Observing The Craft - WB Andrew Hammer

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

W.B. Gregory J. Knott

Observing the Craft was written by WB Andrew Hammer, Past Master of Alexandria-Washington

Lodge No. 22 in Virginia.

This book is a riveting review of Freemasonry in the United States today. Hammer takes on the issues that the craft faces in a direct manner including; ritual, distractions - other Masonic bodies, dress, the festive board, the pursuit of excellence etc.

In all of the issues that he addresses, he advocates that Masons should work with a higher determination to make the Craft all that it is capable of being. Hammer doesn’t pretend that his pathway is the only way for Freemasonry, but rather one of the many that Freemasonry can be practiced with.

I seem to think he is challenging us to consider the origins and true purpose of the craft, to set our aspirations and goals at a much higher standard than many lodges practice today.

According to WB Hammer:

“There are some things in life that cannot be made of a lesser quality nor sold at a lesser price, even if the seller should become less prosperous as a result. A teaching in the Jewish tradition declares that even if there is not one person to worship the Almighty, the value and glory of the Almighty nonetheless remains intact and the Almighty continues to exist. Dear brethren, the value and glory of Freemasonry exists of whether or not we are ten or ten million. Let us not call out the Mystic Angel Freemasonry from the Holy of Holies so that it my abused by the unworthy.”

This book serves as a guide for a Masonic revitalization of your lodge. Be prepared to have your notions of what Freemasonry can be challenged and thus in turn, to challenge yourself to a commitment of self-improvement of the individual and Freemasonry as a whole.

I had the privilege to hear WB Hammer speak at the 2013 banquet of The Masonic Society during Masonic Week. Just as in his writings, as a speaker he does not disappoint.

More information on Observing the Craft may be obtained at WB Hammer’s website observingthecraft.com and his book can be ordered through Amazon.


~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), and Homer Lodge No. 199 (IL). He's a member of both the Scottish Rite, and the York Rite, and is the Charter Secretary of the Illini High Twelve Club in Champaign-Urbana. He's also a member of the Ansar Shrine (IL) and the Eastern Illinois Council No. 356 Allied Masonic Degrees. He holds membership also in The Masonic Society, The Scottish Rite Research Society and the Philalethes Society. Greg is very involved in Boy Scouts--an Eagle Scout himself, he serves the Grand Lodge of Illinois A. F. & A. M. as their representative to the National Association of Masonic Scouters.

Author Updates

I had a very busy weekend, and a busy week coming up, so The Midnight Freemason may be a little light on content this week.  I usually type those blog entries up over the weekend and schedule their release throughout the week.  Didn't happen last weekend.  But I thought I'd give you a few updates on my projects.

-A Shot After Midnight, my second novel, and a sequel to One Last Shot, is through the first editing round, and that process was a monster.  It should be easier going forward.  It's right on schedule for a Spring 2012 release.  I'm not planning on giving out many details about it, or what it's about until we're closer to release.  I will tell you I plan on enlisting the talent of Brion Sausser again for this book cover. 

-I finished a limited book tour, and I've got some books left over.  If you want autographed copies contact me at webmaster@toddcreason.org and I'll get them out to you.  There aren't a lot, so if you want them, it's on a first-come-first serve basis.  I won't be ordering additional copies.  I'm working on getting a an online store set up on here so you can order autographed copies through Paypal.  I hope to get that up and running over the weekend.

-The Midnight Freemason blog is finally taking off--I think I've finally found a formula that works.  I'm getting tons of emails from all over, and believe it or not, we've got more than 350 Twitter followers!  Thanks for your support.  As I've said many times before, if you run across something interesting you think would be good for The Midnight Freemason blog, send it my way.  As you are undoubtedly aware, I get my material from many sources--keep it coming!

I should be able to get back to regular posts tomorrow.  Sorry for the interuption in service.  In the meantime, I noticed the One Minute Mason has been busy--you can get your trivia fix there until I get caught up.  I also noticed there are a few new podcasts at Whence Came You  you can listen to. 

Thanks again,

~TEC

Booksigning Event: Danville (IL) Public Library October 15, 2011

Jane S. Creason

On Saturday, October 15th, 2011 between 2 PM - 4PM, I'll being doing a very unique booksigning event at the Danville (IL) Public Library.  I'll be there with my mother, who is also a published writer.  She's published two books now--When the War Came to Hannah and The Heron Stayed.  Actually, I come from a long line of writers, which is the theme of the book event at the library--the event is called A Family of Writers. 

