Congratulations to Oscar Alleyne and the GL of New York

by Christopher L. Hodapp

The 244th annual communication of the Grand Lodge of New York F&AM took place this past week and I want to congratulate all of their newly elected grand officers: Most Worshipful Robert L. Hogan Jr. - Grand Master; Right Worshipful John Haslam Sr. - Senior Grand Warden; Right Worshipful William Toth - Junior Grand Warden; Right Worshipful John Hansen - Grand Treasurer; and Right Worshipful Richard Schulz - Grand Secretary.

But I especially want to congratulate a Brother known to so many Masons all over the world: Right Worshipful E. Oscar Alleyne who has just been elected to serve as Deputy Grand Master for New York. I've known Oscar longer than I can possibly remember (we first met at a Scottish Rite event in New Jersey, as I recall, where he was part of a degree cast), and he is one of the most widely-traveled, widely-read, and widely-experienced Mason you will ever encounter. 

All the best, my friend and Brother. The Masons of New York are in excellent hands!

BTW, the jurisdiction of New York is so large that it's unreasonable to expect any grand officer to effectively visit a large number of their lodges in a single year, so they elect officers for two-year terms. These Brethren will serve from now until May 2028.

Arkansas GM Extends Olive Branch to the State's Shriners

Arkansas Grand Master Thomas Lampirez

 

byChristopher Hodapp

Ever since November 2012, the Grand Lodge of Arkansas F&AM has forbidden the Masons in its jurisdiction to be members of the Shrine. The Grand Master at that time, Robert L. Jackson, issued a letter that declared the Shrine "clandestine" in Arkansas, and all Masons in the state were immediately ordered to either quit their Shrine membership, or "self-expel" themselves from Masonry (i.e. Quit).

After fourteen years of separation, this year's Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Arkansas, MW Thomas Lampirez, has just issued an edict that restores Shriners International in that state to the status of an"affiliated organization." (Click the image below to enlarge.)

Edit No. 3 reads, in part:

"An affiliated organization, while still not fraternal, carries with it a significant increase in status and trust. An affiliated organization is more formally connected to the larger fraternal, governing body and signals that the shrine in Arkansas is no longer operating loosely on its own, but is more connected to the Masonic fraternity through its mission, values, and structure. While progress has been made, I also believe this shall be the last act of good faith given by the Grand Lodge of, Arkansas toward this shrine in Arkansas until ALL non-Mason Shriners's are Freemasons."

The situation came about in 2012 over an Arkansas Mason who held a dual membership in another state, along with belonging to an Arkansas Shrine. He was brought up on Masonic charges and expelled in Arkansas, but was not suspended by the Shrine at that time because his other state's Grand Lodge had not taken any action against him. The Shrine's position was that he was still legally a Freemason outside of Arkansas, and therefore was still entitled to remain a Shriner. MW PGM Jackson disagreed, ordered the Shrine to expel him, they refused, and so he issued his edict.

(If you don't understand about relationships between Masonic groups and why membership status affects them across the board, see the explanation below about why this is an issue in the first place.)

The result was an enormous drop in Masonic membership in Arkansas that far exceeded the comparative membership losses that any other Masonic jurisdiction has suffered in the U.S. The sheer number of expulsions in Arkansas between about 2013 and 2019 was staggering.

Jackson's order might have meant the end of the only two Shrines in Arkansas (Scimitar Shriners and Sahara Shriners). Because of the untenable situation in which they found themselves, Shriners International changed its bylaws and carved out a loophole only for Arkansas that permitted non-Masons to become Shriners there. That by-law change has been in place since 2013. 

Meanwhile, PGM Robert Jackson went on to become the Grand Secretary of Arkansas in 2016. Numerous Arkansas Masons reported that his office allegedly stopped issuing letters of good standing to fleeing Arkansas Masons who attempted to transfer their membership to jurisdictions in other states like Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas, and elsewhere in protest. The Grand Lodges of Oklahoma and Kansas both withdrew amity with Arkansas, partially over these issues.

Jackson was suspended in 2017 by then-GM Carl E. Nelson, along with Grand Treasurer, PGM Ronnie Hedge.

But a new wrinkle developed in 2019. The outgoing 2018-19 Grand Master Bradley Phillips issued a Grand Master's Recommendation at the 2019 Arkansas annual meeting that proposed a way to end to the needless impasse with the Shrine. It reclassified the Shrine in Arkansas from a clandestine organization to a civic one for the next three years; permitted non-Mason Arkansas Shriners to petition lodges and self-expelled Arkansas Masons to petition for reinstatement, along with all other Masons in the state who had previously been expelled by former Grand Masters or trial commissions over their Shrine memberships or activities. At the end of three years, if all members of Arkansas Shrines had become Masons in that state (or in another jurisdiction recognized by Arkansas) once again, the Shrine would be classified as a fully recognized fraternal organization under Arkansas Masonic code. All remaining Shriners in Arkansas who had NOT become Masons by the end of the three year period were to be suspended by the Shrine, and the non-Mason loophole created by this whole imbroglio by the Shrine would be ended. 

