May 9, 2011

Dear Most Worshipful Allan:

In the past few weeks I have realized my errors in judgment regarding Freemasonry.  With these revelations comes an apology from me to you.

I will explain my mistake:
In 1972 I joined the United Brotherhood of Carpenters.  This Union is the final evolution of the Renaissance masons of Europe.  I built with wood and concrete, what the ancient masons built with carved stones.  I became a journeyman carpenter after completing four years of apprenticeship in 1978.  As a master carpenter, and as an apprentice, I attended Union meetings and hung out in the Union hall for jobs.  I also made friends in the apprenticeship night classes.  We helped and supported each other with jobs, connections, and residences.

During the 1970s many of my Union friends offered me jobs, referred me to work, or worked for me.  I was also employed by a couple of my teachers.  I am gifted in mathematics and geometry.  My Carpentry Apprentice teacher for the roof cutting classes was so impressed by my abilities he hired me and trained me in all the advanced geometry of building, including circular stairs.  

During the 1980s I relocated to Los Angeles and became very active in my local carpentry union.  I was a delegate for several years to the AFL-CIO, where I chaired several committees.  I ran for Vice President of the Carpenters Union, and would have continued a career in Union politics, had I not moved to Utah in 1991.

My point in illustrating my union activities, is to explain where, how, and why I learned to expect people and fraternal brothers helping each other to find jobs, learn new skills, networking, or being politically and socially active.

With my experience as an Operative Mason, I relished the symbolisms applied to the tools of my trade as I studied Freemasonry.  I wasn't lacking spirituality or inspiration prior to Masonry, as I had recently founded a new sect in Buddhism, Shaolin Zen, and created self-help websites, such as www.actZEN.com, on the internet since 1999.  

So, although I appreciated the new symbols and rituals of Freemasonry, I was also expecting the brethren to be as supportive and inspiring as my brethren in the Carpentry Unions, and my UCLA classmates.  

That is why I apologize: I visualized Freemasonry in its historical perspectives and activities.  I expected the same network of survival contacts and teachers I had found so easily in my previous unions, apprenticeships, and classmates.

In the past couple years I admit to being disappointed that I did not receive any help or support from my masonry brothers, or the masonic organization, as I sought help for myself and my family.  I hope this letter will help you understand that other organizations and brotherhoods I have belonged to--do support and help their members.  My hopes were influenced by these past experiences accordingly.

If I was financially stable, I would have replaced my stolen guitar, repaired my flute and continued to be the Organist of Panamericana 513.  I really enjoyed that position of being inspirational to my brethren and guests of the lodge who paid me many compliments.  If I would have been able to afford internet fees, I would have enjoyed being the Assistant Secretary of Panamericana 513.  I would have especially enjoyed being the Secretary, but they insist on recording their meeting minutes in Spanish, which I do not speak.  I enjoyed learning the rituals of Freemasonry, however, the sacrifices of my guitar, flute, and car to attend meetings: was more than I could afford.

It seems that to correct my error in judgment, I should spend my evenings socializing with the Chambers of Commerce in my community to support the nonprofit organization, TAI CHI YOUTH.  This will hopefully be the best investment of my time to improve my life, improve the world, and to become financially and socially successful.

Perhaps when I do book signing tours, concert tours, or get financing for my MASONIC KUNG FU BOOK, I will become active in Freemasonry again.  I look forward to that.  I am also anxious to learn more about the ancient masons through being a York Rite mason.  The rock opera of KING SOLOMON'S TEMPLE will be enhanced by furthering my knowledge and experience of working life in those ancient times.

For now, I will accept Freemasonry as a period of my life that renewed my appreciation for ritual and ceremony.  If Masonry can help my careers or find me jobs, I will be glad and grateful--but I've learned not to accept any financial, family, or career support from Freemasonry.  I will continue to promote my albums and books about Freemasonry, and utilize the Masonic networks on Facebook.  I look forward to meeting masons in other countries when I do concert tours and book signings.

Thank you Allan for your support and kind words in Grand Lodge, and your referrals regarding my "Masonic Kung Fu."  I hope to have an article in the Masonry magazine some day about this secret treasure of knowledge I discovered June 9, 2009.  In fact, my nonprofit, TAI CHI YOUTH, would be a great story for the magazine.  Do you have a "publisher agenda" for the next couple years that maps out the various themes of your magazine?  If so, when would an article about TAI CHI YOUTH helping troubled youths and teens, fit in?  Our current mission is to provide online Tai Chi classes  as an alternative to the video games that waste time and don't develop useful skills.  As a mason who has worked in prisons, rehabs, and public schools, I am a good feature story for the Freemason magazine.

Perhaps Masonry can still help me, but I realize now, that Freemasonry is not going to provide the support and networking I had hoped for.  But, if you can offer any referrals or mention me to any book publishers, movie makers, or television producers--I would of course, be very appreciative.

Sincerely,
Richard Del Connor, Master Mason
Panamericana 513