CEREMONY OF THE SEVEN TOASTS

For those coming to the show tonight, below is a brief description of the toasts to be proposed.

The format for each of the toasts will be the same. Although there are many other ways to do Toasts in various rituals, please follow the pattern given below for each toast this evening. The wine in your will be recharged once after every toast.

The pattern for toasting is below.

The Host Master will call the toast, this applies to all toasts.

All will acknowledge the toast raising their "Cannon" in front, shoulder high, the arm extended comfortably. The glass is held in this position during the reading of the next on of the Toast and during the response by the brethren.

The proposer will then give the toast, ending with "Brethren…” followed by the response that is to given.

All present will then respond by repeating the last phrase as given by the proposer.

Host Master Only says: "Ready"

On command "Ready," bring the glass to your lips, ready to drink from it.

Host Master Only says: "DerryDoon"

On the command "DerryDoon," the brethren drink their wine, then return their glass to arms length, eye level.

The Host Master will then say: "Brethren, The Good Fire, taking your time from me."

The procedure for "Good Fire" is:

a) The Host Master will recite the following at a smart pace, marking time with his Cannon (Firing Glass), in the air;

b) All present follow the cadence set by the proposer, repeating, with the Host Master, in unison:

Vivat Vivat, Vivat!

Vivat, Vivat, Vivat!

Vivat, Vivat, Vivat!

On first command "Vivat," move the glass to the left shoulder.

On second command "Vivat," move the glass across the throat to the right shoulder.

On third command "Vivat," move the glass back to the starting point, in front, completing a triangle. Repeat this sequence with each set of three "Vivat's" completing three triangles, ending with the glass in front and at arms length. ("Vivat" is said while the glass is in motion)

On the command "One," swing your arm to the left. On "Two," swing your arm back to the right and up.

On the command "Fire," all, in unison, will strike their Cannons sharply on the Table.

In order to avoid breakage we recommend not getting TOO boisterous, the glass is not a gavel!

The proposer will then say "Together, brethren" for the battery of Three Times Three.

Clap! Clap! Clap!

Clap! Clap! Clap!

Clap! Clap! Clap!

The Host Master will close the toast.

If the Host Master wishes, he may ask some brother to give a response to the toast. The brother does this, speaking spontaneously about the subject of the toast. The response should be brief'. The brother DOES NOT PROPOSE ANOTHER TOAST!

The next toast will then follow in sequence.

It is worth noting that the Good Fire is a triad of seven times three salutes (21 motions in all). The 'GOOD FIRE," or "QUICK FIRE" described above is really a 21gun salute, and in ancient times, especially in the French Rite, the Good Fire was given by an elaborate ritual using heavy "Firing" Glasses or "Cannons" with thick glass bases which could be struck upon the table top in time to the proposer's cadence. We do a version of this.

Speeches may be interspersed between toasts at the discretion of the Host Masters. Furthermore, they may call for brief remarks from any brother as a response to any of the toasts.

IMPORTANT NOTE!

NO BROTHER SHOULD PRESUME TO OFFER A TOAST.

TOASTS ARE RESTRICTED TO THOSE LISTED IN THE PROGRAM,

WITH THEIR ORDER AND PROPOSERS DETERMINED BY THE MASTER.

_____________________________

1. THE FIRST TOAST – Dean to give

THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and CANADA

Host Master.: "are all cannons charged in the column of the West?"

are all the cannons charged in the column of the South?"

Host Master.: "Brethren, it is my honor to propose this first toast to the United States of America and Canada! We offer our wishes for its honor and prosperity in peace, and for its continued Sovereignty, Independence, and the Freedom of its citizens. This is a health so dear to us that I invite you to deliver your fire as handsomely as possible. Upstanding, brethren!

ALL: (Rise and hold Cannons out in front, arm's length at eye level

W.M.: "Brethren, I give you the United States of America and Canada!

ALL PRESENT: "THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND CANADA!"

H.M.: ONLY: "Ready" On the command "Ready," ALL bring the wine to the lips, ready to drink.

H.M.: ONLY: "DerryDoon" On the command "DerryDoon," drink your wine, then raise your class comfortably at arm's length and at eye level.

H.M.: "Brethren, the GOOD FIRE, taking your time from the East."

All present follow the cadence set by the Host Master. He will recite, at a smart pace, marking time with the triangular motions described in the earlier instructions.

Vivat, Vivat, Vivat! Vivat, Vivat, Vivat! Vivat, Vivat, Vivat!

2. THE SECOND TOAST – Greg to Give

THE ANCIENT AND GENTLE CRAFT AND THE MEMORY OF OUR FOUNDERS

Host Master.: "are all cannons charged in the column of the West?"are all the cannons charged in the column of the South?"

H.M.: "Brethren, the Toast to the Craft and the Memory of our Founders which will be proposed by our Host MASTER:

"To Him who brought the stone and wood,
To him who all things understood,
To him who hapless, shed his blood in the doing of his duty,
To that bright day, To that blest morn
wherein these three great men were born,
Our Ancient Science to Adorn With Wisdom, Strength and Beauty."