In response, Shriners International passed a resolution during its 2019 Imperial Session, again requiring that all new initiates for Shrine membership in Arkansas must be Master Masons in good standing.

But apparently, the problem of existing non-Masonic Arkansas Shriners was never sufficiently solved, and the Shrine remained classified as a civic organization with no connection to Freemasonry at all.

Fast-forward to today. Private informal meetings have been held in recent months between leaders to attempt to find a solution that would finally bring the Shrine back into Arkansas' Masonic fold while addressing the problem of these new non-Masonic Shriners. Lampirez' last sentence makes it clear, however, that this is as far as the Grand Lodge will extend the olive branch until the Shriners can figure out how to make all of the non-Masons who joined the Shrine over the last fourteen years join a Masonic Lodge. Hopefully, they haven't built a box they can't escape from, and I suspect Tampa will get involved now that this edict has been issued.

For readers who do not understand the connection between the two groups, it needs to be explained that all those guys wearing red fezzes in Shriners Hospitals ads, or marching and puttering around in little race cars in parades are all members of a local Shriners organization AS WELL AS a Freemason’s lodge. Everywhere else in the world outside of Arkansas,  Shriners International requires men to first join a local Masonic lodge and undergo the three initiation degree ceremonies before they are allowed to then petition the Shriners for membership. Further, almost all regular, recognized grand lodges have rules that say if a man is dropped from Masonic membership for any reason - voluntarily or otherwise - he must also resign from all Masonically related, appendant or concordant organizations. If he doesn’t, that group’s administration is supposed to suspend or expel him to comply with Masonic regulations (informally referred to as the "suspended in one, suspended in all" doctrine).

Unlike state-wide grand lodges we have throughout the US, Canada and Mexico, the Shriners don't have state administrations. Local Shrine clubs and Shrine centers must answer to their national leadership in Tampa, Florida, which is also responsible for the 22 children's hospitals located in North America.

Wisconsin Couple Charged in Massive Theft of Lodge Funds

by Christopher Hodapp

A shocking case of (alleged) betrayal has rocked the Masonic community in the Milwaukee area. Tyler Kristopeit, 39, former treasurer and officer of the George Washington 1776 Masonic Lodge in Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin and his wife Katie, 37, both of Muskego, were charged last week in Milwaukee County Circuit Court with conspiracy to commit theft in a business setting exceeding $100,000 and conspiracy to commit money laundering. According to court filings and news reports, the couple is accused of siphoning somewhere between $400,000 and $600,000 from the lodge over several years, with funds allegedly diverted for luxury cars, personal expenses, debts, and other items.

As I understand it, the thefts reportedly escalated around the time the lodge sold its building. Proceeds from the sale, along with additional escrow funds intended for a new lodge hall, were wired to accounts controlled by the lodge where Tyler served as treasurer. When lodge officers requested financial records after removing him from his positions, incomplete documentation was provided, raising immediate red flags about missing investments and hundreds of thousands of dollars unaccounted for. The money was laundered through accounts linked to Katie, ultimately funding two Mercedes autos and other luxury items for the couple.

This is a stark reminder of the importance of financial oversight and transparency in any fraternal organization, including Masonic lodges. Trusted positions like treasurer carry significant responsibility, and when that trust is allegedly abused, it not only harms the lodge but can erode confidence across the broader Masonic world. Lodges everywhere rely on member volunteers acting with integrity – cases like this highlight how a single breach can impact decades of goodwill and philanthropy.

The couple has been released on $10,000 signature bonds and ordered to avoid contact with the lodge (Phew! THERE'S a big deterrent, Yer Honer!) As the criminal case proceeds, the Masonic fraternity in Wisconsin and beyond will be watching closely. For Freemasons committed to the principles of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth, this story underscores that true brotherhood demands not just honor, but vigilance, accountability, and a renewed commitment to protecting the shared resources that support our shared values.

Outdoor Degrees at the Grand Canyon August 14-15, 2026

by Christopher Hodapp

Brethren, if you are anywhere near Arizona in mid-August, don't miss this amazing event! On August 14th and 15th, the Grand Lodges of Arizona, Nevada and Utah will jointly confer all three Blue Lodge degrees under the canopy of heaven at the breathtaking Grand Canyon!

From the registration site for Camp Cornerstone 2026:

Camp Cornerstone 2026 will be held at the Shrine of the Ages, a distinctive interfaith chapel and gathering space located on the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. Built in 1965, this unique venue has served as a place of reflection and ceremony for visitors from around the world seeking to connect with something greater amid one of nature’s most awe-inspiring landscapes.The Shrine of the Ages offers us a rare combination: a dignified indoor ceremonial space paired with immediate access to the grandeur of the canyon itself. Its architecture was purposefully designed to welcome people of all faiths and fraternal traditions, making it an ideal setting for this historic Tri-State event.

With the vast expanse of the Grand Canyon as our backdrop and the Shrine as our lodge room, we’ll experience Freemasonry as our pioneer brethren might have — surrounded by the natural world, under Western skies, at one of the Seven Natural Wonders. a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for fellowship, tradition, and unforgettable memories.

