Harashim
The Quarterly Newsletter of the Australian & New Zealand Masonic Research Council
ISSN 1328-2735 Issue 37 January 2006 MORE NZ IN ANZMRC Increase from 4 to 9 full members
This has been an exceptional year for been the missionary zeal of ANZMRC’s the New Zealand component of the New Zealand delegate and Assistant United Masters Australian & New Zealand Masonic Secretary, Colin Heyward. Waikato Research Council. Affiliated member Northern With nine NZ Affiliates, the case for Hawke’s Bay lodges have increased from four to Division two delegates, two Kellerman Lecturers, nine. and two biennial conferences in New Two former Associate members— Zealand in a 16-year cycle is very United Masters Lodge 167 (Auckland) Central strong—and will certainly be on the and Research Lodge of Southland 415 agenda of the next Conference, to be Division (Invercargill)—have upgraded their Taranaki held in Ballarat, Victoria, over the first membership to Affiliate status. This Wellington weekend in October 2006. gives them full participation rights in the Southern New Zealand has one other Craft Council. And three other research lodges Division research lodge, at Ruapehu, and also a which were not members of ANZMRC Masters’ & PMs’ Royal Arch Chapter of Research. The have joined as Affiliate members. We Otago message for these is ‘Come on in; the welcome the Research Lodge of Midland water is fine!’] Taranaki Province 323, the Midland Southland Lodge of Research 436 and the Research Lodge of Otago 161 to our group, and New Zealand Affiliates ANZMRC TOURING look forward to their collective and of ANZMRC individual input in the years to come. LECTURER 2007 Midland Research is based at Timaru, Bro James Daniel, PSGW, PGSec a town on the east coast of the South Interest in the ANZMRC was (UGLE), PM of Quatuor Coronati Island, between Christchurch and undoubtedly forged by the Conference Lodge 2076 EC, will be the Dunedin, and it draws its membership held in Tauranga in 2004 and the ANZMRC touring lecturer for 2007. from the mainly rural lodges in the publicity we gained throughout the New Further details in the April issue. central area of the South. Zealand Masonic fraternity. That The Research Lodge of Otago is the Conference has generated much more second oldest research lodge in New feedback than was initially expected, and Zealand, and is nearing its centenary. Its so, from that aspect, was a great success. membership is based on brethren in the city of Dunedin and the rural towns of Colin Heyward the Otago Province. Taranaki has already been mentioned [Editor’s note: in the last issue of Harashim and their Undoubtedly holding the biennial Master has forwarded a report for this conference in Tauranga helped, as did issue. They are based in the city of New the recent lecture tour by Bob Cooper, Plymouth on the west coast of the North but the main reason for such a substantial increase in membership has Island.Issue 37 page 1 This ’n’ that . . . by Tony Pope ANZMRC Conference Directory updates It has been confirmed that the 8th Midland District LoR 436 United Masters 167 ANZMRC biennial conference will be Sec: Jim Norton, RH, PGBB, Email address of Sec is held at Ballarat, Victoria, from Friday 9/31 Konini St, Timaru, NZ
The remaining sessions will be held email
meeting) Bishop 6 October Victorian Kellerman to be announced (Creswick, Lecture, 2006 Ballarat) 27 October Masonic heresies VRev Fred Shade, WM 218 24 November Installation
South Australian Lodge of Research 216 Meets at Payneham Masonic Hall, 393 Payneham Rd, Marden, on the 4th Friday at 7.30 pm, unless otherwise indicated. 24 February Short talks 216 brethren 28 April Q&A open forum 216 brethren 23 June to be announced 25 August The high fibre diet for Freemasons, Rev Shaun Taylor, WM or Masonic regularity 27 October Installation 15 December to be announced
page 2 Harashim
LEVEL STEPS—100 Daily Meditations the shortest a mere 90. I have not come for Freemasons, by Jonty Marks across many books that help you to get (Perfect 7 Publishing 2004) pb, 108 pp down and experience your Freemasonry (A6), ISBN 0 9548743 0 7, £5.50, at ground level, but this is certainly one. available from The Freemason Ltd And it fits into your inside pocket too. Gold and Blue: Freemasonry and
continued from the July issue
QUEENSLAND & NEW ZEALAND
Brisbane No report.
Toowoomba Ken Stephen reports: Brother Cooper visited Toowoomba on 26 July. He travelled to our fair city with Brother Kemp from Brisbane, returning the same night. Toowoomba Lodge of Instruction was very happy with Brother Cooper and his presentation. He spoke for about 45 minutes to a group of 42 Masons from the Toowoomba area. We followed the presentation with a light supper, when many of the Brethren spoke with Brother Cooper. The general feeling was that Brother Cooper was a delightful fellow. We sold 23 of his books.
