Three Minute Mason, Schemes and Mind Maps of History

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Three Minute

Mason

Published By: Grand Lodge Free & Accepted Masons of Wisconsin 36275 Sunset Drive Dousman, WI 53118 (262) 965- 2200 WIGL- 009 - Rev-Aug. 200 6

"THREE MINUTE MASON" INDEX

Topic

1. Blue Lodge- We have always heard of the "Blue Lodge". What does the term "B1ue" mean and why are we using the "Blue Lodge" in present conversation?
2. Corn-Wine-Oi1 - We hear the terms "corn, wine and oil" in our ritual and see them used at cornerstone 1ayings and building dedications. Each has a meaning. What do you think they may be?
3. How old are we? - Many wide and different stories abound as to the age of our Fraternity. What are some of these stories? How old are we? What can be proven?
4. Lodge Warrant - What is a Lodge Warrant? Where does it come from and what is its significance?
5. Masonic Date: A.L. - It is interesting to note that Masonic dates never correspond with present calendar dates. They also have the letters A.L. after them. Why? What does the A.L. mean and what calendar do Masons follow?
6. Master's Wages - We hear, in ritual, a familiar statement: "Master's Wages". What are they?
7. Moon Lodges - Numerous lodges were formed as "Moon Lodges". Presently, the only lodge so identified in Wisconsin is Silas Shepherd Lodge of Research. What does the term "Moon Lodge" mean? What significance could this title represent?
8. Obligation/Oath - Masonic discussions often involve two terms: Masonic Obligation and Masonic Oath. Is there a distinction between them? Does one have more importance or significance? What are they? What is the Masonic Oath? What is the Masonic Obligation?
9. Penalties - Masons are well aware of many stated "penalties". Many are purely symbolic, while others are actual and enforced. What are some of the enforced Masonic penalties? Which are classified as symbolic?
10. Regius Poem - What is the Regius Poem? How is it Masonica11y significant?
11. Sword pointing to a Naked Heart - One of the symbols in the Master Mason degree lectures is the "sword pointing to a naked heart". What is the symbolic meaning of that symbol?
12. Foundations - What are the "foundations" of Masonic law?
13. Lodge under Dispensation - What does the term "Lodge under Dispensation" mean? What are some of the regulations that relate to such a lodge?
14. Entered Apprentice - Where did the term "Entered Apprentice" originate? What does the title represent?

meant by the term "Worshipful Master”, "Right Worshipful”?

32. Hiram Abiff, Man or Legend - Was there such a Mason as Hiram Abiff? what is his story?
33. Joining the Fraternity - If Freemasons all believe in the same principles, support the same philosophy and feel the same obligations, is there any reason for membership in an organization? What are the personal factors or beliefs that result in membership? What reasons exist for membership? If so, why join?
34. Legal Information - Where is "legal information" mentioned in the ritual? Who know, or claims they know, legal information? Is a letter or telephone conversation legal information?
35. Lodge Opening - Who can open a lodge of Freemasons? For what reasons can a lodge be opened? How do the local lodge by-laws relate to Grand Lodge requirements and dispensations?
36. Lodge Trustees, Terms of Office - How are trustees elected? For what term of office? If they do not comply with duties, can they be removed? Why does a lodge have Trustees?
37. Arts, Parts, Points - What is the meaning of the phrase, "arts, parts, and points"? Where can the points be found?
38. Winding Staircase - The winding staircase is described in the Fellowcraft Degree. What is the symbolism with a staircase? What special symbolism is described in the Fellowcraft degree? What are the basic lessons of the staircase description? Are these lessons useful for non-Masons? Where else are they identified?.
39. "So Mote It Be" - What is the meaning of "Amen"? How does it differ from "So Mote It Be"? What is the origin of the phrase? Why not use "Amen" instead?
40. Table Lodge - What is a Table Lodge? How are they organized? What is their purpose?
41. Mozart - Name the Brother Mason who composed over 600 pieces of music. Which operas or odes seem to bear Masonic overtones? 42."Act by the Plumb" - What is meant by the phrase, “to act by the plumb"? Are there lessons to learn from this biblical message?
42. Freemason - What is the origin of the term "Freemason"? Is there more than one theory?

