HESPERIAN

Vision From the East 2

Dearborn Observatory 2

The Ladon Society 2

The Dictates of Reason 3

Ireland and Masonry 4

Hesperians in Action 5

Bro. Simón Bolívar 6

Upcoming Events 7

Inside this issue:

Vol. 2009 Issue 1

31 March 2009

| One God is the author of life | The soul of man is immortal | Reverence for God is exemplified by actions toward men |

“We do live in very challenging

times. ... In the darkest days of our war for independence, George

Washington answered a question that is sometimes asked today: … are things are as bad as some say.? [He] answered: ‘We should never despair. Our situation before has

been unpromising and has changed for the better, so I trust it will

again. If new difficulties arise, we must only put forth new exertions and proportion our efforts to the

exigency of the times.’ ”

BRO. GERALD R. FORD - 1976

Brethren, I am hon-ored to have been elected Master of this worshipful lodge and hope to fulfill what ex-pectations you may have for your lodge in the ensuing year. That said, I am truly humbled by the fact that I suc-ceed a line of very fine past masters, many of whom remain active in our lodge today. We would not be so suc-cessful as a lodge today if it were not for their

dedication and valuable input along with their increasing ef-forts to see that the lodge oper-ates smoothly and harmoni-ously, "harmony being the strength and support of all lodges.” I hope in the coming year to do my part toward the continuance of growth and harmony among all brethren.

I would like to see a greater emphasis on Masonic edu-cation this year, and in com-ing years. We are already seeing increased activity in that direc-tion. Many of the brethren are

pitching in, enabling candidates to do catechism proficiency and participate in the Intender Program; the face-to-face edu-cational experience engenders more active participation among all members of the lodge. It is hoped that with this more focused effort at mentor-ship we will create better men and Masons as intended through due attention to the material in our degree work. Toward this end we also have an education committee chaired by an active and most eloquent brother, who (see p2)

Bro. Simón Bolívar, known as ‘The Liberator,’ served as general in over 200 battles moving his troops over an untracked wilderness under the hot equatorial sun and in the severe weather atop the Andes. He freed many of the modern nations of South America from the yoke of Spanish aristocratic oppression. We will reflect on his life's work and his writings to learn of his motives, his ideals of liberty in all its phases, his achievements, and his con-cepts of statecraft. The six independent republics - Vene-

zuela, Colombia, Panama, Ec-uador, Peru and Bolivia - and the foundation laid for Pan American relations in the Western Hemisphere are monuments to his military skill and statesman-like vision. To discourage further for-eign intervention in South America, the Monroe Doc-trine was introduced on De-cember 2, 1823 by Mason and President James Monroe in his 7th Inaugural Address. Accord-ing to the White House web site: “In foreign affairs Monroe

proclaimed the fundamental policy that bears his name, responding to the threat that the more conservative govern-ments in Europe might try to aid Spain in winning back her former Latin American colo-nies. Monroe did not begin formally to recognize the young sister republics until 1822, after ascertaining that Congress would vote appro-priations for diplomatic mis-sions. He and Secretary of State John Quincy Adams wished to avoid trouble with Spain until it had ceded (see p6)

Bro. Simón Bolívar - Liberator of South America

“All streams flow into the

sea yet the sea is never

full. What has been will be

again … there is nothing

new under the sun ...

Wisdom is a shelter.”

ONE WHO UNITES, C. 300 BCE

The officers of Hesperia Lodge - 25 Jan 2009 (clockwise - top left): Secr. Ron Ehemann, JW Jim Voss, WM Robert Harvey, Treasurer Roger Frazier, SW Marino Pallotta, Installing Chaplain Rick Taman, Tyler Gil Orejudos, SS Christos Sakkos, JD Shiloh Madsen, Chaplain John Sarabia, Marshall Alberto Ramirez, and JS James McDermott. Bro. SD A. Tribin: Abroad.

From the East: Emphasis on Education & Ritual Proficiency

MEETING AT:

Jefferson Masonic Temple 5418 West Gale Street Chicago, Illinois 60630

www.hesperia411.org

2nd and 4th Thursday 2nd only: Jul, Aug, Nov, Dec

Worshipful Master:

Bro. R. Harvey

Publisher:

Bro. C. Renslow

Editor:

Bro. J. McDermott

“Did not God leave a great riddle for men to solve when he created the Universe?” JGM

Page 2

Activities: Visit to The Dearborn Observatory & The Ladon Society is Created

About fourteen Masons were present at the first two meet-ings of this new group in March. Topics proposed in-cluded: Comparative religion, mythology, social-educational excursions (concerts, houses of worship), symbols, Masonic history and Bro. Pike’s Morals and Dogma. When possible, results will be presented at lodge meetings and papers will be published on-line.

