T. S. Parvin Award Given at Grand Lodge

Ben H Ploof is the recipient of the 2013 T.S. Parvin Award given Annually to one Mason in the State by the Iowa Conference for Masonic Cooperation.

Brother Ploof is a 50 year Mason and belongs to several lodges.  

• Little Sioux Lodge No. 521 at Washta, 
• Clarksville Lodge No. 668 at Coralville 
• Woodrow Morris Lodge No. 6890 at North Liberty.   

The spirit of the award is described in the following paragraphs written by John Harris Watts, Past Grand Secretary/Recorder of the Grand Chapter and Grand Council.

T. S. Parvin came to Iowa as a handicapped young man, and became one of the best-known Masons in the world. He was the first Mason in Iowa to hold the office of Grand Secretary, Grand High Priest, Grand Master of the Council, Grand Commander, and Grand Recorder of the Grand Encampment (National). As founder of the Iowa Masonic Library and the State Library of Iowa, he left his mark on both Freemasonry and his adopted state. He was one of the founders of the Iowa State Education Association and served as its president.
The T. S. Parvin Award, established in 1982 by the Iowa Conference for Masonic Cooperation is presented annually to an Iowa Mason, who has not previously been honored by having been elected or appointed to a Grand Office in any Masonic body. (Nor higher than the 32 degree in the Scottish Rite), and who best exemplifies the spirit of Masonry which was lived by our distinguished Brother who said, “I want to be remembered among Masons as one who gave the Fraternity the very best there was in him, not thinking of reward in dollars and cents.”

St. Bartholomew Conclave, Red Cross of Constantine - Annual Meeting

George Harrison, New Sovereign

Don Heath, Sovereign of St. Ignatius

Mrs. Heath 

K.C. B.O. Bryngleson

Past Sovereign Jeff Buchman

Sovereigns Harrison and Brinkerhoff

New Knight Companion Hill

New Knight Companion Hoffmann and Mrs. Hoffmann

 The Red Cross of Constantine, or more formally the Masonic and Military Order of the Red Cross of Constantine and the Appendant Orders of the Holy Sepulchre and of St John the Evangelist is a Christian Order of Freemasonry. Candidates for the Order must already be members of Craft Freemasonry (lodge) and Royal Arch Freemasonry... continue reading here.  The Iowa Web Site is here and the National Site is here.

An Invitation

Capital Lodge No 110 and Logic Lodge No 636

Cordially invite you and your lady to

Celebrate Freemasonry in Iowa and honor

Most Worshipful Brother

Bryce B. Hildreth

Grand Master of Masons in Iowa

Saturday, October 13, 2012

The Des Moines Scottish Rite Masonic Center

519 Park Street, Des Moines, Iowa

2:30 P.M. Conferral of the third degree in the Auditorium

3:00 P.M. Ladies Program in Tapestry Lounge

4:15 P.M. Reception of Past and Present Grand Lodge Officers and Distinguished Guests

5:00 P.M. Social Hour in the Tapestry Lounge

6:00 P.M. Grand Banquet in the Banquet Hall

Featured Speaker:

Illustrious Brother Ronald A. Seale 33°, Sovereign Grand Commander of the Supreme Council 33^rd degree of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry for the Southern Jurisdiction of the U.S.A.

Formal Attire Preferred     Cost: $30.00 per person

_____________________________________________________________________________

Please R.S.V.P before October 5, 2012 to:

Melvin L. Bancroft, Sec

Capital Lodge No. 110

519 Park St., Des Moines, IA 50309-1613

Email: mlbancroft@juno.com                                Phone: 515-284-7356

Please make reservations for:______________________________

Meal Selection: __________Pork medallions   ______________Salmon

$30.00 per person               Checks payable to Capital Lodge No. 110

Lesson

A search for an article by Mary Baker Eddy which I wanted to post here led me to this Blog:  thought gently whispers.  The Blogger is a Christian Science Practitioner and I find it a worthwhile read.

The article which I wanted to comment on is from one of Mary Baker Eddy's other writings and is entitled.

