Occasionally, I hear brethren moaning about Masonic papers given in Lodge, and not really for the right reason.The problems with Masonic papers are these:● Static. A paper is an extremely dull presentation. Someone just stands there and reads. The audience is passive and not actively involved. They’re just listening.● Length. While the topic itself may be interesting, listeners can easily zone out if the presentation goes too long. Even Shakespeare didn’t have half-hour soliloquies.● Delivery. Not everyone is a singer; some people are monotones. Not everyone is an actor; watch the…
Freemasonry
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Most Topular Stories
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What Are We? Why Are We?
Just a Mason11 May 2012 | 7:31 am -
When it Reigns…
FmI - Masonic Traveler3 May 2012 | 11:41 amThe following are two missives sent to me that illustrate a certain sense of disenfranchisement felt by some. Are they systemic undercurrents or simply the aches and pains of a few who have found themselves on the outside of a here-to-fore inclusive order of craftsmen?I’ll leave it to you to decide.The first came in an email which, the sender says, was sent to “practically every member listed in the Grand Lodge [of New York in the New York State] Directory.” To how many this was sent out was not said, but the note to me says it was sent to “voting members or… -
Some Biblical passages in Masonry - PS Review of Freemasonry NEWS
King Solomon's Lodge - Path to Masonic Blogs15 May 2012 | 9:24 am -
Even Aarons Beard
The Metaphysical Freemason10 May 2012 | 9:39 amWhat makes happy this esoterically inclined mason about fellowship with his brothers? We know that we are to chip away at the Ashlar, removing vice and superfluity. If that were the case, masons would look more akin to Spartans and the like. Freemasons have no problem with buy in, we take ownership of our lodge and of our society of friends and brothers. The hardest work of the path is that of self-discipline, when I look at my Brothers, I believe I am looking in the mirror, I see myself, that it how strong is the tie. We are at different points in our masonic lives, the joy of the Corsair,… -
Those Mysterious Pillars: BOAZ and JACHIN. - PS Review of Freemasonry NEWS
King Solomon's Lodge - Path to Masonic Blogs14 May 2012 | 8:40 am
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FmI - Masonic Traveler
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Social Media Code of Conduct for Massachusetts Freemasons
11 May 2012 | 5:30 pmThe Grand Lodge of Massachusetts has just enacted new rules concerning the use of Social Media by Massachusetts Freemasons.Social Media Code of Conduct for Massachusetts FreemasonsA Mason should conduct his Social Media activities in a way that reflects his membership in the Craft. He should act in a way that presents a positive image of his membership in Freemasonry to the world.As a Mason, he must be aware that his postings are a permanent record; therefore, his conduct may influence the world with a positive or a negative opinion about him personally and also about any organizations to… -
In the Margins
8 May 2012 | 8:22 amThe Salon is an off topic collection of conversation starters to be taken with a snifter of brandy, a fine cigar, and a grain of salt.Found this snippet on the blog Brain Pickings and immediately it capture my attention.It would seem the monks who saved Christendom by their meticulous hand copying of the Gospels were also human and had their own complaints which they doodled into the margins of the texts they copied. Not surprising, the things they wrote weren’t so different than the ones you and I might post today on social media.A few of my Marginalia favorites from Brain… -
The Old Past Master Battles Mainstream Madness
6 May 2012 | 10:01 pmThe Old Past Master loved to get to Lodge early. There was something about opening that Lodge room door and gazing on that altar when all was quiet. And then sitting down in a seat on the sidelines and just thinking and mediating about all that had gone on over the many years in that room. It sent shivers down his spine.All the Masters gave him the keys to the Lodge. They welcomed someone dependable who could open everything up in case they were running late. This evening Master Reynolds was early coming in right on the heels of the Old Past Master. Worshipful went right to the office and… -
Want to be a member?
