February, 1949
Contents
Years Add Luster to Name of Washington SWISS FREEMASONRY IN THE YEARS 1937-1947
A WORD FROM THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE FIRST VICE-PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE:
SECOND VICE-PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE: SECRETARY-TREASURER'S MESSAGE:
Financial Statement For 1948 FROM WHENCE CAME YOU?
F. WM. E. CULLINGFORD, M.P.S. Qualifications
THE PHILALETHES SOCIETY NEWS
FROM THE EDITOR'S SCRAP BOOK
Years Add Luster to Name of Washington
ON THE anniversary of the birth of George Washington, a national holiday, and one that inspires and impels a new consecration to the ideals and institutions of a free and independent government, bought with the blood of patriots, it is fitting that a review of the life and works of this great American be made in every home and before every group.
History presents us with few characters so worthy of admiration and esteem. It presents us with few lives - despite detractors who, in the early days of the nineteenth century, published so-called intimate cameos that were manifestly fictitious - so worthy of emulation.
Outstanding among the errors and absurdities of so-called biographers are those in the "Life of George Washington," written by Rev. Mason L. Weems and published the year after the death of the "Father of His Country."
No one, not even so great and powerful a man as Washington, could entirely live down in history the reputation of a goody-goody prig with which the well-meaning but over-officious Scottish divine smothered him.
The cherry tree - fiction of the whole cloth - has had but few rivals in publicity, and has done the memory of this great man of red blood and unflagging courage more harm than good.
Fortunately, as the generations have come and gone, the real Washington - the Washington who was the leading figure of thought and judgment in the Continental congress, who led with spirit and masterful generalship the army of the Revolution, who guided the building of the tenets of faith in a new governmental structure - the federal Constitution - who for two terms served as the first president of the United States .
Fortunately, the real Washington has stood out stronger and greater - as a warrior, as an executive, as a constructionist, as a patriot, as a man, as a force in moral leadership - as the years have passed.
In generations yet unborn he will grow rather than shrink in universal appraisement.
The mental gifts of George Washington were not of the dazzling kind. His talents were not overbrilliant. And yet his good judgment, founded upon an inborn wisdom, was forceful and appealing. He was not an orator, like Patrick Henry, who labored with him for a repeal of the iniquitous stamp act. He was not as dashing and as impulsive as either John Hancock or Samuel Adams. And yet both of them, during the intense stress and excitement of the proceedings of the Continental congress, turned to Washington for his thoughtful advice and deliberate conclusions, and Adams from the floor declared the quiet, almost silent leader "the unerring son of Westmoreland" - George Washington having been born in Westmoreland county on February 22, 1732.
This was in September, 1774. All of the Colonies were represented at the time except Georgia. The people of that state were in deep sympathy with the congress, but their royal governor prevented the appointment of delegates.
Washington was a man of unusual power because his traits of character were so finely proportioned and adjusted and so firmly controlled by a heroic will and fine moral faculty. He could withstand alike disaster and obloquy. He could reject the prompting of ambition. He was moved by but one aspiration - to promote the good government of his country and the happiness and prosperity of the people. He well deserved the noble title that will go with his name throughout the expanse of human history.
Just a word about the origin of Washington, his personal life, and his career as a soldier, a statesman, and as an executive.
He was the grandson of John Washington, who emigrated in 1659 from Northamptonshire, England, where the family had been of high social and financial standing. His grandfather acquired great land holdings along the Potomac, and high social and public position. The ancestral home was inherited by Augustine Washington, who was the father of George and five other children. George Washington became interested in surveying, and while a mere lad surveyed the great Fairfax estates. He later surveyed the proposed canal route between St. Marys, Georgia, via St. Marks, Florida, and to the Mississippi river. In time he inherited the great Mount Vernon estate from an older brother. He became active in Colonial military life and was quickly promoted to colonel.
When orders came from the British crown that any English field officer should be superior to a Colonial officer, even of higher rank, Colonel Washington took the issue direct to General Shirley, the commander-in-chief, and won.
After his military career as a Colonial officer he was elected to the house of burgesses of Virginia.
In 1765 he married Mrs. Martha Curtis, the wealthiest widow in Virginia, and for several years lived quietly as a great planter at his home overlooking the Potomac, and the marsh lands of the great capital city which now bears his name.
In 1773 he again became active in public affairs as a member of the Williamsburg convention, which asserted the right of the Colonies to self government. He then declared the cardinal principle that taxation and representation could not be justly separated.
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SWISS FREEMASONRY IN THE YEARS 1937-1947
By Dr. Gottlieb Imhof, M.P.S., Busel, Switzerland
Translation from the German by Leo Fischer, F.P.S., Lemon Grove, California
GENERAL REMARKS
ALTHOUGH the First World War had done great economic and cultural harm, Swiss Freemasonry, under the direction of the Grand Lodge ALPINA, passed well through those eventful years.
The situation only began to grow difficult when, upon the appearance of Hitler, in 1933, that baleful development set in which culminated through totalitarianism in the downfall of the German Reich.
Switzerland has of old been a conservative country. The great economic and political upheavals which have shaken our body politic in the course of history have never come into being spontaneously but have always been reflex movements of political and cultural revolutions in the great neighboring countries, especially France and Germany.
Thus Hitler did not delay in affecting our country. Here and there prophets rose up who condemned our democratic institutions and announced the totalitarian claim of the State upon its citizens. And, the same as in Germany, the passionate hatred of these "reformers" was directed especially against all organizations which were champions of the principles of personal liberty, and Freemasonry was the chief among these. Under the leadership of Colonel Fonjallaz, a not unskillfully disguised offensive against the legally guaranteed right of association was launched the real purpose of which was to degrade the Freemasons into second-class citizens and exclude them from public offices.
Freemasonry rallied to its defense against this encroachment upon the ancient Swiss liberties. Although this struggle demanded tremendous sacrifices of it, its endeavors were crowned by victory. On November 28, 1937, the so-called Fonjallaz initiative was rejected at a public election. However, the national-socialistic poison continued to work among the people. As Hitler's star went on rising higher and higher, things looked more and more dangerous and the inclination towards an adjustment, one way or another, to the "new order" continued to grow in proportion. Events in Germany and in the countries occupied by the German armies showed that in Switzerland, also, the Freemasons would be the first victims in case of a German invasion and the changes following it. Soon the consequences of this atmosphere of fear began to appear: the applications for admission into our Fraternity decreased in number and soon stopped entirely. The applications for demits, often for very transparent reasons, increased considerably, and beginning with 1937 a paralyzation and to some extent an unpleasant lethargy were noticeable in the Masonic life in Switzerland.
