The Common Gavel

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The official monthly podcast of the Grand Lodge of Maryland AF & AM, focusing on news and happenings in the Maryland Masonic family.

The Common Gavel Podcast


    • Mar 10, 2020 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 26m AVG DURATION
    • 46 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from The Common Gavel

    March 2020: Grand Lodge Election special

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 10, 2020 42:14


    In this special edition, we hear from the men who are running for elected offices for 2021.

    February 2020: The APG Club & More about the Ark

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 10, 2020 25:32


    Along with updates from the Grand Master and Deputy Grand Master, we have information about successful a new club specifically for Masons working at Aberdeen Proving Ground. We also learn more about the Anchor and the Ark as symbols in Masonry, and how to apply them to your life.

    December 2019: Was Santa a Mason?

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 23, 2019 21:34


    In this episode, we learn about the Christmas Cowboy, Brother Gene Autry, also we learn more about the Hanukkah holiday, and we get the lowdown on the January installation schedule. Also, was Saint Nick, aka Santa a Freemason?

    October 2019: Houdini and Museum History

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 18, 2019 28:24


    This Halloween marks the 93 anniversary of the death of Brother Harry Houdini. We talk with folks from the Scranton Houdini Museum to get details on the life and death of Brother Harry. Plus we get a history lesson from the Maryland Masonic Museum.

    September 2019: A Crockett Connection

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 2, 2019 21:00


    In this episode, we hear about exciting happenings for the fall including The first ever community Wellness fair, Harvest Home Day, the Grand Masters golf tournament, and more! Plus, learn a little more about your Masonic Apron and hear from a direct descendant of Davy Crockett.

    June 2019: The 47th Problem & Solving other problems

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2019 36:59


    IN this episode, we find out about the new DelMar JDI, the new Grand Lodge Regional membership Chairman, and the Grand Master & Deputy Grand Master share their thoughts on summer. We also find out why Masons are to observe the 47th Problem of Euclid.

    April 2019: The Next Right Thing

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2019 25:35


    Brother Kevin Marburger talks about his new foundation, The Grand Master talks about proper voting procedures, and the Deputy Grand Master discusses giving new men the time to learn. Also a special Millennial Mason joins us to celebrate DeMolay.

    March 2019: 104 and still sitting in lodge!

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 11, 2019 33:51


    News about the DeMolay Fesitive Boards, a sit-down with our Junior Grand Warden and a hat with a 104 year old Mason!

    Live From Centennial Lodge!a

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 26, 2019 30:43


    As the Grand Lodge continues it's journey around Maryland for installations, we bring you this live broadcast from their "lunch break" at Centennial Lodge. Patuxent Lodge was the morning and Centennial's installtion after lunch. Find out how the crazy intallation season is going!

    January 2018: Mystery Train

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 9, 2019 23:38


    Freemasonry & the rails, how to use the trowel and more!https://www.freemasonrytoday.com/features/parallel-lines-john-hamill-public-transport-railways-freemasonry

    December 2018: Opera Man!

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 11, 2018 25:26


    An operatic rendition of the Lord's Prayer had the crowd on it's feet during the Grand Master's Installation, hear from the singer and hear a replay of the song. Plus a new feature focused on Millennial Masons and and the first Podcast by our new Grand Master and Deputy Grand Master.

    November 2018: One on One with MWGM Vourvoulas

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 14, 2018 28:15


    IN this episode, Tom Foster sits for a one-on-one interview with MWGM Gus Vourvoulas as he wraps up his historic term as Grand Master of Masons in Maryland. Also, how to use the Common Gavel in everyday life.

    October 2018: A Day's Wages and German Beer!

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 1, 2018 24:08


    Learn about Germania Lodge, get a recap of the Grand Lodge Table Lodge and learn how to earn you Masonic wages.

    September 2018: The Business of Inspectors

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 1, 2018 31:01


    IN this episode, we get a lesson on what a Grand Inspector does, and we find out WHY they speak last. Also, podcaster and author Robert Johnson joins us to talk about his new book regarding taking a corporate path to Freemasonry. What does that mean? Robert explains. Plus a word about the Bee hive!

    June 2018: Acting Genius & Social Media Masonry

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 25, 2018 25:46


    May 2018: Finally! Help for your memory !

    Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2018 26:41


    All Masons are looking for extra tricks to be able to memorize ritual. memory expert Ron White joins us to give you some tricks to use to help get through all your memory work! We get an update on the York Rite from the Most Excellent High Priest. The Grand Master has important words about the Semi-annnual, and the Deputy Grand Master has some tips on engaging candidates who are interested in your lodge. Finally it's the return of Tom's

    March: Building Temples, Fighting Floods

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2018 27:06


    In this episode, we hear from a Brother in Texas to get details on flood recovery, and we also learn more about the updates to the Maryland Masonic Academy, and get a lesson on how King Solomon managed to manage the Temple project!

