Iowa Freemasonry

Polk City Eastern Star Dinner

2012-01-29T13:38:00.001-06:00

The Freemasons of Operative Lodge #308 and their ladies were treated to a delicious, and filling, dinner on Saturday evening, Jan. 28, 2012, courtesy of the Polk City Chapter #361 Order of the Eastern Star. The O.E.S. prepared and served the dinner of ham balls, potato casserole, green beans, rolls, salads, and more at the Polk City Masonic Center. Over forty were in attendance including O.E.S. members, their spouses, members of Operative Lodge #308, and their spouses.

I had a great time Saturday evening. This was the first Star function I have attended, and let me tell you it will not be my last! This Star chapter knows how to put on a feast! The members of the chapter warmly welcomed me as soon as I arrived. I met last year’s Worthy Matron, Marilyn Whitmore, as well as other members of the organization. After dinner, past OES Grand Officer Jean Koss presented a brief program by sharing some of her memories as a long-time member of the chapter. I was very interested to hear about the history of the Polk City OES and I learned that it is 109 years old this year. Several other ladies spoke about their memories of the chapter and the history of the building.

Congratulations and thanks are due this year’s Worthy Matron, Carol Matthews, for a wonderful event.

Blue Lodge Breakfast

2012-01-28T15:02:00.002-06:00

On Saturday, January 28, 2012, the Des Moines Scottish Rite hosted the annual Blue Lodge Breakfast. The Council of Kadosh served a complimentary breakfast of eggs, hash browns, sausage, and cinnamon rolls to over one hundred Freemasons who attended.

After breakfast, Master of Kadosh John W. Clearman introduced a short video program honoring the American Flag. The fifteen-minute video features historical information, patriotic themes, and a hilarious comedy routine by Robin Williams. The video is available free from the Freemason Network, a social networking site sponsored by the Supreme Council, 33°, A.&A.S.R. of Freemasonry, S.J. Click here for a link to the video on the Freemason Network’s YouTube page. This would make for an excellent educational presentation at a stated meeting!

After the program, a cribbage tournament was held. Operative Lodge was well-represented at the tournament, but unfortunately I don’t know the results yet. Check back for an update!

Des Moines Consistory Announcement

2012-01-21T09:07:00.002-06:00

Master Craftsman Two rolls on...

2012-01-18T06:47:00.002-06:00

Yesterday, I completed the seventh quiz in the Master Craftsman 2 course. This quiz covered the twenty-third through twenty-seventh degrees and was the most challenging of all the quizzes I’ve completed in either the first or the second course. I found it difficult for two main reasons: the length of the reading involved and the depth of analysis required to understand and write about several of the symbols in these mystery degrees.

The sheer volume of material in this quiz is staggering: the Knight of the Sun lecture alone is over 200 pages in Morals and Dogma. One of the books (A Bridge to Light by Rex Hutchens) used for the course claims that this lecture is the “...most lengthy of all, encompassing nearly one-fourth of the book.” I didn’t read the entire lecture, but I did refer to it in answering the essay question for the quiz. The challenge of reading Albert Pike is part of the fun of taking the Master Craftsman quiz for me. I don’t think I would have read as much of Morals and Dogma as I have without the structure of the Master Craftsman program to guide me through his writing. Some people take the quizzes without referring to the books, similar to a more traditional testing format. I complete the quizzes “open book” using the quiz as a guide to reading. The course can be completed either way, although I am baffled as to how anyone could do it closed book.

The other challenge for me was analyzing the symbols used in the mystery degrees. Many of the symbols are used throughout other Masonic degrees and some are quite familiar. For me, I learned that these seemingly simple symbols have more meanings than I thought, and that those meanings are deeper than I knew. That’s another reason why I enjoy the course: I’m learning more about Freemasonry through a structured course than I could have independently.

I would highly recommend the Master Craftsman course to anyone interested in learning more about Freemasonry. Just be prepared for a lot of reading!

New Entered Apprentice at Operative Lodge #308 in Polk City

2012-01-17T21:51:00.003-06:00

Welcome Luther Brown, the newest Mason in Iowa, at least as of 8:24 PM Monday, and an Entered Apprentice at Operative Lodge #308 in Polk City, IA.

Luther's friend, Lance, visited Lodge and delivered the extended Apron Lecture and Charge, doing an outstanding job. PM Lane Shaver and visiting brother Don Sardeson, PM at King David Lodge, gave the second section lecture. PGM D. Dean Johnson gave the third section in narrative form, FROM MEMORY, along with the EA slides.

It was a great night for everyone who attended!

History of Operative Lodge #308 in Polk City

2012-01-10T16:08:00.003-06:00

Below are several pictures from a presentation at our January meeting on the history of Operative Lodge #308 in Polk City, Iowa.

Operative Lodge #308 Installation of Officers

2012-01-07T21:59:00.004-06:00

Worshipful Master Darrell G. Fremont and other officers of Operative Lodge #308 in Polk City, Iowa were installed Saturday, Jan. 7 in a public ceremony. Most Worshipful Craig L. Davis, PGM served as Worshipful Master for the installation.

The sidelines of Operative Lodge #308 were full for this public ceremony with friends, family, and representatives of other Lodges and organizations witnessing the installation.

I posted a few pictures of the installation and dinner below.

The greatest library in the world

2011-12-30T07:11:00.004-06:00

I traveled to the Grand Lodge of Iowa’s Masonic Library in Cedar Rapids yesterday to finish research on my symbolism paper- I posted a few pictures below in a slide show. I completed the body of the paper some time ago, but I needed to clarify several confusing bibliographic citations I had in my notes; I guess I should have listened to my sophomore English teacher and used index cards to keep track of everything!

The Iowa Masonic Library is a joy to visit and a pleasure in which to research. The assistant librarian, Bill Kreuger, was helpful as always. I’m amazed that this library, one of best Masonic Libraries in the world, is so accessible to Iowa Masons. And it’s difficult to describe the significance of the Index Rerum. The Index Rerum is the only index of Masonic periodicals of its kind, anywhere in the world. Librarians at the Masonic Library began indexing articles in Masonic periodicals sometime around 1905, according to Tim Anderson, Deputy Grand Secretary. The result is a massive card catalog which indexes every imaginable Masonic topic. I found almost 100 index cards on the topic of ashlars alone.

I’m a bit of a geek when it comes to libraries: I worked in one as a teenager, I nearly lived in one when I coached debate, and now I serve as a trustee on the board of my local public library. I suppose only a teacher would enjoy spending a vacation day researching at a library, but I think anyone with an interest in Freemasonry would find their time spent visiting the Iowa Masonic Library worthwhile.

For those interested, part of my research paper is posted at the Masonic Research network in the article submissions area under downloads. The title is Symbolism of the Ashlars: Three Interpretations.

New Knights of Saint Andrew

2011-12-28T14:26:00.004-06:00

The Des Moines Scottish Rite’s Knights of Saint Andrew welcomed six new Knights Tuesday, Dec. 27. The knighting ceremony featured a lecture regarding the history of the organization and background information about the emblems of the KSA including the saltire, or Saint Andrew’s Cross. After the ceremony, each of the six new Knights received a lapel pin, patent, and KSA medal on a green ribbon; after holding the medal in my hand I understood why it is sometimes referred to as a “boat anchor!”

The KSA provides hospitality at the Sheppard's Tavern, helps to put on the 28th degree at reunions, serves as greeters at Scottish Rite events, and provides service to the Valley as needed. I joined so that I could get more involved with the Scottish Rite. I’ve enjoyed participating on several of the degree teams and the KSA will allow for additional service to the Valley.

Iowa Conference on Masonic Education

2011-12-27T11:11:00.004-06:00

Iowa Conference of Masonic Education at the Iowa Masonic Library, 813 First Avenue SE in Cedar Rapids on February 10 and 11, 2012

Marsengill Christmas Dinner 2011

2011-12-26T07:59:00.004-06:00

Darrell Fremont, 2012 Operative Lodge #308 Worshipful Master

Nazis, Gold, and the Masons

2011-12-24T07:32:00.005-06:00

My friend Jay over at Bailey's Buddy wrote about the novel, The Traitor's Emblem by Juan Gomez-Jurado, a few weeks ago. It took awhile for me to get a copy from the library as there was a waiting list, but when I did finally get it home, I wasted no time. One evening I thought I'd read a dozen or so pages before bed; I didn't get to bed until after 1:30 AM! I could not put this engaging book down!

I encourage you to check out this novel, especially if you're interested in history, Nazis, Freemasonry, or just a great story.

Operative Lodge Christmas Party 2011

2011-12-12T22:36:00.001-06:00

Operative Lodge #308 2012 Officer Installation

2011-12-11T08:27:00.001-06:00

Operative Lodge #308 will be holding an installation of our 2012 Officers on Saturday, January 7, 2011 beginning with a meal at 6:00pm; please RSVP to the Lodge Secretary, Jim Trotter at jimtrotter4524@gmail.com for the meal. The installation will take place at 7:00pm.

