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Home , George IV, Grand Lodge of Ireland

OCONOMOWOC / HARTLAND LODGE NO. 42 F. & A. M. OF WISCONSIN

May Electronic 2017 Edition

Stated Communications: 7:30 PM 1st & 3rd Wednesdays September through June 3rd Wednesdays July and August Meeting at: 375 Highway 67, Dousman, WI 53118 Mail to: P. O. Box 284, Hartland, WI 53029-0284 Secretary’s Phone: 262.367.2309 E-mail: [email protected] Web: http://www.lodge42.net

Worshipful Master Timothy Behling 414.254.3060 Senior Warden Bruce Boland 262.354.4394 Junior Warden Zachary J. Schmidt 414.430.4097 Treasurer Frank McKenna, PM 262.893.1106 Secretary Gary Pilgrim, PM 262.367.2309 Chaplain Craig Wiggins 267.416-0788 Senior Deacon Tim Zellner, PM 414.588.5169 Junior Deacon Robert Staley 262.309.9111 Senior Steward Kevin Zickert 920.538.1562 Junior Steward Scott Millikin 262.490.6023 Counselor Henry Pynakker, PM 262.370.2665 Organist Open Position Tyler Robert Jewell 262.490.6023

Trustees Frank McKenna, PM 262.893.1106 Daniel Bast, PM 414.333.1412 James A. Johnson, PM 414.651.2072 Charles Gastrow, PM 262.370.1149 Thomas Ewald 414.429.5904

Sickness & Distress: Please notify the Senior Warden of Brothers in sickness & distress Page 1 of 16

sending our veterans from Three Pillars along with their guardians. Thank you to all who have contributed. Let’s keep it going!

Another event worthy of mention will be our couple’s dinner which will be held at Three Pillars on Saturday, June 10th. The intent of this dinner is to celebrate time together with our significant others and thank them for their support. There will be a wonderful dinner and beverages provided for a cost of $30 per person. We will be sending out an invitation with all of the details, menu, etc.

On the community front, we will be forming a committee for a Gentleman 101 course which will allow us to work with young men in our community and share with them what it means to be a gentleman. Brother Zach Schmidt will be

spearheading this team and we will be working Master's Message toward a 2018 launch. There is a lot involved but it is such an important initiative. If you are interested Greetings my Brothers, in helping with this, please contact me or Brother Schmidt for details. We are well into the year and good things are happening at Oconomowoc Hartland Lodge #42. I In June, we will be supporting the Pewaukee will provide a brief update on some of the Pancake Breakfast event. This is a great happenings. opportunity for us to be visible in the Pewaukee community and support this local event. Brother Operation Freedom, our lodge initiative for 2017, is Tim Zellner is leading this event and will send out gaining momentum. We held a silent auction and information once dates and details are finalized. art show event on April 6th. A traveling exhibit We are looking at the last Saturday and Sunday in showcasing pictures and quotes from Honor Flight June as a tentative date. veterans was on display and was very well done. We had close to 80 people attend and I would like In closing, I would like to invite you to come attend to personally thank Tom Ewald for getting a a lodge meeting in the near future. Do not worry majority of the silent auction items, the Three about being “rusty”. We would love to have you. Pillars staff for the food and volunteers and to our Come meet some of the new brethren, come and brethren and guests who attended and bid on items. rekindle friendships and help us to continue moving In total, we raised $1,279. the lodge forward.

In addition to the auction, we have started the 2017 Sincerely and Fraternally, Tim Honor Flights. We had our first veteran, Brother Bob Kappel and his guardian take the April 8th Tim Behling – Worshipful Master 2017 flight. Brother Kappel had a fantastic time and I C: 414-254-3060 look forward to hearing more about his trip. Thank E: [email protected] you to Brother Tim Zellner and Brother Kevin p.s. If you are still outstanding on your annual Zickert for driving Bob and his guardian to the dues, please send them in. If you need airport and picking him up. It was very much assistance, please let us know by calling me or appreciated. our Secretary. We are here for you brother. The next flight will be on May 21st which is almost full and we have another flight on June 9th which we are working to fill. We are very excited about

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Lodge mailing address: OES Chapter 13 Oconomowoc/Hartland Lodge No. 42, F & A M P. O. Box 284 OES Elections are like Lodge elections. There are Hartland, WI 53029 no campaign signs, bumper stickers, or broadcast media advertisements. If there is any campaigning. debates, it is a secret and according to the standard rules, it being a secret means you only tell one person at a time.

Our enthusiastic reporter was able to pass by the ever-alert Sentinel and attend the election of officers for the 2017 – 2018 term. We can’t use a From the Secretary’s Desk pronoun, because that would compromise our Reporter’s closely held identity. But straight from My Brothers, our always reliable and sometimes attentive reporter

I am sad to report that not one, of the fifteen (15), we have the list of officers elected on Tuesday, brothers in arrears for dues have not made contact. April 25. Major League Baseball season just started They will be contacted in the near future by our and our poor (or is that pour) reporter got a bit confused. Master or one of our Wardens

We cannot work with you if you, or a trusted At the top of the batting (order) is our Worthy brother, does not communicate your circumstances Matron elect Sister Rita Ludyjan. Standing beside to our lodge. Your circumstances will not be public. her is Brother Ian Watts, taking his place in the East as he begins his year as Grand Sentinel of the Grand Fraternally, Chapter of Wisconsin. Since he is on vacation he Br. Gary Pilgrim, PM, Secretary was not available for comment. Being on vacation didn’t keep him from being elected. Sister Dawn Happy Birthday Brothers Jones will serve as Associate Matron along with Brother Frank McKenna as Associate Patron. Both 05/04 PETER W. STATHAS 05/05 DANIEL T. EWALD were present, and it was reported that they accepted.

05/06 DAVID A. KAISER There was no change in the lineup for Secretary and 05/08 RONALD J. RASMUSSEN 05/14 JAMES C. SWANTON Treasurer. Sister Ruthann Watts will be found in 05/14 DAVID R. LAFOND the Southeast as Secretary. Sister Margaret Fulmer 05/18 VALENTIN J. BLATZ V is on the other side as Treasurer. In the South, we 05/23 TIMOTHY P. EATON have Sister Barb Irsch as Conductress. Sister 05/24 VINCENT P. BLATZ Christine Walker begins her three-year term as 05/24 ANTHONY D. KNUTSON Trustee. 05/26 NATHAN J. OMICK 05/30 FREDDY A. BETANCES Brother Jim and Sister Donna Fleming joined us 05/30 GUIDO R. VISCONTI after their extended sojourn on the Southeastern 05/31 WALTON D. MORRIS peninsula of these United States. We said Masonic Anniversaries welcome, and immediately put Brother Jim to work as our pro-tempore Associate Patron. 59 JAMES R. MAHANEY 40 MARKUS FLECK While this season is almost over, the next season 45 DAVID W. JAPPINEN begins as right after Grand Chapter. A few 37 W. ROBERT S. DRENK adjustments in the lineup and we move forward to a 32 DAVID A. KAISER productive year. You are welcome and encouraged 25 VINCENT H. POLLOCK to join us on our journey. 26 W. BRUCE T. SCHROEDER 14 ROBERT K. FLOWERS With best wishes and Star Love, 11 MICHAEL S. RADICHEL 14 BRUCE C. BORCHARDT Beth Ratzburg, Worthy Matron Frank McKenna Worthy Patron Page 3 of 16

