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.

A Return to Basics - Masonic Education Begins Anew

by Midnight Freemason Emeritus Contributor

R.H. Johnson

After starting a whole new Masonic Lodge bent on nothing but fulfilling an intense desire for Masonic Education, I demitted from my Mother Lodge (Waukegan No. 78). I had my reasons. I had, from the time of my Raising, until I took my demit, never been a sideliner. From Jr. Steward to Worshipful Master, and then immediately into the Secretary seat for three years--We met every Monday, no exceptions. I missed, in all those years, maybe five meetings. I loved Waukegan 78.

In October of 2019, Spes Novum Lodge No. 1183 received its charter from the Grand Lodge of Illinois. What a proud day. Fast forward through the years until now. A pandemic, drastic shifts in the way people are working, schooling, and, let's not forget, the home life that changed. What a time...

Spes Novum No. 1183 is what I believe to be the Premier Masonic Education Lodge in the State of Illinois. We do our thing. It's magical. It's education that cannot be matched. And we are succinct in all business, with no concern with anything other than a Genuine Masonic Lodge Experience, focussed on Education, Brotherly Love, and Connections.

Something, for me, was missing. How do you go from meeting every Monday, to just once a month? My Big Brother Bob came over to knock out a tile backsplash for my kitchen. A typical Brother, wouldn't take money. My wife baked him some of her famous cookies as payment. Sitting at the table in the dining room, chatting with Big Brother Bob, I realized how much I missed seeing him every week. And for that matter, all the members.

I disappeared for a few moments. I printed out an affiliation petition and filled it out. I sealed it, and when Big Brother Bob was about to take off, I handed him the envelope. I said, "Can you give this to Carl? It's my petition to come back." Bob looked surprised and happy.

The following Monday, I joined the Brothers for a Fraternal night at a local pizza joint where significant others and spouses were gathered. News spread fast of my petition to re-affiliate with Waukegan 78. Lots of smiles and handshakes and hugs where I heard, "Glad you're coming back." At the next stated meeting, I sat in the familiar orange cloth-covered pew seats and listened to my old friend, mentor, and Secretary read my petition. The District Deputy was in attendance for his annual visit, which also happened to be his final one, as he was retiring from the position to follow his wife to Nebraska.

My petition to re-affiliate had to lay over, and an investigation committee was assigned. Fast forward a bit. I met with my committee, and they assured themselves, I was in the right frame of mind and without mercenary motives, and reported favorably. At the next stated meeting, after being accosted by several Lodge members not present the previous month--(I was almost hugged to death. We should all be so lucky.) I sat in those same orange cushioned pews, and once more, my petition was brought up. I was asked to retire from the Lodge whilst the members had to vote.

I was a little nervous. I had left the Lodge, and I know not everyone was happy about it. I wondered if I would pass the vote. I was called back in, and as I approached the altar, I was greeted by clapping hands and the words of the Worshipful Master that I helped Raise, "Welcome Home." I was emotional inside.

Not being able to sit still, I accepted the offer to become the Lodge's new LEO (Lodge Education Officer.) From it, I came, and to it, I returned. My plan is to have concise, one-page Masonic Education written up for each meeting of Waukegan 78 and then, offer these Lodge Education pieces right here on the Midnight Freemasons after I've presented them to the members of Waukegan 78. They will likely also appear in The Lyceum.

I hope you enjoyed this piece and that you also enjoy the short educational pieces that are to come.

~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 Secretary of Spes Novum Lodge No. 1183. He is a Past Master of Waukegan Lodge 78 and a Past District Deputy Grand Master for the 1st N.E. District of Illinois. He is the current V:. Sovereign Grand Inspector for AMD in IL. Brother Johnson currently produces and hosts his weekly Podcast, Whence Came You?, 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 and 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.

Shifting Pride

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

R.H. Johnson

This last week, I received a stack of state-level Masonic magazines and The Northern Light (the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite for the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction). It was amusing that I received a stack of them on the same day. After taking them out of the mailbox, I hopped in the car to run to the pharmacy—I had to pick up a prescription, and I decided to use the drive-thru.

While waiting, I decided to check them out. It was a lengthy wait in line. As I went through the magazines, I noticed they were all very well put together—a substantial amount of great organizational news, Grand Master messages, and spotlights on charity work. There were also a couple of other things that caught my attention—well, maybe not directly.