Camp Cornerstone offers multiple accommodation options to fit your preference and budget, from rustic camping under the stars to comfortable South Rim lodging.

For brothers seeking the full outdoor experience, we’ve arranged camping at Tusayan-Montane Campground, located in Kaibab National Forest just south of Grand Canyon National Park. This Forest Service campground puts you close to the action while offering a true Western camping experience beneath ponderosa pines.

Schedule and Activities

Ladies Program

A special program is being planned for companions joining us at the Grand Canyon. See Ladies Program page for details

Weekend Schedule

Camp Cornerstone runs Friday through Sunday, featuring degree work at Shrine of the Ages, the Powell Point re-dedication ceremony, a Saturday night Festive Board, and a Friday evening steak dinner. View full schedule and itinerary

Friday night’s steak dinner, Saturday night’s Festive Board, breakfasts and more are detailed here: See meal details and menus

For pricing and registration visit the Camp Cornerstone 2026 website at CampCornerstone.us

Another Courtroom Delay in Texas Mason's Slaying

Photo: KRGV-TV5

by Christopher Hodapp

Julio Diaz (allegedly) shot and killed Freemason Robert Wise outside a Masonic lodge in McAllen, Texas almost three years ago. But the murder case against him has been delayed multiple times, most recently on Monday.

McAllen is a small town right on the Mexican border in the southernmost tip of Texas, just west of South Padre Island.

On the night of July 10, 2023, Brother Wise was leaving an officers’ installation ceremony at McAllen Lodge 1110 (he had just been installed as Junior Deacon) when Diaz reportedly drove into the lodge parking lot, approached him, and opened fire at close range. Witnesses inside the lodge heard gunshots and rushed outside to find Wise gravely wounded; he later died at a hospital. Authorities quickly identified Diaz as a suspect, aided in part by the video he allegedly filmed and posted online, bragging to an acquaintance about it in a text message. 

After his arrest, sources familiar with the investigation said that Diaz believed Masons are "devil worshiping Illuminatists." A Facebook commenter said Diaz had previously posted anti-Masonic comments on social media, claiming the lodge "had put a curse on him."

The lodge was previously vandalized in March of 2022, when an unknown person tagged the location with graffiti reading, “Sorcery against the Holy spirit and the human race must all be stoned to death.” It's not known if Diaz was responsible for that incident, but he also faces a separate arson charge from an incident in September 2022, when he had attempted to set the McAllen Masonic hall on fire. Interior surveillance footage recorded him at that time breaking in by smashing the glass front door, pouring gasoline on the floor, and lighting a piece of cardboard on fire. Diaz admitted setting that fire to investigators after his arrest in connection with Wise’s death. Investigators obtained and examined Diaz’s camera and found evidence that also linked him to a separate February 2023 fire at Llano Grande Masonic Lodge, located about 20 miles west of McAllen in Weslaco, Texas.

The shocking nature of the crime has made the case particularly unsettling within the fraternity. Despite the seriousness of the charges, the case has been repeatedly delayed, prompting visible frustration from the court. During a hearing Monday, presiding judge J.B. "Bobby" Flores sharply questioned why a case now more than two years old has yet to go to trial, demanding, “When do we try this thing?” The latest postponement came after the defense requested more time to review a large volume of newly disclosed evidence and to pursue medical and psychological evaluations, including questions about Diaz’s competency and a reported brain condition. Diaz has also faced scrutiny over prior incidents, including alleged arson attempts involving Masonic properties, which prosecutors may use to establish motive or pattern of behavior. Ongoing disputes over evidence and mental fitness have created a procedural logjam, leaving the court, the victim’s family, the lodge brethren, and other observers still waiting for the case to finally be resolved.

Lodge Facebook page

Robert Wise leaves behind his wife, five children, and eleven grandchildren, along with brothers, sisters, numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. 

In a separate civil case, Wise's family filed a lawsuit against the lodge itself for failing to take security precautions that might have protected him, or at least discouraged Diaz. The lodge had purchased outdoor lighting and surveillance equipment months before the shooting occurred but failed to install them. Further, the suit pointed out the rise in recent years of attacks against lodges and individual Masons should have made the local lodge more vigilant and protective of its members' safety. The suit was settled out of court.

The judge in Diaz's case has scheduled his next hearing in August to give the defense more time to examine evidence and medical reports. Maybe then Brother Wise and his family will finally be able to receive the closure that's been so long postponed.

California Opens Starfleet Lodge U.D.

by Christopher Hodapp

The Grand Lodge of California has officially established Freemasonry’s first Star Trek-themed affinity lodge. Starfleet Lodge U.D. was consecrated on Sunday in the Pleasanton Masonic Hall. Grand Master Garrett S. Chan was on hand for the occasion. (Photos from Jonathan Hirshon’s Facebook page) 

Their location makes sense as Pleasanton is a suburban neighborhood of San Francisco, where, according to the canon of the Star Trek universe, is the location of Starfleet headquarters. Or will be in the 23rd century. No word yet on whether they can be numbered 1701 once they satisfy the requirements of being under dispensation.

