Contents
A GUEST EDITORIAL I'm Glad My Son's A DeMolay
Public Relations and the Image of Masonry Recommended Masonic Reading
Proof of LaFayette's Baptism Freemasonry for Everyday Living
Masonry and the Holy Saints John In Memoriam
What Is Right With Masonry John D. Cunningham says ...
The Right to Reprint The Water Hole Poles
On Items of Masonic Research
LIGHT
Published bimonthly at Franklin, Indiana, by
THE PHILALETHES SOCIETY
John Black Vrooman, F.P.S., Editor
Box 402, St. Louis 66, Missouri
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1221 Oak Street
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William R. Denslow, F.P.S. Second Vice President
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Trenton, Missouri 64683
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PUBLICATION COMMITTEE
A. L. Woody, F.P.S.
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Volume XVIII, No. 3
Looking Ahead
BY ALPHONSE CERZA, F.P.S. (Life)
A GREAT OBSERVER once said, "There is no better way to judge the future than by the past."
As we consider the past twenty-five years or more we find that the world has developed immensely in the means of communications: Newspapers magazines, radio, television, paperbacks - all competing for one's time and one's mind.
The battle has been for the minds of men. Propaganda, advertising, sponsor message. pretty girls lighting a cigaret, all, all part of the political and commercial scene. How has this come about? Your guess is as good as anyone else's. How does this apply to Freemasonry? This is something we must all think about.
As Americans we have made great strides in agriculture, the science of fighting disease, national defense. But we are far from the conquerors of the "isms" within our gate. Freemasonry is needed more than ever before in this cold world. And yet we are missing the boat by failing to recognize that we are in a struggle which may be disastrous if we do not win. Our members are given certain lessons by the degrees conferred. These are not enough because in most instances the lessons are not absorbed at the first presentation. Study and constant amplification is necessary.
Recognizing this need many Grand Lodges have installed such programs known as the Mentor Plan, the Intender Program, the Counsellor Plan. etc. These are programs designed to help the new member really understand the nature of the Craft and its lessons. Other Grand Lodges have started the publication of their own official magazines, such as the Missouri Freemason, the Texas Grand Lodge Magazine, the Indiana Freemason, etc. Each of these serves a most useful purpose.
Word has reached us that the Illinois Masonic Enlightener is no longer to be published. After many years of spreading Light among its members and others outside that Jurisdiction, there will now be literary darkness in that corner. Where others are considering expanding these efforts to capture the minds of men and convince them of their message, the Craft of Illinois is taking a step back. Only the enemies of Freemasonry will find comfort in this.
We all know that the greater percentage of our members seldom come to Lodge. Many live outside their Jurisdiction. But these members pay their dues year in and year out. They do get the monthly trestleboard which, for all practical purposes, is of no practical value to them. When a Grand Lodge publication is issued this is a constant link between the Grand Lodge and the members. Messages, news, inspiration, Masonic historical items are conveyed with each issue. It tends to make the member proud of the fact that he is a Mason. It shows that the Grand Lodge appreciates his membership.
Looking ahead we can see trouble if such ideas of avoiding these publications take hold. We need more expansion of these efforts, not less. Freemasonry can survive in a world that needs its message badly only if the battle for the minds of men has Masons taking a part.
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Walter Mooney Named
DeMolay of the Year
WALTER MOONEY of Wichita. Kansas, has been acclaimed as 1963-64 "DeMolay of the Year," signifying his selection as the most outstanding individual among the Order of DeMolay’s 160,000 members throughout the world.
The youth’s selection for the annual honor was announced by George M. Saunders, Grand Secretary of the International Supreme Council of the Order of DeMolay.
Mooney. a member of the Wichita DeMolay Chapter, was elected DeMolay State Master Councilor of Kansas the past summer. A sophomore at the University of Kansas, he is on the Dean's Honor Roll. Honors he has won include being awarded first place in a speech competition with more than 1,000 students at the University last spring.
As a memento of his "DeMolay of the Year" title, Mooney received a beautiful 30-inch trophy from the L.G. Balfour Jewelry Co. of Attleboro. Massachusetts. The award and trophy are given in recognition of superior ability and accomplishment in daily exemplification of the finest principles of good citizenship. The trophy was presented to him at the 1965 annual International Supreme Council Meeting of the Order of DeMolay, held in March of this year.
The young man was selected for competition in the "DeMolay of the Year" contest on the basis of recommendations obtained by the Wichita Chapter Advisory Council. from persons who know of his personal contributions and service to others in his home, school, church, community, country, and DeMolay Chapter.
A graduate of Wichita High School North, he ranked third highest scholastically in his graduating class of 466 students in 1963. He was chosen by the school's science department and by the National Science Foundation to participate in a summer institute at the University of Kansas, and also received a summer institute scholarship from the Foundation.
He represented his high school at the Conference on International Affairs at Kansas State Teachers' College in Emporia as well as the 1963 K.U. Leadership Day. Twice he was invited by the state's governor to attend the Governor's Safety Conference in Topeka.
Wesley V. Lauterbach, vice-principal of the high school, commented. "I know of few young men who are of Walter's caliber and potential."
A talented musician, young Mooney plays the clarinet and piano, and has appeared in a wide number of musical programs in his area. His ability as a magician has also won him acclaim at performances before numerous civic and church groups.
He is the son of Mr and Mrs W. Harold Mooney of 1453 Burns in Wichita, and since he was a small boy, he has achieved a host of honors in many fields. In Boy Scouting, he reached the rank of Eagle Scout. and received the God and Country award. He also has served as Den Chief and Senior Patrol Leader.
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Joseph S. Lewis Elected Grand Master Order of DeMolay
JOSEPH S. LEWIS, a prominent attorney and Freemason of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, was elected Grand Master of the International Supreme Council of the Order of DeMolay, when the Council met in annual session on March 31 in Louisville, Kentucky. He succeeds Samuel S. Steinhauser of Honolulu, Hawaii.
As thirty third Grand Master of the worldwide youth movement, Lewis will preside over the 162,000 members of the Order in some 2500 DeMolay Chapters located throughout the United States and 11 other countries and territories. In this capacity, he w ill make numerous visitations to DeMolay and Masonic functions all over the American Continent in the 1965-66 DeMolay Year.
He became a Deputy of the International Supreme Council in 1953, and was elected as one of its Active Members on March 1, 1954. During the past year he has served as Deputy Grand Master of the Order.
Mr. Lewis was born April 6, 1899, in Kansas City, Kansas, and received his early education in the public grade schools and Central High School of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He received his LL.B. degree from the University of Oklahoma.
He was installed in impressive ceremonies following the Grand Master's banquet Wednesday evening in Louisville.
He became a member, on February 12, 1921, of Oklahoma City Lodge No. 36, A.F.&A.M. As a Royal Arch Mason, he has served as High Priest of Olivet Chapter, R.A.M., in his home city, and also is a recipient of the Holy Order of High Priesthood and the Distinguished Service Medal of the General Grand Chapter, R.A.M., of the U.S.A. He has also many honors in Masonry and affiliated organizations.
The Order of DeMolay is an international youth movement dedicated to the principles of building better citizens out of teenage boys. It was founded on March 18, 1919, in Kansas City, Missouri, by Frank S. Land and nine teenage youths. Land was the Secretary-General of DeMolay until his death on November 8, 1959.
Membership in DeMolay is open to any boy of good character who is between the ages of 14 to 21. Although DeMolay chapters are sponsored only by Masonic bodies or individual Masons, it is not necessary that a boy be a son or relative of a Mason to belong to DeMolay. The organization was named for Jacques DeMolay, the last Grand Master of the Knights Templar, who was burned at the stake by King Phillip of France on March 18, 1314, and who has gone down in history as a martyr to loyalty and toleration.
DeMolay makes no attempt to take the place of the home or church, but rather to supplement them. The purpose of the Order is to offer the teenage boys of today a wholesome occupation for their spare time, worthwhile associates, the best of environment, and an interesting and complete program of all-around youth development.
DeMolay leaders believe that meeting these goals will encourage youth to be better citizens and better leaders, and therefore provide a better world for tomorrow. The many senior DeMolays found in prominent posts in all walks of life serves as a symbol of the achievement of the purposes of the movement.
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BY J. C. MONTGOMERY, JR.
Grand Chaplain, Grand Lodge of Missouri, A.F.&A.M.
I’M GLAD MY SON belongs to DeMolay. No, I didn't covet his membership for the pin he could wear nor for the achievement awards he might receive from the Order; neither did I scheme for the social outlet it offers him although any of the foregoing advantages might be desirable. Rather I'm happy John's in DeMolay because it sets him on the path of manliness in which I hope he'll walk all the days of his life.
