August-September, 1947
Contents
THE NEW YORK RESOLUTIONS MASONIC JOURNALISM
FROM OUR CONTEMPORARIES OVERSEAS FREEMASONRY IN FOREIGN LANDS
THE POINT WITHIN A CIRCLE Think Twice
POTENTIAL POWER WILLIS E. ROE, M. P. S.
IN MEMORY THE PHILALETHES SOCIETY NEWS
MASONIC BOOKS NEEDED True Masonry
(Translation of an article in French by J. Corneloup, F.P.S., which appeared in Le Symbolisme, Levallois-Perret, France, in April 1947. - An article on the same subject appeared in "The Philalethes," December, 1946, entitled "The Round Table." - Leo Fischer, F.P.S., translator).
After the war of 1914-18, a group of Masons of various nationalities formed a body known as the "Round Table," one of the aims of which was to bring the various Masonries of the world together. One of the most active members of this group was M.W.Bro. Townsend Scudder, Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of New York and present chairman of the Committee on Jurisprudence (of which all Past Grand Masters of that Grand Lodge are members) and of the Committee on Foreign Correspondence.
In this capacity, Bro. Townsend Scudder, in 1945, took the initiative in submitting to the Committees mentioned a report proposing the following resolutions:
1. That the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of New York be invited, in the exercise of his ancient prerogatives, to enter into fraternal relations on behalf of Grand Lodge with Grand Lodges or Orients throughout the world, not presently in affiliation with Grand Lodge, provided always that each such Grand Lodge or Orient shall be by direct descent or Masonic healing an offshoot of the Mother Grand Lodge; the facts of such direct descent or healing to be established in each instance upon due reference to the customary procedures of Grand Lodge.
2. That Brethren of the obedience of the Grand Lodge of New York be duly advised of the privilege of Inter-visitation and Masonic association with Brethren of foreign jurisdictions with whose Grand Lodges fraternal relationship shall have been established.
3. That New York Masons be urged to constitute themselves "messengers of good will" whenever and wherever they are in contact with their foreign Brethren; this to the end that as Freemasons individually they may contribute to their utmost to the cause of peace by encouraging confidence, sympathy, understanding, co-operation, between the peoples of the world.
These resolutions were adopted unanimously by the Grand Lodge of New York at its communication of November 19, 1945. They were also transmitted to Bro. Ariens Kappers, the last surviving member of the Netherlands Committee of the "Round Table," who brought them to the knowledge of the several European Jurisdictions interested, especially to those who were suppressed during the war and have since then been or are being, reorganized.
It is superfluous to emphasize the great importance of this outstanding Masonic event which has aroused intense interest in Europe and especially in France, and has given rise to great hopes. However, a whole year has elapsed and, to our knowledge, no tangible sign has shown so far that positive results have been obtained.
Must we be surprised by this, and despair?
I do not think so.
Notwithstanding all the lessons that the harrowing experiences of two wars ought to have taught the world, and notwithstanding the personal contacts that they have made possible between the Anglo-Saxon and Latin Masons, prejudices still exist which retard the evolution of the minds across the Atlantic and, especially, across the Channel.
I perfectly understand that, however the American Lodges may desire to extend the sphere of activity and work for the universality of Masonry (which is undoubtedly the best manner of serving the cause of peace), they hesitate to establish new ties which might possibly break the unity, to them fundamental, between them and Anglo-Saxon Masonry.
I therefore imagine that the Grand Lodge of New York, since launching its appeal, has instinctively been listening for an echo from London....
The report written by Bro. Townsend Scudder in support of his resolution contains a particularly judicious passage: It is not logically conceivable he says, that harm can come to us by our joining hands with Latin Masonry. The same remark applies to English Masonry, and it is that conviction which vie must make our Brethren across the Channel share with us.
If Latin Masonry wishes to give force to the action of the Grand Lodge of New York, it must find a way of convincing the Anglo-Saxon Jurisdictions that its desire for unity is not inspired by weakness or calculation. Like the Anglo-Saxons, the Latins propose to remain faithful to their own ideals; but they do not contemplate exporting these, because they respect the convictions of others sincerely and without reservation. They have only one objective: to build up, as Anderson desired it, a more complete and efficacious Fraternity by toleration and understanding.
Hence it is necessary that, like the Masons of New York, each Latin Mason constitute himself a "messenger of good will" whenever he has an opportunity. I am doing that very thing now, to the best of my ability.
May I be permitted to say here that, as far as the French Masons are concerned, they rare more than any others convinced of the necessity of a united Masonry for the cause of Peace, in which they are the most directly interested. That being their aspiration on the international plane, is it not their first duty to strive for that union (I do not say "unity") on the national plane? In my opinion, such union should not be confined to the Grand Lodge and Grand Orient. Beside them there exists, among others, a Grand Lodge which calls itself National, Independent and Regular, and which has for its members French Masons and a number of British Brethren.
If we were still living in the heroic ages, could we not dream that those Craftsmen, with the strength derived from their peculiar and, in a certain sense, privileged situation, would feel that this makes it, perhaps, their supplementary duty and special mission to establish liaison between the contending parties and inspire the necessary action by setting the example for self-denial ?
Acting as "catalytic agents" in a French Masonic process which would receive all the rites and unite them without smothering them, they would contribute to the success of a capital project in the construction of that oecumenical Masonry which we ardently desire.
Does this sound crazy, visionary or utopian, or only anticipatory ?
----o----
By Philip H. Coad, M.P.S., Berea, Ohio
AT the risk of being called old-fashioned, or a relic of the horse and buggy days, the writer deplores much of the literature, so-called, that clogs the newstands or finds its way into the shelves of our libraries.
It is definitely lowbrow, immoral and unworthy of being called literature.
