Shriners 149th Imperial Session Held in Charlotte, NC

Shriners 149th Imperial Session Held in Charlotte, NC

Sep 11, 2023 | Masonic History, Shriners

MASONIC HISTORY

SHIRINERS 149TH IMPERIAL SESSION HELD IN CHARLOTTE, NC

This year the 149th Imperial Session was held in Charlotte, North Carolina. Shriners from all over the world came together to do the annual work of Shriners International. Of course, fellowship, food and fun played a major role. 

During the day we received reports on the status of our beloved Fraternity. We also engaged in votes that affect each member including an increase on per capita. The evenings were filled with a Shrine parade (no one does a parade better than Shriners), hospitality rooms, a concert and, most of all, fun.

As Potentate of Tigris Shriners, it is my responsibility to find a restaurant to take all the members that came to the Imperial Session. This year we went to Chima Steakhouse where our table was provided with a wide assortment of meats to try. We enjoyed great food, fellowship and laughter.

Along with Tigris Shriners and their Ladies, we were honored to have Most Worshipful Richard J. Kessler, Grand Master of Masons in the State of New York, join us.

Congratulations are in order to the various Shrine Temples in the New York/Ontario Shrine Association. They have seen growth in their membership during the first half of the year for the first time in many years. Shriners International has also seen membership growth in the first half of this year. This has not happened since 1978!

Old friends and new friends, all part of one Shrine Family, come together like this every year. All of our differences regarding how the fraternity should proceed were immediately swept aside when our main reasons for traveling to Charlotte came up to the stage. Gianna and Juan were named the 2023/2024 International Patient Ambassadors. They shared their stories and the message of “No Boundaries”.

We all share the love for our Philanthropy and the Children we care for. That is reason enough to visit BeAShrinerNow.com and join the Shrine Experience.

Written by:
Duane Crapser 
Potentate Tigris Shriners 2000, 2021 and 2023

CONGRATULATIONS GRAND MONARCH VICTOR MANN

CONGRATULATIONS GRAND MONARCH VICTOR MANN

Sep 9, 2023 | Masonic History, Shriners

MASONIC EDUCATION

CONGRATULATIONS GRAND MONARCH VICTOR MANN AND LADY ANGELIQUE

HAILING FROM THE GREAT STATE OF NEW YORK!
CONGRATULATIONS GRAND MONARCH VICTOR MANN AND LADY ANGELIQUE

I met Brother/Noble/Prophet Victor Mann at a Mecca Shriners meeting back in 2009 for the first time. He was with several other Nobles and there was something about his disposition that caught my attention. He pointed out why he was there, what the plan was, if any, and who really was in charge. I liked him immediately.

In 2011, he along with Brother/Noble/Prophet Isaac Moore convinced me to join Azim Grotto. I blindly agreed. The following year, Victor was elected as the Potent Monarch of Azim Grotto (The Most Handsomest Grotto in the Realm), at the same time I was elected as Potentate of Mecca Shriners. We agreed to come to each other’s scheduled meetings and wear our Fezzes representing our elected positions in both Fraternities. Victor understood that pollination was, and is, a path forward for our Fraternities.

Consolidating his passion in 2016, he decided to run for the Grand Captain of the Guard of Grottoes International (formerly known as Grottoes of North America) and won the election by a single vote. Since that day, he has been a “Mann” on a mission, building from the opportunity that was given to him by his Fellow Prophets. None of this would have been possible without the incredible support of his beautiful wife, Lady Angelique Mann, who presently serves as the Supreme Zulette in the Daughters of Mokanna.

My friend and now the Grand Monarch of Grottoes International was elected on Friday June 30, 2023 and installed on Saturday, July 1, 2023 in Pittsburgh, PA. Azim Grotto was established in 1893 and has only had five other Prophets hold the honor of serving as Grand Monarch; and it has been 110 years since an Azim Prophet has been elevated to the highest honor of serving within our Grottoes. This was a very special day for myself but also for all Azim Grotto Prophets. I was also installed and given the pleasure to serve as the Grand Sentinel of our beloved Fraternity. I am looking forward to continuing to work with my friend as he leads us forward with Sympathy and Good Fellowship. HUZZAH!

Written by:
Brother Dominic Falcone
PM Mt Masada/Galaxy Lodge #902 -Past Master
PBC 2nd West/Putnam District- Past Brotherhood Chairman
GL Convention Committee- Grand Lodge

PM Azim Grotto 2016- Past Monarch
SCDD 2016-2023- Supreme Council District Deputy
SCGS 2023-24- Supreme Council Grand Sentinel

P.P Ill. Sir Dominic Falcone Mecca Shriners 2013- Past Potentate
Shriners International Marketing and Communications Director Region #11

I-Thou and the Promise of Masonry

I-Thou and the Promise of Masonry

May 18, 2023 | Masonic History

MASONIC RITUAL

I-Thou and the Promise of Masonry

Invoking Deity in Masonic Ritual

It has previously appeared on Craftsmen Online that the Opening Ritual consists of three primary functions: Purging the Lodge, Aligning the Officers and Invoking Deity, and that the last of those three is the most important. It is my intent with this piece to not only heartily support the sentiment that the Invocation of Deity is the most important core function of the Opening Ritual, but to also briefly make the case that the Opening Prayer, as written in the ritual, reveals the keystone upon which our great Fraternity lays its lofty promise.
HCGW - PM Jewel

