Contents
It Seems To Me William F. 'Buffalo Bill' Cody
Philalethes, Ars Quotuor Hold Joint Meeting Masonic Activity in Wartime
Library of the Late Ward K. St. Clair, F.P.S. Recommended Masonic Reading
The President's Corner The Harmost An Unusual Office
Frank Harrison Wilson Word Pairs In Masonry
Another Angle on Lodge Attendance THE THREE KINGS
Thoughts on Progressive
Action
Notes, Queries and Information
Published bi-monthly at Franklin, Indiana by
THE PHILALETHES SOCIETY
John Black Vrooman, F.P.S., Editor
Box 402, St. Louis, Missouri 63166
OFFICERS
Robert H. Gollmar, F.P.S., President
P.O. Box 194
Baraboo, Wisconsin 53913
William R. Denslow, F.P.S. First Vice President
P.O. Box 529
Trenton, Missouri 64683
Andrew J. White, Jr. M.P.S. Second Vice President
150 East Broad Street
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Carl R. Greisen, F.P.S., Executive Secretary
201 Masonic Temple
Omaha, Nebraska 68102
Ronald E. Heaton, F.P.S., Treasurer
728 Haws Avenue
Norristown Pennsylvania 19401
LIVING PAST PRESIDENTS
Lee E. Wells, F.P.S.
Alphonse Cerza, F.P.S. Life
Dr. Charles Gottshall Reigner, F.P.S.
ASSOCIATE EDITORS
Alphonse Cerza, F.P.S. (Life)
237 Millbridge Road
Riverside, Illinois 60546
Bob M. Stowe, M.P.S.
554 Waterman,
St. Louis, Missouri 63112
Volume XXI, No. 4
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by JOHN BLACK VROOMAN, Editor
THAT as we enter the long summer season, lie in the shade and rest, that we must set our minds for the coming activities of fall. Two important things are now to be considered, each of which meshes with the other, and forms a vital, interesting and effective program that can easily turn into a major activity for the good of the Society.
First - in October of this year, the Philalethes Society will have completed 40 years of dedicated service to Freemasonry. This is something that should rate more than a casual observance, and it is the hope of all the officers that in every locality where there are three or more members of the Society, that two things may happen; a gathering, for fellowship, reconsecration and progress, with a program, good will and activity, and, best of all, the second fall objective - to form as many local Philalethes groups as it is possible to do.
What is the impact of this projection? The individual member of the Philalethes Society is the nucleus of its activity and program. It is essential that every member shall have a part, however small, in formulating and executing some of the projects of the Society.
As has been said before, the local groups - Chicago, Oregon, Kentucky and others, have furnished outstanding programs, entertainment and participation. The Masonic Workshop, held in Washington each February, has continued to draw a large and interested group to discuss and formulate plans for activity and action. The leaders of all these groups are the spark by which more members will be other than joining members, and will become an ardent and effective dynamo for fulminating Freemasonry in action.
The leader, whether in the community, in Freemasonry, in the Church or in civic activities, is the person who puts everyone to work in a way that will redound to the glory of all concerned. In the Philalethes, it has now come to a place where just reading the magazine, occasionally attending a meeting, or sending in ideas for improvement, is not enough. Every member must take inventory, set himself to work, and create enthusiasm among all the other members of the Society in his locality.
Brethren - now is the time! Let's get to work NOW, and make our splendid Society a landmark which will stimulate and activate Masonic thought and action. Every city, village and community in which there are living members of the Philalethes Society owe it to the Society to start action by which a local group, however small, may be set to work and given proper instruction. When things are relaxed, no work, nothing but restful relaxation, is the ideal time in which to contact a small group, talk it over, and get a Cell started. When fall comes, get the group together, make plans, and do something spectacular by which to celebrate the fortieth anniversary of the formation of our splendid group way back to 1928. You, my Brother - the individual member of the Society, are the key man, and on you alone rests the responsibility of gathering the faggots which will fill the fireplace and build a roaring fire of enthusiasm by which the ideals and activities of the Society may become a flame of great heat, that will make Freemasonry active.
Featured in this issue . ..
EDITORIAL, IT SEEMS TO ME, by John Black Vrooman, F,P,S, Editor,
WILLIAM F. "BUFFALO BILL" CODY, by Robert H. Gollmar, F,P,S.
PHILALETHES – A.Q.C. JOINT MEETING AT CHICAGO
MASONIC ACTIVITIES IN WARTIME, PART 11, by Stephen R. Greenburg, M.P.S. (Ill.)
IN MEMORIAM, WILLIAM MAJOR BROWN, by Ben F. Mandelbaum, M.P.S. (Okla.)
THE BIBLIOGRAPHY AND MASONIC LIBRARY OF THE LATE WARD K. ST. CLAIR, by William G. Peacher, M.P.S.
RECOMMENDED MASONIC READING, by Alphonse Cerza, F P,S., Life
THE PRESIDENT'S CORNER, by Robert H. Gollmar, F.P.S.
THE HARMOST, AN UNUSUAL OFFICE
BOOK CLUB?
IN MEMORIAM, FRANK HARRISON WILSON
WORD PAIRS IN MASONRY, by Jerry Erikson, F.P.S. (Calif.)
ANOTHER ANGLE ON LODGE ATTENDANCE, by Ralph A, Herbold, M.P.S. (Calif.)
WELCOME TO NEW MEMBERS
THE THREE KINGS, by William T. Smith, M.P.S. (Ky.)
THOUGHTS ON PROGRESSIVE ACTION, by Kenneth F. Curtis, F.P.S. (Fla.)
GOOD READING
NOTES, QUERIES AND INFORMATION, by Bob M. Stowe, F.P.S. (Mo.)
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William F. 'Buffalo Bill' Cody
By Robert H. Gollmar, F.P.S.
INDIAN SCOUT, buffalo hunter, pony express rider, circus owner; Buffalo Bill Cody remains one of the all-time colorful heroes of Western lore. The "story" of his life was unique, interesting and exciting even if we discount the often fictional additions of Buntline and other earlier chroniclers of life in the West. Buntline, an early writer of so-called dime novels, did a public relations job on Cody that would be acceptable in Hollywood today. Nevertheless, even the "bare bones" of Cody's life and adventure are fabulous and enjoyable.
This article is not concerned, except incidentally, with Cody's story but will be concerned with his connection with Masonry. A long-time Mason, William F. Cody was buried with Masonic pomp and ceremony by Golden City Lodge No. 1 of Golden, Colorado, at the request of his home Lodge, Platte Valley Lodge No. 32, of North Platte, Nebraska. His body lies on Lookout Mountain near Denver, Colorado. The marker reads:
"In Memoriam. Colonel William Frederick Cody. 'Buffalo Bill.' Noted scout and Indian fighter. Born February 26, 1845, Scott County, Iowa. Died January 10, 1917, Denver, Colorado. At rest here by his request."
I particularly acknowledge the assistance of our Secretary, Brother Carl R. Greisen, who is a member of Platte Valley Lodge No. 32, in obtaining for me copies of the old records of that Lodge and of Past Master Heston D. Adams of Golden City Lodge No. 1 who likewise sent me copies of the minutes of his Lodge.
Born in Scott County, Iowa, William F. Cody was a son of Isaac Cody. His father went to Kansas in 1853 and took an active part in the struggle for a free Kansas. Isaac was stabbed in a political quarrel and died in 1857. Young Bill, who was then twelve years of age, went to work for Russell, Majors and Waddell, carrying government supplies through the West. By 1861 he was an Indian scout and served with the Seventh Kansas Cavalry. He rode with the pony express and is credited with a trip of 362 miles without sleep.
Later he became a professional buffalo hunter furnishing meat to the railroads. He is credited with killing 4280 buffaloes in eighteen months and fighting sixty-four Indians. He was Chief of Indian Scouts in 1868 and stationed at Fort McPherson in Nebraska. After the Indian War with the Sioux, Buffalo Bill organized the first rodeo in America on July 4, 1882, at North Platte. This was followed by his Wild West Show that opened in Omaha, Nebraska, on May 17, 1883. This was the first of the great Wild West Shows. Cody took his show on a tour of Europe where he was received by the crowned heads of many of the countries.
The Masonic story of Brother Cody opens in Platte Valley Lodge, Under Dispensation, at its third meeting "holder at the Lodge room over Bro. Chas. McDonald's Store, Cottonwood Springs, Nebr., at 8 o'clock P.M. Saturday Febr 12th, A.L. 1870." The minutes show that the Lodge opened in the Master Mason degree and received five petitions for initiation, one of which was from William F. Cody (Buffalo Bill).
The Masonic career of Brother Cody and the history of Platte Valley Lodge began at the same time. The Lodge was warranted on January 15, 1870, and received its charter on June 23, 1870, with nine charter members. It was almost a military Lodge in its inception. The first meeting of the proposed Lodge was held at Cottonwood Springs on the Fort McPherson Reservation on November 15, 1869. There were five Masons present: Chaplain A.A. Reese, U.S. Army and Captains A. B. Taylor, W. H. Brown and Edward H. Leib, and 1st Lieut. Chas. B. Brady of the 5th U.S. Cavalry. They actually met in a room of Captain Brown's quarters. Later they met in the Post Trader's Store and then in the room of Brother Fred W. Orth, Hospital Steward, in the Hospital Building.
