Greetings from the East!
As we head into (or blow into) summer, I have signed several dispensations for outdoor meetings. In June, Geneva Lodge #79 will host an outdoor meeting on June 7 and Platte Valley Lodge #32 will host an outdoor meeting on June 14. Along with the Rusty Trowel degree, these types of meetings are a great way to encourage members you haven't seen at a lodge function recently to attend. As we continue to emerge from Covid and get back to some semblance of normalcy, I would encourage all of our lodges to conduct an outdoor meeting, outdoor degree or host a Rusty Trowel degree to encourage those missing Masons to return to the Blue Lodge. Make it special, send out invitations and please let the Grand Lodge know about these events.

Thank you for all you do for Masonry.

Fraternally,

Alex Straatmann Grand Master

The Acacia

RWB Keith Manbeck
Ohio

The Masterpiece is one of the culminating projects for Ohio’s Royal Scofield Society. Brethren are asked to create an original Masonic piece, connected to an established body of research and incorporating their personal connections that takes the form of a presentation in a tyled Lodge.  It can take the form of a research paper, crafted artifact, educational presentation, or many other forms. It is highly personal, developed with a mentor and with the approval of the Regents of the Royal Scofield Society. This is the Masterpiece of RWB Manbeck.

It’s Phenology, Biblical References, Masonic Symbolism, and Personal Meaning

The Acacia is an important symbol in our lives and beliefs as a Mason. The lesson of immortality that it teaches us in the Master Mason degree is one that we should remember and take to heart. The Acacia also has an especially important part in the creation of certain furniture and other items of great biblical significance. Personally, my view of the Acacia changed significantly with the passing of my daughter. While giving the Master Mason lecture shortly after her passing I realized a new feeling of its significance.

Phenology

Since the beginning of recorded history, the Acacia has been an important plant in the lives of those who lives where it grows. It has provided lumber for building homes as well as the furniture in the Tabernacle where the Ark of the Covenant was seated. It has provided warmth through firewood and charcoal as well as having medicinal uses.

Vachellia seyal also known by the common names of Red Acacia and Shittim Wood is a tree that is commonly found in the semi-arid areas of tropical Africa. It tends to grow in groups or patches throughout the area. It is classified as an evergreen and sports many thorny spines along its branches. It can grow to a height and width of 10 meters (32 feet) with a trunk diameter of 60 centimeters (23 inches).

The Acacia species is commonly found within 12 degrees of the equator and prefers semi-arid conditions. It grows best where temperatures range between 18-28 degrees Celsius (64-82 degrees Fahrenheit). It is also very adaptable to a range of soil types but does best in a clay well drained soil with a wide pH range. It is also very tolerant of very acidic and salt laden soils.

The Acacia genus is a member of the Fabaceae family. One of the characteristics of the family is that the plants are nitrogen fixing. There are nodules on the root system of the plant that attracts certain bacteria that enables the plant to fix nitrogen which is a necessary nutrient for growth. The plant absorbs the nitrogen from the atmosphere and translocate it through its vascular system to the roots where the bacteria convert it into a form that the plant can use for growth. This is the same process that is used by alfalfa, the pea family, and the Locust family.

The Acacia is also useful for natural medicinal purposes. It’s bark, leaves, and gum extract are used to reduce the symptoms for colds, diarrhea, hemorrhage, jaundice, headache, and burns. An extract from the bark is used against leprosy and dysentery. It acts a stimulant and a purgative (laxative) for both humans and animals. Exposure to smoke is believed to relieve rheumatic pains.

There are many other uses for the Acacia. These include lumber, harvesting of a gum extract, tannin which is a source of red dye, and many others. Chemicals in the bark kill freshwater snails and algae that grows on ponds. The bark can be harvested and be used to make rope. In many areas the thorny branches are cut by farmers and are used as fenceposts.

The wood of the Acacia is pale yellow to medium brown with the heartwood being a pinkish-brown to mahogany-red. The timber contains natural preservatives and is hard and tough and works well. Shittim wood was used to create coffins of Egyptian Pharaohs as well as much of the furniture and structure of the tabernacle of the Ark of the Covenant. The Shittim wood or hardwood is somewhat susceptible to insects and decay. To properly prepare it for use it must be split and soaked in water for few weeks and then wood is allowed to dry before it is used for woodworking purposes. Acacia wood is also an important source of rural energy in the countries in which it grows. It used for both firewood and charcoal.

