Contents
It Seems to Me Is Ritualistic Work Enough
Light On The Philalethes Society RECOMMENDED MASONIC READING
Chat and Comment Freemasonry Aids Reconstruction
A REASONABLE EXPLANATION How Can We Approach This Problem
Masonic Public Installations Notes, Queries and Information
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 Gottshall 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
Morristown 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 We have found a pleasing and efficient manner of getting our membership to practice the acts of learning more about Freemasonry, and by which our membership can work more closely together for our mutual good.
It has just been my especial privilege to return from the splendid dinner meeting, held May 13, at the Y.M.C.A., cafeteria, in Chicago, where our busy President, Dr. Charles Gottshall Reigner, F.P.S., and Alphonse Cerza, F.P.S., Life, past President of the Society, and many other enthusiastic members, met for the purpose of fellowship, understanding of principles, the reading of some fine papers, and a general clearing of the atmosphere, by which all of us can better understand our proper focus in the work.
Yes, it is good to have small group meetings, and gather in good fellowship and scholarly tradition, talking about the things that are essential to Freemasonry. Annual meetings are necessary, and must be maintained and sponsored, but smaller groups, like that in Chicago, as well as in Oregon, Kentucky, and elsewhere, are the vital food that feeds our need for togetherness and activity.
I wish that every city and town where members of the Society are found, could arrange to have at least two dinner meetings a year - more if possible, but a minimum of two - at which some leader could take the time to tell the story of what our fine Society is trying to do, and stimulate each one present to take up some phase of activity by which he might make a valuable contribution to the aim and inspiration of our group.
I read a poem a day or so ago that seems to exemplify the spirit with which our Society should encourage its work. It is by Edward Everett Hale, and is as follows:
I am only one,
But I still am one.
I cannot do everything,
But still I can do something;
And because I cannot do everything
I will not refuse to do the something that I can do.
How close this comes to us, and how we can use it to make ourselves realize that the Philalethes Society needs to have every member active! It is not enough for half of us to work and the rest be drones. It is fully realized that every man has his capacity, and everyone of our members can do something that will contribute to the welfare and good of us all. What we need is to get the inspiration of Masonry, by which we can take our share of the load, do our part of the work, and contribute our bit to the overall plan of learning more about Freemasonry.
Now let's get busy and have a lot more local activity. It will not only be fun, but we can rub off a lot of information and facts about our Society that will inspire others to join with us in this noble work to become better Masons. When we know our neighbor, understand his way of life and see things the way he does, it is easy to get along with him and be a better friend and Brother.
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by ALPHONSE CERZA, F.P.S. (Life), III.
THE SOLID FOUNDATION of Freemasonry rests on the ritual of the first three degrees and the moral lessons exemplified in the ceremony. It might also be stated in another way: That the Blue Lodge degrees contain all that there is in Freemasonry. Active members of appendent bodies may find fault with this statement on the ground that the lessons in the additional degrees and ceremonies of these other groups of Masons add much to the understanding by the individual Mason. If one were to consider the matter carefully, it will be discovered that these appendant bodies are merely presenting one or more lessons taught in the Blue Lodge degrees in a more dramatic or detailed form.
One may rightfully ask: If the first three degrees contain all that there is in Freemasonry, is there need for any appendant bodies? Is there any need for Masonic study? The answer to these two questions is simple: There is need for further study and further portrayal and illustration because human beings do not always absorb lessons when first presented, some learn more easily when other forms of teaching are used; and repetition is an effective tool for all teaching processes.
One might strongly contend that when the ritualistic work is presented perfectly and effectively that the new member need not expect more. This statement assumes that the candidate is the ideal person who at first exposure absorbs all that he is supposed to learn from the ceremony. This is seldom, if ever, the case. The learning of the catechism helps but does not entirely make for a complete understanding. So we must go one step further and say that every member should make an effort to learn the ritual so that he may get the fullest benefit of the lessons taught by the degrees. But does learning the ritual a n d the spoken words give any assurance that the lessons have been learned? How often have we heard the unfair derisive accusation that all ritualists are "parrots" ? Learning words and possessing the skill to repeat them perfectly is not enough. The listener can learn only that which his capacity or inclination will permit.
If we assume that the candidate is of average mental capacity, is motivated by a desire to became a good Mason, and wants to get the full benefit from his membership we might be inclined to conclude that a careful attention to the ritual while he is taking the degrees and later learning the catechism is about enough to make him a Mason. This assumes that he understands the meaning of the words and phrases which he has learned as well as the lessons taught. This is too often an unwarranted assumption.
We must also recognize that there are many Masons who are not interested in learning Masonic lectures or how to handle a rod in Masonic ceremonies or to take a part in the ritualistic work. Are we to conclude that these Masons are not good members? Shall we completely forget about these members? Are they to be blamed if they are not interested in the formal presentation of the lessons to new members? Are we to ignore them? Why not help them to find some other work in the quarries? There is need within the Craft not only of those who have fine memories for repeating lectures and doing floor work but also a place for those who are able and willing to explore the meaning of the words and how the lessons can be applied to everyday living. There is as much need for understanding as there is for the ability to repeat words; hearing the words is not enough. Imparting their meaning is of equal importance.
The greater portion of the men who join the Craft are not interested in becoming ritualists. In most instances, they are impressed with the lessons of the degrees and they desire full understanding. Most members are more interested in the social aspects of the Craft. Visiting the sick and associating with Masons, for example, are Masonic virtues which can be easily encouraged among members. Ask the average Mason to join in visiting a sick member or getting together for a social visit some evening and you will get a warm reception. Ask the overwhelming number of Masons to come out some night to learn a ritualistic part and you will many times get a cold shoulder. Don't blame the member; most men are not interested in learning to perform ceremoniously or to memorize long lectures. Those members who are so inclined are in the minority and should be cultivated as precious members who help maintain the very foundation of the Craft; it is these loyal and devoted members that have year in and year out sustained Freemasonry and its applicants for the degrees.
But this is not enough!
We must give serious thought to the many members who are not interested in this phase of Freemasonry. Too often those who are not "ritualistic minded' are made to feel unwanted by Lodge officers. This is a serious mistake and we lose much valuable material among our members. In today's world when one looks for Reader's Digest summaries of great books, condensed novels, so that one may do all sorts of things as one runs through his daily hours, we are apt to find little interest among many Masons if it is required that he become a ritualist in order to take part in the work of the Lodge. Shall we lose the benefit of a good administrator or organizer or scholar because he has no patience with the ritualists?
What the Craft needs is many well trained ritualists who can carefully and correctly present the degrees impressively to our new members. Assuming that the candidate is bright enough to absorb all the lessons through the ceremonies of the three degrees we need go no further. But unfortunately this is an ideal situation which seldom exists. It is necessary to have additional activities to teach the candidate the meaning of the words, the historical background of the Craft, and to satisfy the questioning mind. We are also in need of able committee workers and administrators who may have no interest in the ceremonies of the Craft. We need to take inventory of modern day methods of doing things and to adapt them to the Craft and its work. There is no need to change fundamental principles; the basic truths of the Craft are perennially good and need no change. The world will always need the guiding light of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth. The belief in the Fatherhood of God and the Brotherhood of Man needs no change. But the methods of making these ideals effective may need modern implementation.
Let's stop ignoring the member who is interested in aspects of the Craft beyond the formal ritualistic work. Let us cultivate the student and the administrator and fit them into the fabric of the Craft so that all may benefit thereby.
"Freemasonry rightly conceived and practiced will enhance every worthy loyalty in a man's life. It will not weaken a man's loyalty to his church, but will strengthen it by the increased sense of responsibility to God and dependence on God taught in our ritual. It will not drain his strength from the service of the church, but increase his strength for the service of the church. It will not draw him away from the doctrines of his church, but stimulate his interest in the values of religion that enrich and ennoble the life of man."
- Thomas S. Roy, P.G.M. Mass.
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Light On The Philalethes Society
by CHARLES G. REIGNED F.P.S., President
AT THE BOTTOM of the letterhead of the Society is printed this legend: "An International Society for Freemasons who seek More Light and Freemasons who have Light to impart."
As so many Freemasons who seek Light are now becoming new members of the Society, I shall follow the suggestion made by several of my Masonic friends that I devote some of the President's Messages to information about the historical background of the Society.
Let me say at the outset that I am not a professional Mason in the sense that I devote all my time to Freemasonry. Quite to the contrary!