AN EDUCATIONAL GUIDE FOR WISCONSIN LODGE DISCUSSIONS

TOPIC #1 BLUE LODGE

A. We have always heard of the term “Blue Lodge”. What does the term Blue" mean, and why are we using the “Blue Lodge” in present conversation? B. List ideas - form teams and present a series of prizes, first to the team giving the most possible answers, and then to the Mason who gives the most accurate and complete answers, regardless of his team. Give points, keep score and do not give comments or hints until you go to Part C of this guide. C. Some authorities think that as blue has, from ancient Biblical times, been associated with truth, with Diety, with wisdom and hope; that, as Mackey taught, the blue of the Old Testament is a translation of the Hebrew “tekelet", which is derived from a root meaning "perfection", and the color blue came into Masonry as its color by natural association. Others believe that as our ancient Brethren met on hills and in vales, over which the blue vault of heaven is a ceiling, that the covering of a lodge is the clouded canopy or starry decked heaven. These allusions seem to connote that blue, the color of the sky, is that of all celestial attributes for which Freemasons strive. " Brother Harry E. Heinkel from Henry L. Palmer Lodge No. 301, Milwaukee, asked the same question: "Why do we say 'Blue Lodge'”? His findings are most interesting. At the risk of being termed a Masonic symbologist, he questioned and criticized the propriety of the term "Blue Lodge" when Freemasons speak of the Masonic Lodge of symbolic degrees: The term is peculiarly American; it is found nowhere else in the Masonic world. Evidence does not support the conclusion that the color Blue is the symbol of the three symbolic degrees of Ancient Craft Masonry, whether Operative or Speculative, in time immemorial or of the present. That "Blue" is a significant or characteristic symbol of Freemasonry is not supported by the ritual. No pointed reference is made to it " in the three symbolic degrees. "Blue is emphatically the color of Freemasonry," wrote one authority. But the color of the United Grand Lodge of England is Garter (Oxford) Blue, while that of private (subordinate) lodges is Cambridge Blue, and the Grand Steward's Lodges in London, known as the "Red Apron" Lodges use crimson, thought to be suggested by the color of the ribbon of the Order of the Bath. The color of the Grand Lodge of Scotland is thistle green, while daughter (subordinate) lodges adopt a color of their choice. The recently instituted Grand Lodge of India adopted three colors, the Garter Blue of England, the Thistle Green of Scotland and the Sky Blue of Ireland. This is in honor of the three Grand Lodges by whom it was instituted. Could the color Blue have been adopted when Blue Ribbons were attached to the Aprons? Perhaps, but aprons which can be seen in the museum in Freemasons Hall,

AN EDUCATIONAL GUIDE FOR WISCONSIN LODGE DISCUSSIONS

TOPIC #2 CORN - WINE - OIL

A. We hear the terms "corn, wine and oil" in our ritual, and see them used at cornerstone layings and building dedications. Each has a meaning. What do you think they may be? . B. You may wish to start by asking, "What are the three symbolic 'food' items used at cornerstone layings?" After you receive "corn, wine and oil", then go to your lead question. Remember, this is a guide for discussion. Let members freely offer their opinions - let discussion flow! C. Corn is the easy one; it is the corn of nourishment. Wine, by tradition, is served at celebrations, therefore it represents refreshment and marks important events. Oil, it is said, can be spread on troubled waters to calm them, and thus allow peace and joy to prevail. In dedications, it is believed that these symbols will bring plenty, a smooth path and happiness to those who make use of the Masonically dedicated structures.

AN EDUCAIONAL GUIDE FOR WISCONSIN LODGE DISCUSSIONS

TOPIC #3 HOW OLD ARE WE?

A. Many wide and different stories abound as to the age of our Fraternity. What are some of these stories - how old are we? What can be proven? B. Remember, there are very many thoughts on this topic. Once again, be prepared to hear factual, symbolic, traditional and even some pretty far-fetched statements. Let the members talk! Don't cut off anyone or put down their thoughts. Your goal is to stimulate conversation and share ideas! C. No real answer is known! At this point, according to Past Grand Master Iding, we can trace our roots accurately to the oldest known. Masonic document. It is the Regius poem and is reported to have been in existence as early as 1390 A.D. Some form of our present day Masonry evolved at the time of the building of the great cathedrals of Europe during the Middle Ages, about the tenth or eleventh century. The first recorded Grand Lodge was in existence in 1717. The Craft in the Americas dates from 1730, and perhaps even slightly earlier. An alternate theory that is creditable, offered by Mr. John J. Robinson, author of "Born in Blood" is worthy of note. Mr. Robinson's research of the Peasants Revolt of 1381 in England lead him to the conclusion that the uprising was not spontaneous, but rather the work of a secret society. As outlawed Knights Templar sought refuge in Scotland and England, having fled the persecutions in France, they may have organized into a secret society to overthrow the government to reestablish their Order. Since they were required to work in secrecy, whereas stonemasons did not, they are the founders of Freemasonry. Other offers of proof are suggested in this interesting and thought- provoking book. D. Reference: Year Book 1991 of the Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Scotland “Born in Blood” (sub-title, The Lost Secrets of Freemasonry)

AN EDUCAIONAL GUIDE FOR WISCONSIN LODGE DISCUSSIONS

TOPIC #5 MASONIC DATE: A.L.