4 May 2012 | 3:24 pmFound this on Vigilant Citizen.Want to be a member? Want to be a member? Want to be a member of the Order of the Ohhhm-Bo-bahcha-cha- Ohhhm-Bo-bahcha-cha?If all initiations ended like this one, I bet most fraternities would be teeming with members.It reminds me of the pranks in the Demoulin catalog of Fraternal Supplies from the 30′s. I wonder if it was the inspiration for the short film.I’m not entirely clear why some would think this short was to indoctrinate children into secret societies, but, I suppose you can make what ever connections to you want from it.Want to be a… -
When it Reigns…
3 May 2012 | 11:41 amThe following are two missives sent to me that illustrate a certain sense of disenfranchisement felt by some. Are they systemic undercurrents or simply the aches and pains of a few who have found themselves on the outside of a here-to-fore inclusive order of craftsmen?I’ll leave it to you to decide.The first came in an email which, the sender says, was sent to “practically every member listed in the Grand Lodge [of New York in the New York State] Directory.” To how many this was sent out was not said, but the note to me says it was sent to “voting members or…
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Freemasons For Dummies
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Masonic Rules for Social Media?
14 May 2012 | 12:07 pmThe Grand Lodge of Massachusetts has created guidelines for its members concerning postings on social media like Facebook and Twitter. While this is an attempt to interject common sense into the postings of Masons (which we know isn't common at all), I'm not certain I am crazy about codifying such rules. In any case, here they are for your perusal.Social Media Code of Conduct for Massachusetts FreemasonsA Mason should conduct his Social Media activities in a way that reflects his membership in the Craft.He should act in a way that presents a positive image of his membership in Freemasonry to… -
Thanks to Massachusetts Brethren
13 May 2012 | 12:49 pmMy deepest thanks to MW Richard Stewart, Grand Master of Massachusetts, and all of his officers and committee members for the phenomenal job they did at yesterday's events in Boston. I have been to lodges and grand lodges all over the country and the world and I can honestly say that the Grand Master's Table Lodge was one of the most impressive, memorable and fun events it has been my extreme privilege to attend. Everything was first class and every detail was perfect, right down to the 70 Masons who served as waitstaff for the 260 attendees. It was truly an incredible experience, and I am… -
Back from France, I'm off to Boston
9 May 2012 | 8:36 pmAlice and I are just back today from spending a week in Eze, a mountain village just outside of Monaco, in the south of France. An entire week of eating, drinking and being two great layabouts. My apologies if your emails haven't been answered, as I had no wi-fi connection, and probably wouldn't have signed on if I had. It's a trip I can heartily recommend, with two of our favorite restaurants on Earth.If I ever agree to change planes at New York's JFK again, somebody please shoot me on the spot.I'll be speaking on Saturday in Boston at three separate events, all at the grand lodge building. -
New Jersey Masonic Symposium May 19th
26 Apr 2012 | 2:33 pmNew Jersey Council of Deliberation, AASR cordially invites you to a 2012 Symposium to be held on Saturday May 19 at the Valley of Central Jersey (103 Dunns Mill Road, Bordentown, New Jersey 08505) at 10:00 a.m.We have the pleasure of hosting three outstanding men and Masons who are very well known and respected for their Masonic knowledge and research.From Indiana: Ill. Christopher Hodapp, 33From Oklahoma: Ill. Robert G. Davis, 33From Washington DC: Ill. S. Brent Morris, 33Tickets cost $50 per person and include breakfast, lunch, and souvenirs.You can register online… -
NY PGM Bidnick Expelled
26 Apr 2012 | 2:13 pmNew York Past Grand Master Neal Bidnick has been expelled from the fraternity:Subject: In the matter of Neal I. Bidnick - Official Notice of Decision of the Commissioners of the Masonic Trial convened on Tuesday, April 24, 2012 is attached herewith.To: All Grand Line Officers, Permanent Members, Elected & Appointed Grand Lodge Officers, Masters & Secretaries of NY Masonic Lodges, Concordant Bodies, and to all Grand Lodges in amity with the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New YorkGRAND LODGE OF FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS OF THE STATE OF NEW…
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The Metaphysical Freemason
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Even Aarons Beard
