• Images: Images: Masonic Jewels Made By Revere?

In the popular movie "National Treasure" a band of treasure hunters searches for a glorious cache of riches hidden centuries ago by colonial Freemasons, including a few of the Founding Fathers. All of it was a bit of Hollywood fun, but in Concord, some modern day masons think they may actually have stumbled on a real-life treasure linked to none-other than the illustrious silversmith Paul Revere, who once served as Grand Master of the Freemason's Grand Lodge Of Massachusetts."We're excited. Proud. It links us again to the heritage that the lodge has," said Douglas Ellis, the senior deacon at the Corinthian Lodge in Concord, who said that about a year ago two members were doing some cleaning at the lodge and stumbled on a bag of antique-looking "jewels," the decorative medals Masons wear for ceremonial occasions."They thought they were just old regalia that had been tossed aside," said Ellis. "They were in a box up in a store room and we were like, 'Oh my. Look what we have here.'"Suspecting that the jewels might be pretty valuable, last month they asked a visiting Mason from Spain who is something of a silver expert what he thought of the cache. He confirmed their hunch that the jewels very well may have been created by Paul Revere himself.

Cheryl Lecesse/Wicked Local An angel with no face is seen on the jewel, which is a style Paul Revere used. More

"We have the documentation that puts them at the date, 1797," said Ellis, referring to the year the Concord lodge was chartered, which was the same year Revere served as Grand Master.It was also the same year that a set of jewels was donated to the Concord Lodge by its first Lodge Master, Dr. Isaac Hurd, who was initiated as a Freemason by none other than Revere, back in 1777."You know there was a very close tie between these two men," Ellis said, although he admits that it has been tough to say for sure that the jewels were made by Revere.Subsequent examinations of the jewels made at the National Heritage Museum in Lexington and by the curator of the Revere silver collection at Boston's Museum Of Fine Arts show many similarities between the Concord lodge jewels and others known to have been made by Revere, but "there are also a lot of things that do not fit," said Ellis."There's a lot of mystery that's still out there," he said. "Although it's not conclusive, all the signs point in that direction."

Cheryl Lecesse/Wicked Local Senior deacon's jewel More

Although Ellis valued the silver jewels, which resemble ornate medals, at between $150,000 to $300,000, he said the small 14-piece set doesn't even come close to the massive fictional treasure hidden by Masons in the "National Treasure," film."This is nothing like that. These were items we were given or purchased. Revere did this as a business. He made money off this," Ellis said, and it's likely he made a good income as he chartered 23 new Masonic lodges in Massachusetts during his tenure as Grand Master.Ellis said the jewels are now locked up tight off site from the lodge and will only be brought out for special events, but their link to the Mason's, and the hall's, rich history, and to one of their most illustrious members, is what makes them priceless to the members."It's very fun," said Ellis.

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Mason’s Day at Strawberry Banke
July 9, 2011

Mark your calendars ! The Strawbery Banke Museum and the Grand Lodge of New Hampshire F&AM will host a day of family fun and entertainment in Portsmouth, New Hampshire on Saturday July 9th 10am to 4 pm. Some Highlights of the Day are:

Tim Sample

Tim Sample, New England’s premiere native humorist will perform two shows at Mason’s Day. Called by CBS’s Charles Kuralt “Maine’s Humorist Laureate”, Tim has had people rolling with laughter from coast to coast. As novelist Stephen King observed “Tim Sample is funny if you are from Augusta, Maine, he is just as funny if you are from Augusta, Georgia” Tim has been a regular correspondent to CBS News for over a decade and a regular essayist on CBS Sunday Morning.

He is well known from the Bert and I recordings, an award winning and million selling author. Tim Sample is a one man Humor factory. Tim will join us at the cookout and looks forward to meeting you.

Puppet Man Dan

Dan Grady and his magical marionettes will entertain and delight throughout the day. The marionettes will magnificently strut their stuff. They will roller skate, walk tightropes and dance to spirited music and song.