Bob Cooper comments: Left to right: Worshipful Master of St Andrew of Townsville Lodge RWBro Graham Stead, I was delighted to come to International Lecturer Bro Bob Cooper, District Grand Master RWBro Lyle McGrath, Acting Toowoomba. All too often people like President WH Green Memorial Masonic Study Circle VWBro Les Keane. me sit in their office (called an Ivory Tower!) and never meet the Brethren Ecclesiastical and Historical Context’. Installation ceremony. Unfortunately, whom they serve. My visit to Sixty brethren were in attendance, we were unable to attend, as Bob had Toowoomba was very pleasant but including the District Grand Master, to organize an interview time with the far, far, too short. I felt that I had Deputy District Grand Master and Discovery Channel in America. supplied the 'first course' and that the some District Grand Officers. The Nevertheless, we had an enjoyable Brethren were deprived of the Main questions that followed were far- evening. and Dessert courses! Ah well, another reaching, and were answered by Bro Sunday at 9.55 AM saw our time perhaps. Cooper in a very capable manner. We International Lecturer, Bro Bob were even able to touch on the Cooper, leave the fair city of Townsville Kirkwall Scroll. Townsville and board the Qantas flight Graham Stead reports: On arriving back home, hostess for Cairns. Helen retired to bed while Graham, As the Qantas jet landed in Bob, and two brethren who had Townsville, the unofficial capital of Cairns travelled to Townsville to hear the North Queensland, at 11.05 AM on Harvey Lovewell reports: address and were also stopping at Friday 29 July, the brethren had no Graham’s and Helen’s place, were Robert Cooper was welcomed to idea of the Masonic delights that were able to have a very enjoyable Cairns on Sunday 31/7/05. The in store for them and what would turn discussion whilst they consumed a Preceptor of WHJ Mayers Lodge of out to be a very memorable event. Reseach, Joe Lynd, met Robert at the LARGE bottle of single malt whisky. Bro Cooper was met at the airport After solving the problems of Masonry airport and after a short tour of the city and then whisked to the Bistro One in different parts of the world, and the deposited him at the home of Gilbert Restaurant for a most enjoyable Neil. hands of the clock showing 4.15 AM, luncheon with some of the members we finally went to bed. He gave his lecture at the Cairns of WH Green Memorial Masonic Study temple at 3 PM to an enthusiastic Circle and their ladies. After sampling Sunday saw us sampling the delights of Townsville and frequenting crowd in excess of 50. Attending were the cuisine, which was presented in brethren, some wives, and such a manner it was really criminal to the scenic icons of this fair city. Mid- afternoon we enjoyed a nice cup of representatives from the Order of the eat it, and washing it down with the Eastern Star. appropriate fluid, we proceeded to the coffee and suitable culinary delights at residence of Graham and Helen who the Strand, where we were able to The lecture was well received, with hosted the guest in this fair city. enjoy the beautiful blue skies, warm Robert giving a run down of the That evening the brethren gathered sunshine and swaying coconut palms. history of Scottish Freemasonry, then at the Townsville Masonic Centre to Delightful! onto the Kirkwall Scroll. hear Bro Cooper deliver his address Saturday night we planned a visit An excellent festive board was ‘Rosslyn Chapel in its Scottish to a Scottish-working Lodge enjoyed by all. page 4 Harashim Gilbert Neill, DC, adds: case for lectures, talks, etc, but the R Gainsford, who in turn welcomed Bob Cooper spoke at WHJ Mayers audience comprised a number of the representative of the Grand Lodge of Research at the end of members of the two Scottish lodges in Master, RWBro E W Plank, SGW, and July. It was an informal meeting open Auckland as well as the usual Grand Lodge Officers. Eleven Past to the public. He spoke on the Kirkwall attentive and interested members of Masters of the lodge were present. Scroll, proving that it was not a great United Masters Lodge. The Lodge was closed and the antiquity having been brought in Bro Cooper gave a well-researched ladies were admitted to the lodge London in the mid-18th century. He (and without notes) explanation of room. The WM introduced Bro Bob spoke on the history of Scottish early Scottish Masonry. There were a Cooper, curator of the Grand Lodge of Freemasonry. He was interesting and large number of questions on a wide Scotland museum and library, who informative and quite pleasant to deal range of related subjects and the delivered a PowerPoint presentation entitled 'Sir Walter Scott and Freemasonry'. Bro Cooper mentioned that this was the only occasion on this tour that he had been asked to give this particular lecture and it was, in fact, the first time it had been given anywhere. The illustrated lecture was very well received and prompted a number of questions and comments, some relating to Rosslyn Chapel. At the conclusion, WBro Gary Kerkin thanked Bro Cooper for delivering the 2005 Verrall Lecture and read the following inscription on the back of the Certificate: The Verrall Lecture Instituted in 1988 The Verrall Lecture is presented annually at Rotorua, New Zealand, the home city of the Waikato Lodge of Research which holds a peripatetic Charter. It commemorates the outstanding efforts of the founding Master of the Lodge, Peter Verrall, in Past Masters of the Waikato Lodge of Research at the Silver Jubilee meeting. creating the Lodge. Subsequently he held the office of Secretary from 1983 photo Peter Verrall to 1990 when he left New Zealand for Western Australia where he continues with. We hosted him a couple of general mood was of keen interest, to be a strong supporter of Masonic nights. We found him to be a person light-hearted and relaxed. research in the Western Australia of simple tastes and quite easy to get The next morning was fine and Lodge of Research No 277. For his on with and very little trouble to host. warm, just right for a drive to contribution there he has been honoured with the rank of Past Deputy His talk was attended by the Ngaruawahia, a lovely little town about Grand Director of Ceremonies. District Grand Master and members of an hour and a half journey, to meet The speaker selected to present the District Grand Lodge and members of the Secretary of the Waikato Lodge of Lecture is drawn from within New the Order of the Eastern Star and was Research, Bro Ian Smith. Bro Alan Zealand, or from some other country, reasonably well attended. An Busfield was again the driver, and and is a Freemason of renown. The afternoon tea followed which was very neither he nor I had maps which topic is related to Freemasonry and is well catered and enjoyed by all. He is showed the destination street, so a often related to other topics which may very conservative in his opinions and visit to the local police station (which have been presented in the Waikato Lodge of Research that year. It is sticks closely to the orthodox lacked a sign saying what it was) intended to convey to the Brethren of teachings of Freemasonry. remedied the deficiency. the Lodge knowledge and information they may not otherwise encounter. In Auckland Rotorua the eighteen year history of the Verrall Alan Bevins reports: Peter Verrall reports: Lecture the Lodge has heard many notable national and international As his host, I picked up Bro Bob The Waikato Lodge of Research held speakers including: VWBro N B Cryer, Cooper at the airport on Tuesday a special meeting in Rotorua on PGC, United Grand Lodge of England evening (2 August) and, after a very Saturday 6 August 2005 to celebrate (1990), RWBro W McLeod, PSGW short drive, Bob was able to relax from both the Silver Jubilee of the Lodge (Canada) (1997), WBro Y Beresiner, his long flight. Bro Bob declined any and the visit of Bro Bob Cooper. LGR (2000), and VWBro P W Verrall, offers to fill his following day and The Lodge was originally PDGDC (WA) (1996). The Waikato Lodge of Research is privileged to add carried out some admin and constituted and dedicated in Rotorua the name of Bro Bob Cooper to this communication tasks and generally on 30 August 1980 by MWBro distinguished list of Verrall Lecturers. took it easy. From conversations, he R H Ashby, Grand Master, when I had He then handed the Certificate to had been impressed with his reception the honour of being installed as the VWBro Peter Verrall for presentation on the Tour thus far, and was pleased first Master of the lodge. There were to Bro Cooper. how it had progressed. On the 134 Charter members. In the evening the Lodge members, Thursday morning, VWBro Alan For the Silver Jubilee meeting, the ladies and visitors attended a Busfield took him on a mini-tour of Lodge was opened at 3 PM by the celebration dinner. Auckland. WM, WBro W Merrilees, and he The Lodge meeting in the evening received the District GM of the was small in numbers, as if often the Geyserland District, VWBro (Continued on page 12) Issue 37 page 5 Focus on contemporary Freemasonry in Central & Eastern Europe For the past five years the Romanian-based e-zine Masonic Forum,
CLAUDIU IONESCU talking to Most Worshipful BORISLAV SARANDEV Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Bulgaria [We had the honour and the pleasure to be accepted for an interview in Romanian by Most Worshipful Brother Borislav Sarandev, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Bulgaria. He is a good speaker of Romanian also, for he graduated from the Academy of Economic Studies in Bucharest, 1982.]
