Contents
It Seems To Me From the President's Desk
Masonic Antique Obsession ObIigations in FREEMASONRY
Let's Talk About 'Love’ Freemasonry Universal
Washington Before Congress Washington Goes Home
Post Script To Bicentenial Celibration In Memoriam
THE AMERICAN FREEMASON Video Tapes
Letters To The Editor Books of Interest to Masons
The Ashlar Rise and Development of Freemasonry in Australia
Jerry Marsengill, FPS Editor
2714 Park Place
Des Moines, IA 50312
Alphonse Cerza, FPS, Life, Assoc. Editor
237 Millbridge Road
Riverside, IL 60546
John Black Vrooman, FPS, Life
P.O. Box 402 Editor Emeritus
St. Louis, MO 63166
OFFICERS
Bruce H. Hunt, F.P.S. President
P.O. Box 188
Kirksville, Missouri 63501
Allen E. Roberts, FPS, 1st Vice President
Drawer 70, 1-A South Holly Ave
Highland Springs, VA 23075
John R. Nocas, FPS, 2nd Vice President
P O. Box 2366
Inglewood, CA 90305
S. Brent Morris FPS Executive Secretary
5088 Lake Circle West
Columbia, MD 21044
John Mauk Hilliard, FPS Treasurer
30 - 70 48th St. Apt. 3-G
Astoria, New York 11103
Ronald E. Heaton, F.P.S. Treasurer Emeritus
728 Haws Avenue
Norristown, Pennsylvania 19401
LIVING PAST PRESIDENTS
Philalethes Society
Lee E. Wells
Alphonse Cerza, FPS (Life)
Judge Robert H. Gollmar, FPS
William R. Denslow, FPS
Robert V. Osborne, FPS
Eugene S Hopp, FPS
Dwight L Smith, FPS
Robert L Dillard Jr., FPS
Bruce H. Hunt, FPS
EXECUTIVE SECRETARY EMERITUS
Carl R. Griesen, FPS
CONTENTS
It Seems to Me
From the President's Desk
Program of Meetings
Allied Masonic Bodies
Masonic Antique Obsession
Obligations in Freemasonry
Let's Talk About Love
Freemasonry Universal
Washington Before Congress
Washington Goes Home
Post Script
In Memoriam
lowa's Masonic Magazines
Video Tapes
Letters To The Editor
Al Cerza Books of Interest to Masons
The Ashlar
The Rise and Development of Freemasonry in Australia
Through Masonic Windows
On The Cover
The cover picture is the diorama of Washington bidding farewell to his officers from the George Washington National Masonic Museum and is used by permission of Marvin Fowler, Secretary of the Association.
----o----
by John Black Vrooman, FPS
That the selection of Jerry Marsengill, FPS, editor of The Philalethes and Royal Arch magazines, to represent American Freemasonry at the 250th anniversary of Freemasonry in Italy, June 24 and 25, 1983, was not only a real tribute to him. but was also a splendid boost for the Philalethes Society, long known as our International Research and Study Group.
From its beginning in October 1928, the Philalethes Society has had members in many foreign countries, and has in addition, been honored by such men as Rudyard Kipling of England, Jose Oller of Panama. Antonio Gonzales of the Philippines and many other distinguished Masonic craftsmen who have been Fellows of the Society.
The principle on which the society was formed:
An International Society for Free Masons who seek more light and Free Masons who have more light to impart" has always been the aim and purpose for which the Society has labored during its more than fifty years of activity.
We are proud of our organization, and this splendid recognition of our leaders, seems indicative of even greater productivity in the future.
FORWARD ALL!
----o----
Time is our enemy! It is later than we think! We may not live to see the temple completed! All these and many more cause us to glance quickly at the hour glass, and marvel at how swiftly the sands run.
Yes, the Annual Feast of the Philalethes will be held in the Washington Hotel, Pennsylvania Avenue and Fifteenth Street, Washington, D.C., February 10, 11, 12, 1984. Those who write or call for reservations, and we hope many will, should be sure to state that they will be attending the Annual Meetings of the Allied Masonic Degrees on the above dates. This will assure confirmation and we trust that they will receive the usual reduced rates offered our group. The Washington Hotel Manager, Mr. Muneer Dean, maintains a deep interest in our organization and will do everything possible to make our stay with his hotel pleasing and comfortable.
Plans for the 30th Annual Feast to be held in the Washington Hotel on Friday evening, February 10, 1984 are presently being finalized. One year ago the principal speaker was to have been R.W.Brother Richard H. Sands, Senior Grand Warden of the Grand Lodge of F.& A.M. of Michigan. However, a heavy snow that will be long remembered prevented him and many others from making the Washington trip. Again, he is listed as the speaker, and his subject is, "Northwest Ordinance." Come, attend the Feast of the Philalethes and enjoy this truly fine Masonic Fellowship.
Annual Philalethes Feast
The price for the annual Feast of the Philalethes will be $20.00 this year.
The menu will include:
Chicken Florentine
Tossed Salad
Oven Browned Potatoes
Chocolate Mousse
Wine
Bread, butter, coffee, tea
William Copenhaver
Box 3431
Stephens, City, Virginia 22655
Please make _____ reservations for the annual Feast of the Philalethes Society.
I enclose my check or money order in the amount of _______
(Please make checks payable to the Philalethes Society.)
----o----
Program of Meetings - Allied Masonic Bodies
Friday to Sunday - February 10, 11, 12, 1984
Hotel Washington, Washington. D.C.
Friday, February 10, 1984
7 00 P.M. Annual Assembly and Feast - THE PHILALETHES SOCIETY
30th Meeting
Bruce H. Hunt, President
S. Brent Morris, Executive Secretary
Saturday, February 11, 1984
8:30 A.M. - REGISTRATION
9:30 A.M. - GRAND COLLEGE OF RITES OF THE U.S.A.
53rd Annual Convocation
M.'.l.’. Jerald Marsengill, Grand Chancellor
M.’.l.'. Herbert A Fisher, Grand Registrar
10:30 A.M. - GRAND MASTER’S COUNCIL, A.M.D.
51st Communicator
V.'. George A Strache, Sovereign Master
V.’.C. Clark Julius. Secretary
11:30 A.M. - GRAND COUNCIL, ALLIED MASONIC DEGREES OF THE U.S.A.
52nd Annual Communication
M.’.V.’. Herbert A. Fisher, 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 A.M.D. members are invited to attend.
RECESS
12:30 P.M. - LUNCHEON (Dutch Treat)
1:30 P.M. - ROYAL ARK MARlNER'S DEGREE
Exemplified by: Oxford Lodge No 1, Ark Mariners of Maine
2:00 P.M. - INSTALLED MASTER'S COUNCIL. A.M.D.
51st Annual Communication
M.'.V.'. James H. Horne, Sovereign Master
R.’.V.’. Robert L. Grubb. Secretary
To confer the Installed Master Degree on Masters of Councils present who have not been installed. All Installed Masters are invited to be present.
2:30 P.M. - COUNCIL OF THE NINE MUSES, No. 13, A.M.D.
51st Annual Communication
M.’.V.'. Marvin E. Fowler, Sovereign Master
R.'.V.'. Robert L. Grubb, Permanent Secretary
All A.M.D. members are invited.
3:00 P M. - GREAT CHIEF'S COUNCIL. No. O. KNIGHT MASONS
18th Annual Meeting
E.’. John H. Wetts, Excellent Chief
E.’. Morrison L. Cooke. Scribe
3:30 P.M. - GRAND COUNCIL, KNIGHT MASONS OF THE U.S.A.
18th Annual Meeting
M.'.E.'.Eddie P. Stiles, Great Chief
V.'.E.'.Ray Scarborough. Grand Scribe
4:00 P.M. - SOCIETAS ROSICRUCIANA IN CIVITATIBUS FOEDERATIS
M.’.W.'. Henry Emmerson, Supreme Magus
R.’.W.’. Robert C. Patey, Secretary General
RECESS
6:00 P.M. - ANNUAL BANQUET, ALLIED MASONIC DEGREES
M.'.V.'. Herbert A. Fisher, 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, and closing
10:00 P.M. - MASONIC ORDER OF THE BATH OF THE U.S.A.
62nd Assembly
M.'.H.'. Henry Emmerson Commander-General
R.'.H.'. Harold D. Elliott. 2nd Keeper of the Bath Records
11:00 P.M. - YE ANCIENT ORDER OF CORKS
58th Cellar M '.W.’. Thurman C. Pace, Grand Bung for the Americas R.'.W.'. Robert A. Tikey, Prov. Grand Bung of the U.S.A.
Sunday, February 12, 1984
7:30 A.M. - CONVENT GENERAL. KNIGHTS OF THE YORK CROSS OF HONOUR
Breakfast in the Hotel
M.'.E.'. Vernon R. Parks Grand Master-General
M.’.E.'. Stanley W. Wakefield. Grand Registrar-General
9:00 A.M. - THE SOCIETY OF BLUE FRIARS
53rd Year - Thirty-Ninth Annual Consistory
M.'.l.'. Wendeil K. Walker, Grand Abbot
R.'.I.'. Henry Emmerson, Secretary-General
9:30 A.M. - THE GRAND PRECEPTOR'S TABERNACLE. H.R.A.K.T.P. 52nd Ingathering
V.'.E.’. Henry G. Law Preceptor
R.'.E.'. George M. Fulmer, Registrar
10:30 A.M. - THE GRAND COLLEGE OF AMERICA, HOLY ROYAL ARCH KNIGHT TEMPLAR PRIESTS
52nd Ingathering
M.'.E.'. John Christian Kaufman, Grand Preceptor
R.'.E.'. George M. Fulmer, Grand Registrar
HOTEL
Hotel reservations must be made by addressing a post card or letter to Hotel Washington, Mr. Muneer Deen, General Manager, Pennsylvania Avenue and Fifteenth Street, Washington, D.C., N.W. 20004. 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 two (2) weeks prior to your arrival.
51st ANNUAL BANQUET
The 51st Annual Banquet will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 11, 1984. Reservations are not necessary. Purchase your tickets from the Committee on Dinner on the morning of the dinner. Ladies are invited.
LADIES' COFFEE HOUR
At 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 11th 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, VA 22306
Herbert A. Fisher, 553 Caren Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23452
Henry Emerson 148 Elm Street
Cresskili, N.J. 07626
Roben L. Grubb P.O. Box 220547
Charlotte. N.C. 28222
Stanley W. Wakefield 41 Amherst Drive
Hastings-on-Hudson, N.Y 10706
----o----
Herbert Dawson, MPS
The Collector's original ancest is biological, by that I mean every living organism, plant or animal gathers and stores nutriments within its tissues. Many animal species make external collections, mostly of food stores against seasons of scarcity. The magpie, packrat and jackdaw collect objects that seem odd or pleasing to them. Charles Darwin discovered that the earthworm collects leaves, twigs, feathers, tuffs of wool, bits of paper and assorted pebbles in its underground dwelling.
A small boy's pockets hold treasures of amounting value, a top, penknife with a broken blade, a marble, piece of string, a bottle top, a piece of candy saved for a later time. Needless to say a woman's pocketbook contains items of various descriptions and amounts.
Prehistoric man left such collections for archaeologists to find, cave paintings, campfire residue of bones pottery and pieces of spears and arrows.
Some of the world's greatest stamp and coin collections started as a small boy's whim and just continued on and on as he grew up.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City has two treasured collections of advertising giveaways, almost throwaways such as tobacco package inserts of bathing beauties and baseball cards (a small boy's treasure).
Investment collecting is older than money itself. Cattle was a standard medium of exchange in ancient times and still carries on today. In agricultural societies a man's wealth was also invested in concubines, wives and children and all salable commodities. Large herds and households brought a man prestige and were also negotiable assets. Ancient conquerors also took the gods and ancestral relics of the conquered.