Calendar May 2017 42 has actively supported this chapter since it began. Wed 03 7:30 PM No. 42 Stated Meeting at VOS Be prompt the outer door is locked. These two, young people have combined their Wed 03 7:00 PM Bethel No. 35 at Dousman considerable talent and seemingly endless supply of Sat 06 8:30 AM District Meeting at Fulton energy to make this a stellar year for DeMolay in No. 69 Wisconsin. They have led by example in their Tue 09 9:30 AM Stated Meeting chapter and the chapter abounds with an impressive GLH No.364 at VOS list of other outstanding young people. The Wed 10 7:00 PM GBD Chapter at Dousman investment of our area lodges in the youth of our No. 315. community provides us with very high returns. Mon 15 Peace Officers Memorial Day Please take this opportunity to spend an afternoon Wed 17 7:30 PM No. 42 Stated Meeting at with outstanding young people and enjoy an early evening dinner with your family. VOS Be prompt the outer door is locked. Wed 17 7:00 PM Bethel No. 35 at Dousman The deadline for registration of the DeMolay State Sat 20 Armed Forces Day Testimonial Dinner is Monday, May 1. The Sun 21 Youth Testimonial - See flyer celebration will take place at Tripoli Shrine Center, Tue 23 7:30 PM OES Chapter No. 13 3000 W. Wisconsin Ave. Milwaukee, WI on Stated Meeting Sunday May 21, 2017. The Spy Check in begins at Wed 24 7:00 PM GBD Chapter at Dousman 2:00 and the Covert Operations program begins at No. 315. 2:30 PM. The program is so secret that publication Mon 29 Memorial Day of details is not permitted. There are presentations

*VOS Represents Village on the Square, Glenn L. at 5:00 PM and the Buffet Dinner begins at 5:30 Humphrey No. 364, Dousman Facility. Hereafter PM. Standard DeMolay practice requires that the known as VOS. adults are first in line. Most of us, don’t get that at home so this is your chance for a treat.

Important Planning dates: There are a couple of important details. The

Jun 2 &3 Annual Communication -Madison afternoon program is casual, the Dinner is formal. Jun 07 No. 42 Stated Meeting One other detail, tickets for adults are $20. All are Jun 10 No. 42 Couples Social and Dinner welcome and anyone under 21 is admitted for $15. Jun 21 No. 42 Stated Meeting Registration is through Kate Smillie, (the managing Jun 24 Pancakes Pewaukee Beachfront director of Brother Tim Smillie, Woshipful Master Jun 25 Beachfront Cleanup of Jefferson County Lodge No. 9), 402 Whitewater Ave. Fort Atkinson, WI. 53538. Checks are Godfrey De Bouillon Chapter of payable to Godfrey de Boullion Chapter. Payment DeMolay Update can also be made via PayPal. [email protected]. Please contact Kate at DeMolay State Testimonial (920) 397-0399 to get answers to your questions or to plead that as you were laboring under Masonic DeMolay in Wisconsin holds a Testimonial event Standard Time that you missed the deadline. She each year for the soon to be outgoing State Master understands Masonic Standard Time. Councilor and the State Sweetheart. The SMC is a member and the Sweetheart is an Honorary DeMolay member of a DeMolay Chapter. Typically, their chapters combine to host the Don’t just wear the pin, Testimonial. This year Casey Ferguson is the State Master Councilor and State Sweetheart Aliza Lewitzke are both from Godfrey De Boullion Chapter of DeMolay which meets at Dousman Live it! Lodge No. 315. Oconomowoc-Hartland Lodge No.

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This work was published in our July 2016 a pecuniary nature. is emphatically not Trestle board and is in my opinion, while having a benefit society: no Mason can claim as his right, been presented to a British assemblage, is well in return for the heavy initiation fees, yearly worth presenting it to you again. subscriptions, and constant contributions to the Charities, any return whatever. And yet our Charities are the finest and most prominent in the What is Freemasonry? world: our Boys' School educates and clothes 250 by W. Bro. William Speth - 25 March 1893 orphans, our Girls' School effects the same purpose

for 250 of the other sex; the Asylum provides for Ladies and Gentlemen, and grants annuities to some 400 old Masons, and their widows, and the Board of Benevolence I am here this evening to afford you some disburses monthly about £1200, in sums ranging information upon Freemasonry; a matter which is from £5 to £200. As a rule, the Masons of not generally understood by the outside world, and voluntarily subscribe and dispense for all these not always even by the members of the Craft. purposes something like £70,000 or £80,000 per De Quincey, in his Essay upon Secret Societies, annum. Beside these central Charities, almost every tells the following tale. province maintains its own local Masonic charities. " I once heard a poor fellow complain that, being But I wish you to understand that no Mason has any a Freemason, he had been led the life of a dog by claim upon these benefits; and if he enters our his wife, as if he were Samson and she were Society, being in ill-health, in the hope that the Dalilah, with the purpose of forcing him to betray Craft will support his children, he may possibly find the Masonic secret and sign: and these, he solemnly himself mistaken. The large sums which he yearly protested to us all, he had betrayed most faithfully expends with us would be better invested in a life and regularly whenever he happened to be drunk. insurance, or in one of those benefit societies which But what did he get for his goodness? All the return are spread throughout the land. The Charities with he ever had for the kindness of this invariable us are the accident of the Craft, an outgrowth which treachery was a word, too common, I regret to say, was not originally contemplated, and are not, as in female lips-viz., fiddle-de-dee! And he declared, with a benefit Society, the chief reason of its with tears in his eyes, that peace for him was out of existence. A candidate joins Freemasonry, not for the question until he could find out some plausible what he can get out of it, but to render himself more falsehood that might prove more satisfactory to his generally useful to others. wife's mind than the truth." Freemasonry is in no sense a political Society. Men Now, Ladies and Gentlemen, as I do really intend to of the most opposite political views may be found tell you the truth, and nothing but the truth, but not seated together in any Lodge in the country. And quite ALL the truth, I trust my tale will receive yet I am by no means sure that the Craft does not more credit at your hands than was accorded to De exert a very deep-seated and far-reaching political Quincey's unfortunate friend. influence. The constant association, at Lodge and banquet, of men of all classes and views, on a Many people have many ideas as to Freemasonry, footing of perfect equality, each thus learning to and as these are generally all wrong, let me begin appreciate the good points of every other, tends to by shortly stating what Masonry is not; after which awaken an enlightened liberalism; whilst on the we will consider what it is. other hand, our own high antiquity as a Society, and WHAT FREEMASONRY IS NOT. the respect for old customs unconsciously inspired