WB Adam Hanin is the lodge’s founding Worshipful Master, WB Nicholas Hayworth, Senior Warden, WB Dinesh Chhabra, Junior Warden, and WB Gary Sparks, Senior Deacon. Yes, the Tyler is armed with a very sharp Bat'leth to repel boarders.

Dilithium crystal-powered gavel

Festive Board on Deck 5

As they say in Scotland, "The lodge is closed, and the bar is open!"
But where is the Saurian brandy?

Food replicator needs reprogramming: no green beans in sight.
And that spaghetti on a paper plate is "best served cold."

In recent years California has been encouraging the establishment of affinity lodges, made up of members with a special interest in common. As many as twenty years ago, my friend WB Jeffrey Naylor strongly advocated for affinity lodges based on shared outside interests of groups of Masons. He encouraged embracing ideas like a “Lionel Lodge” for train enthusiasts, arguing that common passions could attract quality men to Freemasonry without conflicting with its principles. 

Many jurisdictions have hundreds of lodges, creating opportunities for unique, non-cookie-cutter experiences rather than identical ones. In England, the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) has long supported this approach with numerous affinity lodges for hobbies and occupations—such as fishermen, gamers, F1 racing fans, actors, musicians, and rugby players—alongside their Universities Scheme to attract students and faculty. A new science fiction and fantasy-themed lodge in the UK recently drew over 130 attendees at its consecration. One member noted that these lodges simply combine two passions, strengthening both the lodge and the fraternity, while maintaining standard ritual and meetings.

Sadly, affinity lodges have still not became widespread in the United States, which is a missed opportunity. My own jurisdiction of Indiana has seen a few special-purpose lodges over the years, including ones for handicapped candidates (Bartimaeus Lodge), a blood drive (Transylvania Lodge), historic preservation (Schofield Lodge No. 1818), and medical professionals (St. Lukes Lodge No. 761), plus historic foreign-language lodges in German back in the 19th century. There is, however, increasing interest in contemplative, philosophical, and esoteric-minded lodges. With so many possibilities within our basic framework, there is ample room to experiment while honoring Masonic landmarks and thinking creatively to attract (and retain) new members and revitalize the fraternity.

Fire at Indiana Masonic Home’s Compass Park: Construction Destroyed, But Residents Safe

Photo: City of Franklin Fire Dept.

by Christopher Hodapp

On the morning of Friday, April 10, 2026, just after 5:00 a.m., a large fire broke out at the Indiana Masonic Home at Compass Park in Franklin, Indiana. The blaze rapidly engulfed Young’s Creek II, a 39-unit apartment building under construction as part of the campus expansion. The building was unoccupied at the time and just 100 days from opening.

It's been declared a total loss, with damages estimated to exceed $20 million.

Credit: WTHR-13 Video

In an interview with WTHR-TV13, Franklin Fire Chief Joshua Snyder described it as “the largest fire I’ve seen in my 20-year career in Franklin,” and possibly the biggest in the city in decades. Approximately 60 firefighters from 11 departments across Johnson County (including Franklin, Bargersville, Edinburgh, Greenwood, and Whiteland) responded. It took about two and a half hours to bring the fire under control, with crews coming back over the weekend to battle continuing hot spots. The state fire marshal is assisting with the investigation, which could take two to three months.

Cause has not yet been determined but is not considered suspicious at this time.

Thankfully, there were no injuries to residents, staff, or emergency personnel. While the fire primarily destroyed the new construction, smoke and water damage affected the occupied building, prompting a precautionary evacuation of about 55 residents. But thankfully, the firewall separating the two buildings did its job and stopped the spread - things could have been much, much worse. Mike Spencer, CEO of Compass Park, noted that staff safely evacuated residents from the adjoining Young’s Creek Phase I building in just 17 minutes—thanks to monthly fire drills and emergency training. Three staff members were checked for smoke inhalation and released. 

Kudos to Mike and his staff, who executed a calm, quick and efficient evacuation. 

In the official statement from Compass Park, the Masonic Home expressed deep gratitude for the swift multi-agency response and the overwhelming support from the Franklin community and Brothers across the jurisdiction:

“We have received an outpouring of support from the Franklin community and Brothers from around the jurisdiction. We couldn’t be more grateful for everyone’s willingness to be helpful.”

Most of the destroyed apartments in Young's Creek II had been pre-sold. With move-in day a little more than 3 months away, more than a few of those folks anticipated the move by selling their existing homes already, or scheduling their closings. Now, 39 families have to make new arrangements pretty quickly.

The destroyed building was adjacent to occupied housing, so the immediate focus has been on caring for the displaced residents. Many are staying with family, while others are being put up in nearby hotels. Compass Park is providing transportation for meals, activities, and services. The statement emphasizes that in moments like this, the greatest challenges are often personal rather than structural. 

The statement continued:

“Our immediate priority must be to care for these Brothers, Sisters, and residents and ensure their basic needs are met… Support given now plays a vital role in restoring stability and peace of mind for residents during a period of sudden turbulence.”

