Using the wrong bait

 

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

WB Darin A. Lahners

“The intellectual man requires a fine bait; the sots are easily amused. But everybody is drugged with his own frenzy, and the pageant marches at all hours, with music and banner and badge.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Recently, I was informed of a degree in a lodge in my jurisdiction where the candidate was wearing an ankle bracelet (as in an electronic ankle monitor).  It seems ironic that we would have someone wearing an electronic ankle monitor participate in the degrees of our progressive moral science. So much for being divested of all metals! This is the sad state of our Fraternity, where we are so desperate for members that we apparently are willing to accept any man, as long as they have a pulse. This is what happens when the west gate is left wide open.  Now, to be fair to that lodge, there is nothing in my jurisdiction's constitution and bylaws that prohibit someone with a prior misdemeanor or felony from joining,  and by proxy, there is nothing that forbids a man who is currently serving a sentence for committing a crime from joining the Fraternity.  Ironically enough, if you commit a Felony while you are a Freemason, you face the potential of suspension and/or expulsion.   

I'm sure at this point, I may have someone reading this article telling me that it is the internal and not the external qualifications of the man that we have to look at.  I do agree with this. However, I would ask them, how can you know a man has changed if he hasn't even completed his sentence for a crime he committed?   It's just bad optics in my humble opinion. While it very well might be good for the lodge, is it really good for Freemasonry?  In my lodge, right before the ballot is cast, we are reminded by the Master to vote for the good of Freemasonry.  I usually think about that quote Mister Spock gives in "Wrath of Khan" when I hear this: "Logic dictates that the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few."  

I also have written previously where I had struggled with the idea of voting for a man in his 30's who when he was 17 made a mistake and took a plea deal that would keep him out of jail but which made him a Felon.  So, while I'll admit freely to my hypocrisy,  In the case of my example, I discovered a man that was still legally a child that made a mistake and made a mature decision to plea to a Felony in order to avoid jail time so that he could provide for his family. He served his obligations to society and sought out Freemasonry to continue his journey of self-improvement.  He came back month after month to get to know us and to allow us to get to know him before he petitioned. 

How can we trust a man to fulfill his obligations to his Fraternity and his brothers when he has not even fulfilled his obligation to society?  So, I'm sure that there might be a perfectly good reason for this lodge voting this man wearing an electronic ankle monitor to receive the degrees of Freemasonry.  Yes, that was sarcasm.  Maybe I'm being elitest, and I admit that I don't know the story of this individual.  This being said, I stand by my point of having the individual finish his obligation to society before petitioning a lodge for the degrees of Freemasonry.  Have we lost all common sense?

That same evening, I was also informed that there might be a Masonic Trial in another lodge because of them admitting in a man, who is now a fellowcraft, and who clearly has some mental illness. The Fellowcraft apparently has defamed his lodge brethren and accused them of sending voices into his brain among other things.  I find it hard to believe that our Grand Lodge would allow the trial, as the Mason isn't a Master Mason, and there are specific bylaws regarding members of the lodge objecting to the advancement of a candidate through the degrees.  All this being said, what is apparent to me is that the lodge didn't properly vet the candidate and doing so failed to guard the West Gate.  

As I don't  know any details of this lodge's recruitment process, I can only speculate that what happened is what happens time and time again in many Masonic lodges.  A man shows up to a lodge before a stated meeting, and inquires about Freemasonry and he's handed a petition. Instead of getting to know the individual by requiring him to come back consecutive months in a row, members of the lodge sign the petition after that one meeting, so that they can read it that evening, assign an investigation committee.  Instead of really getting to know the candidate, the investigation committee asks him if he believes in a higher power, and that's about it.  They return a favorable recommendation to the Worshipful Master and the lodge votes on the candidate the next meeting.           

I am by no means a fisherman, but I do know that certain fish prefer certain types of bait and will only go after that bait, while more common fish will strike at anything thrown into the water on a hook.  Modern Freemasonry has come to a point where instead of trying to bait our hook to catch a Salmon, we settle for Herring, Rock Bass or Bluegill.  Many lodges feel that if they can collect enough Herring,Rock Bass, or Bluegill, then it doesn't matter if they catch Salmon or not.  It doesn't matter if we have quality when we have quantity. 

