Volume XV No. 5
Contents
The Supreme Court Prayer Decision The Lewis Freemason
Chat and Comment Masonry Under Two Flags
Friendship Though Travel NATIONAL SOJOURNERS
RECOMMENDED MASONIC READING Masonic Service
How We Operate Esoteric Wisdom
The Lion's Paw
of the Tribe of Judah
TAXES
Published bimonthly at
Franklin, Indiana
By
THE PHILALETHES SOCIETY
JOHN BLACK VROOMAN, F.P.S., Editor, P.O. Box 402, St. Louis, Mo.
ELBERT BEDE, President, 2316 N. E. 42nd Avenue, Portland 13, Oregon
DR. CHARLES GOTTSHALL REIGNER, First Vice President, 4035 Belle Avenue, Baltimore 15, Maryland
ROBERT H. GOLLMAR, Second Vice President, 1221 Oak Street, Baraboo, Wisconsin
CARL GREISEN, Executive Secretary, 401 Masonic Temple Omaha 2, Nebraska
RONALD HEATON, Treasurer, 728 Haws Avenue, Norristown, Pennsylvania
PUBLICATION COMMITTEE
A.L. WOODY, F.P.S., 3502 Wesley Avenue, Berwyn, Illinois
EDWARD J. FRANTA, F.P.S., Langdon, North Dakota
LAURENCE R. TAYLOR, F.P.S., c/o The Indiana Freemason, Franklin, Indiana
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The Supreme Court Prayer Decision
(A Guest Editorial)
by ALPHONSE CERZA, F.P.S. (Life)
THE SUPREME COURT of the United States recently rendered an opinion in which it held it was unconstitutional to lose the public schools for the recitation by students of a non-sectarian prayer. Immediately there was a storm created, based on emotionalism, that the court had held that praving in this country is illegal and therefore this is a Godless country. Certain clergymen were vehement in their attacks of the decision. Shortly thereafter certain other clergymen, after studying the court’s decision issued statements commending the court for the position taken.
The decision has been subject to much misinterpretation. The issue presented by the case before the court was not whether we are a Godless or a Godfearing country; it was not whether we should pray or not pray; it was not whether our children should pray or not pray. The simple issue in the case was: Shall the government through its school officials teach the children in the public schools to recite a non-sectarian prayer?
The effect of the opinion is that the government has no business entering into this activity. Once the principle is established that the government has the power to designate a prayer and to have it recited in a public school, it is easy to go step by step into other areas. Once the principle is established that a prayer can be taught in the public schools, are we not saying that the government has the right to designate the type of prayer? Is it not a step in the wrong direction?
The emotionalism attending this problem has been based on the idea that our children need to be taught to pray. We will not dispute this factor but is the public school the place to teach this? There is a time and place for everything. the public school is not the place to teach our children how to pray. This is a function of the churches; it is also a function of the families.
There is too much shedding of responsibility these days; we want the public schools to do everything. They have enough to do within their own proper sphere. Let the homes and the churches do their part. Furthermore most parents who send their children to public schools do not want them to receive any religious instruction; this they want to have done at their churches. And let us not forget that in our country one need not belong to any Church, and even has a right to be a non-believer: the law protects these minorities; this is part of the fabric of the American Way of Life.
The court based its decision on the fundamental and historical basis of our form of government. The court has held that each person has the right to select his own religion and that the state should not take away the functions of the churches. Those who want their children to learn to pray can send them to the church of their choice or can have prayers at home.
Let us be happy that the United States Supreme Court has rendered the decision it did preserving one more cornerstone of the American Way of Life.
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by NORMAN C. DUTT, M.P.S.
THE LEWIS is an instrument used in operative Masonry, and consists of an iron cramp usually made in three sections. This is inserted into a cavity prepared for that purpose in any large stone. It forms an attachment for blocks and tackles, (system of pulleys), whereby a stone may be raised or lowered to a designated position, swung into position and deposited upon the site chosen.
The contrivance is old and was known to the Romans, and some recovered from old ruins are on display in various European museums, the Vatican has quite a number in assorted sizes. In England many old stones have been discovered with excavation for the insertion of a lewis. The word is most probably derived from the old French levis, any contrivance for lifting. The modern French call the instrument a louse.
In speculative Freemasonry and the English system in particular, the Lewis is found on the Tracing Board of the Entered Apprentice, where it is used as a symbol of Strength, because, by its assistance, an Operative Mason is enabled to lift the heaviest stones with a comparatively minimum exertion of physical power.
The age of a Lewis is eighteen years and is permitted by England, Scotland, Ireland, Germany, Netherlands, all the Australian Constitutions, New Zealand, some of the Canadian Grand Lodges and a few of our Latin American Brethren. It is practically unknown throughout the U.S.A. with the exception of Pennsylvania. A surprise to many Crafts[men is that various Prince Hall Grand Lodges in the U.S. permit the Lewis.
The three French Grand Lodges allow the Lewis and the qualifications are stringent. The French call the two wedge shaped pieces 'Louveteaux' or little wolves. The Grand Orient and Grand Lodge of France are not recognized by most of the Masonic world but the National Grand Lodge enjoys this privilege and closely follows the English system.
There also exists in France an organization known as the compagnonage that is similar to Freemasonry. The pattern being so great the arch traitor Bernard Fay recommended to Hitler that it be destroyed, and it was nearly accomplished. A remarkable feature of this organization is the Sons of Solomon calling themselves "Loups" or wolves, which corresponds to the English Lewis.
The son of a Freemason in England is called a Lewis, because it is his duty to support the sinking powers and aid the failing strength of his father; or to bear the burden and heat of the day, that his parents may rest in peace and happiness. From an eighteenth century catechism comes the following:-
Q. What do we call the son of a Freemason ?
A. A Lewis.
Q. What does it denote?
A. Strength.
Q. How is a Lewis depicted in Mason's lodge?
A. As a cramp of metal (etc).
Q. What is the duty of a lewis . . . to his aged parents?
A. To bear the heavy burden . . . so as to render the close of their days happy and comfortable.
Q. His privilege for so doing?
A. To be made a Mason before any other person, however dignified by birth, rank, or riches, unless he, through complaisance, waives this privilege.
It is sometimes stated that the son of a prominent Mason is entitled to this honor, such is not the case. It is only granted after an enquiry by the Grand Master in the form of a dispensation to so confer.
In light of the institution of Lewis, Freemasonry apparently entertains, the principle that good blood and excellent bringing up can be relied on up to a certain limit. The ordinary aspirant must be of the full age of twenty-one years. In some of the Hispanic-American Lodges the age is twenty-five years and the Grand Master may grant a dispensation for those twenty-one to twenty-five years of age in special cases. The son of a Master Mason in good standing or repute may, if the Grand Master wishes to issue a dispensation in his favor, be initiated at the age of eighteen years. Many do not regard this in any way a reward for his father's faithful service: the rules for admission are directed toward just, upright worthy men, and these alone, and it appears to be a reasonable supposition that the mere fact of being the son of a Master Mason in good standing may be thought by the Craft to have benefited in character from that circumstance. It is to be carefully noted that there is no right to a dispensation; it is discretionary and it must be issued by the Grand Master: it is, in fact, a privilege which is granted sparingly and after enquiry. This has been particularly true in the United Grand Lodge of Germany as one would be led to believe, that in its effort to recover and grow, there would be considerable leeway in the Lewis.
In the afore-mentioned countries the brethren are told in the first degree tracing board lecture that it is a privilege which carries with it certain appropriate duties. The man who is received into the Society early because his father is a member of it, is expected to support and aid his father. He gives the Craft the benefit of highly desirable family continuity. and just as members of various trades are elated when sons follow in their father's footsteps, so are we pleased when we see father and son sitting together in a Masonic Lodge
There is greatness in association of tradition, and there is added strength in ties that bind several members of a family. The accepted Lewis is expected to pay, and pay willingly, for the fact of being rewarded as an adult into a mature Society as it were on his father's guarantee. He is obliged to prove his fitness in the discharge of his obligation
The ritual has never directly referred to wives and mothers. We must never attend Lodge or visit without detriment to our connections, which actually refers to our families. The Lewis's obligation is similarly to his parents: the word is not father and the words are equally definite: . . . to bear the burden and heat of the day, from which they, by reason of their age, ought to be exempt; to assist them in time of need, and thereby render the close of their days happy and comfortable. It is no more than the duty of any child towards its parent; but it is seen as an obligation which carries additional weight in the case of a Lewis.
The symbolism of units of metal dovetailed into a stone cavity is apt, for it carries and expresses the idea of support: to raise great weights and fix them on their proper bases. If a son is prepared to support his parents, then by that very fact he establishes an early claim to be received into an adult society: it is a mature responsibility that he has assumed.
Regulations for the admission of a Lewis no doubt vary in every jurisdiction. Actually all that is stated is in the Tracing Board charge, as distinct from the Book of Constitutions, is that a Lewis is the son of a Master Mason and that his privilege for accepting the duties and obligations of a Lewis is "that of being made a Freemason before any other person, however dignified." This in practice, is usually taken to mean that a Lewis under the age of twenty-one years is the first candidate to be taken in the working of a double first degree. The Book of Constitutions fails to define a Lewis, although it uses the term, in the heading under the appropriate rule. From the wording it appears that a Lewis is the only person who can be initiated under the age of twenty-one years: it leaves the path open to construe the word Lewis as probably it should be construed, to include the sons of Freemasons who are not under that age.
