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Sept 2012 Issue #55 $7.95

~ Fourteen articles of Masonic interest and education.Featuring an exclusive by best selling author RobertCooper.

~ “The Craft in Thirty Seconds”

~ A comparison of the Scottish Rite & York Rites 8th

degree

~ Alchemy in Australia- Clarifying the situation

~ Solomon’s Seal in your garden

Photo credit:: Mt. Vernon Lodge #349, Sharon TN

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Welcome to the September 2012 edition of

“The Working Tools MasonicMagazine Light”

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The Full version has over 60 pages of Masonic Educationand Enlightenment including:

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● Book Reviews

● Grand Lodge information from around the world

● Dedicated Sections for Scottish Rite & York Rite Masons

● Much Much More

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A New Beginning

Brethren,

This month starts a new beginning or a new chapter ifyou will for The Working Tools Masonic Magazine.

We have been quite busy behind the scenes.

We have opened up the selections on how you canaccess the magazine. There’s now the Full & Lightversion in electronic format, the printed magazine and

the Apple Newsstand App where you can read TWT on the go. This was alldone for the readers to give you as many options to get your Masonic newsand information in a way that best suits your needs.

We built a brand new website to make it even easier for you todownload/purchase TWT. We went for a clean simplistic look trying to keepthe clutter down and make the selections easy to find. For the time being the“Light” version will be housed on a different server so you do not have toregister on the site to download the issue. Just click on the link and off you go.For the full magazine you will need to register once and then going forwardjust logon.

We have also partnered with Magzter to create an App for the AppleNewsstand to be able to automatically be notified when the latest issue is outand download it directly to your IOS device. That was a very exciting eventfor us, now we are using the newest technology and reaching Masons in awhole new way.

The whole team at TWT is excited to share this new & exciting informationwith you. Thank you for your support!!!

Until next time...

Cory Sigler,Cory Sigler, Editor In Chief

Past Master, Hawthorne Fortitude #200

The Working ToolsMasonic Magazine

www.twtmag.com

Staff

Editor in ChiefCory Sigler

Assistant EditorScott Schwartzberg

Subscriber InformationPublished monthly as both

Electronic and Printedformats.

Individual printed copiesavailable

for $7.95 an Issue (US) &$10.95 (Canada/EU)

Subscriptions available forSingle Issue, Lodge 3 Pack

or Lodge 5 Pack At$7.00/Copy (US)

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Submissions can be sent totwtmag@yahoo.com

Authors retain full rights oftheir published works.

Editorial DisclaimerEditor reserves right to edit

all submissions for space,clarity, errors or changes as

needed.

Postal MasterSend address changes to

The Working ToolsMagazine. Po Box 72.Allendale, NJ 07401

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The Working Tools is published monthly by Corsig Publishing & Cory Sigler, It is not affiliated with any GrandLodge. Letters or inquiries should be directed to Cory Sigler, Editor, at E-mail: TWTMAG@yahoo.com All let-ters become the property of the Working Tools. Photographs and articles should be sent to the attention of theEditor. Every effort will be made to return photographs but this cannot be guaranteed. Please include a self-addressed stamped envelope. The Editor reserves the right to edit all materials received.

Appendant Bodies

York Rite………………………..51

Scottish Rite…...…..…………..58

Contents

Ask The Reader……….…..……8

Word of the Month….……..……9

This Month in Masonry…..……10

“Charlie Chaplin’s Uncle” ..…...13

Grand Lodge Spotlight.….…....14

One Minute Mason….……..…. 16

Quiz……………………………...17

Old Tyler Talks…...…..…….…..18.

Featured WritersDavid Daehnke...………... 20

Robert Cooper………...…….21

Todd Creason &Michael Shirley………………25

Matt Johnson……….………..28

Sam Katz…………...………...29

Paul C. Smith…………...……30

Shawn Growly….……….……34

Kyle Ferguson…..…….…..…36

David Browning……….…..…38

John Nagy………...…….……41

Scott Schwartberg &Michael Gambarrotti…………45

David Slater……...….….……47

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This Months ContributorsScott Schwartzberg Raised in 2007 at USS New Jersey No. 62 in Cherry Hill, NJ, Scott is currently Marshall of BoyntonLodge No. 236, Boynton Beach, FL. He is one of the founding members of Boynton Lodge Esoteric Research Group (B.L.E.R.G.), amember of the SR Bodies at the Valley of Lake Worth, and YR Bodies of Ft. Lauderdale.

Matt Johnson Matt Johnson is a member of Pioneer Lodge #82 in Arizona as well as a member of the Royal Arch and the ScottishRite. He is on a one man crusade to bring "critical thinking to the masses" through his article "Believe the Best". Join him onFacebook and check it out at believethebestblog.blogspot.com."

Dr. John S. Nagy is a Master Mason and author of the “Building Series” of Masonic Education books. His books and hisworkshops cover aspects of Masonry designed to Build Better Builders. You can find out more about him, his books and hisworkshops through his website at: http://www.coach.net

David Browning David Browning is a Master Mason and is installed as the Senior Deacon of Selma Lodge 320 in Selma, NorthCarolina. He is a Certified Lecturer and is currently serving as the District Deputy Grand Lecturer for the 16th Masonic District. Heresides with his wife and three children in NC.

Barry Newell Raised to Master Mason in 2006 in Oriental Lodge #60, Boise ID. WM in 2009. Served as Excellent High Priest forBoise Chapter #3, RAM, and currently sit as Illustrious Master for Idaho Council #1, Cryptic Masons. I also sit as Generalissimo forIdaho Commandery #1. I am also a member of the Order of the High Priesthood and the york Rite College. Member Scottish Ritesince 2011.

Jacob Lucas is interested in thehistory of the Craft and its ritual. Heis an officer in his Symbolic Lodge,as well as his Scottish Rite Valley andYork Rite Bodies. He providesMasonic Education at meetings.

Shawn M. Gorley Raised toMaster Mason at Mountain Lodge #281 in Altoona PA. He is a member ofThe Masonic Society, The Philalethesand currently working toward level onecertification in the PennsylvaniaAcademy of Masonic Knowledge.

Michael Gambarrotti Raised inAugust 2009 at Boynton Lodge No. 236,Boynton Beach, FL, Mike is currently JWof Boynton Lodge No. 236 and theDistrict 32 Chairman for the FloridaMasonic Child ID Program.

Kyle James Ferguson is a member of Union Lodge No. 291 in Scranton, PA & Kingsbury Lodge No. 466 in Olyphant, PA. He isalso a Royal Arch Mason, a Cryptic Mason, a member of the Allied Masonic Degrees, and a 32° in the AASR, NMJ where he isJunior Warden of the Keystone Lodge of Perfection in the Valley of Scranton. He is a member of The Masonic Society, a Level 1Scholar in the PA Academy of Masonic Knowledge, a Fellow of the Grand College of Rites, and is the author of a blog called ThePhilosophical Freemason (http://philosophicalfreemason.blogspot.com/).

