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Brother, A Term Like No Other

Brother, A Term Like No Other

What does it mean to be a Brother? Many who join our numbers do so because they want to be a part of something greater than themselves and long to find meaning in their life.

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Masons Must Preserve and Promote Our Past to Find Our Future

Masons Must Preserve and Promote Our Past to Find Our Future

One of the reasons I am proud to be a Freemason is our fraternity’s great history. At St. Patrick’s Lodge 4, chartered in 1766 in Johnstown, New York, we meet inside a wonderful and storied building where we are preparing to celebrate the centenary of its cornerstone ceremony.

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Strengthening the Masonic Fraternity

Strengthening the Masonic Fraternity

The purpose of our Masonic Fraternity has always been “to make some good men, better.” Freemasonry encourages its members to improve themselves, and to establish strong links among each other. In addition, some of these better men have felt a call to improve their communities, making Freemasonry a valuable asset for society. However, this important aspect doesn’t seem to be well understood by some. In this article we examine this situation further.

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The Pride of the Fraternity

The Pride of the Fraternity

Nearly 181 years ago, the Grand Lodge of the State of New York began the illustrious and monumental project of erecting a home for ailing Masons, their widows, and orphans. This dream finally became a reality a year later, on June 8, 1843, when 100 Masons signed a petition for the purpose of founding the asylum.

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A Stinging Reminder of the Virtue of Industry

A Stinging Reminder of the Virtue of Industry

Cultures around the world and across eons have recognized the sacred nature of the honeybee. In Freemasonry, the Beehive represents the work of the Master Mason and the industry of our lodges, as it inculcates team work and dedication as means toward shared security and prosperity.

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Friend to Friend Masonic Memorial

Friend to Friend Masonic Memorial

Discover the heartwarming story behind the Friend to Friend Masonic Memorial, a tribute to Masonic brotherhood and charitable giving. Learn how this unique monument came to be and its significance within Freemasonry.

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Rites, Rituals, and the Universal Journey to Manhood

Rites, Rituals, and the Universal Journey to Manhood

Ancient civilizations around the world had intricate rites of passage and initiations to propel their males from boyhood to adulthood. These emphasized transformation, mentorship, and the sacred. Freemasonry, a modern fraternity, with roots in the seventeenth century, echoes these ancient practices with its own initiation rituals.

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Meeting on the Level

Meeting on the Level

While attending lodge alongside such well-informed brethren, it is hard to resist placing them on a pedestal, but it is those two brothers at the apex of leadership in Freemasonry, M.W. Rubin and Ill. Samiec, who were the first to teach me this Masonic lesson. “We are all brothers just trying to do our parts,” as Grand Master Rubin phrased it.

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Religion and Freemasonry: A Third Approach

Religion and Freemasonry: A Third Approach

While Masonry has a strong ritual identity that often is confused with the liturgical actions of a religion, the goals and purposes of Masonry’s rituals are very different from those of worship.

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Masonic Mnemonics

Masonic Mnemonics

For millennia, mnemonics have been used by humanity to help cement in the mind information that may otherwise be difficult to retain. Yet, in today’s day and age, mnemonics are often overlooked as many turn to technology to assist and aid with memory. However advanced the profane world becomes outside the lodge, within the confines of the symbolic temple the art and science of memory will continue to be a treasured masonic tradition.

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Metropolitan Grand Lodge of London

Metropolitan Grand Lodge of London

We go inside the Metropolitan Grand Lodge of London with our Traveling Man, RW Anthony Prizzia. If you’re into Masonic history and grandeur, Freemasons’ Hall at 60 Great Queen Street, London is one for the bucket list!

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Freemasonry and the Irish Republican Army

Freemasonry and the Irish Republican Army

On April 24, 1922, gunmen of the Irish Republican Army seized Freemasons’ Hall in Dublin, commencing a 38-day occupation of the headquarters of the Grand Lodge of Ireland.

And that was the good news.

After the First World War, a Nationalist movement gained momentum in Ireland, which had been domineered by England since the reign of King Henry II in the twelfth century. By the twentieth century, something had to give, and the Irish Nationalists succeeded in winning independence for almost the entire island, and the Republic of Ireland was born. As you know, the six counties of Northern Ireland remain part of the United Kingdom. That’s a whole other story, but please know the Grand Lodge of Ireland unifies our Craft across Ireland—both the Republic and Northern Ireland—to this day.

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Masonic Ritual – Gavel Raps

Masonic Ritual – Gavel Raps

Knocking Three Times – What is the symbolic significance of the three (or two or one) gavel raps given by the principal officers during the Rituals of Opening and Closing?

