The Grand Master of Alaska Is Offering You a Free Beer

The Grand Master Of Masons in Alaska, Bo Cline, is busy making home brew beer to offer you a sample at the upcoming Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Alaska. Their Annual Communication will be held on Tuesday February 2nd and go to Friday February 5th in Anchorage.


This Grand Master brew is going to be offered in the Hospitality Lounge for those who wish to stop by for a taste. Grand Master Bo has made two types: the one on the right is a India Pale Ale in the making and the on one the left is going to be an Amber.


If you would like to get more information on attending the Annual Communication click here.


Here is a haiku that might describe why people home brew:


Hobbies fill my time
Ales and lagers fill my glass
Home brewing does both
.

Weigh, mash, boil, pitch
All good fun, but happiness
Is smiling friends

I think I'd like to have a batch of the Grand Master's Brew for a Table Lodge.

We meet by the Light of the Full Moon

In the early days, many Masonic lodges used to organize their meeting nights to coincide with the phase of the full moon. This had a lot to do with the fact that transportation was very poor then. Getting from home to lodge was often a problem. Having lodge the same night as a full moon was to help ensure the brothers traveling to and from lodge would have the advantage of the bright moon to aid them in navigating on the rough country roads and footpaths.

As transportation and roads improved, and since many Grand Lodges insisted that lodges meet upon fixed dates, many lodges gave up the old practice.

I understand that there are less than 500 "moon lodges" in the United States today.

My first experience with a "Moon Light Lodge" was a very memorable one. I was making a Grand Lodge visit to Accacia Lodge #51 in Cottage Grove Minnesota. As I was driving to the lodge the moon was big, full and shining brightly over the pine trees. The light of the moon allowed me to see a large jack rabbit and pheasants in a field covered in snow. It was one of those beauitful sub-zero Minnesota nights.

Following the stated meeting and a wonderful dinner, the Worshipful Master and Wardens presented me with a key fob. On the back side all the dates of the full moon were printed on it to help the brothers remember lodge night dates.

So I have added a Moon Phase indicator icon to the blog. This is to aid any brother in planning his Calendar and is reminiscent to the days of Freemasonry before us.

U.S. Congressman Refuses to tell if Freemasons wish to rule the World

Sorry I couldnt help myself...........Happy New Year

St. Lucia

Merry Christmas

God Jul

Happy Hanukkah

For many of my Brothers, tonight is the first day of Hanukkah. To all of them, I wish you a very happy Hanukkah.
For all of us as we sit down with our families at our holiday tables, let us remember those brave men and women in our armed forces. They have been called to duty to foreign lands. They are separated from their families and loved ones.
Please remember them in your prayers, knowing that they are keeping our country strong and preserving our freedom.
May the year ahead of you be filled with good health, and may you be surrounded by love and peace.
Happy Hanukkah.

Poem A Real Mason

A Real Mason
By Bro. Frank F. Baer

My Brother, Masonry means more
Than just to wear a pin,
Or carrying a dues receipt
So the Lodge will let you in.
You wear an emblem on your coat,
And on your hand a ring.
But, if you're not sincere at heart,
This doesn't mean a thing.
It's just an outward sign to show
The world that you belong
To this Fraternal Brotherhood
That teaches right from wrong.
What really counts lies buried deep
Within the human breast;
Masonic teaching brings it out
And puts it to the test.
If you can do outside the Lodge
The things you learn within,
Be just and upright to yourself
And to your fellow men;
Console a brother when he's sick,
Or help him when in need.
Without a thought of a reward
For any act or deed;
Conduct yourself in such a way
The world without can see
None but the best can meet the test
Laid down by Masonry;
Respect and live up to your trust
And do the best you can;
Then you can tell the world you are
A Mason and a Man!

The Most Worshipful Grand Master of Minnesota Thomas G. McCarthy

2010 Signature Scholarships are Here!

2010 Signature Scholarships Are Here !

The 2010 Signature Scholarships application booklets are now available from Minnesota Masonic Charties. These scholarships are available to all Minnesota graduating high school seniors with or without fraternal affiliation and are awarded to students who demostrate academic and personal achievement, as well as community participation or services and overall excellence. Five recipients are awarded the Signature Scholarships each year. Signature Scholarships are $5000 each, renewable for four years up to $20,000.