The Masonic Education contained within these magazines was almost wholly historical information, celebrating charitable works of the past and telling stories about famed individuals like pioneers, doctors, philanthropists, actors, and more. I imagine any third party observing my page flipping saw me with what probably looked like the famed 1000-Yard-Stare—as if an unknown post-traumatic stress reaction somehow struck me.

My mind began to reel. Today’s Freemason isn’t necessarily concerned with what we might 1call the foundational philosophy of Freemasonry. Those basic lessons we’re taught and exploring practical applications, reflection, and sharing are essentially ignored. What is not ignored is a seemingly glorious and romanticized past. Why would we want to write about how the Level has affected us when we can talk about John Wayne? Perhaps it’s easier to connect with something iconic—like a movie star of yesteryear.

What’s clear is that overwhelmingly Freemasonry has taken the approach of riding historic coattails to engage its members. Maybe this works—It doesn’t work for me. I’m reminded of something an artist friend once told me—“I make art that I want to see.” Maybe it’s the same for the seasoned editors of these publications. Perhaps they project what they want to see and read within those glossy thin pages. Attaching ourselves to these types of stories at times feels antiquated—and at the same time, feels like constant pressure against new generations of Freemasons that traditionalists might even call “woke.” It seems antithetical to what we say we are—“…a progressive moral society.”

There’s no pleasing everyone, and often, the minority loses—a cognizant democracy. If the vast majority of the Craft isn’t into any work on the self, then I suppose it’s in our best interest to continue to pander to those who enjoy the romanticized successes of yesteryear—regardless of how it would be viewed today. We are called to be happy for our Brothers, and I am genuinely delighted that what’s being printed in these magazines has value for them. It’s also leaving out much of what the men of today are asking for.

It’s more than a club. It’s more than a tribe to belong to. A good friend of mine recently said to me, and I agree with him—“It’s like, if you’re a Freemason and you hold the door open for a little old lady, all the sudden, you’re a Super-Mason—a patriot” Some might think this is fine. I think perhaps this is just being a decent human being. All that matters is back patting and self-congratulatory ego-stroking.

What will the Freemasons of 2060 write about if we continue this way? Are there Masonic heroes like Audy Murphy living today? Ben Franklin? Who the heck will we write about? Maybe the key will be holding out until we find ourselves in editor roles, producing the content we most desire.

Until then, I need to remind myself, and perhaps we all need a little tap on the shoulder that Masonic content that drives engagement at any level, things that might cause someone to be more than a dues payer, is probably good content. We should be happy when our Brothers are fulfilled–good things will come our way.

~RHJ

RWB Johnson is a Co-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 Secretary of Spes Novum Lodge No. 1183. He is a Past Master of Waukegan Lodge 78 and a Past District Deputy Grand Master for the 1st N.E. District of Illinois. He is the current V:. Sovereign Grand Inspector for 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, and 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.

A Timeless Lesson for All Freemasons

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

Robert H. Johnson

It's been a spell since getting down to my Scottish Rite Valley. This last Saturday marked the first Reunion since Covid began. It was billed as a "Mini" Reunion--but make no mistake, while the day was shorter, and we had fewer degrees being put on, it was still a tremendous success. I imagine there are many Valleys across the United States and the world who are experiencing these first few events post-Covid 19, and I'll bet they're having success too.

As I mentioned, it had been a while since I had been to the Valley, and because of this, I hadn't seen the new 4th degree. First of all, you might be thinking, "New 4th degree?" Yes--as most know, the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction changes things up from time to time and rotates things around. It keeps things fresh, I suppose.

The first time I saw the 4th degree was back in 2013--I think. It was a live performance put on by my Valley, and it was cool. Although, I must admit the nature of it was less than exciting. That 4th degree was really just a few little snips of what to expect in other degrees and kind of sold you on the idea of the Scottish Rite. The next time I saw the 4th degree, it was a video--the phrase, "Hello, Hiram!" echoes in my brain still, although it's a total inside joke amongst friends and accompanied by some eye-rolling and laughing. The video was pretty cheesy.

Then, that same version got an update--A new video! I know, I know--some dudes really hate the videos. I'm not a big fan either, but it's what we sometimes have. So anyway, this new video was updated and had some better acting, better visuals, and better overall production.

When I attended our Reunion this past weekend, the 4th degree was being shown in video form, and imagine my surprise--it was a new version! Do my exclamation points give you the impression that I was shocked? Well, I was shocked. Not for the reasons you might think. This new 4th degree was an actual degree. The preview of the Scottish Rite was gone. Right away, I loved it.

