The Philalethes

THE FAMILIAR SONG OF THE ANGELS, in the first Christmas anthem, lends itself to another and mere accurate rendering of the Greek: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace - to men of goodwill." That makes sense.

Here is something more than a casual friendliness. It is friendliness in action. Are we men of good-will? It is a searching question. Do we invariably undergird a Brother's weakness with our strength? Do we protect his good name against whispered scandal or gossip? Even if it is true, do we seek the extenuating circumstance? Do we stand by to help him out of trouble when life tumbles in?

Do we in honor prefer one another? Is there in us a gracious modesty which restrains us from pushing ourselves forward? Psychologists assure us that much of the restlessness and tension in modern life may be traced to the unsatisfied ego in men and women, to an inordinate love of the limelight, to an unquenchable ambition for preference. All this sort of thing substitutes the will-to-power for good-will.

Christmas offers us both the good-will and the peace. It says to each one of us . . . "I touch self-seeking and it gives place to unselfish service. I challenge the evil plans of men and they hide them in holly. I lay my hands on hard faces and make them tender. I come to saddened children and make them laugh. I confront the cynic and give him, at least, a passing faith. I draw near to all who labor for a brotherly world and assure them of spiritual forces that are their unseen report." A happy Christmas to you all!

Wishing You A Merry Christmas

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Community Birthday Dinners Create Enthusiasm, Interest

Reports from the several chairmen of the thirtieth anniversary dinners of the Philalethes Society, held at strategic areas in this country, indicate the greatest interest in and enthusiasm for the work of the Society since its organization on October 1, 1928.

Seven such dinners were held through the month of October, two were unavoidably prevented, and one other will be held at a later date, when conditions in the area are more favorable, but a maximum of good fellowship, and the careful formulation of plans for increased activity everywhere, resulted from the meetings.

A brief resume of the dinners held were given the Editor by the several chairmen of area dinners, who have reported the large number of interested Masons who were in attendance. A condensation of these reports follows:

KENTUCKY GROUP MEETS WITH GRAND BODIES

WYLIE B. WENDT, M.P.S., Chairmen, in reporting the fine get together held at Louisville on October 19, writes:

"It is hoped that our meeting will become an informal annual gathering of interested Master Masons who have a desire to know more about Masonic research and study.

"The meeting was expertly timed to coincide with Masonic Week, when Grand Lodge, Grand Chapter, and Grand Council of Kentucky met at Louisville, and it is probable that the Philalethes dinner will become an annual part of Masonic activity as such, meshed with other Masonic groups, that attendance and interest may be increased. A truly wonderful accomplishment."

Brother Wendt reports: "The members of the Philalethes Society residing in Kentucky, and their friends, assembled at the Colonial Room of the Sheraton Hotel, Louisville, Sunday afternoon, October 19, at 4 o'clock, with thirty-five in attendance, including ten of the sixteen Kentucky members present.

"Wylie B. Wendt, M.P.S., Representative of the Society in Kentucky presided. Prayer by DeMoville P. Jones, M.P.S., opened the meeting.

"The chairman outlined the purpose of the meeting as the celebration of the Thirtieth Anniversary of the Society, outlined its history and objectives, read several letters from Dr. William Moseley Brown, F.P.S., President, and called on several of the Brethren for short remarks.

"Brother DeMoville P. Jones M.P.S., spoke of former attempts to organize a Lodge of Research in the state, and made some pertinent remarks on methods in Masonic research.

"The chairman, Brother Wendt listed several outstanding Masonic Lodges of Research both in this country and abroad, also naming the outstanding Masonic Libraries of the world.

"A research paper, The Triple Tao, prepared by Brother Wendt, was read and enthusiastically received by the group. Brother William S. Conaway, M.P.S., gave a short paper on Negro Masonry, which was followed by spirited discussion by Brothers Alpheus E. Orton, M.P.S., Clayton A. Compton, D. P. Jones, M.P.S., and Wylie B. Wendt, M.P.S. It was unanimously voted to hold at least one meeting a year of members of the Society in the state, date being recommended as that on which the Grand Lodge held its meeting. Meeting was adjourned at 5:45 P.M.'

Members of the Society and guests who were present, included: Leslie C. Bruce, Stearnes; William S. Conaway, Louisville; Albert C. Hanson, Fort Thomas; DeMoville P. Jones, Louisville; Charles K. A. McGaughey, Lexington; Alpheus E. Orton, Louisville; Wylie B. Wendt, Louisville; Oscar L. Wheeler, Glasgow; William Sam Williams, Barbourville, and Carl P. King, Lexington.

CLEVELAND BRETHREN MAKE ANALYSIS

BROTHER PHILIP COAD, F.P.S., in reporting the meeting of the Cleveland area dinner, makes the following comments:

"On Saturday, October 4, the Cleveland area members of the Philalethes Society, and a group of interested Masonic Brethren, met for dinner and Masonic discussion, in response to invitations issued by Brother Philip H. Coad, F.P.S., chairman for the area.

"The Brethren met at the Cleveland Masonic Library, then adjourned to a nearby restaurant for a delightful dinner. Returning to the Library, the group held an informal discussion of matters pertaining to the society, to the magazine, and to other items of Masonic interest.

"A pleasant touch was the interest shown by several Brethren from Pennsylvania, who made special effort to be present on the occasion of the dinner. Of the membership of the Cleveland area, more than half were in attendance."

Present for the dinner and the meeting were: Philip H. Coad, F.P.S., Elmer Wolf, Nathan S. Tucker, Ernest Kegley, R. B. Ingham, Pressbee D. Morgan, G. Andrew McComb, F.P.S., Executive Secretary, all of the Ohio membership, together with Brothers George H. White, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and John W. Kloss, Erie, Pennsylvania, members.

Interchange of ideas and information being one of the basic thoughts behind the purpose and aim of the Society, such interest, as exemplified during the Cleveland meeting, bodes well for the future of the society in the area.

BROTHER ALPHONSE CERZA, F.P.S., and immediate Past President of the Philalethes Society, in reporting the splendid dinner meeting of the society held at the Y.M.C.A. cafeteria, in Chicago's Loop, has the following to say about what he calls "an educational party":

"The Brethren assembled for a six o'clock dinner, and the meeting was started immediately thereafter. A short resume of the history and a summary of the ideals and aims of the Philalethes Society was given by the presiding officer, Brother Alphonse Cerza, F.P.S., after which Brother Albert L. Woody, F.P.S., gave some very interesting data about Brother Silas Shepard, past Executive Secretary of the society, and long-deceased. Cecil Ellis, M.P.S., further elaborated on the history of the Society, with personal ancedotes and reminiscences.

"Brother Chester B. Steele, chairman of the Committee on Masonic Education of the Grand Lodge of Illinois, gave a talk on the work of his committee, and Brother Ralph E. Miller explained and extolled the work being done by the Craftfellow Masonic Library of Evanston to circulate and stimulate Masonic reading.

"Weightstill Woods, M.P.S., spoke briefly about the facilities and activities of the Scottish Rite Library maintained by the Scottish Rite bodies of Chicago.

"After these brief talks, the meeting was made into a forum for general discussion of mutually interesting topics as suggested to the chairman by those present. Brother Edmund Sadowski, M.P.S., displayed a certificate issued during the Civil War to one of the Past Masters of an Illinois Lodge, and explained how he accidentally found it in a second hand book store.

