Contents
It Seems To Me The Bicentennial Of The American Revolution
Build a House, Plant a Garden, And Write a Book A Landmark Of Civilization
Recommended Masonic Reading Candidates For Baseball Hall of Fame
Shrine Temples Boost Shrine Hospitals A Curious Peppercorn Ceremony
GM Abraham Jonas and John Cook Bennett At Nauvoo Chat, Comment and Masonic Queries
Women's Liberation and Freemasonry National Sojourners
Knights Templar Missouri-Kansas
John Black Vrooman, F.P.S., Editor
P.O. Box 402
St. Louis, Missouri 63166
OFFICERS
Dr. Eugene Hopp, F.P.S., President
2000 Van Ness Ave.
San Francisco, California 94109
Dwight L. Smith, F.P.S., First Vice-President
Masonic Temple, 525 North Illinois St
Indianapolis, Indiana 46204
Conrad Hahn, F.P.S. Second Vice-President
8120 Fenton Street
Silver Spring, Maryland 20910
Franklin (Andy) Anderson, F.P.S., Executive Secretary
9580 Standon Place
Columbia, Maryland 21045
Ronald E. Heaton, F.P.S., Treasurer
728 Haws Avenue
Norristown, Pennsylvania 19401
LIVING PAST PRESIDENTS
Philalethes Society
Lee E. Wells FPS
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.
Robert V. Osborne, F.P.S.
ASSOCIATE EDITORS
Jerry Marsengill, F.P.S., Editor
2714 Park Place
Des Moines, Iowa 50312
Alphonse Cerza, F.P.S. Life., Assoc. Editor
237 Mlilbridge Road
Riverside, Illinois 60546
EXECUTIVE SECRETARY EMERlTUS
Carl R. Grelsen, F.P.S.
Volume XXIX, No. 4
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By John Black Vrooman, Editor
THAT we, of the Philalethes Society should become as children again, in order to play the old children's game FOLLOW THE LEADER, and bring to life the "togetherness" we now have with some of the finest officers that the Society has ever had.
We have all sorts of publicity on Masonic Leadership, the need for better planning and the lack of those qualities in our top echelon of those who are directing our activities, making us wonder, it seems, whether we are negative in that essential item. Not so, for never has the Philalethes Society had more dedicated and intelligent leadership.
Over the years the Society has been led by some of the most outstanding and brilliant Freemasons of the World. Their devotion and understanding of the problems of the Craft, the needs of intelligent and practical means of becoming more aware of what Freemasonry IS, and their zeal in making possible an organization by which to make Freemasonry both realistic and humane, has given the Philalethes Society a unique and most potent weapon by which to serve the Craft.
But with leadership must come coordinated and accurate interpretation of Masonic traditions and activities. With leadership must come translation of that leadership into Masonic action by which all of us may be better enabled to give inspiration and practical knowledge to those who are not as well informed as we are. That in our task!
As we return from the many Masonic meetings planning and making practical our National Bicentennial, and as we meet together to study better means of making Freemasonry more intelligent and useful, we must PUT THAT KNOWLEDGE TO WORK, and make it so simple and useful that it can be practical as well as interesting. That is the purpose of our Society.
As our leaders draw their designs upon the Trestleboard, let us carry those designs into execution, bringing Masonic Light and Knowledge to our Brethren, making Freemasonry more understandable and more realistic in its beauty and grandeur. We must not be selfish, but give to all who want it, the practical, accurate and informative facts about the Craft.
We must follow the leader - OUR leaders, and use the plans which they are giving us. Seeking ways and means of reaching more and more Freemasons who "Seek More Light." We have much to offer. We have many talented writers who bring to light in a beautiful manner, some of the practical facts about Freemasonry, and who, through their talents, make us aware of the fact that Freemasonry is alive and growing, that it is a fact of life, dwelling among us to make our lives better and more able to be helpful to others.
Freemasonry influences every phase of our lives. Taking the tenets and principles of Freemasonry, we can build our personal life into something helpful to ALL mankind if we will but let ourselves grow in knowledge. We must not be selfish. but follow our leaders to Masonic success.
Featured in this issue ...
EDITORIAL, "IT SEEMS TO ME," by John Black Vrooman, F.P.S.
THE BATTLE OF LONG ISLAND, by Richard Harter Brown, M.P.S.
A LANDMARK OF CIVILIZATION, by Leon C. W. Kettring, M.P.S.
BUILD A HOUSE, PLANT A GARDEN AND WRITE A BOOK, by Alphonse Cerza, F.P.S., Life
RECOMMENDED MASONIC READING, by Alphonse Cerza, F P.S., Life
WHERE DO YOU STAND IN OUR MEMBERSHIP CAMPAIGN? by Allan D Parsons, M.P.S.
CANDIDATES FOR BASEBALL HALL OF FAME, by Jimmy Rader, M.P.S.
WELCOME TO NEW MEMBERS
THE MASTER
MASONIC LODGE OF RESEARCH HONORS RONALD E. HEATON
SHRINE TEMPLES BOOST SHRINE HOSPITALS
A CURIOUS PEPPERCORN CEREMONY
THE CONFRONTATION OF GRAND MASTER ABRAHAM JONAS AND JOHN COOK BENNET AT NAUVOO, (Part II) by Mervin B Hogan, M.P.S.
THE LEWIS
CHAT, COMMENT AND MASONIC QUERIES, by Jerry Marsengill, F.P.S.
"WOMEN'S LIBERATION" AND FREEMASONRY, by Alphonse Cerza, F.PS., Life
KNIGHTS TEMPLAR MISSOURI-KANSAS FIFTY-THIRD TRIENNIAL CONCLAVE
NATIONAL SOJOURNERS HONOR WILLIAM WHIPPLE
CHICAGO CHAPTER PRESENTS OPEN HOUSE PROGRAM
A SUGGESTION FOR MEMBERS
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The Bicentennial Of The American Revolution
19. The Battle of Long Island – August 27th, 1776
By Richard H. Brown, M.P.S.
When the British army sailed from Boston forever, on March 17th, 1776, it left hanging in the air a nagging question: what would England do next? To the Congress and its newly-appointed commanding general, George Washington, the answer seemed clear; New York would soon be under attack. Its loss would, in effect, cut New England away from the Middle States and afford England the easiest connection with Canada; "it is the place we must use every endeavor to keep them from," wrote Washington.
It is illuminating to observe that, although the attempt to hold New York was a failure, and New York, having been abandoned, remained in British hands for the rest of the war, the loss was not fatal to the Colonial cause. Another line of communication was set up, across the Hudson to the north. and through northern Jersey; and the road to Canada was never opened to the British.
In 1776, however, both Congress and its commander were taking counsel of their fears, and New York seemed too important to be surrendered without a struggle; and no sooner was Boston firmly in American hands, than elements of the Continental forces were sent on their way to New York; by the middle of April, Washington * himself was there, and most of the Continental forces were with him. Along with the Connecticut regiments went the charter of American Union Lodge, and most of the officers and members of that body, for the formation of which, during the siege of Boston, a warrant had been issued with the blessing of both the ancient and Modern Provincial Grand Lodges. (1) The Master was Joel Clerk * colonel of
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Richard Harter Brown, who wrote this article was born at Sempronius, Cayuga County, New York, on October 25, 1898. His childhood and youth were spent at Romulus, Seneca County, New York, where he attended the district school, later graduating from Geneva High School, Geneva, New York, and from the Cornell University College of Law (L.L.B. 1919.)
He was admitted to the bar of the State of New York in 1920, and spent his life in the practice of the Law in Nassau County, Long Island, and in New York City: he was for some years an assistant district attorney of Nassau County, and for many more years a clerk and legal assistant to the Justices of the Supreme Court, in Nassau County. He is now retired from legal practice.
He was made a Master Mason in Massapequa Lodge No. 822, F. & A. M. at Rockville Centre. L.I., N.Y. on May 16, 1921. He was Master of Massapequa Lodge in 1929, and District Deputy Grand Master of the Nassau district in 1934-5. In 1953 he aided in the foundation of Valley Stream Lodge No. 1143, F. & A. M., at Valley Stream, New York. He is now a life member of both Massapequa and Valley Stream Lodges. He is an active member of The American Lodge of Research, F. & A. M., of New York City, and was Master of that Lodge in 1970 and 1971. He is the author of "Chips From the Quarries" and of "The Early Years of Valley Stream Lodge No. 1143."
He was designated chairman of the Committee on 1976 Bicentennial of the Grand Lodge of New York for 1974-5, and writes a column entitled "Something Old - Something New," dealing with Masonic books. and published in The Empire State Mason.
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one of the Connecticut regiments, w ho is supposed to have been the Master, in an earlier and more peaceful day, of the Lodge at Wallingford, now Compass No. 9.
The New York of 1776 occupied about one square mile at the lower, or southern tip of Manhattan Island, all well below what is now Chambers Street. Its importance as a port was well understood. The key to its defense was Long Island, as will be grasped by the examination of a city map. As the event proved, it was indefensible against the force which shortly assailed it, especially with the modest and ill-trained force which the Congress could command.
