Happy Anniversary Phoenixmasonry

Phoenixmasonry is a proactive approach to, and practice of, Freemasonry.  The name Phoenixmasonry combines the symbolic spirit of rebirth and renewal associated with the ancient mythological bird the Phoenix with the ancient Craft knowledge of Masonry, hence the name Phoenixmasonry. Our Latin motto: Non Omnis Moriar. ”Not all of me shall die”.

Here at Phoenixmasonry, we believe that each of us has had the feeling of being consumed by fire. That the problems of our lives have left us in the pit of despair, the ashes of destruction, although it may not have been the fire that creates those ashes. Adversity and the overcoming of it makes us stronger. Just as the beautiful Temple of King Solomon rose from the rubbish and ashes of barbarous forces to become an even more magnificent and resplendent structure, our belief and faith in living a moral life allows us to rise up from the ashes to become stronger and better Freemasons.

It was on August 11, 1999 that David Lettelier, heading a small group of Masonic collectors scattered across the USA , created a virtual Masonic museum and library and called it Phoenixmasonry.  Phoenixmasonry, unlike most other museums and libraries, was not housed in a physical plant but rather displayed its artifacts, collectibles and rare books on the Internet.  Open 24 hours a day with no admission fee, Masonry’s first online museum and library grew and grew and grew, until today it is visited more each day than any other Masonic website on the Internet. The Phoenixmasonry staff contains experienced Librarians and antique appraisers and it is a proud Member of the Masonic Library and Museum Association at:

http://www.masoniclibraries.org/

Today it continues to add collectibles while at the same time offering some current Masonic thought from today’s cutting edge Masonic authors and writers.

Along the way to this pinnacle of success many Brothers and Sisters have lent a helping hand and contributed to the continual improvement of this wonderful Masonic Site. To commemorate the Tenth anniversary of Phoenixmasonry and honor its contributors a special edition engraved copper coin has been struck.  The front of the coin has Phoenixmasonry’s Masonic logo and commemorates its Tenth anniversary. The back of the coin features all the names, in circular fashion, of those who have helped Phoenixmsonry be what it is today.  It is only fitting and proper that these contributors be joined in a circle of friendship signifying a fraternal family dedicated to Masonic knowledge and education. Each contributor received a gold plated version of the commemorative coin but anybody can order the copper version from the website at a cost of $15.00 each plus $2.50 shipping and handling while limited supplies last.

What you will find in the Phoenixmasonry museum is a large selection of rare and expensive treasured Masonic artifacts with a brief story of their origin and a description of their finer points.  Here is the much sought after Dudley Masonic Pocket Watch made by a Mason for a Mason.  Brother William Wallace Dudley and his company crafted a limited supply of these 19 jewel solid gold watches.  The Dudley Watch Company was only in business for five years from 1920-1925 but its patented design can sell for close to $3000.00 today.

You can also find a very unique hand blown engraved decanter displaying some features crafted by the lost art of copper wheel engraving.

How about a very unique Goat stein?

Or maybe you would rather visit with the Jerusalem Masonic Wage Box made of olive wood and crafted in 1887.  It was a presentation of corn, wine and oil made to new Fellowcraft Masons. The box has three compartments.  The middle compartment contains the corn(wheat).  The two other compartments each have hand blown crystal bottles engraved with the Square and Compasses.  One bottle contains olive oil and the other Jerusalem wine. If that doesn’t suit your fancy how about a Mother of Pearl Masonic Tea Caddy?

Then there is a very rare and different tool chest from Brother Henry O. Studley.

For a good laugh take a look at The Goat Riding Trike which could be ordered from the DeMoulin Masonic Lodge Supply Catalog.

My favorite is a hand painted early Masonic Shaving Dish. Around the rim is painted a cabletow and atop the Square and compasses in the center is a bow signifying the mystic tie. These are only a few highlights of what awaits you at the Phoenixmasonry museum.

Phoenixmasonry’s librarian, Wor. Bro. Ralph Omholt has scanned many old and rare Masonic books, manuscripts and lectures. These expensive works can now be downloaded into your home computer free of charge. Select from, to name just a few, Denslow’s “10,000 Famous Freemasons, Mackey’s “Encyclopedia of Freemasonry”, Gould’s “History of Freemasonry Throughout The World”, Mitchell’s “Masonic Histories”, Dudley Wright’s “Women In Freemasonry”, “The Kabbalah Unveiled” by S.L. MacGregor Mathers, “The Lost Keys of Freemasonry” by Manly P. Hall, “The Theocratic Philosophy of Freemasonry” by George Oliver, “The Illuminati (1776-1784), A Concise Report”, “A Series of Letters on Freemasonry” by Hannah Mather Crocker, “The Mysteries of Freemasonry” by Captain William Morgan, “The Writings of George Washington” by George Washington and the Masonic Monitors of Preston & Webb.  Then there are the works of Rob Morris, “A Well Spent Life”, “The Lights and Shadows of Freemasonry”, “Freemasonry in the Holy Land” and “Masonic History of the Northwest.”

The E-library continues to grow.  New additions to the collection of the Masters of Masonic authors are being added all the time.  Other favorites that should not be overlooked are Anderson’s “Constitutions”, Carl Claudy’s three works on the explanation of the three degrees, “DeMoulin Masonic Lodge Supply Catalog No. 138”, Wilmshurst’s “The Meaning of Masonry” and a complete collection  of the “Builder Magazine”, a most sought after prize.  Actually every E-book in the collection is a gem and it takes forbearance not to get carried away in listing them all.

A special section on Prince Hall is a new feature on the Phoenixmasonry website.  It features six You Tube videos showing the William H. Upton memorial unity march in 1991.  Upton was the Grand Master of Washington State who recognized Prince Hall Masonry in 1898.  You won’t want to miss this defining moment in history.

Lately some selected works of writers of today have been added, most in essay form.  “Laudable Pursuit” is a giant of a work penned in the 21^st century.  Wor. Brother and Kentucky Colonel Ian Donald from Canada adds a most enjoyable paper, “A Charge By Any Other Name Is Still A Charge.” The Masonic service Association of North America is there with its latest survey of the state of American Freemasonry and its recommendations for improvement.  And a number of papers by Wor. Brother Frederic L. Milliken can be found, the most notable being “World Peace Through Brotherhood” and “Native American Rituals & The Influence of Freemasonry.”

You might think that is the whole story of the Phoenixmasonry website but you would be wrong.  Other interesting facets of the site include:

• Masonic Poems & Essays
• A breakdown and description of Fraternal Bodies in America
• Masonic membership statistics for the USA and Canada
• A biblical history of King Solomon’s Temple
• Ancient fonts
• A Masonic glossary of terms and symbolism
• A look at some charities and how to get involved
• A Masonic Gift Shop and Store where one can even order Masonic Teddy Bears
• A How To Section – from how to conduct a Table Lodge to how to conduct a Masonic wedding.

Phoenixmasonry looks forward to you joining us in celebrating ten years of service to the Masonic community and continued Masonic research, education and dissemination of Masonic knowledge.  You can do all that by making that cyber trip to http://www.phoenixmasonry.org and living its motto – “spreading enlightenment – one web surfer at a time.”