Freemasonry in Religious History April 8th, 2015

Boston University's American and New England Studies Program will present Dr. David G. Hackett (author of That Religion in Which All Men Agree: Freemasonry in American Culture) on Wednesday, April 8th at 8PM. The lecture is free and open to the public. Dr. Hackett will speak on Enlarging the Field: Freemasonry in American Religious History.

The lecture will be in room 211, BU College of Arts and Sciences, 685-725 Commonwealth Avenue, in Boston, Massachusetts. Refreshments will follow the talk.

This event is co-sponsored by Boston University Lodge AF&AM and the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts.

For more information, contact Professor William D. Moore at moorewd@bu.edu

H/T Will Moore

Bannak Historic Lodge No. 3-7-77 in Montana

For a nominal fee, any Master Mason who is in good standing within their respective lodge and grand lodge and is recognized by the GL Grand Lodge of Montana AF&AM, can join Bannack Historic Lodge No. 3-7-77 AF&AM of MT. The lodge is located in Bannak State Park. It appears that they have yearly gatherings, but there is no stated meetings held, nor any degrees conferred. There are over 1300 members from across the globe that are members, but the majority of members are from the US and Canada. In other words, this is not a 'working lodge', but rather a historical Masonic Lodge in Montana that with the contributions, you become a fellow caretaker of this historic building and your money goes toward it's upkeep and visitors appeal.

The annual meeting is always the second Saturday in September. This year it will be September 12th, and members are encouraged to wear period costumes. Bannak was the first territorial capital of Montana.

Petition fee only - $37.77; Petition fee and either pin or certificate plus S&H - $45.00; Petition fee, pin, and certificate plus S&H - $50.00. Checks should be payable to Bannack Historic Lodge No. 3-7-77, A.F. & A.M. (in U.S. Funds).
*** All fees and purchase amounts are listed in U.S. Funds and should also be noted as such on any checks from outside of the U.S. ***
A photocopy of the petitioner’s current dues card (front and back) must accompany the petition.

H/T Darrell Waddell

New Orleans Scottish Rite College YouTube

From my friend Michael Poll, owner of Cornerstone Book Publishing in Louisiana comes this message and informative video:

Well, the first video of the New Orleans Scottish Rite College YouTube channel (an introduction to the series) is live. When anyone talks of "low budget" THIS is a classic example of low budget. It was shot with an inexpensive camera in a corner of my living room. The audio and lighting is ... well, poor and the whole production is less than stellar. But you know what? It is a step. The goal is to try and lift up both Masonry and the Scottish Rite with some videos that may prove a bit helpful.As mentioned, this is only an introduction to the series. All can rest assured that nothing in any video will be of a nature that should be reserved for a tiled lodge. You participation, support, comments, suggestions, ideas, etc., etc. are not only welcomed, but sincerely sought.For the last 35 years I have tried to learn and then share what I have learned. It is the only way that I have to try and pay back the great honor and privilege I have received by being allowed to be a part of this great fraternity. If you like this modest start, please spread the word. I could use your help. Many thanks.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tPPDPWpVkVc

Speaking at Cloverdale, Indiana Saturday January 17

I'll be speaking Saturday night at Cloverdale Lodge No. 132 in Cloverdale, Indiana. Dinner is at 6PM, and I will speak at 7PM. The lodge is about 3 miles west of town on Robert L. Weist Avenue, out in the country. 320 E County Road 1000 S, Cloverdale, 46120.

New Orleans Scottish Rite Temple Sold

Another one gone. From the New Orleans Times Picayune today:

The historic 162-year-old Scottish Rite Temple downtown sold to a local developer for $3.25 million last month, ending the Freemason's 110 years of ownership.

The Greek revival style building one block from Lafayette Square at 619 Carondelet St. was built in 1853 as a First United Methodist Church. The New Orleans Scottish Rite group bought the property in 1905 and has owned it ever since.

The sale was completed Dec. 26 and recorded in Orleans Parish records this week.

The New Orleans Scottish Rite of Freemasonry couldn't immediately be reached for comment Wednesday. The seller was listed as New Orleans Scottish Rite Foundation Inc. Corporate Realty brokered the deal.

The buyer is listed as CDB Carondelet LLC represented by local developer Craig Boes, who couldn't immediatley be reached for comment.  

The 18,200-square-foot temple houses a first-floor full service kitchen and space for 100 diners, according to a property listing. A second-floor auditorium has seating for more than 360 people under a 30-foot ceiling.

The sale also includes an annex built in the late 1970s, which served as administrative offices.