What happened to being selective?  Part of fishing, at least in my experience is throwing back the smaller fish in the hopes to get a bigger one, or at least to allow the smaller fish to grow into a bigger one. Yet, we bait our hooks by holding our public Pancake Breakfasts, Spaghetti Dinners, and anything else we can think of to get men in the door, hand them a signed petition and hope they work out.  Shouldn't we be using bait to catch Salmon? Don't we want to bring in the quality men in our communities instead of settling for the common man?  If so,while I realize that many jurisdictions don't allow invitations to petition, why aren't we using those to target and invite men that we know would be good for our lodges?     

I also know that many Grand Lodges are now spending significant resources on advertising using targeted ads in streaming apps and social media.  Like it or not, younger generations use apps like Tik Tok and Facebook is for old people.  If we want to target the future Freemasons in these generations, we need to adapt to use technology in our favor, and more importantly control the narrative.  No offense towards my Masonic brethren that use and produce Tik Tok content, but when I search Tik Tok for Freemasonry, I see a bunch of Anti-Masonic information and very few brothers that actually spreading light.  I see Grand Lodges and appendant bodies that should have official Tik Tok Channels and don't, and they are missing an opportunity to spread their message. Many companies that provide targeted ads can use algorithms to send the ad directly to a male user between a specific age demographic, that might use search terms like: "Freemason", "Templar", "National Treasure", "Dan Brown".... you get my point. My point is that we can bait the hook to target these men that are showing an interest in Masonic or Masonic - adjacent topics immediately.  

Yes, it's still going to ultimately up to the local lodge to do a proper investigation and vetting of their candidates. They are the ones that are going to have to judge if the man is a good fit for their lodge. So maybe we are still doomed to repeat the same mistakes, and settle for  Herring instead of Salmon.  But we need to stop relying on old attages like "2BE1ASK1", old ideas like pancake breakfasts and get with the times. It's time for Freemasonry to stop being reactive, and time for it to be proactive. What we teach in our lodges is needed now more than ever.  I think it's okay for us to want to advertise that, and proactively advertise it.  Honestly, it wouldn't be that hard.  Take one of many videos that are from the Not Just a Man campaign, and it's ready to go. Lord knows we've wasted money on more frivolous efforts, so what do we really have to lose?

~DAL

WB Darin A. Lahners is our Co-Managing Editor. He is a host and producer of the "Meet, Act and Part" podcast. He is currently serving the Grand Lodge of Illinois Ancient Free and Accepted Masons as the Area Education Officer for the Eastern Masonic Area. He is a Past Master of St. Joseph Lodge No.970 in St. Joseph. He is also a plural member of Homer Lodge No. 199 (IL), where he is also a Past Master. He’s also a member of the Scottish Rite Valley of Danville, a charter member of Illinois Royal Arch Chapter, Admiration Chapter No. 282, Salt Fork Shrine Club under the Ansar Shrine, and a grade one (Zelator) in the S.C.R.I.F. Prairieland College in Illinois. He is also a Fellow of the Illinois Lodge of Research. He was presented with the Torok Award from the Illinois Lodge of Research in 2021. You can reach him by email at darin.lahners@gmail.com. 

Who should we welcome?

by Midnight Freemason Emeritus Contributor

Brian L. Pettice, 33˚

Surfing through the World Wide Web recently, I came across this quote by the Stoic philosopher Seneca, “Associate with people who are likely to improve you. Welcome those whom you are capable of improving. The process is a mutual one. People learn as they teach.”

I immediately thought of my association with Masons and Masonry. I thought, isn’t this what seek to do? Isn’t this what we mean when we say, “Freemasonry takes good men and makes them better”? Isn’t it this association of men learning from and teaching each other how that improvement in Freemasonry happens— how we help each other to be better?

My thoughts hadn’t traveled very far down this track when I started thinking about the long and ongoing discussion among Masons about “guarding the west gate” or how Freemasonry evaluates those who would seek admission into the fraternity—how we decide with whom we will associate. The dominant themes of this discussion have been that Freemasonry has emphasized the quantity rather than the quality of candidates that have been admitted into the fraternity, that we have failed to properly vet those seeking admission, and that men that shouldn’t have gained admission have been allowed to become Freemasons to the detriment of the Fraternity as a whole.

