New Edition of Freemasons For Dummies Available in January

The new, revised edition of Freemasons For Dummies hits stores and Amazon.com on Monday, January 29th, 2013. If yours is dog-eared and worn, or has been absconded by a well intentioned brother who fully intended to return it to you, here's a chance to score a new copy, complete with a spiffy new cover, which I took at the Grand Lodge of Washington, D.C.'s headquarters several years ago. Thanks to everyone who has made the book a hit, almost from the start.

Masonic Society at Masonic Week 2013

The Officers and the Board of Directors cordially invite you to attend
The Fifth Annual Dinner and Meeting
of
The Masonic Society
At Masonic Week 2013
The Hyatt Regency Hotel
Reston, Virginia
Friday Evening, February 8, 2013
6:00 PM







Featured Speaker:
Andrew Hammer
Past Master, Alexandria-Washington Lodge No. 22, A.F.& A.M.
Author, Observing the Craft

All Freemasons and Ladies are Welcome!

Please make all reservations through the Masonic Week 2013 Website at http://yorkrite.org/MasonicWeek

PLEASE NOTE:
The Masonic Society will not have tickets for sale.
All tickets MUST be purchased in advance from the Masonic Week organizers.
Tickets will NOT be available at the door.
RESERVATIONS MUST BE MADE AND CHECKS RECEIVED BY THE MASONIC WEEK STAFF BY JANUARY 31, 2013.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Masonic Week Hospitality Suite

The Society will once again sponsor a hospitality suite at Masonic Week 2013. Please check at our membership table for the room number.

Message for Arkansas Shriners

Imperial Potentate Alan Madsen's Video Message for Arkansas Shriners

Freemasons Gaining Popularity in Asia

Freemasons are gaining popularity in Asia, according to an article on the Telegraph website.

From "Freemasons grow in popularity in Asia" by Justin Harper:

British-born Australian Nick Jacobs, 41, is an example of the new breed of Freemasons helping to grow the membership. He said: “It definitely has an attraction to expats as you get to meet up with people in a strange city and very quickly they are like brothers to you. And these are people you wouldn’t normally be friends with as they are outside the expat community.” 

He added: “There are many older gentlemen who are active Freemasons in Singapore but we are finding that we are also attracting a much younger demographic of expats and locals.” 

Freemasons in Asia regularly take part in social activities such as inter-lodge paintballing sessions and pub quizzes. 

Singapore has eight English lodges and is part of a district that includes Malaysia and Thailand. Many countries in Asia are seeing a spike in popularity for the Freemasons, especially those nations with colonial roots and established lodges. 

Dennis Heath, a British expat and Freemason in Singapore, added: “We see a lot of expats passing through Singapore who want to come to the lodge where they know they will be welcomed warmly. We also have expats who were previously part of a lodge back in the UK, along with those joining for the first time. The traditions and history of the Freemasons has a strong appeal in the fast-paced, digital world we live in.”

Read more here.

"Builders of Dreams: The California Masonic Experience

A short video, Builders of Dreams: The California Masonic Experience, is available on YouTube.

PGM Stifani Suspended

According to the Romanian Masonic Press Agency, Jean-Pierre Servel, the new Grand Master of Grande Loge Nationale Française decided on December 4, 2012, to suspend Past Grand Master François Stifani.

Stifani was suspended for unethical Masonic conduct, violation of fundamental rules, attempt against the Fundamental Principles of the Craft and attempting against the image and proper functioning of the French National Grand Lodge.
According to this decree, Stifani is forbidden to attend GLNF's Lodge meetings, the Annual Communication and Board of General Purposes. After years of internal struggle, Stifani is temporarily removed from GLNF, which may indicate that Servel wants to show to the United Grand Lodge of England that GLNF can have once again credibility.

Neal Bidnick, PGM of New York, Restored to Membership

James E. Sullivan, Grand Master of New York, has lifted the suspension of Past Grand Master Neal Bidnick (2006-2008) and restored to hime the full rights and privileges of a Master Mason. He has found that Bidnick did not commit an act of "moral turpitude" or "scandal or degradation of the fraternity in the public eye." Further, he says that "no larceny or misappropriation of funds occurred and in fact the notice announcing those findings, sent out by the Grand Secretary's office in April 2012, was misleading and incorrect." "The Masonic misfortune of trials, suspension, and expulsion fell upon our Past Grand Master when he was also suffering under extreme personal distress with respect to a matter which involved his wife. This was a time when brothers should have come to his aid to ease the distress, rather than inflame it."