New South Wales Constitution, (Australia), Regulation 151 (d), Book of Constitutions:- "No person shall be made a Master Mason (d) unless he is the son of a Master Mason and of the full age of eighteen years, and the written consent of his father or guardian and a dispensation from the Grand Master has been obtained." This regulation is indeed under the word Lewis. Up to date it has not been satisfactorily explained. These along with many other regulations were taken verbatim from the English Book of Constitutions. Likewise most of the other Grand Lodges in Australia follow the English system.
The sons of Master Masons under the Scottish Constitution may be entered at eighteen years of age and upwards. No dispensation is required. This rule was in effect when George Washington was made a Freemason in Fredericksburg Lodge. It is only necessary for the Master Mason to have attained that degree at any time during the life time of his son, the Candidate, and not before his birth.
There is a seventeenth century manuscript in the archives of the Grand Lodge of Scotland that states: "You shall not make any mold, square or rule for any that is but a Lewis; a Lewis is such a one as hath served as apprentice to a Mason, but is not admitted afterwards according to this custom and manner of Making Masons."
Ireland, and on the subject the history of the Grand Lodge of Ireland, means more to American Freemasonry than the great majority of American Freemasons could ever guess and for reasons which are both interesting and solid. Those reasons are too many and complex for the scope of this paper, but will bear earnest investigation by all those who desire more light on this subject.
Irish Constitution: Rule 133 - A Lodge shall not initiate any person until he shall have attained the age of twenty-one years, unless by Dispensation from the Grand Master or the Deputy Grand Master, in the Dominions or the Colonies from the Provincial Grand Master or his Deputy, or in India or elsewhere overseas where there is one, from the Grand Inspector.
A number of explanations have been advanced as to the meaning of the word itself, and this is primarily of academic interest. The fact remains that it is common Masonic practice, outside of the U.S.A. and some Latin-American Lodges, for the son of a Master Mason to be admitted in proper circumstances before he comes of age. That practice is to be solemnly regarded as a distinct privilege, and for the Freemason who enjoys it to accept, and usually to discharge a particular obligation which in itself but helps to confirm the strength of his character.
It is the perfect ashlar into which the Lewis is usually represented as being dovetailed. This represents not merely the parent, but the one who can look back in retrospect of life in piety and virtue, is the parent who is most worthy of support, and for his son to have the privilege of early admission he must in fact be able to establish that he is a Master Mason of good repute and standing. It is a most important privilege and signal honor, and nothing to repine about if chance has not brought it to us, and a highly prized distinction to those who have been fortunate to have been the recipient of the Lewis.
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News, achievements and items of interest about our
Fellows and Members - Discussion and comment on
Mutual Topics.
- Pfan Mail and Observations -
JOHN C. WALTON, GRAND ORATOR of the Grand Lodge A.F.&A.M. of Arizona, sends the question - Why Do Men Seek Admission into the Masonic Fraternity I am sure that there are many members who might have some ideas about this which will be helpful to our Brother. If you have any ideas, please address them to:
JOHN C. WALTON
722 Kinsley
Winslow, Arizona
SEVERAL LETTERS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED relative to the article on The Cable Tow, appearing in the last edition of the Philalethes. There seems to be some validity in the assumption that Brother Walter A. Quincke, F.P.S., wrote the article, and we are happy to get such partial confirmation.
Norman C. Dutt, M.P.S. (California), writes:
"The article on the Cable Tow, August '62 Philalethes, just received, brings to my recollection two telephone calls I made to Walter Quincke when I changed trains in Los Angeles just about ten years ago. He mentioned at that time about a project involved in this subject, and that there were several brethren in and around Los Angeles who were assisting him. One in Long Beach, that I do not recall his name. During these calls I supplied him with information regarding wire (cable to laymen), hawsers and lines (rope to laymen) as used by seamen."
The other letter is from Alex Horne, M.P.S. (California), and is of such length that it will be used in a forthcoming issue, in full.
ANOTHER TEMPEST IN A TEAPOT was the article by William R. Denslow, F.P.S. (Missouri), on attendance at Masonic meetings, officers, etc. We have several pertinent comments, but the best part of which have been that it has stimulated comment and thought on the part of our readers. That is the best thing that could have happened.
Bliss Kelly, M.P.S. (Oklahoma), has written a formidable article about the matter, which we will publish in another issue of the magazine. He also has the following to say:
''Congratulations on having the fortitude (???? - Editor, does that mean temerity?) to run the article by Brother William R. Denslow in the August issue. You did it to get responses . . . a successful editor once said that it was immaterial whether an editorial was true; it accomplishes its purpose if it gets people to disagree with it . . .". Well, we'll see what happens when we print some of the material that has come in on this most interesting topic.
CONGRATULATIONS TO RIDELL A. KELSEY, JR., M.P.S., who was awarded the Meritorious Service Award by the Illinois Council of Deliberation (Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, N.M.J.) in Springfield, on June 2. This award is given for beyond-the-realm-of-duty activities of Freemasonry, and is of special importance in the signification of hard work and great work on the part of the recipient.
BROTHER EVERETT R. TURNBULL, M. P.S., (Illinois), celebrated his 93rd birthday on August 13th. Congratulations to a versatile, prolific and active Freemason, who has done much to make Freemasonry active during his life.
A Past Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter, Royal Arch Masons of Illinois, Brother Turnbull has written innumerable books on Masonic history, the best known of which is his recent The Rise and Progress of Freemasonry is Illinois, 1783-1952. All who know this venerable Craftsman have been impressed by his width of knowledge and accuracy of factual matter. We hope that he lives a happy and useful life for many more years.
THE SUPREME COUNCIL OF THE SCOTTISH RITE, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, held its annual meeting in Philadelphia last month, transacted business of importance, and elevated many worthy Freemasons to the High rank of the Thirty-third degree.
Among those so honored were two prominent and active members of the Philalethes Society, Alphonse Cerza, F.P.S. (Life), former president of the Society, and Conrad Hahn Editor of the Masonic Service Association. We congratulate these men for their zeal in Freemasonry, and wish them all the powers of greater activity for Masonry which their zeal has inspired.
Cerza, one of the reorganizers of the Philalethes Society at the time of its collapse after the deaths of Walter Quincke and his successor, became President of the group, sparked its activities to a state that had been unknown until that time, and in addition, is world-renowned for his contributions to Masonic literature, especially in the field of the controversial Church and State which is so manifest at this time.
Brother Hahn, a Past Grand Master of Masons in Connecticut, is presently serving as the Editor of the Masonic Service Association, and his reputation for activity, his calls as a speaker for Grand Lodge meetings and his general and sustained enthusiasm, have made him one of the most popular Masons in America today. We congratulate these brethren on their preferment. There are, no doubt, others who have been given Masonic honors. If there are such, we should appreciate information that will allow us to give them proper recognition in these pages.
OUR PRESIDENT, ELBERT BEDE, F.P.S., is written up in a recent issue of The Freemason (Oregon), under the caption "A Most Unforgettable Character", by Midshipman Gary B. Simpkins, class of 1965 of the United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland.
"To see this man relaxing in an easy chair reading the morning paper", reads this fine article, "one might get the impression that he is just another old man who has retired and is spending the rest of his days in peace and contentment - but this is where the impression ends - for Elbert Bede, of Portland, Oregon, at 80 years of age is still a very active man and not at all content to spend the rest of his days in passive 'do-nothingness' ."
Continuing, the article tells of our President's many activities, his human interest in life, and his ability to "get around" among the people whom he wants to contact. This is a good, sound recipe, and one that has enabled our buddy to get the enjoyment from life that he has. We are happy to have this appraisal of Elbert.
WHILE WE PLAN OUR FALL ACTIVITIES, let us not forget that our magazine, must be fed. We need good, informative, interesting articles that will give inspiration to our readers.
There has been too much of a habit of sending articles on subjects of local or special interest, rather than articles covering general and well documented Masonic material. We don't want - will not print - trivialities, but we are very anxious for good information and material that can be instructive and interesting. Try your hands, members, and let us help you find such material.
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9. The Beginning of the End
by ALLEN E. ROBERTS, M.P.S.
CALIFORNIA was far removed from the scenes of war, but the hearts of many of the members of the Grand Lodge were close to the result of the strife. Grand Master William C. Belcher, on October 11, 1864. told why: "We know that the homes of our childhood have been made desolate, and are filled with sorrow and mourning, for their young men have gone forth in beauty and strength. and they come not back again . . . with most intense anxiety do we watch the progress of events. As citizens, we feel deeply, and perhaps sometimes bitterly; but I am happy indeed to say that, as Masons, we have continued to gather around our altars; that no sound of confusion or strife has there been heard: and that our brethren appear to have remembered the ancient Charges, and have sedulously excluded from the Lodges all disputes and controversies about politics and political matters. "
In Boston, Massachusetts, three thousand miles away, the Grand Lodge held a special Communication three days later to lay the cornerstone of a new Temple. The old one had been destroyed by fire on April 6, 1863. The spirits of those in attendance were not dampened by the war; it took two hours for a parade moving at quick step to pass over the parade route, after which "choice and tempting viands" were enjoyed by 700 guests at Faneuil Hall.
