Contents
Let's Try Freemasonry Through Darkest Indiana With Notebook and Pencil
The Karnak Inventory More Data From the Masonic Workshop
Lodge Room Behavior Recommended Masonic Reading
Some Comments on Coil's Article The Masonic Fraternity
Freemasonry's Togetherness Chat and Comment
Youth - Our Greatest Investment for Tomorrow Our Government and Equilibrium
History Of National Sojourners Published Abraham Lincoln's Autobiography
DeMolay Leadership Camps Beckoning our Youth Amos, What Seest Thou
Published bi-monthly at Franklin, Indiana by
THE PHILALETHES SOCIETY
John Black Vrooman, F.P.S. Editor
Box 402, St. Louis, Missouri 63166
OFFICERS
William R. Denslow, F.P.S. President
P.O. Box 529
Trenton, Missouri 64683
William E. Yeager, F.P.S. First Vice President
350 Pennsylvania Avenue, W.
Warren, Pennsylvania 16365
Robert V. Osborne, F.P.S. Second Vice President
3624 Giffard Road,
Franksville, Wisconsin 53126
Franklin J. ("Andy") Anderson, F.P.S. Executive Secretary
P. O. Box 529
Trenton, Missouri 64683
Ronald E. Heaton, F.P.S. Treasurer
728 Haws Avenue
Norristown, Pennsylvania 19401
LIVING PAST PRESIDENTS
Philalethes Society
Lee E. Wells, F.P.S.
Alphonse Cerza, F.P.S. (Life)
Dr. Charles Gottshall Reigner, F.P.S.
Judge Robert H. Gollmar, F.P.S.
ASSOCIATE EDITORS
Alphonse Cerza, F.P.S., (Life)
237 Millbridge Road Riverside, Illinois 60546
Melvin L. Pfankuche, M.P.S.
3319 Harwinton Lane
Cincinnati, Ohio 45211
EXECUTIVE SECRETARY EMERITUS
Carl R. Greisen. F.P.S.
Volume XXIV, No. 3
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By Alphonse Cerza, F P.S., Life, Associate Editor
A Guest Editorial
From time to time one hears complaints from lodge officers and members devoted to the Craft in reference to the apparent lack of interest in the programs presented by Masonic groups. This is sometimes illustrated by a lack of interest as well as a lack of attendance; at other times the matter is brought home forcefully by the complaints of the members. This attitude may be partly due to the persons preparing the programs having failed to recognize the type of things which the members desire; the old law of supplying the demand cannot be overlooked. But too often even the members themselves do not realize what is wanted to generate interest and attendance.
An examination of the type of programs and the things that go on at lodge meetings is illuminating. If the lodge has little to do and the officers are engaging solely in the exercise of opening and closing at each meeting, and nothing else, the reason for the lack of interest in the members is not hard to discover. If the lodge has degree work to do, and does nothing else, those interested in the ritual and in perfecting their ritualistic skill will attend regularly; but those who are not interested in this phase of lodge work will soon cease attending. A devoted officer who wants to improve conditions will explore other things to do and will present Masonic oriented programs which he feels will solve the local problem.
Too often, however, the programs are such that they will not accomplish the desired effect because the lodge is offering something that competitively it is not prepared to offer its members. The presentation of an entertainment at the lodge will often attract no attention because of the competition with professional talent on television. It is better entertainment; and one is more comfortable at home; and if the program is boring one can turn off the set or switch to another station! Movies that are secured from various travel agencies, business firms, public bodies, etc., do not work in most cases. There are some fine Masonic movies that are available which would prove much more interesting.
What is the answer to this problem?
Recently I read in a popular magazine about the chairman of a church committee who had complained that every program he had tried such as suppers, movies, entertainments, etc., had produced no results at the church functions. He was asked: "Have you tried religion?"
Here is our answer. We can be successful in getting our members interested if we supply them with the things they can get nowhere else but in a Masonic lodge.
Let's try Freemasonry!!!
Featured in this issue . . .
LET'S TRY FREEMASONRY, a Guest Editorial, by Alphonse Cerza, F.P.S., Life
THROUGH DARKEST INDIANA WITH NOTEBOOK AND PENCIL, by Jerry Marsengill, M.P.S.
THE KARNAK INVENTORY, by Bob M. Stowe, F.P.S.
MORE DATA FROM MASONIC WORKSHOP
PLANS FOR A BICENTENNIAL
LODGE ROOM BEHAVIOR, by Fred Latham, M.P.S.
TIJUANA COMMANDERY RECEIVED CHARTER
WELCOME TO NEW MEMBERS
RECOMMENDED MASONIC READING, by Alphonse Cerza, F.P.S, Life
SOME COMMENTS ON COIL, by Kenneth W. Mackall, M.P.S.
THE MASONIC FRATERNITY, by Harold N. Painter, M.P.S.
FREEMASONRY'S TOGETHERNESS, by Bliss Kelly, M.P.S.
CHAT AND COMMENT, by Jerry Marsengill, M.P.S.
"YOUTH" - OUR GREATEST INVESTMENT by Thomas G. Howell, Orator
OUR GOVERNMENT AND EQUILIBRIUM, by Kenneth F. Curtis, F.P S.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL SOJOURNERS PUBLISHED
ABRAHAM LINCOLN'S AUTOBIOGRAPHY
DeMOLAY LEADERSHIP CAMPS
AMOS, WHAT SEEST THOU? by Alvin Westdahl, M.P.S.
MASONRY'S AIM, by Rabbi H. Geffen, F.P.S.
A MASONIC HERO
NOTES, QUERIES AND MASONIC INFORMATION, by Melvin L. Pfankuche, M.P.S.
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Through Darkest Indiana With Notebook and Pencil
By Jerry Marsengill, M.P.S.
Associate Editor
Five a.m. on a Sunday morning. Not the preferred hour for beginning any enterprise. A steady, cold, chilling rain was falling. It was time to begin the safari. The powers that be had spoken. Our President, William R. Denslow, had decreed that the Editor and Associate Editor of the Philalethes magazine would j gurney to darkest Indiana, the habitat of the howling Hoosier, to observe the beast in its natural haunts.
The actual reason for the trip was a little more prosaic. We were on our way to Franklin, Indiana, to confer with Doyle W. Oursler, the Managing Editor of the Indiana Freemason and the manager of their print shop, and to indoctrinate the Associate Editor in the work of making up the magazine. John Black Vrooman joined us in St. Louis. We drove to Crawfordsville, Indiana, on Sunday evening. We were too late to do anything after our arrival but hit the sack. However, the next morning we were up with the birds, providing that the birds slept late, and while John Black visited his alma mater Wabash College, the Associate Editor endeavored to buy out the college book shop and get acquainted with the town. Crawfordsville is a fascinating place. Here it was that our brother, General Lew Wallace, came, after completing his service in the Civil War, (for Walt Callaway and our other southern members, that is the War for Southern Independence) to write his monumental novel, Ben-Hur. The General had an effect on the town Everything that isn't named Lew Wallace is named Ben-Hur. There is a story, which may or may not be true, that there was once a cat in Crawfordsville which was named Ben. This lasted until the cat had kittens. It was, from that time, called Ben-Hur.
We were fortunate in that we found a brother at the college who notified us of a Lodge of Instruction to be held at Montgomery Lodge No. 50 in Crawfordsville. Since our appointment with Brother Oursler wasn't until Tuesday morning, and since we both wanted badly to visit an Indiana lodge, we decided to stay over. It was worth the effort. Montgomery Lodge is a beautiful, small town lodge. Probably the most impressive thing to us was that in this small town lodge, they maintain a magnificent pipe organ. The brethren to whom we spoke advised us that this fine instrument is widely used in the degree work and adds greatly to the work of the lodge. Another thing, which we had not seen before but which impressed us is that the middle chamber lecture in this lodge is given on an actual stairway consisting of three, five, and seven steps. The newel posts of the stair case are made in the shape of the five orders of architecture. The two brazen pillars are placed in a permanent position, at the foot of these stairs. The physical aspects of the lodge were impressive. The treatment of visiting brethren was much more impressive. We were made welcome. We were invited to dinner and to attend the Lodge of Instruction. This was a new experience to both of us and one which was well worth our time. The lodge was opened, each brother in attendance was given a paper with the questions of the evening printed on it, and the discussion started. The Master took the first group of questions, the Senior Warden the second, and so on down to the Junior Steward through the entire line of officers. The brother in charge at the time read the question and gave his own opinion of it. Then the floor was open for discussion. A number of newly made Masons were in attendance and were encouraged to ask questions and to state opinions. Probably fifty brethren stood on the sidelines and spoke during the entire evening. It was a thoroughly enjoyable and interesting evening.
We left Crawfordsville with the best wishes of our new friends as well as a number of invitations to stop on our way home to visit various other lodges in the county.
On arriving at Franklin we went immediately to the Masonic Home. What a great and noble charity this Home is. Each Mason in Indiana pays $8.75 per year, in addition to his dues just to maintain the Home.
For those of us who have heard the cries, complaints, and tears of our brethren when they are asked to contribute the sum of $1.00 to charity this was a rewarding experience. We had the pleasure of meeting some of the brethren who live in the Home and in sitting with them in lodge. Brother Oursler showed us the print shop, the various publications printed in the shop, the make up of the Philalethes magazine, and did his utmost to make our stay pleasant.
