Masonic Art Exchange: THE BLOG

I'm BACK!!!

2010-08-27T23:22:00.000+01:00

Ok so I have been away a long and I mean long time but I am hoping to get back inot the run oif things. The summer saw alot of things going on in my 'real' life that meant I didn't get much of a chance to do what is one of my passions, I just feel lucky that this break happened when the Lodges here on the Emerald Ilse are dark.

I am hoping to have a nissue of the newsletter rady to go mid September and am still taking submissions for it as well as dusting off the ones i got before the summer, wow it was way back in March/April time I did the last one :(

Just a bit of news now, I am attending the Irish Lodge of Research tomorrow in Dublin where the paper is on Rosslyn so am quite excited about that in my September meeting I am presenting the poistponed paper on the Formation of the Three Home Lodges and by then we should be back inot the swing of things. I have just booked my hotel in DC for the ICHF in May and am hard saving up money for that.

Brethren attending the 2009 ICHF held in Edinburgh

I'm going to try and post a little more often and for this first one I thought I'd share a link I was sent via email today. Lewis Masonic has now set up their own YouTube Channel and I'll be interested to see what they will be presenting, their claim is as you can see promising lets hope they hold up their end :)

http://www.youtube.com/user/LewisMasonic

Masonic Aprons

2010-05-16T00:19:00.000+01:00

Words are not really needed just enjoy some beautiful work.....

The Masonic Traveler

2010-04-29T20:20:00.001+01:00

Just a few months ago I was delighted to share the free ebook from brother Greg Stewart

Well this he has taken the time out to share with us, in his own words 'a collection of thoughts on things I found interesting since starting [his] blog' a blog which I don't mind saying you really should take the time to have a read of from time to time.

Unlike his previous book this time Greg has sent this tome to print and it is available to buy from various different places all reachable through his blog at freemasoninformation.com or at the books web site at http://www.masonictraveler.com/

I know it is said a book should never be judged by it's cover but in this case as you can see above the cover is wonderful and it is easy to tell as well as a talented author Brother Greg is a very accomplished artist and if you have a search through his site you will see many examples some of which are his modern interpretations of the masonic tracing boards.

I would strongly suggest that you take the time to visit Gregs Blog and then buy the book I think it will be worth while.

THE BOOK is here

2010-04-11T10:44:00.001+01:00

I first mentioned the newest work by Willimas and Dafoe a while back here and and it has had a name change and the slight problems with distribution but the wait is over I am delighted to share that if you live in the US or Canada you can now preorder your copy of Esoteric Odyssey – The Philosophy of Masons.

If you live in Europe or further afield worry not you will very soon be able to order it through the usual places but check back and I'll list where just as soon as I know.

Preorder your copy HERE oh and by preordering you also get a nice signed bookplate by Messers Williams and Dafoe ...... nice.

Wonderful picture!

2010-03-27T12:50:00.000Z

Whilst searching through Wiki Commons that wonderful online resource for copyright free images for a project I am working on I came across this photo.

The resolution isn't great but the subject matter is wonderful.

The image reminds me very much of the Darktown series of images published by Currier and Ives in New York in the arly 1900's.

But instead of portraying just Afican American in a unfair attempt at a humourous style it shows true equality by making everyone look a bit 'funny'

The caption with the image tells us that it is

A splendid procession of Free Masons. ca.1820. By D.C. Johnston.

For those of you unaware of the Darktown series here is one of the many images out there (this one ios from 'The Antient Order Of The Lodge Goat' Facebook Group

Zombies...Templars...Masons.....Faith.....&.........Mystery

2010-03-22T21:14:00.000Z

Satan decided that the game was over. He was tired of God’s pitiful hands off policy on the Earth. For eons that balance of power had been maintained, both of them forcing the other to not interfere in mankind’s development through the times.

And so the newest novel on the block starts but this is not like any other novel out there.

A few short weeks ago I found myself befriending a man on Facebook, a daily occurrence for most of us with an account, but this guy was a little different unlike most of my friends who had ‘found’ me because of my membership of the Masonic Order; and would later find we would have other similar interests as we got to ‘know’ each other this guy found me because of a mutual interest in Zombies ….. yes the undead, the rotting, decaying mobile corpses that are the subject of many a book and movie both good and not so good.

Then why I hear you ask are you telling us about him on a Masonic Blog.

As well as being a Zombie fan he is also a Freemason.

The man to whom I refer is Benjamin Rogers, write that name down you will be hearing of it again in the future. Like nearly everyone who has ever read a book he has had a go at writing one but unlike most of us he has succeeded.

It is said we each have a book in us but Rogers has a few starting with ‘Faith & The Undead’ which is released this summer. The first in the’ Trilogy of the Undead’ introduces us to Frank Payens a drifter who is lost and in need of a direction in his life.

“He had traveled many paths across what he considered a great nation, but was never able to find a place of comfort to call home. That all changed about three years ago when he began to hear rumors of The Home, a monastery like retreat that only accepted veterans. The stories of military monks living in a compound in New York or Connecticut seemed to popup no matter where he went in the nation. “

The book, (of which I have had the opportunity to read the first few chapters) aims to take us on a rollercoaster ride through a land devoid of life, controlled by the undead, decaying as civilisation ceases.

Chapter one is a great introduction setting a brilliant position for the continuing story the prtral of the character of the ‘wounded’ soldier finding consolation in his faith and the portrayal of a powerful yet fearful Satan is great as well I could really picture the soul of the German woman wandering toward the duel entrances of eternity knowing which way she would be going. For those of you who want the introduction Rogers tells me he will be posting Chapter One on his Blog tonight so head on over and start the journey into the end of the world with Payens and co.

As the adventure starts there is only one group who can help and they are put in charge. Heading into battle their cry is ‘Beauseant’ their shield is God.

Rogers has created a new world for his book…….and it is a virtual world. Keeping up to date with the development of this new could not be any easier. He has a blog, a Facebook page and Twitter account. I honestly believe this is going to be a book and man to follow who will lead into an exciting world of death and destruction.

Oh and did I mention the Freemasons turn up in the book. What more could you want,

Zombies...Templars...Masons.....Faith.....&.........Mystery join author Benjamin Rogers

as he keeps us up to date with one of the most anticipated Zombie Novels of the age!!!

“We have awaited your arrival brother. It is time for your healing to commence,” the monk stated.
Frank dropped his rucksack to the ground and dropped to his knees knowing that not only had he found The Home, but he had finally located the spot of comfort that he was looking for. The place he could call home.”

Change of name

2010-03-15T14:55:00.001Z

In a previous BLOG POST I shared a little information about the upcoming book edited by Brother Dafoe and Williams from Canada, was originally published in 1790 by Thomas Marryat as 'The Philosophy of Masons,' they have chosen to title it 'Esoteric Odyssey' and have changed the cover art to match the new title.

It is a book I am really looking forward to and one which very nearly dissappeared due to ravages of time as can be seen from this scan of the original 1790 title page from the Facebook Group dedicated to the book.

The book is richley illustrated throughout with wonderful images and you know the book is going to be attentive to detail when you see the cover art by Stephen dafoe goes as far as to include a Square and Compasses created in the smoke. I am wholeheartedly looking forward to this glympse at a time gone by in a hope to better understand the minds of many of the men who were there in the very early days of organised Freemasonry.

I obviously haven't read this yet but know from the previous work of Brother Dafoe and Williams we are in for a treat and it makes me wonder how many more great works are out there just waiting for the likes of these gifted men to bring them back from the brink of decay.

The new 2010 release from Cornerstone Book Publishers combines non-mainstream 18th-century philosophy and science with unorthodox ideas about esoteric knowledge, history, religion and Freemasonry. It has been edited and annotated by Stephen Dafoe and Randy Williams, both of whom have also written a new introductory essay.

The Better Angels of Our Nature: Freemasonry in the American Civil War

2010-03-02T17:15:00.000Z

Michael A. Halleran, announced this morning via his The Better Angels of Our Nature: Freemasonry in the American Civil War Facebook Group that "the book is now available.

An excerpt appears in the March/April 2010 issue of the Scottish Rite Journal.

An on-line copy is available here Scottish Rite Journal Web site

The buy your copy here:

MAE Issue six is here

2010-02-28T13:27:00.000Z

I am delighted to let you know the new issue of The Masonic Art Exchange Newsletter is available to read online at the web site or below if you want to. It is full of interesting topics

This months contents:

Cover image: ‘Love on the Square'

Introduction to Volume 1 Issue 6

Page 3: Masonic Art and the formation of the MAE a brief introduction.

Page 7:The order of DeMaloy.

