Masonic Histories & Insights

The Tyler’s sword is one of the most iconic symbols of our Ancient Craft, and the sword is carried with pride by various appendant bodies within Masonry. But what is the actual history of swords as they were used in the time of Solomon, the Templars, and the founding of the first lodges?  Learn about the role the sword played in human society, and why and how Masonic-specific swords developed in colonial America. Questions are always welcome, and yes, you get to hold the swords.  

The Masonic Pubcrawl - Freemasonry in America & it's Colonial Tavern Beginnings-

An examination of Freemasonry as it existed in the days that lead up to America's decree of independence. Exclusive rare documents will blow your mind

 From its inception, Freemasonry has maintained a strict policy of only admitting men throughout history. However, notable accounts of women being admitted and initiated as Masons under unusual circumstances have been recorded as factual by multiple Grand Lodges. In the modern day, the United Grand Lodge of England officially states that while they do not admit women, female Freemasons exist and are conducting good work. Who are these women Masons? Attend and find out.  

Exploring the origin of our oldest Masonic script!

 This presentation goes through the "who, what and where" of the Ancient and Primitive Rite of Memphis. Decadent, scandalous and finally, irregular! This presentation is wonderful for lodges looking for interesting history within the Fraternity. 

 A wonderful presentation about the Hero's journey, it's history, how it's applied and ultimately how it relates to us as Freemasons. 

 An Exploration of the Legend of the Temple of Solomon.  

The legend of the Ark of the Covenant, historical facts, it's relationship to Freemasonry and of course it's occult significance. 

Exploring the history and symbolism of Freemasonry in Ancient China.

 In this lecture, we explore the elements of the Chamber of Reflection. We talk about why they aren't in use any longer. We look at our Grand Lodge stance on the topic and figure out just what we can do in order to make the candidate experience even better. 

Symbolism Within The Goose & Gridiron - In relation to the founding of the first Grand Loge in England.

30 Minutes

Was Isaac Newton a Freemason?  If not, what did he have any  influence on the foundation of what we now know of as Ancient Craft Freemasonry?

A presentation exploring the many facets of Freemasons in the Military and their contributions. 

An in-depth conversation about how the lodge regalia, jewelry, and pins that Masons wear came about. This lecture will discuss how the symbolism of Masonry translated into the physical regalia and jewels worn in lodge, as well as the fascinating history and development of the ubiquitous Masonic rings and pins that are worn by many brothers.

Freemasonry has had a long and complex relationship with Christianity, including the York Rite and Knights Templar. This lecture will discuss the religious overtones of Masons and its complicated past with Christians, Catholics, and other religious institutions. 

Explores the Civil War from the unique perspective of Freemasonry.

A presentation on Dr. Charles Bucher, the only MD to come out of Batavia, IL who was also a Freemason and was involved in the Civil War. 

The tale of Marcellus Ephraim Jones who is reported as being the soldier who fired the first shot at the Battle of Gettysburg.

Freemasons and occultists fondly speak of and revere this apparent titan of the mystical. This presentation exposes him for who he was--a monster.  

Many know that Paul Case was a prolific writer and interpreter of the Tarot. His life of service to man goes largely unknown and uncelebrated. Here, we aim to change that. 

The philosophy of Friedrich Nietzsche changed the world. His approach to individual responsibility and the progress of humanity was stark and uncomforting at times. His idea of a "Perfected Man" the Übermensch, can almost be seen as blasphemous within religious circles, similarly--making oneself better through experience and perspective is exactly what Freemasonry calls us to do and is in simpatico with religious viewpoints. In this lecture--we'll explore these concepts and their interrelations.

Behind the polished monuments and whitewashed mythologies of the American Revolution lies a complex, high-stakes human reality. This presentation moves past idealized hero-worship to explore the raw human friction, battlefield desperation, and personal scandals of Revolutionary-era Freemasons.

As North America marks 250 years since 1776, how do we honor early American ideals without falling into static nostalgia or modern ideological tribalism? This keynote lecture serves as the philosophical climax of the series, connecting 18th-century civic thought directly to the duties of the modern citizen and thinker.

Alternatively, we could call this,”The Mysterious Case of Sam Brown,” we ask, Is Freemasonry merely a system of memorized words, or an engine designed to transform consciousness? We’ll explore the sensory reality of initiation beyond the limits of language. Using the iconic artwork of Sam Brown as a gateway, discover how art, mystery, and sacred atmosphere evoke a profound internal awakening that rote recitation can never touch.