Freemasonry Network

(by Meredith Moss, Dayton Daily News, March 30, 2025)

 

It’s not your usual art exhibition. It’s kinda strange, kinda mysterious, definitely fascinating. The 80 items currently on display at the Taft Museum of Art in Cincinnati pull back the curtain on two major organizations that are often clouded in mystery: the Freemasons and Odd Fellows. “Mystery & Benevolence” is a collection of objects used for decades by the two organizations in their ritualized, often secret, practices. On display are scythes and skulls, costumes and banners, decorative furnishings. The exhibit will be on display through May 11. “In the nearly 10 years since ‘Mystery and Benevolence’ first debuted at the American Folk Art Museum, this exhibition continues to enthrall viewers with the enigmatic symbols and rich imagery that gave many of these fraternal societies an intriguing shroud of mystery,” said Emelie Gevalt, the New York museum’s Deputy Director and Chief Curatorial and Program Officer. “The astounding art and objects in this exhibition are a testament to the self-taught artists and artisans whose vast contributions to early American material culture helped ingrain these societies into popular culture for generations.” At first glance symbols like the skull and crossbones may be shocking and off-putting. But you’ll soon learn they were part of an initiation ritual designed to… read more:

 

 

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(by Dave King, SussexWorld, 25th March 2025)   Freemasons from across North and West Sussex came together over the weekend of March 22nd and 23rd to volunteer their time at Amberley Museum, helping to prepare the site for its summer visitors. Their work primarily focused on enhancing the Museum’s nature trail by clearing vegetation, repairing fences, and reinstating steps. Amberley Museum, set in 40 acres of the South Downs National Park, is dedicated to preserving and highlighting rural, transport, industrial, and communications history. It offers visitors a glimpse into a variety of historical trades and industries, including industrial railways, commercial road vehicles, steam and internal combustion engines, woodworking, printing, and telecommunications. The Museum, a significant local attraction and educational resource, also features vintage bus rides and… read more:    

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(by Sophie Skyring, The Hunts Post, 25th March 2025)   The Fen Tigers Goalball Club recently hosted the European Goalball Club Association (EGCA) Champions League. The referees at the event wore shirts with the Cambridgeshire Freemasons logo, acknowledging the donations made by the Province of Cambridge Charity for Care and Relief. Emma Evans MBE, head coach of the Fen Tigers Goalball Club, expressed gratitude for the support. She said: “I wanted to send a huge thank you for the support from The Province of Cambridge Charity for Care and Relief—it really meant a lot to have you… read more:    

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(by James Rann, IslandEcho, 25th March 2025)   Members of Vectis Services Lodge and other Island Freemason Lodges who have served in the services, took part in the RBLI Great Tommy Sleep Out last weekend to raise money for homeless veterans. The members made a day of it, sleeping beneath the stars in a quiet secluded field just outside of Ryde. The Freemasons were supported during the day with a visit by the Assistant Provincial Grand Master for Solent Area, WBro Adrian Cleightonhills, who, being an ex Scout himself, offered encouragement to those taking part. All the members who took part were sponsored and or raised money to go towards this very worthy cause. At… read more:    

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(by Connor Gormley, Sussex World, 25th March 2025)   Members of the Midhurst Freemasons donated more than £9,000 to good local causes at a white table event last week. The event, which took place on March 18, saw the Freemasons present cheques to organisations like Sage House, Stonepillow, Easebourne Primary School and more. Eight local causes benefitted all in all and the final total came to £9,330, with the money coming from donations made to Craft Lodge, as well as grants from Chapter Lodge and Mark Lodge. As well as the cheque presentations, members of the Freemason Lodge, alongside their family members were treated to a demonstration by Nick Feltimo – a member of Sty Johns Ambulance Brigade and… read more:    

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(by Imogen Barber, The Westmorland Gazette, 20th March 2025)   Furness and South Lakeland Freemasons showed their support for two local hubs of education and learning, with ‘generous’ donations. Members of the Dalton-in-Furness Lodge No.6828 presented cheques to both Dowdales School and the Mill Lane Centre. The lodge demonstrated its commitment to the local community with a donation of £500 to the secondary school in Dalton. Worshipful Master Ron Hiseman was accompanied by several brethren of the lodge on a visit to… read more:    

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(by editorial board, RNZ, 19 March 2025)   The Freemasons are a society known for mystery and secrecy. But the organisation is actively working to free itself of that reputation, encouraging members to be open about their participation and the work they do. So … what is it that they do? New Zealand Freemasons Grand Master Jim Watt opens the lid on what they’re… read more:    

