Freemasonry Resources

This week I got to participate in two Masonic events that were both very enjoyable and good learning experiences.

I am a member of Arcturus Council U.D. Royal and Select Masters. Some jurisdictions call Councils of Royal and Select Masters "Cryptic Councils." This new council Under Dispensation has been working this year to complete the requirements for our charter. One of those requirements is conferring both the Royal Master and the Select Master Degrees. I participated in Royal Master Degree this week as the Conductor of the Council. The Royal Master Degree further illumines the history of the 3rd Degree and was a very enjoyable experience! John Iles, our Deputy Master, led the degree. Major parts were given by Tom Gruis, Charlie Smithson, and Ken Brickman and we had help from other brethren present. The Royal Master Degree is one of my favorite York Rite degrees.



Also this week we held the University of Freemasonry at the Scottish Rite. Members of the valley read through the 12th Degree. While the Des Moines Valley regularly confers 24 of the 29 Scottish Rite degrees the 12th is one that has not been seen recently. We read through the degree led by Brother Charlie Smithson. The graphics for the lodge arrangements were put together by Brother Kurt Hoffman. You can see photos of the event on Des Moines AASR Blog written by Brother Jay Simser. I led a discussion of the symbolism of the degree.

Because this event was so well attended and enjoyed we are going to hold a similar program for the 19th degree. Also the 12th degree will be conferred in full form in our up coming reunion.

I also want to thank Brother Jay for his kind commentaries about my blog. Thanks Brother!

All in all a very good Masonic week!

This week I got to participate in two Masonic events that were both very enjoyable and good learning experiences.

I am a member of Arcturus Council U.D. Royal and Select Masters. Some jurisdictions call Councils of Royal and Select Masters "Cryptic Councils." This new council Under Dispensation has been working this year to complete the requirements for our charter. One of those requirements is conferring both the Royal Master and the Select Master Degrees. I participated in Royal Master Degree this week as the Conductor of the Council. The Royal Master Degree further illumines the history of the 3rd Degree and was a very enjoyable experience! John Iles, our Deputy Master, led the degree. Major parts were given by Tom Gruis, Charlie Smithson, and Ken Brickman and we had help from other brethren present. The Royal Master Degree is one of my favorite York Rite degrees.



Also this week we held the University of Freemasonry at the Scottish Rite. Members of the valley read through the 12th Degree. While the Des Moines Valley regularly confers 24 of the 29 Scottish Rite degrees the 12th is one that has not been seen recently. We read through the degree led by Brother Charlie Smithson. The graphics for the lodge arrangements were put together by Brother Kurt Hoffman. You can see photos of the event on Des Moines AASR Blog written by Brother Jay Simer. I led a discussion of the symbolism of the degree.

Because this event was so well attended and enjoyed we are going to hold a similar program for the 19th degree. Also the 12th degree will be conferred in full form in our up coming reunion.

I also want to thank Brother Jay for his kind commentaries about my blog. Thanks Brother!

All in all a very good Masonic week!

On July 7, 2008 7:00 p.m. in the Blue Lodge room of the Des Moines Consistory Most Worshipful Grand Master Donald Mosier and Grand Lodge officers will perform a ceremony of dispensation for Special Procer Lodge!

Those of us on the planning committee and the 15 applicants who have applied to the Grand Master for dispensation are very excited to form this restoration lodge. We look forward to the emphasis on Masonic education, high standards of ritual, good Masonic fellowship, and traditional practices that we believe give Specialis Procer lodge an exciting mission in central Iowa.

I want to thank Brother Jay Simser and Brother Kurt Hoffman for their forming the original idea for this lodge. I look forward with excitement to our first year of meeting as a lodge!

Thank you to Brother chris for posting this appeal from our Grand Master!

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Appeal For Assistance from GM of Iowa: "Iowa has been hammered this year by one weather catastrophe after another, and the floodwaters continue to destroy lives, homes and businesses. My friend MWBro. Don Mosier, Grand Master of Iowa has issued an official appeal for assistance from his flood-ravaged state:

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As you are all aware, Iowa has been severely affected by damaging weather this year. After enduring the record ice and snow storms of winter, we all looked forward to the respite of Spring, only to face unbelievable devastation from first tornados, and now widespread flooding.

The towns of Parkersburg and New Harford, along with other communities were nearly destroyed by the EF5 tornado on May 25. Several Iowa Masons were directly affected by this storm, suffering both personal injury and the destruction of their homes and property. Other tornados and high winds damaged Lodge property in Knoxville. And now, widespread deluges of rain and record river levels are creating havoc in cities and towns across the state, flooding homes, closing businesses, and forcing general evacuation.

Iowa Masons are known for their generosity. Their response to this devastation has been terrific and heart-warming. Some Lodges have opened their doors to house displaced families. Individual Masons have volunteered their labor for community cleanup and sandbagging efforts. I applaud these efforts. Many more have called or written to ask how they can contribute monetarily to aid those affected by this series of devastating events. I urge you and your Lodge to participate in this effort.

Please send all donations, large or small, directly to

Grand Lodge of Iowa
PO Box 279, Cedar Rapids
IA 52406-0279

All funds received will be placed in the Grand Master’s Emergency Fund, for distribution to those needing assistance. Priority assistance will be given to Iowa Lodges and Iowa Masons suffering from the effects of weather related damage.

If you know of any individuals or Lodges who have directly experienced injury, loss, or other damage, please send that information to the Grand Lodge as well so they can be considered for assistance.

On behalf of those unfortunates who will aid from this assistance, I thank you in advance for your generosity.

Sincerely and Fraternally,
Donald E. Mosier
Grand Master of Masons in Iowa

"

(Via Freemasons For Dummies.)