"Brother Albert L. Woody, F.P.S., showed those present a copy of the last Will and Testament of the first Grand Master of Illinois, together with the old account book kept by that Grand Master's executors."

Present at the meeting were:

Alphonse Cerza, Charles Anzilotti, Weightstill Woods, Elmer Seiler, Cecil H. Ellis, Royce Kinnick, L.M.S. Christensen, Alexander E. Wylie, Harold E. Meiley, Sam H. Dapin, John Holmes, Charles Bacigalupe, Albert L. Woody, Edmund Sadowski, Dr. S. R. Macie, Judson L. Parker, Otto F. Knupke, Ralph S. Davis, Vincent Dimicelli, Jr., Louis A. Sabella, Ross P. Lombardo, Albert L. Crump, G. Wilbur Bell, Ralph E. Miller, and Chester B. Steele.

This meeting had, probably, the greatest amount of variety in its program of any reported.

ST. LOUIS GROUP HEARS GRAND MASTER

Philalethes members and interested Masonic Brethren in the St. Louis area met at Mt. Moriah Temple for six o'clock dinner, followed by a delightful get together of twenty-six Masons, on the evening of October 2.

Presiding was Past Grand Master, ex-Governor and former United States Senator Forrest C. Donnell, who introduced for short talks Most Worshipful Brother James W. Skelly, Past Grand Master. John Black Vrooman, F.P.S., Editor, then called upon the guest speaker, Most Worshipful Brother Robert L. Aronson, Grand Master of Masons in Missouri, who had been elected and installed into that office just the day preceding, and who thus, made his second official visit as Grand Master to this fine group of Masons.

Speaking on Masonic Brotherhood, good will and the theme of Brotherly Love, the Grand Master emphasized knowledge, application of the principles of Freemasonry, and interchange of ideas, as a means of better mutual understanding and benefits. The talk was most timely.

A large group was in attendance at the St. Louis area meeting, including, M:W: Brother Robert L. Aronson, M:W: Brother Forrest C. Donnell, M:W: Brother James W. Skelly, James W. Taylor, Alfred M. Frager, Frank C. Smyrniotis, Oliver L. Luft, Jack Strosnider, Walter Stronsnider, Kai Holst, Charles Goodman, Ira Click, Ralph Matter, Lucian C. Wedell, Fred C. Kloth, Walter Fink, Ellroy Marty, Oscar H. Nehring, Emmett H. Conant, O. Wesley Konering, James K. Riley, Herbert A. Gast, who had charge of the arrangements for the meeting, John Black Vrooman, Joy Sutton, Dr. J. Floyd Alcorn and Mark King.

PORTLAND HOLDS A TABLE LODGE

ELBERT BEDE, F.P.S., and First Vice President of the Society, reporting on the Portland area meeting, made comments as follows:

"The Thirtieth Anniversary observance in Portland, Oregon, which developed into a 'table Lodge,' was characterized by those present as the most enjoyable Masonic gathering they had ever attended. Nine were present, (although he forgot to list their names), and four who had expected to be present had conflicting dates which had come at the last moment. Total membership in Oregon is 28, hence a third of these was present.

"The opinion was expressed that, if Lodges could have such a percentage of attendance, Freemasonry would go places. Elbert Bede, F.P.S., First Vice President, acted as Master of Ceremonies.

"The Brethren were so pleased with this, their first get-together, that they decided to have similar events three times a year. The next one will be on the third Wednesday in January, when the Landmarks will be discussed. J. Harry Sroufe, M.P.S., is chairman of a special Grand Lodge Committee which has been directed to propose a revision of Oregon's Landmarks, at the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge next June. Elbert Bede is also a member of this committee.'

TULSA OKLAHOMA GROUP HONORS GRAND MASTER

BROTHER CLARENCE T. WEST, JR., chairman of the Tulsa celebration made an exceptionally fine report, in which he writes:

"We had a very interesting and enjoyable birthday dinner at Tulsa on the evening of October 1 (the exact anniversary of the Society), which was a ‘dutch treat' affair held at Borden's Cafeteria, continuing from seven 'til ten in the evening. Nathan Thompson, M.P.S., and one of the leaders of the Society in Tulsa, acted as the master of ceremonies.

Invitations were mailed to all members of the society within the State of Oklahoma, and to all Masters of Masonic Lodges in the 12th Masonic District (Tulsa area) together with a short letter telling something of the purpose and history of the Society. The quality of attendance was 'tops,' and appreciated.

After a most enjoyable meal, members and guests were welcomed, and the master of ceremonies gave a brief outline of the history of the Society, and what it has planned to do in the near future.

The master of ceremonies then presented the Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons in the State of Oklahoma, Brother L.V. Orton, who gave an especially fine talk on subjects pertinent to the spirit of the meeting. After a short discussion period, the meeting adjourned at an early hour."

Attending this meeting were: C.F. West, Nathan Thompson, Ralph H. Brown, J.B. Denton, Walter Mulskey, Ted Pemberton, E.V. Brivington, J.D. Berry, Ed Burgess, L.V. Orton, Wayne Jackson, P. Wayne Jackson, and Herbert E. Getti.

ARIZONA BRETHREN TRAVEL FAR

BROTHER NELSON C. BLEDSOE, who so splendidly took charge of the arrangements for the Tucson, Arizona, dinner and meeting, held on October 18, reports:

"Of the dozen Masons who attended the meeting here, two traveled no less than two hundred and fifty miles to join us, and several others covered more than half that distance. It is an evidence of the zeal and interest that Masons have for the better things of our Craft, and is most gratifying.

"It was impossible to arrange this meeting of the members of the Philalethes," writes Brother Bledsoe, "until October 18, as I was in San Francisco during the first week in October and circumstances prevented me from calling a meeting until the above date.

"Letters of regret were received from several members of the Society. I think this is remarkable, when men are compelled to travel such long distances.

"A delightful dinner was served, and the object of the meeting was explained, and a lively discussion followed, with a great interest."

Present on this occasion were, James R. Malott, F.P.S., Samuel B. Casey, Carey B. Wilson, Franklyn Brown, Ray F. Akin, Nelson C. Bledsoe, J. Byron McCormick, John Brooks, T.F. Buehrer, Charles H. Woods, William S. Dunipace, and Willis R. Pinkerton.

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Chat and Comment

News, achievements and items of interest about our

Fellows arid Members - Discussion and comment on

Mutual Topics.

- Pfan Mail and Observations -

DR. JOHN C. HUBBARD, F P.S., has been re-hospitalized again for a heart condition. We are all sorry to hear this news, and wish the doctor a speedy and complete recovery. Letters of good will and encouragement may be sent the doctor at 1501 N.E. 11th Street, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and will be appreciated, I am sure.

PHILIP H. COAD, F.P.S., was elevated to the position of Eminent Prior of Ohio Priory No. 18, York Cross of Honour, at Findlay, Ohio, on September 13 last. Congratulations, Brother Coad. The York Cross of Honour is an organization composed of those Masons who have served as Master of a Symbolic Lodge, High Priest of a Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, Illustrious Master of a Council of Royal and Select Masters, and Commander of a Commandery of Knights Templar.

NOTICE OF PUBLICATION of the volume, Masonic Studies, Thoughts and Queries, by the late Brother C. H. Van Zyl, in the August Philalethes magazine, did not give the widow's address, from whom book may be obtained. Those who wish to purchase the book may write Mrs. Van Zyl at Mostert Street, Carnarvon, C.P., South Africa.

