Masonic Regularity: Of Clandestine, Irregular Masons

"As brothers, we can tie ourselves in knots over the regular/clandestine issue, or we can recognize that regularity is only a tool, one that has served the grand lodges and freemasonry well for almost 300 years. It is a tool for GRAND LODGES, however, and is not a tool of a master mason.

"We have other tools at our disposal, one of which is the level. Let us, as brothers then, apply the Level to our non tyled meetings. If a person claims to be a Mason, let us, in the spirit of brotherly love, accept the claim on its face and grant them the respect they are due as masons. Leave the issues of regularity to the grand lodges to wrangle over."

Above is a portion of a blog post by Bro R Theron Dunn in his blogsite: "A Beacon of Masonic Light". The article defines and discusses the regularity of lodges and Freemasons. A very compelling reading in today's schisms in Freemasonry worldwide.


"Those who become Freemasons only for the sake of finding out the secret of the order, run a very great risk of growing old under the trowel without ever realizing their purpose. Yet there is a secret, but it is so inviolable that it has never been confided or whispered to anyone.

"Those who stop at the outward crust of things imagine that the secret consists in words, in signs, or that the main point of it is to be found only in reaching the highest degree. This is a mistaken view: the man who guesses the secret of Freemasonry, and to know it you must guess it, reaches that point only through long attendance in the lodges, through deep thinking, comparison, and deduction.

"He would not trust that secret to his best friend in Freemasonry, because he is aware that if his friend has not found it out, he could not make any use of it after it had been whispered in his ear. No, he keeps his peace, and the secret remains a secret."

Giovanni Giacomo Casanova, Memoirs, Volume 2a, Paris, p. 33 (From the same Blogsite).

The Address to the Brethren: Freemasonry

Part 1: Freemasonry - It's Teachings - Canadian Work, British Columbia

Moderator's Introduction: This "address" or Charge to the Brethren of a Lodge is given after the installation of officers of such lodge. I first heard of this in an Australian Installation of Officers, which for the most part is a closed and tyled lodge in the 1st Degree. In Canada, this is mostly in the 2nd Degree. Unlike in the Philippines, the norm is a Public Installation or open to the general public.

As in most Canadian and Australian Lodges, there is part of the installation of the Worshipful Master wherein all those who are not sitting Masters or Past Masters must retire. In some jurisdiction, they call this the "4th Degree", as only sitting Master and Past Masters are privy to this.

I believe in the Philippines this "degree" or the Master's Word or whatever signs are given during the Grand Lodge's Annual Communication. In some Jurisdictions, it is given in a district level communication of Worshipful Masters. As I am not a Past Master or a sitting Master, I do not know. But I know for sure that non PM or WM are retired and after the "ceremony" are welcomed back into the tyled lodge and given the following "Charge" or address.


"Brethren, such is the nature of our Institution, that while some must, of necessity, rule and teach, so others must, of course, learn, submit and obey. Humility in both is an essential duty. The Brethren elected and appointed to assist in the government of the lodge are too well acquainted with the principles of Freemasonry and the rules of propriety to exceed the power with which they are entrusted, and you are of too generous a disposition to envy their preferment. I, there, shall trust that we have but one aim, to please each other and unite in the grand design of being happy and communicating happiness.

Masonry, my brethren, according to the general acceptance of the term, is an art, founded on the principles of Geometry, and directed to the service and convenience of mankind, but Freemasonry, embracing a wider range, and having a nobler object in view, namely the cultivation and improvement of the human mind, may with more propriety be styled a science, inasmuch as availing itself of the terms of the former, it inculcates the principles of the purest morality, though its lessons are chiefly veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols. To draw aside this veil, therefore, or more properly speaking, to penetrate through it, is the object of rulers in Freemasonry, and by a careful and appropriate attention to them, we may hope ultimately to become acquainted with all its mysteries.

Freemasonry, from its origin to the present time, in all its vicissitudes, has been the steady and unvarying friend of man. It has (in the language of an eloquent brother) gone forth from age to age; the constant messenger of peace and love; never weary, never forgetful of its holy mission, patiently administering to the relief of want and sorrow, and scattering with unsparing hands, blessings and benefits to all around. It comforts the mourner, it speaks peace and consolation to the troubled spirit, it carries relief and gladness to the habitations of want and destitution, it dries the tears of the widow and orphan, it opens the source of knowledge, it widens the sphere of human happiness, it even seeks to light up the darkness and gloom of the grave by pointing to the hopes and promises of a better life to come.

