A collection of experiences and musings from Dr. James Tresner. Masonic education is fast becoming the watchword of all Masonic Grand Lodges, or those that are developing programs that appeal to those men coming to the Craft with an expectation of some degree of enlightenment. Too often, however, speakers and available material seems radically to one side of a coin or another. Wildly esoteric and delving into occult language that has little interest for many, or completely and utterly dry regurgitating the acceptable Masonic histories and litanies of old. This book strikes a perfect balance and has something for everyone in a tone and approach that feels a little like you have just met up with the character in real life from the old tyler talks. The tone of the book transports you to a wonderful little room, fireplace burning, Jim on his pipe, too wonderfully comfy chairs and great conversation. We can't let the conversational tone of the book fool us though. There are some real meaty topics handled within this almost 450 page volume. Everything from music to symbolism, from esotericism to morality, no topic seems off limits, but every topic is covered with the same widened and kind approach that is Dr. Jim Tresner.
This compilation of works by the Grand Lodge of Colorado contains a discussion by Illustrious Brother James T. Tresner on symbolism and symbolic language, Gnosticism is covered by Brother Timothy Hogan the famed author of Alchemical Keys to Masonic Ritual, and discussion of music and Masonry by the musician for Enlightenment Lodge 198 in Colorado.
Three decades after the Civil War-amidst a resurgent patriotic fervor, a new Christian Awakening and an enveloping modernization promising heretofore unimagined heights of prosperity and well-being-a new generation of Americans in rural Nelson and Washington Counties, Kentucky, were experiencing what Lincoln in their fathers' war had promised: a new birth of freedom. Before them they saw the ancient vision of Zion, America as the new Promised Land, the Christian Republic, the Shining City on a Hill, shedding its light of prosperity and freedom on all. Their destiny and calling, they had no doubt, was to secure liberty and its blessings for themselves and posterity. This was the Vision and the hope that united them as a people and as a crusading army at home and abroad, inspiring a multitude of social and political reforms and drawing them into the Great War of 1914-1918. It is this story that Visions of Zion tells-of dreams that united and divided, that lifted up and brought low-a story of a drive for everlasting peace that led to war and that finally ends with the collapse of Zion and fading of all those wondrous dreams of a better world.
In Old Blue’s Road, historian James Whiteside shares accounts of his motorcycle adventures across the American West. He details the places he has seen, the people he has met, and the personal musings those encounters prompted on his unique journeys of discovery. In 2005, Whiteside bought a Harley Davidson Heritage Softail, christened it “Old Blue,” and set off on a series of far-reaching motorcycle adventures. Over six years he traveled more than 15,000 miles. Part travelogue and part historical tour, this book takes the reader along for the ride. Whiteside’s travels to the Pacific Northwest, Yellowstone, Dodge City, Santa Fe, Wounded Knee, and many other locales prompt consideration of myriad topics—the ongoing struggle between Indian and mainstream American culture, the meaning of community, the sustainability of the West's hydraulic society, the creation of the national parks system, the Mormon experience in Utah, the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II, and more. Delightfully funny and insightful, Old Blue’s Road links the colorful history and vibrant present from Whiteside’s unique vantage point, recognizing and reflecting on the processes of change that made the West what it is today. The book will interest the general reader and western historian alike, leading to new appreciation for the complex ways in which the American West's past and present come together.
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