BROTHER MORTON DEUTSCH, M.P.S., has just returned from a long trip abroad. He writes as follows: "I am back at the old homestead after a busman's tour of hard work which covered three months, and took me as a reader to Bodleian and Christ Church Libraries (at Oxford, England), the British Museum Library and Grand Lodge Library, London; and at the Hague to the Libraries of the Grand East of Holland. Now comes the work of sorting and assorting, assembling, discarding and seeking more data before I can actually proceed with my work." The Society should have some very interesting material as a result of this trip.

DR. McILYAR H. LICHLITER, F.P.S., is retiring on February 1, as Editor of The News-Letter, the official communication between the official family of the Supreme Council, A.A.S.R. (N.M.J.), and Freemasonry throughout the world. Dr. Lichliter has done a splendid job, has brought light and what he himself calls Masonic Interpretation to his readers, and has well served the Craft to whom he has been such a fine leader. Editorship of the News-Letter, will be by Brother Dr. John Gabriel Fleck, 33d, an outstanding Freemason. Hail and farewell!

INQUIRY BY THE EDITOR from Brother William R. Denslow, M.P.S., reveals the fact that Governor Orval Faubus, of Arkansas, is a Mason, being a member of Huntsville Lodge No. 367, of the A.A.S.R. at Fort Smith, of Sahara Shrine, and at the Grotto at Fort Smith.

R.V. CARLESON, M.P.S., of Portland, Oregon, and Editor of The Oregon Freemason, writes that he has had the unique experience of being installed Senior Deacon of his Lodge (Roosevelt Lodge No. 187) twenty-nine years after having served as Junior Deacon of the same Lodge. He removed in 1929, helped organize Ainsworth Lodge No. 201, served as its Master, served as Master in Salem Lodge No. 4, and was Master of Jennings Lodge No. 9, during its centennial year. Quite a unique record, and one of which to be proud.

AT THE ANNUAL COMMUNICATION of the Grand Lodge of Idaho, in September, Brother Clyde L. Rush, M.P.S., Grand Secretary of that body, retired from office after eighteen years. Sincere congratulations to Brother Rush on his long service.

WE ARE SORRY to have mistakenly printed in our October issue that Brother Walter C. Winslow, M.P.S., was a member of the Craft in the State of Washington. M:W: Brother Winslow is a thirty-third degree Mason, and a Past Grand Master in Oregon, and a Past Master of Salem Lodge No. 4, the first Lodge chartered after the formation of the Grand Lodge of Oregon.

BROTHER HENRY S. C CUMMINGS, M.P.S., was coronetted a thirty-third degree Mason at the annual meeting of the Supreme Council, A.A.S.R. (N.M.J.), at Pittsburgh, in September. Sincere congratulations.

ELBERT BEDE, F.P.S., is another of those folks who are always active. Not content with directing the work of the Membership Committee of the Society, he is Tiler of the Oregon Lodge of Research, chairman of the Publicity Committee of the Grand Lodge of Oregon, as well as a member of a special Grand Lodge Committee on Landmarks, to properly interpret the present Landmarks, and see that principles of recognition are understood by the whole membership. Keep it up, Brother Elbert.

AT A DISTRICT CEREMONY, at Norfolk, Virginia, of the Tall Cedars of Lebanon, Brother Leon Godown, M.P.S., was made a "Tall Cedar" at sight, as a token of his fine work for the many Masonic bodies of North Carolina and his work for youth. Congratulations, Brother Leon.

DR. WILLIAM L. CUMMINGS, F.P.S., has been named as the Grand Lecturer for the Grand Chapter, R.A.M. of New York, following the sudden death of the former incumbent of that position. His wide acquaintance, and his knowledge of Masonry will allow him to do an outstanding job of transmitting the tenets of the Craft to those who have a desire to learn it.

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It is Now Possible to Get Back Issues of the Magazine

There have been many inquiries during the past year, for back issues of The Philalethes magazine, and we are happy to announce that Brother Alphonse Cerza, F.P.S., and immediate past president of the Society, has agreed to undertake the supplying of such copies of the magazine as can be found in the files, to anyone who will ask him for them.

There will be a slight charge for postage and mailing, but these issues will be sent just as long as the supply lasts. Interested parties may write to:

ALPHONSE CERZA, F.P.S.

130 Akenside Road,

Riverside, Illinois.

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Lessons on The Scriptures

By CHAPLAIN GEORGE M. CORDNER, M.P.S.

Part 11 Amos 7:1-8

NEAR THE BEGINNING of the Fellow Craft degree our attention is called to a short passage from the book of the prophet Amos. The seventh and eighth verses of the seventh chapter are read as follows: "Thus he shewed me: and, behold, the Lord stood upon a wall made by a plumbline, with a plumbline in his hand. And the LORD said unto me, Amos, what seest thou? And I said, A plumbline. Then said the Lord, Behold, I will set a plumbline in the midst of arty people Israel: I will not again pass by them any more. "

Undoubtedly there are many who believe that this passage is read because it refers to a plumb or plumbline, one of the traditional working tools of a Mason. Admittedly this is the only reference in the King James Version of the Bible to either the plumb, square, or level, but perhaps there is another reason for the choice of this particular bit of Scripture as a lesson for one of the degrees.

Amos, the prophet to whom the contents of this book are ascribed, was a man of Tekoa in the Kingdom of Judah. He is traditionally spoken of as a shepherd, but more probably he was a some-what well - to - do sheep owner who tended his own sheep. Tekoa was a small city about six miles south of Jerusalem which at one time had been a fortified town of some strategic importance. As a measure of peace had come to the land, fortifications were no longer of great value, and the surrounding area returned to agricultural uses. The land being quite rocky, there was no good pasture land for sheep, so most of the flocks of that area and time were small.

Amos's prophecies can be dated close to the middle of the eighth century B.C. Assyria had withdrawn from the land in order to defend her own borders from other foes. The divided Kingdoms of Judah and Israel were in the midst of a time of prosperity and confidence. Jeroboam II was king of the Northern Kingdom, Israel, and he had ruled for over a quarter of a century, bringing increasing security and wealth to his people. As happens so many times in history, when the people felt secure and self-sufficient they began to become forgetful of God, and, to allow both personal and social sin to govern much of their lives. Idolatry was common, the poor were oppressed for the benefit of the richer, contentment became ignorant complacency, and the land was filled with all that was evil and unwise.

In the midst of this situation, Amos left his home in the Southern Kingdom of Judah and journeyed to the Kingdom of Israel in the north, and began to proclaim the nature and extent of the sinfulness of the land, and to prophesy that God was preparing destruction and doom for the nation unless they turned about in their habits and practices and came back to the sincere faith of their fathers.

The prophecies of Amos come almost to a climax in the seventh chapter. Here he starts by recalling the hordes of grasshoppers, or locusts, which had eaten the later harvest of the land, then he recalls the fire, or great heat, which had burned or dried the land. In both of these instances, though, the Lord had repented of what he had done, had ceased the destruction before it became total, and hoped that the people might have learned a lesson. They had not, however, and now Amos speaks of the Lord standing upon a wall with a plumb-line in his hand, saying that he would repent no more. This time the land is measured for destruction, and this time the Lord will not repent.

Amos proclaims that man cannot endlessly ignore the will of the law of God without paying the penalty for his turning aside. From this point on the book tells of the increasing sterness of the prophecies, the conflict that arose about them, and finally, God's promise that when the evil is wiped out the nation will be restored. It is this climactic point in warning that is brought to our attention in the lesson in the degree.

