​The Masonic Fraternity
          The origin of Masonry began hundreds of years ago as a skill based upon a need. It then became a trade which was organized into a guild. It required diligence and a commitment to quality work. Not just any man was taken in as an apprentice. Men were asked to measure up for a job he sought before he was allowed to do it. More important, no man who was unwilling to work to learn how to produce good work was allowed to remain very long with the Craft.
          Speculative Masonry also has the same requirements, but because the work expected is that of improvement of the individual it is not as easy to evaluate the quality or the results. But here again, any man who is unwilling to learn to produce good work should also not be allowed to remain in our Fraternity.
          For years we have been telling men who ask about the value of Masonry that what you get out of it is what you put into it. I hear this almost everywhere I go. I have never told a Brother that what you put into Masonry is what you will get out of it. This is a lazy non-answer and the result of it has been that men have been allowed to bring anything they enjoy from their daily lives into the craft and call it Masonry. The reasoning behind this appears to be that so long as what we are doing is good and will make the person a better man. Therefore, he believes this is what Masonry is all about. It cannot be just getting out of it what we put in, or we will have ended up nothing more than what we started with.
          Undoubtedly, the world we live in needs more acts of loving kindness and concern for our fellow man. Masonry calls us to perform such as part of our obligation to humanity. However, this is no more the sum of Masonry that it is in math. Every human being should be called to display goodness and love toward their fellow man as it should be with every Mason. But what the observant Mason must ask himself is how Masonry distinguished itself from other fraternal organizations. We must ask ourselves why seek membership in our Fraternity as opposed to any group of well intentioned people who do good things for humanity. When they do seek membership and have truly advanced beyond the door of the Lodge it is our obligation to help them understand the teachings which they are receiving. We must start by understanding that Freemasonry, unlike other fraternities, is not for everyone, and should never be offered as such. Masonry is and was always intended to be an organization that an individual must seek to join. The quality of the individual far outweigh the number of men knocking at our doors, quality of character far outweighs quantity of candidates, and less is more. If we select ten exceptional men to whom he can teach the whole of the craft, each of those ten men can in turn teach ten others. By working with fewer but dedicated men, the Fraternity gains substantially. We thereby gain the survival of the Craft. We have some who believe that more men are needed in order to save dying Lodges from extinction.
          The man who knocks at our door, in full knowledge of both the risk that he may be rejected, and yet proceeds anyway because the search for light is that important to him. Only such a man is one who should become a Mason. Why? Because such a man will understand that as with all things worth doing or having, the “true knowledge of the art” takes time, and cannot be achieved in a day. It requires a sincere pledge of time and effort. Men who should be Masons will make time for the Craft. They must not change its principles, methods or techniques in order to take all men at all cost, especially those who have told us that they do not have the time for it. Freemasonry does not offer itself to those who are outside the doors of the Lodge, or even to those who may simply be curious about its contents. The real reason for membership in the Craft is that it must be sought. The experiences of an Entered Apprentice’s and Fellowcraft’s first few months and a new Master Mason’s first years will determine how they view Freemasonry for the remainder of their lives. This is why our commitment to mentoring and the sustaining of fellowship is relevant, now more than ever. I believe our Lodges should strive for better Masons rather than more Masons.
          Freemasonry is oldest Fraternal Organization in the world. We owe no explanation to anyone for who we are, what we do, why we do it or how we do it, and no one has the right to demand an explanation from us.
Fraternally,
William B. Rogers
William B. Rogers
Grand Master

