Possibly the most talked about number in  freemasonry.

We sat down with about 10 young(ish) active Freemasons and listened to what they had to say about being a Freemason and what it means to them.

We sat down with about 10 young(ish) active Freemasons and listened to what they had to say about being a Freemason and what it means to them.

We talk about the key events and dates surrounding the Grand Installation for 2013.

For more information about the Grand Installation 2013 click here

Grand Installation 2013

Here is a general version of the Tyler’s Toasts said at the end of every meeting.

To all poor and distressed brethen,
Wherever they may be,
On the land,  air  or sea.
A speedy return home fireside ,
If they so desire.
(Response)
To all poor and distressed brethren. 

This is the Freemasons Queensland Podcast – Show 28 and the topic for this show is “Irish Lodges in Qld”.
We explore the topic of Irish Lodges in Queensland.

We explore the topic of what types of personalties masons have.

We explore the topic things you should know before joining.

We explore the topic of membership, why is it important to grow it and what has been happening in Queensland Freemasonry in terms of memebership levels

“End of year message” from the Grand Master Adrian Burton.

It was delivered at the Quarterly Communication of the United Grand Lodge of Queensland on Wednesday 5 December 2012.

Too many mason talk too often about the past forgetting about the present. This podcast explores the topic.

A link to more information about Google Glasses

We talk about running a successful lodge and what you can do in your own lodge to make it successful

The quadrivium consists of arithmetic, geometry, music, and astronomy. These followed the preparatory work of the trivium made up of grammar, logic, and rhetoric.  In turn, the quadrivium was considered preparatory work for the serious study of philosophy (sometimes called the “liberal art par excellence”) and theology.

In medieval universities, the trivium comprised the three subjects that were taught first: grammar, logic, and rhetoric.

The word is a Latin term meaning “the three ways” or “the three roads” forming the foundation of a medieval liberal arts education. This study was preparatory for the quadrivium.

Treasurer From Wikipedia : “The role of the Treasurer is to keep the accounts, collect annual dues from the members, pay bills, and forward annual dues to the Grand Lodge.The annual presentation of accounts is an important measure of the lodge’s continuing viability, whilst the efficient collection of annual subscriptions is vitally important, as any lapse in payment (deliberate or unintentional) can lead to a member losing voting rights, being denied the opportunity to visit other lodges, and finally even being debarred or excluded from his own lodge.

It is common for the Treasurer to be an experienced Past Master, but this is not required.”

Secretary From Wikipedia : “The Secretary’s official duties include issuing the summons (a formal notice of an impending meeting, with time, date and agenda), recording meeting minutes, completing statistical returns to the Grand Lodge, and advising the Worshipful Master on matters of procedure. Many individual lodge bylaws add to these duties by mandating, for example, that the Secretary serve on specific committees.

Although any member may hold the office of Secretary, it is typically held by an experienced Past Master.”

Deacons From Wikipedia : “A Deacon is a junior officer in the lodge. In most jurisdictions, a lodge has two Deacons, styled Senior Deacon and Junior Deacon.

The principal duties of the Senior Deacon are to conduct candidates around the Lodge and speak for them during certain ceremonies, to assist the Worshipful Master as needed and to carry messages between the Master and the Senior Warden.

The office of Junior Deacon is similar in many respects to that of Senior Deacon. The principal duties of the Junior Deacon are to assist the Senior Warden, and carry messages between the two Wardens. In some jurisdictions he is also responsible for guarding the inside of the main door of the lodge and ensuring that the lodge is “tyled” 

Stewards From Wikipedia : “Stewards fulfil a number of junior assistant roles. There is considerable variance, even within the same jurisdiction, as to the precise roles played by Stewards. Some of their common duties could include the following:

• Stewards are often tasked with an understudy role to fill the position of the Senior Deacon or Junior Deacons, in their absence.
• When a degree ceremony is performed, one or more Steward(s) may be required to assist the two Deacons in conducting the candidates around the temple.
• Stewards have a traditional role in many jurisdictions of serving wine during any meal served after the lodge meeting. This is often extended to a general supervision and planning of catering and refreshments.

Some jurisdictions specify that each lodge has two Stewards, known as the ‘Senior Steward’ and ‘Junior Steward’. Other jurisdictions put no limit on the number of Stewards who may be appointed, and in this respect the office is unique. The Worshipful Master may appoint any number of Stewards, according to the size and requirements of his lodge. These additional stewards are commonly given the title of ‘Associate Steward.’

Although newer members usually fill the office of Steward, in some lodges it is traditional for a Past Master to be appointed to supervise the work of the Stewards.”

Tyler (or Tiler) From Wikipedia : “The ‘Tiler’ (sometimes spelled ‘Tyler’)  is sometimes known as the ‘Outer Guard’ of the lodge. His duty is to guard the door (from the outside), with a drawn sword, and ensure that only those who are duly qualified manage to gain entry into the lodge meeting. In some jurisdictions, he also prepares candidates for their admission. The Tyler is traditionally responsible for preparing the lodge room before the meeting, and for storing and maintaining the regalia after the meeting.

In some Jurisdictions the Tyler is a Past Master of the Lodge while in others he may be an employed brother from another lodge.”

Inner Guard From Wikipedia : “The office of ‘Inner Guard’ (or Inside Sentinel) is common to UK lodges, but is rare in American lodges. This position is commonly assigned to a fairly junior member, as it provides an opportunity for him to observe ceremonies and learn.

