Ohio is doing it -- Maybe we should too!

The Masonic Lodge can often be one of the prominent buildings in many Ohio communities. However in some cases, the public has rarely had the opportunity to step inside. That is about to change. On Saturday, March 21, every Masonic Lodge in the state of Ohio will open its doors for a public open house.

“It’s time for the public to have a chance to see what’s behind those closed doors and to experience some of the genuine fellowship Masons share,” says Charles R. Murphy, Grand Master of Ohio Masons. “Also, it’s a great opportunity to introduce a prospective member to the fraternity.”

Each local Lodge will set its own agenda and schedule for March 21st. The Grand Master has simply asked each to participate.

Multiple Lodges meeting in one building will hold a joint open house. Lodges are also encouraged to work with the appendant organizations meeting in their buildings to give the public a glimpse of the whole Masonic family, including women’s and youth organizations.

“Every Lodge has some house keeping issues that need to be attended to, and a few fresh coats of paint wouldn’t hurt here and there,” says Murphy. “However, I think the renewed relationship with the community will make all the work well worth it.”

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Thank-you to The Grand Lodge of Ohio and Grand Master Charles R. Murphy for their Leadership and this article/photo.

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Here are some additional ideas that you may want to consider:

Having an Open house is the first step in making your lodge revelant in your community and most importantly an important step in attracting new and retaining members.

Here's a few reasons to have an Open House and Community Involvement Program.

1. These potential new members are in the community and will observe the Masonic lodge in action and will have an opportunity to discover Masonry for themselves.

2. The new millennium generation is more socially responsible and demand that organizations that they join be active in community service.

3. Existing Masons will be proud of their lodge's new role in the community.

4. In order for your lodge to grow you will need an activity that all members can participate in, in some way. Community involvement is one path to take to accomplish just that.

There are opportunities for small lodges of 40 men to large lodges of 300 men to reap the benefits of taking an active part in their community.

Here are a few simple things a lodge can do to make a difference in their community and in their lodge attendance.

*Raise Money for the local Library to purchase books

*Raise Money for the local Fire Department to purchase needed new medical supplies or equipment like a new pumper truck or rescue equipment

*Sponsor a Boy Scout Troop

* Become a role model for the Big Brothers/Big Sisters Program

* Volunteer with Special Olympics. Become a Coach, fundraiser (or jump in a frozen lake)

* Sponsor or help raise food for the local food shelf

* Volunteer to deliver meals on wheels for the elderly

* Help clean up a city park , local high way, stream, river or lake

* Teach First Aid, CPR, Swimming, Firearms safety, Boating safety

* Volunteer to read at a local school or Library

* Give Blood or sponsor a Blood Drive

* Volunteer for your local community celebration, parade, 4th of July celebration, Rodeo,

Founders Day, etc.

* Help teach reading and literacy skills

Here are just a few easy ways to help make your lodge known in the community. Your members, and the community at large will benefit.

Send me your feedback. Let me know what you have done, that you think has been positive, so that I may pass it on to others.

Minnesota Lodge Goes to Cuba

Members of the Winton Churchill Lodge (U.D.) went on a humanitarian to Cuba.They carried over 500 pounds of simple medical supplies and distributed the items to various Masters of Masonic lodges in Cuba.
Learn more by going to the link of W.B. Jason Burgers Blog called theoccidentalman located in the box to the right called Blogs I read.
The Grand Lodge of Minnesota is the first State to have made such a trip to Cuba. Lets hope that there are many more to come.
Welcome Home GrandMaster and Brothers.

