2025 U.S. Masonic Cons and More

by Christopher Hodapp

Grab your Masonic Calendar as the Masonic conference season kicks into full swing. Freemasons are organizing fun and educational events all over the country. 

The Grand Lodge of New York started off the year with their Masonic Con back in mid-January, but as the weather warms up, other jurisdictions are announcing their own similar events. Please alert me if yours isn't listed below and I'll add it to this list.

Montana Masonic Con April 25-26, 2025 – Great Falls, Montana

NOTE! This event has been cancelled as of April 15th.

Esotericon 2025 in Virginia has been postponed
www.esotericon.net

Midwest Conference on Masonic Education – May 2-4, 2025 – Indianapolis

http://www.mcme1949.org/

Hudson Valley Masonic Con – June 7th, 2025 – Middletown, New York

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hudson-valley-masonicon-2025-tickets-1298075571979

Masonic Con Kansas – July 18-19th, 2025 – Kansas (FREE this year!)

www.MasonicConKansas.com

John Skene Masonic Conference – August 23rd, 2025 – Plainfield, New Jersey

https://www.facebook.com/events/1005564854738595/

Texas MasoniCon – November 14-15, 2025 – Texas
www.TexasMasoniCon.com

Camp Cornerstone – August 22-24, 2025 – Arizona
www.flagstaff7.org

Masonic Con South – October 18-19, 2025 – North Carolina

www.MasonicConSouth.com

San Antonio Esoteric Summit - June 7, 2025 – Texas
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0E44ADAB2FA2FB6-51446264-lodges#/

AMD/Masonic Week 2026 - February date not yet determined – Alexandria, Virginia

https://amdusa.org/wp/masonic-week-2025/

George Washington Masonic Natl Memorial Dragged Into Politics

by Christopher Hodapp

(Updated Saturday, 10:20am,Nov. 2, 2024)

The trouble with owning a publicly visible building is that, occasionally, it's image pops up in the damndest places. 

It seems the local Democratic Party in Alexandria used an image of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial building up on Shuter's Hill, overlooking the city, lit up in blue, and implying it was done in support of their 'team color.' "Alexandria is the heart of Virginia. And it beats blue." screams the headline. Cute. Except that the Memorial was NEVER lit up in ANY color for ANY political party or cause.

By Friday morning, the Memorial had issued a 'cease and desist' letter to the Alexandria Democrats and posted a FAQ regarding its use for endorsing political candidates and causes. (See below.)

What's sad to me was that it never seemed to occur to the local political operatives that "the Freemasons" might be upset by its use. They appear to simply be unaware (or possibly uncaring) of our strict stance on political and religious tolerance and non-partisanship as an organization. We don't take sides as an organization, at the grand lodge OR local lodge level. But we've obviously dropped so far off of the cultural radar that their committee (or advertising agency) didn't consider our reaction might be highly negative to its use in such a manner. 

Let's not get partisan here, because, while this particular misrepresentation of Masonic philosophy was posted by the Democratic Party, the tragic truth is that, ANY political party, individual candidate, or advertising agency squint these days might have just as easily grabbed a shot of the Memorial's various lighting schemes over the years and used it for their own similar political message.

I've reprinted the Memorial's official FAQ concerning endorsements of political candidates or causes:

1. Has the George Washington Masonic National Memorial Association endorsed any political candidates?

No, the George Washington Masonic National Memorial Association (GWMNMA) has not endorsed any political candidate or party, nor does it participate in any partisan political activity. Our organization remains strictly nonpartisan in accordance with the values of Freemasonry and our status as a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Since 1723, Freemasonry has consistently stated its opposition to participating in partisan political causes, and this principle is a fundamental concept of Masonic recognition and regularity.

2. Why was the George Washington Masonic National Memorial featured in a recent political flyer?

The image of our Memorial was used without permission on a political campaign flyer circulated by the Alexandria Democratic Committee and the Democratic Party of Virginia. The flyer, which was not created nor authorized by our organization, implied our endorsement of eleven specific candidates. Upon learning of this unauthorized use, we have taken immediate action to request a retraction and ensure it does not happen again.