"The Life Masonic" Podcast

Check out Jason Van Dyke's regular podcast, "The Life Masonic" on the Scottish Rite website. Click here. There are interviews and philosophical discussions, along with practical advice. Twelve episodes so far.

From this month's episode description:

our guest this month is Scott Gillis. He's just a guy. He's like any other guy you'll meet in your Lodge, or your church, or your pub. But Scott has a way of telling a story. And the story is of his life so far. He never seems to find the easy way, but he's turned out pretty well. He has always found a way to triumph over the adversity in his life. And that story, to me, has a kind of casual inspiration. It's not super hero stuff, but its stuff I know I could learn from and do better with in my own life. I hope you think so too.

GM of Florida Expels Wiccans, Gnostics and Others

In a surprising and unprecedented move, the Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons of the State of Florida, Jorge L. Aladro has effectively expelled from the Craft all Pagans, Wiccans, Gnostics, Agnostics and members of other non-Christian or pre-Christian religious belief systems. In his Ruling and Decision No. 3, dated November 26, 2012, the Grand Master issued an ultimatum to any member of the aforementioned groups: Resign from the Craft, or face trial and expulsion from Florida Freemasonry.

To read the Grand Master’s ruling and decision, click here.

Journal of the Masonic Society Issue #17 Gone to Press

The latest issue of the Journal of the Masonic Society is at the printers now. Articles include:

• The World’s Freemasonry by Thomas W. Jackson
• Introducing “The Widow’s Son” Cigar by Michael Nemeth
• A Selection of Masonic Acrostic Poetry by Stephen M. Osborn
• Why Hiram? by Leon Zeldis
• The Masonic Conservators by Thomas L. Winter
• The Philadelphia Masonic Temple photos by Michael Stein
• Cover art by Juan Sepulveda

Not a member of the Masonic Society yet? Sign up now at www.themasonicasociety.com

MSA Disaster Relief Appeal for New York and New Jersey

The Masonic Service Association has issued an appeal to help the Masonic victims of Hurricane Sandy:

The entire Atlantic Coast of the United States was buffeted in the last few days of October by the winds and waves of Hurricane Sandy, described by the news media as a "super storm." After crossing the shoreline in New Jersey, the storm continued inland.  Extensive building and property damage, electrical outages, unhealthy conditions cause by flooding, and widespread disruption of normal living conditions have occurred in a multi-state region. 

In particular, New York City and the coastal areas of New Jersey felt the brunt of Sandy.  The Grand Lodges of New York and New Jersey have requested a Disaster Appeal to assist their Masonic families who have been injured or who have received extensive damage to their homes. 

Please forward any donations you feel appropriate to the MSA. When remitting funds, please mark your check that you wish the donation to go to New York or New Jersey.  Unmarked funds will be divided equally between the two Grand Lodges.  

Make checks payable to MSA Disaster Relief Fund and send to: 

Masonic Service Association of North America8120 Fenton Street, Suite 203, Silver Spring, MD 20910-4785. 

MSA is a 501 (c) (3) charitable organization. 

Thank you for your assistance for these stricken jurisdictions.  

Sincerely and fraternally,  

George O. Braatz, P.G.M.Executive Secretary

Hackers Attack Masonic CHIP Sites

From The Hacker News:

A group of computer hackers Anonymous goes by the name xPsych0path has accuse Masonichip for unwillingness to accept the forced chipping of children they are working toward mitigating it by disrupting the chipping operation. They have built their own operation, in opposition to this issue. In #OpMasonChip is designed to express publicly their anger. He had the following to say about this operation;

“We are fighting against putting RFID chips inside children by masons they have plan to put chips in all of us and those who don't want it won't be able to buy and sell. So I down all those site's for them” on pastebin.

"But In actual there is no "chip" in Masonichip as it stands for Masonic Child Identification Program and includes Abduction Awareness and "Safe Kids" Education benefits to all children and parents attend events and participate." Masonichip explained on their site.

Sites attacked were
1. http://masonichip.org/
2. http://mychip.org/
3. http://www.masonichip.ca/
4. http://www.mainemason.org/
5. http://www.illinoisfreemason.org/ilchip.html
6. http://www.keywestmason.com/child_id.htm
7. http://www.mdchip.org/
8. http://www.kschip.org/

International Order of Co-Masonry Recruiting

If you think we're the only ones attempting to recruit new members, catch this article about England's International Order of Co-Masonry in the Independent.

