Christopher L. Hodapp's Blog, page 26

Fox Nation Network Premieres 'Freemasons - A Society of Secrets'

by Christopher Hodapp

The Fox Nation streaming service today premiered a new 30-minute program, Freemasons: A Society of Secrets, featuring Fox personality (and barbershop quartet singer) Tom Shillue.
The show features interviews with Pennsylvania Brother Salmon Sheikh and Grand Master Jeff Wonderling at the Philadelphia Masonic Temple, and Grand Archivist Arturo DeHoyos at the Scottish Rite SJ's House of the Temple. 
(Curiously, either the time period was too short or the editors didn't think it w...

Indiana Grand Lodge Vault Yields Buried Treasure

by Christopher Hodapp

On Thursday, Indiana Past Grand Master Mike Brumback let it slip that he had the combination to the massive Grand Lodge vault in the basement of Indiana Freemasons Hall. Such a revelation could not go unchallenged, and when he opened it, sure enough, it yielded up treasures. 
Treasures, at least, for history nerds.
The room somehow seemed to have escaped any flooding over the years. It's packed with hundreds of printed copies of old Indiana annual proceedings, but it looks lik...

Reading, Pennsylvania Scottish Rite Cathedral Damaged By Fire

by Christopher Hodapp

West Reading fire officials are investigating a suspicious overnight blaze at the Scottish Rite Valley of Reading, Pennsylvania. The Scottish Rite Cathedral suffered extensive smoke damage from the fire that was confined to the lobby. It is currently being investigated as arson.
According to a story in the Reading Eagle by reporter Steven Henshaw, West Reading police and fire departments were dispatched at 1:20 a.m. Tuesday to the Cathedral at 430 S. Seventh Avenue when smoke...

Only 3 Days Left to Enter Pennsylvania's Grand Lodge Art Exhibition!

by Christopher Hodapp

Masonic artist Ryan J. Flynn
by Christopher Hodapp
Calling all Masonic artists! Deadline is this Thursday!
The Masonic Library and Museum of Pennsylvania is sponsoring the Grand Exhibition Art Competition: Embodying Masonic Values .

According to the Call For Entries posted in May, all artwork entries must display a visual interpretation of some aspect of Freemasonry in Pennsylvania, whether it be philosophical, historical, scientific, social, fraternal, charitable, architectural,...

Minnesota's Mankato Lodge 12 Complete's Major Remodeling

by Christopher Hodapp

Mankato Lodge 12 in Mankato, Minnesota has just completed a major remodeling project, funded partially with a $25,000 grant from the city, plus matching funds from the building's tenant organizations. The local Masons wanted to improve their own spaces in the building, but also make their historic Masonic Hall attractive as a venue for local weddings, social and business meetings, and other events. They've officially rechristened the temple as Historic Masonic Hall. 
Built in...

Michael Poll To Speak To Louisiana's New Goose & Gridiron Lodge 1717 Festive Board Saturday 7/30/22

by Christopher Hodapp

Last year while everybody (including myself) was distracted by the Grand Lodge of Louisiana's recognition and establishment of amity with the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Maryland, but not Louisiana's (for very good reasons), most of us missed another interesting development in that unique Masonic jurisdiction. 

The GL of Louisiana issued a charter for their own Goose & Gridiron Lodge 1717, named for the London alehouse and the lodge that met there in the church...

Indiana Historical Society's 'History Happy Hour': Freemasons In Indiana Today

by Christopher Hodapp

Tune in today for the  Indiana Historical Society's History Happy Hour – Masons in Indiana.
Join Michael Brumback and Chris Hodapp of the Masonic Library and Museum of Indiana for a discussion on the history of Indiana's Freemasons and see highlights from the Museum’s collection.

"From our founding fathers to several Presidents, the legacy of the Masons has profoundly impacted the United States; but what do we know about them? Join Michael Brumback, President of the Masonic Lib...

BBQ For The Brain in Nashville August 12-14: Randall Carlson and "The Ancient Art Of Design"

by Christopher Hodapp

I received this message last week from WB Ryan Turbeville, WM of West Nashville Phoenix Lodge 131 in Nashville, Tennessee:

"In [a recent post] you mentioned how some lodges are focused on community involvement and fundraising, and others are focusing on education and the esoteric. This is our attempt to blend the two. We hope this is a new model that still provides events for the public and charitable fundraising while focusing on Masonic philosophy, education, and bringing l...

South Pasadena Masonic Lodge's Masonic Con 2022: "Masonry in the New Millennium" July 22-24

by Christopher Hodapp

Beginning next Friday, July 22 through Sunday July 24th, I'll be in Pasadena, California to take part in the South Pasadena Masonic Lodge's Masonic Con 2022. The theme of this year's event is "Masonry in the New Millennium." 
Masonic scholars from across the country will participate in discussions on various topics geared to enlighten the listener on the far-reaching impacts Freemasonry has among men, and the best practices for Freemasons to become better equipped in the New ...

Journal of the Masonic Society: The Future of Freemasonry and What We Have to Offer

by Christopher Hodapp
Issue 57 of the Journal of The Masonic Society landed in the mailbox over the July 4th weekend. The cover features a beautiful photo of the steps of Indiana’s Battleground Lodge 313 taken by Wbro. Dave Hosler. Dave continues to make stunning photos of Masonic subjects, along with being an indefatigable Mason who seems to turn up everywhere, and we're lucky to have him here in Indiana.

Editor Michael Poll has once again assembled a fine lineup of articles this issue. Here is t...