MAY, 1946
Volume 1, Number 2
Contents
Our Masonic Duty A Masonic Stamp Collection As A Hobby
News of French Freemasonry Grand Lodge Is Not Separate Entity
What Is Masonry? The Endless School of Life
What Was The Early Ritual? New Members
High Thinking SILAS H. SHEPHERD, F.P.S.
F. to F. that we should go
When sickness brings a brother woe,
To cheer him on his bed of pain
And nurse him back to health again.
K. to K. when ever we pray
At early morn, or close of day,
A brother's name shall claim a share
And every thought and every prayer.
B. to B. thee still to keep
A brother's secrets hidden deep,
To all the world but us unknown,
And hold them sacred as our own.
H. to B. with firmest grasp,
Encircling arms and friendly clasp,
We should be found at duty's call,
To stay a brother's tottering fall.
M. to E. when ever we find
To err a brother is inclined,
We'll counsel give in gentlest tone
And breathe it to his ear alone.
Then F. to F. and K. to K.,
True brothers we should ever be;
With H. to B. and B. to B.,
Each striving still to do his best,
We'll whisper words of hope and cheer,
With C. to C. and M. to E.
Robert Turney
A Masonic Stamp Collection As A Hobby
BY GEORGE B. CLARK, M.P.S.
A Masonic stamp collection? What is that? This question is nearly always asked when the subject is first broached to a stamp collector. A Masonic stamp collection can be made a beautiful, instructive and fascinating hobby or study. In brief, it is a collection or ordinary postage stamps each of which portrays in part or in whole a man who is or has been a member of the Masonic fraternity or, otherwise has some particular Masonic significance.
Perhaps, as a boy, many Masons "collected postage stamps." Some lost their enthusiasm as they grew older, but many found the subject so interesting that they kept on with it into the more mature years. Stamp collecting has become Philately and is now assuming the proportions of big business.
In early years stamps were collected and mounted in albums by countries and the aim of the collector was to secure as complete a collection for each country as his means would permit. In more recent years the interest has turned somewhat to special subjects and to assembling stamps irrespective of country origin on some one subject or idea; for example, MAPS. It is quite remarkable how many stamps can be found which carry a map of a country. The same holds true for other subjects such as ships, trees, birds, animals and many others.
Perhaps, the first approach to the assembling of a Masonic stamp collection would be to examine the Masonic records of the Presidents of the United States because all of them, except Herbert Hoover who is still living, have been pictured on stamps of the United States. The list is well known and includes: Washington; Monroe; Jackson; Polk; Buchanan; Johnson; Garfield; McKinley; Theodore Roosevelt; Taft; Harding, and Franklin D. Roosevelt. The record as to Presidents Jefferson and Madison is not clear. There is some evidence to indicate Masonic affiliation, especially for Madison, but it is inconclusive. Nevertheless, they are usually included and such evidence noted. The next step is to gather, so far as is possible, all the stamps which bear portraits of these Presidents.
This writer's procedure is to have an ordinary letter sheet of a good grade bond paper and to type the president's name at about the middle of the sheet. Below, type a short sketch of his life together with his Masonic record. In the space above the name are mounted, by means of stamp hinges, all the stamps available which carry his picture. Some presidents have been honored many times on stamps, but of some, there are very few. It has been said the United States government has made some 80 plates or more of George Washington alone. It will be remembered that in 1932 there was issued a "Bicentennial" series of 12 stamps, each carrying a different portrait of Washington. The nine-cent stamp reproduced the famous Williams portrait which hangs in the lodge room at Alexandria, Virginia. The search for the life story and Masonic record of these men provides a delightful and instructive study.
In 1940, the Postoffice Department issued the "Famous American" series of 35 stamps honoring outstanding authors, educators, scientists, composers, artists and inventors. A study of these names reveals that Dr. Crawford W. Long and Luther Burbank, represented among the scientists, were Masons. Also, the composer and band leader, John Philip Sousa, and the author, Samuel L. Clemens, more popularly known as "Mark Twain."
In 1943, the Postoffice Department issued a booklet entitled "A Description of United States Postage Stamps 1847-1943." On page 135 it states:
"Postage Stamps have been issued to honor all Presidents of the United States from Washington to Coolidge, and for the following historical characters: " -
and here follows a list of 96 such persons so honored. An analysis of this seems to indicate the following to have been Masons: Stephen F. Austin; Luther Burbank; George Rogers Clark; Henry Clay; Samuel L. Clemens; Stephen Decatur; David G. Farragut; Benjamin Franklin; Nathaniel Green; Nathan Hale; Sam Houston; John Paul Jones; General Kosciusko; Charles A. Lindbergh; Robert R. Livingston; Dr. Crawford W. Long; Thomas MacDonough; John Marshall; General Oglethorpe; Oliver H. Perry; General Pulaski; Rufus Putnam; Winfield S. Schley; John Philip Sousa; Edwin M. Stanton; Baron Von Steuben, and General John Sullivan. Further study may bring to light the Masonic record of other names in the list.
It is well to keep in mind and record the life story of the Anti-Masons or those who have actively opposed Masonry and, in this connection, we find in the list the name of William H. Seward, President Lincoln's Secretary of State. He was a member of the Anti-Masonic party, and, as such, served in the New York Senate.
Having surveyed the Masonic field as depicted on United States stamps, the next step is to look to the issues of foreign countries. We are surprised to find that many other countries have honored citizens of the United States on their stamps. We find issues picturing our Washington, Lindbergh, Will Rogers, Lafayette, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and others.
The American custom is to honor on its stamps only those who have died but in some foreign countries the reverse is true. The stamps of Great Britain and its colonies carry the portrait of the ruling monarch. Of those so pictured the following Kings of England have been Masons: Edward VII; Edward VIII, and the present King George VI. A complete collection of these portraits for England and its colonies would be an extensive one itself.
In almost every country in which Masonry is or at some time has flourished, we will find some of its devotees pictured on the stamps. Notable examples are Bernardo O'Higgins in Chili; Jose de San Martin in Argentina, and Simon Bolivar in five separate South American countries, each of whom ranks in his country as does George Washington in our country as a liberator.
