Centurion #195 Lodge

08/21/2026

An old Masonic landmark in Knoxville is at risk of being demolished. The building is from the 1800s and someone recently requested a permit for demolition, which would spell the end for this historic building. I hate seeing important historic landmarks put at risk.

The Masonic Temple in downtown Knoxville has a storied history, but it could be torn down.

08/21/2026

Okay, who wants to go?!

08/19/2026

Last night, the brethren of Centurion Lodge #195 had the pleasure of conferring the Fellowcraft Degree upon Brother Walker Smith. Congratulations, Brother Smith, on this important step in your Masonic journey. We look forward to supporting you as you continue your path toward further light.

08/17/2026

Arthur Edward Waite (1857–1942) is widely known for the Rider–Waite Tarot deck, but within Freemasonry he was a Brother, a scholar, and one of the most prolific explorers of the Craft’s symbolic and spiritual dimensions. Initiated in 1901, Waite believed Masonry preserved fragments of an ancient “Secret Tradition,” a lineage of mystical wisdom stretching back through the old initiatory schools. His lifelong interest in the supernatural wasn’t about ghost stories or sensationalism; it was about understanding how ritual, symbolism, and unseen forces shape the inner life and moral development of the Mason. Waite was Master of Runymede Lodge #2430 in London, from 1910 to 1911, where he was initiated.

One of Waite’s most influential works, The Secret Tradition in Freemasonry (1911), argues that Masonic ritual contains echoes of ancient systems designed to elevate and transform the soul. He connected the Craft’s themes of death, rebirth, light, and the search for lost knowledge to Hermeticism, Rosicrucianism, and early Christian mysticism. Brothers interested in the deeper symbolic layers of Masonry can read the full text on Archive.org:

https://archive.org/details/secrettraditioni00waituoft

Waite also examined the supernatural through a scholarly lens in The Book of Ceremonial Magic (1913). In it, he traces the history of magical grimoires, spirit‑summoning rituals, and occult traditions to show how different cultures interpreted the invisible world. His work places the supernatural in a historical and symbolic context, offering a perspective that resonates with Masons who study allegory and the deeper meanings behind ritual. This book is also available on Archive.org:

https://archive.org/details/bookofceremonial00waituoft

08/15/2026

If this is accurate, it’s a potential shift in perspective. I welcome it.

Umberto Longo, appointed to the Pontifical Committee for Historical Sciences, appears repeatedly in Masonic records.

08/15/2026

Who’s ready for Table Lodge!?

08/15/2026

Deity has many names.

08/13/2026

Harry S. Truman, the 33rd President of the United States, was one of the most active and devoted Freemasons ever to serve as President. He was initiated into Belton Lodge No. 450 in Belton, Missouri, in 1909 and quickly became involved in Masonic leadership.

In 1911, Truman helped establish Grandview Lodge No. 618 and became its first Worshipful Master. He remained deeply committed to Freemasonry throughout his life, serving in numerous lodge and Grand Lodge positions.

In 1940, while serving as a U.S. Senator, Truman was elected Grand Master of Masons in Missouri, an honor he later described as the greatest he had ever received. He famously stated, "The greatest honor that has ever come to me... is to be Grand Master of Masons in Missouri."

Truman also received the 33° of the Scottish Rite in 1945 and was active in the York Rite and other Masonic bodies. Even during his presidency, he proudly identified as a Mason and often spoke about the fraternity's principles of brotherly love, relief, and truth.

A fitting summary of Truman's Masonic legacy is that he viewed Freemasonry not merely as an organization, but as a way of life dedicated to character, service, and fellowship.

08/10/2026

Whether you're a Master Mason, a newly initiated Entered Apprentice, or simply curious about Freemasonry, beafreemason.org offers insight into the principles, purpose, and benefits of the Craft. It reminds us why we became Masons, what we can gain from the experience, and how the timeless lessons of Freemasonry help shape better men, stronger communities, and lasting friendships.

A Freemason is committed to bettering himself, his community, and the world. He is on a journey of self-discovery believing in something greater than himself, a journey in which he will be supported by other good men.

08/09/2026

Yesterday, brothers, family, and new friends came together at Red Leg Brewing Company for an afternoon of fellowship and good cheer. Despite the hot weather, a wonderful time was had by all. Thank you to everyone who joined us. We look forward to seeing you at our next social event, where we hope to enjoy some cooler temperatures!