"Host Master and brethren, I give you the Ancient and Gentle Craft and The Memory of Our Founders. This second obligatory health, which I have the honor to propose, is to the ties which unite a great Brotherhood, and to a future made great by reason of a greater understanding of the spirit of Freemasonry. This health is so dear to us that I invite you to deliver your fire as handsomely as possible. Upstanding, brethren!

ALL: (Rise and hold Cannons out in front, arm's length at eye level

W.M.: "Brethren, I give you the THE MEMORY OF OUR FOUNDERS!

ALL PRESENT: " THE MEMORY OF OUR FOUNDERS!"

H.M.: ONLY: "Ready" On the command "Ready," ALL bring the wine to the lips, ready to drink.

H.M.: ONLY: "DerryDoon" On the command "DerryDoon," drink your wine, then raise your class comfortably at arm's length and at eye level.

H.M.: "Brethren, the GOOD FIRE, taking your time from the East."

All present follow the cadence set by the Master. He will recite, at a smart pace, marking time with the triangular motions described in the earlier instructions.

Vivat, Vivat, Vivat! Vivat, Vivat, Vivat! Vivat, Vivat, Vivat!

Introductions and Salutations

Round table for all present who wish to speak and make comment to the event and to Masonry in general.

3. THE THIRD TOAST – Dean to give

TO THE GRAND LODGES OF NORTH AMERICA AND THE GRAND MASTERS, PAST PRESENT AND FUTURE AND THE BURDEN THEY BARE AS THE LEADERS OF OUR VENERABLE INSTITUTION.

Host Master.: "are all cannons charged in the column of the West?"

are all the cannons charged in the column of the South?"

H.M.: TO THE GRAND LODGES OF NORTH AMERICA AND THE GRAND MASTERS

H.M.: "Host Master and brethren, I have the honor to propose a toast to the Most Worshipful Grand Lodges of Free and Accepted Masons of North America, the Most Worshipful Grand Masters that preside over them together with all officers and members of their Grand Lodge!"

"To its long and honored past, its steady adherence to our principles, their unfailing answer to the call of distress, and its encouragement to those who seek Further Light in Masonry. To their health, we gladly add our Fraternal wishes for its prosperity that it may direct with Wisdom, decide with Justice, and plan with Vision worthy of the Fraternity it serves, and of the brethren who constitute its Masonic people. Be pleased to join me in delivering this most Masonic and Fraternal Toast and Fire! Upstanding, brethren!

ALL: (Rise and hold Cannons out in front, arm's length at eye level

W.M.: "Brethren, I give you the TO THE GRAND LODGES OF NORTH AMERICA AND THE GRAND MASTERS! TO THE GRAND LODGES OF NORTH AMERICA AND THE GRAND MASTERS

ALL PRESENT: " THE GRAND LODGES OF NORTH AMERICA AND THE GRAND MASTERS! TO THE GRAND LODGES OF NORTH AMERICA AND THE GRAND MASTERS!"

H.M.: ONLY: "Ready" On the command "Ready," ALL bring the wine to the lips, ready to drink.

H.M.: ONLY: "DerryDoon" On the command "DerryDoon," drink your wine, then raise your class comfortably at arm's length and at eye level.

H.M.: "Brethren, the GOOD FIRE, taking your time from the East.

All present follow the cadence set by the Master. He will recite, at a smart pace, marking time with the triangular motions described in the earlier instructions.

Vivat, Vivat, Vivat! Vivat, Vivat, Vivat! Vivat, Vivat, Vivat!

4. THE FOURTH TOAST – Greg to Give

To Masonic Central, the pod cast for Freemasons by Freemasons

Host Master.: "are all cannons charged in the column of the West?"

are all the cannons charged in the column of the South?"

Host .M.: "Brethren, the toast to our beloved Masonic Central. I beg permission to propose a Toast to our own beloved program Masonic Central. To this precious program, so close to the hearts of its participants, and to the brotherhood that has blossomed throughout the past year. Its brothers display an interest and loyalty unshaken by adversity, and unspoiled by prosperity. So may we all, each one of us, ever it reflect its integrity and its stability in our daily lives. Brethren, I give you the Masonic Central Pod Cast! "

ALL: " the Masonic Central Pod Cast! "

H.M.: ONLY: "Ready" On the command "Ready," ALL bring the wine to the lips, ready to drink.

H.M.: ONLY: "DerryDoon" On the command "DerryDoon," drink your wine, then raise your class comfortably at arm's length and at eye level.

H.M.: "Brethren, the GOOD FIRE, taking your time from the East.

All present follow the cadence set by the Master. He will recite, at a smart pace, marking time with the triangular motions described in the earlier instructions.

Vivat, Vivat, Vivat! Vivat, Vivat, Vivat! Vivat, Vivat, Vivat!

9’o’clock toast – to our absent brethren

To our absent brethren

H.M.: "Brethren, the GOOD FIRE, taking your time from the East.

All present follow the cadence set by the Master. He will recite, at a smart pace, marking time with the triangular motions described in the earlier instructions.

Vivat, Vivat, Vivat! Vivat, Vivat, Vivat! Vivat, Vivat, Vivat!

5. THE FIFTH TOAST Designate TBD to give

To the Masonic Central Hosts

Host Master.: "are all cannons charged in the column of the West?"

are all the cannons charged in the column of the South?"

