‘A new look for Masonic Hall’

    

Masonic Hall has been behind scaffolding for so long—I really don’t recall how many years (six?)—that some of us may have forgotten what it looks like!

Bro. John Wayne quotation.

These scaffolding companies that blight the city leave their property on work sites long after the labors are completed because, basically, it’s just cheaper and easier to leave them, rather than deconstruct, truck off, stow away, and relocate & reassemble when needed next. There’s really nothing you can do about it.

Bro. Theodore Roosevelt quotation.

But it’s finally gone, and the coolest building straddling the Flatiron and Chelsea neighborhoods is unobstructed. To celebrate the return to normalcy, the Masonic Hall Trustees, acting through board member RW Michael Siegel and Ms. Nikole Kniesel, Director of Marketing and Special Events at Masonic Care-New Rochelle, have given the facade a new look. And in time for Grand Lodge’s 241st Annual Communication Monday too.

Grand Master Richard J. Kessler quotation.

Photos courtesy RW George Filippidis, Trustee.

Bro. Ray Robinson quotation.

      

‘For your Brotherly Love’

    

For Your Love, Bro. Francis Dumaurier’s biography of Bro. Giorgio Gomelsky, has been available in digital format for more than a year, but the high quality print versions are coming to market now. In fact, on Sunday, Dumaurier will launch his book in London with a celebration at the historic Crawdaddy Club, where the Rolling Stones got their start and the Yardbirds later served as the house band. (A New York City book launch is coming in June.)

Giorgio Gomelsky (1934-2016) was the impresario and record producer who figured significantly in the Swinging Sixties without himself becoming a household name. I mean he was a name in my household—or at least in my bedroom where my record collection was—but I don’t think he ascended into the stratosphere like Brian Epstein, George Martin, Andrew Oldham, et al.

But, did you know it was Gomelsky who introduced the Beatles to the Stones? Sure, they would have met eventually, but that encounter was sixty years ago last Friday at the Crawdaddy Club. Later in 1963, the Stones would have their first hit single with “I Wanna Be Your Man,” penned pretty much for them by Lennon and McCartney.

Born in Soviet Georgia and died in New York City, Gomelsky’s story has ups and downs, all of which are pretty amazing. He was at Masonic labor in l’Union Française 17 in the Tenth Manhattan District, as is Bro. Francis.

Francis Dumaurier

Tickets to the event Sunday can be had here. There will be a book-signing, live music, and more.

     

‘Washington inauguration on Sunday’

    

Have any plans for Sunday afternoon? The corrupt and deranged “president” of the United States just mumbled his plan to seek re-election, so treat yourself to a balm for the spirits by coming to Masonic Hall for a celebration of the greatest President in a family-friendly event that honors U.S. history, Manhattan history, and Masonic history all at once.

Sunday will be the 234th anniversary of George Washington’s first inauguration as President of the United States, which took place downtown on Wall Street at what we today call Federal Hall. The President-elect (not a member of any political party, by the way), placed his right hand on the altar bible (a KJV) of St. John’s Lodge, and was sworn by Chancellor Robert R. Livingston, our Grand Master. Feel free to read more about that here.

Anyway, on Sunday at noon, New York Freemasonry’s George Washington Inaugural Re-Enactment Committee will host its annual tribute to the world-changing event by, well, re-enacting it. Federal Hall is closed on Sundays, so the brethren will get together in Masonic Hall, appropriately, in the Colonial Room on 10.

MW Richard J. Kessler, Grand Master, will be there with an entourage of Grand Lodge officers. The Sons of the Revolution of New York and the Knickerbocker Greys will serve as Color Guard. Family and friends of Freemasonry are welcome, and refreshments will be served afterward. Photo ID is required to enter Masonic Hall.

Make it a family day in the city. Just wear your kevlar, keep your heads down, and run like hell. After the re-enactment, head down to Film Forum to see Bro. Harold Lloyd in his brilliant comedy Hot Water.

     

‘Lodge of Military History and Holocaust Studies’

    

Among the dynamics in English Freemasonry is the repurposing of lodges considered at risk of surrendering their warrants. One such lodge revivified is Stebonheath 5521 in London.

