Euclid Lodge

New Website

2012-01-31T12:32:00.000-05:00

I'm glad to announce that Euclid Lodge has a new website - http://euclidlodge.org!
The website is currently under construction. Please bear with us as we get it up and running.

Clarification and Farewell

2010-12-02T17:18:00.002-05:00

My time as Master of Euclid Lodge is coming to an end. This weekend, I will had over the reins to my very capable brother, Chad VanderVen. I wish him the best over the coming year. But it has become apparent that before I step aside, there is one final matter I must address from the East.

It has come to my attention that rumors are circulating in some circles that Euclid is allied or affiliated with specific Martinist Orders and/or the Gnostic Church. Let me be very plain here, Euclid is not now, nor will it be in the future, allied or affiliated with any religious or non-Masonic fraternal organization.

There are members of Euclid who are Martinists. There are members of Euclid who are Gnostic clergy. But that does not establish a link between Euclid and those groups any more than our members belonging to the VFW or American Legion establish a link with those groups.

I hope this puts to rest, once and for all, these rumors and clears up Euclid's position on the matter.

Again, I wish Brother Chad and his slate of officers the very best in the coming year and look forward to seeing what they can achieve. I anticipate it will be another great year for Euclid.

For the last time from the East,
Tony Melton

Affiliation: Part II

2009-09-24T02:57:00.002-04:00

A number of people have inquired as to why Euclid Lodge made the decision to leave the Grand Orient of the United States. Both the Grand Orient and our membership know why we did. If you have an interest in our rational beyond that of a curious observer, please email me at a.s.melton@gmail.com and we can discuss it. Otherwise, I thank you for your interest, but we are not inclined to get into a public discussion of the issues leading up to this decision at this time.
Sincerely and Fraternally,
Tony Melton
Master, Euclid Lodge

Affiliation

2009-09-15T02:50:00.002-04:00

To All Free-Masons, wheresoever Dispersed Over the Face of the Earth:
Fraternal Greeting.
Let It be known that Euclid Lodge hereby severs all ties with the Grand Orient of the United States.
Sincerely and Fraternally,
Anthony S. Melton
Master, Euclid Lodge

Memorial Day

2009-05-25T21:34:00.001-04:00

Take a moment to remember the brave men and women that came before and stood strong on the wall.

Brandt

sorrow

2009-04-07T19:58:00.002-04:00

My Brethren,
This is not a message that I want to write, I would prefer to build a statue to this Brother. I feel like my guts are on the floor. A dear Brother and dedicated friend has passed on to his reward.

Worshipful Brother Charles Kramsvogel. There is nothing that I could possibly write that would express the quality of Mason that he is. He held pretty much every degree that a man can get. None of that is important. What is important is that he was a true Mason in every regard. He will be sorely missed.

Frat.·.
Brandt

Looking Back and Looking Forward

2009-01-20T16:51:00.002-05:00

Brethren,

Let me start by offering my thanks to Brother Brandt for his service as Venerable Master. Being Master of any lodge is large undertaking, but being the first Master of a brand new lodge is a huge responsibility. Brother, you did a great job. Euclid Lodge will forever remember you as its first and best leader. Well done Brother! You have set the bar high; I only hope I can live up to the standards that you set.

I want to thank the brothers of Euclid Lodge #3 for giving me the opportunity to serve the lodge as Venerable Master. I look forward to a great year. To my officers, I look forward to working with each of you. Out of respect for your privacy, I will not post a list of officers here, but if you wish to post a comment with your new position, you are welcome to.

This year promises to be another great year for Euclid. We have petitions to vote on, candidates to investigate, Entered Apprentices to Pass, and much Light to acquire. I look forward to learning, growing, and laughing along side the brethren of Euclid and of the Grand Orient of the United States of America.

May we do it all to the glory of Universal Freemasonry.

Sincerely and Fraternally,
Anthony S. Melton
Venerable Master
Euclid Lodge #3
Grand Orient of the United States of America

Last Post from me as Master

2009-01-20T15:11:00.003-05:00

Brethren,
I have had an interesting time in the East. I am quite happy though to be stepping down. I will turn over the ownership of this blog to the new Venerable Master of Euclid Lodge #3

frat.·.
Brandt

2009

2009-01-03T22:32:00.002-05:00

Happy New Year

2008 has proven to be a tough year in Michigan and it appears that 2009 will be tough as well. So be it. I am certain that our Nation will pull through our current troubles. I am interested to see what our President-elect will do and the effects that it will have on our society. I wish him the best of luck.

Luckily in Michigan we were able to pass Prop 1 and Prop 2 which are good things in principle. I wonder how they will be enacted.

Euclid has done well. We have grown and it appears that we will continue to do so. The Grand Orient of the United States is doing fine and it is growing stronger.

Over 2008, I was married - for those that care married life has been good to me - and a close Brother and friend of mine was married not long after I was and his life is doing quite well also. We all experience ups and downs, particularly in this economy, but all is well. I take great joy in my Brothers and Friends, in their triumphs and blessings. Their families have grown and lives have improved.

Another year down Brothers. Many more to go.

I wish you all a happy and enriching New Year

Brandt

The Great Instauration

2008-11-02T22:56:00.002-05:00

Brethren and Friends,
There is much work to do in the world. We must rededicate ourselves to the Great Work, the Great Instauration, The Six Days Work. The City of the Sun awaits.

Set aside your pain and differences, there are things far greater than any of us.

Under the shadow of thy wings,

Frat.·.
Brandt

Policy

2008-10-23T22:53:00.003-04:00

Well, some of you have noticed by now that not any post is allowed. I got real tired of advertising the mental giants that are so proud of their ignorance and lack of manners that they decided to make it so that all could see the quality of their character.

All posting is on a moderated status now. If a post is irrelevant or just pointless it will be rejected. Speak to the subject at hand or don't waste your time. Remember Brothers, we are Masons. Act like it. If you can't then get your fingers away from the keyboard.

Brandt

Grand Rapids Masonic news

2008-10-12T22:54:00.005-04:00

An interesting bit of news for those in the area. There is a lodge in its formative stages that is developing in Grand Rapids. Euclid Lodge has pledged to assist this forming lodge in all ways possible. This new lodge, Lodge of the Three Luminaries, will work the Rectified Scottish Rite under the auspices of the Grand Orient of the United States of America, Accepted Free-Masons assuming that the petition for charter is accepted.

I have also heard "rumor" of a Memphis-Misraim lodge developing in the area possibly under the auspices of the Sovereign Sanctuary, United States. More to follow on this as information is available. The ground work for a lodge working under the George Washington Union in Grand Rapids. There are also developments in Detroit and Lansing.

