The Philalethes

THAT - as we look about us, we can see many items of Masonic interest which could and should be preserved for posterity. The common things of Freemasonry are usually the most interesting, if we will but notice them.

A history of a community can usually be traced back to the lives of a few dedicated men and women with ideals, who determined to do something to make that community a better place in which to live.

The records of that place and of those lives, both in the past, and in the fast-disappearing present, are a wondrous source of information. In the death of people who are now alive, will be lost many of the facts, anecdotes and history of our surroundings.

Now is the time to gather the facts from the living, lest these facts be misinterpreted, mis-used and garbled by others. Living persons are a never-ending source of facts, and Masonic students would do well to study the facts of the past and present in the light of those who currently have helped to make these facts.

We too often look afar for fields of Masonic endeavor. In our own community will be found all the study we need. But we must not make the mistake of waiting until the living sources of information have become dead tombs of conjecture.

The town square of the country town, the hitchingpost in front of the country store - these were the most fertile sources of gossip. Gossip about persons, places and events of years gone by can still be obtained from the old folks who inhabit the communities of this country. Folks who remember "way back when . . . ," are as anxious now as then, to weave a yarn about what took place at the turn of the century - they want people to know about the change from horse and buggy to the auto, and there are few who are not proud of Lodge events in the time when the Masonic Lodge was, the center of town activity.

Gut busy now! Get vital information now - while it is available from its source. What an opportunity for Masonic research there is in studying Masonry at home - in your own community.

NOTICE TO MEMBERS

Please take notice of the fact that there is a new Executive Secretary of the Society. All dues, inquiries and other correspondence except that which has to do with The Philalethes magazine, should be sent to:

G. ANDREW McCOMB, Executive Secretary,

3615 Euclid Avenue,

Cleveland 15, Ohio. E

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Guidance for the Senior Warden

by LAURENCE R. TAYLOR, F.P.S. (Indiana)

Chairman, Committee on Masonic Education,

Grand Lodge, F&AM of Indiana.

This paper, read at the Eighth Annual Midwest Conference on Masonic Education, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, November 8, 1957, is one of the outstanding projects planned in Masonic circles. It is practical, it is needed, and it is simple. Too often, Lodge officers are advanced by "ladder rote," and with little consideration of their qualifications and experience.

By permission of the Midwest Conference and the Committee on Masonic Education of the Grand Lodge of Indiana, the fruit of this study is presented to the readers of The Philalethes with enthusiasm and the hope that it may be helpful.

A SEVENTEENTH CENTURY POET George Herbert, wrote a maxim which goes to the core of this paper: "He that is master must serve."

It seems obvious that I am speaking to a group of Brethren who are fully acquainted with the heavy responsibilities which descend upon the shoulders of a Senior Warden when he is installed as the Worshipful Master of his Lodge. The reasons why a Senior Warden should receive training for the high station which he eventually will occupy are well known to all of you.

I assume your unanimous agreement to the premise that some kind of a training program - or guidance program, as I prefer to call it - is needed for the Senior Warden. Thus this important subject resolves itself into the questions of what such a program should include, and how it can be operated effectively on a statewide basis. These questions will be the focal point of this paper.

But first some recognition must be given to officer-guidance methods now in use by some Lodges and Grand Lodges. I know not how many Lodges in other Jurisdictions actively support such a program, but they must be relatively few. In Indiana they are largely (although not entirely) confined to Lodges in metropolitan areas; and, with few exceptions, they leave much to be desired from the point of view of over-all coverage.

Where such a program is under way it usually is directed to all the officers, although some may place particular emphasis on the Senior Warden; and the evidence points to a preponderance of time devoted to proficiency in the ritual with a minimum of time expended on training the prospective Master to be a competent Masonic executive. Perhaps it is natural that such a situation should exist, for few who are not Past Masters have any conception of the magnitude of a Master's potential responsibilities - and even many Past Masters perhaps a majority, are unaware of the broad scope of these responsibilities for the simple reason that in any given year it is not likely that the Master will find it necessary to meet and deal with all of them.

Some Grand Jurisdictions have published an officers' manual under various titles, and some have developed other methods. But I know of none in which a guidance program has been directed specifically and exclusively to the Senior Warden. Soon a book will be published under the title of Designs Upon the Trestleboard, purported to be "a modern guide book for Masters and Wardens." It was written by Past Master Arthur R. Herrmann of 4181 Park Avenue Bronx 57, New York, and will sell for $3.50 postpaid, with a sales tax of ten cents added for New York City addresses.

Two years ago the Indiana Committee on Masonic Education determined to do something for our Senior Wardens. Outlines were prepared for the contents of a "Senior Warden's Kit" and writing assignments were made. Then it was found that the scope of the project was growing rapidly, literally "by leaps and bounds." The problem soon became one of what not to include, rather than what to include. Obviously such a "kit" must be comprehensive. On the other hand it must not be too voluminous or formidable. This would defeat our purpose by literally "scaring the pants off" the Senior Warden before he ever got started.

The proposed "Table of Contents" was revised and then revised again. Now we believe it represents about the minimum and the maximum of what such a "kit" should contain. An outline of the proposed contents follows the conclusion of this introduction and it represents the substance of this paper. Most of the subject-matter has been written, but it must be condensed and then condensed some more before it is in final form - and that is why we can not place the finished product in your hands today. Frankly, the job is bigger than we had anticipated; but we hope to complete it before March 1.

The idea of a "kit" has been abandoned, and instead, the material will be assembled in loose-leaf form, bound with prong fasteners so pages can be added or deleted at will. The book will be called "Looking Toward the East" and it will be mailed free of charge to all Senior Wardens in Indiana, each year, in ample time for them to study it thoroughly - and it will become their personal property.

Just two years ago there appeared in the Masonic News of Idaho, edited by Clyde I. Rush Grand Secretary of Idaho, the following item which struck me as being particularly appropriate:

THE NEW WORSHIPFUL MASTER

"So, Mr. Senior Warden, you will soon be the new Worshipful Master of your Lodge. For several years now you have been 'going through the chairs.' As a Steward, a Marshal, a Deacon, you didn't give much thought to the responsibilities of the East. As Junior Warden you were still a couple of years away, and you enjoyed the comparatively easy job of filling the South, where there is not much to do and not much to say.

"All of a sudden now you are Senior Warden, a few weeks away from the Master's station.

"First, you say, 'We're going to have some good programs in this Lodge next year. We're going to fill those vacant chairs I have been staring at on the north side these past five or six years.'

"You may do that very thing - we hope you do; but chances are you will not, unless you give it some serious thought. All the thinking must come first, for when you take the gavel as Worshipful Master you will find other responsibilities awaiting your attention. Here's your challenge - filling those chairs.

"A sad thing about Masonry, the width and breadth of this land, are those vacant chairs. Can you, as Worshipful Master of your Lodge, come up with an idea, a series of programs, and leadership that will stimulate your program committee to create an atmosphere which will bring into those empty chairs the ninety per cent of your members who do not take part in the esoteric work or even attend?

"We hope you will try."

It is those "other responsibilities awaiting your attention," as Brother Rush's item puts it, with which Indiana's book of guidance for the Senior Warden is chiefly concerned. In addition to the ritual, which properly is the responsibility of the Grand Lodge Ritual Committee, there are a number of routine duties which the Master must perform. Like death and taxes, these are ever present. They are as certain as tomorrow's dawn. In addition, the Master probably will be called upon to meet other responsibilities which frequently are thrust upon him; and there also is a variety of duties which he may be called upon to perform.

Our objective, then, is to help the Senior Warden prepare himself to meet, with competence and confidence, any and all of the manifold situations that may evolve during his year as Worshipful Master.

Here is the outline I mentioned previously:

Outline of material for senior Wardens, to be titled:

LOOKING TOWARD THE EAST

I. Letter of Transmittal from the Grand Master outlining objectives of the Senior Warden's Kit and including "The Athenian Oath." Stress importance of familiarity with the Indiana Blue Book of General Regulations and his Lodge's By-Laws.

