Squarework?

Elevator Speech...

2011-02-25T15:21:00.002-07:00

“Who are the Masons and what is it that you guys do?”

This question is often asked and we as Masons have “an elevator speech” which is a small concise explanation of Freemasonry that can be delivered in about 30 seconds to one minute or in about the time it takes to share an elevator ride with the stranger who just asked the question.

Freemasonry is not a secret society as you might of heard but it is a private organization that does have some secrets of it’s own.

Freemasonry is not a religion but it is an organization where every member must have a belief in supreme being of their own choosing.

Freemasonry is not a charity but it is an organization that sponsors charity namely here the Masonic Foundation of Utah that awards nearly $250,000 a year in local grants and scholarships, The Scottish Rite Foundation of Utah that assists children with speech impediments and learning disabilities and of course we are all so well aware of the Shriners Hospital for Children.

And finally Freemasonry is not a volunteer organization but it is an organization where it’s members voluntarily bind themselves together to make themselves and the community around them a better place.

This is who the Masons are and this is what we do in Utah.

This quick talk given by John C. Liley, Jr. Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons in Utah at conclusion of the Installation of Grand Lodge Officers for 2011.

Grand Master-elect Speech February 2011

2011-02-25T15:20:00.000-07:00

Most Worshipful Grand Master, Most Worshipful Past Grand Masters, Distinguished Guests and Brethren All :
Good Afternoon.
In 2008, I stood before this body as Grand Orator and told you I was excited about Utah Freemasonry. Today, once again, I tell you I am still excited about Utah Freemasonry, for right Now is the Time, and This is Still the Place, and a Masonic Renaissance is happening right here, right now, in this place.
This past year we had positive growth in membership and I believe we will continue this trend. Think about it: Di you know that we have a lodge that for nearly ten years in a row has put up double digits in raising Master Masons and those new Masons are ten years younger than our statewide average age of 60. We have another lodge that for the first time in nearly 20 years raised 23 Master Masons, having worked almost every week last year. We had an Accelerated Class with 52 new Master Masons. Brethren, this does not even account for all the other hard work accomplished throughout our jurisdiction by the other 27 lodges with a total of 140 new Master Masons raised. This is 55% increase over last year. I was told the other day that Lasal Lodge in Moab had over 23 Brethren in attendance at a regular meeting. They told me this weekend they checked their records back to the 1970’s and they have never had that many Masons in attendance before. Ever. This is from a lodge that was thought was all but extinct just a few years ago. Brethren, we should be proud and we should be excited!
Men want to be Freemasons and the Grand Lodge of Utah is answering the call. We are seen on local television and heard on the radio. With the Meet-up Groups where potential candidates can meet us, with Facebook Pages, with websites and with plain old flyers tacked on bulletin boards around town, we have let our own little corner of the world know we are here and if a man meets the requirements, he may be able to join our ranks as a Utah Mason.
Please don’t get me wrong. Numbers themselves don’t mean progress, but the numbers show the results of our hard work, and that surely is progress. We now have the responsibility though to keep these new Masons engaged and help them be part of our Masonry.
No longer shall we sell a false bill of goods. No longer should we fail to Deliver on the Promise.
If we promise Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth and a new member is brought into a lodge of bickering, tired redundancy and sub par degree work, how can we expect that new man to stick around? We must practice what we preach; we must learn to subdue our passions; we must think outside the box.
We must Deliver on the Promise of Freemasonry.
There are a few concepts I would touch on that I have observed in my time as a Mason, followed by a few principles in which I believe.
Men want shorter, streamlined, productive meetings. Nobody wants to sit in a 3 hr business meeting discussing nothing.
Men want their ideas to be heard and not casually discounted just because they are a new member or because the idea has been tried before. New eyes can see new opportunity.
Men want varied Masonic education that both edifies and is practical in their everyday life. How else shall we make good men better?
Men want polished and well honed degree work. Our ritual, when done artfully, is the well cured mortar of our ancient Brotherhood.
Men want dedicated time to be fraternal and not just ceremonial. Sometimes Brethren it is just fun to “hang out with each other”.
And...
Men want to work in our quarries, they do not join to sit on the sidelines with idle tools watching others do the work.
I believe that the Grand Lodge of Utah is the chief Ceremonial and Administrative body of our jurisdiction. However, the power to make change lies with the delegates you elect, your Past Masters and your Grand Lodge Officers. Change comes from you my Brethren from within your Lodges.
I believe that untapped talent within the Lodges has the new and innovative ideas that can propel a lodge to new heights..
I believe that the membership of a Lodge can solve most of their own challenges.
I believe it is the responsibility of a Grand Lodge to disseminate the best practices of this jurisdiction to all the lodges of the state and it is then Grand Lodge’s job to coordinate and propagate these shared ideas.
and lastly...
I believe our focus as Utah Masons as a whole should not alone be on our “membership”, but on the needs of the individual member.

Let me now outline some of my priorities this year.
The majority of our Grand Lodge visitations will be on the regular stated meeting nights of the lodges. This to avoid another night out of your busy schedules. The visitations on regular stated meeting nights will be a Mason only event in most cases, with no formal dinner. The visitations where more than one lodge may be called together or which take place outside of the Wasatch Front may have a meal and if so, our ladies will be invited.
An Accelerated Class will be offered if requested by a minimum of five lodges as per our Grand Lodge Code.
Each Lodge should consider at least one “renovation or beautification” project to their facility as a new part of the Master Builder Program. Just one thing Brethren: paint a wall, mow the lawn, pull the weeds, put up a sign..
We will continue the Statewide Masonic Open House to again raise local awareness of Freemasonry and to garner donations for the local and Statewide Utah Food Banks.
We will continue to foster the relationship we have as Master Masons with the appendant bodies, impressing upon our membership the strength that these relationships create and cement within our Masonic Family Statewide.
We will host the Rocky Mountain Masonic Conference on the 14th, 15th and 16th of July 2011, where we will offer the hospitality for which we are so well known for in the Intermountain West. This three day event will showcase the best practices of our adjoining jurisdictions, include lectures from world renown Masonic Speakers, and culminate with a ritual presentation from Keystone Mark Masons Lodge, a Masonic body which was not created by a Grand Lodge or a Grand York Rite, but by a few excited rank and file Masons-- Change comes from you my Brethren.
In closing I am thankful to be a member of Utah Freemasonry, and as a Utah Freemason and soon to be Grand Master I am thankful that most of our challenges are quite small. So that When we decide to make a change; when we decide to rise above the fray; when we decide to step up to the bat, the chance, the chance, that together “we” can knock the ball out of the park, is almost certain.
I thank you in advance for your help Brethren, as together “we” The Household of the Faithful “Deliver on the Promise of Freemasonry” in 2011.

Almost Worshipful?

2011-02-02T22:35:00.002-07:00

The funniest title I've heard. We're almost there Grandpa. Seems surreal, seems just like yesterday, seems weird, seems like I'm driving a car that looks like mine but was the wrong one in the car park, seems though with a little help from my friends everything will be alright. That I think it means it's ok.

:)

That's all.

JL

Still relavant...from 2007

2010-11-03T13:13:00.002-06:00

"Freemasonry Why Men Join and Why Men Leave?"

Most Worshipful Grand Master, Brethren, Ladies and guests Good Evening.

The title of tonight’s talk is “Freemasonry Why Men Join and Why Men Leave?”

