MASONIC EDUCATION
READING ROOM
A Virtual Home for Masonic Scholars
Too often, too much of our Masonic experience is consumed by the mundane yet necessary work of attending to the business of our Lodges. And while the social and charitable aspects of our Craft are cherished parts of our tradition, they too can command an inordinate share of our time and efforts. But what of improving ourselves as men and Masons? There is an undeniable thirst in modern Freemasonry for the esoteric knowledge entrusted to the care of well-informed brethren.
For as long as the Craft has existed, brethren have gathered together outside of their regular communications to exchange Masonic ideas and insights. Yet for some brothers, whether due to distance or the many demands of modern life, this experience hasn’t been within reach.
Until now.
Thinkers wanted, apply within
We proudly present Craftsmen Online’s Reading Room, a Masonic Reading Group presented in a hybrid (online and in-person) format. These meetings focus on a reading selection from a Masonic book, discussed by a panel of Brothers during a secure Zoom Meeting. Our programs are free, open to all Masons in good standing, and those with an interest in the Ancient and Gentle Craft of Freemasonry. Additionally, all programs are recorded and available on our YouTube channel.
OUR NEXT EVENT
The Reading Room will open on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, at 7 pm (ET) with special guest Bro. Mark Stavish. Our reading selection is from Bro. Stavish’s book “The Path of Freemasonry“, Chapter 8: Occult Masonry of the Eighteenth Century.
Click on the link below to download your FREE copy of this material.
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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.
Masonic Ritual – Changeover or Close to another Degree?
Masonic Ritual – Can we open on the First Degree and use the Changeover to move to the Second Degree?
Masonic Ritual – Examinations in Open Lodge
Masonic Ritual – Do Entered Apprentices and Fellowcrafts have to be examined in open Lodge before they progress to the next Degree?
Lafayette Bicentennial – A Hero’s Homecoming Honored
Learn how Lafayette was recognized by New York Freemasons for his exemplary leadership and unwavering dedication to the principles of Freemasonry.
Masonic Ritual – Does “Brethren” Trigger the Sign of Fidelity?
Masonic Ritual – Is it correct that everyone should come to the Sign of Fidelity when the Master says “Brethren”?
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.
Masonic Ritual – Balloting or Examining on the Day of a Degree
Masonic Ritual – Is it okay to ballot on candidates or examine candidates on the day of the Degree?
1867 to Eternity: Hugh Barkley Bull and the Beginnings of Wallkill Lodge 627
Few men or Masons ever reach the inconceivable heights of profound distinction. For many, their records, merits, and achievements vanish into history. One such Mason, who was revered and remembered for a life of selfless service, but whose memory is all but lost, is Brother Hugh Barkley Bull.
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.