Monthly Archives: January 2011

We hear of the Jewish Shekel and Half Shekel mentioned many times during King Solomon’s reign and the building of the Temple. During King Solomon’s time the Shekel and Half Shekel were used as a weight or measure. It was … Continue reading →

Banners Much difficulty has been experienced by ritualists in reference to the true colors and proper arrangements of the banners used in an American Chapter of Royal Arch Masons. It is admitted that they are four in number, and that … Continue reading →

The Mysteries existed for a simple reason: to satisfy the desire of those who wished to know the truth of who we are, what happens at death and what Divinity is. Certain Mysteries achieved widespread fame: those of Demeter and … Continue reading →

Writing is comparatively speaking, of recent origin. A painter, artist, author, columnist or sculptor attaches his signature to the finished product, indeed all works either bear the signature of the author or some distinguishing trade mark. In olden times however, … Continue reading →

This gives us the key to the Vault in which the Principal Sojourner is about to descend. The whole scene is changed; it is no longer the Hell, whether of the “After death” or of the “Mystic,” but the abyss … Continue reading →

The Lodge in which we as M.E.M. now work, and in which we confer the Degree of M.E.M. on those who are found worthy, is presumed to represent the Grand Lodge of Excellent Master which existed In Babylon during “the … Continue reading →

Inside, standing in front of the far wall, is the naos, the carved shrine for the statue of the god. This is a finely shaped and polished solid block of stone several yards high. But this naos at Edfu is curious, the rear of … Continue reading →

The central events commemorated in the Degree of Most Excellent Master are the completion and the dedication of the Temple that King Solomon erected in Jerusalem to God’s Holy Service. In order to reenact its completion, the Brethren, who of … Continue reading →

The Reverend Billy Graham tells me the story that early in his ministry when he arrived in a small town for a preaching engagement, he wanted to mail a letter and asked a young boy the way to the post … Continue reading →

While we cannot argue that Freemasonry directly derives from the ancient mysteries, or even that it has retained certain practices carried down through the centuries (it might have done, but we cannot point to any proof of this) we can … Continue reading →