Interesting times that we live in and I am excited to see the face and function of Masonry changing in the United States.

Frat.·.
Brandt

Bridge Building

2008-09-19T18:27:00.000-04:00

How does one maintain a sense of the Divine in a secular world? Does superstition have any place in religion or politics? What exactly does one mean by “religion?” These are questions that I have been pondering lately. Here is where my thinking is at right now.

One can maintain a clear sense of the Divine and the un-answered questions related to that in secular world. What is needed, in my unlearned opinion, is primitive view of spirituality. Some things can exist without being seen or measured, ask any astro-physicist or particle physicist. What I mean by “primitive view of spirituality” is one that comes to grips with the concept of the “bridge builder.” This Pontiff builds the bridge, or at least shows the way, to bridge the divide between that which is base to that which is divine. One will begin to understand the hierarchy in man. I shy away of the verbal gymnastics that some like to apply to this subject as they all amount to ego gratification or mental masturbation.

Superstition has no place in a thinking man’s religion or politics. Reason has an important place in a thinking man’s religion (or lack thereof) and politics.

So what is religion? It is not faith. It is a collection of ethnic and cultural items that form a tradition. This tradition is melded to a dogmatic view of faith and an organized religion is born. Spirituality on the other hand is a personal journey. The two are not mutually exclusive or mutually dependent upon each other. One can have both religion and spirituality or just spirituality or just religion. Spirituality I have learned can sometimes look like atheism. That is an odd situation to view but it is there.

Frat.·.
Brandt

Freedom of Conscience

2008-09-01T13:02:00.002-04:00

There are some misunderstandings regarding the position of the Grand Orient of the United States regarding freedom of conscience. Of course this idea provides for the admission of atheists which seems to be a bone of contention for some. This also allows for deeply religious people. The Grand Orient in and of itself is a non-dogmatic organization. It promotes neither atheism or deism. It is a secular administrative organization.

That being said there are certain rites of Masonry that lend themselves well to Brothers who are atheist. The "Restored" Modern Rite for example is one of these rites. The Rectified Scottish Rite on the other hand leans a great deal more towards a mystical outlook which an atheist Brother may not be comfortable with.

Within the Grand Orient both hypothetical lodges could exist side by side. The secular nature of the central organization permits a vast diversity within the organization. One lodge could be wholly mystical in practice and outlook while another could be entirely secular in its works. The Grand Orient itself takes no part in that decision.

Freedom of Conscience does not encourage nor permit anti-social or dangerous behavior. The fundamental foundation of Free-Masonry prohibits anti-social and behaviors that are damaging to society in general. Those prohibitions are actually a part of a social contract to which all citizens do (or should) adhere to. Without this understanding and respect for the rights of others society tends to decay. It is necessary for one to be unhampered by dogma in order to explore and grow.

Frat.·.
Brandt

The Patent and questions

2008-08-13T17:05:00.002-04:00

Brothers,
There have been many questions and rumbling about the patents granted to the Grand Orient of the United States and the Treaty of Amity with the Grand Orient of France. I hope that the following information is of some use to those that are interested.

http://www.grandorientusa.org/news/20080604GOdFPatent.asp

At this page you will see a photo of a dinner with the Brothers, including the Grand Master (now Past Grand Master) of the Grand Orient of France. Below that photo is a scan of the patent granting rights to the symbolic grades of the Scottish Rite and the Modern Rite. Also there is a copy of the Treaty of Amity.

Some noise, and very little Light, has been made about these documents. I have heard people say that the documents must be fake. I have also seen that there seems to be a problem with my signature not being on the document. I was unable, for personal reasons, to make the trip to France. Other Brothers of the Grand Orient were empowered to sign in my place. So that is settled now. I can promise you that it is not fake.

http://82.229.184.120/~adminspip/

Here you will see an article from the General Grand Chapter (Grand Orient of France) Modern Rite discussing the Treaty and Patent as well as the patent for the Order of Wisdom (high grades of the Modern Rite) to the Grand Orient of the United States. For those that don't read French or would just rather read it in English go here.

http://82.229.184.120/~adminspip/spip.php?article296

I hope that this puts to rest any theories of items being fake. If there are any other concerns contact your Grand Secretary and have him contact the Grand Orient of France directly. Or just take it as it is.

Frat.·.
Brandt

Treaty and Patent

2008-06-29T14:42:00.002-04:00

On Friday, the 27th of June at 9:15 AM the Grand Orient of France issued to the Grand Orient of the United States a patent. In addition the two sovereign Masonic powers entered into a formal treaty of amity. The patent and the treaty are effective immediately and express the fraternal bonds and relationship between the Grand Orient of France and the Grand Orient of the United States.

More information to follow and I am sure that pictures will be available soon.

Fraternally,
Brandt

What it is not

2008-06-02T22:11:00.003-04:00

Brothers,
I just had a long talk with a Brother from another Lodge. He is not a member of a Grand Orient lodge. He is a member of a lodge under the Grand Lodge of Oklahoma. We discussed why some of the venom is being spewed and he suggested that I could perhaps clear the air a bit. That is the purpose of this blog post.

It does no good to describe what Euclid Lodge is. I will endeavor to describe what it is not. I hope that is good enough.

Euclid Lodge is not meant as a negation of the Grand Lodge or Grand Lodges which so many of my Brothers love. It is an entirely different approach to our Gentle Craft. Hypothetically if one of my Brothers from my former lodge were to visit they would not be entirely lost. They may have to adjust to a slight difference in ritual but that just adds spice. Different is sometimes good.

Many moons ago when I was teaching martial arts I was often asked about similarities between different martial arts. I think that view missed the point. Yes, there are similarities. That is the part that one already possesses. It is the differences that matter. I used the analogy of chicken. Most cultures in the world cook chicken. Thai cooking is great but it is substantially different from good decent fried chicken from the South. Yet, it is still chicken. Enjoy the spice.

Euclid Lodge is not a rejection of the Anglo-Saxon/American manifestation of Masonry. Far from it, we open our doors to our Brothers. Free-Masonry is most important when it works in the life of the individual Brother. The lodge is just a classroom.

Though I may be "forgotten" I promise that my Brothers are not forgotten. I remember you all clearly and fondly.

Frat.·.
Brandt

Grand Master John Slifko

2008-05-17T17:27:00.002-04:00

It is with great pleasure that we announce the election of the new Grand Master of the Grand Orient of the United States. Most Worshipful Brother John Slifko of Lodge Intrepid. Brother John is a fine Mason and a scholar par excellence.

