April 1964
Contents
VALUES THAT ABIDE It Seems to Me
Blending Past With Present How May We Overcome Our Complacency
Limited Membership in Our Masonic Lodges York Rite Commission on Unity
Interesting Old Lodge Minutes Freemasonry Aids Reconstruction
Making Masons at Sight RECOMMENDED MASONIC READING
Are You Equal to This Planting Notes, Queries and Information
The New Year and Old Desires Rusty Tools
How can we hope to measure, count or weigh
The Blessings that surround us every day?
What coin will buy the dawn, the sun, the rain,
Or bring from winter’s sleep the spring again?
How count those little, unremembered acts
Of kindness and of love - how get the facts
About such qualities as faith and hope
For want of which we stumble, fail, and grope?
Hold fast this truth the higher vision brings -
The mind and heart and spirit, free from things
Of sense and sight and sound that lie outside,
Know well the values that though life abide.
The things that really count
Are things we cannot count.
- Dr. Charles Gottshall Reigner
Published bimonthly at Franklin, Indiana, by
THE PHILALETHES SOCIETY
John Black Vrooman, F.P.S., Editor
Box 402, St. Louis 66, Missouri
OFFICERS
Dr. Charles G. Reigner, F.P.S., First Vice President
4035 Belle Avenue
Baltimore 15, Maryland
Robert H. Gollmar, F.P.S., First Vice President
1221 Oak Street
Baraboo, Wisconsin
William R. Denslow, F.P.S. Second Vice President
P.O. Box 529
Trenton, Missouri 64683
Carl R. Greisen, F.P.S., Executive Secretary
401 Masonic Temple
Omaha 2, Nebraska
Ronald E. Heaton, F.P.S., Treasurer
728 Haws Avenue
Norristown Pennsylvania
PUBLICATION COMMITTEE
A. L. Woody, F.P.S.
1440 Burr Oak Road
Homewood, Illinois
Edward J. Franta, F.P.S.
Langdon, North Dakota
Dr. William L. Cummings, F.P.S.
228-230 Gordon Avenue
Syracuse 4, New York
Volume XVII, No. 2
by JOHN BLACK VROOMAN, Editor
THAT It is time to discard the usual matter written for an editorial, and talk a little on Masonic Fellowship and Good Will.
As many of our readers now know, I have been in and out of the hospital continuously for the past several months, and in that time I have had the opportunity to see a practical, efficient and loving demonstration of Brotherly Love and Affection the like of which I had never seen before. Everyone seemed to be ready and willing to go out of his way to show me that he wanted to be helpful and co-operative, and everyone made it a point to tell me, in some way, that when I found myself grounded by illness, that there was someone who wanted to carry on for me, and lighten the load.
What a marvelous manifestation of Freemasonry this kindness has been, and how I rejoice in it. Never was anyone more clearly shown that the true Spirit of Freemasonry is abroad and active than now.
To the members of the Executive Committee - our officers - always liberal in their interpretation of what the Editor should do, and how it should be done, I say - never has any one person been so favored and blessed with understanding and good will. Nothing that needed to be done was left undone, because some member of the Committee always took it upon himself to assume the load. Nothing was left to chance, and every item of business has been taken care of in the best possible way.
To the membership - when a job needed to be done, there was someone ready to assume the load and see that the task was done. It is this spirit of togetherness which has made our Society so potent in the practical application of the principles for which we stand, and which is placing a label of sterling worth on the name Philalethes. May it long continue.
The practical application of the tenets of Freemasonry is not always followed, but here, in this case especially, we find that these tenets are not only outlined but strictly adhered to and practised. The youngest member and the oldest are attuned to the ideal of service. When the call goes out, it is answered and made to come alive. There is no laggard sluggishness nor lazy lethargy. There is action.
Friendship is more than lip service. It is more than a mere promise to help "when the time may come for help." Friendship is a demonstration of mutual and co-operative, concerted action that will bring results, and that will show for what our beloved Society stands. It is a means by which a cry may bring a helping hand, and a need that will bring a direct and affirmative answer. Such is the closeness of Freemasonry, and the meeting of minds of like interests that respond to the call of necessity.
I am very proud of my Masonic affiliations, but this powerful demonstration of my brethren has shown me in a dramatic way what Masonry really is in human life, and what Masonry can and does do in times of trouble and turmoil. It is often the times of distress, or the periods of doubt, that demonstrate the true worth of any given organization.
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Will Make a Good Future
- Says Dr. Reigner.
THIS IS BEING WRITTEN immediately on my return from the annual meeting of the Society, held at the Washington Hotel, Washington, D.C., on Friday, February 28, 1964.
All the officers of the Society, who constitute the Executive Committee, were present - Robert H. Gollmar, F.P.S., First Vice President; William R. Denslow, F.P.S., Second Vice-President; Carl R. Greisen, F.P.S., Executive Secretary; Ronald E. Heaton, F.P.S., Treasurer; and the President. Because of illness, our beloved Editor, John Black Vrooman, F.P.S., was not able to attend. I did receive a heartening airmail letter from him in Washington in which he said that he is "now better," but felt - quite rightly - that he was not up to taking the long trip to Washington from St. Louis. He said, too, that the April issue of The Philalethes "is about ready for the printer."
The members of the Executive Committee met throughout the day (Friday, February 28) in a conference room made available by the hotel. Every phase of the work of the Society in the days ahead was discussed, and decisions were taken - decisions that will vitally affect for good the future activities of the Society. Reports from the Chairmen of the Committees were read. Kenneth F. Curtis, F.P.S., Chairman of the Membership Committee, reported an excellent increase in the membership of the Society in 1963, so that for the first time in our history the Society has a membership of well over 1,000. He paid tribute to the many members who were instrumental in getting new members in 1963 and said, "The individual member of the Society is the key factor in the work of our Committee."
The Award Committee, of which William R. Denslow, F.P.S., was Chairman in 1963, studies all the articles in the six issues of The Philalethes each year to determine which article is the best. Articles by officers are not considered. The author of the best article receives the Society's "Certificate of Literature." The Committee made the following report: "The Certificate of Literature is not an honor which is given lightly. Each year the Award Committee spends a considerable amount of time in selecting the author of the article in the issues of the year under consideration. The decisions have never been easy. Many of the most prominent and best-qualified Brethren in the United States and Canada are authors of articles that appear in The Philalethes. In years past it has often been difficult for the members of the Committee to agree. There have been years when they took three or four votes before a final decision could be made. I am happy to say that the members of the Award Committee for 1963 were unanimous - in the first vote - for the article written by the recipient of the Award. He is M.W. Brother Andrew J. White, Jr., Past Grand Master of Ohio and the present Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Ohio, for his article on the subject, "Let's Take A New Look At Masonic Funerals." We heartily congratulate Brother White on winning the Certificate of Literature in 1963 and thank the members of the Committee for their work. We are most happy that this significant discussion was published in The Philalethes.
The Treasurer, Brother Ronald E. Heaton, F.P.S., presented to the Executive Committee a comprehensive statement on "Financial Planning For 1964." The 1964 proposed budget was carefully considered and unanimously adopted by the Executive Committee.
Brother Curtis is continuing his effective work as Chairman of the Membership Committee. Brother Robert H. Gollmar is organizing the publicity activities of the Society in 1964.
The President is happy to report that the Society took decided forward steps in 1963. We have every evidence that the progress of the Society will not only be continued, but broadened and extended in 1964.
The Friday evening meeting was a unique and thrilling experience for all who were present. It took the form of a Stated Communication of The American Lodge of Research, warranted by the Grand Lodge of New York, in which The Philalethes Society participated. The Communication was held in the Lodge Room of Lafayette Lodge, No. 19, of the District of Columbia, in the Masonic Temple in Washington, located just a few blocks from the Washington Hotel. In spite of the snow storm raging that evening, 175 Masons, by actual count, were present. Of that number, about 80 are Fellows and Members of The Philalethes Society.
The Worshipful Master of Lafayette Lodge, Brother Edward Reed, opened his Lodge. At the conclusion of the Ceremony Brother Henry Emmerson, Jr., M.P.S., Worshipful Master of The American Lodge of Research, conducted the opening ceremonies of his Lodge. Dispensations from the Grand Master, Grand Lodge of New York, and from the Grand Master, District of Columbia, were read. The Most Worshipful Grand Master, Grand Lodge of Masons, District of Columbia, Brother Harry Savage, was formally received and conducted to the East.
Brother Emmerson then presented the President of The Philalethes Society to the assembled Brethren. I presented the officers of the Society, all of whom were present; then read the paper which I had prepared for the occasion. It was highly condensed statement of the historical background of the Society. I'll reproduce some paragraphs from the paper.
The history of Freemasonry in France in the Eighteenth Century is crowded with Rites and Bodies of various kinds. In 1773 there was established in the Lodge of Amis Reunies in Paris what was called the Rite des Philalethes, a word coined from two Greek words which mean, literally translated, "Love of Truth." Among the founders was the well-known (in Masonic history) Count de Gebelin, who assisted in the initiation of Voltaire in the Lodge of Nine Sisters or Muses (Loge des Neuf Soeurs) in Paris on May 30, 1778. Brother Benjamin Franklin also assisted in that initiation.