The Portsmouth Police K-9 Unit
The Portsmouth Police K - 9 unit will be on hand to demonstrate a contraband search as well as a fugitive apprehension. They will answer questions about their unit from the guests.

Other activities on the day include:
- The Rainbow Girls will perform a flag ceremony and do face painting for the children

- Balloon Beth will be on hand to demonstrate her art of “Bending Air”

- The NH C.H.I.P.s program is a child identification program. Parents can have crucial records of their children made for use if the unthinkable happens. All material is given to the parents for safekeeping.

- A cookout will be served at lunchtime and, as is everything this day,
free and open to the public.

- The Shriners Mini-Kar Patrol will display their famous vehicles and explain the great work done by the Shriner’s Burn and Orthopaedic Centers for Children.

- J&J Ponies will be providing pony rides. Their trained staff and our “Wild West” props will provide opportunities for photos of your children to cherish for a lifetime.

- The Strawbery Banke Museum and William Pitt Tavern will be open for a look into the daily life of our ancestors.

As this is written there are other events being added. For up to date information go to the facebook page Mason’s Day at Strawbery Banke This day is open and free of charge to Masons and their families.
The general public is cordially invited and need only pay the usual museum entry. All other events are Free and open to the public.

We hope to see you there for “A wicked good time Chummy”
-Tim Sample

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In February 2009 I became an Entered Apprentice Freemason (first degree). In July 2009 I was passed to the Fellowcraft degree (second degree). In February 2010, I was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason (third degree). My journey through Freemasonry’s three degrees has been an extraordinary experience. Involvement in the world’s oldest and largest fraternal order gives me incredible joy as both a means to enhance my knowledge of the world and the way it works through Masonry’s allegorical teachings and knowing that the steps I have walked were walked by millions of men before me and will be walked by millions after I’m gone. 

Some of history’s most prominent men once spoke the same words I speak in Lodge; once undertook the same solemn oaths to ‘always conceal and never reveal’; once circumambulated the checkered lodge floor; and once wore a pure apron, a hoodwink and a cable tow. Presidents, actors, singers, composers, sports stars, billionaires, kings, princes and every day men throughout a long and illustrious Masonic history all called one another “brother” and all once stood in the North East corner without a coin in their pocket nor any jewelry on their body -- “divested of all money and metallic substances” -- in the first step toward receiving “light.” 

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This “light”, the great reward for the dedicated Mason is, in my interpretation, the illumination of the soul and the creation of upstanding character. As part of a global fraternity that welcomes men of every race, colour and creed, the one prerequisite of being a Mason is that you must believe in a Supreme Being, be it the Christian God, Jehovah, Allah or any other deity. Through allegorical stories played out in dramatic rituals and utilising the tools of operative stonemasons of old such as the square, compass, pencil, plumb rule, chisel and level, a Mason symbolically cuts away at the rough stone (rough ashlar) of his own character and becomes what we call a perfect ashlar, or a perfect stone who serves as a solid brick in the framework of society. It’s a beautiful collective aspiration of Masons that in making ourselves into perfect ashlars, we will create a better world based on the principal tenets of Freemasonry, being brotherly love, relief and truth, and supported by the three great pillars of Wisdom, Strength and Beauty. We are taught that there should be wisdom to contrive, strength to support, and beauty to adorn all great and important undertakings. The Mason is sure to prosper if he has the wisdom to plan with judgement, the strength to resist evil tendencies and influences, and extolls the beauty of brotherly love and charity.

