July/August 2010
Volume 10, Issue 3
Mariner’s Lighthouse Dedicated to the Memory of RWB Charles H. Frampton, PDDGM Under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Ancient Freemason in South Carolina THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF MARINER LODGE NO. 2 AFM, CHARLESTON, SC—2001 & 2005 WINNER OF THE H. DWIGHT MCALISTER AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN MASONIC JOURNALISM
2010 Officers Worshipful Master Thomas H. “Tom” Lewis, Jr. 843.708.5365 thlwm2010@gmail.com Senior Warden Richard C. “Rick” Ivey 843.343.6700 ivey.rc@gmail.com Junior Warden Thomas A. “Tate” McQueary 843.303.1442 tate.mcqueary@gmail.com Treasurer John E. “Jack” Daniels, PDDGM 843.708.3456 jackdaniels07@hotmail.com Secretary Michael C. “Mike” Henslee, PM 843.276.6768 mhenslee03@comcast.net Senior Deacon Mark J. “Too Cool” Beasley, PM 843.469.2577 acmeprototype@yahoo.com Junior Deacon James M. “Matt” Jenkins 843.819.6336 uncjenx@aol.com Steward Ashley B. “Fly Boy” Neboschick 843.469.3171 ashley.neboschick@navy.mil Steward Cameron S. “I Have a 1st Name” Woody 843.408.8983 woody.cam@gmail.com Tiler Stephen B. “Steve” Hiott 843.819.5002 stevehiott@bellsouth.net Chaplain Herbert S. “Herb” Goldberg, PDDGM 843.766.3516 hstrudel@aol.com Marshal Lloyd F. “Curly” Christopher, PGMar 843.571.2709 after-burner@comcast.net Marshal Emeritus Historian O.M. “Skip” Owen, PM 843.556.4359 skipowen@knology.net News Editor Richard C. “Rick” Ivey 843.343.6700 ivey.rc@gmail.com Physician Carey E. “Doc” Capell 843.377.5088 carey.capell@citadel.edu
M a s o n i c “Speak softly and carry a big stick: You will go far!” Born October 27th 1858, he was a Statesman, Hunter, Visionary, Natu‐ ralist, President and Freemason. Theodore Roosevelt embodied the drives and the pursuit of excellence that is customary to any Worthy Freemason. He was a larger than life character, who came from Affluence but always understood his responsi‐ bility to those who did not. Although he joined our brotherhood in the twilight of his life, his actions and his spirit where directly connected with the Masonic virtues that make masonry the altruistic organization that it is. Brother Teddy has had a place in every moment of history during his brief but glorious life. In a recently discovered photograph, he can be seen leaning out a window with his brother in New York City during President Abraham Lincolns State funeral in 1865. His character was
H i s t o r y
bold and daring. As assistant Secre‐ tary of the Navy, he cultivated the need to liberate the people of Cuba from old Spanish Imperialism. In keeping with the statutes of the Monroe Doctrine, he believed that it was an American Responsibility to liberate Southern and Central Amer‐ ica from its European Masters. Not only did he act as a statesman in this capacity, but he raised a large mili‐ tary force from the Middle American Badlands, and then led them as a Lieutenant Colonel of his “rough Riders” up San Juan Hill. On April 23rd 1910 in Paris, Former President Roosevelt gave his famous speech, “Citizenship in a Republic”. During this speech he stated: “It is not the critic who counts: not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again, because there is no effort without error or shortcoming, but who knows the great enthusi‐ asms, the great devotions, who spends himself for a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows, in the end, the triumph of high achieve‐ ment, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly, so that
his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who knew neither vic‐ tory nor defeat.” Teddy would swim the Potomac River, box with friends and hunt Big Game all over the world. After returning to New York after living in the Dakotas for a while, he returned to his Dutch roots in New York City as the Commissioner of the great city’s police department. As proof to his progressive nature, he is fictionalized in Caleb Carr’s novel, “The Alienist”. In the novel he had the forward thinking to include Fo‐ rensic Psychologists in his depart‐ ment to hunt habitual criminals and serial killers. He later became Gover‐ nor of the state of New York. He created the National Parks system, went after big business and their mistreatment of the labor force and was an aggressive natural conserva‐ tionist. He truly was larger than life. At the outset of World War I, For‐ mer President Roosevelt petitioned President Woodrow Wilson, to allow him to raise a fighting division and lead then against the Germans on the Battlefield. President Wilson denied him this. Why this man did not join our brother‐ Cont. page 6
LEGENDA (LATIN) - THINGS TO BE READ Beauty in the South – Pg. 5 Bits & Bytes – Pg. 7 Book Review – Pg. 9 Calendar – Pg. 6 Comic & Humor – Pg. 5 & 9 History – Pg. 1, 6 & 8 In Memoriam – Pg. 11
Light from the Chaplain – Pg. 7 Master’s Message – Pg. 2 Physician’s Corner – Pg. 3 Poetry – Pg. 8 Property Perspective – Pg. 3 Strength in the West – Pg. 4
Mariner’s Lighthouse
Page II
W i s d o m
F r o m
T h e
E a s t !
