Regular Meetings First Monday of the Month (except as ...ddgm13.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/13LOI_Newsletter_Feb_2018.… · representing the astrological sign of Capricorn; Dec.

Most Worshipful Paul F. GleasonGrand Master of Masons in Massachusetts

Right Worshipful Paul B. CraigieDistrict Deputy Grand Master, 13th District

Regular Meetings First Monday of the Month

(except as noted)Location rotates between District Lodges

Begins at 7:00pm sharp Collation to follow

TONIGHT’S PROGRAM (2/5)

NEXT MONTH’S PROGRAM (3/5)

Location: Woburn, 17 Arlington Road

Topic: The Wages of a Mason: Part 3

Collation: Woburn Lodges

Location: Wakefield, 370 Salem Street

Topic: The Wages of a Mason: Part 2

Collation: Wakefield Lodges

NEWSLETTER FEBRUARY 5, 2018

Good Samaritan Lodge Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2018Golden Rule Lodge Thursday, Feb. 8, 2018Friendship Lodge Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2018Mt. Horeb Lodge Tuesday, March 6, 2018Scimitar Lodge Wednesday, March.14, 2018William Parkman Lodge Tuesday, April 10, 2018Star of Bethlehem Lodge Tuesday, April 18, 2018Lynnfield-Zetland Lodge Tuesday, April 26, 2018

DISTRICT DEPUTY LETTER

LODGE FRATERNAL VISITS

Greetings Brethren!

As we continue in the new Masonic Year, I would like to receive your input on our Lodge of Instruction. I have some

ideas for change and would like to add yours as to what we should add/change, and what might be best left in the

rearview mirror.

We are also beginning the Fraternal Visit season and, unlike last year, I have twelve 50 Year Medals to present in

5 of our Lodges. There will also be several other types of awards for achievement and Service, and I hope to see many

of you sharing these joyous events. The Fraternal Visits offer a unique and more relaxed environment to share in

the presentation of these awards, and for increasing the contact and fellowship between Lodges. Just as important,

through earning points on visitations and Grand Lodge events, we honor our Grand Master by the presentation of the

MW Paul Gleason Award!

Spring is also Table Lodge season so please make your plans early, put in your applications for dispensation, and

get the word out early and often. With all the competition that often occurs, you might consider combining your

resources for a joint Table Lodge with 1 or more neighboring Lodges. Taking that a little further, maybe team up with

a Lodge from another District, for instance North Reading or Melrose. The important thing – keep it Masonic, but

“HAVE FUN!”

I would ask each of you to choose one of your Brethren, and per-

sonally invite him to the next LOI. Maybe even offer to carpool and

pick him up. This one simple act may provide that Brother some

enjoyment, but just as importantly will hopefully strengthen our

efforts as a District.

Fraternally and respectfully,

RW Paul B. Craige, DDGM 13th Masonic District

Right Worshipful Paul B. Craigie

THIRTEENTH MASONIC DISTRICT OFFICERS

13TH LODGE OF INSTRUCTION – MISSION STATEMENT

The Lodge of Instruction has been established to reinforce and encourage the practice of our Masonic tenets. It accomplishes this by providing education for candidates and information for Lodge Officers and members, in a friendly and social atmosphere. The main objective is to encourage personal growth, increase knowledge of Freemasonry and to uphold the traditions of our craft.

Symbology: The learning lamp, providing light to education

DDG MASTER: RW Paul B. Craigie 781-454-8653 / [email protected]

DDG MARSHAL: Wor Carl S. Hanson 781-820-2830 / [email protected]

DDG SECRETARY: Wor Anastasios N. Miliotis (Taso) 978-807-1222 / [email protected]

DDG TREASURER: Wor Donald Scribner 508-468-4747 / [email protected]

MEMBERSHIP CHAIRMAN: Wor Paul J. DeLuca 978-987-3271 / [email protected]

SERVICE REP.: Wor Dominic J. Colanton 617-771-2199 / [email protected]

LOI ASST. SECRETARY: Wor W. Gordon Rogerson 781-953-0186 / [email protected]

LOI LEAD INSTRUCTOR: Wor Robert A. Cimeno 978-728-2753 / [email protected]

COMMUNICATION REP.: Bro Jay Garrett 508-808-1523 / [email protected]

ASST. COMMUNICATION REP.: Bro Keith M. Curtis 781-439-5322 / [email protected]

MASONIC YOUTH REP.: Bro Steve Dukas 781-856-9560 / [email protected]