However, a line of forts was planned and constructed, from Wallabout Bay to Gowanus Creek, forming a defensive arc south of the Village of Brooklyn, then a small cluster of houses about the Long Island ferry terminal, where Fulton Street now meets the East River. This defensive line made all possible use of Brooklyn Heights, the western end of the ridge which constitutes the backbone of Long Island. Some of the works composing it have left their names to locations in the present city, and numerous historical markers in down-town Brooklyn mark spots about which the military action swirled. Almost alone among Revolutionary battle-fields, the ground on which the Battle of Long Island raged is now covered by a great city.
Until a few days before the battle, most of the American forces, numbering some 20,000, remained in New York. American Union Lodge sought and received permission from Dr. Peter Middleton *, the Deputy Provincial Grand Master (Sir John Johnson having fled to Canada), to meet under the authority of the New York Provincial Grand Lodge, though Dr. Middleton was too loyal to his King to regard "American Union" as a proper name for a Lodge, and when it met in New York, the Lodge called itself "the Military Lodge." One of its acts was to extend relief to the family of Brother Azor Belts *, who had visited the Lodge, but had become suspect of Tory sympathies, and for a time languished in an American gaol.
The pleasant Manhattan-in-June interlude was soon interrupted. On June 25, 1776, there sailed into New York Bay, and landed on Staten Island the largest expeditionary force ever to that date sent out from England. It is supposed to have included an army well over 30,000, commanded by General Lord Howe, with a substantial naval force manned by some 10,000 seamen. There was no American navy, and the British fleet was able, subject to vagaries of weather, to move about the harbor and up and down the Hudson, as far as the Southern entrance to the Highlands, very much at will.
The American army amounted to less than 20,000 ill-trained, ill-equipped, ill-supplied new soldiers, led by amateur officers, with no cavalry, and little means of obtaining information of the enemy movements, the citizens of Kings County being mostly Tories who hoped the insurrection would soon be quelled and were willing to give any help they could to the King's men. It was indeed of God's mercy that the disaster which ensued was not greater than it turned out to be; the Revolution could well have ended by the autumn of 1776. Why it did not remains a subject of debate by historians.
Knowing that a movement to Long Island could well be the next British step, Washington divided his army, moving about half of it to Brooklyn, keeping as many men as he dared in New York, in case the enemy should exercise another option as to the point of attack. The fortified line along the Heights was occupied, and outposts placed to the south of it along a line extending roughly from Gowanus Creek, (then a tidal marsh-bordered creek, now a bulk-headed polluted arm of the bay,) to what is now Prospect Park and Greenwood Cemetery. The ridge extending eastward was lightly held by small units as far as what was then called Jamaica Pass, a break in the hills where Evergreen Cemetery now lies, from which the principal country road ran southward through the farms and woods which made up the greater part of Kings County.
On August 22, 1776, the British forces moved across the Narrows from Staten Island, about where the Verrazano Bridge now stands, and occupied the southern towns of the county, Gravesend and Flatlands, without substantial opposition. The American forces were not numerous enough to defend the shores or the passes of the ridge; and their leadership had been thrown into confusion by repeated changes: General Greene, who had originally been in charge of Long Island defenses, had fallen ill, and although General Israel Putnam * was nominally in command, General John Sullivan * and Lord Stirling were more familiar with the ground than he, and for practical purposes led the defenders.
Making full use of the various roads running north across the county, what are now Shore Road, Flatbush, Bedford and New Lots Avenues, on August 27, 1776, the American outposts were stormed, the line outflanked by the capture of Jamaica Pass (held only by a tiny patrol), and rolled up from east to west with such speed that the regiments and companies engaged to the south of the forts were hard pressed to escape capture. That they managed to get away was due mostly to the sacrifice of several hundred Marylanders and Delaware men of Smallwood's and Haslett's regiments, who fought a desperate rear-guard action, and were destroyed; a monument commemorating their sacrifice stands today in Prospect Park. One of the Maryland officers, Major Mordecai Gist *, was wounded and captured, but survived to become in later years Grand Master of Masons in South Carolina.
By good fortune and by General Howe's inertia, so marked that historians have questioned whether his open Whig sympathies may not have affected his judgment, and by great exertions, the remnant of the beaten American force was ferried across the river on the night of August 29. General Sullivan and Lord Stirling were among the prisoners. American losses were about 1000, 200 of whom were killed; the rest, many wounded, were prisoners. British losses are supposed to have been in total about the same, though there were few prisoners in American hands.
Only General Washington gained much credit from the Long Island action, and that for managing a successful retreat across a dark river, as notable in its day as Dunkerque in ours. For the disaster which made the retreat necessary, there was blame enough for everybody.
The remaining efforts to save New York met with no more success. From Brooklyn, the British speedily crossed to Manhattan; the Americans retreated north along the Island, and then into Westchester County. There were small local successes at Harlem Heights and White Plains; but Fort Washington was surrendered with several thousand men, even more of a defeat than the Battle of Long Island. By mid-November, New York was wholly in British hands, and remained so for the rest of the war, the lines being stabilized across Westchester County north of White Plains, about on the line from Armonk to Bedford.
American Union Lodge was shattered by the disaster. A sad page in its minute book reads as follows:
"The British Troops having landed with a large body on Long Island the attention of the American army was necessary to repell them therefore the Brethren did not meet - On the ever memorable 27th of August, the Right Worshipful Joel Clark, Elisha Hopkins, Ozias Bissel, Joseph Jewet, Nathl Gove being taken prisoners - and on the 13th of Septr [at the battle of Harlem Heights] Brother James Chapman and Micajah Gleason killed, Willm. Cleveland and John Palsgrave Wyllys taken prisoner - and Brother Otho Holland Williams taken prisoner at Fort Washington, by which misfortune the Lodge was deprived of its Master & some most worthy members - & many other brethren were called to act in separate Departments wherefore the Lodge stood closed without day. Jona. Heart, Secty."
The Master, Joel Clark, later died a prisoner, and American Union Lodge did not meet again until March 1777, when it convened in Flagg's Tavern in Hartford for a brief and lightly attended meeting, after which it did not meet for two years, when it reorganized at Redding and remained active thereafter, down to the present day, now as American Union Lodge No. 1 on the roster of the Grand Lodge of Ohio.
No other Revolutionary movement ever survived so serious a defeat administered so early in its course as was the battle of Long Island and the events which followed That it persisted was due more than all else to the constancy and courage of George Washington. The road ahead was long and hard and other disasters were met and surmounted; but the infant republic was never in greater danger than on the night of August 29, 1776, when, its lines broken, its numbers decimated, its leaders prisoners, a retreat across a dark, deep river patrolled by enemy warships was hastily contrived and executed.
In what was Fort Putnam, a stately monument stands in memory of the patriots who died of wounds or privation on the prison ships in New York Harbor during the months following the action. Generals Sullivan and Sterling were exchanged and lived to fight again; and General Sullivan became Chief Justice of New Hampshire and Grand Master of Masons in that State, adding in his civil life to the lustre attaching to his name as a brave, far-seeing, but sometimes unfortunate, general.
Note: For a lucid particular description of the course of the military actions of the Revolution, resort may be recommended to Christopher Ward, War of the Revolution.
* Freemasons
FOOTNOTE
(1) The first minute book of American Union Lodge recently has been Published in the Transactions of the American Lodge of Research, Vol. Xl, No. 3. This transcription of the minutes are the product of the devotion and industry of R.W. James R. Case, F.P.S., Grand Historian of Connecticut, and is further illuminated by his notes.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Christopher Ward, War of the Revolution, has a lucid description of the course of the military actions during the Revolutionary War.
John R. Alden, A History of the American Revolution (1969) pp. 245-278.
Bruce Bliven, Jr., The Battle of Manhattan. (1956)
Allen French, The First Year of the American Revolution. (1925)
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In Our Next Issue
Appearing in our October issue of the magazine will be two interesting articles - the first, "Marines In The American Revolution," by General Herman Nickerson, Jr., M.P.S., and "Benedict Arnold's Navy On Lake Champlain," by Richard Tutt. Jr.
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Build a House, Plant a Garden, And Write a Book
By Alphonse Cerza, F.P.S., (Life), Illinois
One never knows w hat golden nugget will be received at a Masonic meeting or ceremony so it is well to go there with an open mind and in a spirit of anticipation. The gathering might be an annual affair with a certain amount of routine items, but in between may be a real surprise. It is these unusual items that can make the going to a meeting something of an adventure.
On November 18, 1972, for example I attended the public installation of officers at my lodge, Riverside Lodge No. 862, of Riverside, Illinois. After the formal ceremony of installation it has been customary over the years for the Worshipful Master to make a few appropriate remarks. This year Brother Leroy A. Crane, made the usual formal remarks, regarding his installation as Worshipful Master of the lodge, and then explained that symbolism plays an important part in the ceremonies and ritual of the Craft. He then stated that he remembers having read some years ago that someone had said that the formula for a happy life was to "build a house, plant a garden. and to write a book." He was a bit disappointed at reading this, as he stated, for he had no ability to use tools to build a house, has no green thumb, and would never attempt to write a book. It was not until he recognized that the author was speaking symbolically that the statement started to make sense. His Masonic training came to the rescue, and he decided to give everyone present the benefit of his observation.