The excuse for the plots contained in these stories and the vile language used is that they portray life as we find it; that one must be realistic about the matter and that it is futile to try and disguise the facts.
As long as the world has been in existence, I presume there have been sordid conditions of life. When it is necessary, after many centuries of advancement and progress, to parade these lurid details before old and young, to glorify filth, to publish books about them, running into editions of hundreds of thousands, and to make them best sellers is entirely beyond my comprehension.
In the daily papers and in magazines the intimate facts of one's personal life are blazoned forth, and discussed in detail, wearing apparel, or the lack of it, in advertisements and reading matter, is given the spotlight. Modesty forbid, that is old-fashioned indeed, face the facts as they are - nature in the raw.
Well, old-fashioned or not, I believe the world needs to portray the finer things of life. If we still glorify the gutter, then we have not advanced very far and education has been a total loss.
Masonic periodicals generally we are happy to note confine themselves to the ethical, are educational and do not indulge in gutter types.
As a rule the contributions made to Masonic newspapers and magazines are informative and helpful, - many times, however, they look like 'boiler plate.' A number of the Craft papers have the appearance of being thrown together just before press time. They do not measure up to the style of the master craftsman.
There is a very definite place for the Masonic periodical. It is, in thousands of cases, the only contact the brother has with his fraternity. If he is unable, or neglects, to attend his lodge, a newspaper or magazine coming to him at regular intervals keeps him informed. True, he may not read it, but the chances are, if the material is well chosen and informative, and the format attractive to the eye, and with an evidence of "class," it will get his attention.
Since Freemasonry stands high in the list of organizations that have helped to develop our civilization and, since it is composed of master workmen who build worthily, there is little or no excuse for sloppy journalism.
Most of our periodicals are supported by advertising. It would, in my opinion, be much better if none were used. However, in most cases, it seems a necessary source of income. The next best thing then is to carefully select it. Advertising of liquor, tobacco and politics should be refused - very few have accepted liquor ads; political advertising by candidates running for office is permitted by many Grand Lodges, but not encouraged. To maintain our position regarding politics, it would be much better to avoid the use of this class of advertising entirely.
Another fault in some of our Craft papers is a lack of balance between editorial and advertising 'copy.' What impression does the reader get when a periodical is packed full of advertising, with only a sprinkling of Masonic news or information sandwiched in here and there ? He thinks the paper is issued to provide someone an income, using Masonic outlets as an excuse. In many cases this is true. Unless the Masonic paper is vital, with a message of importance, with information that is both historical and up to the minute, editorials that provoke thought, and contributions that tie the reader to the Masonic concept of life, there is but little excuse for its existence.
There are many splendid Masonic publications, of both the newspaper and magazine type, well conceived, properly balanced as to contents, and printed on paper best suited to their particular kind. They are worthy of the Craft and of great benefit to their readers. There are others, less pretentious, yet filling a niche, and they too fill a need and should be continued. There is one little publication, not much more than a pamphlet, which is of tremendous value. It comes weekly and contains many things, both light and profound, of much interest to Masonic students. Its slogan: "Our Object is not so much to get more men into Masonry as to get more Masonry into men." A splendid idea and one that is being accomplished, - thousands wait for this little edition each week.
Then there is our own "Philalethes." During the short period of its existence it has won the hearts of all who read it. The subjects covered are diversified, they are original and bear the stamp of the master craftsman. At the same time the Board of Editors take nothing for granted. Contributions are carefully edited and only those that meet the acid test are accepted. Yet, like all Masonry it is merely seeking perfection and as long as it is governed by the high ideals and far-seeing aims which have activated it, until now, it is bound to be of value to the Craft and will not materially err.
That should be the aim of every Masonic editor, to strive for perfection, to keep his readers well ins formed on Masonic history, its concept, and the practical application of its precepts to our every day life.
These results can be accomplished by reviewing our individual efforts. Does the paper fill a need, does it contain interesting and educational facts about Masonic history and development, here and abroad, and are the editorials dynamic and forceful? Is its format good, has it eye appeal and is it easy to read because the proper type faces have been used and is its layout good? Has it the proper balance between advertising and reading matter, and have the advertisements been carefully screened so that only those that are ethical and decent are accepted ? Does it deal with the human equation and are there articles of human interest in it ? These, and many other questions will occur to the editor who is seeking perfection.
It will be enhanced, I believe, by the reprinting of articles contained in the "Philalethes," and by giving proper credit to the writers with their addresses. Thus will we bind ourselves together in the bonds of fraternity.
These things are said by this writer in all humility, recognizing his own shortcomings and not with a "holier than thou attitude." Rather, the result of experience and observation and with the desire to better our Masonic press, striving for perfection.
Shall we try it ?
----o----
FROM OUR CONTEMPORARIES OVERSEAS
By LEO FISCHER, F.P.S.
Alhambra, California
Commenting on the November, 1946, issue of "The Philalethes," the reviewer of the well-written Masonic. Monthly, Le Symbolisme (Levallois-Perret, France, has the following to say in its February, 1947, number regarding that which we all seek: an understanding between Anglo-Saxon and Latin Masons:
"Besides the perils of translation, it appears to us that serious differences in the rituals will render the task of reciprocal understanding a difficult one. In fact, how are we to understand each other on the intellectual plane if we do not speak the same symbolic language ? Useful work will have to be done comparing the Anglo-Saxon rituals with ours. (By ours l naturally understand those of the Lodges where the Masonic spirit is respected in its most minute expressions). In an article by Elbert Bede, F.P.S., entitled "Wages of a Master Mason," I read, for instance, among other interesting things: 'We hear a great deal about Corn, Wine and Oil as the Wages of a Master Mason . . .' I do not know any French Fellow Craft ritual which makes allusion to those products of the soil. And then, in translating, very conscientiously and elegantly, the lecture of our collaborator Marius Lepage on 'The Goal and Means of Masonry,' Leo Fischer introduces his translation by a curious note. 'For a better understanding of the following Oration, we must explain that in most Latin Lodges the candidate, before being admitted into the Lodge proper in the E. A. Degree, is for some time confined in a dark room, the "Chamber of Reflection".' Upon his introduction into the Lodge he has to undergo various tests, among them those of the Earth, Water, Air, and Fire....'