MASONIC SCOUT REP.: Wor Stephen C. Phillips 781-653-0374 / [email protected]

MASONIC WIDOWS REP.: Wor Kevin M. Conley 617-417-3138 / [email protected]

MASONIC WISDOM

Our first experience upon entering the Lodge as apprentices is to be warned about the Goat. Even before we are informed of ‘in whom we should put our trust’, we are given knowing looks followed by such com-ments as; “ he’s going to get the goat” or “ you are going to ride the goat” or even “look out for the goat”. It is a good thing that we are informed that we place our trust in God, since some poor unfortunate entered ap-prentice could understandably be forgiven for replying; “ In the Goat”.

The origin of this humourous initiatory jest about the Goat is shrouded by the veils of time. Several Older brethern I have conferred with seem to have no idea of where or when it originated. It could have originally been imported from America by that practical joker and fellow Mason; Benjamin Franklin. Or it could be a unique recent development of post World War II Masonry.

Certainly I can find no references to the Goat or even “riding the Goat” in Mackay’s Masonic Encyclopedia, Duncan’s Ritual, Morals and Dogma by Albert Pike or even FreeMasonry and its Etiquette by William Preston Campbell-Everden. Even such anti-Masonic writers as Walton Hannah (Darkness Visible and Christian by Degree) make no reference to it, and it would certainly be something he would not be loathe to use to slander the Craft.

Thus with such sparse reference sources available we could easily dismiss our Goat as a simple joke, a hangover from those other fraternities that abound on college and university campuses across this great nation. In fact a bit of school boy prank amongst pals.

Thus dismissed as a bit of tom-foolery I wouldn’t have much of a paper to present this evening. Yet can we dismiss our ancient friend who has played such a great role in the myths and legends, of all religions and cultures of Western Europe? The Goat dates back to the very earliest primordial memo-ries of Man. And perhaps even used as a joke within the Lodge it would do us well to look at him as a totem or symbol of the Great Work. In fact if you will bear with me I think I shall be able to prove to you that, using the training we are recommended as Fellow Craft Masons, we can find that the humble Goat too reflects the truth of Masonry “veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols”.

The Goat is known to all of us through the ancient science of Astrol-ogy first developed by the Chaldeans, or as they are commonly known; Babylonians. The Goat symbolizes male fertility, and is known, to even those who peruse the daily astrology columns of the local newspaper, as representing the astrological sign of Capricorn; Dec. 22 to January 22. Capricorn is a combination of both a Goat and and a fish. According to J.E.. Cirlot in his Dictionary of Symbols; this dual aspect refers to the dual tendencies of life towards the abyss ( or water) “ or chaos of the beginning of time, and “ the heights or mountains “ or order and malkuth (the earth) as symbolized by the goat aspect.

In fact the very same Babylonians who gave us this symbol of Capricorn and the science of Astrology were the first Temple builders, and the goat for them symbolised the essence of the Temple or Lodge. An animal

usually found climbing in the mountains. Thus from the first ziggurats to the Temple of Solomon even to later Churches the Goat was seen as symbol of Man striving to reach God through his building of Temples that represented mountains. Since in all religions Gods abode is symbolized by mountains.

What a better symbol to atribute to our own striving to understand the G.A.O.T.U. then a Goat. And here too we find an anagram for Goat.

According to a research monograph on the Dionysian Artificers and Early Masonry edited by Manly P. Hall, the symbolism of the goat relates to the prechristian God Pan, Dionysius. The Goat-God was accepted by the later Greek Mystery Schools as the symbol of the Temple Builders. In fact the Dionysian Artificers was such a mystery school. They viewed practical Temple Construction as a source of understanding the mystery of Nature and God; thus being one of the early esoteric schools from which Masonry has inherited certain symbols and teachings. Most specifically this Greek Mystery School developed the Ionic Column which are intro-duced to us in the Fellow Craft degree. Once again this column which acted as the corner stone of Greek Architecture literally holds up the temple; the very support for the Mountain or home of God.

Besides representing the Temple or Home of the gods, the goat repre-sents the active male sexual or fer-tility aspect of nature. As Capricorn he rules the returning sun, from the darkness of winter solstice. In the sign of the Goat/Capricorn the sun begins to resume its ascent towards the spring Equinox. As well the goat horn is a hallow phallic sym-bol, represented even today as the cup of plenty or cornucopia which we see represented in the Lodge.

