NOTICE OF POTENTIAL MERGER

 

At its April 2nd meeting a proposal for merging Brenham Commandery with Ivanhoe Commander No. 8 in Bryan has been received and will be acted upon ASAP.  

As our dispensation to meet in Anderson expires during the Grand Commandery Session next week this could be as soon as the third Thursday in April — April 17— at our stated conclave.

This is ONE of the notifications that this action is underway.  Sir Knights, plan to attend Brenham York Rite on Thursday, April 17, to have input into this proposal.  

The May 15th stated conclave (third Thursday in May) would be the next opportunity for action if not enough knights attend to conduct business.

Commander’s Newsletter April, 2025

From the Commander

Sir Knights,

This newsletter to inform you that Brenham Commandery No. 15 is making plans to merge with Ivanhoe Commandery No. 8.  We are taking this action because there has been declining membership and knightly participation over the decades.

We received a dispensation last year and tried meeting in Anderson, TX with the hopes that this growing lodge would support a commandery to keep it alive.  This hope has not come to fruition and, as a result, it is time to consider ceasing the operation of Brenham Commandery and merge with Ivanhoe Commandery in Bryan.

The York Rite of Freemasonry

The word rite is from Latin ritus meaning custom, usage, which perhaps is from an ancient word root meaning to observe carefully.  In the case of Freemasonry a Rite is composed of rituals a Latin word derived from the same word as rite indicating ceremony, custom, usage.  So a Rite is a collection of degrees (from a word indicating steps or stages).  In Freemasonry they begin with the first three degrees of Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and Master Mason.

The York Rite is a system of Masonic degrees that is spread out between four organizations: the Symbolic or Blue Lodge, the Royal Arch Chapter, the Cryptic Council, and the Commandery of Knights Templar. Each organization’s degrees focus on a different setting and taken together they create a larger story that teaches Freemasons valuable lessons of character through initiation.

Reasons to Be a York Rite Mason: Expansion, Clarification, and Discovery of Blue Lodge Teaching

Many Blue Lodge Masons mistakenly believe that once they have completed the first three degrees that is all there is.  This is the equivalent of claiming to have completed elementary school so now one is qualified to be the architect of a great cathedral. 

Before one may become the architect of a great cathedral, however, there are many concepts to be learned to which an elementary school student is not privy.  Likewise, there are many concepts that MOST Masons are not aware of that truly qualify them to be MASTER craftsmen.  The York Rite degrees clarify and expand upon the teachings of Craft Masonry and help those who want to become a MASTER Mason to better learn that craft. 

Reasons to be a York Rite Mason: Blue Lodge Masons are Already York Rite Masons

This is a brief introductory article for a short series looking at the York Rite and its relationship to the Temple at Jerusalem. This is not intended to be academic work, but is rather researched conversation for your investigation.

Reasons to be a York Rite Mason

Blue Lodge Masons are already York Rite Masons

A first reason is that the blue lodge Mason is already a member of the York Rite.  The first three degrees in Masonry teach character lessons that are associated with stonemasonry during the building of King Solomon's Temple, the FIRST Hebrew Temple at Jerusalem.   

 

But the "first temple OF Jerusalem" might go to “Melchizedek King of Salem.” Very briefly, the significance of Melchizedek was that he was described as both a priest of God most high, AND as the King of Salem that we now know as Jerusalem. Psalms 76:3 indicates “Salem” is just another name for – Jerusalem (“His tent is in Salem, his dwelling place in Zion.“).  

What the Hermits Teach Us

The Three Hermits portrayed in our Order are often glossed over parts, and I dare say, seldom paid attention to.  They are worth taking a closer look.  Each of the three Hermits ask and greet the Pilgrim with the concept os “who approaches?  I don’t have riches, but what I have I will share. Come inside, rest and refresh yourself.  Let me share some of my food and water with you.” The Hermits teach us, and exemplify, both hospitality and  charity.  But moreover they share wisdom with the Pilgrim. They don’t just tend to his physical needs, but also to his emotional and spiritual needs as well.  Let’s look at what the Hermits in the Order of the Temple teach us, if we will but pay attention.

We have already mentioned the lessons of hospitality and charity, but each of the three lessons is different, and intended to cheer the pilgrim as he travels, and to assure of the success in his pursuits. 

In our last article we looked at The Mark Master Degree and learned about the 3,300 Masters, or Overseers. Let’s delve a bit deeper into the Overseers of the Mark Master’s Degree. 

We observe three overseers in the Mark Master’s Degree, the Junior, Senior and Master Overseers.  Junior, Senior and Master.  Does that sound like three officers that you are familiar with in Masonry? 

The first section of the Mark Master’s Degree presents us with a drama as we observe craftsmen from the quarries with work for inspection.  We observe the overseers each perform their responsibilities in inspecting the work of the craftsmen. We see the junior officer inspect, measure and determine that the work is suitable for further inspection by a more senior officer.  We also see that the more senior officer determines that not only the work is suitably inspected, but also verifies that the one presenting the work is the artist that created it.