​Friday, November 4, 2016:
 
In recognition of and appreciation for the service of our Masonic Brothers, James Island Lodge No. 396, AFM of SC will be conducting a Special Communication on November 4, 2016 at the Veterans Victory House under a dispensation granted by the Grand Lodge of South Carolina. Starting promptly at 7:00 PM, the purpose is to honor the Military and Masonic service of resident Veterans Victory House Brothers. All Masons, family and friends are invited to attend. The Lodge will open on the Master Mason Degree. Once open, the Lodge will move from Labor to Refreshment for an open forum of Masonic Demonstration, VVH Brother participation and then Individual Recognition of each of these Masonic Brothers. Family and friends are invited to attend this portion of the Special Communication. When completed, the Lodge will be purged and the Lodge will go from Refreshment to Labor and close on the Master ​Mason Degree. The Special Communication is scheduled to end by 8:30 PM. 

​We are honored to have MWB Barry A. Rickman, PGM (2009 - 2011) as the lead presenter for the Certificates of Appreciation and Personal Letter of Thanks to each Veterans Victory House Masonic Brother. Assisting in making the presentations will be RWB Joe Wells, PDDGM of the Seventh Masonic District and MSA Field Representative for the Veterans Victory House and RWB Dale A. Schumann, DDGM of the Second Masonic District and a member of​ James Island Lodge No. 396.

Dress is coat and tie with equivalent dress for ladies and children. Bring your Masonic Apron and Dues Card. No food or beverages will be served. There are water fountains and vending machines for your use as well as rest rooms. This outreach is supported by the Veterans Victory House Administration and the MSA in South Carolina. This will be an annual event occurring the first Friday of each November; at 7:00 PM. Other First ​and Second Masonic District Lodges will be offered the opportunity to host the Special Communication on the first Friday in November in the future.
 
Questions may be referred to RWB Joe Wells, MSA Field Rep at the VVH at senatorwells@yahoo.com or WB Ned Balzano, PM at wurdsalid@gmail.com
Veterans Victory House is at 2461 Sidneys Road, Walterboro, SC 29488. Click here for map: 2461 Sidneys Road

​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
 

​LODGE MEMBERSHIP RETENTION  
Brethren, I trust you had a great summer with some time to relax and enjoy family and fellowship.  While many of our Lodges, having been dark for the hot summer days, will gather again to recommence their labors in the quarries of Freemasonry, most of our Lodges have remained at labor and continued to bring in new members and work on Lodge improvement projects.  It is now time to kick off our Membership Programs as we sprint to the end of the year!  It is time to make contact our members and share what your Lodge has been doing this year BEFORE dues collection.  Will the dues notice be the first time members have heard from your Lodge this year?  It is my hope that is not the case for your members sake!
Recently, I was speaking to a Brother Mason at a conference in Denver, CO.  I was asking about his wife who had some health issues, and had followed up with him on a couple of occasions. As we sat together, he shared a sad story of how his wife had been stricken with a sudden illness and several months of recovery.  He commented how much it meant that Brother Masons had supported him and his wife.  He shared that his church, however, had not made one call, not one message, not one card during the time and that they knew about it because of the involvement both had with the church.  They called the church to let them know that they would not be able to teach or serve on committees.  His disappointment was obvious!  He went on to say the first notification from the church was the annual giving notification and the pledge card!  He indicated that he was so upset that he was seriously considered for a few moments not participating as he has always done.  We discuss how all of us fall short in our duty to each other, but thankfully his support from the Freemasons and the great lessons from his faith and the teaching of freemasonry allowed him to pause and reflect. 
What about your Lodge members that are not attending regularly? Have we forgotten them, like this example of my friend and brother?   Are we only asking for their dues money and forgetting that they too are our brothers?
My Brethren, I submit it is time now to reach out, check on our members and see how they are doing.  Some will need our encouragement, others may need our direct assistance and some may need to hear from a familiar friend from the past.  Regardless of the situation, isn’t it part of our duty to our members?  It is easy to forget those which we cannot see, especially when we are busy and focused on other things. But our “Duty is with us Always!”
So Let us take time this fall to reach out to our all of our members, establish a new habit of staying in touch, especially with those in need.  Some members may only get to interact with you my brethren.   Isn’t that what we value the most from our Masonic Journey, fellowship with good men and the Fraternity of Light!                                                                                                                           
Our lesson plan for the month references some ways to improve communication with your members.  Find the Masonic Light Lesson plan under the resources tab at www.scgrandlodgeafm.org.   Salve! Salve Frater!
 
