From the Worshipful Master

Brethren,

This month I wanted us to talk about a Masonic book that we each have read. The book I want to talk about is called Old Tiler Talks , by Carl H. Claudy. This particular author has written numerous books on Freemasonry and is quite a well-known scholar. This book is a collection of vignettes that were published before as articles for masonic magazines and has since been compiled into a book. This book clearly shows off the depth of understanding Brother Carl has for masonic philosophy as he indirectly teaches masonic philosophy as the result of conversations between a new Master Mason and an old experienced Tiler. This book could be considered an FAQ for the fraternity, or even a book of case studies. Each vignette poses a situation in the craft that usually requires some sort of explanation, or commentary. Sometimes this explanation comes in the form of rebuke or chastisement, but even besides the actual teaching, the method is still a lesson in itself. It also offers explanations of certain points in within the Craft in the form of an actual dialogue, compete with smart Alek remarks and rebuttals. This book is public domain and can be read for free on various sites on the internet or purchase on an E-reader for no more than a few dollars.

Christopher Huson
Worshipful Master

From the Senior Warden

As Masons, we live our lives relying on the belief that Objective Truth exists. If only we can find it. We attempt to gather evidence for our beliefs whether they are political, religions or simply a moral belief. We weigh the credibility and truthfulness of each of fact or belief we hold. We make difficult judgments and in the end, we arrive at a close proximity to truth, hopefully an Objective Truth.

The Masonic principle of Truth also teaches a man to search for wisdom and understanding. The pursuit of knowledge is at the very heart of our purpose. Freemasons strive for truth, requiring high moral standards and aiming to achieve them in their own lives.

Most Masons I’m sure can agree on these principles as set out by Paul Copan:

Truth is true—even if no one knows it.

Truth is true—even if no one admits it.

Truth is true—even if no one agrees what it is.

Truth is true—even if no one follows it.

Truth is true—even if no one but God grasps it fully

Yet we have now entered an age or the “relativist”. To the relativist, no “fact” is in all times and places true. He argues that because everyone’s point of view is different, we should believe that one fact is equally correct as another, In fact, the hard-core relativist says that given the slippery nature of what the rest of us mistakenly call “truth,” we can’t even settle on the fact that there is a single truth at all.

Today objective Truth is increasingly pushed aside by secularizing influences such as the university, the media, and politics. Rather than being a matter of truth, it is all just opinion. If we follow relativism to its illogical end we imply that the pursuit of any truth is an exercise in futility. It clearly entails the obliteration of all knowledge, including scientific, moral, and historical truth in favor of a subjective reality. This subjective reality as we are now told by society is called progress and the practice of this is the modern definition of tolerance.

So what kind of tolerance is “Masonic Tolerance”? As Masons we are committed to being honest and truthful with other people. The Masonic Fraternity teaches a man to be faithful to his responsibilities to God, his Country, his fellow man, his family and himself. As Masons we are taught these two principles: one, Truth is divine attribute and the foundation of every virtue. Secondly, Justice is that standard of boundary of right which enables us to render unto every man his just due, without distinction.

Ken Olsen
Senior Warden

From the Junior Warden

Brothers,

I have had the chance to read a number of books over the years since I have become a Mason. But nothing more relevant stands out to me than the one we get after becoming Masons. It is the McCoy book called “The Symbols of Freemasonry.” Honestly, it is an easy read, and you could easily be done with it in a day, buy i find myself referring to it often whenever I received or have a question about what it is we do what it is we do.

All of the symbols are laid out separated by each degree and with the idea that it is intended to teach not only new brothers, but to remind those of us who have been there. I learn something new from that book every time I open it, and I think that each one of us should give ourselves a chance to go back to the basics and remember what we were taught as we were learning each degree. Just like the old adage of walking before running, this book is essential and I believe is the foundation to all other learning in Masonry.

If you are a new Mason, read this book. If you have been around for a while and haven’t read it, or haven’t read it in a while, I highly suggest picking it up again. It will surprise you just how much you can learn all over again.

Jason Michlowitz, PM
Junior Warden