II. Responsibilities, Obligations and Essential Relations of the Worshipful Master.

A. To the Grand Lodge

1. Relations to the Grand Master or his Deputy.

a. Reception and entertainment of Grand Lodge Officers and distinguished guests

2. Duties of the Worshipful Master as a member of the Grand Lodge

a. Attendance

b. Committee Service

c. Voting at Grand Lodge Session ( Lodge cannot instruct the Master how to vote)

3. Relations to the Grand Secretary

a. Master responsible for required reports, dues, fees, etc.

b. Available services and materials from Secretary

(I) Free

(II) Charged

c. Advice from the Grand Secretary

4. Relations to the Grand Lecturer

a. Reports at time of Lodge of Instruction

b. Ritualistic performance at Lodge of Instruction

5. Relations to the Masonic Home

a. The organization and government of the Home

b. Admissions to the Home

(I) Standards of Legibility

(II) Work of Masonic Home Visitor

(III) Obligations of the Lodge concerning its members

(a) Preparing applications

(b) Bringing guests to Home

(d) Masonic burial, guests of Home

(IV) Proper function Lodge Committee on the Masonic Home

(V) Specimens of various Masonic Home forms

6. The Committee on Masonic Education

a. Its functions and purposes

B. To his Lodge

1. Powers and authority of Master

a. In presiding over meetings

(I) Opening and closing

(II) Permissible and nonpermissible motions

(III) Debate and discussion

(IV) Balloting

(a) On candidates

(b) On motions

(V) Conduct of trials

b. In calling special meetings

c. In appointing and utilizing committees

(I) investigating

(II) Standing

(III) Special

d. In enforcing General Regulations

(I) Members

(II) Sojourners

e In enforcing Lodge By-Laws

2. Encouragement and promotion of ritualistic proficiency

3. Securing effective candidate instruction

a. Work lectures

b. Mentor plan or equivalent

4. Proper training and use of Lodge officers

a. Know each officer's duties - see they are performed

b. Regular and informative "staff meetings"

(I) To coordinate activities

(II) Inform officers of plans

(III) Train officers for future duties

c. Selection of appointive officers

5. Administration of Lodge funds

a. Budget preparation - relation to planned program

b. Regular financial reports

c. Auditing

d. Administration of Lodge property - relationship to Trustees

e. Proper and improper use of Lodge funds

6. Understanding and effective encouragement of Masonic Charity

a. What it is. Welfare of members

(I) The sick

(II) The bereaved

(III) The unemployed

(IV) The widows and orphans

7. Planning the Lodge program

a. Planning and scheduling events well in advance

b. Securing a brood and varied program

c. Making effective use of Lodge talents

(I) The Evansville questionnaire

(II) Effective use of committees

d. Adequate and appropriate publicity

(I) To the members directly

(a) In the Lodge

(b) Through the mails

(II) Through the local press

8. Proper conduct of Masonic funerals

a. Responsibility of Master and Lodge to the family

b. Securing attendance

c. Making proper public impression

9. Special relation of the Worshipful Master to the Past Masters

10. The Indiana Freemason

a. Encouragement of subscriptions

b. Report news of important events

C. To the Community

1. Permissible public functions and how they should be conducted

2. Relationship of Lodge to the churches

3. Relationship to public or civic financial drives and campaigns

D. To other Masonic and Affiliated Bodies

III. A Guide to understanding the Blue Book

IV. A brief list of Books, Pamphlets and Periodicals helpful to Masters and Lodge Officers

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Chat and Comment

News, achievements and items of interest about our

Fellows and Members - Discussions and comment on

Mutual Topics.

- Pfan Mail and Observations -

BROTHER GEORGE S. DRAFFEN, F.P.S., Grand Librarian of the Grand Lodge of Scotland, and very active in all Masonic affairs, was installed Worshipful Master of Quatuor Coronati Lodge No. 2076, London, on November 18, 1957.

It is known, of course, that Quatuor Coronati Lodge is the oldest and most famous of all Research Lodges, and its Transactions are among the best known, and contain some of the finest Masonic research obtainable anywhere. Congratulations are in order for Brother Draffen.

AT THE 32ND BIENNIAL MEETING of the Masonic Relief Association of the United States and Canada, held October 28 and 29, 1957, at Buffalo, New York, Brother William E. Yeager, M.P.S., was elected and installed as President of the Association. His Masonic activity and knowledge of things Masonic, will give the Association a fine asset.

BROTHER G. L. AUSTIN, M.P.S., OF DUNEDIN, NEW ZEALAND, writes: "You may be interested to know that I am at present serving as Master of Research Lodge Otago No. 161. The objects of this Lodge are to engage in the study of the mysteries, traditions, history, ethics, etiquette and symbolism of Freemasonry, and to convey the results of such studies to its members and the Craft in general, by means of lectures, papers, and discussions. We hold six meetings a year, and the lectures given at these meetings are printed in the Lodge Transactions. In addition, we provide papers and speakers for Craft Lodges which desire to make advancement in Masonic knowledge." This is a good work, and Brother Austin should be encouraged in continuing it.

"EVERYWHERE THE SAME COMPLAINT IS MADE," writes Brother Bliss Kelly, M.P.S. "In some places, social gatherings are arranged to create more interest; the Royal Arch Masons have instituted certain honors to induce more work, and has the 'Royal Arch Widow' degree to appease the wives of the officers. All these may be good, but they are not the answer to the problems (of attendance), and until we become realistic in our thinking and quit criticizing those who should not be criticized, the same troubles will continue.

"Perhaps comments might be invited," he adds, "and a symposium of ideas (on what to do to stimulate Lodge attendance), brought together by such an article." What about it, readers, here is something into which to sink your teeth.

BROTHER FRANK W. WILSON, M.P.S., was elected and installed Most Illustrious Grand Master of the Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of Massachusetts, for the third consecutive term, at the annual meeting of this group in Boston, December 9, 1957. Good work.

BROTHER Ross HEPBURN, F.P.S., has just received Honoris Causa Rank as a Past Grand Warden in the Grand Lodge of New Zealand. This honor was conferred in recognition of his distinguished service to Masonic Education in New Zealand over a long period of years. He was Secretary of Master's and Past Master's Lodge No. 130 (one of the leading Research Lodges of the World) for 14 years, and was Editor of the Transactions of the Lodge for 17 years.

During that time he not only wrote many papers of Masonic interest, but gave answers to more than 500 Masonic questions. He was Grand Lecturer of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand 1943-4-5. This is a splendid honor, well deserved, and one which deserves hearty congratulations.

FROM THE MISSOURI HISTORICAL REVIEW, October 1957 issue, we read: "The Trenton Centennial History Committee printed Trenton Missouri -Centennial History a 160-page booklet recording in pictures and stories the changes which have taken place in Grundy County in recent years. On the last day of Trenton's celebration, Ray V. Denslow, F.P.S. (Life), spoke on the desire of man to perpetuate his name and acts to posterity as he deposited a time capsule which it is hoped will be opened on June 22, 2057." It is also our guess that Brother Denslow had a prominent part in the compilation and writing of the history.

SEVERAL MEMBERS OF THE SOCIETY were honored at the biennial sessions of the Supreme Council of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, Southern Jurisdiction, at Washington, D.C., in October. Brother Nelson C. Bledsoe, M.P.S., was named an active Member of the Supreme Council, and Deputy for Arizona; Brother Jacob J. Quillen, M.P.S. (Oregon), was elected a Thirty-Third degree Mason, while Brother Victor E. Vieira, M.P.S. (Oregon), and John Black Vrooman, F.P.S., were elected to the Rank and Decoration of Knight Commander of the Court of Honour (K.C.C.H.).

It is probable that there are other members of the Society who have been thus honored, and it would be doing us a favor to let the Editor know, so that proper credit can be given.

IN THE NEWS-LETTER OF THE SUPREME COUNCIL, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite (Northern Jurisdiction), which he has edited so long, so brilliantly and so adeptly, Brother McIlyar H. Lichliter, F.P.S., writes: "Pardon a personal reminiscence. The Editor of The News-Letter is celebrating his 50th year as a Freemason and as a member of the Scottish Rite. He is interested in contrasts. In 1907 there were 47,386 members in the 32nd degree. In 1957 there are 463,837 (NOTE: In Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, no doubt). The 33rd degree was then conferred on 56 members . . . and in 1957 the 33rd degree was conferred on 172. The Rite has grown in significance, in world-consciousness, in benevolent giving as well as numbers."

This is a thoughtful interpretation of Freemasonry, and reflects Brother Lichliter's characteristic outlook. In another column, we report his retirement from active participation in Masonic affairs, but there is little evidence that he will remain idle.

AND NOW WE START A NEW YEAR, so it is hoped that some of our members and readers may continue to make news for us - and especially do we hope that there will be more and more research done, that we may continue to publish items and papers of Masonic interest and information.

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL OF YOU!

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A Message From the President

by DR. WILLIAM MOSELEY BROWN. F.P.S.

