Masonic Education and Analysis
Wow… Our first live music performance played on the show. Here is a direct download of the program… Including Howie singing Hiram’s Call and The Ring. We will have him back for sure. Even if you are not a country music fan I think you will find his songs emotional and packed with meaning most, if not all, Freemasons can relate to.
Missed the live program? Listen here now!
Join us this coming Sunday, January 25th as we host singer/song writer and musician Howie Damron to talk about his moving musical contribution to the spirit of Freemasonry, his work with the Masonic Pride Team, and the Masonic anthem “Hiram’s Call” and “The Masonic Ring”!
If you haven’t heard this music before, you won’t soon forget it after this program.
Taping for this program is at 6pm PST / 9pm EST on MasonicCentral.com or join our live audience for the program by logging in Sunday to our virtual studio on talkshoe.
For more info on Br. Howie, check out: Howie’s Masonic Pride
Missed the live pod cast? Listen to it Now!
Join us as we talk to the authors and editors from Stone Guild Publishing about their recent release of the the book Morals & Dogma for the 21st Century which is the only edition that is not abridged, a digest, or an editorial commentary of the original book.
The program starts at 6pm PST on Masonic Central! Be a part of our special in studio audience and participate with the LIVE program on talkshoe!
There was an article on NPR’s Marketplace a short while ago that talked about a new high gloss slick designed Holy Bible called Bible Illuminated: The Book
coming from illuminatedworld.com, whose publisher Dag Soderberg released it in Sweden to a seemingly starving audience of believers to ashamed to carry and display the good book. Sales of the book were “unprecedented” because people no longer found a connection to reading these historical texts as the traditional text and design “turned people off”.
That idea led to this new version simply called “The Book“. What makes this new edition of this centuries old best seller is that it taps into our modern day material culture of images and celebrities to illustrate the moral parables from the past.
With a slick magazine look like Vogue images of post Katrina New Orleans and men on fire are indicative of Revelations and Andy Warhol in Drag illuminates the book of John. This new approach is geared for slick urban hipster who is more familiar with twitter and more likely to read facebook than carry a bible. The goal of the publisher is to put the “the book” into the hands of the younger set, in a way that they want it.
I’m interested in seeing what the new text looks like and what its impact will be on the religious marketplace. Not that there haven’t been publications like this before, but it seems like a new way of trying to market a very old product to keep it in the hearts and minds of the adherents.
Maybe it would be a snappy way to update the lodge room to place it as the VSL.
I picked up a version at the book store and spent some time with it. It really does have the look and feel of a high end magazine, which may have saved in the high end emboss of a more traditional publication, but I can see their marketing plan and their product vision. It definitely has the interest of a new generation in mind.
The publisher Illuminated World
On Amazon Bible Illuminated: The Book
Join us this Sunday evening for a Masonic Central episode that is going back to the basics.
We catch up on the mail bag, talk about the hot topics on the web, in the blogs, and in the news, discuss some new books on the shelf and open the forum for caller questions and comments.
It was a fun evening of getting back to the basics of Masonic Central and a ramp up into 2009!
For those coming to the show tonight, below is a brief description of the toasts to be proposed.
The format for each of the toasts will be the same. Although there are many other ways to do Toasts in various rituals, please follow the pattern given below for each toast this evening. The wine in your will be recharged once after every toast.
The pattern for toasting is below.
The Host Master will call the toast, this applies to all toasts.
All will acknowledge the toast raising their “Cannon” in front, shoulder high, the arm extended comfortably. The glass is held in this position during the reading of the next on of the Toast and during the response by the brethren.
The proposer will then give the toast, ending with “Brethren…” followed by the response that is to given.
All present will then respond by repeating the last phrase as given by the proposer.
Host Master Only says: “Ready”
On command “Ready,” bring the glass to your lips, ready to drink from it.
Host Master Only says: “DerryDoon”
On the command “DerryDoon,” the brethren drink their wine, then return their glass to arms length, eye level.
The Host Master will then say: “Brethren, The Good Fire, taking your time from me.”
The procedure for “Good Fire” is:
a) The Host Master will recite the following at a smart pace, marking time with his Cannon (Firing Glass), in the air;
b) All present follow the cadence set by the proposer, repeating, with the Host Master, in unison:
Vivat Vivat, Vivat!
Vivat, Vivat, Vivat!
Vivat, Vivat, Vivat!
On first command “Vivat,” move the glass to the left shoulder.
