‘That Freemason Mark in Manhattan’

     
RW Bro. Mark “That Freemason Mark” Koltko-Rivera, Past Grand Historian of the Grand Lodge of New York and Masonic author, has a few speaking engagements upcoming at Masonic Hall.

On Wednesday, he will present “The Future of Freemasonry” at Kosciuszko Lodge 1085. Master Masons only. 7:30 p.m. in the French Doric Room on 10. From the publicity:

Mark Koltko-Rivera

In this presentation, much like Charles Dickens’ “Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come,” RW Bro. Mark Koltko-Rivera describes two distinct potential futures for Freemasonry—one very dark, and one very bright. He also describes how we will reach one or the other of these futures entirely on the basis of our choices as Freemasons. Come and learn how what you and your lodge will determine the future of our fraternity.


Mark also will visit Joshua Lodge 890 Wednesday, October 10 to present his lecture “The Vision and Mission of Masonry.”

That’s 7 p.m. Apprentice and Fellows are welcome! From the publicity:


Freemasonry has been described many ways over the past three centuries. Most of these obscure the fact that the fraternity has very specific purposes and distinctive objectives. In other words, Masonry has both a vision and a mission. In this presentation, RW Bro. Mark Koltko-Rivera explains precisely what this vision and mission are, and how we, as Freemasons, can further this mission and actualize this vision.

Come to learn more about the vision and objectives of Freemasonry; leave with inspiration and determination to make that vision real, and fulfill those objectives.

RW Bro. Mark Koltko-Rivera, Ph.D., is a Past Grand Historian of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons in the State of New York. He was raised a Master Mason in Winter Park Lodge 239 in Florida. Having moved to the New York City area, he is now also a member of Heritage Lodge 371 and Joshua Lodge 890, which meet at Masonic Hall in Manhattan.

He is the author of three books on Freemasonry: Freemasonry: An Introduction, The Mysteries of Freemasonry, and his latest The Resurgence of Freemasonry: Why Masonry Must Not Just Survive But Thrive—and How Masons and Their Lodges Can Make That Happen.

He holds a doctorate in psychology from New York University. At MEKR Consulting, he is a foresight consultant for the business and investment communities. He also consults to Masonic grand lodges on membership issues.
     

‘The Resurgence of Freemasonry’

     
The Livingston Library is at it again, this time welcoming the Right Worshipful Grand Historian to the lectern. The library is located on the 14th floor of Masonic Hall, located at 71 West 23rd Street in Manhattan. From the publicity:

The Resurgence of Freemasonry

Join us on Thursday, September 29 at 6:30 p.m. for what is sure to be an exciting lecture! Friends and family are welcome.

In his presentation, R.W. Bro. Mark E. Koltko-Rivera argues that the last thirty years of the fraternity’s history make it clear that, unless very serious and radical changes are made to the status quo, American Freemasonry will become all but extinct within the lives of the men whom we are now initiating. Koltko-Rivera explains why this is so, how we arrived at this juncture and, most importantly, what Masons can do to not only arrest the decline of Masonry, but also to bring about the resurgence of the Craft to a state where we have more Freemasons—and stronger Masons—than we ever had in the United States.

Please RSVP here.

About the Presenter

The Right Worshipful Mark E. Koltko-Rivera, Ph.D., is the Grand Historian of the Grand Lodge of New York. He is the author of the book Freemasonry: An Introduction, and the forthcoming The Resurgence of Freemasonry. He has appeared on Discovery Channel and History Channel as an expert on the American Founding Fathers and Freemasonry. He is also the founder and chief educational officer of The School of Freemasonry (www.freemasonschool.com), an online enterprise. Koltko-Rivera holds a doctoral degree in psychology from New York University. He is a Fellow of the American Psychological Association, and currently teaches as a Visiting Assistant Professor at Hunter College, The City University of New York (CUNY).
     

