The Benefits of Freemasonry

The Benefits of Freemasonry

Feb 13, 2023 | Masonic Education

MASONIC HISTORY

The Benefits of Freemasonry

More than just a social club, Freemasonry is an opportunity for personal growth and learning

Freemasonry is a centuries-old fraternal organization that is shrouded in mystery and misconceptions. What is it, exactly, that draws men to join this esteemed organization? Whether it is the camaraderie of Brotherhood, the charitable community involvement, or the opportunities for personal growth and self-improvement, Freemasonry offers something for every man. Additionally, every man has something to offer Freemasonry.

First and foremost, the sense of Brotherhood that comes with being a Freemason is truly unparalleled. The bonds of Brotherhood forged through Freemasonry are unbreakable and serve to strengthen the moral fiber of its members. As men, we often find ourselves isolated in our individual worlds, with few opportunities for genuine connection and bonding with other men. Family and work obligations take over our lives. While those are noble and always come first, Freemasonry provides a space where men of all ages and from all walks of life can come together and form meaningful, lasting relationships. It is a place where we can support each other, both in good times and in bad, and where we can rely on each other for guidance and advice to improve our effectiveness at home and in our work.

More than just a social club Freemasonry is an opportunity for personal growth and learning. The organization places a strong emphasis on moral development and self-improvement then provides resources and guidance for men looking to better themselves. Getting involved with fundraisers or becoming a line Officer you will naturally pick up skills such as public speaking, event planning, and organizational skills.

Many Lodges have charitable foundations that support a wide range of causes. Some Lodges choose to support local baseball teams or give scholarships to the local high school students going to college. Others hold food drives and/or support their local food pantries. Most notably the Masonic Medical Research Institute is an internationally recognized biomedical research Institute founded by the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons in the State of New York. There are always opportunities for community giving and Freemasonry opens a conduit to allow your efforts to reach further than you can imagine.
We cannot talk about the benefits of Freemasonry without mentioning that it is a worldwide organization. Since you can find Lodges in nearly every country on Earth, Freemasonry provides an opportunity to connect with men from all over the globe, and to learn about and appreciate different cultures. Brothers have been known to connect on social media, Zoom call, and online presentations. There is even an internet Lodge recognized by most Grand Lodges. However, more traditionally, Brothers take every opportunity to visit local Lodges when they are traveling for business or pleasure. They reach out to the Lodge and the Lodge does everything they can to welcome their Brother. Supplying dinner, refreshment, and sometimes even lodging. When we meet a Brother Mason, we know we can trust them with our families, and they can trust us equally.
Freemasonry changed the lives of countless men throughout history and continues to do the same today. This positive impact on individual men in turn improves their communities, which improves their countries, and ultimately, the world. Arthur Edward Waite said, “To be a Freemason is to be a citizen of the world, in possession of a key which unlocks the door of Brotherhood and understanding in every land.”

Written by:
WB Todd M. Paterek is Worshipful Master, Lodge Education Officer, Northstar Coach, and Webmaster of Blazing Star Lodge #694 F&AM, East Aurora, New York.

Freemasonry in Puerto Rico

Freemasonry in Puerto Rico

Feb 10, 2023 | Masonic Education, Masonic History

MASONIC HISTORY

A Cycle of Necessity

The history and legacy of Freemasonry in Puerto Rico

My name is René Pérez Liciaga and I’m a native New Yorker, lecturer, published researcher, martial artist, actor and a Freemason of Puerto Rican descent. As a Boricua (the original identifier for Puerto Ricans from the language of the indigenous people of the Caribbean), my parents educated me to be proud of my ethnic background and history. As a child growing up, going back and forth to visit family on the island brought me closer to my raices (roots). My commitment to the cultural representation and the advancement of Puerto Rican heritage has helped to highlight my published papers to a wider audience.

My research has influenced educational institutions, scholars and the general public to rethink the origins and existence of the Taino, who were the first people that Columbus encountered in the Caribbean and who are also part of my admix ancestry. I had the opportunity to feature in the National Geographic Magazine with the help of a close friend to spread awareness to the fact that the Taino were never EXTINCT as most historians falsely claim.

In 2018, I entered my Masonic journey shortly after a transformative period in my life, initiated by my father’s transition. It instituted a pursuit of knowledge, spiritual awakening and more in me. In aligning with the Order, I deepened my esoteric knowledge while forging diverse relationships with brothers in various cities and countries. As a frequent guest speaker, lecturing at lodges throughout the country, I share my expertise on topics that I am most passionate about: astrology, Hermetic and esoteric studies. In tracing my roots, I came to learn that I am the 4th cousin, six times removed, of the first Grand Master of the Grand lodge of Puerto Rico Santiago R Palmer who helped found the first official national lodge of Puerto Rico Logia Adelphia No. 1 in Mayagüez.

This is also the lodge that I had the privilege of visiting back in 2020.