"These phrases make us suppose that this entire fundamental part of our ritual is completely unknown in the American Lodges. - We cordially congratulate "The Philalethes" and the staff of devoted Brethren who strive sincerely to 'unite that which is separated' and whose truly Masonic eclectism of thought and independence of spirit will make it possible some day to make Masonry really universal. . ."
We Masons of California have the rare good fortune of being able to see the E.A. Degree conferred according to the American ritual, as well as in a Lodge under the California Jurisdiction in Los Angeles and another in San Francisco, in the French ritual and the French language. Likewise in the Philippine Islands, the present writer was able to see the E.A. degree conferred, either in English according to the California ritual, or in Spanish, in accordance with the Spanish ritual which closely resembles the French ritual. The question of the ritual should not keep Anglo-Saxon and Latin Freemasonry apart, because, after all, the underlying idea is the same; only the vehicle is different.
Again from the February, 1947, number of "Le Symbolisme," in reviewing our contemporary, "Masonic Historiology," this French journal, after a few commentary remarks, says:
"The last issues deserve special mention because they mark a deep-going evolution in the attitude of the Americans towards the Roman Church. The naturally drift into the same anti-clericalism which to them has always appeared to be the domain and principal characteristic of the French Masons. They, too, begin to realize that wherever the Church makes headway spiritually it strives, by its very nature, to 'impregnate' temporal matters. But it fatally clashed with the powers of the State. The Americans, rather surprised by the aggression of the Church, especially in matters of education, react with a vigor not habitual with them. They will now be able a better understand certain aspects of French Masonry which have so often shocked them because they have never found themselves in a situation similar to ours."
The changed attitude commented upon by our French contemporary is reflected by a number of Masonic journals in the United States. It dates farther back than our French Brother seems to believe; but there has been a recrudescence of late in connection with the parochial school bus cases.
----o---
As in geometry, so in Freemasonry, there is no royal road to perfection.
----o----
Satisfaction can come only to those who know they're doing right.
----o----
Truth can be improved in just one way, and no other . . . and that is by living it.
----o----
Who Does the Work?
The people in all lines of duty who do the most work are the calmest, most unhurried people in the community. Duties never wildly chase each other in their lives. One task never crowds another out, nor even compels hurried, and, therefore, imperfect doing.
The calm spirit works methodically, doing one thing at a time, and doing it well; and it, therefore, works swiftly, though never appearing to be in haste.
----o----
By LEO FISCHER, F.P.S.
Alhambra, California
Finland - At its annual communication on May 6, 1947, the Grand Lodge of F. & A. M. of Finland elected the following Grand Officers: Grand Master, Gunnar Jaatinen; First Deputy Grand Master, Arvo Aalto; Second Deputy Grand Master, Rolf B. Berner.
On September 6th and 7th Suomi Lodge No. 1 will commemorate the 25th anniversary of its formation and with it the resumption of Masonic work in Finland after its suppression in 1822, when Emperor Alexander I prohibited Masonry throughout Russia, of which latter country Finland had become a part after a discussion between Alexander I and Napoleon, in 1809.
France - The ancient feud between French Masonry and the clergy of the Roman Catholic Church, of which there was little evidence during the first two years following the liberation of France, seems to flare up again here and there. A friend writes us that a member of his Lodge whose special duty consisted in keeping an eye on the schools of the district, recently delivered an interesting lecture on Ernest Renan and the Life of Jesus. Renan (1823-1892), was a famous French philosopher and author who wrote a book, "Tale Life of Jesus," which became a French classic but was put on the Index by the Vatican. The lecture referred to was subsequently delivered by the same Brother before a gathering of young schoolteachers. whereupon he was violently attacked by the catholic papers and charged with corrupting the younger generation. Various articles reviling him were published, followed by others written in his defense. The clerical element, unable to attack the Lodge directly, thus attained its purpose of stirring up trouble by using the method known among French billiard - players as "joker par la bande."
Great Britain - On March 24, 1947, the Earl of Harewood, Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of England, died at his ancestral home at Leeds at the age of 64 years. Elected Grand Master on December 2, 1942, after the tragic death of the Duke of Kent, he held that high office continuously until he died. He was born on September 9, 1882, as Henry George Charles Lascelles, elder son of the fifth earl of Harewood, and succeeded to the earldom in 1929, on the death of his father. During World War I he served with distinction in France, being gassed and three times wounded. In 1922 he married Princess Mary (now the Princess Royal), the only daughter of King George V. It was King George VI who installed him as Grand Master on June 1, 1943. A fitting tribute was paid to the departed Grand Master at the Quarterly Communication of the Grand Lodge, on June 4, 1947, which was presided over by the Deputy Grand Master, the Duke of Devonshire.
----o----
Truth is permanent and human needs are fundamental. Modern civilization needs most of all, as all ages have needed, brotherly love and human helpfulness. - Walter A. Quincke F.P.S.
----o----
No man ever got lost on straight road.
