Masonic Society 2nd Circle Committees

I just received the latest edition of the Journal of the Masonic Society. As stated on the Masonic Society web site:

"A significant group of passionate Masons are coming together to create what aims to be nothing less than the premier North American research society in Freemasonry. Called simply The Masonic Society, we are gathering together brothers who have a deep and abiding desire to seek knowledge, explore history, discover symbolism, debate philosophies, and in short, who will be at the forefront of charting a path for the future of Freemasonry. "

Articles presented in the latest Journal include:
“Special Report: The Real Illuminati”, by Christopher Hodapp
“Did He Or Didn’t He?” (a study of the inauguration of George Washington), by Jay Hochberg
“Philosophy and Freemasonry”, by John Bridegroom
“Masonic Ceremonial of Baptism”, attributed to Albert Pike and edited by Michael Poll

Under the section “News of the Society” reference is made to the creation of Masonic Society Second Circle Committees in various regions and jurisdictions around the world. I have been named chairman of the Alaska Second Circle Committee. This is rather a dubious honor, as at present there are less than a half dozen Masonic Society members within this jurisdiction. My purpose in accepting this position is to help further the aims of the Masonic Society in Alaska and to create for the Grand Lodge of Alaska a de facto Masonic Research organization.

For some time now, several Alaska Masons have expressed an interest in the development of some type of Masonic Research and Education association. These Masons expressed a desire to meet regularly to discuss and debate Masonic history and philosophy. Unfortunately, due to the relatively small size of this group and their distribution throughout the State of Alaska, the likelihood of them ever getting together was slim. The purpose of the Masonic Society Second Circle Committees is to create a forum within a Masonic jurisdiction where brethren can discuss Masonic topics of common interest and where they can meet annually (or semiannually) for fun and fellowship, for presentation of research papers, and to listen to guest lecturers. I envision that this committee can become the Masonic Research and Education association that Alaska Masons are looking for.

I invite your comments to this idea of creating a Masonic research association through the Alaska Masonic Society Second Circle Committee. I also invite you to become a member of the Masonic Society and share in the benefits of belonging to this premier organization. To become a member of the Masonic Society or simply subscribe to the Journal, click here for the Masonic Society application for membership.