On Saturday, March 14, 2009, Gate City will hold a Georgia CHIP event for The Fernbank Science Center which is part of the DeKalb County School System. Past Master Doug Hrabe, who is President of The Fernbank Science Center, and, one of our newest Gate City II members, Minh Van, will be heading up this event.
Gate City II is a Regular Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons working under the jurisdiction of The Grand Lodge of Georgia. Our regular meetings are the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays January – May, September – November, the 2nd Tuesday in June, August and December and the 4th Tuesday in July. We meet at the Atlanta Masonic Center (formerly The Atlanta Masonic Temple) 1690 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, GA 30309
Monday, March 2, 2009
Royal Order of Scotland to Assist GCII at Highland Games
Rick Conn of the Gerogia Highland Clan Royal Order of Scotland has confirmed the participation of that most exalted body of Freemason's in our Scottish Highland Games CHIP event. The Royal Order of Scotland is an honorary society within the craft and is by invitation only. Our own David Herman, DDGM, is a member. Another notable Royal Order of Scotland Mason that the brethren of GCII might see on a regular basis is Carl Hyde, Chamblee Sardis 444, Temple Manager.
Well Done Rick!!!
Gate City II is a Regular Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons working under the jurisdiction of The Grand Lodge of Georgia. Our regular meetings are the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays January – May, September – November, the 2nd Tuesday in June, August and December and the 4th Tuesday in July. We meet at the Atlanta Masonic Center (formerly The Atlanta Masonic Temple) 1690 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, GA 30309
Friday, February 27, 2009
From the Tyler to the Worshipful Master: Beaux Kneauxs
Edwin Demars will officially resign his post on March 10, 2009 opting for a stint in the U.S. Army. The span of time between our February 24th meeting and Demar's resignation on March 10th will be unique to Gate City II. For those two weeks, every officer in line, from the Tyler to the Worshipful Master will have received their Catechism and officer's training from Worshipful Brother Beaux Pettys. Beaux Kneauxs.
Gate City II is a Regular Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons working under the jurisdiction of The Grand Lodge of Georgia. Our regular meetings are the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays January – May, September – November, the 2nd Tuesday in June, August and December and the 4th Tuesday in July. We meet at the Atlanta Masonic Center (formerly The Atlanta Masonic Temple) 1690 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, GA 30309
Gate City II is a Regular Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons working under the jurisdiction of The Grand Lodge of Georgia. Our regular meetings are the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays January – May, September – November, the 2nd Tuesday in June, August and December and the 4th Tuesday in July. We meet at the Atlanta Masonic Center (formerly The Atlanta Masonic Temple) 1690 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, GA 30309
You're In The Army Now!!!!!!!!!
Edwin Demars has enlisted in the United States Army. He has passed his physical and is prepared to depart for basic training in Texas. The Tyler and Stewards will not advance. Worshipful Master, Michael Bjelajac, has offered the position and the offer has been accepted. Information will be forthcoming.
Gate City II is a Regular Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons working under the jurisdiction of The Grand Lodge of Georgia. Our regular meetings are the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays January – May, September – November, the 2nd Tuesday in June, August and December and the 4th Tuesday in July. We meet at the Atlanta Masonic Center (formerly The Atlanta Masonic Temple) 1690 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, GA 30309
Gate City II is a Regular Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons working under the jurisdiction of The Grand Lodge of Georgia. Our regular meetings are the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays January – May, September – November, the 2nd Tuesday in June, August and December and the 4th Tuesday in July. We meet at the Atlanta Masonic Center (formerly The Atlanta Masonic Temple) 1690 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, GA 30309
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Remembering "The Judge" Charlie Wofford
Charlie makes a Brother duck...with a duck. Charlie had a somewhat exaggerated sense of humor. He was unafraid to startle those in his general vicinity with bizarre antics. I doubt the duck made it past dinner (but died laughing nonetheless). This priceless photo (probably circa 1959) was saved from the garbage can by a Gate City II brother.
Charles Augustus Wofford, in addition to being in the Guinness Book of World Records for Lodge attendance, was the first-line signature on hundreds of petitions. He died in May, 2004, only hours after missing his first meeting of Gate City since having been initiated in 1947. He was one of the true giants of Gate City Lodge and of Georgia Freemasonry. He was Potentate of the Yaarab Shrine in 1969, was a 33rd degree Scottish Rite Mason and a Superior Court Judge of Fulton County.
