Celebrating 300 Years

by Senior Midnight Freemason Contributor

WB Gregory J. Knott

I had the real pleasure of attending the event 300: Freemasonry’s Legacy, Freemasonry’s Future that was hosted by The Masonic Roundtable on June 24, 2017.   Held at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial (GWMNM) in Alexandria, Virginia, over 125 brothers from around the world were in attendance.

Honestly, I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect, but I was blown away by the amount of planning and the well-executed game plan that was put in place by the TMR brethren.   I have attended numerous conferences and meetings over the years and this one ranked right up there near the top.

The wide range of topics covered were appropriate in both looking back at the past and looking forward to where Freemasonry is headed.   I was extremely intrigued with Jon Ruark’s presentation; What Makes Us Tick? A Deep Dive into Masonic Demographics.  Brother Ruark was following up with his findings on a survey he did in 2016 that asking Masons around the country to weigh in on several topics related to Freemasonry.   

Brother Mark Tabbert wrapped up the event with a keynote speech at the closing dinner that had some awesome food.

At any of these type of events, my favorite part is meeting and talking with brothers from all over the world.   I was particularly pleased to meet a brother from the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Washington DC.  We had both lunch and dinner together and had some great conversations.

This event was laying the foundation of building the future.  I hope the brothers at TMR will host this event again next year and keep both the excitement and momentum moving forward. 

My sincere thanks to the brothers at TMR for all the hard work in putting this event together.  You are making a true difference in Freemasonry.

~GJK

WB Gregory J. Knott is the Past Master of St. Joseph Lodge No. 970 in St. Joseph (IL) and a plural member of Ogden Lodge No. 754 (IL), Homer Lodge No. 199 (IL) and Naval Lodge No. 4 in Washington, DC.  

300 Years - Pt. 1 - On the Road

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

RW Robert H. Johnson

I think we're all keenly aware of the 300 years of Freemasonry were all about to witness. But, in case you aren't...the TLDR is, the United Grand Lodge of England was formed on June 24th, 1717 and Masons around the world are  about to celebrate the 300th anniversary this Saturday, June 24th, 2017. Note* I am aware of the 1721 date as well, so you don't need to email me over it ;)

Two years ago Myself along with the other members of the Masonic Roundtable decided to put on a party for this event. So we planed and are holding the biggest 300 celebration anywhere. We rented out the George Washington Masonic Memorial in Alexandria, VA. We sold tickets, invited speakers and its sure to be a blast.

Before the festivities, I had a busy week. Stated meetings on both Monday and Tuesday and then a flight to Columbus, OH on Wednesday morning. What's in Columbus? York Lodge 563, thats what! I had the honor of being their keynote speaker over their festive board last night which by the way, was a great time. The fellowship and hospitality were amazing. Thanks to Brothers David Rice, David Gizzo and brethren for having me out.

Also meeting me in Columbus however, was Bro. Michael Hambrecht, our "intern" and awesome webmaster for TMR. He and I would share a hotel room and be driving to Alexandria the next day (today...like in 20 minutes!) So he and I have about a 7 hour drive coming up, which is sure to be enjoyable as we talk about all things Masonic, not the Facebook group, just the generalizing of Masonic topics ;)

It's time to grab a bite from that delicious continental hotel breakfast and hit the road. See you in Virginia, brothers!

~RHJ

RWB, Robert Johnson is the Managing Editor of the Midnight Freemasons blog. He is a Freemason out of the 1st N.E. District of Illinois. He currently serves as the Secretary of Waukegan Lodge No. 78 where he is a Past Master. He also serves as the District Deputy for the 1st N.E. District of Illinois. Brother Johnson currently produces and hosts weekly Podcasts (internet radio programs) Whence Came You? & Masonic Radio Theatre which focus on topics relating to Freemasonry. He is also a co-host of The Masonic Roundtable, a Masonic talk show. He is a husband and father of four, works full time in the executive medical industry and is also an avid home brewer. He is currently working on a book of Masonic essays and one on Occult Anatomy to be released soon.

300 Years of Freemasonry

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

RWB Robert H. Johnson

300 years! Or  almost, maybe. The year of the founding of the United Grand Lodge of England or UGLE as we say, was supposedly 300 years ago to the day, June 24th (St. John's Day) 1717. New evidence however might point to a later date of 1721. Regardless of this, the UGLE has decided to have a celebration albeit a bit more private. They have limited space etc. You can find out what they have in store by clicking HERE.

We here in the United States can trace our charters back to the UGLE, so it's kind of our celebration as well. What are we doing to celebrate here in the USA? Well, nothing, as far as I know. So, about a year ago, myself as well as the other brothers from The Masonic Roundtable decided to start planning a 300 party, and we released the plans yesterday. This. Is. Happening. Imagine the biggest Masonic celebration ever, education, forums, vendors and all happening at a highly significant place for all Masons. The George Washington Masonic National Memorial.

You're invited. No exclusivity, no invite only bodies, just Freemasons from around the country, meeting on the level for a wonderful experience.

When: June, 23rd and 24th, 2017
Where: George Washington Masonic National Memorial
Tickets: Click here for ticket information and additional details.

I promise you this will be the biggest most amazing time you will have this year. I know I'll be there, how about you?

~RJ