To build a house is a laudable undertaking but constructing a physical structure can be expensive and frustrating. But using the phrase as a symbol, it means that each person should conduct himself in a manner to build a noble character so that our actions, our thought. and our words will reflect credit on ourselves and be a shining example for others to follow.
Planting a garden. symbolically means planting seeds of friendships and nurturing them with kind deeds that will cause these friendships to grow and grow with the passing years.
Writing a book, means that as we live our lives we are being observed by others and if we lead good lives we are making a good impression. Sometimes unknowingly our deeds may be imitated by others if we impress our neighbors with the goodness of our actions.
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By Leon C. W. Kettring, M.P.S.
All of us know of Landmarks. They are defined as a conspicuous object on the horizon. We will term ours of the moment - truly a Landmark of Civilization.
It is the Bible quotation for the Fellowcraft Degree - the Bible is turned to it and marked for such. Yet, how many have ever heard anyone giving a talk on the significance of the selected Bible quotation? It is Amos 7:7 and 8.
The author, Amos, is one of the Minor Prophets of the Old Testament. He lived about 800 years before the Christian Era. He was a man of some means - a shepherd and also a grower of Sycamore trees - a peculiar type found in the Far East. They had a small fig for fruit and so were highly desired by the poorer class of people.
The two kingdoms of the Hebrews were Judah and Israel. They had one thing in common - the oppression of the poor. Amos championed the oppressed - clearly selected for that Mission by the Lord. Amos was a rugged and stern man, fearless and dynamic. Judgement and punishment are favorite themes. His style is simple, yet pure and energetic - rich in metaphor and vivid in symbols. He spoke to the poor with understanding. He scolded those in powerful positions because of their conduct. While they reviled him he did not retreat from his stand.
The Book of Amos is brief, somewhat difficult to read and understand. The Lord appears to Amos and talks with him. In the book are given several visions or dreams. The visions seem difficult to understand, but the one we mention is more plain than the others. It made a great impression on all who could understand it. This one is recorded in the 7th Chapter, the 7th and 8th verses.
"'Thus He showed me: and behold, the Lord stood upon a wall made with a plumbline, with a plumbline in His hand. And the Lord said to me, 'Amos, what seest thou?' And I said, 'A plumbline'. Then said the Lord, 'Behold, I will set a plumbline in the midst of my people Israel: I will not again pass by them anymore.’"
The little left of the vision does not change the gist of it. However, we do see the Landmark of Civilization - the Lesson of Upright Character - even that of Individual Discipline. The people were being told to tell their children more about Hebrew Laws - Upright Behavior. It was an old lesson, now being retold.
What is the significance of the plumbline? Hardly a house or other building has been built in all the world, but, held in the hand of the master builder, it told of the straightness of the walls. The level and square played their part in the building. In most surveyors instruments will be found the plumbline and plumb bob. The point must be set in the center of the cross mark and thus mark boundaries. The weight of the plumb bob keeps the cord straight - and again, there is the lesson - we are to be morally straight and our discipline as individuals perfect. It is a guide for us to observe in future life. The Great Architect gave the Law of Gravity and the plumbline shows it. In our human lives we sometimes make mistakes - and transgress the Great Lessons given by the plumbline.
This one Incident in History, as pertains to Americans is well worth noting. When the American Forces first became involved in Indo-China the Communist High Staff in Moscow gave the order that the Americans were not to be allowed to win that war. Then they put into force another Order of Lenin's - found originally in a safe in Dusseldorf, Germany, in 1919 - "Corrupt the young - get them away from religion - encourage their interest in sex - make them superficial - destroy their ruggedness." The effort was made in many colleges and universities. Then among the teenagers and then those older. The Russian Communists showed their utter contempt for all but their own godless kind - much as the Romans did centuries before."
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By Alphonse Cerza, F.P.S., (Life). Illinois
For many years "The Lodge and the Craft," by our late Brother Rollin C. Blackmer, has been out-of-print. This 295 page book was published originally in 1923, and enjoyed a wide local distribution in Missouri. Masons who have secured the book from Masonic libraries and have read it have tried in vain for years to secure copies. It has now been re-issued and is available in an improved form. The original volume was printed in small type and made it difficult to read; the new volume has enlarged type and is easier to read.
The book contains thirty lectures on Masonic subjects of general interest and the presentation follows pretty much the chronology of the ritual presentation. The book starts with an introductory lecture, then covers how the Craft is organized, various aspects of the conferring the degrees are considered, and there is an explanation of the Landmarks, prayers, the Lost Word, etc. At places in the book the language is quaint, and the ideas are presented in an old fashioned manner (this description is not intended to be derogatory but merely descriptive), but the subjects presented are of interest even today, after the book has been in existence for fifty years.
Available at $6.50 a copy from Macoy Publishing and Masonic Supply Co., 3011 Dumbarton Road. Richmond, Va. 23228.
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There has been published the first of a projected series of booklets under the title "The Plumbline," written by the Reverend Robert E. Anderson, a member of Bedford Lodge No. 14, of Indiana. It is planned to issue these booklets twice a year. The descriptive sub-heading is entitled "A Series of Practical and Inspirational Readings for Masons."
The preface states that the purpose of the booklet is to present short practical and inspirational thoughts designed for frequent reading. Three short quotations from the Holy Bible are presented. Then follow forty pages of short thoughtful statements; none are more than a page long, and some pages have two statements on them. Each statement presents one basic idea.
This booklet, and those to follow, will prove valuable for that moment that comes to each of us each day for relaxation and to find that spark of inspiration and to absorb noble thoughts to help shake off the burdens of the hour.
Available from the author, at $1.60 a copy postpaid, at 1219 14th Street, Bedford, Indiana 47421
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Brother Charles E. Green, has written a book entitled Delaware Heritage, as a bicentennial project. It is the story of Delaware during the War of Independence and covers the work of the Masonic lodge during the period.
Available at $12.00 a copy, from the author, 209 Glenside Ave., Wilmington, Del. 19803.
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The Flag Manual presents a short history of our flag, pictures of early flags, and rules pertaining to the flag.
Available at $2.30 a copy, from the Superintendent of Documents, Washington, D.C. 20402.
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There has been published The Inaugural Addresses of the Presidents of the United States from 1789 to 1973. Each of them make interesting reading when considered in the light of existing conditions at the time the addresses were presented.
Available at $3.00 a copy from the Superintendent of Documents, Washington, D.C. 20402.
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The Craft in New Mexico in 1977 will be celebrating the one hundredth anniversary of the establishment of the Grand Lodge of that state. Brother LaMoine Langston, Past Grand Master, and present Grand Historian, is writing a history of the Craft in that state which is expected to be available during the centennial year.
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Volume Ten of the Transactions of the Texas Lodge of Research has been published and contains the papers presented from March 16, 1974 to March 15, 1975. While many of the papers deal with local matters and are of special interest to Masons of Texas, there are a number of outstanding papers of general interest. For example, there is an article by S.A. Wilhite on Masonic Stamp Collecting; a short article by Frederick P. Stevenson of the condition of the Craft in Germany during the Nazi regime: an article by Plez A. Transou that reviews the material about the Masonic apron in the early catechisms and exposes; and an outstanding article by William P. Vaughn, entitled "The Boston Daily Advocate: Chronicle of Anti-masonic Extremism" which presents a biographical sketch of Benjamin Franklin Hallett, an ardent anti-Mason, and his activity as editor of the Boston Daily Advocate, an anti-Masonic newspaper. This volume also reproduces a thoughtful inspirational talk by Brother R. Lee Lockwood, on the subject of the problems of the Craft today and the real work of the Craft that should command our attention.
Available at $12.95 a copy, from The Texas Lodge of Research, P.O. Box 2923, Houston, Texas 77001.
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The Masonic Service Association has published a play entitled "The Fight," written by Brother Ralph J. Pollard. This one-act play deals with a bicentennial subject and is suitable for presentation at an open meeting of the lodges.
Available from the Association, at 8120 Fenton St., Silver Spring, Maryland, at $1.00 a copy.
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The Grand Lodge of Michigan, in celebrating the Bicentennial anniversary of our country, as well as the 150th anniversary of the formation of the Grand Lodge has issued an interesting combination brochure of eighty-four pages which presents pictures and the story of the Craft generally and specifically in the state. Written and compiled by Brother J. Fairbairn Smith, F.P.S., it is a store house of Masonic lore starting with the year 926.
Available from the Grand Secretary, of the Grand Lodge of Michigan, Masonic Temple, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49502.
GET A NEW MEMBER
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How Does Your State Stand
In Our Membership Campaign?
By Allan D. Parsons, M.P.S.
Chairman, Membership Committee
Whence came Masonry? Nobody knows for sure anymore than the anthropologist know whence came man. But like these determined and dedicated scientists the members of the Philalethes Society keep digging into the past, relating their findings to the present and interpreting them in the directions we are headed.
