Installed as Eminent Commander

Well, today was a great day! This afternoon I finished my last Final Examination for the Semester (I'm ready for the Winter Break) and then proceeded downtown to the Masonic Temple to prepare for my Installation.

There was a good turnout to the installation, even with other Masonic organizations meeting tonight, and I hope to see many more at the Christmas Observance. I am extremely thankful and grateful to my installing team consisting of my Installing Grand Commander, David Grindle, Past Grand Commander (PGC); my Installing Grand Marshall, Art Shoemaker, PGC; my Installing Grand Prelate William K. Curtis, Jr., PGC; and my Installing Musician, Karen Grindle. Dave has been a very influential Sir Knight in my journey through the York Rite and has always been a great friend. I followed Art through the Lodge line, serving as his Senior Warden during his term as Master, and he was also the one who knighted me when I was initiated into the Order of the Temple. I've known Bill since I was first initiated into Masonry and he is a very dedicated Brother and Sir Knight.

I am also thankful to my officers who I know will help me serve this Commandery in the ensuing year.

During my year I will be implementing a stronger education program and reinvigorating interest in York Rite Freemasonry by strengthening our fraternal and public relations.

Invite to St. Thomas of Acon

Well, today I received another surprise! I was notified that I had been invited into Tahoma Chapel No.30 (now No.3), Commemorative Order of Saint Thomas of Acon, in the State of Washington. Paul, an Oregon and Idaho Mason, was the one who proposed me for this honor and I will forever be grateful for this.

I will go up to Washington this next March to be initiated into this Order. I'll be 1 of 5 Idaho Masons that is a member of Saint Thomas of Acon. I'm extremely excited.

Chronological Order of the York Rite Degrees

We learn while going through the first 3-degrees, the Craft degrees, you learn that Masonry is a progressive science taught by degrees only. Craft Masonry sets a foundation and sets the basis by which we look at the chronology of the legends that surround the degrees.  However, when you advance through the degrees and orders of the American York Rite you notice that the order the ceremonies are presented is not chronological; meaning, you jump back and forth in time to times before and after the Master Mason degree held in the Blue Lodge.

When one is about to go through the ceremonies of the Royal Master, the first of the degrees that compose the Council of Cryptic Masons (sometimes referred to as the Cryptic Rite) there is an introduction to the Cryptic degrees given and one of the paragraphs explains the following:

In taking our degrees there is one thing you must remember, namely, the order in which events happen is seldom the order in which we learn about them. The successive degrees in Masonry picture events in the order we learn about them, not the chronological order in which they occurred. For instance, the Mark Master's Degree took place before those of the Master Mason's, but they were not presented to you in that order. The degree you are about to receive pictures events that happened prior to and after the Tragedy of the Third Degree, and we would have you notice how well they fill in the gaps in our knowledge of that Tragedy and its meaning.

As you can see we are intentionally not told the story chronologically. However doing so, we gain a better understanding of the degrees and everything they encompass. Here is a graphic representation of the chronological order of the York Rite degrees and orders:

1: Legend doesn’t necessarily represent a length of time between each degree

2: Past Master degree is not displayed as it does not involve itself with the storyline of Freemasonry, but rather imparts lessons of governance

What follows is a list of the degrees and orders of the York Rite (in the order they are presented, not chronologically) with a description I will discuss where and how they fit upon the timeline (as illustrated above):

In the degree of Entered Apprentice Mason, the candidate is introduced to the values, principles, tenets, and legend of Freemasonry. We learn that they held their meetings on the ground floor of King Solomon's Temple and were the bearers of burden moving the crucial materials needed to erect this famous edifice. The lessons of this degree are Truth, love, charity, moderation, courage, prudence, and justice.

As a Fellow Craft Mason, one is taught that meetings are held in the Middle Chamber of King Solomon's Temple, and the journey accompanying your way there, and on the wages of a Mason. The lessons of this degree are the need for acquiring knowledge and education, charity, and obedience to the established rules of our Ancient Craft.

