The Masonic Mountain

by Midnight Freemason Guest Contributor

RWB Alex Powers

Have you heard of the Masonic Mountain in Colorado? We recently took a road trip to Colorado Springs for a much needed family vacation and I got the chance to see this particular mountain. Still not ringing a bell? Perhaps you have heard of Pikes Peak--I thought so. The term “Masonic Mountain” which you'll find referenced online, I personally think is a bit overzealous, but nevertheless there is quite the Masonic Connection. When I mention this to Masons unfamiliar with the story, their first thought always goes to, “...is it named after Albert Pike?” No, it is not. However, coincidentally enough, the man whom the mountain is named after is one General Zebulon Pike. It was originally named “El Captain” by the Spanish explorers and was later renamed to “Pike’s Peak” and finally, removing the apostrophe, the current “Pikes Peak” after one Zebulon Pike, the American explorer who documented the mountain after the documented the mountain during his exploration of the Louisiana Purchase territory. Even more interestingly, he was in fact distantly related to the legendary Albert Pike through a shared ancestor, James Pike.

Zebulon made a name for himself, though independent of his ancestral connection. He was a celebrated American general, brigadier, and explorer. Born January 5, 1779, Pike went on to lead an impressive military career although he would perish in action at the young age of only 34 years old. Zebulon and Albert Pike did have another point of commonality besides the status of General in the military and being distantly related. They both were Freemasons. Brother Zebulon Pike is said to have been a Master Mason belonging to lodge #3 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

So is that why Pikes Peak has been referenced as a “Masonic Mountain”? Because the explorer was a Mason and it shares a common surname, the same as Albert Pike? Well, perhaps partially, but there is actually something even more interesting that brings a solid connection to Freemasonry that lasts even to this day. Some are already aware that back in 1899 there was actually a Masonic time capsule placed at the summit of Pikes Peak. In 1899, there was a triangular time capsule made of copper inserted into a large boulder on the edge of the summit of Pikes Peak. For someone like myself who is not the biggest fan of heights it was a bit of a daunting task wondering my way over to it, but the historian in me would not allow me to leave without seeing it up close. For those that follow me on social media, I even did a live broadcast while standing next to the capsule. I figured if I happened to fall to my death in the midst, might as well document the event…

The capsule was originally placed there back in 1899 as a joint effort between the Cryptic Masonic of Colorado and Kansas. That was of course, a very pleasant surprise to discover, being a Kansas Mason. It is said that as many as 500 Masons arrived on a special train for the ceremony. That would have been a sight to see; 500 Masons carrying out a ceremony atop Pikes Peak! I can only imagine.

In 1999, on the 100th anniversary of that event, more than 200 Masons (still a mighty impressive number) from Colorado and Kansas once again took the Railway to the summit of Pikes Peak removing the capsule and its contents with the intention of replacing it with a new one for another 100-year term. Due to a misjudgment in size the replacement capsule did not fit correctly and on top of this, a theft occurred of those new items. What was left in their place-- a slew of anti-Masonic materials. September of that year it is reported that the issue was resolved and a new, proper fitting capsule was set into place with a crowd this time of 22 Masons. It is said the original capsule is displayed in a Kansas bank, however, I have not yet discovered where. If anyone reading this happens to know I would appreciate that information so I can pay it a visit in person.

So yes, this mountain does indeed have some Masonic roots so to speak. Some even into the depths of the hard, cold summit rock. Having the opportunity to visit this monument in person was pretty surreal to me. I imagined the original dedication crowd there so many years ago... If you ever have the opportunity to visit, make sure you act on it. I know the next time we are in the Colorado Springs area I will again pay a visit to the peak of "Masonic Mountain", and imagine again, the labors of my Brothers.

~AGP

RWB, Alex G. Powers is a historian and esoteric enthusiast. As a fifth-generation Freemason, he carries a hearty interest in antiquities of the Masonic institution. He currently serves as the Director of the Kansas Lodge of Research as well as District Deputy Grand Master for Area 9A in Kansas, he is also a Past Master and currently serving as Tyler and Lodge Historian for Gardner Lodge No. 65. Brother Powers is the host and founder of Historical Light, an independent production focusing on the history of Freemasonry. He is also the author of “A History of Gardner Masonic Lodge No. 65” with additional projects in the works.

Hiram Abiff, Solomon & Jesus - The Tie that Binds

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

Robert H. Johnson

*Editors Note: Here is a fun amateur "What if?..." piece I wrote a number of years ago. It was first printed in The Working Tools Magazine, November of 2013, and later in the Knight Templar Magazine. I offer this as a hypothetical based on the works of evangelical biblical scholars and the use of Aristotelian (if this than that) argument. I hope you enjoy this revisit. 