Euclid Lodge #3 sends our congratulations and support to the new Grand Master.

.......more news to follow in a relatively short time.

Frat:.
Brandt Smith
VM Euclid Lodge #3

Halcyon Lodge

2008-04-04T15:30:00.003-04:00

For those that are not aware please go to http://www.halcyontemple.org/ and check the place out. There is more to the story thought. These Brothers, by their own efforts and no assistance from any Grand Lodge, renovated this building and developed a community center that is doing a great deal more than writing a check to charity. They have gone so far as to develop a Boxing Club in part of the building to provide a positive place for the young men in the area.

Considering that I am from a similar background you may understand why I am sympathetic to the work done at Halcyon.

Fast forward a bit and we have the Grand Lodge of Ohio filing suit against the charity that runs the historic building and boxing club. They have targeted specifically the Brothers least able to defend themselves (meaning they targeted the Brothers with smaller bank accounts primarily) in an attempt to force a resolution in their favor without the full exposure of the facts. Let's allow truth to be truth and place the facts on the level to be judged by their merits. Not money but merits. I for one would love to see this resolved sooner rather than later.

This historic building is in jeopardy. More importantly the work that is being conducted in this building is in jeopardy. I request that you go to http://www.halcyoncharities.org/ and read what is being accomplished there. I also ask that you click on that donate button on the left side of their screen and support the good work of that charity. This is a real charity 501c3 that is doing remarkable work in their community. It is appropriate to support this cause. 5, 10, 20, 100 any amount will be appreicated.

I have had the pleasure of knowing several of the Brothers involved in this work. They are honest and strong Brothers that would drop everything to extend to you Masonic charity. They are in need now. They have given greatly and are now in need.

I just finished donating myself, I ask that you stand with me and support this.

Fraternally,
Brandt

Grand Lodge of West Virginia

2008-03-17T20:25:00.001-04:00

Recently the Most Worshipful Brother Haas has been summarily expelled without trial by his lodge from the Grand Lodge of West Virginia. MW Bro Haas did nothing but attempt to improve the lot of Masons in West Virginia. A lot of heat has been stoked back channel with powered interests leveling their smoke filled room politics against this worthy Brother.

To the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of West Virginia, shame on you sir. You have brought shame upon the entire Grand Lodge of West Virginia. Stand up, be a true Mason and correct you clearly wrong actions. I offer you an example on how a Grand Master should act. PGM Walt Wheeler of the Grand Lodge of Michigan. Though he may not have always agreed he always tried to find a way for matters to work between Brethren with different ideals. You on the other hand have struck out with your brief little authority. Right Worshipful Brother Lewis, all eyes are upon you now. Do the right thing. Soon, you will be “elected” to the grand east of the Grand Lodge of West Virginia. I hope that you will do what is right and reinstate Brother Haas and all those that have been victimized by the current so called Grand Master. I call on you Brothers to do what is right, fulfill your proclaimed devotion to Freemasonry.

Fraternally,
Brandt

Really, why not?

2008-02-13T04:23:00.002-05:00

Brethren,
Why are so many upset about the idea of discussing religion and politics in lodge or at the market? I remember when I was just a wee lad my mother telling me to never discuss religion or politics because it always leads to arguments. This has turned out to be un-true. (sorry mom)

I will agree however that we most likely should not discuss neither partisan politics nor sectarian religion in lodge. Remove the adjectives and go for it. Religion and politics are important matters to know about and understand. This can occur in the privacy of your home or it can happen in privacy of a tyled lodge in which one is assured a place of mutual respect in their ideas. "No man should be punished for his thoughts."

Free Masonry can be seen, and rightfully so, as a Master's degree course in citizenship. Citizenship requires a lot. Virtue of birth does not make one a citizen. Action and responsibility do. I might add accountability as well. The lodge serves an interesting capacity in the life of a Mason. An important capacity to many Masons. It serves as the class room of your Master's degree course in citizenship. The world is the lab part of the class.

Here is the rub. For some reason there are people that are unable to accept that someone disagrees with them. (This is likely to happen on this thread - pay attention). Would someone be less angry about another disagreeing if he was better able to support and defend his position?

This is why I have such a negative reaction to those that claim our liberties come from Divine Providence. When we make such a statement we sacrifice reason and intelligence. We hand those tools to the opposition. We then climb into a cave and have a witchdoctor chant some spells to keep the boogey man away or to appease the space god of our choice. In other words, when we take the superstition basis of our rights we become a beast in the field. The other method, that of reason and logic, is much harder and requires thought. (Thank God for free time - better yet - thank division of labor for free time - God had better things to do, She is above our petty need for cable TV).

In closing, go ahead discuss political science/theory. Discuss the issues of the day, economics, science, war, cereal, Super Tuesday, the origin of evil, books, religion, history. Discuss it, question each other, learn from each other, and then apply your knowledge. If you are not able to do this because you get bent out of shape every time someone disagrees with you I recommend you run home and cry about it. Leave adult discussions to adults. Or you can start a blog of your own and rant away.

Thanksgiving was an interesting time. My whole family would get together and spend way too much time talking to each other. The dinner would be served. The kids had to go to a different table because they are not old enough to sit at the grown-up table. This seems to be fine with the kids and the adults. So Brothers, pick which table you wish to sit at.

Fraternally,
Brandt

People love theft

2008-02-11T18:46:00.000-05:00

It shouldn't even be a crime anymore. We have reached a point in our society in which we (as a population) have developed such a disgusting sense of entitlement that we condone theft at the highest levels and in the most base form. Liberty is a buzz word for most that has no meaning at all.

Sacrifice is the highest virtue now. Give and never earn. Take because that is your "right." The whole nation owes you everything, particularly if you have no desire to earn it.

Vote in accordance with your conscience and your entitlements. I am certain that you will get everything that you deserve.

For those mental giants out there that can't do anything unless the Bible tells them so, how about this - "Thou shalt not steal."

Thanks for watching - this concludes the rant
sic semper tyrannis
Brandt

The Purpose of Law

2008-01-30T17:07:00.000-05:00

Recently, in response to a post on this blog, my dear Brother Howard Roark mentioned that law is designed to keep the peace. This sent me on one of those thought trains that I have a tendency to free load upon.

What is the purpose of law? Some would argue (I am in this group) that law exists to ensure the rights of individuals and that the only laws that we should have are those relating to force and fraud. Others would argue that law exists to keep the peace.