The principal founder of the Rite des Philalethes was Savalette de Langes. He died fifteen years after he had founded the Rite; that is, in 1778. The Rite des Philalethes came to an end, and the Lodge of Amis Reunies was dissolved.
There is no connection of any kind between this Eighteenth Century Rite in France and The Philalethes Society. I have adduced this bit of Masonic historical lore simply to demonstrate that the name Philalethes has been known in Masonic history since the latter part of the Eighteenth Century .
The Philalethes Society came into existence on October 1, 1928. Its principal founder was Brother George Imbrie, an attorney in Kansas City, Missouri. Others who were associated with him in the early beginnings of the Society were Robert I. Clegg, Henry F. Evans, Alfred H. Moorhouse, and Cyrus Field Willard.
I have it on the authority of Brother Harold V. B. Voorhis, F.P.S., that the first meeting ("really just a conference," as Brother Voorhis puts it) was held in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in the early part of 1929. At that conference six Masons were present - Brothers George Imbrie, Charles C. Hunt, R. J. Meekren, Louis Block, J. Hugo Tatsch, and Harold V B. Voorhis. We are fortunate to have Brother Voorhis present with us at this meeting. He is indeed a link with the past. The others who attended that conference have passed from our mortal sight to that place not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.
Brother Vrooman, who was Director of Education in the early days of the Society, has made available to me a vast mass of correspondence and printed materials that have a direct bearing on the history of the Society. On the letterhead of a letter (carbon copy) dated December 19, 1932, written by Cyrus Field Willard, then Secretary of the Society, I find the following statement printed in a box below the heading, "The Philalethes Society. "
An international body composed of the leading Masonic writers and editors of the world. The forty Fellows, like the "Forty Immortals" of the French Academy, constitute the Royal Society of Freemasonry by virtue of achievement. When vacancies occur, new Fellows are elected from the Corresponding Members, who also have the benefit of the masterpieces written by these Fellows. The Society is not localized to one Grand Lodge, but elects members from all Lodges of Masonic Research and from every country, when their achievements justify membership.
I shall also quote one sentence from a letter (carbon copy) dated January 25, 1933, written by Brother Willard: "Our duty, as I see it, is to give the new Mason - and the old one, too - accurate knowledge of the authentic history of Freemasonry since 1717 and some information on the philosophy, symbolism, jurisprudence, and customs as they have been handed down from organizations prior to 1717, stating clearly what are ascertained facts, what are probabilities and possibilities, and what are theories and opinion."
The first reference to Walter A. Quincke, Los Angeles, that I find in the material made available to me by Brother Vrooman is a letter (carbon copy) which Brother Quincke wrote on May 24, 1929, to Brother J. Hugo Tatsch. Brother Quincke was President of the Society when I became a member and then a Fellow. He died in office in 1951. His successor as President, Harold H. Kinney, also died suddenly shortly after his election.
The death of these two Brethren caused "confusion in the Temple." We owe much to four Fellows - Lee E. Wells, Elbert Bede Alphonse Cerza, and Harold Voorhis - who reactivated the Society in 1952.
In October of 1954 Brother Alphonse Cerza, F.P.S., was elected President. He was succeeded by Dr. William Moseley Brown, F.P.S., and in turn, by Brother Elbert Bede, F.P.S., who served as President during the triennium 1961, 1962, 1963. I count it a distinct honor to have been elected - last October - to serve as President for the triennium 1964, 1965, 1966.
In 1946 Brother Quincke started publication of The Philalethes. During the period of "confusion" to which I have referred, the magazine was not published. It was reactivated in 1954 and has been published regularly six times a year since then. During these eight years the Society has had a steady and healthy growth, and the distribution of The Philalethes has constantly increased.
Brother Voorhis, who is Chairman of the Committee on Fellows, is my authority for the statement that the Society has had - up to the present - 115 Fellows. In the issue of the Magazine for December, 1962, he published a list of the officers of the Society since its beginning.
Early in the history of the Society - that is, in 1932 - Rudyard Kipling, the famous English poet and author, was elected a Fellow of The Philalethes Society and graciously accepted. As most of us know, Kipling has left us an account of how he became a member of the Masonic fraternity. "I was Secretary," he wrote, "for some years of the Lodge of Hope and Perseverance, No. 782, E.C., Lahore (India), English Constitutions, which included Brethren of at least four creeds. I was entered by a Hindu passed by a Mohammedan, and raised by an Englishman. The Tyler was a Jew. We met, of course, on the level, and the only difference anyone would notice was that at our banquets some of the Brethren, who were debarred by caste rules from eating food not ceremonially prepared, sat over empty plates."
Brother Henry Wilson Coil, F.P.S., author of that monumental work, Coil's Masonic Encyclopedia, reminds us that Kipling "often referred to the Fraternity, and it is clear he held it in high esteem." Not a few of his writings have Masonic undertones and implications. Perhaps his story The Man Who Would Be King, is the best illustration of that fact among his prose works and Mother Lodge and The Palace among his poems.
After I had concluded my talk and the reading of the paper, I recited Kipling's moving poem, The Palace, which, in heart-warming symbolic language, portrays the ongoing character of the Brotherhood to which we gladly give our allegiance and which we all love.
The paper which I presented was followed by a paper by Brother Voorhis, F.P.S., on "Masonic Research Groups" and another by Brother James R. Case, F.P.S., on "Washington And His Masonic Contemporaries." The illness, which prevented the attendance of Brother Vrooman, made it impossible for him to prepare the paper on the Missouri Lodge of Research and other Lodges that are at work in this field.
Lafayette Lodge was closed by the M.W. Grand Master of Masons in the District of Columbia, Brother Harry Savage, at 9:45 p.m. The Lodge then provided a much appreciated collation for the Brethren. We made our way back - in the snow storm - to the Hotel Washington. Saturday, February 29, and Sunday morning, March 1, were devoted to meetings of the Allied Masonic Bodies.
In 1965 the annual meeting of The Philalethes Society will be held on Friday, February 19. The Allied Masonic Bodies will hold their meetings on February 20 and 21. The meetings of the Masonic Service Association and the Grand Masters' and Grand Secretaries' Conferences will take place on February 22, 23, 24 and 25.
Thus we bring to a conclusion this account of an inspiring weekend of Masonic fellowship and inspiration. So as to keep this report to the Fellows and Members of the Society to a reasonable length, I have not discussed in detail the plans made and the actions taken by the Executive Committee of your Society. I do, however, ask the Fellows and Members to write me their thinking on the nature and scope of the Masonic Workshop to be conducted by your Society on Friday, February 19, 1965. Let us pool our thoughts and ideas to the last degree possible, so that we may make that Workshop an outstanding example of the activities of the Society.
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How May We Overcome Our Complacency ?
by M.W. ERNEST L. POYNER, Grand Master
Grand Lodge A. F. & A. M. of Maryland
(A Paper Read at the Conference of Grand Masters of North America, Kansas City, Missouri, February 21, 1964.)
"IF IT WERE POSSIBLE to awaken a more ardent zeal; if the hearts of Masons could be animated by that virtuous attachment to what is most dear to man; if they could be warmed with the glowing desire of promoting the happiness of each other, then they would have just cause for glorying in so admirable an institution, they would become a shining light which would extensively diffuse its rays in every direction and essentially contribute to dispel the darkness which too much abounds in every part of the moral world."
No, these are not my words which so exactly describe the current needs of Masonry and of Masons. These words were spoken by Dr. John Crawford on November 7,1808, when he addressed the Grand Lodge of Maryland as its Grand Master. One hundred fifty-six years ago the then Grand Master of Maryland expressed a hope for the solution of the very same problem that in this year of 1964 is the subject of our present discussion. Forty-four years ago in 1920 the then Grand Master of Maryland deplored the fact that average attendance of Lodges had dropped to less than 25% of membership; and thirty years ago, in 1934, the then Grand Master deplored the fact that average attendance of Lodges had dropped to less than 10 % of membership. So I arrive quickly at my first set of conclusions: (1) the problem is not new; (2) the problem is a continuing one which may be getting progressively worse; and (3) much weeping and wailing has been broadcast from high places but very little has been accomplished to change the flow of the hitherto sluggish stream of "Passive and Complacent Attitudes," which may even now be accelerating its course toward the "Sea of Oblivion."
What then is my solution? I have none to offer! Since receiving this assignment I have read much of the available material written during the past twenty-five years about this general subject and I am more than ever convinced that there is no one solution to, no cure-all for, the lukewarmness of many of our members. I do have a very simple explanation for this spreading disease - thus far we have tried to apply the cure to the wrong invalid. The lukewarmness of our members is only a natural and inevitable result of the "Passive and Complacent Attitudes" of our Lodges and, yes, our Grand Lodges.