education was known to be very good), professions. Supported by some Western with a morality comparable to those in Lodges: United Grand Lodge of other countries. That is on one hand. But Germany, Alpine Grand Lodge of on the other hand, having the experience Switzerland, Grand Lodge of Turkey, we of Socialism, we know what a mass succeeded last year in regulating 7 organization means. It is acknowledged Lodges, summing more than 200 that a process of gathering the masses members. Thus we finished the process towards Masonry began worldwide. This of consolidating the Grand Lodge of is not good; it’s a fatal error. Masonry Bulgaria. We have decided recently for a founds itself in peril of becoming new strategy in the development of ‘museum’ Masonry with all kinds of Bulgarian Masonry. He who really wants exhibits. I repeat myself, now we’re to see will understand; first we are seeking for something valuable, knowing preoccupied by the philosophical– what mass organizations mean—this is intellectual development of our Brethren. our chance of building a valuable Administratively speaking, we modified Masonry in the East. our Constitution, too. We created the MWBro Sarandev with RWBro Ionescu ‘passive Masonic’ status. Those who M.W. Grand Master, I can’t help myself We both know few entered Masonry for skip workings become passive at once. If from noticing: you don’t wear any the reason they knew what Masonry a Brother becomes passive Mason and he Masonic badge. represented. Some wanted to become was given the 1st or 2nd degree, he Beloved Brother, I don’t believe in Masons to help their business, others doesn’t have the right to receive a salary badges and medals. I do believe in man, searching for protection. raise. And if he is Master, he is not in his power. If somebody is keen on The same happened in all Eastern allowed to vote. But if he doesn’t pay his wearing medals, he could be ridiculous. countries. During the Communist period duty in time, the mentioned Brother is However, the risk of ‘showing off’ there were institutions that handled erased. In an elegant manner, situations doesn’t appear only in our countries, but Masonry. It is natural for those men to that could be unpleasant in other also in the old regions, where Masonry enter Masonry now, because then they conditions are resolved. We’re talking works for hundreds of years already knew the value of Masonry. We about Love. God is Love. Jesus preached uninterruptedly. should not be afraid of uttering this. It’s Love. logical. Masonry is not an organization We do not talk about power. But we Do you consider it’s harder to polish whose purpose is to influence the know the power of man. the raw stone here, in the East, political and economic life. It’s a body in comparatively to the West? Did the What is the length of a Grand Master which the individual can self-improve. Communist period leave its mark in any seat? How are the Lodges represented When you reach a certain level of way? in the Convent? development, if somebody asks for help, I think we shouldn’t discuss the Every Grand Master can have as much you are obliged to do it. A Mason is Communism now. No social-economic as two seats of maximum two years compelled to help his country, his structure should be considered good or each. I am positive there’s no need for society! bad in absolute way. Even the more! I believe that in the young fields totalitarian regimes had something good How many members are there in the everybody should be involved. We are in themselves, be it a simple idea. Our Grand Lodge of Bulgaria? young Masons of age. Anyone of our age young Masonic structures are made up of We have almost 800 regular Masons. who becomes Grand Master has a risk: clever men (in the East, people’s They come from all corners, all to believe he is great. And we want to
page 6 Harashim prevent this. At the Convent, each Lodge happens in our country, abroad; we deputation that took part in the is represented by a single vote, that of publish the best drawings of the celebration of the Scottish Rite for the Most Worshipful. Bulgarian Brethren. We have a board Romania was not made up of Masons. that handles the magazine. They are irregular, not belonging to the Does the Grand Lodge of Bulgaria have Grand Lodge of Bulgaria. I need to point its own Temple? What Rites of Perfection work on out the following aspects: everywhere No. We work in this hotel (Park Hotel Bulgaria’s territory? there are Lodges that accept women, Moskva), where we have three halls. We None. But we have about 30 Brethren Lodges that don’t believe in the Great hope to build our Temple. We will buy initiated in the Scottish Rite who activate Architect of the Universe, Lodges that an estate for the Temple and, when we regularly. They are members of the don’t submit to certain Rites (A.A.S.R., will have done this, we’ll send you a NATO Bases; they don’t work here for York) and they are not regular Lodges. letter, so that you will write in Masonic misunderstanding reasons. We are a regular Grand Lodge. And we Forum magazine about this Where could a Bulgarian Mason go, if are here to guard the regular status of accomplishment of the Bulgarian he wishes continuous perfection in a Grand Lodge of Bulgaria. We respect all Brethren. Rite? other Lodges, as we respect the What is the situation of the foreign Anywhere he wants: Turkey, Germany, Rotarians or Lyons Club. This doesn’t recognition? Austria, for example. And he can choose mean they are our Brethren or Sisters. We have 56 international recognitions. any Rite: Scottish, York, or the Memphis Let’s not mingle the facts, nor mix iron We’ve recently received the latest, three Rite. with tomatoes and pretend we have a weeks ago—from the Grand Lodge of salad. There is no jurisdiction where Can he come to Romania to one of the Louisiana. In December 2003 we had the everything goes perfect, still everybody Rites existing here? honour to receive recognition from the stares at us, nobody is watching the I’ll be honest to you, my Brother. I love National Grand Lodge of France. We West. If we keep in touch and we discuss all Romanian Brethren, I feel home there have a fine co-operation with the frequently, admit mistakes and apologize and I am, actually, home. Still, we are European Grand Lodges, the Grande and, more than that, are able to forgive, Masons for only 10 years! I don’t mean Oriente d’Italia, the Grand Lodge of we are entitled to consider ourselves to say that we don’t have anything to Turkey. We are brotherly related to Masons. We have our way, but we left learn from Romania; on the contrary. Grand Lodges from all continents. I dare the door open to anyone who wants to But I think we should go elsewhere to say the Grand Lodge of Bulgaria has a submit to our principles. learn. I can’t say anything bad about very fine situation concerning anybody. As I’ve previously said, I don’t I ask you in the end, Most Worshipful recognitions. I want to underline the believe in medals. I believe in man’s Grand Master, to draw a brief survey of extremely important role of the mind. And I also believe the most your profane life. Conference in Sinaia. It helped us know valuable thing is practiced in the I graduated from AES in 1982. Since the each other very well. All Europe comes symbolical degrees. If you want beginning I had a very good career. In to the conference in Sinaia. We should something lofty, you’ll have to be truly 1985 I became manager, though I was use it as a launching site in order to great in the symbolical degrees. If you very young. I’ve been working in the support the Masonries in our countries, are interested in medals, you are not private sector since 1992. I have an so that people could know what we want. good for Masonry. economic consulting firm, a real estate Does the regular Bulgarian Masonry Masonic Forum is read worldwide agency and I am the member of a have its own magazine? and in years it will become history. holding containing 6 industrial factories. We have a biannual magazine, in Consequently, I consider that you should I’m also member of many administrative Bulgarian and English. But it is not like correct a flaw that appeared in the 16th boards. I’m 47 and I still feel young. Masonic Forum. Ours displays what issue. You know what I mean, the
