Tuesday, November 29, 2011
MM Degree at Jerusalem Lodge
Great night at Jerusalem Lodge in Plainfield!! We raised 4 new brothers, three from Jerusalem, and one from Azure-Masada!! The Degree work was outstanding. Cudos to John Lashley for putting together a great team. Mike Emerson did a great job with the lecture, his first in open lodge. All of the Worshipful Masters from the 10th District were in attendance. It was just a great night to be a Mason!!
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Veteran, Brother, POW
RW Brother Hayden frequently writes in the NJ Freemasonry Yahoo! Group. As Veterans' Day approaches, we should never forget the service of vets like RW Bro Hayden.
http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2011/11/burlington_wwii_veteran_awarde.html
http://www.courierpostonline.com/article/20111108/NEWS01/311080023/Burlco-vet-gets-POW-medal
http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2011/11/burlington_wwii_veteran_awarde.html
http://www.courierpostonline.com/article/20111108/NEWS01/311080023/Burlco-vet-gets-POW-medal
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Freemasonry in the Wall Street Journal
Looks like Freemasonry's foray into the 21st century has made it into The Wall Street Journal!
Friday, September 16, 2011
Brother Brad Paisely
A little something about Bro. Paisley
http://www.masonsoftexas.com/content.php?297-Brother-Brad-Paisley
http://www.masonsoftexas.com/content.php?297-Brother-Brad-Paisley
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Project at Masonic Home
This is a little old, but it is good info about our Masonic Home.
Masonic Home completes solar project
Masonic Home completes solar project
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Mission of Honor
Earlier today, I attended the internment of 12 cremains of American Veterans at the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Wrightstown, NJ. These cremains have been sitting on the shelves of various funeral homes in New Jersey for anywhere from 8 to 37 years. These cremains were in funeral homes because there were no family members to claim them. But thanks to the dedication of the New Jersey Mission of Honor, these cremains today received a proper military funeral and these veterans can now rest in eternal peace.
The New Jersey Mission of Honor was one of the charities that MW Joe Rival, 2010 Grand Master, and on whose staff I was proud to serve, supported during his term. MW Bro Rival was asked to participate in this very solemn ceremony, and those of his staff who could make it were also there.
It was one of those events that made me proud to be a Mason, knowing that my great fraternity (and especially the Grand Master on whose staff I served) supports the Mission of Honor. Also, as a veteran, I am glad my brother veterans have finally received the burials they deserve.
The New Jersey Mission of Honor was one of the charities that MW Joe Rival, 2010 Grand Master, and on whose staff I was proud to serve, supported during his term. MW Bro Rival was asked to participate in this very solemn ceremony, and those of his staff who could make it were also there.
It was one of those events that made me proud to be a Mason, knowing that my great fraternity (and especially the Grand Master on whose staff I served) supports the Mission of Honor. Also, as a veteran, I am glad my brother veterans have finally received the burials they deserve.
- Owen J. Harris (1897-1977) Merchant Marine - WWII
- Neil Krisch (1917-1978) US Army - WWII
- John F. Bannon (1924-1993) US Army - WWII
- Ralph M. Dorsch (1920-2003) US Army - WWII
- Andrew Fachet Jr (1904-1977) US Army - WWII
- Michael Begosh (1917-1991) US Army - WWII
- Arthur W. Harty (1924-1985) US Navy - WWII
- Frank Fryer (1901-1979) US Army - WWII
- Arthur J.C. Omdal (1909-1981) US Army - WWII
- Robert M. Hults (1917-1973) US Army - WWII
- George Davis (1904-1982) US Army - WWII
- John Barry (1904-1999) US Army - WWII
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
One down, two to go
Last night's EA Degree at Fidelity went very well. The officer chairs were full, and there was a good number of sideliners.
Tomorrow night is an EA at Mt Zion in Metuchen. Hope to see a lot of brethren there!
Tomorrow night is an EA at Mt Zion in Metuchen. Hope to see a lot of brethren there!
Friday, July 29, 2011
Lodges going dark? I don't think so.
Supposedly, summer is a time when lodges "go dark", in other words, they take a break from their normal activities. Well, I'm a member of 3 lodges, and it seems none of them got that memo, as each will have a degree in the next 10 days.
First, my mother lodge, Fidelity Lodge #113 in Ridgewood is having an Entered Apprentice Degree on Tuesday, Aug 2. Starts at 7:30 pm, and here are directions if you need them.