10 May 2012 | 9:39 amWhat makes happy this esoterically inclined mason about fellowship with his brothers? We know that we are to chip away at the Ashlar, removing vice and superfluity. If that were the case, masons would look more akin to Spartans and the like. Freemasons have no problem with buy in, we take ownership of our lodge and of our society of friends and brothers. The hardest work of the path is that of self-discipline, when I look at my Brothers, I believe I am looking in the mirror, I see myself, that it how strong is the tie. We are at different points in our masonic lives, the joy of the Corsair,… -
Mystical Service and the Chamber of Reflection
22 Apr 2012 | 7:50 amIt has been said that when you serve others you are also serving yourself. That is true if you consider that in the effort to strengthen ones polarity towards service to others aka positive polarity, ones primary vehicle is that of selfless service. When each man in his mind privately considers his course, accomplishments and tenets of his life, he is bound to consider what he has done for others. One doesn't need to be a hermit on the mountain,, a great Maji, or some such. The simple understanding of the Law is that One should choose, ....serve others or serve self. And once the choice is… -
Going Operative
18 Apr 2012 | 7:48 pmAlways living in New England, field stone is usually within reach of a wheelbarrow. The old farmers used to take them from the field every year on a rock sled and move them to property boundaries by horse. New England still has these remnants of the colonial farming days before the great westward migrations all over. Up to this point, not having used concrete with field stone, dry stack technique on patios and garden walls was my usual. Now the miracles of concrete, liquid stone are being revealed to me, the results aren't too bad. The thing that still amazes me though, is that our ancient… -
Most Worshipful Grand Master Gary Arseneau
26 Mar 2012 | 6:08 pmRight Worshipful Brother Gary Wilhelm Arseneau was installed today at the Old Cromwell. He has been a faithful architect and steward of Ct. Freemasonry for many years, extending well beyond his tenure in the Grand Lodge Line. Upon his pin, are the words "Masonry, A Personal Journey" well said. There is a worker in stone with his arm upraised to the heavens, gavel in hand, chiseling away at the rough ashlar. Two Pillars are behind the builder with the number 3 upon each. A nice touch by the designer, as Bro. Gary hails from Mother Lodge #33 in Southington. Ct Freemasonry has great confidence… -
Bornholm, Gotland and the Hanseatic League
15 Mar 2012 | 4:17 pmOn the Island of Bornholm near Denmark in Scandinavia are found the Burgundian Templar Churches with a virtual study in sacred euclidian geometry in orientation. It also is home to northern europes largest medieval fortress Hammershus, built in 1200's as the launch point for Scandinavian crusades. Check out the book The Templars Secret Island by Haagensen and decide for yourself. At the very least the whole number system of measurement useful for our ancient brethren, at the back of the book is vital. The round churches are Templar design, very similar to the Newport Tower Rhode Island, and…
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Just a Mason
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What Are We? Why Are We?
11 May 2012 | 7:31 amOccasionally, I hear brethren moaning about Masonic papers given in Lodge, and not really for the right reason.The problems with Masonic papers are these:● Static. A paper is an extremely dull presentation. Someone just stands there and reads. The audience is passive and not actively involved. They’re just listening.● Length. While the topic itself may be interesting, listeners can easily zone out if the presentation goes too long. Even Shakespeare didn’t have half-hour soliloquies.● Delivery. Not everyone is a singer; some people are monotones. Not everyone is an actor; watch the… -
Osmosis Doesn’t Work
24 Feb 2012 | 7:16 amNick Johnson, the Millennial Freemason, has posted his musings on what’s probably been an unexplored topic—how the lifestyle of Generation ‘Y’ is different and how that will affect Masonic membership. Nick quotes an expert who opines Y’ers are living with mom and dad longer than we geezers did (I left home at 18), getting married later and settling down later. You can read it HERE.While Nick’s post muses about the future, he’s avoided an issue about the here-and-now for Lodges, probably because it doesn’t really involve the types of people he’s dealing with. But it’s… -
A Favourite Masonic Moment
19 Jan 2012 | 3:18 amThe other night, the Master of a Lodge decided to go around the room and have the members who braved the icy roads introduce themselves and tell the others a bit about themselves. I suppose such an exercise has some benefits, though it gets a little embarrassing going “I” and “me” an awful lot. Then he went around the Lodge room again and asked everyone for their favourite or most memorable Masonic moment.Naturally, the two may not be the same thing. For one Entered Apprentice in the room, they were, as he really only had the night of his initiation to talk about. Some of my own… -
Is Your Lodge Meeting Cancelled?