He also checked with the Master of Franklin Lodge No. 107 and ascertained that Franklin Lodge would confer two third degrees on that evening.
Arriving at the Masonic Temple in Franklin we were faced with one minor problem. Although, after sitting together in Montgomery Lodge in Crawfordsville, we could now vouch for one another, there was no one in the lodge at Franklin who could vouch for either of us.
It was necessary for the Master to appoint a committee to examine us. The Secretary, serving on the committee, asked if we wanted him to give the test oath or if we knew it. The Editor, placing his hand on the Bible, gave the Missouri test oath hurriedly and fluently. The Indiana brethren looked slightly confused. The Associate Editor, moving into proper position, gave the Iowa test oath. The Indiana brethren stopped looking confused and looked astounded. The examination was an interesting procedure. Missouri ritual, Iowa ritual, and Indiana ritual combined to make the process chaotic.
The committee reported to the Worshipful Master: "Sir, as they say in Kentucky, they know too much to keep'em out and not enough to get'em in." We were, however, permitted in and permitted to watch the work. When they brought two candidates in at one time, both of us were surprised. We both come from jurisdictions where only one candidate is initiated, passed, and obligated in the third degree at one and the same time. The double degree was conducted in a most dignified and impressive manner. Before the second section began, an order from the Grand Master was read. This order commanded dignity and discouraged levity in the second section of the third degree. Having seen far too much levity and laughter in the second section of third degrees, we concluded that this is an idea which could be much more widely adopted. Indiana ritualistic work is, of course, different from that of both Iowa and Missouri, but, since we were able to find a position in which only one word differed, the Associate Editor was given the privilege of singing third tenor in the glee club which handled the candidate. Lodge called to refreshment, the usual visiting over coffee and sandwiches took place, and we found it necessary to prepare to return to our homes. We regretted the invitations to visit other area lodges, said goodbye to our newly made friends, and packed for our trip home.
The Hoosier is a strange bird, we are told, but, in our experience the Masonic Hoosier was just exactly like Masons everywhere. They are friendly, warmhearted, and have an extended hand and a big smile for visiting brethren. Needless to say, we look forward to our next trip through darkest Indiana
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The Karnak Inventory - A Study in Freemasonry
by Bob M. Stowe. F.P.S.
There have always been doubters who claim that the reputed Temple of Solomon, the essence of Masonic lore, is a myth. Of all proofs put forward substantiating this magnificent edifice, none is finer than the ancient INVENTORY inscribed upon the walls of the Temple of Karnak.
In his book "Ages In Chaos, or A Reconstruction of Ancient History from the Exodus to King Akhnaton," (Doubleday & Co., Inc. L.C. 52-5224, Copyright 1952), Dr. Immanuel Velikovsky, writes (Chapter IV), the story of the sack of the Temple at Jerusalem by the Egyptian Pharoah, Thutmose III.
On page 156 of this book, Velikovsky writes: "The work of Huram, of the Tribe of Naphtali, is reproduced on the walls of Karnak Temple. Huram and his workmen were skilled artisans, and the hand of their royal Master, Solomon, supplied them lavishly with precious metal and stone." This is detailed in I Kings: vii:13-45 and II Chronicles iv:11-22 and important in Masonic connotation in several of the advanced Masonic degrees and Orders.
On pages 143-177, in Chapter IV of his book, the story of the sacking of the palace and the Temple, of the vessels and the furnitures is vividly written. These were carried into Egypt, and Velikovsky has given us a detailed description of these furnishings and utensils, as preserved in the Book of Kings and Chronicles, as noted above, that agree perfectly with the pictures engraved on the walls of the Karnak Temple.
Velikovsky gives two illustrations in his book - Plate VII a photograph of the vessels and the furnishings of the Temple at Jerusalem as engraved upon the walls at Karnak. This photograph is facing page 137. Plate VIII, a line drawing of the same photograph, reproduced between pages 168 and 169. Plate VIII is reproduced in this article for the purpose of bringing to light the importance of what is contained in this amazing book, and to allow us, as Freemasons, to get "more Light" on this important subject. It does not take a genius, therefore, to, see that the Biblical version agrees in full with the inventory upon the walls of the Karnak Temple.
In rituals of some of the advanced degrees and Orders of Freemasonry, the name of Pharoah, who sacked Jerusalem, is often given incorrectly, and should be Thutmose III, which Dr. Velikovsky has proved to be correct.
Due to the collective amnesia of mankind and his cultures, Man has forgotten the true story, which Velikovsky has finally pieced together in his book. It would seem that certain degrees and Orders in Freemasonry should be revised and corrected, in order to show that it was actually King Thutmose III who actually sacked Solomon's Temple so long ago!
Freemasonry teaches historical facts through myths and legends, and so, here we have before us in stone, the actual inventory of the Temple whence our ritual sprang . . . therefore, let us take notice, look, read, study and inquire, to find out more about that which you have heard on your journey past the Threshold of Light!!
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More Data From the Masonic Workshop Tape Recording and Comment by Members
EDITOR'S NOTE: Following the presentation of the several papers at the Masonic Workshop in Washington last February, tape recordings of comment and discussion of these papers was made. Here are some of the comments, selected for their elaboration and usefulness:
DR. HOPP: May I ask the members of the panel or any others present if they know of any instances where Grand Masters have exercised their right to confer the degrees upon handicapped individuals?
The question you heard - I know none that have been made at sight for that purpose. I am sure there must have been in some Jurisdictions, there are none in ours. Can anyone else shed light on that question?
WALTER PORTER, P.G.M. FROM VIRGINIA: Not in the United States, but you may remember the man in the Philippines who in 1955 made a Mason of the Prime Minister of Japan, thereby opening Japan to Masonry. The Prime Minister of Japan at the time was confined to a wheelchair and was in Korea, and this was done while the Prime Minister was in a wheelchair and unable to leave the chair.
DR. HOPP: May I take the privi1ege of asking one of the distinguished fellows of this society if he has some comments. I know that this has been an interest of his and I regard him as one of our finest Masonic scholars. Connie Hahn, would you care to make any comments on this discussion?
CONRAD HAHN, P.G.M. (CONNECTICUT): The first general comment is that I was tremendously impressed by the presentation. Of course, I think I was most impressed by the historical and philosophical presentation of the gentleman in charge of the group tonight, Dr. Hopp. I still have the feeling that one of the difficulties with the question of physical requirements is that too often there is no, philosophic understanding.
There are people who I admit who must learn through wisdom without experience. I would like to confess that generally speaking I am on the side of the liberal in this matter rather than on the side of the conservative. As a politician though, I think I tend to be much more conservative than liberal.
I think it has been a very interesting discussion, and very helpful, and I am sure each one of us would consider this problem in that it is peculiar to our own, whether that be geographic or whether that be in administrative work, or whether it be simply in the realms of pure thought and for the adventure into the realms of pure thought tonight, I am most grateful.
DR. HOPP: Is there any further discussion? Now I asked for some comments from one of our great Masons which we respect so highly in California, our Past Grand Master and Grand Secretary, Edward Siems (California).
This is my first experience at this society meeting, and I have enjoyed it very much. Of course, we in California are accustomed to listening to Dr. Hopp on many, many occasions. He's one of our great men in Masonry, has a great influence on the fraternity, and we respect his judgment. I am kind of like Connie Hahn conservative also - but as a worker in the vineyard, we make the record, we record the record, followed by Dr. Hopp. It was a real pleasure being here.
DR. HOPP: I know, having visited the Grand Lodge down there, what a wonderful Grand Lodge of Louisiana, is and I know that we have this evening with us the Grand Secretary D. Peter Laguens, Jr., and maybe we could persuade him to tell us a little bit about Louisiana's experience.
D. PETER LAGUENS (LOUISIANA): I didn't want to be misquoted so I made some notes here. I think we have joined the Liberals. Regarding the expression about the cork head, we have spoke of it as a wooden head down in Louisiana. We would rather have a man with a wooden leg than a man with a wooden head. And we are plagued for years on end, and I don't want to go into the early history because that would take too long, but almost of recent origin we have had our Grand Master Lucas Jordan. He said, "I submit that some committee at this Grand Lodge should be charred with the responsibility of now beginning a study of the physical qualifications on the part of candidates looking to a revision of those qualifications in the world of tomorrow. Shall we be intellectually dishonest it is not to say that the internal and the external features of a man recommend him for Masonry and then we take your son and mine who returns from the foxhole from Japan, Guadalcanal or North Africa minus an arm, a leg or an eye to become a Mason. Our cheers; for the conquering heroes will be in vain indeed if we, at the same time, deny them friendship with us and then seeing the world knows not because they are maimed in body in defense of the ideals we profess to cherish more than life."
He later on introduced a resolution that was to report to a committee and they kept sidestepping the issue. This is what they finally had . . . Here is the law at the present time as a result of the resolution that he introduced and was passed.
On the qualifications: one of sound mind, able to participate in proper form in the ceremonies of all the degrees and in reasonable manner. The use of natural or artificial members, to give all the time, grip and steps, and who is self-supporting. It is the Lodge's responsibility to determine the possession of all necessary physical, mental and moral qualifications by the applicant.