Many think the Society is a huge Benefit Society, by our venerable ceremonies, produce a marked like the Foresters, , Druids, tone of conservative thought, and a dislike to Antediluvian Buffaloes, and others, only frequented change for change-sake. The absence of bitterness by men of a somewhat higher social status. In these which so distinguishes our English politics, and the societies, a member pays certain fees or dues, and is glorious, steadfast and persistent, though tentative legally entitled to claim in return certain benefits of and deliberate march of English Reform, reluctant to forget, but willing to learn, have probably not a Page 5 of 16 little to the spirit of English Freemasonry inculcated a funny little book appeared, entities, in our Lodges. "EBRIETATIS ENCOMIUM, or THE PRAISE OF

Freemasonry is not a religion. It admits men of all DRUNKENNESS,"*. in which the author attempts religions. The Deputy District Grand Master of to show that it is a laudable and wholesome custom Burma lately wrote to me from Rangoon. to get drunk occasionally in good Society, on good liquor, as confirmed by the example of , "I have just initiated Moung (i.e. Mr.) Ban Ohm, a Bishops, Philosophers, Free-Masons, and other Burman, who has so far modified his religious "Men of learning in all ages." On another page, he belief as to acknowledge the existence of a personal announces Freemasons and other learned Men, who, God. The W.M. was a Parsi, one Warden a Hindu, having wearied themselves with important Studies, or Brahmin, the other an English Christian, and the have taken to this Diversion, shall also appear on Deacon a Mohammedan." the Stage. And he keeps his promise, for Chapter

But Freemasonry, although teaching no religion of XV. is devoted to Freemasons and other learned its own, is the hand-maid of all religions, and Men who used to get "drunk," and he then goes on calculated to make every member a more dedicated to say: follower of his particular-religion as he professes it. "I do assure my readers they are very great friends The candidate must be a believer in God. With his to the vintners . . . . An eye witness of this was I initiation commences his Masonic instruction, and myself at their late general meeting at Stationers' he is taught that this God is all-father, all-creator, Hall . . . We had a good dinner, and, to their eternal omniscient, omnipresent, omnipotent, (absolutely) honor, the brotherhood laid about them very pure and good, of impartial justice and valiantly. They saw then their high dignity: they inexhaustible loving-kindness, the giver of all gifts, saw what they were, acted accordingly, and showed the preserver from all evil. He is also taught that themselves men. The Westphalia hams and there is a life to come, in which he will meet with chickens, with good plum pudding, not forgetting punishment or reward, according to his deserts. Any the delicious salmon, were plentifully sacrificed, further dogma we leave to the teachers of the with copious libations of wine for the consolation of Churches; we assert none, we controvert none. the brotherhood . . . The bottle in the meanwhile

This explanation of our tenets will also dispose of went merrily about, and the healths were begun by a another accusation; that we are infidels and atheists. great man . . . which were unanimously pledged in We are neither one nor the other, although the bumpers, attended with loud huzzas. The faces then stoutly affirms we are both. But then, he knows of the most ancient and most honorable of nothing about it himself, and like De Quincey's Freemasons, brightened with ruddy fires; their eyes friend's wife, he will not believe those who do. In illuminated, resplendant blazed. Well fare ye, merry , the natives call the Lodge the Sheitan hearts, thought I, hail ye illustrious topers; if liberty Bungalow, which means the Devil's House: they and freedom, ye free mortals, is your essential evidently share the opinion of the Pope. difference, it richly distinguishes you from all others, and is, indeed, the very soul and spirit of Again, we are not a trades-organization, as our your brotherhood . . . I know not who may be your name would imply, and yet we are the direct lineal Alma Mater, but undoubtedly Bacchus your Liber descendants of the grandest corporation of artisans Pater. which ever existed: those glorious Free-masons who built all our old Cathedrals, Churches, Palaces, and "Tis wine, ye Masons, makes you free, "Bacchus the father is of Liberty." Castles.

But perhaps no accusation was ever more I might multiply such good-humored extracts from persistently launched against us than that we are a old books, and viler accusations spitefully made by mere convivial Society, a dining-club, eating and more Modern writers: and I do not care to deny that, drinking more than is good for us. And the 150 years ago, Freemasons probably did accusation is of very ancient date. Hogarth, himself occasionally dine "not wisely but too well," and if a Mason, in his print of " by Night," shows so, they did no more than everyone else was doing us two drunken Freemasons reeling home. In 1723, at that period. But how do we stand now? Most Page 6 of 16