Poinsettia delivery

2011-12-10T06:19:00.004-06:00

Freemasons from Operative Lodge #308 in Polk City, Iowa delivered Poinsettias to the widows of the Lodge this weekend. Six brothers and one very organized member of Eastern Star in Polk City helped with the effort.

The Masonic Ritual and Civility

2011-12-07T16:33:00.002-06:00

My latest projects include memorizing the Door Lecture in the Entered Apprentice degree and reading about the Royal Arch chapter degrees. I came across an interesting piece of writing that illustrates a similarity between these two seemingly disparate topics. This is from the book Lessons in Capitular Masonry by Charles C. Hunt, 1929. In the book, he reprints a talk by Pierre Cushing in 1913 titled The Spirit of Masonry:

"And as with the secrets and Ancient Landmarks of Masonry, so with its ritual and the very language in which it is expressed. What careful provision is made, what agencies are employed, that no change or innovation shall creep in, that unauthorized shoots shall be pruned away as soon as they appear; that all shall be handed on in the quaint dignity and simplicity and beauty in which we receive it from the fathers. No branch of the (church) is more conservative of its ritual than the Ancient and Honorable Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons…We need the spirit which it symbolizes and fosters in this age and country, perhaps, as never before. For indeed, it is an age of recklessness in act and speech…"

Cushing’s analysis really makes sense to me. Moreover, he justifies why I need to be careful not to stick in an “of” or make the word “ceremony” plural. The ritual matters. It matters because it symbolically represents dignity, simplicity, and an unbroken connection to a common, fraternal past. We show respect for that past by preserving it.

In addition, Cushing’s argument promotes civility in social discourse. Through the practice of learning the ritual, a Freemason becomes part of a process recognizing the value of tradition which maintains a continuous link, through language, with a time in our culture when incivility was perhaps not unheard of but at a minimum not glorified. Masonic blogs spend a lot of time debating what’s wrong with the fraternity or how it can do a better job attracting new members. To me, as crazy at it may sound, the act of learning the ritual is something that I’m really enjoying. The process of learning it shouldn’t be seen as a weakness of Freemasonry but as a strength. The act itself is symbolic.

Is this only a tenuous link to memorizing the Door Lecture? I think not. Rather than focus on the mundane act of repetition and misreading a ciphered text, learning ritual symbolically represents something more.

The Door Lecture and no electricity

2011-12-06T15:24:00.002-06:00

Polk City lost electricity for about two hours Monday night right about supper time. Now that it’s getting dark early, we needed all the flashlights and candles we could round up. Even with a half dozen flashlights, all of which seemed to be running low on battery power, and three or four candles putting out a head-spinning combination of scents, our time without power threw us for a loop. We’re just not used to sitting around without the TV, the iPad, the internet, or the dvd player running. We tired quickly of listening to the battery powered radio. After about the first hour, I asked my wife if she’d play the piano for us. So, we moved into the front room of our house and my three-year old son and I enjoyed an impromptu concert by flashlight. I decided this would be a good time to work on memorizing the Door Lecture too, so I grabbed my King Solomon and read it by flashlight as my wife played piano and my son explored the ornaments on the Christmas tree. All in all, it was quite an enjoyable 20 minutes or so. I actually felt like I was getting used to no electricity. Memorizing ritual doesn’t require much in the way of modern conveniences, and in some ways it seemed an appropriate activity for such a situation.

University of Freemasonry at the Des Moines Scottish Rite

2011-12-01T10:22:00.004-06:00

From ghoulies and ghosties
And long-leggedy beasties
And things that go bump in the night,
Good Lord, deliver us!
- traditional Scottish Prayer

Ghosties, ghoulies, and long-leggedy beasties were present last night in Pete Taggart’s, 32 º KCCH, presentation of “Things that go Bump in the Night: the Ghosts.” Professor Taggart reviewed a history of the ghosts from Plato to Bacon to the Stanley Hotel, perhaps better known as the Overlook Hotel from the movie The Shining. Prof. Taggart kept the audience entertained throughout his talk, which took place in the potentially haunted Des Moines Scottish Rite Temple. His tales included local spots reputed to be haunted such as the Salisbury House, the Blue Lodge room in the Scottish Rite building, and other locations in Des Moines.

Look for another session of the University of Freemasonry at the Des Moines Consistory webpage.
(cross posted on the Des Moines Consistory blog)

AP Government and Politics: US

2011-11-27T19:52:00.003-06:00

Last week I discovered I had inadvertently published a post here that was meant for the high school class I teach. My high school government class blog uses Blogger, as does Iowa Freemasonry, and I had forgotten to sign out of the Iowa Freemasonry account so the post about federalism, the bureaucracy and congressional oversight, or some other topic current presidential candidates probably wouldn't understand wound up here. If you're curious, take a look at the page I use for my high school students here: www.APGov.net. I use it to post assignments, links to articles and political events, and anything that will help them score higher on the Advanced Placement test. I wonder...how would the current folks running for president fare on the AP test...

Scottish Rite Seventeenth Degree

2011-11-24T11:39:00.002-06:00

The Master Craftsman II course is designed by the A.& A.S.R. Southern Jurisdiction for those Masons who wish to discover more about the degrees of the Scottish Rite. The course consists of a short multiple-choice test and an essay of 500 – 1000 words for each degree. I am just about halfway through the course. For the Seventeenth degree, one of the essay topics is to write about how the lessons of the degree can help one deal with the pain and/or suffering experienced in life. The degree itself features the writing’s of St. John in the Book of Revelations. In fact, A Bridge to Light, a book which explains the basics of the degrees, claims that both parts of the drama acted out as part of the degree and the words of the ritual itself are directly taken from this book of the Bible. As such, there is rich imagery found in the degree as well as the writings about it

Here is the essay I wrote for this assignment. Please understand that this is my own opinion and my own interpretation of the lessons of the degree; I do not speak for anyone in Freemasonry except myself. My opinion is based on my own personal experience and understanding, or perhaps more likely, misunderstanding, of the degree.

As always, your comments are welcome!

Seventeenth Degree Essay
The Seventeenth degree is “…the first of the philosophical degrees and the beginning of a course of instruction which will fully unveil to you the heart and inner mysteries of Masonry” according to Albert Pike in Morals and Dogma. For a newer member of the Rite, just starting to seriously study the degrees, I find this most definitely to be true. Pike writes nearly thirty pages in Morals and Dogma on the Seventeenth degree discussing religious beliefs and philosophies. While I am somewhat familiar with the basics Christianity, John’s Gospel, the Book of Revelations, and even the Essenes to some extent, I found this degree very challenging. Applying the degree to my personal experiences is one way I can better grasp its rich lessons. To that extent, I will analyze the Seventeenth Degree to examine how its teachings can help us through pain and/or suffering. Three elements stand out for me: first pain and suffering are only temporary conditions, second these temporary conditions will lead to the development of permanent strengths, and finally there will be eternal rewards for those that suffer for the sake of God.

My first point is that the pain and suffering we experience are only temporary. Pike tells us this directly as a means to explain the similarities in the several religions and philosophies he discusses. We can find solace in this concept: only God can guarantee us that good ultimately will prevail over evil. In our finite existence on earth, we will experience pain and suffering in life and this can cause doubt and perhaps even lead one to question his faith on a deeper level. How can a just and merciful God allow these conditions? This degree helps us to understand that temporary afflictions are exactly that, temporary, and in no way reflect the love expressed by God.

Second, the Seventeenth degree teaches us that not only are pain and suffering temporary, but that they actually strengthen us. The Scottish Rite Ritual Monitor and Guide tells us on page 389 that wisdom and knowledge cannot be gained except through pain and suffering. I find the imagery of the Book of Revelations to be a good way to understand this. Hutchens explains in A Bridge to Light: “these evils which cause the suffering of man strengthen the human soul and offer an incentive for the noblest virtues." Hutchens is talking about the evils of bigotry, intolerance, fanaticism, and ambition, which are a Masonic interpretation of St. John’s metaphorical writings. Through our perseverance and reliance on God, we will emerge from such trials stronger. We have God’s promise of this.

Finally, eternal rewards are assured those who overcome pain and suffering for the sake of God. The Scottish Rite Ritual Monitor and Guide quotes the Book of Revelations, chapters two and three, stating that those who overcome will be rewarded by God. I don’t mean to argue that pain and suffering should be considered the price one pays for God’s favor, but rather that we need to remember that our life on earth is only the temporary phase of existence for us; we are meant to dwell with God eternally and the trials we suffer here are not what God intends for us. His plans are forever; ours on earth are fleeting.