Paul C. Smith P.M. of Rockingham Lodge No. 76 in Candia, NH the Founding Master of General Court Lodge No. 1784(America’s only special, legislative lodge) and is the Founding and Current Master of Phoenix Lodge, No. 105 New Hampshire’s firstTO lodge. He is a trustee of NH MasoniCare and is currently serving as a Grand Steward. He is a member of The Masonic Society,the Scottish Rite, York Rite, AMD, SRICF, Royal Order of Scotland, SYRCNA and Order of Knight Masons.

Sam Katz Raised April 1992, Certified to Master the 3 Blue Lodge Degrees by January 1993 and appointed an Instructor ofPhiladelphia Temple School of Instruction, 1995 served as Worshipful Master of Equity Lodge #591, PA F&AM, 2006 joinedEndeavor Lodge #17 DE AF&AM, a dual member of Union Lodge #7, served as Marshal in the Divan of PP James T. Ruby of NURShrine in 2011, coordinator of Sussex County Shepherds Unit, appointed an Ambassador for the Valley of Lower Delaware of theAASR-NMJ and the webmaster for www.endeavorlodge17.org, www.valleyoflowerde.org and www.district3de.org.

Michael H. Shirley is a Past Master of Tuscola Lodge No. 332 (IL) and Leadership Development Chairman for the GrandLodge of Illinois. He's also a member of the Illinois Lodge of Research, the Scottish Rite, the York Rite, Eastern Star, the TallCedars of Lebanon, and the newly-chartered Illini High Twelve No. 768 in Urbana-Champaign (IL). The author of several articles onBritish history, he teaches history at Eastern Illinois University.

Todd E. Creason, 33° is the author of several books and novels, including his popular “Famous American Freemasons” series.He’s a Past Master of Ogden Lodge No. 754 (IL), a member of the Illinois Lodge of Research, and of both the Scottish Rite andYork Rite. He's also a member of the Ansar Shrine (IL) and Charter President of the new Illini High Twelve No. 768 in Champaign-Urbana (IL).

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Last month we asked on the TWT Facebook page the Brethren to answer thefollowing: “Why did you become a Freemason?”

Send your answers to TWTMAG@yahoo.com. The best responses will be featured in next month’s issue.

Rich Weaver To join the oldest and noblest fraternityin the world that practices faith, hope, and charity. Allcharacter traits I want to exemplify as a husband,father, and human being.

John McDermid In short: it called me, I just finallylistened.

The long of the short, for some curious reason Isomehow knew about it all my life.

My Dad'’s Dad was a Mason and he had passed longbefore I was ever thought of. I have heard very briefstories of who this man was, from my Dad andUncles. But most unexpectedly and pleasantly I seewho this man, my unknown Grandfather was everytime I go to Lodge. The shadow of his characterreveals itself more and more.

Therefore I learn more about myself, my father, myfamily and its roots.

There is more but, it really called me I just finallyknocked and never looked back.

Gordon Topping I felt I was called, both Grandads,my dad, my uncles, my cousins were all Freemasons, Ijust wish I had knocked years ago but even at my lateage I think it has in made a good man better .

Matt Johnson I was searching for truth . Its beenquite an experience

.Paul C. Smith I was looking for more in my life. Ifound it..

Shawn Gorley Where else can men of all faiths andsocial status' sit together as equals.

Serdan Corneliu it's a matter of spirit and, as well aswe feel it, communication is the cement of the Temple.Communication and sharing.

Michael Fisher My great-grandfather and grandfather were Masons,whereas my stepfather was a Moose. My grandfather was also VFW, DAVand American Legion. What can I say, the man loved his lodges. I am thenext man in the bloodline and having grown up around it, I knew that Iwould get the call. I am only sad that I waited so long to listen to it. OnTuesday night, I will finally be Raised and I am looking forward to it like Ilooked forward to my wedding. It is an accomplishment that just feel like itis what it should be.

Daryl A. Linkous I was living in Richmond VA at the time and wasgoing through a very dark time in my life. You can say that my lifestylewas marked by reckless excesses, and it came to pass that the way I lived atnight deeply affected the way I lived during the day. On one Mondaymorning, an old friend and Freemason came into my office, closed thedoor, and proceeded to chew me out for living the way that I living, andtold me that he neither knew more nor wanted to know me if I was going tolive that way.

My first response was abject shock at the event, then amazement that I hadone friend in the world who had the stones to tell me how bad I really was.This man was willing to walk uprightly before me, even at the expense of afriendship. I didn’t say much of the experience for some months to come,but well noted it, and though I did not instantly become a model citizen Idefinitely did not become any worse that I was at that moment. Later, Icame to him with my sincere gratitude, reminding him of James 5:19-20which says “Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one converthim; let him know that he which converteth the sinner from the error of hisway shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins”.

I was raised on June 23, 2012, and asked myself this exact question: “Whydid I become a Freemason?” It came down to this: When I needed help,Brother Ed Evans came into my office, not friend to friend or even brotherto brother, but more as father to wayward son to straighten me out. And ofcourse, the true nature of the Fraternity was revealed.

This Months Question

What does your Lodge do to motivate the Brethrento attend more meetings?

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LILY

The plant so frequently mentioned in the OldTestament under the name of lily, as an emblem ofpurity and peace, was the lotus lily of Egypt and India.It occupies a conspicuous place among the ornaments ofthe Temple furniture. The brim of the molten sea waswrought with flowers of the lotus; the chapiters on thetops of the pillars at the porch, and the tops of thepillars themselves, were adorned with the same plant.Sir Robert Ker Porter, describing a piece of sculpturewhich he found at Persepolis, says

Almost every one in this procession holds in his hand afigure like the lotus. This flower was full of meaningamong the ancients and occurs all over the East. Egypt,Persia, Palestine, and India present it everywhere overtheir architectures in the hands and on the heads oftheir sculptured figures, whether in statue or in bas-relief. We also find it in the sacred vestments andarchitecture of the tabernacle and Temple of theIsraelites.

The lily which is mentioned by our Savior, as an imageof peculiar beauty and glory, when comparing the

works of nature with the decorations of art, was adifferent dower probably a species of lilium. This is alsorepresented in all pictures of the salutation of Gabriel tothe Virgin Mary, and, in fact, has been held inmysterious veneration by people of all nations andtimes. It is the symbol of divinity, of purity, andabundance, and of a love most complete in perfection,charity, and benediction; as in Holy Scripture, thatmirror of purity, Susanna is defined Susa, whichsignified the lily flower, the chief city of the Persians,bearing that name for excellency.

Hence, the lily's three leaves in the arms of France meanethPiety, Justice, and Charity." so far, the general impression ofa peculiar regard to this beautiful and fragrant Sower; butthe early Persians attached to it a peculiar sanctity. We mustnot, however, forget the difference between the lotus of theOld Testament and the lily of the New. The former is aMasonic plant; the latter is scarcely referred to. Nevertheless,through the ignorance of the early translators as to sacredplants, the lotus is constantly used for the lily; and hence thesame error has crept into the Masonic instructions.

- Source: Mackey's Encyclopedia of Freemasonry

Masonic Symbolism & Words Brought to you by www.masonicdictionary.comThis Month’s Entry is:

Lily

LILY WORK

The lily work which is described asa part of the ornamentation of thetwo pillars in the porch ofSolomon's Temple is said to be,from the whiteness of the plant,symbolic of purity and peace.Properly, it is lotus work.