7 Oct 2011 | 3:32 amAs a Secretary of one Lodge, and a member of several others, I get notices of meetings from quite a few Masonic Lodges. And the most disheartened thing I read is when an urgent e-mail comes through and says something like “The candidate can’t come tonight so the meeting is cancelled.” I have a question.Why?Why is the meeting cancelled?At every emergent communication where degree work is the only thing on the Order of Business, there’s always more to a meeting than that. Every meeting has a report on ill and distressed brethren. Since the assembled members now have time on their hands… -
Carrie Nation, Anti-Mason
13 Jun 2011 | 5:40 amShe died 100 years ago this month, yet Carrie Nation’s name is still known today as a hatchet-wielding fighter against alcohol. The reason is simple. Carrie Nation knew the same thing that many people looking for headlines know today—outrageousness attracts attention and outrageousness sells.Nation didn’t trust mere outrageousness to get her name in the papers. She hired press agents. One was John M. Gregory, who waited until her death (in a story published in the Albuquerque Journal of June 22, 1911) to call her a:Fearless fanatic, boldly defying the world, greedy for money and seeking…
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King Solomon's Lodge - Path to Masonic Blogs
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The Meaning of Masonry - Daily Mason
15 May 2012 | 9:46 pm -
Some Biblical passages in Masonry - PS Review of Freemasonry NEWS
15 May 2012 | 9:24 am -
Masonic Rules for Social Media? - Freemasons For Dummies
14 May 2012 | 3:07 pm -
Those Mysterious Pillars: BOAZ and JACHIN. - PS Review of Freemasonry NEWS
14 May 2012 | 8:40 am -
Damasco Commandery No. 2: 5 nuovi Cavalieri. - ARCO REALE Rito di York
13 May 2012 | 8:54 pm
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The Setting Maul - Voices From The Clefts...
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Episode 40
11 May 2012 | 5:13 amEXPLICIT -
For the Last Time
11 May 2012 | 5:09 am -
Episode 41
11 May 2012 | 4:21 amThis is EXPLICIT MATERIAL and NO ONE should listen to it. Here is episode 41 -
Episode 39
20 Feb 2012 | 2:13 amThis IS EXPLICIT material and NO ONE SHOULD LISTEN TO IT! Here is Episode 39 -
Episode 38
9 Dec 2011 | 1:49 amThis IS EXPLICIT material and NO ONE SHOULD LISTEN TO IT! We dedicate this Podcast to Worshipful Brother Jeff Dyer and his dearly departed Father. God be with you and yours. Here it is, Episode 38 – Click Here
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The Rough Ashlar
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New Look, New Home
9 May 2012 | 8:36 amIn case you did not notice, I just updated the site's look and home. Someone recently asked me what ever happened to my Masonic blog so I poked around and saw that a surprising number of people were looking at it. So here I am, with a decent URL and a look I think is better. Welcome back. Subscribe to the feed and let me know what you think. -
Why I Demitted from the Scottish Rite
20 Nov 2011 | 10:30 amI joined the Alexandria, VA Scottish Rite about two years ago at the suggestion of a few people I have a lot of respect for. The degrees were impressive and the educational program – the Master Craftsman – is in-depth and helped me get a better handle on the teachings of the degrees. The Rite has 29 degrees, and each offers enough learning to keep a guy busy for quite a long time. However, I decided to demit last year and wanted to discuss some of the reasons. My problems with the Scottish Rite are as follows: The meetings are on Friday nights, a time I prefer to spend with my… -
How I Came to be a Royal Arch Mason
4 Nov 2011 | 10:39 amA few years ago I decided to pursue the Royal Arch but I came to the group in a strange way. My lodge rents the facility to a RAM chapter, so I was familiar with the image of the triple tau but knew little about the group. One night a meeting was called among some of the more active brethren of my lodge but when we got there we found that the building was already occupied by the Royal Arch members. We went elsewhere for our brief meeting but not before I caught a glimpse of some of the men who were there. They were guys I already knew and looked up to and many of the ones I did not know… -
Kena Shriners Homebrew Club: Can Beer Save Lives?
