10 must read Masonic books for all Freemasons

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This list is compiled from the personal views of myself, Amazon sales charts, Goodreads, and general discussion of must-read Masonic texts from various Brothers around the internet. These books range from titles excellent for the individual curious about Freemasonry or the newly raised Brother to those who’s Masonic careers are long in the tooth and want to expand their knowledge of the Craft. These would make great personal reading or to read in your Lodge book club, some of these are even in numerous Masonic best seller book lists! In no particular order, onward to the list:

 

  • The Mason’s Words: The History and Evolution of the American Masonic Ritual – the meticulous, documented, research in this text provides a fantastic look at Freemasonry from the 18th and 19th centuries and is presented in such a way that it engages the reader and is actually an enjoyable experience, later books in this list can be quite dry at times, but this book is an exception.

  • Freemasons For Dummies – in this book Bro. Hodapp masterfully enlightens readers on the basics of Freemasonry. This text is a must-read for those that are curious about Masonry and newly raised Brothers.

 

 

  • The Builders: A Story and Study of Freemasonry – in The Builders Bro. Newton offers us a scholarly look at the general origins and history of Freemasonry. Written in 1914, it’s possible readers will find the style a bit… different than they are accustomed to, but it’s by no means terrible. The ancient mystery religions as well as the birth of ‘modern’ speculative Freemasonry in the early 18th century. The Librarian prefers The Mason’s Word to this title but still finds it a worthy read for all Brothers.

 

 

  • The Meaning of Masonry – I have several copies of this book on my shelves, I received a copy or two as gifts after being raised and I am guilty of buying a copy or four for myself. Written by Wilmshurst roughly a century ago, this title is still a treasure. All Masons should own a copy (and in fact, Amazon regularly has used copies for as little as a penny plus shipping, so there’s no excuse)..

 

  • Encyclopedia Of Freemasonry: Extended Annotated Edition – ideally try to find one of the leather-bound 100ish-year-old editions. Otherwise, the Extended Annotated Edition is good enough. Bro. Mackey put together an excellent resource when he made these two volumes, and every Brother should have it on their shelves, even if to turn to a page at random and read from time to time.

 

 

 

  • Morals and Dogma: Of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry – Yes, it says Scottish Rite. Bro Pike has lecture after lecture in this title, which pushes it to nearly 900 pages and is by no means at all a book one should expect to tackle quickly. Every Mason should read this sometime in their life if they choose to go Scottish Rite or not. Do yourself a favor, and spend a little extra, find one of the older leather versions.

 

Well, there you have it. My top 10 list of must-read Masonic books. Are you in a Masonic book club, if so share what you’re reading in the comments!

Interview with Masonic Author Ill. Dr. James Tresner

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Whence come you Bro. James Tresner?

I was born in Enid, Oklahoma, now living in Guthrie, Oklahoma.

How did you first become interested in Freemasonry?

In my family, it was inevitable. One joined DeMolay at 13, got a driver’s license at 16, petitioned the Lodge at age 21. In fact, on my 21st birthday my parents handed me a petition, filled out, and my Grandmother handed me a check with which to pay the fees. So far as we can tell, I am a fifth-generation Mason. My Father and Grandfathers on both sides were active in Freemasonry, especially in the Scottish Rite. Both Grandmothers were active in Eastern Star, Amaranth, and White Shrine of Jerusalem. At the time, by Father was the youngest man to receive the 33rd Degree. I actually “took” the Blue Lodge and Scottish Rite Degrees by the time I was 5 years old. I had my hair cut, along with my Father, at Fox Barber Shop in Enid. Most of the customers were Masons, and frequently when we went in on Saturday mornings for a haircut, there would be five or six men there, “running language” either for a Blue Lodge Degree or an upcoming Scottish Rite Reunion. My Father was deeply interested in the philosophy of the Rite as he was in comparative religion, and so there were frequent discussions at home about the topics. I loved reading, and he loaned me his books on Masonry, so that I had read Morals and Dogma by the time I was 11 years old. I’m still trying to grasp it fully.

Well, I wanted to ask what made you decide to petition a Lodge but looks like we’ve covered that using your own words “It was foreordained”.

Bro. Jim, how long have you been a Mason?

Nearly 53 years.

What do you feel is the most important or impactful things you’ve taken away from Freemasonry?