TAKING OFFENSE

Mary Baker Eddy

   There is immense wisdom in the old proverb, "He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty."  Hannah More said, "If I wished to punish my enemy, I should make him hate somebody."
   To punish ourselves for others' faults, is superlative folly.  The mental arrow shot from another's bow is practically harmless, unless our own thought barbs it.

It is our pride that makes another's criticism rankle, our self-will that makes another's deed offensive, our egotism that feels hurt by another's self-assertion.  Well may we feel wounded by our own faults; but we can hardly afford to be miserable for the faults of others.

   A courtier told Constantine that a mob had broken the head of his statue with stones.  The emperor lifted his hands to his head, saying: "It is very surprising, but I don't feel hurt in the least."


(This next is the part that I really love)

   We should remember that the world is wide; that there are a thousand million different human wills, opinions, ambitions, tastes, and loves; that each person has a different history, constitution, culture, character, from all the rest; that human life is the work, the play, the ceaseless action and reaction upon each other of these different atoms.  


Then, we should go forth into life with the smallest expectations, but with the largest patience; with a keen relish for and appreciation of everything beautiful, great, and good, but with a temper so genial that the friction of the world shall not wear upon our sensibilities; with an equanimity so settled that no passing breath nor accidental disturbance shall agitate or ruffle it; with a charity broad enough to cover the whole world's evil, and sweet enough to neutralize what is bitter in it, - determined not to be offended when no wrong is meant, nor even when it is, unless the offense be against God.


   Nothing short of our own errors should offend us.  He who can wilfully attempt to injure another, is an object of pity rather than of resentment; while it is a question in my mind, whether there is enough of a flatterer, a fool, or a liar, to offend a whole-souled woman."

(Or man...)


I used to get very angry at people and things and would sometimes read this passage to settle myself.  Sometimes it worked beautifully and at other times I failed to take the lesson to heart and mind and held on to the anger.  In my current life I like to think I have grown some so that I am getting better but I have to re-read it every once in awhile to remind me of the necessity to "subdue my anger and or resentment."


It is unrealistic to expect that everything will always go according to plan or that "everyone" will go along with us or agree with everything we say.  That is one reason why the Freemasons prohibit discussion of religion or politics in their Lodges.  


Last Saturday at our Masonic Rosicrucian meeting Frater John led a discussion which he based on the ideas of learning from the Stair lecture in the Fellowcraft Degree.


One of our new members wrote a thank-you note to the group.  He said:

"I also want to thank all of you for the discussion last night.  While I may not agreed with all of the premises put forth, after what I deal with on a daily basis it was simply enjoyable to hear arguments put forth based on real passion and with everyone being able to do so in a respectful manner and ending the night as friends.  That is too infrequent in my life."

It was a good discussion and the type of discussion which caused us to think.  Some people there did not comment on the topic but I would venture to say that everyone participated and all had much to think about on the way home and in the days to follow.  I know I did.  25 men sitting around after dinner having a chance to discuss Freemasonry and learn from each other and grow.. Somehow I think that is what the founders had in mind.  And I think it is, quite possibly, what they did during their Festive Boards and after the meetings.  Men talking together, enjoying each others, company and sharing of wisdom. Without "taking offense."  As Mrs. Eddy said:  " human life is the work, the play, the ceaseless action and reaction upon each other of these different atoms."
Saturday's meeting was Freemasonic life at its best.

Friends of the Des Moines Consistory - 1/19/12

The Friends of the Des Moines Consistory met this evening for a major announcement regarding the fund raising for the building.  The library has been rearranged and it is  much nicer now and should be more useable for gatherings and meetings.  I had a great time at the meeting and enjoyed my table partners very much. I hope you enjoy the pictures.  There is also a snap of the sunset as I was driving into town.  It was hard to take the picture but you get the idea.

On the Feast of St. John the Evangelist, 2011

I have placed a link to the speech in the column on the left so that those who come in from Freemasonry Watch will find this excellent speech given by Brother Klaus.  In it you will find the unvarnished truth about the origins of Freemasonry..  No Knights Templar arriving in Scotland who decided to build a chapel with "secrets" all through the architecture,  no hidden meetings in the catacombs of Rome or the pyramids of Egypt.  As Joe Friday used to say "Just the Facts Mam,"  I will also link to it here.