Donations are being requested to help cover temporary housing, food, water, transportation, and other essential needs as circumstances evolve. This weekend coincided with the Annual Assembly of the Grand Council of Cryptic Masons of Indiana. During that event, more than $5600 was quickly collected for the relief of the displaced residents of Compass Park.

Updates on the investigation and rebuilding efforts will be shared as they become available.

How You Can Help 

Brethren are encouraged to keep the Compass Park community in their thoughts and prayers as they work through this challenge together. If you’d like to support the residents of Compass Park, donations for temporary housing, meals, and essentials can be directed through the official channels of the Indiana Masonic Home. 

The Indiana Masonic Home Foundation has coordinated with leadership at Compass Park and have agreed that during this challenging period donations for fire-related recovery should be sent directly to:

Compass Park
c/o Mike Spencer
690 State Street
Franklin, IN 46131

This ensures funds go immediately where they are needed most during this time.

They have also set up an official direct donations page via Square. CLICK HERE to donate online.

Speaking in Indiana and Wyoming This Week

by Christopher Hodapp

I will be speaking Wednesday night at Jubilee Lodge 746 in Whiteland, Indiana at the request of WB Michael Steele, Worshipful Master. Dinner begins at 6:00PM, prepared by the indefatigable Heather Steele, and the meeting will open at 7:00. Michael and Heather have been of immeasurable help to the Masonic Library & Museum of Indiana this year and I can't thank them enough for all they've done (even if Michael DID use the silliest photo of me he could find - it was a 4th of July fireworks show and I was NOT trying to look like Rex Hutchens).

Jubilee Lodge was so named because it was the first lodge chartered in 1968, the Jubilee Year of the Grand Lodge of Indiana which was celebrating the 150th anniversary of its founding in 1818. 

This weekend I'll be flying to the far-flung land of the Cowboy State to speak at the Grand Master's Spring 2026 Reunion of the Grand Lodge of Wyoming in Riverton. Grand Master Greg Shiek and his education committee have assembled a great lineup of presentations. 

The event will be Saturday, April 11th at Riverton Lodge 26. Registration opens at 7:00AM, and Grand Lodge opens at 9:00AM.

• Christopher L. Hodapp, author of Freemasons for Dummies

• "Global Influence of Masonry," Nathan Clark, SGS, Casper Lodge #15 

• "Part 1: Why the Nazis Targeted the Craft," Josh Thompson, Casper Lodge #15 

• "The Morgan Affair," John Voodward, Riverton Lodg 26 and Sheridan Lodge #8 

• "Part 2: Lessons from the Masonic Response & What is Facism?" Josh Thompson,  Casper Lodge #15 

• "The Mysterious #3 for Masons,' Clifford Spoonemore, PM, Secretary, Acacia Lodge #11, Southeast Sextant Lecturer 

• "Security in the Lodge," Juel Leuis, WM Rock Springs Lodge #12 

• "Deciphering Tubal Cain," Christopher Neubauer, WM, Casper Lodge #15, East Sextant Lecturer

In case you're interested, I don't know if tickets are still available this late. Contact the Grand Lodge of Wyoming office directly, as there is no online registration available.

Rogue French Freemasons On Trial for Bizarre Murder Plot

IMAGE: STEFAN GLERUM FOR M LE MAGAZINE DU MONDE

by Christopher Hodapp

There's a bizarre story blowing up across French and European media this week, and it has the potential of being a public relations nightmare for the entire fraternity the likes of which we haven't seen in decades. Newsfeeds everywhere are blaring headlines about Freemasons! Mafia! Murder plots! Not since the old P2 (Propaganda Due) story in Italy in the 1980s has there been a tale so convoluted, bizarre and seriously sinister involving a group of rogue Masons. And the press is having a field day with it.

Back in July of 2020, COVID lockdowns were going on in full force all over the world. Marie-Hélène Dini was a 60-year-old business coach living in the Paris suburbs when police knocked on her door and informed her that she had been the target of an attempted murder plot being hatched by 'The Freemasons.' What unfolded was a story so bizarre, so unbelievable, so downright goofy that she couldn't believe what she was hearing. It seemed like a creepy prank cooked by imbecilic teenagers with vivid imaginations. But as it turned out, this was no ridiculous gag.

Two armed men had just been arrested near Dini's home in possession of a stolen car, guns, knives, body armor, and a tracking device. The men claimed to police that they were on a secret mission for the French intelligence service (the Directorate-General for External Security, or DGSE) to kill the lady because she supposedly worked for the Mossad, Israel's crack secret service agency. 

In reality, Dini had no connection to espionage, crime, or Israel—she ran employee coaching companies and had never even visited Israel. Police quickly ruled out the Spy vs. Spy aspect of the story, but the incident left her deeply traumatized. She installed alarms in her home, hired a bodyguard, and eventually moved away from Paris, describing the event as feeling like stumbling into a “mafia-style” world driven by power and money. 

As the investigation unfolded, police uncovered a much, much larger criminal network. 