A. It is interesting to note that Masonic dates never correspond with present calendar dates. They also have the letters "A.L.” after them. Why? What does the "A.L.” mean and on what occasions do Freemasons use the Masonic calendar date? B. Allow some time for discussion; a variety of answers may be given. How about a round of applause for the Brother who answers your questions? C. Traditional Masonic custom holds that the Craft follows an ancient belief that the world was created four thousand years before the birth of Christ. When God declared, “Let there be light”, the earth and worlds began. You can add four thousand years plus the current year and always know the Masonic year! This process of dating according to "light" is called “Anno Lucis” or in the year of the first light. We do not write out “Anno Lucis”, but simply use the 1etters, A.L. A check of the Wisconsin Masonic Code reveals that the Masonic calendar is used here in Wisconsin. The Code states, “The corner or foundation stone is usually placed in the northeast corner. It should be engraved with the date of laying of the cornerstone and the year of Masonry, the Grand Master's name and such other inscription as the Grand Master shall have approved.” D. Reference: Wisconsin Masonic Code, Chapter 52, Lodges, 52.15 Inscription on Corner or Foundation Stone.

AN EDUCAIONAL GUIDE FOR WISCONSIN LODGE DISCUSSIONS

TOPIC #6 MASTER'S WAGES

A. In our ritual we hear a familiar statement: “Master's wages”. What are they? B. Work to direct the discussion and answers into the symbolic "wages". An example could be the bond of friendship, the enjoyment of relief, brotherhood and service. C. Today, the Free and Accepted Mason is concerned only with moral work. His reward, therefore, is found within himself. The spiritual wages go well beyond these and have countless worth. The very heart of being a Freemason and the joy received is a much more meaningful wage. The intangibles. of love, friendship, respect, opportunity, happy labor and associations are the wages of a Master who earns them. Not all earn them, hence, the phrase "to pay the Craft their wages if any be due.. ." A member may earn as much as he desires, and the more one puts into the Craft, the more one receives. D. Reference: Wisconsin Masonic Code Chapter 63

AN EDUCATlONAL GUIDE FOR WISCONSIN LODGE DISCUSSIONS

TOPIC #8 OBLIGATION/OATH

A. Masonic discussions often involve two terms: Masonic Obligation and Masonic Oath. Is there a distinction between them? Does one have more importance or significance? What are they? What is the Masonic Oath? What is the Masonic Obligation? B. Use a panel or allow open discussion. Ask each member present to comment. Set a time limit and record answers on a chart for reference. C. Oath is the "so help me, God" at the end of any solemn promise made with the hand upon the Book of the Law.. Obligation is the contents of the promises taken in Masonic Degrees. The Oath is the symbolic respect of a commitment made to God; the Obligation is the very nature of that commitment..

AN EDUCAIONAL GUIDE FOR WISCONSIN LODGE DISCUSSIONS

TOPIC #9 PENALTIES

A. Masons are well aware of many stated "penalties". Many are purely symbolic while others are actual and enforced. What are some of the enforced Masonic penalties? Which are classified as symbolic? B. List them as given and hold identification of the two categories until all have been proposed.. Consider dividing your group into two teams and award a prize to the group adding the most to the list. C. The following penalties known to Freemasonry are the reprimand, definite suspension from membership, and expulsion from the Fraternity. Additionally, the penalties of ritual are wholly symbolic and have never been Masonically enforced. They were however, legal penalties in the Middle Ages. Past accepted religious beliefs held that an incomplete body, or one buried in unconsecrated ground could not ascend into Heaven.

