Everyday Holiday Lodge Meetings

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

Bro. Randy Sanders

I recently opened a calendar application and began overlaying multiple holiday calendars from different religions and nations.  It’s amazing how many different holidays we have daily across this terrestrial sphere.  Why am I missing out on all these parties?  We as Masons should embrace these festive occasions and embrace social intercourse as much as possible.  The grumpy and jaded need not apply here.

Thanksgiving and Christmas in the United States always bring to me feelings of warmth, family, and joy.  I try to celebrate by remembering what little time we have on this planet, and I encourage you to do the same.  Every holiday brings a set of emotions and feelings to different people, so I propose we consider every holiday special to you no matter which you celebrate.  In some way or form, that holiday can be special to you, and I challenge you to celebrate every holiday.  Yes, daily.  Take time during each holiday to ask yourself: Why is this day a holiday, to which nation or group, to which religion?  For what am I grateful today?  Even if we don’t practice that particular religion or belong to that particular ethnic group, we have an opportunity to look at some event that marked a point in time where some of us came together.  

Let us consider any holiday from another group that we may not celebrate ourselves, then let’s look at the accomplishment of that holiday as a means to reflect upon the outcomes.  Many countries mark certain battle victories, and certain locations or countries mark various founders’ days as historical moments.  Remember your lessons in polarity and balance, as some groups may not agree it was such a great day if they lost the battle or were displaced or similar.  The more important lesson is we moved on.  We can all celebrate the fact there’s no more bloodshed from that battle or underlying struggle to that particular event.  Carrying a grudge from generation to generation because someone’s great-great-great-grandfather was treated unfairly only carries a poison to the next generation that clouds the mind with emotion and prevents them from living in the present.  Here’s a hint at life:  That poison is a roughness to your ashlar.

Our lesson continues to be focusing on living in the present.  Celebrate today’s holiday with the family, friends, and brothers we still have with us, and keep a special memory for those who have passed before.  We may not have a future opportunity to gather and celebrate, so take advantage of this time together with gratitude and grace.  Take advantage of this opportunity for brotherly fellowship.  Our lodges should be full of smiling faces, of brothers and their families gathering in fellowship, and of coming together as we have done for centuries.  

Let us also keep in mind our own thoughts and deeds for every holiday.  Let us reflect upon the good deeds we’ve accomplished while looking forward to the future.  Reflect upon lessons learned and how that might reset our own trestle boards toward our own future.  As we pause to enjoy family and reconnect where possible with those not living nearby.  Let us reconsider our charitable giving so that we continue to help others not as fortunate as us.  After all, every day is a holiday to explore, celebrate, and share with others in the darkness or in the Light.

~RS

Randy and his wife Elyana live near St. Louis, Missouri, USA. Randy earned a bachelor's Degree in Chemistry with an emphasis in Biochemistry, and he works in Telecom IT management. He volunteers as a professional and personal mentor, NRA certified Chief Range Safety Officer, and enjoys competitive tactical pistol, rifle, and shotgun. He has 30-plus years of teaching Wing Chun Kung Fu, Chi Kung, and healing arts. Randy served as a Logistics Section Chief on two different United States federal Disaster Medical Assistance Teams over a 12-year span. Randy is a 32nd-degree KCCH and Knight Templar. His Masonic bio includes past Lodge Education Officer for two symbolic lodges, Founder of the Wentzville Lodge Book Club, member of the Grand Lodge of Missouri Education Committee, Sovereign Master of the E. F. Coonrod AMD Council No. 493, Co-Librarian of the Scottish Rite Valley of St. Louis, Clerk for the Academy of Reflection through the Valley of Guthrie, and a Facilitator for the Masonic Legacy Society. Randy is a founding administrator for Refracted Light, a full contributor to Midnight Freemasons, and an international presenter on esoteric topics. Randy hosts an open ongoing weekly Masonic virtual Happy Hour on Friday evenings. Randy is an accomplished home chef, a certified barbecue judge, raises Great Pyrenees dogs, and enjoys travel and philosophy.

A Night To Remember, A Preview Of Things To Come?