    February 2018: The Millenial Freemason

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 14, 2018 29:27


    41 Million men in America belong to the Millenial generation. The value sthese men have ar emore closely aligned with the teachings of Masonry than almost any generation in history. So how do we get them to knock on the door? Author Sam Friedman explains. How do you plan a really great event? Event Producer Petra Compel from Event Tech gives a few tricks of the trade> The MWGM updates us on improvements at Maryland Masonic Homes, and The RWDGM talks about a how to give your lodge a purpose. Finally, whats your favorite first degree symbol? Tell us and you could win a prize!

    live from Queen City lodge!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 13, 2018 24:35


    December 2017: Get Ready for a New Chair?

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 8, 2017 27:28


    The Grand Master talks about his trip to the UGLE and aslo about two proposed changes to the Grand Lodge constitution. The DGM talks about membership and youth groups, and host Tom Foster talks to two authors who's books may give new officers some fresh ideas. Also we hear from a new 33rd degree Mason, Michael Fabe, and get some insight on his Masonic Journey.

    October: Halloween Special!

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 27, 2017 24:53


    Some spooky info on Masonic headstones and some spine-tingling trivia on a Grand Master with a peculiar cemetery situation! Plus a 4th generation Maryland mason raises a 5th generation and word on equality from our Grand Master. The RWDGM talks hard numbers in Masonry, and news on a new facebook feature.

    September: Helping Our Brothers Through MSA

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 14, 2017 25:07


    What is MSA? Where does it come from and why should it be the first choice in helping the victims of the hurricanes? Simon LaPlace of MSA joins Tom foster to discuss. Also, Dave Sandy discusses the meaning of Further light, and the MWGM & DGM talk about upcoming events and membership initiatives. TO DONATE TO HURRICANE RELIEF, PLEASE VISIT WWW.MSANA.COM

    August: Chris Hodapp

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 20, 2017 32:36


    The MWGM announces his golf outing, an update on our youth groups from DGM Naegele. The return of Dave Sandy and Further Light, and a chat with Chris Hodapp, Author of Freemasons for Dummies.

    July 2017: Do you come from the land down under?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2017 25:04


    IN this episode we of course hear about some great summer events and learn about the Schools of INstruction from the Grand Master, we also learn about the many charitable endeqavors that the MD Masonic family engages in from the Deputy Grand Master. We are also treated to a visit from a Brother from AUSTRALIA and we learn about a busy Maryland Mason who is one of the most HATED pro wrestling managers in the US!

    June 2017: How to afford the Past Master's Jewel

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2017 26:16


    Of course we have our messages from the MWGM and RWDGM, both with good news to share. Greg Jones of Mt. Moriah #116 talks about helping local high schools and Edward Heimiller talks about an exciting way to provide your Master with a proper PM jewel WITHOUT breaking the lodge budget! Also, Dave Sandy continues his exploration of the cardinal virtues.

    May 2017: The Maryland Masonic Academy

    Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2017 29:38


    In this episode, we speak with Kirk White, author of "Operative Masonry" which is required reading in the Maryland Masonic Academy. Also, another exploration of the Cardinal Virtues with Dave Sandy, and Charles Matulewicz Dean of the Maryland Masonic Academy discusses the Arch presentations and how brothers can best prepare for them. Of course we hear from The Grand Master and Deputy Grand Master, and another round of Tom's Trivia!

    April 2017: Make Your Mark

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 7, 2017 28:12


    IN this episode, we hear about a Maryland tattoo shop owner who's taking hate out of the world, one tattoo at a time and we hear from a lawmaker-brother who's making his mark in Annapolis. Dave Sandy begins a 4-part series on the cardinal virtues and the MWGM & RWDGM explain how Masons have helped veterans and the many ways ladies are involved in our Masonic family.

    March 2017

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 10, 2017 27:57


    On our Facebook page last month, you met two of our Jobie Girls from far away. After sneaking into the MWGM's Apartment, they sit down with host Tom Foster for a chat about traveling the world to support the Masonic Family. The latest info on the Storm the Castle 5k, and update from the Grand Master on the latest with our online members portal and the charitable efforts of the Grand Lodge, and the Deputy Grand Master follows up with a discussion of the latest on membership efforts. Edward Heimiller discusses a unique museum donation from a Brother's family and Dave Sandy talks about meaning of the Grand Inspectors Jewel.

    February 2017

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 2, 2017 27:40


    In this episode, Further Light returns with Dave Sandy. Brother Dave discusses the symbols, traditions and duties of a Past Master. Also, we hear from a Brother in England who viewed out ritual on Facebook, so get his thoughts on the craft using this medium for outreach. Also, we learn the history of Boy Scouts and Masonry with Brother Robert King, and we find out about the first portrait of a lady to be added to the Masonic museum collection. Of course we've also got Tom's Trivia and some great words from the Grand Master and Deputy Grand Master.

    January 2017

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 12, 2017 27:48


    Do tough guys wear aprons? You bet they do because the Father of Maryand Mixed Martial Arts is none other than Brother John Rallo. Host Tom Foster talks to John to find out why he became a mason. Tom also talks with First Lady of Maryland Masonry Cheryl Vourvoulas to discuss the new things for Masonic ladies in Maryland. Edward Heimiller drops by with a beautiful apron from the museum and we get the details on the Masonic Leadership Academy, the upcoming "Storming The Castle 5k" and words of wisdom from both the MWGM and the DGM!