All this Freemasonry has done and is still doing. Such is Freemasonry, and such as its mission; and we should never forget, while enjoying its benefits and appreciating its value, the duties we owe to the order; for there is no right without a parallel duty, no liberty without the supremacy of the law, no high destiny without earnest perseverance, and no real greatness without self-denial."

End of Part 1

The Address to the Brethren: The Lodge

Part 2: The Lodge of Freemasons and Lodge Meetings - Canadian Work, British Columbia

"A lodge of freemasons is the temple of peace, harmony and brotherly love; nothing is allowed to enter which has the remotest tendency to disturb the quietude of its pursuit. A calm enquiry into the beauty of wisdom and virtue, and the study of moral geometry, constitute the chief employments in the tyled recesses of the lodge.

The lessons of virtue which proceed from the East, like rays of brilliant light from the rising sun, illuminate the West and South, and as the work proceeds, are carefully imbibed by the workmen. Thus, while wisdom contrives the plan, strength lends its able support to the moral fabric, and beauty adorns it with curious and cunning workmanship. All this is accomplished without any compulsory or coercive means, but on the principle of friendship and brotherly love, which guards the precincts of our temple that nothing may enter to disturb the peaceful sanctity of that holy place.

The object, however, of meeting in the lodge is of a two-fold nature, namely, moral instruction and social intercourse. Our meetings are intended to cultivate and enlighten the mind, to induce a habit of virtue, and to strengthen the fundamental principles of our Order: Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth. And if these meetings are blended with social mirth and a mutual interchange of fraternal feelings, then Freemasonry will be shown in its true light, as an institution which fosters and improves the best affections of our nature, and carries into active operation the practice of the four cardinal virtues: Temperance, Fortitude, Prudence and Justice, combined with the theological virtues - Faith, Hope and Charity - thereby demonstrating to the world at large that in Freemasonry there is found the true import of the three great social treasures: Fraternity, Liberty and Equality.

Therefore the utmost extension of fraternal feeling and affection which can subsist between man and man is expected to be displayed among the brethren of our order in a lodge of freemasons, and then will be attained the chief point of Freemasonry, namely, to endeavor to be happy ourselves, and to communicate that happiness to others."

End of Part 2.

The Address to the Brethren: The Ideal Freemason

Part 3: The Ideal Freemason - Canadian Work, British Columbia

"Before I conclude, my brethren, let me endeavor to portray to you the ideal of a freemason.

If you see a man who quietly and modestly moves in the sphere of his life; who, without blemish, fulfils his duty as a man a subject, a husband and a father; who is pious without hypocrisy, benevolent without ostentation, and aids his fellowman without self-interest; whose heart beats warm for friendship. whose serene mind is open for licensed pleasures, who in vicissitudes does not despair, nor in fortune will be presumptuous, and who will be resolute in the hour of danger;

The man who is free from superstition and free from infidelity; who in nature sees the finger of the Eternal Master; who feels and adores the higher destination of man; to whom faith, hope and charity are not mere words without any meaning; to whom property, nay, even life, is not too dear for the protection of innocence and virtue, and for the defence of truth;

The man who towards himself is a severe judge, but who is tolerant with the debilities of his neighbour; who endeavors to oppose errors without arrogance, and to promote intelligence without impatience; who properly understands how to estimate and employ his means; who honours virtue, though it be in the most humble garment, and who does not favour vice though it be clad in purple; and who administers justice to merit whether dwelling in palaces or cottages;

The man who, without courting applause, is loved by all noble-minded men, respected by his superiors and revered by his subordinates; the man who never proclaims what he has done, can do, or will do, but where need is will lay hold with dispassionate courage, circumspect resolution, indefatigable exertion and a rare power of mind, and who will not cease until he has accomplished his work, and who then, without pretension, will retire into the multitude because he did the good act, not for himself, but for the cause of good!

If you, my brethren meet such a man, you will see the personification of brotherly love, relief and truth; and you will have found the ideal of a freemason.

Finally, my brethren, as our fraternity has been formed and perfected in complete unanimity and concord, in which we all greatly rejoice, so may it continue until time shall be no more. May you long enjoy every satisfaction and delight which disinterested friendship can afford. Within your peaceful walls may your children’s children celebrate with joy and gratitude the annual recurrence of this auspicious solemnity. And may the genuine tenets of our time-honoured Institution be transmitted through your Lodges pure and unimpaired from generation to generation."

Moderator's Note: Also see discussion re origin and history of this Address or Charge - by Mark S. Dwor.

The Politics of Freemasonry By WBro Tim Bryce, PM, MPS

"Evil (ignorance) is like a shadow - it has no real substance of its own, it is simply a lack of light. You cannot cause a shadow to disappear by trying to fight it, stamp on it, by railing against it, or any other form of emotional or physical resistance. In order to cause a shadow to disappear, you must shine light on it."

