A tongue-in-cheek comparison of Star Wars mythology to Masonic symbolism. The author wrote it by request in honor of the Lodge stated on May the 4th, to celebrate "May The Fourth Be With You".

An in-depth analysis of two dozen Grand Lodges, Supreme Councils, and other Masonic obediences that have existed in France going back over 300 hundred years. Includes a timeline of how they overlap and interact with each other. This paper was presented during a Zoom meeting and includes PowerPoint slides.

Wor. Johnstone, Valley Americanism Chairman, presents a history of our most famous Mason and President, George Washington.

Details the history and philosophy of Zoroastrianism and how it is an integral part of the 32nd degree. Describes the meanings of many of the symbols depicted in this degree.

Discusses how to plan your Masonic career over the course of several decades.

A short biography of Brother Rudyard Kipling, and his most famous Masonic Poem, "The Mother-Lodge".

Describes in detail the various types of social media and how to use them to create an outreach program for a Lodge.

An explanation of Ecclesiastes 12, verse 1 through 7, recited by the Chaplain during the Master Mason degree.

This paper was based on numerous conversations with new members, explaining what a Lodge and Grand Lodge are, some of our history, as well as explaining how to visit other Lodges.

An exploration of two separate but related topics: First, The Lodge at Fredericksburg and second, one of its most famous members, George Washington …... young George Washington.

Describes what a Research Lodge is, and how to find more information about attending one.

Discusses the concepts of Faith, Hope, and Charity from the lectures, what the meaning of these terms are, and how we can apply them in our daily lives as men and as Masons.

A second paper on the history of the Virginia Craftsmen, a group of Virginia Masons who dressed in Civil War uniforms and conferred Masonic Degrees across the Commonwealth.

King Athelstan begins the Constitution of Masonry as adopted by the Grand Lodge of Virginia in 1791. This paper will discuss the historical Athelstan, his lasting influence on English history and explore his legendary ties to the Masonic fraternity.

The original paper on the history of the Virginia Craftsmen, a group of Virginia Masons who dressed in Civil War uniforms and conferred Masonic Degrees in Virginia, other states, and other countries. Based on  "Brotherhood in Action!" by Allen E. Roberts.

A humorous admonition to keep Lodge meetings interesting and enjoyable, and not settle for simply reading the minutes and going home.

A brief biography of the many accomplishments of William Moseley Brown, who served as Grand Master, Grand High Priest, and Grand Commander of Virginia; in addition to being active in many other Masonic bodies.

Excerpts from a book commissioned by the Grand Lodge of Virginia about the History of Freemasonry. Provides interesting anecdotes of Masons and Lodges in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Discusses the secret societies that populated America at the turn of the last century, how most have disappeared and all that Masonry has to say for itself is that it is still here.

Explains the history of Prince Hall Masonry, the moral standards demanded by Prince Hall Masons of their members, and concludes with the current recognition of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Virginia.

The Patrons of Husbandry (The Grange) is a fraternal organization for farmers established by Oliver Hudson Kelley, a farmer and Mason. This paper explores how the lessons of our Fraternity could be redone using farm implements instead of stonemason tools.

A well-researched biography of the life, work, and Masonic career of one of the most famous Virginia Masons, John Dove. He served as Grand Secretary/Recorder of the Grand Lodge, Grand Royal Arch Chapter, and Grand Commandery.

A letter from Washington explaining why he became a Mason, his Royal Arch membership, his Honorary Membership, and his appointment as Grand Master AND General Grand Master.

Examines the decline in our Lodges, how we sell Masonry too cheap and offer little to new members, and how this is not a recent problem. Talks about Traditional Observance Lodges in Australia and Canada and asks why they wouldn't work here in America.

A brief discussion of the several Research Lodges in Virginia, using Rt. Wor. Paul Bessel's guide to research papers with an explanation of using that guide.

Provides details of how the Civil War affected the activities of Winchester Hiram Lodge, including a visit from a well-known Masonic President, William McKinley. Describes the beautiful Masonic frescoes painted in the lodge room.

This paper consists of two things: a report on an experiment in Masonic education undertaken in January 1996 at Widow's Sons' Lodge in Charlottesville, and a rationale for an ethic of self-improvement as revealed in the experience of our second degree.

What are the lessons taught by the Masonic degrees and how can we apply them to our daily lives?

