Speakers' Bureau

Speakers’ Bureau

The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania offers a Speakers’ Bureau with a variety of presentations for your Lodge meeting. Below, you will find a list of speakers and topics available to you.

 

Name Topic(s) Contact Info Additional Info
Yasser Al-Khatib Volunteering opportunities and resources; Freemasonry a School of Leadership; Managing Mental illness: the Act of 1976; the Opioid epidemic in PA.; Symbolism and Ritual topics such as Golden Fleece, Hiram Abiff, Chibolleth, the Past Master Jewel, etc; Irregular Freemasonry; Freemasonry in the Middle East; The religious symbolism in Freemasonry; Constructing Masonic research papers for publication.
  • Notice Required: 1 month
  • Distance Willing to Travel: Flexible
  • Reimbursement: Donation to a Masonic Body or Charity of the speakers choice.
Thomas Anke Why are we Blue?, The Medicine Wheel and Native American Freemasonry, The Festive Board, Traditional Observance Freemasonry, Ruffians among us, The Axis Mundi, The Saints John, Who are the Sons of the Widow?, Epicurus and the science of balance, Dilligence-Prudence-Temperance-Discretion, The immortal memory of Brother Robert Burns, The Symbolism of the Beehive, and The Black Ball.
  • Notice Required: At least 1 month
  • Distance Willing to Travel: 100 miles (longer trips will require overnight accommodations)
  • Reimbursement: Voluntary contribution to the Lodge Ad Lucem Apron Fund.
Leonard Bezar Five Star General Hap Arnold – 33 degree Mason and architect of the U.S. Air Force, King Solomon’s Seals, Freemasonry during the Holocaust, Patriotic Flag programs by National Sojourners, Ben Franklin Chapter.
  • Notice Required: 6 to 8 weeks
  • Distance Willing to Travel: 40-60 miles
  • Reimbursement: Charitable donation requested, please contact the speaker directly.
William L. Britton Dickens A Christmas Carol and It’s Possible Masonic Relationship, The Massachusetts Statehouse Cornerstone, Reflections of a Newly Made Mason – A Daily Perspective.
  • Notice Required: 2 weeks
  • Distance Willing to Travel: 100 miles
  • Reimbursement: NA
Craig Brody Brother Benjamin Franklin: Applying the Teachings of Freemasonry.
  • Notice Required: 2 weeks
  • Distance Willing to Travel: Entire State
  • Reimbursement: NA
Alexander Cabot Financial planning, investments and investment fraud, psychology of decision-making, human behavior.
  • Notice Required: A few weeks is ideal, but I may be able to present on very short notice.
  • Distance Willing to Travel: 50 miles from Phoenixville, PA.
  • Reimbursement: If the brethren so choose, a donation to a Masonic charity is always appreciated!
Michael E. Charles Freedom through Freemasonry.
  • Region: South Williamsport, PA
  • Email: NA
  • Phone: 570-321-1129
  • Notice Required: 1 month
  • Distance Willing to Travel: 50 miles; if further, please call
  • Reimbursement: NA
Craig “Buzz” Conroy Aviation (black boxes and the story of why planes arrive safely), ESP & Freemasonry, the 17th President Andrew Johnson (Past Master, President and Patriot).
  • Notice Required: 30 days at minimum
  • Distance Willing to Travel: State-wide and nationally
  • Reimbursement: Yes, please contact speaker directly
M. Vincent Cruciani The Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, The Seven Liberal Arts, George Washington’s Masonic Apron from Lafayette, Brother Rudyard Kipling, Who was King Solomon, Robert Burns as a Freemason, Freemasonry in England: A first-hand experience, The Anti-Masonic period in US History, Inspirations from the Observant Lodge.
  • Notice Required: Recommended not less than one month notice. Preferred three months notice.
  • Distance Willing to Travel: Anywhere in Pennsylvania
  • Reimbursement: No reimbursement requested for anywhere in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Wayne, Pike, Wyoming, and Susquehanna counties, traveling to other counties on a case-by-case basis.
Justin Edling Maslow & Masons.
  • Notice Required: NA
  • Distance Willing to Travel: NA
  • Reimbursement: NA
Moises I. Gomez Remembrance My 9/11 Experience, Freemasonry and the Underground Railroad
  • Notice Required: Contact speaker
  • Distance Willing to Travel: Contact speaker
  • Reimbursement: Contact speaker
Jerry Hamilton Freemasonry
  • Notice Required: 30 days
  • Distance Willing to Travel: 100 miles
  • Reimbursement: Charitable donation requested, please contact the speaker directly.
William Hartman Masonry
  • Notice Required: As far in advance as possible.
  • Distance Willing to Travel: Within home district
  • Reimbursement: Yes, please contact speaker directly.
Kathryn Jones S.P.E.A.K.(Staying Positive Equals Amazing Kids) is a nonprofit organization that provides educational information and opportunities for young adults, preparing them to enter society as productive, responsible members of their community. Focus areas: Drug prevention education, shadowing, cooking class, community service.
  • Notice Required: 3 weeks
  • Distance Willing to Travel: Outside of Philadelphia
  • Reimbursement: Charitable donation requested, please contact the speaker directly
Robert F. Karoscik The Pillars of King Solomon’s Temple.
  • Notice Required: 2 weeks
  • Distance Willing to Travel: 100 miles
  • Reimbursement: NA
Glenn Kurzenknabe “Harry Truman, President and Mason” and “Installation Night at the Celestial Lodge”
  • Region: New Cumberland, PA
  • Email: k3swz@arrl.net
  • Phone: 717-774-1728
  • Notice Required: 1 week minimum
  • Distance Willing to Travel: 50 miles
  • Reimbursement: None
Mark R. Kurzenknabe The Masonic Children’s Home at Elizabethtown
  • Notice Required: 2 months
  • Distance Willing to Travel: In Pennsylvania
  • Reimbursement: None
Thomas R. Labagh YOUTH TOPICS
The Programs of the PA Masonic Youth Foundation (general overview presentation), Patton Campus—from School to Conference Center: A history (Powerpoint Photo/Slides), The Scholarship Program of the PA Masonic Youth Foundation, LifeSkills Conferences: Teaching Masonic principles to youth, The Masonic Youth Groups: DeMolay, Rainbow and Job’s Daughters, Frank S. Land and the Founding of the Order of DeMolay.

