Tues, March 2, 7:30 PM – The idea of Freemasonry conjures up all sorts of images, mostly from popular culture. This fraternal organization has its origins in the stonemason guilds of the 16th Century. Its tenants are timeless: Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth. Some define it as an organization of men symbolically applying principles of architecture and masonry to the science and art of character building. The groundwork for America’s founding was laid by the cornerstone of Freemasonry. What is it about this organization that intrigues many today? The secrets it keeps? The Knights Templar link? The storied history and the great men who have been and are Freemasons? What is its place in society today?
A Mason for 10 years, member of Joseph Warren-Soley Lodge in Lincoln and a Wayland resident for 26 years, John Toto will enlighten attendees with a talk to understand this so-called secret society. In Masonic circles Mr. Toto’s title is Right Worshipful. He is presently the past District Deputy Grand Master where he was the Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts representative to the 1,000+ Masons in the towns of Ayer, Burlington, Bedford, Concord, Lexington, Lincoln and Littleton. Mr. Toto is a 32 Degree Scottish Rite Mason, and a member of the Shriners and several York Rite bodies, including Knights Templar.
Doug Ellis is a Mason for 13 years and member of Corinthian Lodge in Concord, which was chartered by Paul Revere when he was Grand Master in 1797. Mr. Ellis is a past District Deputy Grand Master where he represented the Grand Master in the same towns as Mr. Toto. Mr. Ellis is a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason, an officer in the Royal Arch and Cryptic Masonic Bodies, and a member of the Knights Templar. Outside of Freemasonry, Mr. Ellis’s passions include history and American heritage as past captain and current officer of the Concord Minute Men.