Six years later, some twenty-two people between the ages of 30 and 73 are now standing trial at the Paris Court of Assize, between March 30 and July 17th. It is one of the largest criminal trials in French history. Few of the suspects have any sort of prior criminal record, and they come from wildly different backgrounds: four soldiers from the DGSE, three police officers, including a retired financial crime investigator, six business leaders, a building caretaker, an engineer, a medical biologist, a gunsmith, a sports coach, and a couple of gullible security guards. What appeared at first to be isolated incidents turned out to be part of a shockingly wide-ranging crime cell run by a core group of rogue Masonic lodge members who hired others to intimidate or eliminate rivals, debtors, or just annoying inconveniences. 

And here's where this story REALLY goes off the rails. Many of the alleged criminals were discovered to be members of Athanor Lodge 759, located in the Puteaux neighborhood of the Hauts-de-Seine area, a residential suburb about five miles west of Paris. The area snuggles up next to La Défense, one of Europe's' busiest financial districts where you'll find some of the tallest buildings (and wildest architecture) in the Paris metropolitan area. Now the group is accused of organizing or carrying out a wide range of crimes. The most serious charges include aggravated violence, attempted extortion, and attempted murder in an organized gang—which all turned out to have been plotted for wildly trivial reasons. 

At the center of the network are three key figures who belonged to Athanor Lodge: Frédéric Vaglio (53, a former journalist turned private security entrepreneur), Daniel Beaulieu (a 72-year-old retired DGSI intelligence officer working in economic intelligence), and Jean-Luc Bagur (69, a coaching industry executive and union leader). They allegedly used their connections to sub-contract “missions” ranging from beatings and intimidation to contract killings. Beaulieu admitted to investigators that Vaglio had ordered him to arrange the murder of Marie-Hélène Dini, pretending it was a secret intelligence mission against a Mossad agent. Beaulieu then passed the contract to Sébastien Leroy, a private security officer, who recruited the two young DGSE guards (Pierre Bourdin and Carl Esnault). The guards believed they were being recruited to carry out authorized homicide operations for French intelligence.

Investigators eventually connected a link to Bagur, 69, who was a rival business coach to Dini and the Venerable Maitre (Venerable Master, the French equivalent to Worshipful Master) of Athanor Lodge. But the alleged crimes went beyond the Dini case. From an article in the U.S. Sun Monday:

The leader of the hit squad, Leroy, told cops he or his associates carried out most of the assaults, robberies and murders for the Athanor mafia, including the 2018 killing of racing car driver Laurent Pasquali.

His body was found in a forest after he allegedly failed to pay a debt to one of Vaglio’s friends.

Crimes ordered by the organised crime group escalated with time, beginning as petty revenge attacks and escalating to homicide, according to the investigation.

One of the charges relating to industrial espionage alleged that Leroy’s gang assaulted a businesswoman in the street and snatched her computer.

In 2019, the car of one of Bagur’s associates was set on fire after she found evidence of financial fraud within his company.

Leroy, a security guard, told investigators he was under the impression he had been acting on behalf of the French government.

He claimed Beaulieu had “manipulated” him using the idea of him becoming an informant for the DGSI domestic spy agency.

Jean-William Vezinet, lawyer for the targeted business coach Dini, said his client had been “terrified” that “people who are supposed to act for the good of society” were the key figures in the crime.

It remains unclear what evidence the prosecution has gathered from their interviews with Beaulieu, the accused ringleader.

He allegedly made an attempt to commit suicide in police custody.

Participants later claimed they had been manipulated or believed the jobs were legitimate French intelligence operations. The defendants frequently accused one another of lying or exerting toxic influence, with Vaglio described as particularly charismatic and controlling. The case highlights how personal, professional, or financial grudges—sometimes trivial—escalated into extreme violence within a network blending Freemasonry, private security, and former intelligence operatives. Ultimately, they abused the privacy of the lodge and trust between brethren, violating their obligations, and twisting the honorable symbolism of Masonic secrecy into a criminal enterprise.

If convicted, Vaglio, Beaulieu, Bagur and Leroy are all facing life sentences, along with 19 co-defendants. And of course, the European press is stressing the Masonic part of the story.

There's an old joke that, if you lock three French Masons in a lodge room together, they'll start arguing and form six new grand lodges...

The French Masonic landscape is enormous, confusing, and difficult for regular, recognized Masons to keep track of. There are at least 15 or more grand lodge-like governing bodies in France, but only one that is recognized as regular by the greatest number of Masons the world over—the Grande Loge Nationale Française (GLNF)—and it's not even the largest obedience in that country (that would be the Grand Orient de France, or GOdF). Consequently, there's little chance of the press having a firm understanding of its details when it comes to tedious and arcane details of regularity, recognition, and Masonic legitimacy.

Athanor Lodge 759 was legitimately chartered by the Grande Loge de l'Alliance Maçonnique Française (the Grand Lodge of the French Masonic Alliance, or GL-AMF), which was created in its present form in 2012. At the time, that grand lodge was largely formed by some 15,000 disgruntled Masons who had split from the Grand Loge National Français (GLNF) over a massive internal power struggle involving then-GLNF Grand Master Stifani. (see HERE for beginnings of that long tale). The GLNF is the French grand lodge overwhelmingly recognized throughout the world as regular, and the 2012 incident was an enormous upheaval at the time. It took years for the dust to settle, and the GLNF was never able to return to its former size. 

