The Weight of a Masonic Ring

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

WB Adam Thayer

This evening, I had the pleasure of editing a paper for fellow Midnight Freemason Bill Hosler, which discussed the history of his Masonic ring, and it got me thinking about my own ring, and the cost associated with it. Everything in life has what economists call an opportunity cost; that is, what is given up for what you receive. The easiest example is buying a cup of coffee: the opportunity cost is the money you pay to receive that life-giving goodness.

Our rings come with an opportunity cost. Of course, it’s easy to give a dollar amount to my ring (it wasn’t very expensive, but in case my wife is reading I’m not going to admit exactly how much), but it has cost me much more than just the money I spent on the afternoon I bought it.

Over the years, my ring has cost me quite a lot in dues payments to different lodges and other bodies. My ring has obviously cost me many evenings away from my family. It has cost me thousands of hours spent studying ritual work when I would have much rather been rotting my brain with television. It’s cost me biting my tongue when some idiot at the grocery store is annoying me, because if I said what I wanted to everybody would know that it was a Freemason who said it. It has forced me to re-examine who I am, and to make changes for who I hope to be one day. Without exaggerating, it literally cost my old identity, who had to die to make room for who I am becoming.

When I first bought this ring, if I had known the cost that came with it, would I have still purchased it? Since the ring is just a symbol, a reminder to me of my obligation, I suppose the question would be better worded thusly: when I first signed my petition, if I had known the cost that came with it, would I still have petitioned? I believe I would have, because the opportunity cost is far outweighed by the benefits that came from it, however I must admit that if the fraternity had been pitched to me in that way I would have definitely paused a bit longer before signing my name.

Even more noteworthy than the cost of my ring is its weight. My Masonic ring weighs 8 grams, according to my kitchen scale, but of course this tidbit of information is only interesting to the most obsessive jewelers among you, and “weight” in this instance is yet another symbol, because the true weight of my ring is unbearably heavy for a man to maintain by himself.

My ring comes with the weight of all of the brothers who came before me; I owe it to them to represent them well to the current generation, and to ensure that the solid foundations that they built are maintained for future generations to enjoy. It is weighed down with an obligation which demands I constantly seek improvement, leaves no room for excuses, and provides for the stiffest of penalties (symbolic though they may be).

I find that often, while I’m writing, I turn to the wisdom of The Beatles, and this instance is no exception; the second side of Abbey Road contains one of my favorite pieces of music, which is nearly sixteen minutes long (even if it’s listed as separate tracks, it’s really one large one), and contains some of the deepest lyrics that they ever wrote. In the middle of this fantastic medley are a few words that come back to haunt me in my darkest hours: boy, you’ve got to carry that weight a long time.

~AT

WB. Bro. Adam Thayer is the Senior Warden of Lancaster Lodge No. 54 in Lincoln (NE) and a past master of Oliver Lodge No. 38 in Seward (NE). He’s an active member in the Knights of Saint Andrew, and on occasion remembers to visit the Scottish and York Rites as well. He continues to be reappointed to the Grand Lodge of Nebraska Education Committee, and serves with fervency and zeal. He is a sub-host on The Whence Came You podcast, and may be reached at adam@wcypodcast.com. He will not help you get your whites whiter or your brights brighter, but he does enjoy conversing with brothers from around the world!

An Old Friend Returns

by Midnight Freemason Managing Editor

Robert H. Johnson

When I became a Freemason back in 2007 (became an EA), I was a hard working guy who worked with my hands, winter or summer, cold or hot. I was outside 8 hours a day, 5 days a week. This is no big deal to many of you reading this, as I'm sure many of you are the same. When I finally became a Master Mason, I was still in that job and I wanted ring, but one that would withstand ANYTHING.

Enter the world of stainless steel rings. The market is flush with them now, but back then, there was really one dude who was the genesis of the trend, Bro. Gordon Spurlock. My lodge had a custom ring with him, and it was only $100. I know, now days, you can get a ring for about $25 if you really want to.

But this one was made by a bro, cut from steel, hollowed, ground, and the individual iconography placed and glued by hand. I liked that touch. I bought it and wore it every day. It had been "gold fired" as well, but that wore off after a year. That thing got beat to hell on the regular. Being steel, it even saved my finger from a few incidents.