Over the years Masonry has gotten a bad rap due to the perception that ours is a secret society. This, of course, is ridiculous. There is nothing secret about a society that keeps minutes of its every lodge meet; that places its symbol (the square and compass) on the front of its lodge buildings for all to see; and whose rituals are largely available for the reader on the internet and in countless books. Masonry is, however, a society with secrets, not that the word secret should conjure any sinister images of devil worship, sexual ritual or illuminati gatherings in preparation for a world takeover, as many conspiracy theorists would have you believe. Any religious or political talk is banned at lodge meetings (pretty hard to take over the world when you’re not even permitted to discuss politics!) and the only secrets a Mason swears an oath to keep are those signs, grips and words by which we can recognise each other. But you can find these grips and signs and all the “secret” masonic words on the internet, right? Of course you can, but reading a website and seeing pictures does not make you a Mason, just as seeing The Karate Kid or reading techniques in Black Belt magazine does not make you a martial artist. As any martial artist will tell you, martial arts is not merely about kicking and punching, just as Masonry is not about secret handshakes and passwords. To understand Masonry and receive the “light” so often mentioned in its rituals; and to understand martial arts and receive the enlightenment so often proclaimed by instructors, one must realise that there is more to each respective craft and art than handshakes, words, kicks and punches. Also it is the Mason’s ability to keep safe the secrets imparted to him -- even safe from friends and family no matter how much they demand them -- that help build character and go a long way towards creating that perfect ashlar. For what sort of man are you if you cannot keep safe simple secrets you have taken an oath to protect in the repository of your own bosom.

In my short but wonderful Masonic journey thus far, I continually see examples of a certain synergy between Freemasonry and martial arts. Indeed having spoken to some martial artists who are Freemasons, they too are attracted to the many similarities between the two and believe that any martial artist would find an immediate affinity with the discipline, ritual and structured teaching of Masonry, as such is found in the martial arts.

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At the simplest levels, everything is quite straightforward. The core keystone of the Masonic organisation is the Grand Lodge (alternatively, some are called Grand Orients). This serves an administrative function, bringing together four or more Symbolic Lodges and providing them with a common set of rules and regulations. In most cases, the members of a Grand Lodge have formerly served as Master of one or more of its constituent Lodges. These Past Masters tend to have no specific duties in their home lodge, and the ones who serve at Grand Lodge possess enough spare time to donate themselves to helping with central administration and other clerical services as required. It is expected that their years of experience in the regular Lodges will give them enough insight to be in a good position to help steer the group.

The key thing that every Grand Lodge has in common, in theory, is its adherence to the ‘Landmarks’ of Freemasonry – the guiding principles that make up the very heart and core of the craft. Unfortunately, there tend to be as many different opinions as to what the Landmarks actually are as there are Freemasons. Noting the potentially divisive nature of the issue, some Grand Lodges specifically do not attempt to define the Landmarks at all (although, informally, they have a pretty close idea). So, in fact, the only absolutely common ground is that each Grand Lodge agrees that there are Landmarks which define the Craft.

Freemasonry by W9NED

For the most part, Grand Lodges tend to be organised territorially. In countries with a relatively light Masonic presence or a comparatively compact landmass, there may be a single Grand Lodge than serves the entire nation. If the country’s Lodges are numerous enough and distant from each other however, then the country may be divided up into regions, with each territory or state having its own Grand Lodge. It is not always that simple, of course. In many cases, historical events leave Grand Lodges with territories that may overlap, even within the same strand of Masonry. However, each Symbolic Lodge is attached to – and follows – just one Grand Lodge, so even in an area in which two or more Grand Lodges hold sway, any given Freemason will be under no confusion as to which body he is linked to.

In addition to the basic structure above, some regions are large enough that the Grand Lodge cannot easily represent all of its membership. In these instances, a middle layer of Provincial (or District) Grand Lodges is put in place. These, as the name suggests, are junior offshoots of the Grand Lodge responsible for a part – a province – of the Grand Lodge’s territory. Where a Provincial Grand Lodge is in place, a local Lodge will typically deal with its Provincial Grand Lodge, and the Provincial Grand Lodges will take business on to the Grand Lodge proper. To further muddy the water, some Grand Lodges are referred to as United. This is most commonly the case when two or more competing regional Grand Lodges have put aside their differences and merged back into one single body, but it can also indicate that a Grand Lodge has made use of a network of Provincial Grand Lodges beneath it.

