Author Archives: masonicmaven

Richard H. Ryder, 2018 In ancient Greece a sacrifice to the gods of 100 cattle was known as a hecatomb (hekatómbē). According to Wikipedia, however, from a practical standpoint as few as 12 cattle often passed for a hecatomb.  These … Continue reading →

Richard H. Ryder, 2018 The following is a dynamic list of potential skills, roles, and responsibilities for a Lodge Secretary.  The lists are not to suggest that every Lodge Secretary possess everything listed, but rather to raise one’s awareness of … Continue reading →

Richard H. Ryder, 2018 Some might say the Lodge Secretary runs the lodge.  Well, that may be true in some lodges, but this is not generally the case.  It is true, however, that an effective and efficient Lodge Secretary plays … Continue reading →

Richard H. Ryder, 2018 There are volumes of books on George Washington.  There are no shortage of cities and streets named after our first president.  There are countless statues and monuments commemorating the father of our country and our Masonic … Continue reading →

Richard H. Ryder, 2018 There may come a time in your Masonic career where you will be responsible for a project.  It may not be called a project, but that’s what it will be.  Maybe you volunteer for organizing an … Continue reading →

Richard H. Ryder, 2018 Masonry in America started in 1733 in Boston, Massachusetts when Henry Price received a commission from the Grand Master of England to charter St. John’s Grand Lodge.  Over time Freemasonry spread throughout America with jurisdictions now … Continue reading →

Richard H. Ryder, 2018 The day has arrived – your newest candidate has just taken his third degree.  All he must do now is sign the bylaws, continue paying his dues, and come to a few meetings.  Right? After all, … Continue reading →

Richard H. Ryder, 2018 He stood as a powerful force against the evil overtaking Europe.  Newly elected to the highest office in his land, he led his country while hundreds of thousands of its soldiers were trapped on the opposite … Continue reading →

Richard H. Ryder, 2018 “Lost – yesterday, somewhere between sunrise and sunset, two golden hours, each set with sixty diamond minutes. No reward is offered, for they are gone forever.” Horace Mann We are each given the same number of … Continue reading →

Richard H. Ryder, 2018 A freestone is a stone used in masonry for molding, tracery, and other replication work required to be worked with the chisel”. Freestone is fine grained and freely cut in any direction, and because it is … Continue reading →