About three years ago I started a new gig and started working in the office. I became a little more Masonic, I gained weight. All kidding aside, that ring became too tight to wear. Being steel, I can't resize it either. Insert long story about inspirational healthy living here. I was walking around the house last week and my current ring was noticeably loose. I thought, "Huh, I wonder if my old ring would fit again."

Turns out, it did. I smiled, and kept it on. It's nice to have it back.

Oh, I almost forgot, "Points Out" ;)

~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.

My Masonic Ring - A History

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

Bill Hosler, PM

There are thousands of designs and variations in Masonic rings. Much like a fingerprint, each ring is as distinct and different from the next as the individual who wears it on his finger. From an inexpensive ring made of a dull material to a custom ring of fourteen karat gold designed by its owner, to an heirloom passed down through a family for generations, a Brothers ring not only tells the world he is a member of the world's oldest fraternity but also tells a little about the man himself. Each ring has its own story, and listening to these stories can be quite fascinating. Each one, no matter cost of the ring to the owner, is priceless, because of its story and what the ring signifies. 

My ring is no different. In 2002, after my petition for membership was voted upon and my degree work scheduled, I began to look at Masonic rings. I must have sent away for every Masonic catalog I could find. Sitting alone at night, I would look through each one like a kid at Christmas time. I would look at each ring and dream of how it would look on my hand. Finally, after months of debate, I settled upon a design. In my mind, it would be the perfect ring for me to display my pride of being a member of the Fraternity. 

In October of 2002 I was finally raised to the Sublime degree of a Master Mason. The next morning I went to a local jeweler who also happened to be a member of my new lodge and placed the order for my ring. I took the catalog to the jeweler with me so I could show him the exact ring I wanted, and so there wouldn't be any mistake.  It was a large gold ring with a big blue stone. The Brother smiled (I'm not sure if he smiled because of my enthusiasm or because he made a sale) and he assured me it would be perfect when it arrived…in three weeks. 

THREE WEEKS! How in the world would I subdue my passions for three weeks until my new beauty arrived? I kicked myself for waiting so long in ordering my ring. I finally convinced myself that waiting to receive my ring after my Master Mason degree was much easier than waiting to wear a ring I had in my possession for months before I was entitled to wear it. 

After a very long and tortuous twenty one days, I got a call from my jeweler telling me my ring had arrived and I could finally pick it up. I'm sure it really wasn't like this in real life but when I look back at that moment in time my memory goes to an event in a movie; I remember looking at my new ring with an angelic type heavenly choir singing in the background, and as I moved my fingers the rays of light which appeared from the Grand Lodge above made it sparkle.  It had finally arrived. 

Like a young girl who had just received an engagement ring, I walked around thinking everyone was looking at my new status symbol. The Brethren of my lodge complimented my purchase. One of the Brothers complimented it (I think) by saying “Oh my, it is really…large.”  Ok, so it was a little showy, but I felt that the purpose of such a piece of jewelry so that the world would know I was a member of the world's greatest fraternity. 

After several years of wear, my beautiful, shiny ring began to lose its luster. Wearing it twenty four hours a day garnered nicks in the gold. The blue stone received several chips in the cuts of the facets and some of the enamel in the middle of the square and compass had fallen out. I had also began to lose some weight, and my well fitting ring now was too loose, and I even considered not wearing it for fear it would slip off and become lost. While I'm sure I was the only one to see these flaws, in my mind they were glaring. I decided that once I became Master of my lodge, I would consider replacing this ring with a Past Masters ring. 

In the fall of 2006 while I was Senior Warden of my lodge, I attended the Indiana Masonic Home Festival in Franklin, Indiana. It was a beautiful day. I got to visit many friends I rarely was able to see since we all lived so far apart across the state. After a long day, I was sitting down to rest when I heard a familiar voice and a hand upon my shoulder. Standing behind me was my friend and Brother James Barkdull, Grand Master of Masons in Indiana and Carl Cullman, then the Grand Photographer for the Grand Lodge. 

The three of us started talking. It had been a fine day and we all commented on the success of the day's event. Brother Barkdull asked me if I would do him a favor. Of course I agreed; Most Worshipful Barkdull was a good friend, and one doesn't say no to a Grand Master. 

