It's Masonic nerd-out time! Have you heard of a Masonic Lodge called Mother Kilwinning No. 0?

Here's the Wikipedia entry: "Lodge Mother Kilwinning is a Masonic Lodge in Kilwinning, Scotland, under the auspices of the Grand Lodge of Scotland. It is number 0 (referred to as "nothing" and not zero) on the Roll, and is reputed to be the oldest Lodge not only in Scotland, but the world. It is thus styled The Mother Lodge of Scotland attributing its origins to the 12th Century, and is often called Mother Kilwinning."

Yesterday, Rechelle and I had the pleasure of meeting Armed Forces Veteran and 5th generation Freemason W.B. Iain J.Y. Mann. Brother Iain (Gaelic for John), is a member of Fairbank Lodge No. 592 in Toronto and an affiliate member of Mother Kilwinning Lodge 0, his ancestral Lodge. He showed us his great grandfather's MK0 apron and gave us permission to share photos of this historic gem with you. Enjoy!🌿🙏

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First of, there's no such thing as the Grand Lodge of the United States nor there is a United Grand Lodge of North America. Secondly, not because a Freemasonry lodge somewhere at some point in time used a certain symbol doesn't make it an exclusively Masonic symbol (all seeing eye, anyone?). Thirdly, the four men who actually contributed elements to the final design were NOT Freemasons— Brother Benjamin Franklin's ideas were not adopted at all. 

I turned 40 not too long ago and at this point I have been a professional graphics designer for more than half my life. Having a Christian background and being a DeMolay/Freemason for a good amount of time allowed me to develop a strong fascination for heraldry, iconography, symbology and even emojis.💀 

Two of the popular imageries that I really like can be found on the Great Seal of the United States. The obverse of the Great Seal depicts the national coat of arms of the United States, while the reverse depicts "A pyramid unfinished. In the zenith an eye in a triangle, surrounded by a glory, proper."

Together, the two sides of the Great Seal are a unique combination of images from nature (eagle, olive branch, stars, cloud, light rays, eye) and culture (pyramid, arrows, shield). But no one has an exclusive association with any of these symbols. —GreatSeal.com

On April Fools' Day last year, I announced on reddit r/Freemasonry that I was given the awesome honor and privilege to design the Official Seal of the Grand Lodge of the United States. I originally planned to design it with the pyramid with the all seeing eye an a globe icon background but the thought of conspiracy enthusiasts going crazy made me settle with a simple Square and Compasses in the middle. While a few missed the GL joke, most of the comments were actually quite encouraging. 

During the recent President's Day (3 days ago) I began working on the version 2 of the so called "Great Seal of the Grand Lodge of the United States". I know it's still not a good idea to use the obverse side of the Great Seal but I don't want to settle with just a simple Square and Compasses either so I worked on the reverse side instead. Today I finally finished and here's the result. 

Here's a detailed look:

In case you missed some of the elements, look for the sprig of acacia, chisel, the text on the ribbon, and the forget me not flowers.

Like the work? Consider supporting us by purchasing our merch. Thank you for reading!

Click here to get your Seal of the GL of the US satire mug. Available in 11oz and 15oz. 

Today is George Washington's Birthday*. Did you know that 14 out of the 45 persons who have served as President of the United States are known to have been Freemasons? Most of them good men worthy of being remembered; but as the old saying about a few bad apples goes- there's one in every bunch. 

“We are all imperfect. We can not expect perfect government. ” ― William Howard Taft

*February 22nd is his actual birthday but we celebrate President's Day every 3rd Monday of February thanks to the Uniform Monday Holiday Act of 1971.

Without further ado, here's our list of presidents of the United States who were Freemasons. 

1. George Washington—1st President of the United States

   Initiated on November 4, 1752 in Fredericksburgh Lodge No. 4, Fredericksburg, Virginia. Elected Worshipful Master on December 20, 1788.

   
   

   "It is better to offer no excuse than a bad one."

   
   

   Legacy

   George Washington is also known as the "Father of His Country." He served as the first president of the United States and commanded the Continental Army during the American Revolution. He presided over the convention that drafted the U.S. Constitution.

2. James Monroe—5th president of the United States

   Initiated on November 9, 1775 in Williamsburg Lodge No. 6, Williamsburg, Virginia at the age of 17 while he studied at the College of William & Mary.

   
   

   "A little flattery will support a man through great fatigue."

   
   

   Legacy

   James Monroe is viewed by history as one of the most qualified men ever to assume the presidency. He is well known as a great compromiser- his first term as president is accordingly remembered as the "Era of Good Feelings."

3. Andrew Jackson—7th president of the United States

   Member of St. Tammany (later Harmony) Lodge No. 1, Nashville, Tennessee. Elected Grand Master of Tennessee on October 7, 1822 and served until October 4, 1824.

   
   

   "One man with courage makes a majority."