Dr. Joseph Fort Newton, a clergyman, whom I counted as a dear friend for many years until his death on January 24, 1950, put into words the feeling of many of us for whom Freemasonry is a blessed and inspiring avocation. In the introduction to his book, The Men's House, Dr. Newton wrote:
"Freemasonry appeals to me, first, by its fellowship; and, next to the home and the House of God, it is the most blessed influence in my life. Its simple and profound faith, its wise and practical philosophy - uniting the wisdom of love and the love of wisdom - illumine my mind, as its genius of fraternity warms my heart. But still more, Masonry appeals to me as an agency for the organization of moral faith, practical brotherhood, and social idealism, the worth and power of which we have not yet realized. "
It is for these reasons, beautifully stated by Dr. Newton, that Freemasonry appeals so profoundly to me. The Masonic friendships and fellowships we develop add a new dimension to our lives. Through the study of the history and philosophy of Freemasonry, we gain a new vision of the good life and greater incentive to live it.
In this discussion I want to share with you some of the far-flung Masonic contributions made by Robert Ingham Clegg, who at the time of his death on December 3, 1931, was President of The Philalethes Society. He was succeeded as President by Alfred H. Moorhouse. In a pamphlet written by Brother Moorhouse, "The Philalethes Society - A Mission and a Promise," he paid tribute to "the example and unflagging zeal of our late beloved President, Robert I. Clegg," and wrote about the "forward steps" the Society had taken to accomplish its purposes.
I have always had a special feeling of affinity for Brother Clegg because he served as President of the Board of Education of Cleveland, Ohio, and was a member of the Board of Trustees of the Cleveland Public Library to which he contributed much time and many books.
Robert Ingham Clegg was born at Acerington, Lancashire, England, on May 13, 1866. He came to the United States as a young man and worked as a mechanical engineer. Eventually he rose to high rank in his profession and was a contributor to Iron Age and many other journals in the engineering field. He was also a member of numerous professional and scientific societies, including the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. It is a matter of record that he gave his services gratis as an engineer in the design and erection of Masonic Temples in several States.
After coming to this country, Brother Clegg first lived in Providence, R.I., where, on January 30, 1891, he became a naturalized citizen of the United States. Shortly thereafter he moved to Cleveland, Ohio. On January 24, 1906 - at the age of 40, he was made a Master Mason in Tyrian Lodge, No. 370, F.&A.M. of Ohio. He served as Worshipful Master of his Lodge from October 1909 to October 1910. From that time forward Brother Clegg's principal avocation was Freemasonry. He was a member of the Bodies of both Rites, as well as a member of many other appendant Masonic organizations, both in this country and abroad. On September 21, 1920 he was crowned an Honorary 33d Mason by the Supreme Council, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, A.A.S.R.
Brother Clegg served as vice president of the Masonic Temple Association of Cleveland. His outstanding contributions to Freemasonry, however, transcended the limits of place and time. Some of us have read books he wrote, such as Origin of the Ritual and Freemasonry and Religion. His greatest work was the revisions he made of Mackey's History of Freemasonry, Encyclopedia of Freemasonry, Symbolism of Freemasonry, and Masonic Jurisprudence. During the time he made these revisions of Dr. Mackey's works, he was a resident of Chicago. I am greatly indebted to an article by Brother Ralph S. Davis in the Illinois Enlightener, Vol. 7, No. 2, May 1955, for much of the data about Brother Clegg which I have incorporated in this discussion.
Many of us will recall The Builder, the outstanding magazine published by the National Masonic Research Society from 1915 to 1930. Dr. Joseph Fort Newton, the author of that stimulating book, The Builders, was also the first editor of the magazine, The Builder. His successor as editor was Harry LeRoy Haywood, whose writings on Freemasonry over a period of years are well known to us all. Brother Clegg was a contributor to The Builder and to other Masonic magazines. He organized a number of Masonic Study Clubs - the forerunners of our Masonic Research Lodges of today. He served the Grand Lodge of Ohio as Grand Historian.
Brother Davis sums up the life and work of Robert Ingham Clegg in these sentences: He "was a kindly and gentle man who won success by unselfish thinking and by deep warmth toward the entire brotherhood of man. His success included the respect of those high in literary and engineering circles, the raising of a splendid family and a fine philosophy of life." Following his death, his children gave his Masonic Library to the Grand Lodge of Ohio, where they remain as the "Clegg Collection."
Thomas Carlyle, the famous British essayist, historian, and philosopher, wrote this much quoted aphorism: "History is the essence of innumberable biographies." Carlyle also wrote this thought-provoking sentence: "Nothing that was worthy in the past departs; no truth or goodness realized by man ever dies, or can die; but is all still here and, recognized or not, lives and works through endless changes." That sentence has a direct application to the work of Robert Ingham Clegg and to that of all our other Brethren who labored so diligently, in days gone by, in the quarries of Masonry.
It was Masons of the character and dedication of Brother Clegg who were responsible for originating the ideas and the ideals which The Philalethes Society still strives to exemplify. We cannot all be writers of the vast scope of Brother Clegg, but we can-and do-honor him and all the other founders of our Society. With all our limitations and shortcomings, we can still dedicate ourselves to carrying on the work to which they devoted so large a share of their fruitful lives. "No sadder proof can be given by a man of his own littleness," to quote Carlyle again, "than disbelief in great men."
The Present rests on the Past, and the Future is built on the Present. We who are Fellows and Members of The Philalethes Society now are the heirs of those who have gone before us, just as those who come after us will benefit from the heritage we leave to them.
They builded better than they knew;
They laid foundations deep and strong;
They wrought in faith, with vision true
On honor's scroll their names belong
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by ALPHONSE CERZA, F.P.S. (Life), lll.
SOME YEARS AGO, in anticipation of the celebration of the 75th anniversary of the Grand Lodge of North Dakota, Brother Harold S. Pond, Past Grand Master and Past Grand Secretary, and a devoted student of Freemasonry, was selected to write a history of Masonry in North Dakota. Since the year 1964 is this milestone for North Dakota Masons the volume has been printed and will be distributed at the Grand Lodge meeting being held in the month of June.
Masonry in North Dakota, is a 384page, clothbound book, with 70 pictures of Masonic Temples, historical markers, persons, and other items with Masonic significance in the state. It is a factual presentation of all the salient facts about the Craft in North Dakota. It is hoped that when time permits this able historian of the Craft will prepare and have published an index for this volume. The cost of these additional pages, the herculean task of compiling the material that went into this book, plus the publisher's usual deadline probably prevented this additional essential element.
The book is divided into four logical parts: (1) The pre-Grand Lodge period; (2) The Formation of the Grand Lodge; (3) Lodges Formed Between 1889 and 1962; and (4) Miscellaneous Matters. This last part contains a fine biographical sketch of the late Walter L. Stockwell, outstanding educator, Past Master, and Past Grand Secretary of the state. There is also presented a short history of the Grand Lodge Library.
One of the outstanding features of this fine book is the short historical account of each Lodge in the state. The author has been a Master Mason since 1919 serving the Craft in many ways; as a consequence much of the material is firsthand information. Some unusual items are presented; for example, Masons of the state voluntarily contributed to the purchase of Lookout Point, in Pembina County, and a large Masonic Emblem was placed thereon which is visible for many miles; once each year Walhalla Lodge holds an outdoor meeting in a natural Lodge room built there.
This volume will be a sourcebook for Masonic historians of the future as there are reproduced many programs of outstanding events plus the leading speeches at these events; too often the spoken word is lost to future generations.
Copies of this book may be secured from Brother Clifford E. Miller, Grand Secretary, P.O. Box 1269, Fargo, North Dakota, for $5.00 a copy.
The printed Proceedings of the Fourteenth Annual Midwest Conference on Masonic Education, held at Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on October 24, 25, and 26, 1963, have recently been published. This paper-back of 180 pages will be of value to Masonic students not only because of the papers presented and the discussion that took place at the Conference but also because this volume contains a list of the subjects presented at all prior Conferences. It also contains an excellent "Review of Other Masonic Education Conferences" with a list of all other Conferences held in the United States and the subjects discussed. The author Clyde E. Hegman worked for months collecting this information together.
Copies are available at $2.50 each from the Secretary of the Midwest Conference, Or. Dawson Grim, Higley Building, Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
One of the outstanding Masonic organizations is the Order of the Red Cross of Constantine. A few articles and booklets have been written about this group. The definitive history of this organization has been written by Brother Harold V. B. Voorhis, entitled "The Order of the Red Cross of Constantine."
