call for nominations

Top Ten Books Every Mason Should Own

Our Dear Brother Masons,

The Southern California Research Lodge (SCRL) needs your help in preparing a special issue of our monthly journal, Fraternal Review. 

We are looking to create a list of the Top Ten Books Every Mason Should Own.  We have included a ballot or an online form for you to kindly fill out and email back to us so your vote can be counted. We are casting our net far and wide to Masons from not just California, the home of SCRL, but across the country and beyond.

We are looking for the most essential Masonic Books that have helped shape and influence the Fraternity. The books that have opened your eyes to the depth and power of Masonic philosophy—or that inspired, moved, or encouraged you to seek further light in Masonry.  Please list the TEN seminal books that you can think of as the most influential that you have owned. They can be both fiction and non-fiction, of any era, but they must be accessible in English. The only immutable requirement is that they must be about Freemasonry. Other things to consider when making your nominations:

  • Educational value:  Do they shed light on Masonic philosophy, symbolism, ritual, traditions and/or practices?

  • Historical significance:  Are we still discussing or referencing the individual today?

  • Esoteric or spiritual significance to Masonry:  Do they open up the deeper levels of Masonic meanings?

  • Inspirational value: Has the individual powerfully influenced Masons to a new found appreciation towards our Craft?

  • Cultural impact:  Has it helped evolve Masonry or, perhaps, to diminish?

The ballots from this poll will be tallied in July, with the final results published in the September 2026 issue of Fraternal Review. Please support this effort to gather a large sampling of opinions about what individual Masonic books have made, and can continue to make, the most impact on our Masonic heritage and history. 

Your vote matters, so please send your nominations today!

SUBMIT YOUR NOMINATIONS (either method is fine)

 

DEADLINE

No later than June 30, 2026 

Thank you for your contribution to this project, and we look forward to your response.

Top Ten Books Every Mason Should Own

Cast your ballot today and be a part of the history.