February, 1948
Contents
Freemasonry in South Africa and Rhodesia TRESTLEBOARD TRACES
A WORD FROM THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE First Vice-President's Message:
FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR 1947 DR. WATSON BOYES, M.P.S.
JACOB'S LADDER THE PHILALETHES SOCIETY NEWS
INFORMAL REVIEWS OF FIVE BOOKS IS IT MASONRY
GEORGE WASHINGTON never occupied the White House. His executive mansions were temporary, and shifted from New York to Philadelphia while the White House was still a dream, observes a writer in the New York Times. Only his name plus that dream, which was his went to the city on the Potomac.
But in the stress of the formative years he was remembered with widespread festivities at his first birthday after his inauguration. Indeed, the anniversary had been hailed even earlier, since the first President was a national hero long bebefore he grasped the reins of government.
Ragged soldiers had piped him a pathetic birthday tune at Valley Forge on the bitter February day that closed his forty-sixth year. Fellow-Virginians had trod a birthday measure at Richmond in 1781. Maryland and New York had toasted him when he was forty-nine and already in sight of success for his arms and for his country. Frenchmen who had served by his side seized the opportunity of rejoicing convivially over the anniversary of his birth in 1784, when the hostilities and the British evacuation were both in the past. Young men who had been privileged to visit him in his famous campaign tent organized birthday honors fit for a hero; and in that first February of the new era, the celebrations first began to resemble real occasions.
In Alexandria, Va., the town nearest to the General's stately mansion, the birthright ball was inaugurated as an annual affair. In Philadelphia patriots celebrated "with that hilarity and manly decorum ever attendant on the sons of freedom." In New York there met "a select club of Whigs," and drank to Washington, and hailed him with song and sonnet and declamation.
The date thus far widely honored was February 11, 1732, according to the British calendar usages then officially in vogue. Nineteen years later Britain adopted the Georgian in place of the Julian calendar. But the ancient dates often stuck, and it is not until 1790 that we find WashIngton's birthday on the twenty-second of February, instead of the eleventh, by the Tammany society of New York.
Tammany in 1790 was patriotic, anti-aristocratic, charitable and ambitious. As yet it did not differentiate between President Washington, its adopted "Great Grand Sachem," and the second of those characteristics. In this, the initial year of government under the new Constitution, New York strove to honor the Chief Executive and also persuade the congress that had come to reside in its midst that New York City was the logical choice for a permanent capital.
Washington himself was busy in New York on that February 22. He was moving from the Franklin house, at the corner of Cherry and Pearl streets to the McComb mansion on Broadway, near the newly rebuilt Trinity church. His diary for the day reveals him as an active superintendent of the disposal of his furniture.
In 1791, the Society of the Cincinnati held its first Washington's birthday celebration in New York, having followed Tammany's example by resolving to mark the date each year. The President and the congress (and also the capital of the United States), had meanwhile removed temporarily to Philadelphia. But even New York's disappointment did not prevent Tammany from vying with the exclusive organization of Revolutionary officers to do honor to the day.
Alas, the good feeling did not endure. By 1796, after John Jay had come back from England with his hated treaty, Tammany was fiercely for revolutionary France; Jefferson was its god; George Washington was actually being dubbed, in public a pro-English aristocrat; and those who celebrated his birthday were coldly accused of being (among other things) bootlickers, idolaters, Royalists and sycophants. The country-wide birthday honors of that year, though even more lavish and vociferous than usual, presented for the first time the ogre of party, grinning at the feast.
By 1797, however, the Jap treaty was being regarded much more tolerantly, and certain French proceedings were being looked at a little askance. Those who refused to salute Washington on February 22, to honor a glorious record for its own sake, and to tread a measure at the evening's gala assemblies now formed a rather conspicuous minority.
George Washington became a private citizen in that year, and was with his Alexandria neighbors at their birthnight ball of February 22, 1798 - an onlooker, though in his younger days he had excelled in the minuet.
There was to be only one more birthday for a living Washington to adorn. He spent that one at home at Mount Vernon, presiding over a particularly joyous occasion. His adopted daughter, his pet, Nelly Custis, was being married to his favorite nephew, Maj. Lawrence Lewis.
The radiance went out of Mount Vernon in December of 1790, and the birthday festivities the country over were turned into mourning processions when 1800 brought the anniversary around once more. This February 22 was a universal requiem. The armlets and headbands with Washington's picture were black where once they had been gayly hued.
Throughout the country business was suspended for 24 hours. Theaters, taverns, public halls, schoolrooms and college auditoriums, village greens and parks as well as churches were given over to exercises, meetings and processions expressive of the deepest grief.
----o----
The virtue of restraining your tongue is a defense that even gossip cannot cope with.
----o----
Freemasonry in South Africa and Rhodesia
By J. H. Heykamp in "Algemeen Maconniek Tijdschrift," The Hague, Holland
(Copied from I.M.T.)
Translated from the Dutch by Leo Fischer, F.P.S.
THE 400 odd Lodges in South Africa and Rhodesia are working under four different Grand Bodies, which are, in the order of senority, those of England, Ireland, Scotland, and Netherlands.
The United Grand Lodge of England has the largest number of Lodges, then follow Scotland, Ireland, and Netherlands. Only 60 Lodges are working under our Grand Orient.
