Installed as Worthy Patron

Well, tonight I had the honor of being installed as Worthy Patron for my Eastern Star Chapter. The evening went very well and the Installing Team did an excellent job, particularly Bro. Jesse who was my Installing Patron. My mother attended and escorted me to the East after I was invested with the badge of my office.

My color is dark blue which is why all the male officers wear a dark blue bow-tie my mascot for the year is the Owl, a favorite animal of mine; my emblem is the lantern; and my scripture verse is 2 Samuel 22:29 wherein it is written, "For thou art my lamp, O Lord: and the Lord will lighten my darkness." As a gift from the officers of the Lodge I received three owl sculptures of different sizes. 

After the installation was done Jesse and I ran to have a quick drink. Now I am packing and getting ready to travel to Idaho Falls for the weekend to attend the Grand Sessions of the Grand York Rite of Idaho. Then it's back up to Boise on Sunday to attend another OES installation. Thank God for caffeine!

The Tax Poem

In honor of Tax Day here is a funny little poem about taxation in the US:

Tax his land, tax his wage,Tax his bed in which he lays. Tax his tractor, tax his mule,Teach him taxes is the rule.

Tax his cow, tax his goat,Tax his pants, tax his coat. Tax his ties, tax his shirts,Tax his work, tax his dirt.

Tax his chew, tax his smoke, Teach him taxes are no joke. Tax his car, tax his grass, Tax the roads he must pass.

Tax his food, tax his drink, Tax him if he tries to think. Tax his sodas, tax his beers, If he cries, tax his tears.

Tax his bills, tax his gas, Tax his notes, tax his cash. Tax him good and let him know That after taxes, he has no dough.

If he hollers, tax him more, Tax him until he's good and sore. Tax his coffin, tax his grave, Tax the sod in which he lays.

Put these words upon his tomb, "Taxes drove me to my doom!" And when he's gone, we won't relax, We'll still be after the inheritance tax.

Portland Trip

No, I wasn't initiated into another Masonic group. No, this trip was of Brotherly Love. I traveled the 430-miles to go see my Kappa Sigma Pledge Brother, Rudy, get Raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason in Cornerstone Lodge No.157 in Portland, OR, last night. I had the pleasure of Raising him. I am very thankful to the Lodge for scheduling this ceremony around my availability.

Rudy and I haven't hung out in many years as he moved away while I was in Iraq and we haven't had a chance to catch up so I was excited when he called me inviting me last month. After the ceremony and refreshments were finished we went over to Friendship Lodge No.160 to watch WB Cliff Porter give a presentation. The Master of the Lodge then invited everyone upstairs for refreshments, and if we so chose, cigars. It was a great day for fellowship.

Now I'm back home in Boise and ready for what this next week of Masonry has to bring.

History of York Rite Masonry in Idaho - Part II: Chivalric & Cryptic Masonry

Continuing from History of York Rite Masonry in Idaho - Part I: Royal arch Masonry, here is the history of Cryptic and Chivalric Masonry in Idaho

Instead of continuing this series by starting with the Cryptic Masons just as it is presented to a new initiate, I will be starting with the Knights Templars for reasons which will be explained below.

Templar Masonry

Though third-in-line of the York Rite bodies the Templar orders stand as second oldest of the York Rite bodies in Idaho (and in most of the US), but the Grand Commandery of Idaho sits as the oldest Grand body of the three York Rite organizations in Idaho.

There existed five Commanderies in Idaho before a Grand Commandery was formed. The first Commandery was given dispensation on May 24, 1882, and chartered as Idaho Commandery No.1 on September 11, 1882; 14-years after the first Royal Arch Chapter was established in Idaho. This Commandery existed just under 22-years prior to the formation of the Grand Commandery.

It would be nearly 9-years before the next Commandery was formed and on August 20, 1891, Lewiston Commandery No.2 was chartered. The third Commandery, Moscow Commandery No.3, was established on August 11, 1892. Gate City Commandery No.4 was the fourth Commandery that was chartered in Idaho and that occurred on August 29, 1895. The final Commandery to be chartered prior to the formation of the Grand Commandery was Coeur d'Alene Commandery No.5 and this occurred on August 4, 1904.

