Contents
A Golden Opportunity The American Revolution Bicentennial Series
Reading, 'Riting and Research the Theme For 1974 The Fictitious 'Great Schism'
Are Working Tools important JOSEPHUS
Chat and Comment Recommended Masonic Reading
Bicentennial Books The Best of Times, the Worst of Times
You and the Bicentennial Celebration George Washington Tenth To Be Elected
An Appraisal of Masonic Citizenship The Wailing Wall
Vice President Ford Is Freemason President William E. Yeager, F.P.S.
The Entered Apprentice Contemplation Toward Understanding Masonry
On Items of Masonic Research
Hall of Fame - Football
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 E. Yeager, F.P.S. President
350 Pennsylvania Avenue, W.
Warren, Pennsylvania 16365
Robert V. Osborne, F.P.S. First Vice President
3624 Gifford Road
Franksville, Wisconsin 53126
Eugene S. Hopp, F.P.S. Second Vice President
2000 Van Ness Avenue
San Francisco, California 94109
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. 1
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By Alphonse Cerza, F.P.S., Life
A GUEST EDITORIAL
July 4, 1976 will mark the Bicentennial anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The date seems to be a long time away, but the official celebrations are planned to start on July 4, 1975. A year and a half is not too long to plan and prepare for suitable programs to be presented by lodges and other organizations of Masons during the Jubilee period. For some time the Grand Masters' Conference, the Supreme Councils of the Scottish Rite, as well as the Philalethes Society have been making plans suitable for the occasion.
The Craft and its members are presented with a Golden Opportunity during this period of celebration to stand up and be counted among the present day patriots supporting our country. Each of our members can help by taking part in all the programs presented by Masonic groups; they can co-operate with their lodge officers by making constructive suggestions and volunteering to help present programs suitable for the occasion.
The Philalethes Society has done some preliminary work on the matter and this month our magazine starts publishing a series of articles relating to the Bicentennial period and our country's heritage. Other Masonic magazines are planning on doing the same things as the months roll by and our members are urged to be aware of all these efforts. An informed Mason is a better Mason and taking part in patriotic activities is one of the best ways to let the community know that our Craft supports all good things. Lodges should give careful consideration to having programs which are Masonically oriented with patriotic themes which lend themselves to inviting our nonMasonic friends and neighbors to see. Having meetings honoring local heroes with Masonic connections are to be encouraged.
Let us not pass by this wonderful opportunity to have the Craft and its members take part in programs that will be beneficial to the community and Freemasonry.
Featured in this issue . . .
A GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY, A Guest Editorial by Alphonse Cerza, F.P.S., Life
THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION BICENTENNIAL SERIES
READING, 'RITING AND RESEARCH THE THEME FOR MASONIC WORKSHOP
THE FICTITIOUS "GREAT SCHISM", by Lionel Seemungal, M.P.S.
WASHINGTON 1974 ANTICIPATES ACTIVITY AND ACTION
ARE WORKING TOOLS IMPORTANT?, by Carl W. Hopp, M P.S.
JOSEPHUS "THE GREAT JEWISH HISTORIAN", by John Nocas, M.P.S.
CHAT & COMMENT, by Jerry Marsengill, M.P.S.
COMPLETE PROGRAM OF MASONIC WEEK EVENTS
RECOMMENDED MASONIC READING, by Alphonse Cerza, F.P.S., Life
BICENTENNIAL BOOKS, by Alphonse Cerza, F.P.S., Life.
PHILALETHES TREASURER REWARDED!
THE BEST OF TIMES, THE WORST OF TIMES, by William E. Parker, M.P.S.
YOU AND THE BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION, by Alphonse Cerza, F.P.S., Life
AN APPRAISAL OF MASONIC CITIZENSHIP by Edward J. Franta, F.P.S.
ASHBY PAUL RESIGNS
WELCOME TO NEW MEMBERS
VICE PRESIDENT FORD IS A MASON
THE WAILING WALL
PRESIDENT WILLIAM E. YEAGER LAUDED FOR MASONIC ACTIVITIES
CARPENTER GRAND SECRETARY, GRAND LODGE OF PENNSYLVANIA
THE ENTERED APPRENTICE, by Clarence E. Ross, M P S.
CONTEMPLATION TOWARD UNDERSTANDING MASONRY,
by Donald F. Young, M.P.S.
NOTES, QUERIES AND INFORMATION ON MASONIC RESEARCH,
by Melvin L. Pfankuche, M.P.S.
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The American Revolution Bicentennial Series
1. Foreword
"A study of the tremendous influence which Freemasonry had in the pre-Revolutionary days, in the years of that war, and throughout the formative period of American institutions, will demonstrate that Freemasonry has exercised a greater influence upon the establishment and development of this government than any other single institution. Neither general historians nor the members of the Fraternity since the days of the first Constitutional Conventions have ever realized how much the United States of America owes to Freemasonry, and how great a part it played in the birth of the nation and establishment of the Landmarks of that civilization which has given to the citizens of this great land the liberty which they enjoy."
The above quotation is from the pen of Melvin M. Johnson, Past Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts, and Sovereign Grand Commander of the Supreme Council, 33d, of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite in the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction of the United States of America, 1933-1953. It appears in his book "The Beginnings of Freemasonry in America."
Sidney Hayden, in his book, "Washington and his Masonic Compeers" written in 1866, comments as follows: "Our historians and biographers seldom mention a Fraternity which has existed in this country from its early Colonial existence, and embraces in its membership a large number of our countrymen whose names are inscribed on our literary, civil and military rolls of honor. Has this arisen from a prejudice against the institution of Masonry, or from a belief that its influences are unimportant?
"The virtues which ennoble human character are taught and cultivated in the lodge room; and the mystic labors of the Master and his Craftsmen when convened, are such as fit men for the domestic relations of life and the highest duties of citizenship. (The part of Masonry in American history) has been entirely omitted by (many) biographers, and studiously misrepresented by pamphleteers . . . (Hayden) made a diligent research in veritable records and documents of the last century for information on the subject. He gratefully acknowledged the assistance of many eminent Masons in this labor.
"The brevity of many early Masonic records and the entire loss of others, . . . left some parts of (Hayden's) work apparently unfinished in leading facts, and time had silenced every tongue that a half century before might have given interesting details of incidents, to which existing records sometimes barely allude . . .. unrecorded incidents . . ., which now, in the eye of history, are among uncertain traditions of the past . . . (and Hayden gave) few of them a place in his sketch . . . He preferred the broken fragments of veritable records, to traditions, however pleasing, and apparently reliable."
Traditions have the unfortunate trait of losing nothing in the retelling and a later generation may accept for a fact, something which never happened, was alluded to in some imaginative relation, and then was dignified by its appearance in print. Recent publications of the Masonic Service Association, and Coil's Masonic Encyclopedia are more precise, have not printed statements which could not be proven and are recommended for general reference.
With this issue of the Philalethes magazine we begin a series of articles on battles and happenings of the period of the American Revolution which, unless interrupted by unforeseen developments will run through 1983. July 4, 1976 is the focal point for a nation-wide celebration of the 200th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. Along the Atlantic seaboard local observances of battles and incidents of the Revolution will continue and they will be noted in our series.
Actually, resistance began a decade before, resort to arms occurred in 1775, and Washington's resignation was submitted in 1783. As the period of the Revolution advanced so did the interest in Masonry increase among the officers of the Continental Army. In our series the activity of our
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This series dealing with the Bicentennial of American Freedom will be one of the most important contributions made by the Philalethes Society. You are urged to carefully read and study this article which outlines plans now in operation for our bicentennial activity.
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Masonic forebears will be adequately noted but not overemphasized.
The articles in our series cannot be complete in all detail, as The Philalethes magazine does not have the space for exhaustive treatment of any topic. But as a study group we expect the Society will be stimulated by the presentation of our writers. Moreover, The Philalethes series will be carried through until 1983, the bicentennial year of the evacuation of New York City and Washington's farewell to his officers. In many Grand Lodges the great effort will be centered on Independence Day, 1976, but of course there had been fighting a year before the Declaration was adopted, and it was in the later years that Masonic activity in the army rose to its height.
Contributors to The Philalethes series will be members of the Fraternity, well-known for their research and writing. While many of these will be resident within the bounds of the thirteen original states, there are just as many more with special interests and ability across the nation. We will be pleased to hear from any reader of the magazine with an offer to write on any of the topics listed in the April 1973 issue.
The series will not compete with but rather complement the publications of The Masonic Service Association, the many Masonic magazines, and other material appearing in print. In accordance with general practice, the stories will be available for reprinting by others, in part or in whole, with appropriate credit to the author and the magazine. In turn, the magazine may use some exchange material which fits into the series.
The timing of The Philalethes series is a unique feature. We will try and have each article appear on or about the bicentennial date of its occurrence. Thus, Bunker Hill will be the subject of a story in June, 1975, and the Siege of Yorktown in October, 1981. Whenever pertinent, maps and illustrations will be used, and it is planned to supplement each serial with songs and poems where applicable. We may include a commentary on commemorative postage stamps, and notes on the development of our national and state flags. Of course, photographs and brief biographies of each writer will appear, and short bibliographical notes will supplement each story.
The editor has been assisted in the initial planning of this feature by a committee composed of Alphonse Cerza, F.P.S., Life, Past President of the Society; our Treasurer, Ronald E. Heaton, F.P.S., and James R. Case, F.P.S., all familiar names to our readers.
The series for the balance of the year 1974 will be:
No. 2 - "Prelude to the Revolution." James R. Case.
No. 3 - "The Gaspee Affair." Norris G. Abbott, Jr.
No. 4 - "First Continental Congress." Ronald E. Heaton.
No. 5 - "The Boston Massacre." Lewis L. Huston.
- "The Boston Tea Party."
No. 6 - "Capture of Fort William and Mary." Gerald D. Foss.
For further enlightenment on how the plans of the Philalethes Society will fit into the overall nationwide observance, it is suggested that our readers review the articles by Past President Alphonse Cerza, F.P.S., Life, in the February 1972 and December 1972 issues of the magazine. The report of the Philalethes Workshop and a tentative list of articles planned for the Series appears in the April 1973 issue. We will also keep our readers informed of what is being done by the '76 Committee of the Conference of Grand Masters of Masons in America.
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Reading, 'Riting and Research the Theme For 1974
Masonic Workshop in Washington
By John Black Vrooman, F.P.S., Editor
What promises to be one of the most fruitful and interesting of the "Masonic Workshop" sessions held each year in Washington during "Masonic Week," will be held at the Washington Hotel in our Nation's Capital, on Friday evening, February 15, 1974, under the direction of M.W. Brother Dwight L. Smith, F.P.S., co-ordinator of the program.
"Reading, 'Riting and Research" have been chosen as the three papers to be presented for a better understanding of what Freemasonry is and should be. Each of the participants in the panel are well known and highly respected Freemasons whose views can be interpreted as focussing on the fundamentals of the Craft. Each panelist has spent years in Masonic research, writing and the presentation of the facts of Freemasonry, and after the papers are read, discussion participated in, and questions and comments made, there is little doubt that all who are present will have a better and fuller concept of our problems.
The first paper - "Reading," will be presented by Alphonse Cerza, F.P.S., Life, a regular contributor to the columns of the Philalethes magazine, a former President of the Society, and famous for his review of Masonic books and periodicals. It is to be noted that among his latest contribution to Masonic literature has been a list of books which especially pertain to facts, events and personalities connected with that period of history in which we became a Nation, and to be universally celebrated in a few years with the big Bicentennial of the Declaration of Independence, in 1975-1976. This is an important and noteworthy accumulation of information that will be helpful to all who wish accurate and interesting information about this period of our history.
It is the contention of Brother Cerza that Masonic information found in books and other periodicals is such that to the average reader, it can be translated into an invaluable source of information.
Brother Cerza's chief contention will be that of suggesting what is good Masonic reading, what to avoid in Masonic reading, and suggestions as to the best way in which to gather and use the information one reads. This covers a lot of territory, and is invaluable in letting one make use of his talents. It is easier, says Cerza, to collect information on Masonry that is unimportant, than it is to find all the data that is needed by which to make a veritable presentation of the facts.
There will be enclosed in the February issue of the Philalethes magazine a "Masonic Reading List," amply documented and classified for the use of those who are going to do serious Masonic reading. Additional copies of this list will also be available at the meetings in Washington, and Brother Cerza will outline the most practical way in which to use these lists.
The second paper - "'Riting" was originally assigned to Jerry Erikson, F.P.S., but his health has been such that he was forced to decline the assignment. All of us who are aware of Brother Erikson's ability as a writer will regret his lack of strength to take the assignment, and sincerely hope that in the near future he may regain his health and again take part in our Masonic activities.
The Philalethes Society feels extremely fortunate in the acquisition of Brother Jerry Marsengill, M.P.S., the Associate Editor of the Philalethes magazine, to assume the role of a participant in the discussion panel, and to prepare the paper on "'Riting." Brother Marsengill is a prolific and interesting writer, has contributed much to the literature of Freemasonry in many Masonic publications from coast to coast, and his paper will be looked for with interest.
Emphasizing the importance of simplicity, accuracy and truth, Brother Marsengill will write from wide experience, first hand knowledge and acquaintance with source materials and background.
Who knows better about Masonic Research than a Masonic Librarian? This fact lead the committee sponsoring the Masonic Workshop to think along the lines of ability, practicality and background, and with this in mind, Brother Keith Arrington, M.P.S., the able Assistant Librarian of the famous Library of the Grand Lodge of Iowa was selected.
The technicalities of Research, and ways and means of using the material that is found after careful study, as well as the compilation and use of this material, is the theme of the paper of Brother Arrington.
Background, methods of acquisition and the use of the material found, are important in acquiring information to be used in research and writing. Technically, reading and research are primary considerations in writing, but all must be co-ordinated in such a way as to make the best use of the researcher. It is only by the application of reading and 'riling that research - real Masonic research - can be put into writing, and it is the task of Brother Arrington to bring all of these facets into force, and show how best to WRITE after adequate reading and research has been done.
