What is a Mason

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Man, not Millennial

Per all of the conventional wisdom I can find, I am a Millennial. The funny thing is, I thought I was Jared.

Every time I hear it mentioned that we have to find a way to reach, appeal to, and engage Millennials, the hairs on the back of my neck stand up just a little.

Consider this conversation from another perspective. Why can we not get better attendance from baby boomers? What an incredibly, yet unintentionally insulting question. Should you find yourself in the “Baby Boomer” generation, I suspect that you would rather be considered as an individual, not as some vague group spanning across two decades. YOU may attend lodge regularly, or YOU may not attend lodge for several reasons, but how dare anyone assume that someone else’s reasons are also yours.

Conversations over coffee still go a long way. Some things never change.

Yes, generalizations can be made, but most do not hold water. Sure, people born after 1981 have never known a world without computers. Similarly, those born after the 1970’s never knew a world without central air conditioning, those born after the 50’s never knew one without nuclear power, and those before the 20’s may have never expected the automobile to become commonplace. You get my point. Times change, and we change with them – yet still, the individual remains.

Moreover, focusing on Millennials is already old news. Generation Z, those born after Millennials, are already old enough to petition for membership.

Here is something: Men over… oh, pick an age… know exactly what attracts a 20 year old to Freemasonry, because it is the same thing that always has: The example of other men in their life, a sense of being part of something larger than yourself, and a dash of mystique thrown in. The only “catch” in all of this is if the man is more interested in the mystique, or our ‘mysteries’, or if he is mostly there for the fellowship. His age does not guarantee which of those might be the case – but I might make a suggestion…

What were we taught about Youth, Manhood, and Age?

So, here is some input from just one Millennial:

  • Everyone is an individual, treat them as such. Just because I get communication from a text, email, or Facebook message, rather than a telegraph, does not make me all that different than you.
  • Give me something to do. If I am just sitting around idle then all I will think about is all the other things I could be doing with my time. Engage me, or lose me.
  • Educate me. Those Liberal Arts & Sciences were all well and good in school – but YOU can teach me how to apply them practically, to lead a project, a group of men, and more. Mentor me.
  • Expect questions. On first pass, our rituals lead to a lot more questions than answers. If you are not prepared to answer esoteric questions, please be prepared to refer me to someone who can. I promise to come back to you for learning my catechism.
  • Give me a chance. You cannot save the Lodge by doing everything yourself out of the fear that I, in my youth, might ruin our centuries old Fraternity. You save the Lodge by whispering good counsel in my ear, not by never letting me hold the gavel, so to speak. No, I will not do everything just right, but if you let me fall off of the bike, and you are there to encourage me to get back up, we can all work through any tumbles that might happen.
  • Finally, before you question a new method being used to accomplish some goal, such as using a Facebook message group rather than using a call tree or sending out letters, remember that there just might be a Lodge minute book out there, somewhere, where Brethren debated if the cost of electricity in the Lodge was really better than candles. As you soak up the air conditioning while you ponder that – smile to yourself and realize that everything will be okay.

In This Sign

This article is a printing of the Grand Orator’s speech that was given at the 201st Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Mississippi.

There is a podcast / m4a recording, here: Hear Audio Only

Download the slideshow for your use, here: Download Slideshow

You can watch the video, which includes all of the accompanying slideshow, here: Watch Video

In This Sign

Most Worshipful Grand Master, Grand Lodge Officers, Distinguished Guests, and Brethren All: I am humbled to stand before you today to act, pro tempore, as your Grand Orator. While Right Worshipful Brother Jordan Downs is unable to address us today, I am sure that you will join me in recognizing him and expressing our gratitude and appreciation to the Great Architect of the Universe for this inestimable Brother still being among us.

Brethren: From Ptolemy’s recording of the ancient constellations, including Cygnus or the Northern Cross, to the eventual adoption of the Crux or Southern Cross, humanity has sought in the sacred pages of the celestial hemisphere an understanding of the sign of the cross. As ancient and enduring as the stars are, nearly every human culture and numerous faiths have also used variants of this symbol for their own purposes. Of the multitude of Christian related crosses in use today, four form the basis of these variants: Crux Quadrata or the Greek Cross, Crux Decussata, commonly known as Saint Andrew’s Cross, Crux Commissa, or the Tau Cross, and Crux Immissa, or the Latin Cross. However, before Christianity adopted these crosses, there were two other forms of crosses that humanity widely used.