The Signature Scholarships are named after five individuals who are strongly identified with the state of Minnesota through personal achievement or public service and who personally committed to the values of Masonry in their private lives:

• James J. Hill
• Hubert H. Humphrey
• The Mayo Brothers
• Harold Stassen
• Laura Ingalls Wilder

For more information about MMC Scholarships program to download an application,

click here or call 952-948-6004 to request that one be sent to you.

Know of a worthy student who might qualify? Please pass the application along.

Deadline for submission is February 12,2010

The Masons of Minnesota have a long tradition of commitment to the next generation, Minnesota Masonic Charties provided $356,000 in scholarships in 2008-2009.

The Masons of Minnesota thru Minnesota Masonic Charties makes the dream of college a reality.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Happy Thanksgivings to you all. If you have a few moments please read on.

This was painted by one of my favorite artists Norman Rockwell. I grew up seeing his art on Calendars, magazines and all types of memorialbilia. I have recently have been learning so much more about how great of an American artist he truely was.

Norman Rockwell heard President Franklin D Roosevelt speech to congress on January 6, 1941

. He was so moved and inspired that he created a series of four painting called The Four Freedoms. This painting of a multi generational family gathered at the table. They are together, happy and about to enjoy a feast. They are living in the moment .They are unencumbered by want or fear.

Just a little time before this picture was painted our country was in the deep depths of the great depression and europe was at war and we were just months from the attack on Pearl Harbor. President Roosevelt said" True individual freedom cannot exist without economic security and independence. "Necessitous men are not free men. People who are hungry and out of a job are the stuff dictators are made of."

Norman Rockwell painted this idealistic hopful picture when the past was dark and the future looked even darker. This painting is the third of a series of four paintings and its called "Freedom of Want."

For a outstanding study guide of the Four freedoms I suggest you click here and read the four part series by Mary Lea-Cox of the Carnegie Council. I have it arranged so it starts with Freedom of Want a Study guide to the Four Freedoms"

I hope during this time of Thanksgiving that you are healthly and have safe travels and most importantly a joyful feast and Freedom from Want.

The Masonic Trowel

The Trowel in operative Masonry is used to spread the cement which unites the building into one common mass. Its symbolic use is to spread the cement of brotherly love and affection which unites into one great Fraternity all members of the Masonic family, wheresoever dispersed around the world.

The Tun Tavern

The Tun Tavern is known as the birth place of the United States Marine Corp. It happened on November 10,1775 the Contiental Congress commissioned Samuel Nicholes to raise two Battalions of Marines.....the rest is history.

Interesting side notes. -In 1732 the tavern was also the location of ST. Johns Lodge #1

-The Tavern burned down in 1781

- The orginianl location is in Philadelphia occuppied by Interstate 95

- The Marine Corp Museum in Quantico Virginia hosts a Tun Tavern
they offer a lunch menu with alcoholic beverages and bread pudding


SEMPER FI

THATS OOO RAHHHH TO YOU MY FRIENDS

Veterans Day 2009

One November 11, 2009 at 1100 hrs please join me in a moment to say a prayer for our men and women in uniform:

Lord God, Almighty Father, creator of mankind and author of peace: As we are ever mindful of the cost paid for the liberty we possess, we ask you to bless the members of our armed forces.

Give them courage, hope and strength.

May they ever experience your firm support, gentle love and compassionate healing.

Be their power and protector, leading them from darkness to light.

To you be all glory and praise now and forever.

Amen.

I have heard the saying that is so true -- that a Veteran is someone who at one point in his-her life, wrote a blank check payable to the Unites States of America for an amount of "Up to and including my life."

Below is an image I think proves just that...........an image I find diffcult to get out of my mind

This is Mary, mourning her dead fiancee who is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

Her fiancee was a soldier in the US Army Special Forces, who was killed by an IED explosion in Iraq last year. This is Mary's first visit to the grave since the funeral.

Our Country was born in blood. Our freedom is maintained by the blood of our Service Members. Today let us thank those who serve and pray for their safe return.

Let us also remember and support the families of those who serve.

Happy Birthday Brother Teddy Roosvelt

Today October 27th is the 151 birthday of Teddy Roosevelt. I thought we would take a minute together to honor Master Mason Theodore Roosevelt.

