Reform Freemasonry by Bro. Rich Graeter

Bro. Rich Graeter has written a landmark Masonic essay Reform Freemasonry, and built a website to make it available to all Freemasons. He goes much further and into greater detail than Laudable Pursuit, providing a clear path to Masonic renewal in the 21st century.

Not surprising Bro. Graeter supports the Masonic model utilized by the Grand Orient USA and Halcyon Lodge. These Masonic organizations have been at the forefront of innovation and change for several years. Now they are working together for the benefit of all American Masons.

If you haven't read Reform Freemasonry head on over to Bro. Graeter's new website: Reform Freemasonry.

Halcyon Lodge

Just a quick blurb that Halcyon http://halcyontemple.org/ has been very busy over the last few months and will be over the next few. We have re-vamped our boxing program and have a new bunch of young, respectful men training upstairs now. A couple fighters are headed to Las Vegas for a big tournament. We have remodeled various rooms, stripped the kitchen floor in preparation of a new one. We are planning the first Halcyon Fest to raise money for the Charities. In September we have our first concert for our concert series and our first MMA event. October has private rentals and the Touring Belly Dancing troupe performing at the Temple. We have men wanting to petition, but are having to show patience and perseverance to even receive a petition. Especially being willing to labor for the Charity. We have a few EA's that have labored for a long time and may be in position for advancement. Much is happenning and we are staying very busy. Peace, Love and Light be with all Travelers.

Voltaire on Prayer

I have never made but one prayer to God, a very short one: 'O Lord, make my enemies ridiculous.' And God granted it.
Voltaire

Tea Extinguishes Fire on Cuyahoga River!

This post is in response to Brother Christopher Hodapps post: "Cleveland is Burning Again"
http://freemasonsfordummies.blogspot.com/2007/11/cleveland-is-burning-again.html,
over at Freemasons for Dummies blog. There was a Fire raging that has now been virtually extinguished. Thanks to all who followed this case and believe in Lodge sovereignty.

Just in time for Christmas there's a reason for the brothers of Halcyon Lodge,
http://www.halcyontemple.org/,
in Cleveland, Ohio to celebrate. Earlier today the following was posted on the Clerk of Courts website for Cuyahoga County.

DEFENDANTS' MOTIONS FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT ARE GRANTED IN PART AND DENIED IN PART. SUMMARY JUDGMENT IS GRANTED IN FULL AS TO NON-OFFICERS MICHAEL HOWARD, JOEL MICHALEK, CHRISTOPHER MICHALEK, TOME COSTE, HALCYON CHARITIES. SUMMARY JUDGMENT IS GRANTED IN PART AS TO DEFENDANT OFFICERS CHRIS SNOW, TODD WARMINGTON, LYNN ERIC CHIPPS, SCOTT KELLY. ONLY ISSUE THAT REMAINS FOR TRIAL IS RETURN OF "PERSONAL PROPERTY MASONIC IN NATURE AND UNPAID DUES." ALL OTHER CLAIMS FAIL. DEFENDANTS OWED NO FIDUCIARY DUTY TO GRAND LODGE AND DEFENDANTS ACTED IN GOOD FAITH TO PRESERVE ASSETS OF LODGE. THE COURT FINDS THAT THE VOTE TO TRANSFER ASSETS WAS DONE IN ACCORDANCE WITH BYLAWS. IN REGARDS TO NOTICE, ALL HAD NOTICE OF THE STATED (NOT SPECIAL) MEETING AND NO EVIDENCE WAS PRESENTED THAT ANYONE COMPLAINED. THE COURT ALSO DETERMINES THAT WRITTEN NOTICE OF THE ACTION WAS NOT REQUIRED BEFORE THE VOTE ACCORDING TO BYLAW 21.04, WHICH REQUIRES NOTICE ONLY FOR SPECIAL MEETINGS NOT STATED MEETINGS. FINALLY, THE COURT CONCLUDES THAT BYLAW 9.01 IS NOT APPLICABLE AS "ANY OTHER SUCH POLICY OF TEMPLE OWNERSHIP *** SUBMITTED TO TEMPLE COMMITTEE" AS THE ACTION WAS NOT FINANCING OR CREATING INDEBTEDNESS. PRE-TRIAL SET FOR 01/12/2010 AT 02:45 PM. PRETRIAL SET TO SCHEDULE ADDITONAL COURT DATES INCLUDING TRIAL DATE. CLPAL 12/22/2009 NOTICE ISSUED




Some believe the their actions were akin to the Boston Tea Party's rebellious Spirit!

According to the court's ruling, the brothers of Halcyon Lodge acted in accordance with the Masonic bylaws and in good faith.




Our congratulations to the brothers of Halcyon Lodge.
http://www.gomasons.org/

Case #CV-08-649002
Link: http://cpdocket.cp.cuyahogacounty.us/p_CV_Docket.aspx
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