“The Man Who Would Be King” (1888) is a novella by Rudyard Kipling about two British Freemason adventurers in British India who traveled to Kafiristan (a remote part of Afghanistan) to become kings, but instead became “gods” and ultimately lost everything. The story was inspired by real exploits of Englishman James Brooke; and by the travels of American adventurer Josiah Harlan.
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Origins of the Topper
There has never been a more sophisticated and dominating hat in fashion than the top hat. The topper’s dominance as the gentleman’s headwear for formal occasions wasn’t truly established until Prince Albert started to favor it in 1850, some 50 years after it was first introduced via an incident which became known as the “The Top Hat Riot.”
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Tools of the Trade – 2nd Degree Tracing Board
The most prominent symbol on the Second Degree Tracing Board is the winding staircase of the Temple. Seven is a sacred number, and the seven steps of the staircase may be held to represent the seven liberal arts and sciences referred to in the Degree. The seven steps are interdependent and are strung together as follows:
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The Hive Allegory
Several brothers have asked about the honeybee symbol on the 2016 Master Medal, and with the next presentation also revolving around bees, now seems like a good a time to delve into the topic. The beehive is a commonly used symbol dating at least to Roman times. In medieval heraldry it was considered a symbol of industry.
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Masonic Research – Mozart
Our own Bro. Peterson is graduating from Temple University. As part of his senior thesis, he has written an extensive paper on Mozart and the masonic influences hidden in the composer’s work. The following sample is paraphrased from Bro. Peterson’s research:
In the mid-18th century, the Austrian government began to suppress secret societies and other exclusive groups, namely the Illuminati. Read more“Masonic Research – Mozart”
Tools of the Trade – 3rd Degree Tracing Board
Tracing boards are painted or printed illustrations depicting the various emblems and symbols of Freemasonry. They were commonly used as teaching aids during the lectures that followed each of the Masonic Degrees. Sets of three boards, corresponding to the three degrees, were heavily used by the Craft during the 1700s.
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Secrecy & Dispatch – Flip Rings
The Masonic ring is a common sight here in the States, but in Europe it is nowhere near as prevalent. Even though modern masonry was born in the UK, our brothers there (and elsewhere in Europe) are often reluctant to make their affiliation with the Craft known publicly.
Beyond the 3rd Degree – Knight Masons
In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, this month we look at the Order of Knight Masons – an invitational, chivalric Masonic order.The Order of Knight Masons was formed in Dublin, Ireland in 1923 for the purpose of governing three degrees previously known as the “Green Degrees.” These were formerly controlled by the Orders of Knights Templar in Ireland (for more than eighty years) and conferred in their subordinate bodies. Read more“Beyond the 3rd Degree – Knight Masons”
Secrecy and Dispatch – Cipher
The masonic cipher (sometimes referred to as the pigpen cipher) is a geometric simple substitution cipher, which exchanges letters for symbols which are fragments of a grid, e.g.: img
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Mysterious Origins – Benevolent Lodge
The following is adapted from the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Constitution of the Lodge, August 27th, 1850, as read at the Stated Meeting, November 30, 1900:
Although of two score and ten years existence today, and possessing a stalwart membership of 178 brothers, Doylestown Lodge, No. 245, F. & A.M., is not the first Masonic organization of this vicinity. Our Lodge is the second one subordinate to the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, of this community, and is practically a descendant of Benevolent Lodge, No. 168, formerly located hereabouts.
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About the Master’s Medal 2016
The 2016 medal commemorates 166 Years of Doylestown Lodge. Embossed in the center is a representation of the Honeybee. The Hive is an ancient Masonic symbol representing unity and industriousness, and is a fitting symbol for this year’s theme of “Fortune & Glory.” In the spirit of the traditional mosaic pavement, the black and white ribbon denotes the duality of light and darkness.
175th Anniversary Countdown
The 10-year countdown to our 175th Anniversary begins now. The Line (the future leaders of the lodge) are working together to make this a special event for all members. We have a number of initiatives coming which will be outlined over the next several months, including:
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