 

​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

MASONIC EDUCATION CORNER
Duty and Dedication  
Brethren, I write this article on July 2, 2016, and it is with a heavy heart, the day after participating in a beautiful and meaningful service for my dear friend and Bro. William R. Logan, DGM.  His example of Dedication and Duty serve as a reminder of our duty to God, family, country and our fraternity.  His life reminds us of the commitment, and sacrifice for those things which are worth fighting to see prevail.  Justice, Right and Truth.  Our Deputy Grand Master believed in these things and his life showed his dedication and duty.  I recommend reading his Memoriam as presented by MW & Ill. Bro. Gerald Carver, PGM.
We learn best from the very examples we see, and as we endeavor to apply those wise principles to ourselves and our fraternity, it is important to understand that the future is firmly established by our actions today. Thus, our dedication and duty to each other, our commitment and sacrifice for a just and right cause are the very ingredients necessary for our future success.
Let’s briefly examine the process we each must undergo and understand, to be a successful contributor to progress.      
First comes awareness. We must inquire and understand what the mission, cause or results of anything that we choose to participate.  Business makes job assignments, with measurements of success.  As a fraternity, we must mutually understand and align our mission and goals.  Ultimately, we are to help our members improve themselves and hold each other accountable to be the example of a successful life.   Are we delivering the programs and activities to help all of our members perfect themselves and desire to be part of our lodge and fraternity?
Next comes analysis of the facts and details.  Only with analysis and alignment can we as a fraternity, make progress.  All too often, we fail at this point and emotion rules instead of solid and steady facts.  What does your lodge need to be successful?  Why?  Do your members agree with the priorities and critical factors for success?  See Articles 1 – 5 from 2015 as the basis to gather and share the facts and data about your Lodge current situation and future direction?
Again we should ask ourselves, are we performing our Duty and are we Dedicated to our Lodge, our Fraternity and to each other?  Our actions will show if we believe we will be successful or if apathy will determine our Lodge Future. This is personal accountability to the Craft!   
I continue to be excited about the future of our great fraternity!  Many of our Brethren demonstrate their Dedication to Duty, with the very actions that they are leading for the future health and welfare of our great fraternity!  “Duty is with us always!”  Dedication and sacrifice demonstrate how we give of ourselves to performance of duty. 
RW and Ill. Bro. Logan remains as an inspiration to so many because of his Dedication and Duty that we have witnessed for many years.  May we pursue his example of Dedication and Duty!
MASONIC EDUCATION LESSON PLAN                                                                           NUMBER 8
LEADERSHIP BY EXAMPLE
BACKGROUND:  Leadership will determine to our Long Term Success.                                                      
ISSUES:            Has your Lodge completed your LTSP? (Long Term Strategic Plan)
NEEDS:            Are your Lodge Officers leading the craft with effective plans?
It has been the strategic focus of the Lodge of the Future series to inform and challenge our Lodge Leadership and membership to consider the future of your Lodge.  We have focused on working to supply tools for the Lodges to determine where you are today and where you will be in the future.
This Lesson plan is to challenge each Lodge and the current officers to determine if you are doing your duty and are dedicated to a plan for the future.  Again this is not an option if you are an officer, it is a Duty. 
APPLICATION:  Implementation of your Lodge of the Future Plan. 
Step One:       Review the data gathered from your research of your membership                        ( Lesson Plan 1 and 2 - Masonic Light 6/2015 and 8/2015 respectively )
Step Two:       Worshipful Masters should review your Committee appointments and Ritual Assignments to see if you have delegated to more members? Are these proficient in their performance? ( Lesson Plan 3 – Masonic Light 10/2015 )
Step Three:     Has your Lodge reviewed your Income and Expense and implemented a budget for 2016?  How is your Lodge performing to budget? ( Lesson Plan 4 – Masonic Light 12/2015.)   Do you review your budget versus actual spending with your members at your meetings?
 Step Four:      Have you improved the Masonic Education program for your Lodge?  Do members acknowledge that Masonic Education is an important part of the meeting?  ( Lesson Plan 5 – Masonic Light 2/2016 )
Step Five:        Are you ready to assess your Lodge Progress?  Every Worshipful Master and Officers should be prepared to share your progress with the Lodge Members.  Can you see and feel the difference in your Lodge and mark the progress over the last year?  It is never too late to start the journey, but it is never too early to plan and communicate with your members!  
                          Brethren, it is great to be a Freemason and you can access the previous lesson plans from our website at www.scgrandlodgeafm.com under the resource tab or contact me at mike.d.smith@milliken.com.   
​