The author talks about the upcoming Y2K scare and explores several "double-zero" issues he sees in Masonry that need to be addressed.

An in-depth look at Masonic Tracing Boards and their symbolism, which demonstrates that Freemasonry is a profoundly noble view of humankind, which deserves to be taught once again.

Selections from a new book detailing the 200 year history of the Lodge, including four Grand Masters, interactions with Presidents and Civil War Generals, and community leaders. Also discusses Moon Lodges, of which over 200 Virginia Lodges once were.

A detailed description of the tabernacle, or tent, used by Moses to house the Ark of the Covenant while in the desert; and the rich designs of Solomon's Temple which was built as it's permanent home.

An explanation of how Freemasonry increased dramatically in England during the 18th and 19th centuries and the attraction it held for the middle class.

Describes in depth the charges leveled against Masonry by various religious organizations and handily refutes them.  Recommends that Brothers should speak out and defend the craft.

A history of Masonic flasks manufactured by glass works and popular in the early 1800s. Also provides details about the Anti-Masonic party and it's possible cause of the decline of their use.

Brother Robert Springer, a career Air Force Officer, recounts the numerous opportunities that Masonry and military service offered him in his life, and calls on all Masons to provide that opportunity to those who should join us.

Mt. Wor. Fletcher, Past Grand Master of Vermont, recounts selected works from the prolific writer Allen E. Roberts following his untimely death. He speaks of the efforts of the Masonic Information Center to keep Masons informed about our history.

A fond tribute to the life and work of Allen E. Roberts, a prolific Masonic author and long time Secretary of Virginia Research Lodge.

A biography of one of our most famous Masons, Benjamin Franklin, his early years, his service to our country, and his Masonic career.

Using the Trestleboard to build Solomon's Temple, to form the Grand Lodge of England, and in our Lodges today. Enumerating the Ancient Landmarks, whether they should be enumerated or still considered Landmarks at all.

The author compares Northern and Southern English with humorous results, explains the importance of reaching younger Masons and ensuring we bring about necessary change together, and provides several examples of Masons living up to their obligations.

Wor. King, a Canadian Mason, gives a detailed history of the ties between Masonry and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, including his lifetime fascination with the RCMP.

The Grand Master of Masons in Virginia spoke on the membership crisis we are experiencing and described the twenty three point plan he instituted to address it.

At one time, Virginia Research Lodge issued Quarterly Bulletins to its members. In the 1994 Transactions, a sampling of these Bulletins from previous years were included.  They were written by Allen E. Roberts (the Secretary) unless otherwise noted. They are presented here as a "bonus" research paper.

The speaker gave off-the-cuff remarks, presenting a brief overview of the persecution of Masons during WW2, which led to a lengthy discussion by the members present about Anti-Masonry. An Addendum with more details was provided in the Transactions, and has been included here.

The author examines the reason for our decline in membership, and asserts we must focus on quality, not quantity. A great organization that demands more will attract great men, while an organization that lowers its standards to match society must die out, and deservedly so.

The author refutes the charges made against Freemasonry on the Southern Maryland Christian Information System (SMCIS) electronic bulletin board in 1994. These allegations rely on taking numerous passages by Albert Pike and other Masonic authors out of context to make their argument, that Masonry is secretly a Satanic cult and incompatible with being a Christian.

The author makes the argument that early Masonry did indeed evolve from operative stonemasons into our speculative art, and that right up until the formation of the Grand Lodge of England, all Masons were required to be Christians. This requirement has evolved over time into simply requiring a belief in a Supreme Being.

A presentation (requires several actors) to be given in a Lodge explaining how to receive a visitor to your Lodge. This would be a fun and educational program for a Lodge to present.

This paper details the findings of two select committees, of the Grand Lodge of Virginia, and of Virginia Research Lodge No. 1777, who were tasked to determine the true name of our Grand Lodge. It also explores the validity of the term "Ancient Free and Accepted Masons" when our Lodges have no claim to that term.

The author, who produced a film for the bicentennial of our grand lodge, gives us insight in to the various workings and missteps that when into producing this historic event.

This paper detailed the incredible efforts by the Grand Lodge of Colorado, specifically Past Grand Master Roger Williams Woodbury, to plan and execute the Centennial Memorial observation for Brother and President George Washington in 1899. This memorial was coordinated among all the U.S. Grand Lodges.