CLAUDIU IONESCU talking to Most Worshipful Brother MICHAEL KRAUS Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Austria The sovereignty and the main responsibility for Freemasonry in a country is Blue Masonry
Most Worshipful Grand Master, please allowed in Austria but they were not tell us briefly about the history of permitted to work in Austria. So we had Masonry in Austria. to move to Hungary and we worked in Austria has an old tradition. We were Hungary, but we were registered in consecrated as a Grand Lodge in 1784. Austria until the end of the First World Freemasonry was suspended and War. In 1919, Freemasonry in Austria forbidden soon afterwards in 1795 and it existed officially again; it was then existed officially until today. An suspended by the Nazis in 1938, before important period was when the Austrian the Second World War, and it started Freemasons were organized and worked again right after the war. in Hungary between 1868–1919 in the Obviously, in the 18th century, most Austrian–Hungarian monarchy. Masonry of the advisers to Maria Theresa and the was allowed in Hungary after 1868, but court of Franz Joseph were Masons. it was forbidden in Austria. So the Most of the laws and the things that have profane associations of Freemasons were been done and have been good for our country were very strongly introduced Left: MWBro Michael Kraus
Issue 37 page 7 by Masons. In the years before the two had no problems with it. So far, the says yes or why he says no. So this is wars and between, we were less involved evidence that we have been officially something that also helps to maintain a in matters of society, in politics (quote– invited is very comforting, because it high standard and it demands from unquote if you like), and more in social proves that they take us seriously, that everyone involved in the process to do it things, and in charity and in creating they have no problems with us, and that properly and to do it thoroughly. This, hospitals and institutions like that. they accept the fact that we don’t want to on the one hand, slows down our pace of appear publicly, which is also something growth because it takes some time and What can you tell us about Austrian very important. We don’t advertise perhaps it is too cumbersome for the Freemasonry at the beginning of the ourselves in public. The only thing that candidates, but it assures a certain new millennium? And generally we do in public is our museum, this is quality. speaking, how do you see Freemasonry where we meet people that are interested What is the relationship of the Austrian in this new millennium? in Masonry, this is where we tell them Masonry with the Church? Today we have approximately 3000 about the history, this is one of our most We’ve had from the beginning, in the Brethren and 65 Lodges. The most important recruiting points: our museum 18th century, a number of difficulties important thing that we claim to be in Eisenhower. with the Roman Catholic Church, as specific for Austria is that we continued Aside from that, we want to stay anyone else, for reasons that we know to grow. We are younger now, so the away from appearing as Freemasonry in from history, the fact that we questioned average age is young. We have enough public, taking part in debates on political the political strength of any church. And candidates who want to join Masonry. decisions, and we never advertise the the fact that we accepted other religions We have an excellent relationship with members openly. That might be one of was, obviously, something that was the politicians, with the Government. It the reasons why so many want to come considered a danger for their political might be interesting to know that two and join us: not because we are positions. Not their position as a years ago I was officially invited by the something secret and the people are confession, but their political position. President of the National Assembly to curious, but because we want to be So everyone who says the Rome is one take part in the workshop that the something that is very private. And this thing, but there might be Constantinople Government has created for a new is something that makes it important. If it or other places that are equally important constitution in Austria. This was an is a private thing, if it is a bit of an elite is something endangering. So, for official invitation of the President of the oriented organisation, then people will political reasons, the church was always Parliament sanctioned by the second become interested. So this way has against us because we questioned the deputy president of the Government (one proven to be successful in the sense of legitimate position of the church in is from the Conservative Party; one is keeping the organisation growing and society as a political institution. We from the Socialist Party). They officially strong. invited the Grand Lodge of Austria to questioned that, as we questioned the take a seat in this working group for a What is the development rate of the legitimacy of dictators. This is the new Constitution, which has limited Grand Lodge of Austria? Is the problem of Enlightenment that led to the attendance. I’m only mentioning this as a procedure of becoming a Mason in French Revolution. Obviously, this is proof of how much Masonry is accepted Austria complicated? something with a Masonic spirit. So, this in Austria. We are not growing in a very fast pace is the one side why the church has on purpose. And this is also something always been in an offensive position So, the Austrian Constitution bears that we consider to be specifically with us. The other side is that if you your signature, the signature of the Austrian. The procedure of becoming a don’t look Masonry from the inside, the Grand Lodge, too? Mason in Austria is cumbersome. It church has a religion who would suspect We chose not to take the seat because takes up to two years. It is a procedure that we do something that makes religion this also conforms to one of our very where the candidate is being scrutinized superfluous, which would substitute strict principles of which we believe, that by several official and unofficial religion. And the fact that we don’t talk is responsible for such a healthy and members, a procedure where other about this and we don’t tell them why we strong condition that we have in Austria: Lodges have the right to interfere. It is do this and why we use Rituals, because we do not want to appear as an always the decision of the Grand Master we consider this a secret and not because organization in public matters. If we in the end, but the interventions of others we’re doing something bad (to have a took the seat in a very open workshop, in are being accepted: yes or not. So it is a secret is something instrumentally a very open and officially installed very cumbersome process, and we do important), from the outside, at least it working group of all sorts of lose certain members who want to come does a justification for the judge to be representatives of society to work on because there are interventions by others suspicious: ‘What are they doing? Are something as important as the who think he is not a good candidate. they claiming to be religion?’ So this is constitution of Austria, then we would And the position of the Grand Master in the past and this is the reason why the have to speak in the name of the question ‘Shall we take him? Yes or church has always been in conflict with Freemasonry for issues like abortion and no?’ is quite strong. The Grand Master Masonry. It’s particularly wrong. all sorts of other issues that have nothing cannot recruit by himself. He cannot take Aside from that, we always had very to do with the spirit of Freemasonry. Our someone without the acceptance of prominent members of the church in way is to participate in these meetings as others who are also accepted by the Masonry. We’ve had bishops, priests, Masons, we try to delegate our members English constitution. But in the normal and we continue to have priests in the into bodies that are there, but not to have procedure, the Grand Master does not Austrian Masonry. After the war and a seat with a sign on the table saying recruit. Yet, nobody can become a until today, it was the work of very few ‘This is the Grand Lodge of Austria’. Mason in Austria without the but very strong personalities to reach a The President of the Assembly sanctioning of the Grand Master; and the new agreement with the Roman-Catholic understood that, he accepted that, and we Grand Master never has to say why he Church in Austria, and we have reached page 8 Harashim it. From a Cardinal, who died recently, hasn’t been discussed, we’re not values, than you have to catch up, you we have a file that is public now of not dogmatic, we’re not religion, we’re not a have to make sure that ethics and moral only correspondence but also an substitute for religion, but we want to and good behaviour and good posture is agreement that lasted until the war, that bring the people back to their values. We being re-instituted. And, obviously, changed the code of the church and feel that globalization and the lack of Masonry is very helpful, useful and a which stopped the automatic confidence—in authorities, in church— good instrument to do that. So the excommunicating clause for creates emptiness, and we want to tell expectations of the Brethren in East to Freemasons. This was done by an the Brethren and make it conscious for yes, be active in creating a new society, Austrian president who’s still alive them that it is important for humanity to in, yes, be active and influencing politics together with that Cardinal. It’s also a go back to your own values, enforcing and things like that, this desire is much fact that a German Cardinal in Rome, the them and strengthen them. But this is not bigger, because the need is bigger there. head of the department in Rome that is oriented to a specific task. We have There’s a certain danger, because if you responsible for the laws never wanted never tried to formulate tasks like ‘Let’s care, if you have to care for society in that and added something in this new do this, let’s do that’. I’ll give you an creating new things, the challenge, the version of the law, which now leaves it example which is not really an example: danger of influencing day-to-day politics to the bishops to follow it the old way or ‘Shall we have nuclear power in Austria? is obviously there. And for a good the new way. Yes or no? Let’s have a Masonic reason, daily politics should stay outside The new way is that Freemasonry position!’ Obviously not!! The majority the Lodges because if we start discussing does not automatically bring you in a of the Brethren in Austria believe that day-to-day politics in the Lodges, then hostile position vis-à-vis the church, and we continue to have a function in doing we’ll fight inside as much as we have to the church does not automatically catalytic work in society, not as an fight outside. One of the reasons why excommunicate you; i.e. you are not organisation, everyone on his own. But Freemasonry was founded is because permitted to participate in communion in the immediate present or the whenever there was an argument they and be a Christian anymore. This immediate future, our main task is to do had among each other, they took out the position is the one that has been as much as we can to work on the new dagger and stabbed him. So they said exercised in Austria since that time when Europe. We feel that not only from our ‘Why don’t we sit down and talk in we reached this agreement. So we have historical or geographical position, but peace and let it all out?’ So we an internal agreement, we are peaceful to also for the fact that we are in the centre understand and we would also support church and whether any Cardinal sees it of Europe and we are a small country, the intention of the new Grand Lodges to different or not is something that doesn’t we might be a good helping hand in be more involved in influencing the really concern us that much. There’s no creating a unity of minds and a unity of society. It is good, but it has to be done problem, there’s no open conflict, but if hearts, and not only a unity of business carefully, and it has to be done with a we’re honest and truthful, we have to and economics. And this is, if you like, a sort of distance and degree of abstract admit that there’ve always been Masons very definite programme by the Grand working. also in Austria who use Masonry as a Lodge of Austria. Everything that we I think I can affirm that your position means of attacking the Church. We have can do to increase the position of our as Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of and we had members that became Brethren in the former Eastern countries Austria is favourable to the National Masons because they have a conflict is an obligation for every Mason in Grand Lodge of Romania… with the Church, not that they found a Austria. Not only for the Lodge, but for We have been in the past years and we substitute, dogmatic or confession in everyone, because we’re so close and continue to be strong supporters of the Masonry for the church. So it’s not only there’re so many possibilities that we National Grand Lodge of Romania and the fault of Rome, of the Catholic have and this is the main thing we have we know that some of the tasks of Church; there are many anti-clerical to do on a Masonic level. And if we do it creating a clear and acceptable frame for elements, a spirit within Masonry, on a Masonic level and create this Masonry over the whole country still has unfortunately, that continues to make it a understanding among Masons, we feel to be established. There are other bit difficult, to see it as something that both sides, the ones in the East and organizations that call themselves without any problem whatsoever. the ones here can take it out to the world Masons and there are different opinions Officially, there’s no problem. and tell them that we are a new and on what is regular and what is not Officially, we have good relations with joined European spirit. regular. We have enough evidence and the church and all the