The Working Tools Masonic Magazine (TWT Mag)

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Just got another coin in the mail. Another pretty cool treat. These are as addicting as the pins we collect.

One of the admins

These are amazing!!!!! Check them out!

https://www.cornerstone357.com/blank-1/stoneworker-challenge-coin-limited-4-coin-set

SET of 4: Stoneworker Challenge Coin Set (Limited Set) | Cornerstone Masonic This coin set is a LIMITED Edition set of 4! To pay homage to their creators as members of our craft, we have designed the limited edition "Stone Worker" Challenge Coin. Only 150 of these sets will be available! we're limiting the presale price to only 50 sets, and 50 of each coin style individually...

Paschal Lamb Coin Wilmington, Delaware – Scottish Rite, NMJ created these special coins for the 2020 Feast of the Paschal Lamb. Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the celebration had to be canceled. In addition to …

Brother Valentine Okwei painted this for another Brother. Very talented Brother!!!

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Only one day left on our $20 special markdown price!

Masonic Poker Chip | eBay One side the Square and Compasses the other side unique Masonic art with the Latin phrase "Virtus Junxit Mors Non Separabit" "Whom Virtue Unites Death Shall Not Separate". These make excellent gifts for any Brother. | eBay!

92 years ago on October 31, 1926: Brother Harry Houdini died at age 52 from peritonitis, secondary to a ruptured appendix, possibly caused by an unexpected punch to the stomach.

Portrait by Brother Travis Simpkins

Constructed in 1873, the Masonic Temple in Philadelphia is listed as one of our "Wonders of the World." For detailed information about the building, tours and more, read the first volume of The Masonic Tour Guide.

THE INVISIBLE LODGE


This Short Talk Bulletin was prepared by Worshipful Brother Walter J. Harmon, Past Master of Richmond Lodge No. 10, Richmond, Virginia, a magician for more than 28 years, and an active member of “The Invisible Lodge.”

The expression, “the magic of Freemasonry,” takes on a different meaning when one realizes the great number of professional and amateur magicians who are and have been members of the Ancient Craft. It was only natural that these skilled performers of the art of producing baffling effects and illusions should band together to share their interests with the Fraternity.

In the strictest sense of the word, Lodge, “the Invisible Lodge” is not a Lodge. It is an international organization of Freemasons who also have as their vocation or avocation - MAGIC. The Invisible Lodge was formed in 1953 by Sir Felix Korim of England, who served as the organization’s first President. Member-ship in The Invisible Lodge has been accorded to more than 800 selected Masons throughout the world, including such notable and well-known figures in the world of magic as Black-stone, Okito, Ballentine, Levanto, McDonald Hirch and Jack Gwynne.

Joined by the common bond of magic, these Brethren who may be or have been professional entertainers, hobbyists, collectors or students of both magic and Freemasonry, combine those interests to produce the organization known as “The Invisible Lodge.”

Just as the roots of Freemasonry are entrenched in antiquity, so are those of Magic. Magic is a word referring to the craft of the magi. The magi were the priests of the ancient Medes and Persians. After the rise of Zoroaster, they became the priests of the Zoroastrian religion. The ancient Greeks and Hebrews knew them as Astrologers, Interpreters of Dreams, and givers of Omens. The reign of the priests was more than eight thousand years ago. Zoroaster is believed to have lived about five thousand years before our era. He is said to have been an unusual child who was gifted to have visions at an early age. Born in Azerbaijan in Northern Persia, he taught a belief in one God, the existence of the devil, and the doctrine of immortality. It is alleged that these priests (the magi) predicted the birth of the Christ Child and were the ones who brought him the gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. As ruling monarchs, the priests were referred to as “Kings of the Orient” and “the wise men.”

There are certain similarities between the order of the Magi and Freemasonry which should be noted. The word, “Dao” is Persian in origin. It signifies Light and Wisdom and is the forerunner of the word Deity (Bright One). Fire or light was used in the rituals of the magi to symbolize intelligence, knowledge and wisdom. It is recorded that during the initiation, the Arch Magus sat upon a throne of gold in the East.

The established dates of the reign of the Magi was five thousand years before the Trojan War, which took place in 1200 B.C. King Solomon began his temple in 966 B.C. This gives room for interesting speculation.

