Harashim
The Quarterly Newsletter of the Australian & New Zealand Masonic Research Council
ISSN 1328-2735 Issue 21 January 2002
About Harashim Harashim, Hebrew for Craftsmen, is a quarterly newsletter published by FIRST ‘SOUTHERN’ the Australian and New Zealand Masonic Research Council (PO Box 332, Williamstown, Victoria 3016, Australia) and two copies are issued free to each of its Affiliate and Associate members in PRINCE HALL January, April, July and October each year. Additional copies are available to interested persons on subscription (details below). At a later date, copies of most articles, features and news items will be RECOGNITION posted on ANZMRC’s website
The younger Grand Lodge of Andorra has been formed from two lodges of the
French National Grand Lodge (GLNF) and one lodge of the Grand Lodge of
Spain. It was recognised by California in
October this year, and is expected to obtain widespread mainstream recognition.
Bulgaria
Confusion is likely to arise in Bulgaria, also. The Union of the Grand Lodge of
Bulgaria and the Grand Lodge AF&AM of Bulgaria, under the title of the Grand
Lodge of AF&AM of Bulgaria
(United),as reported in Harashim (issues 19 & 20), does not tell the whole story. Grand Masonic Temple, Monrovia, Liberia, before restoration
page 2 Harashim
President’s Corner
As Freemasons, we are counselled not can galvanise people into plumbing the to discuss matters related to politics depths of hate to the extent that the and religion in a Masonic context. In passions generated defy description. ordinary circumstances that is quite Our first concern should be to good advice. However, occasionally embrace those who have suffered – those there can be an event that is so evil, so who have lost loved ones, those who diabolical, so damaging to the fabric have been injured physically, mentally of our society that it would be remiss and emotionally. Then we must seek to ignore it. ways to protect each other from like The events of 11 September and their calamities in the future. aftermath have occupied our minds ever We have sought peace, we have since that fateful day. That was the one sought to defuse situations that were day when the greatest increment of dangerous. But now we are faced with change was registered on the world’s the dilemma of how to find and how to God, and to mankind, to seek ways to changemometer. It was the day that trust deal with the perpetrators. It comes as promulgate these Masonic teachings. vanished from the landscape of civilian something distasteful to reach the We need to remind our brethren in life. Future historians will not only re- conclusion that the world should be Freemasonry of the early lessons that examine the events of that day, they will cleansed of forces which can, in one they experienced and we need to look be especially concerned with how the autumn morning, carry out actions that for ways of communicating them to the world reacted. defy all the niceties that modern man has world at large. After the initial paralysis of disbelief formulated in propagating civilisation as Being interested in Masonic subsided, we reached for the phones to we have come to know it. research signifies a level of literacy , a learn of the welfare of friends and family At this point we must ensure that only level of communication skills and a known to be in, or near, New York City those who are guilty are pursued. level of involvement in the community at that time. Then our anger quotients Future researchers will judge us by that should enable each of us to assert escalated. That anyone could plan, and what we say and do in exceptional himself and help to make the world a participate in, such heinous crimes circumstances such as these. If we seek safer place. severely tested our understanding of to give expression to, and implement, the That is one view of how we can human nature. basic Masonic tenets – brotherly love, respond to violence of bewildering Then we realised that the relief and truth – we have nothing to proportions. accumulated effects of the polarisation fear. The application of these principles of interests, of politics and of religions will make men better. We owe it to our Murray Yaxley
Israel 2001 that renovations were planned for On 28 November, Bro Touvia (Teddy) the Grand Masonic Temple in Monrovia, Goldstein announced: squatters were still in occupation. Work It is with great satisfaction that I am has now commenced, inside and outside, happy to announce that yesterday, largely thanks to a generous donation by in the Quarterly Meeting of the a Greek Mason. Harashim hopes to World News Grand Lodge of the State of Israel, obtain photos of the renovations. [see our Grand Master, MWBro Arthur photo, page 2] India Mark announced the Mutual At the same time, we learned of the Email contacts for the constituent Grand Recognition between the Prince death of RWBro the Hon Robert Bright, Hall Grand Lodge of Lodges of the United Grand Lodges of Massachusetts and the Grand Deputy Grand Master and Acting Grand India are as follows: Lodge of the State of Israel. Master, at the age of 91 years. His death was the subject of a special 4-page issue Grand Lodge of Upper India: Those Brethren who had some MWBro Dr P S Egan (GM) participation to bring to this of the Liberia Official Gazette on
The Annual Conference of delegates and half-yearly Communication of the Grand Lodge of South Australia and the Northern Territory Incorporated (GLSA/NT, the Association) was held on 13 October 2001. Such conferences deal mainly with local issues, but at this conference there were two motions concerning Prince Hall Freemasonry, both of which were carried, without amendment. They were: Item 11. Visitors from Prince Hall lodges This Conference recommends that the MORE INTERNET LODGES Association [GLSA/NT] permit any Prince Hall Mason to visit lodges of the Internet lodges, most of them with a strong research element, continue to be Association, provided he produces proof of sponsored in jurisdictions around the world. Among them, the lodge in Alberta, good standing in a lodge warranted Canada, is now well-established; an internet lodge with a travelling warrant is [chartered] by a Grand Lodge of Prince Hall being mooted in New South Wales; and a Prince Hall research venture in New Affiliation, and passes the tests usually York has adopted an internet presence. imposed on an unknown visitor to prove that he is a Mason, regardless of whether his Grand Lodge has been recognised by the electronic form. Association. Carried. NSW & ACT Item 12. Discretion when visiting lodges of Juan Alvarez, of the Research Lodge of other jurisdictions New South Wales (WM in 1992, when This Conference recommends that if a AMRC was formed), and chairman of member of the Association visits a lodge of a the fraternal relations committee of the jurisdiction which is recognised by the United Grand Lodge of New South Association, and there encounters a visitor (lawfully present in the lodge) who belongs Wales & the Australian Capital to a jurisdiction not recognised by the Territory, is seeking support for an Association, the said member should be internet lodge in his jurisdiction. After a permitted, at his discretion, to remain in the meeting with his Grand Master, RWBro lodge he is visiting and fraternally associate Alvarez circulated a white paper (see with that visitor from an unrecognised page ) outlining the form and objects of jurisdiction on the occasion of that visit to the lodge, and listing its advantages. the lodge. He envisages the lodge meeting Carried. monthly, visiting each of the eleven Comment: regions of the jurisdiction during the Since the Grand Master has the final Alberta year. It would be a combination of say, and he expressed approval of the Alberta’s Internet Lodge of Research, ‘virtual lodge’, research lodge, and an result of both propositions, it follows which has been working under ‘educational’ lodge—part of the that both propositions will be dispensation since March 2000, obtained education being in computer and web implemented without delay. a charter in June 2001 and was skills. Research papers would be The first of these propositions merely consecrated on 17 November. It meets brings GLSA/NT into line with other four times per year, on the third Australian Grand Lodges, all of which Saturdays of September, November and now have a similar policy. February at 9 am, and the third The second proposition is more Wednesday of May at 7.30 pm, at King venturesome. No other Australian Grand George Masonic Hall, 2323 Osborne Lodge has formally adopted this policy Crescent SW, Calgary. Full membership (the ‘when in Rome’ rule), but it follows is restricted to Master Masons who are logically from the first. If a South paid-up members of a lodge under the Australian Mason can lawfully sit in his Grand Lodge of Alberta. Subscribing own lodge with a Prince Hall visitor membership is available to all Master whose Grand Lodge has not been Masons in good standing as members of recognised, it would be absurd if the a lodge whose Grand Lodge is in amity same South Australian Mason were to with the Grand Lodge of Alberta. visit a lodge in a recognised jurisdiction Subscribing members are required to pay and not be able to sit in lodge with the a one-off subscription fee of Can$25. same Prince Hall visitor. The lodge has a well-developed Neither proposition relaxes the website at
RUSSIA RE-VISITED
When news of the split in the Grand Lodge of Russia (GLOR), and the formation of the Russian Regular Grand Lodge (RRGL) was reported (Harashim, July 2001), an invitation was extended to the GLOR to reply to the allegations of the RRGL. No direct reply was received, but the chairman of the Russian Relations Committee of the Grand Lodge of Alaska (MW John H Grainger, PGM) supplied copies of documents from GLOR, containing responses and counter-allegations. Within the limited space available, the main claims of both sides are summarised here.
RRGL: The GLOR is in breach of Russian RRGL: Six out of 15 lodges left GLOR to civil law because it is not registered. form RRGL (in each case, the WM and both GLOR: The GLOR was registered in 1993. Wardens, and all or most brethren), a total of When that registration lapsed, the law did not 76 members of RRGL, leaving 9 lodges and compel re-registration. However, GLOR has approximately 86 members in GLOR (which since re-registered. [14 August 2001] has members belonging to several lodges, Front door of Pacific Rim Lodge and bases its total membership figures on the Photo MW Charles Corbin RRGL: There has been misappropriation of number of members in each lodge). funds and other maladministration in GLOR. GLOR: No lodges left GLOR, and there are GLOR: The leaders of the breakaway faction only about 30 members in RRGL. The GLOR To date, Harashim has not heard of any had planned to use GLOR for their personal, currently has 200 members and 15 lodges. mainstream Grand Lodge withdrawing business and political interests. recognition from GLOR, or recognising RRGL. The latter has, however, applied (Continued from page 4) It published its first year’s transactions presented at ‘virtual’ lodge meetings, or in booklet form, under the acronym to the United Grand Lodge of England and the Grand Lodges of Ireland and video-recorded and made available by PHLORONY, and a copy of this work is CD-ROM and the Internet. held in the library of the Grand Lodge of Scotland for recognition. Looking further ahead, Bro Alvarez has South Australia & the Northern The Grand Lodge of Alaska, which envisaged similar lodges being formed in Territory. Sadly, the lodge ceased work has been assisting the Grand Lodge of other Australian jurisdictions, ultimately at the end of its second year, when a Russia to establish Freemasonry in the to be allied in an organisation similar to charter (warrant) was not forthcoming. far east of the Russian Federation, ANZMRC. He can be contacted at After two years of preparation, WBro remains firmly behind the GLOR.
to clarify the situation. Bro Williams replied: ‘We have a new GM and I will be approaching him. The last GM lost the Charter. He showed me the thing and
we thought we were ready last year, but Interior of the lodge room of the Charter was gone, and we still Pacific Rim Lodge #12 GLOR Front page of PHLORONY, volume 1, 1943 Issue 21 page 5 White Paper An Internet Lodge in NSW
The Grand Master has commissioned a feasibility study to form an Internet Lodge under the Jurisdiction of the UGL of NSW and the ACT. Not a purely Cyber Lodge to meet only on the Net, but one where it would have a physical presence as well.
The following are the basic principles, in brief, by which this Lodge per Regulation 12.6 of the Book of Constitutions . could operate: Foundation Members from abroad will be entitled to participate in ♦ The first goal is to be the pursuit of excellence; to become a the activities of the Lodge and will receive either by mail or combination of a Virtual Lodge, a Research Lodge and an personally at the Ceremony of Consecration, the Lodge's Jewel Educational Lodge. and a Certificate/Diploma granted by the UGL of NSW and the ♦ To have a full complement of Officers to operate under the Rules ACT. and Constitutions and the Ritual used by the UGL of NSW and the A Lodge Jewel for every member could be made, including a ACT. It is not intended to perform Ritual work to Initiate, Pass, or Foundation Member Name Bar for the Jewel. Raise Candidates. ♦ Operating under a travelling Charter, location is expected to be in Benefits any area within NSW where the Lodge could be invited to present • A hassle-free Intranet Service would be available for expressions Research papers, to show the workings of the Internet, or to of interest and/or joining. present Research papers from Overseas or Interstate Lecturers in a Video-Conference Mode. • Research Papers to be sent to the members for review before the meeting to allow for quality and well researched comments on the ♦ Although the Grand Master may decide to allocate this new night of the lecture. Lodge to Region 11 for administrative purposes, it will be a Travelling Lodge to cater for the needs of Brethren in NSW. • Attract young masons unable to attend a Lodge every month after working late, and the not so young, who are not prepared or ♦ To offer Selective open meetings with the participation of non- unable to travel at night. It provides the opportunity to learn about masons and Ladies with a variety of programmes in Masonic modern technology and attend or participate from home in well Education and teachings on Information Technology for those that researched and presented Lectures. The Lodge could use the are not computer literate. Proceedings could be held in Camera. strength and the diversity of the Internet medium, which brings Masons together from a wide range of geographical areas without Lodge Members the inherent problems of travelling. Qualifications to join as a full member will be to have a computer • Night driving would no longer be a problem with advancing years - and a connection to the Internet, in addition to the regular Participation could be achieved in the comfort of the study or qualifications expected to become a member of a Lodge. lounge room. There would be no need to brave wet and windy Officers of the Lodge may be any Master Mason with the nights, the meeting would be there at the touch of a keyboard. exception of the Worshipful Master and Wardens, who must be • Proceedings could be shared in any other Lodge or a retirement Past Masters. This will prevent any MM becoming a Past Master village, as brethren could be grouped around one computer and of the Lodge without doing any degree work. via the Net participate in the proceedings. Opportunities to attend and become Officers for Masons from • The facility to discuss matters amongst the entire membership at neighbouring States. any time and not only those attending a particular meeting. The Members from Grand Lodges in Amity with our Grand Lodge will ability of contacting the entire membership in a single e-mail. be entitled to affiliate. When a vote is taken there will be no external pressure from Brethren to vote, but it will be according to their conscience as it Affiliation Forms could be sent via the Internet and all will be similar to a secret ballot. communications of the Lodge, including Minutes will be in Electronic Format. This may include vote on motions, etc. • To include a Book section, in which all Lodge Masonic Libraries could list their surplus books to exchange with other libraries. Not only Book Reviews, but also research papers would be Lodge Management incorporated, Masonic Education Programmes, Music, Poetry, Lodge dues will be determined under the principle of users pay, and Art, Coins and Stamp Collections, Graphics, short reports and that is, Administration Dues, Grand Lodge Dues, and Festive comments from Overseas Lodges, etc. Board Costs. A member of a Lodge under our jurisdiction with a • The establishment of a facility to enable members to add items to smaller number in the register will pay Administration Dues only, the Lodge website in a straightforward manner, and to access a and for the meal and refreshments if he attends the Festive secure, password protected area only available to members of the Board. Affiliated members of other Constitutions, will pay Lodge. Submissions would be sent to the Lodge Webmaster who administration Dues, Grand Lodge Dues, and Meal cost if will pass them on to the editorial team for review. attending the Festive Board. • To provide a sophisticated search facility for further research and To be a Foundation Member and Officer of the Lodge, a Brother build up a Lodge Photo Album to enable its widely dispersed must be a financial member of a Lodge under the UGL of NSW membership to get to know each other better. and the ACT. This will not prevent any Brother from another constitution to affiliate with the Sponsoring Lodge prior to the Consecration or for members of other Constitutions to apply as The New Challenge It will be difficult at this stage to ascertain the success of the new Lodge and to establish well-defined criteria for its prosperity. One has to remember that the Lodge will contain a fluid and dynamic membership that will be constantly adding new ways to develop the Lodge within a developing environment such as the Internet. It is my belief that in the years ahead it will develop as both a valuable resource for Masonic researchers and an accurate and representative description of Freemasonry in action for non-Masonic visitors. Traditionally Freemasonry has always been focused towards itself and now it's looking to change to being more focused in communicating and sharing its principles and objectives with the general public. At first sight this approach might almost seem self-contradictory and yet it must be possible both to retain Freemasonry's personal privacy while offering a more open face to the world. There is nothing new, as a quick search of the organisations promoting community values will show. Simple logic would incline us to think that silence is not a good way to promote such a sense of belonging, which leaves us with communication as the remaining option. One must not fail to anticipate changes in the environment of modern society and must move to innovate in the face of challenge and at the same time to stress the core beliefs that formed the basis of our early success. We must move forward from damage control to a position of relevance within the community. Juan C Alvarez, PJGW page 6 Harashim Dear Bro Editor, The latest issue of Harashim has just arrived and I note the (excellent) article by Roscoe Pound. You might be interested to know that his ‘Philosophy of Masonry’ was published in Masonic Addresses and Writings (Macoy, 1953) and contains the following: ‘Copyright 1953 by the Supreme Council, AASR (NMJ)’. It also acknowledges permission to use ‘material hitherto published’ to (in this case) the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. I bought my copy in the US just over a year ago (still in print—just). I thought you might like to know. John Belton Internet Lodge 9659 EC
Thanks, John. The Builder’s copyright would have expired by now, but the information you have supplied indicates that copyright could still be a problem. Since Richard Num has supplied me with the other parts of Bro Pound’s paper, I shall have to make inquiries before reprinting the rest of it. I’m looking forward to reading your paper, ‘Masonic Membership Myths debunked’, in Heredom, and to sharing it with readers of Harashim in due course.—Ed.
World News
(Continued from page 3) Lodge (GLNF), Loge les Trois Colonnes #785 and Loge le Phénix d’Ukraine # 1093, would join the new Grand Lodge. This has not eventuated. The GLNF has continued to charter lodges in the Ukraine, and has formed a District of Ukraine, with their own District Grand Officers. The District Grand Director of Ceremonies is Konstantin Skoptsov
Issue 21 page 7 Research paper It took a great deal of persuasion to obtain permission to publish this paper by a Companion Mason (Fellow Craft) of the Order of the Ancient and Primitive Feminine Rite of Memphis–Misraïm. Janet Searcy Wintermute was required to give three research papers before promotion to the degree of Companion, and a further two before being raised to the degree of a Master Mason. This is the second of her Companion papers, delivered in lodge on 20 July 2001. She was raised the following month. The paper, which is copyright, is serialised in two parts for convenience of publication.