From Freemasons Launch Recruitment Drive For Young Women:

Nikki Roberts is someone a teacher might call a good “all-rounder”: smart, pretty, lots of friends. Aged 31, she is also a far cry from your typical Freemason. But that, if the Federation of the International Order of Co-Freemasonry has its way, is about to change.
Forget secretive circles of white-haired men locking fingers in strange handshakes, they say. A British branch is in the throes of a thoroughly modern recruitment drive. It is using Facebook and Twitter to sign up new members, particularly young women, to its society.
“A lot of people have misconceptions about what Masonry is,” Ms Roberts says. Not surprising, given that for centuries members of this traditionally male club have refused to divulge what goes on behind closed doors in meetings and ceremonies. “I can say that it [the Freemasons] is an association, a fellowship if you like, dictated by a system of morals, with lot of symbols and philosophy...” Roberts explains. She compares it to an “occult”: “You need to believe in a divine intelligence or supreme being.”
Since joining the Freemasons five years ago, Roberts says her life has been transformed. “I gave up a lucrative job in the City and now I work in health and social care, something more rewarding,” she says. While cohorts at her lodge (one of the only mixed gender orders in the world, the British Federation) range from party-planners to nurses – many of them female – there are other common elements among members, she says. “The kind of people it draws are interested in being good people; we have respect for laws, we like giving to charity... we live by certain morals.” It is a “life-long commitment”, she adds.
The biggest misconception, Roberts says, is that women are not suited to joining the club. “People choose the Masons in order to become more aware and to awaken areas of their mind to their true nature; women, being naturally nurturing and intuitive, are particularly responsive to that.” That, however, is a matter of opinion. Ask Ken Kirk, 86, a former policeman and a member of the strictly-male United Grand Lodge of England and the answer is clear: “Mixed gender orders? Absurd.”

Shrine Declared Clandestine in Arkansas

Robert L. Jackson, Grand Master of Masons in Arkansas, has declared the Shrine clandestine and is forbidding Arkansas and affiliated Arkansas Masons from belonging to the Shrine. (Click to enlarge)

Wilmington, Delaware

I'm driving today to Delaware to the Valley of Wilmington where they will be celebrating the 200th Anniversary of AASR-NMJ and the 100th Anniversary of the Valley of Wilmington.

I'll be speaking Saturday morning. Looking forward to being there!

Illus. Bros. Morris & DeHoyos Speaking In DC

The Lodge of Perfection of the Washington DC Scottish Rite invites all Scottish Rite Masons to attend the October 2nd meeting of Mithras Lodge of Perfection. The "Special Guest Speakers" for the evening will be the Managing Editor of the Scottish Rite Journal, Ill. S. Brent Morris, 33° GC, and the Grand Archivist and Grand Historian, Ill. Arturo de Hoyos, 33° GC. These distinguished Masonic Scholars will be discussing their newly released book, "The Most Secret Mysteries of the High Degrees of Masonry Unveiled". Copies of this new book will be available after the meeting. Dinner will be served starting at 6:15 pm, and the program will open at 7:30 pm. This program is only open for Scottish Rite Brethren 14° and higher.

Los Angeles Scottish Rite Cathedral

The Curbed website in Los Angeles presents a unique article about the abandoned Los Angeles Scottish Rite Cathedral on Wilshire Blvd., written by the architect Millard Sheets.

Have a look here.

The Scottish Rite Masonic Temple on Wilshire is probably the most mysterious Millard Sheets building (and one of the more mysterious in LA). It's been on and off the market for years (currently seems to be off), and seems pretty hard to get inside--when we called to ask about a tour, we were told that we'd need a city permit to visit. According to a 1994 LA Times article, the building "housed National Guard troops during the 1992 riots and has been used for funerals of police officers." Who knows what secrets this place holds? Masons, obviously, are known for being pretty secretive. Either way, the building is super cool; we'll let Sheets tell you the story of what it is and how it got there...

Be sure to look through the photos. It's a magnificent building, with a very uncertain future. It has long been the subject of a battle with the neighborhood over parking, which limits its future use to a potential buyer. It's prime real estate, which probably means a wrecking ball is its fate.

NASCAR Model Benefits Shriners Hospitals

Shriners Hospitals are selling a limited edition model NASCAR as a fund raiser, featuring driver David Ragan's car. The 1/24th scale model is based on his #34 Ford Fusion from the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Sylvania 300 race in New Hampshire. All die-cast cars will be autographed by driver David Ragan. The price is $29.95. See the website for details.

GL of Indiana Trip To Washington DC

For my Indiana brethren:

Four (4) days left to make reservations for the Grand Lodge Bus Trip to the Washington DC area. Depart Thursday Oct 25, 2012 at 8 AM from the Marriott at 21st and Shadeland. We will arrive in Alexandria, VA for dinner near the Court Yard by Marriott across the street from The George Washington Memorial where your room will look out at the GW for your stay Thursday evening Friday, Saturday departing Sunday morning.