In the Master Mason degree, we are instructed in a great tragedy, the death of our Operative Grand Master, Hiram Abiff, prior to the completion of the Temple. The candidate is taught lessons of fidelity and the struggle against the enemies of Freemasonry: tyranny, ignorance, and fanaticism. By the end of the degree, the candidate learns the substitute for the Word that was Lost with the death of Hiram. The most pronounced lesson of this degree is unwavering fidelity in the face of adversary.

Since the dawn of civilization it has been man’s desire to make his mark upon the world, to leave something lasting and permanent, for a part of him to survive long after he is gone.

- Grand Commandery of Indiana

In the Mark Master degree, the candidate is taken back and represents a Fellow Craft during the construction of the Temple whose work is not appreciated at first, but later becomes the "chief stone" required to complete the Temple as seen in the Most Excellent Master degree. The candidate is instructed on many valuable lessons such as charity and honesty. The candidate is also taught to distinguish his work with a "mark" (an extremely old practice) and how to properly receive his wages which were previously discussed in the Fellow Craft degree. This degree is considered to be the bridge between Operative and Speculative Masonry.

I didn't place the Past Master (V) upon the timeline because the American ritual doesn't deal with any particular time, although I could have placed it after the Master Mason degree. Some have speculated that this degree deals with King Solomon's inspection of the Temple just after its completion and just prior to its dedication. This degree is conferred because it was custom for only Past Masters to be exalted to the degree of Royal Arch Mason. This degree does not confer the title of Past Master upon a candidate, but only upholds ancient custom. This degree teaches lessons important to being a Worshipful Master particularly those of justice and harmony.

The ceremony of the Most Excellent Master degree is a spectacular and unique degree as it is the only degree that brings to the candidate's attention the completion and the ceremonial dedication of the Temple. This degree emphasizes the importance of reverence. This degree complements the degrees of Fellow Craft, Mark Master, and Master Mason, and completes the symbolic lessons introduced in each of those degrees in reference to the allegorical reference to building yourself as our operative ancestors built King Solomon's Temple.

Going through the Royal Arch Mason degree you follow the tale of the Jews return from Babylonian captivity to Jerusalem and are ascending the summit of the original degrees of Craft Masonry (as prescribed by the Antient Lodges). As a candidate, led by a guide, you return to Jerusalem to find it in ruins, but you are informed that the Jews have been permitted to rebuild the city and the Temple. The candidate is charged with removing the rubbish of the ruined Temple in order to lay the foundation for the new one. A Secret Vault is discovered which leads to discovering many artifacts that lead to the eventual discovery of the True Master Masons Word as promised in the Master Mason degree. This degree teaches lessons of service, undaunted fortitude, fervency, zeal, and the triumph of Truth over all forms of ignorance and tyranny.

The degree of Royal Master is split into 2 sections which cover two different time periods. The first section gives a dramatic understanding of the mindset of our Ancient and Operative Grand Master Hiram Abiff. As a candidate for this degree you represent Adoniram, a Fellow Craft, who had just finished creating a piece of the furniture that would be placed in the Sanctum Sanctorum, seeks further light, and implores Hiram, asking him when he will become a Master Mason. Hiram in turn imparts to the candidate the sublime teachings of a useful labor on Earth and a worthy end of life, noting that he may never receive the Secrets of a Master Mason. In my opinion, this is one of the most beautiful and impressive monologues within Freemasonry.

The second section comes to us just after the Tragedy of the Third Degree and demonstrates the great loss felt by the other two Grand Master of Ancient Craft Masonry. To honor the memory of Hiram Abif, this degree was instituted, and through the efforts of the candidate, he is admitted among those who may call themselves a Royal Master. This degree teaches lessons of patience, fortitude, and integrity. This degree complements a portion of the Royal Arch degree.