‘A True Story of Murder and Resurrection’

     
I don’t mind if Chris scoops me on Indianapolis news, but when he beats me to the blog on New York City Masonic news, I know I’m being outclassed. Anyway, Bro. Mark Koltko-Rivera of St. John’s Lodge No. 1 and The American Lodge of Research, among others, will present what I’m certain will be an enlightening talk on Masonic history later this month in Soho.

(You know Freemasonry in your locale is vibrant within and relevant without when brethren are booked to speak on Masonic topics in public venues. That’s New York Masonry!)

From the publicity:

Freemasonry in 19th Century New York:

A True Story of Murder and Resurrection

Sunday, August 23

4 p.m.

Hosted by New York 19th Century Society

at the Museum of Interesting Things

and Secret Speakeasy

177 Prince Street, Third Floor

Manhattan

Tickets available here.

The world’s oldest and largest fraternal organization, the Freemasons, entered the world of nineteenth century New York as a respected group that claimed many civic, religious, and political leaders among its numbers. By the late 1820s, Freemasonry was in tatters, under accusations of having committed ritual murder in an upstate community, it became the focus of the first single-issue political party in American history: the Anti-Masonic Party.

Hounded almost to extinction, Masons regrouped in the 1840s, and began a rise to national prominence resulting in the Age of Fraternalism later in the century when thousands of Masons marched publicly on the streets of Manhattan at regular intervals, and Masons publicly dedicated the Statue of Liberty and Cleopatra’s Needle. Yet, by the end of the century, the seeds had been sown for the rumors that plague Freemasonry to this day—accusations of devil worship and attempts at world domination.

Dr. Koltko-Rivera will go behind the events to explain the forces behind Masonry’s expansion, persecution, and triumph in 19th century New York.

Mark Koltko-Rivera holds a doctoral degree in psychology from NYU. The author of Freemasonry: An Introduction (Tarcher/Penguin, 2011), he is a 32º Scottish Rite Freemason, and a Masonic Knight Templar. He has appeared as an authority about Freemasonry on such television shows as Hunting the Lost Symbol, America’s Book of Secrets, Brad Melzer’s Decoded, and Ancient Aliens.

Listen, Mark is a good man and Mason, and a more than capable educator on things Masonic, so don’t hold the TV gigs against him. (I’d do them too if they asked!) And I also would attend this event if I could, but the MRF symposium ends Sunday, and I don’t know if I’d be willing or able to race up to Manhattan to arrive on time. Break a leg, Mark!
     

'ALR Festive Board'

     
Friday night was the occasion of The American Lodge of Research’s Annual Meeting for the election and installation of officers, and other necessary business. Oh yeah, and the Festive Board!

Bro. Mark Koltko-Rivera

A new change in by-laws has rescheduled our Annual Meeting from St. John Evangelist Day, when holiday travel and the inclemency of the season prevents a well attended meeting, to the proximity of St. John Baptist Day, when there are no such concerns, and we align ourselves with the regular calendar of New York Freemasonry. It was a good move, smartly thought out by the proposers. So ALR’s schedule of Stated Communications now is June 24 (unless June 24 lands on a weekend, holiday, or other religious observance, or coincides with Grand Lodge’s Saint John’s Day activities, in which case the Master will select a near weekday), October 29, and March 29.

Rather than have the 2012 officers jostled so soon into their original term, the line will remain in place, except for a switch of the Wardens. Bro. Henry now is in the West, and Bro. Daniel returns to the South. But we gained a Marshal upon the election to Active Membership of W. Henry Colon, junior Past Master of Shakespeare No. 750, who was installed moments after being made eligible to serve as an officer. The Installing Master was none other than RW Bill Thomas, the new Deputy Grand Master, who is a Past Master of ALR.