Page 9: The Alchemical Keys to Masonic Ritual a review

Page 11: Architecture, Symbolism and Freemasonry, David Harrison

Page 21: A Warm Masonic Tale

Page 23: Be A Mason (and take it by degrees)

Page 27: The Medal and Jewels of british Freemasonry (A review)

Page 29: Why no Masonic Tartan?

Page 31: Templar tarot a review

Various adverts

Page 35: The raising of a Masonic Artist

Page 39: Recommendations and end note.

Remember we are always looking for submissions so if you have something to add we would be dlighted to receive them at subs@masonic-ae.com

Thingamajig: The Secret life of Objects.

2010-02-26T22:06:00.001Z

Until May 9th 2010, the Freemasons of Munster have some 15 objects of masonic interest on display in the University College Cork Glucksman Gallery, as part of the exhibition Thingamajig: The Secret life of Objects.

For more detail see their web site which reads:

Thingamajig: the secret life of objects is an exhibition of curiousities and oddities drawn from local, private and public collections. The objects and documentary material selected for the show tell stories of local character and personal ingenuity, as well as revealing the broader social and political history of Cork. Thingamajig also explores the process of collecting itself. Why collect? What is worth keeping? How do we identify ourselves through the objects we collect around us? Rather than presenting a narrative history of major events and famous faces, this exhibition celebrates the often overlooked and commonplace things that constitute our everyday relationships to material culture.

http://www.glucksman.org/exhibitions.html

Oi!! Stop it I'm running out of money

2010-02-23T03:58:00.001Z

Hot on the tail of the new trailer for How Freemasonry Saved The World it seems Stephen Dafoe is at it again with an spring time release this time he has been working on a book with fellow Canadian and brother Randy Williams.

To quote directly from their new FaceBook Fan page for the book....

"The Philosophy of Masons is a book edited and annotated by Stephen Dafoe and Randy Williams. The book will be released by cornerstone Book Publishers in the spring of 2010."

The Philosophy of Masons

In Several Epistles from Egypt to a Nobleman
Being a lost curiosity from 1790
by author Thomas Marryat

Edited, annotated, and with a new introduction
by Messrs. Stephen Dafoe and Randy Williams

Published By Cornerstone Book Publishers - Spring of 2010

Published in 1790 by Thomas Marryat – an eccentric physician and former Presbyterian minister – The Philosophy of Masons combines non-mainstream 18th-century philosophy and science with unorthodox ideas about history, religion and Freemasonry. Many of Marryat’s concepts are – even by today’s standards – controversial, and they were nearly heretical at the time of the book’s original publication. Filled with offbeat humor and rich with unique insights, Marryat’s book transports the reader back to a pivotal period for Freemasonry and for Western Civilization.

As strange and ancient as many of the ideas in this book will seem, the careful reader will recognize that many of the prevailing notions of Marryat’s times, particularly those related to the seven liberal arts and sciences, are still preserved in the language of Masonic ritual. As well, the book offers a fascinating snapshot of a brief and volatile era that came between the mid-1700s revival of interest in alchemy and the explosive birth of modern science that would arrive at century’s end.

The 2010 edition has been thoroughly researched and edited for modern readers by Stephen Dafoe and Randy Williams. It features many period illustrations, as well as extensive annotation and a new introductory essay written by Dafoe and Williams.

Stephen Dafoe is an acclaimed author, journalist and historian whose books include Nobly Born, The Compasses and the Cross, and Morgan: The Scandal That Shook Freemasonry. His forthcoming works include How Freemasonry Saved the World and How It Can Do So Again and an illustrated history of the Knights Hospitaller.

Randy Williams is a writer/editor who has worked with Dafoe on several projects in an editorial capacity, including the 2009 release of Templar Tarot: The Journey and several top-secret works-in-progress. He currently serves as Assistant Editor of The Journal of the Masonic Society, to which he is also a frequent contributor.

Cornerstone Books is of course one of the world leaders in publishing Masonic and esoteric books and you should really pop along to their site and pick somethng up that will hold you until the release of "The Philosophy of Masons" in the Spring.

In ancient wall, scholar sees proof for Bible

2010-02-22T21:18:00.000Z

The following article was brought to my attension by Brother Robert Blackburn in The Masonic Society Forum. As a society in which King Soloman plays such a large role this is of great interest. Have a read.....

In ancient wall, scholar sees proof for Bible

3,000-year-old wall may support rule of Hebrew kings David and Solomon

By Matti Friedman

updated 12:12 p.m. ET Feb. 22, 2010

JERUSALEM - An Israeli archaeologist said Monday that ancient fortifications recently excavated in Jerusalem date back 3,000 years to the time of King Solomon and support the biblical narrative about the era.

If the age of the wall is correct, the finding would be an indication that Jerusalem was home to a strong central government that had the resources and manpower needed to build massive fortifications in the 10th century B.C.

That's a key point of dispute among scholars, because it would match the Bible's account that the Hebrew kings David and Solomon ruled from Jerusalem around that time.

contiuned here at the original blog

How Freemasonry Saved The World

2010-02-22T16:48:00.001Z

A Trailer for the newest edition to Stephen Dafoes growing libruary of books and another I intend to buy when it goes to print

he has also taken time out of his busy schedule to update his web site http://www.stephendafoe.com/ and http://www.howfreemasonrysavedtheworld.com/

YOU'RE STILL NOT A MEMBER WHY!!!!!!

2010-02-18T15:45:00.002Z

With the impending release of issue 7 of The Masonic Society Journal and all the upcoming events not least the UK-IRELAND Symposium on the history of The Royal Society in May in London I do find myself asking with a price of only $40 dollors why so many of my friends are still not members of The Masonic Society.

Really go along to their web site and have a dig around in the meanwhile look what you are missing:

ISSUE 7 of The Masonic Society

and what a list of contents.

“The Secret’s in Our Sauce” by Roger S. VanGorden

“The Operatives Meet in London" by Thomas Johnson

"Restructuring American Freemasonry, Part II: Appendant & Affiliated Bodies and York Rite Freemasonry" by Mark Tabbert

"The Odd Fellows and Their Journey to Inclusiveness" by Dr. R. L. Uzzel

"George Washington Masonic Memorial Celebrates A Century" by George Seghers

"Fluid Freemasonry" by Michael Poll

"Walking the Walk: Regular Steps in Freemasonry" by Randy Williams

"Applying the Lessons of the Craft" by Jason Marshall

"Eastbound Night" by Kerry D. Kirk

"The Enigmatic Masonic Calendars" by Christopher L. Hodapp

Plus the latest in Masonic news from around the world, Masonic Treasures, and more.

SERIOUSLY WHY WOULD YOU NOT BE A MEMBER?

ICHF 2011

2010-01-25T19:59:00.001Z

Looks like I need to get saving already checked the price of flights and it's actually looking good so far if you can make this I would recommend it the 2009 conference was brilliant, this event is one you definately try to make and I know I will.

With some of the best speakers on the various aspects of freemasonry (both masonic themselves and non-masonic) 2009 saw such varied subjects as Military Lodge histories and Masons Marks, Lodge jewels and the growth of Prince Hall Masonry I am sure the 2011 conference will not be a disapointment and with the wonderfully historic location of Washington Dc and Alexandria on the conference doorstep I kinda excited.

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON THE HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY

The George Washington Masonic Memorial, Alexandria, Virginia.

Public ANNOUNCEMENT

The International Conference on the History of Freemasonry (ICHF) promoted by Supersonic Events Ltd. is pleased to announce The George Washington Masonic Memorial, Alexandria, Virginia, will host the event in 26 -30 MAY 2011.

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

By holding a biennial conference open to the public, the main purpose of the ICHF is:

• to promote Freemasonry as a subject for academic study.

• to present and debate relevant contributions in this area of research.

• to create a forum for interactions between researchers, experts and a wider audience.

• to encourage individuals to take an interest and participate in an active exchange of knowledge in the area.

The ICHF is a non-profit making, privately owned event and brand, sponsored by Supersonic Events Ltd. with no formal affiliation to any masonic or academic body. On each occasion a leading academic is appointed to convene a specialist committee responsible for the selection of suitable presentations. Any surplus generated by the ICHF will go to support young researchers and academics pursuing research in the topic and other relevent masonic projects.

The first conference was held in Edinburgh, Scotland, in 2007 and was judged so successful, as to merit a second conference. ICHF was again held in Edinburgh in May 2009 primarily because this was the 250th anniversary of the birth of Brother Robert Burns, thus allowing ICHF not only to celebrate Burns but also Freemasonry in all its diversity. However, the ICHF was never envisaged to remain in one place for all time.

It was planned that ICHF would travel to different Masonic venues around the world. This would enable people in the host country and those nearby easier access to the conference and allow participants to visit new sites and cities.