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

WB Darin A. Lahners

Brethren and Guests of Homer #199 

It started with a conservation between Illus. Bro. Steven Harrison, soon to be Illus. Bro. Greg Knott and myself.  Although it was derailed last year due to the pandemic, Steve Harrison has always been kind enough in the past several years to stop in Urbana, Illinois for lunch with Greg Knott, Todd Creason, Brian L. Pettice, and I (along with various other brothers who have shown up over the years) as he winds his way to Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the Indy 500 from his home in Missouri.  This year we were able to have this lunch, and Steve offered to give an educational presentation for us when he made his way through the area the following year.  As circumstance would have it, Steve contacted me about two months ago to inform me that he'd be coming through the area as he needed to conduct some research in Michigan. 

Initially, I looked at him potentially coming for a stated meeting of my mother lodge, Saint Joseph #970, but as fate would have it, Steve was going to Indianapolis for the Indy, Xfinity, and NASCAR races this past weekend.  My plural Lodge, Homer #199, was meeting on August 16, the day after the final race had ended, and Steve would be coming directly by the area. Steve was also needing to have a face-to-face discussion with the Midnight Freemasons co-editor, Robert Johnson; so once Robert was able to commit to being able to travel downstate from his home in Northeastern Illinois for the meeting, the date was selected.  Steve asked what presentation we would like to see, and after performing a quick poll of our lodge members, we decided that we would like him to present: "Freemasonry Crosses the Mississippi", based on his book of the same name. 

With this, the wheels were set in motion.  I started heavily advertising the event on Social Media.  I started an Eventbrite event page to try to get a count of how many would be coming in so that I could accurately buy enough food for the pre-meeting dinner. Although, I'm Senior Warden currently, I informed the Junior Warden, Sam Shreeves, that I'd handle the meal for the event. I spoke with Robert, and agreed that he'd stay at my place, Steve would have his RV which he would be able to park in the spacious lot south of our Lodge building in Homer.  I will spare you the minutiae of the rest. 

The evening came and dinner was served.  I was amazed at the number of people that had turned out.   We had a total of Twenty Three brothers in attendance.  Now maybe that's a normal turnout for a stated meeting for you, but for someone who is attending meetings where we normally are struggling to make a quorum, that is incredible.  We opened the meeting on the first degree as we had an Entered Apprentice in attendance, and followed the opening with Steve's presentation which lasted approximately 45 minutes and was followed by a short Question and Answer session.  Immediately after the presentation, Our Worshipful Master, Dale Katterhenry, presented Illus. Bro Harrison with our Grandmaster's Pin.

WM Dale Katterhenry presents Illus. Bro. Harrison with MWGM Stephen Oakley's pin 

Homer Lodge #199 surprised both Steve and Robert with honorary memberships.  I presented the certificates and dues cards to both of them along with our Worshipful Master, Dale Katterhenry, stating that we wanted to honor them for their contributions to Masonic Education, but that from a purely selfish standpoint that I felt it would be so freaking cool to have them as members of a Lodge that Greg Knott, Todd Creason and myself already belong to.  

WB Darin Lahners and WB Dale Katterhenry present honorary memberships to Steven (background L) and Robert (foreground L)

To finish the presentations, the Midnight Freemason Blogs Founder, WB Todd Creason, presented  Midnight Freemason Senior Contributor, WB Greg Knott, with a gift to commemorate Greg being conferred the 33rd Degree in the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite.  The gift was an illustration of Greg by the uber-talented Midnight Freemason emeritus contributor and fellow 33rd conferree, Travis Simpkins.    

Soon to be Illus. Bro. Greg Knott by soon-to-be Illus.Bro. Travis Simpkins

Following the presentations, the lodge business was handled, and after the meeting, we took the fantastic photograph that headlines this article.  We also were able to get a picture of the six Midnight Freemasons in attendance.  This made Robert jokingly remark that we should change the name of the lodge to the Midnight Freemason lodge.    