Thomas Sadler, Grand Master of Kentucky, told his Grand Lodge: "It is to be much lamented that our once happy country has been engaged in a war in which brother is arrayed against brother, father against son, and son against father, in deadly conflict, causing a wide separation between the best and warmest of friends - a state of things, which as a Mason I deeply regret, and hope and pray for a speedy reunion of true fellowship among all, but more particularly among brother Masons.
"During the past year many of our friends have fallen in various battles that have been fought in our and sister States. I say sister States. for I am unwilling to give up a single one of them."
The Grand Lodge of Kansas was unable to hold its scheduled annual communication because the "state was threatened with invasion, and contending armies struggled on the border." Although the Grand Master was present the number of members in attendance was so small he postponed the communication until December.
The citizens of a small town hundreds of miles from the nearest battle were completely surprised to find they had been invaded by Confederate soldiers. Even the Royal Arch Chapter in town was disrupted. causing the Secretary to write: ". . . Being about to confer the degree of Past Master upon Brother Wilcox, when Satan, the Prince of Devils, commenced a raid upon the banks of St. Albans. (Money being the root of all evil.) And robbed them of many thousand dollars. About twenty of the infernal imps of the lower regions cut and covered with impunity, killed Mr. Marrison, a worthy citizen, which created a great excitement in our quiet village for a half hour, until the troops of his Satanic majesty had departed. . ."
For slightly less than thirty minutes on October 19, 1864, the town of St. Albans, Vermont, was "in the possession of the Confederate States of America." Before the Confederates made their hasty retreat, hotly pursued by a posse, they uncharitably threw Greek fire all over the water closet of the American Hotel causing it to burn for a full day.
A Mason named "Shupe" and a friend paid a visit to the armies of the "Potomac and the James." They were highly impressed by the number of Masonic pins they saw on the breasts of the soldiers, particularly among the surgeons. Shupe went on to write: "A person who has never been in the army would find it difficult to understand how the finer and social feelings of the men are disregarded in necessary discipline - how completely machine-like, one of a large lot of the same sort, a soldier becomes and is. No antecedent relations of officer to privates is permitted to work disrespect of discipline; there is no bond of sympathy, no level upon which shoulder-straps and stoga-shoes meet, save one, and that one is not disregarded. The Masonic tent is where men, without distinction of rank, 'meet upon the level and part upon the square.'
An army nurse gave this account of an act that involved Masons: "In a charge made on the enemy during the great battle of Spottsylvania C.H., May 8th, 1864, our men were repulsed and compelled to leave their dead and wounded on the field. Among the sufferers lay one young Sergeant scarcely able to move, his life-blood flowing rapidly from three severe wounds in thigh, breast and ankle, while the rebels came dashing over the prostrate forms in pursuit of flying troops. Expecting death at any moment, he exerted himself to the utmost, and by means of the mystic sign was so fortunate as to succeed in attracting the attention of the Lieut. Col. commanding the rebel Regiment. The Col. at once ordered a man from the ranks to take him carefully to the rear and treat him kindly."
The Confederate colonel did not stop there. After the furious fighting had eased, he sought out the Federal soldier and gave him a letter to take to a Masonic surgeon. No "treatment more skilful or tender" could have been desired during his fourteen days stay in the Division Hospital of Longstreet's Corps.
The nurse was so impressed by the act, she stated, evidently overlooking the fact that most Masons are Christians, "I can only say that Masons act more like Christians toward their brethren under difficult circumstances than Christians themselves do."
Once again Abraham Lincoln defeated a Mason for the Presidency of the United States. George B. McClellan received only 21 electoral votes out of 233. But the election of the Mason Andrew Johnson as Vice-President was to go a long way toward eventually reuniting the ununited states.
During the annual communication of the Grand Lodge of Virginia a letter was read which informed the members that several items belonging to Centreville Lodge No. 80, Virginia, were in the possession of a Federal surgeon. They were soon to be on their way to Richmond.
Savannah, Georgia, fell to overwhelming Federal forces on December 21? 1864, after a siege of eleven days. Solomons Lodge No. 1, was placed in danger from the mobs who began plundering the city as soon as the Confederate troops left. But the Lodge was saved. General John W. Geary, when informed of the prevailing conditions, placed a strong guard at the disposal of the Worshipful Master. The mob was dispersed before any material damage could be done.
The members of the Lodge were so appreciative of the kindness of General Geary they adopted the following resolution:
Resolved: That Solomon's No. 1, AFM remembers with deep gratitude this truly masonic act of kindness on the part of Gen. Geary also other favors which he extended to it while comd'g officer of this post, and would assure him that his treatment of our fraternity, and the citizens of this place, in general, in those trying times gave relief to many anxious hearts, and will always be appreciated by them; and therefore be it further Resolved:
That the thanks of this Lodge be and the same we hereby tender to P.G.H.P. Jno. W. Geary of Penn.
Eighteen months later, while Governor of Pennsylvania, Geary received a copy of the resolution. (The copy mailed earlier had been lost. ) In a letter to the Lodge he stated:
In the performance of those duties, I was actuated by no motives, but which were in every respect compatible with those of a soldier dictated by the true principles of charity and humanity. For the spirit and action thus manifested, I am entitled to no extraordinary credit or praise; for they should pervade the human heart in every circumstance of life and should be particularly prominent in every action of those connected with Freemasonry. Since then the rude scenes of war have passed away and fratricidal strife has ceased, and peace again spreads her genial influences over common country. God grant we may ever rejoice under one Flag, and one destiny.
We have reason to be thankful that our lives and health have been snared amid the chances and changes of the stormy period it has been our lot to witness, and for the generally increasing harmony and prosperity which seems to prevail throughout the nation. And here I feel again justified in referring to our beloved institution, by saying that to Freemasonry the people of the country are indebted for many mitigations of the sufferings caused by the direful passions of war.
One of the most difficult problems Masons had to face throughout the war was finding Lodge Communications they could attend. The fall of Savannah solved that problem for Isaac H. Boyle of Walker's Missouri Light Battery (Federal), according to a letter he wrote to a brother Mason:
. . . But once within the last year have I beheld the "Great Light" or heard the sound of the Master's gaval calling the Craftsman to labor, and that once was last night January 5, 1865. In company with Bro. Curtis, of Illinois, I sought admission into Solomon's Lodge, No. 1, and after patiently waiting until some hundred or so officers of the army (and some privates, too,) had passed through the hands of the examining committee, I was ushered into the most beautiful Lodge room it has ever been my privilege to enter, just in time to see the closing scene in the raising of a Brother to the sublime degree of a Master Mason. The chair (or rather, "throne",) was filled by the Master of the Lodge, Rich Turner, Esq., a venerable, intelligent and worthy Mason. The room was crowded to a degree of uncomfortableness, by citizens and soldiers, (Generals, Colonels, Majors, Captains and Privates, mingling together as if such a thing as rank existed not in the service). The work was beautifully executed, and everything seemed to conspire to render the evening one of pleasure and of profit. By my side sat a rebel prisoner, who had got permission to visit the Lodge without a guard, the word of a Master Mason being sufficient guarantee that he would return promptly to his quarters when the Lodge should close. Rebels and Union men mingled in that throng as if no war was going on, and I doubt not each one prayed that the clangor of arms might soon cease. Oh! Masonry, thy influence over the human soul is truly wonderful! A little incident occurred worthy of record. An officer of the Federal Army brought into the Lodge a "collar and apron," both very beautiful, for the purpose of having them restored to the rightful owner. It seems that a party of our soldiers were pillaging the house of a rebel, carrying off, not eatables, (a soldier's lawful prize) but everything else that struck their fancy. The lady at the sight of the devastation of her household, exclaimed, "Is there a Freemason here who will protect me?" The words ran like an electric spark through the nerves of Capt... ., who instantly commenced an indiscriminate booting of the mob from the premises. Pursuing his way with the column, he was informed a soldier had carried off from the house alluded to, some articles pertaining to Masonry. The soldier was forced to give up his spoils, (of what use to him?) and the gallant and true Brother carried them safely to Savannah, and at the meeting last night placed them in hands that will convey them to the rightful owner. This incident affected me more than anything that has ever come to my notice in our noble institution. God bless Freemasonry.
Early in the beginning of the year 1865, James A. Seddon, Jefferson Davis' Secretary of War, resigned. The Confederate President reluctantly accepted his resignation and called General John C. Breckinridge, a Mason, to Richmond to become the sixth, and last, Secretary of War for the Confederate States of America. He was to play an important part in the last days of his government.
Almost four years of war found the South in a deplorable condition. Food was practically non-existent; clothing was so scarce curtains and drapes, when they could be found, were being made into wearing apparel; shoes, where found, were a makeshift affair. Most of the South was in the possession of the Federal government. All that was saving the Confederacy was a group of half-starved, half-clothed, bedraggled, but valiant men in the trenches at Petersburg.
