Happy Birthday Statue of Liberty!!!

Happy Birthday to this historic symbol of our country.  May she continue to stand for generations and spread her light. 

US celebrates Statue of Liberty's 125th birthday 

NEW YORK (AP) — Scores of people waved tiny flags after taking the oath of U.S. citizenship at the foot of the Statue of Liberty on Friday, 125 years after the iconic American symbol welcoming visitors and immigrants was dedicated.

"We are a nation of diverse people," Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar said during the naturalization ceremony on Liberty Island. "And that diversity strengthens our nation.

The new Americans, 125 immigrants from 46 countries, pledged to renounce foreign power, then posed for photos with their citizenship certificates. 

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Academy of Masonic Knowledge - Grand Lodge of PA

During this last weekend I found out on The Sanctum Sanctorum forum that there would be a meeting of the Academy of Masonic Knowledge in the Masonic Village in Elizabethtown, PA, today, I decided it was time for some traveling so I booked a flight, car, and hotel immediately.

Academy Introduction

The Pennsylvania Academy of Masonic Knowledge will strive to create an environment that will encourage Masons to seek a greater understanding of the nature and purposes of Freemasonry in all its many aspects - past, present, and future - and to share that understanding with others.

To this end, the Academy will offer learning opportunities in which Masons may participate in dialogues with similarly inclined brethren, witness prominent Masonic scholars discussing various aspects of Freemasonry, and pursue home study at their own pace and in their own areas of interest, through publications on Masonic subjects recommended by the Academy.

In addition to providing a learning experience for Freemasons, the Academy will be a vehicle affording recognition to Masons who share their knowledge of Freemasonry with fellow Masons or the public by the written or spoken word.

The Academy Logo

The Academy logo symbolizes the Academy of Masonic Knowledge’s unyielding pursuit of academic ideas, the achievements of our past, the bright future ahead for Freemasonry, and the fraternity’s dedication to high goals. The Field, or Banner, refers to ideals of essential importance:

Alpha, or Advancement of Organizational Ideals

Sigma, or Scholastic Achievement

Gamma, or Fellowship

The Laurel symbolizes victory, or triumph, and the continued pursuit of academic ideals.

The Torches are symbolic of learning and remind us that every person is a potential source of knowledge, with the added responsibility to bring enlightenment to all who encounter it.

The Chevron is symbolic of rank, or merit. The three points of the Chevron represent the individual Brother, his Masonic affiliation, and the Nation.

The Shield, bearing the Square and Compasses and the letter “G” symbolizes protection of our fraternity through the dissemination of God’s Truth.

The Agenda

The day started out with a wonderful presentation by S. Brent Morris.

If you are interested in joining, go to this site.

2011 Scottish Rite Fall Reunion

Day 1

Six A.M. came too soon Saturday morning when the alarm clock woke me up from my slumber. I headed down to the El Korah Shrine building (as it is better suited to host the ceremonies) to receive the degrees of the Ancient and Accepted Rite of the Scottish Rite, Southern Jurisdiction of the USA.

First, we had some breakfast and did a quick introduction to the Scottish Rite. We then went up to a side room where we sat with our class leader, the Venerable Master of the Lodge of Perfection, and awaited the call for us to the ballroom where the ceremony would be held. When we did, we went through the 4° - Secret Master. It was a well-done, solemn ceremony.

Then we got to the 5° - Perfect Master, but I refer to it as the "Broken Bench" degree. It started out well, but when one of the casting members sat down onto a bench it gave a slow, moaning creek and the last man to sit down is a rather large man. Five minutes didn't even pass and soon CRASH! Down they went, all those on the bench as the wood gave way beneath the combined weight. Then came the laughter from both the men on their backs and those sitting around the room. They finished the degree in fine fashion. After communicating the 9° - 13°, we were put through the 14° - Perfect Elu.

