March 08, 2012 0 Comments
I want to express my sincerest gratitude to Bro. Arnie Cade and the members of Tupelo Masonic Lodge. No. 318, Tupelo, Mississippi for entrusting me to design their Official Lodge Seal. I also would like to thank them for publishing my bio which you may read by clicking this link. Thank you very much for everything.
February 13, 2012 0 Comments
Looks like this one is about to go viral! Thanks for all the likes and shares! https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151283887905344&l=f45407c59f
February 10, 2012 0 Comments
Steve Wozniak
February 01, 2012 0 Comments
January 08, 2012 0 Comments
I was casually browsing youtube when I stumbled upon this awesome TV ad. It's tempting to write a winding prose about why I think it is Masonic but I'll just let you see for yourself. :-)
January 06, 2012 0 Comments
Now there's this new video of Bro. Shaquille O'Neal making the rounds in youtube, facebook and twitter. It was a clip from NBA TV and in it was Shaq proudly wearing his (gigantic) Masonic "bling".
I have not seen the entire show but the particular clip started with them busting Bro. Shaq's balls. One remarked how he can't concentrate on the topic because of all the "bling" in Bro. Shaq's ring finger. Another one wondered "what's going on there?" to which Bro. O'Neal's dry and most elegant answer was "It's the ring of my profession... you don't know nothing about my profession."
Bro. Shaq's Masonic ring is a signet type the size of a super bowl championship ring. It bears the Square and Compass with the letter /G\ (which stands for God or Geometry) in the centre. Around it are the words "Prince Hall Master Mason". The symbols and words are set on blue enamel- blue being the favourite colour of all Masons (if you know one, ask them why- they may have to kill you for your spleen afterwards though). The ring appears to be encrusted with diamonds set on solid platinum or white gold. It was a ring to behold.
The conspiracy theorists don't have much to say about the video but it did ruffle the feathers of some Freemasons. A few days have passed since the video was posted and several Masons in Facebook are still debating about the proper way of wearing (or not wearing) a Masonic jewelry. Some have questioned the practice of making a Mason at sight; while some have indicated that though it was initially reported that Bro. O'Neil was first made a Mason at sight, he eventually took his obligations and went through all the degrees.
Another seemingly unavoidable topic that leaves a bad taste in one's mouth is the topic of PHA recognition. A few vocal minority in a particular facebook discussion thread was quick to point this out. But one comment stood out like a perfect ashlar right out of the quarry. It got the most likes.
One youtube user said "He might as well be a mason. He has shot enough bricks to build an apartment building." obviously referring to Bro. Shaq's free throw record. Another youtube user who calls himself JWadGallery commented "turn that ring upside down shaq...u aint giving off light yet...haha." The unitiated may find this particular comment peculiar but some Masons attach subtle allegories on how a Masonic ring is worn: If the points of the compass are pointing out (away from the wrist / body), the wearer is a Master or Past Master as his duties require him to be behind the altar; if the points of the compass are pointing in (towards the wrist / body), to remind himself of his obligations. So is it really important how Masonic rings should be worn? I guess it depends on what resonates with the wearer. To quote Bro. Ed King "How the ring is worn is not nearly as important as what it means to the wearer. A Mason should wear his ring should with pleasure to himself and honor to the fraternity!"
Watch the video clip below:
UPDATE: Better quality audio here http://youtu.be/x7qoxchAgw4
December 27, 2011 0 Comments
If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen.
~St. John the Evangelist
Happy St. John the Evangelist day to all the Freemasons of the world!
December 21, 2011 0 Comments
Bro. Colbert G. Rabaya of Macajalar Lodge No. 184, Cagayan de Oro City under the jurisdition of the MW Grand Lodge of the Philippines, is reaching out to Freemasons from all over the world to help out our Brothers in the Philippines who are currently in great distress. I have no ready money at hand to donate but I have pledged to donate 50% of my sales (from Dec 20-26) from my online store www.fraternalties.com
You don't need to buy from my shop to help. I am well aware that the shopping for gifts season is over and most of us are now broke. If you can help out in anyway, let me know and I'll connect you with Bro. Rabaya.
Fraternally,
JPG
November 30, 2011 0 Comments
FraternalTies would like to congratulate the Brothers from Harmonie Lodge No. 699, Amherst, New York on being added to Academia Lodge No. 847's list of "Traditional Lodges". Exemplary craftsmanship, dear Brothers! We hope to follow your lead.http://academialodge.org/
November 30, 2011 0 Comments
This is a replica of the George Washington Inaugural Bible given to me by Bro. George Filippidis the 250th Master of St. John's Lodge No 1, AYM, F&AM in the Grand Lodge Of The State Of New York. It is the Bible that Bro. George Washington (and several other U.S. Presidents) took his Presidential oath on. It is now under the custody of St. John's Lodge No.1. Thank you Bro. Filippidis for this wonderful gift.
November 11, 2011 0 Comments
These photos were taken on September 2011 Installation of Officers. Location: Doric Lodge No. 316, Thornhill, Canada. Browse at your own risk!
Temple Wizard W.Bro. Roy Gomes shows the Brethren how to grill a chicken THE RIGHT WAY.
Bro. Stefano Amelio receiving the secrets...
The Most Interesting Freemason in the world, Bro. Chris Branco.
Newly elect WM Raoul Gomes with the sacrificial chicken.
Bro. S.M. with Justin Bieber.
All kidding aside, we all had a very wonderful, though provoking, inspiring, challenging and most of all- FUN night! Thank you to everyone who have attended the Doric Lodge No. 316 Installation of Officers. Congratulations to newly elected WM Raoul Gomes and to the elected and appointed officers. Good times ahead!
Sorry... Can't resist. This is just too good to pass up. This is the last one I promise.