3. Why was the George Washington Masonic National Memorial’s tower lit in blue?

The Memorial has been lit in blue most recently in honor of a remembrance ceremony for Officer Daniel J. Canniff (ret.) of the Alexandria Police Department, who passed away October 3. The lighting coincided with a celebration of his life that took place October 15. Previously, it was lit blue for Hannukah, and for the 2023 Cornerstone Centennial. Under no circumstances is the Memorial’s lighting ever a partisan political message.

4. What actions has the GWMNMA taken to address this issue?

To protect the integrity of the GWMNMA’s nonpartisan standing, we have issued a cease and desist letter to the Alexandria Democratic Committee, requesting that they immediately stop using our building’s image and issue a public statement clarifying that our organization does not endorse any candidate or party. We are committed to upholding our principles of impartiality and transparency in this matter.

5. Is the GWMNMA affiliated with or supportive of any political organization?

No, the GWMNMA is not affiliated with any political organization and does not endorse any political platform, candidate, or party. Freemasonry as a whole has a longstanding tradition of political neutrality, and we adhere strictly to this policy, which dates back to the 1720s. Our mission is to honor the legacy of George Washington and to educate the public on Freemasonry’s history, principles, and values, free of partisan divisions.

6. What does the GWMNMA’s nonpartisan policy entail?

The GWMNMA’s nonpartisan policy means we refrain from all political endorsements, contributions, and activities that could imply support for or opposition to any political party or candidate. This policy aligns with the broader Masonic tradition of abstaining from partisan political involvement and is a critical component of our identity as a respected national museum and educational organization.

7. How does this issue affect the GWMNMA’s supporters and members?

The GWMNMA values its members and supporters across the political spectrum, and our commitment to nonpartisanship helps ensure that our organization remains a welcoming and inclusive space for all. For this reason, we have taken action to protect our reputation and to reaffirm our neutrality.

8. What should I do if I have further questions or concerns?

We encourage those with additional questions or concerns to reach out to our team directly. Please contact Shawn Eyer, Managing Director of Communications and Education via email at seyer@gwmemorial.org or by phone at 703-400-4950. We appreciate your continued support and understanding as we work to uphold the values and integrity of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial Association.

UPDATES: Hurricane Helene Hits Six States

The 600-mile path of Hurricane Helene (Image: New York Times)

by Christopher HodappS
UPDATE TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2024: Over the last several days, the Masonic Service Association has issued separate Disaster Appeals on behalf of the grand lodges in Florida, North, and South Carolina. CLICK HERE to see that story.

UPDATE: THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2024: Added appeal from North Carolina Masonic Foundation seeking donations. 

The path of destruction and devastation over the weekend from Hurricane Helene stretched 600 miles across six states. Thousands are without homes in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia and Tennessee, while deaths from the storm continue to rise – as many as 130 are reported dead as of 10:30 Monday night, according to the Associated Press.

Scores of communities all along the storm's path have been wiped out, and images from small, hard-to-reach Appalachian towns in the mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee look apocalyptic in scope. 

The Masonic Service Association has not yet issued any official disaster relief announcements for grand lodges in the affected states, but I will update this post as news specifically involving Masons and lodges in the hurricane areas become available.

Please send information to me directly at hodapp@aol.com .

FLORIDA

Gulf Beach Lodge 291 before the hurricane

Gulf Beach Lodge 291 in Madeira, Florida, near St. Petersburg, sustained extensive flood damage from the hurricane's unprecedented storm surge.

A photo on Facebook of the lodge's front door shows the flood rose to about 4-feet, and water damage to the secretary's office, kitchen, and dining room is extensive. Worshipful Master Bobby Burkett reports they will be meeting at Northside Lodge 283 until they are able to repair or rebuild their building.