Perhaps the most ancient cross-type symbol is the Crux Grammata, or Swastika. Variants of this symbol can be found throughout ancient history in the Ukraine, England, Bulgaria, Iran, India, Africa, and more locations into recent history. While individual cultures use the symbol for more specific iconography, its most ancient use appears to be to symbolize the rotation of the Earth, as well as the Sun, other astronomical objects, or the absolute God or His emanations. Seen as being composed of four Greek capitals of the letter Gamma, it is marked on many early Christian tombs as a veiled symbol of the cross.

The other ancient cross is the Crux Ansata, or Ankh, which is generally accepted to be representative of life. This symbol, used since approximately 3,000 BC, was probably derived from an even earlier symbol, the Tyet, which symbolized protection. As such, the Ankh was depicted in several forms, including the Egyptian gods feeding the Ankh, or life, into the Pharaohs. It was adopted, in a slight variation, by the Coptic Christians of Africa.

In ancient Babylonia, predating the Latin cross, a variant of the Greek cross was used to symbolize the sun-god Shamash, with equilateral arms pointing to each of the cardinal compass directions, and was the first cross used by the early Christian Church. It is believed to have represented the Church, as opposed to the sacrifice of the Christ. It too can be found used in conjunction with the Ankh. The equilateral nature of the 4 arms has numerous esoteric applications which are much worth the effort to research.

Equally simplistic in its design is the Saltire, or Saint Andrew’s Cross, named such for its association with the tradition of the martyrdom of that Apostle. As such, it bears all of the characteristics that have been associated with Andrew the Apostle. It has been adopted as a heraldic symbol by many groups and countries and can be found represented in flags, such as the flag of the Great State of Mississippi, and is used in symbology throughout the world.

Thanks to its design, the Tau Cross is sometimes linked to numerous symbols used throughout antiquity from a vast array of cultures, including the Druids, Egyptians, and more. Potentially the cross form more appropriate to the actual crucifixion of the Christ, the Tau is traditionally connected to the Father of all Monks, Saint Anthony. The Tau is particularly familiar to Freemasons for its use in the Triple Tau. However, understanding the Tau, or T, as the final letter of the Hebrew alphabet, Tav, and how its written symbol is reminiscent of a gate, the adept may draw out many further meanings.

The Latin Cross, perhaps the symbol we are most familiar with, takes on many deep meanings as well. From representing the redeeming act of the Christ, to the characteristics of patience and humility which He displayed while in the mortal flesh. While these symbolisms are more than satisfactory, a deeper learning can be had by considering the earthly horizontal bar with the heavenly vertical one, their intersection, and so much more. From the Latin cross, many other adaptations have been made, such as the Cross of Salem, the Patriarchal Cross, and the Jerusalem Cross, just to name a few.

In all, the cross, in whatever form, has always been used to represent that which brings light and life, and to symbolize the most honorable and venerable characteristics of mankind. How will you conquer through this sign? Will you adopt those same venerable characteristics? Will you be the light that is not hidden under a bushel? My Brethren, whatever your understanding may be, I assure you, when you seek to apply it well, in this sign, thou shalt conquer.

How Charity leads to Peace

Throughout life you have heard the scripture of Luke 2:14 repeated, especially at Christmas time. It reads: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” As that this message is reaching you at the beginning of a new year, I would like to suggest an understanding of this scripture that suggests why it should be on your heart constantly, and might be of further benefit to each of us, even to help us in our efforts to live by the Scottish Rite Creed.

The message of Luke 2:14 seems clear cut – the birth of the Messiah, something we should praise the Divine for the gift of, will bring peace to the earth and spread good will among men, or mankind. This message is, undoubtably, critical to the whole human race. However, we can perhaps take away another message if we consider the original Greek it was written in. Those words were “ἐπὶ γῆς εἰρήνη ἐν ἀνθρώποις εὐδοκίας” and, by today’s understanding of language translation, means “on earth peace to men of good will”. This passage, taken alone, would seem to suggest that the peace to be felt will only be experienced by persons of good will.

