Contents
It Seems To Me The Bicentennial of the American Revolution
Pageant Commemorates Historical Event Let there be Light... and There was Lightning
Recommended Masonic Reading Masonic Research - Iowa Style
DeMolay Leadership Conferences Chat and Comment
The First Masonic Certificate In Australia A Masonic Session in Jail
An Interesting Masonic
Document
On Items of Masonic Research
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 V. Osborne, F.P.S. President
3624 Gifford Road
Franksville, Wisconsin 53126
Eugene S. Hopp, F.P.S. First Vice President
2000 Van Ness Avenue
San Francisco, California 94109
Dwight L. Smith, F.P.S. Second Vice President
Masonic Temple, 525 North Illinois St.,
Indianapolis, Indiana 46204
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.
William R. Denslow, F.P.S.
ASSOCIATE EDITORS
Jerry Marsengill, M.P.S.
2602 Terrace Road,
Des Moines, lowa 50312
Alphonse Cerza, F.P.S., (Life)
237 Millbridge Road
Riverside, Illinois 60546
Melvin L. Pfankuche, M.P.S.
14267-130th Place, N.E.,
Kirkland, Washington 98033
EXECUTIVE SECRETARY EMERITUS
Carl R. Greisen, F.P.S.
Volume XXVI, No. 6
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By John Black Vrooman, F.P.S.
THAT as we come to the end of the first year of our series of special articles commemorating the Bicentennial of the American Revolution, that we have made a distinct contribution to the celebration which is soon to come to pay adequate tribute to our intrepid forefathers who made possible a Free Nation.
Our special Bicentennial Committee - Brothers Case, Cerza and Heaton, have selected, collected and formalized a fine series of articles, timely, with almost exact attune to the period two hundred years ago; interesting, written by specially - selected nationally - known Masonic scholars; and accurate, adhering to all the facts, documented, researched and verified; these articles, when completed, and the series ended, can well be called a summary - a resume, of the facts, figures, leaders and workers of Colonial Masonic activists, who, in their own sure way, took the steps by which America became FREE.
The series win continue. Our committee has already set up articles for several years in advance. Authors have been contacted, and in many cases, articles are already written, to heed the call of Masonic Patriotism, and spread the good news of the very important part that Freemasonry and Freemasons have taken to make our country great.
Indeed, this has been a fine year for the Philalethes Society. We are growing - growing in numbers, a fact less important than growth in activity and influence. Under the guidance of Brother Allan D. Parsons, M.P.S., Chairman of the Membership Committee of the Society, steps are being rapidly activated to insure greater zeal in every part of the country. State chairmen and co-chairmen have been appointed in many areas, and will be augmented as soon as possible in other portions of the country, by which membership activity - particularly membership participation and the utilization of competent and eager help by which to better transform us from speculative to devoted operative Freemasonry.
The theme of the next Masonic Workshop will be - "Masonry Westward Ho!" Emphasis in the past has been on the Craft in Colonial times, with the original Thirteen Colonies receiving the greatest attention, but in 1975 we shall extend our vision and gather facts about other Masonic migrations.
The usual program of events during "Masonic Week" will be printed in our February issue, but be sure that you attend the Masonic Workshop at the Washington Hotel on Friday, February 14, 1975.
One very fine way of adding prestige and involvement in the affairs of the Society is the formation of as many local Chapters of the Philalethes, in all parts of the country as possible. These groups uniting in any given area, are the local representation of the national Society, and their meetings, their programs and especially their papers, presented by qualified and competent scholars, can be most helpful. If interested, our Executive Secretary, Brother Franklin J. Anderson, F.P.S., can help you form such a group.
Featured in this issue ...
IT SEEMS TO ME, Editorial, by John Black Vrooman, F.P.S.
CAPTURE OF FORT WILLIAM AND MARY, by Gerald D. Foss, M.P.S.
LET THERE BE LIGHT - AND THERE WAS LIGHTNING
RECOMMENDED MASONIC READING, by Alphonse Cerza, F.P.S., Life
MASONIC RESEARCH - IOWA STYLE, A MASTERPIECE, by Jerry Marsengill, F.P.S.
DeMOLAY LEADERSHIP CONFERENCES SET ATTENDANCE RECORD IN 1974
CHAT AND COMMENT, by Jerry Marsengill, F.P.S.
HAROLD V. B. VOORHIS RECEIVES DISTINGUISHED MASONIC SERVICE MEDAL
MEMBERSHIP PROGRESS, by Allan D. Parsons, M.P.S.
ROBERT P. MONROE HEADS YORK CROSS OF HONOUR.
THE FIRST MASONIC CERTIFICATE IN AUSTRALIA by Norman C. Dutt, F.P.S.
A MASONIC SESSION IN JAIL by Roger Fernandez Callejas M.P.S.
AN INTERESTING MASONIC DOCUMENT
CHICAGO CHAPTER HOLDS FINE MEETING
WELCOME TO NEW MEMBERS
NOTES, QUERIES & INFORMATION ON ITEMS OF MASONIC RESEARCH, by Melvin L Pfankuche, M.P.S.
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The Bicentennial of the American Revolution
7. Capture of Fort William and Mary
by Gerald D. Foss, M.P.S.
New Hampshire will start celebrating the 200th anniversary of the American Revolution about four months ahead of most of the nation. Why? The citizens of New Hampshire are planning to commemorate the capture of Fort William and Mary as a significant military action of the American Revolution. It was an armed amphibious assault by about 400 New Hampshire men on His Majesty's Fort William and Mary at the mouth of the Piscataqua River on December 14 and 15, 1774.
Fort William and Mary was located on an island in the Piscataqua River in what is now the beautiful quaint town of New Castle. New Hampshire.
Tension was great all along the Atlantic seaboard in 1774. Boston was an armed camp. Portsmouth was no exception. Three ships containing tea came into Portsmouth Harbor in 1774. The first was sent to Halifax with its cargo undamaged. The second one was sent away with its cargo but not before a street riot was quelled by the militia. The third ship arrived. The citizens burned it with its cargo of tea.
The spark which ignited the assault on Fort William and Mary was the receipt of the order in King George III's Privy Council October 19, 1774 prohibiting the exportation of gunpowder or other warlike stores to the American Colonies.
This order reached Boston in early December 1774, probably on HMS Scarborough commanded by Captain Barclay. It was directed to all provincial governors, but it was published in the Providence Gazette, Saturday
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The author of this special article for the Bicentennial series, is Gerald D. Foss, M.P.S., Grand Historian of the Grand Lodge F. & A.M. of New Hampshire, a past Master of St. John's Lodge No. 1, at Portsmouth, a member of the Society of Blue Friars, of the Royal Arch Chapter, Council of Royal & Select Masters, the Commandery of Knights Templar, a 33rd degree Scottish Rite Mason, and a DeMolay Legion of Honor designate in 1949, as well as many other Masonic bodies. Recipient of John Sullivan Medal of the Grand Lodge of New Hampshire, and Jeremy Cross Medal, he is the author of "Three Centuries of Freemasonry in New Hampshire."
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December 10, 1774. It was also mentioned on the front page of the Boston Evening Post, Monday, December 12, 1774, the date on which Governor Wentworth received his official copy.
Boston patriots dispatched Paul Revere to Portsmouth. He arrived at the home of Samuel Cults, Portsmouth, December 13, 1774 about 3 p.m. Cults convened a meeting of the Safety Committee that evening. Although no documents are known to exist now of its deliberation, the decision must have been made to attack the fort on the next day, seize the powder, small arms and cannon.
At noon December 14, 1774 about 200 armed men gathered at the parade in Portsmouth to answer to the call of fife and drum. They marched to wharves on the river where they embarked on scows and small boats for the ride to the Island of New Castle. Here they were met by another 200 armed men from the towns of New Castle and Rye.
At the fort was Captain John Cochran and five guards. Cochran had commanded this fort for at least three years. He must have been well acquainted with its defenses. In his report to Governor John Wentworth that evening, he wrote that about 3 p.m. the fort was attacked on all sides. He ordered the attackers not to enter; that he would shoot them. They replied that they were coming in upon which he ordered three four pounders fired on them followed by small arms fire, but he wrote before he could fire again, the rebels had gained entry, secured Cochran and his five guards, bound them and held them prisoners for about one and one-half hours. The rebels broke open the powder house, took about 100 barrels, loaded them into boats nearby, hauled down the king's colors, but before returning up river, they released Cochran and his companions. Cochran closed his report that day by writing that he did all in his power to defend the fort but "all my efforts could not avail against so great a number."
Students of the reports now extant, ask this question, "Why were not some men killed or wounded?" How could six men in possession of a large fort fire into a crowd of 400 men without hitting at least one of them? There is no satisfactory answer except in speculation.