In this paper, the author asserts that we need to make Masonic education the focus of our Lodges. If we do not strike a light in the hearts of the new members who joined our Lodge, then they will fall away from Masonry. In addition, the younger members are usually the source of new petitions, so it is doubly important.

In this paper, the author describes in detail various versions of the ritual that are hundreds of years old noting how much the ritual has changed throughout the years. He also makes an argument for the now discredited theory that our craft evolved from operative trade lodges and guilds in Europe into what is now known as Freemasonry.

This paper provides a detailed history of the Regius Poem, also known as the Hollowell Manuscript, the earliest document confirmed to have been written about the formation of Masonic Lodges. The author prefaces the history with his own speculation about how this document originated, as the true origin of this famous document is still unclear.

This is another paper addressing the attacks upon Freemasonry by the Southern Baptist convention and other evangelical Christian churches. The author in exquisite detail lays out the lies 1/2 truths and misquoting used by our religious enemies to reveal the truth about Freemasonry.

The author tackles the common misconception by anti-Masonic writers that our craft is devoted to Paganism by twisting the words of Mackey and Pike. He explains the similarities and offers a more reasonable conclusion.

The author continues to investigate claims from earlier research papers about the origins of the Grand Master's Jewel, whether it was actually crafted for George Washington, and when it was first used. This is the third research paper in Virginia Research Lodge on this subject.

This paper is a biography of the life of John the Baptist, drawing on both biblical and historical sources. It attempts to justify why John the Baptist is one of our patron saints, and how his life reflects Masonic principles.

This paper addresses the problem of various religious groups that condemn Masonry as being a false religion, when in truth we do not claim to be a religion at all. The author recommends steps we should take to defend our craft against these unfounded allegations.

A play presented by the Alexandria Scottish Rite that explores the popular theory of how Masons had taken an active role in the Boston Tea Party in 1773, even to go so far as to planning the execution of the raid within a Masonic Lodge.

This paper explores the origin, pronunciation, and meaning of two words in our craft: Hele, and Lewis.

The concept of a Grand Lodge having sovereign jurisdiction of all Lodges that fall within their prescribed territory is known as "The American Doctrine". The author provides detailed examples of exceptions to the doctrine, as well as conflicts between different Grand Lodges over several issues. It concludes with an analysis of the current state of recognition of Prince Hall Grand Lodges in America.

This paper explores the various papal bulls issued by the Catholic Church condemning Freemasonry and denying Catholics the opportunity to join. It details numerous incidents where the Church has attacked Freemasonry as a Satanic organization that seeks to subvert and overthrow the Church, and forbids its members from being or remaining Masons.

This is an edited version of an address given by the author of Born in Blood, John J. Robinson, to Virginia Research Lodge. He goes into great detail about the central premise of his book and justifies his conclusions about the origin of our craft. He talks at length about the Catholic Church and the reasons they were and are so opposed to Freemasonry. He then answered several questions from the Lodge.

This paper address the greatest deficiency in Freemasonry: the lack of proper Masonic education. In modern Masonry, we rely entirely on ritual and do not make an effort to teach our members what Masonry is about, where it came from, and why they became a Mason in the first place.

A literary review of two of Mozart's operas that have Masonic references. The first, "The Magic Flute", is much better known as having Masonic symbolism, while the other is "The Abduction From the Seraglio". An interesting exploration of how Mozart wove not only Masonic initiation ceremonies, but how a Mason should act in his daily life, into his work.

This paper is a detailed biography of a Past Grand Master of Virginia and a Supreme Court Justice of the United States, John Marshall. It describes his early years, his marriage to his wife, his military career and his lengthy service to the craft.

Mt. Ex. Weir presents a paper on the history of the Catholic Church with regards to Masonry and the roots of their condemnation of our craft. He then explores the Royal Arch ritual referring to "Ju-Bal-On" and whether we should change our ritual to longer reference pagan deities, a major source of contention among religious groups for Masonry.

This paper was also presented in A. Douglas Smith Jr. Lodge of Research No. 1949 on Aug 31st 1991.

This paper addresses the topic of discrimination, not in the negative sense of racial discrimination, but in the positive sense of how Masons must be discriminating in the quality of men we let join the Fraternity and be discriminating in our behavior.

This paper explores the origins of the Holy Bible, one of the Three Great Lights in Masonry. The author explains how Masons had a role to play in the creation of the King James version of the Bible.