The energy, enthusiasm, ideas and dedication evinced at the meetings were impres-sive. This initial momentum seems to portend a bright and productive future and a hope-ful example of what Masons and Freemasonry can do if only a few men of honest goodwill focus collective mind and energy to study together, learn together and waste no time nor mind in quarrels.

Early in March, 11 Masons, friends and family met at the historic Civil War era Dear-born Observatory at NWU in Evanston to enjoy observa-tions of Comet Lulin, Saturn and its moon, Titan, the Orion nebula and our own moon. Another visit is scheduled on June 19. It’s open each Friday.

life making our lodge a true microcosm of the larger world! I would like to invite every member to contribute and coordinate his ideas for events, social or educational. Our con-tinued steady growth as Ma-sons and as a lodge will only serve to make Hesperia a "blessing to mankind" as we say in our Installation cere-mony. I certainly hope to do my part in continuing to make this a reality.

On a more personal note, the week of Installation saw me returning to college full-time while also working a full-time job and fulfilling my du-ties as Master of this lodge and serving as Organist at King Oscar Lodge. I guess life does begin at fifty - huh? With this hectic and erratic schedule I've been lucky enough to manage a balance and to keep everything going relatively smoothly. Of course I wouldn't be able to do

any of this without the strong, energetic line of officer that you have elected. Our degree work has gone well in the hands of those officers who participate and exhibit a great degree of commitment to ex-cellence and vitality in the proper conferral of our de-grees.

I am looking forward to the best possible year, better than it has been so far, with the capable assistance of these fine officers and in fellowship with the brethren of our wor-shipful lodge. I hope and pray with a firm and steadfast reso-lution that we will keep and perform the same. See you at dinner.

BRO. ROBERT HARVEY

has treated us to some very informative talks and we hope for many more in the coming year. I would also like to en-courage all members to assist this committee by in preparing and delivering presentations, as it is not the work of one man alone to educate. We also are fortunate to have our own Certified Lodge Instructor who leads the 5th NE District’s Johnson School for Masonic Instruction and who is this year’s recipient of our Lodge Builders Award among other honors received from other appendant bodies. These com-bined and coordinated efforts, along with the capable guid-ance of our active past masters, promises to provide even fur-ther light in our Masonic edu-cational endeavors.

I hope to see more interac-tion with other lodges this year both socially and ritually. It is so easy to rest in a

"bubble-like’ mentality in any given lodge. I feel it is useful and instructive, aside from the clear fraternal value of broth-erly gatherings, to visit and participate with other lodges to expand our understanding of the diversity of Masons and Masonry by participating in the unique environments of other lodges. Ours being a universal fraternity, taking advantage of opportunities for these visits can only further the ties of friendship and brotherly love which we profess.

We hope to continue our many social events in the unique and creative fashion for which we are known. I am sure we won’t be at a loss in this regard as we have an ac-tive, resourceful and imagina-tive group of brothers. As with all other lodges, our member-ship is our life’s blood and it’s great that we have such an eclectic group from all walks of

From the East: An Emphasis on Education & Ritual Proficiency in 2009

The Hesper ian - MARCH 2009

Two presentations were delivered by Bro. Tyler White on Greek 'Hesperides' mythol-ogy and by Bro. Keyston Franklin, on Symbols.

Masons interested in the on-going study, discussion, and presentation of philoso-phical or historical material are

A master jazz pianist at work.

welcome. As Fellowcraft we learn the value of lifelong study and that in the study of great men and issues, philosophy and spirituality we improve our ability to judge and act in our own lives. Subjects may include poetry, literature, science, na-ture, philosophy and spirituality. We will adhere to the time-honored traditions of Freema-sonry in choosing and present-ing material in a apolitical, non-sectarian and universalist man-ner for the purpose of educa-tion. Images: NWU, Stellarium

Ἑσπερίδες

Saturn . Titan

can, the probability or likelihood that one or another in this sub-set of possibilities is true. We might consider rating them on a scale of 0 to 100. But we require facts or statistics which may be lacking. Often the wise man or woman will be so bold and cou-rageous as to imagine that the truth may not be knowable in the absence of facts. But where imminent danger to self or loved ones is concerned, less patience may be advisable and we may be forced to err on the side of caution, while subduing the pas-sions which precipitate the ex-treme choices as far as possible.