The androgenous symbolism of the horn of plenty is typical of the symbolism of the goat in general. While the Greek Goat Gods Pan

and Dionysius were male, we look at the goat as an animal in masculine erms while it is both male and female. The identification of the the male goat in by his beard, since both genders have horns. The phrase “ by my beard, or “ he pulled my beard “ as well as the style of beard called a ‘goatee’ all relate to the goat.

The goat-Gods Pan and Dionysius in Greek mythology represent the for-est and unbridled nature; lust in the case of Pan and Drinking, and fertility in the case of Dionysius. Hence from the OED we have the term for a lecherous older man; “you old Goat”. Pan is represented as being half human, half goat with horns, and would later be used in medieval times to represent the devil.

Herein as well in the Old Testament we find the beautiful love poem which views the goat as symbolizing nature, and fertility as it did in prechristian times. In the Song of Songs both lovers refer to each other as goats. As to be expected since the lovers in this poem are a shepherd and shepherdess herding goats!!! And we have the symbolism of the goats in relationship to sacred mountains or temples. It is enough to mention that this song is known as Solomons who plays such an important role in Freemasonry.

THE SYMBOLISM OF THE GOATBY EUGENE W PLAWIUK M.M.PRESENTED TO NORWOOD LGDGE No.90 A.F.& A.M. G.R.A.SEPTEMBER 3 ,1991 C.E.

Continued on next page

FEATURED ACTIVITIES

In medieval times clerical knights and military orders made up of priests during the crusades differentiated themselves from regular knights by riding upon goats rather than horses. This tradition can be seen in the Knights Templer who would ride horses but two knights to one horse, thus representing their clerical origins.

Need I relate the most obvious use of the goat known to all Master Ma-sons? The Scapegoat. An animal who leads the others to slaughter now commonly used to reier to the unwitting victim of some malice. It is obvi-ous that the initiate stands in for Hiram Abiff and takes his blows accord-ingly. In referring to the goat perhaps we are unconsciously warning the entered apprentice of his ultimate end in his soujourn through the Degrees.

As I mentioned earlier the Boat and the Goat-God Pan became equated with the devil in medieval christianity. But to medieval occultists especial-ly Rosicrucians the goat symbolized the elemental energies of the earth, the sign of Saturn and the alchemical element derived therefrom.

In the Tarat it is the Major Arcana card #15 the Devil, who shows a goat headed deity with a man and women chained to him. The symbolism is that of people who strive for material rather than spiritual gain.

The Goat of Mendes or Baphomet whom the Templars were accused of worshipping is a Goat Headed deity, being formed of both male and female principles, with a Caduceus of Mercury for its phallus. One arm points up and one down , with the latin ‘ Solve et Coagula’ written on

them. This is not the christian devil but a symbol of the ancient alchemists representing the fact that nature and natures God is a combination and bal-ance of male and female forces, light and darkness, moisture and dryness. The very principle of Hermes Trismegitus; As Above So Below” is what is symbolized by Baphomet.

Another Goat headed deity worship by the ancient pagan Celtic peoples was Cernnunos the horned god of the Wood. Today in witchcraft covens the goat head is seen to symbolize this ancient deity.

Unfortunately to the those who remain in the dark, these goat deities are seen as something evil rather than as the symbol of the earth, fertility, the prima mater, and the first principle.

Freemasonry in its past like its predecessor the Knights Templar have been accused of being in league with the Devil, being a satanic tool etc. That has arisen from the fact that FreeMasons by their initiation into the Light have been eager to research and study the Mystical symbols of the past and present, without fear or irrational prejudice. In times past of religious persecution and superstition the Mystical Mason has treaded the path of heresy in search of the Light of Truth.

I hope that this paper has afforded us all a broader view of meaning and depth of the symbolism of even something as simple as “our little joke”, about the Goat.

Ladies at the Table Dinner

Good Samaritan LodgeFriday, February 23, 2018

at 6:30 p.m.

Cost $45 per personMulti-course meal

This one night is especially set-aside for the ladies associated with past, present and possibly future members of the Masonic Lodge and provides an excellent, positive, and productive occa-sion for the Ladies to meet each other. The dinner is designed for sociability, for entertainment and for information.

For more information and to make a reservation contactWor. Bob Cimeno at 978-988-1002 or Wor, Jim Baxter at 617-957-8606, [email protected]

Hear Dic Donohue’s remarkable story

Good Samaritan LodgeWednesday, February 7, 2018

at 7:30 p.m.

FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLICDic Donohue is a retired transit police sergeant who was wounded in the line of duty during the Watertown shooting fol-lowing the Boston Marathon bombings. After being shot, Dic was rushed to a nearby hospital and was feared dead from the significant blod loss. He managed to fend off death and then face the incredible challenges of recovery. Now Dic is telling his story across the country, performing inspirational talks to businesses and organizations.

CONSTITUENT LODGES

Star of Bethlehem Lodge, Est. 1843 370 Salem St., Wakefield, MA

3rd Wednesday – 6:00 p.m.

StarofBethlehemLodge.org

Wor. Richard Otte / 781-233-2021

[email protected]

Sec. Wor. Sergio Jaramillo / 781-704-1329

[email protected]

Dinner contact: Bro. Christopher Jaramillo at

[email protected] or 781-704-1436

Next HELP Date: 3/24

Good Samaritan Lodge, Est. 1870 110 Haven St., Reading, MA

1st Wednesday – 6:00 p.m.

GoodSamaritanLodge.org

Wor. Robert Cimeno / 978-658-1940

[email protected]

Sec. Wor. James Baxter / 617-957-8606

[email protected]

Dinner contact: Bro. Michael Lacey at [email protected] or 617-859-7750


Golden Rule Lodge, Est. 1888 370 Salem St., Wakefield, MA

2nd Thursday – 6:30 p.m.

www.GoldenRuleLodge.org

Wor. Jay Garrett / 508-808-1523

[email protected]

Sec. R.W. George J. Bibilos

781-662-3347 / [email protected]

Dinner contact: Bro. Nate Gayman at

[email protected] or 617-799-0684


Mount Horeb Lodge, Est. 1855 17 Arlington Rd., Woburn, MA

1st Tuesday – 6:00 p.m.

WoburnMasons.org

Wor. Dan Daley / 617-901-7866

[email protected]

Sec. Don Coutoumas

cell 603-767-4920 home 603-343-1360

[email protected]

Dinner contact: Wor. Randy Smallwood at [email protected]


William Parkman Lodge, Est. 1864 17 Arlington Rd., Woburn, MA

2nd Tuesday – 6:00 p.m.

www.williamparkmanlodge.com

Wor. Robert Macintosh

781-254-3092 /[email protected]

Sec. Wor. Vincent Marino


Dinner contact: Bro. Stephen Dukas at 781-369-9751 or [email protected]


Lynnfield-Zetland Lodge, Est. 1867 370 Salem St., Wakefield, MA

4th Thursday – 6:30 p.m.

www.LynnfieldZetland.org

Wor. Bruce Parker


Sec. Wor. Charles R. Austin


Dinner contact: Wor. Bruce Parker at

603-377-0005 or [email protected]


Friendship Lodge, Est. 1901 32 Church St., Wilmington, MA

3rd Wednesday – 6:30 p.m.

www.FriendshipLodge.com

Wor. Mario Marchese / 978-408-7937

[email protected]

Sec. Bro. Richard Searfoss / 978-658-4882

[email protected]

Dinner contact: Bro. Ed Torrel at 978-657-7682 or [email protected]


Scimitar Lodge, Est. 2015 99 Fordham Rd., Wilmington, MA (Aleppo)

2nd Wednesday – 6:30 p.m.

www.scimitarlodge.org

Wor. Thomas Foster


Sec. RW. John J. Maihos


Dinner contact: Bro. Steve Dalrymple at

617-628-6251 or [email protected]


FEATURED ACTIVITIES

Did you know there was a Square & Compass Club in this area?

The Officers and Members of the Malden Square & Compass Club would like to invite you to come out and see what we are all about.

Arlington Masonic Building

19 Academy Street, Arlington, MA 02476 Third Thursday of the month, March through December at 6:00pm.

We are a social group, we enjoy good food and drink each month.

Business meetings are very very brief! Our requirement for membership,

you must be a Master Mason in Good Standing

If you would like a chance to socialize with your brethren outside of the Lodge then this is the place.

Come play a game of pool, a game of cards, watch a ballgame, practice ritual, plan a lodge event or just sit and chat for awhile.

Come for a visit and see what we have to offer.