​Early Years of Masonry
            When an organization comes into being there are Individuals with great ideas and skills that work and sacrifice to make their ideas come to reality and the same is true with Masonry. South Carolina has many Brothers who distinguished themselves in the early years. On the 28th of October 1736 the first Lodge in South Carolina was opened in Charleston with Bro. John Hammerton being unanimously elected as Worshipful Master.
            About the middle of the eighteenth century the division of the Fraternity in England into two conflicting societies of the “Ancients” and the “Moderns” came into being; although by the reconciliation in 1813 uniformity was restored in The United Grand Lodge of England, which was then formed. That uniformity was restored and did not extend to other countries with Lodges. Although nearly all Lodges in the United States, before the Revolution of 1776, derived their existence from the Grand Lodges of England, the American Masons do not use the multitude of signs that prevail in the English System.   
            In the early years of Masonry in South Carolina there were the “Ancient York Masons” and the “Moderns”. Moderns were the original Grand Lodge established in 1717 in London and became known as the “MODERNS”. The Ancients were the Irish Masons who formed a rival Grand Lodge in London in 1751 and styled themselves as “ANCIENTS’. The reconciliation in 1813 restored the two Grand Lodges in South Carolina. The result of the reconciliation was the formation of “The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ancient and Free Masons of South Carolina.”
            The degrees of Freemasonry are the steps by which a candidate ascends from a lower to a higher condition of knowledge. It is the opinion of the best Masonic scholars, that the division of the Masonic system into degrees was the work of revivalist of the beginning of the eighteenth century. Prior to this period there was but one degree or common platform of ritualism.
            In 1717 the whole body of the Fraternity consisted only of Entered Apprentices, who were recognized by the thirty-nine Regulations, compiled in 1720, as among the law givers of the Craft. In the old charges, and approved in 1722 the degree of Fellow-Craft is introduced as being necessary qualifications for Grand Master, although the word degree is not used.
            The Grand Mastery, published in 1725, makes no reference to any degrees. The division of the Masonic system into three degrees must have grown up between 1717 and 1730, but in so gradual manner that we are unable to fix the precise date in the introduction of each degree. As late as 1735 the Entered Apprentice’s Degree contained the most prominent form of initiation and he was an Entered Apprentice which was, for all practical purposes, a Freemason. After repeated improvements, by the adoption ceremonies and new regulations that the degree of Master Mason took the place it now occupies. In 1813, the Grand Lodge of England vindicated the ancient landmark, by solemnly enacting that ancient Craft Masonry consisted of the three degrees of Entered Apprentice, Fellow-Craft and Master Mason. The most important and significant of the legendary symbols of Freemasonry is, undoubtedly, that which relates to the fate of Hiram Abif, commonly called the legend of the Third Degree. The legend has always remained unwritten, and descended, from age to age, through the means of oral tradition. It has been considered of so much importance that it has been preserved in the symbolism of every Masonic Rite. Although over time modifications or alterations have been attempted. The legend of the Temple Builder has ever been left untouched, to present itself in all the integrity of its ancient mythical form.
            The idea, therefore, proposed to be communicated in the myth of the ancient mysteries was the same as that which is now conveyed in the Masonic Legend of the Third Degree, the sublime symbolism of a resurrection from the grave to a new birth into a future life.
Fraternally,
William B. Rogers
Grand Master
 

​Freemasonry is based on three great principles, Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth. To practice “Brotherly Love” we must maintain harmony and mutual respect between individuals, no matter what their station in life; “Relief” is about giving to those whom society has failed or who have been victims of disaster, not just financially but also personally; and “Truth” the need to recognize the Divine quality which underpins all life and which is to be found in the “center”. Freemasonry is about self-knowledge and when we are initiated we can all be empowered to begin this great spiritual journey towards the “Center”.
            Freemasonry is not a religion but it requires a personal belief in a Supreme Being on the part of every candidate. Whether we be Christian, Jew, Muslim, Hindu or Buddhist we are taught respect for others, to practice charity and to live our lives by good moral standards. Whatever our walk or standing in life and the Community we can all be united in our striving towards these great ideals.
            As we pass through the entrance to our beautiful Lodges, we become overwhelmed by a feeling of peace and tranquility. For a few hours the cares of employment and the busy world are forgotten as we concentrate on the task of the promulgation of our beautiful ritual in ceremonies which have evolved over the centuries.
            There are many Masonic Organizations which we as Masons are quite familiar with that has various charities they contribute to. Some are Masonic Relief for destitute Masons, their Widows and Orphans, the Eye Foundation, Rite Care centers for speech and hearing disorders in Children, Muscular Dystrophy, and many other charitable endeavors. Some of these organizations are more visible than others. Probably the most visible in the community is the Shrine. The Shrine Masons have built eighteen cripple children’s hospitals and three burn institutes throughout North America. Those hospitals were built, staffed and are maintained by the Masonic Fraternity without any government assistance. We can proudly say no child has ever been charged for any treatment in a Shriner’s Hospital. That’s because the Shrine Masons and their friends pay for all with endowments, wills, gifts, and fund-raising activities.  There have been several hundred thousand children restored to a normal or near-normal life. Because of this great Masonic undertaking the Shrine Masons have earned the title of “One of the Greatest Masonic Philanthropies”.   
            Several of the organizations within the Masonic family are much more socially oriented than the Blue Lodge. It is the strength of the principles taught in the Blue Lodge masonry comes the foundation that creates the real bond among Masons everywhere. We all begin in the Blue Lodge and that is where it ends regardless of how many other Appendant Masonic Bodies a Mason holds membership. Look well to the East.
Fraternally,
William B. Rogers
William B. Rogers
Grand master