DWIGHT L. SMITH (INDIANA): It's a matter of curiosity to me and has been for a long time as to why Dr. Mackey, when he decided to play the role of Moses and prepare the Tablets of the Law, took only that portion of a sentence from Anderson's Constitutions that he wanted and emphasized that. I make this one observation to the Society because it might be worth a little thought by the Society if the Society is what I think it is. Here is what that paragraph actually says: "No master should take an apprentice unless he has sufficient employment for him and unless he is a perfect youth having no maim or defect in his body that may render him incapable of learning the art of serving his Master's lord."
Now, wouldn't it have been something if Mackey had emphasized that first phrase about having sufficient employment for him instead of the one he did. Perhaps we wouldn't be cursed with Lodges of five hundred and a thousand and 1,600 and 2,000 Masons today. Perhaps we would actually put them to work as we were supposed to do, but the doctor didn't see that one.
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Plan For A Bicentennial - National Sojourners
Ill. Bro. Herman Nickerson, Jr. 33d, (Lt. Gen. USMC, Ret.), President-Elect of National Sojourners, Inc., has announced a "Five Year Program" for the 180 chapters of National Sojourners to follow. Aimed at providing historical background and development for a firm program for the Bicentennial Year - 1976, the program revolves around a theme of "George Washington - Exemplar."
The Sojourner Chapter Programs will be readily adaptable for presentation to Masonic bodies as they will have strong Masonic implications, and will form a basis for the Sojourner Bridge of Light Program now in effect.
Dedicated to promoting true Americanism and patriotic aims in Masonry, National Sojourner Chapters have conducted hundreds of patriotic programs in lodges and other Masonic bodies throughout the country. National Sojourners, Inc., is an organization composed of officers and warrant officers (past and present) of the Uniformed Forces of the United States who are Master Masons.
Brother Nickerson, who will head the organization commencing in June, is a highly decorated retired Marine Lieutenant General, who has had vast experience in leadership. He is an Honorary Inspector General, 33d, Scottish Rite, Southern Jurisdiction. Currently, he is serving as Junior Warden of Warren G. Harding Lodge No. 39 in the District of Columbia. He is also a member of the Sons of the American Revolution and President of the National Association of Uniformed Services. He was recently appointed by President Nixon as the Administrator, Federal Credit Union Administration.
The theme for the first year of the five-year program will be taken from the words of Brother George Washington, "When we assumed the soldier, we did not lay aside the citizen." More information concerning National Sojourners and its programs may be obtained from their National Secretary, Stewart M.L. Pollard, 4600 Duke Street, No. 300, Alexandria, Va. 22304.
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Tijuana Commandery
Received Charter From
Grand Master Bell
Tijuana Commandery No. 3, Tijuana, Mexico, officially received its Charter on January 9, 1971, when Grand Master G. Wilbur Bell, Chandlerville Illinois, traveled to Tijuana to personally present the Charter to Commander William Webber.
The newest Chartered Commandery of the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar has been operating under dispensation since April 10, 1969, when dispensation was granted by the 1967-70 Grand Master, John L. Crofts, Sr., of Nokomis, Florida. William Webber, Park La Jolla Apartments, 616 Kirkwood Place, La Jolla, California 92037, a Past Commander of Ivanhoe Commandery No. 2, Mexico City, has served as: Commander during the dispensation period.
Webber and other officers and members from Tijuana petitioned for a charter during the 51st Triennial Conclave of Knights Templar, U.S.A. held in Denver, Colorado, in August. The petition was received and recommended by the Committee on Charters and Dispensations: Robert S. Schoedinger, Chairman; Hosea B. Willard; William E. Tanner; Paul W. Sweet; Dwight W. Shannon.
The recommendation of the committee was approved in general session and January 9, 1971, established as the formal presentation date.
Tijuana is the third operating Commandery in Mexico under the jurisdiction of the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar.
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Welcome To
New Members
FRANCIS L. SMITH, 21 Philips Rd., Melrose, Mass. 02176
JOHN W. GOWER, 531 Belmonte Park, Dayton, Ohio 45405
EDWIN POWERS EEEIOTT, JR., Reformed Seminary, 5422 Clinton Blvd., Jackson, Mississippi 39209
CLYDE BERNARD DANIEL, 716 Lexington Ave., Charlottesville, Virginia 22901
SAMUEL NATELSON, 64-34 102nd Street, Rego Park, New York 11374
LEMUEEL T. RIXON, 357 Green Street, Cambridge, Mass. 02139
BASIL HERBERT PERRETT, 312 W. Broadway, Excelsior Springs, Mo.
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By Fred Latham, M.P.S., (Okla.)
Occasionally a Lodge is disturbed during the conferral of a degree, the brethren composing the team upset and the candidate bewildered when some well-meaning member on the sideline assumes the role of "official corrector" and proceeds to disrupt the degree by correcting an individual on the degree team, either by actually stopping him and making the correction at the moment, though it might be minor, in a stage whisper that can be heard around the room.
There are those who get quite dramatic and go into a series of pantomimes by making faces, throwing their hands behind their ears, waving their arms and any number of contortions to show that they are so much better versed in the ritual than the brother on the team. They are childishly trying to draw some attention to themselves.
To say the least, this is poor sportsmanship. Not only does it display poor taste, it is downright crude and entirely out of place for anyone, more especially a Mason. It would be so much nicer and definitely more brotherly, to wait until the Lodge has been closed, then quietly approach the brother and "whisper good counsel in his ear." That would be far better than "showing off" when in similar circumstances we might make even more errors.
It would appear that the beautiful lessons portrayed in the several degrees failed to reach such an individual with its true meaning. It would seem that his entire conception of the purpose of our degrees was to afford an opportunity for a few to demonstrate their ability to memorize certain words and phrases.
It would be wonderful to have the lessons of Freemasonry sink into the hearts and minds of members to the point where they have a burning desire to render an excellent ritual and make them humble!
----o----
By Alphonse Cerza, F.P.S., (Life), Illinois
A friend of the National Sojourners, who wants to remain anonymous, donated enough money to have printed "Fifty Years of National Sojourners" and present a copy to each member. This ought to set a good example for other members interested in associations of Master Masons.
This book was written an d compiled by LaVon Parker Lynn, National Historian, of the Sojourners; it consists of 284 pages of compacted information of details about this fine association of Masons, and has much material of general interest.
A few copies are still available and will be given to anyone making a donation of $4.00 or more to the Endowment fund, so long as the supply lasts. Send donation to the National Sojourners, 4600 Duke Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22304.
* * *
Iowa Research Lodge No. 2 has rendered a real service to the Craft by publishing "Founding Minutes of Nauvoo Lodge, U.D.," by Mervin B. Hogan, M.P.S. For years Brother Hogan has been making a study of the relationship of the Mormons and the Craft. He discovered that the Grand Secretary's Office in Illinois had the original minute book of the Masonic Lodge formed at Nauvoo, the city created by the Mormons on the western edge of Illinois along the Mississippi River. Brother Paul R. Stephens, M.P.S., Grand Secretary, graciously made the records available to Brother Hogan and he managed to decipher and make readable these old records, some of which were hard to read. These records solve many problems; for example, the records clearly show that Brigham Young was a member of the lodge; this had been debatable for many years. This is a good illustration of the type of material that ought to be located, researched, and made available to the Masonic reader and student.
Available from Jerry Marsengill, M.P.S., 2602 Terrace Road, Des Moines, Iowa 50312, at $2.00 a copy.
* * *
Volume 82 of A.C.C. was delayed because of the post office strike in England. In recent months the volume has been delivered to the corresponding members of Quatuor Coronati Lodge. It is a most rewarding volume to read and to have in one's Masonic library. It contains the 1968 Prestonian Lecture, an article on Freemasonry in Egypt, a current report on Freemasonry in Europe, a discussion of Preston's First Lecture, a chapter from the book by Brother Alex Horne on King Solomon's Temple (it discusses the question whether there really was a temple at all), and many articles of general Masonic interest.
Interested readers should communicate with the lodge, 27 Great Queen Street, London, W.C. 2, England.
* * *
The York Grand Lodge of Mexico issues a nice periodical called The Craftsman, written in English, and containing items of interest in each issue.
Subscriptions are available at $1.00 a year by writing to The Craftsman, Apartardo Postal No. 1226, Cuernavaca, Mor. Mexico.
* * *
As long as the supply lasts, a batch of the past issues of the proceedings of the Midwest Conference on Masonic Education (prior to 1969) will be sent for cost of mailing, i.e. $1.00. The proceedings for 1969 and 1970 are available at $2.50 each.
Send orders to Dr. Dawson Grim, Secretary, Higley Building, Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
* * *
The excellent Pick and Knight, "The Freemason's Pocket book" is still available at $3.20 a copy.
The recently revised Pick and Knight "The Pocket History of Freemasonry," by Frederick Smyth, may be secured at $4.40 a copy. This is the best one-volume history of the Craft available today.
Both should be ordered from The Secretary, Quatuor Coronati Lodge, 27 Great Queen St., London, W.C. 2, England.