- Source: Mackey's Encyclopedia ofFreemasonry

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Book Review of “Charlie Chaplin’s Uncle”by Bro. Ian Okell. Review by Cory Sigler

One of my greatest joy’s of being Editor of the “Working Tools”is when I get an email from an author who contacts me about abook he wrote. This happened last month when Brother Ian Okellreached out to me to tell me about his newest book “CharlieChaplin’s Uncle” and asked if I would be interested in reviewingit.

As I am always excited to promote a Brothers artistic endeavor soI gladly accepted his invitation to mail me the copy. To be honest,from only knowing the title, I had no idea if this was abiography on Charlie Chaplin, a fictional tale usingChaplin as a character or something completelydifferent all together. When I received the package anote enclosed gave me a brief summary telling methat the book mixes Masonry, humor, trains, andaction. I have gone to my local library many timesand picked a random book off the shelf to take homeso I am not unaccustomed to reading a book with astoryline that is unknown beforehand.

This is one of those times when life throws you a veryspecial unexpected treat. My review could be veryshort by simply saying “How can you go wrong witha humorous witty Masonically themed train ride?”But that would be a disservice to both you and Bro Okell whoshould be praised for what he has written.

I am purposely leaving out some plot lines and characters so youcan enjoy them as they come like I did. Here’s what I will tellyou.

The author has done a tremendous job with so many aspects:Character development, scenery, history, inclusion of Masonry(without over doing it) and interjecting humor sometimes in themost unexpected times. With the characters I found myselfcaring about the safety of Fowler, the protagonist, his wife Ruth,their young nephew, and the other supporting cast. We quicklyget to know all of them and what roles they will be playingwithout being two steps ahead of what they will do next.

Bro. Okell worked late 1800’s England in beautifully. I vividlysaw the house they lived in, the streets he walked and themountainsides he drove the train through. I loved the town-by-town stops the train made and the technology that each stationhad (or didn’t have). Mixing in a winter storm also gave thescenery another dynamic as to how this might affect the trainfrom getting to where they needed to.

Speaking of trains, I think I now have a working knowledge onhow a train works, how to drive one and what it felt like to feelthe heat from the coals while I was shoveling some in to steamthe Iron Horse.

Humor, as some of you who know me is a quality I really like in aperson. Bro. Ian is a darn funny guy. In-between each chapter is acompletely non related short news clipping from 1800 Englishnewspapers that illustrates what life was like back then. If youdon’t like them and want to skip them (not recommended) youwill not lose any plot line. In addition to this Fowler throws outsome one liners that had me laughing out loud. Once of them inparticular had me in stitches. I wish I could repeat it here but Iwouldn’t dare ruin it.

Ok, so the Masonry part. Fowler is a proud Freemason. He actson the square as you would expect. He uses Masonic jargonappropriately. As I was reading the story I felt that the author didnot try to shoehorn the language in just to try to make more sales

from the members of the Craft. The Secret Societylore is present however much like it was back thenit was only talked about sparingly and usually inthe present of other known Masons. I trulyappreciated the amount of Freemasonry used, nottoo much not too little. It added to the story neverdistracting.

Bottom Line

The ending of the story was equally satisfying asthe beginning and middle. I think by now you getit. I really liked this book and I can’t wait for thenext one to come out. I give it a solid 4 Square &Compasses out of 5.

About the Author

Ian was for many years a ship's chandler, part of the fourthgeneration in his family business, supplying merchant vesselsaround the United Kingdom and Western Europe. Deciding thattoo much of his time was spent in traveling, and looking for a jobwhich allowed more time for a home life, he set up a localbusiness of his own; a registered firearms dealership.

However, although still fun, the gun shop has turned into a muchbusier operation than originally envisaged, and is now run by sonMike, with Ian relegated to the role of general dogsbody. He isalso a commercially qualified pilot on medium sized twin enginedaircraft.

Ian and his wife Margaret, another pilot, live in Cheshire in northwest England, they have three grown up children and, so far, twograndchildren. For many years writing has been his hobby,resulting in about one book a year, although never with anythought of being published. It was only after scoring high marksin a British Arts Council literary criticism website that his booksfound their way into print. (Amazon)

http://www.amazon.com/Charlie-Chaplins-Uncle-Ian-Okell/dp/1781760381/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1344487092&sr=8-1&keywords=charlie+chaplins+uncle

$14.95 PaperbackTWT

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Grand Lodge Spotlight

The Grand Lodge of Georgia811 Mulberry Street

Macon, GA 31201.6779Phone 478.742.1475 ~ Fax 478.742.1465

(website) http://www.glofga.org

Members- 43,578 (2010)

Grand Master - M.W. Jerry Moss

Grand Lodge History

A band of English colonists under the leadership ofGeneral James Edward Oglethorpe, British soldier,statesman and humanitarian, arrived on the westbank of the Savannah River on February 12, 1733.This was the birth of the English Province ofGeorgia, the last of the Thirteen Colonies. Georgiawas the southwestern frontier of British Americafor many years.

In the same year, December 13, 1733, the GrandLodge of England at its Quarterly Communicationin London adopted a resolution to "collect theCharity of this Society towards enabling theTrustees (of Georgia) to send distressed Brethren toGeorgia where they may be comfortably providedfor...that it be strenuously (sic) recommended by theMasters and Wardens of regular Lodges to make agenerous collection amongst all their Members forthat purpose..."

Some three months later, February 21, 1734, aLodge of Freemasons was organized at Savannahunder the "old Customs" (without warrant).Noble Jones, intimate friend of JamesOglethorpe, was initiated on that date, the firstFreemason made in Georgia. On December 2,1735, the Lodge was warranted by the Grand

Lodge of England and entered on the engravedlist as "The Lodge at Savannah in Ye Province ofGeorgia". It was assigned number 139 on theregister of English Lodges. By 1770 its numberhad been reduced to No. 63 and by 1792 it wasNo. 46, although no longer an English Lodge.

The Lodge at Savannah changed its name in orprior to 1770 to Solomon's Lodge. In 1774 and1775, respectively, the Grand Lodge of Englandwarranted two more Lodges in Savannah, UnityNo. 465 and Grenadiers No. 481. Both Lodgesdied an early death.

Except for that brief period, Solomon's Lodge wasthe only Lodge in Georgia from 1734 until 1785.Solomon's Lodge was the second duly constitutedLodge in America, next only to a Lodge in Bostonwarranted in 1733. Solomon's Lodge is the MotherLodge of Georgia.

Serving as Provincial Grand Masters in Georgiawere: Grey Elliott, 1760 until he was succeeded in1771 by Noble Jones. Brother Jones served untilhis death in 1775. Sometime during the War forindependence, Samuel Elbert, American soldier andlater Governor of Georgia, was "elected" ProvincialGrand Master. On December 15, 1786, BrotherElbert resigned as (Continued on page 11)

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Provincial Grand Master so that the independentGrand Lodge of Georgia might be formed.

