Is 2020 a throw-away year?

 by Midnight Freemason Contributor
Bro. Michael Arce

Now that we have returned to Lodge for a new year, I'm sure we have all shared this experience: it's awkward. That's quite a statement in a year that has been difficult and inconvenient. From watching games with cardboard cutouts of fans and crowd noise played over the speakers, to virtual meetings for everything, this year has been socially distanced. It appears that we have collectively written off 2020. I don't want to suggest this is a throwaway year; that would be an insult to the memories of those we have lost during the pandemic. But you can feel it. Even those with strong will are coping with some form of stress or anxiety over the uncertainty ahead.

Instead of a throwaway, a year meant to be discarded, 2020 is shaping up to be more of a year that deserves an asterisk. We had goals. We had plans, events, and moments that were canceled, delayed, or forfeited. Yet, when we look back on the year 2020, time did pass every day, and history was recorded. To be fair, if there is something worthy of an asterisk, it would be 2020. That mark would be an appropriate symbol for anyone who felt like something was taken from them this year. We could offer it as a consolation for those ready to write off the remaining three months remaining on the calendar.

The one thing I was looking forward to this fall was going back to Lodge. For those who haven't been allowed to meet since March, this meeting had a homecoming feel. Freemasonry is the one institution the provides many levels of support in our daily lives. We seek that sense of normalcy and familiarity that comes when gathering with our Brothers. That evening under new health guidelines, now part of our everyday life, my Lodge came together to elect and install our new officers for the ensuing year. We watched our Master be re-installed for an additional second year, an unexpected break from recent tradition. I thought of the asterisk that would be applied to so many Worshipful Brothers this season; either their year in the East was extended or their term shortened due to the pandemic. 

The discussion during the business of the evening was to determine an amended Trestleboard. We would be moving from two regularly scheduled meetings a month in our building to one for the remainder of 2020. Our first meeting of the month would be tiled, in Lodge. Our Master suggested that the second meeting be reserved for gathering socially for dinner at a restaurant that could accommodate our group. Time being a great thickener of things, the hope is that we can assess and make changes accordingly in the new year. I could almost see the asterisk appearing as I updated the meeting dates on my iPhone's calendar.

Freemasonry was going to be different this year, for sure.

But I wasn't going to let this be a throwaway year.

I shared this thought with a colleague during our daily lunch break walk. Not the Lodge meeting experience, but the business concept of a "write-off" applied to 2020. We discussed pandemic fatigue, a persistent low-grade form of depression attached to the COVID-19 pandemic. She shared a new trend, "doomscrolling," which is constantly checking your phone for the latest bad news on social media. No surprise, this habit has significantly increased in recent weeks. Then she laughed and said, "this is something you should ask a therapist." So, I did.

Bro. Erik Marks, a Midnight Freemason contributor, is a clinical social worker. He's also a friend who is now used to getting my unsolicited phone calls that often become the fodder for late-night talks. As I recapped what I have shared with you, Dear Reader, I included a point that Bro. Marks made during his appearance on the https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/meetactpart/episodes/2020-05-02T15_06_04-07_00. In May, he was a guest on an episode discussing mental health and Freemasonry. At that time, Bro. Marks outlined how some of the things we have learned during the shutdown could be beneficial when Lodges reopened. "It's actually effective to meet once a month online," he suggested. He recounted a virtual gathering he attended where he reunited with three Brothers online who had moved out of state. These Brothers were able to connect thanks to technology. "To me, that was incredibly valuable because it wasn't Lodge; it wasn't ritual... In an odd way, I was grateful." 

Fast forward five months to our after-hours phone call at the end of September, and Bro. Marks still held the same feelings. Yes, this is going to be a different year. But to those Master Masons recently raised, it is on the rest of us to continue our time-honored traditions and create value in their experience. A newly made Mason should not know the difference in their Entered Apprentice degree conferred under COVID guidelines; the ritual must be the focus. Perhaps focusing on personal development, an internal assessment of our own improvement is most needed during this time of social distancing. For Brothers who have moved into leadership roles, now is the time we can work with new line officers on the details of their chair. Yes, this year is one that can be productive, investing in making good men better.

As our conversation progressed through the evening, I connected a Masonic lesson to the times. There is a line of ritual that http://www.midnightfreemasons.org/2019/02/having-been-tried-never-denied.html. I have previously explored on the Midnight Freemasons blog,We don't have to know how to navigate through each situation or lesson - we must trust "someone who has." Having been tried, never denied, and ready to be tried again prepares one for the lifetime of learning as a Freemason. I've often searched for a practical application of the deeper meaning of being tried. There is no doubt an example was produced when our life suddenly changed in mid-March. Although the universe has presented this pandemic to all of us, a singular event has generated multiple experiences and outcomes. We are being tried. And honestly, it's a daily occurrence. As my teenagers say, "the struggle is real," because it is. Every day brings a new change that probes the boundaries of our acceptance and understanding. This can be personal, professional, or something larger than ourselves --- a movement, world event, or natural disaster. There is no asterisk next to 2020, rather an ever-present test, one that will not be simply dismissed on January 1, 2021.

Our task as Freemasons must be to remain upright men. To continue to employ the Working Tools in our everyday interactions. Most importantly, we must accept and embrace that we are being tried by internal and external forces. Instead of discouraging a Mason, these trials breed confidence deeper than any challenge dares to cross. We have the familiarity of never being denied. And, the perseverance to be tried again.

~MA

Brother Michael Arce is a member of Mt. Vernon Lodge #3 in Albany, New York. When not in Lodge, Bro. Arce is the Marketing Manager for Capital Cardiology Associates in Albany, New York. He enjoys meeting new Brothers and hearing how the Craft has enriched their lives. He can be reached at michael.arce@me.com

Brothers for Life

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

Bro. Michael Arce

(Photo l to r: WB Patrick M. Connor, Jr. and Bro. Michael T. Arce)

Most of my closest friends in life are my fellow Brother Masons. These men are a diverse group, literally touching every culture, lifestyle, political, and religious background. I also have a Brother, who always joked about being brothers someday --- back when we were college roommates. Patrick Connor played lacrosse and was a fine arts major at the University of Arizona when we met. I was the guy who rented the last room in our house. That year in Tucson, Pat and I spent many late nights talking about our two favorite subjects: our dreams and life. 

Even the best-made plans are subject to change. Instead of finishing my degree, I moved from Tucson to Albany, New York, to begin my life. Pat's journey eventually led him to Rhode Island. Pat was the best man at my wedding, and I was honored to be his. With miles between us, we stayed connected through our new lives. When I share my Masonic story, I say with a smile that Pat is why I petitioned a Lodge. "Mike, I know how much you like history. I remember all of our late night talks about life. You would get so much out of this," he would tell me about Freemasonry. I eventually discovered the calling in my heart to visit the Lodge building I would stare at during red lights. Pat was the first person I called after my first visit.

There is a five-year difference in the start of our Masonic journeys. When I was struggling to make time to study the degree proficiencies, Pat was the Master Mason with the calm voice of reason that encouraged me to keep pressing on. I was excited when he was elected a Junior Warden of his Lodge; he congratulated me years later when I took my place in the South. I circled the year he would be elected Master in my calendar; nothing would keep me from visiting his Lodge. That year was 2020. 

Like everything else this year, my visit was in doubt as Lodge meetings moved to computer screens during the shutdown. There was a glimmer of hope in July that his jurisdiction would be reopening Lodges for meetings. The same day that I reached out to my Grand Lodge to arrange for my visit to Harmony Lodge #9 in Cranston, Rhode Island --- New York Governor Mario Cuomo put Rhode Island on our state's quarantine list. Another delay in a year of postponements, I thought. By mid-August, Rhode Island was off the list, and my visit was cleared!