The first formal Lodge room was on the second story of Brother Chas. McDonald's building at Cottonwood where they met on January 3, 1870. This room was used until 1872 when the Lodge built a building in North Platte and moved to that city. Brother Carl R. Greisen was the Master in 1926 and Secretary from 1929-1945.
The Lodge in McDonald's store was east and south of the Fort and it is said that as many as 1200 emigrant wagons would pass the store in one day. And we have traffic jams?
The Lodge had been tentatively named "Hiram" but Platte Valley was adopted prior to warranting. The Lodge had a public installation in the band quarters of the Fort on January 17, 1870.
The meeting on February 12th at which Brother Cody petitioned was the first meeting of the Lodge at which petitions were received.
At a meeting on February 26, 1870, the committee, all army personnel, reported favorably and Cody was elected. The Entered Apprentice degree was duly conferred on March 5, 1870. The Lodge was active and conferred four other Entered Apprentice degrees as well as two Fellow Craft degrees in that evening. The minutes show that Lodge closed at midnight.
The Lodge seemed to meet on Monday or Saturday and on Saturday, April 2, 1870, Cody was found proficient and passed to the degree of Fellow Craft.
On April 23, 1870, our hero was examined in the Fellow Craft degree and FAILED TO PASS. The name of Cody does not appear in the minutes again until January 10, 1871. At this time he was reballotted on and elected to receive the Master Mason degree. He must have passed a satisfactory examination because the Master Mason degree was duly conferred, "he paying the fee for the same $12." It is interesting to find that there were thirty-five Brethren in attendance, two of whom were noted as members of Lodges in Ireland.
One additional note from the Secretary of the Lodge. He read the minutes from the beginning through 1917 when Cody died and apparently he only visited his own Lodge on one occasion, subsequent to receiving his work: On March 3, 1900.
Brother Cody belonged to all of the Masonic bodies at North Platte and the "bare bones" record discloses:
Petitioned Euphrates Chapter No. 15, Royal Arch Masons September 1, 1887. He was elected to receive the Capitular degrees on October 6, 1887, and was advanced to the degree of Mark Master, inducted a Past Master and acknowledged a Most Excellent Master, all on November 14, 1888. It is noted that he received the Royal Arch degree the following day, being November 15, 1888.
Brother Cody petitioned Palestine Commandery No. 13, Knights Templar, on December 28, 1888, and was elected to receive the Orders on February 22, 1889. He was dubbed a Knight Templar on April 2, 1889.
The Masonic Monthly in February 1917, stated that Cody was a 32nd degree Mason. I have no verification of this but Brother Ben Elliott who comes from North Platte and has made an extensive study of Buffalo Bill advised me that he heard that Cody received the Scottish Rite somewhere in New York state in his later years.
Colonel Cody was a man who lived life to its fullest. He loved good whiskey and beautiful women and colorful activity was his meat and drink.
It is said that when he was Chief of Scouts under General Curtis with headquarters in St. Louis, he was riding down the street one morning. A group of drunken soldiers were annoying some young women. He sailed into the group, knocked out three of them, and rescued the girls. Later he married one of these young women, Louisa Frederci.
Buffalo Bill became a very heavy drinker in his later years and was often lifted bodily onto his horse for his triumphal ride into the circus ring. Even with shells loaded with fine shot, he had difficulty hitting targets in his later years. As a boy with the circus, I knew his "double" who usually appeared in the ring for him.
Brother Greisen tells a delightful little story of his own experience as a boy in North Platte. He recalls seeing Cody ride his white horse into John Den's saloon and saying to the bartender: "Set 'em up to all here; the treat's on me." Of course he did not descend from his horse.
A rather ribald story is told to the effect that at his funeral, there were present six of his mistresses. It being a very hot day, one of them stepped forward and held her parasol over the casket. We all have our frailties and Brother Bill was no different than the rest.
It is an ironic touch that in 1904, Buffalo Bill who became famous for his slaughtering of the buffalo, was placed in charge of all of the buffalo in Yellowstone Park. The appointment to this post, which also carried a small salary, was personally made by President Theodore Roosevelt who received Cody at the White House.
The Buffalo Bill Wild West Show was one of the largest and finest of its kind. The show travelled by railroad and made a triumphal tour of Europe. Colonel Cody was received and honored by royalty in many countries. The circus story is too long to tell here, but I will include one incident that occurred in my own state of Wisconsin. Perhaps, too, it contains some indication of why riots occur now even as they did then.
August 20, 1900, the little (4,000 pop.) city of Prairie du Chien, Wis., was selected as a one-day stand. The day was hot and clear and 10,000 people watched the parade. The cowboy band played; there were Indians, cowboys, the famous Deadwood stage, and Buffalo Bill tall in the saddle on his huge white horse, clad all in white buckskin with his white hair and beard blowing in the breeze.
The performance included the Indian attack on the stage, Annie Oakley with her trick shooting, bucking horses and bulls; the whole colorful spectacle of the Far West.
After the afternoon show, there was a "clem" which is circus language for a riot between the circus people and the "towners." It started, as many of these things do, from a small matter. Some of the cowboys were drinking in a saloon and the owner, believing they were not going to pay a bill of fifty cents, drew his revolver. A fight ensued and a "special deputy" appointed for the day, tried to arrest the cowboys. They chased him down the street and in the melee he shot a cowboy in the shoulder. Then it became a general fight and pandemonium set in. The district attorney sent a telegram to the Governor asking for troops and they were dispatched by special train.
Finally some one thought of contacting Buffalo Bill. He was found resting in his tent. Only partially clothed he mounted his horse and galloped to the scene. A few words from him quieted his men and peace was restored.
The last and perhaps the greatest Masonic scene in Cody's life was his funeral. Dying in January, for obvious reasons the funeral was postponed to June 3, 1917. This was a great spectacle of statewide scope and the Masonic Order had a prominent part in the proceedings.
I turn now to the minutes of Golden City Lodge No. 1, of Golden, Colorado. An interesting sidelight is the fact that at each regular meeting the Lodge opened in the first degree, transacted business. then in the second and finally in the third degree.
The first reference to Colonel Cody is at a regular communication on May 21, 1917. Letters were read and filed relative to the "William F. Cody Funeral, that is to take place on Lookout Mountain on June 3, 1917." Unfortunately these letters have disappeared. "On motion it was voted that the committee that had charge of William F. Cody funeral, in Denver, be notified that Golden City Lodge No. 1, A.F.&A.M. would take charge of the body of our late brother at 2:30 P.M. on June 3, 1917." Pretty formal in their operations, these Brethren of fifty years ago. The Lodge also voted to accept the services of the Olinger Quartette to furnish the music for the funeral.
On May 28, 1917, a special communication was held to discuss plans "and such other matters as might come up on June Third, 1917, at the funeral of our late Brother William F. Cody (Buffalo Bill) of Platte Valley Lodge No. 32, A.F.&A.M." It was decided to open Lodge at 12:30 sharp on the third. The Brethren desiring tickets to attend would be furnished them not later than 1 p.m. Arrangements were to be made for the parking of 35 automobiles with transportation furnished by The Williams Transportation and Investment Co., F.A. Landry and some Brethren. "The W.M. appointed Brother Jay J. Bryan to read a poem in memory of William F. Cody (Buffalo Bill) written by Brother A.F. Beeler, a member of Platte Valley Lodge."
On June 3rd the Lodge met in Emergent Communication. Pall bearers were appointed and a Brother as bearer of the Great Lights. I quote from the minutes:
"The Lodge then repaired by Auto steamers to the top of Lookout Mountain where they met and took charge of the body of our late Brother and buried it in due and ancient form, according to Masonic Rites, about 150 Brethren taking part. An escort of Knights Templar and some of the Brethren from Platte Valley Lodge No. 32 of North Platte, Neb., also attended. After the burial they again repaired to the Hall in the city of Golden and closed the Lodge on the Third Degree of Masonry in due and ancient form. Peace and Harmony prevailing."
Newspaper accounts of the funeral report that 15,000 people attended the service including representatives of the United Spanish War Veterans, Elks, G.A.R., Pioneers Society of Colorado and the Cowboy Rangers of Denver. There were dignitaries of all kinds present. The ceremonies closed with taps blown by the chief musician with the Fifth Ohio Infantry in the Spanish-American War followed by an eleven cannon salute by Battery B of the Colorado National Guard.
Those who are concerned with present day vandalism will note that a day and night police guard was maintained at the grave until the monument was erected "to prevent curio and memento seekers from committing acts of vandalism."
There is one "tempest in a teapot" that followed and should be noted. Colonel Cody had never been baptized and shortly before his death he expressed a wish to be baptized. His wife and family were all Roman Catholics and a Father Christopher Walsh was called and performed the baptism. This was prior to the ecumenical movement; Father Walsh apparently was carried away with the opportunity. The Denver Catholic Register published an article stating that Cody asked for Father Walsh; that seven doctors were present; that Cody was awake and made the "proper answers" to the question asked him and was converted to Catholicism.
