Black Hawk Lodge #65

06/06/2026

06/04/2026

Remembering Brother Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz and the Battle of Midway

Today, on the anniversary of the Battle of Midway, we pause to remember one of the most decisive victories in American military history and honor one of the most distinguished Freemasons ever to wear the uniform of the United States Navy Brother Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz.

Born in Fredericksburg, Texas, in 1885, Nimitz would go on to graduate from the United States Naval Academy and dedicate his life to the service of his country. Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, he was selected to command the U.S. Pacific Fleet at one of the darkest moments in our nation’s history. The burden placed upon his shoulders was immense. The Pacific Fleet had been severely damaged, morale was shaken, and the future of the war in the Pacific remained uncertain.

Yet it was during these difficult times that Brother Nimitz demonstrated the qualities that both military leaders and Freemasons strive to embody: wisdom, fortitude, temperance, integrity, humility, and unwavering devotion to duty.

Brother Nimitz was raised a Master Mason in Army Lodge No. 110 in Washington, D.C., while serving as a young naval officer. Throughout his life, he remained proud of his Masonic affiliation and was active in several Masonic bodies. He eventually became a member of the Albert Pike Lodge No. 36, one of the nation’s most respected lodges. His commitment to the principles of Freemasonry was well known among his brethren and contemporaries.

Freemasonry teaches that a man’s character is revealed not when circumstances are easy, but when adversity tests his resolve. Few men faced greater tests than Nimitz.

In early June 1942, intelligence gathered by American codebreakers revealed that Japan was preparing an attack on Midway Atoll. Trusting the information before him and understanding the risks involved, Nimitz positioned the carriers USS Enterprise, USS Hornet, and USS Yorktown in a carefully planned ambush.

Between June 4 and June 7, 1942, American forces inflicted a devastating defeat upon the Imperial Japanese Navy, sinking four enemy aircraft carriers while turning the tide of the war in the Pacific. Historians continue to regard the Battle of Midway as one of the most important naval victories in history.

While military history often focuses on tactics, ships, and aircraft, the story of Midway is also a story of leadership. Brother Nimitz remained calm under pressure, trusted the expertise of those around him, and accepted responsibility for difficult decisions. These are qualities that every Mason can recognize and admire.

His success was not built on personal ambition or a desire for glory. Rather, it was founded upon service, duty, and the belief that every sailor, aviator, Marine, and officer had a role to play in accomplishing a greater purpose. In many ways, this mirrors the lessons taught within our lodges—that great achievements are accomplished when individuals work together in harmony for the common good.

Following the war, Nimitz continued his service to the nation and remained one of the most respected naval leaders in American history. His legacy endures not only in military circles but also among Masons who look to his life as an example of leadership guided by principle.

As we remember the Battle of Midway today, let us also remember the man who helped make that victory possible. Brother Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz demonstrated that the virtues taught in Freemasonry are not confined to the lodge room—they can guide men through the greatest challenges of their lives and inspire them to extraordinary service.

Smithfield Masonic Lodge #182 proudly honors the memory of Brother Nimitz and all those who served during the Battle of Midway. May their courage, sacrifice, and dedication to duty continue to inspire future generations.

“A Mason is judged not by the honors he receives, but by the service he renders.”

06/01/2026

“Lucifer” is perhaps the most famous accusation leveled against Freemasonry. Anti-Masonic activists, conspiracy theorists, and personalities like Candace Owens frequently point to a single quotation from Albert Pike as proof that Freemasons worship the Devil. But what did Pike actually say?

The historical record tells a far more complicated story. Critics often begin with this line from Morals and Dogma:

«“Lucifer, the Light-bearer! Strange and mysterious name to give to the Spirit of Darkness...”»

What they rarely show is the sentence immediately before it:

«“...that Sublime Faith which aspires to God alone, and despises all the pomps and works of Lucifer.”»

That omitted sentence completely changes the context. Pike is not praising Lucifer. He is discussing symbolism and explicitly speaks of the "works of Lucifer" with contempt.

The tension runs even deeper. The word lucifer is simply Latin for “light-bearer” or “morning star.” Its biblical association comes from Isaiah 14, where Helel ben Shachar (“shining one, son of the dawn”) appears in a taunt against the prideful king of Babylon—not a cosmic devil.

More surprisingly, the title was not exclusively associated with Satan. In 2 Peter 1:19, the morning star rises in the hearts of believers, and the ancient Easter Vigil hymn (Exsultet) applies the Morning Star imagery to Christ Himself. In other words, lucifer originally described a bearer of light, not the personal name of the Devil.

Yet over centuries, symbolism became character. Character became Satan. A taunt against a Babylonian king became the Devil's origin story. Then a discussion of symbolism by Albert Pike became “proof” of Lucifer worship.

So when modern anti-Masonic personalities confidently present Pike's “Lucifer” quotation as settled proof of devil worship, they may sometimes be presenting layers of interpretation as historical fact. The real story may not be the existence of a Luciferian conspiracy, but how symbols, translations, and quotations, repeated out of context long enough, can begin to look like evidence. 🔺️

05/28/2026

05/27/2026

Here is what Freemasonry actually teaches:

1. God is God. In God we put our trust. We do not replace Him, compete with Him, or pretend to stand beside Him.

2. No man inside the Lodge is worshipped — not the Master, not the officers, not the oldest member in the room.

3. Every Mason, whatever his faith, enters the Lodge with his belief in God intact. We do not touch that. We respect it.

4. The Lodge is not a church, a mosque, or a temple. But it is a place where men of faith come together in brotherhood.

5. Our titles are historical. They carry tradition and respect, not religion.
Freemasonry teaches morality, brotherhood, charity, truth, and reverence for God — never the worship of man.

Freemasonry has often been misunderstood because many people see its symbols, ceremonies, and titles without understanding their true purpose. Yet at its core, the Craft teaches reverence for God, moral discipline, and respect for humanity.

Freemasonry does not ask a man to abandon his faith. Rather, it reminds him to live his faith more sincerely.

When a man enters the Lodge, he does not leave God at the door. He enters with his belief in the Supreme Being intact, and that belief is honored — never replaced. The Mason kneels in prayer not to worship men, titles, or institutions, but in humble acknowledgment that all wisdom and strength ultimately come from God.

The Worshipful Master is not “worshipped.” In ancient usage, the word “Worshipful” simply means honorable or respected because of office and duty. It is the same historical use found in civic titles such as “Your Worship” for judges or magistrates. It is tradition, not divinity.

The Lodge itself is not a religion. It has no plan of salvation, no sacraments, and no claim to replace churches, mosques, or temples. Instead, it is a fraternity where men of different faiths meet upon the level of brotherhood, united by moral principles and a shared belief in God.

Freemasonry teaches a man to become better: —to practice charity without pride, —to seek truth without prejudice, —to lead with humility, —and to treat every human being with dignity and compassion.

Its symbols are lessons. Its rituals are moral teachings. Its purpose is the building of character.

The true Mason is not known merely by signs or titles, but by his conduct — by the kindness of his heart, the honesty of his dealings, and the sincerity of his faith.

© Credit to the rightful author.