NORTH CAROLINA

Western North Carolina has been badly hit by the storm, and images from Chimney Rock and Lake Lure near Asheville show almost unfathomable destruction. Entire towns have been swept away. The Grand Lodge of North Carolina's Masonic Foundation is accepting donations online specifically to help, aid, and assist Masons and their families in their state. The NCMF will be matching donations up to $25,000, so your money will go twice as far. When you go to their website at https://mfnc.org/ a pop-up window will open with information and a link to donate (or CLICK HERE if the popup doesn't work on your browser.)

SOUTH CAROLINA

MW Steven D. Hames, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge AF&AM of South Carolina has issued a blanket dispensation to all lodges in his jurisdiction permitting Worshipful Masters wide latitude to cancel or reschedule all meetings, including regular stated meetings. 

Virginia's Grand Senior Warden Matthew Szramoski Named As G. Washington Masonic Memorial's New Executive Director

by Christopher Hodapp

The George Washington Masonic National Memorial Association in Alexandria, Virginia has just announced the appointment this week of Matthew Szramoski as its new Executive Director, effective immediately. He replaces Karl V. Hopkins who was appointed following the retirement last August of longtime Executive Director George Seghers.

Brother Szramoski was most recently the Director of Development for the Supreme Council of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite Southern Jurisdiction in Washington, D.C. Before that, he was Youth Programs Manager for the National Rifle Association.

In the Masonic world, he is the current Grand Senior Warden of the Grand Lodge AF&AM of Virginia and is Past Master of three Virginia lodges: Yorktown 205, John Blair 187, and Mount Vernon 219. In the York Rite, he is a Past Commander of Old Dominion Commandery 11, a Past High Priest of Uroy Harris Chapter 83 of Royal Arch Masons. He holds the Knight York Cross of Honor, a member of the Knight Masons, and a 33° Scottish Rite Mason (SJ).

George Washington Made A Mason 271 Years Ago Today

by Christopher Hodapp

A post on the George Washington Masonic National Memorial Facebook page reminds us that Sunday is the 271st anniversary of George Washington's initiation or "making" as a Freemason. 

George was made an Entered Apprentice Mason at the age of twenty in the Lodge at Fredericksburg, Virginia, on November 4, 1752. (There's some confusion over whether he was 20 or 21, because at this moment in time, the American colonies were just shifting over to using the Gregorian calendar.) He was passed to the Degree of Fellowcraft on March 3, 1753, and raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason on August 4, 1753. Soon after, Bro. Washington departed for the frontier on a surveying expedition. But he remained a member of Fredericksburg Lodge until his death on December 14, 1799.

The Bible upon which he took his Masonic obligations is still preserved and maintained by Fredericksburg Lodge 4 in Virginia. 

(Back in 2018, we were honored to have the Bible with us at the Masonic Library & Museum of Indiana for the 200th anniversary of the founding of the Grand Lodge of Indiana, and the Conference of Grand Masters in Indianapolis that same year. Fredericksburg keeps it locked in its traveling display case, presumably so it won't burst into flames when guys like me try to touch it.)

By the way, for those who fret about Masonic lodge dues these days being too cheap or too expensive, young George paid £2, 3 shillings, which would be approximately $488 today. Just a point of reference.

There have been stacks of books and articles written about George Washington and Freemasonry ever since his demise. Most have been well-intentioned, but so much has been wishful thinking, pure supposition, or downright fantasy. I touch on this in my own book, Solomon's Builders. But for the very last word in George Washington reference works concerning Freemasonry, let me recommend Mark Tabbert's recent work, A Deserving Brother, which documents every single Masonic meeting and event he provably attended, every known Masonic relic that he either owned or handled, and every known document he responded to regarding the fraternity. 

Book Review: 'A Deserving Brother: George Washington and Freemasonry' by Mark Tabbert

by Christopher Hodapp

When the George Washington National Masonic Memorial in Alexandria, Virginia was first proposed in 1910, it was designed as a magnificent monument to America’s most famous Mason, along with being a safe and secure repository for priceless Masonic objects owned by Virginia’s Alexandria-Washington Lodge 22 that were associated with Brother George. The lodge possessed an original, contemporary portrait of Washington showing him dressed in Masonic regalia. And they had a collection of irreplaceable items which had originally been owned by Washington or utilized by him for the cornerstone ceremony for the U.S. Capitol building in 1798. 