   
   

   Legacy

   Andrew Jackson founded the Democratic Party and squarely set the Executive Branch on the level with Congress in terms of power and ability to shape law and government policies. He supported individual liberty instituted policies that resulted in he forced migration of Native Americans. To this day, his legacy is still awash in controversy.

4. James K. Polk—11th President of the United States

   Initiated on June 5, 1820 in Columbia Lodge No. 31, Columbia, Tennessee.

   
   

   "The Presidency is no bed of roses."

   
   

   Legacy

   James Polk is chiefly known for extending the territory of the United States through the Mexican–American War.

5. James Buchanan—15th president of the United States

   Initiated on December 1l, 1816 in Lodge No. 43, Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Appointed District Deputy Grand Master for the Counties of Lancaster, Lebanon and York in 1824.

   
   

   "What is right and what is feasible are two different things."

   
   

   Legacy

   James Buchanan was an honest and skillful politician. However, many consider him as one of the worst presidents in American history. During his administration, the Union broke apart, and when he left the office, civil war threatened.

6. Andrew Johnson—17th president of the United States

   Initiated on May 5, 1851 in Greenville Lodge No. 119, Greenville, Tennessee.

   
   

   "Let them impeach and be damned."

   
   

   Legacy

   Andrew Johnson did everything he could to undermine the legacy of his predecessor—Abraham Lincoln. He vetoed so many bills he became known as "The Veto President". He is also known for being one of the three presidents to be impeached.

7. James A. Garfield—20th president of the United States

   Initiated on November 19, 1861 in Magnolia Lodge No. 20, Columbus, Ohio and raised on November 22, 1864 in Columbus Lodge No. 30. Joined Garrettsville Lodge No. 246, Garrettsville, Ohio in 1866 and was its Chaplain for the years 1868-69. Charter Member of Pentalpha Lodge No. 23, Washington, D.C.

   
   

   "The truth will set you free, but first it will make you miserable."

   
   

   Legacy

   James Garfield advocated agricultural technology, an educated electorate, and civil rights for African Americans. He was the second president to be assassinated after Abraham Lincoln.

8. William McKinley—25th president of the United States

   Initiated on May 1, 1865 in Hiram Lodge No. 21, Winchester, Virginia. Joined Canton Lodge No. 60, Canton, Ohio in 1867. Charter member of Eagle (later William McKinley) Lodge No. 431, also in Canton.

   
   

   "Half-heartedness never won a battle."

   
   

   Legacy

   William McKinley led the nation to victory in the Spanish–American War, raised protective tariffs to promote American industry, and kept the nation on the gold standard in a rejection of the expansionary monetary policy of free silver. He was the third president to be assassinated after Abraham Lincoln.

9. Theodore Roosevelt—26th president of the United States

   Initiated on January 2, 1901 in Matinecock Lodge No. 806, Oyster Bay, New York.

   
   

   “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are."

   
   

   Legacy

   Theodore Roosevelt is widely regarded as the first modern president of the United States. He was an environmentalist and progressive social reformer who laid the groundwork for the modern Democratic party. He dramatically expanded the system of national parks and national forests during his term. The Teddy Bear was invented in his honor.

10. William H. Taft—27th president of the United States

    Made a Mason at Sight on February 18, 1909 in Kilwinning Lodge No. 356, Cincinnati, Ohio

    
    

    “Don't write so that you can be understood, write so that you can't be misunderstood.”

    
    

    Legacy

    As U.S. president from 1909 to 1913 and chief justice of the U.S. Supreme Court from 1921 to 1930, William Howard Taft became the only man in history to hold the highest post in both the executive and judicial branches of the U.S. government.

11. Warren G. Harding | 29th president of the United States

    Initiated on June 28, 1901 in Marion Lodge No. 70, Marion, Ohio. Raised on August 27, 1920 in that Lodge.

    
    

    "I am not fit for this office and never should have been here.”

    
    

    Legacy

    Warren Harding is considered by most historians as one of America's worst presidents. His legacy is infused with scandal and corruption.

12. Franklin D. Roosevelt—32nd president of the United States

    Initiated on October 11, 1911 in Holland Lodge No. 8, New York City. Made Honorary Grand Master of the Order of DeMolay on April 13, 1934.

    
    

    “I ask you to judge me by the enemies I have made.”

    
    

    Legacy

    Franklin Roosevelt led the U.S. through a depression and a world war. He created numerous programs to provide relief to the unemployed and farmers while seeking economic recovery with the National Recovery Administration and other programs. He also instituted major regulatory reforms related to finance, communications, and labor, and presided over the end of Prohibition.

     

13. Harry S. Truman—33rd president of the United States 

    Initiated on February 9, 1909 in Belton Lodge No. 450, Belton, Missouri. First Worshipful Master of Grandview Lodge No. 618, Grandview, Missouri in 1911. Elected Grand Master of Missouri on September 25, 1940 and served until October 1, 1941. Received the 33rd Degree on October 19, 1945. Made Honorary Grand Master of the Order of DeMolay on May 18, 1959.