If we are to approach the "keep the peace" idea we will at first be inclined to agree. Then the ugly human element enters the picture. The old saying of "the Nazis made the trains run on time" comes to mind. While gloomy in substance we are introduced to a law and order society that was designed to protect the state and to keep the peace. The problem with this idea is that eventually the society would be burdened with government (which will have to grow just to enforce the laws).

The problem with the "ensure the rights" approach to law is that it requires and needs the citizens to be active participants in the exercise of their rights. It also requires a respect for the rights of others.

Comments? Thoughts?

Brandt

Your Rebate Check

2008-01-27T13:53:00.000-05:00

What are you going to do with your rebate check? I know that I will have the opportunity to look directly at it for a moment before my Lady Love snatches and does something responsible with it like pay down a bill or some such nonsense. I imagine that many of you out there in radio land are in the same situation as I am in that regard.

An interesting point of discussion that I would like to hear your opinions on. The government has determined that giving us a "rebate check" will stimulate the economy. If this is true does it not go to reason that taxing us in the first place interferes with the economy? Perhaps we could have a grand experiment in this country and suspend on personal taxes for the a period of one year. I wonder what that would do for the country's economy? Of course I am one of those nuts that doesn't believe that it would amount to much as we are working with a fiat currency. I would like to see a return to a true objective value (gold standard - gold coins - real money) that is not tied to a government but to the market itself.

Opinions? Comments?

Brandt

Law

2008-01-26T19:24:00.000-05:00

Is there a verifiable set of moral laws? Is there a set of laws that is naturally just and pure of intention? If this set of laws does exist where is it?

Some would offer the Christian Bible (which version I don’t know), the Muslim Quran, of the Jewish Torah as a source of moral and just laws. This is not supported by fact. “Thou shall not kill.” This law or commandment is often quoted and often broken. From the basis of that law some states of the United States execute people. If thou shall not kill is a solid law then we cannot execute. (I am just using this as an example – don’t go off the deep end and start discussing translation issues – focus people).

Perhaps we can reduce the entire corpus of law to restrictions on the use of force? Simply put, initiation of force is illegal. If one initiates force then the injured parties are within their rights to respond with force.

Does this sum up the entire purpose of moral and just law?

Brandt

Take a Moment to reflect

2008-01-21T16:47:00.000-05:00

I am happy to join with you today in what will go down in history as the greatest demonstration for freedom in the history of our nation.

Five score years ago, a great American, in whose symbolic shadow we stand today, signed the Emancipation Proclamation. This momentous decree came as a great beacon light of hope to millions of Negro slaves who had been seared in the flames of withering injustice. It came as a joyous daybreak to end the long night of captivity.

But one hundred years later, the Negro still is not free. One hundred years later, the life of the Negro is still sadly crippled by the manacles of segregation and the chains of discrimination. One hundred years later, the Negro lives on a lonely island of poverty in the midst of a vast ocean of material prosperity. One hundred years later, the Negro is still languished in the corners of American society and finds himself in exile in his own land. So we have come here today to dramatize an shameful condition.

In a sense we've come to our nation's Capital to cash a check. When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir.

This note was a promise that all men, yes, black men as well as white men, would be guaranteed the unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

It is obvious today that America has defaulted on this promissory note insofar as her citizens of color are concerned. Instead of honoring this sacred obligation, America has given the Negro people a bad check; a check which has come back marked "insufficient funds."

But we refuse to believe that the bank of justice is bankrupt. We refuse to believe that there are insufficient funds in the great vaults of opportunity of this nation. So we have come to cash this check- a check that will give us upon demand the riches of freedom and the security of justice.
We have also come to this hallowed spot to remind America of the fierce urgency of now. This is no time to engage in the luxury of cooling off or to take the tranquilizing drug of gradualism.

Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy. Now is the time to rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation to the sunlit path of racial justice. Now is the time to lift our nation from the quicksands of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood. Now is the time to make justice a reality for all of God's children.

It would be fatal for the nation to overlook the urgency of the moment. This sweltering summer of the Negro's legitimate discontent will not pass until there is an invigorating autumn of freedom and equality. Nineteen sixty-three is not an end, but a beginning. Those who hope that the Negro needed to blow off steam and will now be content will have a rude awakening if the nation returns to business as usual. There will be neither rest nor tranquility in America until the Negro is granted his citizenship rights. The whirlwinds of revolt will continue to shake the foundations of our nation until the bright day of justice emerges.

But there is something that I must say to my people who stand on the warm threshold which leads into the palace of justice. In the process of gaining our rightful place we must not be guilty of wrongful deeds. Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred. We must forever conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline. We must not allow our creative protest to degenerate into physical violence. Again and again we must rise to the majestic heights of meeting physical force with soul force.

The marvelous new militancy which has engulfed the Negro community must not lead us to a distrust of all white people, for many of our white brothers, as evidenced by their presence here today, have come to realize that their destiny is tied up with our destiny. And they have come to realize that their freedom is inextricably bound to our freedom. We cannot walk alone.

And as we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall march ahead. We cannot turn back. There are those who are asking the devotees of civil rights, "When will you be satisfied?"
We can never be satisfied as long as the Negro is the victim of the unspeakable horrors of police brutality.

We can never be satisfied as long as our bodies, heavy with the fatigue of travel, cannot gain lodging in the motels of the highways and the hotels of the cities.

We cannot be satisfied as long as the Negro's basic mobility is from a smaller ghetto to a larger one.

We can never be satisfied as long as our chlidren are stripped of their selfhood and robbed of their dignity by signs stating "for whites only."

We cannot be satisfied as long as a Negro in Mississippi cannot vote and a Negro in New York believes he has nothing for which to vote.

No, no, we are not satisfied, and we will not be satisfied until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream.

I am not unmindful that some of you have come here out of great trials and tribulations. Some of you have come fresh from narrow jail cells. Some of you have come from areas where your quest for freedom left you battered by the storms of persecution and staggered by the winds of police brutality. You have been the veterans of creative suffering. Continue to work with the faith that unearned suffering is redemptive.

Go back to Mississippi, go back to Alabama, go back to South Carolina, go back to Georgia, go back to Louisiana, go back to the slums and ghettos of our northern cities, knowing that somehow this situation can and will be changed. Let us not wallow in the valley of despair.
I say to you today, my friends, so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.

I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident; that all men are created equal."

I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.

I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.

I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

I have a dream today.

I have a dream that one day down in Alabama, with its vicious racists, with its governor having his lips dripping with the words of interposition and nullification, that one day right down in Alabama little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers.

