Welcome to the Standard of Truth podcast, hosted by historian Dr. Garrett Dirkmont,

where we explore the early days of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

and gain rare historical insights into how a young farm boy was able to establish a new church

and grow it by way of visions, manifestations,

and miracles.

Hi, welcome to another episode of the Standard of Truth podcast. I'm your host, Dr. Garrett

Dirkmont, and I'm joined by my friend, Professor Richard

Ladook.

Hello, Garrett.

In this week's podcast, we are responding to several emails that we've received about

the church's early participation or involvement in Freemasonry.

Now, when I first read this, now it is time for the March Madness season.

When I first read it, all I could think about was obviously George Mason and their run to the final four in 2006.

Which was a great boon to their university.

Oh, my gosh.

All of a sudden, I think, I remember reading some story that like like, inquiries for enrollment, like, quadrupled over the next year,

simply because they almost made it to the championship.

Our goal is to actually turn this into a sports podcast.

Michigan State, North Carolina, Wichita State, when they were good, go shockers.

Hugh Con, and then they lost to Florida in the final four.

Very exciting, thrilling run, really.

Yeah, it was, it was great.

...