There are those who believe that Freemasonry is not unlike many civic or nonprofit organizations that conduct weekly or monthly meetings for the purpose of carrying out the adopted aims of their group. Those who belong usually come together at … Read More
Above the porch at the Temple of Apollo at Delphi were inscribed the words; Know Thyself. This is perhaps the oldest and most succinct description known to man of the purpose of Freemasonry. It is said the phrase refers to … Read More
A global review of lodge models clearly shows there are two foundational principles of success in sustaining a long term positive growth in membership. First, we must be committed to the idea that all Masonry is local. Lodges (individual governing … Read More
In my own Masonic experience, I have heard only a few speeches postulating the source of origin of our fraternity. Most Masons I have met seem comfortable with the rather simple but improbable possibility that we evolved from the operative … Read More
We often encounter problems when words describing ancient concepts are translated by language of today. The choice and definition of words which were popular a few centuries ago in interpreting ideas or rendering meaning to everyday subjects often seem archaic … Read More
A Dilemma of the War on Terrorism I am a Freemason. I am also a Baby Boomer. In my generation that would make me a bit of an anomaly because most men in America born after WW II have not … Read More
Any study of the beginnings of Freemasonry will clearly show that fraternalism was the first and most distinguishing characteristic of Masons and Masonry. We are, above everything else, our own brother’s keeper. This has been the raison d’ etre which … Read More
Most Grand Jurisdictions have adopted what we as Masons know as the “Fundamental Principles” of Freemasonry. These have been republished many times, and represent what we often think of as the “Ancient Masonic Usages,” or foundational rules of our Fraternity. One of … Read More
Every Mason will recognize the above declaration as the epilogue of the closing prayer given at almost every lodge meeting. It was penned by William Preston in 1772. It is an admonition for toleration. Frederico Mayor, in an address dedicating … Read More
Freemasonry is entirely built around traditions. Its intellectual inspiration was born from the determination of Isaac Newton and his friends to create an area of freedom in an England torn apart by civil and religious war. Ever since there have … Read More