I have a dream today.

I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exhalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.

This is our hope. This is the faith that I will go back to the South with. With this faith we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood.
With this faith we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day.

This will be the day when all of God's children will be able to sing with new meaning, "My country 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing. Land where my fathers died, land of the Pilgrims' pride, from every mountainside, let freedom ring."

And if America is to be a great nation, this must become true. So let freedom ring from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire. Let freedom ring from the mighty mountains of New York. Let freedom ring from the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania.

Let freedom ring from the snow-capped Rockies of Colorado. Let freedom ring from the curvaceous slopes of California. But not only that; let freedom ring from the Stone Mountain of Georgia. Let freedom ring from Lookout Mountain of Tennessee.

Let freedom ring from every hill and molehill of Mississippi. From every mountainside, let freedom ring.

And when this happens, and when we allow freedom ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children, black men and white men, Jews and gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual, "Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!"

Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.

There it is Brothers, there is nothing more that I could ever add to that.
Brandt

Form and Function

2007-12-23T14:06:00.000-05:00

There are two aspects of Free Masonry that are often confused as the same thing. They are not the same thing. The most apparent aspect of Free Masonry is the administrative body that “governs” a group of lodges. The second aspect, which is the most important, is the initiatic experience in the fraternity. The administrative aspect of a group of lodges cannot provide the initiatic aspect. These two aspects of Free Masonry can be mutually exclusive.
The administrative aspect of Free Masonry serves several valuable purposes. A grand lodge can facilitate communications between the various lodges. This is a very important purpose for a grand lodge. A grand lodge can also serve to arbitrate disputes between lodges. The grand lodge also exists to maintain the rules agreed upon by the Brethren within their lodges. Finally, the grand lodge exists to act as a “spokesman” for the organization of lodges so that they may more efficiently interact with other groups of lodges.
In all Masonic grand jurisdictions around the world there are only two models of government that are used. One model is the “power model” in which sovereignty is conferred upon the grand jurisdiction and the lodges have agreed to follow the lead of the sovereign body. There is a delicate balance in this model that must be maintained to ensure the health and viability of the organization. The balance that must be struck is that the grand jurisdiction must balance its supreme authority with the service that it owes to its lodges. The flaw in this system resides in the aristocratic fallacy. Masons laboring under this type of system must be very vigilant as to whom they elect to serve in the grand officer positions. The Masons laboring under this type of system need a mechanism in place to assure that they are able to insure that they are getting the proper leadership. A Grand Master under this system presides as the sole leader. He often has a retinue of staff that assists as advisors.
The second model of the administrative aspect of Free Masonry is the “liberty model.” Under this model of government sovereignty resides in the lodges of this group. The grand jurisdiction has no powers not specifically granted to them by the lodges. Of course this system can turn into a power model system if the lodges are not consistent in maintaining their sovereignty. This particular model also has a delicate balance that must be maintained. The balance is that of lodges having to exercise their sovereignty at all times. The flaw in this system resides in the democratic fallacy. Masons laboring under this system must be very vigilant in exercising and maintaining their sovereignty. They must also participate in their organization in an active manner. In order to do this the Brethren laboring under this system must be educated on how to proceed within their governmental system. Absolute transparency in government is required for this system to operate correctly.
If we take the power model as the thesis and the liberty model as the anti-thesis there is an apparent synthesis. Is there a way in which we can balance sovereignty at the highest levels with the inalienable rights of the Brethren at the lodge level? I am unconvinced at this point as to the viability of a synthesis between the power model and the liberty model. Further research and social experimentation is required.

Travel well Brothers

Caput Lupinum

2007-12-08T13:43:00.000-05:00

The Latin phrase “caput lupinum” means to “have the head of a wolf.” This colorful phrase was applied to convicted criminals or “outlaws.” I urge you to wear the head of a wolf. Hear me out.

There are two things that I would like to talk about right now in relation to this. The first is the nature of the law and idolatry. The second is how slaves are made. Each of these two topics is related philosophically. Hopefully through this discussion I will be able to explain why every good citizen and Mason should have the head of a wolf.

Law is established to protect the citizens of a nation or organization and to fulfill the fundamental premises of that nation or organization. Since the law is blind, and often dumb, it is necessary that there be juries in our courts. A jury is not charged with interpreting law. They are charged with determining right or wrong. For example, it is illegal to exceed the posted speed limits. If you had a child about to die you should speed if necessary to get the child to the proper medical attention to save the child’s life. You did break the law but justice is served by determining that you were right to break the law.

A few years ago I did a paper on religion itself becoming an idol that is worshipped. In other words there are some that get so wrapped up in a religion that they begin to worship the religion rather than God. This is idolatry. On the same token there are those that believe so strongly in the law that they forget justice. This is contrary to the spirit and purpose of the law. I would go so far that it is even contrary to the spirit and purpose of the nation or organization that wrote the laws in question. When the law is applied without even a nod to justice then the law has become a tool of restriction rather than justice and should not be obeyed by any thinking man. Justice is far more important than law.

This is why I urge Masons and citizens to be outlaws in the philosophic sense. Support justice not laws. Support right, not expediency. Support the spirit and purpose, not the shell. Unfortunately juveniles are not well equipped to handle this. In order for law to morally valid it must be in support justice. It should never be law for the sake of law.

Before I move into this next section, involving slavery, I would like to extend thanks to an old teacher of mine who taught me the lessons that I will now share with you. RD, if you are reading this, thank you. I hope that your former pupil is not such a huge disappointment.

Pardon the allegory, but this is how I was taught.

There is no distinctive difference between a wolf pup and common dog puppy. They exhibit many of the same mannerisms. The difference becomes apparent at maturity. One day a wolf pup becomes a wolf (adult), a dog puppy remains a puppy no matter how old it gets. Dogs were made from wolves on purpose. To change wolves into dogs one must only feed the pups and discourage adult behavior. One more thing, kill those that show too much aggression or resistance. This creates a climate in which the puppy’s survival is predicated on the benevolence of the slaver/breeder. Juvenile behavior and reliance becomes what is needed to survive for the pup. So the wolf becomes a dog in order to survive. Patrick Henry is rolling over in his grave.

Slaves are made of human beings in much the same manner. It is the encouragement of juvenile behavior in adult animals. The adult juvenile (dog) will never actualize his potentials and become a functioning adult (wolf) because its survival or acceptance is predicated on maintaining juvenile behavior. Chains make only prisoners, not slaves. Harriet Tubman ran into the slave mentality during her work on the “Underground Railroad.” She carried a pistol. She carried the pistol not only to deal with lawmen (remember how law is supposed to serve justice not the other way around) and slave hunters but to deal with slaves that would change their minds and want to go back.

