‘MRF registration is open!’

    

Registration for the Masonic Restoration Foundation’s Fourteenth Annual Symposium opened this afternoon. The brethren will gather in Hamilton, Ontario the weekend of August 15. Click here. From the publicity:

The Masonic Restoration Foundation Symposium is the largest gathering of Masons in North America who are expressly committed to observing the highest standards of excellence in the Craft. This year, for only the second time, we are returning to Canada, to one of its most majestic Masonic locations: the Hamilton Scottish Rite Temple in Ontario. The Symposium will take place from August 15-17 and will be hosted by Templum Lucis Lodge 747.

As usual, the event will begin with a Harmony [Festive Board] on Friday evening, conducted by the MRF Board, and featuring comments from our Keynote Speaker, WB Ric Berman, Past Master of Quatuor Coronati Lodge 2076 in London, England.

Along with our usual line-up of interesting speakers, brothers will have the opportunity to witness a Fellow Craft Degree conferred by Heredom Lodge 749 on Saturday afternoon.

Registration for the Symposium costs $125 USD/$175 CAD, or $75 USD/$100 CAD for the Saturday session only.

We are hoping this Symposium will be an opportunity for an exchange of different perspectives and methods of Masonic practice in North America, and one that will especially bring in brothers from across Canada. All the information you need to participate is found here. We look forward to seeing you at the Symposium!

Featured Speakers & Panelists

Ric Berman, Past Master, Quatuor Coronati Lodge 2076, England; Past Grand Sword Bearer, UGLE.

Ed Burridge, Past Master, Templum Phoenix Lodge 57, Fredericton, NB; Past Deputy Grand Master, Grand Lodge of New Brunswick.

David Cameron, Past Grand Master, Grand Lodge of Canada [Ontario]; Secretary, Templum Lucis Lodge 747, Stratford, ON; Secretary, MRF.

Donald Carducci, Master, Victory Through Harmony Lodge 94, Montreal, QC.

Jean-Frédéric Dicaire, Past Master, Victory Through Harmony 94, Montreal, QC.

Philip Durell, Past Grand Master, Grand Lodge of British Columbia and the Yukon; Board Member, MRF.

Dan Graham, Master, Templum Lucis 747, Stratford, ON; Past Grand Director of Ceremonies, Grand Lodge of Canada [Ontario]. 

Andrew Hammer, Past Master, Alba Lodge 222, Washington, DC; PJGD (Hon.) & Deputy Grand Lecturer, Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia; President, MRF.

Chad Lacek, Secretary, Illumination Lodge 5, Chicago, IL; Grand Lodge Education Committee, Grand Lodge of Illinois.

Keynote Address

Origins, Allegory,

and the Enlightenment:

From the Horn Tavern

to Solomon’s Temple

Ric Berman

Ric Berman is a renowned Masonic historian and author of numerous books on the history and development of Freemasonry, and is a past Prestonian Lecturer. His Keynote Address on Friday evening will speak to the idea of the origin of Speculative Masonry, and why the trigradal system is the essence of the art. 

Opening Address

Why Do We Bother?

Andrew Hammer

Andrew Hammer serves as Deputy Grand Lecturer of the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia, and is the Chair of its Committee on Work and Lectures. He is author of Observing the Craft, a Fellow of the Philalethes Society and the Masonic Society.

Brother Hammer speaks to lodges throughout the world on observant Masonry, as well as philosophical aspects of the Craft. As President of the Masonic Restoration Foundation, he will give the opening address on Saturday morning. 

Closing Address

Kipling, Burns, and Observant Masonry

David Cameron

A long time advocate of observant Masonry, Brother Cameron was instrumental in supporting the effort of brethren to build observant lodges in Ontario whilst Grand Master. His closing address will deal not only with the thread that ties our weekend together, but also ties our work today with those who came before us.

     

‘Welsh Masons launch High 12 Gin’

    

PGL of Monmouthshire

“The gin-and-tonic has saved more Englishmen’s lives, and minds, than all the doctors in the Empire.”

Winston Churchill

Just in time for the return of warm weather here in the Northern Hemisphere, a new gin for Freemasons is coming to market.

“Market” is a relative term, because if you want to mix cocktails with this botanical spirit, its distribution is limited to Monmouthshire, Wales—and you’ll place your order through the Provincial Grand Lodge there. I’m game, but I know they won’t ship to the States.