Each Grand Lodge is its own sovereign power. It is as simple as that. There is no higher body or structure; once a Grand Lodge has been formed, it is free to do as it wills. In practice of course that means that it follows the general needs of its Lodges, because there are always opportunities for a Lodge to break away from one Grand Lodge and attach itself to a different one – or to gather some other groups and form a new one. However, setting aside the membership’s right to vote with its feet, a Grand Lodge is answerable to no-one. It can choose to modify which forms of the standard ritual its Lodges may perform, it can set membership policies, raise or lower dues, alter the structure of Lodge meetings, and generally tinker as it sees fit. Most, of course, stick with the rules and regulations that they inherited from their founder Lodges.

In addition to directing general policy with regards to the specifics of the way Freemasonry is practiced by its Lodges, a Grand Lodge also takes care of a number of other central functions. Each Lodge donates a certain amount of money a year to the Grand Lodge, in the form of assorted dues and fees towards equipment, tokens of initiation and so on. That money is budgeted at the Grand Lodge’s annual general meeting by members’ vote, and typically goes towards paying any full-time central administrative staff (reception staff, security and so on) or professionals (ie lawyers and accountants) as may be needed, maintaining such properties, museums and other projects as may be on the books, organising occasional all-member social events, preparing member newsletters, and so on. The greatest single budget item however is almost invariably the collected charitable causes.

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“…for the more noble and glorious purposeof dividing our time.”
Earlier this evening, Bro. Aaron made a comment on Facebook about the famous Dudley Masonic Emblem Watch. We’ve all seen one, even if only from a distance. It’s one of those dreamy heirlooms from the 1920s many desire, but few obtain.
The Magpie Mason only gets to look at ’em in museums and other displays.



This beautiful specimen is inside one of the glass display cases in the lodge anteroom at Philanthropic Lodge in Marblehead, Massachusetts. I had the good fortune to visit earlier this month while on my way to Lexington for the symposium.
The card next to the watch reads:

The Dudley Masonic pocket watch is a classic of watch-making excellence. Designed by William Wallace Dudley and manufactured by the Dudly Watch Company of Pennsylvania about 1920-1925, only a few thousand were ever made. The unique design feature of the watch is that Masonic working tools were used as the bridgework to support the gears. The watch had a crystal on the back so the beauty of the internal works could be enjoyed.

There is more to be learned in the ads that marketed this timepiece to the brethren. The September 1926 issue of The Master Mason magazine includes this advertisement:



Generous terms of sale. I wish it listed the retail price. As this edition of The Magpie Mason goes to press, one of these watches is being offered on eBay by a seller in Cape Cod. The bidding currently is at $2,125.99. Interestingly, a seller in Maryland is offering the original paperwork that once must have accompanied an original buyer’s purchase. I wonder if that first owner had responded to the magazine ad.
Speaking of Lexington, there is another pocket watch highly prized by Masons and collectors that is on exhibit at the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum and Library: the Arbaco.



Its triangular shape is similar to the Waltham, one of which also can be had on eBay now.

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Richmond Freemasons present a plaque to Milan and Maureen Ilich (left) for their contributions to the community.

Christine Lyon photo

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By Christine Lyon - Richmond Review

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To be a Christian Freemason

I recently received a comment that asked as follows:

I have to admit that it is hard for me to understand how you can be a christian and a freemason. I mean , freemasons think that Jesus is just a prophet like muhammad , they think every religion are equal , while a christian believe that Jesus is THE way , THE truth and THE life , that he's God ...so can you explain how you do , 'cause I'd like to understand .
I'm not a judging person , just curious :))

 It's erroneous to state that every Freemason believes that Jesus was a prophet. Some maybe Buddhists, Jewish, Wiccan, Shinto, Deists, Druid,Muslim, etc...just as there are Christians... Freemasonry does not teach doctrine nor does it have any ministers, priests, or preachers. Freemasonry teaches us to follow the religion that we have chosen, read the bible of that religion, and not let Freemasonry interfere with that personal choice. This is because Freemasonry is not a religion and recognizes the fact that religion is a personal choice.

