This series of books sets out to provide for each Officer of a Lodge as accurate as possible a description of Emulation Working as it applies to his office. It is largely derived from the author's earlier book, "Emulation Working Today", which does not slip conveniently into the pocket of a coat or apron, and it therefore aims to remedy that defect. Each book in the series, like its bigger brother, "Emulation Working Today", is intended as a supplement to the "Emulation Ritual" book. It does not claim to be exhaustive as a description of Emulation Working, for in many, if not most, cases the "Emulation Ritual" is quite clear as to the procedure that is to be followed. There are, however, many instances where, despite what might be thought a clear description in the rubric of the Ritual, Brethren commonly fail to carry out the action described in accordance with the practice of Emulation Lodge of Improvement (which, it should not be forgotten, preserves as far as possible the only Craft ritual that has ever been formally approved by the Grand Lodge). There can be various reasons for such failures: sometimes a weak or ignorant Director of Ceremonies or preceptor may have allowed Brethren to fall into careless habits; conversely a strong Director of Ceremonies or preceptor may have enforced his own idiosyncratic views; whichever may be the case, that fickle and shifting concept, the tradition of the Lodge, is usually invoked as justification. Leaving aside such shortcomings in the ritual actions, there are also several "accident black spots" where the wording of the ritual is liable regularly to be rendered inaccurately. The books in this series therefore set out, first, to provide a second bearing where difficulties are known to arise, rather like the geometric principle which enables a surveyor or cartographer to pinpoint a spot by the process of triangulation. It is hoped that the additional and/or alternative descriptions provided in these books will render clearer those procedures which most often defeat Brethren. Secondly, by warning of the "black spots" and providing mnemonics or other strategies to help pass through them safely, this series is aimed at making the task of the various Officers of a Lodge easier. The first book has two short appendices, the first containing a checklist and the second covering techniques for memorising and remembering the ritual. As far as practicable, the books in this series will be factual and descriptive, though the author does occasionally express his own views on matters that some might regard as mildly controversial. As a final observation, and rather an obvious one, the greater amount of detail now shown in the rubrics of the ritual has undoubtedly encouraged Brethren in the view that there is no longer any need to attend a Lodge of Instruction in order to learn the correct method of working. While it is eminently possible - and it is, indeed, the easiest way - to learn the words of the ritual from a book, the actions are a different matter. For them there is ultimately no substitute for the kind of experience to be gained in a Lodge of Instruction. This book will take a Brother part - perhaps even most - of the way but it is not the same as receiving instruction at first hand from a competent preceptor or attending a Lodge of demonstration such as Emulation Lodge of Improvement. The contents for this first book would be: Introduction; General Remarks; The Office of Inner Guard; Opening, Resuming and Closing; First Degree; Second Degree; Third Degree; Installation; Appendix A: Checklist; and, Appendix B: The Immortal Memory.

This book in the series sets out to provide the Senior Deacon with an accurate as possible description of Emulation Working as it applies to his office in a convenient summary which slips handily into the pocket of a coat or apron. This is a vital book for the Brother stepping up from Junior to Senior Deacon. A Deacon is a junior officer in the lodge. In most jurisdictions, a lodge has two Deacons, styled Senior Deacon and Junior Deacon (though First Deacon and Second Deacon are sometimes encountered as an alternative). The principal duties of the Senior Deacon are to conduct candidates around the Lodge and speak for them during certain ceremonies, to assist the Worshipful Master as needed and to carry messages between the Master and the Senior Warden.

This book in the series sets out to provide the Worshipful Master with an accurate as possible description of Emulation Working as it applies to his office in a convenient summary which slips handily into the pocket of a coat or apron. The senior officer of a Masonic Lodge is the Master, normally addressed and referred to as the "Worshipful Master". The Worshipful Master sits in the East of the lodge room, directs all of the business of his lodge, and is vested with considerable powers without further reference to the members. He also presides over ritual and ceremonies. This book is de rigueur for the Brother taking his seat in the East. It includes material on the Master Elect and Master.

This title offers a visual memory system for learning Masonic ritual. It is intended to nurture younger Masonic brethren in learning Masonic ritual. As a head teacher and past university lecturer, the author has applied his research into memory retention to learning Masonic ritual. Ritual in Mind is a short booklet that explores the theory behind visual memory retention techniques and applies this to the working tools of the first three degrees in the Craft to enable brethren to become confident ritualists. Learning Masonic ritual can be a daunting prospect. Ritual in Mind explores a visual memory technique that will improve the ability to learn and recite Masonic ritual. In addition, Ritual in Mind could become an essential text for supporting the mentoring process for Provincial mentoring scheme.