But a fire at the lodge in the late 1800s resulted in the loss of several their priceless objects. So the Memorial was proposed as a national Masonic project that would be supported by all regular, recognized grand lodges in the U.S. in order to more safely house and display these almost sacred items for the public and for Masons alike. Today, the Memorial houses one of the largest collections of Washington-associated memorabilia outside of his estate, Mount Vernon and the Smithsonian Museum.

Many years ago, Mark Tabbert told me of an ongoing project he was working on. He has been the head of collections at the Memorial for many years, and the physical resources at the Memorial are preserved for future historians and Masons. Like the fairytales of Parson Weems’ chop-down-the-cherry-tree “biography” of the general, president and founding father, Masonic tall tales about Washington began propagating with great abandon after his death, and continue through today. 

Despite the endless (and frequently bogus) claims some Masons have made over the years about Worshipful Brother George and his enthusiasm for the fraternity, the truth is that Washington really only provably attended a handful of lodge meetings in person throughout his entire lifetime. Tabbert has always insisted that it is vital to honestly understand the role Freemasonry legitimately played in Washington’s life (and conversely, the role he played for the fraternity) instead of just breezily and blindly accepting legends that were told, retold and embellished by well-intentioned brethren over the last two and a half centuries. 

For instance, although Washington was named as the Master of Alexandria Lodge when it was chartered, he never actually sat in that position, or even as a sideliner in that lodge, and the famous drawings and paintings of him dressed in a jewel and apron as the Worshipful Master and presiding over a meeting were simply artistic flights of fancy on the part of painters and sculptors, and nothing more.

The result of Mark’s ongoing labors over the last decade is an ambitious new book being released this week by the University of Virginia Press: A Deserving Brother: George Washington and Freemasonry. In it, Tabbert has researched quite literally every single reference, claim, rumor, letter, declaration, newspaper article or offhanded remark that ever connected George Washington to the Masonic fraternity. Every known bit of physical evidence associated with Washington and his Masonic membership is presented in the book in chronological order, while explaining, debunking or ignoring the unsubstantiated claims. Tabbert’s intention has been to correct the historical record and create the standard reference work for future researchers on the trail of Washington and the influence Freemasonry may or may not have had on his life and his character.

Freemasonry during America’s formative years was instrumental in reinforcing the notion of a non-secular, “civic religion” that was so vital to the creation and success of this new constitutional, democratic republic. Washington’s membership in the fraternity was influential in both directions. In practical terms, Masonry demonstrated mutual cooperation, respect, religious toleration, and social egalitarianism that informed Washington’s understanding of democracy. And his membership in the fraternity gave Freemasonry a status that few other organizations could achieve at the time. His Masonic membership and support drew more and more merchants, community and business leaders, and men of all political and religious persuasions to join its ranks.

A Deserving Brother straddles the line between being an historical narrative and an itemized, encyclopedic catalogue. An extensive introductory chapter by Washington historian Edward G. Lengel gives a general chronological sketch of George’s life and where it coincided with the Masonic fraternity. But the main body of the work is its meticulously researched catalogue. The book is divided into several major periods of Washington’s life: as a British subject; General and Commander in Chief; private citizen; President of the United States; and his retirement and death. Each chapter is introduced by a general outline of the time period covered. Following that, descriptions of each reference include photos, dates, locations, circumstances, and in the case of letters and other documents, transcriptions of the text itself. In an effort to be as complete as possible, Mark has included correspondence whenever someone would send Washington a note, a Masonic book or other gift related in any way to the fraternity. And to aid future researchers, each item’s provenance and current location today are provided.