A group of dissident Freemasons in Savannah,disapproving the workings of Solomon's Lodge,petitioned the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania in 1784for a charter to organize a Lodge. Their petition wasgranted by Pennsylvania on March 31, 1785, theLodge being listed on Pennsylvania's register as no.42, to be known as Hiram Lodge, Savannah, Georgia.

In the true spirit of Freemasonry the differencesbetween the two Lodges were soon reconciled. In thefollowing year it is known that two additional Lodgesexisted in the , one at Augusta and one at Washington.It is believed these four Lodges, on December 16,1786 met together and created the most WorshipfulGrand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons for the ofGeorgia. William Stephens, Past Master ofSolomon's Lodge, now No. 1, and the first U.S. CourtJudge in Georgia, was elected and installed GrandMaster.

The next eight Lodges in Georgia were: ColumbiaNo. 3, Augusta; St. Louis No. 4, Washington;Washington No. 5, Washington; St. John's No. 6,Sunbury; Little River No. 7, Little River; St.Patrick's No. 8, Waynesboro; St. George's No. 9,Kiokas; Union No. 10, Savannah.

With the exception of Solomon's No. 1, all of theabove Lodges are extinct. Social Lodge, originallyNo. 18, Augusta, Georgia, now also No. 1, waschartered in December, 1799. Georgia has 451Lodges and 72,451 members (as of October, 1997).

Freemasonry has existed continuously in Georgiasince 1734. The Grand Lodge of Georgia, F. & A.M., has existed since 1786.

The Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons forthe of Georgia was incorporated with perpetualduration on February 6, 1796, by an Act of theGeneral Assembly of Georgia passed for that purpose,and has been delivered down to the present day.

Website Review

It’s always a pleasure as a reviewer to havesomething good to say about the topic they are

working on. One of my biggest gripes is seeing aGrand Lodge website that has no informationavailable or if they do it’s outdated or even worselooks as if it was made during the Reaganadministration. This is something that is of utmostimportance in this day and age. Have a website that a21 year old man would want to stay on longer than30 seconds!

The GL of Georgia website is definitely aboveaverage. There is a full menu of informationavailable that a Mason would benefit from but for anon member the info is a bit limited. I would like tosee more material that a perspective member couldtake away and learn about what they would find inMasonry.

The most vital information is there: Contact names,address, telephone numbers etc… The Lodge Finderfunction is present however its not searchable using aradius from an address so a traveling Brother whodoesn’t know the area might be confused.

Something of concern was that I had to click on“Masonic Messenger” to learn that it is the GrandLodge publication and not an Instant Messagefunction. I would label it more clearly or add it to thefront page with a graphic and a link. It looks like afine publication. Why not make it more noticeablefor visitors to read?

Kudos go out for a nice Masonic Education sectionfor self study outside the Lodge (which unfortunatelyis where most of our education is done now).Certificates for completing the study lessons with apassing grade is nice touch.

Since I started this article the GL added some smalltouches to their main page. There is now a runningtotal showing the amount of pints of blood collectedfrom Lodge drives . Clicking on that link will bringyou an area listing the location sites for the BloodDrives. Also now seen is a tally showing thenumber of Child ID packets provided to parents.Small but nice reminders to the community showingthe work we do in our towns.

Good Job on a website well done!

(Continued from page 10)

TWT

Grand Lodge Spotlight - Georgia

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Fall Masonic Quiz

As leaves fall, footballs fly, the World Series beckons & votes are cast, what are some ofthe Masonic ties? Match name/number at bottom to these events/accomplishments:

1. Legendary pioneering coach that has a nationwide youth football program named for him___

2. Movie title song “Autumn Leaves” popularized by its singer in 1956 ___

3. Best pitchers in NL & AL win the award named for this winningest pitcher___

4. Holds Pro Baseball’s record for a career batting average at .366! ___

5. World famous magician & escape artist dies on Halloween! ___

6. This President was the first to proclaim a national day of “Thanksgiving” ___

7. This President was starting center for a National Champ football team @ Michigan ___

8. Second American President to be assassinated, September 1901 ___

9. This President ordered American forces into Canada fall of 1812 during War of 1812 ___

10.First NFL Quarterback to appear in five Super Bowls ___

11.NFL Hall of Fame Linebacker who won two Super Bowl rings ___

12.In 1948 the Presidential election pitted 4 Masons against each other; the winner ___

Gerald Edgar – Mosaic #125 AF&AM – Dubuque, Iowa gvlc6@hotmail.com

Answers: 3 - 6 - 8 - 11 - 12 - 4 - 1 - 2 - 7 - 9 - 10 -5

1. Gerald Ford

2. William McKinely

3. Glen "Pop" Warner

4. George Washington

5. Harry Truman

6. Nat King Cole

7 James Madison

8. Cy Young

9. John Elway

10. Ray Nitschke

11. Ty Cobb

12. Harry Houdini

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“MASONRY IN BUSINESS”

Old Tyler Talks By Carl Claudy

How many brethren in this lodge are worth a hundredthousand dollars?" inquired the New Brother of the Old Tilerin the anteroom.

"I don't know. Jones and Brown and Robinson and Hitchcock,certainly, and perhaps Wilson and Moore. You want to make atouch?" The Old Tiler looked curiously at his questioner.

"A friend of mine is interested in forming a company,"answered the New Brother, "and I intend to invest with him.As I want to see it succeed, I'll go to see all the wealthy menand ask for subscriptions. We are going to manufacture apatent elevator device, that. . ."

''Why confine your list to those in this lodge? There are moremen with money outside the lodge than in it."

"But I have no right to ask them to invest money in a companyjust because I am interested in it!" The New Brother lookedvery virtuous.

"Have you a right to ask brethren to spend money on yourbehalf because you belong to the lodge?" The Old Tiler lookedshocked.

"Why, of course. We are brethren, are we not? Brethren helpeach other, don't they?"

"I see no reason why any brother should spend moneyexploiting an invention, just because you are interested,"answered the Old Tiler. ''Masonry is not intended to influencea man's business. If these brethren think well of the inventionthey will invest. If they don't think well of it, they won't. ButMasonry does not enter into the matter."

"But it would mean much to me and to my friend, if thiscompany should succeed and make a lot of money!" explainedthe New Mason.

''Suppose it doesn't succeed, and loses a lot of money?"suggested the Old Tiler. The New Brother began to write in hisnotebook.

''That won't happen," he answered as he scribbled. "This isbound to succeed. But any business man takes a risk in anycompany in which he invests."

''Now we get to the root of the matter!" exclaimed the OldTiler. "They are to help you, because of their Masonry, whichis mutual with you both; but if they lose, that's because theytook a business risk!

''If the company was to develop a Masonic property or build atemple, I could see that your common Masonry might make anappeal. But I see no reason for anyone to buy stock in yourcompany except a business reason.

"A mutual lodge membership may serve as an introductionbetween any two men to discuss anything of interest to one, inwhich he hopes to interest the other. Your mutual lodgemembership is a guarantee that you will receive a welcome. Itought to guarantee the other man that you will not abuse histime and confidence by taking up the one to exploit the other.He has the same right to expect consideration from you thatyou have to expect consideration from him. But you have noright to expect him to suspend his business judgment justbecause you are both Masons.