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Beyond Ritual – Traveling with the Masters Word

Beyond Ritual – Traveling with the Masters Word

Embark on a remarkable journey into the rich symbolism at the heart of Freemasonry. As we explore the cryptic depths of our beloved fraternity, we will discover the profound importance hidden within the question, “What induced you to become a Master Mason??” This query’s solution contains layers of symbolic meaning that guide us through hallowed passages in our time-honored traditions.

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Masonic Ritual – Chamber of Reflection

Masonic Ritual – Chamber of Reflection

The Chamber of Reflection is an idea that originated in French continental Masonry. As with many elements of French Masonry, this idea was borrowed by Albert Pike and described in his book “The Porch and the Middle Chamber: Book of the Lodge.”

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The 1784 St. John’s Day Sermon

The 1784 St. John’s Day Sermon

Read the review of the four key points of the 1784 St. John’s Day Sermon, delivered by Rev. Uzal Ogden, on St. John the Evangelist Day 1784 in Morristown, New Jersey.

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Masonic Revival and Unity

Masonic Revival and Unity

On October 21, some 150 Freemasons assembled at Masonic Hall in New York City for the first Metropolitan Region Table Lodge, a ritualized communal meal exemplary of Masonic tradition.

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George Washington’s letters to the Jews of Newport

George Washington’s letters to the Jews of Newport

It is “to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance” that is most remembered from these letters from George Washington, partially because it is communicated by both writers, but I think mostly because it powerfully summarizes what is at stake.

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The Double-Headed Eagle: “The Great Work”

The Double-Headed Eagle: “The Great Work”

The Double-Headed Eagle is a symbol dating back to ancient cultures such as the Egyptians, Babylonians, etc. The oldest such motif ever discovered was found in Jiroft, Iran and dates back to 3000 B.C. The symbol is known to have esoteric and alchemical connotations.

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Masonic Ritual – DDGM About To enter

Masonic Ritual – DDGM About To enter

The District Deputy Grand Master is always announced as “about to enter” for his official visits. Does this mean he seeks admittance on other occasions in his District?

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Masonic Ritual – Sign of Fidelity

Masonic Ritual – Sign of Fidelity

When does a Mason come to the Sign of Fidelity? How can you tell when you’re being directly addressed and are therefore required to come to the Sign of Fidelity?

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Masonic Ritual – Three Great Lights

Masonic Ritual – Three Great Lights

Why do some systems of Masonry place the Three Great Lights directly in front of the Master in the East, while others such as ours situate the Three Great Lights on a centrally located Altar?

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PRESS RELEASE: SHADOWS IN THE CITY

PRESS RELEASE: SHADOWS IN THE CITY

MoMA, the Museum of Modern Art in New York is presenting international painter/filmmaker Ari Roussimoff’s 1991 Expressionist-Surreal-Horror-Art movie “Shadows In The City”. The film will run from October 5 to 11, 2023 at the museum, 11 West 53rd Street, New York, NY 10019.

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Celebrating 100 Years – Freemasonry In Finland

Celebrating 100 Years – Freemasonry In Finland

On May 2, 1922, the Grand Lodge of New York, in the spirit of Fraternity, assisted in the founding of the Grand Lodge of Finland. On August 18, 1922, MW Tompkins and four other Masonic representatives from the Grand Lodge in the State of New York led the ritual in the Säätytalo at the first Masonic session of independent Finland where 27 Brothers received all three degrees on the same day.

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Masonic Ritual – Meeting of the Deacons

Masonic Ritual – Meeting of the Deacons

Where should the Deacons meet when approaching the West to communicate the word/password to the Senior Warden as part of purging the Lodge?

The Standard Work and Lectures does not detail this with any specificity, but rather allows each Lodge to decide how and where the Deacons meet.

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A Brotherhood of hearts

A Brotherhood of hearts

Freemasonry has the power and potential to uplift, inspire, and nourish the soul on its lifelong journey of self-discovery and spiritual evolution.

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Eclipse

Eclipse

“Eclipse” is about individuals who search for light even under the most unfortunate circumstances. They take a unique journey within themselves, a journey that will eventually benefit all humankind.

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Masonic Ritual – The Master’s Carpet

Masonic Ritual – The Master’s Carpet

The short answer is that the space between the Altar and the East should not be called the Master’s Carpet. The medium answer would direct your attention to the Glossary entry in the Ritual book.