I am working on affiliating with Logia Adelphia as a member soon. While taking a tour of the Grand Lodge of Puerto Rico, I had the honor of standing next to the remains of Grand Master Santiago R Palmer, who I was not aware at the time was my relative. As I researched more on my roots, I discovered another Masonic connection to a well-known politician, medical doctor and prominent Freemason – Dr. Ramon Emeterio Betances, a notable figure in Puerto Rican political history, is also a distant relative.

DR. RAMON BETANCES

Some people claim there is something called “ancestral blood memory” which apparently explains why people are intrigued by a specific topic or spiritual calling. Others will call it “reincarnation” or a term used by the Pythagoreans transmigration. I prefer to call it “A Cycle of Necessity,” a title of one of Manly P Hall’s books.

Pictured: Bro. Rene standing in front of a mural of Santiago R. Palmer in Puerto Rico

A Sufi order called the Order of the Melevites or the “Whirling dervishes” is purported to have encountered the warrior monks known as the Knights Templars. There are other claims that this Order has similarities to Freemasonry. The Order was founded by “Mevlana Jelau’d-din Mohammed el Balkh er rumi” who was a mystic and supposedly developed extraordinary spiritual powers by his sixth year. In Mesnavi I Ma’Navi Book IV Jelau’d-din writes:

 

A stone I died and rose again a plant.

A plant I died rose an animal.

I died an animal and was born a man.

Why should I fear.

 

I truly believe I did not find Freemasonry, but it found me when I needed it. Masonry is about building one’s character to find that stone which the builders rejected. As a martial artist, I recognize that the art and Freemasonry contain similar concepts and principles. While climbing the ranks in Karate you receive a black belt, similar to becoming a Master Mason. However, some individuals get a belt and stop training as if they have received all the secrets and forms in the art or the Craft, not realizing the term Shodan in Japanese means “to begin.” That is when the true work starts. As you climb up the ranks in Karate or any other martial arts, you go through an initiation process as you would in Freemasonry. The word initiation also means “to begin.” Martial arts, like Freemasonry, is a lifelong journey in which you never stop learning and there is always room for improvement.
Pictured: Bro. Rene being accepted in Logia Adelphia No. 1, Mayagüez, Puerto Rico
As a child growing up, I was always intrigued by finding a teacher or master who would instruct me on certain secret techniques and lifelong lessons. As I got older, I realized that this person only exists on TV because the true teacher and master I have been looking for is myself. A true martial artist just like a Master Mason is not only a master of the art or the Craft but a Master of himself that is the true stone the builders rejected.
Written by:
Bro. René Pérez Liciaga
George Washington Lodge #285
Manhattan, New York

Masonic Ritual – Forms and Ceremonies

Masonic Ritual – Forms and Ceremonies

Feb 7, 2023 | Masonic Ritual

MASONIC RITUAL

Forms and Ceremonies

MASONIC RITUAL EXPLAINED BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CUSTODIANS OF THE WORK

Should the Senior Deacon look around to make sure everyone is on the Sign of Fidelity before attending at the Altar?

No.

Oh, you want more explanation? Sure. He doesn’t do this because it is not, nor has it ever been, a duty of the Senior Deacon to ensure that all present comply with our forms and ceremonies. This duty resides with the Worshipful Master alone.

If a Brother is not at the Sign of Fidelity when they are supposed to be at the Sign of Fidelity, the Master can choose to remind him or choose not to remind him. It’s the Master’s decision. Keep in mind that if you, as the Master, choose to address the Brother who is not at the Sign of Fidelity, you risk breaking the magic of the ceremony. It is wise to remind our Brothers of proper Lodge ritual and etiquette but it is best to keep any constructive criticism until after the Lodge is closed and in private.

Response provided by RW Samuel Lloyd Kinsey
Chairman, Custodians of the Work, Grand Lodge of New York

Note: This site is an excellent source of information about Freemasonry. While every effort has been made to provide accurate and up-to-date information about Masonic Ritual, please remember that a website is not a substitute for your jurisdiction’s Standard Work or Approved Ritual.
Start with WHY

Start with WHY

Jan 26, 2023 | Masonic Education

EDITORIAL

START WITH “WHY”

The Deeper Meaning of The Square in Self-Reflection

In 2009, Simon Sinek’s bestseller, “Start with Your WHY” changed the basic principles of brand marketing. He suggests rather than lead with traditional benefits or features, begin your message by stating your passion. Consumers are more interested in why you are passionate about something rather what you do. A good example of this principle is how Apple markets their products. Apple begins with a theme that connects on a personal level: safety, security, health and fitness are a few examples. I share Sinek’s belief that consumers want to have relationships with the brands and companies they use. Starting with your why creates an opportunity to share your passion and form an organic connection.
My resolution for 2023 is to take a better personal inventory of events and pause for daily moments of reflection on these experiences. Part of my practice is rather than asking why an event happened, I look to find why did something happen THIS way. I then search deep in my emotions to embrace the lessons learned from the outcome of life experiences. I have become fascinated with the idea that there are endless tiny points that all lead up to BIG moments. My goal is to identify the one factor in a series of events that produced a particular outcome.
I’m sure you are thinking, hey, this sounds pretty deep. Yes, it is. But where is the Masonic connection? I’m glad you asked!

