0
Skip to Content
About
Home
Blog
Topics
Publications
Support
Contact
Brete Murphy
About
Home
Blog
Topics
Publications
Support
Contact
Brete Murphy
About
Home
Blog
Topics
Publications
Support
Contact
Rough and Perfect Ashlar: The Masonic Work of Self-Improvement
Masonic Symbolism Brete Murphy 9/1/26 Masonic Symbolism Brete Murphy 9/1/26

Rough and Perfect Ashlar: The Masonic Work of Self-Improvement

What do the rough and perfect ashlars mean in Freemasonry? This essay explains how stone, labor, discipline, and form become a powerful symbol of moral growth and self-improvement.

Read More
Some Men Want Light. Some Just Want a Title.
Freemasonry Brete Murphy 8/22/26 Freemasonry Brete Murphy 8/22/26

Some Men Want Light. Some Just Want a Title.

An exploration of Albert G. Mackey’s three classes of Masons and what they reveal about Masonic ambition, symbolism, study, and the inward meaning of the Craft degrees.


Read More
Why Masons Talk in Stones, Tools, and Symbols: A Personal Introduction
Freemasonry Symbols Brete Murphy 8/22/26 Freemasonry Symbols Brete Murphy 8/22/26

Why Masons Talk in Stones, Tools, and Symbols: A Personal Introduction

A clear, personal introduction to Masonic symbols and why Freemasons use stones, tools, and moral images to teach character, boundaries, equality, and integrity.


Read More

Explore the Site

No results found

Queens and New York City History

Articles on neighborhoods, landmarks, institutions, local figures, and overlooked stories from Queens and the wider city.

Freemasonry in Queens

Research and writing on lodges, notable members, Masonic buildings, and the role of Freemasonry in local civic life.

Masonic Symbols and Education

Essays on symbolism, ritual meaning, historical context, and educational subjects within Freemasonry.

Fraternal Traditions

Separate writing on related orders, traditions, and practices approached through historical and educational interpretation.

Future Projects

Books, booklets, historical tour guides, image collections, and an interactive map of Queens are planned as this site continues to grow.

Topic Links

  • Browse All Topics
  • Queens History
  • Freemasonry in Queens

Recent Writing

The blog is the center of this site — an ongoing space for original articles, research notes, historical essays, and commentary.

Topics include Queens history, New York City history, Masonic lodge history, symbolism, notable members, architecture, and fraternal traditions.

Blog Link

  • Read Latest Posts

About Brete Murphy

I am a writer and researcher focused on Queens history, New York City history, Freemasonry, symbolism, architecture, and fraternal traditions. This site brings together my writing, research, and long-term publishing projects in one place.

  • Read the About Page

A Growing Historical Resource

BreteMurphy.com is intended to grow into more than a blog. Over time, the site will include books, short publications, historical tour guides, curated image collections, and interactive tools that make history more accessible and engaging.

This is a long-term project, built one article, one place, and one story at a time.

  • Explore the Blog
  • Contact Brete Murphy

Brete Murphy

No results found

Support This Work

Donate
Image Use & Permissions

Freemason Affiliation & Editorial Disclaimer

Explore Freemasonry

Link One
Link TwoLink Three