Storms of Life
We had one of the worst snow storms in the upstate in January this year with blustering winds.  We had five or six inches of snow.  As Jeanne and I sat at our breakfast table, we saw the snow-covered trees bending low from the weight.  I wondered why they didn’t break.  But I know that through the years as the trees have grown, they have had the winds blow them back and forth and the rains have beat upon them.  As a result their limbs have gotten stronger and they can endure the storms. 
The storms of life have plagued mankind since Creation so it isn’t some-thing new to us.  The older we get the more storms it seems we have to deal with in our lives.  Some of those storms or problems are poor health, financial problems, loneliness, and adversity. 
Storms or problems come into our lives to test our faith.  Are we walking close to the Lord?  Some people have said that troubles are the result of sin or a lack of faith on our part.  Sometimes our problems help us to look upward to the Lord for help and not inward.  They can also strengthen our faith and build character.  Our difficulties also give us opportunities to help others that are struggling. 
In the Gospel of Luke, you find the account of a storm that occurred on the Sea of Galilee that seemed to come out of nowhere.  It was so severe that the disciples were afraid they were going to drown because of the strong winds and high waves.  When we feel that we are drowning in our sea of problems, turn to the Lord and He will give us peace.
Sometimes the Lord will still the storm; but sometimes He chooses to bring peace to us rather than to our circumstance.  The Lord might calm the outward circumstance or sometimes He might relieve our stress or emotions we hold inside.
Trying to solve our problems is a mistake.  The Bible gives us an example.  Abram and Sarai had no children and God promised them a son.  Many years passed and still no son.  When Sarai was past childbearing years, it appeared that God had forgotten his promise.  Their problem was they doubted God’s word and because of their lack of faith, they went ahead of God which brought about more problems on themselves.
We shouldn’t run from our problems either.  We should face the fact that we make do mistakes.  Running away from difficulties never solves it.  The wise thing to do is to face them squarely in the face and accept help and then try to solve the situation. Therefore when we as Masons are faced with difficulties of life, we should remember the time we knelt at the altar with our hands on the Great Light of Masonry and look to it for guidance and help.
Fraternally,
William B. Rogers
Grand Master 
 
​

   Edict No.1 from our Grand Master, MWB William B. Rogers.

