EDUCATE - STIMULATE - RETAIN
CRAFT
Introduction
Each month when we visit our Lodge or Chapter the evening should be special and memorable, so that we look forward to our next meeting with keen anticipation. That may involve ensuring the company is good, the venue, meal and service are excellent and, as far as the meeting itself is concerned, that we learn something in an enjoyable, dignified and entertaining manner.
There should never be a masonic evening in which the business agenda fails to contain some valued masonic education, a short talk, a paper followed by a debate, some questions and answers etc. The papers and speakers are there to support the work of Mentors or whoever has responsibility for guiding and supporting the new brethren in your Lodge or Chapter
The Education and Development Materials Subcommittee is responsible for the production of nearly all the material available through these pages and the work of the committee is designed to complement and support to the best of its ability the work of the Provincial Grand Mentor and Provincial Grand Orator. The tables below will show you what is available.
THESE ARE AVAILABLE TO LODGES TO DOWNLOAD AND DELIVER THEMSELVES IN THEIR OWN LODGES
| Ancient Symbols of Office | A 10 minute paper on why the DC and the Deacons have wands |
| Care for the Brethren | A 5 to 10 minute paper which explains the significance of the Charity Steward's Jewel and Trowel |
| Charge after Initiation | A 20 to 30 minute paper - a commentary explaining the Charge after Initiation Ritual |
| Preparation of the Candidate | A 20 to 30 minute paper explaining how and why Candidates are clothed and prepared in a certain manner for the Initiation ritual |
| Craft Closing Poem | A short and meaningful poem to be read at the closing of the Lodge |
| From the Craft to the Royal Arch |
A 5 minute paper explaining the relationship between the Craft and the Royal Arch and why one should become a member of the Royal Arch |
| The Living Symbols of Freemasonry |
A 30 minute paper giving an interpretion of the 3 Degrees, covering morality, allegory and symbolism and touching on philosophical aspects of the ceremonies |
| Circle of Brotherhood | A memorable and novel way to present the charge after Initiation. The ritual is shared by up to 12 brethren and the Candidate will never forget that special day. |
| Was UGLE always Grand & United | A 10 minute paper exploring these questions |
| Lancashire Craft Lodges 1717-1813 | A 20 to 30 minute historical paper describing the origins of many of the Craft Lodges existing in the Province of East Lancashire today |
| The Future of Ritual |
A 25 minute paper describing the import of ritual to Freemasonry and its future - riveting paper from Neville Barker Cryer |
| The Statue of Liberty |
A 25 to 30 minute paper on its Masonic origin and connections |
| Getting your bearings | Three 5 minute papers to be given together or separately on the relevance of the compass points in the Lodge, the importance of the East and the black and white pavement |
This section is a list of knowledgeable and experianced Masons who are available to visit
your lodge and to present a paper of your choice from the database. This section provides contact
details and a synopsis of the contents of the speakers paper. These are not dowloadable.