Brother Barkdull asked me if I had heard of the song “Masonic Ring” by Brother Howie Damron. At that point in my life I had not heard it yet. Jim told me about it and how they wanted to get photographs of brothers shaking hands to show show on the screen while the song played at the next Grand Lodge session. We started shaking hands for the camera but Brother Cullman suggested we switch rings. Apparently the swap would make the picture better. 

I gave Grand Master Barkdull my ring and I put on his. It was a simple gold ring, average size, and fit me perfectly. Once the photos were taken, we were commenting on how we liked each other's ring more than the ring we wore to the festivities. Jim suggested “Why don't we swap rings until I install you as Worshipful Master in a few months.” In my mind it was a great idea. I would wear this ring which I preferred, and once I was Master I would look into getting my Past Master ring. It was the perfect plan. 

Over the next few months I really hated the idea of giving up that ring.  Pardon the pun, but the Grand Masters ring fit me like a glove. It was beautiful, and I didn't need to worry I would lose it because it was too loose. And I must admit, it felt good when a couple of Brethren I knew who had aspersions to be Grand Master someday were green with envy at the thought of me possessing the Grand Master’s ring. 

In December, the date arrived in which I was to be seated into the Oriental Chair of my lodge.  Grand Master Barkdull had agreed nearly a year before to install me as Master. It was a great honor.  The evening went very well. I was the first new Worshipful Master of my lodge in nearly six years. It was a great celebration!

Once I was in my chair in front of the group assembled, Grand Master Barkdull and I told the audience about our little swap. Jim asked me if I wanted my old ring back or did I want to make our swap permanent. With a smile on my face I agreed to the permanent swap. I have worn that same ring since then. Several years later, Jim told me he had picked up the ring from a pawn shop in Elkhart Indiana. I never asked him what he paid for it but I'm sure it wasn't a lot.

I never did purchase a Past Masters ring or any other Masonic ring. I will always treasure the ring I have. To me, it also proves that behind every piece of Masonic ring there is a story, and that the sentiment behind the piece makes it more valuable than the precious metals it was made from.

~BH

WB Bill Hosler was made a Master Mason in 2002 in Three Rivers Lodge #733 in Indiana. He served as Worshipful Master in 2007 and became a member of the internet committee for Indiana's Grand Lodge. Bill is currently a member of Roff Lodge No. 169 in Roff Oklahoma and Lebanon Lodge No. 837 in Frisco,Texas. Bill is also a member of the Valley of Fort Wayne Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite in Indiana. A typical active Freemason, Bill also served as the High Priest of Fort Wayne's Chapter of the York Rite No. 19 and was commander of of the Fort Wayne Commandery No. 4 of the Knight Templar. During all this he also served as the webmaster and magazine editor for the Mizpah Shrine in Fort Wayne Indiana.

True Or False? The Legend Of Harry Truman's Silver 33rd Degree Ring

by Midnight Freemasons Founder

Todd E. Creason

There has always been a rule that 33rd degree rings are to be made ONLY of gold.  It caused quite a stir when Frank S. Land, the founder of Demolay, had a ring crafted of silver.  And he wore it! There's no question about it--that's absolutely true.

But years later, a rumor started that Harry S. Truman, after he received his 33rd degree, was seen also wearing a silver 33rd ring.  As a Past Grand Master of Missouri, and a former President of the United States, the idea he would have worn a 33rd degree ring made of anything other than gold caused quite a controversy amongst Scottish Rite Masons.  Some said it simply wasn't true--that Truman never owned or wore anything other than a gold ring.  Others claimed the ring he was seen wearing was actually Frank Land's ring--they were friends.  But Harry's silver ring never turned up, so as time went on most people believed it was probably just a rumor--a myth.  

When I received my 33rd degree in 2011, I asked one of the active members of the Supreme Council about the rumor that Harry S. Truman wore a silver 33rd ring.  I was told very curtly that it never existed.  I was also reminded that in the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, 33rd Degree Masons were to ONLY wear the ring they were given.  I wasn't to even think about buying one of those flashy 33rd rings with the lacquer and diamonds.  There were rules about such things after all.  And there was absolutely no evidence what-so-ever that Truman ever owned, wore, or had a ring like that made.  

Case closed.  It's false, right?

