Short Talk Bulletin

Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by Bro and Dr Gary Leazer, an ordained Baptist minister, and is brought to us by Bro Kyle Kempf, Solar Star #14, Bath ME. Many times religious criticism of Freemasonry centers around the so-called “Mystery Religions.” This is nothing more than an attempt by anti-Masons to link Freemasonry with religions from ancient times, then calling Masons “pagans.” The author has prepared this STB for MSA, tracing the history of the Mystery Religions and their influence on the Christian faith. There is no connection between Freemasonry and the “Mystery Religions.“ Enjoy, and do share this and all of these Podcast episodes with your brothers and your Lodge.

Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by Il Bro Norris G. Abbot, 33rd, GH - RI, and is brought to us by Bro Galen Burke, JD - Rising Virtue #10, Bangor ME. In the frustrating days before the Declaration of Independence was signed, Rhode Island became the first independent sovereign state in the New World. She promptly responded to a call for a General Congress, and Stephen Hopkins and William Ellery were sent as delegates to forcefully urge the adoption of independence by all the colonies. Enjoy, and do share this and all of these Podcast episodes with your brothers and your Lodge.

Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode is from the golden pen of Bro Carl H. Claudy, and is brought to us by MW Bro Russ Charvonia, PGM - CA. The Freemasonry we know is a development of speculative teaching from an operative craft. It could not, therefore, have been other than repository for architectural allusions. It could not have evolved from stone cutting and setting into a society teaching a moral philosophy, without using the familiar tools and work of everyday as illustrations of her purposes. Here we find an excellent treatise concerning two of her ancient symbols. Enjoy, and do share this and all of these Podcast episodes with your brothers and your Lodge.

Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by Bro Allen E. Roberts, and is brought to us by Bro Galen Burke, JD at Rising Virtue #10, Bangor ME. Why does one lodge grow and another stand still? Why is one lodge active while another stagnates? Why does one lodge have an overflow attendance, and another can’t find enough men to confer a degree? The reason, Ted Gray determined, was effective planning. With it there is no limit to the growth of a lodge or any organization; without it there can be but failure. Enjoy, and do share this and all of these Podcast episodes with your brothers and your Lodge.

Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by WBro Allen E. Roberts of Virginia, and is brought to us by Bro Galen Burke, JD - Rising Virtue #10, Bangor ME. In 1972, the MSA endeavored to send to all of the constituent Lodges a series of Short Talks entitled More Light in Masonry, the general title adopted for this program of Masonic culture, education, information, instruction – whatever word is preferred for the Masonic term, “a search for light.” This is the first of that series. Enjoy, and do share this and all of these Podcast episodes with your brothers and your Lodge.

Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode is from the golden pen of MW Bro Carl H. Claudy, and was first published in July of 1957. "A beautiful system of morality, veiled in allegory, and illustrated by symbols..." has become so much a part of the imaginative and inspirational Masonic speaking that is has become largely unquestioned. Here, we find an excellent discussion of symbols and their place in the Craft. Enjoy, and do share this and all of these Podcast episodes with your brothers and your Lodge.

Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by RW Bro Alexander A. Bleimann, PDDGM, Editor of Publications and Fellow of the American Lodge of Research, New York, and is brought to us by WBro "Big Papa" TJ Olson, Somerset Lodge #34, Skowhegan ME. Frequently the MSA is asked about the connection between Freemasonry and the Society of the Cincinnati. Actually, there is none other than that many prominent military Freemasons (particularly of that time) belonged to both organizations. Probably, a connection is made because of George Washington’s influence and membership in both groups. Enjoy, and do share this and all of these Podcast episodes with your brothers and your Lodge.

Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by MW Bro Conrad Hahn, and is brought to us by WBro Bill Vivian, GP - ME. This year marks the 293rd Anniversary of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. It was formed during that historic period between the witch trials and the start of the Revolutionary War, and has been a part of the history of our nation. It has witnessed great strides in the development of society and history and particularly in the evolution of Freemasonry in the United States. Enjoy, and do share this and all of these Podcast episodes with your brothers and your Lodge.

Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by Bro John H. Watts, and is brought to us by Bro Brian Ellis, PGSD - ME. A recent Masonic Publication had the following item: "Cannibals do not eat clowns because they have a funny taste." There is a poem that has the following: “Little deeds of kindness, little grains of sand. . . .” Masonry has always been known for its little deeds of kindness, especially at a local level, long before the government took over many of the charitable works formerly the province of Masonry. Here is the story of just such a deed. Enjoy, and do share this and all of these Podcast episodes with your brothers and your Lodge.

Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode has been adapted from guidelines published by the Illinois Lodge of Research, and is brought to us by WBro "Big Papa" TJ Olson, Somerset Lodge #34, Skowhegan ME. Developing the ability to write a paper can be beneficial to a person in his vocation, in his church work, and in his community projects. There is great demand for persons who can do research work and write papers and make speeches within the Craft. Enjoy, and do share this and all of these Podcast episodes with your brothers and your Lodge.