This title is a new volume in Lewis Masonic's new series of practical guides for Lodge officers. In each volume author Richard Johnson takes one of the Lodge offices and gives clear practical advice to those taking on this role for the first time. Each book also serves as a handy reference guide to the role for the more experienced officers. "The Director of Ceremonies" volume also contains useful advice for the Assistant Director of Ceremonies. The Director of Ceremonies role is vital in a Lodge to ensure that everything that happens in a lodge meeting and at the subsequent meal is performed exactly as it should be. As well as looking at general ceremonial practicalities the book also examines out of lodge functions and the important role of man management for the Director of Ceremonies. The book concludes with appendices giving a handy checklist of duties.

The Revd Neville Barker Cryer is approaching 60 years as both an Anglican priest and a Freemason. In "Belief and Brotherhood", he explains why it is possible for a Christian of whatever tradition to hold membership in both these societies. He has taken especial care to address the criticism of two previous Anglican clergy, the Revd Fr. Walton Hannah and the Revd John Lawrence, and to endeavor to provide what the former of these writers called for, 'that no intelligent answer to my case has been ever attempted'. It is hoped that those who have followed in his steps may regard this as intelligent enough. Not surprisingly, in the light of the other books which Cryer has recently written, he has sought to show the relation of the historical origin or development of the Craft to the apparent difficulties of which its opponents speak. It is therefore hoped that non-Masons and Freemasons of whatever personal faith they hold will be able to understand and appreciate "Belief and Brotherhood" afresh. Contents include: introduction; a little bit of history; why is there concern?; the craft degrees and the holy royal arch; the Christian orders; the additional degrees; some issues of faith epilogue; and, an index.

Returning to the unanswered questions of "The Hiram Key", best-selling author Robert Lomas, uses newly available information to uncover the roles of Viking Pirate kings, Pretenders to the Crown of Scotland, Custodians of Holy Relics and Political Opportunists to reveal an unexpected story. His quest takes him back to the beginnings of civilization to reveal a startling legacy of religious symbolism and belief which has its roots in the beginnings of a religion of farming, which he reconstructs using computer simulation to explain the latest archo-genetic findings. On Saturday 13th Oct 2007 it was seven hundred years to the day since the Knights Templar were struck down in a secret dawn raid by the King of France. Their assets were seized, their members were arrested and they were accused of heresy. So began one of the most mysterious and tenacious conspiracy questions of history.

It has long been recognised in Lodges that a Mentor can provide invaluable support, advice and information to Candidates. Grand Lodge is investigating formally raising the profile of the role and in the meantime increasing numbers of Lodges are setting up mentoring programmes, some as formal appointments and others as informal schemes. For all there is a need for an accessible book outlining the best practice for a Mentor and giving advice on how best to fulfill this role. In this book Richard Johnson presents a practical guide to the Mentor (see details attached). He introduces the role and why it has become increasingly necessary to appoint Mentors. The main part of the book then deals with how the Mentor can assist the Candidate for initiation and the member after initiation, passing and raising. The Mentor is involved in all aspects of running the Lodge as he can guide Members through their career in the Lodge. Richard Johnson also gives a useful bibliography of various official booklets and leaflets that are available on many of the individual aspects of the role. The proposed chapters are: Introduction, The Candidate for Initiation, The Member After Initiation, The Member After Passing, The Member After Raising, and The Member After Occupying the Chair of the Lodge.

A practical and useful guide giving extensive information of all the duties and responsibilities for any Freemason taking on the important role of Secretary within a Lodge. The well-being of a Lodge largely depends upon its Secretary. He has a unique position in it, with multi-dimensional reflections. The Secretary undertakes almost continuous year-long responsibility amidst his numerous livelihood chores. In the past many Secretaries used to be permanent officers of the Lodges, with the benefits that an experienced Secretary would manage the affairs of the Lodge smoothly, but current thinking is that no one should serve for more than two years so that junior members can involve themselves in Lodge affairs. The newcomers to this office often lack experience and this book is written with this background in mind: to provide guidance on the one hand and to help introduce modern management tools on the other. Each major topic which needs some action on the part of the Secretary is given a chapter. Checklists of activities relevant to each chapter are appended at the end of the chapter with cells against each activity to mark the date on which the activity is completed. The general principles in this practical guide hold good for the side degrees as well, with only minor and contextual modifications.

