November 20, 2023
“Rejoice with me, for I have found my lost sheep” — Luke 15:6
The other day, in order to prepare for winter, I bought a pair of gloves (a prudent decision) and promptly lost the left one.
Here we go again. Some days later while I went into our bank Sandy presented me with my lost glove (she found it in our car)
Needless to say, I was overjoyed with it!
This is an excellent example of the fact that rejoicing is a communal event, to be shared by all. We remember in the Lecture about we should always rejoice with each others prosperity. Yes, in this life we’ll have various cares and concerns; our lives, however need to proclaim joy.
“Rejoice, make glad and sign” — English hymnist Charles Wesley.
November 13, 2023
For those who chase other gods shall have their troubles multiplied — Psalm 19:3
Sandy & I have returned from a trip to the Smokey Mountains; it was a very enjoyable sojourn as always.
It never ceases to amaze me the sheer number of people who stroll around the Parkway in Gatlinburg seemingly without any purpose. Why not walk in the National Park where you can experience the wonders of God? Are these strollers looking for something? Will they feel better by buying some “souvenir” trinket? We see now advertising pitching every possible item we “must have”. Perhaps some people look for gratification by sports wagering/betting– paying homage to marketing campaigns.
It’s indeed fortunate for us as Masons that we know not to chase after false gods in our lives but to always keep our faith and trust daily to our Great Architect of the Universe.
November 6, 2024
We made it through our annual ‘fall back” this past weekend! It always seems we miss changing one or two of ours.
It’s sometimes a bit disorienting the first day or two to adapt, wondering “do I have the correct time” and/or how quickly it gets dark in the evening
What did we do with our “extra” hour? Sleep [probably] or did we use it to make plans for an event/project upcoming. Charles Darwin wrote “the man who dares to waste one hour has not discovered the value of life.”
By the remembrance of the 24 inch gage we as Masons use our time wisely by service to God, our brethren, our communities, our families and all humankind.
October 30, 2024
[He asked the blind man] What is it you want me to do for you? — Mark 10:51
Being in darkness, what do you most desire?
We have here, I believe, two parallel questions and on the surface seemingly unhelpful ones. How often have we asked “What did you think was going to happen?” and had to respond “Obviously not that, otherwise I wouldn’t have done it.”
Perhaps there’s a lesson and purpose to these questions: to live lives that God’s always intended for us, we need to know what we want.
It is our unswerving belief as Masons in knowing what we want and that our search for Light in Masonry helps achieve it — and that boldness and confidence in asking for it.
October 23, 2024
And all were astounded by the greatness of God. — Luke 9:43
When was the last time we were astounded by the greatness of God? The thing about our rituals and degrees, which are things of beauty, if we don’t put intenton behind it, the words and actions become rote: no longer life-giving, but routine
It’s interesting that Moses didn’t expect to encounter God at Mount Horeb, even though it was known as the Mountain of God. How often do we come to Lodge without expecting to encounter God in some way or another.
One wonders if at times we forget to look for our Great Architect– not just in our rituals but in our daily lives as well. Perhaps we can commit ourselves as Masons to experience God through the rituals and dare us to be astounded by the greatness of God.
October 16, 2024
A prayer for our Nation:
Great Architect of the Universe,, to whom we must account for all our powers and privileges: guide the people of our nation in the upcoming election of officials and representatives; that, by faithful administration and wise laws, the rights of all may be protected and our nation be enabled to fulfill your purposes.
So mote it be.
October 9, 2024
But some of the Pharisees said, Why are you doing what is unlawful on the sabbath? — Luke 6:2
Don’t we all from time to time get caught up in the wrong details or putting too much emphasis on the wrong things. Sabbath isn’t supposed to create more anxiety and stress in our lives.
The essence, one believes, of “Sabbath” is remind ourselves that we’re human beings and not human doings. It’s easy to think our worth is based on what we do and produce and how we handle the daily demands in our lives. The Sabbath is a commandment to us to remind us that we’re free, that our lives worth isn’t based on what we produce but simply because we’re God’s beloved.
Sabbath for us, then should be a time when we reflect on our lives as human beings; children of our Great Architect, linked together by the tenets of Freemasonry.