- Shakti Gawain

"For a society that is supposed to be devoid of politics, Freemasonry seems to have more than its fair share. We see it in Grand Communications, in Masonic elections, and whenever we walk in the door to a Craft Lodge. Man is by nature a social and political animal fraught with frailties and insecurities such as ambition, jealousy, suspicion, and hate. As Masons, we are taught to subdue our passions and do what is right for Freemasonry collectively, but as long as we have egos, we'll always have politics. From this perspective, Masons are no different than the members of any other society.

I believe there are a couple of reasons for the rise of politics in Freemasonry; first, there is a general lack of trust and loyalty in today's society where you are recognized more for rugged individualism as opposed to team effort. Consequently, there is more of a natural inclination to compete as opposed to cooperate. Although the spirit of Freemasonry is to work collectively, many of us have difficulties subduing the attitudes of the outside world when we enter the Lodge. Second, as our membership declines, many are beginning to panic over the fraternity's future. And instead of trying to work collectively to change this situation, we are divvying up sides as to who has the true faith to perpetuate the fraternity, the traditionalists or the reformists. Whereas a traditionalist tends to be unbending, the reformist seeks to change the status quo. True, certain traditions need to be observed in Freemasonry, but not at the expense of losing touch with a changing world.

But it is this polarization that is fueling the politics of Freemasonry at all levels. The reality, of course, is that we need a careful balance of both traditions and reforms; you simply cannot have one without the other. For example, consider some of the religions of the world who are considered out of step with the times. Critics scoff at some of their customs and beliefs. But hard-line traditionalists claim they have the true faith and everyone else is an infidel. Reformists, on the other hand, see the traditionalists as barbaric and believe they have a more contemporary perspective on their religion. Politics at this level is about who has the dominant ideologue and seeks control. We see this in government (conservatives versus liberals), religion, and Freemasonry. And it is at this level that politics turns vicious and is at its ugliest. For example, we scheme, plot and undermine in order to subvert and control the environment.

Thanks to the Internet, I hear many tales of woe over what is going on in both Craft and Grand Lodges. Some of it is very disturbing, but most of it comes down to petty politics. A lot of it is so bizarre, it would probably curl your hair. Frankly, I classify most of it under what I call "Rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic." Instead of what we should be doing as Freemasons, we tend to play games of one-upmanship.

Masonic politics is typically at its ugliest during elections when Brothers are charged with un-Masonic conduct for "electioneering. " I find this all rather amusing as I believe our process for electing officers is far from perfect. Further, I don't think I have ever seen a Lodge election where there isn't some form of politics involved. As a small example, when I was running for the East at my Lodge, there was a full-court press by traditionalists to keep me out (which I overcame). Nevertheless, instead of admitting there is electioneering in Lodges, we pretend it doesn't exist.

What concerns me more these days is when Masonic politics turns dirty, which I refer to as the "dark-side" of the fraternity and something we do not like to discuss. For example, I know of a Worshipful Master and Treasurer who were removed from office by a Grand Master after they were accused of misappropriating money from a Brother they helped put into a Masonic Home. A couple of Masons from their Lodge, who shared no Brotherly love for the officers, started a campaign to oust the officers over this alleged infraction. First, they were able to bend the ear of the Grand Master who, acting upon their hearsay, removed the Lodge officers. Second, Masonic charges were brought against the former officers who were able to successfully refute them (the Lodge voted to drop the charges). And Third, criminal charges were filed against the officers and a nine month investigation ensued by local police investigators. In the end, the police dropped all of the charges and the Lodge
officers were completely exonerated of any wrongdoing. Regardless, they were still ousted by the Grand Master who refused to apologize to the officers for his actions.

Now the big question, "Why was this done?" The accusers had a deep-seated resentment over the Lodge officers who reformed the Lodge and, in the process, overturned some of the Lodge's traditions, many of which were enacted years ago by the accusers. But instead of confronting the officers with their concerns, they circumvented protocol and went straight to the Grand Master and the police. Bottom-line: this had nothing to do about a Brother being cheated out of anything, but rather a clever ruse to seek retribution for other issues. The result was that the Lodge suffered due to the political upheaval (e.g., members started going to other Lodges), and the officers who, up until now, had unblemished records, saw their Masonic reputations go into the toilet. Even worse, here were two hardworking Masons who became so disenchanted with the fraternity, they left it. All because of politics.

