c a l i fo r n i a Dec/Jan 2010

FreemasonrySpotlight on Pop culture puts first fraternity center stage

freemason.org

CFM Dec-Jan 10.indd 1 1/21/10 2:00 PM The Grand Master’s Project 2009-2010 will raise funds to send as many veterans as possible to visit the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. Together, we can show our veterans that their service It will also support the work of the Masonic Hospital Visitors Program Committee to ensure that there is always a presence at our state’s has not been forgotten. veterans’ hospitals.

To contribute, contact the Office of Philanthropy at 415/292-9117 or visit freemason.org/contribute.

CFM Dec-Jan 10.indd 2 1/21/10 2:00 PM c a l i fo r n i a

Volume 58 December 1, 2009 Number 2

Publication Board Kenneth G. Nagel, Grand Master Allan L. Casalou, Grand Secretary and Editor-in-Chief Dec/Jan

Editorial Staff Terry Mendez, Managing Editor Angel Alvarez-Mapp, Associate Editor Contents 2010 Laura Normand, Senior Editor Tom Phillips, Art Editor

Photography Resolusean Photography Emily Payne Photography Adam G. Kendall 12 Feature Design Spotlight on Freemasonry Phillips Creative With a plot that revolves around Masonry, “The Lost Symbol” has enraptured a Officers of the Grand Lodge Grand Master global readership and focused the world’s Kenneth G. Nagel, Liberty No. 299 attention on Freemasons. Masonic Deputy Grand Master scholars examine the novel’s portrayal of William J. Bray III, North Hollywood No. 542 Freemasonry and sort facts from fiction Senior Grand Warden Frank Loui, California No. 1 in a point-by-point analysis of the myths Junior Grand Warden perpetuated by popular culture. John F. Lowe, Irvine Valley No. 671 Grand Treasurer Glenn D. Woody, Huntington Beach No. 380 Grand Secretary Allan L. Casalou, Acalanes Fellowship No. 480 Grand Lecturer Paul D. Hennig, Three Great Lights No. 651 5 Around the World Overnight, the term freemason.org “Freemason” jumped to number six on Yahoo’s Top 10 Searches. Here’s a sum-up of the recent impact, CALIFORNIA FREEMASON and the buzz around the globe. (USPS 083-940) is published bimonthly by the Publishing Board and is the only official publication of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons In California As an inquiring public turns to of the State of California, 1111 California St., page 5 page 6 6 San Francisco, CA 94108-2284. lodges for answers, it’s a valuable opportunity to Publication Office – Publication offices at the explain what Masonry is really about. Read how Grand Lodge Offices, 1111 California Street, Grand Lodge responded to questions following San Francisco, CA 94108-2284. Periodicals Postage Paid at San Francisco, CA and at the release of “The Lost Symbol.” additional mailing offices. Postmaster – Send address changes to California Masonic Education Throughout history, the Freemason, 1111 California Street, San Francisco, CA 8 94108-2284. stories with the most entertainment value haven’t Publication Dates - Publication dates are the first always proven true. John Cooper tackles one of day of October, December, February, April, June, Masonry’s most persistent myths: the alleged page 8 and August. connection to the Knights Templar. Subscriptions – CALIFORNIA FREEMASON is mailed to every member of this Masonic jurisdiction without additional charge. Others are invited to subscribe for 19 Masonic Homes A new resident shares her $2.00 a year or $2.75 outside of the United States. journey to the Home at Union City, from being Permission to reprint – Permission to reprint original cared for by Masonic Outreach Services to her first articles in CALIFORNIA FREEMASON is granted to all recognized Masonic publications with credit to the night at the Home. author and this publication. Phone: 800/831-8170 or 415/776-7000; fax: 415/776-7170; e-mail: [email protected] page 1916

California Freemason 3 Dec/Jan 2010

CFM Dec-Jan 10.indd 3 1/21/10 2:00 PM Editorial

More aboutaboutabout Than a Passing Fad FreemasonryFreemasonry From TV to tweets to travel, there’s a new focus on the fraternity

WILLIAM J. BRAY III, Deputy Grand Master

y wife, Linda, and I have two grandchildren. Of course, not all the facts are straight – and this MIt’s amazing how they latch onto new fads. issue of California Freemason will address that – but, I remember when Game Boy came out – they by and large, the message about what our fraternity immediately began pleading for one of their own. believes is accurate.

Billy and Petey were just nine and eight years old at In hindsight, I’m not surprised. Our reputation is built the time. They hadn’t read about Game Boy in the on a strong foundation: more than four centuries of newspaper. They hadn’t seen it on Good Morning pursuing truth, brotherly love, and relief. It’s hard to America. And yet, they’d caught wind that it was the make a case for our sinister side when we continue toy to have. to live up to that reputation – by lending a hand in our communities, supporting our public schools, and Popular culture is certainly pervasive. And in recent donating millions of dollars and thousands of hours times, it’s hard to think of a book with more media to charity every year. hype behind it than “The Lost Symbol,” Dan Brown’s latest. Like it or not, Freemasonry was at the center When “The Lost Symbol” dust settles, I think we’ll of all that hype. Just like our grandkids with Game notice some enduring results of these 15 minutes. Boy, pop culture pounced on a new fad: Masonry. First, more good men will have come forward to join our fraternity. Second, the general public will be As a result, our fraternity is experiencing something more aware of our presence in their communities. like 15 minutes of fame right now. Young adults are Many may still be swayed by the persistent sense of googling “Freemasons” to learn more. Baby boomers mystery and sensationalism surrounding our gentle who were Jobies or Rainbow Girls or DeMolays craft. Our challenge, as always, will be to welcome are sharing their Masonic background for the first opportunities to explain who we really are, what we time in decades. As the next page illustrates, media really do, how our values drive us. coverage of our fraternity has skyrocketed. Others will see what we already know: We are more If you’re like me, you may be cautious about than just a passing fad, and when our 15 minutes are rejoicing. I’ve never been a believer in “any press up, we will still be making a difference. is good press,” especially when it comes to my fraternity – something that I hold so dear. But there’s something really encouraging and reaffirming about the quality of recent press. Our reputation is intact.