parties in the Do you think that there are differences we have recognized the National Grand spectrum of the Austrian society. But it’s between Eastern and Western Lodge of Romania. The NGLR is the something that is sensitive and is not Masonry? I’m not referring to correct/ one that is authorized and legitimate to completely straightened out. wrong position, but to differences in represent Freemasonry in Romania. But To what extent does the fact that outlook. Romania is a good example of the Austria is situated geographically in the Yes. I think there is a difference in the consequences you can come into when centre of Europe influence the expectations of the single Brethren and too many ambitious elements from approach of the external relations? of the ones who want to become Masons, outside the country try to be missionaries Today, we have felt that most of the probably. I think that in the new Eastern in a good spirit. And to solve the people that want to join us come because countries of Europe there is much more problems afterwards is always more they don’t find their spiritual fulfilment desire and need to actively take part in difficult than trying to avoid them in their traditional values, in their forming a new society. And we beforehand. To overcome these religions. And they think that understand this. If you come from years problems, the single Grand Lodge in a Freemasonry might be a way of dealing of living in a system that’s not humane, country needs the assistance of outside with the values and spiritual things. that is not tolerant, that has been Obviously, and this is something that suppressing the people and has eroded (Continued on page 10) Issue 37 page 9 (Continued from page 9) Bodies in Austria is always Blue because Freemasonry is a chain all over Masonry. You cannot become a member WORLD CONFERENCE the world, and to be accepted by the of the Scottish Rite before you haven’t VENUE CANCELLED others will give you the possibility to get passed through the three degrees of the everything straightened out and orderly Blue Freemasonry. And it is only after Just a few weeks before the World inside the country. So we take the you’ve been a Master for a certain time, Conference of Grand Lodges was to position that we should not sit back and then you can apply or you are asked to be held in Sydney, the United Grand watch and wait until they’ve done it. We join one of the two high-grade systems. Lodge of New South Wales and the believe that we should offer our help, not So there’s no doubt about that. We’re Australian Capital Territory force help upon them, but offer our help part of the building where the basement cancelled the arrangements. The if it is needed and we have been telling is Blue Masonry. And that has never website
[Extract from Murray Yaxley’s ‘Around the world’ column in the August 2005 issue Additional information on SPC of Freemasonry Tasmania, reprinted with permission.] As explained in the invitation to the seventh Sinaia Procotol Conference Sinaia Protocol (SPC), hosted by the Grand Lodge of Bosnia and Herzegovina, held in July The Sinaia Protocol Conference is the SPC met at Rosenau Masonic Castle in 2005 in Sarajevo: name of an informal forum of Grand Austria and the topic was ‘How masons The SPC is an informal annual Lodges which has been established to can influence society’. Seventeen meeting of the highest facilitate cooperation and consultation jurisdictions were represented, nine by representatives of Masonic for the development of Freemasonry in their Grand Masters. The GM designate jurisdictions of Eastern Central, those European countries, including of the Grand Lodge of Bosnia- South Eastern, North Eastern, and those of the former Soviet Union, where Herzegovina was also present, prior to Eastern Europe as well as of other free exercise of Freemasonry was the consecration of that Grand Lodge jurisdictions interested in Masonry impossible for some decades. just one month later. in that region. The SPC is a forum The group strictly observes the The SPC is clearly a well structured for co-operation and consultation for ancient landmarks and traditions of organisation providing valuable the development of Freemasonry in that region. Meetings are conducted Freemasonry and abstains from assistance to the Masonic fraternity in in English only. involvement in issues of politics and the region. It has a Secretariat in Vienna. religion. (Lest the name of this group of Grand The meeting held in Belgrade in July In 2004 the theme of the conference Lodges suggests that there is some 2004 was the sixth Annual Conference. (in Belgrade) was ‘How can brethren connection with Moses and Mt Sinai, it The meeting in Austria in March 2005 apply the principles of freemasonry in is best that I reveal that Sinaia is a town was the first seminar of the SPC. their own society?’ In March 2005 the in East Romania.) Tony Pope
page 10 Harashim Book Reviews continued from page 3 Puritan factions, during which he called for the creation of a new translation of the Bible to be read in churches. A panel of Translators was formed and divided into companies, each assigned a portion 7—THE RESEARCH LODGE of the Bible to compile. Exact details of OF TARANAKI PROVINCE the panel’s membership and who translated what are now lost, although BY GRAEME THOMPSON considerable information on some group members remains. We meet those men warts and all as the tale progresses. The Research Lodge of the Taranaki Province was constituted, consecrated and It is important to note, however, that dedicated at a ceremony held on Thursday 10 October 1946. This was as the the King James Bible was far from being result of a series of meetings of the various Lodges of the then Province of the first translation of Scriptures into Taranaki culminating in a formation meeting on Thursday 25 July 1946. There English. Richard Bancroft, Bishop of were 45 charter members, and membership peaked at 119 with 82 associate London, was team leader and he members. Shortly after the constitution of our lodge, application was made for the instructed the Translators to base their charter to be made a peripatetic one as the lodge was truly provincial in nature. revisions mainly on the Bishops’ Bible, This was agreed to by the Board of General Purposes. but also on Tyndale’s, Matthew’s, The guiding light and founding Master of the lodge was VWBro A M Niblock, Coverdale’s and the popular Geneva affectionately known as ‘the Padre’. There is little doubt that it was his enormous Bible. This latter was written by experience and dedication that resulted in a comprehensive lodge that not only members of the English community at included the entire Province of Taranaki, but also every Constitution that had Geneva. The Translators also used the lodges meeting here. VWBro Niblock served as Master with distinction for two Roman Catholic Douai English years, before being appointed Provincial Grand Master, which appointment he translation, but failed to acknowledge held until his passing to the Grand Lodge above in 1951. this. By 1611 the complete new As with any research establishment, much revolves around its library, and in translation had been considered as a this regard the Research Lodge of the Taranaki Province is well endowed. The whole by all involved and submitted to library has a large listing of Masonic literature and, especially in the early days, the printer. There is great confusion members assiduously performed their duties in preparing