Such stories of Masonic politics make one wonder why there isn't a separate judicial branch in Freemasonry to prohibit such shenanigans from happening. Instead, jurisprudence and penal affairs fall under the authority of the Grand Master. Inevitably, I suspect we will be plagued with politics for quite some time.

We join Freemasonry for a lot of different reasons, one of which is that we might find a forum where we will be honestly and fairly treated "on the level." There is enough contention in the world without having to add another layer. Consequently, politics has an adverse effect on membership and attendance. Want to drive people away from Lodge or inhibit participation? Bring on the politics.

There is an old expression in psychology whereby, "You cannot treat a patient if he doesn't know he is sick." Perhaps the best way to address Masonic politics is to stop kidding ourselves that it doesn't exist. We would all like to believe Freemasonry is above the fray of politics, but we're not. After all, we're only human and, as such, politics is a natural part of human life. Once we admit this, we can then devise suitable rules and regulations today's Masons are more familiar with and promote how to best work and best agree."

Keep the Faith.

By W:.Tim Bryce, PM, MPS
timb001@phmainstree t.com
Palm Harbor, Florida, USA
"A Foot Soldier for Freemasonry"

For more commentaries and other Masonic essays from WBro Tim Bryce, please see his site "From the Edge"

Masonic Manners: Author Unknown

"Much conduct in lodge is governed by tradition, custom, and usage, with no force of law to enforce or penalty for infringement. Masonic manners, like those of civilized society, are rooted in the dictum that conduct which makes for the comfort and pleasure of others is good.

Manners differ in different countries, States, Grand Lodges. What is customary in one may be strange to another. As no laws govern manners, there is only a consensus behind them; no legal penalty accrues to the man. So it is with Masonic manners; they are a body of habit grown up through the years for the general good of all, "rules" without penalty for breaking, yet observances which make for dignity and comfort in, and respect for, the Ancient Craft.

This article is neither a pronouncement of authority, nor an attempt to be the Emily Post of Freemasonry. It but recounts some of the courtesies and etiquette of lodge life as generally not necessarily universally practiced."

To read the complete acticle, please click main title or here.

Another excellent article on Masonic Etiquette is the Short Talk Bulletin by MW Bro J. Kirk Nicholson, Jr., PGM, Georgia.

Most of the manners referred here are customarily "accepted" in the United States and countries and jurisdictions like the Philippines, whose mother Grand Lodge is of the Southern Jurisdiction (Grand Lodge of California). Most are acceptable and are being practiced also in England and Australia. But obviously, each jurisdiction has a "peculiar" way of doing things.

For example in my mother lodge, no liqour is allowed inside the Lodge, even in the Social Hall! In some Southern States' Jurisdiction, members are not allowed to own liquor licences or even work at licensed premises! Nowadays, smoking is not allowed at all inside most Lodges. Australian laws are much stricter that it does not alllow smoking in confined space.

Australian, and many other jurisdictions also expect everyone to have their own aprons. Even in countries, such as the US and the Philippines, who use to have "community aprons" are expecting their members to own and bring their own.

Again, there are so many practices that are good in comparison to what we have been accustomed to. It makes a Lodge unique in a way.

For example in Australian and English Lodges, the "south" is an integral part of the Lodge meeting. Everybody is seated and served with a meal and drinks; including and especially alcoholic beverages. Guests and visitors are welcomed, toasts and speeches made, and tickets sold, bought and raffled for charity or other purposes. While this fellowship is a bit formal, the excellent speeches and toasts makes it worthwile in my mind.

Informal fellowships has its place as well. But this is for another topic.

"No phrases in closing seem more fitting than the following by R. W. Henry G. Meacham, Grand Lecturer, Grand Lodge of New York:

"There is a certain grave beauty in the practice of Masonic etiquette. The Masonic life as it is lived out in our assemblies is a conscious work of art, with each and every part coordinated to every other, and instinct with the feeling of the whole; if a man enters into that system without preparation or forethought, and trusting only his instincts, his manner will strike an awkward note, like a discord jangling across a strain of music; but if he has trained himself in his part and caught the spirit of the whole, the genius of Freemasonry will shine through: his actions, will express itself through ritual, symbol, law, philosophy, fellowship and daily deed.

To have one's self thus become a part of a great and living whole is a kind of satisfying pleasure nothing else can give, a participation in the very life of beauty, appreciated as much by the beholders as by the actor. This ability to confer pleasure upon one's fellows when gathered in communication or in ceremony is not the least of etiquette's rewards."

