Happy Easter

I hope everyone had a nice Easter. My wife and I went to Tempe for the Western States Eastern Observance which was hosted by the Grand Commandery of Arizona and is a program promoted by the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar, USA.

The banquet on Saturday night was nice as we enjoyed visiting with everyone. The meal was typical banquet food, overpriced and so-so.

We mustered outside so that we could march into the service that was being done in the open courtyard. As you can see in the photos, some were in Class A uniforms while other were in Caps & Mantles. Arizona has the Cap & Mantle as the official uniform since the Class A suit is a bit hot to wear here.
The service was nicely done but it did have a few distractions. Tempe Mission Palms is close to the airport and we were right in the path. It was hard to hear when the jets went overhead every few minutes. There were some birds flying around and I was wondering what prevented them from swooping in and picking off a few ostrich feathers for their nests!

A good time was had by all!

NRA Convention & Masonry - Not an Odd Couple

Wow - what a weekend. I had a very enjoyable 1st time experience with the convention, 2A Blog Bash, and meeting people. I think that most gun bloggers might be surprised at the percentage of Masons that are gun owners and 2nd Amendment supporters. The Masonic organizations are typically a conservative group highly opposed to tyranny of any sort. You will find quite a few law officers and military personnel involved in the organization. I was pleasantly surprised by people noticing the square and compasses belt buckle I was wearing and greeting me with the common phrase of, "Hello brother". I did not keep accurate track but I would venture about 7 or 8 people greeted me and struck up conversations. That would indicate that there many, many more in the crowds.

One young man manning the "sausage grinder" booth immediately stood up and introduced himself as a newly initiated Entered Apprentice. I took about five seconds to impart my knowledge on the topic - JK. We spoke at some length about Masonry in general. I apologize that I forgot the manufacturer's name of the equipment but did get literature and will correct the oversight later by posting up the name and link.
Correction - the company is Thunderbird who makes a fine line of food and bakery service machinery.

Now for some Masonic information:

From American Masonic History - What Are America's True Roots?

"Some of the greatest names of the American Revolution were Masons: Ethan Alien, Edmund Burke, John Claypoole, William Daws, Benjamin Franklin, John Hancock, John Paul Jones, Robert Livingston, Paul Revere, Colonel Benjamin Tupper, and George Washington. Of the 56 signers of The Declaration of Independence, eight were known Masons and seven others exhibited strong evidence of Masonic membership. Of the forty signers of the Constitution, nine were known Masons, 13 exhibited evidence of Masonic membership, and six more later became Masons.

"There were many other Masonic influences in early American history: (1) Lafayette, the French liaison to the Colonies, without whose aid the war could not have been won, was a Freemason; (2) the majority of the commanders of the Continental Army were Freemasons and members of "Army Lodges"; (3) most of George Washington's generals were Freemasons; the Boston Tea Party was planned at the Green Dragon Tavern, also known as the "Freemasons' Arms" and "the Headquarters of the Revolution"; (4) George Washington was sworn in as the first President of the United States by Robert Livingston, Grand Master of New York's Masonic lodge, and the Bible on which he took his oath was from his own Masonic lodge; and (5) the Cornerstone of the Capital Building was laid by the Grand Lodge of Maryland." (2)

There are quite a few book on the founders and Freemasonry. You might even find some of them an interesting read.

Busy Weekend

The Scottish Rite Reunion was held on Friday and Saturday. This is when the degrees for the new people are put on. I work in the Property Department which means that I move stage and floor furniture/props around for a couple days. Fun but tiring.

So to rest up......I went to the York Rite installation of officers on Sunday.
I am the tall, handsome guy on the end. Well...one out two isn't bad! I like being involved in the Masonic organizations. My wife seems tolerate my activities pretty well and even seems to enjoy herself at many of the functions. Bless her soul. I am involved in the Blue Lodge (Sr. Deacon), Chapter (EHP), Council (PIM & Steward), Commandery (Generalissamo), Scottish Rite (32 Deg KCCH), and last but not least I joined the Shrine. I do not think that there is much in the way of further light in Masonry in the Shrine but there is fun and one can help raise money for the children's hospitals. Thank heavens that most of the organizations only meet once a month with a few events in between. Otherwise it would be difficult for other important things like family, shooting, hunting, fishing, shooting, archery, and blogging about stuff! did I say shooting twice? Good, I like shooting.

See all you folks at the 2A Bash!

Scottish Rite 32 Deg. KCCH

For service to the Rite, one is sometimes fortunate enough to receive the honor of becoming a KCCH. I am humbled that my brethren thought enough of me to distinguish me with this honor.




I should also post that previously the brethren presented me with this.

What is a Freemason?

What are Masons?
A group (fraternity) of men who enjoy sharing the virtues of honesty, morality, integrity and tolerance.

What do Masons do?
Masons contribute, not necessarily monetarily, but by living their lives in such a manner that the world is better just because they live in it.

What do you get out of Masonry?
Most men get the realization that it is not necessary to receive something tangible for every good act or deed performed.

Is Masonry a religion?
NO! To become a Mason, a man must profess a belief in God; however, Masonry is not a religion, a substitute for, or a rival of any doctrine. Masonry does not perform functions of a church, has no sacraments, and makes no claim to save souls or reform sinners.

How do you join?
You must ask a Master Mason and he in turn will be happy to guide you, and more pertinent information will be provided.

A Mason is a man who professes a faith in God. As a man of faith, he uses the tools of moral and ethical truths to serve mankind.

A Mason binds himself to like-minded men in a brotherhood that transcends all religious, ethnic, social, cultural, and educational differences.

In fellowship with his brothers, a Mason finds ways in which to serve his God, his family, his fellow man, and his country.

A Mason is dedicated. He recognizes his responsibility justice, truth, charity, honesty and integrity in all aspects of human endeavor.

A Mason is all this and more.

Do you belong to a fraternal organization

Does the idea of getting together with like minded people with an an agenda to help improve your surroundings sound like a good thing to you. If you are a memeber please let me know what organization and why you joined. If not, why?

Fraternal organizations in the US are declining in memebership even though many goods deeds are preformed. Most try to provide some relief to people in need whether it be the poor, eye foundations, hearing, speach, bikes for books, burn hospitals...you get the idea.

Your thoughts are welcomed except, and I do mean except, for any hate group. I will delete & ban the haters asap.