Warranted on December 5, 1934, and set to labor at Royal Adelaide Gallery Restaurant in the Strand, its founding was sponsored by Merchant Navy Lodge 781. Stebonheath relocated around London several times until settling at the Central London Masonic Centre (now closed) about a decade ago. I don’t know anything about its ups and downs since then, or during these past nine decades, but word has been getting into social media lately about its current ambitions, namely to become a lodge focused on historic studies. Here is a concise message from Bro. Vern yesterday:

It’s been a long time in the making, but the first real meeting of the Lodge of Military History and Holocaust Studies is here—complete with the installation of the first Worshipful Master, special lecture, and dining at the Connaught Rooms. Spaces will be limited, so don’t miss out.

I pitched a question to see if this will be considered a research lodge, and I’ll update this if I receive a response. In the meantime, best wishes to the brethren behind this. Oh, and feel free to follow them on the Twitter here.

     

‘The Henry Price is right’

    

Pleasant news from within the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, where approval recently was granted for a name change of a Boston lodge. What had been Consolidated Lodge (they do not employ lodge numbers up there in the Commonwealth) until a month or so ago is now The Henry Price Lodge.

I’m a proponent of changing lodge names when one more descriptive and relevant is conceived. I’m guessing the name Consolidated Lodge was, at its invention in 2004, kind of a punt, something everyone in the amalgamation of several lodges could tolerate so they could focus on the other important details of merging. We had a Consolidated Lodge 31, representing a scrum of previous lodges, here in New York City. About a year ago, it changed its handle to the very apt Manhattan 31, a name resurrected from the lodge’s past.

Henry Price

Boston’s Consolidated Lodge was born as a mix of Price-Benton Lodge and Germania-Revere Lodge, themselves, seemingly, earlier mergers. You see “Price” in there; the first Henry Price Lodge received its Dispensation to meet in Charlestown on May 19, 1858. (Its charter came the following year.) Today’s The Henry Price Lodge revives the name, and in doing so, it conveys important history that links today’s brethren to the earliest Masons in British North America. I’ll let the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum and Library Blog explain:

London-born Henry Price apprenticed as a tailor. He arrived in Boston in 1723 to pursue this trade and soon met with success, opening multiple shops. He had become a Freemason in England prior to 1723. In 1733, while in England on business, he approached the Grand Lodge of England with a petition signed by 18 Boston men seeking to form a Masonic lodge. This petition was granted. Price returned home to Massachusetts, where he constituted both the Grand Lodge and St. John’s Lodge, the oldest local lodge in the state.

Congratulations to the brethren at The Henry Price Lodge AF&AM in Boston. Wishing you many years of prosperity!

     

’The minutes of history’

    

Tuckahoe Lodge 347 in Richmond, Virginia shared on social media an activity that sounds really interesting and productive. It was just a few sentences with a humdrum (no offense) photo posted on its Faceypage about a month ago:

Tuckahoe Lodge 347

Several of us have been meeting before practice to review old minutes from the past hundred years. It has been a lot of fun uncovering unique events and programs, special dates, familiar names, and more. Plus, the time together is incredible as well!

Just throwing it out there.

     

‘Andrew Hammer tomorrow night’

    

Magpie coverage of the Hudson Valley Masonicon is forthcoming, but while I’m working on that let me promote the appearance Tuesday night of the inimitable Andrew Hammer in New Jersey.

This will be at Essex Lodge 7 in Caldwell, a lodge that has hosted Hammer at least once previously. The graphic above has the details.

Andrew’s message always inspires and is framed in different terms from time to time. He exalts us to achieve the best in lodge practice, and he explains the practical means to get there. Whether you’re familiar with his thinking or not, get there to hear him. And read his book! (My review is here.)

     

‘Géométrie at 3 on 4/5’

   

smokingpipes.com

Speaking of geometry (see post below), today will see the release of a new tobacco mixture for the pipe from the prolific Gregory Pease. Géométrie is a Virginia-Oriental mixture which will be perfect for the imminent return of warm weather. Are you excited?