Johannesburg, the gold city in Transvaal, is numerically the strongest city, with 59 Lodges, of which seven are under the Grand Orient of Netherlands; next comes Capetown, with 32, of which seven are under Netherlands; then Durban, with 25, of which one is under Netherlands, and Pretoria, with 8 Lodges, of which one is under Netherlands.
Where the four Grand Bodies recognize each other, there is frequently visiting by large numbers of members from other constitutions, and attendances of over one hundred Brethren are nothing rare. The results of this working together are manifold. Most of the Brethren, especially in the big cities, are thoroughly familiar with the rituals of the several degrees of all four constitutions, which no doubt contributes to greater Masonic knowledge. The mutual visiting promotes a mutual understanding and brotherhood of which the common benevolent funds are a result. A number of the Brethren are also members of more than one Lodge, under different Grand Jurisdictions; this is especially the case in the higher degrees.
The language used nearly everywhere is English. Six of the Lodges under the Netherlands Constitution use exclusively Afrikaans. "De Broederband," of Pretoria, uses mostly Afrikaans; but it also uses Dutch when there are Dutchspeaking candidates, and in some cases even English. "Eendracht maakt Macht," in Johannesburg, is the only Lodge still using Dutch exclusively. "Kaiser Friedrich" Lodge, in Johannesburg, continued to use German until the outbreak of the war; "Zur Eintracht" Lodge, in Capetown, surrendered its charter several years ago.
The Netherlands Lodges are under the authority of a Deputy Grand Master for South Africa, at present V.W. Brother Col. J.G. Rose, a native of South Africa partly of Dutch origin. He is not an Englishman, as the impression was for a time. He is the direct representative of our M. W. Grand Master, and as such head of the Netherlands Constitution in South Africa. (Address: P.O. Box 3431, Capetown).
The entire territory of South Africa and Rhodesia is divided into two Provincial Grand Lodges: 1. - The Provincial Grand Lodge of South Africa, exclusive of Transvaal (inclusive of Lodge "Israel in het O.", of Salisbury, Rhodesia), and 2. - the Provincial Grand Lodge of Transvaal.
At the head of each Grand Lodge is a Provincial Grand Master. The Provincial Grand Lodge of Transvaal has 16 Lodges and is under the direction of Provincial Grand Master Brother A. J. Haak (P.O. Box 6848, Johannesburg).
The three other Constitutions are organized in a similar manner.
There is a variety of rituals being used in the Netherlands Lodges. There is an official Netherlands ritual, published in Capetown, in English and Afrikaans. It is an adaptation, or we had better say, a translation, of an old Netherlands ritual and is therefore rather different from the one now in use in Netherlands. Various Lodges have, as a result of close contact with other Constitutions, adopted usages from their rituals. Thus the so-called "Northeast corner," well-known in the English and Scotch rituals, is in frequent use. "Broederband" Lodge, of Pretoria, which has always maintained a closer contact with the old motherland, stands closer to Netherlands in its ritual and concepts, although some deviations are also to be found there.
Freemasonry in South Africa, under whatever Constitution, is in general cut according to the Anglo-Saxon pattern. It is "a system of morality, veiled in allegory and displayed by symbols." Whenever they say of a Brother that he is "a good ritualist," it means that he knows the ritual by heart and can recite it beautifully. How much of it he understands is a different proposition. The characteristic is thus a greater or smaller degree of superficiality.
Admission into the Order under the various Constitutions is undoubtedly considerably easier than it is in Netherlands. The decisive consideration is, generally, that there is nothing against a candidate, rather then circumstances in his favor, that is, the judgement as to whether the candidate will be an asset to the Lodge is influenceri by his moral rather than by his spiritual qualities.
The result of this is a great number of members who are superficial and lacking in mental depth. This is, naturally, purely a matter of opinions dependent upon the character of the people.
While what we have said is true in a general way, there are also exceptions, but these are "few and far between." Once in a while one hears the complaint that there is in our Lodges a lack of intellect and cultural background which is extremely harmful to our Order. From this point of view, the question whether Freemasonry is for the masses or only for the few, or, expressing It in the words of the A.M.T., "Is the door wide open?", takes quite a different aspect. For the Mason of Netherlands who practices the art of Freemasonry thoroughly, there can be only one answer to that question.
Freemasonry in South Africa is also exposed to attacks from the outside, clerical as well as political. Attacks come chiefly from the Calvinists; but also from less orthodox quarters. On the political field, our enemies are to be found principally in the ultra-nationalistic groups.
Freemasonry in South Africa has to contend with a number of problems among its own members. It comprises representatives of all European population groups, hence members of all possible church and national associations. As the color line is drawn very strictly in South Africa, only Europeans are admitted as members, although visiting foreign Brethren who are not Europeans are, of course, hospitably received. There is a very numerous contingent of Jewish Brethren, and a strong preponderance of Jewish members is to be found especially in the Lodges under the Scotch and Netherlands Constitutions. Among the other members a strong Christian influence is plainly perceptible which is expressed in the interpretation of the symbols and ritual. Strange to say, both Roman and Greek catholics are to be found among the membership of the Order; but it is not apparent to what extent these can still be considered to be active members of their churches.