Lodges dine but once a year, at other times content merely stating a well-known truth. It therefore ill themselves with a biscuit and a glass of wine. A becomes the Pope in one and the same breath to Mason pays from 5 to 10 guineas for initiation, and curse the Craft and to bless the followers of Ignatius from 2 to 6 guineas yearly subscription: if he joins Loyola. for the sake of the one good dinner in the year, he Now, the Freemasons answer to none of the certainly pays very highly for it. A dining club requirements of a secret society. They are known to could be worked More cheaply, and moreover, their neighbors, you never heard of a Freemason moderation in all things is a cardinal virtue with us, concealing the fact of his membership; and every and intemperance a Masonic sin; and Masons now lodge, once a year, sends to the Clerk of the Peace a dine both well and wisely. And why should they complete and full list of its members, The aims and not? It is all very well for a man with a torpid liver, objects are no secret; vow shall hear what these are an impaired digestion, a bilious temperament, or, presently. Their principles have been printed over worst of all, an empty purse, to sneer at a good again and again, and their doors are never closed to dinner, but for my part I am not ashamed to stand a properly qualified candidate. How can they be a here before you all and confess that I like it. Ninety- secret society? Does the head of the detective force nine out of a hundred of us like a good dinner, and suspect them of meditating crime? He has only to so do the Masons. I never refuse a good dinner on apply for admission, become a Mason, and satisfy principle; I do not know how long my health or my himself. Does the Government surmise treason in means will permit me to enjoy one. But the dinners the lodge? Let the Prime Minister come and see. are not the soul of Masonry, and the proof is that the Does the imagine we are majority of Lodges dine but once a year. And if the undermining the Establishment? Or the Pope fear Margate Masons dine well once a year, remember we are combating the Doctrine of Infallibility? Or they like their poorer neighbors to do so also, and the Mayor fancy we are unsound on the drainage every winter provide a splendid dinner, tea, and question*? Let them all come, they will be for some 250 old men and women, welcome. His Grace, his Holiness, his Worship, residents in the town. That wine is no necessity to may make themselves equally free of our mysteries, our proceedings is demonstrated by the fact that provided they are good men and true. They will there are many teetotal lodges where no wine is simply learn that, whatever our private opinions, we allowed, and in every lodge, will be found some never bother our heads about such matters in lodge. total abstainers. Depend upon it, dinner is a grand No! Masonry is no secret society, but it possesses institution: most of us like one a day: whether it be secrets of its own, which is quite another thing. good or bad is a question of degree, not of principle, Secrets! Ay, - there's the rub! What are these and I prefer it good, when I can get it. secrets? That is what everyone wants to know, And now, Ladies and Gentlemen, I come to the especially the ladies. In , last century, Miss most astonishing negation of all. FREEMASONRY St. Leger afterwards the Honorable Mrs. Aldworth, IS NOT A SECRET SOCIETY. The Pope says it is, wanted to know, and hid herself in the clock-case, and nearly every Pope from Clement XII. in 1737, so it is said, of the lodge room in her brother's onwards has therefore excommunicated us. But I house. But she was discovered, and had to undergo hope to show you that his Holiness is wrong again. the ordeal of being made a Freemason before they Secret societies are of two kinds: those whose would let her go, and a very good Mason she members remain unknown, and those who conceal remained to the end of her life. Think of that, ye their purpose and aims, their means of action, and ladies of enterprise! what an example to follow! But the time and place of their meetings. The greatest we are more careful now-a-days, and you would secret society on earth is the society of the Jesuits. surely be discovered in time before the A large majority of their members are not known commencement of the ceremonies. When the Prince even to each other, and their actions are often not of Wales was installed Grand Master at the Albert known to the Pope, but only to their General who Hall, I remember that two of the barmaids hid holds all the threads in his own hands. I wish to themselves on the glass roof — but the stewards throw no stone at them: Masonry has taught none to hunted them out, and politely conducted them off hope for righteous intentions everywhere: I am the premises, a full hour before Page 7 of 16 assembled. They also wanted to know, but were gambler, the spendthrift, the betrayer of innocence, disappointed. Mrs. Caudle wanted to know, but that the hypocrite and the niggard, are under no brute of a Caudle went to sleep, or pretended to, and circumstances fit and proper candidates for the would not tell her. De Quincey's friend's wife privileges of Freemasonry. wanted to know, and would not believe the truth They must be Free. When Masonry was first when she heard it. Now, I, personally, ladies and established, serfs and villains existed in the land. gentlemen, am the soul of candor, but even I am not Such were not admitted to apprenticeship in our going to tell you, and I trust you will not be too lodges. In like manner, we must not admit a man much disappointed. Our secrets are our own, and who is not master of his own time and actions. But will remain so to the end of the chapter; but I will we apply the restriction to his intellect also. A man tell you this much. If you knew them they would be bound down in the chains of superstition, unable to of no use whatever to you, though of great service take a free and manly view of matters in general, to us. If our secrets could be of the slightest benefit the bondsman of priest craft, of social laws and to mankind in general, we should have made them prejudices, of his business avocations even, or a public long ago. And now, slave to his own passions, is not an associate for WHAT IS FREEMASONRY? Free men and Masons.

It is a society of men of all classes in the social They must be sound men, When Masonry was scale, of all nations, races, colors, and creeds. They chiefly composed of operative Masons, a cripple must be believers in one sole, personal God. was not admitted to apprenticeship; the reason is

Further, of good position, i.e., following some obvious. We no longer insist upon soundness of reputable calling. A usurer, a police-informer, the limb, provided the candidate can fulfill our follower of any degrading occupation, even though requirements; but we stipulate for mental perfectly legal, such as a hangman, would be an soundness. A Mason must have a sound mind, impossible candidate; because his presence would capable of reasoning, of instruction, of appreciating dishonor the Craft, and he would be unfit to the beauties of our ritual, of expressing himself associate with gentlemen. clearly, of discriminating between good and evil, the noble and the base. They must be of adequate means: that is, their income must be in excess of their actual necessities. They must be educated men. This does not imply a Freemasonry is always more or less expensive, and career, or even a board-school education. we hold it a Masonic crime to devote to the Craft The best and truest and most serviceable education what is required by one's family. is often acquired amongst one's fellow men in the battle of life. That they must be able to read and They must be of good repute or morals. This does write is obvious. But they must have been educated not imply that every candidate shall be absolutely- to possess the most valuable attributes of a faultless; but what is known of him must be, on the gentleman. Not in the restricted and false sense in whole, to his credit. The man of business whose which My Lord Tomnoddy would apply the word. smartness borders on dishonesty; the boon Polished manners and a good tailor neither make companion whose conviviality resolves itself into nor mar the gentleman. Masons understand by the frequent excess; the man who is often seen in term a man who has learnt to be considerate to all doubtful company; the hot-headed disputant whose men, of a kind and chivalrous nature, who avoids violence of temperament leads him to forget the acts and words which pain his neighbors, honest in respect due to his adversary; these are not desirable thought and deed, the support of the weak, the members of the Craft, even though their good vindicator of the oppressed. Such a man, though his qualities exceed their bad ones. And yet, if hands be horny, his boots clumsy, his gait heavy carelessly admitted, there is a likelihood that the and his H's misplaced, is a noble man, a friend to be Craft and its lessons may do thein great good. trusted, and will make a good Mason. If in addition

On the other hand, the inveterate liar, the unclean he possesses the grace and accomplishments of liver, the drunkard, the rowdy, the companion of Lord Chesterfield, or the erudition of Bacon, he will rogues and vagabonds, the fraudulent bankrupt, the Page 8 of 16 be doubly welcome; but the latter qualities, without and so Masonry teaches us. Nevertheless, by faith the former, are as naught. and perseverance, we may continuously approach

They must be of a charitable disposition. Charitable nearer and nearer to the truth, and such is the duty enjoined upon us in a Freemasons' Lodge. in giving of their superabundance, charitable in sympathy with the distressed in body and mind, WHENCE CAME FREEMASONRY? charitable in thinking no evil of friend or foe. To Freemasonry may be looked at in two lights: as a virtue ever kind, to faults a little blind. corporation and as a peculiar cult. While in its’ first Such should be the member of the Craft; this is the aspect, the origin is fairly-demonstrable, but in the ideal which every lodge should strive to attain. That other it is involved in mystery. Its physical in many cases we fall lamentably short of this high development can be traced with sufficient accuracy, ideal, must be attributed to the imperfections of our its ethical evolution is a great puzzle. Let us attack human nature. the physical or corporate side first.

