Obligations

by Midnight Freemason Guest Contributor

WB. J.P. Fleming

“Your regular and punctual attendance is requested”

“The Duties you have to perform are as such….”

“Furthermore! I will answer all due signs and summonses..”

“Furthermore! I will aid and assist all worthy Brothers…”

Obligations, we take them at the altar during our degrees. We take them when we stand up and volunteer for an officer position. They are a foundational basis of our fraternity. Some of us have endured to take them in front of God, our friends and loved ones when we entered the perilous journey of Holy Matrimony. Now, some of what I say here may not please some of you. It may downright make you angry and stir in you some great emotion. I am willing to accept that wrath, as I have taken an obligation myself, one to whisper good council. I have also made an obligation to myself as an education officer/committee member and so forth to bring the craft knowledge, whether it wants it or not. You see there has been much concern of late, with the craft and its dwindling numbers. Some concern extends to lodges that have recently purchased new buildings or attempted other monetary ventures with thoughts that it may gain membership. The main question on the trustees minds and the brotherhood's lips, would be “Will this (insert expense) be enough to bring in the new masons, to carry on this legacy?”

I am here as a younger mason, as a millennial, as one of the “new generation,” to tell you that as I see it that the answer is, “No.” Not just a regular no, but a resounding “No.” Younger newer masons that have never heard of the craft, will not join a lodge long term. I am not speaking of the legacy of old members, the generational masons that have family lineage. I am speaking of the new blood. You may ask “How is new mason retention and obligations related?” That is fairly simple, it's what we are offering. That said, “What are we offering?” To make good men better? A social club where you can meet men of a higher caliber? Brotherly Love? Relief? Truth?

Or are we offering 3 to 4 worn-out masons who have done 90% of the work for so long that they have become jaded from constantly picking up the slack because “Someone forgot?” Generally, someone who forgot, this isn’t their first, second, or third time, and from what I have been seeing lately these forgetful brothers are also officers. However, these now jaded tried and true masons not only took those obligations seriously, they believed in them. I don’t have to tell you brothers though, you’re the ones that are attending your lodge's activities as I write this. You’re actually attending, and frankly that’s the sad part. Not that you are attending, of course, but that those that need this message are the ones that are absent, because they “Had other things on their plate”, “No slack left in their cable tow.” Being one of the members that shows up, it puts you in a bit of a position of choice, well choice and burdensome guilt, for which I apologize. Your choice is to put in the work, or you can just sit on the sidelines enjoying the fruits of everyone else’s labor. 

Back to those new masons, if they are coming in to make themselves better, but they see no one holding themselves to a higher standard, why would they stay? If they are coming in for the social aspects, are they going to want to be around people that break promises? Is it brotherly love they are seeing when everyone leaves their work for another brother to pick up the slack? Because it is definitely not Relief! That's how we get grumpy past masters that give you the evil eye when you step wrong. As for truth , if a brother makes an obligation, a promise, and does not fulfill that obligation, he lied not only to himself, but he lied to the Grand Architect. Would this not be akin to breaking one’s marriage vows, because they “forgot?” Not sure that one is going to hold up in divorce court, let alone the aftermath when you reach your final destination.

Anyone who thought they signed up to the craft and thought they were getting something for nothing, is so very wrong. We all signed up to Work! That's the voluntary part of our organization, this is something we wanted. Not only did we want it, we paid money every year for the privilege in order to do it! There is a saying in the military, when you take your oath, your obligation to the country, I am sure many of you have heard it. They say you are writing a blank check to Uncle Sam, for up to and including one life. My brothers, this is an obligation made to our government. We all made an obligation at the altar to God; what does that check say? “Up to and including one soul?” The work never ends, our work never ends. After many years it may slow a little, but it doesn’t end. Many an old timer will claim they have put their work in, but that obligation doesn’t have an expiration date. Many things can be done, need to be done, and in my personal opinion, mentorship is at the top of the list. Words of wisdom, don’t expire either.

My lesson is this, if you want your lodge, this fraternity, to survive, give those new masons something to look up to, something to look forward to. Don’t give them a feast of hastily purchased fast food because you forgot and it was on the way. Don’t give them exasperated members that are being pulled in every direction because no one else will volunteer for a committee. And for the love of all that is holy don’t give them broken promises. Give them mentorship. Give them aspirations to help others and continue this work that has been going on for three centuries. Give them Freemasonry, and do it by fulfilling your obligations, wherever, whatever, your station, place, or folding chair.

~JPF

Justin Fleming is a Master Mason from the wonderful forests of Oregon where he lives with his wife and sons. Most recently was the Worshipful Master of Pearl Lodge #66 Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Oregon (2024) where he is a life-member. He also holds life-member status at Gresham #152 AF&AM of Oregon where he was Entered (2016), Passed (2017, and Raised (2017). Justin received the “Mason of the Year” award in 2021 from West Allis Lodge #291 Free and Accepted Masons of Wisconsin during his 2-year stint in the Midwest. Justin is also a Basic Lodge of Instruction trainer as well as a Master Trainer for the Fellows of the Craft. He is also a member of the Scottish Rite Valley of Salem Oregon, and the Sojourners Chapter of the Widows Sons. He can be reached at flemingjustin5@gmail.com.