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They Have Passed The Veil
BENJAMIN W. DUNKELBERGER, North Dakota
EMIL J. KUSEY, Saskatchewan, Canada
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TWO IMPORTANT EVENTS occurred in July. On the tenth the amazing Telstar was launched into orbit. Ten days later the Glasgow Compass Travel Association of Glasgow, Scotland, was the guest of Babcock Lodge, No. 322, Highland Springs, Virginia, and drew together the largest group of Masons ever assembled together in a tiled Lodge in the Commonwealth.
The Masonic event started in 1958. That was the year the Masons from Scotland visited Glasgow, Virginia. Almost one thousand Virginia Masons saw them exemplify the Sublime Degree of Master Mason according to the ritual of Lodge Glasgow No. 441. Scotland. Strong rays of love difficult to explain were projected from the floor of the gymnasium to their American audience. Lasting friendships were formed in a matter of hours.
The historic communication of July 20, 1962. was made possible through the friendship of two who had known each other less than three hours. Moses A. Aronson of Glasgow, Scotland, discussed his organization with Allen E. Roberts of Highland Springs, Virginia, who was reporting the event for the Virginia Masonic Herald. Neither dreamed of the far-reaching effects of their meeting. Neither knew that four years later, through their continual correspondence, the greatest Masonic Communication ever held on the soil of Virginia would be an actuality.
Plans for the visit of the Glasgow Compass Travel Association were started during 1960. They were still being made in July, 1962. Until two weeks before the communication was to take place few would believe thousands of Masons would visit Babcock Lodge to see the Scotsmen at Work. But Edward H. Cann, Grand Master of Masons in Virginia, convinced even the most skeptical when he informed the Lodge he had issued several dispensations to Virginia Lodges to hold their Stated Communications at some other time than the third Friday so they could attend the meeting at the Richmond Arena. A rush for more than two thousand planned seats was made and the seating capacity was more than doubled, and should have been tripled.
An amazing sight greeted the three bus loads of Scottish Masons as they arrived at the Richmond Arena: thousands of Masons were moving slowly into the mammoth building. Inside, forty members of the Acca Temple Shrine Band of Richmond entertained those who were seated. The transformation from a huge arena to a Masonic Lodge was marvelous. The many committees of Babcock Lodge had worked long and hard and their efforts were rewarded by the plaudits of their brethren.
Carroll K. Davis, the Worshipful Master of Babcock Lodge, could not open on time. It was thirty minutes past the appointed hour before his gavel sounded to open the most historic Masonic communication ever held on the soil of Virginia. His rap stilled the noise of six thousand Masons representing thirty-three states and nine foreign counties.
The Grand Master of Masons in Virginia Edward H. Cann, received the most thunderous grand honors of any Grand Master in the 184 year history of the Grand Lodge of Virginia. He praised Babcock Lodge and the Glasgow Compass Travel Association in his opening remarks.
The Lodge was turned over to Charles J. Hammond, a Past Master of Lodge Glasgow No. 441, Scotland and his Ceremonial Degree Team. Their work was so interesting and exceptional few left before they had finished, in spite of the extremely hot night and large attendance. Between the two sections he read letters or greetings from the Grand Master Mason of Scotland, Lord Bruce, and the Provisional Grand Master of Glasgow. They were warmly received by the American Masons.
At the conclusion of the Master Mason Degree, Hammond presented certificates of life Membership in the Glasgow Compass Travel Association to Babcock's Master, Carroll K. Davis, and Allen E. Roberts, a Past Master of Babcock. They, as well as the three members of the Lodge who had been made Master Masons for the second time, were presented medallions with "SCOTLAND" in large letters and the name of the Glasgow association.
Before the Grand Master of Virginia closed the Lodge he congratulated the Scotsmen for their proficiency and Babcock Lodge for having the fortitude to undertake such a vast program without the assistance of any other Lodge. "This has been one of the most inspiring Masonic Communications I have ever attended," he claimed. "I was delighted to receive greetings from the Grand Master Mason of Scotland and the Provisional Grand Master of Glasgow. It has been an extreme pleasure to fraternize with my brethren from Scotland and to join the thousands of American Masons here tonight in applauding their courage, good work, and brotherhood."
Archer B. Gay, Past Grand Master and the Grand Secretary, lost no time in writing to the Master: "Congratulations to you on the most outstanding Masonic event to be held in Virginia in recent years. I do not ever recall seeing so many Masons in one group assembled as a tiled meeting in all of the time I have been a Mason."
Following the communication a reception was held under the direction of the Worthy Matron of Naomi Chapter No. 4, O.E.S. Other receptions followed throughout the weekend at the hotel, all of which gave the Scotsmen an excellent opportunity to really know their American friends. The family picnic of the Lodge on the grounds of the Masonic Home of Virginia also helped. There the Glasgow group entertained over one thousand men, women, and children with a "Scottish Concert" consisting of highland dancing and songs of Scotland.
A tour of Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown Festival Park, and Jamestown Island was made possible by the officials of those agencies. It was a trip many of the Scotsmen claimed they would never forget.
Many an eye was misty on Monday morning as the buses drove slowly away from the Mark Monroe. The Glasgow Compass Travel Association of Scotland had truly brought to life their motto, "Friendship Through Travel."
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MASON IC PATRIOTS ROLL OF HONOR
| GEORGE WASHINGTON | William Hooper | Albert Pike |
| Sam Houston | James K. Polk | |
| Stephen F. Austin | Andrew Jackson | Israel Putnam |
| William Beaumont | James Jackson | Paul Revere |
| James Buchanan | Andrew Johnson | Theodore Roosevelt |
| Kit Carson | John Paul Jones | Winfield Scott |
| Lewis Cass | Henry Knox | John Stark |
| Geo. Rogers Clark | Robt. R. Livingston | Frederick von Steuben |
| William Clark | James Lawrence | Richard Stockton |
| Henry Clay | Lafayette | John Sullivan |
| De Witt Clinton | Meriwether Lewis | William Howard Taft |
| Jos. Hamilton Daviess | Thomas McDonough | Isaiah Thomas |
| Stephen Decatur | William McKinley | George Walton |
| David Farragut | John Marshall | Mark Twain |
| Benjamin Franklin | Hugh Mercer | George Walton |
| Benjamin Garfield | Richard Montgomery | Seth Warner |
| Mordecai Gist | John P. G. Muhlenberg | Joseph Warren |
| John Hancock | James Otis | Thomas Smith Webb |
| Warren G. Harding | Robert Treat Paine | William Whipple |
| Nicholas Herkimer | Robert E. Peary | David Wooster |
| Joseph Hewes | Matthew G. Perry |
National Sojourners Roll of Honor Is Projected;
Military Masons - American Masonic Patriots
To Be Named
The late Captain Robert E. Bassler USN - Ret., when President of the National Sojourners in 1950-51, proposed the establishment of a Roll of Honor by the organization which would memorialize the Masonic affiliation of great Americans, military Masons and Masonic patriots.
His plan was to select an initial cadre and add annual increments so that selections would be made with due deliberation, and interest renewed each year by the procedure of adding to the list.
During the last decade the number selected has reached a total of sixty, it is announced by Colonel Carl S. Casto, present chairman of the committee responsible for the choice of honorees and arrangement for a permanent location of the Roll of Honor, as it grows.
Valley Forge and the George Washington National Memorial are considered appropriate locations for display, although others have been suggested, and no final decision has yet been arrived at. It is contemplated that a ceremony might be arranged each year for integration of the supplementary names to the roll. An adjacent shelf of biographies has been suggested to supplement the plaque. The Roll of Honor according to present plans will contain approximately 250 names a half century hence.
Masons conspicuous in the establishment and development of our nation, dead more than 25 years, preferably those with military service, are eligible for nomination. Choice has previously been made by a National Sojourners committee, and upon approval by the committee of 33, brought before the next National Convention for final action.
Nominees for the list of eligibles should be of sufficient prominence to be among those whose life histories appear in the Dictionary of American Biography or the supplementary volumes as they are published from time to time. The earlier choices will naturally be made largely from those participating in the Revolutionary War, or prominent in the early days of the Republic. Consistent with other factors, consideration will be given to as widespread recognition as possible. so that in the first hundred, most of the states will be represented.
The first sixty Americans chosen for the Roll of Honor appear in an adjacent box. The list includes all the eligible Presidents and most of the general officers of the Continental Army. Certification of membership from the appropriate Grand Lodge is indispensable.
In an effort to obtain as representative a choice
as possible, and as a guide to the National Sojourners committee, readers
of the Philalethes magazine are invited to participate in a ballot to select
the 1963 increment. An appropriate form is provided to be filled out and
returned as indicated. Ballots received after December 1st may not arrive
in time for tally.
Nominees for National
Sojourners Roll of Honor
Your choice for the five Masons to be added to the National Sojourners Roll of Honor of Masonic Patriots and Military Masons may be made from the list of nominees which follows. Select the five greatest Americans, according to your judgment. If you have other names to suggest for inclusion among the nominees please send it in with brief biographical notes and pertinent dates.
