Thank you for downloading this episode of our podcast.
Hi and welcome to the podcast for Solomon staircase.
Masonic lodge, number 357, where we talk about all things related
with Freemasonry including hermetic teachings.
Philosophy reason spirituality and much more we're located in
Buena Park. Southern California, tuned in as
we continue to update our podcast with informative talks
and articles for Mason's worldwide.
And those who would like to inquire within The following
article is from the November 2015, Southern California,
research, launched fraternal review Past Masters.
When a brother comes to the point at which he lays aside
responsibility of the mastership of a lodge stepped down from his
rulership and is added to the role of Past Masters.
He begins a period where he can leisurely view the position of
Master from a new angle. Previous to becoming an
installed Master. He was merely the aspirant for
the office, but having occupied the position of Master and be a
now relieved of its anxieties. He reflects on the position and
surveys the range of its influence, in a way he never
could. Before he then discovers, that
it is invested with traditions and Powers far in excess of what
he had previously conceived. And that the unqualified
obedience loyalty and unfailing respect, shown him and the
special privileges extended to him during his rulership, we're
due to the position rather than To its occupant thus, having
completed his term as master and passed, the Insignia on his
exalted position on to his successor.
He's now numbered with the Past Masters of the lodge.
A kind of unofficial bodyguard with no specified duties
assigned to him. And yet with the understanding
that he must hold himself in Readiness, to answer any call
for assistance, that may reach his ears.
The extent to which Past Masters count, depends, very largely on
their personality and character and whether by counsel good
leadership and efficient Administration, they have one
confidence and esteem having themselves occupied.
The Masters chair, it is incumbent on them to uphold and
support the present master and to do all in their power to
radiate a healthy influence, and Inspire the rank, and file of
the lodge with the spirit of Goodwill, their past experience
as Masters, and their accumulated, Masonic knowledge
should make them an invaluable to the lodge.
Past Masters, largely determine the character spirit and success
of a lodge and its influence will depend much on their
experience and considered judgment.
Happy is the lodge which has a United band of loyal and devoted
Past Masters. And this article is from Masonic
information, for stated meetings, volume 1 page 16 by
Jack, Levitt, Grandmaster of California and Hawaii 1986 The
following article is from the June 1999, Scottish Rite Journal
of Freemasonry, Southern jurisdiction, USA.
The old past Master understanding.
By Carl H clotty, 33rd degree, a classic Masonic writing offers
insights for every age. I've been amazing for a year.
Now remarked, the young brother to the old past Master while I
find a great deal in masonry to enjoy and like the fellows and
all that I'm more or less in the dark as to what good masonry
really is in the world. I don't mean I can't.
Preciate it's charity or his Fellowship, but it seems to me
that I don't get much out of it. I can't really see why it has
any function outside of the relationship.
We enjoy in the lodge and the charitable acts.
We do I think I could win an argument about you smiled the
past master and argument about me.
Yes, you say you have been a Master Mason for a year.
I think I could prove to the satisfaction of a jury of your
peers who would not need to be Master Masons that while you are
a lodge member in good standing, you are not a match.
Mr. Mason I don't think I quite understand puzzle, the young
mason, I was quite surely initiated past and raised.
I have my certificate in my good standing card, I attend Lodge
regularly, I do what work on the side if that isn't being a
Master Mason. What is You have the body but
not the spirit returned to the old past Master you eat the
husks and disregard the colonel. You know, the ritual and fail to
understand its meaning you carry the documents but for you they
attest but an empty form. You do not understand the first
underlying principle, which makes masonry the great for she
is and yet in spite of it, you enjoy her blessings, which is
one of her Miracles. A man may love and profit by
what he does not comprehend. I just don't understand you at
all. I am sure.
I'm a good Mason. No man is a good Mason who
thinks the fraternity has no function Beyond Pleasant
Association in the lodge and charity.
There are thousands of Mason's who seldom see, the inside of a
lodge and therefore missed the fellowship.
There are thousands who never need or support her charity.
And so never come in contact with one of his many features.