A detailed biography of Charles Lindbergh, the first pilot to fly a solo flight across the Atlantic. Details his upbringing, his famous flight, his time as an engineer, the kidnapping of his son, and his unfortunate endorsement of Nazi Germany which tarnished his public reputation. Little is said of his Masonic life other than joining a lodge at 24 years old.

This paper explores the history of Jews entering Freemasonry and the resistance they encountered in being accepted into the Fraternity. It also describes the similarities between us and the persecution that Masonry and Jews experienced together, back in history and also in modern times.

This paper provides great detail about the cornerstone laying of Central College in Charlottesville, which becomes the University of Virginia. Present were three U.S. Presidents, including Thomas Jefferson. The author then explores the rumor that Jefferson was a Mason, and ends up concluding that he was not based all evidence available.

In the late 1800s, a movement was afoot to bring black men into our Grand Lodges, which met with a good deal of resistance. This paper reveals the history of Alpha Lodge in New Jersey and an early attempt to integrate American Masonry.

This paper examines the idea that George Washington was asked to be the first General Grand Master of the United States, and he declined. The author recommends strongly that all U.S. Grand Lodges should form a General Grand Lodge to act as a single voice for American Masonry when speaking with the profane world.

This Position Paper recalls the origins of the role of District Deputy Grand Master within the Grand Lodge of Virginia. It discusses whether the true purpose of the DDGM is no longer followed, and if the role is just an empty title. It also proposes a way to correct this problem and restore the role to it's rightful place within the Grand Lodge.

This paper speaks very critically of the problems we are facing in Masonry and the lack of vision and leadership from the Grand Officers of the Grand Lodge. He presents several recommendations to deal with these problems and highlights Mt. Wor. Cobbs' plans submitted in 1989 to address these issues.

The following is the transcript of a roast of our Lodge Secretary, Rt. Wor. Allen E. Roberts. This event occurred at our Annual Stated in 1988, in place of a research paper. Brother Roberts was completely unaware of the event until he was called up. The first speaker was George B. Yeates.

This paper explores the real or imagined historical origins of the Hiramic legend from the Master Mason Degree. It delves into the purpose of the legend and what it tries to teach us.

This paper delves into the idea of change in Masonry, and how resistant Masons are to the very notion of change, even to save our organization.

This paper concerns itself with the report,"Guidance to Methodists on Freemasonry," presented at the 1985 Methodist Conference in England. The report charges that Masonry is incompatible with Methodism and that Methodists who are Masons or might become one should reconsider.

A preface to the first Volume of Transactions for A. Douglas Smith Lodge of Research No. 1949. This is the first of many documents provided by that Lodge for our archives.

This paper is an overview of the history of Masonry within the country of France. It lists the major grand bodies that govern French Masons.

This paper chronicles the George W. Wright Memorial Tubercular Pavilion at the Blue Ridge Sanatorium in Charlottesville, Virginia. The money raised by Virginia Masons for this act of charity is only exceeded by our Masonic Home.

A presentation including George Washington and Benjamin Franklin about the events of the writing of the Constitution in 1787. This presentation was originally presented at Elmer Timberman Lodge #54.

This paper is a detailed study of the history and degrees of the Royal Arch Chapter, which in Virginia contains the Cryptic Degrees as well as the degree of the Holy Royal Arch.

A critical review of the THE BROTHERHOOD by Stephen Knight. The author (of the book) is quite critical of Freemasonry and indulges several conspiracy theories not based on fact. The author of the paper addresses these ideas and explains once again how Masonry is NOT a religion.

The author was on the Long Range Planning Committee for the Grand Lodge. His paper asks the question, "To be a Mason, or not to be a Mason?" Are we doing everything we can to make Masonry what it needs to be? If not, then it is for all of us to "Bring the line up to the standard!"

An analysis of the several Masons who participated in drafting the U.S. Constitution. Examines the political and philosophical influence of the newly formed Grand Lodge of England, and how these Masons did and did not use their Masonic experience in writing this first of it's kind document for the government of a new nation.

Rt. Wor. Roberts was the author of the column "Through Masonic Windows" which appeared in two different Masonic publications for a number of years. He was asked to compile a list of his best columns to present as a paper.

This paper researches the origin of the proper noun "On" from Royal Arch ritual and finds a possible answer in ancient Egypt.

A useful guide for a Mason interested in beginning to write research papers. Explains the fame of mind necessary, and details the various steps of gathering information, creating a bibliography, and developing a writing style for articles.