This created a furor among Masonic publications and there were charges and countercharges. Brother W.W. Cooper, Grand Lecturer of Colorado, declared that Cody was unconscious or only partly conscious for several days before his death; that Cody was baptized but had not called the priest; that the latter had been called by a member of the family.
The New Age quoted Dr. John H. East, the physician in charge and a Mason, as stating that the priest was called by Mrs. Cody; that Cody was in a total coma throughout and had previously requested that his funeral be in charge of the Masons and Knights Templar.
The final word was really said by Cody's sister, Mrs. Decker, a Roman Catholic. She declared that Cody was unconscious when baptized and no effort was made to rouse him. It should be said in recognition of his wife and family that they carried out Buffalo Bill's desire for a Masonic service to the ultimate.
So Buffalo Bill rests in Lookout Mountain in a shrine attended by many thousands of tourists each year. The old showman would love that.
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Philalethes,
Ars Quotuor Hold Joint Meeting
In Chicago Area
It is an established fact that when the Chicago Philalethes group meets, there is food for thought, good fellowship and a lot of good Masonic meat, and the meeting June 6, 1968, was certainly no exception.
Establishing another first the Chicago group held a joint dinner meeting at the comfortable Eleanor Club, on Wabash Avenue, with the local members of Ars Quotuor Coronati, the famous English Research Lodge, which resulted in more than thirty-five interested Freemasons present, and a gain in membership for both Masonic organizations, some who attended, having joined the Masonic group to which they had not yet attained.
Alphonse Cerza, F.P.S., Life, past president of Philalethes, was toastmaster, ably assisted by Albert L. Woody, secretary of the Chicago group. After a delightful dinner, each one present was called on to give his name, Lodge identification and other pertinent facts, after which Al Cerza proceeded with the program.
It was the privilege of the Editor of the Philalethes magazine, John Black Vrooman, to again be present at a Chicago meeting, and talk to the guests about the background, growth and activities of the Society.
Speaking reminiscently about the early days when there were but few members, widely scattered and with little real means of contact, the Editor showed how the intense spirit of fellowship and a desire to meet and talk with intelligent Brethren about matters of Masonic interest, it was then brought out by the speaker that, although the Great Depression of the '30's brought to an almost complete halt the early activities of this small group, there was, nevertheless, a large amount of correspondence and interchange of views which paved the way for a later activation of a workable program.
Sparked by the end of the depression, and encouraged by the boom which preceded World War II, the Society went into partial eclipse until the end of hostilities, but at that time, the magazine the Philalethes, was activated, and since then the membership has grown, both in numbers and in activity, until there are now approximately 1,100 members in every state in the United States and many foreign countries. But, the speaker said, this is just the beginning, and there is much to be done to make the Society work at its best level.
Albert L. Woody, F.P.S., who is the local Secretary for A.Q.C. Lodge, then spoke on "What is Quotuor Coronati Lodge," and gave an interesting and informative history of the oldest Masonic Lodge of Research in the world, established under the Constitution of the United Grand Lodge of England in 1883, and now numbering literally thousands of Corresponding Members, together with the regular members living in London. This Lodge, whose very erudite Secretary, Harry Carr, is also an ardent and enthusiastic member of the Philalethes Society, publishes a volume of Transactions, papers contributed to the Lodge by members everywhere, and furnishes one of the outstanding sources of Masonic information possible to find anywhere. Former president, Alphonse Cerza, F.P.S., Life, contributed a paper on Anti-Masonry, which appears in the last volume of the Transactions.
A talk, illustrated by lantern slides, on Compagnonage and Its Survival in France Today, was given by Brother Richard Craig, and was then followed by a very interesting and closely followed discussion, taken part in by most of the large number present. It was indicative of the fact that, at these meetings, there is good audience - participation, and that topics of interest are quickly followed up with provocative discussion.
So interesting was the discussion, that the meeting did not break up until after nine o'clock. Another such meeting is planned for this fall.
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At a gathering of women the conversation turned to a discussion of Masons. Some of the women seemed to be rather well informed on the subject, but one woman was bored and finally remarked, "Well, I don't know much 'about Masons, but I think their fruit jars are very nice." Don't many of us Masons have a lot of fruit jars into which we put our Masonry, then seal the jars and set them away in a dark corner?
- Exchange
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WHEN YOU MOVE
Don't forget to notify us, so you will get your current magazine.
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By Dr. Stephen R. Greenberg, M.P.S.
II. THE WAR BETWEEN THE STATES
EDITOR'S NOTE: Stories of Masonic interest which occurred during the Spanish-American War will be the subject of the next presentation.
THE YEAR 1861, found our country deeply immersed in conflict. A battle, not against a foreign power, eager to subjugate a young nation bravely struggling for freedom, but one of neighbor pitted against neighbor; of American standing against American; a war between the states!
Once again, Masons on both sides were being called upon to bear arms. The bombardment of Fort Sumter in April, marked the opening of this tragic era; it found Masonic commanding officers on both sides of the line.
As the war progressed, the battles increased in number and intensity. Colonel W.H. Raynor, an officer serving with the Union forces, described the combat at Bull Run. The battlefield was situated in a small valley. Its floor was covered by the bodies of the fallen; the small stream that wandered across the area was colored red by the blood shed there. When the firing finally died away, the Northerners fled in disorder, pursued by their enemy.
Among the injured who lay upon the field of battle, was a soldier clad in the Union blue. His cries for help went unheeded until, with one final desperate effort, he uttered the Masonic Sign of Distress. Three Confederate soldiers, recognizing this alarm, sprang to his assistance. The wounded man was carried from the field and given all possible succor. A generation later, those who read of this episode in that frightful valley, are at once made aware of the power and majesty of the Mystic Tie which binds together Craftsmen wherever they may be.
Soon after the first battle of Mannasas, the Eighteenth Virginia Regiment, commanded by Colonel Robert F. Withers, who was later to become the Grand Master of Masons in his state, was encamped, when a Union soldier, captured during the night, was brought before him. The prisoner stated that the officer in charge of his Brooklyn regiment lay severely wounded in the nearby woods. He offered to guide a rescue party to the injured man, whom he believed, would surely die unless help was promptly rendered.
A detail of soldiers was dispatched, and the wounded Yankee, Colonel Benjamin Wood, was returned to the camp.
While conversing with him, Colonel Withers observed a Masonic pin upon his shirt. Ascertaining that they were indeed Brothers, he directed his fellow officer from the North be given every aid and attention to speed his recovery. When sufficient strength had been regained to permit travel, Colonel Wood was taken to a hospital at Charlotteville. The local Masonic Lodge, appraised of the situation, assumed the duties of his subsequent care.
The great and lasting impression made in an army hospital, of the kindness shown to Confederate soldiers lying wounded, by Union surgeons, upon a man who was destined to become the President of a reunited America, William McKinley, convinced him that the Masonic order to which all of these men belonged, a body whose teachings transcended all of the evils of war, was indeed worthy of membership. His own initiation into Hiram Lodge No. 21 at Winchester, Virginia, was presided over by a Confederate Master Mason.
During the shelling of the Mississippi River town of St. Francisville, Louisiana, on June 11, 1864, the commanding officer, Captain John Hart, of the U.S.S. Albatross succumbed, although not from enemy action. The executive officer, T.B. Dubois, discovered the body of the deceased officer in his cabin. Both men were Masons.
Dubois, believing that Captain Hart would have desired a Masonic burial service, went under a flag of truce to the village in order to secure whatever help he could toward this end. He was able to find a Masonic Lodge in St. Francisville. The Master was away serving in the Confederate Army, but the Senior Warden, William Leake, who also wore the Gray uniform, was present. When asked for aid in arranging a funeral service for a departed enemy Brother, Leake responded that he would be honored to accord this mark of respect, for the bonds of Masonry extended far beyond the nature of one's relations with the outer world. He set about finding all the Brethren still in the vicinity to attend the service.
Thus it came to pass, that on June 13, 1864, a small group of Confederate Masons marched solemnly in procession to the little church of St. Francisville, exchanging their sidearms for white aprons and gloves, to render their final respects to a fallen Brother; laying him to rest in a cemetery, pockmarked by shells from the Union gunboat which he had commanded. It was said that each man present that day felt a little better for having conducted himself in such a manner.
The strangest, perhaps the most incredible incident relevant to Masonry that occurred during the war between the states, took place near Rolla, Missouri, in August of 1861.
During the night, a small band of rebels was captured by Union troops who came upon it after the cabin of a fellow soldier had been burned, causing the death of his wife and children. One of the captured soldiers was a boy of sixteen years. This lad, it was learned, had only recently arrived in this country from his native Ireland, and had somehow become caught up in the civil conflict.
A trial was ordered for the prisoners, but during the night, the others escaped, leaving behind the boy to face a firing squad. A military trial was conducted near the place where the burnt cabin had stood; the boy was sentenced to be shot at the rise of the morning sun.
