Each year since the formation of the Grand Lodge of Arizona in 1882, the proceedings from our Annual Communication are published.  Those proceedings contain a rich history of stories and events that have formed and shaped masonry in the 48th State.  As the Grand Lodge of Arizona approaches it's 150th anniversary, we thought it be a good time to start sharing that history.  Masonry in the 48th State is where we explore that Rich history and share it with you.

Masonry in the 48th State

On the Level is a set of interviews done by Bo Buchanan, Arizona Lodge No. 2 in Phoenix, Arizona.  Everyone interviewed is a mason or a member of the masonic family.  While most of the interviews are of masons within various lodges in the Grand Lodge of Arizona, the interviewees include brothers from various lodges across the United States, brothers from England, Scotland, Ireland and France as well as members of the extended masonic family such as Eastern Star, DeMolay, Jobs Daughters, Amaranth, etc.

On the Level

On this day, representatives from Arizona No. 2 presented Norman with his 50 year Apron - celebrating 50 years as a Freemason.  A 3 man team visited Norman to present his apron:  Worshipful Master Jason Holbrook, Secretary & Past Master Andrew Warianka and Junior Warden Bo Buchanan.

On The Level #105: Norman Clyde Long - 3rdShift

On this day, representatives from Arizona No. 2 presented Ralph with his 70 year Apron - celebrating 70 years as a Freemason. A 3 man team visited Norman to present his apron: Worshipful Master Jason Holbrook, Secretary & Past Master Andrew Warianka and Junior Warden Bo Buchanan.  Upon presentation of his Apron, Brother Ralph began to cry and said "This is the best thing that has ever happened to me".

On the Level #106: Ralph Lock - Best Thing Ever

Brother John Huth tells the story of his Father talking with Harry Truman about a young man whos father was killed in a tractor accident.

On the level #107: John Huth - Truman and the Tractor

Brother Gerry Badinger, President of the Arizona Masonic Foundation for Children, talks about the importance of protecting children in our society today and how Freemasons have stepped up to the challenge.

On The Level #108: Gerry Badinger - For The Kids!

Brother David Sahady talks about his relationship with his Father and his GrandFather and explores is quest to find a common thread with the men in his life in order to gain a better understanding of them.

On The Level #109: David Sahady - A Common Thread

Brother Cal Magness, Past Grand Lecturer, talks about what it means to be a mason and tells the story of when he got the call.

On the Level #110: Cal Magness - Get Your Pants On

Past Grand Master Rex Hutchens is well known for his books "Bridge to Light" and "Pillars of Wisdom".   In this interview, MW Rex tells the story of  his travels to the Grand East and through Scottish Rite.

On the Level #111:  Rex Hutchens - Behind The Curtain

In the late 1800's, frontier Freemasonry was alive and well in Arizona.  In 1897, Masons from around the State were travelling to Southern Arizona for the annual Communication.  The territory was rough, the roads were unimproved and outlaws were abundant.  On Tuesday, November 9th 1897, The Grand Lodge of Arizona commenced their sixteenth annual communication in the town of Bisbee......Underground.

Episode 1: Bisbee Grand Communication

Welcome to On the Level Episode 1: The first interview in a series about the journey of Freemasonry.    In this series, I will interview members of the Freemasonry family from all walks of life.  New Masons, old masons, Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft and Master Mason, Amaranth, Eastern Star, DeMolay, Jobs Daughters, sojourners, grand lodge officers, sideliners, and every other term and title you can think of!  Join me as we discover personal tales of the life involving freemasonry.  You might just discover something...........

Recorded January 7th, 2016

Episode 1: Bo Buchanan speaking On the Level

Ben Passman is the first person I interviewed in the "On the Level" series.  Ben talks about why he joined Freemasonry and shares some personal stories.   

NOTE:  This interview series began without dedicated microphones so some of the early interviews can be a little hard to hear.   Turn up the volume on this one but be assured that the quality improves in later interviews.

Recorded January 9th, 2016

Episode 2: Ben Passman on the philosophy and foundation of freemasonry

Suresh Muthumani discusses his journey as an immigrant in the United States to become a student and finding his way into Freemasonry.  He also talks about how each lodge has a unique character and his involvement in the beginnings of a new new lodge.

On the Level #65 - Suresh Muthumani on the unique character of a new lodge and how it starts

Cameron Treadwell is from Peoria Lodge No. 31 in Peoria, Arizona.  He talks about discovering a familial history in Freemasonry only AFTER he became a mason.  He also talks about those men who have made a difference in his Masonic life.

Recorded June 28th, 2016.

On the Level #91 - CameronTreadwell discovers familial history

Bill Garrard, Arizona No. 2, reflects on his time in Fremasonry since he joined almost 20 years ago. During that time, he has held nearly every office in every organization.

Recorded January 10th, 2016

Episode 3: William A. Garrard - Lover, Fighter, Wild Bull Rider!

Leilani talks about the connection of SOOB (Social Order of Beauceant) to the Knights Templar of the York Rite.

Episode 4: Leilani Cortez & the Social Order of Beauceant

Chad Gappa, Arizona No. 2, talks about his role as the Senior Warden, how his mentor shaped his life as a Mason, and how he got involved in Freemasonry. 

NOTE: This interview series began without dedicated microphones so some of the early interviews can be a little hard to hear. Turn up the volume on this one but be assured that the quality improves in later interviews.