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(by Reggie Kyle, WBRC, March 21, 2025)   The cleanup continues in Winterboro in Talladega County after an EF-2 tornado swept through the community destroying homes and the old high school. Another building damaged was the Old Masonic Lodge which was being used by a non-profit organization. Becky Griffin with Plank Road Station says this community building was the future home of artifacts and historical gifts they had received over the years. Griffin says after the recent tornado in Winterboro, her organization is left wondering about their next move. She says the old Masonic Lodge on Hwy 21 was moved in 2001 to the current location. Griffin says the building was offered to Plank Road Station and… read more:    

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(by Seth Dellow, Bridgwater Mercury, 21st March 2025)   Bridgwater Freemasons have donated £2,000 to the local charity, Brainwave. On Tuesday, March 18, a cheque was handed over to Keith Sinclair, the CEO of Brainwave in Bridgwater. Bridgwater’s Masons have a long history of supporting Brainwave, which is a national charity, providing specialist therapy assessments and teaching for parents and carers of children with disabilities and… read more:    

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(by editorial board, InYourArea, 20 March 2025)   The Essex Freemasons, in partnership with Essex-based charity, Get Started Art, are bringing VE Day 80 celebrations to local communities with a large-scale initiative distributing more than 5,000 Union Jack flags and 10,000 bunting arts and crafts sheets to schools, care homes, and community groups. The initiative has the full backing of Johnson Beharry VC, Worshipful Master of Richard Clowes Lodge, who will attend the Westminster Abbey service on Thursday, May 8, to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day. The service, by invitation only, is part of a week of national celebrations featuring a Cenotaph display, a military procession, and… read more:    

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(by Imogen Barber, The Mail, 19th March 2025)   Furness and South Lakeland Freemasons showed their support for two local hubs of education and learning, with ‘generous’ donations. Members of the Dalton-in-Furness Lodge No.6828 presented cheques to both Dowdales School and the Mill Lane Centre. The lodge demonstrated its commitment to the local community with a donation of £500 to the secondary school in… read more:    

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(by Stuart Pearcey, Lincolnshire World, 18th Mar 2025)   Sea Scouts of the 1st Cleethorpes Group are £1,500 closer to getting a new safety boat thanks to a donation from Freemasons of Grimsby’s Astral Lodge. The Scout group, based in Bacon Court in Cleethorpes, teaches all sorts of skills for life. During summertime Friday evenings they practice sailing in Grimsby’s Alexandra Dock, which is where they’ll use the boat for which they’re fundraising. Lodge member Neil Garnett handed over the money to his brother Paul, who runs the Scout Group. The money had been raised during… read more:    

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(by editorial board, InYourArea, 17 March 2025)   A charity is supporting patients by delivering live, professional-actor-led readings to stroke survivors in hospitals and community settings across the UK. InterAct Stroke Support aims to aid recovery by engaging patients in meaningful interactions that stimulate cognitive and emotional wellbeing. These sessions have been shown to improve mood, boost morale, and aid in the rehabilitation process by providing mental stimulation. A £3,500 grant from the London Freemasons will specifically support InterAct’s work at Clayponds Hospital in Ealing, helping sustain their essential reading sessions for stroke survivors. At Clayponds, the charity delivers two-hour reading sessions twice a… read more:    

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(by FOX 12 Staff, FOX 12, March 17, 2025 )   FOX 12 and the Oregon Freemasons visit a very special classroom this month, The Viking House Project in Forest Grove! Chris Higginbotham shares his experiences teaching junior and senior students at Forest Grove High School how to build an entire home. This year marks the 50th anniversary of this program, and with the generous donation of several new power tools from the Oregon Freemasons, the single-level home gets more beautiful every… read more:    

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Let’s Build a Positive Image of Freemasonry Together!