The conference will be additionally attractive as several cultural and social events will be associated with the event. Both 2007 and 2009 conferences were held immediately after a major cultural event – the Young Musicians Of The Year Awards. This linkage between Freemasonry and culture, in this instance supporting the young rising stars of classical music, is an important aspect of ICHF. We are planning another major cultural event for ICHF 2011. In addition to the cultural dimension the social aspect ought not to be ignored. It has been seen that Gala Dinners, usually held on the Saturday night of the conference, have been very successful with delegates and often their wives attending.

The opportunity has also been taken to hold a special Masonic event specifically for the Freemasons who are in attendance at the conference. In 2009 this took the form of a special meeting when a candidate was initiated into The Lodge of Edinburgh (Mary’s Chapel), No.1. This was an international Masonic gathering of the highest quality and attended by Freemasons from every continent. It is anticipated that another ‘one off’ Masonic event will be held the day after the conference closes in 2011.

Please also be aware that there are numerous opportunities to visit other nearby sites and museums of Washington DC, including George Washington’s Mount Vernon.

A timetable is in the course of preparation and will be made available in the near future.

Please do keep watching for further news about ICHF at the GWMM in 2011. Below are several web sites that you might wish to bookmark for future reference.

The George Washington Masonic Memorial web site:

www.gwmemorial.org

The ICHF web site:

www.ichfonline.org

The Grand Lodge of Scotland news pages:

www.grandlodgescotland.com

The Old Masters Wages

2010-01-19T15:36:00.000Z

The poem I am sharing today I feel is one which many of us will be able to assosiate with read it and have a think about what your wages in life will be.

image of Brother Breuning (image from freemasoninformation.com)

The Olde Masters Wages

I met a dear old man today,

Who wore a Masonic pin,

It was old and faded like the man,

It's edges were worn quite thin.

I approached the park bench where he sat,

To give the old brother his due,

I said, "I see you've traveled east,"

He said, "I have, have you."

I said, "I have, and in my day

Before the all seeing sun,

I played in the rubble, with Jubala

Jubalo and Jubalum."

He shouted, "don't laugh at the work my son,

It's good and sweet and true,

And if you've traveled as you said,

You should give these things their due."

The word, the sign the token,

The sweet Masonic prayer,

The vow that all have taken,

Who've climbed the inner stair.

The wages of a Mason,

are never paid in gold,

but the gain comes from contentment,

when you're weak and growing old.

You see, I've carried my obligations,

For almost fifty years,

It has helped me through the hardships

and the failures full of tears.

Now I'm losing my mind and body,

Death is near but I don't despair,

I've lived my life upon the level,

And I'm dying upon the square.

Sometimes the greatest lessons

Are those that are learned anew,

And the old man in the park today

has changed my point of view.

To all Masonic brothers,

The only secret is to care,

May you live your life upon the level,

May you part upon the square.

by N. Neddermeyer

QCCC: Membership pack

2010-01-18T17:53:00.000Z

Another white padded envelope arrived for me today and inside I am delighted to say was my membership pack from the Quatuor Coronati Corespondent Circle the complimentary book of transactions sent to me was from 2006 (Vol 119) this of course now means I will have to hunt down and buy the others however there is the option to purchase them on the quatuorcoronati web site (both as book or as pdf's on CD)

The book I received included some wonderful papers I am really looking forward to such as

Freemasonry Amoung Prisoners of War 1750-1815

by Bro. Michel L. Brodskey

and

A french esoteric Installation of a Worshipful Master in 1774 by Bro. Dr Jacques Litvine.

While I am on the subject of interesting research papers why not have a look at these sites as well and you are sure to find a gem or two.......

Lodge Vitruvian N0. 767

Irish Lodge of Research

Enlightenment Lodge No.198

Internet Lodge No. 9659

Phoenixmasonry

and of course there are thousands more out there...

Deciphering THE LOST SYMBOL: Finished.

2010-01-14T15:42:00.000Z

As I sipped the warming liquid of my coffee and the wind was throwing the rain against my window I opened the well designed covers of Chris Hodapp’s most recent book ‘Deciphering THE LOST SYMBOL’.

The cover of his book; easily as intricate as that of the recent tome that covers the Washington DC outing of the Harvard Professor made popular in the DaVinci Code, is a pleasing combination of browns and reds with ghost effects of symbolism akin to a journal from the mystical past.

Someone said you should never judge a book by its cover but so often it is impossible not to do so, and with that in mind I expected great things. I must admit up front I consider Chris a friend and have never found anything lacking in his previous works which include ‘Freemasons for Dummies’ and ‘Solomon’s Builder: Freemasons, Founding Fathers and The Secrets Of Washington DC’ if anything I found this position had me requiring a bit more than if I didn’t know him.

In his opening statement he describes Dan Browns book as a

‘509-page love letter to the fraternity of Freemasonry.’

…something that many men in the fraternity were surprised by as they had expect a book which may have painted Freemasonry in the same dark tone as Brown had previously painted the Opus Dei and the Catholic Church.

Hodapp weaves his way through the many twists and turns of THE LOST SYMBOL trying and succeeding to explain some of the inconsistencies of the book, and to explain where Brown hit the nail on the head and where he was at the risk of hitting his thumb with near misses and of course where he just hit the table with a complete error of information. But in these instances Hodapp puts forward a hypothesis which I will let you read and in which I found myself agreeing.

With his usual humour Chris presents us short easy to read chapters much akin to Browns writing style that makes this a very informative, educational yet easy read. I found his chapter on Noetics a huge help in further understanding the theories that Katherine Solomon puts forward in the book and he provided information on where; should you want, you can read more about this fascinating subject.

Chapter 3: Art, Codes, and the Cover of The Lost Symbol and Chapter 4: Symbolism had to be my two favourite pieces in the book but not once did I feel I was wasting my time in reading this book and feel confident in recommending it to everyone Mason and non-mason alike, this is the perfect a compliment to The Lost Symbol and I feel it should be on the shelf right next to it on your bookcase.

In conclusion this is a great book well worth its cover price and a great way to spend a chilly winter night, which everyone should own.

A very special delivery

2010-01-13T14:09:00.000Z

As I leaned down to pick up my mail I was greeted by a large white padded envelope.

On it was the unmistakable logo of AMAZON.

As I hadn't ordered anything since before Christmas my mind started to wonder exactly what the envelope held.

Carefully opening my mysterious package I was greeted with a wonderful surprise, I say surprise but did know I would be getting this 'gift' but was not sure when. I of course am talking of the most anticipated book of 2010 (for me anyway.) Chris Hodapps examination of Dan Browns book 'The Lost Symbol'

Decipering

THE LOST SYMBOL

I know through reading Chris' (dare I say wonderful) blog and via his facebook postings that he had read THE LOST SYMBOL within days if not hours of it hitting the shelves back in September and got straight down to making an attempt to make sense of it for us all. I obviously have not yet read his book. I too however read Browns book within days and enjoyed it and would recommend reading it if you have not yet and of course pick up a copy of Chris' book to accompany it.

I've got to go now I have some reading to do.

On Presenting A Lambskin Apron: Fay Hempstead (1847–1934)

2010-01-12T20:52:00.000Z

# postcard available to purchase see below

On Presenting A Lambskin Apron

Light and white are its leathern folds;

And a priceless lesson its texture holds.

Symbol it is, as the years increase,

Of the paths that lead through the fields of Peace.

Type it is of the higher sphere,

Where the deeds of the body, ended here,

Shall one by one the by-way be

To pass the gates of Eternity.

Emblem it is of a life intense,

Held aloof from the world of sense:

Of the upright walk, and the lofty mind,

Far from the dross of Earth inclined.

Sign it is that he who wears

Its sweep unsullied, about him bears

That which should be to mind and heart,

A set reminder of his art.

So may it ever bring to thee

The high resolves of Purity.

Its spotless field of shining white

Serve to guide thy steps aright:

Thy daily life, in scope and plan,

Be that of the strong and upright man.

And signal shall the honor be

Unto those who wear it worthily.

Receive it thus to symbolize

Its drift, in the life that before thee lies.

Badge as it is of a great degree,

Be it chart and compass unto thee.

Fay Hempstead (1847–1934)

This popular poem by Hempstead it is more often know by the shorter title of "The Lambskin Apron".

...to read more about Bro Fay Hempstead have a look at his biography on the Encyclopedia of Arkansas Website. This poem is from his book Poems, Complete Edition (1922).

#Masonic Postcard facsimile of original by Norman Gardner prize winning New York artist and sculptor The Installation. depicting caricature like masons in aprons the Master in the chair. Published by A. Beckingsale 2006. New. avaiable to purchase from InterCol London

New Resources at MAE Website

2010-01-12T15:21:00.000Z

It's been quite a long time since I posted anything with Christmas and New Year then all the bad weather I never seemed to find the time as we enter the new year I am aiming to post at least once a week even if it is just a nice picture or link to a web site of interest but I am delighted to say I had the chance to work on the MAE web site and change the look a little.