THE ‘FIVE PHILOSOPHERS’ AND FREEMASONRY by Janet Searcy Wintermute, M∴M∴
First off, before we discuss certain The principal occupation of the have been something like, ‘Because philosophers germane to the academic community is to invent Mommy taught me that “hand” is the development of western civilization and dialects sufficiently hermetic so as to word for that fingery, palmy, sweaty specifically to Freemasonry, let’s refresh prevent knowledge from passing thing hanging off my arm.’ Nobody, of between territories. By maintaining a on what it means to BE a philosopher. course, offered any answer, and neither constant flow of written material among Etymologically speaking, a philosopher the specialists of each group, academics did he, not right away. We spent the rest is a lover [philos] of wisdom [sophos]. are able to assert the acceptable of the semester contemplating the Technically, everybody in this lodge technique of communication intended to writings of Aristotle, Plato, Berkeley, room [Temple of the Veil, New York] is a prevent communications. This, in turn, Descartes, and Hume and specifically philosopher. We selected the Memphis– establishes a standard that allows them their proofs for the existence of God. It Misraïm branch of Masonry because it is to dismiss those who seek to may be a mercy that I remember almost the thinking man’s or woman’s Masonry, communicate through generally no specifics from that course. an unabashedly esoteric outfit that keeps accessible language as dilettantes, But I do remember being shaken to deformers, or popularizers. itself, via ritual work and study, close to the core by the hand question, and by my the early content of the Craft. We have But the philosophers of ancient Greece discovery during that term that there is a so far bucked a frightening but and Rome were birds of a different whole subset of humanity spending its widespread trend: the evisceration of the feather. They tried to get at the truth by entire working life on problems like the ‘stuff’ of Masonry and its replacement taking an assertion and asking questions meaning of ‘know’, the meaning of by rote memorization, charity work, and about it until the insanity of it is ‘this’, the meaning of ‘is’ (i.e., being), haggling over bills. It is the specific revealed, discarding that assertion, and and the handiness of ‘hands’ (i.e., Plato’s requirement that our new members apply moving on to a new one, and so forth theory of forms, which is about the themselves to intellectual endeavors until they were left with a small body of thinginess of things). related to mastery of the Craft that sets truths to live by, truths that are really When we look into the subject of the us and the other Continental Obediences true with a capital T. earliest of the ancient philosophers on apart from the much more numerous I am always intrigued when someone the Memphis–Misraïm Companion paper mainstream lodges practicing the Craft worth studying turns out to be a person list, Lycurgus and Solon, we are struck passively. about whom almost nothing verifiable is first by how practical their concerns But what sort of philosophers are we, known, including whether or not he were. Lycurgus and Solon did not spend in this room? Certainly the armchair sort. existed at all. Lycurgus is such a person, their days contemplating their collective We have not reformed our military, and searching out the facts about his life navel and fussing about Truth. They social, and economic systems like and career brought me smack up against devoted their whole careers to making Lycurgus, steered our ship of state away what philosophy is really about: what do daily life better for their people. And from too-harsh laws like Solon, taught we KNOW and how do we know it? second, we are struck by the fact that people how to think, laugh, and die like In September 1964, I arrived in a much of what subsequent scholars think Socrates, advanced human understanding Philosophy 101 class, called about them is based on no, or virtually of mathematics and music like ‘Epistemology and Metaphysics’, and no, writings by their own hands. What Pythagoras, or distributed worldwide the taught by Professor Bernard Baumrin, we know about Lycurgus, for instance, great lesson of religion, the lesson of then of Washington University in virtually all comes from a famous early love represented by the initials I.N.R.I. St Louis but since about 1970 of biographical book called Lives of the On the good-news front, we armchair Columbia. He stood up in front of a Great Greeks and Romans, by the philosophers seldom make the big lecture hall of about 200 hormone-driven Roman historian Plutarch. Where mistake of academic philosophers—the life forms, held out his right arm in front Plutarch got his information on Lycurgus ones who, like the Sophists of ancient of himself with his palm turned up and is, to put things frankly, anybody’s Greece, get paid to philosophize. We do open toward his face. He looked at his guess. But since we have no primary not take ourselves too seriously. In my hand. He looked at us. sources on Lycurgus, we must put our Web searches for material on which to He asked us, ‘How do I know this is faith in what we do have: books written base this paper, I found a wonderful site my hand?’ about Lycurgus rather than books
page 10 Harashim governmental representation to people Born an aristocrat, Solon did not Athens in 429. An unstable truce was from all social levels. He established the believe that the common people should declared between the warring city-states Council of Four Hundred, which set the rule but that they should be consulted by in 421, but it did not hold. In 411 BC, an business to be handled by the ecclesia the ruling class in a popular assembly. oligarchy (‘rule by a few’) was instituted and passed laws. Having those laws on His reforms were all designed to foster in Athens, but democracy was restored display in the agora effectively curbed the restoration of the bond between the shortly afterwards. In 405 a Spartan powerful individuals and families and ruled and the rulers—a relationship commander destroyed the last of the forced them to conduct themselves severely frayed by Draco’s hard-hearted Athenian fleet, and in 404 BC Sparta, responsibly. legal system. now firmly in control of the peninsula, And finally, Solon established a court Collectively, Solon’s reforms freed up set up an oligarchy of Athenian nobles to system where juries would be picked the political, social, and commercial rule Athens. Unfortunately the brutality from every stratum of society. The energies of Athens. The state thrived of that gang earned them the name of the decisions of the archons could be under the leadership of a man who Thirty Tyrants. appealed to this court. And Solon passed wanted his people to be a community of Socrates Teaches Us How to Live and a law that, for the first time in history, free men who sought justice together How to Die allowed any citizen to file suit on behalf rather than receiving it as an imposition Who was driving the intellectual life of of himself or any other citizen to right a on them from a class of nobles. Athens during this period? A short, wrong. In Lives of Eminent Philosophers, plump, pug-nosed ex-soldier named Like George Washington 24 centuries Diogenes Laertius summarizes Solon’s Socrates, that’s who. And get this: later, Solon was so popular in office that 10 basic tenets as these: Socrates wrote nothing. All we know he was encouraged to stick around as 1. Trust good character more than about him we learn from the writings of archon for life. But he declined and promises. others, and chief among them is his most concluded that it would be best to get 2. Do not speak falsely. famous pupil, Plato. away from town for a while and avoid 3. Do good things. Socrates wrote nothing because he the whole cult of personality trip. So he 4. Do not be hasty in making friends, felt that knowledge was a living, went abroad for 10 years. First he visited but do not abandon them once made. interactive thing. He invented what we Egypt, where he learned from the chief 5. Learn to obey before you command. now call the ‘Socratic method’, which priest of Isis about the detailed 9000– 6. When giving advice, do not consists of asking people questions about year history of Greece and the story of recommend what is most pleasing their positions on a given topic and using the battle between the people of Atlantis but what is most useful. their answers to further stimulate and the ancestors of Athens. 7. Make reason your Supreme questions and so on and so on until it In Lydia, he met up with Croesus, a Commander. becomes clear to the audience, the ruler of incalculable wealth, who had 8. Do not associate with people who questioner (Socrates), and the poor slob introduced gold coinage to the Aegean. do bad things. being questioned that either he’s onto a Evidently Croesus was pretty sold on 9. Honor the gods. good thing or his original idea was himself; he invited Solon to say so if 10. Have regard for your parents. absurd. Socrates himself never took a Solon had ever seen a happier man than I’m sure you find this list surprisingly position on anything and, when pressed Croesus was, with all his loot. Solon familiar, both as a Freemason and as a by the authorities in the trial that tartly replied, ‘Mark this: until he is person reared in the Judaeo–Christian eventuated in his death by hemlock, he dead, keep the word happy in reserve. tradition. There are significant claimed to know nothing at all except Till then, a man is not happy, only reverberations between Solon’s tenets that he knew nothing. lucky.’ Within a few years, Croesus lost and the core values of the Craft and the Socrates did not go about calling what his throne and his wealth to Cyrus the Ten Commandments. he did the Socratic method. He, and Persian. Sparta and Athens Come to Blows Plato, referred to it by the Greek word When Solon came back to Athens, he Solon died in about 560 BC, and there elenchus, which is close to meaning found that his successor had kept most of followed about a century of separate ‘cross-examination’. Eventually this the laws intact, surely the ultimate growth for Sparta and Athens, concept evolved into dialectic—the idea endorsement of their validity. punctuated by battles here and there. The that truth needs to be pursued by Like Lycurgus, Solon grasped that Spartans continued down Lycurgus’s modifying one’s position through money lay at the root of the state’s path of disdaining money and viewing questioning and conflict with opposing problems. However, unlike Sparta, the citizen–soldier as the highest life ideas. Truths are thus not discovered; Athens was a thriving commercial center form. The Athenians developed an they are sort of chased down, and the with its own navy, a huge foreign trade affluent, complex society in which book chase is never really over. This idea is presence, and lots of wealth and luxury. learning, poetry-writing, and yes, akin to the concept of the successive Banning money and redistributing the philosophizing, became the cardinal veils of Isis, which seekers attempt to land base in equal shares were not ideas virtues. remove but which only give way to more that would fly in Athens. Human nature being what it is, the and more veils. Nevertheless, using his archon’s Greek peninsula proved just too small to The one positive statement Socrates powers, Solon took decisive action right house two great powers like these, and seems to have made is a definition of away. He freed the people who had been the Peloponnesian War broke out in virtue (arete): ‘Virtue is knowledge.’ If enslaved because of their debts and did 431 BC to settle the matter once and for one knows the good, one will always do away with the concept of mortgages all. This war dragged on for decades. the good. The corollary is obvious: if one altogether. He slashed personal debt in Pericles rose to be the toast of Athens does something wrong, it’s because he half by fiat and restored land to the ex- and its ruler, but he died in the plague of debtor class. (Continued on page 12)
Issue 21 page 11 (Continued from page 11) was on shaky grounds anyway because kids out to avoid just that kind of did not really know what the good is. of coming up short in the Peloponnesian carrying-on. Making sure that people knew good War, and this whole situation conspired He joked around about not being dead from not-good was very important to to put Socrates on the hot seat and keep yet when they asked him how he wanted Socrates. It justified his tearing down him there. to be buried. He reminded his followers their moral positions because if they Plato attended the trial of Socrates that they would just be burying his body, have wrong ideas about virtue, morality, and a few years later wrote the Apology not the ‘real Socrates’, and said he would love, or any other ethical idea, they can’t (which word means ‘defense speech’) of be going ‘to the joys of the blessed’. be trusted to do the right thing. Socrates, which styles itself as kind of a When the jailer brought the hemlock for Needless to say, Socrates made lots of court transcript. Socrates’ performance him to drink, at his leisure between then enemies by simply showing how stupid in the witness box did not work out well. and nightfall, he asked his students to people are. He did so for what he He made his challengers look stupid, and note how ‘charming’ the man had been perceived to be a good reason, but this to the charge that he intentionally in treating him so well while in prison didn’t keep them from resenting his corrupted the youth of the city, he simply and now, in giving him leave to postpone superior brain. Plus a few of his students said that that didn’t make sense because his death as long as possible. went down some bad roads. One became if he harmed them, they would only But Socrates drank the poison before the leader of the Thirty Tyrants and harm him back and no sane person the sun had left the hilltops. As if to put killed a slew of ‘enemies of the state’. would risk that. He repeatedly told the to rest once and for all the charge of Another guy, with a drinking problem, court how little he knew about anything, impiety, Socrates asked if he could make lipped off in public and was accused of and that did not impress his judges a libation out of the contents of the sacrilegious high-jinks and profanity and either. poison cup to any god. But the jailer said then, rather than returning from the war After the guilty verdict, during a part simply that he never made up more of against Sparta to face the charges in of the trial in which Socrates was the liquid than was necessary to kill the court, he defected and took up as a supposed to argue for a suitable penalty guilty. At that, Socrates took the cup and general for Sparta and against Athens. other than death, he instead cheesed off drained it. Everybody knew Socrates had been the the judges even further by telling them As he was reclining and the poison mentor of these men, so his own he thought he was doing the Athenians worked its way up from his feet to his reputation took a severe hit. ‘the greatest possible service’ in showing heart, he remained calm and shortly The charges the state brought against them the error of their ways and should before the end he uncovered his face for Socrates were tied up with impiety and instead be rewarded. He said he thought a moment and told his best friend, ‘I owe the corruption of Athenian youth. He free meals for life at the state’s expense a cock to Asclepius; will you remember was 70 years old at the time of his trial, would be a reasonable boon. When the to pay the debt?’ Crito reassured him on in 399 BC, and he had influenced a vote was taken on his punishment, more that point and asked if there was couple generations’ worth of the city’s people voted for the death penalty than anything else. Silence spoke for Socrates best and brightest. Now during that long had voted to find him guilty in the first at that moment. war with Sparta, Athenians got more and place! What do we learn as Masons from more nervous about the home front. In addition to Socrates’ promulgation this man and this death scene? That it is Many came to feel that intellectuals were of the Delphic oracle’s dictum to ‘Know hard to be smart and a thankless task to weakening Athenian society by thyself’, Freemasons need to pay help other people become smarter. That undermining its traditional views and particular attention to the manner of his when the going gets tough, people will values. Well might the people in general death, which is documented in Plato’s try to find somebody to pin their failures have worried about a man with no Phaedo. and troubles on. That it is important to visible means of support being allowed Near the end of the Memphis– keep one’s eye fixed on the ultimate to wander around the city, followed by Misraïm second degree, the Orator says: resting place of one’s soul and not let bands of adoring young men, asking oneself become too wrapped up in the And, as affirmed Plato, Freemasonry them questions about, say, the justice has no other purpose than to teach you hurly burly of this transitory life because system. And it didn’t help matters that how to die. It teaches you first how to it’s a very brief span compared to one’s the comic playwright Aristophanes had kill in you the ‘Old Man’: the existence before taking corporeal form created a hysterical caricature of instinctive and selfish being. It teaches and one’s existence after giving that up. Socrates as a bumbling but subversive you then, after this stripping down, to Perhaps one reason Socrates faced his teacher in a play staged in Athens direct yourself into a Universe with own demise with such equanimity is that 24 years earlier. which you are not familiar. And it will he believed death brought an opportunity Socrates was indicted for ‘introducing teach you, one day near, to live anew, for philosophical discourse with the new gods’ and refusing to support the and this time, eternally. greatest people ever to have lived. I’m established Greek pantheon. He talked You know the story of Socrates’ death hoping for that myself. about his daimonion, or ‘guardian spirit’ scene. He withdrew to a private room, To be continued or personal ‘divine sign’ all the time, surrounded by his current students which did smack of the introduction of (including Plato and the real Phaedo, a Copyright © 2001, all rights reserved new deities. And because the state alone photograph of the ruins of whose house had the power to determine what was a is on the Internet). Socrates had his wife suitable object for religious veneration and sons come in for a few minutes but and relevant processes for recognizing dismissed them after only a few words gods, anybody who ignored those rules were exchanged. When his students was effectively challenging the began to cry, he told them to knock it legitimacy of the Athenian democracy. It off, saying he kicked the women and Memphis-Misraïm website logo
page 12 Harashim Harashim
The Quarterly Newsletter of the Australian & New Zealand Masonic Research Council
ISSN 1328-2735 Issue 22 April 2002 RECONCILIATION OF GLNF & GRAND ORIENT by Tony Pope Masons worldwide have been astounded by the announcement of the French National Grand Lodge (GLNF) that fraternal relations have been ‘restored’ with the Grand Orient of France (GOdF). The announcement was made low-key by the GLNF on 6 December 2001, on page 9 of an 11-page confidential newsletter, Brèves, which is issued as a supplement to the more widely circulated journal, Actualité. The very next day, the Grand Orient circulated a copy of the GLNF communiqué to all GOdF lodges. A copy of the GOdF circular, and the The regulations of the GLNF expel extract from Brèves are reproduced a member immediately if he visits a herewith (see page 10). My translation lodge under a grand lodge with which follows: it is not in recognition. THEREFORE, PLEASE ACCEPT THIS Brother Claude CHARBONNIAUD, having LETTER AS CATEGORIC. THE GLNF DOES completed his term of office, and NOT RECOGNIZE THE GRAND ORIENT DE Brother Jean-Charles FOELLNER, who FRANCE. Not now nor ever. succeeded him as Grand Master of the French National Grand Lodge, had However, a letter from the Grand Master a meeting (ont rencontré) on of the GLNF to the Grand Master of the 29 November 2001 with Brother Alain GOdF, dated 14 December 2001, was BAUER, Grand Master of the Grand not in the public domain when AGM Orient of France. Granstein wrote his letter, and the This meeting was for the purpose contents were not addressed by him. of restoring (pour but de rétablir) a dialogue, the absence of which has Grand Master Jean-Charles Foellner Closer co-operation been the source of misunderstandings photo from Brèves and controversy (de polémiques). In this letter, Grand Master Foellner Denial of recognition proposed to Grand Master Bauer that The Grand Masters of the two their respective Grand Secretaries should Obediences have agreed (ont tenu à) When the news broke in Internet circles, to re-affirm their identity, their it provoked considerable discussion, work out a system for exchanging lists of independence and their mutual being widely interpreted as formal members suspended, excluded or understanding. recognition. This interpretation was expelled, and he went on to confirm that That is why, proud of their vehemently denied by Nat Granstein, he agreed in principle to periodic differences, they have freely chosen Assistant Grand Master of the GLNF, in meetings of the ‘Grand Masters, Grand to restore (rétablir) the fraternal a letter date 15 January 2002, in which Mistresses, Presidents and Lady relations which have existed for nearly he claimed the communiqué in Brèves Presidents’ of the French Masonic a century and which must (doivent) had been distorted. He went on to say: Obediences. remain founded on mutual respect No indication was given of the and a necessary co-operation There never was the slightest intended use of such lists of suspended, whenever the general interest of question of establishing recognition of excluded or expelled brethren, or the Freemasonry is in issue (en cause). the Grand Orient de France . . . Issue 22 (Continued pageon page 1 11) About Harashim סישרח Harashim, Hebrew for Craftsmen, is a quarterly news- letter published by the Australian and New Zealand Masonic Research Council (PO Box 332, Williamstown, Victoria 3016, Australia) and two copies are issued free to each of its Affiliate and Associate members in January, April, July and October each year. Additional copies are available to interested persons on subscription (details below). At a later date, copies of most articles, features and news items Dear Brother Editor, process had failed. It was well will be posted on ANZMRC’s website known by all who participated in the I have received my January 2002
President’s Corner