Of course, after the papers have been prepared and presented, there will be much intelligent discussion, many questions and comment, and in order that these comments may be recorded and available, we have again secured the services of Brother Stewart M.L. Pollard, M.P.S., National Secretary of National Sojourners, Inc., to run the tapes which will record these proceedings. These will be summarized and put into adequate form, and will be used in a future issue of the Philalethes magazine. We are indebted to Brother Pollard for his zeal in assisting us to record these facts. All in all, it will be possible in the issues following the Masonic Workshop, for our readers to get the most from the transactions of the Masonic Workshop.
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Washington - 1974
Anticipates Much
Activity and Action
"Masonic Week" in our Nation's Capital each year not only brings our Craftsmen to a sharp focus of planning, executing and Masonic activity, but also represents a cross-section of the world's finest fellowship and good will.
Usually divided into two interlocking and harmonious groups, the series of meetings revolve around two sets of purposes - planning and fellowship, and major activities of the four great Masonic groups which stabilize Freemasonry on this continent.
The Masonic bodies associated with the Allied Masonic Degrees, will meet at the Washington Hotel the week end previous to the Conferences of Grand Masters and Grand Secretaries in North America, the George Washington Masonic National Memorial Association and the Masonic Service Association. Opening with the annual "Masonic Workshop" of the Philalethes Society on Friday evening the Allied Masonic groups will continue throughout Saturday and will complete their work at about noon Sunday, February 17. The traditional Allied Masonic Degrees banquet on Saturday evening has always been an outstanding social event for the Brethren.
On another page of this issue will be found a complete program of the many meetings of the Allied Masonic Degrees, and we shall not try to emphasize any particular one. We would, however, like to point out the very interesting paper given each year by a member of the Council of Nine Muses, which is an event scheduled for Friday afternoon. This paper has always been a highlight of the session.
Monday, February 18, the George Washington Masonic National Memorial will meet at the Memorial building in Alexandria, Virginia, and on that afternoon the Masonic Service Association will hold its annual meeting at the Shoreham Hotel. The Conferences of Grand Masters and of Grand Secretaries in North America will meet Tuesday and Wednesday, finishing their business Wednesday. The banquets of the Grand Masters and Grand Secretaries will be in the Shoreham Hotel, that of the Grand Secretaries on Monday evening, and that of the Grand Masters on Tuesday evening.
The Imperial Council of the Shrine annually sponsors the "Frank S. Land" Memorial Breakfast, which in 1974 will be held at the Shoreham Hotel on Tuesday morning. Admission to this event is by invitation only. On Wednesday the delegates will be the guests of the Sovereign Grand Commander, Ill. Henry C. Clausen, 33d, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, S.M.J., at the House of the Temple for luncheon. This will conclude the events for Masonic Week.
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By Lionel Augustine Seemungal, M.P.S.
Newtown, Port of Spain, Trinidad, West Indies
INTRODUCTION
One of the most enduring Masonic fictions in the United States, is the belief that the Ancient Grand Lodge of 1751 in London, arose from a "schism" in the Premier Grand Lodge of 1717.
It would be tedious to enumerate all the works of authority, some even of recent vintage, in which this fable is perpetuated. In even such an authoritative work as Vol. I of the History of the Supreme Council, Southern Jurisdiction (1964) there is a reference to it at page 10.
Closer to home, there was a startled editorial reaction at a more authentic version by Bro. Gustin O. Gooding in "The Origins of Freemasonry in America" (Philalethes: April-May 1970, page 42) as is shown by the footnote: -
"This account of the formation of the Antient Grand Lodge differs completely from Mackey's and suggests a field for further research."
Fictitious Theories Explored
(1887 A.D.)
Actually, no "further research" is required. The traditional theory (or rather "theories", since they differ in particulars) was devastatingly and conclusively explored as far back as 1887 by Bro. Henry Sadler in his epoch-making book: "MASONIC FACTS AND FICTIONS, comprising A New Theory of the Ancient Grand Lodge."
Bro. Sadler, the Librarian and Curator of the United Grand Lodge of England, was the 1910 Master of the prestigious Quatuor Coronati Lodge (of Research) No. 2076 of London.
What is a Schism?
Webster's New Twentieth Century Dictionary defines "schism" as a "split or division in an organized group or society as the result of difference of opinion, of doctrine, etc."
Accordingly "schismatics" must, of necessity, have been former members of the body from which they seceded. Bro. Sadler proved that the founders of the 1751 Grand Lodge were never members of the 1717 Grand Lodge. Thus there was no "schism."
Nor were the Ancients "spurious", "irregular" or "clandestine" Masons, as some have believed. Such a belief is based a fallacy later exposed in this paper.
The Exploded Versions
These can be found in Chapter XLI of Volume IV of "The History of Freemasonry" by Dr. A.G. Mackey (1906), pages 1104 to 1134. They were principally derived from the Constitutions of the Premier Grand Lodge, edited by Entick (1776), Noorthouck (1784) and Preston's: "Illustrations of Masonry" (15 editions from 1772 to 1840).
All theories agree that the trouble started in 1739 when some Brethren of the 1717 Grand Lodge were censured for (possibly) making Masons irregularly.
Noorthouck said that the censure irritated these Brethren, who persisted in their contumacy and set up an independent power as equal in authority with Grand Lodge i.e. the Ancients Grand Lodge.
Mackey finds Noorthouck in error in confounding the 1739 events with the 1751 founding.
Preston says that the seceders assumed the title of "York Masons." Mackey says that Preston also is incorrect.
Mackey says that the Premier Grand Lodge made certain ritual changes which led to the schism. These changes allowed the "seceders" to call themselves "Ancient Masons," stigmatizing the innovators as "Modern Masons."
Tit for Tat
Now the Ancients and Moderns indulged in some pretty wide-ranging clanging matches; there is little doubt that the Moderns did "innovate"; to counter this, the Moderns invented the quite untrue story of "schism" and "secession" to discredit the Ancients.
Sadler's Proof
Sadler's proof was simple. The first Minute Book of the Ancient Grand Lodge with names of members was examined. None of the Founders were former members of the Premier Grand Lodge. A great number of them were Irish Masons who had come over to England.
How could there be said to be a "schism" and how could they be called "seceders" if they had NEVER belonged to the 1717 Premier Grand Lodge? This first Minute Book of the Ancients has been reproduced in Vol. XI of the Antigrapha (1958) of the Quatuor Coronati Lodge.
Status of Ancients
The belief that the Masons who founded the Ancient Grand Lodge were "irregular", "spurious" or "clandestine" is based on several fallacies or anachronistic beliefs. They are
i. That every regular Lodge or Grand Lodge in the world, derives, in the ultimate analysis from the Premier 1717 Grand Lodge of England, by direct descent.
ii. That the doctrine of Exclusive Jurisdiction would have prevented the later Ancients Grand Lodge of 1751 from being a regular Grand Lodge, as it infringed the sovereignty of the Premier Grand Lodge of 1717.
Descent from the 1717
Grand Lodge
It is not unfair to say that the Premier Grand Lodge of 1717, the Anderson Constitutions of 1723 (and in a lesser degree, that of 1738) are held in the United States in a veneration which is a source of amazement to the United Kingdom Mason. To him it is just another item in the 600-year old history of the Craft in that country, even though an important one.
Thus it has become almost an article of faith in the U.S.A., that descent in a direct line from the 1717 Grand Lodge is a prerequisite for regularity of any Grand Lodge, even today.
Scottish and Irish Masons think that this is very funny. Their Grand Lodges were quite independent foundations, purporting to derive no regularity from the 1717 English Grand Lodge. Scotland boasts of still-existing Lodges and Lodge Minute Books far older than any to be found in England.
In fact, the earliest recorded initiation on the soil of England was in a (still existing) Scottish Lodge of a Scotsman . . . that of Sir Robert Moray, while on military service, in the Lodge of Edinburgh when it was in Newcastle, England in 1641.
Bro. R.E. Parkinson, the greatest Irish Masonic historian alive today, deals with such a belief in a devastating fashion at page 181 of (1966) Vol. 79 of the Transactions of the Quatuor Coronati Lodge thusly: -
"It seems that much of our thinking has been conditioned by some such argument as: -
.... All legitimate Freemasonry is derived from a Grand Lodge.
.... The first Grand Lodge was established in London in 1717.
. . Therefore all legitimate Freemasonry is derived from London."
Bro. Parkinson ends dryly: "Stated thus baldly, the argument needs no refutation." !!!!
Breach of Exclusive Jurisdiction
The doctrine of "Exclusive Jurisdiction" or "Territorial Exclusiveness" is such a "sacred cow" in U.S. Masonry, that the 1751 Grand Lodge would be irretrievably "damned" for breach of it.
Some Grand Lodges have even erected this doctrine into a "Landmark" e.g. No. 21 Landmark in Minnesota; No. 5 in Nebraska, etc. (Silas H. Shepherd: The Landmarks of Freemasonry; Little Masonic Library: Vol. I pages 79, 83).
Now, since a Landmark must have existed "from time immemorial", it is difficult to see how this doctrine can be fitted into the class, seeing that: -
(a) The doctrine is such an American creation that the great Masonic Scholar and Encyclopedist, Bro. Henry Wilson Coil lists it under the heading "American Doctrine" in his mastodontic Encyclopedia.
(2) The earliest expressed declaration of it was in 1796 by the Grand Lodge of New York!
(3) That it was quite contrary to the factual situation existing in the United Kingdom in the early days of Freemasonry and in the 18th century . . . there were as many as four Grand Lodges simultaneously in England!
(4) That in British Commonwealth Territories, Lodges from different Grand Lodges exist side by side.
(5) That European Grand Lodges expressly reject the doctrine.
A Blatant Anachronism
To apply the doctrine to England in 1717 or even in 1751, would be an anachronism of the most blatant type.
Worse, it must be remembered that the Grand Lodge of 1717
(a) Was a unilateral creation by only four Lodges, three of which were Operative and one Speculative,
(b) Even by its own declaration, limited its jurisdiction to Lodges "in or near London", "within the Bills of Mortality", and "within ten miles of London" …… every one of these three expressions being in the Minutes of that Grand Lodge, viz. Nov. 25, 1723; Feb. 19, 1724; Nov. 21, 1724
(c) Declared in its own Regulations of 1720/1721, (printed in the 1723 Anderson Constitutions) that these Regulations were "for the Use of the Lodges in or about London and Westminster."
Further, it must be realized that there were many perfectly regular Lodges and regular Masons in London who ignored this Premier Grand Lodge as a totally unauthorized creation. It was from these that the 1751 Antient Grand Lodge was founded. Needless to say, there was not even anything even remotely resembling the 1786 Grand Constitutions in the case of the much later Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, to even lend colour to a declaration of 'spuriousness'.
Conclusion
In consonance with the stern strictures of Bro. Jerry Marsengill at pages 68 and 69 of The Philalethes of August 1973 entitled "TRUTH IS A DIVINE ATTRIBUTE", this theory of "THE GREAT SCHISM" should be given a swift and unlamented burial.
No corpse should be left around to putrefy from 1887 up to today .... an unconscionably long period of 86 years.
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The Chinese have a proverb, in fact, a precept, which if carried to fruition would cure the ills of the world. It is this:
"If there is righteousness in the heart there will be beauty in the character. If there is beauty in the character, there will be harmony in the home. If there is harmony in the home, there will be order in the nation. When there is order in the nation, there will be peace in the world."
Cathedral News, Bloomington, Ill. Scottish Rite
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By Carl W. Hopp, M.P.S., Grand Orator
Grand Lodge of Oregon - 1973
For forty-seven years, I have been attending Masonic meetings. I have listened to many Masonic papers being presented. I have attended Masonic Lectures and participated in Masonic Seminars. Each time, there is a sense of feeling within me that I have gained additional knowledge.
Masonry teaches that each of us must interpret its lessons and symbols for himself. One's religion alone is good reason for the various interpretations that our Brethren may give to the same subject matter. If you are truly interested in improving and adding to your knowledge of Freemasonry, I know of no better way than by reading, by witnessing the various degrees over and over again, and by listening to what others have to say. You may not always agree with them but by paying attention you will frequently be benefitted. Remember, Voltaire's often quoted statement, "I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it."
How many of you have done as I have, namely retrace the years to the time when you were sitting in the preparation room, waiting for the proper moment to approach the door of the Lodge for your first admission? What thoughts were going through your mind? Were you nervous because some friend, thinking he was being funny, had suggested that there might be some horse play or rough stuff? Or, did a real friend put you at ease by telling you of the seriousness and solemnity of the Degree? Or, were you at a complete loss, as I was because no one was thoughtful enough to take the time to help you he mentally prepared to receive the greatest benefits from the ritual work ?
I am certain that every candidate, if properly prepared mentally, as well as being clothed properly, would learn more and possibly be more interested in continuing his active involvement in his Lodge. I heartily recommend that the information on page 22 of the Oregon Mentor Manual be read to him. It is as follows:
"How may I receive the most benefit from the Entered Apprentice Degree? By approaching your first step in Masonry - The Entered Apprentice Degree - with a humble and serene attitude; with mind and heart attuned to those things which elevate man to the position of dignity and responsibility which his Creator intended him to occupy. Before you enter the Lodge room, dismiss from your mind all worldly matters that might detract from the seriousness and solemnity of that which you will hear and see. Be keenly alert to all that is said and done, for in this manner only can you receive and assimilate the time-honored teachings of Freemasonry.
The methods used for your instructions will be new to you, for the great lessons of our Craft are taught by allegory and by symbolism. But these methods are as effective as they are ancient, as you will discover if your mind and heart are receptive as the degree progresses. Remember, too, that every man that is now a Mason has had exactly the same teachings.
There is no rough stuff or horse play in any of the Symbolic Degrees. "
With this information, I'm sure that our candidates will be more alert and will absorb more of what is presented to them.
It is amazing to me to see how little so many of our Brethren remember of the lessons and knowledge given them in the Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft and Master Mason Degrees. Recently, I have asked several Brethren if they could name the principal working tools of a Master Mason. The answers were pitiful. Could we make better Masons of our candidates and retain more of them in our ranks if we devoted more time and attention to them in the preparation room?
Are Working Tools Important? If so, how can we use them if we don't remember what they are? If we do know them do we know how to use them properly?