I want to tell you a story about two Masons. Two men join the lodge because their friend recently becomes a Freemason. They both concentrate hard on their memory work and make it a little competition to see who could finish first. They both receive their Master Mason degree and soon they receive officer appointments in the lodge. Both Brethren excel in their ritual and their Masonic skills but as the years pass by one of the Brothers falls by the wayside. He attends fewer and fewer meetings. He doesn’t attend degree work when he agreed to come. He soon finds himself out of the officer line and soon thereafter we don’t see him at all. He doesn’t answer our calls, and he doesn’t respond to our mail.

His Brother progresses and finds himself one day elected to the office of Worshipful Master, where one of his first duties is to sign the paperwork that his Brother has been dropped from the roles for non-payment of dues.

Does this story sound familiar to some of you? It is familiar to me. You see I’m the one who made it to Master. I’m the one who is still here. How did we fail to help my Brother or was he doomed from the very start?

At one time both of us had the fire within us that made us both want to be Freemasons. What was it that made one of us succeed and one of us fall away? Did somebody say something? Did somebody not say something? Were we not diligent at our portals and allow someone into our fold that wasn’t ready to be a Mason? Or worse yet should this person never have been admitted into our Fraternity in the first place?

All valid questions wouldn’t you agree?

With all the free publicity the Fraternity has received in the last few years many men have knocked on our doors and many men have gained entry. In our rush for membership have we neglected the basics? It is true some have become viable productive members of our Masonic Family and included their own families in our many appendant and affiliate organizations. Still there are those that join and we never see them again.

The other day I was talking with a younger member of my home lodge and asked him what his member number was on his dues card so to compare to my own. The numbers were almost a hundred digits apart. Mine was issued in 1998 and his some years later. I thought about that a long time and wondered if I could remember all the faces that were represented by those one hundred digits. Some of those faces are in this room tonight, but where are all those other guys?

In August 2005 a survey of the Brethren that had joined Wasatch Lodge in recent years and found out some very important information. Most men joined the lodge because they had a friend already in the lodge.

That was the very reason I had joined.

A fellow that is 18 joins for a different reason than a man of 25. Just as the man of 40 joins for a different reason than a man of 65.

Men in general join our Fraternity to be part of something, they join because they want to work and be busy and they want to have a sense of pride and feel special in their membership a feeling they just don’t receive in the outside world.

For some it’s the friendships for some it’s the philosophies and for some it the charitable endeavors. What we do know is that the experience of the “elusive male bonding” is different for every man and because of that we the established membership should practice caution. Not every body is here for the same reason that you are.

The night I joined the fraternity it was told to me, “you get out of Freemasonry what you put into it”.

Never were truer words spoken. It is often said that in order to appreciate something one must work for it. That is why I think some folks don’t make the cut and some do.

I guess what I’m trying to say here is that we as a Fraternity beat ourselves up pretty bad when we lose someone. We try justify it with the fact that our system is broken or maybe we could have done something more. Is there any real answer? Are these things simply out of our control?

The other important thing the survey pointed out was that at the six to seven year marks some men’s interest begin to wane. Maybe their friends move on or they concentrate their efforts in the Scottish Rite, York Rite, Shrine or outside of the Fraternity.

The truth of the matter is that the fraternity is not a static thing and it ebbs and flows like the tide with gains and losses. And the Fraternity still remains. We should be happy with our positive growth and not so hung up on how big we need to be.

Freemasonry has a different experience for everybody and maybe that’s why some men join and some men leave.

Thanks for listening and have a good evening.

History

2010-10-12T13:22:00.002-06:00

We learn from our History. Pick up the "First 100 Years of Utah Freemasonry". All of this happened before and all of this will happen again. The Time is Now....

That's all,

JL PM

Masonic Entitlement not mine but a great post....

2010-10-02T08:20:00.001-06:00

by Tim Bryce,
PM, MPS, MMBBFMN
“A foot soldier for Freemasonry”

A common lament in our society today is that our youth have developed a sense of entitlement whereby they believe they are entitled to a cell phone, a computer, an education, a car, or whatever. For some reason, they believe they have a God-given right to such things as opposed to working and earning them. I also see evidence of this in Masonic Lodges where some young officers believe that by simply attending Lodge and wearing a tux, they are entitled to the next chair in the officer rotation. On too many occasions, in too many Lodges, I have seen such officers skate through their responsibilities and accomplish nothing. They still do not know their ritual work, they still do not capably perform the responsibilities that accompany the office, yet they feel entitled to move up in the Lodge. Actually, such people are capitalizing on those Lodges struggling for membership and participation. The mindset tends to be, “If they don’t like what I’m doing, then fine, I’ll leave and they won’t have anybody sitting in a chair.” This is extortion no matter how you try to rationalize it. If this approach is successful, incompetence is rewarded.

I don’t buy such a scenario and have never voted along such lines. I vote for the person I believe is the most competent to hold the office, not the least, and I’m beginning to believe I’m an anomaly in this regards.

In my jurisdiction, there is no real prerequisite for becoming a Worshipful Master other than being a Master Mason in good standing. You do not need to pass any tests, earn any proficiency cards, attend any training, or know any ritual. Heck, you don’t even have to have earned your white leather apron. I have seen quite a few people who have rotated to the East without such qualifications; they just happened to be warm available bodies who can sit in a chair. As an aside, I have never met a person with such a background who was successful as a Worshipful Master. The Lodge simply muddled through his year and stagnated.

It is my understanding that in California, there are “District Inspectors” who review the capabilities of the Lodge officers. If they can pass the muster, they can proceed to the next chair if so elected. The point is, before they proceed to the next chair, they must be properly trained and understand their responsibilities. To me, this is forward thinking.

There is an unwritten rule that a Worshipful Master should prepare his junior officers for moving up if they are so inclined. This is why I think Masonic Education is so important, including the development of administrative and management skills. Unfortunately, today’s Worshipful Masters are facing resistance from the junior officers because of the entitlement issue. Frankly, I see Masonic entitlement becoming worse before it gets better. If people are unwilling to step up to the plate and assume responsibility, or are unwilling to put their best foot forward, maybe its time to think about closing the Lodge and moving on to one who has its act together.

All we can ask from our Lodge officers is one thing; that they at least TRY. I can assure you they won’t be 100% successful. Undoubtedly they will make mistakes along the way, but you’ll be surprised what can be accomplished simply by trying.

Just TRY!

Keep the Faith!

Committees, committees and committees

2010-08-17T14:19:00.001-06:00

Grand Master work can be tedious but it's all good.

Published with Blogger-droid v1.5.3

The Master Mason Charge...Hmm?

2010-04-26T23:49:00.002-06:00

In my capacity as a Grand Lodge officer I was asked to read the Master Mason Charge in Progress Lodge for their new candidate of the Sublime degree. The words echo in my ears....

My Brother: Your zeal for our institution, the progress you have made in our mysteries, and your steady conformity to our useful regulations, have pointed you out as a proper object for this peculiar mark of our favor.

Duty and honor now alike bind you to be faithful to every trust, to support the dignity of your character on all occasions, and strenuously to enforce, by precept and example, a steady obedience to the tenets of Freemasonry.

Exemplary conduct on your part will convince the world that merit is the just title to our privileges, and that on you our favors have not been undeservedly bestowed. In the character of a Master Mason, you are authorized to correct the irregularities of your less informed brethren; to fortify their minds with resolution against the snares of the insiduous, and to guard them against every allurement to vicious practices.

To preserve unsullied the reputation of the Fraternity, ought to be your constant care; and, therefore, it becomes your province to caution the inexperienced against a breach of fidelity.

To your inferiors in rank or office you are to recommend obedience and submission; to your equals, courtesy and affability; to your superiors, kindness and condescension. Universal benevolence you are zealously to inculcate; and by the regularity of your own conduct, endeavor to remove every aspersion against this venerable institution.

