Leading From the East

Innovative Strategies for Masonic Lodges

By: Christophor Galloway

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

For over 200 years, Masonic scholars have written about the need for innovation in Freemasonry to "save our fraternity." Within the pages of Leading From the East, resources and strategies will help Blue Lodge leaders identify their vision, attract new members from several different generations, and engage the new members who join. Additionally, the very same strategies will bring back those Brothers who have disengaged from our Craft. A Worshipful Master implemented the strategies presented in this book at a Blue Lodge that was in jeopardy of closing its doors forever and now that same lodge has a bright future. Finally, this book is also a call to action that Masonic leaders must take a new approach to keep Freemasonry around for another 300 years.

Solid content with a less than solid AI reading.

Minutes of hearing "underscore....underscore....underscore" for what seemed like an eternity really took away from otherwise solid content. Highly recommend having it redone and read by a human.

Practical advice and perspective for the 21st century Freemason

Leading from the East is a refreshingly honest and practical guide to Masonic leadership that resonates deeply with those who have served, or are preparing to serve in the East. What sets this book apart is the author’s willingness to share not just his successes but also the failures and hard-earned lessons along the way. This level of transparency adds real value, especially for leaders navigating the complex dynamics of struggling lodges.

As someone currently working to address challenges within my own lodge, I found the insights in this book timely and applicable. The author offers both philosophical reflections and actionable advice, all grounded in real-world experience. It’s clear that the content wasn’t written from a pedestal, but from the perspective of a brother who has wrestled with the same issues many of us face.

I’ve already begun recommending Leading from the East to the officers in my lodge, and I plan to incorporate many of its principles into our ongoing efforts. It’s a worthwhile read for any Mason seeking to lead with integrity, humility, and a genuine desire to improve their lodge experience for all.

This writer is from San Antonio, Texas❣️

I listened to this to learn more about Freemasons, but this book is geared more towards those Freemasons that are already active in one of their lodges.

I decided to listen all the way through since the writer was talking about his endeavors in one of my favorite cities (San Antonio, Texas).

Even if you are not or do not want to become a Freemason, this book has good ideas to help you become a better leader and to help your community.

Ai reading

This whisper sync is miserable. I don’t need to listen to a computer read out website addresses. Also, it’s Lodge No. 99 as in “number.”

Tedious book

The obsession with "blue Lodge" rather than "Craft Lodge", or even better, "Lodge", was painfully distracting and detracting. It is hard to blame the reader for the near-monotone performance, as the material would not likely pass a 2025 AI ghostwriter test.

The material praised what I call the "box-checking" leadership style. There is not a single Lodge that I have been to that fulfills all of the promises of a Lodge's duties. To say that there is value in a WM that merely carries on the last WM plan is the same as saying, "A glider plane is the peak of all aircraft, who needs an engine?"

The material is all the more confusing when that is followed by the call-to-action of "keep it around for another 300 years". I am two chapters in, and I'm unable to continue right now. I will work to consume other chapters and adjust my rating as I go.