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Questions for Lodge Discussions

Mehr Licht!
More Light!
Number 266 – February 22, 2010

“Your sentiments, on the establishment and exercise of our equal government, are worthy of an association, whose principles lead to purity of morals, and are beneficial of action: The fabric of our freedom is placed on the enduring basis of public virtue, and will, I fondly hope, long continue to protect the prosperity of the architect who raised it. I shall be happy, on every occasion, to evince my regards for the Fraternity.” President, and Worshipful Brother, George Washington: Today is the 278th anniversary of our Brother’s birth; and what a blessing that event was for the United States of America.

Dear Masonic Student,

Masonic Education is very important to the enjoyment of Masonry. I truly believe that every
Freemason has a sincere interest in learning more about our beloved Fraternity. One of the best ways to enjoy learning more about Freemasonry is an enjoyable way that is full of fellowship, and down right friendliness, while forming great friendships with other Freemasons is through involvement in Masonic discussion groups. These discussion groups can range from informal to formal, but one thing they all have in common is that they are fun to be a part of.

The information below contains great topics for Masons to use to get a discussion group going; going for the next get together, or going as in starting one; a discussion group can begin with just a couple to a few Brothers getting together to talk Masonry. Even a Philalethes Chapter can begin with just 5 Brothers, but no matter how Masons come together to enjoy Freemasonry more it’s a good thing.

The questions below came from the Midwest Conference on Masonic Education. I don’t recall exactly which conference, but I think it was the 59th annual in Omaha. If you and at least one more Mason come together to talk Masonry and begin with a discussion on just one of these topics, leaving the others for another time, I know you’ll be having a great time with your Brothers. Here are the topics:

QUESTIONS FOR CRACKER BARREL DISCUSSION

1. What does a "well educated" Mason look like - sound like - act like?

2. What are some of the advantages and liabilities of bringing young men (18-22) into the Fraternity?

3. What are we doing or not providing that causes newer Masons to lose enthusiasm for and commitment to their Lodge (its meetings and activities)?

4. What new learning methods should we be considering for the next generation of candidates, such as media-based lectures?

5. Considering the important task of "passing the torch," what needs to be done to achieve a sense of ownership of Freemasonry in future members? Should we be building a commitment to social change?

6. How can we help candidates understand they are not joining a social club, but accepting a new philosophy and way of life?


I mentioned the Philalethes briefly above; I want to mention to you that a great discussion group will be convened in Bloomington, MN on March 5th & 6th at the Park Plaza Hotel: this is the 82nd annual Philalethes Feast and Forum. It’s a place where Masonic students and Masons who just enjoy talking Masonry can come together in fellowship to see friends and Brothers, and to make new friends with Brothers you haven’t met yet, and simply enjoy being together to talk about Masonry. If you want to be involved in some very enjoyable Masonic discussions come to Bloomington on March 5 & 6, 2010. No registration is required, just come. But to sign up for meals and the Lady’s program if you’re bringing your lady with you just go to the following link – you’ll be on the beam for some great eating, fun and fellowship: https://freemasonry.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=49&Itemid=69

Words to live by: “A philosopher who is not taking part in discussion is like a boxer who never goes into the ring.” Ludwig Wittgenstein

To view and participate in this week’s Masonic Monday Question, please go to http://www.lodgebuilder.org and click on the Lodge Education forum. When you have an answer, send it to masonicmonday@gmail.com
The Masonic Monday Question for the week of 02-22-10 is: The idea behind the creation of the Grand Lodge of England in 1717 was for the principal officers of the few Lodges in a small area of central London to meet together quarterly in brotherly communication and once a year hold a Grand Assembly and Feast. How many Grand Lodge Officers were there in 1717?

More Light – Mehr Licht ©, Masonic Matters © and T.F.S. ©, are sent out by Email at no charge to anyone who would like to receive them. If you enjoy these publications please share them with others. To subscribe to these publications just send an E-mail to erhmasonic@gmail.com with Subscribe in the subject line and you will be added to the list to receive the publications.

A new Video of our Education committee has been posted on You Tube by Brother Ian Luhm on 2/15; it can be viewed by clicking on this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIjX1zxpmrE Also you can check out our videos at any time by going to www.youtube.com and typing in glmned, our videos should then come up.

