Monthly Archives: September 2017

Richard H. Ryder, 2017 Serving as Master of your lodge is both a pleasure and an honor.  If you have served in this capacity, you already know this; if you are soon to serve as Master, you will learn this … Continue reading →

Richard H. Ryder, 2017 Introduction The decision to admit an applicant into lodge membership is one that should not be made lightly; it must be done with careful thought and an informed understanding of the man.  Freemasonry is not a … Continue reading →

Richard H. Ryder, 2017 As Master of the lodge it is important to set high standards in every aspect of your responsibilities.  You represent the lodge more than any other member and in your first few months they will gage … Continue reading →

Richard H. Ryder, 2017 Architecture is a fundamental component of Freemasonry, providing many rich and inspiring symbols to guide us on our Masonic journey.  The Maven’s Journal will present a short series of articles to expand your awareness of architecture … Continue reading →

Richard H. Ryder, 2017 What role does integrity play in the mind of a leader?  Is the demonstration of integrity situational?  How do you know if a person has integrity?  What roles do values and trust play in the perception … Continue reading →

Richard H. Ryder, 2017 The American Heritage Dictionary defines obligation as, “The act of binding oneself to a social, legal, or moral tie.  A duty, contract, promise, or other social, moral, or legal requirement that compels one to follow or … Continue reading →

Richard H. Ryder, 2017 An eavesdropper is a listener, someone who secretly listens to what is said in private.  Not a word peculiar to Freemasonry, it once referred to someone who literally stood under the drip from the eaves. During … Continue reading →

Richard H. Ryder, 2017 In Freemasonry, we learn the West is both the Senior Warden’s station and the pillar of strength, but it is also where the sun sets in opposition to the East.  Where the East is a source … Continue reading →

Richard H. Ryder, 2017 According to Merriam-Webster, a cowan is one who is not a Freemason or pretends to be one. Albert G. Mackey, in The Lexicon of Freemasonry, indicates it is strictly a Masonic term that is derived from … Continue reading →