Very difficult to answer. One certainly is how to be a friend. Another is the understanding that nothing is as it seems. Almost always there are deeper and deeper layers if one looks. A symbol may seem simple on the surface, but may lead you into the most profound depths of human experience.

Would you mind telling us a bit about your Masonic history?

(Remember, you asked for this) Originally (and still) a member of Garfield Lodge #501 in Enid, Oklahoma. Also a member and Past Master of Albert Pike Lodge #162 in Guthrie, Oklahoma. Member of the York Rite (made Knight Commander of the Temple by the Grand Encampment). Member of the Guthrie Valley Scottish Rite, Director of the Work there, 33o , Grand Cross in the Rite. Book Review Editor for the Scottish Rite Journal. Holder of the Oklahoma Masonic Medal of Honor and the Kansas Grand Master’s Medal of Honor. Honorary Past Grand Master of Arkansas. Anson Jones Lecturer. Holder of the Duane Anderson Medal in Masonic Education. Member of the Order of the Eastern Star. Publications Editor, Grand Lodge of Oklahoma. Royal Order of Scotland. Blue Friar. Mackey Medal for Excellence in Masonic Research from the Scottish Rite Research Society.

Busting my chops a little, haha, wow you’ve had quite busy Masonic ‘career’ those nearly 53 years! I feel like I’m slacking as a Brother here it’s been a decade and this is book club, which wasn’t even my idea, is my first real attempt at contributing to the Craft.

What Masonic titles have you written and do you currently have any Masonic books in the works?

Previous books include:

I’m currently working on a book I’m calling Bad Mason! Baad Mason!! It’s about the lamentable and unfortunate (and therefore funny) things which have happened in my Masonic life. I’m about ready to try to find a publisher.

I’ll have to keep an eye out for Bad Mason! Baad Mason!! The bit of sample you let me read was quite fun and I think everyone will love it once it’s published!

Have you written any non-Masonic books?

No

In writing/compiling “But I Digress” what did you find to be the most interesting thing you learned/realized?

Most of the book is a collection of material I originally wrote for the New Age/Scottish Rite Journal. Other material consists of speeches, papers, and a play written at various times and for various reasons. The thing I found most surprising was just how much of it there was. I had never collected it or even paid much attention to it before.

Is there any content in ‘But I Digress’ you wish you could change or plan to change in a future version?

There really isn’t anything I plan to change in another edition, and I suspect I should have left out more than I did. The reason I pulled it together what several younger Brethren contacted me from time to time asking about something they had read or someone had told them about. Two of three of them really pushed me to collect all of it, and I thought it would be fun to do.

If readers could only take one thing away from ‘But I Digress’ what would you want it to be?

If readers take any only one thing, I wold have they realized just how vast a topic Freemasonry is, and how it ranges from those whose pleasure is learning and performing the ritual to those who look for the hidden meaning of things. It is an exploration of human potential—it is part of the great quest tradition which always asks the question “Who are you?” The realization that we do not know who we are, and that the discovery of identity is one of the most compelling, interesting, and essential tasks we can undertake—that is what I hope people learn. And that it is a hell of a lot of fun on the path.

What book, Masonic or otherwise, do you find yourself giving the most as a gift?

The book I give most often as a gift is Morals and Dogma. It is amazing how many copies can be found in library sales, estate sales, etc.

I wonder how often those copies of Morals and Dogma go unread, I must admit I’ve a few copies I’ve found at Goodwill stores and as of yet I’ve never read it’s entirety.

Growing up what was your dream career?

Growing up I wanted to be a college teacher. And I got to do that for a while.

Do you have any favorite books/genres/authors that you like to read?

Thorne Smith, P.G. Wodehouse, Albert Pike, Jole Chandler Harris, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Agatha Christie, and the Harry Potter books.

If you could have one wish granted, what would you ask for?

If I could have one wish granted it would be to spend a couple of days in conversation with Albert Pike.

If you could say anything to the Masonic community, and you can now, what would it be?

If I could say one thing to the Masonic community, it would be not to sell Masonry short. It is an astonishing voyage of discovery if you have the courage to take it.

Thank you so very much for your time Bro. Jim.

