Alexandra I, Czar of Russia from 1801 to 1825, banned the craft in Russia in 1801. He rescinded the order in 1803 and became a Freemason, probably for political reasons. But in 1822, he again banned Freemasonry in Russia.

In England, Lewis is a symbol of strength. Universally, a symbol of the son of a Mason not yet twenty-one years of age; hence the drivation of "strength" since a man's strength is in his son (s).

"What we have done for ourselves alone, dies with us; What we have done for others and the world, remains constant and immortal."
Albert Pike

"From ancient times no Master or Fellow could be absent from his lodge, especially when warned to appear, without incurring a severe censure, unless it appeared to the Master that pure necessity hindered him."

Charles McCue, born in Northern Ireland on June 14, 1756, was made a Mason there at age 18, migrated to Canada in 1837, affiliated with St. John's Lodge #86 at Ingersoll, Ontario, and at the time of his death, May 5, 1870, had been a Mason for almost 95 years.

Andrew Bell, the Scottish printer and engraver who founded the Encyclopedia Britannica, was a member of Holyrod House Lodge #44, Edinburgh. In 1757 the Lodge ordered a number of Masonic copper engravings from Bell and, before he completed his contract, he asked to become a member of the lodge.

Our purpose in all of Masonry has been to make the organization one of Charity for all mankind; to practice the Golden Rule; to love our country; to serve God with reverence; to be humble; to adhere to the Cardinal Virtues; to greet everyone on the same level of human understanding."
Stanley Maxwell

The Monument's Secret
The Washington Monument in the U.S. capital opened in 1885. When it was completed it towered over every building on earth. At 555 feet tall, it's still the world's tallest masonry structure. But what does it tell us about its namesake. The answer lies deep within its cold exterior. Hidden from view from the general public lies a secret. Lining the interior stairway are 194 stones memorializing George Washington's achievements. Of all the stones with stories to tell, none is as secretive as the first laid. The cornerstone contains a time capsule with items from Washington's day, including a copy of the U.S. Constitution.

Unfortunately, many years later, the foundation was reinforced and the cornerstone was buried. It's down there somewhere – but nobody knows exactly where. Courtesy of The World Traveler published by Northwest Airlines and www.HistoryChannel.com

As to immortality, my conviction stands thus:
If there be anything in me that is of permanent worth and service to the universe, the universe will know how to preserve it. Whatsoever in me not of permanent worth and service, neither can nor should be preserved.
Horace James Bridges

"The Magic Flute" by Bro. Wolfgang Mozart is the symbolic representation of human evolution and was composed by him to replace the symbolic Masonic initiations forbidden by the Emperor of Austria – thus enabling his brethren to instruct Masonically in spite of the edicts of the tyrannical government of that time.

In passing the pillars, the Fellow Craft is not bidden to observe one more than the other. By implication, he has both power and control laid out for him. Power without control is anarchy. Control without power is futility. By implication, the two pillars of strength and establishment suggest that a grown man must have both for the completion of a successful life.

Masonically, the "mystic tie" symbolizes the bond of brotherhood. The words were first popularized by Robbie Burns in his poem Farewell to the the Brethren of Tarbolton Lodge, Scotland, in which he takes leave of his "dear brethren of the mystic tie". It is not the cable for tow for that is removed when the true tie of the obligation is assumed.

Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there. Bro. Will Rogers

"If we don't stand for something, we will fall for anything". – Rev. Sloane Coffin