...wow!... after reading this, I feel much better about them now.... whatever was I worried about?
...I imagine in this connected world, the desire for interpersonal interaction is diminished, and they are needing these 'feel-good' articles in local newspapers to prop up membership and dues...
https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/post-tribune/opinion/ct-ptb-davich-freemasons-not-a-secret-society-st-1104-20191101-alqxawaawzgohh7m226ocr3a5q-story.html
Psssttt... Masonic Freemasons’ secrets are not as mysterious as you think
By
JERRY DAVICH
POST-TRIBUNE
NOV 01, 2019
Izzy De Jesus, Worshipful Master of Glen Park Freemasons Lodge No. 732, poses with his fraternity ring. "Freemasonry is not a secret society," he said.
Cultural folklore and ancient organizations continue to be intrinsically woven into our modern day society. Look no further than the Freemasons, whose enigmatic history dates back to the Middle Ages with mysterious rituals, language, symbols and handshakes.
The well-known yet largely misunderstood fraternity still conjures images of a secret society from centuries ago. What do its members do at meetings? What kind of rituals are performed behind closed doors? Why are antiquated titles still used for leaders?
Outsiders have no clue. Ignorance breeds mystery. Secrets reproduce secrets. Fear creates rumors. This template of shadowy secrecy goes back eons about humankind.
“The brothers of Glen Park Lodge No. 732 have a message for the world – Freemasonry is not a secret society,” said Izzy De Jesus, the lodge’s Worshipful Master. “It is a fraternity of men who take good men and make them better.”
Not as puzzling as you thought, huh?
“It is a philanthropy group always looking for opportunities to make a difference in their communities, their countries, and the world,” De Jesus, of Valparaiso, told me.
The lodge was first authorized in 1948, with members to meet in the Red Room of the Gary Masonic Temple at 6th Avenue and Madison Street in Gary. The Most Worshipful Grand Master of the state of Indiana at that time, Carl Hibberd, issued the dispensation for the establishment of the Glen Park Lodge. There were 28 charter members, a total of seven petitions for the degrees of Masonry and 21 petitions for affiliations through transfers of “demits.”
Today, the fraternity’s website states, “2 B 1 ASK 1.”
Sounds cryptic, doesn’t it?
Fraternity members of Glen Park Freemasons Lodge No. 732 pose at their lodge in Valparaiso.
“I would encourage anyone interested to reach out to their local Masonic lodge or Grand Lodge of the state,” explained Jeff Robb, the organization’s secretary and a former master.
Robb isn’t 104 years old with a full gray beard. He doesn’t live in a cave on a remote mountain. He’s 32 and lives in Burns Harbor.
“I already had knowledge of Freemasonry since I had some family members involved in the fraternity,” he said. “In addition to this, I was well aware that many founding fathers of this great country belonged to this wonderful fraternity, which always piqued my interests further.”
It wasn’t until his uncle’s funeral in 2011 when Robb took a deep dive into the fraternity. He witnessed more than 100 men from all walks of life, donned in white gloves and aprons, honoring his uncle’s life in a Masonic memorial service. Shortly afterward, he petitioned Glen Park Lodge No. 732 (his uncle’s lodge). He was accepted in 2012.
“I have met some the nicest people who I can call my brothers since having joined freemasonry,” Robb said. “I know I could call on one of my brothers if I ever needed assistance and they would not hesitate to lend a helping hand.”
He cites multiple other reasons for being involved in “the fraternity.” Fellowship, spending quality time with quality people. Appreciation for its history and mysteries, allowed to participate in the same ceremonies of our nation’s Founding Fathers. And philanthropy, participating in community events to leave the world a better place.
“I have become a better person from being active in our lodge,” Robb said.
As each decade passes in my life, I assume that these type of organizations with ancient histories and outdated titles will fade away, even more so in the 21st century. Yet they remain in existence, obviously serving a need of tribalism in our ever-progressive march toward modernity. This convergence presents what I see as an intriguing juxtaposition of old beliefs and contemporary devices.
For instance, in the photo accompanying this column, De Jesus proudly poses with his Freemasons ring, rephrasing a ceremonial refrain, “One ring to serve them all.” This phrase sounds as old as time, right? Yet the digital photo, capturing an image that dates back centuries, was taken with his technologically advanced smartphone.
De Jesus, 40, works as a safety professional for an insurance company, conducting audits, training and consulting services for its clients. He learned that Freemasons have a long tradition of looking for ways to give back to their communities.
Fraternity members of Glen Park Freemasons Lodge No. 732 take a break during a Habitat for Humanity volunteer project in Portage in September.
In keeping with this tradition, the Glen Park Lodge partnered with Thrivent Financial of Valparaiso to help with a Habitat for Humanity project in Portage. The lodge donated the labor of nine of its members, all skilled tradesmen in the fields of carpentry, electrical, and plumbing. Lodge members include Allen Migliorini, Joe Sheets and Tim Williams.
“I come from a family that is always looking for ways to help others,” De Jesus said. “I wanted to bring that sense of service to the forefront during my term as Worshipful Master of this amazing Lodge.”
The fraternity’s next project will be Nov. 9, offering free first responder classes to nonprofit organizations in Valparaiso, where the lodge is now located. Members meet at 6 p.m. on the first Wednesday of every month at 113 E. Lincolnway in the city.
“This opportunity allows the lodge to draw on the talents of several members who have medical training, EMT experience, and experience conducting trainings in a variety topics,” De Jesus said. “These classes will train attendees on how to properly perform CPR, proper use in AED, and how to properly administer first aid. Future classes will be available.”
The lodge welcomes public input, questions about its history and mysteries, and volunteer opportunities for its members. (For more information, call 219-406-7970 or visit
http://glenparklodge732.com/.)
“The 4 million Masons worldwide continue to help men and women face the problems of the 21st century by building bridges of brotherhood and instilling in the hearts of men ideals for a better tomorrow,” according to the Masonic Service Association of North America.
“Not just a man, a Mason,” is the organization’s historic motto.
“Not just a mystery, a Mason,” should be our modernized interpretation of this ancient fraternity.