Inactivity

RmOlano

09Aug09

The problems with (our the) inactivity of our membership have more to do with what we do with our members after they are raised, not with how their degrees were conferred. --- PM

The statement gave me a pause, as at an impulse I would like to agree. Taking a Brother experience, there are Lodges who are sometimes little "aggressive" in filling up their empty officers line with "new blood" that sometimes backfired i.e. scared off the new guy once he found out the amount of work ahead. However, we can also agree that some "fresh meat" would accept the challenge. They would be honored for the consideration for an office, as that was a testament to confidence and hope. And indeed, there are some newly minted members whose conviction to the Fraternity is not yet fully developed would get "intimidated," may resent the pressure and disappear. There are those who see beyond the notion of good old boy system, knew what they are searching for therefore, disregarded the background noise and continue to seek the furtherance of his light. With or without office and title.

Although we can say that, the Fraternity is not about baby-sitting new members i.e., finding something for them to do, as there are so many things for them to do, the statement from WB from VA rings so true. However, instead of saying "we" I am looking more to the side of those who brought them in the first place. The way the "recruitment" work, is that someone sponsor and along X number of Brothers recommend a "well qualified" candidate. The signatures on a petition paper are not just dried ink on a parchment to satisfy a legal requirement. Those signed names are testament that some trusted Brothers gave their word that the petitioner has the potential of being someone worthy of being accepted into the Fraternity and be called--- a Brother. The question now is what happened to these sponsors who are suppose to nurture and teach the ropes to these new guys? This really a rhetorical question as we all know in today's quest for more members, the signatures on petition papers often times are just for formality. Many times the candidate did not even know who the signers are. So we are back to the chicken and the egg scenario. Signers do not feel the "ownership" of the nurturing of the new guy who don't know whom he could turn to for "up close and personal" guidance relative to Masonic issues. Most of the time these duty and responsibility falls into the lap of Master of the Lodge as if he does not have anything else to do. Granted there is a lesson about the EA proximity to the East but just like any other lessons in our Craft, those are not to be taken literally.

I agree in part with our WB in that there are more tasks to be done after each degree and I take the other view relative to how Masonic Degrees were conferred. Those with weak resolved could be weeded out or allowed not to continue after each degree. Only those willing to go through certain prescribed process should be permitted and partake the group journey like those "who have gone that way before." To reiterate my opinion in regards to one-day class;

"There are those who opposed this idea for its unfairness to those who will miss the very essence of the initiatory process. There are many small and invisible but valuable nuances that make up an experience, sitting on the chair and watching someone stumble on might be funny at a time but that is not what the Degree work is about." One Day Class.

Do not grade our Craft by action or inaction of individual Lodges or members, as they might not share Albert Pike vision of Freemasonry in 1888, "a system of morality veiled in allegories and illustrated by symbols." A light from same source passing through a prism would result in multitude of colors. If our Craft is a prism, who can say that someone is incorrectly or seeing less colors compare from someone else. Is it possible to see same light, same result, and same intensity from different perspectives? Who can truly see the darkness of my soul? Many Brethren doesn't even think of the quest hence, I congratulate those who found their question and bade good tidings in their personal search for that was lost. It would be pleasure to correlate what discoveries you have made----maybe sometime in the future.

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Masonic Titles – An Observation

by RmOlano
09-09-09

Honorificabilitudinitatibus -"the state of being able to achieve honours."