The degree of Select Master takes reference from the Secret Vault discovered in the Royal Arch degree and concerns itself with how it was created. The Secret Vault was created by the three Grand Masters and connects the events and myths surrounding the loss and hope of the future discovery of the Master's Word through the deposition of the Grand Master's secrets. The lessons of this degree are devotion, zeal, and overlooking the failings of those who through ignorance or curiosity may often overstep the bounds of propriety. This degree complements the Royal Arch and Royal Master degrees.

Leaving somewhat the legend of Ancient Craft Masonry, but also making reference to Royal Arch Masonry, the Super Excellent Master degree refers to circumstances that occurred during the siege of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar, commander of the Babylonian Army. This degree is noteworthy for its scenes of the Jewish court of Zedekiah and the Chaldean court of Nebuchadnezzar. It represents the final destruction of King Solomon's Temple and the carrying away of the Jews to the Babylonian captivity. This degree emphasizes the values of loyalty and faithfulness, and It teaches that while men may continue to build, the only permanent temple is that spiritual temple which each erects within himself.

This degree is an honorary one, and a member of the Council not needing to have it in order to hold membership or office. The degree requires the largest cast of characters of any of the degrees and ends with a climax never to be forgotten.

A candidate of the Illustrious Order of the Red Cross represents Zerrubabel and presents himself as a Royal Arch Mason to a Grand Council that just convened in Jerusalem to deliberate upon the unhappy condition of the country and which desires to find a means to secure the favor of King Darius in order to proceed with the rebuilding dealt with in the Royal Arch degree. The candidate is guided to the Persian court and reminds the King of his promises to aid the Jews in their work. Debate ensues and Zerrubabel boldly proclaims that Truth is on his side of the issue.  So impressed with the speech, King Darius decrees his support for the continuation of the rebuilding, establishes the Illustrious Order of the Red Cross founded upon Truth, and confers it upon Zerubbabel. This order is a transitional degree that bridges Royal Arch Masonry to Chivalric Masonry. The lessons taught to encourage the constant search for Truth, and emphasize the importance of Liberty and Justice with a right to worship Deity under whatever name he may be called.

Historically, elements of this Order were practiced in Ancient Lodges before the final form of the Master Mason Degree came into use. It is still practiced in the full ceremonial form by the Knight Masons of Ireland and the Knight Masons of the United States, and as the Red Cross of Babylon in the English Order of the Allied Masonic Degrees

The first Christian order in Masonry is the Order of Malta which is dedicated to Saint John the Baptist. After passing through the preparatory degree of the Mediterranean Pass (which surrounds the story of Paul on the island of Malta from which this Order receives its name), the candidate solicits himself to become a member of the Order of Malta. This ceremony teaches the history of the Maltese Order as inheritors of the crusading Knights Hospitaller.

The preparatory degree emphasizes the need for faith while the lessons of the Order express examples of love, mercy, and the unfearing and faithful martyrdom of Christianity.

Like the Order of Malta, it is founded upon the principles enunciated in the New Testament teaching that Love is the great characteristic of those who would aspire to immortality. Love which suffers long and is kind, Love which overcomes all hate and all difficulties and which will eventually, in a time we hope not too far distant, make of all mankind - Brothers.

The Order of the Temple is one of the most impressive ceremonies in all of Masonry and is the true capstone of the American York Rite. The candidate represents one seeking admittance as a Knights Templar during the Crusades. As a trial of his worthiness, there is enjoined upon him 7-years of preparation beginning with a time of unarmed pilgrimage and then warfare. After serving a majority of his time, he seeks admission, but he is commanded to devote the remaining year to penance as a trial of faith and humility. Many beautiful lessons are given during this ceremony such as reminding us of the mortality of this body, the glorious immortality for those faithful followers, reverence, self-sacrifice, and reminders to Him who suffered upon the Cross are inculcated. Once proven worthy the candidate is admitted a Sir Knight of the Valiant and Magnanimous Order of the Temple.