Brother Voorhis discusses the legends that were the basis of the early historical accounts of the Order. He observes that there is no historical basis for claiming any connection of the group with Constantine. The Order was established in England about the year 1865 by Brother William Wentworth Little. The first Conclave in the United States was chartered in Washington. Pennsylvania, on December 14, 1870.
The pertinent facts about the history of this Order are presented as well as the names of the leaders. A fair analysis of various tracts and booklets is made. The author states that the items relating to the history of the Order in England were secured for him by several English Brethren who examined original sources. There is a complete bibliography for a guide to further study of the subject.
Copies may be secured from The Press of Henry Emmerson, 4181 Park Avenue, New York, at $4.00 a copy.
Of special interest to the Knights Templar is the newly published "The Story of the Crusades," by Alfred Duggan. The terse style of the author covers the years 1097 to 1291 with a swift moving story about the various Crusades. These years were eventful and this is a brief history of the period. It will not satisfy the student seeking details but it is a good summary.
Copies are available from Pantheon and from your book store, at $4.95 a copy.
The January and February 1964 issues of The Churchman published an article (in two parts) by Brother Albert Levitt entitled "Thomas Jefferson and Pope John XXIII." The author has been a life long student of Thomas Jefferson and his liberal political beliefs. In this article he carefully analyzes the Encyclical "Peace on Earth" in the light of the fundamental Jeffersonian principles that have been incorporated into the American Way of Life. The author conclusively shows that the late Pope, in all sincerity, is advocating a Theocracy ruled by his church rather than a republican form of government in order that we have perpetual peace.
The article has been reprinted in summary form. Copies are available free from Brother Albert Levitt, P.O. Box 32, Manchester, Massachusetts.
The 1961 Proceedings of the Missouri Lodge of Research consisted of the book "House Undivided," by Brother Allen E. Roberts. This book presented the Masonic story during the period of the War of 1860. The book was well received not only by Masons but by students of this period who are not Masons. The book received very favorable comment in the Christian Science Monitor. The edition was soon exhausted and the continuing demand caused the publication of a new edition. Those of our readers who were not able to secure a copy of the first printing will be glad to hear of this.
Copies of the new edition are available from Macoy Publishing Co., 34 W. 33rd St., New York 1, New York. Those who desire an autographed copy may secure one by ordering from Brother Allen E. Roberts direct, at Highland Springs, Virginia. The original price of $5.00 is retained for this second printing though printing costs have risen.
The American Lodge of Research of New York, has rendered a valuable service to Masonic students. In 1934 there was published in Norcalore, the official publication of the North Carolina Lodge of Research, an article summarizing the Morgan affair by Dr. William L. Cummings; if was followed by a 33-page bibliography. This item has long been out of print.
Just published and mailed to the members of the American Lodge of it was followed by a 33-page bibliography described above. This is a 79-page paper-back revising and enlarging the original listing. The new booklet is entitled "A Bibliography of Anti-Masonry." One valuable part of the booklet is the indication of the libraries where the books listed may be found.
Copies of this booklet may be purchased by writing to Brother Harold V. B. Voorhis, 175 W. 12th St., Apt. 12-F. New York. New York.
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News, achievements and items of interest about our
Fellows and Members - Discussion and comment on
- Pfan Mail and Observations -
Mutual Topics.
It is pleasant to note that our good friend, and member of the Society, M.W. Brother Arthur Hodgson, Grand Master of Masons in Kansas, has been named Chairman of the Conference of Grand Masters of North America, which will meet in Washington in February 1965. Congratulations!
Allen E. Roberts, F.P.S., sends us a newspaper notice of the wreck of a bus carrying the Virginia Craftsmen, a degree-conferring group of wide reputation, to one of their functions. Allen, with several others, was severely shaken up, and suffered cracked ribs and other injuries, but is progressing well, and expects to lie on his feet again soon.
The comment that he makes about the wreck was this:
" . . . we witnessed Brotherly Love in action. Everyone thought of others before himself, not one, even among the ladies panicked. It was horrible. Earlier in the evening, during a speech, I had said that we hear a lot about Brotherly Love but seldom do we see it practiced. One of the ladies reminded me about five in the morning, saying 'Allen, you spoke of Brotherly Love last night and said that we seldom see it practiced any more, but we certainly witnessed in action during the accident, and here (in the hospital). Everyone thought of others before himself'." That is truly a wonderful demonstration and, as I have written on other occasions, shows that Brotherly Love can be practiced.
Ray D. Reel, M.P.S. (Austria), writes the editor, saying:
You quite rightly stressed the type of articles you seek: "of universal interest, of depth and Masonic value . . . " ".... " original, interesting and unusual material . . . "
Since you and I both know that it's a lot easier to mention the words as quoted in the paragraph immediately above than it is to turn out articles that embody that type of material!
Therefore, it is wondered whether or not it might not be a good idea to try setting down a sort of "guide" that would lead "embryo" writers into the "paths of productivity" a bit easier !
For instance: My series of "10 Questions" which led to the writing of a fine contribution to what is known about Mozart, now. But - had never been put together (in English especially), before.
In other words - when in the mood - jot down a list of the "un-answered questions" that come to mind, about any and all of the topics that need to be "mined" in our Masonic "quarries."
It is hoped that you might get some results from publishing such a "guide."
The spring class of the Scottish Rite, Valley of Indianapolis, will be named in honor of the late Laurence R. Taylor, F.P.S. former editor of The Indiana Freemason and nationally known for his work on the Grand Lodge of Indiana Educational Committee.
Brother Roland Harold Allen, of Borger, Texas, was recently appointed Grand Orator of the Grand Lodge of Texas to serve for the year 1964. Our congratulations on this honor.
John Mirt, M.P.S., 644 Melrose Street, Chicago, Illinois, is retiring and moving to Mexico. He is disposing of his Masonic library.
Trio Lodges in San Francisco merged into one. The new name for the Lodge presented no problem. One was called Sea Coast Lodge the other was called King Solomon Lodge. After the merger the Lodge was called King Solomon Sea Coast Lodge. Brother Eugene Hopp, M.P.S., and present Grand Orator of California, is a member of this Lodge.
Kenneth F. Curtis, F.P.S., writes:
I thought it might be of interest to you to know that the words, "live sample" in my article "Mutual Aid In Our Masonic Labors" has given me action with excellent results.
Two members of the Society: Lynn F. Perkins of New York and Don J. Adams of Iowa are now co-authors on my project "The Companion" based on Morals and Dogma.
It is my belief that "where there is smoke there is fire" I hope you fellows can debate the worth of my article for future action in the Society.
Alex Horne, M.P.S., comments -
Brother Albert L. Biller, M.P.S., is certainly at least half-right in criticizing my use of the word canard in connection with the "fable" respecting Hiram Abiff to which I had called attention in the October issue. But unfortunately he does not quote Webster in full. The dictionary definition of canard, as given by Webster, is: "An extravagant or absurd report or story; a fabricated sensational report or statement; esp. [especially] one set afloat in the newspapers to hoax the public."
It should have been obvious that I was merely applying the more common usage represented by the first part of the definition, ignoring the "especial" case. Certainly I would not dream of accusing Joseph Fort Newton, or Dr. George Oliver, or whoever concocted this canard to which I had drawn attention, with any premeditated attempt to delude the Masonic public, but that this fable has had just this effect is unfortunately the case, and Brother Biller himself is a prime example of it.
As to Brother Biller's additional statement that the Bible, in the references he has given, "alludes to Hiram Abif as Adoram, Adoniram, Hadoram, etc., as being identifiable with Hiram Abif," this simply is not so, as anyone can ascertain who wishes to look up these references that Brother Biller has cited (II Samuel 20:24, I Kings 4:6 and 5:14 and 12: 16-18). The Bible merely states that Adoniram, etc., was "over the levy"; that is, in charge of the levy of thirty thousand men who were sent, by shifts, into the Forest of Lebanon to hew the timbers for the Temple. They had absolutely nothing to do with the erection of the Temple itself, or the creation of its brazen appurtenances. That was Hiram Abiff's job. Thus, the Bible does not identify Adoniram, etc., with Hiram Abiff, these two being two entirely different individuals, with two entirely different jobs in hand.
In this, Brother Biller has unfortunately been misled by those who like our French brethren, have chosen to identify Adoniram with Hiram Abiff because of the etymological fact (as correctly stated by Brother Biller) that Adon means Lord, thus coming by this devious path to the conclusion that Adoniram means "the Lord Hiram." Whether that conclusion is warranted is open to question, but, to me, it is equivalent to saying that "Washington" means "a ton of washing," and that therefore the General was not the Father of his country but only a large scale laundryman.