Captain Cochran had been a member of St. John's Lodge, Portsmouth, since May 20, 1762. He invited members of his lodge to celebrate the Feast of St. John the Baptist at the fort in New Castle in 1771 and 1772 which they did. Among those who attacked the fort were some members of St. John's Lodge. Pierse Long was one of thirty guests on June 24, 1772. He has been named as one of the leaders of the first assault. Was there a deliberate attempt to avoid bloodshed so long as the powder was secured ?
Governor John Wentworth submitted a written report of the first action to Admiral Samuel Graves and General Gage. Wentworth stated clearly that the situation was out of his control; that messages were being circulated through the neighboring towns to collect a number of armed men to come to the fort again and remove all cannon and arms located there. He asked for military assistance.
Next day, December 15, 1774, a large number of armed men gathered in Portsmouth from Exeter, Durham and other towns. John Sullivan admitted he was the leader this day. He and John Langdon have been named as the men who actually planned and executed the entire capture. Both held commissions in the Royal Militia and Governor Wentworth lost no time in removing them from office.
Sullivan was made a Mason in St. John's Lodge March 19, 1767. He was raised a Master Mason December 28, 1768. He was elected Worshipful Master December 3, 1789. He was elected the first Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of New Hampshire July 8, 1789 but was not installed as Grand Master until April 8, 1790 since he had not served as Worshipful Master of any Lodge until he was installed Master of St. John's Lodge on December 28, 1789.
Late in the day of December 15, 1774, John Sullivan and his men went down the river to the fort again. It was dark and cold. They arrived about 11 p.m. When they departed for Portsmouth in the early hours of the morning of December 16, they took with them sixteen pieces of cannon about sixty muskets and other military stores. During Friday, December 16, 1774, Sullivan and his men took the boats filled with arms up river to Durham where he resided. Sullivan writes in his account of the affray that the men had to keep breaking ice on Oyster River to permit passages of the boats to his wharves.
Admiral Graves lost no time sending naval aid. HMS Canceaux arrived on Saturday, December 17. HMS Scarborough was also ordered to Portsmouth Harbor but it being farther away and the wind not being in the right quarter, it did not arrive until Monday, December 19. The port of Portsmouth was now secured by a naval blockade for the next eight months. Shots were exchanged. Ships were seized. Governor Wentworth was no longer safe in his residence and took refuge with his wife and son at the fort. Cochran remained there, too, until August 1775 when they boarded HMS Scarborough to sail away, never to enter their homes in New Hampshire again.
Governor Wentworth wrote a letter to the Earl of Dartmouth December 20, 1774. It is the most complete report of the entire operation from the time Paul Revere arrived in Portsmouth December 13, 1774 until the arrival of the armed ships, HMS Canceaux on December 17 and HMS Scarborough on December 19. He laments that he could not raise the militia to prevent the assault; that no jury would have convicted the offenders and that if it had, no jail would hold them long.
Governor Wentworth issued a proclamation December 26, 1774 ordering all persons, civil or military, to detect and seize the offenders, bring them to trial and mete out punishment. It was of no avail. Less than four months later, the attack on Lexington-Concord by the British brought the minute men of New Hampshire on the run. Some returned to their homes. Some did not.
Soon after the Battle of Lexington Concord, three New Hampshire regiments were raised. Two were stationed in Massachusetts near Cambridge while the third was bivouacked along the entire New Hampshire seacoast until June 17, 1775.
The assault on Fort William a n d Mary was significant, not in the act itself, but for the impact it had on the Battle of Bunker Hill. Without the powder, arms and men supplied by New Hampshire regiments commanded by Col. John Stark and Col. James Reed, the war might have been all over on June 17, 1775. It is well k n o w n that the British losses at Bunker Hill were more than 1,000 killed. About 2,000 Americans were engaged that day, more than 1,000 of whom were in the regiments of Col. Stark and Reed. They, with about 200 men under Capt. Knowlton of Connecticut, lined the rail fence and as the British came ashore and attempted to march up the hill, they were mowed down. Twice the British retreated to the Mystic River to regroup and obtain reinforcements. The ground in front of the rail fence was covered with their dead. Finally, with American powder and ammunition running out, the British succeeded on the third attempt to gain the top. The Americans were then forced to retreat across Charlestown Neck to Winter Hill and Prospect Hill.
Where did the New Hampshire men obtain sufficient powder to maintain such fire for four to five hours? Tradition has it that John Demerit of Madbury, one of the custodians of the powder taken from Fort William and Mary, took an ox cart of powder to them just before the Battle of Bunker Hill. There are no documents to verify this but there is documentary evidence to show that he possessed it and his children and grandchildren maintained it was so. At the Portsmouth Bicentennial Anniversary May 21, 1823, the following toast was printed in the program: "Major Sullivan and Capt. Langdon: Our delegates to Congress in '75 who supplied Bunker Hill with powder from his Majesties fort at Pascataquack." Langdon had been dead only four years at that time. No doubt there were survivors of that affray then who had knowledge of this event.
After the war was over, General John Sullivan wrote that he was the leader of the attack on the second day. He named several men who went with him. He admitted that the Continental Congress paid him $100 as compensation for expenses incurred by him in seizing military stores and ordnance at Fort William and Mary for the use of the United States.
Sullivan also wrote that Pierse Long sent him a message which he recalled was signed by John Langdon, too, that Long was sending the powder up river to Sullivan for safe keeping. They urged him to organize a group of volunteers for the assault on the second day which he did. No evidence is known to exist today to document the names of other men engaged in the first assault.
Sullivan said that his three law clerks accompanied him the second day. At that time Alexander Scammell was one of the three clerks. Scammell was made a Mason in St. John's Lodge March 6, 1777 and mortally wounded at the Battle of Yorktown where he died October 6, 1781 after a brilliant career as an officer. Sullivan named Winborn Adams as another who accompanied him. Adams was made a Mason in St. John's Lodge March 27, 1777. He lost his life as Lt.-Col. of the 2nd New Hampshire Regiment at the Battle of Bemis Heights September 19, 1777.
Rev. Alonzo Quint, D.D., well known New Hampshire minister and historian, summarized the capture in these words, "The daring character of this assault cannot be overestimated. It was an organized investment of a royal fortress, where the king's flag was flying, and where the king's garrison met them with muskets and artillery. It was four months before Lexington, and Lexington was resistance to attack, while this was a deliberate assault. When the king heard of this capture it so embittered him that all hope of concessions was at an end. It made war inevitable."
This is the reason why New Hampshire historians consider the capture of Fort William and Mary the first overt act of the American Revolution.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Provincial Paper (N. H.), Vol. Vll.
Naval Documents of the American Revolution, Vol. 1.
Sullivan Papers, Vol. I, by New Hampshire Historical Society, 1930.
Original Records of St. John's Lodge, Partsmouth,1762-1778.
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The Bicentennial of the American Revolution Pageant Commemorates Historical Event
The Masons of New Hampshire marked the anniversary of the capture of Fort William and Mary with a pageant at the Portsmouth High School on October 6, 1974. It was the first observance of the bicentennial of the United States of America by any Masonic lodge in New Hampshire. The affair was sponsored by St. John's Lodge No. 1 of Portsmouth, a lodge which had been in existence nearly 40 years prior to the capture of the fort.
The pageant was a reenactment of scenes which might have taken place in Portsmouth on the dates of the raids and subsequent days when warships of the Royal Navy arrived to defend the fort. The first scene opened with the arrival of Paul Revere at the home of Samuel Cutts on December 13, 1774. Revere had brought information from the Public Safety Committee of Boston to the effect that the British troops were coming to New Castle to take control of the fort with its substantial supply of powder and ammunition.
Governor Wentworth and his father, Mark, discussed the actions of the mob in the next scene and what action they should take to halt these acts of treason. Captain Cochran was in charge of the fort and after the first raid, he wrote a report to the Governor and brought it to his residence that night. The dialogue between the Governor and the captain was crisp and lively.
Among the acts taken by Governor Wentworth was sending Judge Theodore Atkinson to the State House to try to calm the citizens and ask them to return to their homes. When they refused to obey, he read the riot act on behalf of the King of England. This scene vitas portrayed with the Judge standing on the steps of the State House.
The last scene portrayed John Sullivan sitting at his desk recalling the second raid on the fort on the night of December 15, 1774. He was the active leader of this raid. He named many of the men who accompanied him. It must have been a cold December for he lamented the fact that they were forced to break ice in the Oyster River for two or three days before they could unload the weapons from the gundalows.
A narrator described the actions which took place between the scenes which made it easy for the audience to comprehend the transitions which spanned the scenes and which could not be reenacted on a stage.
Preceding the pageant music was furnished by the Bektash Shrine Band. Organ music was played by Richard Gremlitz.
In the parade of lodges thirty New Hampshire lodges sent their Masters and Wardens to greet the Worshipful Master of St. John's Lodge No. 1.
