Gems of Purpose
A Masonic Newsletter
Gems of Purpose was first published in January 2006 by Worshipful Brother David E. Stafford, Past Master and Past Secretary of Bethpage Lodge No. 521, Bethpage, TN. It was first published as a service for Bethpage Lodge; however, through its four years of be published, it has come to be enjoyed by Masons across the country. Today, Gems of Purpose is published with the goal of spreading Masonic enlightenment to all who come across it. Although, the newsletter is closely related to Bethpage Lodge, it is solely the property of W. Bro. Stafford. The views and opinions contained in this webpage and/or Gems of Purpose do not necessarily reflect those of Bethpage Lodge No. 521, Conlegium Ritus Austeri No. 779, Trammel Lodge No. 436, The Grand Lodge of Tennessee, nor the larger fraternity of Freemasonry.
David E. Stafford has an earned doctorate in Educational Administration and Supervision from Tennessee State University in Nashville, Tennessee. He currently serves as the principal of Westmoreland Elementary in Westmoreland, Tennessee. W. Bro. Stafford was appointed Marshall of Conlegium Ritus Austeri No. 779, F&AM for 2011. He is a member of the Nashville Valley Scottish Rite Bodies, Cumberland Chapter No. 1, RAM, Nashville Council No. 1, Cryptic Masons, and Nashville Commandery No. 1, Knights Templar. W. Bro. Stafford is also an officer and Fellow in the Tennessee Lodge of Research and a member of The Philalethes, the Scottish Rite Research Society, The Grand College of Rites, and The Masonic Book Club. He serves the Grand Lodge of Tennessee by serving as the Chairman of Credentials Committee.
Gems of Purpose Issues
Featured Papers and Articles
Freemasonry and the Development of Greek-Letter Fraternities
The Esoteric Geometry of the Triangle
The Winding Stairs and Masonic Education
The Orders of the Golden Fleece and Garter
Parallels of Freemasonry and Plato's Allegory of the Cave
Site Links
Links to Lodges