The Pan-American Union in Washington D. C. is publishing a series of 20 booklets entitled: "Who's Who on the Postage Stamps of - ." One is to be issued for each of the 20 Pan-American countries. So far eight have been published covering the issues of Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chili, Costa Rica, Columbia, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic. In each one is the reproduction of all stamps of that country which carry portraits of men prominent in the history of that country and then follows a brief sketch of each man's life. For our Masonic collection it is necessary to ascertain which ones are Masons and the booklet gives his story.
Some odd things, Masonically, have appeared on stamps, American and foreign.
For example: The Statue of Liberty was designed and erected by a French Mason, Frederic A. Bartholdi. The Statue of Liberty has been pictured on both United States and foreign stamps.
A one-cent stamp, issued by Honduras, Central America, carries an illustration of the Masonic Temple at Tegucigalpa.
The famous Liberty Bell was rung July 4, 1776, by Andrew McNair, a Mason.
George Washington was inaugurated first President of the United States on the Masonic Bible taken from the Masonic lodge which met near by and was sworn in by Robert R. Livingston, a Grand Master of New York.
A picture of the Globe is the principal illustration on the stamp honoring Admiral Richard Byrd's expedition to the South Pole.
Many names of foreign Masons are omitted from this text because of space limitations, but the collector can consult some of the references listed below for further information. This writer will say that in the pursuit of this delightful "hobby" he has, in a short time, gathered and mounted a Masonic stamp collection which contains upward of three hundred items at the present time.
References:
Masonic Stamp Collection, by Laurence R. Cook, "New Age," issue of October, 1943, page: 533.
Masonic Stamp Collection, "New Age," issue of January, 1944, page: 18.
Ship Named for Ecuador's Former Masonic President, "New Age," February-March, 1944; page: 90.
Brazil-Interesting, "New Age," issue of February-March, page: 69.
Masonic Status of Bonaparte, Voltair, and Thomas Jefferson, by Herman Bauling, "New Age," issue of April, 1941, page: 227.
Masonic Postage Stamps Provide Hobby, "Far Eastern Free-Mason," issue of June, 1941, page: 19.
Masonic Postal Cancellations, by, Parke A. Arnold, "Scottish Rite Progress," issue of January, 1932, page: 11.
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The Bible is supposed to be opened in the Entered Apprentice degree, at Palms, 133, verses 1:3. Fellowcraft at Amos, 7, verses 7:8, and Master Masons' degree at Ecclesiastes, 12, verses 1:7.
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Properly speaking, everything depends upon a man's intentions. Where these exist, thoughts will likewise appear; and as the intentions are, so are the thoughts. - Goethe.
THE PHILALETHES - May, 1946; Volume I, Number 2; Walter A. Quincke, F. P. S., editor. Publication schedule (tentatively set) during January; February; March; May; July; September; November, and December. Annual subscription, three dollars payable in advance to: Allister J. McKowen, Secretary; 7400 Avalon Blvd., Los Angeles, California. Readers of "The Philalethes," the official publication of the Philalethes Society, will find in each issue a well-rounded and practical text to please discriminating Masonic taste.
(Translated from its original in French in "Alpina," Switzerland, issue of September-October, 1945, by Leo Fischer, F.P.S.)
"La Chaine d'Union," a Masonic monthly review published by P. Gloton, 7 Rue Cadet, Paris, resumed publication in April, 1945. Its issues from April to July, 1945, give us very interesting information concerning Masonic life during the occupation, the part taken in the resistance by numerous Masons, and the present reorganization.
On December 15, 1943, the French National Liberation Committee annulled by ordinance the provisions of the Act of August 13, 1940, which prohibited all so-called secret societies, and the amendments and regulations for the execution of said act, as well as the Ordinance of January 12, 1943.
Under the ordinance mentioned, societies or organizations dissolved by virtue of the provisions referred to were declared not to have ceased to exist. All measures taken for the confiscation of the property of the so-called secret societies and similar organizations were declared null and void, and all custodians of such property were directed to return to the societies and organizations concerned whatever property was still in their custody or had been transferred to other public services.
Such property as has been alienated must also be returned; an ordinance of November 12, 1943, regarding acts of spoliation committed by the enemy, regulates the manner in which it shall be returned.
The headquarters of the "Dissolved Societies" division of the Police Department had been established at the main office of the Theosophical Society, at No. 4 Rapp Square, and to this place a number of Masons were summoned during the occupation.
In those premises there was stored a considerable portion of the proceeds of the thefts committed on occasion of the searches made in the Lodge halls and in the homes of the Brethren. From 1940 to the end of 1942 these searches were made by the Gestapo, with the collaboration of the French police. The property and documents seized were piled up in a disorderly fashion. Beginning with the end of 1942, however, the property seized was inventoried. Parcels properly tied and provided with tags showing the names of the owners were found intact on the premises at No. 4 Rapp Square. In consequence, the Brethren whose places were searched after 1942 found the property and books seized from them intact, at least in part.
The first group of the Resistance was founded by five Masons. This body, "Resistance," soon merged with "Liberation." The organization thus formed succeeded in contacting London after ascertaining that there were Masons in the London broadcasting station, the broadcasts of which began with the motto "Liberty, Equality, Fraternity." Brother Roig succeeded in contacting London through Englishmen who escaped. This liaison was effected as the result of the visit of a Canadian aviator. Unfortunately, Brother Roig was arrested, imprisoned at Fresnes, and shot ten weeks later. However, the work was well under way. New Brethren joined the movement and the organization took the name of C.A.M. (Masonic Action Committee. This committee worked air both a patriotic and a Masonic organization. The patriotic section chose for its name "Patriam recuperare" and had a paper, The New Republic. Valuable information on the location of troops and the sites of the ramps from which the V-1 bombs were launched, as well as the memoirs of Paul Reynaud, were sent to London. One Brother succeeded in joining General De Gaulle at Algiers. Information was furnished concerning the German counter-espionage. Work was done towards the organization of a secret army in Paris. Shelter was given to numerous escapees and parachutists.
The organization "Patriam recuperate" has a representative in the Assemblee consultative.