On second command “Vivat,” move the glass across the throat to the right shoulder.
On third command “Vivat,” move the glass back to the starting point, in front, completing a triangle. Repeat this sequence with each set of three “Vivat’s” completing three triangles, ending with the glass in front and at arms length. (“Vivat” is said while the glass is in motion)
On the command “One,” swing your arm to the left. On “Two,” swing your arm back to the right and up.
On the command “Fire,” all, in unison, will strike their Cannons sharply on the Table.
In order to avoid breakage we recommend not getting TOO boisterous, the glass is not a gavel!
The proposer will then say “Together, brethren” for the battery of Three Times Three.
Clap! Clap! Clap!
Clap! Clap! Clap!
Clap! Clap! Clap!
The Host Master will close the toast.
If the Host Master wishes, he may ask some brother to give a response to the toast. The brother does this, speaking spontaneously about the subject of the toast. The response should be brief’. The brother DOES NOT PROPOSE ANOTHER TOAST!
The next toast will then follow in sequence.
It is worth noting that the Good Fire is a triad of seven times three salutes (21 motions in all). The ‘GOOD FIRE,” or “QUICK FIRE” described above is really a 21gun salute, and in ancient times, especially in the French Rite, the Good Fire was given by an elaborate ritual using heavy “Firing” Glasses or “Cannons” with thick glass bases which could be struck upon the table top in time to the proposer’s cadence. We do a version of this.
Speeches may be interspersed between toasts at the discretion of the Host Masters. Furthermore, they may call for brief remarks from any brother as a response to any of the toasts.
IMPORTANT NOTE
NO BROTHER SHOULD PRESUME TO OFFER A TOAST.
TOASTS ARE RESTRICTED TO THOSE LISTED IN THE PROGRAM,
WITH THEIR ORDER AND PROPOSERS DETERMINED BY THE MASTER.
_____________________________
1. THE FIRST TOAST – Dean to give
THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and CANADA
Host Master.: “are all cannons charged in the column of the West?”
Are all the cannons charged in the column of the South?”
Host Master.: “Brethren, it is my honor to propose this first toast to the United States of America and Canada! We offer our wishes for its honor and prosperity in peace, and for its continued Sovereignty, Independence, and the Freedom of its citizens. This is a health so dear to us that I invite you to deliver your fire as handsomely as possible. Upstanding, brethren!
ALL: (Rise and hold Cannons out in front, arm’s length at eye level
W.M.: “Brethren, I give you the United States of America and Canada!
ALL PRESENT: “THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND CANADA!”
H.M.: ONLY: “Ready” On the command “Ready,” ALL bring the wine to the lips, ready to drink.
H.M.: ONLY: “DerryDoon” On the command “DerryDoon,” drink your wine, then raise your class comfortably at arm’s length and at eye level.
H.M.: “Brethren, the GOOD FIRE, taking your time from the East.”
All present follow the cadence set by the Host Master. He will recite, at a smart pace, marking time with the triangular motions described in the earlier instructions.
Vivat, Vivat, Vivat!
Vivat, Vivat, Vivat!
Vivat, Vivat, Vivat!
2. THE SECOND TOAST – Greg to Give
THE ANCIENT AND GENTLE CRAFT AND THE MEMORY OF OUR FOUNDERS
Host Master.: “are all cannons charged in the column of the West?”are all the cannons charged in the column of the South?”
H.M.: “Brethren, the Toast to the Craft and the Memory of our Founders which will be proposed by our Host MASTER:
“To Him who brought the stone and wood,
To him who all things understood,
To him who hapless, shed his blood in the doing of his duty,
To that bright day, To that blest more
wherein these three great men were born,
Our Ancient Science to Adorn With Wisdom, Strength and Beauty.”
“Host Master and brethren, I give you the Ancient and Gentle Craft and The Memory of Our Founders. This second obligatory health, which I have the honor to propose, is to the ties which unite a great Brotherhood, and to a future made great by reason of a greater understanding of the spirit of Freemasonry. This health is so dear to us that I invite you to deliver your fire as handsomely as possible. Upstanding, brethren!
ALL: (Rise and hold Cannons out in front, arm’s length at eye level
W.M.: “Brethren, I give you the THE MEMORY OF OUR FOUNDERS!
ALL PRESENT: ” THE MEMORY OF OUR FOUNDERS!”
H.M.: ONLY: “Ready” On the command “Ready,” ALL bring the wine to the lips, ready to drink.