Harmony Lodge was having their first meeting since the pandemic the evening I attended. I was warmly welcomed by the Brothers and sat in awe of the top-notch ritual work in Opening and Closing their Lodge. What made the evening truly memorable was when my best friend, the Worshipful Master, invited me to a seat in the East. During my introduction, he said, "Michael was like my brother before you, my Brothers." I sat next to him that evening, thinking of the magnitude of the moment. Just over twenty years ago, two strangers became best friends and now shared a unique bond as Freemasons.

I'd like to say that the evening's highpoint was visiting Harmony Lodge #9; it has been beautifully restored. Meeting the Brethern was also notable. I hope to travel again as a speaker one evening! The most precious memory of my trip happened after the meeting. Instead of staying up into the early hours of the morning discussing the future and life, we spoke of ritual and Masonry. We shared those parts of degree work and Masonic teachings that can only be communicated with another Brother Mason. Knowing that I will always have my best friend as a Brother for life that I can share this experience brought new meaning to The Tyler's Toast.

"Happy to meet, sorry to part, happy to meet again."
~MA

Brother Michael Arce is a member of Mt. Vernon Lodge #3 in Albany, New York. When not in Lodge, Bro. Arce is the Marketing Manager for Capital Cardiology Associates in Albany, New York. He enjoys meeting new Brothers and hearing how the Craft has enriched their lives. He can be reached at michael.arce@me.com

How does Freemasonry make good men better?

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

Bro. Michael Arce

I was just a little over halfway into my 40-minute run. I have been training to run my first 10K this year; when races reopen, I will be ready. Next to my faithful running partner, my dog Samantha and my favorite running shoes, the Nike Run Club (NRC) app is my companion for every morning run. I had just made the turn at the mid-way point that morning when she delivered a sentence struck me to the core; its intent carried past the finish line.

"Good parents are good teachers. Good parents are good coaches."

Paula Radcliffe is a marathon world record holder. She joined Nike Running Coach Cory Wharton-Malcolm on "Run with Paula," in the NRC app. During the 40-minute run, Paula shared her incredible story of how she trained to set the Women's World Marathon Record with a time of 2:15:25. One would assume that her story would include a rigorous training schedule; it did with details of the specific endurance tactics she used to build her strength and speed abilities in Colorado. Her story also included a series of personal setbacks, a string of top-five finishes in cross-country races before clinching the first-place spot. And like any champion, Paula also had to overcome injuries, including a surgery that sidelined her for almost a year.

What caught my attention was when Coach Cory asked her about her starting line. Typically, a runner describes the day of "their big run," the race that put them on the map in the sport. Radcliffe briefly paused then began to set the stage for the London Marathon, Coach Cory jumped in, assuming she was going to detail the 2003 race when Radcliffe set her last women's marathon world record. She corrected him. Her starting line was the 1983 London Marathon. She recalled watching Ingrid Kristiansen, one of the best female long-distance runners in the 80s, zoom past her as she stood in the crowd. Radcliffe related it a slow-motion fly-by, and at that moment, wanted to capture that feeling for herself.

Paula Radcliffe was blessed with the talent of running. She developed her skill for competition through her father, an amateur marathon runner. Radcliffe summarized her father's influence by saying, "good parents are good teachers. Good parents are good coaches." It was at that moment that my mind connected to Masonry. I had found my answer to the question of how Freemasonry makes good men, better!

Every summer, I pick up my ritual book to study a particular section of the work. This year I am examining the degree Charges. These are essential portions of our degrees that can sometimes be overlooked by the end of the evening. I reached out to Bro. Timothy Stockton (Evening Star Lodge #75 and Mount Zion #311) who has impressed me with his proficiency and mastery of the Charges. He summarized that the charges convey what to do with the esoteric aspects and teachings communicated through the ritual. Our conversation focused on how the Charges aid in making us a better man and parent.

An Entered Apprentice is a newly made Mason, still learning his footing in the Craft. The first degree centers around the individual's relationship with God. There are two versions of Charge in the Standard and Work of the Grand Lodge of the State of New York. Both speak to the importance of obedience, not just in society, but also demand respect shown toward God. One of Bro. Stockton's favorite lines are grounded on our duty and debt as a Freemason and upright man to God. As a father of three young children, Bro. Stockton bids to impress that into the mind of his oldest son, Nate, who is eight-years-old. "It's an admonishment on how to behave. I try to convince my son how to act in a certain situation. For myself, I am reminded that I need to be an upright man, one who is patient with my children."

In the first degree, we learn the hierarchy of God, neighbors, and self. Bro. Stockton shared an interesting perspective; one lost on this father of teenagers. He related this idea to how children form their perception of leadership based on their home life. Children possess a natural curiosity to seek order in life. There was a smile in his voice when he spoke of the surprise his son displayed when he learned that Daddy has a boss, who has a boss... How the Charge mirrors the social structures that society follows.

My favorite Charge is in the second degree. In my jurisdiction, the Fellowcraft Charge has two versions. The first edition contains a moral which extends the lesson of the Point Within A Circle we are introduced to in the first degree. We are taught to be mindful of our personal contact with others. In our second version of the Charge, we are told to act peacefully among fellow Masons. As the first degree focuses on the individual, the Fellowcraft degree pertains to our relationships with others, including our Brothers. To them, we must be fair when judging their acts. I found myself pulling inspiration from this work when speaking with my son about one of his close friends he was at odds with.

While I may not completely understand the details of the situation, I can now see why my Dad would make a specific face when I shared my teenage drama. From what I could process, my thirteen-year-old son and his friend got into an argument while playing basketball that extended to a fallout when playing basketball online. I had to hold in my laughter when my son described his experience. It was easy for me to remember being a middle schooler who would "unfriend" a best friend over a stupid argument, only to be best friends again end of the week. I used this opportunity to teach my son why we accept apologies, the meaning of forgiveness, and acceptance.

When you re-read the Charges (again, there are two in my jurisdiction) in the Master Mason degree, how does the word respect, not come to mind? The teaching of this degree places the duty of being the best man, son, husband, or father on YOU. We also learn how we should view our place in life; we come last. That we, as individuals, are not what is important. Our focus should be on God first, then others. "I do that with my kids in terms of the prayers we make at the dinner table. God comes first, neighbors and loved ones come second, we are last - in that order. Those parallels connect the ritual to my everyday life," Bro. Stockton added.

~MA

Brother Michael Arce is a member of Mt. Vernon Lodge #3 in Albany, New York. When not in Lodge, Bro. Arce is the Marketing Manager for Capital Cardiology Associates in Albany, New York. He enjoys meeting new Brothers and hearing how the Craft has enriched their lives. He can be reached at michael.arce@me.com

Freemasonry can found anywhere and in everything

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

Bro. Michael Arce

Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.

Arthur Morgan was not a real person, yet, his untimely death still saddened me. I was shocked to feel such a loss over a (stupid) video game character. I felt like I lost a close friend. I also felt a little silly wanting to spend more time with Arthur after learning that his death was imminent.

I should probably start explaining.

My teenage son turned me on to the game "Red Dead Redemption 2" (RDR2 as the kids call it) one weekend early this summer. I noticed that he was coming out of his room less for snacks and drink re-fills. I knocked on his door in search of proof of life. Instead of finding him bouncing up and down, engaged with his friends, yelling into his headset while playing Fortnight or NBA 2K20 --- he was quietly sitting at the edge of his bed. His attention was intently focused on what looked like a desert mountain scene from an old John Wayne movie. "Son, " I asked, "what are you doing?" His concentration was solid; he didn't move when I spoke. "I'm trying to find the Legendary Buck, Dad," he replied in a hypnotic trance. That's when I sat down to watch a few minutes of gameplay.