Yet these may take freely and largely from the Treasure House,
which is masonry, masonry. My young friend is an
opportunity, it gives a man a chance to do, and to be among
the world of men, Something he otherwise could not attain no
man kneels at the altar of masonry and rises again.
The same man at the altar, something is taken from him,
never to return his feelings of living for himself alone.
Be he ever so selfish ever so centered, ever.
So much, an individualist at the altar, he leaves behind him.
Some of the dross of his purely profane makeup.
No man kneels at the altar of masonry and Rises the same, man,
because in the place where the dross in selfish were is put a
little of the most Divine spark which men may see where was the
self-interest is put an interest in others.
Where was the egotism is? Put love for one's fellow, man,
you say that the fraternity has no function, man the fraternity
performs, a greatest function of any institution at work among
men and that it provides a common meeting ground where all
of us be our Creed are Social position, our wealth, our ideas,
our station of Life. What they may be, may meet and
understand one another what caused the Civil War failure of
one, people to understand another and an inequality of
men, which is country could not endure.
What caused the Great War class hatred?
What is the greatest level of class in the world masonry?
Where is the only place in which a capitalist and laborer
socialist and Democrat, fundamentalist in modernist, Jew
and Gentile, sophisticated in simple, alike meet and forget.
Their differences in a masonic lodge, through the influence of
masonry masonry, which opens her portals to men because they are
men. Not because they are wealthy or
wise or foolish or great or small, but because they seek the
Brotherhood which only she can give masonry has no function.
Y son, the function of Charity great as it is is the least of
the things masonry does. The fellowship in the lodge
beautiful as it is is that best not much more than one can get
in any good club Association. Organization.
These are the beauties of masonry but there are also the
beauties of other organizations. The great fundamental beauty of
masonry is all her own. She and only, she stretches a
kindly and loving hand around the world United millions in a
bond too strong for breaking time has demonstrated, that
masonry is too strong for war too strong for hate too strong
for jealousy and fear. The worst of men have used the
strongest of means and have but pushed masonry to one side for
the moment. Not all of their efforts, have
broken her or ever will masonry gives us all a chance to do and
to be, to do a little, however, humble the part in making the
world better to be a little larger, a little Fuller, in our
lives, a little nearer to the great architect of the universe.
And unless a man understands this believes, it takes it to
his heart and lives it in his daily life.
And strives to show it forth to others in his Every Act, unless
he live and love and labor in his masonry.
I say he Master Mason I though he belonged to All rights and
carry all cards though he be hung as a Christmas tree with
jewels and pins though. He be an officer in all bodies.
But the man who has it in his heart and sees in masonry, the
chance to be in reality what he has sworn, he would be a brother
to his fellow. Masons is a Master Mason, though
he be raised, but tonight belongs to nobody.
But his blue Lodge and Bea too. Poor to buy and wear a single
pin, the Young Brother looking down.
Unfasten the emblem from his coat lapel.
L and handed it to the old past master.
Of course you are, right? He said lowly.
Here's my pen. Don't give it back to me until
you think I'm worthy to wear it. The old past Master smiled.
I think you had better put it back on.
Now he answered gently. None are more fit to wear the
Square and Compass has then those who know themselves
unworthy for they are those who strive to be real Masons.
Life after the east by, right? Wash full, Richard s morally and
this article is from the November 2015, 7, California
research. Lodge fraternal review Anyone
who has served in the east of any Masonic Lodge has a special
feeling of satisfaction and pride in his accomplishments.
In that office, it is only natural that he will also have a
feeling of regret that he was not able to accomplish
everything he had hoped during his term.
He will also have second thoughts on how he handled some
situations. But what about life after the
East? What happens, then that depends
on the individual and his attitude.
There are some who relinquish the gavel with great reluctance.
And there are some who never seem to give it up and yes.
There are some unfortunately more than we would like who walk
away from the job and never appeared.
Look back and sell them. Come back.
We need to keep our past Masters involved in our lodges and many
cases are Past Masters are referred to as the backbone of
the lodge in many lodges the Past Masters.