Not to be outdone, my second lodge, Mt Zion Lodge #135 in Metuchen is also having an Entered Apprentice Degree on Thursday, Aug 4 (just last week, we had a Fellowcraft). This also starts at 7:30 and here are directions for this degree. Just a note, for both of these EA Degrees, I'll be doing the lecture.
Finally, my third lodge, Jerusalem Lodge #26 will be having a joint Fellowcraft Degree with Azure-Masada Lodge in Cranford (directions). Not sure what I'll be doing there (I know it will NOT be the lecture), I'll probably find out on Monday at our rehearsal.
So much for going dark, but that is the way Masonry should be. Hope to see a lot of brothers at these events!
First, my mother lodge, Fidelity Lodge #113 in Ridgewood is having an Entered Apprentice Degree on Tuesday, Aug 2. Starts at 7:30 pm, and here are directions if you need them.
Not to be outdone, my second lodge, Mt Zion Lodge #135 in Metuchen is also having an Entered Apprentice Degree on Thursday, Aug 4 (just last week, we had a Fellowcraft). This also starts at 7:30 and here are directions for this degree. Just a note, for both of these EA Degrees, I'll be doing the lecture.
Finally, my third lodge, Jerusalem Lodge #26 will be having a joint Fellowcraft Degree with Azure-Masada Lodge in Cranford (directions). Not sure what I'll be doing there (I know it will NOT be the lecture), I'll probably find out on Monday at our rehearsal.
So much for going dark, but that is the way Masonry should be. Hope to see a lot of brothers at these events!
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
EA Degree at Jerusalem
Just got back from an EA Degree at my 3rd lodge - Jerusalem #26 in Plainfield. We initiated 4 new brothers, 3 from Jerusalem and 1 from Azure-Masada Lodge in Cranford. We had brothers from about 7 or 8 lodges there, and despite the heat, it was a great night. I did the lecture.
It was my first meeting as a member of Jerusalem Lodge, having affiliated earlier in the month. Maybe I should set a goal of joining enough lodges, that any week night I can attend a meeting!!
But the bottom line is that one of the things I enjoy most about masonry is degrees, because each degree means our fraternity is growing ever larger. Also announced tonight was about 3 other degrees (Mt Zion, Azure-Masada, and Lafayette) going on this summer, so much for going dark. Hope to see lots of brothers out there!!
It was my first meeting as a member of Jerusalem Lodge, having affiliated earlier in the month. Maybe I should set a goal of joining enough lodges, that any week night I can attend a meeting!!
But the bottom line is that one of the things I enjoy most about masonry is degrees, because each degree means our fraternity is growing ever larger. Also announced tonight was about 3 other degrees (Mt Zion, Azure-Masada, and Lafayette) going on this summer, so much for going dark. Hope to see lots of brothers out there!!
Monday, May 30, 2011
EA Degree at Jerusalem Lodge
Tomorrow night (May 31) there will be an EA Degree at Jerusalem Lodge #26 in Plainfield. There will be 3 candidates and I'll be doing the lecture.
If you're not busy, hope to see you there.
If you're not busy, hope to see you there.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Upcoming Degrees
Hope to see many brothers at the following degrees:
Thursday, May 10 - EA Degree at Mt Zion Lodge #135, Metuchen
Friday, May 11 - FC Degree at Fidelity Lodge #113, Ridgewood
Few things in Masonry are more enjoyable than seeing a new brother advancing through the degrees!
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Rib Fest at Philo Lodge
The Level Club of South River and Philo Lodge #243 will have their Semi-Annual Rib Fest on Saturday, May 14, 2011 from 1 to 5 pm to help support the Menlo Park MSA Visitation Program.
Come out and enjoy all you can eat BBQ Ribs, Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, Salads and more. DJ too!! Adults $20 / Kids under 12 $5 / Kids under 4 are free!!
This great event will be at the Old Bridge Masonic Temple, 120 Old Bridge Turnpike, South River, NJ
For further info, go to the Philo Lodge website
Come out and enjoy all you can eat BBQ Ribs, Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, Salads and more. DJ too!! Adults $20 / Kids under 12 $5 / Kids under 4 are free!!
This great event will be at the Old Bridge Masonic Temple, 120 Old Bridge Turnpike, South River, NJ
For further info, go to the Philo Lodge website
Thursday, April 28, 2011
The year comes to an end
Well, today in Atlantic City, my year as Grand Chaplain for the Grand Lodge of New Jersey came to an end. I felt a little chocked up when shaking hands with my fellow 2010 staff members as we told each other how we enjoyed serving on staff together, and when I thanked MW Bro. Rival for the appointment.