What are the benefits of DeMolay for him? For one thing, when he was initiated into the Order he entered a far-reaching fellowship. Some three million men and boys have passed through the ranks of this fraternity or now hold membership in Chapters all across the world. In that number are some who are leaders in industry, the professions, the entertainment world, and the armed forces. But beyond those well-known names are the many, many thousands of former members whose chief contributions to life are solid citizenship and upright character. Yes, John need not be ashamed of the company he keeps in DeMolay.
Then he learns some great lessons in DeMolay. In the two basic degrees he is confronted with some of life's most stirring truths. The importance of loyalty to God, to home and country is emphasized to him. No one, young or old, can ever see the Nine o'Clock Interpolation without his heart being stirred: and any one who hears the Flower Talk will resolve to be a better person. Through the moving drama of the DeMolay degree he learns of one of history's most noble figures; and he learns the lesson of fidelity to freedom even though it might mean death itself. All through his life the DeMolay will be brought face to face with these challenges to which he first dedicated himself at the altar of his Order.
My son has found wonderful opportunities in DeMolay. He is encouraged to participate in various Chapter activities for which Merit Bars are awarded as a sign of achievement. In this way the DeMolay may pursue his interests in the fields of his choice, whether it be civic service, athletics, music, religion, visitation or dramatics. No talent is despised, and each may find its use in the service of DeMolay. When a year's membership is completed, the DeMolay is eligible for the Representative DeMolay Award. And then should he aspire after further recognition and earn it, there are the Distinguished Service Awards and the coveted Chevalier degree.
Further, I'm glad my son's a DeMolay not only for the opportunities but also for the responsibilities which it places upon him. He must learn the twin lessons of being a follower and being a leader. He is taught the duty of charity, and he learns the practice of compassion exercised in works of mercy to others less fortunate. He begins to comprehend that he is "his brother's keeper" not only in the easy fellowship of the Order but also in larger citizenship
Likewise DeMolay brings my son into contact with dedicated Freemasons. Although he is told at the outset that the fraternity is not a Junior Masonic organization, he also learns that a responsible Masonic group sponsors the local Chapter and that the adult Councilors are Master Masons who give a great deal of time, talent and money for the good of DeMolay. Life-long friendship will ripen from some of the association he has with these Masons: and many a DeMolay is led by these experiences to petition a Masonic Lodge for membership because of the inspiration he has received from these fine Masonic leaders and the admiration he felt for them.
Perhaps it's selfish, but any man has personal satisfaction when his son's in DeMolay. To be sure, he was of an age to join (DeMolays must be between the ages of 14 and 21 to petition). But there are more important requirements. He had to state his belief in God, and he had to gain the approval of an investigating committee as to his good character and reputation. When he was initiated, proficiency work was required for the degrees. All of this meant that he as an individual had to measure up to certain minimum standards of character and work; and in this he did not fail.
As an organization DeMolay is quite young, being founded in 1919 by the late Frank S. ( "Dad" ) Land of Kansas City, Missouri. But there is something timeless in its stately ritual and in its concern for youth believing that in them lies the foundation of future human welfare. Never let us despise or neglect them. Long years ago a disciple saw the possibilities in such youth and presented a youngster to the Master of Men, "There is a lad here." In DeMolay these bright hopes for these lads are nurtured and cherished and guided. What was said of Sir Launfal?
"Tall, and shining, and fair, and straight,
As he stood by the Beautiful Gate."
This honored Order will guide my son that way. That's why I'm glad he's a DeMolay.
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PURITANS
The Puritans nobly fled from a land of despotism to a land of freedom, where they could not only enjoy their own religion, but could prevent everybody else from enjoying his.
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Public Relations and the Image of Masonry as Interpreted in Our World Today
BY HOWARD W. MOORE, Chicago, Illinois
(A paper read at the joint meeting of the Philalethes Society, Chicago Branch, and the Masonic Veterans Association of Illinois, Chicago, Illinois, May 4, 1965.)
THE WRITER OF THIS PAPER, Brother Howard W. Moore, was the man largely responsible for the now-famous Illinois Masonic American Heritage Week in that state in 1962, and which received nation-wide acclaim.
The present paper is an outgrowth of ways and means by which Masonic Public Relations can and should be emphasized, with pertinent and practical ideas for public understanding of the image of Masonry, and rules and guides by which the image of Masonry can be projected to do the most good for the Craft.
I WOULD now like to establish my major premise - "in order to retain its current strength and to grow the Grand Lodge of Illinois and Freemasonry must have a continuing, active and effective public relations program."
Let's now define what public relations is or what it means.
Abraham Lincoln once said - "Public sentiment is everything. With public sentiment nothing can fail - without it nothing can succeed." Mr. Lincoln could well have substituted the words opinion or understanding, for sentiment and his statement would hold true for the premise I have chosen as my discourse to you.
What is public relations?
Simply defined, you can say - Good public relations is a well-planned, effective program of telling a story of your organization, its objectives or purpose, its many activities and accomplishments.
I would further define it as communications with a purpose - to mold favorable public opinion and develop a climate or acceptance conducive to furthering your aims.
Public opinion has become the most powerful force we know - it is the only force that counts in the realm of ideas. Let me stress that opinions are formed.
Public opinion establishes our mores, our morals, our goals and our interests.
Freemasonry, if it is not going to follow the declining path of other respected fraternal orders, must adopt a program of favorably influencing public opinion.
Many friends - fraternal and business acquaintances - often ask me, "what is the difference between public relations and advertising?"
I would like to illustrate the difference . . .
You want to get to know an attractive young lady, and you introduce yourself by saying, "I'm John Doe, and I'm intelligent, well-bred and successful" . . . that's advertising.
But if you get a friend of yours to approach the young lady and tell her, "You really ought to know John Doe. He's intelligent, well-bred, and very successful" . . . and then the young lady corners you and says, "I've heard so much about you, that I wanted to meet you in person." . . .that's public relations.
Why are public relations needed and used by business, by government and by organizations?
Because our society has changed drastically over the past 30 years. Fifty years ago the goal of business was to make money, the goal of government was to exercise minimum responsibility for citizens' well-being, and organizations were interested only in keeping their members satisfied - not necessarily active.
To be successful today organizations must take on the role of a community citizen. In addition, the power of public opinion today in our society is stronger than ever before, thanks to increased educational opportunities, and through the impact of movies, television, radio, newspapers and magazines.
We also live in a very competitive world and the fraternal or business organization that wishes to maintain itself and assure future success must know how to communicate the story of its policies, programs products or services successfully to the various publics which will ultimately decide its fate.
Who are the publics of the Grand Lodge of Illinois?
There are different publics, each being important. They can be divided into two categories - internal and external.
It is my opinion that fraternal, religious and service organizations often overlook or underestimate the importance of their internal public relations while endeavoring to improve or build their external public image or acceptance.
It is both logical and wise to increase the understanding and interest of those who currently belong or with whom there is a close working relationship. Every member of every Lodge in the Grand Lodge's Jurisdiction should know of all the efforts and activities of his Fraternity and in so knowing be proud to be a member.
Your internal publics - I would classify as follows:
1) Grand Lodge Officers, District Deputy Grand Masters, Worshipful Masters of all Lodges - this is the leadership of the Fraternity.
2) The appendant bodies - the Commandery, Scottish Rite bodies, Shrine Temples, ladies organizations and youth organizations.
3) Other Grand Lodges.
4) The institutions and departments are supported by the Grand Lodge of Illinois.
Your external publics could be -
1) State legislators, elected governmental officers, various civic officials in communities where Lodges are located.
2) Influential community leaders or local molders of opinions such as officers of service clubs, womens' organization leaders, college and school educators and ministers.
3) Communication media - those engaged in disseminating news through newspapers, periodicals, radio, television and other means of public communication.
4) The general public - this includes the filling station operator, the housewife, the youngster interested in fuller life in his future, the non-Masonic member whom to quote, "I have never been asked to join." These are a few in the broad scope of the general public.
How is a good public relations program begun ?
First the program begins at a policy level. The officers of a company or the leadership of an organization decides on policy - and every policy decision should be public relations oriented.
It is as simple as 1, 2, 3 -
1) Policy determines what a group will do.
2) What is done impresses public.
3) This impression - determines good or bad public relations.
In making policy, we must ask -
1) What will public think of action?
2) It is necessary action, but likely unpopular - how will we sell it to public?
Now, let's take a moment for a fast reflection of Freemasonry:
In earlier days -
a) It was the center of all things in the community.
b) It often provided the only public meeting place.
c) Individual Masons were known and took active roles in community life especially leadership.
d) There was little competition for the individual's time, attention and effort.
You can readily see that things have changed considerably.
