Knights Templar Apron

Knights Templar Apron

Oct 5, 2021 | Masonic Art

MASONIC ART

Painted Knights
Templar Apron

by Bro. Ari Roussimoff

This Knights Templar apron was painted in 2012. It deals with the symbolic nature of the historic Templars as they exist as an inspiration within some areas of Freemasonry.
Painted Knights Templar Apron

KNIGHTS TEMPLAR PAINTED APRON,
by Bro. Ari Roussimoff

As I do in all my Masonic artworks, I interpret these profound themes in my own personal way. I should emphasize that in this piece, I am not depicting any literal connections between the historic Templars to Freemasonry, even though some people claim that there is some type of lineage there. My composition is based only on what Masonry wants to believe were the principles, ethics, and morals of the original Order of Knights Templar. All uplifting virtues to be sure. Subsequently, I repeated this theme as a work on canvas.

I am happy to say that today, my Templar apron is at home in a very fine Masonic collection in Spain.

Written by Bro. Ari Roussimoff
www.Roussimoff.com
Consolidated Lodge #31 F. & A.M.
Manhattan, New York

Bro Ari Roussimoff

Masonic Charity

Masonic Charity

Oct 4, 2021 | Masonic Charity

FAITH. HOPE. CHARITY.

Charged With Charity

Charity is the brightest jewel in the Masonic crown

Editor’s note: This article was originally published on The Midnight Freemasons blog and is being republished by permission of the author. This version contains updates.

Freemasons take a series of obligations that appeal to charity, relief, and support. We obligate ourselves, willfully, to care for our fellow Brothers, their families, but also to the world around us. In an era where the shadow of social discourse has cast shade on how we interact socially, in person, and online, Freemasons are charged to be compassionate and kind. We are expected to stand above the fray of extremism and partisanship as an example of being a well-mannered gentleman and citizen.

We say these words that bind us to serve others without expecting anything in return. Furthermore, these commands and obligations are always given with the caveat of our discretion. That point isn’t viewed as “an out.” The choice is prefaced by our ability to act. Sometimes life has a funny way of interfering, we have families, jobs, and other demands we must meet. I have found that the most significant challenge I’ve faced when considering reaching out to help someone is answering the “are they worthy” question.

When I asked my Masonic mentor why we were given room to make these decisions, what almost seemed like a loophole to me at the time, he explained that “as a Master Mason, you need to act as the Master of yourself first before you can help others.” At the time, his answer satisfied my query. Over time it has only opened a much larger internal discussion on the idea that we as Freemasons are charged to walk uprightly, be charitable and kind, but only to those we deem qualified to receive our aid or assistance.

But what does this mean? Anyone can choose to “do the right thing” and stop to help someone on the side of the road, volunteer for a cause, or throw a couple of bucks in a collection cup. What is the difference between giving and charity?

The Masonic Way is to give without remembering and to receive without forgetting

I heard a line at a fundraising event a few years back that has stuck with me ever since, “giving time is just as important as giving money.” From its earliest days, Freemasonry has been concerned with caring for orphans, the sick, and the elderly. This work continues today. Our Brethren regularly volunteer to community service events, fundraisers, parades, children and family events. One example of giving without remembering is an event held by my mother Lodge (St. George’s #6) every December. We meet at a local supermarket early on a Saturday morning. There is usually snow on the ground, and it’s cold enough to see your breath. Gathered in the bakery is a group of 10-15 Brothers, who pair up that morning to deliver fruit baskets to our elderly members and widows. I’ll never forget the first year I volunteered to help; I was still an Entered Apprentice and was welcomed into the home of a Brother who hadn’t been to Lodge in 20 years. I pulled up to his home while he was out stacking wood that morning. I thought, for sure, I was at the wrong house!
Couple with dogs
He ended up inviting me into his home, where he shared the story of how he and his friends had all decided to petition to join Lodge together. This was decades before I even considered Masonry, so many of the names he mentioned I did not know, but there was one constant theme from his generation to mine — the traditions and work of our Lodge. The following year, I partnered with a Brother who had affiliated with our Lodge from England. He had served as Master of his Lodge in England and had the goal of moving through the chairs in our Lodge to serve in America as well. Sadly, the following year, we delivered a fruit basket to his widow when he lost his battle with cancer. Every December, I look forward to that one Saturday afternoon because what I receive from these Brothers and Widows, their time and warmth, is something I carry with me without forgetting.
Much has been written about the amount of money Freemasons raise to help people in need every day. Masonic relief has come in so many forms over the years, from fires and floods to flu shots and child ID programs, to responding to terrorist attacks. Charity is at the core of Freemasonry. I’ve seen the hat passed around a Lodge room to return full of generous dollars when there is financial need. But charity doesn’t always involve cash or a check. For most of the $2.6 million raised by Freemasons every day, you won’t find mention online or in the media. As a matter of fact, you hardly EVER hear about Masonic efforts on your local news. As Masons, we are taught that charity is a private act, performed sometimes without the recipient knowing their anonymous benefactor.