In fact, my inquiries for any information to both the distillery and the brethren in Newport go unrequited. Sometimes that’s just the way it goes, but the PGL employed its social media accounts for the annunciation.

If you’re able to acquire this product (£30/bottle), feel free to click here for recipes of Masonic-friendly gin cocktails. Make your dad a drink, and maybe he’ll smell of elderberries. Vivat!

     

‘Manitoba anniversary in May’

    

If you know me in real life, you probably noticed my intense passion for Freemasonry in Canada. The Craft’s arrival there in the 1730s, its spread westward across the nation through the ensuing century and a half, and many Masons’ prominence in civil society parallel the dynamics seen in this country, and when the Great White North becomes No. 51 of these United States, Masonic brethren will become even closer knit kin.

In the meantime, the Grand Lodge of Manitoba will reach its sesquicentenary next month and will celebrate with a big bash in Winnipeg next Friday (buy your tickets and sponsorships here).

It was on May 12, 1875 in that capital city when three lodges—Prince Rupert 240, Lisgar 244, and Ancient Landmark 288—met in convention to form the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Manitoba, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. They would be renumbered 1, 2, and 3, respectively. This colossal event occurred precisely five years to the day after the Province of Manitoba itself was established and welcomed into the Canadian nation.

Here’s how the legal paperwork looks, per the Grand Lodge of Nova Scotia’s proceedings (I must have loaned out my Manitobas from that decade):

The following Preamble and Resolutions were submitted, to wit:

That whereas pursuant to the provisions of the British North America Act, Manitoba has been formed a separate and distinct Province, and as such is legally recognized as one of the confederated Provinces of the Dominion of Canada.

And whereas, there is no Grand Lodge of AF&AM existing in, or claiming jurisdiction over said Province.

And whereas, there are three constitutionally chartered Lodges in active existence therein.

And whereas, said Lodges are here duly and constitutionally represented as Lodges.

And whereas, this Convention is of opinion that the harmony, peace and highest interests of Masonry in the Province of Manitoba, require that a Grand Lodge be formed in and for said Province, and on the following conditions:

That the Constitution of the Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Canada be adopted, Mutatis Mutandis with the following amendment:

That all bearing upon the office of District Deputy Grand Master be struck out.

And that this Convention in the exercise of its inherent rights and constitutional usage and acting under and by the instructions of their respective Lodges.

RESOLUTIONS.

1st. Resolved, That a Grand Lodge be and is hereby declared duly established on the Constitution just named.

2nd. Resolved, That the title of the Grand Lodge shall be, THE MOST WORSHIPFUL THE GRAND LODGE OF MANITOBA, ANCIENT FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS.

3rd. Resolved, That the said Grand Lodge shall have, hold and exercise forever full and sovereign jurisdiction in and over said Province.

It was moved by R.W. Bro. W.C. Clarke, and seconded by R.W. Bro. Wm. N. Kennedy, that the Report of the Committee on Resolutions just read, be received and adopted by this Convention. Carried unanimously.

It was moved by R.W. Bro. W.C. Clarke, seconded by R.W. Bro. W.N. Kennedy,

That we, the Representatives of the three Warranted Lodges, being all the Lodges in this Province in Convention assembled, Resolve, that The Most Worshipful the Grand Lodge of Manitoba, AF&AM, be and is hereby formed upon the Ancient Charges and Constitution of Masonry. Carried unanimously.

The Grand Officers were subsequently elected and installed in due and ancient form.

And then there’s the Legislative Building!

Alas, it would be only two years into the Grand Lodge’s existence when an unmasonic and uncanadian disturbance would rock the fraternity. In 1877, a rift emerged between then Grand Master George Newcomb and Junior Grand Warden E. George Conklin. The former issued an edict concerning how lodges appointed investigating committees for petitioners; the latter, in his dual capacity as Master of the aforementioned Prince Rupert Lodge 1, refused to obey the order and soon found himself suspended. (I am unable to find this document thus far, so I cannot quote it to you.) In June of the following year, the Grand Lodge convened its third Grand Communication. There was talk of lifting the suspension if an apology was offered, but instead Conklin and several supporters disrupted the elections of officers and exited the meeting. Six months later, the rebels, including Past Grand Masters, organized a breakaway grand lodge, held two meetings of the same, and eventually found themselves expelled from Freemasonry. I mention this here because we New York Masons have schisms in our colorful history. It all sounds just bizarre in 2025.