Harold Ross, upon becoming Most Worshipful Grand Master, recognized the need for good public relations. He consulted with a man most knowledgeable in public opinion trends and a dedicated Mason - Barnet Hodes. Mr. Hodes was concerned with the lack of patriotism in our country, the encroaching and disturbing influence of foreign ideologies and the loss of rights by the individual citizen.
Both Messrs. Ross and Hodes were also concerned with the waning influence of Freemasonry as an active force in the affairs of the community, the state and the nation. They recognized the growth of the Fraternity was not keeping up with the growth of the population.
Since our great Masonic Heritage is so closely linked with our great American Heritage, the idea of an American Masonic Heritage Week was born.
What was accomplished?
For the first time many thousands of Illinois citizens learned about Freemasonry - its purposes, its function, its many contributions.
Many were interested in our Fraternity by having a chance to view first hand - through the open houses and pageants - its teachings, its tools and its fellowship. I think that a survey of the Lodges would indicate an increase in membership in the immediate months following.
There was a substantial number of requests for speakers from service clubs, churches and civic associations.
The reaction and the response of newspaper editors, station program directors and others in the communication field was warm and cooperative. Remember that the majority of the working press are not Masons.
Based on the newspaper clippings and the normal coverage obtained through a clipping service it is estimated that Freemasonry obtained -
5803 column inches of newspaper space, the equivalent of 38 pages of the Chicago Tribune.
48 hours of public service air and viewing time on radio and television stations throughout the state.
If these media would have submitted a bill to the Grand Lodge for this it would have amounted to approximately $92,500.
Good public relations means constant and repeated exposure. Although this initial effort was seemingly successful it was not continued.
May I close by offering you a few suggestions for your consideration - for the stability and growth and public recognition of our beloved Fraternity.
1) A patriotic, annual, bell-ringing project on Independence Day - the Fourth of July - commemorating our freedom wouId be a natural and dramatic program for Freemasonry.
With this the establishing of an annual Paul Revere Bell Award to a notable Mason in each community for his contribution to the maintenance of our; free democracy or to the public well-being.
2) The expansion and development of the Grand Lodge's publication, The Illinois Masonic Enlightener so that it can become a more effective tool for internal communication.
3) The establishment of a Masonic Foundation to serve in two ways -
a) Build a permanent home or headquarters for the Grand Lodge, combined with a public show case of Masonic heritage and memorabilia.
b) Institute and carry out Fraternity service programs in the line with modern day conditions such as low cost housing for widows of Masons or older Masons, family counseling assistance to Masonic families to hold their homes together, and a program to combat the serious problems of school dropouts. There would be many more projects for which financial assistance would be forthcoming from established charitable sources.
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New Member Addresses Colorado Grand Lodge
Two months after he was made a Master Mason, Governor John A. Love of Colorado was received as a distinguished guest at the 104th Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Colorado in Denver. Grand Master Charles L. Thomson invited the state's No. 1 citizen to a seat in the East and requested him to address the audience.
Brother Love took the degrees in the regular manner, making suitable proficiency in each degree and waiting the required period before advancing. Governor Love was initiated in Paul Revere Lodge No. 162 of Denver on July 2, 1964. He became a Fellow Craft on September 3, and was raised to the Sublime Degree on November 30, before a large concourse of distinguished men and Masons. Approximately a thousand men registered at the meeting.
- (Masonic Service Association of the United States)
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BY ALPHONSE CERZA, F.P.S. (Life), Illinois
The president of the Philalethes Society, Dr. Charles G. Reigner, who is also president of The H.M. Rowe Company, publishers of text books for commercial courses, has written College Vocabulary Studies. It is designed to be used as a text in college courses in "vocabulary building.
Brother James R. Case who conducts our "Notes and Queries" page, has written the Centennial History of Wooster Council No. 28, Royal and Select Masters, of Danbury, Connecticut. This Council was named after David Wooster, a brigadier general of the Continental Army, and a leading citizen of the state. This short and interesting history tells how Jeremy L. Cross, famous Mason of his day communicated the degrees of this appendant body to persons throughout the state. This Rite persisted in its existence during the dark days following the "Morgan incident" and has continued its work to this day. Well illustrated the story of the Cryptic Rite (as it is called or described) as exemplified by this Council is told by our able member.
On January 27, 1965, there was delivered before the Research Lodge of Colorado, by Brother Charles S. McGinness M.P.S., Grand Secretary of Kansas, and a member of our Society, a paper entitled "The Office of the Master - Its Origin - Its Development - Its Responsibility. " This short paper covers the subject well in all its important aspects. A few copies are available for our readers as long as the supply lasts. Members of this Research Lodge, of course, can secure copies from the Secretary of the Lodge. Our readers who are interested a r e invited to write to Brother McGinness, at P.O. Box 1217, Topeka, Kansas.
The best recent news regarding one of our members is that People's Padre, by Brother Emmett McLoughlin, is now available in a paperback edition. It is available at most book stores and newsstands handling paperbacks. If not available send your order to the publisher: MacFadden - Bartell. 205 E. 42nd Street, New York 17, New York, at sixty cents a copy. This is the interesting story of how a boy born in a Roman Catholic family became a priest, followed this calling for some fifteen years until he was given the choice of devoting all his time to his priestly duties or helping his fellowmen. He left the Church. Here is the story of the pressure, the persecution the ways of this Church. The regular clothbound edition of this fine book is available from Noble Sales Co ., 1314 N. First Street, Phoenix, Arizona, at $3.95 a copy.
Brother Emmett McLoughlin has also had published recently a selection of the letters received from various persons since he left the Roman Catholic Church. This book of 228 pages shows the heartaches caused by the problems created by the activity of this church on the American scene. In some instances the author also sets out the answers he gave to the writers to him. This book is available through Noble Sales Co., N. First Street, Phoenix, Arizona, at $4.95 a copy.
Brother Robert H. Gollmar, the first vice president of the Philalethes Society, a Past Grand Master of Wisconsin, and at present Circuit Judge in Baraboo, Wisconsin, has written a most interesting and entertaining book, "My Father Owned a Circus." His father, Fred C. Gollmar, aged ninety-seven, was one of the original Gollmar Brothers. These famous brothers in 1891 started the Gollmar Brothers Circus which for years entertained young and old alike all over the United States. With an engaging style Brother Gollmar brings back memories and stories of these days.
Too often there was tragedy behind the scenes; but the show carried on. Thrills, amusing events, pathetic moments, all come before the eye as clear word pictures are created by the author. Traveling with the show; escaping wild animals; injuries by the performers; fires; wind storms; and rail wrecks all come to life in this fine book.
Available at your bookstore or from The Caxton Printers, Ltd. Caldwell, Idaho, at $5.50 a volume.
A limited number of copies of the 1964 Proceedings on Masonic Education are available. This Conference was held in St. Louis, Missouri, on October 22-24, 1964. This paperbound brochure of 127 pages contains all the talks and discussion at the Conference. Here are some of the topics covered: "The Man, The Church, and The Lodge," by the Rev. Forrest C. Haggard; "What Came Ye Here to Do?" by Joseph A. Batchelor; "A Live Demonstration of the Wisconsin Councelor System"; "The Development of Masonic Leadership," by J. B. Farnwick; "A Lodge Program a Month," by Keith Arrington. To secure a copy, write to: Dr. Dawson E. Grim, 437 Higley Building, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, price $2.25 a copy.
In 1959 the official history of the Shrine was published. It was written by Fred Van Deventer and was entitled, Parade to Glory. This fine book has now been brought to date and published as a paperback by Pyramid Books, 444 Madison Avenue, New York, and sells for 95c a copy. In this connection it might be well to mention that the January 22, 1965, Congressional Record has a fine statement by Senator Maurice B. Newberger entitled, "Nearly 12,000 Children Aided by Portland Shriners Hospital." Copies are available by writing the Senator, at Washington, D.C.
Once in a Hundred Years, is a fine booklet commemorating the centennial of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Kansas. It was prepared under the general Guidance of Brother Charles S. McGinness and contains a short history by Brother Kenneth Pomeroy. Copies are available from Grand Secretary, 320 W. Eight Street, Topeka, Kansas, at $1.00 a copy.
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One London Masonic Lodge is called Corn and Ashlar; another, Cornerstone, and several with "London" in front of them. There is one called just "London," one called London County Council, one London Constable and another London Irish Rifles. Also, there are the names London Mayors, London Scottish Rifles and London West Africa.
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BY HAROLD V.B. VOORHIS, F.P.S., (Life)
ON OCTOBER 30, 1933, I delivered a paper, "LaFayette, Citizen and Mason of Two Countries," at a meeting of the American Lodge of Research, F.&A.M., New York City. It was printed in the Transactions of the Lodge Volume II. Part 1 (pages 25-45), and Part 2 (pages 309-337). At the time it was noted that "in every biographical work on Lafayette, it is stated that he was born on September 6, 1757, and christened the next day by the Cure of St. Roch. It has been so cut on his tombstone. Paul F. Cadman, in an article in 'France and New England' states that the archives of the little parish of St. Roche de Chananiac contain the birth registration of Lafayette. From this it would appear that Lafayette was actually born on the 16th of the month and baptised on the 17th."