As I considered Seneca’s simple statement it occurred to me that the problem with our evaluation system might be that we, as a Fraternity, have forgotten what we hope to give and what we hope to get from a candidate for Masonry. We often think of the transformational effect the Masonic experience can have on a man without considering whether the candidate in front of us is open to it. We think of the “help” the potential brother might offer by taking a chair or helping with a fundraiser without realizing this isn’t the help we really need. We haven’t thought about what we really have to offer a candidate, nor what we really need from him.

If Freemasonry is truly about men improving themselves by teaching and learning and understanding the lessons and values inculcated by our degrees, shouldn’t we assure ourselves that we are associating with those likely to improve us and welcoming those capable of improvement? Shouldn’t we explain to a prospective candidate that Freemasonry means many things to many people, but at its heart, it is an association of men who seek to improve themselves and each other by learning from and teaching one another? Shouldn’t we then ask him what improvement he seeks in himself and how he thinks he might help his potential brethren to improve? Freemasonry isn’t for everyone. If we can’t see how an association with a man will help improve the brethren and he doesn’t see that he needs to improve, then maybe the Fraternity is not the proper fit for him, nor he for the Fraternity.

~BLP

Brian L. Pettice, 33° is a Past Master of Anchor Lodge No. 980 and plural member of Olive Branch Lodge No. 38 in Danville, IL and an Honorary Member of a couple of others. He is also an active member of both the York and Scottish Rites. He cherishes the Brothers that have become Friends over the years and is thankful for the opportunities Freemasonry gives and has given him to examine and improve himself, to meet people he might not otherwise have had chance to meet, and to do things he might not otherwise have had a chance to do. He is employed as an electrician at the University of Illinois and lives near Alvin, IL with his wife Janet and their son Aidan. He looks forward to sharing the joy the fraternity brings him with others. His email address is aasrmason@gmail.com.

High Expectations

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

Bro. Erik Anthony Marks

In reflecting on Brother Acre’s recent post on Masonic Education, I was brought back to my arrival at the West Gate. Unlike the New Brother with incredible memory in his writing, I have a lot of difficulty retaining facts and exact quotes. It takes a lot of repetition. Luckily for me, we do that in Masonic Education! I’ve learned that not all lodges require new Brother’s to memorize the catechism. I was disappointed and perplexed why this would be the case. Immediately two reasons came to mind: 1) It takes a lot of work to teach 2) there could be a worry that having to work, would put men off.

With regard to both points: our metaphor is that of Labor--work. It’s built into our reason for being, for many reasons with multiple meanings. Before the advent of sociological research, people knew that work matters: a sense of purpose quite often means more to us than “being happy.” People strive for greatness not because it’s easy, but because it matters to make a difference for others. So let’s dispense with the first point there, we are here to work.

With regard to the second point, High Expectations mean greater value. If we expect little of the Brethren, new or veteran, what we do will have little value to them or the world. If we demand a lot, what we do will have value. In the last twenty years, research on resilience, or resiliency as it is sometimes called, confirms what the builders of old already knew: High Expectations, well supported, lead to better outcomes. If we expect nothing more of each other and ourselves than to get into the Fraternity as quickly and easily as possible, what value do we have? I realized as I type the preceding statement, many of us join for different reasons which have been, and will be, addressed in other places and times.

I recall with joy and enduring excitement my own experience, the evening of my first degree. It was a blur, I was so immersed in the experience. I remembered very few words. I distinctly recall the voice of my conductor; I remember Worshipful’s voice during my obligation, and our conversation the following day. He stated the expectation, and support. As we began our Labors he said: “There will be a lot of work. It may take time. We won’t let you fail.”

~EAM

Brother Erik Marks is a clinical social worker whose usual vocation has been in the field of human services in a wide range of settings since 1990. He was raised in 2017 by his biologically younger Brother and then Worshipful Master in Alpha Lodge in Framingham, MA. You may contact brother Marks by email: erik@StrongGrip.org

Traveling from the South to the North

By Midnight Freemason Contributor

Bro. Bill Hosler, PM

Recently I had the distinct opportunity to attend what, I believe, was a near perfect Masonic event. One day I received a Facebook invite to attend the 2016 Spring Reunion of the Guthrie Scottish Rite in Guthrie, Oklahoma. I had heard so much about this Valley since I moved to the Southern United States and I really wanted to attend.