When the Lord was standing upon the wall built by a plumb-line, holding a plumb-line in His hand, he asked Amos what he saw. The answer was an obvious one, so it was just as obvious to Amos that the Lord meant for him to interpret what he had seen, to prophesy about it, and to interpret its meaning for the people.

The plumb-line is an instrument for testing and for decision. It is strictly impersonal and cannot be swayed from its perpendicular drop by wish or by circumstance. Held free of obstruction, it must fall straight toward the ground from its fixed point, and thus be perpendicular, or at a right angle, to the ground. That which is meant to be upright must coincide with it, or fail to be truly upright. That which is meant to be straight and true will be proven so by the plumb-line. There is no alternative. The Lord holds forth a standard of measurement which is without deviation or error.

A wall is the labor of man's hands and skill, and if it fails in its straightness, it is the failure of man not of the wall. Man has planned it, designed it, built it to a standard, and, if it does not agree with the standard, the only inference to be drawn is that man has not chosen to use the measuring tools he has at hand so as to produce the perfect structure he started to build.

Amos is saying to Israel that its people have been taught what is right and good and upright in the light of the wisdom of the eternal God, that its people have labored with their own hands to build a structure, that they have failed to make it as it should be and as Israel knows it is meant to be. The knowledge was theirs, the material was theirs, and the result is theirs also. If the result be wrong, the fault is theirs. Here is the failure of man to put into practice in life the lessons he has been taught in his mind. That man who has the chance to do better, also has the obligation to do better.

At the end of the passage God speaks again in a most positive and final word: "I will never again pass by them." With a ceaseless hope that man will do better and so fulfill his destiny of wisdom and effort, God has already repented of the horde of locusts, and the spell of heat and dryness. He has twice passed by his people, staying judgment because of hope. Now he can no longer pass by. There is a point in life at which the inevitable working of the eternal laws must operate. From this point onward mean will be judged by his own accomplishments, impersonally, without favor or privilege. Having put his mark upon his stone, his wages will be in accordance with his efforts.

In the Fellow Craft degree we are confronted with a great mass of wisdom from the arts and sciences. We are now possessed of the essential knowledge to become skilled Craftsmen. The tools of rough and fine measurement are in our hands, along with the knowledge of their application. We are no longer beholden to another worker for guidance and direction, but are considered capable to move ahead on our own. No longer apprentices, we are now fellows, coworkers personally responsible. We have been shown what is right, but the burden of implementing the right lies with us, not with others. We will be judged in our works by an impersonal measure, not by the achievements of another. It matters not if our wall is more nearly straight than that which another has built. All that matters is, have we honestly built it to measure up to the wisdom and the light we have received and made our own.

Perhaps our Brethren of old, who selected this passage, meant those who heard it to think along these lines. You have been entrusted with wisdom, charged with a task, afforded the opportunity to labor, given the tools to assure a proper job. From this point onward, you, and you alone, can determine how sincere and faithful you shall be to what you have received. No failure can be blamed on another; no achievement can be taken from you; yours is the disappointment or the satisfaction. God, who has always been with you and never will leave you, will judge you by the standards you have been taught. Fail, and you fall short of what you know you can do. Succeed, and you have met the approval of God, and of others, and of self. The honor of the Craft is now as much in your hands as it is in the hands of any. Does the ashlar you shape help to make the temple you seek to build a more nearly perfect structure? Are you a Fellow of the Craft, accepting responsibility for your own portion of the work?

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Making Masonry Meaningful

BY CHARLES G. REIGNER, F.P.S. (Maryland)

WORDS, LIKE THE HUMAN RACE, have a long past. Each one of us is the present end-product of generation upon generation. It is so with words. Many of our present-day English words we can trace back to their Greek and Latin origin. Hundreds of the common words we use every day go back to the days of the Angles and the Saxons.

Take the word Masonry. Nowadays, when we spell the word with an initial capital letter, we are thinking of the world-wide brotherhood of which we are members. When we write masonry, we refer to the art and science of literal building and constructing. The mason uses hammers and mallets and saws and chisels, as well as the rule, the square, the compasses, the spirit level, and the plumb-rule.

Much patient study has been devoted to the origin of the word. There is a Greek word maza, which means to press or work together. There is also a Latin word massa, which was used by the Romans to mean a club or society. From these remote origins we get our English word mass, which means a body of things or people taken collectively; that is, a unity. We talk about amassing a fortune. Military men talk about massing troops; that is, bringing them together into a unified body for action. The practical art of masonry consists of bringing together stone, brick, wood, steel, and other materials and of arranging and erecting them into a functional mass or structure.

How meaningful Masonry can become when we think of it in terms of a unified body of men - men who are building together! The idea of building is shot through and through Masonry. When Oliver Wendell Holmes wrote those familiar lines, "Build thee more stately mansions, O my soul, As the swift seasons roll," he was writing, whether he knew it or not, of building in the Masonic sense. When we talk about building the temple of the soul, we are thinking about developing spiritual values, of following a unified course of action that has for its goal a life that takes into account the precious intangibles of honor and truth and justice and human brotherhood.

How do we go about the business of moral building? First, we try to catch the spirit of the symbolism which lies imbedded in the ritual of Masonry. We ought to understand that the ritual is the "earthen vessel" which holds the "treasure." The vessel itself may appear crude or antiquated, but the treasure is still there. The thoughtful Mason, therefore, through study and contemplation, makes an honest effort to comprehend the treasure which Masonry has in its keeping. He will make time - he won't find it, for time is not to be found hanging around loose - to read what well-informed Masons have written about Masonry and its teachings. He will seek also to bring his own mite to the treasure house of Masonry.

It is not enough, however, merely to understand. "The letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life." A mason may have a complete understanding of his tools; but unless he actually goes to work with those tools, all the knowledge in the world will do him no good. The true Mason seeks constantly to apply his growing knowledge of Masonry to his own conduct and to his relations with other Masons and with all men. He believes in the dignity of human personality, and he acts on that belief. He develops a respect for what men of every religion hold sacred. Specifically, he never uses the name of God save in that attitude of reverence which becomes one who has knelt at the Altar of Masonry. He refuses to allow himself to be carried along in the current of the lowered moral tone of our time. In his words and actions he does his level best - with a power not wholly his own - to hold up the standard of freedom of thought, speech, and conscience. In short, he seeks to exemplify in his daily conduct and behavior the sublime principles which he hears and sees continually proclaimed in the emblems and symbols and allegories of Masonry.

Finally, the thoughtful Mason realizes that Masonry is mass building. It is carried on with the aid and help of other like-minded men - indeed with the aid and help of all men who act on the conviction that the true values of life are, in the last analysis, spiritual and not material.

The secret of Masonry is almost too simple to be found out. All its "Work" of every kind is directed toward one goal - the building of personal character. It is that kind of building which makes Masonry truly meaningful to the individual Mason.

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More on Masonic Attendance

BY ARTHUR H. STRICKLAND, M.P.S. (Kansas)

The increased interest in Masonry, and the attempt by some to over-emphasize attendance problems, has led Brother Strickland, Grand Secretary of Kansas, to point out some of the fallacies blamed on nonattendance. In this current article, he has put the blame where it justly belongs, and suggested possible remedies.

IN DISCUSSING THE MATTER of Lodge attendance, it is necessary that we look into all phases that might be involved in lack of interest in the meetings, with the resultant lack of attendance.

