Getting It Back Together

I realize that I haven't posted very much over the past two months, but life has been somewhat hectic to say the least.

My divorce is final, and my ex-wife and I remain friends. An uncommon feat these days and she deserves much credit for how smoothly the proceedure went. She's a good person and I wish her the best.

I have also moved, having sold my house.

The combination of these events as well as the demands of work, (I'm not complaining, I have a good job and interesting work - but it is time consuming.), haven't left me with much time to communicate about Masonry.

Then, much of my Masonic experience recently has been quite personal. I'm not sure even now I can find the words to convey what being a part of the Fraternity means to me, and how to articulate just how valuable the lessons of the Craft have been these past few months.

Right now, I'm just focused on getting it back together and making sure the second half of my year in the East at St. John's is fruitful for our Lodge Community. I'm sure as time goes by I'll be able to articulate the ideas that have been fermenting in my mind recently.

One facet of my Masonic experience that I can relate is I have found that the deepest secrets of our Art can't be articulated because words cannot accurately convey their meaning; and that my secrets may not be the same as any other Brother's. They have value to me, but I'm unsure if they would have any value to anyone else reading this blog. The best I can hope for right now, is that other's may have an inkling of what I'm talking about and may add their comments to more fully develop what I'm trying to express.

Back On Line - Half A Year Over - Long Post

Well, half my year in the East is over. It's been a long six months and no mistake.

I haven't posted here in a long while because my life has been undergoing a lot of changes lately.

For one thing, I'm going through a divorce. Now, before you think to post a comment on divorce, I think you should know that this was a mutual decision, and my soon to be ex-wife and I have reached a mutual agreement without the need for shouting and fighting and lawyers. We realized we are at the end of our run and it's time to go our separate ways. Adults can do this. Sure, I'm a bit sad. It's a little like a death in some ways. I don't regret the years we were together and we are still friends. In fact, we have plans to watch the Summer premier of one of our favorite shows together; and she has attended events at the Lodge with me. She even bought me the one book I wanted to read this year, Solomon's Builders. My reading has been suspended for a while, but I would recommend this read to any Mason.

But, this change meant that I had to sell the house I purchased before we gor married, and move to a new apartment. I made the decision to sell my furniture and get new, because I have had experience in trying to fit furniture into a space. This time, I decided to measure the space before getting furniture to fit it. (Geometry anyone?)

All of this meant that I have not had the resources to devote to my year that I thought I would when I started my year. I hope to gain some ground over the extended Refreshment over the summer.

One truly bright spot was a visit to Wylllys-St. John's Lodge in West Hartford. If you're a Mason in Connecticut, even if you come from a different Grand Jurisdiction, I would heartily recommend you visit this Lodge.

When I became a Master Mason and could travel, I couldn't wait to visit this Lodge. I grew up in West Hartford; and every weekend we would go to the Center and the. Library. A hobby shop, War and Pieces was right agin' the Temple and I always wanted to go inside. When I turned 21, I wrote them seeking membership because I knew no Masons. I never heard back, but that was before the era of openness we have now and understandable. I would have been a Mason twenty years before my initiation if they had. I'm not writing this to cast blame, I write it to give explanation of the elation I felt upon sitting there in Lodge a few weeks back. It was the a life wish come true. The Brothers there welcomed me with open arms, even though few knew me.

They had an Entered Apprentice Degree that night and the Worshipful Master graciously allowed me to present a Lecture. I can't find the right words to express how precious that night was to me. Thank you Brothers. You confirmed all the positive notions I had about Masonry that night and I hope to share your company again very soon.

A more recent stand-out moment for me was Awards Night at St. John's Lodge #2. One of our Brothers, W:.B:. Vince Cowie received the Peirpont Edwards Medal in Bronze. Vince is the salt of the earth and sits at my immediate left as Chaplain. I am so glad that a Brother who has given so much to the Fraternity has received his just due for his efforts. Congratulations W:.B:. Cowie!