Des Moines York Rite Fall Festival

2011-11-20T18:16:00.005-06:00

The Des Moines York Rite Fall Festival was Saturday, November 19, 2011. Eight candidates participated and as a member of the class, I can say that it was a long day but a great experience!

We started early at 7:30 AM and finished the Royal Arch degrees just before lunch. The Order of the Amaranth served us a delicious lunch and then we started the Royal and Select Master degrees of Cryptic Masonry. We finished the day by receiving the Chivalric Orders: the Illustrious Order of the Red Cross, Knights of Malta, and finally the Order of the Temple. We finished just after 6 PM. I posted a couple of pictures below.

National Weather Service Storm Spotter?

2011-11-12T06:22:00.004-06:00

Are you interested in becoming a storm spotter for the National Weather Service? The NWS needs trained storm spotters for all seasons. Here's a Google doc presentation from the NWS about their storm spotter program.

The Ragains Masonic Rifle

2011-11-12T06:11:00.001-06:00

Fall reunion 2011 pictures- first weekend

2011-11-05T09:11:00.001-05:00

I took a few pictures at the first weekend of the Fall reunion- here they are:

Master Craftsman II Quiz #5 is here!

2011-10-29T05:58:00.003-05:00

I just received the fifth quiz for the Scottish Rite's Master Craftsman II program in the mail yesterday. Quiz five covers the fifteenth through the eighteenth degrees. By coincidence, those degrees will be performed this afternoon by the Des Moines Scottish Rite as part of the Fall Reunion honoring Ellis E. Monk.

The Fifteenth degree was one of my favorite degrees when I was a candidate, and this time around I have a part with just a few lines in the degree. To me, it isn't a small part, however. My good friend and past Master of Operative Lodge #308 had this part. Steve, I'll be thinking of you this afternoon.

Master Craftsman Part Two: Thirteenth Degree

2011-10-18T06:23:00.005-05:00

The Master Craftsman Two program was developed by the Scottish Rite to encourage further study of the Scottish Rite degrees. It differs significantly from Master Craftsman One, primarily in the essay requirement. As a high school social studies teacher, I've always been a huge fan of essay tests, and I'm even more so after my experience this past summer. I was fortunate to have been an Advanced Placement (AP) reader for the College Board's AP Government and Politics: US course. As a reader, I worked with a group of eight others in scoring over 250,000 essay tests written by high school students who completed the AP class at their individual schools in May. The College Board hires approximately 700 high school teachers and college professors to read and score these quarter of a million essays. After a day of training on specific questions, we read for seven days, approximately eight hours a day. Admittedly, you have to enjoy your subject and enjoy reading high school student's writing, but I had a great time; it didn't hurt that the reading was in Daytona Beach and that I had a chance to visit a Lodge there! I plan to return next summer.

In any case, here is my most recent rough draft for the MC2 quiz over the 13th degree:

The dictionary defines keystone as the central supporting piece of a larger structure. In the context of this essay, the U.S. Constitution functions as a keystone to the extent that it provides the support necessary to maintain our liberties within the framework of our political system. This framework includes both our three branches of government, legislative, executive, and judicial, as well as legal protections including the right to trial by jury first guaranteed by Magna Carta in 1215. Pike summarizes this arrangement in Morals and Dogma: “…an independent judiciary, an elective legislature of two branches, an executive responsible to the people, and the right to trial by jury…” While the U.S. Constitution is a political document developed through a political process, it performs a significant and nonpartisan role in American democracy.

The claim that our Constitution is the central point to protecting the rights and liberties of the people is a common one, but the warrant for that claim is often ignored. Many countries have constitutions, in fact, even the former Soviet Union had a constitution, yet one would hardly argue that Soviet citizens enjoyed the same political freedoms as Americans! The explanation of the relationship between our Constitution and its power to secure our liberties is found in the classic U.S. Supreme Court case, Marbury v. Madison, just sixteen years after the Constitution was created. In Marbury v. Madison, the Court ruled that a law passed by an elected legislature, the U.S. Congress, violated the Constitution and was thus invalid. This power of the judicial branch to overrule the legislative branch is called judicial review, and while the power is merely implied in the Constitution, the Federalist papers, a series of newspaper columns written by Madison and other framers in support of the new Constitution, contain arguments explaining how judicial review protects the minority from the “tyranny of the majority.” Marbury v. Madison established the Constitution as the fundamental law of the land, and an independent judiciary served to safeguard our liberties, even those liberties of a political minority, as written in that fundamental law. To some extent, Marbury v. Madison can be seen as the keystone to the concept of the protection of our liberties which Pike discusses.

In Morals and Dogma, Pike uses a metaphor to further explain the unique nature of the U.S. Constitution: he compares it to the Ark of the Covenant. Like most of Pike’s writing, this metaphor is not meant to be taken literally. Instead, Pike uses it as a figurative device to illustrate the special place the U.S. Constitution occupies in our political system. The Constitution is not a fixed, monolithic document impossible to change, however, as Pike writes, it “cannot be hastily changed,” as evidenced by the relative difficulty of the amendment process. An amendment to the U.S. Constitution must be proposed by a two-thirds vote of either both houses of Congress or by a national convention, and then it must be ratified by three-fourths of either the state legislatures or state conventions. That this procedure is difficult is clearly demonstrated by the few times the Constitution has been amended in the past 220 years: the first ten amendments were enacted all at once as the Bill of Rights and there have been only 17 other amendments successfully ratified since then. This political document certainly reflects our “fixed habits and settled thoughts.”

In summary, our Constitution provides powerful protection of liberty through judicial review, and it also allows for a constant, stable protection of these same liberties due to the difficult amendment process.

Whither are we Traveling?

2011-10-14T20:00:00.004-05:00

I came across this article on the website of the Past Grand Master of Iowa, Donald E. Mosier. Dwight L. Smith, PGM of Indiana, wrote it years ago. Here's a link if you'd like to read it again.

2011-10-11T21:04:00.000-05:00

Master Craftsman Essay- Eleventh Degree, Elu of the Twelve

2011-10-09T13:22:00.007-05:00

In the Eleventh Degree- Elu of the Twelve- we find King Solomon selecting twelve of the fifteen Elus to be governors in Israel. King Solomon charged these men with the responsibility of supervising their provinces, but more especially to oversee the fair collection of revenue. Hutchens writes in a Bridge to Light that “this degree should remind us of another institution necessary for true liberty- the trial by a jury of twelve men....” Most Americans do not question this fundamental right, perhaps because we are so familiar with it. But why is it so important? Why does the U.S. Constitution even list it? Why would liberty “often be but a name” without trial by jury? I will examine these questions by examining the history of this right, the significance of the redundant listing of the right in the U.S. Constitution, and how the right to trial by jury is an illustration of popular sovereignty and perhaps the ultimate example of checks and balances.

The history of jury trials can be traced back to ancient Greece and Rome. Citizens rotated service on trials, in some instances for an entire year. In Rome, laymen were appointed even to serve as judges. The juries and other legal procedures were very different from what we use today in both civil and criminal cases, but the concept of a judgment rendered by citizens was a feature of these civilizations.

Magna Carta, issued in 1215, is the most significant historical aspect of trial by jury. The King of England was forced to sign Magna Carta by a group of lords and is perhaps the first instance of the power of a king being limited in writing. The document established basic liberties, including a right to trial “...by the lawful judgment of his equals....” Our founding fathers wrote the Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution to establish a jury trial as a fundamental right in the U.S. The right to trial by jury is also found in Article III section 2; it states quite clearly “Trial of all Crimes, except in Cases of Impeachment, shall be by Jury.” The redundancy of listing this right twice in our most fundamental expression of law, the U.S. Constitution, helps to answer the question of why trial by jury is inherent to liberty.

My final examination of how the right to trial by jury is a basic requirement of liberty relates to the nature of our constitutional system. The framers established a system of checks and balances in which each branch has the power to restrain the others. For example, the President has the power to veto legislation passed by Congress, and Congress also has the power to override the President’s veto. The reason for this system, which lately has created political fights on topics ranging from the national debt to Libya, is simply that it keeps one branch from dominating. James Madison wrote in the Federalist No. 47 that “ the accumulation of all powers, legislative, executive, and judicial, in the same hands...may justly be pronounced the very definition of tyranny.” This system of checks and balances is well known even to high school students in American Government class. What may not be as well known, however, is that trial by jury is one of these checks, as well as an example of the principle of popular sovereignty. Moreover, the right to a trial by your equals could be considered the ultimate example of a check. Trial by private citizens operates as a check on all three branches. First, it is a check on the judicial branch because jurors determine questions of fact independent of judges. Second, it is a check on the legislative branch because jurors deeply analyze the application of statutes and legislation. While jurors cannot “veto” a law in the context of a trial, they certainly become better educated about the law and to that extent play a key role in the process. Finally, juries check the executive branch by questioning the prosecution’s case, which in effect is a check on the executive since prosecutors are appointed by the executive branch. However, the best example of how the jury system operates as a check, in my opinion, comes from the process of education and the demands it places on common people. The jury system is a hands-on education for citizens about self-government. In this sense, it is the definition of liberty and without it, liberty would be “...but a name.”

