There is a book written by John S. Yates, "A Guide for Genealogists, Researching Masonic Records" published by Yates, 1998, which gives the genealogist an overview of how to gain information from any of the early Masonic records. The book provides a guide for those interested in gathering information on those within the Masonic Orders, where to write with addresses for every state in the Union, and when each lodge was charted. Masonic Lodges outside the United States are given from Austrialia, New Zealand, England, Scotland, to Ireland.
The book explains the Masonic degrees as well as gives all states addresses. Addresses are also provided for the Grand Scottish Rite bodies throughout the U.S., England, and Scotland. It tells what to expect the early records to tell the genealogist about their ancestor, listing fifteen different items of information from each member's card when available--when they have been recorded for posterity.
There are reminders and sample letters provided for requesting information (both nationally and locally) and success stories given. It also provides an example of what a record looks like, what to expect on the record, and answers to questions about the Masons you always wanted to ask.
This book even goes so far as to explain some of the other Masonic organizations that are open to the wives, mothers, daughters, widows, and sisters of the Master Masons, from which more information can be gathered.
Mr. Yates (Past Pres. of the Texas Genealogical Association, Past President of the North Central Texas Chapter No. 36 Sons of Confederate Veterans, and a member of the Sons of the Republic of Texas), also goes so far as to furnish where many lodges go for their information other than local/public libraries. He gives the addresses to the Masons' publishing companies and communications that relate to Masonic related information.
Mr. Yates is also a Past Master of Wichita Falls Masonic Lodge No. 635 and a Past master of Magargel Lodge No. 1038. He has held presiding offices in the Wichita Falls York Rite Masonic Bodies. Yates has presented lectures to various genealogical societies on the subject of Masonic records and also gives lectures on computers in genealogical research. He holds an Associated Degree in Computer Aided Graphics and is a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.
By searching Masonic Records some researchers have found the clues they needed to find lost ancestors and provide clues to what their character, looks, and personality were while living, something that gives substance to the search for an individual one can never meet. John Yates' addresses are:
John Yates, PO Box 3496, Wichita Falls, TX 76301-0496
E-mail: jyatees@wf.net
http://www.wf.net/~jyates
Yates' book costs between $4.00 and $6.50, and is worth much more than the asking price.
Local libraries may not have books on Freemasonry. Besides the larger public libraries, Mr. Yates suggests going directly to the Grand Lodges or to a source such as the following:
Macoy Publishing (804) 262-6551
P.O. Box 9759
Richmond, VA 23228
or
Anchor Communications (804)737-4498
110 Quince Avenue Drawer 70
Highland Springs, VA 23075
Rhonda Houston
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Thanks Rhonda for sharing this with us! For more information on the Freemasons, see the following article
http://news.excite.com/news/r/991119/09/net-freemasons-secrets
The Freemasons of Yorkshire West Riding Web site, gives some great insight into this often secretive organization at:
http://www.wrprovince.co.uk/
Ancestry Daily News