That is why I encourage people, citizens, and Free Masons to have the head of a wolf. Serve Justice, serve Right, serve the cause of freedom.

Brandt Smith
WM Euclid Lodge

The Level

2007-12-08T07:38:00.000-05:00

We claim to meet on the level. What is this level? Obviously it has something to do with how we interact and relate to each other. To meet on the level we must first understand the nature of honorable relationships.

We must recognize the rights inherent to the individual Mason. We must interact in a manner that does not interfere with the rights inherent to the individual Mason. The level is reason. Reason must govern our conduct and relationships. Fear cannot be the motivating factor on our level. Fear of celestial boogey man does not make men moral. Reason and respect is the basis of morality.

When we are able to meet using reason and respecting the individual rights we have met on the level. There will be disputes. That is to be expected. These disputes should be met with reason and respect. Meeting in this manner, on the level, allows us to negotiate a settlement of the dispute. Those who refuse to do so have abandoned the level.

Abandoning the level is “un-Masonic” because it is contrary to the fundamental teachings of the Craft. This should not be accepted. Working tools can be dangerous.

Government

2007-12-08T07:22:00.000-05:00

All governments rule with the consent of the masses. This may be a hard pill to swallow for those living under a tyrannical system. Nevertheless it is true. The proof is in the recorded histories. These clearly show, again and again, that a people who held no “legal” political power simply seized the governmental power for themselves.

There is not much need to discuss tyrannical governments. They are well covered and seem to be a popular topic of discussion. I would like to discuss good government and what is required to make truly moral government.

First, a government must start from a solid premise. For this I would consider the inherent rights of humanity are this solid premise. Those rights are the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness/property.

The right to life means that you have the right to live at your own accord without interference. Your inherent right to life does not confer upon you any ability to claim that another man must provide your life for you. Yes, this right can be violated. You could be killed. Society should rise up and remove the threat and the anti-social element that violated that right. In order for the individual’s right to life to be held as valid all people’s right to life must be respected. This illustrates the nature of functional society.

The right of liberty is the most often violated. Liberty is that natural condition of humanity in which we are free to grow, think, and be. Much like the right to life, this right does not confer upon us the authority to interfere with another person’s liberty. Violating the inherent rights of any person nullifies the violator’s claim upon his own rights. This right does not confer upon any authority, person, or group of persons the right to limit anyone else’s liberty.

The pursuit of happiness or property as it were, is the inherent drive which is enabled by both life and liberty. This right is the most interesting of the set. Through the understanding of this right we come to know that man is an end unto himself. He is not an automaton designed to spew meaningless platitudes into the darkness. He is not a herd animal designed to provide sustenance to others. He is a functioning being who is designed to fulfill his own needs. Through fulfilling the most basic levels of the hierarchy of needs he is able to rise higher to the levels of self actualization.

Note that all of these rights are entirely individual. These are the inherent characteristics of a human being. To aid in protecting these rights men came together into groups of mutual filiations. This required the development of government.

Government exists only to protect the rights of the citizens of those in the society. In order to do this authority to exercise power must be vested in the government but must be limited. It must be limited so that it will not limit the governed. Government is the servant of society. This must never be forgotten as it is the basis of good government. Society exists by the volition of individuals. The individual exists as created with certain inalienable rights. Government, society and the individual have entered into a relationship to ensure and protect the rights of the individual. Of these three only the individual possesses certain inalienable rights. Society has no rights of its own. Government has no rights of its own. Only the individual exists in state of natural freedom and liberty.

The proper job of good government is to provide a police force/justice system and a military. The police force exists as the strong arm of free society to protect citizens from criminals. The justice system exists so that free citizens can resolve disputes and for justice under the natural law of humanity to be administered. The military exists to protect the citizens from foreign aggression. Notice that there is nothing to protect society or the government. They do not exist as individuals. They are “legal fictions” upon which individuals have agreed. They are the tools by which we work together.

The deluded thug Mao once said that all political power comes from the barrel of a gun. In that one statement he summed up the immoral and corrupt nature of his mind and his government. Any person that believes that governmental power comes from force lacks understanding of what it means to be free.

The only true crimes are force and fraud. No man may initiate force on another. Since society was formed to protect the rights of individuals then an anti-social behavior is contrary to the protection of our rights. To initiate force on an individual is an attack on the fundamental premise of good government. This anti-social behavior should be met with derision and violence of a level necessary to remove the threat.

Fraud is also a danger to society (and therefore to individual rights) because it causes a breakdown in trade. Fraud, being a violation of our social contract, should also be met with violence of a level necessary to remove the threat.

Rights that we do not have:
No person has the right to not be offended. No person has the right to force their beliefs on another. No person has the right cause another to live for his benefit. No person has the right to compel another to give up their inalienable rights.

Authority extends only so far as the social contract allows. If the governed no longer wish to confer authority then the legal fiction ceases to exist and can be replaced. This was well illustrated when the states of the United States of America declared their independence. They realized that all governments exist to serve the governed. A government ceases to hold moral authority when they cease to serve the governed. When a government becomes self serving and enslaves the governed it is no longer valid. All people that serve the enslaving government have become slavers themselves and are enemies of society.

Submission to unjust and immoral authority is not a trait that I wish to hold. So I don’t.

Let's talk social issues

2007-12-03T16:50:00.000-05:00

For some reason or another many of our fellow citizens have taken it upon themselves to tell consenting adults what they can and cannot do. Yes folks! That is the topic, gay marriage. If you are uncomfortable with this you have five minutes to run for the hills. Now since we have gotten rid of the childish people can we begin?

First let us examine marriage. Is marriage a religious institution? If so it is outside of the government’s power (state or federal) to limit it. If it is a civil matter, and therefore falling under government control then one cannot introduce the Bible as evidence to support one method/style of marriage or another. Welcome to the slippery slope – get a helmet.

For the sake of discussion let us assume that we can use the Bible or favorite “word of God” that you choose. We could use this to ban gay marriage based upon the alleged validity of the book in question. Since that book is now considered legally valid we must now allow polygamy and the stoning of prostitutes. This is called logic. Just so we are on the same page, polygamy is considered by some as having one wife too many. Others would say monogamy is the same thing (one wife too many – get it – it is a joke people lighten up).