Brethren, A few weeks ago I had a bright Idea. I got intel that St Andrews Lodge had gotten the “Traveling Bible” and several Lodges were planning to visit St Andrews at their business meeting to get it. As the editor of the “LowCountry Trestleboard” I knew the probable winner of the Bible would be MacArthur, who were putting on a degree two nights later. Being the brilliant tactician I am, I thought it improbable the other Lodges could muster two large visitations in the same week. I also knew our own RWB Bobby Pennington Jr. was going to present the lecture at MacArthur, so I decided Mariner should forego Tuesday night at St Andrews to have a big turnout for the degree at MacArthur on Thursday. BRILLIANT! I started bombarding our members with emails to get them to MacArthur on Thursday.
Tom Lewis works for The Gel Group LLC. and is the Current Worshipful Master of Mariner Lodge for 2010. He is a life member of Jackson Lodge #45, Jackson TN. where he was raised a Master Mason in 1975. He is also a 32° Mason in the Charleston Scottish Rite, a life member of the Memphis Scottish Rite, a Knight Templar, a Knight Mason and a member of the Royal Order of Scotland. He resides in Charleston, SC.
ter was called to the Celestial Lodge and we had a memorial to do on Friday morning. Would you believe we had over twice as many brothers at the memorial on a Friday morning than came to the visitation at MacArthur on a Thursday night? When we all stood shoulder to shoulder to do the Masonic Memorial, we had enough brothers there to stretch from one side of the St Andrews Presbyterian Church Sanctuary to the other. Everyone there was deeply moved by our Masonic Memorial Service. But we don’t get points for memorials!
Thursday came and there I was at MacArthur Lodge, visitation form in hand, ready to document the multitude from Mariner. RWB Bobby, me, WB Mark, Rick, Mike….where were the rest? We scored points for having five there, but Sarge at Goose Creek had the same idea and better logistics, so he brought eight and took the Bible. I have to tell you I was pretty aggravated. Even though we’re the biggest Lodge in the 1st and 2nd districts, instead of number one or number two with a bullet in the points race toward Lodge of the year, we’re fifth with an anchor. We put on excellent degrees, everybody seems excited about Masonry, but we can’t get the brothers to support visitations and Masters & Wardens meetings to score points. What’s up with that?
Brethren, the point system that the Masters & Wardens Club uses is an artificial system to try to get the Lodges to do what they ought to do anyway, what Lodges used to do before ”Must See TV”. It’s to get the Lodges visiting each other, which is a good thing. But a Lodge could put on only one or two degrees a year while consistently doing a couple of big visitations a month all year and get the points to be “Lodge of the Year”, while a Lodge that consistently puts on two degrees a month, but only does one or two visitations a year will probably put on powerful degrees and make a lot of Masons, but they won’t score many points and won’t be in the running for “Lodge of the Year”. This can be frustrating to a Master who knows his Lodge is better than number five. Especially when he knows that brothers from his Lodge consistently help put on degrees at the lodge that was “Lodge of the Year” last year and on track to repeat this year.
A little while later, RWB Bobby put out a call for volunteers to do a work detail at the home of a distressed Past Master. On a Sunday afternoon! Would you believe more brothers showed up to work helping a distressed brother than came to the visitation at MacArthur? Don’t they know work details don’t score points? Then a Past Mas-
But you know what? Those young men getting a powerful life-changing experience in their degrees at our Lodge don’t know their Lodge is only ranked number five. The distressed brother who got the help he needed doesn’t think our Lodge is number five. And those families who have been amazed and comforted by the mass of Lodge brothers coming to comfort them and share their grief don’t think we’re number five. They think we’re wonderful. So whichever Worshipful Master walks up to receive the “Lodge of the Year” award at the Inspirational Meeting this year, I more than anyone else know the value of Mariner Lodge. Week after week, month after month, year after year Mariner Lodge is working together to make people’s lives a little bit better. And every day I’m honored to be the Master of Mariner Lodge. Five member visitation – 10-15 points Putting on 2 strong degrees/month – 0 points Sending proficient brothers to help other Lodges put on strong degrees – 0 points Helping a distressed brother – 0 points Comforting a deceased brother’s family – 0 points Fulfilling the promises we made at the Altar of FreeMasonry – PRICELESS! "It's amazing how much good you can accomplish if you don't care who gets the credit." MWB Harry S. Truman - US President, PGM of Missouri. Respectfully and Fraternally, Tom Lewis, Jr. 32° KT KRC WM Mariner Lodge #2 Charleston, SC
CONGRATULATE OUR 8 NEW MASTER MASONS Bro David Andrew Church Bro Michael Eugene Pennington Bro Larry Allen Schirling, Jr Bro Mark Herbert Myers
Raised – 3/29/2010 Raised – 3/29/2010 Raised – 3/29/2010 Raised – 4/26/2010
Bro James Daniel Nohinek Bro William Spencer Warner Bro Jonah Canter Bro Robert Marc Turkewitz
Raised – 4/26/2010 Raised – 4/26/2010 Raised – 6/28/2010 Raised – 6/28/2010
MARINER’S MEMBERSHIP GROWTH Membership Last Quarter
Petitions
Initiated
Passed
Raised
Affiliated
Deaths
Demitted
Membership This Quarter
457
3
0
2
8
1
7
2
457
Volume 10, Issue 3
Page III
Property Perspectives Is Your Home an Investment? Most of us are familiar with recent trends in the residential real estate market. Home values rose sharply during the first half of this decade, but peaked in mid-2006 and have slipped by staggering amounts through 2010. Those of us who owned our homes through this cycle can take solace in knowing that our home values today are still greater than they were in 2000. Others of us who bought a home during the boom times are in the awkward position of having paid more for our home than it is currently worth. The current state of the home market is especially discouraging for anyone who borrowed a high percentage of their home’s value during the boom. Many of them now own a home that is worth less than the mortgage amount – these people are “upside down” or “under water.” If someone in this position needs to sell their home due to job relocation or other normal life events, they would likely have to accept a “short-sale” price from a buyer that is less than the loan amount and either bring more cash to the closing to pay off the debt or convince the lender to accept less than the loan amount as full payment. A substantial number of people in this situation have lost their home through foreclosure.