Dear Brethren, In a world where misinformation and hostility toward our noble tradition are on the rise, building a positive image of Freemasonry is more crucial than ever. Freemasonry.Network is a platform that provides daily, reliable information about Masonic charitable activities worldwide, showcasing the true values of Freemasonry: brotherhood, philanthropy, and the pursuit of excellence. We have been doing this every day for 7 years, no one else does it. Why doesn’t anyone know about Masonic philanthropy? The Masonic Charitable Foundation alone spent £100.64 million on charitable activities in the financial year ending March 31, 2024. Freemasons contribute to their communities not only through financial support but also by organizing reading programs that assist children in overcoming dyslexia and other learning challenges. It is estimated that Masonic charitable contributions in the U.S. amount to approximately $2 million per day. Why doesn’t society know about this? Because no one talks about it. That’s why our portal is working, we show what the Freemasons really do. Demonic conspiracy theories must finally be defeated, and then the violence against Freemasons will end too! Meanwhile, a wave of violence against Freemasons is on the rise Over the past few years, there has been an alarming increase in the number of attacks on Masonic buildings and Freemasons themselves, with more cases surfacing every month. Police have been investigating a report of criminal damage to a Masonic Hall in downtown Belfast this week. The Masonic Hall, adjacent to the Victoria Square shopping center, is home to dozens of Masonic lodges in Belfast. On the Irish Masonic Network’s social media page, one member shared photos of the vandalized building and stated: “It is with great sadness that I must report the sustained attack on Freemasons Hall Arthur Square… The glass and inscriptions that have existed for over 150 years have been destroyed.” Earlier this month, the Vatican banned Catholics from joining Freemasonry. A few months earlier, a Freemason in McAllen, Texas, was fatally shot in front of a local lodge by a man who believed the Masons had “placed a curse on him.” There have been arsons and other serious acts of vandalism that have damaged or destroyed Masonic buildings in New York, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Florida, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Connecticut, Vancouver, British Columbia, and other places. A Vancouver arsonist set fire to three Masonic buildings in that city in one morning, causing $2.5 million in damage, and was sentenced to 40 months in prison. It’s worth noting that his attorney claimed he “struggled with mental health issues and simply wanted to draw attention to what he described as dark spirits and CSIS tracking devices.” Outside the United States, Masonic Halls in Ireland and Greece have also recently come under attack by anti-Masonic activists. It is also worth noting that there has been a significant increase in anti-Masonic posts and videos on social media. The Grand Master of the State of Washington has issued a letter warning members of his jurisdiction against a man who has made numerous hateful threats against the Fraternity. Why Support Freemasonry.Network? Promoting Freemasonry in a Positive Light – The platform actively combats myths and negative stereotypes by publishing verified information about the real contributions of Freemasons to society. Daily Updates – By consistently delivering content on charitable projects and lodge activities, the site strengthens public awareness of the true role of Freemasonry. Independence and Credibility – The portal operates entirely independently, with no commercial sponsors, meaning its development depends on the support of Masons and supporters of Masonic ideals. Mutual Support – If you are a Freemason, you know that you can often encounter prejudice. By supporting our portal, you are investing in your own image. We Work Together – Every donation contributes to the continuation of our mission, inspiring more people to learn about and appreciate the values we uphold. How Can You Help? Your contribution, no matter the amount, makes a real difference. You can support Freemasonry.Network through: One-Time Donation – Every act of support helps maintain and expand the platform. Regular Financial Support – Even small recurring contributions allow for the planning of long-term informational and promotional initiatives. Sharing Content – If you’re unable to contribute financially, sharing articles and materials from the site is also a tremendous help! Join the Community of Supporters! Your help ensures that the true story of Freemasonry reaches a broader audience. Help us spread the truth and support initiatives that present Freemasonry in the best possible light.

What benefits you will receive? Patreon is a platform that allows online creators to earn money through a subscription system, where fans can support their business through regular contributions. In return, patrons receive exclusive content, access to hidden content or other rewards depending on the level of support. Depending on the amount of support, our patrons receive different titles (VIP-Patron, Master-Patron) and benefits: Freemasonry.Network weekly newsletter Patron-only posts / the forums (internal comment system of our Web Portal), the hidden pages of our Web Portal, you can vote in the rankings, you can rank the articles, you can rank the posts, access to a closed Facebook group. Each of our VIP+ Patron is mentioned on the special webpage: https://freemasonry.network/our-vip-patrons/ (if he wants it). Fan request: VIP+ Patrons may propose topics for new subpages of our website. These subpages may, for example, refer to a particular Grand Lodge or a specific masonic topic. Each of our Master Patron is mentioned ON THE TOP of the special webpage: https://freemasonry.network/our-vip-patrons/ (if he wants it). Each of our Grand Master Patrons receive a personalized, printable diploma by e-mail (PDF file) (if he wants it). Each of our VIP Patron is mentioned at the very top of the list https://freemasonry.network/our-vip-patrons/ (if he wants it). Each of our patrons will receive invitations to our events in a stationary form, if we are going to organize them, and to other exceptional meetings.