   Click here to read​

​We have just gone through two wonderful seasons of the year—Thanksgiving and Christmas.  We have so much for which to be grateful—our freedoms, our families, and the food we have to eat. Many less fortunate are hungry while our tables are laden with all kinds of good food. Our men and women in Armed Services have made our freedoms possible.  Many of them have come home with missing limbs, burned beyond recognition, head injuries, and too many of them have come home in coffins or body bags.  The cost of our freedoms is high.  Christ’s death on the cross was the price paid for our salvation.  So we have so very much to be thankful for.
  As you celebrated Christmas, I hope you remembered the “Reason for the Season”…the Birth of our Savior.  Sometimes we forget when we are so busy finding those special gifts for our loved ones, all the baking of good foods to be enjoyed, the musical programs we attend and decorating our homes and yards.  Christmas is a season of giving.  It is a joyous time of the year.
As you know, my New Year didn’t start off so well with my fall on New Year’s Day.  Since I have been homebound, I have had time to reflect on what is really meaningful in my life and the many wonderful blessings I have. Jeanne has been a good nurse. My Brothers have been so good in providing a wheel chair and a walker for my use, repairing my security camera at the front door of our home (the cause of my fall) and giving me other help.  They have really lived up to what the Fraternity stands for.  I also appreciate all the calls, cards, inquiries, and especially your prayers and every expression of love and care in my behalf.  It means so much to Jeanne and me to know how much we have been blessed with so many good friends.
I hope to be able to be with you at the Masters’ Workshop at the end of this month with the help of some of the Brothers who have volunteered to chauffeur me.  I continue to be amazed at your generosity.  Words can’t express my appreciation for all you have done and continue to do for me and Masonry.
I hate that I have had to miss the Instructional Meetings in the Districts this month but I truly appreciate the Brothers stepping up to fill in for me. 
As we stand on the threshold of this New Year, I hope 2016 will be a year filled with many privileges and opportunities to serve our fellowman.  We will be attending Grand Lodge functions and local Lodge meetings.  April will be a busy month as we plan for upcoming Grand Lodge Communication to be held in Greenville at The Embassy Suites Hotel in Greenville. I hope to see all of you Brothers there.
Fraternally,

William B. Rogers
Grand Master
 

I was attending the Conference of Grand Masters of North America and one of the topics was “Who is Guarding the West Gate. It is you, my Brother, who is guarding the gate?” If someone should ask you for a petition or someone you know asks for one, would you sign that petition without knowledge of his background or would he uphold and conform to our code and constitution? In past years everyone lived in the community in which they were born and everyone knew of their character. Most of the time members of the Lodge knew the petitioner’s family and could give a favorable opinion of that person. In today’s transitient society you may have known a person that moved away for several years and returned. We can’t possibly know that persons action in the years he was away. It is therefore necessary to have a criminal background check into their character by a reputable company. It is also necessary to visit the petitioner’s home and get the wife’s opinion of Freemasonry. If we let one man in with bad character we may lose many good men who refuse to join because they will not associate with the questionable member. As a member of an investigation committee you are obligated to complete an extensive background check on the history of an applicant. Any member who knows something concerning the applicant has a duty to convey the information to the Worshipful Master or the investigation committee. You are the Guard at the West Gate.
In a few days we will observe the Thanksgiving holiday.  In America we have so much for which to be grateful.  God has blessed us as a fraternity, as a nation, as well as a family.  We are able to wake each morning and greet a new day in good health.  We are able to go where we want and do as we please—to church to worship, school to learn, or work to provide for the needs of our families.
We take so much for granted. Why are we free as a nation?  It’s because we have a military who volunteers to leave family, businesses, and homes to defend our nation if necessary, so that we won’t be in bondage like so many other countries.  Many of them have never known how wonderful it is to be free.  Many of our men and women in Armed Services sacrifice so much for us.  Some of them come home without limbs, blind, burned beyond recognition and others never see America again because they have paid the ultimate sacrifice with their lives.
Share Thanksgiving with others this year to show how much you appreciate what you have.  Make a contribution to feed the homeless.  Give them clothing to keep them warm in all kinds of weather. Many churches have ministries to donate food and clothing for the needy.  They also need to hear and know that someone loves and cares for them.
And, above all, as you gather around a bounteous table of food with your families and friends, remember to thank God for His blessings and live a life of gratitude each day.

​Fraternally,

William B. Rogers
Grand Master

As we meet together in our various Lodges do we ever consider the dedication and hard work of our forefathers in building the facilities we’ve inherited?  Their desire to build upon their predecessors’ labor is to insure they would give us this great fraternity in better condition than they received it.

