Build A Web Site

Anyone with access to a computer and the Internet can be a Web Master. I created the web site building section of this site in order to assist anyone who is considering constructing a web site for their lodge or Masonry. I am not an authority on HTML or Freemasonry. However, I am a Small Town Texas Mason who enjoys helping other Masons discover that they too can create a web site. If I can do it at age 76, what's holding you back?

SIMPLE HTML PROGRAMMING

Constructing a personal Masonic web site, or one for your lodge is easier than you might think. It is not necessary for you to learn the HTML programming language, however I would highly recommend it because of the versatility.

The word programming scares some people, but honestly, HTML programming is not that difficult. For instance, take this page that you are viewing right now. It actually only uses about a dozen HTML Tags (commands) with some of those tags closing tags.

Before you say "No Way", please visit the HTML page for a minute or two and see how easy it really can be.

CLICK HERE

AN INSTANT (ALMOST) SHELL WEB SITE

I have created a "Shell Masonic Web Site" Kit where all you have to do is change the names and dates to suit your Lodge and upload the HTML program and the graphics to your site and you will have an instant Masonic Web Site

CLICK HERE to see the Shell Site.

CLICK HERE to see a guide to using the Shell Site program.

CLICK HERE to download a zipped "Shell Kit" including the complete web site, the Program in HTML format and the Program in TEXT format, the User Guide, the music and all of the graphics

ALTERNATIVES TO LEARNING
SOMETHING NEW

There are several web site publishing programs available you can purchase. There are also some of these on the internet that are shareware or free. They can convert your program and save it as HTML so it can be uploaded to your Web Site. The downside however, is that your new web site will be limited to the choices offered by the program instead of your own imagination and sense of what is appropriate.

Another alternative is to build a web site using a program available from your Web Site provider such as "Yahoo / Geo Cities". However they are even more limited then a purchased program

Yet another way that is sometime used to create your web site with a word processor program like "Word For Windows" and save it as HTML.

Some web sites have been created using something as simple as "Word Pad", the Windows' text file program. The "Shell Web Site" is available in TEXT format in the zipped "Shell Kit".

WHAT SHOULD YOUR SITE INCLUDE?

First, if you're considering building a web site for your lodge, you may need to first get permission from the lodge. Some Masonic jurisdictions have established guidelines for web sites (and other publications) that must be strictly adhered to. So you may want to investigate the situation in your state before proceeding.

The content of Masonic web sites varies considerably. Almost all Masonic Web Sites give the address of the Lodge, the meeting times and days and many list the officers. You should include E-mail address' if you have them so other Masons and Non Masons may comment or ask questions. The most interesting web sites give some insight into the craft, and the work of your lodge. If your lodge publishes a newsletter, excerpts from it could add much to your site. You may have noticed that I have a newsletter archive for Hempstead Lodge #749 on this site. Most lodges have a historian who would be willing to do an article or two on the lodge's past. A schedule of upcoming events is useful . Don't feel you have to do everything at once. You may want to start your site with the basics, and enhance it later. Try to update it at least once per month.

GET A FREE SITE

Since you're viewing this site on the web, there's a good chance you have an account with a local Internet service provider. Most modern service providers give you a free web site with your account, but if they didn't and you're looking for a place to post your page, try one of my favorite site providers Yahoo/GeoCities. I have had some web sites here for at least 5 years or so . They currently give 15 MEGs of storage space to each site I also use Bravenet for one of my web sites. It is currently giving 50 MEGs of storage space for your free site.

They both provide a Wizard or PageBuilder program that enables you to create a web site in minutes without any HTML programming knowledge at all. You can access either provider directly 24 hours a day to create or update your pages whenever it's convenient. The best part is that it's FREE, no charge at all. With all the free options available, there's no reason why you shouldn't have your own web site.

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All material in this site may be used
to educate everyone, Masons and
non-Masons alike about Freemasonry