"If you have what you believe is a good proposition, and,therefore give your Masonic friends an opportunity to makesome money, your motive in listing thc wealthy members ofthis lodge is commendable. But you have no such idea. Youhope they will win, and so, help you to win. But if they lose,that's their lookout. That is not Masonic.

''Masonry does not butt into a man's business. Only insofar asit guarantees that a brother is honest is it a help in business. Asit promises mutual esteem and helpfulness it smoothes thebusiness path. But when you use Masonry to make the otherfellow do something financial which he otherwise wouldn't do,it is not a proper use of Masonry. Ask your friends to helpyou-that's what friends are for. But don't ask strangers, merelybecause they are fellow lodge members, to risk their moneyunless you are willing to begin by not using Masonry as ameans to private gain! Your friends will help you-brethren notclose friends expect you to treat them in a brotherly way. It'snot brotherly to go to wealthy strangers and say, 'I want somemoney from you, because we are both Masons!' " The OldTiler stopped, short of breath.

The New Brother looked up from his busy writing , "I couldhardly, keep up with you!" he exclaimed. ''You talked so fast.But I'm sure I got most of it. This will make a dandy speech!"

"Speech?''

"Certainly. I have no intentions of getting any subscriptionsfrom anyone. I was after material for a talk I have been askedto give on Masonry in Business!"

"Upon my word!" cried the Old Tiler. Then he chuckled. Ihope you will see that I am invited inside to hear it," he saidgood naturedly.

14 www.twtmag.com

Solomon’s Seal (genus Polygonatum ) is a medicinal herb thatis native to North America, Europe and Asia. Gardeners andnature lovers know the plant well, for it is easily identifiableand easily cultivated. This hardy perennial has stems of threefeet that gracefully curve downward, light green leaves andwhite bell-shaped flowers which are followed by bluish-blackberries. It thrives in a light, well drained, humus rich soil inpartial shade. Some gardeners look at Solomon’s Seal asinvasive, but it is easily controlled by splitting with a spade.

Solomon's Seal is a very hardy plant. It prefers a light soil and ashady situation, being a native of woods. If grown in a suitablesoil and place and not crowded by shrubs, it will thrive andmultiply very rapidly by the creeping rootstocks. It will bebetter for occasional liberal dressings of leaf compost, or anannual top dressing of decayed manure in March.

Seeds, sown as soon as gathered in the autumn, germinate inearly spring, or the roots may be divided to any extent. The besttime to transplant or part the roots is in autumn, after the stalksdecay, but it may safely be done at any time, if taken up withplenty of soil, until they begin to shoot in the spring, when theground should be dug about them and kept clean from weeds.They should also have room to spread and must not be removedmore than every third or fourth year.

The creeping rootstock, rhizome or underground stem, is thickand white and is lifted in autumn and used in herbal medicine.Because of the creeping rootstock, the plant multiplies veryrapidly. The plant's botanical genus, Polygonatum, refers to the"many-angled" knots on the root or the numerous joints on thestems. Its English name is believed to refer to the flat, roundscars on the rootstocks, resembling the impressionsof a seal; and when the root is cut transversely, itresembles Hebrew characters, giving rise to thelegend that the wise King Solomon, who knew of thevirtues of the roots, set his seal upon them.

You can estimate the plant's age by examining therhizome. Each year the stem leaves a scar, or "seal"on the rhizome. Counting these will give you an ideaof how long your plant has been alive.

King Solomon, the son of King David, established Jerusalem asthe city of justice and peace. His name reflects the originalname of the city, Shalem. Solomon is said to have been givenboth wisdom and knowledge, this is usually taken to mean wisegovernment, the ability to distinguish morally between goodand evil, and a thorough understanding of the universe. "BeholdI have given you a wise and understanding heart; there has beennone like you before you, nor after you shall any arise likeyou." (Kings 1, 3, 12)The legend of King Solomon's Seal, of the wondrous signet ringthat he received from heaven, is common to Judaism, toChristianity and to Islam. King Solomon's Seal, whose base is

on the ground and whose tip reachesheaven, symbolizes a harmony ofopposites, whose significance is manifoldas much as it is multi-cultural. It reflectsthe cosmic order, the skies, themovement of the stars in their spheres,and the perpetual flow between heavenand earth, between the elements of airand fire. The Seal, therefore, symbolizessuper-human wisdom and rule by divine grace.

The symbol of the hexagram, the star-like figure formed by twotriangles, has manyconnotations, especiallywhen it is enclosed by acircle; super-natural powershave been attributed to it inmany parts of the worldsince ancient times.

Through geometry, inwhich the Pythagoreans andtheir followers saw cosmic symbolism, the hexagram and thepentagram became an expression of heaven and its reflection onearth, the divine and its reflection in creation and of theconnection between heaven and earth, between the macrocosmand the microcosm, and between spirit and matter.

King Solomon's Seal combines strength and beauty, symbolismand illustrative quality and all within a geometric figure, themost important characteristic of Islamic art. The Muslim artists’love of geometry allows the true essence of King Solomon's

Seal as a symbol of the connection between thetwo worlds to be expressed; in this context, itsymbolizes the link between science, beauty andmetaphysics, with elements of medicine andmagic, astronomy and astrology, the art ofirrigation and its influence on the garden, and thesymbolic connection between pleasure gardens andthe Garden of Eden, between the sky andarchitectural domes and on traditional cosmologyand its connection to religion.

Solomon’s seal can be found in garden centers throughout thecountry and will be a graceful addition to any shady garden. Italso works well as a contrasting plant to shade loving hosta.

(WB David Daehnke is Past Master of Hawthorne FortitudeLodge in Ramsey, New Jersey, and is widely known as TheGardening Guru. You can visit his website atwww.thegardeningguru.com or read his online gardeningpublication, Organic Gardens Today atwww.organicgardenstoday.com )

“Solomon’s Seal” By Bro. David Daehnke

TWT

15 www.twtmag.com

16 www.twtmag.com

“Freemasonry, a beautiful system of morality,veiled in allegory, and illustrated by symbols…” is one ofthe most well-known and used quotes of our Fraternity. Itis through our ritual that this beautiful system of moralityis imparted to our candidates and allegories and symbolsplay an important role in how these moral lessons areconveyed. Ensuring that these fundamental moral lessonsare conveyed consistently and that each candidate has theopportunity to learn these moral lessons is the goal of ourritual. It should also be the lofty goal of every brother toensure that we only practice good Masonic ritual.

There has been a lot written about Masonic ritualduring the history of our Fraternity and yet it is still one ofmost intriguing subjects to the uninitiated. Our ritual ismeant to be symbolic in every aspect with the overall goal“to imprint upon the mind wise and serious truths”. It isduring the conferring of the three symbolic degrees thatwe learn moral lessons about how we should endeavor tolive our lives. In many cases these lessons are nothingnew, as an immoral man would find it difficult, if notimpossible, to make it into our Fraternity. In my humbleopinion, it is not the content of these lessons, but rather themanner that they are conveyed to the candidate in such ashort period of time, that makes them so powerful andpotentially life changing to all who enter our Fraternity.This is one of the reasons why it is so imperative that ourrituals be carried out with dignity and respect andperformed as correctly as humanly possible.