October 2. 2024
I was glad when they said to me, let us go into the house of the Lord. — Psalm 122
So spacious and magnificent, and constructed by so many celebrated artists, King Solomon built a house for God.
The same can be said about the building of the great cathedrals of Western Europe.
In Our sundry travels, Sandy & I have taken in the National Cathedral in Washington DC and St. John the Divine in New York City
While impressive and awe-inspiring, none of them house God; they’ve special houses of worship.
We understand that our Great Architect cannot be *housed* because He is in all places at all times. It bodes us well always to remind ourselves of this and be grateful.
September 25, 2025
We are naturally drawn to the light; it’s not only us but includes some insects and plants. One such plant, the Maranta leuconeura, native to Brazilian rain forests,
has its leaves droop at night only to raise them towards the sun at the start of the day.
In our own lives, we see this same science at work. As the sun rises in the East to open and illumin the day, we are called to get out of bed. As the sun in the South at High Twelve is the beauty and glory of the day, we are called outdoors and be about our labors. As the Sun is in the West at the close of day, we are to put aside our computers to prepare to rest
While we sometimes can’t adhere to this rhythm, we can rejoice knowing it’s our call as Masons to be drawn to the light provided to us by the Supreme Architect.
September 18, 2024
Gratitude takes nothing for granted, is never unresponsive and constantly awakens us to new wonders. — Thomas Merton
We seem to do well with gift giving out of our kindness and generosity. Receiving, on the other hand, involves the act of acceptance. By grace, we receive the kindness and generosity of others. Grace itself is a gift freely given.
Although it’s hard to accept something we don’t think we’re worthy to receive or feel like we haven’t earned, we wouldn’t ever say “No gifts, please” when a grateful “Thank you” will suffice.
September 11, 2024
One thing I enjoy doing these days is coming into the living room pre-dawn and looking out the window while the coffee is brewing. It’s quiet while the sky slowly brightens. I think about what this new day will bring for me.
It helps remind us as Masons that each and every day we are presented with a new blank treselboard with which we are to list our own designs upon it — the practice of every commendable virtue — which will merit “Well done, good and faithful servant” from our eternal Master Workman.
September 4, 2024
As is our usual weekly custom/habit, Sandy & I went to our Chinese buffet after church this past Sunday. The fortune cookie I got read as follows: Every job is a self-portrait of the person who did it. Autograph your work with excellence.
We as Masons can certainly relate to this as we do [or did] in our daily working days; a sense of Quality Control.
It is also what we do in building up that house not made with hands, a commitment to excellence in all of our daily endeavors which best manifest the tenets of brotherly love, relief and truth
August 28, 2024
— You are my refuge and stronghold, my God in whom I put my trust. [Psalm 91:2]
A refuge is a place we find shelter or protection from danger; for most of us, our home is the place where we feel protected and take refuge.
I also believe that we can also as Masons can take comfort in our Lodge building in a similar way — it is our “home” Lodge where we meet our friends and Brothers, united by our shared values and obligations
At the close of our meetings we are called upon to quit this sacred retreat to mix again with the world. We are reminded we do live in today’s world and we are always thankful for the refuge and respite Masonry extends to one and all of us.
I am returning to writing after a hospital stay and a brief “sabbatical*. I am pleased to report that I’m doing well, retaining strength and in good spirits. Many thanks to the health care professionals and especially Sandy — though I will never be able to repay her, she’s certainly stored up treasures in Heaven!
I had to remove all metal items during my 50 Oxygen therapy treatments; I recently retrieved my Masonic ring my parents gave me years ago. Wearing it makes me feel a bit more “connected” to Lodge. I got to thinking about whether how well I display to one and all the tenets and principles of our Craft. Wearing rings, lapel pins, baseball caps and the like are all well and good things as long as we remember the place in which we were first prepared to be made a Mason — in our hearts.
Today we look at an essential member of any Lodge’s officer line, the Senior Warden- – – essential to the work of the Lodge. He has the task of “seeing that none go away dissatisfied” as well as being able to assume the East if needed. He has had his year planned in advance and is ready for his year.
July 24, 2024
Today we take a look Southward in the Lodge Room, to the Junior Warden.