Fraudulent Masonic Museum in Spain

I received this today from Brother Bob Cooper by way of Brother Brent Morris. Be vigilant!

Dear Sir and Brother, I am aware that Lodge Celtic, No.291, was recently approached by an individual purporting to be a Freemason and Curator of a Masonic Museum in Madrid, Spain. The Grand Lodge of Scotland has confirmed with the Grand Lodge of Spain that the individual concerned, and his alleged Masonic Museum, has no connection whatsoever with the Grand Lodge of Spain. The Grand Lodge of Scotland has posted a News Item on this matter on the Grand Lodge web site. The link to that page is: http://www.grandlodgescotland.com/news/576-unsolicited-contact-with-scottish-lodges  

I attach the text of the item below for those who might not have access to the internet. I would be grateful if you could alert your Masonic contacts to this apparent scam in order that they do not part with any valuable items. I know that recently a 14ct gold Scottish Past Master’s jewel has been sent to this ‘Museum’ and is probably now irrecoverable. 

Many thanks.  

Robert L D Cooper, Curator

Unsolicited contact with Scottish Lodges

Grand Secretary, David M. Begg, has been made aware that Scottish Lodges are being contacted by individuals.

This is against International Masonic protocols which are  designed to protect Scottish Lodges and Scottish Freemasons from falling victim to unscrupulous. mailings. Recent examples have been arriving by email  from individuals claiming to be the Curator of a Masonic Museum in Madrid, Spain. One surname that is used is Moreno. The Grand Lodge of Spain has confirmed to Grand Lodge that these individuals have no connection with the Grand Lodge of Spain, and they have no information regarding any Masonic Museums in Spain.

All Lodges are reminded that all communication between Lodges under different Grand Lodges should, initially, be made via the office of Grand Secretary.

In the event of receipt of a request for Masonic items (purportedly for a Masonic Museum) or indeed any other enquiry (for instance requests to attend a meeting of the Lodge, asking for charitable donations or requests for assistance in finding work) should be referred to Grand Secretary in order that advice can be given.

Phase II of the Quarry Project in Indianapolis 9/18-20

The Masonic Society, the Masonic Library and Museum Association, and the Masonic Information Center are pleased to announce that Phase II of The Quarry Project will be held September 18-20, 2015 in Indianapolis, IN. The conference will be held in a downtown Indianapolis hotel to be determined within a few weeks.

The Quarry Project is a continuing effort designed to promote Masonic research and preservation by providing instruction and guidance to Masonic writers, researchers, and editors both within and without the fraternity and also to Masonic librarians and museum curators on the display, preservation, and cataloging of Masonic archives. Phase II will feature a third track on Masonic public relations sponsored by the Masonic Information Center, an arm of the Masonic Service Association.

The format for Phase II will remain basically the same with a few tweaks based on feedback from Phase I attendees. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday will begin with a general session featuring a keynote speaker. Attendees will then break out to the instructional sessions of their choice on Friday and Saturday with both days adjourning at approximately 5:00 P.M. Lunch on Friday and Saturday will be included in the registration fee. A banquet will be held on Saturday evening. Sunday will feature a roundtable discussion immediately after the morning keynote address and the conference will adjourn by noon.

We invite anyone, Freemason or not, with an interest in these topics to attend the conference. The programs are currently being developed and will be made available as soon as they are complete. Further information will be released as it becomes available. Registration will be begin on March 1, 2015. The Quarry Project website is www.thequarryproject.com .

In conjunction with The Quarry Project, The Masonic Library and Museum Association will hold their annual meeting prior to this event on Thursday, September 17. Please contact the MLMA for further details on their meeting. Their website is located atwww.masoniclibraries.org .

Masons Killed in Charlie Hebdo Attack

I received this note today from a Grand Orient Mason in France:

Hi Chris,

Two of the journalists assassinated in the cowardly and barbarous attack on Charlie Hebdo were Freemasons. Bro Bernard Maris, economic columnist at CH, and Bro Michel Renaud, formerly  of Europe 1 and Le Figaro, were both active Freemasons in the Grand Orient, Bernard in Roger Leray Lodge in Paris and Michel in Lux Perpetue Lodge in Clermont Ferrand.

They died representing the values we stand for :

- Freedom of expression,

- Freedom of conscience

- FREEDOM in general

There is no real equivalent in English language Freemasonry but in French we say "Gémissons, gémissons, gémissons, mais espérons". Which translated roughly means "Cry with anguish, cry with anguish, cry with anguish, but let us hope."

