The Masonic Ring I Wear!

The Masonic Ring I wear looks like most Masonic Rings with a square and compass, but it has special meaning to me!

It is the family history behind the ring that means so much! If only it could talk, it might tell the following story. I was originally worn by Perry Oliver Liming, but I am not for sure how or when Perry started wearing me. I do know that Perry was born in Milford, Ohio on April 18, 1880 and later moved with his family to Maroa, Illinois. On June 6, 1916, Perry was elected to take the degrees of masonry at Maroa Lodge #454 in Maroa, Illinois. He was initiated on July 27, 1916, Passed to the Fellowcraft Degree on September 26, 1916, and raised to the Sublime degree of a Master Mason on October 31, 1916. From November 13th – 15th, 1918 Perry went through the Consistory Classes at Bloomington, Illinois.

In 1919 Perry married Catherine Thayer who was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. They gave birth to their only son, Julian Thayer Liming (also known as J.T.) on May 3, 1920 in Maroa, IL. In about 5 – 6 years Perry and Catherine were divorced and J.T. went with his mother to live in Taylorville, IL with her mother Mary Thayer. Sometime later when J.T. was older he went to live with his father who then resided in Decatur, IL and attended and graduated from high school. After high school he went back to Taylorville to work. He later met Ila Ethridge from Taylorville, IL and they were married on February 2, 1940. On January 26, 1941 they gave birth to Julian Ann Liming (aka Julie Austin, my mother-In-Law). J.T. was working as an electrician at the construction project for an addition to the St. Vincent’s Hospital where he fell from a scaffold and broke his neck. After recovering from his neck injury, he went to work as an electrician for Montgomery Wards repairing refrigerators and other appliances. He and his family moved around a lot, until 1947 when they moved to Argenta, IL on his father’s family farm so Julie could start attending school. On December 2, 1947, J.T. was elected to take the degrees of masonry at Maroa Lodge #454 in Maroa, Illinois. He was initiated on December 30, 1947, Passed to the Fellowcraft Degree on April 28, 1948, and raised to the Sublime degree of a Master Mason on December 12, 1950. After J.T. was raised to Sublime Degree of a Master Mason, I was passed from Perry’s finger to J.T.’s finger. I can remember the look on Julie’s eye when she saw the ring. Perry would be wearing a big shiny ring (thought to be his ring from the Consistory) that really impressed Julie (a girl of young age) whose family was considered poor. Perry would come over to J.T.’s house and eat supper with the family before Perry and J.T. would go to the lodge meetings.

About this time J.T. started working for the Illinois Central Rail Road in Clinton, IL. I can remember J.T. coaching several newly admitted brothers to the fraternity. He would climb up into the warm locomotive engine at lunch time and sit there with the new brother practicing their proficiency work.

In 1955, after J.T.’s father Perry passed away, J.T. inherited his father’s farms. They moved to Maroa, IL and into a house which had electricity. Shortly afterwards, Gene Craig, J.T. and Julie helped build a new room onto the house, where they added an indoor bathroom. This was the first time the family had an indoor bathroom. J.T. also took a second job working for the Maroa Police Department to help buy food and clothing for the family.

It was not until after J.T. retired from the railroad, that he started wearing me on his finger on a regular basis. Also after his retirement from the Rail Road, J.T. became Chief of Police for Maroa and later started his own detective business, Liming Detective Agency. He named Julie Austin (his daughter), President and he was the only stock holder. He wore me proudly on a daily basis until his death on April 8, 2001.

Bob Darling, became a Master Mason in Maroa Lodge #454 on January 9, 1988 where his Father-In-Law Larry Austin (current Master of Maroa Lodge #454 raised him to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason). At the time of his raising, J.T. was present and it was a proud moment as his Grandson by marriage became a Master Mason. He had married Larry and Julie Austin’s daughter Kathy, on December 21, 1979. He was a Grand Lodge District Representative with the Grand Lodge of MN and on behalf of the Grand Lodge of Illinois he presented J.T. with his 50 year membership pin with the fraternity prior to his death. I can remember J.T. wearing me proudly. I even made the trip with J.T. to Minnesota when Bob was installed as the Master of North Star Lodge #23 and took part in the installation ceremony.

Bob and Kathy Darling had a son Matthew Robert who was born on January 28, 1982. In January of 2000, Matthew Robert Darling was raised to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason at North Star Lodge #23 in St. Cloud, MN. I (the ring) was carried proudly by Larry Austin, who gave me to Matthew on behalf of Ila Liming (J.T.’s wife/widow) to be worn proudly to show everyone he was a mason. Unfortunately, I was too small to fit on any of Matt’s finger and remained in a ring box in one of Matt’s dresser drawers at Bob and Kathy’s house. The dresser was moved from one house to another when Bob and Kathy moved from Sartell, MN to Becker, MN in 2003.