Fraternally,
Ed Halpaus

St. Patrick's Day

Mehr Licht!
More Light!
Number 216 – March 16, 2009

St. Patrick’s Day
By W.B. Mark Campbell, LEO of Cataract Lodge #2
Minneapolis, MN

We will shortly don our green, display our shamrocks and many will drink green beverages in celebration of St. Patrick. Why? How did this celebration of Irishness, Catholicism and all things green come to happen? Who did it and why?

The story of St. Patrick begins in 385AD in Wales when Maewyn a pagan worshipper was born. As a youth Maewyn was sold into slavery and became the slave of Irish Marauders. While in servitude, Maewyn converted to the Roman Catholic faith and after six years escaped to the European continent. He entered Marmoutier Abbey, a monastery at Gaul (Tours, France) and studied under St. Germaine for twelve years.

While at the monastery he came to accept his calling to convert other pagans to Christianity. He desired to return to Ireland – but was passed over in favor of Palladius, the first Bishop of Ireland. After two unsuccessful years Palladius was transferred to Scotland and as Patrick, Maewyn’s adopted Christian name, he became the second Bishop of Ireland.

Patrick traveled Ireland for thirty years, establishing monasteries, schools and churches and successfully converting the Irish to Christianity. His efforts angered the controlling Druid priests and resulted in frequent arrests and persecution. Patrick prevailed and retired to County Down where he died on March 17, 461 at the age of 76.

The anniversary of his death has been adopted as a catholic holiday since as was the custom prior to formal canonization by Rome. As such it was originally a religious holiday acknowledging his efforts and success in converting the pagan Irish clans to Christianity.

Many folk tales have been spread of St. Patrick but few can be substantiated. One tells of Patrick’s use of the three leafed shamrock to teach the holy trinity of Christianity – the Father, Son and Holy spirit. His followers adopted the wearing of the shamrock to celebrate their saint on his day.

How does a pagan youth become of interest to Freemasons in the 21st Century?
The first American instance of celebration of St. Patrick’s Day was in 1737 in Boston. Boston – then as now – had a large Irish population and they desired to celebrate their heritage. No regular practice of secular celebration was established outside the church until 1756.

Lt. Col George Washington attached to the British Army had pushed his troops to exhaustion during the French and Indian war. They had labored for days without rest or recreation, and Col Washington, recognizing the large numbers of Irish among the infantry, declared the holiday as a day of celebration to allow the troops rest. In 1756 a celebration and feast was held at the Crown and Thistle Tavern in New York.

As a secular holiday, the first recorded event was when General Washington issued a proclamation declaring March 17, 1780 a holiday for the Continental Army – then quartered at Morristown, New Jersey. This was reportedly the first holiday in two years and was designed to honor those troops of Irish ancestry. Washington is said to have remarked that the holiday was an “act of solidarity with the Irish in their fight for independence.” This may have led to adoption of the holiday as an act of Irish nationalism more than the honoring of a catholic saint.

In Modern Ireland, the holiday remained a largely Christian religious event until 1995. Up to that time, the religious nature of the day caused a law closing all pubs and bars on March 17 to allow proper time for prayer and contemplation. In the interests of promoting tourism, Irish law was changed and parades and pub focused celebrations were introduced to capture additional travel dollars.

Today, there are 33.7 million Americans of Irish ancestry, Catholic and Protestant together, nine times the population of Ireland at 3.8 million

So as masons, we have one more thing to thank General Washington for – the American adoption of an ancient druid celebration by a pagan turned Christian Bishop, to commemorate his success in converting the Druids and celebration of Irish-American troops efforts to achieve independence in the 18th century.

Erin go bragh!

With “Brotherly Love”,
Ed Halpaus

Prayer: E.A. Degree

Mehr Licht!

More Light!

Number 182 – July 21, 2008

Dear Brethren,

Below is something I put together a long time ago, and evidently just filed it away. In sorting out some old files I came across it, and thought you might like to see it. I don’t think that this has been published before.

What follows has to do with the Prayer at Opening the Lodge as well as the first Prayer given and heard in the Entered Apprentice Degree. This information is not esoteric or private, nor are the prayers referred to even though they are part of a degree.