2011-10-09T06:47:00.000-05:00

North Polk West Elementary PTA Fundraiser

2011-10-08T13:06:00.001-05:00

The PTA of North Polk’s West Elementary is selling a “Comet Card” for $15. The card includes discounts on food and services in the area including:
$2 off Casey’s Large Pizza, all locations
10% off Taco John’s, all locations
$5 off Chilis Restaurant ($25 or more purchase) Ankeny and Clive
10% off IHOP, Ankeny
$3 off SportClips, all locations

Other merchants include Ankeny Fazolis, Palmer’s deli in Ankeny, Nelson Automotive in Polk City ($5 off oil change), Polk City Subway, TCI dining, MC Sports, Culver’s, Plaza Florist, and Texas Roadhouse.

Cost of the card is $15 (cash or check payable to West Elementary PTA) and the card expires October 2012. If you would like to purchase a card, please email me at PolkCityFisherman@gmail.com. The fundraiser ends October 13.

Grand Lodge of Iowa Officers for 2011 - 2012

2011-09-17T19:35:00.002-05:00

Officers of the Grand Lodge of Iowa for 2011 - 2012

photo courtesy of Jay at Bailey's Buddy.

Lodge Night September 2011

2011-09-13T06:12:00.004-05:00

Monday, September 12 Operative Lodge #308 held its Stated Meeting for the month of September. Eighteen brothers were present, including a visitor from Missouri, Bill Cox, a member of Forsyth Lodge in Forsyth MO. Brother Bill is originally from Iowa and was in the area camping at Saylorville Lake. It was interesting to discuss differences in Iowa and Missouri’s ritual with our visiting brother.

Among other Lodge business, Worshipful Brother Darrell G. Fremont, Senior Grand Steward of the Grand Lodge of Iowa, gave a short educational talk on symbolism in the three degrees. The date for the fall pizza sale was set for October 22. Members also approved action to establish a Lodge Facebook group; Brothers Chris Millholin and Scott Nemmers are in charge of this effort.

I uploaded a few pictures from the evening into a Picasa album below.

New Master Mason at Logic Lodge #636 Ankeny, Iowa

2011-09-07T06:50:00.002-05:00

Logic Lodge #636 in Ankeny, Iowa raised Scott Lilly to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason Tuesday night. Over twenty brothers assisted in the effort with visitors from many Lodges including Arcadia, East Gate, Daylight, Waveland Park, Operative, and others.

The Third Degree is an exciting ceremony to watch and in which to participate, at least in part due to the significance it has in a man’s life. But it’s not just the candidate who experiences this significance. Every time I have been at a Third Degree I’m reminded of my own raising at Operative Lodge in Polk City. I remember the feeling of being the candidate, talking with the Tyler, Terry Burke, just outside the Lodge room, and especially the sound of the bagpipes! Other Freemasons experience the degree in their own way. Scott’s dad, Don Lilly, is the Treasurer of Logic Lodge and he participated in the ceremony last night; I’m sure the degree had a great deal of meaning for him. Worshipful Brother Darrell G. Fremont, Senior Grand Steward of the Grand Lodge of Iowa A.F. & A.M. presided over the second section of the degree. He commented that this was his last opportunity to represent the Grand Lodge since his term as Senior Grand Steward is ending in just a few days; he certainly experienced the degree in a unique way.

Freemasonry is a brotherhood which draws us closer together and builds community. We each experience this in different ways, even when we are engaged in a common goal. The Third Degree is one way to extend the meaning of this brotherhood simply by participating together as a community of men in a common work for an uncommon purpose. And for Scott, last night was definitely uncommon.

New Chief of the Tabernacle

2011-09-03T07:35:00.004-05:00

I’m a little late with this post, but I wanted to add my thoughts about the Des Moines Scottish Rite’s one day summer reunion last week. The reunion was held in honor of Ivan L. Johnson 32° KCCH and Richard J. Noyce, 32° KCCH and conferred eight degrees: 4th, 6th, 13th, 14th, 18th, 23rd, 30th, and 32nd. Asa Moeckly, a brother from my Lodge, was one of the candidates and I was pleased that he served as the exemplar for the degree I help perform: Chief of the Tabernacle (23rd degree). This is only the second time the Des Moines Valley has performed the degree, ever, and from what I understand, we are the only Valley in the State that has attempted it.

As a new Scottish Rite Mason, it’s exciting for me to be a part of a degree team and I’m looking forward to our Fall Reunion; we’ll perform the 23rd and also the 24th degree- Prince of the Tabernacle.

...loitering by the wayside...

2011-08-28T06:47:00.003-05:00

I finished part one of the Master Craftsman II (MC2) course after months of delay. I answered the multiple-choice questions the same day the test arrived in the mail, but I have been delaying the essay. The MC2 course requires both multiple-choice questions and an essay for each degree and the essays are 500-1000 words, each.

My motivation for completing part one, finally, was something I heard in the Des Moines Scottish Rite's One Day Summer Reunion held August 27. The Reunion was held in honor of Ivan L. Johnson 32° KCCH and Richard J. Noyce, 32° KCCH and conferred eight degrees: 4th, 6th, 13th, 14th, 18th, 23rd, 30th, and 32nd. As I was listening to the degrees on Saturday morning, one phrase stuck in my mind: loitering by the wayside. Well, I am loitering no more. Part one of MC2 will be in the mail early Monday morning and I am already anticipating the questions for part two.

Presentation at Specialis Procer #678 Festive Board

2011-08-27T06:27:00.003-05:00

Specialis Procer #678 held their festive board Friday night at the Scottish Rite Temple in Des Moines. The menu featured Beef Wellington and it was delicious! This was only the second SP 678 festive board I've attended and I hope to attend more in the future. My first festive board was back in early 2010 before I had been raised to the Third degree. A brother of the lodge made a presentation on Freemasonry in Turkey. I was impressed both with the presentation and with the concept of gathering with brothers to eat, enjoy each others company, and talk about Masonry. Too often it seems like our meetings focus on the business details of the Lodge, but festive boards highlight the social aspects of our fraternity- and good food!

Last night at SP 678 I made the presentation. I have been working on a paper about symbolism and the Perfect Ashlar. I started work on the project over a year ago, in part to fulfill the requirements for the Ashlar Award. The Ashlar Award is a program from the Grand Lodge of Iowa in which a first year Mason accumulates points for active participation in Freemasonry. Points are earned by learning speaking parts in degrees, being a mentor, attending a Lodge of Instruction, and for writing a paper.

Parts of my presentation have been posted on this blog and can be found by clicking on the "Ashlar" topic on the right side of the screen. I enjoyed researching my "innocent little catalog" of different ways to interpret the Ashlar and hope to continue to learn more about Masonic symbolism with additional research in the future.

Jay Simser has some pictures of the festive board at his blog Bailey's Buddy.

George Washington's Tomb

2011-07-29T20:05:00.003-05:00

I have spent the past week living and studying at Mount Vernon with Dr. Gordon Wood, the preeminent scholar of Washington and the Revolutionary era. Twenty teachers were selected to participate in this seminar and I feel fortunate to have been one of them. Dr. Wood is an incredible teacher and has answered every question, no matter how naive, although no one asked him about the bar scene in Good Will Hunting in which his name comes up!

Today was our last day at Mount Vernon. Dr. Wood started us off with another incredible session. We also had tours of the gardens and the Mansion. Just before dinner, we participated in laying the wreath at Washington's tomb. If you can't see the pictures below, click on this link to go to the pics at Picasa.

The tour of the Mansion was incredible, by the way. We spent over an hour in the building including a trip up to the cupola!

Anyway, enjoy the pics!

Mount Vernon Gardens Tour

2011-07-29T15:32:00.003-05:00

Here are a few pictures from our garden tour this morning. Use this link if you can't see the slide show.

Washington's Mill and Distillery

2011-07-28T17:35:00.002-05:00

Today we toured George Washington's Mill and Distillery just down the road from Mount Vernon. Not only was Washington a Freemason, but he was also the owner of the largest distillery at that time in colonial America. In 1799, the year of his death, his distillery produced almost 11,000 gallons of rye whiskey. There are no records of any other distillery of that size in 1799.

A few pictures of our tour are below in a slide show, or click here to go to the album at Picasa.

National Treasure tour pictures

2011-07-27T13:27:00.001-05:00

If you can't see the slide show, click here and you'll go to the pics at Picasa.

