TRAJECTORY OF OUR LODGES
As a young boy in the 1960’s, I was always interested in NASA and the great adventures of our Astronauts, their missions and accomplishments.  As we enter the summer months, I recall with great clarity the success and issues of the Apollo Missions.  On July 20, 1969 man first landed on the moon. As Neil Armstrong stated, “That’s One Small Step for Man, One Giant Leap for Mankind.”  What a moment for all of mankind, the culmination of a decade of focused planning, scientific analysis, and unified work.  I first learned of trajectory with the space program.  Trajectory is a medieval term from the 1660’s meaning to cast over or casting over.  The geometric definition relates to the curve or surface that cuts all the curves or surfaces of a system at a contact angle.  Trajectory is an important term relating to future or desired success.  Trajectory in essence defines the pathway to success for complex systems.  The Apollo 13 Mission, in April of 1970, illustrated the impact of change in trajectory.  The movie is worth of a watch on overcoming adversity or changing trajectory for survival itself.
What is the Trajectory of Your Lodge?      
Brethren, as I have previously stated, Lodge membership is our most important asset.  While I am positive of the great influence we have as Freemasons and our future, and yet I am also greatly concerned about the trajectory of some of our lodges!  Many Lodges are just beginning to study membership trends, financial and sustainability reviews, to address their trajectory and adjust course.  Some of our Lodges have the path to success in front of them, while others are on a perilous trajectory that if uncorrected will lead to disappointment and perhaps devastation to their members.  We continue to discuss the Lodge of the Future program and to address the complex issues that face Lodges today!  Study will enable them to plan for a future trajectory for success. Collectively we need to set our Lodge target and trajectory for a successful future.   Does your Lodge have a Vision and Plan for what you really want your Lodge to provide your members, improving communication to all of your members and to determine what you want your Lodge influence to have in your community.    
I have been pleased hear from Lodges that are moving forward with the Lodge of the Future Program.  I have been blessed to see the first fruits from this effort with Lodges being focused on improving our meetings, adding more educational programs and considering what will your Lodge trajectory be in the coming months and years.  Your Grand Lodge is moving forward with membership and system changes that will change trajectory.  How we use the tools will  determine the success of Lodges who understand the great benefit to their members.
As with the Apollo missions of the past, we need to ask what will be the legacy of our leadership!  
Just imagine what we can do when we consider the possibilities, and take steps to get the craft moving together on a trajectory for greatness.  Take the small step forward and keep moving!
 
   
MASONIC EDUCATION LESSON PLAN, NUMBER 12
YOUR LODGE OF THE FUTURE
BACKGROUND:  Improving the Lodge Experience for All Members                                                            
ISSUES:            Delivering on our promise, Making A Difference to All Members
NEEDS:            Lead the discussion with your Lodge members as to what has improved over the last 2 years. 
                        Discuss what yet needs to be done to improve the Lodge Experience with your members. 
ACTIONS:        Use the Grand Lodge Membership System to update your membership roster
                        Ascertain how many of your members are not attending and reach out to them  
Divide the membership list among your Officers and Active Members and call them to check on them and get email address if they have it.  Welcome them to come back, share upcoming events and regular meetings.
Call or email your members on their birthday
Use email to keep your members informed.
Hold a Family Breakfast and invite your Lodge members and families to visit.
Plan a special educational program and invite all your members.
Visit other Lodges and build the fellowship
Have a Lodge Project for 2017 to unite the members in a project for the community or the Lodge.
​

