Father's Day

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

Bro. Ken "JP" Stuczynski

{Wrtitten before my Father's death in 2018, not previously published}


We all can daydream, at least once, about what it would be like to be Grand Master, though we ought to be careful what we wish for. In a moment of weakness, I pictured myself ascending to the East, knowing what my first act would be. I would make my father a Mason on sight (if that's even allowed in our jurisdiction) so that he could sit within the tyled communication near me in the East. I could see him putting on his apron for the first time, and for me, it would be an unforgettable sight.

But the truth is my father doesn't need an apron. He already has made his whole life a journey that of a good man ever becoming better.

Masonic myth reaches farther back than recorded history and rational sense would limit. We have a tendency to elevate the legends and likes such as Solomon, or even Noah and Adam, as having been Masons. We want to retroactively install our spiritual antecedents as Grand Masters. We want them to be our rightful forefathers in order to stake a lawful claim in their heritage.

But I don't have to reach that far back. The values I would learn from Freemasonry were already prepared in my heart in the days of my youth by my father, as they were in him by his own father. The secrets of being an upright man were passed down unimpeded without ceremony or ritual, at least in the sense we mean it.

The scriptures tell us that during the age of the First Temple, revered men and masters were addressed as "Father", a tradition not unknown to a certain carpenter centuries later who taught us to pray. I do not think mankind has changed so much that we may not learn from this lesson today. I know I have.

But I must be clear. I do not speak of this to say the existence and practice of our moral science is unnecessary to the world or superfluous to ourselves. There are many who need such tools to aspire to higher thoughts and nobler deeds. And we share a common language useful for people who share in human charity and affection, such traits qualifying and guiding them to the Craft long before their first knocks upon our doors.

What I do mean to say is that men are not required to be Masons to be square and good and true. We share in the title Brother, but should never forget this claim extends to all under the Fatherhood of G-d. The grandest riches to be discovered in the soul of a man is the entitled inheritance of every man, regardless of how one finds it. Additionally, this means all good men are our spiritual ancestors and equals.

So we do not need to wish our father, or ancestor, or this or that person in our lives to be or have been a Mason. Masonry was founded and enriched by such men just as others were made better by it.

If I may learn one thing about Masonry from my own father's life, let it be this: our Fraternity is only one possible fruit of the goodness found in the hearts of men. It is not a written law, or cold tradition, or special entitlement to some few, but a practice of faith that binds us to, rather than separates us from, our fellow man. Apron or not, we all play our part in Divine Providence. And we should recognize, both within and without, faithful fellow workmen, our Brothers, and Fathers, as worthy of all our Love and admiration.


Bro. Ken JP Stuczynski is a member of West Seneca Lodge No.1111 and recently served as Master of Ken-Ton Lodge No.1186. As webmaster for NYMasons.Org he is on the Communications and Technology Committees for the Grand Lodge of the State of New York. He is also a Royal Arch Mason and 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason, serving his second term as Sovereign Prince of Palmoni Council in the Valley of Buffalo, NMJ. He also coordinates a Downtown Square Club monthly lunch in Buffalo, NY. He and his wife served as Patron and Matron of Pond Chapter No.853 Order of the Eastern Star and considered himself a “Masonic Feminist”.

Getting the Phone Call

by Senior Midnight Freemason Contributor

WB Gregory J. Knott

 
Fellow Midnight Freemason Brian L. Pettice sent me a text and wondered if I would be able to talk with him and Valley of Danville Commander in Chief Sean P. McBride later that afternoon about an idea they had for a project at the Valley. The Valley of Danville was hosting a small reunion that day (in accordance with all public health rules), but I was unable to attend. My son Hayden and I were working on Hayden’s Eagle Scout project trying to finish it up.

After Hayden and I finished up our work, I took off for the afternoon and went to Camp Robert Drake, our local scout camp. Because of the crazy year 2020 has been, like Freemasonry, almost all of the scouting events for the year have been cancelled. This was my first opportunity to visit camp and it was great being back and seeing the scouts enjoying the great outdoors.

Upon returning home, Brian called via FaceTime and said Sean was live at the Valley of Danville reunion with an announcement they wanted me to be able to hear. Sean asked what I was doing next August, 2021 and said I had been elected to receive the 33rd degree of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite at next year’s annual meeting. I was left speechless. It was a great moment. The rush of emotions came over me and I admittedly slightly teared up.