Well guess what turned up last December?  That's right.  A silver 33rd degree ring.  Harry S. Truman's silver 33rd degree ring no less!  And we even know now where it came from.  In hindsight, it makes perfect sense.  It was inscribed inside to  Harry S. Truman . . . a gift from Frank S. Land.

The Missouri Lodge of Research's 2016 Truman Lecture will mark the first time that both of those silver rings will be exhibited together.

But what's really odd is just about the time that ring surfaced, something else vanished!  That article I wrote some years ago claiming that ring was most likely a myth because there was no evidence it ever existed.  Odd, huh?

~TEC

Todd E. Creason, 33°, FMLR is the Founder of the Midnight Freemasons blog and is a regular contributor.  He is the award winning author of several books and novels, including the Famous American Freemasons series. He is the author of the From Labor to Refreshment blog.  He is the Worshipful Master of Homer Lodge No. 199 and a Past Master of Ogden Lodge No. 754, where is currently serves as Secretary.  He is the Sovereign Master of the Eastern Illinois Council No. 356 Allied Masonic Degrees.  He is a Fellow at the Missouri Lodge of Research. (FMLR) and a charter member of a new Illinois Royal Arch Chapter, Admiration Chapter U.D.  You can contact him at: webmaster@toddcreason.org 

Square and Compass: The Fraternal Emblem (Updated)

by Midnight Freemason Founder

Todd E. Creason, 33˚

*Editors Note*

This piece originally ran on January 29th, 2011. As I look through the more than 1000 posts we've published, I've had the great honor of reading and yes, editing hundreds of them. As I promised, we'll be taking a look back at some of the posts, to give them a chance to shine again, since we didn't have the exposure back then. Here is one such piece, which I believe captures succinctly the essence of the Square and Compasses or as we sometimes call them, "the lights".

-  R.H. Johnson, Editor

As the emblem of the oldest and largest fraternity in the world, without question, the Masonic Square and Compass is the most recognizable of all fraternal symbols. Because Freemasons are such a diverse group, and the fraternity is international, it’s pretty obvious that we don’t all look alike. We come from different generations, different countries, and different races that speak different languages, and we come from many different religious faiths. The Square and Compass is the way Freemasons have in identifying each other as Masonic brothers. 

As Masons travel about in their daily lives, and we see a stranger wearing a Mason ring or displaying the symbol on the bumper of their car, we know we’ve found a new friend and brother, and all the things that may make us different from one another melt away when we meet as Brothers on the things we share in common.

The Square and Compass is a symbol of the blue lodge, our home lodge. In the great American Midwest, where I’m from, you’ll find a lodge in just about every small town, and usually several lodges in every city. Every Mason belongs to a blue lodge, or symbolic lodge, and it’s there that we receive our first three degrees in Masonry, the 3rd degree, that of Master Mason, being the highest Masonic degree a Freemason can receive. But there are fraternities within the fraternity as well, where a Mason if he so chooses can continue on and receive additional degrees to the Master Mason degree. Each body has it’s own symbol. There’s the Double Eagle of the Scottish Rite. The Crescent and Scimitar of the Shrine. The Triple Tau of the Royal Arch. The Broken Triangle of the Cryptic Masons. The Cross and Crown of the Knights Templar. And many more.

When Freemasons meet as strangers, often through these symbols, we know something about this stranger right up front. We know he is a man of Honor and integrity. That he has been judged by the men that know him best, and been found to be worthy and well-qualified to be a member of our fraternity, by sharing those same universal beliefs and tenets that we all, as Freemasons, share in common. And that he has dedicated himself to the service of his fellow men. 

Freemasons wear those symbols with pride and humility. Pride that they belong to a group who have accepted as a design for living the lessons Freemasonry teaches, and humility that we have been chosen and accepted as a man worthy to share in Masonic fellowship with our brethren, and use our unique skills to the betterment of mankind.