SPEAKER |
CONTACT DETAILS |
TITLE & DURATION |
SYNOPSIS |
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Ivan Eastwood |
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Early Lancashire Masonry |
As we all know in Lancashire Masonry did not begin in London in 1717 as they would have us believe. We can for sure prove that. |
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The influence of the Antients or Athol Masons |
The effect that these men had on English Masonry at the Union and to this day which can be seen in many lodges even now. |
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The Importance of the Military Lodges |
These Masons took our Order around the world in the most unusual and interesting way, not possible for us to understand today |
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David Anderton |
0151 722 9823 |
From Labour to Refreshment |
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Derek Hughson |
Derek.hughson@talktalk.net |
The Master’s Song |
This talk is accompanied by music enabling the audience to appreciate the many variations of the Master’s Song. |
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Fred Lomax |
fredlomax@blueyonder.co.uk |
The George Washington Masonic Memorial, Alexandria, USA About 40 mins + question time. |
A slide and talk presentation and a tour of this beautiful Masonic building. Incorporating the story of the life of George Washington, 1st President of the USA and Freemason, includes many aspects of American Masonry About 40 mins |
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The Morgan Affair |
The affair, which, in the 1800’s, nearly brought about the demise of Freemasonry in USA and led to the formation of the Anti-Masonic political party. Morgan a Mason, went missing after threatening to disclose Masonic secrets. His body was never found. Was he murdered by Freemasons? |
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300 Years of Anti-Masonry About 35 mins |
From the first attack in 1698. The scurrilous attacks by Leo Taxil. The Morgan Affair, Papal Bulls and the demands of the Labour Government’s Home Affairs Select Committee in the 1990’s |
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Prince Hall Freemasonry |
A paper about African American Freemasonry in the USA. It has had a turbulent history related to its legitimacy. Prince Hall Masonry is now recognised in many jurisdictions. |
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Did Thomas Dunckerley Visit A Wigan Lodge |
A true story of an entry discovered in the original Cash Book of the Lodge of Sincerity, the forerunner of the Grand Lodge in Wigan, in 1790. Did the son of George II, and one of the greatest Masons of this country, really visit Wigan? |
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Anti-Masonry And The Southern Baptist Church, USA About 30 mins |
During The Period 1980-2000. Referring to the attacks made on Masonry in the USA by fundamentalists’ from the Southern Baptist Church and its influence on anti-Masonry in England. There is a very interesting local connection to the story |
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The Last Great Rebellion |
A paper about the ‘Liverpool & Wigan Rebellion’, which led to split of the Province of Lancashire into West and East and the formation of the GRAND LODGE IN WIGAN which lived on independently for 90 years. |
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The Creation Of A Remarkable Masonic Document About 25 mins |
The Magna Charta of Masonic Freedom was written by the founders of what became the Grand Lodge In Wigan. It is an insight into why the ‘Liverpool Rebellion’ occurred shortly after the Union of the two Grand Lodges. |
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Ancient Charges, Ancient Charges & Regulations And The Old Charges About 20 mins |
An Ancient Charge is often read in a Lodge from the Book of Constitutions to remind Brethren of their responsibilities as Masons. The Ancient Charges and Regulations are read to the Master Elect at his Installation and are different from the former and then there are the Old Charges. What are they, when and where did they come from? This paper explains it all |
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Ancient York Masonry |
York is an ancient city and one of the most visited cities in England. It also has a long history of Masonic activity stretching back before the formation of the first Grand Lodge in 1717. This paper explores that history. |
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The US One Dollar Bill |
It has been suggested numerous times that the one dollar bill displays numerous Masonic symbols put there by the founders of the nation. Is this true? The facts are explored. |
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Masonic Impostors |
False claims for charity by Masonic impostor’s was a major problem for |
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Oddfellows, Orange, Buffs, Druids and Freemasons |
Is there a connection between the different Orders. All these Orders have similar ritual and regalia to Freemasons, Is there a connection? |
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The Mark and the Arch |
Why is the Mark degree not part of the Royal Arch in England as it is in other jurisdictions? This is the story of the conflict between two jurisdictions which led to the formation of the MarkGrand Lodge of England. Can be given in Craft, Chapter or Mark Lodge |
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THE YORK RITE |
This Rite is based extensively across the USA, but why is it called the York Rite and what has it got to do with the City of York. Is there a connection with Freemasonry in this ancient City? |