Sometimes a question will come up about where the prayers on the first degree come from. According to Worshipful Brother Robert G. Davis, a past president of the Philalethes society, they came from the same place, or person, and that ‘one’ is - Brother John Pennell.

Brother John Pennell was the Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Ireland in the early 18th century. He was also the Editor of the "Irish Book of Constitutions," which was first published at Dublin in 1730. The second edition was published in 1744 and the third in 1751. It is said that the Irish Constitutions was based on "Andersons Constitutions of 1723."

In this "Irish Book of Constitutions" is a two-paragraph prayer. Brother Pennell is not believed to be the one who wrote it, but he is believed to be the first one to publish it. This two-paragraph prayer is, or has become, the Prayer at opening and the first Prayer of the first degree.

The first paragraph of the Prayer begins: Great Architect of the Universe, the giver of all good gifts and Graces. Thou hast promised that 'where two or three are gathered together in Thy name Thou wilt be in the midst of them and bless them. In Thy name we have assembled and in Thy name we desire to proceed in all our doings. Grant that the sublime degrees of Freemasonry may so subdue every discordant passion within us - so harmonize and enrich our hearts with Thine own love and goodness - That the Lodge at this time may humbly reflect that order and beauty which reign forever before Thy throne."

The Second Paragraph of the prayer is: "Vouchsafe Thine aid almighty Father of the universe, to this our present convention; and grant that this candidate for Masonry may dedicate and devote his life to thy service and become a true and faithful Brother among us. Endue him with a competency of Thy divine wisdom, that by the secrets of our art, he may be the better enabled to display the beauties of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth, to the honor of Thy holy name - Amen"

So when a Mason is in Lodge and hears the opening Prayer given by the Chaplain, or when he is at a First Degree and the Master of the Lodge gives the Prayer as the Entered Apprentice first enters the Lodge, that Mason should know that what he is hearing has been the same Prayer that has been heard by Masons since about 1730.

Words to live by: Education is what’s left over after you’ve forgotten all the facts.

Please remember: if you would like to participate in the latest Masonic Monday Question, please go to http://www.lodgebuilder.org and click on the Lodge Education forum. When you have an answer send it to masonicmonday@gmail.com the Masonic Monday Question for the week of 07/21/08 is: “Define each of the following and give its relationship to Freemasonry: a) Jacobean; b) Jacobin; c) Jacobite;d) Jacobian”

More Light – Mehr Licht ©, Masonic Matters © and T.F.S. ©, are sent out by email at no charge to anyone who would like to receive them. If you enjoy these publications please share them with others. To subscribe to any one or all of these publications just send an E-mail to erhmasonic@gmail.com with Subscribe in the subject line and you will be added to the list to receive the publications. Some past issues of Ed’s publications can be read on the Web at: http://www.halpaus.net

With “Brotherly Love”,

Ed Halpaus

Grand Lodge Education Officer

I am Prince Hall's Freemason

Mehr Licht!

More Light!

Number 166 – April 07, 2008

The following essay comes from a Mason who is, sadly, unknown to me; I just can’t remember who wrote it. I received it years ago, and have always liked it. It is well done, and I think you will see the value in it too. Ed

I am Prince Hall’s Mason

by Brother Kevin Gem

I am Prince Hall's Mason, not a Prince Hall Mason. From this point forward in my life, I will no longer claim to be a Prince Hall Mason but rather Prince Hall's Mason. Regardless of what additional words come before or after the tolerance of my jurisdiction I can only call myself by name, Prince Hall's Mason. I will conduct myself as he did and I will practice my individual Masonry the way he did. He has set a stellar example for me to model my Masonry after and it is one I choose to follow

I will not allow one particular religion to find its way into my Lodge room because I was handed a set of constitutions that prevent me from doing that.

I will say my prayers in the name of the Grand Architect of the Universe, that Supreme Being that all men can agree on. My first members were from various religions and it does Freemasonry no honor to not include them within my prayers. How can I exclude those men who walked the trail to that Irish Constitution Lodge beside him through a soon to be war-torn countryside? Their sons sit beside me in Lodge today and it is imperative that I honor them. I am Prince Hall's Mason.