In an organization that espouses a notion of equality among members in particular and humanity in general, it is worth mentioning of the widespread use of Masonic titles and its apparent acceptance. The titles come abound such as religious sounding designation--- Most Worshipful, Right Worshipful to self-styled label as Past Assistant Grand Secretary. On a personal level, there are the alphanumerical amalgamation after a name e.g. “32,”“33,” “PDDGM,” “Founding Mmbr,” etc., which sometimes attended by letters before ones name such as “SK,” “VW,” “WB,” and other similar symbology. The long list of letters before and after names sometimes compete with equally long list of Masonic affiliations which at times takes half the page of correspondence. While this practice is a personal choice therefore, could not be characterized as “right” or “wrong,” this writer sometimes wonder where is the real message. Is it in the body of the letter or imbedded somewhere between the alphabets and numbers accompanying the name? There a little doubt as to the object of the effort is to identify oneself to the audience thereby establishing credibility. Although someone can offer divergent rationale, an introduction to an audience is an accepted and civilized etiquette. In the same token, the manner by which one conducts his introduction also establish the rule on how the player intend to play or expected to be treated. When someone is placing heavy emphasis on the importance on titles and decorations thru symbols, this seemingly inconspicuous act could be interpreted as an alligorical attempt to illustrate ones transition from rough ashalar to a polished marble. The perceived state of smoothnes might be indicative of ones apparent understanding of arrival within the arena of Masonic honorificabilitudinitatibus where the number of degrees completed or offices held were deduced as the validation of fruitfull Masonic journey.

The Fraternity is not immune to this concept. Organized entities such as military, religious or even academia carry out this human pleasure world wide. Like any culture, there are rules when, where, and how honorifics are to be practice. From military’s colorful ribbons to announce achievements to feminine laces decorating black robes of Supreme Court female justices, symbols are unspoken message of one-way communication. In armed services, ranks symbolized by uniform collar, shoulder or sleeve badges denotes hierarchy and corresponding demand to adherence with the protocol of military tradition. A salute is given to the rank and not necessarily to the person wearing the insignia. There are times when salute is given when not in uniform, this is because of the respect owed to the individual. In military, true respect is earned by trust and not by dressing up with metallic devises. In the absence of uniform, most civilian entities utilize titles instead. In United States, a judge of court of the law is introduce as “The Honorable John Doe” while the judge will simply introduce himself as “I am John Doe, judge of XX Court” not as “I am Honorable John Doe.” The same rule applies to our Fraternity, someone would introduce a past master as “Worshipful Brother John Doe” who would sign his name as “John Doe, PM” not as “WB John Doe, PM.” Masonic titles such as “Sir Knight John Doe” is a title to be used within the confines of Knights Templar Commandery when in session. Outside the asylum the “Sir Knight” title has the same effect as using “32 Degree” within a Blue Lodge--- it doesn’t carry measurable connotation. There are honorary titles conferred by Universities to invidual such as Doctor in Education, Philosophy, etc. Generally, only those who received the degree in traditional manner are entitled to use the title “Doctor” however, there are segment of receipents that believed otherwise.

Honorifics are words or terms of respect used when referring a person. Its is given and awarded during the moment as recognition to deserving personage. A manifestation of respect, it is earned and at a times very challenging to own in perpetuity. Those who truly recognize the lessons of the Craft will receive the words with humility and with the same passion of wearing a plain lampskin apron rather than the model bedecked with fancy handwork. Indeed, astute student of the Craft understand that vanity loom to its conclusion when his “weary feet shall come to the end of its toilsome journey.”

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Masonic Clubs

by RmOlano
Hanford Lodge No. 279 (CA)
12Feb06 (Snow Storm Charles)

With the exception of Masonic Clubs in places where there are no Masonic Lodges exists such as in Diego Garcia, Bahrain, UAE and other places, possibly drawn by something lacking in their own Lodge, the brethrens often finds Masonic Clubs attractive for many reasons. Non masons such as wife, girl friends, co-workers can attend, semi-formal gathering, lunch break activity, etc.. are some of the unique atmosphere that makes it appealing. However, for brethren who cannot find time to attend the stated meeting or degree works, it seems strange to find one’s availability of spending time in Masonic Club. We all heard the complaints about boring meetings, long monotonous degree works, but yet brethren found moment to attend and enjoy their Masonic Clubs. The question we could then ask is what makes our brethren forgo the regular Lodge and choose Masonic Clubs instead? What makes physicians, carpenters, police, firefighters, college friends or brethren with same nationality form their own group and separate themselves from the rest? Is this a human reaction to circle the wagon for mutual defense or a tint of elitist corporeal and mental faculty to flaunt around?