This paper explores the question, "Does Masonry still have a purpose in today's society?" The answer is a resounding yes, and the follow up question is, "What are you doing, TODAY, to bring that about?"

A history of Chamberlain’s life as a school teacher, a Mason, a highly decorated Civil War General, and four-time Governor of the state of Maine.

A memoriam in honor of A. Douglas Smith Jr.

This paper explores the concept of a "Perfect Cubit" used to build King Solomon's Temple. A cubit is a measurement of a man's arm, and there was no consistent length of a cubit among the different workmen of the Temple. Paper also presented in A. Douglas Smith Lodge that same year.

This paper offers several symbolic meanings of the Square and Compasses as displayed on the Bible, including exactly how many degrees wide the Compasses are supposed to be and the reason for such.

In light of the dramatic loss of membership in Grand Lodges nationwide, a very aggressive proposal of how to take action to correct this loss and return Masonry to its previous prominence in society.

The tragically short history of the Poet Laureate of Scotland, Robert Burns. He is perhaps our most famous Masonic poet.

An analysis of rods and staffs in biblical and human history, and a brief program that illustrates how the movement of the Stewards and Deacons form our Masonic symbols.

An analysis of the reasons for the decline in membership in the Fraternity, tying it to the austerity of those who lived through the Great Depression and the enormous influx of members following World War II. The author suggests a dramatic increase in dues to resolve the issue and restore our Lodges to their proper state.

A thorough study of the origins of Virginia Ritual, from our Mother Grand Lodges through the forming of the Grand Lodge of Virginia to the establishment of the Committee on Work and Grand Lecturers.

A detailed history of the oldest Masonic building in the United States, Masons' Hall, in Richmond. Originally the home of the first Lodges in Richmond, it is still in continuous use, and is nearly as old as the city of Richmond itself.

The author discusses the exoteric/external, the structure and ritual of our craft; and the esoteric/internal, the hidden meaning behind the ritual and symbolism. He discusses the origins of Freemasonry and our ties to the Rosicrucians.

An explanation of how speculative Masons began to join operative Lodges, and brief biographies of prominent Masons in the English nobility.

An analysis of the several conventions to form the Grand Lodge of Virginia and why George Washington was not asked to serve as our first Grand Master.

A brief story of the first Tool Engineer and the first Tool Engineering Educator, Tubal Cain.

A detailed history of John Coustos, who was tortured by the Inquisition to obtain Masonic secrets. Information is provided about the many famous Masons in the Lodges he was a member and Master of.

The author examines the Lodges of Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia that are found within the Beltway of Washington, D.C. He highlights their numerous problems and recommends a possible solution.

An excerpt from an installation by the Grand Master of India, presented as advice to any Masonic leader on how to rule and govern.

Off-the-cuff comments by the Grand Lecturer of Connecticut on common Masonic folklore reprinted in magazines, such as the number of Masons who signed the Declaration of Independence. Most are factually incorrect.

The author examines the problems of Centralization, Legalization, Idolization and Depersonalization that threaten Freemasonry. He suggests the antidote is Fraternalization, if we are strong enough to take it.

An in-depth analysis by a Past Grand Master of the lack of the Grand Lodge, Chapter, and Commandery to utilize research lodges to their full effectiveness and suggestions for improvement of research in general in Virginia Masonry.

The first paper presented in A. Douglas Smith Jr. Lodge of Research No. 1949, in honor of the Mason it was named for.

Past Grand Master A. Douglas Smith, Jr. elaborates on the legend of the Grand Master's jewel and his effort to disprove the common theory it was crafted for George Washington, when in truth it was made in 1911.

A detailed history of the origins of the Mother Supreme Council of the Scottish Rite and the growth of Scottish Rite Masonry in Virginia.

A study of George Washington and the battle of Yorktown, the climactic battle of the Revolutionary War. Also the centennial and bicentennial celebrations and the Grand Lodge's involvement.

Brethren, let us address ourselves to ways whereby we, as Freemasons, can help to bring about the dawn of a better day for ourselves, and, in so doing, a better day for all mankind.

That's all very good – but how?

A biography of a prolific and active Mason, not only a Grand Master, Grand High Priest, and Grand Generalissimo, but the only Most Illustrious Grand Master of the short-lived Grand Council of Cryptic Masons in Virginia.