I think we should by all means try to avoid these semantic pitfalls, and not draw unwarrantable conclusions. Certainly every one has the right to draw whatever inferences he wishes to draw as to any matter before him. Every one has the right (and sometimes the necessity) to read between the lines. But we should always be conscious of the character of the intellectual activity we are engaging in, and not let ourselves be misled by our own subjective interpretations to the point of externalizing them, and thus imposing upon the printed word a meaning that is not inherent in it, but which exists only in our own minds. We have no right to ascribe to the Bible a categorical allusion which the Bible itself does not make in so many words, except insofar as we think it does so.
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Freemasonry Aids Reconstruction
by ALLEN E. ROBERTS. F.P.S..
3. The Battle Lines are Drawn
"MANY OF THE Grand Chapters attest to the kindly power of the mystic tie in the midst of battle," stated J. Eastman Johnson, the Grand Secretary of the Grand Chapter of Michigan, "and this power, ever active cannot but materially aid in reuniting the hearts of our countrymen, that never should have been estranged. This reunion being truly and fully consummated by the aid, in part, of our Order, our country - great in the past - becomes greater in the future - one in heart, one in power, one in its elevating influences, and one in its grand destiny."
On the same day, January 16, 1866, Thomas Brown, a former governor of Florida, wrote for his Grand Lodge: "My Brethren, our rulers submitted our national difficulties to the award of the God of Battles, and the issue has been against us. As Masons, our influence was exerted on the side of peace. When war came, our duty was to be true and faithful to the Government under which we lived and found protection; and all those obligations were truly and faithfully discharged, and by our defeat we have lost all but our honor, which no earthly power can take from us, if we are true to ourselves and to God. Then, let us meet the stern issue like men. Let there be no murmurings, no despair, no faintings by the wayside. Let there be no crimination or recriminations, or charges of who erred, or who acted wisely, but like brothers rally together, and show the world how a brave and magnanimous people can meet adversity and rise above calamity."
The world witnessed the people of the South doing what Brown had suggested. All classes those who were poor and those who were or had been wealthy, labored side by side with grace and cheerfulness. Not all bitterness had been set aside, but the people were grateful for the end of hostilities and the opportunity to build a new life in the country they loved.
It was a difficult task the South had undertaken as evidenced by the report of the Committee on Accounts to the Grand Lodge of Florida. It had "examined the books and accounts of the Grand Treasurer and Grand Secretary. The account books of the Grand Secretary have been lost. Those of the Grand Treasurer we find neatly and correctly kept. We find in the hands of the Grand Treasurer $469.18 in Confederate Treasury Notes, which we recommend be burned and expunged from the books."
Florida was not alone. Every Masonic Body in the South was in the same condition. The Treasuries contained zero balances. As Mississippi reported: " [The] cause has gone down, and with it the money, so that the coffers of the Grand Chapter are now empty. " So were those of the subordinate Chapters. But before Mississippi's convocation was closed, it adopted resolutions thanking the Masons of the North for their kindness and brotherly love.
But the North also thanked the South. The Grand High Priest in New York, Horace S. Taylor, told his members: "The Masons of the north will ever remember with gratitude the many acts of kindness of their southern brethren towards unfortunate prisoners of war who were placed in their power. Many instances of their kindness have come to our knowledge."
An example of how Masons on both sides of the conflict met in peace and harmony is contained in this report on St. James Lodge, No. 47, of Louisiana: "without any interruption except that occasioned by the movement of the military, during the siege of Port Hudson, [it] has labored up to the present moment, and is now in a more flourishing and prosperous condition than ever before in its history. Situated as it was, on the very border of the conflict, it had a delicate mission to perform, and by the practice of the precepts of our orthodox and catholic religion, this Lodge earned the respect and esteem of those in authority, of both sides of the line, and was the only power here instrumental in mitigating the horrors of war. That this confidence was never betrayed or misused, I think we may safely call on all in authority during that time to bear testimony."
While Freemasonry was advocating forgiveness and pleading for unity, the politicians and Northern clergymen were demanding retaliation against the citizens of the former Confederacy. This caused President Andrew Johnson to tell a large audience on George Washington's birthday in 1866: "You denied in the beginning of the struggle that any State had the right to go out. You said that they had neither the right nor the power. The issue has been made, and it has been settled that a State has neither the right nor the power to go out of the Union. And when you have settled that by the executive and military power of the Government, and by the public judgment, you turn around and assume that they are out and shall not come in." He pleaded with the people to read and study the Constitution of the United States and promised them: I will be found standing by the Constitution as the chief rock of our safety, as the palladium of our civil and religious liberty." And he did, although he knew he was committing political suicide.
A month later Congress, for the first time in history, overrode a President's veto of a major measure. Johnson had vetoed Senator Lyman Trumbull's civil rights bill, because the Chief Executive believed it to be unconstitutional and a violation of the rights of the several States. From that day to the end of Johnson's term, Congress overrode many of his vetoes. But all of his efforts were not in vain. The University of North Carolina awarded him an honorary LL.D. degree on June 7.
Earlier the Congress had upheld a Presidential veto. The Freedmen's Bureau bill was sent to the Executive on February 9, 1866; on the 19th the Senate heard Johnson's objections to it. He felt it was unnecessary, as the existing act had not expired and its powers were ample; it would prolong military measures into a time of peace which was not proper; it was unconstitutional in that it would create tribunals for the trial of offenders without a jury and without the right of appeal; it would clothe the President with powers "such as in time of peace certainly ought never to be trusted to any one man."
But Johnson's greatest objection was to the taxation without representation clause of the bill. He claimed the Constitution forbade such a clause and 11 States had been excluded from voting on the bill.
The bill had originally passed by a vote of 37 for to 10 against, more than the necessary two-thirds to override the veto, but enough of the Senators switched to make the vote 30 for to 18 against. The vote stood and the galleries applauded, hissed, hooted, and were cleared.
It become apparent to the Radical Republicans, who had begun work toward impeachment, that steps must be taken to insure a safe two-thirds majority. And the leaders cared not who was hurt. John P. Stockton of New Jersey had been elected by his State to serve in the United States Senate. But he was a Democrat, so his vote was not considered safe. It took three votes by the United States Senate to declare his election void and his seat vacated. But it was managed! The struggle for the twothirds majority had begun and before it ended the Senate was to disgrace the country.
Thaddeus Stevens had told the Senate why the Southern States should not be readmitted to the Union: "The eighty-three southern members, with the Democrats that will in the best times be elected from the North, will always give them a majority in Congress and in the Electoral College. They will at the very first election take possession of the White House and the halls of Congress."
Stevens, a bitter cripple who was never troubled with any reverence for the Constitution of the United States, assumed the leadership to keep Congress under the control of the Radical Republicans. He accomplished his goal by setting forth a program which claimed the whole subject concerning reconstruction as the exclusive business of the Congress; to undo all that had been done by Lincoln and Johnson for the 11 former Confederate States; to set up a committee of 15 to be the sole judge as to who should be admitted to the Congress.
Johnson replied to Stevens program: "States, with proper limitations of power, are essential to the existence of the Constitution of the United States . . . So long as the Constitution of the United States endures, the States will endure; the destruction of the one is the destruction of the other; the preservation of the one is the preservation of the other.
"The true theory is that all pretended acts of secession were, from the beginning, null and void. The States cannot commit treason, nor screen the individual citizens who may have committed treason, any more than they can make valid treaties, or engage in lawful commerce with any foreign power. The States attempting to secede placed themselves in a condition where their vitality was impaired, but not extinguished - their functions suspended but not destroyed."
Johnson believed all of the States should be invited to participate "in the high office of amending the Constitution." He firmly believed all of the States should ratify the Thirteenth Amendment which outlawed slavery forever. And once that had been accomplished, the States "whose powers have been so long in abeyance" be allowed to take "their places in the two branches of the national Legislature, and thereby complete the work of restoration."
The Mason in the White House was to continue to plead for the rights of all of the States and for the continuation of the Constitution, while Radical leaders, many of them anti-Masons, were to continue to fight the President with every fair and foul means at their command. Meanwhile, the work of reconstruction suffered.
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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:
ARTHUR GLADSTONE, 86 Edgemont Road, Ashville, North Carolina 28801.
EDWARD MORRIS SAVAGE, Box 1497, Eustis, Florida 32726.