A Nice Masonic Story

I always like to pass on funny jokes or nice stories. I can never remember them when the occassion arises. Here is a story given to me by Brother Tim Davison OF Templar Lodge St. Louis Park,
Minnesota

A salesman breaks down in a remote country lane, a farmer in the adjacent field comes over and they discover that they are "Brothers". The salesman is concerned as he has an important appointment in the local town: "Don't worry says the farmer you can use my car, I will call a friend and get the car repaired while you go to the appointment" Off goes the salesman and a couple of hours later he returns but unfortunately the car is awaiting a part which won’t arrive until the next morning. "It's not a problem," says the Farmer, "use my telephone and re-schedule your first appointment tomorrow, stay with us tonight and I'll see that the car is done first thing!" The farmers' wife prepares a wonderful meal and they share a glass of fine single malt during an excellent evening, the salesman sleeps soundly and when he awakes there is his car, repaired and ready to go. After a full English breakfast the salesman thanks them both for the hospitality. As he and the farmer walk to his car he turns and asks "my brother, thank you so much but I have to ask, did you help me because I am a Mason?" "No" was the reply, "I helped you because I am a Mason" Travel well my Brothers.

What is the Masonic Calendar?

This is a question we used in the Grand Lodge of Minnesota Masonic Monday questions.
I really enjoy making contributions to that weekly Column. Of course the Grand Lodge Education Officer Ed Halpus is the guiding light for us.
Anyway I hope you enjoy the question:

Answer comes from Mackey’s revised Encyclopedia of Freemasonry. I think you will find the answer [s] interesting to read.
The Answer:
Freemasons, in affixing dates to their official documents, never make use of the
Common Epoch or Vulgar Era, but have one peculiar to themselves, which however,
varies in the different rites. The Terms Era and epoch are in this sense synonymous.
Masons of The York, American, and French Rites, that is to say Scotland, Ireland,
France, Germany and American, date from the creation of the world calling it “Anno
Lucis” which the abbreviated A.L. signifying in the Year of Light. To obtain this date add
4000 to the common year: Anno Domini 2007 becomes Anno Lucis 6007. This they do,
not because they believe in Freemasonry and the creation of The Earth is on this date, but
with a reference to the light in masonry.
In the Scottish Rite, the epoch also begins from the date of the creation, here the Masons
of the Rite, using the Jewish Chronology would call the year 2007 or in A.M. or Anno
Mundi (in year of the World) 5767. They sometimes use the initials A.H. signifying
Anno Hebraico or in the Hebrew year. They have also adopted the Hebrew months and
the year therefore begins with in the middle of September (Roshashana).
Masons of The York and American Rites begin the year of the 1st of January, but
in the French Rite it commences on the first of March, and instead of the months
receiving their usual names, they are designated numerically, as first, second, thirds etc.
Thus the 1st of January 2007 would be styled in a French document, the 1st day of the
11th Masonic Month, Anno Lucis 6007. The French sometimes instead of initials A.L.
use L’ an de la VL or Vraie Lumiere that “ Year of True Light” For your convenience we
complete this article on Masonic Calendars with the rules for discovering the various
Masonic dates.
To find the ancient craft date; add 4,000 to the Vulgar Era. Thus 2007 and 4,000 are
6007.
To find the date of the Scottish Rite add 3,760 to the Vulgar Era. Thus 2007 and 3,760
are 5767.
To find the date of Royal Arch Masonry add 530 to the Vulgar Era. Thus 530 and 2007
are 2537.
To find the Royal and select Masters date add 1,000 to the Vulgar Era. Thus 1,000 and
2007 are 3007.
To find the Knights Temple date subtract 1,118 from the Vulgar Era, Thus 1,118 from
2007 is 889.
The following will show, in one view, the date of the year 2006 for all branches of the
order.
Year of the Lord, A.D. 2007
Year of the Light, A.L. 6007 Ancient Craft Masonry
Year of the World, A.M. 5767 Scottish Rite
Year of the Discovery, A.I. 2537 Royal Arch Masonry
Year of the Deposite A. Dep 3007 Royal and Select Master
Year of the Order A.O. Knights Templar 889
See, it is interesting.
Good luck with the question for next week.
Ed

The Midwest Conference of Masonic Education

The Midwest Conference of Masonic Education is celebrating its 60th anniversity! This year the anniversity will be celebrated at its meeting in Springfield, Il on April 24-26.