papers, many hundreds regarding this 1611 edition, as several of which are filed. It is noticeable, however, that of later years the enthusiasm for versions seem to have been put out such activities seems to have waned. around the same time. All of those were VWBro Niblock, in his term as Master, declared his intention to visit every riddled with mistakes, to add to the lodge in the Taranaki Province, a feat that he completed successfully—no mean chaos: ‘hoopes’ for ‘hookes’, ‘she’ for accomplishment, considering the conditions of the roads at that time. In this year ‘he’, and even ‘Judas’ for ‘Jesus’. Worst I have emulated that achievement with consummate ease, thanks to modern of all, however, came later, in a 1631 vehicles and well constructed roads. Also one must admit that he had to visit 25 edition known as the Wicked Bible, lodges—I, a mere nine. Such is the decline of our Masonic strength, and where the all important ‘not’ was left out regretfully this is reflected in our lodge being now of 36 members. of a commandment, so it instructed The organisation of a research lodge lends itself more readily to change than people ‘Thou shalt commit adultery’. does a Craft lodge and one suspects that, to turn the present decline around, we After all that effort, the Geneva Bible need to ‘think outside the square’, to encompass traditional and innovative values continued to outsell the King James for and thinking, and to plumb the depths of our creativeness. The future of Masonry many years, so James prohibited any is in our hands. further printing of the Geneva Bible. [Editor’s note. On Sunday morning, 17 July 2005, Bro Thompson visited the ANZMRC website
Issue 37 page 11
HOME SAFE About Harashim Tour Reports Hello everyone, This is a brief e-mail to let everyone know Harashim, Hebrew for Craftsmen, is a continued from page 5 that I have finally arrived home safe and quarterly newsletter published by the reasonably well. It will also serve as an Australian and New Zealand Masonic Hastings interim thank you to you all for your Research Council (PO Box 332, Williamstown, Victoria 3016, Australia) and No report. kindness and courtesy when I was in your part of the world. two copies are issued free to each of its The tour has given rise to a huge Affiliate and Associate members in January, Wellington number of questions, enquiries and April, July and October each year. No report. suggestions which I hope to begin to Current and back issues in PDF format answer in the near future but please be will soon be posted on ANZMRC’s Internet patient as there are so many that it will website
The Quarterly Newsletter of the Australian & New Zealand Masonic Research Council
ISSN 1328-2735 Issue 38 April 2006
Lodge Communication on Wednesday 8 March. At the close of the meeting NSW RESEARCH LODGE only four flyers were left. Good start! A roster of those able to visit the city and inner metropolitan lodges is being IN RECESS drawn up, and on those visits it is by Andy Walker expected that promotion of the concepts of the lodge could draw interest. During mid-2005 the Research Lodge of the Grand Secretary was advised that the Brethren expressing interest will be New South Wales No 971, UGL of NSW Charter was to go into recess for 12 invited to attend our informal meetings, & ACT, knew that there were problems months, commencing 1 March 2006. At where we intend to present discussions, looming. With a membership of 22 we this meeting it was also agreed to form a debates and papers. At that point any had at best 8 regular attendees. Often we research group to continue the work of further interest will, we hope, bring had to rely on visitors to fill offices so #971, and to go out and actively recruit affiliations. that the lodge could function. Age, new members. We are particularly keen to learn what distance and health were the limiting On advice from the Grand Registrar, forms of research would interest the factors in stretching the cable-tows of the we do not have to form an independent newer members of the Craft; whether rest. group. The lodge still exists, and can changing our meeting time from 7 pm to Two of the active members also function but cannot meet as a lodge. 6 pm would appeal more to those belong to Lodge University of Sydney The first informal meeting was held working in the city, and any other and, as their members quite often in the library on Tuesday 7 March, and suggestions that may come forward. produce original Masonic papers for various ideas were brainstormed to As the last foundation member still on presentation in their own lodge, a produce the desired results. his feet, and the senior PM of the lodge, consolidation of the two lodges seemed a On the suggestion of our Grand it is my hope that these actions will viable proposition. Steering committees Librarian, a member, 200 flyers advising restore the Research Lodge of New were formed and met, jointly thrashing of the lodge’s existence and what it does South Wales to its former active and out all the foreseeable problems and were placed at the door of the Grand respected status. producing proposed by-laws for the new lodge. In this Constitution, when two lodges merge both original lodges cease and a DEATH OF JOSEPH WALKES new lodge is formed. It may use the name of either, or a new name; it may On Sunday 5 March 2006 webmaster AEAONMS (PHA Shriners). I confirmed his passing with his use the number of either, or seek a new Richard Num posted the following widow. She will inform me of further number. Both lodges must agree, with a message to the ANZMRC e-list, from PM Robert Campbell (PHA Missouri): developments and plans for his two-thirds majority of members present services as soon as they are finalized. in each case. The proposal was for a new Late Saturday afternoon local time May God grant him peace and rest! name, ‘The Universities and Research P M Joseph A Walkes (King Solomon #15, MWPHGL of Missouri, A&FM, Further information was supplied by Lodge’, retaining Lodge University of Bro Campbell via PM Ralph McNeal Sydney’s number. The necessary PHA) departed his earthly vessel. Brother Walkes served the MWPHGL (PHA Arizona) that services would be majority was not achieved, so the whole of Missouri as Grand Historian for held at the Latter Day Saints Church, deal fell through. many years. He was the Founder and Leavenworth, Kansas, on Thursday This left #971 with a few options. At President of the Phylaxis Society and 9 March, and the funeral the following an emergent meeting in February 2006, the world’s foremost researcher and morning. in the presence of the Regional Grand learned authority on Prince Hall. A Masonic and Phylaxis Society Brother Walkes authored several Councillor and the District Grand memorial is planned for a later date. Inspector of Workings, the existing books, as well as the Histories of some of the Prince Hall Grand Lodges, and See also pages 6–8, this issue. MasterIssue 38and Officers were re-elected and page 1 About Harashim
Harashim, Hebrew for Craftsmen, is a quarterly newsletter published by the Australian and New Zealand Masonic Research Council (PO Box 332, Williamstown, Victoria 3016, Australia) and two copies are issued free to each of its Affiliate and Associate members in January, April, July and October each year. Current and back issues in PDF format will soon be posted on ANZMRC’s Internet website
Issue 38 page 3 Reprinted from the quarterly newsletter of Anniversary Lodge of Research 175 New Hampshire, vol 7 #1, 2006.
