Black Hawk Lodge #65

09/21/2024

Black Hawk Lodge #65 received the Grand Masters Award and Lodge of the Year at Grand Lodge’s 180th Annual Communication.

08/08/2024

Science and personal transformation can intersect in unseen ways, as science provides us with knowledge about the natural world it lacks, however, a definitive path to personal transformation. Personal transformation, often involves introspection, an evolution of personal values, and a spiritual growth beyond the scientific facts. Freemasonry, has a rich history of powerful symbolism and a Brotherhood of support that resonates with many. Freemasonry has within it a fascinating blend of science and spiritualism.
Historically, Freemasonry has drawn upon ancient scientific wisdom and knowledge, while incorporating teachings from various philosophical and spiritual traditions. This blend is evident in its rituals, symbols, and teachings, which aim to inspire members to cultivate a deeper sense of spirituality and connection to the divine.
One notable example of this connection is the influence of figures like Isaac Newton, who was deeply involved in Freemasonry.
Newton and his contemporaries saw Freemasonry as a crossroads between science and spirituality, promoting intellectual and spiritual philosophies that emphasize equality and equal treatment for all people.

07/21/2024

Thank you Black Hawk Lodge #65 for volunteering to move furniture and bed in partnership with the Street Outreach Recovery Project, Rev. Joseph.

07/14/2024

Black Hawk Chapter gained three new DeMolay’s at Conclave. On July 28 at 4pm we will initiate 4 more DeMolay’s at Black Hawk Lodge. Please join us, and if you know of a young man between 12-20 who desires leadership development and wants to make a positive impact please chat us and we can connect him to DeMolay.

07/14/2024

At DeMolay Conclave Dad Gary Shaulis was recognized as Advisor of the Year, and received the Guild of the Leather Apron. Black Hawk Chapter, Order of the DeMolay, is alive and well.

06/30/2024

The Masonic apron stands out in the tapestry of Freemasonry for its profound historical roots and emblematic significance. This article delves into the apron's origins, evolution, and multifaceted symbolism, tracing its journey from a practical garment to a cherished badge of honor among Freemasons....

06/28/2024

PINOCCHIO A MASONIC STORY...
In the film Pinocchio, directed by Walt Disney, (a DeMolay/youth Mason), we can find an analogy with Freemasonry in the way they both address the topic of personal transformation and spiritual growth. In the film, Pinocchio is a wooden puppet who longs to become a real boy. To achieve this, he must overcome a series of tests and challenges that help him learn important lessons about honesty, responsibility and the value of making the right decisions. Similarly, in Freemasonry, members commit to following a path of self-knowledge and personal improvement, through rituals, symbolism and teachings, Freemasons seek to transform themselves into more virtuous and ethical individuals, working on their spiritual and moral development. In both cases, both Pinocchio and the Freemasons face temptations and obstacles on their path to authenticity and wisdom. Pinocchio falls into the trap of lies and indulgence, while the Freemasons may face challenges in their daily lives that can test your integrity and Masonic values. In addition, both Pinocchio and the Freemasons find guides and mentors throughout their journey, in the film, Pinocchio is supported by the Blue Fairy and Talking Cricket, who guide him and encourage him to make correct decisions, similarly, In Freemasonry, Freemasons find support and guidance from their more experienced Freemason brothers, who help them on their path of personal and spiritual growth. Finally, both Pinocchio and the Freemasons seek to achieve a state of authenticity and transcendence. Pinocchio finds his true form as a boy by demonstrating his bravery and sacrifice for his father, while Freemasons seek to achieve moral and spiritual perfection through the practice of Masonic principles and values. In summary, the movie Pinocchio and Freemasonry share the theme of personal transformation and spiritual growth. Both teach us the importance of being honest, responsible and ethical in our actions. Furthermore, they show us that the path to authenticity and wisdom is not easy; it requires overcoming obstacles and a strong will... In the Movie you will find a lot of hidden symbolism that is not available to everyone, pay attention to every detail, and you will see reflected in it, the path of every initiate.

06/25/2024

Be satisfied, not proud..."A man's pride shall bring him low: but honor shall uphold the humble"...written in the Great Light of Masonry

06/16/2024

05/06/2024

DON'T BE A FREEMASON!

If you want rest, don't be a Freemason, as the Freemason's work must be continuous.

If you want to benefit, do not be a Freemason, as the Freemason must first promote benefits to and for the benefit of others.

If you want peace, don't be a Freemason, as the Freemason must be in constant war against vices.

If you are selfish, don't be a Freemason, because, for a Freemason, sharing must be a habit.

If you only think about yourself, don't be a Freemason, because thinking only about yourself is unfeasible and the Freemason must think and act for everyone.

If you want to get rich, don't be a Freemason, because a Freemason's wealth is not valued by his assets, but by his attitudes.

If you are arrogant, never be a Freemason, as humility must be a constant virtue, demonstrated at all times.

If you are too religious, do not be a Freemason, as the Freemason must be tolerant of his religious differences.

If you don't believe in God, forget it, there is no way to be a Freemason, because Freemasons do nothing without first invoking Him.

If you like the luxuries that the world provides, don't be a Freemason, as Freemasons must ignore them, since they are temporary.

If you are simply part of something, don't be a Freemason, because a Freemason cannot just be part of it, he must work to make a difference.