Since I wrote the above I have, through many sources, tried to get a conformation of Mr. Cadman's statement. Actually, I should not be writing this article, as Brother Ronald E. Heaton, F.P.S., treasurer of the Philalethes Society, obtained a document which, I feel sure, settles the matter. It is reproduced herewith and the translation follows:
Excerpt from the registers of baptisms of the parrish of Chavaniac, Bishorprick of St. Flour.
[In] the year One Thousand Seven Hundred and Fifty Seven and [on] the Sixth of September was born the very high and mighty Lord Monseigneur Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier de Lafayette, legitimate son, to the very high and mighty Lord Monseigneur Michel Louis Christophe Roch Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette, Baron de Vissac, Seignior of Saint Romains and other places, and [the] very high and mighty Lady Madame Marie Louise Julie de la Riviere, and was baptised on the Seventh of the same month, his godfather was [the] very high and mighty Lord Monseigneur Joseph Yves Thibault Hiacinte de la Riviere, Seignior of Kerauffrais and other places and by reason of his absence [he] was held at the baptismal font by the Honorable Paul de Murat, Grand Vicar of Sens, almoner of Madame la Dauphine, abbot of Maurice, his godmother was [the] very high and mighty Lady Madame Marie Catherine de Chavaniac, Lady of [the] said place and of this parrish, in presence of the Honorable Antonine Bonnefoy, priest and curate of the parrish of Vissac, and of Andre Courtial, undersigned, and in the register [these names] are signed: de Murat, Chavaniac, de Lafayette, Bonnefoy, curate of Vissac, Courtial, and Vidal, curate.
In addition to the above there is also printed herewith a document I received covering the same matter from an official French source.
Fonde a Paris le 20 Mai 1926
COMITE FRANCAIS
du souvenir de
LA FAYETTE
390, RUE SAINT-HONORE-PARIS (ler)
Tel.: Opera 27-57
SOUS LE HAUT PATRONAGE DU
PRESIDENT DE LA REPUBLIQUE
Acte de Bapteme de Lafayette
Septembre 1757
(Archives administratives Guerre Lieut, General 1261.)
Extrait des Registres des Baptemes de la Paroisse de CHAVANIAC Eveche de Saint Flour.
"L'an mil sept cent cinquante sept et le six Septembre est ne tres haut et tres puissant seigneur Monseigneur Marie-Joseph Paul Yves Roch-Gilbert du Motier de la Fayette et a ete baptise le Sept du Meme mois."
Decede le 20 Mai 1834, LaFayette mourut dans son Hotel Rue d'Anjou a Paris. Ses Obseques Nationales eurent lieu le 22 Mai l'Eglise de 1' Assomption Rue St, Honore et le cortege se rendit au Cimetiere particulier Rue de Piepus, ou il est enterre.
Baptism of La Fayette, September 6, 1757
(Archives administratives Guerre Lieut., General 1261)
Transcript from the Register of Baptisms of the Parish of Chavaniac Diocese of Saint Flour.
"In the vear One Thousand Seven Hundred Fifty-Seven and on the Sixth of September was born the very high and very powerful lord, His Grace Marie-Joseph Paul Yves Roch-Gilbert du Motier de la Fayette, and was baptised on the Seventh of the same month."
Deceased May 20, 1834, La Fayette died at his townhouse, Rue d'Anjou. in Paris. His state funeral was held May 22 at the Church of the Assumption, Rue St-Honore, and the cortege proceeded to the private cemetery, Rue de Piepus, where he is buried.
So, the long quest is finally ended. Mr. Cadman is mistaken. Lafayette was born on September 6, 1757, and baptised on the following day.
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William E. Yeager Named
Fellow of Philalethes
Harold V. B. Voorhis, F.P.S., Life, has announced that the Committee on Fellows of the Philalethes Society has unanimously elected William E. Yeager, R.W. Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, as a Fellow, to take the place of James R. Malott, F.P.S., deceased.
As Grand Master, Brother Yeager was outstanding in his work, and as Chairman of the Committee on Masonic Information and Culture, he has made a name for himself throughout the country in aiding young Masons to become better acquainted with the tenets and teachings of the Fraternity. This is, indeed, a most valuable addition to our Fellowship.
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Freemasonry for Everyday Living
BY CHARLES G. REIGNER. F.P.S., President
FREEMASONRY is a way of life. It is a way of life that upholds belief in God, the practice of morality, and the hope of life beyond this mortal scene. We live in a time when the moral tone of life has been lowered. All about us are evidences of bitterness and hatred and utter disregard for the true values of life.
It cannot be too often said that Freemasonry means - to the world at large - what we as Freemasons make it mean by the way we exemplify or fail to exemplify its benign tenets in our daily lives. It is this personal, individual attitude that, I am persuaded, far transcends today's problems of Freemasonry as an institution - problems that occupy so much of our thinking nowadays.
Basically, we all need - as individuals - not only to learn how to live the good life, but how to help others so to live. Unless the lessons taught us in the Lodge are put into practice in our homes, in our vocations - indeed, in all the varied relationships of life - we cannot honestly say that we have learned those lessons.
One hundred and eleven years ago - that is, in 1854 - Albert Pike made an address at the laying of the cornerstone of a Masonic Temple in Little Rock, Arkansas. During that year he was Worshipful Master of Magnolia Lodge No. 60, in Little Rock. The sentences which I shall quote from that address are both helpful and reassuring - especially when we become discouraged by the slow progress of the world toward higher moral standards.
"The progress of man," said Pike, "will ever be slow and painful. The eternal decrees of God are fixed and certain. To us their development is slow. if not imperceptible. That progress may be hastened by proper exertion and endeavor, by precept and example: it may be delayed by apathy, indifference, or neglect.
"It is, therefore, the highest duty of each Freemason to labor earnestly to teach, extend, illustrate, and adorn the principles of Freemasonry. We must, at the same time, be moderate in our expectation of results. We must not expect to see nations suddenly fitted for freedom, nor men at once admit as axioms those truths which to us are self-evident, nor hope for much immediate visible effect to result from our strivings."
What, after all, is the basic purpose of Freemasonry ? Anyone who wishes to do so can easily enough find out about its practices, its organization, and its history. So-called exposes have been published at intervals for two hundred years and more. Some of us have recently read accounts in our newspapers about a presentation on TV in England by the British Broadcasting Company, which undertook to show the exemplification of the complete ritual of Freemasonry down to its minute details. There is nothing new about that presentation except the medium that was used. By consulting any Masonic Encyclopedia, you can find a list of such exposes. In Coil's Masonic Encyclopedia, by Henry Wilson Coil, F.P.S., for example, there is a list of thirty-nine "Exposed Rituals. "
Let us be clear on this matter. The primary purpose of Freemasonry is to impress its teachings on the minds and hearts of Freemasons to the end that they may exemplify those teachings in their everyday life and conduct.
It is likewise the purpose of Freemasonry to teach its votaries to uphold the principles of free speech, free thought, and free conscience. It denies the right of any man or of any group of men to ride roughshod over these elementary human rights.
During the last decade or so man has made extraordinary progress in the field of technology. Scientific research has vastly speeded up the means of communication and transportation. Distances mean nothing today in comparison with what they meant to our forefathers. The means of destroying life and property have been vastly accelerated, and we are told by the scientists that we are still in the anteroom, so to speak, of tremendous scientific developments of which the average man today has little or no knowledge.
When Albert Pike spoke about "the progress of man," he was not referring to the externals; he was, on the contrary, thinking about moral and spiritual progress. In the very nature of things, progress in that direction must always be "slow and painful." Nevertheless, every Freemason who rightly understands the human and divine lessons which Freemasonry seeks to teach endeavors to labor earnestly "to teach, extend, illustrate, and adorn the principles" of his profession. He resolutely refuses to allow his attitude to become one of "apathy, indifference, and neglect." He realizes that, though progress in the things of the spirit is painfully slow, he can still do something by his own example. The virtues of faith, of good will, of hope, of kindness are self-evident to the thoughtful man - and especially to the thoughtful Freemason. Always, however, there are individuals and groups who act on the precise opposities of morality, virtue, and belief in the Supreme Being. "The eternal decrees of God are fixed and certain." You and I can take courage from that fact as we pursue our daily lives with patience.
