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The first Grand Lodge was formed in London, shortly after the suppression of the Jacobite rising in 1715. Anderson's New Book of Constitutions of 1738 records that a few lodges at London finding themselves neglected by Sir Christopher Wren, thought fit to cement together under a Grand Master as the Center of Union and Harmony, viz. (here follow details of the four lodges at the Goose and Gridiron, Crown, Apple-Tree, and Rummer and Grapes). ...

During the renovation of the White House (1949–1952), President and Freemason Harry S. Truman gave an original White House stone to each Grand Lodge in the United States. "I place in your hands a stone taken from the walls of the White House. A sufficient number of these stones, each with a Masonic symbol upon it, was discovered to give one to each Grand Lodge in the United States. These evidences of the number of members of the Craft who built the President's official residence so intimately aligns Freemasonry with the formation and the founding of our Government ...

For many years I have observed the earnest and faithful efforts of the officers of lodges as they held meetings for the purpose of suggesting ways to improve attendance and maintain interest. In every instance some outstanding program has been launched, which if carried to completion, always bears fruit which is the result of honest planning. However, it is my conclusion that all we hope for, the molding of Masonic principles into a strong Masonry, must be the result of the doing of little things. Everything else, it seems, is subordinate to the idea of keeping fresh Masonic teachings through the medium of doing. Again and again we refer to the "Old Time Masonry." ...

President McKinley stood on a platform at Buffalo, New York, on September 5, 1901, and addressed a sweeping crowd of visitors at the Pan American Exhibition. He explained the wide range of problems facing the nation, and, as he enumerated the problems, he presented his proposals for solutions. The next day, September 6, 1901, as he hosted a reception at the Exposition's Music Hall, loud shots rang out. He slumped to the floor, mortally wounded and bleeding profusely. Eight days later, the 25th President of the United States and a strong proponent of Freemasonry died in a Buffalo, New York, hospital. ...

What gave you the urge a Mason to be?
To join our Fraternity ancient and free,
Was some Brother talking a bit out of turn?
And did you cock an ear to see what you could learn?
Or did somebody give you a hint on the sly,
That you'd not be invited but would have to apply?

Or was your wife's father a Past Master no less,
Well what ever it was there isn't a doubt,
That you'd hardly a clue what the Craft's all about, ...

From time to time, Brethren ask why Masonry is involved in the placement of corner stones, and so a little information about the history of the tradition may be helpful. The tradition goes back to antiquity - so far that it literally cannot be traced to its origins, and it probably evolved out of the foundation and completion sacrifices which were common with any large building project (and which are echoed in the legend of the Master Mason Degree). ...

From active Masons, resolute,
Our wives and families we salute;
We surely know the price you pay,
Who sit alone while we're away.

No high degrees on you conferred,
In Lodge, your name is seldom heard; ...