Another problem is to a certain extent that of the language. South Africa is bilingual, meaning that most persons speak English and Afrikaans more or less fluently. With the exception above mentioned, the current language everywhere is English. The awakening of the cultural idea among the Afrikaans-speaking portion of the population was naturally followed by the desire to use Africaans also in the Lodges. Dutch (called here "Hoog-Hollandsch") had become more and more difficult to understand, and much more so to speak, for most persons. It is, therefore, not astonishing that Afrikaans gained more and more ground in the Lodges. We must mention here that legally Dutch is still an official language in South Africa. While each Lodge has its official 'voertaal' (vehicular language), the use of the other language at the same meeting is not uncommon, and here and there even Dutch is heard in addition to both. This besides what the individual Brethren use when talking among themselves.
The English, Irish and Scotch Constitutions have clung to the degree of "Installed Master" which the Netherlands Constitution abolished years ago as being undemocratic. The installation of a new Worshipful Master is in each Lodge of the Anglo-Saxon Constitution an annual recurring solemnity and generally takes place in a conclave of Installed Masters, unlike the Lodges under the Grand Orient of Netherlands. The retiring Wor. Master then has the rank of Past Master and retains his right to a seat in the East. Thus one always finds in Lodges in South Africa a large number of "cordon-dragende Oosterlingen," as the A. M. T. once said. The Netherlands Constitution of South Africa has had to adopt this custom. The installation of the new Wor. Master takes place, according to our Constitution, in the degree of E.A. The installing officer, however, is always a Provincial Grand Officer; in Transvaal it is in most cases the Provincial Grand Master himself. But, in order to enable our Wor. Masters to attend other installation meetings they are invested with the degree of "Installed Master," in the same manner as in the other Constitutions, but after the customary installation meeting, and sometimes several Brethren at the same time. Where some Netherlands Freemasons are, besides, members of higher degrees under other (and their own) Constitutions, they must hold the degree of Installed Master in order to occupy the presidency in those degrees.
Another peculiarity is, that most of the Scotch Lodges still have the right to confer the degree of "Mark Master Mason." Of this right, however relatively little use is made, because it is usually conferred, together witl1 the degree of Excellent Master, in a Chapter of the if "Holy Royal Arch" (13th degree A.A.S.R.), for which the candidate receives the "Holy Royal Arch" degree. These three degrees thus come under a Grand Chapter under the Scotch Constitution; under the English Constitution it is different again.
Although the foregoing refers only to the Blue Degrees, it is, for the sake of completeness, necessary to give some further information regarding the above mentioned "Holy Royal Arch." In the English, Irish and Scotch Constitutions, the candidate in the third degree is given only the "substitute signs and words of a Master Mason." In consequence, the Royal Arch, in which the real words and signs are given, is a necessity for these Brethren. But it is peculiar that only some twenty-five per cent of the Brethren take that degree, and that almost exclusively in the big cities where there is an opportunity for it. However interesting this may be, a further consideration must be omitted.
To resume: Masonically speaking, South Africa is exceptionally interesting and full of food for thought to the person who makes a serious study of Freemasonry, in spite of the relative superficiality. Here he can learn first hand what four of the important Constitutions have to offer him. Together with the results of Masonic inquiries in foreign lands, this opens great possibilities.
----o----
DO YOU recall that time when you were "led to the center of the lodge, caused to kneel and attend prayer?" It was your first act within a Masonic lodge and there was a beautiful lesson derived therefrom. But how many of us have taken this lesson to heart? At the beginning of each day we face the world anew and no man knoweth what the night will bring. We make important decisions in our business, or jobs, our lives with hardly a reference to that Power greater than all of us. Why not at least "attend prayer"? Why not, in an inconspicuous manner, turn our thoughts within, to that secret chamber of the heart which is the Sanctum Sanctorum of each of us? Perhaps then, we would not make so many errors.
* * *
I have heard that a translation of a certain series of words is "Behold, the Master!" I have also heard it translated as "marrow in the bone." I don't think the latter is accepted by authorities but there is a strange thing about it. In the old systems of symbology the 'marrow' was always the symbol of the God Within. Official or otherwise, it's an intriguing thought.
* * *
Does your lodge receive a copy of "The Philalethes"? If not, then why not give a subscription to it? The newly-made Mason will derive inestimable value from it and, let us confess, many an older Brother will discover there's more to Masonry than a lodge meeting. This small gift will bring credit to you, light to your brethren and, by just so much, will further the aims of the Society. It's worth thinking about . . . more, it's worth doing.
* * *
What do you think about the educational and "group" program proposed in the "Word From The Executive Committee? Why not ask yourself one question? "How would it benefit me if I were newly raised and wanted to know something about the Craft and the Ritual?" Send your answer to anyone of the members of the Executlve Committee. It might be your idea is just the one that's needed.
* * *
".... and the greatest of these is Charity." Let us be charitable, not only financially but, more important, in thought, word and deed to those about us. In this way our Masonic stature grows.
L.E.W.
----o----
A WORD FROM THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
TO THE MEMBERSHIP OF "THE PHILALETHES SOCIETY"
President's Message:
ONCE AGAIN it is my privilege to address the members of this Society and I hope that you will pardon my enthusiasm because of the accomplishments and progress we have made since January 1, 1947.
In taking account of our activities we have attracted to us more than one hundred new members, here and abroad, who are willing to give of their time; who speak well of our Society and show a readiness to cooperate with us. We are particularly happy to welcome to membership Brothers Lucio Martinez Gil, Grand Master of the Spanish Grand Orient (Mexico City), and David Wai Kwok Au, District Grand Master of the Philippine Islands for China, both men wearing the purple of the Fraternity.
In order to accomplish everything that our Society intends to do during 1948, we propose to harness every available force to keep alive the interest of our entire membership.