As indignation continues more light illumines the darkness and more Masons are acquainted with the history of their fraternity, its activities and whither it is headed.
Worthy objectives no one can deny - but what has all this to do with the Membership Committee? It is our purpose, we believe, to stimulate the interest of the members of the Society and to encourage them to share their interest and knowledge with others who otherwise have no dependable source for learning the many things there are to understand and enjoy about the Craft. More members, more light; it is that simple.
In the last issue of The Philalethes Magazine we mentioned the fact that our 1975 goal of 250 new members had been achieved - and that we were increasing our 1976 goal by 50%, or a target of 375 new members. With the help of the State Membership Chairmen and Co-Chairmen and you, who read this intent, we CAN scale the new heights we are attempting. This breaks down to seven new members from each of the 50 States and 50 new members from across the borders and overseas. Some States will exceed these figures.
In the first five months of 1976 Pennsylvania leads with 20 new members, followed by Ohio with 14, Tennessee with 11, Illinois with nine, California with eight, and New Jersey with seven.
Several States have passed their half-way point. These are Minnesota with six, Missouri six, North Carolina six, New York five, Iowa four, Virginia four, and Wisconsin four.
Nearing the half-way mark are: Georgia with three, Maine three, Massachusetts three, Nebraska three, and Washington three.
States with two new members are: Alabama, Kentucky, Okalhoma, and Texas, States with one are: Arkansas, Arizona, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wyoming.
The States from which no new members have petitioned are: Alaska, Colorado, Hawaii, Kansas, Louisiana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Orgon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, and Utah.
From across the borders and over-seas we have nine new members.
By the time you read this report many more new members will have been added to our roster. How many of their petitions have you signed? Have you tried to interest a member of the fraternity in becoming a member of The Philalethes Society?
If we were a betting man we would say the first Mason you talk to About the Philalethes Society, its purposes, its activities and its magazine – and you let him know that you mean it, will be glad you offered him the opportunity of signing a petition. You don't have to be the greatest salesman in the world, just convey your sincere interest in Masonry and your desire to share it. Of course we wouldn't want you to bet against yourself. All that we are asking is that you make that first effort.
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Candidates For Baseball Hall of Fame
By Jimmie Rader
Lodge Ohio 717
Five Masons were Candidates for Baseball Hall of Fame in 1972 – Allie Reynolds, pitcher, Oklahoma 276; Hal Newhouser, pitcher, Michigan 417; Bobby Doerr, second baseman, Oregon 128, Richie Ashburn, outfielder, Nebraska 166; and Dutch Leonard, pitcher, California 366.
There are 42 Masons in t he Hall of Fame now. I met eight Masons there at Cooperstown in 1970: Earle Combs, outfielder, Kentucky 25; Bob Feller, pitcher, Iowa 256; Frankie Frisch, second baseman, Missouri 445; Waite Hoyt, pitcher, New York 511; Edd Roush, outfielder, Indiana 467; Red Ruffing, pitcher, Illinois 236; Bill Terry, first baseman, Tennessee 95, and Zack Wheat, outfielder, Missouri 152.
In 1971 Allie Reynolds received 110 votes; Hal Newhouser, 94 votes; Bobby Doerr, 78 votes; Richie Ashburn, 10 votes; and Dutch Leonard, three votes.
Dave Bancroft, shortstop, Wisconsin 236, last year was elected by the Veterans Committee and inducted into the Hall of Fame last summer.
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To Our Members
Our Executive Secretary, Franklin J. "Andy" Anderson, who has just completed a successful year as Grand Master of the Grand Council, Royal and Select Masters of Missouri, will retire in mid-August, as Associate Editor and Business Manager of the Royal Arch Mason, and move to be with his family, in Maryland. All correspondence concerning the Society will be addressed to him at his new address-
FRANKLIN J. "ANDY" ANDERSON.
9580 Standon Place,
Columbia, Maryland 21405
As Associate Editor of the Royal Arch Mason he was also Business Manager, bookkeeper and Librarian, primarily responsible for the promotion of the magazine, and the Educational Bureau of the General Grand Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, International, concerning himself with promotional material for various York Rite Conference displays, and working closely with the General Grand Chapter's educational activities. For the 1975-78 Trienium he is Chairman of the General Grand Council committee on Cryptic History and Promotion.
In order to keep the communications channels open, and to insure the continued flow of information between the officers of the Society and our members, it is essential that all correspondence should be sent to his new address.
Our readers are urged to take due notice of this important matter.
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Welcome To
New Members
EDWIN E. ARMSTEAD, Box 227, Independence, Iowa 50644. Recommended by J. E. Marsengill, F.P.S.
WILLIAM EDMUND SCOTT, 23 Raymond Avenue, Pembroke, Massachusetts 02359. Recommended by Vernon S. Bowers, M.P.S.
WARREN M. JOHNSON, 119 Windsor Street, Kearny, New Jersey 07032. Recommended by J. Vernon Ashworth, M.P.S.
CLOYD DEAN RAYMOND, 221 W. 7th Street, Blue Earth, Minnesota 56013. Recommended by Cleon V. Cain, M.P.S.
CLARENCE ARTHUR DAINS, 5508 Brookland Rd., Alexandria, Virginia 22310. Recommended by Allen E. Roberts, F.P.S.
HAROLD OSCAR HUGHES, 1 Runnymead Rd., Apt. 3, Toronto, Ont., Canada M6S 2Y1. Recommended by William Barlow, M.P.S.
FRANK SAMUEL DULING, 3823 Brook Road, Richmond, Virginia 23227. Recommended by Allen E. Roberts F.P.S.
THOMAS M. BIBB, 912 Tanglewood Dr., Cary, North Carolina 27511. Recommended by Otis V. Jones, Jr. M.P.S.
GEORGE ROBERT BORDEWICK, 10052 N.E. 30th Place, Bellevue, Washington 98004. Recommended by Erwin L. Hippe, M.P.S.
DONALD A. BEVERING, 601 High, Keokuk, Iowa 52632. Recommended by J.E. Marsengill, F.P.S.
WILLIAM CHARLES DWYER, 225 West 23rd Street, New York, New York 10011, Recommended by Allan D. Parsons, M.P.S.
WILLETT REGINALD TILLETT, P.O. Box 473, Manteo, North Carolina 27954. Recommended by F.J. Anderson, F.P.S.
RALPH CASSEL, 201 Maple Avenue Wilmington, Delaware 19809. Recommended by Thomas A. O'Halloran.
GEORGE E. FRANCIS, P.O. Box 572, Belgrade, Montana 59714. Recommended by Ernest A. Neath, M.P.S.
DR. JOSE ROBERTO LEVI-CASTILLO P.O. Box 3606, Guayaquil, Ecuador South America. Recommended by Alphonse Cerza, F.P.S.
RICHARD EUGENE REEDY, SR., 4030 Fairfax Dr., Upper Arlington, Ohio 43220. Recommended by Edgar L. Ott, M.P.S.
J. BERKLEY GREEN, P.O. Box 385, Herndon, Virginia 22070. Recommended by William E. Copenhaver M.PS.
THOMAS C. WARREN, P.O. Box 1007, Frankfort, Michigan 49635. Recommended by Franklin J. Anderson, F.P.S.
ERNEST DEJAIFFE, 214-21 Avenue, Altoona, Pennsylvania 16601. Recommended by Reno A. Lepley, M.P.S.
CAS VINCENT McLAIN, JR., P.O. Box 262, Mobile, Alabama 36601. Recommended by George L. Marshall, Jr., M.P.S.
HOWARD WILLING ERICKSON, 8301 Ridge Blvd., Brooklyn, New York 11209. Recommended by Frank Zeltman, M.P.S.
RICHARD LEE DUPLISEA, 18 Skylark Road, Portland, Maine 04103. Recommended by Edwin E. Cummings, M.P.S.
ROBERT WILLIAM YOUNG, Rte. 2, Box 671, Shelton, Washington 98584. Recommended by Edwin L. Hippe, M.P.S.
FRANKLIN K. EMERY, 504 Fifth Avenue So., La Crosse, Wisconsin 54601. Recommended by Arthur W. McBain, Jr., M.P.S.
WAYNE LEE KIRK, P. O. Box 305, Tucson, Arizona 85702. Recommended by Estel W. Brooks, M.P.S.
HAROLD OWEN MONTGOMERY, 157 Oak Drive, North Canton, Ohio 44720. Recommended by Warren F. Bower, M.P.S.
DENNIS W. WEED, P.O. Box 8074, Erie, Pennsylvania 16505. Recommended by Richard Bard, M.P.S.
FREDERICK V. RHYDER, HES CO, SUP BN, 3D FSSG, SOCC, FPO, San Francisco, California 96602. Recommended by Murray V. Harlan, Jr., M.P.S.
ROBERT WESLEY HASSELL, 1700 Yardley Road, Morrisville, Pennsylvania 19067. Recommended by Stewart M.L. Pollard, M.P.S.