But first here is a short list of his accomplishments that commemorates TRs legacy.

As Colonel of the Rough Riders during the Spanish American war he led the charge at the battle of San Juan. Earning himself the Medal of Honor.

In 1901 when President McKinley was assassinated Roosevelt became President at age of 42. Making him the youngest President in history.

Environmental hero-Conservationist He preserved 230 million acres creating National parks and Forests, wildlife refuges and bird sanctuaries.

Theodore Roosevelt became the first American to win the Nobel Prize in 1906 for negotiating for Peace in the Russo-Japanese War.


This is the petition that Brother T.Roosevelt completed to join his home town lodge Matinecock #806 in New york The year dated is 1901, he declared his occupation as Governor. This was just weeks before President McKinley was assassinated.


Theodore Roosevelt, said in 1902"One of the things that attracted me so greatly to Masonry...was that it really did live up to what we, as a government, are pledged upon to--of treating each man on his merits as a man.

The following is an excerpt from Theodore Roosevelt's obituary. His obituary further validated his love and commitment to Freemasonry.

"Colonel Roosevelt was a member of the local lodge of Masons,and never failed to keep up his interest in it. He made a habit for many years of visiting Masonic lodges wherever he went,as a member of the Oyster Bay lodge,and returning ,to tell his brother Masons of his visits. He found Masonic lodges when he was in Africa at the Nairobi, and in South America he found a lodge on the Asuncion River. The Masons here knew from Colonel Roosvelt of the doings of Masonic lodges in all parts of the world......




The Masonic lodge that Brother TR loved and called home is Matinecock #806. The Lodge is still an active lodge. Click here if you have a few minutes. They have a very interesting page on TRs Masonic Life.

FYI

Theodore Roosvelt didnt mind being called Theodore. He prefered TR. He loved the name Colonel (refering to his rank in the Army) He despised the name Teddy.

IT WAS A GREAT DAY

On Saturday October 24th I was the recipient of the Knights Commander Court of Honor. It was a day that I will never forget. My thoughts and emotions are swirling around my head at 90 mph. So Im having alittle trouble finding the words to describe my experience.

So I thought I would share a few photos and words to give you an idea.....

In the background is my Patent. It is signed by Sovereign Grand Commander Ron Seale of the Southern Jurdisdiction of Scottish Rite. It was placed in my hands by my Illustrious Jerry Oliver and his personal Representive James O Burlingame- 33 Grand Cross Court of Honor.


This is my Red hat. It was placed on my head by my Friend and Brother Brian Beerman 33 degree/Junior Grand Warden Grand Lodge of Minnesota.

This beauitful medallion-pocket piece is causing me a dilemma. Inspector General Jerry Oliver personally made this a gift to celebrate the election to KCCH . He said that he going to present it to us when we received our Patent. So I promised myself during the cermony that I would carry it forever(even though I had not seen the medallion). After I sat down at my table and gazed upon this beauitful keep sake.

I dont want to take it out of its protective case for I wish to gaze upon its simple beauty and recall that beauitful ceremony. So all day I have had it in my pocket in its case to preserve it for alittle while longer. ( Jerry Oliver showed us his keepsake. It was very well worn and I know very treasured as mine)

These are a few thoughts and images that I wished to share with you .

PS I have made it a rule that I dont publish personal items in this blog. I could help myself

just practicing bragging rights I guess .

Remember Whence You Came

Once the game is over the king and pawn go back to the same box.

An Irish Saying

Its a 200th Birthday Celebration

I will be attending the 200th Anniversary and Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Ohio this week October 16 and 17th in Toledo Ohio.

The Bicentennial celebration will begin with a loud bang. On the evening of October 16th a Gala of Fireworks will entertain all of the attendees and the citizens of Toledo.

I wish I had time to sneak away and join the ladies' program. They will visit the Toledo Museum of Art, one of America's finest art museums. Its seven buildings hold 30,000 pieces of all kinds of Art. From neoclassical, art deco, to post modern and many other kinds -- many of which I am unfamiliar with. The buildings are located on 32 acres of green space and outdoor sculptures. It looks like a marvelous place.

Its going to be a celebration with Grand Master Charles Murphy and the 110,000 Masons of Ohio. I cant wait.