The steep rise in home values through mid-2006 was largely driven by the availability of cheap mortgage money. Interest rates stayed very low over this period due to Wall Street’s seemingly endless supply of money to mortgage lenders. Mortgage lenders were originating loans at a record pace and quickly selling them to private investment banking firms who then repackaged the loans into many different types of mortgagebacked-securities. These securities were sold to investors around the world who seemingly thought the securities were the greatest invention since sliced white sandwich bread. The demand for mortgage-backed securities by the investment world grew so aggressively that prudent mortgage lending guidelines were tossed out the window. As a result, we saw many loans with outrageous repayment terms and for amounts much higher than borrowers could truly afford to repay. In many cases, these loans were given to borrowers who had no intention of occupying the homes but were instead speculating (gambling) that they could sell the home quickly for a higher price to someone else as rapid growth in home values continued. In 2006, the investment world realized that mortgage-backed-securities were much riskier than they initially thought. Vast numbers of mortgage loans were in default, especially the loans that would never have been made based on traditional lending guidelines and the loans to speculators.
Almost suddenly, the flow of money from Wall Street dried up and home values started a dizzying decline. The dominos began to tumble quickly as more and more homes went into foreclosure and the economy found itself in a tailspin. What can we learn from this volatile period in the home market? Quite simply, an owner-occupied home is a consumption item, not an investment asset. Prudent men will keep in mind that home values have historically increased at about the rate of inflation as most other consumption items have done. Don’t fall into the trap of buying “too much house” just because a lender will approve a loan application that could overly burden you and your family for many years to come. Buy a home for your family to live in, but don’t count on your home as your primary investment asset. There is certainly room for real estate assets in your family’s investment portfolio, but be careful to keep the distinction between consumption items and investment assets firmly in mind. Tim Allen, Ph.D., 32° Mariner Lodge #2 Tim Allen is an Endowed Professor of Economics and Finance and the Director of the Carter Commercial Real Estate Center at the College of Charleston. He is also the owner and president of a private real estate investment consulting firm with operations in SC, FL, and GA.
Physician’s Corner VITAMIN SUPPLEMENTS Vitamins are substances that your body needs to grow, repair its self, and function normally. There are 13 vitamins your body needs: Vitamins A, C, D, E, K and the B vitamins (thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, biotin, vitamin B-6, vitamin B-12 & folate) (Reference Medline Plus). You can usually get adequate vitamins from the foods you eat. Your body actually manufactures vitamins D and K. Most multivitamin & mineral supplements, such as Centrum and One-A -Day, contain from 30% - 150% of the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for several vitamins and minerals (Reference Wikipedia). The RDA is the minimum amount to keep people from contracting severe deficiency diseases, such as rickets (Vitamin D) and scurvy (Vitamin C). A normal American diet
will easily prevent those diseases, but adding multivitamin & mineral supplements with at least the full RDA will help to optimize health. Unfortunately that will not be enough for many people. Take Vitamin D for example. Vitamin D is normally manufactured in the skin by exposure to sunlight, but the sun isn’t strong enough in the winter and many people use sunscreen and hats to minimize summer sun exposure and prevent skin cancer in the summer. The result: most Americans are now deficient in Vitamin D. The amount of Vitamin D in multivitamins is often too low (e.g., 700 IU in One-A Day Multivitamins) to raise blood concentrations to optimal levels. Fortunately a lab test (25-OH D3) will tell you how much Vitamin D you have in your bloodstream.
is another supplement that many people find they need as they get older, especially if taking medicines like Prilosec for stomach acid. Inadequate B-12 levels can cause fatigue and a worsening of asthma and other chronic conditions. Fortunately another blood test (MMA) will let you know if you need a B-12 supplement and how much you need. Some can take B-12 tablets; for others a B-12 shot is necessary.
Many people find that they will need to take an additional 1000-2000 IU per day (or more) to optimize their blood levels. Vitamin B-12
http:// www.wikipedia.com
Ask your doc about Vitamin D & B-12 next time you’re in his office and take your multivitamins. http:// medlineplus.gov/
Carey Capell is the Head Surgeon for the Citadel, a military college located in downtown Charleston. He is a retired Colonel in the Air Force and resides in Charleston, SC.
