March 2004

Editor: MWBro Robert E. Juthner Vol. 69, No. 3

deemed acceptable, but only if Captain Bro Capt Wilfrid Reid (Wop) May OBE DFC May (of ) and Captain McCall smiled on the Canadian because (of Calgary) were hired as pilots. After Richthofen was killed during this chase all, we had to keep some Canadian con- and May survived to continue on to rise tent, eh! to the rank of Captain, shoot down thir- “…Then came the end of the war and its teen enemy aircraft, and be given the attendant disposal of surplus military Distinguished Flying Cross. Now he was machinery. Again fate interceded in back in Edmonton and he had no doubts May’s life, this time in the form of a as to what his new career path was Montreal businessman, James Car- going to be! ruthers, who had made a fortune pro- “…This was the very dawn of the age of moting real estate in Edmonton’s west aviation and ‘barnstorming’ and it was end. In late 1918 he purchased ‘The also the golden age of country fairs and Edmonton’ [a former RAF aircraft] and exhibitions… local exhibitions were the had her shipped to ’s capital as entertainment of the day for the major- a gift of appreciation, with his compli- ity of cities and towns in North America. ments… And, as happens in the entertainment “Not content with the ‘barnstorm- business today, the managers of this ing’ aspect alone and seeing that lus- medium vied with each other for new cious Jenny just sitting there, pining and exciting promotions that would away, The May Airplanes Company Ltd. Bro Reginald Smith (166 & 96), the draw people to THEIR show and thus put together a business proposal present Grand Tyler, suggested this trib- increase profits… A proposal was deliv- [which] was ratified by city council on ute to Wop May, Canadian pioneer avia- ered… by one Gale Brooks of Minne- May 12, 1919 and enabled May Airplanes tor, as a long overdue acknowledgment apolis, proposing that he be allowed to to take over the Jenny… A $25.00 per of one who — so Smith feels — ranks bring in Curtiss Jenny aircraft from the month rental fee out of operating prof- alongside aviation and space pioneers, United States to be used in ‘barnstorm- See Bro Wop May, page 3. all Freemasons, such as Brothers Neil ing features’ at Western Canadian fairs Armstrong, Michael Collins, Edwin Ald- and exhibitions. After a little negotiat- rin, Virgil “Gus” Grissom, Edward White ing this was and Roger Chafee, as well as others among our Canadian bush pilots, such as WBro Tommy Fox, Master of Com- mercial Lodge No. 81 in 1962. So, how did Wop May become such a celebrated bush pilot? The following is an account taken from http://www. ualberta.ca/EDMONTON/CONTRIB/ airmuseum/aammay.html: “By mid-summer of 1919 a number of restless young airmen, discharged from the services at the close of , were starting to look around for em- ployment and were beginning to realize that there was none… For some of these pilots this was not an insurmountable problem, they would just create them- selves an opportunity… in aviation. “One of these pioneers was Captain Wop May, an Edmonton resident who Wop May in front of his second aircraft, a Standard J-1 (a Curtiss JN-4 (Jenny) built by had gained fame when, on his first com- Standard Aircraft Company) owned by Harry Adair of Lake Saskatoon in NW Alberta. bat flight, he was pursued and shot at On this aircraft he had his name — WOP — painted on the top wing so people by the ‘Red Baron’. The fates must have would know who was flying upside down! Editorial ent would be tempted to preserve for the Grand Lodge annual meeting as posterity. At the other end of the scale winners in the Grand Lodge of Illi- Lodge Notices there is the “Bare bones” variety, lack- nois/Illinois Freemasonry competi- ing that special touch that requires tion for the 2003 Newsletter of the Actually, such do not exist as, ac- Masonic enthusiasm to turn a call to a Year… Members of the Grand Lodge cording to the Regulations, R3.6, they meeting into a welcome piece of litera- Newsletter Committee were judges are called “Summonses”, so “Notice” is ture. for this annual competition and they just a colloquialism that seems hard to In this issue, please read under commented about the overall excel- eradicate. No matter what they are “Alberta Miscellany” turning to “Moun- lence and quality of the entries sub- called, these monthly notifications of tain View Lodge No. 16” for what they mitted… One judge