Past Grand Master Benjamin Franklin comments on Freemasonry

"Masonic labor is purely a labor of love.
He who seeks to draw Masonic wages
in gold and silver
will be disappointed.
The wages of a Mason
are in the dealings with one another;
sympathy begets sympathy,
kindness begets kindness,
helpfulness begets helpfulness,
and these are the wages of a Mason."

The World's Oldest Man is a Freemason (and from Minnesota)

On September 21st, Brother Walter Breuning celebrated his 113th birthday and became the "World's Oldest Man."

Here are a few interesting facts about about Brother Walter:

Walter was born in Melrose Minnesota on September 21, 1886.

His earliest memory is hearing his Grandfather speak about fighting with the Union Army during the Civil War.

Brother Walter only had two jobs in his life. His first job he moved to Great Falls Montana in 1918 to work on the expanding railroads. He worked on the railroads for 50 years. When he retired he became Manager/Secretery of his local Shrine Unit. When he turned 99 he retired from that job.
Brother Walter is a 33 degree Scottish Rite, and all of his Masonic organizations are in Great Falls, Montana.

In the photo, Junior Grand Warden Tom Duffy of the Grand Lodge of Montana is presenting a George Washington gavel. The gavel is from Potomac Lodge #5 in Washington D.C.

The Grand Lodge of Montana plans to return to celebrate Walters 114th birthday. Walter said "OK Ill be here."

If you click on the link it will take you to a website developed by the Great Falls Tribune to comemmorate Brother Walters birthday. Its has a lot of nice photos and contains some of Walter's secrets to long living.

Oh by the way.....the retirement home that Walter is staying has 12 women who are older than Walter. It must be the water in Montana, huh?

New Jersey has a great idea..why cant we?

The Grand Lodge of New Jersey is using the current attention on Freemasonry from Dan Brown book "The Lost Symbol" into a positive experience for the local lodges and their communities. If you want more details just click on the image and read what the Grand Lodge of New Jersey is planning on doing.

Nothing is diffcult if your willing..............................

Its a Gala Event

On Saturday September 26th I attended the Minnesota Masonic Charities' 5th Annual Gala.

This is our annual black tie fund raiser to support their many philanthropic programs. This year it was held at the historic Landmark Hall at the Minnesota Masonic Home. The staff put in extra thought and planning to make this a memorable evening . They literally rolled out the red carpet for this event.

Heres a little background on just some of the programs that they undertake.

Elder Services- providing senior facilties and programs (we are probably one of the largest providers in Minnesota.)

Masonic Cancer Center-We are in collaboration with the University of Minnesota, for cancer research and treatment (we just gave/pledged 65 Million dollars for that purpose).

Scholarships-For 20 years Minnesota Masonry has provided college scholarships for graduating high seniors. Under the General Edward Waldon Scholarship, we also are providing educational assistance to the members of the Minnesota National Guard and Minnesota Reserve units who have returned from combat zones.

Providing support to Lodges and Chapters with their community outreach and youth programs.

Supporting the Minnesota Masonic Historical Society and Library, which is dedicated to the preservation of Masonic history and providing education and information.

This beautiful Masonic property is ideally situated on 80 acres on the river bluffs in Bloomington Minnesota.

For me it's a special place that is warm and welcoming. It's a place where old friendships are renewed and new friendships made. I'm glad that the Gala has come home.

FYI, the photo you see is a small foam rubber column that sat in front of us on the table that was a memento of the evening. It looks pretty nice don't you think? I took the photo -- something I enjoy doing.

The Lost Symbol in China

Dan Brown's latest novel has sold two million copies in the United States, Britain and Canada since the book was released on September 15.

The Chinese copyright belongs to the People's Literature Publishing . They are expecting that the Chinese edition is expected to hit the shelves in early 2010.
But Chinese Internet users won't have to wait much longer. The pirates are already working hard to exploit Dan Brown's popularity to make a profit.
It is believed that the book has been "crowd-sourced" translated. The prologue and several chapters of the Chinese translation is already on the Web. It has been reported that the English version of the book has been scanned and put into a PDF format for unrestricted downloading. This is on a Web site as well.
( I was able to find Web sites that may have had the books but it was in Chinese so I was unable to verify this information).
These actions in my opinion seriously infringe on Dan Brown's copyright and damage China's reputation to protect intellectual property rights.