California Freemason 4 Dec/Jan 2010

CFM Dec-Jan 10.indd 4 1/21/10 2:00 PM Around the World

by Cason Laneaboutaboutabout Positive perspective Freemasonry Most readers came away from FreemasonryFreemasonry “The Lost Symbol” with a From TV to tweets to travel, there’s a new focus on the fraternity favorable impression of Masonry. These quotes from the book help illustrate why. “The Lost Symbol” – another bestseller from Dan Brown, Washington, D.C. k “The entire Masonic author of “The Da Vinci Code” and “Angels & Demons” – sold Since the Sept. 15 release of philosophy is built on more than a million copies on its first day. With Freemasonry “The Lost Symbol,” some Masonic honesty and integrity. as its dominant theme, the novel created a surge of interest landmarks in Washington, D.C., Masons are among the in the fraternity. In fact, the term “Freemason” jumped to have seen an uptick in interest. most trustworthy men you could ever hope number six on Yahoo’s Top 10 Searches overnight. Brent Morris, managing editor to meet.” Here’s the positive pop-culture impact, quantified. of The Scottish Rite Journal, says Media the House of the Temple – which k “Masonry is a system of morality, veiled in isn’t a typical stop on the tourist During a six-week period in September-October allegory and illustrated circuit – is receiving four times as 2009, “Freemasons” was in the headline or lead by symbols.” paragraph of 127 major-media news stories worldwide, many visitors as usual. In addition, k “The difference between Morris fielded more than a dozen compared with 44 in the same period a year before. Masonic spirituality media inquiries in a month – from That’s nearly triple the number of Freemasonry- and organized religion is focused news stories. Freemasonry has also been National Public Radio to Reuters that the Masons do the subject of such TV broadcasts as NBC’s “Today” UK – compared with the usual two not impose a specific and “Dateline,” as well as a two-part special on the to four per year. definition or name on a higher power. Rather Discovery Channel. At the George Washington than definitive theological Masonic Memorial, Director of Chatter identities like God, Allah, Collections Mark Tabbert says On Twitter, a Web-based service that enables Buddha, or Jesus, the the landmark’s Web site in recent Masons use more general people to send short messages throughout the world, months has received about terms like Supreme Being subscribers in recent months sent approximately 14,000 visits per day, compared or Great Architect of the 15 messages per day about Freemasonry, and they with the usual 2,000. He adds Universe. This enables distributed about 45 Freemasonry-related Web links Masons of different that the educational Web site per week. A sampling of Tweets: faiths to gather together.” freemasonlostsymbol.com – • “How does one become a Freemason?” sponsored by the Memorial, k “The Masons fall victim to • “In my next life, I want to be a guy so I can be the Masonic Service Association all kinds of crazy legends.” a Freemason!” of North America, and The • “Finished reading Dan Brown’s book and suddenly I Masonic Society – has been want to become a Freemason.” • “A friend just handed me Dan Brown’s ‘The Lost Symbol.’ incredibly popular. Can’t wait to read this and share with my dad, a Turn to page 12 for an in-depth Freemason.” look at the portrayal of Freemasonry • “Just finished reading ‘The Lost Symbol.’ in “The Lost Symbol.” Made me feel glad to be a Mason!”

California Freemason 5 Dec/Jan 2010

CFM Dec-Jan 10.indd 5 1/21/10 2:00 PM In California

Straight From the Source: Freemasonry

Q&AIt’s prime time for a dialogue about Masonry asonry is in the public eye – and, thanks to “The Lost Symbol,” M on coffee tables worldwide – making it more common than ever for non-Masons to step forward to find out more. Such inquiries are a chance to correct misperceptions. They’re also a rare opportunity to explain what Masonry is really about. Here’s how your Grand Lodge responded to common questions after the release of “The Lost Symbol.”

California Freemason 6 Dec/Jan 2010

CFM Dec-Jan 10.indd 6 1/21/10 2:01 PM At press time, California lodges had received more than 90 inquiries as a result of “The Lost Symbol.”

Q. What do Masons believe? various anti-Masonic exposés theorize that Freemasonry grew from the 18th and 19th century, out of these fraternities, there is A. Freemasonry is based on the which were originally published no known historical connection. belief that each man can make a to cast the fraternity in a difference in the world by Q. Were Freemasons negative light. improving himself and taking an involved in the formation active role in his community. It Q. Is there a worldwide of Washington, D.C.? is a charitable, benevolent, governing body in charge A. Yes. Individual Freemasons educational fraternity. The only of all Masons? were involved in designing and spiritual requirement is that A. No. Freemasonry is a universal building the new city. Pierre Masons believe in a Supreme brotherhood in that Masons L’Enfant, the architect of the city, Being. The nature of that belief share the same ideals, but there was a Mason. George Washington is entirely up to the individual. is no universal governing body wore his Masonic apron while Q. What do Masons do? for Freemasonry. In the United laying the cornerstone of the U.S. States, each state has a grand Capitol in 1793, and local Masonic A. Charity is at the heart of lodge that oversees all the lodges laid the cornerstones at most Masonic activities. Each Masonic lodges in the state. other important buildings such as year, California Masons donate There is no higher authority the Washington Monument and millions of dollars and thousands than the grand lodge of a the White House. of hours to both small and large state and there is no national philanthropic causes. Masons Q. What is Masonry’s history headquarters. Outside the United were instrumental in establishing in California? States, there are one or the public education system more grand lodges in virtually A. Some of California’s first in the United States and also have every country, which operate Masonic lodges were established an ongoing commitment to as independent and sovereign in mining towns during the Gold public schools. The California organizations. While all Rush. Over the years, the Masons Masonic Foundation has awarded lodges follow the same principles have played a key role in shaping more than $5 million in of Freemasonry, there is no the history of California. To date, scholarships the past four years. Q&A international governing body. 19 California governors have been Q. What happens in the Masons, and at least four Q. Are Masons the keepers degree rituals? Is there California Masons have been of the “ancient mysteries” really a “death ritual”? elected to the U.S. Senate. Today, discussed in “The Lost the Grand Lodge of California A. Masons promise not Symbol”? has more than 62,000 members to discuss the specifics of A. No. The ancient mysteries and about 340 lodges located contemporary Masonic ritual generally refer to a series of throughout the state, making it outside the fraternity. In general, religious practices conducted one of the largest grand lodges though, the rituals described in by religious fraternities in the in the world. “The Lost Symbol” are not lands around the Mediterranean accurate. Dan Brown appears Sea. Although some people to have drawn his content from