To all Fellows and Members of the Philalethes Society:

MY SINCERE THANKS are extended to each of you for the honor you have done me in electing me your President for the term beginning January 1, 1958. With the assurance of my appreciation comes the necessity of having your support and active cooperation in every possible way. No man or committee can make the Society function as it should without the help of our entire membership. The Executive Committee, composed of your officers (to whom has now been added as an ex officio member, but without the voting privilege, Past President Alphonse Cerza), cannot achieve the success which we all hope for unless we have your unreserved assistance.

I am sure that we are all deeply appreciative of what has been accomplished in the past several years. To those who have made these achievements possible we extend our hearty thanks. I have served as First Vice President and I hope to "step up" my activities for the future.

Some of the items, which demand our immediate attention, are the following:

More articles for our magazine. One of the most important of all our activities is the publication of The Philalethes. Under the able editorship of Brother John Black Vrooman this publication has become an outstanding one in the Masonic world. With the approval of the Executive Committee I have reappointed Brother Vrooman as editor for the ensuing term. Both he and the rest of your officers hope to make the publication an even better one in the coming months. We need your suggestions, of course, which may be sent either to Brother Vrooman or to me. More than that, however, we need articles of high quality showing real Masonic scholarship. The Philalethes is not a magazine which carries reprinted material. Certain types of articles are frankly not suitable for our purposes and those submitting them have to be notified accordingly by our editor. Original contributions of high literary quality are needed, though it is not necessary that the authors should be literary experts to meet our requirements. So please submit your material as often as possible as long as you think it will meet our high standards.

More members. It is axiomatic in all organizations that an organization must depend upon its members for its existence and progress. Our Membership Committee, of which Brother Elbert Bede, First Vice President, is chairman, will welcome your assistance in increasing our present membership as greatly as possible during 1958. Our finances are not adequate to enable the Society to render to its members the services which they expect. No officer draws a salary for his services. The funds received are all expended in the promotion of the Society's program. We actually should have at least 1000 members in order to do the job needed.

The Masonic Workshop. Two years ago the Philalethes Society undertook the operation of the Masonic Workshop, which had been so efficiently begun by the American Lodge of Research of New York. Another session of the Workshop has been scheduled for February of this year with Brother James R. Case serving as chairman and Brother Henry Emmerson as secretary. We have a fine committee handling this phase of our activities for the coming meeting. The names of the committee members are announced elsewhere in this issue. The American Lodge of Research is still collaborating with us in this project. All of our members are invited to attend the Workshop and to make their individual contributions by way of presentations and discussions. Send your suggestions for next year to Brother Case or to any other member of the committee.

On behalf of all of your new officers I wish each of you a most profitable year in 1958. May your Masonic horizons be broadened and may the depths of your spiritual experiences be increased because of your participation in the program of our Society. May the Supreme Architect of the Universe bless you in all of your laudable undertakings and may He delight ever to bless you and dwell with you.

Fraternally,

WILLIAM MOSELEY BROWN,

President

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Committee Appointments

Our President, Brother William Moseley Brown, has announced the following committee appointments:

Publication:

Albert L. Woody (Ill.), Ch.

Edward J. Franta (N.D.).

Laurence R. Taylor (Ind.).

Regularity:

Ray V. Denslow (Mo.), Ch.

Harold V.B. Voorhis (N.Y.).

James R. Malott (Ariz.) .

Membership:

Elbert Bede (Ore.), Ch.

Alfred A. Northacker (N.Y.).

Captain Kenneth F. Curtis (Fla.).

Edmund R. Sadowsky (Ill.).

Charles F. Adams (Neb.).

Alexander Horne (Calif.).

Grievance:

Milton T. Sonntag (Ill.), Ch.

Dr. John C. Hubbard (Okla.).

Harry Gershenson (Mo.)

Finance & Audit:

Ralph S. Davis (Ill.), Ch.

Herbert A. Gast (Mo.).

Edwin E. Gruener (Penn.).

Fellows:

Harold V. B. Voorhis (N.Y.), Ch.

Harry W. Bundy (Colo.).

Ray Baker Harris (D.C.).

Dr. Charles G. Reigner (Md.).

F. J. Scully (Ark.).

Certificate of Literature:

Laurence R. Taylor (Ind.), Ch.

Wendell K. Walker (N.Y.).

Dr. James D. Carter (Texas).

James Fairbairn Smith (Mich.).

Norman Meese (D.C.).

Masonic Workshop (Washington)

James R. Case (Conn.), Ch.

Dr. William L. Cummings (N.Y.).

John Black Vrooman (Mo.).

Henry Emmerson (N.Y.) .

Levon Oglukian (N.C.).

Wendell K. Walker (N.Y.).

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Honors Available for York Rite Masons

WYLIE B. WENDT, M.P.S. (Kentucky)

IN THE MASONIC STRUCTURE there are two Rites known to the Fraternity and to the public. These popular and well known Rites are the York Rite and the Scottish Rite. It is beyond the scope of this paper to go into the historical background of the names of these two Rites, to discuss the correctness of the names or to question whether either is a Rite.

The manner of awarding honors and recognizing merit for service in the Scottish Rite is well known both within and without the Fraternity, that is, by awarding the Thirty-Third degree of the Scottish Rite ( and the Knight Commander of the Court of Honor - KCCH - in the Southern Jurisdiction) to the Thirty-Second degree Scottish Rite Mason who merits the honor, either for Masonic service, for outstanding public service to service to humanity.

The corresponding method of recognizing York Rite service is not so well known. It is possible that there are many members within the Masonic Fraternity who are not familiar with the honors and awards available to York Rite Masons.

The York Rite of Freemasonry is composed basically of the Symbolic Lodge of (Ancient) Free and Accepted Masons, the Chapter of the Royal Arch or Capitular Masons, the Council of Royal and Select Masters or Cryptic Masons, and the Commandery of Knights Templar or Chivalric Masons.

In addition to a member of one of these bodies being elected an officer within that body (subordinate or constituent body or grand body), there are many other honors that a York Rite Mason may receive.

Past Masters of Symbolic Lodges have their organizations of Past Masters, local, sectional or statewide, and there is a Past Master degree. When conferred upon a Master Mason who has been elected to preside over a Lodge, he becomes an Actual Past Master. When conferred in a Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, he becomes a Virtual Past Master. In England, it is necessary that a Master-elect receive the degree of Installed Master before he may occupy the chair in the East.

High Priests and Past High Priests of Royal Arch Chapters are eligible to receive the degree of High Priesthood, of which there is one Grand Convention or similar body in each state. This ceremony is usually held in connection with the Annual Convocation of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter. Arthur Edward Waite, in his Secret Tradition in Freemasonry, states that the Priesthoods are many. In the Masonic Fraternity there are four: (1) The Royal Arch Order of High Priesthood; (2) The nineteenth degree of the Scottish Rite, that of Grand Pontiff; (3) The Priesthood of Eusebius, one of the official grades of the Red Cross of Constantine; and, (4) The Order of Holy Royal Arch, Knight Templar Priests.

Masters and Past Masters of Cryptic Councils are eligible to receive the Order of the Silver Trowel and become a member of a Council of Thrice Illustrious Masters or a member of a Council of Anointed Kings, of which there is a Council in each of the majority of the states.

Commanders and Past Commanders of Commanderies of Knights Templar are eligible to be invited to become members of a Tabernacle of the Order of Holy Royal Arch, Knight Templar Priests, with tabernacles in twenty-eight states, the District of Columbia and in Canada. This is a small organization, in which membership is highly prized and is by invitation only.

The Order of Holy Royal Arch, Knight Templar Priests, has a fine Masonic background. According to John Yarker, it existed as early as 1686, and this date is referred to as the Year of Revival. In Crossle and Lepper's History of Freemasonry in Ireland, there are many references to this Priestly Order and there are many illustrations of charters and membership diplomas, some dating back to the eighteenth century. The first date attesting the Order's operation in England in 1786. The Priestly Order was reintroduced into the United States in 1931, although there are records of tabernacles in New York state as early as 1820, in Kentucky in 1840 and in Illinois in 1870.

The Ancient Order of Knights Templar had three classifications of members: Knights, Chaplains or Priests, and Serving Brethren. The present Order of Knight Templar Priests is traditionally considered to be the successor of the class of Chaplains of the Ancient Order. An article in the Royal Arch Mason of December 1948, states that membership in this Order is considered one of the highest honors, if not the highest, that can come to a Freemason. The two honorary decorations within the Order are Knight Commander (K.C.) for Preceptors and Past Preceptors, and Knights Grand Commander (K.G.C.) for Grand Preceptors and Past Grand Preceptors.

