Issue archive
for Our Material Worlds

Junior Grand Warden Arthur H. Weiss explains the beauty and significance of Masonic material culture.

It was the late 1970s when Brett Welch, Garrett Chan, and Albert Lawson’s paths crossed for the first time.

For one 21st Century Club donor, a strong connection to the material culture of Freemasonry has resonated throughout his Masonic experience.

Freemasonry’s material culture holds deep meaning for its members – and the same can be said for organizations throughout the world. Here, we look at examples of material culture within the fraternity and the wider world that convey emotional and experiential significance.

Material objects convey culture and reflect shared experiences that span time and geography. Few organizations have as rich a material culture as Freemasonry. Brothers’ lodge attire, jewelry, Masonic gifts, lodge rooms, and ceremonial tools have a profound effect on the member experience – and they do so by design.

Lodges accumulate a mountain of records over the years, in the form of papers, books, artifacts, and photos. The sheer volume can get overwhelming.

Use these guidelines and tools to get rid of the clutter, and to take proper care of your lodge’s important records.

The archives of the Henry Wilson Coil Library and Museum of Freemasonry in San Francisco contain more than 100 years’ worth of significant Masonic artifacts.

Dedicated brothers from four lodges built an outdoor degree site at the Union City Masonic Home. It’s a testament to strong relationships, and a joy for those who experience it.

The Masonic rods that deacons and stewards use within the ceremonial lodge are imbued with meaning and symbolism.

One lodge’s near-casualty inspired a renewed interest in preserving Masonic artifacts, and revealed a treasure trove of California history.

Becoming a caregiver for a loved one can be both rewarding and challenging. Learning to navigate this dynamic with patience and grace is essential.