Anderson, Richard C. (1750-1862) Contl. major, Kentucky pioneer
Armstrong, John (1775-1843) Contl. major, diplomat, Secy. War.
Astor, John Jacob (1763-1848) merchant financier.
Aycock, Charles B. (1859-1912) lawyer govr. N. Car., public education sponsor.
Barlow, Joel (1754-1812) Contl. Army chaplain, poet, diplomat.
Beadle, William H.H. (1828-1915) Union general, S. Dak. educator.
Benton, Thomas H. (1816-1879) educator, Union general, PGM Iowa.
Booth, Edwin T. (1833-1893) actor founded Players' Club.
Bryan, Wm. Jennings (1860-1925) Congressman, Secy. of State, orator.
Burbank, Luther (1849-1926) the Plant Wizard.
Burbeck, Henry (1755-1848) Contl. Army off., brig. genl. War 1812.
Butler, Richard (1743-1791) Rev. sold., Indian agt., KA under St. Clair.
Caswell, Richard (1729-1789) planter Contl. colonel, govr. N. Car.
Chandler, Zachariah (1813-1879) merchant, Senator fr. Mich., Secy. Interior.
Chivington, John M. (?-1895) Meth minister, missionary Colo.
Choate, Rufus (1799-1850) orator, jurist, legislator.
Clarke, James P. (1854-1910) lawyer Senator, govr. of Arkansas.
Clark, Joel (1730-1776) organized Amer. Union Lodge, Contl. col, DW.
Cleaveland, Moses (1754-1806) Contl. capt., pioneer, lawyer.
Clinton, James (1733-1812) Contl. brig. genl., merchant NYC.
Collamore, Jacob (1791-1865) lawyer Senator fr. Vermont, Post. Mast. Genl.
Colt, Samuel (1814-1862) inventor, industrialist, etc.
Craik, James (1739-1814) Rev. surg., physician to Washington.
Dearborn, Henry (1751-1829) Contl. capt., War 1812 genl., diplomat.
Dallas, George M. (1792-1864) Vice Pres., diplomat.
Dickinson, John (1732-1808) lawyer, legislator, govr. Del.
Elbert, Samuel (1740-1788) Contl. brig. gene, govr., PGM Georgia.
Ellsworth, Oliver (1745-1807) Chief Justice under Washington.
Erskine, Robert (1735-1780) Surveyor zenl. Contl. Army.
BALLOT
Fill in, cut out, and mail to
James R. Case. 43 Highland Ave., Bethel. Conn.
My choice for the 1963 increment to the National Sojourners Roll
of Honor are the following:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Signed
Use separate sheet for comments and suggestions
Fay, Jonas (1737-1818) physician, statesman, Vermonter.
Fitch, John (1743-1788) pioneer in steam-boat development.
Fleming, Walter M. (1838-1910) physician, Union Army surg., co-org. Shrine.
French, Benjamin B. (1800-1870) D. C. Official, laid Wash. Mon. c/s, PGC, KT.
Gibson, John (1740-1822) Rev. soldier, co-organizer Indiana Territory.
Gilman, Nicholas (1755-1814) Delegate to Constl. Convent. from New Hampshire.
Glick, George W. (1827-1911) lawyer, farmer, governor of Kansas.
Glover, John (1732-1797) Contl. brig. gen. comdg. amphib. units.
Gorrie, John (1803-1855) Florida physician, inventor of mechanical refrig.
Greaton, John (1741-1783) Contl. brig. genl
Gridley, Richard (1711-1796) eng. & arty. off. in colonial and Rev. wars.
Guion, Isaac (1755-1833) Contl. capt. Memphis planter.
Hamtramck, John F. (1757-1803) Contl. capt., reg. army off., Indian agt.
Hancock, Winfield S. (1824-1886) Union genl. Presidential candidate.
Hand, Edwald (1744-1802) Contl. brig. genl
Harmar, Josiah (1753-1813) Rev. sold., Indian agt. NWT, comd. USA '84-'91.
Hayes, Moses Michael (1739-1805) Boston merchant, prominent Jewish Mason, PGM.
Heart, Jonathan (1744-1791) Contl. capt., WM Amer. Union Lodge, KA.
Hoban, James (1762-1831) designed built the White House.
Hogun, James (17??-1781) Contl. brig. genl., POW.
Hopkins, Samuel (1750-1819) Contl. col. Congressman, Ky. pioneer.
Ingalls, John J. (1833-1900) lawyer, U.S. Senator from Kansas.
Johnson, Richard Mentor (1780-1850) Vice Pres., killed Tecumseh in battle.
Jones, Noble (1724-1805) Rev. sold., physician, congressman from Georgia.
Kane, Elisha Kent (1820-1857) navy surg. arctic explorer.
King, Thos. Starr (1825-1857) U.S. San. Comm. worker, Unit. min. Mass. & Calif.
King, William (1768-1852) merchant lawyer, governor of Maine.
Kirkwood, Samuel G. (1813-1894) farmer, lawyer, govr. Iowa, Secy. Inter.
Kirkwood, Robert (??-1791) Contl. capt. KA St. Clair's defeat.
Kirby, Ephraim (1757-1804) Contl. sold., Iawyer, 1st GGHP of RAM.
LaFollette, Robert (1855-1925) lawyer, govr. of Wisc., U.S. Senator.
Long, Crawford W. (1815-1878) pioneer anesthetist, Georgia surgeon.
Lewis, Morgan (1754-1844) Contl. off., War 1812 genl., govn. NY, GM.
Lincoln, Benjamin (1733-1810) farmer Contl. brig. genl., etc.
Little, George (1754-1809) Contl. Navy capt., Mass. farmer.
Logan, John A. (1826-1866) Union genl. originated Memorial Day.
Morton, Oliver P. (1823-1877) lawyer, war govr. of Indiana, Senator.
Maclane, Allen (1746-1829) Contl. capt., sec. serv. agnt. for Washington.
McClellan, George B. (1826-1885) Union genl., engineer, govr. N.J.
McHenry, James (1753-1816) Aide to Washington, Congress, Secy. War.
Maxwell, William (1738-1798) Contl. maj. genl., legislator.
Meigs, Return Jno., Sr. (1740-1823) Contl. col., pioneer NWT, agt. to Cherokees.
Mitchell, John (1741-1816) Contl. col. 1st Gr. Comdr. AASR S. Jur.
Murfree, Hardy (1752-1808) Contl. major, Tenn. pioneer.
Nicholas, Samuel (1744-1790) first off. comsd. in U.S. Marine Corps.
Nicholson, James (1736-1804) naval off., commodore comdg. Contl. Navy.
Nicholson, Samuel (1743-1817) navaI off., 1st capt. Old Ironsides.
Nixon John (1727-1815) Contl. brig. geni., Mass., Vermont farmer.
O'Brien, Jeremiah (1744-1818) Contl. Navy capt., Maine politico.
Ogden, Aaron (1756-1839) Contl. off., U.S. Senator, gov. N.J.
Palfrey, William (1741-1780) Aide to Washington, dpl. courier lost at sea.
Parsons, Saml. HoIden (1737-1789) Contl. maj. genl., pioneer NWT.
Parke, John (1754-1789) Contl. col., poet.
Parker, Ely S. (1826-1895) Aide to Grant, Union off., Indian.
Parvin, Theodore S. (1817-1901) founder Iowa Grand Lodge library.
Paterson, John (1744-1808) Contl. maj. genl., Congress, N.Y. Jurist.
Paulding, John (1758-1818) Rev. sold., helped capture Andre.
Peale, Chas. Wilson (1741-1827) Contl. Off., painter.
Poinsett, Joel (1779-1851) legislator, diplomat, Secy. War.
Polk, William (1758-1834) Rev. off., War 1812, politico.
Posey, Thos. (1750-1818) Contl. off., U.S. brig. genl., Senator La., govr. Ind.
Preble, Edward (1761-1807) nav. off. War 1812, commodore.
Quitman, John A. (1798-1858) lawyer, Congress, brig. genl. Mex. War. govr. Miss.
Rice, Henry M. (1816-1894) Minnesota pioneer, Ind. Commissioner, Senator.
Robbins, Joseph (1834-1904) physician Grand Master of Illinois.
Rogers, Will (1879-1935) cowboy, humorist, actor, journalist, etc.
Rose, Uriah M. (1834-1913) Jurist, writer, Arkansas traveler.
Sanders, Wilbur Fisk (1834-1905) Union off., Mont. pioneer & vigilante.
Scammell, Alex. (1747-1781) school teacher, surveyor, DW Yorktown.
Schley, Winfield S. (1839-1911) Arctic explorer, nav. off., victor at Santiago.
Seabury, Samuel (1729-1796) chap. Brit. regts., first PE Bishop in America.
Sears, Isaac (1730-1786) merchant in N. Y., Son of Liberty, privateersman.
Sevier, John (1745-1815) victor Kings Mt., Congress, 1st govr. Tenn.
Shays, Daniel (1747-1825) Contl. off., leader pop. revolt in Mass.
Shields, James (1806-1879) soldier, U.S. Senator fr. III., Minn., Missouri.