The task of guarding the door is shared with the ‘Tyler’ (see above). The Inner Guard is on the inside of the door, and in some jurisdictions is armed with a poignard, or short dagger.”

Chaplain From Wikipedia : “In most Masonic jurisdictions, each lodge will have a ‘Chaplain’. The principal duty of the Chaplain is to lead prayer before and after the lodge meeting, and to say grace while the lodge is at dinner. In many lodges this position is filled by a clergyman (an ordained minister, priest, rabbi, imam, etc.) who is a brother of the lodge. However, it is not required that the Chaplain be a clergyman, as prayers are non-denominational. In some lodges the tradition is for the immediate Past Master to act as Chaplain.”

Director of Ceremonies From Wikipedia : “The title ‘Director of Ceremonies’ is used in the United Grand Lodge of England and its subordinate lodges, as well as in many other jurisdictions. However, other titles found in other jurisdictions include, ‘Lecturer’, and ‘Ritualist’. Whatever the title, this officer is responsible for the smooth flowing of ceremonial and ritual and may hold rehearsals. He may be responsible for prompting other officers who forget their lines. In some jurisdictions, he directs proceedings during the installation of a new Worshipful Master.”

Almoner From Wikipedia : “The ‘Almoner’ (sometimes called the ‘Caring Officer’) is responsible for the well-being of lodge members and their families. He remains in contact with members who are unwell, and also maintains a discreet presence in the lives of widows of former members, so that the lodge may readily assist them should they find themselves in any particular need.Of necessity the Almoner must be well versed in local and national Masonic charities and the scope of their charitable work, so as to offer advice to those who might qualify for such assistance.In some jurisdictions, these duties are handled by a committee (under various titles).”

Organist From Wikipedia : “The ‘Organist’ or ‘Director of Music’ provides musical accompaniment to lodge proceedings, although there is no set form. Many lodge rooms are equipped with a pipe organ or electronic organ, and in others, there is provision for a wider range of instruments. In other places the Director of Music operates recorded or digital music systems, such as at the Grand Lodge of Austria in Vienna.”

Worshipful Master  From Wikipedia : “The senior officer of a Masonic Lodge is the Master, normally addressed and referred to as the “Worshipful Master” (in Scotland, and in Lodges under the Scottish Constitution, the “Right Worshipful Master”). The Worshipful Master sits in the East of the lodge room, directs all of the business of his lodge, and is vested with considerable powers without further reference to the members. He also presides over ritual and ceremonies.”

Senior Warden From Wikipedia : “The Senior Warden (sometimes known as First Warden) is the second of the three principal officers of a lodge, and is the Master’s principal deputy. Under some constitutions, if the Worshipful Master is absent then the Senior Warden presides at meetings as “acting Master”, and may act for the Master in all matters of lodge business. Under other constitutions, including Grand Lodge of England and Grand Lodge of Ireland, only sitting Masters or Past Masters may preside as “acting Master”, and so the Senior Warden cannot fulfill this role unless he is also a Past Master. In many lodges it is presumed that the Senior Warden will become the next Worshipful Master.”

Junior Warden From Wikipedia : “The third of the principal officers is the Junior Warden (or Second Warden). The Junior Warden is charged with the supervision of the Lodge while it is in recess for meals or other social purposes. In some jurisdictions the Junior Warden has a particular responsibility for ensuring that visiting Masons are in possession of the necessary credentials. In others, this is the job of the Tyler. In some jurisdictions the Junior Warden presides if both the Master and the Senior Warden are absent.

The Wardens are regular officers of the Lodge, meaning that the positions must be filled.”

Book Link - Freemasons for Dummies by Christopher Hodapp

The well-used sporting facility, owned by Somerset Regional Council, was in dire need of repairs after being inundated with water during the floods in January 2011. Take a look at the article here.

Links to mentioned in show are :

• ObservingTheCraft.com – Observing the Craft is a manifesto of sorts for the observant Mason, who seeks quality over quantity in every aspect of Masonry
• TheLostSymbol.com - Main Site for the Dan Brown book. On this site you can listen to the first chapter of the book.
• TheLostSymbol – Special Illustrated Edition - A small preview of the Dan Brown book

Links to mentioned in show are :

• Qld Freemason Magazine App
• California Freemason magazine App
• Whence came you ?  (Podcast) – Blogspot
• The Life Masonic (Podcast) – Facebook Page
• X-Oriente (Podcast) – Website

These are two images of Alice St – Brisbane Masonic Temple

You can find more early pictures of Brisbane Early Images of Brisbane – UQ Library here

These are pictures  of typical Collar and Gauntlets mention in the podcast.

Feel free to make your comments below.

Link to Wikipedia – List of Freemasons (This is NOT an official list but is quite extensive)

Feel free to make your comments below.

Feel free to make your comments below.

Link to book mentioned in show - ”It’s No Secert”

Link to Famous Australian Freemasons

Here is a link to our local lodges search. If your looking  for a particular lodge you’ll find it here.

Feel free to make your comments below.

Feel free to make your comments below.

Freemasons Queensland Podcast – Show 5

Along with the things we do and don’t within a masonic context.

Freemasons Queensland Podcast – Show4

The podcast is designed for the general public, those interested in Freemasonry and current members.

Each show is going to be based on a masonic related topic and will run between 10 to 20 minutes and be produced monthly.

Some of the topics covered will be :

• What is a Freemason?
• What is Freemasonry?
• How and Why to become a Freemason
• What attracts a man to Freemasonry
• Myths and Secrets
• Masonic History
• What to expect after joining

What is a Freemason?