Deputy Grand Master of the Onondaga District, I hope to echo the Grand Master’s philosophy of getting back to the basics of Masonry while utilizing modern technology to get our message out. I urge all the Onondaga District Lodges to take more time in selecting your candidates and getting them through the Degrees. This is not a race. Masonry is supposed to “take good men & make them better” and that takes time.

And the time is now...

Masonic Traveler's 100th Posting

2006-04-26T09:59:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to Brother Greg Stewart who has posted his 100th message on his blog Masonic Traveler. Brother Stewart always has keen insight into the working of modern Masonry and I highly encourage you to check out his blog and "brother website" Freemason Information.

Rambling

2006-03-14T15:32:00.000-05:00

I have been very bad about adding new material to the blog lately but my life at home, work and Masonically has been very busy. So this entry will consist of some quick comments on a variety of things that I have had in mind for Ars Masonica...

First, I would like to extend my thanks to everyone who has posted comments. I appreciate knowing that you enjoy the blog as random as it is.

There are alot of new books with a Templar theme in the book stores and libraries. "The Last Templar" and "The Templar Legacy" are two recent novels that are on the shelves right now. I am sure that "The DaVinci Code" has had a great influence in this subject matter. My interest in Freemasonry sprang from an earlier interest in the Knights Templar. Can the public interest in the Craft be peaking soon as well? Will we be ready?

I am due to finish the Grand Lodge of New York's Individual Development Course this coming weekend. As mentioned in an earlier entry, it was designed as a management course for current and future Grand Lodge Officers. It is commencing with a group project. My group's project is the development of a survey which we hope will assist lodges in learning why their meeting attendance is low. With luck the results of the survey would indicate what sort of programs the Brothers are looking for. The course has had its low and high points but overall, the group dynamic has been great.

I have recently taken up Tai Chi. I learned that one of my neighbors has been a practitioner for over 25 years and he offered to instruct my wife and me. We are both enjoying it and I highly recommend it to everyone. This has also lead me to reading a bit about Taoist Philosophy with its Yin-Yang symbol. The basic principle seems to be seeking balance. In this manner, the Yin-Tang could easily be equated with the Pillars, Jachin and Boaz.

Every thing is related...

Oracle Lodge No.1003 - Dublin, Ireland

2006-02-16T16:41:00.000-05:00

I have been extremely busy of late hence the lack of posts. I would be remiss, however, if I didn't make mention of Oracle Lodge No. 1003 in Dublin Ireland. I had the fortune of attending a communication of Oracle Lodge before leaving Ireland back in January. Oracle Lodge is fairly new as lodges go but its members are Brothers with an interest in Masonry's symbolic and esoteric side. I listened to a facinating paper from Brother Paul Hearns "On the Origins of Certain Symbols" before retiring to a very nice meal. I you are ever in Dublin & have the chance to attend one of their communications, make sure you do.

Scotland

2006-01-24T17:49:00.000-05:00

During our brief time in Glasgow, Scotland, we decided to visit Roslyn Chapel. I had read about this place long before "The DaVinci Code" was ever written and had wanted to visit ever since. It was a doomed trip...

To get to the Chapel, we traveled 40 minutes by train from East Kilbride to Glasgow, another 55 minutes from Glasgow to Edinburgh and yet another 45 minutes by bus to the small town of Roslin. When we finally arrived at the Chapel, my son asked me why there was a hearse there. It turned out that there was a funeral in process and access to the Chapel was closed until its conclusion. Time was running short for us to catch the next bus back to Edinburgh when we finally were allowed in. We had a fleeting 20 minutes to look arouns and to make matters worse, the batteries in my digital camera were fading out and half the photos that I thought were taken were lost. None the less, the meer 20 minutes were well worth it and we have promised to return again someday. All Masons visiting Scotland would do well to visit. Pictured above is the Apprentice Pillar.

Back in Edinburgh, it was my sincere hope to at least pop into the Grand Lodge of Scotland - well by the time I got there, it had already closed down for the night. I guess I have will have to visit Edinburgh again as well.

Happy New Year

2006-01-17T18:53:00.000-05:00

A very belated "Happy New Year" to one & all! I have been away from home for a few weeks and haven't had the chance to post anything new. My family traveled to Ireland for the holidays - we spent Christmas in Ennis, County Clare and New Year's Eve in Dublin with my wife's brothers & their families. We also traveled over to Glasgow, Scotland for four days to see some cousins.