Acacia In the Bible

Plants have held significant meanings in many different societies throughout recorded history. The Quince in Greek society was a symbol of love and happiness. The Palm is a symbol of victory, rosemary was a symbol of remembrance. But when we contemplate the Acacia, we begin to look at a plant that had a very important part in the building of the Tabernacle as well as the items that were placed therein.

The Acacia is referenced no less than 32 times in 6 different books of the King James Version of the Bible. It is referred to as Shittim wood and is mentioned 23 times alone in the book of Exodus. In the 25th chapter of Exodus Shittim wood is referenced as the material that the Ark of the Covenant is constructed from (Exodus 25:10). It is also used to create the staves that were overlayed with gold used to move the Ark (Exodus 25:13). It was used to create the boards of the tabernacle (Exodus 26:15, 26:26). There were 5 pillars made of Shittim wood that were overlaid with gold used to hang the veils in the tabernacle (Exodus 26:37). The alter for the burning of incense in the tabernacle was also made out of Shittim wood (Exodus 27:1, 30:1). The staves for the alter were crafted out of Shittim wood and overlayed with brass. (Exodus 27:6)

The Acacia due to its abundance and the fact that it was a strong and the wood holds natural preservatives made it an ideal resource to create the structure of the tabernacle as well as the furniture and the Ark of the Covenant. The fact that the coffins of Pharaohs were also made out Acacia shows that the wood was held in the highest of esteem and it makes sense that when the instructions were given for the construction of the Tabernacle and its furniture that the Acacia would be used to create these most important pieces in our biblical history.

The Acacia as A Masonic Symbol

Most literature on this topic ties the Acacia and immortality together through the mythological legend of Isis and Osiris. In this legend Osiris who was both King and God of the Egyptians was tricked by his brother Typhon into entering into a large beautifully crafted box. Upon Osiris’s entry the lid was shut, and the chest was thrown into the Nile. The currents of the Nile carried the chest to Byblos, Phoenicia where it was cast ashore at the foot of an Acacia tree. The tree grew rapidly and soon encased the chest holding the body of Osiris.

When Queen Isis learned of the fate of her husband she set out in search of his body. In the meantime, the King of the land where the Acacia grew that concealed the body, cut down the tree and had a column made of the trunk of the tree. Learning this Isis became the nurse for the King and received the column as her pay. In the trunk of the tree and the column was the preserved body of Osiris.

The Israelites were one of the first peoples to plant a sprig of Acacia at the head of the grave as a symbol of immortality. The Acacia at the grave also marked the gravesite so that no one would walk upon the grave.

It is also recorded that beams that were placed into houses often sprouted branches even though they had no roots. The name “evergreen” implies that the plant always shows life and will never die.

When we as speculative Masons use the sprig of evergreen representing the acacia at our Masonic funeral services, we are giving this as proof of our belief in a “thing not seen” for the Brother who has traveled the path that we all must someday travel.

The second symbol of the Acacia is one of innocence. Acacia in the Greek language is not only the name of the plant it also means a moral quality of innocence or purity of life. In this symbolism we think of him who was in the grave above which the Acacia was planted. His purity of life, virtuous conduct, and fidelity to his trusts lead to the teachings we have learned as Master Masons. We are also challenged to live our lives to emulate his example.

The Acacia and It’s Personal Meaning To Me

Our first introduction to the Acacia is made when we are portraying our Grand Master Hiram Abiff. We are blindfolded and confused when the Acacia is planted at the head of the grave. When the second mention comes about, we are still blindfolded and possible wondering to ourselves how much longer am I going to have to lay here blindfolded on this hard floor all wrapped up in a carpet. Even to myself as a horticulturist at the time of my raising I missed the mention of this important symbol. Not until after being raised and sitting through the Master Mason Lecture did my curiosity begin surrounding this incredible symbol. I did some early research to learn that it was a desert plant that did grow in the area of the Temple.

Within several years of my raising, I embarked on the journey to learn the Master Mason Lecture. As I worked on the lecture the Acacia with the shining emblem at the end of the lecture that after 20 minutes of presenting the lecture, I knew I was at the end. I was able to recite the words in the lecture and I knew that the acacia was an emblem of everlasting light. I had not however internalized what the Acacia actually meant to me.