California Freemason 7 Dec/Jan 2010

CFM Dec-Jan 10.indd 7 1/21/10 2:01 PM Masonic Education

The wealthy aristocracy of 18th-century France and Germany, eager to join Freemasonry but disenchanted with its working-class roots, embraced a legend of the fraternity’s chivalric origins.

California Freemason 8 Dec/Jan 2010

CFM Dec-Jan 10.indd 8 1/21/10 2:01 PM The Templar onnectio C by John L. Cooper III, Past Grand Secretary n The hoax behind one of Masonry’s most popular myths

veryone loves a but there is no real evidence to that we know as “Ancient Craft good story, and the support the idea. However, the Masonry” became embellished E real story of how Freemasonry with many additional degrees, Templar connection with came to be associated with some of which were subsequently Freemasonry is a good the Templars is even more organized into “rites” of one type story – even if it is just interesting. And this one is true. or another. that – a story, with no Many of these additional The legend degrees added new stories historical foundation. Whatever the origin of and legends to Freemasonry, Freemasonry in England and one of which was the idea that Books such as John Robinson’s Scotland (and there are many Freemasonry had originated “Born in Blood” suggested theories besides that of the with the Crusades when knights that Freemasonry is really the fanciful Templar connection), brought back some form of Medieval Order of Knights we know that four lodges secret knowledge from the Templar in disguise. According in London formed the first Holy Land. One of the earliest to that story, the Knights Templar Grand Lodge in 1717. Over the degrees to offer this explanation joined stonemasons lodges in next few years, other lodges of Freemasonry was that of the Scotland after the order had either joined the new Grand “Scots Master” degree. According been suppressed in 1307, and Lodge, or received charters to the legend that formed eventually took over these lodges. from it to form new lodges. the substance of the degree, As the story goes, the Templars It was not long before knights from Scotland found a thus survived underground until Freemasonry spread to the great secret buried in a vault in they emerged into public light continent of Europe, including Jerusalem, and brought it back with the creation of the first France and Germany. When with them to Scotland. Grand Lodge in England in 1717. it spread to the continent, the It makes an interesting tale, simple structure of three degrees Continued on next page

California Freemason 9 Dec/Jan 2010

CFM Dec-Jan 10.indd 9 1/21/10 2:01 PM Masonic Education

At this stage of development Baron von Hund und Alten- Charlie, but who had disguised there was no suggestion that these Grotkau, to give him his proper himself as the “Knight of the Red knights were Knights Templar. That name, was born in 1722. In 1742 Feather.” had to await a further addition to he became a Mason at Frankfurt, To this day we don’t know if von the story. and the next year traveled to Paris, Hund was actually contacted by where he became the senior warden Prince Charlie himself in order to The setting of a lodge at Versailles. sign him up as a supporter (along The popularity of Freemasonry In order to understand what with his considerable fortune), or in France and Germany in the happened next, we have to go back whether this was a hoax perpetrated last half of the 18th century was a bit into English history. In 1685 by someone who had no connection It was natural that they Charles II of England died, and to Charles. In any event, this Knight his younger brother, James, came of the Red Feather told von Hund would prefer to belong to to the throne. A convert to the that he was the the grand master of an organization with an Roman Catholic faith, he appointed the Order of Knights Templar, and aristocratic heritage rather Catholic friends to high positions. showed von Hund a list of grand than one that came from a In short order civil war broke out masters that supposedly had hidden working class background, over this issue, and James fled themselves from the authorities for to France. hundreds of years since the death and so these upper-class James, however, did not give of DeMolay in 1314. He was also Masons seized upon the up. He settled in France, and told that the Knights Templar had story of a chivalric origin tried to regain his throne through escaped to Scotland and helped for Freemasonry with conspiracy and intrigue. His son Robert the Bruce win the Battle of great passion. continued the effort, and then his Bannockburn in 1314, and from grandson, Charles, who was also that date forward had remained as known as “Bonnie Prince Charlie.” close allies of the kings of Scotland enormous. The additional rites and (and Charles maintained that he degrees were especially of interest The hoax was the true king of Scotland). to the wealthy aristocracy in those While von Hund was in Paris, Von Hund was also apparently two countries, and the idea that he was contacted by someone that told that the Knights Templar Freemasonry had its roots in the he believed to be Bonnie Prince chivalric class of noble warriors in the Middle Ages held much greater attraction for them than the idea that Freemasons grew out of guilds of stonemasons. It was natural that they would prefer to belong to an organization with an aristocratic heritage rather than one that came from a working class background, and so these upper-class Masons seized upon the story of a chivalric origin for Freemasonry with great passion. The Rite of Strict Observance began with the mysterious “Knight of the Red Feather,” who One such Mason was Baron von duped an influential Mason into believing he was the descendant of Knights Templar. Hund in Germany. Karl Gotthelf,