In a previous article (The Philalethes, June 1958) we discussed some of the things which we feel have helped to keep members away from the meetings. In the interest of brevity in that article we limited the discussion to certain things.

We believe that the small attendance that we usually have now is also based on another reason. It is perhaps deeper and more thought-provoking than the ideas advanced in the previous article. All of those reasons enter in, but there is, in the opinion of this writer, an underlying and very basic thing that is rather generally overlooked in the discussions about Lodge attendance.

In its early and formative period Masonry, as we now know it in the present Grand Lodge form since 1717, was a serious, dignified and much respected organization. It continued this way for many, many years, and it was looked up to by members and profane alike as representing the highest type of association. Masonry went along its quiet, unobtrusive way without fanfare or trumpeting, and it was known to the profane only by the deeds of charity and benevolence that were the characteristics of the Order. There was no attempt made to advertise the Fraternity, and the Mason, himself, was very reticent about the affairs of his group.

The organization adhered to its original purpose of teaching the great doctrine of the Fatherhood of God, and the Brotherhood of Man, and the principles of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth. It kept aloof from all entanglements with religious or political parties. It made no effort to make of itself an organization for mere entertainment. It was different from all other societies and it had only the most altruistic motives and the highest ideals and purposes.

Masonry has always welcomed all good men into its ranks, regardless of their station in life or their financial standing. All petitioners for our degrees were carefully investigated, and each candidate was required to await an interval before proceeding to the next degree. The Committees on Investigation were careful and thorough, and when they had finished their work, the Lodge had a true and complete report on the merits of the petitioner. The degrees were conferred in a precise dignified and correct manner, and, the candidates were impressed with the beauty of the ritual and the doctrine it presented.

In the last fifty years this has all changed, and the change is being accelerated all the time. While the matter of proselyting is barred by law, by custom and by tradition, yet many Lodges have officers and members who almost openly flout this, and many members do everything but actually ask prospective candidates to sign petitions. We have been carried away with the idea of rushing candidates through the degrees in droves. Grand Masters issue Special Dispensations to shorten the time between degrees for almost no reason at all. We are constantly asking that courtesy work be done in ether Lodges, and in other states, so that soldiers, sailors, students, salesmen and almost any one else can rush through his work and put on a pin. Committees on Investigation are lax and indifferent, and many times make a favorable report on material that should be barred from our doors.

Our young candidates are receiving the degrees all over the world and under all sorts of circumstances, and all kinds of rituals, and are deprived of the great privilege of receiving this grand work in the peace and quiet and undisturbed dignity of their own fine home town Lodge halls, conferred by Masons who know and like them, and who have a great interest in their becoming good Masons. Instead, they get the work conferred by strangers, perhaps in foreign countries, and when they get home they do not recall what they have received, and possibly do not even recognize any similarity between the work they received, and the work conferred at home.

We are striving for members, and in this modern desire to be the "biggest" or the "first," we have taken from Masonry that thing which charmed our older Brethren, and which made Washington, Franklin, and all the other great men who have been members, devoted to the Order.

In other words we have denaturalized Freemasonry. We have tried to make of it something that it was never intended to be. We have cheapened it in our rush to get members and publicity. We have made it too easy to obtain. We have taken from it that element of quiet dignity that it had, and tried to inject modern entertainment and diversion.

The thinking candidate who approaches the degrees with "a favorable opinion conceived of the Order," in many cases does not now find the thing that attracted his father or his grandfather. He is disappointed when he sits through a whole communication and hears nothing more enlightening than a discussion of the plans for the annual picnic or dance. He probably feels that he can attend a better picnic or a better dance at the country club or elsewhere, and if that is all that Masonry has to offer, he might as well stay away. And so, another name is added to the list of nonattenders.

It is our sincere belief that each of us who believe in real Freemasonry must take the position in our Lodges, that we oppose the matter of proselyting; that we will use whatever influence we have to get our officers to adhere to the legal requirement for time between degrees; that we will encourage our new petitioners to take their degrees in the Lodge that has accepted them, and discourage requests for courtesy work. Let us all work to eliminate the frivolity and the slap-stick, and let us all exert our utmost endeavors to restore to Masonry that dignity, that devotion to ideals, that adherence to principles, that loyalty to things right and good, that made it the great institution that it really is.

When we have put Masonry back into the class where it belongs; when we have restored to Masonry the beauty, the dignity, and the solemnity that inherently belong to it, when we have made of Masonry the organization that our forbears meant it to be, I am convinced that we will have an awakening, not only that will attract the attendance of our present members, but that will also make the organization much more attractive to the thinking profane.

We have tried a lot of things to attract our members. Why not try giving them the thing they sought, namely Freemasonry.

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What Constitutes Good Masonic Reading ?

BY ALPHONSE CERZA, F.P.S. (Illinois)

Alphonse Cerza, F.P.S., is the immediate past President of the society, and has conducted a panel for several years at the annual Midwest Masonic Conference held among the Masonic students and leaders of this area. His subject, "Masonic Books, Periodicals and Reading" is thought-provoking. This article is a simple statement of fact about Masonic reading, in terms of general appreciation and understanding.

SOMEONE SAID MANY YEARS AGO: "The person who knows how to read and does not read, is no better than the person who does not know how to read." There is a great deal of wisdom in these words. The purpose for reading is threefold: To secure facts, to receive pleasure, and to find inspiration. Some Masonic authors try to accomplish all three functions with one sweep of the pen. Masons might be said to have an additional reason for reading good books because Freemasonry teaches that study and work should be the aim of all its members.

The new member is sometimes surprised to hear that there are Masonic books available. When he explores the field he is amazed at the amount of material that has been printed about the Craft. This article is written primarily for his guidance rather than for the older Mason who has been reading material for many years and has learned how to avoid the books that add nothing to our knowledge or our pleasure.

The word "free" in Freemasonry includes the right of free speech. As a result the Craft has no "official voice." This is commendable but it has its unfortunate aspects because many well-meaning Masons with little experience and poor judgment have written books advancing theories that are unsound, have made broad statements which are quoted by nonMasons as authoritative, and have misled the unwary. Some general rules should be stated as guides to secure worthwhile books.

The first rule is that old Masonic books are not necessarily reliable. Some things improve with age, but not books written with imagination rather than facts. There are many who venerate the antique; they should not be the selectors of Masonic books to read. Generally speaking, age alone is not always a test for a good Masonic book. The new reader is well advised to avoid old material until he becomes an experienced Masonic reader because these older books are not reliable, with few exceptions.

The second rule is that books that deal with the origin of Freemasonry and its early history must be chosen with care. Too many of 'these books have been written with vivid imagination minus the perspiration that is attendant on such a task. Too often the author has a pet theory that he is expounding and he has sought a few facts around which he has woven his story. These theories are usually plausible up to a certain point and general start with a provable piece of evidence. But as the story unfolds opinions take the place of further facts and the resulting conclusion is not sound. For example, a book published a few years ago expounded the theory that Freemasonry started in Greece; the basis for the theory was the finding of a statue in which the hands of the figure were in a significant position. From this "find" plus certain other facts it was contended that Freemasonry was undoubtedly fathered at that time and place. There were many unanswered questions and many missing links. While this made interesting reading for one who was reading to consider the theory of the author, it would not be good reading for one who was seeking facts. Such books should be avoided by the new reader of Masonic literature.