WHY DO WE MEET? When our Saxon ancestors settled in England, they

We meet for the purpose of admitting new members brought with them their own common law. Every to our fellowship and to instruct them in the lessons man was a free-man, and their chiefs were and principles to which I have already alluded, popularly elected, not hereditary. For civil purposes which serves to strengthen each other in adherence the land was divided into tithings, a district thereto. supposed to be enough for the support of ten We meet to hand down to succeeding generations families, and ten tithings made a hundred. Our maps the knowledge and practice of certain ceremonies still attest this. Each tithing had its own court, and which we ourselves have inherited from our was responsible to the rest of the nation for the Masonic ancestors, and the analogues of which can conduct of its own members. Here we see the be traced in the remotest antiquity, back to the very principle of association which is so ingrained in our race. dawn of Egyptian civilization. These ceremonies typify great and immortal fundamental truths, and Very shortly after-wards arose, beside these inculcate the teachings to which I have already communities, others of a voluntary description, called your attention. I do not claim that we alone called guilds. We find them mentioned in the laws are in possession of these truths: they are now of Ina in the 7th century, and the "Dooms" of common property, though they were not so always Athelstan in the 10th. England is the birth-place of — all religions teach them, more-or-less, and they the guilds, and the earliest were the Frith or Peace are nowhere better exemplified than in the Christian Gilds. Membership was not restricted to residence, religion. But I do assert that we are the only neither was it compulsory as in the tithings. The institution on earth which elucidates them in this primary object was the security, in person and particular-manner, and that we have done so for property, of its members. There were fixed ages past. Why this should be so, is one of the subscriptions, oaths of fealty, mutual insurance unsolved problems which attract the attention of against fire and theft, monthly meetings terminating archaeologists and antiquaries. in a repast, bestowal of alms, pensions to decayed

Lastly, we meet to practice our three Grand members, masses for the dead, usually the support Principles of "Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth." of a proprietary altar in some church, burial The two first have been already explained, they are allowances, and a sub division of the members into tens and hundreds, clearly indicating their origin. included in Charity. Truth signifies an unswerving honesty of thought and deed, towards ourselves, our About the time of the Conquest, Merchant Guilds neighbors, and our God. We are also taught to strive appear: their name sufficiently denotes their towards the attainment of the perfect, the absolute character. They pursued the same objects and even Truth, i.e., the perfect understanding of all things insured their members against piracy and human and divine. To know our God, thoroughly, shipwreck. Many of these merchant Guilds in time perfectly, intimately, would be the acquisition of all came to own fleets of their own, both trading and truth; but this is impossible on this side of the grave, military; they also formed the governing powers of Page 9 of 16 the large trading cities, and on the Continent, were list was drawn up for the City of London Council. generally known as the Patrician Guilds. The Masons furnished four representatives, the

Soon after the Conquest we meet with Trades Freemasons two. The next year the two companies Guilds: the artisan had at last learned to combine for seem to have fused into one, and sent up six, and his own interests. Their objects and methods were the London Company took the title of Freemasons. very similar. The support of an altar for their own But in 1653 the London Company once more called especial use, the regulation of their trade, the itself Masons only, and shortly afterwards we know control of competition, the insurance of good of the existence of a "Society of Freemasons of the workmanship, the punishment of conduct either bad city of London," quite distinct from them. But in itself or offensive to the guild, the preservation of during all the middle ages we have evidence of the trade secrets, mutual support and assistance, existence of bodies of Masons unconnected with the pensions and burial allowances, and the hindering City Companies, and a distinction seems to be of those who dared to practice the trade without involved between Freemasons and Masons. In the having served a proper apprenticeship to one of its Fabric Rolls of York Minster as early as 1355, we members, and joined the fellowship, Masons called have mention of the Master and Wardens of the these "cowans," as Freemasons still do ; modern Masons, and of their lodge. At St. Alban's we meet unionists call them "blacklegs." In the cities, the them under a Latin designation in 1200 and 1321. In Trade Guilds soon forced from the Merchant Guilds one word, it may be said that wherever there were an acknowledgement of their equality, and obtained cathedrals or churches being built, there we meet an equal share in the municipal government. Hence with Masons, usually styled Freemasons. The such corporations as that of the City of London: probability is, that the London Freemasons of 1376 these City Companies, are the lineal descendants of were church builders, using the gothic style, and these old guilds. that the ordinary City Masons were simply house and wall builders, who required no great knowledge Many other guilds were established, such as Church of the higher attributes of the art. Beyond this Guilds, Military and Knightly Guilds, but with these distinction of skill, there seem to have been other we have no concern. At the time of the Reformation differences. A Guild-mason was resident in a it IS computed that there were 34,000 different municipality, and worked there in virtue of his guild guilds in England, but Henry VIII. swept them and borough freedom. The freedom of the city was almost all ruthlessly away, under the plea that they necessary: a York Mason would not be allowed to were bodies for superstitious observances. Some work in London, for instance, unless he joined the were saved by wealth or accident, and many Trades London Guild and took up the London freedom. Guilds were especially excepted. However, they Not so with the Freemason lodges. The Freemason also declined in importance and utility, until now worked in a lodge (the name is mentioned as early none remain in the true sense, the Companies in as 1200) and once admitted a member, he was London and some other cities being no longer welcome to work in any lodge in the country. If no connected with the trades of the same names. For work was available, he was helped to the next practical purposes, they are replaced by the trade lodge. So that one Mason-guild did not unions and masters' associations. acknowledge the rights of another Mason-guild; but

Among these guilds were the Masons-guilds in all one lodge recognized every other, and the validity cities; the present Company of Masons in London is of the membership once conferred. The Craft even the survival of such a guild. If the Freemasons' then had about it some of the universality which is still its boast. Lodges were the direct descendants of these guilds, my task would be done, but we are only indirectly The word lodge is never connected with the City connected with them, and more directly with a Masons, only with the Freemasons. It was originally society or fraternity of Masons which existed side the common workshop erected near the church in by side with them, and whose genes is somewhat of progress, and the first work of the Freemasons was a mystery. always to build the lodge before they started on the Very early we find indications in history of a church. It was also the place of common recreation subdivision in the Masons' Craft. In the year 1376, a and meals; it was always kept closed, and Page 10 of 16 apprentices were sworn to preserve the secrets of by the lodges which had remained purely operative, the lodge. The word ultimately acquired a more and a sprinkling of working Freemasons in all of extended signification, till it came to mean not only them. But they generality were composed in large the meeting place of the society, but the society part of gentlemen and others unconnected with the itself. building-trade: and many of them had ceased to