The chief officer of every state Masonic organization of Freemasonry in New Hampshire was introduced. The Potentate of Bektash Temple was also introduced.
At the conclusion of the pageant, Most Worshipful Ellis W. Howard, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of New Hampshire delivered a stirring patriotic address. The audience of more than 500 applauded vigorously at the conclusion of the pageant.
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The Bicentennial of the American Revolution - Let there be Light... and There was Lightning
It was Thursday evening, June 6th. Act One shows Brothers Offenberg, Leengran, Kenny, and their do-or-die passengers struggling through two hours of tornado-like weather to get from the Loop to Chicago Heights. We were just eight men to do the work of twenty to uphold the image of the Scottish Rite Degree Team.
We had barely arrived at the Temple when the clouds burst forth with fury. By the time I took the paraphernalia out of the trunk, my shoes held more water than feet.
Act Two focuses the spotlight on the interior of Compass Lodge No. 922 in Chicago Heights. Torrential rains beat on the truss roof accentuating the forceful downpour. The street just outside was closed off in both directions due to flooding, cutting off further arrivals of visitors and members. We were told the dining room one floor below was inundated with a foot of water. The Lodge members, however, never lost their sense of humor.
In Act Three we find the chairman at the altar with 60 or more sideliners. Just as the "furthermores" began, the power failed. But not the obligation. That went on in total darkness. Needless to say, the chair
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In Our Next Issue
"Lexington and Concord"
The Shot Heard
'Round the World'
By Justin Winsor
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man decided as long as the candidate was blind-folded, he wouldn't know the difference.
In the second section, two brethren brought flashlights from their cars and, with two candles, we calmly proceeded. The flashlights followed the tyrians and fellowcrafts. Here again, the candidate was blind-folded.
I said it at the Lodge, and I'll say it in print. Thank God for each of the team members who were there, and an extra Thank God for Offy. He is four-score years of energy, enthusiasm, and ability. How do you take Larry Kenny, Vern Leengran Fred Abbot, Bill Abramcheck, George Utesch, and Art Stein . . . and put on an absolutely superb degree. Ask Isador Offenberg, our slate maker; he is the only man I ever saw do it, and do it well. I don't know what we would have done without Offy or any one of the faithful.
In the third section, how do you work the projector without power? You pray. And just about a minute before we needed power, we got power. In the closing minutes, the overwhelming compliments of Worshipful Master Bob Smith and his officers were more reward than we deserved. It made up for the 140 miles of driving, a 2 A.M. trip home, and the maze of sidestreet detours made to avoid flooded underpasses. Brother John David Morris, police officer of Markham, had the only degree ever performed in the strange beauty of stormy blackout. For all practical purposes, it was a perfect demonstration, with one exception.
When I said, "Let there be light," there was NO light. So I signaled the Junior Warden to open the curtains. Would you believe the lightning gave us just the right illumination we needed at the precise moment of need. Rydell Kelsey said our chaplain must have called on the Supreme Architect and he responded. So did the team. Thank you, Big Eight!
- Robert Kendler, M.S.A.
Chairman,
Ancient Craft Degree Team
Reprinted from the Chicago Scottish Rite Magazine, July, 1974 issue.
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By Alphonse Cerza, F.P.S., (Life), Illinois
Brother Allen E. Roberts, F.P.S., and one of the best and most diligent workers in the literary quarries of the Craft, for several years has been working on a new manuscript dealing with Masonic symbolism. The Masonic reader has not had an opportunity to study a full scale volume of this subject for over twenty-five years. Now we have the manuscript available in book form under the title "The Craft and Its Symbols." This is an ideal gift item for all occasions. Available from Macoy Publishing Co., 3011 Dumbarton Road, Richmond, Virginia 23228, at $5.00 a copy.
* * *
The Macoy Publishing Company, whose address is stated above, has issued a new catalog of Masonic books and will send one free to any Mason requesting a copy.
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There has been published a valuable volume under the title "Commentaries on Morals and Dogma," written by Brother Henry C. Clausen, Grand Commander of the Scottish Rite, Southern Jurisdiction. The book has many illustrations, summarizes each Scottish Rite degree, and will be most instructive to the members of the Scottish Rite. But Masons generally will welcome this book which discusses Masonic symbolism and philosophy in a clear and interesting manner.
Available from the Supreme Council, 33d, 1733 Sixteenth St., N.W., Washington, D. C. 20009, at $4.00 a copy.
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Our late Brother Harry L. Haywood, was one of the Masonic greats of the last generation. We now have a booklet which contains three of his works reproduced for the present-day Masonic reader. It is called "A Haywood Trio" and reproduces his Vest Pocket History of Freemasonry, Facts and Fables of the Craft, and The Walrus and the Carpenter. The last item consists of selected questions sent to him while editor of the New York Masonic Outlook and his answers; surprising how some of the same questions are being asked today. Give yourself a relaxing treat by getting this booklet.
Available from Iowa Research Lodge No. 2, 2602 Terrace Road, Des Moines, Iowa 50312. at $2.00 a copy.
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I am happy to report that the Masonic Service Association, 8120 Fenton Street, Silver Spring, Maryland has decided to reprint the popular book "The Masonic Membership of the Founding Fathers," researched and written by Brother Ronald E. Heaton, F.P.S. This book was published originally some years ago and has been out-of-print for many years. Because of the coming Bicentennial celebration the decision was made to re-issue the volume. This was a wise decision as it makes available a fine literary tool for anyone seeking information that is authoritative about the colonial period and the part Masons played during that period.
Interested readers are urged to write to the Association after the first of the year as the price has not been determined or the date of publication when this was being written.
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For years Eric Sloane has been painting word pictures as well as pictures on canvas of our American Heritage. His contribution to the Bicentennial period is a fine well illustrated volume entitled "The Spirits of '76." In an eloquent way he discussed the cardinal virtues that were possessed by our ancestors which made this country great: The Spirits of Respect, Hard Work, Frugality, Thankfulness, Pioneering, Godliness Time, Independence, Awareness, and Hope. This book reaches far into the heart of the reader as he learns again the lessons of years gone by that ought to be rekindled.
Available from Walker and Company, 720 Fifth Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10019, at $5.95 a copy.
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Brother Daniel deNoyelles, of New York, for a long time has been gathering the facts in his area, and there has been published "Rockland County and Freemasonry" which will be of interest to our New York members. His lodge has bourne the cost of publishing the book, and all profit (if any) is to go to the Brotherhood Fund.
Available at $3.00 a copy from the author, in care of The Historical Society of Rockland County. Kings Highway, Orangeburg, N. Y. 10962.
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The University of California Press many years ago started to publish "The Diary of Samuel Pepys"; the eighth volume has been issued recently, it sells for $15.00, but may be found in many public libraries. Since this diary covers years when the Craft was evolving from the operative to symbolic organization a reader with time on his hands might spend it profitably by seeking information about the times and how the Craft fit into the picture. We might find some interesting bits of information if the volumes were read from this point of view. This edition is unexpurgated and some of the incidents described might serve as a good substitute for viewing present day X rated movies.
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The 1974 edition of the Encyclopedia Britannica has been published in a new format. This edition does not do justice to the prior edition which had a fine article written by our late Brother Ray Baker Harris.
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John Paul Jones made a valuable contribution to the War of Independence. But when he died in Paris he was soon forgotten. About a hundred years later General Horace Porter, while serving as American Ambassador in Paris, renewed his interest in John Paul Jones, located his unmarked grave, and was instrumental in having the body transported to the United States where it was given a new burial with a formal ceremony. The matter was reported to Congress and the reports were reproduced in the Proceedings of the District of Columbia where they remained buried these many years. When discovered by Jerry Marsengill, as secretary of Iowa Research Lodge No. 2, he had these reports reproduced in booklet form. It is a fine booklet which will show that Admiral John Paul Jones was made a Mason in a lodge in Scotland and gives the story of how his grave was located and his remains brought here.
Available for $2.00 a copy from Iowa Research Lodge No. 2, 2602 Terrace Road, Des Moines, Iowa 50312.
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By Jerry Marsengill, F.P.S.