While the C.A.M. was functioning as described, the Brethren who had not accepted the dissolution met clandestinely. The C.A.M. took charge of the direction of these Lodges.
Upon the liberation, an advisory committee was formed which created three commissions - purge, information, and organization. Requirements were established for the resumption of activities by the Brethren and the re-opening of the Lodges (presence of 21 Master Masons required for the re-opening of a Lodge).
One Masonic Lodge, "La Bonne Foi," of St. Germain-en-Laye, which was founded as early as 1689, upon the arrival of Jacob II of Stuart at St. Germain, was never dissolved. It had some 60 members in 1939. On September 1, 1940, ten of the Brethren of this Lodge met at the home of one of their members and decided to consider the dissolution of Masonry by Marshal Petain as null and void. They continued to work clandestinely, under the presidency of Bro. Rene Borries, W. M. Moreover, they resolved to continue the war against Germany by the side of the British, in accordance with General DeGaulle's directives. Non-Masons with Gaullist leanings joined them, and from then on the resistance group operated as such, without any Masonic organization or leanings.
The first two leaders of this resistance organization in the St. Germain region were, at the outset, Mr. Marcel Roby, professor of mathematics at the lyceum of St. Germain, captain in the reserve, knight of the Legion of Honor, and invalid of the war of 1914, and Bro. Dr. Canale.
There were two important general staffs at St. Germain: the North West Front, Field Marshal von Rundstedt, and a grand economic general staff the powers of which extended over the entire west of occupied Europe. These two general staffs became the direct and general objective of the local resistance whose work was exceedingly important and among the most useful. The devoted patriots who undertook it and carried it on so successfully paid a high price for it. Mr. Roby passed away in the Buchenwald camp in 1944. Bro. Gauthier died at Mauthausen in February, 1945; he was a young, robust and courageous man and succumbed to exhaustion and starvation after having been subjected to inhuman treatment. Bros. Charly and Oudin died at Dachau in 1944. Mr. Robbe and Bro. Pochan were able to return from the concentration camps after having undergone terrible sufferings.
Bro. Vannier died at Buchenwald in April, 1945, three days after the arrival of the Americans. At Buchenwald he was, with Colonel Manes and Marcel Paul, one of the directors of the French Interests Committee. He died a free man and knowing that his country was free, and was buried by his comrades in misfortune at the foot of the Bismark column. Bro. Cannier played a most important part in the Resistance.
That little Lodge "La Boone Foi, of St. Germain, had seen nearly all its members join the Resistance. We must mention another of these, Bro. Trouve, who risked his life repeatedly and received a serious bullet wound in the thorax from the German police and yet succeeded in warning numerous others of the Resistance, who owe him liberty and life.
This is only one Lodge, with a small membership. All of which tends to show how French Masonry was valiant and devoted to its country. It has deserved well of France and of Universal Masonry during those five terrible years from 1939 to 1945. - J. R.
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The oldest records in which signs and symbols occur were found in the rock excavated Temple of Rameses II, at Babel Molank, in Egypt, constructed, according to Champollion, 1720 years B. C. The frescoes on the walls of several of the chambers represent scenes in Masonic initiations. The aprons worn by the Masters are of pyramidal shape, except at the top, where there is a band on which an inscription signifying "Chosen of the Sun." At the two points or bottom corners are suns, the rays from which spread upwards over the apron; these devices are in red, gold, blue, green and brown on a white ground. Most of the signs are clearly depicted, and in one of the chambers is a stone coffin.
- Masonic Home Journal
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Let us learn to be content with what we have. Let us get rid of our false estimates, set up all the highest ideals - a quiet home; vines of our own planting; a few books full of the inspiration of a genius; a few friends worthy of being loved and able to love us in return; a hundred innocent pleasures that bring no pain or remorse; a devotion to the right that will never swerve; simple religion empty of all bigotry, full of trust, hope and love - and to such a philosophy this world will give up all the empty joy it has. - David Swing.
Grand Lodge Is Not Separate Entity
BY ELBERT BEDE, M. P. S.
It is something approaching a universal practice among Masons to erroneously speak of Grand Lodge as a separate entity; as though it were something apart from the Lodges from which it derives revenues for its support and upon which it imposes rules and regulations. I sense two reasons for this mistaken conception.
Within my memory it was the common practice to designate Lodges as "subordinate" and to speak of them as such. Some Grand Lodge codes may yet designate Lodges as subordinate. The Oregon code formerly used that expression. Happily, however, the inaccurate word has been replaced, or is being replaced in all codes by the more accurate "constituent," or reference is made to "Lodges," without any qualifying adjective, yet the idea expressed by "subordinate" still prevails among the greater number of the Brethren.
As a matter of fact, the Lodges, instead of being subordinate, control the operation of Grand Lodge. It is true that its officers, committee members and past elective officers, the last named usually being Past Grand Masters, are members of Grand Lodge; but every officer, every committee member and every past elective officer might be present in his capacity as such and yet Grand Lodge could not be opened. The representatives of a specified number of Lodges (seven seems to be universal) must be registered and present before the Grand Master may sound his gavel. No legislation may be enacted, no change in any law, rule or regulation may be made, no Grand Lodge officer may be elected or installed unless the representatives of the required number of Lodges remain present to maintain a quorum and the number required for a quorum was fixed by the representatives of the Lodges while assembled as a Grand Lodge. The officers, committee members and past elective officers are powerless to proceed as a Grand Lodge unless the representatives of the Lodges make it possible for them to do so. In my opinion, it might with more truth be said that Grand Lodge is subordinate to the constituent Lodges than that the Lodges are subordinate to the Grand Lodge.
After Grand Lodge has been legally opened, each constituent Lodge is entitled to three votes if it has any representative whatsoever present, while officers, committee members and past elective officers have only one vote each. The constituent Lodges, therefore, have a great preponderance in voting power, and their representatives not only may control the acts of Grand Ledge, but are responsible for whatever laws, rules and regulations may be in the code for enforcement by the Grand Lodge or by the Grand Master.