FRED S. OVEROCKER, 2453 Rugby Road, Dayton, Ohio 45406.
GEORGE ALLEN SCHWARZMANN, 149 S. Augusta Ave., Baltimore, Maryland 21229.
MORRIS BERNAD CARROLL, 5232 Kelway Road, Baltimore, Maryland 21212.
HARRY J. HILGEMAN, 1510 Oakridge Road, Baltimore, Maryland 21218.
GEORGE ABNER BAWDEN, M.R., 1110 The Broadview, Baltimore, Maryland 21210.
EDWARD WILLIAM JAHN, 3405 Greenway, Baltimore, Maryland 21218.
RICHARD G. HALL, P.O. Box 147, Wheaton, Illinois 60188.
CHARLES JOHN F. HARTH, 2931 Hollins Ferry Road, Baltimore, 30 Maryland.
HENRY W. METZNER, 160 S. Crestmoor, Louisville, Kentucky 40206.
JOHN JOSEPH WEBER, 179 Graham St., Woodstock, Ontario Canada.
LELAND A. WALRATH, 629 Mt. Vernon St., Lansdale, Pennsylvania.
THOMAS BELLIS AKE, Jr. 7105 Bristol Road, Baltimore, Maryland 21212.
HARRY MILLER WAGNER, Homewood Apts., Charles and 31st St., Baltimore, Maryland 21218.
ERNEST HENRY PARROTT, 714 East Pratt St., Baltimore, Maryland 21227.
ROGER SHERMAN REIGNER, 6765 Brandon Mill Road N. W., Atlanta, Georgia 30328.
RICHARD G. DEANE, 2943 Concord St., Flint, Michigan 48504.
CHARLES EMERSON FOX, Jr., 255 Great Road, Bedford, Massachusetts.
JOHN ROBERTSON FOGLE, 4206 Loch Raven Blvd., Baltimore, Maryland 21218.
RICHARD T. DARBY, 36 Prospect St., Sherborn, Massachusetts 01770.
ROLLINS A. MANES, P. O. Box 233, Eldon, Missouri.
CHARLES LESLIE PARKER, 154 Pleasant Street, Dalton, Mass.
SYDNEY KENNETH SKOLFIELD, 226 Bay State Road, Boston, Massachusetts 02115.
GEORGE WESLEY WATTS, Faribault State School & Hospital, Faribault, Minnesota.
VERNON SISSON BOWERS, 20 Taylor St., Wollaston, Mass. 02170.
DARYL STUART FLINN, 8511 Fieldway Drive, Randallstown, Maryland.
JESSE CLENDENIN MORRIS. 1505 Park, Laramie, Wyoming.
ALFRED R. CORSBERG, P.O. Box 27, Laramie, Wyoming.
PAUL WENTWORTH REIGNER Qtrs. "V" U.S. Naval Training Cen., Great Lakes, Illinois.
GEORGE W. CLAMPITT, 510 Tremont Star Drug Store, Galveston, Texas.
CHAUNCEY D. MERRILL, Moose Mt. Road, Enfield, New Hampshire.
GLENN EUGENE ROBINSON, Box 117, Manchester, Iowa.
DEWEY E. LANGWELL, Veteran, Wyoming.
JAROSLAV SABAT, 1317 First Avenue, New York, New York 10021.
STEPHEN W. ROBERTS, Perkiomen School, Pennsburg, Pennsylvania.
SAMUEL KLAIR ZIPP, 6318 N. Keystone Ave., Chicago, Illinois 60646.
SIDNEY BERTRAM MORRIS, P.O. Box 292, Gadsden, Alabama.
DEAN D. KANNE, 418 Pokegama Ave. N., Grand Rapids, Minnesota.
EUGENE H. KELCHNER, 4703 Sherwood Terrace, Pennsauken, New Jersey 08109.
SAMUEL FREEMAN, 119 Roselle Street, Linden, New Jersey.
LEWIS LEE HUSTON, 67 Converse St., Longmeadow, Mass. 01106.
HARRY CLIFTON BYRD, 4600 Beechwood Road, College Park, Maryland.
JOSEPH B. FARWICK, P.O. Box 495, Anderson, Indiana.
FRANKLIN HAWKES, 186 Lincoln St., Newton Highlands, Mass. 02161.
HANS GOLBERG HORNE, 1703 Mansfield St., Chippewa Falls, Wis. 54729.
ALAN JOHNSTONE LEIGHTON, 7715 Cordigan St., Dublin, Calif. 94539.
ORVIS A. DELLINGER, 921 Columbia Ave., Fort Wayne, Indiana.
CHARLES D. HADLEY, 558 Scotland St., P.O. Box 422, Dunedin, Fla. 33528.
RALPH A. HERBOLD, 10972 Sampson Ave., Lynnwood, Calif. 90263.
ERNEST L. POYNER, 505 West University Parkway, Baltimore, Maryland 21210.
PAUL RICH STEWART, Waynesburg College, Waynesburg, Pennsylvania 15370.
TED LEO SUMMERS, R.F.D. No. 2, Center, Missouri.
LEWIS RICHTER, P.O. Box 262, Eaton, Ohio 45320.
ALBERT J. ESCHER, 3726 Columbia Ave., Lincolnwood 45, Illinois.
GEORGE W. ROGERS, Sr., 1828 Deerwood Avenue, Louisville, Kentucky 40205
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Many have asked the question as to whether President Johnson was a Mason, and when it was learned that he had received his Entered Apprentice degree only, it was asked why he had not continued.
Melvin L. Pfankuche, a member of the Philalethes Society, and who has been very diligent in his study of Freemasonry, was not satisfied with the answer that the President was too busy, and so he wrote a letter to him, asking for further information.
The copy of the letter he received from Brooks Hays, 33d, Consultant to the President, which appears an this page, is his answer. We feel that this is both a reasonable and logical reply and answer, and the letter is reproduced for the enlightenment of our members. Brother Pfankuche is to be congratulated for his persistence in getting this information.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
March 9, 1964
Dear Mr. Pfankuche:
I am writing to thank you on behalf of the President for your letter with reference to his Masonic ties.
President Johnson received the Entered Apprentice degree on October 30, 1937, the ceremony being conducted by the Johnson City, Texas, Lodge No. 561. After receiving this degree, Mr. Johnson found that his Congressional duties, upon which he entered in 1937, took so much of his time that he was not able to pursue the Masonic degrees. It was his considered judgment that it would not be fair to the fraternity to proceed with the degrees since it would be impossible for him to be active as a Master Mason. He regretted this very much and I can assure you that he has maintained the same interest in and admiration for the Masonic order that inspired him to apply for the degree back in 1937.
The President’s tremendous public responsibilities as a Member of Congress, Vice President, and as President, which have engaged him since 1937, have prevented his realizing his hopes of completing the Masonic degrees, but he trusts that he will someday find it possible to receive the degrees. In the meantime, he maintains an appreciation of the teachings of Freemasonry, particularly as reflected in the statesmanship of many of his predecessors.
Sincerely
Brooks Hays, 33d
Consultant to the President
Mr. Melvin L; Pfankuche
3319 Harwinton Lane
Cincinnati; Ohio
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In Memoriam
Ray Barker Harris, F.P.S.
by Norman S. Meese, M.P.S.
THE DEATH ON April 22, 1963, of Most Worshipful Brother Ray Baker Harris brought to all Masons who knew him personally or had observed his qualities of character and intellect a sorrow and sense of loss not often experienced in the passing of even a beloved associate and friend. Few men have been so blessed with those attributes of mind and soul which set them apart so definitely as persons to whom affection and respect are, without apparent effort by them, so universally accorded, even in the routine pursuits of life. Most Worshipful Brother Harris gave to those brothers whose lives he touched a wise interest in their problems and a brotherly affection which left a glow of warmth to be cherished long after the occasion which called them forth had been forgotten. The most valued heritage which he left to those of us who survive is the memory of a beloved and respected brother which will be, even to the most cynical, an inspiration to emulate his virtues.
The Masonic career of Brother Harris reached its official pinnacle when he became Grand Master of Masons in the District of Columbia on December 27, 1956, to serve during 1957. To the duties and social responsibilities of that great office he brought rare wisdom and a practical sense of the day to day realities of life. Perhaps one of his greatest contributions was the series of lectures he gave at his grand visitations upon the Land Marks of Masonry. To those so fortunate as to hear them, these were gems of Masonic history, jurisprudence and philosophy. It is indeed a misfortunate that they were not preserved in written form. They would be to many of us guides in our search for the "long lost word."