Our Ancient Landmarks you are carefully to preserve, and not suffer them, on any pretense, to be infringed, or countenance a deviation from our established customs.

Your honor and reputation are alike concerned in supporting, with dignity, the character you now bear. Let no motive, therefore, make you swerve from your duty, violate your vows, or betray your trust; but be true and faithful, and imitate the example of that celebrated artist, whom you have this evening represented.

Thus you will render yourself deserving of the honor which we have conferred, and worthy of the confidence we have reposed in you.

It's good to read such things and remind yourself and others of such things.

I'm glad they asked me.

That's all.

S&F,

JL PM

I can't update my website...

2010-04-14T15:37:00.000-06:00

I don't know why?

That's all,

JL

Wow I made it on Chris Hodapp's Freemasons for Dummies Blog..

2010-02-26T21:47:00.002-07:00

Freemasons for Dummies

Honestly though I love Chris and his "reality look" on Freemasonry...

Chris you da man...

That's all.

JL DGM

George Washington's birthday...

2010-02-22T19:29:00.004-07:00

Today is George Washington's birthday. He our first President the rock that held against the storm in the American Revolution. The Man the Freemason. Today I had the opportunity to attend the George Washington Masonic Memorial annual meeting as part of the Conference of Grand Masters of North America. Today it really hit me. I am priveledged to have been elected by my Brethren as Deputy Grand Master and represent my Grand Lodge in DC at this conference. I was able to speak, make friends, break bread and celebrate Freemasonry. Today was my first visit to the Memorial and it is awesome. Today more so than ever I realize the honor I feel to represent Utah. Today was truly humbling and I wish I had the words to share it with my Utah Brethren. Today Brethren, today..Freemasonry more so than ever has been reafirmed in my mind as something great that brings men of different faiths, ethnicity and country together under one Brotherhood. All I can say is Wow.. I uploaded some of my photos from my iPhone to my Facebook page please take a look at some of the great things inside not to mention the gavel and trowel used by George Washington in dedicating the nations Capitol. Also I posed with my friend and Brother the Author Chris Hodapp.

That's all for now.

JL DGM

PS I do know and recognize I wrote a post call "George Washington is dead, deal with it"....

First Day in DC for the GM's Conference...

2010-02-20T18:28:00.006-07:00

So each year there is a Masonic conference held in a moving location being held in Alexandria, VA this year. The conference is known as Conference of Grand Masters of North America. Grand Lodges are sovereign of each other but since the 1950's this conference has been meeting to keep all the recognized GL's of North America on the same page. Grand Masters Conference of North America 2010 I have had the opportunity to attend 2 previous conferences one in Tenn and one in CA. I was asked to speak at the conference in 2006 about community involvement of lodges and the younger Masons perspective. Last year I attended as an elected Grand Lodge officer of Utah and also this year as Deputy Grand Master.

Today was a free day and Kelli and I ran all over DC.

We started our day at the Capitol Building then down the Mall to the GW Monument where the tickets were unfortunately sold out. Better luck in the next couple of days. We hit the Lincoln Memorial, the Vietnam Memorial and Korean War Memorial. After that we jumped the very convenient Metro and scooted out to Arlington Cemetery. We had about an hour but saw the Tomb of the unknown and the JFK plot. Was really a good day. We ended with Frank and Carol Baker over at Bailey's Pub and grill..

Long day but fun.

Meetings start tomorrow...

That's all.

JL DGM

I'm the Bear...

2010-02-17T22:44:00.002-07:00

A Past Master of my lodge died recently and he was one of the Bears in the Yellowstone bus owned by my local Shrine Temple. Tonight I carry on the tradition of Milt and have become the Bear....

Hear me roar....

ROAR!!!!!!!

That's all...

S&F,

JL PM

Bigfoot hunting...

2010-01-25T09:24:00.002-07:00

So we are narrowing down where we are going for our hike. There are just as many sightings in Utah as there are in the North West. Yesterday we went scouting at Coldwater Canyon. The snow is probably 15ft high so Spring will probably be the time.

That's all.

JL

So Communication is this week...

2010-01-25T08:54:00.002-07:00

Communication is the annual meeting of the Grand Lodge of Utah. Some of it I must admit is full of tedium but I have to say I enjoy it. Communication is a time to renew friendships with those that you really only have the chance to talk to via Facebook or email during the year because of distance. The tedium is there because we have to be governed by some rules. We cannot all be "snow white" and expect men to get a long. Doesn't work and we all know it. The drawn out bits aren't really that long. I liken intros and such to welcoming someone to your home. If you like to play the host it's great. Wouldn't you offer someone a drink when they come by or have a meal or be really happy to see them? After all that's why you invited them over. That's what communication is to me. In this formal and informal setting I have the opportunity to see most of my Brethren that are other wise spread about the state and we all get to be together. That's fun for me. It's not about kissing butt it's about being nice and friendly to your guests. I reckon that's the social bit in me.

That's all.

JL RWSGW

Utah Fremasonic Lost Symbol Stuff...

2009-11-18T14:29:00.002-07:00

FOX 13

http://heraldextra.com/lifestyles/article_4b03ad32-f513-53bd-80c8-449bc4a52aef.html

http://www.sltrib.com/faith/ci_13713733

http://www.sltrib.com/faith/ci_13713756

http://connect2utah.com/content/news/story/?cid=61791

So far.

That's all.

S&F,

JL PM

More Lost Symbol...

2009-09-28T20:36:00.002-06:00

UVU article

That's all.

S&F,

JL PM

The Setting Maul

2009-09-22T15:00:00.002-06:00

Congrats to my irreverent Brethren on their popular comedy podcast. It was only about an hour long or so and I finally heard a whole show for the first time in a long time.. :)

That's all.

S&F,

JL PM

My Thoughts on Lost Symbol "WARNING POSSIBLE SPOILERS"...

2009-09-17T08:17:00.002-06:00

The book is a fun read. It's not some intellectual masterpiece. It's a story. The book reads like a screen play. You can see Tom Hanks in your head running from place to place with his familiar facial expressions.

I have to say though strangely the ending came early. Even my friend Chris Hodapp mentioned on his blog about how it comes 35 pages before the end of the book. I do have to say though that the themes of Freemasonry and what it stands for and the thoughts, desires and ideas of our Founding Fathers that Mr. Brown weaves together are really quite good. It's in the very end of the book, and it's like the Character Robert Langdon's moment where there is this flash of light when you get knocked off your horse so to speak and you go "wow" or "huh, why didn't I think of that?"

I'm talking about the conversations in the Epilogue inside the Rotunda.

I had no idea there words inscribed on top of the Washington Monument BTW and I had no idea these were words right out of our 30th Degree. That was neat.

The Lost Symbol as told by Dan Brown leads me to believe that there is something in the fact that Washington was purpose built. Masonry resonates throughout the city. I haven't been since the Supreme Councils Joint Sessions in August of 2007 but I need to go back and look more closely. I need to look through and not at. I need to turn on my minds eye the one that opens up when one is hoodwinked in Masonic Ritual. If my senses are opened I ought better see. I'm not talking about flying or time travel or anything like that but being "in" what I'm in. Funny that Dan Brown's book had to tell me that. Well Freemasonry is a learning experience isn't it. A life long learning experience.

The bad guy the angel of death as he styles himself in one of his disguises is one bad messed up dude. Really bad. Nice job on that one.

I'm excited for the House of the Temple although they are going to have people crawling all over the altar looking for dried blood and shards of glass. If they start charging for tours which they should cause they are going to need the staff they may well be able to renovate that ole beauty just as Rosslyn Chapel has enjoyed its share in the Dan Brown effect.