In the summer of 2010, Bob and Kathy’s house was being burglarized and the thief took me out of the drawer with intention of stealing me. I just wish I could tell someone who he/she was, but I must have gotten to them, since they put me down on the computer desk while they were stealing the camera used to Skype family members. I know J.T. was with me in spirit and the thief walked off and forgot me. When Bob and Kathy returned home from the weekend trip, Bob found me by the computer when he couldn't’t figure out why he was having trouble skyping a family member. I sent the spirit of J.T. to let him know the camera was gone and I was safe and sound. I started sending messages through J.T.’s spirit to Bob. Bob asked his son Matt if he could wear me, J.T.’s ring that was given to him on behalf of his Grandfather, Larry Austin. Matt told his dad that he could wear me, the ring. Bob finally realized my dream to be worn proudly again, and show the world what I stand for: Truth, Relief, and Brotherly Love.

So it is with great pride and honor that Bob wear his grandfather J.T.’s ring! May the Grand Architect be with you in all of your applications to the deity?

Masonic Saturday

You are probably asking what Masonic Saturday is or was and what did I miss?

Well on Saturday, January 15Th I started the day off by attending the One Day To Masonry held at the Scottish Rite Temple in Minneapolis, MN. It was a great day as 63(the number I heard) new brothers were raised to the sublime Degree of a Master Mason. The saw some of the best ritual work in the State of MN. To the brothers who took part in the organization or participation in the degree work, my congratulations to you or your fine work and dedication to the craft. The coffee, doughnuts, rolls, and lunch were also great.

Next, I rushed home, changed clothes, and spent a little time with my wife, Kathy, before heading to Monticello, to watch the Job's Daughters Bethel #19 Installation which started at 6:00 pm. The Theme for this installation was "New Beginnings". This is very appropriates since Bethel #19 got a new start in 2008. when the brothers of Monticello Lodge #16 agree to support the Bethel and try and start or start Bethel #19. The installation was the first one for the Bethel in Monticello. Ashton Gergen was install as Honored Queen by the Installing Officer, Faye Swanstrom, her Grandmother. My congratulations to the Honored Queen and her officers. May you have a great term. While at the installation, I was talking to a brother from Alexandria, and he stated that they held a 3rd Degree for two brothers that morning.

Immediately after the Bethel Installation was over, I hopped in my truck and drove to Clearwater, MN for the Installation of Officers of Clearwater Lodge #28. Due to the snow storms a couple weeks ago, Clearwater needed to reschedule their installation. WB Terry Brockman was installed as the Master for the ensuing year. The Installing Officer was the out going Master, Gary Loomis and Installing Marshal was their District Representative, WB Chuck Anderson. Congratulation to the new officers installed for Clearwater Lodge #28.

The Ancient Landmarks

I few day ago, I posted an article on The Ancient Landmarks of Freemasonry. I listed 25 Landmarks from Mackey's Revised Encyclopidia. These Landmarks are those principals of Masonic government and policy which are among the parts of Masonic law or rules of government that may never be altered or disturbed. I removed them and wanted to list what is accepted in Minnesota. Minnesota list 26 Landmarks.

The Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masonsof Minnesota list the Ancient Landmarks in the Minnesota Masonic Code starting on Page 7 as Follows:

CHAPTER II. CONSTITUTION OF GRAND LODGE
PREAMBLE

The Grand Lodge of Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons of Minnesota, a corporation duly organized and existing under the laws of Minnesota, practicing the Ancient York Rite, and inalienably invested with supreme and exclusive jurisdiction, as exercised, over all matters of Ancient Craft Masonry in the State of Minnesota, and possessing the inherent power to form a constitution as its fundamental written law, and to prescribe such other regulations and laws for its government and that of its constituents as it may deem best, and to alter and change the same at pleasure in order to establish and preserve fraternal union, maintain order, insure tranquility, provide for and promote the general welfare of the Craft and secure to the Fraternity the blessings of Masonic privileges, does ordain and adopt the following:

ARTICLE II. Masonic Laws

Section C2.01 Constitutions are those written compacts or laws adopted by Freemasons for the government of the Grand Lodge and its Constituent Lodges and their members, and are intended to be permanent in character.

SECTION C2.02 The Ancient Landmarks are those principles of Masonic government and policy which are among the parts of Masonic law or rules of government that may never be altered or disturbed, as, for instance, the universal language of Masons, and those peculiar marks of distinction by which they are separated from the profane, and by which they are enabled to prove themselves as the "Sons of Light."