California Freemason 10 Dec/Jan 2010

CFM Dec-Jan 10.indd 10 1/21/10 2:01 PM had secretly joined lodges To the basic three degrees of stonemasons in Scotland of Masonry that we know of so that they could remain in today, von Hund added four: hiding for centuries, and that Scottish Master, Novice, Templar, Freemasons were actually the and Professed Knight. And the surviving Knights Templar. new Rite of Strict Observance Von Hund gullibly swallowed this took off like a rocket! story, and returned to Germany, Within a few years the Rite of eager to share his new knowledge Strict Observance had become with his fellow Freemasons. All this so popular that almost all other was in 1742 – four years before the Masonic rites and degrees in disastrous defeat of Bonnie Prince Germany were pushed out. Gone Charlie at the Battle of Culloden were the simple degrees known Moor in 1746. If he was behind to Freemasons the world over as Jacques DeMolay was the last official the attempt to recruit von Hund “Ancient Craft Masonry.” The Rite grand master of the Knights Templar, the to the cause, any such efforts of Strict Observance replaced these most famous of the Western Christian collapsed after the battle, for von simple degrees with high-sounding military orders during the Crusades. In Freemasonry, various Templar degrees Hund never again heard from the titles and pageantry to which celebrate his life. Knight of the Red Feather. But to Masons flocked. There is no doubt, that all the claims of his rite were his dying day, von Hund believed also, that they were intrigued bogus. Only his death in 1776 saved that the person he had met as with the idea that they were the him from disgrace. the “Knight of the Red Feather” descendants of the Knight Templar was Charles III of England, of old. After all, these knights were The present Scotland, and Ireland, and that the the cream of the aristocracy in And that’s how the “Templar Freemasons were the descendants their day, enormously wealthy, Legend” entered Freemasonry. of the Knights Templar. and very powerful. How nice We still have Templar degrees in to belong to an organization Freemasonry – the 30th degree The impact which shared that heritage! of the Scottish Rite is one such The Masonic rite that is But just as the Rite of Strict degree, and the Order of the associated with von Hund is the Observance quickly rose to Temple is another, as well as the Rite of Strict Observance. He prominence, it quickly subsided Order of DeMolay. However, none did not found the organization, into obscurity. Torn apart by of these degrees and orders make but became its most prominent quarrels amongst its leaders, it did the outlandish claim that Baron member, and it was through this not survive the death of von Hund von Hund made about the secret rite that he propagated his “secret in 1776 – at least, it did not survive survival of the Templars and their knowledge” that Freemasons as the large and popular Masonic association with Freemasonry. They were actually the surviving rite it had been. celebrate one aspect or another of Knights Templar. The name “Strict That same year, the “Young the chivalry of the Middle Ages, or Observance” came from the fact Pretender,” Bonnie Prince Charlie, tell the story of Jacques DeMolay. that Masons who belonged to this was finally asked if he was the So if someone today tells you rite had to swear allegiance to founder of the rite, and he denied that Freemasonry is descended “unknown superiors” – presumably any knowledge of it. By this time from the Knight Templar of old, you the secret leaders of the Templars it was evident that von Hund had now know the real story. The real that had purportedly contacted von been taken in by charlatans, and story is also an interesting tale! Hund in Paris.

California Freemason 11 Dec/Jan 2010

CFM Dec-Jan 10.indd 11 1/21/10 2:01 PM Feature

by Cason Lane FreemasonrySpotlight on Today’s pop-culture conversation is full of the familiar gab on sports, movies, and politics. But there’s another topic that’s gaining ground – and in a positive way. That topic is Freemasonry.

One reason is because novelist Dan Brown “In this age when different cultures are killing is at it again with another bestseller released in each other over whose definition of God is better, September, “The Lost Symbol.” And this time, the one could say the Masonic tradition of tolerance dominant theme is Freemasonry – which Brown and open-mindedness is commendable. Moreover, portrays as important, benevolent, historically Masonry is open to men of all races, colors, and significant, and, of course, a little mysterious. creeds, and provides a spiritual fraternity that does Whereas Brown’s previous books have mentioned not discriminate in any way.” Freemasonry only in passing, “The Lost Symbol” At the end of the day, “The Lost Symbol” may uses the mystique of Freemasonry as the backdrop well do for Masonry what “Top Gun” did for for the entire plot. In this fictional story, set in the Navy – send droves of men to inquire Washington, D.C., Harvard symbology professor about membership. Robert Langdon races against the clock to crack Sorting fact from fiction codes, uncover ancient mysteries, investigate the While “The Lost Symbol” casts symbols and tenets of Freemasonry, and locate a Freemasonry in an overall positive legendary “Masonic pyramid” with the secrets to light, the book does include a few human potential. inaccuracies – and not surprisingly, While Brown certainly takes some dramatic many hail back to popular Masonic license for his story, overall he is very respectful of myths. Brother Brent Morris, Freemasonry, calling it “one of the most unfairly managing editor of the Scottish Rite maligned and misunderstood organizations in Journal, was asked to dispel four the world.” The book goes on to make many other Masonic myths perpetuated by Brown. positive references to Masonry, such as this one: Continued on page 14