Mere exposure to the Three Degrees of Symbolic Masonry makes a man a Mason only in the most elemental and technical sense of the word. He has acquired the right to wear an emblem, to carry a dues card and to petition any number of so-called collateral bodies, play groups and luncheon clubs; but - is he a Mason? Think back to the moment when you were raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason. You were humble, and I am sure that you then and there were fired with a fervency of heart, a burning desire for Masonic knowledge and a zeal for truth and righteousness that has sustained your enthusiasm for years and has led you to this very place as the Grand Master of your Jurisdiction. Have you any reason to believe that the feelings of every newly raised Brother were any less fervent and zealots than were yours? What then has happened to the countless thousands of our Brothers who were made members but who never really became "Masons"? Why do our Lodges have average attendance of less than 10% of membership? Why are most, if not all, of our Jurisdictions suffering annual net membership losses due almost entirely to demits and suspensions for non-payment of dues?
In my humble judgment the fault lies fully and completely upon our own heads and I do mean "Heads." Heads of our Grand Lodges and Heads of our Subordinate Lodges. If the "Passive and Complacent Attitude Of So Many Members Of The Craft" is to be overcome at all the first move toward that goal surely must begin with an effort to overcome the passive and complacent attitude of our Leaders in Masonry. Too many of our Leaders, after years of being good followers in order to create the opportunity to become Leaders, then adopt a "hold the line" attitude and seemingly become interested only in making sure that their own little boat doesn't get rocked with any innovations which, if successful, might inure to the credit of succeeding Leaders but if unsuccessful might cast a cloud upon "my" administration. Far too many so-called Leaders cease being Leaders as soon as they have achieved a place of Leadership.
Give us dedicated men who will have the courage to recognize that our ever-changing concepts of life, and death, and religion, and morals, and education, and brotherhood, must also be applied to lead Masonry out of the atmosphere of the Middle Ages into the living, vibrant Present with a definite and constructive Program for the World of the Future. In all reverence I say - "God forbid that Masonry be remade into another Service Club," and "God forbid that Masonry be remade to satisfy the desire of some of our Leaders to - 'improve the Public Image of Masonry'." I am far more concerned with ways and means of improving our private image - that which all Masons collectively see when looking at each other, that which apparently is causing Masons in great numbers to cease attending Lodge and, in ever-increasing numbers, to drop out of membership. We must not prolong any further the complacent attitudes of the past, lulling ourselves with the old bromides that - "Masonry runs in cycles and the upswing will soon begin" or "Look how we came back after the Morgan episode." Just as the Church, without sacrificing its spiritual concepts, very wisely has adapted the physical and material parts of its structure to the needs and habits of succeeding generations, so Masonry - while upholding its Ancient Landmarks, Tenets and Ritual - to survive and grow must present to succeeding generations a more modern, palatable, and convenient form of physical and material structure. This is a sophisticated age that will not permit the survival of archaic methods even to preserve basic truths.
So, "How May We Overcome The Passive and Complacent Attitude Of So Many Of The Craft?" I began by stating that there is no one cure - all for the problem, but I believe the following are among those things which should be considered carefully if we wish to make Masonry more attractive and worthwhile for the men who already are our Brothers.
1. Require that only Officers and Past Masters of a Lodge be eligible to serve on the Committee for Investigation of Petitions for Membership. The attitude of the average Committee now seems to be that they in fact represent the Petitioner and should find every possible means to have the Petition received with a favorable Report. Restricting the Committee membership to Officers and Past Masters should help to restore the proper and intended concept that the primary function of the Committee is to protect Masonry and that the burden is upon the Petitioner to prove his eligibility for membership. If membership in Masonry is made more selective and more difficult to achieve then we will begin to build up a waiting list of eligible men who are determined to achieve it; also, at the same time and for the same reason, we will instill in our present members greater appreciation of their responsibilities to their Lodges and a deeper sense of pride in their status as a Mason.
2. It is a generally accepted fact that "you get what you pay for." Furthermore, we all look with suspicion on that which is cheap. Is it not possible that many of our members have lost their feeling of pride in Masonry because, in this era of inflation, the cost of membership is too cheap? A man who spends $150 a year to belong to a Service Club could well ignore his Lodge with its $12 annual dues. I strongly urge that substantial increases of initiation fees and annual dues will increase the pride and dignity that Masonry should command, and correspondingly increase the interest of our members in attending and participating in the affairs of our Lodges.
3. Because of unrealistic initiation fees and annual dues many of our Lodges have inadequate finances to maintain their Temples in proper condition. Can a Mason retain pride in his Lodge if he is ashamed to show his family and his friends the building in which its meetings are conducted? Will he leave his comfortable home, pass by his attractive club and go into his run-down Temple with antiquated furniture and furnishings that have not been renewed or renovated for fifty years? I think not! A program for up-grading the appearance and comfort of our Lodge buildings and furnishings should go a long way in restoring to our present members a feeling of pride in Masonry and a desire to again become an active participant in the affairs of the Lodge.
4. Not every day but certainly several times a month I hear a pitiful commentary against modern Masonic Lodges that I am sure each one of you also must have heard many times. "Oh, I don't go to Lodge these days. My Lodge has gotten so big that I don't know anybody anymore." In my own Jurisdiction I know of Lodges so overburdened with members that the Lodge room cannot possibly accommodate more than 15% of them if that many ever decided to attend on the same night. Yet the Officers of such Lodges, with a handful of old reliables on the sidelines, continue meeting after meeting to grind out of the degree mill more Masons who in turn will shortly drift away and become card-carrying members. All of our talk about Masonic fellowship, sociability and community of interests is just that - talk! All of our talk about the youngest Entered Apprentice as he stands in the Northeast corner of the Lodge having open to him an opportunity to become Master of his Lodge, or even Grand Master, is just that - talk! Unfortunately it appears that size begets size, so that already overgrown Lodges continue to grow like weeds; and, like weeds, the bigness chokes out those members who had sought friendships and Masonic sociability - who had been fired with desire to work on Committees or in the Chairs, but soon find that there just isn't anything for them to do. I say we must take strong measures to restrict the size of our Lodges before they smother themselves from their own impersonal bigness. A man would not seek Masonic membership except that he also seeks mental and spiritual companionship. These he can find only in small groups of men of kindred minds and desires. Passive and complacent attitudes cannot germinate in the atmosphere of true Masonic Brotherhood found only in the smaller, more intimate Lodges. Therefore, a prime objective in all Grand Jurisdictions should be to divide the overgrown Lodge into two or more separate Lodges and to enforce a reasonable restriction upon the maximum membership of all Lodges. It is my opinion this maximum should not exceed four hundred members.
5. A recognized basic truth in human nature is the dependence of man on man. Surrounded by perhaps too many material advantages, the magic of gadgets and the many comforts of life, man still is a lonely being. The thinking person, the person who wants to grow in moral stature, and who seeks association with men of kindred minds and desires, is the type of man who through the centuries has sought the door of Masonry. I pause to emphasize the words "men of kindred minds and desires." I am convinced that large numbers of our Brethren have lost interest in Masonry because, for one of several reasons, they do not have good contact with "men of kindred minds and desires." It must be admitted that each one of us tends to feel more comfortable, to derive more enjoyment, to devote more energy and to participate more frequently with men who predominately are of about the same financial, educational and social level as ourselves. It is perfectly true that as Masons we are all on the same "Level," but we must not let this sound principle blind us to the fact that both Masons and Masonry suffer when Brothers of vastly different financial, educational and social background and environment are virtually forced together because of completely outmoded and unnecessary rules and practices. I strongly advocate the removal of all territorial jurisdiction of Lodges and of Grand Jurisdictions. I believe that a petitioner should be allowed to place his application before any Lodge of his choice wherever situated. As to a Brother who desires to affiliate zenith some other Lodge, I believe he should be given the right to apply to any Lodge of his choice, wherever situated, without giving up his original membership until after he has been accepted by the Lodge to which he wishes to transfer. With such flexibility and freedom of choice a petitioner need not be forced through the territorial jurisdiction method into a Lodge he would not have chosen; and more particularly, Brothers who in the past were thus restricted, or whose Lodge location or the composition of its membership has changed over the years, will be given an opportunity to join any other Lodge which has more appeal to him under his current circumstances. I am particularly convinced that a change of rules to permit quicker and easier change of membership from one Lodge to another will revive the Masonic interest of many of our Brothers who, for any one of many reasons, have gotten out-of-step with their present Lodge. I can anticipate rejection of the idea of removing all territorial jurisdiction, the fear being that there will be a disastrous effect upon the smaller Lodges. I do not agree that such will be the result, but even if it should so develop, I still would urge removal of all territorial jurisdiction. Progress in all ages and in all realms has been largely a result of the strong forcing out the weak so that the survivor grows stronger.