A Comment by Bro Ben Apacible on GLP GM's Circular 14

"Yesterday, I received and, with great sadness, read MW Jaime Y. Gonzales’ Circular No. 14 which discourages or prohibits members of the Grand Lodge of the Philippines from attending the “NO HOST FELLOWSHIP-BRETHREN ALL” scheduled on Thursday, March 13, 2008, at the Intramuros Golf Club.

He pointed out that “the ‘other Grand Jurisdictions’ referred to in the invitation may include the previously declared clandestine Independent Grand Lodge of the Philippine Islands (IGLPI), and the ‘brethren of other Grand Jurisdictions’ alluded thereto also may cover those who have already been declared clandestine masons by our Grand Lodge. Thus, the members of our Grand Jurisdiction may be exposed to clandestine masons and lodges”.

When the idea of this “NO HOST FELLOWSHIP” was conceptualized, the purpose was “to ‘MEET ON THE LEVEL’ and practice in and out of their respective Lodges and Grand Jurisdictions ‘BROTHERLY LOVE, RELIEF, TRUTH, LIBERTY, EQUALITY, and FRATERNITY’” and to look forward for a more meaningful Masonic year.

The aim was to promote harmony among the brethren irrespective of Grand Jurisdictions, which is one of the basic goals of the Fraternity. Thus the invitation is open to all Brethren including those from our Grand Lodge, the Grand Lodge of Scotland, the Prince Hall Grand Lodge, the Gran Logia Nacional de Filipinas, the Soberana Grand Logia del Archipelago Filipinas, unaffiliated brethren from other Grand Lodges, and yes, the Grand Lodge of the Philippine Islands. Several have already communicated their intention to attend.

I strongly adhere to the “Fundamental Law of Universal Freemasonry” which is aptly defined in the opening paragraph of our Old Charges as follows:

“The constant and strict respect of this tradition, despite the diversity of nature of the Grand Lodges or the various countries, despite the variety of the Lodges composing them, despite the particular tendencies of the Brethren of all races, all nationalities, all faiths and all opinions composing them, ensure it universal character to the Masonic Order and allows all Free-Masons to recognize each other as Brethren. These traditional rules are our cement and our bond. They are both a moral and practical nature. They set the broad outlines for the life of Grand Lodges and Lodges, and prescribe to all our Brethren intangible moral imperatives. They maintain the framework of Masonic work, perpetual quest for freedom and justice, sheltered from any religious and political quarrel. They allow Free-Masonry to constitute that true Center of Union where meet, fraternally, men who without it would have perpetually remained strangers to each other”.

The “No Host Fellowship” is not intended to discuss the rituals, principles, affairs, conflicts, and other concerns of the Brethren’s respective Grand or Subordinate Lodges. It is contemplated only to be a gathering of friends and brothers. Hence, there will be no Masonic intercourse.

It is neither a Lodge nor Masonic District meeting, for which reasons the prohibitions cited in the Circular will not apply. The Most Worshipful Grand Master, I most respectfully believe, should have nothing to fear that we will violate any of our Masonic charges and obligations. What we contemplate to do is to practice the true universality of Masonry, according to the Old Charges, as well as the virtues and morals of tolerance and brotherly love, with which we are inculcated in our Lodges.

Allow me to quote Illustrious Albert Pike who said, citing Illustrious Philippe Dupin:

“Can it be truly said that … Masonry has performed its mission, when in its bosom men see restored to life and activity again, one of those very monsters, to wage war against and overthrow which was its chief purpose. I mean INTOLERANCE. Have we not seen one branch of the great Masonic Family proscribe another, and launch against it anathemas, seek to close against it all the Temples, shun its members as if accursed with pestilence, command the places to be purified, where their feet had trodden, and practices as well as by opinions, bring back the times of superstition, prosecution and intolerance? So that, while in the outer world the Protestant lives in peace by the side of the Catholic, or Israelite; when the old religions have laid down the arms with which they have long warred against each other, Masonry still sets the example of that impious strife of Brother against Brother! … Let us incessantly repeat … that the work which Masonry has to do will never be ended, so long as there remains a Truth to be defended, and error to be combated, an ignorant man to be instructed, an unfortunate to be assisted, or a Brother to be loved. He who professes these maxims is a regular Mason. He who holds other doctrines is but a spurious Brother.”

Freemasonry is not a fountain, giving health and beauty to a single Lodge or Grand Lodge, and quenching the thirst only of those dwelling near it. Freemasonry is a mighty stream, penetrating though every hill and mountain, and gliding through every field and valley of the earth, bearing in its beneficent bosom the abundant waters of understanding and tolerance to all those who leave without its Circle and love and charity for all people of every land.