Each Mason-gui1d framed its own laws, but they concern themselves with the building operations of were not necessarily all identical. The Freemasons . The change must have been the gradual had but one code of laws for the whole country, and work of the 15th and 16th centuries, but we have no each lodge possessed a copy. The earliest copy of record of the circumstances which brought it about. these laws known to us dated from about 1390, and Gentlemen probably formed part of the lodges from the documents all state that the laws were granted the earliest times, manuscripts of the 14th century and a charter confirmed by Athelstan about A.D. seem to vouch for this; but how the preponderance 926. Whether this be true or tradition only, it is not of gentlemen arose, is not accounted for, so far. In possible to decide, but there appears no ground for Scotland, we see the same process, except that doubting it; and certainly, we may presume the many more of the old lodges there retained an existence of written copies of these laws as early as active interest in building, but lodge minutes of the the thirteenth century. 16th century already show us in that country noblemen and gentlemen members of the fraternity, To these laws was prefixed a traditionary account of and the proportion grew larger year by year. the origin and rise of the Craft, extending back to Perhaps the best description I can give of the state before the Flood, and coming down to the time of of the Craft in the 17th century is the following, Athelstan. The Company or Guild-masons have taken from Dr. Plot's Natural History of preserved no traditionary history: no other trade in Staffordshire, published in 1686. England or elsewhere can produce a similar document. "To these add the customs relating to the County, whereof they have one of admitting men into the The Freemasons from the very first evidently had Society of Freemasons, though I find the custom secrets, a Mason's-word, grips, &c., features totally spread more or less all over the Nation: for here I lacking with the Guild-masons or any other trade. found persons of the most eminent quality that did

All these facts go to prove that, though in not disdain to be of the Fellowship. Nor indeed need exceptional cases, as in London, the two societies they, were it of the antiquity and honor that is may have fused, yet they were two distinct bodies. pretended in a large parchment volume they have Whether one originally sprang from the other or not amongst them, containing the history and rules of is difficult to say. It constitutes a puzzle, interesting the Craft of Masonry. Which is there deduced not not only to Freemasons, and to architects, but to only from Sacred Writ, but profane story, antiquaries of every kind. particularly that it was brought into England by St. Amphibal, and first communicated to St. Alban, As long as church-building on a large scale who set down the charges of Masonry, and was continued, these of Freemasons were made paymaster and governor of the King's work, apparently attached to every Cathedral, formed as it and gave them charges and manners as St. were a part of the staff. But first came the Wars of Amphibal had taught him, which were after the Roses and architecture languished, only to confirmed by King Athelstane, whose youngest son revive for a time under the earlier Tudors. Then Edwyn loved well Masonry, took upon him the came the Reformation and church-building charges, and learned the manners, and obtained for practically ceased, and Masonry would appear to them of his Father, a Free-charter. Whereupon he have almost died out. The lodges managed to caused them to assemble at York, and to bring all preserve their existence however, for we next meet the old books of their Craft, and out of them with them in a somewhat altered condition of ordained such Charges and Manners as they thought development. Many facts go to prove that they were fit : which Charges in the said Schrole or Parchment still the same bodies; their name, the possession of Volum, are in part declared : and thus was the Craft the same code of laws and legends, their recognition of Masonry grounded and confirmed in England. It Page 11 of 16 is also there declared that these Charges and "I was made a Free Mason at Warrington in Manners were after perused and approved by King Lancashire, with Coll: Henry Mainwaring of Henry VI. and his Council, both as to 'Masters and Karincham in Cheshire. The names of those that fellows of this right worshipful Craft. were then of the Lodge, Mr. Rich. Penkett Warden,

"Into which Society when any are admitted, they Mr. James Collier, Mr. Rich. Sankey, Henry Littler, John Ellam, Rich: Ellam & Hugh Brewer." call a meeting (or Lodge, as they term it in some places), which must consist of at least 5 or 6 of the These names have all been identified a few years Ancients of the Order, whom the candidates present ago, with the result that not one of them was a with gloves, and so likewise to their wives, and working stonemason. A copy of the laws previously entertain with a collation according to the custom of referred to exists in the British Museum (Harleian the place : this ended, they proceed to the admission MSS., NO. 2054). It is written by Randle Holme of of them, which chiefly consists in the Chester, the third of five of that name, all of whom communication of certain secret signs, whereby were gentlemen and heralds; the date is about 1665. they are known to one another all over the Nation, On the back is a list of lodge members, including by which means they have maintenance whither Randle Holme himself. Out of the 26 names 18 ever they travel : for if any man appear, though have been identified, and only four of these were altogether unknown, that can show any of these working stonemasons. In his " Academie of signs of a Fellow of the Society, whom they Armory," he draws a distinction between Masons otherwise call an accepted Mason, be is obliged and Freemasons. "I cannot but honor the Fellowship presently to come to him, from what company or of the Masons because of its Antiquity: and the place so ever he be in, nay, tho' from the top of a more, as being a member of the Society, called Steeple (what hazard or inconvenience so ever be Freemasons. run), to know his pleasure, and assist him : viz : if In March 1682, Ashmole records in his diary he want work he is bound to find him some; or if he cannot do that, to give him money, or otherwise 10. - About 5 p.m., I read a Summons to appear at a support him till work can be had : which is one of Lodge to be held next day, at Masons Hall, their articles : and it is another, that they advise the London." Masters they work for, according to the best of their 11.- Accordingly I went, & about Noon were skill, acquainting them with the goodness or admitted into the Fellowship of Freemasons, badness of their materials : and if they be anyway Sir William Wilson, Knight, Capt. Rich: Borthwick, out in the contrivance of their buildings, modestly Mr. Will: Woodman, 'Mr. Wm. Grey, Mr. Samuel to rectify them in it: that Masonry be not Taylor & Mr. William Wyse. dishonored: and many such like that are commonly I was the Senior Fellow amongst them (it being 35 known: but some others they have (to which they years since I was admitted), There were present are sworn after their fashion), that none know but beside myself the Fellowes after named. Mr. Tho: themselves, which I have reasons to suspect are Wise Mr of the Masons Company this present year much worse than these." " [& eight others whom I need not name.] Wee all The official written history of the society only dates dyned at the half Moone Taverne in Cheapside, at a from 1717, prior to which we must glean what we Noble dinner prepared at the charge of the New- can where we can, but the foregoing extract from accepted Masons." Dr. Plot will readily be recognized by any Mason From the place of meeting being Masons Hall, it here present a fairly accurate description of our might be inferred this was a meeting of the Society, and not very different from to-day. Company or Guild, more especially as out of the 16 We have indications of the existence of some of persons named 10 belonged to the City Company, these lodges which so attracted Plot's attention. but the other six never did; and out of the six candidates for initiation two were already members The antiquary, Elias Ashmole, thus writes in his of the City Company. Besides, in the extract, diary, under date October 16, 1646: Ashmole, who never belonged to the Company,

Page 12 of 16 draws a distinction between the Masons Company and why they gradually developed into the bodies of and the Fraternity of Freemasons. our time, are questions of the utmost difficulty.

In the very same year we find the distinction again We are now arrived at that point where written drawn very sharply. I have several times referred to history renders our task easy. In 1716 four of these our Code of Laws, or Roll of the Charges. Such a lodges existed in London: they were the lodges roll is in the possession of the Lodge of Antiquity, which met at London, the oldest lodge in the country. It is signed, "The Goose and Gridiron alehouse," in St. Paul's, "William Bray, Freeman of London and Freemason. Churchyard. Written by Robert Padgett, Clearke to the "The alehouse," in Parker Lane, near Drury Worshipful Society of the Freemasons of the City of Lane. London, ... 1686." Padgett was not the Clerk to the "The Apple Tree tavern," in Charles St., Covent Masons' Company, to which neither he nor Bray Garden. ever belonged. Therefore, the Society and the "The Rummer & Grapes tavern," in Channel Row, Company must have been distinct entities. Westminster.