H.M.: ONLY: “DerryDoon” On the command “DerryDoon,” drink your wine, then raise your class comfortably at arm’s length and at eye level.
H.M.: “Brethren, the GOOD FIRE, taking your time from the East.”
All present follow the cadence set by the Master. He will recite, at a smart pace, marking time with the triangular motions described in the earlier instructions.
Vivat, Vivat, Vivat! Vivat, Vivat, Vivat! Vivat, Vivat, Vivat!
Introductions and Salutations
Round table for all present who wish to speak and make comment to the event and to Masonry in general.
3. THE THIRD TOAST – Dean to give
TO THE GRAND LODGES OF NORTH AMERICA AND THE GRAND MASTERS, PAST PRESENT AND FUTURE AND THE BURDEN THEY BARE AS THE LEADERS OF OUR VENERABLE INSTITUTION.
Host Master.: “are all cannons charged in the column of the West?”
are all the cannons charged in the column of the South?”
H.M.: TO THE GRAND LODGES OF NORTH AMERICA AND THE GRAND MASTERS
H.M.: “Host Master and brethren, I have the honor to propose a toast to the Most Worshipful Grand Lodges of Free and Accepted Masons of North America, the Most Worshipful Grand Masters that preside over them together with all officers and members of their Grand Lodge!”
“To its long and honored past, its steady adherence to our principles, their unfailing answer to the call of distress, and its encouragement to those who seek Further Light in Masonry. To their health, we gladly add our Fraternal wishes for its prosperity that it may direct with Wisdom, decide with Justice, and plan with Vision worthy of the Fraternity it serves, and of the brethren who constitute its Masonic people. Be pleased to join me in delivering this most Masonic and Fraternal Toast and Fire! Upstanding, brethren!
ALL: (Rise and hold Cannons out in front, arm’s length at eye level
W.M.: “Brethren, I give you the TO THE GRAND LODGES OF NORTH AMERICA AND THE GRAND MASTERS! TO THE GRAND LODGES OF NORTH AMERICA AND THE GRAND MASTERS
ALL PRESENT: ” THE GRAND LODGES OF NORTH AMERICA AND THE GRAND MASTERS! TO THE GRAND LODGES OF NORTH AMERICA AND THE GRAND MASTERS!”
H.M.: ONLY: “Ready” On the command “Ready,” ALL bring the wine to the lips, ready to drink.
H.M.: ONLY: “DerryDoon” On the command “DerryDoon,” drink your wine, then raise your class comfortably at arm’s length and at eye level.
H.M.: “Brethren, the GOOD FIRE, taking your time from the East.
All present follow the cadence set by the Master. He will recite, at a smart pace, marking time with the triangular motions described in the earlier instructions.
Vivat, Vivat, Vivat! Vivat, Vivat, Vivat! Vivat, Vivat, Vivat!
4. THE FOURTH TOAST – Greg to Give
To Masonic Central, the pod cast for Freemasons by Freemasons
Host Master.: “are all cannons charged in the column of the West?”
are all the cannons charged in the column of the South?”
Host .M.: “Brethren, the toast to our beloved Masonic Central. I beg permission to propose a Toast to our own beloved program Masonic Central. To this precious program, so close to the hearts of its participants, and to the brotherhood that has blossomed throughout the past year. Its brothers display an interest and loyalty unshaken by adversity, and unspoiled by prosperity. So may we all, each one of us, ever it reflect its integrity and its stability in our daily lives. Brethren, I give you the Masonic Central Pod Cast! ”
ALL: ” the Masonic Central Pod Cast! ”
H.M.: ONLY: “Ready” On the command “Ready,” ALL bring the wine to the lips, ready to drink.
H.M.: ONLY: “DerryDoon” On the command “DerryDoon,” drink your wine, then raise your class comfortably at arm’s length and at eye level.
H.M.: “Brethren, the GOOD FIRE, taking your time from the East.
All present follow the cadence set by the Master. He will recite, at a smart pace, marking time with the triangular motions described in the earlier instructions.
Vivat, Vivat, Vivat! Vivat, Vivat, Vivat! Vivat, Vivat, Vivat!
9’o’clock toast – to our absent brethren
To our absent brethren
H.M.: “Brethren, the GOOD FIRE, taking your time from the East.
All present follow the cadence set by the Master. He will recite, at a smart pace, marking time with the triangular motions described in the earlier instructions.