Here is the major intellectual dishonesty. We, as a society, will allow gay men to live together. We will allow them share their lives together. We will allow them to negotiate and enter into binding contracts on property etc. In some areas we will even allow them undergo some type of “civil union” or other euphemism. What will not allow is for them to use the term “marriage” as if there is some magic in the word.

In an effort to cover up outright bigotry we dance around the issue and call it anything but what it is. Again, we have magic in words. I guess if you close your eyes really tight and wish really hard then it is not bigotry. Then again you could tap your ruby slippers together three times and end up in a beautiful land where it is okay to impose your views on other people. This would be a time before the freedom actually became something that you spoke of in relation to political theory.

This should not ever be a political question as it is really nobody’s business but those that entering into the marriage, or civil union or whatever you want to call it.

I have two questions for all 3 or 4 of the readers of this blog.
1. Can anyone offer a moral justification for banning gay marriage? If you can I would like to hear it.
2. Who exactly is being injured by two gay men getting married?

Brandt

Support

2007-12-01T16:42:00.000-05:00

Brethren,
Regardless of your opinion of Euclid Lodge.
One of our Brothers has been involved in an accident. He is injured. Prayers or positive thoughts for his speady recovery will be much appreciated. He is a good man and devoted Free Mason.

Brandt
WM Euclid Lodge

A Message to ....

2007-11-28T22:44:00.000-05:00

Brothers,
There are some amongst you that obviously wish to know things that are not for those who are not members of Euclid Lodge. I would ask that desist as you are wasting your time.

It is against our practice and philosophy to share the identity of any member of Euclid Lodge without their express permission. Privacy is considered quite valuable to us.

The problem with this is that are questioning people that have nothing to do with it and they are calling me trying to figure out what is going on.

Meet with us on the level and we may be able to talk. Strike at us with a level and our door will shut to you.

Fraternally,
Brandt Smith
WM Euclid Lodge

The Truth About Charity

2007-11-27T18:14:00.000-05:00

Brother and Sisters, fellow citizens of the world

A human being is an end unto his or her self. Put down your pitchforks and torches – I am not kicking over your charity applecart. Allow me to explain what I am attempting to say.

Charity is one of the finest acts that an individual can accomplish. Charity is great particularly if it is properly guided and the reasons are properly known. Do not think for one second that you selflessly aid another human being for anything other than your own benefit. If a Masonic organization, which are quite well known for charitable activities, gives with no thought of itself then it is an immoral organization. If it commits a charitable act and pretends that it was for any other reason than the benefit of its members it is a liar or worse, an immoral fool.

The reason that charity is a great act is that if charity is properly applied the recipient of the charity will rise above their impoverished position and become a productive member of society. This is important. A great deal of crime, and I speak from experience, is rooted in poverty. Most people would never steal unless there was a need for them to do so. The drain that is placed on society that is required to support those that circumstances have placed in an unenviable position can be just too great. Charity is entirely selfish.

If we can accept this our charity will be more effective. We will pay for education. We will pay for job training. We will pay for Planned Parenthood. We will pay for public education programs that are designed to inform the populace about the dangers of contra-survival activities.

We have to remember that this is not about us, but it is. It is about the betterment of human civilization. We all benefit for each member of our society being a productive and able citizen. Free Masonry is, amongst other things, a Master’s degree course in citizenship. To be a Free Mason requires that you are good philosophical citizen of the world, your nation, your state, your community and your family. To ensure a more profitable, safe, and enlightening life we must come together and support each other.

My property rights can be supported in two ways. I can stay conscious 24 hours a day and protect my property from looters. The alternative, which I prefer, is to support my community as it supports me. This will provide a police force to protect my rights from domestic criminals and a military to protect my rights from foreign aggression. We will educate our children (I am not raising children but I feel some responsibility for the children in the world) so that they will be good stewards of our civilization. We will teach our fellow citizens to feed themselves so that their children will be able to feed their selves. We will educate our fellow citizens so that they can educate the next generation. Eden is here my beloved Brothers and Sisters if we are willing to make it.

Free Masonry is designed for two reasons. The first reason is to heal the rifts in civil society. The second reason is to improve the outlook and ability of the best of citizens. The best of citizens will act as leaders and inspiration. Free Masonry can take an intelligent and productive citizen and transform him (or her) into a capable leader and producer in society. From this leadership humanity will improve and our civilization will prosper. What came we here to do for our self and our world? I do for my world for what it does for my nation, for my community, for my family, and for me. Look deep Brethren this is why we do charity.

Value

2007-11-25T09:14:00.001-05:00

Brethren,
We should discuss value as this is at the heart of many problems in Free Masonry. What is it in Free Masonry that a man cannot get any place else? Is there any objective value to membership in a lodge?

Brandt

Discussion and Masonic Philosophy

2007-11-22T10:48:00.000-05:00

Brethren,

Of our own free will and accord, we are free men and Free Masons, have done several things. We will continue to act in manner that is dictated by our conscience and reason. There is nothing more that we can do. We will not be subjected to the attacks and illicit behavior of those in brief positions of authority that are “howling for our blood.” In other words, we will not deal with looters, thieves, or thugs. I have been approached by three dear Brothers who have asked us the question that no other Mason has. “Why?” They asked and they truly wanted answers and to understand. These Brothers met me on the level, as a Mason I should expect this from all Masons. There have been far too many that have taken this as an opportunity to fulfill some personal vendettas against me. So be it, Truth will always shine through, and it is starting to now.

Freedom of Association

It is our belief that any private organization is free to limit who may become a member of their organization. That control stops there. No organization, private or public, has a moral right to control the private life of its members. This is not the time to pull out a book of regulations and quote some rule that is immoral to prove that a moral right exists. This is the time to discuss openly the moral justification of those types of rules.

Most Grand Lodges have a rule that forbids their members from attending a co-Masonic lodge. That seems to be pretty cut and dried. Please put your pitchforks and torches down, I am not a member of co-Masonic body though I have thought about. No man should be punished for his thoughts. We find that rule to be immoral. We find it immoral because it in no way affects the various Grand Lodges in this country yet the rule exists not to enhance the Craft but to limit the freedom of association of Masons outside of the lodge.

It is said that a woman cannot be a Mason. It goes to reason then that any organization, no matter what they call it, is not Masonic. So why is that rule in place? There is an intellectual dissonance in this case. If they are not Masons then forbidding a Mason from attending or joining a co-Masonic body is the equivalent of forbidding him to join the Rotary Club.

If indeed a co-Mason is a Mason then we have to return to the original premise and open further discussion. Masons do not need to be kept safe from ideas; ideas obviously need to be kept safe from Masons from time to time. If a woman cannot be made a Mason, as we are told, then where did the female Masons come from? We cannot have it both ways.