Freemasonry is something highly personal. To the extent that we think of it only as a ritual, as a body of abstract ideas and ideals, or even as an organization, to that extent it does not penetrate into our daily conduct. Freemasonry makes its appeal, in large part, to our emotions. Wise in the wisdom of the generations, it knows that when a man feels right in his innermost being, he will act right in his daily life.
Let us, by all means, be practical in Freemasonry by never thinking of it as something remote and nebulous, but as a force, a power, and influence for good in the everyday thinking and acting of each one of us.
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Interesting Chicago Group Stimulates Masonic Trend
THE VERY interesting and fraternal meeting of the Chicago Philalethes group with the Masonic Veterans Association of Illinois, held at the Scottish Rite Cathedral in Chicago on May 4, 1965, was one of the outstanding events of the year, caused much comment, created great interest, and left the guests begging for more. Such meetings have proved to be the rallying point of Philalethes Society, both here and elsewhere.
After a delicious dinner, the Illinois Masonic Veterans Association was brought to order, and splendid history of that group given by Olcott N. Collar. This group was founded in the early 1880's and is still strong and active.
Alphonze Cerza, F.P.S:, Life, then took over the gavel and a most interesting program was enjoyed. John Black Vrooman, F.P.S., Life, and editor of the Philalethes magazine briefly reviewed the history of the Philalethes, its purpose and its varied activities.
Sammuel K. Zipp, M.P.S., gave a most interesting discussion of Colonial Freemasonry and the part that our Craft took in establishing this Nation, and what we consider one of the finest discussions on Masonic Public Relations was given by Brother Howard Moore, in which he showed the means and trends by which Freemasonry can be given a good public image. This paper is reproduced elsewhere in this issue.
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Masonry and the Holy Saints John
BY WILLIAM R. DEUTSCH, M.P.S.
MASONIC LODGES are now, and have, from time immemorial, been erected to God and dedicated to the Holy Saints John. While the dedication of buildings and organizations to respected and honored men seems to be a universal custom among mankind, the dedication of our Lodges stems from an ancient practice in the Christian Church.
In the first few centuries of its existence, the Christian Church was violently and bitterly persecuted by the Roman government. "We are not permitted to exist" was the bitter and frustrated complaint of one early Church writer. During these persecutions, a very great number of men, women, and children were killed for their profession of Christian belief. The memory of these martyrs was held, naturally, in the highest esteem; and whenever possible, their remains were carried away from the place of execution, and buried in a safe and secure place. To keep the memories of these heroes fresh, and to provide an example for all to emulate, the custom arose of the whole church's going, secretly and by night if necessary, to the tomb of a local martyr on the anniversary of his suffering (his "heavenly birthday" as it was called), and there celebrating Divine Service. When the persecutions ceased, and the Christian Church became a lawful body, churches were erected over the graves of the martyrs, and the dates of their deaths were kept as solemn festivities. From this arose the practice, still widely observed, of dedicating churches to holy men and women.
During the middle ages, when the guilds of craftsmen came into being, it was customary (in imitation of the dedication of churches) to choose one or more saints as patrons of a particular organization. The Craft of Freemasonry was no exception.
The earliest patron of our Fraternity was St. John the Baptist. The name of St. John the Evangelist seems to have been added at a later date. The original reason for the choice of these patrons has been obscured by the passage of time. We cannot say with certainty why these saints were chosen by our ancient Brethren. But it is an interesting fact that both the Order of Knights Templar and the Order of St. John of Jerusalem (the Knights Hospitalers) had St. John the Baptist as their patron.
St. John the Baptist, whose birth we celebrate today, was a kinsman of Christ, and was born of a priestly family. After his birth, we have no record of his activities, until the beginning of his preaching of repentance on the banks of the river Jordan. It has been conjectured that he lived as an Essene, or a member of one of the groups, living in the neighborhood of the Dead Sea, whose records have become known to us recently. St. John the Baptist was a bold and fearless preacher against sin and vice, called the people of his day to a re-awakening of morals, and died heroically at the hands of a sensuous tyrant. The Rev. and Ill. Frederick Dalcho (one of the founders and a Grand Commander of the first Supreme Council of the Scottish Rite) said of him, "The stern integrity of St. John the Baptist, which induced him to forego every minor consideration in discharging the obligations he owed to God; the unshaken firmness with which he met martyrdom rather than betray his duty to his Master; his steady reproval of vice, and continued preaching of repentance and virtue, make him a fit patron of the Masonic institution." The following words occur in the collect (or prayer) for the Feast of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist in the Book of Common Prayer of the Episcopal Church: "Make us so to follow His doctrine and holy life, that we may truly repent according to His preaching, and after His example constantly speak the truth, boldly rebuke vice, and patiently suffer for the truth's sake." A fine ideal indeed for all Masons!
St. John the Evangelist was the son of the Galilean fisherman Zebedee, and the brother of James. St. John was the disciple closest to Christ, and was known as the "beloved disciple." It was he who leaned on Jesus' breast at the last supper; it was to him that Jesus, while undergoing the agony of death by crucifixion, entrusted the care of His mother. Tradition says that he left Jerusalem and removed to Ephesus, in Asia Minor, where he lived to a great age, and wrote the books of the New Testament ascribed to him. In a general letter to all the followers of his Lord and friend, he wrote, "Beloved, let us love o n e another, for love is of God; and everyone that loveth is born of God and knoweth God. He that loveth not, knoweth not God, for God is love." (I St. John 4:7-8.)
As St. John the Baptist preached violently against sin, so did St. John the Evangelist preach ardently for the love of God and they can, therefore, be rightly called parallel.
There is a third St. John, although not mentioned in our ritual, of whom we should speak. This is St. John the Almoner, to whom the Order of Knights Hospitalers was originally dedicated, and who is received, in some places, as the patron of the Masonic Order of the Temple. He was a native of the island of Cyprus, who in the year 608 became patriarch of the wealthy Church of Alexandria. He caused a list of the poor of his See to be compiled, and his first official act was the distribution of 80,000 pieces of gold to them and to agencies for their betterment and relief. This was an immense sum, worth almost $3,000,000 in today's money, and tremendously greater in purchasing power. He continued this systematic giving until his death. His charity and beneficence won him universal admiration, and he was enrolled among the saints of the Western as well as of the Eastern Church.
The three Saints John, Brethren, correspond to the three tenets of our profession as Masons. From St. John the Baptist, we learn the power of truth; from St. John the Evangelist, the beauty of brotherly love; and from St. John the Almoner, the glory of charity. Brotherly love, relief, and truth - let them ever be in our minds as we celebrate the feasts of the patrons of our Order; and, more importantly, let us make every day of our lives a festival wherein we practice these virtues.
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James R. Mallot, F.P.S.
BY GERALD CRAIG M.P.S.
Born Mitchell, Indiana, December 31, 1887. Son of James Hiram and Melvina Guthrie Malott. Married Edith M. Spencer of Huntington, Indiana.
Children: Mrs. E. R. (Margaret) Casady, Rushville, Indiana; Mrs. J. B. (Eleanor) Rolle, Yuma, Arizona; Mrs. Eugene (Jeannette) Jordan, Globe Arizona, and James R. Malott, Jr., Globe, Arizona. Nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Educated in public schools in Indianapolis, Indiana, obtained A.B. and LL.B. degrees at Indiana University 1908 and 1909.
Served in the Philippine Islands as assistant prosecuting attorney for the City of Manila; prosecuting attorney for the Moro Province, and Acting Attorney General for the Province under General Pershing Governor of the Province. Engaged in private practice with P. J. Moore 1912-1914.
Moved to Globe, Arizona, July 1, 1915, and was associated with the law firm of Alderman & Elliot. On October 1, 1916, formed the legal partnership of Morris & Malott, with Samuel H. Morris, which is presumably the oldest law firm in the state with the original partners. The firm served as Western Counsel for Miami Copper Company for many years, and presently represents among its clients, the Miami Copper Company, Division of Tennessee Corporation.
Served as president of Globe Rotary, president of Gila County Bar Association 1924 and 1963, and president of the Arizona State Bar Association 1924. Also served as vice president for Arizona of American Bar Association. Member of the Gila County, Arizona State, American and California Bar Associations.
MASON IC HISTORY
Brother Malott was initiated, passed and raised in Monroe Lodge No. 22, Bloomington, Indiana. His first service to Masonry was that of being Secretary to the Masonic Sojourners in Manila. While in the Philippines he Jomed the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry.
Brother Malott affiliated with White Mountain Lodge No. 3, July 5, 1921. He was elected Worshipful Master in 1927 and has served as a Trustee since that time.
He began his service in Grand Lodge as Grand Orator and held that office for five years. In 1936 he was elected Grand Master of Masons in Arizona. He has been chairman of the Jurisprudence Committee since 1945 and has been a member of the Board of Grand Trustees since 1948. As proof of the love and esteem with which he is held by his Brethren even though not present, he was unanimously elected for another three-year term on the Board of Trustees at the last Communication of the Grand Lodge.
