Exploring the craft
Chico-Leland Stanford № 111
Working Tools Group
Receiving the degrees of Masonry is just the first step in any brother's Masonic journey. As seekers of Light and Truth, and in the spirit of bettering ourselves as Freemasons, we are encouraged to continue our moral, intellectual, and spiritual growth through the reading of Masonic literature, as well as other non-Masonic literature that is aligned with Masonic teachings and values and has a clear nexus with Masonic formation. These may include Rosicrucian, Templar, alchemical, Anthroposophic, hermetic, ancient Greek/Roman/Egyptian mysteries and history, as well as other esoteric and non-esoteric material.
To facilitate this ongoing quest for knowledge, Chico-Leland Stanford Lodge № 111 has a Masonic Working Tools Group that explores Freemasonry from many different angles. Some of the readings, podcasts and movies will delve into the more speculative and esoteric topics of Freemasonry. Other times we will explore the rich history of our ancient and honorable Fraternity. Still others will show us how to apply the teachings of our Craft to our everyday lives and conduct. All readings will endeavor to make us better Masons.
There is no need to sign up for, or become a "member" of, the Working Tools Group. To participate, a brother may simply obtain a copy of the book or other reading material, listen to the podcast, and show up at the announced meeting having done the reading or listened to the podcast or watch a movie with us and be prepared to discuss it with an open mind and brotherly love.
While most of the readings will be restricted to Master Masons, we will on occasion cover material that is suitable for the Entered Apprentice and Fellowcraft Mason. Bro. Dean Fairbanks, will be directing the Working Tools Group. He will either be rotating it between the Lodge library, a local cafe/restaurant, or other brothers homes. Our goal is to try and meet every other month. These will be convivial as well as an educational gathering so please feel free to bring a favorite beverage to share, if you like.
What is the Working Tools Group?
We get together on a regular basis in order to help each other become the greatest version of ourselves in our business / work / personal lives. We provide you with an opportunity to discuss challenges you may be facing with ideas on how we can apply Masonic principals, both practical and esoteric. Together we help fulfill a Mason’s mission to be a seeker of knowledge, truth, and Light. Our aim is to make our lodge a better place for all our brothers.
Do you want to deepen your Masonic travels? Do you have questions after rising up through the degrees? This is your chance to ask questions and to discuss topics of interest in the fraternity.
The next meeting of the Working Tools Group will be:
When: Wednesday, February 8th, 2023
Time: 6:30-8:30
Where: Lodge Library
WHAT TOPICS? It’s Not All Black & White: Deeper Esoteric Meaning of Colors in Lodge Symbology
MASONIC JEOPARDY!
Come join the fun, discussion, brotherly support, and a cool winter beverage and light food. Email any questions to Bro. Dean Fairbanks, dhfairbanks@csuchico.edu
Book Read for the Year
Famous Masonic author W. Kirk MacNulty. Bro. MacNulty has been a Freemason for over forty years and is a member of three lodges in the U.S. and UK. According to the Southern California Research Lodge he is one of the ten all-time best Masonic authors to read.
“The Way of the Craftsman: A Search for the Spiritual Essence of Craft Freemasonry”
Links for each chapter in PDF format:
These are among the best discussions you’ll ever have with your Brothers!
We hope to see you there!
Interesting Magazines for you to read
Magazines to read and discuss from the Fraternal Review (publication of the Southern California Research Lodge):
