"I heard the most curious tale," began the New Brother seating himself beside the Old tiler during refreshment.
"Shoot!" commanded the Old Tiler.
"Friend of mine belongs to a midwest lodge. Seems they elected a chap to become a member but when he took the degree he stopped the work to ask for the Koran in place of the Bible on the Altar. Said he wanted to the holy book of his faith, and the bible wasn't it!"

The Masonic trowel – the symbolic Masonic trowel – is no mere brick‑laying implement; within Freemasonry it embodies the spiritual mortar that binds brethren in unshakeable unity. This working‑tool of the Master Mason illustrates how, having tested the Craftsmen’s work, the Master uses the trowel to spread the cement of brotherly love, sealing harmony. Subtle yet profound, it invites deeper exploration of its historic and ceremonial resonance.
The working-tools of a Master Mason are all the implements of Masonry appertaining to the first three Degrees indiscriminately, but more especially the trowel.

September edition of Porter Lodge Chronicles as it appeared in your email client.

Preface: I, Charles Tan (Charlie to my friends and family), after decades of ridicule, censorship, and personal hardship, have finally obtained the smoking gun to what I have known all along. This confidential memorandum you are about to read has been intercepted from the highest levels of Freemasonry and proves beyond any remaining doubt what the awakened have always known: the Freemasons’ true power does not lie in banks, governments, or media, and it has quite literally been right beneath our very feet for all this time.

Brethren,

Recent acts of vandalism directed at Masonic properties in Indianapolis have understandably generated concern among many of our members. As Grand Master, I want to address these events directly and reassure the Craft that the individual responsible has been apprehended and is in the custody of law enforcement. While damage was done to property, we are grateful that no one was injured, and efforts to restore and repair what was damaged are already underway.

A man faces preliminary charges, including intimidation and vandalism, after IMPD says he spray-painted symbols and messages on two Masonic landmarks.

INDIANAPOLIS August 31, 2026 — A man has been arrested and is facing preliminary charges of intimidation and vandalism after Masonic building staff say he damaged two downtown landmarks and confronted employees after gaining entry into one of them.

Have you heard the sad story about the dog that someone tried to dry off in a microwave oven? What about the one where a jealous husband poured concrete into a new convertible, not realizing it was a surprise anniversary gift from his wife? Or maybe you've read about Albert Pike's so-called "Luciferian Doc-trine," which teaches Masons that Lucifer is God?

Are we truly honoring Masonic tradition or simply engaging in the unthinking repetition of ritual? This provocative inquiry challenges the customs we take for granted, arguing that the future relevance of Freemasonry depends on its members becoming more contemplative and questioning Masons. Uncover the crucial distinction between mere habit and the Craft's genuine, enduring legacy.
Dealing with Masonic tradition is a complex subject that requires careful analysis in order to reach a balanced point on the best etymological definition and the set of discourses and practices, which often end up being presented as such, without, however, presenting bases that support them, often serving only as a discourse that restricts and controls the masses.

 To all of our Brothers celebrating a birthday in September, Porter Lodge No. 137 extends its warmest wishes for a very Happy Birthday! May this new year around the sun bring you good health, happiness, prosperity, and success in all that you undertake. May you continue to enjoy the fellowship of your Brothers, the love of family and friends, and the many blessings life has to offer. From all of us at Porter Lodge No. 137, we wish each of you health, wealth, happiness, and many more wonderful years ahead!

The Old Tilers talks first published in 1925, by Carl Claudy, is a series of short anecdotal stories told in the setting of a new member asking an old tiler for his opinion on various masonic topics.

These short articles are still very relevant, 100 years on, and hopefully provide some insight to new members today.

A perfectly articulated story by Claudy that reminds us of a lesson from the Second Degree Charge; in the decision of every trespass against our rules, judge with candor, admonish with friendship, and reprehend with mercy.