Boaz and Ruth

Who was the “Widow’s Son”? The answer might seem easily answered, but when one reads of legends, scriptures, the Apocrypha and other historical documents, it becomes apparent that perhaps we cannot answer this question so easily.

In the writings of Masonic scholars we learn of Hiram Abiff, “The Widow’s Son”. There are others in the aforementioned various texts referred as, “The Widow’s Son”. It seems this is a title to which more than one can be named. The use of the title is actually traced back to the Grail lore traditions which speak of a descended blood line and specifically reference Ruth.

Ruth, a woman of the Moabite tribe, was married to Boaz, and she was a heroine of the Old Testament. She was also the Great Grandmother of King David-- the father of King Solomon, who built the Temple. Ruth became pregnant, and married Boaz. He was quite a bit older being 80, while Ruth was just 40. The scriptures says that Boaz dies the next day. That must have been some wedding night.

From this point on, all the descendants of Ruth, were known simply as “Sons of the Widow”. A genetic title if you will. A genealogy can be traced. Ruth gives birth to the first “Son of the Widow”, Obed, who grows up and bears his son Jesse, who bears his son David who bears his sons Solomon and Nathan.

Using the lineage given in the Gospels of the Christian Bible, Jesus the Nazarene is a descendant of Ruth, making him also, a “Son of the Widow” or “Widow’s Son”. There are forty-five generations from Ruth to Jesus. This leaves an interesting problem for us as Masons. Nowhere in the lineage mentioned in the Bible, does it refer to Hiram Abiff.

Knowing this, it seems the trail grows cold in the search for Hiram Abiff’s title of “The Widow’s Son”. The Grail legends were written in a way that lends itself to allegory and therefore, the story cannot be just assumed to mean that Hiram was literally just a son of woman who lost her husband. These legends early on establish this title and what it means, which is a descendant of Ruth or more aptly a descendant of Boaz, either the 31st or 30th generation from Adam if you rely on Luke's genealogy.

Could Hiram Abiff be related somehow to the historical Jesus the Nazarene? The Gospels again, leave a cold trail. He simply isn't mentioned at all in the genealogy given by Luke or Mathew.

When Hiram Abiff is referenced as being a “Widow’s Son”, it is somehow implying that he was of the line of Ruth, who was married to Boaz and from them, according to Luke, a continued line to King David, King Solomon and eventually to Jesus the Nazarene. Was he a distant relative or cousin?

King Solomon was also a “Widow’s Son” in the sense of being of the lineage of Ruth. Is this why King Solomon called for a Tyrian which was handpicked to be the architect of the Jewish Temple of the God of Israel? Could Solomon have hired Hiram since they were family?

Doing detective work in genealogy can be taxing enough when researching ancestry just a few generations removed from the researcher, a task made much more difficult using biblical origins as references.

The lineage of Jacob is vital to this story. Twelve generations prior to the time of King Solomon, and eight generations prior to the time of Boaz, the twelve sons of Jacob were the founders of the twelve tribes of Israel. The fourth son of Jacob, Judah, was of the line that included the wise king, and extended through him to Jesus the Nazarene. The sixth son, Naphtali, was the founder of the line that included Hiram Abiff.

It is elementary to suggest that at the time of Jacob the designation of “Widow’s Son” had not yet been used, however, in his offspring, through time until we reach the time of Ruth, and from then on, it is not so unthinkable that the lineage would have used this epithet when speaking of their heritage or when scholars were recording the history of the time or even the Gospels.

What is it about this lineage which draws the title to it? What was so special? The three largest monotheistic religions, Judaism, Christianity and Islam all regard it [the lineage] with reverence. After all, this lineage contains Adam, Enoch, Noah, Shem, Abraham, David, Solomon, Nathan, Zerubbabel and Jesus the Nazarene.

Perhaps the coincidence which ties this lineage together is the ability to create. According to Luke, the line starts with Elohim (The Great Architect of the Universe) and then to Adam. The Christian Bible does not specifically make any magnificent claims to what Adam had ever built, however several other men in this lineage in fact are great builders.

Enoch was the builder of the mythological underground temple consisting of nine vaults with an altar where on the “Stone of Creation” and the Tetragrammaton were said to have been hidden. These legends are featured in the York and Scottish Rites namely the 7th degree in the York Rite called “The Holy Royal Arch” and the 13th degree of the Scottish Rite Southern Jurisdiction, called the “Royal Arch of Solomon”. In recent years it has even been suggested that Enoch was the builder of the Great Pyramid at Giza. The ancient Egyptians are said to have known the Great Pyramid as “The Pillar of Enoch”.

A somewhat obscure reference to that is found in the Bible, “In that day shall there be an altar to the LORD in the midst of the land of Egypt, and a pillar at the border thereof to the LORD. And it shall be for a sign and for a witness unto the LORD of hosts in the land of Egypt…” Isaiah 19:19.
Noah of course built the mythological Ark to house all of the creations of God that were spared in the legend of the great flood.

