A year ago, I was flat on my back in the hospital having a goiter the size of a Plymouth Belvedere sawed out of my chest. It seemed like just the right time to announce the formation of a new research society dedicated to Freemasonry. Yes, to answer your question, I was on drugs.
Fortunately, the rest of the brethren involved were not.
In the year that has followed, The Masonic Society has grown from zero to almost 800 members from around the world. Annual membership is just $39. Our magazine, The Journal, has been very well received, and it has fulfilled our promise that it wouldn't look or feel like any other publication in the marketplace (Yes, it's been late. Yes, that's been my fault. Yes, we are back on track.) The best Masonic authors from around the world have contributed to its contents, and we have been well supported by our advertisers. Our membership patent is hand sealed, and among the most beautiful documents you'll ever receive. Our private discussion forum is a community of brethren who freely (and respectfully) share their knowledge and camaraderie. Our first annual meeting in Alexandria, Virginia at Masonic Week was a roaring success. Our semi-annual meeting is coming up in October.
Many, many thanks to those brethren who signed on board with us based on nothing but a website and a promise, and to all of the members and fellows who have pulled together to make The Masonic Society an outstanding success. We said from the beginning that we were not just selling a subscription to a magazine, but that we wanted to create a community of friends and brothers. We believe we have created a valuable balance of knowledge, friendship and fun. We think you'll agree.
That can't just be done from "the top down." Our members have achieved that.
Happy birthday.
Congratulations on the anniversary. I hope that TMS has another productive year and that the presence of so many excellent research bodies will help to reinvigorate the craft.
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