With these thoughts, I will be present in the “No Host Fellowship – Brethren All” on March 13, 2008, and continue to support future endeavors of the same nature, if only to contribute to the harmony of the Craft throughout the world and leave a legacy to future Filipino Masons that I have done my part to prove to the world that Masons, irregardless of Grand Jurisdiction, can “MEET ON THE LEVEL” and in “HARMONY” and that truly ”Masonry is the Brotherhood of Man under the Fatherhood of God”.

May the GAOTU continue to bless and guide all Masons withersoever dispersed."

Bro. Ben Apacible, PM, PDDGM
Kalilayan Lodge No. 37, Lucena City
Araw Lodge No. 18, Manila
Grand Lodge of the Philippines

The Doctrine of Exclusive Jurisdiction & Worldwide Freemasonry

Logo of the Knights Of Freemasonry Universal.

"Exclusive jurisdiction seems to be a doctrine that has been developed and best applied in North America, where a small unit such as a state or province makes up the jurisdiction. The doctrine may even have served a useful purpose in the earliest stages of Masonic expansion, but in the 20th & 21st centuries has only contributed to discrimination, isolation and political dilemma.

Some of this has only recently been addressed by the co-recognition of several Prince Hall Affiliated Grand Lodges with their `mainstream' counterpart grand lodges. This, of course, results in multiple grand lodges existing in the same jurisdiction - effectively negating the thrust of the doctrine.

The doctrine of exclusive jurisdiction may even have had a very adverse consequence on North American Grand Lodges over the last 50 or more years. Many Masons believe that in the wake of the meteoric increase of Masonic membership during the period 1940 to 1962, and subsequent `glide slope' decline, that the distinction of fraternity and exercise of the qualities & tenets of The Craft have ceased to be fundamental in the philosophy of many grand lodges - that Masonic obligation & integrity have been replaced by mediocrity and that the pursuit of `light' has been replaced by politics & personality.

The theory further broadens to speculate that isolation from diverse Masonic philosophy and the richness of international fraternalism has resulted in US Masonry operating "in a vacuum". The richness and depth that attracted the great men of history to Masonry still exist in our time - often in Lodges we "cannot" visit - but the boundaries we erect may well prevent us from again discovering them."

To read full article, please click on main title or here.

The article was "discovered" while perusing the website of the Knights Of Freemasonry Universal . A body of universalist Freemasons. Please take the time and visit their website to know more of what they are trying to accomplish.

Biblical Passages to Reflect On

Hebrews 13:1-2 King James Version

1 Let brotherly love continue.

2 Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.


Psalm 133:1-3 King James Version

1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!

2 It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments;

3 As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.


1 Corinthians 13:1-13 King James Version

1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,

5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;

6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;

7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.

9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.

10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.

11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.

12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.


Ecclesiastes 12:1-7 King James Version

1 Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them;

2 While the sun, or the light, or the moon, or the stars, be not darkened, nor the clouds return after the rain:

3 In the day when the keepers of the house shall tremble, and the strong men shall bow themselves, and the grinders cease because they are few, and those that look out of the windows be darkened,

4 And the doors shall be shut in the streets, when the sound of the grinding is low, and he shall rise up at the voice of the bird, and all the daughters of musick shall be brought low;

5 Also when they shall be afraid of that which is high, and fears shall be in the way, and the almond tree shall flourish, and the grasshopper shall be a burden, and desire shall fail: because man goeth to his long home, and the mourners go about the streets:

6 Or ever the silver cord be loosed, or the golden bowl be broken, or the pitcher be broken at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the cistern.

7 Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.


Job 14:1-22 King James Version

1 Man that is born of a woman is of few days and full of trouble.

2 He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down: he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not.

3 And doth thou open thine eyes upon such an one, and bringest me into judgment with thee?

4 Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? not one.

5 Seeing his days are determined, the number of his months are with thee, thou hast appointed his bounds that he cannot pass;

6 Turn from him, that he may rest, till he shall accomplish, as an hireling, his day.

7 For there is hope of a tree, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again, and that the tender branch thereof will not cease.

8 Though the root thereof wax old in the earth, and the stock thereof die in the ground;

9 Yet through the scent of water it will bud, and bring forth boughs like a plant.

10 But man dieth, and wasteth away: yea, man giveth up the ghost, and where is he?

11 As the waters fail from the sea, and the flood decayeth and drieth up:

12 So man lieth down, and riseth not: till the heavens be no more, they shall not awake, nor be raised out of their sleep.

13 O that thou wouldest hide me in the grave, that thou wouldest keep me secret, until thy wrath be past, that thou wouldest appoint me a set time, and remember me!