Charles Augustus Wofford, in addition to being in the Guinness Book of World Records for Lodge attendance, was the first-line signature on hundreds of petitions. He died in May, 2004, only hours after missing his first meeting of Gate City since having been initiated in 1947. He was one of the true giants of Gate City Lodge and of Georgia Freemasonry. He was Potentate of the Yaarab Shrine in 1969, was a 33rd degree Scottish Rite Mason and a Superior Court Judge of Fulton County.
Charles Augustus Wofford was attentive, compassionate and caring. Charlie worked behind the scenes and was never so much concerned with thanks and accolades. He made things happen for people without ever having to tell them so or ever making them feel as if they owed him a favor. He gave to others because he enjoyed seeing their progress in life. Their success was his success.
I remember one of his last meetings. For whatever reason, he felt compelled to address the Lodge. I do not recall his exact words. He told us how much Freemasonry meant to him. He spoke of the journey, fellowship and his personal enrichment. Charlie told us to stick with the Craft.
One of his statements left an indelible impression - this I do remember clearly. He sat back in his Treasurer's chair and told us, "I love Freemasonry. I love being in Lodge. If I were to sit back in this chair and die right now, that would be fine with me." One month later he was gone.
All Hail The Judge.
Gate City II is a Regular Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons working under the jurisdiction of The Grand Lodge of Georgia. Our regular meetings are the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays January – May, September – November, the 2nd Tuesday in June, August and December and the 4th Tuesday in July. We meet at the Atlanta Masonic Center (formerly The Atlanta Masonic Temple) 1690 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, GA 30309
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Report on Religion & Culture Series, 2 of 8
J.D. Jordan, Classic Islamic Poetry: Faith, Love, Wine & Women?
On Tuesday, February 25th, 2009, J.D. Jordan presented the second installment of Gate City II's Religion and Culture Series with Classic Islamic Poetry. JD recently completed a graduate degree in US - Middle Eastern history. His program looked at the Classical Period of Islamic Poetry from Mohammad to the Mongols, 7th - 13th centuries. The purpose of his presentation was to demystify an often adversarial culture through verse. In honor of the occasion, the brethren of Gate City II grilled Shish Kabob to serve to our guests. New brothers, Zeithlin Waters and Victor Marshall as well as new affiliate brother Minh Vin, grilled the meat and vegetables and prepared the food aided by Scott Handler, not yet a Freemason. In preparation for the event, the brethren of GCII, hung posters, sent out evites, called friends and posted the presentation on a number of blogs.
J.D. started his presentation by giving us a background of the differences in the Persian and Arabic cultures. He also explained that Arab culture held poets in the highest esteem. Many of the other forms of art, such as music, were held with much less regard. Moreover, musicians were mostly slaves whose task was to set the written word to music. Poetry was so highly prized that cults formed around many poets and became a popular past time among the ruling class (including Sultans and Caliphs).
Poetry was spread by the poet or the employment of a rawis - professional performers. As in the west, the poet depended on patronage and was often times obligated to sing the praises of his tribe, ruler, or religion. They were the first propagandists and advertisers. J.D. read a poem written by an eleventh century vendor with an over stock of black veils. The vendor fashioned a poem extolling the virtues of wearing a black veil. The poem was repeated enough times in the market place. The vendor sold his surplus.
He introduced us to Sufi Poetry and the poet Rumi. A Sufi is one who does not separate himself from others by opinion or dogma; and who realizes the heart as the Shrine of God. Sufism is a mystical form of Islam much like kabalists are to a mystical form of Judaism. Rumi is known to have said, "I go into the Muslim Mosque and the Jewish Synagogue and the Christian church and I see one altar." He proceeded to enlighten us with a host of poems unexpectedly arising from what many had heretofore considered a fairly rigid culture without much room for error or disobedience.
Notable quote, Al-Mutanabbi: "A mindless idiot needs polite learning as a headless donkey needs halter."
Kamaluddin Isma'il Isfahani, 12th century Persian Social Commentary:
"Though my master speaks ill of me
I shall not mar my face with pain.
I shall speak nothing but good of him
so that we may both be seen as liars."
Ubayid -I Zakani, Religious Criticism, 14th century Persian / Arab:
Lord, of your grace all that I hope is this-
keep the realm of my pleasure prosperous
avert me from the calamity of chastity
and keep me from the doom of repentance
Rudagi, the first great classical poet of Iran, 10th century:
I do not dye my hair black
so as to be young again and sin again
but because people dye their clothes black in mourning
so, I have died my hair black, mourning my old age
Abu Nuwas, on Love:
I asked her for a kiss and obtained it
after refusal, and much effort.
