The Sublime Degree of Master Mason

Newly Raised Brothers pose for a picture

On Monday, April 18th, 2011, Brothers Enio Bodden, Andrew Maurizio, and Peter Rizzolo were raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason. In this degree are the deepest secrets and the most profound teachings of our fraternity. Although its background continues to be architecture and its action takes place in and about the Temple, it is a spiritual symbolism of life and death. Principally, it teaches immortality. The Sprig of Acacia, a symbol of our faith in the immortality of the soul, plays a central part in this degree. When man erroneously permits himself to be buried under the rubbish of sins and passions, if he has learned the secret of the spiritual life and with the help of the Great Architect of the Universe, it is possible for him to rise into a new life.

The Hiramic Legend has its roots in many of the Mystery Schools of ancient times.  The drama of the Egyptian God Osiris and his tragic death, the search for his body, and its discovery and restoration sound all too familiar to us as Masons. This story line is ancient. It is the concept of the sacred king, who is destined for sacrifice so that the earth might become regenerated and uplifted by divine power. As Hiram was the “Son of the Widow,” so too, the Egyptian God Horus, child of Isis and Osiris, was also the son of a widow.

As we speak about wages, so too we speak about traveling, because the goal of our ancient operative Brethren was to become masters, so they might possess those secrets which would enable them to practice the art of the master architect, no matter where they traveled - even in foreign countries. The term “foreign countries” is used symbolically in speculative Masonry, and is not meant to refer to a specific geographical location. Freemasonry itself is a foreign country to those not initiated into its rites. To fully appreciate and enjoy the privileges of the Craft, each of us must become familiar with the territory of Freemasonry by learning its language, customs, and history, and stretching our minds to interpret and use its symbols so that they teach us important moral lessons. After receiving the Sublime Degree of Master Mason, we are expected to continue our journey toward a deeper understanding of the Craft and continue to search for truth wherever it may be found. The term “foreign countries” also is a metaphor for the spiritual worlds. Ancient people concerned themselves with vast spiritual worlds and their method of gaining admission through various spiritual spheres was through secret passwords, grips, signs, and holy words. This degree will forever be studied, interpreted, and held sacred by its students for generations to come.

'Freemasonry and the Spirit of Aloha'

At our regular communication held on April 4th, 2011, W.B. Makia L. Pai, a Pennsylvania Past Master under the jurisdiction of the Right Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Pennsylvania and jurisdictions thereunto belonging, visited our lodge to speak on 'Freemasonry and the Spirit of Aloha'. Bro. Pai is a native of the big island of Hawaii and a member of Honolulu Lodge.

His presentation focused on the parallels and similarities between hawaiian tradition and Freemasonry. He spoke on the ancient hawaiian metaphysical tradition known as po'ohuna, the meaning of the term 'aloha', and much more. Another great night at Nutley Lodge!

W.B. Pai receives a 'Masonic Education Award' for his lecture

Candidates Night at The Brownstone

Brothers from our lodge attended Candidates Night at The Brownstone in Paterson, NJ on Tuesday, March 29, 2011.  Candidates Night is an opportunity for brethren running for Grand Lodge offices to introduce themselves and explain a little about their qualifications for those said offices. It is also an opportunity for fun and fellowship! It was another great evening out with our fellow lodge brothers!

Brothers having a great time at Candidates Night

'Stellar Theology and Masonic Astronomy'

On Monday, March 21st, Nutley Lodge continued its Lamp of Knowledge Lecture Series when it hosted W.B. Rashied Bey from the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of the State on New York. Brother Bey, a well-versed and learned Mason, is a Past Master from Cornerstone Lodge No. 37 under that jurisdiction. His presentation, entitled 'Stellar Theology and Masonic Astronomy', centered upon astronomy's influence on Freemasonry. The meeting coincided with the vernal equinox which occurred almosr exactly 24 hours prior to this day.

Br. Rashied Bey speaks to the Brethren

His presentation was very eye-opening to the brethren who attended. Once Br. Bey finished his presentation, a Question and Answer session followed.  It indeed was a thought-provoking presentation as several brethren had very good and very thought out questions for our special guest. Afterward, the lodge presented Br. Bey with a Masonic Education Award for his wonderful presentation, a book on masonic symbolism, and a 2011 lodge pin!

The award presented to Br. Bey

This evening was indeed a very singular occurrence in our lodge and a very special thanks go to W.B. Rashied Bey for making it happen. Thank you brother!

Annual Lodge Trip!

The annual lodge trip this year took us to Boston, MA. The weekend of March 18-20, several brethren from our lodge traveled to Beantown to visit masonic and historic sites. The pictures below speak for themselves.

The first stop on the tour was the Shiners Hospital for Children

We took a tour of the hospital thanks to Br. Walsh,

a Shriner and member of the staff

We then walked around and saw sites like the Massachusetts State House

Most Worshipful Brother Paul Revere's Grave

and Br. Benjamin Franklin's parents grave

We then headed over to the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum and Library in Lexington, MA where we were given a private tour of the museum's archives not open to the public. It was very impressive!

Really cool stained glass!

A 15 star flag was on display in the museum

Brothers Villalta and Abbate stand in front of a statue of

Worshipful Brother George Washington in front of the museum

Official Visit of the District Deputy Grand Master

Our lodge welcomed R.W. Frederick I. Waldron, District Deputy Grand Master of the Great 8th Masonic District on an Official Visit on Monday, March 7, 2011. The work for the evening was the exemplification of the 2nd Section of the M.M. Degree. Our officers had been preparing for this Official Visit by rehearsing many a night. The District Deputy Grand Master and the District Ritual Instructor for the evening commended our officers for a very fine degree and excellent exemplification of ritual. Great job to our officers and many thanks to our lodge ritual instructor, R.W. Ed Honchen, for directing and preparing the officers for their parts.

The Worshipful Master presented R.W. Waldron with an Award of Excellence for his dedication, commitment, and for respresenting the 8th Masonic District with dignity and grace as his term of office expires in April. Another fine evening for Nutley Lodge!

The Worshipful Master presents R.W. Waldron with an Award of Excellence

for his service to The Great 8th Masonic District

Fellowcraft Degree - Feb. 21, 2011

".....and if industry and zeal attend your labors, you may gather beneath the veil of our mysteries, additional treasures of science and knowlodge."

Some of those veils were parted open to brethren who were passed to the Degree of Fellowcraft, the second degree of craft masonry, on the evening of Monday, February 21st. Pictured above are three brethren from our lodge and one from Alpha Lodge. The Fellowcraft Degree is symbolic of the advancement of the mind. As an Entered Apprentice Mason, we are taught the beginnings of Freemasonry, and the manner in which to use our working tools. In this degree, science and intellect are emphasized to teach young Brothers to conduct themselves in a manner that impacts the whole of humanity in a positive way. The symbolism of this degree allows us to further our understanding of the sciences, continue to see the influences on our character and the perfection of our nature. As we explore the meaning and teachings of the some of the tools and other symbols experienced throughout the Degree of Fellowcraft, we can all see how our minds are challenged. This began with ascending the Winding Stairway (pictured below).

This symbol is one of Masonry's most important symbols

The Working Tools of this degree were presented by Br. Bill Lobay who did a fine job. W.B. Anthony Santiago conferred the lecture and Geometry, which was pretty impressive considering how much memorization that is! Kudos to W.B. Santiago! Congratulations to our newly passed brethren!!!