Good tidings to all my Brothers: Well, I am certain we are all glad that a little cooler weather is upon us. I hope that our September meeting was informative. It was a great joy to see all the brothers who traveled to come, listen and ask questions. Brothers, our new journey has just begun. We have lots of work to do together to shape the future of our fraternity. I think the biggest thing is for us to remember from whence we came. We must not forget the brothers that came before us and those brothers that walked with honor among their brothers and within the communities in which they lived. We must also learn to be thoughtful in our dealings with our brothers and in our communities, ever bearing on our mind that we represent a fraternity of honor and integrity. Casting any negative light upon our great fraternity is something we must always be mindful of. Our actions out in public will speak the loudest.

I understand that all lodges are in a financial struggle. Membership is a big subject, but what are we all doing about it? How much are we out in the public letting them see who we are, though the sacrifice and actions we make? Brothers, now is time we must get out from behind our closed doors and do good works within the communities in which we live. I am positive this is the answer to membership. I understand some lodges do this and I am proud that they do, and they are having success at it. But, the ones that are being successful at this never give up; they continue their activities month after month even when they don’t have participation. No one is going to do it for us. We have ridden our forefather’s reputations long enough. Now we must be fruitful in our efforts for the future generations. Now is the time we need to pick up the torch and spread that light we are so fond of, and we must all do it together. Let us once again let Pride in our fraternity and peace and harmony reign over us. Let our light shine for good.

Tidings From the Grand East:

Grand Lodge F & AM of Arkansas

Fall 2017 Volume I, Issue 3

The Masonic Trowel Spreading The Cement of Brotherly Love

2017—2018

Grand Officers

Carl E. Nelson, Jr.

Grand Master

Bradley Phillips

Deputy Grand Master

J.D. Sexton

Grand Senior Warden

David Bradley

Grand Junior Warden

Larry Berry

Grand Treasurer (pro-tem)

Charles Ferguson, PGM

Grand Secretary (pro-tem)

W. Ronnie Frizzell

Grand Senior Deacon

Boyd Freeman

Grand Junior Deacon

Teddy Holmes

Grand Lecturer

Lee Phillips

Grand Orator

Daniel White

Grand Chaplain

Paul Long

Grand Tyler

Inside this issue:

Brothers I will continue to work for you, but now we must all work in the quarries to push us forward. Let’s pick up our working tools and brush the dust away and go to work. God Bless each and everyone of you Fraternally,

Carl Nelson Grand Master

M∴W∴Carl E. Nelson, Jr.

The On-Line Mason 2

More Light 3

Scottish Rite 4

York Rite 5, 6, & 7

Petitions 8, 9, 10, 11

AMERT - What’s That? 12

Page 2

My Brethren: I would like to take a few moments in this edition to address what I believe is an important issue within our jurisdiction; The presence of Freemasons on the various social networking sites is growing and drawing attention to our fraternity. I believe that we, as Masons, should strive to make that attention as positive as possible. When you represent yourself as a member of the Fraternity, you become someone's impression of Freemasonry. It is of the utmost importance that you conduct yourself accordingly and subscribe to the lessons taught in terms of how we

communicate and interact with Mason's and non-masons alike. Electronic communications should always display dignity, courtesy, and respect. Remember that your postings are a permanent record and therefore your conduct has the possibility of influencing a large audience with either a positive or negative image about you and the Fraternity. Postings should reflect the highest standards of morality and integrity that we as Masons practice within the Lodge. Postings that are anonymous or posted by fictitious names should be avoided rather than encouraged. Participation in discussions with those who are looking for discussions outside of what is Masonically acceptable should also be avoided. To ensure our Fraternity represents itself to the high standards we

believe, we should regulate our actions by whispering good council where needed. Advise a Brother if what he has posted is improper within the Digest of Law or our Obligations. Be aware of who is commenting on the same thread as you. Be sure, if they are in fact, Mason's in good standing. If you are unsure, just to be on the safe side, as a general rule, avoid commenting on discussions of a Masonic subject beyond the time and place of meetings. My brethren, it is my hope that these few words will help you navigate the various social media networks and bring honor to our Fraternity. Again, I thank you for allowing me the opportunity to serve you as your Deputy Grand Master and I look forward to attending Lodge with you. Fraternally; Bradley R. Phillips Deputy Grand Master