At the appointed hour, the captured lad was brought forward, bound to a stake and blindfolded. At the instant when the rifles of the squad were poised, ready to deliver the fatal volley, a young girl sprang forward, placing herself in front of the unfortunate youth. She identified herself as the sister of the soldier about to be executed, and asked compassionately for his pardon.
Her request was denied. She then stepped toward the line of assembled troops and gave the Grand Masonic Sign of Distress. Many of those present were Masons and recognized the full significance of what was transpiring. The execution was postponed.
The girl was subsequently examined by a committee of Craftsmen drawn from the military command. They found her indeed, to be fully qualified in all of the degrees! She truly was a Master Mason!
No one ever succeeded in learning where or when she had been admitted to the Order, though it was ascertained that her father had once been the Master of a Lodge in the small Irish town from which she had come. During the confusion that accompanied these events, the girl and her brother made good their escape and were never seen again.
The author wishes to acknowledge the kind assistance given him by Alphonse Cerza, 33d, and the Iowa Masonic Library.
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In Memoriam
William Major Brown, F.P.S.
By BEN F. MANDLEBAUM, M.P.S.
Born March 14, 1889, died December 31, 1967.
Interment January 3, 1968, The Watts Chapel, Memorial Park, Guthrie, Oklahoma.
Received degrees in York Lodge No. 563, Columbus, Ohio. Initiated January 10, 1916, passed January 30, 1916, raised February 19, 1916; affiliated with Albert Pike Lodge No. 162, Guthrie, Oklahoma, September 23, 1935; demitted November 26, 1951; affiliated with Britton Lodge No. 434, Britton, Oklahoma, January 10, 1952.
Advertising Manager for J.R. Marker of the Masonic Review for many years and bought the publication from Marker and published it as owner for many years. About 1936.
Publisher of the Southwestern Freemason in 1936. Some copies in Grand Lodge files, but no record of when it suspended publication.
Letter from Silas H. Shepard, secretary of Philalethes Society notifying him of election as a Fellow, and listing him as No. 36, in Grand Lodge files. His Masterpiece, published in the Masonic Review was "Speculative Masonry."
(Possibly connected with a railroad in Ohio, the publication being the Brotherhood, but no verification of this.)
He always had very bad eyesight, and wore very thick glasses and in the last 10 years or so, used a magnification lens to read at all.
Entered the Masonic Home in Guthrie, and for some 8-10 years worked at the Grand Lodge Library, cataloging and refiling information and taking notes for verification of early Masonry in Oklahoma. These notes and records are in possession of the newly formed Lodge of Research of Oklahoma for future use.
Bill was very quiet, just listening and taking in items of Masonry for use in notes he kept in profusion. As far as was known he never held any office in Masonry at all. His hobby was collection of odd Masonic facts.
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The Bibliography and Masonic Library of the Late Ward K. St. Clair, F.P.S.
By William G. Peacher, M.P.S.
A GENERAL survey of the outstanding personal libraries of two well known contemporary Masonic historians was published recently in the Philalethes: 1) The William L. Cummings, 33d, Library, 20:38, 40, April 1967; 2) Bibliography and Masonic Library of Harold V. B. Voorhis, 20: 102-103, December 1967.
The author has recently acquired the Masonic historical and ritualistic collection of Ward K. St. Clair through Mrs. Marion St. Clair and Harold V. B. Voorhis. This paper will be devoted to a review of this material together with a brief resume of St. Clair's Masonic writings.
St. Clair contributed many interesting and informative articles on Masonry over a period of thirty years (1936-1966). These appeared in the following journals: Square and Compass (Colorado); Masonic World (Detroit); Bulletin, Grand Lodge of Iowa; A.Q.C.; R.A.M.; American Lodge of Research; Masonic Outlook (New York); Nocalore (North Carolina); Virginia Herald; Miscellanea; New Zealand Craftsman; Ohio Chapter of Research; Proceedings of Grand Commandery, Knights Templar, Missouri; West Australia Craftsman, Empire State Mason (New York); the New Age; The Philalethes, and the Manchester Association of Masonic Research.
St. Clair's greatest interests, and accordingly contributions, were in the field of ritual and Templary.
While on terminal leave from military service as a Lieutenant Colonel in the China-Burma-India Theater in World War II, St. Clair studied and classified the ritualistic collection at the Iowa Masonic Library at Cedar Rapids, Iowa, from July 28 to August 7, 1945. His findings were summarized in a series of thirteen informative articles printed in the Grand Lodge Bulletin, Iowa, from September 1945 to January 1950. Other manuscripts pertaining to ritual are found in the aforementioned publications.
Those interested in Templar history and ritual would best consult the series of articles in the Square and Compass (Colorado) 1936-1943 and Nocalore (North Carolina) 1937-1944. An exceptionally fine paper on the Order of the Red Cross was published in the Proceedings of Grand Commandery, Knights Templar, State of Missouri, 1945.
There have been four histories written on the development and progress of Templary in New York state. The first on the constituent Commanderies by Robert Macoy, Grand Recorder, 1851-1894, appeared in the Proceedings, Grand Commandery, K.T., New York, 1882. Robert Mullan, Grand Recorder, 1928-1949 wrote a privately printed centennial history when Grand Commander in 1914. Mullan then asked St. Clair to record the events from 1914-1945 which were again privately distributed in the latter year. Finally, the sesquicentennial booklet prepared by St. Clair was presented at the Annual Conclave of the Grand Commandery June 15, 1963, at Troy, New York.
An idea of the approximate extent of his writings can be gleaned from four volumes of typewritten copies of addresses and published Masonic historical data which are in his collection:
The first contains twenty-five addresses delivered to the Lodges of the Fourth Manhattan District during 1951-1952 when D.D.G.M.
The remaining volumes comprehend respectively forty-nine, forty-five, and fifty reprints of previously printed articles. St. Clair, therefore, wrote a grand total of 179 papers on Masonry.
His surviving personal correspondence is a "Who's Who" in Masonry. This includes such names as Fred L. Pick, R.J. Meekren, George S. Draffen, Harry W. Bundy, Harry Carr, Reginald B. Harris, Ross Hepburn, Henry J. Sumner, E.E. Goolay, Norman Peterson, J. B. Vrooman, Harold V.B. Voorhis, Alex Home, Earl Dusenberry, James F. Smith, Ray Shute, Charles Copestake, G. E. W. Bridge, et al.
Although most of these men are known to the author only by reputation. these letters plus familiarity with their writings, previous conversations with Cummings, St. Clair, and Voorhis would make them almost like "old friends."
Perhaps the greatest fund of knowledge is contained in the amassed and sustained personal correspondence with the late Dr. William L. Cummings covering the years 1939 to 1966. This consists of eight large notebooks (Cummings' original letter with St. Clair's carbon copy reply) which is a veritable "Question and Answer" course in all phases of Freemasonry, but particularly ritual.
The only portion of the Masonic library not in the author's hands are duplicates in his collection such as the R.A.M., Nocalore, A.L.R., and a few miscellaneous books which Voorhis distributed to other interested scholars.
The Masonic library can be divided in four sections:
I. Ritual, historical pamphlets, addresses, etc. These were stored in files and boxes as follows:
A. One standard four and one two-drawer letter-size files were filled with folders and notebooks containing personal correspondence (U. S. and foreign), typed copies or photostats of papers, addresses, and miscellaneous rituals. These latter will be tabulated in the future.
B. There were seventeen cardboard boxes averaging in size 16" x 12" x 4" containing reprints, papers, programs, clippings, small books, miscellaneous rituals, monitors, histories, constitutions, etc. Two additional similar cartons were filled with non-Masonic rituals and papers. It is planned to classify these at a later date.
II. Proceedings:
Complete sets: New York State York Rite Bodies, New York Council of Deliberation, Supreme Council, 33d, A.A.S.R., N.M.J., General Grand Chapter.
Incomplete sets: Red Cross of Constantine, General Grand Council, Grand Encampment, Supreme Council 33d, A.A.S.R., S.M.J.
Organizational Proceedings of many Grand Commandery Jurisdictions. Great Priory, K.T., England and Wales.
III. Periodicals:
Complete sets: Builder, Nocalore, American Lodge of Research, R.A.M., Ohio Chapter Research, Collectanea, Quaternion, K.T.P., Miscellanea, Missouri Lodge of Research, Grand College of Rites, Knight Templar Magazine.
Incomplete sets: A.Q.C., Arkansas Research Lodge No. 739, Volume 1-3, Nova Scotia Lodge of Research, 1915-1924, Lodge CC, Ireland, The Philalethes, Manchester Association for Masonic Research.
Volumes and Miscellaneous Material.
1. Centennial, sesquicentennial histories, and miscellaneous pamphlets: York and Scottish Rite Bodies.
2. Standard size 8" x 11" notebooks: lists of Masonic rites and systems; Grand Lodge legislation concerning ritual and the P. M. degree.
