Greetings from the East:

 The age of Freemasonry

By Dr. Reza Farrokh, PhD.

 Some experts believe that the age of freemasonry dated far back in ancient history .  Freemasonry was established in 1717 A.D. in England by the unification of three or four artisan lodges. We can assume that the origin of secret freemasonry is the artisan association. In  ancient countries such as Egypt, Greece, Iran, China, and India,  Artisans and artists didn’t  publicize their achievements. They only showed their techniques to Apprentices who had stayed and worked for them for a long time.

However, it is appropriate to assume that freemasonry is an ancient school of thought. Because freemasonry has used the ethical principles of the different human civilizations in its secret instructions. We know that the ethical principles of humanity are not changed a lot in 5000 years . But the method to purify human being ethically has changed not the principles.  Freemasonry inherited the traditions which have been trying for the purification humanity of through the application of symbolism. Freemasonry has  been relevant to a  traditions such as mysticism, ancient Egypt, ancient Greece, ancient Iran, and Hinduism. In fact, freemasonry instructions are the continuation of the  past to discover  truth via symbolism which had been used in mythological philosophy of the hidden mysteries of the ancient times. Thus, freemasonry is not secret school of thought, but  a school of thought revealing the truth for  real truth-seekers. So we may say freemasonry is an ancient school of thought.

Freemasonry and Religion

Since one of the conditions to be a volunteer in freemasonry is faith in God, and belief in the immortality of the human spirit, monotheists should not  have any religious difference with freemasonry.

In the western countries, Catholics were against freemasonry more than any other sect.  Because they thought taking an oath by freemasons  freemasonry to keep secrets, was contradictory to the oath taken by Catholics to confess their sins before a priest.

Some unaware writers suggested that freemasonry is a kind of a religion. This is the slander made by the freemasonry enemies who are enemies of the freedom.

Reza Farrokh PM, Worshipful Master

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From the West:

     I missed the July Stated Meeting because I just got back from a great summer vacation, and got back in time for an Arizona heat wave. Tried to visit my Grandfather’s old Lodge in Wyoming, but they were dark for the summer. One of these days I might be there at the right time. By the time you read this we will have had another attempt at putting on another double first degree on July 21. The Red Fez is closed for the summer, but the Lodge will still be open every Thursday, and we will be having dinner at Bill Johnson’s Big Apple on Van Buren St. At 6:00 every Thursday before we meet. We have been trying to have some Masonic education at the stated meetings in order to have something interesting to talk about other than the usual business every month. These talks are about Masonic history, philosophy, symbolism, etc. If you would like to give a talk, contact the Worshipful to get on the schedule. Also look for a guest speaker or two in the future. The Worshipful Master is also working some other events for the Lodge in the Fall, so watch the calendar. Until next month,

 Jim Drake, SW

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Normally, several Brothers meet for dinner in the Red Fez Room prior to these meetings, and during the summer months June-August we use Bill Johnson’s Big Apple Restaurant on Van Buren West of 40^th Street as the Red Fez Room is closed.  These dinners occur about an hour or so before each meeting.  Join us for fellowship, you are always welcome.