It takes a while to process something like this. I asked myself, what was it I had done to be chosen, when there are so many others who are equally deserving? Whatever the reason, I am extremely both honored and humbled to have been chosen. This fraternity means the world to me. I have met so many amazing fellow Masons from literally all over the world. I have grown both personally and professionally from the experiences I have gained since joining over a decade ago.

Freemasonry isn’t about titles or degrees, it is about using the working tools of the lessons learned for self improvement of the individual man with the expectation that he will go back into the community and make it a better place. My only hope is that I have applied these lessons in my community and helped strengthen it.

I am very much looking forward to next year's annual Scottish Rite NJ meeting in Cleveland. Joining me in receiving the 33rd degree from the Valley of Danville are my brothers Robert Allen Gill and Michael John Puhr. All three of us were officers at the same time in the Danville Lodge of Perfection line, which makes it all the more special.

Thank you to everyone who has helped make my Masonic journey so rich and meaningful.

 

~GJK

 

WB Gregory J. Knott is a founding member and Senior Contributor of the Midnight Freemasons blog. He is a Past Master of St. Joseph Lodge No. 970 in St. Joseph (IL) and a plural member of Ogden Lodge No. 754 (IL), Homer Lodge No. 199 (IL) and Naval Lodge No. 4 in Washington, DC. He’s a member of the Scottish Rite, the York Rite, Eastern Star and is the Charter Secretary of the Illini High Twelve Club No. 768 in Champaign-Urbana. He is also a member of ANSAR Shrine (IL) and the Eastern Illinois Council No. 356 Allied Masonic Degrees. Greg serves on the Board of Directors of The Masonic Society and is a member of the Scottish Rite Research Society and The Philathes Society. He is a charter member of a new Illinois Royal Arch Chapter, Admiration Chapter U.D. and serves as its Secretary. Greg is very involved in Boy Scouts—an Eagle Scout himself, he is a member of the National Association of Masonic Scouters. You can contact him at gknott63@gmail.com

 

Honor Flight to Washington DC

by Senior Midnight Freemason Contributor 

WB Gregory J. Knott

Late this summer I had the incredible opportunity to serve as an Escort for an Honor Flight to Washington DC. If you are not familiar with the Honor Flight program, it was founded in 2005 by Earl Morse, a retired Air Force Captain and Physician Assistant for the Department of Veterans Affairs. Morse realized that after the opening of the WW II Memorial in Washington DC in 2004, many veterans would not be able to see their memorial, as they had no way or the means to get to Washington DC. Morse organized six small planes that flew 12 veterans to DC to see their memorial. This visit paved the way for the founding of the Honor Flight program.

The purpose of the Honor Flight program is to take WW II, Korean and Vietnam veterans on a one-day round trip flight to visit the memorials in Washington DC. Each veteran is paired with an escort who ensures that the veterans can physically get to each of the stops and assists them with any other needs they might have for the duration of the flight and visit. This group of veterans is aging rapidly with many of them needing wheel chairs to be able to participate.

I had long wanted to participate in the Honor Flight program after I attended a homecoming event several years ago. One night when I was on the Honor Flight website, I applied to become an escort and was accepted a few weeks later. Because I didn’t specify any veteran, I was to be paired up with whomever might need someone to go with them.

When I received the trip information, I was informed that I would be going with David, who was a Korean War Marine veteran who lived in nearby Tilton, Illinois. I didn’t personally know David, so I arranged to meet him a few weeks before our departure to have lunch. We had a good lunch and talked about many things as I got to know him. David’s wife had passed away a couple of years ago and he spoke fondly of their long marriage and life together. David had retired from the post office and was long involved with his church, including serving many years as an Elder. It was a great lunch and made my anticipation of the trip even more exciting.

In late August, David and I drove to Springfield, Illinois where the chartered jet would take us and 92 other veterans and over 100 staff and escorts to Washington DC. The Honor Flight team out of Springfield are all volunteers. Many of them have been staffing these trips for years and they have the entire day planned down to the minute. All the logistics had been taken care of in advance. I simply cannot say enough about the good work this team of volunteers does. It was outstanding.

We left about 4:00 AM from Springfield and landed at Reagan National Airport a couple of hours later. We were given a police escort as the buses left Reagan for DC with the first stop being the Navy Memorial on Pennsylvania Avenue. As the day progressed, we also visited the WW II Memorial, Korean War Memorial, Vietnam Memorial, Air Force Memorial, , Air and Space Museum, drove by the Pentagon Memorial and finished up at Arlington National Cemetery to see the changing of the guard. It was a long full day, but it went off without any issues.