I have struggled with the explanation of the Square as a Working Tool. As Fellowcraft, we are simply told the Square is help us square our work. I don’t think anyone else who appreciates structurally strong buildings or perfect corners would disagree that a square is a useful tool. But I don’t believe that is the Square’s WHY.

Morality is the key theme in Masonic Ritual. And as a symbol, the Square is impressed upon us to guide our actions by being honest and fair. This goes deeper than being truthful or kind in all of our dealings. By reflecting on our conscious, we consider the multitude of choices and decisions presented in daily life. How those moments are influenced by our attitudes, emotions, and feelings — which also change over the course of a day. And when you analyze the many parts that make up the sum, you can then isolate that one point where an action was influenced by that choice between “right” and wrong.

Reflecting on our actions as part of a daily routine is more than an exercise in self-awareness; it is also an opportunity to apply the Square as a Working Tool to measure our Ashlar. Not to seek perfection, but rather to shape our structure to be strong and sound.

Written by:
Bro. Michael Arce
Co-Founder, Craftsmen Online

Brother Robert Burns

Brother Robert Burns

Jan 26, 2023 | Famous Freemasons

FAMOUS FREEMASONS

ROBERT “RABBIE” BURNS

Poet Laureate, Activist, Freemason

Robert Burns, celebrated Scottish poet, is considered a seminal figure in 18th century literature. Born in Alloway, Ayrshire, Scotland on January 25, 1759. Robert was born the eldest of seven children born to William and Agnes Burns. Robert’s father as a tenant farmer struggled to support his family. Because of this, Burns had to work on the family farm from a young age. However, at the age of fifteen, while working the harvest season with his field partner, Helen Kilpatrick, Burns felt his first love which sparked his passion for love and poetry, and he soon wrote his first poem; “Handsome Nell”. 

(Portrait of Robert Burns, January 25, 1759 — July 21, 1796)

Bruns began to pursue poetry (and Love) with fervency and zeal. The traditional folk songs and ballads of Scotland, as well as the works of contemporary poets such as Allan Ramsay and Robert Fergusson heavily influenced his early poems. His early works focused on nature’s beauty, the simplicity of rural life, and the struggles of the working class.

In 1777, at the age of eighteen, Burns left the family farm to find work and support his family. He worked as a flax-dresser, ploughman and tutor, but continued to write poetry in his free time. At the age of twenty-one, in 1781, Brother Burns joined the Lodge of St. David, Tarbolton, Scotland, a significant step as Freemasonry was an influential and respected organization in 18th century Scotland. The Fraternity provided Brother Burns with a sense of belonging, camaraderie, and an opportunity for self-improvement and personal growth. This likely led to the publication of his first collection of poetry, “Poems, Chiefly in the Scottish Dialect,” in 1786 which was well-received by critics and the public and established our Brother as a significant literary figure in Scotland.

Robert Burns is famous for writing poetry to charm and impress women. However, he had a special interest in Jean Armour and courted her for several years before they married on July 4, 1788. Together they had twelve children. Even with his marriage, Burns continued to have extramarital affairs which resulted in more children with other women. Jean, the daughter of a local operative stonemason, remained devoted to Burns throughout their marriage.

In 1788, Burns began to collaborate with James Johnson in compiling an anthology titled “The Scots Musical Museum”. During the last decade of his life, Burns devoted himself to editing and revising traditional folk songs for this volume and for the “Select Collection of Original Scottish Airs.” These publications played a crucial role in preserving elements of Scotland’s cultural heritage, featuring renowned songs such as “My Luve is Like a Red Red Rose” and “Auld Land Syne.”

As a poet, Brother Burns possessed exceptional oratory skills and his speeches at Masonic gatherings were highly esteemed. Because of this he earned the title of Lodge’s Poet Laureate. His participation in Freemasonry had a notable impact on his literary works. Many of his poems and songs were written for Masonic events and ceremonies and contain references to Masonic symbols and themes. One of his most famous poems, “A Man’s a Man for A’ That,” is a tribute to the fraternity’s ideals of Brotherhood and equality. Additionally, his poem “The Brotherly Ties of Friendship” is a clear allusion to the principles of Freemasonry. Freemasonry’s emphasis on equality greatly influenced Brother Burns’ beliefs and poetry. As a vocal advocate for the rights of the working class, many of his poems and songs reflect his belief in the importance of equality among all individuals.

Unfortunately, Brother Burns’ later years were plagued by personal and professional difficulties. His extramarital affairs and financial struggles caused tension in his marriage and damaged his reputation. He also faced challenges in gaining recognition and respect from his peers. His health started declining rapidly, suffering from various illnesses such as rheumatism and heart disease. These difficulties ultimately led to his untimely death at the age of 37 on July 21, 1796, the same day his wife gave birth to their twelfth child, Maxwell.

Brother Burns’ literary legacy endures despite the hardships and struggles he faced throughout his life. His poems and songs remain celebrated and revered, serving as a testament to his skill as a poet and his dedication to the ideals of Freemasonry earning him the title of National Bard of Scotland.

Written by WB Todd M. Paterek
Blazing Star Lodge #694 F&AM