Aubrey, in his "Natural History of Wiltshire," They met and resolved to form a Grand Lodge or speaks of the Fraternity of Freemasons, and in an Central Authority, and choose a Grand Master. This additional note written in 1691, on the back of Folio resolution was carried out on the June 24, 1717, 72, uses the same term. when Mr. Antony Sayer, Gentleman, was elected

In the year 1693, we have palpable evidence of a Grand Master. He was followed in 1718 by George long pre-existing lodge at York; and in 1705, Sir Payne, Esq., in 1719 by Dr. John Theophilus George Tempest, Bart., was the Master, and all the Desaguliers, in 1720 by Payne again, and in 1721 members practically were gentlemen. by John, Duke of Montague. From that date, the Grand Lodge has always had at its head either a In the year 1701, there was a lodge at Alnwick. The nobleman or a prince of the blood. New lodges were members appear to have been exclusively formed and warranted, pre-existing ones joined the stonemasons, and they never joined the Grand new organization, and the society rapidly increased Lodge of England, or the new system, at all; whilst in strength and importance. In 1729, the Irish lodges so late as 1763 they still remained essentially a established the Grand Lodge of Ireland and in 1736 trades lodge. Yet they possessed the same laws and Scotland followed suit. Meanwhile, in 1725, the old a scroll of the Charges, and called themselves the lodge at York, of which I have already spoken, Fellowship and Company of Freemasons." assumed the titles and functions of a Grand Lodge,

A petitioner for relief in 1732, informed Grand but there was no rivalry between it and London. Lodge that the Duke of Richmond had made him a During a rather fitful career it established some few Mason at Chichester in 1696. lodges of its own, but they and their mother lodge all died out before the close of the century. In the year 1705, a scroll of the Charges was endorsed to this effect, that at a private lodge held at More important was a schism which occurred in Scarborough before William Thompson, President, 1751, which resulted in six lodges establishing a and other Freemasons, six persons, who sign below, rival Grand Lodge in London. The new comers were "admitted to the Fraternity." styled themselves "Ancient" Masons, and thus These and other proofs I could give, all show that forced on the original Grand Lodge the perfectly the Masons' lodges existed in great numbers, that erroneous designation of "Moderns." But in 1813, they were independent of the Guilds, that they were the 388 lodges of the older organization, and the usually called " Fraternity," or "Society," that some 260 of the newer, with their respective Grand were composed solely of workmen, others of Lodges, combined to form the present "United gentlemen, and others of both combined. But, as I Grand Lodge of the Free and Accepted Masons" of said before, although they were evidently the England, which now numbers over 2000 lodges in all parts of the world. successors of the church-building lodges of Freemasons, how they arose in the first instance,

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Quite early after the formation of the Grand Lodge, Albert Edward , our present Grand and the greatly increased prosperity of the Master, was initiated in 1868, and became Grand institution, foreigners were admitted members, and, Master in 1875. His brothers the Duke of returning to their own homes, formed lodges there Connaught and the lamented were under the Grand Lodge of England. The same thing made in 1875: and his son, whom, we have so occurred in the Colonies. In course of time, foreign recently lost, Albert Victor, and countries and some of our Colonies erected Grand Avondale, in 1885. The Queen, who is Grand Lodges of their own, independent of England, but Patroness of the Craft, therefore counts among her still pursuing the same spirit; still governed by the immediate family the following Masons: her father, same fundamental laws; and thus arose the great five uncles, two cousins, three great-uncles, her Fraternity which now covers the face of the earth, great grandfather, a great-great-uncle, three sons all sprung from this little island home, and from the and one grandson. action of our London lodges in 1716-17. To enumerate the foreign princes and emperors who It may be of interest to know how our Royal Family have joined our ranks would take too much time. I has stood in relation to the Craft. once wrote a little book, giving short Masonic

The first of our Royal line to join us, at least in sketches of them all, (as I then thought), but modern times, was Frederick Lewis, Prince of although I enumerated upwards of 170, I have since Wales, son of George II. and father of George III., made the acquaintance of many whom I had inadvertently omitted. November 5, 1737. WHENCE CAME OUR SYMBOLISM? His brother, William Augustus, , was initiated in 1743. The only question now to place before you is that of George III. was not a Mason; but of his brothers, the origin of our ceremonial and symbolism. On this Edward Augustus, , was made in topic, it would be possible to argue from now to 1765: Henry, Duke of Cumberland, in 1767; and Christmas and yet not exhaust the subject but I shall William, , in 1766. They all make it the shortest section of my lecture firstly, were granted the rank of Past Grand Master, and the because to deal with it at any length would weary Duke of Cumberland, served as the Grand Master you, and secondly, because my duty as a Mason from 1782 to 1790. The son of the Duke of forbids my speaking openly except in lodge.

Gloucester, and therefore a nephew of George III., 1 have already told you that we have peculiar was initiated in 1795. ceremonies and a special symbolism. They are very The eldest son of George III., George, Prince of remarkable, no society on earth is known to possess Wales, afterwards George IV., was made a Mason anything at all like them. We can trace them in 1787. He succeeded the Duke of Cumberland, his backwards to a time antedating the formation of uncle, as G.M. in 1790, and retained the office until Grand Lodges, thus proving that they were a he was appointed in 1813 heritage from the old working Freemasons. But at Of his brothers, Frederick, Duke of York, was made that time Freemasonry had long been decaying, and in 1787; William, Duke of Clarence, in 1786; it is not logical to suppose that such a highly ornate Edward, , in 1790 (he was the father and complicated system arose at a period of of our Queen); and Augustus, , in stagnation: rather should we seek for its birth at the 1798. These two were respectively Grand Masters spring-tide of Masonry, the 13th and 14th centuries, of the two rival Grand Lodges at the date of the if not earlier still. Even then it must have been "Union." Another brother of George IV., Ernest, peculiarly the property of the Masons lodges, for Duke of Cumberland, was initiated in 1796, and in the descendants of the ordinary Masons' have no 1828 became Grand Master of , of which knowledge of anything similar. I do not wish to country he became king in 1837. His son, George assert that our ceremonial is word for word and V., of Hanover, Duke of Cumberland, was initiated point for point the same as at that date: this would in 1857, and was also Grand Master of Hanover. be foolish, for all things in this world change, although I verily believe Freemasonry does so less

