Making Good Men, Better Men Since Time Immemorial
Making Good Men, Better Men Since Time Immemorial

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DOING the Golden Rule

DOING the Golden Rule

By R.W. Brother Robert J.F. Elsner

Grand Orator of the Most Worshipful Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Alabama

“Live pure, speak true, right wrong, Follow the King– Else, wherefore born?” This quote by the great Victorian poet Alfred Lord Tennyson is another way of describing the Golden Rule. The apocryphal book Tobit, in 4:15, instructs that we should: “15 Never do to anyone else anything that you would not want someone to do to you. Do not drink so much wine that you get drunk, and do not let drinking become a habit.” This is in line with all other religion’s prohibition against bad behavior towards other people. DO NOT is the center of almost all versions of the Golden Rule. But my question to you is if this is the same as what Tennyson is saying? Live pure, speak true, right wrong, Follow the King.

Tennyson, a Mason since his time at Trinity College, Cambridge, has a lodge named after him in Clevedon, Somerset, called Tennyson Lodge No. 4947. The lodge has permission from Tennyson’s descendants to use his family crest in its logo because of his fondness for the Craft. Tennyson probably penned some version of our statement that we are a brotherhood of men under the fatherhood of God, as those themes stretched as a subtext throughout his poetry. Live pure, speak true, right wrong, Follow the King.

Tennyson spoke about our need to work together to serve God and Country, and reminded us often that God is to be served above country. He writes in the imperative mood to covey a sense of command and urgency: Live pure, speak true, right wrong, Follow the King– Else, wherefore born? Now, too many of us have heard those occasional bad English teachers direct High School Juliets on balconies to look about for their Romeos as if “Wherefore” meant “Where,” instead of “Why?” Why were you born, if not to follow God and follow His commands? Why were you born if you are going to live impurely, speak lies, wrong people, and serve yourself? Why are you a Mason if not to live out your obligations?

Among the darkest times in Israel was when they were rudderless in the book of Judges. “In those days there was no king in Israel; all the people did what was right in their own eyes.” This refrain appears in Judges 17:6, 18:1, 19:1, and 21:25, and is brought up again and again in scripture. Our King is God, and He is always there as our loving Father. Are we a brotherhood of men under the fatherhood of God? When M.W. Bro. Richard gave us the golden vests and ties you see us wearing around the State, the first thing that crossed my mind was that we are to DO the Golden Rule. LIVE the Golden Rule. Revive Masonry with the Golden Rule.

For some of us who are Christians, we read in Matthew (7:12) that Jesus tells us “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” Personally I like this better than the version in Luke 6:31: “31 Do for others just what you want them to do for you.” That seems to leave out the imperative of action without limits. In some words that might be familiar to all of us here, Paul tells us in Galatians 6:10 “Do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of the faithful” This is action. This is DOING. DO the Golden Rule. LIVE the Golden Rule. Revive Masonry with the Golden Rule.

So, what are you DOING? Going to meetings is a great start, but does Masonry end at the green beans of a festive board? Some lodges are thriving, and those are the ones DOING. But not all are in such good conditions.

In a recent article in Forbes Magazine, it was reported that the vitriol and “othering” of our fellow citizens is at an all-time high. In fact, the Edelman Trust Barometer found that 65% of respondents agreed with the following statement: “The lack of civility and mutual respect today is the worst I have ever seen,” with most respondents saying the U.S. is “extremely polarized.” Why are we polarized? The article tells us that we are polarized because we do not volunteer, Americans do not join voluntary organizations like ours, and we tend to drive people out of organizations who do not think like us politically, even when the organization, like ours, has no political inclination nor emphasis.

That Forbes article goes on to tell us that the number one reason why people volunteer and join organizations is because they are asked. We cannot ask for a man to join, but we can ask for help in doing a fundraiser. We can ask for help in being umpires at little league games that we sponsor. We can ask for help putting out flags for Veterans Day or Memorial Day. The article reminds us, as I so often do as well, that listening to people and validating their concerns is key to retaining membership. I often teach students to listen to understand, not to reply. If you listen onto to bring the spotlight back to yourself, you are not listening. If you listen to understand, you build bonds of love and trust. Leading in Lodge is remembering that it is not about YOU. It is about serving God and Humanity, and that your members are your family and humanity. The article ends with comments on Recognition yields returns. Say “Thank you” often, even if the person fell short of your expectations. You don’t always know their struggles, even if you think you do. DO good unto others. In Revelation, we are reminded that heaven has the rods paved with gold, because things that are valued in this life are common and not cared for in the next. The Golden Rule is a product of doing, and in Heaven we will all be perfect children of God, Until then, DO the Golden Rule.