As Grand Master he was indeed a shining beacon to all his brethren who heeded its beams, and an example of leadership to all who will follow after him.
Brother Harris was born in Manila, Philippine Islands, December 31, 1907, and died at Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, D.C., on April 22, 1963, in the fifty-sixth year of his life. He came to the United States with his parents in 1913. He was educated in the public schools of Mount Vernon, New York, and New York City, at the Massanutten Military Academy, Woodstock, Virginia, and the George Washington University in Washington, D.C.
From 1923 to 1930 he was associated with the publishing firm of Doubleday, Doran and Company, New York City, and from 1930 to 1939, was on the staff of the Library of Congress in charge of its Publications Section. In December 1939 he became Librarian of the public reference library of the Supreme Council, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, Southern Jurisdiction, at its House of the Temple in Washington. This last position he held until his death.
From 1943 to 1945 he was in military service with the 109th Infantry Regiment in combat in the Rhineland, Alsace, and Western Germany campaigns. After V. E. Day he was assigned to duty in the headquarters of the 28th Infantry Division.
He was a profound student of history and biography, particularly that which related to Masonry. He wrote many biographical and historical articles for the Encyclopaedia Britannica, historical quarterlies, and other professional publications, as well as for magazines and newspapers.
At the time of his death he was engaged in the writing of a definitive history of The Supreme Council of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, Southern Jurisdiction. In preparation for this work he did extensive research in both this country and England. In 1957 he prepared and published a Bibliography of the Writing of Albert Pike.
As a member of the Grand Lodge Committee for its sesquicentennial celebration, Brother Harris prepared a history of the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia which summarized its history for the first one hundred years and related in detail its history for the last fifty years.
In 1954 he established the Romanian Collection at Kent State University, Kent, Ohio.
Most Worshipful Brother Harris was a communicant of Christ Church (Episcopalian), Georgetown, and taught a Sunday School class there prior to World War II. He never married and since 1926 resided with his mother, who died in 1960, and his sister in Washington, except for the years he was employed in New York and the years he was in military service.
Brother Harris was raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason in 1938 in Potomac Lodge No. 5, F.A.A.M., of Washington, D.C., and was its Worshipful Master in 1947 and its Secretary for five years beginning in 1950.
His other Masonic affiliations included Potomac Hiram Chapter No. 8, R.A.M., Columbia Council No. 3, R. and S. M., Potomac Commandery No. 3, K.T., Albert Pike Consistory, A. and A.S.R., (33d Honorary), of which he was Wise Master of Evangelist Chapter Rose Croix in 1954, St. Simeon Stylites Conclave, Red Cross of Constantine, and Almas Temple, A.A.O.N.M.S. He was a Fellow of the Philalethes Society and in 1955 was made a member of the Correspondence Circle of Quatuor Coronati Lodge No. 2076 of England. He held honorary membership in the National Sojourners, Tall Cedars of Lebanon, and other Bodies. He was also a member of Trinity Chapter No. 33, Order of the Eastern Star.
At the St. John's Day Communication of the Grand Lodge on December 27, 1957, he was elected a Trustee of the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia, an office of trust whiten he held until his death.
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In Memoriam
Robert J. Meekren, F.P.S.
by A.J.B. Milborne
BROTHER ROBERT James Meekren was born in London, England, in June 1876 where he received his primary education. He went to Canada at the age of fifteen, and after graduating from Bishops' University, at Lennoxville, P.Q., he returned to England and took a course in engineering. On its completion he went back to Canada and settled at Stanstead, P.Q., a small town on the International Border. In 1901 he married the eldest daughter of the late Dr. John Meigs. His wife died in 1907.
Brother Meekren was initiated in 1911 in Golden Rule Lodge No. 5, G.R.Q., at Stanstead, and was elected to the Chair in 1922. He was appointed Grand Senior Deacon of the Grand Lodge of Quebec in 1942. His interest in the lore of the Craft was aroused by reading the contents of the modest library of his Lodge. In 1914 he visited England and made exhaustive studies of the early Masonic documents in the British Museum and in the Library of the United Grand Lodge. In the same year he was exalted in Lively Stone Chapter, at Stanstead, and elected First Principal in 1922.
He was one of the original members of the Philalethes Society, and was elected a Fellow in 1932. He was elected to membership in the Society of Blue Friars in 1949. In 1932 he was elected a member of the New Jersey College, S.R.I.C.F., and on the formation of the Nova Scotia College in 1936 he affiliated with it, transferring to the Ontario College in 1951. He received the degrees of the A.A.S.R., in the Lodge of Perfection at Newport, Vermont, but his progress in the Rite was interrupted by the outbreak of World War 1.
He enlisted in the University Company of Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, and went overseas in 1915, joining the Regiment in the Ypres Salient in the early spring of 1916. In June of that year he was buried during the course of a heavy enemy bombardment, and received severe injuries to his back. He was taken prisoner, and was for several months in German Hospitals. Returning to England at the end of the war, Brother Meekren was compelled to remain in hospitals until September 1919, when he was discharged at his own request, but another year passed before he was sufficiently recovered in health to take up an active civilian life.
The first contribution made by Brother Meekren to the literature of the Craft was an article entitled "The Sublime Degree" published in the Tyler-Kegstone in 1915. This was followed by numerous other articles in the Masonic press. In 1920 he became a member of the National Masonic Research Association, and in 1923 he was appointed an associate editor of its journal, The Builder. Two years later he assumed the responsibilities and duties of the editorial chair, fully maintaining the standards which has been set by his predecessors, the Rev. Joseph Fort Newton and H. L. Haywood.
In collaboration with Brother A. L. Kress he wrote a series of articles which appeared in The Builder, entitled "The Form of the Lodge," "The Precious Jewels," and "The Degrees of Freemasonry." This last series was a thorough and exhaustive examination of the origin and history of the degrees, which the writers hoped to put into a more permanent form. This hope, unfortunately, was not realised. The National Masonic Research Association ran into grave difficulties at a time when general economic conditions were not favorable to its re-organisation, and it collapsed. Brother Meekren then returned to Stanstead.
Brother Meekren had the opportunity of examining the great collection of the Grand Lodge of Iowa, and he collaborated with the late Brother J. Hugo Tatsch in classifying the material in the archives of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts.
Our late brother joined the Correspondence Circle of Quatuor Coronati Lodge No. 2076, E.R., in 1922 and a year later he visited England when he met many of the leading Masonic scholars of the Old Land. He frequently contributed to the discussion of the papers presented to the Lodge, but it was not until 1940 that he submitted a full-length paper. This was entitled "The Aitchison's Haven Minutes," and was a critical examination of the records of this old Lodge, upon which he based his conclusion that two degrees were practised in Scotland in the early days of the 17th Century, and that the status of an Entered Apprentice was not that which had hitherto been thought to have been the case. Our late brother, Douglas Knoop, working independently, had reached similar conclusions about the same time. In 1948 there appeared another paper by Brother Meekren entitled "The Lodge" in which his very complete knowledge of early ritual was established. In the same year, Quatuor Coronati Lodge admitted him to full membership.
In June 1960 Brother Meekren underwent surgery. From this he did not fully recover, and remained in hospital for the rest of his life. Despite the many handicaps, he retained his interest in Masonic affairs, and in 1962 contributed some useful comments on Brother Eric Ward's paper on "Early Masters' Lodges" presented to Quatuor Coronati Lodge.
Brother Meekren was an Anglican and served his Church as a lay reader. He also served his town from 1934 to 1946 as mayor and engineer without remuneration, and its youth by sponsoring one of the earliest troops of Boy Scouts in Canada.
A friend has said that judging from the fewness of his wants, Brother Meekren was one of the wealthiest men he had ever met. He was interested in everything except the daily news. He was skilful with his hands, and enjoyed making things work especially old clocks and sewing machines. He loved his garden, and since the death of his wife, lived alone, making his own bread, and his own wine. He possessed a large library, including much early Canadiana, and he delighted in sharing his knowledge with others.
He died on December 5, 1963, at the age of 87, mourned by a brother and a sister and many friends whose lives had been enriched simply by knowing him.
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How Can We Approach This Problem ?
by ROBERT W. VORHES. M.P.S.
OUR USUAL CONVERSATION brings us to the recent loss in membership in our Blue Lodges. This seems to be a universal problem, and as a result we have done considerable research into the cause. One major question keeps coming into the foreground - "What am I doing to help overcome this problem? I am a Mason - where can I help?"
