Shakespeare Lodge No. 750 Free & Accepted Masons of the Grand Lodge of the State of New York M.˙.W.˙. Vincent Libone, Grand Master W.˙. Michael Daniels, Master

Masonic Education, Research and Some Thoughts

Each brother has a personal responsibility to develop a fundamental understanding of Masonry, and to apply it as it fits his own needs and that of his brothers.  The Lodge Education Officer coordinates formal education and is a sounding board for continuing education and research.  Here are some additional items for use by a new brother -- and by veterans.

For Non-Masons and Prospective Candidates

• Questions and Answers/FAQ's
• What Is A Mason? 

Especially For Candidates:  A new candidate is in waiting, and he wants to know how he can prepare for his degrees.  And what he can do to start his learning.  There are a few good volumes to recommend, and they are easily available:

• Born In Blood, by John J. Robinson.  Robinson was an amateur historian, and wrote this book BEFORE he ever became a Mason. He conveys his research as a non-Mason.  It is highly recommended.
• The Complete Idiot's Guide to Freemasonry, by S. Brent Morris.  Morris is one of the most important contemporary writers and researchers on Freemasonry. This book Offers a highly illustrated field guide to Masonic jewelry and symbols.  It includes further reading, a glossary, a list of famous Freemasons and information on Freemasonry in popular culture.
• Freemasons For Dummies, by Christopher Hodapp.  Notwithstanding the whimsical title, it is a good plain-English guide and reference.

Leadership

• Trestleboard Plan for Incoming Worshipful Master
• Work for the Lodge Guide For Masters and Wardens
• The Master's Book Hiram's Handbook for Worshipful Masters from the GL of Maine
• Hiram's Trestleboard for Senior and Junior Wardens from the GL of Maine
• Increasing Lodge Attendance
• Programs for Tiled Meetings
• Responsibilities and Opportunities of the Worshipful Master
• Powers of the Worshipful Master
• Budget Monitor

Short Course in Our Craft

• Origin and Evolution of Speculative Freemasonry
• The Traditional Degrees in Freemasonry
• The Symbols of Freemasonry
• The Legacy of Operative Freemasonry
• The Working Tools Of The Craft
• Speculative Craft Masonry
• History - A Key Element In Masonry
• For The Family

Shakespeare Lodge History & Documents

• Brother William Jennings Bryan Speech in Shakespeare Lodge, April 21, 1921, Minutes of the meeting & Short bio of Brother Bryan
• An Early History of Shakespeare Lodge by RW William J. Thomas
• By-Laws, Shakespeare #750 Download (PDF)

Degrees

Entered Apprentice

• Entered Apprentice Degree (1)
• Entered Apprentice Degree (2) [by permission of the GL of California]
• Entered Apprentice Degree (3)
• Entered Apprentice Degree (4) J.S.M. Ward
• Entered Apprentice Cipher (password required)
• Entered Apprentice Study Book [by permission of the GL of MN]

Fellowcraft

• Fellowcraft Degree (1)
• Fellowcraft Degree (2) [by permission of the GL of California]
• Fellowcraft Degree (3)
• Fellowcraft Degree (4) J.S.M. Ward
• Fellowcraft Degree Cipher (password required)
• Fellowcraft Study Book [by permission of the GL of MN]

Master Mason

• Master Mason Degree (1)
• Master Mason Degree (2) [by permission of the GL of California]
• Master Mason Degree (3)
• Master Mason Degree (4) J.S.M. Ward
• Master Mason Study Book [by permission of the GL of MN]

Masonic Education

• A Glossary of terms used in the degrees
• Masonic Book Club re-prints hard to find Masonic books for its members. Typically one books is reprinted a year. Memberships are limited to 1600.
• Address to the New Master Mason A Token, by W Jacob Brandfon, Armistice Lodge No.1008 (unknown Grand Lodge), 1938 (Donated by RW Walter Schraeter, DSA)
• I Am A Mason!  Are You? by RW Maurice M. Witherspoon, Captain (ChC) USN (Ret)
• Pronunciation of Some Masonic Words according to a scholar of ancient Middle Eastern languages (thanks to Brother Adam Mackler)
• Masonic Etiquette
• Bible Presentations The GLNY has prescribed several Bible Presentations from which to choose for the Entered Apprentice degree.
• 101 Questions About Freemasonry From the Masonic Service Association
• Library Reading Course Livingston Library Subscribe to the Short Talk Bulletins, from the Masonic Service Association of North America.  They send you a short education pamphlet every month.  Cost is $6/year.
• "There is, within every well-governed Lodge, a certain Point Within A Circle, embroidered by two parallel perpendicular lines ..."

Papers and writings by our Members

• On Wisdom, Strength and Beauty by Brother Michael A. Chaplin
• Triangles Bro Jack Patterson
• The Most Important Thing In Life RW Daniel S. Semel
• Grand Lodge of Iceland RW Walter Schraeter, DSA, Grand Rep of Iceland
• Origins of the Standard/Banner of the Grand Lodge of New York Bro. Henry Colon (Presented April 4, 2008)
• Travels to Hong Kong by Bro. Daniel Jeon (Presented May 1, 2008)

Music, Poetry, Plays, Literature

• Masonic Doxology, or Old 100th - sung during Fellowcraft Degree; click here to listen to it.

Supplies & Materials

• The Compleat Master Order Form
• The 24 Inch Gauge Order Form
• Materials From Lodge Services
• Worksheet for Degree Assignments
• Visit here for additional supplies & materials.