The most probable solution to a riddle or problem is known in science as a ‘thesis’ or ‘hypo’ thesis - an informed guess. Once proven by facts we call it a ‘theory.’ When proven so often by so many for so long that its truth is undoubted, we call it a ‘paradigm.’ We may apply this to natural sciences as well as social, psychological or economic sciences.

But the wisdom of the Ages handed down as priceless treasures to we generations once unborn, in the form of the holy books, historical, and phi-losophical documents might suggest another guiding light. Such a light considers those divine qualities we associate with God, or Creator: Forbearance, goodwill, kindness and forgive-ness applied to such a degree that men may distinguish them-selves from mere animals in embracing them contrary to the dictates of animal instincts. In their application we rarely miss an opportunity to do good or we at least do no harm. The results are justice, harmony, and peace. Is it not clear that materi-alism is no substitute for happi-ness or God? JAMES MCDERMOTT

“Live simply, God is among us.” Linné

School of Athens - Raphaelo - 1509

arise when the drive for short term personal gain overwhelms the most ancient wisdom of prudent, honest business? Plato’s dialogue presents us with a rather crude and impul-sive character who argues that everyone knows the just man will always suffer for his hon-esty while the unjust man who cleverly conceals his injustice and dishonesty benefits im-mensely. But Socrates then asks: At what loss to the man’s internal character and where his esteem in the eyes of his Creator are concerned - like a prodigal child who defies the wise counsel of a gracious and generous parent for short term thrill or gain, only to meet ei-ther judgment or disaster? Can it be that the dictates of the Nash Equilibrium Theory refine the economic theories of Smith and demand that enlightened honest cooperation Masonic ritual has insisted upon for centuries - or perhaps millennia - as the standard for long term security and success? Might it be that in the simple wisdom of so many religions often dis-missed as if childish idealism of the past we possess the key and grail, ignored by impulsive so-cieties whose majorities often neglect the wisdom of Ages amidst distractions of wealth?

Aeschylus as well asserts: “Sick with the evil which has been, the evil which our hearts forebode, cry sorrow, sorrow, but let good prevail. The sole way where wisdom lies, man must suffer to be wise. For that power which rules from throne above, in strange ways commends his love. May the best prove truest. Justice with her shining eyes lights the way.” Can it be that the flaws inherent in human nature have not played out with infinite variation in our past, and that the solutions to

most of man’s problems there-fore lie in his knowing his past?

So what is reason? Reason is that mental tool which all men possess which first per-mits them to evaluate the truth of facts. The more mod-ern post-Renaissance notion of truth would require evidence and experimentation to con-firm the validity of conclusions drawn from observation. We are cautioned by Euripides that often “what we think is not con-firmed, and what we think not, God contrives.” Might this suggest that we must avoid the quick judgments popular today - the notion of ‘blink’ vs. the notion of ‘think.?’ Think about it.

Let us clarify in parable form: A man who recently suffered a chest injury is rid-ing on a crowded train for the first time since his injury. A sudden stop propels nearby passengers into his side and he lurches in great pain for a handhold which happens to lie inches before the face of a young women in middle east-ern headdress. He is in such pain he cannot speak to apolo-gize and explain; she, not en-tirely unreasonably, interprets his action and facial expression in the absence of apology as a hostile and probably racist act. This is a true story of 1999. Multiply such a event a billion-fold and the stories of it by 100 billion and what terrible misun-derstanding and generalization results? The roles may be re-versed or the issues may vary, but ‘what err has missed our toils should strive to mend.’

Reason and the wisdom that can come with longer life and experience might dictate first that we consider all possi-ble explanations for any event. Then we must consider if we

The Dictates of Reason: Honest Logic & Science Wed to Wisdom & Goodwill

We Masons are taught as Apprentices to attend to the dictates of reason. While Plato defines justice, Bro. Francis Bacon ties the science of reason to that divine mys-tery which we refer to as ‘good’ when he asserts, “Justitae debetur quod homo homini sit Deus, non lupus,” or “It is due to justice that we are as God to one another, and not wolves.” So, it is in the ever present guiding light of reason, goodwill, kindness and justice that we seek to understand and if we must, to judge men and issues in the complex world into which we were born - to judge the affairs of men and of Nature.

Plato famously argued in ‘Republic’ 2300 years ago that the man of reason, the real good man, will embrace justice and reason for their own sake and will place the value of that treasure far above that of mate-rial gain. His reasoning cer-tainly strikes a chord today in that he suggests even a less noble degree of enlightened self interest would dictate that a man pursue justice, and its necessary foundation, truth, as if ‘the very cement and support of a civilized society.’ Independent of partisan politics, do we not see with painful clarity amidst the economic turmoil of the past seasons, the trouble which may

Page 3 The Hesper ian - MARCH 2009

EDITOR’s NOTE: The opinions expressed in this newsletter are those of the individual authors and unless clearly labeled as such do not represent the opinions or poli-cies of any Masonic lodge, Grand Lodge, or other Masonic body. Images and content are subject to U.S. and international copyright law. All rights reserved. © 1993-2009.