California Freemason 12 Dec/Jan 2010

CFM Dec-Jan 10.indd 12 1/21/10 2:01 PM FreemasonrySpotlight on

California Freemason 13 Dec/Jan 2010

CFM Dec-Jan 10.indd 13 1/21/10 2:01 PM Feature

False: Masons drink wine from Freemasonry but instead has gained an honorary title human skulls and do other evil within the Scottish Rite, recognizing his significant things as part of their degree contribution to society or Masonry in general. rituals. Brown has fun with the origin of the 33rd degree, suggesting that the number was chosen because The first scene in “The Lost Jesus was 33 years old when he was crucified, God is Symbol” features a Masonic mentioned 33 times in the book of Genesis, there are 33 initiate drinking wine from a vertebrae in the spine, and so on. True? Morris says the human skull in the Scottish Rite reason for the number 33 is a mystery. House of the Temple. Morris says this ritual description can be traced back to an False: There is a Masonic pyramid in 1887 book called “Scotch Rite Masonry Washington, D.C., that leads to “ancient Illustrated” by Jonathan Blanchard, mysteries” buried long ago. who believed that Masonry was evil and Morris says that despite age-old beliefs to the contrary, should be destroyed. the pyramid is not a fundamental part of Masonic “He started a group called the National Christian symbolism, and there is no Masonic pyramid – be it a Association dedicated to the destruction of fraternal building, a map, or a handheld object – that leads to lost organizations and secret societies, and he published all wisdom as described in “The Lost Symbol.” the rituals he could get a hold of,” Morris says. “Part of this goes back He adds that many of the rituals that Blanchard to the long-held belief exposed, including the drinking from a human skull, “The Lost Symbol” that the Great Seal of the came from the Cerneau Scottish Rite, a rogue branch of suggests that United States secretly Scottish Rite that was established by Frenchman Joseph contains Masonic Cerneau. Morris says the Cerneau Scottish Rite operated Masons are the last emblems and that the in direct competition with the Scottish Rite’s Southern uncompleted pyramid and Northern Masonic jurisdictions until about 1890 remaining of secret with the all-seeing eye when it finally died out. fraternities that were is a Masonic emblem,” False: The 33rd degree is the pinnacle Morris says. of Freemasonry. developed to protect He adds that the Great Seal myth is “The Lost Symbol” makes a common mistake by mystical wisdom. promoted not only by confusing the degrees of Freemasonry and the Scottish naive non-Masons, Rite. For example, Brown portrays one of his central but also by mistaken Masons who think it’s a cool story. characters as a 33rd degree Mason, part of the “highest The truth, Morris explains, is that three committees echelon of the world’s oldest surviving brotherhood,” designed the Great Seal, and the only Masonic committee where only an elite few members know the secrets of member – Benjamin Franklin – contributed no Masonic mankind. emblems to the design process. Furthermore, both the The truth, of course, is that there’s no Masonic degree uncompleted pyramid and the all-seeing eye were added of higher rank or importance than the third degree, that by non-Masons. of the Master Mason. Contrary to “The Lost Symbol,” a As for the ancient mysteries, “The Lost Symbol” Mason with the 33rd degree is not at the zenith of all suggests that Masons are the last remaining of secret

California Freemason 14 Dec/Jan 2010

CFM Dec-Jan 10.indd 14 1/21/10 2:01 PM fraternities that were developed to protect this False: To hide the ancient mysteries, mystical wisdom, said to contain power for elevating early Freemasons used an encoded man to the realm of the gods. language called the “Masonic Cipher” “The ancient mysteries generally refer to a series that was legible only to the worthy. of religious practices in the Mediterranean Basin,” Morris says that by 1745, Freemasons had started Morris says. “These were basically religious fraternities using a cipher, which he describes as essentially where you would go through an initiation process. At a tic-tac-toe grid with the letters of old-world one time there was a theory that Freemasonry was a alphabets. But that cipher was used merely as a descendant of the ancient mysteries, because here symbolic gesture, not as a secret language. Today, you have a fraternity… and they’re teaching their he adds, a Mason might be shown how to use the members to know more about god and the world and cipher as part of receiving, say, a Royal Arch degree. themselves. But it turns out that while that’s a nice “It’s very much like giving you a key to the city,” theory, there is no historical connection.” Morris says. “The key to the city doesn’t really unlock anything. It’s a symbolic presentation.”

Past Grand Secretary John Cooper sets the record straight on four more myths perpetuated by Dan Brown novels “The Da Vinci Code” and “Angels & Demons.”

1. Masonic keystones contain society that would work behind the scenes dealings with the Vatican and the Italian secret information about the to drive change through scientific thinking. government. In 1976, the Grand Lodge of Italy quest for the Holy Grail. To build membership in his organization, suspended the charter of the P2 lodge, but A keystone, as the link between two Weishaupt became a Mason, and he used the lodge continued operating underground points in an arch, plays a critical role in Masonic lodges in Paris as a recruiting ground. until it was exposed in the 1980s. architecture, and that’s why the early In fact, Cooper says, Illuminati historian and Ultimately, while the P2 lodge indeed was Freemasons adopted it as a symbol. author Terry Melanson identified about 1,200 tied to clandestine activities in Italy, those “We took the concept of the keystone Masonic lodge members in Paris who joined activities were the actions of one illegal lodge and expanded it to understanding the the Illuminati. and not all of Freemasonry. importance of a key person or a key act in Cooper clarifies, however, that while the 4. Masons control political time,” Cooper says. Illuminati did use Masonry to advance its and financial systems. ideas, the organization did not infiltrate the However, in Freemasonry, the keystone As for this longstanding myth, Cooper has never been based in secrecy, and there is lodges and take over positions of power, as reported in “Angels & Demons.” Rather, the dispels it with this analogy: Many U.S. leaders no Masonic correlation between a keystone have been Episcopal, but that doesn’t mean and the search for the alleged Holy Grail. Illuminati simply sought members within Masonry, because, at the time, both groups they’re secretly running the Episcopal church. Cooper says the idea may have come from Likewise, many Masons have been involved the degree ritual for Royal Arch Masonry, were interested in ideas of the Elightenment – ideas like freedom of speech, freedom of in political and financial organizations, but which features a white keystone that can that involvement doesn’t mean Masons are symbolize personal responsibility and religion, and education that’s separate from the church. controlling them. spiritual development. Instead, the truth is that Masonry is not 2. Masons unknowingly 3. Masons have been implicated about power; it’s about the belief that each harbored a secret society in shady financial deals with man can make a difference in the world. called the Illuminati. the Vatican Bank. Throughout history, Freemasons have upheld Cooper explains that in 1776, Adam Cooper says this claim is partly true. In the the tenets of brotherly love, relief, and truth Weishaupt, a professor at Ingolstadt 1960s, he explains, a Masonic lodge in Italy to make important contributions to society – University in Bavaria and a student of the – called the Propaganda Due (P2) Masonic whether in government, business, education, Enlightenment, created the Illuminati, a secret Lodge – was taken over by the Italian Mafia, philanthropy, or simple goodwill. And the and the lodge became involved in financial tradition continues.