Maybe it was the Grand Architect of the Universe smiling down upon me, or it was just pure luck, but a few days later I was informed my Fiancé's niece was playing in a softball tournament in a town near Guthrie on the same weekend! We decided to book a room before we changed our minds!

This was going to be a unique experience for me. I was made a 32° Mason in the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction. I had attended a few reunions in my home valley but I had only seen a few degrees and a few of the ones I had seen, by now had been rewritten. My valley only shows a select number of degrees each year and for the remainder of the degrees the candidate is just given an obligation for those remaining degrees which aren't going to be performed. Guthrie was going to perform all 29 degrees over the course of this reunion. I promised myself I would see as many as I could over this three day event.

Last year I became a plural member of the Southern Masonic Jurisdiction within the Valley of Dallas. Due to certain issues in my life, I have never really been able to take advantage of this membership, so this was my first real Southern Jurisdiction experience.

As we pulled up to the front of the temple I tried to take in the entire building. I was in awe of the pure size and majesty of the edifice. I knew the building once served as the Capitol for the territory of Oklahoma but I wasn't prepared for it's beauty. I walked up the steps of the building trying to take in everything I could. I opened the heavy door and took my first steps into the ornate lobby.

I walked into the lobby and registered for the event. I then found the office and asked to borrow a prayer cap. Being a Northern Jurisdiction Mason I didn't own a cap. I was under the assumption only 33°’s and men who had been honored with a Meritorious Service awards wore caps, because that's kinda how it works in the north. I have been told recently it's up to the individual valley in the north. Either way I didn't have a cap so I needed to borrow one.

I found my way into the auditorium by the sound of the beautiful organ being played. In the cathedral was a Kimball organ which was installed in 1926. It still sounded brand new. I found an empty seat and waited for the event to begin. I spent the time looking all around me. The room was so huge, I couldn't stop looking at everything.

I was impressed by the number of candidates which began to file into the room. It was the largest class of any Masonic event I had seen. I was told (But I didn't verify) the class had 88 members. I don't know if that is typical in the south but to me, it was impressive.

The class was welcomed to the valley and was introduced to Illustrious Brother Jim Tresner. Brother Tresner is one of my all time favorite Masonic authors! I had hoped to see him there. I wanted to meet him but I was afraid I would say something silly like some Masonic groupie. (I know that sounds silly but I could see it happening.). Brother Tresner told the candidates to “Enjoy the degrees, because you will never be able to see them again for the first time”. Even though I have been a Scottish Rite Mason for over a decade I knew he was right and since this was my first time seeing the degrees of the a Southern Jurisdiction I felt like a candidate all over again.

I had seen as many of the degrees as I could that weekend. I was truly impressed with the meanings behind each one. They were well written and the actors did a fantastic job. I had heard the Scottish Rite considers itself to be “The university of Freemasonry.” I can totally see why now. I was motivated to dig deeper into the meaning and symbolism behind these degrees. The Valley of Guthrie has a correspondence course entitled the “College of the Consistory”. After seeing these degrees I know I will have to enroll in the "college" in the future.

I was totally blown away by the stage crew. They changed sets quickly and quietly while surrounded by the darkness and the stage effects were amazing. Almost like a Broadway show! Watching these men performing their duties in such a professional way, I was saddened to think how future candidates in the Northern Jurisdiction won't experience anything like this since they are giving up the stage craft and instead, showing videos.

I spent the rest of the weekend watching the degrees, wandering around the facility admiring the beauty and visiting the Oklahoma Masonic Museum and engaging with other Brethren in the Cigar room. I also got to meet Illustrious Brother Bob Davis who is retiring as General Secretary for the Valley of Guthrie. I have corresponded with Bob many times but this was the first time had the honor to meet him in person.