In Compendium of Prayers and Graces, acclaimed and accomplished author Revd Neville Barker Cryer focuses on the very ancient practice of saying of grace before dining. An act of expressing thanks to God for the provision for our food, drink and fellowship in which to share them, saying grace is a practice that is still observed on many occasions. The same is true at all meetings of British Free and Accepted Masons, adopting the ancient Jewish custom of saying grace both before and after dining, and the author explains why there are different graces for before and after meals. Originating from the Latin word "Gratias," meaning "thanks," grace has always been attached to the Latin "Deo," "to God," therefore blessing the Creator for the divine provision of food. The sincere offering of grace can be a necessary and helpful introduction to sharing and being thankful that we have food to eat when so many are hungry. It is an act that binds us to share, not least the Freemasons belief and trust in a Supreme Being, private to each one of us, but yet forming a shared conviction. The graces and prayers gathered within Compendium of Prayers and Graces are from new and many older sources. It is hoped that they may enable those who act as Chaplains in Lodges, as well as others charged with that important duty, to vary the content and purpose of what they are offering.

Over the years the Revd Neville Barker Cryer has delivered many lectures to Lodges throughout the country. His lectures manage to both entertain and inform the lodge members and one perennially popular subject is the Royal Arch Journey. In this volume, the author draws on his many years of research into the topic to present an analysis of the history of the Royal Arch, its origins and development, and its place in the present day Masonic tradition. His findings may prove controversial for some as he goes back to its origins in the 18th century but all readers will find this book presents a fascinating and compelling argument. The book has two objectives: to tell the story of how the degree, later known as the Order, of the Holy Royal Arch in England emerged and developed. The other is to show, through that story, why the Royal Arch is essential to the Speculative Craftsmen and has always been regarded by many as the culmination of Freemasonry.

This title will contain a complete set of fully adaptable toasts and responses to toasts the Freemasons can use at short notice at the festive board. Containing multiple versions of all possible Masonic toasts including, the toast to the initiate, the toast to the guests, responsible half of the guests, the toasts to the worshipful master etc. This book is written in the inimitable style of professional Toastmaster and public speaker Yasha Beresiner author of the bestselling Masonically Speaking. Which means that each and every toast will be witty and entertaining and easy to perform and adapt to one's own needs. Never again will you get caught out by a last-minute request. The small format will be popular with Freemasons as it will give them a product that they can carry in their bag should they get asked to make a speech or respond to a speech at the last minute. Each toast will contain witty toasts, one-liners and themed jokes so that any Freemason can stand up with confidence at the festive board. Although we do have three titles on Masonic speech making this title is not about Masonic speech making - it is in fact a book of ready prepared Masonic speeches lasting about four speech making each.

An honest, no holds barred account of Freemasonry - its history, its aims and its relevance to the modern age. It's time to forget the fairy stories, the lies, the propaganda and the wishful thinking. It's time for the truth, the reality Remove the hoodwink of what you thought you knew about Freemasonry, its aims and origins.... This remarkable book, now available in paperback for the first time, is about to bring the picture into focus in a way never before possible. Discover the true story of the world's most influential brotherhood, Join the author on a journey into the mystical past that reveals the true source of Masonic wisdom. Discover the amazing world of the Alchemists, mystics and political visionaries who made the order what it is today. Discover the secret divine aim at the heart of Freemasonry and see the real meanings in the now completely misinterpreted rituals and symbols of the craft. Written by academic historian and Freemason Tobias Churton, this book will allow you to see the Masonic lodge and brotherhood in a completely new light.

Inspired by Keith Jackson's classic book Beyond the Craft, Neville Barker Cryer delves further into the world of Freemasonry to investigate the origins and meaning of this most fascinating of misunderstood orders. In this historical guidebook to the Masonic Orders that are beyond the Craft, Cryer researches this fascinating subject in more detail, and not only delves in depth into the history of each Order, but also looks at the degree system and regalia of each Order. This book will be a fascinating read as it reveals the complexity of these Orders, many of which can trace a pedigree back to the earliest days of Freemasonry in England. Included here are histories of the Mark Degrees, the Ark Mariner, the Secret Monitor, the Cryptic Degrees, the Allied Degrees, the Ancient and Accepted Rite, the Red Cross, the Knights Templar, and the Holy Royal Arch Knights Templar Priests.