In 1937 the membership of the Grand Lodge ALPINA numered 3961. Then it continued decreasing steadily until it reached the lowest figure, 2684, in 1945. The loss of membership therefore totalled 36.7% in eight years. It was due chiefly to a steadily increasing number of demits and also to an absence of new applications. Since 1945 there has been an increase in our membership which, in round figures, now amounts to 3,000.
In those trying years of crisis the Swiss Grand Lodge ALPINA was the only Grand Lodge in Europe in which Freemasonry was being worked in the German language, and this will plainly show what obligations for the future were resting upon the shoulders of the Freemasons of Switzerland.
But the great decrease in membership was not our only worry. A gradually growing lack of assurance and self-confidence was noticeable even among the Brethren who had remained faithful to the Fraternity. As it always happens in politically disturbed times, propositions of reforms sprouted up like mushrooms after a warm rain. Many were found to be the result of a fear-inspired desire to adjust our activities to the time. Others, again, were worthy of consideration. The most important change in this respect effected by our Fraternity was the reorganization of our fraternal organ, the periodical "Alpina," at the end of 1937. From 1874 to 1937 it had been an internal publication which fortnightly gave information concerning events in Swiss Freemasonry, and a general review of Masonic life abroad. With the beginning of 1938, however, our organ appeared as a pubic monthly publication which, being accessible also to non-Masons, observed the necessary reserve with regard to Masonic subjects but published on the other hand also articles of a general and spiritual scientific character for a more extensive public.
The second change referred to the choice of the subjects for study by the Grand Lodge. According to article 35 (par.d) of our Constitution, it is the duty of our College of Grand Officers to present subjects of Masonic and general human interest for study by the Lodges. In the last ten years the Swiss people have, in accordance with this tendency, also been enlightened with regard to the spiritual life of our Fraternity, with the greater weight of these studies transferred to the general human angle. To explain further, we give hereunder a list of these study subjects:
1938: Has Swiss Freemasonry outlived its usefulness ?
1939: Freemasonry and current educational problems.
1940: By what means can Swiss Freemasonry as a moral and spiritual factor participate in a still more effective manner in the social and national life of Switzerland?
1942: Citizen and human duties in trying times.
1943: The Swiss legislation for the protection of the family.
1944: The spiritual preparation for peace.
1945: The contribution of Swiss Freemasonry to social peace.
1946: The Charter of the United Nations and Switzerland.
1947: Faithfulness to convictions, and tolerance.
The third change consists in the publication of the "Schriften der Alpina." These publications were begun in 1942, and as they were also released for public sale, part of them found a ready market. Until now the following works have appeared:
No. 1. Joseph Boeni: "The duty of the citizen and man in trying times."
No. 2. Dr. Edm. Jomini: "P.M. Glayre, Vaud and Swiss statesman."
No. 3. Dr. Edm. Jomini: "Louis Ruchonnet, statesman and Freemason."
No. 4. Karl Weiss: "Freemasonry. A word of explanation."
No. 5. "Freemasonry in Switzerland. The Book of the Centennial. (App. 1)."
No. 6. "Freemasonry in Switzerland. One Hundred years of the Grand Lodge ALPINA."
No. 7. Dr. Max Fischer: "The Charter of the United Nations and Switzerland."
This entry into the field of publicity did not remain without consequences, because these publications were paralleled by the holding of "white" Lodges in which the nature and aims of Freemasonry were explained to interested non-Masons. The effect of this procedure was of a double nature. On the one hand it increased the number of applications for admission, and on the other it increased the attacks on our Institution. The experience of the past had taught us that a Lodge cannot be careful enough in the selection of its candidates. In the last few years all applications were thoroughly investigated. Although in consequence of the work of elucidation above referred to there was an improvement in the relations to the public in some places, this does not mean that the attacks ceased. While it is true that the political opponents were mostly silenced, because after the downfall of the Hitler concern the Nazi agents no longer enjoyed a good reputation in our country, yet the traditional old enemy, the Roman Catholic Church, continued its two-century old struggle with unabated violence. It will probably never cease doing so.
A milestone of a special nature in the history of Freemasonry in Switzerland was the celebration of the Centennial of the Grand Lodge ALPINA on July 3 and 4, 1944. On this occasion the above mentioned Jubilee Book (Appendix 1) was published under the title of ''Freemasonry in Switzerland; history, teachings and ideology of Freemasonry," to which we refer with special emphasis.
Although the great decline in membership and the important decrease in the finances resulting from it rendered necessary measures of economy and reductions in the expenses of the Lodges as well as of the Grand Lodge, the Swiss Freemasons have been doing their Masonic duty generously in connection with numerous relief activities of a national and international character. Already in July, 1938, the Brethren started a private movement for the relief of distressed Austrian and Czechoslovakian Freemasons. The liberal funds made it possible to protect many foreign Brethren from distress and render their emigration to America possible. This aid to emigrants was in 1943 also made extensive to Italian Brethren. In 1940 the Grand Lodge spent the sum of 7,000 francs for aid to Finland and during the following year support was granted to a Red Cross relief agency for Greece. In 1942 Swiss Freemasons founded "Humanitas," an institution which raised at the very outset 19,000 francs for the relief of children. At first distressed children from the departments of North France were given aid. In 1945 this organization conducted relief work to procure clothing and shoes for the children of Dutch Freemasons. And when "Humanitas" discontinued its activities that year, it transferred its credit balance to the operation fund of the house founded by the Grand Lodge ALPINA in 1946 in the Pestalozzi Village in Trogen, for which work the Grand Lodge, the Swiss Lodges, and numerous Brethren had raised the respectable sum of 70,000 francs.