The Order of Knights of the York Cross of Honour is a national organization composed of Freemasons who have presided over a Symbolic Lodge, a Royal Arch Chapter, a Cryptic Council, and a Commandery of Knights Templar. In some states, membership is by invitation, and in others it is by petition of qualified Masons. This is a highly selective group and membership is highly prized. The letters KYCH are sometimes placed after a member's name in York Rite rosters and publications. A member of the York Cross of Honour who has presided over one of the four York Rite Grand Bodies is designated a Knight York Grand Cross, and the letters KYGC are placed after the name. There are Priories of the Order in 45 states. Within the Order a member is designated "Chevalier."

In the Order of the Red Cross of Constantine, membership is by invitation and the basic requirement is membership in a Chapter of Royal Arch Masons. Practically all Conclaves of the Order have additional requirements, either by resolution or mutual understanding. While the Order is primarily a York Rite organization, it brings together the leaders of both Rites for a discussion of any subject in the entire field of Freemasonry.

The Order of the Red Cross of Constantine was traditionally founded by the Emperor Constantine A.D. 313, after his vision of the cross in the heavens, before the Battle of Saxa Rubra, near Rome. The cross bore the inscription in Greek, "In Touto Nika," which in Latin is our well known phrase, "In Hoc Signo Vinces."

The Red Cross was introduced into the United States in 1870, and is at present one of the groups that confers membership on York Rite Masons. It has an honorary grade of Knight Grand Cross (K.G.C.) restricted to Grand Sovereigns and Past Grand Sovereigns, There are Conclaves of the Order in every state and in the District of Columbia.

Reference has been made here to the Order of Knights Templar and to the Order of the Red Cross of Constantine. It may not be out of order to mention a bit of Masonic history in connection therewith, as this is a part of the background of York Rite Masonry.

Article II of the Agreement uniting the two English Grand Lodges into the present United Grand Lodge of England, which occurred in 1813, has been quoted many times, but the importance of this article to Templary is great and warrants its repetition.

Article II states: "That Ancient Craft Masonry consists of three Degrees and no more; those of the Entered Apprentice, the Fellow Craft and the Master Mason, including the Supreme Order of the Holy Royal Arch. But this Article is not intended to prevent any Lodge or Chapter from holding a meeting in any of the Degrees of the Orders of Chivalry, according to the constitution of said Orders."

The Orders of Chivalry to which this article referred consisted of the Order of the Red Cross of Constantine, the Order of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Order of Knights Templar, including perhaps some part of the Order of Knights of St. John or Order of Malta.

The Union of 1813 was concluded on December 27 (St. John's Day) and the Duke of Sussex became the first Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge. On August 6, 1812, he had been installed as Grand Master of the Knights Templar and on July 18, 1813, he became the Grand Sovereign of the Red Cross of Constantine. Thus we see that the first Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge was also the head of the only organized Orders of Chivalry then existing in England.

The name which follows that of the Duke of Sussex in the Articles of Union is that of Waller Rodwell Wright. This distinguished Brother was Grand Master of Knights Templar from 1807 to 1812 and brand Sovereign of the Red Cross of Constantine from 1808 to 1813. He was a personal friend of the Duke of Sussex and the inclusion of the Chivalric clause in Article II is thought to have been due to his influence. (See article on, "The Trowel and the Sword," in the September 1956 issue of The Royal Arch Mason.)

The Order of Knights of the Holy Sepulchre has always been intimately associated with the Order of Knights of the Red Cross of Constantine and the Order of Knights Templar. American Knights Templar are all familiar with the use of a triangle in our ceremonies. In the Chapel of a Preceptory of English Knights Templar, the triangle is replaced by what is designated as a Sepulchre, and on it is a triangle. In the ceremony of the accolade, the Eminent Preceptor of an English Preceptory uses the formula, "I make thee a Knight of the Temple and the Holy Sepulchre." This indicates that at some earlier date there was a relationship between the Orders of the Temple and the Holy Sepulchre, and this fits in beautifully with the American practice of a pilgrimage to the Holy Shrine.

This list of honors will indicate that York Rite Masonry also recognizes and rewards outstanding work in Ancient York Masonry.

There are other invitational Masonic groups, but which do not fit into the category of the title of this paper. These organizations are: The Royal Order of Scotland, the Allied Masonic Degrees, the Grand College of Rites, the Societies Rosicruciana in Civitatibus Foederatus (S.R.I.C.F.) and the Chevaliers Bienfaisant de la Cite Sainte (C.B.C.S.).

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Masonic Workshop

It is most gratifying to your officers to be able to announce that the Masonic Workshop will be held again this year as for the several years past. It will be under the sponsorship of the Philalethes Society with the collaboration of the American Lodge of Research.

Presiding will be Colonel James R. Case, newly elected Treasurer of our Society, with Brother Henry Emmerson acting as secretary. It is also expected that several other officers of the Philalethes Society will be present. The newly appointed Committee on the Masonic Workshop consists of the following Brethren:

James R. Case (Connecticut), Chairman; Dr. William L. Cummings (New York); John Black Vrooman (Missouri); Henry Emmerson (New York), Levon Oglukian (North Carolina), and Wendell K. Walker (New York).

Among the topics on the agenda this year will be a consideration of the types of programs which can be presented most effectively at our meetings from year to year. There will also be several papers on special subjects which will certainly prove of intense interest to all present.

It should be emphasized that attendance at the Workshop is not limited to any particular group. All Masonic students, researchers, and writers, as well as those Brethren interested in Masonic study, are invited to attend. No fees are collected and there is no financial solicitation of any kind. Participation in the discussions is on a purely voluntary basis.

Suggestions as to kind of programs, methods and procedures to be followed, topics to be presented, etc., should be sent immediately to Colonel James R. Case, 43 Highland Avenue, Bethel, Connecticut, in order to have consideration this year.

It has been announced that the meeting of the Masonic Workshop will be held in the South American Room of the Statler Hotel, Friday evening, February 21, at 8 o'clock. As was done last year, a resume of the meeting will appear in the April issue of The Philalethes magazine, and will be sent to each person present at the meeting.

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Midwest Masonic Conference
A Storehouse of Information

by The Editor

The Eighth Annual Midwest Conference on Masonic Education, held at Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in the beautiful new Masonic Library and Grand Lodge Building, Friday and Saturday November 8 and 9, 1957, was one of the most inspirational meetings in the series of conferences that have been held since the growth of the idea of meeting to talk and think Masonry.

Under the immediate sponsorship of the Committee on Masonic Education of the Grand Lodge of Iowa, whose Chairman is Ivan M. Maxson, P.J.G.W., the arrangements and technical details of the meeting were in the hands of Earl B. Delzell, Grand Secretary, Forrest P. Hagan, M.P.S., Librarian, and the Chairman of the meeting, Brother T. G. Zacherias, J.G.W. of the Grand Lodge.

Ingvald 0. Hembre, P.G.M. of Wisconsin, opened the meeting, outlined the purpose and methods, and broke the ice, so to speak. Most Worshipful Frank P. Briggs, Grand Master of Missouri, responded to the welcome made by Brother Zacherias, in the absence of Most Worshipful Brother Glenn A. Foster, Grand Master of Iowa who was unable to be present.

Taking the form of a "workshop of ways and means for advancing Masonic education," several outstanding papers were presented, with each paper having a full complement of panelists to guide the discussion and add further bits of knowledge to the listeners.

The first of these papers, and one which was of unusual interest (reproduced separately on another page of this issue of The Philalethes, by special permission), was that of Brother Laurence R. Taylor, F.P.S., Chairman of the Committee on Masonic Education of the Grand Lodge of Indiana, and Editor of The Indiana Freemason, entitled - "Training the Senior Warden." This showed a step-by-step procedure for assuring the Senior Warden of the Lodge that he would have adequate, interesting and informative material that would teach him something of his duties as probable Worshipful Master of his Lodge. Discussion was by Harold S. Pond, Grand Secretary, North Dakota, and Forrest P. Hagan, M.P.S., Librarian, Grand Lodge of Iowa.

At the meeting of the Conference held at Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1956, Brother Jack Hewson, a member of the Indiana Committee on Masonic Education, reported on a "Talent Survey" made by him in his own Lodge (Evansville). Brother Llewellyn S. Hughes, M.P.S., Chairman of the Education Committee of Michigan gave a summary of results of this survey, titled - "After a Talent Survey, and a Planned Program, What Happened?" The general result of the discussion showed that planned work, while it helped, was largely dependent upon the active, interested and efficient leadership for a successful accomplishment of the proposed program.

Friday afternoon Merle M. Price, member of the Masonic Committee on Masonic Education, presented the interesting and informative topic of "Masonry and the Public Schools," emphasizing the importance and necessity of keeping Masonry interested in and active with public school activities. Discussion was conducted by Dr. James C. Carter, M.P.S., Editor of the Texas Grand Lodge Magazine, and Franklin J. Anderson, a member of the Iowa Committee.