* * *
Brother Aemil Pouter, M.P.S., and Member of the Society of Indexers, has just completed the 1970 index of the New Age Magazine. Copies are available from the New Age Magazine, 1733 Sixteenth St., N.W., Washington, D. C. at $1.00 a copy.
* * *
The St. Paul Dispatch and Pioneer Press has issued a booklet called "So You Want to Get News in The Newspapers?" designed to help publicity chairmen of various organizations. The Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Minnesota has secured a batch for distribution to members of the Craft. If you want a copy write to him at Masonic Temple, Sixth and Smith Avenue, St. Paul, Minn. 55102.
* * *
The Northern California Research Lodge has issued a paper entitled "Masonic Street Names of San Francisco," by Col. Carroll Peeke. While of special interest to the members residing in San Francisco it is an effort that might well be repeated in other places with its many local references.
Interested readers should communicate with Brother Paul Boren, Secretary, 1947 Tiffin Road, Oakland, Cal. 94602.
* * *
Brother Harold V.B. Voorhis, F.P.S., has spent years tracing the family of Brother Lafayette. The benefit of this work is presented in a booklet entitled "General Lafayette, A Geneology." It has a picture of Lafayette, reproduction of two stamps with his picture, and pertinent facts about his family.
Copies are available from the author at $2.00 a copy, 105 New England Ave., 2B, Summit, New Jersey 07901.
* * *
Our New York readers will be interested in learning that Brother Herman A. Sarachan has written a History of Masonry in Monroe County. Each lodge in the county plus the appendant bodies are covered. If enough interest is shown in the manuscript it will be published in book form. It is expected that the price will be $5.00 a copy.
Orders are being accepted by the Masonic Service Bureau, 875 Main Street, East, Rochester, New York 14605.
* * *
"The Presiding Officer," by Brother S. Flory Diehl, the President of the Past Masters Association of Southern Maryland, is a small booklet which in a nut-shell gives many fine suggestions and advice to the new Worshipful Master just before he is installed.
Copies available from the author at twenty-five cents a copy, 11505 Carroll Court, Upper Marlboro, Maryland 20870.
* * *
It appears that there will never be an end of books about Cagliostro. Brother Bruno S. Guglielmi, M.P.S., of San Remo, Italy, has sent me a copy of the latest book on the subject, by Carlo Gentile, entitled "Cagliostro." It is a paper back of 190 pages, with many pictures, published by Gino Sansomi, Editor, Milano, Italy, and sells for 500 lire. (Not too expensive if one considers the rate of exchange). The fact that it is printed in Italian restricts its readership in the United States, of course.
The author claims to have examined new documents that have come to light. His theme is that Cagliostro was a great healer, benefactor of mankind, and has been unjustly persecuted even beyond the grave. The book will not change anyone's mind since Cagliostro was and still is a highly controversial figure on the historical scene.
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Some Comments on Coil's Article
on Freemasonry In North America
By Kenneth W. Mackall, M.P.S., (New York)
In a recent letter to the Editor, Kenneth W. Mackall, M.P.S., has the following to say relative to the article appearing in the February issue of the Philalethes magazine, by Henry W. Coil, F.P.S.:
"I may be able to help straighten out some comments on the some seventeen points brought out by Henry W. Coil on page 18 of your February issue of Philalethes. My corrections are a matter of fact and not judgement.
In No. 9 Coil makes the statement that Provincial Grand Lodges were not constitutional bodies and were never warranted by a Grand Lodge. I would refer him to the Provincial Grand Lodges of both New York and Pennsylvania, both of which were chartered by the Antient Grand Lodge of England. I believe there was a third lodge in this same class, which was the Grand Lodge of Nova Scotia. This Grand Lodge was first illegally chartered by Henry Price, issued to Phillips, who later accepted an Antient charter.
Below are the lodges which were the ones which are mentioned in New York State history as being the ones which formed the New York Provincial Grand Lodge in 1781:
No. 52 Irish in the 37th British Regiment of Foot. Chartered by the Grand Lodge of Ireland on May 19, 1756.
No. 441 Chartered in 1765 by the Grand Lodge of Ireland in the British 38th Regiment of Foot. This lodge is interesting as the Master thereof was Sergeant Batt, who on March 6, 1775, while stationed at Castle William in Boston Harbor, initiated, passed and raised Prince Hall and fourteen other Negroes.
No. 133 Lodge known as Moriah No. 133 was chartered by the Grand Lodge of Scotland in 1767. It was with Howe of Long Island on August 1, 1776.
No. 213 Chartered by the Antient Grand Lodge on July 3, 1781. It was constituted by the Antient Grand Lodge of England on February 21, 1781, meeting in New York. It was in the Fourth Battalion of Roy al Artillery. It is now Albion Lodge of Quebec.
No. 215 Chartered on Oct. 10, 1781 by the Atholl Grand Lodge of England in the Second Regiment of Anspach-Berauth, sometimes called Brandenburg-Anspach and was composed of Hessian troops. It was constituted by the Atholl Grand Lodge. Meeting in New York Feb. 21, 1782.
Sion's Lodge U.D. On Jan. 16, 1780 Antient Lodge No. 210, upon the recommendation of Scottish Lodges 133 and 134 granted a dispensation to certain brethren in the 57th Regiment of Foot. Despite the fact that this lodge was under dispensation it took part in the formation of the Provincial Grand Lodge of New York.
In addition to these six ambulatory Lodges there were three civilian lodges among the nine which formed the Provincial Grand Lodge of New York.
No. 169 Chartered July 13, 1771 by the Atholl Grand Lodge of England. Prior to obtaining their charter from England these brethren had petitioned the Massachusetts Grand Lodge on March 2nd, May 11th and June 1st and later October 14th of 1770 for a charter. Finally on Dec. 3, 1770 they withdrew their petition. Massachusetts Grand Lodge probably refused because it thought that the brethren were loyalists.
No. 210 Chartered Feb. 20, 1779 by the Atholl Grand Lodge. This lodge was constantly wracked with dissension. It was suspended on Dec. 5, 1787 for non-payment of dues. It was restored to active status, changed its name and finally voted to disband.
No. 212 Chartered Nov. 1, 1780 by the Atholl Grand Lodge, but was in existence as a Tim e Immemorial Lodge in late 1779 or early 1780, working without a charter and known as Solomon's Lodge without number. On March 1, 1782 it was chartered, or rather constituted by the Atholl Grand Lodge meeting in New York, and designated as Lodge 212, without name. It later became Solomon's Lodge No. 212, and on June 4, 1788 it surrendered its warrant.
These nine lodges are all mentioned in McClenahan's four volume history of New York.
In Item 12 there are three errors.
(1) The two Grand Lodges did merge in 1792, as is amply proven by the minutes of the respective bodies in the transactions of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, Volume 1, 1733-1792.
(2) St. John's Grand Lodge did not insist 'to the very last' not to recognize the Scots or Antient Grand Lodge.
(3) St. John's Grand Lodge did not absorb the Massachusetts Grand Lodge.
The minutes of the two Grand Lodges are very clear on all of these points, and I recommend that they be read from 'the midnight ride of Paul Revere' which was April 19, 1775 to the final meeting on March 5, 1792.
St. John's Grand Lodge met on Feb. 27, 1775 for the last time before the beginning of hostilities. This group was fast losing favor with the colonists, and were considered by many as being loyalists. In any event they did not have the popular appeal the so-called Antients. The Boston Tea Party, Warren, Paul Revere, etc., were undoubted patriots.
As evidence of this is the fact that the next meeting of St. John's Grand Lodge was on Feb. 17, 1787 - twelve years later. This meeting was for the purpose of conducting Rowe's funeral. There was another short meeting on Aug. 4, 1787, this Grand Lodge did not meet again until July 29, 1790, when it noted the death of another Grand Master.
It was not until two years later that Ibis Grand Lodge met again on Jan. 13, 1792 when it met to receive a communication from Massachusetts Grand Lodge, which proposed a union of the two Grand Lodges. St. John's Grand Lodge on Jan. 18, 1792 appointed a committee of seven to meet with the Committee of the Massachusetts Grand Lodge.
It is interesting to note that Massachusetts Grand Lodge first proposed a union of the two Grand Lodges on March 2, 1787, and a committee of five was appointed. St. John's did not act on this suggestion, and during the next few months Massachusetts Grand Lodge made other attempts to bring about the union.
The union of the two grand lodges was finally accomplished on March 5, 1792, when St. John's Grand Lodge met at the Bunch of Grapes Tavern and at the same time at the Concert Hall, Massachusetts Grand Lodge was in session.
Both Grand Lodges ratified the work of the joint committees and the present Grand Lodge of Massachusetts came into being, and the two old Grand Lodges died. Neither absorbed the other.
Considering Coil's statement that the Modern Grand Lodge insisted to the very last not to recognize the Scots or Antient Grand Lodge a paragraph in the minutes of St. John's Grand Lodge of January 29, 1773 is interesting, in that, on that day St. John's agreed to accept the so-called Antients in their lodges as visitors.
It is true that the closing minutes of Massachusetts Grand Lodge carry the words "Voted that this Grand Lodge be Dissolved," while St. John's Grand Lodge was closed in due form. Both Lodges went out of existence at the same time and the present Grand Lodge was born.