OTHER FRATERNAL TOPICS
The Master’s Hat: A History of the Top Hat; The Case AGAINST Using Robert Burns as a Poster Boy for Freemasonry; ADVENTURES IN SCOTTISH RITE: A Hedgehog, A Chunk of I.C.E., A Missing Tooth, A Calliope, A Babysitter and a Rubber Chicken; The Story of Barrington Bunny- A Christmas Program (Performance of the classic story, presented in a Masonic context for Masons); “A History of the DeMolay Legion of Honor” (mostly designed for DeMolay audiences); I Was Raised in a New Jersey Lodge– The Ritual & Customs, as they compare to Pennsylvania; THE MASTER’S HAT– A History of the Top Hat; Masonic Jeopardy” – just like the TV show, personalized to your Lodge.

BANQUET ENTERTAINMENTS
CASABLANCA–A Film For the Ages (A history of the classic Bogart-Bergman movie, CASABLANCA, including video clips and interactive audience participation) (BEST FOR A LADIES NIGHT PROGRAM- about 40 minutes).

CHARACTER PORTRAYALS
Abraham Lincoln visiting a Lodge during his second campaign for the Presidency (NOTE: President Lincoln is not a Mason, but will speak in a Lodge on recess, or at a banquet).

General George E. Pickett, C.S.A., reflecting on his life and the infamous charge across the field at Gettysburg. NOTE: General Pickett will not wear an Apron over his uniform, but will speak in a Lodge on recess, or at a banquet.
  • Notice Required: As much as possible
  • Distance Willing to Travel: Anywhere in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
  • Reimbursement: A contribution to the Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Foundation would be appreciated, but is not required.
Steven Lane Living On the Square: What’s Your Hypotenuse?
  • Notice Required: 1 month
  • Distance Willing to Travel: Flexible
  • Reimbursement: None required. Suggest an honorarium to the Valley of Pittsburgh Children’s Dyslexia Center.
Michael E. Ludwig The Fraternal Sword: Its History and Significance
  • Notice Required: 3 months
  • Distance Willing to Travel: 100 miles
  • Reimbursement: NA
Scott T. Matincheck The Ancient Mysteries and their Influence on Masonic Ritual
  • Notice Required: 1 month
  • Distance Willing to Travel: 100 miles
  • Reimbursement: NA
Larry Miller History, teachings and philosophy of Freemasonry; Motivational addresses on Freemasonry
  • Notice Required: 6 weeks minimum. Two months preferred.
  • Distance Willing to Travel: Within 3 hours of Chambersburg, PA
  • Reimbursement: No reimbursement for speaking to Masonic groups
William Mooney Acts of Masonic Kindness – Battle of Gettysburg.
  • Region: Orrtanna, PA
  • Email: NA
  • Phone: 717-457-0120
  • Notice Required: NA
  • Distance Willing to Travel: NA
  • Reimbursement: NA
W. Scott Muller Cerneau Rite
  • Notice Required: 60 days preferred
  • Distance Willing to Travel: 100 miles
  • Reimbursement: Accommodation for lodges over an hour away (could be a guest room at a Brother’s home) and a coin from the host lodge.
Barry Oppenheim Entertaining subjects, such as “Things that aren’t There Anymore,” “Products that Succeeded in Failing,” and “Hollywood’s Vision of the American Cowboy”
  • Notice Required: 1 to 2 weeks
  • Distance Willing to Travel: 40 to 50 miles
  • Reimbursement: Charitable donation requested, please contact the speaker directly.
Jerome J. Phillips Origin of the Lewis Jewel, Scouting and Freemasonry, Masonic Journeys, upon request willing to research individual topics and review with requesting Lodge before the presentation.
  • Notice Required: 60 days preferred
  • Distance Willing to Travel: Distance and schedule will dictate; please be courteous.
  • Reimbursement: 75-mile radius of the Lehigh Valley; further upon request.
John Pyfer Dan Beard Masonic Award