Dr. Edwin "Mac" Swengel

My Grandma Betty was the first to publish in the family in 1982.  She was a poet, and published a collection called To Mount a Wind.  Unfortunately, that one is out of print now. It took twenty-five years, but I was next in line with Famous American Freemasons: Volume I (2007) & Famous American Freemasons: Volume II (2009).  Not to be outdone by his grandson, Grandpa Mac published a novel he'd written years earlier in 2010 called The Plainston Chronicles in two volumes. 

Elizabeth "Betsy" Swengel

Then mom published two books she'd been working on for years this spring (2011).  Of course these books are family projects--mom has edited all my books (along with my Aunt Marcia at times).  And my dad often chips in too--he finds these old books about famous Freemasons for my research.  Then I help mom on the technical side--designing fliers, picking book cover concepts, etc.  Of course my wife Valerie gets involved too--she actually designed the cover of A Freemason Said That?

Sadly both of my grandparents are gone now, but we'll have their books at the library.  Should be a fun day.  And Grandpa Mac still has another unpublished book, which should be out at some point in the near future.  Now that's a really neat trick--to continue to publish books posthumously.  We're kind of competitive in this family, and not to be outdone by my grandfather, I'm going to try and publish two books after I go.

If you're in the Danville (IL) area Saturday, drop in.

~TEC

Joint Booksigning: Our Grand Lodge of Illinois

Grand Master Richard Swaney finished his term as Grand Master of Illinois over the weekend. I'd like to thank him on behalf of myself and fellow author Brian "Rooster" Cox for the opportunity of having a booth at Grand Lodge this year.  We had a blast, and it was a great opportunity for us to showcase our work, and talk to a lot of Masons about our books, about writing, and about publishing.  There are a lot of would-be authors out there, and I'm sure after this weekend, I'll be reading a few manuscripts over the next couple months. Ever since I published my first book in 2007, Our Grand Lodge of Illinois has been nothing but supportive of my books, and Grand Master Swaney in particular--in fact, if it weren't for them, and the appendant bodies of Freemasonry, I doubt anyone today would even know I wrote a book at all.  And that same consideration has been extended to Brian Cox, whose excellent novel Seven Knights was published earlier this year.  I have no doubt we'll see Brian's book one day on the big screen. That's the wonderful thing about Freemasonry--it doesn't matter what you want to do or what you're good at, they'll find a way for you to use it, and you are going to find all the help you'll ever need in doing it.  Thank you!

We had a lot of help today. I'll bet when Kevin Wurster
sees this picture, he wishes he'd taken two steps back



We did have fun.  It was said our corner table in the foyer was the noisiest one there--in the entire 172 year history of the Illinois Grand Lodge.  And I have to believe that--there were a couple guys there who were in attendance at that first meeting. Our booth served not only as the writer's area, but also as a daycare center, a place you could leave a hat or apron case, and a gathering place for some of Illinois' most entertaining members (at least they thought so).  I'd like to thank Judy Gordon in particular for bringing over so many people for Rooster and I to meet. And William J. Hussey for taking on the role of carnival barker for our booth.  I do want to make it very clear he is not a paid employee or representive of either author, and regardless of his repeated claims, the cup Rooster's business cards were in wasn't actually the silver chalice of Richard the Lion Hearted and the pen we were signing books with didn't actually belong to Mark Twain.  Thanks to an unfortunate misspelling on the sign marking our booth Friday morning, we repeatedly heard his booming voice announce throughout the foyer "come over here and meet my favorite arthurs!"  He worked cheap though.  He worked both days for a bag of peanut M&M's (well, half a bag. I found them in the men's room).  But he did such a good job, we tipped him. We gave him a pen that once belonged to Mark Twain, but only after he carried all the books to the car, paid our parking, picked up and paid for our sandwiches, and drove the cars around to the door. 

Unfortunately, a few Masonic secrets were inadvertently revealed.  I hope I don't get into trouble for this. If you look at the photograph carefully you'll see something few Freemasons have ever seen--in fact it's been an object of myth and legend.  You've probably seen shows about it on History Channel or Discovery. That's right, clutched tightly in his hand, is the wallet of Sean McBride.  He was a little annoyed when he had to pay cash for our books--we don't accept Royal Arch chapter pennies as currency. As you can see, the appearance of such a mythic relic cause quite a stir with some of the most senior members of our fraternity. Truly a remarkable moment captured on film.