On the screen was a cowboy with a horse in a fictitious world set during the turn of the century Old West. This land was complete with wild animals, ruthless border gangs, Native Americans, saloons, and even infectious diseases, like cholera and tuberculosis. My son has a bit of my history nerd gene; it was easy to see how he was hooked. When he handed me the controller during one of his snack re-fill breaks, I was too. I wanted to play the story of Arthur Morgan, an outlaw with a backstory full of tragedy and missteps that led him to seek a better life. As Arthur says during his interactions with other game characters, he's not a bad man, but he has done some bad things.

I'm not the only man in his early 40s who plays video games. But after dinner, instead of sitting on the couch for another binge session of a Netflix series that I'm never going to get past the first episode of, my wife makes "that" face when I slip away to play this game. It's addictive because it's so immersive, you feel like you are living through this character - not controlling him. You make decisions that will affect his storyline, yet, you don't pay the consequence for bad choices. If you were a fan of the first season of "Westworld" on HBO or the book (and movie) from Michael Crieghton, this game's morality component would capture your attention. Then there are the graphics and sound production. You can actually see the wind blow through the trees. My dog comes in the room when she hears a distant gray wolf howl. Every detail is painstakingly accurate, even down to the historical references and connections.

Get ready for the Masonic connection because it's coming.

Not to spoil your interest in the game, but what turned me from a casual player to die-hard fanatic --- the kind of guy who watches RDR2 YouTube videos now on his lunch break --- was the plot twist in Act 2. This occurs in the fictional town of Saint Denis, representing New Orleans, where Arthur passes out in the street. It's a pretty scary experience because you "control" him during the coughing fit, leading up to him dropping unconscious in the street. Cut to a scene in a doctor's office where you are diagnosed with tuberculosis ("consumption") and are told to move somewhere dry and warm. Tuberculosis (TB) was the leading cause of death in the 1800s as no medicine existed for treatment. Penicillin wasn't discovered until 1928, leaving patients around the turn of the century with a disease that caused massive weight loss, a nasty cough that led to hacking up fluids, and eventual death.

This news is saddening on many levels! First, the diagnosis scene is nothing like you will find in any other video game. The emotions are a real break in the storyline; something would experience in a movie or book - not a (stupid) video game. Second, watching Arthur stagger out of the doctor's office left with memories of close friends and loved ones have said to him over the years as he contemplates his life is moving. Finally, this event takes place after you have invested a good 60 hours of gameplay; it totally knocks the air out of your sails. "Are you kidding me? He's going to DIE!" I wanted to yell out loud.

I was sitting at dinner with my wife, who coyly asked, "are you going to play your (stupid) game again tonight?" It was embarrassing to say this, but I looked at her and calmly replied, "I just want to spend some time with Arthur tonight." I then gave her the Reader's Digest Version of what I have just shared with you. She wasn't impressed. As my gaze fell to my empty dinner plate, a second thought came to mind. "Ryan was right," I said out of nowhere. My wife's look is probably similar to yours right now, dear reader. If you feel like you missed something, you didn't.

Brother Ryan Cerone, the Secretary of my Lodge, invited me over to his house for a social-distanced Memorial Day gathering. Nothing says "Summer 2020" like celebrating with hamburgers, hot dogs, and beers in lawn chairs six-feet apart. During our conversation on our feelings on Freemasonry, Ryan shared his belief that "Freemasonry can found anywhere, and in everything, you can find Freemasonry." Okay, I gave him more line instead of reeling him in. I asked, "like esoterically?" "It can be, but my point is much simpler than that," he continued. "Say you are into video games, sports, or whatever there has to be something in that, that can relate to Masonry." His point summarized the lesson in the EA degree on dividing one's time. Ryan honed in on the amount of time we invest in our hobbies and interests. "If it brings joy in your life, you can relate that to Freemasonry."

And that's where he got me.

Ask anyone who has played RDR if they played the game differently KNOWING that there was a real chance Arthur wouldn't make it until the end of the game... and I will point to a group of men pursuing the virtues of a legendary Master Mason during the building of King Solomon's Temple. Sometimes the hero doesn't make it to the end of the story, and it falls to his Brother to continue his work.

~MA

Brother Michael Arce is a member of Mt. Vernon Lodge #3 in Albany, New York. When not in Lodge, Bro. Arce is the Marketing Manager for Capital Cardiology Associates in Albany, New York. He enjoys meeting new Brothers and hearing how the Craft has enriched their lives. He can be reached at michael.arce@me.com

Why Be a Master?

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

Bro. Michael Arce

This is my third attempt at writing this article. They say you are supposed to "write what you know." Outside of a virtual experience in a concordant degree, my time in the Master's Chair has been limited to Blue Lodge degree work. Pursuing the Road To The East is not only a course offered in my jurisdiction; it is almost an expectation for every man who possesses leadership traits. "When you are Master...," is a phrase a new Mason will hear from older members and line officers at dinner, degree rehearsals, and outside of Lodge meetings. My view was that becoming Master of my Lodge was an expectation, one that I have gone back and forth on pursuing during my Masonic career. There have been times when this decision was either a question or a goal.

WHY BE MASTER?
The Master's Chair was the second object that caught my attention the first time I stepped foot in a Lodge room. I am the first man in my family to visit a Masonic Lodge, the first to become a Master Mason. I keep my personal experience in mind every time I give a Lodge room tour. I was 35-years-old at that time. Freemasonry was not the first community group or charity I had expressed an interest in joining. Growing up in southwest Arizona, I was a member of my local 4-H club and high school FFA chapter. As an adult, I have volunteered with the American Heart Association, served on non-profit leadership boards, and am a professional society member. But there was something distinctively different about the Master's Chair the evening of my first Lodge visit.

First, the placement struck me. It's the highest seat in the room. Most Master's Chairs are ornate. I noticed the decoration, distinctive hard carvings, that must relate to the duties of the office. There was a small pedestal, about waist high, with a gavel within arm's length. A set of stairs led up to this seat. Below the station was the alter, situated in the center of the room. The alter was the first object to catch my eye. There aren't many meeting rooms that have an alter!

I was a visitor, a guest, during my first Lodge meeting. There was a handful of other interested men that evening; we all sat in a row together. My second observation about the Master's Chair is the man who occupies it. There was another striking difference between this Mason and the others in the room: he was the only man wearing a hat. He was able to stand and move freely around the room when he spoke. And when he addressed those in attendance, he had their complete attention. I had never seen anything like this! I looked around the room, taking an inventory of the men. They were engaged, not one side conversation or comment was made as he spoke. The way these men revered this leader intrigued me to learn more about the significance of this role.

Years later, when the question is asked, "why be a Master," I point to that first experience as what initially drew me to being the Master of a Lodge. After I was raised, like many new Brothers, the Master of the Lodge approached me to take a position in his line as a Steward. I accepted, and so began my journey to the East. Over the next three years, I advanced through the line to the Junior Warden's station. It was during that time when I began to question my path. "Why be Master" was something I would ask myself after seeing the division and politics that is a part of any organization. My impression of the role began to tarnish; I witnessed the stress that is a by-product of being the top decision-maker, the man ultimately responsible for every aspect of the Lodge. I saw past the cheery greetings and friendly handshakes the Master would extend, to his frustrations and personal fears.