A MASTERPIECE
(Continued from our last Issue)
Having been instituted, the lodge began to work. By-laws were adopted at the same meeting, the main feature of these by-laws being that there would be no salaries, fees, or commissions, to any officer or member. It was also agreed, informally, at that time, that no rent would be paid, the entire income of the lodge to be devoted to printing and postage and to making a research lodge reaIly work. Sherman was the Master under dispensation, Robert Kitchell, the Senior Warden; Daniel M; Grindle, Junior Warden; Rex E. Evans, Treasurer, and J.E. Marsengill, Secretary. The dispensation, issued by Bro. Brubaker, was to run until August 1, 1968, and at the Grand Lodge meeting in September the delegates were given a new look at Masonic research by this brash newcomer. Their report read: "Although Discovery Lodge U.D. is less than three months old, having been instituted on July 1 of this year, we have already started to work. The membership is busily engaged on various research projects and we intend to publish our proceedings following our December meeting. The lodge contains many of the brightest names currently engaged in Masonic research in Iowa. Ed Sherman, Master under dispensation, is well known to Iowa Masonic students, having been one of the leading lights of Doric Lodge and having for many years, been chairman of Pioneer Lodge's study club. Bob Kitchell, our Senior Warden, is a Past Grand Officer and also a well known Masonic student. Checking the roll of our officers we find that, with one exception, they are all Past Masters and with one exception they are all District Lecturers. This should prove that we are not a group of bookworms, sitting in ivory towers, and totally insulated from the worries, cares, and work of the fraternity. This lodge is composed of a bunch of working Masons and we intend to stay working Masons . . . The collected papers of Haywood were published by the Missouri Lodge of Research as one of their books. Why should we not have Iowa publish them? We owned them! The reason should be clear. Iowa desperately needs an up and coming, hard working, and uncomplaining lodge of research . . . We have the greatest Masonic library in the world and we intend to use that library to the utmost . . . We will ask for nothing from the Grand Lodge but hope that we will be able to contribute much to it. At least we will work hard and do our level best . . ."
With the by-laws of the lodge calling for only two stated meetings each year, on the second Saturday of July and the first Saturday of December, the lodge did not meet for three months following Grand Lodge. At the December 2 meeting five petitions were received. When the lodge met in July, 1968 six more petitions were presented making the total number of charter members 26. At this meeting, nearly a year after the dispensation was granted, the lodge issued its first publication, "The Troubled King" by Ralston James.
For the first year the income was $240.00 and the expenses were $84.93 leaving the lodge with a balance of $155.07. This was the last time that the lodge had a surplus of money in its bank account.
The name "Discovery" went out at the Grand Lodge Communication which was held in Des Moines on September 18, 1968. Although the committee on lodges chartered and under dispensation recommended the name "Discovery Lodge of Research No. 2" and although the Grand Master, R. Kenneth Miller, added his voice to those who wished to retain the name "Discovery" the jurisprudence committee, felt that the Code was clear on the point, and although a number of the members were in sympathy with those who wished to keep "Discovery" they, reluctantly chartered the Iodge as "Research Lodge No. 2."
At this communication the lodge reported that four publications were in the process of being printed or proofread.
The lodge was formally constituted on December 2, 1968 by the Grand Master Edwin A. Hamilton. As soon as the Grand Master and his officers had completed the constitution of the lodge both he and his Senior Grand Deacon, H.E. Stutters, petitioned for membership as did a number of those present who had come to witness the constitution. During 1969 the lodge issued mimeographed pamphlets on "How to Do Masonic Research" and "How to Write Lodge History" as well as "Perfait Peace and Harmonie" by Keith Arrington.
The lodge gained seven members in 1969 and nine members in 1970. At the beginning of 1970 the lodge published its last mimeographed work "The Mormons and the Masons" by Jerry Marsengill. The history of "Negro Masonry in Iowa" by Jerry Marsengill was printed as an offset pamphlet. Then the lodge caught fire. Keith Arrington, elected Master for the second time in 1971 suggested that the lodge endeavor to print a book. Through the help of Dr. Mervin B. Hogan of Salt Lake City, Utah, the lodge printed his book "The Founding Minutes of Nauvoo Lodge U.D." With a small membership and no source of funds, it looked for a short time as if the lodge was in serious financial trouble. There was $81.46 in the treasury and bills of $50.00 against this sum. Also the lodge was committed for some $500.00 for books and no source of income. With a little work on the part of many, the problem was easily solved. The Zion Book Store of Salt Lake City, purchased one hundred copies. A number of members of Mormon churches wrote in to see if they could buy a copy to use for genealogical research. The lodge was moving, (The Secretary's minutes for December 12, 1970 read in part . . . "See minutes of July stated for the thrilling conclusion to this story of poverty.)
The July minutes showed 23 new petitioners, proving the formula which the officers of the lodge had proposed: "If it can be proved to a brother that he will receive publications from a research lodge, he will join that lodge."
1971 was a big year for Research Lodge No. 2. A volume of poetry, an original work of H. L. Haywood was published, Haywood's "Introduction to Freemasonry" was reprinted, and a collection of lectures by the late Dr. Robert Graham entitled the "Science of Freemasonry" was published. It became necessary to reprint Haywood's "Introduction to Freemasonry" twice before the year ended. With just over 100 members the lodge's income from dues and book sales for the year was $1,944.56 with expenditures (all printing and postage) of $1,866.38 leaving a balance at the end of the year of $78.18. 1972 saw the lodge printing the "Masonic Philosophy of Ken Shumaker" as well as "Freemasonry and the Drums of '75" by Sidney Morse. A number of publications were secured from other sources and distributed to the membership. Keith Arrington was again Master for 1972-73-74. In 1973, 19 members were elected at the first stated communication and 61 at the second communication. In 1974, 82 have been elected and for the first time the lodge is over the 300 mark and inquiries are still coming in. The receipts of the lodge for the year 1974 have been just over $3,000.00. all of which has been disbursed on the lodge's last three publications "How to Kick a Sacred Cow," "The Final Voyage of Admiral John Paul Jones" and "Freemasonry in Central Europe." Research Lodge No. 2 of Iowa is rapidly becoming one of the better known Research Lodges in the world. Research Lodge No. 1, of Iowa City surrendered its charter on January 28, 1972.
Why does one Research Lodge grow, in only seven years, from 15 members to over 300 members while another struggles along for 20 years with never more than 30 members? There are many reasons. Probably one of the most important items in the growth of Research Lodge No. 2 is the reviews which Alphonse Cerza, himself a member of the lodge, writes for the various Masonic publications. It is particularly gratifying to receive a letter from Iran, Japan, the Philippines, or Germany asking "How can I become a member of Research Lodge No. 2? I read about it in our Grand Lodge magazine." Another item which is responsible is the willingness of the officers of the lodge to dare to publish.
During the time that the lodge has been in existence, only three members have ever mentioned the lodge finances, or publication expenses. Each of these three offered, if it were ever necessary, to make a financial contribution to cover printing expenses. But all of the membership have backed the officers of the lodge in the formative years.
After 26 years Iowa has an active and a working Research Lodge. What lies ahead? So far as it can be predicted, Research Lodge No. 2 will continue to publish everything which it can possibly afford and all funds of the lodge will be expended on publications. A research lodge has but one function. This function is to dispense Masonic knowledge to its membership. Research Lodge No. 2 is endeavoring to accomplish that purpose.
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DeMolay Leadership Conferences
Set Record Attendance in 1974
The Leadership Conference program of DeMolay International set a record attendance this year with 1,490 present at eleven different sessions. This was a healthy increase of 212 over 1973.
In 1963 when the Leadership Conferences were re-established (after discontinuance in 1934) there was a single conference of 118 at Green Lake, Wis. The program has come a long way in the 12 years (1969 was skipped due to the 50th Anniversary International Conference).
This year, the conferences got underway on June 22 with the first Northeastern Conference at Pawling, N.Y., and concluded on September 1 with the second Western Conference at Running Springs, Calif. August was the busiest month, with seven different conferences being held at various places throughout the country.
The largest conference was the one held at Potosi, Mo., with 196, and the smallest was the Northwest Conference in Seabeck, Wash., with 71.
The value of these Leadership Conferences to the extension and development of DeMolay becomes more apparent every year. Increasing numbers of Masonic and associate groups, and DeMolay chapters themselves, are sponsoring members to a conference.
Nearly 80% of those attending conferences this past summer were fully sponsored. Local chapters were responsible for 23%, of the sponsorships, Blue Lodges 16%, High Twelve Clubs 11%, Scottish Rite Bodies 6%, Mothers' Clubs 5%, with a number of sponsorships also provided by DeMolay jurisdictional organizations, the Shrine, Grand Lodges, and the York Rite.
Leadership Conferences are six days in length, and usually begin on Sunday and conclude on Saturday. The schedule includes a well-rounded program of activities. Mornings are taken up with lecture sessions and discussion groups on various aspects of DeMolay activity. Program planning, membership campaigns, new member orientation, ritual techniques, chapter procedures, and general leadership skills are some of the topics covered in these morning sessions.
The afternoons are taken up by an athletic program. Usually there is team competition in basketball, volleyball, and softball; and individual competition in swimming, tennis, chess, and ping pony. Each of the eleven conference sites are different, and the athletic program varies considerably from conference to conference.
Evening activities include panel discussions, entertainment films, and other special presentations. At most conferences, a ritual display of the opening and closing ceremonies is included on Friday evening. A team is selected by try-outs early in the week, and rehearsals are held every day prior to the display.