Like fathers, like daughters . . . the next generation of writers?

It was also really fun for Brian and I when our wives and the kids joined us this afternoon for the last couple hours.  The girls had their own coloring station (prime real estate across from the York Rite).  The girls had a great time sitting at their own table.  It was a very fun weekend for all of us.  Thanks again to Our Grand Lodge of Illinois and Past Grand Master Richard Swaney for setting this up for us.

~TEC

Back Amongst Old Friends Again In Pekin: 7/10/10

I spent a great afternoon with my old friends in Pekin this afternoon.  I visited them once before, back in October 2008.  That wasn't too long after I'd published my first book.  Amazingly, they invited me back again!  Once is usually enough for most people.  They had put a lot of work into today's event--everything from the menu, to the patriotic table decorations.  Everything was absolutely perfect.  I think they had a pretty good idea after my last visit what they could expect today, and the decorations certainly showed it.  Get ready to wave your flag--Todd's back in town!

I had a great time last time, so it wasn't hard to talk me into taking the long trek over again.  They have a secret weapon--a very powerful persuasion tool.  His name is Chef Charles.  And once again, Chef Charles didn't let us down. 

This is Chef Charles describing the dishes he had prepared.  He put on a fantastic brunch.  Pork and chicken in wonderful sauces, Masonic beans (green beans for the rest of you), two egg dishes on the breakfast side, salads, braised potatoes, three remarkable desserts (there may have been more, those are the ones I tried.)  I just realized something . . . I missed the biscuits.  There's a whole pile there.  I never tried the biscuits!  I got to go back now!  That in itself is inspiration enough to finish the third and last book in my series. 

Charles set things up very casually--buffet style.  This is my friend the Illustrious Bob Blacketer, 33rd Degree from Danville (in the blue shirt) and I loading our plates.  Bob went with me to keep me company on the long drive over.   The only thing that could have made that buffet better would have been plates the size of hubcaps. 

I'm a very special guest, so of course, I had my own wait-staff.  Just kidding, these are girls from the Pekin Bethel--and believe me, there are a lot of waitresses I know of around here that could learn a thing or two from these young women.  The Job's Daughters did a great job keeping the cups filled and the plates cleared.  That wasn't an easy job--there were often multiple trips to the buffet involved.

I don't know what I'm doing here--that's not unusual.  Probably trying to figure out how one of those tricky ink pens work or something.  But the lady standing beside me is one of my favorite Pekin friends--Theodora.  She's a very funny lady, and I'd always wondered where she got her unique name.  Here I am meeting her father, Theodore.  I discovered he knows a thing or two about history as well.  He took me to task today.  I'm still hoping one day, Theodora will tell me how she got that name.  Maybe I should ask Theodore. You think?

   

After lunch I did my thing--gave that history talk.  They seemed to enjoy it, but I've always been a better writer than speaker.  So today, I decided instead of relying solely on my own stellar speaking skills, I'd bring along a surprise guest, and a truly remarkable orator.  When I was done, I introduced my friend.  It's not every day I get to introduce the Freemason that was the very first man I profiled in my first book--General George Washington. 

I think his entrance had the anticipated impact.  It was a complete surprise.  Only two people in Pekin knew he was coming--Ray and Judy.  Ray had seen pictures of Washington's visit to Ogden Lodge during our Past Master's dinner, and asked what the chances were of getting him to visit Pekin.  Pretty good, I'd say!  And they kept it a secret--of course Masons are supposed to be good at that, right?

Washington's oratory is mesmerizing.  He talks about his growing up, the Revolution, his family, and about his Masonic affiliations.  I've heard him speak before, and every time, it puts a knot in my throat, and makes me proud to be an American all over again.

I'd have to say, one of my favorite parts of Washington's oratory is his presentation of the flag.  It's the climax of his presentation, and it takes the listeners back to his day, and reminds us all what that flag actually means from the man that first fought for it. 

One interesting note--my friend Bob Blacketer totally missed Washington's oratory today--again!  I've seen Washington several times now, and I've been with Bob every time, but oddly enough, every time Washington shows up, Bob's either in the restroom, or outside making a call.  It's like Clark Kent every time Superman shows up.  Odd, isn't it?