reported, ‘The all members of a Lodge to assemble for have to say about a notice of motion, on difference between the first place the next stated meeting are governed the District level, to give an award for winners and the runners-up was very, by but few basic stipulations in the the best prepared notice (ugh, sum- very close’. above mentioned Regulations. It fol- mons). Now there’s a thought! Many So they call it “newsletter” — still lows that among the 135 Lodges in the Brethren have heard admonishments, means the same, but there appears to jurisdiction there exists a great and over the years, to improve the content be a concerted effort spearheaded by often contrasting variety among these of the summonses, but there are no the Grand Lodge in conjunction with summonses as to their content and, statistics available on how effective their Masonic magazine to give an in- hence, the interest created among the these were. Let us have a look to see centive to the Lodges to turn some- members to peruse them (or even to what is done about this elsewhere. In thing otherwise rather drab into a open the envelope). Some Masters take the latest issue of Illinois Freemasonry, stimulating and effective piece of com- great pride in including meaningful Fall/Winter 2003, Vol. 9, No. 4, we read: munication. Should we emulate their messages, some use quotations or in- Top lodge newsletter cited for example and reward the best with teresting and educational items to be excellence, creativity. framed certificates, as they do, or is it appreciated by the reader. Some, like A total of 44 Illinois lodges were enough to expect that, eventually, all Lake Saskatoon Lodge, offer profusely recognized for their excellence in Lodges will come around and show colour-illustrated ones that the recipi- communications with members at “excellence and creativity”? Freemasons’ Hall, Calgary — Grand Opening After seven months of renovations Lorel Strachan and Mrs. Allie Whit- — the major construction being the bread), wine and coffee. Photo albums installation of an elevator — we were of the construction, provided by Bro finally ready to share our new look with Richard Sellars, our head carpenter, everyone. On Sunday, January 18th, added to the appreciation of the fin- 2004, over 100 people (including sev- ished look. The feedback received was eral from Edmonton) shared in the all very favourable. Grand Opening of Freemasons’ Hall in Our thanks go out to all who made Calgary. MWBro Norman Thomas, time to share this special event with us. Grand Master, and WBro Don Brown, President of the Calgary Temple Board, shared in the ribbon cutting ceremony. Grand Master’s Itinerary All who attended walked freely March through the building, admiring the new 1 Rockyford Lodge, Calgary committee rooms, banquet room, 2 Fort McMurray Lodge Grand Lodge Office and, of course, en- 6 St. Mark’s Lodge, Calgary joyed a ride or two in the new elevator. 9 Patricia Lodge, Edmonton After the ribbon cutting everyone was 13 Ye Olde Craft Lodge, Edmonton invited to the third floor banquet room 16 Mizpah Lodge, Medicine Hat to share in a wonderful spread of finger 23 Edmonton Lodge food (provided by Zenith Chapter, Mrs. 26 King George Lodge, Calgary

The Committee on the Grand Lodge Bulletin Provided to Freemasons of Alberta and the west of the 4th Meridian who are members of MWBro Robert E. Juthner (Chairman); The Grand Lodge of Alberta, A.F. & A.M. WBro Garth Cochran; WBro Stephen Dafoe; WBro Loren Kline; Bro Trevor Morris — 330 – 12 Avenue SW, Calgary, Alberta T2R 0H2 Ex Officio: Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master Tel 403-262-1140 — Fax 403-290-0671 & Grand Secretary Published each month except July and August by www.freemasons.ab.ca Annual subscription rate for non-members of the GLA is The Grand Lodge of Alberta, A.F. & A.M. C$10.00 plus mailing costs. Republication rights are Grand Master MWBro Norman R. Thomas granted to other Masonic Jurisdictions, but acknow- Editor: MWBro Robert E. Juthner Deputy Grand Master RWBro Rodney B. Ponech ledgement of the source is requested. The Editor reserves Senior Grand Warden RWBro Rex Dawson 14103 Buena Vista Road NW, Edmonton, AB T5R 5S2 the right to accept, reject and re-write material submitted Junior Grand Warden RWBro Malcolm Berry Tel 780-483-5124 — Fax 780-486-4512 for publication. Deadline for copy is the 1st day of the Grand Secretary RWBro Jerry W. Kopp e-mail: [email protected] month, two months prior to the month of issue. 