Author: David E. Stafford

Gems of Purpose

Bethpage Lodge #521, F&AM of Tennessee

Dr. David E. Stafford, PM-Sec’y Robert L. Smith, Worshipful Master
550 E. Bledsoe Street, 23-B bethpagelodge521@att.net
Gallatin, TN 37066 www.mastermason.com/bethpagelodge521
www.grandlodge-tn.org/

Why Lodges are Not Attended

Dates to
Remember
April 16—Stated Meeting, Dr. Tom Driber to Speak
May 21—Stated Meeting
June 18—Stated Meeting

Inside this issue:

Why Lodges are Not Attended	1
Why Lodges are Not Attended Conti . . .	2
Why Lodges are Not Attended Concluded	3
Scriptures for a Mason	3
Candlelight EA Degree	4
Lodge Minutes	5
A Word of Caution	6

By J.O.S.
A serious drawback in the work of Masonry lies in the fact that Lodge meetings, in a general way, are but slimly attended by its members. That such is the case is evident to everyone who has ever presided one year as Worshipful Master, and yet there are but few who seem to realize that there is a cause for it, and that they themselves are perhaps more to blame than anyone else for the empty seats around their Lodge room. To a certain extent, it is the same in Masonry as it is everywhere else. There must be some compensation in the way of benefits derived to them, or the great mass of people cannot be held to work together in any organization. They may remain nominal members, but unless there is some compensating equivalent, they will soon cease to be active ones. There is that much selfishness in human nature, and there has never been found an inventive genius able to overcome it.
Take for example the numerous churches in this city. An inspection of them at the usual hour for services on any Sabbath morning, will disclose the fact that a few are well filled with congregants, twice as many more are not more than one-half filled, and in the balance of them the empty seats outnumber the worshipers by a large majority. This disparity in the attendance cannot be accounted for on the score of the number or devoutness of the membership of these churches, and hence there must be some other cause for it. One visit to each of them is sufficient to explain the whole matter. In the pulpits of the crowded are men of learning, eloquence, and ability to instruct and interest those who come to hear them. Men, women, and children flock there in eager expectancy of the rich intellectual feast that had been prepared for them.
In many of the half-filled churches are good preachers, with carefully prepared sermons, strong in doctrinal points, but lacking new thoughts and ideas to season them up to the palate of this progressive age. They fail to draw from beyond the circle of church membership, and attract only a portion of that. In the churches where empty seats predominate, are heard the same sermons over and over again. The preacher selects a new text each time, and fits the old discourse to it, making it look very much like
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March 2009

Volume 4, Issue 2

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Gems of Purpose

Why Lodges are Not Attended

. . . Continued from Page 1
an old cottonade coat with a new velvet collar. The few hearers they have are there from a strict sense of duty, while the less conscientious members have strayed away, and help swell the crowd that sit entranced beneath the droppings of other sanctuaries.
This illustration shows the natural disposition of men, and is offered solely for that purpose. It applies as aptly to them in all business, social or fraternal relations. Even in Masonry the same general rule prevails, for Masons, after all, are but men, and Masonic Lodges simply an organization among them, from which they expect to derive a great benefit. Lodge meetings are held at regularly stated periods, and it is by them that the brethren expect to be more especially benefited as members of the Mystic Tie. They are the schools at which they receive their Masonic education, and the banks from which they draw their wages as Masons. Schools without teachers and banks without funds are poor institutions, and that is what is the matter with so many Masonic Lodges. The brethren soon get tired of going to the meetings of a Lodge when they know that there is nothing to be learned there, and they derive no benefit from their attendance. They feel that they can spend the time more pleasantly and profitably somewhere else, and we are of the same opinion.
In our travels, not long since, we stopped at a small village in the western part of the State. It was a dark, rainy evening, and decidedly uncomfortable out-of-doors. Learning that there was to be a meeting of the Lodge, we hastily ate our supper and repaired to the Lodge room. Dripping with rain and bespattered with mud, the brethren came in from the surrounding country. It was a called meeting on business of importance, and all of the members had been notified to be present. The W. M., a doctor in the village, came in a little late and proceeded at once to open the Lodge. It was found that the business for which the meeting had been called must necessarily be postponed, and the W. M. hurriedly closed the Lodge and lit out. The brethren quietly put on their overcoats and started home as though they had been attending a funeral. Many of them had come several miles through the rain and mud, and as they again faced the storm doubtless felt that they had better stayed at home. Again we are of the same opinion.
The case we have here presented is only one of many that are constantly occurring, where nothing is done at a Lodge meeting but to open and close the Lodge, except it be a few unimportant items of business. In another Lodge of one hundred and twenty-six members, visited recently at its stated meeting, there were only eight members present, and the business, including the reading of the minutes, did not occupy more than ten minutes, and the W. M. was then ready to close the Lodge.
A few thoughts presented by a visiting brother, however, awakened a spirit of inquiry among the members, and an hour or more was spent both pleasantly and profitably to all present. During the next day we frequently heard the remark made to members who were not present at the meeting, "You ought to have been there; we had a nice time, and I learned lots of new things ;" and all expressed regrets that they were not there. The only reason that they were not there was that they expected it would be the same as on previous occasions, nothing to do and nothing to interest them.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Continued on Page 4