----o----
Dr. Ross Hepburn, Secretary of the Masters' and Past Masters' Lodge No. 130, (Lodge of Research), Christchurch, New Zealand, writes under June 6, 1947, with reference to the influx of new material into the Lodges due to the war: "In my own city there were no less than about ten new Lodges formed between 1920 and 1925, representing nearly half the total now existing here. So far only one new Lodge has been formed here recently (1946) and one in a country centre but from the number of candidates that are pouring in, I think there will be more during the next five years. What we are endeavoring to do in the M. & P. M. Lodge is provide facilities for the new candidates to make a daily advancement in Masonic knowledge, and generally to help them to retain their interest and to avoid that sense of frustration which comes through monotonous repetition of degrees, unbroken by any attempt to give the new Brethren further instruction." - L. F.
----o----
"The Royal Arch, Its Hidden Meaning," by George H. Steinmetz, M.P.S. (Macoy Publishing Co., New York; 138 pages, $3.00).
This is a thin volume but nevertheless filled with manna for the Companion who is in search for the inner meanings of the ceremonies of the Royal Arch Chapter. The American Craft needs more books of this calibre.
Brother Steinmetz has sought "beyond the veils" for the deep philosophical truths and from the first sentence he makes clear to the reader that his search is for mystical values. It is this very interpretation that is both the strength and the weakness of the volume. The author supports some of his explanations by quoting Blavatsky, Mackey, Pike and Max Heindel's system of astrology and his division of Man into four physical and three spiritual vehicles. I, personally, cannot fully accept these statements at the present time but this is, in reality, a minor point.
Mystical interpretation is essentially an individual thing, and each of us interprets the Masonic ceremonies to the fullest extent of his own inner development and inner light. With this kept always in mind, the reader of Brother Steinmetz' book will find it rich in thought and certainly an aid in the reader's own quest for "more Light."
"The Royal Arch, Its Hidden Meaning" is well worth a place in your Masonic bookshelf. More - it is well worth reading, study and meditation. May the future bring more publications of its kind that American Masonry may profit thereby. - L.E.W.
----o----
Every Masonic Lodge is a temple of religion, and its teachings are instruction in religion. For here are inculcated toleration, affection, truth, devotedness, patriotism, a generous sympathy with those who suffer and mourn, pity for the fallen, mercy for the erring, relief for those in want. Faith, hope and charity. - Albert Pike.
----o----
Courage consists in hanging on one minute longer.
----o----
By Robert H. Nisbet, M.P.S., South Kent, Connecticut
WE are taught that geometry was the first and noblest of sciences and the foundation upon which the superstructure of Masonry is erected. I think that is a fair and true statement. Yet our ritual and lectures contain surprisingly little about it. The 47th problem of Euclid is mentioned (as Sherlock Holmes said, that's "elementary") and could hardly be overlooked. Aside from that, the Point within the Circle is the only other purely "geometrical" thing I can recall and our ritual writers clothe that with everything but a reasonable explanation of any geometrical meaning, use, or significance, that it has or might have had.
We are taught the speculative uses of many tools, but other than some references to obvious practical uses, our ritual and lore gives almost no hint as to any real uses our operative brethren might have made of them; and, although geometry is the foundation of our institution, present-day Masons as such have ceased to practice it, or study it, or to consider that it has any force or import in our present system.
Our ritual writers have been rather careless with facts and in their zeal to clothe symbols with moral teachings (always from their standpoint) has, I believe, in many cases at least strayed pretty far away from the one-time meaning and significance of many of our symbols. And in so doing they lost meanings and certain applications, which, were we now to understand, evaluate and apply them, as our ancient and operative brethren did, might surprise us by teaching even greater truths and quite certainly be of greater human-use, and hence good, than are the purely speculative meanings now attributed to them.
For some years now I have been trying to regain the lost meanings of some of our working tools and symbols, not to speculate on their moral teachings, but rather to rediscover their uses by practical designers and builders.
So far I have by trial and error and working backwards from some measurements of old monuments, found things that may be of interest not only to Freemasons but to others. Throughout my quest I have adhered as strictly as I could to Masonic traditions and symbols, with only some side excursions that were suggested by them and seemed to present interesting possibilities.
The Line is one of our working tools, as are the Square and Compasses, the Level, etc., etc. I find that the Line seems to predominate in value, for with it you can do almost anything you can do with the other tools. With just a piece of string you can make a circle, divide it into 24 equal parts of 15 degrees each, which is the distance the sun travels in one hour, and that division of time, together with the 24-inch gauge are things understood by all Freemasons. Used as a plumb in conjunction with the 24 divisions to cast a shadow, it becomes a sun clock and suggests the column or obelisk as a permanent Plumb for the same purpose, which the Junior Warden in the South uses to determine high twelve, etc., etc. He still has the plumb and the Column and even tells of their use in the ritual. The Past Master's jewel has the Compasses extended on an arc of 60 degrees. Why ? The radius of a circle goes exactly six times around the circumference of its circle, as do its chords (and the chord of 60 is equal to the radius) and may well be symbolic of the Master's Secret, as it is reasonable to suppose that the Master knew things that the ordinary workmen did not. You can do the most amazing things with that same 60 degrees, in fact 6 and 60 is the basis of a whole system of numerology in use in ancient times, and from it we still have and use that system of dividing a circle into degrees, minutes and seconds. 360 degrees in a circumference, and 360 days in a year by ancient calendar, with a big holiday left over to make it come out right.
With a string used as a plumb line and with the sun's parallel rays, you can determine latitude, measure and demonstrate the obliquity of the ecliptic and, as was done during 200 B.C., measure the earth's circumference, and even the interstellar spaces. The equinoxes can be determined, together with the solstices, or what Freemasons now celebrates the two Saints John days, when the sun is farthest south and farthest north. With a string you can make and prove a square, erect perpendiculars, draw circles and divide the circle in many ways notably 60 degrees - and in a very simple and practical way, given a circle, rectify or square it and get the straight length of any of its arcs.