After an active year as Senior Deacon it would appear the Junior Warden is getting a year’s furlough, though this shouldn’t be the case. This is a vital year to carefully observe all the Lodge’s doings and to prepare for his upcoming year in the East – – – it’s a bit too late to wait longer.
Other than this, the Junior Warden solely needs to have his station occupied at all times. Enjoy the “time off” as will be very little of that the next two years!
July 17, 2024
Our Lodge’s Senior Deacon is going to be one busy person on Lodge nights! This is especially true on Degree night.
The Senior Deacon must ensure the Square and Compasses on the Volume of Sacred Law are correct, and is the responsible officer to being with the candidate. The diligent Senior Deacon is always with the candidate from the get-go. [As a personal aside, our Senior Deacon now stands close behind when yours truly is standing and addressing the Lodge, since I am a bit wobbly on my feet! It’s quite appreciated, I might add]
July 10, 2024
This week we look at the role of the Lodge’s Junior Deacon and his duties on Lodge night.
A Junior Deacon works with the Tyler in ensuring all attendees are “properly clothed and vouched for” and knowing if Lodge is either at Labor or refreshment.
He also [in our Lodge, at least] is responsible for dimming and bringing up the room’s lights [which is no small task in and of itself!]
Since his place must always be occupied,
he must also make sure in case of giving a Charge there’s some one sitting while away
July 3, 2024
This week we’re going to take a look at two very busy brethren of the Lodge, namely the Stewards.
Lodge night is a very active one for them as they’re one of the first to arrive — with dinner of some sort or other. They also are the ones who turn out the lights, take out the trash and lock the doors— any assistance they get is greatly appreciated!
During the degree conferring the stewards play an important part of the ceremonies, working closely with the Senior Deacon.
We value our stewards and what they contribute to the Lodge’s life and work.
June 26. 2024
Starting today and for several ensuing weeks, I am embarking on a summer writing project [for lack of a better term] concerning the offices of Lodge, how they connect together and each one’s importance.
Today we begin “outside” — the Tyler, whose duties help meetings function seamlessly
It’s an absolute that all are accounted for enter Lodge as properly clothed and vouched for— up to and not limited to requesting see one’s Dues Card. It is also vital for the Tyler to know if and when Lodge is at Refreshment and to give the evening’s sign in sheet to the Secretary after Lodge closes.
That’s our look at the Tyler— next week we’ll go “inside” with the Stewards.
June 19, 2024
The other day Sandy and I had the occasion to drive by the Oakley Lodge building on Lebanon Road in Symmes Township. It’s outdoor sign proclaimed “Masonry Donates Millions To Charity”. While this is a true statement and very laudable, what goes unsaid are the many good works we do each and every day for our families, our neighbors and others around us who are in need, or an errand run or even as small as a kind word of encouragement.
This is the true essence of the “beauty and glory of the day” that we as Masons live and have our being — not “looking out” solely for ourselves but being open to those who can use our assistance.
June 12, 2024
At one time or another we’ve all had to deal with feelings of inadequacy– maybe we lost our temper with our spouse or close friend, missed an important deadline or were too afraid to say yes to an opportunity. Maybe we felt upset at ourselves or felt as though we didn’t measure up.
The good news is : we are inadequate– but the tenets, principles and “guiding lights” of Freemasonry isn’t. When we put our trust in our Great Architect, follow our guide and fear no danger we can focus on what we can accomplish– we won’t do everything perfectly but each and every step is a blessed victory.
June 5, 2024
” . . . At that state of perfection we hope at last to arrive. . .
I’ve taken this passage today from the EA Lecture, describing the Perfect Ashlar.
None of us are Perfect and/or a Finished Product, it won’t happen and is entirely unrealistic to try [or expect it in others!]
However, Masonry gives us three “pathways” towards eventual perfection: a virtuous education, our own endeavors and the blessings of God. Each of these “pathways” go hand in hand with each other and are essentially necessary for that time when we’re called from our earthly labors
and found as Perfect Ashlars in the Celestial Lodge Above.
May 29, 2024
Scripture calls David a man after God’s own heart [1 Samuel 13:14]; despite some significant failures, he lived a life of greatness. David understood that his prominence wasn’t for his own gain but for God’s glory.
