Many lodges try to educate the brethren who attend the stated lodge meetings about Freemasonry. Our Grand Lodge mandates that important pieces of Masonic knowledge, such as the examination a visitor and knowing how to visit another lodge, be communicated during the year.

Oftentimes, lodge notices will include information of Masonic interest, such as an informative note from the Worshipful Master, or a paragraph on a matter of Masonic interest. Lodge No. Philadelphia, issues a monthly paper called "The 9 Times," which includes with the meeting notice to all its members. The November 2006 issue reminded the brethren that the Tenets of Freemasonry are the dogmas, principles, beliefs, doctrines and teachings of brotherly love, relief and truth. It defined a tenet as something obviously true and universally accepted without question.

That issue also included a review of H. Paul Jeffers' book, "Freemasons: Inside the World's Oldest Secret Society," in which the reviewer tells us:

"This book examines the history of Freemasonry, its rituals, symbolism and its future. Jeffers discloses many of the controversies associated with Freemasonry and offers logical explanations to the accusations it has endured and the hostilities it has suffered. He begins with a thorough examination of the basics of Freemasonry from its origin in the building of King Solomon's Temple and its proliferation in medieval Europe to its rise and formation of America and the rest of the world. Jeffers discusses 'Anderson's Constitution' and how that document was the groundwork for the symbolic Freemasonry of today. He gives an excellent description of the significance of Freemasonry on the development of colonial America and its separation from European rule. He gives a description of the three degrees and the lessons learned in each of them. He even comments on the black marks of the Craft such as William Morgan, the controversy of Jack the Ripper and lists influential leaders of the world who are members. There is a discussion of Ancients versus Moderns as well as Freemasonry during America's Civil War. Jeffers also gives us an insight into the York and Scottish Rite bodies as well as the Shrine. He concludes that Freemasonry is slowly growing (more in other parts of the world than in the U.S.) and is no longer shrouded in mystery and secrecy, but it is essentially the world's oldest fraternal organization."

There are many good books available to inform you about "the world's oldest fraternal organization." We, as Masons, have each pledged to pursue Masonic knowledge. The Pennsylvania Lodge of Research stands as a fountain of Masonic Knowledge to all who would attend. Any Pennsylvania Freemason in good standing may join the Pennsylvania Lodge of Research, and any Freemason in good standing may attend any of its meetings.

The next meeting of the Pennsylvania Lodge of Research will be held on Saturday, Sept. 6, at 10 a.m., at the Caldwell Consistory, 150 Market St., Bloomsburg, PA 17815. For additional information, check the Grand Lodge Web site, www.pagrandlodge.org, and click on PA Lodge of Research closer to the date. The site also has information on how you can join. You may also contact its Secretary, Bro. Charles S. Canning, via mail: 2938 W. Chew Street, Allentown, PA 18104 or via email.