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Fred’s Five Minute Papers |
Any combination of these papers which there are over eighty to choose from on a variety of Masonic topics. Donations to West Lancs Freemasons Charity per paper would be appreciated. A list can be sent on request |
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Bill Harwood |
wh@live.co.uk |
The Chamber of Reflection |
The chamber of reflection is one of the most thought-provoking and mysterious experiences in Freemasonry. Some of us may be familiar with the concept of a chamber of reflection, some may even have experienced it, |
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Peter Mason |
petermason5@talktalk.net |
The ‘Hidden Mysteries’ of the 3rd Degree Tracing Board. About 45 mins. |
Illuminated (PowerPoint) presentation explaining some of the hidden and hitherto unexplained meanings behind the symbols on the 3rd Degree Tracing Board. |
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The Beginnings of Freemasonry in Lancaster and District. About 40 mins |
A talk about the arrival of Freemasonry in Lancaster in 1789 (Power Point assisted) |
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Francis Dukinfield Astley – The last Provincial Grand Master of Lancashire About 20 mins. |
A delve into Astley’s life and death and the division of the |
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Mike Munro |
01257 424289 Michael.Munro@online.rednet.co.uk |
The History of London Grand Rank |
The author a London Mason looks at the founding of London Grand Rank from its inception in 1933 and explains its development over subsequent years. Will be of particular interest to those who hold Provincial Grand Rank. |
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Dennis Brierley |
01204 533644 |
In search of that which was lost |
A talk and slide presentation reflecting the inception and growth of operative masonry in the ancient middle eastern world. Includes views of the Red Rose city of Petra. Half as old as time itself. |
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Brother Rudyard Kipling Poet and Author About 40 mins |
A Masonic biography punctuated with light hearyed quotes from Kipling’s more notable works. |
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The Masonic World |
Inspired by the words “When the Sun is at it’s Meridian” A brief interlude of Masonic life in countries taken as the globe rotates on its axis. Some surprises even for lodge ‘elders’ |
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English Craft Certificates |
How and when such certificates became introduced in both Antient and Modern lodges. |
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Grand Lodge Certificates. Prior and Post Union |
The introduction and evolution of member’s certificates through the ages. Illustrated by numerous example |
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Something about “Nothing” |
A cameo history of the 400 year old Mother Kilwinning Lodge No.0 Scottish Conts. The Mother Lodge of Scotland |
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Wonderful Masons |
A plethora of men of world renown who were or have been members of the Craft. Set within a “theatre of dreams.” |
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Robert Burns From the Cradle to the Grave |
A concise account of the life of Ayreshire’s famous bard and Freemason. Amply illustrated by slides |
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Cracking the Masons Code |
An explanation of various ciphers used in the Craft in the past to pass secret messages. An opportunity to create your own lodge cipher. |
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Alex Sharp |
01942 242352 |
Talks on Scottish Freemasonry |
Some aspects of Scottish Freemasonry |
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Neville Powell |
0151 291 0098 |
Elias Ashmole –First |
The story of the first English Freemasonry whose initiation at Warrington in 1646 was recorded in his diary |
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Eric Picton |
01772 686264 |
Arithmetic in Freemasonry |
Aspects of arithmetic and its place in Freemasonry |
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Geometry and Freemasonry |
Geometry is one of the seven liberal arts & sciences. This talk examines the place of geometry in Freemasonry |
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Dr. David Harrison |
Mobile: 078091 417881 |
The Liverpool Masonic Rebellion: |
Looks at the Masonic rebellion of 1823 and the foundation of the Wigan Grand Lodge, focusing on its rise and fall, the leaders of the rebellion, and revealing its overall effect on the English freemasonry. Projector & handouts |
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Education, Charity and Freemasonry: |
Looks at how Freemasonry contributed to local civic society in the 19th century, using local Lancashire lodges as an example, and how they assisted to forge a cultural identity in their towns. Projector & handouts |
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The Origins of Freemasonry |
This is a fascinating talk regarding the mysterious beginnings of Freemasonry, looking at the earliest references, such as Alias Ashmole, the symbolism, and the formation of the 'Premier' Grand Lodge and the third degree, Projector & handouts |
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The Heroes of Freemasonry |
A lively presentation of the great and the good of Freemasonry; such as the Duke of Wellington, Native American Joseph Brant, Rudyard Kipling, Winston Churchill and other prominent figures. Projector & handouts |
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Other sites of Interest click HERE
To view Royal Arch Papers and Speakers, click HERE