Masonic Travel & Living a Masonic Life

By Midnight Freemason Emeritus Contributor

R.H. Johnson

Well, I’m writing this while on the last leg home from a trip to Eugene Oregon, where I was humbled to present and overjoyed to share in fellowship with Eugene Lodge No. 11

I arrived Friday and had dinner with Worshipful Brother Andre Cvitanich. I ate, probably the best burger I’ve had in years— so let’s say the trip would have been amazing even if it were just that conversation over lemonade and burgers. 

As the late Billy Mays always said, “But wait, there’s more!”

After dinner, WB Andre took me on an evening tour of Eugene Lodge No. 11 

The building itself was their third home. The first, a glorious purpose-built giant white mansion of a lodge, was taken by the government under eminent domain laws. Their second home, a smaller, yet still magnificent building, was also eventually taken under the same laws. 

Finally, Eugene Lodge found a permanent home in their third building, all three mind you, were purpose-built for Masonry. 

An amazing artifact the lodge had was a Trestle Board or Carpet made by John Sherer. It had recently needed some TLC, so it was laid out while a new frame was being custom-built by WB. Andre. The carpet itself is a rare item. There’s a lot to, “geek out on” with this item, and I could, but I’ll let Chad Kopenski of OH do that eventually. 

WB. Andre was humble about what he said was their small lodge. It wasn’t small. It was exactly right. A wonderful atmosphere, where care and thought was evident in just about every part of the building. After the tour, I checked into the hotel and went upstairs for some writing before heading to bed. 

The next day started at high noon when we arrived back at the lodge. I met a Past Grand Lodge Historian, Michael. He was a wealth of information and to be honest, a damn inspiration. He’s written a bunch books on local history, biographies on men of Oregon AASR who’ve had honors and high honors, and a bunch more. He was gracious enough to give me a copy of one of his books—autographed of course!

After some great conversation, we had an awesome lunch. As masons, we love to fellowship and that happens over food. But I’ve often wondered why we don’t have more healthy options. WB Andre put out a spread of breads, fruits, lunch meats, and cheeses. I know some of you might think, “Yeah yeah—sandwiches.” But guys, I mean it. It was a welcomed, wholesome, and blessed meal. I rarely eat before doing a talk. I ate. 

After the talk, we all engaged in discourse, and midway through, it was discovered that about an hour away, there was going to be an outdoor EA degree on a ranch owned by a Past Grand Master of OR. And you know what? We went. In my home jurisdiction of IL, I’ve been a part of, and sat on the sidelines of several annual outdoor degrees, but it’s always a Master Mason degree. I’d never seen an Entered Apprentice degree. 

The windshield masonry on the way to the ranch was outstanding. I think WB. Andre and I solved about every problem there is. Notably, I think we solved all the problems related to the Royal Arch system. ;)

Once we arrived, all I can say is, “Wow.” The land was lush. The surrounding forest, yeah I said forest, was green and mysterious. The birds were singing and the wind was blowing. The trees swayed above and the weather was 70 degrees. Perfect? By all accounts, it was as close as I could imagine to perfection. 

The degree was wonderful. Spoiler alert—the Oregonian work is SUPER SIMILAR to Illinoisan work. There are some significant chunks here or there that were added or removed but the work I heard, I could lip sync to. I have to give a shoutout to a Brother I met named Brian Tipsword. He gave the EA lecture and he did it with such care, meaning and intent, that I was able to witness the candidate make connections during the lecture. It’s what we all hope to accomplish when doing these lectures and Bro. Brian did just that. A different Brother, Mike, did the charge to the candidate and again, care and intent led to a meaningful connection by the candidate. 

After the degree, the fellowship began again! Would you believe they grilled everyone's steaks? Yeah. Delightful cuts of choice beef and served with beans, slaws, salads, and watermelon— it was just wholesome. 

After all that, more windshield Freemasonry. WB. Andre and I reflected on intentional and meaningful masonry in our conversations and we also had some great comparisons of rituals. They did this, and we do that. But we figured out that both our dispensation grants for IL and OR came from MO. So is it any wonder why our ritual was so similar? Oh yeah, and if that wasn’t enough - we got a rainbow on the way home :)

I got back to the hotel about 10 PM. No writing to do, so I sat back reflected on the weekend, and went to bed. The next day, I was traveling home. 