2 Nov 2011 | 10:46 amI am working on starting a homebrew club at Kena Shriners in Fairfax, VA. You guessed it – a group for Shriners who like to make their own beer and wine or are interested in learning how. Because the Shriners need another club, obviously. Just kidding. The number of clubs is not an issue. We have many, and each is geared toward a specific type of activity or interest. It’s at the club and unit level that people get the most out of the Shrine, where they are in small groups, participating in something they enjoy with good friends. Beer and wine aside, the purpose of the clubs at… -
Paul Revere: Mason, Bruins Fan
29 Sep 2011 | 3:05 pmTweeted by The Grand Lodge of Massachusetts: Was there ever any doubt that Past Grand Master Paul Revere was a Bruins’ fan?
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The Magpie Mason
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‘Happy anniversary to the GCR’
11 May 2012 | 11:19 pmThe Grand College of Rites of the United States of America marks its 80th anniversary today. It’s almost as old as Thurman! If you have been here before, you know the GCR bears the Magpie Seal of Approval, meaning membership is highly recommended. There is so much to be learned from the rituals and other literature of the defunct bodies now in the care of the GCR that it’s a crime -
‘Have you heard the good news?’
11 May 2012 | 12:00 amLike I mentioned in a post somewhere below, there are some good things happening in New Jersey Freemasonry these days, some beginning at the top, but others rising from the grass roots. Every year, our grand lodge hosts what it calls a leadership conference at the Elizabethtown campus of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. I don’t know what goes on there – when I used to bother asking -
‘Making old news new again’
7 May 2012 | 4:52 pmHebrew University archaeologist Yosef Garfinkel will hold a press conference Tuesday to “announce all-new findings related to the time of Kings David and Solomon, including presentation of artifacts never before seen by the public related to construction of Solomon’s temple and palace.” The press conference will be followed by a tour of the Khirbet Qeiyafa excavation site. I know most -
‘Gnosis from an old memory, literally’
7 May 2012 | 2:22 amA group photo of a number of Brother Masons found its way to my Facebook wall. A posed shot obviously following a joyous and joyful ceremony inside a church. I’d guess it is from a CBCS function, and it has the feel of initiation to it too. It provokes mixed feelings. Of course on the one hand it’s great to see a bunch of friends enjoying what makes them happy and lively, and in second -
‘Masonic kiddie ride?’
6 May 2012 | 1:38 amAt a local carnival this ride appeared to be kind of popular. Named Pharoah’s Fury, it is a giant swing with a long boat-shaped car that seats several dozen. It’s hard to discern, but that is a triangle at the top, with the eye inside. Here's a blurry photo: And the moving part of the ride itself kind of looks like the form of the compasses with the quadrant. And at each
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Palmetto Mason
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For Holocaust Remembrance Day on 19 April 2012
18 Apr 2012 | 5:37 pm(Reprinted with permission of the author)Peace and Harmony Prevails Living in Charleston, SC affords a Mason who enjoys visiting other lodges the opportunity to visit a large selection of different lodges all within a 30 minute drive of each other. Especially during the first two weeks of the month a Mason could conceivably visit a meeting of a different lodge or appendant body every night of the week. The opportunities for meeting and fellowshipping with brethren are sometimes staggering. In the act of availing myself of this Charlestonian Masonic opportunity I had a uniquely wonderful… -
Research Help Needed
6 Apr 2012 | 8:58 amTo my fellow researchers - amateur and professional alike: I am searching for the location of the original document signed by John Hancock appointing Dr. William Rickman as “Director and Chief Physician of the Hospital in Virginia…” Dated May 18, 1776. -
No Explanation Necessary (Reprinted with Author's Permission)
22 Mar 2012 | 3:45 pmNo Explanation Necessary*Previously published in Volume 12, Issue 1, of "The Mariner Lighthouse," the official publication of Mariner Lodge No. 2, A.F.M. of S.C.Last year my boss asked me a question as I was in mid-meltdown about the latest lodge crisis – “Isn’t Masonry supposed to be something you do to relax? Why is there so much controversy?” I didn’t have a good answer for him, any more than I have a good answer for my wife who listens to me vent from time to time and often asks the same question. One reason for my frustration was the simple fact that a lot of people who have… -
Unity (Reprinted with the Author's Permission)
26 Feb 2012 | 3:58 pmUnity - An EssayBy Joseph F. Giunta, PDDGM31 January 2012 Some years ago while serving as a District Deputy Grand Master, I was privileged to be an instructor at a Fourth Masonic District Instructional Meeting, at which I addressed the newly elected Lodge Masters in this District. While I was in the process of teaching what I believed those brothers should know, within the very short amount of time allotted for that purpose, a question arose regarding lodge harmony, more specifically how it is achieved. Recognizing the importance of that question and… -
So You Want to be a Grand Lodge Officer?
