The Progressive Line Strategy: How to use it - To beat it. Part 1

by Midnight Freemason Guest Contributor

Bro. Mark St. Cyr

If there’s one topic within the Craft that elicits more biased arguments for or against than the “Chamber of Reflection,” it’s  the idea behind progressive lines. So what I would like to argue  differently in this missive is something I feel many don’t truly think  through, which is this…

 

Rather than allowing the progressive line (PL) system to work  against change. i.e., allowing for bad policy implementations or  weak management accountabilities to remain calcified. How can  it be made to work as to both effect change, but more  importantly, solidify that change? 

Think it can’t? Then let’s buckle up and dive-in as I’ll explain in this multiple-installment series (because it’s almost its own book)  how to do just that. But as usual, first, the disclaimer: 

This is not intended to denigrate the idea of a PL, nor the  brothers that dedicate themselves to the tasks they bear. What  this speaks directly to is how to instill a necessary change into  any management practice (our example will be the PL) that has  allowed itself to calcify, for whatever the reason. Many times  those within it (PL) may not be aware to just how hindering the  practice has become. The following is a respectful roadmap for  those that do, yet, just haven’t been able to decipher a way  through.  

So, with that out of the way, here we go… 

Rather than go through the details of what a PL is and how it works. I’m just going to assume everyone reading this knows and spare with the mundane for brevity’s sake. i.e., It’s basically a  known-known throughout the Craft.

One of the very first fundamental processes any change agent  needs to fully grasp that I’ve extensively opined on: is to ditch the  idea many other so-called “business gurus” regurgitate ad  nauseam, which is “think outside the box.”  

This scholastic platitude to any self-respecting entrepreneur is a  limiting concept from which to start from (it’s almost as bad as the brain-dead ‘right brain/left brain’ tripe, but I digress).  

The more effective starting point you need to begin with is this:  What if there is no box?  

If this sounds a lot like the famous line from the Matrix movie  e.g., “There is no spoon.” That’s great, and understanding that metaphor may be more consequential than you think at first blush. 

Note: I know there are many out there reading this thinking “Just  who does this guy think he is saying stuff like this?!” And it’s a  fair point. So I offer the following for you to think about. Most so-called “business gurus” beg to get speaking gigs at $5K. I start at $50K+. I’m not saying that to brag, I’m stating it for context only to those that usually mock first - ask repeat questions later. 

So now let’s begin to bend some rules as the idea implies.

First… 

Rather than contemplate all the ideas and mechanics that make up the current model of any PL that we’ve taken as a hindrance or obstacle. Let’s flip it on its head, and think from the standpoint that the PL, is in fact, the very vehicle to both bend and serve the will of a group of change agents for the betterment of a  bad situation. Meaning: to not only facilitate that needed change but to enable it to perpetually carry forward.

In other words, rather than trying to bend it, or change it via sheer willpower (“That would be impossible” as you remember also from the movie). Let’s use it as currently constructed to both solidify and perpetuate new and better applications. Doing this, suddenly not only the viewpoint changes but so to will it be easier to manifest the wanted effects.  

So what’s the first step?” great question… 

There is a myriad of stand-alone, along with interconnected variables and more, that would take up a library wing on each.  However, for simplicity, I’m going to keep this general in tone so you get the idea and can adapt to what will be one’s own myriad of circumstances for efficacy, which is by far the more important point. 

For reference, we’re going with a PL consisting of seven members. e.g., WM,SW,JW,SD,JD,SS,JS. I am not including the  Tres. nor Sec. on purpose, for in most instances these two figures, more often than not, have to be overcome separately regarding change than any other. And yes, I used “overcome”  intentionally. But that’s for later. Right now let’s just concern ourselves with the seven concerns of the PL. 

It all starts with seven… 

To effectively begin the process of change there needs to be a  minimum of seven brothers aligned and dedicated to the proposed change. It doesn’t matter if they’re currently serving officers, past officers, or simple members. But you need seven.  Why? 

Because if everything went your way (hey, it can happen), you need to be able to fill the entire line for true success. If not?  (Cue the scary music here.)