From the 15th century B.C. of Thutmose 3rd of Egypt to the 19th century Napoleon, empire builders followed a shortcut to national and personal security by collecting war booty. In World War I peace treaties the Allies broke with history, by excluding "cultural booty" from their lists of German reparations, but Hitler's generals hastly revived the ancient custom in World War II.
Today in all parts of the world some kind of collecting is going on, hair heads, cattle wives, baseball cards, bottle caps, matchboxes, tickets, plates, watches, toys. etc. I admire each to his own whim.
This preserves our Heritage to our children and their children to let them see, feel, touch things of the past.
Collecting is a bug, it gets under the skin. I have already spent my lunch money for something I saw and just had to have because I might not see another. I read the obituary-notices to see if a Mason has passed on. I then get in touch with his heirs to see if there are any Masonic collectibles that they would like to part with. There have been people who get in touch with me because their family has died out and would like to have people who would treasure these things to have them. I carry watches, chapter pennies, fobs and past commander jewels with me into lodges in memory of those who have carried them before me. I have found that the younger generation does not want these loving memories. All they see is the dollar signs facing them. These items must be saved from being lost or melted down. They do not understand the time involved visiting or the fun and enjoyment of going and coming by horse, car, bus or train or the fellowship being shared. In my collecting and visiting I have met so many new friends.
It has increased the mileage for my Masonic brotherhood. Do you realize that Blue Lodges, Chapters, Commanderies, Tall Cedars, Shrines and many others celebrate anniversaries, at which they pass out gifts as a remembrance. A plate, matchbox, coin, chalice, stein, cup, a glass, and many other items. In years passed they would visit as a body and would have a remembrance made for that visit.
When looking for Masonic items, don't look for the Square and Compass with the "G" in the center. I have found that from 1856 and earlier the Square and Compass stood alone as it does in Europe today.
Some say the "G" stands for God, some say it stands for geometry. I do not know for sure. Loving cups, shaving mugs, chalices and cups dedicated to Masonry have three handles. During World War I, three was an unlucky number. To light a cigarette three to a match would give a sharpshooter a chance to zero in and kill. Three is a holy number which goes back to antiquity. Seven is God's holy number as is the devil's 666.
The Bible says someday we will be known by a number, today we get a social security number and it is with us till we die. When going to sales or flea markets or antique dealers don't be over anxious when you see something. Don't say I'll take it before you check it out thoroughly.
On ceramics, pottery dishes, cups, vases, steins, and cookie jars, check for cracks or chips missing. Some may be covered up with paint or wax. Reputable dealers won't do this. They will help you and tell you about it. Now remember crazing comes with age and little chips can’t be helped. When I find something that I don't have and it has a crack in it I take it because I might not find another one. If I do I can keep the better one.
My Masonic collecting gives me a chance to talk about Freemasonry. I have helped a few on their way to becoming Masons. I have gained so many new friends and have so many new brothers of the craft. I am now a cripple but I still go looking and go into Lodges or where Masons meet and Show and Tell my Masonic antiques.
----o----
by J. Morton Heaps, MPS (Canada)
The current trend in many jurisdictions to examine and revise the penalties in the obligations in the three degrees is continuing. Perhaps a review of what the complete obligations are, what they mean, and their purpose in our ritual will be of interest at this time.
The word "obligation" comes from the same root as the word "ligament", and means a cord, or tendon, or tie, by which one thing is bound to another. An obligation is therefore a solemn pledge whereby a man binds himself to a society, on his honor, and assumes the responsibilities and duties imposed by it. Such an obligation may have no legal standing in the courts of the land, but it is morally binding, and a man can not disregard it without imperilling his personal honor. An obligation, such as taken by a Masonic Candidate, has no time limit upon it, and it is therefore always binding on him who takes it. The old adage "Once a Mason, always a Mason," is quite true, and whether or not he is an active lodge member, he can never violate it without proving himself dishonorable. This applies also to those who have been suspended, or expelled, from the Fraternity, they are still bound by their obligation.
A Candidate in the first degree becomes a Mason when he takes his obligation. Before that time he may withdraw without penalty, but afterwards he is always bound by his obligation. Similarly in the second degree the Candidate becomes a Fellowcraft when he takes his obligation, and becomes a Master Mason when he has taken his Master Mason obligation.
Obligations can be divided into clauses of which there are two types. The clauses, which are sometimes called points, can be affirmative or negative. As might be expected the affirmative points consist of those clauses which require certain acts to be done, and the negative points, those clauses which for bid other certain acts to be done. The positive and negative sides are tied together by the general clause requiring that the whole obligation be kept in strict secrecy.
At this point some of the reasons for the regulations governing the selection of Candidate become clear. A Candidate must take his obligation of his own free will and accord, and be a free man in every sense of the word, or else it can not be binding on him. Similarly he must be of sound mind, not in his dotage or extreme old age, but of mature age so that he can properly and fully understand the implications which it contains. At every step he is checked to see he is fully aware of the responsibilities which he is assuming. At no time in the future can he claim ignorance or attempt to evade the consequences. To the very end he will be held responsible for every promise he makes and for every pledge he gives.
Among the laws of Freemasonry are those which govern an individuals conduct in the Lodge and in his public and private life. These are known as the "Disciplinary Law of the Craft." It is for transgressions against this code that most Masonic Trials are held. It is important to remember that the obligations are the foundations of this Disciplinary Law. Although the obligations are part of our symbolic ritual, you should not feel that the obligations are merely symbolic and are a kind of formality or ceremony. The truth is that the oblations are in force in the same manner as all other disciplinary law, and that they are themselves law in its most definite and specific form.
The obligations of Freemasonry are very old and traces of them can be found in the "Old Charges". In interpreting them it must be realized that they are written in language and words of which the meaning has changed over the years. There has been much controversy lately about the penalty clauses and their wording. Any evaluation of them must be in light of their original context way back in medieval times, in the days of the operative masons. In those days there were only two classes of crime, heresy and treason. Heresy included all violations of the current religious principles morals and ideals of the church. Treason included all crimes against the political and legal authority of the state. The traditional penalty for heresy was burning at the stake, or some variation of it; for treason the penalty was hanging in some form. These two types of punishment were so familiar and common that they became synonymous with the crimes.
Like the obligations the penalties were handed down to us from the medieval times. By modern standards they are very gruesome and horrible, but when they were formulated penalties were severe and were intended to deter men from incurring them. It is interesting to note that the penalties in all three degrees, except for the second penalty in the first degree, and very similar. Some part of the body is removed and destroyed, and the remains are disposed of in unhallowed ground. People in those days thought it was imperative that they appear before the Throne of God, on the Day of Judgement, with a complete and perfect body. Anyone with a part of his body missing had little chance of a favorable judgement. Those who had not been buried in Holy Ground were cast into eternal darkness. These penalties were then very severe ones to the people concerned. However they seem to have worked and been effective as there is no record of any of them ever having been enforced and carried out, so perhaps they served their purpose.
Like everything else in Freemasonry the penalties in all three degrees have a symbolic meaning. In the first degree the part of the body to be removed is the tongue. The Entered Apprentice has been specifically told in the obligation to say nothing of what he sees or hears, therefore the removal of the tongue is symbolic of the violation of that injunction. The Fellowcraft penalty is the removal and destruction of the heart which is the generating force enabling the candidate through his brain to understand and acquire wisdom and knowledge. The removal of the heart is symbolic of the Candidate losing all ability to understand the meaning and significance of anything that has taken place. In the third degree the penalty is the removal of the bowels which, since olden times, meant the central part of the body including the stomach. This represents the area where food for the body was gathered and digested to give the body necessary elements to enable it to function effectively. Symbolically how could one be a Master Mason if one was denied the means of assimilating and digesting the mental and spiritual food needed to serve as a qualified, understanding master of his trade.
The penalty in each degree would result in death. The Brother would cease to exist as a functioning Mason. The offending portion of the body is specifically mentioned as being removed as the offending cause, and each is relative to the degree, speech in the first, reasoning and understanding in the second, and the ability to function as a skilled Craftsman through knowledge gained in the third.
However, the only penalties that are ever carried out, or ever have been, are those of Reprimand, which may be private or open; Suspension from all the rights of Masonry for a definite or indefinite period, and Explusion. I repeat, there is no record that any other punishment has ever been used by Freemasonry, on anyone found violating any written, or unwritten law, or of flouting the authority of its officers, than that of reprimand, suspension or expulsion.
Masonry is often accused of practising impious and horrid ceremonies, that all its members are willing, or unwilling, executioners of those who betray their vows and violate the laws which they are strictly bound to observe. Some timid and uninformed Masons may even have believed this. This misapprehension arises in the minds of those who are led astray as to the true character and design of vows, or oaths, which are accompanied by an imprecation. It may relieve their minds, and consciences, to realize that no matter how solemn may be the promises of secrecy, obedience and charity, which are required of all initiates, there has never been any thought of imposing upon a Brother the painful and illegal task consequence of an outrage committed by the violator. The only penalty inflicted by the Order is the scorn and detestation of the Brethren whom he has sought to betray.
As the obligations have a literal meaning they are the foundation of our disciplinary law, and they signify the nature and place of obligations in all human life. All through our lifetime we assume obligations of all kinds, to our families, our country, to employers or employees, to friends and fellow citizens, and to God. Any tie, contract, pledge, or promise, vow or duty, can be an obligation, which we may voluntarily or involuntarily assume. Those to our Brotherhood we have assumed of our own free will and accord, let us honor them all our days, so that we may demonstrate our fidelity and honor to all men.
----o----
by Alphonse Cerza, FPS
Everyone is interested in Love since it comes in many forms. The Short Talk Bulletin, published in September, 1983, is devoted to the subject of Love and affords an opportunity to discuss how this item happened to be written and how the theme was developed. It may answer some of the questions that are in the minds of Masons who aspire to become writers This comes to mind because of the number of serious and jokingly frivolous remarks and inquiries I have received from some of my friends. Most of the questions relate to the interest on how I came to write about the subject, how I got the idea in the first place and then how it was developed into the final product. The only reasons for explaining the matter here is to help in a general way as a guide for the aspiring writer of Masonic subjects.
The first step in any writing project is to get the basic idea or theme that is to be developed into a literary piece. You cannot get ideas by retiring to an ivory tower and hoping that ideas will come to you. The best place to secure ideas is to keep your eves and ears open to get impressions of what is taking place around you. Talking with other persons, noting what questions they are asking, and what subjects may be interesting to them. These are the most fruitful source of ideas. To get down to specifics on the Short Talk Bulletin, here is my report. Many years ago a client remarked that commemorative stamps do not cost any more than other postage stamps but they do "dress up" an envelope. So l developed the habit of buying my postage stamps from the Philathelic Department of the Chicago Post Office. On one occasion while examining the stamps available I noticed an attractive stamp in which flowers were arranged in such a way as to form the word LOVE. The colorful stamp with the sentiment expressed appealed to me so I purchased a number of them. As I used the stamps and thought about them I wondered if I could draw a Masonic connection since Brotherly Love is an important part of Masonic teachings. Thus the idea was born that I ought to write about the subject of Love. The first step was thus taken which would bring into being a written item that might be of interest to Masons.
The next step was to gather together the ideas that were to be incorporated into the written item. Since I was dealing with a word the logical place to start was to see what was said about this word in several dictionaries. If something else had been involved I would have started by reading a Masonic Encyclopedia plus a book or several magazine articles relating to the subject to see what others had said about the subject. An examination of the dictionary definitions of the word "love" convinced me that this was a fruitful subject to be explored. The comprehensive meaning of the work called for an examination of some of the synonyms for the sake of comparison. This led me to the thought that in Greek they have three words that express the idea of love and are more specific than the English word. Over a period of months I kept thinking about the matter from time to time and kept my eyes open for items that might be in corporated into the item when I was ready to do the actual writing. When I remembered that the word "love" is important to religions I went to see what the Holy Bible said about the subject, thus the religious aspect was developed. I went to Bartlett's Familiar Quotations and several other similar books and pick up some ideas. As I found these thoughts I wrote them on slips of paper and placed them in the file I had prepared for the project.