29 Jan 2012 | 11:55 amFor those that actively seek a position in the Grand Lodge, I offer the “be careful of what you wish for” advice. Ideally, the office seeks the Brother – not the other way around. Appointment or nomination to a Grand Lodge office should actually come as a surprise to the Brother being so appointed or nominated.There are many good reasons for this. First of all, seeking an office gives the impression to many other Masons that one is politicking, which is generally looked upon as un-Masonic activity. In addition, in the process of seeking an office, a Freemason can easily find himself in…
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Bailey's Buddy
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Silo Sunrise - photo by Bob Kelly
15 May 2012 | 7:49 amThe cool, soft breezes of the quiet morning were accompanied by randomly appearing balls of Cottonwood fluff gently flowing through the air, as the cattle mooed one another awake, and as the fireball sun was rising up to warm the Iowa soil. It was a special moment, you would have enjoyed, but here is how it looked! -
A Conversation
15 May 2012 | 6:59 amMonday I had to be in Des Moines at 9:00 AM to have my car serviced. I was there by 8:10. They got me in. I had my computer with me so I could check on things while I waited, There were a lot of people in the waiting room and it was a pleasant experience. Next it was out to the computer place to have some work done on my computer. I had to have some more memory put in to see if that would help with a problem I had. I got there just at 10:00 AM just as they were opening. I was told I cold pick it up in the afternoon. Which was fine as I had to go… -
Speaking of Mitt
14 May 2012 | 9:12 amFrom CannonfireThere is no Mitt. There's nothing there.If he does have a "there," he showed it back in school. The man was and is an arrogant, thuggish brat lacking any deeply-felt ambition beyond Power for the sake of Power. The Mitt Romney of that time is the Mitt Romney of our time. That's who he is -
Molly on Monday
14 May 2012 | 7:00 amMolly here, It has been quite boring this week. Mostly the BG has hung around the house with something he calls a book stuck in his face. Either that or the big Box thing that makes noise was running and we watched that. I am not much interested in it but the other night there was a very interesting show on about big cats. Two of them were white. I started watching it and enjoyed it very much. They appear to be like Cassie only bigger. I have fun chasing her around the house. I wonder what would happen if I could chase them. They look a little scary.I… -
Sunday Salute VII
13 May 2012 | 2:00 pmMarian Wright Edelman (1939 - )Marian Wright Edelman, the founder and President of the Children's Defense Fund, was the first African American woman admitted to the Mississippi state bar. She has given her life for the defense of Children and is one of my heroes.Quotes - • The inability to get health care because people lack insurance, kills, less traumatically, and less visibly than terrorism, but the result is the same. And poor housing and poor education and low wages kills the spirit and the capacity and the quality of life that all of us deserve. - 2001• The…
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freemasonry « WordPress.com Tag Feed
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## Best Deals on Freemasonry Inside-out: What The Masonic Ritual Is Really About. Reviews
18 Apr 2012 | 7:50 pmAre you looking for the Freemasonry Inside-out: What The Masonic Ritual Is Really About. on-line? I recently seen this great site and that look like the greatest Freemasonry Inside-out: What The Masonic Ritual Is Really About. I’d seen. Check it NOW ! $ $ Best Offer on Freemasonry Inside-out: What The Masonic Ritual Is Really About. $ $ Freemasonry Inside-out: What The Masonic Ritual Is Really About. Description Ex-worshipful Master’s Astonishing Insight Into The World Of Freemasonry. ‘freemasonry Inside Out’ Is An Authoritative, Well Argued, Comprehensively Sourced… -
Lucent Technologies, 666 5th Ave., NYC
17 Apr 2012 | 3:06 pmAnd he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six. ~Revelation 13:16,17 Ominous “666″ Street Address Simply Coincidental? Video Missing? Watch it on Youtube -
My Early Work History Part Four...