DONALD MALCOLM HOTCHKISS. 12121 S. 28th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68123. Recommended by Murray V. Harlan, Jr., M.P.S.
HAROLD RIED MULLIN, II, 1304 Winthorne Drive, Nashville, Tennessee 37217. Recommended by Harold R. Mullin, M.P.S.
TERRANCE LEE FLOWER, P.O. Box 82, Swarthmore, Pennsylvania 19081. Recommended by Donald D. Thomas, M.P.S.
FRANKLIN ROBERT HARTRANFT, 310 Douglas Dr., Bellevue, Nebraska 68005. Recommended by Charles R. Jacobs, Lodge Secy.
HAROLD GEORGE SCHLIERER, 2115 W. Mulberry Ave., San Antonio, Texas 78201. Recommended by Frederic L. Glassford. M.P.S.
RENE GUILLY, 55 bd Jean Jaures, 92110 Clichy, France. Recommended by John B. Vrooman, F.P.S.
OWEN MICHAEL MCKINNEY, 1967 Goldsmith Lane, B6, Louisville, Kentucky 40218. Recommended by John B. Vrooman, F.P.S.
HOBARD PATRICK MCCLURKAN, 6301 Hillsboro Road, Nashville, Tennessee 37215. Recommended by John B. Arp, Jr., M.P.S.
WILLIAM WILEY DODD, JR., 3321 W. Yakima, Rasco, Washington 99301. Recommended by Erwin L. Hippe, M.P.S.
GEORGE ANDREW FINNIE, R.R.1, Port Hope, Ont., Canada L1A 3V5. Recommended by Allan D. Parsons, M.P.S.
JAMES CAVANESS TAYLOR. 1207 Mayor Lane, Elk City, Oklahoma 73644. Recommended by Kenneth C. Johnson, M.P.S.
NORMAN DOUGLASS WILSON, 1425 Woodland Dr., Rochester, Minnesota 55901. Recommended by Julius W. Opheim, M.P.S.
WENDELL HOBBS, 1007 Galbraith Avenue, Boothwyn, Pennsylvania 19061. Recommended by Alfred E. Yeaton, M.P.S.
JOHN MAUK HILLIARD, 2850 Webb Avenue No. 7H, Bronx, New York 10468. Recommended by William Stemper, M.P.S.
RICHARD ENFIELD MILLER, 4 Westover Club Dr., Apt. A-21, Norristown, Pennsylvania 19401. Recommended by Donald F. Young, M.P.S.
HARRY E. SARK, 21 Walnut Street, Ashville, Ohio 43103. Recommended by Allan D. Parsons, M.P.S.
HANCEL ALLEN WINEGAR, 215 Belmont Avenue, Church Hill, Tennessee 37642. Recommended by James P. Wagner, M.P.S.
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The Master
The Worshipful Master in the East occupies the most exalted position in the gift of the lodge. A lodge which does not honor its Master, not because of what he himself may be, but on account of the honor given him, is lacking in Masonic courtesy. The position he occupies, not the man, must be given the utmost respect, if the traditions of the Fraternity are to be observed.
It is, therefore, to the Master, not to John Smith who happens to be the Master, that you offer a salute when you enter or retire from lodge. Like any other salute, this may be done courteously and as if you meant it, or perfunctorily as if you did not care.
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Masonic Lodge of Research
Honors Ronald E. Heaton
The sixth "James Royal Case Medal of Excellence" award, "A salute to the Bicentennial," sponsored by the Masonic Lodge of Research, A.F. & A.M. of Connecticut, was presented to Ronald E. Heaton, Norristown, Pa., on Friday, May 7th, in Bridgeport, Conn.
The pre-requisite for the Bicentennial year's candidate was "that he show in his lifetime, an outstanding leadership and achievement in Masonic research and writing, primarily relating to the Colonial and Revolutionary war period." Heaton fulfilled these requirements admirably.
Some of his works in this regard include: "Guidebook & Historical Record, Valley Forge State Park"; "Freemasons and Freemasonry at Valley Forge"; "The Image of Washington, the Story of the Houdon Statue"; "George Washington"; "Loud & Clear, the Story of the Liberty Bell" (Co-author, H. Voorhis); "Masonic Membership of the Founding Fathers"; "Benjamin Franklin, 1706-1790"; "The Lodge at Fredericksburg - A Digest of the Early Records" (co-author, James R. Case). He has also been a contributor to the Masonic Service Association Digests and Short Talk Bulletins, as well as the Philalethes Society magazine, and others.
The program this year differed in several ways. A special reception for Royal Arch Masons was held in honor of Brother Heaton's membership in the York Rite, with Jerusalem Chapter No. 13 being the host. It was a very pleasant thirty minutes for all concerned.
A joint resolution Number 67, issued by the Connecticut State Senate and House, declaring Friday, May 7th, 1976 as "Ronald E. Heaton Day" in Conn., was read. It was authentically signed and sealed by the Clerks of both the Senate and House, the Secretary of State and the Lt. Governor.
Conrad Hahn, distinguished Executive Director of the Masonic Service Association, a recipient of the James Case medal and a past Grand Master of Conn., introduced the subject of Heaton's works and background, glowingly speaking of the value of Heaton's writings on behalf of Freemasonry. Brother Connie is always a treat to listen to. regardless of his subject.
Brother Heaton then read his specially prepared paper on how he and Jim Case came to write their book "The Lodge at Fredericksburg," the problems and how they licked them. It was an interesting resume of the "how" and "why" of George Washington's Mother Lodge.
Prior to this of course the lodge was formally opened. The honored guest was received; the Grand Master and his suite of Grand Lodge officers, district deputies, past district deputies and other dignitaries received and welcomed. M.W. R. Stanley Harrison, junior past Grand Master presented Brother Heaton with a large wooden key, symbolically opening the hearts of all Connecticut Freemasons to the honored guest. The Citation, Honorary membership in the lodge and a commemorative scrap book of the occasion were also presented to Heaton.
Wor. Brother Robert Clemens, Worshipful Master of Charity Lodge No. 190, Norristown, Pa., responded on behalf of the visiting brethren and enthusiastically thanked the lodge for honoring their member, and for the excellent program. Three visitors came from Norristown and many others from surrounding states.
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Shrine Temples Boost Shrine Hospitals
The waning months of 1975 saw several notable "all-out" efforts on the part of Shrine Temples and Temple Units to support Shriners Hospitals through the staging of hospital clinics and blood bank programs.
Among those reporting to the PR Department at Central Office, Chicago, were Sharon Temple's record-breaking month-long program of 800 pints and their one-day project with Junior College students of 360 pints.
In Chicago, at the Chicago Unit of Shriners Hospitals, the "first ever" program of the under-40 Shuban Shrine Club of Medinah Temple brought in 150 pints of blood in what Temple and Unit officials called a "highly successful day." The Shuban project drew donors from as far away as Orak Temple, Hammond, Ind. and the day noted the 100% participation of Medinah's Divan in the "blood letting."
The Chicago Unit's auditorium was turned into the eight-bed area where the donors gave their blood. Cooperating with the Shuban Shrine Club and the Chicago Unit was the Michael Reese Blood Center, which provided personnel. Full credit for each unit received at the Chicago Unit will be given the Chicago Unit, which can draw against the account as needed.
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The only rent in Bermuda not to have gone up in 150 years was formally paid in St. George's King's Square recently - before hundreds of spectators.
The annual "peppercorn" ceremony, in which members of Masonic Lodge 200 pay rent of one peppercorn for use of the State House, again attracted big crowds.
The rental agreement was made in 1816, and ever since, with the exception of two or three years in World War II, a peppercorn has been handed over and placed in a bank vault for safe keeping.
This year the Governor's daughter Mrs. Hope Thurlby, took the place of Lady Leather who is in England on family matters.
She arrived in the Square in a horse-drawn landau, escorted by police outriders.
Then a 17-round salute from the guns of the Bermuda Regiment marked the arrival of Governor Sir Edwin Leather aboard a naval barge at Market Wharf.
He was greeted by the Mayor, the Wor. the Hon. Norman Roberts, and the Commanding Officer of the Regiment, Lt. Col. Cragin Curtis.
As the gun salute ended, a fanfare was sounded by regimental trumpeters and the Governor's own standard was broken on the masthead in the Square.
The Governor inspected the guard while the regimental band played.
Mr. Roberts made a speech of welcome in which he congratulated Sir Edwin on his extended term as Governor, and described St. George's as "one of the most beautiful towns in the Western Hemisphere."
Sir Edwin replied "We have come to regard this unique occasion in St. George as a happy blend of ceremony, tradition and family party."
This would be his last appearance at the peppercorn ceremony, and he thanked the townspeople for their kindness, and the Mayor for the way he carried out his duties.
Members of the Corporation were presented to the Governor before the Mayor made the call to the Worshipful Master of the Lodge - "to see the rent is paid, or suffer the pains and penalties of non-fulfilment."