The comments I have made are not new to you - they have been suggested by many persons over many years. They are not all-inclusive for there are many other and different thoughts on this general subject. If I had to offer to you only one single thought in answer to the challenging topic - "How stay We Overcome The Passive Complacent Attitude Of So Many Members Of The Craft?" - it would be this: There is nothing wrong with Masonry that cannot be quickly cured by forward-looking Masonic Leaders who will have the courage to discard ancient, worn-out formalities and to institute fresh and modern approaches to the problem of creating an attractive and desirable new image of Masonry for our many Brothers who have grown "Passive and Complacent" largely as a result of our failure to provide aggressive and progressive leadership.
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Limited Membership in Our Masonic Lodges
by M. W. BEN W. GRAYBILL, M.P.S., Grand Master, Grand Lodge AF&AM of Kansas.
(A Paper read at the Conference of Grand Masters of Forth America. Kansas City, Missouri, February 21, 1964.
I have determined that my best approach to this subject would be to give a short history of my own Lodge which I conceived and directed the organizing efforts in 1950.
My home is across the State Line and less than 10 miles from this hotel. I had lived in the community for approximately 20 years. I had been normally active in community affairs and had heard that there was one or more Masonic Lodges located in the general area. However, I never learned where they met or heard of any Masonic activities. Sojourning Masons who had moved in to this community frequently remarked about the lack of Masonic activity. Occasionally, some non-member would inquire as to how they could become a Mason. Since my affiliation was out of the jurisdiction, I was unable to help them.
On June 21, 1950 I asked five of my Masonic friends to meet in my home to discuss the formation of a new Masonic Lodge. From this nucleus of six Masons we circulated petitions for letters of Dispensation and obtained the signatures of 157 Masons, only 13 being affiliated with the four Lodges in that District. The other 144 were sojourners with their membership in Lodges extending from Vermont to Oregon and from Minnesota to Mississippi.
On September 29, 1950 we were granted Letters of Dispensation to operate as Old Mission Lodge U.D. Due to the publicity we received in the organization of a new Lodge we received 26 petitions on our first meeting night. Two weeks later we received 12 more.
On February 14, 1951, we were granted a Charter with 189 Charter members, 32 of whom had been raised during our Dispensation period.
This being a new suburban area with no old buildings which could be converted into a Lodge Hall, our most difficult problem was to find a meeting place. The first year we met in the basement of a new church. For the next five years we met in the basement of a new building which was constructed for a super market.
Faced with the necessity of moving because of the expiration of our lease and expansion of the store we erected our own Temple and moved in to it in 1956.
Due to strict zoning laws we were unable to erect a revenue producing building. We now are housed in a beautiful and functional building which, on the commercial market, would have a replacement cost of $150,000 to $175,000. We now owe $5,000 on the building which will be paid off in 1965.
On December 31, 1963 we had a membership of 1070. Without a substantial membership we would have been confronted with problems almost impossible of solution.
During this period one of the neighboring Lodges increased membership from 285 to 450. The other from 421 to about 700. The interest generated by the formation of the new Lodge aided the older Lodges immeasurably.
It is my observation that in Kansas Masonry there are a comparatively few who will be interested in becoming active in the organizational structure of the Lodge. I do not discount their values, for I believe that a Mason can do as much for the institution outside the Lodge Hall as he can inside. The member who attends only 3 or 4 meetings a year, is sincere and creates a favorable image of Masonry before the world and by the practice of Masonic virtues creates a pride in his family of his Masonic membership has provided an inestimable service for his Lodge.
To those who wish to become active in the Lodge we have established a study club which advances the officers through the chairs four times a year. It is from the Past Masters of the Study Club that we make our appointments to the progressive line of the Lodge, all of whom must have a Proficiency Certificate before they are appointed.
The Master of our Lodge and the Senior Officers seldom confer a degree. Degrees are conferred at Special Communications, very rarely during our Stated Communications. The Lodge is recognized as outstanding in its ritualistic work. We have Committees on Masonic Education, Public Schools, Youth Organizations, and a 13 man Board of Directors for our Building Corporation. We have a job for every member who wishes to become active.
We have raised in our Lodge some of the most distinguished men in the country including a United States Senator and the top production man of the Chevrolet Motor Company. Among our Charter members is the head of Dun and Bradstreets in Canada and a top official of Sears-Roebuck.
I ask - have we done Masonry a disservice by exceeding the arbitrary limitation of membership?
As Grand Master I have visited Lodges of all sizes. We have in Kansas the largest Lodge in the world - Albert Pike No. 303 of Wichita, with a membership of almost 5700. It is a good Lodge. Frederick Lodge No. 337 with a membership of 44, over half of whom live out of the jurisdiction, is one of the best Lodges in the state.
I visited a Lodge of 62 members which has been practically inactive for a number of years. It was my purpose to promote more interest or to effect a consolidation. The reaction I received from one of the officers was that it was ridiculous f o r the Grand Lodge to require an attendance of seven to constitute a quorum. He felt that this should be reduced to three.
I submit that the size of a Lodge does not determine its quality or effectiveness. I believe that we should direct our efforts in developing better leadership rather than setting u p restrictions which could react unfavorably.
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I F YOU MOVE, Don't forget to inform us ! We cannot read your mind, and we wont you to continue to receive our magazine. it costs us 10¢ per copy to adjust your membership cord, so won't you help us by telling us when you move?
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THE NEWLY FORMED Commission on York Rite Unity met in Chicago, Illinois, January 10-11, 1964, in an organizational session. The appointment of the commission is considered by many to be the most important step ever taken toward the unification of the York Rite of Freemasonry.
The commission is without legislative powers or authority and is appointed for the sole purpose of bringing about a greater unification of York Rite Freemasonry. To accomplish this end the commission is directed to make an intensive study of existing conditions within the rite, and to report the results of its research, together with recommendations for improvement, to the proper officers of the three national bodies which it represents. The implementation of such recommendations must necessarily be at the discretion of the General Grand Bodies and the Grand Encampment. Although a compelling urgency may be experienced at times for quick action, the members of the commission are resolved not to be motivated by any impetuous desire for immediacy. It was determined that there are necessarily two important objectives, which in summary are (1) short range and (2) long range.
To be acceptable and effective, short range objectives must be non-controversial. These would be welcomed by the membership generally, and would be in the nature of ideas that could be implemented almost immediately, if found acceptable by the national officers. Those ideas and suggestions for the improvement of conditions at local levels are in the area of short range objectives. Better liaison between officers of the several bodies at all levels, as well as a clearer understanding of mutual problems, methods and procedures also fall into this category.
Long range objectives were discussed in generalities with a view toward the establishment of certain goals to be attained at some undetermined date. All of the matters considered in this area held but one course - a direct route toward a well organized, effective and united York Rite of Freemasonry. No firm positions were assumed for long range efforts at the primary meeting, but several suggestions were held in abeyance for further study and consideration at future meetings.
It is hoped that finalization of certain plans and recommendations can become realities, and that both long range and short range objectives can be stated categorically for the approval of the leaders of the craft. In the meantime, study and research will continue to be the basis upon which the commission will function. The various phases under consideration include everything from ritualistic matters to the proper administration of York Rite affairs.
The commission is composed of nine members, three each from the General Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, General Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters International and the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar of the United States of America. While the leaders of these three great York Rite organizations met together periodically during the past two years planning the formation of the commission, it was not officially launched until the passage of appropriate resolutions by the General Grand Chapter and General Grand Council meeting in triennial sessions in October 1963. The Grand Encampment made interim appointments to the commission and is expected to pass similar resolutions next August in Philadelphia.
The membership of the York Rite Commission on Unity and the bodies which they represent are:
Addresses and Brief Masonic Biographies
Representing the GeneraI Grand Chapter:
Edwin A. Martini, Chairman of the Commission: 3432 E. 2nd St., Duluth Minn. 55804. Past officer of all local York Rite bodies, Past Grand High Priest of Minnesota, Past General Grand High Priest, Past Sovereign and Intendant General in Minnesota Red Cross of Constantine, and 33d Scottish Rite.
Calvin A. Behle: 991 12th East St., Salt Lake City, Utah 84105. Past officer of all local York Rite bodies Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Utah, Past Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter of Utah, General Grand Captain of the Host of the General Grand Chapter and Past Sovereign of the Red Cross of Constantine.
Walter J. Bublitz: 701 E. 14th Avenue, North Kansas City, Mo. 64116. Past Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter of Missouri, Past General Grand Royal Arch Captain of the General Grand Chapter, Chairman of the Board of Publication of the Royal Arch Mason Magazine and President of the York Rite Publishing Company, Past Grand Master of the Grand Council of Missouri and member of the Red Cross of Constantine.
Representing the GeneraI Grand Council:
Bruce H. Hunt, Secretary of the Commission: Box 188, Kirksville, Mo. 63501. Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Missouri; Past Grand Master of the Grand Council of Missouri, Fraternal Correspondent of the four York Rite Grand Bodies in Missouri , Grand Secretary Recorder of the Grand Chapter Grand Council and Grand Commandery of Missouri, 32d, KCCH, Scottish Rite and Past Sovereign Red Cross of Constantine.