Why be Master when you are the center of attention and the target of criticism? Shakespeare was right. "Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown." Or, in our case, the hat.

WHY BE A MASTER?

This article has taken three attempts to complete because I needed to find my answer — that required time, experience, and perspective. This May marked my fifth year as a Master Mason. I am now a member of my third Lodge. I want to be a Master to contribute to the experience of the Brethern. While that may seem like a simple answer, I realize the complexities. To me, becoming Master is more than having a place in a progressive line — it is the dedication and work invested in improving myself. One must know one's self before offering help to another, right? My focus is on being the best Blue Lodge member I can be right now. I want to learn my parts for ritual, not for perfection, but to be proficient and a resource for others. I need time to understand the challenge that comes in leading a diverse group of like-minded men. That can only be observed by investing the time to work through the chairs. Most importantly, instead of making plans for what I will do during "my year" in the East, I need to sit, watch, and support the Brothers who precede me.

I now know that being a Master is more than learning the word, getting a fancy ring, special apron, or Grand Honors. Being a Master means you are the man your Brothers elect to lead them and care for the Lodge.

There is a reason the Master's Chair is prominent: it is a large chair to fill.

~MA

Brother Michael Arce is a member of Mt. Vernon Lodge #3 in Albany, New York. When not in Lodge, Bro. Arce is the Marketing Manager for Capital Cardiology Associates in Albany, New York. He enjoys meeting new Brothers and hearing how the Craft has enriched their lives. He can be reached at michael.arce@me.com

Returning to Lodge: Planning the Trestleboard during a Pandemic

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

Bro. Michael Arce

In Masonic jurisdictions across the United States, Brothers are anxiously anticipating the return to Lodge meetings. Virtual meetings kept us connected through computer screens and cellphones during the virus shutdown. Sure, they were a great fix, but no one would suggest that distance-meetings are a permanent solution to replacing face-to-face meetings. For one, Freemasonry is unique in the ritual performed to open and close our Lodge meetings. The standard of character for each man in attendance, decorum for the room, and respect of the traditions during a Lodge meeting are lost when dialing into a virtual meeting from my kitchen table.

In New York State, the last Lodge meeting I attended was Monday, March 2nd, when we raised two new Brothers in their 3rd Degree. There was talk that evening due to the impending coronavirus outbreak in New York City that it may be some time before we would be able to meet again safely. April 2nd, our Grand Master, MW Willaim M. Sardone, issued a proclamation that postponed all Masonic activities and events until further notice. Looking back at my calendar, Monday, April 13th, was my first "Virtual Masonic Meeting" hosted by Masters Lodge #5 in Albany, New York. I remember thinking there would be five of us that night since this was my first attempt to attend online. As it would turn out, there were almost 20 Brothers in attendance that night! The virtual meetings continued through the end of our Masonic year in June with education programs, discussions, and after-hours conversations that stayed late in the evening.

As the dark months of summer set in, Brothers would check the Grand Lodge of New York State's website, hoping for an update from our Grand Master on when Lodge's could reopen. Like small business owners, those working from home, or Americans furloughed due to the pandemic; we sought even the slightest sign of normalcy in an era of confusion. One tradition I want to share from my jurisdiction that brought relief every evening is the 9PM Toast to Absent Brethern on our District's private Facebook group page. Every evening, a new Brother would honor posting a toast, each putting his personal mark on the event. "To our absent Brothers, may we soon be reunited."

On July 2nd, the Grand Master released his edict authorizing Lodges to resume regular activity. We were allowed to hold a rare member-only (Mother Lodge) meeting over the summer for the sole purpose of the election and installation of officers. Freemasonry was back in New York State! At least, for now... that was the concern, "what happens if we have to shut things down again?" A few days after the Grand Master's letter, I invited the officers of my Lodge over for dinner. We gathered outside on my patio, each Brother sitting six feet apart, for burgers and a beer. This was the first time the five of us had gotten together in months. I'm sure you can imagine what the main conversation topic was that night.

Lodge. Precisely, what would the Trestleboard resemble in September?

The conversation picked up again a week later when the officer line met to plot calendar dates for a second time. This was my second experience working with a Master on his Trestleboard. I can see why it is sometimes referred to as a tracing board, in that, dates and events are often subject to change due to several reasons. The DDGM's Official Visit, weather, degrees... so many factors can affect even the best-laid plans. Since our Lodge meets twice a month, September was easy to plot. The first meeting will be the election and officer installation. Our second meeting falls in October, "we'll do a walkabout of the Lodge," the Master suggested. When we turned the page to November an air of uncertainty was detected. We usually host a Thanksgiving Dinner on the second meeting of the month, which serves as the Lodge fundraiser. "Are we going to be able to plan for food for more than our immediate members this year," one Brother asked. "Are we even going to be able to have a meeting," I said out loud.

A hush fell.

A segment of Masons fall into the category of "at-risk" due to their age or underlying health conditions (or both). And we were aware of the increase of coronavirus cases being reported in July, having experienced the spring shutdown in New York State; a resurgence of COVID-19 was a real possibility. We all agreed that even with the strictest safety protocols in place, following the guidelines of wearing a mask, no physical contact in the Lodge room, physical distancing, and washing of hands - history does not guarantee that we would be able to hold a meeting. Sensing the stress in the group, I asked a question to change the subject.

"Are there any records in our archives or minutes of how the Lodge operated during the Spanish Flu?" All eyes turned to our Past Master, Michael A. Hernandez. He is deeply familiar with the history of Mount Vernon Lodge #3. It was soon apparent that Bro. Hernandez had searched the archives. He looked up and said, "On Monday, October 21st, 1918, the following resolution was adopted. 'Resolved that out of respect of the order of the civil authorities forbidding any public or private assemblage on account of an epidemic of influenza, this meeting should be closed until our next stated communication, unless specially convened.'"

That was it? The Spanish Flu devasted the United States for two years, and, I'm sorry, the only record was one sentence?

Bro. Hernandez understood my surprise. He shared his idea to include a letter and accompanying correspondence to be added to the Lodge's permanent records. Below is a portion of his letter that I found moving.

"While these materials can in no way serve as a complete and comprehensive synopsis of what transpired during these several months, we do hope that it will serve as a memorial and testament to the fact that during this time this Lodge and Freemasonry endured."

In our Old 17th District Facebook group, I asked if any Lodge Secretary had a Lodge record from the Spanish Flu. I want to thank RW Timothy Smith, Secretary of Mount Zion Lodge #311, for contributing this letter. It's dated October 17, 1918. What is significant about this time is that the city of San Fransisco had implemented a shutdown and enforced mask-wearing in public that fall to combat the Spanish Flu spread. The city ended up with nearly 45,000 cases and over 3,000 reported deaths. While Americans were dealing with a pandemic at home, in Europe, our soldiers were fighting in World War I. This communication is with Bro. George Barnes, an Army Corporal, stationed in France during WW1. It is very possible that his unit was part of the Aisne Offensive during the summer of 1918.

In his book, The Life of Reason: The Phases of Human Progress, Spanish-born American philosopher George Santayana wrote the famous line, "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." As we look ahead, into the uncertainty that is our future during this pandemic, I find it reassuring that Freemasonry (in some form) has been present before written record. We are students of history who seek to learn the ancients' secrets, collect knowledge, preserve it, and build a better tomorrow. We have been tried and never denied --- we have survived my Brothers. Let us follow the principles of Friendship, Morality, and Brother Love as we consider our interactions and responsibility during these unprecedented times.

I want to include this line in Bro. Hernandez's letter to future Brothers as his words capture the spirit of how we best come together to serve and work.