According to the Proceedings on August 31, 1904, Sir Knights from these five Commanderies met and organized the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of the State of Idaho. Assembling in the Asylum of Idaho Commandery No.1 where the Eminent Commander, John McBirney, called a meeting to order and on motion, Sir Knight James A. Pinney was chosen as Chairman and J.O. Baker as Secretary. After reading the warrant issued by the Most Eminent Grand Master of the Grand Encampment, it was moved to form the Grand Commandery. Sir Knight James Pinney acted in place of the Most Eminent and filled the chairs and held the first elections where he was elected as the first Grand Commander. The officers were as follows:

George H. Olmstead, Deputy Grand Commander
Edward L. Ligget, Grand Generalissimo
John McBirney, Grand Captain General
Daniel W. Church, Grand Senior Warden
Hiram T. French, Grand Junior Warden
John D. McConkey, Grand Prelate
Charles Himrod, Grand Treasurer
J.O. Baker, Grand Recorder
Fred G. Rice, Grand Standard Bearer
I.C. Hattebaugh, Grand Sword Bearer
F.G. Boston, Grand Warder
N.W. Hawn, Grand Captain of the Guard (modern day Sentinel)

Those present were installed in their respective chair and those not present were by order of the Grand Commander to be installed in their respective Asylum. Sir Knight Robert B. Horrie as acting Grand Marshal, proclaimed the officers installed for the first Grand Conclave.

I am happy to say that the original 5 Commanderies are still in operation today. Idaho has never been a large state, our population today is just over 1.5-million people, and our Masonic membership has never been as large as some other states. As with many Masonic bodies across the US and globally, we saw a large decline in our membership and for a while, many Commanderies closed or came close to losing their charter, but in Idaho, a few Commanderies have stayed open due to the hard work of the Sir Knights. One such instance I recall was when a new Eminent Commander started attending my Commandery's meetings and practices, to observe and learn. To do this he had to drive 6-hours (one way) to do so, but in doing this he gained a stronger understanding of the ritual and Drill and Ceremony that he was able to revitalize his Commandery to keep it running.

Cryptic Masonry

The last body to form in Idaho was the Council of Cryptic Masons (or commonly referred to as a Council of Royal and Select Masters).

The first Council in Idaho, Idaho Council at Pocatello was issued a Dispensation by the Officers of the General Grand Council on December 15, 1896. This Dispensation was annulled on October 11, 1897, however. On January 24, 1912 the General Grand Council reissued a Dispensation to Idaho Council No.1 in Boise and chartered it on September 27, 1912. This Council existed 22-years prior to the formation of the Grand Council of the State of Idaho.

On August 31, 1916, Bannock Council No.2 was founded in Pocatello, 18-years prior to the establishment of the Grand Council. A third Council was established in the northern town of Coeur d'Alene who charter was arrested prior to the Grand Council formation. The fourth Council was King Solomon No.4 which was chartered in Payette on September 21, 1921. Meneleck Council No.5 was formed in Gooding on September 9th, 1924, but would later combine with Twin Falls Council No.7.

Cryptic Freemasonry came to Idaho due to the efforts of the Companions of Cyrus Chapter No.2, Royal Arch Masons, who requested that the Chapters in the Idaho Territory be empowered to confer the degrees of the Cryptic Rite and that the same was referred to the Committee on that subject.

Once these 4 Councils were formed they would eventually petition the General Grand Council, of Royal & Select Masters of the United States of America, and receive permission from the Most Puissant General Grand Master, Robert A Woods, to form the Grand Council of Idaho. This would happen upon the call from Companion William Wallin and the Companions assembled at the Hall of King Solomon Council No.4 in Payette, ID, on the 16th of May, 1934.