A paper that caused more than usual interest and comment, was that presented by the Rev. Ivan M. Maxson, Chairman of the Iowa Committee, on "A Lodge Program Based on the V.S.L." This has been made available through the courtesy of the Iowa Committee, and was one of the outstanding papers of the Conference. Discussion was directed by the Rev. David Graham, M.P.S., South Dakota, and John Beaver, Deputy Grand Master, Nebraska.

The "Review of Masonic Books, Periodicals and Literature," by Alphonse Cerza F.P.S., and President of the Philalethes Society, as well as a member of the Illinois Educational Committee, was full and complete. Several sidelights of literary and personal nature relative to recent literature; why more mention is not made of the Masonic affiliations by biographers of prominent persons, and a sharper attention to Masonic backgrounds in literature, were the highlights of the paper. Discussion was under a panel of Joseph A. Batchelor, M.P.S., and John Black Vrooman, F.P.S.

Two excellent features of the evening banquet at Hotel Sheraton-Montrose, were the pictures - "Someone to Care," being the story of the Illinois Masonic Homes, the outstanding address by Brother Clyde E. Hegeman, Senior Grand Warden of Minnesota, who talked on the Cancer Hospital project of the Grand Lodge of Minnesota, and the "Service of Remembrance" for Brothers Carl H. Claudy and Ben F. Butler, under the direction of M:W: Brother Charles S. McGinness, Director of Masonic Education of the Grand Lodge of Kansas. Following the memorial services, Brother John D. Cunningham, P.M., and Executive Secretary of the Masonic Service Association, introduced a new film in which Brother Claudy dramatized and brought to life one of the Short Talk Bulletins of the Association in an unusual manner. The film followed the introduction.

After an interesting paper by Albert L. Woody, F.P.S., on "A Masonic Map Project," in which places of Masonic interest will be marked for future identification the rest of Saturday morning was devoted to a resume of the business of the sessions, a review of each chairman of the work and activity of his committee, a Memorial Project of the Conference to the memory of Harry L. Haywood, one of the prime movers of the educational activities in Iowa and elsewhere, which was approved, and will be presented in the near future, the election of officers, suggested committee members, and suggestions for the program in 1958, which will be held at Minneapolis, Minnesota, on November 14 and 15.

The Philalethes Society was well represented at this Conference. Two officers, the President, Alphonse Cerza, F.P.S., and John Black Vrooman, Executive Secretary-Editor; and eighteen other Fellows and Members, were in attendance, many of whom took part in either the reading of papers, or on discussion panels.

Those in attendance, in addition to the above, were: Albert L. Woody, F.P.S., Weightstill Woods, M.P.S., of Illinois; Laurence R. Taylor, F.P.S., chairman, Joseph A. Batchelor, M.P.S., and Jack Hewson, M.P.S., Indiana; Llewellyn S. Hughes, M.P.S., chairman, Michigan; D. William Tiffany, M. P.S., Clinton M. Norton, M.P.S., Director, of Minnesota; George G. Harrison, M.P.S., Missouri; Elvin F. Strain, M.P.S., F. D. Richards, M.P.S., Grand Master, South Dakota; Harry A. Speich, M.P.S., Wisconsin; Forrest P. Hagan, M. P.S., and Glen Radeliff, M.P.S., Iowa; and Nathan Tucker, M.P.S., Librarian of the Cleveland Masonic Library, Cleveland, Ohio, and Dr. James D. Carter, M.P.S., Editor of the Texas Grand Lodge Magazine. In addition, there were several other guests, including John D. Cunningham, Executive Secretary of the Masonic Service Association, and several members of the Ohio groups, including L. B. Blakemore, M.P.S., Past Grand Master, and now President of the Masonic History Company of Chicago.

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Stephen A. Douglas
Freemason, Patriot and Statesman

by EVERETT R. TURNBULL, M.P.S. (Illinois)

MANY BOOKS HAVE BEEN WRITTEN about the public life of Stephen A. Douglas, but little has been made public about his Masonic career. Fortunately the records of the Grand Lodge of Illinois furnish a fairly complete record of his Masonic activities.

He was born April 23, 1813, at Brandon, Vermont. His father was also Stephen A. Douglas, a distinguished physician and his mother was Sarah Fisk Douglas, daughter of a prominent farmer near Brandon, Vermont.

When only one year old his father died. His early boyhood was spent on a farm and attending the district school for a few months in the winter. At the age of fifteen he apprenticed himself to a cabinet maker and became a successful workman. He had a physical breakdown and the next two years were spent in recuperating. He again entered school until January 1833 when he entered a law office until the following June when he came to Illinois. He left home at the age of twenty years. His mother asked him, "When shall we expect you to come to visit us?" His reply was, "On my way to Congress."

Ten years later he returned home and showed his mother his certificate of election to Congress.

He arrived in Jacksonville with $1.25 in his pocket, November 15, 1833. Major Murray McConnel, a lawyer, advised him to open a law office in Pekin and gave him $30 to purchase law books. He went to Meredosia to take a boat and, after waiting a week, learned that the boat had sunk below Alton. He then walked to Winchester, a town of about sixty families living in log cabins, and organized a school. At the close of school he went to Jacksonville and was admitted to the bar and, soon after was elected state's attorney, This was his start in politics. From there he went to a national reputation and held the highest offices except that of President, and he came close to that. But above all he was a patriot and always supported the Constitution. To show where he stood in his love for his country:

When the President-elect (Lincoln ) was introduced he looked around for a place to deposit his hat. Senator Douglas promptly stepped forward and took it and held it, looking over the audience with an expression on his countenance the significance of which could not be misunderstood; it indicated more clearly and eloquently than could be expressed in words that the man who stood before them and was about to take the oath of office was the President of the United States, and as such must be respected and obeyed. Never before did the defeated candidate for the Presidency manifest such loyalty and devotion to his successful rival; never before was an emergency which demanded such a demonstration; and never before was met in so simple and effectual manner.

Later when it was proposed to embarrass Lincoln, and Douglas heard of it he said, "I shall be there and if anyone attacks Lincoln he attacks me too." Another thing that showed his belief in the common man was his refusal of an invitation to meet Queen Victoria on account of the requirements of court dress.

MASONIC RECORD

April 22, 1840, he petitioned Springfield Lodge No. 26 for the degrees. At the time this Lodge was under Missouri but that year it became No. 4 on the Illinois roster. He was initiated June 11, passed June 24 and raised June 26 by Meredith Helm who became the second Grand Master of Illinois. His interest is evident from the record of attendance which was July 15; August 13, 24, 28; September 1; October 5; November 9, 16, 25, 30; December 7, 14, 21, 23, 27, on which date he was elected Junior Warden. He filled his station January 4, 13, 18; February 3, 23. In April he resigned his office, having been elected Judge of the Supreme Court for the Quincy District. He was elected Orator of the Grand Lodge in 1840 but was unable to attend the session of 1841. While on the circuit he frequently visited the Lodges and the Lodge in Springfield when on the Supreme Bench. He was present every day at the Grand Lodge session in 1849.

He petitioned Springfield Chapter No. 1, March 18, 1842. He received the degree of Mark Master August 22, 1842, Meredith Helm, High Priest, presiding. No other degrees were conferred on account of his removal to Quincy. Quincy Chapter was instituted by authority of a dispensation issued by Ezra Barnum, General Grand Scribe April 10, 1846. Douglas petitioned for the degrees and was exalted September 3, 1847. The record of the Chapter shows that he received the Mark and Past Master degrees August 30 and that of M. Ex. Master the same night he was exalted. From this it will be seen that he received the Mark degree twice. The degrees were conferred by Abraham Jonas, High Priest who was also the first Grand Master of the Grand Lodge. He remained a member until his death.

May 1, 1861, he addressed the citizens of Chicago at the Wigwam. This proved to be his last speech. He died June 3. At the last he was unconscious and delirious but at a lucid interval his wife asked him if he had any word to leave for his sons. He replied, "Tell my sons to obey the laws and uphold the Constitution of the United States." Following his death the Grand Master, Ira A. W. Buck, convened a special session of the Grand Lodge. The day following his death the body had been removed to Bryan Hall where it lay in state in care of a Masonic Guard of Honour.

The Chicago Tribune said that about 70,000 people passed before the bier. On the evening preceding the Masonic funeral, rites were performed. A.W. Hitchcock, Master of LaFayette Lodge No. 18 called a meeting of the Craft to make arrangements for the services. Henry C. Ranney, P.M., was appointed Grand Marshal and the Masters of the Lodges were appointed Assistant Marshals.