"As we moved beyond this initial uncertainty and trepidation, many of our Brothers took it upon themselves to reach out to each other and offer any assistance that their circumstances permitted them to offer. Additionally, numerous acts of kindness and generosity were recorded, which manifested in tangible ways the principles and tenets of our Venerable Institution at a time when the world needed them most."

~MA

Brother Michael Arce is a member of Mt. Vernon Lodge #3 in Albany, New York. When not in Lodge, Bro. Arce is the Marketing Manager for Capital Cardiology Associates in Albany, New York. He enjoys meeting new Brothers and hearing how the Craft has enriched their lives. He can be reached at michael.arce@me.com

Sharing the special bond of Freemasonry

By Bro. Michael Arce

(left to right) Bro. David McIntosh, Bro. Matt McIntosh, and Bro. Christopher McIntosh at Matt’s raising in 2013

We spend our early years looking up to our father. Dad is our symbol of strength and wisdom. He could throw us in the air for hours; it took him seconds to fix our broken toys. We'd struggle to walk in his shoes with our tiny feet! In those early years, we would try to be like the most important man in our life. For most young men, there are also those teenage years where we swear, "I will never be like him." But we realize after reaching adulthood that as much as we tried to be different, we couldn't escape certain physical qualities. And when you reach that point in life where you start a relationship with your inner-self, you realize there are inherent traits you share with your father that could only have been passed along from birth.

As we prepare to make phone calls to the most important men in our lives this weekend or cherish breakfast and Father's Day gifts from our family, I can't help and think, my Brothers, of that special bond that so few of us share. Fathers and their sons who are held to a deeper tie through Freemasonry. We know that our obligations extend beyond a similar passion for the same sports team or attending the same college/university. How extraordinary a Masonic connection must be; to share a bond deep in history, knowledge, and tradition.

"You know, my dad and grandfather were from the old school of Freemasonry, if you weren't a Mason, they wouldn't talk with you about it," shared Bro. Matthew McIntosh, Morgantown Union Lodge #4 of the Grand Lodge of West Virginia. "I remember when I was younger, asking about his Masonic ring at one point. 'What's that ring mean?' My father told me, 'well, if you're a good man, maybe one day you will find out.' I grew up in Grafton (West Virginia). My brother and I were pretty naive growing up; we saw the letter 'G' and thought you had to be from Grafton to wear that ring!"

I enjoyed a special conversation with Bro. McIntosh on the unique link between family men who are also Brother Masons. I believe that every father hopes that someday, he will share our path to Freemasonry. As the father of a thirteen-year-old son, I think about this the more time I spent with my son. My son, Mikey, asks me the same questions I posed to my dad. As adolescents, we investigate to learn what our father's life was like when he was our age. I wanted to know about The Beatles, where my dad was when Kennedy was shot and how he felt during the Vietnam War. My son wants to know if Michael Jordan was really the greatest basketball player of all time (he was), how did I watch movies before Netflix (it was called a VCR), and giggles when I talk about having a full head of hair.

Not once has he asked about Freemasonry, my Lodge, or anything about being a Mason. Sure, he's spent time with Brothers from my Lodge, he's even attended an officer installation. That is when he asked why I wore a "skirt" (his words, not mine) and was fascinated with "the guy who gets to hold the sword." But there were no questions on what I do as a Mason or any interest in the subject. I find it difficult to talk with my adult friends about Masonry. It is close to impossible to bring up the topic with my son. As the first of my family to become a Master Mason, I can only hope that my son would pursue my course in searching for Masonic light. I found encouragement from Bro. McIntosh.

"I came into Masonry later in life, I thought you had to be invited to be a Masonry, I didn't know you had to ask," said Bro. McIntosh. Matt shared with me the history of his grandfather (Arnold) and his grandfather's brother going through the degree work together in 1951, receiving their 50-year pins in 2001. "That was a big deal, my uncle came to visit for that," he added. His grandfather was also a Scottish Rite Mason. Matt's father (David) would eventually follow in his father's footsteps. Matt's brother also joined the Craft before Matt sought a petition. Unfortunately, Matt's grandfather laid down his Working Tools before Matt was raised. "I wish Pap-pa could be here for this," he recalls telling his father before his 3rd degree. "Oh, he'll be there," his father replied. Matt thought that meant in spirit. "It gets me emotional just thinking about this. After I was raised, my dad presented me with my grandfather's ring. There wasn't a dry eye in the Lodge."

That ring is a family heirloom that Bro. McIntosh hopes to pass along to his seven-year-old grandson. "He's already interested; the spark is there," Matt confirmed. His grandson has asked about Matt dressing up for lodge meetings, has tried on his Shriner cap, and loves his Knights Templar regalia. "Especially the sword, but I won't let him hold it yet."

Our conversation drifted back into the role that Masons play in the lives of those around us. It's not uncommon to hear from candidates interested in petitioning a lodge that a Mason made a profound impression in their life at a young age. Bro. McIntosh summed up this connection beautifully. "I was always surrounded by Masons, and I didn't know it. They helped influence who I am. I think being raised by Masons, you're instilled with those values that you pass along. You want your son to be a better man. You are bringing him up to be a Mason, whether he knows it or not."

To those Brothers who are celebrating today, Happy Father's Day.

~MA

Brother Michael Arce is the Junior Warden of St. George’s #6, Schenectady and a member of Mt. Zion #311, Troy New York. When not in Lodge, Bro. Arce is the Marketing Manager for Capital Cardiology Associates in Albany, New York. He enjoys meeting new Brothers and hearing how the Craft has enriched their lives. He can be reached at: michael.arce@me.com

If I Can't Find You On Google, You Must Not Exist

How you can effectively communicate with every Brother in ONE click

by midnight Freemason Contributor

Bro. Michael Arce

As a digital marketer, it is painful to explain to brands the importance of an updated, relevant website. It hurts even more, when the discussion on how social media platforms provide more reach and opportunities to connect with people interested in your brand. My internal voice screams, "IT'S ALMOST 2020!" Facebook is almost old enough to drive. The Internet and cell phones have been around since the mid-1990s! Why are we acting like a website or a digital plan is something new? Most Americans living today have always have used some form of personal technology. Yet, one of the biggest challenges facing the oldest fraternity of men in the world occurs when you try to Google "Freemason lodge near me." The results often lead to a "private group" on Facebook, a website that was launched in 1999 and left to float into the deep recesses of the interwebs, or worse yet, nothing.

"Communication creates clarity," is a line I regularly use in my staff meetings. One of my big pet peeves is hearing "nobody told me" from colleagues and team members. The routine for my team meetings is to breakdown "three big things and end with a big clap." I understand in business; we are expected to deliver results yesterday while hitting moving targets. This is why I find lack of communication ironic in Masonic lodges - especially with the members. Think about the opening and closing of the Lodge... if only the Master and Warders were in step outside of meetings as much as they are IN giving direction to the Brothers during stated communications.

I reached out to WM Curt Robinson III of Denver Lodge #5 A.F. & A.M. of the Grand Lodge of Colorado. Denver #5 is an example of a Lodge that is using technology to communicate with members and guests effectively. "Masons are not on the ball when it comes to doing this," WM Robinson stated when we outlined the "Google search" problem. Instead of focusing on what Lodges are doing incorrectly, I wanted to showcase Denver #5's progress as a repeatable success opportunity for others to follow.

You can skip to the bottom of this article for a complete list of recommendations and low-budget/no-cost options to create your Lodge playbook. For now, we're going to break down the three big components to Denver's digital strategy.