3. Encyclopedias: Mackey, Gould, Coil, Preuss, Stevens, Mackenzie, Kenning.
4. Monitors: Preston, Webb, Cross, Moore.
5. Minutes, Historical Committee, Supreme Council 33d, A.A.S.R., N.M.J., 1953. Lindsay Report: August 1950.
6. Translation of the Choumitzky pamphlet.
7. Masonic World - Denslow.
8. Capitular Review - Denslow, Hunt.
9. Knoop and Jones: Complete set of books, pamphlets.
10. R.A.M. History - Conover, Proceedings Grand Chapter Michigan, R.A.M. (1920-1929).
11. Rosicrucian: Clymer, Wescott, Jennings, Heindel, Wittemans.
12. French (Ragon), German (Kloss), Italian monographs.
13. History: Lenoff, Findel, Laurie, Lyon, Lindsay, Pike.
14. English: Oliver, Hughan, Speth, Vibert, Gould, Grantham, Springett.
15. Irish: Lepper, Crossle, Parkinson
16. Templary: Scully, Creigh, Draffen, Ryan, Robertson, Campbell, Brown, Shermerhorn.
IV. Card Files
There were seven standard single drawer files filled with 3" x 5" cards:
1. Prominent Masons: birth dates; Masonic events: 1700 to 1966.
2. Subject references: American Lodge of Research, Ohio Chapter of Research, Collectanea, Lodge of Research CC, Dublin.
3. Author index: York and Scottish Rite bodies, S.R.I.C.F., French, celebrations, non-Masonic, miscellaneous.
4. General subject index: Books: non-Masonic, Masonic.
5. Craft Masonry.
6. Degree references.
7. Rituals: Masonic, non-Masonic.
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BY ALPHONSE CERZA, F.P.S. (Life), Illinois
Over the years there has been a perennial interest in the career of the person known as Count Cagliostro. He has been fabled as the greatest Masonic charlatan; and he has many who still uphold his occult powers. Those interested in the events of his life will be glad to hear that the French book "Cagliostro: Scoundrel or Saint?" by Francois R. Dumas has been translated into English by Elizabeth Abbott. The book is available from Orion Press, 125 A, E. 19th Street, Manhattan, New York, New York, at $6.95 a copy.
* * *
The Slavonic and East European Review, July, 1966, issue, contains an article entitled "Attempts to Revive Freemasonry in Russia," by Boris Elkins. This periodical is published by the University of London. The article states there were early attempts to establish the Craft in Russia. Alexander I in 1822 closed all Masonic Lodges. The decree was confirmed in 1826 by Nicholas I. Mystery surrounds the subject until 1905 when there was an attempt to create Lodges in that country. There is some evidence of Masons living in the country. This article discusses details of the 1905 move with much documentation.
Available from the University of London, School of Slavonic and East European Studies, London, W.C.1, England at $4.20 a copy postpaid.
* * *
Our own illustrious member, Brother Allen Cabaniss, has written a short and delightful history of the Grand Lodge of Mississippi in commemoration of the 150th anniversary of that Grand Lodge. The literary work of our Brother will be reproduced in the Grand Lodge Proceedings, and there are no present plans to have the item printed as a separate item.
Those interested are invited to communicate with Professor Allen Cabaniss, Box 253, University, Mississippi 38677.
* * *
Several years ago there was sent to each member of the Society a copy of a brochure on Valley Forge. The booklet has been revised and expanded, with many color pictures, by our Treasurer, Ronald E. Heaton. Our members interested in Colonial history will like to secure a copy of this fine brochure. Those interested should communicate with Brother Ronald Heaton, 728 Haws Avenue, Norristown, Pa.
* * *
Last year there was published "Workers' Paradise Lost," by Eugene Lyons, who for years was a correspondent in Russia and an early sympathizer. In this book he reviews the fifty years of the Communistic experiment and shows conclusively that it has failed in every area of endeavor.
Available from Funk and Wagnalls, Pleasantville, New York 10570 at $6.95 a copy.
* * *
Brother Mike M. Stoyanovich, a member of Monrovia Lodge No. 308, California, during World War II was a close associate of General Draza Mihailovich, of Yugoslavia. He lived with the Chetniks, the freedom fighters of Serbia. They fought not only the German invaders but also the Russians and the local Communists led by Tito in an effort to preserve the country as part of the free world. Those were days of terror and sacrifice, and the brave men and women who fought the battle lost because of the overwhelming odds against them as well as the lack of understanding of their cause by the British.
Our Brother has told the details of the struggle to Florence Noland Bagnall and she has written an historical novel entitled Let My People Go. The names used are fictitious to protect persons who might be alive. And the format of the novel is used solely for the sake of reciting the events. The picture is a true one.
Available from Let My People Go, 204 West Foothill Blvd., Monrovia, California 91016, at $5.25 a copy postpaid.
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by Robert H. Gollmar, F.P.S.
August is traditionally a month in which formal Masonic activity either reaches a low point or grinds to a complete halt. I have sat in enough hot Lodge rooms in midsummer to be in hearty accord with this practice.
On the other hand, there are some light Masonic activities which can well be practiced. It is a good time for a Masonic golf tournament even on a small and informal basis. It is a good time to remember the ladies and children of Masons with a well organized picnic. For those who live in an area with water, it is a good time for some boat trips. A group of Masons who own boats could pleasantly join together for a summer outing by boat. Again this should include the wife and children.
On the more serious side, summer is an excellent time for the heads of all Masonic groups to plan winter activities. I suggest that a well-placed lawn chair in the shade is a fine place not only to contemplate the beauties of nature but also to give thought to the winter ahead. Hopefully this will avoid the trite old situation under which Lodges and other groups meet, read the minutes, allow the bills and adjourn.
For the members of our Society I would like to suggest again the formation of local chapters of Philalethes. Such a group need not be encumbered with lengthy rules and bylaws or even too many officers; in fact it should not be. Neither should we be obsessed with the need for "numbers" as such. If two or more members meet, even for lunch, and engage in Masonic discussion, this is an example of fraternalism that will inevitably be refreshing and helpful. Try it in your community. If any of your officers can assist you, we will be happy to do so.
I believe that John is publishing in this issue an article that I have written on Buffalo Bill. I hope that you enjoy it. I do not mention it to blow my own horn. I mention it because I believe it represents a great field of Masonic research which is virtually untouched. In every area there are or have been Masons whose activities are or have been sufficiently unique to be of interest to Masons generally. Look around in your area, check old minutes, even check cemeteries and you will be surprised at the interesting feature stories that are at hand. We are all interested in people especially if they have done something other than the humdrum. I might further point out that this field is particularly available for the Mason who would like to "write something" but has neither the training or inclination to enter the field of pure Masonic philosophy. Send John your article.
May I wish each of you a pleasant summer and renewed vigor for the Masonic year ahead.
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In a volume, "The History and Antiquities of the First Volunteer Lodge of Ireland (No. 620), from 1783-1920," published in the Transactions Of Research Lodge No. 200 of Ireland, will be found a description of a unique office which was created partly from necessity, partly from the novelty of the needs of the office, and an office in Masonry about which considerable conjecture has arisen.
Quoting from the above-named volume, we read that, in 1843 a new office, called "THE HARMOST," was created, to which one of the Past Masters was eligible. "The duties of the Harmost were to explain the obligations connected with the degrees conferred in the Lodge, to assist in promoting Masonic order, and to be responsible for the efficient and regular working of the Lodge. The office of Harmost appeared to be peculiar to this particular Lodge, and the word is not to be found in use elsewhere in modern times."
The statement goes on to explain the derivation of the word, and tells something of its history and antiquity. "Harmost," says Dr. Ogilvie's Imperial Dictionary of the English Language (n - Greek 'harmostes' from 'Harmozo,' to regulate), "in Greek antiquity, a governor, sent by the Lacedaemanians after the Polopenesian War, into a subject, or conquered town, partly to keep it in subjection and partly to abolish the democratic form of government, and establish one similar to their own."
American Masonry, except in rare instances in which some Grand Lodges may have an officer who acts as Grand Director of Ceremonies, do not have similar ritualistic and ceremonial officers. American Masons too, have slight consideration of the importance of such duties, but it might be to the betterment of some of us if stricter decorum and form of ceremony should be observed, with more care given to the preservation in full of our traditional ritualistic work in all its beauty.
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BOOK CLUB?
It has been suggested that there be created a Philalethes Book Club to serve the members of the Society. The two-fold purpose of the group would be to announce books of Masonic interest as soon as they are available and to propose the books to the members for purchase at a discount. The details would have to be formulated at a later date, and some things would have to be tried on a temporary basis. Generally, as soon as we know that a book is being published each member of the club would receive a notice of its title, the name of the author, a general description of the contents, and the price. Each member would then send in his order at once. After a short lapse of time the total number of books would be ordered at the dealer's discount price. The discount would be given to the member except for the actual cost of mailing the books to the individual members and preparing and mailing the preliminary notices.
If you are interested in joining such a project on a trial basis, please drop a line to that effect to:
Bob M. Stowe, 5554 Waterman Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63112.
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In Memoriam
Courtesy Grand Council, Royal and Select Masters
of Massachusetts
Born September 19, 1888 Departed January 27, 1968
Frank Harrison Wilson, age 79, passed away January 27, 1968, at the Melrose-Wakefield Hospital. Funeral services were held at the First Methodist Church, Melrose, Massachusetts, on January 31, 1968, at 2:30 p.m. Burial was in Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose, Massachusetts.