Scriptures for a Studying Mason

2Ch 2:9 Even to prepare me timber in abundance: for the house which I am about to build shall be wonderful great.
2Ch 2:10 And, behold, I will give to thy servants, the hewers that cut timber, twenty thousand measures of beaten wheat, and twenty thousand measures of barley, and twenty thousand baths of wine, and twenty thousand baths of oil.
2Ch 2:11 Then Huram the king of Tyre answered in writing, which he sent to Solomon, Because the LORD hath loved his people, he hath made thee king over them.
2Ch 2:12 Huram said moreover, Blessed be the LORD God of Israel, that made heaven and earth, who hath given to David the king a wise son, endued with prudence and understanding, that might build an house for the LORD, and an house for his kingdom.
2Ch 2:13 And now I have sent a cunning man, endued with understanding, of Huram my father's,
2Ch 2:14 The son of a woman of the daughters of Dan, and his father was a man of Tyre, skilful to work in gold, and in silver, in brass, in iron, in stone, and in timber, in purple, in blue, and in fine linen, and in crimson; also to grave any manner of graving, and to find out every device which shall be put to him, with thy cunning men, and with the cunning men of my lord David thy father.
2Ch 2:15 Now therefore the wheat, and the barley, the oil, and the wine, which my lord hath spoken of, let him send unto his servants:

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Why Lodges are Not Attended
. . . Continued from Page 2
The remedy for this prevailing evil of non-attendance is a simple one. Make the meetings interesting and instructive, and the brethren will come. This should be the especial business of the W. M., for the honor of his position. He owes that much to his Lodge, and should discharge the debt faithfully. If he proves a defaulter, then the members must depend upon themselves, and when they have once made the effort they will be surprised at their own success. At the present day the means of information are abundant. There are many excellent works on the history, jurisprudence, symbolism, and everything else pertaining to Freemasonry. Above all, secure a good, reliable Masonic journal. It will furnish every month what can be used to make all the Lodge meetings interesting, and costs but a trifle.∞
Taken from The Michigan Freemason, Volume 8, 1877. Page 300-302. See the bottom of page 5 for comments.

The Entered Apprentice Degree
in Candlelight
The purpose of conducting a degree in candlelight is to express the solemnity, importance, and sincerity of the working of the Three Degrees of Freemasonry. In all aspects the adopted ritual of the Grand Lodge of Tennessee is strictly followed. It is only the dress, setting, lighting, and formalism that are altered. The goal of a candlelight ceremony is to communicate the teachings of Freemasonry in a manner to impress wise, serious, and moral teachings upon the candidate in an impressive, spiritual, and evoking manner. In a recent conversation with a new EA from Bethpage, he stated that he received more instruction while watching the Entered Apprentice Degree in candlelight than in any other media. He stated that it allowed him to focus on what was being said and done without being distracted by the men who lined the walls of the lodge. I must agree with the brother. When witnessing a degree in candlelight, the focus in upon the words and movements of the candidate. The true meanings and lessons of the degree are readily visible to those watching its conferral. This solemnity and focus is the reason Bethpage Lodge has opted to confer its last three EA Degrees in candlelight. I encourage any of you interested in witnessing the EA Degree to visit Bethpage Lodge on the night we are scheduled to confer the EA Degree by candlelight.∞
Mat 5:14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
Mat 5:15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
Mat 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
THE BRIDGE OF LIGHT
The bridge of light stretches into the mystic yonder, Illuminating our Masonic path, Whispering follow me, So that thou will find thyself. For I am the bridge to be crossed, By those who seek the LIGHT, The true Masonic path,