When my Grandfather passed to the Celestial Lodge Above in 1996, I was fortunate to participate in his Masonic Funeral service. My understanding of the Acacia came a little more into focus in my personal life. As I would walk through a field of evergreens in the family nursery which Grandpa, dad, and uncles started I would think of him and the lessons that I learned from him. The lessons included both work and life lessons. As time went on, I realized that Grandpa had truly lived his life as a Mason and I endeavored to do the same.

When my Father passed to the Celestial Lodge Above in 2016, I was again fortunate to participate in his Masonic service. This was another step toward my understanding of the meaning of the Acacia. Again, upon contemplating Dad’s life and how he lived it and the fight he put forth in the end set an example for me to follow. The Acacia sprig that I deposited meant to me that I was honored to have known my Dad as both a father and a mason and I knew that I would see him again.

In January of 2020 my 35-year-old daughter was diagnosed with Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer. Erin endured 12 rounds of chemotherapy and 2 separate rounds of 10 treatments of radiation therapy. She and her 3 children also lived away from her husband and their father for 3 months due to her husband being an Emergency Room Nurse who was being exposed daily to Covid-19. I must admit that during the 8 months that followed the diagnosis I had lost hope and I also lost faith. How could someone who I was supposed to trust and love and put my faith in allow something so awful to happen to someone so young and full of life? I struggled to put on a brave face and watch Erin as she never complained and always thought she would win her fight. In the end, the cancer had metastasized to her brain and there was no way to stop its vigorous attack on her body. On September 21st, 2020 Erin received her reward for being a true believer and those of left behind were blessed to hear from hundreds of people that she had a positive influence on in her short life.

Shortly after Erin’s passing, I was asked by WB George Moore to present the Master Mason lecture for several Candidates finishing their Grand Masters 1 Day Class. I went through my normal preparation for the presentation. As I stood up that evening and began the Master Mason lecture, I felt a presence of calm that I had not felt in many months in my personal and spiritual life. As I reached the end of the lecture, I realized that Erin was there with me. I presented the lines as I had so many times before, “When we contemplate the Acacia, an emblem of immortality and which bloomed at his grave, we are reminded of that immortal part that survives the grave” I realized that Erin was letting me know that we would see each other again in the hereafter.

To me the Acacia is not only an emblem of immortality but also a sign from my daughter that I will see her again and that it is ok to mourn her loss but that we must also celebrate her life. As I sit back and reflect on this very personal experience, it makes me realize that all of the years of knowing about the Acacia I feel that I now realize it’s full meaning to me which relates to the meaning that we are taught in the Master Mason lecture that there is life ever after and our soul is immortal.

Conclusion

The Acacia, a sprig of evergreen, from a thorny scrubby plant that only grows in the most adverse conditions was used to mark the grave of our Grand Master Hiram Abiff. There are many references in the Bible to the Acacia and it was used to create the Ark of the Covenant as well as other furniture in the Tabernacle. It has also been recorded to have been used to create the coffins of Pharaohs in ancient Egypt. It was planted at the head of the grave of the deceased by the Israelites. Why would the creators of our ritual give us a symbol that has such a notable history? Perhaps it is because through history the Acacia has represented life from death and being an evergreen, it is seen as a plant that will never die. The Acacia is meant for us to reflect on our lives and our beliefs, and it encourages each of us to find what that true meaning is for us. As we each learn the true meaning of the Acacia in our own lives it brings us a piece of mind that we will again see those who have traveled the path before us.

The Travels of Gaius: A Masonic Tale of Allusions

by Bob W. Lingerfelt

The Travels of Gaius is an entertaining and instructional tale intended to familiarize new Freemasons with fundamental Masonic concepts. It is the story of an adventurous young man named Gaius who travels to a strange, unknown land in his search for a thing of great value that was lost long ago. Aided by Dux, an enigmatic guide from a mysterious Order, our hero finds himself tested by the powerful Wardens of the Gates and the ingeniously wicked creatures that lurk in the realms of Beauty, Strength, Wisdom, and Ignorance.

The story’s scenes and characters are designed to give a new initiate a basic but holistic comprehension of certain elementary Masonic subjects. These include, among other things, the nature of the three pillars; the cardinal points of the lodge; the roles, locations, and jewels of the lodge officers; the lesser and greater lights; the four cardinal virtues; circumambulation; the movement of the sun; the Mosaic pavement; and the importance of Deity.

These diverse topics have been woven together in such a way that they can be easily understood and associated with little or no conscious effort on the part of the Masonic reader. Though this book’s target reader is the newly obligated brother of any degree, even the established Freemasons might discover a few ideas worthy of contemplation.