Proper to be Written - Social Media

R∴W∴ Bradley Phillips

Deputy Grand Master

The Masonic Trowel

We’re on the Web! www.argrandlodge.com

The Masonic Trowel Is a publication of

The Grand Lodge of

Free & Accepted Masons of

Arkansas

P.O. Box 2460

Little Rock, AR 72203-2460

Charles H. Ferguson, PGM

Grand Secretary pro-tem

T.J. Henwood, PDDGM

Editor

themasonictrowel@gmail.com

Grand Lodge of AR © 2017

TJH © 2017

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Page 3

The Masonic Trowel

In our search for more Light, more knowledge, I feel we are obligated to bring whatever we may learn elsewhere in Freemasonry back to our home Lodge, and share it, as may be appropriate, with our brothers there. So, what are these Rites? They are two systems of further Masonic education. They are not exclusive of each other. In fact, many Masons have found enjoyment and value in belonging to both Rites. Nay, more than just belonging, working in the Degrees of each will bring you even more understanding of the

Brethren: In this issue, our Grand Master has asked me to explore the two routes to more understanding in Masory that open up to a Brother once he has been raised as a Master Mason. On the following pages, you will find information about the Scottish Rite, and the York Rite. Both of these avenues lead to more education and a deeper understanding of our Masonic history and philosophy. But, they DO NOT replace our allegiance to and our need for dedication to our home Lodge. What I nearly always refer to as our Symbolic Lodge.

lessons of the Symbolic Lodge. And will help you discover that, I fact, all of the lessons expanded on in the two Rites are alluded to in the lodge; hence the Symbolic Lodge. As you see from the pictures on this page, I have been very blessed and fortunate to have had the opportunity to do as I suggest and work in the two Rites. But, my greatest reward in Freemasonry has been in serving for the last 12 years as the Secretary of my Lodge, Sylvan Hills #754. Fraternally, T.J. Henwood, Editor The Masonic Trowel

What’s Next? Even More Light!

R∴W∴ T.J. Henwood

Editor

Help! You can help us make this newsletter better.

Please send information about your Lodge’s

activities. Send some pictures, too! Community

events, helping a Brother in need, showcasing a

member’s personal contributions to church,

community, or your Lodge.

Send your information to T.J. Henwood, editor

at: themasonictrowel@gmail.com.

Above and right:

Bro. Henwood in the various

regalia of the Scottish and

York Rites

www.yorkrite.com/ar/

Page 4

The Masonic Trowel

The Scottish Rite

Antarctica. The degrees of the Scottish Rite are numbered 4 through 32, with the 33

rd degree being

an honorary degree. Although the numbering system would seem to imply a hierarchy, in fact, we do not consider any form of rank implied in the Scottish Rite degrees; in other words, a 32

nd degree

Mason is not “higher” or with more rank and privilege than a Master Mason. Rather, the degrees build on the primary teachings of the blue lodge degrees. Scottish Rite degrees are simply “additional light” or a deeper study of Masonic teachings and philosophy; but they are not a badge or a rank. Indeed, it has been said that the Master Mason degree is the “highest” degree in Freemasonry and I would agree! In contrast to the EA, FC, and Master’s degree which are taken by candidates individually, the Scottish Rite degrees are conferred on a group of candidates. They mostly take the form of a play or a drama, often acted out on a stage. There is no memorization required between degrees for advancement to the next degree. Arkansas has a unique place in the history of Scottish Rite Freemasonry because one of our