The rededication ceremony held on Friday evening has come to be the most memorable event of any conference. The spirit of brotherhood which is drawn closely into focus at this time is an experience that no DeMolay attending a conference will ever forget.
Plans are being made now for the 1975 Leadership Conferences. A schedule of dates and locations will be released in January, 1975.
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News, achievements and items of interest about our
Fellows and Members - Discussion and comment on
- Pfan Mail and Observations -
Mutual Tonics.
This page conducted by Jerry Marsengill, F.P.S., 2602 Terrace Road Des Moines. Iowa 50312.
The old Chinese proverb, which probably didn't come from an old Chinese. goes "He that tooteth not his own horn, the same getteth not tooted." if volt don't like that one, watch Kung Fu and get something like, "The ducks fly over the water lilies in November." Anyway, I was elected and installed Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of Iowa on October 19th. While in Iowa City, I had the honor and pleasure of hosting Franklin J. "Andy" Anderson, the Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Council of Missouri. In 1963, I left Missouri and came to Iowa. Andy left Iowa and went to Missouri. I am now Deputy Grand Master of Iowa and he is Deputy Grand Master of Missouri.
We have since both been elected Fellows of the Society and have served a second term as Master of the Lodges to which we demitted. Maybe this proves the other old Chinese proverb which goes "Get 20 miles away from home and you are an expert." I just say 'em, I don't have to explain 'em.
* * *
Phone conversation with Vrooman informs me that he has a case of flu. Give Vrooman a case of anything and he won't be any good for a week.
* * *
James R. Case, F.P.S. can be congratulated on his recent marriage which took place in late September.
* * *
John Hallberg Jones, M.P.S. is the newly installed Grand Governor of the York Rite College in Minnesota. If anyone has watched John move up as we have, he knows that the York Rite College in Minnesota will soon be a growing and active organization.
* * *
Had a sad note from Al Woody, F.P.S. which informed me that Roy A. Westfall of California died suddenly and was buried with Masonic honors by a Sacramento Lodge. According to the report Roy said to his wife, Mary, one morning "I don't feel good" and that minute he was gone. For the benefit of those who didn't know who Roy Westfall was, he was a one man visitation and promotion committee. Each month he put out a newsletter, telling of the places he'd been, the people he'd met and the things he had done. Along with this he interspersed Masonic news and philosophy. Much pleasure came from corresponding with Roy and he will be sadly missed by many of us.
* * *
DeMoville P. Jones, M.P.S. of Kentucky was elected and installed as Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter of Kentucky. I don't know what the "P" in DP's name means, but since I find out the "D" stands for DeMoville, I am interested. D.P. is the spark plug of the Kentucky Chapter of the Philalethes and it is reported that they had a very interesting meeting prior to the York Rite sessions in Louisville.
We also got two new applications from this meeting. If you haven't met D.P. Jones, and believe me. it is your loss if you haven't, come to the workshop in February of 1975. D.P. is going to chair the meeting. I'm looking forward to this one with interest and I am sure that anyone who attends the meeting will take home something of Masonic value with him.
* * *
Cerza and Zipp are still working on the Bicentennial for the Grand Lodge of Illinois. With these two guys working Illinois has nothing to worry about. We have put out tentative feelers to get them to demit to Iowa but think that the Grand Lodge of Illinois would close the borders if they were to try it.
* * *
Finally we have a report on Keith Arrington, M.P.S., the Assistant Librarian of the Iowa Masonic Library, who was one of our featured panelists at the last workshop. Keith had a gall bladder attack, complicated by a ruptured esophagus, ulcers, kidney failure, fluid on lungs and nearly everything else but terminal dandruff. He spent 100 days in intensive care at St. Lukes hospital at Cedar Rapids but is presently at home and gaining every day. Was able to visit him twice, once with Al Cerza, F.P.S. and once with Howard Knupp, M.P.S. Hopefully, he will soon be going again under his own power and be back at the library. My research is suffering.
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Harold V. B. Voorhis
Receives Distinguished
Masonic Service Medal
On Saturday afternoon August 24, 1974, the Philip C. Tucker Medal of the Grand Lodge of Vermont, F. & A. M. was awarded to Wor. Harold V. B. Voorhis, F.P.S., Life, by M. Wor. Cecil R. Brown, Grand Master of that Grand Lodge, in person, in behalf of his Grand Lodge which had elected Brother Voorhis as a recipient.
The presentation was made at a Special Communication of Mystic Brotherhood Lodge No. 21, of Red Bank, New Jersey ( his mother Lodge). It was held in the Grand Lodge Room at Grand Lodge headquarters in Burlington, New Jersey, over fifty miles from Red Bank. This was made possible by a Dispensation issued by M.Wor. Malcolm B. Wernik, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of New Jersey, F. & A. M.
There were a hundred members of Grand Lodge and Mystic Brotherhood Lodge present.
The whole affair was kept secret from Brother Voorhis, whose presence was only (so far as he knew) to deliver an address on "Anti-Masonry and the Morgan Affair of 1826."
Brother Voorhis now lives in Summit, New Jersey.
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Membership Progress
By Allan D. Parsons, M.P.S.
Chairman, Membership Committee
1402 West Euclid Avenue,
Arlington Heights, Illinois 60005
Ever since the publication of Elbert Hubbard's "The Note Book" back in 1927 wherein he suggested "If you want work well done, select a busy man: the other kind has no time," his exhortation has been accepted and requoted many thousands of times. This truism has seldom if ever been more evident in the acceptance of appointments by hard working Philalethians to the post of State Chairmen of the Membership Committee.
In the last issue of The Philalethes we listed the names of the State Chairmen and Co-Chairmen assigned to add qualified Freemasons to our roster - men "who seek more light and who have more light to impart" in order to "help raise our Fraternity to a higher plane of service." Additional names have been added and others are in the process of finalization. Appointments made and accepted subsequent to the initial listing are appended below.
While we are awaiting receipt of the Society Roster, which has been in the hands of the printer for some time, suggestions for State and CoChairmanships not yet filled will be most welcome from members of the Society. Our goal is to achieve a working group of dedicated leaders in each of the 50 States plus the areas outside of the continental United States.
We are aiming for a minimum of five new members from each of the States - a modest accomplishment well within the reach of our efforts. In some areas, of course, a dozen or more members will be added to our rolls.
It is unnecessary to mention that every member of The Philalethes Society is a member of the Membership Committee and should be prepared to inform prospects of our purposes. Working tools for this objective are copies of our magazine and a supply of petitions. Incidentally, the first page of the petition discusses the origin and purposes of the Society.
Copies of the magazine and petition may be obtained by writing to the Membership Chairman. A supply of both have been mailed to the State Chairmen. It is suggested that you acquaint yourself with the name and address of these members and work with them to effect the success of our worthy endeavors.
Herewith are appended the names of additional state chairmen and cochairmen:
Each new member whose petition is approved will be welcomed into the Society by having his name and address printed in our magazine. His sponsor will also be listed.
Your assistance, comments and suggestions will assure the success of the Society's purposes. Remember the words of Helen Keller: "We can do anything we want to do if we stick to it long enough."
Russell B. Tandy, Tennessee State Chairman, P.O. Box 216, Nashville, Tenn. 37202; John B. Arp, Jr., Tennessee Co-Chairman, Route No. 4, Box 313, Kingston, Tenn. 37763; Walter M. Callaway, Jr., Georgia State Chairman, Box 9912, Atlanta, Gal, 30319; Richard S. Sagar, Georgia Co-Chairman, 2824 Norgate Lane, Decatur, Ga. 30034, Robert L. Murphy, Michigan State Chairman, 1617 Washtenaw Ave., Ann Arbor, Mich. 48104; Richard H. Sands, Michigan Co-Chairman, 1360 Schevenko Drive, Ann Arbor, Mich. 48103; Estel W. Brooks, Arizona State Chairman, 4755 N. 54th Ave., Phoenix, Arizona 85031; Dusty Rhodes, Arizona CoChairman, 2742 N. Campbell Ave., Tucson, Arizona 85719; John R. Nocas, California State Chairman, 3500-224 W. Manchester, Englewood, California 90305; Ernest A. Neath, Montana State Chairman, P.O. Box 205, Helena, Montana 59601; Gordon R. Merrick, Colorado State Chairman, 601 East Elizabeth, Fort Collins, Colorado 80521; Charles R. Glassmire, P.G.M., Maine State Chairman, 20 Drew Road, South Portland, Maine 04106; Donald S. Smith, Maine CoChairman, Masonic Temple, Portland, Maine 04111; Edgar L. Ott, Ohio State Chairman, 34 North Fourth St., Columbus, Ohio 43215; Bob M. Stowe, Missouri State Chairman, 915 Ann Avenue. St. Louis. Missouri 63104.
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Robert P. Monroe Heads
York Cross of Honour
Robert P. Monroe of Richland, Wash., a member of Philalethes, became Grand Master General of Convent General, Knights of the York Cross of Honour, September 7th, 1974 in Denver, Colo., the city of his birth.