Basement of Mount Vernon on the National Treasure tour

2011-07-27T08:11:00.000-05:00

More pictures at Mount Vernon

2011-07-27T06:19:00.001-05:00

Here are a few pics of the Mansion from early this morning.

Dr. Gordon Wood, Brown University

2011-07-26T09:46:00.002-05:00

Dr. Wood is a professor at Brown University and a Pulitzer prize winning author of a book on the American Revolution. He is the featured lecturer this week for our seminar at Mount Vernon. Stephen Bullock, author of Revolutionary Brotherhood, was his student.

Mount Vernon: tomb, gardens, and sheep on the loose

2011-07-26T06:04:00.004-05:00

Here are pictures from this morning's stroll around the estate. I visited both tombs, the gardens, and even saw some sheep enjoying breakfast on the back lawn of the Mansion.

Click HERE to go to the pictures.

Mount Vernon at sunrise before the crowds arrive

2011-07-25T06:11:00.002-05:00

Here are a few pictures from my walk around the estate this morning.

If you can't see the pictures in the embedded slide show, click here to go to the pics.

Sunrise from the back porch of the mansion at Mount Vernon

2011-07-25T06:06:00.000-05:00

Picture Slideshow from George Washington National Masonic Memorial visit 24 July 2011

2011-07-24T15:57:00.002-05:00

If you can't see the slide show, click here to go to the pics on Picasa.

2011-07-24T15:43:00.001-05:00

My room at Mount Vernon for this week

2011-07-24T14:59:00.000-05:00

I'd sit on the left!

2011-07-24T14:46:00.000-05:00

THE Chair...

2011-07-24T14:45:00.000-05:00

From the observation deck

2011-07-24T14:44:00.001-05:00

GW Masonic Memorial

2011-07-24T14:44:00.000-05:00

Fourth floor at the Memorial

2011-07-24T14:43:00.000-05:00

At the George Washington Masonic Memorial

2011-07-24T14:41:00.001-05:00

Gadsby's Tavern in Alexandria, VA

2011-07-24T10:45:00.001-05:00

Masonic dues may not have increased much over time, but the price of breakfast sure has!

This is a picture of Gadsby's Tavern in Alexandria, VA. George Washington often ate here and today Gadsby's still serves breakfast lunch and dinner...if you can afford it. I settled for a picture of the sign and my bike; I'll save my money for the gift shop at the Masonic Memorial.

George Washington National Masonic Memorial

2011-07-24T06:17:00.001-05:00

Pictures are definitely worth a thousand words in this case. Even if he had 200 minutes, Lincoln couldn't do justice to describing how Freemasons must feel when they first see this memorial.

House of the Temple in DC

2011-07-23T16:39:00.001-05:00

Gettysburg National Cemetery

2011-07-22T15:52:00.001-05:00

This is the site of Lincoln's famous Gettysburg address. I was fortunate enough to spend some time today at the Battleground's Park and the Cemetery. This was my first visit to Gettysburg and I was surprised at the size of the Park. The suggested automobile tour takes over 3 hours. I planned to ride my bike, but given the weather there this afternoon I stayed in the car. The National Cemetery, however, is accessible only by foot.

I was reminded of something about Lincoln's famous speech that I had forgotten: he spoke for just about 2 minutes. Two minutes! We should learn many things from President Lincoln and one of them should be that simple fact!

I wonder if we should introduce a "Lincoln Rule" in our Stated Meetings: no one can speak for more than two minutes, total, during a meeting. That is, unless they can do a better job than Lincoln did at Gettysburg.

Seminar at Mount Vernon

2011-07-21T04:48:00.003-05:00

I'm off to D.C. this morning for a Gilder Lehrman seminar at Mount Vernon. The seminar is held at Washington's estate and focuses on Washington and the political/social events of his time. Twenty teachers will participate and we'll actually stay at the Estate.

I'm driving so that I'll have flexibility to see some sights. On the way, I plan to stop at Gettysburg. Other Masonic sightseeing plans include the George Washington Masonic Memorial, The House of the Temple, and a museum in Alexandria with a special exhibit on Washington including the bible on which he took his Presidential oath.

3rd Annual BBQ at Operative Lodge #308 in Polk City, Iowa

2011-07-17T10:19:00.003-05:00

Polk City's Operative Lodge #308 hosted their Third Annual BBQ on Saturday, July 16. Honored guests included Past Grandmaster Jack Butler and Stacy Layton. Even though temperatures approached 95 degrees, a good time was had by all. Operative Lodge Senior Deacon Keith Gordon prepared the ribs and Worshipful Master Lane Shaver cooked the pork chops. After supper, the central Iowa band Monkey Monkey Monkey entertained the crowd.

Za-Ga-Zig Shriners at Gowrie Fourth of July Parade

2011-07-04T11:51:00.000-05:00

Haywood- Studies in Blue Lodge Symbolism

2011-07-04T07:50:00.002-05:00

Phoenixmasonry Masonic Museum and Library distributed this link to a May 1919 article by Harry Haywood in The Builder. Click on the title of this post to go to their site and read Haywood's short article.

Haywood marker in Cedar Rapids Cedar Memorial Cemetery

2011-07-02T20:28:00.002-05:00

Harry Haywood's grave site in Cedar Rapids

2011-07-02T13:31:00.001-05:00

Let There Be Light- Harry Haywood

2011-07-02T13:18:00.002-05:00

I'm in Cedar Rapids this weekend for my nephew's wedding and I had some free time so I thought I would write a quick note about Harry Haywood. Haywood Is the author of one of my favorite Masonic books, The Great Teachings of Masonry. He has written many books including several on the Iowa Masonic Library's list of recommended books for new Masons. His writing style is easy to follow and understand, something not always true of Masonic scholars!

Haywood died in 1956 and is buried in the Masonic section of the Cedar Rapids Cedar Memorial Cemetery. Be careful though if you look him up in Wikipedia: he wasn't born in Omaha nor was he a communist!

Sent from my iPad

A visit to Halifax Lodge #81 in Daytona Beach

2011-06-03T06:05:00.001-05:00

I visited Halifax Lodge #81 in Daytona Beach, Florida yesterday evening. Worshipful Master John Hamblett gave me a warm welcome, as did all of the brothers of this Lodge. I was impressed with the friendliness of the members there as they made me feel truly at home in their Lodge.

W. M. Hamblett is an energetic leader and the Lodge is involved in an extensive remodeling program of their beautiful older building. The brethren are refinishing the wood floors and restoring many parts of the lodge room. One part of the lodge room which stood out to me was a small removable section of the floor which is used during the 3rd degree. I just recently played the part of the 2nd C. in my home Lodge and I can say that resting on the brow of a hill near this shallow section of removable floor would certainly add to the impact of the drama! I remarked on this feature of their lodge room in casual conversation after the stated meeting and the brothers were kind enough to show it to me in detail.

I enjoyed my visit to Halifax Lodge #81 and I hope to visit again. My experience was more than just a nice break from my temporary job here. Freemasonry unites brothers from all walks of life and from all areas of the world into an uncommon brotherhood. The brothers of Halifax Lodge #81 exemplify this and I will never forget their expressions of friendship.

Pizza Sale at Operative Lodge #308

2011-05-08T06:40:00.003-05:00

Operative Lodge #308 in Polk City held its semi-annual Pizza Sale on Saturday, May 7 2011. Proceeds of the sale go towards assisting the North Polk Elementary Band program and the Lodge's College Scholarship fund.

Freemasons from Operative Lodge prepared to make over 300 pizzas by chopping green peppers and onions Friday evening. The basement of the Lodge was turned into a pizza assembly line and covered in plastic. We started making the pizzas at 8 AM Saturday and finished just after noon.

Thanks to everyone who purchased a pizza and helped with the sale, especially the North Polk Elementary Band parents. The next pizza sale will be this fall.

The duty is performed

2011-04-30T20:54:00.001-05:00

Pictures from the funeral of Worshipful Master Steve Layton, Operative Lodge #308, Polk City, Iowa.

Pictures of Steve Layton at the Des Moines Scottish Rite's Robert Burns Night

2011-04-28T20:26:00.002-05:00

Pictures from Jan. 25, 2011 at the Des Moines Scottish Rite. Photos courtesy of Jay Simser.

RIP Steve Layton

2011-04-27T16:56:00.004-05:00

Steve-
-You're the first Mason I recall meeting at my very first visit to a Lodge
-You're the first Santa my son ever sat on...
-as the most inexperienced Junior Steward ever, you're the first Warden who taught me what to do...

Although I knew you just a little over a year, I owe you so much, good friend. You will be greatly missed.

Fellow Craft degree at Operative Lodge #308 in Polk City

2011-04-20T06:26:00.005-05:00

Operative Lodge #308 in Polk City, Iowa passed Jeremy Whitlatch to the degree of Fellow Craft on Monday evening April 18. We had a light crowd with fourteen brothers witnessing Jeremy’s second degree, however the quality of the ritual and floorwork was excellent. The Middle Chamber lecture is one of my favorite parts of all of the craft degrees and once again, brother Dave Aves from Mount Olive Lodge #79 in Boone did a fantastic job on this challenging lecture.