An awareness of the subject made me conscious of things taking place which had a relationship of other things to the subject. Here are some examples. While watching a television commercial relating to baby diapers I learned of such a product called LUVS: so I made a slip with this bit of information. While driving my car I noticed a sign on a dog kennel that mentioned that buying a dog buys love: so this bit of information was placed on a slip of paper. Thus I went from item to item until I had collected enough information and felt I was ready for the writing.
I took the slips, read them over carefully, and arranged them in the order in which the ideas were to be presented. Up to this point I was dealing with the word on a general basis and since the item was being prepared for Masons I had to determine how to handle the "Masonic connection". This is when I considered the subject of brotherly love which was added to the end of the item.
----o----
The masonic circle of friendships overseas was further cemented recently when The Right Worshipful Brother Robert F. Schwichtenbergr, MPS, Past Grand Master of Hessen and Past Junior Warden of The United Grand Lodge of Germany was the guest of Worshipful Brother Dennis E. McCormack, P.Prov.G. Warden. MPS, of The Masonic Province of Warwickshire, England. Robert was able to visit the Annual Provincial Grand Lodge Meeting at the Town Hall, Birmingham and two lodge installation meetings during his stay in England and received enthusiastic acclaim for his review of Freemasonry in Germany, Past and Present. Both W. Bro. Schwichenberg and W. Bro. McCormack have visited the U.S.A. several times and have particular associations with the Grand Lodges. Robert is representative of the G.L. of Illinois for the G.L. of Germany and is an honorary member of the Geneva Lodge No. 139 Illinois. Dennis is an honorary member of the Grand Lodge of Florida and with his partner W.Bro. Derrick C. Hobson. Past Grand Asst. Grand Director of Ceremonies. United G.L. of England, performed several masonic historical lectures to Florida lodges in 1976. Together they have now performed over 300 lecture performances in a 14 year partnership, travelling thousands of miles in this period in England and the U.S.A.
An invitation has been extended from W.Bro. Schwichtenberg to the lecturers to visit German and English speaking lodges in and around Frankfurt. There are situated in this city several lodges under the charter of the American-Canadian Grand Lodge.
The interchange of visits between masons overseas furthers the spread of masonic friendships around the world.
----o----
Article No. LXXII
James R. Case FPS
One of the paintings with life size figures in the rotunda of the National Capitol depicts General George Washington returning his commission as Commander in Chief of the Continental Army to the Congress. The action took place on the 23rd of December 1783, but not until 30 years later did John Trumbull the artist, make his first pencil sketch of the group. The small oil painting was finished in 1822, and the large replica in 1824.
Washington bade farewell to a group of his officers in Fraunces Tavern on December 4th and went to Philadelphia to settle his accounts with the Superintendent of Finance. When the audit was completed he left the city and proceeded through Wilmington and Baltimore, being entertained in both cities, and finally rode into Annapolis on December 17th, being met by an escort which included Generals Smallwood and Gates. He had promised Martha to be home for Christmas but had almost a week to wait for the legislature to do something.
Congress had adjourned from Princeton on November 4th to meet at Annapolis on the 26th but not until December 13th was there a quorum present. Only seven states were represented and the rules provided that nine was the indispensable number for important legislation. It was finally agreed that Congress would entertain the impatient guest on the 22nd and receive him officially on the 23rd. During the intervening days there was a round of receptions, dinners, balls and addresses.
There were only 20 members of Congress present but the floor of the chamber and the galleries were crowded with spectators. After the ceremony was concluded Washington returned to the hall and shook hands with the delegates and then jumped into the saddle and headed for home.
Trumbull was able to compose the painting because after the war ended in 1781 he had traveled from New Hampshire to the Carolinas, making sketches of the "heads" of all the VIP's he could manage to visit. As in all his historical paintings he used artistic license to include some few not actually present, and to omit some individuals who may not have been among his favorite acquaintances. In the 'Resignation' he pictured Martha and her grandchildren in the gallery at Annapolis when they were actually watching the ferry crossing opposite Mount Vernon.
----o----
Article No. LXXIII
by Ronald E. Heaton, FPS
After Corwallis' surrender at Yorktown, October 19, 1781, the war for all practical purposes, was over. A preliminary peace treaty was signed in November; 1782, and the final Treaty of Peace signed in Paris September 3. 1783. England's military prestige in October, 1781, was at a low ebb, but her military problems took a turn for the better by the time peace was an actuality. Possibly a peace treaty right after Yorktown would have been better for the American cause. No doubt it was much better for the British in September, 1783.
With peace assured, the Continental Congress was now faced with the task of managing a new nation, free and independent among the Sovereign countries of the world. Some scattered fighting took place in several places; British troops still occupied New York City. Washington, the leader of the army throughout the war, now faced other and equally difficult problems. The army had settled in quarters at Newburgh, and conditions for officers and men worsened steadily. By December, 1782, a committee of officers had petitioned Congress, seeking payments for arrears in pay, to settle food and clothing accounts, and assurance of the life pension of half pay which Congress had promised more than two years before. When a satisfactory disposition of the grievances was not made, there appeared an anonymous address circulated among them, calling for a meeting. Washington had recognized the dangers of military dictatorship, and issued an order forbidding the unauthorized meeting. A second anonymous circular called for a meeting on March 15, 1783. Washington suddenly appeared at this meeting, and read his prepared remarks. An officer present recorded what took place. He paused after a few words, took out his spectacles, "and begged the indulgence of his audience while he put them on, observing at the same time that he had grown gray in their service, and now found himself growing blind."
The effect of Washington's appearance and his remarks changed the mood of the officers. When he had left, the officers then adopted resolutions affirming their patriotism, their confidence in Congress, and their disdain of the infamous propositions they had received in these anonymous addresses.
But the dissatisfaction had created a situation which could well lead to a military coup. The officer-reporter writes that Washington's presence prevented this. He also said that Washington's position appeared not to support the army and his friends, but that rather he appeared not as the head of his troops but in opposition to them. It seemed the interests of the General and the Army were against each other, but as he spoke, doubts were dispelled and reason prevailed.
Washington in his remarks, mentioned that the anonymous circular addressed itself more to the feelings and passions than to the reason and judgement of the army. He analyzed the plan proposed: if war continues, move into the unsettled country, establish themselves, and leave an ungrateful country to defend itself. Washington asked what the writer had in mind. "Can he be a friend to the Army? Can he be a friend to this Country? Rather, is he not an insidious Foe? Some Emissary, perhaps. from New York, plotting the ruin of both, by sowing the seeds of discord and separation between the Civil and Military powers of the Continent." For his own part, Washington recalled the confidence the men placed in him and their cheerful and prompt obedience would oblige him to do all that he could for them, to the utmost of his ability. "While I give you these assurances, and pledge myself in the most unequivocal manner, to exert whatever ability I am possessed of, in your favor, let me entreat you, Gentlemen, on your part, not to take any measures, which viewed in the calm light of reason, will lessen the dignity, and sully the glory ,you have hitherto maintained; let me request you to rely on the plighted faith of your Country, and place a full confidence in the purity of the intentions of Congress; that, previous to your dissolution as an Army they will cause all your Accts, to be fairly liquidated..."
The crisis was averted. Now to sit out the final treaty. But there were still difficulties. In a sharp notice to Congress, some units demanded payments due them. More serious was a mutinous action in Lancaster. These men marched to Philadelphia and barricaded Congress and the Pennsylvania Executive Council, demanding redress promptly.
In the meantime, the British were planning to evacuate New York City. The rear guard of the British troops left the city on December 4, 1783. It had been Washington's plan to leave for home as soon as the evacuation was completed.
Washington summed up the meaning of the Revolution and the problems facing America in peacetime in several papers and addresses announcing the end of the war and his retirement. The first paper "Circular to the States" listed four objectives essential to the wellbeing of the United States as an independent power. He outlined these, (1) an indissoluble union of the states underone Federal Head; (2) a sacred regard to public justice; (3) the adoption of a proper peace establishment; and (4) a call to national unity, to forget local prejudices and policies, to make mutual concessions necessary to the general prosperity and if needed, to sacrifice individual advantages in the interest of the community.
Before leaving for home, Washington had a last meeting with his officers at Fraunce's Tavern in New York City, embracing each officer in turn, beginning with General Knox. (This meeting is recorded in Rivington's New York Gazette for December 6, 1783, and in the Pennsylvania Packet for December 11, 1783.) Addressing his officers, he said: "With an heart full of love and gratitude I now take leave of you. I most devoutly wish that your latter days may be as prosperous and happy as your former ones have been glorious and honorable." Then he left, intending to stop in Philadelphia and Annapolis, and on to Mount Vernon.
Washington met the Continental Congress in Annapolis on Tuesday, December 23,1783, to resign his commission as General of the American armies. In closing, he said: "Having now finished the work assigned me, I retire from the great theatre of Action; and bidding an Affectionate farewell to this August body under whose orders I have so long acted, I here offer my Commission and take my leave of all the employments of public life."
Then as a private citizen, he journeyed to his beloved Mount Vernon, arriving there on Christmas Eve. He was home.
Bibliography
Principal source of material from the 1859 edition of Benson J. Lossing two volumes, "The Pictorial Field-Book of the Revolution".
----o----
Post Script To Bicentenial Celibration
Article No. LXXIV
by Alphonse Cerza, FPS
The foregoing article marks the last of a planned series of articles observing the Bicentennial celebration of the founding of our nation.
The year 1976 marked the 200th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, the first formal step taken by the Colonists to separate from England. One year was marked by many public observances led by the federal American Revolution Bicentennial Commission. After this short period of active celebration very little attention has been paid to the matter. This is most unfortunate because the period for celebration of the events of two hundred years ago are not over. The issuance of the Declaration of Independence did not bring about independence at once. A war had to be won, a peace treaty had to be negotiated, and a new government had to be formed and placed on a sound footing with extensive public support. All this took years and the events of importance that occurred two hundred years ago which we ought to remember are not over at this point.
The Philalethes Society, in keeping with the spirit of Masonry in patriotic matters, in each of its issues since April, 1973 has published at least one article devoted to an American historical event and thereby helping our Members kindle the spirit of patriotism in their hearts during this important anniversary of our country.
The Philalethes Society observance of the Bicentennial era began at the annual 1973 meeting held in Washington D.C., in February, with James R. Case, FPS, presenting a talk on the subject and explaining the proposed plan for a series of articles. This talk with the list of proposed subjects was reproduced in the April, 1973 issue of the magazine. The February, 1973 issue of the magazine had a list of Bicentennial books and an article explaining Lafayette's visit to Kentucky. The committee named to implement this am bitious program included James R. Case, FPS, as chairman, Ronald E. Heaton, FPS, assisted by Alphonse Cerza, FPS. James R. Case and Ronald E. Heaton immediately sought to enlist members to write the articles on subjects assigned to them. As the articles were received they were edited by the committee and Ronald E. Heaton kept a record and preserved the articles for future use. It was Ronald E. Heaton who followed up to see that the articles were received on time and he transmitted them to the editor of our magazine as they were to be used. Alphonse Cerza wrote a few articles. he was consulted from time to time, and he prepared the list of references for some of the articles.
The February 1974 issue of our magazine had the first article of the planned series. It was a foreward written by James R. Case, FPS. Each issue thereafter contained at least one article on a Bicentennial subject. Since the Bicentennial period is not over it is planned that additional articles will be published from time to time that are appropriate in the years ahead, but not every issue will contain such an article. Members are invited to send to the Editor of our magazine articles on American and Masonic historical events occurring two hundred years ago as these events have unfolded in the past so that they can be published in our magazine at the appropriate time.
----o----
Ross Hepburn, F.P.S.