California Freemason 15 Dec/Jan 2010

CFM Dec-Jan 10.indd 15 1/21/10 2:01 PM Feature Masonry on the Map The truth about four D.C. landmarks featured in “The Lost Symbol”

2. The House of the Temple

The mystique of this 16th Street landmark, featuring grand columns and two 17-ton sphinxes, may lend itself well to shadowy scenes in “The Lost Symbol,” but it serves mainly as the headquarters building for the Southern Jurisdiction of the Scottish Rite. Completed in 1915 1. Washington Monument and located about six blocks from Dupont Circle, the House of the Temple design was inspired by the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. The House of the Temple The plot of “The Lost Symbol” includes a museum and Masonic library. culminates at the Washington Monument, but the building actually has little Masonic significance beyond Masons’ laying of the cornerstone in the 1840s. Notably, explains Brent Morris of The Scottish Rite Journal, George Washington’s stepson took a Masonic apron to the cornerstone ceremony, identifying it as the apron that Washington wore while laying the cornerstone at the U.S. Capitol about 50 years prior. That apron is now in the possession of Alexandria- Washington Lodge No. 22.

3. George Washington Masonic Memorial

This landmark in the suburb of Alexandria, Va., features several Masonic exhibits and a bronze statue of George Washington wearing his Masonic apron. Memorial officials report that in 1909, Alexandria-Washington Lodge No. 22, of which Washington was a member, organized an association to build the memorial and raise the funding, which came entirely from the donations of Freemasons around the country. At the cornerstone ceremony in 1923, more than 40,000 Freemasons reportedly were in attendance. Alexandria-Washington Lodge continues to hold its lodge meetings in the memorial building.

California Freemason 16 Dec/Jan 2010

CFM Dec-Jan 10.indd 16 1/21/10 2:01 PM Symbols in the Streets

When it comes to Masons and Washington, D.C., one of the greatest myths of all is that city designer Pierre L’Enfant, a Freemason, embedded Masonic and occultist symbols into the street plan. Some say there’s a five-pointed star that connects Dupont Circle, Logan Circle, Scott Circle, Mount Vernon Square, and the White House. Others point to a Masonic compass formed by the Capitol (the top) and Pennsylvania and Maryland avenues (the legs). But the thing to consider, says Past Grand 4. United States Capitol Secretary John Cooper, is that anytime you have a number of lines emanating from a hub and a In 1793, George Washington donned his network of circles – as with D.C.’s hub-and-spoke Masonic apron to lay this building’s cornerstone, street grid – you can find designs in the map. which was later called the cornerstone of democracy “If you use your imagination, you can spot triangles, for the world. The U.S. Capitol building features squares, a compass,” Cooper says. “Anytime you take numerous statues of Masons, and the ceiling in the a ruler and draw some lines that cross one another, rotunda features The Apotheosis of Washington, a you run the risk of creating a Masonic emblem.” fresco depicting George Washington ascending into The hub-and-spoke model, Cooper explains, was the heavens. Despite claims in “The Lost Symbol,” L’Enfant’s response to several geographical challenges the Capitol does not have a Masonic “chamber of at the time, namely the Potomac River running smack reflection,” which is a room – common in some dab through the middle of the city, along with a swamp European lodges – where Masons can contemplate that covered much of the area. So, when L’Enfant the shortness of life. designed the city in 1791, he chose the highest point of the land for the Capitol Building, as the hub, with the streets, or spokes, running away from it. This hub-and-spoke approach was used to design many cities in the 18th century, including Paris, Rome, and Edinburgh. And Washington, D.C., borrowed another concept typical of the time – a system of traffic circles, each with a statue in the center. Cooper explains that such circles in Europe had a military purpose: Since streets at the time were vulnerable to cannonades, the statues in the circles blocked enemies’ line of sight, preventing them from blowing up entire streets. While there may not be a Masonic message in the street plan for Washington, D.C., Masons were, of course, involved in the city’s beginnings in other ways. In addition to laying the cornerstones at important buildings, local lodges dedicated some of the boundary stones for Washington, D.C., in the early 1790s.

California Freemason 17 Dec/Jan 2010

CFM Dec-Jan 10.indd 17 1/21/10 2:01 PM HCoistoryming Home ComingComingComing HOME

Coming Home is a fraternity-wide effort to bring all members, new and senior, activeFebruary and inactive, back to2010 their blue lodge, beginning with the February stated meeting.