The Magpie Mason wishes a happy anniversary to the brethren in the Keystone Province. I hope to visit one day.

     

‘New York to launch Académie Esoterica’

    

The Grand Lodge of New York will launch its Académie Esoterica in August to inculcate the meaning of Masonry in a long term series of classes and discussions, Grand Master Steven Adam Rubin announced this afternoon. Excerpted from his letter to the Craft:

I am pleased to introduce Académie Esoterica.

Freemasonry is an initiatic tradition that speaks in symbols, invites personal reflection, and guides us toward universal truths. It is this deeper journey, this inner path of growth and Light, that we now invite you to explore.

The Esoteric Classes of the Grand Lodge of New York are designed to enrich the mind and elevate the spirit. This multi-year program begins with two years of foundational study, followed by deeper explorations into the mysteries of our three degrees. Classes will be offered as monthly one-hour intensives, each paired with Esoteric Salons to engage in meaningful dialogue, debate and shared discovery.

The first-year course outline is above.

Registration details and the full schedule will follow shortly. Our first session, “The Goals of Esoteric Masonry,” launches at Grand Master’s Day at Camp Turk on Sunday, August 17 at noon. All Brothers are welcome.

Should you have any questions, please send an email here.

Grand Master’s Day at Camp Turk:

For all Brothers and families traveling from the Metro Area, round-trip bus transportation from Masonic Hall will be available for a small fee of $25. The bus is available to all, and not just those wishing to participate in the Esoteric Program. Bus payment details will be available after the Grand Lodge Session.

Should other Regions of the State wish to explore the possibility of a Grand Lodge/Trustee sponsored bus, please email RW Bro. Lorenzo Cesare here.

Come grow with us and seek Light with us, because within every Brother lies a greater self waiting to awaken.

     

‘Observations on the History of Masonic Research’

    

Nineteenth century Vermont apron as described
in the current issue of Philalethes. See below.

Masonic research can, and indeed should, include room for debate. It is only thus that brethren can get to the nub of a matter, sort the corn from the husk, and arrive at the best obtainable version of the truth. This would be done in a dignified and Masonic manner, and no brother should be verbally abused or ridiculed over his efforts in this regard.

I guess it had to be done, and evidently Bro. Kenneth Jack is just the guy to do it. The “it” is a primer on Masonic research, part one of which appears in the current issue (Vol. 77, No. 3) of Philalethes, the quarterly journal of the Philalethes Society. Part of his “Observations on the History of Masonic Research” informs us of such a debate, in print for all to see, as the grand lodge era approached its sesquicentennial. More on that later.

This lengthy essay is a tantalizing Part One that starts us on the formation of Quatuor Coronati Lodge 2076 in London which, as we know, is the first Masonic lodge chartered to be the “authentic school” for Masonic research, “taking a scientific, empirical approach to the study of Freemasonry.” He takes us into research societies, namely Philalethes, which was founded in 1928 and “devoted to fearless Masonic research.” Then comes an accounting of a number of periodicals in Great Britain from previous centuries. From England:

• The Freemasons Magazine

• The Freemasons’ Quarterly Review

• The Masonic Mirror

• The Freemason

• The Masonic Examiner

• The Freemason’s Chronicle

• The Masonic Illustrated

• Freemasons Magazine and Masonic Mirror

From Scotland:

• The Masonic Mirror

• The Scots Masonic Magazine

• The Scottish Freemasons’ Magazine

• The Masonic News

• The Scottish Freemasons’ Magazine

• The Scottish Freemason

• The Aberdeenshire Masonic Reporter

• The Masonic Gazette

• The Scottish Masonic Record

• The Scottish Freemason

• The Masonic Magazine of Glasgow

• The Dundee Masonic Magazine

• The Scottish Freemason

• The Aberdeen Masonic Reporter

There is much color in Bro. Jack’s telling. On the debate over the empirical research versus the intuitive, speculative side, he quotes the estimable Douglas Knoop:

Actually, the imaginative school did not consist of writers utterly careless as to their facts, nor ought the verification of facts, which is characteristic of the authentic school, to be considered sufficient in itself and as excluding all need of imagination. Imagination as a substitute for facts is useless: as a guide to facts it may be invaluable.