There is a new colour scheme and images and the introduction of a Resources page to replace the gallery page. Thus far on the resources page there are a few links to web sites with collections of Masonic clip and and links to the first two books relating to aspects of Freemasonry.

Masonic Odes & Poems

Arcana Saitica

Three Essays on the Masonic Tracing Boards

If you have any link that you think would be a good addition to the web site let me know by emailing me at subs@masonic-ae.com

So remember to check back often and I'll try to keep you updated.

2009-12-09T00:36:00.000Z

PRESS RELEASE PRESS RELEASE PRESS RELEASE PRESS RELEASE PRESS

Michael Baigent and Bob Cooper To Speak at Masonic Society Symposium

London Friday 28th and Saturday 29th May 2010

To celebrate the 350th anniversary of the Royal Society in 2010, The Masonic Society, in conjunction with Library and Museum of Freemasonry, will hold their 1st Annual Uk –Ireland Symposium in London on Friday and Saturday 28th/29th May.

On November 28th 1660, just months after the restoration of King Charles II, a select group of eminent scientist met to form ‘The Royal Society’. Their intention was to remove such limitations as language barriers in the scientific community and awaken the world to a new form of forward thinking science. This was meant to encourage the young men of the time to search for answers to many questions they had previously been afraid to ask.

Now, nearly 350 years later, another group of men met to form an organisation with the aim of researching Freemasonry: The Masonic Society

The name, deliberately chosen, alludes to the Royal Society and the visionary men, many of whom were Freemasons, who were at the forefront of the Age of Enlightenment. The Masonic Society has plans to be at the forefront of a new age of Freemasonry.

This first Symposium being held in England will have as its theme ‘The Royal Society’. The two selected speakers are well known historians:

Michael Baigent (The Holy Blood and the Holy Grail, The Dead Sea Scrolls Deception ) will present ‘Aspects of the Royal Society’ followed by questions and answers and a complimentary lunch. The second speaker Robert L D Cooper (The Masonic Magician: The Life and Death of Count Cagliostro and His Egyptian Rite , The Rosslyn Hoax ) will talk on ‘A Scottish View of the Foundation of the Royal Society’. The afternoon will end with a second session of questions and answers.

The whole day symposium will be preceded on the Friday by a private guided tour of their exhibition ‘Freemasons and the Royal Society’ (meet in the first floor lounge Freemasons Hall 4:00pm). This will be the last date of the exhibition which is being held between January 11th and May 28th 2010. The evening will end with an informal dinner and drinks at the popular Prince of Wales tavern on the corner of Great Queen Street.

The following day the symposium will move to the

Kensal Community Centre (177 Kensal Road London W10 5BJ)

where our talks for the day will be presented, each session followed by questions and answers. Delegates will be invited to a complimentary lunch. The total registration cost for the Saturday event is £ 10.00 inclusive of lunch.

The organising committee consists of Yasha Beresiner (Chairman) David Naughton-Shires (Secretary) and Martyn Greene (Treasurer)

A place at the symposium can be booked by downloading the application form at UK SymposiumWeb site

Does he ever stop?

2009-12-08T01:28:00.000Z

With a hectic life as a photographer, author, speaker, and editor to name but a few of the aspects of this man it amazes me how he continues to find the time and energy to steam ahead with new projects.

With his summer publication of 'Morgan: The Scandal That Shook Freemasonry' still forming the talking point in many Lodges across the world with it's alternative (and in my opinion correct) view of the Morgan Affair and the upcoming release of an in depth investigation into the formation and history Knights Hospitilar early in 2010 Stephen Dafoe has announced his next project that is sure to cause many heated conversation both within the craft and in the public realm as a whole.

How Freemasonry Saved The World And How It Can Do So Again

The text below is taken directly from the books Facebook page (which I advise joining for up to date information on what is going to be a much anticipate release.

With a pedigree and history that can be variously traced back to the medieval Templars and Hospitallers, the Egyptians, Greeks and many pre-Christian societies that cultivated and passed on arcane knowledge, Freemasonry has, in its various forms, risen time and again when the world needed it most. A tonic of reason to cure the ills of intolerance, ignorance, despotism and fanaticism, Freemasonry has - over the centuries - often been the only glimmer of light amid extended periods of darkness.

In How Freemasonry Saved the World and How It Can Do So Again, author, journalist and historian Stephen Dafoe takes the reader through Freemasonry’s rich tapestry of greatness - both recorded and unrecorded - to show how the Craft has subtly appeared time and again to save humanity from itself and to champion the oppressed. Dafoe shows that whether openly promoting democracy, education and knowledge or subconsciously transferring esoteric concepts only to be appreciated and understood by a few; Freemasonry has been the guardian and the carrier of the greatest parts of humanity from generation to generation, while staunchly opposing and fighting its worst parts.

At a time when the world is once again struggling, perhaps the most important message in Dafoe’s book is how and why Freemasonry can and must save the world yet again.

I know as soon as this book become available for pre-order the nice men and women at Amazon will be getting some (more) money from a certain man here in Ireland.

Holiday Issue is fast approching

2009-12-08T01:06:00.000Z

As the Holiday season approches so does the publication date for the next issue of the Masonic Art Exchange Newsletter.

The upcoming issue has some wonderful content with an article on 18th Century Masonic Ephemera by Yasha Beresiner and an article by author of Genesis of Freemasonry David Harrison on 'The Masonic Rebellion in Liverpool'we are hoping for a Dec 15th publication date. There is just a short amount of time if you would like to submit a contribution via email for this issue

subs@masonic-ae.com

thinking of renaming ourselves the MAS

2009-11-14T13:19:00.000Z

It seem that as the days go on it would be a good idea to change our name from the Masonic Art Exchange (MAE) to the McKim Appreciation Society (MAS) seriously though Stephen McKim continues from day to day to produce better and better pieces of artwork for the Masonic Community.

As the readers will hopefully know by now this months MAE Newsletter saw our lead article being on Brother McKim and some of his fantastic art then the previous post here in the blog was about some print on sale that Stephen had produced but just to show it's not about the money (which he definately deserves so do pop over and buy

a print

or a calender

but the major reason I have touched on the subject of Stephen McKims art again is because of the new addition of a fresh logo for the phoenixmasonry.org website, and it is also being used on their Facebook Page as well.

Again I say Brother McKim congratulations on raising the bar again.

Always a little fast

2009-11-07T21:01:00.000Z

It seems after my last post Brother McKim went and posted a piece which was aimed just at me, I have been living here in Ireland now for over 15 years and have grown to love all things Irish (not least my family) so how could I not enjoy this Stephens latest piece .... no more words are needed just admire then go and buy.

this and more available here

McKim did it again.

2009-11-07T16:24:00.000Z

For those of you who follow the BLOG, web site, forum or newsletter I think it is no secret that I am a huge Stephen McKim fan. He produces a level of artwork (both Masonic and non-Masonic which can be appreciated and loved by all. Well he gone and done it again producing another masterpiece which can be related to by every mason depicting a man approching the Alter from within a cloud of mist this is another beautiful example which is bound to find it's way onto many a masons wall. Take a bit of time to have a look through some more of his work and why not reread this months article in the MAE newsletter about this talented Brother.

buy your copy of this print here

Link To Another BLOG

2009-11-05T20:19:00.000Z

It's not often I will just link to another blog but in the case of Bro. Chris Hodapp it is quite difficult not to do as his words and content are always second to non and worth sharing.
So what has lead me to do so on this occassion? I will let you read yourself but I consider this a definate move in the correct direction. Thanks for once again being one of the first to bring us the most up to date news Chris......

Jack Straw Rescinds England's Anti-Masonic Judiciary Rule

Templar Tarot: The Journey ........... available to order .... NOW

2009-11-04T21:47:00.000Z

The information below is taken from Stephen Dafoes blog ( an interesting read at anytime!!) Stephen is taking a limited amount of orders for this wonderful and interesting collection (only 40 and I've already ordered one so thats now down to at the most 39 but I'd say they are going fast) ....

This expanded edition, Templar Tarot: the Journey, includes 101 cards that takes us further along the historical endeavors of the infamous Knights Templar. Unlike any other tarot deck, the Templar Tarot deck features two sets of Major Arcana cards taken from the original art of American artist Allen Chester. The significance of the art is interpreted by Stephen Dafoe, renowned Templar historian and Canadian author. Dafoe draws on his vast knowledge of the Templars and related traditions to see the mystical messages that Chester has captured in the art. As with the first edition of the Templar Tarot, this tarot deck will also be a limited edition. This is a perfect deck for those that use tarot as a meditation tool.