According to book or college professors this cannot be done, and under their rules I agree, but there is considerable evidence that this seeming "impossible" thing was done and was in daily use by our operative brethren; that to them it was common knowledge but they kept it a closely guarded secret. I believe that the so-called secrets of the ancient building societies were just that, together with their knowledge of proportions and how to use them in a practical way. And I think it more than likely that the 'Point Within the Circle,' with its parallel tangent lines is a symbol of that knowledge. In fact, if that simple diagram is correctly drawn, you have the circle "squared" and the data to proceed and do most anything connected with squares, circles, rectangles, and triangles that you care to do and to do it without further calculation.
To treat this subject properly it would be necessary to go way back and trace it through the centuries with the history of geometry and mathematics, particularly with the history of pi, the values assigned to it and the manner in which they arrived at.
It is a comprehensible subject and somewhat controversial as much of it is difficult to prove, but harder still is it to convince most people that this elusive ratio can be arrived at by any means. I could go into it at some length and give the alleged values used at various dates and how some of them were arrived at. Suffice to say that I do not quarrel with the mathematicians on their ground because I am not one of them, and if we agree to split hairs by insisting upon the ultimate degree of accuracy, particularly when doing it in accordance with the strict rules of the game they laid down (which I admit makes it impossible), I again agree. But I do venture the assertion that the very method that they insist will not get the value is the basis for arriving at the ratio which they use.
Let's agree then that PI cannot be arrived at by geometric means, or with the use of straight edge and compasses, or by intersection of one line with another, one line with a circle or intersection of two circles, or by square roots.
In any case, if we are willing to accept PI as now used, we can proceed with no more error than the use of PI involves.
If the Euclid disciples would throw away their straight edge and instead use a piece of string, we all would benefit, because you cannot measure the straight length of an arc with a straight edge, but you can with a string. If you want to know the dimension of your waist, remove your belt and measure it as your tailor would do and he doesn't bother with PI. Should you question the accuracy of this method, have a try at it with compasses and straight edge. Even mathematicians agree that this method is not quite precise, that there is a lot of figuring. Not knowing how to proceed and forgetting the value to use for PI, what would be your next step?
Start with a circle or column, put a thin linen string around it, then unwind it till it is straight. Or you can unwind one quarter of it, or 90 degrees of a circle, and you will have 90 degrees of the circle in a straight line. Now to draw your point within the circle place the string around the circle, unwind 90 degrees of it, and draw the straight line of 90 degrees in length. Do this for each quadrant of the circle and you will have completed the point within the circle; and the two resulting tangent parallel lines add up to exactly the circumference of the circle, which gives you all the data necessary to square your circle. Take half of each parallel line on each side of the circle, connect the tips of the lines and you have a rectangle that is exactly the area of the circle - the diameter for one side, the straight length of 90 degrees for two other sides, and the tips connected being the same length as the diameter. Then again you can take the radius for one short side of your rectangle, plus the straight length of 90 degrees for the long side, which gives you a rectangle of half the area of the circle.
Any triangle you make in that rectangle will be one quarter the area of the circle, which coincides with the right section of the great Pyramid of Cheops at Gizeh whose height is to the perimeter of its base as the radius of a 90 degree circle is to its circumference and the measurements seem to justify the claim. By Euclidian means this (oblong square) rectangle can easily be turned into a perfect square.
While the geometers and mathematicians have for centuries been trying to get a square in terms of the radius of a circle, a great many people could do it this practical way all the time and accomplish it with all the accuracy needed to erect any building. No workman could obtain closer tolerance. All stone masons and carpenters use a chalk or plumb line in their practical work, and the line remains a valuable and accurate working tool revered by Freemasons.
(As many of our readers may be intrigued by Brother Nisbet's article, we cordially invite your candid reaction and comment. A frank discussion may lead to more light and truth on the entire matter. - The Editors.)
----o----
Recent visitors at the home of President Walter A. Quincke, F.P.S., included: Chan L. Rogers, M.P.S.; Allister J. McKowen, F.P.S.; Leo Fischer, F.P.S.; Lee Edwin Wells. F.P.S., and Mrs. Wells.
----o----
Masonry teaches us that unselfish service accords us that indescribable reward . . . the joy of (true) living, in harmonious expression of Divine Principle here and now. - C. Leon L'Ehmann.
----o----
The art of transmitting thought to permanent record, as in the Pyramid Texts of ancient Egypt, was arrived at only after a long process of development. - Silas H. Shepherd.
----o----
I am only an average man but, by George, I work at it harder than the average man. - Theodore Roosevelt.
----o----
Masonry seeks to promote the best type of manhood based upon a practice of the Golden Rule.
----o----
Before you push a brother down,
Think twice.
Before at others' sins you frown,
Think twice.
For who are you in judgment hall
Your brother to the bar to call?
Tomorrow you may slip and fall
Think twice.
Beware the stinging gibe and quip -
Think twice.
Lest you yourself may feel the whip,
Think twice.
Withhold the gossip's idle sneer,
The thrust that draws the bitter tear,
For fortune's favoring gale may veer;
Think twice.
Is charity a quickened art?
Think twice.
And does it thrill both hand and heart?
Think twice?
That mercy you to others show,
That mercy you shall some day know;
With others' faults be kind, be slow -
Think twice.
----o----
By Lee Edwin Wells, F.P.S., Canoga Park, California
(Introductory Note. - It gives us great pleasure to lay before the readers of "The Philalethes" the 'masterpiece' submitted by our new Fellow, Brother Lee Edwin Wells, and to introduce him at the same time as the new First Vice-President of our Society. An ardent student of Masonry, Brother Wells owes his promotion to the great ability, zeal and devotion of which he has given evidence since he began to take an active interest in the administration of the affairs of the Society and of its official journal. Born in the State of Indiana in 1907, Brother Wells is a resident of Canoga, Park, California, and a successful writer of Western stories. - L.F.)