DIED 11TH FEBRUARY, 1983
by R.W.D.J. Smith. P. Prov. G.M.. P.M.
It is with the greatest sadness that we record the death of R.W. Bro. Ross Hepburn who died at Christchurch on 11th February 1983 in his 85th year.
R.W. Bro. Hepburn was born at Christchurch and was educated at Sydenham School and Christchurch Boys' High School and matriculated in 1916. He attended Canterbury University College (now the University of Canterbury) and graduated L.L.B. in 1920. He was a legal clerk to Raymond Stringer & Co. from 1917 to 1920. Managing Clerk to Helmore, van Asch & Walton, Rangiora. from 1920 to 1922, and to the Christchurch branch of that firm from 1922 to 1946, when he was admitted as a partner. He continued his studies, gaining an L.L.M. degree and later a B.Com. degree. He qualified as a chartered accountant but continued to practice as a lawyer. He was encouraged to continue the research he undertook for his master's degree and in 1937 was awarded an L.L.D. (Doctor of Laws) for his thesis on Constitutional Law.
R.W. Bro. Hepburn was one of the founders of the Canterbury University College Graduates' Association and was its honorary secretary and later a vicepresident before it went into recess. In 1933 he was elected by the Coult of Convocation as a graduates' representative on the college council and remained a member until 1942.
He also took an active part in community affairs and was secretary of the Riccarton Citizens' Association from 1932 to 1944, and in addition to serving on the Riccarton Borough Council was also a Sinking Fund Commissioner for the Council over a number of years. He was a faithful member of his church and held the office of Kirk session clerk at St. Ninians Presbyterian Church. Riccarton, from 1927 to 1942.
It is, however, as a Freemason that he is best known by the Brethren throughout New Zealand, and indeed throughout the Masonic world. He was initiated in Lodge Riccarton No. 276 in 1927 and was installed as Master in 1939. He was Provincial Grand Registrar in the Provincial Grand Lodge of Canterbury during 1940-41 and again from 1954 to 1960.
He joined the Masters' and Past Masters Lodge No. 130 as an associate member in 1928 and was elected a full member in 1939. He was Secretary from 1939 to 1942, Master of the Lodge during the 1942-43 year and again Secretary from 1943 to 1952.
He was Editor from 1939 to 1956 when he relinquished the position on account of ill health. On his recovery he was again appointed Editor in 1966 and held that position until his death. He was made an honorary member of the Lodge in 1953.
In Grand Lodge he was appointed Grand Lecturer for the years 1943 to 1945 inclusive and in recognition of his services to Freemasonry was awarded the honorary ranks of Past Grand Warden in 1957 and Past Deputy Grand Master in 1976. He contributed a paper entitled "Instructing the Brethren in Freemasonry" which was printed in the Annual Proceedings of Grand Lodge in 1974 and in the same year was appointed a member of the Grand Lodge Ritual Committee. At the invitation of the Quatuor Coronati Lodge No. 2076 (London) of which he was a member he contributed a paper on Masonic Education and from time to time was invited to contribute papers to overseas Masonic Transactions. Many of his papers written for local consumption have also been re-printed in overseas Masonic journals. He was also an honorary member of a number of Masonic bodies overseas and one of his outstanding achievements was being elected a Fellow of the Philalethes Society of the United States of America. The aims of this Society are to promote a bond of union between Freemasons of different counties and different Masonic jurisdictions and to disseminate knowledge and encourage Masonic research aims which were very dear to his heart. The Fellowship is restricted to 40 members. He submitted a paper entitled ''Masonic Education in New Zealand" as a prerequisite for his fellowship.
R.W. Bro. Hepburn had also had a distinguished career in Royal Arch Masonry. He was a Past Principal of Prince of Wales Chapter No. 31. He was appointed Grand Registrar in 1946. Grand Lecturer in 1950 and was Grand Superintendent of the Canterbury District during the years 1954 to - 1956 inclusive Second Grand Principal in 1960 and First Grand Principal in 1962. He was a Founder First Recorder and a Past Thrice Illustrious Master of St. Augustine Cryptic Council No. 1. He was also a member of the Grand Chapter Ritual Committee and an honorary member of Hiram Royal Arch Chapter and of the Council of Thrice IIIustrious Masters both being situated in New Jersey U.S.A.
He also held membership of many other branches of Freemasonry in New Zealand and although not recognized as part of pure and antient Freemasonry are nevertheless Masonic organizations and I feel that on this occasion, it is pertinent to record particulars of the offices he held in these bodies. In the Rose Croix he was a Past Sovereign of the Excelsior Chapter No. 78 and had the 32nd degree in the Antient and Accepted Rite. He was a Past Preceptor of the Royal Canterbury Preceptory No. 246 in the Knights Templar and was a Past Grand Herald, which is the highest honoris causa rank that can be awarded.
He was the Past Celebrant of the Christchurch College, S.R.l.A., Chief Adept for New Zealand 9d, and an Honorary Magus. In the Royal Order of Scotland he was a Past Provincial Grand Master New Zealand South.
Each one of us will have his own particular recollections of R.W. Bro. Hepburn, but it will be history which in the course of time will assess the full value of the contribution he has made to Masonic discipline and learning. During his lifetime his reputation was world wide and his correspondence and writings voluminous.
He was a very human person, somewhat reserved by nature and at times it was not easy to communicate with him but he certainly had a sense of humour which at times could he quite unexpected and even disconcerting. He was always interested in contributions made by other authors of Masonic papers and in comments made on answers prepared by himself to questions submitted to him. His own comments on papers delivered at meetings of the Masters' and Past Masters' Lodge and other Masonic bodies disclosed the thoroughness with which he researched each subject. He had little patience with anybody who took what he considered undue liberties in the interpretation of our ceremonies and symbols. His contributions and criticisms were always factual and reflected the influence of his thorough legal training. Perhaps I could illustrate this by quoting his own words when speaking of his Masonic philosophy as "A no-nonsense approach to inaccuracies and to people who let their imaginations run away with them.'' He did not hesitate to explode any myth fastened on Freemasonry by any writer.
Yet he was a tolerant man, always ready to assist younger Brethren and always prepared to contribute to the Masonic education of any Freemason who sought information from him. The hundreds of questions and answers submitted at meetings of the Masters' and Past Masters Lodge throughout the years and now available in a bound volume, could be considered a monument to his industry and scholarship, and I would suggest that more than fifty percent of the answers to the questions now numbering upwards of one thousand were researched and prepared by him in that clear concise manner, so readily understood by the Brethren.
He was also a humble man, always appreciative of the friendship of the Brethren, and ever grateful for any assistance rendered to him. Never did he have to resort to histrionics to cover up lack of substance in his contributions.
He was not a robust person in any way, but he never lacked courage intimes of illness and in spite of his failing health he continued to attend Masonic meetings and provide papers and answers to questions up to the time of his death. The esteem in which he was held was evidenced by the large attendance of Brethren and friends at his funeral service and our sincere sympathy goes out to his sisters.
I have reason to be grateful to him for his friendship and for making his vast Masonic knowledge available to me over a long period of time. I would therefore like to conclude this tribute to R.W. Bro. Hepburn, by quoting the following words attributed to Voltaire:
"For it is to him who masters over our minds by the force of truth....that we owe our reverence."
From Transactions Masters & Past Masters Lodge No. 130, Christchurch, New Zealand.
----o----
Iowa’s Masonic Magazines THE AMERICAN FREEMASON
by Keith Arrington, FPS
A Monthly Magazine Having Intention to Seek Widest Horizon for the Craft. Published by The Freemason Publishing Company, Storm Lake, lowa, U.S.A., and Edited by Jos. E. Morcombe, with Assistance of Brothers of Information at Home and Abroad.
The magazine was undoubtedly one of the best Masonic periodicals ever published. It was a great loss to the American Craft, did they but realize it, that it became necessary to discontinue during the war. It brought together a group of writers and students that it would be difficult to say has ever been matched before or since, even by The Builder." So said The Builder in commenting about The American Freemason in 1928.
Introduced in November 1909, the magazine achieved prominence and continued until August 1919.
The editor was Joseph Edgerton Morcombe, with Masonic writing credits to qualify him for the task. The magazine was distinctively his. He created it, owned it, was the principal writer and editor. He set its policies and he published it in the printing shop of his wife’s newspaper at Storm Lake, lowa. "He made The Freemason the most learned and vigorous Masonic periodical in the land, and that before there was a general demand for scholarly Masonic literature as there is now," so went the praise of The Builder.
Born in Cardiff, Wales, in 1859, Morcombe came to America with relatives in 1870. Forced by economics to leave college before graduating, he went to work in an Illinois country printshop where he is said to have served through a strenuous apprenticeship, eventually becoming editor. He was telegraph editor of the Cedar Rapids, lowa Gazette for nearly 25 years. When Iowa's Grand Lodge decided to produce a volume as a memorial to its pioneer Grand Secretary, who had served for 57 years, Morcornbe was chosen to write it and his 350 page The Life and Labors of Theodore Sutton Parvin was published in 1906. Even before the publication of this work, Morcombe was called upon to undertake the writing of the history of the Grand Lodge of lowa from its beginning in 1844 to the then current time. This carefully researched volume was published, after several delays, in 1909.
Morcombe was also drafted to write the history of his mother lodge, Crescent No. 25, of Cedar Rapids. and produced a 575 page history of this lodge.
In October 1908, Morcombe moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan, to become editor of The American Tyler-Keystone. Because of family problems and disagreements with his publisher, he soon became disenchanted with Michigan and ended his connection with The Tyler Keystone in July 1909. Widowed in 1907, he married Elizabeth Sohm of Storm Lake in 1908.
Miss Sohm had been editor of her Buena Vista College paper and then worked on The Buena Vista Vidette, eventually purchasing the paper on credit in 1905. She promptly paid off her debt and proceeded to earn a reputation as a newspaper woman.
The American Freemason, Volume One, Number One, made its appearance in November 1909. "The new venture is well financed and thus is able to try out the plans which have been carefully considered and slowly matured. We (believe) Masons will read. There is a place for a magazine which will confine itself to Masonic matters of general importance for the time or of permanent value for the entire craft," said the editor's statement of intent. He proudly stated that the journal would be "the product of a country printshop." With price set at $1.50 a year, it "starts out with a strong subscription list."
"A feller showing all the symptoms of having bats in his loft has started a new Masonic paper. Well, very few people will ever find it out. (Masonic papers) rise up, flourish and die without ever rousing any particular notice. No one ever reads them except Grand Secretaries and librarians in the Masonic Temple. The Masonic paper that succeeds must DEMAND attention! It must be of such calibre that, one read, another copy will be wanted." This was the tongue in cheek comment of "Reddy," the alter ego of Roe Fulkerson, whose pungent down to earth commentary in words and cartoons enlivened the first year of The American Freemason.
Physically, it was an attractive publication in spite of its drab brown wrapper. Printed in large ten point type in a single column format, with wide margins, it filled 48 pages of eight and a half by eleven heavy, book quality paper. Almost every issue had at least one photograph or reproduction on coated paper and some of the feature articles were illustrated with drawings. Beginning in April 1910, with the sixth issue, from one to three pages of advertising appeared regularly.
With the third issue, the editor felt safe to comment: "We can say that it is no longer a venture or experiment. It has made good." Evidence of progress was steady. By the time the fourth issue was published, it had become necessary to reprint issue number one to fill the demand for complete files of the new magazine. And, when number five was late in appearing, an apology was made with the explanation that new and improved machinery had been necessitated to meet the demands of increased popularity of the magazine.
The editor's occasional comment gives some light as to the editorial policy and as to why the publication was popular . "The American Freemason finds its sole field in the larger work and topics of Freemasonry. These alone are enduring, and the subjects ripe for discussion have national or universal interest. News gossip comes to the office from many sources, but unless it has a general value, we cannot give it space. The American Freemason wishes to become the organ of the Craft and if there is a distinction between the organ of the Grand Lodge, in that case all the more it will chose to be the organ of the Craft."
