Michael Halleran at Texas Lodge of Research June 18-19

The Texas Lodge of Research will present the Anson Jones Lecture weekend on June 18-19, 2010 at the Scottish Rite Cathedral in San Antonio. This year's Anson Jones Lecturer is Brother Michael A. Halleran. He is the author of "The Better Angels of Our Nature: Freemasonry in the American Civil War."

I had the distinct pleasure to read a pre-publication copy of "The Better Angels of Our Nature" last year, and heartily recommend it. Brother Michael (from Kansas) has carefully examined many of the most common Masonic anecdotes from the Civil War and tracked down their sources and the real history behind them. This is NOT a sentimental book of apocrypha, but a well-researched work, published by Alabama University press. In some cases, he tramples on some long-cherished tall tales the fraternity has endlessly repeated over the years, but in others he finds the humanity and real truth behind events in the war that pitted brethren against each other more than any other.

Michael Halleran writes the humorous "Brother Brother" stories for the Scottish Rite (SJ) Journal. He is also the assistant editor of The Plumbline, the quarterly newsletter of the Scottish Rite Research Society.

Arrangements have been made for accommodations at the historic 1859 Menger Hotel for both Friday and Saturday nights at the special rate of $105.00, plus tax, per night. Contact the hotel at (210) 223-4361 and mention the TLR group rate.

The Menger is located at 204 Alamo Plaza, overlooking the Alamo next door, and a short walk from the stunning San Antonio Scottish Rite Cathedral. The huge Riverfront shopping complex is also nearby, along with the Riverwalk’s many fine restaurants and nightspots. The Hospitality Room will open at 4 p.m., Friday, for early arrivals and will reopen on Saturday evening. Dinner on Friday will be Dutch treat, as will be lunch on Saturday.

The Anson Jones Lecture dinner is $25.00 per person and will be served at the Scottish Rite Cathedral. Dress for the dinner meeting will be black tie (preferred) and cocktail dress for the ladies. Reservations for dinner should be submitted by e-mail to: texas-lodgeofresearch @ yahoo.com no later than June 10th.