THERE comes a time, in all endeavors of life, when we, individually or collectively, feel the urge and the necessity to evaluate those factors and those ideals that seem valuable to us. It is well that we should apply the test. If these ideals cannot stand up under close scrutiny, then it is high time that we change them. If they do, then we can continue, assured that our strivings have meaning and contribute to the general as well as the individual good.
I have come to such a moment of evaluation, of myself and of Freemasonry, when the Philalethes Society has extended the high honor of a Fellowship to me. For myself, I hardly feel worthy of the honor, for I know only too well of the many instances in which I have failed to meet the ideals of the Fraternity. Knowing and admitting these, I can trace the design of my future labors on my individual trestle board.
But there is also Freemasonry itself. What of it ? What of the Philalethes Society ? If these causes are worthy, in what way can I shape myself to forward them? I believe these questions should be asked by each and everyone of us, from the newly accepted member of the Society to its oldest Fellow. And each should shape his actions to the conclusions that these questions elicit.
First, let us consider Freemasonry. It has a ritual of great depth and beauty, a liturgy that through often unknown sources has gamed the wisdom of the ages. The ritual speaks of a way of life, an approach to Wisdom, a statement of high ideals. I need not list them here, for they are familiar to everyone of us. From the first moment in which we knelt in the center of the lodge, through the highest degree that any of us can attain, these ideals are repeated and repeated in a variety of beautiful forms and ceremonies. Freemasonry not only sets ideals for its votaries but for itself and, to paraphrase Paul, "the greatest of these is Universality.'' For if I am a brother to all men, the brotherly love, relief and truth "follow as the night the day."
Freemasonry has the organization with which to forward its ideals. Lodges perpetuate the ritual, the great truths, and are the medium through which the brethren work together in unity, forwarding the cause of Freemasonry in the local jurisdictions. The labor of these smaller bodies is coordinated in the Grand Lodges through which Masonry works on a larger scale in states, provinces and nations. But what then? In what way does Freemasonry achieve that ideal of a universal brotherhood? In what way is this great potential power for good given voice and manifestation? In what manner can we, as members of a local lodge, know of the problems, the successes, the failures of our brethren in the neighboring state? or in France?, or in England?
Frankly and honestly, we do not know.
True, the Grand Lodges have constant correspondence with each other and this is buried in annual proceedings and reports. But let us again be frank and honest. How many of these volumes have we read ? How often have these specific bits or vital current Masonic events been called to our attention? Our Craft speakers talk of the glories of the past, indefinitely of "our brethren in foreign countries"; but how many, for instance, present the picture of struggling Freemasonry in Yugoslavia, Finland, or a Germany newly freed from Hitler?
Grand Lodges correspond with others - but not with all the others. For sufficient legalistic reasons, often far beyond the understanding of the newly raised brother, he discovers that he may not converse Masonically with a member of this, that, or the other jurisdiction. His natural question comes immediately - What then of this Universality, this world-wide brotherhood of which he has heard through three degrees? Understand, I do not question the legal right or wrong of these various instances of non-recognition. I do deplore their existence. More, I recall the Great Schism in England between the Antients and the Moderns, and I recall the Union of 1813 wherein "insurmountable differences" were brushed aside.
Here then, in Freemasonry, is one ideal that is far, far from achieved. Its roots rest in the history of the past, its effect is with us here and now. What can we do about it?
First, probably, would be a need for familiarity with our Craft history and an understanding of the causes of these quarrels and rifts within the body of our Fraternity. Second, we should endeavor to understand how our foreign brothers think, what is their approach to Masonry. For instance, American lodges view the Masonic ritual from a moral angle. Pragmatists, we instinctively apply the teachings of the Craft, its ceremonies and symbols to the problems of our individual lives and the world about us. On the other hand, the French see the ritual as a mystical experience, an endeavor on the part of man to reintegrate himself with God, to approach reverently the great Hidden Mysteries. The series of articles by Marius Lepage, F.P.S., in The Philalethes emphatically emphasizes this point.
We in America, and I speak of the Craft as a whole and of exceptional brethren, think almost wholly in terms of our Grand Lodges and our Lodge. We are members of Hiram Lodge, No....., of the Grand Lodge of , no more, apparently. Only now and then do we vaguely understand that there are Masons elsewhere. We know it on the surface of our brains as we would know a fact of theoretical science, interesting but of no immediate application.
On the other hands the French and the English have a wider concept of Freemasonry. They feel that you and I, in our local lodges, are their brethren. They endeavor to make this thought a reality, and this note is sounded again and again in the writings of our French brethren in particular.
So, evaluating Freemasonry, we find that "brotherhood" is sadly in need of real expression. It is not the fault of Freemasonry itself, but of circumstances, its past, the attitude of many of its members at present. Let us again be frank: a lodge or a Grand Lodge is nothing in itself. It is the sum total of the men who form it. It can strive no higher than the ideals of its membership.
I doubt not but that every member of the Craft wishes to achieve the goals of Masonry and labors hard for them as he sees and understand them. But if his outlook is limited and local, his understanding of the history, the meanings of the symbols and ceremonies uncertain; if he has no concept of the problems of Masons abroad and even in neighboring jurisdictions, what then ? The obvious answer lies in the present state of the Craft throughout the world.
How then can we bring about the reality of Universality ? The means lie in our hands and we, collectively, can wield a power that cannot be withstood. The power lies within the Society to which we belong - The Philalethes. But here again, the Society is not a thing in itself; is it you, and your brother member, and his brother member. You and I must work together, both as a unit and as individuals.