Notably, Tabbert has been careful to include verified details of several important, oft-cited milestones concerning Washington and the Masons, including his first inauguration in New York City and the circumstances involving the famous St. John’s Lodge Bible upon which he took the oath of office; the Masonic cornerstone ceremony of the U.S. Capitol in 1793 and the surviving working tools and related objects used at that event; and details of Washington’s Masonic funeral service in December 1799. An epilogue goes on to cite references about Washington used both by Masons and anti-Masons in the 1800s, as well as celebrations held by Masons in 1899 on the 100th anniversary of his death, and in 1902 for the 150th anniversary of his raising as a Master Mason. The major books written about Washington’s Masonic experiences and involvement are described, as well as the formation of what would become the George Washington National Masonic Memorial Association. 

The Memorial itself was officially dedicated in 1932, some 22 years after it was first proposed, and Tabbert provides a synopsis of its mission and exhibits then and now, as well as an explanation of the changes that have occurred there since its opening.

In short, Mark Tabbert’s A Deserving Brother is without question the most extensive, detailed and truthful accounting of Washington and his Freemasonry as he lived it. As an historical research tool it is invaluable, and will unquestionably be the most important reference work on George Washington and the fraternity available for decades to come.

This book is being distributed by Macoy Publishing under a special partnership with the George Washington Masonic National Memorial Association. Priced at $34.95 for the 304-page hardback edition, CLICK HERE TO ORDER.

R.I.P. Paul Newhall

by Christopher Hodapp

NOTE: THIS STORY HAS BEEN UPDATED WITH FUNERAL INFORMATION BELOW

News has come that my friend and Brother Paul Newhall passed away in the early hours of Saturday. Paul's wife Georgia posted a message on her Facebook page yesterday with the news. And the Allied Masonic Degrees posted a special announcement yesterday morning.

I can’t recall actually meeting Paul and Georgia for the first time because they just always seemed to have been there. I encountered the Newhalls regularly when I started attending Masonic Week, back near the end of the old Hotel Washington days in the early 2000’s. Even then, Paul was one of those rare Brothers who was always the answer to seemingly every question that came up about the event: Got any problem? Ask Paul. He always knew how to shrewdly negotiate contracts, juggle complex logistical arrangements, plan meals, organize meal tickets and credentials, diplomatically settle battles, smooth ruffled feathers (and egos), and even assist short-handed hotel banquet chefs in madly dishing up plates in the kitchen while dressed in his tuxedo. All the while, he was simultaneously serving as an officer in multiple Masonic organizations. Everyone, everywhere, always seemed to want just a little bit of Paul’s attention. And everyone who asked for it, no matter how great or trivial the request, always got it.

When a bunch of us upstarts formed the Masonic Society in 2010 and we wanted to hold our dinner, annual meeting and elections at the host hotel that next February, Paul came to the rescue right from the very start. He managed to work us into a highly coveted time slot on Friday night with our own dining room, and for many years, a big suite in which we hosted a hospitality room.

As the years passed, Paul suffered a variety of health problems. Periodically, he would duck out of the Masonic Week activities in order to go track down a kidney dialysis center to treat his diabetes. In 2013, Paul's kidneys began to fail and he required a transplant to survive. And so, Georgia became his donor. Several years later, doctors were forced to amputate his foot. And yet, through those physical trials and tribulations, Paul remained cheerful, caring, and eternally optimistic. 

 

I have always taken to heart the concept that Masonry should be governed by those “who can best work or best agree,” as our ritual enjoins. In the two decades I have known Paul, he was always just such a man, even when he and Georgia were burdened personally by challenges that would have felled almost anyone else. Paul was dedicated, driven, organized, indefatigable, and responsible to a fault. And above all, honorable. Such people may seem to be in short supply these days, but they still exist, and I have to admit I've encountered more of them within our fraternity than anywhere else. My world has been a better place because Paul and Georgia have been in it. So it is with deepest sadness I offer my most heartfelt condolences to Paul's entire family. 

His column is broken and his brethren mourn.

Requiescat in pace.

UPDATED 2/23/2022 2:00AM

FUNERAL INFORMATION

The viewing and visitation for Paul Newhall will be held this Friday, February 25, 2022 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at:

Adams-Green Funeral Home and Crematory

721 Elden Street

Herndon, VA

The funeral, including Masonic Services, will begin at 6:30 p.m. Internment will take place in the spring in Chestnut Grove Cemetery, Herndon. Flowers will be received by Adams-Green. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in his memory may be directed to the National Kidney Foundation at www.kidney.org

His complete official obituary can be seen HERE.