Grand Masters Address
It is a distinct honor and privilege to serve our beloved Fraternity in any leadership position.  I recognize that leadership has always been based upon the respect given by the membership if for only a short time.  Leadership, in any case, is always accompanied by the responsibility to act on behalf one’s peers and to act in the best interest for all.
Most Worshipful T. Harry White once shared, “It is not how much a man may know that is important, as much as, the purpose for which he knows it.”  This has always resonated with me in my Masonic Journey and one of several important realizations that I have gained from great Freemasons that have influenced me.
I have observed those great Freemasons that I follow in the office of Grand Master. These Brothers acted in the best interest of the Craft, as they faced the issues and challenges of the day.  Having working with all of our Living Past Grand Masters, they all share the passion for Freemasonry and work for the craft.  They have earned a place in history for their effort.  I continue to be amazed by their great influence and labor for the craft.
Yet I am even more amazed and excited by the future of Freemasonry, because of the opportunity we have to make a difference in the world, but most importantly, among our newest members and future members.  Freemasonry needs to be an integral part of the communities in which we labor.
I am, indeed, humbled and honored to have been elected and installed as the Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ancient Free Masons of South Carolina. I promise that I will pray, listen, consider and evaluate the decisions that come to the Office of the Grand Master. I will work to address the issues that we face as a Fraternity.  It will take work and faith in each other! By working together, we can create great opportunity for our gentle craft to in service to our members, communities and the world.  We make a difference where we are!
I have been asked to comment on my Grand Mastered lapel pin.  I was inspired to by the great lesson of the Five Points of Fellowship. When studied, all of us can benefit by the great lessons that can be gained from the rich meaning from our ritual instruction.  The Blazing Star represents many things, the Five Points of Fellowship, the Da Vinci image of the Vitruvian Man, the elegant geometric proportion use to deliver the beautiful reminder of the Spiritual part of man that is found in each of us.  The Hebrew letter Hei, found in the center of the star represents both the numerical value of 5 and also alludes to the ineffable name of God as we further pursue truth and light. 
Brethren, so let us work together to elevate and improve the Freemason’s experience in our Fraternity, and in so doing elevate the Fraternity.  It is up to each member to commit and work to improve our own experience by study.  Better Ritual, Better Fellowship and Better Education.   
I look forward to the opportunity to serve with those of you that want to better our Fraternity!
Sincerely and Fraternally,
Michael D. Smith, Sr.
​

GRAND MASTER’S LAST MESSAGE
          This is my last Masonic Light article as your Grand Master. I begin with mixed emotions as my time as your Grand Master is slowly coming to an end. I am sad because my term will soon be over. However, I am very thankful you gave me the opportunity to serve this Grand Jurisdiction as your Grand Master for the past two years. I will always have wonderful memories of the way you received me and of the many acts of kindness and courtesies extended to me as I traveled over this state visiting your Lodges. Also for the honor of representing The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ancient Free Masons of South Carolina as I travelled to other Grand Jurisdictions for their Annual Communications. It was my privilege to meet and make friends with Brethren from many Jurisdictions in North America as I attended the Southeastern Masonic Conferences and Conferences of Grand Masters and Grand Secretaries of North America for the past several years.  
           I want to thank the elected line officers: Rt. Wor. Michael D. Smith, Sr., Senior Grand Warden, Rt. Wor. Walter C. Disher II, Junior Grand Warden, M.W. Jack A. Marler, PGM and Grand Treasurer, M.W. Gerald L. Carver, PGM and Grand Secretary, and Rt. Wor. A. Robert Nix, Grand Chaplain for their support. Congratulations to Rt. Wor. Michael D. Smith, Sr., as he is elevated to the time-honored position of Grand Master. To the Subordinate Grand Lodge Officers, District Deputy Grand Masters and Committeemen: thank you for your support these past two years. Also I want to thank Rt. Wor. Benny Hammond for his outstanding performance as my Grand Marshall and the times he accompanied me on my demanding travel schedule. 
          To M.W. Jerry Carver, PGM and Grand Secretary thank you for your wise counsel, advice and work performed for me. You were always there for me when I needed advice and counsel and I thank you for that.
          To M.W. Jack A. Marler, PGM, Grand Treasurer for the assurances that the funds of the Grand Lodge are properly maintained.
          To MW Ronald C. Mitchum, PGM, Chairman of Commission on Investments and Masonic Relief.  Thank you for your expert advice and performance with the Grand Lodge Investments and assuring stability in the future. Also for your work with the Masonic Relief to ensure those receiving assistance were thoroughly investigated.
          To our Past Grand Masters: MW Tommie Brant, MW G. Ray Marsh, MW Robert V. Pinkston, MW Samuel Tennyson, Sr., MW G. Kent Elkins, MW Barry A. Rickman, MW Jay A. Pearson and MW David J. DeChant, Sr.  This Grand Lodge is fortunate to have a dedicated group of Brothers as you.
          To all the Brethren who were always there when I needed a helping hand and prefer to remain anonymous. I know who you are and will always be indebted to you.
           To Jeanne, my best friend, the love of my life and my wife: I can’t express in words my love and appreciation for your love and the sacrifices you made supporting me through the forty seven years I have been active in this Great Fraternity of Masonry.  You have been so very encouraging and supportive every day.  
          Brethren, I look forward to our upcoming 280th Annual Communication to be held in Greenville, S. C. at the Embassy Suites Hotel on April 27th -28th 2017. I sincerely hope to see you there.
 
Fraternally,

William B. Rogers
Grand Master

​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