This new 4th degree was fascinating. It focussed on Hiram and the building of the Temple. The lesson it threw out to the viewers was, on the surface, pretty great. But the underlying lesson was awesome--and it really was something that I think we all realize at some point in our Masonic lives.

Hiram talks to God in the degree, lamenting that the workers just follow the plans, but he alone has all this stress to design the building. He has a revelation that, well, “Teamwork makes the dream work.” He realizes that all the workers help build the temple. Let me type that out again--all the workers help build the Temple.

What is the Temple representative of again? Aha! So now think about this for just a hot minute. All the people around you, the builders--your fellow Brothers exhibit some form of influence on you and thus become a part of the workforce building your Temple.

We all know this--right? It's a given in some respects. We know that part of Freemasonry is being surrounded by good men who, in turn, influence you. I'm reminded of a quote by the famous and outlandish businessman Daniel Peña: "Show me your friends, and I'll show you your future."

I cannot say whether or not this little "lesson" was intentional in writing the new 4th degree. But what I will say is that it's a damn good reminder.

~RHJ

RWB Johnson is a Co-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 Secretary of Spes Novum Lodge No. 1183. He is a Past Master of Waukegan Lodge 78 and a Past District Deputy Grand Master for the 1st N.E. District of Illinois. RWB:.Johnson currently produces and hosts weekly Podcasts (internet radio programs) Whence Came You? & several others relating to Freemasonry and the occult. 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 author and editor of several Masonic books.

Bridging Traditions: Conventions of a Spiritual Nature

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

Robert H. Johnson

 

Throughout history, when general philosophy and religious philosophy get together, sometimes there’s a union, and what is born are rites of passage, degree systems, morality plays, and wholesale organizations. Freemasonry can undoubtedly be called a school of wisdom, born from moral philosophy and transitioning into an even more vast system of objective philosophy that permeates every aspect of the practitioner’s life.

But Freemasonry isn’t alone. While Freemasonry may have birthed or been the impetus for various occult organizations being started, they aren’t the only kids on the block. For many people worldwide, the topics discussed in organizations such as Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, Ordo Templi Orientis, Martinism, Rosicrucianism, A:.A:., Builders of the Adytum, Fraternity of Light, and many more, fill a void.

These organizations all have some similarities. Whether they’re called Rites, Degrees, Grades, etc., lessons are to be learned, and the practitioners are guided through with a delicate hand. There are also systematic overlaps in these orders much of the time—things like astronomical significances, similar characters in the degrees, different archetypal topics, and more.

Freemasonry, however, is likely one of the most vital organizations in which many of these practitioners reside, and because of it, there’s a lot of educational overlap. Freemasonry touts the tagline, “The fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man,” and we can see this in action when so many faiths meet under a single roof. When a Freemason takes the stage at their local Lodge to deliver education to those assembled, how many folks are we generally speaking to? Two? Five? Ten? Whatever the number, it isn’t huge. The topic might not be so interesting to the “regular” guys.

A few years ago, when Manasseh Lodge in Virginia hosted the Mid-Atlantic Esotericon, it brought together more than just Freemasons. The topics and lectures for discussion were far more varied and profound than the topics usually viewed through the smaller lens of Freemasonry itself. Suddenly, information and lectures from various occult disciplines blew the doors off the front porch--and it was wonderful.

Brothers, Friends, and kindred spirits present reveled in listening to lectures, nay, sermons given on a full range of esoteric concepts. It was a smashing success. So when 2020 rolled around, and the group of Brothers who put on the first Mid-Atlantic Esotericon began to plan the next event, of course, it went digital--but you know what? It was still amazing.

On June 12th, 2021, the Mid-Atlantic Esotericon held its third event in a Zoom-based webinar format. This year, there were some changes, and they made it even better. The organizers even took the time to manually add and remove people as presenters to talk and have fellowship over the lunch break. There were terrific lectures given by Jaime Paul Lamb, Ben Williams, Don McAndrews, Adam Goldman, Ben Wallace, Mitch Horowitz, Ryan Flynn, and even a contemplative meditation to begin the day by Bro. Chuck Dunning.