Brethren: If Freemasonry is an educational institution, then perhaps that is why the Scottish Rite has been called the university of Freemasonry.I like the analogy because it shows that the Scottish Rite simply adds to or builds onto the foundation of blue lodge Masonry. One does not go to a university without the foundation or core of K-12 education; the university is not a place you go separate or distinct from the rest of the educational system. The Scottish Rite amplifies and expands on the lessons taught in the first three degrees; it is not something separate or different. The Scottish Rite is a uniquely American Masonic body, founded in Charleston, South Carolina in 1801. The initial rituals were based on a French Masonic higher order called the Order of the Prince of the Royal Secret. A group of South Carolina Masons who had joined this order established the first Supreme Council of Scottish Rite and expanded the degree system from 25 degrees to 33 degrees. Since that time, Scottish Rite Freemasonry has spread across the world and there are Supreme Councils on every continent aside from

members, Albert Pike, revised the rituals of the Scottish Rite in the mid-1800s and then in 1859, because the Sovereign Grand Commander (the head of the Scottish Rite in the 35 states comprising the Southern Jurisdiction). He served as Grand Commander until his death in 1891. One must be a Master Mason in good standing to join the Scottish Rite. Members join in an event which we call a “reunion” which usually occurs over 1, 2, or 3 days. In Arkansas, we have three Valleys, or local chapters: Little Rock, Fayetteville, and Jonesboro and our reunions are held in those cities. To join the Scottish Rite, simply ask one of our members for a petition; or you can call our office in Little Rock (501-375-5587) and we’ll get you a petition. I appreciate the invitation of the Grand Master to write this brief introduction to Scottish Rite Freemasonry for the Grand Lodge newsletter! For our Scottish Rite members, we look forward to seeing you at the next stated meeting or reunion. And for our brethren who have not yet joined the Scottish Rite, we invite you to consider joining us! Fraternally, C. James Graham

Illustrious Brother C. James Graham, 33° Sovereign Grand Inspector General in Arkansas and Past Grand Master

www.ark-scottishrite.org

Editor’s Note: Bother Graham is also a member of the York Rite Bodies in Pulaski County, and has served as the Excellent High Priest of Fay Hempstead Chapter #144 of the Royal Arch. For those interested, there are petitions for the Scottish Rite and York Rite on the last five pages of this issue.

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The York Rite - The Royal Arch Chapter

learning how to receive your wages as a Fellowcraft in the Mark Master Degree all the way to

discovering the long lost word in the Royal Arch Degree.

Historically we know that the Mark and Royal Arch Degrees date back to the time of the Blue Lodge formation. They were actually a part of the Blue Lodge work. So the information you can receive from them is not only ancient but valuable. The Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Arkansas itself was organized in 1851. Brethren, there are Companions working in a Chapter near your place of residence who know the story and who are ready to assist you in taking the Chapter Degrees, Find the nearest York Rite

Brethren of Arkansas, It is a privilege to submit this article to you. I thank the Grand Master for allowing me to do so. The Degree of Royal Arch Mason is often called the most important degree. Its ritual, its floor work, its colorful atmosphere, is entirely different from anything you have seen or heard in your Masonic travels. First, let me go back and tell you that in the York Rite, you have three bodies: The Chapter, The Council, and the Commandery of Knights Templar. In the Chapter you have four degrees: The Degree of Mark Master, the Degree of Past Master, the Degree of Most Excellent Master, and the Degree of Royal Arch. If you want further light in Masonry, the Chapter has it for you. From

Bodies in your area, and ask questions.

