Author Archives: ambryant

A Message From An Outgoing Master

Van Rensselaer Lodge 87 – East Greenbush NY 12061 May 10, 2012 Talk given to craft by the WM Daniel Valenti My Brother’s, I close this year with bitter sweet feelings. Bitter- because we have the second largest membership in … Continue reading

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Amen

We speak this word at the end of a prayer to signify that we are in complete accord with the sentiment uttered.  And when we say “Amen” almost unadulterated Hebrew and Greek for this word has traveled through both these … Continue reading

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The Two Pillars

THE Fellow-Craft is introduced to the wonders of his world of art and science through portals flanked by two massive pillars. Detailed description of these pillars in the Books of Kings indicates a style of design common to Egyptian architecture, … Continue reading

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Should Your Lodge Own Its Building?

The last 5 months on the Lodges and Buildings Committee (Grand Lodge NY) have been an eyeopening experience.  It is a sobering thought that many lodges that have declining membership cannot afford to own and operate a building. Take my … Continue reading

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On Masonic Conduct

“If you can keep your head when all about you Are losing theirs and blaming it on you; If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you, But make allowance for their doubting too; If you can wait and … Continue reading

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Part 23: The Order of St. John of Jerusalem

The final straw that broke the Turkish back, on  September 6th, the long anticipated relief force from Sicily, led by  Don Garcia arrived in northeastern bay of the island, it was not the 16,000 promised  actually around 8,000., but  the … Continue reading

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Part 17: The Order of St. John of Jerusalem

The end of St. Elmo  came with the arrival of Turkish reinforcements from Africa.  New cannon batteries were placed  to enfilade the fort, but even with these changes it was not until June 21st after a heavy bombardment, the Turks … Continue reading

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Part 21: The Order of St. John of Jerusalem

Literally, like some American Western, it was the cavalry to the rescue. Unknown to the defenders, from the old fort at Medina,  the fort that Mustapha arrogantly had bypassed,  the cavalry unit of the Order sallied forth and raided the … Continue reading

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Part 22: The Order of St. John of Jerusalem

On August 18th Egyptian miners tunneled under the walls of Birgu, exploded a mine and a large section of the main wall collapsed.  Immediately the Turks swept forward into this undefended position.   The defenders were in shock and hesitated.  At … Continue reading

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Part 20: The Order of St. John of Jerusalem

Mustapha  thought the time had come to make his surprise move,   ordered the  Janissaries in their ships forward to attack the point of Senglea.  Unknown to the Turks at the very foot of Fort St. Anglo on the opposite side … Continue reading

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