I cannot allow you to creep your politics into my Lodge room. For the men who traveled that night to change history forever were not walking to take up a political position. They were walking to join a Fraternity. No "T" was etched in the minutes of their meetings or a side chosen in the coming war solicited from them to receive those degrees. Upon receiving their charter in 1787, no one asked them to conduct acts of rebellion against their country or to espouse the cause of a political party. How can I solicit for a particular party within my Lodge or allow the repeating of State-Policy to be declared when he did not? I am Prince Hall's Mason.

The ballot for membership will be cast in fairness and based on the Morality of the man and not his Nationality or his position in Society. Men of many races have knelt at the altar from time immemorial and I have called each one Brother. It has long been a forgotten piece of the Constitution and if it is your choosing to allow a man to be excluded from entering the Holy of Holies based upon his race it is your heart that is unclean. But should your heart be exposed and your clandestine act announced, I shall remove it

from the doors of my Lodge. When he received the charter there was no man that was excluded based on race or nationality because he himself was once excluded. Was he not my example? I am Prince Hall's Mason.

He himself was not a "Prince Hall Mason," nor was he "Mainstream," "4 Letter, 3 Letter, or any other titular association" attached as a suffix or a prefix to the title he most revered. He was only a Freemason, and understood there was no higher acknowledgment he could receive then to be called Brother. Why should I consider myself better then he? I am Prince Hall's Mason.

He himself chose the long path to legitimacy over the short walk to spuriousness. He was a practitioner of Freemasonry by the rules established and followed them to the letter. He never denied a knock at his door for visitation and welcomed all who would consider themselves worthy to approach who could prove their selves to be justly, perfectly, and regularly initiated into our order. Who am I to establish a requirement above his? I am Prince Hall's Mason.

Yes Brother, from this point on I am Prince Hall's Mason because I owe my existence to that man's journey on that night. If I must travel, why should I stray from the path laid down before me and pursue the easier course? He is my example and I will attempt to be yours.

Words to live by: “A Person lost in his work has probably found his future.” anonymous

Please remember: if you would like to participate in the latest Masonic Monday Question, please go to http://www.lodgebuilder.org and click on the Lodge Education forum. Past Masonic Monday Questions and the current one may also be read on the Web Site for the G.L. of MN at www.mn-masons.org under Masonic Monday Q&A When you have an answer send it to masonicmonday@gmail.com the Masonic Monday question for the week of 04/07/08 is: Masonically, what are Fool, Dotage, Libertine, and Profane?

More Light – Mehr Licht ©, Masonic Matters © and T.F.S. ©, are sent out by E-mail at no charge to anyone who would like to receive them. If you enjoy these publications please share them with others. To subscribe to any one or all of these publications just send an E-mail to erhmasonic@gmail.com with Subscribe in the subject line and you will be added to the list to receive the publications. Past issues of all of Ed’s publications can be read at http://www.halpaus.net

With brotherly love,

Ed Halpaus

Thoughts from a Brother

Mehr Licht!
More Light!

Number 149 – December 10, 2007

From St. George’s Banner, September 1992, Brother Kevan Van Herd, editor

Thoughts from a Brother
(Editorial from Bro. Jim Robertson's Desk)

If you ask a Brother why he became a Mason, you often receive a variety of answers. Some joined because a friend whom they respected was a Mason, and encouraged them. Some joined out of filial respect; it was a family tradition, some because they were intrigued by the mystery of Fraternity. Whatever the reason for joining the reasons for remaining a Mason are quite as varied. For some, the theatricality of the ritual is an alluring element. For some the fellowship is an essential part of attending Lodge. For some it is an obligation which they accepted freely, and continue to feel obligated to the Fraternity.

For many it is difficult to define what continues to connect them to Masonry. "Once a Mason, always a Mason", may be true on one level - once in receipt of the secrets they cannot be expunged by either suspension or expulsion. But once having all the Light that can be conferred up you in a Master Mason's Lodge, one has only begun to learn what it is to be a Mason.

