Short Talk Bulletin

Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by RW Bro Alexander A. Bleimann, PDDGM, Editor of Publications and Fellow of the American Lodge of Research, New York, and is brought to us by WBro "Big Papa" TJ Olson, Somerset Lodge #34, Skowhegan ME. Frequently the MSA is asked about the connection between Freemasonry and the Society of the Cincinnati. Actually, there is none other than that many prominent military Freemasons (particularly of that time) belonged to both organizations. Probably, a connection is made because of George Washington’s influence and membership in both groups. Enjoy, and do share this and all of these Podcast episodes with your brothers and your Lodge.

Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by Bro John H. Watts, and is brought to us by Bro Brian Ellis, PGSD - ME. A recent Masonic Publication had the following item: "Cannibals do not eat clowns because they have a funny taste." There is a poem that has the following: “Little deeds of kindness, little grains of sand. . . .” Masonry has always been known for its little deeds of kindness, especially at a local level, long before the government took over many of the charitable works formerly the province of Masonry. Here is the story of just such a deed. Enjoy, and do share this and all of these Podcast episodes with your brothers and your Lodge.

Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by MW Bro Conrad Hahn, and is brought to us by WBro Michael Blum, Solar Star #14, Bath ME. Here we find an excellent discussion of that almost unanswerable question: did a form of Freemasonry exist in the city of York, England, in the year A.D. 926? Enjoy, and do share this and all of these Podcast episodes with your brothers and your Lodge.

Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by MW Bro Carl H. Claudy, and is brought to us by WBro Michael Blum, PM - Solar Star #14, Bath ME. The history of our gentle craft extends back into the mists of time, but real, solid evidence extends back to 1390, and the origin of our oldest document, the Regius Manuscript. Here is some of that story. Enjoy, and do share this and all of these Podcast episodes with your brothers and your Lodge.

Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode is brought to us by Bro Mark Shilo, Philanthropic Lodge, Marblehead MA. This Short Talk is Part 2 on the life of George Washington. We again would like to thank the Mt. Vernon Ladies’ Association of the Union and Mr. James Rees, Associate Director, for its preparation. Enjoy, […]

Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode is brought to us by Bro Mark Shilo, SD Philanthropic Lodge, Marblehead MA. George Washington has long been one of our greatest heroes. MSA is grateful to the Mt. Vernon Ladies’ Association of the Union and Bro. James C. Rees, Associate Director, for preparing this Short Talk on […]

Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by MW Bro Conrad Hahn, and is brought to us by VW Ambrose Dawson, DER 14th ME. There have been several ‘definitive lists’ of the members of the Continental Congress who belonged to our gentle fraternity. After much research, and to honor the 200th and 250th […]

Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by MW Bro Carl Claudy, and is brought to us by Bro Mark Shilo, SD at Philanthropic Lodge, Marblehead MA. One of the definitions of ‘paradox’ is a puzzling fact or object, and it is in that sense used here, speaking of the Lodge. Enjoy, and […]

Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by RW Bro Furman Vincen, PGM – TX, and is brought to us by WBro David Koncz, PM – United #8, ME. In honor of Father’s Day, may this story of a man and his father bring Light to brothers everywhere. Enjoy, and do share this […]

Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by Bro Sumner G. Whittier, Former Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts, Director of the VA under President Eisenhower, and member of Galilean Lodge, Everett MA, and is brought to us by MW Bro Russ Charvonia, PGM – CA. Here we find a condensation of a speech Bro […]

Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by MW Bro Rev Thomas Sherrard Roy, PGM – MA, and is brought to us by MW Bro Russ Charvonia, PGM – CA. Five delegates from Massachusetts were members of the Second Continental Congress which adopted the Declaration of Independence and signed that document. They were […]

Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by MW Bro Carl Claudy, and is brought to us by VW Bro Ambrose Dawson, DEI 14th ME. The Standard Dictionary defines education as “the systematic cultivation of the normal powers of the intellect, feeling and conduct, so as to render them efficient in some particular […]

Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode is a condensation of an address by the late RW Bro. Erford W. Poole of Massachusetts, and was furnished to The Masonic Service Association by MW Brother Thomas A. Booth, past grand master of Masons in Massachusetts, and is brought to us by WBro Michael Blum, DRI – […]

Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by RW Ill Bro Norris G. Abbot Jr., 33rd, PGH – RI, and is brought to us by MW Bro Russ Charvonia, PGM – CA. Bro Ellery was one of Rhode Island’s signers of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, and a member of the […]

Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode consists of two addresses by brothers who have distinguished themselves in public service, and is brought to us by MW Bro Russ Charvonia, PGM – CA. These remarks suggest answers to the question posed in the title, where do we go from here? Enjoy, and do share this […]

Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by RW Bro Fordham D. Tabor and first published in May 1977. As has become tradition on this day of remembrance in cities and towns across our land, we pause to remember and give tribute to those who have given the ultimate sacrifice in defense of […]

Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by RW Bro J. D. Krell, PDDGM 8A – CT. In these trying days of national uncertainty, here we find encouragement. Here we find an excellent and imaginative discussion of our common heritage and common goals, and assurance that what we have in common is far […]

The Great Cornerstone Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by Bro Rev Dr Joseph Fort Newton and first published in September 1925. With the imminent 250th birthday of the American nation, it is a good time to take a look at that Great Cornerstone of our Republic, the Constitution. Here, we are […]

Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by MW Bro Carl H. Claudy, and is brought to us by Bro George Koutrokois, Acacia #121, Durham, ME. Few Masonic subjects have resulted in more arguments and controversy than this. Agreement has been difficult, but at long last the Masonic world has had to concur […]

Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was adapted from an article in the Fall 1987 edition of The Freemason, the official publication of the Grand Lodge A. F. & A. M. of Missouri, and is brought to us by Bro George Koutrokois of Acacia #121, Durham ME. Here we find an interesting tale, similar […]

Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by Exceedingly Worshipful Bro Alphonse Cerza and first published in February 1983. Every Freemason knows, at least in a general way, that there is a rule against soliciting anyone to become a member of our gentle Craft. This rule, however, is misunderstood and misapplied by many […]

Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by BrT.G. Winning. Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Scotland, and is brought to us by Masonic Audio Guild member Bro Bob Cooper. Originally written in 1969 for the Grand Lodge of Scotland yearbook, such ‘old’ discussions and opinions can give us some insight into […]

Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by Bro Sheldon A. Munn of LaFayette Lodge #194, Selinsgrove PA. When I contacted his Lodge, I learned that he had joined the Great Architect some years ago, but the PM and current Secretary of LaFayette Lodge #194, WBro Glen Bickhart, graciously agreed to read this […]

Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by Bro J. Hugo Tatsch, and is the second STB ever published, from February of 1923. Here we find discussion of one of the most influential of modern Masons; the author of the so-called Prestonian Lectures. Enjoy a scoop of our rich, Masonic history, and do […]

Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast is from the golden pen of MW Bro Carl Claudy, and first published in July 1944, as the world was in the throes of WWII. In it, we are instructed about the history and significance of that most holy of places, and we are informed about why such places […]

Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode is from the golden pen of MW Bro Carl Claudy, and was first published in September of 1953. Here we find, from a decidedly Masonic perspective, an excellent discussion of language, history, and a silly little controversy. Enjoy, and do share this and all of these Podcast episodes […]

Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by Bro William A. Parks, Chairman of the GL of WI Committee on Masonic Education, and is brought to us by MW Bro Russ Charvonia, PGM – CA. Here we find an excellent lecture discussing some of the fundamental teachings of the Craft. Enjoy, and do […]

Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by Bro Conrad Hahn and first published in March 1961. “The furniture of a Lodge consists of 6 objects: 3 movable and 3 immovable.” Every Entered Apprentice hears this sentence within the lecture of the first degree, but we aren’t given instruction about how these came […]

Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by MW Bro Carl H. Claudy and is brought to us by MW Bro Russ Charvonia, PGM – CA. I recently visited a Lodge a few towns away for the first time; they were giving an EA degree to a new member. There were a few […]

Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by WBro Elbert Bede, Editor Emeritus of the Oregon Freemason, and is brought to us by MW Bro Russ Charvonia, PGM – CA. Astronomy and Geometry are closely linked in the liberal arts and sciences of Freemasonry. The Winding Stairs lecture, and these days less so […]

Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode is adapted from a paper of the same name shared by the committee on Research and Education of the Grand Lodge of Minnesota, and is brought to us by MW Bro Russ Charvonia, PGM – CA. It has been said that the purpose of Freemasonry is the pursuit […]

Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by MW Bro Carl H. Claudy, and is brought to us by RW Bro Andy Caron, DDGM 14th Maine. The wages that our ancient brethren received for their work on King Solomon’s Temple are paid no more. In the Lodge, we use them as symbols, and […]

Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by MW Bro Carl H. Claudy, and is brought to us by RW Bro Jeffrey Simonton, DGM – ME. The standard dictionary defines dignity: grave or noble bearing; impressiveness of character; repose and serenity of demeanor; the state or quality of being excellent, worthy, or honorable. […]

Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by MW Bro Carl H. Claudy, and is brought to us by RW Bro Jeffrey Simonton, DGM – ME. To Vouch for a brother is to say, as a Master Mason, that you have sat in open Lodge with him, or you have other legal Masonic […]

Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by MW Bro Carl H. Claudy, and is brought to us by RW Bro Dex Rowe, PDDGM 8th, VT. Here we find an excellent discussion of that symbol, cherished by thinking Freemasons, not as one of many, but as one to be held in tenderest thought […]

Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by Bro Zelwyn B. Eaton, and is brought to us by WBro David Koncz, PM – United #8, Brunswick ME. It is uncomfortable to consider our own demise. As Freemasons, our accepted duties are to help, aid, and assist, and there is no one who needs […]

Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by Bro Lawrence Chisom, Executive director for the Masonic Home For Children, and is brought to us by WBro Jason Thompson, PM – Village #26, Bowdenham ME. The problems of drugs and abuse threaten the lives of countless children, and the mentorship program instituted by Masonry […]

Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by Bro John J. Robinson, author of “A Pilgrim’s Path”, and is brought to us by WBro David Koncz, PM – United #8, Brunswick ME. Not to spoil the surprise, but the answer, of course, is “No”. Here we find part of an excellent series of […]

Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was prepared under the direction of Bro Clarence ‘Bud” Brown, president of the United States Chapel Historical Society and a member of Blanchester Lodge #191, Blanchester OH, and is brought to us by WBro W. Clayton Grimm, newly installed first time Master and 58 year-member of Village Lodge […]

Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by RW Bro Michael W. Walker, GS of the GL of Ireland, and is brought to us by VW Bro David Koncz, PM – United #8 ME. Upon his initiation, the brethren are assured that the candidate is living in good repute among his friends and […]

Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast Episode is from the golden pen of Rev Dr Bro Joseph Fort Newton, first published in June 1923. Freemasonry has no greater name than Robert Burns. If there are those who question his investiture as Poet Laureate of the Canongate Kilwinning Lodge, owing to the absence of certain documentary […]

Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by MW Bro Jeffrey Williamson, PGM – NY, and is brought to us by VW Bro David Koncz, PM – United #8 ME. We find ourselves at the start of a new year, and with that come new officers and new responsibilities. Some brothers serve their […]

Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by Bro Joseph J. Berlandi, Executive Secretary of the 32 Degree Learning Centers For Children and Scottish Rite NMJ, and is brought to us by Bro Matt Bower, Host of the Tyler’s Place Podcast for the Scottish Rite SMJ. “It was like watching a caterpillar become […]

Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by RW Bro Charles O. Bierkan, PDDGM – CT, and is brought to us by MW Bro Russ Charvonia, PGM – CA. No city, save Jerusalem, interests Masons as much as Tyre, once the capital of Phoenicia. Here is some of that story. Enjoy, and do […]

Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by Rev Bro Jan L. Beaderstadt, a member and past master of Copper Country Lodge No. 135, Hancock, Michigan; a member and junior warden of Bowring Lodge No. 414, Standish, Michigan; and editor of the Michigan Masonic Publication, From Point-to-Pointe, and is brought to us by […]

Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by MW Bro Conrad Hahn, PES of the MSANA, and is brought to us by Bro Matt Bowers, host of the Scottish Rite Journal Podcast. Rudyard Kipling is one of the giants of modern English literary history. He towered over the closing years of the Victorian […]

Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by WBro Alan E. Roberts, Babcock Lodge #322, Highland Springs VA, and is brought to us by MW Bro Russ Charvonia, PGM – CA. Brother Newton was a prolific Masonic writer whose work includes many early Short Talk Bulletin, as well as “The Builders,” a seminal […]

Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode is brought to us by MW Bro Russ Charvonia, PGM – CA. This Short Talk was adapted from a pamphlet published by the Grand Lodge A. F. & A. M. of Illinois, entitled “What can a Mason tell a non-Mason about Masonry? Enjoy, and please do share this […]

Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by MW Bro Conrad Hahn, Past Executive Secretary of the MSANA, and is brought to us by Bro Matt Bowers, of Mt Ararat Lodge #44 and host of the Scottish Rite Journal Podcast. Fellowcraft Masons remember from the Winding Stairs lecture the placement of the Globes […]

Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by MW Bro Conrad Hahn, Past Executive Secretary of the Masonic Service Association of North America, and is brought to us by MW Bro Russ Charvonia, Past Grand Master of California. Here, we find a discussion of the Master Masons of old, and the training and […]