Abraham or Abram and his son Ishmael are purported to have built the Kaaba, a cube shaped building in Arabia which is one of the holiest sites for Brothers of the Muslim faith.

King David built a city and his palace and had sons, one of whom was King Solomon, who was responsible for the Temple of Solomon, which we all know is at the center of the teachings of our noble craft. These builders in the original line or “Alpha Lineage” the line that according to Luke starts with God and leads to Jesus the Nazarene go on and on with fantastic accomplishments.

Let us not forget however that there is the allusion to the building of the spiritual temple, a spiritual artificer which Jesus the Nazarene seemed to personify and ages before then we find the same in the character Freemasonry calls its patron, Hiram Abiff. The handpicked chief architect of the Temple of God. A man to emulate in his duty and fealty to his brothers, both Hiram of Tyre and King Solomon, this is the man we learn about in our  degrees and indeed try to emulate.

The “Alpha Line” is synonymous with “The Widow’s Son”. It could merely be the separation of the generational gap and a more coded obscure way of saying “of the Tribe of Judah” without being abrasive.

It could be that the Tribe of Judah was the main branch of this line and that The Widow’s Sons are an offshoot of the original line but whose closeness to the original line needed to be preserved by means of a title given to these builders.

In the end, we will never know if Adam, Jesus the Nazarene or Hiram were truly related, however it is clear that  The Widows Son is a title given to the offspring of Ruth and her descendants. It is also clear that Freemasonry calls its patron Saint Hiram Abiff a “Widow's Son", who was a builder. The lessons taught philosophically within our Masonic system have much to do with building as well, the main difference is that we are building our spiritual temples. In the Masonic system we follow in the footsteps of Hiram Abiff, but we not only represent him, we physically become him in the degrees and in the end we all end up a “Widow’s Son”. Becoming a Master Mason we all end up being builders of fantastic hearts, minds and souls.

So brethren, I ask you, “Who is the Widow’s Son?”

Look in the mirror, and you will surely see him.

Inspired by a brief article in the Trestle board of Blackmer Lodge #442 F&AM, California by WB John R Heisner

~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 Spes Novum Lodge No. 1183 UD. He is a Past Master of Waukegan Lodge 78 and a Past District Deputy Grand Master for the 1st N.E. District of Illinois. Brother Johnson currently produces and hosts weekly Podcasts (internet radio programs) Whence Came You? & Masonic Radio Theatrewhich 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. He is the co-author of "It's Business Time - Adapting a Corporate Path for Freemasonry" and is currently working on a book of Masonic essays and one on Occult Anatomy to be released soon.

Inside Sentinel

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

Bro. Erik Marks

*Editor's Note* It is pertinent to say that while not all Masonic Lodges have an Inner Sentinel, you may make a parallel to perhaps a Steward, a Tiler or some other office which is the, "beginners spot". In addition, if you don't have Inner Sentinels or Guards, this is an ideal learning piece for you. I hope you enjoy. ~ R.H. Johnson

When I’m properly prepared and qualified, I’m eagerly anticipating being allowed a year in the inside sentinel’s seat. I hear it is a position in many lodges not often occupied due to lack of membership, interest or ability to step into line, or just not seen as important. In many ways I see this as the essential chair to begin with. Practically speaking, I’ve read a little about inside sentinels, or inside guard, taking on tasks such as care of the Colors of the lodge, escorting a deacon, or acting as electrician. I’ve had the chance to speak with a brother who occupied the chair for a year in his lodge and confirmed some of my musings. It’s the chance for the most junior officer to take in the workings of lodge in a new way, without expectation for much performance. If only instituted as anxiety-management measure to lower the barrier to being an officer, it was brilliant maneuver; for those of us with a lot of worry mind about getting things right, the craft has come up an ideal entry point.

From the speculative and psychological view, it is an introspective role. This unassuming apprentice seat in the west, has direct line of sight to the Master, and technically at this right hand though across the room. As the Master’s youngest mentee, the silent observer could take in all the lodge proceedings for study, but also to “watch the vibe.” In many group processes, vibes watcher is a vital role. At the end of a lodge meeting, comments communicated about the evening’s communication could be a valuable asset to a sitting Master from one not yet fully inculcated in the line. The commentary could be practice for the process of discussion about observations of lodge and offer a chance for the Master to guide how an officer transmits his observations with tact and graciousness, with brotherly love and affection. The opportunity for mindfulness practice, meditation in action, seems exceptional: practicing an evenly hovering attention (a phrase used in the psychoanalytic cannon), calm vigilance, to take in all without necessity to speak. By definition it’s a non-speaking part.