This “good will”, synonymous with compassion, kindness, benevolence, and charity, ought to speak to every Freemason and ought to reinforce not just the charitable nature of Christianity, but also answer a time-old philosophical question: How do I find happiness?

I’d like you to imagine happiness. Feel it. Is it not a sense of satisfaction, a sense that all is right, a sense of… peace? Throughout the scriptures, more especially with the New Law or Law of Love, we can consistently see the importance, for better or worse, of actions we perform for, or on, others. And, similarly, when others perform acts of kindness on us. Perhaps the meaning in the scripture, as translated in the KJV, is to say that through the teachings of Christ mankind can achieve peace. Deeper still, these lessons are teaching us about the death of the ego – another lesson we ought to be taking away from our various Masonic degrees, especially in the Scottish Rite.

What does all this mean for you? It means that if you want to find peace, true happiness in your life, you can only do so by being more concerned for others than yourself. You will have to practice good will to your fellowmen. This good will does not have to be monetary or extreme. Open a door for someone, offer to help a Brother with whatever project he is involved in, visit the sick. There are simply so many ways to practice good will.

Now, then, is this peace something you only want to feel for a few weeks a year – or through your whole life? And, now that you know, what will you do about it?

By Jared F. Stanley, 32°, Wise Master, Chapter Rose Croix

Originally Published in the Jan-Mar 2019 Meridian Valley Scottish Rite Bodies Newsletter

The Master Mason Scripture

Under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Mississippi, every Master Mason Degree includes a reading of Ecclesiastes 12:1-7. These passages are replete with symbolism about the importance of faith, the frailty of age, and our ultimate mortal death. While I am not a theologian, I would like to offer up an explanation of these verses for your consideration. Some of my explanations may well match up with descriptions you’ve heard before, or imagery that came into your mind naturally when you first heard or read this lines. However, others may not match up so well.

Watch the Video

Whether you are Christian or not, these verses are important and have deep meaning to your life, and the lives of those around you.

You can download the PDF of my analysis here. Please feel free to study it, share it in your lodge education segment, or anywhere else you wish.

Master Craftsman Certification

Scottish Rite Master Craftsman Medal
The Scottish Rite Master Craftsman Philosophy Medal, with one device attached.

I have yet to meet a man who joined Freemasonry who isn’t in the Fraternity, in part, because of the fellowship involved. Said plainly, the majority of us like to “hang out with the guys.” However, Freemasonry is so, so, much more. Being around good men can certainly have an affect on you and enable you to better yourself, but learning the lessons of the philosophy of Freemasonry will go much further.

When I joined Freemasonry I envisioned a room of men pondering the finer points of life, but that is not what I found. I found men who were good, even great, and fun to be around, though they took the ritual work of Freemasonry with the utmost discretion and dignity. Some of these men know a good deal about the lessons Freemasonry endeavors to inculcate in its members, but the majority don’t know anything beyond what is printed in our ritual monitor, known locally as the Blue Lodge Text Book.

When I leaned about the Scottish Rite Master Craftsman Program (SRMC), I instantly signed up for the first course they had at the time, History & Ritual, the prerequisite course for Philosophy. Having now completed both of those I am returning to the newest course, now billed as the first course, called Esoterika. It takes a lot of time to complete this learning, and the overall cost is low ($165 total for all 3 courses, but paid individually per course, ranging from $40-$65 per). Buying the books alone, without the tests, costs $227.95 (That’s Esoterika, Morals & Dogma, Monitor & Guide, and A Bridge to Light), so you can see the value in ordering the program and not just buying the books!

There are no time limits! I myself took a hiatus during the History & Ritual portion, with several months in between a few of the quizzes – but it was never a problem – you can just pick up and keep going whenever you are ready. Self-paced is more than an apt term for this program. Indeed, they’ll encourage you to take a lot of time, and that the courses were developed with the intent to require you to take a lot of time – which enables you to soak in more of the lessons.

