Secret societies are becoming increasingly controversial—thrust into public awareness by popular books, films, the Internet, and a host of recent documentaries. In academia, this exposure finds a parallel in the proliferation of research, institutes, and conferences. Yet the media depictions tend to be caricatures, a playing to pervasive stereotypes for public consumption, while the academic stress historical and philological matters. Indeed, to the extent a sociological focus exists, it largely emphasizes the roles these groups played in social history. And for the societies’ members themselves, there has been a paucity of work on the contemporary meaning of these groups—a neglect made mystifying by the vast social changes that have taken place over the past century. In this study, and for the first time by any scholar, Kenney moves beyond history and applies the methods and theoretical tools of contemporary sociology to study the lived world of freemasons in today’s society. To provide a clear portrait of the patterned experiences of contemporary freemasons and the issues faced by “the Craft” today, Kenney draws on qualitative data from three primary sources: (1) extensive interviews with 121 contemporary freemasons in Newfoundland and Nova Scotia; (2) video footage shot for a feature film on contemporary freemasonry; and (3) his observations and experiences in nearly fifteen years as a freemason. Brought to Light provides a highly original contribution to sociology, Masonic scholarship, and the social sciences generally.

My Journey to Light is a 200 Page Chronology of your Masonic Journey. Record important dates that you received degrees Record Appointments. Record Dates Served in various Bodies, or Committees. Record stories that need to be remembered. Most Importantly, Preserve the History of your Lodge and Personal Journey for generations to come. $2.00 from the sale of this book will go to Masonic Widows and Orphans. This Book Covers Blue Lodge, York Rite Bodies and Scottish Rite Northern Masonic Jurisdiction. Space is also included for appendant bodies as you go through your journey.

This book explores the critical thinking that Freemasons of African descent have towards the understanding of the Bible as well as the impact of Christianity in African American culture. To the Mason, the Bible is the guide of faith for it gives us God's holy instructions. It also has within it a secret knowledge that many of our traditional churches refused to tap into. Therefore this knowledge is esoteric in nature and this is what masonry thrives on. This book will examine not only the contributions by ancient Kemet (Egypt) To religion but the entire content of Africa which has a conglomerate of religions all are pointing to one divine creator.

The Fraternity of Freemasonry supplies the necessary resources, that when properly applied, can assist a man in bettering himself not only mentally and physically, but also spiritually. In an attempt to revive the interest, within the Fraternity, of the practical applications of the deeper spiritual lessons provided within the degrees, "The Masonic Initiate - A Guide to Light" confirms for every Brother that his Fraternity is furnished with the necessary tools to erect his spiritual temple. This book provides a foundation to begin the "journey of the soul" through the manifestation of the teachings of the degrees of Freemasonry. This book focuses on the Entered Apprentice degree of Freemasonry, covering it's symbolism, forms and ceremonies. It takes the lessons and symbols of the first degree of Freemasonry, and reveals content that can be applied through both traditional and contemporary forms of spiritual development. This book gives a fresh perspective; it links spiritual practices, like visualization and meditation, to the teachings of Freemasonry. "The Masonic Initiate - A Guide to Light" can be beneficial for the youngest member of the Fraternity, as it attempts to clarify the nature of the forms and ceremonies of his degree, and shed Light on what it means to be "initiated." At the same time, it offers a fresh perspective on some of the symbols and ceremonies that can be well received, enlightening, and even quite refreshing for the elder Brother.

The George Washington Masonic Cave near Charles Town, West Virginia, contains a signature carving of George Washington dated 1748. Although this inscription appears authentic, it has yet to be verified by historical accounts or scientific inquiry. Like all great legends, there is probably a kernel of truth to the Cave-but so too is there likely an aura of embellishment that developed over time. This book painstakingly pieces together the chronicled events and real estate archives related to the cavern in order to sort out fact from fiction. George Washington, the man, is justly remembered for his talents on the battlefield, in political arenas, and on his tobacco farms. He was also a smart surveyor and, by his own written account, a speleologist (that is, an explorer of caves). The Masonic Cave conveniently connects all of these fascinating chapters in the life story of Washington; through it, we can better view the transformation that occurred over the decades of the Virginian's life. From his entrance into the secretive Masonic fraternity as a precocious teen to his associations with scores of captivating characters ranging from Lafayette to Lord Fairfax, to his worldly ambitions that became transmuted into something much bolder and universal, to his strong sense of guilt and remorse as a slaveowner (along with a desire to end that horrid practice), to his struggles with disease and his own mortality, many of the lesser-known aspects of Washington's life are covered herein. Washington's biography is one of the most inspiring in American history. Meandering the dark passageways of the Cave brings us to an even closer appreciation of why that is so. Jason Williams, MD, grew up in California and Montana but now calls Virginia's Shenandoah Valley home. He is a board-certified psychiatrist who trained at Johns Hopkins Hospital and has subspecialty training in psychosomatic medicine. He is also a proud father of three young adults. As an intrepid, independent scholar of largely forgotten history, Dr. Williams staunchly believes studying the past can lead to personal development and growth, which empowers our collective future. Research findings elucidated in Brought to Light include: George Washington entered the Cave on multiple occurrences, and it was a place of some importance to him. Young Washington personally surveyed the land historically attached to the Cave. But due to an oversight on his part, the survey has wholly been neglected (until now). Circumstantial evidence suggests the Cave was used for Masonic meetings by Washington, two of his brothers, and other close allies. The men-a group of nine-purchased the Cave shortly before the Revolutionary War. These same Cave owners went on to become significant instigators in America's rebellion. Generals and other officers in Washington's army stopped by the Cave during the Revolutionary War, suggesting it may have served as an unofficial meeting place far from the battlefields but at hand to Washington's closest confidants and brothers (both biological and fraternal). While there is no direct or circumstantial evidence the "G Washington 1748" carving on the Cave's back wall is genuine, there are logical reasons why it may be. The Cave was discreetly handed down through the bloodline of a forgotten godson of George Washington during the 1800s. Letters connecting the Cave to the Washington family at Mount Vernon have been located. A bespoke relic that belonged to George Washington is tied to the Cave and the local Freemasons. Once thought to be lost but recently "rediscovered," this national treasure highlights the entire narrative of Washington's associations with the ancient fraternity and his quest for a democratic republic instilled with civil liberties, especially religious freedom. This is the greyscale edition.