The Greeks called it “charisma,” meaning a gift. In Latin, the word is “carus,” meaning dear (love). Over time these words blended to form “grace,” meaning free (an act done as one wishes). By the time craft masonry had evolved to Freemasonry, charity was an act done freely, without prompt, out of friendship. Masons are driven to be charitable from our bond of spreading Brotherly Love and not because charity is viewed as a civic duty.

A historical example of this is found in Dorothy Ann Lipson’s book, “Freemasonry in Federalist Connecticut, 1789-1835,” where she describes how a Lodge purchased “a cow for the use of a widow and her children, and the cow was carried on its books for several years as a Lodge asset, presumably to spare the family the embarrassment of accepting charity.” This simple act was impactful because these Brothers recognized a need, provided as they could, and did so anonymously.

Giving and Charity are virtues that are in the core values of all Freemasons

As we are an organization of individuals who are free thinkers, open-minded, and accepting of others’ faiths and backgrounds, Freemasons are unique, in that, in each of us is a capacity to care for others. And we do this by either giving our time or performing charitable acts. We are obligated to help others, but that merely reinforces the internal drive to act where others ignore or disregard. We aren’t going to let that family struggle. We won’t allow someone to be alone in a time of need. We will find a way to make the impossible possible. And we do, every day.

I want to leave you with this thought from Bro. Albert Mackey. “If a sorrow you have lightened or a tear wipe‚ away, if of poverty’s load you have taken a share from some weary burdened soul, if you have lifted a cup of cold water to the lips of a famishing mortal, then too far have you illustrated the divine teachings of Masonry, then in so far have you done as the Master commanded.”

A quick note

I will be hosting the Masonic Talks program on “Masonic Charity,” Sunday, October 24th at 7:30PM (ET) on Craftsmen Online. RW Anthony Prizzia and Bros. Todd Paterek and Andy Egressy will be on my panel to share how Freemasons in New York are making a difference in our communities every day. This program is open to the public. Pre-registration is required to secure your spot in our Zoom meeting where you will have the opportunity to have your questions answered.
Written by Bro. Michael Arce, Editor-in-chief of Craftsmen Online SW Mt. Vernon Lodge #3, Albany, New York
Masonic Portrait of Brother General George Washington

Masonic Portrait of Brother General George Washington

Sep 30, 2021 | Famous Freemasons

MASONIC ART

The Masonic Portrait of Brother General George Washington

George Washington is arguably the most famous Freemason. His portrait, painted by William Joseph Williams is a true Masonic treasure.

Portrait of George Washington

This portrait was painted by William Joseph Williams (1759-1823) who was “widely regarded as the first American portraitist.” Williams agreed to give the portrait of Brother Washington to the local lodge of the Freemasons, Alexandria Masonic Lodge No. 22 in Virginia, of which Washington was a member and Past Master. Lodge officers wrote Washington in 1793 that it would be a source of the most refined gratification the tracing out and contemplating [of] the various ornaments of his character in the resemblance of his person. Williams’s portrait shows Washington as a Virginia Past Master, with Masonic regalia and jewels.

In this portrait, Washington noticeably lacks the charisma of his earlier portraits, and his eyes lack the fire he once had. He comes across more as a common curmudgeon than the American hero we usually envision. Also of note, Williams did not edit out Washington’s smallpox-scarred pockmarked cheeks, the bags under his eyes, the awkward set of his jaw (from numerous dental issues), a scar on Washington’s left cheek, and a mole under his right ear. During the contentious 1790s, Washington lost some of his impenetrable aura and was attacked like any other politician. Just as people were more willing to point out his failures, artists were less willing to edit out his blemishes. This is a portrait of a vulnerable, tired, battle-hardened geriatric who had given thirty years of indispensable and sacrificial service to his country. The indispensable man was spent. This portrait is believed to be the most accurate depiction of Washington ever created.