~TEC

Todd E. Creason, 33° is the Founder of the Midnight Freemasons blog and continues to be a regular contributor. He is the author of several books and novels, including the Famous American Freemasons series. He is a Past Master of Ogden Lodge No. 754 (IL), and currently serves as Secretary. He's also a member of Homer Lodge No. 199. He is a member the Scottish Rite Valley of Danville, the York Rite Bodies of Champaign/Urbana (IL), the Ansar Shrine (IL), Eastern Illinois Council No. 356 Allied Masonic Degrees, Charter President of the Illini High Twelve in Champaign-Urbana (IL), and a Fellow of the Missouri Lodge of Research. He was recently awarded the 2014 Illinois Secretary of the Year Award by the Illinois Masonic Secretaries Association. You can contact him at: webmaster@toddcreason.org

Wear It With Pride

by Midnight Freemasons Guest Contributor

S. Jeffrey Baine, 32° 
 

Since becoming a mason 25 years ago, I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in lodge.  My boss at the time I went into lodge saw my enthusiasm for Masonry and at Christmas time gave me a bonus check for the strict purpose of buying a Masonic ring along with some vintage Masonic books.

I went to our local jewelry store found the ring that I liked and purchased it.  I have worn it ever since.  Even though I am no longer employed by that firm, I am extremely grateful for the gesture. People will noticed the ring, say they like it and want to know what type of ring it is (it's a Scottish Rite ring).  And, by the way, I wear it with double headed eagle facing me. 

I also wear a lapel pin, depending on my mood etc.  What happens to be handy will usually decide what pin I wear.  I only wear one pin on my lapel jacket.  I was taught to wear only one pin at a time. I am not knocking people who decorate their jackets with pins. It is interesting to note that people do look at what lapel pin you wear and the jewelry you wear.  They will come up to you and look very closely at the pin and make a remark about it and how they have a family member who belongs or some other type of comment, mostly positive.  However, there have been some negative comments over the years. 

What I am getting at is you never know where you will meet the next Mason on your travels.  I am the first person in my family to join lodge or so I thought.  When my grandfather died, I had a Masonic lapel pin on my suit jacket, which I always do.  A brother in-law to my grandfather came up to me after the funeral and told me that he belonged to a lodge and that he was a Past Master of  that lodge.  It was nice to know that there were other family members that were masons. 

Wear your lapel pins and rings with pride and the next person you meet might just be a member of the fraternity or the next person who wants to join.

~SJB

S. Jeffrey Baine, 32° is a 25 year member and Past Master of Western Star Lodge #240 A.F. & A.M. Champaign, IL, SW of St. Joseph Lodge #970 A.F. & A.M. St. Joseph, IL and a member of Mahomet Lodge #220 A.F. & A.M Mahomet, IL. He is also a member of the Valley Danville A.A.S.R., Champaign Chapter #50 Royal Arch Masons, Urbana #19 Cryptic Masons and Urbana #16 Knights Templar and The Masonic Society.

 

UPDATE Masonic Rings: Points In Or Points Out?

by Midnight Freemasons contributor

Todd E. Creason, 33°

Several weeks ago, Brian Schimian and I wrote a piece together called Masonic Rings: Points In Or Points Out.  To say it was well recieved would be an understatement--I've been doing this since 2007, and I can say I've never seen anything like it before.  It was all over Facebook, and Twitter, and I couldn't even begin to guess how many emails I got from all over the USA.  Everyone had a thought about how Masonic rings should be properly worn.

Brian and I knew it was a good discussion topic, because the subject had come up more than once during group discussions on Facebook, and it always led to an entertaining exchange between the points up Masons and the points down Masons.  All it good fun, of course.  We thought it would be fun to open up a discussion, and find out what everyone thought, and hopefully learn what some more of these customs were and the logic behind them.  It worked fabulously.

As Brian Shimian and I suspected, there were a lot more customs out there than we thought.  I thought I'd post a few of those customs our readers were good enough to share.  There was a lot of variety but three main schools of thought on the topic emerged.  They are as follows:

1.)  Points in when you are a Master Mason, because that is the way the square and compass first appeared to you.  Points out when you are a Past Master, because that is the view of the square and compass when you present them.

2.)  Points in when you are in lodge.  Points out when you are outside the lodge.

3.)  Points out when you're traveling so that other Masons might recognize you as a Brother.

There was one comment in particular that I really liked.  It wasn't a lodge custom, it was the individual Master Mason's custom.  He said he didn't look at the ring when he put it on in the morning.  He said if it happened to be points in, it meant that on that day, he was going to work on becoming a better man.  If it happened to be points out, he was going to do what he could that day to make the world a better place.  I thought that was a fantastic way of looking at things.