It is curious to note that compared to the British Templars there is a slight militant zeal instead of being more allegorical, although the American ritual is more impressive with the emphasis being placed upon the solemnity and reverence associated with the Passions of Christ.

British Templars Propose Withdrawing Recognition from the Grand Encampment

Today I was perusing the Internet when I came upon an article on the Masons of Texas forum that displayed a letter from the Great Priory of England that proposes a meeting be held on May 15th, 2013, that recognition is withdrawn from the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar of the USA.

It doesn't state the reason why they want to remove recognition, but it most likely revolves around the creation of the Grand Priory of the Reformed and Rectified Rite of the United States of America.

Brother Chris Hodapp has written some pieces concerning this issue:

Grand Priory of the Scottish Reformed & Rectified Rite of the United States of America

Another Shot Fired in the Rectified Rite USA Battle

Grand Encampment Sues Grand Masters

It will be interesting to see where things will go from here and how the Grand Encampment will respond. The Most Eminent Grand Master has some difficult decisions to make that will affect the future of the organization. I doubt there will be a solution that will please both sides of the issue.

Appointed as Orator

Today, St. Michael's Conclave of the Red Cross of Constantine met. I could not attend due to military obligations, but my fellow Knight Companions kept me in the loop as to the results of the business as today we held elections.

I was appointed as Orator for the ensuing year. I'd like to thank the newly elected Puissant Sovereign for appointing me to this chair. For those who are not familiar, the Orator has the pleasure of expounding the historical lecture of the Order upon the candidate.

Toda, Tri-Valley College No.178 of the York Rite Sovereign College of North America met and a good friend, Brother, Companion, and Sir Knight was initiated into the College. I wish I could have been there to see his ceremony, but I'm glad as he said he enjoyed the ceremony and he earned this honor.

Introduction to Martinism

When I first heard of Martinism I surprised to find very little on the subject and that very few Masons new about this mystical Christian denomination, particularly with its intimate connection with the Masonic fraternity in its early years. Here is a brief introduction of Martinism.

Martinism is named after Louis-Claude de Saint-Martin and is considered a mystical form of Christianity concerned with the fall of man, man's deprivation from the Divine, and his journey to reunite, or "Reintegrating", with the Divine, also known as illumination.  This tradition was first transmitted through a system of a "high Masonic rite" known as Ordre des Chevaliers Macons Elus-Cohen de l'Univers (Order of Knight Masons, Elect Priests of the Universe) established by Jacques de Livron Joachim de la Tour de la Casa Martinez de Pasqually (or more commonly referred to as Martinez de Pasqually) and which Saint-Martin was a member of.

De Pasqually was born around 1727 in Grenoble, France, and spent most of his life teaching this religious system. He was also a Rosicrucian and is said to have been an initiate of the Swedish philosopher, Emanuel Swedenborg.  He died in 1774 while on business in Saint-Domingue (a part of what is Haiti today). After De Pasqually's death, Jean-Baptiste Willermoz, another of De Pasqually's pupil's, established the Chevaliers Bienfaisants de la Cité-Sainte (Order of Knights Beneficent of the Holy City), or commonly known today as the Rectified Scottish Rite, which combined teachings of De Pasqually and the defunct Rite of Strict Observance.

Saint-Martin, born into a poor, but noble French family in 1743, first came upon the teachings of De Pasqually during his service in the French Army. As a result, he resigned his commission and moved to Bordeaux to be initiated into De Pasqually's Rite.  While serving as Secretary to De Pasqually he became knowledgeable on the teachings of the Order. He published many works, some of which would have a profound effect on Freemasonry, and all under the pseudonym "un philosphe inconnu" or "an unknown philosopher", from which time he has been referred to by this title. In some of his works, he laid out the plan he believed man should follow for Illumination, and placed an emphasis on Meditation and inner spiritual alchemy. Saint-Martin did not refer to these teachings as "Martinism", but rather called them "Voie Cardiaque" or a  "way of the heart".