The Magi were Kings, Priests, Lawyers, Engineers, etc. In essence, they embodied most of the knowledge of their time, earning the respect of the people. It is the hypothesis of some historians that the Magi even possessed knowledge that has since been lost to man and that they possessed powers that would seem awesome to us even today.

Always in history there have been those who sought knowledge for knowledge’s sake and those who sought to use it to manipulate and enslave the less informed. As the knowledge of those ancient wise ones became the specializations of medicine, law, astronomy, and philosophy, there were those who specialized in those little known principles of the miracle worker and became just that. These individuals, whether in quest for power or riches, formed a special priesthood that manipulated the ignorant and robbed the credulous.

Magic has passed through many forms and many lands until today it is deception for the purpose of entertainment with the trappings and refinements of those lands.

Masonry, in its language and ritual, retains much of the various sects and institutions it passed through before arriving at its present state.

In Masonry, as in Magic, we meet with Chaldean, Indian, Egyptian, Jewish, and Christian symbols and ideas.

It is little wonder then that at some time in history a group of men with an interest in both Magic and Masonry would form an organization that would embody the two as its focus.

Many Masons are surprised to find that many of the Great Magicians, whose names are familiar, and many others were active Masons and active in the various appendant bodies. Many could and did tell interesting anecdotes about their Masonic experiences. One of those deals with Brother Harry Keller, famous for the floating lady illusion which he introduced in this country. Brother Keller was shipwrecked in the Bay of Biscay and his Blue Lodge diploma went to the bottom of the sea. It was later recovered by divers who brought up baggage from the sunken steamer. He later remarked it had been viewed by Grand Master Neptune and returned.

Membership in the Invisible Lodge is limited to those persons interested in Magic, who have been raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason. The publication of the Invisible Lodge is called the “Trestle Board” and is pub-lished quarterly, giving information on the Masonic and Magical activities of the members.

The annual stated meeting of the Invisible Lodge is held in conjunction with the Colum-bus, Ohio Magic Fest. The date and time are announced annually. Additional meetings are held at the National Conventions of the International Brotherhood of Magicians and The Society of American Magicians as well as recognized Regional Conventions.

The Invisible Lodge publishes Bert Douglas’ book, “Masonic Magic,” which is the sole work devoted to presentation of Magic with a Masonic interpretation.

Members are encouraged to participate in Masonic education programs by using their Magic abilities and skills to illustrate the under-lying principles of Masonic philosophy, as well as providing entertainment within the Fraternity. They are further urged to labor in the non-magical areas by the Invisible Lodge’s award system.

The first of these, the ZB Award, so named after the second president of the Invisible Lodge, Dr. Zina Bennett, is a certificate presented to any member who gives a total of five certified gratis performances for the residents of a Masonic Orphanage, Masonic Home for the Aged, or the patients of a Shrine Hospital. Another award of the Invisible Lodge is the Masters Award, consisting of a certificate and wand presented to a Brother who has received the coveted 33x of the Scottish Rite. Another award is presented annually, known as the Harvey Award, based on the traditional invisible rabbit, to a Brother who has served the Invisible Lodge or Masonry with distinction.

Membership in the Invisible Lodge is not necessary to be a recipient.

The meetings of the Invisible Lodge are held at midnight, with a special ritual prepared for it that combine the elements of Masonry and Magic. At these meetings, honors are given to both the oldest and youngest members present.

Probably the most singular important lesson to be learned by the average Mason from the Invisible Lodge is that all of the great Magicians saw fit to give a certain amount of their time to Masonry and with their travel and exposure to the blandishments of the world felt that this brotherhood was of value.

Another lesson lies in the origins of both Masonry and Magic. Rooted and entwined in antiquity as both are, the mystical qualities of both manifest themselves in our inner feelings and convince us of the lasting value of both.

In our hurried view of the history, we made mention of knowledge that was lost. Of course this came about as the result of persecution of both the thinking individual and the organizations to which they belonged, by those who would bend mankind to a life of superstitious slavery. The individual Mason cannot and should not lose sight of the sacrifices of our predecessors and our debt to them to preserve our ways and customs in their entirety and guard them against exploitation by the politically ambitious.

DID YOU KNOW: This weekend marked the 75th anniversary of the India Shrine Circus, held in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (photos from the closing motorcycle stunt act).