In 2 Samuel 7 18:29, David refers to himself as the servant of the Lord and promises that all blessings received will be used to honor God’s name.
When we humble ourselves in the manner of David, God’s glory is made plain around us. No matter if we’re the youngest Entered Apprentice or Master in the East, or our status in the world around us, we as Masons ought to always remember that all good things flow our way from God and for Him.
May 22, 2024
A Mason’s Prayer —
Great Architect, give me the strength for another day; let me not turn coward before its difficulties; Let me not lose faith in others; Keep me well-disposed in spite of ingratitude, treachery, or meanness. Preserve me from minding little stings or giving them. Help me to keep my heart clean and to live honestly and fearlessly that no outward failure can dishearten me or take away the joy of conscious integrity.
Open my eyes to see good in all things; Grant me this day some vision of thy truth. Inspire me with the spirit of joy an gladness; make me the cup of strength to all who suffer need, sorrow, sickness, or any other adversity
So Mote It Be — now and forever
May 15, 2024
It’s said that “knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit; wisdom is not putting a tomato in a fruit salad.” Wisdom is today an underrated quality, especially when we consider the movie stars, A-Listers and Marketing Directors that society admires, but Proverbs says that wisdom, personified, was one of God’s first creations.
We as Masons understand and should strive for wisdom; we discern that the cultivation of it runs counter to the “move fast and break things” mentality of innovation. This takes time, solitude and quiet, for we are able to both understand and appreciate that true wisdom is as valuable as it is rare.
May 8, 2024
“The stone taken from the Quarry in its rude and natural state. . .”
Recently Mercy Health opened a new hospital building in our area; over the period of time while driving by, Sandy and I were able to observe its progress as it was built.
Of course the usual construction tools were prevalent– backhoes, cranes and the like.
I realized what a monumental task it must have been for the building of King Solomon’s Temple however many years ago. Workers would need to carve out stones and boulders for use “as is” and have them measured and prepared for use.
Our Lecture reminds us as well it should that during our mortal lives we too are imperfect by nature; as the Great Architect created our Island Home and declared it as “very good”, so we came into this world as the same. As God has begun a good work in us, so should we as Masons strive to attain the station of Perfect Ashlar in the house not made by hands, eternal in the heavens.
May 1, 2024
It was March of 2020, the depth of COVID. our daily lives upended, a definite time of Low Twelve for all.
Since we could not meet in person, our Web Master asked me if I could do some writing during this time: since I was furloughed from my job, I had the time and opportunity and as it’s developed I now find that I’ve concluded my 4th year.
I have enjoyed [and still do enjoy] bringing something interesting to think about the daily practical application of the world of Freemasonry. This has helped me look at what to write during my period of convalesces and my way of “giving back”.
I am still traveling the long and rugged road to full health and have the opportunity to be getting oxygen therapy treatments daily; between health care professionals, modern medical science and the blessings of the Great Architect I hope to be able to be back to in person in the not too distant future. Many thanks to my wife Sandy for taking the difficult job of attending to me these past months; rich indeed will her rewards be.
April 24, 2024
Great Architect, teach us the art of gentleness in a world of blaring car horns, furious voices, and grieved souls.
May we offer hospitality to strangers as well as the people we know— the same you’ve shown to us.
When our tempers start to rise and muscles begin to tense, when anger flares in people’s eyes,
Let our presence bring a quietness—
Your light warming hearts,
Your peace flowing in our words.
So mote it be.
April 17, 2024
Tomorrow is a day of solemn rest, a holy sabbath. — Exodus 16:23
We see in our Fellowcraft Lecture those employed on the building of King Solomon’s Temple set aside the 7th day of the week as a day of rest from their labors.
However in our contemporary times, work and life schedules don’t always follow a “traditional” pattern such as the Jewish sabbath or the Christian “Lord’s Day” which makes it more urgent to set aside time for seeking rest, reflection on a regular basis.
As Masons, we should always bear in mind the practical application of the 24 Inch Gage to have life balance– otherwise we may forget the purpose of our lives.
April 10, 2024
You knocked, and the door of Freemasonry was opened to you . . .
A recent Chinese Fortune cookie I got read “Teachers open the door, but you must enter by yourself”.