Herbert T. White: 522 Insurance Building, Omaha, Nebr. 68102. Past Grand Master of they Grand Lodge of Nebraska, Past Grand Master of the Grand Council of Nebraska, Past Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of Nebraska and Past Potentate of Tangier Shrine Temple.
Stephen B. Dimond: Box 428, Palmetto, Florida 33561. Grand Master of the Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of Florida, Grand Warder of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Florida, and active member and Executive Officer for Western Florida, International Supreme Council of the Order of DeMolay.
Representing the Grand Encampment:
John L. Crofts: Box 718, Nokomis, Florida 33555. Past Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of Iowa and Grand Generalissimo of the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar of the United States of America.
Fred England, Jr.: 936 Southlawn, East Lansing, Michigan 48823. Past Grand Commander and present Grand Treasurer of the Grand Commandery of Michigan, and member of the Finance Committee of the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar of the United States of America.
Glenne R. McArthur: 777 Nebraska Avenue, Huron, South Dakota 57350. Past Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of South Dakota, Past Grand Sovereign of the Grand Imperial Council of the Red Cross of Constantine, and Chairman of the Patriotic Activities Committee of the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar of the United States of America.
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Show Meeting In Washington
Cave In 1844.
Brother C. L. Carter, M.P.S., writes the Editor, commenting on the celebration of Lexington Lodge No. 1, Kentucky, as follows:
"I have just received the Philalethes and read the article concerning Lexington Lodge No. 1., and as the Grand Lodge of Virginia started that Lodge I thought you may be interested in the clipping I have which was published in Charles Town, West Virginia February 12, 1927. I enclose an exact copy of the article concerning the first Masonic Lodge held west of the Blue Ridge, which tradition fixes about the year 1753. At that time West Virginia was a part of Virginia, as was Kentucky.
We reproduce this interesting article herewith.
An Exact Copy of the Minutes of the Meeting Held by the Masons in the Old George Washington Masonic Cave in 1844 at Charles Town, W. Va.
Middleway, Jefferson Co., Va.
Triluminar Lodge 117
Master M. Lodge called from labor to refreshment to assemble in Charles Town on Thursday morning next at 10 o'clock.
Charles Town, May 16th.
A.L. 5844 - 1844
The brethren were called from refreshment to labor - Present, Lewis Fry, W.M.p.t., Vance Bell, S.W.p.t. J.R.A. Redman, J.W.,p.t., S. L. Minghini, Treas., J. W. Grantham, Secy. p.t., Jos E. Bell, S.D., J.H. Campbell, J.D.p.t., John Fearis, Tyler and 10 other brethren of Triluminar Lodge, Middleway; 11 from G. Washington Lodge, Berryville: 19 from Equality Lodge, Martinsburg; 16 from Mt. Nebo Lodge, Shepherdstown; 3 from Front Royal Lodge, Front Royal; 13 from Livingston Lodge, Charles Town; 22 from Charity Lodge, Harpers Ferry; 14 from Hiram Lodge, Winchester; Bro. Anthony Kimmel, D.D.G.M. Linganore, Frederick County, Maryland; Levi L. Stevenson, P.G.M. of G.L., of Va.; James Poirt, Staunton; N. Seevers, D.C.; Jas W. Irwin, Clarksville, K.y.; Wm. Hough, Cumberland, Md., John Warnel, Mt. Vernon Chapel; and other brethren.
The Fraternity assembled in the large room over the Court House at 10 o'clock a.m. The procession moved thence under escort of Charles Town artillery commanded by Capt. Rowan and the Jefferson Guard by Capt. G.W. Sappington, and W.G. Ferguson, on horseback as marshalls, the whole being under special direction of Bro. Dr. John S. Harrison of Martinsburg as Chief Marshall and Bros. N. Seever, and Morgan Johnson, of Clarke Co., as assistant marshalls to the Presbyterian Church, where the ceremonies were opened with prayer by the Pastor, Rev. Mr. Dutton. An eloquent and appropriate address suited to the interesting occasion which had called the fraternity together was then delivered (occupying one hour and 20 Min.) by Bro. Charles J. Faulkner, of Martinsburg, giving an interesting account of the tradition of the Crafts in connection with the cave within 3-miles of Town, in which it is said our common country's distinguished Brother and guest, the lamented and ever to be remembered GEORGE WASHINGTON, held the first Lodge of Free and accepted Masons ever assembled west of the Blue Ridge, which tradition fixes about the year 1753. The speaker was extremely felicitous in his arrangements of facts connected with this interested spot. Among other interesting Masonic relics the orator held up to the audience an Apron of black silk velvet presented more than half century since to Gen. Washington, from the Grand Lodge of France through the person of his early friend, brother and companion in arms, Bro. Gilbert M.D. Lafayette. The Masonic relic is the property of Mt. Nebo Lodge, given it by a descendent of Gen. Washington.
The procession returned to the Court House where the following resolutions were unanimously adopted on motion of Bro. A. Kimmel, Resolved, that the thanks of the brethren present be tendered Bro. Faulkner, and respectfully request a copy of the address for publication and if obtained that it be likewise published in the several masonic magazines and papers in the U. States. - The chair appoint as committee, Bro. G.W. Singleton, N. Seever, and B. Wigginton. Resolved, that the thanks of the Brethren be severally tendered the Rev. Mr. Dutton, for his ministerial services rendered in church today - the Elders of the Presbyterian Church for the use of their house to day, the members of the several Bands for their excellent music during the procession. Capts. Rowan, Packette, the Officers and men under their respective commands for the prompt and soldier like manner in which they discharged the duties assigned to them during the procession. Resolved that the proceedings of the day be transcribed by the Secretary of Triluminar Lodge and a copy forwarded to all the Lodges of Virg., and to the several Masonic magazines and papers of the U. States.
The Craft was called from labor to refreshment and proceeded in a body to the Hotel of Capt. Jos. F. Abell where the brethren in a body partook of a sumptuous dinner served up in the usual style of that excellent caterer. Soon after dinner the craft again assembled at the Court House and resumed their labor formed procession again and proceeded on horseback to the cave on the land of Wm. Clarke, though recently ascertained to belong to the fraternity in fee by deed of bargain of sale from a Mr. Davis and his wife, in the year 1773, conveying the cave or one and one eighth acres of land including the cave to Saml. Washington and several others and recorded in the Clerks Office of Berkley Co., Va. The cave was beautifully illuminated for the occasion-about 150 of the Craft, 2 companies of Volunteers a Band of music and a large number of citizens entered this subteranous excavation rendered interesting to every good and zealous Mason as being the place in which their valuable tenets were first imparted in western Virginia. An 1/2 hour or more were spent in exploring the different apartments of this wonderful natural curiosity.
The procession returned to Town at 5 o'clock, all much pleased with their first masonic visit to this consecrated spot. Bro. L.L Stevenson P.G.M. presided over the several Lodges collectively as W.M. The Craft was again called from labor to refreshment (at least the Brethren of Triluminar Lodge) to meet at their Hall in Middleway, on Saturday evening the 18th., inst. which was accordingly done and the M.M. Lodge closed in due form.
John F. Smith Secy. p.t.
Lewis Fry, W.M. Pro. Tempore
We the undersigned, Secty., W.M. of Triluminar Lodge No. 117 at Middleway, W.Va. do certify that the above copy is a correct copy preserved with our Lodge records.
Feb 12. 1927
Signed W.M.
Sect'y.
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Freemasonry Aids Reconstruction
by ALLEN E. ROBERTS, F.P.S.,
2. "Friendship, Fraternity, Union"
WHAT The New York Times called "the most important anniversary of the Declaration of Independence" in the nation's history took place in 1865. President Andrew Johnson, the Mason in the White House, took note of it by writing to David Willis: "In your joy tomorrow I trust you will not forget the thousands of whites as well as blacks whom the war has emancipated, who will hail this Fourth of July with a delight which no previous anniversary of the Declaration of Independence ever gave them."
But not all "whites or blacks" agreed with Johnson. It would take many years before they did. The "Carpetbaggers," supported by the Radical Republicans, took over much of the South and caused untold damage. Years later, when the North awakened to what had occurred it was appalled at the things that had been done in the name of the Union.
Even Johnson did not believe all Southerners should be "emancipated." He was to later write to B. C. Truman: "I shall go to my grave with the firm belief that Davis, Cobb, Toombs, and a few others of the arch-conspirators and traitors should have been tried, convicted, and hanged for treason." He definitely wanted to hang Jefferson Davis, former President of the Confederate States, as an example, but feared it would make him a martyr. So Davis was kept in a military prison for two years without being brought to trial.
Although Johnson held no sympathy for the former leaders of the Confederacy, he loved the people and quietly formulated "in cabinet his plan of leniency for the masses." His plans were often made difficult, not only by the Radicals but by Southerners themselves. The Southern legislators were almost as unyielding and uncompromising as were the Northerners who were opposed to any appeasement. Johnson pleaded with the Mississippi Legislature, as well as those of South Carolina and Georgia, to ratify the Thirteenth Amendment, when they hesitated. He made three demands upon the Southern States: repeal of the ordinances of secession, ratification of the Thirteenth Amendment, and repudiation of the "rebel" debts, Confederate and State.