Stephen is taking a limited amount of orders for this wonderful and interesting collection (only 40 and I've already ordered one so thats now down to at the most 39 but I'd say they are going fast)

You can pre-order them via his web site (US and Canada only)

ORDER HERE

The Lost Symbol,an interview with Dan Brown.

2009-11-04T20:52:00.000Z

An interview with Dan Brown (in 6 parts ....... make up your own mind .....

The Genesis of Freemasonry

2009-11-04T17:03:00.000Z

This is an informative interview with David Harrison on the program Gardiners World in which he goes quite into depth and mentions Rosslyn, (who can mention Rosslyn without mentioning Robert L D Coopers book The Rosslyn Hoax) The Templars, the medieaval craft guilds, Dr John Dee and much more.

I found the interviewer to be just a little bias toward the idea of conspiratory theories and freemasonry being a governing body which was not democratically voted in, but found Harrisons answers to such questions clear and well informed.

His book is based on his phd at Liverpool University and just as soon as the book faries deliver a copy I will be reading it and reviewing it in the MAE newsletter.

Mystery stone found near church linked to Knights Templar

2009-11-03T11:30:00.000Z

By sharing this link I am in no way agreeing this is a Templar stone (I actually feel the connection is quite weak) but just wanted to share.

A MYSTERIOUS carved stone has been uncovered alongside a 12th-century church associated with the Knights Templar.

The stone has been dated to the 12th century. Pictures: Kate Chandler

What appears to be the carved top of a sarcophagus was unearthed when builders were excavating and reinforcing a wall alongside the old ruined church in Temple, Midlothian.

But the inscriptions, which include symbols similar to those found in Viking monuments, in medieval graves and in West Highland Celtic carvings, have baffled archaeologists.

Crispin Phillips, who is renovating a house alongside The Old Parish Church, said: "I was on a mission to repair the wall – which was falling into the graveyard. We got near the bottom of the foundations and found something buried there.

"We found one stone carved with a cross and then another with these carvings on it."

PLEASE READ THE REMAINDER OF THIS REPORT HERE

Baals bridge Square

2009-11-02T00:00:00.000Z

The old brass square, known as the Baal’s Bridge Square, was recovered from the foundations of Baal’s Bridge in Limerick when the bridge was being rebuilt in 1830. It is inscribed

“I will strive to live with Love and Care Upon the Level By the Square”

and bears the date, 1507.

This ancient Square, carefully treasured by Lodge 13 is recorded as being presented to Brother Michael Furnell, Provincial Grand Master, by Brother James Pain, (referred to as the Provincial Grand Architect).

In the Freemasons' Quarterly Review, 1842, p. 288, Bro. Furnell, under the date of 27th. August, 1842, printed a short note on this relic of antiquity, accompanying which is a facsimile sketch. He says that Bro. Pain, in 1830, had been contractor for re-building Baals Bridge in Limerick, and on taking down the old structure, he discovered under the foundation stone at the English town side, this old brass square, much eaten away. In the facsimile sketch, Bro, Furnell puts the date as 1517, which is a mistake, as the square bears the date 1507. A heart appears in each angle.

In the book by H. F. Berry, Assistant Keeper of the Irish Records, “The Marencourt Cup and Ancient Square.” dated 1905, Bro. Berry records that “Ball's (or Baals) Bridge is a beautiful structure, of a single arch, built in 1831, to replace an ancient bridge of the same name, which consisted of four arches, with a range of houses on its west side. The date of the erection of this ancient structure has not been ascertained, but possibly the old square, dated 1507, may have been placed, under the foundation stone in that year. In any case, Bro. Furnell informs us that the old bridge is mentioned in records of 1558.

In a most interesting and valuable paper on a " Diary of the Siege of Limerick Castle, 1642," Journal, R.S.A.I., 1904, p. 163, Mr. M. J. McEnery, M.R.I.A., reproduces a facsimile of a Map of Limerick, taken from Speed's Map of Munster, 1610, which shows the old bridge, called in the reference the Thye bridge ; also portion of the city of Limerick, cir. 1590, from Mr. T. J. Westropp's copy of a map of Limerick in the Library, Trinity College, Dublin, wherein the same bridge is shown, and called in the reference the Tide bridge.

James Pain, a distinguished architect, was born at Isleworth in 1779. He and his brother, George R, Pain, entered into partnership, subsequently settling in Ireland, where James resided in Limerick and George in Cork. They designed and built a number of churches and glebe houses. Mitchelstown Castle, the magnificent seat of the Earls of Kingston, was the largest and best of their designs. They were also architects of Cork Court-house and the County Gaol, both very striking erections, and of Dromoland Castle, the seat of Lord Inchiquin. James Pain died in Limerick 13th. December, 1877, in his 98th year, and was buried in the cathedral church of St. Mary in that city.”

A limited edition of 500 replicas in “distressed” silver, hall marked and numbered, has been struck from a mould taken from the original and each comes in a presentation box accompanied by a certificate of provenance together with a history of the artefact.

The replicas were made to commemorate the 160th Anniversary of the founding of the Provincial Grand Lodge of North Munster in 1842, and are now available to purchase. The proceeds will go towards the Masonic Centre near King John’s Castle in the old City overlooking the River Shannon and not far from where the Square was originally discovered in 1830.

The cost is €uro 195.00 including postage and packing. For your convenience they offer a secure payment link on their web site, using PayPal

BUY YOURS HERE

Issue 4 is here

2009-10-31T22:56:00.000Z

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

I am delighted to let you know that the most recent issue of the MAE newsletter is available to view online and can be found by clicking here.

I hope you all enjoy it as much as I enjoyed preparing it. The next issue will be publish just before Christmas so I am hoping many of you will find the time to put pen to paper (fingers to keyboard) and contribute in some way.

10 Reasons to Become a Mason

2009-10-25T14:33:00.000Z

OK I put my hand way up in the air and say I copied this from several brethren who had posted it on Facebook but decided it was so good I would share it on the blog, if you know someone who is thinking of joining the Craft or you're thing of joining yourself have a read through these 10 reasons. I will say this is not a list of ALL you get from freemasonry but a very good starting point for your perusal and whilst on the subject of information I'd just like to remind you of a previous post where I mentioned Bro. Greg Stewart's great E-Book......

What is Freemasonry?

which is available for free download by clicking here

10 Reasons to Become a Mason

1. A place where you can confidently trust every person and trust your family with them also.

2. A place where, within moral and civil guidelines; free thought, free speaking and the spiritual growth of man, can grow into its fullest potential.

3. A place to meet outstanding individuals from all walks of life, that a person would not otherwise have had the opportunity to know and call brother.

4. A place to be part of an organization which has for its principal tenets – Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth.

5. A place that provides self-development opportunities, leadership training and experience, and to improve public speaking skills.

6. A place you can go to seek support as well as give it.

7. A place where moral virtues are taught and through these teachings a regular reinforcement of the moral virtues is experienced.

8. A place to spend time with a group of brothers, who by acting as good men, make me want to become a better man. Not better than others, but better than I would have otherwise been.

9. A place to become better equipped to serve Church and community.

10. A place to meet with established members of the community and to become a part of the community.

Lid lifted on history of an institution

2009-10-24T02:19:00.000+01:00

MOST people walk past the 1950s era building on May Street in the heart of Belfast city centre without a second glance, the distinctive Masonic anvil woven into the metal of the gate a rallying point to only those in the know.

A gold plaque in memory of Henry Joy McCracken, the infamous leader of the Republican United Irishmen in Ulster, who staged a series of uprisings in the 18th century, adds further intrigue.

However, all and more was explained by the Provincial Grand Lodge Librarian of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Antrim, Robert Bashford, as he welcomed the News Letter over the threshold.

read the rest of this facinating report here

They wouldn't tell you if they ruled the world!!

2009-10-09T14:32:00.000+01:00

this is the ending quote on this recnt CNN report titled.

FREEMASONS IN (US) CONGRESS

it seems to me Freemasonry is not as mysterious as it once was or as feared great news if you ask my humble opnion.

nothing going on!!!

2009-10-09T13:55:00.000+01:00

I know I have been quiet lately but I've been just so busy, why I hear you all shout. I made a trip into the North of Ireland to visit with the Irish Lodge of Research which was being hosted by Ensor Lodge 625 in Loughgall Co. Antrim where I had a fantastic time.