Vivat, Vivat, Vivat! Vivat, Vivat, Vivat! Vivat, Vivat, Vivat!
5. THE FIFTH TOAST Designate TBD to give
To the Masonic Central Hosts
Host Master.: “are all cannons charged in the column of the West?”
are all the cannons charged in the column of the South?”
Designate: “Brethren, I have the honor of proposing a toast to our Host Masters Brother Dean Kennedy and Brother Greg Stewart
Designate.: “Host Masters and brethren, the health which I have the honor to propose is that of the Host Masters, who directs the labors of this Pod Cast, and of all who are near and dear to them. Be pleased to join me in delivering this Toast and the best possible fire in homage to these Brothers who serves us all. Upstanding, brethren!
ALL: ” Host Masters Brother Dean Kennedy and Brother Greg Stewart ”
H.M.: ONLY: “Ready” On the command “Ready,” ALL bring the wine to the lips, ready to drink.
H.M.: ONLY: “DerryDoon” On the command “DerryDoon,” drink your wine, then raise your class comfortably at arm’s length and at eye level.
H.M.: “Brethren, the GOOD FIRE, taking your time from the East.
All present follow the cadence set by the Master. He will recite, at a smart pace, marking time with the triangular motions described in the earlier instructions.
Vivat, Vivat, Vivat! Vivat, Vivat, Vivat! Vivat, Vivat, Vivat!
Education Interlude – Greg
Saint John the Evangelist
6. THE SIXTH TOAST – Dean to give
THE VISITING BRETHREN
Host Master.: “are all cannons charged in the column of the West?”
are all the cannons charged in the column of the South?”
H.M.: “Brethren, this sixth Toast is to those visiting Brethren who honor us with their presence this evening. May this occasion persuade them to share our hospitality whenever their circumstances permit. To this Toast, we earnestly add the health of all Lodges affiliated or corresponding with ours. We hereby proclaim: UNION, CONTENTMENT, and WISDOM. Be pleased to join me in delivering the best possible Fire for this Toast. Please raise your cannons for this Toast.
All: (Hold Cannons out in front, arm’s length at ey level
H.M.: “Brethren of Masonic Central, I give you our visiting brethren!”
All: “Our visiting brethren!”
H.M.: ONLY: “Ready” On the command “Ready,” ALL bring the wine to the lips, ready to drink.
H.M.: ONLY: “DerryDoon” On the command “DerryDoon,” drink your wine, then raise your class comfortably at arm’s length and at eye level.
H.M.: “Brethren, the GOOD FIRE, taking your time from the East.
All present follow the cadence set by the Master. He will recite, at a smart pace, marking time with the triangular motions described in the earlier instructions.
Vivat, Vivat, Vivat! Vivat, Vivat, Vivat! Vivat, Vivat, Vivat!
7. THE SEVENTH TOAST – Greg to give
THE TYLER’S TOAST
Host Master.: “are all cannons charged in the column of the West?”
are all the cannons charged in the column of the South?”
H.M.: ” Brethren, kindly be upstanding for the final Tyler Toast of the evening, Brethren, I propose a toast to all poor and distressed Masons, wheresoever dispersed over the face of the earth or water, a speedy relief to their suffering, and a safe return to their native land if they so desire. Let us with reverence invoke for all the favor of the Great Architect of the Universe that it may please Him to succor the unfortunate, and bring them into safe and good harbors. Brethren, be pleased to unite with me in delivering the most sincere of Toasts and most efficient of Fires to this last health. Upstanding, brethren!”
TYLER: “Worshipful Master and brethren, I give you our poor and distressed brethren!”
All: (Hold Cannons out in front, arm’s length at ey level
H.M.: “Brethren of Masonic Central, I give you our poor and distressed brethren!”
All: ” Our poor and distressed brethren!”
H.M.: ONLY: “Ready” On the command “Ready,” ALL bring the wine to the lips, ready to drink.
H.M.: ONLY: “DerryDoon” On the command “DerryDoon,” drink your wine, then raise your class comfortably at arm’s length and at eye level.
H.M.: “Brethren, the GOOD FIRE, taking your time from the East.
All present follow the cadence set by the Master. He will recite, at a smart pace, marking time with the triangular motions described in the earlier instructions.
Vivat, Vivat, Vivat! Vivat, Vivat, Vivat! Vivat, Vivat, Vivat!
End of table lodge – end of recording.
On this Pearl Harbor Sunday join us in some in depth understanding of the meaning of Freemasonry as Masonic Central interviews RW Michael T. Anderson, Deputy Grand Master of The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Texas.
