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Lets Go to Lodge Tonight

Author Unknown

Say, Son, let's go to Lodge tonight;
We haven't been for years.
Let's don our little apron white
And sit among the peers.
I feel a kind of longing, Boy,
to climb up those old stairs;
I know we'd get a thrill of joy
and lay aside the care.
I'd like to get out on the floor--
Come on, let's get in the line;
I'd like to face the East once more
And give the same old sign.
I want to hear the gavel ring,
To hear the organ play;
I want to hear the Craftsmen sing
I think the Tyler'd let us in,
That old familiar lay.
Although he'd hesitate,
And then we'd see that same old grin.
Come on, or we'll be late.
Pass up your bridge or picture show,
Your wrestling bout or fight;
Switch off that darned old TV set--
Let's go to Lodge tonight.

 

 

THEODORE ROOSEVELT - PRESIDENT AND MASON

By W:.Patrick Bellotti, Past Master Meridian Lodge 691

THEODORE ROOSEVELT (1858-1919)
Twenty-sixth President (1901-1909)


Theodore Roosevelt is known as one of the greatest American Presidents this country has known. He was primarily known as a great conservationist and started the National Park System. He did renovations to the White House and imprinted a “can-do” attitude which helped the population face the challenges of the new 20th Century.

Among all these things, Theodore Roosevelt was also an active Mason who exemplified the spirit and brotherhood of Masonry while serving as President. He believed in Masonry until his death.

I did some research and thought I would share some of these facts with you in this Blog.

THEODORE ROOSEVELT’S MASONIC RECORD

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 Freemasonry. Governor of New York, 1899-1901. Brother and President Roosevelt issued an Executive Order, dated, October 17, 1901 changing the name of the "Executive Mansion" to the "White House".

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"

The following is an excerpt from Theodore Roosevelt’s obituary which was published upon his death. His obituary further validated his love and commitment to Masonry.

“Colonel Roosevelt was a member of the local lodge of Masons, and never failed to keep up his interest in it. He had made a habit for many years of visiting Masonic lodges wherever he went, as a member of the Oyster Bay lodge, and, returning, to tell his brother Masons here of his visits. He found Masonic lodges when he was in Africa at Nairobi, and in South America he found a lodge on the Asuncion River. The Masons here knew from Colonel Roosevelt of the doings of Masonic lodges in all parts of the world. The members of the local lodge suggested a Masonic funeral yesterday, but this was dropped when the wishes of the family became known.”

While a member of Matinecock Lodge, Theodore Roosevelt resided and raised his family in a beautiful home there which he called Sagamore Hill. I recommend that any Mason take the tour of this beautiful home which is brimming with historical significance. Today this residence is run by the National Park Service which gives public tours.

If I sound biased about Theodore Roosevelt, it is with good cause as I am proud to say that in 2001 I was a recipient of the Theodore Roosevelt Award and I personally was given a tour of his home. It was a fascinating and unforgettable experience for me which I will never forget.

For a more in depth study of Roosevelt’s Lodge service, you can read the web page taken from the web site for Matinecock Lodge which is located in Roosevelt’s hometown of Oyster Bay, New York. I put this web address here for your convenience.

LONG ISLAND MASONS

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The Working Tools of an E-Mason

 
 

The following was contributed by W:.Paul Davis, Past Master, Meridian Lodge 691.

The Working Tools of an E-Mason

I now present you with the working tools of an E-mason....
They are the mouse.
The keyboard.
And the modem.

The mouse is to move within the desktop.
The keyboard to input the data.
And the modem to publish in cyber space.

But as we are not hear online, as computer nerds.
But rather as Free and Accepted E-Masons.
We use these tools to obtain more Masonic light and
to show us the true meaning and value of E-Masons.

And thus we apply them.....

The mouse teaches us to keep within the bounds of the screen. A square wherein which we all meet on the level.

The keyboard is to show us that communicating will lead us to a better understanding of each other and the rest of mankind.

The modem to teach us that even when we are alone, or in the most remote part of the glob, we may meet and gain moral sustenance and support from each other and thus gain more light, from our Ancient and Honorable Fraternity.

So Mote it Be.....

LONG ISLAND MASONS

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The flag of our country is a precious thing to us as Americans and especially us as Masons. Bro. Paul Davis from Meridian Lodge in Islip sent the following to me regarding the history on why the flag is folded the way it is at ceremonies and events. I also want to say that Bro. Paul Davis has been instrumental in creating this blog for your enjoyment.

Understand what the flag draped coffin really means. Here is how to understand the flag that laid upon it and is surrendered to so many survivors .

Do you know that at military funerals, the 21-gun salute stands for the sum of the numbers in the year 1776?

Have you ever noticed the honor guard pays meticulous attention to correctly folding the United States of America Flag 13 times? You probably thought it was to symbolize the original 13 colonies, but we learn something new every day!

The 1st fold of the flag is a symbol of life.

The 2nd fold is a symbol of the belief in eternal life.

The 3rd fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing the ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of the country to attain peace throughout the world.

The 4th fold represents the weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time of war for His divine guidance.

The 5th fold is a tribute to the country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, "Our Country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong.

The 6th fold is for where people's hearts lie. It is with their heart that They pledge allegiance to the flag of the United! States Of America, and the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.

The 7th fold is a tribute to its Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that they protect their country and their flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of their republic.

The 8th fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day.

The 9th fold is a tribute to womanhood, and Mothers. For it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded.

The 10th fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of their country since they were first born.

The 11th fold represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies in the Hebrews eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

The 12th fold represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in the Christians eyes, God the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit.

The 13th fold, or when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding them of their nations motto, "In God We Trust."

After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington, and the Sailors and Marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones, who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for them the rights, privileges and freedoms they enjoy today.

There are some traditions and ways of doing things that have deep meaning. In the future, you'll see flags folded and now you will know why.

Share this with the children you love and all others who love what is referred to, the symbol of " Liberty and Freedom"

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Did you Know Paul Revere was a Mason?

 
 

Robert Newman, Sexton of Christ Church also known as the "Old North Church" in Boston was the man who hung the lantern to signal 'The Red Coats Are Coming'.

Paul Revere then rode through the countryside to warn the colonists of the impending danger. Both were Masons.

 

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