The Lodge that I belong to consist of  Christians, every member of it happens to be Christian. This is because of its location in the south where there is a Christian church on every corner and everyone in that town and its surrounding areas happen to be Christian. I'm in the Bible Belt, deep in the Bible Belt in an old country town... Christianity reigns in my town but this is not the case in Lodges further out where the population is more diverse. Lodges in more diverse areas may have Jewish, Buddhists, and Muslims as members but the majority being Christian in this State. But as any individual may befriend one of a different culture, so does those in the Lodge. Diversity plays a big role and the concept that "All men are created equal" is understood and lived by those in the Lodge.

To say that Freemasons believe in this deity or that deity in an effort to prove that Christians cannot be Freemasons is absurd. It's no different than saying that medical doctors believe in the Flying Spaghetti Monster and therefore cannot be Christian. It's the same as stating that all those in the military are taught to believe in Odin and that if they die in battle they will earn their passage to Valhalla. It's ridiculous because the institutions do not dictate a belief system. It's left up to the individuals as it is a personal choice.

I work with a diverse group of different cultures at a University. I work with Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims, and Christians along with many Atheists and Agnostics being that I work with Medical Researchers/Scientists. They do not dictate my beliefs and I do not dictate their beliefs. In fact religion is never discussed while we work together during the 40 hour work week. We focus on our projects, getting the job done, and future projects that are federally funded through grants.We are all good friends and respect each others culture and we know that our beliefs differ and respect the fact that it is a personal choice. There is no fighting, no hatred, no hard feelings because each of us have a different belief. Our personal choices are kept personal and does not interfere with our professionalism nor our friendship. Diversity is key and keeping in mind that "All men are created equal."

Being in Lodge is a lot like that... 

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Courtesy photo D.C. Central Kitchen founder Robert Egger will be a guest speaker at a March 6 event being put on by the Seacoast Family Food Pantry.

PORTSMOUTH — The founder of a soup kitchen in Washington D.C. will travel to the Seacoast for a March 6 "Frugal Feast" aimed at raising awareness and funds for the Seacoast Family Food Pantry.

Robert Egger, is slated speak at an event set to begin at 5 p.m. in the Masonic Temple at 351 Middle St.

Egger's DC Central Kitchen has distributed more than 17 million meals in the last 18 years. He is the chair of the Washington D.C. Mayor's Commission on Nutrition and was listed in the 2008 Non-Profit Times as one of the 50 most powerful and influential leaders.

The Masonic Temple will host the "Frugal Feast," which Executive Director Diane Giese said will give attendees an idea of what's being served in soup kitchens.

The evening begins with a family supper served in the tradition of local soup kitchens. A silent auction will be held to help raise money for a Seacoast Family Food Pantry whose mission it is to offer help with food and personal care items for the region's underprivileged.

Giese said Egger's speech would be the night's highlight. Giese added that Egger is known as a charismatic speaker, and his March 6 appearance will see him speaking to attendees about the lack of sufficient food and other topics, like his ongoing involvement in a campaign to ensure nonprofits put themselves in a position to have a bigger voice in the political realm.

Giese said the event is less of a fundraiser and more an attempt to raise awareness about the food pantry.

'It's about getting our name out there and networking with other agencies," Giese said.

Giese said the night will be informal and fun, and street performers will entertain attendees.



Tickets for the event range in price and can be obtained by calling the Seacoast Family Food Pantry at 436-6161 or by e-mailing dgiese13@comcast.net or macheney@comcast.net.

For more information on the event, go to www.seacoastfamilyfoodpantry.org. To learn more about Egger, visit www.robertegger.org.