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My Brother

My Brother

Saying we are Brothers is not enough; I want to know that if I were to pass away tomorrow, you would shed a tear and that I would do the same for you. The true goal is not the tears that fall for a lost Brother, but to form a strong bond of Brotherhood while we are still together.

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The Lincoln Degree

The Lincoln Degree

Members of the Valley of Rockville Centre AASR NMJ performed “The Last Full Measure” aka the Lincoln Degree. The title is an important line in the Gettysburg Address.

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Apron of the Rose

Apron of the Rose

Each time I create a painted Masonic Apron, I intend for it to be a statement in more ways than one. This way the great Masonic history of aprons is being brought into the here and now and therefore also into the future.

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My Grandfather’s Jewel

My Grandfather’s Jewel

I have just found my grandfather’s Past Master jewel inside of a box. I can make out the “HGCW” monogram on the jewel.

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Masonic Ritual – On The Level

Masonic Ritual – On The Level

What is meant by “come down on the level”? Do Brothers seated in the sidelines have to come into the main working area of the Lodge to be “on the level”?

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Rebirth

Rebirth

“Rebirth” is the title of this painting from 2008. It is the right side panel of my three-painting Masonic triptych titled “Parable of Light and Dark.”

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The Benefits of Freemasonry

The Benefits of Freemasonry

Freemasonry is a centuries-old fraternal organization that is shrouded in mystery and misconceptions. What is it, exactly, that draws men to join this esteemed organization?

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Start with WHY

Start with WHY

In 2009, Simon Sinek’s bestseller, “Start with WHY” changed the basic principles of brand marketing. Starting with your why creates an opportunity to share your passion and form an authentic connection.

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From Operative to Speculative

From Operative to Speculative

Operative Freemasons were skilled craftsmen who honed their abilities in building to provide shelter from the elements and to create works of art that conveyed a sense of unity and harmony.

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Freemasonry As a Way Of Awakening

Freemasonry As a Way Of Awakening

France’s Rémi Boyer has immersed himself for decades in studying philosophies and initiatory rites, among other things, and has authored a book for understanding Freemasonry.

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History of Western Star Lodge #15

History of Western Star Lodge #15

The history of Western Star Lodge #15 dates back to the early settlement Oneida County. The lodge first met in 1796, in a location that was known as Farwell’s Hill.

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Freemasonry in New York State

Freemasonry in New York State

No one knows exactly when the first Mason stepped foot on the shores of the new world, but Freemasonry was established in the British colonies of North America began sometime in the 1730s.

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Holiday Drinks for 2022

Holiday Drinks for 2022

In case you need a few suggestions for a wine/spirit to bring to an event, because you can’t show up empty handed here are a few suggestions.

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Masonic Thanksgiving

Masonic Thanksgiving

While President Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday to be held on the last Thursday of the month of November, it may not surprise Masons to learn that Bro. George Washington was the first to issue a Presidential Proclamation in 1789.

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Diversity of Thought

Diversity of Thought

MASONIC MENTORINGDiversity of Thought How Freemasonry encourages collaboration and the exchange of personal viewpointsFreemasonry is a social activity. I am a member of a Puerto...

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Masonic Reading Groups

Masonic Reading Groups

A Masonic reading group is the perfect way to stay connected with your Brothers during the summer months. Here’s a quick start guide!

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Fez Friday, Khartum SHRINERS

Fez Friday, Khartum SHRINERS

The Shrine fez bearing the name Khartum, so familiar to many people in Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario today, was relatively unknown until 1905 when Khartum Temple was introduced, established, and chartered in Winnipeg, Manitoba, through the efforts of members of the Masonic Order, Scottish and York Rites and the Shrine of North America.

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Fez Friday, Sphinx Shriners

Fez Friday, Sphinx Shriners

Sphinx Shriners came into being because there was a need for a Shrine Temple in the rapidly growing Hartford area at the turn of the nineteenth century. Looking to the future, Sphinx Shrine is actively seeking new members who will continue to support Shriners Hospitals for Children® and build upon the many accomplishments of the past 120 years.

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Fez Friday, El Zaribah Shrine Temple

Fez Friday, El Zaribah Shrine Temple

On June 24, 1896, a charter was issued to El Zaribah Shrine Temple in an area identified as the Arizona Territory. El Zaribah is said to be translated into “Hunter’s Paradise.”

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Fez Friday, India Temple

Fez Friday, India Temple

On July 25, 1894, a charter was issued establishing India Temple as the 65th temple to be organized. India’s rich and colorful heritage has touched and left its influence on two centuries as well as two cultures, territorial and state.

