Masonic Authors' Guild International

Enjoy the first 6 Minutes of this Sixth Episode of THE WIDE MASONIC WORLD - Join hosts Robert Cooper and Mark Tabbert for a in-depth discussion with Samuel Biagetti Ph.D., of Historiansplaning.com - a podcast.

We discuss his paper:

Section iii: The Masonic Degree Rituals from Chapter 2: The Unfinished Temple- Interpreting Masonic Ritual, taken from his 2015 dissertation is titled : The Only Universal Monarchy Freemasonry, Ritual, and Gender in Revolutionary Rhode Island, 1749-1803. Dr. Biagetti's dissertation is over 750 pages with 19 chapters, plus Introduction, conclusion, bibliography, & glossary. It begins with the formation of British freemasonry in the 1500s and then grand lodges the 1700s, moves to American with the first lodge in Rhode Island in 1740s, through the American revolution, ends in the in 1804.

Along with a narrative, your various sections and chapters address the social make up / demographics of lodges, the so-called higher degrees perpetuated by Thomas Smith Webb and Moses Michael Hayes, and at the end the limits of Rhode Island Freemasonry as relating to the slave trade, women and gender.

Samuel Biagetti holds a Ph.D. in early American history from Columbia University, and has had research published in Early American Studies, Journal of Caribbean History, and Yale Journal of Law and the Humanities, as well as social commentary in various outlets. He has been consulted and interviewed on NPR. He lives in central Massachusetts, where he holds a very minor local elective office.

He hosts a great podcast: HISTORIANSPLAINING https://historiansplaining.com/

Enjoy the first 16 minutes of the author reading Section iii: The Masonic Degree Rituals from Chapter 2: The Unfinished Temple- Interpreting Masonic Ritual, taken from his 2015 dissertation is titled : The Only Universal Monarchy Freemasonry, Ritual, and Gender in Revolutionary Rhode Island, 1749-1803. Dr. Biagetti's dissertation is over 750 pages with 19 chapters, plus Introduction, conclusion, bibliography, & glossary. It begins with the formation of British freemasonry in the 1500s and then grand lodges the 1700s, moves to American with the first lodge in Rhode Island in 1740s, through the American revolution, ends in the in 1804.

Along with a narrative, your various sections and chapters address the social make up / demographics of lodges, the so-called higher degrees perpetuated by Thomas Smith Webb and Moses Michael Hayes, and at the end the limits of Rhode Island Freemasonry as relating to the slave trade, women and gender.

Samuel Biagetti holds a Ph.D. in early American history from Columbia University, and has had research published in Early American Studies, Journal of Caribbean History, and Yale Journal of Law and the Humanities, as well as social commentary in various outlets. He has been consulted and interviewed on NPR. He lives in central Massachusetts, where he holds a very minor local elective office.

He hosts a great podcast: HISTORIANSPLAINING https://historiansplaining.com/

Join the intrepid Masonic investigator, Robert L. D. Cooper as he investigates the Grand Lodge of Great Britain and Scotland's Rosslyn Chapel and its famous "Apprentice's Pillar"! Whether its Scottish history or scotch whisky-- Cooper is on the Case!!

Enjoy the First Nine Minutes of the Fifth Episode of THE WIDE MASONIC WORLD - Join hosts Robert Cooper and Mark Tabbert for a in-depth discussion with Prof. Kennyo Ismail of the University of Brazil of Rio de Janeiro.

We discuss his paper: Brazilian Freemasonry in the 21st Century

Brazilian Freemasonry is the second largest in the world, with more than 230 thousand regular Freemasons. The Brazilian grand lodges of the mainstream form three major national strands: the Grand Orient of Brazil, with its state districts; the state grand lodges of Brazil, confederated with the Confederation of Symbolic Freemasonry of Brazil (CMSB); and the independent State Grand Orients, gathered in COMAB – Masonic Confederation of Brazil.

This research aimed, in general, to know the opinion of Brazilian regular Freemasons members of thirty-two grand lodges and grand orients confederated to the CMI – Inter-American Masonic Confederation, about their perception of Freemasonry and the Masonic perspectives for this 21st century.

With its results, it seeks to know a little more about the opinions and perceptions of the Brazilian Freemason about the strengths and weaknesses of his Freemasonry, as well as his desires for its realization for the coming years. Thus, in addition to an analysis of the internal environment of Brazilian Freemasonry, which can serve as useful information for the development of action plans by the different grand lodges and grand orients; one can, above all, understand the different organic strands of thought that stand out among the Freemasons who form the base of the Masonic pyramid.