This coming Tuesday I am taking part in a third degree in my mother Lodge then Thursday I fly over to the UK to sit in Logde in London with brethren from the Global Fraternal Network, whilst there I will be meeting with the 2nd Circle Chairmen of The Masonic Society for England and Scotland to try and arrange a seminar next March in London then at the back end of the month I am flying over to Scotland with my mother lodge for a few visits to a few lodges over there on top of this I am working a full time job, creating the lastest issue of the Masonic Art Exchange Newsletter and have just got back from the Doctor who tell me I am not actually dying but do have a nasty case of Sinusitas other than that I have all the time in the world oh and I forgot my wife who is one of the hardest working women in the known universe is taking a well deserved break in Mallorca for a week which means I also have the three children. All that said and done I am a very happy man who has a wonderful (and full) life which I enjoy with the love and support of my wife, children and family so this IS NOT complaining just an observation thats all.

a piece of music to acompany the way this month feels!

Christmas is coming

2009-09-23T22:55:00.000+01:00

I know it's still a bit early for a header like that but it was brought to mind during a conversation with a friend during the week.

He was visiting a large town near his home and he had occasion to go into a well known department store (remember this was mid September) and he was greeted by a huge display of Christmas Trees and decorations, and to further cement the feeling through my mail box this morning came the christmas brochure of a chain of toy shops here in Ireland which my two boys and little girl grabbed with delight to start their Santa list.

Why you ask do I mention this well with the holiday season in mind I wanted to share with you a possible gift for the mason in your life.

In the upcoming issue of the MAE newsletter (published 16th October) I am delighted to say we will be featuring an article written by a Brother from Indiana called Carson Smith ( a name I am sure is familiar to many) he has shared with us a wonderful story about his good friend and a man who is equaliy well known in masonic and artistic circles Brother Stephen McKim.

I don't believe there are many members of the Craft who have not at one time or another come across the fantastic work of B:. Stephen. I am delighted to share Stephen has just made availble to buy through the lulu site his 2010 calender which he has called 'A Masonic Journey' you can have a look see at the artwork before buying but at the price he is asking (and believe me when I say it will go NO WHERE near to cover the amount of hours he would have put in) I think it is an ideal gift for a friend who appreciated good art when they see it mason or not.

Don't believe me just CLICK HERE to go and have a look yourself

I wasn't there

2009-09-20T23:33:00.000+01:00

Quite a strange thing to blog about is the release of a book which I did not attend and have not (yet) read, but I have my reasons.

To date I have read many of Robert L Coopers books and have really enjoyed each one and I know via a friend his most recent book which is written in conguncture with Pippa Faulks (author of the brilliant The Freemasons Wife which I have read and do recommend) is a great read.

Telling the 'story'of the life and death of Count Cagliostro and the Egyption Rite. The book was officially release at the premises of Toye, Kenning and Spencer, Great Queen Street, London on Tuesday, 16th September. But has been available for a while. Judging by the previous records of these two authors I would hazard a recommendeation but would love to hear from those of you who have already read this tome I will be visiting Edinburgh in October so will be buying my copy then so I can get Bob Cooper to sign it for me go on go out and buy it I think it will be worth it.....

UGLE web site

2009-09-18T17:23:00.000+01:00

I know it's been around a couple of weeks but I wanted to have time to form an opinion of the UGLE web site, and I have concluded the following.

There is no denying that it is much prettier than the last, it has advanced it's look about a good 20 years however unfortunately I am finding it a bit harder to navigate wether this is because I had got used to the previous one or that it is genuenly more difficult to surf through remains to be seen.

I have to date been unable to find one of the resources I had used it extensivly for; which was the Lodge finder.

I question have they sacrificed funtionality for design....

.....on a positive note the inclusion of a video library is great as is the downloadable brochure and really like the openess of the inclusion of The Book of Constitutions.

I'll leave it up to you to form an opinion however they rae at least moving forward well done UGLE.

Ooops seems I was wrong

2009-09-16T19:42:00.000+01:00

After months nearly years of wondering what will transpire in Dan Browns newest book 'The Lost Symbol' '(originally entitled The Solomon Key') it seems rather than being thriller based on the despicable Freemasons in the style of his anti-opus dei book 'Angels and Demons' it is actually pro-masonic.

How red faced am I!

I prepared myself for a barrage of negative comments and questions asking me if we really did that and and here I am getting the odd comment (when anyone even mentions it) of 'hey those masons seem quite a nice bunch' and ' hah I really don't believe you drink blood from skulls' so all in all the book I have been fearfully anticipating for so long really isn't all that bad.

As for Browns writing style that is up to personal interpritation. So I'd like to say 'sorry Mr Brown' for judging a book by it's cover and will enjoy reading 'The Lost Symbol' again.

In an earlier blog ( New website check it out ) I pointed you in the direction of a new web site 'The |Lost Symbol and Freemasonmry' set up to answer the 'incorrect' portions of Dan Browns book, now there will be less I still think this wil be a fantastic resource to answer the many questions that will still be raised by the book and also make sure you download the FREE E-BOOK 'What is Freenasonry?' which will also be a great resource to have in the coming months are I still expect a huge influx of men asking that very question...

"What is Freemasonry?"

TIME: a positive piece

2009-09-16T00:40:00.000+01:00

With all the interest in Dan Browns Book ( I got mine today and will do a small review in a few days if I can stop myself falling asleep each time I open it's pages) TIME online have interviewed author Jay Kinney about his upcoming book 'The Masonic Myth'

In the interview which accompanied by a bright positive pictuire of Freemasons in regalia hand in hand in a stance of fellowship, Kinney asnwers are clear and informative and totally unsecetarative. It touches on the Morgan Affair and his own initiation into the Craft. I won't repeat the interview because you can pop over to TIME to read it which I advise you to do.....

http://www.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,1923149,00.html

The Masonic Society : An Odessey

2009-09-15T03:50:00.000+01:00

This morning I took delivery of the most recent issue of the Journal of the masonic Society, and also renewed my membership for a second year. I believe this is a subscription fee well spent and would recommend any to join.

The cover features a Dutch engravingshowing Jerusalem and Solomons temple by an artist called Christian Van Adrichomd who lived from 1533 until1585.

Amounst the many great articles is one which grasped my imagination written by Kenneth W Davis of Indianapolis, Indiana, entitled........

'Brother Bloom, The Most Influential Mason Who Never Lived'.

A wonderfully written examination of the masonic links of the protaganist, Leopauld Bloom, from James Joyces masterpiece 'Ulysses' it has encouraged me to reach onto my bookshelf and dust off my copy to read it once again, if you are not already a member of the Masonic Society you should join now by heading here.

Why not take a few moments to listen to a few words from his materpiece from the man himself......

Join The Masonic Society today

The Lost Symbol - LA Times review

2009-09-15T02:09:00.000+01:00

Well here it is the first review of the much anticipate 'The Lost Symbol' beware there are spoilers .... read the review at your own peril.

Read the LA Times review

What is Freemasonry – Free ebook

2009-09-14T22:04:00.000+01:00

Download your copy of What is Freemasonry?

The talented guys at Freemasoninformation.com have produced a fantastic resource for everyone out there Mason or non-mason who has unanswered questions about Freemasonry, this brilliant book is the perfect springboard into further research of the Craft. When I requested the right to assit with the distribution of this masterpiece the editor informed me that .....

"While some want to try and answer the questions of the Dan Brown book, I'd rather answer the "what is Freemasonry" question so as to not mix the two, which is the driver on this."

With the release of Dan Brown’s book “The Lost Symbol” and the questions it will raise about the modern day fraternity, Stewert tells us...

"the goal of this e-book is to make available some of the lesser discussed details of the contemporary fraternity."

Answering questions such as 'Why does Freemasonry not admit women?' and 'What is the Lodge experience like?' it is a must read for everyone. I for one would like to join the chorus of fans and say well done B:. Greg Stewart, not only has he produced a book crammed full of information but he has done a wonderful job of the design as well.

When forming the Masonic Art Exchange it was in the hope I could assit the craft to move in the direction where the standard of publications are more like this and here is one which most definately does not need help and should be used as an example for all.

Being a great fan of technology (if not too good a user) one of the greatest advantages of this is e-book is the fact it is available within minutes of recommendation why not print out a few cards with the address so when family, friends or work collegue ask you "What is freemasonry?"n direct them to this tome. you can direct them to this tome.

Please make sure you go along and see the great work they are doing at Freemasoninformation.com

just for fun I have put together a sheet of slips which you could print out and keep with for when you want to direct an enquiry to this book.

download your slips here

George Washington Masonic Memorial on MNBC

2009-09-14T15:18:00.000+01:00

Leading up to Dan Brown's interview with Matt Lauer on Tuesday's Today show they have been presenting video 'clues' to places mentioned in his new book 'The Lost Symbol' this is the final one before it's release.....

remeber to check into the new web site http://www.freemasonlostsymbol.com/

Temples and Tattooed men

2009-09-13T14:39:00.000+01:00

As promised this morning I woke, got dressed and took a stroll down to my local paper shop, (actually I drove) and picked up a copy of the Mail On Sunday......

“The initiate raised the skull to his mouth and his lips touched dry bone.”