To critics of his editorial policy, he declared. "This magazine is a free forum, having for its only purpose or cause for existence the edification of Master Masons, and no subject is tabu.'' He also declared the three craft degrees as being basic and all important, not less than the "attached degrees.''
The Builder said of Morcombe: "His own writing is characterized by the tonic qualities of independence, wide learning, wit, pointedness, and a general disregard for smug prejudices and ancient sophistries, with ever and anon a bit of irony, or a jab at some antagonist." The Southwestern Freemason of Los Angeles called him "One of the best known writers and students of Masonic lore and history in the United States today.. a prolific and very painstaking writer."
Several of the writers for The American Freemason had been contributors to The Tyler-Keystone during Morcombe's brief tenure as editor of that journal. Among these were A.G. Pitts and Roe Fulkerson, both independent thinkers and unafraid to express their views critical of Grand Lodges. Grand Masters and their actions.
Fulkerson brought to The Freemason two features he had been preparing regularly for The Tyler-Keystone: his editorial cartoons and the feature "During Refreshment." featuring "Reddy," a Mason with, according to Morcombe, "his odd philosophy, his homely philosophy and optimistic counsel, his downright opinions and the worldly wisdom he brings to bear on doings of the Lodge and its members. Brother Fulkerson has the rare and happy faculty of looking at life from an unusual angle. The barbs of his wit-feathered arrows strike deep into faults and follies, and the word of kindly appreciation for all that is good. With pen and pencil he has made himself more widely known then perhaps any other Masonic writer of this time." A Past Master of Harmony Lodge in Washington. D.C., Fulkerson's works had been "appearing for years in other magazines."
In addition to providing the frontispiece for issue number one, Fulkerson drew two cartoons for this initial offering and wrote a short story. "Over the Steins,' in addition to "During Refreshment.'' His cartoons often were coordinated with the themes of articles by A.G. Pitts. Morcombe recommended that "solemn visaged brothers" read and profit by Fulkerson's writings, commenting that "there is needed that the gospel of optimism be preached at all seasons and in all places."
In a typical commentary on Masonic practice; "Reddy'' said: "The only thing Masons can have in mind when they attend church in a body is to try and make an impression on the profane, and show them how durned good they are, and convince them that they are not atheists and scoffers, but good and pious men who take a drink only now and then."
Perhaps as typical of the times as of the writer, a short piece of fiction about aid given to a young Mason by a Negro Mason was written with condescension and obvious prejudice, the attempts at humor perhaps appealing to more readers in 1909 than they would today. The editor, himself, at another time wrote: "All the beautiful theorizing on the Brotherhood of Man and Universality of Masonry will fail to convince the white man that there can be any point of equality with the black. Racial pride and race antipathies are not mere prejudices; they are protective sentiments, inherent to our nature, and these may not be ignored with impunity.''
A.G. Pitts, secretary of "the largest Masonic body in the world," Palestine Lodge of Detroit, and co-editor of its Palestine Bulletin, was an outspoken contributor to The Freemason. Morcormbe dubbed him "foremost among the Masonic Modernists" and continued, "Surely no other man in the American Craft has done more to reveal existing abuses and to condemn them in language calculated to arrest attention even of the most heedless. He has the courage of his convictions and he speaks with no equivocal tongue." Although the editor did frequently feel the need to make an editorial disclaimer for Pitts' views, yet they did often share same out look.
Morcombe wrote: "Our brother is unusually plain spoken: perhaps somewhat too radical! in the remedies and reforms proposed. But he is serving his brethren well in this discussion. (Grand Lodge powers and prerogatives of Grand Masters). If he has over stated the usurpations of Grand Lodges, he is at least well within the facts in showing a tendency which stultifies all the claims of Masonry as a self-governing community. Brother Pitts has brought upon himself undeserved criticism that displays ignorance of the critics. I would not go with him to the full extent of his conclusions as to Grand Lodges, but I must acknowledge that Brother Pitts had given more study to the subject than l can hope to give. I treat his arguments with respect.
Pitts did not confine his writing to criticism and preaching, however. Throughout the life of the magazine he contributed informative articles on a variety of topics including French Masonry and the Scottish Rite.
Given the lead position for the first nine months of the magazine was a masterfuI series "A General Grand Lodge: Documents Pertinent to the Controversy," in which Morcombe traced the history of the various attempts to form a General Grand Lodge and presented the principal material having reference to the subject, as found in American Masonic history.
Morcombe commented: "We have inherited the exaggerated ideas of Grand Lodge sovereignty and Grand Master's perogatives (of post Revolutionary times), while we have not retained sense of dignity and exclusiveness for the Grand Lodge and its superior officer which these former Masons possessed." He speaks of Grand Lodges "with a redundancy of titles and unmeaning offices."
Masonic study was urged by Robert I. Clegg in the very first issue, when he suggested a "national grouping for Masonic study." With an article by A.G. Pitts on a proposed lodge for Masonic research, a series by Thomas Stewart on How to Study Masonry and with book reviews and comments on Masonic literature by the editor, a continuing policy of encouraging and practicing Masonic education was established. Thomas P.C. Barnard supplied a five part illustrated series on Masonic symbols.
Clegg, who later made complete revisions of Mackey's History of Freemasonry, Mackey’s Encyclopedia and his Jurisprudence, was by profession a mechanical engineer who edited professional journals and held office in professional societies. He brought a truly encyclopedic knowledge to The Freemason in his regular department, "Leaves From a Freemason's Notebook'' and in feature articles on a wide range of topics.
In this first volume, discussion was encouraged by Pitts, Clement E. Stretton, John Yarker. W.G. Seymore and the editor in articles on the secret unanimous ballet, constitutional law of Masonry and operative Masonry, as well as the General Grand Lodge.
Readers were exposed to Masonry in other countries in articles on German, French and Swiss Masonry, a sampling of the international flavor of the magazine which Morcombe maintained to the end.
"Comment on Things Current: The Editor's Own Corner for Gossip," was the first of several departments introduced by Morcombe for editorial comment on the contributors and their writings, on Masonic news of the world and current trends. "Comment" appeared in nearly every issue during the ten years of the magazine.
A fanciful department, seemingly created to give vent to the editor's flair for philosophy and prose, was called "The Delectable Mountains" and appeared from time to time. "Here shall never blow the winds of keen debate; but only fancy and-fraternal sentiment employ our minds. From these clear heights how mean and trivial seem the bounds which men have placed between their fellows and themselves. When you have descended to the plain, my brother, strive not for saintliness, but endeavor mightily to achieve manliness, in every truth."
At the end of the first volume, Morcombe modestly and realistically stated: "The magazine has fallen far short of the ideal toward which our eyes are set. But, we have, at least, proven that Masons will read. Any consistent and reasonably intelligent effort to provide the Craft matter having a real educative value will be appreciated and supported."
"The Swastika; Its History and Significance" was examined in a lengthy illustrated series by Thomas Carr in volume two. The light-hearted, homespun philosophy of Roe Fulkerson and "Reddy" was replaced with a similar but less flippant and breezy "The Log Book of a Lodge Kicker" from the pen of T.L. Truman. This was promised "To be run as a regular feature," but after five good kicks, the kicker disappeared never to be seen in these pages again.
A "symposium" asking if Roman Catholicism posed a danger to America was begun by the editor and continued through many issues of the magazine. Pitts put his special talents to work on exclusive jurisdiction, large lodges and inherent rights of lodges. The higher degrees were critically examined by the editor, M.W. Bayliss and Pitts. The proceedings of Grand Lodges were occasionally reviewed by E.K. Freuauff. Julius Sachse contributed two articles and "Theosophy and Masonry" occupied at least three writers.
Begun in the second year, a series on Jacobite Masonry by John Yarker was continued all through volume three. The editor showed that he did occasionally approve of Grand Lodges when he cast an admiring glance at Maryland, a Grand Lodge with "no politics," just "dignity and wisdom." In a later issue he had kind words to say for the Grand Lodge of Nevada.
Oliver Day Street, J.W. Norwood and George W. Baird were among the writers in this third year. "The Northeast Corner: For the Young Mason,'' was one new editorial department. Another, which continued for the life of the publication, was "Masonic Miscellany: Gleanings of the Month."
The first and only copyrighted series to appear in the magazine was begun in April 1913 with Frank C. Higgins' "Origins and Symbols of Masonry." A F.W. Norwood series on Jesuitry and Freemasonry continued in volume four and Charles H. Merz had a three part article on "The Path of the Sun,'' illustrated with a foldout diagram.
John Kemmis and Henry F. Evans wrote for the fourth volume, along with the regular contributors. Julius Sachse had articles on an unrecorded American Grand Lodge (the Grand Lodge of the Southern District of North America at St. Petersburg. Florida) and on an ancient Scottish Rite document, this latter continuing through several issues.
Articles on mechanical music for lodges, Masonic needs and sources of supply and the question of nonattendance displayed Morcombe’s desire to be helpful to local lodges. Four papers on Masonic history appeared and a proposed tour for Masons only was reported. For the first time, the war was given editorial mention.
Robert I. Clegg's "Leaves From a Freemason's Notebook" had been appearing less frequently, but returned in three issues during the year. He also contributed two other articles.
By the time the 1914-15 sixth volume came around, the war had become paramount in all eyes and received due attention in The Freemason. Almost a dozen contributed and editorial articles dealt with the war as viewed by brothers on both sides of the conflict, Masonry in war time, Masonic war relief, Masonry’s present duty and its part in world reconstruction after the war. Eduoard Quartier le Terste wrote on ''European Masonry in October 1914."
Ellis Guild was busy with eight articles on landmarks, pillars, working tools and secrets. Many of the string of regular writers continued to contribute and Lionel Vibert, Melvin Johnson and R.J. Lemert joined in. Lemert introduced a "Masonic Lecture Bureau," with inquiries to be sent to him in Montana.
Lodge libraries were suggested by Morcombe while J. Hugo Tatsch discussed lodge accounting and records. Negro Masonry in the United States was mentioned by the editor, as was also Cagliostro, who rated two pictures and a trio of articles. Subjects for Masonic study, "with the beginner in mind," were presented.
The war continued to command an important place in the magazine in 1915-16. There was a plea from the Grand Lodge of the Netherlands to the Freemasons of the world and a report from Canadian brothers in the trenches. German Freemasonry since the beginning of the war was examined. Armitage wrote on England and its allies as Freemasons.
Opinion and exposition seemed to dominate the pages although substantial material was still being contributed. Despite his prejudices, the editor opened his pages to the pen of Harry A . Williamson, well known Negro Mason, for two articles on that movement in America.
The most ambitious number in the life of The Freemason was the special bicentenary issue of August-September 1917, published as a gesture of congratulations to the Grand Lodge of England. While due attention was paid to the mother Grand Lodge in a group of articles, there was plenty of variety for all readers. World Masonry was well the secondary theme of this double issue, with articles on seven different countries as well as one on "outposts of the Craft," a catch-all. H.M. Fleetwood did an article on Masonry in the United States. Harry Williamson again wrote on the position and pleas of Negro Masonry.
The editor may well have put all of his eggs in one basket to produce the bicentenary number. Several of the other numbers in this year were lacking in signed articles, being filled with material from Morcombe's own pen. A lack of material may also have accounted for the first combined issues, three of which appeared during the year, each representing two months.
The decline of the publication became more evident in the 1917-18 period, with fewer signed articles, slightly less interesting content and with less frequent publication. There were four combined issues, making it prudent for the editor to extend the volume’s end to December instead of the usual October date.
A change to a lower grade of paper, a move which the editor had been resisting, occurred with the August-September issue. Cost and unavailability of the better paper were no doubt determining factors. The substituted paper was lighter in weight and is now yellowed and slightly brittle.