As 3 is prominent number in Masonry, to be on Grand Staff was an honor in three ways:
As 3 is prominent number in Masonry, to be on Grand Staff was an honor in three ways:
- It was an honor to serve the Grand Lodge of New Jersey and the brothers who compose it
- It was an honor to serve with the other members of the staff
- It was an honor to serve on the staff of MW Joseph H. Rival.
Now I will concentrate on my duties as the Masonic Services Association Representative at the Menlo Park Veterans Home and a sideliner at Fidelity and Mt Zion Lodges.
What else will happen in my Masonic life, this past year will rank as one my most memorable.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Time for Grand Lodge
On Tuesday, I'll be heading down to Atlantic City for the Grand Lodge Annual Session. It will be the conclusion of a very satisfying and enjoyable year on Grand Staff.
I've just added a Twitter feed to this blog, so I'll be tweeting every now and then from there if I get the chance. Probably just election results and stuff like that, nothing that won't be public knowledge shortly, but you will read it here first!
Have a great week everybody!
I've just added a Twitter feed to this blog, so I'll be tweeting every now and then from there if I get the chance. Probably just election results and stuff like that, nothing that won't be public knowledge shortly, but you will read it here first!
Have a great week everybody!
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Kilties in the 2nd District
Been a while since I made a post.
On this Thursday, April 14, the 2nd Masonic District will host a District-wide Master Mason Degree at Hawthorne-Fortitude Lodge in Ramsey. The 2nd Section will be perfomed by the Masonic Kilties of New Jersey! Should be a great night!
UPDATE: Unfortunately the MM Degree (with the Kilties) has been canceled and HF will be having a FC Degree.
On this Thursday, April 14, the 2nd Masonic District will host a District-wide Master Mason Degree at Hawthorne-Fortitude Lodge in Ramsey. The 2nd Section will be perfomed by the Masonic Kilties of New Jersey! Should be a great night!
UPDATE: Unfortunately the MM Degree (with the Kilties) has been canceled and HF will be having a FC Degree.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Remembering my roots
On Saturday, I attended the New Jersey DeMolay Grand Masters Class in honor of Joseph H. Rival, Jr, Grand Master of Masons for the State of New Jersey. It was almost 36 years ago to the day when I started my masonic life in a similar Grand Masters Class for MW Malcolm Wernick. It brought back some great memories.
One part, however, made me feel old. In the Orator's part at the beginning of the DeMolay Degree, which portrays the trial of Jacques DeMolay, has a line describing the events as occurring "nearly 7 centuries ago." The Orator was the first big part I learned, but when I learned it, these events occurred "more than 6 centuries ago". Have I been around that long that the ritual has to be changed to remain accurate? LOL
But seriously, I feel it is important we all remember our roots, where we started, not only ourselves, but every brother. Every Masonic Brother who you see and say "He is a great Mason, and I respect his opinion on all things Masonic" was once a candidate, knocking at the door of his lodge, not knowing what to expect. But what is really important, next time in your lodge, when you hear the knock on the door of a candidate, just remember that could be a future "great Mason whose opinion on all things Masonic is greatly respected". But to become that great Mason, he needs the proper guidance and mentoring at the start. It doesn't even have to be a formal mentoring program. For instance, sit next to a new brother at a meeting, just to give him a heads up on all the little things that go on (how to vote, observing the East, etc).
While I don't think I'm that "great Mason whose opinion on all things Masonic is greatly respected", I am grateful for that guidance and mentoring I received from my days in DeMolay, and that continues to this day. It doesn't only make me a better Mason, but more importantly, a better man and citizen.
One part, however, made me feel old. In the Orator's part at the beginning of the DeMolay Degree, which portrays the trial of Jacques DeMolay, has a line describing the events as occurring "nearly 7 centuries ago." The Orator was the first big part I learned, but when I learned it, these events occurred "more than 6 centuries ago". Have I been around that long that the ritual has to be changed to remain accurate? LOL
But seriously, I feel it is important we all remember our roots, where we started, not only ourselves, but every brother. Every Masonic Brother who you see and say "He is a great Mason, and I respect his opinion on all things Masonic" was once a candidate, knocking at the door of his lodge, not knowing what to expect. But what is really important, next time in your lodge, when you hear the knock on the door of a candidate, just remember that could be a future "great Mason whose opinion on all things Masonic is greatly respected". But to become that great Mason, he needs the proper guidance and mentoring at the start. It doesn't even have to be a formal mentoring program. For instance, sit next to a new brother at a meeting, just to give him a heads up on all the little things that go on (how to vote, observing the East, etc).