Above everything else, Johnson urged all of the states to protect the civil rights of all Negroes.
Through the early months of 1866, the leading Union generals, the leaders of the country, and the people as a whole, applauded and supported Johnson's program. Henry Ward Beecher wrote Johnson his thanks that "God has raised you up for such a crisis and endowed you with the ability and disposition to serve the Nation rather than yourself or any mere party." But this situation was to drastically change.
The opinion of Andrew Johnson had even changed in the South. E.A. Pollard, the war-time Editor of the Richmond Examiner, who had despised both the North and Jefferson Davis, had written he believed Johnson was a "scrub," a man who was sprung from a low order of life;" a man who had the shallowness and fluency of the demagogue." But Pollard reversed his opinion and claimed Johnson had changed from the hour he became President. "The man who had been twitted as a tailor and condemned as a demagogue, proved a statesman, measuring his actions for the future, insensible to clamour and patient for results."
Masonic Bodies were also patiently seeking to ease the pangs of four years of war. William E. Robinson, Grand High Priest of Kentucky, told his Grand Chapter: "I hope that this Grand Chapter will also take steps to aid in the great work of reconciliation. We should extend the hand of 'fraternal love and affection' to all who desire to discharge their masonic duties, without any other inquiry than, are they 'worthy and well qualified?' Then we will have peace and harmony throughout our borders."
The Grand Master of the same State, J. D. Landrum, had been asked if Masons should attend Masonic funerals of those who fought for the Confederacy, and whether or not the widows and orphans of such Masons are entitled to Masonic charity. To which he replied: "Let not politics be mentioned in your Lodges, and know no difference in men because of political or religious distinctions .... Masonry should take no part in civil strife, except to throw the broad mantle of masonic charity over the faults of our brethren, succor the needy, and apply the oil of consolation and the wine of joy to the afflicted, especially of those of our own household. "
He went on to congratulate all Masons, because "amid subsiding kingdoms and crumbling empires, our Mystic Brotherhood still stands, the great beacon of life in ages, the friend of justice, the preserver of peace and humanity."
Grand Master A. J. Van Deren of Colorado, in one of the few statements made in that Grand Lodge concerning the war, said: "Let us exercise due Masonic charity towards those who have been separated from us by recent national difficulties, and promptly stretch forth the hand of fellowship, and give them every facility and offer them every inducement to return to their former relations of friendship, fraternity and union, and enjoy with us the prosperity and blessings of our Ancient Order, and of a free and united people."
E.H. English, Grand Master of Masons in Arkansas, was prophetic when he spoke to his Grand Lodge on November 6, 1865: "The terrible storm of war is over, the last faint echoes of its awful thunders are hushed, its angry clouds are drifting away, and the sun of peace once more smiles upon our desolate country. Desolated though it be, yet time, patience, and perseverance in the pursuit of peaceful and industrial occupations of life will restore it to its former prosperity."
William G. Parkhurst of the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia wrote poetically: "Silently, noiselessly, but at the same time steadily and successfully, has Masonry been pursuing her great mission, 'to soothe the unhappy, to sympathize with their misfortunes, to compassionate their miseries, and to restore peace to their troubled minds.' Thus may it ever be, until the arrival of that period, foretold on prophetic vision, when there shall be no want to relieve, no sorrow to assuage."
The Grand Chapter of Maryland and the District of Columbia was told by E. L. Stevens six days later about how Masonry had been merciful during the days of war and was and would be even more so during the days of peace. He ended with words which prove Freemasonry always had been and always would be a house undivided: "We have the most cheering tidings from all portions of the country; brethren and Companions from the north and from the south are again gathering around one common altar and renewing their fraternal vows towards each other .... While the same happy results are not realized in ecclesiastical bodies, the outside world may well look in wonder and ask what mysterious power it is that has such a happy influence upon the hearts and affections of these men? Could not the iron hand of pride and of war sunder the ties and break the knot of love and friendship that united them in strong fraternal bonds, as it has in religious bodies and other societies?"
Freemasonry's philosophy will not admit defeat. Although Lodges and Grand Lodges throughout the former Confederacy had lost all of their money; the men and women of the South rose to the occasion, tightened their belts, and went to work anew.
But the Masons of the South were not alone; the Masons of the North sent tangible proof of their love for their fellowman. Together they began the long, hard, and agonizing task of rebuilding and reuniting tine United States of America.
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by MELVIN L. PFANKUCHE, M.P.S., (Ohio)
THE PRACTICE of "Making a Mason at Sight," is probably one of the greatest misnomers of the Craft.
The origin of making Masons at sight appears to be lost in the dim clouds of antiquity but is recorded as early as 1713 in England. There, Lord Lovell, the Grand Master called an occasional Lodge and made the future Emperor of Germany and the Duke of Newcastle Masons. Several other prominent men, later well known in Masonry were made "at sight" in England. They were the Duke of Glouchester in 1766, Frederick the Great and Emperor William I of Germany.
In the U.S., as in England during the early years, regulation of Lodges was limited if it even existed and there was no semblance of uniformity. Lodges met according to "Ancient Custom" and without charters. Dispensations were frequent and men would form Lodges and confer degrees themselves immediately after receiving their own degrees. By 1717 the Grand Lodge of England was formed, and the use of charters became the custom, then the rule. After the Union and the formation of the United Grand Lodge of England in 1813 greater uniformity was brought about and the making Masons "At Sight" has not been recorded in England since that time.
Those American Grand Lodges subscribing to all 25 of Mackeys Ancient Landmarks either permit the making of Masons "At Sight" or at least, do not prohibit the practice. In fact, according to Mackey, only four Grand Lodges specifically forbid the making of Masons "At Sight." But even these four permit the Grand Master to reduce the time lapse between each of the three degrees for good cause. Therefore, by exercising his prerogative as Grand Master, and following Mackey's 8th Landmark, a Grand Master may form an occasional Lodge as in the following example when William Howard Taft, as President of the U. S. elect was made a Mason "At Sight."
By reviewing pages 20-27 of the Proceedings of the M. W. Grand Lodge of Ohio, F.&A.M., for the year 1909 we find that on February 18, 1909 in the Old Scottish Rite Cathedral in Cincinnati, M.W. Charles S. Hoskinson, Grand Master of Ohio, stated that he was exercising his prerogative as Grand Master and made the Hon. President elect, Wm. Howard Taft, a Mason "At Sight." Specifically, on January 25, 1909 the M.W.G. received a letter signed by Wm. B. Melish, P. G. M., Levi C. Goodale, P.G.M., and Jacob H. Bromwell, Grand Secretary, indicating that Wm. Howard Taft would have petitioned for regular initiation into the mysteries of Freemasonry but due to his frequent absence from this jurisdiction prevented him from complying with the usual rules and regulations of the Grand Lodge.
Therefore, the three Brothers recommended that the Grand Master exercise his prerogative an d make Wm. Howard Taft a Mason "At Sight."
Formal invitations were issued and visiting Grand Masters from 14 foreign jurisdictions were present. Those states represented by Grand Masters were: Pennsylvania, Connecticut, New Mexico, Nebraska, Iowa, District of Columbia, Kentucky, Missouri, Delaware, West Virginia, Rhode Island, Arkansas, South Dakota. New York was represented by the D.G.M. From Ohio there were ten Grand officers of the Grand Lodge and 12 Past Grand Masters present. Also 302 of the 514 Worshipful Masters of the constituent Lodges of the State.
At 5 p.m. on Thursday, February 18, 1909 Grand Master Hoskinson declared the present convocation to be an "Occasional Lodge" for the purpose of conferring the three degrees of Freemasonry on Mr. Wm. Howard Taft, and declared the Lodge open. Wm. B. Melish, P.G.M., of Ohio acted as Master of Ceremonies and escorted the honored guest into the room, presented him at the altar, and stated that it was at the request of Mr. Taft to receive the three degrees.
The M.W.G.M. asked the usual questions, received the proper answers, obligated the candidate and then instructed him in the unwritten work of each of the three degrees.
The "Occasional Lodge" was closed at 6 p.m. after Brother Taft had been escorted to the stage for introduction to the crowd and seated to the left of the Grand Master.
During the evening of February 18, Brother Taft witnessed the Master Mason Degree exemplified in "Full Form in Kilwinning Lodge No. 356, with F.H. Heitman of Cincinnati as the candidate. Brother Taft later petitioned Kilwinning Lodge and was affiliated on April 14, 1909.
The Jurisdictions known to the author that make the most frequent advantage of Mackey's eighth Landmark are Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia. In a review of the Proceedings of the District of Columbia for the year 1899 we find an announcement that Grand Master John Small, Jr., conferred the degrees of Masonry, "At Sight," upon Admiral Winfield Scott Schley while the Admiral was under orders to leave the country to take command of the South Atlantic Squadron.