The situation of Swiss Freemasonry during the last decennium, both in the community and in Freemasonry as a whole, was rendered especially difficult by its membership in Universal Freemasonry. The Swiss had always advocated Universal Freemasonry and had for this reason fostered all movements intended to strengthen the "world-girdling fraternal chain." Hence the International Masonic Association (I.M.A.) and the General League of Freemasons (G.L.F.) had always had stout supporters and successful leaders in Switzerland. Let us mention only three Brethren in this connection: the late Brother Dr. Fritz Uhlmann; Dr. Kurt von Sury, and Brother John Mossaz, F.P.S. This pronounced inclination towards world citizenship was criticized with special bitterness by our political enemies during the days of the "Abwehrkampf" against the Swiss Freemasons. To those people the Freemason was a "fellow without a country" who owed blind obedience to an unknown "World Master." Unfortunately Universal Freemasonry, as we understand it, is only an illusion and will remain one until the harmful fratricidal enmity between the Anglo-Saxon and Latin-Freemasonry, which can be reduced to the simple formula of "the struggle between London and Paris" - has been settled. Switzerland has so far been able to keep out of that conflict. It maintains fraternal relations with both Bodies and would gladly contribute in a modest way to the reconciliation of the estranged Brethren. The only way that promises success would seem to be the return of all to the original Anderson's Freemasonry, that is, to the ideas of 1723. And why should not this be possible in the Fraternity of Freemasons? In the Swiss Grand Lodge brethren representing three languages, three cultures, and the most various Masonic teachings live together peacefully. We all must now get rid of the Hitler poison which has infected the whole world, even that of Freemasonry. Freemasonry must not be divided by inquisitorial questions but must be united by questions of duty.
HISTORICAL
If Swiss Freemasonry should pretend to give disrupted Universal Freemasonry an example worthy of emulation, it would only have to refer to historical events. One has already been mentioned: the original components of the Swiss people are Celtic, Rhaetic, Roman and German elements, and these components are plainly visible in its present culture. But the whole is kept together by the Platonic idea of the determination to form an oath-bound union welding the fate of the peoples into one, as expressed by Friederich Schiller in "William Tell": "We will be one whole people of brothers." The other historical event is the genesis of Swiss Freemasonry. Already before the middle of the 18th century, Freemasonry came to Switzerland by various ways. The first Lodges were founded by Englishmen who worked the English Rite in Geneva and other places on the Lake of Geneva. On the other hand, Swiss military officers in the service of foreign armies joined Swiss, English and Dutch military Lodges, while Swiss merchants and manufacturers who had friendly connections in the great trading centers entered German Lodges. Upon their return home they also founded Lodges which in the beginning were of the most varied origin and were therefore completely autonomous. They followed in their ritual the various then existing Masonic jurisdictions .... the Grand Lodge of London; the Grand Orient of France; the Strict Observance, and the Rectified Scottish System. With the time, the Swiss Lodges then formed two Grand Lodges: the "Alt-Schottische Direktorium der rektifizierten Freimaurerei" and the "Grosse Landesloge der freien and angenommened Maurer, "in Switzerland. These two Bodies, after long negotiations, finally united in 1844, into one, the Grand Lodge ALPINA, to which all the Lodges in Switzerland now belong. One Hundred years after this, 1944, this Grand Lodge celebrated its centennial to which we have referred previously. The Grand Lodge was at the beginning formed by the union of fourteen Lodges. It now has grown to three times that number. The old Lodges have preserved the Masonic tradition in general with remarkable fidelity. The new Lodges, especially those founded in the course of the 20th century, have partly also chosen new ways. Thus our Lodges present a very variegated character. One must consider that complete liberty of system and teaching prevails in our country and that there is no line of Freemasonry which cannot be found among us. And yet we Swiss Freemasons get along beautifully with each other because none of the systems of teaching here makes any claims to hegemony.
ORGANIZATION
Appendix 2 gives all the information one could ask for regarding the constitutional organization of the Grand Lodge ALPINA. It contains:
1. The general Masonic principles of our Grand Lodge. Their text, divided into 10 sections, is to be considered as the specifically Swiss and modern formulation of the Duties of a Freemason of 1723 in Anderson's Book of Constitutions.
2. The Constitution of the Grand Lodge ALPINA in its last revised form of 1943.
3. The ordinances of the Grand Lodge ALPINA, that is, the business regulations of the various institutions of our Jurisdiction; besides, the regulations of our Relief Fund, including the central relief fund, the fund for the relief of the aged, and the school and educational fund.
With reference to these constitutions, it seems advisable to call attention also to the following facts:
1. In Switzerland there is only one symbolic Grand Lodge. Also, there are no Lodges working under a foreign Grand Jurisdiction.
2. There are, on the other hand, two different systems of higher degrees which have regulated their mutual relations by formal agreement and have thus removed all possibility of friction. These are: a) the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Thirty-Three Degrees, and b) the Rectified Scottish System of six Degrees.
3. The terms of office of the Grand Officers are for five years and the change of the Grand Lodge government is accompanied by a change of the seat of government. The Grand Lodge government changes alternately between French- and German-speaking Switzerland. In the past ten years of which the foregoing is a brief report, these changes were as follows: 1937-1939, at Basel, Dr. Kurt von Sury, Grand Master; 1940-1942, at Lausanne, Dr. Edm. Jomini, Grand Master; 1943-1947, at Saint Gall, Pastor Joseph Boeni, Grand Master; 1948-1952, at Geneva, Albert Natural, Grand Master.
Our general Grand Lodge offices, the Chancellory, the Grand Lodge Archives and the Grand Lodge Library are located in the federal capital, Bern, and are not subject to this permanent peregrination. These three institutions are since 1930 permanently under the direction of Brother Fritz Mueller-Rueegg, who is the fixed star in this ever-changing array of bodies and performs the duties of his office with the greatest devotion and efficiency. It will be interesting to know that Brother Fritz Mueller-Rueegg knows English and is always ready to answer inquiries of any sort. The address of the office of the Secretary of the Grand Lodge ALPINA is Bogenschuetzen-strasse 8, Bern.