Understand that the GL-AMF today still has about 15,400 members in 684 lodges, and a strong argument can be made that they are perfectly regular in origin. In other words, it's not some small-time, bogus grand lodge masquerading as something it isn't. Like all regular, recognized grand lodge obediences, they admit only men, require a belief in God, and work accepted rituals. So, Athanor Lodge started out as a legit lodge of Freemasons. But like the old P2 lodge scandal with gangster/terrorist Licio Gelli in Italy back in the 1980s, it got twisted into someone's private hideout for criminals.

When these stories began to hit the news six years ago, I'm told that GL-AMF Grand Master Fred Picavet suspended the lodge and all of its members, including two of those currently indicted. Online chatter in France is that the lodge's Venerable Maitre, Jean-Luc Bagur, was suspended back in 2020, even before any of these stories came out, for non-payment of dues, and that he went right on running the lodge meetings, ignoring the order.

By early 2021, the main figures in the case turned against each other while in police custody. Daniel Beaulieu later suffered a serious head injury in prison (possibly from a suicide attempt) and now has memory problems—he may not be able to testify at his own trial. Marie-Hélène Dini survived her ordeal, battled cancer, and wrote a book about her experience titled It Was Not My Time, though she has struggled to find a publisher. 

As can be imagined, the press in the U.K. is eating this story up with a spoon. It plays right into their ongoing paranoia over Freemasons in police departments that has been stoked for the last couple of months. And the Italians are attempting to brand the story as a 'Masonic mafia.'

Meanwhile, the upcoming long trial will attempt to untangle the truth from the many conflicting stories in this sprawling and often absurd criminal enterprise.

There's a certain tragic irony to be found in the name of Athanor Lodge. In medieval alchemy, an athanor was a sealed stove or furnace that gave off slow, constant heat. It was used to slowly transform and refine matter, to improve it beyond its original state. Sadly, the men who joined Athanor Lodge failed to let Freemasonry refine them, improve them as men. 

Oh, they were transformed, all right. But not in the way Masonry tried to teach them. 

Reba McEntire's Restaurant in Former Oklahoma Masonic Temple

by Christopher Hodapp

I always knew Reba McIntyre was a lady of great esteem. 

Many years ago, back when the Earth cooled and dinosaurs ruled the world, I made TV commercials. One of our biggest clients was HH Gregg appliance stores, and some of our most enjoyable projects were for them. We made multiple (and VERY different) campaigns for them for many, many years.

One year, they decided to hire a celebrity spokesperson for a new campaign, and they chose country music superstar Reba McEntire to be on camera for a handful of TV spots. This meant that four times a year, Reba and her husband would fly to Indianapolis and we'd knock out the shooting in a day. What you saw on screen was the person you met behind the scenes; she was warm, funny, generous, and a pleasure to work with.

(That's me next to Reba during a location shoot, back when I weighed so much that I looked like three guys stuffed into a Chris Hodapp costume.)

What's the Masonic connection?

Photos: Reba's Place website

Turns out that Reba decided to go into the restaurant business several years ago and opened one in her birthplace, Atoka, Oklahoma, located about halfway between Tulsa and Dallas, and  inside the Choctaw Nation reservation. Reba's Place is downtown in a building that began life over a century ago as a Masonic Temple, at the northeast corner of Court and Pennsylvania streets.

Opened in 2023 in collaboration with the Choctaw Nation, Reba's Place features two stories of dining areas, an antique bar, memorabilia from Reba’s personal archives, and a stage that hosts live music. The menu is full of Southern classics. The library is filled with her mom's books from when she was growing up ("Momma never threw away a single book," she explains. Sounds like a household I know.)

Reba rescuing the Masonic Hall was very big news locally. Sleepy Atoka was a dying little down, just off Oklahoma Highway 75. An estimated 3,000 tourists a year were coming through town back in 2022; in the first two months of 2023 after the restaurant opened, more than a half-million out of town guests came through, most of whom who wanted to visit Reba's Place.

Reba will be making a live appearance at the restaurant on April 9th with a VERY small-scale version of her usual big-stage show. It's a rare chance to see her VERY close up and performing in an extremely intimate setting, compared to the massive events she usually does. If you'll be near the area, CLICK HERE for details.

So what about the building? 

Built in 1915, the Atoka Masonic hall is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was the long-time home of Ok-La-Ho-Ma Lodge No. 4, the oldest lodge in the state. (Atoka was also once the location of the Masonic Orphan's Home between 1908-1910.)  I don't know when the lodge moved out, but the building was used as a hospice for a while. 

Reba's and the old lodge are easy to spot - it's the only 3-story building in town, making it the most prominent place around. The Masons in 1915 wanted to make damned sure everyone knew  they were there, and Freemasonry was THE fraternal group to belong to. Even with the new Reba's Place signage, a cornice plaque still proclaims 'Masonic Temple,' and there are still three small stone medallions depicting a square and compass and Royal Arch symbol over the second-floor windows. 