Another rule is that all books that seek to link Freemasonry with other organizations should be avoided. One book that has received much "paid" publicity and is promoted with high-pressure methods seeks to attach a fictitious so-called "school" with the Craft. The chief promoter of this book is an expelled Mason and the book is advanced as a "Masonic book" when it is in fact no such thing but is promoted as such because it desires to attach itself to the Craft and profit thereby. This type of books should be avoided.

Good Masonic reading consists of books that give facts to the reader. There are of course books of plays, collections of stories, and poems which are designed to entertain and inspire. Books within this group are well worth reading. Writing is a method of communication; usually the person who is well informed and is interesting to talk to and visit with, is the type of person who writes a worthwhile book. As a result the names of established Masonic authors is a good guide of books that are worth reading. Any book written by any of the following prominent Masonic authors is worth reading: H.L. Haywood, Carl H. Claudy, Roscoe Pound, Melvin H. Johnson, Joseph Fort Newton, William Moseley Brown, Charles C. Hunt, and Ray V. Denslow. There are many other names that come to mind but these are enough to start a beginner on the right track.

Another guide for securing good Masonic books is to read carefully book reviews in Masonic journals written by well known Masonic students. These reviews appear from time to time and one may judge for himself if the subject interests him. Recently there has come to my attention a deceptive kind of promoting in which a paid advertisement was printed as an article with the word "advertisement" inconspicuously appearing on the article. This is not a true book review.

Many Masonic libraries print short lists of recommended reading. These are always good guides for the beginner. There is also a group called the Craftfellow Library Service, 1453 Maple Avenue, Evanston, Illinois, which issues a list of good books that it sells at reduced prices. Each of the books is good.

Many Grand Lodges now have educational committees. The new Mason is well advised to ask for help and suggestions from these committees.

In essence, good Masonic reading consists of books on the subject of Masonry which gives the reader correct facts about the Craft, presents a story of interest if he is reading fiction, and finds inspiration if he is reading that kind of book. No book is a good one unless it presents correct facts in an interesting manner, as brief as the subject will permit, and makes the reader a better Mason by supplying him with worthwhile information or inspiring him with basic moral truths.

Here is a short outline of some good Masonic books that are worth reading. They are arranged according to subject matter so that the reader may select the books under the topics that interest him.

HISTORY

Joseph Fort Newton, The Builders; Robert F. Gould, History of Freemasonry; Haywood and Craig, History of Freemasonry; B. E. Jones, The Freemasons' Guide and Compendium. Melvin M. Johnson, Beginnings of Freemasonry in America, J. H. Tatsch, Freemasonry in the Thirteen Colonies; E. Lennhoff, The Freemasons, and Henry W. Coil, A Comprehensive View of Freemasonry.

MASONIC LAW

A.S. Mackey, Masonic Jurisprudence, Elbert Bede, The Old Landmarks, and Roscoe Pound, Masonic Jurisprudence.

ANCIENT MANUSCRIPTS

Knoop and Jones, The Two Earliest Masonic Manuscripts.

FICTION

Carl H. Claudy, The Lion's Paw; George, The Lodge of Friendship Village; Sylvanus Cobb, Jr., The Caliph of Bagdad; Edward Ellis, Low Twelve, and Edward Ellis, High Twelve.

MONITORS

Thomas Smith Webb, Freemasons' Monitor, William Preston, Illustrations of Freemasonry.

SYMBOLISM

A.S. Mackey, The Symbolism of Freemasonry; Charles C. Hunt, Masonic Symbolism; H.L. Haywood, Symbolical Masonry, and Oliver Day Street, Symbolism of the Three Degrees.

GENERAL

Roscoe Pound, Lectures on the Philosophy of Freemasonry; W. M. Brown, George Washington: Freemason, The Little Masonic Library; Carl Glick, A Treasury of Masonic Thought; H. L. Haywood, Freemasonry and Roman Catholicism, and A. S. Mackey, Encyclopedia of Freemasonry.

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William L. Cummings and Charles H. Pugh New Fellows

THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE of the Philalethes Society announce the election as Fellows of the Society, Dr. William L. Cummings, of Syracuse, New York, and Charles H. Pugh, of Gastonia, North Carolina.

One of the outstanding Masonic students and writers of the United States, Dr. William L. Cummings, a chemist and research engineer, is a member of Konosioni Lodge No. 950, Central City Chapter No. 70, R.A.M., Central City Council No. 13, R.&S.M., and Central City Commandery No. 70, K.T., of all of which bodies he is a past presiding officer.

Active in the many research and study groups which hold their meetings in Washington, D.C., during Masonic Week, Brother Cummings is a member of, and has presided over most of them, including Convent General of York Cross of Honour, Allied Masonic Degrees, Grand College of Rites.

The proud possessor of one of the largest and most varied private Masonic libraries in the world, this Brother has available material for any and all types of Masonic research. He has written factually and in an interesting manner on many Masonic topics, but his best known work is in the field of anti-Masonry, in which he has made a special and lasting contribution, especially as to its biography. His Fellowship is certainly well-deserved.

Dr. Charles Harrison Pugh, Gastonia, North Carolina, who has presided over each of the four state Masonic bodies of the North Star State, Symbolic, Capitular, Cryptic and Chivalric, has been a practicing physician for many years in his home community.

"Doctor Charlie," as familiarly known, has been, like Brother Cummings, extremely active in the small groups meeting in Washington, has like him, presided over most of them, is Secretary of the North Carolina College, S.R.C.I.F., the Masonic Rosicrucian group, and had edited its fine publication Lux, for many years.

Interested in humans, his contacts and association with Masons has given him a philosophy of brotherhood that has endeared him to all who know him. He will make a lasting contribution to the activities of the Society.

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Welcome to New Members

Ralph Malter, 4018 Itaska. St. Louis, Missouri.

William C. Leeson, 1136 Arbutus Avenue, Chico, California.

William R. Denslow, Box 529, Trenton, Missouri.

Carl P King, 533 Chinoe Road, Lexington, Kentucky.

DougIas Murison, Alte Brown 2758, Temperley - F.C.G.R. Argentina.

Herbert J. Martin, 648 East Kline Street, Girard, Ohio.

Thomas G. Taylor, M.D., U.S. Naval Ordnance Plant, Louisville, Kentucky.

Charles H. Woods, 3921 Creciente, Tuscon, Arizona.

Francis W. Dorey, P.O. Box 265, San Jose 25, California.

J. Carl Humphrey 1403 W. Yale Avenue, Muncie, Indiana.

James B. McCormick, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona.

T. F. Buehrer, 1005 N. Warren Avenue, Tucson, Arizona.

John Brooks, 1738 East Third Street, Tucson, Arizona.

Willis R. Pinkerton, 4127 East .. Holmes Tucson Arizona.

Ray W. Kinzie, Box 56, Wichita, Kansas

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We are used to look upon the Indian as a savage, but in its older meaning the word came from silva, a wood, and points to man as he was, - silvestres homines, - men of the forest or children of nature. Human nature is in nowise changed by culture. The European is but a whitewashed savage. Civilized venom is no less poisonous than that of the savage. The first may use a sweatshop, a tenement or adulterated food, the other a - poisoned arrow. - Robert C. Wright, in "Indian Masonry."

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AN URGENT MESSAGE TO ALL

MEMBERS OF THE PHILALETHES SOCIETY

By ELBERT BEDE, F.P.S., Chairman, Membership Committee

YOUR MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE feels that there are many worthy and well-qualified Freemasons who have light to impart and who are seriously seeking such light who are not members of our Society, but who would welcome the opportunity to join us in our work, and who would consider it an honor to do so.