Eventually, Saint-Martin would branch out on his own and teach his own mystic instructions separate from the Elus-Cohen. Surviving the French Revolution, Saint-Martin died in 1803 leaving behind his works and his initiates. Towards the end of the 19th century, the teachings took on a more structured organization with the assistance of Pierre Augustin Chaboseau and Gerard Analect Vincent Encausse (who is known by the pseudonym of "Papus").  This order was referred to then as "Le Ordre Martineste". These two men had set upon this endeavor as they feared the oral traditions that had been passed down by Saint-Martin had been altered as they both found each had been initiated by two different links stemming from Saint-Martin and, finding some inconsistencies in the transmissions, they wanted to preserve the teachings in a more consistent environment to enable them to further spread the message.

This more formal structure contained four grades called:

Associate

Mystic

Unknown Superior

Unknown Superior Initiator

They structured them so, and as such the first two grades were introductory ceremonies of the Martinist doctrine. The third grade is said to have been comprised of the initial teachings which Saint-Martin imparted on his original followers. Although there exists a connection to the Masonic fraternity with this system of teachings, the rituals are different from those delivered in the Lodge.

Since this time, and with the emergence of the Internet, many other Martinist groups have come into being with some differences in the number of grades and structure.

For those interested, here are some great resources (along with my sources):

Martinism

Martinist Order of Unknown Philosophers

References

1. A Brief History of the Martinist Order. (n.d.). Retrieved from Masonic Library: http://masoniclibrary.com/books/Brief%20History%20of%20the%20Martinist%20Order%20%28342%20pgs%29.pdf

2. Louis Claude de Saint-Martin. (n.d.). Retrieved from Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louis_Claude_de_Saint-Martin

3. Martinism. (n.d.). Retrieved from Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martinism

4. Starr, G. (2012, Nov). Ivan Vladirovich Lopukhin. Retrieved from Living Stones Magazine: http://www.livingstonesmagazine.com/PDF/Lopukhin_Freemasonry_Martinism.pdf

5. The History of Martinism. (n.d.). Retrieved from Ordre Reaux Croix: http://www.ordrereauxcroix.org/history/

Happy Thanksgiving

I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving.  I have so much to be thankful for and I thank God for every day of my life.

I am heading over to my Godparent's house and look forward to all of the delicious food and hanging out with my awesome little nephew.

Priests to God

By Ariel from "Rosicrucian Writings Online"

Priests to God! In distant
Did we tend the altar fire,
Where the pyramids of sages
Rose to say--"Lo! we aspire"--?

Were our hearts in consecration
On those altars purified,
That in future incarnation
Ne'er the Faith should be denied?

Priests to God! The vaulted arches
Of the heaven's lofty dome
Form the temple-close, where marches
Man to his eternal home.

Let us bear our tapers, lighted
At the altars of the East;
Keep the Faith that once we plighted,
Clad in spotless robe of priest.

Brothers, let us humbly labor
As God's earthly temple throws
Light divine on friend and neighbor,
Till each looks aloft and knows;--

Knows the sanctity of living,
Knows the Holy Place within,
Knows the incense born of giving
Life itself, to save from sin.

Priests and Brothers, death may sever
Ties that bind us to this sod,
But the Temple stands forever,
And we serve, as Priests to God.

Consistory

The fourth body of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry is called the Consistory. This body consists of the 31° and the 32°. Here is a brief description of the degrees:

31° - Inspector Inquisitor

The central teaching of this degree is justice. To be free, a Mason must begin by passing judgment on himself. He presents himself for examination. By acting honestly in first giving judgment on himself within the principles of justice and equity, it should not be doubted when he shall do the same to his brothers. The brother who finds mercy in himself, who has not been too lenient towards himself, or punish himself too severely, can also judge his brothers. In so doing, he can be certain that he has not acted contrary to his former obligations. He has freed himself. The lessons of this degree teach us to judge ourselves in the same light as we judge others consider both actions and motives.