Sit Close to the east where they've been compared to Buzzard
sitting on a fence. It seems they want to be near
the master so that they can see and hear everything that is
going on and of course, they are willing ready and able to assist
prompt or correct the master. Unfortunately, I've seen too
many lodges that have only a few Past Masters involved in the
lodge or none at all. We need to get these past
Masters re involved in Lodge. They once led the lodge now,
they need to help aid and assist the seated master.
And why is Master recognizes the talents of the Past Masters and
puts them to good use. They can serve as a sounding
board for the programs and activities of Master is
considering he can pick their brains for ideas and count on
the Past Masters, to give him the wisdom of their experience
with the title of past Master. You are accorded, the Accolade
of worshipful indicating that you are an honored and respected
brother. It is a reputation which you
must continually strive to uphold Okay, our third and final
article in this episode is also from the Southern California
research. Large fraternal review, November
2015, and is actually a reprint of the short talk bulletin,
where have all the Past Masters gone by Edward D Potter, Junior.
A recent worshipful master used, the illustration of standing on
the shoulders of Masters who had gone before him.
He spoke of dedicated brothers who served as models mentors and
guides to walk with him during his year in the East and Beyond,
he felt the weight of the collar of leadership within the lodge.
His year was considered very successful but within a
momentary flash he was a past Master, he asks himself.
So what now he sees the next new master struggling at thanks?
Well, at least, he's paying his dues just like I did.
No one offered me any in I to maintain the tenants or
continuity for the good of the lodge Past Masters.
Can provide invaluable support to all who they previously
challenged at their state of meetings convert degrees upon
and strove to provide educational and transformational
programs. A look at the Past Masters
pyramid May provide Insight. That is not often discussed
within the lodge. It appears that without proper
support. The pyramid or the lodge May
topple or falter. On the surface.
One might say that the key to this support is having all the
progressive officer, chairs filled with competent brothers.
That was easy enough to say in the post-world war, two era.
But today, these chairs may, or may not be filled with brothers,
who are willing and interested in, moving to the east.
There's an assumption that if one is shown what to do, several
times, everything will be okay in the ritual business of the
lodge funeral services, Etc. We all know that it takes much
more than this. It takes lots of practice with
all officers participating, Elected and appointed officers.
Need a guiding hand both collectively and individually.
Each individual officers chair should have an active chair
Mentor a position that could be filled by a past Master.
The Past Masters would not only provide expertise in dialogue,
floor, work and duties but also could form a bond with officers
and possibly renew their own commitment to the lodge.
One-pass master of a lodge was witnessed, focusing on a newly
raised Master Mason who is sitting in the perseverance,
chair for the first time, his lips moved as the purse of on
spoke and the gray head, nodded as the young man moved the
occasional, frown was the Past Masters awareness of something,
not right after the purse. Avant informed.
The Tyler that the lodge was closed in the meeting ended up a
spring. This past Master with hand
extended towards his charge and congratulated him on a job.
Well done, followed by some well phrase, corrections to improve
the ritual for the next date of meeting.
The chair Mentor is one who keeps abreast of ritual changes
and officer requirements of the Grand Lodge by attending the
school of instruction and Lodge practices and the unfortunate
incidents of an officer deciding not to continue in the
Progressive chairs and active packs, Master can step in and
keep the line strong and moving East decisions should be framed
by first asking whether it will benefit the lodge in the
Brethren the natural officer progression.
Allows a brother time to acclimate to Ritual business
degrees and his fellow officers with New role of the chair
Mentor jumping would become rare because the past Master would
provide the type of leadership to help guide his charges
movements through the officers. Chairs are Past Masters, are one
of the greatest resources a large can have.
You don't have to ask about their loyalty and desire.
To see the lodge Prosper. They went through the chairs and
answer the call to the east. Many Past Masters have died.
Father, time is weighing others down and the Four Winds have
scattered others. But within your Lodge is a core
of Past Masters. The call from the lodge is being
sent forth again. Come past Masters, help us by
lending your time and talents in Reviving The Lodge to become a
lodge men will want to join. Your participation will help put
the muscle into an already flexed-arm poised to support the
lodge by providing one, better ritual, to retention of officers
in their chairs. Three increased membership for
continuity through planning and five, coordination of actions
from the lodge room. Full of Brothers in the 1950s
and 1960s with a line of Brethren waiting.