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We refer you to page 12, of the December, 1948, issue of "The Philalethes," and the article by J. Corneloup, F.P.S., "Freemasonry and Communism." Paragraph 5, line 5, reads: ".. .. we have not yet forgotten that Communism has condemned Freemasonry and that French Freemasonry has barred from admission in our order any partisan of Communism." In a letter just received from Brother Corneloup, he advises us:
"There is a grave error in translation that has me saying that 'French Masonry is against the admission of Communists as candidates.' Before the war, the French Communist Party compelled their members to resign their membership in Freemasonry. A goodly number have never obeyed; on the contrary, they resigned from the Communist Party. But neither the Grand Orient nor the Grand Lodge of France have forbidden their lodges to receive Communist candidates. It is the duty of the lodges, if such petitions come before them, to decide if the candidates are Free (Men) and of Good Report. But we do not wish to hold in Freemasonry any distinctions based on political opinions which, like religious beliefs, are strictly in the domain of the individual conscience. I think it would be best to clearly state this point and I thank you to clarify it."
Speaking for the translator, Brother Charles E. Holmes, M.P.S., and ourselves, we sincerely regret this inadvertency. The Editors.
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An Arab Proverb
He that knows not, and knows not that he knows not, is a fool. Shun him.
He that knows not, and knows that he knows not, is an honest man. Help him.
He that knows, and knows not that he knows, is asleep. Wake him.
He that knows, and knows that he knows, is a Wisp man. Follow him.
- Exchange.
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By James R. Malott, M.P.S., Globe, Arizona
EVERY Freemason is familiar with the Cable-tow. However, the origin of the name and the symbolism of the Cable-tow is not so well-known. The evident literal meaning of the term is a line wherewith to draw, that is, a rope, or line for drawing or leading. The fact that the word is not listed in the dictionaries has led to the conclusion that the word is purely Masonic. The term "Cable-rope" was used in some of the writings around 1730.
Carl Claudy, F.P.S., and other Masonic writers state that the word probably comes from the German "Kabel tau," or "Cabel tau," meaning "cable" or "rope." On the other hand, Albert Pike found the origin of the word to be the Hebrew "Khabel" which means literally a rope or cable attached to an anchor, and the word "To" or "Tu" meaning "His," that is, "his anchor rope." As used in the Bible, he says that the same "Khabel" meant "binding" or "pledge," that is, "to bind as with a pledge." In Ezk. 18:7 is the word "Khebel-tow," meaning "pledge."
Gradicke says that "according to the ancient laws of Freemasonry, every brother must attend his lodge if he is in the length of his Cable-tow." The old writers defined the length of the Cable-tow to be three miles for an Entered Apprentice, but the length as defined by the Baltimore Convention in 1843 was "the scope of a man's reasonable ability." Pike defines the length of the Cable-tow as "the scope and intent and spirit of one's pledge."
It has been stated that in England the Cable-tow is used only in the first degree, and has no symbolic meaning. Some eminent Masonic scholars agree with this statement. Nevertheless, many theories as to the symbolism of the Cable-tow have been advanced. Some Masonic writers see a relation between the Masonic Cable-tow and ropes or cords used in the ancient mysteries, which the initiates wore in testimony of their belief in God and to signify their dependence on Him and their solemn obligation to devote themselves to His will and service. Other writers referring to the ancient mysteries, see in the Cable-tow a symbol of the power which leads one from the an earthly to a spiritual life.
Brother W. J. Shaw, referring to the use of the Cable-tow among Operative Seasons, where it was used to secure the safety of a ship riding at anchor, and a means of rescue in the construction of the magnificent cathedrals in Europe, where men dangled by ropes from dangerous heights and were rescued from perilous situations by means of the Cable-tow finds in it a symbol of a Mason's duty to aid and rescue his fellow Masons if within the reach of his means and ability.
Carl Claudy, referring to the life cord by which an infant receives life from his mother, finds by analogy, that symbolically the Cable-tow is the cord by which the Masonic infant is attached to his mother lodge. In each instance, the physical cord is severed, but a spiritual tie remains which can never be severed.
Street, in his "Symbolism of the Three Degrees," says that the Cable-tow represents the force and influences which have conducted not only the individual, but the human race out of a condition of ignorance and darkness into one of light and knowledge.
Brother Joseph Barnett, of California, suggests a symbolism varying in the three degrees: first, a mystic tie with the Fraternity; next, a tie to one's fellow Masons, and last and most important, a tie uniting the Master Mason with all mankind. "The three-fold cord of Brotherly love, relief and truth that leads towards his fellow-man entwines that other three-fold cord of Faith, Hope and Relief that leads to God.
The late R. Wor. Brother Bingham, of New Zealand, in an article in the "Builder," Volume 3, states that "The Cable-tow should be the symbol of all of that love and affection with which the Fraternity seeks to draw initiates from darkness and ignorance to the light and liberty of the Fraternity."
Out of the apparent confusion which at first seems to exist among Masonic scholars, we do find them substantially agreed that the Cable-tow symbolizes the spiritual tie which binds the initiate to the Fraternity, and his pledge to devote himself to the service of God and his fellow-man.
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He has achieved success who has lived well laughed often and loved much; who has gained the respect of intelligent men, the trust of pure women and the love of little children; who has filled his niche and accomplished his task; who has left the world better than he found it, whether by an improved poppy, a perfect poem or a rescued soul; who has never lacked appreciation of earth's beauty or failed to express it; who has looked for the best in others and given them the best he had; whose life was an inspiration; whose memory is a benediction.
- Bessie A. Stanley
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The real secrets of Masonry, the philosophy concealed in its symbols, are at least ten thousand years old, and the Art-Speech, which Symbolism is, was designed by real Princes of the Royal Secret, by Prince Adepts, or Perfect Masters, to conceal, to preserve and convey this Ancient Wisdom to the latest generations of men: That when civilization decayed when empires ceased to be, and when desolation brooded in silence over a whole continent, a 'Rock beside the Water,' or a symbol transplanted to another land might serve to convey the lost secret to another people and time. - Albert Pike
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To persevere in one's duty and be silent, is the best answer to calumny. - George Washington.
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A WORD FROM THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
TO THE MEMBERSHIP OF "THE PHILALETHES SOCIETY"
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE:
EACH YEAR opens with a resurgence of force; a renewal of the driving power to create, to build, to make new friends for the Philalethes Society. Coincident with the out-flowing of force, and in direct proportion to the power of this force, grows our responsibility.