The working together as a unit has more or less been accomplished. We have members all over the world and in almost every jurisdiction, bound together by the Society, having contact through the publication and through correspondence: We can exchange and publish our ideas, our interpretations of ritual, new facts of history that we discover, the problems and troubles which each of our jurisdictions are facing.
But this information has only partial value if it goes to the members of the Philalethes Society only. It must be spread throughout the Craft. It is here that we can labor as individuals. Do you talk of the Society in your local lodge? Are you alert to find the seeking brother who would be eager to add to his Masonic light and understanding ? If you are a Craft speaker, do you still talk the old and meaningless bromides, or do you make Masonry a living, vital thing of today? Do you talk about "our foreign brethren" or do you present actual conditions in Europe and other countries?
Answer these questions for yourself. You can, for example, make the brethren of your lodge and Grand Lodge feel that their actions, their problems, their ideas are of interest to England, Switzerland, France, Finland. There is enough material in any one issue of "The Philalethes" to make this concrete and real to your lodge, and not some vague generality that has been spoken so often that we merely give it lip service.
If "The Philalethes" is worth your time and effort, is it not also worth an extra subscription for your lodge ? In this way, the . thought of world-wide brotherhood and Universality can be promulgated. If every member of our Society would make just ONE talk before his lodge as an M.P.S., or F.P.S., give ONE subscription to his lodge's library or reading room and call the attention of his brethren to the magazine, we would be taking a tremendous step forward. In the Philalethes Society we have a potential power to make Freemasonry a tremendous influence in the war-torn, cynical world of today.
So we face a tremendous labor and, perhaps, like Hiram, we shall not see its accomplishment. But let us, each of us, work ceaselessly as did the Master Builder to beautify and adorn this great temple of Universal Masonry. Let us each place at least one stone firm and square so that the edifice will have strength and endurance.
In this manner we work toward a goal. As a FELLOW, our duties to the Society become "more and more extended." Realizing this, and the high honor conferred upon me, I can do no less than labor for the good of the Craft and of the Society. This is my promise, and I need your help.
Come - labor beside me !
----o----
(Photograph on Cover Page)
Editor of "The Square and Compass,' East Chicago, Indiana, a 32nd Degree Mason, Brother Roe practices law "for a living" and edits his excellent Masonic journal as a hobby. He holds the degrees of B.Sc and B.A. besides his law degrees. A very active man, he has served in the Indiana Legislature and has taken a part in the political activities of his locality. He has travelled extensively in every part of the United States, Dominion of Canada, Mexico and Continental Europe.
The "Square and Compass" was conceived many years ago while Brother Roe was going through the chairs of his Lodge - East Chicago No. 595, F. & A. M., East Chicago, Indiana - as a paper that would contribute to the advancement of the Craft in proficiency, knowledge, history, tradition and news.
Starting "from scratch," so to speak, the magazine's circulation grew by leaps and bounds and at the present time it is one of the oldest and largest Craft publication of its kind in the United States. It is living proof of Brother Roe's theory that character is the sect total of contacts and if a Mason is given sufficient good Masonic contacts, he will become a good intelligent Mason."
For long years of service to the Craft in thought, in deeds, as an officer and as the editor and publisher of an outstanding publication, the Philalethes Society salutes Willis E. Roe, M. P. S.
----o----
The man who gets nothing out of Masonry convicts himself of being small and hardly worth while.
----o----
Truth can be improved in just one way - that is by living it.
----o----
IN MEMORY OF ALBERT EDWARD TATTON, M.P.S.
Brother Albert Edward Tatton, M.P.S., whose great Masonic Knowledge and zeal gave rise to the hope that he would develop into a most active worker in the cause of the Philalethes Society, was called to the Grand lodge on High only a few months after his election to membership in our Society.
Born at Toronto, Canada, on January 29, 1877, Brother Tatton spent a considerable portion of his life in the Philippine Islands in the service of the United States Army and Federal Government. He was made a Mason in Perla del Oriente Lodge, No. 1034, Scottish Constitution, at Manila, P.I., in 1924, and subsequently affiliated with Cosmos Lodge, No. 8, and then with Minerva Lodge, No. 41, under the (grand Lodge of the Philippine Islands. He served Minerva Lodge as Worshipful Master in 1935 and 1937, and was active in the Grand Lodge as Librarian and Chairman of the Library Committee for three years, and as Fraternal Reviewer from February, 1938, to December, 1940. His contributions to the Masonic press were numerous and of high quality.
Brother Tatton was in the United States on vacation in December, 1941, when the Japanese invaded the Philippine Islands. His health was rather poor, and on June 28, 1947, he died at the Letterman General Hospital at San Francisco, California.
A man of sterling honesty and strong principles, and a devoted husband and father, Brother Tatton served Masonry faithfully and well.
Our deepest sympathy goes out to the members of his family on both sides of the Pacific.
(signed) Allister J. McKowen
Secretary
"The Philalethes Society"
----o----
In many of the countries of Europe, and in the Philippine Islands and other parts of the world devastated by war or ravaged by the forces of Hitler, Mussolini and other enemies of enlightenment and democracy, Masonic temples have been laid waste and invaluable Masonic archives and libraries deliberately destroyed. The Masonic books in the hands of private owners have been confiscated and "purified by fire" by governments hostile to Masonry, and many priceless collections have thus disappeared forever.
From everywhere in the regions affected by the war comes the same complaint and prayer: we are rebuilding and re-equipping our temples and resuming the labors of the Craft; but we find it practically impossible to replace the precious texts which were such splendid sources of instruction and inspiration to the young generation of Craftsmen. The shelves of our libraries are bare and the treasurers of study and thought accumulated by the generations of Masons who have gone before are unobtainable.