The first Shrine Circus was held more than a century ago, in 1906.
A marker placed in Detroit, Michigan (N42.330762035 W83.04273337) reads “Near this site on February 26, 1906, some 3,000 spectators watched the nation's first Shrine Circus. Detroit's Moslem Shrine Temple's one-ring show was the beginning of a major fund-raising venture for Shrine temples throughout the country. In 1907 Shrine temples in other cities began sponsoring circuses, and in 1925 the Shriners featured their first three-ring show. Originally operated for one week, Shrine Circuses appear across the nation throughout the year. Clyde Beatty and his wild animals were the main attraction in Detroit from 1925 to 1965. The Nelsons, aerialists and acrobats, and the Romigs. clowns, of Michigan were also featured performers during the early years. In the 1980s annual attendance at Shrine Circuses exceeded that of any other circus in America.”

Check out this great pin!

The Masonic Beehive A beautiful Masonic \ lapel pin made with an antique silver look. This lapel pin is a Beehive with two Working Bees and the Masonic Square and Compass. Dimensions: 3/4” wide * All weights and measurements are approximate and may vary slightly from the listed information.

Do you need an awesome apron case? These are on sale right now. Look amazing

DID YOU KNOW: The original cornerstone placed on the only palace in US territory, Iolani Palace, has been lost for all time. An Centennial commemorative cornerstone was placed on what would have been the 145th birthday of Queen Kapi'olani. An extensive history on the palace and its Masonic contents are featured in The Masonic Tour Guide - Volume 1.

Happy Birthday to Illustrious Moises Gomez, 33°.

Freemasonry has some of the most iconic buildings in the world. Here's how some of the most noteworthy buildings "measure up!" How many have you visited?

Freemasons, Past Master Masonic Hat Wonderful Gift for the Past Masters!

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DID YOU KNOW? You can spend $1,276,250 on Freemasonry at the drop-of-a-hat! And you will earn some beautiful one-of-a-kind rewards for doing so! This Infographic tells it all!

Did you know?

Masonic Tour Guide

Have you ever wished there was a guide for some of the unique degrees? Well here you go. From a palace to a mysterious tomb, The Masonic Tour Guide will take readers on an adventure from the must-see Wonders of the Masonic World, to the nearly unknown and almost impossible to find. Designed to challenge the seasoned traveler, and assist the apprentice, this book offers fun and interesting ways to renew your commitment to The Craft, through visitation and Masonic in*******se.

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When a few Brothers were asked their opinion of how to grow attendance at lodge, one Brother suggested the following which spoke volumes.

I'm a Lodge Secretary in the UK who also visits quite a lot.

Things which seem to help here:

(1) Look at your meetings and where the time goes. There were several things we could do (and did) to remove the redundancy from meetings. I'm NOT talking about massive changes in ritual - I'm talking about doing things like sending out minutes / risings and routine stuff out prior to the meeting, by email or by hard copy. It is then referred to in the meeting, but briefly. Anyone who wants to raise a point or ask a question can, but needless repetition of non-controversial, routine matters is avoided.

(2) We now have Lodge Mentors and part of their job is to make sure new and younger members are helped to get up to speed quickly (not just LOI, but more generally). It's a lot more interesting for people when they understand what's going on.

(3) Ditto LOI. Teach ritual well, and it makes the meetings more interesting, even for those not actively involved.

(4) We have had recent ceremonies which have been demonstrations, not real degrees, but with an active running commentary from a DC who understood his ritual and his masonic history. In places "the action" was stopped and "what had just happened" was explained at length. This is interesting, of itself, to most members, not just the new ones, and also it helps Masons make more sense and enjoy it more.

(5) If you have "Festive Boards" (most Lodges here do) - take the time to plan them properly. Have a proper table plan, properly laid out with proper menus and toast lists. Make sure any member who wants it can have a printed copy of all the words to things like graces, odes or sung toasts.

(6) So far as is practical in Festive Boards "move people about a bit" so over a course of meetings, all members of the lodge get to have a good over-dinner conversation with all the other members. Take time to do the toasts properly and make sure those who are going to be giving or replying to toasts are warned far enough in advance that they can prepare properly.

The bottom line is that education and solid preparation will mean Masons get more from meetings.

(7) Finally - encourage members to visit and to invite visitors back to their own lodge.

Does your lodge have custom greeting cards? Why not.