Freemasonry truly brought together some of the greatest minds, lectures, and discussions this year in the form of Mid-Atlantic Esotericon 2021. While the conference speakers were all Freemasons, save one, the topics ranged the gamut. Those studious folks out there may have noticed something about the first and second-year logos for Mid-Atlantic Esotericon that is different from this most recent year. Give up? It’s the Square and Compasses; they’re absent.

Moving forward, the conference is going to be MORE. Yes, more than just Freemasonry (although this is a conference put on by Freemasons), and also, more than just the Mid-Atlantic. Beginning next year, this conference will simply be known to all as Esotericon. The dates will be June 10-12, and the planners are already hard at work for the event.

Not only does Freemasonry bring together many faiths under a roof, but we also bring together various disciplines and mind-expanding conversations and education. Esotericon is proof of this--and I absolutely love where it’s going.

~RHJ

RWB Johnson is a Co-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 Secretary of Spes Novum Lodge No. 1183. He is a Past Master of Waukegan Lodge 78 and a Past District Deputy Grand Master for the 1st N.E. District of Illinois. 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.

Making Choices - A Thought Experiment

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

Robert H. Johnson

People make choices countless times a day. Well, not exactly countless. What if I told you that the average human makes around 35,000 semi-conscious decisions each day? Not bad for not being a machined computer. These decisions, for the most part, are simple. Notice I said, semi-conscious. The majority of these choices are very passive and are based on experiences that have embedded visualized outcomes within the subconscious mind. It’s like a computer’s Random Access Memory (RAM). Frequent things that your mind uses all the time are stored in a way that makes them easily accessible. This makes making the decision easy.

In our day to day lives, while just moving through our day, how many times would you say you stop and think about the outcome of a choice you’re about to make? Perhaps the big decisions--sure, you think about them. But those everyday choices, the ones that don’t seem so big--the ones that add up and have outcomes that seem to be just a part of daily living. Are we giving those decisions the thought and foresight we would when making other decisions?

When we think about the big decisions, we often think about how those outcomes will impact our lives first, and if we’re extra mindful, we take the extra step of thinking about how those choices impact our friends and family. It’s kind of like Chess. In Chess, you’re always thinking about the next move. The best players think about the next several moves and the outcomes. I love Chess, but I’m terrible at it.

What makes choices easy? When we think about whatever choice we’re going to make, we immediately process the previous occasions we made similar choices. Our brains determine the probability that things will go the way they did previously. This gives us comfort in our decision. “This is just like last time. I’ll make the same decision, and the outcome will be the same.” A warm fuzzy blanket. Emotional complacency is born.

Rather than think about each choice we make and deal with the emotional and sometimes headache-inducing internal debate, we develop an easy road--scratch that--a lazy road. The lazy road allows us to develop an unwillingness to rationalize scenarios and outcomes and instead, always rely on similar situations we’ve experienced ourselves, or within our peer circles.

Not every choice needs this deep dive. But some of them, we may benefit from taking the time to calculate the outcomes. “I should water my plant. Well, maybe not. I didn’t water it yesterday, and it’s fine.” We know where this leads. Get up and water the plant. “Extra tablespoon of sugar in my coffee today. Well, I’m supposed to watch the sugar. Nope. Just one tablespoon today.” These are small decisions. But they have a measurable impact when we think about them and their long term or cumulative effect.

What does Freemasonry say about making choices? Well, it gives us a few virtues that give us some good insight. Fortitude allows us to stick to our guns once we’ve made a choice. In the classical sense, justice will enable us to weigh in on an outcome’s equity—selfishness versus selflessness. Temperance allows us to remain moderate in our decisions. But Prudence--prudence is what we’re talking about here. Prudence is deliberation. It means to take into account all possible perceived outcomes of a situation and make your choice based on the aim of the person making the decision. Do you want to affect the most people? The least people? The questions are innumerable.

My charge to you is to attempt to bring prudence back into your life by taking small pauses when you recognize that you’re about to make a decision. Think about the outcomes. Maybe you do the thing you always do. Maybe, you change your mind. Remember, not every single thing needs a panic-inducing brain cloud. Just be mindful and try this out when you can.

~RHJ

RWB Johnson is a Co-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 Secretary of Spes Novum Lodge No. 1183. He is a Past Master of Waukegan Lodge 78 and a Past District Deputy Grand Master for the 1st N.E. District of Illinois. 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.

