Short Talk Bulletin

Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by MW Bro Carl H. Claudy, and is brought to us by MW Bro Russ Charvonia, PGM – CA. “…You admit that it is not in the power of any man, or any body of men, to make innovations in the Body of Masonry…” Many Masters and Grandmasters must give assent to this statement during the ceremony of installation; but n...

Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by WBro Edward J. Lewetag, and is brought to us by WBro David Koncz, PM – United #8, Brunswick ME. In this season of Thanksgiving, here we find a story that should reflect well on our gentle Craft from all over the world, and should make our Ohio Masons proud. Enjoy, and do share this and all of these Podcast episodes with your b...

Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by Rev RW Bro Forrest Haggard, PGCh – KS, and first published in May 1964. Here we find an excellent discussion about the perceived disagreements between our gentle Craft and organized religion and how they ultimately agree. Enjoy, and do share this and all of these Podcast episodes with your brothers, your church, and your Lodge...

Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by RW Bro Forrest Haggard, PGCh – KS, and is brought to us by VWBro David Koncz, PM – United #8, Brunswick ME. For much of the history of our gentle Craft, there have been those who say that man cannot serve two masters, and thus Freemasons cannot belong to the Church. Here we have a discussion of this very subject, perhaps...

Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by MW Bro Carl Claudy, and is brought to us by MW Bro Russ Charvonia, PGM – CA. Of all the brothers who have gained renown in our gentle Craft, few have made such an impact as Bro Mackey, who really needs no further introduction. Enjoy, and do share this and all of these Podcast episodes with your brothers and your Lodge.

Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by MW Bro Carl Claudy, and is brought to us by WBro John Rock, Solar Star #14, Bath ME. The pictures which illustrate the emblems of the three degrees, either on a chart on an easel or projected with slides are practically universal in American Freemasonry. The curious uniformity and unquestionably poor art of the vast majority of thes...

Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by MW Bro Bro Conrad Hahn, PES – MSANA, and is brought to us by MW Bro Russ Charvonia, PGM – CA. These are remarks that Bro Hahn made at the Supreme Council 33rd AASR NMJ annual session in Detroit, MI in 1973, and really require no preamble. Enjoy, and do share this and all of these Podcast episodes with your brothers and y...

Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode is by an unknown author, and is brought to us by WBro John Rock, PM – Solar #14, Bath ME. While certainly a Revolutionary War patriot, David Bushnell was not a Mason. He did, however, exemplify the characteristics of an ideal Fellowcraft: acquiring useful knowledge and putting it to use for the greater good. Enjoy, and do share this and all...

Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by MW Bro Stuart Minor, PGM – MD, and is brought to us by WBro John Rock, Solar Star #14, Bath ME. We are bombarded by information on a daily basis, but what of that is useful in the Fraternity? Here we find an excellent discussion, one perhaps even more relevant today. Enjoy, and do share this and all of these Podcast episodes w...

Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by Bro Pat Hart and first published in July 2017. We may serve our gentle Craft in positions of leadership, from Deacons and Wardens through Masters and Grand Masters, over years and decades. We must never forget, however, that the true purpose of leadership is about what comes after. Enjoy, and do share this and all of these Podcast e...

Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written and is brought to us by Bro Phil Pearce, Dallas #182 GA, originally published in the Rhode Island Freemason. We can all agree that Freemasonry exerts a positive influence on many lives, and not just those of its members. Tolerance, however, is a virtue noticeably absent from our rituals, and it is that which is addressed here, and whic...

Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was prepared by the Masonic Information Center, and is brought to us by VW Bro David Koncz, Master – United #8, Maine. Religious extremism in today’s world often begins with splinter groups, who maintain that their adherents must renounce all other beliefs. Freemasonry has come under attack because our gentle Craft encourages members t...

Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin was written and is brought to us by Bro S. Joseph Esshagian, PGO – CA. This Short Talk was originally presented to an assemblage of Masons of all faiths and persuasions, in Jerusalem, during a trip to Israel organized by the Grand Lodge of California. We can all agree that Bro Esshagian’s talk exemplifies what we desperately need more of in the world...

Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast was written by RW Thomas C. Warden, PGCH – MO, and is brought to us by WBro John Rock, Solar Star #14, Bath ME. Scattered throughout the upper and western parts of the United States are immense patterns carved stone, made by long-dead inhabitants of the region. What do they mean? Will some future student of archaeology wonder the same thing about th...

Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by MW Bro Carl Claudy, and is brought to us by Bro David Asherman, Freeport #23, ME. Much ado has been made of attacks on Freemasonry by those from without, largely steeped in ignorance. Some of the most insidious, however, come from within. Here, we find an excellent discussion of why this might be, and what we should do about it. Enj...

Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by MW Bro Carl Claudy, first published in July 1962. Here we find an exploration of the symbolism behind that act which first brings candidates into the Light of Freemasonry. This is a topic that is rarely discussed outside of the ritual, yet one that has deep symbolic meaning that is a valuable part of Masonic education. Enjoy, and do...

Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written and is brought to us by RW Bro David Sandy, PGCh – MD. It has been said that technology is making us dumber and less able to retain information for any length of time. Here we find an explanation and a quite convincing case that Freemasonry is one solution for this problem. Enjoy, and do share this and all of these Podcast episod...

Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by MW Bro Carl Claudy, and was first published in March 1956. This Bulletin illuminates no ritual, explains no allegories or symbols. It does, however, tell the tale of three Masonic chaplains along with incidents that illuminate the vital role these Lodge officers play in the lives of members. Enjoy, and do share this and all of these...

Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by Bro Jim Tresner, first published in July 2018. As many Lodges come out of summer darkness to resume active work, my role as Senior Deacon, as explained to me by RW Bro Harry Grinder (PDDGM 14th, ME), is the best seat in the house. This Short Talk has an excellent explanation of why this is so, and this episode is dedicated to all of...

Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by Rev Dr Bro Joseph Fort Newton, and is brought to us by Bro Phil Pearce from Dallas Lodge #182 GA. The ritual lauds this sublime mathematical expression, but the explanation of WHY Masons everywhere revere it, and what connection it has to Freemasonry and the Great Architect, must be sought beyond just the ritual. Here, we have just...

Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was first published in April 1923, and is by an unknown author. As we settle into the rhythms of autumn, taking a look at one primary focus, Public Education, seems like a good idea. Here we find just that: an examination of the greatest public enterprise in this country; one on which our collective future depends. This episode is dedicated to all...

Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by MW Bro Carl Claudy, and first published in December 1948. What a transformation this old world would witness, and how it would be filled with joy and thanksgiving if men would learn and practice and live by the golden rule. Is it too much to expect? Do we have a role to play? Here we find an excellent discussion of this very topic,...

Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episodes was written by MW Bro James C. Callahan, PGM – CO, and is brought to us by VW Bro David Koncz, PM – United #8, Brunswick ME. In the words of our brother George Washington, “So far as I am concerned, the great purpose of Freemasonry is to promote the happiness of the human race.” What is Freemasonry’s plan for you? Wh...

Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written and is brought to us by RW Bro Rich Van Doren, Past Grand Commander of the Knights Templar Commandery of Massachusetts and Rhode Island and lifetime member of Lake Harriet Lodge #277 of Minnesota. St. George has been known for centuries, but the often murky history makes visitors to the Boston Commandery #2 armory wonder about the magn...

Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written and is brought to us by RW Bro David Sandy, PGCh – MD. The stresses of modern life, as well as the questionable role of masculinity in society leaves many brothers wondering what our role, as Masons, can still bring to our communities. Here, we find an excellent essay discussing this very question. Enjoy, and please do share this...