Masonic Author W. Kirk McNulty Passes

W. Kirk MacNulty portrait by Travis Simpkin

by Christopher Hodapp

My Brethren, the roll of the workmen has been called, and one Master Mason has not answered to his name. Brother Shawn Eyer reported on his Facebook page that esteemed Masonic author William Kirk MacNulty has laid down his working tools at the age of 88.

WB MacNulty was the author of three deeply thoughtful and philosophical books about Masonic symbolism: The Way of the Craftsman (1988), Freemasonry: A Journey Through Ritual and Symbol (1991), and Freemasonry: Symbols, Secrets, Significance (2006). MacNulty’s writing focuses on the impact of Masonic history, philosophy and symbolism on the psychological and spiritual development of the individual. For many Masons, his books introduced them to a whole new understanding of our esoteric symbolism and philosophy, and he urged all Masons to seek out and find our personal interpretations.

He was three times Master of Lodge of Living Stones, was a member of the Lodge of the Nine Muses No. 1776 in D.C. and of Alexandria-Washington Lodge No. 22 in Virginia. He also was a member of Quatuor Coronati Lodge. In recognition of his contributions to Masonic literature, he was named as Friar No. 94 in the Society of Blue Friars in 2005.

From the Craftsmen Online Facebook page:

W. Kirk MacNulty was born in California in 1932. He studied at Stanford University and the University of Tennessee, and had a career in the United States Marine Corps and in corporate information technology.

His interest and involvement in Freemasonry spans more than fifty-five years. He received the degrees of Masonry in 1961 at Carson Valley Lodge No. 33 of Gardnerville, Nevada. He later affiliated with lodges in Hawaii, Tennessee, England, and Virginia. He was Worshipful Master of the Lodge of Living Stones No. 4957 in Leeds, England, in 1979, 1980, and 1991. He is the Charter Master (1997) of the Lodge of the Nine Muses No. 1776, a Traditional Observance Lodge in the District of Columbia.

His literary efforts have earned outstanding recognition. In 2008, he was received as a member of London's prestigious Quatuor Coronati Lodge No. 2076, the world's premier lodge of research. In 2016, he was recognized as a Fellow of the Philalethes Society for his many contributions to the literature of Freemasonry.

He was born in Long Beach, California. His father was an Officer in the Marine Corps, and Kirk traveled to many places during his childhood. When his father retired, his parents settled in San Mateo, California; and he attended San Mateo High School, and graduated from Stanford University. Kirk became an Officer in the Marine Corps where he served for several years. Upon leaving the Marine Corps he became a Freemason in 1961 while living in Gardnerville, Nevada. It was a small country town, with a Masonic Lodge and a dedicated group of members. As he went through the ritual of the Third Degree, he had some profound insights about his own life, the meaning of life, and the meaning of Freemasonry. That started him on a quest to learn more, to know more, and to communicate to others a real and deeper meaning of Masonry than many of its members are aware. Then, while living in London for 18 years, he had the opportunity to get to know Lord Northampton, John Hamill, and other luminaries of the United Grand Lodge of England, and they encouraged him in my Masonic writing.

In addition, he has run, and participated in, Masonic Study groups both in the US and the UK, using the kinds of concepts described in his latest book: Contemplating Craft Freemasonry, in the process gaining enormous insight into his own life, as well as a deeper understanding of the nature of the Craft.

Several years ago, Kirk presented one of his talks as part of the M.A.T.S.O.L. (Masonry at the Speed of Light) online lecture series, which was the brainchild of Indiana Mason Al McClelland long before we all became self-trained experts in Zoom presentations:

"The Philosophical Background of Masonic Symbolism" - W. Kirk McNulty

As of Tuesday evening, I have not seen any notices about funeral services.

He has laid down the working tools of the Craft and with them he has left that mortal part for which he no longer has use. His column is broken, and his Brethren mourn.