Page IV
Mariner’s Lighthouse
That Column of Strength in the West The Summer of 2010 is here and Mariner is just heating up. We are far from slowing down and there is no better time to be a Freemason in Charleston then now. Since our last newsletter, here are the updates on the many things that the Lodge is doing. Outdoor Concert – It is not too late. Secure your tickets now. With pleasure, I am able to announce that I have secured 14 of the 24 tickets to O.A.R left. We have had a good group of Lodge brothers and families wanting to enjoy this concert. Feel free to email me (ivey.rc@gmail.com) or call me, but these tickets are first come and first serve to lodge brothers. They will be playing at the Family Circle Center on Daniel Island, Aug 14th; gates will open at 6PM. Tickets are $40.00. All the seats are in Tier 1 (along the left side of the stage), Rows 3, and 4. Last year their concert was phenomenal and I imagine that this year it will be just as great. Can we have a whole section of Brothers at this concert? Membership – I challenge and encourage each Brother that if you know someone that would fit our fraternity, invite them to a dinner amongst us. So far, this year we have raised eight brothers, who are all active with our Lodge and we are set to raise two more at the end of July. Invite your friends and let them see a glimpse of what has helped you become a better man and mason, is part of your life, and that you enjoy so much. Let them decide if they would like to become a part of our fraternal family. If we can successfully have two petitions for membership per month, theoretically that is 24 Candidates a year. The quality of Candidates that this Lodge has seen so far this year is outstanding. It is said that a Lodge can assume that it will only retain 10% of members raised in respect to become active in a Lodge. So far, all our Candidates have come back this year and either sat in Lodge, presented Working Tools, or stood Master Mason Proficiency. By-Laws – During the Business meeting in May, the By-Laws Committee (WBro Charlie Snyder, Bro Rick Ivey, & Bro Steve Hiott) presented some of the initial drafts of the By-Laws revision. The Committee received plenty of good questions and recommendations during the business meeting from brothers. The Lodge requested the copy of the By-Laws that was on file at Grand Lodge and has received it and turned it over to the Committee for review. The Committee will be meeting again during July to hammer out some of the notes from the business meeting in May, with plans to read the first reading in August. Some of the ideas that the Committee will be reading in August will be: 1) adding
definitions to the By-Laws, 2) explanation of the Jewish Sabbath, 3) adding Supernumerary Officer positions, 4) additional responsibility of Wardens, 5) proper records for Junior Warden collation costs and Lodge advancement, 6) Treasurer responsible for a budget for Lodge approval, 7) an additional standing committee, Committee on Budget, 8) and review of special funds criteria (i.e. Charity Fund, Permanent Fund). Conferring Degrees – Congratulations to our JW Bro Tom McQueary who on May 17th conferred an outstanding Entered Apprentice Degree. This was his first degree that he ever conferred. On June 28th, we were honored by Most Worshipful Brother Barry A. Rickman (Grand Master of Ancient Freemasons in SC) visiting our Lodge with his party, for a Master Masons degree. This degree we had over 60 brothers in attendance. Mariner Lodge did courtesy work for both Orange-CharlesTowne #14 and Union-Kilwinning #4, who each had one FellowCraft to be raised with them. Mariner raised four brothers collectively. WM Tom H. Lewis, Jr presided for the 1st half of the degree and WBro Bobby E. Pennington, III, conferred the 2nd half. Both sections were conferred superbly and the spirit of Brotherly Love was alive and present in the Lodge room that night… Appendant Bodies – For those seeking more light in Masonry this summer and fall there is a lot you can consider. The Tall Cedars is holding a oneday degree in Columbia on July 31st. This body focuses its charity on Muscular Dystrophy. For those interested in the Tall Cedars contact me as I have more information. The York Rite and Scottish Rite both are planning on fall reunions. For more information on these bodies contact either RWB Bill Martin, II at the Scottish Rite Temple or WB Lloyd “Curly” Christopher whose contact information is on the front of the newsletter under officers. In addition, there is the SC Masonic Research Society that is only $15.00 a year. With membership, you get a bound book of essays, the SCMRS Transactions, written by members detailing Masonic History in SC. Point of contact for SCMRS is RWB Ed Parent of Landmark Lodge No. 76 and his email is edparent@comcast.net Fraternally Yours, Richard C. “Rick” Ivey, 32 Senior Warden, Mariner Lodge #2
Rick Ivey owns Secqurance a local computer/network consulting company. He is pursuing a Master’s Degree from Iowa State and is active in the community for Veteran’s Benefits. Both he and his 12 year old nephew reside in Goose Creek, SC.
SAVE THE DATE!!! On December 11th 2010, Mariner Lodge will hold its 10th annual banquet for the installation of Officers. This year Mariner is fortunate to have Major General James E. Livingston, United States Marine Corps (Retired) & Medal of Honor Recipient, agree to be our guest speaker for the banquet. Please contact our Junior Warden Thomas “Tate” McQueary, either by phone (843.303.1442) or via email tate.mcqueary@gmail.com with how many people will be in your party if you are attending. This will allow Mariner to get an idea of how many people plan to attend for seating and food. Pictured Left is the autobiography of Major General Livingston that is scheduled to be released in August 2010. I am sure he would have no problem autographing a copy if you were to bring it along in December. Mariner Lodge has plenty to celebrate in 2010 through 2011 and beyond….Join the excitement.
