The character of a Freemason.

The character of a Freemason.

The real Freemason is distinguished from the rest of Mankind by the uniform unrestrained rectitude of his conduct. Other men are honest in fear of punishment which the law might inflect; they are religious in expectation of being rewarded, or in dread of the devil, in the next world. A Freemason would be just if there were no laws, human or divine except those written in his heart by the finger of his Creator. In every climate, under every system of religion, he is the same. He kneels before the Universal Throne of God in gratitude for the blessings he has received and humble solicitation for his future protection. He venerates the good men of all religions. He disturbs not the religion of others. He restrains his passions, because they cannot be indulged without injuring his neighbor or himself. He gives no offense, because he does not choose to be offended. He contracts no debts which he is certain he cannot discharge, because he is honest upon principle.”

SHORTEST LIVED MASON

SHORTEST LIVED MASON

General Thomas A. Smyth of the Civil War was raised in Washington Lodge No. 1 of Delaware on March 6, 1864. He was killed by a sniper’s bullet on April 9 and was buried by his lodge on April 17, 1864.

Bio from Wikipedia

Early life

Smyth was born in Ballyhooly in Cork CountyIreland, and worked on his father’s farm as a youth. He emigrated to the United States in 1854, settling in PhiladelphiaPennsylvania. He participated in William Walker’s expedition to Nicaragua. Smyth was employed as a wood carver and coach & carriage maker.[1] In 1858, he moved to Wilmington, Delaware.

Civil War service

He enlisted in 1861 in the Union army in an Irish-American three-months regiment, the 24th Pennsylvania, and quickly made acaptain. He was later commissioned as major of the 1st Delaware Infantry, a three-years regiment. He served at the battles ofFredericksburg (following which he was promoted to lieutenant colonel and then to colonel) and Chancellorsville. During theGettysburg Campaign, he commanded the 2nd Brigade, 3rd Division of the II Corps. During the Battle of Gettysburg, his men helped defend Cemetery Ridge and advanced to the area of the Bliss farm to oust enemy sharpshooters. Smyth was wounded on the third day of the battle and relinquished command briefly.[1]

Smyth retained brigade command during the reorganization of II Corps before Grant’s Overland Campaign. He led the second brigade of the first division from March 25 to May 17, 1864. When Col Samuel S. Carroll was wounded, Smyth was transferred to his command, the third brigade of second division, the Gibraltar Brigade. In October 1864, Smyth was promoted to brigadier general during the Siege of Petersburg. He retained his brigade throughout the siege.

Early in the Appomattox Campaign, Smyth commanded the 2nd division of the corps until Francis C. Barlow was assigned to lead it. In April 1865 at Farmville, Virginia, Smyth was shot through the mouth by a sniper, with the bullet shattering hiscervical vertebra and paralyzing him. Smyth died two days later, concurrent with the surrender of Robert E. Lee and his army at Appomattox Court House. He was promoted posthumously to brevet major general. Smyth was the last Union general killed or mortally wounded during the war, and is buried in Brandywine Cemetery in Wilmington, Delaware.[1]

MOON LODGES

A century ago thee were more than 3,000 Masonic lodges which can be described as “Moon Lodges”; in 1954 there were fewer than 500. These lodges meet on the day of the full moon for practical reasons; the brethren had light to travel by at night. There may have been some symbolic meaning also. The advent of electricity, street lights, and the automobile made the reason for meeting on such nights antiquated through unique. Many Grand Lodges now require lodges to meet on fixed days of the week.

Famous Freemason J.C. Penny

Founder of JCPenney, J.C. Penny, was a Master Mason.
Initiated: April 18, 1911, P. May 19, 1911, R. June 2, 1911
Lodge: Wasatch Lodge No. 1 F&AM Utah

THE FUTURE OF FREEMASONRY’ REPORT IS PUBLISHED

“The Future of Freemasonry” report is the first ever independent study conducted by a non-Masonic body, and was commissioned as part of the build-up to the United Grand Lodge of England’s tercentenary in 2017.

Produced by the highly respected Social Issues Research Centre (SIRC), an independent, non-profit organisation based in Oxford, which conducts research on social and lifestyle issues, socio-cultural trends and provides insight into human behaviour and social relations, the report suggests that, contrary to some misleading commentary, Freemasonry actually demonstrates genuine openness and transparency and it concludes that it is arguably more relevant today than ever before.

In particular, the report highlights that Freemasonry acts as a ‘constant’, providing members with a unique combination of friendship, belonging and structure, with many Masons saying they have made valuable lifelong friendships.

The report also highlights the importance that Freemasonry places on charitable giving, the part that many Freemasons play in their local communities and the central role of the family. As well as instilling in its members a moral and ethical approach to life – including thoughtfulness for others, kindness in the community, honesty in business, courtesy in society and fairness in all things – Freemasons are the largest charitable givers after the National Lottery, and also make major contributions to international disaster relief funds.