Rolland H. Oakley, Grand Master
June 25, 1879 – July 7, 1880
Reported at the 23nd Annual Communication

The Grand Master noted that recently instituted lodges were not only doing good work, but wielded a strong influence in their communities which many older lodges had neglected. He continued that younger lodges were generally more prosperous, better governed, collected delinquent dues and enforced laws better than older ones.

The Grand Master’s recommendation was approved that the Black Book containing the names of men expelled, suspended and rejected be issued annually to all lodges.

Robert Jordan, Nebraska’s first Grand Master, sent a letter in his absence at Annual Communication about the proliferation of secret societies and the alienation of brothers’ interest in Masonry. He said the fraternity offered additional opportunities for involvement that included the York Rite and Scottish Rite. Jordan continued that the fraternity needed to perform more charity work, and added, “What the order ought to do, and what the world at large has the right to expect of us, is organized effort to accomplish good on a grander scale than has been attempted, at least in Nebraska. This can only be done by being united and owning allegiance to Masonry alone.”

A resolution passed commending the actions of the Grand Master, who personally visited two-thirds of the state’s lodges, and it stated, “…we most heartily endorse and commend the example of Brother Oakley to the careful consideration of all future Grand Masters of this jurisdiction.”

The Grand Master ordered charges brought against a Mason of Fortitude Lodge No. 69 in Ulysses for intoxication, including at a brother’s funeral. When the lodge refused to punish the brother in spite of his admitted guilt, the Grand Master suspended its charter. It was noted that “quite a number” of members had the habit of drunkenness. Good, exemplary men and Masons, he said, were in the minority in the lodge.

James Tulleys was elected Grand Master but because of the severe illness of his wife, he was unable to attend Annual Communication. He was notified of his election by telegraph. Tulleys was installed Grand Master two weeks after the regular installation.

Wooden Cross: Made from a plank taken from the Moses Merrill Mission, the first Babtist structure in the territory of Nebraska, a short distance west of the trading post of Bellevue. Made by William F. Evers, Superintendent for the Nebraska Masonic Home

c 1835

More pictures of this artifact and other museum pieces can be found by clicking on the button below.

Lead-Leader-Leadership and Paying [Real] Attention

Let’s crack open a dictionary (my favorite book of all time) and look up the word “leadership”. My “The New Webster’s Vest Pocket Dictionary” (which is not new nor of the size for a vest pocket) says: lead-er-ship; noun 1) the office or position of a leader 2) capacity to lead 3) the act or an instance of leading 4) LEADERS (caps lock much?).

Great, that told us that we need to figure something else out: the definition of [a] leader: lead-er; noun - a person who directs a military force or unit, a person who has commanding authority or influence and much more ambiguous TITLES and absolutely no methods. But, I suppose teaching how isn’t exactly the Dictionary’s job.

You see, what I realized about these terms we use - leader and leadership - is that by definition they are things. You might even say they are more tools than they are titles. A trowel is a tool and if we look it up in the dictionary, it’ll tell us what it’s used for. Yet, what we will not find is how WE use that tool, as Speculative Masons. So, what I wish to suggest to you in this article is to maybe look at leading and leadership as tools rather than titles. This change in perspective might give you some inspiration on how to effectively lead and how to inspire future leaders.

In a previous article I wrote about the different positions of leading: from the front, back or within. This is what I’m referring to when I say that leadership is more a tool than it is a title (leader). Leading and leadership are essentially the method in which we do things. The way we do things morally, ethically, inspiringly and more.

Think about it: what do we essentially do when we do the right thing? We lead ethically. What about when we help a Brother with understanding what a lecture or a word means within a lecture? We lead educationally. All of our actions are in fact efforts toward leading. Leading is a tool to furthering ourselves as husbands, fathers, friends and Brothers along the path of self-discovery and self-improvement. We don’t need the title of leader to lead, we need only to do the right thing.

Okay, this is all good and well, but how do we improve, refine and test our leadership skills so that we can have some sort of measure of whether it’s working or not (or that we’re even using the tool of leadership correctly)? It all circles back to just paying attention. Not just being aware of what’s happening during a business meeting, a degree, dinner, or what have you, but what’s happening in between the handshakes, the smiles and back pats; the “better to be seen than viewed!” replies or the one guy that always seems to have a mastery knowledge of the “Irish Goodbye”.