From L to R: Illus.Bro. Brian L. Pettice, Illus. Bro. Steven L. Harrison, Illus.Bro. Todd E. Creason, RWB Robert Johson, Soon to be Illus. Bro. Greg Knott, WB Darin Lahners

We also had our guests come in from across the state. WB Tim Thomason, (Fifth from the left in the headline picture above), who is the current Worshipful Master of Landmark Lodge #422, drove 128.5 miles from Plainfield, Illinois for the event. One of my fellow Area Education Officers, Bro. Jordan Kelly, drove along with Bros. Andrew Friend and Kyle Koestner drove 110 miles from Springfield Illinois to attend the event.  I want to thank them personally for taking the extraordinary effort of doing that.   I also want to thank everyone who came out, again from the bottom of my heart.  I also want to thank my brethren of Homer #199, especially our secretary, WB Stephen Hooper who jumped through multiple hoops to get the honorary memberships.  

Illus. Bro. Steve Harrison, Bros. Jordan Kelly, Kyle Koestner, Andrew Friend

After the event I was texting with Greg Knott and Todd Creason. Greg stated that it was an awesome event and I did a great job.  As much as I appreciate the compliment, what made it all worth while is all of my brothers in the headline picture getting together, enjoying fellowship and education.  But the funny thing is, it really wasn't that hard to do.  Maybe I was lucky because I had connections, but at the end of the day, it's something that can easily be replicated in your lodge. 

Here's the very simple recipe:

1. Get your lodges buy-in (if you can).  In my case, Homer #199 has prioritized Education, so when I asked, everyone agreed.  But if you don't think that your lodge would approve doing an event like this, then you don't really need them to.   You just need a space to hold the event. Work with other lodges in your area, and brethren that you know that have a passion for Masonic education.  I'm willing to bet that someone will give you the space for it.

2. Arrange a speaker.  Browse https://masonicinstruction.com/the-speakers/ and find a speaker that you might want to bring in.  Reach out to them. 

3. Plan the event.  Make the event as simple or complex as you want. The sky is the limit. 

4. Hold the event.  If you build it, brethren will come. If you don't believe me, look at the above photos.   

This is the second event that I've planned, The first being the 2018 Illinois Lodge of Research Spring Symposium. Let me tell you, that event was a lot harder to pull together than this one, but it still wasn't too difficult.  It doesn't take an expert level planner to put something like this together.  If you need advice about how to do it, my email is in my bio.

In closing, I'd like to think of last night as the first of many.  My hope is that you read the article and you get inspired to do something in your own backyard. I'd also like to float the idea of having a Midnight Freemason Con.  I'd like to get as many of our contributors (past and present) into one room with a bunch of brothers and just have some fellowship, fun and hopefully learn some things along the way.  If you think that'd be a good idea and something that you might try to attend, please comment on Social Media or on the blog below.    

~DAL

WB Darin A. Lahners is our co-managing Editor.  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 a member of the Scottish Rite Valley of Danville, a charter member of Illinois Royal Arch Chapter, Admiration Chapter No. 282 and is the current Secretary of the Illini High Twelve Club No. 768 in Champaign – Urbana (IL). You can reach him by email at darin.lahners@gmail.com.              

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.

Redefining the Three Great Pillars

by Midnight Freemason Guest Contributor

Bro. Thomas J. Williams

As an Entered Apprentice, we learn that a Lodge's supports are the Three Great Pillars: Wisdom, Strength, and Beauty. The lecture states:

"Wisdom, Strength, and Beauty are said to support a Lodge because it is necessary there should be wisdom to contrive, strength to support, and beauty to adorn all great and important undertakings."

While I agree these are the Lodge supports, what if we were to redefine and give the pillars further meaning?

A reflection of my time in the Craft, traveling experiences, and exploring more light on my own, I've attributed other things to these three pillars to support a Lodge: Education, Fellowship, and Ritual.

Education - We should always be in pursuit of more light in Masonry. Over and over again, I've seen lodges confer degrees and continue business without spending a bit of time sharing knowledge amongst the Brethren. If we're a fraternity that is taking good men and making them better, how is it happening? It doesn't need to be rigid like a college course; it should be fun and beneficial! Listening to a podcast episode, reading a paper related to a Masonic topic, or just gathering to have a free-flowing discussion about thoughts behind our symbols and ceremonies can invigorate a lodge. This is an opportunity to reach out to our Brothers we haven't seen in a while and keep the new Brothers who are eager to learn more. Education should NEVER be discounted.