After all, are we not told that we are to “study the legend carefully and learn, if you can, its symbolic and allegorical meanings.”?

At the August business meeting of the Valley of Meridian in the Orient of Mississippi, I received my medal for completing the Philosophy course. With it comes two devices or pips that are Teutonic or Potent Crosses. The devices signify your completion of the other 2 courses. Of course, if you complete all 3 courses in their current order, by the time you get this medal you will have completed the other two courses – so you would pin these devices on your medal to signify that. Since I still have 1 more course to go, I only installed one of the pips.

Whether you are a Freemason or not, you can take these courses. And, whether you are in the Southern Jurisdiction of the Scottish Rite in the USA or not, I know you’ll find value in these courses. I hope you consider taking them and then spreading the knowledge you gain to others, and inform them where you learned it, so they might take the course as well!

I very much appreciate the Supreme Council for this course, and for leaders such as the Supreme Grand Commander, the Grand Archivist, the Editor for the Scottish Rite Journal, the Director of Member Services, Grand Cross Recipients, and many other staff members who took the time to review and grade my tests. It is a great lesson to see these busy men taking the time to review and grade tests from members and not just leave the task to an employee who might not even be a Freemason. Thank you, Brethren.

Always, always, keep seeking more light!

Freemasonry, Patriotism, and Despotism

Patriotism is continually on the mind of the Scottish Rite Freemason, but perhaps more especially so at this time of the year. One place to find lessons about patriotism within the Rite is the 30th Degree, Knight Kadosh, or Knight of the White and Black Eagle.

You will remember that in this degree, the candidate must make certain professions, one of which states his beliefs regarding political matters. The candidate is prompted to proclaim that he believes “In being a loyal and peaceable citizen and in government by the consent of the governed, with equal treatment for all.”1 This statement clearly brings to mind the very foundations of our own republic here in the United States of America.

During this degree the candidate is informed that, “You know that we only admit among us those persons whose integrity, whose unsullied reputation, whose unimpeachable honesty, and whose honor lift them above the mass of mankind. Their courage, zeal, and fidelity make it impossible to doubt or distrust them. Free of prejudices and improper influences, they are prepared to labor in the great work of the Knights Kadosh. Many, my Brother, are called, but few are chosen. Many faint on the way, and many wander from it and are lost.”1

Are you ensuring that you do not wander, or faint, but can be among the few that are chosen? How is a Scottish Rite Freemason supposed to accomplish these things?

In the work, little, if anything, is left to the imagination in this regard. We are told that Knights Kadosh labor “to war against oppression, injustice, and usurpation. We labor to free men from their own ignorance, prejudice and error. These vices lead to the bondage of despotism and enslavement.”1 To accomplish this, the Knight must have attained true manhood. “He is free from childish notions, capable of distinguishing the Truth, and is man enough to follow it. His empire is over himself. He has overcome the fear of death and sacrificed his weaknesses and passions on the alter of Masonry.”1

Yet, in true Masonic fashion, we are humbled by being reminded that we must appeal and defer to Deity. We do so through the motto Nekam Adonai, which we are taught means, “Vengeance is Thine, O Lord. Thou will repay.”1 As such, it is indeed our duty to labor, but the motive of vengeance is not suitable for a Knight Kadosh.

At the birth of our nation, and before the Scottish Rite came to our shores, Benjamin Franklin, PGM of Pennsylvania, addressed the Constitutional Convention with these words: “I think a general Government necessary for us, and there is no form of Government but what may be a blessing to the people if well administered, and believe farther that this is likely to be well administered for a course of years, and can only end in Despotism, as other forms have done before it, when the people shall become so corrupted as to need despotic Government, being incapable of any other.”2

This despotism is what we are working to avoid, by freeing men from their own ignorance, prejudice and error.