It is true that the Grand Master, except for the few days of each year when his Grand Lodge is in session, is actually the Grand Lodge and rules the Fraternity in his jurisdiction, but he does that wholly through powers given him by representatives of the Lodges while assembled as a Grand Lodge, or through lack of restraint placed upon powers inherent in the office by ancient custom; but the Grand Master completes his term in office by reporting his acts and decisions to the assembled representatives of the Lodges, who may nullify anything the Grand Master has done while acting as the Grand Lodge. Happily, nullification of the acts of a Grand Master is not common.
Showing further the powers of the representatives of the Lodges, there is no appeal from their decisions when acting as the preponderant force in Grand Lodge; not even if they should illegally override the provisions of the code which they have themselves enacted .
A second reason why Grand Lodge has been pictured as a separate entity, as something apart from the Lodges, is that representatives of Lodges have so frequently played such a small part in Grand Lodge communications. Usually the representatives of Lodges are persons unaccustomed to giving voice to their ideas before such an assemblage as a Grand Lodge. The result often has been that officers and Past Grand Masters, accustomed to participation in Grand Lodge proceedings and to expressing themselves in assemblies, have seemed to take the proceedings out of the hands of the representatives of the Lodges. This has been, not because the officers and Past Grand Masters wished to play that part, but because the representatives of the Lodges hesitated to take the part that was theirs to take.
In Oregon, all Grand Masters of at least the last half dozen years have informed the assembled delegates, as soon as Grand Lodge had been opened, that they were the Grand Lodge, have urged them to participate and have given them every opportunity to do so. Representatives of the Lodges have followed that advice to such an extent that a new and healthful feeling toward Grand Lodge has developed.
Inasmuch as representatives of the Lodges may control the acts of any session of Grand Lodge, have power to enact any legislation they may desire and to defeat any legislation which they disapprove, and are responsible for the election of those who carry on the business of Grand Lodge for them, they should realize that any criticism offered by them of any action taken by the Grand Lodge of which they are a part is, in fact, criticism of themselves for having failed to exercise their prerogatives in accordance with the desires of the Brethren whom they represented.
Grand Lodge is not a separate entity. It is composed of constituent Lodges which, through their representatives are responsible for it and all its acts.
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There is hardly anything in the world that some man cannot make a little worse and sell a little cheaper, and the people who consider price only are this man's lawful prey. - Ruskin.
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Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves, and, under a just God, cannot retain it. - Abraham Lincoln.
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In all misfortunes the greatest consolation is a sympathizing friend. - Cervantes.
BY EDWARD E. HEDBLOM, M. P. S.
It is generally conceded that our great Fraternity is the most ancient, famous, enduring and cosmopolitan of all the world's secret organizations. It has been so highly regarded and respected, and it has attracted the enthusiastic support and labors of so many of our country's outstanding leaders, that literally hundreds of other groups and societies have derived from it the basis of their organizations, rituals and objectives.
There are now nearly three million Masons in the United States alone. Masonry in our country is so wide-spread that there are comparatively few communities of more than a few hundred souls that do not boast of at least one Masonic lodge. Every large city of our land has from a dozen to several scores of lodges. For example: Greater New York City has 380; Chicago has 220; Philadelphia has 97; Los Angeles 72; Detroit 57, and San Francisco has 52.
An article recently published in several Masonic journals exposes some "fallacies about Masonry." From it any profane, or uninformed Mason, may learn, for example, that Freemasonry is not an insurance organization or benefit society, is not a religious sect, does not hold membership campaigns, uses no "goat" in its initiation ceremonies, does not bar from membership the adherents of any particular church or creed, nor does it protect any of its members who may have so far ignored or violated Masonic teachings as to have become criminals from meeting their deserved punishment. Furthermore, Masons are neither vain or silly in their common use of what may seem to be high-sounding titles. They pay no homage or allegiance to any mysterious national or international "head." They do not support the premise: "once a Mason, always a Mason." They do not consider the 'Mystic Shrine' or any other organization as the "highest body," and they do not teach or pretend to believe that the definite or proven history of the Masonic Order goes back to the time of King Solomon.
Having thus covered what are probably the most common erroneous ideas and misconceptions concerning Masons and Masonry, one might properly ask: "What Is Masonry?" It would be most presumptuous and impossible for anyone to even attempt an answer to such a question in a brief article of a few hundred words. The origin, purposes and history of Masonry has been investigated, discussed and speculated upon by Masonic and other scholars until the printed records of their researches, conclusions and arguments form a literature that could find room only within the limits of a large library. Profound students of Masonry have written, and will continue to write, entire volumes in attempting to answer the above question. Grand Masters and Grand Lecturers, and other speakers galore, have expounded thousands of ideas, opinions and interpretations on the subject, and none have covered all that could be said. Some have attempted in poem and song to express the subtle and sublime meanings of Masonic tenets and principles, emblems and symbols, but no one has achieved the ultimate in thought or word. Masonry is something that is just too ineffable, too inestimable, too inexplicable and inexhaustible for mortal mind to fully grasp or comprehend, let alone try to explain!
However, some gems of thought, tersely and beautifully expressed, have been selected from a variety of sources as partial answers to the aforesaid query. The explanation most frequently given is that "Masonry is a science veiled in Allegory and explained by Symbols," but since our Symbols, and even Masonry itself, may be interpreted by anyone according to his own light and understanding, the above means but little to most of us.
In Sibley's "The Story of Freemasonry" we find this: "Freemasonry is a beautiful system of ethics, which cultivates certain great fundamental moral and religious truths, and impresses them upon its votaries by elaborate symbolical ceremonials which point to the Bible as the great light by which mankind should be morally and spiritually guided."
"Freemasonry is the science of life, taught in a society of men by signs, symbols and ceremonies, with a peculiar ritual, having as its basis a system of morality, and having as its end and purpose the perfection of the individual and the race." - George Fleming Moore.
"Masonry is an art, useful and extensive, which comprehends within its circle every branch of useful knowledge and learning, and stamps an indelible mark of pre-eminence on its genuine professors, which neither chance, power, nor fortune can bestow." - Preston.
