Emessay Notes July 2012

July -- A Time To Celebrate Independence

In the United States, we celebrate our freedom in July. But a number of nations around the world observe their independence in July also. Here are a few examples:

On July 1, Canada celebrates Dominion Day, for on that date in 1867, the Canadian colonies won their right to internal self-government.
On July 3, 1962, Algeria proclaimed its independence from France.
On July 5, 1811, Venezuela broke away from Spain.
On July 14, 1789, Bastille Day, when today's France celebrates in commemoration of the storming of the Bastille and the freeing of political prisoners.
On July 21, 1831, Belgium became independent of the Netherlands.
On July 26, 1847, the independent state of Liberia came into its existence.
On July 28, 1821, Peru broke away from Spain.
And, of course, on July 4, 1776, thirteen little colonies declared their independence from Britain and the United States of America was born.

Technology Helps 2 Grand Lodges Greet Each Other

During most years, the Grand Lodges of North Dakota and South Dakota hold their annual sessions on the same days. Therefore, the respective Grand Masters cannot attend each other's Annual Communication and bring greetings to their neighboring Grand Lodges.

This year, it was different.

On June 15, while the Grand Lodge of North Dakota was meeting in Grand Forks and the Grand Lodge of South Dakota was in session in Pierre, the two Grand Masters decided to overcome the obstacles of time and place.

So, at banquets that night in the two jurisdictions, a projector and large screen was set up in each dining facility. Using the technology of Skype, the Grand Master of North Dakota, Lon Kvasager, was able to bring greetings to his brethren to the south, and Grand Master Richard Decker of South Dakota was able to address Masons gathered a few hours to the north.

Masonry Continues, Even In Afghanistan

Books have been written about Masonic experiences in the Civil War in the United States, and stories are many about Masonic experiences in other war zone situations. It continues today. Here is one present-day example:

In May, an e-mail was sent to the Grand Lodge of New York from one of its members, Seth C. Burgess, who was deployed with his New York Army National Guard unit in Afghanistan. He writes:

"It gives me great joy to send correspondence back home from this faraway place. Of further interest, myself and at least one other MM from the Grand Lodge of New York are currently active with Canada Lodge here at Kandahar Airfield, which is a traveling lodge under dispensation of Trent Lodge in Ontario, Canada. Also active in Canada Lodge are brothers from other Grand Lodges in the States, as well as other countries to include Australia and Denmark. It is a rich brotherhood experience for us as we experience a time of separation from our families and home communities while on deployment."

Illinois Academic Program Has Record Year

The 29th Annual Illinois Masonic Academic Bowl, sponsored by the Masons of Illinois, had a record number of schools participating and a record number of Lodges providing support.

In February, Sectional Tournaments were held in 30 different locations around the state. Some 124 Class "AA" schools competed in 12 sectionals and 162 Class "A" schools participated at 18 sites. A total of 286 Illinois schools were part of the 2012 program, 15 more than last year.

Then, in March, 26 total teams competed in the State Tournament in Springfield. Cash prizes, ranging from $100 to $1,500 were given to those at the state event.

For the first time this year, members of the youth orders, Rainbow, Job's Daughters, and DeMolay participated, providing workers for the State Tournament.

According to Dale Thayer, chairman of the Academic Bowl, 292 Lodges financially supported the program -- 25 more Lodges than a year earlier.
With such success and such improvement this year, plans are already underway for the 2013 Illinois Masonic Academic Bowl.

(Source: Illinois Freemasonry magazine, Spring, 2012)