Jeremy and his mentor used the Grand Lodge of Iowa’s new on-line Mentor’s Assistant tool and both said they found the new internet-based resource useful. The Mentor’s Assistant features separate elements for each of the three degrees which allow the new Mason and his mentor to review each degree interactively. It works in conjunction with Iowa’s Systematic Masonic Enlightenment Course.

Jeremy’s third degree is scheduled for Monday, May 16 at 6:30 PM in Polk City.

New Chief of the Tabernacle

2011-04-16T11:30:00.007-05:00

The Des Moines Scottish Rite 2011 Spring Reunion continues today with the Marvin A. Pomerantz, 33˚, class completing degrees twenty-three through the thirty-second. This was the first time the Des Moines Scottish Rite had ever performed the twenty-third degree, Chief of the Tabernacle, and I was proud to be a part of the degree team. Ten brothers had parts to play on the floor including James R. McOwen, Ernest L. George, Jeffrey L. Vandewater, Daniel L. Beyer, Darrell G. Fremont, Nathaniel A. Hedin Schmidt, Russell E. Saffell, Ryan G. Williams, Nicholas J. McGahan, and myself. Our candidate for this degree was Matt Noble from Specialis Procer Lodge #678. Mark Cook took care of sound for us and W. Charles Smithson led our team as Degree Master. This was my first role on a degree team and I truly enjoyed it, especially since seven of the members of the degree team are from my fall 2010 class.

Brother Charlie was a tremendous help to us and deserves special thanks- it may not have been his first rodeo but it surely was mine, and most of the other members of the team, as well.

If you missed the degree, you’ll have a chance to see it at the reunion this fall. I posted a few pictures of the set-up and degree team members below.

Des Moines Scottish Rite 2011 Spring Reunion

2011-04-02T05:26:00.003-05:00

The Des Moines Valley’s Spring Reunion opened Friday, April 1 with the fourth degree- Secret Master. Twelve candidates began work at 4:00 PM and finished for the evening before 9:00 PM, well ahead of schedule, thanks in part to the efficient degree teams and the effective direction of the class marshals.

This year’s Spring Reunion is designated the Marvin A. Pomerantz, 33 Degree Memorial Reunion. Work continues Saturday, April 2 with the eighth degree and concludes with the Knight Rose Croix degree late Saturday afternoon. The Reunion continues April 15 and 16.

I was able to attend three of the degrees Friday: Perfect Master, Confidential Secretary, and Provost and Judge. The Seventh degree, Provost and Judge, remains as one of my favorites. The set and costuming are simple yet the message of the degree is profound.

The Fifth degree, Perfect Master, had special interest for me this time due to my work in the Master Craftsman course. I’m working on part two of the course and my current assignment is to write a 500 – 1000 word essay on the lessons of this degree. Seeing the degree performed complete with props, costuming, and special lighting inspired my thinking and led to several ideas for my essay.

New Entered Apprentice at Operative Lodge #308 in Polk City, Iowa

2011-03-21T21:10:00.003-05:00

Operative Lodge #308 in Polk City, Iowa held a First Degree for Jeremy Whitlatch on Monday evening March 21.Brothers from Star Lodge, Adel Lodge, and Nevada Lodge assisted in the work. In all, twenty-one brothers were present for Jeremy’s initiation. Operative Lodge's Senior and Junior Stewards did an excellent job with the floor work in their very first Entered Apprentice degree.

Special thanks go to visiting Worshipful Master Brain Ahrens for sitting in. Best wishes go out to Operative Lodge’s Worshipful Master Steve Layton who is voiceless due to illness.

Lodge Night

2011-03-15T10:53:00.002-05:00

Members of Operative Lodge #308 in Polk City, Iowa gathered for their regular monthly meeting Monday, March 14. Before the meeting began, families met together for dinner courtesy of Dean and Ron Ringgenberg in the Lodge basement. Brothers Dean and Ron (father and son, too!) served chili and oyster stew. Both were delicious; if I had gone back for a third bowl I don’t know which I would have chosen! After dinner, the stated meeting began at 7:30.

Our Lodge meeting featured an educational practice of floor work and ritual in preparation for an upcoming First Degree Monday, March 21. In addition, several brothers commented on the successful reception the Lodge hosted, in cooperation with Star Lodge, for Darrell Fremont, Senior Grand Steward of the Grand Lodge of Iowa A.F. & A.M. Fifty-eight brothers gathered in Operative Lodge last Saturday for Brother Darrell’s reception and over one hundred brothers, friends, and family celebrated at lunch. Brother Keith Gordon did an excellent job grilling the meat for Saturday’s lunch. Operative Lodge’s Pizza Sale also was discussed. The sale is coming up at the end of April and all proceeds go towards two charitable gifts to the North Polk Schools: a scholarship for a graduating North Polk senior and a donation to the North Polk Elementary Instrumental Music Program.

Grand Lodge Reception at Operative Lodge in Polk City

2011-03-12T14:22:00.008-06:00

Operative Lodge #308 in Polk City, Iowa hosted the reception for Worshipful Brother Darrell G. Fremont, Senior Grand Steward of the Grand Lodge of Iowa A.F. & A.M., on Saturday, March 12, 2011. He is a member of Operative Lodge in Polk City and Star Lodge in Madrid.

Fifty-eight brothers including past and present Grand Lodge officers and the Grand Master of Masons in Iowa Most Worshipful Craig L. Davis were present at Operative Lodge as Worshipful Master Steve Layton opened the Lodge. The ceremony featured bagpipe music and a brief speech by Worshipful Brother Fremont. Brian Ahrens, Worshipful Master of Star Lodge #115 also served as Master during the ceremony.

I took a few photos and one video from my place in the far West of the Lodge room:

Chief of the Tabernacle

2011-03-05T12:26:00.003-06:00

We had our first practice for the Scottish Rite 23rd degree, Chief of the Tabernacle, last night. I have a small part in the degree with just a few lines and it’s been easy to memorize. For our first practice, we focused on placement and movement of the cast members during the degree. There are about nine of us on the degree team.

This is a new degree for the Des Moines Valley: it’s never been performed here. For me, it’s exciting to be a part of the team performing a degree. Memorizing the lines hasn’t been difficult, but I think the opportunity to play a small part in the entire process is what I’ll enjoy the most. And since this degree has never been done here, that makes it even more of a unique opportunity. I know it will be the best performance of the degree Des Moines has ever seen…!

Master Craftsman Part Two is Here!

2011-02-28T19:08:00.002-06:00

(photo courtesy of Scottish Rite)
Master Craftsman II is now in progress. I ordered the program early last week and lesson one arrived just four days later. The program is a continuation of the Master Craftsman I. The Scottish Rite describes it as a “by-mail Masonic education correspondence course.”

I enjoyed the first part and am excited to begin part II. Already I notice that it is significantly different. First, the multiple choice questions are definitely more challenging. I write multiple choice test questions for a living (sort of- I’m a high school Social Studies teacher) so I have to claim credit for being able to recognize a good test question when I see one! Second, the essay questions in Part II require more analysis of each specific degree. And there are more of them. In my first quiz for Part II, there are two essay questions with each being 500 – 1000 words. That’s two to four pages of double-spaced, typed text…each! Oh my: I’m starting to sound like my students again.

New Master Mason on President's Day at Operative Lodge

2011-02-22T05:45:00.004-06:00

Operative Lodge #308 in Polk City, Iowa raised Brian Bever to the sublime degree of a Master Mason last night. Seventeen brothers participated in the raising, including the Master of Star Lodge #115 in Madrid, Brian Ahrens.

Yesterday was President's Day and I especially enjoyed playing a role in Brian's raising on such a day. The ceremony he went through hasn't changed much since George Washington became a Master Mason. Operative Lodge has a large painting of President Washington in Masonic regalia, in fact, our newest brother was seated next to it at the end of his degree.

Congratulations Brian!

Master Craftsman Part One is Done!

2011-02-20T06:59:00.002-06:00

(picture copyright Scottishrite.org)
Master Craftsman Part One is done! The administrators of the program emailed notice of my completion of the program this past week. I started the series of six quizzes back in November and it took me a little more than three months to finish. Finish part one, that is. There is a Master Craftsman II program. I’m eager to start!

New Masters of the Royal Secret

2011-02-20T06:44:00.002-06:00

Members of the Robert E. Derby, 32° KCCH and Karl H. Killinger, 32° KCCH one day reunion class completed their work yesterday afternoon. Congratulations to the thirteen new Masters of the Royal Secret! I was excited to attend this reunion in part because it was my first; I was a member of the November 2010 Glen W. Lamb, 32˚ KCCH and Eugene L. Smith, 32˚ KCCH class.

