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Brete Murphy
About
Home
Blog
Topics
Publications
Support
Contact
Brete Murphy
About
Home
Blog
Topics
Publications
Support
Contact
Some Men Want Light. Some Just Want a Title: Office, Ambition, and the Inward Life
Masonic Formation Brete Murphy 9/1/26 Masonic Formation Brete Murphy 9/1/26

Some Men Want Light. Some Just Want a Title: Office, Ambition, and the Inward Life

What does “light” mean in Freemasonry, and why do some men chase titles instead of transformation? This essay explores Masonic light, ambition, office, and the difference between appearance and inward growth.


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Benjamin Franklin’s Daily Routine: Journaling, Virtue Tracking, and Self-Improvement
Benjamin Franklin, Self-Improvement Brete Murphy 8/29/26 Benjamin Franklin, Self-Improvement Brete Murphy 8/29/26

Benjamin Franklin’s Daily Routine: Journaling, Virtue Tracking, and Self-Improvement

Benjamin Franklin built self-improvement through routine, virtue tracking, and written review. His method still offers a practical model for daily discipline.


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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.

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  • Queens History
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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.

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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.

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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.

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