Masonic Moments‏; short items for contemplation and lodge newsletters and summons papers

Definition of a Freemason

A Mason is a man who is clean inside and out, who neither looks up to the rich nor down on the poor, who can give without complaining, who can prosper without bragging, and who is considerate of women, children and old people.

He is a man who is too brave to lie, too noble to cheat, too sensible to loaf, and who takes his share of the world's goods, and lets other people take theirs.

Masonic Moment - ON THE LEVEL

To a Freemason on the level means just that –

All Freemasons are Brothers who meet on the same level, regardless of their social or economic status outside the lodge. Princes, Presidents, and Leaders of business are no better or more important than bus drivers, plumbers and paper boys when they sit in the lodge together.

Freemasonry does not detract from a man’s accomplishments, nor does it exalt him above his Brethren because of his position outside the lodge.

Sept 2012 Notice Paper of Lodge Devotion 723 UGLV

Words And Signs

Attached to the Harleian ms, (1665) is a scrap of paper on which is written "there is several words and signs of a Freemason to be revealed to you which as you will answer before God at the great and terrible day of judgement you keep secret and not to reveal the same in the ears of any person but to the Masters and fellows of the said society of Freemasons so help me God." This is the earliest mention of words and signs in the Old Charges of Masons.

A Masonic Moment - What Is Freemasonry?

Freemasonry is personal, private and beyond description. We have rituals that we perform, like a play, that remind us of certain moral lessons, and hint at the antiquity of our craft. These are the material manifestations of what we do. They are no longer secrets, yet they remain private in most cases as every group or person has the right to personal privacy. They are the process of what we do. Just as what I do (for a living or otherwise) does not define me as a person, so the manner of what we do, does not define us as Freemasons. My obligations (oaths) make me a Freemason, and the manner in which I live and build my house of character show that I really understand and earn the title of Free and Accepted Mason.

The real secrets of Freemasonry are what happens in you!

No man can see into your mind or heart. No man can tell you how to apply the allegorical lessons of Freemasonry to your life, actions and character. These are the real secrets...it’s all about how your mind and conscious uses the information that you are presented.

From Oct 2012 Notice Paper of Lodge Devotion 723 UGLV

Almoner’s Column - LOVE YOUR BROTHER; WHAT DOES THIS MEAN ?

From Bro Drew, Lodge Devotion’s Almoner

How would a brother feel if he was out in the cold and hungry while he knew another brother was sitting inside feeling content with a full belly and great conversation. This could weigh heavy on the heart at first, but in the end this could cause resentment.

There should always(!) be extra places set in the South, a bit like the unknown soldier, we keep a place for him, why not do the same for a Masonic brother? This would have more bearing on the saying WE HAVE A WELCOME ON THE DOOR STEP FOR EACH AND ONE OF YOU which appears in our Lodge Song.

We have travelling brothers and brothers that support our lodge and we would not want a brother to feel an inconvenience or unvalued because we are running around like a headless chicken at the last minute to make a place at the table.

DOES HARMONY NOT START CLOSE TO THE HEART?

One way to enjoy life is to see those around you enjoying life to!!

The above is from Devotion News Edition No 84, Jan - March 2014

A Masonic Moment – Ancient Manuscripts or Regius Poem

A Recipe to be Miserable.

The best recipe we know, if you want to be miserable, is to think about yourself; how much you have lost, how much you have not made, and the poor prospects for the future. A brave man with a soul in him gets out of such pitiful ruts and laughs at discouragements, rolls up his sleeves, whistles and sings, and makes the best of life. This earth never was intended for a paradise, and a man who rises above his discouragements and keeps his manhood will only be the stronger and better for his adversities. Many a noble ship has been saved by throwing overboard its most valuable cargo, and many a man is better and more humane after he has lost his gold.

From Monash Gully District No. 114 Volume 2 Issue 10: October 2012

Where did the term "lodge" come from?

As with many things we can only speculate as to where the word "lodge" derived. Dictionaries say that it probably came from the buildings, or huts, where the craftsmen worked and lived. Lodges of masons are mentioned at York Minster in 1352, at Canterbury Cathedral in 1429, at the Church of St. Nicholas, Aberdeen in 1483 , and at St. Giles, Edinburgh, in 1429. "Lodge" first referred to non-permanent bodies, but gradually reverted to fixed localities, such as Edinburgh in 1598

From http://www.themasonictrowel.com/masonic_talk/stb/stbs/93-09.htm

One Sunday evening, a young salesman was driving through the country for a meeting with a prospective client the following morning when his car suddenly broke down. Being Sunday evening, each call he made met with a recorded message informing him that business hours were Monday through Friday. Just at that moment he saw a farmer headed towards him on his tractor. After a brief discussion, the farmer told him that he would pull his vehicle to his home, put him up for the evening, and loan him his truck the following morning to make his appointment. Beside himself with gratitude, the young salesman marveled at the generosity of the farmer. As they shared an evening meal, the young man saw several pictures of the old farmer with groups of men wearing Masonic aprons. Glancing down at his own Masonic ring that he recently received for being Raised, the young man gave a wry smile and went to bed happy to know that his Brother had recognized his ring and taken care of him. The following day upon returning from his appointment, the young man found that the farmer had repaired his car. The young man thanked him profusely and told the farmer how grateful he was and how glad he was that he had joined the Fraternity. The farmer gave him a puzzled look and the young man said, “I saw the pictures of you with Masonic Brethren and I know you must have seen my Masonic ring. I understand that’s why you helped me.” The old farmer just shook his head and said, “My Brother, I didn’t help you because you’re a Mason…I helped you because I AM A MASON.”

So, being a good Mason means being a good neighbor…not for the sake of reward and not only to other Masons, but because it’s the right thing to do. Remember the first important lesson taught you in Masonry? Of course it reminds us that we should offer help to a Brother in need, but it begins by admonishing us to offer relief to “anyone” in need. All are your neighbors, and all are deserving of your aid and assistance.

IMPROVEMENT IN MASONRY

AID AND ASSISTANCE

by William R. Fischer

The duty of "Aid and Assistance" is an important obligation, imposed upon every brother of the order. "To aid and assist all worthy distressed Master Masons, their widows and orphans."

This is according to human nature that will always prefer a friend to a stranger.

Expressed in the language of "Long Tom Coffin":

A messmate before a shipmate.

A shipmate before a stranger.

A stranger before a dog.

As we have the opportunity, let us do well for all men, especially to those of the same house.

We must be ready to aid those who need our help, brothers or strangers.

If those we could have helped and don't, are lost, we lose even more.

For these poor people only lose what they have, but we lose them, our dignity, and our own self worth.