We will discuss the special meaning of Masonry to him and what he believes it should be to others. Also we will explore how Prince Hall and Pride of Mt. Pisgah Lodge teaches their candidates going through the degrees and how important comprehension and understanding is of them. Br Anderson is also known for a keen understanding of the nuances of Freemasonry and will share with us some of his wisdom.
Br. Michael attended Southern Arkansas University, Magnolia, Arkansas for 2 years where he became a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. He is presently employed with AT&T, (formerly SBC), in Dallas, Texas, where he has worked for 28 years. Michael is a member of Mt Pisgah Baptist Church, where he serves in the male chorus and current president of the Board of Directors. He also serves as the 2nd vice president of the Irving/Carrollton Branch of the NAACP. Married for 27 years, to the former Gloria Hicks, of El Dorado, Arkansas, they have 2 daughters, April and Amber and 2 grandkids, Kaliyah and Kiontre.
In 1988 Michael became a Mason in King David Lodge #151 in Dallas, Texas, under the guidance of Lawrence “Pap” Anderson. From that time on he has become a member of Mystic Tie Chapter #3, Holy Royal Arch Mason, Trinity Commandery #3, Knight Templars, Dale Consistory #31, A.A.S.R., ZaKat Temple #164, A.E.A.O.N.M.S.. He is also a member of Margaret O. Sample, OES, and M. L. Ray Court, Heroines of Jericho.
In 1994 Michael formed Mt. Pisgah Lodge, Dallas, obtaining the charter in 1995 and becoming its first Master. The Lodge consolidated with two other Dallas Lodges, Pride of Dallas and Metropolitan Lodges, in 1998 & 1999 and changed its name to Pride of Mt. Pisgah and its number to 135.
Presently Brother Anderson is Deputy Grand Master of The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Texas and will be its next Grand Master when and if elected. He presides in the East some of the time at the Winter and Summer Grand Lodge Sessions. He has traveled outside Texas representing the Grand Lodge and Grand Master, most recently at the Grand Master’s Conference where he represented Texas while the Grand Master was installed as Vice President. He is a sought after speaker, last year delivering a special oration for the 10th anniversary of his OES Chapter and this coming year he will be addressing the Master’s Banquet at Pride of Killeen #620.
Our own Br. Fred Milliken with R.W. Anderson.Listen live to our program by going to MasonicCentral.com or be a part of our live in “virtual” studio audience by logging in at talkshoe at 6PM PST / 9PM EST! Also, you can download the show from our website MasonicCentral.com.
Join us as we talk to Pip Faulks who is one of the authors of “The Masonic Magician: The Life and Death of Count Cagliostro and His Egyptian Rite
”
The conversation should be interesting as we span the Atlantic to delve into the mysteries of Cagliostro, Egyptian Masonry, and its curious connection to Hermetica.
Also, special note, this show is 4 hours earlier at 2pm!!!
Author of the books Solomon’s Builders
and Freemasons For Dummies
and one of the strong voices for American Freemasonry today, Brother Chris Hodapp joins us on Masonic Central on November 23, 2008.
Br. Chris has been a tireless worker for the fraternity in print, as well as in his blog Freemasons for Dummies, and in lodge being one of the founders of the one of the early Traditional Observance Lodges, Lodge Vitruvian and most recently as the editor-in-chief of “the Masonic Society” journal. Chris has made great strides in making Freemasonry accessible to an increasingly curious public all while, he chides in his blog, he is looking for a “more suitable host body…”
This is going to be a fun and informative show and with a lot of insight into the world of the would-be “Dummy” of Freemasonry who is anything but.
This show originally aired Sunday, November 23rd, 2008.
Download this episode with Chris Hodapp here.
Join on this Sunday, November 16th on Masonic Central as we talk to Brother Timothy Hogan about his book “The Alchemical Keys To Masonic Ritual
“. Its sure to be an enlightening conversation on Alchemy, Ritual, and the “secrets” of Freemasonry as we explore the connections between alchemy, gnosticism and Freemasonry and delve some of the more esoteric aspects of philosophical Freemasonry.
That’s this Sunday, at 6PM PST/9PM EST on the Masonic Central Pod Cast!
Listen live to our program by going to MasonicCentral.com or be a part of our live in “virtual” studio audience by logging in at talkshoe at 6PM PST / 9PM EST! Or download the show from our website MasonicCentral.com.