I am sure that some of the well known From the Rev’d N. F. Browning essayists like Chesterton or Murdoch with best wishes and happy have written about the Art of memories of many school talks. Conversation. I do not recall seeing such an essay and so I am encouraged to pen a I was very young, all of seven or few words on the subject, although I do eight, but I recall that he did not deliver not pretend to be in the same class. monologues. He asked questions in order There are various levels of to elicit our interests, concerns and conversation. You may well remember ambitions. His talks were exchanges of conversations that you had with the views. We were young but our views hairdresser before you gave up visiting mattered to him. At the end he used to him! You may even remember talking neatly refer to a relevant piece of with your butcher! If you now select scripture and to a story that reinforced your meat from the supermarket shelves the value system by which he lived. He the Fellowcraft or the newly made there is no conversation at all. did not talk at us, he talked with us. Master Mason from conversing with How many times have you found that So what does this have to do with us. conversation has given way to viewing Freemasonry? Brethren who are new to If our new members are to build on the television screen? the Craft can learn a lot from the work of their predecessors, if Or have you been disappointed that a conversations with those who are more Freemasonry is to make progress with conversation developed into a experienced. So, when you go to the each generation, then there must be monologue and you could not break in to festive board, sit with the new Masons opportunity for dialogue, and that does ask a question or express a point of view. whenever you can. Talk with them. Find not come with the ritual book. I have a small book which was out their expectations upon joining the There is a place for, a need for, presented to me by a Reverend Craft. Encourage them to ask questions. conversation. When you were little you gentleman who periodically visited the Let them see how Freemasonry has were taught to share. Continue to do small country school which I attended contributed to your life. so. Freemasonry needs you to share for my primary education, to give We should ensure that the gold braid your beliefs, values and experiences. scripture lessons. The endorsement that some of us wear from time to time reads: does not inhibit the Entered Apprentice, Murray Yaxley
ANZAC plan for 2003 point in time. I have mailed nearly 1000 letters to [This was originally posted on the lodges throughout Australia and so far (Continued from page 2) ANZMRC email list.] have had only 3 replies! complex place for the visitor. As an Brethren, Fraternally, English Mason I feel trapped in my own I, and a Masonic colleague in Israel, KEITH STOCKLEY Constitution. If I visit in the USA, have been researching a plan to hold
by Kent Henderson
Some time ago, I had an email from evening, when it was off to the small VWBro Les Gray, the secretary of the rural township of Woodville, home of Masters’ and Past Masters’ Lodge in Ruahine Lodge 80. My topic on this Christchurch. His lodge, the oldest occasion, to a goodly crowd, was research lodge in New Zealand, was ‘Masonic Government and Practice—A holding its centenary celebrations in World Perspective’. Again, buoyant 2002, and he wanted to know if I would book sales would seem to indicate I kept attend and deliver the ‘Centennial at least some awake! Paper’. Greatly honoured, I accepted, On Thursday 21 March, the Master of and then Les promptly arranged a the Hawkes Bay Lodge of Research, follow-on lecture tour to other key New WBro Neil Hind, very kindly drove me Zealand research lodges—except the over three sets of mountains to Rotorua, Research Lodge of Wellington, which I via stops in Napier and Taupo—both had visited and addressed in 2001. lovely spots. I had been to the thermal So it was that on 15 March 2002, I tourist delights of Rotorua on previous winged my way to Christchurch, to be NZ visits, so there was no need to repeat met at the airport by Les Gray (whom I the experience this time. Not that I had not previously met), and the then would have had time, anyway! Neil Master of the lodge, WBro Alan As with Les Gray, I had corresponded dropped me outside the Rotorua Masonic Polaschek (also a new acquaintance). with Colin for many years but had not Centre, where I was meet by the Master The latter very kindly transported me met him, so it was a particular delight to (of two days standing), WBro Gary around over the next two days, and so now. For the next few days, Colin and Kerkin, together with his DC, WBro Jim ‘showed me the sights’, for which I was his lovely wife Jan looked after me Ingley. most grateful. Christchurch is a beautiful famously. I am most grateful to them. The first news that greeted me was city, very English, with several streams Colin drove me from Palmerston very sad indeed. I was advised that the running through it, and a large cathedral North to his home in Waipawa, a town Lodge Secretary, Tony Olsen, with and square at its centre. This was my of a few thousand, about 45 km from whom (as with many of his ilk) I had fourth visit to New Zealand, but my first Hastings in Central Hawkes Bay. He corresponded at length and was keen to to Christchurch—indeed, many of my took me ‘tiki’ touring later that afternoon meet, had died of a heart attack some destinations on this trip were ‘firsts’ for and during the following day, allowing two weeks previously. A great shock, me. me a good look over his patch—and and a great loss. Shortly after lunch on the following most a most pleasant area it is! Gary and Jim very kindly took me out day (Saturday 16 March), we assembled Thus, on Monday evening, 18 March, to dinner, then back to the Rotorua in the Freemasons Centre on Latimer I addressed the Hawkes Bay Lodge of Masonic Hall for the meeting of the Square for the Centenary Meeting and Research at a special meeting in the Te Waikato Lodge of Research, where I Installation of Masters’ and Past Mata Lodge Rooms at Havelock North, delivered my paper ‘Back To The Masters’ Lodge. The Grand Master, on the topic ‘The Craft in Islamic Future—A Prescription For Masonic MWBro Ian Ross, whom I had the Countries’. From the number of Renewal’ to a large and lively audience. honour to meet, and his retinue were in questions that followed, and the quantity Of all my papers, this one in particular attendance. The proceedings opened of my new books sold (Freemasonry for (as happened in Wellington last year) with VWBro Worsfold speaking on the Wives & Others, and Millennial seems to stir the pot fairly vigorously, history of the lodge, followed by my Masonry), it would appear my talk was and this occasion proved no exception. paper, ‘The Value of a Lodge of quite well received. Hopefully, positive things will emerge Research’, and the Master’s Valedictory On the following evening, Tuesday locally as a result. Address. About seventy were in 19 March, after another of Colin’s ‘tiki’ After the meeting, Gary drove me to attendance, and the addresses seemed tours, I spoke to a group of prospective his home in Morrinsville, where I spent well received. The Installation of WBro candidates, wives and brethren at the the night and early in the morning met Ian Morton as Master followed the Masonic Hall in Waipukurau, a major his lovely wife, Jan. By 8 o’clock that centenary proceedings. I had not seen a town close to Waipawa. There were morning (Friday 22 March) we were on New Zealand installation before, and it about eight potentials present, and most the road again, and Gary drove me to was quite interesting, with several questions (not surprisingly) came from Waitomo Caves, where I stayed differences. An expansive dinner the ladies. Hopefully, Colin’s lodge will overnight with a ‘caving’ friend. I was followed in a nearby restaurant, to top gain a few new members as a result. delivered to Auckland the following day, off an excellent day. On the following morning to stay overnight with another caving The following day (Sunday) I flew to (Wednesday 20 March) Colin took me to friend, before being transferred to the the North Island, to Palmerston North, Palmerston North to the Installation of home and the care of WBro Alan Bevins where I was met by VWBro Colin Wharite Lodge 451. The advantage of and his wife Avril. Alan is senior Heyward, Grand Lecturer and Secretary attending this daylight lodge was that I Warden of the United Masters Lodge, a of the Hawkes Bay Lodge of Research. didn’t have to speak! No such luck that (Continued on page 5) page 4 Harashim 2002 TOUR GETS GO-AHEAD Grand Lodge recognitions complete
With all seven Grand Lodges in Chapter (HRA), and OES Grand Australasia having exchanged Chapter; founder and administrator of recognition with the Prince Hall the Prince Hall Research E-mail List; a Grand Lodge of Ohio, the 2002 tour member of both the Philalethes and of Australasian lodges has been Phylaxis Societies; and a member of the confirmed. correspondence circle of the South RWBro David Gray will speak at Australian Lodge of Research. He has eight research lodges in New Zealand, been admitted to the Brotherhood of the between Friday 26 July and Wednesday Blue Forget-Me-Not, in recognition of 6 August, then cross Australia from east his services to Masonic education; is to west, including all states and the two foundation secretary (and principal mainland territories. He will spend 32 architect) of the ‘Dr Charles H Wesley days in Australia, departing for the USA Masonic Research Society’, and editor on 8 September. of its quarterly magazine, the Masonic His visit will take in the ANZMRC Voice. Biennial Conference, which will be held RWBro Gray is author of The in Adelaide over the weekend of Unveiling of the Third Preparation 30 August–1 September. On the Friday David LaMonte Gray, 29-years-old, (1995), a collection of research papers, evening he will demonstrate aspects of married, with three daughters, is a and is currently working on an the first degree working of the official graduate of Central State University, encyclopedic Guide to People and ritual of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Wilberforce, Ohio, where he is Places in the Masonic Ritual. He is a Ohio, and then participate in a tyled employed as senior accountant. He is a contributor to the Masonic Globe, the Table Lodge. Past Master of Wilberforce Lodge #21, Philalethes, the ANZMRC newsletter The final version of RWBro Gray’s of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of the Harashim, and two South Australian itinerary, including titles of the lectures State of Ohio, and Chairman of his publications, Gleanings and Masonic selected by the lodges, will be published Grand Lodge’s Masonic Education and Research in South Australia (volume 4, in the next issue of Harashim, together Community Development Committee; is in press), as well as having assisted in with details of the Conference. The book is active in the York Rite, Scottish Rite, Henderson & Pope’s Freemasonry of the tour, entitled Inside Prince Hall, and Order of the Eastern Star. He is Universal (Volume 1—The Americas, is under preparation. webmaster to his Grand Lodge, Grand 1998).
(Continued from page 4) by very lively discussion. Before and published Masonic author, and a dynamo after the meeting, I was particularly in the lodge! We had many a good interested to look over United Masters research chat. Lodge’s wonderful Library and At lunchtime the following day Museum—as good as any Grand Lodge (Continued from page 3) (Monday 25 March), I was dropped off Library I have seen in Australia or New and in many cases the town of birth. The in Central Auckland, where I was taken Zealand (and bigger and better than regiments are also stated, and rank of the to lunch by an old acquaintance, RWBro most!). individual concerned. We have Neil Ingram, PProvGM, with whom I The following day, I hired a car for identified 10 definite Brothers so far and had lunched in Melbourne some time two days and toured myself around the another 2 are possibles. back. Neil is WM of the United Masters Bay of Islands area, north of Auckland The idea started out simply, but as a Lodge. After an expansive repast, I and highly recommended, before finally result of having stumbled across joined Neil, by invitation, at a meeting of flying out of Auckland after a most something of significant interest to the executive committee of the Lodge of pleasant two weeks in New Zealand. Masons worldwide, the project has the Liberal Arts, with which my two Once again, I must say how grateful I am expanded. As a result, we are planning Craft Lodges in Victoria (Lodge to all the research lodges and individual for a group trip/pilgrimage/what-have- Epicurean 906 and Lodge Amalthea 914) brethren and their ladies who so kindly you in April 2003 and although this have a strong relationship. looked after me during my trip. I made would include commemorative services That evening it was on to a special many new friendships, which I am with a strong Masonic emphasis, would open meeting of United Masters Lodge certain will endure for many years to also include visits to battlefields, King at the St Benedict’s Masonic Centre in come. Hopefully, some of these will be Solomon’s Quarries, etc, as well as a central Auckland. Over 100 brethren, renewed at the ANZMRC Conference in full Masonic meeting somewhere ladies and some non-Masons were Adelaide later this year, and undoubtedly special. present to hear me deliver ‘The Craft in at the subsequent Conference scheduled The year 2003 coincides also with the Islamic Countries’, which was followed for New Zealand in 2004. 50th Anniversary celebrations of the Issue 22 page 5 A year ago Harashim reported that a meeting had occurred between Grand Masters of several Grand Lodges of Prince Hall Affiliation and the National Grand Master of the Prince Hall Origin Grand Lodges (the National Compact), at the venue of the Phylaxis Society annual conference—an event as incredible as the GLNF–Grand Orient accord reported in the present issue— but were unable to give details. In March 2002 we received a special edition of the Phylaxis magazine, devoted almost entirely to this subject, and reproduce here the feature column, ‘A WORD FROM THE PRESIDENT’ and the cover of the magazine.
THE NATIONAL GRAND LODGE, CONFERENCE OF PRINCE HALL GRAND MASTERS AND THE PHYLAXIS SOCIETY
The Phylaxis Society attempts to provide a conduit to Prince Hall Masons who otherwise might not have encountered the concepts and ideas that the Society attempts to bring to its members. Our magazine amplifies rather than dims or replaces the light received through other sources of Masonic learning, under a tent of fellowship. Masonic differences sometimes invoke hypersensitive relations, and at times the Phylaxis Society gets caught in the ensuing crossfire. As a group we need to learn how to engage in dialogue and to disagree without being disagreeable. As we work to foster a positive spirit in the Phylaxis community, we will grow in Masonic education and light and transcend our differences. Since we are part of the Masonic community, we need to be respectful of our Masonic obligations and the leaders of Prince Hall Freemasonry, while not compromising the integrity of our mission (See Prince Hall’s Mission: The Rise of the Phylaxis Society). Achieving balance is an ongoing work, and there will always be different views on how to do it. The National Grand Lodge is such a work. The drive of the Phylaxis Society is much more than intellectual deliberations or publishing a magazine; woven into the most academic analyses are threads of faith and care for Prince Hall Freemasonry. As we attempt through our annual sessions, and a flotilla of multiple Phylaxis forums, such as the Phylaxis Notes, Che Rho Prince Hall Freemasonry in part because annual session in Atlanta, Georgia. The Fraternity, Scottish Rite Research of the Phylaxis Society, and have Internet has been active in their Institute (PHA), Royal Arch Institution become ‘intelligent disciples’ of the denunciation of what they unjustly (PHA), Lux e Tenebris Chapter, the organization, and accept the doctrines of considered a sell-out by the President of Phylaxis web site, the Phyllis Chapter, the Society in new formulas. On the the Phylaxis Society and the Society and the various Phylaxis Chapters across other hand, we know of some Prince itself. Besides spilling harsh rhetoric the country, that helps us to transform Hall Leaders who work to destroy the against us, a few went so far as to turn in into an expansive, networking, Society. their membership and resigned from the facilitation of Prince Hall With this said, the Phylaxis Society Society. intellectualism. has received considerable criticism over We have been saying throughout that We know of many who remain in the events which took place at our those who were accusing the Society of
page 6 Harashim betraying Prince Hall Freemasonry had set up a National Masonic Grand Lodge, nor were any members of the Phylaxis no knowledge of the facts, and were a body superior to the state Grand Society, in attendance during the spouting off without knowing what they Lodges. They hoped to end internal meetings, nor did we give any input into were talking about. dissent, create a nationwide Masonic it. What came out of the meeting caught In my History of the United Supreme communication network, and help everyone by surprise. Instead of Council, Northern Jurisdiction, I present a united front of Black Masons arrangements for a union, a form of mentioned: to the whites. The National Grand recognition had been agreed upon. . . . backbiting, envy, jea!ousy, anarchy Lodge, or Compact, had no precedent in While the hostilities on the Internet and ignorance are often inherent within Masonic tradition, and the attempt by the directed at the Society spilled out, and Prince Hall Freemasonry, as disruptive national leadership to centralize power in while I spoke to both sides individually, forces form within attempt to fragment the their hands at the expense of the state what came forth loud and clear was the Order. There always seems to be an leadership led to increase friction and fact that neither side had a good handle abundance of those who feel they must disunity rather than harmony and on their organization’s history. On the continually challenge established strength. (Muraskin, page 39) In my Compact side, there seem to be a authority. There seem to be fragmentations that ever stir up anarchic History of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge reliance on the History of the National rebellion or ruthless authoritarianism of Louisiana, I wrote ‘. . . despite the Grand Lodge, by Matthew Block. I had promoted by their total misunderstanding picture that I paint concerning this body made it known that I had done a review of Freemasonry, its laws and landmarks. [the National Grand Lodge] I do not of that book when it was published and The tendency of some, while dressed with consider it clandestine.’ (page 4) that I found a number of glaring errors; a brief mantle of power is to feel the need So, when Grand Master Deary most could not understand or did not to challenge the status quo. Without a Vaughan asked me my thoughts on the want to understand what I was talking doubt, this engenders tragedies within National Grand Lodge, I made it known about. Prince Hall Freemasonry. (p240) that our Masonic bloodlines crossed each I also talked with the National Grand Also, from the same book, I quoted other’s path. Since the Society was Master over some concerns that I had of William Muraskin: meeting in Atlanta, Georgia, and a events taking place in South Carolina While the desire to create Black unity has number of our members had made and New York with his Grand Lodges been important for Prince Hall contact with the National Grand Lodge meeting with truly bogus Black groups Freemasonry, the Order has generally through the Internet, I decided, with claiming to be Masonic. Another source failed in its purpose. The envy, pride, Grand Master Vaughan’s permission, to of concern that I had was the event of the malice, and revenge that Masons have make contact with the National Grand alleged dissolution of the National Grand believed existed among Blacks has continued to flourish, while brotherly Master, who lived in Atlanta. Lodge. In return the National Grand love, compassion, and cooperation remain The letter that I sent the National Lodge representatives spoke to me of the words often spoken but rarely practiced. Grand Master was to seek a meeting many lies that had been spread by PHA Masonry not only has failed to spread its with the Conference of Grand Masters, regarding them. Gospel to the ‘profane’ world, but more at a neutral non-Masonic site. Since the There is a great divide between PHA importantly, it has failed to create unity in Society was not a Masonic body, our and PHO. For instance, on the PHA side its own ranks. (p250) session was a perfect setting for such a each Grand Lodge is a sovereign unit. To set the record straight, here are the meeting. However, it must be stressed Also within that tradition is a pure facts: The President of the Conference of that my letter stated quite clearly that dislike of involvement with groups who Grand Masters asked me if the National this would be an opportunity for have no Masonic lineage and were Grand Lodge was clandestine? I discussion of a UNION between our two clearly bogus or clandestine. Considered answered, tongue in cheek, that you organizations. The term union was by me to be Black-on-Black crime can’t call your ‘Grand Mother’ looked on with horror by one of the directed at our community. clandestine without assigning to yourself members of the National Grand Lodge My present opinion remains that the that stigma. There is no question that the when I sent him a copy of my letter. He National should merge with the larger National Grand Lodge of today is demanded that I inform the National PHA, and together work out their different from the National Compact of Grand Master that he was not involved differences, as did the Prince Hall Grand the past. While some Grand Masters in any attempt for a union, and this I did. Lodge of Louisiana and others. This I refuse to believe that, for the most part, However, I continued to stress to the think is the key for the modern day most of our present Prince Hall Grand National Grand Master, the proposed dilemma that both sides face. There are Lodges came out of the National Grand meeting was for consideration of many difficulties ahead for any union of Lodge in one form or another. There is bringing an end to a bitter relationship the two groups, yet in all, all things are very little doubt that our people have no that had lasted over a hundred years possible when people sit at a table and idea of the history of their Jurisdiction or between our two bodies. The National talk rationally of the problems that face of Prince Hall Freemasonry, and this has Grand Master agreed to this meeting and them. been made crystal clear on the comments contacted his entire Grand Lodge Staff to This issue of the Phylaxis magazine made on the Internet. come to Atlanta to the Phylaxis Session addresses both sides of the issue. When I wrote A Prince Hall Masonic to meet with representatives of the Quiz Book, I made it a point to give an Prince Hall Conference of Grand JOSEPH A. WALKES, JR. FPS outline of the National Grand Lodge. It Masters. Five Prince Hall Grand Masters was an unsuccessful experiment with were in attendance, to include the national unity that led to the formation of present Conference President and the [No information is available yet of the the National Grand Lodge. Because of Past President. response of the Conference of Grand internal Black Masonic factionalism, a The two sides met in the Society’s Masters (PHA) to the report of their five group of prominent leaders decided to President suite for two days. I was not, representatives.—a.p.] Issue 22 page 7 Research paper Conclusion of the paper by a Companion Mason (Fellow Craft) of the Order of the Ancient and Primitive Feminine Rite of Memphis–Misraïm, commenced in the January 2002 issue. Janet Searcy Wintermute was required to give three research papers before promotion to the degree of Companion, and a further two before being raised to the degree of a Master Mason. This is the second of her Companion papers, delivered in lodge on 20 July 2001. She was raised the following month. Copyright © 2001, all rights reserved.