After the peppercorn had been handed over and the Anglican Bishop, the Rt. Rev. and Rt. Hon. Robert Stopford had said a prayer, a piper and drummer led the way to the State House, followed by lodge members, the Governor, Premier the Hon. Jack Sharpe, and members of the Cabinet.
After the formal meeting of the Governor's Council and Cabinet there, a reception was given by the Mayor at Holiday Inn.
The Peppercorn Ceremony
The traditional "Peppercorn Ceremony" celebrated here, originated in 1816 when the seat of the Bermuda Government was moved from St. George to Hamilton. The State House, which was the scene of meetings of Her Majesty's council and the site of many official functions, was granted to the Mayor, Aldermen and Common Council of St. George in trust for Lodge St. George No. 266 for the annual rent of one peppercorn.
Lodge St. George No. 200 was constituted under a charter from the Grand Lodge of Scotland, dated 7 August 1797. Meetings of the Lodge during these early days were held at the house of Mr. Adam Brown and Mr. Richardson's Long Room. During August 1812, His Excellency the Governor, Sir James Cockburn, granted the Lodge a plot of land for a Masonic Hall. The Foundation Stone was laid in St. John the Evangelist's Day, 1812 by the Right Worshipful Brother John Van Norden, D.G.M. and the Mayor of St. George. The building was never completed.
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The Confrontation Of GM Abraham Jonas and John Cook Bennett At Nauvoo
By Mervin B. Hogan, M.P.S.
(A paper read at Consistory of Blue Friars, Washington, D.C . February 22, 1976).
PART II
This concludes a two part section which began in the June issue.
"Resolved, that the investigation of the charge preferred against Dr. John C. Bennett be postponed until the next regular communication to take place on Thursday the 16th Inst. and that the Secretary pro tempore, write to Grand Master A. Jonas and inform him of the proceedings of the lodge in reference to this case."
Among those present at this meeting were: Joseph Smith, Hyrum Smith, Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, George A. Smith, John Taylor, Elias Higbee, Francis M. Higbee, James Sloan, Newel K. Whitney, Charles C. Rich, Thomas Grover, King Follett, Hiram Kimball, Vinson Knight, Jacob B. Backenstos, and Robert D. Foster.
George Miller, the Master of the Lodge, called the regular communication to order at 6:00 o'clock P. M., Thursday, June 16, 1842. All of the officers were present and Willard Richards served as acting Secretary. There were 112 Master Masons, three Fellowcrafts, three Entered Apprentices and one visiting brother in attendance.
Prominent names present were: Joseph Smith, Hyrum Smith, John Cook Bennett, Wilford Woodruff, George A. Smith, Wilson Law, Charles C. Rich, John P. Greene, James Sloan, Elias Highee, Hosea Stout, Henry G. Sherwood, William Clayton, and Albert P. Rockwood.
Concerning Bennett, the record states,
"The W.M. then called the Secretary Pro Tem. to read the several communications from G.M.A. Jonas and others relative to the charges preferred against John C. Bennett which was accordingly done. The evidence set forth in those communications satisfied the minds of a majority of the brethren of the reality of his being an expelled Mason; but in consequence of his presenting various documents from men of high standing in Society in the neighborhood of Willoughby, [Ohio], and some from brethren of the Fraternity in the same neighborhood dated about the time Bro. Patterson says he was expelled showing the high estimation in which he was held by those gentlemen; and also referring expressly to a communication from Bro. Patterson to him dated sometime about a year ago, breathing the most friendly feelings, and in the strongest language soliciting the continuance of former friendship, and further in consequence of his still urging that if he had been so expelled he never had been informed of the circumstance until the same was read in a communication from Grand Master A. Jonas dated May 24th [sic], It was
"Resolved, that his case be further postponed until the next regular communication, to take place on the first Thursday in July, giving furtherance for the minutes of the lodge at Pickaway concerning Bennett's expulsion to be obtained, and that the Secretary Pro Tem. shall write to Pickaway lodge requesting a copy of the minutes of their said lodge concerning his expulsion, to be forwarded to Nauvoo as soon as possible and also to write to G.M.A. Jonas stating the proceedings of the lodge in reference to this matter."
On June 24, Nauvoo Lodge celebrated Masonry's traditional Festival of St. John the Baptist. The Lodge membership present consisted of 130 Master Masons, six Fellowcrafts, and three Entered Apprentices; while 18 visiting brethren, including Joseph Kelley of Bodley Lodge No. 1 at neighboring Quincy, were in attendance.
The minutes of the day give the further facts:
At "2 o'clock P.M. Lodge called from refreshment to labor. The W.M. then ordered the Secy. pro tem. to read all the communications touching the case of Dr. John C. Bennett which was accordingly done; after which he called the S.W., Hyrum Smith to the chair, . . . " Among those present were Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, John Taylor, Wilford Woodruff, Heber C. Kimball, Hosea Stout, James Sloan, Wilson Law, and Francis M. Higbee. John C. Bennett was absent. The acting Secretary was Willard Richards.
At the regular meeting of Thursday, July 7, 1842 the subject was again an agenda item. George Miller presided and William Clayton acted as Secretary. No enlightening or explanatory comments are recorded; the Minutes are brief and to the point,
"The W.M. then stated that with regard to the case of John C. Bennett he had not as yet received any communication from Pickaway Lodge but did not judge it necessary to postpone the action of the Lodge in his case any longer. It was therefore,
"Resolved that the Lodge is fully satisfied that John C. Bennett, is an expelled mason, and that his name be stricken from the rolls; and that this lodge regards him as totally unworthy the fellowship, or regard, of all good and honorable men or masons."
The regular communication of Thursday, August 4, 1842 was convened at 4:00 o'clock P.M. with George Miller in the Master's chair and William Clayton acting as Secretary. Grand Master Abraham Jonas now enters the proceedings decisively and authoritatively,
"The W.M. then requested the E.A.s & F.C.s to withdraw, which being done he ordered the Secy. to read a communication from G. M. A. Jonas, setting forth that whether Bennett had previously been expelled or not it was our duty to expell him for his conduct here. The letter was accordingly read but in consequence of our Bye-laws requiring two-thirds of all the members of the Lodge to be present to expell a member; it was resolved that the lodge be convened on Monday next at 4 o'clock P.M. in the Lodge Room to act on this case, and that the Secy. give public notice of the same by posting written notices of the same in various parts of the City."
The special communication called for Monday, August 8, 1842 assembled at 4:00 o'clock P.M. The Minutes of this meeting reveal a great deal of valuable information, by implication primarily. Only two of the regular officers were in attendance and there was not a single officer serving in his titular office. The Junior Warden, Lucius N. Scovil, served as Worshipful Master and Henry G. Sherwood was Secretary, each pro tempore. There were 138 Master Masons and three visiting brethren present. An implied attitude of the Lodge is conveyed by the names of those who are absent. John Cook Bennett, Joseph Smith, George Miller, Hyrum Smith, Brigham Young, John Taylor, Wilford Woodruff, Heber C. Kimball, and all such high ranking members of the Mormon hierarchy and Masons of prominence are absent. Essentially the rank and file membership of the Lodge have been assembled to execute the orders of Grand Master Jonas. The ever loyal, devoted, and dependable Lucius N. Scovil has been called upon to see that the assignment is legally and capably completed.
The record reports,
"The W.M. then called upon the Secy. pro tem. to read the charges preferred against John C. Bennett which was done as follows,
"To Nauvoo Lodge U.D.
"Dr brethren, I hereby prefer the following charges against John C. Bennett late secretary of this Lodge
"1st Seduction. For seducing certain previously respectable females of our city by using Joseph Smith's name as one who sanctioned such conduct.
"2nd Adultery. For illicit intercourse with various females frequently.
"3rd Lying. In using Joseph Smith's name as before stated, saying that said Smith taught and practiced illicit intercourse with women, he knowing it to be false.
"4th Perjury. In swearing that he was under duress when he made a certain affidavit before Esq. Wells when it is well known he never was under restraint or confinement at all whilst in this city.
"5th Embezzlement. For making use of money belonging to the lodge without either knowledge or consent of said lodge.
"6th. For illicit intercourse with a Master Mason's wife.
"Satisfactory evidence being set forth before the Lodge in each and every case, the voice of the lodge was taken in each case separately; when it was declared by the Lodge that he is considered guilty of all the above charges without a dissenting voice. Whereupon the following resolution was passed, to Wit;-
"Resolved, That John C. Bennett be expelled from this lodge and from all the privileges of Masonry, he being considered one of the most base and infamous adulterers, liars, and a general plunderer of female chastity. And further, that he is dishonest and not worthy to be trusted, that he is perjured and not worthy of credit; and that he has broken his solemn obligation as a Master Mason. And, that the Secy P.T. be authorised immediately to communicate this action of the Lodge to all the Lodges under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of this State."
Possibly due to inexperience on the part of the acting Secretary, the name of whoever preferred the charges is not stated; and then again it may have been an intentional omission.
