Christopher L. Hodapp's Blog, page 19

DISASTER: Hawaii Grand Master Appeals For Donations in Maui Devastation

(AP photo)


by Christopher Hodapp
Wildfires fed by hurricane winds have destroyed a substantial portion of the Hawaiian island of Maui this week. Fires broke out three days ago, partially the result of the annual summer drought combined with high winds from Hurricane Dora, which passed 500 miles south of the island chain. 
As of Friday morning, 55 are reported dead, 12,000 have been forced to evacuate, and more than a thousand people are still unaccounted for. As the fires raced towards the coast, m...

Massachusetts Grand Master Warns About Bogus Masonic Recruitment

by Christopher Hodapp

Back in June, MW George Hamilton, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts AF&AM , issued a warning about the recruiting activities of a lodge claiming to be part of a bogus organization calling itself 'The Grand Lodge of the USA.' 
According to the letter, this group seems to be specifically targeting Brazilian immigrants in the U.S. and charging an exorbitant fee for joining them. (Click image above to enlarge)
From the letter:

"It is reported that these representative...

Fire At Masonic Hall In Cave City, Kentucky

by Christopher Hodapp

On Monday morning, fire severely damaged the Masonic hall of Bear Wallow/Cave City Lodge in Cave City, Kentucky. According to several local news sites, the local fire department received an alarm at 7:35 AM and arrived at the scene to find smoke and flames on the lower level. 




Thanks to the quick response, fire was confined to the basement's kitchen and dining room, but there is major smoke and water damage throughout the building. 

The lodge room on the upper floor took on lo...

Lodge Installs Flags For National Holidays

by Christopher Hodapp

It's one of those small-town traditions that casual passersby often notice, but likely never give a thought as to how they were put there or by whom:  the main street through downtown lined with fluttering U.S. flags in honor of the 4th of July, Memorial Day, Veterans' Day and other national holidays.
I came across a lodge's involvement with a community program last week quite by accident - a Letter To The Editor of the Chronicle-News in southeastern Colorado thanking local F...

Milwaukee Prince Hall Masons Offering Gun Safety Course

(Google Maps photo)by Christopher Hodapp

As in so many American communities over the last several years, the number of shootings and gun-related deaths in and around Milwaukee, Wisconsin have risen dramatically over the last five years. All too often these cases involve young teenagers who get easy access to guns in their homes, so law-abiding parents need to know how to safely store and secure firearms from their children.
To help fight the problem, Wisconsin's Prince Hall Masons have partnered w...

Masonic Mural Defaced in Naperville, Illinois

by Christopher Hodapp

I'd far rather be writing much more uplifting stories about the fraternity these days, but there's been another case of presumably anti-Masonic vandalism reported today.

About a decade ago, the town of Naperville, Illinois began aggressively commissioning the creation of public art, sponsored by local merchants. The result, known as Century Walk , is a massive, ongoing outdoor art project through downtown, with more than 50 murals and sculptures. Naperville is about a 45 minut...

Another Anti-Masonic Attack: Arson Fire at El Paso Scottish Rite

by Christopher Hodapp

The Scottish Rite Temple in El Paso, Texas is the latest victim of what appears to be yet another anti-Masonic attack. Just after midnight Monday morning, an arsonist broke into the building and was recorded on security cameras carrying two gasoline cans. According to a Facebook post by Brother Larry Kane from the Rite this morning, the attacker spread fuel throughout the lobby level and set it ablaze before breaking out another doorway and escaping.
Firefighters were dispatc...

Grand Master of Washington Issues Warning About Anti-Masons

by Christopher Hodapp

In the wake of this month's killing of a Freemason in Texas and the bombing of a Masonic building in Greece, MW Steven C. Martin, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Washington (state), has issued a warning letter, urging Masons to be vigilant when displaying their membership in public. (Click image above to enlarge.)
Brother Robert Wise was shot on July 10th in the parking lot of McAllen Lodge 1110 following the installation ceremony of their lodge officers. The (alleged) att...

R.I.P. Edward Sebring

by Christopher Hodapp

          Then spake King Arthur to Sir Bedivere:

"The sequel of to-day unsolders all

The goodliest fellowship of famous knights

Whereof this world holds record. Such a sleep

They sleep—the men I loved. I think that we

Shall never more, at any future time,

Delight our souls with talk of knightly deeds,

Walking about the gardens and the halls

Of Camelot, as in the days that were." *

So very sad today. I just received word that my longtime friend and Brother Ed Sebring passed away Thur...

Wanted: Furniture for Indiana Masonic Lodge

by Christopher Hodapp

If anyone knows of a Masonic lodge that is closing or consolidating, an Indianapolis lodge that is soon relocating to a new building is in need of lodge furniture. According to one of their Past Masters who dropped by the Museum today, they are wanting to acquire an altar, the Master's and Wardens' pedestals, and all officers' chairs. 
They'd also consider Secretary and Treasurer's desks if it all matches the rest of the pieces,  and the J & B columns, if you have them. They ...