Shoup, George L. (1836-1900) first terr. govr. Idaho, U.S. Senator.
Smith, John Carson (1832-1910) Union col., Iieut. govr., GM Illinois.
Sousa, John Philip (1854-1932) the March King.
St. Clair, Arthur (1736-1818) Contl. maj. genl., Congress, govr. NWT.
Sumner, Jethro (1738-1785) N. Car. planter, Contl. brig. genl.
Teller, Henry Moore (1830-1914) Congress, Secy. Int., comd. Colo. state forces.
Tilton, James (1745-1822) Contl. Army surg., congress, wrote Med. Regs.
Thompson, William (1736-1781) merchant, Contl. brig. genl, was casualty.
Tompkins, Daniel D. (1774-1826) Jurist, govr., Vice Pres. GM N.Y.
Turner, Thos. (1815-1874) Union col., Iawyer, congress from Illinois.
Vaile, William N. (1876-1927) lawyer, congress fr. Colo., soldier.
Vance, Zebulon (1830-1894) soldier, Senator, gov. N.C.
Varnum, Jas. Mitchell (1748-1789) Contl. brig. genl., early judge NWT.
Wallace, Lew (1827-1905) Indiana lawyer, Union genl., diplomat, author Ben Hur.
Webb, Thomas Smith (1771-1819) musician, mfgr., Mas. org., rit. and pub.
Welles, Gideon (1802-1878) editor, diarist, Secy. Navy '61-'65.
Weeden, George (1730-1790) Va. merch. Contl. brig. genl.
Wheeler, Joseph (1836-1906) merchant, soldier, Congressman fr. Alabama.
Whipple, Abraham (1733-1819) Contl. Navy off., took prizes worth a million.
Williams, Otho Holland (1749-1794) Balto. Merch., Contl. brig. genl.
Woodford, WilIiam (1734-1780) Va. merch., Contl. brig. genl., POW and DD.
Yell, Archibald (1797-1847) lawyer, KA Buena Vista. GM Arkansas.
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Welcome to New Members
ROBERT W. E. McFADDEN 4 Hart St., Brantford, Ontario. Canada.
JOHN L. HAVERS. R. D. 2 Box 385, Johnstown, Pennsylvania.
CLARENCE S. HARRIVEL, 4300 Clark Ave., Cleveland 9, Ohio.
T. FRANK WINN, 154 South Fifth East, Salt Lake City 2, Utah.
CHARLES W. KEENER, 57 Tuttle Court, Geneva, Ohio.
JOHN ROLAND PAINE, Sr., 1112 West Hawthorne St. Apt C, Arlington Heights, Illinois.
RAYMOND ERNEST DURHAM, Jr., 400 Colonial Ave., Vestal, New York.
B. GLENN SHUTT, Jr. P. O. Box 205, Brookneal, Virginia.
ARTHUR D. COURTEEN. 27 MacLennaa Dr., Westmount, Sydney, N.S.
BERNARD WILLIAM FROST, R.F.D. No. 1, Hazardville, Conn.
BEN WILKINSON GRAYBILL, 5209 Catalina Road, Shawnee Mission, Kansas.
WILLIAM CODNER BLAINE, 1424 Edgeumbe Road, St. Paul 16, Minn.
EARL BECKER BAUER, 207 E. Michigan St., Suite 430, Milwaukee 2, Wisconsin.
CLAUDE H. RIEDEL, Box 11, Gas City, Indiana.
HAROLD WINFIELD KENT, The Kamehameha Schools, Honolulu 17, Hawaii .
EDWIN ALFRED HAAKENSON, P.O. Box 351, Williston North Dakota.
RICHARD EMMETT DAVIE, 304, Mountair Drive. Salt Lake City, Utah.
CECIL FORLOW LAUCHNER, 530 38th St.. West Palm Beach. Florida
LaVERNE BANE, 463 Douglas St., Salt Lake City. Utah.
JAMES EDMUND DANBRIDGE MURDAUGH, 28 W. Orchard Road, Fort Mitchell, Ky.
HERMAN OTTO FETSCHER, 2402 Custer Ave., Ogden, Utah.
MURRAY FIDLOW, 83 - 35 - 139th St., Jamaica 35, Long Island, N. Y.
BENJAMIN HUGH WESTON, P. O. Box 691, Lantana, Florida.
HAROLD ORLO CADY, P. O. Box 299, Concord, New Hampshire.
ROBERT C. PHELPS, Route No. 5, Box 132, Nampa, Idaho.
HARRY EDSON ARNOLD, 23219 - 25th Ave. So., Kent, Washington.
DON R. HOLDEN, Box 94, Ogden, Utah.
J. HAROLD COX, 839 Logan St., Hammond, Indiana.
J. FRED LATHAM, 321 E. Oklahoma Ave., Guthrie, Okla.
BURTON RANDOLPH KNERR, 134 No. 6th St., Reading, Pa.
HAROLD RUSSELL WALDO, 470 So. 13th East St., Salt Lake City 2,
WALTER L. SOLSTAD, 1982 South 14th East, Salt Lake City, Utah.
ROBERT L. MURPHY, 1617 Washtenaw Ave., Ann Arbor, Michigan.
NAREN L. JACKSON, 2261 Grove Ave., North Sacramento Calif.
HENRY M. REYES, 2723 Burgundy St., New Orleans 17, La.
FRANCIS W. DOUGLAS, P. O. Box 581, Salt Lake City 10, Utah.
JAMES F. ANDERSON, 6186 Del Carro Blvd.. San Diego 20, Calif.
JAMES B. McCORMICK, University of Arizona, Tuscon Arizona.
HARRY IVAN BURGESS, 3766 West 6th St., Fort Worth 7, Texas.
JOSEPH K. LLOYD, 38003 Sharpe Ave., Willoughby, Ohio.
CARL KNOX BRITENBUCHER, 716 Edgehill Ave., Ashland, Ohio.
GEORGE ERNEST HOBBS, Route 2, Box 125, Ashland, Kentucky .
LUTHER ANDREW SMITH, 1733 16th St. N. W., Washington 9, D. C.
ROBERT A. HINSHAW, Bloomfield Road, New Concord, Ohio.
ARCHIE A. RICHSTONE, 1285 Pine Avenue, Silley, Quebec, Canada.
WILLIAM JAMES BELL, 1003 Stuart St., Green Bay, Wisconsin.
ARTHUR H. RICE, 2439 Glenwood. Toledo, Ohio.
MARVIN BYERS LEWALLEN, 2312 Villa Ave., Indianapolis 3, Indiana.
RALPH F. GEIGER, R. D. 1, Box 198, Hiram, Ohio.
LEO SLEVIN, 15243 Valley Vista Blvd., Sherman Oaks, Calif.
G. RICHARD MARSHALL, 1846 Bloor St. W., Toronto 9, Ontario, Canada.
FRED W. BANZ, 169 Ross Drive, Clearfield, Utah.
RUSSELL ALLEN WILLIAMS, 2978 Sunset Road, Fort Myers, Florda.
MILTON ALEXANDER McRAE, 401 Cooper Lane. Eureka. California.
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by ELBERT BEDE, F.P.S.
A SHIP is never truly on its course. It is in need of constant correction.'
I know not the author of the foregoing maxim, but it certainly contains the seed for a Masonic lesson of deep design.
Isn't a ship that is never truly on its course, that is in need of constant correction, symbolic of human life? Are we not constantly veering from the course we know we should be following? Are we not in need of constant correction? Do we not often find ourselves wavering from the true course and wasting precious fleeting moments doing nothing worth while when, if our course had been corrected by recollection of our responsibilities as Freemasons, we might have used a part of that wasted time in attending Lodge, where we might have gained useful knowledge or might have enlightened others? Do we not often find ourselves off the true course spending an evening to no purpose when, if our course had been corrected by a recollection of the Five Points, we might have taken cheer to a lonesome Brother in a sick room? Do we not often get off the true course and sneak off for a game of golf on a Sunday morning when, if our course had been corrected by the spiritual lessons of Freemasonry, we might have astonished a member of the Craft as he greeted us at his church? Do we not often find ourselves off the true course saying unkind things about a Brother when, if our course had been corrected by a recollection of the Precious Jewels of a Fellowcraft Mason, we might have withheld the unkind word and, instead, given kind counsel to the Brother we believed in error? Do we not often find ourselves off the true course by staying away from the polls on election day when, if our course had been corrected by the admonitions of Freemasonry concerning our civil duties, we might have cast the ballots that would have elected better men to public place? Are we not frequently off the true course doing things which, though they may not actually injure us noticeably, certainly in no way improve us in Freemasonry or otherwise; certainly in no way benefit us or anyone else?
In these mechanical days a ship is held to its course by automatic steering mechanism, but even this does not keep a ship truly on its course. The automatic mechanism merely keeps making the corrections that are necessary as the ship's course is influenced by the action of the water and air through which the ship is moving. As automatic steering mechanism makes the necessary corrections in the course of a ship, so should we use the Lessons and Teachings of Freemasonry, the Symbols and Allegories of our Craft, to automatically make for us the corrections necessary if we are to safely reach the port of duty performed, of obligations held inviolate.
