Kora Sands - Summer 2017

KORA SANDS SPRING 2017
Hope to see many of you at these events. If you have not
been to Kora functions for a while, why not come and join in
the fun. We are on this earth for a short time; let’s enjoy one
another’s company.
A huge thank you to everybody, that works so hard to put
these events on.
Please remember to work hard to find us new candidates for
the Summer Ceremonial.
KORA SHRINERS
MEMBERSHIP RAFFLE
Your membership team is holding a raffle, for a full
lifetime membership to KORA Shriners.
The tickets are 10.00
The money raised will be for membership education and
development.
The drawing will be December 2 nd at the elections.
You need not be present to win.
Bring a new member to Kora, and the membership team will
buy the first line singer one ticket for entry into the drawing.
For tickets email: membership@ kora shriners.org or call
the temple at 207-782-6831. We will make sure you get them.
DISPATCH FROM THE
CELESTIAL LODGE
By Joseph Woodbury, Chaplain
In the previous issue of the Sands, we were introduced to
the Regius Poem also known as the Halliwell Manuscript.
It is the oldest known surviving Masonic document. Scholars
have determined that it was written at some time between 1390
and 1425 AD. It is a 794 line poem written in ornate calligraphy
over 64 vellum pages. It was given the name “Regius” for it was
once the property of the Royal Library in England. (Regius, adj.
belonging to the king.) It was transcribed by James Halliwell
in 1840 who was the first in the speculative era to recognize it
as a Masonic document hence the name Halliwell Manuscript.
Interestingly, he was not a Mason himself. The author of the
poem is unknown but is suspected to have been a priest who
transcribed it from an earlier copy.
The poem begins by tracing Masonry from Euclid in
Egypt to medieval England. It follows with 15 Articles for the
Master Mason, 15 points for the Apprentice, and concludes
with instructions on good manners. Personally, I would not
recommend that you read it for no other reason than I do
not wish to be fact checked. However, if you fancy yourself a
Shakespearean scholar, have plenty of free time, and have
trouble sleeping at night, then by all means, Google it and enjoy.
The 15 Articles for the Master Mason contain directives
for the operative Mason (the Master Mason must make sure
that the foundation of the building is well laid) as well as for
the speculative Mason (the Master Mason must care about
his fellows’ souls). The speculative portion must have been
troubling for our friend Butch as he grappled with the purpose
for it. We can imagine a conversation that he must have had
with the Worshipful Master.
Butch: Worshipful Master, I implore you for further light.
WM: What seems to be troubling you, Butch?
Butch: I have learned from sacred scripture that not
only does a Mason have to have good masonry skills but also
impeccable integrity and manners, too. If a Mason can erect a
solid structure suitable for its intended purpose, what difference
does his character make?
WM: Butch, I envision that there will come a day when
technology will advance to such a degree to render our craft
obsolete. Structures will be made out of materials we cannot
even fathom and erected in methods that we today would deem
unbelievable. The labors of our future brethren will be lighter
than our own. Without skill, character will be all they have left.
Butch: But Worshipful, without honest, hard work, future
generations will become soft, lazy, ignorant, and succumb to drink.
WM: Sighing. I fear you may be right.
Butch: What will the name be given to such vile, despicable,
slothful, effeminate men who are rude, crude, and socially
unacceptable?
WM: Why “Highlanders”, of course.
Suddenly, it seemed so clear to Butch. The warmth of the
wisdom of the master flushed his face as he gave the due guard
from the rear of alter and retired.
So let that be a lesson to each and every noble: that one
must internalize the teachings of our ancient Constitutions and
Charges for if not, he may just end up wearing a skirt.
KORA SHRINE CENTER FOUNDATION
A 501 C 3 Corporation
By Barry Gates, PP, President
MISSION
The mission of the Kora Shrine Center Foundation is
to raise funds to preserve, protect and maintain the
historic Kora Shrine Center and its significant artwork.
The Foundation will raise capital to help underwrite the real
estate related costs associated with maintaining and preserving
the Kora Shrine Center. All donations to the Foundation are
tax deductible under IRS Code 170. Donors will be entitled to
declare their contribution as a charitable gift. Please consult
your tax advisor,
The Foundation welcomes gifts of cash, invested securities
such as stocks and bonds, real estate, collectables, and life
insurance proceeds. Multi-year pledge-giving is also an option
for donors. Please consider the Foundation in your estate
planning. Example: pledge-give $1,000/year for the next 5
years, payable in lump-sum or installments. Representatives of
the Foundation are anxious to meet with Nobles, and or their
families, to discuss these and other giving-options.
Contact Rick Olfene or Barry Gates for more information
SUMMER CEREMONIAL REGISTRATION DEADLINE JUNE 2ND
Register online at www.korashriners.org or by contacting the Kora Office
at 207-782-6831 or email at khansen@korashriners.org. See pages 21-25.
www.korashriners.org 5