"To preserve the reputation of the Fraternity unsullied must be your constant care."

BE A FREEMASON

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Freemasons For Dummies Now An Audio Book

Freemasons For Dummies is now available in an audio version! It is available for preorder and will be shipping on October 20th. The price is $24.95 and is narrated by Tom Dheere. Now you can listen in the car! The book is complete and unabridged.

To order, click here.

Saturday, September 27, 2014

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

California Masonic Symposium Sept 20 and 21 in Two Locations

Please join the Grand Lodge of California for the 14th Annual California Masonic Symposium: Freemasonry and the Creation of the American Republic.

The American Republic is a unique experiment in self-government, and its roots are in part found in the Freemasonry of the 18th century. The 14th Annual California Masonic Symposium will explore how this experiment in self-government has evolved through the years since 1776, and how Masonic principles have continued to guide its development for almost 250 years. The presenters will show that Freemasonry has influenced the course of self-government in several significant ways.
Event Details
The Symposium will be held on two dates and in two locations, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
  • September 20, 2014 | San Francisco Scottish Rite Masonic Center | 2850 19th Avenue, San Francisco
  • September 21, 2014 | Pasadena Scottish Rite Cathedral | 150 North Madison Avenue, Pasadena  
There are two registration options:
  • Full Symposium Fee | includes symposium and lunch | $30 per person
  • Symposium Only Fee | includes symposium only | $15 per person 
To register, click on the "Registration" button located at the top and bottom of this page.
Presenters' papers and panelists' notes will be published online at freemason.org > member center > masonic education.

About the Symposium
Initiated in 2001, the California Masonic Symposium brings together students of Freemasonry and Masonic scholars in an atmosphere of learning and discussion.  Open to Masons and the public, this event addresses a topic of historical and philosophical relevance to Masonry each year.  Past Symposium topics have included Freemasonry in Mexico and Latin America; Freemasonry and Secret Societies; Issues in Contemporary Freemasonry; The Age of Franklin; The American Enlightenment; Freemasonry and the American Frontier; Freemasonry and Women; Applied Masonry; Masonry, Military and the Emergence of American Democracy; and The Emergence of Speculative Masonry.


The Symposium is sponsored by the Grand Lodge of California, the California Masonic Foundation and the Institute for Masonic Studies.


To register, click here.

Friday, September 12, 2014

Speaking Monday and Saturday

I'll be speaking Monday, September 15th in Nashville, TN at Doric Lodge No. 732, with refreshments at 6:00PM and the talk at 7:00PM. The lodge is located at 2101 21st Avenue South. There is no dress code, so wear something comfortable.

Then I will be traveling to Ottawa, Canada to speak to Templum Fidelis Lodge on Saturday, September 20th. The lodge will tyle at 4:00PM. Lodges in their jurisdiction open on the first degree, and they will be going up to the third degree to receive in in-lodge paper from their newest Master Mason.

After lodge closes, we will retire to the lower banquet hall, where we enjoy a traditional Agape, and I will speak between dinner and dessert. Templum Fidelis is a Traditional Observance lodge, and dress code is black tie tuxedo.

For more information go to http://www.TemplumFidelis.com/

Contact the event planner no later than the 16th to confirm dinner reservations.

Looking forward to the coming week!


Thursday, September 11, 2014

Masonic Society and Philalethes Society Joint Symposium This Saturday

This is one final reminder that it is not too late to register for the Masonic Society/Philalethes Society Symposium this Saturday, September 13 at the Valley of Chicago Scottish Rite Cathedral in Bloomingdale, IL. Registration begins at 9:00 A.M. You may register on on the website or simply show up at the Scottish Rite on Saturday morning with $15.00. Registration for the banquet has closed. If you find yourself unexpectedly available, please join them for a great day of education and fellowship. 

There are five speakers in total. During the day: "Masonic Historical Research and Presentation," Alton G. Roundtree "The Role of Music and Song in Traditional Freemasonry," Shawn Eyer "The Mystery of Oak Island," Steven L. Harrison "Freemasonry and Law Enforcement: Compatible or Conflicting?" by Mark Robbins And the keynote speaker during the banquet is Andrew Hammer, author of Observing the Craft. The costs are: Symposium (Includes Continental Breakfast) $15.00.

Register here. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/masonic-society-philalethes-society-symposium-tickets-7769802689https://www.eventbrite.com/e/masonic-society-philalethes-society-symposium-tickets-7769802689

Tuesday, September 09, 2014

Self-declared 'king' who tried to burn Masonic lodge not guilty by reason of insanity


Cincinnati Lodge No. 3 in Morristown, New Jersey narrowly escaped being burned to the ground last year, thanks to the bravery of RW Brother Drew Jardine.

From NJ.com by Ben Horowitz: 
A Morris Township (New Jersey) man who was accused of trying to set the Morristown Masonic Lodge on fire — and who later told a judge he was a king — was found not guilty Tuesday by reason of insanity.John Mowbray, 53, had faced charges including aggravated attempted arson and burglary in connection with two break-ins at the lodge on Feb. 7 and 8, 2013.During a bail hearing a few days later, Mowbray said he was a king and maintained "this form of judicial system does not apply to me."Mowbray was initially declared incompetent to stand trial. But after a year of treatment at the Ann Klein Forensic Center, a state psychiatric hospital in West Trenton, a therapist said he was mentally competent.Superior Court Judge Robert Gilson in Morristown announced the verdict Tuesday following a short trial in which both sides agreed on the facts of the case and on Mowbray's mental state -- he was not sane at the time of the incident.Gilson, reading from reports by psychiatrists and police, for the first time gave an account of why Mowbray targeted the Masons.Mowbray, who damaged a grandfather clock at the lodge on Feb. 7 and then returned with gasoline containers to burn it down on Feb. 8, believed the Masons had stolen the clock from his grandfather and had also killed his grandfather, Gilson said.Mowbray, a schizophrenic, was "acutely psychotic" and believed the Masons and the Knights of Columbus were involved in a conspiracy to torture him, the judge said.During the second break-in, lodge member Andrew Jardine contacted police to report a "burglary in progress" and also "engaged in a fight" with Mowbray, Gilson said.The gas containers were found on the porch and Jardine told police that Mowbray said he "intended to burn the building down," Gilson said.Gilson cited a psychiatrist's report that said Mowbray has "regained competence" during treatment. However, he said, if Mowbray fails to take his medications, he will again be a "danger to himself and to others."Mowbray will return to Ann Klein pending another evaluation and a court hearing on his placement in 30 days.His attorney, John Whipple, said his family is hoping he may be placed at Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital in Parsippany, which would be "closer to home."Mowbray was previously found not guilty by reason of insanity in a 2008 Warren County case, according to court officials. He had been accused of leading police on a motor vehicle chase and striking two officers with his car, according to a Morris County assistant prosecutor.