Off to be Raised!

Masonic Relief for Victims of the New Zealand & Japan Earthquakes | San Diego Freemason

Click here to see original article: Masonic Relief for Victims of the New Zealand & Japan Earthquakes | San Diego Freemason

Masonic Relief for Victims of the New Zealand & Japan EarthquakesMessage from the Grand Master

Brethren,

The tragic reports of devastation and suffering resulting from powerful earthquakes in Japan and New Zealand have shocked the world. As Masons, we are concerned about the well being of the citizens of those countries, particularly our brethren and their families.

The Grand Lodge of California has established a relief fund for the disasters in Japan and New Zealand. All contributions will be sent to the Masonic Service Association of North America (MSANA). The MSANA will then forward all donations directly to the Grand Lodge F. & A.M. of Japan and the Grand Lodge A.F. & A.M. of New Zealand.

Please share this information with your lodge members as soon as possible. If your members, lodge, families, or friends would like to make a contribution, please make your check payable to the MSA Disaster Relief Fund and mail it to:

Grand Lodge of California
Office of Philanthropy
Attn: Denise Avila
1111 California St
San Francisco, CA 94108

Please indicate on your check how you wish for your gift to be distributed (Japan or
New Zealand). If no designation is made the funds will be divided equally between Japan
and New Zealand.

If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Adam Kendall of the Masonic Service Bureau at 415/292-9137 or akendall@freemason.org.

Please open your hearts to the victims of these disasters, and give what you can to help.

Sincerely and fraternally,

William J. Bray III
Grand Master

Historic Masonic Temple will no longer hold Masons | The Batavian

Historic Masonic Temple will no longer hold Masons | The Batavian <--Read Article

Historic Masonic Temple will no longer hold Masons | The Batavian

The sturdy red brick building at the corner of Center and Main streets was built by Batavia's Masons in 1908 and has been their home ever since.Genesee County's most popular online news site, the Batavian, provides local residents with timely news and information mostly about Genesee County. It is also our mission to ensure that every resident has a chance to contribute to the community by posting news and opinion about events, whether of l

Freemasons open doors | Stuff.co.nz

Freemasons open doors | Stuff.co.nz <- read article

MASONIC ALTER: Geometrical objects make up the traditional altar at the Freemasons Lodge North Harbour.

From the Scottish Rite Journal - The Masonic Career of Major Pierre Charles L’Enfant

THE MASONIC CAREER OF MAJOR PIERRE CHARLES L’ENFANT By Pierre F. de Ravel d’Esclapon, 32°, Valley of Rockville Center, N.Y.  

Contrary to popular belief, Pierre Charles L’Enfant, designer of Washington D.C., was a Freemason.  Read at above link.

Searching For LIght

It is refreshing.  My masonic mentors repeatedly tell me to be skeptical about what I read in books about the history of Masonry.    It reminds me of the last words of the Buddha:

meditation: indus valley civilization

"Don't blindly believe what I say. Don't believe me because others convince you of my words. Don't believe anything you see, read, or hear from others, whether of authority, religious teachers or texts. Don't rely on logic alone, nor speculation. Don't infer or be deceived by appearances."

"Do not give up your authority and follow blindly the will of others. This way will lead to only delusion."

"Find out for yourself what is truth, what is real. Discover that there are virtuous things and there are non-virtuous things. Once you have discovered for yourself give up the bad and embrace the good."

- The Buddha

The Masonic quest is for "Light", Wisdom.  Or as the Buddha has said, "To Be Awake."

Cernunnos on the Gundestrup Cauldron

A Brahman saw the Buddha resting under a tree in meditation. The Brahman was impressed with the Buddha's way.

He asked, "Are you a god?"
"No, Brahman, I'm not a god."
"Are you an angel?"
"No", replied the Buddha.
"You must be a spirit then?"
"No, I'm not a spirit," said the Buddha.
"Then what are you?"
"I'm awake."
- The Buddha

Cataract Lodge #2 Sweetheart’s Dinner February 13

I got in the picture.  Jean is sitting across from me.

The back room of the Twin City Grill at the Mall of America

was the place to be on Sunday evening, February 13 when

the brethren of Cataract hosted their very significant others.

 (from Cataract March Newsletter)

http://www.cataractlodge.com

Cataract Lodge #2 Newest Fellow Crafts On February 22

On February 22, a fine example of Fellow Craft

degree work passed our newest members, from left

to right, Joe Schuler, Nick Webster, and far right Lee

Love. JW Conrad Jackson presided in the east and

did an exceptional job with the degree work as did

the rest of the crew who participated. On March 22

these men will be raised to the sublime. Work of the

craftsmen starts at 5:00 pm with dinner around 7:00.

See you there!   (from Cataract March Newsletter)

 http://www.cataractlodge.com

A History of the Knights Templar

A History of the Knights Templar"There are many popularly believed myths about the Order of the Temple. The first is that there is very little evidence surviving about the Order. In fact, a great deal of evidence survives.