If you don’t know who to contact, you can contact me. Please don’t hesitate to do so. My address is: 49CR644 , Mountain Home, Ark 72653. My Phone no. is 870-424-3749. My email is mpl48644k@yahoo.com. I would love to hear from you. Yours in Further Masonry, Michael Lockhart M.E. Grand High Priest

www.yorkrite.com/ar/grac/

Michael P. Lockhart Most Excellent Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Arkansas

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The Council of Royal & Select Masters

that the first part of the Degree depicts events taking place before the death of Grand Master Hiram Abif, and the last part depicts events occurring after his death. Select Master A Degree emphasizing the lessons of devotion and zeal. The Degree centers on the construction and furnishing of a Secret Vault beneath the Sanctum Sanctorum of the Temple, and the deposition of those secrets pertaining to the Craft by the three ancient Grand Masters of the Craft. This Degree bridges the events surrounding the concealment and loss of the Ineffable Word and the events leading to the recovery of the Word in the Royal Arch Degree. The presiding body is a Council, and the presiding officer is a Master (titled Illustrious). In the subordinate Council he is the Thrice Illustrious Master and in Grand Council he is the Most Illustrious Master. Super Excellent Master Degree A Degree emphasizing the lessons of loyalty and faithfulness. The Degree centers around the events leading to the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple at the hands of the Chaldeans. The Degree is narrated by small interludes of biblical prophecy that highlight the end of the first Temple and the construction of the

Brethren All: After you become a Master Mason there are many avenues open to you. You can join the York Rite (and) or the Scottish Rite. Each has its own distinct teachings and sub organizations. Have you ever wondered what the real Masonic word is? Have you ever wondered just how the Senior Warden pays wages? Then you need to join York Rite to find out. York Rite consists of 10 Degrees and orders. Scottish Rite consists of 32 Degrees. With an honorary Degree called the 33

rd Degree.

The York Rite body encompasses Chapter Degrees, Council Degrees and Commandery Orders. I will concentrate on the Council Degrees. The Council Degrees consist of three degrees, namely the Royal Master, the Select Master and the Super Excellent Master. Once you join York Rite it will open many doors to other invitation only degrees that you can join. Let’s look at the Council Degrees. The Royal Master A Degree emphasizing the lessons of patience and fortitude. The Degree centers around the Fellowcraft Masons who were artificers fabricating the fittings and furniture of the Temple. It is unusual in

second Temple. It is noteworthy for its scenes of the Jewish court of Zedekiah and the Chaldean court of Nebuchadnezzar. This degree must be given as an oration or in full form. Arkansas normally gives an oration of the degree and holds a full form Degree once a year for all to see. This Degree requires a cast of about 26 members and takes about 3 hours to complete. It is quite impressive and well worth the time to see it. If you want more information or desire to have a program presented at one of your Blue Lodge meetings, please do not hesitate to call any of the Grand Council Officers or District Deputy Grand Masters. I truly hope this article stirred your interest in joining the York Rite. There are 14 Councils in Arkansas so joining one close by should not be a problem. Zealously Yours, Ronald Schmidt Most Illustrious Grand Master

Ronald P. Schmidt Most Illustrious Grand Master Grand Council of Royal & Select Masters of Arkansas

www.yorkrite.com/ar/gcrsm

The Commandery of Knights Templar

The Masonic Trowel

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is designed to impress upon you that there is but one God and that human nature changes but little over great cycles of time. The Order of Malta

The Order of Malta is a symbolic one, based upon the experiences arising out of one of the missionary journeys of Paul, the greatest apostle of the Christian religion, and like the order of the Temple found its inception in the period of the Crusades. The Order of the Temple

The Order of the Temple was founded in the Twelfth Century, being much older than Ancient Craft Masonry in its present form. It was a union of the religious with the militant spirit and filled a crying need of the time. Its origin and history furnishes the most absorbingly interesting story which has ever connected the activities of any society of men since the dawn of civilization. In the lessons you will experience the most interesting, the most serious, and the most sublime impressions which can come to anyone who is concerned with those impulses in life which make for better manhood, better citizenship, and a better society. They take you from the most ancient times to the present moment when you are reminded that your disembodied spirit may

the students mind the fact, that the explanation of it all lies in the great doctrines of the Christian Religion. To the Christian there is no explanation of the Masters degree that is adequate except that which is found at the empty tomb of Jesus of Nazareth. Knights Templary is sometimes spoken of as Christian Masonry as though it were something separate and distinct from the rest of the work; seemingly at least inferring that some parts of Masonry are not Christian. Such an impression is quiet erroneous. The teachings of the Commandery is the Rosetta Stone of Masonry, furnishing the key that unfolds all of its mysteries and lessons Templary complements and crowns Masonry in the same way that the Christian Gospel brought the Glory of Old Israel to its consummation. The Illustrious Order of the Red Cross