No one, especially this writer contends that Masonic Clubs should be banned. No one in their right mind living in a democratic system of government would ever come close of proposing that idea. As it was said before with the exception of places where regular Masonic Lodges are not established, Masonic Clubs does offer a competition for the most valuable commodities of man--- time. And here lies the challenge to our regular Lodges, the leadership must offer something that would attract their membership back. Every man is unique and prudently must be treated individually. However, given that multitude of reasons can be given as an excuse for dropping off, human beings looks for the appreciation for the contribution of his particular skill(s). The honest acceptance in a voluntary group might be the key for holding his interest.

Do we really believe that because the District Inspector mandated that all Lodge Officers must attend the School of Instruction was the reason why brethren attend such events? Brethren showed up because they like to be there. They enjoy the company and looks forward to the evening of camaraderie. Masonry is a voluntary activity, no rules nor do solemn obligations make its members stay active other than him. No implied or direct threats from anybody even from Grand Lodge itself will make individual Mason to “like” to participate and “enjoy” in Masonic activities.

In the context of brethren participation to both, one can draw a notion that the proliferation of Masonic Clubs is an indication of something is eroding and vanishing from the local Lodges. The time honored rituals and its accompanying lessons in Freemasonry are not obviously being work in Masonic Clubs. Therefore, it could be argued that many other Craft illustrations and Masonic etiquette were not given emphasis thus were not practiced. We are living in a time of fast-foods, ATM, cell phones where time, distances were non-issue and human-machine interactions were just part of normal way of life. The Lodge is a rare place where civilities are expected during its transaction of business. When properly done, time stand still during opening and closing rituals. The actions and words spoken in the rituals within the Lodge convey Mysteries in Freemasonry---Lessons in Life. Masonic Clubs conduct its business like other organizations such as Lions, Rotary Clubs and the likes. While they have worthy causes and aims, the Craft encompass more than they could offer.

This article is not about putting culpability on Masonic Clubs for “taking away” brethren’s time from the regular Lodge but rather provoking a thought for brethren members of the club. As a member of the Craft, what are we truly seeking which could be found in place beyond our regular Lodge? Of what are we in search of ?

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Masonic Symbols

By RmOlano
17 June 2005



In Nov 2004, The MW Reynold S. Fajardo, PGM, Grand Secretary of GLP wrote an article titled The Philippine Flag-its Masonic Roots which is currently posted in the website of the Grand Lodge of British Columbia and Yukon. View the excellent historical resource and appreciate the Masonic influence not only to the flag which symbolizes the Filipino nation but also the struggle for independence led by our brethren of the Revolution.


In the aftermath of a recent popular movie, the subject of the Masonic influence or conspiracy, depending on which side the readers is on, again raised the consciousness of the public. With equal regularity, the meaning of the All-seeing Eye on top of the unfinished pyramid printed on the one dollar US bill became the focus of those entities that are not too friendly with the Craft. An excellent article by S. Brent Morris, PM, Eye in the Pyramid published in the Short Talk of Masonic Service Association of North America, gave us the a brief historical data of the of creation of the US Great Seal and the Masons use of All-seeing Eye symbol. The article was a snippet of a historical articles of both US and our Craft and a must read for all students of Freemasonry. WB Morris concluded that the Eye of the Providence and the Masons All-Seeing Eye are the same representation of the Divine Omnipotence. That the symbols shared the same meaning therefore, its use was not necessarily motivated or dominated by Masonic ideal. The belief in a Supreme Being is not proprietary right of the Fraternity.