I've received many inquiries on Masonic Calling Cards. While noticing the importance of having them (especially if you're in a position that travels often), it can also be difficult on my end to create total custom calling cards for everyone that wants their own set. Many hours go into creating each custom design. Some may think that it's just a tap of a few buttons but I assure you, it's far from that.
I've come up with a cure for those that want their own unique set of calling cards while not having to shell out the required fees for the time consuming design process.

Proceeds to benefit the 3 story elevator for Fellowship Lodge in Bridgewater, Massachusetts.
* as a sentimental thank you, any Brother within the Massachusetts 17th District that orders calling cards will also receive 1 of each Masonic Greeting Card that I have for sale. To this date, there are four.
(Proceeds from the greeting card sales are also benefiting the 3 story elevator as well)

Starting at $55, you'll have Masonic Calling Cards
Choose from 8 templates for your front and back layouts.
Choose a high gloss or a matte finish on15pt card stock.
Rounded corners and spot UV are options for an additional $10.
Your full name, Lodge, Lodge seal, contact information along with any appendant bodies and/or affiliations will be customized within the layout. A depiction of a working tool can be chosen on most designs.

All of the fine details and information will be curated by me and a screen shot sample will be sent to you for approval before the printing process begins.

For the sandwich cards that are approximately 5x thicker than traditional business cards, there are no gloss, spot UV and rounded corner option. The cards will have a colored paper stock "sandwiched" in the middle. Black or Red is usually the best choice for these matte finished calling cards.

If you're eccentric and would like to delve into the more heavier priced printing options such as raised ink, embossing, foil, and prime paper stock, contact me and we'll discuss a full custom design that is one of a kind. I love playing on that side of the court. Simple, elegant and classy can have an extremely strong impact.
Thanks for looking. Message me to start your order.

Fraternally,
-S.H.
Third Degree Elements

I've received many inquiries on Masonic Calling Cards. While noticing the importance of having them (especially if you're in a position that travels often), it can also be difficult on my end to create total custom calling cards for everyone that wants their own set. Many hours go into creating each custom design. Some may think that it's just a tap of a few buttons but I assure you, it's far from that.
I've come up with a cure for those that want their own unique set of calling cards while not having to shell out the required fees for the time consuming design process.

Proceeds to benefit the 3 story elevator for Fellowship Lodge in Bridgewater, Massachusetts.
* as a sentimental thank you, any Brother within the Massachusetts 17th District that orders calling cards will also receive 1 of each Masonic Greeting Card that I have for sale. To this date, there are four.
(Proceeds from the greeting card sales are also benefiting the 3 story elevator as well)

Starting at $55, you'll have Masonic Calling Cards
Choose from 8 templates for your front and back layouts.
Choose a high gloss or a matte finish on15pt card stock.
Rounded corners and spot UV are options for an additional $10.
Your full name, Lodge, Lodge seal, contact information along with any appendant bodies and/or affiliations will be customized within the layout. A depiction of a working tool can be chosen on most designs.

All of the fine details and information will be curated by me and a screen shot sample will be sent to you for approval before the printing process begins.

For the sandwich cards that are approximately 5x thicker than traditional business cards, there are no gloss, spot UV and rounded corner option. The cards will have a colored paper stock "sandwiched" in the middle. Black or Red is usually the best choice for these matte finished calling cards.

If you're eccentric and would like to delve into the more heavier priced printing options such as raised ink, embossing, foil, and prime paper stock, contact me and we'll discuss a full custom design that is one of a kind. I love playing on that side of the court. Simple, elegant and classy can have an extremely strong impact.
Thanks for looking. Message me to start your order.

Fraternally,
-S.H.
Third Degree Elements

Check these out!

INTRODUCING: The Seafarer Watch Collection!

Limited Quantity: Only 5 watches produced of each style for this upcoming holiday season. Second production batch to be available Late January. Get yours at: www.masonicrevival.com/newarrivals

THE ORDER OF DEMOLAY

The story of de Molay's brave defiance of his inquisitors has been incorporated in various forms into Masonic lore; most notably in the form of a youth group for young men aged 12 to 21, sponsored by Freemasonry, and named after the last Grand Master of the Knights Templar. DeMolay International, also known as "The Order of DeMolay," was founded in Kansas City in 1919 by Freemason Frank S. Land.