I'm excited as we should all be. Masonry was portrayed very well in fact when the thought of Masonic Exposes getting out to the public and those exposes being seen entirely out of context and the negative reaction that could come out had to be protected by our hero Langdon, I smiled. Wow we're the good guys. Finally.

Just think the "Freemasons Keepers of the Republic".. and no you can't use that it's mine.. LOL

Well I have to go to work. I will post more as my thoughts congeal.

That all, for now...

S&F,

JL PM

So I finished The Lost Symbol and here is what I posted to our local Groups...

2009-09-17T08:14:00.001-06:00

Yesterday afternoon I finished Dan Brown's book. I will not spoil it for anybody who hasn't had a chance to start or finish the book. The book was overall favorable and I was pleasantly surprised. The book takes place in Washington D.C. and not Utah. Sorry guys. The ritual that is "exposed" in the book is a hodgepodge of ritual and nothing we haven't seen on the Discovery Channel or History Channel already. I really like the end of the book and the themes that will be all woven together for you as you read are really cool.

So don't worry, have fun and read up.

S&F,

John Liley RWSGW
PR Chairman
8015410993
baldman@gmail.com

PS Be prepared this book is going to spark interest....

Freemasonry, Dan Brown and The Lost Symbol...

2009-09-11T20:44:00.001-06:00

Dear Brethren and Masonic Family,

Tuesday September 15 2009 which BTW is 09/15/09 = 33

is the release date of Dan Brown's book "The Lost Symbol". There has been much the media buzz as many of you know with Mr. Brown and his publishers teasing us all summer.

Freemasonry and maybe I say maybe the Scottish Rite in general play some part in this book. Media inquiries have already started and some of you may have seen the first interview given to our local FOX 13 affiliate last night by the Grand Lodge PR Chairman.

http://www.fox13now.com

The Grand Lodge would ask that any media inquires be directed to the Grand Lodge office at 8013632936 where the PR Committee has a group of individuals to respond to such questions.

The truth is none of us know what is in Dan Brown's book till Tuesday. We in our everyday lives are the true representations of the Masonic Family and if need be we will answer any misconceptions that may arise after Tuesday.

This link has been set up jointly by The Masonic Society and The George Washington Masonic Memorial. I find it useful.

http://www.freemasonlostsymbol.com/

Hopefully this can help with some of the misinformation that is bound to appear.

The buzz around this book has been crazy with an unheard of 6.5 million first run copies being printed by Doubleday.

The DaVinci code which did not have Freemasonry as the central part of the story started enough excitement so many years ago. The cottage industry that was spawned off Mr. Brown's book has grown exponentially.

Remember after the DaVinci Code was released and National Treasure premiered Wasatch Lodge held an open house where reportedly 600 people showed up out of no where with little advertising. Rosslyn Chapel central in the DaVinci code book used to have about 30,000 visitors annually. When I was there 2 years ago I asked the lady how many people came through and she said that that day they were a little busy at nearly 3,000 people.

The nearly 600 year old Chapel is now able to renovate itself. Are you listening Ridge? wink wink.

Anyway again all press inquiries please through the Grand Lodge office 8013632936. We hope to see you at Peach Days in Brigham City tomorrow and who knows what Tuesday will bring.

Thank you in advance.

Sincerely and Fraternally,

John Liley RWSGW
PR Chairman
MW Grand Lodge of Utah
baldman@gmail.com
8015410993

__._,_.___

and so it begins.....

2009-09-10T23:32:00.000-06:00

A Good Feeling..

2009-09-02T09:33:00.003-06:00

Last night I had the opportunity to see Freemasonry in many ways. The night started out at our Salt Lake City Freemasons Meet-up in the Chili's on 4th South in downtown Salt Lake City. We had a great turnout. We had to continually add to the table by pulling more tables over. By the time I left around 7.00pm the tables stretched nearly 20 feet. The mix of Masons and non-Masons alike was wonderful to see. All sorts of conversations were going on. Two fellows were filling out their petitions. One fellow was being investigated, another showed up again after being absent some 6 months. A Brother just popped in after being in Turkey all Summer. The energy was great. The feeling was great. Freemasonry lives.

Later at the Masonic Temple in Salt Lake City in my capacity as a Grand Lodge Officer I had the opportunity to visit Argenta Lodge No. 3 at the lodge's Regular Stated September Meeting. Also the opportunity was made to poke my head into Kaibab Lodge No. 25 before they started and visit with those fellows briefly and then to stop by upstairs and say hello to my Prince Hall Brethren of High Marine Lodge PHA before the gavels all fell at 7.30pm.

The meetings seemed all well attended even though it being Summers end. The educational at Argenta got the brain going.

I had a good feeling as I sat their all dressed in my Grand Lodge digs. A good feeling. Sometimes in Grand Lodge you just don't get "that" but last night it was there..

That's All.

S&F,

JL PM

2009-07-27T16:53:00.002-06:00

Well thanks to Brother Hodapp I went to Old Navy and looky looky at what I got.

That's all.

JL

What Freemasonry is and What Freemasonry isn't...

2009-07-19T20:56:00.012-06:00

As a Freemason we are often asked who we are and what we do. In the past I have used the same lame line, "Do you know the Shriners?". "Well all Shriners are Masons and the that's who we are."

I have often thought because we have no answer we use this definition probably because most of us are Shriners and the Shriners have done such a good job getting out to the public as to who they are. Or rather are we embarrassed? Do we ourselves not know how to define Freemasonry or do we just want the curious person to just go away?

The other day I had the opportunity as is often afforded to me as PR Chairman to talk to a religion and folklore class from Weber State University about Freemasonry. The opportunity was arranged by our Grand Historian and Master of Harmony Lodge George Winters PM.

In the course of the presentation and the question and answer session I was asked, "What are you guys, what do you do?" For the first time in my silly little Masonic Journey I had a moment of clarity and came up with my new response.

"Well quite simply this is what a Freemason is..."

Remember the kid in your neighborhood, the goody goody? The kid who shoveled snow off of an old lady's porch for free because it was the right thing to do. The kid who held doors open for people regardless of age. The kid who was the paper boy. The kid who sold the most raffle tickets for the Booster Club to re-sod the Baseball Diamond. Remember that kid? That's the kid who embodied the spirit of a Freemason and when he grew up he became a Freemason so he could be with guys who thought the same way as he had his whole life. Well that kid was me. That's who we are and that's what I do. Oh, and by the way we have secret hand shakes, code words and we are thought to be the secret force behind the scenes that really control the world. ;) LOL...

This was then followed by the obligatory history of Stone Masons, Medieval Europe and the Knights Templar.

However this Fraternity is so much more not understood to the profane.. So not able to be revealed, unveiled, or understood..

In the course of that thought here is what Freemasonry isn't and What Freemasonry is...

Freemasonry is a not a secret society. Freemasonry is a society with secrets. Freemasonry is not a charitable organization. Freemasonry is an organization with charities. More importantly Freemasonry is not and I repeat is not a Volunteer Organization. Freemasonry is an Fraternity that has Men who have voluntarily bound themselves together by a sacred tie stronger than a cord can bind.

That is what Freemasonry is.

Remember that...

That's all.

S&F,

JL PM

Rocky Mountain Conference 2009

2009-07-17T15:48:00.001-06:00

More of some of the same.

That's all.

JL PM

Been Busy

2009-07-08T14:04:00.002-06:00

I have not posted in a while as the Grand Lodge schedule has been rather compressed this year into a five month period for our visitations. So we have visited all the Lodges from the north to the south and from east to west.

Many things have been going on this year exciting for the craft in Utah and I am glad to have been part of it.