My working years were devoted to manufacturing and construction. It was well known to all employees that tool rooms, well stocked with varied tools and equipment were available to them. It was also well known that by carefully selecting and developing the skill to use them properly, we could increase our production, accomplish better workmanship and at the same time reduce costs. This would accomplish three things: enhance the reputation of your company, place it in a more competitive position, and thereby assuring greater employment for the employees.
What would the alternative be? I have seen it and so have you; sloppy work, inefficiency and a more expensive operation. The end result would be loss of business and ultimately, bankruptcy.
In our Masonic Fraternity, we have a similar situation. Many wonderful lessons have been presented to us; also many working tools have been given to us symbolically to use. If these lessons are observed and the working tools applied in the manner in which we are taught to use them, we know that, when we reach the end of life's journey, we will be better and wiser men; that we will have faith in the immortality of the soul; and that we will not be afraid to face our future existence.
Should we neither benefit from these wonderful lessons nor use the symbolic working tools as we are taught, the chances are great that we will not be ready to make the transition peacefully but will be confronted with confused thoughts and fear of the unknown.
There are those Masons who may ask, due to the fact that they paid little attention when they were being initiated and not interested enough to find out later, what are the working tools of a Mason? Some may answer, the twenty-four inch gauge and common gavel, the plumb, square and level and the trowel. Are these all? I should say not. Listen to what Albert Pike has to say on this subject:
"We should not however forget that these are not the only tools and implements used by operative and speculative Masons in the building of their spiritual edifices; all the forces at man's control, or subject to man's influence, are his working tools."
Another Masonic scholar has this to say:
"I am overwhelmed with the tremendous task of enumerating the working tools which are given to us, and developing their spiritual aspects. We are given a most concentrated capsule over-flowing with an abundance of thoughts. Some few can be pointed out with a prayer that these might lead others to seek and find out "Acres of Diamonds" which are priceless jewels of thought for contriving a structure which is the immortal part of Man."
And speaking of prayer, I cannot help but remind you that prayer is frequently used in our business sessions as well as in the ritual of each degree. We do not hesitate to ask for guidance and help when needed, and so inform the candidate. He is told very clearly what to do and where to go for this help when he has exhausted all of his own resources.
Yes, my Brethren, prayer is one of the most useful tools at our disposal. Almost every P.O.W. in Vietnam, upon his return to the United States, stated that his prayers to Almighty God supported him through his terrible ordeal. Lieutenant James C. Wittaker, in his book entitled "We Thought We Heard the Angels Sing" wherein he told the epic story of the ordeal and rescue of those who were with Eddie Rickenbacker on the plane lost in the Pacific. He stated that after three weeks of intense suffering due to thirst, hunger, very hot weather and being in shark infested waters, they finally resorted to prayer, and their prayers were answered. They were all rescued but one who was unable to survive their grueling experience.
There are many more working tools to which I could refer, such as Brotherly Love, Relief, Truth, Temperance, Fortitude, Prudence and Justice. Much could be said about each of these, but for now I wish to make a few comments only about the Twenty-four Inch Gauge.
We know what the operative Mason did with his gauge. He measured his stone; if the ashlar was too long, he shortened it. If it was too wide, he narrowed it. If it could not be made true and square, it was discarded and he would start again with another rough ashlar.
But how do we as speculative Masons use this gauge? Is it not to measure time and time alone? Should every person measure and distribute his time in the same proportions? To me, the answer is no. All people do not have the same capabilities, for various reasons. Some people have better health than others, require less sleep, are stronger than others, are more ambitious, and have a greater desire to improve themselves. These reasons could go on and on.
I do believe, however, that each person should use the twenty-four inch gauge as a guide to measure and allocate his time. If eight hours is not required for refreshment and sleep, devote the difference elsewhere. Do not waste time. Time lost can never be regained. It is gone forever.
What is meant by eight hours for the service of God and a distressed worthy Brother? To me this not only includes prayer, meditation, and helping a distressed Master Mason, but also working with character building organizations such as the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Camp Fire Girls, YMCA and YWCA, Salvation Army, Goodwill Industries, the aged, the handicapped and the many others of this type that need our help.
The eight hours of your usual vocation is a matter of scheduling. Years ago, twelve hours was a normal work day. Later it was reduced to ten hours. Today it is eight hours. There is now consideration being given to a six hour day. Some people, because of health or age are not able to work a full day. Their time must be gauged accordingly but not wasted.
We have all heard the person who, when asked to do something for his Masonic Lodge or for his church or for some other worthwhile purpose, gives the answer . . . "I'm sorry, I just don't have the time." In most cases, this is not true. Have him read the third chapter of Ecclesiastes verses one through eight in which it says . . . "To everything there is a season and a time for every purpose under heaven." It concludes by saying: "A time to keep silent and a time to speak; a time to love and a time to hate; a time of war and a time of peace." But nowhere does it set forth a time to waste time.
Lincoln, before entering public office, devoted all of his spare time learning political affairs and studying the problems of slavery. Albert Pike became a well educated man and scholar by utilizing all of his spare time in study. Both men knew the meaning of the Twenty-four Inch Gauge.
Many questions can be asked about time. Probably the one that concerns people the most is .... How long do we have on earth? The Bible tells us three score and ten years. This undoubtedly is an average but it appears to be the best answer to the question.
Knowing that our days are numbered and our time is limited, does it not behoove us all to take another serious look at our schedule and make sure that we are using the Twenty-four Inch Gauge properly and wisely. I am sure that we will all find ample room for improvement.
In reviewing the working tools of Freemasonry known to me, and after giving them careful study and consideration, I can honestly say - Yes, they are not only important, they are most important if we wish to develop and live the type of life outlined for us in this great philosophical order of Freemasonry to which we belong.
Carl W. Hopp, M.P.S.
Grand Orator, Grand Lodge of Oregon 1972-1973.
Senior Steward, Grand Lodge of Oregon 1973-1974.
Sovereign Grand Inspector General, 33rd Degree, A.A.S.R., S.M.J.
Worshipful Master, Research Lodge No. 198, Oregon 1973-1974.
Wise Master, Chapter Rose Croix 1942-1951.
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"The Great Jewish Historian"
By John Nocas, M.P.S.
The average person probably hasn't the faintest idea who Josephus was. This is not true, however, as to Masons for many will quickly tell you that Josephus was "the great Jewish historian." Beyond that Masonry tells us nothing. What kind of man was he, what about his youth, his manhood, his profession? What made him an authority on Jewish history?
The "believe it or not" about Josephus was that he started out as a priest and later became a soldier. Caught in the web of the Jewish revolt against Rome in the first century he was appointed Governor of Galilee and directed its defense against the Roman Legions. And it was in this capacity that he was known and famous during his lifetime - as a soldier and leader.
Joseph ben Mattityahu ha-Cohen was born in 37 A.D. and is thought to have died about 100 A.D. In his autobiography he says, "I am sprung from a sacerdotal family", and "By my mother, I am of the royal blood. For the children of Asmoneus, from whom that family was derived, had both the offices of the high-priesthood, and the dignity of a king." Judas Maccabaeus, who threw off the Syrian yoke in 165 A.D., was the head of the Asmonean dynasty.
Joseph was a man of high intelligence so he is simply stating facts when he says, "I made great proficiency in the improvements of my learning; and appeared to have both a great memory, and understanding. Moreover, when I was a child, and about fourteen years of age, I was commended by all for the love I had to learning. On which account the high-priests and principal men of the city came frequently to me, in order to know my opinion of the law." He spent his sixteenth through nineteenth years in the serious study of the three religious sects of the Jews; the Pharisees, the Sadducees and the Essenes. His words are, "So I contented myself with hard fare, and underwent great difficulties and went through them all." His choice - the Pharisees!
At the age of twenty-six he was given an important assignment. He was sent to Rome with an embassy to intercede on behalf of some priests who were there in bonds to stand trial before Ceasar. In the rough waters of the Adriatic his ship, with some six-hundred aboard, was lost in a storm. Josephus says "we swam for our lives all the night." Fortunately, he and eighty others were picked up in the morning by a passing ship. At Rome he made the acquaintance of Nero's wife, Poppaea Sabina, and apparently through this friendship with the Empress he was able to obtain the release of the imprisoned priests. Already a diplomat and a leader!
On his return to Jerusalem he found the dark clouds of revolt hovering over the land. He saw immediately the folly of farmers and tradesmen challenging the mighty Roman Empire. He says, "I therefore, endeavored to restrain these tumultuous persons, and persuaded them to change their minds . . . and laid before their eyes against whom it was they were going to fight. But, I could not persuade them: for the madness of desperate men was too hard for me."
Most of the Jews would have no part in a revolt against Rome and this included the Jewish King Agrippa. He also tried desperately to dissuade the firebrands. There were several groups of these, so determined to have their freedom that no one could reason with them. The boiling point was reached (66 A.D.) when the Masada, the mountain fortress built by Herod the Great, was seized and its Roman garrison slain. Jerusalem was then beseiged and again the Emperor's soldiers slain, although they had laid down their arms under a safe-conduct treaty. This was the point of no return. Savage fighting between the Syrians, who occupied much of the land, and the Jews immediately broke out. Twenty thousand Jews were killed that first day at Caesarea. The Jews retaliated and a bloodbath followed. Josephus says, "So the day time was spent in shedding blood; and the night in fear."
Cestius Gallus, the Roman Governor of Syria, marched south from Antioch with the Twelfth Roman Legion to put down the revolt. Disaster, however, met him at Jerusalem, where he was repulsed by the savage fervor of the Jewish defenders of the city and forced to retreat. Up to this point the fighting was merely a local revolt to be put down by the nearest Roman Legion. Now, however, Cestius recognized it as a full fledged challenge to the Roman Empire – WAR!
It was the moment of truth, too, for those who opposed the rebellion. Fight with their countrymen? Or, stay neutral and be called a traitor? Josephus talked peace until the last moment, and then, reluctantly, threw in his lot with his brethren. He was, above all, a Jew and a patriot. History, however, proved him right for a million Jews were to die in the ensuing holocaust, and the tiny country to lay devastated for generations to come.
The Sanhedrin met in hurried conference and appointed Generals to defend their small country. Josephus must have been very high in their estimation, for even though he had opposed the revolt, they appointed him Commander of the forces in Galilee. It was the most important post, too, for it would be through Galilee that the Roman Legions would march on their way to Jerusalem. It was up to Josephus to stop them. Josephus was in an impossible situation and he knew it; but courageously he threw all his energies to the task. He raised an army of 100,000 men. They were untrained and he tried desperately to whip them into some kind of a fighting force. It was impossible, however, there was no way in so short a time that they could be trained to stand up to the soldiers of Rome. Since they dare not meet the enemy in open combat there was nothing else to do but fortify their most defensible cities and wait. This Josephus feverously did. Among the cities thus fortified was Jotapada. And Jotapada was the climactic point in the life of Josephus!
Meanwhile, in Rome, Nero turned his attention to Judea. The man he selected to crush the tiny country was Titus Flavius Vespasian, a veteran soldier who had helped conquer Germany and Britain.
Soon Josephus heard the dreaded news. The great Roman General, Vespasian, was marching from Antioch with the Fifth and Tenth Roman Legions. And, worse, his son Titus, with the Fifteenth Legion from Egypt, had joined him. Many cities which had been opposed to the war from the beginning opened their gates to Vespasian as he entered Galilee. Vespasian's immediate goal was Jotapada, a strong bastion in the Jewish defense. The siege of Jotapada was, for the Jews, one of the brightest moments in the wretched war.
The Jotapada defenders fought with almost supernatural fervor and bravery. Josephus describes one sortie by the Jews, "Josephus was then in fear for the city, and leaped out, and all the Jewish multitude with him. These fell together upon the Romans in great numbers, and drove them away from the wall, and performed a great many glorious and bold actions." War was a business with the Romans as we can see from Josephus' next statement, "Vespasian then set the engines for throwing stones and darts around the city. The number of the engines were in all a hundred and sixty . . . which made the wall so dangerous that the Jews durst not come upon it."
The end came on the forty-seventh day and Josephus wrote later, "And as for those that were slain at the taking of the city, and in the former fights, they were numbered to be forty thousand. Vespasian gave order that the city should be entirely demolished, and all the fortifications burnt down."
Josephus was not among the forty thousand that died at Jotapada. He and "forty persons of eminence" hid in a cavern after the city was taken, hoping to escape the city in the darkness. But, all escape routes were blocked by the Romans, and soon their hiding place was discovered. All, except Josephus, were for taking their own lives. To surrender was cowardly, they said, and in any event they would immediately be executed or, even worse, sent to Rome in chains, humiliated in public parade and cruelly killed. Josephus tried to persuade them to surrender, to no avail. One by one they slew each other until only Josephus and one other remained. Josephus then persuaded the other survivor to surrender with him.
When Josephus was brought before Vespasian two of the most remarkable and greatest men of their time faced each other. Josephus faced instant death and he knew it for there no doubt but that Vespasian would eliminate this formidable Jewish leader. Then, like a thunderbolt, came Josephus' dramatic prophecy. Standing before Vespasian he said, "I come to thee as a messenger of great tidings . . . Thou, O Vespasian, art Caesar, and emperor; thou, and this thy son. For thou, O Caesar, art not only lord over me, but over the land, and the sea, and all mankind."
There was, as we all know, a prophecy widespread in Judea and throughout the East that the ruler of the world would come forth from Judea - the basis of this belief undoubtedly Messianic. Josephus' bold prediction that Vespasian would become Emperor of the Roman Empire was startling to say the least. Nero was firmly on the throne, with a long life ahead of him. Vespasian was so impressed with this prophecy of Josephus' that he spared his life.
Vespasian soon subdued the Judean cities until only Jerusalem remained. He now had an opportunity and pleasure that few Generals have, for the Jews in Jerusalem were engaged in a bitter civil war and he could sit back and watch them kill each other. While he was enjoying this luxury things were happening in Rome. Nero died and after bitter fighting for the throne - during which time three Emperors reigned briefly - Vespasian was proclaimed Emperor of Rome. Josephus' remarkable prophecy had come true! And, in a way, the Messianic prophecy had come true also, for Vespasian was proclaimed Emperor while still in Judea and thus a mighty King had come forth from Judea.