2 Bro Wop May, from page 1. convened the first Masonic Lodge meet- ing ever held north of the Arctic Circle its was agreed to — as well as the stipu- in Canada, at Coppermine, 67˚48’ North lation that the aircraft be used for the Latitude, 115˚15’ West Longitude. Emil ‘promotion of the principle of flying in John Wali, manager of Eldorado Gold and around Edmonton’. Mines, was initiated by a multi-Lodge “So, they had an aircraft… and for a team consisting of: price they could afford — virtually noth- WBro Chas. E. Garnett (Ivanhoe 142), ing except some financial backing from acting WM; friends… Bro A.K. Muir (Burford Lodge No. 206 “One last thing remained to be set GRC), SW; up. Bro Squadron Commander C.R.F. “Just within the city’s northwestern Harrison DSA MC DFC (Tichfield limits, on the old St. Albert trail, Wop Lodge No. 3350 EC) JW; found a level bit of farmland that he felt Bro J.B. Tyrrell MA LLD (University was ideally suited. A deal was struck Lodge No. 496 GRC) Chaplain; with farmer Walter Sporle for leases on Bro Sgt Henry Larsen, commanding the actual land involved and for permis- RCMP supply ship St. Roch (Mount sion to crash into his crops if necessary, Cairn placed by Ivanhoe Lodge No. 142. Newton Lodge No. 89, GRBC) Se- and a shed was erected to provide some nior Deacon: Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry place out of the snow for [the mechanic]. Bro Capt Wilfred Reid (Wop) May OBE and of Al Azhar Temple, AAONMS. When They now had an airfield… DFC (Unity Lodge No. 51, GRA) Bro Reg Smith interviewed Wop’s son, “In short order the Canadian govern- Junior Deacon; Denny May, he was told that Freema- ment… set up the new Canadian Air Bro Alfred Copeland (St. James Lodge sonry gave his father peace-of-mind af- Board at the beginning of 1920 to regu- No. 256 SC) Junior Steward; ter many hours of having been sky- late and certify aviation… Wilfred1 Reid Bro John W. Nichols (Avalon Lodge No. bound. He would fly in — fly out — have (Wop) May received commercial license 776 now No. 2, St. John’s, NF); and a nap and go to Lodge, or where the number seven… ‘The Edmonton’ was Bro John D. Nicholson RCMP. Shriners met. “That was my father, that certified as well and received the very At a special ceremony in 1940, was my dad.” On a joint trip to Utah of first Canadian aircraft registration let- Ivanhoe Lodge placed a pillar of granite both father and son, after a long hike, tering — ‘C-AA1’. Shortly after this C- on the site, with a bronze plaque com- Denny found Wop 100m away from AA1 was repainted and renamed ‘The memorating the event. As the Historian Timpanogos Cave National Monument City of Edmonton’… and continued fly- of Ivanhoe Lodge informed the writer, near Provo, the victim of a massive ing until 1923 when she was turned this monument has recently been van- heart attack. Born in Carberry, Mani- back to the city… ‘The City of Edmon- dalized by a group of youngsters, but toba, on March 20, 1896, he died on June ton’ was [since] restored to pristine since then the plaque has been restored. 21, 1952, only 56 years of age. A great condition and now graces the entrance (For a full account read History of the man and Brother was no more. to the Reynolds Alberta Museum in Grand Lodge of Alberta 1905–1980, pp REJ Wetaskiwin.” 57–58.) Photos of Wop May courtesy of Bob There followed many years of nu- Bro May was also a member of the Busse and Barbara Frazer, Alberta Avia- merous flights from Edmonton to the Edmonton bodies of the Ancient and tion Museum. Canadian Arctic, often braving sub zero temperatures and landing in inhospi- table wilderness areas, delivering mail Letter and the necessities of life. Wop May delivered the first official mail, flying On the Value of Memory Work from Fort McMurray to Aklavik and It was interesting to read the Editor’s 200 years! points in between. The outside tem- column on memorization (Nov ’03) and So what? Why is this important? Be- perature that day was recorded at mi- Ari Hoeksema’s response (Jan ’04), so cause in an oral tradition, it is not the nus sixty degrees. On his returns to why not throw a little more fuel on the precise memory work that is impor- Edmonton, May frequently sought the fire. tant, but the moral of the story: what company of his fellow Freemasons. He First of all, as a Libra, I admit to Joseph Campbell refers to in The