Something I Probably Shoulda Wrote in My Journal

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

Robert H. Johnson

All I can think about right now is what is to come. I'm stunned. I'm dumbfounded at the world around me. Yeah, COVID-19--that's old news. We had a wild election. We had people breaking into the Capitol Building. Now, the vaccine is here, so I guess I'll be getting that as soon as I can. My kids are in school virtually with plans to return to a hybrid learning environment in the coming weeks. I just got back from the Mayo Clinic, and I am still undiagnosed. Oh, and my production computer took a crap. All this stuff...not all of it bad, not all good--but it's like life itself boxed me around, and I'm standing there, stunned, looking at the stars circling my head.

Am I thinking about these things? Only as much as they might be words floating around in my head. They're like objects getting in the way of a daydream. I see this future where I'm back at an amusement park on a hot summer day. The world spinning around me, my kids running to the next ride, and my wife is smiling. Everything about the moment is perfect, even the smells. The funnel cakes, the cotton candy, even the garbage cans.

Flash to another one. The backlot behind lodge standing around with my Brothers. It's too damn hot for tuxes, and we've all lost our ties. There's laughing, and talking and the stars in the sky are clear to see--a rarity for a summer night around my neck of the woods. Driving home, with the windows open and listening to good music.

Flashing to another one. Driving home from the office. The sun is starting to go down, and it's blinding the hell out of me. But I can't stop smiling. The golden light is just baking my left arm. 

All these things are gone right now. No amusement parks, no Lodge, no office. Someone asked me recently what the first thing I would do when this was over. I said, "Go to the movies with my kids and eat too much popcorn and a tray of those pretzels and cheese." That sounds to me, like a slice of heaven right now.

Freemasonry teaches a lot of things. One of those things is Hope. We use it in a pretty singular way in Masonry, "Hope for a future life." Or something to the effect. I sure do hope for the future. I'm not really concerned about my own "future existence", but I do hope that the future has some surprises for us that don't seem to knock us on our asses again. Make no doubt about it. We'll pull through, and we'll be stronger for it. 

For the first time in months, I've seen some kind of light at the end of the tunnel. Reflecting on what this time has been like, spending it with close family, and really experiencing people I interact with--it's changed me. Hell, it's changed you too, I'm willing to bet. We needed this. When this is all over, maybe I'll see you at the amusement park, or at the movies. Until then, I'll be daydreaming on occasion.

Keep working hard. Keep hoping. We'll get there sooner than later.

"If you can't suffer joyously, suffer patiently."

Marcus Aurelius, Meditations

~RHJ

RWB Johnson is a Co-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 Secretary of Spes Novum Lodge No. 1183. He is a Past Master of Waukegan Lodge 78 and a Past District Deputy Grand Master for the 1st N.E. District of Illinois. 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" and author of "How to Charter a Lodge: A No-Nonsense, Unsanctioned Guide. More books are on the way.

Sure You're a Master Mason, But Are You A Fellow?

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

Robert H. Johnson

Last week I decided to read a paper on the podcast, Whence Came You? In it, the author described the organization of Freemasonry in the days of our operative craftsman--when we were literally laying stones. Something that caught my eye and that I pointed out within the episode was related to the following:

In the days of our operative craft, a person became an Apprentice, and when they were good enough, they became a Master. But if they traveled and truly worked, they were a Fellow. So here we are today, three degrees in Freemasonry. Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft (Fellow of the Craft), and Master Mason.

We put all the prestige on Master Mason, don't we? In several Lodges of Research to which I belong, Illinois Lodge of Research, Kansas, California, (I just petitioned Missouri)-- to become a Fellow, means you have produced actual work. Of course, you need to be a Master Mason to join..but not everyone is a Fellow.

You don't just go to the "...big meets and big eats." as Joseph Fort Newton puts it. The Fellow has something he's done--something tangible that you can see, hold, read, experience. To me, with this in mind, I think "Fellowship" is something to which we should all strive toward. Be a Fellow.

~RHJ

RWB Johnson is a Co-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 Secretary of Spes Novum Lodge No. 1183. He is a Past Master of Waukegan Lodge 78 and a Past District Deputy Grand Master for the 1st N.E. District of Illinois. 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" and is currently working on a book of Masonic essays and one on Occult Anatomy to be released soon.

A Train Ride that Isn't Happening

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

Robert H. Johnson

Last year about this time, I was scrambling to get ahead podcasting, writing, and anything else that I could schedule to be released via the web while I would be in Springfield Illinois. Why would I be in Springfield? Because ever since 2013, I have gone to Grand Lodge Sessions in Illinois. It's always the first Friday and Saturday after the first Tuesday in October of each year. And we're getting really close to that now.