...today the Mail On Sunday printed the Prologue and first two chapters of the much anticipated continuing adventures of Harvard Professor Robert Langdon.

The article and novel opens with the FACT.

In 1991, a document was locked in the safe of the director of the CIA. The document is still there today. Its cryptic text includes references to an ancient portal and an unknown location underground. The document also contains the phrase: ‘it’s out there somewhere.’

All organisations in this novel exist, including the Freemasons, the Invisible College, the Office of Security, the SMSC, and the Institute of Nordic Sciences.

All rituals, science, artwork, and monuments in this novel are real.

--------------

The Prologue takes us into an opening scene of an initiation in the House of the Temple. Describing the room as looking like ‘..a holy sanctuary from the ancient world.’ Brown goes into a dramatic description of a familiar ritual, ‘around his neck hung a heavy rope noose – ‘a cable-tow’ as the brethren called it’

You can tell that Brown has researched his ‘facts’ as he goes into great detail of the architectural speciation’s of the huge room and ‘colossal edifice’ found at 1733 Sixteenth ST NW, Washington D.C.

The initiate is conducted by the ‘white robed’ ‘Supreme Worshipful Master’ who instructs him as he lays a hand on his shoulder to ‘Take the Oath……complete your journey’ who is later described as an unsuspecting grey eyed man who had foolishly admitted him [the initiate] into the brotherhood; the short prologue finishes with the single line…..

‘Soon you will lose everything you hold most dear.’

Chapter Two sees the introduction of the familiar character garbed in his tweed jacket of the protagonist of the story Robert Langdon, seated aboard a Falcon 200EX (which means nothing to me) he wakes from a nightmare as he comes into land at Dallas airport and also introduces the character of Billionaire life long friend (don’t believe he has ever been mentioned before) Peter Solomon who no doubt will play an important in Langdon’s adventure.

The final chapter shared introduces who must be the BAD GUY Mal’akh a 6’3” naked tattooed man who strolls through his home plotting in his mind against brotherhood inside brotherhood who himself had ascended to the ‘…33rd degree, the highest echelon of the world’s oldest surviving brotherhood.’

In his own mind he is a ‘masterpiece…..an artefact…an evolving icon…..an intricate tapestry of ancient symbols and sigils’ who is waiting to be completed by a final tattoo on the crown of his head the only piece of his ‘saved and smooth’, body that is not adorned.

The opening prologue and two chapters set us up for an adventure that will ‘shake the capitol building’ introducing characters which require little imagination or appreciation of depth but it does promise to be a fun read … an un-mind stretching afternoons entertainment and judging by the opening a book which will require members of our craft to have a lot of correct answers and good resources with which to point enquiring minds in the right direction.

For some possible assistance with these resources and answers see my previous post New Website check it out

http://www.freemasonlostsymbol.com/

A Pleasent Sunday read....

2009-09-12T20:40:00.000+01:00

Tomorrow morning I will wake, get dressed and take a stroll down to my local paper shop, my family are off to the beach tomorrow (the summer is here for a whole day) which gives me a few hours to read the newspaper but tomorrow there will be something other than the appalling state of the world economy and who is breaking up with who in the world of celebrities.

The Mail On Sunday will hold within it’s pages the much anticipated opening two chapters of ‘The Lost Key ' the next instalment of the adventures of the Harvard Professor, Robert Langdon. Believed to feature the Freemasons as central characters it has been a long time coming.

I would recommend buying the book but also order its perfect companion available in December by accomplish Masonic author Chris Hodapp ‘Deciphering the Lost Symbol’

So head to the shops in the morning and pick yourself up a copy of the Mail on Sunday and see what all the fuss is about….

read the full article at The Mail Online

GRAND MASTERS FESTIVAL: an outstanding success

2009-09-12T15:46:00.000+01:00

THE GRAND MASTER’S FESTIVAL for Charity 2008 was an outstanding success, surpassing all expectations – especially in the current financial climate.

The Brethren throughout Ireland raised a massive €660,000 (£600.000, $963,500), a magnificent total which is being shared by the delighted beneficiaries - the Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice, Samaritans and LauraLynn Foundation.

The finale of the Festival was marked by a meeting between the Taoiseach, Brian Cowen, and the Grand Master, M.W.Bro. George Dunlop, and representatives of Grand Lodge and the charities at Government Buildings in Dublin. Mr. Cowen described the Festival as “an outstanding success” and congratulated the Brethren.

“Their generous support will strengthen the capacity of these charities to provide their invaluable assistance to families and individuals in distress and coping with adversity,”

he said.Celebration banquets were also held in the Freemasons’ Hall, Molesworth Street, Dublin, and the Provincial Masonic Hall, Rosemary Street, Belfast.

The gatherings heard moving yet inspiring stories of the work of the hospice movement among children with life-limiting illnesses and the efforts of Samaritans to reduce suicides. Actress Olivia Nash, vice-president of the Northern Ireland Hospice, told the Belfast banquet that it was one of the biggest single donations they had ever received. The stage and screen celebrity was among a glittering guest list which also included her BBC TV “Give My Head Peace” co-star, Alexandra Ford, who is ambassador for Belfast Samaritans; Jane McKenna, founder of the LauraLynn Foundation, and other representatives of the charities.

Presenting cheques for €220,000 (£200,000) to each of the charities, the Grand Master said: “Like the rest of the community, charities are feeling the pinch of the credit crunch and our support is therefore more important and necessary than ever. The response to the Festival for Charity has been magnificent and is all the more commendable in the current economic climate. The very Impressive total which has been raised will, we hope, go a considerable way to supporting the essential and laudable work of these three very worthy charities.” He added: “The huge success of our fund-raising efforts all over Ireland down the years is an achievement of which we feel especially proud. It reflects not only the generosity of our members but also our open and active participation in the life of the community and demonstrates that we are a caring organisation and part of society.”

The Festival, launched in November 2007, was originally intended to cover a year-long programme but had to be extended by a further six months to accommodate the number of money raising events organised by members of the Masonic Order throughout Ireland, north and south. They ranged from barbeques, clay pigeon shoots, quiz and race nights and calendar sales to dinner dances, deep-sea fishing, golf outings, sponsored walks, marathon runs and whiskey tasting.

Two members completed a sponsored climb of two peaks in the Himalayas and another undertook a four-day run over the 167-mile route from the children’s hospice on the outskirts of Belfast to the site of the proposed LauraLynn hospice at Sandyford, County Dublin, … before going on to compete in the Dublin marathon.

A statement from the joint chairmen of the Festival Committee, R.W.Bros. Richard Ensor, Rodney McCurley and Basil Fenton, said: “The ingenuity of our members in raising funds for charity never fails to amaze. We could not have foreseen the major downturn in the economic climate which would take place during our Festival year and could not have been criticised for being pessimistic about the outcome. In fact nothing could have been further from the truth and the Brethren of the Irish Constitution of the Order have risen magnificently to the challenge by demonstrating their generosity and willingness to work hard for charity in what has turned out to be an extremely successful exercise in fundraising.”

The Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice cares for 250 life-limited children and their families every year.

Chief executive officer Judith Hill said:

“We rely heavily on voluntary donations and legacies to continue our work. This tremendous effort by the Freemasons will pay for three staff nurses for two years, making a huge difference to those special children in our care.”

The all-Ireland Samaritans organisation operates from 20 branches with some 1,700 volunteers to provide round-the-clock confidential emotional support to people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair. Volunteer representative Anita Lawlor said: “As demand for Samaritans services increases in these difficult times the cost of running the charity rises. A donation of this size, for which we are most grateful, is a significant step in ensuring that we can maintain and increase the reach of our 24-hour helpline services over the coming three years and make a significant contribution to the reduction of suicide in Ireland.”

The LauraLynn Foundation was set up in 2001 as a result of an enormous personal tragedy in the lives of Dublin couple Jane and Brendan McKenna that saw them lose both of their daughters, Laura and Lynn, in the space of just two years. It has teamed up with the Children’s Sunshine Home to establish the first hospice for children in the Republic. Said Jane McKenna:

“We realise the huge effort which went into the organisation of the many events run by the Freemasons and sincerely appreciate their kind and generous support. The donation raised is astounding and will truly make a wonderful difference to many sick children and their families in the future.”

Below – letters from the grateful beneficiaries.

this article appeared in the September issue of The Grand lodge News

Irish Lodge of Research Emergency Meeting

2009-09-12T06:07:00.000+01:00

On Saturday the 31st of October, at 2:30pm, the Irish Lodge of Research will open an Emergency Communication in the Provincial Grand Lodge Room, Rosemary Street, Belfast to welcome W:. B:. Dr John Wade, appointed by the U.G.L.E. to be the 2009 Prestonian lecturer in England.