"Freemasonry is a moral order instituted by virtuous men, with the praiseworthy design of recalling to mind great truths, in the midst of innocent and sociable pleasures, founde don liberality, brotherly love and charity." - Ludington.
"Freemasonry is an establishment founded on benevolent intention of extending and conferring mutual happiness upon the best and truest principles of moral life and social virtue." - Calcott.
"All its plans are pacific. It cooperates with religion in regulating the temper, restraining the passions, and harmonizing the discordant interests of men; breathes a spirit of universal love and benevolence; adds one more thread to the silken cord or charity, which binds man to man. Religion is the golden cord which initiates man to God; Masonry is the silver line which runs from man to man. In its bosom flows cheerily the milk of human kindness, and its heart expands with love and charity. It wears the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, at peace with God, itself and the world." - Rob Morris.
"Freemasonry is an order whose leading star is philanthropy, and whose tenets inculcate an unceasing devotion to the cause of virtue and morality." - Lafayette
"Masonry, in its proper understanding, is a summary of the quest after that which is divine." - A.E. Waite
"Masonry as a science is engaged in the search after divine truth." - Mackey.
"Masonry is Friendship, Love, and Integrity - Friendship which rises superior to the fictitious distinctions of society, the prejudices of religion, and the pecuniary conditions of life. Love which knows no limit, nor inequality, nor decay. Integrity which binds man to the eternal law of duty." - A.C.L. Arnold.
"Masonry is a state of mind; it is an education of the heart." - Carl Claudy.
"Masonry, in the final analysis, is a way of life, a philosophy of life. It manifests itself in our daily contacts with our fellows. It is not what the tongue proclaims, but what the heart contains." - Elbert Bede.
"Masonry is a system, but a living system - an organized body of many truths under one idea and with a life and soul which assimilates those truths together. By it we stand. Freemasonry never brought a tear to the eye of any human being. Never slandered any man or woman. Never fought a battle nor drew sword against an enemy. Never taught any one to profane his Maker's name. Has not attempted to propagate any creed save its own simple and sublime one; no religion save the universal, eternal and immutable religion such as God planted in the heart of humanity. Every subject's duty is the king's, but every subject's soul is his own." - Rob Morris Bulletin.
Finally, here are some paragraph headings selected from "Morals and Dogma": "Masonry is a march and a struggle toward the Light; - is the subjugation of the Human that is in man by the Divine; the conquest of the Appetites and Passions by the floral Sense and the Reason; a continual effort, struggle and warfare of the Spiritual against the Material and Sensual; - the great Apostle of Peace, Harmony and good-will on earth among men; of liberty, equality and fraternity; - is the great Peace Society of the World. Wherever it exists, it struggles to prevent international difficulties and disputes; - is the universal morality which is suitable to the inhabitants of every clime, to the men of every creed; - teaches truths written by the finger of God on the heart."
What is your definition of Masonry ?
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The Mason who thinks that all his work is to be done within the sanctuary of the lodge is making a serious mistake. The lodge room is simply the school where we learn the principles that should be the rule and guide of our conduct. If we do not carry into practice precepts that we learn within the lodge then the teachings of the Craft have fallen on deaf ears. - Master Mason.
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The world is looking for men who can do something; not for men who can explain" why they didn't do it. - The Masonic News.
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A man is a little thing while he works by and for himself; but when he gives voice to the rules of love and justice, he is godlike. - Ralph Waldo Emerson.
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Who brings sunshine into the life of another has sunshine in his own. How soon the millennium would come if the good things people intend to do tomorrow were only done today. - The Kraftsman.
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Those having lamps will pass them on to others - Plato.
BY DR. ERNEST CRUTCHER, F. P. S.
Death is a recess. It is not a punishment, but a benison from the Creator.
You do not possess life. Life possesses you. It has divine mission and intensive purpose, despite our feeble comprehension. Destruction or death of the physical body does not kill life. The body is merely raiment for temporary use. It is put aside through that beneficent event except death.
Death is a blessed end of one school grade. It was given by the same God that gave us birth. Why the primitive Hebrews injected the idea of it as a "curse" was unfortunate, since such idea has caused endless grief and distress. Do you not see that death comes to every living creature? That a primitive woman ate forbidden fruit and was "cursed" by the primitive Jehovah, has no application to all of earth. The first Jehovah is quite different from the modern conception of our Father. It is not needful to scare people by horrid results of being alive on earth, to make them conscious that doing right is best. In every way, try to perceive the excellence of natural laws and absurdity of fears of religious zealots who seek followers by exciting fears.
Is not God our Father? Will he punish with everlasting agony such as are wilfully, or ignorantly, disobedient during a few short years ?
Life is persistent and continuous. The suicide does not end his cares by destruction of his body. He takes up life where he leaves off, and must undergo the troubles he seeks to fly from, besides others he invokes by rash act.
Life never had a beginning and can have no end. It is a part of divinity. Unfoldment is the purpose of multiple lives. Each life is a day in school and opportunity of augmenting individuation. Becoming separate and different from all others. If you are deemed a freak, crank, eccentric, - never mind. Live your own life and seek to be superior at death to what you were at birth. If you are to take up life where you left off, it should be an urge to becoming better.
Be not deceived: "whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." How are you sowing? You will eventually have to pay every debt or imposition. This is why we are afflicted today by divers "accidents," deformities, ugliness, etc. We are making reparation. Miraculous escape by fatuous belief of any sort will not avail. Live your best today, and every day!
Most theologies cry: "Prepare to die!" It is wiser to prepare to live, for you must and will. Die you cannot! Putting aside your garment of flesh is like re-birth, and death is from the same gracious Father that gave us birth.
Most theologies teach that the object of life is to prepare for death, when THERE IS NO DEATH! It has gracious benevolences and affords fresh opportunities of onward going. If born merely to die, how preposterous that we ever were born. Birth and death are coordinate, and have purpose, nor is either a "curse." In birth or death, we inherit ourselves.
Bui'd ye more stately temples, O my soul,
As the swift seasons roll;
Leave thy low-vaulted past;
Let each new temple, nobler than the last,
Shut three frown heaven with a dome more vast,
Till at length thou art free,
Leaving thine outworn shell
By life's unresting sea!