I trust you will find a space in your blog to make a worthy tribute to our departed Brethren.

S & F,

Allan

GL of Kansas Looking For Librarian/Archivist

Official notice from the Kansas Masonic Foundation in Topeka, Kansas:

The Grand Lodge of Kansas Masonic Museum & Library is seeking a full-time archivist as it renovates and re-purposes its internal collection of Masonic material, records, books and artifacts. The successful candidate will be self-motivated and forward-thinking with a commitment to access, public service, collection management and preservation.

Reporting to the Grand Librarian, the archivist will work under limited supervision with considerable latitude in initiative and independent judgment. He or she will be held to the highest ethical standards of a professional archivist in categorizing, maintaining, preserving, and providing access to the Museum's archival collection. Although prior subject knowledge of the history of Freemasonry and fraternalism is not required, the successful candidate will be familiar with American fraternalism and be willing to acquire such additional subject knowledge on the job as is required, with guidance from the Grand Lodge staff.

The archivist is responsible for all aspects of the archives collections. The archives collections are comprised of a number of important collections pertaining to Freemasonry, fraternalism, and American history, as well as the institutional archives of the Grand Lodge of Kansas, which date back to 1856; and the institutional archives of Kansas Masonic lodges in general from 1856 to the present.

Duties and Responsibilities

Essential duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Develop and maintain a collection policy for a disparate collection of books, periodicals, intra-state and interstate Masonic records, artifacts and ephemera.

• Arrange, describe, and house archival materials according to current professional standards, including the creation of finding aids and MARC records

• Provides archival reference services for in-house staff and external researchers

• Actively seeks new acquisitions via donation and/or purchase

• In conjunction with the Grand Librarian, the Grand Secretary, and the Council of Administration, advise on the development and/or refinement of policies and procedures for the records management program of the Grand Lodge of Kansas

• Maintain a thorough and up-to-date understanding of digital file formats, electronic records management, and digital sustainability practice and theory

• Continue to inventory, prioritize, and catalog archives backlog

• Assist with the planning, research, and organization of reading room exhibitions

• Participate in digitization projects

• Promote archives collections to academic, Masonic, and other audiences through various outlets, including the Kansas Lodge of Research’s publications, and The Kansas Mason, the membership magazine of the Grand Lodge of Kansas

• Staffs reference desk as required

• Recruits and supervises archives interns and volunteers as needed

• Performs other duties as assigned/required by supervisor

• Master’s Degree in library/information science from an ALA-accredited institution, or graduate degree in archival studies, or graduate degree in a related discipline with equivalent experience in archives

• Minimum of three (3) years professional archives experience, preferably in a museum or academic setting, and including experience with reference, acquisitions, and collections processing

• Demonstrated knowledge of trends, principles, and practices in archival collections, including issues in

• electronic/digital archives

• Enthusiasm for Masonic, fraternal, and American history

• Strong and broad historical research and analysis skills; excellent attention to detail

• Sound and effective writing skills

• Excellent   interpersonal  and   organizational  skills   evidenced   by   success   working   in   a   collaborative environment

• Demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional development and growth

• General knowledge of issues in records management, along with practical experience, or at least one course in records management

• Strong customer-service orientation and excellent interpersonal skills

• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills

• Must be team oriented, collaborative, diplomatic, and flexible

• Ability to regularly lift 40 lb. records storage boxes

• Second Master’s degree in American history or American studies

• Subject knowledge of the history of Freemasonry and fraternalism

• Institutional archives and/or records management experience

• Familiarity with archival collections management systems or databases, such as ArchivesSpace

• Knowledge of archival metadata schemas and standards, EAD, DACS

• Familiarity with current technology collection management software (e.g. Mimsy XG)

Grand Secretary
Grand Lodge of Kansas A.F.&A.M.
320 SW 8th Avenue
Topeka, Kansas  66603-3912
om@kansasmason.org

Position Requirements

Preferred Qualifications

Work Schedule

Position requires working Saturdays every other month: Tuesday-Saturday, 8:30-4:30.  Alternating month schedule is Monday-Friday 8:30-4:30.

Salary & Benefits

$31,000 to $42,000 per year. Benefits include Medical & Dental health plan, paid vacation, and 401K plan.