Jack also brings to light an argument on whether Freemasonry is Christian and ought to be reserved to Christians only—something I have heard myself over the years. A lengthy duel commenced in the July 28, 1866, issue of Freemasons Magazine and Masonic Mirror makes the modern Freemason marvel at how eminent Freemasons of the past voiced their disagreements. A terrific read, and I’m looking forward to Part II.

There is more in this issue of course. Bro. Chris Murphy of Fibonacci 112 in Vermont shows us beautiful regalia from that state from the early nineteenth century to tell us the story of the Eddy-Robinson aprons. He writes:

During the autumn of 2022, at Manchester, Vermont, in the deepest corner of a long-neglected basement closet, tucked in the back of a large safe and wrapped in a paper sack, a Masonic treasure was found: seven fragile aprons, appearing to date to the early 1800s. Five were differently ornamented Craft aprons, each printed from the same engraved plate; four on silk and the fifth on lambskin. The remaining two were matching examples of a Royal Arch design, printed on silk. Each bore the engraver’s mark “O Eddy, sc,” and under the flap of each were the words, “Published by Lewis Roberson.” The Craft aprons included the location “Weathersfield, Vermont,” and the HRA aprons noted their provenance as neighboring “Reading, Vermont.”

What follows is an engrossing history of Freemasonry in the Green Mountain State that quickly homes in on the lives of two brethren at Eastern Star Lodge 43. Thanks to his sleuthing, Murphy attributes the manufacture of these aprons to two Eastern Star brothers: Oliver Eddy and Lewis Roberson/Robinson, who were active during the early nineteenth century.

The lodge itself disappears in 1834 during the anti-Masonic hysteria (remember, Vermont was a nerve center in the panic, having a governor in 1831-35 elected on the Anti-Masonic Party ticket).

These aprons display symbols that any of us would expect from this period before grand lodges standardized their rituals, but Murphy’s all-seeing eye discerns a quirk: a key suspended from a heart.

I recommend this paper to you for an interpretation of this unique image, and encourage you to read this issue of the journal, and urge you to pursue membership in the Society as well. Click here.

     

‘Hammurabi on Long Island’

    

Encyclopedia Britannica

Stone carving showing Hammurabi

standing before a god. 

The Chancellor Robert R. Livingston Masonic Library and Museum of the Grand Lodge of New York has hosted a steady schedule of lectures on diverse Masonic subjects for years in Masonic Hall, and now it expands its reach, presenting more talks around our state—and always free of charge and open to the public.

On Friday, this Satellite Live Lecture Series will launch at Smithtown Lodge 1127 on Long Island. Bro. Frank Ida, a Past Master of the lodge, will discuss “Masonic Beginnings in the Code of Hammurabi.”

The publicity says: “The Code of Hammurabi, a collection of laws and decrees created by Babylonian King Hammurabi around 1754 BC, is one of the oldest and most complete legal texts from the ancient world. While not directly related to the origins of Freemasonry, the code’s emphasis on justice, order, and social responsibility resonates with the principles of the fraternal organization.”

Doors will open at 7 p.m. at 34 River Road.

(I think they should move this a few miles south to Babylon Lodge, but no one consults me.) 

On Saturday, May 3 in Troy, a trio of speakers will go “Behind the Square and Compass: A Journey into Freemasonry.”

RW Michael LaRocco, Executive Director of the Livingston Library, will emcee the event. Your speakers will be:

■ Bro. Keith Dobbs on “Curiosity & Personal Journey”

■ VW Jason Chaplin on “From Operative Masonry to Speculative”

■ Bro. Jerad Gribben on “Symbolism and Rituals in Freemasonry”

This will be in the Troy Masonic Community Center (39 Brunswick Road) at two in the afternoon.

Again, admission is free, but it’s wise to book your seats. Click here and maybe I’ll see you there.

     

‘Washington museum catalog now online’

    

GL of Washington

The Masonic Library & Museum of the Grand Lodge of Washington announced yesterday how its museum collection catalog is viewable online now. From the publicity:

Our Museum Collection

is Viewable Online

Curious what artifacts we preserve at the Washington Masonic Library & Museum? Our catalog is now viewable online! Check it out via the Washington Masonic Services website here.

Just some of the items viewable online include a Grand Lodge of Washington Territory Banner (c. 1858), panoramas of Washington Grand Lodge meetings held in the 1920s, historic lesser lights from Steilacoom Lodge 2, a Masonic Grandfather clock (c. 1910s), and so much more. Every month more museum artifacts are added to this digital collection. Remember to check back periodically to see what is new.