If the Philalethes Society is to become a strong and important factor in the lives of its members, it must continue to increase its membership. It is not sufficient that the number of new members merely, offset the losses; there should be a substantial net increase each year. Perhaps the best single index of the standing of our Society is whether or not it is growing. If we fail to expand, over a period of years, this can only mean that before long it will become increasingly difficult to carry on and eventually a decline sets in. It should be emphasized, therefore, that our success is largely dependent upon the effort of each member.
Your Executive Committee will make certain that the administrative affairs of the Society are well operated, but at best these can only supplement the work by individual members. Why don't you get in and help us row the boat, or do something to that effect. Not everyone is expected to prepare a paper for publication in "Philalethes," but a great many of you might be enthusiastic enough to get Brother Masons interested in our aims and purposes. Our Society is a noble organization, but it is not one whit better than the brethren who comprise it, and worth while only to the extent to which it functions.
As reported in the columns of "Philalethes," the following Brothers passed into the "Grand Lodge Above" during 1948: Dr. Ernest Crutcher, F.P.S, of Los Angeles, California, June 7; Charles Clyde Hunt, F.P.S., of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, July 24; Fred William Hartman, M.P.S., of Portland, Oregon, August 10, and Sam B. Cantey, Jr., F.P.S., of Fort Worth, Texas, August 21.
To fill the vacancies by reason of the resignation of Brother Clarence Brain, F.P.S. (during January, 1948), and the death of Brother Herbert I. Callon, F.P.S., the Society bestowed the honor of FELLOW upon Charles Gottshall Reigner, of Baltimore, Maryland, and Philip Henry Coad, of Berea, Ohio, respectively. Incidentally, this is the first time in the history of the Philalethes Society that the state of Maryland had a Fellow.
During 1948 we held the usual 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., editor of "Oregon Mason," of Portland, Oregon, who sat in on our deliberations and assisted us on various matters. Inter-office communications and correspondence with members has been rather extensive throughout 1948 (averaging four hundred letters per month), and has built up a lot of good will, here and abroad.
Our official magazine, "The Philalethes," continues to be a storehouse of Masonic learning and literature. It deals with practically every phase of Masonic research, stimulates enthusiasm, and will help to enlarge the mental horizon of our individual members. The complete Index, covering Volumes I, II, and III, just off the press, will be sent gratuitously to anyone requesting the same.
The reserve stock of Volume I (8 issues) is down to about 22 sets, while we have on hand generous stocks of Volume II (6 issues) and Volume III (8 issues), the sale of which should result in increased income during 1949.
Volume IV began with the January, 1949, issue, and a number of outstanding literary contributions have been scheduled for publication. It is hoped that our erudite members will continue to assist the editors with worthy material, so we need not call upon non-members for cooperation.
In May we published 1000 copies of our eight-page year book, "The Informant," which tells the story of our Society, enlightens one on our purpose, and includes our membership roster, corrected to April 1, 1948.
Thanks to publicity in favor of our Society (What Is The Philalethes Society?") on the part of the "San Luis Obispo County Mason And Eastern Star," (San Luis Obispo, California), edited by Brother Thurman H. Lautenschlager, Jr., M.P.S.; the "Square and Compass," (Denver, Colorado), edited by Brother Edward E. Hedblom, M.P.S., and "Masonic Light," (Montreal, Canada), edited by Brother Charles E. Holmes, M.P.S., many Freemasons are now in possession of our current issue of "The Informant," and we hope that some of them will affiliate with us in the near future.
Due to conditions beyond our control, our contemplated "group" formation has not progressed too well, excepting in scattered localities. Brother Lee Edwin Wells, F.P.S., our First Vice-President and the chairman of this movement, will talk about it in his message.
Because of increased cost of doing business, our 1949 budget, based on current cost, estimated to be approximately $1,500.00, must meet the expenses for sundry items, including the continued publication of "Philalethes" and, if possible, separate releases of such outstanding literary contributions which are too lengthy to be included in our magazine. Of these we now have two: "Landmarks of Freemasonry," by Brother George R. Harvey, F.P.S., of Berkeley, California, and "The Seven Liberal Arts and Sciences," by Brother Frederick T. Parker, M.P.S., of Montreal, Canada. In addition, it is our intention to re-publish under one cover as many of the "masterpieces" of our FELLOWS as possible.
Correspondence with brethren in foreign countries is still carried on by Brother Leo Fischer, F.P.S., whose message is appended.
Our Secretary-Treasurer, Brother Allister J. McSowen, F.P.S., reports on the financial standing of the Society and presents a detailed statement of our income and disbursements during 1948.
Our accomplishments during 1947 and 1948 have made us intensely aware of the things we could do after we have increased our membership to a figure such as our general aims demand. Above everything else, we should strive to have all the Masonic Jurisdictions of the world represented in our Society and when this has been accomplished, you might be astounded at the further contributions we could make to Freemasonry.
I wish that we had the space in which to say nice things about all of those who deserve real praise. I can only say that their unselfish and sincere cooperation has been a source of deep personal gratification. When we began the work of re-organizing our Society, late in 1945, we did not realize how many new friends we were going to make, nor how sincere and loyal they were going to be in their efforts in our behalf.
We are now welding together an organization that is unique and distinctive; yet before us are unchartered territories awaiting our combined efforts to cultivate.
The past is gone; the future has not yet come, and the present is all we have. Therefore, let us take time to work .... it is an ever-present source of inspiration and ultimate success.
WALTER A. QUINCKE, F.P.S.
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FIRST VICE-PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE:
THE YEAR 1948 has, on the whole, been a good one for our Society. Its growth in membership, its financial condition, the increased amount of correspondence, at home and abroad, the steady increasing prestige of its publication, "The Philalethes,'' will be reviewed by the officers in charge of those lines of endeavor.
However, the past year brought about a distinct change in plans in regard to the "Groups" that we had hoped to establish. The Fellows of the Society were polled and the prevailing reaction was rather lukewarm. The concensus of opinion seemed to be that such study groups, in one form or another, had been formed in the past and had failed. Not because of anything inherently wrong in the idea itself, but simply because, unfortunately the average Freemason refuses to bestir himself to improve himself in the Royal Art.