The role of ritual is shown to be an important part of Freemasonry for many members, with the report concluding that it provides both structure and familiarity, in just the same way as the normal rituals of daily life do for many people.

Nigel Brown, who has been the Grand Secretary of the United Grand Lodge of England since 2007 and is leading the plans for the tercentenary celebrations, says:

“This is just one step in our ongoing efforts to demonstrate our openness and transparency, and to inform people about the role we play in society.

“The tercentenary is a significant milestone for Freemasonry and while we’re keen to celebrate our first three hundred years, it’s also crucial that we look forward to ensure that we remain relevant and continue to grow our membership over the next three hundred.”

Peter Marsh, co-director of SIRC, said: “The “Future of Freemasonry” provides an insightful commentary, not just on the organisation, but also on modern society. Despite the many changes taking place – or perhaps because of them – our desire to be part of something and to help other people is undimmed. It’s here that Freemasonry has an important part to play.”

Nigel Brown concluded: “This report will form an important part of our discussions as to how best to ensure that Freemasonry continues to evolve and adapt to meet the needs of its members and also of wider society, while at the same time retaining the distinctive character and intrinsic values that have attracted members for centuries and continue to appeal to people today.”

Adopt A Highway Monroe Lodge 27

 

Adopt A Highway (61 of 170)

As  freemasons it is our civic duty to serve our community. Even for the labours endeavours none of us ever see or think of.  Such as  getting rid of the waste  on the highway

 

Full Gallery here

[AFG_gallery id=’2′]

FAMOUS INDIAN MASON Ely S. Parker

FAMOUS INDIAN MASON

Ely S. Parker, a full-blooded Indian chief, was the grandson of Red Jacket, a close friend of George Washington. He was a Union Brigadier General in the Civil War, and served as General Grant’s secretary. He was raised in Batavia Lodge No. 88, Batavia, New York, and later affiliated with Valley Lodge No. 109. He demitted and became a founder and first Worshipful Master of Akron Lodge No. 527 of New York. Ely Parker Lodge No. 1002 of Buffalo, New York. is named after him.

This week at Monroe #27 April 22nd 2013

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> Good evening Brothers. Here is what we have going on this week at Monroe #27. >
> Let me start off by thanking the six Brothers that showed up and participated in the Adopt-a-Highway cleanup on Saturday. We were able to work for a couple of hours and get at least a mile of the North bound lane of 75 picked up. We are hoping to have more of a turn out for the the July pickup date. We need to get the rest of the North bound lane completed and get started on the South bound lane. Ricky took some great pictures and posted them to our Facebook page. >
> This Saturday is our CHIP program that we sponsoring at the Monroe Mall for Celebrate Children Weekend. I know that Brother Sam Leach and Twila have been looking for volunteers to work this weekend. Set up is around 9:30 and it runs from 10:00 to 2:00. Even if you can only sacrifice one hour of your time, it would be greatly appreciated. The list I sent him last week was pretty thin. So, any thing that you can spare to help them out would be greatly appreciated. >
> This Wednesday will be fellowship. We do not having anything in the works for right now. Next month we will be preparing for the two/three possible EA degrees coming up. >
> Next Saturday we will be having our monthly Lodge Breakfast. I know that some of our volunteers will be out due to Turkey Season. If you are available to help out that morning, that would be great. >
> Lastly, Saturday was the last day to turn in your Candle Orders. If you have yet turned those into Mike Walters, please do so by Wednesday. >
> So, CHIP program this Saturday. See what you can do to help. Also, make sure you are wearing your Blue Shirts, >
> Have a great week.
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>
> Jason C. Gribble
> Worshipful Master
> Monroe Lodge #27
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Freemasonry as an organzation

“Freemasonry is an organisation of men who strive to live by the fundamental principles of truth, morality and brotherly love. It is a non-profit organisation and supports charity and community service. It unifies men of high ideals regardless of their colour, creed or worldly status.

There are several million Freemasons worldwide. The oldest Lodge under the Grand Lodge of South Africa was established in 1772 and the Order locally has withstood the tests of time as it has evolved to it’s present status of several thousand members. They are ordinary men, 21 years and over, of all religions and backgrounds, who share a concern for human values and moral standards and a respect for the laws of society and the rights of individuals.

There are many reasons why men choose to be Freemasons. It promotes brotherly love, self-development, family and community values. Freemasonry provides members with an opportunity for public service and hands-on involvement in charitable and community issues, as well as a chance for them to socialise with men from all walks of life without religious, political or social barriers.”
Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of South Africa,
Most Worshipful Brother Armiston Watson