05/01/2024

Brothers,

Just a reminder that we have a 3rd degree tonight, Wednesday May 1st, starting at 7pm. I hope you can make it to show your support as our fellow Brother is raised to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason!

See you then,

Bro. Jon

04/24/2024

DEGREES OF FREEMASONRY.

Although Freemasonry is not a religion there are many parallels between Christianity and Freemasonry that are not always seen by the common eye.....

"Originally membership of the Christian (Catholic) Church involved a sequence of three initiatory rites identical in intention with those of Masonry. The names given to those who had qualified in those Christian rites were respectively "Catechumens, Leiturgoi, and Priests or Presbyters; which in turn are identifiable with our Entered Apprentices, Fellowcrafts and Master Masons. The Church's (in parallel with ours)
🔴 First (1°) degree was that of a rebirth and purification of the heart;
🔴 Second (2°) degree related to the illumination of the intelligence; and their
🔴 Third (3°) to a total death unto sin and a new birth unto righteousness, in which the candidate symbolically died with Christ on the cross, (as with us the candidate is led to imitate the death of Hiram), and then in both cases the candidates were symbolically raised to that higher order of life which is mastership over one's self."

04/13/2024

Black Hawk Chapter, Order of DeMolay, had two new members go through the full degree work at the Grand Master’s class.

04/11/2024

Frank S. Land “Dad”, 33° Freemason
1890 - 1959

Frank created the Order of DeMolay on March 24th, 1919 in Kansas City, Missouri as an international fraternal organization for young men ages twelve to twenty-one. It is not required to go through DeMolay to become a Freemason later.

The crown appearing in the self-adopted heraldic arms ( the emblem ) of the Order, contains ten rubies, each representing one of the original nine members and the organization's founder, Frank. The rubies were originally portrayed as pearls, but as each founding member died, the pearl representing him was changed to a ruby.

The Order was named in honor of Jacques de Molay, the last Grand Master of the Knights I Templar. He and his knights had been wrongfully accused of heresy and other crimes by King Philip IV and was aided by Pope Clement V. Grand Master Jacques and sixty of his senior knights were tortured into false confessions.

Jacques de Molay declared that King Philip and Pope Clement would soon answer to God for what they had done. It wasn't long after his death that his declaration of judgement came to pass.

Jacques de Molay was burnt at the stake on March 18th, 1314.

Pope Clement died on April 20th, 1314.

King Philip died on November 29th, 1314.

Jacques de Molay and his knights were absolved in a letter written by Pope Clement V in August of 1308 after he had done his own investigation, but chose to hide the letter out of fear of King Philip. The letter wasn’t found until September of 2001.

Friday, October 13th, 2017, marked seven hundred and ten years since the day ( Friday, October 13th, 1307 ) that King Philip had Jacques and sixty of his knights arrested in France.

The charcoal portrait of Frank was created by Brother, Travis Simpkins.

The two pictures and the very informative essay were put together by Brother David Owens. Thank you for all you do for Masonry Brother Owens.

04/09/2024

Did you know that the writer Rudyard Kipling was a Freemason? On this day in 1886 -- at 20 years old -- he was Initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason by Lodge Hope and Perseverance No. 782, an English Lodge in India.

04/08/2024

April 5 On this date in 1886, Rudyard Kipling received his 1st degree.

02/11/2019

Brothers,

We are still planning to have our monthly dinner and stated meeting tonight. Dinner will be at 6:30pm, and will be Cheeseburger Chowder Soup and a Potato with Bacon Soup, served with garlic breadsticks and cookies. Lodge will follow the dinner at 7:30pm. See you tonight!

Fraternally,

Brother Jon Laity

01/14/2019

Brothers,

Hope your 2019 is off to a great start. Our monthly stated meeting will be at 7:30pm down at the Lodge. Dinner will start at 6:30pm, and will be Ham & Turkey Sandwiches, Baked Beans, Cheese and Sausage, Chips, and Cupcakes. Hope to see you tonight!

Fraternally,

Bro. Jon
BHL #65 Secretary

01/09/2019

Some fun history for today:

Brothers.
After receiving dispensation from the Grand Lodge of Missouri, delegates from those first four lodges met in a room over Sanxer’s Iron Store in Iowa City January 7-9, 1844 and organized the Grand Lodge of Iowa, A.F. & A.M. The first four lodges were officially designated as Des Moines Lodge No. 1 (with 25 members), Iowa Lodge No. 2 (with 20 members), Dubuque Lodge No. 3 (with 28 members), and Iowa City Lodge No. 4 (with 28 members). Total membership of the Grand Lodge of Iowa was 101 members. Oliver C**k was elected as Grand Master and T.S. Parvin as Grand Secretary.
Happy Birthday!

Fraternally,

Craig L. Davis, P.G.M.
Grand Secretary

11/06/2018

Brothers,

We have a third degree tomorrow night, Wednesday, November 7th, starting at 7pm. Please make it if you can to help support our newest Brother as he is raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason. Look forward to seeing you tomorrow night!

Fraternally,
Bro. Jon Laity

08/14/2017

Brothers,

Our stated meeting is tonight at 7:30pm. Dinner will be served at 6:30pm. Supper will be Chicken with vegetables & gravy with biscuits, raspberry jello salad, and dessert.

See you tonight,

Brother Jon