Volume 4, Issue 2

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Comments on Why Lodges are not Attended
What does this article have to offer for the Mason in the 21st Century? Well, being written in 1877, this simple article shows that our forefathers faced many of the same problems that we experience today, a lack of quality programs at lodge. What is there at a stated meeting to attract members to attend? Discussing ceiling leaks, planning pancake breakfasts, and organizing scholarship drives followed by the recital of a lecture is not very intellectually stimulating. Most lodges have nothing to offer a Mason looking for intellectual enlightenment at a stated meeting. Called meetings conferring degrees are little better. The same old thing one more time. It raises the question, what can we do to off-set the redundancy of our meetings? The first thing is to offer something different: lectures, special programs, or degree explanation nights. The second thing is to assure quality and consistency. When lodge programs allow Masons to grow intellectually, the lodge will grow intellectually. Lodges who are content in growing in number only and never increasing the intellectual capacity of their members are failing to meet the spirit of Masonry. They may be obligating men, but are they making Free Masons?∞

That stretches from earth throughout the Universe.
All those who choose my path, Will find and learn The mysteries of nature and science. - Uwe Riches

Bethpage Lodge #521, F&AM of Tennessee

Our History

Over the course of the year, the minutes of the first meetings of Bethpage Lodge will be included in this newsletter verbatim as they are recorded in the original minute book. The lodge worked under dispensation from February 16, 1884 until its charter was granted on January 27, 1885. Hope you enjoy.
Met February 16, 1884
Officers Present
J.W. Albright – W.M. J.W. Whitney – Sr. Deacon
J.G. Durham – Sr. W. W.W. Durham – Jr. Deacon
J.T. Mansker - J.W. Z.T. Key – Tyler
O.P. Butler – Treas. J.G. Ray – Chap
J.W. Black – Secy.
Opened in Masters Deg.
On motion, a committee composed of the following brethren – Andrew Hibbitt, J.G. Ray, O.F. Butler, J.W. Whitney, and W.W. Durham were appointed to draft Bylaws for the Lodge. On motion, J.W. Black was appointed to procure aprons. J.W. Whitney to procure Columns for use of Lodge. J.T. Senter to procure 1 lb of candles for use of Lodge. Motion made & carried to meet on the 3rd Saturday in each month at 9 O’clock A.M. Bro. O.F. Butler was appointed to furnish the Lodge with Books & Stationary to be paid for at our next regular meeting by donation. Motion made & carried that each member pay one dollar to defray expenses on our dispensation . The same to be placed to the credit of each member so longing. Motion made & carried that a call meeting be had on 1st Saturday in March to complete the organization of the Lodge. No other business appearing the Lodge was closed in due and ancient form.
J.W. Albright W.M.
J.W. Black Secy.
Met March 15, 1884
Officers Present
J.W. Albright – W.M. W.M. Durham – Sr. Deacon
J.G. Durham – Sr. W. C.B. Holmes – Jr. Deacon P.T.
A. Hibbitt - J.W. P.T. Z.T. Key – Tyler
O.P. Butler – Treas. J.G. Ray – Chap
J.W. Black - Secy.
Opened in E.A. Degree. No business presented in Degree. The Lodge in F.C. Degree. No business appearing. Opened in Masters Degree. The committee on by Laws reported a code of Laws which was adopted. Motion carried that the Secretary ask King Solomon Lodge permission to confer the F.C. Deg. & Masters Degree upon E.A. Woodson. Bros. Z.T. Key & J.W. Black were appointed a committee to purchase & put up a stove in Hall. No other business appearing these Lodges closed in due & ancient form
J.W. Albright W.M.
J.W. Black Secy.