Frank was born September 19, 1888, in Medford, Massachusetts. Moved to Melrose at an early age and for the past 75 years was a resident of Melrose. He was married to Julia A. Frazier, and they had one daughter, Frances. Both survive him as well as two brothers, H. Ray Wilson of Park Terrace Drive, Melrose, and C. Elmer Wilson of Nashua, New Hampshire. He was employed as Traffic Manager of the New England Telephone Company until his retirement at the age of sixty-five.
Frank was a member of:
Wyoming Lodge A.F.&A.M., raised May 24, 1922; Waverly Royal Arch Chapter, exalted June 6, 1925; Melrose Council of Royal & Select Masters, greeted February 17, 1926, Illustrious Master 1936-37; Hugh DePayens Commandery No. 20, June 13, 1925, Commander 1933-34; the Scottish Rite Bodies, Valley of Boston, December 1931; Aleppo Temple, May 22, 1936; Grand Commander, Massachusetts & Rhode Island Knights Templar 1945-46; Most Illustrious Grand Master of Grand Council Royal & Select Masters of Massachusetts 1956-58.
HONORARY MEMBERSHIPS
Worcester County Commandery No. 5, Worcester, Massachusetts; Holy Sepulcher Commandery No. 8, Pawtucket, Rhode Island; Hugh DePayens Commandery No. 20, Melrose, Massachusetts; Bristol Commandery No. 29, Attleboro, Massachusetts; South Shore Commandery No. 31, East Weymouth, Massachusetts; Berkshire Commandery No. 43, Gloucester, Massachusetts; Presiding Councils Club of Eastern Massachusetts; Massachusetts & Rhode Island Associates Knights Templar Commanders; Omar Grotto, M.O.V.P.E.R.; Aleppo Temple, A.A.O.N.M.S.; White Mountain Shrine Club of New Hampshire; Hugh DePayens Commandery No. 19, Easton, Pennsylvania; The PGCS Association Knights Templar of New England; Grand Representative of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar, State of New York; Grand Representative of the Most Puissant Grand Council R. & S. M. of New Jersey; Honorable Member, Eastern Massachusetts Presiding Councils; Club Knights Templar; Past President of Massachusetts & Rhode Island Association Commanders of Knights Templar.
In the Allied Masonic Degrees in the U.S.A. he was a member of:
The Grand Masters Council; The Grand College of Rites; The Grand Council of Knight Masons, Dublin, Ireland; Paumanok Council No. 32, New York; Life Member Masonic Order of the Bath of U. S. A.; Life Member ye Ancient Order of Corks; Very Eminent Preceptor of Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests, in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, for the Grand College of America, in which order he was elevated and coroneted with the rank and decoration "Knight Commander" in February 1954, at Washington, D.C.; an M.P.S. of the Philalethes Society for which he wrote many articles; Recipient of the Order of Merit in the Grand Commandery; he was Representative in Grand Lodge N E O P from the local Lodge; Life Member of the Telephone Pioneers of America; Member of the First Methodist Church, Melrose; Life Member of Massachusetts Society Sons of American Revolution, being descended from Roger Wilson who was born in Scrooby Village, Nottingham County, England in 1588; A prominent member of the Pilgrim Body of Puritans and the Joint Stock Company which outfitted the Mayflower.
Frank was very much interested in Masonry, not only was he active, but he also wrote many articles for publication. He traveled country wide and no matter where he was he was well known and had many friends. He was a Super Excellent Master. Masonry has lost a valuable member.
R.I. Edward Norris
I. Mortimer W. Schroeder
R. I. Howard M. Boothby,
Chairman
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by JERRY R. ERIKSON, F.P.S.
SEMANTICS and etymology are fascinating studies and the words used in the Masonic ritual give us a fertile field in which to explore.
You will recall that when you were initiated into the Fraternity, you heard many words and phrases which were new to you, and in a number of instances seemed to be repetitious. Such as - free will and accord; conform to and abide by; duly and truly; worthy and well qualified; etc.
The Book of Common Prayer even to this day, has a number of word-pairs, or synonyms - acknowledge and confess; assemble and meet; power and might; etc.
We even find these combinations in our everyday speech. The little girl who insists she is telling the truth, when she says honestly and truly; and when we describe one who is excited by saying he is all hot and bothered.
What brought about this use of two words of the same meaning ? Was it only for emphasis, or was it for another purpose? Let us take a quick look at the high spots in the gradual development of our language and see how it all came about.
Nearly all of the invaders of Britain brought their own languages with them and these tongues all played a part in the eventual establishment of the English language as we speak it today.
The Roman legions conquered the Celts early in the first century and by the time they had retired from the island, shortly after the turn of the fifth century, Latin had replaced the Celtic tongue to a great degree.
Shortly after the departure of the Romans, the Teuton tribes began raiding Britain and by the end of the fifth century had subdued the Celts. There was little intermingling of the invaders and the natives and the Celts retreated sullenly to the western mountains in Wales and Cornwall. The process of conquest and colonization went on until almost the end of the sixth century. The invading tribes - the Angles, Saxons and Jutes - rejected the Celtic and Latin speech of the natives. By the start of the seventh century the storm and stress of the invasion were over and the dialects of the invaders merged into what we know today as the Anglo-Saxon, or Old English.
In the eighth century the fierce Danish and Norwegian pirates were raiding the coasts of Britain. There was a linguistic and racial kinship between the new invaders and the Anglo-Saxons, so there was none of the animosity of earlier times as between the Celts and their conquerors. The Norsemen were ultimately tamed, converted and absorbed by the Anglo-Saxons, and in the process many Scandinavian words crept into the Anglo-Saxon speech.
At the outset of the Old English period, the language was overwhelmingly Teutonic. By the end of the era just prior to the Norman invasion, it had added a deft blend of the Scandinavian from the Norsemen. To this was added a small amount of Greek and Latin, mostly of a religious nature.
In 1066 William the Conqueror defeated King Harold II at the Battle of Hastings, which resulted in the subjugation of Britain by the Normans. The period of Saxon England had come to an end and Norman England replaced it. After the conquest and partition, the country was held by about 5,000 Norman knights, who were at the same time, the landed proprietors and an army of occupation.
Historians do not agree on the precise state of the language in use in Britain for the next 200 years. Some say there was a complete divorcement between the Anglo-Saxons and their Norman conquerors and that the native tongue was despised as being the jargon of peasants. Others insist it was a period of tri-lingual speech, each with a different function and purpose. The ruling class - the king's court and nobles - spoke French, which was the literary and courtly tongue. The Norman conquerors replaced the Anglo-Saxon higher clergy and judges with their French counterparts, and they spoke only French and Latin, which was the language of the church and the law. The great mass of the common people continued to speak Old English.
There was another group - the representatives of the king and the nobles - who spoke both French and Old English, and this was the contact between the Norman rulers and their subjects. There is evidence that some of the other Normans made an attempt to learn the speech of their subjects and in some areas there was mutual respect and co-operation. The Normans made very little effort to interfere with the language of the English masses.
With the loss of Normandy by King John in 1204, important changes started to take place in the language of Britain. It is conceivable that up to this time many of England's new landed gentry thought of Normandy as "home" and of England as only a colonial possession in which they held their major domains. Now, with the loss of Normandy, there was no longer a "home" across the channel and these once proud Norman barons began to think of themselves as Englishmen.
By the 14th century the native Englishman was adopting elements of the French speech which in time were Anglicized. This infusion into the language is the chief characteristic of what we now call Middle English.
It was these borrowings from the French that brought into use the word-pairs, or synonyms. As the Anglo-Saxon and the Norman drew closer together in their speech, it became increasingly necessary for them to understand each other. Since a Norman might not know the word "truth," a writer would make sure by using "truth and verity," the latter word being adopted from the French. And, as a Saxon might not understand the word "promise," they would use "promise and swear," the latter being the Anglo-Saxon.
In addition to the word-pairs already mentioned, there are - parts and points; hele and conceal. These combinations have one word derived from the French and the other from the Anglo-Saxon, or Old English. There are other word-pairs, in which both words are from the same language and which are thought to have been used to give emphasis. One of these is solemnly and sincerely, both words being derived from Latin.
Thus we see that the Norman invasion of some 900 years ago, which was intended to acquire territory, ended up by having a profound effect on our speech of today.
SOURCES: Language Landmarks and The Richness of Masonic Language by Raymond Burnette Pease, and Masonic Vocabulary, all published as Digests by the Masonic Service Association, Washington, D.C.
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Another Angle on Lodge Attendance
By Ralph A. Herbold
Secretary, Southern California Lodge of Research
"Maybe the reason for our poor attendance at Lodge is that we teach our lessons too well. We tell our members that Masonry is not a religion and that they must depend on their church for religious activity so they get active in church work and miss out on Lodge work. We tell our members that we can have no part of politics, but that they should as individuals, so they get involved and start missing Lodge meetings. Because of these new involvements they get more involved in other activities and less involved in Masonic work."
Such were the remarks of a Master of a Lodge that I was talking with the other night and therein lies much to think about. Not to think about as to whether or not the Master of the Lodge was correct in his observation for we know that he was but to think about the remarks of the Master of the Lodge in respect to their impact on the community, even our country.