I have great admiration for Brother Coil, and I have read every word of his encyclopedia, and have reviewed it on more than one occasion before Masonic bodies. There are errors in it, but there are errors in all books. I have written Brother Voorhis about the errors I have found, saying that I would gladly send them to McCoy if the book were to be reprinted.
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by Harold N. Painter, M.P.S.
Historical
THE FIRST ASSEMBLY of Masons took place at York, England, A.D. 926. These old operative masons had but one degree, and vestiges of it appear in our modern Mark Master degree.
In 1717 the Fraternity underwent a revival of its character when speculative Masons were admitted; the Fraternity then took on a speculative character. The one degree of the old operative masons was expanded into the three degrees of Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason, including the Holy Royal Arch. A Grand Master was elected. A Book of Constitutions was published in 1723. Lodges sprang up all over the world. Freemasonry had been Catholic, then it became Protestant, and, finally, it became tolerant. Freedom had become a reality.
The Masonic Fraternity teaches unity and only those who are willing to practice fraternal fellowship can be admitted. But Masonry also requires an applicant to believe in God; he is styled the GRAND ARCHITECT OF THE UNIVERSE, and before HIM every Freemason must humbly bow.
Lodges of Freemasons are found all over the world. But in many places Masonry is suppressed, particularly in Communist countries. In America there are more than four million members in several thousand Lodges. One has only to compare living conditions in America with those in South America and East-Central Eurasia in order to realize the value of the Masonic Fraternity, and other fraternities, to civilization.
Charity
Next to a belief in God, the practice of charity is a lesson that lies at the base of Freemasonry. Many Grand Lodges have a Masonic Home, Hospital, etc. Every Lodge must contribute to charity. The Shrine maintains 17 hospitals for crippled children. Every Mason, in one form or another, practices charity irrespective to race, color, or creed.
Faith
The faith of a Mason lies in the knowledge that wherever he may go he will find a Mason who will help him out in time of distress and grief. Seldom will he be shunned and the thought that at least one Mason can be found, most often very quickly, gives a Mason confidence in the mind of man. Such a mind has been created by God in his own image and all who are willing to take the obligation of a Freemason are also those who are ever-willing to help a falling Brother.
Hope
The doctrine of immortality of the mind was taught by the Ancient Mysteries. We teach this same doctrine in our Lodges today. Every candidate is brought into communion with God, and that is why Lodges hold communications. He is taught that though death is real, yet he will be raised. And that is why we record the date of a Master Mason who has been raised.
Our Family
Lodges were originally established for adult males only. Today, many Masonically sponsored or recognized organizations have been set up for the ladies, and the boys and girls. Somewhere in a complex structure of nearly one hundred degrees, orders and honors, a Mason can find a place to display his talents or to find comfort and consolation.
Success comes to those who have an education, a good personality, and a willingness to work.
In the Masonic family are found the rich and the poor, the high and the low, the ambitious and the lazy, even bad boys slip in. We have to get rid of them - they should never have petitioned in the first place. But most Masons are good people - they have been taken in on the basis of their good, moral character.
The Nuclear Age
The age of atomic weapons and 'round-the-earth missiles compels us to choose between sudden death and the making of a better world in which to live. The Masonic Fraternity is engaged in making good men better.
The Masonic Fraternity offers wisdom to the ignorant, help to the needy, medicine to the suffering, and hope to the oppressed. Millions of men have shown a desire for this noble and glorious work, and millions are yet to come.
Those who spend the evening in a Lodge of Freemasons witnessing a degree of the Divine Mysteries may go home with a refreshed soul.
Who Can Join?
Any adult male who believes in God, who is of good moral character, who is willing to practice charity, and who desires to enlist in the bonds of fraternal fellowship can petition a Lodge of Freemasons wherein he has legal residence.
Of course, atheists and Communists cannot be admitted, nor can those who place anything above loyalty to a God-given God-loving soul.
A man who believes that God is love can commune with Masons. Anyone who has hatred in his mind cannot truthfully, in the presence of God, take a solemn obligation upon the Holy Book of his choice.
God has made a world, and when men are gathered together in HIS NAME there HE will be found also. That Holy Name is I AM THAT I AM.
An Invitation?
No member of the Masonic Fraternity can ask you to join. You must seek LIGHT (knowledge of God) yourself. Perhaps you should consider the importance of fraternal fellowship to yourself and to Your family.
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By Bliss Kelly, M.P.S.
The wives of Masons are benefitted by Masonic teachings as much as their husbands. This is shown in the rituals of the Blue Lodge, particularly, as well as the principles of the appendent bodies. In every degree the wives and families are particularly mentioned and all Masons are obligated to put them first, next to God, in their lives.
Yet, do we, as masons, let our wives and families know this? Some will reply that all Masonic groups recognize the wives and families, and organizations such as the Eastern Star, Amaranth and others bring them into membership. Blue Lodges recognize them when annual dinners or other dinner meetings are held by the lodge and cooks, waitresses and dish washers are needed.
Why is it that most Masons seem to believe that they cannot tell their wives or families ANYTHING about Masonry or its teachings? Apparently, the initiate gets the idea that everything is so secret that he can never tell his wife or family anything at all. Even the newspaper "Broken Hearts Columnist" Dear Abbey, gets inquiries about that, and advises distressed wives to hang onto their husbands or they may lose them "by degrees."
Yet, the truth is that everything which Masonry teaches and for which it stands, its history, its ritual in most part and its customs and landmarks are all printed and available for any one to read. The only part which is secret is those small esoteric parts of the ritual and some of those transactions in the tiled lodges, as well as the modes of identification. Even the provisions of the obligations are printed and referred to by Masonic writers and speakers. It is well known that every Mason is obligated by several solemn vows to protect, defend, aid and assist the wives and families of all Masons.
All this was shown by a recent survey by a committee of the Grand Lodge of Oklahoma, covering a period of two years. First, all lodges in the state were contacted to determine why there were dropouts, suspensions and few new candidates. Among many other things, it was apparent that, although shabby lodges and poor ritual accounted for some of this, the great and underlying cause was lack of Masonic information. Candidates were not told about Masonry, its history, its meanings, its application to everyday living and its benefit to wives and families.
This impelled the committee to prepare a series of letters and booklets supplying this Masonic Information, and to select a large number of lodges, large and small, as a cross section of the state, to test the value of this. First, it was explained that not only the candidate, but his wife and family, should study the material as required reading. (This is successfully done in some other states.) How to prepare for initiation and what to expect, was covered in a statement to be read after election of each candidate. Next, and before initiation, a booklet of several pages, was given each candidate, explaining the history, principles, teachings and symbolism of the fraternity, as well as explaining the relationship of families to Masonry and telling a little about the degrees and appendent bodies. Some lodges asked all wives and families to meet at the lodge and witness the film "In the Hearts of Men," before the candidate was initiated, so that questions could be answered, also.
This made for wonderful co-operation by the wives and families. After the first degree was received, a booklet explaining it and its teachings was given each candidate and he and his family were required to read it, before being eligible for the second degree.
After the Fellow Craft degree was received, a booklet explaining the symbolism and deeper meaning of that degree was given as required reading, and after the Master Mason degree was received, a last booklet explained that degree, the duties of a Master Mason and some of the landmarks of Masonry.
What were the results ? Amazing, indeed. While the rate of dropouts in Oklahoma had previously increased to 12 1/2 per cent, no candidate dropped out of any test lodge. Reports were that a new, wonderful feeling of belonging was shown by candidates. Wives and families never complained of being "Masonic Widows," and instead "pushed" relatives into petitioning for the degrees. There were no complaints by the home folk when, as one lodge reported, every candidate raised that year immediately went to work in the lodge. (And these were all younger men.)
Some of the test lodges even set up study times for older members to go over the Masonic Information material, and found that new interest was generated.
With these glowing reports, of course the Grand Lodge of Oklahoma approved the use of the material for all lodges. It is hoped that, like some other jurisdictions, after the value of the information material is established this plan will be required reading for all candidates and their families
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Brother David T. Woodruff, 2175 Drew Street, Clearwater, Florida 33515 has a limited number of leaflets to distribute which fills a real need. The 19th Masonic District of Florida prepared the leaflet which is mailed to the family of each candidate after he has received his first degree. It explains to the family the nature of Freemasonry so that it may be advised in the matter.
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A new periodical is being published in the Spanish language by Brother Roger Fernandez Callejas, 2460 S. W. 36th Avenue, Miami, Florida 33145. It is entitled Lecturas Masonicas and is designed to give Masonic facts to our Spanish reading brethren. Interested readers are urged to communicate with the editor.
* * *
News, achievements arid items of interest about our
Fellows arid Members - Discussion and comment on
- Plan Mail and Observations -
Mutual Topics.
This page conducted by Jerry Marsengill, M.P.S., 2602 Terrace Road, Des Moines Iowa 50312.