While I don't think I'm that "great Mason whose opinion on all things Masonic is greatly respected", I am grateful for that guidance and mentoring I received from my days in DeMolay, and that continues to this day. It doesn't only make me a better Mason, but more importantly, a better man and citizen.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
RIP Dick Burton
Earlier today, New Jersey Freemasonry lost a giant, as RW Brother Richard "Dick" Burton was called to the Lodge on High.
I don't think I have the room here to list all of Dick's Masonic accomplishments, but for about the last 18 years, he has served as the District Ritual Instructor (DRI) of the 2nd Masonic District. This is a job that most brothers will do for three years before they move on. But Dick had a passion for Masonry and its ritual which he showed up to his death at age 89.
He often said at DLI's that "We aren't here to criticize, but to teach". He really didn't need to say that, you could tell that from the way he ran a DLI. But he also pushed everybody in the District, including myself, to be their best.
When I was raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason in 1983, Dick gave the Lecture. On Thursday night, I'll be giving that Lecture at a Degree in Tenafly. I'm dedicating it to you Dick. I hope I do you proud.
I don't think I have the room here to list all of Dick's Masonic accomplishments, but for about the last 18 years, he has served as the District Ritual Instructor (DRI) of the 2nd Masonic District. This is a job that most brothers will do for three years before they move on. But Dick had a passion for Masonry and its ritual which he showed up to his death at age 89.
He often said at DLI's that "We aren't here to criticize, but to teach". He really didn't need to say that, you could tell that from the way he ran a DLI. But he also pushed everybody in the District, including myself, to be their best.
When I was raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason in 1983, Dick gave the Lecture. On Thursday night, I'll be giving that Lecture at a Degree in Tenafly. I'm dedicating it to you Dick. I hope I do you proud.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Master Mason Degree
Last night we had a Master Mason Degree at Fidelity Lodge, what a great night. We had great attendance, the ritual was good, and now we have a new Master Mason!!
It's hard to describe the feeling I get when a new brother is raised, it's something I never get tired of. It all goes back to what Robert Burns called the Mystic Tie. All the secret words and signs and grips probably can be found on the internet by anybody with a computer, but to experience that Mystic Tie, you need to go through and experience the three degrees. THAT is the real secret of Freemasonry.
It's hard to describe the feeling I get when a new brother is raised, it's something I never get tired of. It all goes back to what Robert Burns called the Mystic Tie. All the secret words and signs and grips probably can be found on the internet by anybody with a computer, but to experience that Mystic Tie, you need to go through and experience the three degrees. THAT is the real secret of Freemasonry.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Polar Bear Plunge
Still time to donate for the Special Olympics Polar Bear Plunge - Grand Lodge is sponsoring a team called Hiram on Ice. I won't be plunging, hey, it's hard enough to get me in the water when it's warm, but I did donate.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Fidelity Lodge Degree
Friday, Feb 25 - we'll be raising a new Master Mason at Fidelity Lodge in Ridgewood!!
Nothing I like more in Masonry than to initiate, pass, and raise new brothers!
Nothing I like more in Masonry than to initiate, pass, and raise new brothers!
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Gold Collar Degree
Just got back from a rehearsal for a Gold Collar Degree (Grand Staff will do the 2nd Section of the Master Mason Degree) we'll be doing at Alpine Tilden Tenakill Lodge #77 in Tenafly on March 10. I will be doing the lecture.
The rehearsal was in the Doric Room at the Historic Trenton Masonic Temple. I just love old lodge rooms, it brings me back in time and makes me feel connected to brothers from years back.
If you can make it out to the Degree at ATT, it will be worth it. The lodge is at 404 Tenafly Road in Tenafly.
The rehearsal was in the Doric Room at the Historic Trenton Masonic Temple. I just love old lodge rooms, it brings me back in time and makes me feel connected to brothers from years back.
If you can make it out to the Degree at ATT, it will be worth it. The lodge is at 404 Tenafly Road in Tenafly.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Welcome to my blog
Hi everybody.
This is my first entry in my blog, which will concentrate on my masonic activities.
I've been a Freemason for over 27 years, and I hope to convey my love for the fraternity in this blog. I've served as Master of my lodge (twice) and I'm currently serving the Grand Lodge of New Jersey as a Grand Chaplain.
Hope to posting be a lot. Enjoy.
Mike
This is my first entry in my blog, which will concentrate on my masonic activities.
I've been a Freemason for over 27 years, and I hope to convey my love for the fraternity in this blog. I've served as Master of my lodge (twice) and I'm currently serving the Grand Lodge of New Jersey as a Grand Chaplain.
Hope to posting be a lot. Enjoy.
Mike
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)