York Rite
Exalted to the Sublime Degree of the Royal Arch in Globe Chapter No 7, was elected High Priest in 1924, and elected Grand High Priest in 1933.
Greeted as a Select Master in Gila Council No. 3, R.&S.M., elected Illustrious Master in 1925, and elected Most Illustrious Grand Master in 1932.
Knighted in Globe Commandery No. 5, Knights Templar, and was Commander in 1924, he was elected Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery Knights Templar, in 1934. He was a member of the Jurisprudence Committee of the Grand Encampment, Knights Templar of the United States, until he resigned in 1964.
Having presided over the Grand Lodge F.&A.M., the Grand Chapter R.A.M., the Grand Council, R.&S.M. and the Grand Commandery of Arizona he was awarded the distinctive honor of becoming a member of the Grand Knights of the York Cross of Honour. Because of his service to these bodies he was made a member of Arizona Conclave, Knights of the Red Cross of Constantine, which organization he served as Sovereign in 1936.
Scottish Rite
Brother Malott transferred his membership in the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite from the Philippines to Arizona Consistory No. 1, in Tuscon and was elected to the rank and decoration of Knight Commander of the Court of Honor in 1933. He was coroneted a 33d Honorary in 1937.
Shrine
Brother Malott was a member of the Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine and was elected Potentate of El Zaribah Shrine Temple in 1930.
Certainly he has worn the purple of our Fraternity, but he has done so in all humility, walking upright in his several stations before God and man ever being mindful of his duty to God and his obligations to his fellowman.
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Working for Membership
BY KENNETH F. CURTIS, F.P.S.
WHY WORK for membership? This is a question each member should ask himself. When we work - we do so objectively. We make an effort towards accomplishing a planned project. Let us consider our ever-present project; the constant need for new members and what we must contribute for a progressive growth of the Philalethes Society.
It is very obvious that all organizations require a steady stream of new faces entering their ranks, primarily, for pure existence. It is necessary to replace those who have taken the long journey, those who have dropped out for some reason or other and for a progressive increase in numbers.
We should give some thought to what our organization is, in order to pass the information on to others. In this, we are a group of dedicated Masons working for a common end.
Our publication is the medium through which each member may seek qualified answers to his Masonic problems. It is a top-grade source of information on recently published Masonic books and other related literature. It is an excellent source of information on hard-to-find answers to questions on Masonic history. It contains the latest comments and news of importance in our corner of the Masonic world. It is a ready outlet for the writer and the Mason who wants to write. It is a first - grade magazine containing articles of general interest to Freemasons. It reports each year the findings of the Masonic Workshop in Washington, D.C. These are a few of the benefits of the Society which has grown to be well over a thousand in membership, members who have a deep respect for the written word in Freemasonry.
Make up a list of those you think might be interested and send them to your membership chairman, Kenneth F. Curtis, F.P.S., 2455 Raeford Road, Orlando, Florida, 32806, he will do the rest.
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(A paper read at the Conference of Grand Masters of North America. Washington D.C., February 23, 1965.)
BY C. FULLER DORR, G.M., Michigan
THE MASONRY we hear about today, whenever a group of Masons get together, seems to have just about everything wrong about it. We are told that we are losing membership, and that we should change some of our landmarks, if not all of them. It has been suggested in Michigan that we put our lectures of the history of Masonry on tape.
It has also been suggested that we eliminate having the candidate learn his lesson (Michigan Grand Lodge law only requires him to learn the obligation, but the constituent Lodges, by their by-laws, can require more, and they do). More and more among Masons you hear this question asked: What, if anything, is right about Masonry?
Let's take a new look at Masonry. Let's take the reports of some of the Lodges which seem to be thriving in other words, their membership is growing and their attendance is far above the average. They are building new temples and in some other instances, planning for additions or larger temples, in the next ten years. They must have found the answer to the question - What is right about Masonry? Perhaps you and I have lost sight of the lessons that we learn at the altar of Masonry.
We could talk about Faith, Hope and Charity and many other precepts: but let us take a look at, what to me are three of the great truths and lessons, and if you will, the three fundamental principles upon which every Mason should build his Masonic Life - Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth.
Let me quote, "By the exercise of brotherly love we are taught to regard the whole human species as one family." I firmly believe that each of us, as Masons, has learned to acknowledge that we are not individuals, but that we have a moral obligation, not only to the Supreme Architect of the Universe, but to our community. This is one thing right about Masonry.
To continue with Brotherly Love, there are two things that have impressed me during my Masonic life. One is that I have found the internal of my Brothers, remembering that I was told it was not the external but the internal, and how true this is, Masonry regards no man for his worldly wealth or goods. I have found in other jurisdictions, real Masonry. Second, I have come closer to God and My Brothers, through Masonry, than I believe I would have if I had not taken this road in my life. Brotherly Love helps to develop our Faith. Faith has a wide meaning and should be applied not to God alone, but to our fellowmen. Each of us if we had not put our Faith in our own beliefs would not be here in Washington today. This is what is right about Masonry.
Let's take a look at the second point - Relief. Each Grand Lodge has in its own way and according to the needs of their members, established relief. Let us take our Masonic Homes, and here we find that our relief is a blessing that only those elderly brothers and sisters and widows could give us the full meaning. As I view our own Masonic Home with 366 residents and a new building in the process that will care for seventy-five more, I feel that Masonry is really at work. You will forgive me if I use my own jurisdiction in this paper, but I feel that in many ways I can best illustrate my point. I like to talk about my own Lodge with 330 members of which 65 are life members and of these 65, 19 have been members for 50 to 63 years. We have three residents in the Masonic Home and our Eastern Star Chapter has two residents. Our Lodge has never once questioned the cost, which in reality is small for these three residents, but this helps to remind us of our relief to others. In many other ways we have tired to be mindful of the needs of people in our community to fulfill our obligations as good Masons should, not only to our Brothers and their families but others in the community as well. This is what is right about Masonry.
Let's take a quick look at my third point - Truth. "Truth is a divine attribute, and the foundation of every virtue." Somewhere in one of Shakespere's great works, Portia said, "To thine ownself be true and it shall follow as the night the day thou cans't be false to any man." How true these words, and if in our dealings with others we applied Truth, how easy would be our way. This great Nation of ours was founded on these beliefs and sometimes I wonder if we have forgotten, in our grasp for power, that one little word - Truth. This is one of the foundations of our Masonic life which we should and I hope, do practice each day. This is what is right about Masonry.
This story was told to me by one of the Masters of one of the Lodges and I believe this story gives the greatest definition of "What is right about Masonry." This Master of a Daylight Lodge told me they had just finished their regular communication when an alarm was brought to him by a Brother, in the absence of the caretaker of the building, that there was a lady in the lobby of the Temple with two small children. She had a slip of paper in her hand and she was crying. The Master went at once to find out what was wrong. The lady told him that she had received notice from the landlord that they had to move, they had no money, no food and no place to go. Her husband had been promised work, but it would be a few days yet and the rent was $20.00 a week. The Master asked her if her husband was a Mason, she replied, "No but my Daddy was and so was my Grandpappy." (She was born in Mississippi.) They always told me if I ever needed help to go to the Masonic Lodge in the town where I lived and I would get help." The Master of the Lodge ordered a check from the Secretary, they gathered up the food they had supplied for their own lunch, and with the food took the lady and her children home. They than called the landlord to tell him that if he would see the lady she would pay him the rent as she had a check for the rent from the Lodge. This made the light shine differently for him and in a few days the husband had his job. This is what is right about Masonry.
My brethren I hope I have not bored you with some of my own experiences but there are so many things right about Masonry that they outshine the things that are wrong. It you are still looking for the key to unlock that vast upsweep of applicants for the three Symbolic degrees, then look to our youth and practice on them Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth, and in some small way show them what is right about Masonry.
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The Greatest Secret of Masons
Concerns Charitable Work
WOR. BROTHER John D. Cunningham, M.P.S., and retired Executive Secretary of the Masonic Service Association, while attending the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Kansas, in Wichita, last March, is quoted in an interview of the Wichita Beacon, of March 11, 1965, as saying that Freemasonry's greatest charitable work often goes unsung and without publicity.
It was he who gave the best years of his life to the now universally accepted visitation program of Freemasonry in Army, Navy and Veterans Hospitals all over the country, and his words are those of personal authority and interest. We take pleasure in reproducing his splendid interview, to show the ken of Masonic benevolence.
The greatest secret the Masons have is their compassionate work for benevolent organizations, a Kansas Mason with more than a quarter century of service said today.