Ira A.W. Buck, Grand Master, on the evening of June 6: "Convened an emergent Grand Lodge at Chicago to pay such last sad rites as were in our power to his memory. Assisted by Past Grand Master Blaney as Deputy, Hon. Brother William A. Richardson as S.G. Warden and Brother Captain John M. Pitman as J.G. Warden, accompanied by the Lodges and brethren of Chicago, and from abroad, we repaired to the hall, where the body lay in state, when the public ceremonies were performed, an oration pronounced by Brother H. A. Johnson, and a procession formed, which occupied over an hour depositing the evergreen upon the body, singing all the while the funeral dirge."

He was buried on his estate, Okenwald, almost upon the spot he had selected for the erection of his house overlooking Lake Michigan.

Business suspended the day of the funeral. At ten o'clock on the morning of June 7 the body was taken from Bryan Hall upon a special funeral car, and carried to the place of interment. Bells were tolled and from Dearborn Park cannon boomed. The procession of ten divisions was composed of civic and military societies, United States troops, United States Senators, Representatives, Governors, and others. Around the grave was placed a guard of honor composed of students of Chicago University, of which Douglas was the founder. No religious services were held at the grave, but a eulogy was pronounced by the Rt. Rev. James Duggan, Catholic Bishop of Chicago, one of his warmest friends.

Both Springfield Lodge No. 4, AF& A M, and Quincy Chapter No. 5, RAM, adopted resolutions of respect to his memory.

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Dr. Lichliter, F.P.S.

Announces Retirement

One of the most active workers in Masonry in every field of endeavor in which he has been engaged, Dr. McIlyar H. Lichliter, F.P.S., 33rd degree Mason, Active member of the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction of the Supreme Council of the Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite, in which he held the office and rank of Grand Prior, has reached into the land of relaxing, and has retired from all active duties of the Rite.

Dr. Lichliter has been co-ordinator for the many committees of the Rite, interesting himself more especially in the Ritual Committee, and has made an enviable name for himself in his research and careful interpretation of Masonic thought and philosophy.

While he will not have an office from which to carry on any Masonic business, his new home, 718 Coral Way, Coral Gables, Florida, will be a beehive of activity, unless our estimate of the good Doctor is wrong.

Good luck, and happy sailings, Brother Lichliter!

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Cabaniss Named Winner of Certificate of Literature

Brother Allen Cabaniss, M.P.S., Grand Orator of the Grand Lodge, F&AM of Mississippi in 1955-56, was named the winner of the award of CERTIFICATE OF LITERATURE of the Philalethes Society, by the committee in charge of that award, Brothers James Fairbairn Smith, F.P.S., Dr. James D. Carter. M.P.S., and Dr. Charles Gottshall Reigner, F.P.S.

The article of Brother Cabaniss, "The Importance of the Fellowcraft Degree," appeared in The Philalethes magazine in the April 1957 edition, and was a summary of his oration before the Grand Lodge of Mississippi as its Grand Orator.

In commenting on the selection of Brother Cabaniss' article, Brother Smith writes, "This is an excellent appreciation of a degree which has been neglected far too long. The ideas expressed are calculated to inspire all Masons."

Brother Cabaniss is a Past Master of his Lodge, a Past High Priest of his Royal Arch Chapter, was Grand Historian of the Grand Lodge in 1942-43, Grand Chaplain of Grand Council, R&SM; Grand Prelate of Grand Commandery, K.T., and has been extremely active in Masonry in his state. He is Professor of History at State College, and is a Presbyterian minister.

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RECOMMENDED MASONIC READING

The Men's House, By Joseph Fort Newton, 261 pages. 1923.

Sometimes it is good to get away from the very latest in Masonic reading, to return for a spell with some of our Masonic pioneers. Joseph Fort Newton, one of America's outstanding Masonic students was just that - a pioneer. His fresh, simple and straightforward way of giving his message has made his work endure far beyond ordinary lengths.

The Men's House, is a sort of encyclopedia of essays. The four principal divisions: "Principles," "Practice," "Personalities," and "Prophecy," lead the reader into paths of thought that are, to say the least, unusual. There is nothing dull in discussing creed and faith; the ministry of Masonry; the Geometry of God; religion; practical Brotherhood; all these are met and discussed with candor and practical usage.

Robert Burns, Kipling, "Father" Taylor, one of the stalwarts of anti-Masonic days, and whose prayer, "Oh, Lord, Bless this Glorious Order; bless its friends; yea, bless its enemies, and make their hearts as soft as their heads. Amen," was a ralling-cry to all who wanted a firm belief in Masonic principles.

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CORRECTION, PLEASE!

In the December issue of the magazine, page 84, third column, fourth paragraph, it was said that, "The years 1923-33 saw the formation of a special committee . . .. etc. Since the Society was not founded until the year 1928, this is in error. The committee was formed about 1932, and continued only for a few short years.

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Welcome to New Members

Since the last issue of the magazine, we are pleased to welcome the following new members of the Society:

Andrew J. White, Jr., 1321 Arlington Avenue, Columbus 12, Ohio.

Fred C. Snodgrass, R. R. 1, Box 55 C, St. Cloud, Florida.

Montague A. R. Howard, 6569 Balsom Street, Vancouver 14, B.C. Canada.

Oscar I. DgeVold, Langdon, North Dakota.

Vincent E. McGuire, P. O. Box 964, Minden, Nevada.

William C. Anderson, 87 East 31st Street, Brooklyn, New York.

Thomas Knudson, 72 Fremont Street, Winthrop 52, Mass.

Ronald E. Heaton, 728 Haws Avenue, Norristown, Pennsylvania.

Paul J. Davis, 677 W. Onondaga Street, Syracuse 4, N. Y.

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TOO MUCH FOR A WHlSTLE

Benjamin Franklin, who served the Masonic Fraternity with conspicuous zeal and aptitude, in his letter to Mme. Brillon, told how, when he was a child of 7, his friends, on a holiday, filled his pockets with coppers. He went directly to a shop where they sold toys for children; and being charmed with the sound of a whistle in the hands of another boy, he voluntarily offered and gave all his money for one. On coming home, whistling with pleasure, he disturbed his family.

When they found out the bargain he had made, they told him that he had paid many times over for the whistle. Reflecting what good things he might have bought with the rest of the money, he was filled with more chagrin than the whistle had given him pleasure.

"In my opinion," writes Franklin in his letter, "we might all draw more good from the world than we do, and suffer less evil, if we would take good care not to give too much for whistles. I conceive that a great part of the miseries of mankind are brought upon them by the false estimates they have made of the value of things, and by their giving too much for their whistles." - Exchange

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Be forever teachable; and if you are teachable you will always be finding lessons in the symbols of Masonry.

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Let's Work Together

by ALPHONSE CERZA, F.P.S.

Past President of the Philalethes Society

BY THE TIME YOU ARE READING THIS ISSUE of our magazine my term of office as President of the Philalethes Society will have expired. Dr. William Moseley Brown, who succeeds me, is a friend of many years with whom I have spent many interesting and profitable hours. He is a leader of Masonry in Virginia (having served as the head of every Grand body of that state), an outstanding educator, and a Masonic author with many fine works to his credit. With only one exception, I have known personally each of the other officers for many years and am sure that they will do an excellent job; the sole exception, however, with whom I have had little contact bears an excellent reputation as a scholar and the few literary works of his which I have read are testimony enough that he will render distinguished service to the Society in the official family.

The Society for many years has served a useful purpose to the Craft. It has facilitated the creation of friendships among Masonic students; it has offered a means of exchanging ideas by persons studying the same subject; it has offered an opportunity to Masonic authors to express their ideas with the printed word; and it has made available to the Masonic press articles of outstanding value for reproduction. These activities of the Society have caused the entire Craft to benefit thereby.

In recent years there has arisen an increased awareness among Masons that there is a little more understanding needed of the basic principles of the Craft and its historical background. This is indicated by the establishment in recent years of Educational Committees in many states, the formation of regional conferences of such committees to exchange ideas, and the increased activity of requests for speakers. In this reawakening of the traditional place of the Craft as an organization to promote education and the dissemination of the ideals of liberty and moral living, our Society can play an important part in the years to come. There is an ever-increasing interest in the history of the Craft and our members are urged to make realistic studies of the various phases of our past, so that this need can be supplied. Our Society has served the Craft well, and we can continue to be a real service organization."