Designate: "Brethren, I have the honor of proposing a toast to our Host Masters Brother Dean Kennedy and Brother Greg Stewart

Designate.: "Host Masters and brethren, the health which I have the honor to propose is that of the Host Masters, who directs the labors of this Pod Cast, and of all who are near and dear to them. Be pleased to join me in delivering this Toast and the best possible fire in homage to these Brothers who serves us all. Upstanding, brethren!

ALL: " Host Masters Brother Dean Kennedy and Brother Greg Stewart "

H.M.: ONLY: "Ready" On the command "Ready," ALL bring the wine to the lips, ready to drink.

H.M.: ONLY: "DerryDoon" On the command "DerryDoon," drink your wine, then raise your class comfortably at arm's length and at eye level.

H.M.: "Brethren, the GOOD FIRE, taking your time from the East.

All present follow the cadence set by the Master. He will recite, at a smart pace, marking time with the triangular motions described in the earlier instructions.

Vivat, Vivat, Vivat! Vivat, Vivat, Vivat! Vivat, Vivat, Vivat!

Education Interlude - Greg

Saint John the Evangelist

6. THE SIXTH TOAST – Dean to give

THE VISITING BRETHREN

Host Master.: "are all cannons charged in the column of the West?"

are all the cannons charged in the column of the South?"

H.M.: "Brethren, this sixth Toast is to those visiting Brethren who honor us with their presence this evening. May this occasion persuade them to share our hospitality whenever their circumstances permit. To this Toast, we earnestly add the health of all Lodges affiliated or corresponding with ours. We hereby proclaim: UNION, CONTENTMENT, and WISDOM. Be pleased to join me in delivering the best possible Fire for this Toast. Please raise your cannons for this Toast.

All: (Hold Cannons out in front, arm's length at ey level

H.M.: "Brethren of Masonic Central, I give you our visiting brethren!"

All: "Our visiting brethren!"

H.M.: ONLY: "Ready" On the command "Ready," ALL bring the wine to the lips, ready to drink.

H.M.: ONLY: "DerryDoon" On the command "DerryDoon," drink your wine, then raise your class comfortably at arm's length and at eye level.

H.M.: "Brethren, the GOOD FIRE, taking your time from the East.

All present follow the cadence set by the Master. He will recite, at a smart pace, marking time with the triangular motions described in the earlier instructions.

Vivat, Vivat, Vivat! Vivat, Vivat, Vivat! Vivat, Vivat, Vivat!

7. THE SEVENTH TOAST – Greg to give

THE TYLER'S TOAST

Host Master.: "are all cannons charged in the column of the West?"

are all the cannons charged in the column of the South?"

H.M.: " Brethren, kindly be upstanding for the final Tyler Toast of the evening, Brethren, I propose a toast to all poor and distressed Masons, wheresoever dispersed over the face of the earth or water, a speedy relief to their suffering, and a safe return to their native land if they so desire. Let us with reverence invoke for all the favor of the Great Architect of the Universe that it may please Him to succor the unfortunate, and bring them into safe and good harbors. Brethren, be pleased to unite with me in delivering the most sincere of Toasts and most efficient of Fires to this last health. Upstanding, brethren!"

TYLER: "Worshipful Master and brethren, I give you our poor and distressed brethren!"

All: (Hold Cannons out in front, arm's length at ey level

H.M.: "Brethren of Masonic Central, I give you our poor and distressed brethren!"

All: " Our poor and distressed brethren!"

H.M.: ONLY: "Ready" On the command "Ready," ALL bring the wine to the lips, ready to drink.

H.M.: ONLY: "DerryDoon" On the command "DerryDoon," drink your wine, then raise your class comfortably at arm's length and at eye level.

H.M.: "Brethren, the GOOD FIRE, taking your time from the East.

All present follow the cadence set by the Master. He will recite, at a smart pace, marking time with the triangular motions described in the earlier instructions.

Vivat, Vivat, Vivat! Vivat, Vivat, Vivat! Vivat, Vivat, Vivat!

End of table lodge – end of recording.

Sunday, December 21 Virtual Festive Board

Consider yourself invited!

Masonic Central
End of Year Table Lodge

Join our end of year table lodge!
What is a table lodge?

In ancient tradition lodges would gather and celebrate with their brothers in toasts and boasts to their fidelity and respect, all with the utmost care for the craft. So too will this digital table lodge be an attempt at bridging the expanse between us and celebrating on the "virtual" level.

Your invited!!!

When: Sunday December 21, 2008 9:00 PM EST/6 PM PST
Where: your computer (see instructions below)

Sit back and listen, type or even talk with a mic... We will have people from across North America and perhaps further...

How to participate in a Masonic Central Live Show.
To call into the show when it is live, dial 724-444-7444 And the Talkshoe Call in ID 19162

If you want to join in the chat-room during the show, and appear with your name, you need to create an account on talkshoe, which is very fast and easy. To create a Talkshoe account, go to http://www.talkshoe.com/tc/19162 and sign up, then follow the link back to our show from the show posting.

Dafoe's Outremer out now!

Our guest Br. Stephen Dafoe's new epic Knights Templar comic Outremer is out now and available at templarcomics.com

I received mine the day before yesterday and I'm very impressed.