Truly, there is nothing better than getting out there and visiting other lodges for fellowship and education. It feeds the soul. It reinvigorates your call to the Craft. You just feel good. This trip to Eugene was wonderful. May the Brothers of Eugene No. 11 continue to grow, to teach, to lead by example. Eugene No. 11 wasn’t the only lodge in the area making waves that will lead to this Fraternity becoming better. Pearl Lodge and McKenzie River are all making strides. Thank you, Brothers!!  

~RHJ

RWB Johnson is an Emeritus Managing Editor of the Midnight Freemasons blog. He is a Freemason out of the 2nd N.E. District of Illinois. He currently serves as the Worshipful Master of Spes Novum Lodge No. 1183. He is a Past Master of Waukegan Lodge 78 (and sitting Secretary) and a Past District Deputy Grand Master for the 1st N.E. District of Illinois. He is the current V:. Sovereign Grand Inspector for the AMD in IL. Brother Johnson currently produces and hosts weekly Podcasts (internet radio programs) Whence Came You? & Masonic Radio Theatre which focuses on topics relating to Freemasonry. He is also a co-host of The Masonic Roundtable, a Masonic talk show. He is a husband and father of four, works full time in the executive medical industry. He is the co-author of "It's Business Time - Adapting a Corporate Path for Freemasonry", "The Master's Word: A Short Treatise on the Word, the Light, and the Self - Annotated Edition" and author of "How to Charter a Lodge: A No-Nonsense, Unsanctioned Guide. More books are on the way.

The Whiskey Barrel

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

Bro. Steven L. Harrison 33˚, FMLR

In today's bustling twenty-first century world, millions of people travel across the country quickly, comfortably, and without giving it a second thought. During the mid 19th century, people's desire to make that crossing was no less enthusiastic, but the trip was anything but pleasant. Such was the experience of three men who had made their way across the treacherous plains to the west coast town of Oregon City.

These men, Joseph Hull, P.G. Stewart, and William P. Dougherty, Freemasons, hoped to establish a Masonic Lodge in the area. On February 5, 1846, they placed an ad in the Oregon City newspaper calling for members of the Masonic fraternity to meet on February 21, "to adopt some measures to obtain a charter for a Lodge."

On that date, seven Brothers met and crafted a request for a charter from the closest Grand Lodge which, at that time, was in St. Louis, Missouri, over 2,000 miles away. They found a Brother, Joel Palmer, who was headed back east, instructing him to deliver it to the closest Masonic Lodge, Platte City 56, in St. Joseph Missouri.  

Brother Palmer made that Journey during the summer of 1846. Platte City Lodge then delivered the request to the Grand Lodge of Missouri, which granted the charter for Multnomah Lodge 84 on October 19.

The Grand Lodge sent the charter back to Platte City Lodge but it became difficult to find a suitable person to deliver it back to Oregon. Finally, they entrusted the precious document to Pierre Barlow Cornwall, who began the westward journey on April 1, 1848, over two years after the Oregon Brothers made the request.

When Cornwall reached Fort Hall, Idaho in August 1848, he heard about the discovery of gold in California and abandoned any thought of going to Oregon. He entrusted the charter to two Masons he had met along the way, Joseph and Orrin Kellog, then headed out in an attempt to make his fortune. The Kelloggs finally delivered the charter on September 11, 1848, two years and seven months after the initial request.

After all that time with little or no news of its whereabouts, we can only imagine the thrill the Oregon Brothers must have felt receiving that document. Joseph Hull, who became the first Master, was so excited he called a meeting on that very day! The Brothers met at noon on the second floor of a building owned by Dougherty.  The improvised wardens podiums consisted of a barrel of flour in the East, a barrel of whiskey in the West and a barrel of salt pork in the South, symbolically representing corn, wine and oil.

During the next several hours, the Brothers consecrated the Lodge, elected officers, held three Entered Apprentice, three Fellowcraft, and two Master Mason degrees, wrapping things up sixteen hours later.

One cannot help but wonder if, at the end of such an epic journey capped by that auspicious day, those Brothers didn't break open that barrel of whiskey at the Senior Warden's station and toast the establishment of the first Masonic Lodge in the untamed American West.

~SLH

Bro. Steve Harrison, 33°  is Past Master of Liberty Lodge #31, Liberty, Missouri. He is also a Fellow and Past Master of the Missouri Lodge of Research. Among his other Masonic memberships is the St. Joseph Missouri Valley of the Scottish Rite, Liberty York Rite bodies, and Moila Shrine. He is also a member and Past Dean of the DeMolay Legion of Honor. Brother Harrison is a regular contributor to the Midnight Freemasons blog as well as several other Masonic publications. Brother Steve was Editor of the Missouri Freemason magazine for a decade and is a regular contributor to the Whence Came You podcast. Born in Indiana, he has a Master's Degree from Indiana University and is retired from a 35-year career in information technology. Steve and his wife Carolyn reside in northwest Missouri. He is the author of dozens of magazine articles and three books: Freemasonry Crosses the Mississippi, Freemasons — Tales From the Craft and Freemasons at Oak Island.