    December 2016

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 8, 2016 26:41


    In this episode we hear from the newly installed Grand Master and Deputy Grand Master and we get some great news about the future of Bonnie Blink. Br. Mike Craftin talks about 300 years of Freemasonry in Carroll County, and we learn more about what a tyler really does. Plus, your chance at a great prize with "Name That Maryland Mason"

    The Common Gavel, November 2016

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 7, 2016 29:50


    In this episode, host Tom Foster speaks with the Potentate of Ali Ghan Shrine to learn a little more about the one of a kind Shrine. Grand Master Kenneth S. Wyvill Jr. delivers his final message and DGM Vourvoulas gives us the History of Bonnie Blink. Speaking of history, Edward Heimiller explains the history of the Grand Lodge Master's Chair. Also we get to hear some moving words from an organization that has benefitted from Masonic charity.

    The Common Gavel, October 2016

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 29, 2016 28:35


    In this episode, DGM-Elect Richard Naegele gives us more details about updates to the Maryland Masonic Acedemy, Ray Voegel talks Tall Cedars, and we get the fascinating history of Harvest Home Day. Plus, Brother Dave Sandy gives us Further Light on the subject of "a lodge". Of course, the MWGM and DGM have a few words of wisdom, and we have a fun round of Name that Maryland Mason to end the show!

    The Common Gavel September 2016

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 7, 2016 28:32


    In this episode, an few words from our Grand Master and Deputy Grand Master, and then an interview with author of the book "Lodge Leadership". Plus, further light on Masonic penalties. Finally a chat with Illustrious Potentate Kurt Frevel and a rousing game of "Name that Maryland Mason".

    The Common Gavel August 2016

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2016 26:34


    This month, Brother Randy Watson gives us the inside scoop on the York Rite, and we debut a new segment called "Further Light" hosted by Brother Dave Sandy. This exciting new segment will really enhance your Masonic knowledge! We of course get updates from the Grand Master & Deputy Grand Master, and finish up with a chance at some prizes in "Name That Maryland Mason".

    The Common Gavel July 2016

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 9, 2016 29:44


    In this episode, host Tom Foster speaks with the Master of a Lodge that is helping to revive the custom of laying Masonic cornerstones at civic buildings. He also speaks with 2 men in the Maryland Masonic family who are about to leave Maryland to serve our country. Of course the Grand Master and Deputy Grand Master have summer messages to share, Edward Heimiller stops in to chat about Masonic party punch from the 1800's and how you may be able to taste test it yourself! Finally, another round of "Name That Maryland Mason".

    The Common Gavel Podcast: June 2016

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2016 24:38


    In this episode, host Tom Foster introduces an unusual Masonic movie star. We also get the inside info on the Rainbow girls, the Grand Master's Message and of course, our favorite game "Name that Maryland Mason".

    Grand Master's Semi-Annual Report, May 14, 2016

    Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2016 21:02


    Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons in Maryland, Brother Kenneth S. Wyvill Jr. delivers his semi-annual report to the brethren at the semi-annual communication on May 14, 2016

    Deputy Grand Masters Message May 2016 Semi-annual

    Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2016 14:30


    The Right Worshipful Deputy Grand Master, Brother Kostas "Gus" Vourvoulas, delivers his report to the brethren at the semi-annual communication on May 14, 2016.

    Common Gavel Podcast May 2016

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2016 29:51


    In this episode, host Tom Foster speaks with Past Grand Master Stephen J. Ponzillo regarding the MCM program and Brother Dave Sandy regarding Masonic Mentoring. Tom also talks with Bill Shoe, Past Master of Glen Burnie Lodge, who went above and beyond to help our local police. As always we heard from the Grand Master and Deputy Grand Master, we peek into the museum archive and we play everyone's favorite game "Name That Maryland Mason".

    John Paul Jones Ceremony Part 4

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2016 30:29


    John Paul Jones Ceremony Part 3

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2016 32:45


    John Paul Jones Ceremony part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2016 2:40


    John Paul Jones Ceremony Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2016 11:31


    The Common Gavel Podcast: April 2016

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 6, 2016 35:23


    In this episode, the MWGM announces the new name for the podcast and gives details regarding the ceremony for Brother John Paul Jones and the upcoming leadership seminars. DGM discusses how Maryland Masonry can enrich family life. Plus we get the scoop on the Western Maryland Music Festival 4, another visit to the MD Masonic Museum, and host Tom Foster has another round of name that Maryland Mason.

    The Common Gavel Podcast, March 2016

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2016 27:01


    In this first episode of the Maryland Masonic Podcast, host Tom Foster speaks with Brother Rich Mainly about the new lodge being chartered in Boumi Shrine. Carl & Cameron talk DeMolay, Edward Heimiller discusses one of the unique aprons in the Museum collection and Brother Bill Richard stops in to talk about lodge security. We also hear from the Grand Master & Deputy Grand Master on the Importance of Inspiration, Mentorship & Brotherhood.

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