RW Michael T. Anderson, Deputy GM of The Most Worshipful PH GL of Texas Sunday December 7, 2008

On this Pearl Harbor Sunday join us in some in depth understanding of the meaning of Freemasonry as Masonic Central interviews RW Michael T. Anderson, Deputy Grand Master of The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Texas.

We will discuss the special meaning of Masonry to him and what he believes it should be to others. Also we will explore how Prince Hall and Pride of Mt. Pisgah Lodge teaches their candidates going through the degees and how important comprehension and understanding is of them. Br Anderson is also known for a keen understanding of the nuances of Freemasonry and will share with us some of his wisdom.

Br. Michael attended Southern Arkansas University, Magnolia, Arkansas for 2 years where he became a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. He is presently employed with AT&T, (formerly SBC), in Dallas, Texas, where he has worked for 28 years. Michael is a member of Mt Pisgah Baptist Church, where he serves in the male chorus and current president of the Board of Directors. He also serves as the 2nd vice president of the Irving/Carrollton Branch of the NAACP. Married for 27 years, to the former Gloria Hicks, of El Dorado, Arkansas, they have 2 daughters, April and Amber and 2 grandkids, Kaliyah and Kiontre.

In 1988 Michael became a Mason in King David Lodge #151 in Dallas, Texas, under the guidance of Lawrence “Pap” Anderson. From that time on he has become a member of Mystic Tie Chapter #3, Holy Royal Arch Mason, Trinity Commandery #3, Knight Templars, Dale Consistory #31, A.A.S.R., ZaKat Temple #164, A.E.A.O.N.M.S.. He is also a member of Margaret O. Sample, OES, and M. L. Ray Court, Heroines of Jericho.

In 1994 Michael formed Mt. Pisgah Lodge, Dallas, obtaining the charter in 1995 and becoming its first Master. The Lodge consolidated with two other Dallas Lodges, Pride of Dallas and Metropolitan Lodges, in 1998 & 1999 and changed its name to Pride of Mt. Pisgah and its number to 135.

Presently Brother Anderson is Deputy Grand Master of The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Texas and will be its next Grand Master when and if elected. He presides in the East some of the time at the Winter and Summer Grand Lodge Sessions. He has traveled outside Texas representing the Grand Lodge and Grand Master, most recently at the Grand Master’s Conference where he represented Texas while the Grand Master was installed as Vice President. He is a sought after speaker, last year delivering a special oration for the 10th anniversary of his OES Chapter and this coming year he will be addressing the Master’s Banquet at Pride of Killeen #620.

Our own Br. Fred Milliken with R.W. Anderson.

Listen live to our program by going to MasonicCentral.com or be a part of our live in “virtual” studio audience by logging in at talkshoe at 6PM PST / 9PM EST! Also, you can download the show from our website MasonicCentral.com.

Pip Faulks on Masonic Central

Join us as we talk to Pip Faulks who is one of the authors of "The Masonic Magician: The Life and Death of Count Cagliostro and His Egyptian Rite"

The conversation should be interesting as we span the Atlantic to delve into the mysteries of Cagliostro, Egyptian Masonry, and its curious connection to Hermetica.

Also, special note, this show is 4 hours earlier at 2pm!!!

Brother Chris Hodapp on Masonic Central Sunday November 23rd.

Author of the books Solomon's Builders and Freemasons For Dummies and one of the strong voices for American Freemasonry today, Brother Chris Hodapp joins us on Masonic Central this Sunday, November 23, 2008 at 6pm PST / 9pm EST to talk about his work in the fraternity and his books of the subject matter.

Br. Chris has been a tireless worker for the fraternity in print, as well as in his blog Freemasons for Dummies, and in lodge being one of the founders of the one of the early Traditional Observance Lodges, Lodge Vitruvian and most recently as the editor-in-chief of "the Masonic Society" journal. Chris has made great strides in making Freemasonry accessible to an increasingly curious public all while, he chides in his blog, he is looking for a "more suitable host body…"

This is going to be a fun and informative show and with a lot of insight into the world of the would-be “Dummy” of Freemasonry who is anything but.

That’s this Sunday, November 23rd, 2008 at 6pm PST / 9pm EST on Masonic Central!

Listen live to our program by going to MasonicCentral.com or be a part of our live in “virtual” studio audience by logging in at talkshoe at 6PM PST / 9PM EST! Or download the show later from our website MasonicCentral.com.

Freemasonry | Freemasons | Hodapp |
pod cast | interview | Sunday

Sunday, Nov. 16th - Timothy Hogan author of "Alchemical Keys to Masonic Ritual"

Join on this Sunday, November 16th on Masonic Central as we talk to Brother Timothy Hogan about his book "The Alchemical Keys To Masonic Ritual". Its sure to be an enlightening conversation on Alchemy, Ritual, and the "secrets" of Freemasonry as we explore the connections between alchemy, gnosticism and Freemasonry and delve some of the more esoteric aspects of philosophical Freemasonry.

Thats this Sunday, at 6PM PST/9PM EST on the Masonic Central Pod Cast!

Listen live to our program by going to MasonicCentral.com or be a part of our live in “virtual” studio audience by logging in at talkshoe at 6PM PST / 9PM EST! Or download the show from our website MasonicCentral.com.