John D. Cunningham of Norton is among more than 1,000 members attending the Grand Lodge of Kansas, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons annual meeting at Wichita.
Approximately $1,000 is being spent each day in Wichita by Masonic organizations through their programs of compassion, Cunningham said.
"At least $75,000 to $100,000 is being spent on a national basis daily by Masonic groups," he added. I'll bet that there are not five persons attending the Wichita convention who realize the extent of our charity," he said.
Cunningham said Kansas has more that 95,000 Masons and the nation has more than four million. He said 13 Presidents of the U.S. have been Masons.
"Seldom has there ever been a time when the majority of governors and Members of both the House and Senate in Washington were not Masons.'
He went on to say that many of those who signed the Declaration of Independence were Masons and that 70 per cent of the general Washington office staff members are today.
"Sir Winston Churchill became a Mason when I was one year old," he said.
Cunningham said Masons are forbidden to discuss politics or religion at Lodge meetings. That is one of the reasons Freemasonry is as strong as it is nowadays, he said. "We have no political ax to grind."
However, he said Masons are encouraged to be active in the affairs of their community, state and government - but as an individual - not as a Mason.
Cunningham was instrumental in helping establish a visitation program being conducted in 88 Army, Navy and Veterans Administration hospitals over the nation.
For 22 years, Cunningham was executive secretary-treasurer of the U.S. Masonic Service Association head-quartered in Washington. He recently moved to Norton where he has retired.
"The Masons," he explained, "is not a secret society, but rather a society with secrets. I assume that the average man has far many more secrets in his own mind than we have in Masonry."
The public image of the organization has always had its problems, he said. "One of the persons I have talked with thought that we sneaked up alleys at night and wore masks."
Another of what Masonry is not, he said, is the fact that some think "we are a religion. Masonry is not a religion; however, virtually all Masons are religious."
"I have never put Masonry before my church work. To be a good Mason you must first be a good churchman."
Another public misconception, he said, is that Roman Catholics are not allowed to become Masons. "That couldn't be farther from the truth." Although Roman Catholics are not in the majority of Masonic organizations, there are many members, he said.
Work being carried on in Kansas compares favorable with other states, he said, though Kansas tends to be on the conservative side. "But are not most Kansans conservative anyway?" he asks. "We're the oldest and strongest fraternal organization in the world - only the church is older," Cunningham said.
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MASONIC SERVICE ASSOCIATION - 1965
EVERY YEAR, in its annual report to the delegates from member Grand Lodges, the Executive Commission of Masonic Service Association of the United States announces: "Member Grand Lodges have the right to use, reprint, or issue to their Lodges all materials of this Association."
This statement seems to conflict with the first notice printed each month on the inside cover of The Short Talk Bulletin (page 2): "The contents of this Bulletin must not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without permission."
On recommendation of the Association's 1965 Committee on Masonic Education and Publications this Short Talk Bulletin has been prepared to explain this apparent discrepancy. One of the matters studied by this Committee is the use which is made of this right of member Grand Lodges to reprint materials published by the Masonic Service Association.
This committee learned that the Short TaIk Bulletin is reprinted from time to time by various Masonic publications. Excerpts and reprints have appeared in many parts of the world. Since the Association receives very few Lodge trestleboards and announcements, it is almost impossible to determine to what extent constituent Lodges of member Grand Lodges use excerpts from the Short TaIk Bulletins in their Lodge programs and trestleboards.
However, it also discovered that the editor at headquarters is receiving an increasing number of requests from Masters and Secretaries of Lodges for permission to reprint parts of a particular Bulletin in the Master's message or elsewhere in the Lodge announcements. Grand Lodge Committees make similar requests from time to time. It is apparent that such officers are reading carefully the copyright statement on the inside cover of the monthly Short Talk Bulletin.
On the other hand, it suggests that the officers of constituent Lodges are not generally aware of the statement made every year by the Executive Commission in its annual report to the Masonic Service Association: "Member Grand Lodges have the right to use, reprint, or issue to their Lodges all materials of this Association."
One obvious reason for granting this right is the mechanical impossiblity of replying to all requests for permission to excerpt or reprint, if even half of the constituent Lodges of member Grand Lodges should ask such authorization in any one month. The Short Talk Bulletin is mailed to approximately 12,000 Lodge officers. Even a printed form letter couldn't keep the replies up-to-date promptly.
More fundamental, however, is the "vested right" of member Grand Lodges in the publications of the Masonic Service Association. All materials, and especially the Short Talk Bulletins, are prepared as supplementary tools for Grand Lodge programs of Masonic information, culture, or education. Every year members of the Association vote to have these publications continued. Member Grand Lodges pay annual dues to produce these materials. The publications belong to them; they are the Masonic Service Association.
The copyright notice which appears in each Short Talk Bulletin, and other publications of the Association, is a necessary declaration to protect the materials against unauthorized use or misuse. Furthermore, the copyright protects Freemasonry against distortion of its ideas and expressions. It secures the "vested rights" of member Grand Lodges in the publications of their Association. What this Short Talk Bulletin emphasizes, however, is that members of participating Grand Lodges, whether they be officers, committees, constituent Lodges, or regular members are authorized to use, reprint, or issue the publications of the Masonic Service Association, without written permission for each and every use.
However, no professional writer or speaker would use or quote materials without acknowledging the source. Consequently, when materials of the Masonic Service Association are reprinted or re-issued by member Grand Lodges, their publications, committees, or Lodges, the source should be clearly identified, as will be fully explained later in this Bulletin. Such acknowledgment is necessary because a failure to do so may result in unauthorized and distorted reproductions by non-Masonic writers and publishers. Copyrighted Masonic articles must be protected by such an acknowledgment.
The first point to be clearly understood is that the publications of the Association may be used or reprinted in whole or in part, without written authorization, by the following groups or individuals of member Grand Lodges, provided proper acknowledgment is given:
Grand Lodge Officers
Grand Lodge Committees
Grand Lodge organizations (like Masonic Homes, Charity Foundations, libraries, study clubs, etc).
Official Grand Lodge publications
Constituent Lodges ( for trestleboards, etc. )
Officers of such Lodges (for reports, messages, etc. )
The second point to be made clear is what "proper acknowledgment" consists of. There is a considerable difference between acknowledging the reprint of an entire publication and merely quoting a part of one.
For example, if a Short Talk Bulletin is reprinted in its entirety, the acknowledgment should come at the head of the article, right after the title. It should be worded as follows: "Copyright, (year), by the Masonic Service Association of the United States. Reprinted by special permission."
If only a part of a Short Talk is used, the acknowledgment comes at the end: "From the (month), (year), Short Talk Bulletin of the Masonic Service Association of the United States." The quotation should be exactly and accurately reproduced.
A brief quotation of a sentence or two may be acknowledged by merely mentioning "The Short Talk Bulletin" right before or right after the quotation, whichever suits better the structure of the sentences into which it is introduced.
If other than a Short Talk Bulletin is reprinted or re-issued, the same forms of acknowledgment should be used, except that the date of publication may be omitted, and in place of "Short Talk Bulletin," the correct title of the booklet or pamphlet is used.
Grand Lodge Committees on Masonic Information or Education have used some of the Short Talks as "service letters" to the constituent Lodges, their Worshipful Masters, or Lodge education officers. Some of the Association's special reports and Digests, like the annual chart of Foreign Grand Lodges Recognized by United States Grand Lodges, have been similarly employed. This is one of the principal reasons these publications are prepared - to be used widely within the Jurisdictions which are providing this information service for the Craft.
Local Lodges are free to use brief excerpts from the Short Talk Bulletins, provided the source is acknowledged. Sentences or short paragraphs from a particular Short Talk may be used by the Worshipful Master for his messages in the Lodge trestleboard. Editors of a Lodge bulletin or magazine may do the same. Information in the supplementary leaflet, Your Masonic Hospital Visitor, is also valuable for "communicating" with the members of the Lodge, especially at a time when the Lodge is trying to make a group contribution to the Hospital Visitation Program. The more this publication is quoted, the stronger this public relations program of American Freemasonry becomes.
Various are the uses to which these publications may be put. Grand Lodge officers and committees, Lodge officers and editors of official publications are at liberty to use them within the simple limitations explained above. This is the message which the Association's 1965 Committee on Masonic Education and Publications wants "to get across" to all the Masons of the member Grand Lodges.
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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:
WARREN HENRY COOLIDGE, P.O. Box 1007, Fayetteville, North Carolina.
ADAM J. LEVY, 1610 - 22nd Street, Galveston, Texas.
MARTIN H. KINSINGER, 657 Huston Ave., Apt. 305, Takoma Park, Maryland 20012.
RALPH E. PAGE, 430 N.E. 9th Ave., Gainesville, Florida.