THE ‘FIVE PHILOSOPHERS’ AND FREEMASONRY by Janet Searcy Wintermute, M∴M∴
[Part 2 of 2] commonplace today but was probably revolutionary in its time. Pythagoras, Another Thinker Who Pythagoras was apparently the first Had Trouble Fitting In astronomer in the Hellenic tradition to You may be glad to learn that I have support the belief that the Earth is round little to say about Philosopher #4, and that it and the stars rotate around Pythagoras. That’s partly because not a some kind of ‘central fire’ in the great deal is known about him, but more universe. Oddly enough, he did not say because I just do not understand that Earth’s Sun was that central point. mathematics and would need enormous I eagerly await an explanation from hand-holding to comprehend any of more sophisticated minds as to how Pythagoras’s mathematical constructs geometry, with which Pythagoras and beyond the most superficial yammerings Euclid were both closely associated, about the square of the hypotenuse. came to be called in the Leyland Pythagoras lived about 582 BC to 507 Manuscript the same thing as masonry. [are you getting the pattern here?] but Coil states that ‘The Forty-seventh though reared in Greece, he spent almost Problem [of Euclid] is a symbol his entire adult life abroad. Like appurtenant to the Master of a lodge, but Lycurgus and Solon, he traveled there is no Pythagorean philosophy in extensively as a young man, including a Craft Masonry’ (page 492 of Coil’s 22-year stint in Memphis and Thebes Author Janet Wintermute, MM Masonic Encyclopedia). studying hermetic thought. It turned out photo by Anson Eaglin Pythagoras noticed that vibrating that hanging around Egypt was a life- strings produce harmonious tones when threatening gambit: when King leading citizen, and his faction torched the ratios of the lengths of the strings are Cambyses conquered that country, he the Pythagoreans’ meeting-hall with whole numbers. But modern computer- snatched up all the sages, including them in it, killing 40 scholars. facilitated experiments with this idea, Pythagoras, and sent them into captivity Pythagoras fled Italy for good. His ideas according to information I found on the in Babylon. How Pythagoras got out of jumped over to mainland Greece and Web, have not produced anything other that fix is unclear, but the Babylonian enjoyed some success but did not live than cacophony. The Music of the experience exposed him to the Persian long there, probably because Pythagoras Spheres remains elusive. and Chaldean magi, and from there he left practically no writing of his own. According to contemporary went to India to study. Scholars have been unable to unravel his mathematician John M Dwyer, writing Upon returning to his hometown of personal mathematical achievements on the Web at
Micro Grand Lodge of Victoria When your intrepid reporter remains under expulsion and the attempted to obtain such information by organisation which he claims to represent Back in 1995 a small group of dissidents emailing the ‘Grand Secretary’, the is entirely spurious. attempted to obtain recognition from the ‘hardest’ information supplied was: ‘home’ Grand Lodges of England, The Power of the Press Ireland and Scotland for their self-styled At present the members of Grand Lodge are also the members of The United Grand When Sr Janet Wintermute attended a Grand Lodge of Victoria. A dearth of Lodge . . . At this stage I am not able to meeting of the Philalethes Society in ‘hard’ facts, beyond the names of the confirm or deny the existence of any Lodge Washington DC in February, she found three leading lights, prompted the within the jurisdiction of Grand Lodge. that her January Harashim article was a following entry in volume 2 of There would appear to be no reason to hot topic of conversation, and that Freemasonry Universal (p402): revise the entry in Freemasonry incoming President Joel Springer had Universal. However, the activities of this They were ignored by all, except that the brought with him an invitation for her to microscopic Grand Lodge prompted a three ring-leaders were expelled from the address the Northern California Lodge of United Grand Lodge of Victoria, and they circular from the United Grand Lodge of Research later this year. Janet has also faded into obscurity. Indeed, it has proved Victoria, warning: impossible to discover if there were ever accepted an invitation to address the SPURIOUS GRAND LODGE Philalethes Society in September. more than three members of this ‘Grand (for the information of all Freemasons) Lodge’—the Grand Master, his Deputy, Several of our brethren have been What are the odds on an ANZMRC and the Grand Secretary. contacted recently by Mr Erwin Szakacs, tour in 2004? Or 2008? We have to Now, everyone can read one side of the who claims to be an officer of the "Grand report that all pigs are washed, fed, and story of the gripe this small group has Lodge of A F & A Masons in Victoria". ready to fly. against the United Grand Lodge of Mr Szakacs has also published material on Victoria, by visiting the website
(Continued from page 8) degree ritual is careful to distinguish and that they revolved around each between ‘Christianism’, which I interpret Janet Searcy Wintermute was other. Kepler much later fashioned his to mean the christification of us all, and raised to the degree of Master model of the solar system, which he the ordinary noun ‘Christianity’, which Mason in August 2001 and is called the ‘Music of the Spheres’, on carries with it the baggage of established Secretary of her lodge, Temple of Pythagorean principles. Coming at these denominational cant. The path we are on the Veil, in Tuckahoe, New York. It ideas from our 21st-century mindset, it is together is the path toward renunciation meets under the auspices of the hard to recognize their impact on the of sin, and it leads to life everlasting. Ancient and Primitive Rite of thinkers of the old world. But the idea The alchemists use I.N.R.I. to stand Memphis-Misraïm, which is that mathematics and science could for Igne Natura Renovatur Integra, or headquartered in Paris. The material explain the world was revolutionary in ‘fire is that by which Nature renews in this article, which is one of Sister Ancient Greece. itself’. The acronym also means, Janet’s Companion (second degree) according to our degree work, Intra papers, is under copyright because I.N.R.I. and Gnosis Nobis Regnum Ieshouah, or ‘the she wants to discourage degree At last we come to I.N.R.I., which is not kingdom of God is within us’. Finding candidates in any Continental-style a philosopher but a philosophy, a that God-spark is the gold at the end of Masonry from borrowing its content coordinated package for spiritual growth, the rainbow for every Freemason willing instead of ‘doing the Work’ an initiatic path that embraces gnosis. In to work the path with seriousness of themselves. Following the principles most artistic renderings of the purpose. of US copyright law, readers of Crucifixion, a scrap of parchment And mighty hard work it is, too. All Harashim may quote small sections displaying I.N.R.I. is shown attached to this looking into the blackness of of the paper elsewhere, provided the cross above Jesus’ head. In this darkness, to borrow a phrase from that credit is given to the author. context, the initials stand for Iesus literary criticism. The facing up to the Janet encourages readers to learn Nazareus Rex Iudeorum, Latin for ‘Jesus evil that lurks inside ourselves. The more about her Obedience from its of Nazareth, King of the Jews’. In conscious decision to examine one’s website, Christian terms, this acronym has own motives and actions in order to ‘die
(Continued from page 9) confirmation that the Grand Lodge ‘Alpina’ of Switzerland maintains its recognition of GM Boris Sandarev’s Grand Lodge of AF&AM of Bulgaria (United). Harashim has not yet ascertained for certain which Grand Lodge is recognised by the United Grand Lodges of Germany.
Florida failure Despite numerous inquiries, Harashim has been unable to get confirmation of the alleged reconciliation between the Union Grand Lodge of Florida and Belize (PHA) and its schismatic offshoot, the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Florida, last year.
Global Masonic Publications The Henderson–Pope publishing partnership, Global Masonic Publications, has been amicably dissolved with effect from 1 March 2002, and the enterprise will continue under the sole proprietorship of Kent Henderson. His former partner will concentrate on freelance book editing— including for GMP, ANZMRC, and the South Australian Lodge of Research— but also returning to non-Masonic subjects; at present he is copy-editing a 130,000-word philosophical work from Germany, Jesus—Christian Myth and Buddhist Fact, and anticipating the forensic reminiscences of an Australian ballistics expert. Meanwhile, Henderson has written and published two new books—Millennial Masonry and Freemasonry for Wives—and made a whirlwind lecture tour of New Zealand, visiting and speaking to seven lodges in ten days [see the report on page 4].
Grand Lodge report on Women With Prince Hall recognition almost ‘old hat’ now, and the Grand Lodge of France having gained ‘a foot in the door’ of mainstream Masonry, the ‘in’ topic appears to be Women in Freemasonry. At the close of the last decade/century/millennium, the actions of some members of the South Australian Lodge of Research drew the attention of the Grand Lodge of South Australia & the Northern Territory to the existence of Women Freemasons in Adelaide, in single-gender and mixed- gender lodges. This prompted Grand Master Geoff Tucker to raise the subject (Continued on page 11) page 10 Harashim GLNF & GRAND ORIENT (Continued from page 1) likely agenda of such meetings of heads of Masonic Obediences. A copy of the letter is reproduced herewith. Harashim sought to clarify several points, and directed an email to RWBro Nat Granstein on 19 February. No reply, or even acknowledgement of receipt, has been received, and the questions remain unanswered.
From: "Tony Pope"
More from Russia I have found a suitable object for Alexander Kafyrov, Grand Secretary of charity—an internat (a school were children live and study—not exactly an This ’n’ that . . . Russian Regular Grand Lodge (RRGL), orphanage but with a number of orphans reports an extremely anti-Masonic in there—rather a place for the gifted episode of ‘Russian House’ on Russian children). You know of course that such (Continued from page 10) television, featuring a book which gives places are neglected by the state at the Conference of Australasian Grand an account of ‘the advent of Free authorities and only survive with the help Masters, and to form a mixed-gender Masonry in Russia’ and its ‘corrupted of sponsors. committee in South Australia, under influence on the minds of the people’. We gathered money to buy the skis for Grand Librarian George Woolmer, to The book includes Masonic documents the children. Our brother Victor Beliavsky report back to him in time for the 2002 supplied by the estranged wife of the (a publisher) is going to donate the books on the school program. We started a Conference. The 90-page report is still Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of under wraps at present, but an 1800- number of charity lectures for the kids Russia (GLOR). (the first is mine on economic and word version was published in the Peter Waters (see Readers’ Letters, political geography of Africa and the Autumn 2002 issue of the SA this issue) has passed on an account of lectures on history and philosophy to Freemason, and yours truly has asked Russian charitable efforts by the ‘Great permission to reprint it in Harashim. Almoner’ of the RRGL: (Continued on page 12)
Issue 22 page 11 This ’n’ that . . .
(Continued from page 11) follow) presented by University professors of the leading Moscow educational establishments. Grigory Efimov (a retired marine officer) is going to set up marine class for the kids in order to give them a proper education. It is not much but it is still something and I am glad that the money we collect are not wasted for the voyages of the big bosses with their wives. Further to our pictures of the lodge room at Vladivostok (Harashim, issue 21), John Grainger (PGM, Alaska) advises that this is not the only purpose-built lodge in Russia, and supplies a photo of a lodge room in Moscow used by several GLOR lodges (right).
Directory changes The attention of members is drawn to the following: Beacon. Ken’s address is 19 Butler St, Toowoomba, Qld 4350; ♦ Webmaster Richard Num reports that all material phone (07) 4635 4673; email
Millennial Masonry, A5 soft cover, 192 pp, collected research papers of Kent Henderson, Global Masonic Publications 2002, price post paid: Australia A$22; New Zealand A$25. Freemasonry for Wives and others, A5 soft cover, 48 pp, also by Henderson, Global Masonic Publications 2002, price post paid: Australia A$14; New Zealand A$16. Both available from the author/publisher, PO Box 332, Williamstown, Vic 3016, Australia. page 12 Harashim Harashim
The Quarterly Newsletter of the Australian & New Zealand Masonic Research Council
ISSN 1328-2735 Issue 23 July 2002
News in brief סישרח About Harashim Harashim, Hebrew for Craftsmen, is a quarterly news-letter published by the Australian and New Zealand Masonic Research Council (PO Box 332, TOUR POSTPONED Williamstown, Victoria 3016, Australia) and two copies are issued free to each of its Affiliate and Associate members in January, April, July and October each The lecture tour of Australia and New Zealand by year. RWBro David L Gray, of Ohio, has been postponed— Additional copies are available to interested persons on subscription (details not cancelled—because of the ill-health of his wife. The below). At a later date, copies of most articles, features and news items will be posted on ANZMRC’s website
President’s Corner
Within Freemasonry in Australia, I guess it proves my point. My con- research has had a very limited number gratulations and thanks to the brethren of practitioners. This runs counter to the concerned. situation in some countries, notably in In the last decade, the ANZMRC has Europe, where Masonic research is an raised the profile of Masonic education essential part of progression through the in this part of the world. Tours by three degrees. After developing an distinguished Freemasons and interest in Masonic research, it becomes publications of their lectures have been a lifelong interest for many of the invaluable. The biennial conferences brethren. Australian brethren have which provide our brethren with typically assumed that Masonic opportunities to present their own papers scholarship resides in the northern in a national forum are incentives that hemisphere, notwithstanding the sterling did not exist previously. We can be hold that office from 1996 to 2002. I efforts of luminaries such as the late pleased with our progress but we have wish to express my special sincere Harry Kellerman. There must be much much more to do. thanks to the members of the information to be brought to light about In the world at large, research is Committee who have diligently nearly two hundred years of associated with development. worked to advance the profile of the Freemasonry in this country. Development is an outcome of quality ANZMRC—especially Kent Several days after I wrote the above, I research. At a time when Freemasons are Henderson as Secretary, Tony Pope as was delighted to note the following: anxiously trying to determine what Editor, Graham Stead as Treasurer and course they should plot for the future, ANNOUNCEMENT Richard Num as Webmaster. I thank Neil Morse (Kellerman Lecturer for there is a need for reliable data on many them all for their service to the NSW and the ACT for 2000–2002) and topics. This data, whether historical or Graeme Love (Kellerman Lecturer for ANZMRC and to Freemasonry in contemporary, can only be obtained by Victoria 2002–2004) have recently general. I can assure my successor of diligent research. We must continue to discovered details of a rare and my very best wishes and of my unusual Masonic rite which operated in work at making our brethren aware of continuing support. the 1930s and 1940s. This fascinating the significance of Masonic research if story of an Order created in Australia, but focussing on a controversial progress is to take place. connection with the wider world, will be This will be the last occasion on presented at the Victorian Lodge of which I write for Harashim as President Research on Friday July 26. of the ANZMRC. It has been a privilege Murray Yaxley
MURRAY YAXLEY RECEIVES TEACHING HONOUR Contributors to this issue . . . At the official convention dinner of the Australian Science Teachers’ Association, held in Hobart on Tuesday 9 July 2002, ANZMRC president Murray Yaxley was awarded Honorary Life Membership for ‘outstanding contributions to the advancement of science education’. His certificate was endorsed and presented by Prof Peter Doherty, Nobel Laureate (Physiology & Medicine). Below (L to R): Prof Doherty, Ms A N Other, and Murray Yaxley.
Top left: MWBro Geoff Tucker, GM of SA&NT, who commissioned the ‘Freemasonry and Women Report’ on page 3. Above, centre: WBro George Woolmer, OAM, chairman of the committee which prepared the report. Above, right: Bro Greg Boag, of NZ, whose comments on the report are on page 5. Left: WBro Kent Henderson, whose research paper is on page 6.
page 2 Harashim Reproduced from the SA Freemason, Autumn 2002, pp18&19, by kind permission of the Grand Lodge of South Australia and the Northern Territory Incorporated.