From the publicity, via Cornell and Diehl:

smokingpipes.com

A blend of aged Red Virginias layered with vintage Basma and Izmir leaf, G.L. Pease’s Géométrie reinvigorates the Virginia/Oriental archetype in a pressed, plug-cut format, offering exceptional aging potential and a deep, matured flavor right out of the tin: Notes of freshly baked goods overlap planes of subtle spice, rich, malty sweetness, and a hint of floral zest on the palate.

Géométrie is the second blend in G.L. Pease’s Zeitgeist Collection of pipe tobaccos, a line celebrating the often avant-garde and rebellious themes of the modern era. These are innovative mixtures designed to challenge preconceptions and to incite contemplation through their modern artwork, unique formats, and components.

The online retailers advertising this blend say Géométrie will become available this afternoon at six o’clock our time, which is 3 p.m. on the West Coast. So?

It’s just my theory, because I don’t get out much and I’m tired all the time, but Pease got his start in the tobacco business at Drucquer & Sons in Berkeley, California, ergo the three o’clock. And today, April 5, in American standard notation, is written 4/5. (Every product has its release date, but I’ve never heard of a pipe tobacco being embargoed until a specific hour in the middle of a workweek.)

3:4:5 should remind Freemasons of a certain geometrical theorem we hold dear.

That company was founded in London by Bro. John Drucquer, shown here in an old catalog:

Drucquer & Sons

Is Greg Pease a Mason? I have no idea, but I’m ordering a tin or three of Géométrie!

     

‘Free class: Mathematics and Logic’

    

Hillsdale College

“We do a disservice to young people by not teaching them all the steps in mathematics, because it’s liberating to know. And by discarding Euclid, you have cut them off from a way to understand logic, from which all accurate reasoning comes. And you have cut them off from also understanding the beauty of the relationships in nature.”

Larry P. Arnn, President

Hillsdale College

Hillsdale College offers another free online course to the world: “Mathematics and Logic: From Euclid to Modern Geometry.” From the publicity:

Today, more than ever, we need logic and sound reasoning in defense of truth. And one of the best ways to develop the skills is through the study of Euclidean Geometry.

Hillsdale College

For more than 2,300 years, Euclid’s Elements has provided the foundation for countless students to learn how to reason with precision and pursue knowledge in all fields of learning. This classic text of Western civilization provides profound tools to distinguish truth from error by means of self-evident principles.

In this course, you will study the transformation of mathematics by the ancient Greeks, discover the fundamentals of logic and deductive reasoning, examine the central proofs of Euclid, learn about the birth of modern geometry, and much more.

Hillsdale College

By enrolling in this free online course, you’ll receive access to eleven lectures by Hillsdale’s distinguished mathematics faculty, a course study guide, readings, a course discussion board, and quizzes to aid you in the examination of the fundamentals of good mathematics.

Click here to get going. 

     

‘Graham and guns: another day at LORE’

    

After driving fifty-something miles into New Jersey, I’m three minutes from the lodge when I find myself stuck on an off-ramp for a half-hour thanks to the unconventional driving skills of an unknown motorist who succeeded in a one-car collision. No injuries, as far as I could tell, but after our meeting, an identical snafu confounded some of the brethren headed home.

Two research lodges in five days? That’s my kind of week! It was The ALR last Tuesday (see Wednesday’s post below) and yesterday was a rescheduled meeting of New Jersey’s research lodge.

Known colloquially as LORE, New Jersey Lodge of Masonic Research and Education 1786 meets quarterly on the second Saturdays of March, June, September, and December. Our March 11 meeting was postponed to yesterday on account of the funeral of our Brother Byron.

Providing the historical insights were two of our early Past Masters: Ben Hoff (2008-10) and myself (2006-08). Ben is the real talent. I was added to the agenda merely to leaven the meeting after the heavy information Ben unleashes.