17 Apr 2012 | 10:42 amWe arrived back at Sembawang Dockyard, Singapore, in time for Christmas 1967, and had a couple of weeks with not much else to do but our usual slack time tedium – painting: decks, bulkheads (walls), deckheads (ceilings), magazine racks, and to relieve the monotony of Battleship Grey paint, I painted my magazine racks in several different colours as a type of colour code for the differing guided missiles stored in the magazine. News came that we were to soon visit Sydney, Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, and The Philippines on the way back to Singapore. Well, nearly, as we were on stand-by to… -
My Early Work History Part Three...
17 Apr 2012 | 10:39 amAfter the repairs we set sail for the Far East, to take over as Flag Ship for the Far Eastern Fleet. As we left Plymouth Sound we met Francis Chichester coming back from his circumnavigation of the world – an officer called from the flight deck, “Long Time no see!” – Francis Chichester replied, “Long Time plenty sea!” As the Suez Canal was still closed, we had to get there the long way, via Cape Town, and what a great ‘run ashore’ that was – five days we were there, and had a wonderful time. Then it was back to sea to sail to Singapore, arriving in January 1967 (I think, if… -
My Early Work History Part Two...
17 Apr 2012 | 10:36 amWith over two year’s service at HMS Goldcrest, Brawdy, I got to work on various naval aircraft: Sea Vixens, Gannets, Sea Venoms, Hunters and Whirlwind helicopters. In fact, one of the Sea Vixens I worked on is now an exhibit at the Imperial War Museum, Duxford. I was a member of 738 Squadron, which was the Advanced Flying Training Squadron, and we serviced Hawker Hunter GA 11s and two-seat trainers. This was my dream come true, being in the Navy and working on aircraft – and was my happiest time thus far; unfortunately, this was only to be a three month secondment, to give me experience…
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Halcyon Masonic Lodge of Freemasons
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Bal Ingenieux Photos at Halcyon Masonic Lodge
7 May 2012 | 9:28 amAfter years of restoration and preparation Halcyon Temple was brought to light in all its former glory for the City of Cleveland at Bal Ingenieux. Tickets went for as high as $1,000, and it was an event like no other. Just a few years ago the Grand Lodge of Ohio wanted to destroy this building and sell the land for condos. We fought to save it and the Bal Ingenieux was our celebration for the hard work and energy put forth by all the brothers at Halcyon and the Grand Orient USA. Finally Freemasonry and the Arts have come together once again to create beauty for the sake of beauty itself. -
More Mainstream Masonic Corruption -Does it never end?
3 May 2012 | 3:32 pmIt seems like the mainstream Masonic world is on fire with more announcements of corruptions. We can’t keep up! Learn more over at Freemasonry 101. -
Is it true what MasonicInfo says?