The Three Lost Symbols By Dan Brown to be Released

These are the three Covers of Dan Brown's new book to be released September 15th."The Lost Symbol."

Directly to the left, is the cover meant for Great Britain, Australia, and Hong Kong.

The top cover is destined for Germany, and Europe in general.

In the middle is the North American cover.

This is information I figured out for myself, so I am anxious to see if the covers are distributed in the countries as I have deducted.

I sincerely hope that those of you who have been waiting to read the book get a copy and a comfortable place to sit and the time to enjoy it. I hope to hear your thoughts and share your joy.

Personally, I have enjoyed the hype that has surrounded this book and have been trying to prepare the Masonic leadership for any fall out or benefits.

And with a smile on my face I have reflected this whole time upon the words of that great Master Mason P.T. Barnum said..

Today is the Birthday of a Great American

Today is the Birthday of a Great American, Master Mason, Patriot, and first Civil Rights Leader. Grand Master Prince Hall. Grand Master Prince was born on September 12, 1735.

Prince Hall was born into slavery but eventally became one of Bostons most prominent citzens during America's revolutionarry period. He was the founder of the "African Lodge of the Honorable Society of Free and Accepted Masons of Boston...the world's first lodge of black Freemasons.

Until today there has to my knowledge been no memorial deserving of Prince Hall. The Members of the Friends of Prince Hall Memorial Fund Committee is working to change that. They held a dedication cermemony on the Cambridge Common (Massachusetts) in honor of Prince Hall's birth and to pour the foundation of the monument. Click here and go to their website and see what the plans are, learn more about Prince Hall and take the opportunity to make a donation to honor a Great Mason.
There are 47 Prince Hall Grand Lodges in the United States with 300,000 Brothers worldwide who share that lineage.

The photo is of Grand Master Prince Hall's grave, which is located at Coops Hill Burying Ground, Boston Mass.

I plan on writing a more fitting article covering in more detail, the life and accomplishments of this honorable, progressive, memorable leader of the early Freemasons.

George Washington University Seeks to put a Masonic Lodge on Campus

A group of George Washington University Alumni with Support of the University President Emeritus Stephen Joel Trachtenberg are looking to start a Masonic Lodge on Campus.

The University of George Washington is located in Washington D.C. It was started in 1821 by Congress but the University traces its orgins to FreeMasons. There are approx. 9,700 full time students studying 87 Academic Majors. Various Masonic organizations continue to support the college in various ways.

George Washington University looks like an exciting place for Masonic Lodge. When the college newspaper publishes that the Alumni and college President follow the teaching of Freemansonry that's a powerful statement to me. Click here to read the link for yourself.

Gee Wiz ...a Masonic Lodge on a college campus if they can do it in Washington DC....why can't we? in Minneapolis, Duluth, Mankato,St. Cloud, Winona, Moorehead, St. Paul. Think about it, won't you?

On Wednesday September 2nd, James von Brunn, the white supremacist, was charged criminally in federal court for the murder of Stephen Johns.The homicide took place on June 10th when von Brunn shot security guard Johns at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum.

During the 30 minute first appearance, von Brunn's own attorney requested that his client be evaluated to determine whether he was competent to stand trial. Even though von Brunn objected, Judge Reggie B. Walton granted the request.

FBI officials have stated that von Brunn acted alone and had no formal ties with any white supremacist groups. In my Law Enforcement circles we call him a "lone wolf ". Generally speaking, the lone wolf falls into several categories: religious extremists, political terrorists, people who have longterm mental problems, and finally, those workers who have rage in the work place and kill their co-workers (otherwise known as going postal).

The former PT boat captain was consumed by a lifetime of hate for Jews, Blacks, Freemasons, and government. On June 10th von Brunn had no true friends and nothing to lose. He arranged his finances and his funeral plans for what he thought was going to be a "suicide mission" at the museum. His goal was to kill as many people as possible.

The criminal charges that von Brunn was indicted on carry a possible death penalty if convicted.

Judge Walton set the next court appearance for October 14, 2009.

A special fund for the benefit of the Johns family has been established. Please click here.

