Film Festival
Mill Valley Film Festival
on Freemasonry

Mill Valley Masonic Lodge No. 356 presents a series of rarely seen films about the world’s oldest and largest fraternal organization. Join us as we explore Freemasonry’s history, philosophy, charities, notable members, and important buildings in the United States and England. These films help explain why many of the most prominent men in society have asked to be admitted as a Freemason for over 300 years.

The Series Continues! Watch the Mill Valley Masons' show each Tuesday at 5:00 p.m. from November 13, 2001 to January 29, 2002. The series will
contain ten of the following films discussing the history, philosophy, and controversies associated with Freemasonry. Regular viewers should watch for these new titles.

On the first Tuesday of each month, stop by the Mill Valley Masonic Center, 19 Corte Madera Avenue, Mill Valley, CA, after the film and join the Freemasons for dinner.

The Mill Valley Mason's Show debuted on Marin Channel 31 (now Channel 26) on December 8, 1999. After concluding its initial series of ten programs, it moved to Tuesday nights at 5:00 p.m.

I’ve Heard the Name, What Does it Mean?

The history, philosophy and charities of Freemasonry.
(20 minutes)

Conscience and the Craft

Answers a challenge to Freemasonry posed by certain fundamentalists who mistakenly believe that Freemasonry is a religion or is incompatible with being a Christian.
(38 minutes)

A Conversation with the late John J. Robinson, author of
"Born in Blood," "Pilgrims Path," "Dungeon Fire & Sword"

The late historian and author John J. Robinson discusses the invalidity of a vocal minority of fundamentalist ministers who raise money claiming Freemasonry is incompatible with religion.
(30 minutes)

Masonic Homes

A representative story of Masonic Homes for aged members, showing facilities, programs, etc., available to Masons at the fraternities retirement and convalescent homes.
(30 minutes)

Unheard Cry

Tells the story of the Royal Arch Research Assistance program for the diagnosis and treatment of central auditory nervous system dysfunction.
(48 minutes)

Rex R. Hutchens, Ph.D, Explains the Knights Templars

Author and historian Rex Hutchens explains the Knights Templar.
(30 minutes)

Pete Normand on a New Kind of Masonic Lodge

The editor of the Scottish Rite Research Societies "The Plumbline," explains how Masonic Lodges are attracting new generations of Masons.
(30 minutes)

William Fox, Ph.D., on his book:
"The Lodge of the Double Headed Eagle"

Dr. Fox gives a summary of his new book, "The Lodge of the Double-Headed Eagle", a history of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry's Southern Jurisdiction.
(30 minutes)

From Sea to Shining Sea

The story of Commodore John Drake Sloat, distinguished Freemason, and Sloat's leadership of American Forces at Monterey, capturing California for the United States just a few weeks before the untimely arrival of British invasion forces.
(30 minutes)

A View of Freemasonry

A partial re-enactment of a Lodge Meeting. A question and answer session about Freemasonry includes a debate between arch critic of Freemasonry, Martin Short, and Bro. Madeley.
(35 minutes)

Architects of Freedom: The Story of Freemasonry in America

A dynamic overview of the history of Freemasonry in the United States, including impact at the founding of the country and its continuing role in the nation today. This film was the winner of the Silver Screen Award in the category of documentary and informational productions at the 1999 International Film and Video Festival. Mill Valley Film Festival
(30 minutes)

A Masonic Conversation: Masonic Symbols with Kevin M. Tuck

Kevin M. Tuck, former Librarian and Director of Masonic Studies, Grand Lodge of California, discusses the Symbolic Masonic Chart in light of his own Kabalistic interpretation of Masonic symbolism. Kevin M. Tuck relates the symbolic structure of Freemasonry to the Kabalistic Tree of Life and compares Freemasonry to modern Jungian psychiatry, including how Jung theory of archetypes is applicable to Freemasonry’s symbols.
(30 minutes)

The Freemasons: The United Grand Lodge of England

A overview of the history of Freemasonry in England, including its history, philosophy, tenants (brotherly love, relief, and truth), and extensive charitable endeavors in England, including Masonic Homes for children and the elderly, and Freemasonry’s donation of rescue boats to the English equivalent of the Coast Guard. Film Festival Mill Valley
(35 minutes)

A Masonic Conversation:
The Origins of Freemasonry with Wallace E. McLeod, Ph.D.