From Brother Alphonse Cerza, F.P.S. (Life) we receive the information that, on Saturday April 3, 1971, St. Clair Lodge No. 24 of Belleville, Illinois celebrated its Golden Jubilee, the 100th consecutive meeting of its educational program. The man who started this program and has been keeping it going is Brother Irvin A. Uphoff, M.P.S. In addition, Brother Uphoff has served for a number of years on the Illinois Committee on Masonic Education. Every project needs one spark plug to keep it going. Congratulations to St. Clair Lodge and to Brother Uphoff.
* * *
Two of our Fellows, Ronald E. Heaton, F.P.S. and Harold V.B. Voorhis, F.P.S. have been given an honor award from the Freedom Foundation for their booklet on the Liberty Bell, "Loud and Clear." We applaud the Freedom Foundation.
* * *
From the Georgia Masonic Messenger, edited by Walter M. Callaway, M.P.S. we quote. In a column entitled, "Ye Editor Bows" Brother Callaway states: "With grateful acknowledgement to the December, 1970 issue of The Philalethes magazine, official publication of the Philalethes Society, a Masonic literary organization having an international membership of Master Masons. Brother John Black Vrooman, one of the nation's outstanding Craftsmen, of Missouri, is the editor." Brother Alphonse Cerza, Past Grand Orator of the Grand Lodge of Illinois, Past President, a Fellow of the Society and one of the most avid students of Freemasonry anywhere, says under his page entitled Recommended Masonic Reading: "The Masonic Messenger of Georgia . . . is one of the finest Masonic periodicals being published today. While the news items are of primary interest to our members in Georgia, there are enough items of general interest in each issue to make it worthwhile reading for members outside the state. The subscription price is $1.00 a year (for 12 issues). Send check to Box 9912, Atlanta, Georgia 30319.
Since the above article was published, the Messenger has received quite a few paid subscriptions, all from Brethren in Northern states. The Messenger appreciates the approval of the Philalethes (Friends of Truth.") We appreciate Brother Callaway's glowing tribute.
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In Connecticut, the Masonic Lodge of Research has created the "James R. Case Research Award" in honor of R.W. Brother James R. Case, F.P.S., Grand Historian of Connecticut, and Past Master of the American Lodge of Research of New York. The idea given for the award is to honor some distinguished Mason who is recognized for his Research and writings in the field of Masonry and related subjects. The recipient, after being selected by a committee composed of Past Masters of the lodge, will be asked to speak at the next regularly scheduled Anniversary Dinner, which will be held on the first Saturday after the first Wednesday in the month of May, the first Wednesday being the Anniversary of the Lodge. The subject will be one of the recipient's own choosing. This year's winner, the first award to be presented, is Brother Jim Case, F.P.S., himself. In the opinion of the committee, Brother Case was the most deserving of the award. He is internationally recognized in the field of Masonic research for his numerous activities, as researcher, author and historian. The American Lodge of Research had a large delegation in attendance as did Philosophic Lodge of Research of Connecticut and a number of visitors from other jurisdictions. Congratulations, Jim, and we feel the committee made an excellent selection.
* * *
Recently the American Lodge of Research elected R.W. Brother Harold V.B. Voorhis, F.P.S. as a fellow of the lodge. Formerly Active member No. 65, Brother Harold now becomes fellow No. 21. Congratulations to Harold and to the American Lodge of Research for recognizing and availing themselves of the opportunity to not only honor Brother Voorhis, but to add to the luster of the lodge itself by this act.
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According to information received by us, Brother G. Wilbur Bell, F.P.S., Most Eminent Grand Master of the Grand Encampment, Knights Templar of the U.S.A., was made a Tall Cedar at sight by Jr. Deputy Supreme Tall Cedar, George P. Leigh, Jr. at the February 27th Ceremonial of Cleveland Forest No. 70, Cleveland, Ohio. Also in the class was Brother Alvin Crump, M.P.S. We applaud the Tall Cedars for getting some fine timber.
* * *
We congratulate R.W. Brother Harold V. B. Voorhis, F.P.S. on his election as an Honorary Member by Villard De Honnecourt Lodge No. 81, Grande Loge Nationale Francaise, on 29th December, 1970.
* * *
Allen Roberts, F.P.S. is presently engaged in a new project. With the assistance of the Macoy Publishing and Masonic Supply Company of Richmond, Virginia. Allen has prepared a series of training films for the development of Masonic leaders. These training films are produced by Imagination Unlimited, under Allen's direction. Allen and Dottie have flown to Wisconsin to speak on the use of these films and a number of jurisdictions are investigating the use of them.
* * *
Had Al Cerza been born a first century Jew, he would have undoubtedly been a Rabbi. To those of us who have set at his feet, symbolically, and learned, from him nothing that the man does is a surprise. He has made good use of inexpensive, Japanese made, tape cassettes in the work of teaching Masonry. Al sends a tape to some prominent Mason, asks him to record a short talk, and return the cassette. Then he takes the tapes, catalogs them, and files them under the subject and author. When a talk is needed, Al merely goes to his tape file, pulls one, and attends the meeting with his recorder. Playing the tape for the brethren present gives them a special talk at no cost, which would be extremely expensive were they to bring the speaker to address their group. These tape recorders and tape cassettes can be purchased at a nominal cost in most large department stores and they can become an invaluable tool in teaching Masonry.
* * *
Brother Theo. J. Jena, M.P.S. and Past Grand Master of Indiana was the first speaker at the F.E.W. meeting of Mishawaka Lodge No. 130 of Indiana. His topic was "What's Wrong with the Indiana Masonic Home." The February meeting of the lodge on Sunday, February 21, highlighted a trip to the Masonic Home. F.E.W. signifies, Fellowship, Education, and Work.
* * *
Louis L. Williams, M.P.S. has resigned as Deputy for the Supreme Council for the State of Illinois, A.A.S.R., N.M.J. Brother Williams has served as Deputy for the Supreme Council since 1963.
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Youth - Our Greatest Investment for Tomorrow
International DeMolay Oratorical Finalist
One of the outstanding features of Masonic Week in Washington has always been the Frank S. Land Memorial Breakfast, sponsored by the Imperial Council of the Shrine. This event, an item on Tuesday morning, February 23, 1971, presented Thomas G. Howell, the Oratorical finalist in the Oratorical contest, a gentleman who is a past Master Councilor, Blue Honor Key, past state Oratorical Champion of Virginia and present Flower Talk Champion of Virginia. He was presented to the large audience by the Imperial Potentate, and spoke as follows:
Good morning and greetings from all DeMolay's and their advisors. I thank you for this opportunity to represent my DeMolay brethren at this Dad Land breakfast and share with you my thoughts on Youth - Our Greatest Investment for Tomorrow.
Throughout history, youth has played a major role in the growth of tomorrow. It seems that now, more than ever before, young people are influencing the forthcoming events of the future. Many records and feats set by men long ago, records which have stood up for years, are being surpassed everyday by our youth. The great advancements made in the field of science these past few years well proves this point. Ten years ago man only dreamed of one day reaching the moon. Today, with the aid of great technological advances this is a reality, and our youth have helped to make it possible. How? Because as time progresses the intelligence of the adolescent increases, and by the time he reaches adulthood he is more fully equipped to demonstrate this newly acquired intelligence, making such scientific advances as landing on the moon possible.
As in the past, youth has the stage for the future. The young people in the time of George Washington; true patriots such as Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and many others, devised the beginning of what would one day become the greatest nation in the world! The investment in the lives of these young people helped to bring about a better tomorrow.
But what is our youth doing today? In spite of the Hippie movements, S.D.S. demonstrations and Vietnam War protests, many of our youth are performing constructive jobs. Many young people have already entered the Peace Corps and other Volunteer Service Groups such as Vista. Many of our young people are proving their patriotism by fighting in Vietnam while others have entered into the field of sports. A famous Senior DeMolay, Bob Mathias, twice Decathlon Champion, was just one of the many young people of his day who was able to accomplish outstanding feats in the area of Track and Field. Jim Ryun, a great runner from Kansas University, is also such a man. He typified the hundreds of other hardworking young athletes who through their desire and constant training continue to break long-standing records. Still, many more young people have entered the field of entertainment. The Beatles, and The Association are just a few of the great Rock Bands of today, but there are many more.
Our youth of today is involved in various jobs; many of which are very constructive. But one question readily comes to mind. What actually is youth.
Youth as defined in Funk and Wagnall's College Directory as:
1. The state or condition of being young.
2. The period when one is young; the part of life between childhood and manhood; adolescence.
This, however, is just a literal definition. An average adult if asked to define youth might explain youth as the age when a young person feels he knows everything and must be proven different. He has strong desires and quite too openly expresses them. This same adult might also comment upon the dress and eating habits of youth. He would probably point out how teenagers seem to thrive on hamburgers, french fries and cokes. . .
All of these statements as seen from an adult's point of view are partially true, youth is most of these things but let's take a serious look into what youth really is.
In my opinion youth is basically:
Y - Yearning. Yearning for life. Seeking knowledge. Constantly finding new adventures and striving for perfection.
O - Observant. Youth is always noticing what goes on about them, trying to find out what makes things tick. They are constantly asking questions to more fully understand people.
U - United. He is united with all young people simply by the way he wears his hair, chooses his clothes and reacts to the WORLD'S situations.
T - Training. He is constantly under training by his parents, teachers, other adults, and above all, his own personal friends.
