Harry C. Trexler Masonic Library

New to the Library this week:

Freemasonry for the Heart and Mind: Sketches from an Esoteric Notebook by Brother Julian Rees.

We are pleased to add this thoughtful and reflective work to the collection of the Harry C. Trexler Masonic Library. In this volume, Brother Rees explores the symbolic, philosophical, and esoteric dimensions of Freemasonry through a series of personal sketches and meditations, encouraging readers to reflect more deeply upon the Craft and its teachings.

We are especially grateful that Brother Rees graciously sent the Library an autographed edition of the book, adding a personal touch to this newest addition to our collection. Works such as this continue the longstanding tradition of Masonic writers contributing to the intellectual and spiritual enrichment of the fraternity.

As always, these and many more educational materials can be found in YOUR Trexler Masonic Library.

It was a bit of a chilly day in Philadelphia for the Pennsylvania Academy of Masonic Knowledge Symposium, held in junction with The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, F & AM 250th Celebration of America festivities. It was nice to reacquaint ourselves with old brothers and meet new ones.

Congratulations to our Library Director, Kristopher Yoder for achieving his Master Masonic Scholar degree.

New to the Library This Week:

32 Degrees Freemasonry by Nicholas Broadway/Square Academy

We are pleased to add The 32 Degrees in Freemasonry: A Self-Paced Learning Course by Square Academy to the collection.

Inspired by Albert Pike’s Morals and Dogma, this course offers a structured exploration of the philosophical, symbolic, and ethical dimensions of the thirty-two degrees. Rather than serving as a simple overview, it is designed to guide the reader through deeper reflection on the moral teachings embedded within the degrees and their broader intellectual context.

The material emphasizes critical thinking and personal development, encouraging readers to engage with ethical scenarios and the philosophical traditions that have shaped Masonic thought. In doing so, it aims to support the development of leadership, self-awareness, and a more deliberate moral framework.

Intended for advanced students of Freemasonry, this work will be of particular interest to those seeking a more serious engagement with the esoteric and philosophical aspects of the Craft.

As always, this and many more educational materials can be found in YOUR Trexler Masonic Library.

Found in the Archives:

We recently uncovered a remarkable copy of "Oration Delivered at Faneuil Hall, Boston, July 11, 1831" presented by Timothy Fuller at the request of the Suffolk Anti-Masonic Committee.

This particular example bears a presentation inscription:
“The Honbl Richard Rush, with the respects of T. Fuller.”

Even more intriguing, the pamphlet contains a corrected printing error on page 11. A sentence referencing Rush, apparently intended as a marginal note, was mistakenly included in the printed text and subsequently struck through. A handwritten annotation clarifies: “This was a note only – misplaced by the printer.” The note appears in the same hand as the inscription, suggesting it may have been added at the time of presentation.

A second, unsigned copy in the collection retains the same printing error without correction, highlighting the unique, copy-specific nature of this piece.

Items such as this offer a tangible glimpse into the circulation of Anti-Masonic thought in the early 19th century and the human hands involved in its production and distribution.

As always, these and many more examples of primary sources of the Anti-Masonic Movement can be found in YOUR Trexler Masonic Library.

Masonic Reflections: The Square

The Square is among the oldest and most recognizable symbols of Freemasonry, placed upon the Altar alongside the Holy Bible and the Compasses. As one of the Great Lights of the Lodge, it stands as a visible reminder of order, truth, and the moral structure upon which Masonic teaching is founded. Simple in form, it reflects a principle that is neither complex nor obscure: the necessity of right conduct.

In operative use, the square was a tool for testing accuracy, ensuring that stones were properly shaped and fitted. In speculative Masonry, this practical function becomes symbolic. The Square represents morality, integrity, and the standard by which actions are judged. Just as the builder relies upon it to ensure sound construction, so too is the Mason called to measure his thoughts and deeds against a consistent moral standard.

This idea lies at the heart of Masonic philosophy. Character is not formed by chance, but built deliberately, one action at a time. The Square teaches that a life well lived must be aligned with principles that are stable and enduring. Without such a standard, neither individuals nor societies can maintain order or purpose. The moral law, symbolized by the Square, becomes the foundation upon which both personal integrity and social harmony depend.