The jewel of the degree is a Teutonic Cross of silver worn with a white watered ribbon around the neck.

Though no apron is worn in the Tribunal,  there was an apron that was to be worn when the  Inspector Inquisitor visited an inferior body. That custom has been dispensed with but the apron is still a part of the history and symbolism of the degree; so it is displayed here. It is of pure white lambskin with a Teutonic Cross embroidered in black and silver upon the flap.

The collar is white and at the point upon the breast is a gold triangle emitting rays with the letters 'XXXI'  in the center.

32° - Master of the Royal Secret

This degree teaches many lessons, but the mystery concealed is that man is a creature of free will and capable of recreating himself. If he accomplishes this goal, he will attain a genuine power that can shake the limits of science, surpass the problems of this earth, decipher the secrets of space, surpass the limits of ceremony and catechism, and attain genuine enlightenment; a gnosis which is the foundation of all religions. He will also surpass the narrow views of interest in the area of morals and will comprehend a genuine virtue that transcends his own interest. Thus, it will become his nature to help his fellow men,  and, in so doing, he will discover the divine light within which brings true freedom of thought, freedom of conscience, and freedom of culture.

The lessons of this degree are that "genuine brotherhood requires mutual regard, opinion, esteem, and charity". We always look for the good in all, make allowances for other's shortcomings. We trust the Supreme Architect to lead us to friendship, morality, and brotherly love.

A Soldier of the Light seeks truth and knowledge. A Soldier of Freedom demands for the people free vote and voice and attains freedom of voice, vote, and opinion for himself. A Soldier for Religion combats spiritual tyranny with reason and truth. A Soldier of the People encourages men to be self-reliant and independent. A Soldier of Scottish Rite Masonry is zealous and ardent in the performance of his duties to God, his country, his family, his brethren and himself.

The jewel of the order is a Teutonic Cross of gold with arms frosted.  In the center are the letters 'XXXII°', surrounded by a green wreath.

The apron is of white silk or velvet, twelve inches square, edged with two stripes of gold lace, each half an inch wide, and an inch apart, and fringed with gold. Between the stripes of lace is a stripe of black velvet. On the flap are embroidered six flags, three on each side, the lower one blue, the middle one red, and the upper one gold. On these, in the center, is a Teutonic  Cross of gold, and over that, an eye of gold, surrounded by rays. On the cross, a black double-headed eagle, with beak and claws of gold, holding a sword of gold, one claw on the hilt. On the body of the apron is the Tracing -Board of the degree in all the colors. The reverse side of the apron is of crimson silk or velvet. It is tied by a heavy cord of crimson silk.

The cordon is worn from the right shoulder to the left hip and is four inches wide, doubled, black-edged with white on the principal side and crimson on the other. At the point of the principal side is embroidered a red Teutonic Cross with a silver double-headed eagle superimposed. On the crimson side, at the height of the heart, is embroidered a Teutonic Cross in black.

References

1.Consistory. (n.d.). Retrieved from Scottish Rite of California: http://www.scottishritecalifornia.org/consistory.htm

2. Scottish Rite Degrees: Consistory. (n.d.). Retrieved from Master Mason: http://www.mastermason.com/jjcrowder/scottish/scottish.html#eagle

3. Scottish Rite Consistory. (n.d.). Retrieved from MasonicDictionary.com: http://www.masonicdictionary.com/consistory.html

4. What Are The Scottish Rite Degrees? (n.d.). Retrieved from Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry in Jacksonville, Florida: http://www.aasrvalleyofjax.org/scottish_rite_degrees.htm

Happy Veterans Day

A salute goes out to all the men and women who have served and are serving.

We should never forget everything they sacrificed in defense of our great nation!

I am spending the day hanging out with the Jobies raking up yards in support of Rake Up Boise.