Solomon’s Staircase Masonic Lodge

In this episode we share the feature article from the fall 2022 California Freemason magazine.Read the full issue to get all the pictures and the rest of the articles not covered in this episode (https://californiafreemason.org/issue/temple/)

Join us as we talk with Worshipful Austin R. Shifrin about his new book, No Common Fire, available on Amazon. Worshipful Austin is also available for in-person or video presentations and can be contacted through his website. If you don’t use social media - there is a mailing list you can sign up for on his website as well.Website: https://austinshifrin.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086089363075Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/austin_shifrin/My books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Austin-Shifrin/author/B09Y63VGJN

For the full issue, click the link below:https://www.theresearchlodge.com/store/single-2016-issue-hbrpy-ckb9w-ddnxc-dgxpk-kxc49-z8azz-mf8t8-65f8y-lsce3-zkrty-6en2c

For the full issue click the following link: https://www.theresearchlodge.com/store/single-2016-issue-hbrpy-ckb9w-ddnxc-dgxpk-kxc49-z8azz-mf8t8-65f8y-lsce3-zkrty-y8p55

Greetings from the East,The individuality of a person needs no bounds, living life without considering the opposing factors that pull us down is the only way to get some meaning out of it. All worthy men who are respected today lived a simple life, which is why they are respected and followed today. They saw adversity in the eye without losing their self-control, to be part of the superficial vices of life. The yield comes naturally when the times strike rich as spring follows winter. Liberation is the ultimate value we experience while passing through struggles and troubles without compromising our ways. Freemasonry gives those options to use freedom of life in a disciplined mindset to maintain success by controlling their passions and desires. Freemasonry never looks for perfect human beings but to make them better. Often shrouded in mystery "I Own the Yield" holds significance on personal responsibility, courage, growth, and the pursuit of wisdom. The virtue of brotherly love perpetuates the timeless ideals of fraternity.Nature had it all we loved and owned merged into nature againThe lodge has seen another fine degree through the members of the fraternity. Newly initiated Brother Brandon Layman was honored by a traveling Brother Wfl. Aaron Reddoch who happened to visit across town and presided over the function. We saw some brothers that rarely came by exhibiting the fraternal spirit of Freemasonry. We also had a rainy March culminating into April with a relief that nature's bounty unloads and allows us to enjoy once again the beauty and true expression of flora and fauna coming out to bloom. Once again we take from the lodge that ownership of self, yield of knowledge, stewardship of virtue, and cultivation of brotherhood. Something deep down always asks when all is gone what is left is Love and the reason to prepare for the next occasion to mingle and cultivate the joy of sharing and giving. This constant process of self-yield gives the pride and joy of being a Freemason.Shivam Sharma, HA2024 Master

Greetings from the East,The unwavering loyalty of a candidate that is priceless to freemasonry is not built in a moment, it develops over time as he knocks at the door of the oldest fraternity and passes through the vital passages to transform into a fine man whose purity of intention and virtue of love wins him acceptance in different walks of life. Vitamin D3 from sunlight also hits the cholesterol in the skin and passes through the liver and then through the kidneys and forms a hormone we know as Vitamin D. It makes the body stronger and boosts immunity to develop into an efficient engine. The lodge is like a body that waits and watches along the recesses of time when the projection of a new and incoming leader wants his transition into a better person. This eventually makes the Lodge's skeletal structure stronger like Vitamin D and makes it more dependable that resists internal and external stresses. The summer event set up in June for the Renaissance Faire as a group will be an awesome example. Welcome Sunshine!I may not be worthy of you, watch me wait with interestMany candidates have been waiting with interest, we picked the diligent ones and watched their curiosity in the examination and frequent visits to help out with chores. Mohammad Ali, a native of Pakistan mesmerized all of us with his cooking, we finally gave him the first degree the week after the Stated Meeting which was my first degree as the sitting master. Yours truly was born in India whose rich culture dominated the communal and regional divisions, and freemasonry's ethics of global brotherhood worked to top it off. In Freemasonry, we go beyond the political divides and still hold on to our principles of friendship and brotherly love no matter what. The 3rd degree for Joe Edwards was no small fete, it happened on a leap day and at least 4 lodges attended the ceremony. Infinity can't be measured only added to what our lodge members do with their punctual presence and unfettered joy of service that beseeches us to say Welcome Sunshine!Shivam Sharma, HA2024 Master

Greetings from the East,Awaited still, eagerness persists causing the winter as an endless pursuit, humanity suffers in anticipation & want of new possibilities of nature's renewal. Such was a dream of a fellow Freemason Alessandro Volta, an Italian physicist who invented the battery in the year 1800. We are looking at a finer measure of using bio-degradable electrodes in modern battery and mobile charging methods not limited to the piezoelectric effect where energy is produced just by mechanical pressure on elements which we were studying in the 1900s. Dismal is the fortune of our generations that we look for a higher conduit after sunset to renew our digital lives, and charge our device battery; oh so essential. Freemasons are seekers who spread the findings for everyone's use free of cost. The phenomenon of sending a packet of electric charge as a wifi or LED-based LIFI signal must be one of such freebies that humans can use to free themselves. Wires or no wires, nomads will turn into decent travelers where there will be no crime or theft. Eagerness persists, while it is still awaited.In the long run, the sword is always beaten by the mind - Napoleon Bonaparte (a Freemason)With the budget already presented, the accounting books are being delved into for taxes and general upkeep of the official matters in full swing. What do we do without Brother Secretary & Treasure is all we judge ourselves against. No wonder they are gearing ahead for their retreat before we plan to settle for youth orders month of March. We have already started practicing for degrees and our brothers are wholeheartedly joining in full swing by pleasuring the food prepared by our chef Ali every Thursday who is a prospect and helping around where he can. The monthly checks on brothers accepting new roles in the future are going on along with their proficiency & certifications for the next degrees and roles. However most couldn't make it but so far about 4 brothers might be going to our masonic cruise scheduled for a Mexican getaway on the 26th of Jan, 2024. Once we are back in time for the next stated meeting in February, gearing ahead for at least 3 proficiencies and an influx of degrees our hearts and minds will Masonically say in unison, is it spring already?Shivam Sharma, HA2024 Master