----o----
BY SILAS H. SHEPHERD, F. P. S.
If we accept the opinion of the majority of Masonic scholars, our present Freemasonry as an organization evolved from the operative craft of builders. It was a gradual transition which culminated in the formation of the first Grand Lodge of which we have any record in London, in 1717. Whether the four old Lodges which constituted themselves a Grand Lodge had one or two degrees is a question that has been debated for many years. The old operative Masons had three grades - Entered Apprentices, Fellow Crafts and Masters; but according to all the available evidence they did not have separate ceremonies which could be called degrees.
To those of us whose curiosity is keen regarding the probable rituals of those old formative days of our present system of Freemasonry nothing affords more satisfaction than a perusal of the old Masonic catechisms of the era of transition - 1696 to 1730. These old catechisms are comparatively brief and some of the expressions used are quaint and are now obsolete, but there are many of the questions and answers which are very nearly the same as our present ones,
While it is impossible to know whether these old catechisms are authentic or not, they are about the only way we have of having a better conception of the probable origin of our ritual.
With the exception of some of the expositions such as Masonry Dissected (1730) and a few that have been reprinted in Masonic histories, these old catechisms are not easily available to students and it was a boon to many of us to have sixteen of them reproduced with critical notes and historical data by Douglas Knoop, G. P. Jones and Douglas Hamer, all of the University of Sheffield, and published by the Manchester University Press, under the title of "The Early Masonic Catechisms." (1943).
The book was published by subscription and the edition limited to 500 copies. Of the 43 copies subscribed for in the United States of America, 13 were libraries; 6 The Macoy Masonic Publishing & Supply Co, 36 West 32nd Street, New York 1, (N. Y.), and 24 to individual brethren, eight of whom are members of the Philalethes Society.
The Directorate of the Swiss Grand Lodge "ALPINA" To Its Lodges and to All Sister Grand Lodges Abroad:
1945 will go down as a glorious year in history. It has brought truce to the world. The empires that had espoused national socialism and fascism have been defeated. The might of an imminent justice in the history of humanity has been revealed. The powers of evil that sought to triumph in spite of moral law and of the judgment of the Great Architect of the Universe have been annihilated. The universal spirit of justice, the awakening of the respect for humanity, have been victorious over the blackest of falsehoods and the horrors of depraved cruelty. At this moment we see with our own eyes that the criminal means employed for world conquest by the apostles of violence, now pilloried, have turned against the aggressor and have brought about his downfall and disgrace.
1946 brings us not only a judgment, it also brings the birth of a new law. Although the world still lies in ruins and millions of people are suffering the consequences of the war as they starve and beg for humanity and relief, we can already see that we are on the threshold of a new world era. Judgment must be rendered and peace established in accordance with a holy law. From Nuremberg, that city from which the curse of national socialism went forth, will also come the message of a just law which will bring all future criminal war mongers and arsonists to the bar of justice at the very outset. From San Francisco will come the new league of nations which will serve the cause of peace and fulfil the hopes that we cherished after World War I.
The perspective of a new law and a new peace also involves the social reformation of mankind. Humanity, outraged and despoiled, is rising to overthrow the rule of materialism, whether it come from above or from below, and to usher in an era of social progress. The cruel doctrines based on a materialistic conception of history and life and in many cases even accepted by churches will yield to a new understanding of morality inspired by Christian humanitarianism. Truth shall again shine: the resplendent truth of the Great Architect of the Universe. The abasement of humanity shall be followed by its exaltation. "The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light; they that dwell in the land of the shadow or death, upon them hath the light shined." (Isaiah 9 :2)
Our wish for 1946, is that all Brother Masons may take part in the upbuilding of a new humanity.
J. Boeni, Grand Master
(The above message was published in the January 1916, issue of ALPINA, the official monthly review of the Swiss Grand Lodge "Alpina," and was translated into English by Leo Fischer, F.P.S.)
The following is a translation, by Leo Fischer, F. P. S., from the French of a letter written December 31, 1945, and addressed by John Mossaz, F.P.S., of Switzerland, to Silas H. Shepherd, recently deceased:
Dear Brother:
Your letter of October 10, 1945, has given me great pleasure and I shall not delay expressing to you my satisfaction that the fraternal relations interrupted by the war during these sad years of destruction and suffering are being resumed.
Our Grand Chancellery of the International Masonic Association, Orient of Geneva, though it did not suspend its activities entirely, was forced to restrict the same beginning with 1940, because correspondence with the countries occupied by Germany was not permitted and all letters, even those addressed to neutral countries, were subjected to censorship which tolerated only news without interest. Information of a Masonic nature would not have passed the censor.
However, I was able to be useful as a Mason and as chancellor by receiving the numerous Brethren who were compelled to leave their countries to flee from the persecutions of the Gestapo and the partisans of the Nazi regime. In fact, among the numerous fugitives who entered Switzerland to seek refuge here, there were many Masons who had left everything behind and were without means. They had fled secretly in order to escape arrest and confinement in the terrible German concentration camps. With the assistance of the Swiss Brethren and of the Grand Lodge ALPINA I was able to help them materially during their internment in Switzerland and to keep up their morale by corresponding fraternally with them or securing for them a day or two of leave so as to enable them to come and see me and spend a few hours where they could speak freely and in all confidence. Besides. I was able to render services to the families of Brother Masons who had been without news from members who had disappeared or been taken prisoner, though the Red Cross, and in many cases I was able to give information to such persons and to transmit messages.
As you see, the Chancellery of the I. M. A. has not been entirely inactive, but its activities have been carried on in a manner other than in normal times. I had kept in contact with French Masonry until the time when the entire country was occupied by the enemy, and I frequently received communications through clandestine channels. However, later this correspondence became more and more difficult and dangerous for my correspondents, because the fascist militia of the Petain government was even worse than the Gestapo in the zeal with which it persecuted the Masons. However, after the liberation of the occupied territory the news began to arrive, and it was then that I learned of the suffering of the Brethren and also of their admirable work in the resistance. I was deeply moved when I learned that they all had kept up their faith in the peaceful mission of Masonry and were enthusiastic to take up their Masonic working tools again. Now French Masonry is reconstituted, the Lodges have their regular meetings in their former halls unless these have been bombed or burnt. and in that case in provisional quarters: but in most cases they have been looted of. all their property.