Start in the chairs and move to the east to the lodge room
today, with more empty chairs on the sidelines than filled with
members, the lodge room can look a little anemic.
We need are Past Masters to provide the leadership and
oversee the structure of the officer line as never before
brother. Can you lend a helping hand?
Edward dupatta. Jr.
Is serving as the 2015 worshipful master of Red Lion.
Lodge number 649 in Red Lion. Pennsylvania, a former educator,
he is active in a variety of York, right?
Scottish Rite, Masonic research organizations, So this article
is from the December 1999, Scottish Rite Journal of
Freemasonry and it really enjoyed this article and it made
me kind of think back on some of the Masons that I know and have
known that have laid down their working tools.
So with that, let's dive into the article called, tell us past
Master by Bobby. J demet 33rd degree Deeply moved
by the beauty of masonry. Some newly made Mason's ask the
old past Master to tell them more about the Masonic apron and
the older man replied masonry regards no man for the clothes,
he wears the house in which he lives the kind of car he drives
or the other luxuries. He owns or uses all Masons are
equal when in the lodge room and all are clothed in the same
manner. The apron is the only raiment we
see Mason stand before God equal to one another.
And the apron is the sign of equality.
In ancient times, the aprons were manufactured from the skins
of lambs animals, deemed can be pure and without taint, thus the
wearer of the apron assumes, the characteristics virtues Purity
and innocence typified by the lamb Mason's were two.
Aprons one visible and one invisible.
The visible one is a symbolic gift from the lodge to the
Mason. It is made of worldly.
Material and is subject to Decay and destruction.
The invisible apron is the gift of God.
To every man who would assume the responsibilities and
obligations, which entitle him to wear it.
This apron is eternal not subject to Decay or destruction
man sees only the visible God sees both, and he holds him
accountable who wears the honor Badge of this Masonic Lodge.
The young Mason's then said, tell us more about the square,
the old past Master replied, the operative Mason's used the
square to determine if the rough ashlar were trimmed into a block
of 90° on all corners and thus, fit for the builders use.
The perfect ashlar is always formed from a rough ashlar by
removing excess material Never by adding to it, the rough
ashlar always contains a perfect Bachelor and the stone is tested
many times by the square to determine if it is fit for the
builders use and base. the rough ashlar is symbolic of the man
who enters the lodge for the first time and the perfect
ashlar is symbolic of the Master Mason in a moral sense, the
square is a symbol of Morality In truth, justice.
And righteousness man should refrain from doing to others,
what? He would not have others.
Do to him. This is called the principle of
acting on the Square and has been a rule of guidance for men.
Since long before the time of Christ, every person has a try
square of his own. It's called a conscience.
We use this to measure our thoughts words and deeds as to,
whether they are true or false, the extent to which this test is
applied to himself. In regard to his relations with
his fellows, measures the extent to which each man's life will be
stable, honest, true and happy, the young Mason's then said,
tell us more of the level in the plum, the old past Master said,
now the square is the tool to be used in the making of a perfect
ashlar. But the Plumb and level are
concerned with the use of the perfect ashlar.
In order to construct a wall, which is straight and strong, as
stones are hewed into perfect ashlars and placed in the
building wall and a level and vertical manner manner.
Vested of their course habits and sinful matters, thus
building a better life for the entire group through their
common effort. Each man is tested by his own
Plumb line, his own conscience, in order, for him to fit
properly, into the hole because no two men have the same
talents, abilities or characteristics.
No two men can use the same device to measure their Fitness.
Then the young mason said, please pass master be more
specific. We understand how to use the
working tools to improve ourselves, but we are not clear
as to how we can serve our fellow man in a society.
Which is so indifferent to the needs of others.
And the old past, Master said, this is your challenge.
Your brothers are confident that you are of high moral character.
And you know that you are now part of a great Temple of
masonry Masonic. Lee you have reached manhood, do
your duty Thank you for listening.
If you like what you heard, Please Subscribe and leave us a
comment. We enjoy hearing from our
listeners. If you really like what you
heard, share this podcast with your friends and Lodge members.
Visit us online at Salomon staircase, dot-org