“Summum Bonum” - “The highest good.” MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO C. 50 BCE

“Of all peoples, the Greeks have dreamt the dream of life best.” BRO. JOHANN VON GÖETHE

the family crest in his famous book, Ahiman Rezon, The Book of Constitutions of the Antient Grand Lodge of England. Accord-ing to R. Cooper in ‘Cracking the Freemason’s Code,’ the divi-siveness which disenfranchised many Irish and Scottish Ma-sons at that time may perhaps have arisen in Lord Byron’s inattention to perfect notions of Masonic equality. Dermot apparently wished for resolu-tion of differences but did not live to see the noble reunion of Antients and Moderns we enjoy.

Ancient legend suggests that the Melesian Irish are de-scendants of an Anatolian or Phoenician tribe which immi-grated to Ireland around 600 BCE and which was linked to Scota, a princess of Egypt. But modern genetic analysis sug-gests a Basque Iberian peninsu-lar origin for the Neolithic Celtic peoples of France, Ire-land, England, Scotland and Scandinavia with later influ-ence from the Germanic tribes.

“Stop this day or night with me and you shall

possess the origin of all poems.” WHITMAN C 1850

We’re all familiar with the story of Saint Patrick, the Patron Saint of Ireland. According to legends he drove the snakes out of Ireland and used the shamrock to describe the Holy Trinity while converting the pagans to Christianity. Or, maybe you just think Saint Patrick has something to do with wearing green and drink-ing green beer. But, is there a Masonic connection? The first St. Patrick’s Day Parade was held in Boston, Massachusetts in 1737, spon-sored by the Charitable Irish Society. In New York City, the first celebration of Saint Pat-rick’s Day was held at the Crown and Thistle Tavern in 1756. The first parade in New York occurred in 1762 by Irish soldiers in the British Army.

The first secular celebration of Saint Patrick’s Day didn’t happen in America until sev-eral years later when General George Washington issued a proclamation declaring March 17, 1780 a holiday for the Con-tinental Army, then quartered in Morristown, New Jersey. It had been two years since the Army (many soldiers of which were of Irish descent) last had a holiday. Washington is be-lieved to have remarked that this Holiday was to be an “act of solidarity with the Irish in their fight for independence.” In later years, this became known as the Saint Patrick’s Day of Encampment in 1780. Many people believe this is the reason that Saint Patrick’s Day is now celebrated, not as a Religious Holiday, but to

Saint Patrick’s Masonic Connection, Irish Masons, DNA and Celtic Origins

Page 4 The Hesper ian - MARCH 2009

I r i s h m onk s f o l l o we d Columba’s lead and established monasteries and scriptoria from Scotland to Italy during this critical period in the revival of European culture and learn-ing in the early Middle Ages, preserving many of the ancient Latin and Greek Manuscripts.

The Irish intersection with Templar history is found in their embrace of the simplicity of Bernard of Clairvaux and the Cistercian Order. Bernard inspired the creation of the Knight’s Templar in 1129.

Evidence of the Irish de-scent of American founding fathers, including Bro. George Washington and Thomas Jefferson was entered into the Congressional Record some ten or so years ago. Presidents Obama, Bro. Theo-dore Roosevelt, Ulysses Grant, and James Madison are also partially of Irish descent.

Bro. James Hoban was the architect of the White House

and was reportedly inspired by two prominent structures in Ireland and France. He also assisted in the design of the United States Capitol.

Finally, another son of Ire-land, Bro. Laurence Dermot, served for about two decades as the Secretary of the Grand Lodge of the Antients during the latter half of the 18th century and prior to the formation of the United Grand Lodge of England. A very colorful char-acter known to sing and speak at length in lodge, Bro. Dermot is said to have once been in-formed that he had literally “talked many brethren completely out of their senses.’ After hearing of this he spoke to the issue with concern, indicating that only one solution presented itself: He must talk them right back into their senses.”

Bro. Dermot’s name is a variation of MacDermot but he is not mentioned in the Family histories. He apparently printed a Masonic variation of

honor Irish nationalism.