Isn't it up to each individual Mason to live his life so exemplary of good, that all young men with whom he comes in contact (from babies to adults) will want to follow in his foot-steps? Do we let our "light so shine" that these future leaders of our Nation feel certain that "there is a man who must be what he is because he is a Mason"? Does that influence cause him to decide: - "I know that I want to be a Mason also"? We know that a great many do just that, but let's all give more thought to our part in building for the future.
I know why Masonry has always been so important to me - it is because a very fine and dedicated Brother gave me my degrees in such a manner that it engraved a lasting impression upon my mind, which impression has never been erased.
Every Officer, regardless of who his candidate is, or where he comes from, should never underestimate the fact that he is right then and there, impressing that candidate, either for good or for bad. It is the Officers interpretation which will make that lasting impression which is so necessary and that can be so valuable. This very first impression is the most lasting; and, the Officers in their respective Chairs, or others who are acting as Officers at that particular time, should reflect with all seriousness upon the future of that particular Candidate.
You, Brother Officer, (or Brother Chair-filler), can right there and now, lay the ground work for the future of your Candidate, in Masonry. Will he leave the Lodge that night with a feeling of having been uplifted? - that he is to become an integral part of an Organization which is to benefit him for the remainder of his life? - because you were the most impressive and serious of all actors he has ever heard??? Or, - is he going to wander away, not being quite sure what all you said, because you were inaccurate in your articulation, or just mumbling in your beard?
Every year, there is a new Grand Master elected in each one of the 49 Jurisdictions. Who are you to say that the Candidate you are working on tonight might not be your Grand Master in years to come - or, some other Ranking Officer in another of our Bodies? He may even bring high honors to your Symbolic Lodge - or to the World. Don't let your opportunity pass by to be a motivating force in starting this young man out with a true understanding of our beautiful work.
The Brother you work on tonight will be just as impressed with the Fraternity, as you have made it possible for him to be impressed. Will this be favorable? - or will it be just so much "horse-play?"
In discussing this problem with many of our Brethren throughout the Country, I have found that wherever you find a Mason who has advanced far in the Fraternity, he can still recall, with an impressive sparkle in his eyes, the splendid manner in which "Brother So and So" conferred the Ritual.
By the same token, those who confer the Ritual in a manner of levity, never seem to leave a mark whereby the Candidate can recall his name, or even the evening of the events surrounding his being initiated into the Fraternity. Usually, this is the Candidate who says, "There is nothing in Blue Lodge Masonry for me - I'll just go on into the Advanced Bodies; that is where they tell me that real work is being done."
Are you a "Ritualist" or a "recitalist?" Do you speak clearly and concisely, and loud enough to be heard? - or do you mumble? Is it your desire to "kid" or "scare" the Candidate, or do you attempt to impress him with your advanced understanding of the real teachings of the Fraternity?
Remember - that man has paid good, hard earned money for his degrees. Possibly he has saved for a long time in order to be able to take this step - an experience he has looked forward to because of the favorable impression he has always had of the Institution. He has a right to "expect his moneys worth" - not in frivolity, but in down to earth serious philosophy. That is what the Mysteries teach!! - or, didn't you know?
We must let our light shine at all times - then that Candidate will say, and justly so, "I am so proud to be a part of such a grand and worthwhile Fraternity." We must live our teachings at all time! We must stop finding fault with our fellow man! We must work together in unity, keeping ever before us the question: "Am I living my life so that it will help the youth of America to be able to accept the responsibilities that lie ahead? Am I living up to my Masonic principles? Am I a good example?"
I know that the next time we are privileged to fill a Chair in degree work, that we will view that Candidate with the picture in mind, that here is a man before me who has a right to know and to love Masonry as I do, and that he has a right to be a future Master of this Lodge and a future Grand Master of this Jurisdiction. It is pretty much up to me tonight to see that he has that foundation, and I know that I can do it.
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They Have Passed The Veil
KENNETH R. JALLINGS, M.P.S. (Mont.)
GEORGE CUTLER, M.P.S. (Conn.)
CLYDE G. TOWNSEND, M.P.S. (Mich )
WALTER RAYMOND RAY, M.P.S. (Calif.)
EDWARD MOSELEY WHITE, M.P.S. (Conn.)
WILLIAM WESLEY CASPER (Mont.)
O. EARL GREENAWALT, M.P.S. (Ohio)
EDWARD E. HEDBLOM, F.P.S. (Colo.)
ROBERT W. TARBELL, M.P.S. (Wisc.)
NATHAN THOMPSON, M.P.S. (Okla.)
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MONTANA STARTS CENTENNIAL;
STATE 100 YEARS OLD
Montana has started the celebration of the one hundredth anniversary of that state, with its centennial now in force, and the Grand Lodge is busy preparing for the coming celebration of its first one hundred years, commencing in 1966.
Showmanship on a large scale is manifested by the huge Centennial Train, started in its home bailiwick, traveling to Omaha, Nebraska, Kansas City and St. Louis, Missouri, Louisville, Kentucky, Cincinnati, Ohio, Charleston, West Virginia, Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Maryland, Philadelphia, Pa., New York City, Pittsburgh, Pa., Cleveland, Ohio, Chicago, Illinois, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Moline, Ill., Minneapolis, Minn, and back to Billings, Montana. A truly tremendous trek!
Twenty-five cars, including horse parlor cars, exhibit cars, dormitory Pullmans, a coffee shop, and everything that goes with a well-proportioned exhibit, will be complemented. Personnel of various outstanding phases of Montana life will be included, and exhibits of the many facets of activity will be stressed.
R.W. Brother Ernest A. Neath, S.G.W., who, in the normal course of events will become Grand Master at the time of the centennial of the Grand Lodge in 1966, acted as advance agent for the train, arriving in the many stops of the train several days ahead of the cavalcade. The Grand Master of Montana, M.W. Brother Grover C. Schmidt, accompanied the train on its entourage.
Discovery of rich deposits of placer gold in Idaho in 1860 and 1861 brought large numbers of prospectors to that locality. Montana was, at that time, a part of Idaho. Masonry was a prime factor in the struggle for statehood. Bandits, robbers and outlaws made it necessary to organize the forces of good against them, and the famous Vigilantes was the result.
John J. Hull was named president of the first convention of Masons, held at Virginia City in 1866. He had been active in the work of the Vigin the organization of the Grand ilantes, as were others who helped Lodge.
Two dispensations were given the brethren at Virginia City to meet as Masons, the first being Virginia City Lodge No. 43 under the Grand Lodge of Kansas, in 1863, the other, Montana Lodge No. 2, under the Grand Lodge of Colorado, in 1865.
Other Lodges were set at work, and on the 29th of January 1866 a preliminary convention was held at Virginia City, the network of the organization was formed. The Grand Lodge was formally instituted January 18, 1866, with John J. Hull as the first Grand Master.
Formal organization of Lodges is not always the best criterion of their success, and the preliminary meetings of the brethren were the best evidence of the spirit of Masonry, which culminated in the establishment of formal Masonry.
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Chicago Philalethes
Hold A Splendid
Dinner Meeting.
The Chicago Philalethes group, under the direction of Alphonse Cerza, F.P.S., Life, past President of the Philalethes Society, and George Bergesser, Secretary of the local group, held a splendid and well-attended meeting, at the cafeteria of the Y.M.C.A., with a good dinner, and a program arranged by the chairman, to stimulate activity on the part of the membership.
Planning his many activities to coincide with this meeting, our President, Dr. Charles Gottshall Reigner, F.P.S., was present, and gave a splendid talk on The Church, the School and the Lodge, in which he drew a fine line of the activities of each of these groups, and showed hover they not only can, but must work together for the upbuilding of our country.
"Freemasonry has never and win never take the place of the Church of God," said the speaker. "We learn from the Constitutions of Freemasonry that a Mason must be a good and upright citizen, adopting the religion of the place in which he lives, and attending to the moral and spiritual duties which our Craft imposes upon its members."
Samuel K. Zipp, M.P.S., gave a most interesting talk on Freemasonry and the War of 1860, and spoke especially about the dedication of the Gettysburg Memorial, many years after Lincoln's famous speech at that place. He made comment that it was a little known fact that Freemasonry had a great place in this dedication, and that in the cornerstone of the building, was placed many Masonic items, and marched in procession as a body, and that the cornerstone of the monument was laid with Masonic rites by the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.