I have a few photos and stories which I will post in the next few days after things settle back down at work. Patience...

Masonic Website Massacre

2005-12-08T14:33:00.000-05:00

Freemasonry on the Web took a terrible hit this week with the loss of several prominent sites.

Freemasonry for the Next Generation, along with several other sites created by Brother Tim Bryce, was closed down by the Grand Lodge of Florida. On face value, this appears to be an act of censorship. If this is the case, then there is something seriously "rotten in Denmark." Freemasonry has always attracted free-thinkers that have made great contributions to the world. With our government already curtailing some of our civil rights, censorship from a Grand Lodge is hard slap in the face. So far, there has been no explanation forthcoming from the Grand Lodge of Florida (that I am aware of) and I really feel that it is owed to Brother Bryce and the site's regulars. We will have to wait & see.

We also lost thelodgeroom.com, which I had plugged some time ago. This site was closed down by its creator, Brother Stephen Defoe. Brother Defoe had created a fantastic forum for the discussion of Freemasonry and it received a large amount of traffic. Unfortunately, the ugly side of many came through on more & more postings as time went on. It seems that many brothers (to be fair, I am not sure all were brothers) felt that it was a good place to post their bigoted remarks. Derogatory comments about others' political views, religion and race contributed to its demise. Those people that are the guilty parties should be ashamed of their behavior & un-Masonic conduct and should "reflect on the amiable character of he whom they have slain." There is no place anywhere for that sort of thinking, especially in Freemasonry.

I would like to thank Brothers Bryce & Defoe for their contributions and wish them luck in their future endeavors (which I hope they have).

Masonic Traveler

2005-11-23T13:04:00.000-05:00

On a recent surfing expedition, I came across the blog and website of a Fellow Traveler from California. Brother Greg Stewart publishes Masonic Traveler and the site Freemason Information. Freemason Information is just that, a site with alot of info concerning the Craft. Masonic Traveler is his blog and serves a similar function as Ars Masonica. He provides commentary on the state of the Fraternity today as well as examining its esoteric side. I highly recommend both sites. We need more brothers to step outside the lodge building and express what Freemasonry means and does for them. It is a way of life, not just something you do one or twop nights a month.

Freemasons for Dummies

2005-11-01T16:38:00.000-05:00

It's time to plug a fairly new book, Freemasons for Dummies by Brother Christopher Hodapp.

This book should be on every Mason's bookshelf. It covers all the facts, figures, famous folks and fantasies that have made concerning the great Masonic Fraternity over the years. This would make a great resource for someone interested in the Freemasons as well as the many mis- or non-informed brothers that exist out there.

Check out the LodgeRoom.com and Amazon.com for more reviews and information on how to order.

Deputy Grand Master & the Future

2005-10-31T19:17:00.000-05:00

A couple of Saturdays ago, the Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of New York, R.'.W.'. Neal Bidnick, paid a visit to the Onondaga District. This was part of his "Meet Your Deputy Grand Master" program where he visits the various districts that make up the Grand Lodge of New York.

While he was here, he explained some of the plans that he hopes to implement should he be elected Grand Master next May. Many will utilize modern technology and the Grand Lodge will really begin to make use of the Internet.

Communication always seems to be where organizations break down. The use of E-mail and Websites will allow for communications to be almost instantaneous. The Masonic University of New York (MUNY) should also begin with its online offering in the next year. I applaud the Grand Lodge Committees that are spearheading these programs.

Change is always a frightening venture for some, but if Masonry is to stay viable, change must happen. I am reminded that many lodge resited the postal service when Grand Lodge began using it.

I have a learned a great deal about the Craft from the Internet and have "met" alot of Brothers that I would have never had contact with were it not for the WWW. I look forward to the future of Masonry here in New York.

Balance

2005-10-03T16:32:00.000-04:00

I find there to be alot of Kabbalistic symbolism in Freemasonry. I know you will be hard pressed to find any Grand Lodge agreeing with this, and fair enough, the discussion of symbolism is a subjective one and can differ from student to student. But from my point of view, there really can be no denying that the Fellowcraft standing between the two columns in the Second Degree is very symbolic of the three pillars of the Kabbalistic Tree of Life.

In both cases, the middle pillar and the Fellowcraft are in a state of balance between the extremes of the columns on the right and left. Both philosophies espouse the virtues of leading a balanced life. The center path of the Tree of Life is a direct route to the Grand Archirect of the Universe. Following that balanced path would seem to fulfill the Masonic promise to make good men better.