THE NEW MILLENNIUM, FREEMASONRY AND WOMEN
INTRODUCTION pay and are more liable to discrimination Select, KT Priests, Red Cross of In the light of ever-quickening change in and abuse. Constantine, Royal Order of Scotland, society, the growing call for gender It is anticipated that technical and Allied, Rosicrucians and Operatives. equality and Freemasonry’s increasing social changes will speed up, throwing Grand Lodge officially accepts Mark problems, in May 2001 the Grand an ever greater challenge to Freemasonry and Chapter. By regulation it could Master of the Grand Lodge of South to adapt or founder. A basic decider will easily extend this to all the Further Australia, MWBro Geoffrey Tucker, be its ability to meet the ever-growing Orders, as is the rule in America, thus commissioned a task force to look into claims and status of Women. showing each to be an appreciated arm Freemasonry’s relations with women. of Freemasonry. Further, to signal their POINTS ABOUT FREEMASONRY The resulting Gender Relations Task true value, it is recommended that the Freemasonry is governed by Landmarks. Force comprised WBro George Further Orders be declared part of the These are held to be dictates which Woolmer OAM KL GLib, chair, WBro ‘Masonic Family’, and be made Affiliate cannot be changed. There exists no Dr Richard Num, WBro John Priede, Members of Freemasonry, the next best authentic list; it seems certain, however, Mrs Lorraine Rayner, Amaranth and status to recognition available. Alliance that the exclusion of women is a Rainbow Girls, Mrs Jacky Talmet, would bring benefits to both parties, and Landmark. Masonically associated women, Miss would also pave the way for better Many independent Masonic Elizabeth Watt, Eastern Star, Bro Allan relations with women orders. jurisdictions exist. Before two can Wright, Mrs Amy Walker, Order of intervisit they have to ‘recognise’ each PUBLIC PERCEPTION Women Freemasons, resigned, Mrs other to be ‘regular’. A Grand Lodge Freemasonry’s fate depends upon its Joyce Abraham, Women Freemasons, cannot recognise a non-Craft Masonic- public perception, including that of did not attend. type order. women. It is under attack from many The resulting full report is of 89 Freemasonry demonstrates positive churches, and the government in pages, and the managerial – and negative aspects. Positives include England, while harmful myths circulate. recommended – of 74. This is the extolling freedom of speech, equality, It is seen as a secret society, distant, anti- concise report. The report’s conclusions, democracy, peace, education and social, exclusive and aloof to women. As based on research, are recommendations. morality. Negatives, arising from its the older generations, which had some None touch ritual or Landmarks. There formative conditions, ultimately include respect for Freemasonry, disappear, anti- is no call for Freemasonry to enrol autocratic government and resistance to Freemasonry must increase. women. change. The remit is being out-of- To counter this damaging public conformity with today’s society, which image one change needed is for FINDINGS at best sees Freemasonry as irrelevant. Freemasonry to become more open. This SOCIETY This includes being seen as a male is while still projecting an air of Freemasonry was moulded by society. A bastion embattled against women. tantalizing mystery. As is the norm in long past society. Freemasonry has deep problems, many jurisdictions we could improve Freemasonry, as we know it, was which culminate in an ever-quickening and extend its range of public formed in the 1600 and 1700’s, when the slide in membership. Having become an ceremonies and appearances and crushing English class system saw the organisation of old men it is inevitably undergo dress reform. Vicious criticism vast majority of people living in abject dominated by out-of-date conventions. needs to be met aggressively, invalid poverty as peasants. The Industrial All steps to reverse or even hold its criticism disproven and valid criticism Revolution saw the masses even more membership loss have failed. Only when acted upon. It is recommended that exploited. A very few at the top lived in men see value in joining Freemasonry women need to be actively involved in privilege and luxury. Between was an can it regain strength, and only change public ceremonies and appearances, be insecure group of tradesmen, merchants, can accomplish that. part of all advertising, and be present at businessmen and professionals. Even as all Masonic publicity stalls. Freemasonry THE FURTHER ORDERS late as the mid 1800’s all of England’s could coordinate its public perception Freemasonry is accompanied by Further land was owned by about 3,000 men. reform by developing an ‘Improving the Orders, to many interest in which is their Women had no real rights and did not Public Image of Freemasonry’ program. only inducement to remain in Masonry. gain the vote until 1918. Thus To enable Masonically related women THE IMPORTANCE OF WOMEN TO Freemasonry was shaped by a harsh orders to be fairly treated the Further FREEMASONRY environment. It had no place for women. Orders need first to be examined. By giving serious regard to half the In our present society human rights have Those in South Australia are Mark, population, women, Freemasonry would been asserted, equal rights gained, and Chapter, Mariners, Knights Templar, go a long way to lessen internal women’s rights won; on paper. In fact Rose Croix, Secret Monitor, Royal And problems, benefit from women’s unique women still do more work, receive less Issue 23 page 3 talents and capacities, and improve its Masonically Associated Women are the Order of Women Freemasons, public image. It would, also, help to Program’. Included would be: Craft and Mark; Co-Masonry, Craft, mitigate bad press and unwanted • Lodge-organised discussions with Mark, Mariners, Chapter, Rose Croix legislation. Masonry, in turn, can offer women. and Knight Kadosh; Eastern Star, women its positive influences, directly • Appointment of women’s Amaranth and Rainbow Girls. by exposure to its tenets and experiences representatives, with place on the care The Order of Women Freemasons and, indirectly, a better society; provided committee. Craft strictly excludes male membership. it engineers its social resurgence. • Perhaps a lodge women’s committee. It is acknowledged, as are the Eastern Star, Amaranth Rainbow Girls. The CHANGE • Moderating lodge hours, so that Eastern Star and Amaranth include There have been great changes in society husband/partners do not arrive home Freemasons. Co-Masonry, which also since Freemasonry was formed. It very late. joins men and women, has psychic and continues, however, with many old • The Festive Board not to be an mystical elements which make it social practices which alienate younger expected automatic responsibility of a proscribed by regular jurisdictions generations. Should it allow this to woman who does not want it. around the world. continue its future must appear grim. • Changing the too frequently A resulting ‘Improving There is no legal requirement at encountered out-of-date language and Freemasonry’s Relationship with present for Freemasonry to admit approaches to women in lodges. Women Orders Plan’ would include women. Ethics, however, is another • Better informing women what is stopping their victimisation, eg by hall consideration. overrides laws, customs happening at lodge, eg by regular denial, and removal of posters, and and rules. Freemasonry extols morality, newsletters. mutual assistance in publicity. although has yet to address ethical issues • Involvement of women in lodge event in its relationship with women. planning. ALLIANCE There is nothing within the structure • Conducting ladies/wives-partners To signal their true value it is of Freemasonry that allows women to nights at least three times a year, and recommended that the women orders be give significant input. preferably off the premises. accepted as part of the ‘Masonic It is recommended that Freemasonry, • Ladies Nights’ at the Festive Board Family’, and made Affiliate Members of based on thorough investigation and prefaced with a short lodge business Freemasonry. Communication and consultation, needs to develop women meeting only, and preferably none at coordination of the alliance would be relationship policies, and form a all no waiting around. If there is to be facilitated by the formation of a ‘Freemasonry and Women Relations waiting, quality entertainment ‘Freemasonry and Women Order Liaison Program’, of which all members need to engaged. Committee’. be informed and involved. In its quest • If at the Festive Board, the usual run Ongoing interaction between the for survival Grand Lodge will need to of Masonic speeches and toasts Craft, Further Orders and women orders commit itself fully to all changes dispensed with. is recommended. This could take various determined. Otherwise, they will not • Involvement of a wife/partner in her forms, including social, ceremonial and take hold. husband/partner’s significant lodge intellectual activities MASONICALLY ASSOCIATED ceremonies, eg Presentation of Master PERMANENCE WOMEN Mason’s certificate, installation, fifty Information on the various Masonically associated women, the year jewel presentation, eg at the recommended women programs would wives and partners of Masons, are Festive Board. be given to the membership through a expected to encourage, or at least Further, Freemasonry could show its printed ‘South Australian Freemasonry tolerate, their husbands/partners being appreciation of Masonically associated and Women Relations Handbook’. Freemasons. Further, they are expected women, and improve its own position, To come to grips with the many facets to support them by doing voluntary by offering them associate membership. of women relations it is recommended lodge work. To most lodges the MASONICALLY ASSOCIATED that the Craft forms a permanent fulfilment of these expectations is crucial FAMILIES ‘Women Relations Committee’. to their survival. These women, Where Masonically associated families Copyright © November 2001 The Grand however, are often subject to out-of date are involved the situation is more Lodge of Antient, Free and Accepted Masons social practices which most of the intense. Fathers can be seen as visiting of South Australia and the Northern Territory younger generations find offensive and lodges too often, and frequently drawing Inc. alienating. This can and does lead to upon an already tight budget. Some Copyright of this document, including all it husband/partners leaving Freemasonry lodges offer little or nothing for children. focal points, rests with The Grand Lodge of and, in turn, lodge collapse. A lodge’s calendar of events needs to South Australia. The document may be copied and used by any regular Grand Lodge, BRINGING ABOUT GOOD consider family events, such as Family always referring to The Grand Lodge of RELATIONS BETWEEN WOMEN Days, outings, picnics and parties. South Australia and its caveats. The AND FREEMASONRY WOMEN ORDERS document, including all it focal points and Freemasonry needs to adequately Women Masonically related orders offer their contents, may not be copied or used by any person in any way, apart for a acknowledge the vital role played by places to women interested in Masonry, Masonically associated women, and generalized review purpose, this restriction thus taking up the slack. Acting as a being released on the last day of December bring about change in its relationship buffer they also absorb criticism by those 2001. with them. It is recommended that Grand who might otherwise attack Masonry as Lodge develops an ‘Improving a movement with no place for women. Author’s note: W. Bro Woolmer will be Freemasonry’s Relationship with hoping to receive response on any aspect of The women orders in South Australia this report. page 4 Harashim This is the response of Bro Greg Boag, of Scinde Lodge #5 NZC to the foregoing report.
BACK TO THE FUTURE—AGAIN
by Greg Boag
A report to the Grand Master of South There is no doubt that cultures deeply both active and recently resigned Australia and the Northern Territory influenced by western standards have, in brethren. While it covered many areas of entitled ‘The New Millennium, the last generation, experienced a huge members’ interests and dislikes Freemasonry and Women’ sparked a adjustment in the way they view the role concerning Freemasonry, one aspect of small fluster of conversation on the of women. Masons of my generation this analysis clearly stood out: younger ANZMRC email forum recently. My (and I am just approaching 40) simply Masons want, and are not getting, a desire to put forward the view of a new don’t have the same kind of relationship proper education about our Order. and relatively young Mason had me with our wives and partners that our While many older Masons would jumping into the fray to add my two fathers and grandfathers did. Women shrug off the question of recognising, or cents worth. today have so much more control over visiting, Masonic fraternities that initiate The report raised two issues about the decisions made within the family unit women, there is a deeper side to this future of the Craft that have had a that in most cases a young man simply issue. There is a close relationship noticeable impact on my Masonic career wouldn’t find himself a member of the between the question of our association from the start. Firstly, there is the Craft unless his wife was comfortable with fraternities such as Co-Masonry, question of the role of women in the life with it. other irregular or competing bodies, and of Freemasonry. Secondly, a matter that I belong to a relatively large, very Masonic education. In cities where Co- lies at the heart of concern about the pro-active and progressive lodge, one Masonic lodges exist, for example, many future of the Craft: what kind of changes third of whose active membership is Masons would probably have heard of do we need to effect, in order to make roughly under 45 years of age. In nearly brethren who secretly visit these lodges, Freemasonry more appealing to the next every case, these younger Masons assert or belong to them, even though this generation? that while their wives or partners had an contravenes the rules of our Fraternity. I should point out at the start that initial curiosity about what we were up One of the reasons why this is happening some of the following attitudes and to, and didn’t mind attending a social (beside the fact that they may have wives opinions are not necessarily ones I function once in a while, they generally or partners who are members of these personally accept, although they are a had little interest in their partners’ institutions) is that Co-Masonry, as a cross-section of ideas I have heard raised Masonic activities. particular example, provides a vastly among younger Masons often. Beside the question of how much we superior Masonic education and a richer Sitting quietly, listening on the edge should involve our wives and partners in traditional atmosphere than is found in of conversations about past years in the lodge activities, there is another aspect regular Masonry today. Craft, I note that one of the topics that of the relationship between women and Masons of my generation have grown inevitably arise with regularity is how Freemasonry that was considered in the up in a world where access to, and the families in the past have been affected report. That is the relationship between desire for, information is greater than by Masonry. I think it goes without ‘irregular’ Masonic women’s fraternities, ever before. Prior to my initiation into saying that a certain amount of such as the Order of Women the Craft, I made an effort to find out discomfort often accompanies comment Freemasons, Co-Masonry, and the semi- everything I could about Freemasonry. I on this subject. I also think it would be recognised Order of the Eastern Star, for read everything I could dig up on the true to say that, for older Masons and example. The question was raised as to subject, and talked to anyone I could find their wives, the focus of the whether or not recognition and/or closer that had authoritative knowledge. responsibility for problems which ties with such fraternities should be Increasingly, we face a situation where Masonic membership has sometimes considered. While our landmarks state new, young Masons are far more caused families is often foisted upon that we shall not initiate women into our informed about the Craft before they join Freemasonry itself. mysteries, it is only habit that keeps us than most Masons are who have been One cannot help wondering if some from allowing some form of recognition members of the Order for years. The of the considerations about the role of of women’s Freemasonry. The same present reality of our education and Masonic wives and partners is not kind of habit insists, possibly to our research facilities is seriously designed as an attempt to compensate or detriment, that visiting unrecognised disappointing to such men once they make up for past indiscretions. In reality, rites is unacceptable. finally become members. Freemasonry, as an institution, has For a number of years the Grand If regular mainstream Freemasonry nothing to apologise for in this area. The Lodge of New Zealand has paid for refuses to address the issue of a need for kind of behaviour that has produced such professional research into membership easily accessible, quality education for difficulties in the past was not something conditions. At the recent Central North its future members, prospective Masons the Fraternity itself demanded of its Island Divisional Conference, a synopsis who are well informed of the other brethren; it was a symptom of men’s of one of these investigations was choices available to them will increas- attitudes towards women in general, and presented by the firm hired to do the ingly choose to join those fraternities was prevalent in all areas of society until research. The specific analysis discussed that offer a wider variety of options. recently. was aimed at young and new Masons, (Continued on page 8) Issue 23 page 5 Presented at the Centenary Meeting of Masters’ and Past Masters’ Lodge No 130 NZC, Christchurch, on 16 March 2002.