There are some practitioners of the Craft whom we are proud to stand beside in Lodge. They have taken their obligations outside of the Temple and practice those tenets of our Fraternity in their everyday lives. It is these examples to young Masons that determine whether we become Freemasons in the true sense of the word or merely card carrying members of a social club.

[If] it is not to develop, through interaction with the Brethren, a greater inner strength and equilibrium in our lives, then we are neglecting one of the most important elements Masonry has to offer. Education and moral development are our stated aims and though the Brotherhood we must strive to attain them. It is believed that through the group we can make good men better. But this can only succeed if all participate.


Please remember: if you would like to participate in the latest Masonic Monday Question, please go to http://www.lodgebuilder.org and click on the Lodge Education forum. Past Masonic Monday Questions and the current one may also be read on the Web Site for the G.L. of MN at www.mn-masons.org under Masonic Monday Q&A When you have an answer send it to masonicmonday@gmail.com The question for the week of 12-10-07 is: “Why are, 'Worshipful Masters” called Worshipful?”

More Light – Mehr Licht ©, Masonic Matters © and T.F.S. ©, are sent out by E-mail at no charge to anyone who would like to receive them. If you enjoy these publications please share them with others. To subscribe to any one or all of these publications just send an E-mail to ed@halpaus.net with Subscribe and the Title, or ‘all 3,’ in the subject line and you will be added to the list to receive the publication you want.

With “Brotherly Love”,
Ed Halpaus

Squirrels Among Us

Mehr Licht!
More Light!

Number 139 – October 01, 2007

From the newsletter of the Masonic Lodge in Forest Lake, MN we have the Secretary’s column written by the then Secretary, W. Brother Mike Hill. I always like Brother Mike’s insight and his writing; I think you will too.

Squirrels Among Us

Squirrels had overrun three churches in town. After much discussion the elders of the first church determined that the animals were predestined to be there. Who were they to interfere with God’s will? They reasoned. Soon the squirrels multiplied.

The elders of the second church decided that they could not harm any of God’s creatures. So they humanely trapped the squirrels and set them free outside of town. Three days later the squirrels were back.

It was only the third church that succeeded in keeping the pests away. The elders baptized the squirrels and registered them as members of the church. Now they only see them on Christmas and Easter.

Sometimes it seems Masons follow the same course of action when it comes to increasing membership. There are several men outside of our Lodges who have heard about Masonry and/or have a sense of the good works we do. They want to belong to an organization, which brings a sense of family and promotes community service.

However, once a Candidate begins his degree work we forget the tenets that brought them and ourselves together. For instance, how many Lodges publish a “Greeter Schedule” in their newsletters? Yes, that would be two Brethren assigned to greet Candidates and visiting Brethren who attend Degree Work and Stated Communications.

How many Lodges have a “Mentors Program” to help candidates with their memorization work, which meets regularly? In fact, how many Lodges use the Mentors Program to learn and improve their degree work? How many Lodges use the Greeters & Mentors to learn about their new members and for the new members to become comfortable with the elder Brethren?

How many Lodge Brethren call Candidates or new Brethren before Degree Work or Stated Communications and offer to pick them up? How many Brethren go out after a community event for a cup of coffee and a piece of pie to chat about the highlights and enjoy the fellowship?

Lastly, it seems there are a lot of Brethren who believe it is up to the Grand Lodge to come up with a solution on how to make Masonry interesting so men will want to remain Masons and share the experience with their families…I wonder about this.


Please remember: if you would like to participate in the latest Masonic Monday Question, please go to http://www.lodgebuilder.org and click on the Lodge Education forum. Past Masonic Monday Questions and the current one may also be read on the Web Site for the G.L. of MN at www.mn-masons.org under Masonic Monday Q&A When you have an answer send it to masonicmonday@gmail.com This week’s question is: “Must all three chairs be occupied throughout the Craft ceremonies?”

More Light – Mehr Licht ©, Masonic Matters © and T.F.S. ©, are sent out by E-mail at no charge to anyone who would like to receive them. If you enjoy these publications please share them with others. To subscribe to any one or all of these publications just send an E-mail to ed@halpaus.net with Subscribe and the Title, or ‘all 3,’ in the subject line and you will be added to the list to receive the publication you want.

Fraternally,
Ed Halpaus