While a huge membership is not for Philalethes, because applications are received only from those who are believed to be serious students of Freemasonry, a modest increase in our members is desirable in order to better finance the work we are now doing.

The Membership Committee has decided that its first great effort shall be to ask each member of Philalethes to recommend for membership one or more Freemasons who fit the description of those we seek. The committee will notify such Brethren of their recommendation, and send a copy of The Philalethes magazine and the four-page leaflet containing a description of the Society, its aims, and an application blank.

Personal contact is by no means ruled out, but personal solicitation is too often delayed. WE DESIRE EARLY AND POSITIVE ACTION.

Members, please act immediately! Representatives, we are depending on each of you for nominations. Mail nominations to:

ELBERT BEDE, Chairman,

Membership Committee,

2316 N.E. 42nd Avenue,

Portland 13, Oregon.

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Two Hundred Twenty-Eight Years of Service Given by Him

IT PROBABLY IS NOT A RECORD nor is it said that he is the only Mason to have served so long and faithfully, but just "for the record" - and it is a fine record - we cite Ray V. Denslow, F.P.S. Life, for more than two hundred twenty - eight cumulative years of varied and continued service to his Brethren.

As Grand Secretary-Grand Recorder of the Grand Chapter, R.A.M., Grand Council, R.&S.M., and Grand Commandery, K.T., of Missouri, he has served a total of one hundred eight years in these positions. His initial service in each was in 1923, at the death of R. F. Stevenson.

He was Grand Master of the M:W: Grand Lodge of Missouri in 1931, Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter R.A.M. of Missouri in 1919, and General Grand High Priest of the General Grand Chapter, 1942-194.

As Fraternal Correspondent, he has "enscribed" the official actions of the several bodies of his state for a total of one hundred twenty years, being Fraternal Correspondent for Missouri's Grand Council and Grand Commandery since 1925, a total of forty-eight years, and of the Grand Lodge and Grand Chapter of Missouri from 1933, a total of fifty-two years.

The Masonic World, Fraternal Correspondence report of the Grand Lodge of Missouri, is, perhaps, the most comprehensive resume of Freemasonry throughout the world of any like report published, and is known for its accuracy and interest by Masonic scholars who need up-to-date authentic information.

Possibly his most far-reaching contribution to a knowledge of Freemasonry abroad, was when, on several occasions, he traveled to Europe to study Masonic conditions there, make a report, recommend what co-operation and assistance should be given, and make the Masonic world aware of the fact that Freemasonry abroad has become almost normal in its activity.

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The Points of Entrance

by R.J. Meekren, F.P.S.

(Life) (Quebec)

The paper by Brother Coil, "How the Rituals Grew," in the October 1957 issue of The Philalethes is very interesting, and to me it is another very welcome sign that at last a select few Brethren in America are taking up the serious study of the Masonic ritual, and its development through the last two hundred and fifty years. Brother Coil is also to be congratulated in that he has taken up for investigation a section of this field of research that so far has never been examined in detail.

Of course the Points (or Point) of Entry originally had no connection whatever with the Cardinal Virtues. Like some other phrases found in our rituals, and our oldest documents, they were traditional, and it seems obvious that even as far back as the early years of the eighteenth century their original significance had been forgotten, or at least had become obscure, for even in 1730 Prichard explained them by another intriguing phrase, Heal and Conceal.

Heal, or Hele, may at that time been pronounced Hail, as other words which are now pronounced with a long "e" were also pronounced as if spelled with an "a," and the Masons of the period only followed the pronunciation then customary. The word Heal is still in use in English dialect, meaning to cover or cover up. It is not the same word as Hail, in the sense of a salutation, or to call someone.

The connection of the Points of Entry with this other old phrase (which is evidenced by Prichard) is confirmed by the old French catechisms of 1744, and as a matter of fact is still retained in the English Catechetical Lectures, and the same explanation is given, that of concealing the secrets of Freemasonry. And this is the same answer that is given in the York Lectures. But in these lectures the two phrases have been separated - it is not obvious how or why this should have been done - and the second has been connected with the communication of the token, while the point of entrance, as Brother Coil has I think, conclusively shown, have been explained as referring to the four signs, and these have evidently been taken from the Grand Mystery Group of Catechisms, that is, the Guttural, Manual, Pectoral and Pedestal. The order was apparently not of any significance as it varies in each document.

I would suppose that the Points of Entrance having been left loose, yet deemed of traditional importance, were more or less forcibly attached to the four signs, and these again explained as referring to the four Cardinal Virtues. This was in America, and may have been done by Webb himself, and I think that he was the first to connect them with the "Eulogiums" on the Virtues which were taken from Preston's Illustrations of Masonry. These were also borrowed by the compilers of the nineteenth century version of the lectures in England, but there they are not connected with the points of entrance, but are introduced as "Original Forms," in the sixth section of the E.A. degree, and they have the same reference to the four signs. The Points have not been forgotten, however, but they are referred to in an earlier section, where they are said to be Of, At and On. And these cryptic prepositions are explained as referring to the essential things to be done in the initiation or "making" a Mason.

One thing it would be most interesting to find out, and that is, what was the original reference, or significance, of the Points, or Point, of Entrance?

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PARTS

Parts is an old word for degrees or lectures. In this sense Freemasonry is said to be consistent in all its parts, which point to one and the same object, prominently kept in view throughout all the consecutive degrees; and that every ceremony, every Landmark, and every symbolical reference, constitutes a plain type of some great event, which appears to be connected with our best and greatest interests. - Sandusky Masonic Bulletin.

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The Human Side of The Philalethes Society

IF FREEMASONRY, in the words of Sir Walter Scott ' . . . is the secret sympathy, and the silver link, the silken tie which heart to heart and mind to mind in body and soul can bind . . . ," and religion is the golden cord which unites Man to God, Masonry the silver line which are from Man to Man - what then, is our purpose in Freemasonry?

Is it not to be more intelligent, Masonically, in order that we may be of help to our fellow man? To this end the Philalethes Society was organized thirty years ago, on October 1, 1928. Deriving its name from two Greek words - philos and aletheia - meaning "love of truth," and pronounced "filla-laythees," the Society has become an international organization of Freemasons who seek more light, and Freemasons who have more light to impart.

It is a center which unites Freemasons everywhere - a clearinghouse through which Masonic information and ideas can be interchanged, and through which mutual problems and personal Masonic research can be discussed.

It encourages Masonic research and study by intelligent Freemasons, and promotes the gathering and writing of interesting and informative Masonic information in The Philalethes magazine.

ORIGIN AND HISTORY

The real germ idea of the Society was first expressed in a letter dated January 15, 1927, from Brother George M. Imbrie, Editor of Masonic Light, of Kansas City, Missouri, to Brother Cyrus Field Willard, of San Diego, California, and who were, with Robert I. Clegg, the true founders of the Society.

"You and I," wrote Brother Imbrie, "would never have joined the Masons had we not learned something of its philosophy. Should we form a society on the same lines you suggest, would it not be almost a counterpart of the old Royal Society (of England) of the old days?

"Therefore, is it not possible," he continued, "that these men (of the old Royal Society) became philosophers through their connection with the old Masonic society?"

On these broad lines the society was formed, and gradually expanded its influence and activities. Brother George H. Imbrie became the first President of the Society, and did much to formulate the principles and literary background which has characterized the Society's expansion.

