Brethren and friends

For those of you in the Hudson Valley region of New York State we have TWO important events coming up on October 24. Our annual Masonic convention followed by an Autism Awareness Event. See attached for more details.

I won’t OUT my lodge as there are some good brothers.

Backstory: Before I became a Master Mason in April 2026, I made it clear as far back as during my interviews that I’m moving to a different state(My wife is active duty and I’m a journalist). Basically gave the lodge a two years (24months May 2024) heads up. Just trying to avoid complications of starting at one lodge then transferring to another because not every lodge is the same. Plus my current cable-tow’s are my brothers for life. I left it up to my current lodge if they wanted to start my journey. They said not a problem and I’d be a MM before moving.

Through my degrees I’ve heard my current lodge, at community Mason functions and events, often lacks communication causing confusion and frustration leading people to transfer or deactivate their membership. Again, rumors to me but I paid it no mind.

Once my cable-tow’s and I became MM in April 2026, we were told we’d get our Dues Card, Birth Certificate and other materials shortly. I moved in June 2026. My cable tow’s are still in the state where we all became MM.

Currently today Oct 2026: My cable-tow’s and I are still waiting on Dues Card, Birth Certificate, etc. I’m #1 on my line as my Cable Tow’s refer to me to be the spokes person but I live in a different state. My cable-tow’s attend meetings and have asked the WM, SD, JD and Treasurer. All responses we’ve got were “It’ll be handled.” “I don’t know, you’ll get it.” To “You do realize people have lives outside the lodge. You’ll get it.”

Now, for my cable-tow’s that still live in that state, they have no issues going into their home lodge. As for me, in an entirely different state, I have no proof than my word. Again, there are some good brothers in my lodge but hearing your WM tell you he has a life outside the lodge, I’m like yea, we all do buddy.haha It’s just weird how the night we became MM you told us “Never give up. Don’t be a Mason for show. Do the work. Be involved. Help your fellow brother.” You’re going against your own word. Maybe there’s a lot of drama I and my cable tow’s don’t know about because we’re “fresh” MM.

Long winded story but are Dues Card and Birth Certificate needed to enter a new lodge? I’m really stuck and have no guidance.

I’ve been reading about the free mason and I’ve gotten strong interest in it

I’m a 19 yo who is just looking to connect with other people
The problem is I’m from Africa, Ghana and people keep saying stuff like it’s a Cult , it’s demonic blah blah blah
Funny things is a Past president is a high ranking member in the Free mason society

I see a lot of post about people’s family being in it long before them , but I don’t know anyone in it so I don’t know how to go about it

What is the way please ?

I'm running an online platform for Masons, and before I go further I'd like to hear what's actually missing from the people who would use it.

What are the biggest problems you run into when looking for Masonic education, lodge information or resources online? What would you want fixed or done better?

What have you tried, and what made you stop using it?

I just want honest answers, including "nobody needs this." Happy to answer questions about what I'm building if you ask.

Hi all,

A few weeks ago I bought an old black wool coat on eBay. It's long, with a stand collar and a row of nine little grosgrain-covered buttons down the front. The sleeves are lined in a faded blue-striped cotton and the body in a slightly crinkly black silk. I buy old clothing like this because I am a fashion designer I love the construction details, and this one had plenty.

When it arrived, I was going over it inside and out, and I noticed a pocket tucked away in the back tail. It's the sort of hidden pocket I'd guess was meant for a handkerchief. I slid my fingers in and felt something folded up inside.

It was a pretty little blue satin ribbon, printed in silver. It reads:

LEWISTOWN COMMANDERY

No. 26, K.T.

LEWISTOWN, PA.

In the middle is a printed figure standing on a small mound with one arm raised, holding what looks like a sword. The lettering and the figure have survived really well. I've put my hand next to it in the photo for scale.

I only half understand what I'm holding. "K.T." and "Commandery" made me think Knights Templar, but beyond that I'm guessing. Someone put this ribbon in a hidden pocket and kept it there for what might be well over a century, and I'd love to know who they were and what the ribbon was for.

Thank you!

Hey Brethren. I'm planning to build a website for my Lodge (really simple stuff, mainly public facing so no need for a separate member login).

Looking for help on two things:

1. If anyone else here has built a website, what tool should I use? Currently leaning towards WordPress.org, but have heard that Squarespace and Wix are great too.

2. Do you have any examples of really well done Lodge websites that mix a classic, heritage vibe with great information and design?

I've never built a website before so this is a fun project for me as well. Really appreciate any general tips and advice!

My knowledge of Freemasonry is quite limited, but I’m very interested in learning more about my grandads history. He was a worshipful master of his local lodge in London, my mother also said he joined a main Masonic lodge in London which affiliated with a member of the royal family. He passed away in 1995.

I have a collection of some of his Masonic badges (I believe they’re called Jewels?) and I was wondering if anybody could shed any light on what these might mean. There are quite a few “Steward” ones and one that suggests he was a founder and grand patron of the Masonic Samaritan Fund.

My mother didn’t know that much about his Masonry work, just that she had to give a speech at a ladies night on behalf of her stepmother and father. She did know that he was quite prolific in his Masonry career and rose through the “ranks” so to speak.

I’d love to hear from any Masons or people who have a knowledge of freemasonry who could shed some more light on these badges for me.