3 May 2012 | 2:27 pmIs it true what Grand Lodge of Maine Mason Ed King says on his MasonicInfo website? Only if you’re gullible enough to follow blindly and ignore the facts. The Tubal Cain blog has begun an excellent series of exposés on the unethical practices of Ed King, Chris Hodapp and other mainstream Freemasons. It’s truly amazing how low these people are willing to go to make a dollar and have their ego stroked. They’re a part of the new cult of fear being created in the mainstream system. Actually, they’re the creators of it. Head on over to Tubal Cain to learn more. -
Ingenuity Cleveland Bal Ingenieux
2 May 2012 | 10:39 amIngenuity Cleveland and Halcyon Lodge is channeling the spirits of the Kokoon Arts Club with its first annual Bal Ingenieux. This one night only masked ball takes the audience through an amazing journey of performances and interactive installations. Bring a mask or get one at the door, but come prepared for a night to remember. Located at the Halcyon Lodge in the heart of Ohio City (2831 Franklin Boulevard), Bal Ingenieux will feature multiple venues of entertainment that will unfold as the evening progresses. Performances by: Rob Sherwood – The original kingpin of Cleveland’s club… -
Lambda Chi Alpha and Halcyon Masonic Lodge
1 May 2012 | 7:01 amLambda Chi Alpha at Halcyon Lodge Lambda Chi Alpha is a university fraternity started by Freemasons in the early part of the 20th century. Their rituals and philosophy are very similar to that of Freemasonry due to their Masonic heritage. Starting in 2012 the members of Lambda Chi Alpha in the City of Cleveland have a new Masonic home at the historic West Side Masonic Temple, hosted by the brothers of Halcyon Lodge No. 498, of the Grand Orient USA. We believe the brothers of Lambda Chi Alpha represent the future of Freemasonry in the United States. As a college student at Boston University,…
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Freemasonry: Tracing Board
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Research Projects: Future and Ongoing
13 May 2012 | 12:34 pmI’ve been receiving quite a few emails asking me about the research projects with which I’m involved. Most of the projects that interest me are related to the details of the early history of Freemasonry. Things like Tracing Boards and obscure symbols. I also enjoy reading the personal journals of brothers from the seventeenth and eighteenth century. Sometimes they contain information not to be found anywhere else. This summer I’m working with other scholars from the University of Georgia, University of North Carolina and Yale University on a unique project to document what… -
Symbolic Imperfections in Freemasonry
13 May 2012 | 9:50 amThe Preston-Webb Rituals Every American Freemason will be will acquainted with the Perfect Ashlar, a Masonic symbol used in the Preston-Webb ritual. Most Masons believe that this ritual is the original used by the fraternity all the way back to 1717, when in fact it was created by Thomas Smith Webb in 1797. Another example of an American innovation to Freemasonry is the virgin weeping over the broken column. This symbol was invented by Jeremy Ladd Cross, and first propagated in his book The True Masonic Chart: Or Hieroglyphic Monitor; Containing All the Emblems Explained in the Degrees. -
Julian Rees: A Real Freemason
2 May 2012 | 12:58 pmMany of you will wonder why I have chosen to write about Bro. Julian Rees. I don’t know him personally, and our philosophical views of Freemasonry are poles apart, yet I find myself watching his videos and reading his essays. To me he is a real Freemason because he knows what he believes and expresses his views openly for all to either agree or disagree. He’s been treated poorly by some and hailed as a visionary by others. Regardless of what you think of Bro. Julian’s ideas about Freemasonry, you must acknowledge that he is both a good man, and true to his beliefs. How many… -
Freemasonry: Veiled and Illustrated
28 Apr 2012 | 10:19 amI want to expand upon a portion of my essay Freemasonry: A Peculiar System of Morality. Freemasonry by definition is “A Peculiar system of Morality, Veiled in Allegory and Illustrated by Symbols.” Looking back I should have spent more time discussing “Veiled” and “Illustrated” because an understanding of these two terms and their implications is essential to the deeper esoteric secrets of the Craft. Before I begin I believe it is necessary to define the terms with which we will be working, so as to avoid any confusion. -
Brother Eugenius Philalethes sendeth greeting
26 Apr 2012 | 12:51 pmRobert Samber (1682-1745) was an English Freemason, author and prolific translator. He is perhaps best known for his 1729 translations from the French of Charles Perrault’s Histories and Tales of Long Ago, with Morals, which later became known as Tales of Mother Goose, though Mother Goose does not appear in the book. Rather, the book is a compilation of fairy tales and fables we know today as “Sleeping Beauty,” “Little Red Riding Hood,” “Cinderella,” “Puss in Boots,” and other “children’s” stories. Artwork of an old…
