St. John's Lodge No2, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Delaware

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Much of what I learned about young adults applies to Freemasonry as much as it does church. Young people are searching in our society. They are searching for meaning, depth, and focus to their lives. They are searching for a philosophy and ethic that will help them to live a better life. They are searching for growth and self–improvement. In short, they are searching for what Ancient Craft Freemasonry in its purest form offers them.

If older Masons really ask young Masons what we really want, I believe you will find that we want the fundamentals of the ancient and honorable Craft of Freemasons. We want the freemasonry of Anderson's constitutions. We want the freemasonry of our Fathers and Grand–fathers. We want to be challenged, stretched, educated, and trained. We want the opportunity to take our rough ashlars and begin to smooth them. We want to be Freemasons in the fullest sense of the word!

Timothy Bonney, MPS, from his web-site Freemasonry Resources

Important Dates

April

4/02 - Possible Degree (check website)
4/07 - Officer Practice
4/07 - School Of Instruction
4/09 - Regular Communication
4/12 - Delaware Lodges Open House Noon - 4pm
4/14 - Officer Proficiency
4/14 - School Of Instruction
4/16 - Possible Degree (check website)
4/21 - Officer Practice
4/21 - School Of Instruction
4/23 - Possible Degree (check website)
4/26 - GM Bring A Friend Table Lodge (check website)
4/28 - Officer Practice
4/28 - School Of Instruction

May

5/05 - Officer Practice
5/05 - School Of Instruction
5/07 - Possible Degree (check website)
5/12 - Officer Practice
5/12 - School Of Instruction
5/14 - Regular Communication
5/19 - Officer Practice
5/19 - School Of Instruction
5/21 - Possible Degree (check website)
5/26 - Memorial Day
5/28 - Possible Degree (check website)
5/31 - Scottish Rite 34th Degree

The Master's Hat

In some jurisdictions, there is no written law requiring that a Worshipful Master remain covered when presiding, but wearing a hat is so old a custom, is so generally recognized as a symbol of his office, and is so integrally a part of the system of Masonic symbolism as a whole, that it is fitting he do so. Nor is there regulation as to what kind of hat a Worshipful Master should wear, save for good taste. But why is the hat a symbol of the office?

The first may be that it is symbolic of the crown worn by ancient kings, Solomon included. In the courts of these kings, no one else was permitted to wear a hat, or similar type of head covering (religious attire excepted). In some jurisdictions, the Master wears a brimless, purple-colored cover with a square displayed prominently on the front. This is known as the Crown of Solomon. Modern brimmed hats, such as fedoras, derbies, Stetsons, etc., are far more common, mainly due to taste and availability.

Brimmed may also have a practical origin from our ancient brethren, who often met atop high hills, and often outdoors. If the Craft met during the evening as we do, the Worshipful Master would be sitting in the East and facing West, right into the setting sun. Naturally, a brim would be useful in shielding his eyes from the light of the setting sun.