Fellowship - We are the world's oldest Fraternity, connecting men of different backgrounds and cultures. Whether inside or outside of the Lodge, there should be an opportunity to build and expand these connections. I don't know about you, but I didn't join to only confer degrees, read minutes, and pay bills. I want to feel genuine relations built with the men around me and the community we live in. Fellowship can take different forms: going out to a pub with Brothers and their families, an intellectual evening exploring the esoteric concepts of the world, rehearsing for degrees, and participating in community events. There are plenty of ways to get the ball rolling. At the end of the day, one should feel comfortable enough to approach someone else without anxiety about how the conversation may go because there's little relationship there.

Ritual - The ceremonies to bring candidates into the Craft are beautiful. We should strive to provide the best to our new brothers. While word-for-word presentations of the ritual are great, it's not about reciting a novel to the new initiate. There should be meaning behind the presentation. Bringing it back to education, it's also essential to understand the ritual and not recite it.

While these are just my own musings on supports of a lodge, I think an honest reflection on these three areas within your Lodge may prompt a discussion on how to adjust how things have always been done to how things could be to make the Masonic experience better.

~TJW

Bro. Thomas “TJ” Williams, is a member of Triangle Lodge #1 in Portland, Maine, and King Hiram Lodge #57 in Mexico, Maine. Currently, he is serving as Wor. Grand Pursuivant to the Grand Lodge of Maine. Among his Blue Lodge membership, he is actively involved with the Valley of the Androscoggin, Scottish Rite NMJ, and started his journey through the York Rite bodies. Though he only joined the Craft in 2018, he is actively working to enrich the experience through his service on the Member Education and Lodge Services Committee. He is well known amongst Maine’s Grand Jurisdiction as a “The Traveling T”, a nickname given by the current Grand Master, as he finds himself in lodges several nights a week.

More than Green Beans at the Masonic Table

by Midnight Freemason

Robert E. Jackson, PM

What are the biggest holidays of the modern era?  I would say Thanksgiving, and Christmas. What main event is shared with both of those holidays?  A big, bountiful, meal with all of your family. The Normal Rockwell picture! Think now about the big moments in life?  Birthdays, Graduations, Weddings, Funeral…they all have a primary meal aspect to the occasion. It seems that nearly every special occasion in life accords a nice meal around your closest friends, and family.  In times back, not very long ago, the family would sit down every night to dinner and discuss the events of the day. It was ritualistic occurrence nearly every night that strengthened the bonds of the family and taught many of us the manners we know today.  I suspect there is a low likelihood of this ritual existing today, which makes those big gatherings that much more important.

Every month, ten months per year (minimum usually), there is a special event at each of our Lodges.  Each time we gather, it is a special event, and as we've seen, each special event deserves a bountiful meal. It doesn't have to be a costly endeavor, or overly time consuming.  Details like tablecloths, the arrangement of the tables, and the utensils used can spruce up even the most drab green beans. We shouldn't forget, however, that its not the quality of the food that makes the evening special, it's the quality of the company.   In many cases, this is the only time we get to meet and talk with some of our Brothers, our family. Sometimes we catch up on family events and health, but sometimes we also have the opportunity to discuss more of the symbolism in our ritual. Well, what about the symbolism in the meal itself?

What are our wages? Corn, wine, and oil.  Yes we learn they mean health, plenty, and peace, but at the basis of these artifacts, we have food, drink, and warmth…the bare necessities of human life.  When we feed a Brother, we are providing them with energy, and life. Furthermore, our food, all that we ingest, connects us with the Earth in which the food was grown.  It is energy from the sun and nutrients from the air and ground. We consume, produce our own energy, and return what is left back to the Earth to continue the cycle. As Masons, I feel our connection to Nature is like none other, and every meal provides us with an opportunity to recognize that connection.

As Masons, we are also taught to be charitable, caring for the weak, and the sick.  We also need to consider this characteristic in the realm of food and drink. Gluttony not only damages our own bodies, but can deprive others of those requirements for survival.  Certainly there are enough instances where the excess of drink has not only impaired health, but has ruined lives. As we sit back with a full belly, contemplate the virtue of temperance, and how critical it can be to the wellbeing of our communities.