We established in our Grand York Rite sessions the ability to start a Mark Masons Lodge independent of the local Royal Arch Chapter. This lodge that will be known as "Keystone Mark Masons Lodge" and will be sponsored by Utah Chapter No. 1 RAM, Salt Lake City, Utah USA.

The by-laws are in the mix and Companion Doug Backes and myself put forth the legislation which had no opposition. We are excited that the Grand Chapter in it's wisdom embraced this great opportunity for York Rite in Utah.

Squarework and Squarework only...

I was appointed to the Grand Chapter line and Grand Commandery line as Sentinel. I am most pleased.

For now.

That's all.

JL

The 2nd Law of Thermodynamics...

2009-03-09T14:25:00.003-06:00

As I understand it.. The more you fix something the more it falls apart.

Energy decay, etc..

That being said so much energy is spent fixing Lodges. So much of the "new" youthful energy attacking (in a good way), fixing and mending old challenges is expended.

If death is part of life and death is swallowed up by life, should the course of natural events not just take place?

Some lodges shall die and some new shall be born.

Why not create? Why mend? Death is the natural outcome of life.

Are we builders or maintenance engineers?

That's all.

S&F,

JL

Beware the teachings of a Neo-Con Mason...

2009-02-11T09:49:00.011-07:00

Beware the teachings of a Neo-Con Mason.

What is a Neo-Con Mason. Well in most but not all cases he is a young Mason not necessarily in age but relatively new to the craft. He is negative. He is intolerant. He has read all the pop books of recent years and sees that Freemasonry is in a shambles due to old men who are misguided and strayed from the original path of Masonry. He is "enlightened" to the "true Masonry" or enchanted by some unseen, unheard, unvisited lodge of dubious European orgin. He thinks the Rites and Appendant bodies have somehow robbed the new Mason of his Masonic experience and only by hunkering down in philosophy and finding the true meanings of the craft lodge will Masonry be restored. He shuns and ridicules the "old Past Master" he finds disdain in his peers that accept officer positions as "sell outs" and "he" alone knows the truth.

Well in my not so humble opinion that's bullshit.

I am very fortunate to be a member of the smallest Grand Lodge in the continental United States. Everybody knows everybody. The GM usually knows your name and in some cases even shops in the same grocery store as you. Change can happen quickly for better or worse.

By accepting a leadership position so many years ago I was able to help make a change. I hope a positive one. I didn't join Freemasonry to be an officer but I joined for varied reasons and today I find myself here.

Freemasonry has so much to offer even for the Neo-Con Mason. However limiting yourself to a single experience limits you to so many things. In a small jurisdiction if you hide in your lodge and mind you some people are not creatures of socialization you limit your experience with those around you. Through my experiences in the AASR and AAONMS and YR I have met Masons from around the state and around the globe. I have sat in lodge in small towns 4 hours from my home. I have sat in Grand Lodges across the sea. Dumb little me from a silly little state. I have visited and made friends because I kept my mind open. I didn't pre-judge a Rite because of some uncomfortable reaction to religion.

I believe in "to each his own" however like our Junior Past Grand Master just addressed in his report to the Grand Lodge at our last communication "we stand on a precipice" we are looking out toward our future. The Neo-Con has much influence on the newly made Mason. Don't take your prejudices and crap in somebody's oatmeal because you don't see the merit in wearing a Fez or think that being a Knight Templar is silly. Now of course you are entitled to your opinion as am I.

Recently I spoke with a newly raised Master Mason who is very excited. He is so "into it". He loves what he has become and he loves his Brothers. He looks forward to and wants to join the YR and AASR. He was saddened though. He shared with me a conversation where a Neo-Con actually discouraged him from joining the Shrine. He was told it was "un-Masonic" and false. He was told it makes us as Masons look stupid to our overseas Brethren and any real true Mason wouldn't even consider joining the Shrine. He then pulled up his trouser leg and showed me the surgical scars from a long ago surgery. That's all I needed to see.

Your Freemasonry and my Freemasonry may always be different and sometimes the same but what happens here today is how we will be measured by the future. We all have opinions just like something else. I don't have the right answer and I do have the right answer. So do you.

As we the members of the household of the faithful carry on our traditions, yes our somewhat silly to some, "American traditions", remember Freemasonry is not broke it just has a patina on it. Cherish what was, encourage what is and teach so that it may become what it will and always has been. A Masonic Family. A family that loves, fights, cries and dreams.

At my initiation I was taught to be cautious....

That's all.

JL

Thoughts on Nothing...

2009-01-21T15:39:00.001-07:00

If we continue to do nothing, nothing will continue to happen. By the way that's something. Err nothing...

That's all.

JL

I've decided...

2009-01-16T11:49:00.000-07:00

I want to be on Oprah...

More to follow..

That's all.

JL

Thoughts on Something...

2009-01-16T11:45:00.002-07:00

When one does nothing, nothing will happen which is something. Surprisingly then something can come out of nothing then, eh?

That's all.

JL

Yup I'm a Geek...

2008-12-17T16:13:00.002-07:00

I don't know...

2008-12-16T10:47:00.000-07:00

Ugh!!!

That's all.

JL

He who was lost is now back...

2008-12-08T23:04:00.001-07:00

Big Hug.

Big Smile..

That's all...

Here's a thought...

2008-12-06T10:33:00.001-07:00

The best place to crawl out of a whole is from the bottom. Life is so cool. Almost there...

That's all.

Something somebody said to me once a long time ago...

2008-12-02T16:34:00.001-07:00

"The only difference between You and the person next to You is that one of You is a bigger asshole..."

Think about it.

That's all.

JL

Patton Speech

2008-10-26T22:25:00.000-06:00

Genesis Chapter 1 v. 2,3

2008-10-26T22:16:00.001-06:00

And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, Let there be light: and there was light......

And thus were made eight Entered Apprentices Friday evening in Salt Lake City...

I marvel at the dedication, camaraderie, and Brotherhood I find in the machine that is Wasatch Lodge No. 1

We may have critics but we are successful and the big kid on the block always gets poked.

However that big kid is always at the ready to help, aide and assist and thus my Brethren I say unto you SAYWAY...

That's All.

S&F,

JL PM

Life is about choices...

2008-10-06T15:37:00.002-06:00

Some are good. Some are bad. Some are unwarranted. Some are not thought out. Some are silly. Some are really dumb. In the end you make the choice. You reap what you sow. How we deal with our choices is the real test. Oh if we were all Mr. Spock and logic ruled. Instead it is with heart, emotion, sweat and tears. Those emotional things really don't mean crap though. You made the choice now you gotta deal with it. We've all been there some us more than others. Some of us are repeat offenders. Life is about choices and life is how we deal with what we have decided. Smile when you think about this and maybe unlike Spock a emotional self realization will come out and smack you right between the eyes.

That's it...

JL

Are you a member of the Household of the Faithful..?

2008-09-14T18:43:00.001-06:00

If you have to ask. You're not.

That's it.

JL PM

How Fortunate am I?

2008-09-14T18:35:00.003-06:00

This blog is Masonic in nature and thus this post. How fortunate am I? In ten short years I have done many things in Masonry. More perhaps than many have done in 40 years. I've been Master 3 times and VM in AASR. I have received honors for things I gladly did for the love of the Craft. But how fortunate am I? To attend the Joint Sessions of the AASR SJ and the NMJ AASR. To be elected a GL officer and recently to be introduced in the Grand Temple of the UGLE and recognised by the Pro Grand Master. How fortunate am I? I ask you again, "How fortunate am I?" Well we will all see. We will see. SAYWAY my Brethren I say unto thee SAYWAY.

That's All.

S&F,

JL PM

Wink is the Man...