Companion Wallin was selected by those present to preside over the committee that would establish the Grand Council and Companion Frank Ensign was chosen to serve as Secretary. The meeting proceeded with all the formalities that were needed to form the Grand Council that would conform with the General Grand Council and with the consent of the constituent Councils. Elections were held and the following officers were elected to serve the first Grand Council:

William Wallin, Most Illustrious Grand Master
Albert E White, Right Illustrious Grand Deputy Master
John W Shore, Right Illustrious Grand Principle Conductor of the Work
Edward H Way, Illustrious Grand Treasurer
Frank G Ensign, Illustrious Grand Recorder
J Glover Eldridge, Illustrious Grand Chaplain
Albert W Stone, Illustrious Grand Captain of the Guard
Dell O Bellamy, Illustrious Grand Conductor of the Council
Edward CS Brainard, Illustrious Grand Steward
Jesse E Retherford, Illustrious Grand Sentinel

These officers were installed by Robert A. Woods, General Grand Master, and Albert A Jessup, Installing Grand Marshal.

Three of the four founding Councils are still in operation today. As I noted above, Meneleck Council No.5 would eventually merge into Twin Falls Council No.7 since it put too much strain on the membership to have 2 Councils exist in such close rural proximity and Twin Falls won out due to it being a regional hub.

It's interesting to note that York Rite Freemasonry has always been small in Idaho and that we see similar names appear across the bodies as we do today.

References

1. Denslow, R. V., & Turnbull, E. R. (1956). History of Royal Arch Masonry (Vol. 2). VA. 882

2. Freemasonry in Idaho. (n.d.). Retrieved from Eagle Rock Lodge No.19: http://www.eaglerock19.org/history.php

3. Hodson, J. M., Upton, W. H., Brown, J. W., & Hedges, C. (n.d.). Masonic History of the Northwest. Retrieved from Grand Lodge of Ohio: http://www.freemason.com/library/norwst01.htm

4. Idaho. (n.d.). Retrieved from Encyclopedia of Freemasonry: http://encyclopediaoffreemasonry.com/i/idaho/

5. Proceedings Grand Commandery of the State of Idaho. (1904-1910). Boise, ID, USA.

6. Proceedings of the Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of the State of Idaho. (1934). Payette, ID, USA.

The Escallope Shell

Since I was invited to join the Commemorative Order of Saint Thomas of Acon I was interested in the particular logo, the Escallope Shell. Last Saturday I was initiated into this Order and I have researched much on this peculiar emblem.

By definition, an escallope shell is a decoration in the form of a scallop shell. A scallop is a marine bivalve mollusk that has a radially ribbed shell with the edge undulated (as seen on the right). Shells, regardless of shape, are normally seen as a positive symbol and have been used throughout the history of man for various purposes.

According to Christian tradition, the scallop shell was an emblem of James the Greater and is a popularly used icon by pilgrims on the way to St. James shrine at Santiago de Compostela in Spain. The pilgrims would wear the scallop shell on their hat or clothing, as a mark of their pilgrimage, and later would become a symbol for any pilgrimage in general. One could also carry a scallop shell with and use it when asking for food as even the poorest should be able to afford to offer the pilgrim a scoop of food without burdening their own household so we see the shell emerge as a symbol of charity, even in the smallest way. The scallop shell is associated with this James as legend holds that a knight, or sometimes thought to be a bridegroom, fell into the ocean. Through the miraculous power of St. James (Santiago) the man emerged covered in scallops. To some pilgrims the shell's design symbolizes the many starting points from which medieval pilgrims may begin their journey and that all the roads, like the radial ribs on the shell, are drawn to a single point, the shrine of St. James.

Along with St. James the Greater, the scallop shell is also an emblem of his brother St. John the Evangelist, both of whom were early followers of St. John the Baptist and of Jesus Christ. Many early Christian artworks may show the Baptist pouring water from a scallop shell during Christ's baptism at the River Jordan.

The scallop shell is also a symbol of Baptism and one can also see that priests use scallop shell-shaped dishes to pour water over the heads of the catechumen. A catechumen is one receives instruction from a catechist in the principles of the Christian religion with a view to baptism.

Shells have long been used throughout history which shows that Stone Age people used seashells to adorn their jewelry, homes, and boats. In many cultures, shells were used as money or emblems of various pagan gods. In Roman mythology, shells were symbols of prosperity, regeneration, nurturing, and fertility for which reasons the shell is a representative of Venus, the goddess of love and fertility. Venus is said to be created from the foam carried ashore atop a scallop shell.