Several other of my November classmates attended as well. Two participated in the degrees as candidates to complete work missed due to family and other obligations back in November. Four members of the November class, in addition to me, were in attendance, two of whom participated in the ritual. In total, five of the seventeen candidates from the November 2010 Glen W. Lamb, 32˚ KCCH and Eugene L. Smith, 32˚ KCCH class attended, not including the two candidates who needed to finish up some of the work. That’s about 30% of the class from the most recent reunion. I am curious how that compares. I hear and read about membership numbers and activity, and this makes me wonder if there is research regarding the participation of new Scottish Rite members. Do other Valleys track participation rates? How would participation be quantified? It’s easy to count the members of the class or even the numbers who attend banquets, but are there other elements of participation in reunions that are tracked by Valleys?

The most interesting part of the day for me wasn’t the numbers or what they might mean. The best part for me was this: I felt like I was seeing some of these for the first time! As a candidate back in November, I was excited, anxious, and maybe even a little nervous so I wasn’t really concentrating on the degrees. The significance of the lessons of the degrees overwhelmed me then, and it still does, but watching the degrees yesterday I feel like I learned much more than I did as a candidate. I’m looking forward to the April reunion even more now!

One Day Reunion

2011-02-19T06:25:00.000-06:00

The Robert E. Derby, 32° KCCH and Karl H. Killinger, 32° KCCH one day reunion is today and I’m looking forward to my first opportunity to attend a reunion. I was a member of the Glen W. Lamb, 32˚ KCCH and Eugene L. Smith, 32˚ KCCH class this past November and I can still recall the excitement I felt those two weekends. I’ve learned a lot from participating in the Blue Lodge degrees, or just watching them from the sideline, and I’m eager to experience the Scottish Rite degrees again as well.

The most valuable item in the Iowa Masonic Library?

2011-02-13T07:05:00.006-06:00

Where is the largest Masonic Library in the U.S.? According to Masonic scholar Paul Bessel, a Fellow of the Philalethes Society, it's right here in Iowa! I visited the Iowa Masonic Library this weekend during the Masonic Education Conference in Cedar Rapids. Brother Bill Krueger, the librarian, is always friendly and helpful, and this past weekend with more than a hundred Freemasons wandering in and out was no exception. Many Iowa Masons know about the library, but I wonder if they know just how unique our library is?

I wrote back in August about one of the resources we have at the Library- Index Rerum. It is an index to periodical literature (magazines and journals). Nothing special, you say? I used those old, green covered Reader's Guides when I was in high school, huh? My son uses EBSCO on the school's internet to find magazine articles so what's the big deal? Just google it? Well...

Masonic magazines and journals are not indexed by EBSCO, Reader's Guide, or other commercial on-line or paper indexes. A google search will bring up many sites with lists of periodicals and even a few on-line indexes. But if you spend more than a few minutes examining these links, you find that most are just links to the home pages of magazines; the few indexes that are available are not nearly as comprehensive as Iowa's. For example, I searched the topic symbolism of the Ashlar at the on-line index for London's Library and Museum of Freemasonry. There were three hits. Three. The Iowa Masonic Library has 96 separate entries on this topic referencing articles back to the 1850's.

Comprehensive, professionally maintained indexes to Masonic periodical literature just aren't readily available. Except...you guessed it...at the Iowa Masonic Library in the form of the Index Rerum. This index covers Masonic periodicals back to at least 1857 and probably further; I know it goes back at least to 1857 because I used the Index to find an 1857 article. The Index Rerum was created by librarians of the Iowa Masonic library over the years. Each index card is done by hand. Now, other Masonic libraries might have an index similar to this, but the sheer volume and age of the material indexed makes this one unique. It truly is one of the most valuable resources we have in our Library. There are tentative plans to digitize the Index Rerum to make it available to scholars world-wide, and to protect this one-of-a-kind research tool from damage.

The Lighthouse Restaurant in Cedar Rapids

2011-02-12T06:27:00.003-06:00

The Lighthouse is a Cedar Rapids restaurant with a long history and great food. I arrived in CR the night before the Masonic Education conference so I could visit with my brother and his family. He suggested we try the Lighthouse for supper and I’m glad we did. I had a New York Strip steak with blue cheese and it was delicious and perfectly cooked. My brother had the Filet and it was also cooked just the way he ordered it. His wife ordered scallops and said they were wonderful.

The history of the Lighthouse goes back 99 years to 1912 when it first opened. During prohibition, gangsters from Chicago would retreat from the city to “beat the heat” and stayed in cabins behind the restaurant. The cabins are long gone, as is the bullet hole in the restaurant’s wall near the lounge where John Dillenger’s gun went off, but the history of the place lives on along with great food.

Reobligation night at Operative Lodge

2011-02-11T05:56:00.005-06:00

Twenty-one brothers participated in Reobligation night at Operative Lodge #308 in Polk City Thursday evening. This was my first opportunity to participate and I found the ceremony impressive. As a new Master Mason, I'm learning about the Craft at every Lodge meeting I attend, and Reobligation Night continued my education. The solemnity of the event combined with the obligations had an impact on me, but joining with other Masons to reobligate ourselves together is what I'll most remember.

New Master Mason at Star Lodge in Madrid, Iowa

2011-02-06T00:12:00.002-06:00

Star Lodge #115 in Madrid, Iowa raised David Jensen Saturday morning, Feb. 5. Those participating in the degree did a great job and all enjoyed lunch afterwards. I was most impressed by the support of area lodges. At least seven Past Masters from Star and other nearby Lodges attended, as well as many members of the Craft. Lodges represented included Mt. Olive #79 in Boone, Mirza #609 in Pilot Mound, Cyrene #325 in Clarion, Nevada #99 in Nevada, West Gate-Adelphic #509 in Des Moines, and Operative Lodge #308 in Polk City.

New website for Iowa York Rite

2011-02-05T19:32:00.003-06:00

The website for Iowa York Rite has been redesigned and can be seen here.

Masonic snow blower

2011-02-02T14:37:00.002-06:00

This picture doesn’t do justice to the size of the drifts in front of Operative Lodge #308 in Polk City, Iowa this morning after the blizzard went through. Although the snow didn’t drift to quite two feet, my old-fashioned snow blower made it seem like the drifts were much deeper. Snow blower? Yep, look to the far right in the picture above.

Petunias and blizzards

2011-02-02T14:31:00.001-06:00

I started my petunia and impatiens seed yesterday. Not that a blizzard warning makes for a good time to start seeds indoors, but it was comforting to me. I suppose it was the promise of spring that brightened an otherwise cold and snowy evening. Or maybe it was the nature of a seed that sparked my imagination, and not just any seed, but a petunia seed, which has to be about the smallest seed I’ve ever started indoors. These tiny, somewhat ugly, specks will turn into months of colorful flowers.

This is just the third year I’ve started seeds indoors under lights for replanting later in our garden. I wanted to try petunias and impatiens this year in part because of the economy of planting seeds instead of buying transplants. Even after the cost of my additional seed starting equipment, I’ll save money. Now, I’m not sure I’ll consider that such a strong reason in the future. I wasn’t thinking about dollars and cents last night while the wind howled and my 2 ½ year-old son watched as I planted these tiny seeds. And when I see their first blooms this spring and think back to that cold winter’s night, I doubt I’ll be thinking money, either.

Deresiewicz, Entitled Mediocrity, and the Master Craftsman Quiz #4

2011-02-01T12:59:00.007-06:00

I received my graded Quiz #4 in the Scottish Rite Master Craftsman program last week. Each quiz includes 20 multiple choice questions and 1 essay over selected degrees in the Scottish Rite. Quizzes cover approximately 100 to 250 pages of reading and are open book. When you finish a quiz, you mail it back and it's graded and returned to you. Up to this point in the program, I scored 100% on all of the quizzes- perfect. The labels on the graded quizzes even said so- “Perfect Score 100%.” But Quiz #4 changed my perfect record; I answered one of the questions wrong. I now have one quiz with just an A.

I suppose that is still okay, though: “A” is the mark of excellence while an “A-“ is the mark of entitled mediocrity. That’s what I read in William Deresiewicz’s essay: The Disadvantages of an Elite Education. Deresiewicz argues that educators do students a disservice by not teaching them to be independent thinkers. Instead, we focus on those marketable skills which allow for success from inside the system. I probably shouldn’t use the term “we.” I am a teacher and I do work in an excellent school, but it is a public school after all and we probably have too many students on free and reduced price lunch to qualify as an elite institution.