Power was a member of Unity Lodge No. 51 and seeing merit in both sides of the ques- of Myth as the essential truths that de- often associated with his Brethren of tion, but I believe the subject is of greater fine us. Storytellers have, throughout Ivanhoe Lodge No. 142 who, in their importance than picking one side or the history, been the caretakers of the myths enthusiasm and originality of thought, other. that define their culture. In Masonry, we Masonry has evolved from an oral are the caretakers of this culture and it 1 Some confusion exists over the spelling of his tradition. Our ritual, our legends, our is what we derive from the stories, the first name. His family (www.wopmay.com) landmarks and our traditions all came rituals, and the memory work and pass states on the webpage The Myths: down to us orally. The transcribed ritual on to others that instill its values. “Myth: Wop’s name is spelled Wilfred (in al- most every publication) is a relatively new invention. In fact, I Freemasonry, as far as I know, is one Fact: Wop’s name is spelled Wilfrid — after Sir know of a Lodge in Scotland that still of the few organizations in the world Wilfrid Laurier” does not have a ritual, after more than See Memory Work, page 6. 3 virtue, and it is a pleasure to be in Lodge the Worshipful Master and his elected Alberta Miscellany without other concerns. We, the Breth- Officers on their toes. Maintain a har- Avon Glen Lodge No. 170 ren in the Craft, are most fortunate! monious relationship with Grand Lodge, There is a phrase that states: “You Masonry has a future, not just within its Officers and Staff. only get out what you put in.” Let me our Lodge walls, or focused on the past, Time Requirement: (outside of remind you of some of the words from but in looking to the future and deciding Lodge meetings) about one (1) hour per your initiation: “In a society so widely how we can fulfill an important role in week or five (5) hours per month, de- extended as that of Freemasonry, whose society. While the past may provide pending on your efficiency. branches are spread over the four divi- direct or indirect instructions for the Requirements: a genuine interest in sions of the globe… as a warning to future, it is you and I who will move the Masonry and your Lodge. Creativity! your own heart, should you at any fu- Craft, with the Craft, and within the Have a good knowledge of the Book of ture period meet a Brother in circum- Craft, and it is the same for Calgary Constitution and Regulations. Should stances of distress who claims your Lodge. I leave you with the question: be computer literate and able to touch assistance, you may recollect the pecu- what can Calgary Lodge do, outside our type. Assistance from present Secre- liar moment in which you were received Lodge walls, that will enable us to be tary-Treasurer will be available. into Freemasonry…” seen and the Craft appreciated? I be- Benefits: Few! But you do get a good On your being passed: “to teach you lieve this is how we can attract mem- understanding of the workings of Grand to square your actions by the square of bers and for all of us to be active Ma- Lodge. virtue and to keep within due bounds of sons. Caution: don’t expect too many ac- all mankind.” WBro Les Saggars, WM colades, but if any part of the train goes On being raised: “to maintain and off the track, you can expect to hear uphold the five points of fellowship, in Mount Lebanon Lodge No 54 from somebody! act as well as in word.” I will mention our community RWBro E.H. Welton Keep these few thoughts as you tread project, the Potato Patch. The work is along the road of Masonry and they will done and all of those who participated Strathcona Lodge No. 77 keep you in good stead with all man- should stand proud. The project was How do we find more candidates? kind. In your community it will show too big to finish in one day, however, Let me begin the answer with a sugges- people what it is to be a Mason, to find the following Saturday we finished it. tion that may at first appear heretical: that something was missing from their Total results, and this is not official, is We do not need to find more candi- lives. They may want to discover it, and we dug and picked 38,000 pounds of dates. We do not need to beat the bushes, add that meaning to theirs. potatoes for the Food Bank. Mind you, twist arms, importune or solicit in any From The Earliest English Poems we could