  • Notice Required: 1 week
  • Distance Willing to Travel: 1 hour drive
  • Reimbursement: Travel time
Christopher Rodkey Philosophy (history of ideas, ancient philosophy, Nietzsche, contemporary philosophy, feminism, ethics), Religious Studies and Theology (the Bible, Christian traditions, contemporary religious thought, world religions, Islam, new religious movements, Paul Tillich, Freemasonry and Religion), Freemasonry (Freemasonry and Religion, Lessing, Joseph Fort Newton, Holy Land Pilgrimage)
  • Notice Required: 3-12 months
  • Distance Willing to Travel: 1 hour drive
  • Reimbursement: Not required, but please contact speaker directly.
Robert C. Snyder II How Many Freemasons Does it Take to Screw in a Light Bulb?
  • Notice Required: 1 month
  • Distance Willing to Travel: 100 miles; if further, please call
  • Reimbursement: NA
George Stephens Dramatic interpretation of famous Freemasons (Theodore Roosevelt, John Philip Sousa, J.C. Penney, Francis Scott Key, Franklin Roosevelt, General Douglas MacArthur, Col. Harland Sanders – Kentucky Fried Chicken)
  • Notice Required: At least one month, but can be flexible in emergency situations
  • Distance Willing to Travel: 50-75 miles
  • Reimbursement: Please contact the speaker directly.
Edward Stumm Brother Harry Truman, Masonic Children’s Home, fun & fellowship of being a Mason, Children’s Dyslexia Centers
  • Notice Required: 5 months
  • Distance Willing to Travel: 75 miles
  • Reimbursement: Please contact the speaker directly.
Bill Trushel Explaining the reason for taking all mineral and metallic substance from the candidate, Exploring the Hidden Symbolism of the 24 inch Gauge, An Explanation for the Mysterious Spelling of the Left Hand Pillar, Masonic Etiquette—part 1, Masonic Etiquette—part 2, Approaching the Altar in the Fellowcraft Degree, What Did You Expect?, Benjamin Franklin—Freemason, From Darkness to Light. Acquiring True Enlightenment, Curious Masonic Words, The Washington Monument, The Masonic Funeral Service—Your Final Duty to a Brother, An Explanation of Why the Burial is a Cabletow’s Length From Shore, A Fiery Silent Summons, Guarding the West Gate, The Altar, Why Is It Called “Blue Lodge?”, The Trowel, The Holy Bible, Do You Have A Degree?, More Ancient than the Roman Eagle and More Honorable Than the Star and Garter, The Masonic Significance of Ornan the Jebusite and His Threshing Floor, The Importance of the Legend of Hiram Abiff, Piercing the Veil of Allegory of the Legend of Hiram Abiff, Improper and Proper Solicitation of New Members, Exploring Jurisdictional Differences (Canada & Pennsylvania), The Ontario, Canada Entered Apprentice Apron Lecture.
  • Notice Required: 1 month
  • Distance Willing to Travel: One hour driving time from my home in the North Hills (Ross Township)
  • Reimbursement: Donation to a worthy cause.
Chuck Vohs PA Grand Lodge website, social media, technology, Pennsylvania Supreme Court, Boy Scouts of America & Freemasonry, fly fishing
  • Notice Required: Depends
  • Distance Willing to Travel: 50 miles
  • Reimbursement: None
Theodore H. Wallace The Life of Theodore Roosevelt
  • Notice Required: 3 months
  • Distance Willing to Travel: 100 miles
  • Reimbursement: NA
Richard L. Wenner The Quintessential Freemason: Duty, Honor & Fraternity
  • Notice Required: 3 months
  • Distance Willing to Travel: 100 miles
  • Reimbursement: NA
Aaron White Visiting lodges in foreign jurisdictions, traditional observance Freemasonry.
  • Notice Required: The more notice the better.
  • Distance Willing to Travel: 30 miles, more if given a mileage reimbursement.
  • Reimbursement: Mileage over 30 miles. Please contact speaker directly.

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