Requiescat in pace.

George Washington Memorial's Masonic Digital Archive Is a Research Treasure

by Christopher Hodapp

For many years, Mark Tabbert at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial in Alexandria, Virginia has been actively seeking support for and promoting a digital collection made up of the proceedings of all U.S. grand lodges and appendant grand bodies. 

This ongoing project is being done through the Memorial's Louis A. Watres Library, named after the Association’s second president who oversaw the Memorial’s construction. Opened in 1952, the Library contains a substantial collection of approximately 7,000 volumes, including Masonic literature and U.S. Grand Lodges’ and other major Masonic organizations’ annual Proceedings.

The scope of the Masonic Digital Archives project is enormous - consider that a grand lodge like my own has been publishing these reports annually for over two hundred years, generally at the rate of a couple of hundred pages each year. Then multiply that by 51 Grand Lodges, plus Grand Royal Arch Chapters, Grand Cryptic Councils, and Grand Knights Templar Commanderies.

The Memorial Association is digitizing each governing body’s complete annual proceedings collections for a flat rate of $1000 as a service to the Craft. That price is non-adjustable, regardless of the number of books or pages digitized. After that, a $200 annual subscription fee maintains and updates the online collection on the Memorial's LUNA database platform. LUNA presents each book in pdf form and is fully searchable, making the hunting of names, places, topics, dates and more fast and simple. 

The Memorial's digitization project has primarily used the much faster and less expensive 'destructive' method of scanning, meaning that bound books must be sacrificed in order to speed the scanning process. For that reason, the Watres Library has requested two full sets of proceedings from each grand body so that the Memorial still has one complete and undamaged, bound set of volumes on its shelves to augment the online digital scanned versions. They have gotten underway with scanning the duplicate volumes they already have.

To see the proceedings currently online from 21 states and grand bodies, visit the Masonic Digital Archives HERE. 

Mark just sent me an update this week advising that, as of August 2020, the Memorial staff has digitized all of their duplicate proceedings collections, alphabetically from Alabama to New Hampshire so far. They expect to complete the full project through Wyoming before 2022. 

So here's the catch.

If you are a grand officer of a Masonic Grand Lodge or Grand York Rite Body of a state alphabetically between Alabama and New Hampshire, Mark can tell you what proceedings years have been digitized and which are still needed. If you confirm your jurisdiction's $1000 commitment to the project and the annual $200 subscription fee, the available digitized proceedings of your grand body will appear in the LUNA catalog within five working days.

If you are grand officer of a Masonic Grand Lodge or Grand York Rite Body of a state alphabetically between New Jersey and Wyoming, the Library has not yet organized your proceedings and is unable to give you a detailed inventory just yet. However, with your confirmed commitment to the project, Mark will pull your state’s proceedings and provide an inventory of what they have. Once a complete proceedings set is in hand from you and the $1000 is received, digitizing and posting on-line into LUNA will take approximately 30 working days or less.

This massive undertaking is an incredible research resource for historians and researchers, be they Masonic, academic, or genealogical. If your Grand Lodge hasn't stepped up and contributed to this project, the scanning and annual hosting fees are more than fair. Indiana scanned our proceedings many years ago, and to have them in digitized form has been a godsend - I couldn't have written my book Heritage Endures without it. And each year our jurisprudence committee and others regularly dive into our online proceedings hunting minute and otherwise hard-to-find information. Plus, organizing these collections onto an easy to use and access database is not a simple project for your grand lodge to take on - the Memorial is doing all the hard work.

If you have any questions about participating the Masonic Digital Archives Project or about LUNA, contact Mark Tabbert, Director of Museum and Library Collections.

The Louis A. Watres Library is available to the public and researchers by appointment only. Appointments must be made a least 24 hours prior. 

COVID: Masonic Lodges Help Local Blood Bank Programs

by Christopher Hodapp

Local news sites all over the country are reporting on Masonic lodges taking action in their communities during the COVID-19 Wuhan Virus shutdown. The most common stories are about lodges hosting local blood drives. Stories are popping up everywhere of blood donation drives held in Masonic lodges: Wisconsin, New Jersey, North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, California... the list is endless.