By God, I said, my tormentress, be generous,
give me another and content me,
She smiled and cited a proverb,
known to the Persians, and true:
Never give anything to a child
who petulantly asks for another
Al - Walid II (8th century Caliph):
She rose to met me with a kiss and embraced me
her limbs full, her mouth fragrant like musk.
"Come in, no one will know,
I am your ransom against suffering."
And so we lay that night, sleepless on our beds,
in the heat of passion she clasped me and I clasped her,
until the two threads apeared and I said to her,
"It is time to part," and grief almost overcame her.
Then I left her and no one knew of us.
May God reward her for her good deed.
J.D. also spoke of the relevance of Christ in Islam. Jesus is regarded as immaculately conceived of God and Mary. He is the second or third highest regarded entity to Muslims (depending on sect). All religions, sects and fraternities have their fair share of hypocrites and critics, Islam is no exception...
Omar Khayyam, a 12th century Persian, wrote the following:
And that inverted bowl we call the sky,
Whereunder crawling coop't we live and die,
Lift not thy hands to it for help - for it
rolls impotently on as Thou or I.
Allah, perchance, the secret word might spell;
If Allah be, He keeps His secrets well;
What He hath hidden, who shall hope to find?
Shall God His secrets to a Maggot tell?
The Koran! well, come put me to the test -
Lovely old book in hideous error drest-
Believe me, I can quote the Koran too,
The unbeliever knows his Koran best.
And do you think that unto such as you,
A maggot - minded starved fanatic crew,
God saved the secret, and denied it to me?-
Well, well, what matters it! believe that too.
With each seperate piece, J.D. weaved in and out of the history surrounding the poem, the circumstances of the poet, and the social / religious relevance of his writing. Bringing an 800 - 1300 year old poem to life is not an easy task, but that's exactly what J.D. Jordan delivered to the brethren of Gate City II, their friends and families and everyone else that attended.
So...turn off the television. Quit reading this blog. Pick up an intriguing book of, dare I say it, Classic Islamic Poetry? You will be delighted!
Thank you J.D.!
J.D. started his presentation by giving us a background of the differences in the Persian and Arabic cultures. He also explained that Arab culture held poets in the highest esteem. Many of the other forms of art, such as music, were held with much less regard. Moreover, musicians were mostly slaves whose task was to set the written word to music. Poetry was so highly prized that cults formed around many poets and became a popular past time among the ruling class (including Sultans and Caliphs).
Poetry was spread by the poet or the employment of a rawis - professional performers. As in the west, the poet depended on patronage and was often times obligated to sing the praises of his tribe, ruler, or religion. They were the first propagandists and advertisers. J.D. read a poem written by an eleventh century vendor with an over stock of black veils. The vendor fashioned a poem extolling the virtues of wearing a black veil. The poem was repeated enough times in the market place. The vendor sold his surplus.
He introduced us to Sufi Poetry and the poet Rumi. A Sufi is one who does not separate himself from others by opinion or dogma; and who realizes the heart as the Shrine of God. Sufism is a mystical form of Islam much like kabalists are to a mystical form of Judaism. Rumi is known to have said, "I go into the Muslim Mosque and the Jewish Synagogue and the Christian church and I see one altar." He proceeded to enlighten us with a host of poems unexpectedly arising from what many had heretofore considered a fairly rigid culture without much room for error or disobedience.
Notable quote, Al-Mutanabbi: "A mindless idiot needs polite learning as a headless donkey needs halter."
Kamaluddin Isma'il Isfahani, 12th century Persian Social Commentary:
"Though my master speaks ill of me
I shall not mar my face with pain.
I shall speak nothing but good of him
so that we may both be seen as liars."
Ubayid -I Zakani, Religious Criticism, 14th century Persian / Arab:
Lord, of your grace all that I hope is this-
keep the realm of my pleasure prosperous
avert me from the calamity of chastity
and keep me from the doom of repentance
Rudagi, the first great classical poet of Iran, 10th century:
I do not dye my hair black
so as to be young again and sin again
but because people dye their clothes black in mourning
so, I have died my hair black, mourning my old age
Abu Nuwas, on Love:
I asked her for a kiss and obtained it
after refusal, and much effort.
By God, I said, my tormentress, be generous,
give me another and content me,
She smiled and cited a proverb,
known to the Persians, and true:
Never give anything to a child
who petulantly asks for another
Al - Walid II (8th century Caliph):
She rose to met me with a kiss and embraced me
her limbs full, her mouth fragrant like musk.
"Come in, no one will know,
I am your ransom against suffering."
And so we lay that night, sleepless on our beds,
in the heat of passion she clasped me and I clasped her,
until the two threads apeared and I said to her,
"It is time to part," and grief almost overcame her.
Then I left her and no one knew of us.