Afterwards, I signed a ton of books, and there was picture taking going on.  These two wanted a picture.  This is Judy, and Lena (that's Theodora's daughter!)  All I said was, "Okay, but let's not do that whole bunny-ears thing . . ."    I should have known better, considering the source of one (Theodora) and my experience on Facebook with Judy since I met her and her husband Ray the first trip I made to Pekin.  I have a way of bringing out the best in people, don't I?  I was really, really trying to be on my best behavior!  It's not easy for me.  I was only about two clicks of the camera away from joining in.  You can see that, right?

Today was a very good example of what I enjoy most about our fraternity.  A good meal, meeting new friends, and joking around with some I've met before.  If I hadn't joined this fraternity in 2005, I wouldn't know anyone from Pekin, or Peoria, or Lincoln, or Kankakee, or Lawrenceville, Olney, Mattoon . . . on and on.  But this isn't just a fraternity--this is family.

Thanks again for inviting me.  I'll be back. 

On the Road Again: Pekin Chapter #25

On Saturday July 10, 2010, Pekin Royal Arch Chapter #25 will present its 2nd Annual Dinner & Booksigning for Worshipful Brother Todd E. Creason.  Brother and Chef Charles Robertson will be serving another gourmet brunch, that you don't want to miss.  Todd will speak about his books, and American history . . . and he'll be accompanied by a very special guest!

The brunch will be served at 2 PM and is $15, and will be served at the Pekin Masonic Temple, 338 Elizabeth Street, Pekin, IL.  You MUST RSVP by July 2, 2010 to Ray Gordon (309) 353-4241 or email him:  gordon@grics.net

This is a fun event, you don't want to miss.  I'll also be introducing for the first time a new edition of my book that's not yet available yet--it's both Volume I & Volume II in one compact edition.  Hope to see you there.  TEC

Mattoon Lodge No. 260: Past Master's Dinner 10/28/09

Todd Creason and Grand Master of Illinois Richard Swaney

It’s always great fun to visit other lodges, and the trip I made to Mattoon to speak at their Past Master Dinner was especially enjoyable. I was invited by their Worshipful Master, Ken McDonald. Ken is a certified lodge instructor, and we met some months ago when he visited Ogden as an instructor for one of our worker’s clubs. He’s not only a very nice guy, but he’s an excellent instructor—very tough, but it was one of the best sessions I’d ever attended. I couldn’t believe it when he called me a few days later and invited me to speak in Mattoon.

Ogden Lodge Secretary and Past Master, Denver Phelps, accompanied me. He’s not only our Secretary, but also our former District Deputy Grand Master, and our current Assistant Area Grand Master. Denver is a lot of fun on a car trip, so we had lively conversation on the way down and back—and it’s not every day, you can get your AAGM to roadie for you. He helped me haul in books and set up my table.

This event was especially fun because our new Grand Master was in attendance. Grand Master Richard Swaney had just been installed a couple weeks earlier at our Grand Lodge session, so this was one of his first official events as Grand Master. Denver and I got to sit up at the head table with him over dinner, and he’s a lot of fun to talk to. His speech certainly eclipsed mine—his jokes were certainly a lot funnier. He seemed to really like my brand new quote book—I sent him home with the only copy I had of A Freemason Said That? Great Quotes of Famous Freemasons (see picture).

The event was well planned, and well attended. I think that’s my favorite kind of event to speak at, because it’s a way lodges say thank you to their Past Master’s. I noticed in the program, that Mattoon was honoring living PM’s going back to 1958. I met several of them—each a link in the Mattoon Lodge chain that goes back more than 150 years. Mattoon Lodge No. 260 is actually older than the city of Mattoon itself I later read—they were chartered before the city itself. Worshipful Bro McDonald did a great job planning the event down to the last detail—he even had an pianist/organist there who played music written by famous Freemasons—Mozart, John Philip Sousa, Sibelius, Liszt, etc.

I also met a history professor from Eastern Illinois University—Brother Michael H. Shirley. I wish I’d met him two or three years earlier—he would have been an excellent resource to tap when I was researching my books. Definitely somebody I’ll be talking to in the future. Bro. Shirley is also the Leadership Development Chairman for the Grand Lodge of Illinois.

It never ceases to amaze me how you can go into a group of strangers, and because you have one thing in common, being a Mason, you are instantly amongst a group of friends. On the back of the program where listed ten reasons to become a Mason—number three really struck home. It said, “A Masonic Lodge is a place to meet outstanding individuals from all walks of life, that a person would not otherwise have had the opportunity to know and call brother.”