Taken as the psychological metaphor, sitting at the edge of consciousness, practicing watching and not commentingon one’s own experience is a beautiful metaphor. Just observe. Just observe your own mind and don’t be harsh or critical, just feel and see, note. Watch the movements in lodge and self and do nothing, just feel the reactions and note them for later. Of course, when floor work requires movement with a committee, etc., that too engaged with thorough silence, witnessing. For those more esoterically inclined, this is an ideal seat in which to hold reverence and energetic presence. Dignified, and serene, the sentinel as the outpost at the portal trains to remain present and aware of internal and external movement through sound and feel. One could practice holding Grace, breath as silent and continuous prayer, envisioning and holding an energetic circle, and/or other non-verbal esoteric and energetic practices.

Continuing practice outside of lodge in everyday life, one’s internal inner sentinel acts as filter for what is allowed into the temple, and what is let out. Dignified, serene, reverent observation in meetings, shopping, sitting with one’s child or neighbor, watching, listening, taking note. Non-judgmental or non-punitive observation of one’s own internal proceedings through the day. The worthwhile and idle chatter treated with discernment, with due care. I emphasize with discernment and without punishment as the latter is wasted psychic energy which could be used to make positive change and effort rather than corrosive internal meanness which only dampens moral and erodes character.

We are born into life and listen at first. We are brought (by our choice; “born”) into lodge and further development and listen at the sidelines. We step (again a choice, and reborn) into line with further chance for personal development and sit silently to listen, anew with a new view to our path and teachings. It seems like an opportunity worth elevating, promoting for all its potential as another beginning, deepening. I’m interested in hearing from those of you who have asked, or were offered, to begin your career as officer in this position in the lodge. If I’m allowed this opportunity, I’ll let you know how it goes.

~EM

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

The Gift Of Kindness

by Midnight Freemasons Founder

Todd E. Creason, 33°

I went to the post office yesterday.  I always go to the same post office, because they aren't usually very busy, and I mail a lot of stuff--books mostly.  I hadn't been there in several months, but when I walked in there yesterday, the clerk at the counter said, "oh, I've been waiting for you to come in!"  And she disappears.  When she comes back she has this little ceramic fez she found in a garage sale or an auction somewhere.

She gave it to me.  It made my day!  I showed it to my wife when I picked her up for lunch.  I showed my co-workers when I got back to the office.  I even posted a picture of it on social media.  It's now sitting on the top shelf in my office where everyone will see it when they walk in. 

I barely know her, but through our interactions at the window over the last several years, she knew I was a Mason.  She knew I was a writer and I mailed a lot of books.  She knows I'm a collector of Masonic curiosities.  I know the same basics about her as she knows about me.  She's an avid antique collector, which means she knows my dad who is also an avid antique collector.  And she works at the post office.  That's it.

She probably paid a buck or two for it.   I think the thing that most impressed me is her attitude in life.  She's a giver.  When she saw that item, she didn't look at it to decide if she wanted it or not as most people would.  She looked at it and realized somebody she hardly knows might enjoy having that trinket and she picked it up--it could have been sitting in her locker at work for weeks before I finally showed up.  And I couldn't be more sure than I am in saying I bet I'm not the only person that has gone into that post office and gotten a similar surprise from her.

I guess my take-away from that lesson is that it doesn't take very much to make somebody's day.  We spend so much time worrying about our own problems, and our own concerns, and absorbed in our own little world we sometimes fail to see those around us.  We fail to appreciate the things other people do for us.  It doesn't cost very much (even nothing) to do a nice thing.  It doesn't take much time or effort to call somebody out of the blue--even if you don't need something from them.  Thank them for something they've done for you.  Or drop a card in the mail to let somebody know you appreciate them, or that you've been thinking about them.  

As you're reading this, I'd be willing to bet there's somebody that's come to your mind.  I'll bet it is somebody you just realized that you really need to do something nice for.

Why don't you just do it?  If you're reading this, you've got time right now, right?

~TEC

Todd E. Creason, 33° is the Founder of the Midnight Freemasons blog, and an award winning author of several books and novels, including the Famous American Freemasons series. Todd started the Midnight Freemason blog in 2006, and in 2012 he opened it up as a contributor blog The Midnight Freemasons (plural). Todd has written more than 1,000 pieces for the blog since it began. He is a Past Master of Homer Lodge No. 199 and Ogden Lodge No. 754 (IL) where he currently serves as Secretary. He is a Past Sovereign Master of the Eastern Illinois Council No. 356 Allied Masonic Degrees. He is a Fellow at the Missouri Lodge of Research (FMLR). He is a charter member of the a new Illinois Royal Arch Chapter, Admiration Chapter No. 282 and currently serves as EHP. You can contact him at: webmaster@toddcreason.org