ROBERT W. CURRY, 127 Washington St., Newport, Rhode Island.
CARL R. BYARD, 4927 Alamo Drive, Galveston, Texas.
ROBERT JOE TURLEY, Jr., 207 First Federal Bldg., Lexington, Kentucky 40507.
C. RAYMOND MYERS, 427 Swatara St., Steelton, Pennsylvania 17092.
WILLIE GEORGE LEE, Route 2, Box 52, Roanoke, Texas 76262.
BARRY S. FINE, 1410 Runnymede Road, Norfolk, Virginia 23505.
EARL NATHANIEL HALL, P.O. Box 62, Doole, Texas.
SANFORD C. BUSH, 1 N. Main St., Marion, New York 14505.
WILLIAM B. WILKINSON, 411 West Court St., Ithaca, New York.
PHILIP E. TOWLE, Box 207, Bradshaw, Nebraska 68319.
RALPH HOLMES TINKER, Jr., Box 83, Stockbridge, Massachusetts.
JOHN ALBERT CLOUSER, 3235 Wayside Lane, Anderson, Indiana.
LILLARD S. JENSEN. 11728 Cedar St., Omaha, Nebraska 68144.
ALFRED M. COLE. 1311 Glenfield, Dallas, Texas 75224.
KERMIT Z. SCHNELLE, Route 8, Box 302 AA, San Antonio, Texas.
RAYMOND D. BEAVER, 1069 Midland Ave., Apt. D-40, Midland, Pennsylvania.
W. KEMP LEHMANN, 601 Saint Francis Road, Baltimore, Maryland 21204.
THOMAS C. FERGUSON, P. O. Box 82, Johnson City, Texas.
LYMAN E. SMITH, P.O. Box 1158, Helena, Montana.
GERALD M. PINE, Masonic Temple, 225 N. Charles St., Baltimore, Maryland 21201.
WALTER A. BOENIG, Str. Rte. No. 1, Box 132. Beeville, Texas.
REESE L. HARRISON, Jr., P.O. Box 477. San Antonio, Texas.
IVY WEBSTER MELDER, TriLake Estates, Montgomery, Texas.
DONALD D. BOAZ, 1249 B. North & South Rd., University City, St. Louis, Missouri.
LOUIS C. KING, 480 North Road, Bedford, Massachusetts 01730.
MACK EBY MURPHY, 3324 Niagara St., Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213.
RODNEY E. GANTT, 2130 North 4th St., Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17110.
FLETCHER B. HORNE, 620 South Hough St., Apt. 2, S.W., Barrington, Illinois 60010.
ARTHUR H. KEIL, Trinity Pass Round Ridge, New York 10010.
OWEN ROY CUMMINGS, 1941 Belleville Rd., S.W., Roanoke, Virginia 24015.
WADE S. LAWRENCE, 2311 North Front St., Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
WILLIAM R. McQUEENEY, 518 Putnam Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139.
ALBERT EDWARD THURLOW, 510 Henry St., Woodstock, Ontario, Canada.
EDGAR A. COLE, Am. Dep. Schools, APO, San Francisco, 96331 California 96331.
CHICAGO SCOTTISH RITE LIBRARY, 915 North Dearborn Street, Chicago. Illinois 60610.
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A Phantasy
BY BOB STOWE, M.P.S.
THE MAN pushed the wooden pole into the mud by the water hole. It had taken thousands of years for him to develop this urge to leave a marker that other men might know he had been there. Time passed !
Another man came and saw the pole by the water hole and he waited and watched for the pole to grow like the trees, but it did not grow. Instead, the first man came and they both pointed at the pole and at each other. This was the first conversation and to commemorate this august event another pole was pushed into the mud beside the first pole. Then there were two!
Other men came and remembered the two poles and went on to other water holes and placed two poles on each side of the pathways leading to the water's edge. And this was the first gate !
These two poles were among the first landmarks of man!
The second man traveled afar and told his fellowmen that the strength of the first man who placed the first pole, was of great power; and the first man told his fellowmen that the second man established his pole by the first to commemorate their meeting at the water hole.
All this was a long time ago in the ancient youth of the human race.
As time passed it came to be that one pole meant strength and the other meant establish. From that chance meeting and time all entrances have been adorned with the symbols of these two ancient men who learned that in numbers their strength was established.
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Notes, Queries and Information On Items of Masonic Research
BY JAMES R. CASE, F.P.S.
1965 - 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 this column, especially information concerning research currently under way. The Editor will assist the sponsor of this column, which is supervised and run by Brother James R. Case, F.P.S. but ALL COMMUNICATIONS should be addressed to the Editor.
It should be noted that this page is for the EXCHANGE of information and opinion, and does not pretend to provide the final answer to any query.
134 - Masonic "Temple." (August 1961, December 1963, April and August 1964.) Lodges apparently met in taverns two hundred years ago, then they built Lodge buildings or met in Lodge halls. When did the term "Temple ! first come into use as designating a building devoted to Masonic purposes. P., Pa.
176 - Lodge at South Pole. (February 1965.) We learn from George S. Mann, Houston, Texas, that there is an Antarctic Circle Masonic Club of which he is an honorary member. He hopes that some one of the active members or the historian of the club will respond to the original query. So do we.
182 - Loving Cup. (April 1965.) Oriental Lodge (385), donor (?) of this cup was identified by Ed Sadowski of Chicago as located in Philadelphia. Conrad Hahn, F.P.S., and Executive Secretary of the Masonic Service Association in Washington, confirms the location and states that Robert S. Shipley, 300 Sussex Boulevard, Broomall, Pennsylvania, is the present Secretary. Perhaps Brother Shipley can enlighten our readers concerning the recipient of the cup on December 2, 1909.
183 - William Ellery. This Signer of the Declaration of Independence who lived (1727-1829) in Rhode Island, is now proven to have been a Freemason. See Sibtey's "Harvard Graduates" for 1747. Another and contemporary William Ellery removed from Boston to Hartford, Connecticut, and was an active Mason there.
184 - President and Presiding Master. I have read that George Washington was the only President of the United States who concurrently sat as an elected Master of a Lodge. Others say President Truman had the same distinction. What are the facts? F.L., Mass.
185 - Circus Masons. Any of our readers having knowledge of circus owners or performers who were Masons, or of any Masonic incidents when circus people were conspicuously involved, are invited to send the information to Robert H. Gollmar, P.O. Box 194, Baraboo, Wisconsin 53913. Brother Gollmar, F.P.S., contemplates a book or compilation of such material if the volume warrants.
186 - Samuel Elbert. A modest Brother from Pico Rivera, California, who seems to wish to remain anonymous writes, "When the remains of General Samuel Elbert were re-interred in Colonial Cemetery, Savannah, Georgia, on March 10, 1924, one of the speakers mentioned the 'historic incident when Brother Elbert's life was saved at the Battle of Brier Creek by a British officer, when he gave the sign of distress of a Mason'." Does anyone have additional information on this event? Brother Erikson will be pleased.
187 - John Paul Jones. On page 321 of William Moseley Brown's book entitled, George Washington - Freemason, there is a note which says, "It is not known that John Paul Jones was a member of the Masonic Fraternity." Wasn't he made in some Lodge in Scotland? Didn't he attend somewhere in Paris ? J.A.E., Va.
188 - Masons "Made at Sight." Has anyone made a study and published anything on Masons made "at sight"? J. E., Calif.
189 - Corson Collection. What is the Corsen or Carson Collection or Library and where is it located? A. R., N.Y.
190 - Cross Letters. I have seen the letters of Jeremy Ladd Cross cited or mentioned in various Masonic books and magazines. Are they still in existence and where are they located? A.R., N.Y.
191 - Mysterious Jewel. A member of the Society on Long Island reports coming across a Past Master's jewel which has engraved on the reverse "from General George Washington 1782, Lodge 43." There is also a reference to Antient (Lodge?) 507 and the name John T. Howing. Can someone untangle those names and numbers?
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If one were asked to sum up the meaning of Masonry in one word, the only word equal to the task is Light. From its first lesson to its last lecture, in every degree and in every symbol, the mission of Masonry is to bring the light of God into the life of man. It has no other aim, knowing that when the light shines, the truth will be revealed.
The Entered Apprentice is admonished that he is to erect his "future moral and Masonic edifice" on certain tenets, virtues, and principles. Without them he cannot build; he is like the man building his house upon the sand instead of upon the rock.
We find, then, that we are all face to face with the inevitable necessity of making our choice between the send and the rock as our foundation.
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During a visit of grand officers of the United Lodge of England to Stockholm, they were complimented to hear the Danish ruler, King Christian, preside aver a Lodge of which he was Master and give part of the Swedish ceremony of initiation in the English language. The king was Grand Master of the National Grand Lodge