The complete story of the emergence and development of the Order of the Holy Royal Arch in England from its origins in the 18th century through to the present day by one of the country's most popular Masonic authors. Over the years the Revd Neville Barker Cryer has delivered many lectures to Lodges throughout the country. His lectures manage to both entertain and inform the lodge members and one perennially popular subject is the Royal Arch Journey. In this volume the author draws on his many years of research into the topic to present an analyis of the history of the Royal Arch, its origins and development, and its place in the present day Masonic tradition. His findings may prove controversial for some as he goes back to its origins in the 18th century but all readers will find this book presents a fascinating and compelling argument. The book has two objectives: to tell the story of how the degree, later known as the Order, of the Holy Royal Arch in England emerged and developed. The other is to show, through that story, why the Royal Arch is essential to the Speculative craftsmen and has always been regarded by many as the culmination of Freemasonry.

Unravel the mysteries of the Masons All the myths and rumors about Masonic organizations probably have you wondering "what do Masons really do?" Questions like this one are a natural by-product of being the oldest and largest "secret society" in the world. This book is an ideal starting place to find answers to your questions about the secret and not-so-secret things about Freemasonry. Now in its third edition, this international best-seller peeks behind the door of your local Masonic lodge and explains the meanings behind the rituals, rites, and symbols of the organization. Along the way the book covers nearly 3,000 years of Masonic history, introduces you to some famous Freemasons you already know from history books, and explains the relationship with related groups like Knights Templar, Scottish Rite, Order of Eastern Star, and the beloved fez-wearing Shriners. Look inside the book to learn: What it takes to become a member of the Freemasons, and what you can expect when you join How Lodges are organized and what really goes on during Masonic ceremonies The basic beliefs and philosophies of Freemasonry, including how Masons contribute to charity, and society in general The origins behind some of the wild myths and conspiracy theories surrounding Freemasonry and how to debunk (most of) them Written by a 33rd degree Scottish Rite Mason and the Public Relations and Marketing Director for the Grand Lodge F&AM of Indiana, Freemasons For Dummies is a must-read guide for anyone interested in this ancient fraternal order, whether you're looking to join or are just curious about some of the more mysterious aspects of Freemasonry.

After the spiritual awakening following the Transmission of Light in the First Degree, the stimulation of the "dew" that animates the soul in the Second Degree, followed by the "Dark Night of the Soul" and the mystic resurrection in the Third Degree, the Mason is now perfected. However, without understanding the 25th Signpost, he is without a guide: "The Grand Master is dead, the Temple is not complete, and we have not found the Lost Word." Like the Royal Arch Degree, this book completes the journey, and understanding the symbolism of the Royal Arch, completes this remarkable transformation. *What was thought to be so important about the Royal Arch Degree that it is included in the Blue Lodge as a Chapter, as well as both the Scottish and York Rites? *What the various hints (Signposts) in the preceding three degrees were pointing to, and an explanation of the import of the Twenty-fifth Signpost. *How this degree categorically refutes any notion of the soul dying after death. *Why Freemasonry may hold the secret teaching that religions around the world, including the Abrahamic faiths, have either not found, or do not want the faithful to know. *Why Trinitarianism was thought to be so essential to Christianity that it was enshrined in law, and how Freemasonry's rituals complete this doctrine. *How the Third Degree completes the Mason's journey with a life-changing experience. This book answers these questions, and many more!

Barbara Frale gives us an explosive, exhaustively researched history of the medieval world’s most powerful military order, the Templars. At its height, the Order of the Knights Templar rivaled the kingdoms of Europe in military might, economic power, and political influence. For 700 years, the tragic demise of this society of warrior-monks amid accusations of heresy has been plagued by controversy, in part because the transcript of their trial by the Inquisition—which held the key to the truth—had vanished. Templar historian Barbara Frale happened to be studying a document at the Vatican Secret Archives when she suddenly realized that it was none other than the long-lost transcript! It revealed that Pope Clement V had absolved the order of all charges of heresy. The Templars chronicles the spectacular rise and fall of the organization against a sweeping backdrop of war, religious fervor, and the struggle for dominance, and finally lifts the centuries-old cloak of mystery surrounding one of the world’s most intriguing secret societies.

Famous American Freemasons is a collection of stories about some of the Masons from America's past. Through little-known stories of some of the fraternity's most influential members, Todd E. Creason shows the amazing range of contributions Masons have made to the causes of freedom, politics, philosophy, scientific discovery, and the arts-contributions that have helped to define the nation. In Famous American Freemasons, author and Freemason Todd E. Creason also gives unique insight into the history and philosophy of Freemasonry in America while debunking common myths and misconceptions about the world's largest and oldest fraternal organization. These famous American men came from all walks of life with different religious beliefs as well as educational, cultural, economic, and career backgrounds. They became patriots, Presidents, military leaders, entertainers, and American legends-and one and all were Freemasons.

Ten five-minute talks to be performed in a Mark Lodge or just to read at home. Including : About the Mark Man and Mark Master, About the Mark, The true meaning oft he Key Stone and the Cornerstone. Discover the symbolism behind The Mark Tracing Board and much much more.