Some features from earlier issues were now re-used, such as some of Fulkerson's cartoons and a reproduction of Hogarth's "Night," still printed in reverse as it had originally been in this magazine.
However, Morcombe had not given up. He still managed to present a varied fare with new writers and new topics. Spiritualism and atheism joined Catholicism and the war as subjects. The Grand Orient and the Grand Lodge of France received frequent attention, as did Belgian and Mexican Masonry. The landmarks, a favorite topic, were now discussed by A.S. Bacon and W.B. Hextall, recalling an observation by "Reddy." "There lives no Mason who is brash, rash or foolish enough to lay his finger on one of these ancient landmarks, and say this is the real thing! Some fellow might ask him to prove it!"
Newsworthy was the report on the recent (November 1918) conference of Grand Masters in Cedar Rapids, where the groundwork for the Masonic Service Association was laid. A.G. Pitts, of course, saw in this the threat of a national Grand Lodge and responded accordingly in the April-May issue.
The eight months of the short final year of The Freemason produced only five numbers. In his "Comment on Things Current," in the July-August issue, Morcombe announced that he was going to the west coast to make a speech. So far as The American Freemason was concerned, he never came back.
Morcombe later became editor of The National Trestleboard and then of The Masonic World, both published at San Francisco. He still was editor of the latter periodical at the time of his death in 1942, at the age of 83.
----o----
Andrew C. Gramling, Jr. MPS
Industrial corporations and educational institutions are now using video tapes effectively as an inexpensive means of instruction and education. While no changes can or should be made in the ancient teaching of Freemasonry, the time has come to improve our means of teaching these lessons. A blank video tape costs about $15.00 and can be used for up to 6 hours of instruction. It can be reused many times. A video camera costs about $1,200.00 but one of them could serve all of the masons in a whole state.
Within each state we have the talent to tape and produce programs of the highest quality on Masonic Education and build up a library of tapes on almost every Masonic subject, leaving out any secret work, of course. These tapes could be make available routinely to every Lodge, Chapter, Council, Commandery. and Scottish Rite body within the Jurisdiction as appropriate. Grand Masters and other leaders of the Craft could get their messages delivered in almost life-like form into every remote Lodge in the Jurisdiction promptly.
It has been said that an educated mason is an involved mason. With these programs of Masonic Education and Inspiration it would be possible to have more interesting meetings on a widespread basis resulting in more active and involved masons.
To make this possible, the Masonic leaders in each state should begin as follows
1. Procure one video camera at a cost of about $1,200.00 to be used by all Masonic bodies within their Jurisdiction.
2. Plan a program, choose the best team to put it on, rehearse it, and tape it.
3. Build up a library of tapes on every Masonic and Educational subject, omitting secrets.
4. Procure several portable video tape players.
For introductory purposes, Iet the District Deputies carry them around to the Lodges and put on programs, with the hope that after the Lodges see what these tapes can do, they will adopt the goal of buying a video player. A video player can be bought for between $500.00 to $900.00. Over a period of time all Lodges could get one if they see the value of it and want it. Every Lodge can buy, or borrow from one of its members, a TV through which the video player must operate.
One of the main jobs of Masonic leaders is to set the Craft to work, give them good and wholesome instructions, or cause the same to be done. This is one way to implement that goal. If we are to lead Masonry into the next century, this is one way to do it.
Now is the time to build for the future. Now is the time to seize the banner, wave it high, and go onward and upward. If it is going to come true, it is up to you.
----o----
To the Editor:.
Item April issue Philalethes, "Why Cannot a Woman he made a Mason?" by Leland J. Ameen.
Item from the Weekly Independent, Elko, Nevada, February 4, 1898.
"At a Masonic festival in Enid, Oklahoma, toasts and responses were given at the banquet. J.C. Moore pleasantly remarked, 'That the ladies would never know until they go to heaven why they could not be Masons. Mrs. Switzer retorted in behalf of the lovelier sex. "That they could not find out then, as there would be no men in heaven to tell the secret..."
This might be passed on to Bro. Ameen.
Tony Primeaux, PM KYCH, KTCH
----o----
Al Cerza Reviews Books of Interest to Masons
It is a sad observation that there are persons and organizations which are opposed to Freemasonry on religious or political grounds. We have no quarrel with them and never engage in debates with them but the subject of anti-Masonry is important so that our members may know who are our enemies, what they are saying about us plus the reasons why their accusations are not well founded. There has been published by the Masonic Service Association Let There Be Light, A Study in Anti-Masonry. Originally published in 1954 the matter has been brought up-to-date.
Available at $2.13 a copy from the Association, 8120
Fenton St., Silver Spring, Md. 20910.
Many years ago there was published a "A Dictionary of Symbols," by J.E. Cirlot, and it has been out-of-print for some time. A second edition has been published and has 419 pages. Though not a Masonic book any book dealing with the subject of symbolism is bound to have something of interest for Masons.
Available at $12.20 a copy from Barnes & Noble. 126 Fifth Ave., New York. N.Y. 10011.
Volume 4 of the Transactions of the Maine Lodge of Research has been published covering the years 1982-83, having a full page picture of Harry Carr, first Fellow of the Lodge, some matters of local interest. and the following articles of general interest: Freemasonry in West Africa, by Andre A.G. Bassou; Maine’s Own Grand Lecturer, by Lewis J. Birt, describing the work in various parts of the country by James Cushman; Book of Constitutions, Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, 1798, by Donald E. Bowden: The Trowel, by Norman C. Dutt: By-Ways of Masonic Research, by Wallace M. Gage, being a presentation of sea disasters with a Masonic connection; and The Cowan, by Michael A. Gaul. The following "fillers" appear in the book: "Taking the degrees and paying dues is one way to be a member, but to earn the privilege calls for active work from January to December." And "The most fruitful conversation between two persons is when each takes a turn in listening to what the other has to say.
Available at $5.00 a copy from C. Weston Dash, Secretary, Shore Road, HCR 60, Box 159, Medomak. Me. 04551.
Several years ago O.E. Deutsch, a Mozart scholar, discovered an old picture purporting to be a Masonic lodge meeting in Vienna with many men. As he examined the item he tentatively identified one of the men as being Mozart. He made this discovery known but did not explore the matter further. H.C. Robbins picked up the idea and began a long investigation by searching numerous sources, inclusing the court archives. He definitely identified Mozart and others in the picture. He has written a book entitled "Mozart and the Masons" in which he reports what he found in his search. This book of seventy-two pages has the following subtitle "New Light on the Lodge 'Crowned Hope’ " and has numerous pictures of persons, a seal, an entrance ticket, a Mozart autograph. music, etc.
Available at $10.95 a copy from Thames and Hudson, 500 Fifth Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10110.
In commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of Freemasonry in what is now the United States, the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts has started to publish an official Masonic magazine which is beautifully illustrated and has many articles of general interest. The name of the periodical is The Trowel. The address is 186 Tremont St., Boston, Mass. 02111.
On the Trestleboard: Information has come to me that the following books will soon be published and available: A History of Freemasonry in Georgia; Harry Carr's World of Freemasonry; The Collected Prestonian Lectures, Volume Two, 1961-1974; Freemasonry in America to 1983, by Allen E. Roberts: Stonehenge: An Ancient Masonic Temple, by Russell Herner; and The Greatest of These, by Woodrow W. Morris. As these books are published and become available they will be further described here.
Our attention has been called to a recently published biography of Harold Lloyd, one of the great comics of the silent films era. With the coming of sound movies he could not adjust and he retired and devoted a great deal of his time to the work of the Shrine; in 1949 he served as Imperial Potentate. This book is important to Masons because all too often the biographies of famous men do not mention their Masonic membership. This book is one of the rare exceptions. The book is entitled "Harold Lloyd, The Man on the Clock," written by Tom Dardis. It contains 357 pages and many pictures.
Available at $19.75 a copy from Viking Press, Inc., 625 Madison Ave., New York. N.Y. 10022.
During his lifetime Brother Will Rogers was famous for many things. One of them were his witty sayings. We now have a printed collection of his statements collected and edited by Bryan B. and Frances N. Sterling, and the name of the book is "A Will Rogers Treasury."
Available at $19.95 a copy from your local book store.
One of the benefits of being a member of the Correspondence Circle of Quatuor Coronati Lodge, of London, the first Masonic research lodge in the world, is the opportunity of buying from the lodge outstanding Masonic books at reasonable prices. Here are a few illustrations that are listed on the present group of books available from this source:
The Early French Exposures; in English. $12.00
The Early Masonic Catechisms. $15.00
The Genesis of Freemasonry. $15.00
Early Masonic Pamphlets. $15.00
Anderson's Constitutions of 1723 and 1738. $18.00
Symbolism in Craft Masonry. $12.00
The Making of a Mason. $16.50
The tax laws of England prevent the lodge from selling books to nonmembers of the lodge. If you desire to order one or more of these books (or others on their list) you will have to join or arrange to have a member order a copy on your behalf. There is a local Secretary of the Lodge in practically every state of the United States and he will be glad to help you and supply whatever information you need.
If you wish to communicate with the lodge in this regard, it is suggested you write to Quatuor Coronati Correspondence Circle, Ltd., 60 Great Queen Street, London WC2B 5BA, England.
----o----
by Robert E. Shumar MPS
There is not much to be found concerning the Ashlar but I will try and transfer my views hereon for the benefit of all Brethren. There are two types of Ashlars rough and smooth. We shall consider the former first.
The Rough Ashlar is of course a stone taken from the quarry in its natural state. It must be remembered the rough ashlar was not a stone that was merely picked by chance. It was a stone that was chosen for a particular purpose. It was a selected stone. It showed prospects of being made into a perfect ashlar. It was a good stone if it had not been it wouldn't have been cut from the quarry at all. We pick our Candidates from the quarries of life. They like the rough ashlar, are chosen because they look like they have good qualities that they have possibilities of being made into something good. He must be a man of good material. He must be able to be made into a good Mason. If he is not he never should have been recommended for membership.
An ashlar is a wall building stone whose main angles are right angles but the speculative's ashlar is a cubical stone, although the "perfect" ashlar was probably not cubical but Perpend by which it was known by our early Brethren. In changing a rough ashlar into a perfect ashlar, the workman chips away all of the rough ends and creates a new thing. He removes all that was imperfect and there was the perfect ashlar.
Smooth or Perfect Ashlar, this is the finished product. That which we have been striving for. We are told that an ashlar is a stone cut more or less true on all sides adjacent to those of other stones so as to permit very thin mortar joints. To make these stones smooth is a very painstaking job, and requires much time and patience.
The Rough Ashlar of course is material for the Perfect Ashlar. It does not offer itself, it must be selected. The Apprentice is the material out of which the Fellowcraft is to be made.
The Perfect Ashlar is made from the Rough Ashlar strictly by a process of taking away. Taking away that which is not needed The Perfect Ashlar, if it exists is there all the time. There are many objects inside a stone, all the Artist (or sculptor) has to do is knock away that which is not wanted and there is the statue. There are few artists who can do this work.
Not many men can make a Rough Ashlar into a Perfect Ashlar. The Perfect is there, but it takes skill to get it out. Perhaps that is the reason there are so few Perfect Ashlars in our Lodges. Whether we hew on our own Ashlars or on that of others is no reason for our not trying to make that Perfect Ashlar.
From the anteroom, to the Master Mason, we should keep on cutting away all of the rough edges. In doing this we not only help in making Candidates into better Masons, but also ourselves.
After the Craftsman finishes making his stone it is handed over to the Builder who has a hole cut into the top of it, to which is attached a lewis, to be raised up into place and be put in the spot for which it was made. I, personally, do not think that there is a perfect stone in any building in the whole world. However one imperfection can counterbalance another, and thus have a perfect and strong wall or building.