The original pastel-on-paper Masonic portrait of Washington is in the possession of Alexandria–Washington Lodge No. 22, Alexandria, Virginia.

Written by Wor. Bro. Ronald J. Seifried, DSA
Trustee Chairman and Historian, Jephtha Lodge #494
Co-Editor, Craftsmen Online NY Masonic History column
32° Scottish Rite,  Valley of Rockville Centre
Companion of Asharokan Chapter No. 288, Royal Arch Masons
Member of Suffolk Council No. 76, Cryptic Masons
Author, “Long Island Freemasons,” Arcadia Publishing, 2020

Traveling Men – Puerto Vallarta

Traveling Men – Puerto Vallarta

Sep 26, 2021 | Uncategorized

BROTHERHOOD

Traveling Men – Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

the world’s oldest fraternity

A few years ago, I was invited to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, by some close friends to go scuba diving. They stayed for a week, and when I was there, I decided to visit for an extra week on my own. But as usual, before the trip, I looked up a lodge and found out where they met. The hard part was that it did not say what time or what the dress code was. So, I got into my rental Jeep around 5:00 to get there early in case they started at 6:00 as my home lodge does. Dressed in my suit and tie, I waited and waited and waited like I was on a stakeout in a movie.

After about 3 hours, I finally see a man with a ring on that could have been some Masonic light from a distance. Now, I will be the first to admit that my Spanish is terrible. I know enough to be polite, order food, or get directions. Sure, enough my suspicions were correct; he was indeed the Brother I was looking for. He, unfortunately, did not speak any English, so off I was on trying to do some of the work I had memorized in Spanish.

At first, I was very concerned that they might think I was a Cowan or eavesdropper and might end up in the dumpster out back of the Lodge, which was in the back of a burned-out gas station. It was the perfect cover for their Lodge. If you did not have the address, you would never have known it was there. I stumbled through an investigation and was invited inside. I was amazed by the inside of their Lodge! It was beautiful and was one of the most exciting Lodges I have ever been to.
Once the Worshipful Master arrived, he also questioned me. When he was satisfied, he offered to sit in their Senior Master of Ceremonies chair, as that Brother was not in attendance that evening. I witnessed the opening and closing of the Lodge in Spanish and could follow almost all of it. About halfway into the meeting, much to my pleasure, one Brother arrived fluent in English. He translated the discussions during the meeting for me. By the end of the evening, we were all like a long-lost family.
As we left the building, I asked the WM if he or any of the Brothers would join me for a drink downtown. He said they all go to this fantastic restaurant for dinner after their meetings at about 11:30 pm. You must love a town where dinner starts at 11:00 pm! The masonic talk was the focus for the first hour or so. We compared the similar things and those slight differences in our opening and closing of the Lodge. The subtle differences in the room or the work always amaze me, but it always feels like home.

Once we started eating, I asked the WM if I could pay for the drinks and food. I wanted to thank them for their hospitality. He said that was very nice to offer, but I was their guest, and under no circumstance could I pay for anything. Over the next two or three hours, we all got to know each other better and learned about what we all did for work and about our families. By the early hours of the morning, we had out fill of food and Cervezas. I made one more pass at chipping in on the bill. After a bit of haggling, I was allowed to tip the staff, but that was all.

This was one of my favorite Masonic memories, and it would never have happened if I did not travel and take the time to meet Brothers from far and wide. As I have said in most of my previous articles, I did not get into the oldest, largest, and most exclusive fraternity in the world for a free meal or drink. I did it to be part of something much bigger than myself. The outcome of being in the right place at the right time is some kind of superpower I have. I feel like good karma keeps stuff like this happening to me almost every time I travel around this great giant round globe.

In closing, my brothers and friends, please get out there and travel. I would love to read your great traveling story and share it on Craftsmen Online to inspire others to do the same. Email me, here.

Safe travels!