It is time for us to reflect upon our responsibility and ask ourselves if we have the fervency and zeal that distinguishes us from our ancient Brethren.

As a Fraternity we have great philanthropies and we should be proud of that.  However, we aren’t a philanthropic organization.  We are to be more than promoting fundraisers  for different purposes.  Are we not to be different from other civic clubs and organizations? We are to be Brothers dedicated to promoting Relief and Brotherly Love and in doing so we are building better men….husbands, fathers, community leaders, and citizens.  It also strengthens that “Mystic Tie” that binds us into a sacred band of Brothers.

Are we following someone else’s expectations by doing the same things the same way year after year?  Our meetings should be inspiring, interesting, and creative, not just come and open the Lodge, read the minutes, pay bills, close, and go home.  Our Lodges must distinguish themselves from other fraternities or clubs by creating an experience that Brothers perceive as worthy of their time and effort. Do we have a good agenda of Masonic activities planned for our meetings such as an inspiring Masonic speakers, a good program of Masonic Education readily available for our Brethren to enjoy and learn more about our great Fraternity. There are many publications and videos readily available if we would only spend a little time in search of these. 

We must live up to the duties and responsibilities which we voluntarily took upon ourselves as Masons.  We come of our own freewill and accord.  We are not invited into the Fraternity.  We knocked upon the door for admission.  We are to live our Masonic principles before the public and in our everyday life.  If we do this, we will make a positive impact on others.  At first, they might seek admission just for the fraternal association but if they see we have something to offer them that is beneficial to daily living, they will see our Fraternity in a different light and seek admission.

If they do let’s give them the best fraternal experience we have to offer.  And finally ask yourself:  “Have I given the Fraternity my best?”

 

Fraternally,

 

William B. Rogers

Grand Master

 As I write this article our country is celebrating the fourth of July or Independence Day. The question came to me “Why do we celebrate the fourth of July”? This date should remind us of the freedoms we enjoy because of the brave men and women who fought the British government for the privilege of being free and giving us an independent America. The signers of the “Declaration of Independence” were courageous men who pledged their lives, their fortunes, their future and their sacred honor for the cause of freedom and independence. Most of these brave men lost everything and many lost their lives in the pursuit of the freedoms we now enjoy as free Americans. Also many of the signers were Freemasons.

     Some of the signers of the Declaration of Independence were from South Carolina. They were Thomas Heyward, Jr., Edward Rutledge and Arthur Middleton. They were captured by the British during the Charleston Campaign in 1780. They were held prisoners in dungeons at the St. Augustine Prison until their exchange a year later.

     Independence Day is associated with fireworks, cook-outs, parades, family reunions, ball games, speeches, concerts and other ceremonies, as well as other public and private celebrations of the history of our government and traditions of the United States. Independence Day is the birthday and National Day of Celebration of the United States.

     At the bombardment of Fort McHenry by ships of the British Navy in the war of 1812, Francis Scott Key, a thirty-five year old lawyer and amateur poet, was on one of those British ships trying to secure the release of Dr William Beanes, a prisoner of the British. As they watched the shelling of Ft. McHenry throughout the night, Key penciled a poem describing what he was witnessing. The poem was published in the Baltimore Patriot with the title “The Defense of Fort McHenry.” The poem became known as “The Star Spangled Banner.” Key’s poem was declared in 1931 by the U.S. Congress as the official anthem of the United States. A Mason named John Stafford Smith set the poem to music to the tune of an old English tune called “To Anacreon in Heaven” a difficult melody with a large vocal range sometime between 1770 and 1775. We are more familiar with the first stanza, but the anthem contains four. In indignation over the start of the American Civil War, Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr. added a fifth stanza to the song in 1861 which appeared in songbooks of the era.

     I hope that as you celebrated the “Fourth of July with your families and friends that you kept in mind that we are free because of the sacrifice of so many brave and honorable men.

        May God bless us, our Fraternity and pray that He will bless The United States of America.

  Sincerely and Fraternally,

William B. Rogers

Grand Master