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

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

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

John Amidon, Paradise Valley Silver Trowel No. 29,  is the eyes and ears of the Sovereign Grand Inspector General (SGIG) of Arizona.   His official title is Illustrious John R. Amidon 33′, Personal Rep. To the S.G.I.G, Phoenix AZ.  He fulfills an important role in Scottish Rite Masonry by working with the Valley of Phoenix Scottish Rite Masons as a representative for the SGIG.

Recorded January 11th, 2016

Episode 6: Illustrious John R. Amidon 33′, Personal Rep. To the S.G.I.G, Phoenix AZ.

Sam Graziano serves as the Grand Secretary for the Scottish Rite Valley of Phoenix in the Orient of Arizona.  Sam remembers first learning about Freemasonry as a young man - and recites the story of his own childhood "The Legend of the Ruby Ring".

Episode 7: Sam Graziano and the legend of the ruby ring.

Ron Brooker talks about the men he has known in masonry, his twin brother who was also a Mason and the Scottish Rite.

Recorded January 12th, 2016

Episode 8: Ron Brooker talks about Masonry with his twin brother

Vernda Monette, Grand Conductress - Order of the Amaranth. Vernda talks about her 40 some years history in the masonic family including Rainbow Girls, Order of the Amaranth and Eastern Star.  She also grew up in a masonic family.

Recorded January 13th, 2016

Episode 9: Vernda Monette and 40+ years in the masonic family

Harold Dean Bulkley, Payson Lodge No. 70.  Harold has been a mason for over 63 years.  When he retired and moved to Arizona, he became a member of El Zaribah Shrine.

Recorded January 13th, 2016

Episode 10:  Harold Dean Bulkley, retirement and joining the Shrine

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

Matt Morales shares an amazing story about how and why he first joined FreeMasonry. Recorded January 14th, 2016

Episode 12:  Matt Morales, Worshipful Master Sahuaro No. 45

Jerry is part of so many Masonic Organizations I can't keep count - but he can! Recorded January 15th, 2016

Episode 13: Jerry Benham does it all!

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!

Salem talks about the brotherhood of FreeMasonry and why it's important. 

Recorded January 15th, 2016

On the Level #15 - Newly initiated brother Salem Henry Salem discusses brotherhood.

Sr. Deacon Anthony Crosson talks about what drives his interest in FreeMasonry. 

Recorded January 16th, 2016

On the Level #16 - Anthony Crosson sets the standard.

Worshipful Master Walt Howard reflects on 3 years of service in a row. Recorded January 17th, 2016

On the Level #17 - Walt Howard and 3 years as worshipful master.

Jim Rowan talks about his journey from Demolay to Grand Lodge and the influence of his father, grandfather and uncles. 

Recorded January 17th, 2016

On the level #18 - From Demolay to Grandmaster of Arizona – Most Worshipful James Rowan.

Vic Olson shares his motivations for joining Freemasonry, talks about the Phoenix MasonicTemple and shares a bit of unique family history. 

Recorded January 17th, 2016

On the level #19 - Talking Temple History with Victor Edward Olson

Ron talks about starting his Masonic career in the East and moving west, his military experience and jobs daughters. 

Recorded January 18th, 2016

On the Level #20 - Ron Guzman – from East to West

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.

On the Level

Arizona Masonic Library & Museum