References:
Random House Collegiate Dictionary
Freemasons' Guide And Compendium. (Bernard E. Jones. P. 409)
Foreign Countries (Carl H. Claudy. PP 79-82)
Coils' Encyclopedia,
Ashlars-Rough, Smooth, Story, of a Stone (M.S.A. April 1979. No. 4)
Mackey’s Revised Encyclopedia of Freemasonry (Vol. A-Z)
----o----
Vrooman Receives Harry S. Truman Medal
At the recent annual communication of the Grand Lodge AF&AM of Missouri, John Black Vrooman FPS, Editor Emeritus of the Philalethes was awarded the Harry S. Truman medal for distinguished Masonic service. Grand Master Earl K. Dille made the presentation of the first Harry S. Truman medal to our distinguished brother. This is a well deserved tribute to John for many years of service he has given to the Masonic fraternity.
----o----
George Stracke Dies
Most Illustrious George Stracke, died Oct. 14, 1983 in Colony, Texas. George was well known in Masonic circles and at the time of his death was serving as Sovereign Master of Grand Master's Council "A'' AMD. George was born February 14, 1896. He was the Most Puissiant Grand Boomer of the Universe. (ad vitam) of the Resonant and Rendolent Order of Pardesiacs.
----o----
Rise and Development of Freemasonry in Australia
(WITH A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE VARIOUS STATES)
Part Two of a Three Part Series
by E.R. Castle MPS
The Warrant which was issued under the Antient Constitution. By the Duke of Sussex, (Prince Augustus Frederick of Brunswick, Luneburg, Earl or Inverness, Baron of Arklow. and Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Garter) is as follows - AUGUSTUS B., G.M.
To all and every, our Right Worshipful, Worshipful and Loving Brethren. "We, Prince Augustus Frederick of Brunswick, Luneburg, Duke of Sussex, Earl of Inverness, Baron of Arklow, Knt of the Most Noble Order of the Garter, Knt, &c. &c, Grand Master of the Most Antient and Honourable Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons of England," SEND GREETING "Know Ye that we, by the authority and under the sanction of the United Grand Lodge of England, vested in us for that purpose, and at the humble Petition of our Right Trusty and Well Beloved Brethren, Joseph Francis Taylor, George Strickland Kingston, Captain Walter Meriton, Lieutenant -Colonel Leslie Walker, E.Y. Hancock, James Jackson and David Doig. DO HEREBY constitute the said Brethren into a Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, under the title or denomination of
The South Australian Lodge of Friendship, No. 613. E.C. - The said Lodge to meet at the Capital of the Province of South Australia on the first Monday of every month, and empowering them in the said Lodge, when duly conregated, to make, pass and raise Freemasons according to the antient custom of the Craft in all ages, and nations throughout the known world. And further, at their said petition, and of the great trust and confidence reposed in every of the above-named Brethren. WE DO appoint the said Joseph Francis Taylor to be the First Master, the said George Strickland Kingston to be the first Senior Warden, and the said Captain Walter Meriton to be the First Junior Warden for opening and holding the said Lodge, until such times as another Master shall be regularly elected and installed, strictly charging that every member who be elected to preside over the said Lodge shall be Installed in antient form, and according to the laws of the Grand Lodge, that he may thereby be fully invested with the dignities and powers of his office. AND WE do require you, the said Joseph Francis Taylor, to take special care that all and every the said Brethren are or have been regularly made Masons, that you and they and all other the Members of the said Lodge, do observe, perform, and keep the laws, rules and orders contained in the Book of Constitutions, and all others which from time to time be made by our Grand Lodge, or transmitted by our successors Grand Masters or by our Deputy Grand Master for the time being. AND WE do enjoin you to make such By-Laws for the government of your Lodge as shall to the majority of the Members appear proper and necessary, the same not being contrary or inconsistant with the General Laws and Regulations of the Craft, a copy whereof you are to transmit to us. AND WE do require you to cause all such ByLaws and Regulations, and also an Account of the Proceedings in your Lodge to be entered in book to be kept for that purpose. And you are in no wise to omit to send to us or our successors Grand Masters, or the Right Honourable John George, Earl of Durham, &c. &c, &c, our Deputy Grand Master, or to the Deputy Grand Master for the time being, at least once in every year, a list of the members of your Lodge. and the names and descriptions of all Masons initiated therein, and Brethren who shall have joined the same, with the fees and moneys payable thereon, it being our will and intention that this Warrant of Constitution shall continue in force so long only as you shall conform to the Laws and Regulations of our Grand Lodge. And you the said Joseph Francis Taylor are further required as soon conveniently may be to send to us an account in writing of what shall be done by virtue of these presents.
GIVEN under our hands and the seal of the Grand Lodge at London, this 22nd day of October, A.L. 5834, A.D. 1834. By command of the M.W. Grand Master, Durham, Deputy Grand Master. William H. White and Edward Harper, Grand Secretaries.
The wording of this Warrant to the Friendship Lodge was quite typical of such warrants issued, however it was unique in the way that it was endorsed in addition, something quite unusual. The wording of that endorsement is as follows- To all and every, our Right Worshipful, Worshipful, and Loving Brethren. 'Whereas the within-named Brethren together with others of the Craft who are to compose the within-named Lodge upon their arrival in South Australia are desirous of opening the Lodge in London prior to their departure, and several individuals not yet Masons who are about to proceed with the colony are anxious to be initiated in the said Lodge before their departure, the Brethren named in the Warrant have petitioned the Grand Master to permit them to open and hold the Lodge at the house No. 7, John St., Adelphi, London, for the purpose of lnstalling the Master, and investing several other officers, and also to initiate into the Mysteries of the Craft such individuals as are about to proceed to South Australia, and in due course pass and raise them.'
'NOW KNOW YE that the M.W. Grand Master being willing to accede to the said request, the brethren within-named are accordingly authorised to open and hold the said Lodge in London for the objects and purposes aforesaid, and to transact all such matters and business in London as may be necessary for the purpose of the said Lodge PROVIDED. nevertheless, that they shall not initiate into the Craft, nor pass, nor raise any individual whomsoever, unless he be one of the parties actually intending to proceed with the colony as settlers in South Australia. And it is particularly directed and ordered that a return of all persons so initiated, passed and raised, shall be made for registry in the books of our Grand Lodge, and all fees and payments duly made thereon previous to the departure of the brethren, such fees to be the same as will be payable upon the initiation in South Australia. And for so doing this shall be sufficient warrant.‘
'GIVEN, under our hand and seal of our Grand Lodge, this 22nd day of October, A.D. 1834. By Command of the M.W. Grand Master, Durham, Deputy Grand Master.' William H. White and Edward Harper, Grand Secretaries.
The Ceremony of Consecration was rightfully performed at 7 John Street, Adelphi, London. There were present on this occasion. William H. White and Edward Harper, Grand Secretaries: Bro. Francis Crew, WM. No 1 Lodge: Bro. R.H. Giran, WM. of Lodge (not named): Bro. G. Aaron: Bro. C. Mawley: Bro. A. Hardy: Bro. J.F. Taylor: Bro. G.S. Kingston: Col. Leslie Walker: Bro. B. Breakfit: Bro. D. Doig.
The Lodge was opened in the 1st Degree in due form by Bro. W.H. White, G. Sec. as W.M.: Bro. F. Crew as SW: Bro. R.H. Giran as JW: Bro. G. Aaron as SD: Bro. G. Mawley as JD: Bro. E. Harper as SEC: Bro. A. Hardy as IG.
The usual petition for forming a new Lodge was read, to which the following seven brethren promised stout obedience. J.F. Taylor, Old Kings Arms Lodge. No. 30. Grand Master's Lodge No. 1, Hereford Lodge, 578: G.S. Kingston, Irish Lodge, No. 81: Captain W. Meriton. Phoenix Lodge, Portsmouth, No. 375, Lodge 227, 46th Regt. RA & KM: Col. L. Walker, CA. CB & KH of Bombay Lodge; E.G. Hancock, Lodge No. 259, Romford: Lieut. Jackson of Renford Lodge, Sutta, also of the 94th Regt. Lodge; and D. Doig of Lodge No. 24, Newcastle-upon-Tyne.
The Warrant of Constitution was then read, together with the special endorsement, authorizing the brethren to assemble at a selected Lodge-Room in South Australia.
The Lodge was then opened in the Second and Third Degrees, and Bro. Joseph Francis Taylor was Installed as first Wor Master, and he in turn appointed and invested Bros. G.S. Kingston and Col. L. Walker as first Senior and Junior Wardens respectively.
Apart from this interesting information - which shows conclusively that the Lodge was legally formed the first meeting is specially interesting from the fact that on this occasion Mr. (afterwards Sir) John Morphett and Mr. (afterwards Sir) R.D. Hanson were elected and initiated into Masonry, as were also Messrs. Thomas Gilbert, Robert Gouger and Daniel Wakefield. The five brethren initiated at this meeting had much to do with the early social and political history of the State.
The second meeting of the Lodge was also held in London at the same venue, on 2nd, March, 1835. The next meeting, the third, was held on August 14th, 1838 at the Assembly Rooms, Black's Port Lincoln Hotel, Franklin Street. South Australia, some 3 1/2 years since the Consecration in London.
This first meeting of the Lodge was presided over by Past Master H. Mildred. Bro. Kingston the SW, presented the Warrant of Constitution which had been entrusted to him in London for safe delivery. It was resolved that the Lodge be duly opened. It was accordingly opened in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Degrees. Bro. Kingston was nominated for the office of Worshipful Master. Despite the length of 3 1/2 years between the 2nd and 3rd meetings, the 4th meeting was held within 3 days, when Bro. Kingston was Installed as Wor Master.
The exertion of holding two meetings in one week, appeared to be to much exertion for some of our early brethren, for although summoned monthly to attend, it was not until the following November, (3 months interval) that sufficient could be got together to hold a meeting. (From this date onwards, I will just mention facts of interest.)
March 26th, 1839. Resolution - That 3/- be collected from each member who dined.
February 20th, 1840. Resolution - That the hour of meeting be 6:30 and if by 7 pm there shall not be seven brethren present, each member then absent shall forfeit 1/- . At 9 pm the Secretary shall ascertain the names of all members then absent, who shall be fined a further sum of 3/-. That no member shall be exempt from the operation of this rule, except a member absent in the bush, who shall have given due notice to the Secretary of their absence.
This seems to have had the effect of arousing our early brethren out of their lethargy: for I can find no instance in the minutes where the rule was put into operation. What was meant by being absent in the bush in those early days, I am not prepared to say - one would think that the State itself was pretty well all a bush 140 years ago.
It does not seem either, that our brethren exhibited much enthusiasm, for at the next meeting, the Immediate Past Master was again elected Master. This see-saw system seems to have carried on for some number of years - Bros. Mildred and Kingston being elected alternatively in turn as Worshipful Master. This seems to have prompted Bro. Mildred to convene some special meetings where junior officers could receive instruction prior to taking higher office in the Lodge.
It was also the custom in those early days for our brethren to have bespeak nights at the Theatre for benevolent purposes. The first of these was held in April, 1841. The preliminary notice of which appeared in the South Australian Register of March 1st, 1841 and read as follows - "The Free and Accepted Masons of the S.A. Lodge of Friendship No. 613, are about to bespeak an evening's entertainment at the Theatre for the benefit of the Hospital. The Masons will appear in their Masonic costumes, and the ladies of their families will wear light blue ribands and aprons, so that the house will have a very novel and imposing appearance, and it is to be hoped that it may prove a benefit, to enable the members to present a handsome donation to the very valuable institution.’
This took place on Tuesday, April 13th, there was a crowded house, and the result was the addition of 30 pounds. 3/- to the Hospital funds. In August of the same year. His Excellency the Governor (Bro. Grey) of Irish Military Lodge No. 83, was elected a joining member. This instance is referred to in the S.A. Register. in the following terms-
"That the Lodge of Friendship had granted its patronage to a performance at the Theatre as under:- By our advertisement of this day we perceive that the performances on Monday next, are under the patronage of the S.A. Lodge of Friendship No. 613, and it must be highly gratifying to the brethren to see the progress this Lodge is making A numerous and highly respectable meeting of the Craft took place on Wednesday evening last, when His Excellency Governor Grey was admitted a joining member.