Emails

When Facebook passed 1 billion members, and Twitter hit over 225 million users, many of us believed that the days of email marketing were over. The average person now has two email accounts; personally, I have five. Two are for work, one is my primary account, and the other two are for school/personal projects that need their own Gmail account and Google Drive space. Email is still the primary method that many businesses, organizations, and individuals choose to communicate. Every time you log into a streaming service or app on your phone - that account is linked to an email address. Email isn't going anywhere even if you have over 7,000 unread messages in your inbox.

Each email from Denver #5 has focus. Instead of a summons to the next event or call for a dinner reservation, Denver #5 regularly sends messages from the Master of the Lodge. "A lot of Worshipful Masters write their own trestleboard, and they should," said WM Robinson. As an email subscriber, I have received messages on the recent passing of Brothers, details on the next meeting, and 'The Master's Message.' These messages are quick emails that the WM sends out to recap previous meeting highlights, thank presenters or participants, and give the reader a preview of upcoming items of interest on the trestle board. Imagine that? An monthly email from the Master of the Lodge! "Quite a few Brothers read them and as WM, I set the craft to work and give them proper instruction. It does help to have a personal message to send every month that invites Brothers to come to Lodge, ready to participate."

In his recent December message, WM Robinson highlighted the Lodge's 160th-anniversary celebration that included a visit from the Grand Master of Colorado. He also pointed out another successful visit from Germania No. 46 F. & A. M. of New Orleans, one of a handful of Red Lodges, who performed an EA degree earlier this year. As they state on their website, Germania's original German-language ritual is a hybrid of Scottish Rite Craft Masonry and early New York State Masonry. Much of the ritual follows (often verbatim) the text exposed by William Morgan in his Illustrations of Masonry. Germania's current ritual is an amalgam of Jacques Foulhouze's 1861 Scottish Rite Craft Lodge ritual and Louisiana's York Rite work. "It was wonderful! We had close to 400 people come from the degree. We did the 1st degree so that all Brothers could witness it," WM Robinson exclaimed. He also pointed out that the inclusion of that event in his emails assisted in creating buzz and excitement for the visit.

Website

Our conversation turned to the starting point for most searches: the Lodge website. Denver #5 has a very modern layout that is compatible with desktop and mobile devices. It's up to date - containing more than just officer pictures, events calendar, and history page. They have an archive that dates back to 2016 with photos and posts of events and happenings. Not every Lodge has a Brother who can serve as Webmaster, but there are tools and resources a Master can use to connect with someone who can help produce a quality site. Denver #5 found the Brother with a talent in their Lodge, who now helps other groups in the jurisdiction. The toughest part about launching a website is the pre-planning, content development, and design layout. The easiest part is adding new information, keeping the content fresh, and the page up to date. This is where the Lodge leadership shares the responsibility of passing along the knowledge of keeping their page relevant.

It's shocking that in 2019, there is a discussion on the need for a Lodge to have a digital presence. While everyone from your dentist to your kid's school is EXPECTED to have a functioning website, Freemasonry takes a pass. This is unfortunate because so many Lodges without a website are missing the opportunity for men who are searching for Light online. A Facebook page is a great start, but if you make it closed or private - people will find you but won't be able to connect. Now you are asking the seeker to take an additional step and find an alternate way to communicate with you. That's a BIG ask! Especially when it's easier to click on a working link.

A website does more than allow you to share your message and start a conversation; it is the first impression. Let me put it this way, if you were looking for a dentist for your kid, would you really want to visit the office with a site that looks like it was launched in 1996 and left alone... or a dentist with an interactive page? The same is true with your Lodge page.

WM Robinson recognized the added value of having a web presence early during his time in the East. "I had a clandestine Mason contact me. In Colorado, he can visit for dinner, but that's it. This led to a discussion with our Grand Lodge for direction on what to do next." Imagine that! Due and timely notice, instead of a surprise dropped in your lap, or in this case, walking into your Lodge. "Our website does bring visitors for dinner. We have 5-8 visitors for every meeting night. This is one way for us to get to know people when they find us." This does bring up an important rule to follow online as in real life: follow up.

A key part of your Lodge digital plan must include an engagement point man. Here's why: no one wants to fill out a form, or share their personal information (like their name, phone number, and email) with an unknown group --- NEVER to be contacted. "That is a major problem," WM Robinson noted. I have created the "Three Touch Rule" in my digital marketing plans to cover engagement. Every prospect is immediately followed by an automated reply, "Thanks for your interest; we'll be in touch soon!" This message lets your prospect know that you are going to work. The second step is a personal email follow up. It can be a few sentences or paragraphs but should include the person's first name, an original acknowledgment of their inquiry, and a request to contact by phone or in person. Finally, a phone call to the prospect. This call can be right after the email - after all, most of us have more than one email account and may not check them frequently. The follow-up call can follow the same script as the second email, in a friendly tone, and personal touch in a quick voice mail.

Create promoters

While we have focused on the digital side of Denver's strategy, there is a real human element. Nothing can top our personal contacts. Endorsements are still the strongest form of communication. WM Robinson realized this while he was on the road to the East. "Not every Brother does this, but once I became a Master Mason, I joined some concordant branches. I'm very involved with the Scottish Rite and in the Templars. I have met so many wonderful Brothers because of this. I use those meetings to spread the news of my Lodge. I also LOVE my phone! I may send a text message to all 150 Brothers in my contacts to let them know what's going on at Denver #5. I did this for my table lodge with great success. I had 70 men respond to my personal message," said WM Robinson. Does building these connections take time? "Absolutely! But if you are organized and good at the "copy and paste" method, it can be done!"

Digital resources

Ready to start building your digital presence? Here are a few resources that can get you started.

Mailchimp. Hands down, Mailchimp is the only email marketing platform I recommend - personally and professionally. Why? It's easy to use; you can create sharp-looking emails without having to know HTML coding. It works, and depending on how many subscribers you have - it's free.

WordPress. Like Mailchimp, it's the only website builder that I tell my friends to use. While you will need to purchase your site domain name (website address) and hosting service, WordPress sites are easy to use. The days of having to type lines of HTML code are gone! You can drag and drop your way to building a new site. Within hours, your site is live and ready for people to find!

Google Drive. About ten years ago, Google opened up its storage space and software to everyone for free. You can create a Lodge Gmail account, use Google Drive to create or store documents, spreadsheets, presentations, photos, and video --- for free. They give you 15GB, use it! I like using Google Forms to create sign up sheets that can be sent directly to my email account, to start the "Three Touches" quickly.

Me. Yes, you can reach out to me to set up a time to talk about your Lodge needs or to have a deeper conversation on the points in this article. I'm always happy to help a Brother out!

~MA

Brother Michael Arce is a member of Mt. Zion #311, Troy, New York. When not in Lodge, Bro. Arce is the Marketing Manager for Capital Cardiology Associates in Albany, New York. He enjoys meeting new Brothers and hearing how the Craft has enriched their lives. He can be reached at michael.arce@me.com

It's a Wonderful (Masonic) Life

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

Bro. Michael Arce

Merry Christmas you, wonderful old Building and Loan. And Merry Christmas to you, Brother!

I'd like to think that before I was a Mason that I looked at life from multiple angles. Clearly, I was trying. I saw the Holidays as a time, a season, a single episode in the yet to be determined series that would become my life. It wasn't until I reached my 30s that I really got the meaning of Christmastime. I was thumbing through the TV guide one Christmas Eve, looking for something to watch during the downtime of putting the kids to bed before we prepared for Santa's arrival. My eye caught the title It's a Wonderful Life. Somehow I had made it this far in life without seeing the Holiday classic. I remember my father making a big deal when NBC started airing it in 1994. To me, it was an old black-and-white movie, I preferred 24-hours of The Christmas Story, anyway. Sorry Dad, I'll leave the nostalgia to you. But something was different that night. I decided to make the two hours and fifteen-minute commitment with a full bottle of wine. I had to be sure that the kids were really asleep, after all.