While it's otherwise pretty plain looking outside, there were supposedly stained glass windows on the third floor, where I presume the actual meeting room was originally. Looking at construction photos of the restaurant, I see no Masonic symbolism of any kind left inside. The old hospice likely removed any of those years ago.

Just as a point of comparison, here is where the oldest lodge in Oklahoma meets today, about a mile and a half from the center of the town, where it once was central to the community. 

Google Maps

One casually wonders if their steel pole barn will one day be placed on the National Register as "architecturally significant." Or if another future celebrity will snap it up because of its unique charm, character and commanding location. 

"O!, but a lodge isn't a building, and a lodge can meet in a tent, and it's the INTERIOR, not the EXTERIOR that matters in Masonry, and there's great parking, and it's sure cheaper than maintaining some old place with a leaky roof, and..."

No, Chuck Norris Is Not A Freemason

by Christopher Hodapp

All weekend long Masonic groups and individual Masons on social media platforms have circulated images and text snippits that claim popular actor and martial arts champion Chuck Norris  was a Freemason. One especially detailed image appears to come from the Grand Lodge of Texas paying tribute to the late Norris by falsely claiming he was a distinguished Texas Mason.

Norris died suddenly on Thursday after being hospitalized in Hawaii with a medical emergency. He was 86 years old.

It IS true that Norris was granted the title of Honorary Texas Ranger in 2010 by Texas governor Rick Perry after playing a Texas Ranger in the movie Lone Wolf McQuade. He went on to star as ranger Cordell Walker in the TV series Walker, Texas Ranger. In 2017, he was also made an "Honorary Texan" in part, because he owned a Texas ranch near Navasota. 

But Chuck Norris was not himself a Mason, no matter what the Intertubz may have told you. Not a single lodge or grand lodge has legitimately acknowledged Norris' Masonic membership - traditional, honorary, or otherwise.

It IS true that Norris is described in many circles as a 'grand master' in the martial arts world, which is likely the source of confusion that set off this silliness in the first place. But that term has been around for a very long time, pre-dating modern Freemasonry, appearing in ancient craft guilds and medieval orders of knighthood. We Masons don't have a corner on the term.

'Solomon's Builders' Now Available As Audio Book

by Christopher Hodapp

To my surprise, my 2006 book, Solomon's Builders: Freemasons, Founding Fathers, and the Secrets of Washington D.C., has just been released as an unabridged audio book and is now available from Amazon/Audible for $18.18. Unfortunately for fans of audio books, there are many photos and illustrations in the print edition, so your enjoyment of Solomon's Builders may be less than ideal, unless you use it as a companion to the dead tree version. That's not me trying the old Chico Marx sales tactic, "One's no good - you gotta have the whole set." I'm just saying it's tough to contemplate the street plans of Washington DC or Sandusky, Ohio without actually seeing them.

Be aware that Solomon's Builders was written before novelist Dan Brown's hotly awaited Da Vinci Code sequel, The Lost Symbol, was released. Still, I actually enjoyed writing it more than any other book I've done. At the time, Dan Brown mania was in full force, and second-guessing his anticipated 'Masons in Washington DC' storyline was a cottage industry. 

Shortly after Freemasons For Dummies was released in 2005, I received an obscene phone call from an editor at Ulysses Press who made me an offer few new authors can refuse: they wanted to pay me to write anything I wanted, as long as they could promote it as an unauthorized tie-in to Brown's sequel. I spent 10 days in Washington interviewing, researching, taking photos, and even getting threatened with arrest by the CIA in Reston. (Yes, really.) And, unlike the Dummies books with Wiley, Ulysses gave me little in the way of a deadline.

Brown's Masonic-themed The Lost Symbol finally came out in 2009, almost 9 years after his blockbuster DaVinci Code was released, and much of the speculation about his plot points that I made in my book turned out to be wrong. Brown – or his publisher – had leaked early on that his upcoming book was to be called The Solomon Key, hence my own title, which I ultimately liked, whether it tied in or not. But I wrote it in such a way that it was more of an overview of the Masonic backgrounds of the Founding Fathers and a Masonic guidebook to the city than the sort of "I'll bet he writes this" ripoff that so clogged up bookstore shelves at the time (usually with the word 'Code' in the title). Consequently, most of the book's content has withstood the lapse of time, and remains useful and informative. 

BTW, as was done with Freemasons For Dummies several years ago, the publisher never asked me to narrate the recording - it's read by someone named Charles Constant, who does a fine job. I just wish an invitation had been extended to me, since I am an experienced voice-over artist who's recorded many commercials over the decades. I've encountered many Masons who have been disappointed when the recording wasn't me, but that's show-biz. 

Just to clarify something else: Ulysses Press' owner called me the day the news services breathlessly reported that Brown had finally turned in his sequel's manuscript in 2009 and that they finally had a publication date. The owner wanted ANOTHER tie-in book written within six weeks after I actually read The Lost Symbol to update my previous guesses and explain the actual Masonic references Brown DID include in his new novel. That new book was released in January 2010 as Deciphering the Lost Symbol, and is still floating around out there.