SECTION C2.03 The following are enumerated from the Ancient Constitutions as having the
force of Ancient Landmarks of the Fraternity, having been generally received and acknowledged
by Masons as such:
( 1 ) That belief in the Supreme Being, "The Great Architect of the Universe," who will punish
vice and reward virtue, is an indispensable prerequisite to admission to Masonry.
( 2 ) That the moral law which inculcates charity and probity, industry and sobriety, and
obedience to law and civil government, is the rule and guide of every Mason, to which strict conformity is required.
( 3 ) That obedience to Masonic law and authority, being voluntarily assumed, is of perpetual obligation.
( 4 ) That the rites and ceremonies (which include the unwritten language) of the true system of the Ancient York Rite, and which constitute a part of the body of Masonry, are immutable, and that it is not in the power of any man to make innovations therein, except when in Grand Lodge convened.
( 5 ) That contentions and lawsuits between Brethren are contrary to the laws and regulations of Masonry.
( 6 ) That charity is the right of a Mason, his widow and orphans, when poor and destitute, to demand, and the duty of his prosperous brother to bestow.
( 7 ) That Masonic instruction is, like charity, a reciprocal right and duty of Masons.
( 8 ) That to visit Masonicly is an inherent right of Masons, but no visitor shall be received into a Lodge if any member present objects.
( 9 ) That a candidate for Masonry must be a man of mature age, free born, of good report, hale and sound, having no maim or defect in his body that may render him incapable of learning the art and physically able to conform substantially to what the several degrees of Masonry respectively require of him. If a candidate is unable to so comply with the physical requirements, he shall nevertheless be eligible to receive the degrees of Masonry, if, after favorable action by the Constituent Lodge, his petition for degrees, accompanied by a detailed report of the nature and extent of his disabilities, is approved by the Grand Master.
(10) That the Grand Master may make Masons at sight, and may grant a dispensation to a Lodge for the same purpose, but in all other cases a candidate must be proposed in open Lodge, at a Stated Communication and can only be accepted at a Stated Communication following, by the scrutiny of a secret ballot, and a unanimous vote, and must pay a fixed price before admission.
(11) That it is the duty of every Mason to be a contributing member of some Lodge.
(12) That a Mason who is not a member of a Lodge is still subject to the disciplinary power of Masonry.
(13) That the Master and Wardens of every chartered Lodge are of right and inalienably
representatives in, and members of, the Grand Lodge.
(14) That no one can be elected Master of a chartered Lodge, except at its first election, but a Master Mason who shall have served as a Warden.
(15) That every Mason must be tried by his peers; hence, the Master cannot be tried by his Lodge.
(16) That no appeal to the Lodge can be taken from the decision of the Master, or the
Warden occupying the chair in his absence.
(17) That Masonic intercourse with a clandestine, suspended or expelled Mason is a breach of duty and an offense against Masonic law.
(18) That a restoration of the privileges of Masonry by the Grand Lodge does not restore to membership in a Constituent Lodge.
(19) That the failure of a Lodge to meet for one (1) year is cause for the forfeiture of its
charter.
(20) That it is the duty as well as the right of every chartered Lodge to be represented in the Grand Lodge at its communications.
(21) That this Grand Lodge has supreme and exclusive jurisdiction, as exercised, within its territorial limits, over all matters of Ancient Free and Accepted Masonry, and accepts the right of the Grand Lodge of The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge F. & A.M. of Minnesota as having supreme and exclusive jurisdiction over matters pertaining to that Grand Lodge.
(22) That no appeal lies from the decision of the Grand Master in the chair, or the Deputy Grand Master or Grand Warden, occupying the chair in his absence.
(23) That the office of the Grand Master is always elective, and should be filled annually by the Grand Lodge.
(24) That the Grand Lodge, composed of its officers and representatives, must meet at least once in each year, to consult and act concerning the interests of the Fraternity in its jurisdiction.
(25) That all officers of the Grand Lodge or Constituent Lodge must be Master Masons.
(26) That no subject of sectarian or political character can be discussed in a Lodge, and any Mason proposing such a subject renders himself liable to the disciplinary action of the Lodge.

Jobs Daughters - Bethel #11 Installation of Officers

On Sunday afternoon, January 9, 2011, I attend the installation of officers for Jobs Daughters - Bethel #11, located in St. Cloud, MN. As always, it was a very nice ceremony. The thing that impresses me the most is that the outgoing or Past Honored Queen is the Installing Officer. In this case PHQ Kayla Woodard was the Installing Officer and Installed HQ Janessa Dahle. PHQ did a wonderful job in the work. My congratulations her. I also wish congratulations and the best to HQ Janessa and the rest of her officers for a great term. Her term is for 6 months. HQ Janessa is a daughter to WB Dahle form Clearwater #28.