On December 16, 1941, an "Occasional Lodge" was called by M.W. Marcus Daniels, G.M., D.C., for the purpose of making the late General George C. Marshall and Jesse H. Jones Masons "At Sight." This was by acting under the prerogative which inures to the Grand Master by Ancient Usage. Representatives of 17 American Grand Lodges were present, also 4 Senators, 6 Representatives as well as over 200 representatives from other jurisdictions.
The disadvantages of making Masons "At Sight" are that the new Mason is an unaffiliated Mason and must further petition a regular Lodge for affiliation. For reasons apparently only known to himself, Brother and General George C. Marshall never petitioned for affiliation and was still unaffiliated at the time of his death. Further, since most Grand Lodges require a unanimous ballot for affiliation, there is always a possibility that the candidate would not receive a clear ballot.
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by ALPHONSE CERZA, F.P.S. (Life), Ill.
OVER A PERIOD of time a series of articles appeared in the West Australian Craftsman designed to assist the Worshipful Master in functioning efficiently. This series of articles had such an enthusiastic response from the readers that they have been published in a booklet entitled "The Responsibility of the Worshipful Master." The author, brother R.H.B. Hewitt is the editor of the magazine. While some of the material covered in the booklet is solely of local interest and may have no special application in many places, there is much in this booklet that has universal application and will be of value to presiding officers of Masonic bodies throughout the world.
Copies are available from the West Australian Craftsman, 65 Murray Street, Perth, West Australia. The price is 4/-.
The thought-provoking "Whither Are We Travelling?" by Brother Dwight L. Smith, Past Grand Master and present Grand Secretary of Indiana, as well as the editor of the Indiana Freemason, has been discussed throughout the country. With the January, 1964 issue of the Indiana Freemason our distinguished brother resumed his presentation of ideas of interest to thinking and devoted Masons who are concerned with the present lethargy of the Craft. Apparently, a series of articles is being prepared for publication and it is hoped that when this new group has been completely published that it will be reprinted in booklet form and thus be made available to a large Masonic audience.
The January article was entitled "Why This Confusion in the Temple?" The author presents a list of so-called "solutions" often suggested by our members to solve the so-called "problems" of the Craft. He promises to discuss many of these "cures" and intimates that while many of these things would probably solve our immediate "problems" in the long run it would undoubtedly destroy Freemasonry. In the February issue he discusses the oft suggested change in the rule that prohibits solicitation for membership. He clearly demonstrates what devastating effect such a change would have upon the Craft.
We look forward with interest to this new series.
Hot off the press is the Concise History of American Biography. This sturdily bound and beautiful volume of 1273 pages contains short biographical sketches of 14,870 Americans. It is the distillation of the biographical material contained in the 22 volumes published in 1934 plus several supplements issued later. The publisher states that each name in the older work in covered in this one volume edition.
In order to reduce such a large work into one volume it was necessary to give only the barest facts about each person mentioned. In all instances there is at least the name, the date and place of birth, date of death, occupation, and the person's main achievement. In some instances additional material is mentioned; the length of the additional material depends on the importance of the person involved. In a few instances new material has been added. Abbreviations have helped to compress the material. Students will find this a welcomed companion to the Concise Dictionary of American History published a few years ago by the same company. Masonic students will want to place it on the shelf next to the excellent 10,000 Famous Freemasons, compiled by Brother William R. Denslow in the years 1957 to 1960 and published by the Missouri Lodge of Research.
Here are a few illustrations of the contents of this work. In the original multi-volume work Albert Pike occupied two and a half pages; in the new volume he occupies about one-fifth of a page and he is described as a "lawyer, soldier, author, prominent Freemason." These few lines are hardly adequate from the standpoint of a Masonic student but it is a good start. Thomas Smith Webb occupies six lines and his Masonic work is mentioned. Amos Doolittle occupies five lines and his Masonic work is not mentioned. Jonathan Blanchard ardent anti-Mason, is presented in five lines, but no mention is made of his zeal against "secret Societies." There are two notable omissions, Roscoe Pound, the most outstanding legal scholar of our generation, and Joseph Fort Newton, one of the leading religious leaders of our day. Both these omitted men joined the Craft.
For the Masonic student there is no substitute for the biographical materials contained in Brother Denslow's set of four volumes mentioned above. But this new-volume book will serve a useful purpose as a handy quick tool of reference.
The book was published by Charles Scribner's Sons, 597 Fifth Avenue, New York 17, New York. The price is $22.50, plus possible tax and postage.
The campaign for public funds to support parochial schools is gaining momentum. The current approach is that partial assistance should be given for the teaching of such subjects as mathematics and science which have no religious aspects connected with them. This sounds most plausible until one checks into the matter a bit.
The Harvard Educational Review, Summer, 1962 issue, contains an article entitled "Religious Schools and 'Secular' Subjects," by George R. La Noue. The author examined text books being used in church-related schools and made some revealing discoveries. The science texts were found to be slanted along religious lines especially in the lower grades of schooling; in some instances religious leaders were quoted, and the church as the leader of science was played up in an exaggerated form. One might wonder what can be done by a religious group with so secular as subject as arithmetic. Here are a few quotes:
The children of St. Francis School ransomed 125 pagan babies last year. This year they hope to increase the number by 20%. If they succeed, how many babies will they ransom this year?
Jim made the Way of the Cross. He likes the sixth station very much. What Roman numeral was written above it?
Copies of the magazine are still available from The Harvard Educational Review, Lawrence Hall Kirkland Street, Cambridge 38, Mass. The price is $1.35 a copy.
The premier Masonic Research Lodge is Quatuor Coronati Lodge, 27 Great Queen Street, London, W.C. 2, England. Each year its valued Transactions are published and mailed to its members over the entire world. Here is a partial list of publications presently available from the lodge:
List of Contents of Ars Quatuor Coronatorum, Volumes 1 to 75; price fifty cents each.
Volume 1 of the Transactions has long been out of print. A facsimile copy is now available at $7.40 each.
Knoop, Jones, and Hamer, The Early Masonic Catechisms, second edition. The price is $5.00.
Harry Carr, The Mason and the Burgh. Price $1.50.
H. Poole, The Cooke Mss. Price Fifty Cents.
Further information about other books available, or facts pertaining to this great lodge of research may be secured by writing Brother Alex Horne, 2125 29th Avenue, San Francisco, California.
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Welcome to New Members
We are pleased to welcome the following new members into the Philalethes Society since the last issue of the magazine:
HENRY LESLIE ROSEMANN, 1718 So. Columbia Place, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74104.
DAN MAURICE McADAMS, 3730 Greenway Place, Shreveport, La. 71105.
ELLIOTT P. WHITE, Jr., 3016 Fremont Drive, Louisville, Kentucky 40205.
WAYNE ADELBERT EDER, Jr., Reed Point, Montana.
THEODORE JENNINGS BAILEY, Jr., P.O. Box 2318, Little Rock, Arkansas.
LOY BLANNON JOHNSON, 935 North Center St. N. W., Hickory, North Carolina.
JOHN ROBERT NELSON, 4524 S. E. 45th Ave., Portland, Oregon 97206.
JULIUS AUGUST NOLTING, R.R. 3, Centralia, Illinois.
JOHN M. JEFFREY, P.O. Box 1885, LaJolla, California.
CAMP EZELL, Box 366, Beeville, Texas.
HOWARD NEWTON, P. O. Box 19222, Houston, Texas 77024.
EDWARD H. LOCKWOOD, 1242 N o. Baltimore, Hastings, Nebraska 68901.
HENRY LEE SOMERVILLE, 27 West Wells, Walker Air Force Base, New Mexico.
GEORGE E. BANKS, Jr., 624 N. Gilmor St., Baltimore, Maryland 21217.
BENJAMIN MYRON BRIGGS, 11 Lyme Street, Weymouth, Mass. 02189.
RUSSELL HASTINGS, 16 Emerson St., Brookline, Mass. 02146.
FREDRICK WILLIAM MEYERS, Apartment No. 5, 1360 Taylor St. San Francisco, Calif. 94108.
WILLIAM R. SKELTON, Kinnear, Wyoming.
ELBERT P. SOPER, R.D. 2, Geneva, New York.
HARRY A. SPENCER, 1500 Crestview St., Lincoln, Nebraska 68509.
FRANK J. BELL, Carson, Iowa.
MORRIS D. AMMERMAN, P. O. Box 8, Kokomo, Indiana.
NEWTON S. BACON, 1505 Broadway. Niles. Michigan 49120.
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Norman Dutt Is Named
Fellow of the Society
Harold V. B. Voorhis, F.P.S. Life, Chairman of the Fellows Committee of the Society, has announced the election of Norman C. Dutt as a new Fellow of the Philalethes Society, to take the place of the late R. J. Meekren, who died recently.
Brother Dutt was the winner in 1962 of the Certificate of Literature award given by the Society for the best article appearing in our magazine. He has been consistent in his contributions to Masonic Literature, and is well-deserving of the honor which has been awarded him. We join in our congratulations to this very active Mason, and hope that he will continue to contribute to our magazine.