It will be held at the Abraham Lincoln Hotel and Conference Center which is located at 701 East Adams Street, Springfield, Illinois telephone 1-217-544-8800.

For futher information on how to register please contact:

Stanley D. Browning

1480 CR 5300

Coffeyville, Kansas 67337

1-620-251-5667

e mail pgm2000@hughes.net

I heard last years conference was Outstanding! Im trying to squeeze it into my busy schdule.

Maybe we could ride together. I want to see the new Lincoln Museum its supposed to be State of the Art.

George Washington Celebration

George Washington Celebration
By Tom Hendrickson Cat #2
Senior Grand Warden Grand Lodge of Minnesota
On February 21, 2009 the Minnesota Masonic Historical Society and Museum helds its first annual George Washington Celebration. It was held at the majestic and historical Minnesota Masonic Home in Heritage Hall.
The social hour began with light refreshments ( including a spiced wine that was popular in G.W.’s time) and the viewing of a variety of portraits of Brother Washington. All of the portraits had been at one time hung in various lodges across the state. Some of them were over 100 years old.
A tour of the Masonic Museum was conducted by our Curator David Nystuem. The tour then went to the basement where the Charles Nelson Library, the storage areas for the collections, and our small work areas are held. I was personally excited to hold the first Minute book from Cataract Lodge. It is an over-sized leather bound volume approximately two inches thick. It was hard to believe that I was holding the 158 year old history of my lodge in my hands. As I gazed upon its pages, I noticed the ink-dipped pen strokes made by the Secretary. He must have written it by either candlelight or kerosene lamp. As I ran my fingers across the names of the presiding officers I could see the faces of Alfred Ames Worshipful Master, William Smith Senior Warden, Isaac Brown Junior Warden and Art Godfrey Treasure etc. The founders of my lodge were the founders of the Grand Lodge of Minnesota, the founders of the territory of Minnesota and later the founders and settlers of the City of Minneapolis.
Before dinner we had the opportunity to mingle and socialize. I tried to get around some, but my duties as President of the Society slowed me a bit. I think I saw Conrad Jackson, Glenn Kiecker, Richard Kaufman, and Doug Campbell. If I forgot someone I apologize.
Our Honored Guest was Mark Tabbert, author of “American Freemasons – Three Centuries of Building Communities.” Mark is also the Curator of the George Washington Masonic Memorial, in Washington, DC.
We were very honored to have Mark with us. He flew in from Washington, DC, after a grueling schedule of public speaking engagements and special projects at work. Unfortunately, Mark had a case of the flu when he arrived to us. But nevertheless, his best energies were experienced. We are thankful for Mark’s dedication.
The main premise of the speech, was that following the tenets of Freemasonry brings true happiness. He brought our basic principles to light in this way, which was inspirational to me and many others. Many of us were still buzzing for days afterwards about the innovative qualities of the speech and also Mark’s personal interpretation of Freemasonry. For me personally, it was fun to learn about Mark’s career and his perspective of his life as an author and speaker.
Overall the night was an enjoyable experience. We had a sell-out crowd – and we even had to turn away a few. The dinner prepared by the caterers, of roast beef and turkey was delectable.
It was a good learning experience for us organizing this event. In our after action report, we are planning on making a few changes that will make next year’s event better yet!

Books for the Masonic Student

Books for the Masonic Student


Recommended by Grand Lodge Education Officer Of Minnesota Ed Halpaus. A question was asked recently about a list of books that I would recommend to have in a Masonic Library; lodge or personal libraries: A good set of books to have on hand for Masonic research and study. First, the best bargain in good Masonic Books are used books; Masonic students are much more interested in the content and condition of a book than whether it was read first by someone else or not, so I suggest buying used books whenever possible. It’s a lot less expensive to build up a good personal or lodge library of used books. The next best bargain is through our Grand Lodge book store; the books there are always priced less than the publisher’s list price. The next best is the M.S.A. and other book sellers; many Masonic Book Suppliers are on the Internet or have catalogs, and finally, e-books.

