TODD E. CREASON
Bro. Todd E. Creason, Famous American Freemasons, Morrisville, N.C.: Lulu.com, 2007, paperbound, 280 pages, ISBN 978-1-4357-0345-2. Available on the Internet, new and used, from about $17.00
I’ll admit when I first saw the title of this book, I thought “Oh joy abounding, yet another list.” Wrong, very wrong. Brother Creason has put together a joy of a book. Its great charm is in its narrative style. He doesn’t list famous American Freemasons, he tells you about them, in a way which even keeps you guessing for a while as to the subject of each sketch. His research has unearthed information not in the usual biographies, or at least not presented in such a compelling way. Each sketch runs about five to seven pages, and you will find good humor and honest respect for his subjects. The entries are grouped under the classifications of American Patriots, American Presidents, Military Men, American Entertainers, and American Legends. Under American Legends, as an example, you will find The Explorers, The Equalizer, The Empresario, The Old Scout, and The Aviator. It’s a lot of fun to read these biographical sketches, but they are addictive—you always want to read just one more. Incidentally, this would make a great educational series for Lodge meetings. Each one is short enough to be read in a meeting and gripping enough that the Brethren would be sure to enjoy it. Give a copy to yourself for Christmas, and buy a second one for the Lodge, and a third to give to your local public library.
~James T. Tresner II, 33°, Grand Cross, Book Review Editor
From Pekin, IL: 10/30/08
Gourmet Meal, Fun and Fellowship in Pekin Wrap-Up the Last Event
This was the last stop in my promotion tour for Famous American Freemasons: Volume I, and I couldn’t have picked a better place to do! There was a good turn out, I met a lot of interesting people, and saw a lot of familiar faces of friends I’d met in other places. The meal was absolutely fabulous. I’ve never seen a three course gourmet meal served in a Masonic Lodge before.
1st course—Apple and Butternut Squash Soup
2nd course—Duo of Pan Seared Chicken Breast with Pomegranate-Balsamic Glaze
and Roasted Pork Loin with Apricot, Pumpkin Risotto,
and Braised Autumn Greens
3rd course—Chocolate Mousse
And the service was impeccable. The Job’s Daughters were in charge of the
service, and did a terrific job of serving drinks, bringing out the meal, and
picking up the plates.
The organizers of the Pekin Dinner did
a great job of coming up with a very unique event. They wanted an event that might get past
active members interested in being more active again, get potential members
interested in joining, but also something just about everyone could enjoy. They even raffled off copies of the
book.
My compliments to the Chef! I’d like to especially thank Kevin Wurster
for doing so much to organize the event.
Thanks to the Job’s Daughters for doing such a good job, and to the
volunteers who helped prepare and clean up.
And special thanks also to Judy Gordon for taking so many great
pictures.
I hope those that attended Pekin enjoyed my presentation as much as I enjoyed being there.
Sincerely,
Todd E. Creason
And the great service was provided by these young ladies from Bethel No. 55 of the Job's Daughters.
This is our Most Excellent Companion Richard Yena, Grand High Priest of Royal Arch Masons of Illinois.
From Chicago, IL: 9/17/08
Creason Interview to Air on CNN Headline News
Todd E. Creason was recently interviewed by award winning news anchor Paul Lisnek for ComCast Newsmaker about his book “Famous American Freemasons.” He talked about famous Americans throughout history that were Masons as well as talking about what Masonry is, and how somebody interested in Masonry would go about joining the fraternity. His interview was the last one in a series of nine interviews that focused on different aspects of Masonry.
The five minute interview will air on CNN Headline News on ComCast cable between October 13 – 19 at 24 and 54 minutes past the hour. Todd’s spot will come up in rotation about four times a day for the entire week.
From Lawrenceville, IL: 8/23/08
Todd Speaks at Second Author Event Sponsored by the Bridgeport York Rite Bodies
Brother Todd E. Creason was invited to speak at an author dinner sponsored by the Bridgeport York Rite Bodies on Saturday August 23th. It was held at Callahan's Restaurant in Lawrenceville, IL for husbands, wives and families. After a social hour and book signing, a delicious dinner, and a hilarious introduction entitled "Only In America" given by the always entertaining Brother Bill Hussey, Todd gave a short talk about Freemasons in American history.
He also spoke about Freemasonry, and what it has meant to him, and how he was inspired by his experiences in the fraternity into writing a series of books. Todd often comments after these events that he is continually surprised by how much the average Freemason knows about American history. As a whole, Masons are very well connected to their history, which is probably much of the reason there has been such interest in his book. As usual, Todd learned a few things he didn't know, and got a few ideas that he will most likely work into his book.
Todd was especially honored to be asked to speak at the event, because he knew many of the members from his membership in the Scottish Rite Valley of Danville. In fact, the event was the very first event he was asked to do after he published his book. He also had a chance to visit with some of the members that only a few short months earlier had participated in putting on the Commandery Degrees in nearby Olney, IL where Brother Creason became a Sir Knight along with about twenty more individuals.
This is the second author event put on by the Bridgeport York Rite Bodies--the first event featured Christopher Hodapp, the author of the popular "Freemasonry for Dummies."
From Lincoln, IL: 7/29/08
Todd E. Creason Speaks In Lincoln, IL.
On
Tuesday, July 29th, Brother Todd E. Creason spoke to an audience of Masons
at Lincoln Lodge No. 210. He arrived in town just before the weather
did. A severe thunderstorm hit Lincoln
moments after he got there, but there was still a good crowd that braved the
weather attended the event. Todd joked
at the beginning of the speech that he’d like to thank the community leaders of
Lincoln for the terrific reception—apparently nobody had ever heralded his
arrival to an event by setting off the storm sirens before.
In the speech Creason explained about how he came to author,
compile and publish his newly released book "Famous American Freemasons."
Creason also shared with the group as to what induced him to become a
Mason and how his love for history inspired him to unite
the two passions into what will is the first of three
volumes. He also spoke briefly about his involvement with
the 32nd Degree Masonic Learning Centers for Children and
stressed the importance of the work that organization does. Afterwards Creason
shared refreshments with the group and answered questions while signing
books.
The
event was co-sponsored by Lincoln Lodge No. 210 and Mt. Pulaski Lodge
No. 87, and Todd would like to thank the brethren of these two lodges for
inviting him. There were several other
lodges in attendance including DeWitt Lodge No. 84, Henderson Lodge No. 820, Morton Lodge No. 352 and Atlanta Lodge No. 165. He hopes that he’ll be invited back upon the publication of the second
volume of “Famous American Freemasons.”