W.Bro. S.BRENT MORRIS - Sunday on Masonic Central

Join us for this special guest Sunday, November 9th, at 6PM PST/9PM EST on the Masonic Central Pod Cast as we talk with W.Bro. S. BRENT MORRIS 33rd Grand Cross, who is the Managing Editor of "The Scottish Rite Journal" and the author of the book The Complete Idiot's Guide to Freemasonry.

Our program will discuss the importance of the Scottish Rite in the 21st Century. The differences/similarities between the Scottish Rite and the York Rite. American Masonry today and his thoughts on how to proceed into it. Also, as time permits to spend some time and look at the development of the Scottish Rite Journal from its former incarnation as the the "New Age" magazine.

Join us for this special guest Sunday, November 9th, at 6PM PST/9PM EST on the Masonic Central Pod Cast for this interesting look at the Scottish Rite of the Southern Jurisdiction.

Listen live to our program by going to MasonicCentral.com or be a part of our live in “virtual” studio audience by logging in at talkshoe at 6PM PST / 9PM EST! Also, you can download the show from our website MasonicCentral.com.

Bob Davis 33°, GC, Secretary of the Guthrie Oklahoma Scottish Rite

Join us this Sunday as Masonic Central welcomes Br. Bob Davis 33°, GC, Secretary of the Guthrie Oklahoma Scottish Rite. Our discussion will focus on Oklahoma Masonry, the Guthrie College of the Consistory study program, the role of the "mature masculine" in Freemasonry, and his thoughts on the future of Freemasonry.

Br. Robert is also the author of Understanding Manhood in Americaand the author of the blog Papers of Robert G. Davis.

Join us for this special guest Sunday, November 2nd, at 6PM PST/9PM EST on the Masonic Central Pod Cast for this interesting look at the Scottish Rite.

Listen live to our program by going to MasonicCentral.com or be a part of our live in “virtual” studio audience by logging in at talkshoe at 6PM PST / 9PM EST! Or download the show from our website MasonicCentral.com.

Right Worshipful Tom Jackson, Sunday October 26th

This Sunday on Masonic Central we have the rare opportunity to speak with one of the most prominent champions of modern Masonry, right Worshipful Tom Jackson. As Masonic resumes go, Br. Jackson’s takes 4 pages to catalog his achievements, and I assure you it is not a list of lofty titles and dues cards.

Presently, he is the Secretary of the World Conference of Masonic Grand Lodges and formerly the Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, and those titles pale in comparison with is insight into Freemasonry today. This shows focus will be on world Freemasonry in general and North American Freemasonry in particular.

Having had the opportunity to speak to him and hear him present, he is without a doubt a man worth listening to.

Join us for this very special guest Sunday, October 26th, at 6PM PST/9PM EST on the Masonic Central Pod Cast to get a close up look on the world view of Freemasonry.

Listen live to our program by going to MasonicCentral.com or be a part of our live in “virtual” studio audience by logging in at talkshoe at 6PM PST / 9PM EST! Or download the show from our website MasonicCentral.com.

Jessica L. Harland-Jacobs author of Builders of Empire on Masonic Central

This Sunday, we are in for a special treat as we delve into Freemasonry and academia when we talk to Professor Jessica Harlan-Jacobs who is the author of “Builders of Empire: Freemasons and British Imperialism, 1717-1927”. This book, while not an exotic expose of the mysterious secrets of the ancient fraternity, it is a well paced analysis of its most formative period of growth.

Some of the area of the discussion will include the world of British Colonialism in which Freemasonry grew and what that meant for both the Empire and to Freemasonry. Also we will examine the function of Freemasonry in academia today and much more!

This will be a an exciting dialog and a special treat to have one of the newest voices in American academic study of Freemasonry in University today.

Do you want to listen live? Join us and be a part of our live in-virtual-studio audience by logging in at talkshoe at 6PM PST / 9PM EST during the show and join in on the show! We can your questions live during the call for our guest. Or, listen to or download the show from our website MasonicCentral.com.

Stephen Dafoe on Masonic Central October 12th

This Sunday we have the opportunity to have a conversation with author, historian,and brother Stephen Dafoe. Br. Stephen is the prolific author of several Masonic and Templar books, who is now crossing into the world of Graphic Novels with his new project Outremer due out November first.

Join us as we talk all things Templar and delve into their historic past and their meaningful significance to Freemasonry today. and, who knows, maybe we'll get down to the real meaning of Bamophet!

It really will be a great discussion and one sure to illuminate the wide topic of the Knights Templar and Freemasonry.

Thats this Sunday, October 12th, at 6PM PST / 9PM EST on Masonic Central!

Do you want to listen live? Join our live in-virtual-studio audience by logging in at talkshoe and join the conversation!

Table "Tech" Talk - Sunday on Masonic Central - Technology and Modern Masonry.

What type of tools do you need to run your Lodge at maximum efficiency? Are there tools to better administer committees, and communication to members? How can we link the membership back into the lodge? This week on Masonic Central we want to look at the various types of tools available on line for for use in the administration and communication in the lodge environment. Listen in on the live show and put in your ¢.02 on what has worked for you and your lodge.

The technology is out there and we want to make some sense of it to make it easier for you to use.