There were quite a few "Purple Aprons" there that night. Including the Grand Master. Most Worshipful Brother Charles Buck Jr. a very easy Mason to get along with, in my opinion. But then, my experience with progressive line Grand Lodge officers has been very positive. I am aware of friction in other Jurisdictions, but in Connecticut, I have found progressive Grand Lodge officers to be approachable and engaging. Most Worshipful Brother Buck helped guide me through the evening. I was particularly happy to have St. John's Lodge #2 closed in Ample Form once during my year.

I have had the pleasure to engage Grand Masters and Past Grand Masters of Connecticut in my short Masonic career. Not one of them has been anything less than gracious and engaging. M:.W:. Sam Walker is also a Past President of Philalethes. From almost the start of my Masonic career, he has been open handed and open hearted in sharing his knowledge of the Craft with me. (He has also been very forgiving when I was intimidated by those who have held high office in the Connecticut Craft caused me to stumble over my words.) M:. W:. B:. Fowler and his wife are some of the nicest people you could meet in or out of the Craft. Mrs. Fowler has the wonderful ability to make friends instantly. M:. W:. B:. Gus Bodine has always had a hand out and a smile on his face every time I;ve met him. The first time he wasn't wearing his PGM Jewel and I didn't even know who he was. M:.W.B:. Howard has always been gracious and accomodating who has a fine notion of "how much is enough". (Difficult to expain if you've not met him.)

Then there were District Deputies and Past District Deputies. From R:. W:. B:. Mike Shear and Ed Valente to R:.W:.B:. Bill Barone, and R:.W:. B:> Cleve Huggins, they make the "business" of running the Craft fun and informative. And what can I say about Associate Grand Marshall Jim Nankin? He's the best of us. Jim, if you read this, all's I can say is "thank you", you rock.

Then there's the progressive Grand Line Officer from our District, R:.W:.B:. Simon LaPlace. I think he might be the first Grand Line Officer to embrace all of what 21st Century technology can do for the Craft. When I was in the East for the first time as Junior Warden for an E.A. Degree he understood that I was nervous not because of his personality, but his office and gave me "room to run" and get through the Degree.

There are so many other Brothers who wear the purple of the Fraternity here in CT that have been true and faithful Brothers in the best sense of the word that have helped me more than they will ever know. (Accousti!) I know that in some places there are difficulties, but in Connecticut, I think we have a solid corps of leaders at the Grand Lodge level. (That means you R:.W:.B:. Rudnick!)

It's been a strange road this first six months. I hope I can finish strong.

For old time's sake: "Stay tuned, or not, it's up to you."

Have A Seat

This is a picture of the East in St. John's Lodge #2 in Middletown Connecticut.

It is my station for this year as I was elected to serve as Worshipful Master for 2010.

For the first time since my installation, I will not occupy that seat for the first meeting in Jund as I have an opportunity to do something I have wanted to do for thirty some-odd years.

The Lodge in my old home town is having and Enterred Apprentice Degree that night, and I have been invited to do one of the lectures of the Degree. The chance to participate in a Degree is always an honor, and I am deeply appreciative of the Worshipful Master of that Lodge inviting me to do so.

As a child and young adult, I passed that building countless times and had always wanted to see the inside of it. In college, I joined a Greek Letter fraternity and became acquainted with the value of fraternalism.

When I turined twenty one, I wrote the lodge asking how I could become a member. I never received a reply.

I'm not faulting the Lodge. This was well before Freemasonry was again brought to the forefront of popular concisousness. I can understand why they may have been reluctant to respond to an inquiry like mine.

So, I am going to relish visiting this Lodge. While I am attending, our Senior Warden will take the East and preside.

So, Brother Senior Warden, have a seat! I hope you enjoy your evening as much as I anticipate I will enjoy mine.

Just For Fun

Long Time Gone

In the previous incarnation of this blog, I routinely opined on how one applies the teachings of the Craft to everyday life.

I have found that theory is far less taxing than practice.

The reasons for my long absence are my own. Suffice it to say that my life is about to change in several dramatic ways. Time alone will tell if these changes are for the better.