We have all seen good degree work, andunfortunately, in many cases, we have also seen degreework which is not so good. There is no such thing as aperfect degree. With that said, I feel that every lodge andbrother of our Fraternity has a personal responsibility toensure that every degree that they participate in is the bestthat it can be. When observing a degree you can alwaystell those lodges and brethren who have studied andrehearsed their part(s) as opposed to those who go throughthe motions and put on, at best, a mediocre degree. Weshould all do our diligence to ensure that we are never partof a degree that is not the best that we are capable of puttingon.

In addition to the actual degree, there is a lecturewhich accompanies each degree. This lecture, when givenas it has been passed down through the ages, serves to

reinforce and teach new lessons thatare essential for the candidate to learnas he advances his knowledge inMasonry. The catechism is also areinforcement of the candidatesunderstanding of what he has beenthrough and his opportunity to showthat he is willing to labor in quarry toadvance in his Masonic career. The coach and thebrother being coached each have a responsibility toensure that this is learned as correctly as possible beforereturning it in open lodge.

The Entered Apprentice degree is a candidate’sfirst impression of our Fraternity and we should striveto make that impression the best that it can be. We onlyget one chance to make a good first impression. Thatimpression, if positive, should serve to encourage thenew brother to learn his catechism and seek more lightin Masonry. That impression, if negative, may cost usa candidate who otherwise may have made us a goodMason. With the ever increasing challenges that we facein attracting new members and maintaining ourmembership levels we cannot afford is for a newcandidate to be so unimpressed with the experience ofbeing initiated that he goes home after Initiation andnever darkens the door of the lodge again. I know thatthis is the worst case scenario; however, it is somethingthat we can all play a part in preventing by ensuring thatthe degree work that we put on is done to the best of ourability.

Passing a brother to the degree of Fellow Craftpresents another opportunity for us to show the newbrother that he is important to us by working hard andensuring that this degree is also a good one. During thisdegree the brother is more likely to absorb more of whatis occurring during the ritual than he did during hisInitiation as he will hopefully be less nervous than hewas during the preceding degree and has now realizedthat these rituals are not meant to embarrass or offend,but rather, to teach and impart the moral lessons andknowledge that will allow him to serve our Fraternitywith honor throughout the rest of his life. Once again,we hope that the brother will go home following hisAdvancement with the same eagerness that he had

(Continued on page 17)

“The Importance of Good Masonic Ritual”By Bro. David Browning

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on the night of Initiation and will learn and return hiscatechism to seek further light in Masonry.

Raising a Brother to the Sublime degree of MasterMason is our final opportunity to ensure that we are puttingon a good degree and ensure that the Brother learns thosefinal lessons of morality that our symbolic degrees aredesigned to impart. Unfortunately, there are often manyparts of this degree which go unrehearsed until the nightof the degree. We can only hope that this does not presentmajor problems during the degree. Our hope should bethat the newly raised Master Mason continues his Masoniclearning and will also have a strong desire to assist withfuture degree work hopefully become a line officer and oneday rule and govern over the lodge for a period of time.

All of our degrees, more especially the MasterMason degree, are meant to be solemn occasions and thusshould be performed with the dignity and respect that aredue to both the candidate and the honor of our Fraternity.We all should do our part to ensure that our degree workcan never be compared to a hazing which is often the caseof some fraternal organizations.

One last ritual which is often overlooked indiscussions of our ritual is the conferring of MasonicRites. The funeral service and the conferring of MasonicRites is our last opportunity to pay respect to a fallenBrother. In many cases it is also one of the firstimpressions that many who are unfamiliar with ourFraternity will have. We owe it to the fallen Brother,his family, friends, and loved ones to ensure that weperform this ceremony with the dignity and respect thatis earned through a life of devoted service to theFraternity. In addition, this ceremony is often thecatalyst that causes an uninitiated to seek the light of ourFraternity.

I hope that you have found this informationvaluable and that it helps to underscore the importanceof ensuring that we only perform good Masonic ritual.I would hate for any of us to ever become aware that acandidate has decided not to return because we did nottake our ritual seriously. The rituals of our Fraternityhave so much to offer and I sincerely hope that you willjoin me in ensuring that we give our Masonic ritual theproper level of importance so that we give our candidatesand our brethren the best possible experience andimpression of our beloved Fraternity.

(Continued from page 16)

TWT

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It’s right there before you! – Dr. John S. Nagy

When future Masters choose to develop their MasonicCement they embark on a Journey that enriches Life. Thisenrichment is not isolated to just themselves. All thosewhom they encounter thereafter benefit from these effortstoo. That’s just the way this development Works. Itsplashes upon all involved.

Masters know that MasonicCement is not something thatis readily available. It must bedeveloped and thenmanufactured for it to beavailable. It is a woefulMason who makes effort tospread such Cement who hasyet to manifest it Properlyfrom the Working Materials he has around him. It’sunfortunate that some Brothers attempt to do this though.Such efforts are more akin to spreading destructiveTrumpery than any other action a man may take. Mastersalso know that whatever is Built with un-tempered Materialwill merely add to existing Rubbish. This is why they takegreat pains in assuring Masonic Cement’s ProperPreparation.

To begin the process, Candidate’s must realize that theWorking Materials necessary to manufacture MasonicCement are already present throughout his Journey. What’smore, these materials are introduced at specific point in hisJourney to assure no premature activities. Life presentsitself as the first ingredient necessary to this Cement’screation. The Entry into the Craft presents a secondingredient. The Obligation upon the Altar is a thirdingredient. Lastly, the Properly guided Work that a Masondoes from the point of his Obligation brings MasonicCement to fruition. All these Working Materials must bepresent though for this to occur and, most assuredly, eachmust be properly presented for all to agree.

(If you are sensing the classical elements being alluded toonce again, your senses are not imagining this.)

EntryThe Chalk required to manufacture Masonic Cement ispresent long before any Candidate Enters through the West

Gate. Masons know this because thisWorking Material being present wasone of the conditions of Entry. All

Masons and, more importantly,Masonic investigators of Candidatesknow that Chalk is Symbolic forFreedom. They also know that thisWorking Material must be present as the true state of anyCandidate whom makes effort to Enter into Freemasonry.The absence of this Working Material makes any Candidateunsuitable, just as the absence of Limestone from theCement making process would make the rendering of Limeimpossible. Its absence is a flaw that makes any Ashlarunsuitable for the Builder’s Use.

Being Symbolic for Freedom, the absence of Chalk wouldmake any effort to manufacture Masonic Cementimpossible. Masters already know that no Freedom existswithout Choice and the ability to exercise this Choicefreely. Much like Properly Prepared Chalk, Free Choice iswhat makes possible the Bond that renders MasonicCement so firm. Any Cement produced that lacks suchBonds is Rubbish.

Obligation

Once a Candidate Enters through the West Gate, he is givenan opportunity to take upon himselfan Obligation. This is not just anyObligation. It is a Solemn andBinding Obligation of which willguide his future choices.

Properly Prepared Chalk must beinvolved for this to occur. It must befor it to have any hold upon futureChoices. Any preparation that isimproper will negatively affect thebind that this Obligation has upon theCandidate’s future Choices. An Obligating act is onlyworthy when it is done supported by a Candidate’s FreeWill and Accord.