The argument that this rule is in place to preserve the Craft is empty. No damage can possibly come to the fraternity if a Mason were to visit a co-Masonic lodge. Regardless, we must ask what exactly we are protecting the Craft from. Girls don’t have coodies, get over it. Many of the arguments that I have heard about this subject sound similar in origin to the tired arguments used against Prince Hall Free Masonry.

Territorial Exclusivity

This is one of the most misunderstood concepts in Free Masonry. A Grand Lodge’s authority begins and ends with its constituted lodges. It goes not further than that. It does not include a specific geographic boundary as Free Masonry itself is not constrained to lines on a map. The Grand Lodge of Michigan, in a stroke of genius and morality, did decide (I believe that it was in 1996 – fact checkers please check that for me) that its authority was only over its constituted lodges. The Grand Lodge of Michigan has also extended recognition and built the bridge of Brotherhood with the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Michigan. Bravo. Most Grand Lodges in the United States have also extended recognition to Prince Hall Grand Lodges. It is right and proper to do so. By these actions should we not question further the misapplication of territorial exclusivity?

Since it has been decided that the Prince Hall Grand Lodges are entirely regular should we not extend recognition to all Prince Hall Grand Lodges? Including those that are in certain Southern states? There will be some that will say that I am acting outside of my authority. How drôle. I am not acting on any authority. I am not acting at all. I am asking a question that we should ask, and that we should answer.

The only stain on the Grand Lodge of Michigan regarding the issue of recognition of Prince Hall Grand Lodges is that it took so long for it to come about. Of course, the sins of the father are not the sins of the son. The good Brothers of the Grand Lodge of Michigan did correct the historic error and may they always be remembered for that. Mistakes happen; we are only human after all. It is important that it was corrected.

Lodge Sovereignty

This is not a chicken and egg situation. Grand Lodges were formed by Lodges. Lodges formed these Grand Lodges to administer to the needs of the Lodges, not the other way around. Some times this is forgotten. Lodges were formed by Masons to administer to the needs of Masons. The sovereignty of an individual Mason cannot be superseded by that of the Lodge. That is the key to the free will and accord that we discuss so often. Allow the natural progression of logic (one of the seven liberal arts) to guide you on the natural conclusions of this.

As there are different men with different needs in Free Masonry we cannot expect one model of a lodge to suit all of their needs. Regarding this issue it is important that a lodge be able to develop its own character. Ritual is an important aspect of a lodge’s character. Allowing a lodge to select and work a regular ritual would do much to enhance the character and egregore of the lodge. This is practiced in several jurisdictions around the world. It has been quite successful. It will also allow us, as Masons; access that vast tapestry that is Free Masonry. It is our heritage.

These are not attacks of arguments. These are simply points of discussions. Answers to these questions are important.

Fraternally,
Brandt

Liberté

2007-11-18T21:47:00.000-05:00

Brethren,
Freedom may be one of the most difficult concepts for an individual to deal with. When we first developed the idea of Euclid a Brother talked to me and equated it to the Shawshank Repemdtion (which is a great movie if you have not seen it yet you should). He related it most specifically to the part in which Red had just gotten out of prison and was working as a bagger at a grocery store. He was constantly asking permission to do everything, including going to the restroom.
Red mentioned something about being in the system so long that he could not even go to the restroom without permission. Why does the caged bird sing?

Freedom for me means freedom for you. But what if you don't do what I want? Well, that is freedom. As long as you or I are not violating the rights that I are inherent to my existence then I cannot inhibit you at all.

The continuation of our civilization is dependent upon the advancement of our citizens. This is only possible through true freedom.

Brothers and Sisters, apply your reason and be free.

Brandt

Atheists

2007-11-17T12:56:00.000-05:00

Freemasonry is not now, nor has it ever been a religion. Is it improper to require a man to profess a religion or a belief in a supreme being in order to admitted to Free-Masonry? If so, why? Surely the word of a believer can be broken just as quickly as any atheists word can be broken. If we truly believe in the brotherhood of all mankind how can exclude so many for having a personal opinion about the existence or non-existence of Deity?

For it came to a question of adjectives. What is a "stupid atheist" or an "irreligious libertine"? Does this not allude to their being a smart atheist and a religious libertine?

Brandt

Euclid Lodge

2007-11-16T18:05:00.000-05:00

To all Masons, wheresoever they may be dispersed throughout the world
Fraternal greetings
We have formally constitued Euclid Lodge, to the Glory of the Grand Architect of the Universe and to Glory of Free-Masonry Universal. We labor under traditional Free-Masonry as described and prescribed in Anderson's Constitutions 1723 in Grand Rapids, Michigan (USA).
Our lodge offers a distinctive education in the philosophies and esoteric understanding of Free-Masonry. Euclid Lodge supports the original meaning of a "liberal education" with the understanding that reason is the only tool that humanity has to survive, prosper and improve in this world. To this end Euclid Lodge initiates men into the mysteries of Modern Free-Masonry and has dedicated itself to the betterment of our civilization.
This betterment is accomplished by an education in the philosophies of the Enlightenment period and modern philosophy. We reject completely the mis-guided beliefs that lead to the subjugation of the human spirit and any intellectual dissonance that destroys our ability to construct that Temple made not with hands.
Throughout human history there have always been those that raised men up to higher levels. We endeavor to be those type of men. Included in our ranks are PhD's, engineers, business leaders and professionals of several types. We are a philosophical order that addresses the "questions of the day" such as the moral implications of our scientific revolution and the relationship between the individual and society. Partisan politics and sectarian religion have no part of what we do. We labor for the greater good. We accomplish this by aiding our Brothers to become better men, more informed men, more educated men, and more capable men. Through our process to total education we aid in the development of "liberated" man.
The founders of Euclid were once members of the Antient system of Free-Masonry, which has degenerated into a social club that denies its own roots. We have separated ourselves from that decayed root and planted our minds in fertile ground. May the Light of Free-Masonry (which is reason) extend to every corner of the globe and every aspect of civil society. We have taken up the working tools of such luminaries as Brother Benjamin Franklin, Brother Voltaire, and Brother Lafayette and have placed the proper application of the Craft above the base desires of men who are slaves to their egos. We labor as one small lodge of great men who carry a portion of Light forward in the 21st Century. All true and worthy seekers of Masonic Light will be welcome at our door.

Wor:. Bro:. Brandt Smith
Worshipful Master, Euclid Lodge #3