The Valley of Danville Feast of Tishri

From Danville, Illinois: 9/12/09

Todd was invited to speak at the Valley of Danville’s Feast of Tishri. It was a very special invitation for Todd. He became a 32º Mason at the Valley of Danville, and the Valley of Danville had taken a very active role in helping him promote his first book. As if that weren’t enough, the Valley of Danville had honored him as the “2009 Mason of the Year.” Todd was grateful for the opportunity to finally thank the members of the valley in person.

After a delicious meal, Todd gave a brief speech, and then tried something totally different. He challenged the audience with trivia questions. The Danville crowd knew their history well, and it turned into a lively competition. It was a memorable evening.

Suit Up for the Illinois Council of Deliberation in Bloomington!

From Bloomington, Illinois: 6/27/09

Todd was invited to speak at the annual meeting of the Illinois Council of Deliberation in Bloomington, Illinois. It was the first time he had worn a tux since he was married, but he was glad he went to the effort. He was surprised to learn that he was dining at the head table with Grand Master of Illinois, Daniel C. Yandell and his wife, as well as the Grand High Priest Richard Yena and his wife, and the Illustrious Commander-in-Chief of the Illinois Council of Deliberation Lee B. Lockwood, 33º.

Since it was so close to the Fourth of July, Todd’s speech was focused on celebrating America, and how Freemasons had not only helped to found our nation, but had also shaped our uniquely American culture.

Afterwards, he signed copies of Famous American Freemasons, and took preorders for Famous American Freemasons: Volume II due out in July 2009. And of course, he never misses an opportunity to promote, announcing the soon-to-be-released book of quotes “A Freemason Said That? Great Quotes of Famous Freemasons” scheduled for release in Fall 2009.

Creason Visits Historic Catlin Lodge No. 285

From Catlin, IL: 3/7/09

Todd and Valerie were invited to join the members of Catlin Lodge No. 285 at a Past Master’s Dinner. After an enormous meal of fried chicken with all the fixings, and home-made desserts, Todd spoke to the audience from the 113 year old stage of the Catlin Opera House—one the first floor of Catlin Lodge No. 285. He talked about the long 150-year tradition of Masonry in Catlin, the history of Masonry in America, and ended with some interesting history he dug up about Catlin Lodge No. 285. The building, as it stands today, looks just like the photograph above taken in the 1940s. The Opera House itself underway a major renovation by the members of the lodge, and continues to be a community meeting place, as it has been since it was built in 1896.

An interesting note, the Lodge held its first meeting in the “new” building the week after another Freemason, William McKinley, was inaugurated President of the United States.

The following is reprinted, in part, from the Catlin Historical Society webpage:

“In the year of 1858 the Catlin Lodge No.285 received their Charter from the Grand Lodge of the state of Illinois of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. The Lodge was organized on the 7th day of October 1858, with the first Worshipful Master being Dr. Allen Latham. In the beginning they were located in the old frame school building on the cur-rent Catlin Park grounds. This frame building was later condemned as unfit for children, the brick structure which we refer to as the old grade schoolwas then built on the same site. In the late 1890’s the members started to consider building a two-story building of their own.

In 1896 lot #19 in the Layton McDonald Second Addition to the village of Catlin was purchased for $135.00 and construction began. The Masonic building, better known as the Opera House still stands on North Sandusky Street. For many years the first floor was used for community activities, such as school plays, home talent plays, medicine shows, movies and even basketball.

In 1914 the Lodge had a curtain made for the stage. Local Catlin and Danville business advertisements were sold and placed on the curtain. In later years the curtain was removed and the Catlin Historical Society be-came caretakers of this large piece of Mason history. Last year the Society, whom regrettably had no area large enough to display, returned the curtain to its rightful owners and once again it hangs on the Masonic stage. Its showing age but still looks great! “

Catlin Lodge will be marking their 150th Anniversary with a re-dedication ceremony this Fall.

Gourmet Meal, Fun and Fellowship in Pekin Wrap-Up the Last Event

Todd with Grand High Priest Richard Yena

From Pekin, IL: 10/30/08

This was the last stop in my promotion tour for Famous American Freemasons: Volume I, and I couldn’t have picked a better place to do! There was a good turn out, I met a lot of interesting people, and saw a lot of familiar faces of friends I’d met in other places. The meal was absolutely fabulous. I’ve never seen a three course gourmet meal served in a Masonic Lodge before.