As reported in the columns of "The Philalethes," Brother Albert Edward Tatton, M.P.S., of San Francisco, California, passed into the "Grand Lodge Above," and word reached us only recently of the passing, during August, 1944, of Brother Herbert I. Callon, Fellow Emeritus, of Caterham, Surrey, England.
To fill the vacancy by reason of the resignation (September, 1946) of Dr. Charles Merz, F.P.S., of Sandusky, Ohio, the Society bestowed the honor of FELLOW upon Lee Edwin Wells, of Canoga Park, California. In July, Brother Wells was elected a member of the Executive Committee, to replace Brother John Black Vrooman, F.P.S., who was obliged to resign as First Vice-President because of pressure of other business.
During 1947 we held six bimonthly executive meetings, attended by Brothers McKowen, Fischer, Wells, and Quincke. At our March meeting we were honored by a visit from Brother Elbert Bede, F.P.S., of Portland, Oregon, who sat in on our deliberations and contributed valued advice on several matters. Inter-office communications were constant to keep ourselves posted on current affairs.
Several members of our Society have suggested that we reproduce the most important correspondence for the benefit of all concerned. This will mean extra work and expense, but if sufficient requests are made we can inaugurate this service on a quarterly or semi-annual basis.
Our official review, "The Philalethes," published without interruption since March, 1946, continues to be a strong factor contributing to our progress. To conform with the start and close of our fiscal year, Volume 3 began with the January, 1948, issue. We hope that editor-members of Craft magazines, privileged to reprint articles first published in our review, will continue to make wide use of the same during 1948.
The reserve stock of Volume 1 (8 issues) is now 25 complete sets. Volume 2 (6 issues) inventories at 100 complete sets, the combined sale of which will mean added income during 1948.
In May we published 2000 copies of "The Informant," at a cost of $93.00, or less than 5 cents each. It acts as the "Ambassador of Good Will" with prospective new members, tells the "story of our Society since its inception, and saves considerable time in letter-writing. The 1948 edition of this year-book is scheduled for publication in May, 1948.
The contemplated "Bureau of Masonic Information" will not be launched, but in its place we have given much time and study to the "Formation of Groups" plan. To acquaint you with its details, we reproduce the full text of "Bulletin No. 3," sent to our FELLOWS during September, 1947, which was received with an almost unanimous acceptance:
"The time has come to make our Society of more personal importance to each member so that as many as possible can take an active share in our world-wide program .... the spreading of "Masonic Light and Universality."
"Insofar as it would be impractical at this time to bring our membership to Los Angeles, we intend to take the Society to them into their own homes. Therefore, the Executive Committee has decided to experiment in a number of localities with the formation of "groups" under the direction of qualified MPSs. These groups of the Philalethes Society will function much like a lodge, without the necessity of renting a hall and purchasing paraphernalia and such, of course. Group membership will depend entirely on good standing with the Society as shown on our records here in Los Angeles, all privileges of the Society at large continuing to the member as in the past. But we now envisage this member meeting with his brother-members at regular intervals; outlining with his group a course of Masonic study, and the group becoming a source of Light for E.A.; F.C., and Master Masons within the area. A non-member of our Society, for example, could be invited to attend a regular group meeting and, liking the procedure, might become interested in making application for membership to the group within the locality. His application, however, together with the prescribed fee of five dollars must be forwarded to President Walter A. Quincke, as usual, for final action by the Executive Committee.
"Any papers prepared for a reading before a local group in session may be considered for publication in "The Philalethes," if the Board of Editors find them of import to our readers, here and abroad.
"Each local group, formed by sanction of the Executive Committee, is to be its own ruler so far as its officers are concerned; the fees it may decide upon to establish (over and above those of the Society); its elections of new officers; meeting place, etc., etc. We, of the Executive Committee, cannot very well judge local matters, nor have we a desire to do so beyond that of making them fit into the Philalethes Society picture. We simply feel that the Society deserves to become a vital and living force wherever groups are formed. Each group is to determine its own program of study and activities, for out of these small bodies of interested and zealous students comes the very life-blood of our Society as a whole.
"The FELLOW of the Philalethes Society, residing within or near the place where a group has been formed, has the prerogative to attend all meetings, should he so desire, and he should be consulted to make certain decisions providing they benefit the Society as a whole.
"The Executive Committee of the Society will act as coordinators, keeping each group informed by means of "The Philalethes," by means of letters or bulletins, to be mailed to the MPSs having been appointed by our Fellows to direct groups, and who then read the information to the assembly. It may be that some groups chance upon some involved bit of symbolism, history or Masonic law that seems a puzzle. The committee will then refer this to the membership at large, or perhaps to some erudite member who happens to be an authority on the particular subject. Everyone should see the value of this which will work for the benefit of all . . . the individual, the other groups, or the Society as a whole.
"Our foreign brethren have been clamoring for just such a program for a long time. Through our Scotland and England groups, for example, we hope to make closer contacts and cement our friendship with Quatuor Coronati, the Masonic Study Society and other important organizations. The same applies to France and other foreign countries, if and when we organize there.
"The Executive Committee has deliberated this move for some time, but we wanted to be more sure of our ground before discussing it with our FELLOWS. As certain localities already maintain Masonic Study Clubs, some of them may "swing" over and make themselves a group of the Philalethes Society.
