Morals & Dogma is a book that’s often referenced in regards to masonic philosophy. I’ve heard it called “the daily masonic reference manual”. Many masons have never even heard of this book, few people own it and fewer have read it. Some references indicate the book is difficult to understand. A fellow Brother of the Big Bad Deuce (Thanks Stokes) lent me his copy and as I digest small chunks of it, I will explain them here.

It’s basically a crib sheet for the first three degrees (the Blue Lodge) and then the degrees 4-32 of the Scottish Rite. I’ve already read the first chapter, The Entered Apprentice degree. I personally find the book very relevant and readable.

It’s also profoundly obvious why so many milestones of civilization have been attributed to Masonic Brethren if they share like minds with Bro. Pike. One thing I have so far found refreshing in Morals & Dogma is that it is totally naked and unapologetic. Statements such as…

“The nations are not bodies politic alone, but also souls-politic; and woe to that people which, seeking the material only, forgets that it has a soul. Then we have a race, petrified in dogma, which presupposes the absence of a soul and the presence only of memory and instinct, or demoralized by lucre. Such a nature can never lead civilization. Genuflexion before the idol or the dollar atrophies the muscle which walks and the will which moves.”
(Chapter 1, Morals & Dogma)

… charge something deep in my core that has lay dormant through much of life in this neutered, politically correct world. It feels like truth.
The Freemasons have been under assault since inception by those who consider the Craft as suppressive, subversive or exclusive. I find it suprising that Masonic quotes like “Free Government, Free Thought, Free Conscience, Free Speech!” can be just as easily used against the Craft, without the slightest inkling that the core of Masonic philosophy may well be the light the detractor is seeking through his attacks on Masonry!

Either way, Morals & Dogma is a profound work worthy of study. For any interested parties, I found an online copy of the text in its entirety at Pieter Stone’s Review of Freemasonry.

“Free Government, Free Thought, Free Conscience, Free Speech!” – Bro. Albert Pike

Read the rest here:
David Harrison: Reviews for the new book The Transformation of …

Lodge 13 have in their archives a old brass square that was found under the foundations of Baals Bridge. This Square dated 1507 is reputed to be one of the earliest Masonic items in the world.

The old brass square, known as the Baal’s Bridge Square, was recovered from the foundations of Baal’s Bridge in Limerick when the bridge was being rebuilt in 1830. It is inscribed “I WILL STRIVE TO LIVE WITH LOVE AND CARE UPON THE LEVEL BY THE SQUARE” and bears the date, 1507.  You can also see a heart in the center.

I think this is really exciting.  Of course one can say this is not proof by any measure of the official existence of Freemasonry prior to the U.G.L.E. constituting itself in 1717, it may just be an early example of how some measure of ethical symbolism was associated on occasion with the implements of stone masonry.

However with enough other empirical evidence around supporting the existence of Freemasonry deep into history, I think that this artifact is tied to Freemasonry.  The concepts presented in the inscription upon it are not foreign to any Mason.  The inscription is evidence that people, some obviously who were stone masons, were discussing philosophical concepts and that those concepts were being allegorically applied to the working tools of stone masons.

Is this evidence that Freemasonry is founded in the structures of laboring masons in medieval Europe?  Or is this evidence of the beginnings of a new society during a period of meshing between the fallouts of the Order of Knights Templar in hiding bringing their teachings and concepts of life to a layman’s trade?

Really the speculation can go anywhere.  I don’t know if you can feel hot or cold about this artifact pointing to evidence of ancient practicing Freemasons, but I would say it’s definitely warm.

This ancient Square, carefully treasured by Lodge 13 is recorded as being presented to Brother Michael Furnell,Provincial Grand Master, by Brother James Pain, (referred to as the Provincial Grand Architect).

In the Freemasons’ Quarterly Review, 1842, p. 288, Bro. Furnell, under the date of 27th. August, 1842, printed a short note on this relic of antiquity, accompanying which is a facsimile sketch. He says that Bro. Pain, in 1830, had been contractor for re-building Baals Bridge in Limerick, and on taking down the old structure, he discovered under the foundation stone at the English town side, this old brass square, much eaten away. In the facsimile sketch, Bro, Furnell puts the date as 1517, which is a mistake, as the square bears the date 1507. A heart appears in each angle.

In the book by H. F. Berry, Assistant Keeper of the Irish Records, “The Marencourt Cup and Ancient Square.” dated 1905, Bro. Berry records that “Ball’s (or Baals) Bridge is a beautiful structure, of a single arch, built in 1831, to replace an ancient bridge of the same name, which consisted of four arches, with a range of houses on its west side. The date of the erection of this ancient structure has not been ascertained, but possibly the old square, dated 1507, may have been placed, under the foundation stone in that year. In any case, Bro. Furnell informs us that the old bridge is mentioned in records of 1558.