May God reward her for her good deed.
J.D. also spoke of the relevance of Christ in Islam. Jesus is regarded as immaculately conceived of God and Mary. He is the second or third highest regarded entity to Muslims (depending on sect). All religions, sects and fraternities have their fair share of hypocrites and critics, Islam is no exception...
Omar Khayyam, a 12th century Persian, wrote the following:
And that inverted bowl we call the sky,
Whereunder crawling coop't we live and die,
Lift not thy hands to it for help - for it
rolls impotently on as Thou or I.
Allah, perchance, the secret word might spell;
If Allah be, He keeps His secrets well;
What He hath hidden, who shall hope to find?
Shall God His secrets to a Maggot tell?
The Koran! well, come put me to the test -
Lovely old book in hideous error drest-
Believe me, I can quote the Koran too,
The unbeliever knows his Koran best.
And do you think that unto such as you,
A maggot - minded starved fanatic crew,
God saved the secret, and denied it to me?-
Well, well, what matters it! believe that too.
With each seperate piece, J.D. weaved in and out of the history surrounding the poem, the circumstances of the poet, and the social / religious relevance of his writing. Bringing an 800 - 1300 year old poem to life is not an easy task, but that's exactly what J.D. Jordan delivered to the brethren of Gate City II, their friends and families and everyone else that attended.
So...turn off the television. Quit reading this blog. Pick up an intriguing book of, dare I say it, Classic Islamic Poetry? You will be delighted!
Thank you J.D.!
Gate City II is a Regular Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons working under the jurisdiction of The Grand Lodge of Georgia. Our regular meetings are the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays January – May, September – November, the 2nd Tuesday in June, August and December and the 4th Tuesday in July. We meet at the Atlanta Masonic Center (formerly The Atlanta Masonic Temple) 1690 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, GA 30309
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Solomon's Lodge Number One Celebrates 275 Years
Gate City and friends from Chamblee Sardis 444, Fulton 216, and Royal Lodge of Faith & Friendship, were among the two hundred plus Freemasons in attendance at the celebration of the 275th year anniversary of Solomon's Lodge. It being the 275th anniversary of Solomon's Lodge, would necessitate the same being the case for Freemasonry in Georgia. Most Worshipful Grandmaster Jennings and several of the Grand Line were in attendance as well as many Masonic dignitaries from across the state and beyond. Solomon's One of Charleston, SC, just two years younger than her sister Lodge of Savannah, was also on hand to celebrate the occasion.
The days festivities included a Cornerstone Laying, Luncheon, Lectures and the exemplification of the Hiramic Legend. Because of the large turn out, Solomon's Lodge used the banquet hall at the Hyatt. Each door was sealed with tape and was stationed with two Tylers.
The Brethren of Bay Street offered a lesson in Freemasonry to anyone who was their to watch. I had the pleasure of witnessing a raising at Solomon's four years ago and the honor of assisting as a Craftsman. This time I was content to watch and enjoy and it was all the more impressive.
Junior Deacon Porter, PM, is a Masonic Scholar and ritualist supreme. During his lecture, he named some of the great brethren of Georgia Freemasons including the line, "the brethren of Gate City II will certainly swell with pride at the mention of Henry Grady, owner and editor of The Atlanta Constitution." We were moved.
One day, perhaps on the 375th anniversary of Freemason's in Georgia, someone will mention Brother Porter's name and the brethren of Solomon's Lodge will in turn swell with pride and maybe they will recognize the relief given in a kind word - a hundred years prior.
Huzza!
Gate City II and friends pose for a photo. Brethren in ascending order: Zeitlin Waters, JSGCII; Chris Malpus, Royal Lodge of Faith and Friendship, Internet Lodge 9659, United Grand Lodge of England; Morris Notrica, Fulton 216; Jeff Notrica, Fulton 216; Ryan Weaver, (his PA lodge); Edwin Demars, JDGCII; David Herman, Internet Lodge 9659, Chamblee Sardis 444; GCII, Mike Bjelajac, WMGCII; Beaux Pettys, DOWGCII; and Victor Marshall, SSGCII. Photo taken by Kirk Hegwood, JW Chamblee-Sardis 444. 
We are fortunate to have a friend that lives across the street from Solomon's. Instant hospitality suite.Gate City II is a Regular Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons working under the jurisdiction of The Grand Lodge of Georgia. Our regular meetings are the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays January – May, September – November, the 2nd Tuesday in June, August and December and the 4th Tuesday in July. We meet at the Atlanta Masonic Center (formerly The Atlanta Masonic Temple) 1690 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, GA 30309
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