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Fez Friday, Ararat Shrine

Fez Friday, Ararat Shrine

Ararat Shrine was chartered in 1888 by the Imperial Council of the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, later to be renamed Shriners International. Ararat was the 38th Shrine Temple to be granted a charter.

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Fez Friday, Isis Shrine

Fez Friday, Isis Shrine

On March 19, 1887, 14 elected officers sent a petition to the Imperial Counsel for a dispensation for a Temple to be known as Isis Temple, and it was granted on March 29, 1887.

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Fez Friday, Kosair Shrine Temple

Fez Friday, Kosair Shrine Temple

In 1923, the Kosair Shrine Temple formed Kosair Charities Committee, Inc. and purchased six acres of land on Eastern Parkway for a hospital where children could receive quality healthcare. Kosair Charities owned the hospital.

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Fez Friday, Murat Temple

Fez Friday, Murat Temple

The Murat Temple was chartered on June 4, 1884, and was the 17th Shrine Temple. Right from the start, the Indianapolis Shrine was noteworthy. While we don’t know why the name was chosen, the name was the first not to have Arabic origin.

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Fez Friday, Islam Temple

Fez Friday, Islam Temple

In the late 1800s, Aleppo Shrine was the largest Temple and usually remained in the top 5 largest temples until about the 1980s.

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Benjamin Franklin

Benjamin Franklin

January 17, 1706: Writer, scientist, inventor, statesman, diplomat, printer, publisher and political philosopher.

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Benedict Arnold

Benedict Arnold

January 14, 1740: American soldier, British soldier and traitor to the American Revolution.

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Fez Friday, Aleppo Shrine

Fez Friday, Aleppo Shrine

In the late 1800s, Aleppo Shrine was the largest Temple and usually remained in the top 5 largest temples until about the 1980s.

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Tim Horton

Tim Horton

January 12, 1930: Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman & co-founder of the Tim Hortons coffee restaurant.

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Meanings of Masonic Symbols

Meanings of Masonic Symbols

There are many symbols associated with Freemasonry. In this post, we explore the meaning of George Washington, the All Seeing Eye and Lodge Officers.

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Adolph Zukor

Adolph Zukor

January 7, 1873: Hungarian-American Film producer & co-founder of Paramount Pictures.

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Fez Friday Damascus Shrine

Fez Friday Damascus Shrine

Whenever I travel, I make it a point to stop and visit Shrine Centers nearby. If open, I will introduce myself and usually receive a tour of the facility.

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Fez Friday, Ziyara Shrine

Fez Friday, Ziyara Shrine

The word “Ziyara” means “pilgrimage to holy place” but the members and Nobles of Ziyara Shrine, know that it means “The Friendly Temple.”

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King Camp Gillette

King Camp Gillette

January 5, 1855: Inventor of the Affordable, Disposable Safety Razor and Freemason from Boston, Massachusetts.

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Paul Revere

Paul Revere

American silversmith, engraver, early American Patriot and Freemason.

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Sad Tidings Mrs. Joanne Kessler

Sad Tidings Mrs. Joanne Kessler

It is with a deeply troubled heart that we learned that our First Lady of New York Masonry, Mrs. Joanne Kessler, has been called to the Celestial Home above.

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“Obligations”

“Obligations”

“Obligations”, Painted Masonic Apron painted by Bro. Ari Roussimoff. Read more on the story of this Masonic artwork.

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Fez Friday, Melha Shrine of Springfield, MA

Fez Friday, Melha Shrine of Springfield, MA

Melha Shrine of Springfield, MA. Melha #78 was chartered on June 14, 1898. There are a little over 900 members who are active in a wide variety of Clubs and Units within the Shrine. Melha supports the Shriners Hospitals located in Springfield and Boston. They recently relocated and the new Shrine Center is in Agawam, MA.

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Fez Friday, Welcome

Fez Friday, Welcome

Next to Masonic Rings and Aprons, the Fez is one of the most identifiable accessories of a Freemason. We are proud to salute Shriners by highlighting member’s Fezzes and the story behind them.

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Masonic Melody

Masonic Melody

This Knights Templar painted apron deals with the symbolic nature of the historic Templars as they exist as an inspiration within some areas of Freemasonry.

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Chamber of Reflection

Chamber of Reflection

This Knights Templar painted apron deals with the symbolic nature of the historic Templars as they exist as an inspiration within some areas of Freemasonry.

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Knights Templar Apron

Knights Templar Apron

This Knights Templar painted apron deals with the symbolic nature of the historic Templars as they exist as an inspiration within some areas of Freemasonry.

