Operative Freemasonry has a long and rich history that can be traced back to the very beginnings of human civilization when people first began to build shelters to protect themselves from the vicissitudes of the seasons. In those early days, simple wood structures held together by vines would have provided basic shelter from the changing and often violent weather. It is even possible that the wood used was still living, with the vines touching the ground taking root and beginning to grow, transforming a simple shelter into a living work of art.

As humanity evolved and made new discoveries, such as the ability to transform rock into building materials, builders were able to construct larger and more sturdy dwellings. The lessons learned from nature, and the deep connection that humanity has with the natural world, led to the development of both functional and aesthetically pleasing elements in architecture.

Operative Freemasons were skilled craftsmen who honed their abilities in building to provide shelter from the elements and to create works of art that conveyed a sense of unity and harmony. A Master Mason would pass along his knowledge and skills to his Fellowcrafts, who would in turn teach these lessons to Apprentices. In this way, new ideas and innovations were built upon the foundation of basic architectural principles, helping to advance the craft, and resulting in structures that were strong, well-proportioned, and beautiful.

The art of Masonry began with the construction of simple shelters and dwellings, but over time it grew to encompass a wide range of structures, including cathedrals, monuments, temples, bridges, and fortifications. These structures still stand today as testament to the enduring skills and traditions of operative Masonry and continue to inspire and awe people to this day.

As a Speculative Freemason, we are constantly seeking to improve ourselves and to build our own “temple” – not just in the physical sense, but in the metaphorical sense as well. We are all bound by the limitations of nature, but more importantly we are also empowered by its possibilities.

Our journey through Freemasonry is one of self-improvement and growth, and as we progress, we come to realize that our “dwellings” — the foundations upon which we build our lives — are not yet perfected. We rely on the wisdom and guidance of those who came before us to teach us how to properly apply the principles of The Craft and to hone our skills. This concept can be understood in several ways. It could refer to the fact that we are all works in progress, with room for growth and improvement in various aspects of our lives. It could also be seen as a metaphor for the idea that we are constantly building and constructing the various elements of our lives — our relationships, careers, personal values, and so on — and that these structures are not yet complete or fully formed.

Just as our operative Brothers of the past used their skills and knowledge to build and create, we too have the opportunity to use our learned skills to put our own unique stamp on the lessons we have learned. We can use our skills and understanding of The Craft to not only improve ourselves, but also to improve the Fraternity and the world around us. This idea is rooted in the belief that Freemasonry is more than just a fraternity or a club; it is a way of life that encourages its members to strive for self-improvement and to use their skills and abilities for the betterment of society. Through the application of the principles of the craft and the pursuit of knowledge, Masons are able to make a positive difference in the world, whether through their work, charitable efforts, or community service.

In this way, the skills and knowledge that we acquire through Freemasonry can be seen as tools that we can use to create positive change and to contribute to the greater good. We can build upon the legacy of our operative Brothers and continue to make a positive impact on humanity and contribute to the betterment of society.

No one knows exactly when the first Mason stepped foot on the shores of the new world, but Freemasonry’s journey in the British colonies of North America began sometime in the 1730s. During this early time of building a new country in a land that promised prosperity but often delivered a difficult living, Freemasonry was a welcome luxury for the men risking everything. The sanctuary provided by the Lodge to these Brothers must have been nothing less than God sent. There is an unmeasurable benefit to a man who can bring his troubles before a Lodge and receive help and in turn offer help to others in their time of need.

By the late 1730s, the colonies were close to being well-established and early tensions were already being felt between Britain and the early political, constitutional, and legal systems established in the colonies. Most Lodges in The Colonies operated under the provincial jurisdictions of the Grand Lodges of England, Scotland, or Ireland. During this early time from around 1700 – 1783 of establishing Freemasonry in the colonies, Provincial Grand Masters were appointed by the Premier Grand Lodge of England. As tensions grew between Britain and the colonies if there were any tensions between the Grand Lodge of England and the newly Chartering Provincial Grand Lodges in the colonies, they remained relatively subdued.

The George Washington Inaugural Bible still travels around the country at important events like the inauguration of the President, the Governor of New York State, and the Mayor of New York City. On occasion it travels to other states for display to the general public and also makes an appearance or two in the media. To learn more about the history of the Bible, click here.

The years following the Revolutionary War, began an era of building that would become the United States of America as we understand it today. Shortly after those early years as an independent nation, on June 6, 1787, the Grand Lodge of New York declared itself independent from the Grand Lodge of England.

Hello again my Brothers and Friends!

This is the time of year, I usually write about ideas on gift giving, or travels from my past. However, this year, I want to touch on a subject that is very close to home for me. First, let me disclose that I do in fact get paid by Bonterra Organic Estates to travel & meet people all over the world. My job is literally to eat and drink with people and talk about eating and drinking. Those in my family and that know me all agree that a more perfect job could not have been created for me, and I am blessed to be in this profession.

Let’s start with the most important drink you can drink during the holiday season: water. Being in the business, and partaking of adult beverages for many of my work hours, I can say that the only way to do that and remain healthy is to hydrate as much as possible. Water is not only your most important friend during parties, but it allows you to remember how much fun you had the next day. It is very easy to over indulge and get into trouble without water, so keep that in mind during your next social gathering.

Now that we are properly hydrated, we can touch on one question that I get during almost every education event that I speak at. People always ask, “what is the proper way to drink this or that”? Or they tell me that they were told in the past that they are drinking their beverage the wrong way. I can not shout this loud enough, THERE IS NO WRONG WAY TO DRINK A BEVERAGE THAT YOU ENJOY. I usually start all my education classes with a statement that there is no wrong way to drink a drink. If you like your Sav Blanc warm, or your Cabernet with ice in it then drink it that way. If you like your whiskey with a giant ice rock, or neat (no ice) then drink it that way.

I hope all of my brothers and friends have a very happy and healthy holiday season and if you do enjoy an adult beverage please do it responsibly, designate a dry driver, and don’t forget plenty of H20. And just in case you are stuck and need a few suggestions for a wine/spirit to bring to an event, because you can’t show up empty handed, here are a few suggestions.

HOLIDAY DRINKS FOR 2022

If you need a great bottle of red under $20 you can not go wrong with a bottle of Bonterra Cabernet, it’s organic and has a great label.

Product Information
Mendocino, CA. This Cabernet offers aromas of Bing cherry, currants and raspberry, with spicy notes of cedar and dried cranberry, with slight vanilla notes. Berry flavors show on the palate with a very approachable, rich and full mouthfeel with a lingering finish. Organically Farmed.

If a great scotch is what you need Glenmorangie Nectar D’or is an amazing 12-year-old and a 750ml bottle should be under $80.

Product Information
Whisky Advocate-Highlands, Scotland. “Lemonade, icing sugar, vanilla, nougat, and maple on the nose. Progressively sweeter. Rich and seet on the palate, notably fruity, with spicy orange and brittle toffee. Medium length finish, with milk chocolate-coated ginger and lingering toffee.”

If you need a sparkling from California, Chandon Rose is clean, crisp, and is usually under $20.

Product Information
On the palate, the wine is creamy and seductive, with defined structure from the addition of still Pinot Noir at tirage. The overall impression is one of bold vibrancy and impact from start to finish.

Last but not least if your host is a tequila drinker I love Dobel Diamante, it has a great bottle and makes a statement for under $50.

Product Information
Mexico – The world’s first multi-aged tequila! A rule blend of Reposado, Anejo & Extra Anejo Aged in the finest European oak barrels and double filtered to produce a crystal clear Tequila renowned for its character and smoothness.