Speculative Masonry. — Speculative, or symbolic Masonry, is a means by which we may secure the full enjoyment of our social, relative privileges, and by which we are taught to know and perform our fraternal duties and obligations, the great secret of which lies in a proper use and application of the three principal rounds in our symbolic ladder— Faith, Hope and Charity. The faith which Freemasonry teaches is the faith of the Bible — hope in immortality and charity to all mankind, but especially towards our Brethren. — Whether Freemasonry is right or wrong for us, whether it is a good or an evil to us, depends upon the use we may make of these three essentials to the worthy Mason.∞ The Freemason’s Monthly Magazine, p. 32. 1858

A WORD OF CAUTION.
"In conclusion, my Brethren, standing, as I do, among aged and experienced Brethren, who have borne up the Ark in sunshine and in storm, I feel that any advice I could give, would be the work of supererogation j yet permit me to admonish you to guard well the avenues to the Temple. In the height of our prosperity and usefulness, the vestibules to our halls will be crowded with those who are anxious to bow at our altars. It is important, then, that we scrutinize well the characters of the applicants. Admit none but the intelligent and worthy. Be not rash in rejecting, but be cautiout in receiving. Do not increase your members at the expense of the respectability of your Lodges. Sacrifice nothing that belongs to Masonry for the sake of writing legion in your archives. Looking yourselves to the ancient landmarks, see that Brethren are well instructed—that they may trace the ancient lines, and know the value of one degree, before you give them the light of another. Let them become proficient in its true sense, in the inferior degree, and then be admitted to the superior ; and while the chain of knowledge will bn visible to their minds' eye, the Lodge will be composed of expert Masons, whose work will stand the test of the square."—G. M. Va.

Masonic Lecture Series Schedule
Bro. Thomas Driber, Ph.D.—April 16, 2009
Bro. Joe Kindoll—July 16, 2009
Bro. George Ladd—October 15, 2009
Each evenings event will begin with a meal at 6:00 PM. The lodge will open at 7:00 PM, and the lectures will begin promptly following opening. We hope to see you at these meetings.

Scottish Rite
Reunion Dates
April 17th—4° - 14°
April 18th—15° - 18°
April 24th—19° - 30°
April 25th—31° - 32°
http://www.scottishrite-nash.org/

Volume 4, Issue 2

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About Us

Bethpage Lodge No. 521, Free and Accepted Masons was chartered by the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Tennessee on January 27, 1885. It is named for the small community in which the lodge hall sits. Bethpage, Tennessee is an unincorporated town in northern Sumner County, just north of Nashville. In its 123 years, the lodge has flourished and been the Masonic home to many traveling brethren. It is a country lodge with many traditions. It currently has an active membership of around 90 members. Bethpage Lodge meets on the Third Thursday of each month at 7 pm, and its meetings are open to all Master Masons from Masonic Jurisdictions recognized by the Grand Lodge of Tennessee.∞

Gems of Purpose is the electronic trestleboard or newsletter of Bethpage Lodge. Its primary mission is to assist in the spreading of Masonic light to not only the members of Bethpage Lodge but to Masonic brothers wherever this publication might land. It is edited and compiled by Brother David E. Stafford, Past Master and current Secretary of the lodge. Brother Stafford began publishing Gems of Purpose in 2006 as a service to the Lodge and has continued to do so. Although it is an official media of Bethpage Lodge, the views and opinions contained in Gems of Purpose do not necessarily reflect those of the lodge, the Grand Lodge of Tennessee, or Freemasonry. If you have questions or comments, please direct those to Brother Stafford via e-mail at
bethpagelodge521@bellsouth.net. ∞