About the Grand Lodge of Kansas Library and Archives

The Grand Lodge of Kansas Library and Archives is undergoing a major renovation transforming it from a small, underfunded, and largely uncategorized, private library to a major Masonic repository withing ten years.  Founded by the Grand Lodge of Kansas in 1917 and supported by Kansas Freemasons and the Kansas Masonic Foundation, the Grand Lodge of Kansas Library and Archives collection reflects the scope and influence of Masonry in the State of Kansas which predates Kansas statehood.  As it is repurposed the Library and Archives will encompass the scope of Fremasonry, fraternalism, and American history and will support research on the Museum's collections, as well as the exhibitions the Museum has displayed throught its nearly 100 year history.

The collection is comprised of numerous materials including unpublished Masonic records from individual lodges, fraternal regalia dating from the mid nineteenth century, a large collection of published Masonic and fraternal material, a small but significant art collection, and minute and ledger books of various other fraternal groups.

To apply, please send cover letter and resume to:

Tracy Bloom

Boston Time Capsule Opened Today

From Bostoninno on 12/12/2014. The box was opened today and included just what the Grand Lodge said it did.

On Sunday, December 14, the Museum of Fine Arts will x-ray the time capsule found in the cornerstone of the Massachusetts State House. Though the Commonwealth of Massachusetts has a good idea of what's inside the small lead box based on state records, the Freemason Grand Lodge of Massachusetts knows for sure.  After all, they inserted the items.

Though Samuel Adams was the Governor of Massachusetts when the cornerstone of the State House was laid, he invited the Grand Lodge to conduct a traditional cornerstone ceremony. The Grand Master at the time was his old buddy, fellow patriot and midnight rider Paul Revere.

According to Robert Huke, Revere "deposited under it a number of gold, silver and copper coins, and a silver plate" bearing the following inscription:

"This Corner-stone intended for the use of the Legislature and Executive Branches of Government of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts was laid by His Excellency Samuel Adams, Esq’r, Governor of said Commonwealth assisted by the Most Worshipful Paul Revere, Grand Master; and Right Worshipful Wm. Scollay, Deputy Grad Master; The Grand Wardens and Brethren of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts.

On the 4th Day of July 1795, A.L. 5795 being the 20th Anniversary of American Independence."

Revere also spoke at the ceremony. He lauded the fact that the nation was essentially born from Massachusetts and that it's governed by laws as opposed to people, urging people not to take that for granted and to live as good citizens.

His words, though perhaps a bit difficult to decipher in some spots, for the most part ring true to this day:

"Worshipful Brethren, I congratulate you on this auspicious day: — when the Arts and Sciences are establishing themselves in our happy Country, a Country distinguished from the rest of the World, by being a Government of Laws. — Where Liberty has found a Safe and Secure abode, — and where her Sons are determined to support and protect her.

"Brethren, we are called this day by our Venerable + patriotic Governor, his Excellency Samuel Adams, to Assist him in laying the Corner Stone of a Building to be erected for the use of the Legislature and Executive branches of Government of this Commonwealth. May we my Brethren, so Square our Actions thro life as to shew to the World of Mankind, that we mean to live within the Compass of Good Citizens that we wish to Stand upon a Level with them that when we part we may be admitted into that Temple where Reigns Silence & peace"

In 1855, when making emergency repairs to the State House, workers came across the time capsule accidentally. Using the silver plate, they were able to include another engraving:

The Corner Stone of the Capitol having been removed in consequence of alteration and additions to the building the original deposit, together with this inscription, – is replaced by.

"The Most Worshipful Winslow Lewis, M.D., Grand Master, The other Officers and Brethren of The Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, in presence of – His Excellancy Henry J. Gardner, Governor of the Commonwealth, on the 11th day of August, A.D. 1855. A.L. 5855"

It appears that the time capsule contents aren't quite as extensive as the ones found in the statue of the lion that overlooks the Old State House (not to be confused with the Beacon Hill State House) which contained letters, photos, receipts, buttons, pins and a book on foreign relations. It was first installed in 1901.

The coins in the freshly discovered time capsule could date back as far as 1652.

We'll get confirmation of the items from the Museum of Fine Arts once they're done with their examinations.

Speaking at Indiana Library Museum Saturday 1/10

I will be speaking at the Grand Lodge of Indiana's Library and Museum on this Saturday, January 10th at 2PM. The topic will be "The Freemasons In Washington D.C." The Library Museum will be open from 8AM to 9AM on Saturday, and again from 1PM until 3PM for tours, and is located in the Indianapolis Masonic Temple located at 525 North Illinois Street in Indianapolis. The Grand Lodge Founder's Day program will be going on across the street in the Scottish Rite Cathedral from 9AM until after lunch.

If you haven't been to the Library Museum, be sure to come by.