Recorded January 11th, 2016

Episode 5: Chad Gappa remembers those who mentored him

On the Level #66 - Nick Lindquist and being part of the birth of a new lodge

George and Dorothy Mather discuss what it's like to be married and involved in the Masonic family.

Recorded January 13th, 2016

Episode 11:  Potentate George Mather & his wife Dorothy Mather of El-Zaribah Shrine

A Mason for less than an hour, brother Rob Oldham discusses his motivation for joining.  Rob has been attending Masonic dinners for years, and talks about how he feels on the night of his initiation into FreeMasonry. 

Recorded January 15th, 2016

On the Level #14 - A Mason for less than an hour!

Andrew Warianka talks about his family roots in freemasonry, his youth in DeMolay, and his continued commitment to masonry as an adult. Recorded January 20th, 2016

On the Level #25 - Andrew Warianka on Arizona Masonry, DeMolay and the Masonic Temple.

Jerry talks about his father, grandfather and grandson all being in Masonry. Recorded January 22nd, 2016

On the Level #27 - Jerry Shropshire approaching 50 years of Masonry

John shares about the discovery of masonry in his family history, joining at a young age and what the craft means to him. Recorded January 30th, 2016

On the Level #35 - John Nichols was destined to be a Mason and didn't even know it.

Jobs daughters is an appendant body of Freemasonry, and the mother - daughter duo Donna & Sarah share their experiences. Recorded February 1st, 2016

On the Level #36 - Mother and Daughter Donna & Sarah Naessig on Jobs Daughters

Ray talks about being an apprenticed jeweler to his grandfather and how he learned of his grandfathers Masonic history. Recorded March 9th, 2016

On the Level #47 - Ray Vila tells the story of his grandfather as a Mason in WWII.

Past Grandmaster of Arizona Jim May talks about his path to high office and how he discovered Masonry through Jobs Daughters. Recorded March 9th, 2016.

On the Level #49 - Jim May talks about his path to high office.

Mike talks about taking the best parts of the people he meets and incorporating it into his life. Recorded March 10th, 2016.

On the Level #50 - Mike DiGiacomo crushes it.

Lee talks about the Scottish Rite Valley of Chicago and their old and new buildings, their years of travelling and the DeMolay. Recorded March 30th, 2016.

On the Level #73 - Lee Bradley unfolds the history of the Chicago Scottish Rite Temple new and old.

Bryan and Drinda Cooper-Keeble share their story of marriage in masonry and putting together International trips to other Masonic lodges. Recorded March 30th, 2016.

On the Level #74 - Bryan and Drinda on being married in the world of Masonry.

Eddie talks about being the lodge Marshall for 14 years, and how he owned a bar in Phoenix and met masons that led him to a lodge. Recorded March 31st, 2016.

On the Level #78 - Eddie MacIntyre – The Man, The Marshall, The Marine.

Albert Krueger talks about his early exposure to masonry in the Lutheran synod church, and his discovery of Masonry through the Episcopal church as an ordained minister. Recorded May 19th, 2016.

On The Level #87 - How Albert Peter Krueger went from Lutheran to Episcopalian to Freemason.

Many people don't know that John Wayne was a Mason. But one day, when "The Duke" was filming a movie in southern Arizona near Tucson - John Wayne entered masonry at Marion McDaniel Lodge.

OnTheLevel#95 - Jim Wild raises "The Duke" John Wayne

A chance encounter with Freemasons hall while visiting London in his youth led to a lifelong involvement with Freemasonry. Johnny Royal has had a passion for years about telling the story of Freemasonry and after several years he is now able to bring his passion to the big screen. 33 Degrees and beyond is a documentary telling the world about what Freemasonry is.

On the Level #97:  Johnny Royal - A storytelling visionary and his quest.

Knock, and a door will be opened. Okay - maybe you have to knock 3 times. Randy tells the story of his interest in Freemasonry and how his neighbor played a big role.

On The Level #99: Randy Jager Knocks 3 Times

Timothy Dougherty got involved in DeMolay as a young man. So when he came of age to join Freemasonry - Tim wasted no time. Tim talked about how his mentors stayed with him from DeMolay to Freemasonry and how they helped him weather some tough times in life.

On The Level #102: Timothy Dougherty talks about his influencers from DeMolay to Freemasonry.

Right before I went back home to visit family in Illinois, I was reading an article by Robert Johnson of Midnight Freemasons. When I discovered he was in Illinois, I made plans to visit his home lodge of Waukegan Lodge No. 78 and interview him for the On The Level Series.  Robert also hosts his own Podcast "Whence Came You".

On The Level #103: RobertJohnson of "Whence Came You" and "Midnight Freemasons"

Antonio is a New York Transplant in Arizona who has found a home in Freemasonry - in part, thanks to his Godfather.  Join brother Antonio as he shares his story of discovery and growth in Freemasonry.

On the Level #104 - Antonio and the Godfather

The George Roskruge & S. Barry Casey Masonic Memorial Library & Museum is the Official Library of the Grand Lodge of Arizona Free and Accepted Masons.  Our goal is to preserve the rich history of Arizona Freemasonry and Educate the public about the role Freemasonry has played in Arizona's past and continues to play in the present.

Arizona Masonic Library & Museum

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