After communicating the 15° thru the 17°. I got to be the exemplified candidate during the 1st section of the 18° - Knight of the Rose Croix. It was a lot of fun and I had one of the more interactive parts as the active candidate.

After we finished with the 2nd section of the 18° we headed over to the Scottish Rite building just a few blocks away where we were communicated the 19°thru the 24°. It should be noted that while we went through the 24°, we still will be going through the 22° - Prince of Libanus on Day 2.

We were given a short break before the Open Bar Social Hour before the Cap & Roses Banquet commenced. The evening went great with some Makers & Cokes while chit-chatting with the families of the members and candidates; one of the wives is even interested in joining the Eastern Star! The candidates from both the Spring 2011 and my class were presented with their 32° Cap and rose for their lady, which we had many in attendance.


Day 2

It was nice to sleep in a little today prior to finishing off the degrees. Prior to taking the 22° we were communicated the 25° through 29°. I really enjoyed the time we communicated as my class was an exciting one, full of laughter and quite a bit of knowledge. The 22° ceremony was an interesting one discussing the merits of labor, and some symbolism for humility.

The 30° - Knight Kadosh (the last of the degrees for the Council of Kadosh), was just as impressive symbolically as it was performed. Then it was time for the Consistory.

We were communicated the 31° - Inspector Inquisitor and the Personal Representative to Joe Alexander, 33° - the Sovereign Inspector General of Idaho, talked to us and prepared us for the 32°.

The 32° - Master of the Royal Secret was definitely the most impressive degree of the Scottish Rite.

I am still processing all of the information, but having already gone through the York Rite, I did see some similarities that filled in some spots where the York Rite had left empty.

North West Regional York Rite Conference

The North West Regional York Rite Conference (NWYR) was held in Boise, Idaho, this year.  Thursday was to get registered and socialize with other attendants at a Wine & Cheese social.  It was good to see everyone after being absent for a year, and as well as to meet several new faces.

Afterward, a number of us went over to the Boise Masonic Temple to hold the October York Rite business meeting where the Commandery opened up and presided over.  I felt a little rusty at first, but it came back to me soon enough.  Since both the Illustrious Master and Deputy Master were absent I had the honor of acting as Illustrious Master for the Council.  This meeting was important as we set up the cast for the upcoming Fall Festival happening in November.  As the current Most Worshipful Grand Master will not be attending Day 1 of the Festival, I have volunteered to take his spot in the Royal Master and a Past Grand Master will not be there for Day 2 so I am taking his spot in the Order of Malta...that of Prior.  It will be a great time.

Friday started out with presentations by the General Grand Chapter, General Grand Council, and Grand Encampment.  This lasted until lunch then we broke into different groups.  Many could choose between the 3 bodies, but a few of us were asked to sit in on a Leaders Program put on by Sir Knight John Palmer, editor of the Knights Templar Magazine.  In the first session, we went over a great deal to include a very brief history of American Templary, personality types, and styles of leadership.  It started the juices flowing in how I can best help assist and lead the Masonic bodies I will be a member of.

After a brief recess, we gathered for a social hour before the Grand Banquet.  Great food with some great drinks.  After we were done the Grand Encampment presented a belated certificate to a Sir Knight who had been a Grand Commander in the 90s.  Then for some post-dinner entertainment, we watched as the boys and girls of the Tiernan Irish Dancers presented us various dances.  At all levels and ages, it was quite impressive and the kids did a fantastic job.

I had thought I would relax the rest of the night, but the men of Kappa Sigma requested my presence to help out with a Question Night with the Pledges.  I was there till 2am before I had to call it quits and get some sleep.

Saturday morning brought a delicious meal from the Brothers of Oriental Lodge #60 then it was back to the Leadership Program with Sir Knight John Palmer where he finished his excellent program.  Among those there, we traded emails and phone numbers to keep in touch.  Then some of us gathered for the final meal, a baked potato lunch.  Said goodbye to those heading out of the area and now it's time for a nap.