Pro. Kenny Ismail graduated from the University of Brazil in 2006 and earned a MBA. He is Editor-in-Chief of the journal “Science & Freemasonry”, the first academic-scientific journal dedicated to the study of Freemasonry in South America, linked to the NP3-CEAM-UnB; was a postgraduate professor in “History of Freemasonry” by Unileya; is a postgraduate professor in “Masonology” and in “Democracy, Contemporary Thought and Freemasonry” He also acts as Communication Advisor to CMSB and CMI.

Since a boy active in Demolay, Prof. Ismail has participated in many Masonic organizations, both serving as a Master of a lodge, a 33rd Degree in the SR and  Serves as Grand Librarian and Grand Secretary

ENJOY THE FIRST 16 MINUTES OF PART TWO OF THIS GROUND-BREAKING PAPER ON BRAZILIAN FREEMASONRY

Brazilian Freemasonry is the second largest in the world, with more than 230 thousand regular Freemasons. The Brazilian grand lodges of the mainstream form three major national strands: the Grand Orient of Brazil, with its state districts; the state grand lodges of Brazil, confederated with the Confederation of Symbolic Freemasonry of Brazil (CMSB); and the independent State Grand Orients, gathered in COMAB – Masonic Confederation of Brazil.

This research aimed, in general, to know the opinion of Brazilian regular Freemasons members of thirty-two grand lodges and grand orients confederated to the CMI – Inter-American Masonic Confederation, about their perception of Freemasonry and the Masonic perspectives for this 21st century.

With its results, it seeks to know a little more about the opinions and perceptions of the Brazilian Freemason about the strengths and weaknesses of his Freemasonry, as well as his desires for its realization for the coming years. Thus, in addition to an analysis of the internal environment of Brazilian Freemasonry, which can serve as useful information for the development of action plans by the different grand lodges and grand orients; one can, above all, understand the different organic strands of thought that stand out among the Freemasons who form the base of the Masonic pyramid.

Pro. Kenny Ismail graduated from the University of Brazil in 2006 and earned a MBA. He is Editor-in-Chief of the journal “Science & Freemasonry”, the first academic-scientific journal dedicated to the study of Freemasonry in South America, linked to the NP3-CEAM-UnB; was a postgraduate professor in “History of Freemasonry” by Unileya; is a postgraduate professor in “Masonology” and in “Democracy, Contemporary Thought and Freemasonry” He also acts as Communication Advisor to CMSB and CMI.

Since a boy active in Demolay, Prof. Ismail has participated in many Masonic organizations, both serving as a Master of a lodge, a 33rd Degree in the SR and  Serves as Grand Librarian and Grand Secretary

ENJOY THE FIRST 17 MINUTES OF PART TWO OF THIS GROUND-BREAKING PAPER ON BRAZILIAN FREEMASONRY

Brazilian Freemasonry is the second largest in the world, with more than 230 thousand regular Freemasons. The Brazilian grand lodges of the mainstream form three major national strands: the Grand Orient of Brazil, with its state districts; the state grand lodges of Brazil, confederated with the Confederation of Symbolic Freemasonry of Brazil (CMSB); and the independent State Grand Orients, gathered in COMAB – Masonic Confederation of Brazil.

This research aimed, in general, to know the opinion of Brazilian regular Freemasons members of thirty-two grand lodges and grand orients confederated to the CMI – Inter-American Masonic Confederation, about their perception of Freemasonry and the Masonic perspectives for this 21st century.

With its results, it seeks to know a little more about the opinions and perceptions of the Brazilian Freemason about the strengths and weaknesses of his Freemasonry, as well as his desires for its realization for the coming years. Thus, in addition to an analysis of the internal environment of Brazilian Freemasonry, which can serve as useful information for the development of action plans by the different grand lodges and grand orients; one can, above all, understand the different organic strands of thought that stand out among the Freemasons who form the base of the Masonic pyramid.

Pro. Kenny Ismail graduated from the University of Brazil in 2006 and earned a MBA. He is Editor-in-Chief of the journal “Science & Freemasonry”, the first academic-scientific journal dedicated to the study of Freemasonry in South America, linked to the NP3-CEAM-UnB; was a postgraduate professor in “History of Freemasonry” by Unileya; is a postgraduate professor in “Masonology” and in “Democracy, Contemporary Thought and Freemasonry” He also acts as Communication Advisor to CMSB and CMI.