2008-07-28T11:01:00.001-06:00

Worshipful Brother Jason Varner is the Worshipful Grand Pursuivant...

Now how do we pronounce that?

That's it...

JL PM

Pursuivant

It's working...Happy to Meet, Sorry to Part, Happy to Meet Again...

2008-06-25T08:37:00.006-06:00

From our website.

The idea of St. Andrew's Lodge No.34 was created in June of 2001 on a trip to the United Kingdom. A group of Shrine-Masons from Utah traveled to England and Scotland and participated in what was some of our first experiences of UK Freemasonry. When we returned to Utah we sought a way to relive those experiences including the "Festive Board" in a similar fashion. Shortly thereafter at the annual Grand Lodge of Utah Communication St. Andrew's Lodge No.34 was constituted. St. Andrew's Lodge No.34 is unique in that it was the first lodge in Utah constituted under the occasional lodge legislation and it meets but 4 times a year. Burn's Night in January. Tartan Day in April. St. John's Day in June and for our patron Saint we meet on St. Andrew's Day in November. We adhere to a dress code. Those who have Scottish attire we encourage you to wear it and those that do not it is expected that you follow the UK model and wear Morning Suit or Black Suit, white shirt and black colored or tartan tie. White aprons are provided for visitors and as a member you are encouraged to purchase your own UK variety Master Mason apron. We encourage you to attend and reservations are a must for the Festive Board.

I am pleased to say it's working. St. Andrew's in it's infancy was a degree team lodge of sorts. We were called upon (mostly at the last minute) to fill in for parts not yet met in our sister lodges when they were performing a Master Mason Degree. That "role" quickly became old as it was hard for a lodge of PM's and PGL officers to run about the state with all our other responsibilities not to mention vocations and familes to perform at the drop of a hat and perform well.

In the last two and a half years I am pleased to say we have come very close to the original concept of "the household of the faithful" with a short well run meeting and a great meal inclusive of liabations, toasts and brotherhood. The meetings get better every time and November looks to be great with petitions ever coming in. Oh and not to get to far away from our orgins we will be doing some interesting degree presentations this Fall.

That's all...

J. Liley IPM
St. Andrew's Lodge No. 34
st.andrews34@gmail.com

George Washington is Dead, Deal with it...

2008-06-18T21:31:00.005-06:00

No offense to the memory of a great Mason but follow me here as in reference to my prior post. I am from back East. I was born in Boston and raised in New Jersey. Washington's retreat from New York was 5 miles from my house. Every other town is Washington this or Washington that. Great man and leader who deserves such honors. I have many books on the man and love the history of that time in our country.

I did not join Freemasonry because of George Washington. I did not join Freemasonry because of some long dead actor, politician or preacher. Frankly I was reading about Scottish history, my own familiar lines within the Fraternity (Grandfather, Great-Grandfather, Uncle) and my friend was a member of Wasatch Lodge No. 1 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Another friend I had spent many times with asking many questions of was also a Mason at that time in Acacia Lodge No. 17 also of Salt Lake City, Utah. I joined because of what I had learned from what I had read and had asked and because of my friends. That's it. Now Brother George and the like are part of us all Masonically speaking, but when an 18 year old lad asks me about Freemasonry and I tell him "George Washington was a Mason". There is a disconnect for the uninitiated. "You know the dude on the dollar". Afterwards it makes more sense to him, before not much. This quote is from my Oration this past February 2008 at Grand Lodge. I think it makes the point.

Yesterday is today and history is NOW.

If you look around this room you will see new and seasoned members. Between us all, are not gaps of time but an indisolvable chain of Friendship and Brotherly Love. A link if you will to the Past brought to the present to the NOW. Knowledge, stories, experience, hopes, fears and dreams. Both young and old “we” have been and are NOW part of a many centuries old Fraternity. “We” are the caretakers and protectors of the household of the faithful. And while “we” cannot claim credit for Freemasonry’s Glorious Past “We” everyone one of us here in this room today are responsible for what Freemasonry will be in the Future. This Fraternity, it’s culture is unmatched by any other endeavor in today’s society. “We” as “Freemasons” need to embrace the ever-changing opportunities given to us. “We” need to evolve without disregarding our history and traditions so that “we” can insure that our Fraternity will return to the forefront of our modern society.

That's all...

Freemasonry's Quandry?

2008-06-18T13:14:00.006-06:00

When you search the Internet and look at what is promoted as historical information as to the Craft of Freemasonry you will inevitably finds references to "famous" Masons. If they are so famous why then do "we" have to tell you? As I see it in this "long bridge" from the "olde guard" to us the "newbies" there is this nostalgic want of the past. Where the actors of the silver screen and the captains of industry were Masons. Dude. That's gone. Yes on the rare occasion "we" can still lay claim to a politician or a company President or a current "war hero". But the day when our ranks had a goodly percentage of those fellows is for the time being gone. What "we" have now upon the transitional bridge are those fellows of everyday life and of everyday everything. The recent article in the LA Times (see link) was much touted but honestly I have seen this in my own home lodge for many years. "We" the representatives of everyday men are at the end of the bridge waving bye-bye to Clark Gable, John Wayne and President Truman. "We" may achieve these worldly things of prestige or fame in our lifetime and like Albert Pike the Esoteric Poster Boy "we may" in what "we may become" shall reside on some list someday somewhere on somebody's Internet Machine... That's it....

JL

http://www.latimes.com/features/lifestyle/la-ig-masons18-2008may18,0,562412.story

Photos From Shrine Ceremonial 3 May 2008

2008-05-06T20:57:00.009-06:00

Who said Shrine isn't fun? Sorry about the dust balls and no they are not "Orbs"...

A Ceremonial can be fun without the silly stuff of the past. Some of the Ladies got up and danced.

Thanks to Midnight Mirage Dance Company.

http://www.midnightmirage.com/

Photo from St. Andrew's No. 34 Meeting Friday 2 May 2008

2008-05-06T20:47:00.004-06:00

From Left to Right...

Bro. Pete Mackey
Bro. Andrew Stott
WBro. Jason Allred WM
RWBro. John Liley IPM
WBro. P. Martin Martineau
WBro. Scott Anderson PM

Visit a Sick and Needy Brother Today...

2008-05-01T22:26:00.003-06:00

Saturday I visited a Brother in an Assisted Living Facility. I went with Brother Cook and we visited briefly with Brother Blaine Simons PGM. He was GM when I was born in 1969 and he is 97 years old. He recently suffered a stroke. He was asleep when we got there and was in good spirits when he awoke but gosh, I just don't know. Memories flooded back. After visiting my Grand Mother about a year ago January she was just as smart and prophetic and sharp as she always was but she was sad a bit. She said inside her head she feels like a teenager but her body just won't do what it used to. When I looked around the house and saw the walker and the canes and the orthopedics for her shoes and the contraption over the toilet I felt sad. I remember Nana as the one who ran with us as kids and rode the roller coaster and swam in the ocean. Do we not visit a sick and lonely Brother cause we just don't? Are we afraid of what comes for us? It was nice to see Brother Blaine but the memories came back from my visit with Nana.

Guys no matter what we need to visit. I know I'm guilty of not following through with this.

Like Nana said, "Getting old ain't fun".

That's all.

Older Brothers are the Bridge...

2008-05-01T22:24:00.008-06:00

Last year when I was Grand Orator I had the opportunity to travel throughout the state and meet many more Brethren than I knew and also continue friendships with those I already had relationships with.

A thread I wove through my speeches was this History we are losing in Utah. It's not specifically Masonic but the experience of those older than us.

Here's my story.