The following is a short list of books I would recommend.

Masonic edition of the Holy Bible (2 of them – 1 for the home and 1 for the car – that way you will never be far from some good Masonic and Great Light information)
Freemasons’ Guide and Compendium - ISBN-13-978-1-58182-560-2
A Reference Book for Freemasons - ISBN 0-90765541-6
Dictionary of Symbolism - ISBN 0-452-01118-3
Morals and Dogma by Albert Pike
Encyclopedia of Freemasonry by Albert Mackey
Masonic Symbolism ISBN 0-7661-0029-4
History of Freemasonry (7 volume set) by Albert Mackey
The History of Freemasonry by Robert Freke Gould
History of the Ancient and Honorable Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons, and Concordant Orders. Written by a Board of Editors.
Coil’s Masonic Encyclopedia by Henry Wilson Coil
Masonry Defined by E.R. Johnston
House Undivided ISBN 0-88053-066-1
Freemasonry in American History ISBN 0-88053-078-2
Dictionary of Freemasonry ISBN 0-517-69213-9
A Glossary of the Craft and Royal Arch Rituals of Freemasonry ISBN 0-85318-190-X
Masonic Dictionary ISBN 0-88053-083-9
Workman Unashamed ISBN 0-85318-247-7
Seekers of Truth ISBN 0-935633-06-5
The Masonic Letter G ISBN 0-88053-066-9
The Little Masonic Library, Macoy Publishing
The Freemason at Work ISBN 0-85318-189-6
Membership in the Masonic Book Club: P.O. Box 1563 Bloomington, IL 61702-1563
Membership in the Scottish Rite Research Society: SRRS 1733 Sixteenth Street N.W. Washington D.C. 20009-3103
Membership in the Philalethes Society: 800 South 15th St. #1803 Sebring, OH 44672
Membership in the Southern California Research Lodge F. & A.M: C/O Norman Leeper 2097 Smokewood Ave. Fullerton, CA 92831

The number of good books for Masons to read is almost endless; if space permitted the list could easily be twice as long.

Many of the above books are available in book stores that sell new books, and many are available from good reliable used book resellers and suppliers. One of my favorite men to deal with on used books is Worshipful Brother Harold Davidson, the Librarian for the Philalethes Society and the founder o the Billings Masonic Library. He can be reached at http://mail.google.com/mail/contacts/ui/ContactManager?js=RAW&maximize=true&hide=true&position=absolute&hl=en&emailsLink=true&sk=true&titleBar=false&border=NONE&eventCallback=ParentStub1235418785339&zx=pd4hqc-z2upv6 or by mail at 1903 – 10th Street West – Billings, MT 59102 or by phone at: 406-259-1552 or by fax at: 406-259-2316

While there is no replacement for having a good book in your hands, some of these books can be found on-line as they have been scanned and put there for research purposes; one of the best places to go to begin a search for e-books is at: http://www.phoenixmasonry.org/ Another great place to search for Masonic e-books is at Google Books http://books.google.com/bkshp

The above books and research societies are just some of everything that is available to us as Masonic Students to use throughout our lifelong journey in learning. We are living in a wonderful time; there is so much information being written and distributed about Freemasonry, and it is much easier to find today that it has ever been.
Continue to dig into the subject of Freemasonry, learn all you can about it, and then help the Fraternity by passing on what you have learned to others who are also interested. This is one very good way to enjoy a lifetime of affiliation

A question was asked recently about a list of books that I would recommend to have in a Masonic Library; lodge or personal libraries: A good set of books to have on hand for Masonic research and study. First, the best bargain in good Masonic Books are used books; Masonic students are much more interested in the content and condition of a book than whether it was read first by someone else or not, so I suggest buying used books whenever possible. It’s a lot less expensive to build up a good personal or lodge library of used books. The next best bargain is through our Grand Lodge book store; the books there are always priced less than the publisher’s list price. The next best is the M.S.A. and other book sellers; many Masonic Book Suppliers are on the Internet or have catalogs, and finally, e-books.

