December 2011 Jackson-Coolidge Masonic Trestleboard

Jackson-Coolidge Masonic Trestleboard

Volume No. 11 December 2011 Issue No. 12

George M. Otis P.M., Publisher
Stephen D. Vining P.M., Webmaster

Jackson Lodge No. 17, F. & A.M.

Greeting's From The East

Frank W. Lutze
Worshipful Master
517-563-8338

Dear ,

It seems like just yesterday that I was working on my first Trestleboard article and now I find that the time is at hand to compose my last article as Worshipful Master. As I researched my articles over the year I have encountered countless websites, many of which I have bookmarked for future reference. For me this year has truly been one of more light in Masonry.

The fast paced and rapidly changing society that we live in poses many challenges to our Craft. It seems increasing difficult for Brothers to gather for even a Regular Communication. I hear the occasional comments about changes that should be made to alleviate the issues. I found the following article that deals with the subject of changes to the Craft. It is so well written that I will not attempt to paraphrase or quote it but rather offer it in its entirety.

Freemasonry as a Sacred Retreat

John W. Taylor
Dona Ana Daylight Lodge No. 78, Kingston Lodge No. 16,
Ninth Masonic District, Grand Lodge AF&AM of New Mexico

Brethren all,

Concerning making changes in Freemasonry and/or attempting to define Freemasonry as a social club and community service organization...

In the installation of officers the Master is admonished; "You admit that it is not in the power of any man, or body of men, to make innovations in the body of Masonry."

In the anteroom lecture we are asked "Do you seriously declare upon your honor that you will cheerfully conform to all the ancient usages and established customs of the fraternity?"

We all answered that question in the affirmative, from the youngest Entered Apprentice to the Most Worshipful Grand Master.

In closing a Lodge the Master admonishes us; "Brethren, you are now to quit this sacred retreat of friendship and virtue to mix again with the world".

I am still at odds with the definition of Freemasonry as "that's who we are and what we do" as it pertains to Lodges being involved in community projects, involvement of the Lodge in the outside world away from the Lodge.

In my mind, Freemasonry is a sacred retreat away from the outside world where we live our day-to-day lives. The Lodge is meant to be different from that world. In that outside world men are separated by politics, religion, property, money, status and you-name-it; in the Lodge that is all cast away, we meet on the level. In that outside world men solicit members into their clique; in the Lodge we do not, (we didn't use to). The Lodge should not be a clique and we should not have cliques in the Lodge. In that outside world men are egotistical, materialistic, domineering, and self serving; in the Lodge we experience the death of the ego, the materialism, the urge to dominate, the selfishness and realize the birth of the spirit, the spirit of Freemasonry (or, as they say in the military, esprit de corps). In that outside world men are too busy to join and be active in a fraternity; in the Lodge some men, somehow, find that they really do have time for their Lodge, for Freemasonry; others just fade away and contribute nothing and get nothing from their Lodge, or from Freemasonry.

I believe that the teachings of Freemasonry will produce men who will become active in their communities and community projects. The activity of the Lodge in community projects is good; activity of the Freemasons as individuals is greater, better and farther reaching. The Lodge is obligated to civic projects from year to year as the Master and members see fit. The individual Mason, so trained and committed to the tenets and principles of Freemasonry, will serve his community in civic affairs for his lifetime.

I think we should return to the basics of what Freemasonry has been, is now, and will be in the future, as a sacred and spiritual retreat from the ego-oriented world outside. The teaching and practicing of the tenets and principles of Freemasonry is "who we are and what we do". The public and community projects we are involved in is not "who we are and what we do". I realize that some cannot see that. I realize that some are still living in that outside world when they come into the Lodge, and cannot retreat from that outside world; they cannot leave that outside world outside. To separate from that outside world one must believe in Freemasonry. To separate from that outside world one must accept the tenets and principles of Freemasonry. To separate from that outside world one must practice in the Lodge and away from the Lodge those tenets and principles taught in the Lodge.

In my opinion, if one believes in Freemasonry, if one accepts Freemasonry, if one practices the tenets and principles of Freemasonry he would not propose changes in Freemasonry, he would not bring concepts of change from that outside world into the Lodge. There is nothing wrong with Freemasonry. If a man's ego comes between him and his commitment to the Lodge it is he and his ego that is at fault not the Lodge. To really be a Freemason one must accept the death of his ego and the birth of the Masonic spirit; he must adapt to Freemasonry, (Freemasonry will not adapt to him), he must experience the Masonic experience.

Thank you to all of the Brethren, Officers and Past Masters of Jackson Lodge #17 for providing me the opportunity to serve the Craft as Worshipful Master in 2011.

Fraternally,

fwl

Frank W. Lutze

Worshipful Master

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Most Worshipful Brother Frederick E. Kaiser Jr.

Grand Master of Masons of the State of Michigan

It is Lodge Tonight

By: Brother Dale Imbleau PM

Research Lodge of Oregon

He slowly opened the door to his locker. He hung his police uniform on the hooks and took out his suit. It was Lodge night.

He watched as the last employee left his business, locked the building and made the evening bank drop. He then headed off with a whistle on his lips and a spring in his step. It was Lodge night.

The young man helped his wife clear the table. He then said good night to his children and snuck into his room to change his cloths. Upon leaving he smiled at his wife and kissed her. It was Lodge night.

It had been a hard day. Navigating through the complexities of the legal system was rewarding work. It was also tiring. Normally he would have been headed home for a relaxing evening. But tonight was not normal and he felt none of the usual fatigue as tonight was Lodge night.

Life had not been pleasant since his wife died. His family lived far away and with each passing year it became harder and harder to do the simple things in life. And most of all he missed his life long partner. Tonight he felt a little less pain and life didn't seem nearly as bad. It was Lodge night.

The accident had been terrible. But there was some consolation that his skills as a doctor had saved a life. Still it would not be easy and there were possibilities of complications. But for a while he could place his worries in the hands of others as tonight was Lodge night.

It is hard looking for work when the job market is scarce. Each day he faced the nameless horde of people who continue to tell him that he was not needed. He faced rejection and the possibility of hardship at every turn. Tonight he knew he was wanted and needed, it was Lodge night.

He sat alone in the small room wearing clothes that were not his. He had received warm welcomes from a number of men he didn't know and a few he did. Now with an ancient relic of a bygone age they told him to wait patiently, yet he looked forward to it with anticipation. It was his first Lodge night.

From all walks of life we come. We donate our time to an age honored tradition. We donate our money to help those who cannot help themselves. We gather in fellowship and part in peace. For a while we can lay aside our differences and worries to bask in our shared experiences. We can talk with men who are our equals, men who work to better themselves. Tonight is Lodge night and I am glad I am a Mason.

None to report.

Fellowcraft Degree, 7:00 p.m.

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Master Mason Degree, 7:00 p.m.

Thursday, December 15, 2011

W.M. East

Jackson-Coolidge Masonic Center
Lodge Blue Room

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Stephen D. Vining P.M., Secretary

Jackson Lodge No. 17, F. & A.M.

Region No. 4 Grand Lecturer

Grand Lodge of Michigan

(517) 914-8400