"This entire program is as yet in its preliminary stage and must be discussed pro and con. Details of keeping minutes; who is to have charge of each group and for how long; the best locations for them; whether or not to limit group membership to 25 or 40, etc., can be ironed out if we get our heads together and talk it over. The success or failure of any endeavor rests on the MPS in charge of his group and on whom he calls for collaboration. The Executive Committee may make suggestions, but will never dictate.
"It may be of import to make certain rules to govern each group. The going-into-a-huddle on the idea will avoid errors and headaches. Snap judgements or hasty action will be detrimental to the aims of our Society and we cannot allow it. We must think of the many, not the few or only the one. The Executive Committee has great faith in the ultimate success of this program, but, like other phases of our activities, we know how to hold our horses.
"Nothing mentioned in this Bulletin is at all set by ukase or enactment, and it is, of course, subject to amendment, abridgment, or downright discard as these initial discussions continue and develop the program more fully.
"May we suggest that you read and reread the foregoing, then give it your earnest consideration. Advise us in regard to the feasibility and the possibility of the formation of such a group in your locality. If you are sold on the proposal, you might give us the names of the MPSs . . . one to lead the group and the other to act as the secretary or deputy . . . so we can contact them and sound them out on the plan.
"Talk freely, express your ideas and reaction with us in a true Masonic spirit. If the proposal is not clear and you are in doubt on certain phases and you need elaboration, please point this out. Ask questions. The "group" idea is a very progressive undertaking and it is hoped that you can see eye to eye with us in this important Masonic labor.
"The design on our trestleboard has been started, but we must complete it together and shape it into a living and beautiful thing." A few members in strategic locations, let in on our "group" plan, have reacted with enthusiasm and a number of groups are now in the process of formation in several localities. Brother Lee Edwin Wells, F.P.S., chairman of the "Formation of Groups" plan, will give you some hi-lights in a message following mine. Progress along this plan will be slow, but eventually it should help make the Philalethes Society strong and influential.
Our 1948 budget must meet the expense for sundry items and the continued publication of "The Philalethes," estimated to total about $1,000.00, based on current cost.
Correspondence with Brethren in foreign countries is being carried on by our Second Vice-President, Brother Leo Fischer, F.P.S., whose message is appended.
The financial aspects of our work are embraced in a message of our Secretary-Treasurer, Brother Allister J. McKowen, F.P.S., also appended.
As I have said, our progress has been slow, but I believe that every step that we have made has been a step forward. I see in the future a Society that can be influential in molding Masonic opinion. We are coming out into the sunshine; we have confidence and courage. We see our goal and believe that the tasks to which we have dedicated ourselves can be accomplished.
WALTER A. QUINCKE, F.P.S.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
First Vice-President's Message:
IT IS INDEED an honor to make this report to the membership of The Philalethes Society in my capacity as to Vice-President.
Until July, I served as Assistant to the President and, as such, attended the meetings of the Executive Committee as a nonvoting member thereof. This gave me a clear picture of the aims, history and business of the Society and proved invaluable when Brother Vrooman resigned and I was appointed to fill the vacancy this created.
The "Formation of Groups" idea was then uppermost in our minds and the FELLOWS were contacted with a circular letter (Bulletin No. 3) on the proposed expansion. Their reaction was mostly favorable and the Society thanks the excellent organization suggestions forwarded by Elbert Bede, F.P.S.; Carl H. Claudy, F.P.S., and Robert J. Meekren, Fellow-Emeritus. We moved very cautiously in this project, not wishing to interfere with the excellent work already being done by regional and independent study clubs. We contacted lodges and areas in which there exisits no types of Masonic educational program whatsoever.
We discovered that: 1) there is a definite need for a general Masonic education movement; 2) Freemasons are most eager for such a program and, in such places where we contacted them, they look to our Society to take the leadership for a full and well-rounded program of study; 3) in many areas an active Grand Lodge study and educational program is "in the works" and the Society, naturally, has no intention or desire to compete; 4) local study clubs of long standing are doing an excellent job in other areas, though this represents what might be called "individual" efforts apart from any Grand Lodge program, if such exists; 5) There are many individual brethren that neither Grand Lodge, study clubs or our own group plan would benefit for a variety of reasons and these individual brethren should be reached in some method heretofore untried.
There was also the apparent fact that often study clubs are too erudite for the average Freemason, or for the Entered Apprentice; Fellow Craft, or the newly-made Master Mason. He is confused; feels the whole thing is over his head, and is therefore lost.
So we are now considering a new departure in Masonic Education, and we sincerely hope that we may have your comment upon it as it applies to your individual case or to your area.
We propose a series of graded discourses, monographs, lessons (however they may be called) prepared by Fellows and Members of the Society, based upon established Masonic authorities, past and present. These discourses will cover the three Symbolic degrees and will form a firm foundation of Masonic knowledge so that the student may later, if he so desires, enter more specialized studies or enroll in a local study club assured that he will not be "lost", no matter how erudite the group may be.
These discourses may be presented in two ways: 1) to a "group" of the Philalethes Society, thus forming a dennite program for such a group, each lesson and the discussion thereon covering a meeting; 2) mailed to individuals and isolated members who, because of distance, work, or time find it impossible to attend either a "group" or a local Masonic study club.
This is, of course, only tentative to date but we plan to have the first three or four lessons written within four or five weeks.
Again I urge you to send your suggestions, comments, criticisms and objections direct to me (P.O. Box 110, Canoga Park, California). This is a great and important work and we are in need of any idea you may have.
