2025 Masonic Symposium: A Free Online Crash Course on Global Freemasonry
Panelists will explore the formation and evolution of a range of Masonic rites around the world.
Freemasonry unites brothers from around the world and throughout time through a shared set of principles, practices, and rituals.
So why, exactly, are there so many different Masonic rituals out there? And what does that diversity of Masonic expression tell us about the development of Freemasonry around the world and its longevity
Those are among the questions that will be explored August 27, 2025 at the 2025 Masonic Symposium, “Exploring Masonic Ritual Across the Globe,” sponsored by the Grand Lodge of California. This free, online event brings together a range of experts to debate how some of the most important Masonic rituals practiced today evolved into the traditions they are. The 2025 Masonic Symposium is your invitation into a lively roundtable discussion with Masonic ritualists into the formation of Masonic cultures.
Whether you’re a seasoned ritualist, a newly raised brother, or just curious about Freemasonry, the symposium promises to be an illuminating opportunity to dive deeper in to the craft that unites millions around the world.
Among this year’s panelists are:
Moderator: Robert Davis
Robert G. Davis is the secretary emeritus of the Scottish Rite bodies in Guthrie, Okla., where he served as executive secretary for 30 years, and was grand master of the Grand Lodge of Oklahoma in 2021. A 33rd degree Mason in the Scottish Rite, he is a recipient of the order’s Grand Cross. He also holds leadership positions in a number of other Masonic bodies and organizations, including the Allied Masonic Degrees, the International Philalethes Society, the the George Washington Masonic National Memorial. Davis writes and speaks extensively on Masonic history, ritual, and symbolism. He’s the author of four books: The Mason’s Words, Understanding Manhood in America, The Journey of the Elu to Enlightenment, and In Search of Light.
Jonathan H. Prestage
Jonathan Prestage is the Personal Representative for the Valley of Oakland Scottish Rite and previously served as Manager of Membership and Lodge Development for the Grand Lodge of California. A three-term past master of Templum Rosae No. 861 and a member of Crow Canyon No. 551, Columbia Historic Lodge, the Northern California Research Lodge, he is also Grand Scribe of the Royal Arch Masons of California within the York Rite.
Michael Poll
Michael R. Poll is owner of Cornerstone Book Publishers, a leading publisher of Masonic, esoteric, and contemporary literature since 1995. A past master of multiple lodges in New Orleans and Washington, D.C., is a New York Times bestselling author and historian, a founding fellow and past president of the Masonic Society, and a fellow of the Philalethes Society and the Maine Lodge of Research. He is also secretary of the Louisiana Lodge of Research and a member of the Texas Lodge of Research. Poll hosts the YouTube channel “New Orleans Scottish Rite College,” he continues to lecture widely on Freemasonry around the world.
Sebastien Taveau
Sebastien Taveau is member of La Parfaite Union No. 17 and Peninsula No. 168, where he is a past master. He’s also served two terms as assistant grand lecturer for Division I and six years as a district inspector for the Grand Lodge of California. He’s also a generous donor to the California Masonic Foundation and known for his leadership within the fraternity.