Reprising a paper he presented more than a decade ago, he spoke of the Graham Manuscript and the clues he believes it provides into the evolution of the Master Mason, Past Master, Mark, and Royal Arch Mason degrees. The Graham MS, from 1726, is little known about the apartments of the Temple. The few who are aware of it know it for the ritual raising that foreshadows the action in the MM Degree we work today, but instead of the Grand Masters at KST, the Graham version involves Noah and his sons.

Before discussing the manuscript, Ben walked us through the necessary fundamentals: differences between rituals and degrees; the gradual development of the MM Degree; a timeline of many of the manuscripts that contain legends and ritual elements; and a description of the Masonic grand lodges of the eighteenth century, to clarify who was doing what in the degree department. Then there was a walkthrough of the other manuscripts and ritual exposures, illustrating how they differ when it comes to important aspects of our ritual work. Painstaking research that surely required a lot of time.

Then it was the star attraction: Bro. Thomas Graham’s manuscript from 1726. It wasn’t brought to modern light until 1936 when a clergyman in Yorkshire, recently initiated, produced the document, which had been in his family’s possession, for review by English Masons.

Among the notable sights in the manuscript are these terms, making their first appearances in early Masonic letters:

• initiated, passed, and raised by three successive lodges
• coming from a lodge of St. John
• an allusion to a hoodwink
• a ceremony of raising
• there is a Word, but not for the purpose we use
• and a good bit more

Ben’s paper is dense with details, and I can’t reproduce it here. The brethren received it with appreciation and some awe. Ben’s overall point is that before domineering grand lodges standardized ritual practice (or tried to), Masons in diverse locales had their own ways and manners—which didn’t always make sense, but the brethren made do.

Then it was my turn at the lectern to tell the story of how the Irish Republican Army waged war on Irish Freemasonry in 1922. You can read the gist of that here.

LORE will meet again on Saturday, June 10 in Freemasons Hall in North Brunswick.

     

‘Hudson Valley Masonicon next Saturday’

   

This is just an update on the Hudson Valley Masonicon planned for next Saturday. The schedule of speakers has been announced, and it looks like a full day is in store for us. This will not be a tiled event. Dress is business casual. Lunch will be served. Cost per person is $15. From the publicity:

Saturday, April 8

Hoffman Lodge 412

9 Courtland Street, Middletown

Registration and breakfast 8:30 to 9:50

First Speaker at 10 a.m.

Bro. Robert McLoughlin

Second Speaker at 10:40

Bro. Dan Elliot

Third Speaker at 11:20

Bro. Mike Rydelek

Fourth Speaker at noon

Bro. Jim Loporto

Lunch and Masonic

Information Expo at 12:40 p.m.

 

Fifth Speaker at 1:50

Bro. Hubert Urrutia

 

Sixth Speaker at 2:30

Bro. Jonathan Williams

Keynote Speaker at 3:10

Bro. Angel Millar

A gathering will follow at DeStefano’s Olde Erie at 7 West Main Street in Middletown starting at four o’clock.

I bought my ticket in February when Angel was the only speaker advertised. Other than Bro. McLoughlin, I am not familiar with the brethren now scheduled to speak, nor is there indication of their topics, but I’m optimistic. See you there.

     

‘A princess decapitated, a stairway ascended, and a Fellow elevated’

    

Appropriately hanging outside the Colonial Room in Masonic Hall are Franklin, Washington, and Lafayette.

That was one exceptional meeting of The American Lodge of Research we enjoyed last night! Two phenomenal research papers anchored what was a productive and memorable time together.

Attendance was up, probably because of improved communication and outreach both to our members and to those interested but haven’t joined yet—and also, I suspect, because the successes of the past two years of meetings speak for themselves.

Bro. Ziad was the first to present. His paper, with plenty of art and illustrations, is titled “The Masonic Journey of Princess Lamballe.” An engaging work of biography and history that reveals a very young lady’s entrance into the height of Parisian society (becoming a confidant of Marie Antoinette, no less) and how she parlayed her social station into Masonic membership in an Adoptive lodge, Loge la Candeur, where a demand for equality between the sexes was fomenting. La Candeur was an independent-minded force for feminine equality within the Grand Orient of France, to the point of antagonizing the Grand Orient leadership. The princess was present at this lodge’s inaugural meeting on March 21, 1775. Six years later, the women members decided they would rule and govern the lodge themselves, without male members’ direction.