Yet, the Executive Committee felt that the idea should not be entirely abandoned. However, the year brought obstacles from other quarters . . . illness, drastic changes in personal affairs that robbed the Society of time that might otherwise have been devoted solely to its problems.
Now a modified form of a "group" idea is in the making. We of the Executive Committee have often been called upon to make decisions affecting our members in foreign countries, and to make these decisions sometimes without full knowledge of all the factors involved. Luckily, we have not made too many mistakes and they were not productive of lasting harm. Yet we felt that many of these problems could have been met much more efficiently by those members whose daily lives make them thoroughly familiar with all the facets of these problems, those who reside within the country or countries affected.
Such a group is now being formed in France, another in Scotland. Perhaps the French group has, thus far, made the most progress. The Philalethes Society will have an organized body to represent it in France, and this subordinate body will, in turn, organize small lodges or district groups within the area. It will seek to discover those who seem qualified for membership within the Society, then pass on these recommendations to the Executive Committee. Subject to the unanimous approval of our Executive Committee, it will endeavor to meet those problems which are wholly French. It will endeavor to establish personal and fraternal connections between the French members and their brothers of the Society beyond the boundaries of France.
Pro-tem officers have been appointed and a committee is working upon the final draft of the ByLaws of this "Oswald Wirth Memorial Group of the Philalethes Society" and these will be forwarded to us for a final review and ratification.
An organizational meeting was held in Scotland for a group there, but as yet no report has been forwarded to us.
We feel certain that the establishment of such groups as that in France will revitalize the Society all over the world. The Philalethes Society will no longer be a distant and nebulous thing, but close and familiar. It should strengthen the bonds between us and our brethren abroad by an exchange of ideas, letters, articles, and in countless other ways.
Perhaps such groups might be established in this country where there are sufficient members within a state or Grand Lodge Jurisdiction to warrant it. Of course, this is no more than an idea, but it might well be worth our thought, and action, during 1949.
I wish that I could adequately word my appreciation to those Members and Fellows of our Society whom I have met this past year, both personally and through correspondence. Each of you, in your own way, have given me new and more valuable insights of the beauties of Freemasonry. You have given me concrete evidence of that Brotherhood that is such a vital part of our Masonic life. And you have paid me richly for what little services I have been able to render the Society.
I hope that 1949 will bring me in contact with more of you.
LEE EDWIN WELLS, F.P.S.
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SECOND VICE-PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE:
THE CORRESPONDENCE and literature that pass over our desk are written in English, Dutch, German, Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese. They reflect the thoughts and ideas of Freemasonry in numerous parts of the Masonic world and report and discuss Masonic events as they occur and as they have appeared to Freemasons of various points of view. In many countries, Freemasonry is still busy reorganizing and recovering from the catastrophes of the last few years. In France, Holland, Belgium, and Finland it is struggling to wipe out the losses caused by World War II; in Germany, it is building up a new and, we are sure, more liberal institution than that destroyed by Hitler. In Italy, young wine is being poured into containers that will have to be adjusted to new demands and conditions. In Spain, Greece, and Portugal, Freemasonry is still far from reviving. In South and Central America it appears to be on the right way. The spirit of Montevideo has taken root and our Craft has taken up the work for universalization in an orderly and energetic way, and we should not wonder if it is from there that a new light will break through the gloom.
Some countries have no great changes in Masonic conditions to report. These include Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Mexico, and the Scandinavian countries.
In the Far East there has been a steady improvement in the Philippines, and we are looking for the organization of a Grand Jurisdiction in China as soon as conditions become more settled there.
There is now much less fear of a new invasion of Western Europe. We no longer receive the alarmist reports that used to reach us from France, Holland, etc. Peace in Freemasonry itself seemed seriously threatened during the year just past, but the success of the Masonic gatherings in Paris and The Hague last year, the firm resistance of Switzerland to all attempt to oust it from regular Masonry, and the recognition of the Grand Lodge of Finland, have caused much of our concern to disappear.
The undersigned has embodied most of his reports and ideas in our official review, "The Philalethes," under "Freemasonry in Foreign Lands," and "From Our Contemporaries Overseas," as well as in signed translations of articles from foreign-language journals; but he regrets that serious illness has prevented his writing more and better.
To resume: the situation of Freemasonry, as we see it, is better and more hopeful than it was during the first half of 1948, and it will, we trust, be still more so in 1949.
So Mote It Be !
LEO FISCHER, F.P.S.
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SECRETARY-TREASURER'S MESSAGE:
ONCE AGAIN I take pleasure in presenting to you a report on the financial aspects of the Philalethes Society for the year ended on December 31, 1948, and to inform you that during that period we attracted to us 43 new members. Actually the membership at present is: United States of America: 190; the Dominion of Canada: 15; Mexico: 2 and Over seas: 38. Of the overseas members there are ten in France; four in Switzerland; three in Holland; three in Finland; two in Belgium, and the remainder scattered in China, Denmark, South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, England, Scotland, the Republic of Panama, and the Philippines.
Though still comparatively "small" numerically, the Philalethes Society is large in the ability of her leadership, in her vision, and in the sincerity of her purpose. If each one of our present members would nominate only one Freemason during 1949, our membership would soon reach such numbers as to place our Society in the forefront of Masonic Research Groups.
Notwithstanding the greatly decreased purchasing power, the dues for 1949, payable in advance at par in Los Angeles, California, remain as they have always been, $3.00 per member. If there are brethren in a position to make substantial donations, it is hoped that they will come forward and make them. All remittances should be made payable to the Philalethes Society.
Not being endowed, the work is entirely dependent upon the prompt payment of dues, the sale of extra copies (or volumes) of "The Philalethes,'' and voluntary donations - large or small though they may be. Because of the enthusiasm of all in expanding our membership and distributing our official literature as far as possible, we have never accumulated large funds resulting in our becoming a wealthy organization, nor is such our goal.
The zeal of your Executive Officers is without limit. Their activities, however, in so far as they involve expenditures, are conditioned entirely by the funds available.
ALLISTER J. McKOWEN, F.P.S.