I have been told by several Brethren that Guthrie was on their “Masonic bucket list”. I was able to meet Brethren from all over the country. I spoke with Brothers from California and Massachusetts, Missouri and Texas. All of them had one thing in common; they all had either transferred their Scottish Rite membership to Guthrie or purchased a plural membership there. I was told they found something special in this small Oklahoma town. They attend the reunion every year as one brother put it to “Recharge his Masonic batteries”. I totally get that. I can honestly say the entire time I was at this event I heard not one gripe, complaint or negative word. I have had some amazing Masonic experiences but this is the first time I can honestly say that.

I also got to spend time with an old friend, Brother Lance Kates. Guthrie is Lance’s home valley and had a part in the 23° degree. We got to hang out and have an amazing dry aged steak at a local restaurant. It is always good catching up with Lance in person instead of reading his thoughts on the glowing screen of a cellphone.

As we drove home to Texas my fiancé and I were both in good spirits. I had an amazing Masonic experience and my Fiancé's niece won most of her games while showing off her pitching abilities. I am so glad I was able to attend and I would encourage you to visit if you get the chance.

By the way. While I was in Guthrie I decided to purchase my very own prayer cap. I know I will be back because I found a home in the Valley of Guthrie.

~BH

WB Bill Hosler was made a Master Mason in 2002 in Three Rivers Lodge #733 in Indiana. He served as Worshipful Master in 2007 and became a member of the internet committee for Indiana's Grand Lodge. Bill is currently a member of Roff Lodge No. 169 in Roff Oklahoma and Lebanon Lodge No. 837 in Frisco,Texas. Bill is also a member of the Valley of Fort Wayne Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite in Indiana. A typical active Freemason, Bill also served as the High Priest of Fort Wayne's Chapter of the York Rite No. 19 and was commander of of the Fort Wayne Commandery No. 4 of the Knight Templar. During all this he also served as the webmaster and magazine editor for the Mizpah Shrine in Fort Wayne Indiana

Have You Made Your Mark?

by Midnight Freemason Contributor 

Bill Hosler, PM

Any Mason who has advanced through the degrees of the York Rite knows the meaning of  “Making your mark”. For those companions and Sir Knights it means they have added their “Mark” to a book symbolically linking them to the cathedral builders of ancient times. Most of you created your mark and handed it to the recorder of the group and went on with life and the other degrees.

In the world of the profane most people believe the phrase “Making your mark” means you have created a long lasting impression on someone or the world itself. You have added something positive that will be remembered after you passed to the Celestial lodge above. It's another Masonic phrase that has become a household word even though the original meaning has faded away. 

One question I ask myself is “Have I made a mark on my lodge?”  Years from now, once I leave this planet will the members of my lodge remember me or any of my works? Will something I have done or said be referenced years from now? 

Many will say “Of course I will be remembered. My picture is on the wall of the lodge with the other Past Masters!” But is your photograph, along with 100 other men leaving your mark? How many times have you looked at one of these photos and truly known anything about the man in the photo? Usually I just look at them and think how much the clothing styles have changed since the year the photo was taken.  In my opinion the photo is a memorial not a lasting impression.

Some would say the best way to leave your mark would be in your active participation in lodge.  Being a long time lodge secretary or being the chairman of a committee for several decades would leave a lasting impression.  These are great ways to serve your lodge. But make no mistake, after several years the memory of your participation will wither away. 

In my humble opinion the best way to leave your mark on the lodge is the way in which you interact with your Brethren and teach them to become better men and Masons. Whether you realize it or not, the other Brethren look at you, especially the younger men and hold you up to be an example of how they should conduct themselves in life as well as inside a tiled lodge room.  These men want and need guidance on their journey through the Craft!

These men begin judging us from the moment they walk through our front door of your temple. If they walk in the door and see a building in disrepair, dingy walls, broken furniture and get “hit in the face” with that familiar “old person smell” like they are walking into their grand parents house that will leave a lasting impression but sadly not a good one.  

These young men are looking for positive men and a positive atmosphere which will help them become better men. When they see you sitting on the sidelines chatting while the lodge is conducting candidates during degree work, falling asleep or the lodge having the same argument every month during a stated meeting, it won't take them long to realize we don't have the answers which they are looking for or even worse, we aren't providing what we tell these men we give them when they ask for a petition. Remember Brethren these men are the ones who are checking to see how square your ashlar truly is. 