 

This interview was conducted via electronic mail between Bro. Tresner and Bro. Ryan Carl Mercer member of Speedway #729 of the Indiana Grand Lodge F&AM on October 26th and 27th 2015 AD 6015 AL

I'm looking for some science fiction series recommendations

So I've been reading lists/blog posts/other people liked this on amazon & goodreads etc trying to find some series to read that are similar to some of my more recently read (past 5 years or so) favorites. Here's what I've really liked:

Stuff I did not like:

LEGO 71011 Minifigure Series 15

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Now THAT is how you start a weekend off right, with all of Lego 71011 Minifigure Series 15. Say hi to the Farmer, Wrestling Champion, Janitor, Flying Warrior, Jewel Thief, Shark Suit, Kendo Fighter, Tribal Woman, Laser Mech, Ballerina, Animal Catcher, Faun, The Queen, Frightening Knight, Clumsy Guy and Astronaut!

Yes, I do have the grappling hook for Jewel Thief, I just forgot to put it in her gun. Yes, I also know the balelrina's torso is on backwards. *shrugs*.

Best USB-C cables for the Nexus 5x and 6p and other devices

The following is a list of USB-C cables and adapters that are known to work great with the Nexus 5x and 6p, obviously they'll likely work great with other devices that use USB-C as well. They are provided in no particular order. For my personal use on my Nexus 6p I use the Vinsic Car Charger with with Type C Output and Standard USB Output in my car with the Cable Matters® USB 2.0 Type C (USB-C) to Type A (USB-A) Cable and at home I just used the Google charger and cable that shipped with my phone. When I think I'm going to be away from outlets and my car for extended periods I use a power bank, specifically the Anker PowerCore+ 20100 USB-C/Type-C Ultra-High-Capacity Premium External Battery/Portable Charger/Power Bank (6A Output, PowerIQ & VoltageBoost).

 

CABLES

$17.99
Belkin Inc.

AC CHARGERS

$14.98 $19.98
GMYLE
$12.99 $22.99
Aukey
$9.99 $29.99
TechMatte
  • USB-C to Micro USB Adapter, TechMatte USB Type C to Micro USB Convert Connector for OnePlus 2, Nexus 5X 2015, Nexus 6P; Upgraded and Approved to Meet USB-C Standard

POWER BANKS/EXTERNAL BATTERIES

$59.99 $119.99
Anker

What a nice piece of tail!, CGCG254-021

Wow, so that's an approximately 250k light year tail on CGCG254-021. So beautiful! I could get lost looking at images of far away galaxies, stars, you name it. Maybe some day, in my life, we will get a distributed optical telescope in space that allows us to image extrasolar planets! How exciting would that be?!

Credit: X-ray: NASA/CXC/University of Bonn/G. Schellenberger et al; Optical: INT

Credit: X-ray: NASA/CXC/University of Bonn/G. Schellenberger et al; Optical: INT

Lasers, space, ET and long-distance communication oh my!

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So the other day the article 'No extraterrestrial laser pulses detected from KIC 8462852, SETI reports' came out and I got a little curious about how wide a laser's beam would be by the time it got here. 

First we need to figure out how quickly a laser spreads as it travels a distance, fortunately someone else already did this work. The Lunar Laser Ranging experiment let's me know that a laser shined from earth is about 6.5 kilometers wide.

  • IC 8462852 is approximately 454 parsecs from Earth
  • The moon is about 238,900 miles from Earth
  • A parsec is 19,173,511,600,000 miles
  • 1 parsec is 80257478.4429 x farther than the moon
  • KIC 8462852 about 36,436,895,213.1 farther than the mooon

So a beam from a laser similar to the on used for the Lunar Laser Ranging Experiment, sent at us from something 454 parsecs away would be something like 236,839,818,885 km wide/147,165,440,629.8467 miles wide. Or 1 parsec away would be 521,673,609.879 km wide/324,152,952.929.

That means the beam from that a hypothetical laser from KIC 8462852 would be 1583.1x wider than the distance from the earth to the sun by the time it got to us!

Ahem. But wait, there's more!

Let's take something from my problem with time travel, the fact that the Earth is moving through the solar system, the solar system through the galaxy and the galaxy through the universe, essentially in different directions. 

Ok so 1 parsec is 3.26156 light years, and that system is about 454 parsecs away meaning that light has been traveling about 1481 years to get to us which means our solar system has moved 557,863,080,000 miles through our galaxy in the 1481 years since the hypothetical laser left KIC 8462852, which means if it was truly aimed at us they'd have to be thinking where we'd be in 1481 years as light travels straight (ignoring very large gravity sources curving it) and wouldn't be rotating around the galaxy. There's likely also some variation in speed of our star and KIC 8462852 traveling through our galaxy.