The Society in the past four years has progressed steadily and is now on a sound and permanent basis. In the early days of the Society there was no Constitution or By-Laws, the officers were chiefly located in one place, and there was little "distribution of the work." This worked well when there was a small membership and the work of the Society was limited to correspondence between the members. The Society was blessed with able leadership but little thought was given to its continuation in the event of tragedy striking our ranks. As a result, when the grim reaper visited our Society twice within a period of a few months, the Society became dormant. With the officers of the Society now widely distributed with due consideration to geographic arrangement; with the appointment of many committees, the establishment of a Constitution and ByLaws, and the distribution of the work of the Society among many members it seems unlikely that the Society will again become dormant.

But the Society cannot survive and the officers cannot do a good job without the help of the members. The greatest help can be given by those who like to study and write; these are urged to send their manuscripts to the Editor of our magazine as frequently as possible. There is work to be done on the various committees of the Society; I am sure that the new officers would welcome hearing from volunteers who have an interest in certain phases of the work. If you have any suggestions to make for improving the work of the Society, do not hesitate on writing the officers; they are your officers and they want to serve the Society to the best of their abilities. Another way that members can help both the Society and the Masonic student is to tell the studious Mason in your community about the Society; in this way he has an opportunity to join with us in our work and everyone profits by the association.

It was a privilege to serve as President of the Society and I will always cherish the memory of this experience. This work brought me new friends, and I have had much valuable correspondence with Masonic students everywhere. The officers who served with me were most co-operative and without them the job would have been most difficult. Many of these men have continued as officers.

I expect to continue working actively for the Society and to cooperate in every way with the present officers. I trust that all of us as members of this great Masonic Society can work together to the end that Freemasonry may be the better enabled to meet the challenging problems of the hour, and help make this a better world in which to live for years to come. And may God give us Wisdom, and the strength to carry on.

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CERZA NAMED LIFE FELLOW

Alphonse Cerza, F.P.S., who has just retired as the outgoing President of the Philalethes Society, has been named a Life Fellow of the Society, by action of the Committee on Fellows, of which Harold V. B. Voorhis, F.P.S., (Life) is Chairman.

Brother Cerza has had an outstanding record, both as a Masonic writer, an administrator and a teacher. He was educated at Northwestern University, Loyola University, all of Chicago, teaches Law at Loyola, when not following his profession as a successful attorney.

It was to a large degree due to his efforts that the Philalethes Society was able to make a comeback, after the death of several of its principal officers a few years ago.

Brother Cerza, a member of the Committee on Masonic Education of the Grand Lodge of Illinois, the author of "Information Please," and other material for Masonic quizzes, has made special contribution to Masonic thought in several Digests written by him for the Masonic Service Association, among them being, Masonic Biographies, Freemasonry and Civil Law, Let There Be Light, a discourse on anti-Masonry, and his most recent contribution, with Dr. William Moseley Brown, F.P.S., President of the Philalethes, Masonic Study Clubs.

Each of these contributions has built his reputation, made him innumerable friends, and shown his devotion to Freemasonry

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Criticism of Absentees is Unjust

by BLISS KELLY, M.P.S. (Oklahoma)

Many of Our Best Members Do Not - and Should Not - Attend Lodge Regularly

AGAIN, THE ANNUAL ELECTIONS OF OFFICERS in the various Masonic bodies has brought forth the old, old complaint, made by every retiring officer and echoed by all incoming officers, that some thing must be done to increase Lodge attendance.

Criticism of those who have not "filled up the sidelines for the benefit of the candidates" has been severe and in some cases bitter, but in every instance it is unjust.

It's time we stopped complaining and faced the facts, which are:

Most of our best members never come to Lodge.

Members who have families with children should not attend Lodge regularly, or accept an office in the Lodge.

We should not try to "fill up the sidelines" with bored and uninterested members.

Past Masters should not monopolize choice places on degree teams.

Are these statements shocking? To many, they will be almost heresy, yet they are true. Let us analyze the facts and apply the teachings of Masonry to them.

First, what is the objective of all Masonic degrees?

There is but one aim, that being to teach the candidate certain profound truths by a course of moral and heiroglyphical instruction, taught agreeable to ancient usages, by types, emblems and allegorical figures. That is all. When these lessons have been inculcated, Masonry's work is finished, and it is then up to the new member to apply those principles to the affairs of his everyday life, as best he can.

Lodges are not social clubs, welfare organizations or anything of that kind; their greatest task is to confer degrees. Of course, charitable projects are maintained: but these are possible only because of the great lesson of charity taught in the degrees.

From whence come the majority of petitions for the degrees of Masonry ? The writer has lectured more than six hundred beginners in Masonry and a survey of these shows that more than half had petitioned for the degrees because they had observed the upright conduct and exemplary lives of members of the Masonic bodies and had conceived a favorable opinion of the Institution. Those who were such examples never knew they were being observed, yet these were our best members. Many wives who had formed a similar opinion urged their husbands to petition for the degrees.

But in no case was the privilege of regular attendance on Lodge meetings considered as one of the inducements for membership, except in those rare cases where it was sought with the (vain) hope of business or professional advancement.

Masonry, in its first degree, teaches its votaries never to neglect their duties to God, their families, their neighbors and themselves. They are admonished in the charge that they are not to neglect their necessary vocations in order to attend Lodge regularly.

Even at emergent communications, called to conduct Masonic funeral services, members have been heard to say to each other, privately, that the deceased never attended Lodge, as if to infer that he was not a good member. How cruel can men be? Have we forgotten all the lessons of tolerance and kindness taught by Masonry?

Masonry has always taught that our duty to our family comes next to that of our duty to God. How can a man who has children be a good father to those children and yet neglect them by spending many evenings away from home attending to his duties as an officer in a Lodge? Such men should never be appointed in line until after their children are grown; there will be plenty of time later for all the Masonic activity any such father can desire. It is more important that such children have the companionship of a father and become useful citizens rather than juvenile delinquents.

It is much better that the sidelines be vacant than to have them occupied by Brethren who are bored and are carrying on conversations while degree work is going on. This makes a much worse impression on the candidate than empty seats - which can be explained to him. Some Lodges have even put up signs: "Quiet! Degree work going on," to try to end this abuse.

How many of us would attend church regularly if the minister preached exactly the same sermon every Sunday, with the same gestures, even though it might be the most profound, wise and inspiring sermon we ever heard? Yet, we wrongfully criticize our members who do not attend regularly for the same reason.

The average man is not a ritualist and doesn't want to take part in degree work, so he cannot be expected to attend regularly. On the other hand, many of these are better Masons than some who are expert ritualists and expert ritualists and attend all meetings.

The retiring Master also complains that the Past Masters don't even come out regularly, and hopes he will never get that way because it shows a lack of appreciation for the honor the Lodge has bestowed upon him. Later, this junior Past Master learns something which is seldom mentioned or admitted. It is that when these honored Brethren, proficient in all parts of the work, appear at a Lodge meeting it is natural that they are deferred to and asked to take the prominent parts on degree teams. This means that the younger man who has worked hard to learn that part must sit on the side lines without an opportunity to give it. Thus, if all Past Masters attended every meeting, there would be no opportunity for the newer officers to perfect themselves in the work, and such a Lodge would soon have none but decrepit old men to confer degrees. We should therefore, compliment these Past Masters for being considerate and not attending regularly, or when called on to help.

If we tell our members these things and admonish them not to attend regularly, as stated in the E. A. charge, what would this do to our attendance, already slim?

Such a policy was pursued in the writer's Lodge, and some were amazed that attendance increased. In fact, a weekly degree school was necessary to give those having a desire to work on degree teams an opportunity to learn the parts. These were not all older men, but fine young men who brought enthusiasm and brilliance to the work. All this made for perfect harmony - and in the long run, brought many petitioners who wanted to belong to an active Lodge with well trained degree teams.

And now that Lodge is known as "the friendly Lodge" and no one is ever heard to complain about its attendance.

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They Have Passed The Veil

John H. Lidaker, M.P.S.

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George Washington's Faith

by S.C. MOSS, P.M., M.P.S. (Ohio)

A FAMILIAR PICTURE, oft repeated in our history books, shows our Brother, General George Washington kneeling in the snow at prayer, at Valley Forge. When you see this picture again, give it a second look. It is not a figment of the imagination of some artist. Truly, Brother Washington, to whom we are so greatly indebted, patriotically, politically, and Masonically, was a man of profound religious faith.

Where else can one better delve into the "inner workings" of a character than in the personal letters written by the personage we wish to describe? With that in mind, I started thumbing a volume of, Letters of Our Presidents, trying to find something unusual said of the Craft by our illustrious Brother.