Greetings from the East,Deflagration results from the partial burning of fuel at subsonic speeds inside an IC engine eventually giving rise to the knocking and damage to the cylinder. The size of a cylinder with a bore-to-stroke ratio is kept in check to reduce such partial combustion. Such a small variant can cause innumerable diseases in the air and can be a chief source of air pollution. Modern science speculates numerous way-outs and postulates scientific theories from time to time to reduce this combustion defect from moving motor engines. H2O is a combination of 2 hydrogen atoms and 1 oxygen atom. Hydrogen can be extracted and hydroxyl ions can be safely discarded. This way water can be the combustion source rather than an extinguishing agent of fire. Sounds funny but by burning hydrogen itself we can reduce emissions as hydrogen burns itself whereas oxygen helps in burning any fuel may it be wood, charcoal, or fossil fuel.Gods are the happiest when the children are at playIn our society, right from brushing our teeth in the morning to not wearing dirty clothes, we are taught to remain clean. This impactful behavior can be exercised time and time again by rightfully washing our hands each time we touch something unhygienic. Let us start the new masonic year of 2024 by washing our hands top, bottom, and between the knuckles, as scientific study has suggested, this basic habit can ward off the majority of bacterial and virus threats. We intend to have a safe year ahead and possibly wait to hear how we can use water as a fuel. Sounds funny, most inventions were that way. Electric flights with charging done wirelessly can and will be the target to keep our plant happy. Rain or shine we will keep on making new Master Masons, regardless.Shivam Sharma, HAMaster

Greetings from the EastThe world is shattered by war. Who can hide from it? Even those of us fortunate to be at a safe distance from its horrors and depravity, still share in some part the gut-wrenching misery and devastation, if only in the understanding of how it fractures and damages civil, moral and peaceful humanity. Apart from its rationale, war is also hard to contain. It can, and has pulled nations into its indiscriminate death spiral, claiming millions of innocent lives.Our early modern Freemasonry traces its roots into the mid-1600s, where in the aftermath of the English Civil War (and other European conflicts) opposing sides were repulsed and shocked at the magnitude of the raging violence, meted out against their fellow countrymen. Essentially, it is here in this moment, certain historically notable men came together, as brothers, and formed a nucleus for a new, intellectual and private society, where the discussion of religion and politics would be diminished and replaced with the search for truth in nature. Such began the greatest advance in the history of the world.And it is also here, where we see a nascent scientific awakening, that will characterize The Enlightenment, guided by a reverential religious philosophy that begins to form the early structure of our Freemasonry. The call to a brotherhood founded on the principles that make men better through friendship and mutual affection, despite their differences, was also almost certainly established here. Such a new brotherhood was based on a higher call that meant advancements in learning, together with civility and decency as guidance, that would displace the wrangling over politics and religion— the twin causes for sharp differences in opinion among people.Who can best work and best agree, other than men who truly see themselves as brothers? To discover what works for the best of all in consensus: This is the Call. Being united in the understanding that morality and its offspring of justice, civility and innocence, can only be sustained when men pursue higher aims, being part of a universal Brotherhood of Good, under the fatherhood of God!John McCargar, HA, 32°

Greetings from the EastSocial connection, in-person, has always been and will always be a basic human need. It cannot be overstated how important it is that we meet with others to personally exchange and engage, and to have places where we can assemble and establish relationships and friendships. This also involves shared activities and other necessary aspects of life such as involvement in worthy projects, recreation and culturally significant events, and even those for charitable purposes.Freemasonry provides one of the greatest social environments ever devised, as suggested above; this we already know. The Craft manages to fuse together so many features of personal enrichment that a man cannot help but be increased in his unique capacities, if followed, across the board. Attending to that is a built-in mystique and prestige that is attached to our “world-class logo” of square and compass, where we can find an impressive motive for men to join. We did.So what is our future as we look across younger demographic groups that eschew the traditional “legacy institutions” of the past, ours included? While Freemasonry appears to be spreading again, there are many who want nothing to do with organized charitable or social institutions, either secular or religious; a travesty. This also happened in the boomer generation. Yet Solomon’s Staircase needs the younger man to come and join, and in respectable numbers; for their benefit and ours. Perhaps like other times in history when crises abounded, an awakening ensued as to what was needed to advance or inculcate serious values wrenched from upheavals, while restoring memories of ethical greatness reached in prior epochs. Society today is fractured with some segments having been divided into competing and seemingly disoriented or profane factions. The outcome of conflict is evident. Such is difficult to change. Let’s hope this leads the quiet and thoughtful good man to come and seek us, and join in our efforts to perpetuate our sublime and gentle Craft of enlightenment. We need to be openly promoting our “benefits” to the right prospects.Grand Lodge has recently implemented a prospect gathering program that successfully offers an “advisor” by telephone, to inform and guide the caller to local lodges. It appears to be working.John McCargar, HA, 32°Master