The Spirit of Freemasonry

2005-09-21T16:38:00.000-04:00

This past weekend I began the Individual Development Course. This is a management course developed by the Grand Lodge of New York along the lines of those of Franklin-Covey. While talking to few of the participants, it became clear that many were interested in the esoteric side of the Craft and were looking for a place to study these aspects. During our discussions, many of us agreed that there were alot of Brothers in the Craft today that completely unaware of Masonry's esoteric side and only see the Craft as a charitable organization.

While reading "The Meaning of Masonry" by W.L. Wilmhurst, I came across the following:

"What seems now needed to intensify the worth and usefulness of this great Brotherhood is to deepen its understanding of its own system, to educate its members in the deeper meaning and true purpose of its rites and its philosophy. Were this achieved the Masonic Order would become, in proportion to that achievement, a spiritual force greater than it can ever be so long as it continues content with a formal and unintelligent perpetuation of rites, the real and sacred purpose of which remains largely unpercieved, and participation in which too often means nothing more than association with an agreeable, semi-religious, social institution. Carried to its fullest, that achievement would involve the revival, in a form adapted to modern conditions, of the ancient Wisdom-teaching and the practice of those Mysteries which became proscribed fifteen centuries ago, but of which modern Masonry is the direct and representative descendant..."

That was written around 1922, and yet it seems that is what many within Masonry today seek.

Ars Masonica Ring

2005-09-13T16:13:00.000-04:00

Gordon Spurlock of Gordon's Masonic Rings has created a new ring using the Ars Masonica Logo. I think that it has come our very nicely. Please visit his site for this and many other fantastic Masonic Rings made in Stainless Steel.

GLoNY Responds to Katrina

2005-09-02T09:33:00.000-04:00

Grand Lodge of the State of New York
September 1, 2005
To all members of the Masonic Community in the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons in New York State:
Brethren ...
We must all be aware of the magnitude of the National disaster which has impacted our nation and fellow countrymen by Hurricane Katrina. Words are simply inadequate to describe the extent of the human misery we have been viewing for the last number of days since this storm of the century impacted on the Florida and Gulf coastal regions. We have yet to fully comprehend the extent of this calamity...some have called it an American Tsunami. Nevertheless, we must react now and begin our efforts to help, aid and assist those whose lives may have been changed forever.
Once again I am calling upon our Masonic fraternity, our families, friends and business associates to respond as generously as their finances permit to help alleviate the suffering of our fellow citizens. Our fraternity has a long and distinguished history of rising to the occasion when the need has been there ... from Valley Forge to 9-11 and as recently as the devastating Tsunami earlier this year.
As your Grand Master I am asking you to please respond now to this appeal and make a generous tax-deductible contribution to the Masonic Brotherhood Fund earmarked for...
"Hurricane Disaster Relief."
Let us count our blessings and thank the Great Architect that we are in a position to donate personally as well as through our businesses and Lodges and District Associations. Thank you in advance for your consideration and generosity. God Bless you and yours and...
God Bless America!
Fraternally,
EDWARD R. TROSIN
Grand Master

Hurricane Katrina

2005-08-31T13:33:00.000-04:00

My apologies for not posting anything new in the last couple of weeks. I have been busy with work and getting ready for another year as Assistant Grand Lecturer.

Today, I would like to send out thoughts and prayers to all who have been affected by Hurricane Katrina. This is truly the worst natural disaster to hit America in my lifetime. I urge all, from the Grand Lodges in the US to every individual who is able, to contribute in some manner for the relief of those in need. Money, blood, food & supplies will all be needed. It will take some time to rebuild New Orleans and the other communities on the Gulf Coast.

Disasters like this often bring the scam artists out in full gear, so please be cautious when contributing.

Good Luck & Godspeed.

Website Plugs

2005-08-10T10:22:00.000-04:00

Today, I would like to plug a couple of Masonic websites hosted by a remarkable Canadian Brother, Stephen Defoe, who also happens to host an excellent Knights Templar site.

Masonic Dictionary is the newest of his ventures. A truly resourceful site for Masonic researchers, it boasts over "600 individual pages and well over 1500 individual entries, articles and sound files." It also has the Masonic Service Association of North America's Short Talk Bulletins from 1923-1935. It is worth checking out just for that.

The Lodge Room is a Masonic Forum that has existed in some form or another for a number of years. Its members are from all over the world and interesting discussion abounds.