This long forgotten record win be variously read and interpreted by different people. It is abundantly clear, though, that the Lodge took its own ample time to consider Bennett's case unhurriedly and with due process. It would seem that emotion was at a minimum, and apparently both Christian and Masonic charity of the mind and spirit were graciously extended Bennett by the Lodge. Also, it appears that a rather successful effort was made to keep those matters of the case relating to Freemasonry sharply separate and distinct from Bennett's difficulties with Joseph Smith and the Church.
The real reasons and/or causes why Grand Master Jonas entered the case and insisted on overlooking nothing which could be charged against Bennett, and fully prosecuting him for the same, were most probably not known then and certainly cannot be ascertained now. But the positive and demanding action on the part of Jonas (himself a lawyer) does leave provocative and disturbing queries.
Beyond any doubt, Abraham Jonas insisted on beating the dead horse long after it was dead. That the Lodge was totally unsympathetic and out of harmony with this administrative order is amply demonstrated by the atmosphere in which the last trial was held.
The Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Illinois, A.F.&A.M., for 1842 present the final, official proclamation,
"Expelled - John C. Bennett, M.M., about 38 years of age, 5 feet 7 or 8 inches high, dark complexion, dark eyes, Roman nose, lost his upper front teeth; quick spoken, good language, by profession a physician, residing in New York; for gross unMasonic conduct; on the 8th day of August, 1842."
Bennett's remaining years reflected much the same pattern he had earlier cast. He followed James Jesse Strang and his splinter group for several years, but again he "fell from grace." He moved to the vicinity of Plymouth, Massachusetts and resided there for a period of time raising poultry and carrying on in his own way with dentistry and medicine. (8)
He finally left Plymouth under unknown circumstances and moved to Polk County, Iowa. He applied himself to sheep, cattle, and poultry raising, as well as continuing to practice medicine. His talents as a promoter were again demonstrated in 1861 when he became an instigator in the organization of the Tenth Iowa Infantry, in which he served with the rank of major. He became Surgeon in Field and Staff of the Third U.S. Infantry in 1865. His death occurred August 5, 1867 and he is buried in the Polk City Cemetery. (9)
In death as in life, the memory of John Cook Bennett is a deceit and a fraud. Although at the time of his death he was under the sentence of expulsion from the benefits, privileges, and honors of Freemasonry by two Masonic Lodges, his tombstone is embellished with the Masonic insignia of the square and compasses; the emblem of the Order to which he had no right and which he disgraced in every sense. (10)
(8) John C. Bennett, The Poultry Book: A Treatise on Breeding and General Management of Domestic Fowls, with Numerous Original Descriptions, and Portraits from Life, Phillips, Sampson & Co., Boston, 1854, 320 pp.
(9) Ralph V. Chamberlin, The University of Utah, 1850-1950; University of Utah Press, 1960, pp. 577-578.
(10) Jerry Marsengill, "Grave of John C. Bennett Located;" [lowa] Grand Lodge Bulletin, Vol. 71, No. 9, November, 1970, Cedar Rapids, lows, pp. 683-684.
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The Lewis
There are three meanings given by Mackey to the word LEWIS; 1. An instrument in Freemasonry, being an iron cramp by which a large stone may be raised; 2. In the English system, the LEWIS is found on the Trestle Board of the Entered Apprentice, being a symbol of Strength, partially connected with the symbolism of the LEWIS as found under (1) above; 3. The Son of a Freemason is, in England, called a LEWIS, because, says Mackey, it is his duty to support the failing powers of his father, and bear the burden, that his parents may rest in their old age, etc.
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Chat, Comment and Masonic Queries
News, Views and Items of Interest about Our Members - Requests For Masonic Information and Other Data – Comments - Pfan Mail and Discussion - Bits of Pfoolishness!
This Page Conducted by Jerry Marsengill, F.P.S., 2714 Park Place, Des Moines, Iowa 50312.
A note from William E. Parker, M.P.S. and P.J.G.W. of the G.L.N.F. of France informs us of much of the history of the G.L.N.F. He also mentions if any brethren are visiting France the French National Grand Lodge is located at No. 65 Boulevard Bineau, Neuilly which is on the western edge of Paris. I wish I had more space to quote from his interesting and fraternal letter. Brother Parker has for sale his book which tells the story of Masonry in a brief and concise manner. It is available for $10.50 from William E. Parker, 168 Sheffield Road, Battle Creek. Michigan 49015.
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After a long dry spell, lasting some four years I have a letter from Lenville Rogers down in Texas. He is back into the Masonic game again, and certainly a welcome correspondent. He also sent a copy of Lightfoot's large monitor to me. Since I had only seen the small one this was a welcome gift. Would that every Grand Jurisdiction had had a Lightfoot.
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Cyril E. "Bud" Brubaker, M.P.S. got his 50-year veteran's medal on December 8, 1975 in Orange Lodge of Orange, Mass. For the benefit of the uninitiated we can say that Bud publishes the Orange Masonic Newsletter each month. This is one of the most delightful little papers which we receive, especially the remarks which he entitles "Budliners." I quote but one which should be of especial interest to Dwight L. Smith, Al Cerza, and myself: "He who parts his hair low on one side has something to cover up."
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From Lewis J. Birt, 51 Washington St., Red Bank, N.J. 07701 "The answer to the question on the back cover of Philalethes June 1976 as to the meaning of the letters 7(1/6 - 5(2/3 - 3 is as follows:
1. These are numbers.
2. They refer to the Craft Degrees in the lecture which describes the number in a lodge thus -7 1/6 indicates 7 compose an EA lodge 1 MM and 6 EA and meet on the Ground Floor of the Temple
Five and two-thirds indicates 5 comprise a FC lodge 2 MM and 3 FC and meet in the Middle Chamber. 3 indicates 3 comprise a MM lodge 3 MM and meet under the SS. Hope this meets with your approval.
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From Dr. S. Brent Morris, 5449 Ring Dove Lane, Columbia, Maryland 21044. "I read your recent inquiry in the Chat, Comment and Masonic Queries column in The Philalethes. While I have never been told directly the meanings of 7(1/6 - 5(2/3 - 3 I do think I may shed some light on the
Matter. If you will recall your lectures explaining the minimum number of Masons necessary to open various types of lodge some understanding is available. An Entered Apprentice Lodge is opened by Seven Masons, one MM and 6 EA. A FC Lodge is opened by 5 Masons 2 MM and 3 FC. A Master Masons Lodge is opened by three MM. I trust I have been of some service."
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I have about 15 more answers all substantially the same. The same appears in our monitorial work which we become familiar with in Iowa when we take our District Lecturers Examination. There are also two other esoteric explanations for these numbers as well as the three, five, and seven steps in the MiddIe Chamber Lecture all dealing with the Pythagoran system.
And finally, THIS –
"13 Elizabeth Avenue, Caribou,
Maine 04736, June 22, 1976.
Dear Brother Marsengill:
In the June 1976 issue of Philalethes you state that Mel Pfankuche threw you a "Hot one" by forwarding a question from a Brother in South Carolina regarding the meaning of the figures 7(1/6 - 5(2/3 - 3. If you are mystified by them, then you'd better turn in your recently acquired trappings as Grand Master of the Grand Council of Iowa, return to your mother lodge and work through the chairs -or at least listen attentively to the Master Mason degree lectures a few more times. Any Master Mason should know they mean: (Here he gives the esoteric part of the "How many compose a lodge of EA, FC, MM., etc. in a backwards form of the Royal Arch Cipher.) How's that - for a "hot one?" I'll bet Mel is still laughing!
Fraternally,
C.B. Knox, P.M., M.P.S."
Reckon he sure told he whose boar ate the cabbage, didn’t he?
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From Cecil Ellis of the Masonic Employment Bureau in Chicago. We learn that the D in Daniel D Topmskins name stood for Decius. He also gives a fairly interesting history of that branch of the Tompkins family which I will have to omit in order to conserve space.
Cecil claims to be the oldest living member of the Philalethes Society.
* * *
Jean O. Heineman of Nordfors, Odinsgate 21, Oslo 2, Norway advises that he has a complete set of The Philalethes for sale Vols. I to V are bound in one volume, the balance are loose. If anyone is interested in these, please communicate with Brother Heinman directly.
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Running around picking up little bits of information I find that, during the last Public Schools week conducted by the Grand Lodge of California Miss Kathy Kolf was given an Honorable Mention Award. Kathy is the granddaughter of one Alphonse Cerza, F.P.S. (Life).
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The Illinois Lodge of Research was instituted on June 19th at Bloomington. At this writing they have 302 members. The Philalethes Society is well represented among the officers, Louis L. Williams, Homer L. Zumwalt, Hugh A. Cole, William B. Barnes, David M. Reinhardt and Irvin A. Uphoff.
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Women's Liberation and Freemasonry
By Alphonse Cerza, F.P.S., (Life). Illinois
The so-called "women's liberation" movement is a misnomer; the women are not enslaved and need no liberation. What is really their aim is equal treatment under similar conditions and equal opportunity in the many activities in which human beings engage. Since the industrial revolution began and women became emancipated from the home they have engaged in a continuous struggle for a place in the sun, and they have been successful much too slowly. Their efforts have begun to bear fruit, however, in greater measure in recent years. Their current campaign for the adoption of the Equal Rights Amendment to the United States Constitution has become one of the highly controversial political and social questions of the day.