H - Heritage. As DeMolay teaches us, youth is the heritage of the future, a sacred trust not to be betrayed.
But what effect does DeMolay have on our youth and tomorrow?
The Order of DeMolay may well be considered an International Bank of Human Resources. When a boy joins DeMolay he is investing his life in a great learning organization. With DeMolay's Seven Precepts of: Filial Love, Reverence for Sacred Things, Courtesy, Comradeship, Fidelity, Cleanness, and Patriotism, each member is taught how he should live a good religious life. As each boy progresses through the ranks of DeMolay he is being taught things which will set his stage for the future. He is not only learning how to be a good leader but also a good follower as well if he follows the lessons and examples which DeMolay sets before him and tries to communicate these lessons throughout his lifetime, then he will never be unsuccessful and his savings from this bank will be numerous. As the late Walt Disney once said:
DeMolay does a lot for a young man of today. It provides a valuable supplement to the principles and guidelines he has been taught by his parents, and the school, and the church. The important thing is that these principles are upheld by his peer group thus it's youth telling youth.
But why is youth our greatest investment for tomorrow? It is our youth who will become the leaders of tomorrow. They will grow up and become the business executives, the politicians, the ministers, the engineers, the lawyers, the physicians, and the architects. They will some day rule the whole world and everything on it, and without a proper background our youth will falter as leaders and our world as we know it will collapse. If our young people's needs are neglected then the greatest investment for a bigger and better tomorrow will be lost.
I ask you as Masons and leaders to join me in preserving this DeMolay international bank of human resources - for YOUTH IS OUR GREATEST INVESTMENT FOR TOMORROW.
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Our Government and Equilibrium
By Kenneth F. Curtis, F.P.S.
The writings of John Locke proved in later Years to be the inspirational material for the enduring work known as "The Spirit of Laws" by Charles De Montesquieu, 1689-1775.
Montesquieu says ill the preface of his book: "If this work meets with success, I shall owe it chiefly to the grandeur and majesty of the subject." Little he knew at the time the great impact his political doctrines would have on two governmental resolutions.
It is a known fact that the members of the Constitutional Convention accepted without reservations the basic theory of this learned French philosopher, it being the theory of the division of power into three departments with the function of each being a check on the other. Montesquieu was dedicated to the belief that the concentration of power was fatal to liberty.
The widely-read scholars, who framed the Constitution with the preservation of liberty in mind, realized that strength and not weakness would "secure the Blessings of Liberty." They kept this in mind when they started to work on the problem of transfer of power from the original States to a united government; and the power of governmental control to the people.
They distributed this power into three departments in order to preserve for themselves and posterity that which they most cherished, "liberty." No department was made to legislate independently from the other and, if the issue so required, was able to defeat or modify the legislation of the others.
We owe the existence of the present House of Representatives, the Senate and the Executive Department to this adopted procedure. The members of all three were restrained by established terms of office and were elected by the vote of the people. Therefore, no individual or group could hold office indefinitely without the people's will. The exception to this rule being the extension to a permitted few the power of appointment.
This system of each department acting as a restraining agent on the activities of the other results in equilibrium of our government. Even our President is limited in his appointment of officials. He does not have the power to make a treaty nor can he declare war without the consent of Congress.
Congress is prevented from making a law if the President does not approve it. The President has the authority to veto Congressional legislation but this is also restricted for by a two-thirds vote of Congress, the veto can be overruled. This, in spite of any opposition by the President. The Congress and the President are equally able to check the other when thought necessary.
There is a further check on both the two-branched legislative and executive departments. This action is performed by the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court has the duty of interpreting the laws of Congress. Frequently laws have been declared invalid because they conflicted with the judgment of the Court and the Constitution. In turn, the judicial branch can be checked by Congressional action for decisions can be set aside by amendment of the Constitution.
This system of our governmental control through checks and balances, though possibly slow for this day, results in an established equilibrium. That this government of the people, for the people, and by the people since the ratification of its Constitution by the united efforts of the original thirteen States, has become a great nation, definitely proves the basis of its success through the exercise of the ancient Mystery of the Balance.
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History Of National Sojourners Published
A Mason, who wishes to remain anonymous, recently paid for the publication of "Fifty Years of National Sojourners," a comprehensive history of that Masonic-affiliated organization. It has been distributed as a gift to the 10,000 Sojourners who were on the rolls as of 27 June 1970.
"Fifty Years of National Sojourners," is a 284-page volume written by Brother LaVon P. Linn, (Colonel, U.S. Army-retired), National Historian of National Sojourners and noted Masonic speaker.
National Sojourners, Inc., is an organization of officers and warrant officers, past and present, of the uniformed forces of the United States, who are also members of the Masonic fraternity. Chapters of the organization are located in the majority of jurisdictions in the United States, as well as in seven countries overseas. National Sojourners are dedicated to the support of all patriotic aims and activities in Masonry.
National Headquarters of National Sojourners is; located at 4600 Duke St., Alexandria, Virginia. The National President of the organization is Brother (Lieutenant Colonel) Ray M. Ely of Wayne, Pennsylvania. Stewart M.L. Pollard (P.S.G.W. China), author of "Tied to Masonic Apron Strings," is the National Secretary.
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Abraham Lincoln's Autobiography
Abraham Lincoln's sketch of his own life is wonderfully brief. The autobiography relates almost wholly to Lincoln's own education as if that were the thing essential to his career. He told it in the third person as follows:
Before leaving Kentucky, Abraham and his sister were sent for short periods to A B C Schools, the first kept by Zechariah Riney and by Caleb Hazel.
While here (Spencer County, Ind., to which place his father migrated when Abraham was 7 years old) Abraham went to A B C Schools by littles kept successively by Andrew Crawford, Sweeney and Azel W. Dorsey. He does not remember any other. Abraham now thinks that the aggregate of all his schooling did not amount to a year. He was never in a college or academy as a student and never inside of a college or academy building till since he had a law license. What he has in the way of an education, he picked up. After he was 23 and had separated from his father, he studied English grammar - imperfectly, of course, but so as to speak and write as well as he now does. He studied and nearly mastered the six books of Euclid since he was a member of Congress. He regrets his want of an education and does what he can to supply the want.
- Exchange.
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DeMolay Leadership Camps Beckoning our Youth
DeMolay Leadership Camps for 1971 promise to be bigger and better than ever before. Several new camps have been added and the quality of the programs constantly increase.
DeMolay Leadership Camps offer those in attendance not only a concentrated course in the technical aspects of membership, chapter activities, public relations and chapter organization, but offer DeMolays an opportunity to spend a week in fun and fellowship where they can enjoy the company of DeMolays from other chapters and jurisdictions and can exchange ideas and suggestions.
The week-long camp session is not all work for it involves sports activities and a lot of opportunity for rest and relaxation.
A standard price of $75 for 1971 includes lodging, all meals, a camp notebook which contains outlines of all lecture material, and special camp clothing. Transportation fees to and from camp are the responsibility of the individual camper.
A great deal of Masonic support has been given to the young men of DeMolay for the Leadership Camp program. Camp scholarships have been given from practically everybody of Masonry on the local and national level. The High Twelve International Clubs have been a great booster of the camp program and continue each year to sponsor a large number of DeMolays to camp on scholarships.
The general camp schedule includes mornings filled with discussions, lectures and group seminars on various topics related to DeMolay and its program. The afternoons are devoted to sports activities and the evenings feature entertainment and education-type programs.
The schedule for the 1971 camps is as follows:
June 20-26 - Northeast Camp, Camp Jewell, North Colebrook, Conn.
June 27-July 3 - Midwestern Camp, Menucha Conference Center, Corbett, Oregon.
July 11-17 - Southeast Camp, Blue Ridge Assembly, Black Mountain, N.C.
July 18-24 and July 25-31 - Western Camp, Camp LaHonda, LaHonda, Calif.
August 15-21 - Rocky Mountain Camp, University of N. Colorado, Greeley, Colo.
August 22-28 - Southeast Camp, Camp Thunderbird, Clover, N.C.
August 22-28 - North Central Camp, Camp Ihduhapi, Loretto, Minn.
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by Alvin T. Westdal
Committee on Masonic Education and Research of Utah
The brief passage from scripture, to which the Bible is always opened in Lodge during the Fellow Craft degree, is considered particularly appropriate to that degree because of its reference to the plumb.
Amos was a peasant, a sheepherder in the hills of Tekoa near Jerusalem, who through his study of the sycamore became a tree surgeon. Though not considered one of the major prophets, to him came the sad duty of prophesying the fall of Israel, the Babylonian captivity and the dispersion of the "Chosen people."
Posterity has been enriched by the fact that, of a long line of prophets after Moses, Amos was the first to keep a written record - a record that has come down to us in the book of the Old Testament which bears his name.
During the 41-year reign of Jeroboam II, Israel enjoyed great material prosperity, and it was accepted as their due, for were they not God's chosen people? The rich got richer and the poor got poorer - and more oppressed. The old religion of the one true God was still the religion of the state, but its practice was more a formality than a reality. The golden calves were being worshiped in the sanctuaries of Bethel and Dan, and wickedness prevailed. Time after time their transgressions had been overlooked, but now God's justice was about to overwhelm them.