What are our goals and plans Our goal: Our main goal is to become a fully professional online news service. That would be the first such Masonic Web Portal ever. What we already have:
We are already one of the largest Masonic Web Portals in the world. Our web portal publishes daily news from the world of Freemasonry and contains an immense amount of systematic and categorized, reliable knowledge about the Craft – including more than 1000 embedded films and hundreds of links to credible articles found on many other portals and websites. FREEMASONRY.network is currently the main promoter of the #EnoughIsEnough campaign by regularly publishing information aimed at creating a positive image of Freemasonry. Over the years of our activity, we have cooperated with the most popular Masonic portals, such as The Phoenixmasonry Masonic Museum and Library, vlogs – including The Masonic Roundtable and What is a Mason – and podcasts like Whence came you?. Our plan:
We currently publish one news item each day on the website and social media (LinkedIn, FB, X, BlueSky, Instagram) and also one Masonic illustration (inspirational Masonic quote). With more funds, we will have more time to search for and publish more content. And besides:

When we get over $1,000 a month, we will start rebuilding our website to become a professional Masonic information Web Portal, supported by AI technology. Among other things, we will introduce the automatic (AI) generation of summaries from news items related to charitable work. We will also introduce AI avatars in the role of journalists before we can afford human employees. When we have more funds, we will pay our correspondents and authors, it will allow our Web Portal to grow quickly. The more funds we have, the more we will spend on paid advertisements for our content on social media, which means our reach will continue to grow!

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(by Rawan Saadi, Otago Daily Times, 15 March 2025)   One of the world’s most secret societies is becoming less secretive after losing about 45,000 members over a decade. Freemasons from all over the country made their way to Wānaka recently to celebrate 100 years in town with New Zealand Freemasons Grand Master James L Watt coming from the Wellington lodge. The group’s origins date back to 15th century England. The first New Zealand Masonic Lodge made its way to Wellington in 1843. The fraternity is known for its secrecy, but has opened up in recent years in hopes of attracting more members. There are only 5000 members left in the country. Mr Watt said… read more:    

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(by editorial board, Hand Heart Pocket, February 24, 2025)   Looking for a support service in Miles? At Murilla Community Centre, you name it, they’ve got it. The Centre, which supports residents in the Western Downs community of Miles, is a thriving hub of resources and social activities. In 2024 the Centre received a cash boost, thanks to the efforts of the local Freemasons. Members of Miles Masonic Lodge have devoted their time to the Centre’s second-hand bookshop this past year, alongside many other volunteers, they would add. They’ve also volunteered their time at the Centre’s Annual Bookfest and Women’s Wellness Day events. As part of the final year of a two-year Local Community Partnership, through Hand Heart Pocket, Miles Freemasons donated a total of 168 volunteer hours to the Centre. This extraordinary effort qualified them for Matched Giving worth $8,400 from Hand Heart Pocket, along with a second annual partnership contribution of $10,000. Across the two years… read more:    

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(by Esme Campbell, The Guildford Dragon News, 9 March, 2025)   A 27-year-old singer and dancer, deeply affected by the loss of her aunt, is running a marathon to raise money for Target Ovarian Cancer The Astolat and Weybridge Masonic Lodges in Guildford have endorsed Bethany Holdsworth and together, the lodges have donated a total of £3,000 to support her cause, dedicated to raising awareness of ovarian cancer and funding vital research and support services. Following the death of her aunt two years ago, Bethany Holdsworth has become committed to… read more:    

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(by Tom Ladds, Kingsbridge & Salcombe Gazette, 12th March 2025   Kingsbridge Freemasons Lodge, Duncombe Lodge, has donated £250 to the 6th Kingsbridge Land Scout group. Jeremy Wilks, representing Duncombe Lodge, donated the cheque to Scout Leaders Lee Newins, Lee Freeley, Stuart Jones, and Amy Clayton. Jeremy said… read more:    

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(by Austin Williams, WJBD, Mar 10, 2025)   The Hiram Masonic Lodge #503 recognized Frank Payne with a certificate and pin for 50 years of membership. Worshipful Brother Carl Gerrish (right) presents Brother Frank Payne (left) a certificate and pin for 50 years as a member of Hiram Masonic Lodge #503… read more:    

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