    
    

    "The reward of suffering is experience."

    
    

    Legacy

    Due to the death of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Truman was thrust into the presidency virtually overnight and had to begin making difficult decisions. In his first months in office, he dropped the atomic bomb on Japan, ending World War II.

14. Gerald Ford—38th president of the United States

    Initiated on September 30, 1949 in Malta Lodge No. 465, Grand Rapids, Michigan. Passed on April 20, 1951 and raised on May 18 of that year in Columbia Lodge No. 3, Washington, D.C. Received the 33rd Degree on September 26, 1962. Made Honorary Grand Master of the Order of DeMolay in April 1975.

    
    

    "Tell the truth, work hard, and come to dinner on time."

    
    

    Legacy

    Gerald Ford is America's first unelected president. He presided over the worst economy in the four decades since the Great Depression. In one of his most controversial acts, he granted a presidential pardon to President Richard Nixon for his role in the Watergate scandal.

I get my news from a variety of sources, one of them reddit. Yesterday, I Learned from /r/TIL that if a sea sponge (Phylum Porifera) is forced through a sieve to disintegrate it down to its cellular level, those cells, if left alone in its natural environment, will recombine into a sponge again.

Isn't that the most amazing thing? It's almost as if a Star Trek writer penned it. I could have never imagined a living creature capable of such a seemingly supernatural feat!

But as the old Reddit adage goes- the real stuff is always in the comments. I learned from a commenter that pretty much the same thing happens with a creature that is quite familiar and very popular among us land dwellers- I'm talking about the majestic Monarch Butterfly.

Reddit user u/Blockacheese wrote, "The article says that sponges are the only animal that can reassemble after disintegration, but when a monarch caterpillar forms a chrysalis it completely disintegrates into a goop." Unfortunately, this hidden gem of a comment garnered a mere 2 upvotes and did not see the light of day. I did a quick research to see if there's any truth to this and this is what I found.

This How Stuff Works article described it best. "The transformation itself is amazing. Think of it as recycling -- if you drop a plastic bottle off in the recycling bin, it can be melted down into an entirely different shape. This is what happens inside the chrysalis. Much of the body breaks itself down into imaginal cells, which are undifferentiated -- like stem cells, they can become any type of cell. The imaginal cells put themselves back together into a new shape. A few parts of the body, such as the legs, are more or less unchanged during this process."

The esoterically inclined Freemason can easily align this peculiar transformation process with a plethora of meaningful symbolisms such as the ouroboros devouring itself, the rising phoenix, and even the trendy memento mori.  

I think the topic of Transformation is a fitting topic in lieu  of yesterdays shocking events that happened at the U.S. Capitol. A dark episode that exposed painful facts about us humans in general. I like to think that even though America and democracy may seem to be breaking apart, the upheaval is but a necessary process in her transformation journey. Out of this chaos will emerge a new way of thinking further refining the democratic system for the better, at least we hope.

To our American brothers and sisters, I can offer nothing more than to say relax and sit tight. Remember that cooler heads will prevail and that violence leads to more suffering on both sides.

With that I leave you with some of my previous works that I think are relevant to the events that are continuing to unfold. Have faith.

One of the 3 action items on my agenda, when I became the WM of my mother lodge Doric Lodge No. 316, was to redesign our logo and give it a deeper esoteric flair worthy of Masonic contemplation.

As an artist, it is my duty to research the subject. I know that the Doric Order is the oldest and simplest of the ancient Greek and later Roman architecture. I also know from the writings of Vitruvius that the Doric order obtained its proportion, its strength, and its beauty, from the male human figure.

But there are some hidden facts that I discovered that completely blew my mind. Things such as its ancient Egyptian origins stretching back to pre-dynastic times and its deep connection to quintessential ancient Egyptian symbols such as the jackal, papyrus bundles, burial rites, and the ancient axiom "As Above, So Below".

I designed the logo with my findings in mind. Look at the logo and take note of the subtle details such as the way the lines of the Square and Circle intersect- the lines don't touch but they become connected through the Square and Compasses. The Square and Circle figure is also the cross-sectional view of the Doric column from above.

As I have illustrated on our issue 29 of DidJahKno Masonic facts (December 2014), I firmly believe that the Square and Compasses, the well-known emblem of #freemasonry, the tools used to make a perfect square and a perfect circle, is an elegant way to present to a human being the difficult-to-believe concept that a person can literally do the impossible once he or she finds a way to unite his or her material and spiritual self.

I'm pleasantly surprised to discover that this United Person idea is perfectly embodied by the Doric column. But I'm also saddened by the fact that our beautiful S&C emblem has been misappropriated by the anti-Freemasons and the "Illuminati brotherhood" scam who force upon it either a sinister or a materialistic meaning.

On part 2 of this article, I will talk about the ancient Egyptian roots of the Doric column.