As such, we are best to follow the advice of our first President, and PM, George Washington, wherein he admonished, “I shall expect you will confine yourself to your studies; and diligently attend to them; endeavouring to make yourself master of whatever is recommended to, or required of you.”3

By Jared F. Stanley, 32°

Originally Published in the July-Sept 2018 Meridian Valley Scottish Rite Bodies Newsletter

1 Scottish Rite Ritual Monitor and Guide, p742-755
2 Benjamin Franklin’s Speech at the Constitutional Convention, http://www.benjamin-franklin-history.org/constitutional-convention/
3 Letter to Parke Custis, January 7, 1798

Mississippi’s Roots – Ancient or Modern?

The attached paper was submitted by me to the Mississippi Lodge of Research, No. DCXL, in conjunction with a District 18 meeting, at the meeting immediately prior to the Bicentennial Celebration of the Grand Lodge of Mississippi. A previous rendition was also presented at a District 15 meeting. This is the first paper that I have submitted to the Lodge of Research. It exemplified for me the concept that we are our worst critics. (As, I suppose, we ought to be) No, I don’t hate my own paper, but I am not immensely pleased with it either. I believe this is due to my nature of continually hunting for more explanation behind events. However, once this paper reached 5 pages, and about 17 minutes of read-time, it was clear that if my intent wasn’t to write a book on the matter, I would have to suffice with leaving something out.

Nevertheless, many Brethren stated that they really enjoyed the paper and that they were able to take something away from it, whether they were newer Freemasons, or well seasoned ones. I was also pleased that one non-Mason who was visiting the open District 15 meeting, said the information contained herein was exactly the information he was asking his Masonic friend about earlier that day.

I hope you find it equally useful. It is geared toward a small portion of the history of the Grand Lodge of Mississippi, but perhaps it will encourage you to look for other type of historical information within your own jurisdiction. Or, if you are in Mississippi, perhaps you too will find those sentences where you wish I had provided further information, and you will take it upon yourself to seek it and, perhaps, write about it.

You may download the PDF copy of Freemasonry in Mississippi – Ancient or Modern, here. Should you use it for any of your own research, all I ask if for proper citation. No prior approval needed to use it in your lodge education segment, for posting it online, anywhere, or the like.

Thank you, and good luck with all your learning!

Noble Contention

I recall the words of counsel, when I was made a Master Mason, that harmony should prevail among Masons and that the only disunity that should arise among us is “… who can best work and best agree.”

I heard those words spoken to me during my degree, but it was not until later, when I was studying the degree, that I really thought about them. When I did I managed to overlook the critical conjunction, “and”. I read this as a singular statement which, without the “and”, turned into a whole new statement in my mind, one which said: “Agree who can do the best work”.

While there may be some semblance of use to that phrase I no longer believe that is the message that is intended here. I now recognize this as two separate items, best working AND best agreeing – separate, yet inseparable to the Freemason.

By best agreeing we may, to preserve harmony, agree to disagree. Should our disagreement be known to other Freemasons and they should see our ability to focus on what we can agree upon, rather than escalate those things which we do not, they may well walk away with a lesson well learned and be able to put that effort into action in their own interactions with mankind.

But what about work? In Freemasonry, we work towards our proficiencies. We do floor work in our rituals. But is that all the work to be had in Freemasonry? Certainly not.

Work happens when you display the virtues of a Mason in your daily life, at home, at work, in public – and in the lodge.

Work happens when you discuss the principles of our institution with other Brethren and lift each other up.

Work happens when instead of making a motion to buy some trivial item for the lodge you merely buy it yourself and donate it.

Work happens when you act on the lesson of charity that we were all taught, whether that charity is displayed in a monetary contribution, or by Brotherly Love.

Work happens when you whisper council into a young Brother’s ear, because you know that a well-returned proficiency does not make a man a Mason.

Work happens when you help another brother study the lessons found in Freemasonry – whether that means reciting a proficiency, working a chair or giving a lecture.

Work happens when you tell that brother what all those lessons mean and where they came from.

Work happens when you show up to a meeting and fellowship – and in so many other ways.

Are you the best in whatever way you “work” Freemasonry? I do not know, and perhaps neither do you – but you do know if you work at all. Brother, let us put on our aprons, go to the quarry, and work together. If we can agree to do that, I am confident our work will be well received.

By Jared F. Stanley, PM

Originally Published on the What is a Mason Website.