But it's more than just filling the belly.  Around the table, a bond is made. Conversations that might otherwise not have happened, flourish.  In the Christian belief, the Last Supper is where Jesus announced to his disciples that one of them would betray him.  Quite a heavy subject, and accusation. The bread was broken, and consumed, and from that point on Jesus would live within each of them, including Judas, who not only betrayed Jesus, but he betrayed himself.  How would this story be different were it not gathered around the table (I still find it strange that they all sat on the same side of the table).

On a lighter note, restauranteurs are finding that when they allow their staff to eat together, the bonds within them strengthen and they create better friends.  These are companies whose primary job is to provide a quality meal. They are now learning that it isn't just the meal, it is the interaction during the meal. People are finding that those bonds created around the table not only improve their own happiness, but also retention in the workplace.  Have you ever left a job? It's not the job you miss, or that you have to say goodbye to. It's saying goodbye to the friends you've made in your career that hurts.

The importance of sitting at the table, and sharing that sacred space (and it really is a sacred space) can not be overstated.  The energy from the Earth undergoes its own alchemical transformation, take the basic building blocks of life and creating material ready for your consumption.  All of this enables us to work, play, and maintain health. In some cultures, simply sitting at the table is a noble act. Slaves would eat standing….continuing their work, no table at which to sit.  Only the nobles, those worthy, were welcome at the table. My Brothers, we are all worthy, and should welcome the opportunity to sit at the table in Harmony with our Brothers in Freemasonry.

~REJ

Robert Edward Jackson is a Past Master and Secretary of Montgomery Lodge located in Milford, MA. His Masonic lineage includes his Father (Robert Maitland), Grandfather (Maitland Garrecht), and Great Grandfather (Edward Henry Jackson), a founding member of Scarsdale Lodge #1094 in Scarsdale, NY. When not studying ritual, he's busy being a father to his three kids, a husband, Boy Scout Leader, and a network engineer to pay for it all. He can be reached at info@montgomerylodge.org

One Day + Three Degrees = Some Great Masons

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

WB Robert E. Jackson

*Editors Note*

The following article comes out of the Trowel, the publication of the Grand Lodge of the State of Massachusetts and was written by WB. Robert E. Jackson. It was published in the Summer 2018 Issue and a link to the entire issue is HERE.

Every man has their own journey, not just in Masonry, but in life. Our individuality is what makes us unique, by definition. We see that in the music we enjoy, the foods we find appetizing, what we find attractive or funny, and how we learn. Just last night, I had a conversation with some Brothers, and we were talking about how we learn ritual. Each of us had our own solution, but none of us were 'wrong.' Thinking back to when I took my degrees, I'm amazed at how much I didn't learn during those months. A spark was ignited for sure, but the fire was far from burning. It wasn't until years later that the spark was fanned by a dear Brother, and the passion grew into a bonfire.

Where were you first prepared to be made for Mason? What does the answer to that question really mean? Think about your spouse, or your family. There is an inherent Love in your heart. I don't have to think about if I Love my kids…I just do. Even if they do something I’m not happy with, I still, and will always, Love them. It's the same for my spouse. Regardless of our disagreements, we would rather work and find a way to preserve our relationship, because a life together, regardless of how difficult, is better than a life apart. How much time it takes to kindle that Love, is another point of individuality within ourselves. For some, it takes years to foster that Love, but for others, that Love is instantaneous.

WB Robert E. Jackson (right) presents "pin #1" to the Grand Master  of MA.

In your own journey, how long did it really take you to grow that Love for Masonry? Today, I'm amazed at how easy it is for some men to walk away from the Craft. They allow their status to go into suspension, or they demit. When I think back, however, I was almost one of them. If it wasn't for my family connections, and a very dear Brother, I probably would have found myself an inactive Mason. It took years for that fire to build for me, how long did it take for you? It doesn't matter whether you received the degrees in a single day, or over the course of years, what matters is how that Love and passion for the Craft sparked and grew into a shining beacon across a sea of darkness.