Make a dinner reservation by contacting any of the officers below: President, Tim McGavin

781-775-7060 or email [email protected] Vice Preisident, Bob Bloedow

781-534-4127 or email [email protected] Secretary, Mike Morris

781-258-3529 or email [email protected] Treasurer, Ralph Pelosi

617-417-3750 or email [email protected]

DID YOU KNOW THERE WAS A SQUARE & COMPASS CLUB IN THIS AREA?We are a social group, who enjoy good food and drink on the 3rd Friday of each month at 6:00pm (Mar. through Dec.). If you would like a chance to socialize with your brethren outside of the Lodge then this is the place. Come play a game of pool, a game of cards, watch a ballgame, practice ritual, plan a lodge event or just sit and chat.

The Malden Square & Compass Club, wants to invite you to come out and see what we are all about. Just contact any one of us to make a dinner reservation:

Tim McGavin @ 781-775-7060 / [email protected] Bob Bloedow @ 781-534-4127 / [email protected] Mike Morris @ 781-258-3529 / [email protected] Ralph Pelosi @ 617-417-3750 / [email protected]

Arlington Masonic Building19 Academy Street, Arlington, MA 02476Join Mount Horeb

as we serve dinner

to our neighbors

in need, for free,

once a month.

------------------------THE 2nd

MONDAYOF EACH

MONTH

DONUT LODGEMasonic family event,

wives, kids etc., are invited.

Hosted by Good Samaritan Lodge:

9:00 – 11:00 AM

EVERY 3rd SATURDAY

Reading Lodge110 Haven Street,

Reading, MA 01867

FEB. 16TH

HELPFUL WEBSITESGrand Lodge: www.massfreemasonry.orgDistrict Website: www.DDGM13.net Grand Lodge Service Department: www.service.comGrand Lodge Education Department: www.educatemasons.orgAsk a Mason: www.askafreemason.orgMassMasons: www.massmasons.orgMasonic Ambassador Site: www.masonicambassadors.netMassachusetts Lodge of Research: tinyurl.com/LofResearchDistrict e-mail: [email protected]

Masonic Health System of MA: www.masonichealthsystem.orgMasonic Medical Research Laboratory: www.mmrl.eduNational Heritage Museum: www.nationalheritagemuseum.orgShriners International: www.shrinersinternational.orgAleppo Shriners: www.alepposhriners.comScottish Rite Northern Jurisdiction: www.scottishritenmj.org Massachusetts York Rite: www.yorkrite.com/maMassachusetts DeMolay: www.mademolay.orgDeMolay International: www.demolay.orgMassachusetts Rainbow Jurisdiction: www.massiorg.orgInternational Order of the Rainbow for Girls: www.gorainbow.orgOrder of the Eastern Star, MA Grand Chapter: www.oestar.orgOrder of the Eastern Star, Grand Chapter: www.easternstar.org

HELP (HOSPITAL EQUIPMENT LOAN PROGRAM)

HELP is Masonry in Action! (4th, 9th, & 13th Districts)

Location: New permanent indoor location: 500 West Cummings Park – Suite 1150 Woburn, MA 01801

Phone #: 781-322-1052 (same number)Time: Saturdays 9 a.m. to Noon (same hours)

Help is always needed at HELP, know you can always just show up and your lodge will get credit for your being there. Any time you give is appreciated!

ORDER OF DEMOLAY (WAKEFIELD CHAPTER)

ORDER OF RAINBOW (WAKEFIELD ASSEMBLY)

Worthy Advisor – Jenna E. Raymond Mother Advisor – Amy Raymond / 781-443-2639, [email protected]

2/1 Regular Meeting (1st & 3rd Thursday of each month) 2/15 Regular Meeting (1st & 3rd Thursday of each month)

Master Councilor – Robbie Gonzalez / [email protected] Advisor – Steve Dukas / 781-856-9560, [email protected] – Sean Quinlan / 617-943-1438, [email protected]

2/7 Regular Meeting (1st Wed. & 3rd Fri. of month) 2/16 Regular Meeting (1st Wed. & 3rd Fri. of month)

The Grand Master has offered all MA lodges the opportunity to hold a special communication at the Grand Lodge’s headquarters. Come see the wonderful Boston Masonic building that belongs to our fraternity, take in a tour of all the ornate lodge rooms and make a rememborable event.

If interested in taking advantage of this offer, the building supervisor, Bro. David Harty at 617-426-6040 or [email protected] to discus dates, times and arrangements.

Have Your Lodge

Meeting at Your

Grand Lodge in Boston.

Regular Meetings First Monday of the Month (except as ...ddgm13.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/13LOI_Newsletter_Feb_2018.… · representing the astrological sign of Capricorn; Dec.

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