Prof. McLeod discusses various theories on the origin of Freemasonry, including the possibilities that it arose out of the remnants of the Knights Templar, the Comacine Masters, or the guilds of operative stone masons that built the cathedrals of Europe. Prof. McLeod also discusses the work of historical author John J. Robinson, "Born in Blood."
(30 minutes)

George Washington, the Man, the Myth, the Mason

In this dramatization, see and hear George Washington discuss his own life, including: his childhood; his marriage; his work as a surveyor, and farmer; his involvement in Freemasonry; his military career and the important role Freemasonry played in the reorganization of the officer corps of the Continental Army; and his political life.
(50 minutes)

A Tour of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial

An insider’s tour of the Memorial’s magnificent architecture and beautiful museum rooms. This film focuses on the Memorial as Freemasonry’s tribute to George Washington, both as a President and a Mason. This film will soon be viewable on the internet – a link will be added as soon as the site becomes available.
(30 minutes)

Benjamin Franklin: America’s Masonic Renaissance Man

In this dramatization, see and hear Benjamin Franklin interviewed by a newspaper man exploring the many facets and many talents of Mr. Franklin. Hear about Franklin’s early publishing career, the creation and success of Old Richard’s Almanac, the useful inventions of Franklin, his political career, and the import role Freemasonry played in his life.
(35 minutes)

A Tour of the Masonic Temple Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

A tour of the monumental 19th century Grand Lodge building constructed in High Gothic Style. The tour focuses on the architectural details of the building and the unique Lodge Rooms, each decorated in a different and unique manner. These include an Egyptian Room, Ionic Room, Corinthian Room, Norman Hall, Renaissance Room, as well as the mosaics and murals that decorate the remainder of the building.
(30 minutes)

A Tour of the House of the Temple

See the monumental headquarters building of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry located in Washington, D.C. Designed by architect Willis Polk to resemble the Greek temple of Mossalis. The House of the Temple houses one of the finest collections of Masonic and philosophical manuscripts and books in the world.
(30 minutes)

What it Means to be a Mason

This film includes a brief overview of Freemasonry’s impact on the founding of the nation, including the Sons of Liberty and the Boston Tea Party, while explaining how Freemasonry’s imparts a strong ethical code through symbolic instruction. Answering who becomes a Mason and why, it featuring the stories of Ara Parseghian and Ron Burton, and Theodore Roosevelt.
(16 minutes)

Others Titles:

The Story of the Masonic Service Association

The Masonic Service Association Hospital Visitation
Program Since its institution, the Masonic Service Association has sought to serve Masons in the armed forces and to provide relief for the distressed. This is the story of the Veterans Hospital Visitation Program, the principal relief work of the Masonic Service Association.

A Masonic Conversation:
Freemasonry and the Enlightenment
with Stephen Joel Trachtenberg,
President of George Washington University.

Prof. Trachtenberg discusses Freemasonry’s impact on Enlightenment philosophy and society, including its effect on the Founding Fathers of the United States. He also discusses Freemasonry’s ongoing support for educational institutions, including George Washington University.

The Templar Legacy

The Templar Legacy traces Masonic History back to the crusading Knights Templars, explores the dissolution of that order, the escape of the Templar fleet from La Rochelle, the Templars’ support of Robert the Bruce of Scotland, and the pre-Columbus voyage of Prince Henry Sinclair to America.

I’ve Heard the Name, What does it Mean?

The history, philosophy and charities of Freemasonry. This video is also available for immediate viewing on the web at: www.freemason.com/video56k.html; a slower version is at: www.freemason.com/video25k.html.

The Heritage of American Patriotism

This colorful program tells the history of the National Sojourners, the military arm of Freemasonry. Learn the philosophy of the ancient Masonic fraternity. See a military Lodge staged in Colonial attire. Visit the Sojourners headquarters on a historic property once owned by George Washington.

Symbol of Pride

This program introduces the viewer to some of the reasons that men have been joining the fraternity of Freemasonry for over 300 years.

On the Wings of Words (featuring Ernest Borgnine)

Tells the story of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry’s speech and language pathology clinics. These clinics offer free diagnosis and treatment to children with speech and language disorders and associated learning disabilities at one of the 150 clinics nationwide.

The Legacy of DeMolay (featuring the late Burl Ives)

Tells the story of the International Order of DeMolay, a fraternal groups for young men between the ages of 13 and 21. DeMolay was founded in 1919 in Kansas City, Missouri, by a Mason. Chapters are sponsored by Masonic Lodges around the world.

The Ultimate Tour of Freemasons Hall, Grand Lodge of England
Two part program.

An insider’s tour of the Peace Memorial Building, the Grand Lodge of England’s headquarters building on Great Queen Street, London. The tour shows the building from top to bottom, including one of the most spectacular Lodge Rooms in the world. The film also explains the close connection between the Monarchy and English Freemasonry – in fact, Kings have been Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of England.

The Freemasonic Connections of the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C.