Join us this Sunday at 6PM PST / 9PM EST on Masonic Central as our brother Tim Bryce steps in as a guest host on our famous table talk open forum to tackle the subject of the different types of technology available today.

This week on Masonic Central - Nelson King, Philalethes Society Past President and current Editor

This Sunday, join us in welcoming Brother Nelson King who is the past President and current Editor of the Philalethes Society. A veteran of Freemasonry, recorded in numerous affiliations from across a wide swath of North American Masonry, Br. King is well known for his public oratory, writing proficiency, and able research.

The Philalethes Society was founded on October 1, 1928, and has published numerous articles by and for its members. For many years it has been voted the best Masonic publication in the world. Its sole purpose is to act as a clearinghouse for Masonic knowledge by exchanging ideas, researching the problems confronting Freemasonry, and relaying them along to the Masonic world.

Our conversation with Brother King will focus on several ares in which are little discussed in wide circles these days including Masonry in Cuba, The Philalathes Society, the state of Masonic research, including the Philalethes, and contemporary research in general.

It should be an illuminating conversation.

Sunday, September 21st at 6pm PST / 9pm EST only on Masonic Central!

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Masonic Central, the Masonic Pod-Cast Talk Show

What is Masonic Central?
Masonic Central if an interview based weekly pod-cast talk show made by Freemasons for Freemasons. It is hosted by Greg Stewart and Dean Kennedy (see below for bios), and is recorded in front of a live audience of brothers and other interested guests. The show is broadcast LIVE on Sunday evenings at 6pm PST, and available afterward for streaming or download. To see a Calendar of upcoming show, visit our show website at MasonicCentral.com.

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If you want to join in the chat-room during the show, and appear with your name, you need to create an account on talkshoe, which is very fast and easy. To create a Talkshoe account, go to talkshoe.com and sign up, then follow the link back to our show from the show posting.

How do I participate in a call if I do not have access to P.C. at time of call?
You do not need a computer to call in. To participate in a call via phone only, at the time of the call, dial +1-724-444-7444 and when prompted, enter the Call ID 19162 followed by #. If prompted for a PIN, enter the 10-digit PIN you selected (typically your phone number), or enter 1# if you don't know it.

Who are the hosts of Masonic Central?
Greg Stewart is the host and editor of Masonic Central. He is a 32nd degree Master Mason form the Grand Lodge of California and is a member of Hollywood Lodge No. 355 in Tarzana California. In addition to Masonic Central, he is the writer of the Masonic Blog Masonic Traveler, and the editor of the Masonic Information site Freemason Information. Outside of the pod-cast, Greg belongs to several Masonic bodies and is active in his lodge as the chair of several committees. Outside of Freemasonry, Greg is a Brand Manager, Graphic Designer, and web developer. He is very passionate about Freemasonry, history, religion, and their contributions to the fraternity.

To contact Greg, you can send him an email at Masonic Traveler

Dean is the co-host and producer of Masonic Central. He is a past master, Shriner and 14th degree Master Mason from the Grand Lodge of Nova Scotia, Canada. He is a proud member of Ad Astra Lodge #130 in Halifax, Nova Scotia. As well he owns a blog called Freemason's Corner. Outside of Masonry Dean is a father of two (three in a month) and a business owner. He is a benefits consultant/insurance broker. When he is done with that he is running his other business, an e-marketing firm.

To contact Dean, you can send him an email at Dean kennedy

Masonic Central at the Movies - Sunday, September 14th, at 6PM PST / 9PM EST

Its MOVIE TIME!

Join us this Sunday for another edition of Table Talk on Masonic Central as we talk about Freemasonry in the movies.

Its something that all of us as Masons like to titillate about in lodges, during meetings, and on the web, so lets take a minute and look at three films that have Freemasonry at their core, but in three very unique ways.

The movies on the table for the talk are:

The Man Who Would be King
The Man Who Would Be King is a adaptation of the Rudyard Kipling story of the same name.

National Treasure
National Treasure. Set in a fictional universe, the film's over the top plot and heroic depiction of the fraternity as the keepers of the Templar Treasure.

and

Rosewood

Rosewood The film is not Masonic, per-se at its core, but the major plot pivot point hinges on an interaction between a Prince Hall and Regular Mason.

If you put them in cue now, Netflix or Blockbuster should be able to get them out by Saturday, but if you've been a mason for any length of time, you're probably had the chance to watch one or two of these films already. I guarantee it will make for a fun conversation delving into one or all of them.

So get your popcorn machine out and join us for the show this Sunday, September 14th, at 6PM PST. Don't forget, you can join us live at the talkshoe Masonic Central site to be a part of our LIVE in studio audience.

Freemasonry | Freemason | Masonic | Masonic Central | podcast | movies

So much going on..

There’s been so much going on around here lately that its hard to remember where I am. but more importantly Dean and I have been burning up the bytes with Masonic Central lately with three great shows in as many weeks.

For those of you that missed the last few shows:

August 24th:
We had Jennifer Emick on from the about.com alt religion site where we talked about a variety of things, including some hermetic connections of Masonry to history and to art and trends in the alternative religion universe. It was a lot of fun to have had her on and filled with good info on the subject matter.