Vespasian left triumphantly for Rome, leaving the siege of Jerusalem to his son Titus. Josephus was freed from his bonds and he made one last attempt with the defenders of Jerusalem to give up. They refused and the rest is history. Jerusalem fell to Titus in 70 A.D. and the city and temple destroyed.
Because of his many peace-making efforts Josephus had made enemies who now threatened his life. Forced to flee, he went to Rome. In Rome he was warmly greeted by Vespasian and a friendship began that continued until the Emperor's death. Josephus became a Roman citizen and was granted a pension. Josephus says, "And when we were come to Rome I had a great care taken of me by Vespasian. For he gave me an apartment in his own house, which he lived in before he came to the empire." It was here that Josephus settled down and turned historian. The events of the war were still fresh in his mind when he wrote the "Seven Books of the Jewish War." Later he was to write his "Twenty Books of the Jewish Antiquities," a history of the Jews.
Josephus was married four times. His third wife bore him three children only one of whom, Hyrcanus, survived. He had two sons by his fourth wife, Justus and Simonides-Agrippa.
It may be said that as regard to literary talent Josephus ranks among the leading writers of world literature. One paragraph in his "Antiquities" has been a center of controversy for centuries - the mention, in Book 18, of Jesus. Some scholars consider it a forgery, inserted long after the original writing. The original was written in Aramaic and lost, so we'll never know the truth. Here is the passage, "Now here was about this time Jesus, a wise man; if it be lawful to call him a man: for he was a doer of wonderful works, and a teacher of such men as receive the truth with pleasure. He drew over to him both many Jews, and many Gentiles. He was the Christ. And when Pilate, at the suggestion of the principal men among us, had condemned him to the cross, those that loved him at the first did not forsake him: for he appeared to them alive again, the third day: as the divine prophets had foretold these and ten thousand other wonderful things concerning him. And the tribe of Christians, so named from him, is not extinct at this day."
Josephus would have been astonished, to say the least, if he had known that a casual comment he made would in turn make him a household word among the millions of a social fraternity hundreds of years later. It all stemmed from Herod's decision to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. This second temple had stood for some five hundred years, had been pillaged and desecrated several times, and was in a bad state of disrepair. The repairs that Herod made were so extensive that the result was a new temple, called Herod's Temple. It was much larger than the previous two and rose ninety feet into the air - twice the height of King Solomon's Temple. The work was begun in 19 B.C. and here we'll let Josephus continue as he says, "But the temple itself was built by the priests in a year and six months .... It is also reported, that during the time the temple was building, it did not rain in the day time; but that the showers fell only in the night; so that the work was not hindered." (Book XV, last paragraph, of the Antiquities). Notice that Josephus did not say directly that "it did not rain, but that he said "It is reported . . . that it did not rain, etc. " It is difficult to see God performing a miracle of any kind for Herod, one of the most wicked men that ever lived, so I think it is safe to say that Josephus was merely reporting a story he had heard and not in any way vouching for its authenticity. (Note: some Masonic rituals in telling of this "miracle", apply it to King Solomon's Temple).
Josephus said that 97,000 Jews were carried off into captivity as slaves and 1,100,000 were killed in the abortive war against Rome. How different the history and future of the Jews might have been if Josephus' advice had been heeded. But it was not and a country was annihilated.
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News, achievements arid items of interest about our
Fellows and Members - Discussion and comment on
- Pfan Mail and Observations -
Mutual Topics.
This page conducted by Jerry Marsengill, M.P.S., 2602 Terrace Road, Des Moines Iowa 50312.
What do Philalethes members do in their spare time? Well, we can tell you what William Webber, M.P.S. (33 degree) does in his. In ceremonies conducted November 9th and 16th, Ivanhoe Commandery No. 2 of Mexico City conducted Templar Knighting ceremonies upon two groups of Masons.
November 9, the Orders were conferred upon a group of 14 candidates headed by the present Grand Master of the M.W. York Grand Lodge of Mexico, Robert W. Burnet and a group of residents of Guadalajara. Brother Webber presided over the conferral of the Order of the Red Cross and the Order of the Temple with the ceremonies in English. On November 16th the Order of the Temple was conferred in Mexico City on a group of eight candidates headed by Ill. Bro. Juan Jose Gastelum Salcido, 33d, Sovereign Grand Commander of the Supreme Council of Mexico A. & A.S.R. Among members of the group were included Ill. Bro. Basilio Santos Rodriguez, 33d, Treasurer of the Supreme Council of Mexico and Ill. Bro. Jorge Alarcon, Active Member of the Supreme Council.
In the annals of the history of Masonry in Mexico this is the first time that the Grand Master and the Sovereign Grand Commander have taken these Orders in such a short time. Also, in Mexico City, Bro. Webber conferred the Order of the Temple in Spanish for that group. Remember that name for our International relations program. William Webber, M.P.S. (A slight note: If I have made any mistakes in the spelling of these names, correct your copy with a pencil and don't bother me. I have enough trouble spelling Marsengill.)
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Received a note recently from Estel Brooks, M.P.S., What is an Estel Brooks, you ask in amazement? Estel is the Grand Treasurer of all of the Grand York Rite bodies of Arizona and was reselected to that position at their annual meeting. Also Leon C. Aldrich, M.P.S. is the Grand Lecturer (new job) in the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Arizona. Both of these brethren are serving on the Grand Lodge of Arizona's 1976 committee.
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You might have noticed that many of the Philalethes Society are active in most of the other bodies. The Scottish Rite, both the S.J. and the N.M.J. has recognized many of the brethren who belong to our society. For just a few examples Roy W. Riegle, M.P.S. and William J. Netherton, M.P.S. were elected Inspectors General Honorary at the October 15th session of the Supreme Council S.J., N. Tracy Walker, M.P.S. and Stewart M. L. Pollard, M.P.S. were elected to this honor by the N.M.J. Also Owen L. Shanteau, M.P.S. received the honor in November. Jerry Erikson, F.P.S., John R. Nocas, M.P.S. and Robert L. Karnes, M.P.S. were honored in California by being scheduled to receive the rank and decoration of Knight Commander of the Court of honor. Now I know that I haven't covered everyone who has received these outstanding honors. If you have been elected to the 33d or the K.C.C.H. in the Southern Jurisdiction, or if you have been given an M.S.A. red cap in the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, or if you know of someone who has, why not drop me a line and will try to cover it. Honors like these to Philalethes members deserve a little publicity.
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Al Cerza has been appointed Chairman of the Illinois Bicentennial Committee by their Grand Lodge. Allan D. Parsons, M.P.S. and G. Wilbur Bell, F.P.S. are also on the committee.
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Samuel K. Zipp, M.P.S. has been selected Chairman of the Chicago Scottish Rite Bicentennial Committee.
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John Harris Watts, M.P.S., Gen. Grand P.C.W. of the Gen. Grand Council, presently Grand Governor of the York Rite Sovereign College for Iowa, was awarded the Purple Cross of York at that organization's last meeting in Detroit.
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Still speaking of Scottish Rite, if you haven't yet done so, get hold of a copy of "Hear the Pounding Hoof-beats" by Henry C. Clausen, 33d, Sovereign Grand Commander of the Southern Jurisdiction. This is one of the best presentations which has been made for the separation of church and state and it should be made required reading for any Mason who has even the most minor place in our government. It is a pleasure to see the Sovereign Grand Commander taking the lead in such a worthy cause and it could be hoped that other bodies will follow his example. That's "Hear the Pounding Hoof-beats" published by the Supreme Council A.&A.S.R., S.J., House of the Temple, 1733 16th St. N.W, Washington. D.C. 20009.
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This is written by Vrooman, because Jerry Marsengill the editor of this column is too bashful and reticent to give himself credit for his good work.
Jerry has been appointed a member of the Iowa Committee on Masonic Education, and it is my pleasure to testify to his ability. A letter from Keith Arrington, Assistant Librarian of the Iowa Masonic Library makes a succinct and warm appraisal of Jerry's work. He writes - "Incidentally, I am delighted that the Iowa Committee on Masonic Education will be greatly enriched this coming month by the addition of one of the world's outstanding Masonic scholars to its membership. A co-worker of yours and a mutual friend of yours and mine - Jerry Marsengill!"
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COMPLETE PROGRAM – MASONIC WEEK WASHINGTON, D.C. FEBRUARY 15-20, 1974
Programs of A.M.D. and OTHER Meetings for 1974
Program Allied Masonic Bodies
ALL MEETINGS WILL BE HELD AT WASHINGTON HOTEL
15th at Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, D. C.
February 15-17, 1974
Friday, February 15, 1974
7:30 p.m. - MASONIC WORKSHOP - THE PHILALETHES SOCIETY Twentieth Meeting
William E. Yeager, President
Franklin J. Anderson, Secretary
Saturday, February 16, 1974
8:30 a.m. - REGISTRATION
9:30 a.m. - GRAND COLLEGE OF RITES OF THE U.S.A.
Forty-second Annual Convocation
M.’.I.’. William G. Peacher, M.D., Grand Chancellor
R.’.I.’. Herbert A. Fisher, Grand Registrar
10:30 a.m. - GRAND MASTER'S COUNCIL, A.M.D.
Forty-first Annual Communication
V.’. James D. Smith, Sovereign Master
V.’. C.’. Clark Julius, Secretary
11:30 a.m. - GRAND COUNCIL ALLIED MASONIC DEGREES OF THE U.S.A.
Forty-second Annual Communication
M.’.V.’. Warren H. Coolidge, Sovereign Grand Master
R.’.V.’. Robert L. Grubb, Grand Secretary-Treasurer
Open for the receipt of the Grand Master's and Grand Secretary's
Reports. All members of the A.M.D. are invited.
RECESS
12:30 p.m. - LUNCHEON (Dutch Treat)
2:00 p.m. - INSTALLED MASTER'S COUNCIL, A.M.D.
Forty-first Annual Communication
M.’.V.’. Murray C. Alexander, Sovereign Master
R.’.V.’. Robert L. Grubb, Secretary
To confer the Installed Master's Degree. Installed Masters present who have not received the Degree of Installed Master should present themselves. All Past and Present Installed Sovereign Masters who have received this degree are invited to attend.
2:30 p.m. - COUNCIL OF THE NINE MUSES, No. 13, A.M.D.
Forty-first Annual Communication
M.’.V.’. Robert L. Grubb, Sovereign Master
M.’.V.’. Harold V. B. Voorhis, Permanent Secretary
All members of A.M.D. are cordially invited to attend.
3:00 p.m. - GREAT CHIEF'S COUNCIL No. 0, KNIGHT MASONS Seventh Annual Meeting
V.’.E.’. Walter M. McCracken, Excellent Chief
V.’.E.’. Waldron C. Biggs, Scribe
3:30 p.m. - GRAND COUNCIL, KNIGHT MASONS OF THE U.S.A.
M.’.E.’. Jar. William G. Peacher, Great Chief
V.’.E.’. J. Landis Randall, Grand Scribe
4:45 p.m. - SOCIETAS ROSICRUCIA IN CIVITATIBUS FOEDERATIS
M.’.V.’. Harold V. B. Voorhis, Supreme Magus
R. .W. .Stanley Fielding Maxwell, Secretary-General
RECESS
6:00 p.m. - ANNUAL BANQUET, ALLIED MASONIC DEGREES
M. .V. Warren H. Coolidge, presiding
Speaker: To Be Announced
All present for any of the meetings may secure tickets
8:00 p.m. - GRAND COUNCIL, ALLIED MASONIC DEGREES
Labor resumed, Committee reports, routine business, Election and Installation of Grand Officers. Closing.
10:00 p.m. - MASONIC ORDER OF THE BATH OF THE U.S.A.
Fifty-third Annual Assembly
M.’.H.’. Henry Emmerson, Commander-in-Chief
V.’.H.’. Harold D. Elliott., Keeper of the Bath
11:00 p.m. - YE ANTIENT ORDER OF CORKS
Forty-eighth Cellar
M.’.W.’. W.W. Minton, Grand Bung for the Americas
R.’.W.’. R.C. Seel. Prov. Grand Bung of U.S.A.
Sunday, February 17, 1974
7:30 a.m. - CONVENT GENERAL, KNIGHTS OF THE YORK CROSS OF HONOUR
Breakfast in the Hotel
M.’.E.’. Gordon R. Merrick, Grand Master-General
M.’.E.’. Stanley W. Wakefield, Grand Registrar-General
9:00 a.m. - THE SOCIETY OF BLUE FRIARS
Forty-second Annual Consistory
M.’.I.’. Harold V. B. Voorhis, Grand Abbott
R.’.I.’. James D. Carter, Secretary-General
9:30 a.m. - THE GRAND PRECEPTORS TABERNACLE, H.R.A.K.T.P.
Forty-second Annual Ingathering
V.’.E.’. Chester C. Coffin, Preceptor
R.’.E.’. George C. Moreland, Registrar
10:00 a.m. - THE GRAND COLLEGE OF AMERICA, HOLY ROYAL ARCH KNIGHT TEMPLAR PRIESTS
Forty-second Annual Ingathering
M.’.E.’. Russell B. Tandy, Grand Preceptor
R.’.E.’. George C. Moreland, Grand Registrar
HOTEL
Hotel reservations must be made by addressing a postcard or letter to Hotel Washington, Mr. Reyburn Millett, Manager, Pennsylvania Avenue and Fifteenth Street, Washington, D.C., 2000. Call attention to the fact that you are attending the Annual Meeting of the Allied Masonic Degrees. It will be well to ask for a confirmation. Reservations should be requested at least one (1) week prior to your arrival.
THE ANNUAL DINNER
The Annual Dinner will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 16, 1974. Reservations are not necessary. Purchase your tickets from the Committee on Dinner on the morning of the dinner.
LADIES' COFFEE HOUR
At 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 16th, our ladies will meet for coffee in the room posted on the bulletin board in the hotel lobby.