RW Anthony Prizzia
Past Master of Adonai Lodge #718, Highland, New York
Bro. Prizzia is also a proud member of:
Cyprus Shrine, Oriental Shrine, and Ulster County Shrine Club
Valley of Albany A.A.S.R
Poughkeepsie Chapter 172
Poughkeepsie Commandery 43
Royal Order of Scotland

Remembering September 11

Remembering September 11

Sep 6, 2021 | Uncategorized

EDITORIAL

Remembering
September 11, 2001

20 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

On Tuesday, September 11, 2001, terrorists linked to al-Qaeda hijacked four passenger planes. Two were flown into the World Trade Center, one into the Pentagon, and a fourth crashed in a field in Pennsylvania after passengers tried to overpower the hijackers. Its target may have been the Capitol or the White House. The attacks resulted in the deaths of 2997 and injuries to more than 6000.

This year, we mark the 20th anniversary of the day “We Will Never Forget.” Craftsmen Online respectfully thanks, MW Carl J. Fitje, who was serving as Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of New York at the time for his reflection and remarks. We also pause to honor the memory of our Brethern who laid down their Working Tools that day and stand with their widows, orphans, families, and loved ones in support. Let us also keep in our prayers the first responders, military members, and veterans who gave their lives that day and continue to suffer the grave aftermath, and continue to protect us every day.

The 9/11 Tribute in Light illuminates the NYC skyline

Rememerbing 9/11

My Brothers:

I cannot believe that it is the 20th Anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks on the Twin Towers in New York City, the Pentagon and the crash in Shanksville, PA.

I recall the words of President Franklin D. Roosevelt when Pearl Harbor was attacked, saying, “This is a day which will live in Infamy .” Today, we look back on September 11, 2001 — for us in New York, a day which we will and never should forget.

I was Deputy Grand Master at the time of the attack, MW Carl J. Smith was Grand Master and MW Gary A. Henningsen was Grand Secretary. We were in complete shock and disbelief that an attack such as this could ever happen in the United States of America.

When the dust settled we quickly sat down and got to work to see what Grand Lodge could do to help out and assist those in need. We received tremendous financial support from Grand Lodges throughout the United States and the world.

All the money donated was given to the various agencies that were assisting with the recovery and the agencies who had lost people a couple of them were the Fire and Police Departments for their Widows. Grand Lodge received well over three million dollars in this effort. We received plaques from the Police and Fire Departments for Grand Lodge’s donations to assist their efforts.

Grand Lodge was also affected by people who were related to Mason’s who had died in this attack. The Grand Master, I, and the Grand Secretary hosted a luncheon for those affected and gave out checks to the families attending those unable to attend we mailed.

On a personal note my daughter’s husband, Lee Fehling a Fireman with Battalion 57 stationed in Bedford-Stuyvesant, was killed in the attack. My daughter Danielle was eight months pregnant at the time and it was a rough time for me and my family. Her daughter Megan was born on October 18, 2001, and is now 20 years old and in college in Boston.

The cleanup and recovery efforts lasted a long time. As a side note to the cleanup which not many Masons know about was that Grand Lodge had to rescue the famous St John’s Bible. At the time of the attack, the Bible was on display at Fraunces Tavern in lower Manhattan near the Twin Towers. An exhibit called “Masons in the Revolution” was about to open and after the attack, Fraunces Tavern was covered in debris and thick white powder. There were indications of further building collapses about to occur and Grand Lodge wanted to remove the Bible to a safer place at our Library on 23rd Street. A call was placed to the Police Department where we know some people and when asked why they were told and were awed and delighted to be a part of the rescue mission.

When I was sworn in as Grand Master in May of 2002 Grand Lodge continued its efforts in donating and giving of time to assist in any way we could and this lasted well into the end of the year and 2003.

On this 20th Anniversary of September 11, 2001, we should always keep this day on our minds as a constant reminder of that dire day in the history of our Nation and to remind us that we could be living in a land of turmoil where terror attacks seem to never cease. Our Armed Forces protect the Freedoms we all cherish and I thank the Grand Architect of the Universe for the blessing of democracy. Stay safe, and may God Bless you and your families.

Sincerely & Fraternally,
MW Carl J. Fitje
Past Grand Master, 2002-2004
MW Carl J. Fitje