Submission - Although Gems of Purpose is the official educational voice of Bethpage Lodge, the lodge encourages anyone who has an interest in Masonic Education to submit possible material for inclusion in the newsletter. Items on Masonic history, philosophy, ideology, figures, and symbolism will be considered. Of course due credit will be given to the writer and if the writer is not a member of Bethpage Lodge, his lodge will be identified. Gems of Purpose reserves the right to edit all submissions. ∞

Legal Stuff - In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the material on this publication Gems of Purpose is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. For more information go to: http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.shtml. United States Code: Title 17, Section 107 http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/unframed/17/107.html Notwithstanding the provisions of sections 106 and 106A, the fair use of a copyrighted work, including such use by reproduction in copies or phonorecords or by any other means specified by that section, for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching (including multiple copies for classroom use), scholarship, or research, is not an infringement of copyright. In determining whether the use made of a work in any particular case is a fair use the factors to be considered shall include - (1) the purpose and character of the use, including whether such use is of a commercial nature or is for nonprofit educational purposes; (2) the nature of the copyrighted work; (3) the amount and substantiality of the portion used in relation to the copyrighted work as a whole; and (4) the effect of the use upon the potential market for or value of the copyrighted work. The fact that a work is unpublished shall not itself bar a finding of fair use if such finding is made upon consideration of all the above factors.

This publication, Gems of Purpose, may at times contain copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner; however, credit is always given to the author of said works so far as it is available to the publisher. The publishers of this media take every effort to prevent copy write infringement on our part; however, through miscommunication or error, some form of copy write protected material may be or may have been used. For this use we apologize. If the owner of such copy write protected material will contact the editor, he will correct the mistake on all future prints of the issue. It is completely unintentional that we used such protected work without express consent. This is a closed communication not intended for open or public use, there has been no monetary gain through the publication of this media. ∞

Anniversary Masonic
Lecture Series
Bethpage Lodge No. 521
Free and Accepted Masons

125 Years of Masonry
Bethpage Lodge, #521

Bethpage Lodge is pleased to announce that it will host an Anniversary
Masonic Lecture Series in celebration of 125 years of Masonry in Bethpage,
Tennessee. Lectures will be held quarterly throughout 2009 at our Stated Communications. The lodge invites all regular Master Masons to attend the lectures. A meal will be served at 6:00 pm, and the lodge will open at 7:00 pm each night. The floor will be turned over to each night’s lecturer at the Worshipful Master’s pleasure. Please find below a schedule of lecturers. For more information, contact David Stafford, the lodge secretary, by the means provided below. If you plan to attend a lecture with a group please let Bro. Stafford know, in order to prepare the numbers for dinner.

Schedule
Bro. Thomas Driber, Ph.D. - April 16, 2009
Bro. Joe Kindoll - July 16, 2009
Bro. George Ladd - October 15, 2009
Where: Bethpage Masonic Lodge,
695 Old Highway 31E, Bethpage
Time: Meal at 6:00 PM
Lodge Opens at 7:00 PM

All Master Masons Welcome!
If you plan to come with several brothers,
please let the secretary know a number.

David E. Stafford, PM-Sec’y
550 E. Bledsoe Street, Apt 23-B
Gallatin, TN 37066
(615) 452-2709—Home
(615) 390-1833—Cell
bethpageloedge521@att.net
www.mastermason.com/gemsofpurpose/

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Every effort is made to give credit to the source of material used. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the material on this publication Gems of Purpose is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. For more information go to: http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.shtml

United States Code: Title 17, Section 107 http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/unframed/17/107.html Notwithstanding the provisions of sections 106 and 106A, the fair use of a copyrighted work, including such use by reproduction in copies or phonorecords or by any other means specified by that section, for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching (including multiple copies for classroom use), scholarship, or research, is not an infringement of copyright. In determining whether the use made of a work in any particular case is a fair use the factors to be considered shall include - (1) the purpose and character of the use, including whether such use is of a commercial nature or is for nonprofit educational purposes; (2) the nature of the copyrighted work; (3) the amount and substantiality of the portion used in relation to the copyrighted work as a whole; and (4) the effect of the use upon the potential market for or value of the copyrighted work. The fact that a work is unpublished shall not itself bar a finding of fair use if such finding is made upon consideration of all the above factors.