THE VALUE OF A LODGE OF RESEARCH
by Kent Henderson
Introduction lay in three concepts which they Victorian Lodge of Research 218. It was What is the value of a lodge of research? developed, namely its membership formed in 1911, with membership Why bother to have one? Why aren’t all qualifications, method of presentation of restricted to Installed Masters, for the lodges, lodges of research? Maybe they research papers, and its correspondence dual purposes of ‘the extension of should be? These are crucial Masonic circle. Masonic knowledge . . . by lectures, questions which, I suggest, go to the Membership was designed to be by essays, etc.’ and obtaining uniformity of heart of our rationale for existence. invitation and subject to satisfactory ritual in Victoria ‘by exemplification in It is probably easier to state what proof of research ability. The manner in degree work’. In 1917 its by-laws were Masonry is not, rather than what it is. which a paper was presented, after prior altered to admit Master Masons to We will all acknowledge that it is not a circulation between members, the membership. Although its warrant religion or a substitute for religion; we consequent informed and frank authorises the making of Masons, it is will all say it is not a political discussion, and the subsequent clear that its by-laws effectively exclude organisation. Conversely, there have publication of both paper and discussion, this function. been more than a few definitions put provided maximum benefit to a growing In 1903, Baron Barnett Lodge 3011 forward as to what Masonry is. I am readership. The concept of the EC was formed as a lodge of Installed certainly not going to list them here, as correspondence circle was brilliant, and Masters, for the purpose of ensuring undoubtedly Masonry means different its expansion was assured by the idea of standardised ritual among the English things to different Masons. However, I appointing local secretaries, who were lodges in Queensland. It was not until am going to state my own definition, responsible not only for administration after the lodge received a warrant from which is: ‘Freemasonry is a moral and but also for reporting on local Masonic the United Grand Lodge of Queensland ethical education society’. activity. in 1921, when its previous purpose Let us assume, for a moment, that we The example of Quatuor Coronati was became redundant, that Baron Barnett accept my definition. If so, then we must followed, with some variations, in Lodge 146 QC became a lodge of accept that Masonry’s primary role is to England and the colonies, and all research. Membership is still restricted to teach morality and ethics—in other research lodges are descended, at least in Installed Masters. It publishes lodge words, to educate. We are now spirit, from it. Let us briefly look at papers for circulation among members. It approaching the question of the value examples. In India, Lodge Albert Victor does not have a correspondence circle, and importance of a lodge of research. was formed in 1890 at Lahore, as a lodge but supplies papers on request for the use It is a fact that some jurisdictions of research for Installed Masters. At of country lodges. So it is older than its have several lodges of research, while Kimberley, in South Africa, the Victorian counterpart by original others are content with one, and some members of QC correspondence circle warrant, but not as a lodge of research. have none at all. Does a lodge of began meeting quarterly to review the Today, there are warranted research research serve a useful purpose for the latest issue of Ars Quatuor lodges in all Australian jurisdictions, as Craft as a whole, or does it benefit only Coronatorum, and to read their own well as several unwarranted Masonic its own members and the occasional original papers. QC suggested that they Study circles. Most of these have their visitor? publish their own papers, advising that own idiosyncrasies. Some are pretty the group would ‘find a difficulty in much pure research lodges, existing Historical Perspective persuading brethren to write really good largely only to serve their members. A To answer all these questions we need to articles unless they provide for a few do not publish their lectures (which begin at the beginning, and to do that we permanent record of the proceedings’. seems to me a waste), some publish their must go to England. Quatuor Coronati Just so. papers with the subsequent summons, Lodge 2076 EC is acknowledged as the while a few, such as my own lodge, issue premier lodge of research in the world, Australia annual transactions. Some have but it did not, of course, originate the In Australia research began to be correspondence circles, some do not. idea of Masonic research as such. In the organised in Queensland, New South I will dwell briefly on three specifics 17th and 18th centuries, the likes of Elias Wales, South Australia and Victoria, but in Australian research that, in my view, Ashmole, James Anderson and William apparently not in Tasmania and Western are of special interest. Preston could justifiably be described as Australia at an early date, and not About twenty years ago now, the researchers. In the 1860s Gould, immediately in New Zealand. I could South Australian Grand Lodge, through Hughan, Findel and others developed dwell at length on these occurrences, but a Masonic Education Committee, what is described as the ‘authentic I shall not do so here. Many of these sponsored a four-year correspondence school’ of Masonic research, but at this early research groups started informally, course, leading to a Diploma of Masonic time they were individual researchers. and with several up and downs, emerged Education. This intensive and exacting I do not propose to regurgitate the into long-standing research lodges. course was originally intended to be of history of Quatuor Coronati here, except The oldest still-existing lodge of matriculation standard. It has been most to suggest that the genius of its founders research in Australia is my own, the successful over the years, and I am a page 6 Harashim graduate (many years ago now, I will published in Dunedin in 1884, answer service. Some provide lecturers add). Many of its students have come transferred to Auckland in 1895, then to for other lodges (in addition to the Grand from outside Australia. Its holders can Wellington shortly afterwards. For many Lecturer system). At least three use the initials DipMEd after their names years it published copies of lectures (Wellington No 194, Hawkes’ Bay No in South Australia, for Masonic delivered in New Zealand and elsewhere. 305 and Waikato No 445) have purposes. The Grand Lodge of New Zealand, peripatetic warrants, permitting them to The task of lecturing to other lodges formed in 1890, authorised Lodges of meet in any temple in their respective in South Australia is entrusted to a panel Instruction whose purpose was the districts, and others (such as Ruapehu of ‘authorised lecturers’, drawn from the practice of ritual, and in 1911 authorised No 444) make ‘fraternal visits’, where graduates of the Masonic Education the Grand Master to appoint a number of they work in conjunction with a host Course, under the superintendence of the Grand Lecturers. lodge. Grand Lecturer. Each member of the From the Lodge of Instruction Perhaps the most efficiently organised lecture panel is also required to present a concept the first research lodges of New is the Research Lodge of Wellington No paper to his peers, and the first collection Zealand arose. In 1902, your own 194, which holds its meetings on of these lectures was published in 1989. Masters’ and Past Masters’ Lodge No alternate months, and regulates its papers The Victorian Lodge of Research, as 130 was warranted in Christchurch, open thus: well has having an extensive only to Installed Masters. Its objects Paper presented to meeting (limit correspondence circle, introduced its were to attain uniformity and perfection thirty minutes) own ‘Diploma of Masonic History and in working the various degrees, and the Copy to Editor Ideas’ about six years ago, supported by occasional presentation of a paper of Paper printed in the next Transactions Grand Lodge. This is really a university Masonic interest. It admitted Master Paper discussed at next meeting (ten level course, running by correspondence Masons as associate members and began minutes allocated between the two over two years. publishing its Transactions. wardens, who are expected to have The Western Australian Lodge of On the same pattern Masters Lodge researched it in depth; three minutes Research has a monopoly on research No 161 was constituted at Dunedin in per other member for comments, and and Masonic education in that 1908, followed by United Masters Lodge six minutes for author to reply) jurisdiction. With an exemption from the No 167 at Auckland in 1909 and Copy of all comments to Editor Grand Lodge capitation fee, it keeps its Installed Masters Lodge No 194 at Discussion published in next subscriptions very low, and has never Wellington in 1912. The latter changed Transactions. seen the need for a correspondence its name to Research Lodge of In this way, each meeting includes circle. It draws full members from all Wellington in 1923 and Masters Lodge presentation of a new paper and over the State. The lodge provides a followed suit in 1937, renamed the discussion of a previous paper. Its panel of lecturers for other lodges, and Research Lodge of Otago. As you are Transactions follow a similar format. I also encourages the use of its aware, six other lodges of research are happily note that New Zealand provides Transactions for that purpose. The lodge now at work alongside the original four. a structured approach to research, but was formed in 1951, is open to Master As far as I am aware, all ten lodges of leaves room for individuality within that Masons, but with the principal offices research confine full membership to structure. Research seems well supported restricted to Installed Masters. The lodge Installed Masters, with associate by your Grand Lodge and the brethren, is not permitted to make Masons, but membership open to Master Masons. and this usually results in a high standard does conduct an annual installation Both categories of membership are open of presentation and publication. ceremony. to brethren of all four resident The lodge (at its own behest, initially) jurisdictions (England, Ireland, Scotland Coordinated Research is required to submit its work to and New Zealand), although all ten are Perhaps the best innovation in our censorship. A lodge committee vets all governed by New Zealand. The Grand Masonic research occurred in 1992, with papers intended for presentation, and Lodge of New Zealand provides an the formation of the Australian Masonic those that pass scrutiny are forwarded to annual grant to the research lodges that Research Council (later the Australian the Grand Master for classification. the lodges themselves apportion and New Zealand Masonic Research Category A lectures may be presented in according to need. Council, ANZMRC). All warranted any lodge, and be published; Category B The Grand Lodge of New Zealand research lodges and almost all Craft may be presented in the Lodge of provides in its constitution: Masonic study circles in Australia are Research, but not elsewhere, and may The object of a lodge of research shall members, as are most New Zealand not be published; Category C are not be the historical and comparative study research lodges. The ANZMRC holds a approved. and illustrations of the origins, conference every two years, where, aside development and modern trends and from holding a general meeting and New Zealand activities of Freemasonry, its electing officers, the Kellerman Lectures I will now turn to New Zealand. There organisation, ritual and teachings, and are delivered. Each jurisdiction has the the dissemination of Masonic are no references in either of the opportunity to nominate one of its knowledge amongst members of the histories of the Grand Lodge of New Lodge and other brethren by means of research lodge members as its Kellerman Zealand, or in early volumes of AQC, to lectures, discussions and papers. Lecturer every two years. The idea was Masonic research conducted by literary modelled on the Prestonian Lecture in It does not specifically require societies, Masters and Wardens England, except appointment in publication of Transactions, but the associations or the like. biannual, not annual. The published lodges do this, mostly in pamphlet or In earlier years Masonic education Proceedings of each Conference contain booklet form. Some of the older lodges was provided by the New Zealand the seven Kellerman Lectures. have large, worldwide correspondence Craftsman, a periodical that was first (Continued on page 8) circles, and provide a question and Issue 23 page 7 (Continued from page 7) Does a lodge of research serve a other meetings are education sessions, in The next Conference is in Adelaide useful purpose for the Craft as a whole, which newer members in particular must later this year, and in 2004 it will be in or does it benefit only its own members be involved. It is not possible in Europe New Zealand—probably in Wellington. and the occasional visitor? The evidence for a brother to be passed and raised The Council publishes a quarterly for the latter is hard to refute, or else without a very high level of attendance, a newsletter, Harashim, and organizes a research lodges would have no members. regular participation in Masonic tour by an international guest lecturer, How each is useful to the wider Craft discussions, and without presenting at usually every two years. very much depends on each lodge. I least one researched paper to his lodge. The ANZMRC has been a most suggest that those that publish papers, In Europe, Masonic membership is, by successful organisation in coordinating and/or have a correspondence circle, and large, expanding—not severely Masonic research, and particularly in and/or have its members lecturing at declining, as it is English-speaking encouraging research exchanges between other lodges, and/or conduct Masonic countries. lodges, built on ever-expanding personal Education programs or courses, are In conclusion, lodges of research are relationships between individual lodge probably more useful to the wider Craft particularly valuable, I suggest vital, to members. than those that do not, to the degree that the Craft. And the challenge ahead is for that they do any or all of these things. each one to do more outside its own Questions Answered? Why bother to have lodges of meetings, to expand its horizons still So, what does all this tell us? Simply that research? If you accept my definition of further. I wish this lodge a happy organised Masonic research in Australia the purpose of Masonry, then I suggest centenary, and trust its members will and New Zealand varies considerably, you must accept that they are very take up the challenges, and responsibility and in itself has been quite successful. important. it has, over the next hundred years. The differences in approach between Why aren’t all lodges, lodges of lodges are readily apparent, occasioned research? This to me is the most crucial Acknowledgement by such things as the problems of question. They should be. I consider I am greatly indebted to Bro Tony Pope distance and population distribution, the Masonic Education in every Craft lodge for his prior research in this area. varying attitudes of the Grand Lodges to be vital. I contend that the only reason and the founders of the research bodies, why a Mason will sit in a lodge room, References and the perceived needs of the local medium to long term, is because he HENDERSON, K W: ‘Overseas Masonic Craft as a whole. understands why he is sitting there. We Practices—What can they teach us?’ in It is interesting to compare the need more speakers in lodges. Every Masonic Challenges (transactions of the structure in three jurisdictions where lodge needs a robust Masonic education Victorian Lodge of Research, 1991). only warranted lodges of research program for all its members, not just HENDERSON, K W: ‘Back to the Future—a prescription for Masonic Renewal’ in operate: Tasmania (two lodges in a small newer ones. AMRC Proceedings 1994 (Kellerman area), New Zealand (ten in a medium I cite you the example of European Lecture for Victoria, 1994). area) and Western Australia (one in a Masonry where every lodge is, POPE, A: ‘Australasian lodges of research: an vast area). And yet all seem to meet the effectively, a lodge of research. In historical overview’ in Masonic needs of their respective Masonic Europe, it usually takes a new initiate Challenges (transactions of the populations. five years to become a Master Mason. Victorian Lodge of Research, 1991). With this brief background, we can Lodges mostly meet weekly with, at now return to my original questions. best, a degree ceremony monthly. All
(Continued from page 5) the hands of older Masons. These older We obviously appreciate and enjoy So we arrive at the underlying theme Masons have a view of the future which every brother’s participation in the Craft, of my argument. We have a dangerous is affected by their past experiences, no matter how great or small. But if we situation that exists within our Fraternity experiences which have a questionable are honest with ourselves, we have to which is at the core of the issue of our relationship to the concerns of the admit that the survival of Freemasonry future survival. There is not only a large upcoming generation. lies primarily in the hands of those generation gap that exists in the Craft Secondly, that even when younger brethren who have found a reason to today; it is a generation gap that is brethren have the opportunity to be heard actively encourage their friends to exaggerated by the extreme cultural on the subject of what changes we become Masons. changes which have developed during its should be considering making for the At a stage in the life of time. A struggle to come to terms with benefit of our future survival, they often Freemasonry when the search for new our dwindling numbers, the dropping of are not acted upon. The area of education members must be aggressive, the kind our standards, and an understanding of is, from my point of view, one of the of individuals we most rely on to the issues that might be responsible for most important—and the most regularly revive the Craft are those who have these problems, is everywhere evident. overlooked or ignored. The attitude has found intellectual stimulation, While those at the top of the Masonic become so bad that, in New Zealand, satisfying ritual work, and a full- ladder are pouring time and resources moves are afoot to make research lodges, quality social environment within the into correcting what they believe these often the only place where any kind of Craft. Like it or not, these are the problems might be, I have noticed issues Masonic education is available, more things which are the unique selling that have interfered with the success of expensive to belong to, and less points of our organization, not our the correction process in some accessible. laudable status as a charitable significant cases. How can a Mason be expected to institution, nor a belief that we would Firstly, that the strength of the have pride in an institution that he is be better served by becoming another decision-making process lies largely in encouraged to know so little about? service club. page 8 Harashim Harashim
The Quarterly Newsletter of the Australian & New Zealand Masonic Research Council
ISSN 1328-2735 Issue 24 October 2002
סישרח About Harashim Harashim, Hebrew for Craftsmen, is a quarterly news-letter published by the Australian and New Zealand Masonic Research Council (PO Box 332, NEW AFRICAN Williamstown, Victoria 3016, Australia) and two copies are issued free to each of its Affiliate and Associate members in January, April, July and October each year. Additional copies are available to interested persons on subscription (details ASSOCIATE below). At a later date, copies of most articles, features and news items will be posted on ANZMRC’s website
OPENING ADDRESS by MWBro G D Tucker, DipTPrim, GradDipEdAdmin, DipMEd, Grand Master GLSA&NT
RWBro Murray Yaxley, President of the such a move and the costs involved. I
Australian & New Zealand Masonic believe that it would operate in a similar Research Council, and Brethren, let me way to your Council, but with a much say how honoured I am to have been wider brief. It would, to a great extent, asked to open this Conference and to address the problem of ‘re-inventing the welcome you all to the hallowed wheel’ across Australasia, whereby precincts of this Grand Lodge. much more sharing of ideas, initiatives Being a little parochial, I must say and resources could be achieved through that we in South Australia and the a central coordinating body, thereby Northern Territory are very proud of this improving efficiency, and possibly building, which has been our effectiveness. While no resolution was headquarters since 1925. It is a fine reached on this idea, a paper will be building of significant architectural prepared and distributed to various design, with special features that have jurisdictions for comment in the near attracted the interests of both State and future. National Heritage bodies. Unfortunately, In relation to the second major aim, I this interest has resulted in a number of remember well the recent tours to South restrictions being placed on us in relation Australia by RWBro Wallace McLeod to possible alteration or development of and WBro Yasha Beresiner, LGR, two MWBro Geoff Tucker, DipMEd the building. I hope you will have an highly esteemed and well recognised opportunity to have a look through the Freemasons who have both made a huge year 2000. He held the rank of PDGM in building while you are here. contribution to Freemasonry throughout the jurisdiction of New South Wales and I am aware that this is the first time the world. Other well known visitors to the Australian Capital Territory, and was that a Conference under the auspices of Australia and New Zealand under the an outstanding Masonic researcher and the Australian & New Zealand Masonic Councils’ auspices have included WBro teacher. His contribution to Freemasonry Research Council has been held in John Hamill, VWBro Revd Neville will continue with his name prominent in Adelaide. All other States of Australia Barker Cryer and the late RWBro Cyril Masonic research. have benefited from these meetings since Batham—all well known in Masonic Education has always been an the first, held in Melbourne in 1992. circles. important part of my life. Through The major aims of the Council appear It is indeed unfortunate that RWBro education we gain an understanding and to be: David Gray, from the Prince Hall Grand an appreciation of the factors that 1. To coordinate research into Lodge of Ohio, could not take up the influence the society in which we live, Freemasonry across Australia and offer to participate in a lecture tour of which enables us to make our own New Zealand. Australia and New Zealand this year, contribution to the community generally. 2. To organise international lecture tours owing to the state of his wife’s health. I So it is with Freemasonry. Our ritual in order to attract respected, highly personally hope that he will be given becomes so much richer if we qualified, knowledgeable Freemasons another opportunity to visit us in the understand the symbolism behind our to Australia and New Zealand. years to come. His experiences in and words and actions, the historical context 3. To provide opportunity for our own knowledge of Prince Hall Masonry of our ‘myths and legends’ and the researchers to present papers in a would have been most interesting to us alternative interpretations that arise forum such as this. all, I am sure. through our discussions and research. 4. To generally provide information on I have always been interested in the The official publication, Harashim, is topics of Masonic interest in order title ‘Kellerman Lecturer’ and it was not one vehicle through which such that we may have a better until I was preparing for the Conference information is promulgated; these understanding of the organisation to that I bothered to look into the title and conferences are another; and our own which we belong. the history of it. Every two years in each lecturers in our own jurisdictions provide In relation to the first aim, you may be jurisdiction an interested Brother an excellent source of quality interested in the move made at a recent prepares a paper to be presented at a information on a wide range of conference for Senior Officers from conference such as this. It has to be interesting Masonic topics. Grand Lodges of Australasia held in approved by the governing committee Even so, I personally believe that Sydney earlier this month, to establish a and then presented. The Brother then has there is a need to be careful when National Secretariat for Freemasonry in the right to be called a ‘Kellerman considering the material to be presented, Australasia. This initiative was received Lecturer’. and the way in which it is presented. To with a mixed response from the Harry Kellerman was an eminent a group of Masonic scholars—dare I say participants who, in the main, were Australian Freemason who unfortunately like ourselves—well versed in the unsure of the benefits to be gained from passed to the Grand Lodge Above in the (Continued on page 3) page 2 Harashim
President’s Corner