Since a boy active in Demolay, Prof. Ismail has participated in many Masonic organizations, both serving as a Master of a lodge, a 33rd Degree in the SR and  Serves as Grand Librarian and Grand Secretary

ENJOY THE FIRST NINE MINUTES of the Fourth Episode of THE WIDE MASONIC WORLD - Join hosts Robert Cooper and Mark Tabbert for a in-depth discussion with Dr. Robert James Ph.D. of New South Wales, Australia.

We discuss his paper:

THE DUPLICITIES OF HISTORY : THE CENTRAL PROBLEM OF FREEMASONRY

from his Book : "No More Conspiracy Theories" : https://www.amazon.com.au/More-Conspiracy-Theories-Bob-James-ebook/dp/B0F324X52C?s=digital-text

"The Reality of Freemasonry

For Grand Lodge decision-makers the lack of clarity has been a useful but accidental result of a need to satisfy factional agendas. The London fraternity of Freemasonry, aka ‘the Order’, was neither alone nor unique. The idea often labelled ‘freemasonry’ was a multi-faceted phenomenon, Already in the 18th century: ‘There were (and still are) many varieties existing side by side, practised simultaneously by different lodges.’

For some members, Grand Lodge was an energy centre of an exclusive but free-wheeling club scene, for some it was an arm of the government, for others it was a money-making exercise. Overlapping agendas, fluid alliances and uneven administrations threatened viability, even as its potential for political usefulness became clearer and was more fully harnessed. Unpredictable noble leadership damaged collective capacity to balance military, commercial and industrial demands until a manufactured mystique of Empire provided cohesion. Tensions between political and religious agendas have remained. Official ‘mission statements have made serious discussion of ‘the past’ impossible. For three centuries, Grand Lodge have claimed to be unified while being endlessly conflicted internally and externally. They have exhorted regularity and conformity while appearing in a multitude of guises and combinations; they have claimed to be passionate about learning while discouraging research and while insisting ‘it’ already knew everything humans needed to reach fulfilment. While preaching tolerance and openness they have been discriminatory and unwilling to publicly discuss its decisions. They have insisted they observed political and religious neutrality while being clearly in lock-step with the dominant elements of their respective society even as that ‘evolved’. "

For more than 20 years, Dr. Robert James, Ph.D. has published and lectured widely on Australian Masonic and fraternal history. He was born in Stockton, New South Wales, Australia, in 1940. He earned his BA with honours in Southeast Asian Studies at Australian National University, and spent most of his career as a primary school teacher. He earned his Masters again in Southeast Asian Studies  from the London School of African and Oriental Studies, with an additional Master's in Australian History from La Trobe University in Melbourne. Since retiring as a teacher, he studied as an independent researcher while gaining his PhD in Australian history at the University of Newcastle. Dr. James is a Brother Freemason, and an Oddfellow, and a member of the Ancient Order of Druids, all of which are in New South Wales.

His other major publications is “They Call Each Other Brother” in 2010

https://www.amazon.com.au/They-Call-Each-Other-Brother-ebook/dp/B00SQLIGTM

Enjoy the First 15 Minutes of Part TWO of:

THE DUPLICITIES OF HISTORY : THE CENTRAL PROBLEM OF FREEMASONRY

PART TWO

By Dr. Robert James Ph.D. of New South Wales, Australia.

The Reality of Freemasonry

For GL decision-makers the lack of clarity has been a useful but accidental result of a need to satisfy factional agendas. The London fraternity of Freemasonry, aka ‘the Order’, was neither alone nor unique. The idea often labelled ‘freemasonry’ was a multi-faceted phenomenon, Already in the 18th century: ‘There were (and still are) many varieties existing side by side, practised simultaneously by different lodges.’