Or, if you like your connec-tions a bit more symbolic and esoteric, one needs to look no further than Osiris. Egyptian Mythology teaches us that Osiris was killed on the 17th day of Athyr (the third month of the Ancient calen-dar). Perhaps even the wearing of Green can be attributed to Osiris because he was also

known as The Green Man. One of the foods believed to be sacred to the Green Man in-cludes beer. Finally, the root of Patrick is Pater, the Latin word for Father – the Father of the Egyptian Trinity is Osiris. Co-incidence?

BRO. JOSEPH GIESTING

EDITOR’S NOTES: Popu-lar books such as Thomas Cahill’s ‘How the Irish Saved Civilization’ as well as Wikipedia online reveal that Patrick (Latin: Patricius, Irish: Naomh Pádraig) was not born in Ireland but rather a Roman citizen born to a deacon in Wales. At the age of 16, around the year 400 CE, he was kidnapped and enslaved by the Irish, later escaping and returning to convert them

peacefully. He was perhaps the first man known to unequivo-cally describe slavery as an evil.

In the 6th century, Irish Monks, Columba and his followers, by virtue of a great love of books among the Irish, re-introduced Christianity, libraries and scholarship to continental Europe according to Mr. Cahill. Christianity had survived only sporadically among the cultural remnants of the Roman Empire, having been displaced by the Barbar-ian Germanic tribes after the sacking of Rome. With a sin-gle-minded devotion to all things spiritual and to books,

The more superficial diver-sity of the human race asso-ciated with notions of eth-nicity, as opposed to that sub-stantive diversity which is an essential quality with regard to the survival of a species, is often misused to classify men into groups based upon mere facial morphology or language. Indeed and in truth, the light of modern science suggests that the old notion of six degrees of separation is certainly true. A plot of Celtic marker genes across the map of Europe re-veals a continuum from 1% in the middle east to 100% in the highlands of Ireland and Scot-land. Simple arithmetic, reveal-

“Books, the oldest and the best … are the only oracles which are not decayed, and there are such answers to the most modern inquiry in them as Delphi and Dodona never gave. We might as well omit to study Nature because she is old.” HENRY DAVID THOREAU, C. 1840 CE

Sail, sail thy best, ship of Democracy, Of value is thy freight, 'tis not the Present only, the Past is also stored in thee,

Thou holdest not the venture of thyself alone, not of the Western [ Hes-perian ] continent alone, Earth's résumé entire floats on thy keel O

[sacred] ship, is steadied by thy spars. With thee TIME voyages in trust, the antecedent nations sink or swim with THEE, With all their ancient struggles, martyrs, heroes, epics, wars, THOU bear'st the other conti-

nents, . . . Steer then with good strong hand and wary eye O helmsman, THOU carriest great companions, Venerable priestly Asia sails this day

with THEE, And royal feudal Europe sails with THEE.

Beautiful world of new superber birth that rises to my eyes, Like a limitless golden cloud filling the western sky, . . . How can I pierce

the impenetrable blank of the future? WALT WHITMAN, C. 1880

Page 5 The Hesper ian - MARCH 2009 “The longest journey begins with a single step.” CONFUCIUS - C. 500 BCE Dare to begin!

"Observe good faith and justice towards all nations; cultivate peace and harmony with all. Religion and morality enjoin this con-duct; and can it be, that good policy does not equally enjoin it? It will be worthy of a free, enlightened, and at no distant period, a great nation, to give to mankind the magnanimous and too novel example of a people always guided by an exalted justice and benevolence. Who can doubt that, in the course of time and things, the fruits of such a plan would richly repay any temporary advantages which might be lost by a steady adherence to it? Can it be that Providence has not connected the permanent felicity of a nation with its virtue ? The experiment, at least, is recommended by every sentiment which ennobles human nature. Alas! Is it rendered impossible by its vices?"

BRO. GEORGE WASHINGTON, 1796 CE

"A real Freemason is distinguished from the rest of Mankind by the uniform unrestricted rectitude of his conduct. Other men are honest in fear of punishment which the law might inflict;

they are religious in expectation of being rewarded, or in dread of the devil in the next world.

A FREEMASON WOULD BE JUST IF THERE WERE NO LAWS, HUMAN OR DIVINE EXCEPT THOSE

WRITTEN IN HIS HEART BY THE FINGER OF HIS CREATOR;

In every climate, under every system of religion, he is the same. He kneels before the universal throne of God in gratitude for the blessings he has received and humble solicitation for his

future protection. HE VENERATES THE GOOD MEN OF ALL RELIGIONS. He gives no offense, because he does not choose to be offended. He contracts no debts which he is

certain he cannot discharge, because he is honest upon principle."