14 If a man die, shall he live again? all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come.

15 Thou shalt call, and I will answer thee: thou wilt have a desire to the work of thine hands.

16 For now thou numberest my steps: dost thou not watch over my sin?

17 My transgression is sealed up in a bag, and thou sewest up mine iniquity.

18 And surely the mountains falling cometh to nought, and the rock is removed out of his place.

19 The waters wear the stones: thou washest away the things which grow out of the dust of the earth; and thou destroyest the hope of man.

20 Thou prevailest for ever against him, and he passeth: thou changest his countenance, and sendest him away.

21 His sons come to honour, and he knoweth it not; and they are brought low, but he perceiveth it not of them.

22 But his flesh upon him shall have pain, and his soul within him shall mourn.


James 1:19-27 King James Version "On Listening and Doing"

19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:

20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.

21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.

22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:

24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.

25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

26 If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.

27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

James 2:14-26 King James Version "Faith and Deeds"

14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?

15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,

16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?

17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.

19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.

20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?

21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?

22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?

23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.

24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.

25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?

26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

Changes: "Is Freemasonry recognizable? " Author Unknown

"Good Day Brethren,

At the end of one of my previous meetings, I had the privilege to speak with our Assistant District Deputy and a Past Master of our lodge about the "subtle" or "drastic" changes that have occurred within our Order over the Level of Time.

As I had stated within the conversation between the two gentlemen, "...as generations and time has passed, the Secretary's desk has went from quill pens and parchment paper to laptops and Word documents."

"Our Tapers have gone from real burning flames to electric orange flames,that have a strange back-alley-late-night-neon-sign flicker."

Times have changed, people have changed, methods have changed, but the message should always remain the same.

Granted,Freemasonry is a personal travel and a means for personal growth, but whatever happened to the collective growth as a whole? Or, did it ever existed at one point in time?

A student of history must go through many lessons and lectures before he becomes rightfully degreed as a historian. In reward of his countless hours of personal study, he may thus begin his work as an archaeologist. As an archaeologist, he cannot excavate a site by himself. In addition to the knowledge gained by his personal studies, he still needs to have a team of experts (nice synonym would be Masters) that will assist him with the dig. Now due to the fact that they are working together, more ground can be covered and more treasures can potentially be found.

A student of the Craft must go through many lessons and lectures before he becomes rightfully degreed as a Mason. In reward of his countless hours of personal study,he may thus begin his work as a Master. As Gnostic archaeologists, we cannot excavate a site by ourselves; we need a team of Masters (nice synonym would be Brothers) that will assist each of us with our prospective digs. As we begin to dig or search together, more texts can be covered and more esoteric knowledge (a Freemason's treasure) that is buried beneath spiritual truths can potentially be found.

I asked the question "Is Freemasonry recognizable? " because I wonder...how many older Brothers of our Craft may or may not show up to Lodge meetings because Freemasonry of today is not recognizable to them? There are no fraternal excavations at the current moment. What keeps anarchaeologist and his team excited and ready to work is simply the hunt for the possibility of treasure. Have all the treasures of Freemasonry been found that only social celebrations of the findings from the past take place?

I'm almost certain that everyone is aware that it is quite evident that a temple needs the Cap-stone just as much as it needs the Corner-stone. The Temple needs the older Brothers just as much as the newer Brothers. The Craft needs Brethren, who are well traveled, to guide and point in the direction the younger Brethren(like myself). Now, whether one takes the path that is less travelled or well travelled will be up to those that were given the direction. The truth is, both paths have been travelled; those Brethren who are familiar with those paths (whether unpopular or popular) can serve as a trust-worthy guide. These path or paths could be equated with Fraternal Knowledge.

I have a few questions that I would like to pose; some questions may pertain to you, while some may not, while there's a chance that you may be able to answer each of the questions respectively. So for the "Older Brothers," "Younger Brothers," or rather all Brethren that have sought the Light of Freemasonry:

1. What has changed (good or bad) in your eyes over the course of time?

2. What do you miss the most about the Craft that doesn't take place anymore?

3. What is your opinion of the Brothers of today as in contrast to those when you were Initiated, Passed and Raised?

4. What did it mean to be a Freemason "back in your day?"

5. What is your perspective on the Fraternity as a whole?

6. Is your perception of the Craft the same as it was when you first were made a Mason?

7. Is Freemasonry what you thought it would be?

A) If it is, what does Freemasonry mean to you?

B) If not, what did you expect Freemasonry to be?

"...for the man who thinks that because he hath been made a Mason, and is
called so, and at the same time will willfully neglect to attend his
Lodge, he may be assured he will never make a good Mason, nor ought he
to be looked upon as a good member of the craft. For if his example was
followed, where would be the Lodge...."