delete up to 2,500 pounds for way whatsoever. When the candidate is Translated by Michael Alexander dirt — who knows? The drivers of the ready, he will find us. This does not Food Bank sent their thanks for all the mean that we should be monumentally Mountain View Lodge No. 16 cooperation they received from the inscrutable until approached. Not only (Reporting about a District meeting) many Masons, DeMolay, Job’s Daugh- should we always be open to such an There were those who were very criti- ters and Ladies who devoted their time enquiry, but also there is no reason why cal of Lodge notices. Claimed they did to this project. we should not open the door to any not contain enough substance. Some Bro Bob Hauswirth, SW considered discussion on the fraternity. were shabbily presented. I got the im- This does not mean necessarily that we pression some were not worth reading. must be confined to advertising our There was even a motion to give an Beacon Lodge No. 190 affiliation by wearing Masonic jewellery award for the best-prepared notice A Lodge is like a greenhouse. Some or large belt buckles; virtually any sub- (maybe we should get gold or silver folks throw rocks and break glass. Oth- ject of conversation from carpentry to stars). – Who will have the qualifica- ers look in and admire the flowers. Still Kipling, from bagpipes to billiards, will tions to judge same? Some months there others, inside, water the plants, fertil- allow some reference to the fraternity. is little to report; input from the mem- ize them, and keep it neither too hot This is not to suggest that you embark bers would be welcome. The Alberta nor too cold and generally provide a on a career of proselytizing, but merely Freemason does an excellent job of re- good environment for plant growth. to indicate that you know something of porting news in and about the jurisdic- They get to smell the flowers. Want the Craft and are prepared to discuss it. tion… to be a horticulturist? The certainties and stability of our in- Unsigned (WM or Sec?) Unsigned stitution appear like a harbour light in a Calgary Lodge No. 23 Alberta Lodge No. 3 sea of change; if this is the harbour the As John Locke, the British philoso- …is looking for a replacement Secre- individual is seeking, he will turn to- pher, once said “it is a short and brutish tary-Treasurer. The job is easy: all you wards it; if not his course lies elsewhere. life” and there are many indications have to do is to record the proceedings WBro Ian Gledhill, WM that life is becoming more difficult for of the Lodge, collect all moneys and ever increasing numbers of people in keep a proper account of all receipts Hinton Lodge No. 178 this world. This is a void that the Craft and expenditures. Issue all summonses “Masonry — A Way of Life” can and should fill. We in the Craft have as required. Forward all required re- We sometimes need to be reminded a wonderful oasis within which we have ports to Grand Lodge correctly and on that our Craft is more than just getting the wonderful retreat of friendship and time. Keep good and full records. Keep together once or twice a month, though 4 A Great Line-up! Grand Master’s Centennial 2005 Tour “Sun, Sea & Sand” Southern Caribbean & Panama Canal with This year’s line-up of Sessions at the Spring Rod & Marilyn Ponech Workshop is nothing MS Rotterdam short of outstanding. January 14th to 25th, 2005 Karim-Aly Kassam will in- troduce a very interest- Welcome Aboard ing thesis about our Ca- nadian, Albertan, and Dear Brethren: Masonic traditions of Marilyn and I, and our family, extend to you, your wife, Tolerance, and follow family and friends a warm invitation to join with us for the that up Saturday morn- Grand Master’s Centennial Cruise of the Southern Carib- ing to paint a picture of Bro Karim-Aly Kassam bean and the Panama Canal. where we go from here We depart the frozen winter of Alberta, January 4th, 2005 and how Freemasonry could help us get there. He will also for 12 days of sun, sand, entertainment, and fellowship hold a separate session to discuss events and reactions to aboard the MS Rotterdam, which is the flagship of the Hol- September 11, 2001. land America Line. The other presentations on Saturday are likely to make Plans include an on board “Centennial Lodge at Sea” and your choice of Sessions very difficult. Elmer Ghostkeeper hopefully a fraternal visit to a Caribbean Lodge on one of the will talk about