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 on YouTube. These meetings focus on a reading selection from a Masonic book or Masonic theme, discussed by a panel of Brothers. Our programs are free, open to all Masons in good standing, and those with an interest in the Ancient and Gentle Craft of Freemasonry. All programs are recorded and available on our YouTube channel.
OUR NEXT EVENT
The next Craftsmen Online Reading Room will livestream on December 5th. Join our host, RWB Jason Short, and his guests for a conversation on “The Dhammapada“.
WATCH
BLOG
Are All Present Masons
Are there deeper meanings to the question Masons are asked at the start of a meeting? Learn how this phrase provides focus, help you grow, and contribute.
Bucharest: Capital of the Rite, Moment of Recognition
When I stepped into the hall in Bucharest, I was one New York Mason among 61 delegations from every corner of the world, yet the work felt unmistakably familiar. Under the leadership of Illustrious Brother Stelian Nistor, 33°, Romania had become, for a few days, the capital of the Scottish Rite, a place where civic leaders, sovereign grand commanders, and Prince Hall Supreme Councils finally recognized as full partners all sat under the same banner. It was a powerful reminder that when Masons travel with purpose, borders become meeting points rather than lines of division.
On the Nature of Ritual
I was recently asked to give a talk on the subject of “the power and purpose of ritual,” and I thought a good place to start that talk would be considering what ritual is in the first place.
Being an Upright Man in an Upside-Down World
Explore how the principles of Freemasonry, like Brotherly Love and uprightness, offer a timeless guide for men navigating a modern world filled with division and extremism.
Decorum, Etiquette and Protocol
At their base level, when we speak of Masonic Decorum, Etiquette and Protocol we’re talking about certain conventions we use—conventions of politeness that help us get along with one another.
The Mutual Duty to Maintain Fraternal Ties
Freemasonry offers extraordinary opportunities to form and nourish the bonds of union and friendship. Yet sometimes a Brother who has not attended regularly for some period of time will feel as though the members have forgotten about him.
Remember the Trowel
In an era of online division, a reminder to Freemasons about the true purpose of the Trowel—a tool to spread Brotherly Love, not to amplify political strife on social media.
Camino de Santiago
Read the 86-day walking journey, from Paris to Spain, to the Camino de Santiago. Learn what one Brother exerienced and learned during his physical and spiritual pilgrimage.
Mastering Your Trestleboard
Discover the strategy for planning your Lodge trestleboard; balancing tradition with innovation, and defining true “wins” in leadership and lodge growth.