Similar to what happens in Freemasonry, new members are ceremoniously initiated using "degrees" that are part of the Order's secret ritual, authored, in the case of the Order of DeMolay's ritual, by Frank A. Marshall at founder Land's request in 1919. The first, and less dramatic, of the two degrees is called "the Initiatory Degree", wherein initiates are escorted around the meeting room and instructed in the precepts and Seven Cardinal Virtues of the Order.

The second of the two degrees, known as "the DeMolay Degree," which, along with the Initiatory Degree, members and observers are sworn to keep secret, dramatically recreates the trial, "before a Commission in its Council Chamber," of the historic characters named in the ritual as "Jacques DeMolay and his three preceptors, Geoffroi de Charney, Godfrey de Goneville, and Hughes de Peralde."

The DeMolay Degree, in which players dress in robes and other period costume, and appear on a dimly-lit stage whereupon they dramatically deliver memorized lines prescribed in the ritual, is described therein as depicting "the tragic climax in the career of Jacques DeMolay, the hero and martyr who is the exemplar of our Order." The stage instructions include that "[t]he foremost point to be remembered is to portray Jacques DeMolay as the hero and to select an interpretation for the DeMolay Degree which will enhance the lessons of fidelity and toleration."

The drama concludes with the commission condemning the four to life imprisonment; however, according to the ritual, "so incensed was the king at the noble defiance and defense of DeMolay and Geoffroi de Charney that he overrode the Commission’s verdict and hurried DeMolay and de Charney to the stake on an island near the Cathedral, where they were barbarously burned."

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacques_de_Molay

Congrats to Brother David. Very proud of my fellow New Jersey Mason. This will ensure the Scottish rite flourishes for many years to come.

Scottish Rite Sovereign Grand Commander John William McNaughton has the pleasure to announce to the membership today that Active Member David Glattly, 33°, will succeed him as leader of the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction upon his retirement in August 2017.

“To our valued members and Brothers,” said Commander McNaughton, “I could not be more pleased to inform you that the Supreme Council’s nominating committee has named David Glattly as your next Sovereign Grand Commander. Brother Glattly has been an active and honored Freemason for more than 40 years, and a member of the Scottish Rite for nearly three decades. Our fraternity will be led by a good man who serves from his heart. He will shoulder great responsibility with intelligence, experience, dedication, and grace.”

The appointment of Brother Glattly marks the first time a new Scottish Rite leader has been announced a year prior to taking office. “These are challenging times for Freemasonry,” said Commander McNaughton. “Your Scottish Rite leadership and I feel it is important to have a thorough and seamless transition for our Fraternity.” Commander McNaughton and Brother Glattly will consult together over the next 12 months to continue the work “we began a decade ago—shifting the priorities of Northern Masonic Jurisdiction back to caring for our members, and bringing compassion to the forefront of our Fraternity,” he said.

Said Brother Glattly, “I am extremely proud and humbled to be named as the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction’s new Sovereign Grand Commander. It is truly the honor of my lifetime. From my time as a young man in DeMolay, the ideals and ageless standards of our Craft have been central to my life. I can vow to all members that I will work to my highest abilities to serve you, and champion the future of this vibrant, historic, and vital organization.”

Brother Glattly began his Masonic career by joining Clifton Chapter, Order of DeMolay in 1970, eventually serving as State Master Councilor of New Jersey. He was raised a Master Mason in Clifton Lodge #203, Clifton, New Jersey in 1975. He served as Worshipful Master in 1995, and as the Grand Marshal of the Grand Lodge of New Jersey in 1998. He became an Active Member of the DeMolay Supreme Council in 1994 and served as Executive Officer in New Jersey from 1999-2004. In New Jersey Freemasonry, he was awarded the prestigious Daniel Coxe Medal for distinguished service to the Craft.

Glattly completed the degrees of the Scottish Rite in 1987. He was created a Sovereign Grand Inspector General, 33°, Honorary Member of the Supreme Council in 2000 at Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. He was crowned an Active Member at Boston, Massachusetts in 2002. He is also a member of Salaam Temple, AAONMS; Hugh DePaynes Commandery #1, St. Joseph Conclave, Red Cross of Constantine, among numerous other Masonic organizations.

He and his wife Monica live in Hawthorne, New Jersey. They have two children, son Matthew and daughter Jessica.

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