It's a Wonderful Life is part of my holiday routine. And every year when I sit down to watch it, something new in the film gets my attention. How Bedford Falls represents "Everytown, USA." The bridge scene, where even with the gritty black and white film, in your mind, you can see how deep that water is and imagine how cold it must be. Knowing the hidden pain in George Bailey's eyes every time something in his life goes wrong. The joy that causes his voice to crack when everyone in town comes to his aid. I find a quiet night, start the movie, and enjoy the experience. I get joy in discovering a point that makes the experience new.

This year, Clarence's line to George, "Each man's life touches so many other lives. When he isn't around, he leaves an awful hole, doesn't he?" caught my ear. It connected a few thoughts. The first is the section of the Fellowcraft degree charge that literally discusses our personal contact with others, the influence we have on those who share our circle. How as Masons, we strive to be charitable, honest, and humble. Whether that is bell ringing for the Salvation Army on a cold, winter night for a few hours, collecting coats for the homeless, buying Christmas presents for those less fortunate, serving warm meals in soup kitchens, or making time to connect with those who are alone this time of year - it's rewarding to know that we have Brothers who give time to make the Holidays merry for those in need. We realize that our work is to bring light to dark places. And even if I don't get a chance to meet them or learn the details of their work, these men share the same title of Brother as I do, and that makes us one and the same.

The second part of Clarence's line almost brought a tear to my eye when I thought of Brothers who have laid down their working tools this year. Those men who were pillars in our Lodges as role models and mentors, whose encouraging words or kind smiles made us feel welcome and valued. And while I had visions of my Brothers who have gone to join the Grand Architect of the Universe, I also thought of a Brother who I haven't seen at a Lodge meeting in a few years. Work, his family, and caring for his aging mother are all reasons why he hasn't been able to attend a meeting night. But he also lost the passion for knowledge that could fill a small library because of a disagreement with members of his Lodge. I still hope that someday, he chooses to put on his dark suit and tie and surprise me at a meeting. A few days after watching the movie, I sent this Brother a text just to see how everything is in his world.

Lying in bed after the move, I stared up at the dark ceiling above to reflect on this year. I realized that there's a reason why we love It's a Wonderful Life: watching George Bailey's story causes us to examine our own. We choose to gather with our closest family and friends this time of year for a reason. We want to remember this feeling, knowing that years from now, those hugs from grandparents or the sound of giggling kids will be our precious memories. Reflecting on the Masonic year has the same effect. Dinners, ritual practices, community service, the raising of new Brothers. Those moments serve as the highlights of our year. While we may know the men we share that time with, we may never truly understand the significance of these shared experiences in their life. The "ripple effect" as one Brother put it, is a theme I understood throughout the movie. Somehow this year, the mix of new relationships and old memories made a deeper connection to the difference we make as Masons in the lives of those we interact with. "Remember, no man is a failure who has friends."

Wherever you are this year, my Brother, I send you the warmest Holiday Greetings. May you continue to bring Light in every life you touch.

~MTA

Brother Michael Arce is a member of Mt. Zion #311, Troy, New York. When not in Lodge, Bro. Arce is the Marketing Manager for Capital Cardiology Associates in Albany, New York. He enjoys meeting new Brothers and hearing how the Craft has enriched their lives. He can be reached at michael.arce@me.com

When Was the Last Time You Asked for Help?

The universe is listening, are you?

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

Bro. Michael Arce

The first time I took a knee and asked something larger than myself for help, it felt a little weird. Truth be told, it probably looked odd if someone walked out outside to see me kneeling on my back deck, staring up to the stars, doing what looked like talking to myself. At the time, I was in my second year of Masonry and contemplating a job offer. I had spoken with my closest friends and Brothers, getting their insight to help in my decision. It was one of those moments where I had to do choose what was right for me, my family, and my future. The words from our ritual came from a whisper to my soul. I stepped out to the deck that evening to seek a quiet place to ask the Supreme Architect of the Universe for inspiration on this important undertaking.

We are told in our ritual that before any great decision or undertaking, we should invoke the aid of deity. Yet another one of those lines that is so obvious its more substantial impact goes unnoticed. Invoke the aid of deity? "You mean, I should pray before I do anything? Who does that?" We all do it if you think about it. Whether it be for the light to turn green, seats (next to each other) for a movie premiere, dinner to be ready when we get home, or a strong fantasy football performance this weekend; we've all ASKED the universe for something. Most of the time, it is for the tiny little things that are somewhat out of our control, and those prayers go unanswered. No biggie.

But when one of those BIG ASKS comes through, we are genuinely enlightened. Those needs feel different. We approach those decisions with a length of caution that would rival drive-home traffic on a weekday in any city or town. Like a hunter lining up a prize-winning shot, great or important undertakings demand our complete dedication and mental focus. These thoughts consume us to the point of almost overwhelming our conscious. A great or important undertaking is a milestone moment in life. I consider myself fortunate as a man and Mason, that I recognize the significance of these moments and have the knowledge to pause and seek time to call upon deity.

As much as my relationship with others has improved through my continuous study of our work, my understanding of the Supreme Architect of the Universe (SAU) has dramatically improved. For one, I have learned to ask for protection, inspiration, or support as I consider BIG decisions or moments. I treat these moments much differently than when I prayed as a younger man. Those prayers were like the "wish list" I would show my parents when it came to Christmas gift shopping. (Side note: I still miss the fights with my younger brother when "took turns" circling every other thing in the Sears Holiday catalogs.) My conversations with the SAU aren't commonplace, probably a handful over the year.

The second area of my relationship with the SAU that has improved is in understanding our communication is more than one-way; it speaks to me as well. I've done a better job of listening, and I mean really listening to when the universe speaks to me. And when it does, there's no mistaking it! It started about two years ago. After a lifetime of being a "planner," something finally clicked. I took a step back and realized that when I let things fall into place, the feeling of a "missed opportunity" ended. Matter of fact, doors opened, and I started seeing the whole chessboard, not just the top of the pieces. I realized that in my interactions with others, the SAU was connecting with me.

Here is how I explain it. Place your hand's palms up in front of you. Your fingertips should be pointing towards the sky. Now, slowly rotate your fingers so that, like gears in a clock, the fall into place as you turn your hands to the floor. Go ahead; I'll give you a few seconds to try this. Felt pretty cool, right?!? In this experiment, one hand represents our desires and passions. On the other, the opportunities presented in life. If one hand moves faster than the other, fingers miss, points collide or cross, and a void is created. We must then reset our hands and adjust the speed to make that seamless transaction.

When we as Masons invoke the aid of deity, we are, in essence, adjusting the speed to open our minds to receive the instruction of a higher power. We are preparing our ambitions, desires, dreams, and goals to take the role of that leaf that travels gently down the stream, avoid the distraction and detours of rocks and fallen branches. Putting faith in deity doesn't mean that you act remotely or as a conductor, waiting for direction or responding to commands. No, one must still possess an internal drive, the inertia, the unmistakable energy fueled by passion and desire. The difference is allowing deity to act as the governor, the distant yet ever-present voice of clarity.