Dr Wade will then become the first Prestonian Lecturer to present his 2009 lecture live to an audience in Ireland, during his year of office.

This lively lecture, focused on the topic of Public Masonic Processions over the past 300 years, will comprise a mixture of power-point presentation, written text and video clips. The entire presentation will last for approximately 1 hour.

The Provincial Grand lodge Librarian will mount a display in the old dining rooms on the theme of Masonic Parades and will have on show some very rare examples of Masonic Banners , Freemasons' Drum, carrying warrant Frames and other similar material.

The Provincial Grand Lodge Museum will also be open from 12 noon for anyone wishing to look around.Below is a map of where The Lodge Rooms can be found.

Please make an especial effort to attend this special occasion on 31st October 2009.

News Flash originally included in the September Summons of the Lodge Of Research CC

New Website check it out

2009-09-11T23:00:00.000+01:00

http://www.freemasonlostsymbol.com/

The Masonic Society, the Masonic Service Association of North America, and the George Washington Masonic Memorial have combined their talents and created a new website aimed at answering the questions that will appear with the release of Dan Browns new novel 'The Lost Symbol'

One of the leading archetects of this new web site will be Chris Hodapp who already has well in the works his own book in 'answer' to the upcoming Dan Brown novel, Deciphering the Lost Symbol available in December you can order it from Amazon via MAE web site

If I had the power to make it an order I would do and demand you go along and check out the site (wether a mason or not) before your mind is in a turmoil from reading this book most of all remember 'it's just a story'

Art isn't just pictures - Rudyard Kipling an introduction

2009-09-11T21:34:00.000+01:00

How best to continue with this blog?

...........until I have the time or opportunity to write something new I have decided to 'reprint' a short article from issue one of the newsletter found here issue 1 in which I wrote a very brief outline introduction to Rudyard Kipling. Hope you enjoy....

Art is quite an all encompassing word and covers many different medium (is that the right word). Art is not just paintings or logos or photographs or illustrations, it is also books, poems and other written forms. The Masonic Art Exchange Group was created to mainly cover the ‘pictorial’ form of Art but I think it is important to include the other forms.

Some of the world’s greatest artists and authors have been members of this great craft and I am hoping that over the coming months someone out there would like to investigate some of them and put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) and tell us a little bit about them.

I will leave it up to your imagination on how to define an artist as the definition is as varied and exciting as the definition of Art itself.

I will attempt to start the ball rolling with a very light introduction of just such an artist, and do not consider this attempt to be a definitive example because as I have pointed out at the beginning of this newsletter my strengths have never really been in the written word, and also as we are not printed newsletter we are not limited for space. Unlike the gentleman below.

Rudyard Kipling - An introduction to an artist of the written word

My awareness of Rudyard Kipling came probably first at about the age of 15 when I watched the movie, ‘The Man Who Would Be King’ starring Sean Connery, and Michael Caine as the main characters and Christopher Plummer as Kipling himself, this lead me to read his short story of the same name I later realised this was also my first real encounter of the ‘world’ of fraternal societies, the mystery of Daniel Dravot and Peachey Carnehan being able to rely upon a ‘brother’ so much as they did in the tale, and their encounter of the symbolism of the craft in that far away land of Kafiristan.

The man who wrote this story and many others that are familiar from our own youth and passing into adulthood such as; ‘The Jungle Book’ (how many read the book BEFORE seeing the movie?) and Gunga Din was born in Bombay, India on December 30th 1865 to Alice Kipling (née MacDonald) and (John) Lockwood Kipling. Lockwood was a Freemason [3] and an artist himself and taught architectural sculpture at the Sir Jamsetjee Jeejeebhoy School of Art and Industry in Bombay. [1]

Kipling was soon joined by a younger sibling and as was the custom in British India, at the age of six he and his three-year-old sister, Alice ("Trix"), were taken to England to be schooled with a couple who took in children of British nationals living in India. The two children were live with the couple, Captain and Mrs. Holloway, at their house, Lorne Lodge, in Southsea (nr Portsmouth) for the next six years. Kipling wrote later in memoirs that he was treated appallingly whilst in their care [2], in the spring of 1877; Alice Kipling returned from India and removed the children from Lorne Lodge.

Kipling remembers,

".....often afterwards, the beloved Aunt would ask me why I had never told anyone how I was being treated. Children tell little more than animals, for what comes to them they accept as eternally established. Also, badly-treated children have a clear notion of what they are likely to get if they betray the secrets of a prison-house before they are clear of it". [2]

In January 1878 Kipling was admitted to the United Services College, at Westward Ho!, Devon, a school founded a few years earlier to prepare boys for the armed forces. Towards the end of his stay at the school, it was decided that he lacked the academic ability to get into Oxford University on a scholarship and his parents lacked the ability to finance him; consequently, Lockwood Kipling obtained a job for his son in Lahore (now in Pakistan), where Lockwood was now Principal of the Mayo College of Art and Curator of the Lahore Museum. Kipling was to be assistant editor of a small local newspaper, the Civil & Military Gazette. It is a similar scene where ‘Kipling’ first meets Daniel Dravot and Peachey Carnehan as they are about to head out on their great adventure.

So with his new career ahead of him Kipling sailed for India on 20th September 1882 and arrived in Bombay almost a month later 18th October. He described his arrival years later:

"So, at sixteen years and nine months, but looking four or five years older,
and adorned with real whiskers which the scandalised Mother abolished within one hour of beholding, I found myself at Bombay where I was born, moving among sights and smells that made me deliver in the vernacular sentences whose meaning I knew not. Other Indian-born boys have told me how the same thing happened to them."[2]

In 1885 the Lodge of Hope and Perseverance #782 of the English Constitution was looking for a secretary[3] Kipling’s Father Lockwood was approached as the brethren had heard of young Kipling and with special dispensation at the age of twenty years and six months Rudyard Kipling became a Freemason and secretary of his Lodge .Kipling worked hard at the Civil & Military Gazette which was published six days a week and soon started to write his own prose and short stories in 1886 with the change of the editor Kipling was asked to contribute short stories to the publication. Then in the January of 1888 Plain Tales from the Hills, Kipling's first prose collection was published in Calcutta. His writing continued at a frenetic pace and during the following year, he published six collections of short stories: Soldiers Three, The Story of the Gadsbys, In Black and White, Under the Deodars, The Phantom Rickshaw, and Wee Willie Winkie, containing a total of 41 stories, some quite long. By now he had also transferred to the sister of the Civil & Military Gazette in Allahabad.

In early 1889 after leaving The Pioneer after a dispute and selling rights to some of his work he used the money which included six months’ severance pay from The Pioneer to return to London which he and many others considered to be the literary centre of the world. On the 9th of March 1889 he set of on his travels after roving through much of the USA and meeting giants of the writing world such as Mark Twain he arrived at Liverpool Docks in October 1889. He was soon to take the London literary scene by storm.

Rudyard Kipling was in London and went from strength to strength in both his literary and Masonic career. Kipling died at the age of 70 and in his long life he played quite a big role. As far as freemasonry he also received his Mark Master Degree in a Lahore Lodge and affiliated a craft lodge in Allahabad.

In London he affiliated as an honorary member to Motherland Lodge number No. 3861, was a member of Authors Lodge No. 3856 and was also a founding member of Lodge Builders of the Silent Cities No. 4948. He also joined fellow mason Robbie Burns as one time poet laureate of Canongate Kilwinning Lodge No. 2 in Edinburgh. [3]

As I mentioned in the introduction this is just a very brief delve into the life of a man who in my humble opinion was a true artist and still continues today to delight many generations with the tales of a young boy raised in the Jungle and I personally thank him for an early introduction into a fellowship of men who I am now very happy to count myself part of.

For more articles on Masonic Art and Artists visit our website and have alook at the newsletters http://masonic-ae.com/news.html

I have put this together from a few sources some which I am unable to credit as there was no author given however the three main references were as follows for the life of Kipling:
[1]Gilmour, David. 2002. The Long Recessional: The Imperial Life of Rudyard Kipling, Farrar, Straus, and Giroux, New York.
[2] Kipling, Rudyard (1935/1990) Something of myself and other autobiographical writings. Cambridge University Press.
And for the information on his Masonic ‘career’:
[3] http://www.freemasons-freemasonry.com/kipling.html
I do recommend reading this paper if you get the chance.

MAE enters the world of Blogs

2009-09-11T21:07:00.000+01:00

Well here we are we finally had to do it I suppose, yep the Masonic Art Exchange has stated a blog.

I am not entirely sure what I will be blogging about but hopefully it will be of interest to anyone who may happen to pop by. I think I will be able to give a new perpective to the world of Masonic Blogs with an insight into the world of Irish Freemasonry.

Check back often or even subscribe to see what I'm chatting about.