In other exciting news, RW Pierre F. de Ravel d’Esclapon was elected to Fellowship in ALR. The lodge’s Active Members elect Fellows extremely rarely, and only on the basis of outstanding Masonic research, and it was Bro. Pierre who settled centuries of uncertainty surrounding the Masonic membership of another Pierre, namely the designer of the Federal City, Major Pierre Charles L’Enfant. In the course of Bro. Pierre’s research into his terrific paper on French lodges in 18th century New York City, he also discovered in the meeting minutes of Holland Lodge No. 8 the evidence that answered the lingering question into L’Enfant’s Craft membership. Click here to read about that.

The firing glass.

Then it was time for the Festive Board. We headed to Sagaponack, one block down on 22nd Street, for a typically excellent meal with plenty of wine and various beers and ales. As Senior Deacon I was tasked with proposing the toast to MW James E. Sullivan, the new Grand Master. Bro. Mark Koltko-Rivera delivered the keynote, titled "A Primer for Esoteric Research," that acknowledges the reality of esoteric studies entering the field of Masonic research. I think it is safe to say modern Masonic research, beginning with the appearance of Quatuor Coronati 2076, has concerned historical facts (e.g. L’Enfant), and that doesn’t have to change if students approach the esoterica with the same determination to get at the truth. It is a tougher job, because facts are facts, but matters of the spirit ... are spiritual matters. Anyway, Bro. Mark’s lecture will appear in next year’s Book of Transactions.



Along the way, Bro. Henry unveiled the designs of various pieces of regalia and attire coming our way from Toye, Kenning and Spencer, including new officer aprons, membership jewels, neckties, and cufflinks.

As above: The ALR apron of Past Master Harold V.B. Voorhis photographed in its display case at a Scottish Rite valley.

So below: The TKS design (that's only a sheet of paper!) of one of the officer aprons coming soon to ALR. Looks like we're keeping it traditional. I am envious of the brethren in New York who have no Grand Lodge parameters on regalia design.

We didn’t get out of there until midnight. This was a really great evening, perfect even. The only blemish was found on my end at 12:10, when I exited the restaurant and found my car had been towed.

The finest public servants in the city work at Pier 76.

     

‘Festive Board of Research’

     

Big event next month. Book your seats now.

From the Secretary’s Desk:

Dear Fellows and Active Members of The American Lodge of Research,

There has been a very strong positive response to our upcoming Festive Board of Research on June 29 at Sagaponack . The Lodge would like to ensure that our Fellows and Active Members are reserved a seat as we have limited capacity.

If you have not already secured your place, please do so by June 4 by paying $65 either online or send your check to the Lodge’s address below.

It promises to be an exceptional evening, both intellectually and gastronomically, featuring a presentation on esoteric research by Bro. Mark Koltko-Rivera, Ph.D.

Program:

7:30 p.m. – Annual Communication in the American Room (Masonic Hall, 19th Floor)

9 p.m. – Festive Board at Sagaponack : Dinner, Talk, and Festive Toasts.

Sincerely and Fraternally,

Bro. Michael

Michael A. Chaplin, M.D.

Secretary

The American Lodge of Research

Masonic Hall, Box M2

71 West 23rd Street

New York, New York 10010 USA

'2012 Ingathering'

    
Alexandria Council No. 478 will host New Jersey’s Harold V.B. Voorhis AMD Ingathering this year on Saturday, July 28 at Livingston Lodge No. 11 in Livingston.

Papers will be presented by Bro. Frank Conway, Bro. Mark Koltko-Rivera, Bro. John Lawler, and Bro. Michael Neuberger.

The Grand Tilers of Solomon Degree will be conferred.

Honored guests will include:

• MV Joe R. Manning, Sovereign Grand Master of the Grand Council of AMD
• RV Matthew D. Dupee, Deputy Grand Master AMD
• ME Edmund D. Harrison, General Grand High Priest of the General Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons International

Registration is transacted on-line. Click here to sign up.

Thanks to V. Henry and V. Jose for the info. Graphic courtesy of Bro. Jeff at Lodgical.

ALR anniversary

 
Happy Anniversary wishes are in order! On this date in 1931 was held the Constituting Communication of American Lodge of Research under dispensation of the Grand Lodge of New York. (May 21, 1931 was the date of the first Stated Communication held under its own charter.)