Farmer's Almanac, 1823 as quoted in 'Solomon's Builders' by Christopher Hodapp

Galileo faces the Inquisition - Christiano Bante, 1857. Bro. SW Marino Pallotta faces sandwiches - for the Night Ministries’ Mobile Soup Kitchen. Bro. Rick Taman received the Lodge Builder’s Award. Ms. Lori Cannon, Director of Vital Bridges Food Pantry is presented with our Community Builder's Award. Bro. Les Little, Past Grand Master of Alaska joins Hesperians at NW Lodge No. 271. Bro. Chuck

Renslow, for much of the last decade, has devoted an enormous amount of time and offset much of the cost of dinners, postage, etc. ☼

ing that a man has 32 great, great, great grandparents con-firms this truth - in 6 genera-tions: 64, in 7: 128. Intermar-riage within a few generations in any community is a practical mathematical certainty. In fact, where European royalty in past centuries have restricted inter-marriage too effectively, con-genital flaws have propagated. Left to Nature’s design, not even miles of sea or ocean are sufficient to separate teenagers in random pursuit of Nature’s rituals. We confirm ancient Masonic truth: We are one.

“I arise today by Heaven’s strength; Light of sun, Radiance of moon.”

PATRICIUS OF WALES , C. 461 CE

“And the sun leapt up into the Heavens from the splendid East

to give light to the immortals and to men and women who

plow the Earth, sail the seas, and [ love one another ].” HOMER

Fear not the darkness, for every sunset is followed by the brilliant light of dawn.

Eιρηνην.

“Talent perceives differences, genius, unity.” WILLIAM BUTLER YEATS - C. 1920 CE

“We should speak to one another more often in the languages of music and kindness.” JGM

Floridas, as was done in 1821.” Born to the nobility and wealth in Caracas on July 24, 1783, Simón Bolívar forsook the luxurious life of material things and social position for that nobility of spirit essential to one profoundly dedicated to

the very Masonic notions of justice and equality and he died in abject poverty. The Libera-tor's father was Juan Vincente Bolívar y Ponte, and his mother was Maria de la Con-cepcion Palacios y Blanco. Both of his parents were of noble families and both died before he was 15 years of age. After acquiring a liberal edu-cation at home, largely from private tutors, Simón was sent to Europe at the age of seven-teen under the guidance of his favorite tutor, Simón Rodri-guez, a noted philosopher who was received among the schol-ars of Europe as such and who was suspected of “radical lean-ings” sympathetic to the teach-ings of the great French and English philosophers who also inspired America’s founding

fathers in the late 18th century. These then visionary and lib-eral notions of democracy, freedom and the rights of men were considered abhorrent by most aristocrats in Spain, France, and Italy, as well as within the Roman Church and among the ruling class of his native land who were all gener-ally perceived as routinely exploiting the common people. With an income of $20,000 per year – an enormous sum for that period - and at the age of eighteen as the husband of a rich woman who had attained her sixteenth year, social atten-tions were showered on young Bolívar by the courts of Europe, the great and the near great, much of which he re-garded with superciliousness. His wife died of yellow fever in

England who had served under Bro. George Washington in the War for American Independ-ence. Bro. Bolívar was sent by the junta to England to call him back from exile to stand behind the colors of the Revo-lutionaries. He returned and headed the revolutionary forces with Bolívar as one of his generals. Defeated by the Spanish forces, Bolívar became a refugee on the nearby Island of Curacao. But, by September, 1812, he was in Cartagena, where he scored a victory against the Spanish in New Granada (now Colombia). Then, at the head of some 500 men, he marched over the An-des to Venezuela and, joined by many recruits en route there, he defeated a large Span-ish force and entered Caracas triumphantly on August 4, 1813. He was defeated a year later and returning to New Granada, he again won a vic-tory at Bogota. But, failing at Santa Marta, he resigned his commission and went to Ja-

his hands heavenward is said to have taken a solemn vow to devote his life to liberating his own homeland from the op-pressive power of Spain. Returning to Venezuela by the way of the United States, where he visited many dig-nitaries in the eastern cities, he returned to Caracas at the end of 1809, at the age of twenty-six. He soon offered his services to the junta of which he was a member and which, on April 19, 1810, had revolted against the crown of Joseph Bonaparte, King of Spain, in favor of Ferdinand VII, son of Charles IV, who had been de-posed by the French Govern-ment, and they forced the Viceroy to abdicate. Thus Venezuela was the first Spanish colony to declare its independ-ence on July 5, 1811. The spirit of benevolent revolution was embraced early by General Miranda, a fellow Mason living in exile in

maica and then to Haiti. From there, with the aid of President Peton, he organized a small force and sailed for Venezuela in March, 1816, where for three years the fortunes of war found him experiencing both defeats and victories. Offering to resign again at the end of three years, he was prevailed upon to continue the war into t h e y e a r 1 8 1 9 . Having reorganized the army, Bolívar for the third time crossed the Cordilleras of the Andes to New Granada. There he joined the forces of General Santander, a Mason and a Republican leader, and in August, won the pivotal battle of Boyaca. Four months later Venezuela united with New Granada and formed the new Republic of Colombia and, following the victory at Bam-bona, the territory of Ecuador became a part of the new re-public. With the victory over the Spaniards at Carabobo on