The Illustrious Order of Red Cross is taken from the Bible and from the history of the Jewish people at the time of Darius Hystaspis, ruler of Persia. it is a simple lesson of how a great monarch was moved to recognize the religious zeal of an oppressed people, and contains a sublime comparison of those forces in life which contend for supremacy. It

soar aloft and dwell forever in realms of light eternal. One reason why you are urged to become affiliated with the Commandery is that the world today is in greater need of the Order of the Knights Templar than it was in the time of the heroic crusades of Twelfth Century. There is more at stake, more to save.

When you have been created a Knight Templar you will been given a new title and henceforth be addressed as SIR KNIGHT If you are willing to subscribe to these precepts you are welcome into the Commandery and the Order of Knights Templar.,the final Masonic body in what is called the York Rite of Freemasonry.

Bring with you your heart and soul and become a warrior on duty against the evils of the times and the survivals of all that has made Christianity and civilization worthwhile.

The Knights Templar of Arkansas through their Commanders extends to you an opportunity to enter a Christian Order with a Christian motive and a Christian Mission.

I hope this helps you understand who we are and why we are Knights Templar.

Yours in Christ,

David Bassett Grand Commander

David B. Bassett Right Eminent Grand Commander of Knights Templar of Arkansas

Greetings Brothers:

I have been asked to write about the Knights Templar Orders and the Foundations we support. Masonry does not reveal her secrets to the thoughtless, nor all in one degree. As one star differeth in glory from another star, so in Masonry, one degree differs from another degree in beauty, wisdom and truth.

'' Who are the Knights Templar ? You may as well ask, why one should read a book through to the end. Or, watch a play through to the last curtain. The analogy is logically and the answer the same. TO KNOW THE END, AND SO ACQUIRE THE FULL MEANING.

Having observed the work and studied the teachings of Masonry, there can only unfold to

Scottish Rite Petition

The Masonic Trowel

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York Rite Petitions - The Royal Arch Chapter

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York Rite Petitions - The Council

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York Rite Petitions - The Commandery

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A.M.E.R.T.

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Arkansas Masonic Emergency Response Team We have several things in our lives that we should be thankful for, and this year our Most Worshipful Grand Master added to the list. Through his desire to create something for all Masons to be proud of, and his foresight, he planned on getting something started that would not only benefit our Brother Masons, but would also benefit the communities we all live in. Reaching out to do something he had seen on the internet. Something that our distant Brothers from California started previously. He decided to start what is now called AMERT; ARKANSAS MASONIC RESPONSE TEAM. He formed a committee, appointed me to chair the board, along with R.W Ralph Boen, Secretary, Dennis Mayher, Randy Gilless, Jack Young, Keith Karnes, and Bill Knight as committee members. Some of these members have had extensive training in disaster situations, such as flooding, and or storm damage, ect. We held our first Committee meeting on May the 13

th, 2017 at the Grand Lodge in Little Rock. Several things were

brought up for discussion, such as schooling for certification which is needed to work in disaster areas, having response teams set up in different zones from Lodges in that zone, or surrounding areas, tools and equipment needed to get the program started, etc. Pamphlets and literature were passed out, along with signup sheets to have at all lodges across the state, for Brothers wanting to become a member of AMERT. We have had a wonderful response from the brethren who have seen our literature and listen to our talks on what we are going to do. This can only grow as the membership and training advances. What a great thing for our Brothers and Community to know they have someone to help out in the time of a crisis. I know as a Master Mason, that most people in our communities don’t even know who we are. It is time to show them the Compassion, we as Masons have in our hearts. God Bless our AMERT program. R.W. Boyd Freeman