Friday we will visit and lay a wreath at George Washington's tomb, tour the Grist Mill and Distillery at Mt. Vernon. That evening is dinner in the George Washington Memorial after which a personal tour and visit the top where we will view the lights of Alexandria and Washington DC.

Saturday we will visit and lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns, and visit the National Cathedral before lunch. We will then visit the Mall where we will visit FDR's Memorial, the Vietnam, WWII, and Korean War Memorials. Return to the hotel where we will eat at a restaurant near the hotel.

The cost is $1,000.00 per couple or $750.00 for singles. Included in the price are the following: the bus, snacks, hotel, breakfast each day at the hotel, Friday, Mt. Vernon tours and lunch, George Washington Memorial tours and dinner in the GW. Saturday all tours are included, lunch at the Mall and dinner are at your expense. Questions or reservations: Please contact Irv Bitting by Sunday evening September 23 at 219-789-5231.

Fraternally,

George A. Ingles, Jr.
Grand Master

Veritas Chapter No. 103 R.A.M. Chapter Penny

Veritas Chapter No. 103, the first "Traditional Observance" Chapter of Royal Arch Masons in the state of Oklahoma has minted 100 Chapter pennies. This original run will be the only ones with this specific design (each run shall have a slightly modified design). This was a custom design created by their Chapter -- you won't see these anywhere else. Each one is 4.3 ounces and 2.5" x 2.5" at the widest and tallest points. The Chapter is making these available to the public. Each coin is $20 including shipping & handling (for US addresses only). You may order one (or more) by sending $20 via PayPal to darkdan@aol.com along with your mailing address.

GLNF Elects New GM; UGLE Yanks Recognition

Jean-Pierre Servel was elected on September 10th as the new Grand Master of the Grande Loge Nationale Frainçaise, replacing the embattled François Stifani, but that has not prevented the United Grand Lodge of England two days later from de-recognizing them. Serval is seen by many French Masons as a continuation of the Stifani officer's line.

The GLNF has lost nearly a third of its membership over the Stifani flap, and the majority of the world's grand lodges have yanked recognition of the grand lodge, leaving France without a regular, recognized branch of Masonry for the majority of brethren.

Pennsylvania Academy of Masonic Knowledge 10/27

The 2012 Fall session of the Pennsylvania Academy of Masonic Knowledge will be held on Saturday, October 27th, in the Deike Auditorium of the Masonic Cultural Center on the campus of Masonic Village in Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania. Registration will open at 8:30 AM with the program beginning at 9:30 AM. A lunch (voluntary contribution) will be served at noon and the program will be completed by 3:00 PM. All Masons are welcome to attend. Dress is coat and tie.

The Speakers for the day are:
 • Brother Alton G. Roundtree, Past Master of Redemption Lodge No. 24 PHA (District of Columbia) and coauthor of Out of the Shadows: The Emergence of Prince Hall Freemasonry in America.

 • Brother Andrew Hammer, Past Master of Alexandria-Washington Lodge No. 22 (Virginia) and author of Observing the Craft: The Pursuit of Excellence in Masonic Labour and Observance.

 The great objective in Freemasonry is to gain useful knowledge, and the Academy provides a great opportunity for the Brethren to learn and to understand more about the significance of the Craft. Plan to attend and bring a Brother or two along with you. Pre-registration is required. To pre-register, e-mail Brother Shawn D'Ignazio at dignazio@yahoo.com with your name, address, Lodge number, and telephone.

Grand Lodge of Sweden

The Grand Lodge of Sweden has a new website, with much information in English. Have a look here and read about this very unique Christian-based style of Freemasonry.

In 1756, Carl Fredrik Eckleff together with six Brethren formed the Scottish Lodge L’Innocente in Stockholm, working in so called Scottish St Andrew´s degrees. The next step in the development of Swedish Freemasonry was taken by Eckleff in 1759, when he established a Grand Chapter in Stockholm. Eckleff who was an employee of the Swedish Foreign Office, held a foreign patent authorizing him to form Lodges. It has not been possible to ascertain the date and place of origin of the patent and of the rituals. The Grand Lodge of Sweden was established in 1760.

Eckleff moulded a Freemasonry system on a Christian basis. The moral philosophy of the Swedish Rite was further developed by Duke Carl, later King Carl XIII, who succeeded to Eckleff as the Swedish Masonic leader. By two major ritual revisions in 1780 and 1800 he created a logical Masonic system with ten degrees. The Rite is truly progressive and continuous. Each degree leads to the next and each sums up the contents of the preceding degrees.