We enter our time into the vast expanse of Masonry by the way of the d oor of the Preparation Room being opened whereby the teachings of our Fraternity are made known unto us — hopefully they’re “refreshers” for who we are — so we take it upon ourselves to enter into our concept of what Masonry means and to be able to apply it on a practical daily basis, thereby being able to enjoy the idea of being in our right relationship with not only our Great Architect of the Universe but with our brethren and all humankind.
April 3, 2024
[The secrets of Freemasonry are safely lodged in the repositories of Faithful Breasts]
There are all kinds of courses available to us in any college [and/or on line]; however there doesn’t seem to find any courses on listening. There’s a vast difference with hearing and listening.
By listening we’re able to discern, to understand that “still, small voice” and keep the Tenets of Freemasonry with us, whether at High Twelve, Low Twelve or at any and all times. It enables us to listening to one another, to rejoice in each other’s prosperity and to compassionate each other’s miseries.
March 27, 2024
Hope is when in Darkness if we just show up and try our best that we will see dawn. — Author Anne Lamott
Darkness, fear, anxiety; a sense of “Low Twelve” sometimes has a sense of being a quasi-constant companion in our daily lives.
I sit here three weeks post-surgery wondering when the staples are going to get removed and how much longer I’ll need to be hooked up to this vacuum pump.
Fortunately as Masons we realize that we look forward to many untold and unexpected blessings from our Great Architect of the Universe with our own efforts that we will be able to see the beauties and glories of the light of dawn.
March 20, 2024
It’s part and parcel to feel unsure when we find ourselves in a new environment or an unfamiliar situation. Even King Solomon acknowledged this in becoming King of Israel, as though he “was a little boy [who did] not know how to go out or come in
[1 Kings 3:7]Masonry gives to us the discernment to realize that we’re out of our “comfort zone” that we don’t need to try to figure out things on our own but to call upon the wisdom of our Great Architect for guidance. We also have one another as a support system when needed.The next time that we feel unsure of ourselves or of our abilities let’s remember Solomon’s example to have the wisdom to do — with excellence — what we are called to do.
I made it through two surgeries last week [the results appear as favorable] and have a new 24/7 “companion” a portable vacuum to help expedite healing.
It’s my season for hope and renewal; I see it as we transition from Winter to Spring around us outside. It is a marvelous time of the year [unless one has allergies!].
Even though lugging around this vacuum is a nuisance I am reminded by Masonry to give thanks for the Healthcare Professionals, modern medical technology, the wonderful assistance I get from Sandy on a daily basis and above all from our Great Architect of the Universe; who leads all of us by a Pillar of Cloud by day and a Pillar of Fire by night.
March 6, 2024
Don’t let the noise of the world keep you from hearing the voice of God — Author Unknown
Our outside daily moves fast and noisy; it seems as though people are always looking for the next big thing such as Artificial Intelligence [one wonders what’s happened to Actual Intelligence], the latest electronic gadget or some pronouncement from some celebrity or purported A-Lister. Being in a hurry is perceived as a normal way of life [when it’s really going around in circles]
One of the great attributes of Masonry, I have come to believe, is that while we indeed live in the world and be industrious that we don’t get ensnared in the day to day business but have opportunities to see the handiwork of our Great Architect around us and through our interactions with each other.
February 28, 2024
I can’t go back to yesterday — I was a different person then. — Lewis Carroll.
Change is everywhere each and every day of our lives We’re a different person [maybe just even slightly].
Yesterday is in the archives of us, today will be different. As Masons we start each day by being presented a new blank Trestleboard upon which to write our designs and what we were able to do for others. Through our own endeavors and the blessings of our Great Architect may at the close of the day may it reflect the most excellent tenets of our Institution
February 21, 2024
Rejoice in hope; be patient in suffering– Romans 12:12
This passage can apply to individuals as our community lives as Masons.
Some years ago, happiness literature was in vogue; it’s purpose was to ignore unhappiness, a prosperity gospel for happiness.
It’s about our community of both promoting each other’s welfare and rejoicing in each other’s prosperity; it’s not about running from bad things or making them disappear. We are called to help restore peace to a Brother’s troubled mind. This runs counter to the culture of solely self-satisfaction.
We are assured that through the blessings of God and our common bonds that we will ever be sustained.