And one Master Mason said you wear your Masonic ring with the sharp points out before coffee, to warn those that might not be aware that it was unsafe to approach.  I pretty sure he was pulling my leg. 

And while so many were willing to share their local customs on how to wear Masonic rings, nobody seemed to think it was particularly important.  One thing that was said over and over in the comments and emails was that it really doesn't matter so long as you wear the ring proudly and that you always present yourself as a good example of what a Freemason is. 

And, of course, that is correct--it really doesn't matter.  Brian and I had come to that conclusion long before we wrote the piece.  Thank you all for participating in our discussion.  It was great fun!

~TEC

Todd E. Creason, 33° is the founder of the Midnight Freemasons blog and continues to be a regular contributor. He is the author of several books and novels, including the Famous American Freemasons series. He is member of Homer Lodge No. 199, and a Past Master of Ogden Lodge No. 754 (IL). He is a member the Scottish Rite Valley of Danville, the York Rite Bodies of Champaign/Urbana (IL), the Ansar Shrine (IL), Eastern Illinois Council No. 356 Allied Masonic Degrees, and Charter President of the Illini High Twelve in Champaign-Urbana (IL). You can contact him at: webmaster@toddcreason.org     

The Lost Ring

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

R.W.B. Michael H. Shirley

      

      My wife once took a survey that asked what her husband’s hobby is or would be. She answered, “collecting Masonic bling.” She’s probably right. I have a box full of pins, tie tacks, cuff links, and name badges that is beginning to get too small. But I’m not given to wearing them all at the same time. I generally stick to a ring, the current Grand Master’s pin, and cuff links when I’m wearing a suit, and a ring at all times. It seems to be the one common thing Masons have when it comes to jewelry: I don’t often meet a Mason who isn’t wearing a Masonic ring. I haven’t been without one since I was raised. I even have a beat up ring I call my “fishing ring,” which I have taken on vacation for the past several summers, except this year.

       Foolishly, I decided that I’d been overly cautious, and didn’t bother changing. So of course, I lost the ring I’d been wearing for years. I don’t know what happened; it apparently just slipped off my hand somewhere. Fortunately, it had no sentimental value, so I wasn’t heartbroken so much as I was annoyed. 

      I also discovered that I just didn’t feel right without a Masonic ring. So when we got back home I went straight to the computer and started hunting on eBay. I knew what I wanted: gold, with a solid back. I figured there’d be a few out there, and there were. After a few days of only mildly obsessive searching, I found an excellent ring at a good price, paid for it, and received it in a very short time. It fit better than the one it replaced, and is in even better condition. I was happy, of course, but what I found surprising was my relief when I put it on. I knew I’d missed my ring, but what I hadn’t figured on, and didn’t really realize until the new one came, was how much a part of me it had become. It wasn’t the particular ring I’d missed: it was the constant external reminder that I am a Mason. 

      Being anonymous can lead to the temptation to try to cut corners, to get away with things; it can lead, in other words, to acting un-Masonically. When I wear my Masonic ring (or drive my car with its Masonic license plates, or wear a lodge polo shirt), I am putting myself out there as a representation of our fraternity. As Most Worshipful Richard L. Swaney, Past Grand Master of Masons in Illinois, put it, “a Masonic license plate makes you a more polite driver.” 

      So my Masonic ring matters. Yes, it’s a nice piece of jewelry, but it’s more than that: it’s a sign to others that I’m trustworthy, a good man. So I’ll keep wearing it as a pledge to myself that I’ll remember what my obligation means and act accordingly. 

~MHS

R.W.B. Michael H. Shirley is the Assistant Area Deputy Grand Master for the Eastern Area for the Grand Lodge of Illinois A.F. & A.M.  He is the Past Master of Tuscola Lodge No. 332 and Leadership Development Chairman for the Grand Lodge of Illinois. He's also a member of the Illinois Lodge of Research, the Scottish Rite, the York Rite, Eastern Star, and the Tall Cedars of Lebanon. He's also a member of the newly-chartered, Illini High Twelve No. 768 in Urbana-Champaign. The author of several articles on British history, he teaches at Eastern Illinois University.