Brother Kenneth F. Curtis, Chairman of the Membership Committee, is a hard-working fellow, but he isn't getting the assistance to which he is entitled from the general membership of our Society. Haven't you Masonic friends whom you would readily recommend for membership? If you have such friends, aren't you failing in that friendship when you do not send their names to Brother Curtis? His address is 2455 Raeford Road, Orlando, Florida.
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Another Honor Comes to Son of First Vice President
Paul W. Reigner, the distinguished son of our First Vice President was again honored this summer, when Governor J. Willard Tawes, himself an active Mason, presented a Certificate of Distinguished Citizenship, in the following terms:
State of Maryland, J. Willard Tawes, Governor, to Commander Paul W. Reigner, Chaplain, U.S.N., Greetings: Be it known that on behalf of the State, in recognition of your distinguished career in the United States Navy, where you have served God and country with devotion, administering truth, solace, and wisdom to mankind demonstrating your outstanding ability and integrity and meriting our great trust and respect, we are pleased to confer upon you this CERTIFICATE OF DISTINGUISHED CITIZENSHIP.
Signed by Governor Tawes, and the Secretary of State of Maryland .
Our readers may remember that Brother Reigner was Senior Chaplain for Operation Deepfreeze III, Antarctica, late in 1957, and was badly burned in a helicopter takeoff accident on the Icebreaker ATKA, on December 1, 1957, was returned in slow stages to the Chelsea Naval Hospital, Mass., and since, has become Senior Chaplain, U.S.S. Constellation. He has been able to do much to display the virtues of Freemasonry in his positions of trust, and well fills the requirements of an outstanding citizen.
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Brethren Honor Bede
A group of Oregon Freemasons, who gather on the anniversary of a member of the group, were guests, with their ladies, June 30 at the home of Elbert Bede, President of Philalethes, who had passed his 81st anniversary two days before. Dessert was served by Bede's wife, assisted by Bede's daughter and grandchild, Mrs. Stanley Swan and daughter Suzanne.
Those present included Clarence D. Phillips, Past Grand Master, member of Philalethes; Harry D. Proudfoot, Past Grand Master and Grand Secretary; Enoch B. Carlson, Grand Marshal and Honorary Past Grand Master; Walter O. Haines, 55-year Past Master; and Frank Knoll, Past Master.
----o----
Adam was but human - this explains it all. He did not want the apple for the apple's sake, he wonted it only because it was forbidden.
- Mark Twain
----o----
by ALPHONSE CERZA, F.P.S. (Life), Ill.
JUST OFF THE PRESS is Masonry in Nebraska," by Brother George W. Rosenlof. The book covers the history of Freemasonry in the State of Nebraska from 1857 to 1957. It is a fine example of what can be done when there is vision blended with hard work while laboring in the quarries. The office of Grand Historian was created some years back in Nebraska. From 1947 to 1961 the work in this office was done by Brother Harold Thom, M.P.S. He gathered together much of the information and many of the records before and during his years of service. This was done partly in preparation for the hundredth anniversary. When Brother Rosenlof was appointed Grand Historian in 1961 he took on the work of writing the history. The author of this fine work has been a teacher since 1910 and for thirty eight years was connected with the University of Nebraska.
This history is well written, presented in a most interesting style, and is easy to read. It has many pictures not only of the leading Masons of the state but also of charters, certificates, medals, and buildings. The book tells the story of the Craft in Nebraska in a chronological way but weaves into the telling the part taken by the men who participated in the events; it also gracefully tells the facts about the various offices. movements, homes, and groups in the state. Here and there are surprises when one reads an incident that is unusual or full of human interest.
Copies many be secured at $3.00 a copy from Brother Carl R. Greisen, Grand Secretary, 401 Masonic Temple, Omaha 2, Nebraska. I cannot resist the temptation to say that Brother Greisen (who is also Secretary of our Society) has a full page picture of his on page 148 of the book by virtue of the fact that he has ably served the Craft of that state as Grand Secretary since 1946.
There has been published recently "The New Bible Dictionary," edited by J. D. Douglas. 139 persons have contributed articles to this book which contains about 2300 items. There are many maps, drawings, and illustrations of interest. The contributors are predominantly English authors and they stress points of view sometimes that may be strange to Americans, but the book may be of interest to Masons who are students of the Holy Bible.
The book sells for $12.95 and was published by Eerdmans.
Available from the Superintendent of Documents, for only $1.00, is "Ideas In Conflict." This paper bound brochure presents a comparison of ideas prevalent in free countries and those under Communism. Various basic ideas are shown from both points of view and this book clearly demonstrates that some of our terms are used by the Communists but they are conveying entirely different ideas. For example, to us the term "co-existence" means in effect "live and let live." To the Communists it means "lull the other fellow into a sense of false security so he may be weakened for conquest." When we say we believe in "freedom" we mean that the individual may do anything he pleases subject only to respecting the rights of others. When they use the word they mean "the right to do anything that will promote the cause of the party."
This booklet is a must for all good Americans.
The current issue of the Transactions of Quatuor Coronati Lodge No. 2076, of London has adopted a slightly new format and contains some very interesting articles. It has a more durable cover and has a supplement of general interest.
The articles of special interest are as follows: A short history of Freemasonry in Bermuda; the reproduction of a rare Masonic pamphlet recently discovered; a discussion of the office of Tyler; a discussion of aprons, with some pictures of them; a short item on Freemasonry in the United States; an article on the place of the obligation in the ritual; and a short article on exposes of the ritual.
One innovation which will please readers in the United States is the listing in adjoining columns of the price of items in American currency. Until this time there was always some confusion because the prices were listed only in English currency. The inside back cover lists some very valuable books and facsimiles of ancient manuscripts that are still available at reasonable prices.
Those interested in becoming members or in securing copies of the publications of this lodge are urged to communicate with Brother Harry Carr, Secretary and Editor, 27 Great Queen Street, London, W.C. 2, England.
For many years Paul Blanshard has been a student of Spain and Portugal with emphasis on the relationship of the government and the Roman Catholic Church in those countries. He spent many months in these two countries in 1933 and then again in 1959. The result of study is presented in "Freedom and Catholic Power in Spain and Portugal."
Here is an authentic report on what the Roman Catholic Church has done in these two countries. By becoming the official religion and entering into formal agreements with the government all the freedoms that we consider so dear as Americans have been virtually abolished. Both countries have gone backward in all sorts of ways. Every area of activity is dominated by a combination of the Roman Catholic Church and of the state with a determined view of preventing any ideas or practices at variance with the views of the established religion of political rulers. When accusations are made against the Roman Catholic Church in the areas of politics, social relations, education, persecution, etc., and they answer that these things are ancient history and are no longer a part of their policy one can point at Spain and Portugal as a modern example of what can happen when a totalitarian religion and a totalitarian government join hands to crush the freedom and incentive of individuals.
The fifth chapter (pages 78-87) is entitled "The Masons and The Jews." Here is a recital of how Freemasonry has been persecuted, made illegal, and Masons imprisoned for being Masons.
The book was published by Beacon Press, Boston, Mass., and the price is $3.95.
The New Age, August, 1962, has a fine inspirational message from Brother Luther A. Smith, Sovereign Grand Commander, on the lesson we are to learn from Valley Forge, George Washington and his men at that historic place.
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By CHARLES G. REIGNER, F.P.S.
WE ARE NOW well along in the second decade of the second half of this century. The first half witnessed two world-wide holocausts such as the human race had never seen before. The struggle between two concepts of government - democracy and totalitarianism - goes on.
With reform movements Freemasonry as such has nothing to do. Still, Masons cannot stand idly by while the very freedoms that make Freemasonry possible are being constantly undermined. Let every Mason keep one basic fact always in mind: Wherever and whenever totalitarianism - Church or State - gains the upper hand, Freemasonry ceases to exist or, at best, is driven underground. Communism and Freemasonry are mutually exclusive: they cannot breathe the same atmosphere. Ecclesiastical domination, too, means that Freemasonry exists, if at all, only by sufferance. These statements are too well documented to be refuted. Here in America we are committed to the principle of separation of Church and State. We have seen breaches in that wall of separation - breaches that give every Mason genuine concern.
The right of free conscience is not something that is given to the people by either Church or State. On the contrary, it is a right that stems from the underlying principles of our democratic institutions. It is an "inalienable" right, just as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are inalienable rights.
Rights and privileges always carry with them corresponding duties and obligations. The man who values his own freedom of speech, thought, and conscience is bound to respect the right of other men to those same freedoms. Men are by no means identical; they differ widely in heredity, in environment, and in opportunity. But before the Supreme Architect of the Universe all men stand on an equal footing. Here in America the rights of men as human beings are safeguarded by the Constitution. To the extent that human rights are transgressed, to that extent also is the fundamental law of the land transgressed.
We ought to have constantly in the forefront of our minds the principles of freedom which are also the principles of Freemasonry. Let us take to heart Albert Pike's challenge to all Masons:
"To attain truth and to serve our fellows. our country, and mankind - this is the noblest destiny of men. Hereafter and all your life it is to be your object. If you desire to ascend to that destiny, advance! If you have other and less noble objects and are contented with a lower flight, halt there! If you will advance, gird up your loins for the struggle. For the way is long and toilsome. Pleasure will beckon you on the one hand, and indolence will invite you to sleep among the flowers, upon the other. Prepare to resist the allurements of both."