The situation described is one that the average Mason of the more fortunate countries finds it impossible to visualize. There are thousands and thousands of books on Masonry gathering dust in Masonic libraries or on the shelves of individuals throughout the United States, Canada and Australia. Only a comparatively small percentage of this literature is in actual use. Bought, perhaps, at a time when the owner was still young in the Craft and full of enthusiasm, they were most likely read in a perfunctory way and not glanced at again after that. Indifference is often a more destructive agent than the ruthless hands of ignorance or the ravages of barbarous forces.
Appeals for Masonic literature have come to us from Switzerland, France, Holland, Germany, the Philippines, and other countries. Volumes that are classics in Masonry, such as the works of Pike, Mackay, Gould, Haywood, Findel, Street, Oliver, Pound, Tatsch, Claudy, Shepherd, etc., would be especially welcome, and there is an abundance of copies of such Masonic works which are at present not doing anyone any good but could help to spread the teachings of Masonry among Brethren who are starving for such spiritual food.
Look up any such books you may have and send them to Allister J. McKowen, Secretary of the Philalethes Society, 7400 Avalon Boulevard, Los Angeles 3. California, and be sure that they will be forwarded where they will do the most good.
----o----
The Great Light
A Volume of the Sacred Law must be open on the Altar, but that is not always the Holy Bible. A Lodge wholly Jewish may use only the Old Testament. In Turkey and Persia the Koran of the Mohammedans might be used; the Brahmans would use the Vedas. In the Far East, where Lodges have members of many creeds, it is customary to have several Holy Books on the Altar. Any V. S. L. may be acceptable as a Great Light of Freemasonry, if it conforms to our belief in a Supreme Being and in the immortality of the soul.
----o----
New Fellow
To fill the vacancy by reason of the resignation of Dr. Charles H. Mertz, the Philalethes Society deems it a pleasure to bestow the honor of FELLOW upon:
LEE EDWIN WELLS; P.O. Box 110; Canoga Park, California.
* * *
New Members
WILLIS JOSEPH BRAY; Kirksville, Missouri.
ELMO CARTWRIGHT EBY; Oakland 2, California.
LEIF STANLEY FINSETH; Dallas, Oregon.
GORDON HARVEY; Vancouver, B.C., Canada.
LEONARD R. JERNSTEDT; Carlton, Oregon.
THURMAN HOLMES LAUTHENSCHLAGER, Jr.; San Luis Obispo, California.
HARNEY A. MILES; San Jose 11, California.
CARL RADCLIFFE MOORE; Oakland 12, California.
EARL CLIFFORD PAYNE; San Leandro, California.
CONRAD N. PRICE; Portland 11, Oregon.
DR FRITZ WILHELM PITSCH; Basel, Switzerland.
FRITZ SPIELMAN; Lausanne, Switzerland.
H. WAYNE STANARD; McMinnville, Oregon.
HOWARD LINCOLN STEBBINS; Spokane 8, Washington.
(Starting with this issue of "The Philalethes," our new members will be listed as above, to prevent an unauthorized use of their names. However, upon a written request, any member of The Philalethes Society wishing to correspond with our new members, will be informed of their complete addresses. - The Editors.)
* * *
Change of Addresses
CASSIUS MARION HUMPHREYS; 1203 Tenth Street; LaGrande, Oregon.
HARRY LEROY HAYWOOD ; 829 First Avenue, S.E.; Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
LEE AD. RICHMOND; First Avenue Cut-Off; Route 2; LaGrange, Illinois.
* * *
The Philalethes, August-September, 1947; Volume 2, Number 4. Board of Editors: Walter A. Quincke, F.P.S.; Leo Fischer, F.P.S., and Lee Edwin Wells, F.P.S. Published by The Philalethes Society, 274 South Burlington Avenue, Los Angeles 4, California, to whom all inquiries should be directed. Publication schedule; Eight (8) Issues per year, or volume; during January; February; March; May (April-May); July (June-July); September (August-September); November (October-November), and December. No advertising is solicited or accepted. The Annual subscription is $3.00, payable in advance (at par) to The Philalethes Society. - It is the purpose of the Philalethes Society to raise Freemasonry to a higher plane of service, and Editor-Members of Craft Magazines, here and abroad, are privileged to reprint, either in part or in full, any articles first published in "The Philalethes," provided due credit is given as to their source. "Marked" copies of such reprints will be welcomed.
----o----
The Sands of Time run quickly through the hour glass. Before we go through life wasting time by rushing, waiting for the time to do the one big masterpiece, let us hesitate, stop and do the many small things which opportunity ever extends to us. I believe that by so doing we may be sure to accomplish some part of our ideal life and leave this world as Edward Bok said, "A little better place for our having lived in it."
Godfried H. Lohrli. M. P.S.
----o----
BY CHARLES G. REIGNER, M.P.S. - BALTIMORE, MARYLAND
Who bows his head in faith to Unseen Might,
Who serves his God, the Architect Supreme,
Who lifts his eyes to Him who giveth light,
Whose heart retains the grand Masonic theme . . .
True Mason he.
Who builds aright the Temple of the soul,
Who holds in leash the sordid vice and greed,
Who aims at truth and justice as his goal,
Whose thoughts and acts bear witness to his creed . . .
True Mason he.'
Whose life and works show forth a brother's love,
Whose fervent zeal for human brotherhood
Draws strength from him - the Father-God above -
Who holds aloft the true, the pure, the good . . .
True Mason he.
Whose heart is moved by others' pain and grief,
Who lends a helping hand where'er there's need
And thus to hearts distressed brings glad relief,
Whose Masonry flows out in kindly deed . . .
True Mason he.
These grand and solemn truths are still the light
Which sheds its radiant beams on pilgrim ways.
With true Masonic light, fear not the night . . .
'Tis but the door to endless, glorious days.