The Sixth Biennial Conference of Enjoyable and interesting ANZMRC marked the completion of the presentations and social occasions term of office of my predecessor, marked the recent Conference in RWBro Murray Yaxley, GMOH. The Adelaide. It is beneficial for researchers Council has benefited greatly from his to have opportunities to meet face to face wide Masonic experience and his care in formal and informal settings. We were for the Council during his Presidency. I honoured by the presence of the leaders feel sure that all will join me in thanking of Freemasonry in South Australia and Bro Yaxley for his hard work. His the Northern Territory. We were election as one of the first three Fellows delighted by the surprise visit of two of ANZMRC is well deserved. brethren from Davao in the Philippines. Our long-suffering Secretary, WBro Freemasonry has much to offer, as an Kent Henderson, maintains his organisation that teaches ethics, team opportunities for the growth and enthusiasm. The success of the recent work and leadership, as an avenue for development of individual Freemasons Conference and of ANZMRC generally discreet charity and benevolence, and as and thereby of Freemasonry. owes much to his persistent labours. The the means of bringing together in I am writing this on the 200th good reputation of ANZMRC within fraternal friendship those of many anniversary of the meeting that Australia, New Zealand and different backgrounds who might resulted in the creation of the oldest internationally is in large part due to otherwise remain strangers. The past, surviving Masonic document in him, and also to our editor, WBro Tony present and future of Freemasonry hold Australia, the certificate of Anthony Pope. Much of their work has proceeded out great challenges to all Masons. It is Fenn Kemp. Freemasonry had hesitant unnoticed. I congratulate each upon his the task of researchers to assist and obscure beginnings here, as in election as a Fellow of ANZMRC. Freemasonry to meet those challenges, other parts of the world. May we Sincere thanks must also be expressed so that future generations may benefit. proceed without fear or hesitation, to the other Officers who have served I thank the delegates at the recent aiming always to stimulate the interest ANZMRC and its members during the ANZMRC Conference for electing me as of others in all that our great fraternity past two years. Forwarding the interests President. The task of the new team of has to offer. of Masonic research is very much a team Officers will be to build on the good effort. I thank those who have retired work of the past, to stimulate interest in from office, and extend a warm welcome research into all aspects of Freemasonry to the new team members. and fraternalism, and to provide Richard Num
(Continued from page 2) our own lectures in our own jurisdictions procedures, etc. This course has proven history of Freemasonry and familiar with can serve the Craft well. This is certainly very popular with Masonic scholars in the differences that exist between evident in South Australia, and I would South Australia, and has even attracted jurisdictions, papers of a more esoteric imagine in other jurisdictions. students from interstate and from various nature may be meaningful, and indeed Those Freemasons, young in parts of the world. Having completed the satisfy a thirst for knowledge; they may experience, even though often old in course, students are entitled to use the promote discussion and encourage years, need to understand the symbolism letters DipMEd after their names. questioning by the audience and indeed in perambulating from the West to the I understand similar courses are now expand our Masonic horizons, BUT we East via the North; they need to know being offered in other jurisdictions. must always be conscious of the group the reasons for the ‘secret’ handshake so Our Grand Lecturer also coordinates we are addressing, if we are to be that they can respond positively when Leadership and Development programs successful in our endeavours. asked the age-old question. for Masters and for those who aspire to Our newer members, I believe, are Education and understanding will be Masters of their lodge. These, too, are looking for information and knowledge help us retain our members and enable very popular. about Freemasonry, but at a more us all to counter some of the wild In recent times we have had a elementary level. They want to know accusations that are levelled at us from committee looking at the topic ‘Women how to respond when someone asks of time to time. and Freemasonry’, under the them: ‘What is Freemasonry?’ They do We in South Australia have for some chairmanship of WBro George not want to have to respond with the years now been running a very Woolmer, OAM. We recognise that accepted definition of ‘a peculiar system successful Masonic Education Diploma women do have an important role to play of morality veiled in allegory and Course. The course is run over a four- in Freemasonry and, while not illustrated by symbols’. They need to year period and covers a whole range of suggesting in any way that they join our have a clear understanding of what this subjects, from symbolism, Masonic association, we want to ensure that they really means, and be able to couch a history, Masonic jurisprudence, are valued for their own skills, their own reply in terms that will be understood by hypothetical situations that Masons may individuality, and are not seen as the non-Mason. This is an area where find themselves in, regulations and (Continued on page 7) Issue 24 page 3 CONFERENCE REPORT
by Max Webberley
My own preparation for this year’s Australian and Victorian Lodges of ANZMRC Conference started with Research, and Global Masonic checking of dates, times, costs, bank Publications. balance (really credit card, debt level), In addition, Graham Stead brought flight times, connections and various issues of the Scottish magazine, accommodation choices; then paper- The Ashlar. Most popular, and a real work and mailing. Really boring, off- bargain, were the almost complete sets putting, but an essential part of getting to of Victorian Transactions. meet and listen to all those keen and The Conference commenced with the highly interesting Masonic researchers Kellerman Lecture for Queensland, ‘The from our Australian & New Zealand Hung Society and Freemasonry the constitutions: And for me, that is what Chinese way’, by Graham Stead, these Conferences truly are—a great Max Webberley considerably condensed from the printed opportunity, despite the fact they have version, leaving time for discussion. This limited appeal within our Craft. • the publication and development of was followed by an ample supper, Thank heavens for the Secretariat such a quality journal as Harashim. catered by the Rainbow Girls, and which does all the real work: sending out All other matters were dealt with opportunity for further conversation. endless invitations, acceptances, notices, appropriately, most being referred to, or MWBro Geoffrey D Tucker, Grand drafts, approvals, arrangements and re- prepared as, recommendations for the Master of South Australia and Northern arrangements that are all necessary to general meeting. Territory, opened the conference ensure the Conference is well planned With the committee meeting over, formally at 9.30 on Saturday morning. and that all are well informed, even the brethren mingled in the main lecture His address [see page 2] showed most uncooperative. Our personal room. It was apparent that a goodly considerable insight into the activity and preparations pale into insignificance by representation from all jurisdictions was value of the work of Masonic researchers contrast. present, with Murray Alford, Colin and especially this Council. Having In Adelaide, the pre-Conference Heyward and Guy Palliser representing completed the four-year Masonic commenced for me on Friday afternoon New Zealand (where did they mislay Education Course offered by the with reception at the airport, speedy Keith Knox?); Neil Morse and Andy Constitution over which he rules, he had transfer to accommodation, a stroll to the Walker from NSW/ACT; John a well-informed interest in our work, and Masonic Temple, a warm welcome, Boardman, Les Cooper, Kent clearly felt at ease in the company of all quick registration and payment, a glass Henderson, Graeme Love and Ian those present during the weekend. Such of red, and off to the well-organized Richards from Victoria; Nick Reaburn, significant support is greatly appreciated. Committee meeting. There, the work of Murray Yaxley and myself representing Graeme Love, on behalf of the the Council was put in proper Tasmania; and Graham Stead (Qld) and Victorian Lodge of Research, remarked perspective, with the essential elements Arthur Hartley (WA). that the Grand Master possessed a of the Council’s programme outlined The local South Australian Lodge of unique educational qualification and concisely by the President as: Research was represented by exactly half interest, shared only by the Grand • publication of Harashim, their membership: Ken Brindal, Lew Master of England, whereupon he • the Website, Halley, Graham Murray, Richard Num, presented MWBro Tucker with a • the Biennial Conferences, and Nigel and Tony Pope, George Woolmer complete set of his lodge’s Transactions • the Biennial Lecture Tour. and (except for Friday) Alan Wright. It currently available for sale. The Grand Reports from the Secretary, Treasurer was particularly pleasing to meet other Master received this gift with pleasure and Editor completed the formal South Australian brethren who are not and expressed his commitment to use statements and each showed the sound members of the research lodge, including them well. and progressive position of the Council. Grand Master Geoff Tucker, Deputy GM RWBro Robin Kingsley Casson, They indicated the complexity of Rob Casson, Alan Day, Alan Hills and Deputy Grand Master of South Australia, situations and the effective handling of Ian Kennett, all of whom contributed to also attended most sessions. In response matters such as: the discussions. [If I have omitted to a request, he personally conducted a • the sudden cancellation of the Lecture anyone, put it down to anno domini.] tour of the very fine Masonic building. A Tour, Richard Num and Andy Walker considerable number of interested • inevitably, some apparent assisted Graham Stead with registration members took advantage of this discrepancies as income/expenses and distribution of folders, containing opportunity. They were most impressed essentially occur in calendar years, the ANZMRC Proceedings 2002, with the history, facilities, magnificence while the formal accounting is Harashim, and other material. Stationed and splendour of the Centre, as revealed directed appropriately to the financial beside them (and for the whole weekend) by their knowledgeable guide. year, Tony Pope and Graeme Love ran a book The presence of the South Australian Grand Lecturer, VWBro Brian King, for • the effects of delay in payment by stall, with about 20 different titles for most of the Conference was also much contributing bodies, and sale, Transactions of the South page 4 Harashim appreciated. Such attendance by the most senior Grand Lodge officers expresses their strong support. This is truly Visiting heartening to us all. Other jurisdictions the may have similar support, but this is the first time that I recall it demonstrated so library openly and consistently throughout the full Conference weekend. during Saturday’s Kellerman Lectures began the tour with the Tasmanian contribution, ‘The place of Masonic musicians in the of the history of western music’, by Nick Reaburn. This paper is not included in Masonic the Proceedings because it was withdrawn ‘at the eleventh hour’ by the Centre author, who wished to make substantial revision. He provided printed and bound Bill Gibson, NZ, read by Murray topics, with perceived and unexpected copies of the paper before presentation. Alford), and ‘Recognising inter-relatedness detected by many, was After the paper and discussion, VWBro Freemasonry—a brief history . . .’ (Alan marked. Any tiredness or inattention was Reaburn was presented with his Wright, SA/NT). held at bay by the variety and interest as Kellerman Lecturer certificate and These papers were well received, and well as the fine presentations. Numbers badge, because he had to leave the the questions and comments indicated were augmented for two sessions on conference and return to Tasmania, to the high level of interest, and a Saturday by the attendance of two defend his Archery title. surprising level of information on each visitors from the Grand Lodge of the The other papers on Saturday were topic by many of those present. The Philippines. ‘Masonic Education’ (Andy Walker, detail and authenticity of the The dinner on Saturday evening was NSW/ACT), ‘Thales—the forgotten presentations well supported the held in the Masonic Centre, with philosopher’ (Graeme Love, Vic) and ‘A conclusions drawn, and the discussion professional caterers. It was, quite peculiar system of morality’ (Arthur continued during the break over the cup simply, delightful. Conversation and a Hartley, WA). The other two were heard of tea or the meal. warm atmosphere clearly indicated the on Sunday morning: ‘Second Degree, One highlight, for me, was the success of the entire evening. Guests Second Class’ (the late RWBro the Revd presentation by Murray Alford, who read included the Grand Master and Deputy the late Bill Gibson’s paper Grand Master, and some of the brethren splendidly, even to an brought their wives, namely Bros POSTHUMOUS AWARD OF impeccable Castilian accent Casson, Halley, Hartley, Palliser, Stead KELLERMAN LECTURER when quoting from Don and Yaxley. The Kellerman Lecturers Quixote. There were many were presented with their certificates and William Wallace Gibson, born in New highlights for all of us, and each badges, appropriate toasts were well Zealand in 1930, was called to the ministry of presenter certainly appreciated received, candid photographs taken, and the Presbyterian Church. He was initiated into the interest shown in his paper. good fellowship abounded. Freemasonry in 1957, in New Zealand Pacific Their work was recognized in Alan Day was typical of the many Lodge #2 (now Pacific Leinster Lodge), the most sincere manner South Australians attending the joined Hawera Lodge in 1970 and was possible. The wide range of (Continued on page 6) installed as Master of that lodge in 1972. He joined the Research Lodge of Wellington in
1985 and became Master in 1998. He was KELLERMAN LECTURERS 2002 appointed Grand Chaplain in 1990 and held the appointment for four years. In 1996 he was conferred the rank of Past Grand Warden for his services to Freemasonry. He was selected to be 2002 Kellerman Lecturer for New Zealand and submitted his paper, but died on 1 June 2002. His paper was read by the Master of the Research Lodge of Wellington, WBro The late RWBro the Murray Alford, who Revd William Wallace (Bill) Gibson subsequently accepted Left to right: Arthur Hartley (WA), Murray Alford, for Bill Gibson (NZ), Alan Wright RWBro Gibson’s (SA/NT), Andy Walker (NSW/ACT), Graham Stead (Qld), Graeme Love (Vic), and Kellerman Lecturer Certificate on his behalf. Nick Reaburn (Tas)
Issue 24 page 5 LIONEL HAMPTON CONFERENCE REPORT 1909–2002
(Continued from page 5) The meeting decided to create a new Conference. He was kind enough to take honour, the title of Fellow of ANZMRC, a carload of visitors for a night view of and then proceeded to confer this title on the ‘city lights and sights’. Old friends Murray Yaxley, Kent Henderson and were located and greetings agreed to be Tony Pope, for outstanding service to the passed on as soon as we returned to our Council, and to Masonic research. The home States. Thank you, Alan. You were motion for this conferral was carried always on hand and along with other with loud and prolonged acclamation. local members you certainly did help us Our secretary, Kent Henderson, is an all by your cheery presence and ready undoubted master of organisation and his assistance. deft hand saved time and guided us at the During the weekend, Tony Pope meetings in an exemplary manner. badgered everyone present to sign a Richard Num now will lead us onwards, book—a Portuguese translation of and we look to him with confidence. He volume one of Henderson and Pope’s has earned full support by his manner Lionel Hampton, born in 1909, was as closely Freemasonry Universal—and on Sunday and work, including the establishment of identified with the vibraphone as Marconi was morning this unique memento of the the web page. with wireless. Hamp did not invent the instrument, but gave it Conference was raffled for charity, with Conferences cannot be summed up in a jazz identity by way of his imagination and the assistance of Andy Walker and a word, or a sentence, but some exultant attack. He was originally a drummer; he Graham Stead, raising $84. The winner appropriate words to describe this fell in love with the xylophone, changed to the was Neil Morse. Conference would include successful, vibraphone, and the rest is history. Benny Goodman, a lover of Black music, whose When the Conference resumed on enjoyable, well-directed, Masonically band was White, needed a vehicle to play clarinet Sunday morning, it began on a sad note, fulfilling, and with truly quality research the improvised way of the New Orleans and with the announcement by Ken Brindal offerings to be long considered. These Chicago musicians. He retained his big band (he had of the death of a great musician and biennial occasions certainly offer the to eat) and formed his famous small groups: trio, quartet and quintet. Prince Hall Mason, Lionel Hampton. best, and often the only, opportunity for Hampton crossed the line, to become a founder [Ken’s tribute is in column 3—Ed] serious Masonic researchers to present member of the quartet. He recorded with Victor, The final formal event on Sunday was their best offerings to their fellows and 1937–1941, with his own small groups. Some of the biennial general meeting, which was to receive the same in return. The these recording dates saw him re-united with Goodman, with Teddy Wilson and Gene Krupa well and enthusiastically attended. The opportunity for face-to-face backing them. following officers were elected (or re- presentations, responses and replies is These recordings show-cased his vibes wizardry, elected) from among the executive extremely valuable and very scarce. The his piston-like two-finger piano, flashy drumming committee: degree of mutual regard is well judged and—one can only say modest—vocals. It was a President WBro Dr Richard Num (SA/NT) golden era and a forecast of what was later called by the abounding fellowship and proper rhythm and blues. V-Pres (2) VWBro Arthur Hartley (WA) criticism. Administrative formalities are I sincerely hope that at his wake the music WBro M Webberley (Tas) rightly kept to a minimum. The direction played there included his signature tune, Flying Secretary WBro Kent Henderson (Vic) and pace are admirable and suit those Home, a fitting ‘so mote it be’ for this distinguished Asst Sec VWBro Colin Heyward (NZ) attending to a tee. musician and Freemason. Ken Brindal Treasurer RWBro Graham Stead (Qld) Lionel Hampton recorded with Louis Armstrong in Info Offr VWBro Andy Walker (NSW/ACT) Perhaps the possibility of a three-day conference could be explored with 1930, playing drums and vibes. This was the first RWBro Murray Yaxley, GMOH, remains jazz recording featuring the vibraphone. Later he on the committee as Immediate Past advantage. The best place to consider appeared with Armstrong, as the masked drummer, President, and WBro Gary Kerkin (NZ) was this will be New Zealand in 2004 and I in the film Pennies from Heaven, and featured in the appointed to the committee as Conference can only hope to see us there, all again film The Benny Goodman Story, and many others. Convener for 2004. Tony Pope was re- together, along with as many new faces From 1953 onwards, he undertook many overseas tours, playing in Australia, Africa, Europe, Japan appointed as editor and Les Keane was re- as choose to attend. appointed as auditor. and the Middle East. He was a soloist at London’s Royal Festival Hall in 1957, and his band was The City of Tauranga, in the North Footnote: With the Conference over, those brethren who were staying over until Monday featured at London’s Jazz Expo in 1969. In 1978 he Island of New Zealand, will be the site or later, and were free of other engagements, played at the White House at President Jimmy of the next conference in 2004, and it wandered along Rundle Street East, Carter’s Jazz Party. was decided that future conferences will Hamp was not tied to ‘trad’ jazz; he bridged the inspecting the many excellent restaurants and gap between ‘trad’ and ‘cool’. He led big bands as be allocated according to past rotational watering holes, finally settling on a Japanese well as small groups, from 1940 well into the 1990s, order (Vic, NSW/ACT, WA, Tas, Qld, restaurant for dinner. When the proprietors apprenticing Charlie Mingus, Dexter Gordon, Wes SA/NT, NZ). politely indicated a desire to close, the Montgomery, Clifford Brown and Quincy Jones, Brethren will be delighted to learn brethren adjourned to the comfortable among others. accommodation of one of their number, I regret that I do not know his Masonic history that Affiliate and Associate membership in detail, but Brother Hampton was a Prince Hall fees will not rise over the next two years. where the Breakfast Creek Mob Lodge (UD) was convened, and further fellowship was Mason, active in the Craft and reaching the pinnacle in the Scottish Rite. He was outspoken on the need Collected Kellerman Lectures will be enhanced by that Scottish nectar, a single produced on CD-ROM within three for reconciliation and recognition, being recorded as malt. Reluctantly, the lodge was closed early speaker at a ‘Brotherhood in Action’ meeting in years. Harashim may be available on Monday morning, to enable some brethren Connecticut in September 1990, when recognition electronically when circumstances to get to the airport on time, and brethren was by no means as popular as it is now. Without permit, and David Gray’s tour and book parted in anticipation that the next tug of the doubt, as a musician and a Mason, Hamp lived have both been re-scheduled for 2003. cable tow will be at Tauranga! respected and died regretted. Tony Pope page 6 Harashim superimposed on what I believe is a propriety, well before the birth of Christ. OPENING ADDRESS flaming torch. Those papers to follow on Masonic In South Australia the flaming torch Musicians, Masonic Education, Thales— is a logo used by our teachers’ college. one of the seven wise men of Ancient (Continued from page 3) To me it has always been a symbol of Greece—Masonic Morality, The Second appendages to their Masonic partners. At education and in the days I attended the Degree, and ‘Recognizing Freemasonry’ the moment we have a women’s college it was associated with the motto by our own Bro Alan Wright, will give committee looking at how to implement Feve Lumen, which means ‘Behold the us two days of Masonic knowledge many of the recommendations made in Light’. I believe that this logo is most apt which I am sure we will find the report produced. Currently the for the Australian and New Zealand enlightening and even challenging as we committee is looking at a brochure we Masonic Research Council, whose task listen, discuss and question. give to new Freemasons’ partners in an is, in part, ‘to communication light and As you said in the July edition of endeavour to present a positive picture of instruction’ to our brethren. Harashim, Brother President, ‘We do not Freemasonry for the family. I look forward to this conference have all the answers. We can learn from Symbolism is a significant aspect of unfolding. As I looked at the range of the brethren in other jurisdictions.’ I Freemasonry: the way in which we papers to be presented, I was impressed believe this applies equally to our close should live our lives is illustrated by by the diversity of titles, which I am sure neighbours, as well as those from distant contemplation of the square, level, will have great appeal to all participants. lands. plumb-rule and compasses. I am It was interesting to see that the paper This Conference affords us the intrigued by the logo that appears on the so well presented last night on Chinese opportunity of doing just that. May our official publications and letterhead of the Freemasonry was the first to be coming together be enjoyable, Australian & New Zealand Masonic presented. Some of our Masonic writers educational, and uplifting, and may our Research Council, that of the map of have indicated that the Chinese were discussions provide a catalyst for our Australia and New Zealand within a among the first to associate Masonic continuing interest in Masonic Research. circle, with the square and compasses qualities with the compasses, which they emblazoned on the map of Australia, saw symbolic of order, regularity and FUNERAL OF WORLD’S OLDEST MASON Jack Lockett, Australia’s oldest man
David Beagley (Bendigo) reports, on Friday 31 May MASONS HONOUR LOCKETT 2002: A formal Masonic commemoration commemoration distinguish it from Bendigo saw the State formed part of yesterday’s state other observances. funeral, yesterday, of Jack funeral for Jack Lockett. The first is the apron. A simple, Lockett, Australia’s oldest As well as being Australia’s oldest white Masonic apron, described as man and the world’s oldest Freemason. man at 111, Jack had the distinction ‘the emblem of innocence and the Jack had received his 80- of being the world’s oldest badge of a Mason’ is placed on or year jewel from the GM last Freemason. near the coffin. year and Masonic He was a member of the Ouyen Every Freemason wears this commemoration was a Lodge, in far north-west Victoria, for apron—a reminder of the working feature of yesterday’s 81 years. attire of the medieval stonemason— service. The colour photo The Grand Master of Victoria’s when he joins the organization. on the local paper’s front page of Jack’s coffin Freemasons, John Wilson, attended For the rest of his membership, leaving the service is yesterday’s funeral, as did other the white apron remains the centred on the Square and Masons. centrepiece of his regalia, Compasses plaque on the When a Freemason dies, his family demonstrating the essential quality coffin. has the option of requesting a of all within Freemasonry. Inside, in the 3-page Masonic Commemoration. The second element is the news and photo spread, the This special tribute is similar to evergreen. plaque features again, that offered by the RSL and other A sprig of evergreen is placed with along with a full-column article on Masonic service organizations when one of the apron. This symbolises the commemoration. I have their members dies. immortality of the soul. transcribed it below The commemoration is a simple The Masonic commemoration was because it really took my and brief ceremony, carried out as read by one of Freemasonry breath away as a public part of a funeral, following a direct Victoria’s two Grand Chaplains, the expression of our request from the deceased and his Rev Neil Oliver, a Uniting Church symbolism (I dare say the family. clergyman. reporter made good use of material supplied by GL, Freemasonry is rich in symbolism. He was assisted by Ern Lewis, a but it still reads very well!). Two elements of the Masonic member of Jack’s Ouyen Lodge.
