Benjamin Franklin Lodge #83, Madison, WI

Brethren,

I would like to introduce you to The Masonic Society, started one year ago by a number of prominent Masons across North America, and now with a worldwide membership. I am fortunate to be among the founding members, and can lay blame for much of my recent Masonic learning squarely at the feet of the members of the Society. It is the intention of the Society to become nothing less than the foremost Masonic research association in the world. With many Masonic authors and researchers among its members, freely conversing and sharing information on the Society's online forum, the Society is well on its way to this goal. The level and diversity of information being shared, debated, and discussed among the membership is compelling for anyone interested in finding more light in Freemasonry.

I invite you to take a look at the information on the Society at www.themasonicsociety.com. You will find there a list of Fellows appointed in the Society’s first year that includes some impressive names in Masonic scholarship, many of whom I have been privileged to at least become online friends with. Membership in the Society ($39/year) is limited to Master Masons and includes four issues of The Journal of The Masonic Society, each packed with outstanding articles that stimulate the desire for more learning. Other benefits are listed on the website. Individuals -- regardless of affiliation -- or Lodges, or other organizations, may subscribe to The Journal without joining the Society. For a printed brochure about the Society, or specific information, please contact me at the email below.

Coming to Wisconsin from The Masonic Society in the foreseeable future is a Second Circle Masonic education event, still in the planning phases. One idea under consideration is a one-day conference in which Masonic scholars might present their own research and scholarly endeavors. Such an event would be open to all Master Masons, whether or not they are members of the Society.

I hope you will take a look at the website, and consider joining The Masonic Society. Membership in the Society has elevated my thinking about Masonic scholarship and led me to opportunities for furthering my learning in ways I had not before considered.

Fraternally,
Joseph M. Howell
Chairman, Wisconsin Second Circle
The Masonic Society
jmhowell@me.com