This remarkable man was the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Washington State in 1898 who first recognized Prince Hall Masonry. The Grand Lodge of Washington StatePublishes this: Brother Upton was made a Mason in Blue Mountain Lodge No. 13 in Walla Walla, becoming its Master in 1892. He […]
Continue readingAuthor Archive: Fred Milliken
The Lost Empire
There is a hot new book out here on the Prince Hall scene, THE LOST EMPIRE, Black Freemasonry In The Old West (1867-1906) by Brother James R. Morgan III. This book tells the history of African American Freemasonry in the Old West as seen through the lens of Captain William D. Matthews and the King […]
Continue readingThe Empty Chair Degree in Freemasonry
The Empty degree is thought to date back to 1875, a decade after the close of the American Civil War when it was used in Masonic lodges throughout the nation.
Continue readingCalling All Masons. Help Me Write A Charge
The Best One-Two Punch In Modern Times I have, in my position as an old Past Master, mentored a Brother through the Degrees for the first time in a long time. And as his raising is imminent, I wanted to “send him off” with a good new charge. I love doing charges and have done […]
Continue readingA Joyful & Talented Installation
I attended my good friend’s installation as Master of Stockyard Lodge No. 1244, Grand Lodge of Texas AF & AM, Worshipful Michael Cote. Brother Cote was the Grand Lodge of Texas Grand Musician until this year. He is the only Grand Musician who has not been a piano or organ player. Cote has […]
Continue readingThe President Honors A Fallen Brother
On May 22, 2019 President Trump presented Police Officer, and brother, Brent Alan Thompson the Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor posthumously, the highest national award for valor by a public safety officer. “An attack on our police is an attack upon our entire nation,” Trump said. Brother Thompson was a Dallas Area Rapid Transit […]
Continue readingI Shall Return
Perhaps you remember the story of Brother Salman S. Sheika resigning from Freemasonry. We covered the story: Masonic Anti-Intellectualism A Crying Shame. Good news. Brother Sheika is returning to Freemasonry and here is his story: Why I Am Returning To The Masonic Brotherhood: Salman S. Sheikh Disclaimer: This is of my own personal thoughts, opinions, […]
Continue readingWhat Do You Bring?
Once again we bring the yearly Allocution from Royal Grand Perfect Matron R. Lucille Samuel as she continues to inspire and lead her troops. This Sister spreads love and joy wherever she goes while at the same time holding tightly the reins of leadership. She is a Master at organizing, deputizing and inspiring those whom […]
Continue readingPhilosophical Intellectual Masons versus Structural Administrative Freemasons
Recently I have been reading some essays by Masons who are dismayed at all the talk about membership, dues, dress, Grand Lodge edicts and other issues that they believe bring into the mix undue discussion, debate and division — the three Ds. For them the philosophy of Masonry, its symbolism, its virtues, its morality, its […]
Continue readingTo Die Or Not To Die
“To be, or not to be, that is the question:Whether ’tis nobler in the mind to sufferThe slings and arrows of outrageous fortune,Or to take arms against a sea of troublesAnd by opposing end them. To die—to sleep,No more;” The articles by Brothers Sean Kennedy and Stephen Dafoe regarding the decline in Freemasonry has brought […]
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