LIVE the Golden Rule. Revive Masonry with the Golden Rule.

Write the Golden Rule on your heart and on your dues cards. “Live pure, speak true, right wrong, Follow the King– Else, wherefore born?”

Amen.

Military Birthdays

My Brothers, as Washington, D.C. recognizes the 250th birthday of the US Army and sets the stage for the anniversaries of all our branches, ( US Army June 14 1775, US Navy Oct. 13 1775, USMC Nov. 10 1775, USCG Aug. 4 1790, US Merchant Marines May 22 1793 US Air Force Sept. 18 1947, US Space Force Dec. 20 2019 and the oldest, the US National Guard  Dec. 10 1636) Let us all raise a resounding cheer for all those Heroes who have set side their lives and put on the uniform of this nation.  For well over 250 years American farmers, factory workers, professionals, businessmen, and women, rich or poor and all races and religions alike have answered America’s call. Our Nation is different; our military fights not for a king or some other kind of ruler but for our people and to defend the God given Rights enshrined in our Constitution: the right of every man to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. Our Sons and Daughters have also answered the call for help in defeating evil around the globe. Our Flag is the symbol of Hope and a shining light of Liberty in every corner of the Earth. Our Military is the embodiment of all that is Great in our Nation.  When our allies see us, they know the cavalry has arrived. When our enemies look out as the Nazis did and as far as the eye can see on the land, sea and in the air the unmatched might of the United States knowing that it is coming for them the fear is unimaginable. Our Military has a history that is unmatched because there is nothing like the men and women who serve. They are America’s Finest. Whichever Branch or Branches you served in is better for having you. Thank you for your service and sacrifice Happy Birthday and God Bless.

Veterans Committee 2nd Quarter Update

Brothers

Just taking a moment to give you a 2nd qtr update.

Everyone did great on the drive for the monument, you exceeded the goal of raising the funds to cover the stone. For the first time the Veteran’s committee has a surplus of funds available.  We are finalizing the details for the monument at the cemetery and as soon as we get a date for a dedication, we will post it so anyone who wants to attend will be able to. Memorial Day is coming up. There are many observances statewide, check with your local cemeteries and municipalities for the ones closest to you.

We would love to hear from any of you who have ideas for Veteran related projects.

This qtr. in History:

Mission Accomplished “Desert Storm”

Battle of Coral Sea “WWII”                                          

Germany Signs Unconditional Surrender VE Day “WWII”

US Navy launches its first ships 1797

Battle of Hamburger Hill “Vietnam”

Battle of Gettysburg “Civil War”

USCG and US Army Formed

Operation Overlord D-Day “WWII”

Operation Red Wings “Global War On Terror”

Armistice Day “Korean War”

On a personal note, June 5th 2007 Alive day IP Station Tikrit Iraq for my Brother Hubble Hanline, a day I will never forget.  “GWOT”

Memorial Day Message from the Veterans Committee

Brothers,

On behalf of the Veterans Committee, we want to remind everyone that Memorial Day is approaching fast. We hope you and your families have a safe and exciting holiday. While you are enjoying your time off between the beach and the BBQ please take a moment to reflect on why we have the day off. This day is set aside where we can collectively as a nation give thanks and remember that there are families all over our country who have had someone they love to make the Supreme Sacrifice in defense of our Freedoms. There is not a day that goes by they don’t miss them and would give anything to be able to spend that one more day with them. How many of our friends will not be sharing the BBQ with us or riding in the boat? How many children and grandchildren were never held by a beaming papa? How many kids walked graduation stages and were not able to see that proud parent’s face? How many mothers and fathers had to do the hardest thing imaginable and bury their child? This day should be a day of celebrating and remembering; it is a very solemn day, but it is also a day we say thank you. Live this day to its fullest just like our fallen Brothers and Sisters would. Enjoy your families and have fun, eat too much BBQ, take a nap by the water and take the kids just one more time down the water slide and when you do think of our Heroes who made this day possible.   Have a wonderful Memorial Day! God Bless our Veterans and God Bless America.