August 31st:
Brothers Paul Bessel and Jerry Samet joined us from the great District of Colombia to talk about Freemasonry, but more specifically the infamous Grand Master one day classes, and the hot button issue of the recognition of Prince Hall Freemasonry. One of the things we found out was the dynamic interaction that Br. Samet had in the integration of DeMolay in the 80’s and 90’s and his strides in opening up the fraternity. It was a very good conversation that has led to some interesting discussions on the issues of territorial jurisdiction.

September 7th:
Brother Adam Kendall joined us from the Grand Lodge of California to talk about some of the programs and progress going on in the golden state. This was a rare insight to talk to a knowledgeable curator of a states Masonic ephemera, and Adam was a great guest to have on and talk about it. There really are some great things happening, but you’ll have to listen to our show with Adam to find out what.

And, outside of the day to day of the show, we received a great mention from Br. Hodapp on his Freemasons for Dummies blog last week that I did not want to go unmentioned. Thanks Br. Chris for checking us out and putting us into such a pantheon of great pod casts. And thanks to all of you brothers who have come out and supported us in putting this program together each and every week.

Look for us this weekend Sunday, September 14th at 6PM PST, for another round of Table Talk as Masonic Central goes to the movies...

Adam Kendall, Masonic Curator, with the California Grand Lodge.

Join us Sunday, September 7th on Masonic Central as we talk with Adam Kendall who is the Curator of Collections for the Henry Wilson Coil Library & Museum of Freemasonry for the Grand Lodge of F. & A.M. of California

Some of the topics in the discussion will be:

• Programs of California Grand Lodge
• The now past Freemasonry and Women Symposium
• Henry Wilson Coil Library
• Who was H.W. Coil?
• Why a library?
• How California is entering the 21st century.
• Symbolism in Masonry-its importance (or unimportance)?
• Ideas on how to help foster Masonic education in lodges?
• The Masonic Society
• One-Day Classes and their merits.
• And some ideas about the future of Masonry.

Adam is a very knowledgeable Freemason and with a definitive “left” coast perspective coming from one of the larger Grand Lodge jurisdictions. It’s going to be a great program and one not to be missed!

That’s this Sunday, September 7th, 2008 at 6 PM PST / 9 PM EST on Masonic Central

Masonic Central – Sunday, August 24th with Jennifer Emick.

Join us this Sunday, August 24th, at 6PM PST on Masonic Central as we talk to the about.com alternative religion guide Jennifer Emick.

From her bio on about.com:

Jennifer has promoted religious understanding for twenty years, writing for a number of websites and periodicals. During her seven years with About, Jennifer has made numerous radio, newspaper, and pod cast appearances, and consulted with law enforcement agencies around the world on religious ritual and symbolism.

Jennifer is the author of the upcoming Everything Book of Celtic Wisdom.

And from Jennifer Emick:

About Alternative Religion exists to provide everyone from the casual reader to the serious seeker with unbiased, fair, and understandable information about religion's less-traveled paths, from Asatru to Zoroastrianism and everything in between. About Alternative Religion is the most used resource on the internet for religious symbolism.

"Tolerance of the views and beliefs of others is the first step toward understanding; understanding is the first step toward peace. Tolerance does not mean accepting another person's beliefs, but recognizing their right to have those beliefs."

On the show we plan to talk about the many aspects of alternative religion on the net, her work on the about.com site and why it exists. Some interesting areas to cover will be comparative religion, Hermetics, Gnosticism, and how they relate to Freemasonry (and if so why).

Jennifer's blog and work can be found at:
http://altreligion.about.com/

Listen live from Masonic Central this Sunday evening at 6PM PST / 9PM EST or download the pod-cast following the show.

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Freemasonry | Freemason | Masonic | pod cast | Jennifer Emick | interview | alternative religions

“Table Talk” - Sunday, August 10th, at 6pm PST

Join is for Table Talk this Sunday, August 10th, 2008 6pm PST

Because of some scheduling and last minute changes, this week we decided to explore something new for the Masonic Central pod cast. This new idea we are creatively calling “Table Talk” and the idea behind it is an open forum discussion on all things Masonic. Our usual cadre of hosts will be on as well as our usual callers, but its a moment where we’d like to invite you to participate by calling in and asking us a question, letting us know what you think, or just take a few minutes to tell us what you think about Freemasonry.

To join in to the show, after 6pm, all you need do is dial in to (724) 444-7444 with the call ID: 19162 and you’ll be live with us.

I’m excited about this segment of the show and think that it may become a regular feature, if anything else, just to talk about the subject that we have so much passion and zeal for.

That’s this Sunday, August 10th, 2008 6pm PST / 9pm EST

"One Mountain, Many Paths" Sunday, July 13th at 9PM EST/6PM PST

Join us this Sunday at 9PM EST/6PM PST for an interview with author of "One Mountain, Many Paths" which is billed as "A spiritual companion or gift for family and friends, One Mountain, Many Paths is filled with uplifting quotes from the sacred texts of all of the great religious traditions..."

Tom Accuosti, Sunday, July 6th at 7PM PST

PLEASE NOTE THE TIME: 6PM Pacific Standard Time/9PM Eastern!

Join us this Sunday, July 6th at 7pm, as we interview Tom Accuosti from the Masonic blog the Tao of Masonry.

Tom is under the Grand Lodge of Connecticut and in his short Masonic career has managed to not only become a master of his lodge but serve on his Grand Lodges Communications Committee and as his local District Grand Lecturer.

