Blog
All blog content is the property of Craftsmen Online and can only be re-used or re-published with the expressed permission of Craftsmen Online. Click here to contact our publisher.
Do you have an article or thought piece that you would like to share? Click here to submit your content to our editorial team.
Fez Friday, Abdallah Shrine
The Abdallah Shrine was founded on March 28, 1887, and chartered on June 20 in Leavenworth, Kansas.
Solidarity with the Grand Lodge of Ukraine
The Grand Lodge of New York answering the call of the distressed in providing a source of much-needed help to those adversely affected by these unprovoked acts of violence and war.
Hiram’s Designs – Ideals and Virtues
Whenever he is in a Lodge, a Freemason of any standing cannot help but be conscious of the symbolism in the room.
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.
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.
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.
Hiram’s Apron with King Solomon
“Obligations”, Painted Masonic Apron painted by Bro. Ari Roussimoff. Read more on the story of this Masonic artwork.
Benjamin Franklin
January 17, 1706: Writer, scientist, inventor, statesman, diplomat, printer, publisher and political philosopher.
Benedict Arnold
January 14, 1740: American soldier, British soldier and traitor to the American Revolution.
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.
Tim Horton
January 12, 1930: Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman & co-founder of the Tim Hortons coffee restaurant.
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.
Adolph Zukor
January 7, 1873: Hungarian-American Film producer & co-founder of Paramount Pictures.
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.
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.”
King Camp Gillette
January 5, 1855: Inventor of the Affordable, Disposable Safety Razor and Freemason from Boston, Massachusetts.
J. Stuart Blackton
January 5, 1875: Silent Era Filmmaker, the Father of American Animation and Masonic Brother.
Paul Revere
American silversmith, engraver, early American Patriot and Freemason.
Fez Friday, Syria Shrine, Pittsburgh
It was between the late 1880s and the early 1900s that the Syria Shrine enjoyed great membership growth and vigorous program activity.
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.
Fez Friday, Cyprus Shrine, Albany
Cyprus Temple #5 was formally organized on February 1, 1877, at New York National Guard, Ninth Brigade Headquarters in Albany, New York.
“Obligations”
“Obligations”, Painted Masonic Apron painted by Bro. Ari Roussimoff. Read more on the story of this Masonic artwork.
The Frank M. Totton Essay Contest
The Masonic Youth Committee is now accepting essays for the 2021-2022 Frank M. Totton Essay Contest. Deadline is January 17th.
On This Date In Masonic History – Grand Lodge of Idaho Formed
On This Date In Masonic History is a feature of Craftsmen Online. To learn more about this day in history, click on the link!
On This Date In Masonic History – MW Prince Hall
On This Date In Masonic History is a feature of Craftsmen Online. To learn more about this day in history, click on the link!
Fez Friday, Mecca Shrine, New York
Mecca Shrine was founded by a group of Masons in NYC that wanted to also be part of a fraternity that stressed fun and fellowship.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
Masonic Portrait of Brother General George Washington
George Washington is arguably the most famous Freemason. His portrait, painted by William Joseph Williams is a true Masonic treasure.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
Early Establishments of Masonic Regulations
After Freemasonry emerged into public view in 1717, a treasure trove of Masonic manuscripts was discovered and made public. Bro. Jim Simpson reviews these Masonic texts and teachings.
The Annual Daniel D. Tompkins Graveside Dedication
The annual Tompkins’ Graveside Dedication has become a cherished tradition among the Masons, who take the opportunity to reflect upon the celebrated, yet tragic, life of Most Worshipful Brother Daniel D. Tompkins.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
Oriental Shrine
RW Anthony Prizza shares the history and work of New York State’s most northern Shrine Temple – the Oriental Shrine.
Masonic Aprons, A Marriage of Art and Freemasonry
Masonic aprons, being professionally painted or created by amateur artists, have always been a part of folk art history from the late 1700’s up through the centuries.
Sight Through Symmetry
Throughout March, Bro. Erik LaMarca’s art is part of an exhibition on symmetry at Solas Studio in the Flatiron District.
The Ezra Ames Meritorious Service Award
Congratulations to RW Steven Adam Rubin for receiving the Ezra Ames Meritorious Service Award, the highest award of The Grand Chapter State of New York, Royal Arch Masons.
More Masonic Books You Should Read from our Grand Historian
Our Grand Historian shares (literally) thousands of books you should read. “Aside from Masonic books, there is a limitless resource of additional books, experiences, and insights available to the Seeker.”
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.
The Five Elements and Five Senses
“I found that there is a less known fifth element (Quintessence) that connects the other four elements and senses.”
Top 5 Best Wine/Bubbles For Valentine’s Day
Bottles of pure joy to share with your valentine this year! Great ideas that you can find at any liquor store.
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.
Top 5 Best Scotch Selections for the Perfect Holiday Gift
You need a gift that shows thought and class, something that doesn’t require you to know what size they wear, something you know they’ll actually use. You, my friend, need scotch.
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.
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.
Top 5 Best Bourbons for the Perfect Holiday Gift
Toast the Holidays with five bourbons that are easy to find and won’t break your budget. Enjoy responsibly!
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.
The History of the Purple Heart
The Purple Heart has a connection to Brother George Washington and a connection to New York State and a Grand Lodge of New York property.
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.
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.