Bro. Simón Bolívar - Liberator (continued)

respect for the high office of the Pontiff should not be measured by an act of servility.

Bolívar had spent much time in Paris and was made a Mason in the York Rite there, also receiving the Scot-tish Rite Degrees as far as the 30th Degree. Like Thomas Jefferson, who had visited Europe, Bolívar saw much and reflected much on the causes of the despair, squalor and degradation of the masses in Rome and the larger cities of France, Italy and Spain, where ‘Romanism’ so largely pre-vailed. Having observed the same conditions in his own country, he, a few mornings after his audience with the Pope, climbed to the top of Mount Aventin with his faith-ful Rodriguez. There, while meditating amidst the ruins caused by the defiance of the abuse of aristocratic power by the people of ancient Rome, it is said that Bolívar suddenly saw a great light and throwing

less than a year after her mar-riage, and Bolívar returned a few years later to Europe to study conditions there. While in Madrid, he was received to His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen with a con-descension which his keen sense of such relations per-ceived as empty social etiquette extended to a rich, young Colo-nia of noble blood. As was due one of his social standing, Bolívar was received in audience by the Pope. An age-old custom at the Holy See required such visitors to kiss the Pope's foot. This Bolívar refused to do, "looking the other way." Asked by the Spanish Ambassador, who had taken him to the Vatican, why he had not conformed to the custom, he replied that his

Page 6 The Hesper ian - MARCH 2009

“Though the will of the majority is in all cases to prevail, that will to be

rightful must be reasonable ... We have called by different names breth-

ren of the same principle. Let us, fellow citizens, unite with one heart

and one mind. Let us restore to social intercourse that harmony and

affection without which liberty and even life itself are but dreary things.

THOMAS JEFFERSON - INAUGURAL ADDRESS, C. 1801

Page 7 “If there be any kindness I can do for any human being, let me do it now, for I shall not pass this way again.” WILLIAM PENN. 1700

June 25, 1821, Spain lost con-trol of this part of the World.

Spanish control was not yet eliminated in that vast region of upper and lower Peru (now Peru and Bolivia) which ex-tended from the boundaries of Chile and Argentina to Ecua-dor. General Jose de San Mar t in and G ener a l Bernardo O'Higgins, both Masons, had freed Argentina and Chile from Spanish colo-nial power and the former ar-rived at Guayaquil on July 26, 1822 as "Protector" of Peru where he conferred with Bro. Bolívar. What procedures were decided upon, with respect to Peru, at that conference be-tween these two great Spanish liberators will probably never be known. San Martin resigned his "Protectorship" of Peru

Bro. Simón Bolívar - Liberator (continued)

and returned to Argentina. Bolívar assumed control and, arriving at Callao on Septem-ber 1, 1823, he was invested with the title of "Liberator" of Peru. He trained some 4,000 Peruvians who joined the army of 5000 that had accompanied him to Peru. With these 9000 he engaged an equal number of Spaniards at Junin in a bloody cavalry battle with sabers, where not a shot was fired, and won a victory which, as with that at Ayacucho on December 9, 1824, under General Anto-nio Jose de Sucre, forever brought to an end the Colonial power of Spain in the New World. The several new de-mocratic republics joined the United States as independent republics in the New World.

Having planned these bat-tles with General Sucre, a Mason, Bolívar went to Lima to organize a civic government and to call a constitutional convention. When, on Feb 8, 1825, he had effected the new government, he resigned the supreme power in Colombia and Peru. Declining a gift of 1,000,000 pesos (about $200,000) from Peru and hav-ing attended to some civic mat-ters in upper Peru (Bolivia), Bolívar left General Sucre in charge and returned to Bogota to quiet civil strife which had arisen between his former comrades. Arriving there in Nov. 1826, he soon went on to Venezuela, calling a another independent constitutional convention en route to meet at Valencia, Jan. 15, 1827.

