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Chris Murphy, Grand Historian of the Grand Lodge of Vermont, announced this week his upcoming book, The Secret’s Kept Sacred, from Plumbstone. Without knowing exactly what’s between the covers, I’ll speculate his book contains the kind of research that our research lodges, grand historians, et al. should be busy producing. Namely, local history and its contexts. From the blurb:
Step into the vibrant world of early Vermont Freemasonry with this meticulously curated collection of orations, sermons, and songs from 1781 to 1811. Edited by Christopher B. Murphy, these eighteen works illuminate the philosophical and spiritual heart of the Craft during Vermont’s formative years.
From Ezra Styles’ eloquent 1781 address to Hosea Ballou’s stirring sermons, these voices reveal a brotherhood dedicated to universalism, charity, and enlightenment. Enhanced by detailed scholarly annotations and a vivid exploration of a 1798 Masonic trestleboard, this volume traces the origins and applications of Masonic traditions, symbols, and ideals, as they spread throughout the Green Mountain State.
The Secret’s Kept Sacred is an essential resource for Freemasons, historians, and anyone captivated by the enduring mysteries of the Craft in America’s early republic.
“Let this modest selection transport you to a time in early Vermont history when small groups of dedicated men sought to live by the lights of a grand experiment in which individuals pledged to unite in a way that transcended differences both petty and profound, in order to explore the path of initiation and reflect upon a symbolism that promised insight into valuable and timeless mysteries. Here, their voices offer us numerous perspectives upon the reasons why they became and remained Vermont Freemasons.”
Shawn Eyer
Managing Director of Communications and Education
George Washington Masonic National Memorial