Speaking of the removal of the dead from Gettysburg, the speaker stated that on many of the bodies had been found Masonic emblems and relics, and said that approximately 11% of the soldiers who fought in the Civil War were members of the Masonic Fraternity.
A story was told, which the speaker recited, that General Ullysses S. Grant had been elected to receive his Masonic degrees in an Illinois Lodge, and arrangements had been made for conferring all the degrees on one evening, but Grant was ordered south to Vicksburg, and the degrees were not conferred.
The editor of The Philalethes, John Black Vrooman, F.P.S., Life, spoke briefly about the magazine, and emphasized that manuscripts were always needed, but that the subject material must be of such nature as to interest a large number of persons, not of specialized material. It is necessary, he said, to have interesting, factual and Masonic information, and much material will always be welcome. But, he added, too many of our members submit material that is either "preaching" in nature, or of such a type that there is not sufficient interest to have it published. It is to be noted that The Philalethes is not a local trestleboard, and its great aim and purpose is to stimulate thinking on the part of our readers. We do not try to either promulgate a cause, sponsor a program for Masons, or stimulate an aim. What the Philalethes Society does - and in which it is fulfilling the reason for its origin, is to stimulate and foster an understanding and knowledge of Freemasonry, by which to live better with our neighbors.
The invocation was given by Dr. William R. Deutsch, and a general discussion of the papers was indulged in by the membership.
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by IRVIN A. UPHOFF, M.P.S. (Ill.)
IN OUR BOOK of Ceremonials (Illinois) it is written that installation of officers may be conducted in public, or in the presence of Masons only.
My candid opinion is that public installations have no place in Ancient Craft Masonry. Such opinion has be en greatly enhanced down through the years because, no good has ever come from public installations.
In the years past, Grand Masters, for good reasons, have opposed them, and I sincerely hope that our Book of Ceremonials will some day be revised, prohibiting public installations.
We have those periods, or times, when brethren in the fraternity will argue in support of public installations, claiming that it advertises the fraternity by presenting its purposes and ideals as embodied in the ceremony. However, we must remember that Freemasonry does not seek members. They must come to its door by their own free will and accord. If Freemasonry were an institution that solicited membership, one might then agree that there is reason for advertising, but until Masonry directly or indirectly does solicit, there is none.
Further, my observations down through the years have found, at least, another reason for objection to public installations. Some newly elected Masters, with that haughty, proud distinction, are overly anxious that his family, friends and the public in general, should behold him in "his hour of glory," is equally unconvincing. Masonry teaches us modesty, not ostentation. It also teaches us that we should prefer simplicity rather than display.
I have said repeatedly, and I say again, that our solemn and beautiful ceremony of installation was never intended for, nor is it suited to public rendition. And I maintain that the Master elect is not properly installed unless the Bible is opened and the hands are resting upon sacred pages and the square and compasses.
As we progress with the ceremony, we come to that part where the brethren are requested to make known the reason, if any, why any officer should not be installed into office, and this is not merely an idle form. This part of the ceremony is brought to the brethren in order that an unworthy brother elected or appointed to office may be complained against, before the honors and powers of office are conferred upon him. When this question is put before the brethren, it should be put within tiled doors, so that any brother having just cause to object will feel free to do so, and also, that a question intended for the protection of the fraternity against unworthy brethren might not be improperly used by an unworthy brother for the humiliation of a deserving officer. We must not forget that any objection that is made in public injures the good name of Masonry. Such objections have been made and, in at least one instance a Grand Master prohibited a public installation in order to prevent an objection being made. Also, at public installations, many of our brethren restrain themselves from expressing their views.
I have also found that the ceremony following that of the installation of the Master is unsuited for public rendition. No public installation can be successfully conducted unless the non-Masonic audience be enticed to it by promise of entertainment, dance, card party, refreshments, or whatever might be offered. And when these things are offered the ceremony is endured in order that the things which are to follow, may be enjoyed. Further, it is not proper to have any public entertainment in the lodge room proper. The lodge room must be considered, and is, a holy place, dedicated to God and the teachings and principles of Masonry. There are other times when the families of Masons and the public may be invited to our temples, but not on the occasion of installation of officers .
Again I state that the only purpose of the installation is to impress upon the officers their respective duties to the lodge and the membership, and at the same time upon the brethren their reciprocal duties to the lodge and the officers. This great purpose must by all means not be defeated by making the ceremony an incident to, or part of, any entertainment of a lighter character which is far from the intent of Masonry. The installation of officers must receive the same solemnity as the conferring of degrees. And this cannot be obtained in the presence of the profane (public) to whom practically all that is said without significance and therefore meaningless and without interest.
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Notes, Queries and Information
On Items of Masonic Research
by JAMES R. CASE, F.P.S.
1964 - No. 3
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.
155 - Constitution of 1738 (June, October 1963) Alex Horne of San Francisco tells us that in A.Q.C. Transactions v o l. XLIII pp 231 seq (1930) there is an article by Charles S. Plumb entitled "Distribution in the U.S.A. of Anderson's Constitutions," which presumably refers to the original copies.
160 - Valley Forge (October 1957, October 1963) No one has come forward with any documentary proof of Masonic activity at Valley Forge during the winter of 1777-78. Our attention has been called to an article written by Ronald E. Heaton, Treasurer of the Society, entitled "Valley Forge a n d Freemasonry" which appeared in the Pennsylvania Freemason for November 1961. Evidence of any Lodge meeting appears to be lacking. Wayne's banquet under the apple blossoms, Steuben's conferring the 32nd degree, Lafayette's initiation are discredited. But the presence of Masons at Valley Forge is shown and a brief account given of a commemorative meeting at Valley Forge b y Independent Royal Arch Lodge of New York, held May 7, 1960. Incidentally Brother Heaton is the author of a Guide Book and Historical Record of "Valley Forge State Park" which includes a list of 130 general and field officers of the Continental army who wintered there in 1777-78, fifty two of whom are known to have been Masons .
168 - Cable Tow. A young brother sends in a question which will be familiar to some of the readers of this page - "What is the length of the Cable Tow?" and "Where did the idea originate?"
169 - John Glover, An article in a recent issue of the Empire State Mason mentioned John Glover as a Commander of troops from Gloucester, Massachusetts, during the Revolution. Should it not have been Marblehead? B.R.C.. Mass.
170 - Oxley. Among the many Yankees participating in the struggle for freedom of the South American Republic of Chile was a brother of the craft named …... Oxley. He was the Gunnery and Boarding Officer of one of the ships under command of Admiral Charles Whiting Wooster and lost him life in boarding an enemy ship at the engagement of Chiloe in 1826. Can some reader give us more details on the above individual, such as vital data, military record, and particularly his connection with what Lodge? D.C.N., Calif.
171 - The Master's Hat. A reader from Iowa wants to know, "Where did the custom of the Master of a Lodge remaining covered while presiding originate? I am familiar with the installation ceremonies of several states and all of them say since Solomon wore a crown as a mark of distinction so does the Master wear a hat as the emblem of his authority. What I would like to know however, is where the actual custom originated. Did the Master ever preside, even in the earlier times without a hat? Is this hat merely a custom, or can it be considered in the light of one of the landmarks? Is the hat merely an emblem of Authority or is there some further symbolism inherent in it?
172 - Five Star Generals et al. "I know MacArthur was a Mason. How about the other "five star" generals and admirals?" P.F.C.
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by JOHN R. NOCAS, M.P.S.
"He didn't know what he was getting into!" Have you ever heard this when you asked why Brother Smith had never come back to Lodge after his third degree?
Yet the astounding truth remains that "they don't know what they are getting into" because we don't tell them!
Tell your candidate about Masonry; its origin and history, its past greatness and achievements, our present hopes and aims.
Tell him that at first the customs and phrases of Masonry will seem strange, and perhaps ridiculous - but that he will grow to understand and cherish them.
Yes, tell him all this and more but, most important, tell him we are not perfect, tell him our short-commings.
Tell him there are worthless Masons - but name some of the great ones.
Tell him there are foolish Masons - but many that are wise.
Tell him there are intolerant Masons - but that we will preach tolerance until the end of time.
Tell him that some of our members are petty and quarrelsome and that they will hurt his feelings - but that we expect him to remain unperturbed by such displays of human frailty.
Tell him about our dreary Constitution Month observance - and that we hope he can lend a hand here.
Tell him we don't want just his dues - but his time and his energy.
Tell him he is joining that select group of men who, from time immemorial, have worked, fought and died that others might hold their heads high with the dignity that only free men can know.
Yes, tell him all this so "he'll know what he's getting into."