In this episode of the Committee on Masonic Education Podcast, we sit down with Right Worshipful Cody Cockroft, President of the Texas Masonic Charities Foundation (TMCF) and a member of the Committee on Work for the Grand Lodge of Texas.

R∴W∴ Cockroft shares insights into the vital impact the TMCF is having across the state, supporting lodges, empowering communities, and strengthening the legacy of Texas Freemasonry through charitable giving. He also opens up about the sacred responsibility of preserving and teaching our ritual, explaining the role of the Committee on Work in upholding the integrity and consistency of our Masonic practices.

Whether you're a new Mason or a longtime Brother, this episode is a powerful reminder of how charity and ritual work together to shape the heart of our Fraternity.

Please visit the Texas Masonic Charities Foundation website and contribute to the Texas Hill Country Relief https://txmcf.org/

In this episode, Chris Galloway and Adam Sanchez discuss the importance of property tax exemption for Masonic lodges, detailing the requirements for maintaining tax-exempt status under the 501C10 classification. They emphasize the need for lodges to engage in charitable activities and accurately report these efforts to uphold their tax-exempt status. The conversation also covers the process for obtaining the ad valorem tax exemption and the significance of upcoming officer leadership trainings and the Grandmaster's conference.

GLOTX https://grandlodgeoftexas.org/

Texas Lodge of Research: https://www.texaslodgeofresearch.org/

takeaways

• Masonic lodges can be exempt from property taxes under 501C10.
• Each lodge must demonstrate a fraternal purpose to maintain tax-exempt status.
• Charitable activities must be documented to support tax exemption.
• Form 71 is essential for tracking charitable contributions.
• Lodges should report all charitable activities to the Grand Lodge.
• The ad valorem tax exemption form must be submitted timely.
• Failure to submit tax exemption forms can lead to significant financial penalties.
• Officer leadership trainings provide valuable resources for lodge management.
• The Grandmaster's conference offers additional opportunities for lodge leaders.
• Engagement in community service is crucial for maintaining Masonic values.

In this podcast episode, Chris Galloway, Michael Spencer, and Adam Sanchez discuss the Vanguard program, an award given by the Grand Lodge of Texas to recognize lodges that meet specific requirements. They delve into the importance of the Vanguard program for Texas Freemasonry, recent changes to the award, and the application process. The conversation emphasizes the significance of lodge engagement, strategic planning, and the necessary administrative tasks to qualify for the Vanguard award. The hosts share insights on how lodges can effectively prepare for the award and the benefits of participation. In this conversation, Michael Spencer and Chris discuss the various requirements and activities associated with the Vanguard Award for Masonic lodges. They emphasize the importance of long-term planning, community involvement, member service, and Masonic education. The discussion highlights the flexibility in meeting the award's requirements and encourages lodges to participate actively in their communities and the Grand Lodge. The conversation also touches on the significance of recognition for lodges and their members, aiming to increase participation in the Vanguard Award program.

GLOTX https://grandlodgeoftexas.org/

Texas Lodge of Research: https://www.texaslodgeofresearch.org/

In this episode of the Texas Committee on Masonic Education podcast, hosts Chris Galloway and Adam Sanchez discuss the recent resolution to incorporate music into Masonic rituals in Texas. They are joined by Larry Fitzpatrick, a key figure in drafting the resolution. The conversation covers the historical significance of music in Freemasonry, the inspiration behind the resolution, the collaborative process involved in its drafting, and the potential impact of music on the Masonic experience. The episode emphasizes the importance of tradition, brotherhood, and the enhancement of rituals through music, while also reflecting on personal experiences within the fraternity.

This episode's education piece is a reading from the Texas Lodge of Research Transactions.

Websites mentioned in the episode:

Texas Lodge of Research: https://www.texaslodgeofresearch.org/

Grand Lodge of Texas: https://grandlodgeoftexas.org/