What Is a Mason
Freemasonry affords men the opportunity to be with others who have the same interests. These men support one another. This applies, not only to the activities of the Lodge, but also, to the activities of daily life. The first degree teaches us that we should "Promote each others welfare and rejoice in each others prosperity."

Freemasonry - A to X
Most of us know what Freemasonry means to us as individuals, but few of us can explain it in anything other than mundane and simple phrases which can never do justice to the complexities of our ancient craft. Having said that, and having acknowledged that Freemasonry may be all but impossible to define or explain, let’s attempt to do just that by looking at the A to X of Freemasonry.

A Mason without Apology
I AM A MASON! This plain and simple statement is said with pride, not apology! But to make such a statement is not enough. Reasons are expected and I give them briefly and almost in outline form.

The Tie That Binds
Freemasons regard with awe the strength and quality of that bond which unites them. They are aware of it; they sense it; they rejoice in it. It is difficult to analyze or define. Perhaps it would be wise not to attempt a definition, but only to make some comparisons.

The Knights Templars - Unlucky 13?
It was on this date, October 13, 1307 — and presumably on a Friday — that King Philip IV ("the Fair") of France arrested all of the Templar Knights. The religious order had been the subject of rumours of blasphemy and irreligious practices, but in fact the Knights of the Temple of Solomon or (from their logo) the Red Cross Knights, were "just brutal, pious, simple-minded men," who became wealthy and corrupt as soon as the Church showered blessings and money on the order.

Mozart - The Mason
Mozart was initiated into "Benevolence" Lodge in Vienna, on the 14th of December, 1784, this Lodge having been established only a year before. There were eight Lodges in Vienna at that time, and Mozart was a frequent visitor at a number of them. He was a devout, orthodox Roman Catholic, and it is somewhat surprising that he should so openly become a Mason, especially in view of the Papal Bulls of 1738 and 1751, through which the antagonism of the Roman Church to Masonry became evident.

The Order of the Golden Fleece
The white apron of the mason talks of its great importance. More ancient than the Golden Fleece or Roman Eagle; more honourable than the Star & Garter, or any other order that can be conferred upon you at this or any future period by king, prince, potentate, or any other person except he be a Mason." Take a few minutes to understand these other orders and how the masonic apron is greater than these.

The Tie That Binds
Freemasons regard with awe the strength and quality of that bond which unites them. They are aware of it; they sense it; they rejoice in it. It is difficult to analyze or define. Perhaps it would be wise not to attempt a definition, but only to make some comparisons.

The Invisible Craft
Masonry was not always the Invisible Craft. It was, in fact, during the era of Operative Masonry and indeed for most of its history, highly visible - and highly respected. Its charter was granted from the king, and gentlemen and members of the aristocracy deemed it a prestigious honour to be associated with

Why Do Deacons Carry Wands?
It was suggested at one practice that the wands be left behind when conducting a candidate as they just get in the way. But everything in the masonic ritual has a reason or a hidden meaning that we have to root out so that we understand why we do what we do.

The Past Master's Jewel
When and why was the Past Master's jewel adopted and what does it mean? These questions asked by a newly invested I.P.M. are the raison d'etre for the following paragraphs.

Ashlars – Rough & Smooth
In every Masonic Lodge room there is the Rough Ashlar and the Perfect Ashlar, placed there for us to “moralize on”. These two and the Trestle Board constitute our Movable Jewels. What is their significance, what do they have to do with Freemasonry, and, can they assist us in our quest to show ourselves approved?