The Lost Symbol to be release September 15,2009

Dan Brown's newest novel since "The Da Vinci Code" -- "The Lost Symbol" -- is expected to be released by Doubleday Publishing on September 15, 2009.

Many have waited to hear from the author about the book's plot, but little has been said. The publisher has been releasing cryptic teasers on Facebook and Twitter.

There has been much buzz and speculation among my Brothers of the Craft of the book's possible plotlines.

To help you wade through the hype and confusion, and to help you gain better insight of the new book's plot line, I have provided a link below to an excellent article published in the electronic version of the Washingtonian.com. Just click here.

Even if you're not as interested in the book as I am, you will enjoy the article about the Freemasons and the city of Washington D.C.

The photo that you see to your right is the cover that will be released in Germany. I thought it was a nice photo of the Double Headed Eagle......hmmmm.

Personally, I have no intent to purchase "The Lost Symbol". Maybe I'll pick it up at the library or when it hits the thrift stores. But then again, maybe not.

Mozarts Mysterious Death Now Revealed

Freemason-Brother Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart died at just 35 years old on December 5, 1791. His death has been shrouded in mystery until today. The theories why he died included,
poisoning, exhaustion, syphillis, parasites from eating uncooked pork. Mozarts wife stated that he drank day and night during his composing may have hastened his end. While others blame Tuberculosis was the cause.

But today it is believed that his death may have begun with a simple sore throat caused by bacterial infection. He may have caught the bug while visiting a hospital.

Click on the link to get the details;http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8206785.stm

Midwest Conference of Grand Lodges

I was fortunate to attend the Midwest Conference of Masonic Grand Lodges. I went with the Most Worshipful Grand Master Thomas McCarthy of Minnesota Masons and Deputy Grand Master John Cook.

The other participants were our counter parts from Manitoba, Michigan, North Dakota, Wisconsin, Illinois, South Dakota, Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska.

Our host was Grand Master Russ Reno and the Grand Lodge of Nebraska. I will say that the program they put together for us was stimulating, thought provking and OUTSTANDING! I walked out the door with 14 pages of notes and some great ideas on membership, leadership, long range planning, and learned alot of new things...Of course I made many new friends.

My backside is tired from sitting long hours in the car. My side hurts from the laughter of the jokes and stories I heard. My head is over flowing with great new approaches to old problems. I learned alot and had a great time with the Masons of the Mid-West.

Welcome Zuhrah Shriners

I would like to say how pleasantly suprised I was to find out that my blog has been noted in the Zuhrah e rabian. I would like to welcome you to my blog and hope that you may find it interesting.

My intent is to provide short current articles on Freemasonry to better inform you and to create a exchange of information. It is intended so that it should only take one to three minutes to read so it wont take up much of your busy day.So click around and take a look.

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For more information click on my profile , or my Facebook Page.

If you really like it become a follower or send me your comments

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I am a proud member of the Legion of Honor, but this is a photo of our Oriental Band. I just love the way they look and play so Id thought Id share that with you.

A Man and his Books

This is my current reading pile not in any specfic order. If you have a book to suggest let me know. Better yet show me yours! ( If you click on the photo it will enlarge for easier reading)

A Museum for the History of American Freemasons

The National Heritage Museum is funded by the Scottish Rite Masons of the Northern Jurisdication of the United States. The museum is dedicated to the history of American Freemasonry. This museum has one of the finest Masonic collections in th U.S.

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The National Heritage Museum is a full service faculity that has much to offer. The Collections and exhibits are mostly Masonic but many others on American History and interesting topics. It hosts a research library and has assisted in the authoring important scholary books on Freemasonry. It is probably one of the few Museums that its gift shops specializes in Masonic apparel,books and trinkets.

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The National Heritage Museum is located in Lexington Mass. the birth place of the American Revolution. As a matter of fact acouple of hundred years ago Paul Revere took his midnight ride just past the door step of the museums location. The faculity sits on 22 acres that is manicured lawns with flowering shrubs and trees.( It looks like a perfect place for a picnic)

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Mark Tabbert the Author of "American FreeMasons" told me its a place that I have to visit.

He should know he used to work there.