Besides a really hard name to pronounce, Tom brings a healthy dose of humor to the otherwise overly serious “interwebz” world of Masonic blogging. How could you not want to listen to a guy who's title includes: Exalted Keeper of the Secrets of Freemasonarianism; Grand Sovereign Pontiff and Secret Exposuer; Ambassador to Zeta-Reticula; Crop Circle Planning & Zoning Commissioner; Aluminum Foil Beanie Fitting and Training Consultant; Team Osiris Obelisk Siting and Surveying; Manager, Dulces/Denver Airport Massage & Day Spa; Cydonia Vacation Resort Concierge; Past Master, Friendship #33.3 AM & FM, Area 51, Atlantis

Join us this Sunday, July 6th at the special time of 6PM PST for the Tao.

Masonic Central episode III - John Ratcliff

This last weekend we recorded our third episode with John Ratcliff of the blog JRatcliffscarab.

In the interview we had a chance to talk about a variety of topics including why he became a Freemason, blogging, books on Freemasonry, esoteric Freemasonry vs. ritual magic, symbolism, the Boy Scouts, and traveling to visit other lodges.

For an hour long program, it was a pretty dense conversation.

If you did not have a chance to listen live, there is no time like the present to download it and listen at your leisure. You can stream it live of download it from ITunes, or from its home at Talkshoe:

Our next interview is coming-up on Sunday, August 6th with Tom Accuosti from the Tao of Freemasonry.

Stay tuned for more exciting interviews and commentary about Freemasonry.

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Freemasonry | Freemason | Masonic | Masonic Central | John Ratcliff | podcast | fraternity | philosophy

Interview with John Ratcliff at 12nEST / 9am PST Sunday, June 22nd

Please make note of the time change.

Join us this Sunday, June 22nd, at 9am PST for a conversation with Freemason and blogger John Ratcliff of the Masonic blog at http://jratcliffscarab.blogspot.com.

John is a Freemason under the Grand Lodge of Missouri and brings to the conversation a strong sense of fraternity, fellowship, good ritual, and high principals, which are all traits of great interest and esteem to all Freemasons.

Some notable points in the interview we plan to cover include Esotericism vs. non Esotericism, the ideas of why people believe in the “fantastic”, and some of his Philosophy behind the fraternity in what it means for a man to be a “Good Mason”.

John even challenged me to define my ideas of the esoteric aspects of Freemasonry.

It promises to be an interesting show.

Look for us again at 12PM EST/ 9AM PST this Sunday June 22nd!

To join the call, listen live, or download, Follow this link: http://www.talkshoe.com/tc/19162

Masonic Central Episode 2 – Brother Tim Bryce

If you didn’t listen last night live, or you haven’t downloaded it yet from ITunes or via Talkshoe, then your missing on of the best interviews on the subject of Freemasonry.



Last night, Sunday, June 15th, I had the chance to interview Br. Tim Bryce under the Grand Lodge of Florida, for more than an hour talking about a variety of topics ranging from the organization and management of the fraternity to the lessons of our history and how they have played out in the past that directly relating to us today.

If you think you don’t have the time to spend listening to this show, I strongly urge you to download it and put it on your MP3 player and take it with you.

Tim is the author of The Freethinking Freemason - Collected Masonic Works of Tim Bryce from Cornerstone publishing (at left). And in the call, Tim mentions the book “Building of Empire” by Jessica Harland-Jacobs (at left)

Freemasonry | Freemason | Masonic | Tim Bryce | Interview | History | education | management | episode 2

Upcoming show – Sunday June 15th Tim Bryce

Join us, this Sunday June 15th, at 6pm, and listen as we interview author, businessman, and Freemason Tim Bryce. Tim joins us from the state of Florida and explores with us topics of Modern Freemasonry, the internet, and the future of the fraternity.

I’m sure it will be an enlightening program!

Look for it Sunday evening on Talkshoe.

Freemasonry | Freemason | Masonic | Tim Bryce | interview | podcast

Welcome to Masonic Central!

Print and Pixel were not enough, so after a lot of planning, and a lot of research, the efforts finally have been pooled together to produce the Pod Cast Masonic Central.

Behind this project is veteran blogger Greg Stewart, under the Grand Lodge of California, USA, who is the writer at http://masonictraveler.blogspot.com and owner of FreemasonInformation.com, and his highly innovative partner Dean Kennedy, under the Grand Lodge of Nova Scotia, Canada, who owns and publishes the blog Freemason’s Corner .

Together they have partnered to publish and produce the Masonic Call in Pod Cast Masonic Central though talkshoe.com, where their home can be reached at: http://www.talkshoe.com/talkshoe/web/tscmd/tc/19162

Also, joining this team are seasoned Mason guest hosts including Fred Milliken of the blog the Beehive as well as other special hosts.

The Pod Cast records live every other Sunday afternoon at 6pm PST and are published on Talkshoe.com and ITunes. Look for regular scheduled programs on our calendar, available at the blog site.

Also, watch for special live call in shows to ask your questions of our special guests!

This promises to be a great new foundation for Freemasonry into the 21st Century!

Freemasonry | Freemason | Masonic | blog | podcast | new