In the Order of St. Thomas of Acon, there are three types of escallope shells used to describe one's position: Bronze, Silver, and Gold. Those who wear Bronze shells are members or officers in the local Chapel. Those with Silver shells are Provincial Grand officers. Lastly, the Gold shells are worn by Grand officers. Each of these 3 metals has its own symbolic meaning. Like the symbolism of the shell, I will just cover the metal symbolism briefly as there are many avenues I could discuss with this subject.

Bronze: This metal is a dualistic symbol of human nature, wisdom, warfare, judgment, and humility.

Silver: Through its bright appearance this metal is emblematic of purity, truth, clarity, awareness, vision, and strength.

Gold: Considered the most precious metal, it represents divine nature, perfection, justice, power, strength, success, and immortality.

As Freemasons, let us remember that we start out as Bronze, malleable and impressionable, and through the tests of time, education, and with the guiding hand of God, may we be like the brilliant Silver that when the end of our days comes and we pass beyond the veil of mortality may we flourish in Golden immortality with Him who sits as Judge Supreme.

References

1. The Bronze Snake. (2010, September 27). Retrieved from The Honest Truth: http://verses10.blogspot.com/2010/09/bronze-snake.html

2. A Few Christian Symbols and Their Meanings. (n.d.). Retrieved from Hope Evangelical Lutheran Church: http://www.hope.evangelical-lutheran.ca/symbols.htm 

3. Biblical Symbol Chart. (n.d.). Retrieved from The Revelation of Jesus Christ: http://www.revelation-today.com/A1Bible%20Symbols.htm 

4. Cassaro, R. (2011, March 19). Occult Symbols in Corporate Logos, Pt. 1. Retrieved from RichardCassaro.com: http://www.richardcassaro.com/sinister-corporate-symbols 

5. Catechumen. (n.d.). Retrieved from Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catechumen 

6. Christa. (2010, December 20). Shells as Religious Symbols and the Meaning of Life. Retrieved from Christa's South Shorelines: http://www.csseashell.com/blog/shells-as-religious-symbols-and-the-meaning-of-life/ 

7. Christian Symbols. (n.d.). Retrieved from Fish Eaters: http://www.fisheaters.com/symbols.html 

8. Colours in the Bible: Bronze. (n.d.). Retrieved from Bible Basics: http://www.biblebasics.co.uk/colours/col6.htm 

9. Escallope Shell. (n.d.). Retrieved from Merriam-Webster Dictionary: http://www.merriam-webster.com/ 

10. Gold. (n.d.). Retrieved from Symbolism Wiki: http://symbolism.wikia.com/wiki/Gold 

11. Mary and the Scallop Shell. (n.d.). Retrieved from University of Dayton: http://campus.udayton.edu/mary/questions/yq2/yq273.html 

12. Metal Symbolism. (n.d.). Retrieved from The Metal Craft: http://www.themetalcraft.net/p/metal-symbolism.html 

13. Saunders, T. (2010, February 14). The Pilgrim's Scallop Shell: A symbol of love...? Retrieved from Pilgrimage to Heresy: http://pilgrimagetoheresy.blogspot.com/2010/02/pilgrims-scallop-shell-symbol-of-love.html 

14. Scallop Shell Symbolism. (n.d.). Retrieved from University of Texas at Austin: Digital Writing and Research Lab: http://www.cwrl.utexas.edu/~bump/images/arch/shells/Shellsymbolism.htm 

15. Scallop: Symbolism. (n.d.). Retrieved from Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scallop#Symbolism 

16. Seashell: Religion and Spirituality. (n.d.). Retrieved from Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seashell#Religion_and_spirituality 

17. Venefica, A. (2007, November 1). Symbolism of Silver. Retrieved from Symbolic Meanings: http://www.symbolic-meanings.com/2007/11/01/symbolism-of-silver/

Initiation into St. Thomas of Acon

I was honored today to be initiated into Tahoma Chapel No.30 (3) of the Commemorative Order of St. Thomas of Acon. I was the exemplar candidate and am humbled by the experience.

I, along with the other newly initiated, watched as to how elections and installation occurs within the Order, and I wish to give my best to the newly installed Worthy Master and Eminent Prior. After the meeting, we had a nice dinner and some wine.

