Tag archive
for History

Soul of the Temple

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Sacred geometry has been an important element of sacred architecture for centuries.

Gaga for Googie

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Celebrating one of the state’s most architecturally distinctive Masonic temples.

A New Show Bringing Freemasonry into Prime Time

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A new series on NBC Peacock, “Dan Brown’s The Lost Symbol,” picks up on The Da Vinci Code-author’s Masonic-themed thriller.

The Masonic Pursuit of Justice

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In celebration of Independence Day, Grand Lodge of California head archivist Joe Evans shares a blue transferware cup plate dated between 1818 and 1836 that suggests Lady Justice a Freemason.

Samuel Larison, Freemason and Winemaker

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How one Freemason became a pioneer winemaker for the wine industry and a charter member of Sonoma County’s early Masonic lodge.

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.

Travelodge: In Vallejo, a Lodge-to-Loft Conversion

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A historic Masonic temple in Vallejo finds new life as artists’ lofts.

Flying Their Colors

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A new exhibition remembers when the Knights Templar came to town.

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.

Quarantine, Disease, and Masonic Relief—170 Years Ago

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During the Sacramento Cholera Outbreak of 1850, Masons took the reins of a public health emergency.

A Homeric Tale: When the Simpsons Parodied Freemasonry

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On the 25th anniversary of the “Stonecutters” episode of The Simpsons, a look back at one of the greatest comic send-ups of Freemasonry ever.

In His Blood

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For Past Master Fred Flint-Montero, Penrhyn Masonry is an inherited trait.

Of Their Own Free Will and Accord

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Freemasonry’s relationship with women evolved during its long history. How has this relationship changed over time, and why are separate streams of Masonry likely to continue?

Faith of Our Fathers

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At the birth of our country, the Masonic Founding Fathers who signed the U.S. Constitution instilled the values of Freemasonry within our democratic government.

Meaningful Objects

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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.

Our Material Worlds

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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.

Tips For Managing Masonic Records

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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.

Standing the Test of Time

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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.

Leading With Beauty

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

The Legacy of Objects

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

The Warrior Monk

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The historic namesake of the order of DeMolay carries with it a fascinating history that has long piqued curiosity and study.

The Flame Within a Heart

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The Order of DeMolay supports young men in building character and leadership skills that serve them for a lifetime. Its close friendship and enduring values provide vital support, cultivate deep understanding, and nurture emotional intelligence at a pivotal point in life.

From Missouri To The World

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Track DeMolay’s expansion from the United States to Canada, Europe, and beyond.

A Crown Of Youth

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Written in 1919, the DeMolay ritual is an amalgamation of Masonic traditions and influences.