Martin Buber: February 8, 1878 – June 13, 1965

In his 1923 book “I and Thou”, the philosopher Martin Buber outlined the two primary ways in which we relate to people and the world around us. The first is the impersonal way that a person (the subject or “I”) interacts with the people or things around them (the object or “It”) as objects to be used. This type of relationship is referred to by Buber as “I-It” and it focuses on how an object can be used to benefit the subject. For example, a car is an “It” and its purpose is to enable the subject, the “I”, to get from one place to the other. Likewise, a soccer ball is also an “It” that is used as a piece of sporting equipment by the “I”. Conversely, there is the personal way that a person (the subject or “I”) interacts with the people or things around them, in which these people or things are unique and valued (the object or “Thou” or “You”). This is referred to by Buber as the “I-Thou” or “I-You” relationship. It acknowledges that the other subject in the relationship is to be interacted with rather than to be used. In this relationship, when the “I” interacts with the “You” in a mutually beneficial and respectful way, we allow for a blurring or dissolution of the boundaries between us, and, for that moment, essentially exist as that relationship rather than two individual “I’s”.
To Buber, the word “Thou” refers specifically to God. It can then be proposed, for our Masonic purposes, that we have “I-You” relationships with each other, but rely upon a mutual “I-Thou” relationship with God to set the Plumb, Square, and Level for our meetings. Thus the last action taken before the greatest Light in Masonry shines is the Chaplain’s prayer: “Thou hast promised that where two or three are gathered together in Thy name, Thou wilt be in their midst and bless them.”
This is an example of an “I-Thou” relationship between individuals (two or three people) and the divine (God), where there is a mutual recognition and respect for each other’s unique individuality. The promise in this sentence suggests that when people come together in the name of God, they are engaging in a relationship that is characterized by openness, vulnerability and empathy. It implies that there is a deep connection between individuals and the divine, and that this connection is strengthened when people come together in community (or “dwell together in unity”, if you will). This explains the great significance to the first question asked of a potential candidate before his acceptance into the Fraternity. Before he may be considered eligible to receive Masonic degrees, the candidate must first profess a belief in the existence of one ever-living and true God. Without that essential belief, we would be unable to form that relationship necessary for our work. When two or three of us invoke Him and perform our work in His holy name, we unite the brethren and activate the strength in our diversity. Furthermore, as we practice collectively in good faith and intention inside of our meetings, the better we are able to carry this strength with us when abroad in the world.
Written by: WB Ryan Toner Chaplain, Oriental-Faxton Lodge #224, Utica, NY Worshipful Ryan Toner is a Past Master and the current Chaplain of Oriental-Faxton Lodge No. 224, Oneida District, Utica, NY. He is also a 32° Scottish Rite Mason, Valley of Utica.
My Grandfather’s Jewel

My Grandfather’s Jewel

Mar 9, 2023 | Masonic History

MASONIC HISTORY

My Grandfather’s Jewel

A family legacy within the Craft

My family has a long history in Philadelphia, going as far back as the late 1600s. My sisters and I know more about our mother’s side of the family than our father’s side, but I have begun looking into things. Recently, I sought out some information on my paternal grandfather whom I had never met. Shortly after I became a Master Mason, my father gave me various Masonic jewelry belonging to his father – including some Scottish Rite pieces. As the Grand Lodge of New York started to highlight the use of the Lewis Jewel, I already had my father’s information on hand, so I reached out to the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania to see what information it had on my grandfather.
HCGW - PM Jewel

Image: The Past Master’s Jewel of HGCW

My grandfather, Harry G. C. Williams was 21 years, 2 months and 10 days old when he was initiated into Olivet Lodge No. 607 in Philadelphia in 1910. He was the Junior Warden in 1920, Senior Warden in 1921 and Worshipful Master in 1922. I discovered evidence that he had been a member of the Knights Templar and LuLu Shrine and I am aware that he was in the Scottish Rite. I do not suspect that my paternal great-grandfather was a Mason. My grandfather had been mostly estranged from his family for unknown reasons. Olivet Lodge was constituted in 1895 and had only been chartered for 15 years when my grandfather joined in 1910. Along with Oriental Lodge No. 385 and Crescent Lodge No. 493, Olivet Lodge No. 607 merged with Concordia Lodge No. 67 on December 9, 2000. I never met my paternal grandfather. He passed away on December 30, 1937 – three days before his 49th birthday, and almost 20 years before I was born. I also never knew much about him, but I’ve gathered bits and pieces: He was a veteran of the 315th Infantry Regiment. He helped to start the American Legion in Pennsylvania. He was President of the Philadelphia Real Estate Board in 1933-1934.
I have just found his Past Master jewel inside of a box. I can make out the “HGCW” monogram on the jewel. As he was only 48 years old when he passed away, I feel for my father who had been just a boy at the time. I’m grateful for the time I had with my father and will treasure my Masonic lineage.
Written by: Bro. Harry Williams Bro. Williams was raised in 1993 and is a member of three symbolic lodges in New York – Geneva-Ark No. 33, Warren No. 32, and Adonai No. 718. He helped to consolidate the Columbia, Dutchess and Greene-Ulster District into the Majestic Mid-Hudson District and bring about a new, revitalized district.
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