We took a vow to care for our brothers – and that includes helping each other stay connected to the fellowship and shared values at blue lodge. Active, participating members are critical for a viable lodge. To achieve a high level of engagement, we must plan programs that bring men back to

The need the lodge.

If you haven’t been to blue lodge in awhile, consider attending the Coming Home event. When a brother contacts you about the event, share your reasons for not attending lodge in the past. Think about why you first joined Masonry, and how you might rekindle that sense of excitement and devotion to your craft lodge. Suggest programs that would engage you again.

If you are active in your blue lodge, take time to reflect on how the fellowship, community, and shared values there have shaped you. Make a The goals personal commitment to live your fraternal vows every day. Reach out to your inactive brothers and remind them that they are valued members of the fraternal family. Support lodge programs that bring them back to the lodge.

When we Come Home in February, we will prove our enduring commitment to each other and to our craft lodges. It’s an event that will reaffirm our fraternal vows, celebrate our shared Masonic experiences, and reach out to inactive brothers. Let’s make this the largest California blue lodge gathering in decades! T H e reward

California Freemason 18 Dec/Jan 2010

CFM Dec-Jan 10.indd 18 1/21/10 2:01 PM Masonic Homes

thethe by Laura Normand

An MOS client shares RoadRoadher HometransitionHome into the Masonic Homes

ildredildred Oberg remembersremembers her first glimpse of thethe Masonic Home at Union City. She M and her husband, Harold, moved toto San JoseJose inin 1944. As a young couple, theythey drove past thethe Home on a triptrip toto Oakland. “Harold“Harold pointed out thethe Masonic Home toto me, and toldtold me thatthat ifif II ever needed to,to, II could go there,”there,” Mildred recalls.recalls. Harold, a member of Golden Rule Lodge No. 479, passed away inin 1964. Their one child, Steven, was justjust 12 years old. Over time,time, as Mildred’s vision deteriorated fromfrom macular degeneration, Steven steppedstepped inin toto help. When he passed away inin JanuaryJanuary 2008, Mildred, thenthen 90, feltfelt trulytruly alone. She turnedturned toto her fraternalfraternal family.family. On September 23, somesome 60 years after Harold first showedshowed her thethe Home on thethe hill, Mildred moved in.in. As fatefate would have it,it, itit was thethe day of Harold’s birthday.

Continued on next page Thanks to Trestleboard articles and a personal letter from her husband’s lodge, Mildred Oberg knew she could turn to the Masonic Homes when she needed support.

California Freemason 19 Dec/Jan 2010

CFM Dec-Jan 10.indd 19 1/21/10 2:01 PM Masonic Homes

Picking up the phone room for her. The wait Born and raised on a Nebraska was over, but another The importance of widow outreach farm, Mildred, now 92, exudes transition lay ahead. Midwestern toughness. But “When Soledad Mildred knew about the Homes and when she needed help, a few called, I dragged my Masonic Outreach Services because things made it easier to ask: a feet,” Mildred says. “I’d her husband and his lodge did a few holiday letter to widows from the had so many changes in important things: master of Golden Rule Lodge, such a short time.” and a Trestleboard article about But she decided that v Reminded her about support available fraternal outreach services. it was the right thing to from the Homes do. “I felt that once I got “I didn’t know where else to turn,” v included outreach information in the to the Home, I could she says. She called friends from lodge Trestleboard Golden Rule Lodge, James and Sharyl finally be safe and v Maintained updated contact information Leggate, now residents at the Union secure,” Mildred says. City Home. Hearing their experience Applicants can elect v continued sending lodge Trestleboards convinced her to call the Home. to wait for a different and correspondence As a first step in the Homes room if the one that’s v Sent a yearly holiday letter admission process, applicants available doesn’t meet meet and discuss their needs their preferences, but with Homes staff. For Union Mildred’s suited her Like all new Union City residents, City, Mildred visited with perfectly: it’s a short walk down the Mildred’s first two weeks were Admissions Coordinator Soledad hall to a medical area and satellite loosely scheduled for orientation, Martinez. At the Covina Home, dining hall, giving her everyday ease including introductions to the applicants stay in a guest room and peace of mind. director of resident services, on campus for a three-day visit. pharmacy, dining services, accounts, Moving in While applicants are on the wait and other departments. At Covina, The night before moving day, list, a Homes representative calls these introductions happen during resident volunteers Irwin and monthly to check on their well- the initial three-day visit. Jeannie Fershleiser welcomed being and, if needed, refer them to The Homes also assign resident Mildred to the Home and showed her Masonic Outreach Services (MOS). buddies, or “special friends,” to to a guest room. The next morning, Mildred was connected with MOS provide answers, advice, and a Laura Strom and Homes staff moved Care Manager Laura Strom, who friendly face. her in with the help of an outside would become a dear friend and a “I left San Jose, where I’ve moving company, set up by the source of strength in the months lived since 1944. I came into a Home. After a few tries, her furniture ahead, helping Mildred deal with strange place. I had to leave all my fit. All in all, reports Mildred, it was her grief and move into an assisted friends,” Mildred says. “But I’ve easier than she’d expected. living facility until a room became made new ones.” One of her concerns was changing available, about a year and a half doctors, but this, too, proved after her first phone call to the Meeting the family easier than expected. She’s been Masonic Homes. Mildred looks forward to assigned area doctors on a trial exploring the library for historical Preparing for the move basis and if she decides to return to nonfiction, taking a balance class, In August, Mildred received the her doctors in San Jose, the Home and joining a Bible study group. call announcing the Home had a will provide transportation. She’s also excited about taking art