Freemasonry is a progressive moral science taught by degrees; it is veiled in allegories and illustrated by symbols. Symbols could be defined as something that represents something else such as emblems or signs. Some of the emblems mentioned in our lectures which, most of the time are given a cursory wish to be familiar with at a later time. In our contemporary era where consideration for ticking time gave way to the oral explanation of symbols of our Craft, the newly advanced brethren were instructed to seek the monitor and study its meaning. The same concern for time often times resulted in the opposite effect. With time in mind the following symbols illustrated in the Master Mason lecture are being enumerated as a reminder for our contemporary brothers that Masonry symbols goes beyond the Square and Compass.


a. The Three Steps are emblematical of the three principal stages of human life.

b. The Pot of Incense is symbol of pure heart which is always a suitable gift to the Deity.

c. The Beehive reminded us that man was formed for social and active life. Although independent for all other things, mankind is dependent to each other for protection and security.

d. The Book of Constitution guarded by the Tyler Sword reminds us to be watchful and guard our thoughts, words and action.

e. The Sword Pointing to a Naked Heart is an illustration for us to realize that justice will sooner or later overtake us.

f. The All-seeing Eye is a constant reminder that although our thoughts, words and actions maybe hidden from the eyes of man, He pervades the innermost recesses of the human heart.

g. The Anchor and Ark are representation of mans sanctuary from earthly life. Together it alludes to that divine vessel moored safely in a peaceful harbor which provides sanctuary and rest to the weary travelers of time.

h. The Forty-seventh Problem of Euclid teaches us to be general lovers of the arts and sciences.

i. The Hour-Glass is an emblem of human life. A powerful reminder of how swiftly the sands run, and how rapidly our lives are drawing to a close!

j. The Scythe is an emblem of time, which cuts the brittle thread of life, and launches us into eternity. When the sands within the hourglass dropped its last grain so as we must soon be cut down by the all-devouring Scythe of Time and be gathered into the land where our fathers have gone before us.



There are group of emblems that can not be discussed in public and are reserved to elucidation of the brethren of the Craft. However, it is suffice to say that emblems of mortality and immortality were equally visible to the searching eyes. The undertaking to search for message of symbols of Masonry is also a quest for the answer to the proverbial question of --- What is Freemasonry?

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A Question

by Rudy Olano
Hanford Lodge No. 279
10May06


"I trust this finds you well. I hope you do not find this improper and if so then please forgive me on basis of my age (19), but after reading your posts, you seem to posses an understanding and wisdom that far surpasses many others therefore may I ask the question which you recently asked me:

Is your involvement in the Masonic doctrine part of your search for the Light?"

Answer:

Let me thank you for the very nice words which seems to validate your rationale for apologizing. If you look hard enough you will find that your expectation might be in jeopardy. Nevertheless, in behalf of those who did not received your full attention, allow me if I may, to accept your thought in their behalf.

Somebody said that it is far easier to ask for answers than knowing the question. I indeed asked you a question and your response was quite a statement--- “a subject of every waking moment.” Your question regarding morality did elicit a lively reaction from the group including a fellow with a MA degree in Philosophy. You certainly know how to raise relevant issues--- you know your questions. An advance way of thinking with, should I say, a hint of yearning in Searching for that Which was Lost.

To your question, as my journey is not yet complete so, let me suggest that the answer is the other way around. It is the search for what Freemasonry is all about that I begin to understand that I lost something valuable and that I have to travel over a rough and rugged road bisected with trials and tribulations to find what I am searching for. --- Only to find out that I already know the answer, I just did not want to admit it.

So, here we are, where we started, a question to answer an inquiry. A familiar phrase to all Brethren of the Craft---What came you here to do? One way to answer that is to look deep into our heart----for yet another question.

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*** How pleasant it is to dwell in the knowledge that upon reaching lawful age the young man was properly vouched for and continued his search by knocking and gaining admission. May he find himself in his travel as well. ***