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Here is the link to see for yourself http://www.nationalheritagemuseum.org/

Grand Master is interviewed by Playboy

Its not often that a Grand Master is interviewed by the popular press. Here is a link to read a indepth article that appeared I was informed in the July issue of Playboy. http://www.rglserbia.org/index.php/press/11-press/15-interviewplayboy.
I was going to show the cover but ahh... ahh ...wasnt what the kids and I would be looking at while standing in line at the grocery store.
This is an very good article and its indepth. The Grand Master Vukic is very well spoken.
Enjoy the read........... beauitful photos too....oh its safe for everyone.

It's William J Florence's Birthday !

July 26th is the Birthday of William (Billy) J Florence, one of the Founders of the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. Or as we so fondly call ourselves: Shriners.

It all started in 1870 when a group of jovial Masons met for lunch on the second floor of the Knickerbocker resturant in New York City.

The Masons who gathered were good nature and filled with wit and good humor. They often discussed starting a new fraternity for Masons in which fun and fellowship would be emphasized. Two of the Brothers, William Florence, an actor, and Walter M Fleming, a medical doctor, gathered the ideas and converted them into what became the A.A.O.N.M.S. or the Shrine, as we know it today.

Thank you and Happy Birthday, William Florence.

My Masonic Membership Card

I hold in my hand a little scrap of paper 2½ by 3½ inches in size. It has no intrinsic worth, not a bond, not a check or receipt for valuables, yet it is my most priceless possession. It is my membership in a Masonic Lodge.

It tells me that I have entered into a spiritual kinship with my fellow Masons to practice charity in word and deed; to forgive and forget the faults of my brethren; to hush the tongues of scandal and innuendo; to care for the crippled, the hungry, and the sick, and to be fair and just to all mankind.

It tells me no matter where I may travel in the world, I am welcome to visit a place where good fellowship prevails among brothers and friends. It tells me that my loved ones, my home, and my household are under the protection of every member of this great Fraternity, who have sworn to protect and defend mine, as I have sworn to protect and defend theirs.

It tells me that should I ever be overtaken by adversity or misfortune through no fault of my own, the hands of every Mason on the face of the earth will be stretched forth to assist me in my necessities. And finally it tells me that when my final exit from the stage of life has been made, there will be gathered around my lifeless body friends and brothers who will recall to mind my virtues, though they be but few, and will forget my faults, though they may be many.

It tells me that and a great deal more, this little card, and makes me proud, yet humble, that I can possess this passport into a society of friends and brothers that are numbered in the millions.

AUTHOR UNKNOWN

Shrine Hospitals-Inside Story

Hear it here first........................
I have received information from our man on the inside concerning the fate of the Shrine Hospitals. The reliable source stated" We have great news from San Antonio, the motion to close the hospitals has been defeated. More news in the next day or two.

Good news also is the decison to keep the Galveston Texas Burn Hospital open. That will allow 300 employees to return to work. But most important is that the area will have a certified Burn hospital and will make the difference in peoples lives
More info as it developes

Interesting side note. As any good Cop or Reporter ( I guess Im both)I attempted to verify the information. I contacted the Public Relations Persons Sally Mildren for the Shrine Hospitals of Spokane Washington.
Sally stated that "While this information may come as relief, it carries an important caveat: Nothing is final until the organizations annual meeting is adjourned Thursday".
It was a pleasure to speak with Sally and to hear how they are working in many new ways to expand their outreach to reach more Childern and help make positive changes in their quality of life.
Of Course thats why were are here on this earth right? To make a positive change in peoples lives?

Its 4th of July Lets Thank the Veterans

The Soldiers ,Sailors, Airman,and the Marines give us citzens a priceless gift, the opportunity to live in freedom and pursue our dreams, and to enjoy our lives with purpose and dignity.
As we celebrate our countries 233 years of independence.Let us thank our Service Men and Womenfor serving and sacrificing to keeping our country safe and for bringing freedom to others.
Have a Happy and Safe Independence Day

God Bless America

Gates City Lodge in New York Times

Meet Brother Victor Marshall of Gates City Lodge Alanta Georgia. We have been following the plight of Brother Marshall and the Brothers of Gates City lodge in the news.
Today to my suprise I saw this article in the "New York Times".....all the news thats fit to print.
So click on the link and learn a few more details of the case and my friend Chris Hodapp is quoted as well http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/03/us/03masons.html?_r=1&ref=us