My letter for January quoted from "The World is Entitled to Know" by Jack Hightower in the November, 1967, Texas Freemason:
"There was a time when the leaders of the community were recognized as Masons. The time of the meeting of the Masonic Lodge was known to almost everyone in the community. They knew because they knew who the Masons were. They were the leaders. They were those people who were the most concerned about the school. They were those people who seemed to carry the load of responsibility and decide questions which came up in the community. They were the ones who brought us to this good day."
Could it be that he was correct in his remarks as regards timing but somewhat off the beam as to the ultimate conclusion? Could it be that they learned the lessons as put by the Master of the Lodge and then went off to these other activities and were not known for their Masonic activity with the result that few knew them to be members of the Craft? Be honest now, how many times have you heard this remark about a Brother active in community affairs or politics? "Oh, he's a Mason all right, but you'd never know it because he never comes to Lodge."
A few more words repeated from the article by Brother Jack Hightower:
"Masonic work is best identified by its character and quality. If the work builds, then it is Masonic in character. If the work is good and true, then it is Masonic in quality. So we as builders, as Masons, should be the very best workers. We should be the best workers the preacher has in his congregation. We should be the first to volunteer for every civic activity. We should be recognized as the ablest workers and the most willing workers."
Now think of this roll for the Masonic Lodge: The Entered Apprentice enters into his community involvement through the Masonic Lodge, learns how to get along with his Brothers as a Fellow of the Craft, learning the lessons of Masonry well enough to become a Master Mason. Then, much as the Master of any other trade does, he sets off to open his own business or store which in Speculative Masonry would be his involvement in other activities in the community. COULD MASONRY BE OF BETTER SERVICE?
Brethren, did you realize that 30% of you can make Jake Jacobi (President of the Bell Gardens Chamber of Commerce - proof of the previous paragraph) the happiest man alive? If each of you, the 30%, would send in only one dollar which would make you participating Masons in the Masonic Home Endowment Fund, he would have his goal of 100% participation. Why not give him that successful year he so deserves?
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Welcome to New Members
HILTON HARVEY USHER, 3004 Easton Ave., Chattanooga, Tenn. 37415
N. ALFRED SHEPHERD, 216 N. Palm, Ponca City, Okla. 74601
GLEN HAROLD RENO, 5617 Middaugh Ave., Downers Grove, Ill. 60515
VERNON A. LEENGRAN, 1751 Granville Ave., Chicago, Ill. 60626
LUTHER CARTER, 412 Allen Ave., Chillicothe, Ohio 45601
GUY E. WELLMAN, Johnson Road R.D. 2, Kirkwood, New York 13795
HERBERT C. POWERS, 5001 Myerdale Dr., Cincinnati, Ohio 45242
DAVID C. PARNELL, 4269 Harrisburg Pike, Grove City, Ohio 43123
JOSEPH G. BURG, 2259 Wolfangle Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45244
ELMER WILLIAM JOHNSON, 191 Elysian Fields Dr., Oakland, Calif. 94605
DALE E. FOX, 1277 Crestwood Ave., Cincinnati, Ohio 45219
ROBERT E. DEYOE, 932 West Frist St., Oil City, Pa. 16302
GORDON STUTESMAN, 10175 Zinnia Way, Sandy, Utah 84070
ERNEST L. ROWAN, 1500 Monument Road, Ponca City, Okla. 74601
FRANK WARREN INGHAM, 1759 Grand Ave., Saint Paul, Minn. 55105
GEORGE DALKE, Route 2, Box 6, Fairbury, Nebr. 68352
DR. CLARENCE E. DUNN, SR., 3218 Farnam St., Oakland, Calif. 94601
ROBERT F. SMITH, 299 W. North Ave., East Palestine, Ohio 44413
EARL SNYDER, Box 211, Chatham, Virginia 24531
DALE C. WILLIAMS, 115 Spring Street, Willard, Ohio 44890
KARL WILLIAM KURTZ, 1425 Pearl St., Sandusky, Ohio 44870
DUANE E. BRUBAKER, 1767 Hinsdale Road, Toledo, Ohio 43614
MORGAN T. MORRIS, JR., 9 North Thurlow Ave., Margate City, New Jersey 08492
VASSELL A. KOBAN, 141 Paradise Road, Swampscott, Mass. 01907
RICHARD C. McKEEVER, 1799 West First Ave., Columbus, Ohio 43212
G. BURTON LONG, 41 Longview Road, Reading, Mass. 01867
JOHN GABRIEL FLECK, 1117 Statler Bldg., Boston, Mass. 02116
WILLIAM A. HAILER, R.R.1, Bucyrus, Ohio 44820
FREDERICK W. CLARKE, P.O. Box 301, Mobile, Ala. 36601
N. RUFUS MOOMAW, JR., 6612 Bantry Ave., Cincinnati, Ohio 45213
RAYMOND TITUS, 22 Yucatan Dr., Warwick, Rhode Island 02889
FRED W. MINDERMANN, P. O. Box 82, Portland, Conn. 06480
LORAL W. PANCAKE, 4 Barton Road, Mountain Lakes, New Jersey 07046
LAURENCE E. EATON, 15 Tamarack Lane, Needham, Mass. 02192
RUSSELL A. KLIEVES, 149 S. W. 52nd St., Cape Coral, Florida 33904
JOHN T. STEPHENS, 349 E. Park Ave., Barberton, Ohio 44203
J. ROBERT WATT, 328 Nuttall Road. Riverside, Ill. 60546
JOHN PHILIP BERQUIST, 21 Studio Road, Auburndale, Mass. 02166
RONALD G. COTTON, Box 357, Old Post Road, Old Lyme, Conn. 06371
HAROLD B. BLISS, 4 Perkins St., Peabody, Mass. 01960
FRANK W. BALCOMB, 4 Prospect St., Peabody, Mass. 01960
EUGENE LEE GALBRAITH, 12 Bolton Ave., Newark, Ohio 43055
BEN R. EVANS, 238 Broad St., Jackson, Ohio 45650
ALBERT L. MATHIAS, 504 S. 11th St., Cambridge, Ohio 43725
DONALD STUART SMITH, 39 Hastings St., Portland, Maine 04111
CLYDE E. PRESTON, 13399 Pleasant Valley Road, Middleburg Heights, Ohio 44130
JAY JUDSON DEAN, 81 Bartley Ave., Portland, Maine 04103
HOWARD RUSSELL HAROLD, Box 483, Tonkawa, Oklahoma 74653
HAROLD W. SPRAGUE, 24 Sunset Drive, South Easton, Mass. 02375
C.W. REESE, 967 North 7th, Blackwell, Okla. 74631
RALPH E. WILLIAMS, 202 Tanglewood Drive, Paducah, Kentucky 42001
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by William T. Smith, M.P.S.
WE ARE very much aware of the great friendship existing between King David and Hiram, King of Tyre, just how and where this friendship originated is not pertinent to what I am trying to say. Early in the reign of King David he sent messengers to King Hiram seeking builders and material to build himself a palace. King Hiram sent carpenters, masons and cedar trees to build King David a "HOUSE." Later during his reign, David was faced with the fact that while he lived in a substantial dwelling, the Ark had no permanent resting place. In Second Samuel, chapter 7, verse 2: "That the King said unto Nathan, the prophet, see now, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the Ark of God dwelleth within curtains." King David immediately began the plans to erect a Temple to house the Ark of the Covenant. But because of his warlike reign and his great sin God denied him the right to build the temple but instructed him to gather together stores of wealth and material so that Solomon might carry out the plans and construct the temple.
When Solomon ascended t he throne he sent messengers to King Hiram, his father's friend, seeking the same kind of assistance given his father. First Kings, chapter 5, at verse 2: "And Solomon sent to Hiram, saying, Thou knowest how that David, my father, could not build an House unto the name of the Lord his God for the wars which were about him on every side, until the Lord put them under the soles of his feet. But now the Lord my God bath given me rest on every side, so that there is neither adversary nor evil occurrent. And behold, I purpose to build an House unto the name of the Lord, my God, as the Lord spake unto David my father, saying, thy son, whom I shall set upon thy throne in thy room, he shall build an House unto my name. Now therefore command thou that they hew me cedar trees out of Lebanon; and my servants shall be with thy servants: and unto thee will I give hire for thy servants according to all that thou shalt appoint: for thou knowest that there is not among us any that can skill to hew timber like unto the Sidonians.
"And it came to pass, when Hiram heard the words of Solomon, that he rejoiced greatly, and said, Blessed be the Lord this day, which hath given unto David a wise son over this great people. And Hiram sent to Solomon, saying, I have considered the things which thou sentest to me for: and I will do all thy desire concerning timber of cedar, and concerning timber of fir. My servants shall bring them down from Lebanon unto the sea: and I will convey them by sea in floats unto the place that thou shalt appoint me, and will cause them to be discharged there, and thou shalt receive them: and thou shalt accomplish my desire, in giving food for my household. So Hiram gave Solomon cedar trees and fir trees according to all his desire. And Solomon gave Hiram twenty thousand measures of wheat for food to his household, and twenty measures of pure oil: thus gave Solomon to Hiram year by year."
