Travis Simpkins

Sunday, September 3, 2017

David Massengill. Singer, Songwriter, Storyteller, Folk Musician. by Travis Simpkins

Portrait Sketch of

David Massengill

Singer, Songwriter, Artist and Storyteller

Dulcimer and Guitar Player

American Folk Musician

from Bristol, Tennessee

resides in Greenwich Village, New York City

by Travis Simpkins

David Massengill - "Jesus, the Fugitive Prince"

David Massengill and Travis Simpkins

For more info, please visit:

davidmassengill.com

David Massengill. Singer, Songwriter, American Folk Musician. by Travis Simpkins

"The Templar's Chart, or Hieroglyphic Monitor" by Jeremy Cross

The Templar's Chart,

or Hieroglyphic Monitor

by Jeremy L. Cross

Originally Published in 1852

Notes by Travis Simpkins

Published more than 160 years ago, The Templar's Chart, or Hieroglyphic Monitor by Jeremy Cross remains an invaluable resource for Masons going through a Commandery and experiencing the Chivalric Orders of the York Rite. Brief and concise, the text is divided into sections focusing on the Knights of the Red Cross, Knights Templars and Knights of Malta (in that order). Each part presents a brief history of the particular Order, along with a series of related "lessons" which consist mainly of prayers, songs and Biblical passages. Visual charts and symbols are accorded space in the back of the book. Though not as in depth as other works (like George Cooper Connor's Shibboleth: A Templar Monitor), Jeremy Cross' classic booklet provides useful information and serves as a handy guide for those looking to have an overview of the spiritual and symbolic content contained within the ceremonies of the Orders.

The Templar's Chart, or Hieroglyphic Monitor. Jeremy Cross. Masonic Knights Templar

Saturday, September 2, 2017

Supreme Council, 33°, NMJ Presents Portraits by Travis Simpkins at Annual Meeting. Scottish Rite

Supreme Council, 33°, NMJ. Scottish Rite. Annual Meeting. Portraits by Travis Simpkins

Some works from my most ambitious and meaningful art project of the year were on view this past week during the Annual Meeting of the Supreme Council, 33°, NMJ at the Eastman Theatre in Rochester, New York. Earlier this year, I was hired by the Supreme Council to create a portrait of the new Sovereign Grand Commander David Glattly as well as rendering 14 likenesses for the organization's necrology of Active Members. I was honored to draw portraits of all those well-respected Brethren that have passed away this past year, including Illustrious David Bedwell Sr. and one of my personal heroes, Astronaut and Senator John Glenn. This project will continue through the coming years and eventually will include portraits of all current and emeritus Active Members of the Supreme Council, 33°, NMJ. It is a pleasure to work with the Scottish Rite. Special thanks to William Holland for all his efforts in organizing everything.

For more info, please visit:

scottishritenmj.org