To live “on the Square” is therefore more than a phrase; it is a discipline. It calls for honesty, fairness, and a continual examination of one’s conduct. In this sense, the Square is not merely an emblem of the Craft, but a guide for daily life, reminding each Mason that the true work of the fraternity is the building of character.

Source: Short Talk Bulletin, Vol. II, No. 4 (April 1924), “The Square”
Image: Working Tools, Duncan's Masonic Monitor

Found in the Archives:

We recently uncovered a small but fascinating piece of local history: an 1895 holiday matchbook from the Trexler Lumber Co..

Issued as a festive promotional item, the cover features bright holiday scenes, decorating the Christmas tree and visiting relatives for the holidays, paired with a simple but effective reminder: “Close cover before striking.” Inside, the matchbook is stamped with “Holiday Greetings – Trexler Lumber Co., Allentown, PA.”

Ephemeral objects like this were never meant to survive. Used, discarded, forgotten. Yet they often tell us more about daily life than formal records ever could. Here, we see a local business tying itself to warmth, home, and the rituals of the season—quite literally providing the means to light the hearth.

And yes, that Trexler. Long before the name became associated with the Library and its collections, it was part of the commercial and civic fabric of Allentown. Pieces like this offer a small but tangible connection between that past and the institution we steward today.

As always, these and many more pieces of local and fraternal history can be found in YOUR Trexler Masonic Library.

New to the Library this week:

“A Mason’s Work” Instructional Materials

The Trexler Masonic Library has recently added a set of instructional materials associated with A Mason’s Work by Brian T Mattocks.

This collection includes a variety of 3D-printed symbolic tools, reference cards, and companion items designed to support personal reflection and structured study. Produced by the author, these materials are intended to move beyond discussion of symbolism and toward its practical application.

While modern in form, these tools reflect an ongoing interest within Freemasonry in using symbols not only as objects of study, but as guides for personal development and instruction.

These items have been added to the Library as part of our continuing effort to document both historical and contemporary approaches to Masonic education.

As always, these and many more educational materials can be found in YOUR Trexler Masonic Library.

New Book Announcement: A Mason’s Work by Brian T Mattocks.

Freemasonry is often called a progressive science, but for many, it stops at ritual memorization. A Mason’s Work reframes the Lodge as a place for intentional character development rather than simply ceremonial tradition.

Mattocks introduces the “Operative Protocol,” a practical four-step framework, Awareness, Reflection, Analysis, and Action, designed to turn Masonic symbolism into real, everyday practice.

Blending psychology, philosophy, and Masonic teaching, the book offers tools for individual growth, mentorship, and Lodge education.

The Library has received a signed advance copy of the work. Bro. Mattocks also hosts a podcast of the same name, exploring many of these same themes. The book is currently available for pre-order through Amazon and his website:
https://amasonswork.com/.

We recently came across this article from The Square freemasonry magazine in London on Belzoni's Masonic Manuscript.

The Trexler Masonic Library is proud to own an original copy of this work - complete with Sarah Belzoni's original handwritten pages! We also own a first edition copy of John Weisse's The Obelisk and Freemasonry.

These and many more rare Masonic documents can be seen in YOUR Trexler Masonic Library.

Belzoni's Masonic Manuscript - Belzoni's Masonic Manuscript is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history and practices of Freemasonry, as well as for those interested in the broader cultural and social history of the early 19th century. The manuscript provides a rare glimpse into the inner workings of the organization, and offers insights into its beliefs, values, and practices. It is a fascinating document that continues to captivate and intrigue scholars and freemasons alike.

- An article published in the April 2023 Issue of The Square Magazine now available online https://thesquaremagazine.com/mag/article/202304belzonis-masonic-manuscript

- An independent publication, The Square Magazine brings you in-depth and thought provoking articles of Masonic interest, presented in a contemporary way...

If you like it, please share with lodge members - they will thank you.…