It is a pleasure and an honor to serve this Society and I hope that the 1948 report will show great progress, accomplished in this educational program we have in mind.
LEE EDWIN WELLS, F.P.S.
A WORD FROM THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (concluded)
Second Vice-President's Message:
THE TASK of conducting the foreign correspondence of the Philalethes Society, involving the translation of incoming and outgoing communications in the French, German, Italian, Spanish, Dutch, and Portuguese languages, and the reading of the Masonic press in the same, has kept the undersigned exceedingly busy during the past year. We have striven hard to keep the readers of "The Philalethes" informed of current events in Masonry abroad, and to answer numerous inquiries of foreign Masons eager to know about matters in our country.
It is, to our mind, one of the most important functions of our Society to make the Craft acquainted with the trend of thoughts and views of their Brethren in other lands and thus remove one of the principal reasons for existing misunderstandings and cleavages. A number of outstanding articles in French, German, and Dutch have been translated and published in "The Philalethes, and the comments on our work in the foreign press have all been favorable.
LEO FISCHER, F.P.S.
Secretary-Treasurer's Message:
THE Philalethes Society is not a wealthy organization as some people, and even some of our own members seem to think. The annual dues, $3.00, payable in advance, at par in Los Angeles, even if every Fellow and Member paid them, will furnish only a portion of the Society's 1948 needs. If there are members in a position to make substantial donations, it is hoped that they will come forward and make them.
The work required is all donated, but the Funds are drawn upon the Society under the direction of President Walter A. Quincke, F.P.S., for material, printing, postage, and any special activity which he considers most urgent at the time. As an illustration. there will be additional funds needed to print the graded lessons for the "groups now being formed hence our Society will need the support of everyone belong to it in order to continue to operate.
All remittances should be made payable to The Philalethes Society.
Brethren who affiliated with our Society late in 1947 (October, November, or December) suffered no disadvantage, as they received all the official literature previously issued in the same year.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
INCOME
Bank Balance, January 1, 1947 $83.60
Entrance Fees from new Members 196.00
Dues from Membership 549.00
Subscriptions to "The Philalethes" 132.00
Sale of Extra Copies of "The Philalethes" 66.65
Donations 144.29
Total $ 1,171.54
DlSBURSEMENTS
Postage and Express $162.97
Cuts 186.99
Stationery and Supplies 58.15
Paper and Printing, "The Philalethes" 451.50
Paper and Printing, "The Informant" 93.00
Miscellaneous 25.62
Bank Balance, December 31, 1947 193.31
Total $ 1,171.54
ALLISTER J. McKOWEN, F.P.S.
----o---
Born at Hull, England, on March 10, 1891, Brother Watson Boyes, whose portrait appears on the cover page of this issue, left England as a missionary in 1914 for the Dominion of Canada, where he completed his theological education in Montreal. Having won a travelling fellowship, he enrolled at the University of Chicago, from which he received his Ph.D. degree in 1930. He became the Secretary of the Oriental Institute Museum of the University of Chicago, which position he still holds.
Made a Mason in Newfoundland, Brother Boyes affiliated with Parian Lodge No. 977 A. F. & A. M., of Chicago, of which he was Wor. Master in 1940. In 1942 he was appointed Grand Lecturer. From 1943 to 1946 he served as Dlstrlet Deputy Grand Master and held numerous other positions in Masonry.
A deep student of Masonry, he has written a great deal; one of his articles, "The Altar in Freemasonry," has received wide publicity. Brother Boyes has a son and a daughter; the former having served in the United States Army in World War II.
L.F.
----o----
By Rabbi Hirsh Geffen, F.P.S.
Savannah, Georgia
AMONG the principal lessons impressed upon the Entered Apprentice is the one symbolized by the Ladder which Jacob in his vision saw and the three steps of which are illustrated as representing Faith, Hope and Charity. "Charity," we suggest should be replaced by "Humanity." If Masonry was actually instituted by King Solomon, it never adopted Charity as a motto, because charity is a word not found in the Old Testament, the Jewish Bible, and Solomon would not have taught, in illustrating Jacob's Ladder, something in direct opposition to the principles of the Bible and Jewish ethics. All precepts governing the treatment of the poor, the stranger, the widow and the orphan, are by those precepts and principles classed under the law of justice which, in Hebrew, is Tsedokoh. In the Bible, the unfortunate poor are considered to possess inalienable rights, and to deprive them of these is punishable before the law. Among civilized nations it is deemed a meritorious act to aid and succor the poor; but Masonry, as taught by the Bible, declares such conduct to be a sacred duty imposed upon its members.
Charity may afford pleasure and satisfaction to him who extends it, but it humiliates the recipient. The bread of charity tastes bitter to the afflicted who have to eat it. Charity is a favorite means for covering a multitude of sins. To the respectable poor who are not devoid of honor and pride, it is a symbol of disgrace and an object of fear and horror. Being born of misery and sin, charity cannot be considered as an ideal virtue. Masonry teaches exalted virtues of the highest type and cannot tolerate a substitute to adulate the rich at the expense of the poor.
When a Mason, in the fulfillment of the solemn vows he has taken, relieves the distress of a needy member, he merely obeys the law of justice. To style his act "charity" would be adding insult to injury, because it is a torture to the poor to have to accept alms. The history and traditions, the principles and teachings of Masonry therefore demand that it change the motto of the Fraternity to "Faith, Hope and Humanity."