"This may be considered a triumphant step for Masonry in South Australia, and prove a leading stone to that structure which has been handed down from ages and which our greatest monarchs have acknowledged with delight. We trust that the junior members of this Lodge will now be stimulated to arrive at the heights which will make them an ornament to Masonry. There are many who possess such talent, and under the guidance of so competent a Master, as Mr. Mildred, cannot fail of possessing the necessary knowledge.
At the meeting held Sept. 6th, 1843, a circular was read advising of the death of the Duke of Sussex, the Grand Master who had signed the petition of the Lodge. The members were requested to go into mourning.
At the next meeting, one of the proprietors of the Register, Bro. Grey, presented the Lodge with a dozen of port wine, which the minute records, were accepted with thanks.
On January 31st, 1844 the Lodge was offered 1/4 of an acre of Land and 10,000 bricks for Masonic purposes and to build a Lodge room, by one of the members. Bro. E. Solomon. It does not appear from the minutes that the place of meetings changed. At the time the Lodge was meeting in a room at the rear of the present Freemasons' Tavern in Pirie Street. This room still stands, but - 'tell it not in Gath, and whisper it not in Ascalon' - it is now being used as a stable! One feels tempted to say with Hamlet: 'To what base uses may we return,’ for to find a Masonic Lodge Room converted into a stable is almost as great a declension as to consider 'Imperial Caesar, dead and turned to clay. Might stop a hole, to keep the wind away.'
At the end of 1844 there were 5 further English Lodges existing in the State, and an application was forwarded to England for the Establishment of a Provincial Grand Lodge, naming Bro. H. Mildred to be first Provincial Grand Master.
On February 6th, preceding the Master, Officers and Brethren of the Scottish Lodge Adelaide. St. John's arrived and in procession with members of Friendship Lodge marched to the site of the proposed new Scottish Church in Grenfell Street.
In 1846, December 2nd, Bro. George Coppin who eventually became M.W. Grand Master of the Victorian Constitution was admitted as a joining member.
At the January meeting 1848, the Warrant of Harmony Lodge, and patent of Bro. H. Mildred arrived from England. At this meeting a letter of farewell was read from Bro. Graham who having amassed a large fortune from the Burra Burra Mines, was leaving the Colony.
In 1849, the Lodge received a visit from 9 German brethren, presumably from a German vessel then in port.
Towards the end of 1851, membership at meetings began to fall off, presumably on account of the Victorian diggings.
In 1852 it was discovered that the Warrant was not kept in proper custody, and that other books and documents of the Lodge were missing, and were found to be in the hands of uninitiated persons. A vote of censure was made against the Master. Bro. Hiram Mildred and the Secretary. This minute book was obtained from Mrs. Mildred, but the Warrant was not forthcoming. This censure was passed in the Master's absence, for had he been present, he would have doubtless refused it being put.
In 1853, at a meeting held on April 20th, this extraordinary minute is recorded - 'That all arrears by members of this Lodge, up to December 1852, be cancelled.' And this was actually carried, with the addition - "That all future payments shall be punctually made."
This action was rendered necessary, because many brethren had returned from the gold diggings without a fortune, and while desirous of resuming membership, could not afford to pay the arrears of subscriptions, which had accumulated during their absence.
In 1854, Bro. Moore was elected Master, and during his term initiated Sir R.R. Torrens, who instituted the Real Propert Act. Also, the private secretary to His Excellency, the Governor Sir R.G. Macdonnell, a Bro. Paisley. This brother formerly belonged to No. 1 Lodge under the lrish Constitution. This lodge was established in Ireland by King William III. Bro. Paisley knew very little about Freemasonry and agreed to be initiated again. He was accordingly elected and initiated.
At the August meeting the following minute is recorded, that a fund be set up to assist those and dependants who might fall at the Battle with Russia. This was a reference to the Crimea War.
At the meeting held 11th April, 1855, the Wor Master the Senior & Junior Wardens were absent. The brethren were so annoyed by their absence that a vote of censure was passed against them.
In 1860 the Lodge appeared to become very dissatisfied with the ritual and some lengthy discussions on the subject took place, some correspondence also was taken up to England. The Ritual in use at the time was that of Carlile. Carlile as we know was a noted Freethinker, and professed to expose Freemasonry, and was also by profession a printer. A Bro. Wells objected to this ritual being used, and the one he advocated was the one generally used in England, call the "Somerset Ritual", a copy of which Past Master Wells brought out with him. From the minutes of April 18th, it appeared that the Entered Apprentice sign was being given incorrectly, and, at this meeting, the minutes state, the brethren were instructed in the correct sign. There seems, however, to have been some diversity of opinion on the subject of the ritual, so the following letter was sent to the Editor of the Freemasons Magazine in London, the official organ of the Craft; it read as follows-
Adelaide, South Australia, April 18th, 1860
The Editor, Freemasons Magazine, London
The questions I would esteem a great favour by your replying to are the following - 1. Is the Ritual as published by Carlile, the correct one to work a Masonic Lodge by? 2. Are there any printed, or not printed Rituals besides Carlile for working a Masonic Lodge? If so, what style or title are they known by, and which is considered the most correct? 3. If there are other rituals, may a Worshipful .Master of a Lodge alter from one ritual to another. Or is he compelled to first obtain the sanction of the Provincial Grand Master (or, in his absence, his Deputy) or the sanction of the members composing the Lodge?
I may remark that the Ritual which I have heard from a brother out here to be correct one is one which he used in the Province of Somerset, and the same as adopted in the City of Bristol. Will you inform me if his is the correct Ritual or otherwise?
To this the following reply appeared in the Freemasons' Magazine. June 16th, 1860.
"We cannot recommend any published ritual to you, as the use of all are prohibited by Masonic Law, in England, and a short time since a Brother was cited before the Board of General Purposes and reprimanded for having sold a so-called ritual; The one you inform us they have in South Australia (viz-Carlile's) is the most worthless of the lot. We advise you to get the Brother you mention to teach you the ceremonies as worked in Bristol and the Province of Somerset. We have seen some excellent work in that district."
Bro. Wells, therefore, scored a victory on this point. The restriction placed on the use of printed rituals in those days, has fortunately been removed, and it is not a Masonic crime these days to be in possession of a printed ritual.
The year 1861 was a depressing one for the Lodge, not only had the Provincial Grand Master resigned his office, but there was a severe depression in trade, the Lodge itself had its own difficulties which gave rise to alarm and anxiety. Some personal dissension arose among members of the Craft who should have known better.
The concluding third article of this series will appear in the February 1984 issue of your Philalethes
----o----
by Allen E. Roberts, FPS
Shortsighted? You be the judge. The producers for a Canadian Broadcasting Corporation radio show about Freemasonry to be aired in October went in search of legitimate information. Their first stop was in Canada, naturally. There they interviewed the Worshipful Master of Quatuor Coronati Lodge No. 2076. They made an appointment to interview an American Masonic author, a month later, then left for England and Scotland. The Grand Lodge of Scotland cooperated by giving them the grand old Scottish Masonic historian George Draffen. The Grand Lodge of England refused to let any Freemason be interviewed. Exposes and erroneous information about Masonry by previous audiovisual producers was the excuse. However, a couple of non-Masons who had written about Masonry were suggested! They were interviewed. The Canadian producers weren’t happy about the arrangement. Can they be blamed? And if legitimate and knowledgeable Freemasons can't, or won't, tell Freemasonry's story, should we complain when the exposure is unfair? Should we be surprised and disturbed when Freemasonry is frowned upon as a secret association? Or should we be proud that the Grand Lodge of England, or some influential officer in it, prevent the truth about the Craft from being told?
Great. A group of management experts who are Freemasons in Washington state have banded together to try to create Masonic leaders. They are doing it by holding Management Information Workshops. These men traveled to Boise, Idaho, on October 21 to conduct one of these workshops. It was sponsored (or at least supported) by Idaho Lodge of Research No. 1965. The $7.50 cost was for printing and other necessities. It was noted that a comparable workshop would cost from $400 to $1,200. The instructors included two personnel managers, a human resources manager, a supervisor of industrial psychology, and a former Chairman of the Grand Lodge of Washington Public Relations and Lodge Resources Development Committees.
Within one of his speeches the Grand Master of Masons in India said: "We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark. The real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of light ... It is the function of the great movement of Freemasonry to bind together men of different castes and creeds into a universal fraternity of brotherly love; and to teach them the way to create a world where no man is afraid of LIGHT, where every man seeks and finds the glory of LIGHT."
The National Sojourners chartered P.O.W. Chapter in San Francisco on September 2, the day WWII officially ended. The first President is General Harold K. Johnson, a survivor of the Bataan Death March and one of the finest men and Freemasons it has been my pleasure to know. Membership is limited to those Freemasons who are, or were, officers in the Armed Forces and who were prisoners of war at some period. (NOTE: shortly after this item was written. General Johnson died. It happened on September 24, 1983. He had long suffered with cancer and had been a patient at Waker Reed Hospital since January. He was ill last year when he narrated Virtue Will Triumph for me, but one would never have known it. He was a great man. He'll be missed by all who knew him well. Frankly, I was highly flattered when he started signing his letters with "Johnny." The New Age should carry his obituary shortly.)
Giving begets giving. Minnesota Freemasons are proving this. The Grand Lodge has a central Masonic Foundation that's doing a tremendous charitable job. But the Lodges aren't content with just giving to the Foundation, They are doing things on their own. For instance: A breathing device was given to the sheriffs department in Alexandria by Constellation Lodge No. 81; A "sudden infant death" monitor was presented to a hospital by Sharon Lodge No. 104; This Lodge, and Orion No. 139 jointly held their third annual "Masons for Diabetic Youth" Chow Mein Dinner; Now more than 14 Lodges help 24 schools with their diabetic programs. All the Lodges are strong supporters of the Masonic Service Hospital Visitation Program. And this merely scratches the surface of the Masonic charitable work in Minnesota.
The Grand Lodge Bulletin of lowa has taken on a new look. Its editor (and Grand Secretary) Tom Eggelston is doing a great job. In its first "new look" edition was filled with air balloons and suggested Freemasonry be "Up, Up and Away." The September edition says "LET'S BUILD." It's loaded with items about those who are building and suggestions for would-be builders. It even quotes part of my favorite poem which shows it's easier to be a wrecker than a builder.
The Moscow News takes note of Freemasonry! But, as should be expected, its comments aren't flattering. "From the outset Freemasonry was a secret organization of the elite," it writes. "They always came out against social change, against social revolutions. Their rituals are a mixture of Christianity, Judaism and other faiths, and their ideological underpinnings are pervaded with mysticism....[From 1915 to 1917] the Masons intention was to dethrone Tsar Nicholas II 'quietly,'... The revolutionary storm that broke out in Russia in late February of 1917 forestalled the Masons' conspiracy and the tsar was deposed by the uprising of the masses rather than by a palace coup...After the October Socialist Revolution the Masons took part in the counter-revolutionaries' armed actions and engaged in fresh conspiracies, this time against Soviet power. Their lodges and organizations were eventually outlawed ... Freemasonry in America is an invisible lever of power. It is this factor that explains the viability of the organization in such a pragmatic country...After World War II New Masonic lodges appeared in [several countries] with the purpose of carrying out subversive activities against the USSR and other socialist countries, and also against the national liberation movements. Zionist agents are active in those 'new' lodges as well." Isn’t this strange? With the millions upon millions of words I've read about Freemasonry, it took the Russian writer named Grigory Alexeyev and the Moscow News to really "educate" me.
A sign of the times: If you ever see an editor who pleases everybody he will be neither sitting or standing, and there will be a lot of flowers around him!