I had the pleasure of participating in the ceremonies which took place in Paris, on September 17 to 20, last, to celebrate the renaissance of the Grand Orient and Grand Lodge of France and elect Grand Officers. I met on that occasion a great number of friends whom I had not seen since over five years, among them Brother Corneloup (Fellow of the Philalethes Society) who has resumed the publication of the review of the late Oswald Wirth, Le Symbolisme, the first issue of which appeared recently. On the other hand, I heard of many deaths which caused me great grief, and I saw many Brethren who had returned from the concentration camps with their health frightfully shattered and many of whom will never recover from the consequences of the ill treatment which they suffered.
I learned that the Grand Orient of Belgium also resumed its labors some time ago and held its reunion at the end of September at which a new Grand Master was chosen, the one in office in 1939 having been assassinated (with 10 other Brethren well known as distinguished Masons) by Belgian fascists of the Rexist Party. The Grand Master of Luxemburg who had been taken to Germany as a prisoner was able to make his escape in September 1944 and has now returned to Luxemburg and reconstituted his Grand Lodge.
In Italy, also, the Masons are awakening from their long period of inactivity, but they form several factions which have difficulty in getting along. It will take some time for the situation to clear up in that country where Masonry ceased to exist regularly over 20 years ago, because all the former leaders around whom unity could have been easily effected are dead.
It seems that a Grand Lodge has been created in Germany with the support of the American Brethren. I do not know if that news which has been given to the press is correct; but in my opinion such a creation is premature and imprudent. In fact, we must remember that the German Grand Lodges officially repudiated our principles and the Constitutions of 1723, and that upon Hitler assuming the power they declared that their societies were no longer Masonic in character and that they conformed to the national socialist doctrines. The German Masons who remained faithful to real Masonry cannot be very numerous; I even doubt that there are any left, and I have little confidence in the sincerity of those who returned to the Masonic faith so rapidly after having abjured it in order to submit without resistance to the Hitler regime.
You see, dear Brother, the universal Masonic chain will not be reconstructed without difficulty but that will not discourage us. On the contrary, the misfortunes which have befallen our Craft must serve us as a lesson for the future. As regards the I. M. A. we shall carry on our mission by first resuming the relations with the Grand Lodge that belonged to it. We shall then address an appeal to all the others inviting them to join our Association. I hope this appeal will be well received by the Grand Lodges of the United States, because Masonry must give the example of the fraternity of man, regardless of race, religion or nationality. Would it not be out of the question for us to preach everywhere the advent of Universal peace and concord between the peoples while we continue to remain separated and excommunicate each other over matters of landmarks and ritualistic formulas regarding which, with a little good will, one could come to an understanding in a short time ? Masonry cannot be English French, Scandinavian, etc.; it must be "human," and we must seek to reconcile rather than aggravate the difference which are the result of the morals, customs and conditions of evolution of each ethnical group.
I am strongly for respecting the ancient traditions; but while the founders of Masonry have bequeathed to us our Constitutions and have established certain essential and always valid moral principles, they have wisely forborne from wording them so that the letter will kill the spirit and that their interpretation will be immutable. It is two hundred years that modern Masonry has been founded. Humanity has undergone some evolution since that time and the man of the 20th century no longer thinks like the one of the 18th. Everything has changed about him and for him: that is the law of nature and he must adapt himself to it. In the domains of science, of philosophy, of arts and of technics, as well as in that of sociology, a deep revolution has taken place in a century, and Masonry, which in 1723 reformed in order to adapt itself to its time, must now face a new reform unless it would lose its reason for being in the era upon which we are entering and which is going to change the face of the world.
May the year 1946 upon which we are entering be the one in which all Masons of the world will forget all that which has separated them until now and clasp each other's hands and consider themselves as Brothers closely united not only by Landmarks but by the same ideal of Fraternity, Justice and peace.
It is with these sentiments that I send you my best wishes for the New Year and beg you to believe, dear Brother, in my fraternal friendship.
(Sgd) JOHN MOSSAZ, Grand Chancellor of the International Masonic Association.
P. S. I received several days ago a letter from Brother Earl Blake Cox who is at present with the army of occupation in the Bavarian Alps. I shall answer him soon.
----o----
The Philalethes Society deems it a pleasure to welcome the following new members:
Voyle Martin Burrows, 924 Hoffman Avenue, Long Beach 4, California.
George Byers Clark, 995 Corona Street, Denver 3, Colorado.
Frederick William Eyre Cullingford, 2027 Central Avenue, Charlotte 4, North Carolina.
Rev. Sidnfy E. Harris, Box 184, Wells, Nevada.
Elbert Glenn Fye, Jr., P.O. Box 2081, Las Vegas, Nevada.
William John Paterson, Library, Masonic Temple, Broad and Filbert Streets, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
James Kinsman Remick, 2669 Columbia Street, San Diego 1, California.
Chan Lawrence Rogers, 3300 Madera Avenue, Los Angeles 26, California.
Francis J. Scully, M. D., 904 Medical Arts Building, Hot Springs, Arkansas.
Victor E. Vieira, Box 803, La Grande, Oregon.
Men of every walk in life comprise the membership of the Philatethes Society, with Masons of prominence, as well as those of humble station to carry out the ideals which have been invoked for our activities.
The Society fills a genuine need for all thinking Masons which cannot be overestimated. It in no way conflicts with the activities of any other Masonic group, nor does it transgress the traditions of any established Masonic organization.
In an attempt to bring together and make accessible for the use of all the Craft the best thought of the best minds within it, the Society is seeking, and with success, to promote an international viewpoint and to discover the way of the truth and light.
The fact that among the forty Fellows of this Society are distinguished citizens gives it a unique distinction. To this nucleus is gradually accruing an enlarging body of serious-minded men to whom the Craft is more than a mere meeting place for congenial spirits, but rather a medium for the practical expression of humanitarian impulses, of wide scope, designed for and aimed at the improvement of society in general. There can be no criticism of such a course.