For some members, Grand Lodge was an energy centre of an exclusive but free-wheeling club scene, for some it was an arm of the government, for others it was a money-making exercise. Overlapping agendas, fluid alliances and uneven administrations threatened viability, even as its potential for political usefulness became clearer and was more fully harnessed. Unpredictable noble leadership damaged collective capacity to balance military, commercial and industrial demands until a manufactured mystique of Empire provided cohesion. Tensions between political and religious agendas have remained. Official ‘mission statements have made serious discussion of ‘the past’ impossible. For three centuries, Grand Lodge have claimed to be unified while being endlessly conflicted internally and externally. They have exhorted regularity and conformity while appearing in a multitude of guises and combinations; they have claimed to be passionate about learning while discouraging research and while insisting ‘it’ already knew everything humans needed to reach fulfilment. While preaching tolerance and openness they have been discriminatory and unwilling to publicly discuss its decisions. They have insisted they observed political and religious neutrality while being clearly in lock-step with the dominant elements of their respective society even as that ‘evolved’.

THE DUPLICITIES OF HISTORY : THE CENTRAL PROBLEM OF FREEMASONRY

ENJOY THE FIRST 15 MINUTES OF PART ONE

By Dr. Robert James Ph.D. of New South Wales, Australia.

‘Freemasonry’, as a single identifiable entity, doesn’t exist and probably has never existed. The Grand Lodge [GL] of English Freemasonry (EF), an organisation which probably began meeting in the period 1717-23 and claims to have ‘mothered’ all other variants, is a distinct entity which asserted and gained ascendancy by the classical carrot and stich technique. It offered benefits to memberships of otherwise independent lodges in return for oaths of loyalty and thus of a secondary position. Claims that it was made up of men of higher status who were therefore deserving of obedience from men of lower standing were no more than a re-fashioned statement of ‘the Divine Right of Kings’. The mythical history of this GL is full of delicious ironies. At the same time, the real-time history needs the mythology to help explain the Order’s global expansion.

That initial GL had no authority to determine either ‘Masonic’ or political practice of any other ‘Masonic’ entity yet that is the nature of its achievement. Its claims of uniqueness and authority were parts of a marketing strategy it needed because it was neither unique nor in charge. Why its self-defined ‘Grand Lodge Officers’ chose to act in this way is only the first of many questions the answers to which determine how its subsequent 300 years + of endeavour are to be interpreted. Over three centuries, something called ‘Masonic history’ has been cobbled together by partisans from not very-objective accounts of entities self-identifying as ‘Masonic’ for political reasons and, it seems, for no other reason. . . . .

Enjoy the First 10 Minutes of PART TWO of W.G. Fisher's stories of more than 100 years of Masonic activities of success Dukes of Atholl who served as both the Grand Master Mason of the Grand Lodge of Scotland and the Ancient Grand Lodge of England. Paper printed in the Grand Lodge of Scotland's Year-Book, 1969.

ATHOLL, EARLS AND DUKES OF. The Stewart line of the Scottish earls of Atholl, which ended with the 5th Stewart earl in 1595, the earldom reverting to the crown, had originated with Sir John Stewart of Balveny (d. 1512), who was created earl of Atholl about 1457 (new charter 1481). The 5th earl’s daughter, Dorothea, married William Murray, earl of Tullibardine (cr. 1606), who in 1626 resigned his earldom in favour of Sir Patrick Murray, on condition of the revival of the earldom of Atholl in his wife and her descendants. The earldom thus passed to the Murray line, and John Murray, their only son (d. 1642), was accordingly acknowledged as earl of Atholl (the 1st of the Murrays) in 1629.

John Stewart, 4th earl of Atholl, in the Stewart line (d. 1579), son of John, 3rd earl, and of Grizel, daughter of Sir John Rattray, succeeded his father in 1542. He supported the government of the queen dowager, and in 1560 was one of the three nobles who voted in parliament against the Reformation and the Confession of Faith, and declared their adherence to Roman Catholicism. Subsequently, however, he joined the league against Huntly, whom with Murray and Morton he defeated at Corrichie in October 1562, and he supported the projected marriage of Elizabeth with Arran. On the arrival of Mary from France in 1561 he was appointed one of the twelve privy councillors, and on account of his religion obtained a greater share of the queen’s favour than either Murray or Maitland. He was one of the principal supporters of the marriage with Darnley, became the leader of the Roman Catholic nobles, and with Lennox obtained the chief power in the government, successfully protecting Mary and Darnley from Murray’s attempts to regain his ascendancy by force of arms. According to Knox he openly attended mass in the queen’s chapel, and was especially trusted by Mary in her project of reinstating Roman Catholicism.

The Atholl Chronicles have been privately printed by the 7th duke of Atholl (b. 1840). See also S. Cowan, Three Celtic Earldoms (1909)