AN EDUCAIONAL GUIDE FOR WISCONSIN LODGE DISCUSSIONS

TOPIC #11 SWORD POINTING TO A NAKED HEART

A. One of the symbols in the Master Mason Degree lectures is the "sword pointing to a naked heart". What is the symbolic meaning of that symbol? B. Can the answer be found in the ritual? It appears so. The third section of the Master Mason lecture states, "... demonstrates that justice will sooner or later overtake us".. C. However, the answer above is somewhat flawed. If justice is defined as impartiality, fairness, equality, correctness and lawfulness and it is a Mason's duty never to deviate therefrom, how can just men then be suddenly and unexpectedly overrun by what is right? Don't Masons expect, render and welcome justice? Then what symbolic meaning is left for the symbol of the “sword pointing to a naked heart"? The answer - given in Coil's Masonic Encyclopedia, p. 664: “vengeance, punishment, or death". D. Reference: Coli's Masonic Encyclopedia Multiple-letter cipher, EA & MM Third Section lectures

AN EDUCATlONAL GUIDE FOR WISCONSIN LODGE DISCUSSIONS

TOPIC #12 FOUNDATIONS

A. What are the "foundations" of Masonic law? B. Allow thought time and some discussion. Key in on anyone suggesting "landmarks". Tell the group that that is the answer, then expand the discussion into their understanding of the origin and number of such landmarks. The twenty-five landmarks of Mackey are excellent sources of Masonic education. In recent years students of Masonic jurisprudence have given considerable weight to the Ancient landmarks as defined by Roscoe Pound, Past Honorary Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Nebraska, Past Deputy Grand Master of the Grand lodge of Massachusetts and Dean of Harvard law School. You may decide to present one of the Ancient landmarks according to both Mackey and Pound at each meeting during the year in order to increase the general Masonic knowledge of each attending Brother. C. Again, our Craft cannot come to a clear decision on this topic. No agreement has been reached on just how many landmarks there are, and which ones are the basis of our unwritten laws. As an example, Roscoe Pound, an authority on Masonic jurisprudence, lists only seven landmarks as the fundamental laws of the Fraternity. They are, however, known as our fundamental laws and are considered to be held universally unalterable and unrepealable, which differentiates and distinguishes the Masonic Fraternity from all other organizations. Some Grand Lodges have adopted the twenty-five landmarks listed by Albert Mackey. The Wisconsin Grand lodge has never adopted any Landmarks officially, but we do state in our Constitution that the Grand lodge is the supreme authority, subject only to the ancient landmarks. Since the Wisconsin Grand Lodge has not adopted any landmarks, this allows for differences to develop between Wisconsin and other jurisdictions. D. Reference: Wisconsin Masonic Code 2. Wisconsin Masonic Code Appendix, Part 9 Landmarks

AN EDUCATlONAL GUIDE FOR WISCONSIN LODGE DISCUSSIONS

TOPIC #14 ENTERED APPRENTICE

A. Where did the term "Entered Apprentice" originate from? What does the title represent? B. The question, on its surface, seems quite simple, and an easy one to answer quickly (note definition below). There is some depth to it though, and the discussion leader must be alert to ask follow-up questions to help participants by probing and asking what else this could mean. Move from present usage by going back to the operative roots of our Craft. C. In the Middle Ages, a Master was recognized as one who was classified at the highest point of professional recognition. Membership was by selection and took a long and prescribed route through the guild system. When a young man possessed the proper characteristics, he could become an apprentice Mason. The learning process took a full seven years. His examination was lengthy and ended with his submission of a "Master's Piece" which was judged before he could become a "Fellow of the Craft". Once he gained experience and recognition, he was entered on the book. Thus, he became an "Entered Apprentice": D. Reference: The Pocket History of Freemasonry Mackey's Revised Encyclopedia of Freemasonry, VOL I, 1929, P 333 "ENTERED. When a candidate receives the First Degree of Freemasonry, he is said to be entered. It is used in the sense of admitted, or introduced; a common as well as a Masonic employment of the word, as when we say, "the youth entered college" or, “the soldier entered the service".

AN EDUCATlONAL GUIDE FOR WISCONSIN LODGE DISCUSSIONS

TOPIC #15 OBLONG SQUARE

A. What is an "Oblong Square"? What does it refer to and what have you heard to be its history? B. You may wish to give a hint that present usage is much different from its original. A second hint may be needed as you may tell them that the term dates back to the time of King Solomon. Encourage free thought and have members "stretch" their thoughts and suggestions. C. When Solomon ruled what was then believed to be the world, the land mass was indeed an "oblong square". The form ran just north and just south of the Mediterranean Sea and stretched out from Spain in the West to Asia Minor in the East. It is said to have been a large rectangle or oblong square. It truly was such, as at that time the oblong square described a figure with right angles in all four corners and having parallel sides of different lengths. The present square still has four right angles, but must have sides of equal length. This "world shape" was also represented by the shape of the floor of Solomon's Temple; an oblong square which, in a symbolic way, represented the shape of the known world at the time. In summary, "oblong square" meant to our ancient Brethren what "oblong" means today. The term is used in ritual to describe the shape of the lodge. D. Reference: One Hundred One Questions About Freemasonry MSA, Jan. 1988