The Magpie Mason is still playing catch-up in its reporting of recent events, the March 29 meeting of ALR among them, but before I tell you about that, let me share some ALR-related good news:

• The lodge's Publications Committee has been revamped by the Worshipful Master, with RW Bill Thomas serving as its new chairman, and the Master, Bro. Henry, Bro. Miller, and myself working together on the next book of transactions, which will go to the printer very soon.
• And ALR has a new website, one that is not hosted through Grand Lodge's site. Click here.
• In addition, there is a new Yahoo! Group for discussion of research, events, etc. Click here.

But about the latest meeting.

W. Bro. Uwe Hain presented "German Freemasons in the American Revolutionary War," which recounted the contributions of brethren from Germany... on both sides of the conflict.

That is the work of the lodge, and I'll explain more below but, in lodge business, there are a few announcements to make.

 

• Appointed to serve the rest of the year as Secretary Pro Temp, following the retirement of Harvey Eysman,  is none other than Michael Chaplin of Shakespeare Lodge No. 750, The Masonic Society, et al. The lodge extended a vote of thanks to Harvey, a Past Master and Fellow of the lodge who had served as Secretary for 23 years.

• Under membership, four new Active Members were elected, including Bro. Chaplin, our speaker Bro. Hain, and Bro. Mark Koltko-Rivera.

• A Special Communication has been called for Wednesday, September 29, when the lodge will meet in Syracuse. Details to be announced.

And in a related matter, Thomas Smith Webb Chapter of Research No. 1798, chartered under the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of New York, has published its first book of transactions. Its contents include "Symbolism, and Freemasonry as a Mystery School" by R.E. Piers A. Vaughan, Grand Principal Sojourner of the Grand Chapter of New York.

But back to Uwe's paper. He did a fine job of identifying the key military personnel from Germany who fought for the American and British causes, and who were Freemasons. The American War of Independence factors heavily in the story of Masonry in the United States, but it also is a component in the histories of Masonry in other countries.

Explaining how as much as one-third of the forces under British command actually were Hessians, the mercenary troops from Germany, he narrowed his focus, for example, to the 3,000 troops from the Braunschweig (Brunswick) region, including nine who would be initiated into the arts and mysteries of Freemasonry in an Irish military lodge, a lodge in which St. Patrick's Lodge No. 4 (Previously No. 8) has roots.

Nicholas Herkimer, of the Mohawk Valley area of New York (where there has been a village, a town, and a county named for him since 1788) would fight both for and against the British, but in both instances fighting for sovereignty. In the 1750s, during the French and Indian War (Seven Years War), Herkimer fought on the British side, against the invaders, but when the Revolution began, he quickly became a brigadier general of Colonial militia in his native area. He was made a Mason in St. Patrick's Lodge during peacetime in 1768.

Also on the side of American independence, of course, were the giants of history, like Baron von Steuben, the Prussian general staff officer under Frederick the Great, credited with creating the Continental Army by instilling the training and discipline the troops had lacked. He was a member of Trinity Lodge No. 10 (now No. 12) and later affiliated with Holland No. 8, both in New York.

And there is Baron DeKalb, the native of Bavaria who served under the French flag, under LaFayette, and became a major general in the Continental Army. He died of wounds sustained during the fighting at Camden, South Carolina in 1780. He funeral was a Masonic obsequy, officiated by none other than Gen. Charles Cornwallis, commander of the British forces in the south.

Of course there is much more information and many more details in the paper itself, which will be published in a forthcoming book of transactions of the lodge.

The next Stated Communication of the lodge will be Friday, October 29 at Masonic Hall in Manhattan. On the agenda thus far is the Magpie Mason, delivering "An Emblem of a Pure Heart: An Aromatic Editorial," which discusses the Pot of Incense as a Masonic symbol. I hope I'm only an opening act for someone better.