Freemasonry

The second annual Masons of California video contest grand prize winner - Culver City Foshay lodge No. 467. 

Two Lodges - Two nights - Two new Master Masons.

Thursday Night I went to Arcadia Lodge for a Master Mason Degree.  The candidate was Brother Tom B.  As I watched him come in and walk around the Lodge room I thought I could see a skinny little sixth grader that I recognized from when I taught school.  As it turns out he was not in my class but rather the classroom of the other teacher but he came to me for some classes so I can claim him as a student and now as a Brother.  It was a great degree and a fine evening.

Friday night I went to Specialis Procer Lodge in Des Moines for a Master Mason Degree.  Our new Brother is Antonio S.  I did not have him in class but am glad to have a new Brother.  Actually two new Brothers. Always an exciting event.

It takes a lot of people to put on a Master Mason Degree and these were the Brothers for Brother Antonio's Degree,  There were two others, myself and one other who was also taking pictures.  The degree started at 6:30 and did not get over until almost 9:00.  I was going to go out to eat with some of the members but when I got to the place where they were going to meet the only place to park was about a block away.  I didn't have the strength left (or the inclination) to walk that far when it was only around 10 degrees so I came back to Ames and got something to eat and came home and let Miles out and collapsed.  I am going to sleep soon but I wanted to get this ready so it can come up at 7:00 AM.  Thanks for stopping by.  Hugs

Breakfast Saturday

Saturday, October 15, 2011

7:30 to 10:30 am

4133 Urbandale Ave

Des Moines

Adults $6.00 and Children under 5 $3.00

All the trimmings, Pancakes, Eggs, Sausage,

Hashbrowns, Biscuits & Gravy, Milk & O. J.

Help the Masons continue their charitable works

By supporting their local events!!!

Every One is welcome, Bring a Friend!

2011-2012 Grand Officers

photo by Baruti Kme-Sisouvong

 Grand Lodge Officers

Grand Master                                    Jerry L. Levay                     Sioux City

Deputy Grand Master                    Michael W. Fletcher                Winterset

Sr. Grand Warden                            Jon D. Wagoner                    Sioux City

Jr. Grand Warden                            Richard L. Martin                 Creston

Grand Treasurer                               Shane A. Harshbarger         Altoona

Grand Secretary                               Wm. R. Crawford               Cedar Rapids

Grand Chaplain                                 Jon M. Ginny                     Davenport

Dep. Grand Secretary                    Tim S. Anderson                   Cedar Rapids

Grand Marshal                                  Brian D. Pappaducus          Des Moines

Sr. Grand Deacon                             W. Charles Smithson          Des Moines

Jr. Grand Deacon                             John D. Pierce                    Clarinda

Sr. Grand Steward                           Kevin A. Nelson                  Waterloo

Jr. Grand Steward                            Jeremy “Jerry” Myers          Osage

Grand Tyler                                        Wendell B. Borland         Moville

Grand Musician                                   John M. Klaus                Mount Vernon

Chairman, Division & Reference                Bryce B. Hildreth              Ankeny

Masonic Headstone

One of our Masonic Brothers and Past Grand Commander died recently.  I received this picture and explanation in the mail He writes:

"PGC Jim Allen's funeral service at Burlington.  It was well represented, we gave him the arch of steel at the Church and grave site, ... I noticed the special headstone Sir Knight James had made and want to share with you,"

The Pursuit of Light

A bold new video from the Grand Lodge of Oregon via Chris Hodapp.

Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons - Iowa 2011

 Just a few pictures from the Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons of Iowa -  We did a lot of business and I was seated at the back.  It is over and done for another year and now I can do something else.  Thanks for stopping by.  Hugs, j

Grand Council/Chapter Banquet. 2011

Scottish Rite Event

Last night Brothers John Core and Bill Yungclas and I went to Des Moines for the Scottish Rite Member Awards and Kick-off dinner. Here are some pictures from the event.