Today's modern man is vastly different from that of my father's younger life. Today's man is working at least one full time job, helping cook dinner and cleanup, volunteering with their kid's activities, and assisting with general household tasks. A good man's life, is a busy one. Yes there are some that work the bare minimum, and spend more time in front of a screen than they do in front of their family. However, is that the man that will step forward and volunteer to help? Is that the man that will constantly work towards a better version of themselves? The one-day class enables today's busy man to ignite that flame of Freemasonry. You could argue that if they are that busy, how will they find time for the Craft? However, that argument stands regardless of the method in which they were raised.

My Brothers, look for that spark within your fellow Man. Does he truly wish to improve himself through hard work and study? Does he truly want to be of service to his fellow man? Does he truly wish to continue searching for more Light? Don't let that spark die. There are many ways that spark can be initiated…from flint and steel to a butane torch. Our job is to fan those flames, and never let that flame die out.

~REJ

Robert Edward Jackson is a Past and presiding Master of Montgomery Lodge located in Milford, MA. His Masonic lineage includes his Father (Robert Maitland), Grandfather (Maitland Garrecht), and Great Grandfather (Edward Henry Jackson), a founding member of Scarsdale Lodge #1094 in Scarsdale, NY. When not studying ritual, he's busy being a father to his three kids, a husband, Boy Scout Leader, and a network engineer to pay for it all. He can be reached at info@montgomerylodge.org

Off to Camp Masonry

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

Robert H. Johnson

Well, I was out at lodge late last night and I hurried home to quickly pack. Why? Well, I was invited to attend this years "Camp Masonry". Up at 5:15, hot shave and out the door. Friday morning airport commuting in Chicago isn't fun. Thanks to my wife Cori for taking me. Ask her to give you a ride to the airport and she'll likely give you a slap-- especially at 5:30 am.

Camp Masonry is something new for me. It promises to be a fun filled weekend full of speakers, fellowship and edification. You can read all about it on their website, www.campmasonry.com . There, you will find a wonderful array of speakers, events and even degrees which will be performed. I've always enjoyed camping and the outdoors and with that the chance to disconnect.

Disconnecting is hard for me and I am sure it's hard for you too. We manage facebook pages, moderate groups, write articles and keep in touch with our close friends on social media and text our closest loved ones. Take away a phone and it's bound to cause some anxieties-- anxieties that fade after 48 hours, but the point is they do fade.

I'm looking forward to disconnection from the glowing handheld block in my pocket and connecting face to face, through a handshake and good conversations. It's a rare chance in the fast paced world of today. I've written about things like process improvement, time savings, maximizing results and all of it is done through maximum technology engagement. What are we supposed to do when it's time to go against this? I imagine we're supposed to just sit back and relax and enjoy the ride. And that's just what I am going to do over the next couple of days. Sit back, relax and enjoy the company of friends and brothers. To be sure, I'll still be connected, but perhaps a bit less distracted.

Have a great weekend brothers, cheers!

~RHJ

RWB, Robert Johnson is the Managing Editor of the Midnight Freemasons blog. He is a Freemason out of the 1st N.E. District of Illinois. He currently serves as the Secretary of Waukegan Lodge No. 78 where he is a Past Master. He is also a Past District Deputy 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 focus 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 and is also an avid home brewer. 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.

Here I Go Again On My Own...Just Kidding

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

Robert H. Johnson

About this time last year, I was about ready to hop in my friend and Brother’s car to ride down to Grand Lodge Sessions. In fact, I wrote about it and you can read it here. This time around, we’re heading down via the train. A time-honored tradition. This year there are several Masons from the 1st Northeastern district taking the train. We’re taking the Metra to the historic Chicago Union Station, where we’ll meet up in the executive lounge and then take the train down via business class. If all goes well, business class will be full of Freemasons.

I’m really looking forward to the trip this year. Last year I traveled down as my final year of being a District Education Officer and would be installed as a District Deputy Grand Master. This year, I’m going down as, and remaining, a DDGM. I’m looking forward to the fellowship and taking lots of pictures. In fact, I’ll hopefully be documenting the entire experience with my instamatic camera. I hope to capture some great moments. 