Volume 10, Issue 3
Page V
That Column of Beauty in the South As we move closer to the end of the year, I become more and more proud to be a Mason. The people and the influence that we have amongst us becomes better with every new candidate we initiate. While professional employees of today can not help but to bring his skills to the table in hopes of improving upon officer responsibilities, quality of work, and lowest total cost to the lodge. The most important question is that we ALL need to ask ourselves is how I help the improvement processes of the lodge to ensure its longevity. First, focus on the problems and develop practical solutions to each. Discussing all ideas within the lodge and thinking of positive reasons of why a particular idea would work, will help achieve good morality and brother-hood within the lodge knowing that we are ALL working towards the same end goal. Second, remember to put the Candidate first. Doing this allows the candidate to experience something great that he has no knowledge of in the first place. We need to become more interactive in the activities of the lodge with the younger brothers because the more and more functions that I attend; there is an extreme difference in the age group. Just the other day I attended the Memorial Service for WB George Seyle and the one thing that caught my attention was at the opening of the lodge. As Junior Warden I was the only person in lodge without a formal introduction, WM Tom Lewis had his hands full giving all those introductions. At the same time when a project was given for the brothers to come and assist in the cleaning of the lodge rooms all were younger generations trying to make sense of the material that was there, and besides a few brothers stopping by to ask if we have found certain items and then leave . Looking into it, what does this say? Just because WB Seyle was not part of our generation I believe more of the younger brothers may have shown up had we known who he actually was? I heard so many great things about the man but never heard anything of him until his death. Sad but true. Third, we need to strive for value. Adding some work to the lodge and each candidate that comes, while removing all of the Muda (non-value added work). Many things happen in the lodge that some brothers do not appreciate and we tend to get upset or even plain out disrespectful to each other which none of it adds value to the lodge but rather turn more away because some choose to disagree rather than who can best work and best agree. Part of each of the officers responsibilities are to assess the strengths and weaknesses of his team as it conducts business and to utilize the tools they can bring to the table while strengthening their weaknesses. Each day at a time making decisions that will affect the lodge in a positive way So, what are some of main stumbling blocks? Inefficient old habits, limited cost understanding, bad mentality: i.e.. lodge with tradition instead of tradition with the lodge, and an absence of continuous improvement strategies. So many times, I hear “that is not the way we did things” or” we just do not do it that way”. It is upsetting to know really on a monthly basis that only two expenses are reported to the lodge the newsletter and coalition of which both with the assistance of brethren are nearly bringing in money rather than spending. Yet we still focus on how many pages it is or how much the meal is. What does it matter when the brothers have paid for it and not the lodge? With this in mind why is our focus not on some other task that needs attention like offsetting CCMA dues and Grand lodge dues. Gentleman, if we do this then we are here virtually for free, but with the lack of energy invested in Masonry no longer makes the fraternity relevant to our busy contemporary lifestyles. How do we fix it? Provide a PDCA (Plan, Do, Check, and Adjust) for each problem. Well how do I do that you ask? Easy I say. First, indentify the problem. Second, determine possible causes and rank them of importance. Third, develop a short-term action. Fourth, gather data and design a test of the causes. Fifth, conduct test and analyze the data then select the best solution. Six, plan and implement with a failsafe solution. Seven, measure and evaluate for continuous improvement ideas. Finally yet importantly, recognize the team for the work that each have put in to the development of each new idea. I know that this could be a lot but only some of us are looking at the future because we as the younger generation are the future. One last thing, a quote from some one I admire very much and an influence to Masonry’s future. This is not your grandpa’s fraternity anymore we are the future. I’ll leave you with a joke I heard the other day in the Masonic Humor section below and thought it would be appropriate for this article. July 8th Business – Meatballs in Gravy with Butter Noodles July 26th Degree – Hawaiian Smoked Sausage over Rice
August 12th Business – Linguini with Spicy Shrimp Sauce August 23rd Degree – White Chili with Cornbread
Fraternally Yours, Tate McQueary works for Cummins Turbo Technologies as a New Product Introduction Technician. In his spare time he enjoys hunting, going to NASCAR races, cub scouts with his son, and spending time with his 1 year old daughter. He currently resides in Goose Creek, SC.
Thomas A. “Tate” McQueary, 32° Junior Warden—Mariner Lodge #2
MASONIC HUMOR How many masons does it take to change a light bulb?
20 — as follows:
2 to complain that the light doesn’t work. 1 to pass the problem to either another committee, Temple Board or Master of the Lodge. 3 to do a study on light in this Lodge. 2 to check out the types of lights the Knights of Columbus use. 3 to argue about it. 5 to plan a fund-raising dinner to raise money for the bulb. 2 to complain that “that’s not the way we did it before.” 1 to borrow a ladder, donate the bulb and install it. 1 to order the brass memorial plate and have it inscribed.
Page VI
J U LY
Mariner’s Lighthouse
C a l e n d a r
No Master’s & Warden’s Meeting July 8th—Business—Located @ C.C.M.A., Charleston. Collation @ 6:45pm; Business @ 7:30pm. July 10th—Scottish Rite Breakfast Fundraiser—Located @ Scottish Rite Temple,
Charleston. Breakfast from 7:00am to 10:00am
July 28th—Scottish Rite Business— Located @ Scottish Rite Temple, Charleston. Collation @ 6:00pm; Business @ 6:30pm.
No York Rite Meeting July 26th—Master Mason Degree— Located @ C.C.M.A., Charleston. Collation @ 6:45pm; Degree @ 7:30pm.
AU G U S T No Master’s & Warden’s Meeting
Located @ Scottish Rite Temple, Charleston. Breakfast from 7:00am to 10:00am
August 23rd—Entered Apprentice Degree—Located @ C.C.M.A., Charleston. Collation @ 6:45pm; Degree @ 7:30pm.
No York Rite Meeting
August 25th—Scottish Rite Business— Located @ Scottish Rite Temple, Charleston. Collation @ 6:45pm; Business @ 7:30pm.