Issue 24 page 7 subjects and Publication of a Quarterly Masonic Journal’. Full membership is open to all Masons of the jurisdiction, and corresponding membership is available outside the jurisdiction. The lodge has a website under construction, and the webmaster is Bro Joe H Snow
PGM James M Simms, World News PHGL of Georgia Arizona Cuba A number of decisions by the Grand Membership in the Grand Lodge of Cuba Lodge of Arizona at its annual meeting has doubled since 1980, to 29,000 in 316 in June are of general interest. The lodges. Earlier this year, the government recommendations of the Foreign gave permission for two new lodges to Relations Committee to recognise the be formed—the first since 1967. Lithuania Grand Lodge of Andorra was approved, (New York Times, 1 May 2002) Murray Yaxley reports that on 13 April but the recommendation to recognise the 2002 the Grand Lodge of Lithuania was Grand Lodge of Cameroun was defeated. England formed from three lodges originally Recommendations by the Grand Master The United Grand Lodge of England has chartered by the United Grand Lodges of to recognise the Grand Lodge of France extended recognition to the Prince Hall Germany. and the Legal Grand Lodge of Portugal/ Grand Lodges of Arizona, Hawaii, New (Freemasonry Tasmania, May 2002) GLRP were tabled. York and Virginia, and to the National The Grand Secretary reported on Grand Lodge of Poland. progress in exchanging recognition with Morocco From Michel Singer, Grand Secretary for Prince Hall Grand Lodges, having Florida written to 18 of them: mutual recognition foreign relations of the Grand Lodge of Contrary to reports from several sources now exists with five of them: Arizona, France (GLdF), comes the news that, over the past few years, reconciliation Connecticut, Massachusetts, Nevada, with support from the Grand Lodge of between Union Grand Lodge of Florida and Oregon (includes lodges in Idaho & France, Atlas Grand Lodge of Morocco & Belize and Prince Hall Grand Lodge Montana). (formed in 1967) has resumed meetings, of Florida has not yet been concluded. Other proposals: with 80-plus members in four lodges, On 5 June 2002, Deputy Grand Master • To extend Grand Lodge votes to working the A&ASR Craft ritual. The Michael R Moore, of Union Grand Grand Master is Amal Kanouni. lodge secretaries, treasurers, Lodge, advised Harashim: deacons, stewards, chaplains, He also advises that more than 30 marshals and tylers—defeated. The reconciliation of the two Grand members of the GLNF–sponsored Grand Lodge of the Kingdom of Morocco • To allow one signer of a petition Lodges has not taken place as of today and probably will be delayed (formed in 2000) have defected to Atlas for the degrees to be a Master for some time. Much discussion is Grand Lodge. A statement from another Mason from any recognised Grand going on within the Prince Hall GLdF source, that the Grand Lodge of Lodge—passed. Grand Lodge family and they are the Kingdom of Morocco has ceased to • To remove a restriction requiring yet to agree as a body for the exist, has yet to be confirmed. degrees to be performed only in merger to take place. The offer to English—passed. return home is an open invitation • To remove a prohibition against made to the Prince Hall body and New Hampshire renting a lodge hall to a foreign will always be available to them. Anniversary Lodge of Research #175 Masonic body—passed. Readers will recall that it is Union Grand continues to publish an informative (PGM Jim May, Kent Henderson) Lodge which is recognised by the Grand quarterly newsletter, and plans to Lodges of Prince Hall Affiliation, and produce annual transactions—but this that Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Florida depends on Grand Lodge approval to Armenia increase annual dues from US$3 to $10. The Grand Lodge of Armenia was broke away from Union Grand Lodge early in the last century. A website for the lodge is in the formed on 30 July 2002 from three planning stage, and making the lodges previously chartered by the Grand newsletter available in PDF format is Lodge of the District of Columbia, the Georgia under consideration. French National Grand Lodge (GLNF) The Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Georgia The Newsletter (vol 3 #1) advises that and the Grand Lodge of Russia (GLoR). has constituted a research lodge, two CD-ROMs of considerable interest The Grand Masters of all three James M Simms Lodge of Masonic to researchers are now available. jurisdictions attended the consecration. Research, to promote ‘Masonic Research A fourth lodge has been chartered, and Education by providing a forum for • A complete set (16 years) of the Builder magazine, scanned by the late Washington Lodge #4. (Paul Bessel) presentation of papers on Masonic George Helmer, can be obtained from page 8 Harashim Paul M Bessel
New Jersey Dear Editor: I am a Master Mason living in Istanbul, Turkey and a member of the Grand The New Jersey Lodge of Research and Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Turkey. I read about your newsletters Education #1786 was consecrated on in Ralph Herbold’s (SCRL) fraternal reviews and find the news very current 23 February 2002, with around 100 and interesting. Will you please advise me how I can subscribe to your members. The WM is RW George Olsen, newsletter. Thank you. PDDGM
Bro Bogolepov (centre) on his initiation
Alpha & Omega Lodge #23 is the second lodge to be formed in Siberia, the first being Pacific Rim Lodge #12, in Vladivostok. The number of GLoR lodges The new Grand Lodge building at Burswood. now stands at 22. (PGM John Grainger) Photo is from the Grand Lodge website at
TOO MUCH SCHOOLING AND NOT ENOUGH EDUCATION
by Burrell McKelphin
In 1996, Bro Benjamin D Jones, 33°, the Training is good, but it is not enough. Grand Historian of the Most Worshipful Education is essential to the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of New York development of a Brother who enters the at that time, stated: ranks of Prince Hall. There are three The primary function of a Masonic areas which should be covered in the lodge (Whether Prince Hall or educational process of a Prince Hall otherwise) is to train and educate its Mason and they are: members on the basic truths which its 1. The ritual rituals and its ceremonies are designed 2. The history to inculcate: to develop its members as 3. The business benevolent men; to cultivate social virtues among men; and to propagate the knowledge of the art. It is of great The Ritual importance that all Prince Hall Masons The ritual is considered first because it is know and appreciate the history of the basis on which a Brother is duly Prince Hall Masonry. It is not the examined for proficiency and it is a tool primary function of Freemasonry to Photo from his website which helps enhance a Brother’s mental
by Kennion Brindal
The Australian & New Zealand Masonic Research Council celebrated its tenth birthday by creating a means of honouring individuals who are members of Affiliates or Associates of the Council, and have made outstanding long-term contributions to the Aims of the Council—the title of Fellow of Australian & New Zealand Masonic Research (FANZMR). The members then proceeded to bestow that well-deserved honour on three of their number.
RWBro Murray Yaxley, GMOH, PDGM, WBro Kent Henderson, DipMEd, PJGD, WBro Tony Pope, PM, FANZMR, FPS, FANZMR, Kellerman Lecturer 1996 FANZMR, Kellerman Lecturer 1994 Kellerman Lecturer 1994 (South (Tasmania), has been President of the (Victoria), was the driving force behind the Australia), collaborated with Kent ANZMRC from 1996 to 2002. Throughout formation of the ANZMRC and has been its Henderson in the formation of the ANZMRC that period he has guided the Council, Secretary since its inception in 1992. He has and has been editor of its publications since promoted its interests within the seven been responsible for organising all the 1992. He has been editor of his research jurisdictions represented by the Council, and Conferences and Lecture tours, and the day- lodge’s Transactions since 1985, and is a contributed a regular ‘think-piece’ to the to-day running of the Council. He is the regular contributor to several US quarterly newsletter, Harashim. He is also author of seven Masonic books, co-editor of magazines.He collaborated with Kent chairman of the Fraternal Relations his research lodge’s Transactions, and Henderson in the 2-volume Freemasonry Committee which advises the seven Grand proprietor of a Masonic publishing business, Universal, and until recently was a partner in Lodges of Australia and New Zealand. Global Masonic Publications. Global Masonic Publications. reflects the symbolism of the degree other trestle boards to be designed within within Prince Hall should take the bold itself. Also it should be noted that the our respective Prince Hall Grand Lodges initiative to have some form of a New ritual work is only a small percentage of and subordinate lodges as well. Master Mason orientation process. Too what is necessary for a Brother to When we understand our history and many times we raise Brothers to this function properly within his lodge. Many make suitable proficiency in this area, as degree and leave them clueless to Brothers are not ritualistically inclined, we do in the ritual, we develop a closer understanding their work within the third and there is nothing wrong with that so and stronger kinship with the Founder. degree. It should be the business of the long as they compensate by participating There is no reason why any Brother from lodge to begin educating them on the in their lodge’s activities and business. the 1st to the 33rd degree should not structure of government of the lodge and know his history as a Prince Hall Mason. Grand Lodge; how the business of the The History Anyone who leads our fraternity and lodge should be conducted according to In Prince Hall Freemasonry, the history does not know the history of our the constitution and by-laws; review the of the fraternity is essential. We are the fraternity accurately should be several committees which the lodge has oldest African-American secular and embarrassed to lead other men within operating; knowing Masonic protocol; fraternal organization within the United our ranks. This must be and should be how to properly investigate prospective States, and in fact we are older than the included within the educational process candidates; knowing the importance of United States itself. Unlike mainstream of our fraternity. As Bro Marcus Mosiah being financial within the lodge; and Freemasonry, Prince Hall Freemasonry Garvey once said, ‘A people without making new Brothers apprentices to jobs has originally been designed for the history is like a tree without roots’. carried out by well-seasoned Brothers. purpose of liberation of African people The Brother should know the Educating our Brothers on the ritual, living in America. Since its inception on following things: history and business of the lodge will be 6 March 1775, the three areas which the • Who was Prince Hall? an investment in the future prosperity of Founder, Prince Hall, and the fourteen • When was African Lodge the lodge. Education through Brothers who were initiated with him established? participation and mentoring are the best focused their energy on, were slavery, • What were his achievements methods, which can bring out the best in education, and the church or the morality individually and collectively with the new Master Mason. It has been said of the people. When we as Prince Hall other Brothers? that education was one of the Jewels Masons study the history of our • What are the highlights of the which Prince Hall was concerned about; Brotherhood, we can feel the pride of Prince Hall Fraternity? are we making education our ritual? Is being Prince Hall Masons and can see education not our history and, more the universal trestle board among Prince The Business importantly, is education being made our Hall Masons, which is the blueprint for Every regular and well governed lodge business? Only time will tell. Issue 24 page 11 GRAND LODGE AF&AM OF BULGARIA (UNITED) United Grand Lodges of Germany Confirm Recognition
In issue 21 of Harashim (January 2002) we sought to clarify the situation in Bulgaria. Prior to 2001, there were two Grand Lodges in Bulgaria, the Grand Lodge of Bulgaria (1992) formed from Yugoslav-chartered lodges, and the Grand Lodge AF&AM of Bulgaria (1997) formed from German-chartered lodges. These two united in 2001 as the Grand Lodge AF&AM of Bulgaria (United), under the leadership of GM Borislav Sandarev, who had recently been elected Grand Master of the German-backed Grand Lodge AF&AM of Bulgaria. Then came the news that the former Grand Master, Ivan Stavrev, and some brethren of the original Grand Lodge AF&AM of Bulgaria, disputed the validity of the election of GM Sandarev, and had formed a rival Grand Lodge AF&AM of Bulgaria under a new GM, Peter Gornovski.
Both Grand Lodges claimed the In 1999 GM Stavrev contacted a support of the United Grand Lodges of senior US Scottish Rite officer based in Germany, and Harashim was unable to Europe with a view to establishing the obtain confirmation of either claim. Scottish Rite in Bulgaria. Harashim did obtain confirmation that When Bro Sandarev was elected the Swiss Grand Lodge Alpina Grand Master, he was installed by GM recognised GM Sandarev’s Grand Lodge Stavrev, who then became PGM. Stavrev AF&AM of Bulgaria (United). We also asked the new GM to sign a concordat learned, from other sources, the cause of establishing the Scottish Rite in the dispute, but did not publish it Bulgaria. Sandarev refused, being of the because it was not officially confirmed. opinion that it was not in the best Sunsequently, RWBro Murray interests of the fledgling Masons of the Yaxley advised that he had confirmation Craft Grand Lodge to expand into the from RWBro Hans-Jörg Werth, Grand ‘higher’ degrees so soon. Instead, he Secretary of the United Grand Lodges of united his Grand Lodge with the Germany, complete with the explanation Yugoslav-based Grand Lodge. Stavrev of the cause of the dispute. then declared Sandarev illegally elected. GM Borislav Sandarev Held over to next issue . . . NEW PRESIDENT OF ANZMRC Masonic documents, seized by Nazis, Bro Num is webmaster of several removed by Russians, now Masonic sites, including those of the recovered. Grand Lodge of SA/NT, SA Lodge of French internal and external Research, and ANZMRC. He is problems, affecting US Grand moderator of the SA/NT Masons email Lodges and UGLE. List, and of the Prince Hall Research Lodge Journeymen Online #2002 email List, and a member of the Board of NSW/ACT. Directors of the Dr Charles H Wesley Masonic Research Society (Ohio). ‘Masonic membership myths He is widely travelled, and has visited debunked’, by John Belton. lodges in Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Malaysia, Newfoundland, Sicily and Texas, and a Prince Hall lodge in Ohio. Photo by Anne Leddra His Masonic interests include the history of Freemasonry, Masonic antiques, STOP At the 6th biennial general meeting of literature and ritual. His occupation the Australian & New Zealand Masonic requires him to travel within and outside Research Council, held in Adelaide on Australia and, when possible, he visits Reports, as yet Sunday 1 September 2002, WBro Dr lodges and sites of Masonic interest. He Richard Num, MB, BS, MRCP, FRCR, FAICD is also keenly interested in heraldry, and unconfirmed: (Dip), GStd, the SA/NT representative, has attended several international Grand Lodge of Missouri was elected President of the Council. heraldic conferences. Initiated in 1994, he is an elected Richard was born at Naracoorte, and Prince Hall Grand member of the Board of General South Australia in 1948, educated at Lodge of Missouri have Purposes (Grand Lodge of South Flinders, Adelaide and Edinburgh exchanged recognition. Australia & the Northern Territory), a Universities, and is a diagnostic Past Master of the South Australian radiologist. He was a partner of Dr Jones Grand Lodge of Russia Lodge of Research and two other Craft and Partners from 1987, and is now has been evicted from its lodges, and acting Senior Deacon of chairman of Jones Clinical Company Pty Moscow temple by order Duke of Leinster Lodge, the only Ltd. He is the father of two boys not yet of a Russian Court . surviving Irish lodge in Australia. old enough to join the Craft. page 12 Harashim