In reading some of his letters, I noticed the many references to God, and the sublime trust in Him. He occupied a unique position between the old form of government and the new form for which the people of the whole world fought, bled, and died. Through his own environment - the thirteen colonies of the New World - he showed the way to freedom to the people of the Old World. To carry out such a change, he needed faith, utmost faith, in the Lord of the Universe. He was the leader in the beautiful order of God's plans.

Much has been said of the patriotism of our famous Worshipful Brother. It was a patriotism wrought of the faith that God was the Ruler of Nations. His love of, and obedience to our Great Light, made natural to him his obedience to the law and loyalty to the Constitution of his newly founded Republic. To me, that explains the policy of Washington as President of the United States. He had a deep understanding of the principles which animate and give force to all rule. The force of faith in the goodness of his God. He acknowledged God as the God of the Universe. We are told that in the Philadelphia Convention of 1787 that led to the drawing up of the Constitution, George Washington told them, "Let us raise a standard to which the wise and honest can repair. The rest is in the hands of God."

At the close of the Revolutionary War, several over - zealous staff officers, carried away by their feelings for their Commander-in-Chief, suggested in a letter that he set himself up as king of the new country. He turned down the proposal in hot anger, writing, "With a mixture of surprise and astonishment, I have read with attention the sentiments you have submitted to my perusal. Be assured, Sir, no occurence in the course of the war has given me more painful sensations than your information of there being any such ideas existing in the army as you have expressed, and which I must view with abhorrence and reprehend with severity."

After good fortune he once write, "The hand of Providence has been so conspicuous in all this, that he must be worse than an infidel that lacks faith, and more than wicked, that has not gratitude to acknowledge his obligations."

But, Washington rose equally well in the hour of disaster. He also wrote, "At disappointments and losses which are the effects of providential acts, I never repine, because I am sure the Allwise Dispenser of events knows better than we do, what is best for us, or what we deserve."

In St. Paul's Chapel on lower Broadway in New York, is a tablet in the pew where George Washington worshipped in his first months as President. On it is inscribed the prayer he used at his inauguration, and which thus reads,

"Almighty God, we make our earnest prayer that Thou wilt keep the United States in Thy holy protection; that Thou wilt incline the hearts of the citizens to cultivate a spirit of subordination and obedience to government; to entertain a brotherly affection and love for one another and for their fellow citizens of the United States at large...."

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BURNS AND PAIN DO NOT PREVENT PREACHING SERVICE

Lieutenant Commander Paul W. Reigner, son of Dr. Charles Gottshall Reigner, F.P.S., Second Vice-President of the Philalethes Society, and a U.S. Naval Reserve Chaplain, preached his first and last sermon in the world's southernmost church - at McMurdo Antarctica -from a litter!

Flown in on a helicopter, which crashed on the deck of an ice - breaker, Reigner was severely burned about the face, arms and legs. Nothing daunted, he expressed his determination to preach a sermon before being evacuated.

Lieutenant Commander Emmert Ludeman, Waukesha, Wisconsin, McMurdo commander, arranged for the service, complete with choir and printed programs. About a hundred roughly dressed and bearded men attended the small chapel, where Reigner, strapped to his stretcher, preached, his face being the sole unbandaged portion visible.

"Fear no evil" - intoned Reigner. "This is one of the most significant moments of my life, for though I walk through the Valley of Death, I shall fear no evil."

He believed what he preached. His courage in the face of disaster; his faith in the teeth of pain, in the clutch of physical disability, are among the most remarkable and magnificent examples of stability and strength that have come to our knowledge.

How comforting to know that Masonry is so well personified in its practical application and example.

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Notes, Queries and Information On Items of Masonic Research

by JAMES R. CASE, F.P.S.

1958 - NO. 1

THE NUMBER OF LETTERS CONTAINING QUESTIONS which relate to matters of fact in Masonic history and biography, seem to justify their treatment in a column separate from the Editor's CHAT & COMMENT, where they have previously appeared.

Our members and readers are ignited to send in material appropriate for use in this new column, especially information concerning research currently under way. The Editor will assist the sponsor of this column, which will be supervised and run by Brother Jangles R. Case, F.P.S., but ALL COMMUNICATIONS should be addressed to the mailing address of the magazine.

15 - Query from T.A.R., Ohio. Dr. Silas Allen born at Windham, Connecticut, 1754; married Mary Cleveland of Canterbury; served in Revolutionary Army; located at Royalton, 1781-3; removed to Royalton, Ohio, 1801; given a Masonic funeral by Lancaster Lodge (57) in 1825.

Where was he made a Mason?

16 - Reply to Query 11, December 1957 from William R. Denslow, Missouri. The DeKalb monument at Camden, South Carolina, was erected in 1825 under Masonic auspices. According to contemporary accounts Lafayette was present when the cornerstone was laid. Can someone cite an earlier reference to DeKalb's assumed Masonic membership and burial?

17 - Query from Charles, Oklahoma. Where is the nearest Masonic library from which I may borrow reading matter for home perusal ?

18 - Query from H.A.S., Connecticut. Thomas Smith Webb included a section on the Ineffable Degrees in his 1797 Monitor. Is there any record of his membership in any Scottish Rite body?

19 - Query from O.W.F. Displaying Masonic emblems on automobiles has been frowned upon in some Grand Jurisdictions. Has the use of the square and compass, etc., in the bottom of an ash tray ever been disapproved?

20 - Request from H.A.B., Alabamba. Please publish a list of Lodges of Research in the United States. Do any of them provide for corresponding membership? Answer, by J.B.V. The Grand Lodge of Iowa (Forrest Hagan, M.P.S., Librarian), has a complete list of all regularly recognized Research Groups which may be obtained at a small cost. Just write Brother Hagan, who will be happy to oblige.

21 - Query from D.C.G., New York. A recent issue of Masonic Inspiration mentions "Brother" Thomas Paine. Is there any proof that this famous essayist, notorious Bible critic, and free thinker was ever a Freemason? Answer, by J.B.V. Alphonse Cerza, (F.P.S., and immediate Past President of the Society ), in a digest written by him for the Masonic Service Association, Masonic Biographical Sketches, has the following paragraph: "PAINE, THOMAS: Born, 1737 Norfolk, England. Not a Mason, but wrote, An Essay on the Origin of Freemasonry. Died 6-8-1809, N.Y." This is another case of trying to make a Mason of a famous historical character, Alexander Hamilton was another who has been definitely proved not to be a Mason.

22 - Query from J.H.S., Connecticut. June 7, 1758, is given as the date when Israel Putnam was made a Mason in an Army Lodge at Crown Point. Can any reader cite the source of this "information" ?

23 - Query from R.M.N., Ohio. Was Noah Webster (1758- 1843) the dictionary maker, a Freemason? Or his brother Daniel (1782-1852) ? Answer by J.R.C. In the first place Noah and Daniel were not blood brothers, and I believe, had no common American ancestor. There is no record of Noah as a Freemason in Connecticut or Massachusetts where he was born, educated and lived. Daniel was not a Mason, although as a peerless orator in his day, he was at the cornerstone laying of the Bunker Hill Monument and at several such ceremonies in the national capital.

24 - Comments on Item 14, December 1957 were sent in by Wylie B. Wendt of Kentucky, Ray V. Denslow of Missouri, William L. Cummings of New York, Thomas B. Ruxton and Matthew Thornton Betton of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and others. In summary it appears the article in the publication cited was not from a credible source; Thornton is not known to have been at Valley Forge; Steuben did not arrive there until late in February 1778; and there was no 32d in 1778. Further, while Steuben was affiliated later with Holland Lodge (8) in New York City and recognized as a Past Master, there is no record of his having knowledge of the Ineffable or Sublime Degrees, which today are incorporated in the A.A.S.R. Still further, there is no record of Thornton as a member of or visitor to any Lodge in New Hampshire, Boston or Philadelphia; his alleged connection with a British Army Lodge at Louisbourg is anachronistic. J.R.C.

25 - Notice: Masonic incidents occuring during the Civil War 1861-65 are of interest to William T. Parmer, 627 King Street, Nacogdoches, Texas, who invites correspondence.

26 - Query from A.J.H., New York. "I would appreciate any information a Brother might have on The Wardens' Columns, where, when and why, the custom of some Lodges using this symbol, in other words, the history of the Warden's columns. I have not been able to uncover much information on this subject."

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Dr. Brown Designates His Masterpiece.

The splendid article, "What Is the Most Valuable Piece of Real Estate in the World?" written by our President, Dr. William Moseley Brown, F.P.S., and which appeared in the December issue of The Philalethes (page 86), has been designated by him to constitute his MASTERPIECE. We are most happy to have this fine article, and it certainty is a Masterpiece.