David, who was the youngest of several children, brought along his oldest brother George along on this trip. George was killed in action during the Battle of Tinian in the Pacific during WW II. David had a laminated news-paper clipping and picture of George that he wore throughout the trip. When we were at the WW II Memorial, I was able to take a picture of David and George in front of the Tinian maker, near the Pacific fountain.

As we concluded the trip, we headed back to Reagan National Airport for the trip home to Springfield. We boarded the plane and ended up having a 4-hour delay as we sat on the tarmac because of storm that had caused delays across the country. Originally, we were to be back about 

9:00 PM to Capitol Airport in Springfield, where the veterans would be greeted by numerous people to welcome them home.

We ended up getting back about 1:00 AM and I assumed that the crowd would not have waited and there would only be just a handful of people there. I could not have been more wrong. There were hundreds of people who waited for us as the veterans departed the plane. They were lined up as the veterans were led through a procession with bagpipes playing and American flags waving. This was one of the most emotional events I have ever participated in. I honestly was in tears as I pushed David through the procession in his wheel chair. The well wishes from the crowd was sincere as they showed their gratitude for the service these veterans gave our nation. I was particularly impressed to see several Freemasons who are members of the ANSAR Shriners out of Springfield, IL as part of the welcoming party.

I did not serve in the military and felt incredibly humbled and frankly almost not worthy of being in the presence of so many men who did serve. One member of our flight had been a POW in Vietnam and another a WW II Veteran who had received two Silver Stars. The stories I heard that day did nothing but reaffirm the deep respect and affection I have for those men and women who have served our country. I was so grateful to be chosen to serve as David’s escort for this amazing experience.

If you would like to learn more about the Honor Flight program or would consider donating to this amazing non-profit. Please visit their website at https://www.honorflight.org/. No Veteran is ever charged to go on these flights. Most areas of the country have an Honor Flight network who coordinates applications for the trips to DC. I encourage you to consider becoming an escort for an Honor Flight, I can assure there is no greater feeling of pride that I have had as American to be around these true American heroes.

~GJK

WB Gregory J. Knott is the Worshipful Master of Ogden Lodge No. 754 in Ogden (IL) and a plural member of St. Joseph Lodge No. 970 (IL), Homer Lodge No. 199 (IL) and Naval Lodge No. 4 in Washington, DC

The Painting

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

Steven L. Harrison, 33°, FMLR

The Manitoba Legislative Building, located in downtown Winnipeg, is a cornucopia of symbolism. The building was completed in 1920. It's architect was Frank Worthington Simon. There is some evidence Simon may have been a Freemason, but nothing definitive. Nonetheless, he filled the edifice with enough esoteric elements – Masonic and otherwise – to make it an interesting and fun place to visit.

Manitoba's famous "Golden Boy," a statue of the Greek god Hermes, sits atop the dome of the 242 foot structure overlooking the city. Around the perimeter visitors can find statuary representing a number of other gods and goddesses including Ishtar, Europa, and Neptune. Two stately sphinxes lie in repose facing opposite directions to symbolically guard the entrance from above.

Inside, visitors find the immense grand hall measuring 66.6 feet on each side, an allusion to the number of the beast. There one also finds Medusa and Athena overlooking the grand staircase consisting of three flights of thirteen steps. In addition to the myriad of other symbolic statues, structures, and icons housed there, the building even has a room representing the Sanctum Sanctorum of King Solomon's Temple. It is the Lieutenant Governor's Reception Room and, like the Holy of Holies, entry is allowed only once a year.

At the top of the grand staircase sits an archway crowned by a Frank Brangwyn mural. Brangwyn was a Welsh artist who, like Simon, may have had Masonic ties. At first glance the painting is a World War I scene with what appears to be a wounded man in tattered clothes being helped along by comrades. A long object, perhaps a cannon, trails the group, as they appear to be making their way through a crowd. In this configuration the painting is said to represent Canada's contribution to World War I.

A second glance at the painting reveals a faint depiction of the Madonna and Child above the head of the wounded soldier. The right shoulder of the man standing next to him seems to form a halo over the wounded man and the viewer might imagine the long trailing object to represent the cross as the painting almost transforms itself into a depiction of Christ bearing his cross to Calvary.