From the numerous explanations given by Hebrew commentators of the meaning of Jacob's Ladder, I will select only those that have a direct bearing upon the work and teachings of Speculative Masonry. The Talmud interprets the Ladder, with the Angels ascending and descending and God standing at the top, as illustrating Revelation, the bond connecting God and Man, because the letters of both words, "Soloom" (ladder) and "Sinai" (where the Revelation to Israel took place), have the same total numerical value, 130. In Hebrew, the same as in Latin, there are no distinct characters for the numbers, which are expressed by letters.
Symbolic Masonry teaches us that the Ladder had three steps, which we have called Faith, Hope, and Humanity. This number is derived from a well-known Hebrew tradition mentioned by several authors, among them the eminent Abarbanel: that the place where Jacob's Ladder rested was Mount Moriah, where Abraham intended to offer up his son Isaac. Biblical history also makes it the site of two other important events, these based on facts: Mount Moriah was the place where Jacob laid down to sleep, and, after Faith had brought him to the spot and Hope had replaced his anxiety and despair by rest and an inspiring vision, Solomon erected on that site his magnificent Temple of Humanity.
----o----
I believe the first test of a truly great man is his humility. By that I do not mean 'doubt of his own power,' but a feeling that the greatness is not in him, but through him. And he sees something divine in every other man, and is endlessly and incredible merciful. - Ruskin.
----o----
The Philalethes Society would be injured by continuing in membership any brother not actually interested and, preferably, also active in achieving the objectives of the Society. A newlymade Master Mason, honestly seeking "More Light" should be welcome within the Society. To be servicable to our fellow-man, opens many doors; not the least of which is to employ the ways suggested by the precepts of Freemasonry. Victor E. Vieira, M.P.S.
----o----
To have what we want is riches, but to be able to do without is power. - George MacDonald.
----o----
----o----
New Members
Mahlon Franklin Beach; Toronto (Ontario), Can.
William Tremaill Corbusier; Long Beach, Calif.
Lee Wilson Harris, Sr.; Alexandria, Louisiana.
LaMoine Langston; Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Dr. Hua-Chuen Mei; Berkeley, California.
* * *
Change of Addresses
Mauro Baradi, M.P.S.; 603 Soriano Building; Manila, Republic of The Philippines.
Lyman H. Reddeway, M.P.S.; Route 4, Box 989-A, Portland 2, Oregon.
* * *
Recent visitors at the home of President Walter A. Quincke, F.P.S., included: Thurman H. Lautenschlager, Jr., M.P.S.; of San Luis Obispo, California: William H. Knutz, M.P.S.: of Evanston, Illinois; George R. Harvey, F.P.S.; of Berkeley, California, Leo Fischer, F.P.S.; of Alhambra, California Chan L. Rogers, M.P.S.; of Los Angeles, California, and Mrs. Rogers, and Lee Edwin Wells, F.P.S.; of Canoga Park, California.
* * *
The Philalethes - February, 1948; Volume 3, Number 2. Board of Editors: Walter A. Quincke, F.P.S.; Leo Fischer, F.P.S., and Lee Edwin Wells, F.P.S. - The official publication of The Philalethes Society, 274 South Burlington Avenue, Los Angeles 4, California, where all communications 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. Annual subscription, in the United States of America, $3.00, elsewhere, $4.00, payable in advance. - Member - Editors of Craft magazines, here and abroad, are privileged to reprint, in part or in full, any articles first published in "The Philalethes," provided due credit is given as to its source. - The Philalethes Society was founded October 1, 1928, and is an International Body of Freemasons who have Light to impart and Freemasons who seek more Light. The Society's year book, "The Informant," tells the story since its inception and a copy will be mailed free of charge to any Freemason requesting the same.
----o----
INFORMAL REVIEWS OF FIVE BOOKS (*)
By Carl Claudy, F.P.S.
"These Were Brethren" (279 pages, $2.00). - Here are 24 Masonic Short Stories which cannot fail to find a responsive chord in our heart. A superb presentation, and you will read this book more than once.
"The Lion's Paw" (218 pages, $2.00). - It brims over with excitement, with humor, with richness. An exiting narrative and all the characters portrayed therein will remain in your memory for years to come.
"Where Your Treasure Is . . ." (271 pages, $2.). The 12 Masonic Plays are top-notch entertainment; stimulating and revealing pictures of Freemasonry as it should be practiced in our everyday contact with people everywhere.
"Introduction To Freemasonry" (175 pages, $2.00). The Bible of Freemasonry; excellent, informative and compelling. As a gift to the newly raised Mason this book stands alone in its field.
"The Master's Book" (124 pages, $1.00). A permanent treasure house of Masonic leadership. To become proficient requires painstaking preparation and the SrWarden who succeeds the out-going Master should be thoroughly familiar with "Masonic Light" to justify the honor of elevation to the Oriental Chair.
W.A.Q.
(*) All of the books are pubilished by The Temple Publishers; N.W. Cor. 10th and "G" Streets; Washington, D.C., and will be shipped postage prepaid upon the recipt of the correct amount.
----o----
FREEMASONRY IN FOREIGN LANDS
By Leo Fischer, F.P.S.
