Online With Light: For Freemasons

In this conversation RWB Nick chats with Pam Marotti, an active member of the Masonic Family and queen of Pyremus Temple on the activity of Masonic Ladies' groups.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Brother Jerry Nero as he shares his journey through Freemasonry, leadership in multiple lodges, and the importance of brotherhood and service. Discover practical insights on lodge revitalization, mentorship, and the enduring values of Masonry.

In this conversation, Nick Ives interviews Jeff Blayman, who shares his journey into Freemasonry, his leadership experiences at Warren Lodge, and his upcoming role as Grand Junior Steward. Jeff discusses the importance of community, communication, and innovative outreach strategies that have revitalized his lodge. He emphasizes the significance of degree work and the impact of long-term leadership...

In this engaging conversation, Nick Ives interviews Jim Saraceni, the Grand Senior Steward of the Grand Lodge, about his journey into Masonry, his experiences as a lodge officer, and the importance of brotherhood within the Masonic community. Jim shares insights into the history and spirit of Arc Lodge, the challenges faced during the COVID pandemic, and his role in the Legal Matters Committee. He...

In this conversation, Nick Ives interviews Daniel M. Luft, a prominent figure in the Masonic community, focusing on his journey through Blue Lodge and York Rite Masonry. Daniel shares his personal experiences, the importance of mentorship, and the impact of leadership within the Masonic fraternity. He discusses the structure of York Rite, its charitable contributions, and the significance of commu...

In this engaging conversation, Nick Ives interviews Al Johnson, the thrice potent master of the Valley of New Haven, discussing his journey in Freemasonry, community engagement, and the various bodies within the organization. Al shares insights into the importance of charity work, the fellowship found in Scottish Rite, and the innovative programs that enhance accessibility to degrees. The discussi...

In this conversation, Nick Ives interviews Right Worshipful Brother Carl Anderson, the Grand Almoner, discussing the vital role of the Almoner program in supporting Masons and their families in need. They explore the evolution of the program, the importance of lodge support, personal stories of assistance, and the broader impact of Masonic values in community engagement. Additionally, Carl shares...

In this conversation, Right Worshipful Brother Nick Ives interviews Right Worshipful Grand Treasurer Thomas Gondek about his journey in Freemasonry, from his initial interest to his current role as Grand Treasurer. They discuss the responsibilities and challenges of being a Grand Treasurer, including financial management, budgeting, and the importance of community within the Masonic Lodge. Gondek...

In this engaging conversation, Nick Ives interviews F. Matthew Heinrich, Jr., the Grand Senior Warden, about his journey in Freemasonry, the importance of mentorship, the role of ritual, and the vibrant community life within the lodge. They discuss the evolution of membership, the significance of moral character, and the unique aspects of Connecticut Masonry. Heinrich shares insights on leadership...

In this conversation, Shane Dufresne shares his journey into Freemasonry, discussing how he discovered the fraternity, the values it embodies, and the impact it has had on his life. He reflects on his experiences as a police officer and how those values align with Masonic principles. Shane also talks about his leadership roles within the lodge, the importance of mentorship, and the lessons learned...

Keywords Freemasonry, Grand Master, Rinaldo Magliano, membership, Blue Wave, Masonic journey, leadership, lodge experiences, Connecticut Freemasons, personal growth Summary In this engaging conversation, Grand Master Rinaldo F. Magliano Jr. shares his personal journey into Freemasonry, reflecting on his upbringing, the influence of his father, and the pivotal moments that led him to join a lodge....

A conversation with RWB Ray Choinard and his journey to Masonry. Part of the CT CME series of content on what it means to be a Mason.

In this podcast I converse with RWB Mark Hawkins, the Grand Senior Deacon and the prospect manager for the entire Blue Wave Project. We discuss best practices and how lodges can be successful with the program.

The Committee on Masonic Education hosted an online seminar that covered a variety of topics, from membership to lodge management to mission effectiveness. The core was four questions for eight very worthy brothers. It is easy to share a part of this with your lodge as a module of lodge instruction, like a lodge talk.

I speak here with Bro. Tony Gilbert, who is with the Masonic Medical Research Institute. I learn more about the organization, its roots and what it is working on right now. You can learn more at https://www.mmri.edu/ or email Tony at tgilbert@mmri.edu to help support their great mission.

Kyle Podpolucha is a rising leader in the fraternity who has been tasked with reinvigorating the Child ID charitable program, which provides resources to families free of charge to be able to locate their child if something terrible happened and they disappeared. There are hundreds of thousands of cases inthe United States each year and this program aims to help recover children when the worst hap...

On this episode we talk about Brother Ken's experience joining Masonry. Ken is the head Chef of Krust Pizza in Middletown and owner of Ritual Pizza, where you can find his pop up happen at breweries and parties around CT. 

This is the audio track from our Committee for Masonic Education of the Grand Lodge of Connecticut. I hope you get some value out of these presentations on membership attraction and retention, using the legal side of Masonry properly and creating great events. It was recorded on Zoom, so the audio quality is so-so, but we are happy to be able to share this with all of you.

RWB Steven Allinson and WB Chris Ozog worked very hard to bring the language up to date in the instructional booklets we have distributed for years. You will find the newest versions on Grand View for members. There are five of them: 1-Accepted (once petition is approved) 2-EA, 3-FC, 4-MM and 5-Historical Information about the degrees. All of these are a great way to structure your lodge of instru...

Brother Benjamin Valinsky was recently raised to the sublime degree last April and now shares his thoughts as he transitions to the full wages of a Master Mason.

Sometimes we forget about what it was like to be a Fellowcraft. We see a number of degrees and they often run together. There is nothing like your first degree. I chat with Bro. Ben Valinsky, a member of Ouroboros No. 151 on his progress and what it is like to pass through the degree process at an especially strange time (COVID-19).

It is not easy to get your lodge trustee account on track. We have lodges that have ancient accounts and there are often changes in leadership that can lead to confusion. Bro. Andrew Boone of Hiram Lodge No. 1 and UBS talks to us about how we can approach setting our lodges into a more advantageous place financially. 

The role of the Marshall can be difficult to pin down. Sometimes, we find it as the beginning of the line, or it can be a place for a revered past master. However that role is defined, it is important to have the Marshall of your lodge contributing in a meaningful way to the life of your brothers. We discuss many of the options and the history of the position.

Many Junior Wardens worry about what they are going to produce for meals when they are feeding the lodge. As intimidating as this can be, RWB Jason Morse talks to us about how he did that job for two years at his mother lodge. We also explore the concept of a Festive Board and how that can be a fun alternative to traditional lodge dinners.

There are lots of ways that we can be nervous as we approach out time in the East. RWB James M. Anderson, the Deputy Grand Secretary, talks us through his process for coaching incoming masters so that they can be effective and relaxed at the same time. Jim is a valuable asset to the Fraternity and his wisdom continues to help many Worshipful Masters as they prepare to lead their lodges.