The following is a short list of books I would recommend.

Masonic edition of the Holy Bible (2 of them – 1 for the home and 1 for the car – that way you will never be far from some good Masonic and Great Light information)
Freemasons’ Guide and Compendium - ISBN-13-978-1-58182-560-2
A Reference Book for Freemasons - ISBN 0-90765541-6
Dictionary of Symbolism - ISBN 0-452-01118-3
Morals and Dogma by Albert Pike
Encyclopedia of Freemasonry by Albert Mackey
Masonic Symbolism ISBN 0-7661-0029-4
History of Freemasonry (7 volume set) by Albert Mackey
The History of Freemasonry by Robert Freke Gould
History of the Ancient and Honorable Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons, and Concordant Orders. Written by a Board of Editors.
Coil’s Masonic Encyclopedia by Henry Wilson Coil
Masonry Defined by E.R. Johnston
House Undivided ISBN 0-88053-066-1
Freemasonry in American History ISBN 0-88053-078-2
Dictionary of Freemasonry ISBN 0-517-69213-9
A Glossary of the Craft and Royal Arch Rituals of Freemasonry ISBN 0-85318-190-X
Masonic Dictionary ISBN 0-88053-083-9
Workman Unashamed ISBN 0-85318-247-7
Seekers of Truth ISBN 0-935633-06-5
The Masonic Letter G ISBN 0-88053-066-9
The Little Masonic Library, Macoy Publishing
The Freemason at Work ISBN 0-85318-189-6
Membership in the Masonic Book Club: P.O. Box 1563 Bloomington, IL 61702-1563
Membership in the Scottish Rite Research Society: SRRS 1733 Sixteenth Street N.W. Washington D.C. 20009-3103
Membership in the Philalethes Society: 800 South 15th St. #1803 Sebring, OH 44672
Membership in the Southern California Research Lodge F. & A.M: C/O Norman Leeper 2097 Smokewood Ave. Fullerton, CA 92831

The number of good books for Masons to read is almost endless; if space permitted the list could easily be twice as long.

Many of the above books are available in book stores that sell new books, and many are available from good reliable used book resellers and suppliers. One of my favorite men to deal with on used books is Worshipful Brother Harold Davidson, the Librarian for the Philalethes Society and the founder o the Billings Masonic Library. He can be reached at http://mail.google.com/mail/contacts/ui/ContactManager?js=RAW&maximize=true&hide=true&position=absolute&hl=en&emailsLink=true&sk=true&titleBar=false&border=NONE&eventCallback=ParentStub1235418785339&zx=pd4hqc-z2upv6 or by mail at 1903 – 10th Street West – Billings, MT 59102 or by phone at: 406-259-1552 or by fax at: 406-259-2316

While there is no replacement for having a good book in your hands, some of these books can be found on-line as they have been scanned and put there for research purposes; one of the best places to go to begin a search for e-books is at: http://www.phoenixmasonry.org/ Another great place to search for Masonic e-books is at Google Books http://books.google.com/bkshp

The above books and research societies are just some of everything that is available to us as Masonic Students to use throughout our lifelong journey in learning. We are living in a wonderful time; there is so much information being written and distributed about Freemasonry, and it is much easier to find today that it has ever been.
Continue to dig into the subject of Freemasonry, learn all you can about it, and then help the Fraternity by passing on what you have learned to others who are also interested. This is one very good way to enjoy a lifetime of affiliation with the Sons of Light.

Stand by for Further Information