FRANCE. The recent political disturbances in France greatly alarmed the Masons of that country, which barely escaped civil war and revolution. On May 4, 1947, the Grand Orient of France issued the following appeal:
"The Freemasonry of the Grand Orient of France feels that again the future of humanity, social progress, and the respect for human rights and the life of the individual are endangered by the national strife, partisan struggles, ambitions of dictators and antagonisms growing out of economic and social systems the contradictions between which are bringing human conditions from day to day to a lower ebb.
"In the face of the increasing perils, the Masonry of the Grand Orient of France appeals to all men of good will, to whatever class, nation or race they may belong, to express their determination to resist any attempt that would drag them into new fratricidal struggles.
"The Grand Orient of France, faithful to the tradition of French Freemasonry, still forcefully re-affirms that the very foundation of social life rests upon mutual aid and solidarity, and that all human efforts should tend toward the realization of a more equitable and freer international social organization the expression of which, excluding all dictatorship, necessarily resides in Democracy."
* * *
ENGLAND. The "Masonic Record" of London, in its October issue, states that the play "The Girl who could not quite," now running at the St. Martin's Theatre, London, contains a considerable amount of Masonic allusion, which is veiled in allegory. The author of this play is Brother Lea Marks, M.B.E., and the play is about a girl who has been completely unable to laugh since her childhood. The star actor, W. Bro. Clifford Mollison, a P.M. of Green Room Lodge 2957, is well known as a brilliant light comedian.
* * *
CANADA. "Masonic Light," of Montreal, Canada, reports in its October number that it is now very difficult to acquire Masonic books from France, and that second-hand copies of some of Albert Lantoine's works are now selling at from 25,000 to 28,000 francs, in addition to which the purchaser in Canada has to pay 30% for duty and 10% for the sales tax on this side. This is due to the action of the Gestapo which, during the German occupation, fine-toothcombed all bookstores and libraries and confiscated or destroyed all Masonic books they could find.
* * *
TRIESTE. As a result of the peace treaty between Italy and the Allied Forces, the city of Trieste has been segregated from Italy and organized as a free and autonomous territory under the control of the United Nations. Three flourishing Lodges operating in that city under the Grand Orient of Italy have now formed an independent body under the title of "Grand Lodge of the Free Territory of Trieste," and other Lodges operating in the territory have joined the new Grand Body which is now composed of seven Lodges and has already been recognized by the Grand Orient of Italy.
* * *
ITALY. Masonic confusion still reigns In Italy. The Supreme Council of the A. & A. S. R. at Washington was expected to grant recognition to one of the contending Supreme Councils in Italy at its recent session; but it has not done so. According to Brother Jean Roumilhac, M.P.S., the following important Masonic Bodies now occupy the center of the stage in Italy:
The Grand Orient of Italy, Tito Signorelli, Sovereign Grand Commander, and Dr. Guido Laj, Grand Master; the Supreme Council of Italy headed by Sovereign Commander Terzani, and National Grand Lodge of Italy. These Bodies lost considerably in prestige when their former leading spirit, Palermi, turned out to be a traitor to his country.
The Orthodox Grand Lodge and Supreme Council of Italy, headed by Liborio Granone, at Bari which are not numerous but very active.
* * *
SPAIN. We are indebted to Bro. Jean Roumilhac, M.P.S., for the following information regarding Lodges of Spanish Masons operating in France and North Africa: "The Grand Orient of France settled this month the matter of the status of the Spanish Lodges in France and North Africa. In Metropolitan France there are eight Lodges, which have of their own free will decided to join French Grand Bodies. In North Africa there are five Lodges, which have expressed their desire to remain under the jurisdiction of the Spanish Grand Orient in Exile, in Mexico. This decision has been accepted and notice of it has been sent to Grand Master Lucio Martinez Gil, who has also been advised that if the Spanish Lodges in France should express a similar desire, it would likewise be approved."
----o----
Is it Masonry
To dare to take God's name in vain
Or be careful of our speech;
From evil thoughts and words refrain,
And Practice what we preach?
Is it Masonry
To boast of your fine jewels
Or purify your heart;
To be a man and Mason
And act a Mason's part?
Is it Masonry
To fail to help your brothers
Or your obligations fill?
To leave it for the others
Or mean it and say, "I will?"
- From "Lake Erie Zephyrs"
----o----
The word "lagniappe" is often used by Louisiana French merchants. It denotes something extra - in effect a baker's dozen.
When we buy we expect to get that something extra. So if we aspire for success, be it in business or social life, we should give it. Let us not overlook that fact.
The man who gives that little extra has the respect of his fellow workers and always has to look back over his shoulder to find his nearest competitor. It's that "plus value" we get that makes us ask for a certain clerk or pass several stores to buy from another though the price and quality be the same.
Instead of straining our eyes for reasons why business should be a little slow, look a little further for business that is always to be had. The success all of us have had has come through our own initiative and we can't get any better system. There is always room for improvement.
When we feel that negative element in our make-up, and we all do at one time or another, there is only one effective antidote - W-O-R-K. It is a great conqueror,the foundation of all success.
Some skeptics may not see cause for giving that extra value because it is not immediately reflected in their pay check. True, there may be inequalities at times, but they cannot endure. Remember, that signature on the lower right hand corner of our checks is not the real paymaster but merely his authorized business agent. There are many paymasters in back of our checks - the people with whom we rub elbows every day in our selling job - be it tangible goods, personal service, labor, etc.
The confidence those people have in us help determine the troy weight of our pay envelopes. Keep that in mind and always remember that one of the prime essentials to a larger income is to win a greater number of real paymasters.