1st course—Apple and Butternut Squash Soup
2nd course—Duo of Pan Seared Chicken Breast with Pomegranate-Balsamic Glaze and Roasted Pork Loin with Apricot, Pumpkin Risotto, and Braised Autumn Greens
3rd course—Chocolate Mousse

And the service was impeccable. The Job’s Daughters were in charge of the service, and did a terrific job of serving drinks, bringing out the meal, and picking up the plates.

The organizers of the Pekin Dinner did a great job of coming up with a very unique event. They wanted an event that might get past active members interested in being more active again, get potential members interested in joining, but also something just about everyone could enjoy. They even raffled off copies of the book.

My compliments to the Chef! I’d like to especially thank Kevin Wurster for doing so much to organize the event. Thanks to the Job’s Daughters for doing such a good job, and to the volunteers who helped prepare and clean up. And special thanks also to Judy Gordon for taking so many great pictures.

I hope those that attended Pekin enjoyed my presentation as much as I enjoyed being there.

Sincerely,

Todd E. Creason

Creason Interview to Air on CNN Headline News

From Chicago, IL: 9/17/08

Todd E. Creason was recently interviewed by award winning news anchor Paul Lisnek for ComCast Newsmaker about his book “Famous American Freemasons.” He talked about famous Americans throughout history that were Masons as well as talking about what Masonry is, and how somebody interested in Masonry would go about joining the fraternity. His interview was the last one in a series of nine interviews that focused on different aspects of Masonry.

The five minute interview will air on CNN Headline News on ComCast cable between October 13 – 19 at 24 and 54 minutes past the hour. Todd’s spot will come up in rotation about four times a day for the entire week.

Todd Speaks at Second Author Event Sponsored by the Bridgeport York Rite Bodies

From Lawrenceville, IL: 8/23/08

Brother Todd E. Creason was invited to speak at an author dinner sponsored by the Bridgeport York Rite Bodies on Saturday August 23th. It was held at Callahan's Restaurant in Lawrenceville, IL for husbands, wives and families. After a social hour and book signing, a delicious dinner, and a hilarious introduction entitled "Only In America" given by the always entertaining Brother Bill Hussey, Todd gave a short talk about Freemasons in American history.

He also spoke about Freemasonry, and what it has meant to him, and how he was inspired by his experiences in the fraternity into writing a series of books. Todd often comments after these events that he is continually surprised by how much the average Freemason knows about American history. As a whole, Masons are very well connected to their history, which is probably much of the reason there has been such interest in his book. As usual, Todd learned a few things he didn't know, and got a few ideas that he will most likely work into his book.

Todd was especially honored to be asked to speak at the event, because he knew many of the members from his membership in the Scottish Rite Valley of Danville. In fact, the event was the very first event he was asked to do after he published his book. He also had a chance to visit with some of the members that only a few short months earlier had participated in putting on the Commandery Degrees in nearby Olney, IL where Brother Creason became a Sir Knight along with about twenty more individuals.

This is the second author event put on by the Bridgeport York Rite Bodies--the first event featured Christopher Hodapp, the author of the popular "Freemasonry for Dummies."

Todd E. Creason Speaks In Lincoln, IL.

From Lincoln, IL: 7/29/08

On Tuesday, July 29th, Brother Todd E. Creason spoke to an audience of Masons at Lincoln Lodge No. 210. He arrived in town just before the weather did. A severe thunderstorm hit Lincoln moments after he got there, but there was still a good crowd that braved the weather attended the event. Todd joked at the beginning of the speech that he’d like to thank the community leaders of Lincoln for the terrific reception—apparently nobody had ever heralded his arrival to an event by setting off the storm sirens before.

In the speech Creason explained about how he came to author, compile and publish his newly released book "Famous American Freemasons." Creason also shared with the group as to what induced him to become a Mason and how his love for history inspired him to unite the two passions into what will is the first of three volumes. He also spoke briefly about his involvement with the 32nd Degree Masonic Learning Centers for Children and stressed the importance of the work that organization does. Afterwards Creason shared refreshments with the group and answered questions while signing books.

The event was co-sponsored by Lincoln Lodge No. 210 and Mt. Pulaski Lodge No. 87, and Todd would like to thank the brethren of these two lodges for inviting him. There were several other lodges in attendance including DeWitt Lodge No. 84, Henderson Lodge No. 820, Morton Lodge No. 352 and Atlanta Lodge No. 165. He hopes that he’ll be invited back upon the publication of the second volume of “Famous American Freemasons.”