COMMITTEE ON TIME AND PLACE
Marvin E. Fowler Chairman
1904 White Oaks Drive,
Alexandria, Virginia 22306
Herbert A. Fisher, Secretary
233 Old Drive,
Chesapeake, Virginia 23320
Henry Emmerson
4181 Park Avenue,
The Bronx, New York 10457
Robert L. Grubb
P.O. Box 4232,
Charlotte, North Carolina 28204
George C. Moreland
6523 Oakwood Drive,
Falls Church, Virginia 22041
Harold V B. Voorhis
105 New England Avenue,
Summit New Jersey 07901
Stanley W. Wakefield
41 Amherst Drive,
Hastings-on-Hudson, New York 10706
Conference Program
Masonic Week February 17-20, 1974 inclusive, Washington, D.C. All meetings will be in the Shoreham Hotel except that of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial Association, which will be held at the Memorial Building at Alexandria, Virginia.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 1974
12 :00-5:00 p.m. - REGISTRATION
5:00 p.m. - Grand Masters' Conference Tea and Reception, Ambassador Room.
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 1974
7:00 a.m. - Deputy Grand Masters' Breakfast, Palladian Room.
10:00 a.m. - George Washington Masonic National Memorial Association meeting at Memorial, Alexandria, Virginia. Buses leave the Shoreham
promptly at 9:00 a.m.
11:45 a.m. - Luncheon at the Memorial.
Buses return to the Shoreham Hotel right after lunch.
2:00 p.m. - Masonic Service Association, Fifty-fifth Annual Meeting, Diplomat Room.
7:00 p.m. - Grand Secretaries' Dinner, Palladian Room.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 1974
7:00 a.m. - Frank S. Land Breakfast by Imperial Council of Shrine, Regency Room. (Admission by tickets only).
9 :00 a.m. and 1:45 p.m. - Grand Masters' Conference, Diplomat Room.
9:00 a.m. and 1:45 p.m. - Grand Secretaries' Conference, Tudor Room.
7:00 p.m. - Grand Masters' Banquet, Regency Ballroom. (Doors open 6:30 p.m. TABLES ARE RESERVED UNTIL 6:55 P.M.)
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 1974
9:00 a.m. and 1:45 p.m. - Grand Masters' Conference continued, Diplomat Room.
9:00 a.m. - Grand Secretaries' Conference continued, Tudor Room.
12:15 p.m. - Luncheon, Supreme Council, 33d, A.A.S.R., House of the Temple, 1733-16th Street, N.W. Transportation provided.
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By Alphonse Cerza. F.P.S., (Life), Illinois
Our late Brother Ray V. Denslow F.P.S., spent many years of his active Masonic life laboring in the literary quarries of the Craft. He was a prolific writer and his many works have items of enduring interest and value. "Masonic Portraits" is a volume containing a group of his shorter writings selected by Wes Cook, Editor of the Missouri Lodge of Research. Each member of the lodge has received a copy of this book. A few extra volumes have been printed and are available.
If interested in securing a copy send $6.00 to Brother A. W. Griffith, Secretary, P. O. Box 480, Fulton, Missouri 65251. Better still, send $10.00 and ask to be enrolled as a member to receive the next volume and to be enrolled as a regular member.
* * *
For the past several years in each issue of the Masonic Messenger, official publication of the Grand Lodge of Georgia, there has appeared an article devoted to a book of the Holy Bible. In each instance the Masonic connotations have been indicated. These articles proved so popular and there were so many requests for extra copies that the author, M.W. Clarence H. Cohen, consented to having the articles printed in one volume under the title, "The Books of The Book. "
Available at $ 1.15 a copy postpaid from Carl F. Lester, Jr., Grand Secretary, 811 Mulberry St., Macon, Georgia 31201.
* * *
Freemasonry had dark days during World War Two. We now have a fine report entitled Post War German Freemasonry, by Brother Stewart M.L. Pollard, M.P.S., published by Masonic Research Lodge No. 104, of Atlanta, Georgia. It is a fine and complete report and will be of interest to everyone seeking information about the period in Germany.
Available from Brother J.M. Hodgskin, Jr., Secretary, 465 Bishop St., N.W., Atlanta, Georgia 30318, at $1.00 a copy while the supply lasts.
* * *
We note with interest that the Rivista Massonica, August, 1973 issue, has reproduced the Regius Poem in the Italian language. Anyone who can read this language and desires a copy should write the Grand Orient of Italy, Palazzo Giustiniani, Via Giustiniana, 5, 00186, Rome, Italy.
* * *
In 1945 there was published 3-5-7 Minute Talks by the late Elbert Bede, a past President of our society. It has enjoyed a wide success over the passing years. There has now been published a collection of essays by the same author under the title 5-15 Minute Talks. The book is divided into two parts; the first contains ten five minute talks; the second contains twenty-one ten to fifteen minute talks. Each deal with a subject of Masonic interest.
Available from Macoy Publishing Co., 3011 Dumbarton Road, Richmond, Virginia 23228, at $4.00 a copy.
Two other fine books have been reprinted by the same publishing company which merit consideration if you do not have a copy. A Comprehensive View of Freemasonry. by Henry W. Coil, F.P.S., Life, has been a popular short history and explanation of the Craft for years. The new editions is available at $6.00 a copy.
In 1948 while the late H.L. Haywood was associated with the Masonic History Company he wrote a book designed to give the new Mason a broad picture of the fraternity. It proved too large for one book and was published in two volumes the first was entitled The Newly-Made Mason; and the second was entitled More About Masonry. Both books have proved very popular ever since. The first volume has been re-printed and is available at $5.00 a copy.
* * *
Persons interested in books and their history will be glad to learn that Pioneer Imprints from Fifty States sets out the earliest items printed in each state of the United States as reflected by the material in the Library of Congress.
Available from the Superintendent of Documents, Washington, D.C. 20402, at $4.25 a copy.
* * *
A soft-covered book entitled "Medals of the United States Mint," issued for public sale, revised in 1972, is still available from the Superintendent of Documents, Washington, D.C. 20420, at $5.25 a copy. It has pictures of each medal with a descriptive background of the subject. The volume contains many items of Masonic interest.
* * *
The United States Post Office Department has published a paper-back entitled "Stamps and Stories" which contains pictures of many stamps plus stories relating to the stamps. The seasoned stamp collector will have a copy of Scott's stamp volume, but this little book will be of interest to one exploring the subject for the first time. The price is $2.00 and may be purchased at most post offices. Inquiries may be sent to The Philathelic Sales Unit, Washington, D.C. 20036.
The Masonic Service Association, which serves the Craft in many fine ways has engaged in a project that ought to be given serious consideration by lodges planning programs which require a speaker and have problems securing a suitable person to present the talk. The best of the Short Talk Bulletins issued since 1929 are going to be placed on cassettes and made available at $5.00 a copy. It is planned on having six cassettes issued each year, with a talk on each side. Thus a lodge can have twelve available talks a year. When a lodge subscribes in advance for the annual six cassettes the price is $27.50 and an aluminum case is supplied free.
The Masonic Service Association is located at 8120 Fenton Street, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910.
Another valuable service being rendered by the Association is the preparation of five cassettes entitled "A Masonic Survival Kit" consisting of the cassettes and a workbook covering the subject of Leadership. The program is being sold for $45.00 by Imagination Unlimited, Drawer 70, Silver Springs, Virginia 23075.
* * *
Senator Sam Ervin is a member of the Craft and his national television exposure has inspired a newspaper man to collect some of his better quotes. Here and there are glimmers of Masonic thoughts and words familiar to Masons seeking "light," the "working tools," and a beautiful statement about the immorality of the soul. On the cover is a picture of our illustrious Brother wearing his thirty-third degree ring.
An original paper-back entitled "The Wisdom of Sam Ervin" was compiled by Bill M. Wise, and is sold by Ballentine Books, Inc., 201 East 50th St., New York, N.Y. 10022, at $1.50 a copy.
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By Alphonse Cerza, F.P.S.,
(Life), Illinois
As we approach the Bicentennial of the signing of the Declaration of Independence the number of books on the subject is increasing at such a rate that it is impossible to keep up with all of them. The February, 1972 issue of our magazine (p. 7) and the February, 1973 issue (p. 16) had lists of books on the subject. During the past year the following books of interest have been published.
William Peirce Randel, The American Revolution: Mirror of a People. Published by Hammond, Inc., Maplewood, New Jersey 07040, it is the first volume of a projected series of books to be published about the period. This volume has many pictures (some are in color) and describes the various aspects of daily living during those trying days.
Wesley S. Griswold, The Night the Revolution Began: The Boston Tea Party. Published by the Stephen Crane Press, Brattleboro, Vermont 05301. On the same subject: Benjamin Woods Labaree, The Boston Tea Party, published by Oxford University Press, is a hard bound and a paper back edition.
English Defenders of American Freedoms, 1774-1778, published by the Library of Congress contains the reproduction of six pamphlets published in England, written by Englishmen, and supporting the cause of the Colonists.
Ralph J. Pollard, One Nation Under God, A Bicentennial Masonic Tribute to the United States of America. An excellent presentation of verifiable facts about the Craft and its members during the period. Available from the National Sojourners, Inc., 4600 Duke Street, Su it e 300, Alexandria, Va. 22304, at $2.00 a copy.
Creating Independence, 1763-1789, a selected bibliography for young people and the beginner starting to study the subject. Published by the Library of Congress.
Stackpole Books, Cameron and Kelker Streets, Harrisburg, Pa. 17105, has published a large number of books relating to the period. Here is a partial list:
Joseph J. Kelley, Jr., Life and Times in Colonial Philadelphia.
Encyclopedia of British, Provincial and German Army Units. 1775-1783.
Encyclopedia of Continental Army Units, Battalions, Regiments, and Independent Corps.
Irwin Silber, Songs of Independence.
Ships and Seaman of the American Revolution.
Picture Book of the Continental Soldier.
Picture Book of the Revolution's Privateers.
Picture Book of Revolutionary War Heroes.
The Book of the Continental Soldier.
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Philalethes Treasurer
Rewarded!
We learned too late for inclusion in the December issue of The Philalethes of an interesting Lodge anniversary, in which our Treasurer, Brother Ronald E. Heaton, F.P.S., had a part.
Charity Lodge No. 190, F. & A.M., Norristown, Pennsylvania, celebrated its 150th anniversary with a four-day program beginning September 28th, with Open House for the brethren and friends of the area. The following day a special meeting of the Lodge was held, when Brother W. Orville Kimmell, Right Worshipful Grand Master of Masons in Pennsylvania, and some of the Grand Lodge officers were present. The Grand Master presented 50-year Grand Lodge emblems to five members of the Lodge at this meeting. On Saturday evening, September 29, the Grand Master and his officers attended the Annual Banquet of the Lodge. During the meeting, Brother Kimmell presented a plaque "In recognition of Meritorious Service" to Brother Heaton.
There was a Sunday evening worship service on September 30th, and on the evening of the final day, October 1, all Past Masters of the Lodge were honored at the stated meeting. Special remembrances were presented to Brother Byron F. Nack, Co-Chairman and Secretary of the Anniversary Committee and Brother John R. Miller, II, Past Master, and author of the history of the Lodge, recognizing their contribution to the success of the celebration.
Charity Lodge was warranted with ten warrant members on October 1, 1823. Present membership is 704. It is the oldest Lodge in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, and one of the oldest active organizations in Norristown today.
Attendance was good, and much favorable comment received from the many visitors who had this opportunity to see the newly refurbished Temple.
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What's It Worth
Every York Rite Mason has received a "penny" from his Chapter - for "wages" due. Its symbolic meaning is simple and clear; but what about its actual monetary value?
The Greek drachma, or Roman denarius was the name of the coin mentioned in the parable of the vineyard, and which was paid to the laborers for their day's work - ". . . they received every man a penny." Its value in United States currency was about 12 to 14 cents.
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The Best of Times, the Worst of Times
by William E. Parker, M.P.S.
Throughout recorded history, it is evident that the greatest danger to any organization lies not from without but from within. Whether we speak of the Biblical Cain and Abel, the Trojan Horse of Greece, the decline and fall of the Roman Empire or simply the general apathy of people, the principles remain the same and a challenge becomes apparent, a challenge to ward off approaching danger.
Freemasonry today is faced with such a challenge, a challenge to overcome the apathy and complacency of many of its members, attitudes which are unfortunately far too prevalent in this modern world whether the subject be the Craft or other aspects of our daily lives. Are we ready to meet this challenge? But perhaps of more immediate importance, do we even see the challenge?
The present day philosophies of "let George do it", "I don't want to become involved", or a host of similar concepts reach into and distort the very fabric of our nation and the values that made America great become twisted beyond recognition. These attitudes foster other attitudes, those of dissent, permissiveness and disregard of our nation's laws, all of which permeate our society and are evidenced in many ways.
With society thus beset, can we honestly expect that Freemasonry will remain apart from the untouched by such attitudes? The members and potential members of our Craft are also part of that society of which we speak. Is it not more reasonable to assume, therefore, that these ills may be reflected back into our Fraternity.
Honest dissent and proper expression thereof, however, should not be stifled. Indeed, Article I of our Bill of Rights specifically guarantees freedom of speech, the right "of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances." Our Constitution and Bill of Rights contains many wonderful things. But, I would commend to your attention Washington's Farewell Address wherein he emphasises that the responsibility for America's destiny rests directly upon its citizens.
But when we speak of America's destiny, the Constitution and other similar matters you may ask what does this have to do with Freemasonry and Freemasons? The answer is a great deal, my brethren, a great deal.
Although requiring a belief in a Supreme Being of its adherents, Freemasonry itself stands apart from any particular theological creed, or from any political activity, and neither permits nor condones the use of its name in such matters nor advocates a position thereon. Severe sanctions may be applied, in fact, for violation of these rules. And that is as it should be.
It is rather for each Freemason, as an individual and citizen of whatever country to which he may belong, practicing out of the Lodge those Masonic tenets inculcated therein, to express and practice such beliefs as he, himself, deems proper. And that, too, is as it should be. For Freemasonry's purpose is simply to teach its members to be better men and better citizens.
Freemasonry's contribution to mankind down through the centuries has been significant, whether it be in the fields of government, education, literature, medicine, music or almost any other area we could name. This is not because of any direct involvement, for such would be contrary to the high principles of Freemasonry, but rather is the result of individuals practicing Masonic precepts in their daily lives.