Please check these sites out & tell'em who sent you.

Quest

2005-08-02T11:24:00.000-04:00

As one of the Assistant Grand Lecturers for my Masonic District, I am required to write a monthly column in our area Masonic newspaper, "The Word". Usually, it consists of reminders to lodges on ritualistic & degree matters, but occasionally I have tried to take it beyond that.

Last February, I waxed esoterically...

Esoterically, Masonry could be looked upon as a Quest. A Quest, you ask? Yes, a Quest – not unlike the Quest for the Holy Grail. The individual Mason is on a Quest for Perfection. This Quest fulfills the Masonic promise to “Make Good Men Better.” The real reward is not so much the destination but the journey. The knowledge that you have continued to work at bettering yourself and that you are never really finished, should be enough to continue that journey.

A great place to begin that Quest for Perfection is with the presentation of our Ritual. Not just the memorization, but the presentation. Remember the candidate is just beginning his journey and he deserves to receive a quality introduction to set him on his path. Get beyond the simple memorized lines and go out & impress the new Brother. There are many great Ritualists in our district and what sets them apart from others is the fact that, even when others tell them that they have done a brilliant job, they are not satisfied. They know that it still isn’t perfect and they work harder for the next time. Everyone should adopt this attitude – not just concerning Masonic Ritual – but for their lives in general. When you have given up your Quest for Perfection, your journey hasn’t come to an end, it never started.

Council of Deliberation

2005-07-25T14:16:00.000-04:00

On Saturday, I attended the New York Council of Deliberation. This is the equivalent of a Grand Lodge session for the New York State Valleys of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite.

The morning kicked off with a Leadership Training session presented by Brother Rev. Duane A. Kemerley. His presentation, while not presenting anything that I haven't heard before was interesting and was worth the hour & a half that was devoted to it.

The CoD officially opened following the training session. The usual reports and announcements occured during that hour and then we broke for lunch.

The afternoon began with a presentation of the play "December's Rose" by the Valley of Syracuse. Even though I am a member of this Valley, I had never seen this performed. It was very nicely performed by my local Brethren and should you ever have a chance to see this play done, please go see it.

We then completed the reports, awards and so forth to close out the CoD session. I find that Scottish Rite is a well oiled organization, well, at least my Valley is. It is extremely well run and and accounted for.

The degrees that Scottish Rite offers contain a wealth of esoteric symbolism and lessons. The Lodge of Perfection in particular, logically follows as a "sequel" of sorts to the three degrees of the Symbolic or "Blue" Lodge and runs parallel with those of the York Rite's Holy Royal Arch.

Masonic Ring

2005-07-20T10:40:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, I received an early birthday present from my wife, a stainless steel Masonic ring from Gordon's Masonic Rings. It is really a sight to behold, handmade by a brother from Georgia. Check his site out.

Logo

2005-07-20T10:34:00.000-04:00

The Ars Masonic logo and a future tattoo.

Welcome

2005-07-18T14:45:00.000-04:00

Welcome to the Ars Masonica Blog.

My name is Richard J. Powell. I am nearly 42 years old, married with one son and two step-sons. I am a Librarian by profession, reside in Syracuse, NY and have a multitude of interests that will raise their ugly heads at some point here on this blog.

I was Raised in Morning Star Lodge No. 524 on December 18th, 1995 and served as Master in 2000-2001. I served as the Second Onondaga District Umbrella Chairman for Membership Development from 1998-2000 under R. W. Lee Edwards and Brotherhood Education from 2002-2004 under R. W. Richard Gilbert. I am a member of Central City Council No. 13, Cryptic Masons; Central City Commandery No. 25, Knights Templar; Tigris Temple, A.A.O.N.M.S. and the New York College, Masonic Societas Rosicruciana in Civitatibus Foederatis. I have served as or is currently an officer for Morning Star Chapter No. 289, Order of the Eastern Star; Masters, Wardens & Deacons Association; Past Masters Association; Charles H. Platt Chapter No. 247, Royal Arch Masons; and the Valley of Syracuse, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite.

Currently, I serve the Onondaga District of the Grand Lodge of New York as one of two Assistant Grand Lecturers. I am also serving as the Thrice Potent Master of the Central City Lodge of Perfection, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite. In 2004, I also spearheaded the formation of a Chapter of the Order of Knights of St. Andrew.

This blog will serve as a forum for my Masonic thoughts. I will also pass on links & books of a Masonic interest as I come by them.