August 12th—Business—Located @ C.C.M.A., Charleston. Collation @ 6:45pm; Business @ 7:30pm. This August 16th—FellowCraft Degree— meeting will be 1st reading and voting of Located @ C.C.M.A., Charleston. CollaBy-Laws Committee recommendations. tion @ 6:45pm; Degree @ 7:30pm. August 14th—Scottish Rite Breakfast—
C a l e n d a r
M a s o n i c
H i s t o r y
hood sooner is a mystery to me.
C o n t i n u e s !
*
Brother Theodore Roosevelt was initiated: January 2, 1901, Matinecock Lodge No. 806, Oyster Bay, New York. Brother and President Roosevelt visited the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania (in its present home, the Masonic Temple at One North Broad Street) on November 5, 1902, for the Celebration of the Sesqui‐Centennial of Brother George Washington's Initiation into Free‐ masonry. Theodore Roosevelt, said in 1902, "One of the things that attracted me so greatly to Masonry . . . was that it really did live up to what we, as a government, are pledged to ‐‐ of treating each man on his merits as a Man." In his lifetime, he wrote 26 books, thousands of Magazine articles and won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1906 for his arbitration of the Russo Japanese War and his formation of the Hague international court. Brother, Colonel, President Theodore Roosevelt left behind his mortal life and was raised to the celestial Temple in the Sky on January 6th , 1919. * Bro. Evan H. Wiskoff
http://www.glnd.org/FamousMasons.htm http://nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/peace/laureates/1906/roosevelt-bio.html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theodore_Roosevelt http://www.mylot.com/w/image/2142102.aspx *The photos to the bottom center and upper right were taken at the Grand Lodge of NY & its Robert Livingston Masonic Museum
Volume 10, Issue 3
B i t s
&
Page VII
B y t e s — Wo r ki n g
w i t h
M i c r o s o f t
The one thing that most people suffer from when using a computer, is knowing the simple shortcuts that are available in order for them to perform a task, or tasks quicker. These shortcuts are known as shortcut keys, and they are very useful, and not only for the novice user, but also for the more advanced computer user as well. Getting to know these shortcut keys will hopefully enable you to cut down on the time it takes for you to perform a certain task on your computer, thus leading to more efficiency in what you are doing, whether at home, school, or work. In this issue we will explore Microsoft Word Shortcut Keys. To...
Use this shortcut
To...
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Select text
Shift + Right Arrow, Left Arrow, Up Arrow, or Down Arrow to highlight text
Change font
Ctrl + Shift + F, then use the arrow keys to reach the new font
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Ctrl + C
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Ctrl + Shift + P, then use the arrow keys to reach the new font size
Cut selected text Paste selected text
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L I G H T With approximately 450 members of Mariner Lodge and an average of 25 of those members (not counting visitors) attending meetings and degree nights, what do the other 425 members of the lodge get out of being a Mason? Since they have been raised they are considered to be a Master Mason for the rest of their lives. To be a candidate for Masonry you had to be an exceptional person and to be voted on and accepted so you could pass the test and be inducted into the oldest fraternity in the world. What are the reasons for not coming back to the meetings after being raised to a Master Mason? Could it be that you are in the military service and are traveling to different parts of the world? Some members live in another city. Could it be that you became disinterested in the meetings of the lodge, either because of poor work, or poor attendance, or maybe not being recognized when you attended. Some members do not come because they can no longer drive at night. Whatever the reason, I will try my best to show you why you should come back to the lodge meetings. Mariner Lodge, which is the result of the merger
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of 5 lodges, is loaded with talent. This lodge is nothing like the lodge you had previously belong to prior to the merger. Mariner Lodge has a great reputation throughout the state. Many Grand Lodge officers, including the Grand Master, have visited our lodge and praise the lodge for the outstanding degree work. Even the visiting brothers from other lodges speak highly of the degree teams. So many of the newly raised Masons come back and take part in the work, doing some memory work, such as the working tools and charges. Many of the new brothers are waiting in line to start in the chairs. The lodge is called on many times to help another lodge when one or more of their officers are unable to attend their meeting. Officers wear tuxedos during degree work. How many lodges have you seen put out a newsletter as outstanding as this one? Many members are active on committees for the lodge, on the Charleston County Masonic Association, and Masters and Wardens Club. We keep up with those members who are sick and in the hospital, even the ones in nursing homes. Our team for Masonic Funerals does wonderful work. One of our Past Masters, Bobby E. Pennington, Jr., is now the District Deputy Grand Master of the First Masonic District, which is quite an honor.