To the untrained Mason, this act might appear to havenothing to do with another Working Material – Clay. It’sunfortunate that few Masons (Continued on page 20)

The Coaches Coach: “Some Light onMasonic Cement” (Part 3 of 6)

By Bro. John Nagy

20 www.twtmag.com

make the connection betweenObligation and Clay. Some

Brothers do recall that Clay is Symbolic for Zeal. FewBrothers though take the time to Grasp that no worthwhileZeal exists without a clearly stated and well-understoodObligation that drives it. Worthwhile Zeal is founded

upon an unwavering Commitment to bring about a resultthat is highly desired. Clay symbolically directs thoseindividuals who desire specific results. That direction isalways provided as an Obligation to that end. In thisrespect, Clay is also a Symbolic Binding agent necessaryfor Masonic Cement to have its hold.

Much as the material Clay provides essential componentsto produce ordinary Cement, Clay as a symbolic WorkingMaterial provides essential components in the productionof Masonic Cement.

Charcoal

It is only after a Candidate has Entered and Obligatedhimself that what Charcoal represents becomes even moreimportant. It is at this stage that the Symbolic reserves ofCharcoal must be ignited and then stoked. These activitieshelp produce the necessary heat required to both transformand properly unite all the other Working Materialsinvolved.

Revisiting this stage to Perpend its necessity would be aPrudent move for both Candidate and Coach. If it doesn’tbecome clear to a Candidate at first, it should be pointedout to him that unlit Charcoal produces no Work for anyman who possesses it. To be useful Charcoal must beignited. It is only when it is ignited that it can bring aboutresults. It is only after it is lit that what Charcoal representsSymbolically to a Brother, can render Masonic Cement.More importantly though, it is not the mere igniting ofCharcoal that does this. It is the Proper Directing of thisignited Charcoal that produces the results Masons Desire.

Proper Preparation

Masters know all too well that peoplerequire Light to change their views andbehaviors toward beneficial ends. This isthe nature of beneficial Transformationand this applies toward people doinganything differently for the better. Moreimportantly, for that Light to do any goodit must make sense or it’s truly not Light;

it’s merely useless and perhaps even burdensomeinventory.

Light is not likely to originate spontaneously. Neither isthe knowledge to make Cement. Unless you know how tomanufacture Cement through experience or through beingtold, you are blind to the presence of any raw materialnecessary to make it. Only knowledgeable people seewithin their environment the materials necessary to do whatmust be done. Candidates come into Freemasonry notexperienced in either knowing fully what WorkingMaterials are necessary to make Cement or knowing howto Properly Prepare them for use. Instilling this knowledgeis part of the focus of the Apprentice Work and thecoaching that seasoned Brothers provide.

Information pointing out the Operative Working Materialsto make Cement is clearly provided to Brothers at theApprentice level. What is not revealed though are thereasons for providing these Materials. Masters secretlyhope that such provisions lacking Light might sparkcuriosity within the Candidates, but they already know thatit is a rare Brother who takes the time to ask, “why” andhas the Fortitude to seek more. It’s unfortunate too since,with very little investigation, further information can beobtained that one can follow to actually make this Cement.

Information pointing out the Speculative WorkingMaterials to which one can make Masonic Cement is alsoclearly provided to Candidates during their initial Degree.With further examination, and some well focused Coachingand encouragement, Candidates make the connectionsnecessary to make Masonic Cement.

The initial process for making Masonic Cement involvedassuring that Entering Brothers have two necessaryWorking Materials. Life provides another. The finalprocess that directs the remaining material, ignitedCharcoal, is what makes the Masonic Cement possible.

Stages

Just as ordinary Cement requires special care in its ProperPreparation, Masonic Cement requires due care in itsPreparation. Specific guidelines must be adhered to. Oneexample of this is the transformation of Limestone intoLime. Limestone must be heated just enough to release itsCarbon Dioxide, but no more. This Divestiture of theUnnecessary Excessive carbon dioxide is critical to makingLime that functions in the manner required for firmbonding. Heat the Limestone

(Continued on page 21)

(Continued from page 19)

“Some Light on Masonic Cement” By Bro. John Nagy

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too much and it becomes“dead-burn” Lime; a useless material for what is intended.

Masterful Masons recognize the principleat play in this important information. Thisprinciple, denoted by “Nothing Too Much”and “Divestiture of Unnecessary Excess”,is so important that it was carved into thewalls of Apollo’s Temple at Delphi and itwas also carved into Ritual! It’s one of thefirst principles communicated to Brotherswhen they Enter into Freemasonry. Itrepresents a specific Point in that Entrance.It’s also critical in tempering one’s actionsin making Masonic Cement and any otherworthwhile activity.

If you haven’t gathered what wordcommunicates all this to Candidates, thenknow that it is “Temperance”. This oneword communicates to Candidates the importance ofregulating one’s actions to assure that one doesn’t over doeven good actions. To assure that Masonic Cement ismade Proper, Temperance in a Brother’s actions must bepracticed at all times.

How does one learn to practice Temperance?

Temperance is about making Rightful Choices. Just asexperience and education helps make available accessibleknowledge, making Right Choices helps Direct one’sactions toward Temperate manners. The ability to ChooseFreely was determined prior to a Candidate’s Entry. Freelymaking Rightful Choices is encouraged and furthercultivated during the Candidate’s time as an Apprentice.

This cultivation begins with the Candidate Setting hisPlumb. This involves uncovering and determining what ismost important in Life and, in particular, his Life. Fromthis determination comes a better understanding of whatremains as unimportant. This determination of what isimportant and unimportant is alluded to by the Threshing-floor surrounding the Altar. It was so important an activitythat a Checkered Pavement is used in many Lodges toreflect this. Why is it so important? This one activityalone Establishes the firm Foundation upon which all otherApprentice Work is Built.

Once his Plumb is Set, he is further encouraged to take aMoral Inventory. Candidates unfamiliar with Ritual maynot immediately recognize this action or the

encouragement behind it. The clues alluding to it are in theform of a direct Charge to Divest himself of Vices andSuperfluities and Invest himself with Virtues. NoCandidate can do any of these activities without first

knowing what Vices, Superfluities and Virtues are.Coaches must insist that Candidates explore themthoroughly if these Candidates are to have any success.Furthermore, Candidates must also know how theyapply to himself and have action plans to bring aboutthis much needed Divestment and Investment. It iswell understood by Masters that such actionsStrengthen a Candidate’s Moral Integrity. Candidatesmust come to know this too for any future MasonicCement to have its potential hold.

Along with his Divesting and Investing activities, he isfurther encouraged by Ritual to Establish specificbeneficial Standards and Boundaries. These Limitsof Operation provide additional support in both hisEstablishing Proper Time Management and hisCircumscribing and Subduing of Passions and

Desires; two activities that enrich Life more fully if doneProperly, but more importantly, each activity helps formStrong bonds.

Once Again, the Work committed to by the Candidate is allbased upon making Rightful Choices. This is dependentupon his ability to both Choose Freely and Set his Plumb.Without such basis, the making of Masonic Cement wouldbe nothing but folly. Masonic Cement requires RightfulChoices for its creation.