RIGHT WORSHIPFUL BROTHER WILLIAM ROBERT LOGAN, JR.
DEPUTY GRAND MASTER
IN MEMORIAM
March 31, 1936 – June 28, 2016

MASONIC EDUCATION CORNER
Five Points Of Fellowship
It is, indeed, a distinguished honor to be elected to serve the Craft of The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ancient Freemasons of South Carolina as your Senior Grand Warden.  I am humbled and honored by your support and our shared love of this great Fraternity.  Thank you and I pledge to do my best to support your Lodge, by listening and working together for the benefit of the Fraternity.
I continue to be excited about the future of our great fraternity!  Many of our Brethren and Lodges are accepting the challenge of examining and improving the experience for all of our members.  Brethren our Lodge membership is our most important asset.  While I am positive of the great influence we have as Freemasons and our future, however many Lodges continue to be unprepared, and some still unaware of the issues that are on their horizon.
Our Grand Master, M.W. & Ill. William B. Rogers, continues to encourage us to Spread The Light in our Grand Jurisdiction.
Have We Learned Our Lessons Well?  Five Points Of Fellowship
Do you remember those Lodge Brethren that got you started in the right direction?  Those that invested in you and your Masonic career?  I recall several members of my Lodge, Landrum Lodge # 278, and the Spartanburg Scottish Rite, that were actively engaged with my Masonic Journey.  I petitioned at age 21 because of many men in my community that were active and involved.  My Father, Grandfather, and my Father in Law were influences with their involvement in the Lodge, Scottish Rite and Shrine.  Their work to support others was impressive.  Once in the fraternity, my Masonic circle expanded rapidly and the friendship and fellowship was outstanding!  I met great men, in both character and in their love of fellow Freemasons.  I was taught great lessons and study increased my Faith in both God and Man! 
At a recent Scottish Rite Leadership Conference, one great lesson was played out in a Fellows Session. I was proud of the 11 South Carolina Fellows in attendance, these are great men with a passion for our craft.  I was honored to attend the private session by Ill.  Ronald A. Seale, who asked me to charge the Fellows group, to action in their respective Scottish Rite Valleys.  During this session, one Fellow asked about how to handle a troublemaker in his lodge, that always “stirred” it up.  After some consideration, I demonstrated a way that I was taught to address this issue.  The Great Lesson from the 5 Points of Fellowship, where we are taught to Love our brethren enough to offer good council.  I asked one of our South Carolina members to stand with me and demonstrate with the 5 Points of Fellowship how, in a brotherly manner, offer council but letting a brother know that they are creating issues and offer a possible course of action for them to consider.  How many times have you used the 5 Points of Fellowship to, Pray, Encourage, Council your brethren?  Perhaps our next Lesson Plan is appropriate to have all members participate in the 5 Points of Fellowship.
MASONIC EDUCATION LESSON PLAN                                                                           NUMBER 7
OUR LODGE OF THE FUTURE STARTS WITH YOU!
BACKGROUND:  Membership Engagement is KEY to our Long Term Success.                                                        
ISSUES:            Are your Lodge Brethren Aligned and Aware of Our Lodge Status                            Are YOU in Harmony with your Lodge and Members
NEEDS:            Encouragement of Members!  Do Your Members Feel Valued?
In your next Masonic Educational Program, Have all members participate in demonstrating the 5 Points of Fellowship.  Have them all pair up and walk them through the 5 Points Lecture.  Discuss the key symbolism of this important Brotherly Act of Love and Fraternity.
1.      Support of Each Other – Physically, Mentally, Emotionally, Spiritually 
2.      Remember each other in our Daily Devotions.
3.      Genuine Brotherly Love for each other, even when we don’t always agree.
4.      Have Each Others Back, Even when our Brothers Stray – Bring them Back
5.      Council, both Good Council and Corrective Council.
APPLICATION:  These actions will be helpful when we look to work together in harmony. 
Step One:       Your Brothers will come to your support.  You can count on me!                       Can your Brothers Count on You?
Step Two:       I will pray for you!  Teaches us the important value of prayer!                                                       Do you pray every day? Do you remember brothers in your Daily Devotions?
Step Three:     Do you have Brotherly Love for your Brethren? How do you show it?                 Do you help the Harmony in your Lodge?  Does your Labor show it?
Step Four:       I embrace you in Fellowship and Fraternity?  I will put my hands to work?               Can you embrace your members? Do you comfort and support your brothers?
Step Five:        I care enough about you to listen and also to share good council.                           How well do you encourage, council, and correct errors of your brothers?         Do you correct using the attitude of the 5 Points of Fellowship?  You should!   
PRACTICE:       Brethren let’s Spread the Light of Brotherly Love and Affection.  Remind each other that only through HARMONY can we advance and seek perfection.
                        Use this opportunity to bring your Brethren together, build Harmony and set the craft on the path to progress and success!
Fraternally Yours  
​