Our Collations before each meeting is always outstanding and draws a large crowd. Our candidates and their wives or girl friends are invited to the collations before they become Master Masons. Every Masons who attends our meetings, whether a visitor or not, is greeting by all and are made welcome and invited back whenever they can. Isn't this the lodge that you would like to come back to and regain your knowledge in Masonry? If your problem of not attending is due to not being able to drive at night, be sure to inform the lodge of your problem and we will do the best we can to see that someone will pick you up and return you home after the meeting. Just call in advance and not wait until the last minute. Ok all you 425 members, you have the word and now it is up to you to come on down. Herbert S. Goldberg, PDDGM, PM â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Chaplain
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Mariner’s Lighthouse
CHRISTIANITY BREAKS AWAY !!! EARLY JUDEO CHRISTIAN HISTORY Bar Kokhba Revolt - ( מרד בר כוכבאor mered bar kokhba) from years 132 through 136. This revolt was led against the Roman Empire and was the third major rebellion by the Jews of Ludaea Province (also spelled Judaea) and was the last of the JewishRoman Wars. Simon bar Kokhba, the commander of the revolt was acclaimed by the Jewish sage Rabbi Akiva as the Jewish Messiah according to Star Prophecy (verse from Numbers 24:17) and a heroic figure that could restore Israel. Bar Kokhba means “son of a star” in the Aramaic Language. The revolt established an independent state of Israel over parts of Judea for over two years. In the end a Roman army of 12 legions with auxiliaries finally crushed the revolt. The Romans, under Constantine I, then barred Jews from Jerusalem, except to mourn their defeat once a year on Tisha B'Av at the Western Wall. Jewish-Christians at this time in history hailed Jesus as the Messiah and subsequently did not support the messianic claim in favor of Bar Kokhba or his revolt. This deepened the schism between Jews & Christians. They unfortunately were barred from Jerusalem as well along with the rest of the Jews. The war and the aftermath of it be-
came the pinnacle of what differentiated Christianity as a religion, distinct from Judaism. The revolt is also known as The Second Jewish-Roman War, The Second Jewish Revolt. It is sometimes considered the Third War/Revolt instead of the Second if historians are counting the Kitos War from years 115 through 117 as the Second. Terminology: Drachmae – an ancient Greek silver coin equivalent to six obols Lulav - a palm branch for use with the etrog during the Sukkoth festival service. Tetradrachm - was an Ancient Greek silver coin equivalent to four drachmae Work Cited “Drachmae - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary." Dictionary and Thesaurus—Merriam-Webster Online. Web. 01 June 2010. <http://www.merriam-webster.com/ dictionary/drachmae>. Eck, Werner. "The Bar Kokhba Revolt: The Roman Point of View." The Journal of Roman Studies (1999): 87-88. Print.
"The Old Masters Wages" Author Unknown I met a dear old man today, Who wore a Masonic pin. It was old and faded like the man, It's edges were worn quite thin. I approached the park bench where he sat, To give the old brother his due. I said, "I see you've traveled east". He said, "I have, have you." I said, "I have, and in my day Before the all seeing sun, I played in the rubble, with Jubala Jubalo and Jubalum." He shouted, "don't laugh at the work my son, It's good and sweet and true, And if you've traveled as you said, You should give these things their due." The word, the sign the token, The sweet Masonic prayer, The vow that all have taken, Who've climbed the inner stair. The wages of a Mason, are never paid in gold, but the gain comes from contentment, when you're weak and growing old.
"Lulav | Define Lulav at Dictionary.com." Dictionary.com | Find the Meanings and Definitions of Words at Dictionary.com. Web. 01 June 2010. <http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/lulav>.
You see, I've carried my obligations, For almost fifty years. It has helped me through the hardships and the failures full of tears.
"Tetradrachms - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary." Dictionary and Thesaurus—Merriam-Webster Online. Web. 01 June 2010. <http://www.merriam-webster.com/ dictionary/tetradrachms>.
Now I'm losing my mind and body, Death is near but I don't despair. I've lived my life upon the level, And I'm dying upon the square.
~ Brother Richard C. Ivey, Senior Warden
Picture Above—Bar Kokhba's tetradrachm. Obverse: the Jewish Temple facade with the rising star. Reverse: A lulav, the text reads: "to the freedom of Jerusalem"
Sometimes the greatest lessons Are those that are learned anew, And the old man in the park today has changed my point of view. To all Masonic brothers, The only secret is to care. May you live your life upon the level, May you part upon the square.
Volume 10, Issue 3
Page IX
Book Review The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown ISBN—978-0385504225
List Price: $29.95
My Brethren, much has been written about F r e e ma s o n r y in the last ten to fifteen years, by those who are not members of the Fraternity. If you care to take a look at recent publications out on the book shelves just check Barnes & Noble and Books-AMillion. Some of these are accurate and right on the mark with the subject matter contained. Many are the work of some author who claims to know what Masonry is and is not and is trying one of two things, either to make a name for himself or to make a fast buck, the latter being the case.
who played the main character in two other Dan Brown books, The Da Vinci Code and Angles & Demons. If you have read the other two books by Dan Brown, you know the actor Tom Hanks played the part of Robert Langdon who is supposed to have the knowledge to translate cryptic messages for codes used in past ages.
One of the most controversial books to come out lately is “The Lost Symbol” by author, Dan Brown. First and foremost it is above all things else, a work of fiction, let me repeat that, it is a work a fiction. It is a novel that spins a tale about Freemasonry, the House of the Temple and Washington, D.C. where the House of the Temple is located. In the book, the main character is called Mal’akh who intends to find the lost secrets of Masonry and the true meaning of the 33rd Degree. The supposed Grand Commander of the Scottish Rite is a character named Peter Solomon along with another supposed mason of the 33rd Degree named Warren Bellamy. Three other characters include the Chief of Police, known as Director Sato, looking for the lost secrets and meaning of symbols possessed by Peter Solomon and Warren Bellamy, Katherine Solomon, daughter of Peter Solomon and the master of cryptic translations, Robert Langdon,
The Chief of Police, Director Sato also believes that this Pyramid when completed with the top added will lead to the discovery of some Masonic Secret know only to members of the 33rd Degree and the Supreme Council. Hence the chase is on in the city of Washington, D.C. with Director Sato, Robert Langdon, Katherine Solomon and Mal’akh all looking for the top of the Pyramid and the lost secret word of Masonry.