A closer look at the central figure reveals him wearing a white shirt opened to reveal his naked right chest, leading some to compare the scene to a Masonic initiation. Most Brothers can immediately pick up on a flaw in that analogy. However, ignoring that discrepancy it may be interesting to compare the man's garb to that worn in initiations and speculate on the artist's intent to have his subject dressed as the proverbial poor blind candidate.

Whatever you personally might see in the painting, it is always prudent to remember symbolism, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder. 

~SLH

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

Installing Our Tyler

by Midnight Freemason Senior Contributor

WB Gregory J. Knott

Members of Homer Lodge No 199 for installation of Carl D. Lewis as Tyler

Our Tyler for Homer Lodge No. 199, Carl D. Lewis (Carl D.) was recently unable to attend our installation of officers because he was ill. At our recent lodge meeting, WB Darin Lahners who is WM of Homer Lodge this year suggested that we go to Carl and install him in his office. We all quickly agreed that this was an excellent idea and made a date and time to make it happen.

Carl D. Lewis has been a Mason for more than 65 years. His home lodge is Ogden No. 754 and he is a plural member of Homer Lodge No. 199 (as several of us are). He is a veteran of WW 2, having served as a ball turret gunner on a B-24 and still is an active member of the Ogden American Legion Post. Carl D. faithfully attends both Ogden and Homer lodge meetings.

Carl D.’s son, Carl W. Lewis made arrangements for us to visit his father and reserved a place for us to meet. Carl D. didn’t know we all were coming and the look on his face when he saw us all in the room was priceless. He was totally surprised.

We explained what our visit was about and told him the honor of installing him would be given to his son Carl W. Carl W. proceeded to install his farther as Tyler of Homer Lodge No. 199 and presented him with the sword, apron and jewel of his office.

As with any proper installation we had some cake and cookies for afterword. Carl D. was really gotten by our presence and told us thank you and that he was truly honored by our act of brotherhood and friendship. I believe every one of us whom were there, felt it was our honor to be able to participate in this awesome experience.

Carl D. celebrated his 93rdbirthday on Monday and is recovering nicely and we anticipate him returning to lodge meetings very shortly.

As Midnight Freemason Founder Todd E. Creason commented on social media, “Excellent! Just Excellent! People ask me why I joined the Fraternity. This is one reason.”

I couldn’t agree more.

~GJK

WB Gregory J. Knott is the Worshipful Master of Ogden Lodge No. 754 in Ogden (IL) and a plural member of St. Joseph Lodge No. 970 (IL), Homer Lodge No. 199 (IL) and Naval Lodge No. 4 in Washington, DC.

The Highest Level of Valor

by Senior Midnight Freemason Contributor

WB Gregory J. Knott

The Congressional Medal of Honor is the highest award for valor that our country bestows upon those serving in the armed forces for action against an enemy force.

I recently had the absolute privilege of having a Congressional Medal of Honor in my office at the University of Illinois Library. This medal was awarded to Major Kenneth M. Bailey of Danville, Illinois who was killed in action during the battle of Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands on September 1942.

Bailey was a 1935 graduate of the University of Illinois and is the only Illinois alumni to ever be awarded the Medal of Honor. After graduation from Illinois, Bailey joined the United States Marine Corps and was commissioned a second lieutenant on July 1, 1935.

On December 7, 1941, the Japanese attacked the American base at Pearl Harbor Hawaii and our participation in WW II had begun. The 1st Marine Raider Battalion, of which Bailey was a member, were ordered from San Diego to Tutuila, American Samoa, arriving there April 30, 1942

By the summer of 1942, the Allies had made plans for a major offensive in the Solomon Islands, which were held by the Japanese. These Islands were vital for supply lines which the allies needed to resupply and support their troops.

On August 7, 1942, 8 months to the day after Pearl Harbor, the allied forces invaded at several locations in the Solomons under an offensive designated Operation Watchtower. Part of Operation Watchtower included taking a very small island known as Tulagi. Company C, 1st Marine Raider Battalion under the leadership of Bailey was given this task. The allies had surprised the Japanese and fierce fighting ensued. Bailey was awarded the Silver Star and Purple Heart for his heroism at Tulagi.

As Bailey and company C were fighting in Tulagi, other Marine units had invaded Guadalcanal and could take the airfield which was later named Henderson Field. Guadalcanal was a small but strategic location within the Solomon Islands. The Japanese forces had been building an airfield and base that was intended to cut off vital Allied supply lines.