I have a lot to think about, and really to start planning and implementing. After these last few days the horizon looks good for a busy Fall/Winter for me.

Boise Masonic Temple given Historic Landmark Status

Back in late August, a Past Master (PM), and former janitor of the Masonic Temple, told me that the Boise Masonic Temple was being considered by the Boise City Council as a historical landmark.

Here is an article on the matter:

Council to Consider Masonic Temple as Landmark

The Boise City Council will brush up on a bit of history at its next meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 30. Council members will be asked to consider historic landmark status for the Masonic Temple Lodge at 215 N. 10th St.

The temple, built in 1907 from designs by architect Ross Cartee, has played host to countless dances, weddings and funerals for the past century. At one time, the temple even was a central voting spot for civic elections. The temple was remodeled in 1920 in the Renaissance Revival style by architects Wayland and Fennell.

The Local Historic Landmark program began in 2010 and is completely voluntary. If the Masonic Temple Lodge gains status, there will be a total of 33 local landmarks within the City of Boise. As a landmark, owners agree to notify the Historic Preservation Commission of significant alteration or demolition. In return, a landmark would be given a bronze plaque and featured in future editions of the Shaping Boise book.

When I looked into the Council minutes I found that the ordinance (O-30-11) didn't have its first reading until the September 20th meeting. The second reading was during the September 27th meeting. The third reading was at the October 4th meeting where the council voted on the motion and it passed.

I still haven't heard when or if a ceremony will be held but I will take pictures when it is presented.

Settling In

Well since I've been home I've slowly jumped back into what I called my life.

While sorting through my mail I have found a few expected items. For my contributions, I have joined the Grand Masters Club in the Knights Templar Eye Foundation (KTEF) and the Athelstan Nobility award in the York Rite College.

I have also started the paperwork in getting back into college. It will be weird to be back in school. I'm also taking on a Little Brother for my Kappa Sigma Chapter.

I have gone to a few Mason meetings; two Fall District Communications and the 2nd Annual Historical Lodge meeting. At the first District meeting, I attended the Grand Master honored me with his newly made "Idaho Freemason Medal of Merit". I hope to have more Masonic soon, bit that will have to wait until some things are confirmed.

Tomorrow I will undergo LASIK eye surgery. Next week my friend is getting married. October I also have Commandery, a York Rite conference, the Fall Scottish Rite Reunion, and some fun hunting with the family.

I Made It To Boise!

Well I finished with de-mobilizing in Ft. Lewis and flew back to Idaho last night.

My parents, younger sister, nephew, one of my Kappa Sigma Pledge Brothers, and high school friends greeted me at the air terminal. I hugged them all for a while.

I went out with my KSig buddy and many of my old friends. It was a blast. We drank and shared stories. Then to top the night we stopped by a late-night pizza place. So good.

On my way down to the bars my Lodge Secretary called me and said the Brethren of the Lodge of Research elected me as Worshipful Master. I have to appoint an editor-in-chief for the LoR's magazine called the "Transaction". I will be installed during my home Lodges installation ceremony in December.

Back in the USA.

Well with this new month comes a new chapter in my life. I have finished my time in Iraq and new currently de-mobilizing. I hope to make it home quickly.

Leaving Iraq

Well, the time has come and I am pleased to say I am leaving Iraq to head back home, and rejoining life as I knew it. See you soon America!!

This Day in History

On this day in 1901, William McKinley was shot by anarchist Leon Czolgosz. In 1915, the prototype for the tank was unveiled. In 1997, more than 2 billion watched the Princess Diana funeral on TV. In 2007, Italian opera tenor Luciano Pavarotti died at the age of 71.

On this day in 1958, one of my favorite comedians was born, Jeff Foxworthy.

On this day in 1984, the one and only Barry was born! Yes, it is my 27th birthday. I am still in Iraq which means this is the first birthday I have had not on American soil. I will soon be home though and cannot wait to be out of here.