As we learn to listen to the universe, we can recognize those hidden opportunities and make wise adjustments in our journey that provide beautiful experiences that make life the greatest gift we have. This is great for those who embrace or are enlightened to our teachings. But what about those who are not members of our fraternity? Does this mean that they cannot enjoy sublime moments or benefit from invoking a higher power for counsel? There was little need for investigation as again; the universe provided the answer.

Earlier this year, I connect with Bro. Matthew MacIntosh a member of Morgantown Union Lodge #4 of the Grand Lodge of West Virginia. Outside of the Craft, the only connections that Matt and I share are very loose: fathers, husbands, and fans of Brad Paisley. I'll take that back; he may be a fan of New York-style pizza. Matt messaged me with thoughts on an article I had written on the need for listening to those offering Masonic Education in blue lodge. We've had a couple of hour-long phone conversations about other areas of the fraternity, stretching from the road to the East, ritual study tips, and welcoming new members into our fraternity.

While I was collecting my thoughts for this article, Matt sent me one of his regular "Good Morning, my Brother" texts to share some exciting news. This is what he sent... "I have a Brother in Pennsylvania that called me out of the blue. He had found a bible through a non-Mason friend. Anyhow the Bible had Morgantown Union Lodge No. 4 on it, so he called me. It had our member's name in it, and he had actually passed to the celestial lodge above last winter. The real scary part about this was... it was the Grandfather of the candidate I am working with right now. WOW!!! Was my response to all of this. So needless to say, I now have the Bible in my possession and will present it to our candidate upon his being raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason... what a small world we live in, my Brother!"

My response included how coincidental (not really) that his text was that morning, the news of a gentleman finding Masonry by "chance." What followed was a discussion on how the SAU presents these moments in our life for a reason, for us to seek and understand. Matt's response perfectly summarizes the deeper meaning. "So true, I have always told my wife that he just puts me in the right places at the right time, and I never question."

~MA

Brother Michael Arce is a member of Mt. Zion #311, Troy, New York. When not in Lodge, Bro. Arce is the Marketing Manager for Capital Cardiology Associates in Albany, New York. He enjoys meeting new Brothers and hearing how the Craft has enriched their lives. He can be reached at michael.arce@me.com

The Need For More Apprentices To Carry Masonic Knowledge

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

Bro. Michael Arce

We are letting our history pass without hearing it

In February I was invited to speak at Schenectady Lodge #1174 in Schenectady, New York. Afterward, I was approached by Bro. James (Jim) Simpson, who shared his interest on the topic of my presentation: The Point Within A Circle. Jim caught my attention in that he's an older member, the kind of Brother who leaves you with the impression that he has in-depth knowledge of the craft, its symbols, and history. We exchanged contact information. It was early March when I opened the package of his first paper, "The Thirty Three Degrees of Freemasonry."

What first caught my eye was that all 12 pages, including the title page and bibliography, were handwritten. For a kid who grew up in the 1980s who wrote to pen-pals, I can't remember the last time I opened a piece of mail in the past five years that was handwritten. I read on.

"There are 33 such degrees in the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite. Is 33 a mystic number some inherent numerical meaning?"

I was hooked. I read the entire paper that afternoon when I came home after work. Bro. Jim also included photocopies of his supporting documentation to source his research. As a graduate studies student, I felt like I was reading college-level work.

In April, two more handwritten papers arrived in the mail.

At the end of June, I received another familiar package which included the note, "Bro. Michael, attached is my latest presentation. I know you will find this interesting, Bro. Jim." He had sent me the "Lost Secrets of the Sacred Ark." I read it before dinner. I pictured every Sunday school lesson from my childhood while reading his work. That night before bed, I put a reminder in my phone to call Bro. Jim the next morning, I wanted to know his story.

The morning I called Bro. Jim at home, I had two questions for him. The first, I wanted to seek his permission to share the text of his work on The Midnight Freemasons site. He gave me an enthusiastic "YES!" I intended to do just that today, but his answer to my second question made it difficult to summarize the one-hour discussion we shared in one paragraph. My second question was, "Why did you join Masonry so late in life?"

Bro. James Simpson is "almost" 80-years old. When he took my call just before the Independence Day weekend, he shared that he's "taking a hiatus this summer because my mind is getting tired." Due to the detail of his papers, I imagine that he must be one of those Brothers that has a personal Masonic library that has taken over a room of his house. "I even have my photocopy machine," he included after laughing at my suggestion. He's retired and lives with his wife, who he lovingly cares for. He had to cut our first call a little short that morning because he heard that his wife was awake, he wanted to check on her and needed to go take care of errands that morning.

Meanwhile, I went back to re-reading the papers that he sent me. I started highlighting parts that perhaps I could inquire about in our follow up call. The detail of his work, it was impressive. I was also amazed by his writing style or voice -- he wrote like how he spoke, clear and plain. He was able to take ancient biblical history or the esoteric ideas of chakras and explain them to the uninformed. I was surprised to learn that Bro. Jim barely made it out of high school. Our second call that afternoon, picked up with his answer to my question on why he joined the Fraternity later in life.

"I'm originally from Boston, knew nothing about Masonry. I grew up in a poor family. Everywhere I went I saw Masonic rings. I was 21 the day I saw the temple in Boston, It fascinated me. I asked a guy wearing a Masonic ring who was drinking a cup of coffee about the building. I wanted to know about the Masons. He walked away and said, "Its a secret." I started tending bar professionally a few months later, and the years passed. Years later, I met a Mason when I was working for the State of New York, and that's how I joined. I wish I would have joined earlier," Bro. Jim explained. He was raised in 2007. Masonically, he was only a handful of years older than me. That got another laugh.

What surprised me was that he started writing about five years ago. After he was raised, he started reading and didn't stop. He had so many ideas that he wanted to share his knowledge. This started with "scribbled paragraphs that I would read in my Blue Lodge," he said. And how were his ideas received? He was thanked with not much discussion. "That was pretty much the end of it. There's no discussion because the speaker is the only one who has done the reading on the subject. But, others will come to you and thank you for sharing the matter. (Just as he did with me) Don't be discouraged! All of the Brothers I have known are interested in becoming more adept in the craft as it relates to their position in the Lodge." He wasn't the first, nor sadly the last, to learn that some of Freemasonry's esoteric thoughts and ancient history some times fail to connect with the Brothers.

In my case, learning ritual is what caused me to seek that additional Light that was promised to me. My moment came when I was reading the Historical Lecture in the first degree, and wanted to learn more about The Point Within A Circle. Little did I know, I had just landed one of the many Masonic Jackpots of knowledge. I spent lunch breaks watching YouTube videos, started looking for texts on the subject, and began asking other Brothers for their ideas. Now I have a shelf on my bookcase filled with resources on the topic. "I wish I were a lot younger. I would have read up on the ritual," Bro. Jim said. There was also a tone of regret in his voice. "I wish I spent more focus on learning ritual. I'm almost 80 years old, so I had to divide my time on learning from books."

I will be converting Bro. Simpson's papers to text, my hope is to share them with you as I receive them. He is one of many of our craft's hidden gems. It is important to me that the library of history in his mind, the handwritten papers that he freely shares with any interested Brother, that knowledge continues to be accessed. I understand, not all Masons seek the additional Light that was promised to us in the degree ritual --- but we should. We all began as Entered Apprentices with a desire to know and learn. We need to secure for future generations those "scribbles" that can spark great ideas or thoughts for an entire Craft.

~ M

Brother Michael Arce is a member of Mt. Zion #311, Troy, New York. When not in Lodge, Bro. Arce is the Marketing Manager for Capital Cardiology Associates in Albany, New York. He enjoys meeting new Brothers and hearing how the Craft has enriched their lives. He can be reached at michael.arce@me.com