Monroe, a Past Grand High Priest of Royal Arch Masons and Past Grand Commander of Knights Templar in the Evergreen State, is currently Deputy Grand Illustrious Master, Royal and Select Masters there.
Being "laid off" in the depression, he went to Central City, Colo., to search for gold. While he did not locate much gold he found Masonry instead, more precious than gold and a shining light in his life He retired as a foreman from the DuPont Hanford Atomic Works in 1969.
At the K.Y.C.H. conclave he served as a guide to the Central City Masonic hall where lectures are illustrated by oil paintings 115 years old on the lodge walls.
He aIso accompanied fifty-six knights and ladies on a pre-conclave tour of Colorado. The "highest honors in Masonry" - K.Y.C.H. membership is limited to those who have presided over lodge, chapter, council, and commandery - were conferred in the highest lodge room in the land, Leadville, at 10,200 foot altitude.
Other visits included "the Lodge Room Over Simpkins Store" where a portion of "The Saga of the Holy Royal Arch of Freemasonry" was filmed; the Royal Gorge; Pike's Peak to inspect the Kansas Cryptic deposit made at the 14,100 feet elevation in 1899; and Buster Brown's Masonic Festival ranch.
Marvin L. Isley of Indiana, Deputy General Grand High Priest, R.A.M., Int., a Baptist clergyman and administrator of the Indiana Masonic Home, Franklin, Indiana, was started in line.
Other officers are Harold F. Sipprell, Nova Scotia, Deputy Grand Master General; Louis V. Sylvester, Nebraska, Warder; William J. Netherton, Kentucky, Treasurer; Stanley Wakefield, New York, Registrar; John C. Kaufmann, Georgia, Seneschal; Clarence K. Jones, Nevada, Marshal; Vernon R. Parks, Washington, Chaplain.
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The First Masonic Certificate In Australia
By Norman C. Dutt. F.P.S.
There is in my possession a photostat copy of the original Certificate, which is handwritten.
This was on exhibition a number of years ago during the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge F. & A.M. of California and Hawaii, and it created considerable interest. Two years ago it was displayed in the Library of the Splendid home of the Oakland Bodies of the Scottish Rite, S.J. During one of the lectures to the Study Club of this organization, numerous questions were put about this document. Strange but many of the answers can be found in Albert Pike's Morals and Dogma
Norman C. Dutt. F.P.S.
About 55 years ago Mr. Hugh Wright, Foundation Librarian of the Mitchell Library, Sydney, New South WaIes, Australia had his attention drawn to a document written in the French language, among a sheaf of papers and manuscripts procured by the Library from Tasmania.
Mr. Wright was not a Freemason, but immediately recognized this document as being earlier than any other known relating to Freemasonry in Australia. This document remains one of the treasures of "The Mitchell," it bears the date 17th September 1802. It measures 8 x 12 inches and is written on this paper without a watermark. Close examination proved it a Masonic Certificate issued under the Grand Orient of France, to Captain Anthony Fenn Kemp of the New South Wales Corps, by some officers of the French Exploration Fleet at anchor in Port Jackson.
A few years before the American Revolution Captain Anthony Fenn Kemp was born in Aldgate, England in 1773, and during the French Revolution spent considerable time in that country. It is not exactly known when he returned to England, but shortly after coming back he joined the New South Wales Corps as an Ensign. This military regiment w a s specially recruited for service in Botany Bay as Sydney was then called, and was under the command of a Major Grose. In 1790 the regiment reached Australia and the Colony established there, and replaced the Marines that accompanied Governor Arthur Philip in the First Fleet. Ensign Kemp did not arrive in Sydney until 1793, and performed his first two years of duty at Norfolk Island.
When he returned to Sydney he was Captain Kemp, and shortly afterwards he married a sister of Mr. Alexander Riley of Burwood House on Roby; the latter being Mr. Riley's county seat on the Cowpastures Road between Liverpool and Campbelltown. The Kemps had six children and they received several liberal land grants in various parts of the country.
Among the officers of the New South Wales Corps were many who had served with distinction in famous British Regiments, and a number who were veterans of the American Revolution. On arriving in Sydney their attitude changed, and their main objective became personal gain, and then return to England as wealthy men. To achieve their aims they inaugurated a policy of trade monopoly in which rum became the principal medium on exchange. This combined with ruthless exploitation of convict labor and the acquisition of large tracts of land did make a few rich.
The New South Wales Corps became arrogant, haughty, and sought to become masters of the land. They flouted the authority of Governor John Hunter, insulted openly Governor Philip King, arrested and deposed Governor William Thigh. The last named on the mutiny of the H.M.S. Bounty, but many have forgotten his eventful journey in an open boat, from Tofua to Timor, a distance of 3,618 miles in six weeks, making scientific observations throughout the ordeal
======================================================
The English translation of the certificate is:
We Knights of the Rose Croix, Master Masons and Companions of the same order, certify having received in lodge, not regularly constituted, but properly assembled, and presided over by Sovereign Prince J. St. Criq, member of the Metropolitan Chapter of Paris, the dear brother Anthony Fenn Kemp, Captain of the New South Wales Regiment, stationed at Port Jackson into the grade of Ancient Masonry.
In faith of which we pray the Masons of both hemispheres to recognize and aid him in this capacity.
17 September 1802
J. St. Criq
Sovereign Prince Rose Croix
Member of the Metropolitan Chapter
Georges Bridges Bellasis
G.D. 15'
Bellefin
Sovereign Prince Rose Croix
Ne varietur
Anthony Fenn Kemp
Captain Kemp
The First Masonic Certificate in Australia, Captain Anthony Fenn Kemp, 1773-1868. Photo by courtesy of Tasmanian Museum.
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Captain Anthony Fenn Kemp is conspicuously identified as an officer in the New South Wales Corps, and one of the most active of the Military merchants at Sydney. During the latter part of 1804 Governor King sent him to Van Diemen's Land (now Tasmania), with Col. Paterson to establish a settlement at Port Dalrymple, as Launceston was then called. Late in 1807 Kemp returned to Sydney, and in 1808, the highlight of his career was his complicity in the Bligh rebellion.
Following the disposition of Governor Thigh he was summoned to England as a witness in the Court Martial of Major George Johnston, who was the arresting officer of Governor Thigh. As a witness Captain Kemp made an unfavorable impression. As a result he sold his commission in the army and returned to Sydney in 1815. The New South Wales Corps had been disbanded in 1810, their duty in Australia being taken over by regular British Army Regiments. On his return to Sydney the prospects in the commercial field of the city were not bright, and he decided to go to Hobart, Tasmania. Captain Kemp died in 1868 aged 95 years and was interred in the old St. George's Cemetery near Hobart.
The French Corvette "Le Naturaliste" 300 tons, which was under the command of Captain Emmanuel Hamelin, formed part of the French Expedition of Commodore Nicholas Baudin, which entered Port Jackson in 1802 Commodore Baudin flew his flag in the "Le Geographe." This expedition was strictly scientific being promoted by the Institute of France, and not political in any sense, yet the effect of this visit was to arouse the fears that the French would occupy other parts of the land, and Van Diemen's Island. It caused Governor King to send Col. Paterson and Captain Kemp to form a settlement at Port Dalrymple.
Several letters which today have great historical interest, passed between Governor King and Commodore Baudin during their stay in Sydney of the expedition ships sent out by the French government. In the contents of these letters LT. Jacques St. Criq and other French officers are freely mentioned as having, at Sydney, traded in spirits at five shillings a bottle; selling spirits that had been supplied to the expedition for its own consumption. The story had first been told by a convict named Chapman to Captain Anthony Fenn Kemp, who repeated it in gossip fashion to his fellow officers. The apparent breach of honor by selling spirits caused Commodore Baudin to send his officers to Governor King to make their explanation in person. The explanation proved satisfactory, but the French officers were, highly irritated and hinted at demanding satisfaction of Captain Kemp for injury to their honor. However, Kemp apologized to them aboard the ship, and Surgeon Harris with Adjutant Minchin of the New South Wales Corps were court martialled. That Captain Kemp's apology was fully accepted seems to be proved by the French officers admitting him to their Masonic circle.