Washington State’s history is deeply connected with Freemasonry, a fact explored in depth at the Masonic Library & Museum. This institution sheds light on how Masons, including the state’s first governor and numerous influential figures, like legislators and judges, have shaped its governance and community. Even today, Masonic members play a significant role in various local and state sectors.

The museum showcases the enduring impact of Masonic values from the state’s early days to the present. Our professional curator works in partnership with the volunteers who are the Masonic Library & Museum’s foundation and have cared for it since its inception. Together, this team tends to approximately 50,000 Masonic books, photos, and documents, plus 6,000 artifacts that comprise our collections.

The Masonic Library & Museum is a service available to the individuals, lodges, and the community at large. Those seeking to expand their knowledge of Freemasonry will find this to be an invaluable resource, with many items available online. The professional expertise of the WAMS curator is an opportunity for lodges to learn best practices to safeguard the important Masonic artifacts that they hold.

     

‘Music is a language of delightful sensations’

    

Two live music concerts to tell you about. Sorry this first one comes so late, but I learned of it only today. Wish I could go. All the info you need is in the above advertisement.

However, a few weeks off, the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts will host “A Concert for Brotherhood, Family, and Future” at the Boston Masonic Building. From the publicity:

Boston Latin American Quartet.

Brother, you are invited to the Grand Lodge Gala 2025, presented by the Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts in support of Massachusetts Rainbow Girls and DeMolay.

Eliot Fisk and Zaira Meneses.

Join us for an afternoon of world-class music featuring celebrated artists Zaira Meneses, classical guitarist; Eliot Fisk, virtuoso guitarist; and Boston Latin American Quartet, celebrating rich musical traditions.

Sunday, May 4

186 Tremont Street, Boston

Doors open at 1 p.m. followed by hors d’oeuvres reception. Tickets are on sale now here. Business Attire.

The headline of this edition of The Magpie Mason is borrowed from the lecture of the Fellow Craft Degree, as rendered in New York.

     

‘What’s the deal with Masonic Hall on Seinfeld?’

    

Castle Rock Entertainment

Masonic Hall makes a cameo in an episode of Seinfeld from 1992–not that there’s anything wrong with that.

This is old news but, since I recently snapped the image above, and today is the Mets’ home opener, here we are. I finally made the effort to capture the fleeting shot of Sixth Avenue in a manic scene in one of the defining episodes of one of the most hilarious television programs of the 1990s.

Titled “The Boyfriend,” this was the first two-part episode of Seinfeld, broadcast originally on February 12 and 19, 1992, the era of the show when its writing, acting, direction, and photography reached their apex, making the comedy the unique epochal document its admirers, like myself, remember today.

(Another episode, titled “The Outing,” broadcast February 11, 1993, upheld “the NYU paper” for ridicule. I had been News Editor of The Washington Square News until recently, making that Seinfeld story especially funny and memorable. I watched it that night with fellow WSN alums, giggling like idiots—not that there’s anything wrong with that.)

“The Boyfriend” is one of those stories that keeps the stars simmering one degree below insanity. Jerry befriends Mets great Keith Hernandez. Through Jerry, Hernandez meets and begins dating Elaine. George, unemployed again, tries to snaffle undeserved unemployment insurance benefits from his case worker. Kramer, with Newman, allege Hernandez had spit on them after a Mets loss to the Phillies five years previously.

Jerry stresses over how to interact with his new and famous friend, worried about his choice of shirt. Elaine dates the Mets legend, meeting at the old Fitzpatrick’s on the UES while he regales her with Game 6 excitement. Kramer and Newman unpack their spitting accusation, which leads to a devilish satire of Oliver Stone’s JFK, released two months earlier, was still in theaters, featured Wayne Knight, and would be nominated for eight Oscars the following Wednesday. Now that is one magic scene!

And then there’s George.

He attempts to con the state unemployment benefits system by claiming he recently had interviewed for a position at latex manufacturer Vandelay Industries, giving Jerry’s address and phone number for its contact info. After leaving his case worker, George maniacally races uptown to Jerry’s apartment to enlist his complicity in the fraud. In a cab heading up Sixth Avenue, he harries his driver with maddening backseat driving. The cabbie (Richard Assad), exasperated, pulls over and throws his fare out of the car.

This happens at the corner of Twenty-Third and Sixth, where stands Masonic Hall, plainly visible in the b-roll shot, as you see above.