Except, this year it isn't happening. You see, for the past three years, I've packed my overnight bag, grabbed a deck of cards, and bought a nice bottle (pick your poison), and hopped on a Metra train to Union Station in Chicago, and from there boarded the Amtrak on a Business Class ticket to Springfield Illinois. Once there, we walked the two blocks to the Abraham Lincoln Hotel, right across from the convention center where the Grand Lodge of Illinois holds its Annual Meeting.

This year, the Grand Lodge Sessions will be held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic. On the plus side, I don't have to take two days off of work. Actually, I don't know if that's a plus. I rather enjoyed taking those two days off and spending them with my Brothers--my best friends in the whole world. Yep, I'll be a regular working stiff that Thursday and Friday. Now I know there are a lot of Brothers who can't attend Grand Lodge Sessions regularly, but for me, I do. And this whole thing just sucks.

Perhaps, however, we can make the best of it. I'll gather together with Scott, Spencer, and Julian, and maybe we can go out to dinner on Friday night. We can sit around the table and share war stories, our hopes, our dreams, and speculate on what the first-ever virtual Grand Lodge Sessions will accomplish.

Perhaps on Saturday evening, after the news trickles out on what we've decided to do in terms of the previous and upcoming Masonic year, we can go grab some pizza and have a few beers. You know, make the best out of a weird situation. As I sit and type this, I'm starting to have a bit of a revelation. Maybe it's not Grand Lodge Sessions that I'm sad about missing...Yep, it's definitely not the sessions. Endless introductions, reports that are approved before there ever read, and the most meaningful things that could be read, aren't. Grand orations. The report on the committee of Masonic Education. Celebrating our best and brightest secretaries, Brothers, and educators.

Maybe, what I feel like I'll be missing is a gently rocking Amtrak train--Business Class, the finest microwavable club-car delicacies, spicy Masonic memes, intellectual conversations, and a laughter that seems to echo in my head, even now. OOOWIEEE! and that Amtrak WiFi...it ain't all that bad. Yeah, this year will be different.

Each year, the trip home from Springfield on the Amtrak seems to feel like, for me anyway, like someone died. I remember as an only child, growing up in a home with a single mom. We lived in the Midwest and my entire family and all my friends were in California. My mother, in her infinite wisdom (and I am not being facetious), moved us to Illinois, to get away from the hustle and bustle of the West Coast. Of course, my friends could never fly back to see me. Well, there was this one time my friend Chris came out to visit. They stayed for about five hours or so. But that was it. And when they left, it always felt so strange. Like something had been not taken away but erased. Erased, but somehow I still knew something was missing. It wasn't exactly sadness, I suppose the adult me would use the word, "melancholy".

A sort of black and blue bruise to the child within. A real hit. The words, "Here we go. Back to normal." I think that's probably normal for a kid though. You're connected-- your present, living in the moment. You don't have grown-up distractions. For now, I'll just daydream. Remembering what it felt like to get up at ungodly hours in October, the sun charring some other place just east to wherever I was. A cool dampness at the train station. Hopping on and watching the strobe of jade as we rocked along the Metra tracks-- the streetlights filtering through the green windows.

Arriving at Union Station in Chicago, stepping out into the Grand Hall-- breathtaking. So magnificent in fact, you almost forget that you just walked a mile (or what seemed like it), with a metric ton of luggage. Walking into the Business Class lounge and seeing your friends-- your Brothers waiting for you...

Maybe next year when we travel to Grand Lodge Sessions, (I hope we'll be back to normal by then), I'll find the time to slap two more Instamatic picture stickers on the convention center's podium that the Grand Master uses every year. One for this year, and one for the next. 

~RHJ

RWB Johnson is a Co-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 Secretary of Spes Novum Lodge No. 1183. He is a Past Master of Waukegan Lodge 78 and a Past District Deputy Grand Master for the 1st N.E. District of Illinois. 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" and is currently working on a book of Masonic essays and one on Occult Anatomy to be released soon.

Strange Times - Two Brothers, Aliens, SkinWalkers, and Inter-dimensional Portals

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

Robert H. Johnson

The actual sign outside Skinwalker Ranch

Whether you’re a History Channel junkie or just someone who likes the more fringe shows, e.g., Ancient Aliens, Oak Island, or Unidentified, you might dig this article. About five months ago, I was on the phone with my friend and Brother, Ben Williams. Ben and I share an affinity for all things strange and unusual. Having come to Freemasonry for philosophy and “occult,” we both are into some similar stuff.

