Slide 1:Presentation created by Bro. Terry Hastings © 2008 – 09 The Masonic Society


Slide 2:A Convention of Freemasons Seeking Further Light and Wisdom


Slide 3:Do You Thirst For More Than Common Masonic Knowledge? So Do We! Join Us In the Quest!


Slide 4:“ The ultimate success of Masonry depends on the intelligence of her disciples.” – Albert Mackey A significant group of passionate Masons have created what aims to be nothing less than the premier North American research society in Freemasonry.


Slide 5: .....Welcomes Brothers who have a deep and abiding desire to: Seek knowledge Explore history Discover symbolism Debate philosophies Be in the forefront of charting a path for the future of Freemasonry


Slide 6:Our Name Intentionally alludes to the Royal Society, the innovative organization of visionary men who were the forefront of the age of enlightenment, many of whom were present at what became modern Freemasonry. Likewise, our Society is at the forefront of a new age of Freemasonry, and our members have become a vibrant, active community within the Fraternity.


Slide 7:Our Goal Looking backward at the history of Freemasonry. Looking forward to foster the intellectual, spiritual and social growth of the modern Masonic Fraternity.


Slide 8:To That End The Masonic Society extends the hand of assistance and cooperation to individual Masonic research lodges in North America. It is the desire of The Masonic Society to partner with these lodges to give their members regular opportunities to publish their papers for an international audience and to publicize their activities.


Slide 9:Forging Relationships The Masonic Society encourages examination of all branches of Freemasonry, from Blue Lodge to York Rite and Scottish Rite Masonry. The Masonic Society is also engaging in special relationships with concordant bodies, and many other Masonic bodies. Together with the Masonic Service Association and the George Washington Masonic Memorial, The Masonic Society has launched  a website to provide accurate information and answer questions about Freemasonry that may result from the release of Dan Brown's new novel, The Lost Symbol.  The website can be found at: www.freemasonlostsymbol.com


Slide 10:Membership Benefits Members-only access to The Masonic Society online forum where members from around the world can interact on virtually any topic pertinent to Freemasonry’s past, present, or future. The Masonic Society’s annual membership dues card. The Masonic Society’s commemorative pin. Preferred Masonic Society pricing on books, jewelry, clothing - with more to come!


Slide 11:Membership Benefits The Masonic Society’s Patent of Membership with wax seal ready for framing.


Slide 12:Membership Benefits Annual First Circle gatherings and active participation in the Allied Masonic Degrees during “Masonic Week” each February. An additional Annual Symposium of education, information, interaction and fun held annually, either in the United States or Canada. Second Circle gatherings within each jurisdiction, planned and executed by TMS members within the jurisdiction. The availability of the Second Circle Chairman to field questions and concerns, and assist in organizing local activities.


Slide 13:Journal of The Masonic Society Membership Benefits The quarterly Journal of The Masonic Society presents articles that enlighten our past, and explore solutions to the challenges facing Freemasonry today and tomorrow. The Journal features articles by the best known authors in Freemasonry, as well as brethren from local lodges. Timely Masonic news, photos and commentary from around the globe in full color.


Slide 14:Nearly 1,000 members in 19 countries worldwide since inception one year ago!


Slide 15:The Masonic Society An opportunity to interact with Freemasons of many levels of interest, education and experience including: Stephen Dafoe (Author) The Compasses and the Cross and Nobly Born Mark Tabbert (Director of Collections) George Washington Masonic Memorial Christopher Hodapp (Author) Freemasons for Dummies Roger S. VanGorden (PGM, Former Editor) The Indiana Freemason Michael R. Poll (Publisher) Cornerstone Publishing S. Brent Morris (Author) The Idiot’s Guide to Freemasonry John “Bo” Cline (Grand Master) The Grand Lodge of Alaska Yasha Beresiner (P.M. Quatuor Coronati Lodge #2076, London, England) Many other Grand Masters, Past Grand Masters and Masonic Scholars “Freemasons Next Door” just like you!


Slide 16:Membership Requirements Any regular Master Mason in good standing belonging to a Lodge chartered by a member Grand Lodge of the Conference of Grand Masters of Masons in North America, or recognized by a member Grand Lodge is eligible for membership in The Masonic Society. Annual Masonic Society membership fees are $ 39.00 US. Contact The Masonic Society Second Circle Chairman in your area, or log onto www.themasonicsociety.com to become a member.