The Historical Records of New South Wales contains many interesting notes of the 1795 to 1802 period in its history. When Captain Anthony Fenn Kemp was a familiar figure on its primitive streets. On the West point of Sydney Cove, then known as Point Maskelyne, in honor of the RoyaI Astronomer in England, Lt. Dawes had erected fortifications which commanded the "length of the harbor." On the opposite point of the Cove, where Fort Macquarie now stands, Governor Hunter had raised a redoubt with eight embrasures on which were mounted part of the battery of the condemned vessel "Supply." The tanks which contained the water supply of Sydney, and the spring from which the Tank Stream took its course, had been cleaned and enclosed by a paling fence. A strong stone tower thirty six-feet high, with a windmill had been erected. A few blacksmiths shops, a brick granary, (100 feet by 22 feet) with three floors, barracks for officers, huts for convicts, and other necessary buildings had been completed. A substantial bridge had been built across the Duck River, on the road to Parramatta. The foundation stone of St. Phillip's Church had been laid at Sydney, and St. John's was nearing completion at Parramatta. A "handsome and commodious stone goal" had been built at Sydney, on the site now occupied by Essex Street as it runs into George Street. Parramatta had the government house a large and spacious roomy building containing cellars and an "attick" story. Despite the looks of the little settlement as a regular and permanent community, in many respects it resembled a complete Military Encampment. In the first Government and General Order which Governor King promulgated after John Hunter turned over the office to him, are the following clauses: "No Officer is to pass a sentinel after nine o'clock without giving the countersign. Masters or Officers of merchant vessels are to make themselves known to the Officer of the Guard. No person is to pass or repass after nine o'clock at this place or Parramatta, unless they are known householders, who are to carry a lanthorn after that hour. Offenders against this order are to be confined to the guard-house and reported next morning."
This was part of the known Sydney when Captain Anthony Fenn Kemp stood on the wharf made of Eucalyptus, there on the West foreshores of the "Cove" and waited for a boat to convey him to the French ship "Le Naturaliste."
With the departure of the French ships from Port Jackson this specialized form of Freemasonry, also took its leave from Australia. Many years were to pass before it appeared again in 1879, when Brisbane Rose Croix Chapter No. 9 of the Ancient & Accepted Rite, under the Supreme Council of Scotland was erected in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
REFERENCES
1. A Short History of Australia by Ernest Scott.
2. Early Tasmania by Backhouse Walker.
3. Historical Records of Australia, Vols. III to Vl.
4. Life of Laperause by Ernest Scott.
5. Admiral Phillip by Becke & Jeffery.
6. From Jubilee To Diamond Jubilee (History of Ten Years of Freemasonry in New South Wales) by K.R. Kramp, Past Dep. G.M. UGL, AF&AM, NSW Australia. A copy of this book is in the Library of the G.L. of Mass.*
7. Personal correspondence with Wor. Bro. Chester Smith, P.D.I.W, P.M. Former Editor of the New South Wales Freemason Magazine. (No longer published).
* The Library of the Grand Lodge A.F.&A.M. of lowa also have a copy of this book
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By Roger Fernandez Callejas, M.P.S.
On January 12, 1934 a Masonic session met in Prince Castle, Havana. This castle is a fortress built by the Spanish government on a hill at the end of the boulevard Paseo de Carlos III. This boulevard leads from the National Masonic Temple of the Grand Lodge of Cuba to Prince Castle. Prince Castle is an ancient and solid stone building which was used many years before for military defense. Later the Spanish government used it as a jail and this use continued with various Cuban governments. From the 19th century it has been principally a political prison.
When President Gral. Gerardo Machado, was deposed in 1933, and a government with Dr. Grau San Martin as president was established, a group of Cuban Army officers rebelled. They became powerful in the National Hotel at Havana, but after a hard combat they were defeated and imprisoned in Prince Castle.
At this time the author was a Master Mason and Secretary of "Renacimiento Masonico Lodge." Gustavo Alfonso, a Cuban Air Force Lieutenant, who had graduated from the United Air Force School, was also a member of this lodge. He had been imprisoned with the other officers. Since we had heard rumors that the government would move the officers from Prince Castle to Cabana Castle, there to execute them, and since there were approximately a hundred Master Masons in danger, in order to save them "Renacimiento Masonico Lodge" agreed to attempt to secure a Masonic meeting in Prince Castle with these Masons and endeavor to protect them with Cuban Masonic prestige.
The military chief of Prince Castle was Bro. Capt. Jose Gonzalez Oliveros, Junior Grand Deacon of the Grand Lodge of Cuba, now exiled in Miami. The military chief of the Presidential Palace was Bro. Mayor Pablo Rodriguez Silverio, Master of America Lodge.
"Renacimiento Masonico Lodge" named a committee of Luis Alfonso and this author. We went to see Brother Rodriguez, and, finding that we were in agreement, we continued to Prince Castle in order to see Brother Gonzalez and communicate our desires to him. We all agreed to hold a Masonic session in the jail with our brethren who were military prisoners. The temporary lodge room was set up in a large hall, with all of the necessary furniture, including the warden's columns which were made by prisoners, and the Altar containing the Great Lights, surrounded by the lesser lights.
On January 12, 1934 at 8:00 P.M. the doors of Prince Castle were opened and several freemasons, clad in white aprons and bearing the warrant of the lodge, entered. Many of these Masons were from other lodges and included Dr. Jose Francisco Castellanos, Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge, Bro. Julio C. Llopis, Grand Senior Deacon, and many others.
With our Master, Brother Angel Sosa, at our head, we entered the prepared temple room and opened the constituted lodge in form with full ritual and ceremonies. Following this, the visitors were admitted, and finally the Master Masons who were military prisoners.
At this meeting freemasons from several lodges were reunited, some of whom were prominent in the profane world including members of Dr. Grau's government, including Dr. Luis Vidal, Minister of Treasury, Dr. Jose F. Castellanos, Minister of Education, Mayor Pablo Rodriguez, Military Chief of the Presidential House, the aforementioned Gonzalez and others whom we have forgotten.
At this meeting all political differences were laid aside, and opposing ideas forgotten and the only words spoken were those of true fraternal feeling. This was a night proving the real and effective value of the "Mystic Tie."
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An Interesting Masonic Document
Melvin L. Pfankuche, M.P.S., our Associate Editor, sent an interesting Masonic document, which we present for the attention of our readers. Mel found it among some ancient archives, without identification or other known facts. Its import makes it something of a collectors item, and it is of great interest to all of us.
LINES ON THE MASONIC UNION,
WRITTEN BY
BROTHER BALLARD OF BEDFORD LODGE,
AND RECITED BY HIM
At Dorchester, on Wednesday, August 31, 1814, before the Provincial Grand Lodge for Dorsetshire:
Dr. W. Williams, P.G.M. in the chair
IN tribute to that day by brethren hailed,
On which united strength o'er strife prevail'd;
And tore the veil which jarring discord drew;
To give the finish'd fabric to the view,
Temple of Concord! let this incense rise
And bear thy glorious title to the skies.
Tho’ young the Muse, she joins with earnest voice
To praise the master of the brethren's choice.
Whose ardent zeal in Masonry's grand cause,
Check'd her abuses, and reform'd her laws
Levell’d each diff’rence with a parents care.
And taught the brethren to obey the square;
Brought within Compass the extended plan;
Form'd for the good or Masonry and Man:
Hail, Royal Patron! wisdom's favour'd child,
On whom the Science has delighted smil’d,
Receive those praises which thy virtues claim,
And add a brilliant lustre to thy name.
Ere the commencement of thy glorious reign,
Masonic brethren met and work’d in vain;
On various plans essay'd the pile to raise;
For the Art's credit, and find their Maker’s praise
Mean’s were devis'd, and scheme succeeded scheme,
Each was ambitious in the glowing theme,
'Till Babel's discord fix'd id potent spell,
And in disorder'd heaps the glitt'ring fragments fell.
Confus'd and silent now the workmen stand,
Awaiting the Grand Master's abler hand.
He saw inveterate dissentions rise;
'Mongst those who should be temp'rate, just, and wise;
Ancient and Modern rules the war began,
And of which order they should form their plan.
The skilful brethren rally in his cause,
Digest the plant and harmonize the laws;
Guided by Prudence, Temperance survey'd
Fortitude firmly dealt what Justice weigh'd.
‘Till by the union of the friendly four,
Order appear'd, and strife was heard no more.
Now mark the glorious fabric that arose,
Sacred to Friendship, Concord, and Repose.
By various polish'd Columns it is grac'd,
Each in due order and rotation plac'd:
Three principal attract the `wound’ring eye.
Fain'd for their size and lofty symmetry:
Perfect it stands, the glory of the Art,
Which reigns triumphant in each Mason’s heart:
Contriv’d in Wisdom, Strength support has given,
Beauty adorns and waits the smiles of Heaven.
----o----
Chicago Chapter Holds
Fine Meeting
The Chicago Chapter of the Philalethes Society, on September 30, 1974, was the invited guest of Lawn Lodge No. 815, where the local Members of the Society presented a program under the general title of "Freemasonry Today and Tomorrow." The invitation had been extended by the Worshipful Master, Brother Stephen R. Greenberg, M.P.S.
The Worshipful Master welcomed those present and then introduced the Chairman of the Chicago Chapter, Brother Alphonse Cerza, F.P.S., who was in turn requested to introduce the members on the program. He introduced Brother J. Robert Watt, M.P.S., and congratulated him of having been elected the week before to receive the Thirty-Third Degree next year.