It was good to see all of my Brothers from Oregon and Washington, but I'm ready to relax. Now to finish some school work as Spring Break is coming to a close for me; luckily, I don't have to drive this time.

Earlier in the day, Tahoma College No.197 of the York Rite Sovereign College of North America met and it was the first time I ever visited another College. It was nice to sit on the sidelines. Just as we did in the St. Thomas meeting, we had the three heads of the Washington York Rite in attendance along with the Grand Governor of Washington.

A Templar Weekend

Saturday I had the honor of conferring the entire Order of the Temple as Eminent Commander upon several new Sir Knights. Along with myself, my Generalisimmo and a Commander from Northern Idaho performed the 5th Libation.

In the Order of the Red Cross, I am the High Priest and, in the Order of Malta, I am the Captain General or Marshall, depending on if another Sir Knight is there or not. Last fall I had done the 5th Libation, but today was the first time that I conferred the Order of the Temple in its entirety and I'm glad I have that down now. This weekend was interesting as some of my officers and cast members are officers of the Grand Lodge, which was doing a Cornerstone dedication the same day so we had to move casts around to ensure we had all the parts covered, but the Sir Knights performed admirably, and I thank each of them for their hard work.

Today my Commandery held its annual Easter Observance. I again had David Triplett as my speaker and no surprise he gave an excellent presentation. I'd also like to thank Lorna Lowe, the Royal Grand Matron of the Grand Court of Idaho, Order of the Amaranth, for playing the piano. I had another great turnout by the Jobies and the DeMolay. After we cleaned up the room, a few of us went to a local brewery.

Now I'm ready for Spring Break and some relaxation.

The Supreme Family in Idaho

Idaho had the pleasure of hosting the Supreme Guardian, Miss International Job's Daughter, and Supreme Bethel Honored Queen while they came through Boise. At their request the 6-Bethels in the Treasure Valley area came together for joint meetings; three on Monday and three on Wednesday.

Monday night, Bethels No.6, No.29, and No.31 congregated at the Boise Masonic Temple. Bethel No.6 opened, Bethel No.29 (my Bethel) conducted the business portion to include presiding over the String of Pearl's ceremony, and Bethel No.31 closed using the Closing Cross formation with 30+ Daughters. The String of Pearl's ceremony is a special ceremony dedicated to Mother Mick, the founder of Job's Daughters.

Remarks were given by many, including myself, but the Supreme Guardian gave an amazing speech.

Tonight (Wednesday), Bethels No.5, No.8, and No.48 met at the Boise Scottish Rite Center. These Daughters and those who met on Monday did an amazing job and displayed the excellence of Job's Daughters in Idaho.

Northwest Regional Assembly

What a great weekend this was! Friday I along with 3 other Knights Companions drove up to Kennewick, WA, to attend the Northwest Regional Assembly of Conclaves of the Red Cross of Constantine (RCC). The trip went well and was much quicker than last week's travel up to Olympia.

Last night we had a social hour and dinner, but it was this morning that I received the appendant orders of the RCC: Order of the Holy Sepulcher and Order of St. John the Evangelist. Both were amazing rituals and contained a great deal of symbolism that will give me plenty to research.

After the degrees were conferred a few of us went and sipped on some good Scotch, thank you Joe for that. I just finished with some more Scotch after the Banquet and now it's time for bed as we have an early start in the morning to head back to Boise.

Last Night I Knelt Where Hiram Knelt

By  Pat M. Armstrong

Last night I knelt where Hiram knelt

and took an obligation

today I'm closer to my God

and I'm a Master Mason

Tho' heretofore my fellow men

seemed each one like the other

today I search each one apart

I'm looking for my brother  

And as I feel his friendly grip

it fills my heart with pride

I know that while I'm on the square

that he is by my side

His footsteps on my errand go

if I should such require:

His prayers will lead in my behalf

if I should so desire

My words are safe within his breast

as though within my own

his hand forever at my back

to help me safely home

Good counsel whispers in my ear

and warns of any danger

By square and compass, Brother now!

Who once would call me stranger

I might have lived a moral life

and risen to distinction

Without my Brothers helping hand

and fellowship of Masons

But God, who knows how hard it is

to resist life's temptations

knows why I knelt where Hiram knelt

and took that obligation.