Quote above by Bro Prince Hall, A Charge Delivered To the Brethren of African Lodge No 1, 25th June 1792(Boston: Bible and Heart, 1792).

Part 1 - Philippine Masonry History Tidbits: Gran Oriente Español & Silanganan Lodge No 19

Fraternal Greetings!

I was lucky enough to have a communication with the representative of Gran Español (Gran Oriente Español) in Spain, RW Ramon Soler - Asistente Gran Maestro DGM. It was a pity that I failed to meet him during his visit here last year. Kuya Harry Gonzales was a key for that breakthrough.

Before I made a communication with RW Ramon, I asked MW Jimmy Gonzales for advise to be sure. As usual, MW Jimmy was prompt and kind to assist and said that we indeed have a Masonic relationship with them.

RW Ramon is really looking for their long lost lodges here. Spain's Masonic History is literally painted in blood. Almost all of their records were confiscated and burned! MMs (Master Masons) wew arrested and some were killed. In effect, what they have of Philippine lodges are just in memory.

The reason I was looking for them was due to the the 100th year Anniversary of Silanganan 19 August this year (2008), of which I was the WM last year. I felt as if I found a long lost mother! We were one of the original members of Gran España (Gran Oriente Español) here.

I hope that we can rekindle our roots in Philippine Masonry and have peace and harmony with other lodges. May God bless us all.

(Via email by WB Jose Jonathan Ramires Atienza Roasario, Pasig, PM Silanganan 19, Dapitan 21 ML).

For a brief history of the Grand Lodge of Spain, please click main title or here.

The Intolerance of "Intolerance" By W. Bro. C Shawn Oak

"If brotherly love, relief, and truth are the foundation stones of Freemasonry, tolerance is the cement that unites them. Yet, in a world that has recorded and/or witnessed increasing tolerance, we as Freemasons are intolerant of much. In many ways, the unacceptable level of intolerance within our lodges makes sense when we observe the efforts to maintain the current status quo. "

This is just one of the many articles and essays at Masonic Dictionary web site. I managed to stumble across this site because I was looking for Masonic meanings and specifically, the meaning of "conversing Masonically". What does it really mean? If you know or have an idea, please share it with me.

To read above full article, please click main title. To read all the other articles and essays on this site, please click on Masonic Dictionary or here.

While the contents of the essays I've read are very good, I can't verify the rest of the articles. So, as always, please read, understand and differentiate or discriminate. Take only what you feel and believe is true.

Happy reading!

The Lodge Builder: George Washington's Birthday by Bro Ed Halpaus

"Liberty, when it begins to take root, is a plant of rapid growth." George Washington

"Today, if I get this sent in time, is February 29th, the last day of the month in which Freemasons traditionally commemorate the birth of our Brother and first President of the United States, George Washington.

Brother Washington's life has been studied and written about for so many years, (February 22, 2009 will be the 277th anniversary of his accepted birth date,) that there is very little, if anything, about his life that is not well known by most Americans. However, recently http://liberty- tree.ca sent out a quote attributed to Brother Washington that was new to me.

When we read in some of the old reliable books that almost every Masonic Lodge has in it's library for reference books, such as Mackey's revised Encyclopedia of Freemasonry or in Coil's Masonic Encyclopedia, we can look up information about the Illuminati, which was a relatively short lived group, and which is unfortunately linked to Freemasonry by some, if not many, of our critics and enemies. Well this quote from Brother Washington is one where he had something to say about the Illuminati, here's the quote:

"It is not my intention to doubt that the doctrine of the Illuminati and the principles of Jacobinism had not spread in the United States. On the contrary, no one is more satisfied of this fact than I am.The idea that I meant to convey, was, that I did not believe that the Lodges of Free Masons in this Country had, as Societies, endeavored to propagate the diabolical tenets of the first, or pernicious principles of the latter (if they are susceptible of separation). That Individuals of them may have done it, or that the founder, or instrument employed to found, the Democratic Societies in the United States, may have had these objects; and actually had a separation of the People from their Government in view, is too evident to be questioned."

George Washington (1732-1799) Freemason. Source: Letter to George Washington Snyder, October 24, 1798, Mount Vernon. Washington acknowledged that the Illuminati had begun actively recruiting members from within the American lodges of Freemasonry.

"There can be no greater error than to expect or calculate upon real favors from nation to nation." George Washington"

For more articles regarding Lodge Building, please click main title or here. Also you can read past articles by Bro Ed Halpaus at http://www.halpaus.net