The Death of Princess de Lamballe
by Léon-Maxime Faivre, 1908.

  
In the end, she perished in The Terror, replete with decapitation. I like to think she and her peers’ Masonic labors continue today in the feminine lodges of France and elsewhere—several of which can be found a short distance away on 45th Street.

Next at the lectern was Bro. Daniel (I redact surnames here because I don’t know if the brethren prefer privacy concerning their Masonic membership), who gave us “Superstructure: A Philological and Historical Reimagination of the Middle Chamber and Winding Staircase.” Daniel is a rabbinical student whose insights into the Hebrew language, both modern and ancient, fuel his investigation into exactly what might be meant in the lecture of the Second Degree when it discusses that inner architecture of KST.

I think we all understand no one in Israel was employing the term “Sanctum Sanctorum.” Daniel plumbs the Hebrew, Aramaic, and English (and displays Greek and Latin) uses of the terms middle, chamber, winding, and staircase to extrapolate contexts that ensure we’ll never hear that degree’s lecture in the same way again. It may be possible that the climb to the Middle Chamber is not traversed via material stairs at all but, instead, could be a mental ascendance.

During the Q&A, the Brother Junior Deacon rose to exclaim that this was the finest research presentation he’d heard in many years. He also mentioned how the Greek word thalamus—as in cerebral cortex—means “inner chamber!” I similarly think this paper exemplifies the way scholarship in Freemasonry can add powerful life to the printed words Masons are expected to memorize for recitation. (And don’t ask about my attempt to deliver the few brief lines from the Junior Warden’s station!)

Speaking of printed pages, naturally both of these papers will appear in our upcoming book of transactions; they will bloom on the page because their oral presentations, even with PowerPoint, are an awful lot to absorb. The ALR has inked a deal with Westphalia Press and, when I finally finish editing, we can start pre-press. Hopefully will have the books in June.

There was some business to tackle before closing the meeting, and it is with great pleasure The ALR announces the election of its newest Fellow—that’s No. 50—is Piers Vaughan! Congratulations, Piers! There’s no need to explain why he was chosen.

The American Lodge of Research will meet again in June for more Masonic learning and our election and installation of officers.

     

‘New York City Grotto Day’

    

Some Grottoes exhibit wisdom. Some possess strength.

Azim emphasizes beauty! ‘The Handsomest Grotto in the Realm.’

 

Today was the big day for the Mystic Prophets in New York City. The Grotto has gone international, and what used to be National Grotto Day has been promoted to International Grotto Month!

But Azim’s ceremonial at Masonic Hall happened earlier today. Big, big class of candidates. I didn’t catch the number, but it started with 3. Thirty? Three hundred? Who can say? The important thing is Sympathy and Good Fellowship abounded.

Home of the Mokanna.

And, frankly, it was more enjoyable than the previous four or five ceremonials I’ve attended. For example, during the drama, no music was played so it actually was possible to hear what was being said. And Frank, our District Deputy, absolutely killed it in his role. If there were acting awards for Grotto ritual work, Frank would clean up.

Victor’s stylish fez case.

And it was great to see Isaac again. Victor, the Deputy Grand Monarch of Supreme Council, of course was there, and he presented the new Prophets their fezzes. He will be installed Grand Monarch in April of next year in New Orleans, which just has to be the best city for Grotto mayhem. (I think I’m going! I’ve always wanted to visit the birthplace of jazz.)

The altar.

In personal news, I think I might have become the official spiritual leader of Azim. I’ve been the chaplain in the past, I think, four ceremonials. Today, for the first time, I served as chaplain for the meeting itself. Very simple, as rituals go.

We were told to expect an Azim event in May. Details to come, and I’ll share them here when I hear.

     

‘Texas grand master opines on “trans” membership question’

    

The grand master of the Grand Lodge of Texas today published his opinion on the legality of transgender people holding membership in Texas lodges—and his unequivocal ruling is no.