Adam Kendall in Burbank

On September 4 at 8:30pm Adam Kendall will be speaking at the Burbank Shrine Club meeting at Mo's Restaurant 4301 West Riverside Drive Burbank, CA 91505

The topic will be, "Building Temples or Hovels? The Importance of Preserving Masonic Material Culture"

NOTE: Shiners are welcome to attend the business meeting from 7.30-8.15pm ALL are welcome for dinner, drinks and lecture starting at 8.30pm. The lecture is FREE and is open to all, and will be Adam's only scheduled SoCAL date for the remainder of 2012.

Adam Kendall is the Curator of Collections for the Henry Wilson Coil Library & Museum of Freemasonry for the Grand Lodge of F. & A.M. of California.

Please contact Simon McIlroy simon.mcilroy@gmail.com or David Williams hotdjdave@yahoo.com for reservations.

Vitruvius and the Master Mason’s Secret

From the Maine Masonic College Facebook page:

On Saturday, September 15th, the Maine Masonic College will offer a class entitled, “Vitruvius and the Master Mason’s Secret.” Who or what, you may ask, is Vitruvius? Vitruvius was an architect—indeed, you may say the architect at the time of Julius Caesar. The class is to be held at HARWOOD Lodge in Machias. It will begin at 10:00 a.m. on September 15th and will end at 2:00 p.m. A light lunch will be served at a cost of $5.00. Please drop a line to gleighton44@gmail.com to insure proper arrangements can be made for lunch. If you have not attended one of the Maine Masonic College’s classes, you will probably find this to be an excellent introduction to the work of the College.

Michael Poll Still in the Dark

Cornerstone Book Publishing's editor and author Michael Poll who lives just outside of New Orleans reports that he is in Day 6 of having no electricity in the wake of Hurricane Issac, and the best estimate is that there will be no power until next Thursday. Keep Michael and all brethren in the Gulf area in your thoughts and prayers while they struggle through the hurricane's aftermath.

Next Saturday in Raleigh, NC

I will be speaking in Raleigh, North Carolina next Saturday, September 8th, 2012 at 7:00 PM at Hiram Lodge No. 40.

Freemasons and non-Freemasons alike are invited to attend this event - this is open to the public. Doors open at 7:00 PM for Refreshments, and talk begins at 7:30 PM in the Auditorium.

Where: 1520 Caswell Street Raleigh NC 27605

Cost: $15 (tickets can be purchased securely online at http://www.hiram40.org/an-evening-with-christopher-hodapp or from Hiram No. 40 members)

Seating is limited so tickets must be reserved in advance.

For more information or to reserve tickets, please contact Josh Lippy by email at info@Hiram40.org or call 919-656-5807

Looking forward to being there!

August Poll Results: Appendant Bodies

August poll results: If you could join only one appendant body besides your Blue Lodge, what would it be?

Royal Arch	230 (15%)
Cryptic Council	33 (2%)
Knights Templar	317 (20%)
Scottish Rite	525 (34%)
Allied Masonic Degrees	49 (3%)
Shriners	177 (11%)
Grotto	31 (2%)
Order of the Eastern Star	40 (2%)
Tall Cedars	10 (0%)
Widows Sons	56 (3%)
Other	63 (4%)

Poll closed. Thanks for voting.

St Bernard de Clairvaux AMD Council Tonight

I'll be speaking tonight at the quarterly meeting of St. Bernard de Clairvaux Allied Masonic Degrees Council in Indianapolis. Dinner begins at 5:30PM at Dawson's On Main at 1464 Main Street in Speedway.

Looking forward to being there.

Lodge Vitruvian Hosts Author Michael Halleran

Lodge Vitruvian No. 767 welcomes author Michael Halleran on Tuesday, October 23rd, 2012. Stated Meeting will be held at the temple of Broad Ripple Lodge, 1716 Broad Ripple Avenue in Indianapolis at 7PM.

Festive Board to follow the meeting at the nearby Capri Restaurant, 2602 Ruth Drive, Indianapolis, Indiana, (off Keystone Avenue between 71st and 75th Streets)

The Festive Board will feature our guest speaker Bro. Michael Halleran. Bro. Halleran is a practicing attorney who has written and lectured on Freemasonry in both the United States and Great Britain. An active Freemason, he is Past Master of several lodges, mostly recently Justice Lodge No. 457; he is also an elected officer in the Grand Lodge of Kansas.

Michael is the author of The Better Angels of Our Nature; Freemasonry in the American Civil War (2010), published by the University of Alabama Press, and more recently, of Bro. Brother's Journal, available from Macoy Publishing.

Dinner will be $30.

For more information see the lodge website at www.vitruvian.org.