For twenty years Amos had stormed through the streets and hills denouncing the wickedness of the tribes, urging their return to the true faith, and warning of coming disasters that had been revealed to him in his visions.
Finally the inspired shepherd, the first prophet of social justice, stood in the temple at Bethel and, amid jeers and hoots, thundered out the verdict that had been revealed to him in his most recent vision: " . . . I will set a plumbline in the midst of my people Israel: I will not again pass by them any more (and the high places of Isaac shall be desolate, and the sanctuaries of Israel shall be laid waste; and I will rise against the house of Jeroboam with the sword").
No longer would the people of Israel enjoy favoritism. Hereafter strict justice would be applied, and they would suffer for any deviation from that rectitude of conduct which was their obligation and their duty and which, here in the Bible, is symbolized by the plumbline.
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by Rabbi H. Geffen, F.P.S.
Masonry's aim is to spread, by the doctrines and teachings, ideas and ideals, by its fundamental principles of God's love for all mankind, to procure the happiness of all nations of the world, not to ossify because of aristocratic pride; but to become the beacon light of truth to all human beings, to carry before all of them the torch of morality, to pave the way through the heathen desert to the mountain of the Lord. Masonic services with its various symbols have salutary effects upon our religion, so does the ceremonial law of Masonic rituals aid in strengthening us in the divine truth, in helping us to remember the holy mission of our Craft under the direct guidance of God. This ceremonial law is by no means sanctifying in itself, but it affords a means of sanctification.
It is subject by its nature, to such changes as are in keeping with the spirit of the age. The ceremonies of Masonry are changeable, as it is established as a fact, that even the ceremonial laws of Moses have undergone most thorough going changes during the time of the first and the second Temples, as also during all the periods of later generations. Mankind, no matter what their degree of culture and civilization, will always stand as much in need of ceremonies as it does of language. These ceremonies must be illuminated by religious thoughts, they must harmonize with the existing stage of the religious development, they must reflect the glory, beauty and sublimity of Freemasonry, and must keep pace with these duties of the Craft, which they symbolize and represent. Yes, the religious ceremonies must be fulfilled by devotion.
Our Prophets of old never ceased to oppose with flaming words these mere outward ceremonies without devotional intention and realization of their significance. It was not the aim of the prophets to destroy and tear down the rituals, but to beautify them, to glorify their meanings. Masons had wandered on and on to the present encountering the storms and hurricanes of fate, tossed hither and thither, were persecuted and oppressed by ancient, medieval and modern tyrants yet they are nevertheless closely linked together by an impervious spiritual chain of brotherly love and fidelity to celebrate the proudest triumph of the world's history.
Such a Fraternity is a living Bible. The aim and doctrine of Freemasonry teaches us the eternal principles of all true morality. This doctrine of Freemasonry, to the rugged height of which millions among the civilized world have not been able to elevate themselves is the foundation stone of all purely spiritual devotion to God, of all self-consecration in word, deed and sentiment. Is man nothing more than a two-legged creature, when he dies, is thrown into a pit as any carcass, without a word of prayer and consolation? What higher right has man over the animals in his social relations? Yes, there are theories advanced and spread abroad by the atheistic nations that man is nothing but an animal.
Great is the rude presumption to deride the highest question of humanity, with which the greatest minds of all nations have busied themselves with the profoundest reverence. There also rises up before us the unwished - for struggles between truth and falsehood, far worse than the old heathenism, which will desecrate everything and unroof the ideas of right and morals.
So the aim of Freemasonry is to enlighten, by its Great Lights the dark recesses of man's heart and the various avenues of his brain, to implant in man truth and righteousness.
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Among the records of Masons in the history of our country we find that of Major General Joseph Warren, hero of the Battle of Bunker Hill. This distinguished Brother was born in 1741.
Shortly before his twenty-first birthday, this gallant soldier, statesman and physician was raised to the degree of Master Mason in St. Andrews' Lodge, Boston. He became active in Masonic affairs and matters of state.
General Warren became Master of St. Andrew's Lodge, 1766. In 1769 he was commissioned Grand Master of Boston and one hundred miles around, by the Grand Lodge of Scotland. He was installed Grand Master in 1773.
Most Worshipful Brother Warren's brilliant career was brought to an abrupt close by his untimely death at the Battle of Bunker Hill. Arriving at the scene of battle, he found the army under the able command of Generals Prescott and Putman, whereupon he seized a musket and entered the ranks as a private, but most unfortunately was killed while fighting bravely for American Independence. - Exchange.
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Notes, Queries and Information On Items of Masonic Research
BY MELVIN L. PFANKUCHE, M.P.S.
3319 Harwinton Lane, Cincinnati, Ohio 45211
1971 - No. 3
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 Melvin L. Pfankuche, M.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.
SWAP CORNER
FOR NEEDED BOOKS AND
RESEARCH MATERIAL
Readers please carry on all correspondence with individuals in need.
You're on your own!
52 - Swap Corner. Brother John M. Sherman, M.P.S., Actg. Librarian, Masonic Temple, 186 Tremont Street Boston, Mass. 02111 needs the Proceedings from 1954 through 1960 for the "Supreme Grand Royal Arch Chapter of New Zealand" to complete his set. Needs should be pointed to the direction of Brother Sherman if you can give him any help.
53 - Swap Corner. Brother William G. Peacher, M.D., F.P.S., 600 East Genesee Street, Syracuse, New York 13202 is looking for ALL Grand Lodge, Grand Chapter, Grand Council, Grand Commandery, Scottish Rite, Research Lodge and similar materials. What you can spare, he wants. Also wants magazines, histories, pamphlets and other Masonic Publications. Bound magazines most desirable. Before your wife makes you clean house, please contact Brother Peacher.
280 - Independence Day Bicentennial. (August, October and December, 1970). The United States Government has appointed an American Revolutionary Bicentennial Commission, located at 736 Jackson Place, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006. M.L. Spector is the Director and the telephone number is 393-3111.
A recent newspaper article notes that the first of a Bicentennial series of stamps has been started and the first of around six stamps should appear July 4, 1971. The stamps said to plan to depict different events leading to the Declaration of Independence and eventual war.
292 - Letter G. (February, 1971). Brother Harvey N. Brown, M.P.S., 2800 Tyler Avenue, El Paso, Texas 79930 states that in view of his visitations overseas, he would suggest that the Square & Compasses with the "G" would have an Irish origin. His source is that since Laurence Dermott was made a Mason in Dublin in 1740 and emigrated to London about 1748. Further since Dermott was an "Ancient," and guided the "Ancients." Further, following World War II, Brother Brown served in Germany with an Irish Major whose P.M. Jewel consisted of the Square & Compasses with the letter "G" in the center and suspended on a cord about his neck.
296 - Kentucky, History of the Grand Lodge. Brother Charles S. Guthrie, M.P.S., P. O. Box 55, Burkesville, Ky. 42717 has started to collect research material in anticipation of writing a history of the G. L. of Kentucky. All materials will be guarded and returned to the owner in due time.
297 - Paris Commune of 1871. Brother William S. Conaway, M.P.S., P.O. Box 14263, Louisville, Ky. 40214 states: "In the March, 1971 issue of Smithsonian the statement is made, article 'The Paris Commune of 1871' that General Thiers turned down efforts by the mayors of Paris and later by the Freemasons for conciliation with the Commune. Is there anything in any Masonic Histories about this." Comments please.
298 - French Masons in American Lodges. Brother Jean O. Heineman, M.P.S., Odinsgate 21, Oslo 2, Norway would like to know as much as possible about French Masons who affiliated or joined U.S. Lodges in the time up to around 1850. He wants names, places, dates, Lodges, occupations, etc.
299 - Lincoln Catafalque. Is there any Masonic significance with the catafalque on which the bodies of President Lincoln and Kennedy rested while laying in state in the Capitol Rotunda. These men were not Masons but it has been suggested that the catafalque was built with the direction of Brother Benjamin B. French and that Masonic designs were used. Facts, opinions and speculation welcomed.
300 - Branch Tanner Archer, P.G.M., Texas. Brother Robert L. Dillard, Jr., M.P.S., 6642 Lakewood Blvd., Dallas, Texas 75214 is looking for documentation on the above named Second Grand Master of Texas. Bro. Archer was born in either Amelia or Powhatan County, Virginia on December 13, 1790. He became a Mason in 1807 in Manchester Lodge No. 14, and was Master in 1821. He might have been raised in Harmony Lodge No. 62. It is known for sure that he helped to organize St. John's Lodge No. 5, in Brazoria, Texas and was the first Senior Warden, and was installed Grand Master of Masons in Texas on December 25, 1838. You can see that the early history is sketchy at best, Brother Dillard would appreciate your assistance.
301 - Independence Day Lodge Meeting. Brother Gerald D. Foss, Grand Historian, P. O. Box 218, Rye, N. H. 03870 brings up an interesting question with the pending Bicentennial celebrations. "Is there any records or stories indicating that any other lodges other American Union held a meeting on July 4, 1776?"
302 - Colorado. Bro. Dean C. Mabry, G. M., 721 Colorado Ave., Trinidad, Colorado 81082 is gathering material about Freemasonry in the Colorado Territory and the early days of statehood.