Orignal Artical Here.

Freemasonry is not well known. This is why outsiders sometimes denigrate or deride the movement. Because the objections are predictable and consistent, it is important to try to forestall them in advance.

Mackey’s Encyclopedia of Freemasonry lists the principal sins of which Freemasonry is generally accused – its supposed secrecy, exclusivist chanty, admission of unworthy members, claim to be a religion, administration of unlawful oaths, and puerility. The following are answers to these objections:

Is Freemasonry secret?

Though Masonry has its secrets, it is not a secret society. Its principles are far from being hidden from view, its members make no secret of their Masonic affiliation and even publicise it, and its meeting places are clearly identified and in many cases open to public inspection when not in use for Masonic meetings. Those aspects of Masonry which are secret are basically limited to modes of recognition which identify a man as a Mason and indicate the level or rank that he has attained within Masonry, and certain rites and ceremonies which ritualize doctrines which themselves are open and available. And even those few things which are Masonic secrets are not locked up within a restricted circle, since new members are continually entering the movement and learning them.

Does Freemasonry admit unworthy members?

Not knowingly. Applicants have to be recommended by existing members of the organisation, and criteria for acceptance include good reputation, civic responsibility and family stability. Once
admitted into Freemasonry, the member receives constant reminders of his ethical duty and social responsibility.

Is Masonic charity exclusivist?

The many Masonic benevolent institutions never refuse a helping hand to individuals or families in need, though it is true that in some respects priority is accorded to Masons and their families. Like all community groups that foster a special feeling of fellowship, Freemasonry urges mutual responsibility within the group, just as any sibling should be able to rely upon another in a family. Mackey says, “It is well known that those who are nearer should be dearer”, and adds that membership of a family or other group should confer a feeling of security.

Does Freemasonry claim to be a religion?

It does not claim to be, nor is it, a religion. Adherents of many faiths are among its members, and hardly any religious group raises objections to its believers being Freemasons. A Freemason must profess a belief in a Supreme Being, but the movement as such has no theological tenets or sectarian rituals. It is not a religion, a theology or a denomination. It stands for an attitude of personal humility and ethical responsibility motivated by belief in God, whatever the way in which one understands or celebrates Him. Members are encouraged to involve themselves in the religious denomination of their choice or upbringing. The use of Biblical terminology is Masonic rituals and the references to Biblical personages, especially King Solomon, reflect the Scriptural strand in our western culture.

Does Freemasonry administer unlawful oaths?

Though the wording of solemn obligations (they are promises not oaths) entered into by Masons is not publicised, there is nothing immoral, criminal, treacherous, or for that matter frivolous in such obligations. Nor do these obligations in any way compromise a Freemason’s duty to his family, profession, religion, or country. On the contrary, they reinforce the loyalties and commitments to which a person is already lawfully bound. Freemasons do not consider their Masonic obligations as in any way higher than the law of the land. The fact that so many eminent leaders in many walks of public life, known for their integrity and patriotism, have been and are Freemasons, is enough evidence that Freemasonry does not and can not countenance any compromise with the law.

Is Freemasonry puerile?

Perhaps because its rites and ceremonies are not open to public view, the movement is sometimes ridiculed by outsiders who invent and imagine supposed rituals which they then proceed to attack as outlandish or childish. Every club, organisation or community has its ways of doing things – running a meeting, addressing the chair, keeping the records. Anything can be criticised as childish or absurd, but the fact is that tradition and ceremony lend character and even drama to the affairs of the group. Masonic ceremonies symbolize principles and teachings which might otherwise remain so theoretical and vague as to be in danger of evaporating. True, the best ritual can be performed in sloppy and even absurd fashion, but if those taking part do so with intelligence and dignity and explain the symbolism of the ceremony, it is not puerile but poetic.

The accusations against Freemasonry are fallacious and unfair. The movement deserves a better deal.



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