Page 14 of 16 than anything else. But the essentials of our system as healing balm on the wounded spirit, the soul is and its underlying philosophy must have been there elevated above the cankerous cares of the world, in the 14th century or earlier. Whence came they? and our brother returns to his home, refreshed and They could hardly have been self evolved, for we comforted, and fitter to re-commence the inevitable meet with systems startingly analogous in the struggle of the morrow. Good fellowship and noble ancient mysteries of Egypt, Assyria, Greece, and thoughts have strengthened him for his daily toil. Rome. Are we a survival and the only survival of Surely such a haven of peace and comfort is worth these? Possibly, even probably, but the connecting preserving. links are at present missing. There are many Others never weary of its old-world but sound possible links, suggestion is easy, we might instance philosophy; to them the well-known ritual is ever a possible influence of the Roman Collegia, the new, and they go forth more and more resolved to Templars, the Magistri Comicini, the Gnostics, the carry out its holy precepts. Culdees. Links between the remotest antiquity, the farthest East and ourselves may be easily conceived, Others find pleasure in the never ceasing of doing all are more or less probable, but in every case, we good, and to them the Craft affords a welcome are stopped by the want of absolute evidence. No opportunity of exercising themselves in the greatest answer to the question is at present possible: we are of all virtues, Charity. A society which evokes this striving to discover the truth, and day by day some spirit has a right to exist. new fact crops up, some spark of light appears to raise our expectations, and alas! as often flickers for And lastly there is a class of members, curious and a time and dies out. For the present we are groping prying, to whom the Craft is one of the greatest in the dark. Freemasonry, to the thoughtful Mason, enigmas of the day, and who devote their leisure to is as much a mystery in one sense, as in another it is studying it under every aspect, seeking to wrench to the outside public who are not Masons. from its closed lips the secret of its origin, and the meaning, imperfectly understood, of its symbols. And now, Ladies and Gentlemen, I have answered the questions proposed, as well as I am able in the It will be conceded that an institution which short time available; but I should like to detain you satisfies so many minds has a right to exist: but I for a few minutes whilst I add a few remarks. The will put it higher, and attempt to show that it would mere antiquity of a society can be no just cause for be a calamity to the world should it decay. I have its continuous existence, and I am anxious to show shown its use to individuals, and will only detain why Freemasonry still possesses a valid right, not you further while I explain its utility to, the only to live on, but to spread and fill the whole Community, the State, and to, Humanity at large. earth, as it assuredly will. To the Community. It is useless shutting our eyes to WHAT IS THE VALUE OF MASONRY NOW? the fact that society is divided into different social strata, which seldom find the opportunity, by In the first place, it interests a vast number of men intimate intercourse, of learning to appreciate each of different temperaments for various reasons. You other. But the lodge provides the opportunity. There all know how enthusiastic Masons are. To busy men all classes meet upon a footing of perfect equality, it is a welcome relaxation. After the worry and heat the only superiority being that of Masonic rank, of the day, whether spent in the study, or business, with the result that the commoner often takes or in the field, or in political controversy, they enter precedence of the duke, and, even in military the lodge and instantly find themselves enveloped lodges, the sergeant of his colonel. In the lodge all in an atmosphere of peace. No current from the classes mix, and learn to know and respect each outside world ruffles the perfect harmony of that other: the whole fabric of local society is sacred asylum; no whisper of religious difference, inextricably interwoven, and the great doctrine of of business cares, or carping, envy, disturbs the fraternity and equality are practically exemplified. profound peace of brotherly love. Though foe meet No greater boon can be granted to a town than such foe, at least for a few hours they are brothers; they a society, nothing more conducive to the harmony may continue rivals but will probably never be of the community could be devised. enemies more. The beautiful words of our ritual fall Page 15 of 16

To the State. Political rivalry easily degenerates into nothing. But we do teach our humbler members that personal animosity: set class against class, and in the sight of God and of their brethren they are his sooner or later, civil war ensues. But, bring the two equals; that intrinsically their worth equals his, or parties together, convert bitter opponents into that it only depends upon them to make it so; whilst generous rivals, provide a common ground on in the eyes of the Craft, they may by good Masonic which all can meet in loving kindness, and service and the suffrage of their fellows, become his bitterness will cease. Teach each class to know and superior. We freely acknowledge inherited, respect the other: then your revolutions will be acquired, or conferred dignity, but we hold it in reforms; your smoldering discontent will no longer slight esteem compared to native worth. We assume blaze out into bloody revolt, but will, like a little that a nobleman by becoming one of us shares these leaven, leaven the mass: your possible rebels will sentiments, and anyway we insist upon his acting up become political leaders, and your opposing sects, to the assumption, at least while in lodge. fellow workers. This is the mission the Craft But the greatest boon we hold out to humanity is performs in the State, and it is a blessed one. liberty—liberty, mark well, not license. Liberty to To Humanity at large. If the influence of think our own thoughts, to believe our own creeds, Freemasonry be good to the individual, the to regulate our own lives; liberty to dissent, if we community and the state, you have but to spread its see fit, from the weight of authority; liberty to be influence abroad to benefit humanity. But the men, not slaves. Liberty to think, speak, act as we greatest boon conferred by the Craft on humanity is please, provided we offend not our brother. It is this its insistence on the holy doctrine of individual perfect freedom which is the charm of our society; liberty. I have now mentioned Liberty, Equality and this it is which enables the Christian, Jew, Fraternity, the motto of the ghastly French Mohammedan, Parsi, Hindu, each to honor Revolution. It is also the motto of Freemasonry. The T.G.A.O.T.U. after his own fashion, side by side in thought underlying the Revolution of 100 years ago the same chamber; this it is which is rubbing off the was a noble one, but it led to revolting, barbarous, sharp corners of humanity, and making of the world sacrilegious excess. It was suddenly dangled before one family. The work is not yet finished, we are but the eyes of a people unfitted by previous experience a little way on our road, but we are ever steadily for self-government, and like a sharp tool in the pressing on to the goal. We English first won our hands of a child, did more harm than good. Instead own liberty, personal by Magna Charta, spiritual by of a blessing it proved a curse, carrying death and the Reformation, and we have sent out suffering, murder and outrage, war and famine over Freemasonry, as a missionary into all lands to the greater portion of Europe. The motto is a good preach the sacred doctrine to all men. And until the one none the less, but you must read it Masonically. Millennium come, this mission of the Craft shall

As regards fraternity, I do not think we interpret it endure. So mote it be. differently from the French. We understand thereby that God being our Father all men are brothers. So, Submitted by our Canadian brother says the Church also, but if Christianity preach this WB Wayne D. Anderson, FCF, MPS to the Mohamedans, will it stay the next Jihad, or holy war? Will it be listened to? Masonry can and does preach it to all men, and obtains a hearing and ready acquiescence.

Equality we understand far differently to the French. I think that even in England public opinion misunderstands Masonic Equality. The French thought their nobles all too tall to mix with common mortals, so they shortened them by a head. They leveled down, we leveled up. If a nobleman were to enter our lodges, we have no wish to deny him his worldly distinction or titles, we deprive him of Page 16 of 16