The noblest destiny of man is to attain truth" and to serve his fellows, his country, and mankind. "What is Truth?" is a question that has engaged the minds of men through time. Every Mason understands - or should understand - the practical truths involved in the Fact of God, the Fact of Human Brotherhood, and the Fact of Immortality - truths to which Freemasonry is eternally committed. However limited we may be, we still know enough about Truth to guide us in right paths. Edwin Markham, Master Poet and Master Mason, has taught us truth in these searching lines:
We men of earth have here the stuff
Of Paradise - we have enough !
We need no other thing to build
The stairs into the Unfulfilled.
Here on the paths of every day,
Here on the common human way
Is all the busy gods would take
To build a heaven, to mold and make
New Edens, Ours the stuff sublime
To build Eternity in time.
A heart-and-soul understanding of truth always leads to service. Unless the truth which Freemasonry teaches us leads us out into service to others, that truth for us is empty and vain. It is not truth that has failed; rather, we have failed the truth which Freemasonry teaches.
Truth and service, therefore, are to be the objects of our lives. That service has to do, first of all, with our "fellows" in Freemasonry. We are to aid, strengthen, and support one another; to service the institution of which we are members; to serve the best and highest interests of our country. We can best serve the land which has given us our opportunity by standing firmly for the principles which our forefathers laid down for us. To the extent that we depart from those principles, to that extent we do a disservice to our country.
Finally, we are to serve all mankind. Freemasonry can be - should be - a potent influence in the life of every Mason - an influence which leads him to serve those with whom he comes in contact. A Freemasonry which is limited solely to the Lodge is a poor Freemasonry. Individually and collectively we can do something for those who are in any kind of distress. By personal service and, at times, by our money, we can alleviate suffering and bring some joy and happiness into the lives of those who sit in the shadows.
Our own pleasure and indolence, as Albert Pike said, constantly militate against these ideals of service to our fellows, to our country, and to mankind. We need to "resist the allurements" of both. When the working tools fall from our lifeless hands, we shall be remembered for the good we have done in life, for the service we have given, and for that measure of happiness we have brought into the lives of others - and in no other way. Edwin Markham has put the whole truth of Masonic service into a nutshell.
There is a destiny that makes us Brothers
None goes his way alone;
All we send into the lives of others
Comes back into our own.
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Masons Can Meet at the Fair
On the grounds of the Century 21 World's Fair Exposition in Seattle, Washington, which opened April 21, 1962, the Masonic Lodges of Washington and Alaska have conceived a lounge and reception center.
The purpose of the lounge is to promote the ideals of Masonic brotherly love and fellowship and to be of assistance and aid to visiting brethren from all over the world.
To record the visitation, there is a register for all to sign, at which time each visitor will be presented a souvenir card as a memento of the date of his visit to the fair. There is a daily trestle board of activities in the near vicinity
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by RONALD E. HEATHENS F.P.S.
Often our members do not know a great deal about the operation or our Society, and this article by our Treasurer, is illuminating. Read it.
AS FOR FINANCES, your Society relies entirely on dues from members for its income. The Executive Secretary makes his annual call for dues in December, and the ready response of members is reflected in the Treasurer’s cash balance at the year-end. Additional income is received in January, and from then on income practically disappears, except for new members. The cash balance then begins to dwindle each month.
Operating on a budget approved at the Annual Meeting of the Executive Committee, we have been able to conduct the affairs of the Society satisfactorily without difficulty.
Your Executive Committee has plans for enlargement of the work of the Society in the future. The bonus to members has been well received, and we hope to continue this; and to keep up the high standard of articles of wide interest in The Philalethes. Improving and enlarging the work of the Society is, however, entirely dependent on bringing in new members.
We have a purpose and a goal - to bring Masonic truth to our members. Each individual member can help in this program by urging an interested Mason to join with us in this work.
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of Biological Morality
by Dr. HAROLD HULME, M.P.S.
WHAT IS THE POTENTIALITY of man's body? How should it be controlled, and governed, so as to gain serenity, poise and peace?
Let us first consider that man is not solely his body - he is more than his body and the desires that affect it: he is evolving on a higher level of thinking when the mind talks down to the body, instead of the body talking up to the mind. Now the body and its evolving organisms - all with sense perceptions, and with sense perceptions that individually have inherent sanity. For instance, we speak in medical terms of the liver brain, the abdominal brain, and the kidney brain, each of which takes for itself the nutrient best suited for its organic functioning: all being sustained by the processes of nutrition and digestion, and operated by reflex action from the stimulation of edible substances ingested into the body.
Is this pure force governing matter, or will spirit inform this matter? Is there not speech from the body that becomes thought to the mind from sense perceptions? - consummating in feelings and emotions from which our thoughts come (not from our education). Education helps to polish and adorn these feelings and emotions, so that we may translate life to the harmonies of spirit, eventuating in the renewal of the mind and transformation of the body. The way of life is volitional evolution, and I think we all have hope in the belief in the final redemption of the body of man, its perfection and ultimate goal. The paramount need is to resurrect ourselves from every dead condition into which sense ignorance has plunged us, and to be resurrected means to get out of the place you are in and get into another place; this calls for death and annihilation of erroneous ideas that ignorance has stored in the cells of the body; then follows mental resurrection by body demonstration.
Man who is ascending to heaven is not going from this creation - and is simply ascending to a higher state of realization here and now. Man should never forget that the human brain expresses the soul in everything that is translatable into motion, so that spiritualization signifies self-realization; its deeper meaning is the power of penetration of appearances with the result of ensouling matter, so that physical possibilities are realized. There is a gravitation of the whole system of nature toward quality - always toward nobler forms, and simpler yet diviner ends. Nature directs our knowledge, and u e may seek divinity not through mystical surrender but through practical moral activity, and to grow truly aware of nature's eternal yearnings for our collaboration.
It is in LIFE that you live, move. and have your being, this Mind-Life which will never wane if you keep in consciousness the genetics of the Life Idea.
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The Lion's Paw of the Tribe of Judah
by ARTHUR L. BILLER, M.P.S.
DURING ALL MY TEACHING of the symbolisms of Masonry, not once did anyone come up with a different idea of the significance of this subject, including men of the cloth. Nowhere have I read of any satisfactory or enlightening or thought provoking explanation of this symbol. This subject is of great significance to me, and I hope my thoughts on this matter will arouse others to express their views concerning this idea.
As a candidate proceeds ritualistically through the symbolic degrees, only once does he hear of the Lion's Paw of the tribe of Judah - and that near the end of his journey. All the work up to that point speaks of Israel in one way or another. For example, throughout the degree work he will hear such phrases as . . . "it was an Israelitish custom", or, "this was a testimony in Israel", or Jephthah gathered together the men of Israel", or "It was in the heart of David, King of Israel", or "Solomon, King of Israel", and so forth. And then at long last the lion's paw of the tribe of Judah is brought to his attention. Just why this is so is a question rather difficult to answer. This theme is customarily by-passed without any attempt at explanation. My thoughts with regard to this are herewith presented.
To begin with, it should be recalled that in ancient times and even at present, Israel was divided into two geographical sectors or jurisdictions. The Northern Kingdom was composed of ten tribes while the Southern kingdom was composed of the remaining two tribes. that of Benjamin and Judah. The capital of the latter was Jerusalem. These two divisions (North and South) were never united in all their history except during the 40 year reign of King David and followed by a similar reign of King Solomon. Masonry makes use of the lion’s paw of the tribe of Judah in symbolic fashion suggesting that the entire Jewish nation has been united and that all nations should be thus united. It alludes therefore rather strongly to the idea of the Brotherhood of Man and the Fatherhood of God about which Masonry teaches a great deal. It also alludes to the idea of the resurrection as taught by the ancient Egyptians and all major religions today. This utopian goal will heal the breach between Judah and the rest of Israel, or the world in general. It is for good reason that Jesus was spoken of as the Lion of Judah. This title also was assumed by Haile Selasie of Ethiopia (the latter being a direct descendant of David and Sheba) .
Furthermore, it may be stated that the Bible alludes to the lion's paw on several occasions thereby pointing to a vital event in human history, that of the ideal of Brotherhood among all men. This is the Biblical way of alluding to Divine will of uniting all men together in peace.
In I Samuel 17:37, King Saul addresses David regarding the fact the former doubts that the boy David can slay the overpowering giant Goliath. But David answers that "the Lord that delivereth me out of the paw of the lion . . . will deliver me out of the hand of the Philistine. " So, too, we read of Daniel in the lion's den, and the story is replete with innuendos regarding Daniel's utter faith in God. Both of these stories are symbolic in that they teach of God's deliverance form evil forces and under His protection one can live in deep faith and under ideal conditions of Brotherhood.
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When more of the people's sustenance is exacted through the form of taxation than is necessary to meet the just obligations of Government and expenses of its economical administration, such exaction becomes ruthless extortion and a violation of the fundamental principles of a free government. - Grover Cleveland