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Certificate of Literature Awarded
William R. Denslow, F.P.S. Chairman of the Committee on Award of the Certificate of Literature, has announced that M.W. Andrew J. White, Jr., M.P.S., past Grand Master and Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Ohio, is the 1963 winner of this coveted award, for his splendid article on the Masonic Funeral Service.
Brother White has been active in all phases of Masonry, has been awarded the 33rd degree of the Scottish Rite, and has made many contributions to Masonic literature and thought. We are most happy to add our congratulations to those of our brethren on this well-deserved honor.
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Are You Equal to This Planting ?
Plant five rows of peas: Preparedness, Promptness, Perseverance, Politeness, and Prayer.
Then three rows of squash: Squash Gossip, Squash Criticism, Squash Indifference.
And five rows of lettuce: Let us be Faithful, Let us be Unselfish, Let us be Loyal, Let us Love One Another, and Let us be Truthful.
But no garden is really complete without turnip: Turn up for Church, Turn up with a Smile, Turn up with a New Idea, Turn up with Real Determination.
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Notes, Queries and Information
On Items of Masonic Research
by JAMES R. CASE, F.P.S.
1964 - No. 2
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 invited to send in material appropriate for use in the new column, especially information concerning research currently under way. Our readers are invited to send material appropriate for use in this column, especially material relative to current research, to
JAMES R. CASE, F.P.S.
23 Highland Avenue
Bethel, Conn.
28-30 - John Barney. (August 1958, December 1962, August 1959.) This noted Masonic lecturer died at Peoria, Illinois, in 1847 and was buried under a marble shaft erected by the Grand Lodge o f Illinois. His remains were removed once or twice and his present grave is not definitely known. Can some reader provide the Editor with a sketch or photograph of the monument, or has that disappeared?
143 - Masonic Temple. (August 1961, December 1963.) The first building in America erected exclusively for Masonic purposes is said to have been dedicated at Philadelphia June 24, 1773. Does any reader have information which would contest this claim? How about the Newport Masonic Hall of 1759?
155 - Constitutions of 1738 (June, October 1963.) George B. Clark, Historian to the Grand Lodge of Colorado, informs us that copies of this edition may be seen in the Library at the House of the Temple in Washington, also in the Grand Lodge Libraries maintained by Colorado and New Mexico.
158 - The Sword. (August 1963) Research at the United States Military Academy at West Point has determined from Page Smith's biography of John Adams that at his inauguration his dress was "resplendent from the handsome sword strapped to his side to the cockaded hat that he carried under his arm." Aside from Washington, no other President seems to have worn a sword for the inaugural ceremony. Lincoln carried a gold headed rosewood cane.
159 - Farragut. (October 1963.) Gerald D. Foss, Grand Historian of the Grand Lodge of New Hampshire has gone to the record and provided us with an extract from the minutes of Old St. Johns Lodge (1) of Portsmouth which reads as follows: August 17th 1870. Masonic Hall, Portsmouth, N.H. Wednesday August 17th A.L. 5870-A.D. 1870. A Special Communication of St. John's Lodge No. one of this City was held here this Forenoon at 11 o'Clock to attend the funeral of our Deceased Brother ADMIRAL DAVID G. FARRAGUT who died at this Navy Yard at Noon of last Sunday. A large Number of Members and Visiting Brothers were present and a Lodge of Master Masons was opened; and after the Usual Services in the Hall a large procession was formed conjointly with St. Andrews' Lodge. - Then accompanied by the Portsmouth Cornet Band and escorted by Dewitt Clinton Commandery of Kts. Templar we joined with a Grand Naval Procession just landed from Three U. S. Steamers with many Distinguished Army Officers which Procession was also joined by other various Societies and Companies and our City Government; the whole making a Very Large and Imposing Procession; which being escorted by Two Battalions of U. S. Troops, Heavy Artillery and Marines, proceeded Solemnly through our more Important Streets to Saint John's Church; where appropriate Religious Services were performed by the Rev. Dr. Montgomery of New York City; the friend and former Chaplain and Pastor of the Deceased. Then to a Tomb within the Grounds of the Church was the Body Committed with the Rites of the Episcopal Church and with the Rites and Appropriate Formalities of our Order; our Most Wor. Grand Master John R. Holbrook officiating. After which Fifteen Volies (sic) were fired by the U. S. Troops formed in front of the Tomb. From the Tomb we returned to this Hall where the Lodge was closed in Proper Form. Geo. P. Edny, Secretary.
Brother Foss adds that Grand Master Holbrook was a member of St. Johns Lodge; and is hopeful that information may be forthcoming as to where and when Farragut was made a Mason.
164 - Open Bible. The Editor of the Knight Templar Magazine would like to have some discussion of the following question - "Why is the Bible not opened on the altar during conferring of the Orders of Knight Templary?"
165 - Stamp Collectors. A commemorative cover and special cachet is being prepared to mark the 175th anniversary of the organization of the Grand Lodge of Connecticut at New Haven, July 8th 1789. Albert G. Dudley, 264 Noble Avenue, West Haven, Connecticut, is handling this issue and will accept orders at three for one dollar.
166 - Simon Kenton. One of this name appears as a member of Xenia Lodge (49), Xenia, Ohio, on Grand Lodge returns between 1822-30 and was Junior Deacon in 1826. Was this the pioneer of the Ohio country who lived 1755 - 1836, or his son, or some other? Louis F. Clark.
167 - The Letter G. Alex Horne, 2135-29th Ave., San Francisco 16 is coordinating answers to the following queries from Harry Carr of Quatuor Coronati Research Lodge in London, England. Readers of this page are requested to help him accumulate the necessary information:
1. Is the letter G displayed in the Lodge Room in your jurisdiction?
2. If so, where? Above the Master's Chair? Laid flat or hanging from the ceiling? In the center? On a Tracing Board?
3. Is the G by itself, or in the center of a Blazing Star?
4. Where is the letter G Mentioned? In the First Second or Third degree?
5. What is it said to represent?
6. Where is the Blazing Star mentioned? In what degree?
7. What is it said to represent?
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by KENNETH F. CURTIS, F.P.S.
Brethren, first, let me thank you for your splendid efforts in the membership field for the year 1963. The Membership Committee also wishes to extend special recognition to Bro. Frank H. Wilson, Chairman of the Publicity Committee, for his fine contributions which spread our message to many a member of the Craft.
The fourth verse of The Rubaiyat of Omar Khyyam begins - to quote: "Now the New Year, reviving old Desires, etc." These words remind me of Spring and Nature activated by old desires, bursting into glorious activity, towards a new life and its fruits.
Now is the time for each member to awaken his old desires and contribute to our LIFE LINE; the yearly increase in the membership of the Society. It is needless to state, we also grow fruits through our activities in the Society.
If each Philalethes will make a special New Year's resolution t o bring in at the least one new member, and this through continual effort until you find him, we will have fulfilled one of our basic responsibilities as Masons and members of the Philalethes Society.
I am standing-by to send you literature and applications for membership, NOW is the time to turn-to write to Kenneth F. Curtis, 2455 Raeford Road, Orlando, Florida 32806. May your work bear fruits for the year 1964.
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by NORMAN C. DUTT F.P.S.
The Worshipful Master of a Lodge recently made a few comments regarding the Working Tools that deserves the attention of every thoughtful Craftsmen. He said "The Freemason who, after receiving his working tools puts them away in some forgotten corner of his memory, who forgets how to mix tempered mortar cannot possibly become skilled, and therefore earns pittance; but the Freemason who accepts his working tools and uses them in his daily life becomes a skilled craftsman, and earns without measure in a limitless field of endeavor." How few of us use our working tools from day to day. We sit in Lodge and listen to the Master declaim upon the level, the square and the plumb, and their symbolic significances; and we are instructed in their use where contacts with our fellow man are concerned; as a result, the real significance of Freemasons we should keep them bright and shining through constant usage. Yet with the majority of Craftsmen the tools become rusty with disuse. As a result the real significance of Freemasonry becomes apparent to but a small circle of earnest brethren, and to the average brother membership in the fraternity means little more than membership in a social club. He regards his Lodge as a fine place to meet the "boys" and eat supper in congenial company. Actually he loses a full 99 % of the significance of Freemasonry. Let us polish up those working tools. Let us study and endeavor to grasp the wonderful philosophy of living that Freemasonry teaches.
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Among projects selected by ten outstanding American psychiatrists and scientists, who meet twice yearly to guide Scottish Rite's schizophrenia research effort, are studies of a blood factor that may be causally related to schizophrenia, carried on by Dr. Hudson Hoagland of the Worcester Foundation for Experimental Biology, Shrewsbury, Massachusetts.
The twenty-six separate Schizophrenia investigations sponsored by Scottish Rite are coordinated and reviewed by a top advisory committee composed of acknowledged leaders in the field of mental illness. One project instituted by this committee is a psychoendocrine study of acute schizophrenia by Dr. Peter H. Knapp of Boston University School of Medicine, Boston.