But the Japanese were determined to retake Henderson Field and attacked the Americans’ relentlessly. Company C having left Tulagi was sent to Bloody Ridge on Guadalcanal to help the allies hold and defend Henderson Field.

September 12-14 saw fierce fighting with the Japanese who had penetrated some of the American lines on Bloody ridge near Henderson field. Bailey led his men in repulsing a Japanese attack on their position. Two Japanese bullets pierced his helmet. Exhausting hand to hand combat continued for 10 hours. The Marines had repulsed the Japanese attack and held Henderson field.

On September 27, 1942, Major Bailey was killed by a Japanese sniper as Company C was fighting along the Matanikau River. For his actions in the battle at Bloody Ridge he was posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor.

Holding Major Bailey’s medal was a humbling experience. I couldn’t help but think about his tremendous story of service and sacrifice to ensure that our country and freedoms would endure for future generations.

Thank you, Major Bailey, for your dedication, service and personal sacrifice to ensure the United States of America remains a free nation and beacon of light for the world.

~GJK

WB Gregory J. Knott is the Past Master of St. Joseph Lodge No. 970 in St. Joseph (IL) and a plural member of Ogden Lodge No. 754 (IL), Homer Lodge No. 199 (IL) and Naval Lodge No. 4 in Washington, DC.

Why Memorial Day Matters

By Midnight Freemason Contributor

WB Gregory J. Knott

Memorial Day for many is the beginning of summer and time to spend outside with family and friends.   I have done so many times myself, but in recent years I have begun reflecting on what Memorial Day really should mean for all of us.

Sgt. Arthur J. Knott 1917-1944

In World War II my Great-Uncle Arthur J. Knott was serving in the 8^th Infantry Division, 45^th Artillery Battalion of the U.S. Army and was participating in the Battle of the Bulge near the Hurtgen Forest in Germany.

The 8^th Division was driving hard through what was described as “the dense and forbidding forests…During this day and night artillery hell in the mud and snow of the Hurtgen Forest…”  The 45^th Artillery was having on average one soldier per day wounded during the battle.  On December 24, 1944 Sgt. Knott stepped on a landmine and died two days later from wounds he received because of the explosion.

I have some letters that Art was writing home to his sisters.  The first few are from July 1944 when he was in England and things were going well.  In an October 13, 1944 letter, while he was in Belgium Art wrote, “I haven’t been feeling so well for the past few weeks.  My back has been hurting right smart, but the doctor don’t do it any good.  You know I am not a young chicken anymore and I can’t take it like I used to.  Have you heard any more about Junior (his brother/my Grandfather Hiram Knott Jr. who had been injured in Europe)?  How about Dad and all the rest (of his siblings)?”

Things were tough for Art and were going to get tougher in the weeks ahead, as the Battle of Bulge began in full force.  Yet from his letters, I could tell he was mainly concerned with his family.  How were his brothers and sisters doing?  He had two other brothers in the service, Hiram Knott, Jr. and Dillard Knott.  In many of the letters he was asking about his father Hiram Knott, Sr., but seemingly had not heard from him in many months.

Art’s letter give insight into what I believe most soldiers are feeling, that is they are serving their country to help and protect their loved ones at home.  They are ensuring our freedoms and liberties to help our democracy survive and prosper.

I never knew my Uncle personally, but learned his story him from his brothers and sisters all whom have passed on now.  

To the Gold Star families who have lost loved ones in the service to our country, I extend to you my heartfelt thanks for helping defend freedom.

WB Gregory J. Knott is the Past Master of St. Joseph Lodge No. 970 in St. Joseph (IL) and a plural member of Ogden Lodge No. 754 (IL), Homer Lodge No. 199 (IL) and Naval Lodge No. 4 in Washington, DC.  He’s a member of the Scottish Rite, the York Rite, Eastern Star and is the Charter Secretary of the Illini High Twelve Club No. 768 in Champaign-Urbana.  He is also a member of ANSAR Shrine (IL) and the Eastern Illinois Council No. 356 Allied Masonic Degrees.  Greg serves on the Board of Directors of The Masonic Society and is a member of the Scottish Rite Research Society and The Philathes Society.  Greg is very involved in Boy Scouts—an Eagle Scout himself, he is a member of the National Association of Masonic Scouters.