It has now been many years since that warm night in June when I first knocked on the door of my lodge and asked to be made a Mason. But I will never forget the Brethren assembled who befriended me and taught me how to be a just and upright Mason and a better man. Sadly many of these Brothers now are no longer with us but I think about them each and everyday. Their memories bring a smile to my face. Each one of these men “Made their mark” on my soul and created lifelong memories for me. Many of the things these Brethren taught me, I try to convey to you in my writings. 

I hope some of my words inspire you to be a better man and Freemason and  help me “Make my mark” upon your living stone and in turn, help me honor these men. 

~BH

WB Bill Hosler was made a Master Mason in 2002 in Three Rivers Lodge #733 in Indiana. He served as Worshipful Master in 2007 and became a member of the internet committee for Indiana's Grand Lodge. Bill is currently a member of Roff Lodge No. 169 in Roff Oklahoma and Lebanon Lodge No. 837 in Frisco,Texas. Bill is also a member of the Valley of Fort Wayne Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite in Indiana. A typical active Freemason, Bill also served as the High Priest of Fort Wayne's Chapter of the York Rite No. 19 and was commander of of the Fort Wayne Commandery No. 4 of the Knight Templar. During all this he also served as the webmaster and magazine editor for the Mizpah Shrine in Fort Wayne Indiana.

No Mason Left Behind Pt. One

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

Bro. "Doc" Gentry

Ok everyone repeat after me, "No man takes a step in Freemasonry alone." Say it again. Come on louder! Like you mean it! LET ME SEE YOUR WAR FACE! Sorry, I got carried away. Now, what does that mean? The saying, not being carried away. It's simple, oh so simple. From the point where a man says,"I need to talk to a Mason about this Mason thing.", he is not left alone in his steps. He is guided, step by step, and only by taking our time and doing it right, do we see the wisdom in this action.

A man comes to your lodge and says, "I want to be a mason." I encourage you NOT to throw a petition in his face. Take the time necessary to get to know him and his life. In fact, two or three brothers should take somewhere between 6 months to 2 years (whatever your Grand Lodge says to do on the petition ironically) to get to know your potential candidate. "But Brother Doc, he might leave if  we don't push him through." Well then brothers, who's to say that he would actually come to lodge then? Besides, we are Masons, our word is our bond, so don't start the potential brother off on the wrong foot by lying on his petition. Please don't get him started off wrong by pushing it through either. I know, I know, Grand Lodges are freaking out about numbers and attendance and this reason alone should be the basis of you vetting potential brethren more thoroughly. Besides that, how will this potential brother get work and receive instruction if you don't know where his passions are to give him work? Ok step one, get to know the potential brother, check. Step two, get to know his family as well. Don't leave that poor man to try and explain Freemasonry to his family all by himself, he has no idea what Freemasonry is....in fact, I still don't know all of what Freemasonry is, so don't send me in alone either! Invite the family to functions and events. If you don't know what you can and can't tell families, and there are things you can tell them I assure you, go back and read my Mentoring piece. In fact, Brother Johnson, can you link that piece right HERE ?

*Editors Note* I can and I did! ;) ~RHJ

Once the allotted time has passed and he still wants to join you crazy kids, oh and you all still want him to become a brother, then have him fill out the petition. Once he has filled it out and way before you initiate him, assign him a mentor. Do not wait, you will miss valuable opportunities for him to grow, even before he is voted on. What's the worst thing that happens? He doesn't join but is a better person for the expierence?

No Mason Left Behind is not just some cute catch phrase that Brother Robert Johnson branded me with, it is a creed all Brethren should live by. No matter what you do, no one takes a step in Freemasonry alone!

Read Part Two

Red Part Three

~Doc

Brother Daniel "Doc" Gentry is a Brother Master Mason under the Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Mason's of the State of Illinois, in the 1st Northeast district. His sign is Leo, and has been known to enjoy long walks in blizzards. He is stubborn and has no plans of joining the York or Scottish Rite anytime soon. Also in his spare time, he is a great DM for D&D games. Sacred Geometery! You can reach him by email at doc@midnightfreemasons.org