Sunday, July 31, 2011

Dungeon, Fire and Sword: The Knights Templar in the Crusades by John J. Robinson - Reviews, Discussion, Bookclubs, Lists

This is an excellent book, if you would like to understand who the Templars actually were.
Dungeon, Fire and Sword: The Knights Templar in the Crusades by John J. Robinson - Reviews, Discussion, Bookclubs, Lists:Dungeon, Fire and Sword: The Knights Templar in the Crusades
My rating:
Dungeon, Fire and Sword: The Knights Templar in the Crusades
by John J. Robinson
4.05 · rating details · 111 ratings · 17 reviews
With more colorful characters and startling plot twists than the most dramatic of novels, John J. Robinson's Dungeon, Fire, and Sword immerses the reader in an historical era where the blood flows freely, tribal antagonisms run deep, and betrayal lurks around every corner. The time is the Crusades and the place is the Middle East, where a fearless band of monk-warriors cal...more
Hardcover, 494 pages
Published January 25th 1992 by M. Evans and Company, Inc.
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Saturday, July 30, 2011

Minneapolis Valley of the Scottish Rite

I've been invited to a prospective members' pizza night at the Minnesota Scottish Rite Temple Aug. 11th. Jean is coming too. She will find the architecture interesting.
Minneapolis Valley of the Scottish Rite
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Valley of Minneapolis
Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite
of Freemasonry
2011 Dupont Avenue South, Minneapolis, Minnesota



Saturday, July 16, 2011

Masonic Harvest Jug

Masonic Harvest Jug | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

Masonic Harvest Jug

This beautiful Pennsylvania influenced Ewer jug (also called a harvest jug) is covered with a variety of intricate slip trailed decorations spanning from top to bottom. Each section, or part, of the jug contains early American symbols; some relating to secret societies such as the Masons, Skull and Bones, Knights Templar, and the Bohemian Club. A special “dirt” glaze (as Chris coined) and heavy aging was used to achieve an incredible authentic look. Firing this piece for a second time gave the glaze a few abnormalities, which only increased its beauty rarity.
Measuring 13.5 inches tall, 11.5 inches wide, and 10 inches deep this jug is fit for a mantelpiece. The two major features of this pot are the eagles. The eagle on the left side of the pot is peering over his left wing, adorned by the olive branches of peace. On the right side is an eagle peering over his right wing, preparing to snatch up bundles of arrows to prepare for war. This is to signify that America wants peace, but will fight if necessary. The top half of the pot also displays an owl, a central symbol of the Bohemian club, and the expression, "ANNUIT COEPTIS - HE APPROVES OF OUR UNDERTAKING."
The bottom half of the pot is split up into panels with various symbols, most of which are Masonic-influenced. Included are the eye of providence, the sword pointing to the naked heart, the Eastern star, and a Masonic scale, which signifies the balance between the right and left.
For more info, please visit davidtsmith.com

Monday, July 11, 2011

Grand Lodge Proceedings 1853-2009 | The Grand Lodge of Minnesota

Grand Lodge Proceedings 1853-2009 | The Grand Lodge of Minnesota

I've been helping get these Grand Lodge Proceedings (minutes) scanned and searchable PDF'd as part of my volunteer work with the Minnesota Masonic Historical Society and Museum. They go back to 1853. History, archaeology and anthropology fascinate me. They are what initially brought me to becoming a potter. I've realized that this perspective is very different compared to someone who approaches the craft initially as an artist.

Monday, July 4, 2011

Exhibition Review: The Patriot Mason @ Freemasons’ Hall | Londonist



BY RACHEL H · JULY 4, 2011 AT 14:00 PM · · ARTS AND EVENTS ·

Opening nicely in time for Independence Day is an exhibition tracing the origins and impact of Freemasonry on American society. 14 US Presidents have been Freemasons − including George Washington (pictured). They were instrumental in setting up the state of Georgia and built some of the biggest buildings in the country.

This exhibition has some original documents and artefacts going back to before the Revolutionary War, through the Civil War and to the present day. It’s interesting to see a sensible display of how Freemasonry has affected the country − that is, one without hysterical talk of lizard overlords − while at the same time giving an idea about how those conspiracy theories could have started. You should see the paintings of some of those costumes.

The exhibition’s also a good opportunity for us to remind you about the tours around the magnificent Art Deco Freemasons’ Hall. There are five a day and they include the Grand Temple, library and museum (packed with all kinds of objects, from minutiae to the spectacular). Unless you’re in a big group you don’t even have to book, just rock up before the start time (and bring some photo ID). What’s even better is that everything − exhibition, museum, tour − is completely free.
The Patriot Mason: Freemasonry in American Society runs at Freemasons’ Hall from 4 July to 22 December 2011. Tours run every day when the Temple is not in use, leaving from the Library and Museum at 11am, 12pm, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm. All free.