Grand Chaplain Joe Michael Fowler

This week is one of the most important weeks of a Christians life. The last hours of Jesus in the form of a physical man. As you go back to Luke’s Gospel, You need to start at Lk 13:32 “A 3 Day Journey” Read this Study and share with others.

3 day Journey

Luke13:32 to Luke chapter 22 is 3 days before the Cross at Jerusalem
Jesus cries over Jerusalem
Teaches Humility to his disciples
Parable of Lost Sheep, Lost Coin and the Lost Son
Rich man and Lazarus
Healing of 10 Lepers
Children brought to Him
Salvation of Zacchaeus
Healing blind Bartimaues
Foretelling destruction of. Temple
Triumphant entry to Jerusalem
Last supper with Disciples
Washing Disciples feet
Praying in the Garden
Betrayal by Judas

The next 3 day journey will be after His Death.  JMF

MWGM Richard Allen Schultz Biography

Richard Allen Schultz, GM 2024-2025

Brother Richard Allen Schultz was born December 15th, 1969 and was raised in Jasper, Alabama. He graduated from Walker High School in 1988 and Virgina College in 2000. He also earned degrees from Bevill State Community College.

He was initiated in Cordova Masonic Lodge #559 located in Cordova, Alabama on July 17th, 2008. He was Passed to the Degree of Fellowcraft on September 4th, 2008, and Raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason on October 4th, 2008. He progressed through the Chairs of Cordova Lodge #559 and was elected to serve as Worshipful Master during 2013-2014 and was elected to serve a second term as Worshipful Master during 2015-2016.

His service to the Grand Lodge of Alabama began when he was appointed to serve as District Lecturer for the 26th Masonic District in November 2016 and served in that capacity until his election as Junior Grand Warden in November 2021. He was appointed Right Worshipful Grand Marshal of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Alabama in November 2019 by Most Worshipful Past Grand Master Jon Michael Taylor.

He was initiated into the York Rite bodies in Birmingham Chapter #76, Birmingham Council #43, and Birmingham Commandery #10 in 2017, Valley of Birmingham Scottish Rite in 2017, Sipsey Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star #565 in 2018, and Dinar Grotto in 2022.

He is a current member of the Sipsey Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star #565, Birmingham-Metro York Rite Bodies, Valley of Birmingham Scottish Rite, Dinar Grotto, Widows Sons Masonic Riders Association Wayfarers Chapter and Revival Masonic Lodge #935.

He enlisted into the United States Army in January 1989 and served in various assignments in the 2nd Battalion 3rd Air Defense Artillery of the 1st Infantry Division at Fort Riley Kansas before being deployed overseas in the first Gulf War for Operations Desert Shield/Storm. He received three Bronze Combat Stars and two Presidential Campaign ribbons.

Grand Lodge of North Carolina Coin

Brethren,

The Grand Lodge of Alabama has partnered with the Grand Lodge of North Carolina on a RISE North Carolina Grand Lodge coin to assist in their relief efforts from Hurricane Helene. MWGM Robert Wayne Rideout has generously commissioned an AL numbered series coin. They are available for a donation of $100 through the Grand Lodge office. CLICK HERE to see a full size image.

This is a limited offering and all funds raised will be sent to the Grand Lodge of North Carolina to aid in their relief efforts for the lodges of western North Carolina. Contact the Grand Secretary to reserve yours. I have mine.

Thanks,

Richard Schultz, GM

Passing of Brother James M. Eidson, Sr., PGM

It is my sad duty to inform you of the passing of Most Worshipful Brother James M. Eidson, Sr., Past Grand Master of Masons in Alabama. Most Worshipful Brother Eidson passed away peacefully at his home yesterday, February 16, 2025. Most Worshipful Brother Eidson served as Grand Master in 1974-1975. Most Worshipful Brother Eidson was our most senior Past Grand Master and this Masonic year, Most Worshipful Brother Eidson celebrated 50 years as a Past Grand Master. Per Most Worshipful Brother Eidson’s last requests, there will be no service of any kind. Please keep the entire Eidson family in your prayers.

Sincerely and Fraternally,
Zachary Holmes, Grand Secretary

Thank You

When the Lord needed a warrior to defeat evil, He said whom shall we send? Christ said here am I send me. Since then, warriors have spent Christmas apart from their families on the frontline around the world defending Freedom and protecting Peace on Earth. At this time we want to send a special Thank You to all our Veterans and Prayers that the Lord would watch over and protect all our men and women in uniform around the world let them feel our Love and give them Peace.