Still, I fall into the trap Deresiewicz describes. And not just as a teacher, but as a student. My first reaction on seeing the one missed question on my recent Master Craftsman quiz was to find the passage which justified my answer and compose an email to those in charge of the program. I wasn’t about to settle for just an “A.” I worked hard and deserved a perfect score. To me, at least at first, it didn’t matter that my answer was wrong. I was more focused on how hard I worked and thought that should justify me- I was entitled. Ironically, Deresiewicz makes just that point in his analysis of many of today's students who attend elite universities. They feel they are entitled simply because of the effort they put into an assignment. Scores on assignments are changed after a student argues that his answer was based on some other assumption that the question stated, or assignment deadlines are modified for the student who simply can't get it done on time. Deresiewicz writes that exams, research papers, and speeches aren't graded based on whether or not they meet standards of the professor but rather whether or not they reflect the effort of the student, and since the student has already proven their worth by getting into an elite university, that must mean that the grade should a least be an "A-."

This has been another benefit of the Master Craftsman course for me. I've learned to study with more patience and I've also learned that even though I have worked hard reading the assigned material, multiple times in some instances, my score still is dependent on whether or not my chosen answer is correct.

However, I still think that the meaning of Master of Kadosh is none of the above!

New reading material

2011-01-29T16:46:00.002-06:00

I have some new, and some old, reading material on my shelf this week. I’m finishing the introduction in my paper on the symbolism of the Ashlar in Freemasonry and I requested two books from the Iowa Masonic Library to help me fill in the weak areas. I’ve borrowed the first title before- The Craft and its Symbols: Opening the Door to Masonic Symbolism by Allen E. Roberts. Actually, I think this may be the third time I’ve borrowed it! I like this book a lot. Roberts summarizes common and not so common symbols in a clear, concise way that doesn’t patronize the reader. It’s a very short book, and yet it does a great job covering a comprehensive number of Masonic symbols. And at least one Masonic librarian agrees with me: Roberts’ book is on the list of suggested titles from a recent article on the Supreme Council’s website.

A second book I borrowed from the Grand Lodge of Iowa A.F. & A.M. Masonic Library is Mark Tabbert’s American Freemasons: Three Centuries of Building Communities. This book comes highly recommended as well. I haven’t started it yet, but I’m curious especially to read this author because of his Iowa Masonic roots. I attended the Des Moines Scottish Rite’s Blue Lodge Breakfast last week and we were treated to a short video about George Washington and the National Masonic Memorial, of which Tabbert is the Director of Collections. Shane Harshbarger, the DSM Scottish Rite’s Master of Kadosh introduced the video by telling us that Tabbert was raised in Iowa. I did a little more research and found out that indeed, he was raised in Malta Lodge #318 in Burlington.

The third book I have waiting for me is The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Freemasonry by S. Brent Morris. I just picked this up at Barnes and Noble with a gift card I received at Christmas.

Now if I can just put the books down long enough to get that intro finished!

Robert Burns Night hosted by the Des Moines Consistory

2011-01-26T16:53:00.005-06:00

The Des Moines Consistory hosted Robert Burns Night on Tuesday, Jan. 25 at the Scottish Rite Temple in downtown Des Moines. This was my first Burns night ever!

Pipers Jim Jorgenson and Steve Layton, Worshipful Master of Operative Lodge #308, opened the evening in fine style with an inspiring performance on their bagpipes. Both were in full Piper dress (above photo is from Jay Simser at Bailey's Buddy). Jim and Steve joined the diners at my table and we enjoyed their explanation of the meaning of much of their regalia.

After a delicious dinner- no Haggis here thank goodness- Pete Taggart reviewed “the immortal memory” of Burns with an entertaining speech highlighting the Scottish Poet’s life and work. Bob Speed delivered an informative narrative of Burn’s poems, including some of his most famous lines:

Some have meat and cannot eat,
Some cannot eat that want it;
But we have meat and we can eat’
So let the Lord be thankit.
(Selkirk Grace)

Liberty’s in every blow!
Let us do- or die!
(Robert Bruce’s March to Bannockburn)

Ron Lindhart entertained the audience with song throughout the evening including leading us in Auld Lang Syne, which ended the festivities.

Grand Lodge of Iowa Webpage

2011-01-24T06:17:00.001-06:00

Senior Grand Steward Darrell Fremont of the Grand Lodge of Iowa A.F. & A.M. is updating the Grand Lodge website; the new link is here.

Brother Fremont is Past Master of Star Lodge and also a member of Operative Lodge in Polk City.

Des Moines Scottish Rite Blue Lodge Breakfast

2011-01-22T16:52:00.004-06:00

The DSM Scottish Rite hosted the 11th Annual Blue Lodge Breakfast on Saturday, Jan. 22 at the Scottish Rite Temple in downtown Des Moines. The breakfast was free to all Masons and is the Des Moines Valley’s way of saying “Thank You.” The full breakfast included eggs, hash browns, sausage, cinnamon rolls personally served by Grand Master Craig Davis, coffee, and juice.

After the breakfast, Master of Kadosh Shane Harshbarger introduced special guests as well as a video courtesy of Mark Tabbert, Director of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial. The short video highlighted George Washington and the Memorial itself. Tabbert was raised in an Iowa Lodge, and in fact, Shane himself helped raise him!

I had a great time at the breakfast. It was fun to see several of the members of my class from the November Reunion and I also had an enjoyable visit with members of my Lodge, Operative Lodge #308 in Polk City.

A new Fellow Craft at Operative Lodge #308 in Polk City

2011-01-18T21:46:00.004-06:00

Operative Lodge #308 in Polk City, IA passed Bryan Bever to the degree of Fellow Craft Monday evening January 17. Brothers from the Grand Lodge of Iowa, A.F. & A.M., as well as Star, Mount Olive, and King David Lodges all participated in the work. Afterwards, we enjoyed cake and coffee courtesy of WM Steve Layton.

2011 Officer Installation

2011-01-17T06:49:00.002-06:00

Operative Lodge #308 in Polk City, Iowa installed its 2011 officers yesterday. Congratualtions go to Worshipful Master Steve Layton and special thanks to Past Master Timothy Davis. Lodge members, Freemasons from surrounding Lodges, representatives from the Order of the Eastern Star, the Scottish Rite, the York Rite, and the Grand Lodge of Iowa, as well as family members, attended the public ceremony. Installing officers included Dean Johnson PGM, Rodney Halverson PM, James L. Trotter PM, and Michael B. Aves Sr. PM.

The 2011 Officers of Operative Lodge #308:
Worshipful Master Steve Layton
Senior Warden Timothy Davis PM
Junior Warden Chris Millhollin
Treasurer Michael B. Aves Sr. PM
Secretary James L. Trotter PM
Chaplain Rodney Halverson PM
Senior Deacon Keith Gordon
Junior Deacon Mike A. Miller
Senior Steward Lon A. Laffey
Junior Steward David A. Seery
Tyler Terry L. Burk
Marshall Gordon Schofer PM

Past Master Lane Shaver provided the music along with Brother Steve Moeckley and his bagpipes.

Master Craftsman Program

2011-01-15T06:16:00.002-06:00

I have finally finished the fourth quiz in the Scottish Rite Master Craftsman Program. The Program focuses on the history of the Scottish Rite, its structure and organization, and its Masonic teachings. The format consists of six open book quizzes covering two texts: The Scottish Rite Ritual Monitor and Guide and Bridge to Light. The quizzes include 20 multiple-choice questions and one essay question; staff at the House of the Temple in Washington, D.C. evaluate each quiz. More information is available at the Supreme Council’s Master Craftsman page.

I found the fourth quiz to be the most challenging so far; it has definitely taken the most time to finish compared to the others. I’m looking forward to continuing my study in the texts. The most beneficial part of the course for me has been its structured approach to reading the Monitor and Guide. This is a book with over 1000 pages consisting of extended quotes from Morals and Dogma and other demanding sources.

Quiz 5 covers the Consistory of the Masters of the Royal Secret and the following readings:
Monitor and Guide, pages 703–878 (1st ed.), or pages 739–914 (2nd ed.), and A Bridge to Light(2006 ed.), pages 285–312.

2010-2011 State High School Debate Tournament results

2011-01-08T16:48:00.003-06:00

DMACC (Ankeny campus) hosted the 2010-2011 IHSSA State High School Debate Tournament this past weekend and results are complete. Dowling Catholic won 1st and 2nd place in the policy debate division, West Des Moines Valley won 1st and 2nd in the Lincoln-Douglas debate division, Indianola won 1st and 2nd in Public Forum debate (large school division), and Okoboji won 1st and 2nd in Public Forum debate (small school division). Congratulations!

If two teams from the same school are scheduled to debate one another in the finals, they don't actually debate. Instead, the higher seed of the two is declared the winner. This is called a "close-out." I can't recall a time this many debate divisions all closed-out.

There is also a sweepstakes award. This award goes to the school which does the best in all of the debate events, including Student Congress. This year, Des Moines Roosevelt won the sweepstakes award.