In June of last year I had a conversation with PGM Blaine Simons before his recent decline and we spoke about his old friend Sam H. Goodwin. For those not in the know PGM S. H. Goodwin was the firebrand that wrote Mormonism and Masonry and helped spread that book around the Masonic world. Love him or hate him S. H. Goodwin was part of Utah Masonic History and his book is still flying around the internet today. MWBro. Blaine knew him. He talked with him. He had meals with him probably had drinks and sat in lodge with him. Maybe not in that order. MWBro. Blaine chuckled as he spoke about his long dead friend and knew Sam had controversy about him. He knew him and now through stories I knew personal stuff about old Sam.

Yesterday we laid a new cornerstone for First United Methodist Church in Marriott-Slaterville up by Ogden. My first time with a speaking part as your RWJGW. It was fun. The original box from the original cornerstone from 1928 was on display. In the box was a copy of ole Sam's book Mormonism and Masonry. Well it and the other things from 1928 are going in the new box along with new stuff and a copy of the article about Utah's first out in the open Latter-day Saint Grand Master MWBro. Glen Cook. http://www.deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,695265549,00.html He noted the "Irony was not lost on him" about the new additional contents of the box. This was a really cool thing yesterday.

Things change and I think for the better and the connections to our past through older Brothers through these "Bridges Across Time" are truly a gem. It's nice when you can chat with them and not lose history that we otherwise would have to crack out of a nearly 100 year old cornerstone box.

So chat it up you'll never know when timelines will cross.

That's it.

Why you should buy a black suit...

2008-05-01T22:21:00.001-06:00

When a young man joins the fraternity and yes I say young man as this seems to be the norm more than in the past they often ask what they should wear when they show up for their first degree. I always respond “business attire” or jacket and tie are nice. If you don’t have such a shirt and tie please.

Why a dress code?

Well it’s good to put on your “Mason Suit”. A “Mason Suit” is your uniform for Freemasonry. You don’t have to think when lodge comes up just put on your “Mason Suit”.

Now the Black Suit is very versatile and can rise to any occasion. When worn with white shirt and black tie or masonic tie of choice you fit in fine at your stated meeting or on the sidelines during a degree. If tuxedo is your lodge thing throw on a tux shirt and bow-tie and viola you have a tux. Trust me nobody will notice. If they do tell them it’s all the range in Europe.

Now this is where your “Mason Suit” becomes the armor of a Super Hero. If you change your lapel pin and tie you suddenly are equipped to attend lets say Scottish Rite. If your tie is Red WOW you are now in a York Rite Chapter Mode or Purple you’re in Council or Black Once again and “Tadda” your in Commandery.

For those unfortunate times in Masonry you are ready for a funeral to say goodbye to a Brother and with the addition of a colored waistcoat you are the life of a Festive Board.

Uniformity in Dress is important in Freemasonry (my opinion) but the appearance adds to the leveling effect and the conformity adds to the solemnity of the occasion.

Oh yeah if you travel overseas or around the country one outfit or your “Mason Suit” makes the travel-on a heck of a lot lighter.

A new Mason has plenty to spend money on in initiation fees and dues and hopefully a starter library. The last thing he should freak about is how to dress.

Average black suit with shirt and tie at a well known department store costs...

$200.00 suit

$024.99 shirt

$012.99 tie

That’s it.

JL PM

Think about it..?

2008-04-06T12:36:00.002-06:00

Most Worshipful Grand Master, Brethren, Ladies and Guests Good Evening.

The title of tonight’s talk is “Freemasonry and the Generation Gap, Perception is not Reality”.

One of the definitions given to us by researchers, historians and to some extent by our detractors is that Freemasonry is a tired old Fraternity populated by relics of a different era. Without accepting a negative from out of this observation it is true that yes our Fraternity does have a large proportion of a seasoned membership.

Does this mean that there is a gap between our members both old and new?

I would argue that there is no generation gap merely a span of years.

Men no matter their age join Freemasonry for varied reasons. The phrase “Your Freemasonry is different from my Freemasonry” is not divisive but the very example of our strength.

This “strength” is the attraction for men to join our Fraternity. Although challenges arise these differences and the fact that we tolerate if not expect these differences, is what makes the fraternity work.

A man’s interest in Freemasonry is in its universality, in it’s consistency and in it’s unique structure.

Often we the younger membership are asked what we want. We have shown that we want the same as the more seasoned membership. We want in some cases to emulate their characteristics. These characteristics and traits they acquired from Freemasonry.

The fraternity, this educational source hands down her “secrets” through the experience and knowledge of well-learned Masons.

The thought that in becoming a Mason you suddenly inherit this great living source of wisdom, knowledge, history and perspective over night is something that unfortunately some of the younger membership never understands.

The term “old guy” or “past master” are descriptions I have tried to remove from my vocabulary. The wealth that is there in the more seasoned membership comes at so little a price we often overlook it as if passing a penny on a city street.

The energy and the vitality in the hearts and minds of young men can be infectious to a tired lodge. That excitement is so often dismissed by those that have been there and done that, that they often quench a fire stoked and ready to blossom before it has a chance to grow.

The conflicts I believe come not because of someone’s age be it young or old but in not truly practicing some of the first lessons we are taught in the Entered Apprentice Degree. Subduing our passions is not easy for most men. We are competitive, we are stubborn and no matter who we are sometimes we think we are always right.

This my friends is not just owned by the “old guy” or the “whippersnapper”, but by all of us.

It’s hard for the Mason that has held this “thing” together for so long to give a little up. And it’s hard for the Mason new and full of exuberance not being able to have it “all” now.

Funny, don’t you think this sounds as if we all have something in common after all?

The fact that we recognize these conflicts proves to us that Freemasonry is still working and will survive. If we did not have the pull and push the ying and yang if you will we would be representative of what those detractors believe we are.

The beauty is that so many Masons have labored long and kept lodges running. Perseverance has paid off and attracted new membership. Lodges have been performing degree work and rebuilding their officer lines. Lodges are working together for a common goal. And today for the first time in a long while many have created new members not by affiliation but by initiation.

The perception of the generation gap is that there is this great void or chasm between what was and what is. Yes for a long time “we” were in the shadows perhaps even a little lost. But what we learned and what we did was that old and new a like found a way to bridge the span, create ways to come together, to modernize yet leave the old patina so that the attraction is still there.

Although many of my friends may be perhaps ten, twenty thirty or more years my senior the reality is that we have a lot in common. A man that was fifty was once thirty and man of eighty was once sixty. “We” have all been there before and “we” are all there for the first time.

Freemasonry binds our membership in a way you cannot explain to the outside world. Sometimes the bond is stronger than that bond which we have with our Fathers, Uncles and Grandfathers. This fact may be unfortunate but in some cases is the saving grace to the younger man without a father figure and to the older man without a relationship with his son.

Freemasonry provides the tie that closes the gap. The Fraternity helps, aides, and assists in so many ways for so many Brethren that the perception is not reality.

The Generation Gap may very well be our strength and not our folly.

Thanks for listening and enjoy the rest of your evening.

Boo!

2008-04-06T12:32:00.001-06:00

Most Worshipful Grand Master, Brethren, Ladies and Guests Good Evening. The title of this evenings talk is “Freemasonry is Scary”.

Freemasonry is scary for many reasons.

If you have ever typed the word “Freemasonry” into a Google search you are returned with 1,030,000 hits. On the first page alone half of the sites listed are what we could call Anti-Masonic. The others are legitimate, personal or Fringe. When a potential candidate sifts through this information it is not only daunting but also based on some of the ridiculous claims could be a bit frightening. Although I must say I am still looking for my cut of the world money supply.