the social cost of racial intolerance and end sun drenched islands. with a Healing Circle. The 10-night cruise includes: You heard the one about the Priest, the Minister and the Half Moon Cay Rabbi? There will be a panel discussion on comparative Willemstad, Curacao religion to help us understand the common thread of toler- Oranjestad, Aruba ance that runs through the world’s great religions, and how Puerto Limon, Costa Rica fragile that thing called civilization can be. Scenic Cruising of the Panama Canal. A comedian will show us how to keep our Festive Boards Please plan on joining us, and many others of our ex- fun, and intolerance out-of-bounds. There will be a discus- tended Masonic family, for what will be a most memorable sion group on Masonic intolerance, and how we should react. experience as we Northerners are pampered in the life of For those involved with festive boards without a hired luxury aboard one of the most lavish cruise ships in the caterer, they are going to love the session on putting Spice in world. your Festive Board, and gain some insights into dealing with The Centennial year for the Grand Lodge of Alberta will be some common food intolerances. a busy and exciting one. One of the most enjoyable of the These are just a few of the exceptional sessions this year events planned will be the winter break, which all Albertans that are guaranteed to challenge, stimulate, enlighten and love. entertain you. Top that off with glorious surroundings, great Marilyn and I look forward to enjoying your company on food, fabulous fellowship and you’re talking about the this cruise celebrating the Centennial of the Grand Lodge of Masonic Spring Workshop. Check us out at Alberta www.masonicspringworkshop.ab.ca and fill in your registra- Fraternally, tion on-line (if you haven’t done so already). That’s the RWBro Rod Ponech Masonic Spring Workshop Deputy Grand Master, Grand Master-elect 30 April to 2 May 2004 New, deep discount rates available: Alberta and return Delta Lodge at Kananaskis (airfare, taxes, hotels, tours), starting from $3,692 per See you there! person, lowest inside category. Book before April 2nd. getting together every month is one of the best parts and the For further information on bookings and rates please con- best reminder that the Craft is so much more. Some Brothers tact: seem to be embarrassed about belonging to the Craft, to the Bro Murray Pay point that they will not display any evidence that they are Travel Consultant Masons until they attend a Lodge meeting — if they attend a M.P.V. Travel Services Lodge meeting! 266 Dalhurst Way NW We should not be in the shadows; we should be seen. The Calgary, AB T3A 1P5 more people say “That good man is a Mason”, the more good (403) 286-8506 Fax (403) 247-0774 men may say “I too would like to be a Mason.” or follow the links from the Grand Lodge of Alberta website WBro George Stamp, WM www.freemasons.ab.ca 5 “There’s a time for some things, and a time for all things; a time for great things, and a time for small things.” — Miguel de Cervantes Airdrie, Drumheller, Nakomis, SK, and caused additional hours to be spent in Winnipeg, MB. Thunder Bay was the saddle to meet his planned rest reached on 6 June and another 10 days stops. The hardest part of the trip, he saw him crossing on the ferry to comments, was Northern Ontario. Day Tobermory. Canada Day was celebrated after day of long steep hills, some like in Miramichie, NB. After a loop over to that at Montreal River were over 10 km Prince Edward Island, by 9 July he had long with a 7 per cent grade. The prob- reached the ferry at North Sydney, NS. A lem was not physical, but mentally be- 14-hour trip across to Newfoundland ing able to approach each new climb and on 10 July at 3:15 PM, he cycled up with enthusiasm and determination, and Signal Hill in St. John’s to end a 66-day, without becoming discouraged when 7,100 km ride. Of the total time he took, another hill came into view. The best Sam planned for 11 rest days so he knew portion of the route he found was in the Why do men climb mountains? Of that he had to average about 130 km per province of Quebec. Following “La Route course, the answer is because they are day. Of course, in BC, climbing the Verte” and hugging the St. Lawrence there. Well, one of the members of Rockies, the daily average was consid- River, much of the time he found he was Griesbach Lodge No. 191 took the same erably