An illustrated lecture by professor James Stevens Curl, De Montfort University, author of the critically acclaimed book, The Art and Architecture of Freemasonry. Professor Curl sparked a lively difference of opinions at a U.S. Capitol Historical Society symposium with the premise that the U.S. Capitol was designed to represent a Masonic Lodge. Curl says the House Chamber symbolizes the Entered Apprentice Degree, the Senate Chamber represents the Fellowcraft Degree, and the Rotunda was designed to be the physical representation of the Mastermason's Degree. Good slides illustrate what became a controversial concept.
(37:02)

The U.S. Capitol Cornerstone and Ritual in the Early Republic

A lecture by Leonard Travers, Boston University. Len Travers describes the U.S. Capitol cornerstone ceremony on September 18, 1793 and the specific symbolism of the procession. It is a very interesting scholarly treatise of the Masonic symbols and their expected effect on the crowd that day.
(30:30)

Sensible Signs: The Emblematic Education of Post-Revolution Freemasonry

An illustrated lecture by Steven C. Bullock, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, author of Revolutionary Brotherhood. Steven Bullock broke new ground in his work about Freemasonry's influence in the colonies that became states. Bullock makes the point that Masonry was everywhere in the formative years of our country, including the United States Capitol Building. Bullock traces the Masonic Fraternity from its arrival in 1730 to its near destruction a century later.
(32:30)

OTHER INTERESTS:

The Music of Freemasonry may be heard at: http://www.angelfire.com/tx/masonmusic/index.html

ABOUT THE SERIES: A limited license to show the foregoing films on community access television has been provided by the distributors. The distributors have reserved all rights to reproduction and subsequent broadcast. Those interested in purchasing video copies of any of the above films and/or having the same shown on their own local public access cable television network should contact the following distributors:

Capstone Productions, Inc.
Box 221466
El Paso, Texas 79913
http://www.masonictv.com
(Masonic Conversation Series, Tour of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial, The Heritage of American Patriotism)

Macoy Publishing & Masonic Supply Co. Inc.
P.O. Box 9759
Richmond, VA 23228-0759
http://www.macoy.com/
(The Ultimate Tour of Freemasons Hall, Grand Lodge of England)

General Grand Chapter RAM International
P.O. Box 489
Danville, KY 40423-0489
http://members.aol.com/GGCHAPTER/HomePage.html
(I’ve Heard the Cry)

Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of California
Ken Hope
Grand York Rite Offices
801 Elm Avenue
Long Beach, CA 90813
http://www.royalarch.org/prc_tapes.htm
(George Washington, The Man, the Myth, the Mason; Benjamin Franklin, America’s Masonic Renaissance Man)

The Supreme Council
Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite
1733 Sixteenth Street, NW
Washington, DC 20009-3103
http://www.srmason-sj.org/
(Architects of Freedom, The Story of Freemasonry in America; A Tour of the House of the Temple; On the Wings of Words.)

The Masonic Renewal Committee of North America
10200 N. Executive Hills Blvd.
Kansas City, MO 64153
http://www.masonic-renewal.org/
(I’ve Heard the Name, What Does it Mean)

The Masonic Service Association
8120 Fenton Street, Suite 203
Silver Spring, MD 209 10-4785
www.msana.com
(Others)

The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Massachusetts
186 Tremont Street
Boston, MA 02111
www.glmasons-mass.org/
(What it Means to be a Mason)

The Right Worshipful Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania
One North Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107-2598
http://www.pagrandlodge.org/
(Tour of the Philadelphia Temple)

United Grand Lodge of England
Freemason’s Hall
Great Queen Street
London, WC2B 5AZ
www.grand-lodge.org/
(The Freemasons)

The International Supreme Council, Order of DeMolay
10200 N. Executive Hills Blvd.
Kansas City, MO 64153
http://www.demolay.org/dmindx.htm
(The Legacy of DeMolay)

Imperial Shrine of North America
2900 Rocky Point Dr.
Tampa, Fl 33607-1460
813-281-0300
materials.html#avmaterial
(Video tapes about the Shriner’s Spinal Care, Orthopedic and Burn Hospitals )

Province of Yorkshire, West Riding
Masonic Hall, Spring Bank Place
BRADFORD, West Yorkshire
BD8 7BX, England
PGL@WRProvince.Co.UK
("A View of Freemasonry")

Grand Lodge of Iowa, A.F. & A.M.
P.O. Box 279
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52406-0279
Grand_Lodge_IA@MSN.com
("Conscience and the Craft," "Let There Be Light," and "Opening the Doors.")

Grand Lodge of Missouri, A.F. & A.M.
800 Hwy 63 N
Columbia, MO 65201
Grlodge@tranquility.net
("A Conversation with John J. Robinson")

Grand Lodge of California
1111 California Street
San Francisco, CA 94108-2284
("From Sea to Shining Sea")

Film Festival Mill Valley Film Festival on Freemasonry

Others Titles:

OTHER INTERESTS:

Film Festival
Mill Valley Film Festival
on Freemasonry