This is the entry way to the building. It is a beautiful place and a nice welcome to the premier Masonic building in the state.  John is Secretary for Arcadia Lodge and Bill and I are both Past Masters.  It was nice to ride with them for a change as I usually drive down alone. The Scottish Rite had about 150 members and prospects there for a social hour and free steak dinner. and the steak was perfection.  The company was excellent and I think John was impressed with the experience.  I had a great time and I hope he did also.

From the Grand Lodge of Norway

There has been much discussion that the individual who committed the atrocious crimes in Norway was a Freemason.  His actions which are so far away from what we as Masons advocate and swear to make them incompatible with the fraternity which I know and love.  The following statement from the Grand Lodge of Norway was posted on their Web site.

The Norwegian Order of Freemasons expressing compassion and care

- I am appalled by the horrible atrocity that was committed in the government district and at the Utøya island, says the Sovereign Grand Master of the Norwegian Order of Freemasons, Ivar A. Skar.

We are filled with mourning and compassion for those who have been affected and their relatives.

It has appeared in the media that the accused has been a member of the Norwegian Order of Freemasons.

He has now been excluded - the exclusion immediately effective.

The exclusion reflects that the acts he is accused of having carried out, and the values that appear to have motivated them, are completely incompatible with what we stand for as an Order.

We build our activity on Christian and humanistic values and want our members to contribute to the promotion of charity, peace and goodness among all people.

The police will of course get all the help and information we can give to contribute to the investigation.

Pictures from the Robert Burns Night.

Robert Burns Party - Des Moines Scottish Rite

  The pictures of the Robert Burns Party may be accessed by clicking on the picture above.  It will take you to the Album.  Once there click on slideshow in the upper left corner to enjoy the pictures.

Installation of Eastern Star.

It was my honor last night to install the officers of Laura Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star of Ames Iowa.

Below are some pictures from the evening.

Worthy Patron Brian waiting for the meeting to start.

Continuing to wait.

And the ladies wait

And I sit in the ante-room and guard the door

2011 Officers of Laura Chapter #115, Ames, Iowa

Jay Simser, Past Patron (Me)

Worthy Matron Tammy and Jay

 Tammy has been a friend of mine for years and years.  I knew her in Rainbow girls and taught several of her children in school.   We have had a lot of fun over the years and I was proud to be asked to Install her and her officers tonight.  I was surprised at how much I remembered from the last time I installed.

Marty is Worshipful Master of Arcadia Lodge

And like the trooper he is he pitched right in to help tear down the Chapter.

I spent the last two days getting things ready to turn over to the new Secretary of Specialis Procer Lodge.  I will not miss the work involved.  Unless you have been Secretary you have no idea what is involved.  I was Secretary of two Lodges for awhile and now I will be Secretary of none.  Of course I will still be Recorder for the Red Cross and the Rosicrucians but they do not meet as often as the Lodge and the work is not as labor intensive.  It took a lot of time and I was finding that I was not able to do anything else or at least I was missing out on some cultural events and I need to be around for Bailey and Miles and the bottom line is that it was time to give it up.  "When it isn't fun, don't do it" was sage advice given me  about 3 years ago.  It was no longer fun.  I am doing some other things which are creative and fun.  Thanks for stopping by,  Be gentle with one another,  Hugs,  j

Something For the Masons to Ponder

"In tracing the progress of Freemasonry, and in detailing its system of symbolism, it has been found to be so intimately connected with the history of philosophy, of religion, of art, in all ages of the world, that the conviction at once forces itself upon the mind, that no Mason can expect thoroughly to comprehend its nature, or to appreciate its character as a science, unless he shall devote himself, with some labor and assiduity, to this study of its system. That skill which consists in repeating, with fluency and precision, the ordinatry lectures, in complying with the ceremonial requisitions of the ritual, or the giving, with sufficient accuracy, the appointed modes of recognition, pertains only to the very rudiments of the Masonic Science.

"But there is a far nobler series of doctrines with which Freemasonry is connected, and which it has been my object, in this work, to present in some imperfect way. It is these which constitute the science and the philosophy of Freemasonry, and it is these alone which will return the student who devotes himself to the task, a sevenfold reward for his labor."

Mackey