Making the 8–8–8 Rule Work for You: A Mason’s Guide to a Balanced Life

Freemasonry has always taught that a well‑governed life is a moral life. Among the Craft’s many lessons in balance and duty, few are as practical—and as often forgotten—as the traditional 8–8–8 rule. It divides the 24 hours of the day into three equal portions: This simple framework is more than a time‑management tool. It is …

The Meaning of the 4°–14° Degrees – The Lodge of Perfection

Written by: Don Goss 32° KCCH Brethren, Tonight I want to offer a concise overview of the first eleven degrees of the Scottish Rite, the 4° through the 14°, known collectively as the Lodge of Perfection. These degrees are sometimes called the Ineffable Degrees, because they explore our relationship to the Ineffable Name of God—that …

Southern vs. Northern Jurisdictions — and Why It Matters for the Valley of Tallahassee

Written by: Don Goss 32° KCCH Brethren, when we speak of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite in the United States, we are really speaking about two sister jurisdictions that share a common heritage but have grown into distinct expressions of the same Masonic tradition. These are the Southern Jurisdiction (SJ) and the Northern Masonic …

Historical Narrative of J. Edwin Larson Lodge No. 361

April 30th, 2026Written By: R∴ W∴ Don Goss Including the Masonic Legacy of Its Namesake, Past Master J. Edwin Larson When the Grand Lodge of Florida convened in the spring of 1967, one item on its agenda would quietly shape the Masonic landscape of the state capital for generations to come. On April 27, 1967, …

Why I became a Mason

April 29th, 2026 Written by: R∴W∴ Don Goss Here’s some background: My grandfather was the patriarch of our family. I grew up surrounded by relatives—numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and even second cousins, mostly from my father’s side. My grandparents lived just three miles away from our home in Fort Myers, FL, so we saw them …

The Royal Ark Mariner Degree

April 14th, 2026 Written by: R∴W∴ Don Goss The Royal Ark Mariner Degree is one of the oldest, most symbolically rich, and most mysterious degrees in Freemasonry, with origins that appear in scattered records as early as the 1700s and a tradition centered entirely on the story of Noah, the Ark, and the Great Flood. …

Birthday Celebration for Worshipful Robert “Bob” Dietz

By R∴W∴ Don Goss — District Deputy Grand Master, District 6 2025 There are moments in Masonry that rise above titles, schedules, and formal obligations—moments when the Craft pauses to honor a life whose quiet consistency has shaped generations. Such an evening occurred during my second scheduled Official Visit to Curfew Lodge No. 73, where …

Scottish Rite—A school of personal transformation

Written by: Don Goss 32° KCCH Tonight I’d like to share a brief reflection on the Scottish Rite—not as a collection of degrees, but as a school of personal transformation. Many of us first encounter the Scottish Rite as a place of impressive ritual, dramatic presentations, and philosophical depth. But at its heart, the Rite …

No Crib for a Bed: The God of Every Circumstance

Companions, as we gather for our Chapter’s annual church service, we are reminded that our fellowship extends beyond the walls of our Lodge and into the sacred space of worship. Tonight, we come not only as Masons but as seekers of divine truth — united in faith, charity, and brotherly love. It is a special …