The one thing you will learn is that you need to go meet a Mason so that you can become one. This can be a challenge because some people have to build up the courage to knock on the door of a local Masonic Temple in hopes of meeting someone. We might find this hard to believe, as we know we are a very social organization but think about the first time you may have made a few distinct knocks on a door. This challenge is further exacerbated when you go to the imposing structure of the Salt Lake Masonic Temple for instance only to find we use the back door.

Once a fellow has gained admission to one of our Temples he suddenly finds himself the most popular guy in the room. Everyone is happy to see him. Everyone greets him with an outstretched hand and a smile. If he has brought his spouse, partner or family everyone is welcomed. Sometimes though we have a tendency to smother the visitor in the room. Little does he know that he may be the only new person that a lodge has seen in months or years and the zealous welcome of the Brethren can sometimes be off-putting on your first time through the door when you were just curious to meet a Mason.

This jubilant fascination with the new guy normally keeps building, as the fellow becomes a candidate and eventually a new Mason in the Lodge.

I can remember what it was like.

Can you in this room hearken back when you were in the North East corner of the Lodge for the first time?

Remember how it felt everybody was happy to see you and then you earned your seat among the Brethren.

Then at the next meeting another new guy up and decides to go join the lodge and sometimes not always you ended up sitting by yourself.

Suddenly all the attention was drawn from you to the next customer in line. How did that make you feel? You knew nobody here you knocked on the door and became a rock-star for a while and worked hard became one of the Fraternity only to sit all alone in a room full of Brotherhood.

I have talked to a few Masons where this has unfortunately happened and that’s a little scary in more ways than one.

Freemasonry will push you out of your comfort zone.

How many people here like to speak in public?

When joining the lodge a Brother is suddenly introduced to new ideas, customs and traditions. He is told to memorize a bunch of letters in a book that are actually words and how fortunate he is that he gets to sit in front of everybody at the next meeting and recite this stuff.

Unfortunately not everybody wants to do this. Sometimes we forget to ask the new guy if it’s ok with him. He doesn’t know about or what “the code” is and quite frankly may not want to sit and recite in front of the lodge. I was told I had to do this in my own Lodge and truthfully I almost didn’t come back to the next meeting. This can be scary stuff to some folks.

How about the first time you had to deliver ritual in open lodge. You studied and studied. Mumbled in your family room and in your car on the way to and from work. Your wife and kids thought you were going nuts talking to yourself. I guess that’s scary too, Dad joins the Freemasons and starts talking to himself. Anyway you cleaned up the best you could and put on your “new” used Tuxedo the first one you ever wore that wasn’t for a Prom or a wedding and then you ran out the door only to forget you cipher. The anxiety builds and the traffic is bad. It’s the first time you’ve worn braces with your trousers and which way does that dang cummerbund supposed to be on anyway? Your plastic shoes have no support and the lodge room is hot even though the air-conditioning is on. The lodge meeting starts and the Worshipful Master asks you a question and then…..Your mind goes blank. Welcome to the fraternity, not scary at all, eh?

What about rebuilding a lodge when half it’s officers don’t sign up again? What about buying land and then building a Lodge Hall when you don’t know where the money is going to come from. Scary maybe? Brave probably..

Some of these things that I have mentioned may have happened to you or maybe we have been guilty of them ourselves. The beauty is that Freemasonry more than a Fraternity is a means of instruction. If we follow its teachings and tenants we can overcome our shortfalls. If we need help we can converse with well-informed Brethren who are always ready to give as well as receive instruction. We can conquer fear by taking advantage of the rich history that we have in our seasoned membership. And we can sooth the discomfort of change by embracing the exuberance of youth.

Our Grand Lodge and her lodges have designed websites with good information for the curious and serious researcher.

The Masonic Family has opened her doors, even the front doors, throughout the state to the public.

We have put on a public face in the Masonic Meet-up Groups breaking bread and building trust with those that might join us.

We have looked internally at our failings and chose to move forward as the time is always now in all things.

Yes we have challenges, misinformation, locked doors, petty squabbles and a few scary things.

However in Freemasonry there are also the answers a “Right” course if you will and this is how we will stay positive, we will grow, we will combat fear and be the Masonic Family we know we all can be.

Thanks for listening and enjoy the rest of your evening.

Something I wrote about a year ago... Food for thought...

2008-04-06T12:24:00.001-06:00

“Freemasonry Why is Just the Tyler Left to Guard the Door?”

Most Worshipful Grand Master and Brethren Good Afternoon.

The title of my talk today is “Freemasonry why is just the Tyler left to guard the door?”

Our ancient rituals, elaborate regalia and impressive titles, leave a mystery about us that makes us one of the darlings of today’s pop culture.

The curiosity of the outside world continues to build.

Men want to join Freemasonry. But is it for the right reasons?

Are we sure?

From our ritual we know that the duty of the Tyler is to guard against the approach of cowans and eavesdroppers and to see that none enter our lodges without permission. Yes this is his symbolic and actual duty but why have we left it just to him?

Should we the Brethren be not more diligent?

Each of us as a Mason is charged with the solemn duty to make sure good men enter our Fraternity. In the closing paragraph of the Entered Apprentice Charge it reads, “If, in the circle of your acquaintance, you find a person desirous of being initiated into Masonry, be particularly careful not to recommend him unless you are convinced the he will conform to our rules; that the honor, glory, and reputation of our institution may be firmly established, and the world at large be convinced of it’s good effects.”

In the Thirtieth Degree of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite it says, “Let us increase in number our companions in arms admitting not even our most intimate of friends unless we are certain of their discretion and fitness.”

Our Masonic ritual as you see is laced with instruction.

How then are we sure of the men that knock upon our doors?

How do we make the positive or negative decision about the prospective candidate?

In recent years the Internet and the proliferation of Masonic websites have become one of the many public faces of our Fraternity.

Open houses tied in with movie or book premieres have brought in tens if not hundreds of people into our Temples. No longer do we hide in the shadows. We are more and more the public fraternity that in reality we always were.

The concept of the Masonic Meet-up has grown and spread to many lodges around the state and has lead to many men asking for petitions and joining our Fraternity. Think about it you get to sit down, break bread and talk with a guy that wants to talk to you about Freemasonry.

These extensions of ourselves into the outside world are the golden opportunities for us to know the man before he joins the Fraternity. Better yet it gives the potential candidate the opportunity to know us before he asks for his petition.

So often in the past the curious fellow knocked on the door of his local lodge talked with a Brother and returned six months later in search of a promised signature. An unfortunate thing I know I for one have been guilty of.

Did we really know the man?

Did he really know what he was committing to?

Everything needs to evolve though. If it does not it stagnates, shrinks and eventually ceases to exist.

These “new” methods of attracting and interacting with potential members are refreshing and exciting and hopefully fill that gap on how we get to know that man before he becomes privileged to call himself a Mason.

Just as our ritual instructs and cautions us our policies and procedures provide safeguards. These safeguards are not only traditions but were laid out for us to keep us honest.

The committee of investigation now more than ever is a vital part of the mix.

Whereas in the past the committees have sometimes been accused of being the welcome wagon or the rubber stamp on a man’s membership they now need to be more thorough and truly investigative.

The fear of running a fellow off because the questions are too tough needs to be overcome. There is nothing wrong with challenging a man on why he wants to be a Mason and see if he can defend his argument and reasons. I would argue the potential candidate expects the questions to be probing and might be disappointed if we did not delve that deeply.

He wants to know “he” is part of something special.

In closing, “We” all are the “Tyler” in effect for our Fraternity.

“We” all are the guardians of our past ever moving forward towards a brighter future. Embracing the ever-changing opportunities with caution and discretion.

Thanks for listening and enjoy the rest of your day.