Christopher L. Hodapp's Blog, page 21

R.I.P. Edward Sebring

by Christopher Hodapp

          Then spake King Arthur to Sir Bedivere:

"The sequel of to-day unsolders all

The goodliest fellowship of famous knights

Whereof this world holds record. Such a sleep

They sleep—the men I loved. I think that we

Shall never more, at any future time,

Delight our souls with talk of knightly deeds,

Walking about the gardens and the halls

Of Camelot, as in the days that were." *

So very sad today. I just received word that my longtime friend and Brother Ed Sebring passed away Thur...

Wanted: Furniture for Indiana Masonic Lodge

by Christopher Hodapp

If anyone knows of a Masonic lodge that is closing or consolidating, an Indianapolis lodge that is soon relocating to a new building is in need of lodge furniture. According to one of their Past Masters who dropped by the Museum today, they are wanting to acquire an altar, the Master's and Wardens' pedestals, and all officers' chairs. 
They'd also consider Secretary and Treasurer's desks if it all matches the rest of the pieces,  and the J & B columns, if you have them. They ...

Historic Joint Meeting of Tennessee's Grand Lodges

by Christopher Hodapp

Monday night saw the very first official joint meeting of the  Grand Lodge F&AM of Tennessee  and the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Tennessee F&AM.  An estimated 167 Brethren attended this historic gathering for the raising of a new Master Mason at West Nashville Phoenix Lodge 131.



The two grand lodges first voted in favor of joint recognition without visitation between 2019 and 2021 as a preliminary step, which has been a common practice in recent years in seve...

'Knightfall' Ending on Netflix in August

by Christopher Hodapp

If you were a fan of the 2018-19 A&E TV series Knightfall, or discovered it on Netflix more recently, be aware that the streaming network is dropping the show on August 14th. Netflix's licensing deal was for a limited time, so if you had intended to go binge watching the show, do it now.

The HIGHLY fictionalized series about a group of French Knights Templar in medieval Paris and their clash with King Phillip starred Tom Cullen, Jim Carter and Mark Hamill, and only ran for tw...

Antique Collectors Discovering Masonic Bling and Tchotchkes

Photo: Antique Galleries of Palm Springs


by Christopher Hodapp

Interesting article over the weekend in the Desert Sun newspaper out in Palm Springs, California. Antique dealer Mike Rivkin has a piece on collecting Masonic regalia. According to Rivkin there's been an increase in non-Masons collecting fraternal (and especially Masonic) regalia like aprons, sashes, jewelry, and more.  He gives a slightly flawed thumbnail overview of Masonry's beginnings and its spread into America, but then turns to...

Amity's 'The Acacia Book 2023' Is Available for Individual Orders

by Christopher Hodapp

The VERY BRIEF bulk ordering window for Amity's updated 2023 international listing of regular, recognized Masonic grand lodges and lodges ended on Saturday. They first started taking orders back on June 15th and the deadline for bulk orders ended on July 15th . But you can still order single copies at the regular price of $27 apiece.

If you're a Mason and you don't know what I'm talking about, Amity's Acacia book is a comprehensive listing that's custom printed (on demand), sp...

Bomb Explodes Outside of Greek Scottish Rite Supreme Council in Athens

Photo: Dimitris Peristeris/Intime News
by Christopher Hodapp

UPDATE: An earlier version of this story misidentified the building that was attacked today in Athens, based on online news reports. It was the Supreme Council of the AASR for Greece, NOT the Grand Lodge building. I regret the error. Thanks to Joe Wäges for forwarding better information.

A bomb exploded early this morning at the entrance of the Supreme Council of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite building in Athens, Greece. A young man w...

GL of California Continues Its #ImAMason Hashtag Campaign

by Christopher Hodapp

Last July, the Grand Lodge of California created what became a popular social media campaign centered around the hashtag #ImAMason . The strategy was simple: create a written or video message to post on Facebook or Instagram (or both) briefly telling your friends and online followers and subscribers just why it is that you are a Freemason. The goal was to reach as many people as possible to explain what the fraternity is, what we do, what we teach our members, and why it's st...

Texas Mason Slain By Anti-Masonic Shooter

Brother Robert Wise, 55, killed Monday after officer's installation(Photos: McAllen Lodge 1110 Facebook page)


by Christopher Hodapp

Police in McAllen, Texas have arrested a man in connection with the Monday night shooting death of Brother Robert Wise outside of the Masonic hall of McAllen Lodge No. 1110. Julio Diaz, 35, is now in police custody after being arrested Tuesday for murder. 
Julio Diaz, 35, arrested for murder (Photo: McAllen Police Department)
According to a press release from the local ...

Grand Lodge of Missouri: New Grand Secretary Appointed

by Christopher Hodapp

MW Richard W. Kaeser, Jr., Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Missouri AF&AM , has announced the resignation of MWB Jon B. Broyles as their Grand Secretary. 
(Click the announcement above to enlarge.)

PGM Jon Broyles was Grand Master in 2013-14, and has served just two and a half years in the Grand Secretary's chair, and he took the Grand Secretary's job during the COVID mess. He was praised by the Grand Master for stepping into the job:

"I’m sure all of the Masons of the State ...