In a most interesting and valuable paper on a ” Diary of the Siege of Limerick Castle, 1642,” Journal, R.S.A.I., 1904, p. 163, Mr. M. J. McEnery, M.R.I.A., reproduces a facsimile of a Map of Limerick, taken from Speed’s Map of Munster, 1610, which shows the old bridge, called in the reference the Thye bridge ; also portion of the city of Limerick, cir. 1590, from Mr. T. J. Westropp’s copy of a map of Limerick in the Library, Trinity College, Dublin, wherein the same bridge is shown, and called in the reference the Tide bridge.

James Pain, a distinguished architect, was born at Isleworth in 1779. He and his brother, George R, Pain, entered into partnership, subsequently settling in Ireland, where James resided in Limerick and George in Cork. They designed and built a number of churches and glebe houses. Mitchelstown Castle, the magnificent seat of the Earls of Kingston, was the largest and best of their designs. They were also architects of Cork Court-house and the County Gaol, both very striking erections, and of Dromoland Castle, the seat of Lord Inchiquin. James Pain died in Limerick 13th. December, 1877, in his 98th year, and was buried in the cathedral church of St. Mary in that city.”

It is lucky that this artifact was found when taking apart the old bridge.  I wonder what kind of artifacts and treasures are floating around the Detroit Masonic Temple that we don’t know about.

Freemasonry is an ancient society of men concerned with moral and spiritual values, truth, philosophy and rhetoric. Its members are taught its precepts by a series of ritual dramas, which follow ancient forms and use stonemasons’ customs and tools as allegorical guides. The fundamental ritual consists of a drama of building of King Solomon’s Temple, and the fate of its master architect.

Besides a profession in the belief of Diety there are no particular beliefs of Freemasons, as the fraternity is no more a religious organization than the Boy Scouts, perhaps less so even.  Freemasons believe essentially the same things that teachers, bus drivers, Rotarians, or anyone else believes. There is no ‘requirement’ that all Masons believe certain things except insofar as good behavior dictates. Using this allegory, moral lessons are taught.

Freemasonry’s singular purpose is to make good men better and its bonds of friendship, compassion and brotherly love have survived even the most divisive political, military and religious conflicts through the centuries. Freemasonry is neither a forum nor a place of worship. It is not a religion as Freemasonry does not teach religious dogma nor does it teach a religious philosophy. For countless centuries back into the shrouded mists of time it has attracted men of high moral character who support the tenets of temperance, fortitude, prudence and justice.

Masonic lodges are organized much as any other organization. The primary officers (three or five in most lodges) are elected by the membership and serve during the term for which they were elected (nearly always one year – although some may be reelected to the same position in a succeeding year). The primary officer (the Master of the Lodge, referred to by the title of “Worshipful Master” as a mark of respect) is similar in many ways to the President or presiding officer of any organization. He appoints other officers to carry out the work of the lodge as well as committees etc.

People become Freemasons for a variety of reasons, some as the result of family tradition, others upon the introduction of a friend or out of a curiosity to know what it is all about. Those who become active members and who grow in Freemasonry do so principally because they enjoy it. They enjoy the challenges and fellowship that Freemasonry offers. There is more to it, however, than just enjoyment.

Participation in the dramatic presentation of moral lessons and in the working of a lodge provides a member with a unique opportunity to learn more about himself and encourages him to live in such a way that he will always be in search of becoming a better man, not better than someone else but better than he himself would otherwise be and therefore an exemplary member of society.

Each Freemason is required to learn and show humility through initiation. Then, by progression through a series of degrees he gains insight into increasingly complex moral and philosophical concepts, and accepts a variety of challenges and responsibilities which are both stimulating and rewarding. The structure and working of a lodge and the sequence of ceremonial events, which are usually followed by social gatherings, offer members a framework for companionship, teamwork, character development and enjoyment of shared experiences.

Membership is open to men of all faiths who are law-abiding, of good character and who acknowledge a belief in God. Freemasonry is a multi-racial and multi-cultural organisation.  It has attracted men of goodwill from all sectors of the community into membership.  There are similar Masonic organisations for women.

The Council House shown here in 1821

Detroit Lodge No. 2 F.&A.M. or “The Deuce” as it is referred to has a rich history in the city of Detroit as well as Michigan dating back to when this state was still a territory.  To tell the story of Detroit No. 2 is to tell the story of Freemasonry in Michigan.

Masonry in Detroit started on April 27, 1764. Then on August 10, 1821, Michigan’s second lodge began the process of organization as Detroit Lodge No. 337 of the Grand Lodge of New York as the region still being a Territory.  That initial meeting was held at Benjamin Woodworth’s Hotel and those present were for the most part sojourning Masons. On September 5, 1821, the Grand Lodge of New York granted a warrant to the brethren seeking the dispensation under the name and style of Detroit Lodge No. 337. The charter did not reach Detroit until the later part of November. The warrant was signed by Daniel Tompkins who was the Grand Master of Masons in New York and also the Vice President of the United States of America. John Farmer was the first candidate and he received his first degree on April 30, 1822. Detroit Lodge shared a hall with Zion Lodge and Monroe Chapter RAM. The first Masonic funeral ever performed by Detroit Lodge was that of Brother Elihu Sikes, Junior Deacon who was interred with full Masonic Ceremonies on August 11,1822.

