In this edition of Symbols and Symbolism, we look at a reading from Albert G. Mackey’s Encyclopedia of Freemasonry on the subject of Riding the Goat. Goat riding is one of those superstition that permeates most every corner of fraternal initiation. Not exclusively a Masonic institution, goat riding or making candidates “ride the goat” has been an aspect […]
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The Passing Of Brother John “Corky” Wheeler Daut
Brother John “Corky” Wheeler Daut passed away July 11, 2016 at the age of 88. In his earlier years he was Superintendent of the Department of Solid Waste for Houston, Texas. Later he was to open his own business, Daut’s Repair Service, repairing small engines and sharpening saws. Towards the end of his life he […]
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Building Hiram
I recently completed digesting Dr. John Nagy’s book Building Hiram. It is another in a series of Catechism Primer formats that Nagy has published for increasing Light in Freemasons. This method of instruction follows what many Masons received as they went through the Degrees. Yet I must admit that since I last had that pleasure […]
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Travis Simpkins: Interview with the Portrait Artist Taking Freemasonry by Storm
If you have a lot of Mason friends and follow various Masonic and related personalities, like I do, you for sure have noticed how profile photos have been shifting to the signature style portrait drawings of artist Travis Simpkins. Phoenixmasonry is pleased to have had the opportunity to interview this prolific artist so we can […]
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Promoting Morality
BRYCE ON LIFE – Some suggestions. For several years, the Gallup organization has been monitoring and measuring morality in our country. One glaring statistic always jumps out at me, specifically Americans believe morality is in decline and our values are changing. There may be several causes for this, such as the decline of organized religion, the […]
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Grand Lodge Of Massachusetts Recognizes Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge Of Texas
THE MOST WORSHIPFUL GRAND LODGE OF ANCIENT FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS M.W. Arthur E. Johnson, P.G.M. Grand Secretary Masonic Building 186 Tremont Street Boston 02111 Telephone 617-426-6040 Fax 617-426-6115 grandsec@glmasons-mass.org June 13, 2016 Tracey C. Bittle, Grand Secretary Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Texas, F. & AM. PO Box 1478 […]
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In Hoc Signo Vinces – Symbols and Symbolism
In this installment of Symbols and Symbolism, we look at the meaning behind the iconic slogan of the York Right Knight Templars – In Hoc Signo Vinces (pronounced – in hohk sig-noh wing-kase). Translated from Latin to read “By this sign thou shalt conquer,” the motto, and its corresponding association with the passion cross are, […]
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The Meaning of Freemasonry
In this Sojourners post, a observant brother from the Prince Hall tradition asks a very important question about access in the modern age of Freemasonry – Who has it, why, and should it be exclusive? This piece, while brief, explores at least in part these ideas as more and more of a diverse audience is […]
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Author Interview – Joshua Lorenzo Newett on In Remembrance of Things Lost
Masonic author Joshua Lorenzo Newett spent some time recently to talk about his new work of fiction, In Remembrance of Things Lost. Yet, as Joshua tells it, the work is underpinned with Masonic and esoteric themes that center on purpose, recovery and the story of one mans journey of becoming a Freemason, a journey that, […]
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Managing the Future of Freemasonry
A new book takes an optimistic approach to the vexing issue of declining membership. Managing the Future of Freemasonry: The Book of Optimism, by Dr David West, is a work by a man who understands philosophical thinking. A graduate in and of Philosophy from the University of Leicester, West has taught at universities in England […]
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