California Freemason 20 Dec/Jan 2010

CFM Dec-Jan 10.indd 20 1/21/10 2:01 PM and music appreciation classes. “They say it’s like a family here.” Two weeks after Mildred moved As a farm girl, she has high Mildred says. “It truly is. And I think in, a storm buffeted the area with standards for farm-fresh food that’s what I need.” downpours and heavy winds. – and she’s impressed by the “I thought about the last facility I A place to call home produce grown on campus and lived in, how worried I would’ve been Today Mildred is settled in a sunny, served by dining services. about power outages, how I would’ve cozily furnished room in the Adams Perhaps most importantly, she’s needed a flashlight in case the building. In one corner is a cabinet impressed by how friendly and generator didn’t work,” Mildred says. built by her great grandfather. Pictures welcoming everyone is. “But here, I felt so safe.” of Steven and Harold decorate the As is often the case, Mildred moved After two years of turmoil and window sills and shelves. A low-vision to the Home knowing a few fellow difficult changes, she says, “I feel reading machine is set up on a desk. residents; Besides the Leggates, more at home.” Taped to the phone is Laura Strom’s cousin Margaret Lewis lives at the phone number. As a Homes resident, Home. But new neighbors and staff Mildred is no longer Laura’s client, but This is just one story about the have made a special effort to welcome life-changing support of the they remain close. Laura describes her, too. Masons. Share yours: e-mail Mildred as a personal inspiration. [email protected].

Mildred describes her MOS care manager, Laura Strom, as an angel. Laura describes Mildred as an inspiration. During the wait for a room at the Home, theirtheir relationshiprelationship waswas aa sourcesource ofof strength and joy for Mildred.

California Freemason 21 Dec/Jan 2010

CFM Dec-Jan 10.indd 21 1/21/10 2:01 PM Connecting With the Homes

MASONIC OUTREACH SERVICES (MOS) ACACIA CREEK Masonic Outreach Services (MOS), a program of the Masonic To learn more about Acacia Creek, visit acaciacreek.org or Homes of California, provides our fraternal family access to contact 888/553-7555 or [email protected]. the services and resources they need to stay healthy and MASONIC FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER safe in their homes or in retirement facilities in their home If you are in need of support or know of a family in distress, communities. contact 888/466-3642. These services include: MASONIC HOMES • Information and referrals to community-based senior The Masonic Homes has speakers available to come to your providers throughout California lodge to speak about our range of Masonic assistance services. • Ongoing care management at no cost • Financial support To learn more about residential services on our two campuses, arrange a private or group tour of the Home nearest you. MOS also provides interim financial and care support to those For more information, contact 888/466-3642 or who are on the waiting list for the Masonic Homes of California. [email protected]. Contact us at 888/466-3642 or [email protected].

Masonic Assistance Fraternal care based on Masonic values

We support and serve the whole family

4 Masonic Homes of California 4 Masonic Outreach Services

4 Masonic Family Resource Center

CALL 888/466-3642 for information and support

California Freemason 22 Dec/Jan 2010

CFM Dec-Jan 10.indd 22 1/21/10 2:01 PM Board and Committee Profiles

Membership Development Committee, 7 members The committee’s purpose is to assist lodges with membership development programs and provide resources to generate membership interest and to engage and retain members, including On The Level, Pass It On, and Engage and Retain: Guide to Member Retention.

Jurisprudence GET INVOLVED AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE Committee, 7 members The Grand Lodge of California relies on members to provide volunteer leadership for the important The committee advises the grand master work done by its committees and boards. and Grand Lodge on matters of Masonic law, and reviews all Grand Master Committee and board positions are opportunities to share your expertise, enhance your leadership Decisions, Grand Master Recommendations, capabilities, and make a difference. proposed amendments to the California For information about the committees and boards, including a purpose statement and list of Masonic Code, and other proposed members, log in at the Member Center on freemason.org, go to ROSTER, then click on Boards legislation. and Committees. If you are a warden, master, or past master who is interested in being considered for an appointment, please send an e-mail to [email protected].

CFM Dec-Jan 10.indd 23 1/21/10 2:01 PM Grand Lodge F & AM of California 1111 California Street PERIODICALS POSTAGE San Francisco, California 94108 PAID AT SAN FRANCISCO CA AND AT ADDITIONAL MAILING OFFICES

2009-2010 Front row l to r: Paul D. Hennig, Grand Lecturer; Glenn D. Woody, Grand Treasurer; Frank Loui, Senior Grand Warden; Kenneth G. Nagel, Grand Master; William J. Bray III, Deputy Grand Master; John F. Lowe, Junior Grand Warden; Grand Lodge Officers Allan L. Casalou, Grand Secretary

Second row l to r: John A. Gonsalves, Assistant Grand Organist; Michael L. Lambert, Grand Sword Bearer; Bruce R. Galloway, AGL Division II; William J. Ryland, Junior Grand Deacon; David S. Allmuth, AGL Division IV; H. John Fletcher, Grand Marshal; Vernon M. Dandridge, AGL Division V; Douglas B. Eichen, AGL Division VII; Cline C. Jack Jr, AGL Division VI; Irwin M. Fershleiser, Grand Chaplain; Donald R. Taylor Sr, Grand Tiler; Charles P. Cross, Grand Bible Bearer

Third row l to r: John Cover Spear, Junior Grand Steward; Andrew C. Spencer, Senior Grand Steward; M. David Perry, AGL Division I; James A. Kurupas, AGL Division IX; John W. Herring, Grand Orator; Jack M. Rose, AGL Division VIII; Bud Ramsey, AGL Division III; Stephen R. Miller, Grand Organist; James E. Banta, Assistant Grand Secretary; Richard K. Pierce, Grand Pursuivant; David L. Chesebro, Grand Standard Bearer; Arthur Porter, Assistant Grand Tiler; John L. Harris, Senior Grand Deacon

CFM Dec-Jan 10.indd 24 1/21/10 2:01 PM