lower than that; while in Ontario able to maintain an average of 30 km/h. approach to the vastness of Canada. On and Quebec 200 km days were common- Consequently, by commencing cycling 5 May 2003, VWBro Sam Moore de- place. around 7:00 AM and stopping around parted Edmonton by train for Vancouver The weather, for the most part was 2:30 or 3:00 PM, he was able to avoid accompanied by his daughter, two bi- excellent. With the exception of the snow much of the heavy local traffic and be- cycles and some camping equipment. in the Rockies, there was only one day cause of the time of the year, vacation On 6 May they disembarked in Van- when his departure was delayed some traffic had not become too problem- couver, quickly organized themselves three hours by heavy rain and only on atic. What next? Well he has started to and started cycling towards the east. two other days did he experience any plan a ride from Mexico City to Edmon- While an injury brought his daughter’s rain showers at all. He had hoped to ton, a distance of about 6,000 km. quest to an early end, Sam continued have good riding through the Prairies WBro Mike Smith (191) riding. On 14 May he reached the sum- but a combination of bad roads and mit of the Rogers Pass. The next day, in adverse winds, much of the time from Nota Bene a snowstorm, he crossed the Kicking the east or southeast at 35 km/h with Horse Pass. From there it was on through gusts occasionally touching 60 km/h, Due to lack of use by the Alberta Masonic Fraternity, the Bank of Mont- real “Masonic Affinity” MasterCard pro- Memory Work, from page 3. that kind of vocabulary at its disposal is gram has been discontinued by the that still relies on memory work to con- one worth listening to; it has value. Bank. duct its meetings. If any of you has read We have heard how the memoriza- The Masonic Foundation of Alberta the introduction of your Collins Ma- tion of the proving up work can help us would like to express sincere thanks to sonic Bible, you will be aware of the gain entrance to an unfamiliar Lodge, or the approximately 100 members of the description of the value of work and identify a supposed Mason, or to iden- Craft who contributed, cumulatively, “the philosophy of work which is the tify oneself as a Mason under the right about $15,000 to the Foundation body and burden of the Work of the circumstances; this also has value. through the use of this card over the Three Degrees…” [p 15] It is not only All that being said, I suggest that past ten years. physical labour, as it was in operative there may be more here than meets the Brian E. Smith Lodges of old, but the speculative work eye. Ari [Hoeksema] and I often have Secretary-Treasurer of learning the stories, the rituals, the these conversations. He suggests that landmarks and the values which are Master Masons be made in one-day the fraternity in general, and we and the important in every man’s life. Masons classes. As a Past Potentate, his desire world at large will benefit. are different than other men in that we would be to get more interested men On the other hand, his sojourn in the take upon ourselves a labour of learn- into the Shrine without having to go quarries of his Mother Lodge should ing that is different from what other through the traditional Degree process. have value. He should have the same men do, and that has value. On one thing we do agree. Our Lodges opportunity as his Brethren to learn the Memory work exercises the mind, should not hesitate to Initiate, Pass and valuable lessons the Craft has to teach. allows us a slow and thorough method Raise men who only want to enter the If he cannot memorize, has trouble with of learning, and leaves us with a new Shrine. I believe the Shrine is one of the English or has another significant im- language, a new vocabulary that occa- most valuable members of the Masonic pediment to the traditional method of sionally crops up in our daily lives and Family and every effort should be made providing his proficiency, let us find an conversations. How many of you know by Lodges to encourage interested mem- alternative learning process. But let us someone who can quote Shakespeare bers to join the Shrine. A man who not suggest that memory work has no or Bacon, or Wordsworth or Burns at spends his Masonic career doing the value. just the right moment. A mind that has work of the Shrine will reflect well on David Roth, PDDGM, Commercial 81 6