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
Reading Room
The Reading Room will open on Tuesday, April 30th, 2024, at 7 pm (ET). Our panel for the evening will be R∴W∴ Clifford T. Jacobs, Br. Jason W. Short, R∴W∴ Bill Edwards, and V∴W∴ Michael LaRocco. Our reading selection is from Manly P. Hall’s “Secret Teachings of All Ages.” We will be focusing on “Freemasonic Symbolism” (Pages 576-588).
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Masonic Ritual – “pillar officers”
Who are the “pillar officers” of a Lodge?
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.
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.
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?
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?
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?
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.
Masonic Ritual – three principal officers
If all three principal officers are absent from a Communication, can a Past Master or some other designated member open the Lodge?
Masonic Ritual – Extinguished Altar Light
What should a Lodge do if one of the Altar lights goes out?