Bio:
Cedric was born and raised in central Montana. After graduating from the University of Montana with degrees in chemistry, microbiology, and cell & molecular biology, he spent 3 years teaching high school science in Dallas, Texas, where he also received his M. Ed. from SMU. He moved to New Haven, CT, and there was made a Mason in Hiram Lodge No 1, where he sat in each chair up the line through Senior Warden. Before he could sit in the oriental chair of that Lodge, work and life brought him to Boston, where he now resides with his fiancée, Audrey.
His additional masonic affiliations are: Masonic Lodge of Research No. 401, New Haven, CT – Past Master (2017) Franklin Chapter No. 2, R.A.M., New Haven, CT – Past High Priest (2017, 2018) Harmony Council No. 8, R.&S.M., New Haven, CT – Past Thrice Illustrious Master (2016, 2017) New Haven Commandery No. 2, K.T., New Haven, CT Connecticut York Rite College No. 17, Y.R.S.C. Nathan Hale Council No. 78, A.M.D., CT Internet Lodge 9659, Manchester, UK, Grand Lodge of England The Masonic Society, and the Grand College of Rites of the USA.
In his Mother Lodge, Cedric was known as a ritualist, caring deeply about careful presentation and delivery of the work. One of his fondest memories of this in action was delivering the 3rd Section EA Lecture with a chalkboard prepared in advance, and having the newly made Brothers wipe it away at the end. Cedric is especially interested in historical connections in our rituals and customs of Masonic practice. Most of his research and individual readings serve to enrich his knowledge of the historical context up to and during the codification of ritual, as well as a deeper exploration of more ancient symbols. There is knowledge that was more commonplace due to classical education hundreds of years ago that now requires much additional heavy lifting. These are the connections Cedric looks for.
While not a big name in the Masonic world, Bro. Cedric is genuinely interested in connecting with other Brothers and Lodges who have a passion for education and digging deeper than what’s at the surface level of what we do as Masons.
Prepared Topics:
The Early American Lodge at Refreshment – 30 Minutes
A brief history of colonial traditions surrounding refreshment & drink, culminating the recreation a punch based on ingredients from Lodge receipts dating from the 1750s to the 1800s.
The Point Within a Circle – 45 Minutes
Connecting this symbol to its more ancient roots, then making connections to the seasons and solar geometry, this presentation is a good introduction into esoteric study.
The Initiatic Process: Ritual, Reason, and Symbolism – 40 Minutes
This is a synthesis of multiple works, seeking to identify the core rituals essential for any initiation, and exploring the reasoning and symbolism that imbue them with meaning.
The Perfect Points of Your Entrance – 35 Minutes
Recapitulates the points themselves, then goes on to explore their associated cardinal virtues and represented in late Renaissance art.
The Letter G – 25 Minutes
Traces the history and development of the letter G back to King Solomon’s time, where it would have been represented in the Proto-Canaanite alphabet; this reveals new layers of meaning to its use in ritual, and other symbols we use to connect and reinforce this meaning.
The Historical Meeting Locations of Old Hiram – 40 Minutes
A historic research presentation in which all extant minutes of Hiram Lodge No. 1 of New Haven, CT, dating to 1750, were reviewed to map all possible meeting locations as an overlay to period maps, enriched with photos and anecdotes from the archives.
A Brief History of the Conflict Between Hiram and the Grand Lodge of Connecticut, As Told Through Publications – 40 Minutes
In the late 1880s, a conflict arose between GLoCT and Hiram 1 over modes of recognition, and it played out fiercely in the Masonic, and sometimes public, press; this presentation discusses that conflict, the discussion of obfuscated secrets in public forums, and the ultimate resolution of the situation.
Travel Information: On weeknights, it’s challenging to travel more than 45 minutes from Boston due to work constraints. During summer I tend to be more flexible. If an overnight stay is required, accommodation would be appreciated.
Websites: N/A