Monthly Archives: June 2017

Richard H. Ryder, 2017 As Masons, we know the story and lessons of Solomon’s temple.  The historical lineage of modern Masonry dates to medieval days when the castles and cathedrals were built by operative masons, edifices that took scores of … Continue reading →

(Richard H. Ryder, 2017) In just a few months lodges will hold their installations and a new Master will assume the East.  The Master’s Trestle Board series of articles have focused on preparing the Senior Warden for his term as … Continue reading →

Richard H. Ryder, June 2017 Question – is Freemasonry a charitable or fraternal organization?  Although the public knows us best for our charitable work and all Freemasons are proud of these contributions of time, treasure, and talent, Freemasonry is primarily … Continue reading →

Richard H Ryder, 2017 Recently, The Maven’s Journal spotlighted MW Paul Revere, Brother William Dawes, and Samuel Prescott, all of whom spread the alarm on April 18, 1775 that “the regulars are coming”.  It was MW Joseph Warren who selected … Continue reading →

Richard H. Ryder, 2017 In part one of this meeting management article I described the steps one should take before holding a meeting, which included the following: have a clear understanding of what one hopes to accomplish, why a meeting … 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 →

Richard H. Ryder, May 2017 A Master’s team of officers, elected and appointed, has a direct impact on the current and future state of the Lodge.  Dedicated and competent officers are a tremendous asset and help ensure the health of … Continue reading →

Richard H. Ryder, 2017 This article describes the importance of creating an effective schedule months in advance of the upcoming Masonic year, thus ensuring a success term for the new master. The Importance of Scheduling The Masonic year should not … Continue reading →

Richard H. Ryder, 2016) The meaning of one’s life has challenged mankind for millennia and our conclusions are as varied as the numbers of times we ponder the thought.  At some point in our lives we all struggle with the … Continue reading →