Monroe Lodge #22 F&AM

Dinner at 6:30, Lodge to open afterwards.

From Br. Ranson Johnson:

I just wanted to pass along a note that I now have a web order form established for the Masonic Certificate discussed at stated meeting last Tuesday night. If you are interested and would like to support this new program please go to this page on my website and fill out the form. I will collect money and deliver the framed certificates during degree conference and/or each stated meeting.

Below the break are several examples of certificates available...

On Saturday, June 16th, 2007, the Indiana Freemasons rededicated the cornerstone of the Monroe County Courthouse. The Brethreni marched in to the tune of Scotland the Brave. I'm sure the bagpipers piped Amazing Grace at some point during the procession. Take a look at the rest of the photos from this event.

by Eric T. Schmitz, PM, KOTN

My Brother: You have now experienced the three degrees of Craft Masonryi. You have been presented with much in the way of symbolism and allegory. We hope that those symbols and stories have, or will come to have, a profound meaning for you.

Now, we make one final presentation to you: a "Volume of Sacred Law." But understand, my Brother, that we are not giving you a religion. Freemasonry seeks not to prescribe any particular faith, but rather to strengthen the faith of each Brother, and, no matter what his understanding of faith may be, to encourage the pursuit and growth of that understanding.

The Volume of Sacred Law

W:.M:., Wardens, and brethreni,

Upon the altar of Freemasonryi resides three great lights. Of these three, one is considered the “Greatest Light of Freemasonry”. In Indiana ritual this is referred to as the Holy Bible. In many other jurisdictions it is referred to simply as the Volume of Sacred Law. It is a symbol only, and not the religious text of Freemasonry.

Freemasonry is nonsectarian. It does not, and should not attempt to provide a religion to its candidates, nor promote one religion or another. While many anti-masons claim otherwise, Freemasonry is not a religion, nor a substitute for religion. While the anti-mason quickly points to the Holy Bible, or Volume of Sacred Law which rests upon our altar, and claims that it is proof of our fraternity’s religious nature, it is merely a misunderstanding of the uninitiated. To the initiate it should be clear that the book that rests upon our altar, whatever it might be, is a symbol only.

Eric T. Schmitz, PM, KOTN
31 May 2006

What is meant by the Masonic principle of universality?

According to the Preston-Webb ritual used in Masonic jurisdictions such as Indiana, the principle of universality is mentioned by name only twice during the course of the Work and the Lectures. For such a fundamental principle, it receives little coverage beyond this, and seems to be absent, as often by intent as by mere accident, in many Masonic Lodges and gatherings. In other words, the principle of universality is, sadly, not universal in practice among Masons and Lodges.

Universality, in Masonic practice, means that Freemasonry is open not only to those of any religion, but also of any race, political affiliation, or social status. It should not be confused with the theology known as "universalism," which holds that all human beings are "saved" regardless of their religious convictions. Universalists are as welcome in Freemasonry as anyone else, but Freemasonry does not take any position for or against that theology or any other.

Albert Pike's Morals and Dogma of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite is available online at Sacred-Texts.