Now that I have your attention. (Hopefully)  We’ll discuss it in the next segment… 

See you there. 

Mark St.Cyr 

Freemason

Herbert Hoover and Freemasonry

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

Steven L. Harrison, 33°, FMLR

A few accounts claim certain famous men who were not Freemasons intended to join the fraternity but circumstances did not permit them to do so.  Notable among these are Dr. Martin Luther King and President Abraham Lincoln.  King likely was to have been made a Mason upon returning from his tragic trip to Memphis.  Lincoln actually petitioned Tyrian Lodge No. 333 in 1860, but decided not to join until after his presidency, thinking becoming a Mason would look like he was doing so for political purposes.

There has never been any doubt about President Herbert Hoover's Masonic status.  He was not a Freemason.  History nor Hoover himself have never had much to say about why… he just wasn't.

In the unpublished memoirs of prolific Masonic author Ray V. Denslow, however, we learn there is more to the story. Former Secretary of Agriculture, Arthur M. Hyde, lived in Trenton, Missouri, near the town where Denslow resided.  After his presidency had ended, Hoover visited Hyde at his home and a few guests were invited to the affair.  Denslow and his wife Clara were among those fortunate to receive an invitation and he gave the following account:

"Mrs. Denslow and I were both invited to the Hyde home to meet both Mr. and Mrs. Hoover. The evening proved to be in the nature of a reception. I had opportunity to talk privately with Mr. Hoover for a time and to study him and his wife at close range. Mr. Hyde said to him 'this is the young man I spoke to you about.'

I never did learn what he was speaking about, unless it was that Mr. Hyde told me once that Mr. Hoover would petition the Masonic fraternity if he thought he could get in.  The inquiry came before campaign time and I assured Mr. Hyde that he knew, as well as I, that any attempt to present a petition at that time might be regarded as campaign propaganda. He said Mr. Hoover wouldn't consider it in that event and the matter apparently dropped here.

Another interesting thing Mr. Hyde said to me, was that when Hoover attended college in California he was not a member of any college fraternity. Several fraternity men attempted to keep him from going with Miss Lou Henry, later his wife, who was a sorority girl; this angered him to such an extent that he always regarded fraternities with a questionable eye. Not until after his experiences in Europe and this country did he assume a favorable attitude towards them."

Hoover's situation, then, was somewhat similar to Lincoln's — political reasons may have prevented him from becoming a Freemason.  What's more, he may have put off thoughts about joining until it was too late due to a prior negative experience with fraternities.  It's not clear how seriously Hoover may have thought he wouldn't "get in," but it is a near certainty he would have been elected to receive the degrees had he done so.

Lincoln, King, Hoover and probably many others have considered knocking at the outer door but for whatever reason just didn't take that first step; and in the vast majority of cases it's a shame.  The craft most certainly would have been all that much better having them as Brothers.

~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.

The Blue Lounge Social Club Comes to America

by Midnight Freemason Managing Editor

Robert H. Johnson

So first of all, you may be asking, "What the hell is the Blue Lounge Social Club"? To answer that, let me just paste the verbiage which appears on their website:

"The Blue Lounge Social Club is an initiative that allows young freemasons to come together with friends and family in a social setting where they can enjoy each other’s company.

Originating from Victoria Australia, the Blue Lounge Social Club was created to achieve the mission of the recruitment, retention, education and support of young freemasons. Whilst our club hosts regular social events, where young freemasons can gather together outside the lodge in a non-formal environment, we are much more than a social club.

The Blue Lounge’s main purpose is to be an association of young freemasons that is focussed on supporting and fostering a younger and brighter future for the craft.

There has never been a more exciting time to be a freemason and the Blue Lounge Social Club is here to support you as a young freemason through your journey in our wonderful craft."

Now that you know what it is, I'm really proud to say that the first one in the USA is right here in my district! Our membership chairman for the district had thought about creating a club right here for some time, and he struck when the iron was hot. Some of the great things about this club is that there is no membership, so non-masons (profane), wives, girlfriends, family etc. can attend. It serves as a driver for membership as well as a great tool for the fulfillment for masons between the ages of 18-45. 