February 14, 2024
. . . and constructed by so many celebrated artists. . . . [FC “G” Lecture]
There are so many wonderful things to consider in our Fellowcraft Degree; today I will consider this passage.
The building of King Solomon’s Temple had to have a bold and time-consuming event, especially with ancient tools. One can only imagine how many skilled artisans were needed to array this edifice with its inner beauty to the human eye.
I must confess that there is nothing of a talented artist in me, until we as Masons take a deeper dive into this statement.
February 7, 2024
Tend to your own Garden. — Voltaire
This quote might be misconstrued as “Mind Your Own Business” it appears though to have sage advice.
It’s been really nice outside the last few days; a bit of a respite from Winter and a “sneak preview” of Spring, which brings our our gardeners to tend to shrubs and trees and to plant and cultivate flowers and vegetable/produce.
This is something all avid gardeners do: it does help minding one’s business, being patient and productive and sharing in the bounty of their harvest in the Fall, all of which gives honor and glory to God.
As Masons we should also tend daily to our Mortal and Spiritual garden, which by doing so will allow the Light of Masonry to shine forth, please and glorify our Great Architect and build that eternal house, not made with hands, in the Celestial Lodge above.
January 31, 2024
He covers the heaven with clouds and prepares rain for the earth. — Psalm 147:8
We’re at the end of January with more cloudy, Gray and rainy days. In the bleak midwinter, indeed. It does placate the soul that there solely remains 57 days until the Reds Opening Day.
Despite the often inclement weather, we try to adhere to schedules while pretending the roads can’t be slick with rain, ice and snow.
But we know that the weather is life itself as opposed to a backdrop.
Our Great Architect prepares rain for the earth because we need rain; our survival depends on rain and snow.
Let’s try to turn away from the “blahs” so to be thankful for the atmosphere and direct our attention to how we can best care for it.
January 24, 2024
Give Judgment for me, O Lord, for I have lived with integrity— Psalm 26:1
When we think of the word integrity, we think of the word alignment— are we doing what we say we’re doing? During our journey as Masons, this is of the utmost importance. What happens when we’re not attuned to the values we espouse?
The psalmist is confident about the integrity of their journey and a solid stance on level ground which we also should aspire.
Our Masonry reminds us that while we’ll occasionally stumble and falter, is that we can and will reset, thanking our Great Architect for these opportunities to bring integrity always to our hearts and minds.
January 17, 2024
We’re in the midst of Winter as I write this, so it’s time for hockey season!
While there aren’t many fans or followers among us, the Stanley Cup, awarded annually since 1926 to the champion of the National Hockey League, named after its donor, Earl Stanley, a member of Alpha Lodge #16, London England.
He was the 15th of Derby and member of Parliament when he became appointed as the first Governor General of Canada in 1868. He traveled extensively throughout western Canada and became an avid sportsman. He also, due to his non-partisanship, was well regarded in his official duties.
Since his sons had taken up the sport of hockey, Lord Stanley donated the cup to be presented to the best amateur team in Canada at that time.
January 10, 2024
A member of Troy Lodge #14 in Albany NY, our brother Philander Chace was a church man, missionary and educator in his lifetime; he was also the uncle of Salmon P. Chase, later governor of Ohio and Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.
Consecrated as Bishop in the Episcopal Church, he traveled on horseback throughout the state of Ohio covering nearly 1,300 miles. He established Kenyon College in Gambier [Knox County OH] and was its president.
Later in life he answered the call to continue evangelicalism and became the first Bishop of Illinois in 1835.
Brother Chase in 1814 wrote an address confirming Freemasonry’s compatibility with Christianity; though lengthy it does make for interesting and thoughtful reading.
January 3, 2024
So how did the old year of 2023 fare? For me . . . not exactly I must say. Here’s hoping 2024 will be a much better one.
Has anyone made any New Year’s resolutions? Since these usually fall “by the wayside” pretty quickly I myself haven’t [and don’t].
However, as Masons there is one thing all of us can [and should] resolve and renew is “to improve ourselves in Masonry”, so to be the best examples of the tenets of our Fraternity. In the words of our brother Dr. Norman Vincent Peale, “Be your best and let God do the rest”.
May we all have a Happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.