This, then, is the reason for The Philalethes' existence. To the Mason who would improve his opportunity, there is always a waiting invitation to unite with us and help carry on our work. Membership involves a joining fee of $2.00, and annual dues of $3.00, a total of $5.00. As a member you will receive not only all the issues of "THE PHILALETHES" magazine, as published, but you can participate in the activities of the Bureau of Masonic Information, sponsored by the Philalethes Society. An application form can be obtained from: Allister J. McKowen, Secretary, 7400 Avalon Boulevard, Los Angeles 3, California.
----o----
He that cannot forgive others breaks the bridge Over which he must pass himself; for every man had to be forgiven. - Lord Herbert.
----o----
The way of the spirit, exactly as in the flesh, in a world like ours, spells labor, hard labor, whatever the end we seek. - Sir Wilfred Grenfell.
----o----
The only answer to the split atom is a united world - Frank Kingdom.
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Ten men banded together in love can do what ten thousand separately would fail in. - Thomas Carlyle.
A LONDON paper, commenting upon the enlarging work and growing influence of the pastor of that famous old church called Saint-Martin-in-the-Fields, said of Mr. Sheppard that "his is a leadership, not of deep thinking, but of high thinking." Which is a very significant utterance. A good deal depends in the development of human character upon the altitude of the habitual thinking:
There are those who rarely, if ever, rise above the low and shallow levels. The psalmist spoke of "brutish people." And Paul was deeply distressed over those whose thoughts seemed to rise no higher than mere physical satisfactions, "whose god is their belly."
One trouble with this rather selfish age in which we are living is that there is comparatively little idealism. The habitual thinking hardly rises to the altitude of great and spiritual realities.
There is enough of deep thinking, of rather profound investigation, of material phenomena, of a searching look into the mysteries of this material world. But with it all there is a somewhat marked tendency to laugh at the philosopher, who deals habitually with the high things, to scorn the theologian, whose thought must rest upon the most majestic things that can be conceived, to regard with rather pitying concern the spiritually-minded man who finds his joy in setting his mind on things that are above.
Wanted: More high thinking. Low thinking leads to a dwarfed personality, while high thinking expands, enriches and transfigures the character.
Paul was a great psychologist. He understood the law of spiritual growth and enrichment through thinking high things. Two classical passages in illustration of this come readily to mind.
The first is where the apostle, writing to the Philippians, gives a list of high things: "Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report" - then follows his catalogue with the urgent counsel, "think on these things."
The other passage is where he speaks of Christians "with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord," which certainly means thinking habitually about Jesus and the beauty of His life and the wonder of His personality, and then Paul declares that such contemplation of the Lord is transforming in its effects, so, that the believer is changed from glory to glory, from beauty to beauty, from worthy character to still more worthy character. This high thinking slowly lifts the thinker to the heights.
We may not be brilliant or profound. We may not be able to say great and notable things as we stand in the pulpit or stand before a Bible class. We may not be able to discuss in any illuminating way the deep problems of science, or mathematics, or philosophy. But we can always do high thinking. Like Bunyan's Pilgrim, it is possible to climb up into the Delectable Mountains and view lofty and wonderful things.
And what a leadership it is for one to cultivate, "a leadership, not of deep thinking, but of high thinking."
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
WALTER A. QUINCKE, President 274 South Burlington Avenue Los Angeles 4, California
JOHN B. VROOMAN, 1st Vice President Box 332, Rolla, Missouri
LEO FISCHER, 2nd Vice President 28 South El Molino Street, Alhambra, California
AILISTER J. McKOWEN, Secretary, 7400 Avalon Boulevard, Los Angeles 3, California
SILAS H. SHEPHERD, F.P.S., PASSES ON
It is with a feeling of deep personal sorrow that I have to announce the sudden passing from his labors on earth to his entrance into the "Grand Lodge Above" of our beloved Brother Silas H. Shepherd, who so conscientiously filled the office of Secretary and had made himself an integral part of the life of our Society.
Few men could possibly be missed as Silas will be!
Eulogies and oratorical pronouncements would almost seem cold when in retrospection we review his achievements in Masonic endeavor. With the humility and self-effacements that was characteristic of him he gave of his time and talents to maintain and forward the welfare of his Fraternity and he firmly established his own monument within the Craft upon a pedestal of brilliant accomplishments that might well be emulated by the most humble Entered Apprentice and even those honored with the purple of the Fraternity.
A native of Illinois, Silos H. Shepherd was born March 7, 1874. He was raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason in Hartland Lodge No. 122, F. & A. M., of Hartland, Wis., and, in due time, took the degrees of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite. He served as the chairman of the Wisconsin Grand Lodge Committee on Masonic Research for many years, and was the author of numerous Masonic books and poems, of which his "Landmarks," and "Symbolic Teaching" are well-known. A prolific writer, his literary contributions were printed in domestic and foreign Masonic publications. As the secretary of the Philalethes Society he carried on a correspondence with many of the most distinguished Freemasons throughout the world.
Since 1934 he lived at San Diego and, though not officially affiliated with that city's Masonic Lodges, he became active in their activities; was an associate editor of the "Masonic News," of San Diego, and was elected the International secretary of the Philalethes Society.
Last rites for Silas H. Shepherd, 72, who died Wednesday, March 20, were held at 2 p. m., March 23, in Rogers Chapel, under the auspices of Silver Gate Lodge, No. 296, F. & A. M., of San Diego, California. Cremation followed.
Surviving are his wife, Amelia J. Shepherd, two daughters, Mrs. Edna Hellendrung, of West Allis, Wisconsin, and Mrs. Ruth McNally, of Milwaukee, and five sons, Harry Shepherd of Los Angeles, and George, Henry, Robert, and Wendell Shepherd, of Milwaukee.
"No one hears the door that opens,
When we paws beyond our call
Soft as loosened leaves of roses,
One by one our loved ones fall
From our chain these links have fallen,
In our land their stars have set
But enshrined on memory's tablet,
Their true worth we'll ne'er forget!"
(Signed) WALTER A. QUINCKE
President