In the end, George’s plot explodes in calculated madness, leaving him sprawled on Jerry’s floor, pants around his ankles, prompting Jerry to deliver a line said to have been improvised: “And you want to be my latex salesman?!”

Castle Rock Entertainment

And that was only the first of the two episodes.

The neighborhood looks different today. That Icon Parking lot on the right is long gone—yada, yada, yada—the 22-story luxury apartment building, annoyingly named The Caroline, was completed on the site in 2002.

Of the multitude of reasons why Masonic Hall is a legend amid the cityscape, I’d say its cameo in this Seinfeld episode ranks among the top 200.

     

‘Hermitix on Freemasonry’

    

It’s not possible to keep track of all the podcasts out there. Hermitix is not devoted to covering Freemasonry specifically, but inevitably it comes up. Its host—I guess the Hermit-in-Chief—James de Llis says it is “focusing on one-on-one interviews relating to fringe philosophy, obscure theory, weird lit, underappreciated thinkers and movements, and that which historically finds itself ‘outside’ the academic canon. The aim of the podcast is to allow autodidactic thinkers, amateur philosophers and the generally curious an insight into the work of thinkers who are often impenetrable to those outside of the academy.”

Cue Bro. John Michael Greer.

Author of multiple books on subjects from druidry and wicca to tarot and Golden Dawn, Greer is a repeat guest on the show, and was back last Thursday for more than an hour of fun chat about the Craft and Greer’s experiences. Enjoy.

     

‘Back in the SRRS’

    

(With apologies to Dirk McQuickly of the Rutles.)

A tiny preview of this year’s Heredom
seen this week on social media.

Just because you’re not a Scottish Rite Mason doesn’t mean you cannot be part of the Scottish Rite Research Society. After an embarrassingly long absence from the SRRS, I rejoined yesterday, inspired by Chris Ruli’s visit to The ALR (see post below).

Looking forward to reading the scholarship this excellent group gathers and presents to us. Heredom Vol. 32 is due this fall. There’s also The Plumbline newsletter, in electronic form now from what I hear, plus the annual bonus book, which never disappointed me in the past.

SRRS

Click here to join or rejoin or renew.

     

‘Franco-American history at The ALR’

    

Our presenters last night at The American Lodge of Research were Bro. Chris Ruli and Bro. Erich Huhn, who discussed Lafayette and Tocqueville, based on both Frenchmen’s tours of the United States in the 1820s and ’30s.

The American Lodge of Research contributed to New York Freemasonry’s celebration of the Marquis de Lafayette last night by hosting Bro. Chris Ruli, author of Brother Lafayette.

Ruli published the book last summer, in time for the bicentenary of Lafayette’s farewell tour of the United States, having been invited by President (and Freemason) James Monroe and hosted jointly by the Masonic fraternity. Hailed as The Hero of Two Worlds, the young French officer played significant roles in the American Revolution. At age 66, he sailed to the United States and undertook a tour of all 24 states (albeit with only one step into Mississippi!) and the District of Columbia between August 1824 and September 1825, and was feted by civil, military, and Masonic authorities everywhere as “The Nation’s Guest.”

Bro. Lafayette’s portrait hangs
outside our lodge room.

Speaking to the lodge, Ruli retraced Lafayette’s travels and explained the tour’s significance to Freemasonry and how it should be understood in historical contexts, including the anti-Masonic movements of the nineteenth century. Lafayette visited a variety of locations here in New York State and was initiated into Royal Arch Masonry at Jerusalem Chapter and into Templary in Morton Commandery in New York City.

Before Chris took to the lectern, Bro. Erich Huhn, the Junior Deacon of the lodge, discussed another Frenchman’s historic ties to the United States: Alexis de Tocqueville. His tour of the country spanned through 1831 and 1832 and resulted in the landmark book Democracy in America.

Tocqueville, a historian and political philosopher, came to study the nature and habits of Americans, noting, among other things, how the citizens of the growing republic were self-reliant and enjoyed the practice of banding together in voluntary associations, a common reality completely different from life in Europe.

Huhn explained how Freemasonry’s teachings fit into Tocqueville’s observations, particularly the ways lodges of that period served as workshops in democratic practices.

The ALR’s next meeting will be Monday, June 30 at 7 p.m. inside the French Doric Room of Masonic Hall in Manhattan for our annual elections and installation of officers. Before then, though, we’ll get together for a festive board to commemorate a significant event in New York Masonic history. Details to come.