The precepts and teachings of Masonry in seeking tolerance and personal liberty for all and a desire to worship God according to the dictates of conscience have been instrumental in the formation of this nation. The principles formulated by our Founding Fathers, many of whom were Masons, are embodied in a document which has stood the test of two centuries.
In a like manner, have not the principles of Freemasonry also stood the test of centuries? In the one, as in the other, it is not these principles which have been found wanting but rather their practioners.
The needs of today's world encroach upon every aspect of our lives with ever increasing demands. Often, it is Freemasonry which suffers, not receiving the attention it merits in this highly competitive situation.
Freemasonry is heir to a great legacy but all too frequently its members are lulled into a false sense of security or overconfidence on past accomplishments. We must remember that an institution is only as strong as its foundation, a chain as strong as its weakest link. Are the links forging the mighty edifice of Freemasonry as strong today as in times past? Does the structure's foundation remain as firm as it once was? Each and every Mason must look in his heart for the answer - and the reasons why.
Dickens wrote of another age: "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness." For Freemasonry, too, it might be seen as the worst of times for, to some, the image of the Fraternity is not what it once was. The era of "Father's Lodge", when membership was a highly prized possession and men found time for their Masonic responsibilities, might seem to have passed.
Our large membership attests to the continuing validity of Masonic teachings. And, while many are not active, there are fortunately those who are as dedicated as their fathers and their fathers before them.
We need the dedication of all of our members not just a select few. We often forget it is not in numbers alone that the strength of Freemasonry will be found but in the strength of its members.
If a man neglects his Masonic duties, he is failing to fulfill the obligations he assumed upon entering the Fraternity and may well become a victim of apathy and complacency. This, then, is the tragedy, the danger from within of which I first spoke. It is that which must be overcome if Freemasonry is to realize its greatest potential.
We need seek no miracle cures or panaceas to cure this apathy. Nor do we need membership drives or other innovations for such would not only be contrary to our time-tested traditions but would destroy the very nature of our beloved Craft. If we would attract men who are truly "worthy in the last half of the 18th century, and well qualified", men who manifest those qualities which mark a true Freemason, then the standards of the Craft must never waver.
The principles of Freemasonry themselves contain all that is necessary if we would but apply them. These precepts illuminate the path we must follow, precepts never more needed than in today's world. The moral qualities inculcated in the Royal Art are the principles by which not only our own lives may be enriched but by which all of society may thereby benefit.
The worst of times? Perhaps. But, it is also the best of times for an unparalled opportunity lies before us if we will only see it. Let us use this opportunity well with a renewed vigor in our Lodges and a rededication to those tenets taught therein. And, let us forsake foolishness and have the wisdom to see that it is not Freemasonry which needs improving but ourselves.
Time was, time is, and no man can alter that which has gone before. But that which is yet to come is every man's responsibility.
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You and the Bicentennial Celebration
By Alphonse Cerza, F.P.S., (Life), Illinois
July 4, 1975 will mark the beginning of the official celebration of the bicentennial of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. For a good many years a great deal of planning has been taking place to make this commemoration an outstanding event. Not only on the national scene, but states, organizations of all kinds, publishers, and other business men have gotten into the act. The Craft has been made aware of the event for the past few Grand Masters' Conferences and each Grand Lodge has been requested to plan and have suitable observances. Even the appendant bodies of the Craft have been busy preparing for the celebration. As we approach the big day of the beginning we will be seeing and hearing from many sources about plans, programs, and material available.
Already some of our members are beginning to ask themselves: What can I, as an individual, do to help during the Bicentennial Celebration? The first answer that comes to mind is that each member must remember that as a Mason and as an American he ought to support all efforts by the Craft to make the celebrations successful. He can do this by attending Craft supported programs and encouraging the officers of our lodges by co-operating in every way possible. This, of course, is the easy way. But there are many ways that each person can help in a positive manner.
At this time there is a natural inclination to assume the attitude to wait and see what will happen. But the interested Mason ought to do more than this. At this time he might well take inventory of his hobbies, his qualifications to take part in programs, his ability to organize, his life-long desire to take part in a dramatic production, and similar matters. The purpose of this is to see if you have something special to offer to take an active part and thus make a valuable contribution to the Celebration. At the same time you will be getting the kind of pleasure you have sought for a long time and at the same time helping your Craft and your country.
Once you have determined what part you would like to play in the Celebration, discuss the matter with the officers of your lodge. Offer to take an active part in any programs that are adopted. The time to do this is now so that adequate time may be utilized in planning and preparing the programs. Seek to ascertain what talent is available within the lodge so that it can be utilized. Try to tie in your hobby and the hobbies of other members. For example, the members who are stamp collectors may have many stamps that have Masonic significance; a series of programs might be presented to exhibit the stamps and to explain their Masonic connection. The same can be done with coins.
One fine suggestion is to organize a group for the purpose of presenting a Masonic play. Rehearse it thoroughly; present it at your lodge; and then pass the word around that the group is available to present the play before other groups. If the play has a patriotic theme it might be offered for presentation before non-Masonic groups and thereby bring the light of your lodge into public view.
A worth while project would be to have your lodge officers enlist the help of all members in locating items in the area that have Masonic significance. Are there any buildings that had their cornerstones laid by the Craft? Are there any monuments of famous men of your area who were Masons? Are there any homes in your community that once housed famous men who were members of the Fraternity? This search would help lead to observances on the anniversaries of the event or birth of the famous person. Programs can be planned around these things that are located. You as an individual, can help by suggesting this type of program and when the items are located and listed help plan programs around them during the Bicentennial Celebration period.
If there is some special celebration that will be observed in your community during the period try to find some Masonic link that will offer an opportunity to tie-into the program. If you belong to an appendant body and you learn of material such as a movie that is available from the appendent body, call this to the attention of your lodge officers so that they can avail themselves of it.
Before too lone you will be seeing articles in this magazine, in the New Age, printed material by the Masonic Service Association, all of which will be relating to the Bicentennial Celebration. Keep your mind open for ideas that you can pass on to your lodge officers and volunteer your services whenever possible.
The Craft in the thirteen original colonies has a great deal of material close at hand. But if you live in some other state you need not be discouraged. For example, Flag Day and the Fourth of July can be celebrated anywhere and the theme has universal appeal for each of these days. But you may have to develop a bit of imagination.
As an individual you may feel that there is little you can do. But this is not true if you think, are alert, and have a desire to help. If you look around you will find others who feel like you do and it is just a matter of time and work to join with others so that each can do his part. You can help if you merely share your ideas with others. You can help more, of course, if you have these ideas materialize into programs that can be shared with others. Let it be known that you are available to help.
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George Washington Tenth To Be Elected
Ninth to Serve
Traditionally that famous Masonic leader, George Washington, is considered the first president of the United States but records show that he was the tenth man elected and the ninth president to serve.
To be quite technical, Washington was the first President of the United States. Prior to that time the country was governed by the Continental Congress under the Articles of Confederation in 1778 and remained so until the Constitution was put into effect.
The elected presiding officer of the Continental Congress was designated as the "President of the United States in Congress assembled."
Prior to Washington nine men were elected "President," one did not serve. Those who held the Office were Thomas McKean, John Hanson, Elias Boudinot, Thomas Mifflin, Richard Henry Lee, Nathaniel Gorham, Arthur St. Clair, Cyrus Griffin, and John Hancock. Hancock did not serve, making Washington the tenth man elected and the ninth to serve and first to serve as "President of the United States."
South Dakota Masonic Messenger
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An Appraisal of Masonic Citizenship
By Edward J. Franta, F.P.S.
"It has outlived the fortunes of kings and the mutations of empires."
We are very proud of the antiquity of our fraternity, and it is right that we should be; but I wonder if we are not thinking too much about ancestry and not enough about posterity.
Freemasonry made its most wonderful contributions to the upbuilding of men's characters in those times now famous in history as days of good works.
It seems to me that Masonry was most effective in its true purpose before the time of regulation which came with the formation of Grand Lodges.
The Ancient Charges verify that Freemasonry was a most enviable code for better living for hundreds of years before the 1717 establishment of the first Grand Lodge and long before Anderson's Constitutions of 1723 was written.
There can be no question but that the brightest pages in the story of American Freemasonry were written in the last half of the 18th century, when Masonry was, more or less, on the loose in the colonies - before its organization actually was perfected - when men merely lived and worked as Freemasons, without too much regard to organization and regulation.
Isn't it a matter of record that the lodge which made a Mason of George Washington was without an official charter and initiated him before he had attained his majority?
Such an instance of a lodge without a charter raising a young man under age simply couldn't happen in our days of well-organized Masonry.
However, does that actually mark progress ?
Or, has our definition and delineation of Freemasonry through codes, regulations, by-laws, approved decisions, edicts and such governmental facilities "cramped our style" in living and working as Masons.
It seems that today too much of our Masonic achievement is measured in the accomplishments of our organizations - our constituent lodges, our Grand Lodge, our appendent bodies and even our auxiliary organizations.
Not enough emphasis is placed on the worth of the individual Mason, on how his character has survived the turmoil of modern civilization.
I venture the opinion that today's average Master Mason, whether it be in England or North Dakota, anywhere in our Great Midwest or throughout the world, does not measure up in Masonic character or personal manhood to our Masonic ancestors whom we know as the "Builders" in the old world and as our "Founding Fathers" in the new world.
Those Masonic ancestors of ours had only the Ancient Charges to mould their lives and characters. That was enough to guide them to great achievements and give them the personal stature of truly great men.
It is not my thought that today's Masonry should abandon its organizational structure with all its ramifications and revert back to only the Ancient Charges for its inspiration and regulation of the individual Mason.
Nothing but the best intentions and great potential good underly every phase of modern Masonry. Every bit of it is based on the Ancient Charges, and that's the way it should be.
The attentive ear has received the secrets from the instructive tongue and the secrets of Freemasonry are safely lodged in the repositories of faithful breasts. That is the way it should be.
It must be noted that nothing is said in the Ancient Charges, nor in the quoted words which explain the perpetuity of our order, about the interpretation of those Ancient Charges - those secrets which are received and lodged.
It is my contention that the early Masons who gained the most inspiration and accomplished the most in their Masonic characters purposely left out reference to interpretation of the Ancient Charges, because they saw the inevitability of the fact that changing times and conditions would require interpretation accordingly and because they were satisfied that true Masons would always have the mental capacity, intelligent foresight and Divine guidance to interpret the Ancient Charges so that Masonry would forever be the guide to making better husbands and fathers, more devoted servants of God and more worthy citizens.
It is my contention that Masons have increasingly let their Grand Lodge superstructure, coordinate orders an d distinguished brothers rather than their own hearts and minds, interpret those Ancient Charges for them, just as they have too often left their Masonic good works in the hands of those modern facilities, satisfied to take pride in such mass achievement rather than in their own characters.
It is not my suggestion that there be any change whatsoever in the modern structure of Freemasonry. Today's living in the masses demands that Masonry be organized within the masses.
It is my insistence, however, that we modernize our interpretation of the Ancient Charges.
It is not necessary that we change one word in the Ancient Charges. But we must expand our ideas of what is required of the individual Mason to live up to them.
Such an expansion of our Masonic thinking is absolutely essential. The record proves that contention.
The record of organized Masonry is good. It is enviable. It is still by far the best record of any fraternal or service organization, even though other such fraternities and organizations seem to be gaining considerable stature and according to some commentators are overshadowing Masonry in certain fields of endeavor.
Masonry has it within its traditions and within its history to be by far the most potent force of them all, because basically it puts its basic stress upon the individual rather than upon the organization.
We have gotten away from the original potency of Freemasonry and allowed the stature of our order to diminish only as we have let our organizational superstructure supercede our consideration of the individual and his interpretation of the Ancient Charges.
The average Mason isn't the husband and father that a Mason used to be. The divorce courts and delinquency records prove that.
The average Mason isn't the God-fearing man that he used to be. The church attendance records prove that.
The average Mason isn't the citizen that he used to be. The plight of our nation and world prove that.
The Ancient Charges can be interpreted by any individual Mason, without changing one word, to make him a better husband and father, a more devoted lover of God and a more worthy citizen, if he will merely use his human intellect and Divine guidance in interpreting the secrets which his attentive ear receives from the instructive tongue before he lodges them in the repository of his faithful breast.
Interpretation of the Ancient Charges will make them all entirely practical and valuable in helping a man to discharge all of his obligations today, but this paper is to be "An Appraisal of Masonic Citizenship" and now devotes itself to the Ancient Charges only as they must be interpreted by Masons to make them better citizens.
It is one of our inherited Ancient Charges that partisan politics shall not be discussed in our lodge rooms.
Let us not discuss politics. But let us not forget our lessons.
Can we be true to ourselves, our Masonic obligations, our fellow men and posterity if we do not make every human effort to perpetuate the American way of life that Masons delineated for us almost 200 years ago?
There is every evidence that Masonry inspired men like George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Paul Revere and others of our founding fathers to do this for us.
Such was their interpretation of the Ancient Charges.
We would be positively wrong if we even suggested that our Masonic membership deters us from doing something about the things that threaten our country, our way of life, our devotion to God and even our beloved fraternity itself.
Even though our founding fathers were deeply involved in politics during those "do or die" days in the history of our country, we have inherited from them a terrific responsibility, and we must interpret the Ancient Charges to guide us in preserving our heritage.
Masonry is a potent force in England, in some ways more effective there than in our own country. However, the Ancient Charges are so strictly interpreted there that socialism or communism cannot even be mentioned in lodge.
It is my personal opinion that our brothers in England are paying for their interpretation which is so strict that it amounts to misinterpretation.
"You are not to countenance disloyalty or rebellion, but patiently submit to legal authority and conform with cheerfulness to the government of the country in which you live," we are taught.
True Masons accept and live up to this admonition, but how about those millions beyond the fold of the square and compasses, men diligently and too effectively engaged in endeavoring to shatter the very form of government which we hold dear, under which we can live and work as Masons?
Are we to sit idly by and permit the destruction of our most cherished ideals?