It is unfortunate that the first years of the Society coincided with the beginning of the Great Depression in the early 1930's, when every activity was curtailed. Quietly working under many difficulties, the Society added eager Masonic workers to its ranks, both in this country and abroad.

Representative Freemasons in foreign countries were enrolled as observers, who made their reports to the officers of the Society on Masonic conditions in their part of the world, but no one not a member of a Masonic body recognized as regular by a majority of American Grand Lodges, is permitted to participate in the activities of the Society.

Several years after the organization of the Society, a Bureau of Masonic Information was established, where data of Masonic interest could be assembled, queries on Masonic problems answered, and articles of Masonic nature could be sent to the membership.

Severely handicapped financially, as well as by the small number of members, little more than mimeographed bulletins and articles could be furnished - this, of course, before the establishment of The Philalethes magazine in 1946.

It should be noted, however, that many Masonic publications in this country and abroad, devoted regularly, a page or more of each issue published, to the Philalethes Society under a special heading, and with the Society's emblem printed thereon "With Rough Ashlar and Trestle Board." This publicity was of material assistance in making the Society active and useful during these trying years.

Officer personnel changed rapidly. On the death of Brother Imbrie in 1932, Alfred M. Moorhouse, Editor of the New England Craftsman, Boston, Massachusetts, was elected President, and served until 1938, when Cyrus Field Willard took over this important position.

Henry F. Evans, Editor of The Square & Compass of Denver, in which the "masterpieces" of the Fellows of the Society were published for many years, became President on the death of Willard in 1942. He was followed in 1946 by Walter A. Quincke, in which year The Philalethes magazine was established.

Following the close of World War II, and until Quincke's death in 1951, the Society expanded rapidly, and became more active. Membership increased; members took a greater part in the activities of the Society, and it became evident that the foundation work of the first officers of the Society would bear fruit, and that the Society would assume its well-deserved place in the Bee Hive of Freemasonry. Alas, this was not yet to be!

In 1954, during the re-organization of the Society, following Quincke's death, Brother Lee E. Wells, F.P.S., and President, pro term wrote in The Philalethes magazine as follows:

"In 1951 the President, Walter Quincke died, and was succeeded by Harold H. Kinney. The work of the Society was ably continued without interruption until Brother Kinney also died very suddenly. The work of the Society stopped. There were no designs upon the trestleboard and there was confusion and chaos.

"Time passed during which no member or Fellow felt that he, personally, should take the initiative. In April 1952, Brother Lee E. Wells, F.P.S., First Vice President, and Brother Elbert Bede, F.P.S., held a conference relative to means of re-activating the Society.

"Later, Brother Wells conferred with Brother Alphonse Cerza, of Chicago, Illinois, and with Brother Harold V. B. Voorhis, F.P.S., in New York. It was their definite opinion that the Society must be re-activated as soon as possible.

"Brother Lee E. Wells, F.P.S., became President pro tem, and by directive immediately appointed Alphonse Cerza, of Chicago, as First Vice President with the duty of contacting all members in the Central and Southern sections of the United States.

"Brother Arthur H. Triggs, Oakland, California, was appointed Second Vice President with the duty of contacting all western and southwestern members. Brother Lawton E. Meyer, St. Louis, Missouri, was then appointed Executive Secretary, and the re-organization of the Society began."

A word of commendation is due at this time for those who worked so loyally in this re-organization. Brother Lee E. Wells did a yeoman job, as did Cerza, Triggs (who later resigned because of the press of his other Masonic activities) and Lawton Meyer, whose death occurred on Christmas Day 1955. The Society owes much to these fine men for their pioneer work.

There were still many problems to be solved, a Constitution and By-Laws to be drawn up and approved, and a trestleboard of work to be set up. As this was being done, temporary officers were elected to serve until a formal election could be held and permanent officers elected. By the latter part of 1954 Society affairs were stabilized, and the Society again became active.

Naturally, membership had dropped during the inactivity of the Society. Many members had died or moved, and contact had been lost. It was necessary to build and to get new blood. Most of all, it was necessary to set up a constructive and interesting program of activities which would be attractive and useful to Freemasons everywhere.

An election of officers was held in October 1954, and Brother Alphonse Cerza, F.P.S., who had been so diligent in the re-organization, was elected President for the term ending December 31, 1957. Publication of The Philalethes magazine was resumed early in 1954, and it is now published every other month, six times a year.

Membership, which was at its lowest ebb, has been increased until there are now approximately five hundred active, interested members in this country and abroad.

It is anticipated that the Society may, with reasonable assurance, look forward to a period of continued prosperity, and to an active program in which all Freemasons everywhere may join to the promotion of better Masonic good will and understanding.

ACTIVITIES

The Philalethes magazine: Through the pages of The Philalethes magazine, official publication of the Society, members are kept informed of current Masonic research projects, given interesting and informative Masonic reading material, and provided with the opportunity of making literary contributions to the magazine.

NOTES, QUERIES AND INFORMATION on items of Masonic research: A special page in The Philalethes magazine is devoted, in each issue, to matters of special Masonic study, to stimulate and encourage the following up of items of unusual or curious Masonic history, biography or significance. Masonic queries and items of Masonic interest are listed, with the request that those members of the Society who have any additional information on that particular topic or item, correspond with and assist the member who lists the query, in order to get more illustrative material for additional study.

Individuals who have a special or little-known subject of study are thus brought into contact with others who are interested in the same general subject, and by this means of communication it becomes valuable not only to them, but to the whole membership.

CERTIFICATE OF LITERATURE: To stimulate and better literary contributions to The Philalethes magazine by the membership, a literary contest was set up awarding a CERTIFICATE OF LITERATURE each year to the writer of the best article printed in The Philalethes magazine, for its Masonic interest, literary quality and choice of subject.

THE MASONIC WORKSHOP: One of the less-highly developed activities of the Society, is the MASONIC WORKSHOP, which is a forum or research panel, first activated several years ago by the American Lodge of Research and later abandoned by it. This takes the form of an informal gathering of interested Freemasons who are in Washington, D.C., during Masonic Week each February. Designed to formulate a practical means of improving procedure in Masonic study and research, this group has brought together Freemasons of all sorts who have a common and positive need for such information and methods. The how to do Masonic research has become one of the greatest emphases of Masonic study today.

The Philalethes Society has been built by the personal effort of its founders, and is being perpetuated by the devotion, activity and knowledge of its present members. Certainly, there is no greater service that can be given than that of making better Masons out of its members.

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Love as Man's Soul

By Rabbi H. Geffen, 32d, F.P.S.

Humanity has many understandings of love, but they are lost and forgotten. Masonic conception of love is also mystical and religious, for contemporary humanity has almost entirely lost the spiritual understanding of love. Men in our time understand love as a common every-day manner of life, but not as we Masons understand it.

We Masons assume that love does not serve life alone, but serves the higher apprehension. Love is a cult, a magical ceremony. Love in relation to our life is a Deity.

The Mason recognizes that all the creative activity of humanity results from love. Our entire world revolves around love as its center. The history of culture - this is the history of love. Masonry says that creation, the birth of ideas is the light which comes from love; this light comes from a great fire. In this eternally burning fire in which humanity and all the world are being incessantly purified, all the forces of the human spirit and of genius are being evolved and refined, and we must hope that this same fire, or by its aid, by the aid of love, a new force will arrive and deliver humanity from the bondage of barbarity and bigotry, from the chains of the modern tyrants.

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