What I’m referring to here is paying a capital R-Real attention. It’s hard to do because it’s not our default setting. Our default setting is generally as complicated as Cruise Control is in between Kearney and Ogallala (hint: it’s not). This paying Real attention to the nuances of what is around you - why guys say and do what they do - is where we can see how well we are leading which in this case just so happens to also tell us how well we are connected to this “vast machine”.

When we notice the little things, acknowledge them and give them a wave or metaphoric Masonic handshake, we are showing our guys (and ourselves for that matter) that we care, that we are there for them and that we do, genuinely and with the gusto and inspiration that lit the stars, want to be there for them and the craft.

It is not meant that leading is this thing that is some sort of esoteric mystery or that it has any sort of key or keys to it. We lead by example - and yes, you can lead poorly. But leading and being a leader is about being a part of and, again, paying a very Real attention to why guys say certain things or how they feel or how they operate. We are all quietly speaking to one another about where we are, what we want and how we feel. A great leader can hear those things no matter how quietly they are said.

In closing, while I know ending on a quote can be pretty annoying or maybe a cop out, I feel this kind of bookends what I’m trying to point out here. And if you’re thinking this is remarkably similar to my last article, you’re absolutely right. That article wasn’t “done” for me, so I continued it here and I will end it with this quote from Dune:

“The mystery of life is not a problem to be solved, but a reality to be experienced.”

Some problems (I would argue many of them) are solved by simply paying Real attention to the “Water” of life. We might be really good at solving problems - and this is a great skill to have - but, we can use the tools of leadership to lead our guys, ourselves and our loved ones back into the mystery of life, where we can all experience it together...from the inside out.

Opening Day

Among the many traditions and festivities of Major League Baseball’s Opening Day is the presentation of flags. Former Children’s Home resident and current U.S. Army sergeant, Aiden Austin-King, was honored with the task of presenting the flag at Opening Day ceremonies for the New York Mets. It was a day that he will never forget.

Let’s back up six years. Aiden moved into the Children’s Home his sophomore year of high school. He gravitated toward welding classes in school and welding projects in 4-H. A few years later, he earned Champion awards two times at the Nebraska State Fair and welded in state competitions at Skills USA events. Evenings, he took welding classes at the local community college. Before he graduated from high school, numerous companies asked him to weld for them.

Aiden chose to serve his country by joining the U.S. Army. He is trained as a mechanic and is stationed in the state of New York. He recently extended his Army experience another four years and chose to move to Germany. He could have stayed in the United States, but he wanted a new experience.

Finding an experience in Germany that will top his Opening Day experience will be a challenge, but Sgt. Aiden Austin-King is always up for a good challenge.

Strengthening the mentor-candidate relationship

The ritual of all the Symbolic degrees makes the imperative demand of every candidate asked by the Master of the Lodge “if he has made suitable proficiency in the preceding degree.” An affirmative answer is required before the rites of initiation to the next degree can proceed. This answer is, according to the ritual, that "he has."

But what is suitable proficiency? As MWB Patrick Barger is fond of saying, “It’s not perfection, it’s proficiency.” The Brother should be able to recite most of the requirements with as little prompting as possible. But even if he need lots of help the big question is, does he understand it. That is where the mentor comes in. The mentor needs to be working with the new brother to help him not only learn the proficiency requirements but also the meaning behind the questions and answers. If the brother seems to have a firm grasp on the meaning, the Master of the Lodge can declare the brother proficient.

I recall receiving the pamphlet with the proficiencies when I became an Entered Apprentice in Ohio. Discovering I had to memorize the coded material gave the word "daunting" new meaning. Somehow, though, I "manned-up" and learned them for all three degrees.

Having gone through the experience, I consider it one of the highlights of my Masonic journey. I spent time with my mentor who not only took me through the rote memorization process, but also explained things along the way. At the end, I felt a great sense of accomplishment. I also found all that memory work paved the way for learning other parts in the future. Frankly, I wouldn't trade it for anything. Plus I was building a lasting relationship with the brothers of my lodge.

Strengthening the mentor-candidate relationship is one of the main purposes behind the ritual proficiency. The desired effect is to build lasting bonds and give our new brothers more reasons to want to continue their Masonic journey. As we proceed into the future, we must lift our new brothers up and help them with this journey, rather than burden them and ourselves with the thoughts of being letter perfect in proficiency. Our attitude toward these changes will be critical to attracting and retaining candidates. We need to view proficiency as an opportunity for personal growth of all brethren and strengthening of the lodge; not an obstacle.