Recently, I’ve been remembering some of the hobbies I left behind when I became extraordinarily active within the craft. I’ve been sitting down and playing guitar again, but also, and even more so, I’ve been getting back into photography. I was a photographer and lab technician for almost eight years, and that was ten years ago! Being inspired by Greg Knott’s photos, seeing some of the great shots from our TMR-Con and the photos from the latest MRF symposium, lead me to get back in the saddle. 

Recently, when Scott Dueball decided it was time to buy a new lens for his Canon, I made a recommendation for a fixed 50mm. Seeing him get into it and taking pictures of his new baby made me remember the thrill and fun of taking pictures. So, here I go again...but not alone by any means. See you all down at Grand Lodge.

~RHJ

RWB, Robert Johnson is the Managing Editor of the Midnight Freemasons blog. He is a Freemason out of the 1st N.E. District of Illinois. He currently serves as the Secretary of Waukegan Lodge No. 78 where he is a Past Master. He also serves as the District Deputy 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 focus 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 and is also an avid home brewer. He is currently working on a book of Masonic essays and one on Occult Anatomy to be released soon.

The Caretaker: A Photograph

By Midnight Freemason Contributor

Robert H. Johnson, PM

This week as I was looking around the office for something to write about, I asked my wife what I should talk about next. She said "How about that photograph of Curtis?" I didn't think about it for more than a second or two. I knew that's what I should write about. While the photograph isn't an artifact, it does have a story and a real meaning to me.

Curtis was a Past Master, he was my mentor and he was a great friend who imparted to me what Freemasonry was all about. When I first became a Freemason, the Worshipful Master told me that Curtis would be my Intender. I didn't know what that meant at the time. But week after week, I met Curtis at the lodge. Every Monday, rain or shine, we sat there in the foyer of the lodge and practiced my catechism.

We'd go through it a bit then something would always come up and we'd break away from the memory work and talk instead about life. Curtis taught me a lot about life. Things I never even considered before. How to treat people, being a leader, knowing how and when to say "no", we talked about the benefits of having hearing aids (He joked about turning his off so as not to hear his wife yell at him), but most of all, we talked about Freemasonry and what it did for him in his life. He once told me his favorite bumper sticker said "Whence Came You?", because no one but a Mason would know what it meant. Now you know the backstory on the name of my podcast.

I was Curtis' last pupil. Shortly after being raised to Master Mason, the lodge got together and bought Curtis a Lifetime Membership, a token of appreciation for all he had done for Waukegan Lodge #78 over the years. I remember sitting in the dining hall thinking, "I hope I can influence as many men as he did someday."

During our catechism practices, Curtis would smoke. And in between cigarettes, he would take multiple hits off of his inhaler. He was funny that way. This was back in the day of course, before smoking was banned in lodges (which wasn't that long ago). Curtis told me one day that he knew his time was coming. I always played it off. I would say things like, "You have another 100 years old man." Of course he knew and so did I, that I was wrong.

One morning I received a call from another Brother of the lodge. Zig was his name. Zig is still around and one feisty old sailor, I might add. He said, "Bob, Curtis is in the hospital. Betty took him in, he was having a rough time breathing." I told Zig that we should go see him and of course Zig swung by the house and picked me up. When I arrived at the hospital, he was in bed and sleeping. Betty, his wife, said he's been tired and not able to sleep comfortably. So Zig and I sat there and just talked.

Soon however, Curtis woke up and smiled. He asked how we were doing and made some small talk. He fatigued easily. He had to do some lung exercises while we were there as well. All in all, it looked as though he'd go home in a few days. I held his hand and said, "Curtis, Zig and I are taking off. Get some rest, Brother."

And that was the last time I ever saw Curtis. He passed that evening and I received the call the next day. I stayed home from work that day. It was a weird feeling altogether. Feeling a sadness like that for someone I hadn't truly known for that long. But there I was, head in hands, sobbing.