Feel free to read more about the Blue Lounge Social Club on their website www.blueloungesc.com or contact the Blue Lounge Illinois president at illinoispresident@blueloungesc.com . 

Now, this came up several times when I initially announced it, so to stave off questions, let me say that since there is no membership, Grand Lodge is not involved and has no jurisdiction (I only say this because it is inevitable for someone to ask if we obtained Grand Lodge permission. And it's not needed.) Secondly, a brother showed concern that with all the other options for men to join, this had the potential to take men away from the Craft Lodge, York, Scottish Rite or even the Shriners. To this, all I can say is that the BLSC seeks to advance Masonry by empowering, teaching and fulfilling the young masons in their Masonic journey. 

Tonight is the official launch and we are gathering for pizza and beer. It's sure to be a blast, and I just want to say thank you to Bros. Aqulina and Mitchell for your hard work and dedication to making this fantastic idea come to life.

~RHJ

RWB, Robert Johnson is the Managing Editor of the Midnight Freemasons blog. He is a Freemason out of the 1st N.E. District of Illinois. He currently serves as the Secretary of Waukegan Lodge No. 78 where he is a Past Master. He also serves as the District Deputy for the 1st N.E. District of Illinois. Brother Johnson currently produces and hosts weekly Podcasts (internet radio programs) Whence Came You? & Masonic Radio Theatre which focus on topics relating to Freemasonry. He is also a co-host of The Masonic Roundtable, a Masonic talk show. He is a husband and father of four, works full time in the executive medical industry and is also an avid home brewer. He is currently working on a book of Masonic essays and one on Occult Anatomy to be released soon.

Remembering Pearl Harbor

By Midnight Freemason Contributor

WB Gregory J. Knott

Attack at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941

December 7, 2016 is the 75th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii by the Empire of Japan. This day marked the entry of the United States into World War II and changed the course of history of the world.

Over four years, 1941-1945, 16 million Americans served in the US armed forces, with 416,800 paying the ultimate price. Defeating the Axis powers in Europe, total victory was achieved as the war ended with surrender of Japan aboard the USS Missouri where the Japanese government signed a treaty to end the war.

These service men and women came home and resumed their lives, raised a families and became active in their communities, including many who joined the Masonic fraternity in record numbers.

Today, the veterans who served in this war are quickly passing away and a few of them will gather one more time at Pearl Harbor to remember their fallen comrades. The years may go by, but the pain suffered by many is still very real.

Pearl Harbor Survivor Remembers Fallen Colleagues

It’s impossible to fully thank these Veterans for their service and sacrifice, but the herculean task they performed to save the world will never be forgotten. 

Tom Brokaw in his book The Greatest Generation ended when he said, “After talking to so many of them and reflecting on what they have meant in my own life, I now know that it is in those small ceremonies and quiet moments that this generation is appropriately honored. No fanfare is required. They’ve had their parades. They’ve heard the speeches. They know what they have accomplished, and they are proud. They will have their World War II memorial and their place in the ledgers of history, but no block of marble or elaborate edifice can equal their lives of sacrifice and achievement, duty and honor, as monuments to their time.”

As you go about your day, take a few minutes to think of their sacrifice and the freedom they have ensured for all of us.

Thank you.

~GJK

WB Gregory J. Knott is the Past Master of St. Joseph Lodge No. 970 in St. Joseph (IL) and a plural of Ogden Lodge No. 754 (IL), Homer Lodge No. 199 (IL) and Naval Lodge No. 4 in Washington, DC.   He serves as Sovereign Master of Eastern Illinois Council No. 356 of the Allied Masonic Degrees and is a charter member of the new Illinois Royal Arch Chapter, Admiration Chapter U.D.  Greg serves on the Board of Directors of The Masonic Society and is very involved with the Boy Scouts of America and is himself an Eagle Scout.  He is Assistant Dean of the University of Illinois Library.  You can contact him at gknott63@gmail.com.