Whatever does the word 'Bauseant' mean? Why does the Malta Cross have eight points? Whatever is a Turcopolier and why do knights have an Admiral? Over the last 25 years, whilst becoming Provincial Prior in two areas, the Revd Neville Barker Cryer has produced shorter booklets providing some of the answers to these and other similar questions. So successful have they been in explaining various aspects of the degrees of Knight Templar and of Malta that it was decided to expand the number of subjects dealt with and make them available to any knight in England. Stories about the Knights Templar and their exploits abound; here is something to help Masonic knights become more informed about what they do and say.Subjects include: Templar Churches and the Holy Sepulchre, Why Is the Royal Arch Linked with the Knights Templar?, The Pilgrim's Hat, The Accolade of Dubbing, What Is the Significance of the Mediterranean Pass?, What Does the Patte Cross of the Degrees Mean?, The Malta Banners, What Exactly Was the Office of Conservator?, The Knightly Garments, Is there any Link between the First Templars and Freemasonry?

The meanings of the words used in Masonic ritual have changed over the last 200 years. This handy little book describes the origins and original meanings of the sometime obscure words used in Masonic ritual. This book is a must for any serious mason.

Whatever does the word 'Bauseant' mean? Why does the Malta Cross have eight points? Whatever is a Turcopolier and why do knights have an Admiral? Over the last 25 years, whilst becoming Provincial Prior in two areas, the Revd Neville Barker Cryer has produced shorter booklets providing some of the answers to these and other similar questions. So successful have they been in explaining various aspects of the degrees of Knight Templar and of Malta that it was decided to expand the number of subjects dealt with and make them available to any knight in England.Stories about the Knights Templar and their exploits abound; here is something to help Masonic knights become more informed about what they do and say. The subjects include: Templar Churches and the Holy Sepulchre, Why Is the Royal Arch Linked with the Knights Templar?, The Pilgrim's Hat, The Accolade of Dubbing, What Is the Significance of the Mediterranean Pass?, What Does the Patte Cross of the Degrees Mean?, The Malta Banners, What Exactly Was the Office of Conservator?, The Knightly Garments, Is there any Link between the First Templars and Freemasonry?

Everyone agrees that Masonic speeches should be fun, entertaining and inspiring. So it seems rather strange that previous books on the subject have had none of these qualities! This book is different, it's not a dry ponderous ""how to" guide, it's a hilarious journey. Because it is such an enjoyable read, you will learn and remember whilst being entertained. By the time you have finished the book you will know everything you need to make a confident and enthralling speech, even at short notice. Written by professional after-dinner speaker Yasha Beresiner, this book offers the best guide to help you prepare for any speech, Masonic or otherwise.

Ten five-minute talks to be performed in a Mark Lodge or just to read at home. Including: About the Mark Man and Mark Master, About the Mark, The true meaning oft he Key Stone and the Cornerstone. Discover the symbolism behind The Mark Tracing Board and much much more.

Garver's classic Occult novel, originally published in 1894. The reader is swept along with Alphonso Colono as strange adventures, coindences, and happenings stalk his every move!

Garver's classic Occult novel, originally published in 1894. The reader is swept along with Alphonso Colono as strange adventures, coindences, and happenings stalk his every move!

Much has been written over the years about Rosslyn Chapel and its connection with Scottish Freemasonry, as well the St.Clair family, the Knights Templar and a variety of 'lost treasures'. The author looks in depth at the validity of the published material and the legends associated with the Rosslyn Chapel exposing major differences between Scottish Freemasons' view of their history and heritage and that described by those who are not Freemasons.

The author has combined his knowledge of London and its Masonic connections and history to produce this fascinating guide to the historic heart of the capital. The form of the book is a walk from Freemasons' Hall to the Royal Exchange with 26 selected locations on the way. For each a history is provided and the connection with the Masonic movement explained.

This is at last a well written easy to read step by step guide to the path of self knowledge and self improvement that is Freemasonry. This volume takes the reader through each of the three degrees of Craft Freemasonry, teaching him how best to gain insight from the study and application of these teachings. For the newly-made Mason, this book provides an explanation of the ceremony he has just been through and an invaluable glossary of Masonic terminology to help him feel at home in the lodge. It also provides a similar guide for future degrees to help him understand and benefit from his future Masonic progression. For the Freemason of many years experience and knowledge, it will show him many interesting and largely unknown aspects of the symbolism of the three degrees and provide him with a resource to answer the enquiries of other brethren. To discover the true Masonic secret, we have to work to bring it forth; this book is the manual for that great work.