​2016 Grand Lodge Golf Report and Sponsor List 
On April 27th, 2016 the Grand Lodge of South Carolina hosted the fourteenth annual Grand Lodge Golf Tournament at Bonnie Brae Golf Course in Greenville, SC as part of the 279th Annual Communication of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ancient Free Masons of South Carolina. This event was a success due to the participation of 31 players from across South Carolina and from visiting brethren from other Grand Jurisdictions.  The proceeds from the tournament were $ 1,847.06 for the Grand Lodge Building Fund.  The Grand Lodge Golf Tournament has raised over $ 29,303 from this “Fun Raiser” but more importantly, the fellowship and fun have been excellent.
 
The tournament was primarily supported by a several Masonic Organizations and individuals.  As part of the sponsorship agreement the following sponsors are listed in appreciation of their support and to record their participation for future ages.  Listed alphabetically they were
 
Grand Master Sponsors                       $ 250 and Above
Columbia Scottish Rite Bodies
G.R. Mike Harman, 33°
Spartanburg Scottish Rite Bodies
 
Tournament Sponsors                         $ 100 - $ 249
Blue Ridge #92 & Seneca # 185
Cayce Lodge # 384 AFM
Cayce Lodge #462, Loyal Order of Moose
Landrum Lodge # 278 AFM
Rock Hill Scottish Rite Bodies
MIGM Tommie Blackwood, GCRSM
Ill. Michael D. Smith, 33 SGIG , Scottish Rite
Vance Lodge # 230 AFM
 
Tournament Patron                              $   75 - $ 99
Star Lodge # 99
           
Participating Teams
Keowee Lodge # 79 AFM
Blue Ridge # 92 AFM and Seneca Lodge # 185
Star Lodge # 99 AFM
Hope Lodge #126 AFM
Landrum Lodge # 278 AFM
Spartanburg AFM Club
Jay Pearson / Tommie Blackwood / Robert Saverance / Jerry Hill
 
The winning team was from the Hope Lodge # 126 in a 4 hole playoff with Star Lodge # 99, Both Teams had a gross score of 63. The team members were R.W Bro. David Barnett, W. Bro. C.B. Lenard, W. Bro. Bobby Yon and W. Bro. Frankie Allen. This team will retain the beautiful Grand Lodge Cup for one year and also won the Tournament Championship plaques as the low gross scoring team.  They were recognized at the Friday session of Grand Lodge.
 
Blue Ridge Lodge # 92 and Seneca Lodge  # 185, posted the Gross Score of 65 net 45 to win the First Flight plaques.  Players were Wor. Bro. Ty Bowling, Wor. Bro. Jeremy Reed, Bro. Terry Reed, Sr. and Bro. Sean Jones.
 
W.B. Bro. Terry Reed, Wor. Bro. Jerry Hill, Bro. CB Lenard were awarded closest to the pin prizes as well.
 
MW and Ill. Ronald C. Mitchum, 33° PGM recorded his first Hole in One, the Golfers Dream Shot, with a great shot into the Par 12th Hole.  His shot landed short, bounced and disappeared.  The Ace was recorded with the Pro Shop and recognized with a Closest to the pin prize and a dozen balls.
 
All the Grand Masters Sponsors were presented plaques of appreciation by the Grand Lodge Golf Committee for their sponsorship at the Friday session of the Grand Lodge.   
 
Make plans to either join the fellowship or consider a sponsorship for our great fraternity in the upcoming 2017 tournament.   We look forward to having the
Hope Lodge # 126 team defending their title when we tee it up again in the 2017 Grand Lodge Golf Tournament to be held in Greenville, SC. 
 
 
Fraternally submitted,
 
Grand Lodge Golf Committee
RW Bro. Michael D. Smith, PDDGM        Landrum Lodge # 278
Wor. Bro. Robbie Edwards,  PM                Landrum Lodge # 278
RW Bro. Jim Scott, PDDGM                       Greenville AASR Valley