G. Clay Smith

MW Clay Smith had been asked for his legal judgment on whether female-to-male transgender people could be Freemasons in Texas. Smith replied with a comprehensive no on initiating females, transgender men, and transgender women, as well as permitting Masons who have become transgender women to continue holding membership.

Read all about it here.

Wearing my Grumpy Past Master top hat, I’m harrumphing over the grand master’s misuse of the term Old Charges. He makes clear he is invoking Anderson’s Constitutions, which summarize Old Charges, but he is confusing a fine point of Masonic jurisprudence and history. And he’s wrong about 1722. (I can’t help it. I’m an editor.)

From Decision No. 1 issued today.

Other than that—not that this matters—I support his ruling here. I don’t know anything about Texas Masonic law, so I don’t know if this decision bears the authority of an edict or what, but a quick internet search reveals how public law and public policy in the Republic of Texas have been evolving to address this new phenomenon’s many facets.

The Magpie Mason had a feeling something of this nature was percolating there lately. I posted news of the United Grand Lodge of England deciding the other way on this question in 2018, and that obscure edition of The Magpie Mason started receiving an inordinate number of hits this year from Texas.

h/t to W. Bill Hosler on Faceypage.

     

     

‘A whole new Masonic ring’

    

Amity

I can’t guess who the hand model is, but I think he’s a Grand Lodge of New York officer.

No one in the Masonic world is driving technology faster than the brethren of Amity, and their latest endeavor is something I doubt any of us expected. The Signet is a ring that, partnered with a smartphone, is able to vouch for you in any lodge you’re likely to visit. From the publicity:

Form meets function with this discreet and stylish NFC-enabled ring. Never carry a dues card again; just tap your ring to your brother’s phone and show your membership status in real time. Let the Signet aid your travels. Simple and timeless, it has as much discretion as the Freemason who wears it.

Amity

It’s waterproof, has no battery, and needs no charge. Just tap it to a modern smartphone to load your profile in Amity.

Your Signet will arrive in a ritual book-style box, with a black metal passport card that can be scanned by brothers who may not understand your ring. Both will load your profile, and can be turned off in the Amity app, if you’d like the ultimate in security and privacy.

Anyone can carry a dues card, but not everyone wears a Signet.

The Signet works in more than 100 grand lodges around the world. The price is $175, which includes taxes and shipping in or from the United States.

I’ll guess this will be very popular among Masons under age forty, if I may stereotype younger men who seem to adapt to evolving technologies effortlessly. I had to google NFC, but even I can appreciate what this represents. Don’t ask me what the next gizmo will be, but that’s all the more reason Amity impresses me.

     

‘Coming up at The ALR this month’

     

The American Lodge of Research will meet again on Tuesday the 28th in the Colonial Room of Masonic Hall. (71 W. 23rd St., Manhattan, 10th floor.) The lodge tiles at seven. Photo ID is required to enter the building.

We’ll have two papers for the evening: Bro. Daniel will give us “Superstructure: A Philological and Historical Reimagination of the Middle Chamber and Winding Staircase.” Bro. Ziad will present “The Masonic Journey of Princess Lamballe.” (That’s her in the image above.)

We also have important business on the agenda. Two bylaws amendments are in the offing; they were introduced at the previous meeting, and we’ll vote this time. We will ballot on potential Corresponding and Active Members too. We tackle the business pretty quickly.

Come out and hear those two enlightening papers! Bring a lodge brother with you.

     

‘Historians to visit Fredericksburg’

    

Civil War Lodge of Research 1865, one of Virginia’s numerous lodges of Masonic research and education, will meet Saturday, April 1 at one of the Commonwealth’s most historic and cherished lodges. The brethren are headed to Fredericksburg Lodge 4, which already is home to George Washington Lodge of Research 1732, for its next Stated Communication.

As always, the meeting is one event in a busy weekend of sightseeing and fellowship. The lodge will tyle (Virginia spelling) at 10 a.m. Lunch (details TBD) will follow at noon, and at one o’clock everyone will take a tour of the Fredericksburg/Spotsylvania National Military Park and “Mule Shoe,” the site of the craziest hand-to-hand combat of the war.

