May 02, 2022 0 Comments
In April last year, we met with W. :M. : Iain J.Y. Mann to discuss a special Masonic Jacquard-woven silk necktie project for his lodge Fairbank Lodge No. 592 in Toronto, Canada. This is the result of that collaboration. A portion of each tie sold will go towards the Drive for Ukrainian Humanitarian Relief—a Toronto Don Valley District Charity committee chaired by Brother Mann himself.
Iain, Gaelic for John, was born in Kilwinning Scotland in 1963. He is a Freemason of 31 years and is currently on his 5th term as the Master of his lodge. It is also worth noting that Brother Iain is an affiliate member of Mother Kilwinning Lodge 0, his ancestral Lodge. The apron on the photo belonged to his grandfather and was passed on to him. Click this link to see more photos of Brother Iain and the Kilwinning apron.
Brother Mann (drummer above) is a 30-year Canadian Army veteran who served with the Airborne Regiment Special Service Force. He played hockey, rugby, soccer and baseball competitively. I believe he also took up boxing recently. He has played in pipe bands since he was 9 years old and has competed in the World Championships in Scotland many times. He considers it a privilege to have played with the Black Watch Pipes and Drums.
The Fairbank Tie features a strong and masculine design. It is made of an alternating pattern of blue and gold stripes accentuated by textured patterns which, upon closer inspection, will become legible text and symbols (see below).
According to legend, an invading Norse army was attempting to sneak up at night upon a Scottish army's encampment. During this operation one barefoot Norseman had the misfortune to step upon a thistle, causing him to cry out in pain, thus alerting Scots to the presence of the Norse invaders.
The subtle Square and Compasses adorned with a wreath provide a nice texture to the tie.
The tie is a beautiful alternating pattern of blue and gold stripes. The Masonic motto "Making Good Men Better" and Brother Iain's mother lodge "Fairbank Lodge 592" flanked by Doric columns are subtly visible on the blue stripes.
This necktie is not available directly from our web store. To purchase, please email Brother Iain J.Y. Mann at kilwinning63@gmail.com with the subject line "Fairbank Tie" and indicate the number of neckties you would like to purchase. You may also call him directly at +1 (437) 999-7829. Please allow 5-7 business days handling time. Please see the pricing information below:
This is a photo of option 2.
December 30, 2021 0 Comments
December 09, 2021 0 Comments
It took a fraud case that costs us more than US$5,000 before we actually seriously looked into this. In case you're curious what it's about, visit our Facebook and Instagram page and look for postings between December 4-8, 2021.
Rechelle and I were very hesitant to consider crypto at first because the concept was so foreign to us. We still have a lot to learn but the fastest way get a working knowledge about it is by doing it.
Let's see where this goes. :-)
December 09, 2021 0 Comments
If you're following us in social media you probably know the reason why we decided to auction our earliest Masonic ties in our own collection.
Anyway, here are some the winning bids.
December 09, 2021 0 Comments
This is a milestone! Thank you for supporting us!
-JP and Rechelle Gomez (the FraternalTies Team)
October 08, 2021 0 Comments
Death is defined as the permanent ending of vital processes in an entity. From my point of view, the lockdown due to the pandemic afforded us more time to practice Masonry outwardly through the life that we live outside of our halls (like the way it should be).
As the boxer goes to the gym to perform an endless grind of repetitive exercises, drills and technical footwork in hopes of becoming a better fighter when he finally steps in the ring- so does the sincere Mason goes to lodge to perform an endless grind of repetitive mental, verbal and technical footwork in hopes of becoming a Better Man when he steps in the outside world.
Repetition is key—just like how this article is littered with repetitive words and thoughts. Repetition leads to a realization, realization leads to either an enhancement or, in some cases, a change of thought. Our ritual Work, although as repetitive as it can be, can be humbling and exhilarating especially when performed with such technical precision. With that, I understand and sympathize with the Brethren who truly miss the points of fellowship and the social aspects of our Craft. But not simply because a boxer cannot go to the gym to train means that he is no longer a boxer and the art of sweet science has died.
Financially, I have nothing to gain from this lockdown. And because more and more people are working from home, less and less the neckties we sell. But if there's anything good that the pandemic has given us, it afforded us more opportunities to apply our knowledge of our Working Tools outside of the lodge. It allowed us time to acquire new hobbies and hone the existing ones—and during our quiet moments, connect with what the ancient philosophers refer to as the "inward man".
"Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day." –2 Corinthians 4:16
September 13, 2021 0 Comments
Edit: First published on May 2020. Edited on September 2021.
They want to have a logo that says "HAPPY TO MEET AGAIN" as an optimistic outlook on the current events. One of their hosts wrote, "Lodges are closed down and we are missing our brothers, but are 'happy to meet again' once this is all over."
Bro. Darko Zdravic from University Lodge No. 496 in Toronto is in charge of coordinating with charities. Bro. Zdravic is a trained Immunologist, Hematologist, and chairman of the Toronto West District Blood Donor Program. One of his current roles as an Immunologist is to develop a vaccine for COVID19 with the Provincial and Federal Government.
The defining feature of the artwork which I named "Ad Astra per Aspera" (Latin for “Through Adversity to the Stars”) is the caduceus and the Masonic Square and Compasses in Fellowcraft position. The caduceus is the staff carried by Hermes Trismegistus in Greco-Egyptian mythology. The Freemason's emblem is in 2nd Degree to symbolize ongoing Work.
The legs of the compasses along with the staff form a Tetrahedron which symbolizes balance and stability. The human body has 5 parts- 1 head, 2 arms, and 2 legs; thus the Five Sprigs of Acacia adorning the emblem represent humankind. A visual way of saying “quintessential”.
The hinge of the Compasses is formed by Seven Overlapping Circles (also known as the Flower of Life). In this usage, the seven circles represent the Seven Liberal Arts & Sciences. The Five Platonic Solids can be fit within the geometrical “Flower of Life”. It is also made took like the old Atomic Model to symbolize science. Leonardo da Vinci studied the Flower of Life and its mathematical properties.
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August 15, 2021 0 Comments
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!🌿🙏
July 09, 2021 0 Comments
February 18, 2021 0 Comments
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.
February 15, 2021 0 Comments
“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.
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. |
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." |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
January 07, 2021 0 Comments
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.