INCOME
Bank Balance, January 1, 1948 193.31
Entrance Fees from New Members 76.00
Dues from Membership 639.00
Subscriptions to "The Philalethes" 116.00
Sale of Extra Copies of "The Philalethes", and
Donations 258.07
Total 1,282.38
DISBURSEMENTS
Postage and Express 160.72
Cuts 146.87
Stationery and Supplies 103.52
Paper and Printing "The Philalethes" (8 Issues) 655.68
Paper and Printing "The informant" (1000 copies) 63.00
Paper and Printing "The Index" (1000 copies) 35.00
Miscellaneous 8.98
Bank Balance, December 31, 1948 108.61
Total 1,282.38
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WHITHER ARE YOU TRAVELING?
By James K. Remick, M.P.S.
San Diego, California
THE FIRST Chapter of Genesis sets before us the panorama of creation under Divine fiat, from the launching into expression of a world, supplying it with biological life forms, to climaxing the colossal drama with "Making man in His image and likeness." And all of this purporting to be done in six days, creation completed, and the seventh day one of rest from all labor. It is difficult to conceive of Dynamic Life, Infinite Intelligence ever ceasing to create or ever resting in expressing the creative urge. So very much of our "Rule and Guide" is expressed in allegory, and due to mistranslations and interpolations is often confusing as to event and chronology. That the Creative Intelligence conceived and brought into manifestation in the Cosmos an earth ball, and furnished and equipped it in six great epochs each period comprising vast reaches of time, and each epoch being a distinct process unto itself, we can accept as good sense. Research touches upon this truth by designating the progressive steps of the earth-growth as evidenced in historical geology.
We then find this creative process climaxed by the advent of "Man in His image and likeness"; Man inheriting the Divinity of his Maker, with the attributes of the Creative Word bestowed upon him, to forever unfold in an ever expanding universe. From what more glorious and transcendent source could he hope to come; and, being endowed with the freedom of choice, he has had no one to blame but himself for the chaos he has created during the few moments in eternity that he has occupied the planet.
The Divine Flame within, that originally glowed with radiance, has from time to time, in the mass burned feebly and today needs the tender protection of the enlightened of the race who will again fan it to brilliance. Out of the great reservoir of Holy Spirit we came. Whither we are traveling is to the consciousness of a universe unobstructed by ignorance and false beliefs, and to the high degree of Mastership where "I and my Father are one" becomes a positive conviction and not a faint hope.
As man has unfolded throughout the aeons there have been those who have felt and experienced the Divine within them. These souls, peculiar unto themselves, were drawn together and formed groups, or Lodges if you please, or religions; and religion in essence means to draw or to bind together although the present day usage of the word implies that the "religious are only those who are church-goers or members." Freemasonry is deeply religious in the true sense of the word, because we are drawn and bound together with ties unbreakable. Organization naturally followed amongst these compatible groups, and in our day and generation we learn of the Lodge of the Holy Saints John at Jerusalem where we go for purification and unfoldment, journeying through the degrees of mystic Light into the inner Chamber of our heritage that "Now are we the Sons of God."
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We present to our readers on the title page of this issue the portrait of a Brother born in the British Isles, who came as a young man to the United States, joined the Masonic Fraternity here and acquired a deep knowledge and wide experience in it, which brought him high honors and the love and esteem of the Freemasons who have had the good fortune of meeting him.
Frederick William Eyre Cullingford, born in Wellingborough, England, in 1872, was an apprentice printer when his parents emigrated to the United States. In a few years he became a journeyman printer and then perfected his training and education in the United States and the Dominion of Canada until 1904, when he married Miss Elizabeth Jane Montgomery. During his subsequent wanderings in the Southern States, he began his Masonic career in Zerubbabel Lodge No. 15, F. & A. M., Savannah. Georgia. Within a short time he affiliated with Phalanx Lodge No. 31, A. F. & A. M., of Charlotte, North Carolina.
He is a Past High Priest and Secretary of Charlotte Chapter No. 39, R.A.M.; Past Master and Recorder of Charlotte Council No. 8, R. & S.M.; Past Commander and Recorder of Charlotte Commandery No. 2, K.T.; Past Wise Master and 32nd Degree K.C.C.H. Mason of Carolina Consistory, A.A. Scottish Rite; Past Patron of Mizpah Chapter No. 36, O.E.S.; Past Grand Patron of the Order of the Eastern Star, North Carolina; a Member of Howell Council No. 4, A.M.D.; Oasis Temple, A.A.O.N.M.S.; Areme Shrine No. 3, W.S.J.; the Order of High Priesthood, of North Carolina, and the Philalethes Society.
Although only 76 years old, he has served a grand total of more than 85 years as Secretary of four Charlotte, North Carolina, Masonic Bodies.
Our Brother is the managing editor of "Eastern Star News," at 2011 Central Ave., Charlotte, North Carolina, and famed for his secretarial, musical and social accomplishments.
L. F.
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Several of the early editions of The Constitutions of the Antient & Honourable Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons: Containing all the particular Ordinances and Regulations of the Grand Lodge of the State of New York were dedicated to George Washington. The edition of 1785, as well as those of 1789, 1801, 1805, 1815, 1820, 1827 and 1832, are in the Library of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts.
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Someone has catalogued the qualifications of an editor as follows:
The tenacity of a bulldog,
The daring of a lion,
The patience of a donkey,
The industry of a beaver,
The wisdom of a Socrates,
The vision of an eagle,
The hide of a rhinoceros,
The loyalty of an apostle,
The heroism of a martyr,
The strength of an ox.
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NEW MEMBERS
Orrin L. Dorworth; Detroit, Michigan (recommended by: J. Fairbairn Smith, F.P.S.)
Benjamin Herman; Montreal (Quebec); Canada (recommended by: Charles E. Holmes, M.P.S.)
Ruben Alfred Olander; Helsingfors, Finland (recommended by: V. Granberg, M.P.S.)
Frank D. Pendleton; Burbank, California (recommended by: Walter A. Quincke, F.P.S.)
John Frederick Reinhardt; Kansas City, Mo. (recommended by: Harold V. B. Voorhis, F.P.S.)
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CHANGE OF ADDRESSES
Rev. Sidney E. Harris, M.P.S.; Box 143; Monument (Grant County); Oregon.
James A. Welch, M.P.S.; Route 9, Box 1026; Milwaukee 2, Oregon.
