About Beyond the Door: Exploring the Light of Freemasonry
Beyond the Door: Exploring the Light of Freemasonry is a journey into one of the oldest and most intriguing fraternal organizations in the world. Hosted by Chris Crume and Matt Salyer, Brethren of Newark Lodge #97 in Newark, Ohio, each episode opens the symbolic door of Freemasonry and explores what Freemasonry means today.
Whether you are a lifelong Brother, new to the fraternity, a curious seeker, or just someone fascinated by the Craft of Freemasonry, this podcast is for you.
*Note: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are the views of the hosts and contributors and not necessarily that of the Grand Lodge of Ohio
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, co-hosts Chris Crume and Matt Salyer discuss their take aways from the 2026 Grand Lodge of Ohio Annual Communication that took place at the Dayton Masonic Center in Dayton, Ohio, October 14-16. Chris also interviews WB Austin Shifrin in a wide-ranging interview discussing technology in Freemasonry and how it can pave the way for the future. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X! You can also reach us at newark.97.lodge@gmail.com
28 Sept 2026
Following the Masonic Trail - Season 2 Begins
Send us Fan Mail In the Season 2 Premier, co-hosts Chris Crume and Matt Salyer interview Right Worshipful Brother Chad Kopenski in a wide ranging interview that twists and turn and truly gets to the heart of Freemasonry. Season 2 also features our first, full-length episode with video! This adds a new dynamic to the podcast you know and love. Join us on our journey into Season 2 and beyond! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X! You can also reach us at newark.97.lodge@gmail.com
31 Aug 2026
Reflecting On Our Roots - Season 1 Finale
Send us Fan Mail In the Season 1 Finale, co-hosts Chris Crume and Matt Salyer interview Worshipful Brother Richard Lewis, one of Newark #97's most tenured members and the inspiration for this entire project. The wide ranging interview hears WB Lewis reflecting on his life, Masonry, and so much more. The stories, the feelings, the passion are all present in the season ending episode. The co-hosts also reflect on Season 1, talking about their favorite memories, all while looking for...
27 Jul 2026
Leadership on Display - Passing On Masonic Knowledge
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, co-hosts Chris Crume and Matt Salyer interview Right Worshipful Brother Goldstein, a past District Deputy Grand Master of the 19th Masonic District (and so much more), about his life, career, and journey through leadership in Freemasonry. The hosts also celebrate America's 250 Birthday and look at how Freemasonry played a role in shaping the America we know today. Next month will be the Season 1 finale and Beyond the Door begins to look to the fu...
29 Jun 2026
Masonic Legacies - A Father's Day Special
Send us Fan Mail In this special Father's Day episode, co-hosts Chris Crume and Matt Salyer interview Worshipful Brother Steve Salyer and Brother Jim Crume, fathers of the hosts, in a wide ranging interview that focuses on Masonic legacy, lessons learned, being a good father and Mason, and so much more. This extended length interview is one you do not want to miss! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X! You can also reach us at newark.97.lodge@gmail.com
25 May 2026
Fun, Fellowship, and Charity - A Discussion on the Grotto
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, co-hosts Chris Crume and Matt Salyer interview Illustrious Brother Chuck Gaiser, about all things Grotto. This episode kicks off our multi-part series discussing different appendant bodies in Masonry. We again bring you an extended cut interview that drops knowledge and light. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X! You can also reach us at newark.97.lodge@gmail.com
27 Apr 2026
Building Masonic Knowledge - An In-Depth Discussion
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, co-hosts Chris Crume and Matt Salyer interview Worshipful Brother Chris Weber, one of the District Education Officers of the 19th Masonic District, about leadership and how that is flourishing in central Ohio. This extended length interview is one you do not want to miss! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X! You can also reach us at newark.97.lodge@gmail.com
30 Mar 2026
The World is Your Oyster - A Deep Dive on the Master Mason Degree
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, co-hosts Chris Crume and Matt Salyer take a deep dive into the Master Mason degree in the third of a 3-part deeper dive into the three degrees of Freemasonry. Many feel the Master Mason degree is the culmination of their journey, but see why we see it as just the beginning in this discussion talks about all things Master Mason. This episode also features part 2 of our wide ranging interview with Past Grand Master, MWB William M. Carter III! ...
23 Feb 2026
On to the Middle Chamber - A Deep Dive into the Fellow Craft Degree
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, co-hosts Chris Crume and Matt Salyer take a deep dive into the Fellow Craft degree in the second of a 3-part deeper dive into the three degrees of Freemasonry. Some may consider the Fellow Craft degree a "stepping stone" degree, but find out why it just might be our favorite degree as this discussion talks about all things Fellow Craft. This episode also features part 1 of our wide ranging interview with Past Grand Master, MWB William M. Carter II...
26 Jan 2026
Your Journey Begins - A Deep Dive on the Entered Apprentice Degree
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, co-hosts Chris Crume and Matt Salyer take a deep dive into the Entered Apprentice degree in the first of a 3-part deeper dive into the three degrees of Freemasonry. Relive your first steps into the Craft as this discussion talks about all things Entered Apprentice. This episode also features part 2 of our wide ranging interview with Deputy Grand Master, RWB Mike McCandlish! If you liked our interview with RWB McCandlish, you can check out t...
29 Dec 2025
Tools of the Craft - How the Working Tools Make Masons Better Men
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, co-hosts Chris Crume and Matt Salyer discuss the working tools of Freemasonry and how their application to our lives makes us better men. This discussion focuses on taking the operative tools that Masons have used to build amazing buildings throughout history and how they apply to daily living. This episode also features part 1 of our wide ranging interview with Deputy Grand Master, RWB Mike McCandlish! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X! You...
24 Nov 2025
Whence Came You - History and Myths of the Masons
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, co-hosts Chris Crume and Matt Salyer are joined by new producer, Trey Bond, as they explore some of the ancient documents that help transition Masonry from Operative to Speculative. Ever wanted to talk about some of the myths surrounding Masonry? We have that covered too! This episode also features our interview with Right Worshipful Brother Brian King as he talks about many topics relevant to Masonry in the 19th District and beyond! Follow us on ...
31 Oct 2025
Thoughts from the 2025 Annual Communication
Send us Fan Mail In this special bonus episode, co-hosts Chris Crume and Matt Salyer discuss their take aways from the 2025 Grand Lodge of Ohio Annual Communication that took place at the Kalahari Resorts and Conventions in Sandusky, Ohio, October 23-25. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X! You can also reach us at newark.97.lodge@gmail.com Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X! You can also reach us at newark.97.lodge@gmail.com Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X! You can also reac...
27 Oct 2025
The Three Degrees - The Heart of Freemasonry
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, co-hosts Chris Crume and Matt Salyer explore the three degrees of Freemasonry (Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason). We will explore the differences between the degrees and their meaning. We also feature part 2 of our interview with Worshipful Brother Art Sterling as he takes us on a trip through the history of the Newark Masonic Temple and Freemasonry in the area. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X! You can also reach u...
29 Sept 2025
Opening the Door - The Journey Begins
Send us Fan Mail In the inaugural episode, co-hosts Chris Crume and Matt Salyer discuss their personal Masonic journeys and why they are excited to bring this podcast to fruition. We also feature part 1 of our interview with Worshipful Brother Art Sterling as he takes us on a trip through the history of the Newark Masonic Temple and Freemasonry in the area. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X! You can also reach us at newark.97.lodge@gmail.com
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