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Masonic Charity

Masonic Charity

FAITH. HOPE. CHARITY.Charged With CharityCharity is the brightest jewel in the Masonic crownEditor's note: This article was originally published on The Midnight Freemasons blog...

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Traveling Men – Puerto Vallarta

Traveling Men – Puerto Vallarta

A few years ago, I was invited to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, by some close friends to scuba diving. This was one of my favorite Masonic memories, and it would never have happened if I did not travel and take the time to meet Brothers from far and wide.

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Remembering September 11

Remembering September 11

Craftsmen Online remembers September 11, 2001 with the words of MW Carl J. Fitje, Past Grand Master, Grand Lodge of New York.

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Traveling Men

Traveling Men

As most Masons know we love to refer to ourselves as Traveling Men. But do you travel? Have you really taken advantage of how and what traveling means in our prestigious fraternity?

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Brother Thomas W. Bradley

Brother Thomas W. Bradley

Brother Thomas W. Bradley’s life would forever change after becoming a Freemason. His life focus would shift from craftsmen, Civil War veteran, to an upright man and Mason.

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The Working Tools of Entered Apprentice

The Working Tools of Entered Apprentice

Within each degree, the instruction on the Working Tools is one of the most beautifully written parts of Masonic ritual. We examine how an Entered Apprentice can literally divide their time with the use of the 24-inch gauge.

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The 33 Degrees in Freemasonry

The 33 Degrees in Freemasonry

There are 33 degrees in Freemasonry. Our degrees began in France in the year 1725. The new class of scholarly men (Speculative Masons) had discovered written legends from the old Operative Masons.

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Clandestine Masonry

Clandestine Masonry

Often, when we think of clandestine masons, the idea of someone wearing a masonic ring purchased at an estate sale, possessing an apron that is not their own, or claiming to know “our secrets.”

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1945 Grand Lodge

1945 Grand Lodge

In April 1945, as Most Worshipful Froessel was concluding his first year as Grand Master, he was confronted with a Grand Lodge dilemma – balancing his Masonic obligation by the laws of the land.

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The Grand Lodge of Rhode Island

The Grand Lodge of Rhode Island

While the Grand Lodge of Rhode Island is a small Masonic Jurisdiction, we have a large and historic heritage with connections to our colonial Brethren.

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The Last Moon Lodge in New York State

The Last Moon Lodge in New York State

Warren Lodge #32 holds the historical relevance of being the “Last Moon Lodge in New York State.” RW Steven Adam Rubin shares this story and how Masons can support this special institution.

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The Tree of Life

The Tree of Life

Many theologians look to The Tree of Life to unlock the mysteries of spiritual liberation. Bro. Rene Perez breaks down its meanings for Freemasons.

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Oriental Shrine

Oriental Shrine

RW Anthony Prizza shares the history and work of New York State’s most northern Shrine Temple – the Oriental Shrine.

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Sight Through Symmetry

Sight Through Symmetry

Throughout March, Bro. Erik LaMarca’s art is part of an exhibition on symmetry at Solas Studio in the Flatiron District.

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Masonic Books You Should Read

Masonic Books You Should Read

Five books every Brother should read for a better understanding of the esoteric and hidden meanings behind the mystical principles within the Craft.

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A Message from the Grand Lecturer

A Message from the Grand Lecturer

My Brothers I have Stage 4 kidney failure. I am writing you today to see if any Brothers would enter the process of being matched for a potential kidney donation.

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It’s a Wonderful (Masonic) Life

It’s a Wonderful (Masonic) Life

There’s a reason why we love It’s a Wonderful Life: watching George Bailey’s story causes us to examine our own. Reflecting on the Masonic year has the same effect.

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Conductor – A Very Important Person

Conductor – A Very Important Person

Must we have a conductor in our rituals? Absolutely, no two ways about that. The experience of leading and guiding a candidate and Brother, is very enriching regardless of what degree it takes place.

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Steps for Shriners Hospital

Steps for Shriners Hospital

Meet Bro. Eric Morobito aka “The Walking Man.” Over the past 11 years, he has raised more than $60,000 for Shriners Hospitals, by walking.

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Remembering MW Robert R. Livingston

Remembering MW Robert R. Livingston

Most Worshipful Robert R. Livingston served as Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons in the State of New York. His influence on New York Masons is obvious, especially with the Chancellor Robert R. Livingston Masonic Library.

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Opening and Closing of the Lodge Ritual

Opening and Closing of the Lodge Ritual

The functions of the Opening and Closing Ritual extends beyond stations and places. WB Galen Kabak details how this ceremony prepares Brothers to work together in harmony and balance.

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