T h o u g h h e h a d n o t been able to mitigate the disaf-fection and disagreements, he entered Caracas in triumph. Finally, after fourteen years in supreme command, Bolívar's resignation was accepted by the Congress at his request, in re-sponse to the intrigue and abuse of enemies who were hungry for power.

Returning to Bogota in Sep-tember, 1828, he called a general convention but, de-

The Hesper ian - MARCH 2009

Above: Bros. Washington, Franklin, [Confederate, Union soldiers], FDR, Truman, MacArthur and Glenn. MW Grand Lodge Pennsylvania - VHS tape.

UPCOMING EVENTS 16 Apr: The Ladon Society

26 Apr: Rosehill Cemetery 29 Apr: Distr. 5 Blood Drive 21 May: The Ladon Society 13 Jun: ‘Midsommarfest’ 18 Jun: The Ladon Society 19 Jun: Observatory Visit 27 July: Harms Woods Picnic

1-2 Aug: Market Days Table Johnson School: 2nd+4th Mondays

“Until kings become philosophers or philosophers kings,

there is no hope for the state.” PLATO C. 350 BCE

spite his appeals, most of his old friends withdrew, leaving no quorum. In September, he escaped assassination in Bo-gota. Trouble erupted in Peru, which, with the help of Sucre, was quieted in 1829. Trouble resumed in Venezuela and Colombia and, though he was recovering from a critical ill-ness at Guayaquil, he returned to Bogota. His convention failed to bring the competing factions together and the dis-affection between his old fol-lowers persisted. Being in ill health, he finally resigned the supreme power a second time on April 27, 1830, and left Bogota, feted and honored as he traveled to Cartagena. There he learned of the mur-der of his most trusted and efficient friend, General Sucre, on June 4th, the effect of which, together with the bur-dens of severe tuberculosis, caused his death on Dec. 17, 1830, at the age of 47, at a country place a few miles from Santa Marta, Colombia, where

he issued his last proclama-tion. Intrepid, hopeful, far-sighted, indomitable, and pro-found in his vision for the welfare of mankind, Bolívar proclaimed to those who had the vision to see, the following Masonic principles as his life ebbed to the shores beyond:

“All of you must work for the inestimable good of the Union, the people obeying the government in order to avoid anarchy; the ministers praying to heaven for guidance; and the military using its sword in defense of social guaranties... If my death contributes to the end of partisanship and the consolidation of the Union, I shall be lowered in peace into my grave.”

BRO. ALEJANDRO TRIBIN, SD. BLOOD DRIVE: April 29

“Apri la Mente quel ch’ io te Paleso.” Dante

“Masonry is the grip and word that make a man glad to be alive.” S. Clemens

A TEMPLE LIBRARY has been planned. A sketch is on

display on the 2nd floor.

GREEN THUMBS: Do-nate time and supplies now.

MAILI�G ADDRESS:

Ronald Ehemann, Secretary

4535 �. Beacon Street

Chicago, Illinois 60640

www.hesperia411.org

secretary@hesperia411.org

www.askamason.us

MEN OF CHARACTER FROM EVERY WALK OF LIFE ALL WORKING TOGETHER TO BUILD A

BETTER WORLD.

HESPERIA LODGE NO. 411 A.F.& A.M.

"Gentlemen, I have always

entertained a profound re-

spect for the Masonic frater-nity and have long cherished a desire to become a member."

"I have never petitioned be-

cause I have felt my own

unworthiness to do so. I might be over-coming my hesi-tance and be petitioning at the present time but I am a candi-date for political office, and by

some such action would be misconstrued." MR. ABRAHAM

LINCOLN - IL FREEMASONRY MAG.

“Give me one well-trained

physician of the highest type

and he will do better work for a thousand people than ten

specialists.” DR. WILLIAM J. MAYO

BRO. DR. WILLIAM MAYO AND

BRO. DR. CHARLES MAYO

FOUNDERS OF THE MAYO CLINIC

WORLD’S 1ST PRIVATE INTEGRATED GROUP PRACTICE - 1892

Masonic Wishes, Work and Wisdom Bro. Ben Franklin at askamason.us

Young Ben Franklin at Work

“ Frankly, I'm worried; I'm worried about the success of our mission.

America needs great men of tolerance

who can give honest debate to the great issues. I see mostly men being wolves to one another - loss of values - loss of history !

Yet, I’m not without hope.

We still have Freemasonry. Yes, the same Freemasons who helped create this country have always provided great men when needed. Why, over 200 men from Harvard joined last year. But

America needs more great men to step forward.

Is there greatness in you? If you think there is, ASK. ”

L I F E

W I S D O M L I F E

W I S D O M

Eιρηνην . Eirenen . Peace