Surely we are not, by neglect or indifference, or by misinterpretation of our Ancient Charges, going to "countenance disloyalty or rebellion" by the profane.
It has always been the aim of Masonry to attain in our Speculative Craft the same perfection which our Ancient Brethren displayed in their Operative Craft.
We are not true to them nor to our Masonic obligations if we do not do everything within our power to make our Masonic way of life at least as permanent as the edifices which they builded.
According to the Ancient Charges, our brothers were not concerned in lodge with the kind of stone that was best suited to a specific purpose, how mortar should be mixed, and what means should be used to transport the stones from the quarry and the timbers from the forest.
However, they were very much concerned with how the lives, honesty and behavior of the individual Masons affected the finished job.
Our lodges need not be concerned with Republicans or Democrats, with party platforms and candidates as such - BUT, our lodges and every individual Mason must be concerned with the lives, honesty and behavior of our members, not only as they affect our way of life, but as they will be affected by the deeds and beliefs of the profane.
But our lodges must, for the sake of their own preservation and for the welfare of mankind and posterity, inspire every brother to do all he can within his power to preserve those things.
It is not within the interpretation of the Ancient Charges that any lodge urge a brother to be a candidate for public office on the side of the right. Neither shall a lodge crusade for good government within the lodge or outside. Lodges shall not work as a body to expose poor government. They shall not organize to fight socialism.
Those are all very essential activities, but they are not within the realm of lodge functions.
We must be very grateful that some members of our fraternity have interpreted the Ancient Charges as did our Founding Fathers, in such a way that they are leading in such essential crusades. It is the need of our country and the world that more Masons so interpret the Ancient Charges.
It does not require any imagination to interpret the obligations of a Mason as an ultimatum to contribute to the welfare of his fellow men and his country by voting.
How a Mason votes is of little concern of his lodge. There is no doubt that if a Mason's obligation sends him to the polls, his Masonic heart will guide his hand in marking his ballot.
If every Master Mason will carefully interpret the Ancient Charges according to his own Masonically developed conscience, and go to the polls in every national, state, county, city, township and school election, to give his fellow citizens the advantage of his Masonic character, I have every confidence that the future of our government, our schools, our churches and our homes will be safe.
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Ashby Paul Resigns
Bro. Ashby B. Paul, who has served Grand Lodge as R.W. Grand Secretary of Pennsylvania since 1958, resigned on September 5, 1973 because of health.
In his resignation letter to the Grand Master, Bro. Paul said:
"As you know, I was 77 on my last birthday, and my health is beginning to deteriorate, especially my eyes which are giving me some trouble."
Bro. Paul, born and educated in Philadelphia, moved to Harrisburg where he was employed as a professional engineer by the Bell Telephone Co. He was employed by Bell for 37 years, having served as Engineer of Buildings for many years.
He was made a Mason in Perseverance Lodge No. 21 in Harrisburg on January 17, 1927. He served the Lodge as Worshipful Master in 1940.
Bro. Paul served as District Deputy Grand Master for five years. At the September Quarterly, the Grand Master announced that in accordance with a change in the Ahiman Rezon, he has created Bro. Paul a Past District Deputy Grand Master.
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There is a Masonic wailing wall in the United States. One may travel from South to North, West to East and never see this w ailing wall but it is there. With a few exceptions the Lodges in U. S. Jurisdictions are experiencing losses in membership. To one who has access to and reads various Masonic periodicals and Grand Lodge Proceedings from over the Republic the complaints are loud and the lamentations are clear. A non-Freemason, reading this material, might well conclude that the principal goal of Freemasonry is to gain members.
The swelling of membership rolls in Freemasonry has never at any time been an objective of the Society. The Masonic student will delve in vain in the ancient landmarks, the customs and usages of the Fraternity since time immemorial without finding even a hint that big membership is a part of the mission of Freemasonry.
Grand Lodges wring their hands in despair over declining membership in the Lodges of their States. They should remember that the Society has always had its ebb and flow in membership. Although there are new factors to deal with in today's world declining membership at this time is no new phenomenon. A study of Masonic history is quite revealing. There were times when the Lodges had all they could do to process petitions for membership and spent all their time conferring degrees, almost to the exclusion of other important Masonic labors. Subsequent to World War II most Lodges were inundated by petitions for membership. Many, too many, were accepted after a superficial "investigation" and were "run through the mill." For several years now Lodges all over the country have been paying the price for their relaxation of high standards for membership.
Grand Lodges and Lodges for too long have given the impression that a "successful year" depended on whether there was a net gain or a net loss in membership.
It is already past time that we should use a more accurate measuring device for "success" and proceed to concentrate on efforts to imbue the members we already have with the true spirit of Freemasonry.
Why not eliminate the Wailing Wall?
- Exchange
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Vice President Ford Is Freemason
By courtesy of our members, Newton S. Bacon, M.P.S., Grand Secretary, Grand Lodge F. & A. M. of Michigan, and J. Fairbairn Smith, F.P.S., Editor, "Masonic World" of Detroit, we are informed of the Masonic affiliations of our newly-installed Vice President of the United States, Gerald R. Ford. Freemasonry can now look forward to the utilization of the principles of Freemasonry in our Government.
Gerald R. Ford, Jr., was born in Omaha, Nebraska July 14, 1913, the eldest of four brothers. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 1960, and has served in it continuously since, being elevated to Minority Leader in Congress some years later.
Columbia Lodge No. 3, F.A.A.M. District of Columbia, conferred the Fellowcraft and Master Mason degrees upon him as a courtesy for Malta Lodge No. 465, Grand Rapids Michigan. He was raised on May 18 1951. He received the Scottish Rite degrees in the Valley of Grand Rapids, in October, 1957, and was created a Sovereign Grand Inspector General, 33rd Degree, in September, 1962.
A member of Saladin Temple A.A.O.N.M.S., in Grand Rapids, a member of Court No. 11, Royal Order of Jesters, he is an Honorary Member of the DeMolay Legion of Honor but is not a member of any York Rite bodies, or of the Order of the Eastern Star. We are extremely proud of our distinguished Brother.
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In 1314 the pay of a Chaplain in England was 3 half-pence, or about 3 cents a day. At that time wheat was 16 cents a bushel and fat sheep cost only 12 cents (U.S. equivalent). A penny a day was therefore considered a reasonable wage.
In the time of Christ, it is estimated that a penny or Roman denarius would buy at least ten times more than it would in England in the year 1780 - and prices then were a mere fraction of what we pay for similar commodities today.
- Adapted from Masonry Defined
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Welcome To
New Members
ROBERT CARROLL COE, 5353 Columbia Pike, Arlington, Va. 22204
RUSSELL E. SEWELL, 936 N. Church Street, Richland Center, Wisc. 53581
ROBERT B. SKIPTON, P. O. Box 87, Morton Grove, Ill. 60053
PAUL WILLIAM ROLSTON, 87 Statler Road, Belmont, Mass. 02178
WILLIAM LEBOURNE EBY, Box 70, Bowmanville, Ontario. Canada L1C 3K8
MARK WILLIAM GUNION, Rt. 1, Box 98, Grand Junction, Iowa 50107
ROBERT EDWARD HECKARD, 5416 Karen Isle, Willoughby, Ohio 44094
DONALD ARTHUR KEMP, 110 Church Street, Pascoag, Rhode Island 02859
JOE FRANK THORNTON, 348 Orangewood Drive, Lafayette, La. 70501
RICHARD E. LEWIS, 4913 Forrestal Street, Fair Oakes, Calif. 95628
J.W. VANDALL, 1135 McClung Ave., Barboursville, West Va. 25504
DANIEL M. DEAN, 1800 Sandy Plains Road, Rt. 7, Marietta. Georgia 30060
RAYMOND ALLEN, 606 South 1st Street, Knoxville, Iowa 50138
THOMAS DANIEL GARCIA, 5121 Koechel Ct., Sheyboygan, Wisc. 53801
C.E. BALFOUR LE GRESLEY, 213 Riverside Drive, Toronto, Ont., Canada M6S 4A8
The following new members who were reported between August 3 and August 24 have not been acknowledged in our magazine.
A. PITTMAN ATWOOD, 720 Seale Ave., Palo Alto, Calif. 94303
EMORY J. HAMPEL, 465 Oak Street, St. Louis, Mo. 63119
LEO L. HENEGHAN, 6287 Wetherole Street, Rego Park, New York 11374
LLOYD A. LINDNER, 1020 Cleveland Street, Green Bay, Wisc. 54304
ROBERT N. OSBORNE, 22235 Nona, Dearborn, Mich. 48214
LESTER CONRAD NOERR, 124 North Main Street, P. O. Box 208, Richland Center, Wisc. 53581
ROGER K. BECKER, 6712 Arcadian Hwy., Evansville, Ind. 47715
JOHN THOMAS BRACEY, Box 160, Myers Trailer P a r k, Thonotosassa, Florida 33592
THOMAS A. KOONTZ, 314 Neva, Glenview, Ill. 60025
HAROLD R. MULLIN, 1171 Stockton Place, North Brunswick, N.J. 08902
JAMES E. PEO, 2521 Dean Dr., Wilmington, Del. 19808
EDWARD THOMAS NEELY, JR., 10191 Cloverdale Dr., St. Louis, Mo. 63136
PAUL OLIVER GOODER, 16444 Bolsa Chica, No. 130, Huntington Beach, Calif. 92649
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President William E. Yeager, F.P.S. , Lauded For His Masonic Activities
By John Black Vrooman, F.P.S., Editor
The December issue of the Pennsylvania Freemason, official publication of the Grand Lodge F. & A. M. of Pennsylvania, had a most factual and laudatory article about the retirement of R.W. Brother William E. Yeager, F.P.S., President of the Philalethes Society and past Grand Master of that Grand Lodge, from the Committee on Masonic Homes, after a very long and dedicated service of more than thirty-two years.
In his letter of resignation to the Grand Master, effective September 15, Brother Yeager said - "Due to the condition of my health, after thirty-two years of service I must retire. My Masonic service has been most rewarding and the values of friendships resulting from the service and associations in Masonry is inestimable."
"As stated in a Masonic degree," he continued, "'Life without friends is useless', and based on that premise my life has been richly endowed. Masonry has done more for me than I could ever do for it. It is my hope that I may have made some positive contribution as a token payment on my debt to the Fraternity, which I acknowledge but which I also realize I can never repay."
Brother Yeager was made a Mason in Hazle Lodge No. 327, Hazleton, in 1918, and having moved to Warren, was the moving spirit in the formation of Joseph Warren Lodge No. 726 in 1923. On October 6, 1973 that lodge celebrated its fiftieth anniversary, and Brother Yeager left his hospital bed to attend the meeting. He was the lodge's first elected Worshipful Master.
Our Brother has held so many important Masonic and civic offices, and has made such a dedicated contribution to the welfare of both the Craft and the community, that it would be useless to list each office and contribution.
While chairman of the Committee on Masonic Culture, the "Pennsylvania Freemason" was started, the pamphlets for Candidate Instruction were inaugurated and a system of Masonic Education established, and because of his interest in Masonic Education he has, from its beginning, taken an active part in the Northeast Conference on Masonic Education.
In 1951, while Grand Master, he introduced a resolution at the Conference of Grand Masters in North America to establish the Committee on Information and Recognition, by which the matter of recognition of Masonic bodies throughout the world might be better known and their rules and requisites better established.
Of course, to the members of the Philalethes Society, it has been his foresight and planning which has contributed so much to the activity and usefulness of the Craft everywhere, and his leadership as President and skillful co-ordination of the many and varied activities of the Society which has made our Society so well known and favorably and scholastically recognized for its work.
As Deputy in the State of Pennsylvania for the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, he has contributed liberally to the outstanding program of that Rite. It is hoped that our Brother will again regain his good health, will serve his fellow men with zealous devotion, and will continue to serve all with whom he comes in contact. Brother Yeager celebrated his birthday (the number of which he gently forgets) on December 20th last. May he have many more years of life, comfort and usefulness.
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Carpenter Grand Secretary G.L. of Pennsylvania
Brother William A. Carpenter, Past Master of Chester Lodge No. 236, was appointed and installed as R.W. Grand Secretary of Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania by the Grand Master at the September Quarterly Communication in Erie.
He replaces Brother Ashby B. Paul who resigned the position because of health.
Brother Carpenter, Secretary of his Masonic Lodge, has been associated with the Grand Lodge Committee on Masonic Culture since 1953.
He served as editor of The Pennsylvania Freemason for many years, helping to start the publication in 1954.
In 1961, he was appointed Librarian and Curator, a full time position. He served in this capacity through 1969. He served on the Grand Master's staff in 1970 and 1971, and was appointed director of Masonic Education in 1972, a position he held until being installed as Grand Secretary.
Brother Carpenter is a member of York Rite Bodies and Scottish Rite Bodies in the Valley of Philadelphia.
In 1969 he was coroneted an honorary 33rd Degree Scottish Rite Mason
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By Clarence E. Ross, M.P.S.
"If a builder has built a house for a man and has not made his work sound, so that the house he has made falls down arid causes the death of the owner of the house, that builder shall be put to death. If it causes the death of the son of the owner of the house, they shall kill the son of that builder."
Code of Hammurabi. Babylon, c. 1790 B.C.
Other theories to the contrary, the Masonic Fraternity probably came into being solely for the purpose of protecting the professional reputation of the operative master craftsman. In all ages we have had "trade stealers"; individuals who, acquiring some knowledge of a trade, are capable of doing the work in a slipshod manner. If, as some do, they claim to be journeymen, the end result of their poor workmanship injures the reputation of all skilled workers in the trade.
If no provision was made to pass on the knowledge of a trade, it would gradually decline and cease to exist. Men grow too old to work and eventually lay down their tools. Knowing that day will come to each, they realize that in order to insure the survival of what they have worked for, their skill must be passed on to younger men. Hence, the apprentice. Masonry has survived and was handed down to us in its ancient forte because our Masonic forebears insisted on quality; and quality is determined largely by the careful selection of apprentices.