The explanation of Hiram's request for payment in wheat and olive oil is that the Hebrews were an agricultural people while the Tyrians were primarily builders, so that a fair exchange was very easily worked out. The 20,000 measures of wheat equaled 200,000 bushels and the 20 measures of oil amounted to 1,500,000 gallons, and this payment was made annually for the seven years of the building of the Temple.
The reason for Solomon's request for workmen is based on two things, first as before stated the Hebrews were primarily an agricultural people and secondly, the Tyrians and Sidonians were celebrated artists and at that period of world history were admitted to be the best mechanics in the known world. Among the workmen sent by Hiram, was the celebrated Hiram Abiff, the widow's son, who was put in charge of all the workmen at the Temple, both Jews and Tyrians. Reference is made to him in the First Book of Kings, 7th chapter, 13th-15th verses: "And King Solomon sent and fetched Hiram out of Tyre. He was the widow's son of the tribe of Naphtali, and his father was a man of Tyre, a worker in brass; and he was filled with wisdom, and understanding, and cunning to work all works in brass. And he came to King Solomon and wrought all his work. For he cast two pillars of brass, of eighteen cubits high apiece."
It appears that King Solomon used forced labor upon his own people to build the temple. See chapter 5, First Kings, 13th verse and following: "And King Solomon raised a levy out of all Israel, and the levy was 30,000 men. And he sent them to Lebanon, ten thousand a month by courses: a month they were in Lebanon, and two months at home: and Adoniram was over the levy. And Solomon had threescore and ten thousand that bare burdens and fourscore thousand hewers in the mountains: Beside the Chief of Solomon's officers which were over the works, three thousand and three hundred, which ruled over the people that wrought in the work."
This apparent forced labor may account for the lack of interest of the twelve Fellow Craft in using force to obtain the secrets for no doubt they did not intend to work at the Craft any longer than they were forced to but intended returning to their agricultural way of life.
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Thoughts on Progressive Action
by Kenneth F. Curtis, F.P.S.
If results are to be had in writing an article or obtaining new prospects for membership in the Philalethes Society, some established procedure should be followed.
Years ago the writer was introduced to the Four-Step-Method as a rule and guide for action; it produced some very fruitful results, and follows in outline:
Preparation
Demonstration
Demonstration
Follow-up
or
Explanation
Presentation
Correction
Repetition or
Practice
Here are a few thoughts on this subject of progressive action that might stir up some serious thinking, i.e. if meditated on and then tried.
(a) Strengthen the will power by doing little things you do not like to do.
(b) See how many, if not all negative excuses, you can immediately discard that come to mind when starting a project.
(c) If you desire to backslide, then by all means surrender to faults and weaknesses, and drift like a tumbleweed on a prairie.
(d) Self-pampering is something leaned towards in our immature years, this should be controlled and the real facts confronted.
(e) False elation and self-satisfaction have no basic reward when adopted to support a weakness.
(f) Habitual acts which are of a negative nature pave the road to procrastination and inactivity.
(g) It is better to have a serene mind than one in constant turmoil because of a guilt complex over the worry of getting started on a project.
(h) A jellyfish is moved about by the wind and water currents, why permit one's self to be motivated by undirected currents of thought?
(i) A weak effort is better than none, but this is not enough, constant progress towards an objective will reap results.
(j) We are able to see our physical selves in a mirror, why not take a look at our actions in a similar manner through the mirror of the mind and follow-up with corrective measures?
(k) Strengthen the will to face facts and then act.
(l) If in our self-examination we encounter a number of unproductive habits, pause and think of the influence they will have on the molding of our character within a few years.
(m) The feeling of inferiority can be subjugated by DOING and not PROCRASTINATING.
(n) Our activity is only as good as the obstacles we overcome.
Thanks are extended to the membership-at-large for the renewed interest shown in obtaining new members and prospects for membership in the Society. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.
Send the names and addresses of prospects for membership to:
Kenneth F. Curtis, F.P.S.
Chairman, Membership Committee
The Philalethes Society
2455 Raeford Road,
Orlando Florida 32806
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Good Reading
THE MEANING AND MISSION OF MASONRY
BY DR. CHARLES GOTTSHALL REIGNER, F.P.S., Past President
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Notes, Queries and Information
On Items of Masonic Research
BY BOB M. STOWE, F.P.S.
5554 Waterman Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63112
1968 - No. 4
THE NUMBER OF LETTERS CONTAINING QUESTIONS which relate to matters of fact in Masonic history, biography and tradition, justify their treatment in a column apart from other portions of the magazine.
Our readers and members are invited to send such 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 Bob M. Stowe, F.P.S.
It must be noted that this page is for EXCHANGE of information and opinion, and does not pretend to provide the final answer to any query.
248 - Cable Tow Length. (May-June 1968). Brother Alex Home, M.P.S., of 100 Font Blvd., No. 5-L, San Francisco, California 94132, replies that the passage in question is found in the Sloane MS. No. 3329, a Catechism of about 1700 A.D., which has been in the British Museum, London, since 1754. It is reproduced in the Knoop, Jones and Hamer collection, The Early Masonic Catechisms. At one point it reads:
(Q) How Long is the Cable rope of your Lodge?
(A) As long as from the Lop of the Liver to the root of the tongue.
The Question and Answer have had some interesting variations. In A Mason's Examination, 1723, it is referred to "a well hung Tongue," kept "under the Lap of my liver, where the Secrets of my Heart are kept. " But in the Dumfries No. 4 MS., of Scottish origin and circa 1710, we find the following:
(Q) What is ye length of your cable?
(A) It is as long as between ye point of my navel and ye shortest of my hair.
249 - Where is Clairville? (May-June 1968). Brother Edmund Sadowski, M.P.S., 1924, 74 Court, Elmwood Park, Illinois 60635, referring to: "OUTLINES adapted both to State and Territorial Associations." Arranged by the Committee of the Central Convention Clairville: Printed at the "Sentinel Office" in 1839. Brother Sadowski says he thinks he has the answer to this one. First we must study the possibles and these are: Territory of Florida, Territory of Iowa, Territory of Wisconsin. This is the complete list. Then to come in by the back door with the name Clairville and the second possible clue "Printed at the 'Sentinel Office' 1839." In 1836 The Wisconsin Territory was organized out of lands comprised in the Territory of Michigan. The Wisconsin Territory embraced all the lands now within the States of Wisconsin, Iowa, and Minnesota, and the Dakotas. In 1838 the territory west of the Mississippi was separated from it. The State and Territorial Associations, must have been the Wisconsin Territory, and the lands Iowa, Minnesota and the Dakotas, or at least Wisconsin and Minnesota. Now the "Sentinel Office" 1839 part! Milwaukee Sentinel founded June 27, 1837, and still being printed at 333 W. State St., Milwaukee 53201. So . . . it seems from this that Clairville must have been at Milwaukee from what Brother Sadowski states.
252 - Ohio Masonic Data. Brother Marion Snyder, M.P.S., 12 W. South St., Lebanon, Ohio 45036, would like historical data on old Ohio Lodges and Ohio Freemasons.
253 - Fellow Craft Club. Brother Herbert Jennings, M.P.S., 3210 W. College St., Shreveport, La., 71109, writes that he was a member of a Fellow Craft Club, Third Aviation Instruction Centre at Issidon, France, during World War I. This club was organized in December 1917. Brother Jennings wonders if any of the Masons who were members then, are now members of the Philalethes Society.
244 - Order of the Coif. (March-April 1968) Brother Wylie B. Wendt, F.P.S., 5012 East Manslick Road, Louisville, Ky. 40219, writes that the only Order of the Coif with which he is familiar, is the honorary law fraternity, named the Order of the Coif. It was founded at the University of Illinois in 1902. It is an honor society (or fraternity) for law students. Membership is based upon scholarship. There is a chapter at Washington University, St. Louis, which was established there in 1937.
SWAP CORNER
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16 - Swap Corner. Brother Norman B. Kewley, M.P.S., 74 Clarendon Avenue, Montpelier, Vermont, wants copies of the following books, and also would like to get in touch with a Masonic Research organization which periodically publishes its findings. Would all of you Brother Secretaries of the various Masonic Research Bodies, send Brother Kewley data and applications? The names of the books are: "Rationale and Ethics of Freemasonry" by Arnold. "Restoration of Masonic Geometry and Symbolry" by Bromwell (a rare one!). "Morals and Dogma" by Pike, and "Unwritten Sayings of Our Lord" by Smith. Brother Kewley also states that he is a First Baptist Church-Deacon.
17 - Swap Corner. Brother Albert L. Woody, F.P.S., 1440 Burr Oak Road, Homewood, Illinois 60430, writes that he would like to purchase copies of Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Illinois for 1861 to 1869, inclusive.
18 - Swap Corner. Brother Joseph J. Irocky, M.P.S., 1415 W. Farragut, Chicago, Illinois 60640, writes that he would like to obtain an essay by Mrs. Belzoni, titled: "Antediluvian History of Freemasonry."
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