Magpie file photo

Fredericksburg 4’s lodge room.

Click here to see the entire itinerary and the hotel booking info.

The following meeting will take place July 8 at Gettysburg (timed to avoid the hectic crowds on both the battle’s 160th anniversary and Independence Day), and I believe I’m going to get to that one.

     

‘An extra special MM Degree’

    

Publicity Lodge and guests Monday night.

We enjoyed a really big night Monday at Publicity Lodge. Conferring the Third Degree on a FC Mason is sufficient reason for meticulous planning and deliberate execution, but we received word a few days earlier that our Grand Master, with other Grand Lodge officers, would attend, which, naturally, adds great prestige to the auspiciousness.

Plus, we were honored with the support of sister lodges in the Fourth Manhattan District. And we were charmed with the visit of more than a dozen Prince Hall Masons. We haven’t seen a turn-out like this since before the pandemic.

Grand Master Richard Kessler said he doesn’t get to witness much degree work in his current capacity, so he decided to come see this Sublime Degree. Accompanying him were Junior Grand Warden Peter Stein, DDGM Philippe Hiolle, Senior Grand Deacon Larry Kania, Grand Director of Ceremonies Tomas Hull, and Trustee George Filippidis.

From elsewhere in the Fourth Manhattan were brethren from Manahatta Lodge 449, Columbian 484, Gramercy 537, and St. Cecile 568.

PHA lodges represented were Prince Hall 38, Beacon Light 76, Master 99, and Sons of Kings 123.

(If I missed anyone, I’m sorry, but you didn’t sign the visitors book.)

An unforgettable night! Our new MM felt the impact of seeing so many forming the lodge when the hw came off. Let’s do it again next month!

     

‘Magic Flute discussion’

    

California’s Michael Samu will be the next speaker in the series hosted by The Masonic Library and Museum of Pennsylvania. He will discuss Mozart’s Masonic opera The Magic Flute on Saturday, March 25 at 3:30 p.m. From the publicity:

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is arguably the most famous classical composer of all time. He composed about 600 pieces of music, some of which were created specifically for Masonic degrees and events. Most people know of his achievements in music, but little is spoken of his Masonic or political life. His final opera, The Magic Flute, holds rich symbolism that leads the observer through an initiation ritual that is meant to enlighten and illuminate its audience. This lecture seeks to reveal the esoteric symbolism hidden within one of Mozart’s most misunderstood works.

Click here to attend virtually. Click here to attend in person.

Michael Samu

Michael Samu was born and raised in Joshua Tree, California, and has been a Master Mason since 2018. He works in healthcare as a phlebotomist, but also provides tarot card readings, writes articles on the occult and esotericism for the Philosophical Research Society Journal, and is the organist and lecturer-in-residence for Whittier Masonic Lodge 323. Bro. Samu leads the Whittier Masonic Study Club, which focuses on curating talks on the esoteric and philosophical aspects of Masonry.

     

‘All is well at East Palestine Lodge’

    

East Palestine Lodge photo

The brethren of East Palestine Lodge 417 in Ohio recaptured their district’s Traveling Gavel last week. They appear to be doing great despite the chemical disaster unleashed on the community due to the train derailment on February 3.

The news of the catastrophe in East Palestine, Ohio the past month notwithstanding, the Masonic lodge there appears undaunted, if its social media accounts are an indication.

I contacted them twice to ask how they’re doing, and didn’t hear back, but East Palestine Lodge 417 has a “rusty brother” night planned for Wednesday. It has been through its inspection (I don’t know what that entails). The brethren captured the district’s Traveling Gavel last week. They’re mentoring candidates. The Grand Master visited. Everything looks normal great from a distance.

The lodge’s altar, as shown on Facebook less than a week after the train derailment, in a friendly bid to encourage other lodges to show their altars. Lodges across Ohio, plus Williamsburg 6 in Virginia, did so.

Good for them! I don’t know how to reconcile the apocalyptic news of the chemical disaster with the updates and tweets showing all is well, but I’m happy to take their word for it.