This past year, on the History Channel, a new show started. It was all about Skinwalker Ranch. In short, Skinwalker Ranch is said to be the most paranormal spot on the planet. And if that isn’t enough, it’s also the one place on earth that has been examined more than any other, according to the storytellers. Billionaire Robert Bigelow had even acquired the ranch in the 1990s and started an organization called National Institute for Discovery Science (NIDS). This group Studied the land for years, and while they never came away with anything concrete, they sure documented some strange things.

“What kind of strange things?” You might ask—Sasquatch, Aliens, UFOs, Interdimensional Portals, Ghosts, and many more. It’s like a paranormal buffet. This new show on History Channel documents the most recent attempt to get to the bottom of what goes on at the ranch. The phenomenon, however, is not just tied to the several hundred acres of the ranch. It’s connected to the entire Uinta Basin in Utah. Most of the basin in the area in question is owned by a group called Adamantium Holdings LLC.

After a few attempts at trying to contact the owners of the property, Ben and I became only slightly frustrated. We decided to go out to the ranch ourselves. So I got a plane ticket, packed my bags, and Ben and I headed out for a weekend of hiking over the harsh Utah basin, where we encountered bizarre things. We were two Brothers on a mission to figure this thing out, and maybe our Masonic knowledge of philosophy and our understanding of the occult would allow us to view these phenomena in a new light.

A view from an undisclosed location overlooking the ranch. Notice that odd formation...

Over three days, Ben and I hiked all over the basin. I took about 500 photographs, hours of electromagnetic field readings, hours of radiation readings, and I recorded the whole time in audio. We will be writing a more extensive article for a new publication called The Esoteric Mason, which will begin publishing later this year. What will go into that magazine is quite a bit more than I can talk about here, and there will be some links so that you can listen to the audio as we hike 7 ½ miles across the Utah basin.

What, however, does Skinwalker Ranch and the paranormal have to do with Freemasonry? Perhaps it’s not so much what these things have to do with Freemasonry, but in the unlikely team-up of two Brothers from two different states, with our own publications and similar interests who would try to get to the bottom of this. I have no problem telling you right now that I believe Ben Williams and myself solved the mystery of the extremely high electromagnetic field readings in the basin.

What could we not explain? Ben and I could not explain some of the strange lights we saw in the sky. I couldn’t explain some of the shadow people that I saw in a field at dusk. We couldn’t explain the piles of animal bones on a section of a cliff. More will be revealed in the future. But for now, I want to let you all know that there is something strange afoot out there. Something I just can’t shake from my head is the rhythmic and low-frequency hum of the landscape in the dead of night. I hear it when I close my eyes.

Keep looking up.

~RHJ

RWB Johnson is the 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 Secretary of Spes Novum Lodge No. 1183. He is a Past Master of Waukegan Lodge 78 and a Past District Deputy Grand Master for the 1st N.E. District of Illinois. 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" and is currently working on a book of Masonic essays and one on Occult Anatomy to be released soon.

Banned Masonic Education

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

Robert H. Johnson

Not too long ago, let’s call it nine years. It was, at least in my Masonic experience, impossible to get Masonic Education within a Lodge. Granted, over the years, I was able to work diligently to change the direction of my Lodge so that we could get some Masonic Education at every meeting. The evolution of going from just a business meeting— a bad one, to a meeting rife with Education has a series of development stages. I’ll outline the stages in another post.

What I want to express in this piece is the recent frustration that I had experienced. One that had not reared its head in several years. Looking back on my Masonic involvement, there were several times where I would bring about a proposal for Masonic Education at a meeting and I would be met with disinterest. As I pushed on, because as we know, the squeaky wheel gets the grease, I found myself pushing even harder out of necessity to be heard. This is because there were members who felt vehemently that Masonic Education was of no interest, and took too much time for a stated meeting.