There are blood shortages all over the U.S. right now. More than 80% of the blood collected for the nation's supply comes from volunteer collection sites at community locations like churches and fraternal lodges. But over a month ago, on March 17th, the American Red Cross issued a statement that, due to the COVID pandemic, some 2,700 Red Cross blood drives had already been canceled across the country due to coronavirus concerns, resulting in some 86,000 fewer blood donations.

Blood drive at Shoreline Masonic Lodge in Shoreline, Washington. Photo: ABC News

With the social distancing demands of the mass lockdown orders, blood banks (and food banks, by the way) are begging for all the help they can get. So, both churches and fraternal lodges are stepping up to help. 

This isn't new in some Masonic jurisdictions. Some grand lodges have statewide programs, others hold ad hoc blood drives at large events like their annual communications,  but most leave such things up to local lodges' gumption and motivation. 

The Grand Lodge of Virginia has long had their official Masonic Community Blood Program. Its longtime goal has been "to strengthen those Lodge Blood programs now in existence, integrate and coordinate them into an effective statewide activity, and to encourage creation of such programs in Lodges which do not have them."

Virginia's statewide blood program has been in place for many years, so it's unreasonable to expect one started from scratch in a new juriusdiction to be anywhere as organized or thought out as theirs. The middle of a pandemic when everyone is locked in their houses is a difficult set of circumstances to construct a structured framework like theirs. But have a look at Virginia's Community Blood program web portal HERE to get a better idea of their system. It's not so much a program as it is a set of guidelines and an ongoing blood donation contest between their lodges. They keep a statewide tally by lodge of number of pints collected.

There is also a two-page set of guidelines and organizing methodology available as a download HERE.

2020 Masonic Society Annual Dinner & Meeting 2/7

"Homer, a man who called himself “you-know-who” just invited you to a secret “wink-wink” at the “you-know-what.”*

The Officers and the Board of Directors

cordially invite you to attend

The 2020 Annual Dinner and Meeting

of

The Masonic Society

At Masonic Week 2020

The Hyatt Regency Crystal City at Reagan National Airport

Arlington, Virginia

Friday Evening, February 7, 2020

Gather at 6:45 PM

Dinner at 7:15 PM

Featured Speaker:

WBro. Mark Tabbert

“A Deserving Brother: George Washington and Freemasonry”

A discussion of WBro. Tabbert’s recent research that went into his new book on the subject.

All Freemasons and Ladies are Welcome!

Please make all reservations through the Masonic Week 2020 Website 

(note NEW LINK):

http://www.amdusa.org/MasonicWeek/

Registration form link: http://www.amdusa.org/MasonicWeek/RegistrationForm.html

PLEASE NOTE:

The Masonic Society will not have tickets for sale.

All tickets MUST be purchased in advance from the Masonic Week organizers; see links above.

Tickets will NOT be available at the door.

Dinner price per person: $55

RESERVATIONS MUST BE MADE AND CHECKS RECEIVED BY THE MASONIC WEEK STAFF BY THEIR DEADLINE — PLEASE CHECK THE MASONIC WEEK WEBSITE FOR DETAILS.

Sorry — No TMS Masonic Week Hospitality Suite in 2020

Unfortunately, we are not in a position to operate a hospitality suite this year. We know this is a popular activity and we look forward to returning to hosting a suite in 2021. Please catch us in the lobby bar or in other places around the Week.

The Masonic Society is a research organization dedicated to the service of the fraternity and to Masonic scholars everywhere. Its quarterly Journal is one of the top Masonic magazines in the world, and provides news, information, essays, original research, book reviews, and more.

Not a member yet? 

For information about joining The Masonic Society, visit www.themasonicsociety.com

*Jay Hochberg over on The Magpie Mason blog reminds us that the Stonecutters episode of The Simpsons aired 25 years ago  this month, on January 8th, 1995. Meaning that Homer is now qualified for his 25 year pin.