Emessay Notes September 2012 

Open Houses Planned In New England

Open houses are increasingly being used by many Grand Lodges as a way of creating more awareness of Freemasonry in local communities.

On Saturday, October 20, Lodges in five New England Grand Lodge jurisdictions will participate in one coordinated open house program.  Participating are the Grand Lodges in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island.

This effort in New England has been ongoing for several years.  It began when the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts launched a major promotional campaign for its open house, using messages on radio and television, as well as special events.  Because of a "spill-over" of the electronic media into neighboring states, some of the other Grand Lodges began to join the plan on a cooperative basis.

In the Northeastern part of the country, the Grand Lodge of Maryland held a statewide open house program this spring, and the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania has been having a series of local open house events during the Spring, Summer, and into the Fall season.

 

Masonic Humility, Even In Hollywood 

It wasn't until Hollywood star Glenn Ford died in 2006 that his grandson Aubrey Ford discovered he was a Mason.  The grandfather had requested Masonic rites at his funeral.

Aubrey wasn't a Mason yet.  As Aubrey's father went through Glenn Ford's estate, he discovered an apron, dues card, and photos.

So Aubrey joined Riviera Lodge #780, where his grandfather was a charter member.  He distinctly remembers being regaled with stories of his grandfather, the great actor, serving coffee to his brothers.

"The fact of my grandfather serving coffee, treating everyone on the level, was something that mattered to me personally," he said. 

That last bit – of humility and treating everyone on the level – is the lasting legacy Aubrey Ford takes of his grandfather.

(Source: California Freemason, June-July, 2012)

 

Corn, Wine And Oil – Which One More Important? 

Corn, wine and oil are the Masonic elements of consecration.   The adoption of these symbols is supported by the highest antiquity. They are mentioned in the ritual work, and are used in public cornerstone ceremonies.

But is one more important than the others?

According to Mackey's Encyclopedia of Freemasonry:

"In ceremonies, the corn alone is carried in a golden pitcher, and the wine and oil are placed in silver vessels.  This is to remind us that the first, as a necessity and the "staff of life," is of more importance and more worthy of honor than the others, which are but comforts."

 

Two Masons Who Advanced Technology 

From measuring the speed of light to inventing the submarine, Masons have made significant technological and scientific advances.

Albert A. Michelson was an American physicist known for his work on the measurement of the speed of light.  In 1907, he received the Nobel Prize for physics and was the first American to receive a Nobel Prize in the sciences.  He received his Masonic degrees in Washington Lodge #21 in New York City, respectively in 1874, 1875, and 1876, while he was a midshipman stationed on the U.S.S. Roanoke.  He later withdrew from the Fraternity, according to 10,000 Famous Freemasons.

Simon Lake was a Quaker American mechanical engineer and naval architect, who obtained more than 200 patents for advances in naval design.  In 1897, he built the Argonaut, the first submarine to operate successfully in the open sea.  He designed and built many submarine torpedo boats for the United States.  Initiated in Monmouth Lodge #172, Atlantic Highlands, NJ, he later affiliated with Ansantawae Lodge #89, Milford, CT.

 

'Stations' And 'Places' Update 

In the last issue of EMESSAY NOTES, we described the difference between "Stations" and "Places," as locations for Lodge officers.  Basically, it was reported that only 3 officers held "Stations."

Two Grand Jurisdictions – and there may be more -- have communicated that they have 4 officers in "Stations."  In addition to the Master and two Wardens, the Tiler (Tyler) also is located in a "Station" in the Grand Lodges of Oklahoma and the District of Columbia.

Good Masonic Quote:

"Masonry in not about Perfection (flawlessness); it never was and never will be. 
It's about Perfecting (becoming more suitable for the Builder's use)."

(Source: John S. Nagy, Masonic author and leadership trainer)