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The Philalethes - February, 1949; Volume 4, 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: January; February; March; May (April-May); July (June-July); September (August-September); November (October-November), and December. No advertising in any form is solicited or accepted. When requesting a change of address, please give the old as well as the new addresses, together with your postal zone number, if you have such. Annual subscription, in the United States of America, $3.00; elsewhere, $4.00, payable in advance. - The "Philalethes" INDEX, covering volumes 1, 2, and 3, will be sent gratuitously to any Freemason requesting the same. - The columns of "Philalethes" are reserved for the literary contributions of the members of the Philalethes Society, and the material is selected for its quality and timeliness rather than upon name. All published articles, however, express the ideas and opinions of their contributors only, and in no way need they be the opinion of the Society. - Member-Editors of Craft magazines, here and abroad, are privileged to reprint, in part or in full, any articles first published in "Philalethes," but are expected to give due credit to its source. If desired, available cuts will be loaned upon certain conditions. For further particulars regarding same, address the Editors. 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 current year book, "The Informant," tells the story since its inception and enlightens one on our aims. A copy will be mailed free of charge to any Freemason requesting the same.
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The greatest beauty and glory of Freemasonry is the fact that its foundation principles and concepts of Truth are traceable through all religions and all times and races, running back to remotest antiquity and to the converging of earth's religions and philosophies into the one pure, first revelation of truth.
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The Operative Mason uses the 24-inch guage to measure or lay out his work. Speculative Masons use it to divide their time, that every moment may be profitably employed. Man is not placed upon earth to be indolent or inactive. He has a destiny to fill in the drama of life. The mind of man is so constituted that it must be employed. Industry is the command of Masonry. Laziness is rebuked by the lesson of the beehive and the necessity of improving every opportunity is taught us by the hour-glass, which shows how rapidly we are passing away.
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More men fail for lack of character than from lack of ability. Freemasonry offers a man a life plan or design, whereby he may organize his powers and build them into that greatest thing in the world . . . a noble, strong, refined character.
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Each Masonic symbol is the embodiment of some great, old rare truth.
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February 6, 1947, at 2 P. M. plus 11 hours time, in latitude 78 degrees 30 minutes South, longitude 163 degrees 00 minutes West, in a Rimsy canvas tent upon the snow, fiercely flung by wild Antarctic gales, steadily deepened, a little group of seven men assembled to pay tribute to their Fraternity and their brethren. All were members of the U.S. Navy; four petty officers, three held commissioned rank . . . all were Freemasons. A letter from Lt. Comdr. McCoy to his home lodge records the incident as follows: "The following brothers were present: Wm. R. Blades, CQM, USN, West Roxbury Lodge, Boston, Mass.; R. H. Jones, CCS, USN, North Carolina Maiden Lodge No. 692; Paul Saylor, ACETM, USN, Westville Lodge No. 192, Westville, Indiana; E. F. Fulmer, AMMI, USN, Oleeta Lodge No. 145, Miami Springs, Florida; J. C. McCoy, Lt. Comdr. USN, Albert J. Russell Lodge No. 12G, Jacksonville, Florida; F. G. Dustin, Lt. Comdr. USN, Morrisville Lodge Morrisville, Vermont, and A. D. Wildey, Lt. (J.G.) USN, Naval Lodge No. 4, Washington, D.C. Lt. Comdr. F. G. Dustin was elected to preside and Wm. R. Blades, CQM, to act as secretary of the momentous occasion. The following statement was offered by the chairman:
'My dear brothers, we are gathered here today at the bottom of the world, a small group of men representing the brothers of our respective Lodges and our brethren all over the universe. We are members of an important function that our government has directed and assigned certain duties. I know you join in this feeling of pride I have as a citizen and as a Mason, that we, through our government are privileged to be standing on this virgin territory.
'We Masons gathered here today are standing in a flimsy canvas tent. The canvas beats and strains. It is snowing and a blizzard is in the making. There are hundreds of feet of snow beneath us and around us as far as we can see. The elements in this area run wild and unharnessed. High velocity blizzards race across the unknown and then all is calm, but the rigors of this land have us not in fear. A great leader has placed the required tools in our hands and guides us with his knowledge. We know the result of the blizzard means a few more inches of snow, a mountain peak exposed or covered and the inevitable calm and peace.
'Brothers, I close with this message: Let us call the recent war our Antarctic blizzard; our fallen brethren, the covered mountains after the blizzard; the cessation of battle, the inevitable calm that we know we will have here in a few hours. The sight of this peaceful, hardly describable continent should therefore act as a tonic of a type that we might take back to civilization to stimulate and direct unselfish peacemakers into decisions of calmness, peace and plenty for the peoples of the world.'
The meeting was brought to a close and Brother Blades' camera was used to photograph the members participating.
This meeting is believed to be the first meeting of a body of Freemasons on the Antarctic continent."
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The philosophy of Masonry is an idea which coupled with the ideals of religion can revolutionize the world. They must prevail and possess men or democracy will fail, the dignity of humane personality will be lost and freedom become a hollow mockery. The recent war ended for us in a victory of arms. Now we must engage in a war of ideas. Every Mason is challenged to be a soldier, and the fighting front is in his own community.
We can do much with Masonry in bolstering our faith in Democracy. We worry much about the spread of communism, but do very little about selling Democracy. We have too much indifference and inertia among citizens today, consequently our democracy is threatened by "pressure groups" who are motivated by selfishness. It is time for us as Masonic citizens to step into the arena of nation
We have a philosophy, an idea in Freemasonry, let's release it and put it to work that men and society may have the benefit of its upward look toward God and its outward reach toward our fellowmen. Immersed in a sea of doubt and wobbling beliefs, our minds need the reinforcement which Masonry can give, so that our sluggish wills may drive forward in the direction of their highest ideals. - J. Wallace Woodfoxd, P.G.M., of Delaware.
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If we turn to the mighty thinkers we find Socrates saying that the highest good is knowledge; not mere facts, much less theories, but the living knowledge which lights the way to virtue. How noble he was, going about Athens urging upon young and old alike the greatest improvement of soul as the only endeavor worthy of men.
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Pride in unsound theories is worse than ignorance. - Albert Pike.
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The members of the Craft look to their Masters to guide them; to give advice; to place their own particular 'Blue' Lodge in a paramount position among the other lodges of the state.