I would assume that many of you reading this have seen this happen, or have experienced it firsthand. You might attempt to read a five minute MSA bulletin, and halfway through it, you’re already getting eye rolls, yawns, and people tapping the faces of their watch. As much as to say, “Hurry up, Bro.” You push on, planning perhaps a Festive Board night, blending the social aspect, with toasts and intellectual responses. In this, you think, “This should fire on all cylinders. It’s social for those non-intellectuals and intellectual for those who are looking for some discourse.” The Festive Board probably goes wonderfully. But it was not without its headaches and pushback. Over the years, the responses of the toasts are dropped, and now the Festive Board is just an annual Lodge spaghetti dinner. The lazy got their way.

But what about the Internet. What about the sharing of educational content in various groups within social networking sites? Something can be posted, and people can react to it or comment on it. It’s not a Lodge, and it’s passive. You can scroll past it if you’re not interested. Education is available to the masses at the click of a mouse. One would never think you would find opposition to the presentation of Masonic Education in an online forum. But that’s just what happened to me recently.

Whenever a particularly interesting Midnight Freemason article comes out, or a relevant episode of a Masonic podcast or an excellent Masonic Education presentation becomes available, I typically will share it. I bounce from Grand Lodge Facebook group to Grand Lodge Facebook group sharing all I can. Recently, however, I was banned from a Grand Lodge Facebook group because of what I posted, a link to a Masonic convention to see Brother Steven L Harrison 33°. I can only assume that this post interrupted the standard stream of generic Masonic postings. You know the kind. If there was a word that meant Meme and Platitude...Platimeme? Anyway, God forbid that Freemasonry be interesting.

If being banned wasn’t enough, the Brother who reported the content, had it deleted, and me banned from the page, decided to send me a message, and interrogate me over my motives for sharing the content. It was something else. 

So, my Brothers, there is no letting down your guard. If you’re going to fight for Masonic Education, never put away your sword. I plan to attempt to rejoin that Facebook group and post even more Masonic Education than ever before.

In an age where the movers and shakers in this Fraternity are also the ones who demand education, my toast tonight are three Latin words – Ut vox populi.

~RHJ

RWB Johnson is the 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 Secretary of Spes Novum Lodge No. 1183. He is a Past Master of Waukegan Lodge 78 and a Past District Deputy Grand Master for the 1st N.E. District of Illinois. 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" and is currently working on a book of Masonic essays and one on Occult Anatomy to be released soon.

Esotericon 2020

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

Robert H. Johnson

It’s been almost a week since Esotericon 2020 “signed off”, and many of us are still digesting the information gleaned in the presentations. What is Esotericon? I’m glad you asked. Esotericon is an annual conference, not unlike other Masonic conventions, e.g. MasonicCon in Attleboro or Texas Masonic Con. It has one glaring differentiator—all presentations are Esoteric. 

If you want to know more about the premise and its first year, I can’t explain it better than Kevin Homan did last year when he produced this LINKED ARTICLE. You could imagine that this was a niche crowd with only a few attendees. You’d be wrong. How about 300 attendees? How about $3,500 donated to the Rainbow Girls charity fund for Give Kids the World Village. 

Speakers at this year’s event included; Chuck Dunning, Angel Millar, Josef Wäges, and some return appearances by Dave Bacon, Don McAndrews, and myself. A special presentation on the Esoteric Symbology of the Rainbow was also given, and if I’m honest—was the show-stealer. There were two wonderful special guest appearances by MW PGM Akram Elias who talked about the Masonic Legacy Society. And MW Sean Bradshaw had some opening remarks. Having the conference opened by two MW Brothers felt wonderful—a validation for me at least, that labors in this area mean something. 

Did I have a favorite part of the conference? I did. I mentioned above the special presentation on Rainbow, which I thought was fantastic, and I also really enjoyed Bro. Chuck Dunning’s presentation, "You are the Mysteries". 

Up to this point, you’re wondering how they accomplished a conference in this global pandemic, and the answer is that they did it via Zoom webinar. It was the best Zoom meeting I’d ever been on. There were no instances of, “You’re muted!” Or other typical online meeting pitfalls. All the good and none of the bad. 

Of course, the big surprise is that Esotericon has already picked a date for next year. 

If you want to learn more, here is the latest episode of The Masonic Roundtable in which we spoke to the Brothers who planned Esotericon. I hope you enjoy it and I hope to see you next year at the conference!

~RHJ

RWB Johnson is the 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 Secretary of Spes Novum Lodge No. 1183. He is a Past Master of Waukegan Lodge 78 and a Past District Deputy Grand Master for the 1st N.E. District of Illinois. 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" and is currently working on a book of Masonic essays and one on Occult Anatomy to be released soon.