Between my job, my personal life, and the Fraternity there has been precious little time for other pursuits. I'm not complaining. I do hope that in roughly two weeks time life will become a little simpler and will settle to a manageable level of chaos by the beginning of August.

Through all my recent upheavals, Masonry has proved to be an invaluable support network that keeps me grounded and has been a wonderful balm against the travails of life.

My personality inclines more toward reading and ruminating rather than - how can I put this? Rigorous engagement. Even so, it's been the warm smiles and firm handshakes of the Brethren that have driven home the lessons of the Craft and the value of Masonry to a man's life.

Indeed, I have received Master's Wages pressed down and running over. The regard of my fellows toward my present situation has conveyed the mysteries of Masonry more clearly and precisely than an entire library of esoteric volumes. To better understand what I'm trying to convey I suggest reading this .

Still and all, so far this year I have managed to visit some Lodges in my district that I haven't been to in some time, we have raised five Brothers, the pace of one Trestleboard per quarter is still on track, Schools of Instruction have been held on a regular basis, and it appears that my goal of presenting every lecture of all three degrees is on track to be completed. We have had a Masonic program every Stated Communication at which there was not a degree.

But, I have found that the plans I had for my year as Master are not all falling into place because my attention has been perforce focused elsewhere. I'm hoping that the Summer Break will allow me to rest and regroup and implement those plans during the remainder of the year.

I'm also hoping that as events come to their various conclusions that I have more time to devote to this blog.

As I've written, time alone will tell....

Paid

It isn't the thing, it's the thing the thing stands for.

Sometimes you're paid your wages when you least expect them. A kind word from a Brother that let's you know the work you've done was noticed and appreciated.

I'll take it over a bauble any day. It means more.

It came, though, as we were about to say a final farewell to a great and good man. A man that I will miss very much.

Right Worshipful Brother Bertrand Bradbury was called to the celestial lodge above this past Friday. He, and his Associate Grand Marshall, (who conducted the Masonic Service), made coming to Lodge every other week when I first joined, fun.

He was always ready to share what he knew. Always ready to welcome a new Brother and to share a cigar.

I've always hated how some make the departed out to be someone they were not. R:.W:. Bro:. Bradbury was no plaster saint. He was a real one with passions - controlled and subdued, but there none the less.

I'm going to miss the hell out of him.

I remember he once showed up in a leather jacket and slacks to do an inspection because the Lodge neglected to tell him they thought we was to do an inspection.

Didn't matter.

The Craft needed him and he was there.

I will never forget his pride when I was able to answer a question at a Grand Lodge Ritual Seminar. He was glad to know that the lessons we try to teach were sinking in.

I wish I could remember one of his jokes to share with you. He had a great sense of humor.

But I can't. Tonight all I know is that I miss a good friend, a good man, and a good Mason.

I can't remember who said it, but they were right: "Parting is all we know of heaven, and all we need of hell."

Rest well my friend. Until we meet again....

Fumes

I've been running on fumes lately.

Without going into detail, my life is "a little complicated" right now.

I've noticed that I've become a bit more cranky as this year progresses.
I'm tired most of the time, and I starting to wonder if anything I do this year as Master will really ever make a difference.

I'll also admit that recently, I felt as if I have not recieved the wages that were justly my due. You work a job, you get a paycheck. In Masonry, you put in your effort and your only pay besides seeing that you've made a difference, is recognition.

I know, I know, there will be some who read this and say: "We don't do it for the recognition, we do it because we're Masons and we should blah blah blah.

That gets me fuming.

If you put your best effort forward, if you break your back to do things well and make things right, at the very least there should be some form of recognition.

And before any Mason wants to remind me of the unselflessness of the institution may I remind them that there are Masonic wages?

Both in and outside the Craft, I'm starting to feel like most, (but not all), the events and people in my life are like mosquitoes siphoning off a little of my blood bit by bit until my vitality has been drained.

I'm starting to think that no matter what I do, in the end it won't have mattered a fig.