North Star #23 Installs New master on 1-8-11

On January 8, 2011, North Star Lodge #23 installed WB Michael Yankovec as Master for the year. The installing officers were as follows:MWB Roger Taylor, Installing Master; WB Bob Darling, Installing Marshal; and WB Duane Evermann, Installing Chaplin. My congratulations to WB Mike and the rest of the officers on their installation. I wish you the best this year!

Brother Nephat Oliech, from North Star Lodge #23 played beautiful music on the piano before and during the Installation. The Jobs'Daughters from Bethel #11 performed the Living Cross with the assistance of Daughters from Bethel #19 out of Monticello.

After the installation was over, the brothers and guest were served an excellent Prime Rib Dinner. Meghan Faundeen made the wonderful cakes.

AF & AM vs F & Am vs AFM vs FAAM

On January 1, 2011,I was installed as the LEO for Monticello Lodge #16. It is my goal to have a presentation for every meeting I attend. I plan on reading and doing research on topics I don't know the answers. This way everyone, including myself will learn something new,hopefully. It is with this interest I will post all of my LEO talks on my blog.

Please feel free to contact me at my email address with comments.

AF & AM vs F & Am vs AFM vs FAAM What do these letters represent, which states belong to which groups, and what are the differences between them? Does it matter which one I belong to and will I be accepted by the others?
AF & AM – Ancient Free and Accepted Masons - Includes 25 states as follows: Co, CT, DE, ID, IL, IA, KS, ME, MD, MN, MO, MT, NE, NH, NM, NC, ND, OK, OR, SD, TX, VA, WV, AND WY.
F and AM - Free and Accepted Masons – Includes 24 states as follows: AL, AK, AR, AZ, CA, FL, GA, HI, IN, KY, LA, MI, MS, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, TN, UT, VT, WA, AND WI.
AFM – Ancient Free Masons – Includes 1 state as follows: SC
FAAM – Free and Accepted Masons - Includes the District of Columbia.(1)
Each state is under its own jurisdiction in the US. Therefore, each state Grand Lodge is its own headquarters and does not have to report to anyone else since there is no one headquarters for the entire US.
All four different groups of Freemasons trace their allegorical history back to the building of King Solomon’s Temple in the Holy Scriptures.(2)
After the foundation of the first Grand Lodge in England in 1717, a rival Grand Lodge arose less than two decades later, calling itself the Antients (or Ancients), whereby it intended to assert greater authenticity than the rival “modern” Grand Lodge. The Antients were also known as Athol Masons, from their first Grand Master, the Duke of Athol. Some authors (e.g., Carl Claudy) say the Antients were schismatic—i.e., had split off from the “modern” Grand Lodge; others (e.g., Allen Roberts)of more recent vintage say that the Antients were founded independent by Lodges deriving from Scottish and Irish traditions who were excluded by the English “Moderns.” The Moderns were the F and AM while the “Antients” became the “Ancients” in the AF and AM.
Freemasonry was exported to the British Colonies in North America in the 1730’s, with the “Antients” and the “Moderns” (as well as the Grand Lodges of Ireland and Scotland) which chartered offspring (daughter) lodges, and organized various Provincial Grand Lodges. After the American Revolution, Independent US Grand Lodges formed within the states.
The disagreement between the two Grand Lodges in England was later healed around 18980, but by that time, there were Grand Lodges all over the US that were descended from one group or another, so each group kept their own corresponding initials with which they were formed. This is the reason for the small differences between the states within the ritual wording and Grand Lodge By-Laws and procedures.
The minimal differences are not important, since there is shared brotherhood amongst all freemasons within the fraternity. A brother is accepted by all when visiting other jurisdictions, when proving him to be current in his dues, and proving him to be a mason. One would have to be careful when buying items with Masonic Emblems in other jurisdictions based on the letters of their groups.
References:
1. AF and AM vs F and AM States. Masonic Lodge of Education
2. What is the Difference between AF & AM and F & AM Lodges. Author Roger M. Firestone.

Monticello Lodge #16 - 2011 Installation

Monticello Lodge #16 held their annual Installation of Officers on January 1, 2011. WB Tracy C. Newman was installed as master of the lodge for the ensuing year. MWB John L. Cook presided over the installation as the Installing Officer with WB Bob Holly assisting as the Installing Marshal. During the ceremony, Job's Daughters from Chapter #11 and #19 presented the Living Cross and did a wonderful performing it for all present.
In the top photo is WB Tracy, MWB John L. Cook and Tracy's daughter.