In time, all these actions assist in bringing about men whoknow exactly what Choices to make and for all the RightReasons. Additionally, Candidate skills are furthercultivated to judge both their own actions and those ofothers. Exercising Prudence and Justice becomes effortlessfor they have already Established a Strong Foundation inwhich to Work upon.

There are some very beneficial side effects that becomeevident for those Candidates who do this Apprentice Work.Candidates become less Burdened by unnecessaryactivities, things, people and thoughts. They also becomeStrengthened by practicing necessary Rightful Choices.Most of all, by taking both more effective and moreefficient actions, Candidates have the Fortitude they needto follow through on their initial and future Obligations.

This series first published in The Living Stones Magazine

(Continued from page 20)

TWT

“Some Light on Masonic Cement” By Bro. John Nagy

22 www.twtmag.com

Imagineunderstanding,explaining and

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Light that helps ‘Build MasonicMastery!’ – Dr. John S. Nagy

You cannot find a better overview of the Veiled Work of Masons. This UncommonMasonic Education book series shows the Work that brings out Mast ery in Masons .I t assists Masons toward better understanding the Masonic Work that Freemasonryalludes to through its collective writings, Rituals, Lectures and Catechisms.

Each book reveals:Important Connections Between and Within each of the Blue Lodge DegreesSpecific Masonic Work, I ts Basis and Supporting BackgroundKey Themes that Explain Blue Lodge Symbolism, Gestures and WordsTransformations and Results That Masons Can Expect (Who Do the Work!)

These books assist Ment ors, Coaches, St udy Groups, Lect urers, I nst ruct ors,Lodge Educat ion Off icers and General Lodge Mem bers with instruction that makessense. In addition, these books are excellent for instructing higher Degree Candidateswith the basics missed by typical Masonic Education offerings.

These books contain:Concise Uncommon Masonic Educational ChaptersMultitudes of Masonic Questions/Answers/AphorismsFurther Light not found in Lodges or Schools of InstructionChallenging and interesting side codes and ciphers

The Building Series Masonic Education materials help create aclearer and cleaner understanding of what is required to Build Bet t er Builders .

These m at erials are for Masons w ho w ant m ore!Volume 1 (MM Level) – Three Degree InterconnectionsVolume 2 (EA Level), Volume 3 (FC Level) & Volume 4 (MMLevel) – The respective Degree Work, its basis, its backgroundand the interconnections within the DegreeVideo – A Jam-packed 77 minute Masonic Education Overviewwith additional activities and suggested readings

For more information and purchase, go to http:/ /www.coach.net/BuildingBuilders.htm

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“Royal Order of Scotland ”The Royal Order of Scotland is a fascinating group from itsknown history to its legend, and for invitational, honorarygroups it sits towards the top, in my opinion. The hard part isthere isn't a lot of information on the group, in comparison toother honorary and invitational groups in Freemasonry.

The Grand Lodge of the Royal Order of Scotland is stationedout of Edinburgh. It has several Provincial Grand Lodgeslocated around the world. According to the Order, the King ofScots is the hereditary Grand Master. In his absence theworldwide order is governed by the Deputy Grand Master andGovernor of the Order. At every meeting of the Order duringthe absence of the King, wherever held, a vacant chair orthrone must be placed at the right hand of the presiding officer.Currently the Deputy Grand Master and Governor is AndrewBruce, Lord Elgin, 15th Earl of Elgin and 17th Earl ofKincardine. The Provincial Grand Lodges are governed by aProvincial Grand Master, which for the UnitedStates of America this is Edward H. Fowler, Jr.The two degrees conferred in this Order are:

● Heredom of Kilwinning

● Knight of the Rosy Cross

According to tradition, the degree of Heredom of Kilwinningwas established in Judea (Palestine), but if this occurred duringthe time of the Crusades, tradition in silent. The nameKilwinning refers to the place where the Order was re-established by King Robert the Bruce, where he is said to havepresided as the first Grand Master.

The Degree of Heredom of Kilwinning is a peculiarlyinteresting Degree and full of instruction to Craft Masons, asin its lectures it explains the symbolism and teaching containedin the first three Degrees of what is sometimes referred to asSt. John s Masonry.

The Rosy Cross degree is based on the legend of the Battle ofBannockburn. On St. John's Day in 1314, this degree wascreated by King Robert the Bruce, who fighting for Scottishindependence is said to have received assistance for a group ofknights, rumored to have been Knights Templar fleeing theinquisition in France and mainland Europe. He conferred thisKnighthood upon those who assisted as a reward for theirservice. From the Provincial Grand Lodge of the USA'swebsite (http://www.roosusa.org) :

The number on whom the Knighthood might be conferred waslimited to sixty-three, but in years, owing to the large number

of worthy Freemasons who coveted thishonour, the Grand Lodge of the Order,when it found it necessary to establishProvincial Grand Lodges elsewhere thanin Scotland, granted each ProvincialGrand Lodge permission to promotesixty-three Freemasons of the Degree ofHeredom to the honour of Knighthoodunder the Grand Lodge. In some of theProvincial Grand Lodges where the members of Heredomnumber many hundreds, special powers have been given toincrease the number of Knights of the Rosy Cross.

This degree as its name implies deals with many things similarto that seen in the Rose Croix degree of the Ancient &Accepted Scottish Rite. This degree is primarily conferred bythe Grand Lodge in Edinburgh, but can be conferred by a

Provincial Grand Master or his deputy on specialoccasions.

While the legend takes the Order back to 1314, thereexists no records to substantiate such claims. Earlyrecords date the Order back to the 18th century Europe.It is said to have flourished in France by Scottishrefugees who adhered to the Jacobite cause. The Ordertook roots in England where it grew for some years

which then led to its establishing its headquarters inEdinburgh, Scotland, where it has been stationed since thattime. Activity dwindled down to near extinction in the early19th century, but in the mid-century there was a resurgencewhere Provincial Grand Lodges were established.

Originally, membership in the Order was limited to Scotsmenor those of Scottish descent, but later the privilege wasextended to Master Masons of other nationalities. Today to beeligible to be invited to this group, one must be a MasterMason in good standing for a minimum of 5-years, be a 32° ofthe Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite or Knight Templar ofthe York Rite, and profess to be a Trinitarian Christian. Inaddition, they require that the proposed applicant be one whohas performed services to the Craft (such as offices held in thevarious Masonic bodies, or such honors such as KCCH, 33°,RCC, or KYCH), their church (such as offices held), and thepublic (helping with youth groups or public service such asmilitary).

Full References found on website.

TWT

24 www.twtmag.com24

The Noble Guide led me to the East.

We stopped before the bright sun,

and the Moon was behind us.

Then, he drew from his garment,

tools made of pure gold,

and placed them on the palm of my hands.

He vested me with a white apron.

He said: Go and build temples.

Do not use corrupt materials.

If you do, you will lose everything

you have been given.

He forewarned me:

Never give or divulge the words

that are now recorded in your heart.

Never break the covenant you have entered into.

“The Noble Guide”

by Bro. Eugenio Rosado

25 www.twtmag.com

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