On June 13, 1826, Brothers Charles Jackson, Levi Cook, and John Garrison were appointed to represent Detroit Lodge in a convention called for June 24, 1826 for the purpose of forming the Grand Lodge of Michigan. Upon establishment of the Grand Lodge of Michigan, Detroit Lodge No. 337, New York registry, became Detroit Lodge No. 2.

As we delve into Detroit Lodge’s minutes for the 1850’s we are tremendously impressed with the outstanding caliber of the Masons who served the Lodge as Worshipful Master. They were able, dedicated, imaginative, and simply full of inventive ideas. No lodge in the entire history of this Grand Jurisdiction has ever been able to match their incomparable performance. From 1841 to 1858 the Masonic leaders of the lodge, who were also the most prominent citizens in the community, created a very impressive score of years and not the the least accomplishment among the many was the stimulating fact that five Detroit Past Masters served the Grand Lodge a total of twelve years as Grand Master of Masons in Michigan during that period.

The first member of Detroit Lodge to die in the Civil War was Brother and First Lieutenant W. Strong Bliss, who while fighting at Pittsburgh Landing was taken prisoner of war on April 5, 1862 and sent to Montgomery Alabama. Being sick, he received written permission to buy some milk. On trying to buy the milk he was ordered away by the guard. He persisted and the guard finally raised his gun and fired point blank. He was buried by the Masons of Montgomery and a stone erected over his grave.

At the Regular Communication of May 14, 1889, a committee was appointed by the Worshipful Master to look into all phases of building a new Masonic Temple. It is the opinion of Brother Smith that this was the beginning effort which brought into being the great Masonic Temple on Lafayette Boulevard. As the need for a new Temple loomed large on the Craft’s horizon, Past Master John H. Hanna was the natural choice to become the lodge’s representative to the newly formed Masonic Temple Association of Detroit. As of November 29, 1892 Detroit Lodge had on hand $1,500 for the new temple project. PM Hanna helped spearhead a special act of the Michigan Legislature so that the new temple corporation might be properly incorporated and ready to assume its important duties. At the regular of March 20, 1894, PM Hanna reported that the actual work on the site of the new Temple had begun. On January 23, 1895 the cornerstone was laid by the Grand Lodge of Michigan. A great fair was held in the building from November 25 to December 14, 1895. Detroit Lodge was assigned as its meeting place, the west room on the third floor.

Masonic Temple on Lafayette Boulevard

At this time there were nine lodges in the new Masonic Temple (see picture) along with three Royal Arch Chapters, Monroe Council, and Detroit Commandery.

On the evening of Thursday March 12, 1896, it was discovered that the roof had caught fire, presumably from an exposed electric wire. The fire could not be controlled for a long time and before morning the entire Masonic properties susceptible to injury by smoke and water had been completely ruined. Detroit Lodge found ample quarters at Philharmonic Hall at 42 Lafayette during the reconstruction. They moved back into the temple in September, although many of the rooms still remained only partially furnished.

Detroit Lodge adopted new By-laws on June 20, 1899. Fees for the degrees remained at $50.00 and the charge for affiliation was dropped. Dues were raised to four dollars per year. The lodges total income for the year 1899 was $3,534.03. Since it’s beginning 1025 members had joined.

At the end of 1908, the lodge had 869 current members. If the total raising fell below 50 per year, it was labeled as a poor year! In 1910, Detroit Lodge was very excited as it’s baseball team had a dominating command over the competition that year, winning the pennant in the Masonic Baseball League.

The Temple on Lafayette in time began to experience an overcrowding situation.   With the flow of trade on the river ports booming fueled by the expanding new automobile industry, the city of Detroit was growing, and so was Freemasonry.

Some time was spent by George D. Mason & Co., architects, in devising plans for the enlarging of the Lafayette Boulevard Temple to take care of the over-crowded situation It was finally decided, however, that the land available in that location would not permit the erection of a Temple that would be adequate for the needs of the Fraternity. A move was started in 1913 to purchase a new location and a thorough survey involving many choice sites in the city of Detroit was instituted. After long and careful study by the committee in charge, considering every angle which might enter into the erection of such a structure as would be necessary, the Association finally obtained options on 350 feet of property fronting on Temple Avenue (then Bagg Street), running in an easterly direction from the Northeast corner of Second Boulevard.

Unfinished Temple circa 1923

On Thanksgiving day in 1926 The Deuce found a new breathtaking home in the world’s largest Masonic Temple, the Detroit Masonic Temple.

At one time this massive complex also contained the following, but are no longer in service.

·  3-chair barber shop
·  Shoe shine parlor
·  15 lane bowling alley
·  Cigar/candy/souvenir stand
·  Indoor swimming pool
·  Bakery
·  Billiards room
·  Roof-top garden
·  Gymnasium