In this book, Robert Langdon is a personal friend of Peter Solomon and has been entrusted with a secret from Peter Solomon in order that it can never be found. However in the book, this supposed secret in the possession of Robert Langdon is what the character Mal'akh is looking for. In the book, it appears that Mal'akh is in search of a Pyramid with a missing top. The missing top is in possession of Robert Langdon and when the two come together there is where the lost words and the meanings of Masonry will be discovered.
My Brothers, this is just a little of what the book contains again it is just a work of fiction and many will agree that The Lost Symbol may in the end help the Fraternity. At the Vesper Service of the Supreme Council in Washington, the Grand Chaplain of the Supreme Council, Illustrious and Dr. Ken Lyons did indeed address the subject matter contained in The Lost Symbol and explained in
detail that is it indeed a work of fiction and nothing more. Mr. Brown was invited by the Grand Commander to attend the Supreme Council session held in Washington. Mr. Brown did not attend but sent a letter to the Grand Commander addressing The Lost Symbol. My Brothers if you will look on the bulletin board you will see the reply by Mr. Brown which was place in every banquet program for one and all to read who attended the Supreme Council Session. My Brothers I encourage each and every member of Mariner, the Scottish Rite and other Lodges of the Fraternity to read this book. I have donated three copies to the Scottish Rite and it is my hope that you will indeed read this book. In closing my Brothers, I want to leave each of you with this thought: Somewhere in our Fraternity in the basic three Degrees this is written and is stated to every Mason who ever walked through the Door of Masonry and I quote “Neither are you to suffer your zeal for the Institution to lead you into argument with those who through ignorance may ridicule it.” Keep that thought in mind when someone not a Mason may ask you about The Lost Symbol. Fraternally Submitted, WBro Lloyd F. “Curly” Christopher, PGMar Past Master of Mariner Lodge & Past Grand Marshall SGIG Personal Representative for Valley of Charleston (Scottish Rite)
*Created by Bro Owen K. Lorion of Cerrillos Lodge #19, Santa Fe NM. Using by permission & Author has given approval to reprint.
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Mariner’s Lighthouse Ask about our cheap AD space. Help support the cost of our Official Mariner #2 AFM Newsletter. Contact ivey.rc@gmail.com for more details Know the businesses brothers are in. Decide whether that brother and business can fit your needs.
It’s not too late for Ads in 2010 or secure your space for 2011. Check out our newsletter online at http://www.issuu.com/plumbandlevel Email me if you rather view the newsletter online instead of getting it in the mail—ivey.rc@gmail.com
Volume 10, Issue 3
Page XI
In Memoriam—To Our Deceased Brothers Bro John Herman Drews, Jr.
Born – 08/05/1924
Initiated – 04/11/1946 Bro Anthony James Boosinger
Bro Gerald Jay Warshaw
Passed – 05/13/1946
Born – 07/12/1978
Initiated – 02/13/2006
Initiated – 04/17/1963
Initiated – 04/05/1946 Bro Irvin Schreiber
Initiated – 11/30/1962
Raised – 06/19/1963
Died – 06/11/2010
Passed – 05/03/1946
Born – 12/20/1928
Raised – 03/23/1959
Died – 06/08/2010
Passed – 05/15/1963
WBro Thomas Allen Legare, Jr. Born – 07/22/1915 Past Master of Mariner #2/Strict Observance #73
Raised – 07/24/2006
Died – 04/03/2010
Passed – 02/23/1959
WBro John Evans Byrd, Jr. Born – 06/12/1940 Past Master of Mariner #2/LaCandeur #36
Raised – 06/17/1946
Died – 03/19/2010
Passed – 03/13/2006
Born – 03/13/1930
Initiated – 01/26/1959
Died – 09/12/2009
Raised – 06/07/1946
Died – 6/21/2010
Passed – 10/22/1962
Raised – 11/26/1962
WBro George Louis Seyle Born – 05/22/1914 Died – 06/24/2010 Past Master of Mariner #2/Washington #5, Past Senior Grand Deacon Initiated – 01/05/1939
Passed –02/03/1939
Five Locations to Serve You 232 Calhoun Street Downtown 2119 Dorchester Avenue North Charleston 2180 Greenridge Road North Charleston 1494 Mathis Ferry Road Mount Pleasant 3360 Glenn McConnell Parkway West Ashley (843) 723-2524 ● Fax (843) 724-1548 www.jhenrystuhr.com
Raised – 03/02/1939
Mariner Lodge No. 2 AFM Michael C. Henslee, PM, Secretary 1323 Hermitage Ave Charleston, SC 29412-9221
NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION PERMIT NUMBER 158 U.S. POSTAGE PAID CHARLESTON, SC
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If your address label on this newsletter says “2009” on it, then our records indicate that you still owe dues for 2010 and you are in arrears. To avoid being dropped from our roles for non-payment of dues (NPD) in December, please remit your 2010 dues before November 30, 2010. Thank you.
The Mariner’s Lighthouse The Official Newsletter of Mariner Lodge No. 2 AFM The year 2000 Consolidation of: Washington #5, Friendship #9, LaCandeur #36, Walhalla #66, & Strict Observance #73
The next Regular Communication of Mariner Lodge No. 2 Will be held on Thursday, July 8th, 2010 at 7:30 PM Collation precedes the meeting at 6:45 PM Please make plans to attend! Bring a Friend to Dinner