Lodge 45

Hello Brothers. My name is Charles Fuller. I have had the privilege of being a Freemason since 2004. I don't post very often, but this really touched me and ...I wanted to share. Recently I was reading some work by Dr. Jeff Gusky who is a ER doctor and a photographer for National Geographic who specializes in World War 1 sites. The photo's I share were taken in the medieval limestone mines off of the 'Chemin des Dames' or literally the Path of Ladies on the Western Front, this stone was used to build some of the beautiful cathedral's in Europe. It was powerful to me to know that these went to the stone masons of the time. But look at these photo's...these carvings were made by American Soldiers of the 'Yankee Division' who sought refuge from the daily horror of World War 1. They came here to get away from the stalemate of bullets, shelling, and poison gas. To share moments with one another, to gather themselves again for another day of battle, and to reminisce of those memories of home and comfort. As you can see by these carvings made by American Soldiers in the walls that our Brothers who endured and battled had their thoughts on the Craft and the Brethren and nights of fellowship left behind...please take a moment Brothers and give them thought and prayers. These images were carved in early 1918. I hope you enjoy the photo's. Thank You. See more

This week marks a major celebration for the armed forces of the United States, including Veterans Day. Additionally, the U.S. Marine Corps was founded on Novemb...er 10, 1775, at the venerable Tun Tavern in Philadelphia. The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania was also born at the Tun Tavern in 1732. With the birthday of the Marine Corps being on November 10, and Veterans Day being on November 11, the Corps has been known to observe a 96-hour liberty period around these events to mark the occasion. Semper fi! See more

It was on this day in 1792 that the cornerstone of the White House was laid by George Washington. Ironically, Washington would be the only president to never li...ve in the White House. From the Library of Congress: The Cornerstone Of The White House Was Laid October 13, 1792 Who was the first president to live in the White House? Although George Washington helped to choose the site for the residence while he was president, he never lived at the famous house. Philadelphia had been the country's capital before Congress declared the city of Washington the permanent capital of the United States in 1791. The cornerstone of the White House was laid on October 13, 1792. Eight years later, John Adams, the second president, and his wife Abigail, moved into the mansion. A competition had been held to design the presidential residence. Can you guess which future president participated in the competition? Thomas Jefferson was among the many people who submitted a plan for the White House. His design, however, was not chosen. Instead, James Hoban, an Irish immigrant architect living in Charleston, South Carolina, won the competition and a $500 prize, with a design modeled after Leinster House in Dublin, Ireland. Constructed of white-gray sandstone, the presidential mansion was called the White House as early as 1812. President Theodore Roosevelt officially adopted the term in 1901. Over the years, the original building has been expanded, reinforced, set on fire, and rebuilt. British troops burned the White House during the War of 1812. The structure was rebuilt, enlarged, and readied for President James Monroe by 1817. While President and Mrs. Theodore Roosevelt and their six children lived at the White House, the second-floor rooms were converted into living quarters. The West Wing was also built during this period to house the presidential staff. Today the White House has more than 130 rooms. The presidential family lives in the main building, and the president's office is in the West Wing. Did you know that the White House also has a swimming pool, a gym, and a movie theater? About 1.5 million people tour the White House every year. Have you visited this house where the president lives?

Freemasons have long had an association with St. John the Baptist and St. John the Evangelist, often referred to as "the holy Saints John." In some variations o...f the Templar Orders and the degrees of the Scottish Rite, another lesser known St. John is sometimes mentioned - St. John the Almoner (or St. John the Merciful.) This Saint John was the Chalcedonian Patriarch of Alexandria during the early 600's AD. He was given the title "the Almoner" for his generosity to those in need - a practice long associated with Freemasonry. (Painting from the Web Gallery of Art, "St John the Almoner by Bartolomeo Biscaino.") See more

The "uniform" of the Masonic Knights Templar varies quite a bit from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. The Grand Encampment of Knights Templar, which oversees the K...nights Templar in America, is well known for its distinctive military style uniforms and bushy chapeaus. But, in England, the Knights Templar take on a far more medieval look, with tunics, caps, and mantles. Both groups recognize each other and allow inter-visitation. It is just that their uniforms represent local history and customs. Shown here is Sir Knight Jeffrey N. Nelson, the Most Eminent Grand Master of the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar, U.S.A.; and M.E. & S.Kt. Paul R. Clement, G.C.T., Grand Master of Knights Templar in England. See more

It was not uncommon to see a Masonic flag flying from a mast when sailing ships were the primary means of transport and trade. Captains of vessels who were Free...masons would hoist such a flag upon entering port as an invitation for Masons in the port to board for an informal Masonic meeting, to hear the latest Masonic news, and possibly trade. You can think of it as the equivalent of posting Masonic news here on Facebook today! The painting shown here depicts the ship Bark Lincoln arriving in Smyra, Turkey, July 4, 1853 (courtesy of the National Heritage Museum.) (Source: American Freemasons, Three Centuries of Building Communities by Mark Tabbert.) See more

Bro. John Phillip Sousa is remembered as America's most prolific band master. He authored such famous tunes as "The Stars and Stripes Forever" (the national mar...ch of the United States of America) and "Semper Fidelis" (official march of the United States Marine Corps.) In addition to his patriotic works, he also penned Masonic-inspired tunes such as "March of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine." Sousa was a Brother of Hiram Lodge No. 10, in Washington, D.C. where he a member for 51 years. He is shown here wearing his fez as a Noble of Almas Shriners where he was the Honorary Band Leader. See more

The "dais" is a raised platform in a Masonic lodge room. The dais for the Junior Warden is traditionally one step above the floor, while the Senior Warden's is ...two steps up. The Worshipful Master, presiding in the East, stands on a dais three steps higher than the surrounding floor, giving him a commanding view of his Lodge. Shown here is the Eastern dias at the Masonic Center of York Mortar Committee, in York, PA. (Source: Coil's Masonic Encyclopedia) See more