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Freemasonry in Brazil: When Masonry Went Pop

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In the past two decades, the number of Freemasons in Brazil has practically exploded. Inside a cultural and fraternal phenomenon.

The Famous Masonic ‘Traveling Trowel Train’ to Mexico of 1909

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In 1909, a special delegation of California Masons set for Mexico City to deliver a world-famous Masonic traveling “Unity” trowel.

Hammer, Sickle, Square, Compass: Freemasonry in Cuba

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A road trip through Cuba reveals a thriving—and colorful—Masonic community full of eye-catching Masonic lodges.

The Latin America-to-California Masonic Connection

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Meet a group of California Masons who also belong to Masonic lodges in their home countries in Latin America.

The Rite Stuff: The Many Masonic Rituals of Latin America

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From Mexico to Argentina, Latin American countries embody a wide range of Masonic rituals, from the familiar to the highly esoteric.

For Freemasons, Death Is Not the End

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Freemasonry offers a framework to living a better life. That’s why it holds so many lessons for confronting death—and whatever comes next.

At a Masonic Cemetery, a Forever Home

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In rural Tuolumne County, a new effort to bring a pair of Gold Rush era Masonic cemeteries back to life.

Underwater, Reminders of a Masonic Cemetery

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Buried among the rocks and rubble of San Francisco’s Aquatic Park breakwater, a reminder of a long-lost Masonic graveyard.

These Morticians Are the Last Masons You’ll Ever Meet

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It takes a special temperament to succeed as a mortician—and one, it turns out, that Freemasons are well suited to.

Three Masons Working as Death’s Doormen

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Meet three Masons with an intimate familiarity with death—and the other side.

At a Hollywood Cemetery, a Masonic ‘Forever’ Lodge

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The Masons moved out ages ago, but their aura remains at the Masonic Lodge at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery.

From Sublime to Masonry to Politics: The Mayor of Dub

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From one of the early members of Sublime to mayor of La Palma, California Freemason Marshall Goodman is well-qualified to represent the L.B.C.

Mystical, Magical, Scarce

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Lodge organists are a vanishing breed—but one with the power to transform the Masonic ritual.

Anything but Silence

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Why two grand lodge officers are on a quest to bring music into every Masonic lodge.

For This World Music Scion, a Masonic Inheritance

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World musician and California Freemason Nee Quaison-Sackey has made it his life’s work to bring people together.

A Rapper-Turned-Freemason Offers Rhyme and Reason

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For 20 years, he was the rapper Ryu. But inside his Long Beach-area Masonic lodge, the hip-hop musician is just Ryan.

The Beautiful Sound

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Trevor Terence Panganiban’s music bridges East and West.

After a Year Away, It’s Lights Up at the Masonic

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It’s curtains up at the Masonic, one of San Francisco’s best-loved venues for music, comedy, and other shows.

Rave Recollections of a Mason and Concert Promoter

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A concert promoter, musical impressario, and California Freemason reflects on a very full life in concerts and shows.

String Theory

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Meet three Masons who are expert musical instrument makers.

Spanning the Divide

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Why building harmony and friendships are the most important parts of Freemasonry.

For Two California Masonic Grand Lodges, A New Beginning

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Twenty-five years ago, the Grand Lodge of California and the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of California changed the way we all view Freemasonry.

Is Forgiveness Manly?

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Mason and manliness expert Brett McKay unpacks why letting go is the ultimate power move.

A Second Home

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For decades, Masonry has played a central role in the Filipino immigrant experience. Now a new generation is making its mark on the fraternity.

Portal to the Past

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A hiding-in-plain sight Masonic hall in San Francisco tells a rich history of Filipino Freemasonry in California.

A Traveling Brotherhood

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At the Manlalakbay Na Gurong Mason weekend, Filipino Freemasonry transforms into a can’t miss road show.

Cover Story: At Refreshment

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Why lifting a drink represents the pure, distilled essence of Freemasonry.

That’s the Spirit!

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A jiggerful of Mason drink slingers mix the perfect craft cocktail.

The Toastmasters: The Dive Master

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A SoCal Mason shares a beloved family tradition: a good drink.

The Toastmasters: The Harmonizer

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Winemaker Karl Lehmann on seeking life’s perfect blend.

The Toastmasters: The Salonnier

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At Club 50, Phillipe Milgrom gathers Masons for a taste of the good life.

The Toastmasters: The Spirit Guide

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Whiskey expert and priest Steve Beal on communing with the divine.

The Happiest Place in Union City

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Sidle up to the bar at the Turkey Roost, where everybody knows your name.

Pub Crawling Through History

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A time-traveling, continent-hopping pub crawl of the fraternity’s most important watering holes.

Building Better

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The Masons of California cast their eyes past the lodge doors—and toward 2025 and beyond.

Next Up

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Meet the generation of California Masons bringing the fraternity into a bright new era.