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.

Sociologist Jeffrey Guhin spent a year and a half embedded in four high schools in the New York City area - two of them Sunni Muslim and two Evangelical Christian. At first pass, these communities do not seem to have much in common. But under closer inspection Guhin finds several common threads: each school community holds to a conservative approach to gender and sexuality, a hostility towards the theory of evolution, and a deep suspicion of secularism. All possess a double-sided image of America, on the one hand as a place where their children can excel and prosper, and on the other hand as a land of temptations that could lead their children astray. He shows how these school communities use boundaries of politics, gender, and sexuality to distinguish themselves from the secular world, both in school and online. Guhin develops his study of boundaries in the book's first half to show how the school communities teach their children who they are not; the book's second half shows how the communities use "external authorities" to teach their children who they are. These "external authorities" - such as Science, Scripture, and Prayer - are experienced by community members as real powers with the ability to issue commands and coerce action. By offloading agency to these external authorities, leaders in these schools are able to maintain a commitment to religious freedom while simultaneously reproducing their moral commitments in their students. Drawing on extensive classroom observation, community participation, and 143 formal interviews with students, teachers, and staff, this book makes an original contribution to sociology, religious studies, and education.

Elgar Advanced Introductions are stimulating and thoughtful introductions to major fields in the social sciences, business and law, expertly written by the world's leading scholars. Designed to be accessible yet rigorous, they offer concise and lucid surveys of the substantive and policy issues associated with discrete subject areas. This Advanced Introduction to Youth Studies analyses the historical development of the sociology of youth in the context of changing population demographics. Howard Williamson and James Cote explore competing paradigms underlying current understandings of youth with reference to key philosophical, theoretical and methodological debates. Young people's transitions to adulthood and youth cultural behaviour are then explored. The authors conclude with a consideration of youth policies and how, in the future, these may be better informed by sociological research. Key Features: Fact-based analysis of key debates Sociological perspectives informed by multidisciplinary analyses Concise coverage of complex topics Policy recommendations informed by years of experience in the field This Advanced Introduction will provide essential reading for scholars and researchers of sociology and sociological theory, as well as youth workers and students looking for an excellent introduction to youth studies.

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.

Elgar Research Agendas outline the future of research in a given area. Leading scholars are given the space to explore their subject in provocative ways, and map out the potential directions of travel. They are relevant but also visionary. Mapping a wide range of civil society research perspectives, this pioneering Research Agenda offers a rich and clear insight for academics and practitioners hoping to embark on future civil society research. Kees Biekart and Alan Fowler bring together over 20 expert contributions from researchers across the globe who are actively engaged in testing the old and generating new knowledge about civil society. Beginning with a concise historical review of civil society research over the last four decades, the book provides a critical insight into the future of research, taking into account the domestic outcomes of major geopolitical changes and the increasing shift towards authoritarian and populist systems of governance. Exploring the norms and values of civil society, as well as key topics such as voluntourism, civil society mapping, democratization, and civic agency, chapters offer a unique overview of civil society research themes and agendas. Its comprehensive analysis of canonical civil society research provides a fertile basis from which novel research can be conducted. A wide audience of development professionals, including NGO staff, consultants, evaluators, and public servants, will benefit from the forward-looking perspectives advanced in this dynamic Research Agenda. It will also be an essential resource for academics and researchers in the field.

Despite their best intentions, professionals in the helping fields are influenced by a deficit perspective that is pervasive in research, theory, training programs, workforce preparation programs, statistical data, and media portrayals of marginalized groups. They enter their professions ready to fix others and their interactions are grounded in an assumption that there will be a problem to fix. They are rarely taught to approach their work with a positive view that seeks to identify the existing strengths and assets contributed by individuals who are in difficult circumstances. Moreover, these professionals are likely to be entirely unaware of the deficit-based bias that influences the way they speak, act, and behave during those interactions. Reconstructing Perceptions of Systemically Marginalized Groups demonstrates that all individuals in marginalized groups have the potential to be successful when they are in a strengths-based environment that recognizes their value and focuses on what works to promote positive outcomes, rather than on barriers and deficits. Covering key topics such as education practices, adversity, and resilience, this reference work is ideal for industry professionals, administrators, psychologists, policymakers, researchers, academicians, scholars, instructors, and students.

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.

Jacob Hochstetler is a peace-loving Amish settler on the Pennsylvania frontier when Native American warriors, goaded on by the hostilities of the French and Indian War, attack his family one September night in 1757. Taken captive by the warriors and grieving for the family members just killed, Jacob finds his beliefs about love and nonresistance severely tested.

Jacob endures a hard winter as a prisoner in an Indian longhouse. Meanwhile, some members of his congregation the first Amish settlement in America move away for fear of further attacks.

Based on actual events, Jacob's Choice describes how one man's commitment to pacifism leads to a season of captivity, a complicated romance, an unrelenting search for missing family members, and an astounding act of forgiveness and reconciliation.

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?

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?

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.

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!