The first speaker was Brother Harold R. Kopfman, a Past Grand Master of Illinois, and a Member of the Society; he spoke on the subject "The Craft in the United States with Special Emphasis on Illinois." The structure of the Fraternity, its work, and its brief history were covered. Brother Stephen R. Greenberg, M.P.S., presented a talk of "The Appendant Bodies" by describing them one by one and concluded by explaining how these groups contribute so much to the understanding of the basic principles of the Craft. Brother Samuel K. Zipp, M.P.S., Secretary of the Chicago Chapter, presented a brief description of the various "Research Groups of the Craft" including the Philalethes Society. Brother Hugh A. Cole M.P.S., spoke on "The Craft Outside the United States," by using maps that showed various parts of the world as he explained how Freemasonry spread around the world, how lodges were formed in various countries, and the status of the Craft today in various parts of the world. All these talks were well received. The question and answer period was spirited and disclosed a great deal of interest in the status of the Craft outside the United States. This might almost be a suggestion that we have more articles on this subject in our magazine. The final talk was presented by Alphonse Cerza, F.P.S., on the topic "Beyond the Horizon" in which he briefly described how the Craft had suffered persecution from time to time in world history always survived; that the rough days of the present should not discourage us because there is need for the beneficial philosophy of Freemasonry in the world. and that no organization based on the Fatherhood of God and the Brotherhood of Man will ever die.
A short period of time was spent after the Question and Answer period to call attention to the Bicentennial anniversary of the forming of our government and a consideration of some of the things that can be done by the Craft. It was generally agreed that the Lodges have a great opportunity to show the community that Freemasonry is a patriotic organization and to have meaningful programs of interest to our friends and neighbors.
----o----
Welcome To
New Members
A. DE VERE HARNETT, 407 Lake Avenue, Racine, Wisc. 53403. Recommended by Denman G. Kramer, M.P.S.
JOHN ERIC GEARY, 2619 Doris Dr., Dayton, Ohio 45449. Recommended by Carl A. Nissen, M.P.S.
ROBERT HENRI AUGUET, 7622-86th Avenue, Woodhaven, New York 11421. Recommended by Executive Committee.
KENNETH W. TOLER, 135 South 9th Street, Richmond, Ind. 47374. Recommended by Executive Committee.
ART JANES, 214 Vine Street, Elizabeth, N.J. 07202. Recommended by Executive Committee.
JOHN O. WIDDER, 12 Westland Terrace, Haverhill, Mass. 01830. Recommended by Earl C. Appleby, M.P.S.
JOHN BURTON ARP, JR., Rt. 4, Box 313, Kingston, Tenn. 37763. Recommended by Russell B. Tandy, M.P.S.
REGINALD F. ROUNSFULL, 3007 Applegate Lane, Glenview, Ill. 60025. Recommended by Allan D. Parsons, M.P.S.
JOHN SANDERS SCHULTZ, 86 Bishop Drive, Framingham, Mass. 01701. Recommended by John Sherman, M.P.S.
DEAN CARTER SETTLE, 1614 Welton Street, Denver, Colo. 80202. Recommended by Executive Committee.
COE TUG MORGAN, P. O. Box 942, Seahurst, Washington 98062. Recommended by Albert L. Woody, F.P.S.
JOHN PHILLIP ENGLE, 49 Orchard Park, Tiffin, Ohio 44883. Recommended by Harold E. Shumaker, M.P.S.
IVAN BERNARD GRAY, 1306 First Avenue West, Seattle, Wash. 98119. Recommended by Albert L. Woody, F.P.S.
JOHN FREDERICK BEUCLER, 37 Cottage Street, Cambridge, Mass. 02139. Recommended by Lorenzo B. Carr M.P.S.
WILLIAM JAMES STEPHENSON, P.O. Drawer A.L., Parker, Arizona 85344. Recommended by Estel W. Brooks M.P.S.
OLLIE OTTO THOMPSON, 3601 Pines Road, Paducah, Ky. 42001. Recommended by DeMoville P. Jones, M.P.S.
GWIN WILSON AULT, Ferguson Valley Road, Yeagertown, Pa. 17099. Recommended by Reno A. Lepley, M.P.S.
CHARLES LYNNE WERNER, 3339 Buckner Ln., Paducah, Ky. 42001. Recommended by DeMoville P. Jones, M.P.S.
LESTER KENNETH HALVERSON, 205 Marlbank Drive, Yorktown, Va. 23690. Recommended by Robert C. Coe, M.P.S.
HARRY H. HOEFFLIN, 6439 W. Myrtle, No. 83, Glendale, Ariz. 85301. Recommended by Estel W. Brooks, M.P.S.
----o----
Notes, Queries and Information On Items of Masonic Research
BY MELVIN L. PFANRUCHE, M.P.S.
14267-130th Place, N.E., Kirkland, Washington 98033
1974 - No.6
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 far 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.
77 - Swap Corner. REPEAT - The Editor, John Black Vrooman, P. O. Box 402, St. Louis, Missouri 63166 BADLY AND URGENTLY NEEDS a copy of a Masonic publication, now probably out of print. but one of the very interesting and comprehensive books on Freemasonry - "Freemasonry's Movie Picture Drama," by M.R. Grant, 33d, Grand Almoner of the Supreme Council. A.A.S.R., Southern Masonic Jurisdiction. published in 1931 by Truth Publishing Company, Mississippi City, Mississippi.
The publisher is now out of business, and it has not been possible to find a copy of this valuable book. Brother Vrooman is most willing to pay any reasonable price for a copy of this book, which he needs in some special research he is doing. Anyone who knows of a copy of this book is urged to contact the Editor. It is a vital research source.
84 - Swap Corner. Brother John Hallberg Jones, M.P.S., 2700 East Minnehaha Parkway, Minneapolis, Minn. 55406 needs 14 issues of The Royal Arch Mason magazine from Volumes I, II and III to complete his set. They are, Vol. I, 2 through 10, Vol. II, 4, 5, and 12 and Vol. III, 1, 2 and 6. He has some later issues for exchanging purposes.
85 - Swap Corner. Your Editor of this page needs the names and addresses of Masonic Badge and early proceedings collectors or dealers. I have come into an estate for disposal and would appreciate your help. Mel Pfankuche, M.P.S., 14267 130th Pl., N.E., Kirkland, Wash. 98033.
362 - Eighteen (18) Year Old Masons. (June 1974). Brother J. Fairbairn Smith, F.P.S., Detroit, Michigan states that the 18 year question was defeated in Michigan on May 29, 1974. Bro. Smith quotes the "main argument is that 18 is not yet mature?" Utah and Idaho are reported to have accepted the age of 18 as "of lawful age." No other comments to date.
363 - Masonic Pope. (Again and June, 1974). Several replies have been received regarding this perennial question. Brother Harvey N. Brown and "The Universal League" may be in poor standing amongst some Grand Lodges but his reply is quoted below and looks good to me. ". . ., if anyone asserts that Pope Benedict XIV, or anyone else, for that matter, was a Mason, then it is up to the proponent of the proposition to offer evidence, and those to whom the proposition was proposed may then evaluate it. Theoretically, it is impossible to prove that this Pope was NOT a Mason, but that is not the problem for you and me. All real evidence eagerly sought."
366 - Aprons, Unadorned. (August 1974) Brother Conrad Hahn, F.P.S., P.G.M., Connecticut, Executive Secretary of the Masonic Service Association, 8120 Fenton Street, Silver Spring, Md. 20910 advises that to the best of his knowledge, (which is extensive), "only the District of Columbia has a pure, white, spotless apron, unadorned, for the Grand Master and Grand Lodge Officers. These are white lambskin with narrow white silk borders." "Abroad, they seem to go in for more ornamentation than we do in the U.S."
As an editorial comment, several years ago I was reading a Grand Master's installation speech in which he commented "that he hoped to be able to find some trace of lambskin under the ornamentation," or some comment to that effect.
368 - 10,000 Famous Freemasons. Published in four volumes by the Missouri Lodge of Research, 1957-1960. At least 10 "Queries" have come in this direction during the past three years as to the availability of these valuable research volumes. Good news. I have just heard that if there is enough interest, they will be issued in paperback. Price will be $20.00 or less. Contact: The Missouri Lodge of Research, 301 West 5th, Fulton, Mo. 65251.
369 - Membership of the Founding Fathers. Undoubtedly one of the finest short biography of the 250 plus founding fathers, Signers of the Declaration of Independence, Generals, etc., by Bro. Ronald Heaton, F.P.S. Reprints of this presently out of print book will soon be available from the Masonic Service Association. An absolute MUST for any readings or work on the American Revolutionary Period or the Bicentennial. The price is currently unknown but it will be "Worth twice the Price."