That is in the past. What of the present? We can state, without fear of contradiction, that the moral and ethical standards, and the mission, of Masonry, have changed very little since groups of builders organized to protect their trade, possibly three thousand years ago. Today the Craft is in our hands, but its future is in the hands of those who will follow us. For that reason, we must exercise great care in our choice of Entered Apprentices.
We labor under a slight handicap in that we cannot seek apprentices. It is a long-established law of the Fraternity that we cannot solicit candidates and, in the long run, it is better that way. But for that law, there might be a tendency to "pressure" some prospective members. A man who had not made his own decision might not care for what he found nor find it interesting, and we would have a quick drop-out or, at best, a mediocre Mason. There is but one alternative. We must live our Masonry, all day, every day; outside of the Lodge as well as inside. If the people of a community can say, in effect, there is an upright man and Mason, it will almost certainly generate interest among the young men and cause some to seek admission to our Lodges.
A prospective candidate first comes to the official attention of a Lodge by submitting a petition. An Investigating Committee is appointed and, this is where quality is determined. The importance of this committee cannot be over-emphasized. If the Lodge and the community are large enough to permit, the committee should be made up of members not acquainted with the petitioner. We expect all Masons to do their full duty without fear or favor, but it is much easier to render an unbiased judgement when personalities are not involved.
The investigation must not be rushed. Time is not important. Anything good is worth waiting for, and if he can't wait a time with patience we don't want him. No petitioner should be accepted solely on the basis of his business, professional, or social position. As each Brother faces the ballot box, there is but one question to be answered - "Do I believe that this man will make a good Mason?" In order to answer that question satisfactorily, in his own mind, he must have complete confidence in the Investigating Committee.
What is quality? First and foremost, the man must want to be a Mason. Not only when he submits his petition but through all the years after he is raised and until he lays down his working tools for the last time. Next, he must live his Masonry. In most cases, the Brother who really wants to be a Mason, will make the effort to live by the rules of the Craft. Lastly, he must be active; and that leads to another question.
What do we mean by an active Mason? There are certain Brethren who are always at Lodge and whenever there is work to be done, they are there to help. They are a heaven-sent blessing. But we cannot expect, nor do we expect, all Brethren to be in that category. It is a principle of the Craft that a Brother must not neglect his family, his business, or his church, because of it; but within those limits, a Brother should attend as many meetings of his Lodge, as may be possible.
What is Masonic work ? The erroneous idea that too many Masons have, that the Lodge exists only for the purpose of initiating candidates, should be dispelled. That function represents only a minor part of the work. We accept Entered Apprentices to insure the continuity of the Craft and to provide manpower for the real Masonic work that is to be done. We must never lose sight of the fact that Masonic work is labor performed for the betterment of our fellow men.
Our country and way of life are in peril. Worldwide, our very civilization is threatened. Every crackpot and would-be savior, is ranting about things that they don't understand or want to understand, fully. We concede that some things need changing. But changes should be made slowly and in an orderly manner. It isn't necessary to blast the foundation from under the building in order to make alterations on the structure.
There are in the world, forces for good. Masonry is one of those forces. But to accomplish anything we must be firmly united within the Fraternity. That is why we must have quality rather than quantity. The Brother whose sole connection with the Craft, is the dues card that he carries in his pocket, isn't going to be of any help when the power of Masonry is needed to aid in preserving the things that we believe in.
* * *
Because of monetary values today, we might easily and erroneously devaluate the money of ancient times. A penny (12 to 14 cents) seems to us penurious compensation for 10 or 12 hours of labor in the vineyard; and the two pence (Luke 10:35) of the Good Samaritan seems equally miserly. But these small coins, of trifling value to us, could buy many of the comforts and necessities for the ancient workman.
As late as the year 1351 the price of labor was regulated in England by act of Parliament and "hay-makers, corn-weeders, without meat, drink, or other courtesy" were to have a penny a day. In many places these were the highest wages paid for any kind of agricultural labor - and some wage-scales were lower.
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Contemplation Toward Understanding Masonry
By Donald F. Young, F.P.S.
My time in Masonry, including regular attendance in Lodge, conversations and occasions with those possessing far more light than I in our Fraternity, and some research, has provided me with much to contemplate.
I am both humble and proud to be a Mason. I am humbled by the magnitude, majesty, and purpose of our beloved Fraternity. I am proud to share our wonderful brotherhood with you, and with Masons 'round the world.
I would like to share with you some of my thoughts toward an understanding of Masonry.
As one considers the vast spectrum of Masonry, with the idea of planning some appropriate remarks, one is a wed and perplexed, for the multitude and significance of possible themes appear limitless. The study of Masonry is one that has occupied members' minds since-antiquity. Still, each of us, in search of more Light, seeks answers to those questions which will provide him with Truth toward becoming a better man, a more responsible citizen, and a brother to his fellow man, under the Fatherhood of God.
Masonry was founded upon moral law. It was not built upon a morality limited to a local habitation and name. It was founded upon principles apparent everywhere - right conduct and proper example - where good men of different nationality or continent, of different political or religious opinion, may cultivate a Masonic star within the galaxy of their immortal souls. It seeks, in short, to make good men better men, to build the ideal manhood of purity of heart and uprightness of character.
Today, as in times past, wealth, rank, and honor rule the world. A friendship which cares little for such distinctions would find it difficult, if not impossible to survive, based upon laws which govern the populace. Thus, Masonry created a veiled, sacred, and holy friendship of its own - a friendship regulated and governed by moral law. This friendship speaks equally to the low and disconsolate and to the high and mighty, bound together in the "mystic tie." It fills the human mind with pure and holy contentment - a contentment beyond all price.
This Masonic friendship is worldwide. It knows no nationality, no continent, no political persuasion, no religious creed, no belief, except faith in God, hope in the immortality of the soul, and charity toward one's fellow man.
Masonry cultivates the inborn needs of man. It carves friendship and brotherly dove upon the hearts of its brethren. In the lodge, they meet upon a common level and gather together to witness the solemn, symbolic lessons imparted by its teachings.
Masonry is unequivocally not a political institution. Politics has no place in the lodge. Masonry plainly disavows any interference with the political opinions of its members. It forbids the discussion of political issues within the lodge leaving each brother to quietly consider his own opinions. As individual and private citizens, however, Masons are both free and encouraged to pursue their own judgment and reasoning powers.
Masonry is emphatically not a reformative institution. The lodge is clearly not a hospital for those suffering from moral afflictions, rather it leaves the meeting of such needs to other institutions of society, for Masonry admits good men only. It seeks to make good men better.
Masonry is positively not a religious institution in any sectarian sense. It leaves to each human being this pursuit according to the dictates of his own conscience. Masonry requires only that a candidate express his belief in the existence of a Supreme Being, however, Masonry concerns itself not whether the candidate approaches Him in his devotions as Brahma, Allah, Jehovah or Jesus. Nor does Masonry concern itself whether his Volume of Sacred Law be the Bible of the Christian, the Talmud of the Jew, the Koran of the Mohammedan, or the Veda of the Hindu.
Masonry accepts the Bible, not for any doctrines or dogmas, but because the highest sanctions known to law have passed upon it. The Book of Law is one of Masonry's Great Lights. Thus, the Mason necessarily accepts the Book of Law, of whatever land he may find himself, as one of the Great Lights of the Fraternity. Thus, Masonry is religious, but not a religion.
Masonry is definitely educational. It teaches the constant search for Truth, the humble striving for perfection, the quest for knowledge and understanding, and counsels for instruction by both the observation, example, and experience of others. and the utilization of one's reason and conscience. Masonry purposes the moral, social, and intellectual improvement of its members.
Masonry is surely charitable, for brotherly love is a corner stone of the Fraternity. Charity is not concerned solely with the eleemosynary aid and help for the distressed. True charity embraces the goodness of the human heart and the needs of the soul. It empowers man to tolerantly weigh the weaknesses and frailties of his fellow man, then to counsel him in friendship and reprove him with fraternal justice.
Masonry is profoundly fraternal. It is the oldest, largest, and most widely known fraternal organization on earth. Masonry survives and grows among man around the world because it seeks friendship, true manhood, mutual assistance, brotherly love and affection. It espouses the Golden Rule, "Always treat others as you would like them to treat you." Masonry binds men together in fraternal brotherhood, under the Fatherhood of God, and in the belief in the immortality of the soul.
Masonry has never waged war upon mankind to convert others to its doctrines and principles, nor has it ever engaged in a campaign to zealously recruit members from every position in life. Rather, Masonry has been content to build its testimony upon deeds well done, character well formed. It has not knowingly received into its Fraternal Bonds any save those of good character, mental and physical competence, who have sought to petition it, of one's own free will and accord, through a favorable opinion held of it, who desire knowledge, and possess a deep and abiding faith in the existence of a Supreme Being.
The distinguished Mason and man of God, Reverend Doctor Joseph Fort Newton indicated that the great secret of Masonry is "that it makes a man aware of that divinity within him, wherefrom his whole life takes its beauty and meaning, and inspires him to follow and obey it: making his existence a process of self-discovery, self-mastery, and self-spending. Once a man learns this deep secret, his life is new, and the old world is a valley all dewy to the dawn with a lark-song over it."
Masonry teaches its brethren to lay the cornerstone and place the foundation of their Masonic Temples upon the rock of Truth. One, thus building, realizes that he builds for eternity. He will carry the materials of such a moral and virtuous Temple through infinity. It is in such a mansion that God abides. Masonry, consequently, presents a formulation of moral principles, acceptable to all religions, vital for man's just fulfillment.
The distinguished Mason and Governor of New York, DeWitt Clinton, said of Masonry, "All that is good, and kind, and charitable, it encourages; all this is vicious, and cruel, and oppressive, it reprobates."
Brother John R. Nocas, M.P.S., has summarized Masonry in "Then Ten Commandments of a Mason": (1) Believe in God; (2) Practice Brotherly Love; (3) Relieve the Distressed; (4) Search for Truth; (5) Be an Exemplary Citizen; (6) Be Pure in Life and Conduct; (7) Be Temperate; (8) Be Courageous; (9) Be Prudent; and (10) Be Just.
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Notes, Queries and Information On Items of Masonic Research
BY MELVIN L. PFANKUCHE, M.P.S.
14267-130th Place. N.E., Kirkland, Washington, 98033
1974 - No.1
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.
72 - Swap Corner. Your Editor for this page is in need of materials regarding Lafayette. Especially during the last trip 1824-25. Other materials also gratefully accepted if of historical significance and can be documented.
73 - Bro. J. J. Eddy, 203 Bourke St., Goulburn, 2580, New South Wales, Australia, is looking for a copy of the Book: Book of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, by Charles McClenachan. This book is long out of print but a copy should be available. Note, I would check international postal rates before mailing.
74 - Swap Corner. Your Editor for this page would also appreciate receiving Bicentennial publications as they become available.
107 - Thirteen Governors (June 1960). From time to time, Masonic publications proclaim that ALL 13 Governors of the Colonies were Masons. Brother James R. Case, F.P.S., has published conclusive evidence to the contrary on page 84, Volume XIII, No. 6, December 1960.
In the article Brother Case lists the Governors in three groups: As of July 4, 1776, October 19, 1781 and April 30, 1789, the date that Brother Washington was inaugurated. In 1776, A. Bullock, Gal; R. Caswell, N. C.; and Hy. Laurens, S.C.; were Masons. The colonies of Delaware, Mass., N.Y., and Pa., did not have governors on that date. In 1781, when the War ended, N. Brownson, Gal; and J. Hancock of Mass., were the only two Masonic Governors. And, in 1789, G. Walton, Gal; J. Hancock, Mass.; J. Sullivan, N.H.; A. Martin, N.C.; and T. Chittenden of Vt. were Masons.
Any evidence to the contrary will be gratefully received by your editor of this page on behalf of Brother Case.
196 - Lafayette's Grand Tour (December 1965). So far I have collected more than 40,000 words regarding the 1824-1825 Last Visit and Grand Tour of the late Brother and General Lafayette. This may be a lot of material, but in order to make it worth while, I am still looking for "local" material regarding the "Grand Tour" especially biographical sketches and Masonic happenings.
All materials received will be acknowledged and all materials sent on loan will be returned. Melvin L. Pfankuche, M.P.S., Editor Notes & Queries, 14267-130th Pl., N.E., Kirkland, Washington 98033.
280 - Independence Day, Bicentennial. (August, 1970). BRETHREN, I posed this query three and a half years ago as an attempt to stir up some action. We have two years to go and the Bicentennial will be here! What are you doing? Are you prepared or are you still thinking about something to do? Remember your cartoons of confusion with the caption: "We gotta get organized sometime." Sometime is now. Are you prepared for the challenge? Good luck and let your editors hear from you.
354 - William St. Clair (Scotland). Several years ago, the Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Scotland commented ". . . to the absence of any Memorial Tablet of William St. Clair of Roslin in the burial ground at Roslin Chapel. It was agreed that further information be obtained with a view to erecting a Tablet to mark the grave of the first elected Grand Master Mason of the Grand Lodge of Scotland." Question? Has this been done ?
355 - George Washington, Freemason Painting. Recently, the Masonic World of Detroit, Michigan published a painting or picture of George Washington at a Masonic Altar, and dressed as The W. M. The picture shows three Brethren behind the Treasurer's desk, the Secretary and six additional Brethren between the East and the J.W.'s station. The painting is on board rather than canvas and is signed by J. F. Queen - det(?).
Information regarding this picture should be addressed to Bro. James Fairbairn Smith, F.P.S., New Masonic Temple, Detroit, Michigan 48201.
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By Jimmie Rader
This paper is on the Masons in the Pro Football Hall of Fame at Canton, Ohio. I attended there and enjoyed going through as one of the 300,000 that entered the Shrine in 1973.
There are six Masons of the 77 enshrined in the Hall. They are as follows: Don Hutson, end Green Bay Packers. Lodge-Wis. 92; Cal Hubbard, tackle New York Giants. Lodge-Mo. 74; Red Grange, halfback Chicago Bears. Lodge - Ill. 269; Ken Strong, halfback New York Giants. Lodge-N.Y. 999; Pete Henry, tackle Canton Bulldogs. Lodge-Ohio 35; Earle Neale, coach Philadelphia Eagles. Lodge-W. Va. 3.