The Craft cannot become involved in this current campaign as it would lead to divisiveness and destroy the harmony that should prevail within the Craft. The many issues raised by women and the numerous law suits filed in recent years in their campaign for equal treatment would indicate that it is only a question of time and the issue will be raised that the Craft is unfair in having a "men's only" organization. The adoption of the Equal Rights Amendment would probably hasten the day when such an issue might be raised. Accordingly, it is well at this time that we give some thought as to legal position of the Craft in the matter. A study of the legal principles involved and how these rules are applicable to the Craft will be helpful in preparing ourselves for that day which may arrive and an aggressive woman raises the question in a court proceeding that she ought to be accepted as a member of the Craft.
Our first consideration is that traditionally Freemasonry has been a "men's only" organization. During the period that the operative craft was being converted into the symbolic Craft the work was hard and required muscles of steel and strong backs; only men could do that kind of work. The result was that the lodges had only men as members. With the emergence of our present speculative Craft the rule was continued in Anderson's Constitutions and has continued to the present day.
The common law of England looked upon women almost as non-persons especially when they married; the identity of the wife was merged into that of her husband and she could not enter into contracts or even file a suit in her own name. The law has come a long way since then as women have been granted greater and greater recognition in the eyes of the law with the passing years. Nevertheless, there are many areas where they are not treated as equals.
Since the United States Constitution is the fundamental law of the land we must start with this famous charter. Taking the First and Fourteenth Amendments together the United States Supreme Court, in 1958, in NAACP vs. Alabama, 357 U.S. 449, held for the first time that the freedom of association with others is a constitutional right. Since then the court in a variety of situations had had the occasion to hold that persons should be free to choose the persons and groups with whom they will associate for various reasons.
The Equal Rights Amendment states that "Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any State on account of sex." The key words here are "rights under the law" so that we must examine the rules of law as to what legal rights anyone has to join any group. On the basis of existing law this may seem like a simple proposition, but suits under the Civil Rights Act of 1964 have shown a remarkable amount of ingenuity by persons filing suits.
The general rule is stated in 27 C.J. 899-900 (a legal encyclopedia), as follows:
"The laws of the masonic order contain elaborate provisions respecting the qualifications of its members, but with these the civil courts have little to do, as it is the most exclusive province of an order like the freemasons to impose its own terms of membership."
The leading case on this subject is Trautwein vs. Harbourt, 40 N.J. Super. 247, 123 Atl. 2d 30, 59 A.L.R. 2d 1274, where a charter was denied to form a new Eastern Star chapter and a suit was filed to compell the issuance of the charter and to assess damages against those who had opposed the issuance of the charter. The court, in a well reasoned opinion, applying well established general rules held against the plaintiffs on both points.
There has been a great deal of litigation under the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the rules that have been enunciated by the courts are helpful in answering many of the questions that will arise. This is especially true if the Congress will adopt an Equal Rights Act and follow the format of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Much of the litigation has come about because many business establishments have sought to evade the provisions of the Civil Rights Act under the clause that exempts private clubs. Here are some illustrations: In Solomon vs. Miami Woman's Club, 359 S. Supp. 41 (1973), it appears that the club had been formed in 1900 and members were admitted only as proposed by a member and endorsed by two others plus other requirements. In holding against the plaintiff who sought admission to the club the court said (p. 44): "Selectivity has often been said to be the essence of a private club and selection by recommendation serves to draw the line of demarcation between admitting the general public and only the select few." In Moose Lodge vs. Irvis, 407 U.S. 163 (1972), a suit was filed to compel the lodge to accept the plaintiff as a member, under the Civil Rights Act, on the grounds that since the lodge had a liquor license the state was engaged in "state action" and therefore had to accept all persons as members. A divided court held for the lodge; there was a strong dissenting opinion on the grounds that private rights should be upheld as very valuable but that when facilities serve the public there can be no choice of who will and will not be served.
There are many interesting facets to this subject and space does not permit covering them all. But now is the time to become informed about the matter and to be prepared should steps be taken some time in the future to compell our lodges to accept women as members because of the liberal view towards women.
(Editor's Note: The above subject will be treated in full in a brochure presently being prepared and which will be published by Iowa Lodge No. 2, 2714 Park Place, Des Moines, Iowa 50312 in the near future).
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Chicago Chapter Presents Open House Program
On May 26, 1976, the Chicago Chapter of the Philalethes Society presented a Quiz Program at an open meeting sponsored by Decalogue Lodge No. 160, located at Wilmette, Illinois. The group attended at the invitation of Burton Kessler, M.P.S., who is Worshipful Master of the lodge this year.
The program was on the theme "What is Freemasonry?" The Worshipful Master was the Moderator and asked pertinent questions; the answers were given by the following Members of the Society: Harold P. Bull, Alphonse Cerza, Robert W. KendIer, Ben Kessler, David L. Laske, Robert B. Skipton, and Samuel Tunick.
After each question was asked and answered, the Moderator asked if anyone present had any comments or questions. Enough interest was engendered and practically after each question was discussed one or more questions were asked by visitors who were present. The program was lively and lasted for two hours.
During the refreshment hour that followed one could observe that the discussion was still continuing among the members and their friends, neighbors, and guests.
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A Suggestion For Members
The Executive Committee of the Philalethes at its meeting held in Washington, D.C., last February, decided to raise the JOINING FEE of the Society from $3.00 to $5.00 to give the Society greater income.
It has been suggested that our members may take advantage of the old membership fee by obtaining many new memberships at the old cost. Expenses have gone up, and the Society will continue to give the greatest possible service to its members, but it is necessary to keep expenses within our budget.
Why not interest a Masonic friend in our work by sending in an application, and allowing him to become a member at the old rate?
* * *
Another matter which could stimulate greater interest in the Society is our LIFE MEMBERSHIP PLAN, by which, for the investment of only $100.00 a member may be exempt from further dues for the rest of his life.
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Portsmouth Chapter No. 386, National Sojourners, held a flag-raising ceremony Sunday, May 30, 1976, at 2 p.m. at the North Cemetary, Portsmouth, New Hampshire. The purpose of the meeting was to pay honour to William Whipple, Signer of the Declaration of Independence.
The meeting opened with a bugler sounding notes for attention, welcome byBrother J.T. Jenkins, president of the local chapter and invocation by Chaplain WaldemarHermenau. Brother Jenkins introduced R.W. Gerald D. Foss, F.P.S. and Grand Histroian Emeritus of the Grand Lodge of New Hampshire who delivered a short summary of the life of William Whipple. Whipple not only served several terms in the Continental Congress but was also a Brigadier General in the New Hampshire Militia. In that capacity he led his men on two military expeditions.
The most notable was the Battle of Saratoga where he personally received the surrender of General Burgoyne and escorted him to Boston as a prisoner. The other was to assist General Sullivan In the Battle of Rhode Island in 1778.
The color guard was from Pease Air Force Base under M. Sgt. Charles C. Kessler, Jr. Following the speech, the color guard raised a Bennington flag on the flag pole near Whipple’s grave. It will be flown there for the rest of this year. Taps were sounded after which Chaplain Hermenau delivered the benediction.
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GET A NEW
MEMBER BEFORE
JOINING FEE
IS RAISED
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Knights Templar Missouri-Kansas
Fifty-Third Triennial Conclave
PRELIMINARY SCHEDULE OF PROGRAM
SATURDAY, AUGUST 28. Drill Team Competition (Morning and Afternoon) Exhibition Drill, Detroit Commandery No. 1 (Evening) Arena, Municipal Auditorium.
Bicentennial song-fest entertainment by the Apollo Club of Minneapolis (Evening). Military Ball following entertainment.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 29. Parade, 9:30 a.m., Downtown Kansas City. Divine Service, 10:30 a.m. - Arena, Municipal Auditorium.
Scheduled sightseeing tours beginning at 2 p.m. Reception for Grand Master, 8-10 p.m. Imperial Ballroom, Muehlebach Hotel.
MONDAY, AUGUST 30. Reception of Grand Officers and Distinguished Guests, 9:00 a.m., followed by reconvening of Grand Encampment, through Thursday Morning September 2. Grand Ballroom, Muehlebach Hotel. Ladies Luncheon - Entertainment (Noon) Imperial Ballroom, Muehlebach Hotel.
(Monday evening open for state dinners, hospitality arrangements, special functions.)
TUESDAY, AUGUST 31. Scheduled sightseeing tours beginning 9:00 a.m. Celebrity Night -Entertainment, Evening.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1. Scheduled sightseeing tours beginning 9:00 a.m. Grand Master's Banquet - Imperial and Colonial Ballrooms, Muehlebach Hotel, 7:00 p.m.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 2. Open Installation, 11:00 a.m.
TRIENNIAL CONCLAVE SESSIONS:
Monday, August 30 through Thursday, September 2. Sessions open to voting members and all Sir Knights. Opening ceremonies Monday and Installation Thursday open to all Sir Knights, families and friends