     

‘France’s Museums Night to include the GOF’

    

Sortir à Paris

Speaking of the Grand Orient (see post below), France’s 21st annual Museums Night will include the Musée de la Franc-Maçonnerie, located inside the GOF’s headquarters. That’s Saturday, May 17. If you’re in town, the address is 16 rue Cadet 75009 Paris 9.

Throughout Paris and beyond, Museums Night is an occasion of free admission to enjoy the exhibits, events, and other programs in all kinds of museums. From Sortir à Paris:

Sortir à Paris

Nuit des Musées 2025 is back for a 21st edition full of surprises, in Paris and across Europe. Art lovers can’t wait to take advantage of this exceptional free night-time event, during which museums invite us to enjoy different activities every year. New installations, prestigious guest artists, as well as guided tours, evening strolls, concerts, shows, and children’s activities bring the museums to life for an evening, or perhaps a night.

The Musée de la Franc-Maçonnerie is taking part in the 21st Nuit des Musées on Saturday, May 17, giving you the chance to discover the influence of Freemasonry on the evolution of society! Are you ready for this cultural nocturne?

For Museums Night, we’re off to discover the Museum of Freemasonry, which is opening its doors to us free of charge. This unusual museum lifts the veil on the intriguing history of this organization, initiated in 1778 by Benjamin Franklin. Thousands of documents testify to the role played by lodges in the history of the Republic, particularly in the choice of its values: tolerance, secularism and solidarity.

More than two centuries of history are presented in 400 square meters. Ritual decorations and objects belonging to lodges and Masons are on display, as are seals, jewels, medals, manuscripts, engravings, and architectural books. Numerous photographs shed light on the daily lives of Freemasons.

Sortir à Paris

The date is set for this 21st edition of the Nuit des Musées, you can enjoy a nocturnal tour of the museum, discovering the Masonic temples. It’s also an opportunity to discover this unusual museum from a different angle, at night, to leave the mystery even deeper. Discover the program in detail!

Don’t ask me about that Benjamin Franklin part. Maybe that’s a question for your tour guide.

     

‘Forces Occultes propaganda film’

    

The movie’s advertisement poster.

Say what you will about France’s nazi collaborators, but they really made an effort to slander Freemasonry in the movies.

Director Jean Mamy (employing the nom de guerre Paul Riche) was executed by firing squad on this date in 1949 at age 46 for his pro-nazi labors. His final directorial work in a pretty short film career is the 53-minute Forces Occultes from 1943, a story of a French politician in the Chamber of Deputies of the Third Republic. M. Pierre Avenel (Maurice Rémy) is a young idealist who identifies with the ethics professed by the Grand Orient of France and allows himself to be steered into the membership of a lodge, ignoring the warnings of his wife (Gisèle Parry) who says Masonry is only for mediocrities and social climbers. (It is said Mamy had been a Mason in a Grand Orient lodge during the thirties.)

Writing for L’Histoire par l’image in 2016, Pierre-Yves Beaurepairel explains:

The hero of the film is the naive and sincere deputy Avenel, who made the mistake of accepting the Freemasons’ invitation to join them. When he discovers that the Freemasons were involved in all the misfortunes that France experienced in the pre-war period—the Popular Front, the Stavisky scandal, in association with the Jews or with Anglo-Saxon finance—he decides to break the oath that requires him to keep the secrets of the order under penalty of a terrible death and to denounce the criminal actions. His “brothers” then decide to eliminate him. He miraculously survives this assassination attempt, but when he wakes up in his hospital bed, it is too late; the anti-France conspirators have plunged the country into the tragedy of war against Germany, despite the unpreparedness of the French armies. 

Naturally, I’ve never visited a Grand Orient lodge and cannot speak to how its rituals work, but I am familiar with French Rite EA° work, thanks to several lodges in our Tenth Manhattan District, and can say what is depicted in this film is very similar to what I’ve seen in l’Union Française and Garibaldi lodges. Regalia, chamber of reflection, circumambulation, and more are spot on, in my estimation. It’s not in tribute, of course; this is nazi propaganda to discredit the fraternity and its ideals Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité—also the motto of France itself.

Plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose. See the film here:

     

‘Arcana Veritas is open for submissions’

    

Grand Lodge of Scotland

You have until May 31 to submit your work for consideration in the 2025 Arcana Veritas Distinction Awards. The Grand Lodge of Scotland’s exaltation of scholarship will culminate at the November 26 award ceremony at Freemasons’ Hall in Edinburgh.

Work is solicited for the three categories: Masonic History Book, Masonic Philosophy and Symbolism Book, and Masonic White Papers.

Entry rules are here. Judging methodology here. Submit your work electronically here.

The Grand Lodge willed AVDA into existence at its Annual Communication in November 2023, so don’t feel inadequate if you hadn’t heard of this previously. The first honorees, from last November, are obscure scribes David Harrison (History Book), Antony Richard Baker (Philosophy and Symbolism Book), and Stewart Clelland (White Papers).

Grand Lodge of Scotland

No, I’m not going to try for this! I’m a few deep levels south of this caliber. Brethren who didn’t win last year include Ric Berman (his Prestonian Lecture!), Christopher Earnshaw, and Julian Rees. Don’t let that deter you though. Contest judges are yet to be named, but I’m confident they’ll be noble and petrifying.

Read all about it here.

     

‘The inauguration tradition continues’

    

Re-Enactment

of Brother George Washington’s

First Presidential Inauguration

on 236th Anniversary

Wednesday, April 30 at 11:45 a.m.

Federal Hall

26 Wall Street

New York City

This bronze of George Washington was erected in 1882 near where he was sworn in.

New York Freemasonry commemorates the momentous day when Brother George Washington was sworn in as the first President of the United States in 1789, bringing to life the unprecedented federal office of an elected Chief Executive as established by the U.S. Constitution two years earlier.

With his hands upon the altar bible of St. John’s Lodge, brought to City Hall for the inauguration by Bro. Jacob Morton, Master of the Lodge, Bro. Washington was sworn by Bro. Robert R. Livingston, Chancellor of New York and Grand Master of the Grand Lodge. After taking the oath of office, Washington bowed, kissed the holy book, and, initiating a tradition followed by many of his successors into the twenty-first century, appended to that oath a phrase known to all Freemasons: “So help me God.”

The famous Bible. Washington placed his hands on Genesis 49-50.

The Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New York recreates this civil ceremony each year. While the first City Hall is long gone, today’s Federal Hall stands on that site, and we invite everyone to experience this historically correct re-enactment of forty-five minutes.

The Grand Lodge of New York sponsors this commemoration through its George Washington Inaugural Reenactment Committee, under the chairmanship of R.W. Teodulo Henriquez, R.W. Martin Kanter, and R.W. J. Scott Nagel.

The Most Worshipful Steven Adam Rubin, Grand Master of Masons in the State of New York, with a retinue of Grand Lodge Officers, will be in attendance. The Color Guard will be provided by Sons of the Revolution of New York and The Knickerbocker Greys.

Masonic Lodges, individual Masons, families, and friends are invited to our hospitality room for refreshments afterward. Please make reservations by writing R.W. Nagel here.

Detail from a Currier & Ives piece.

Read more about that day that changed the world, and that rhetorical flourish added to the oath of office, here.

     

‘The Fama in the Reading Room’

    

The Reading Room, the live video facet of Craftsmen Online’s suite of content, will open April 30 to examine one of the Rosicrucian Manifestos. Illustrious Jake will lead the discussion of the Fama Fraternitatis.

The reading material is here and spans pages 1-15.

What is the Fama? Printed in Germany in 1614, Fama Fraternitatis is the first of what would be three founding documents of the Rosicrucian movement. I regard that school of thought as “classical Rosicrucianism,” thanks to the galaxy of self-described Rosicrucian movements that materialized during the past 150 or so years. Of Christopher McIntosh’s fairly recent English translation of the Fama, his publisher says:

“The seminal document known as the Fama Fraternitatis (the Proclamation of the Fraternity) burst like a firework over Europe in the early seventeenth century, igniting the imagination of many with its story of the German seeker Christian Rosenkreuz, his journey through the Middle East in search of wisdom, and his creation of the esoteric Rosicrucian Fraternity.”

What is that fraternity? Primarily, a brotherhood to cure the sick, as in following the example set by Jesus of Nazareth, for the dawn of a new age.

Usually, I am chagrined when a Masonic book club delves into material outside the fraternity—as though there isn’t enough literature on Freemasonry—but I know Cliff will lead an enlightening discussion of this text. Join in here on Wednesday, April 30 at 7 p.m.