I'll never forget the the first Masonic Funeral I ever attended. It was Curtis'. And I will never forget what Terry Behling, a Past Master and mentor from our lodge said as he and I stood in the lounge of the funeral home. We stood there in silence, sipping burnt coffee and eating those awful short bread funeral cookies, I'm sure we looked a mess. Terry looked up and said, "You know who I really feel sorry for? All the new Brothers who won't get that experience."

He was right. Curtis brought something to the table that I have yet to see again. Years after he passed away, another mentor of the lodge was in the dining room going through some old pictures. One of them was this picture. I asked him if I could have it. "Of course." Was the reply. I've kept this picture in my office ever since. In all my Masonic endeavors I think about Curtis and I guess in my own way, get an approval.

~RHJ 

Bro. Robert Johnson, PM is the Managing Editor of the Midnight Freemasons blog. He is a Freemason out of the First North-East District of Illinois. He is the Secretary of Waukegan Lodge No. 78 and Education officer for the 1st N.E. District of Illinois as well as a member on the Grand Lodge Education Committee. He is also a member of the York Rite bodies, AMD, The Illinois Lodge of Research and a member of the Scottish Rite Valley of Chicago as well as a charter member of the Society of King Solomon, a charity organization run by the Grand Lodge of Illinois. Brother Johnson currently produces and hosts weekly Podcasts (internet radio programs) Whence Came You? & Masonic Radio Theatrewhich focus on topics relating to Freemasonry. In addition, he produces video shorts focusing on driving interest in the Fraternity and writes original Masonic papers from time to time. He is also a co-host of The Masonic Roundtable, a Masonic talk show. He is a husband and father of four. He works full time in the executive medical industry and is also a photographer on the side as well as an avid home brewer. He is currently working on a book of Masonic essays.

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.

Liking Each Other

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

RWB Michael H. Shirley

I’ve been going to the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Illinois every year since I was raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason. It’s been a different experience every time, with new experiences on top of old ones, new friendships made and old friendships renewed, conversations both sublime and mundane, and always a sense of belonging. 

Sometimes my wife, Debra, accompanies me. It’s the only time aside from weddings we both get to dress well, eat well, and have adult conversations in elegant surroundings. The Grand Communication is held in Springfield, our state capital, which is home to the Abraham Lincoln home, the Old State Capital, and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, so there’s a lot for her to do if she chooses when the weird guys in aprons are meeting for various essential and non-essential purposes. 

We went there together for the first time in 2010, had fun with friends at the various banquets, hospitality rooms, and hotel lobbies, and generally enjoyed ourselves thoroughly. After the weekend was over, we were heading home, and I asked her what she thought. Without hesitating, she said, “I like how you guys like each other so much.”

And that really sums up a lot of what I love about the Craft. There’s a reason the first tenet of a Mason’s profession is Brotherly Love. Without that, nothing else matters. Masonry removes the barrier of mistrust that seems to exist in the profane world and that causes others to remain at a perpetual distance from one another. My closest friends in this world are almost all Masons, and it’s not just because they are likeable guys; it’s because they go out of their way to like other people. Deb saw it right away, and if there’s one thing that keeps her patient with me as I spend yet another evening at a Masonic event, it’s the precious gift of Brotherly Love I’ve found in Freemasonry. I find it in the stated meetings at my home lodge and I find it in the Annual Communication of my Grand Lodge. And so I’ll keep going back, year after year, because it renews both my love of the Craft and my connection to my Brethren. With any luck, Deb will come too.

~RWB

R.W.B. Michael H. Shirley serves the Grand Lodge of Illinois, A.F. & A.M, as Leadership Development Chairman and Assistant Area Deputy Grand Master of the Eastern Area. A Certified Lodge Instructor, he is a Past Master and Life Member of Tuscola Lodge No. 332 and a plural member of Island City Lodge No. 330, F & AM, in Minocqua, Wisconsin. He is Past Most Wise Master of the George E. Burow Chapter of Rose Croix in the Valley of Danville, IL; he is also a member of the Illinois Lodge of Research, the York Rite, Eastern Illinois Council No. 356 Allied Masonic Degrees, Eastern Star, Illini High Twelve, and the Tall Cedars of Lebanon.The author of several article on British and American history, he teaches at Eastern Illinois University.You can contact him at: m.h.shirley@gmail.com