Last year a small group of Brothers from a host of jurisdictions, who were mostly members of a number of Masonic e-mail listservs, considered how Brothers in their various locales and jurisdictions could discuss the speculative elements of the Craft and use its symbolic teaching method as a way to transform their lives. After considering several options and on condition that no particular one of them take credit for whatever ideas developed, they decided to focus their efforts on developing a list of recommendations for speculative Masonic discussion groups. As a result they have remained anonymous, allowing the recommendations to stand on their own merits, free of association with any particular personality or affiliation. A draft of this list was discussed once it was completed and after receiving general approval, subsequent discussions ensued, and a few revisions were made. This document is being shared with everyone in Masonic fellowship who may have interest, and you are welcome to distribute it freely, and discuss it with your Brethren.—Mark Furber Recommendations for Speculative Masonic Discussion
Purpose 3. Groups should operate independently through emails or flyers sent to local Speculative Masonic discussion groups of each other and any Masonic lodges and temples. provide interested Masons with organization, striving to avoid 7. Roundtable discussions are opportunities to explore the dimensions entanglement in fraternal politics. recommended as the standard format of meaning and purpose in Masonic Groups should not be considered because they stimulate involvement rituals and symbols. recruiting grounds for any from each participant. In order for organization. participants to be prepared with Guiding Principles 4. Commitment to democratic process insights and questions on any given 1. Masonic rituals and symbols have should be maintained. In most cases, subject, a group should agree upon historic, social, moral, philosophical one or two individuals naturally future discussion topics and and spiritual dimensions of meaning assume informal leadership roles in recommended readings. Presentation and purpose, and each deserves founding and organizing a group. A and discussion of papers written by attention. coordinator can be elected to facilitate group participants can also be 2. The rituals, catechisms, and other communication within the group, but stimulating. customs of the fraternity provide titles and formalized rules of conduct 8. Groups can meet as often as they traditional explanations of the are rarely necessary, and they can wish, though monthly or twice per meanings in our rituals and symbols. interfere with the openness, warmth, month is recommended. Meeting less 3. Speculation on further meanings and casualness, and egalitarianism that frequently can discourage purposes in our rituals and symbols is should characterize every group commitment of all participants, and the right of every Mason, and it meeting. Mutual agreement among meeting more frequently can often be provides further moral, intellectual participants to adhere to the virtues of too much of a commitment for and spiritual light in Masonry. Masonic conduct should be adequate brothers who would otherwise be 4. While some speculations may be to ensure a pleasant and productive enthusiastic participants. more informed or rationally sound atmosphere. than others, every individual's 5. The optimal maximum size for a speculations are valid at least to the group is approximately 12 to 15 extent that he finds them personally participants. Larger groups can inhibit THE TWO meaningful. the participation of some individuals, 5. Sharing information, insights and and often demand more structure and questions with others in an open, formality. A group with more than 20 warm, casual, and egalitarian participants should consider dividing environment greatly enhances the into two groups that meet in different practice of speculation. locations and times. The formation of 6. Quality of group meetings is more new groups can make participation important than the quantity of more convenient for a larger participants. percentage of the local Masonic Operational Recommendations population. 1. Speculative Masonic discussion 6. The best manner for initial formation groups ideally meet in dining halls, of a group is through agreements libraries or other auxiliary rooms of among brothers who already know lodges or temples. Where each other to be interested in this kind circumstances demand otherwise, of Masonic activity. As a core group groups can meet in any convenient of brothers establishes a stable history Richard McClure, WM 1856 and private location, such as homes, of meeting on a routine basis, then offices after business hours, and more participants are likely to be When the Duke of Leinster Lodge 363 IC drawn by word of mouth. Where a was constituted in Adelaide in March meeting rooms in public libraries. 1856, the foundation Master was Richard 2. Meetings are best held at times that group has established stability, it may McClure (above). When the lodge—the do not conflict with other fraternal also consider notifying a larger only remaining lodge in Australia under meetings. number of brothers about its existence the Grand Lodge of Ireland—celebrated
page 4 Harashim From an interesting collection of papers on the website
by William Jules Mollere
It was a hot summer day in July 1982, at my thoughts on such an organization. disbelief, too, he said that some bad the Baton Rouge High Twelve luncheon When the time came for him to be information had been circulated. Many where I finally had the courage to ask elevated to Grand Master in 1985, and of the delegates had been led to believe RW Ray W Burgess, Grand Junior lead the Grand Lodge, Bro Burgess that the Research Lodge would be an Warden of the MW Grand Lodge of the appointed a ‘Committee to Study the ‘Inspector-General’ office for the Grand State of Louisiana, Free and Accepted Feasibility of Organizing a Lodge of Lodge. People would come around to Masons, the questions that had been Research’ and named me Chairman, and check on things and report back to the whirling around in my mind for two my long-time friend, Bro Ballard Lee Grand Master. There was the idea, too, weeks: ‘Brother Burgess, why doesn’t Smith, Vice-Chairman. that such a Research Lodge would cost Louisiana have a Research Lodge, and Bro Smith had long shared a love of the Grand Lodge money, at a time when why don’t we allow Class Lodges?’ Masonic research and Masonic book- there was a budget crisis in every aspect Bro Burgess looked over at me, took collecting. His library and Masonic of Louisiana Masonry. Bro Ray’s advice a deep breath, and pointed that jewelry collections are very select and was just like the song, ‘pick yourself up, expressive finger at my chest and probably priceless. Bro Smith, who is an dust yourself off, and start all over replied: ‘You obviously know the accountant and CPA by training and again’. We did. We went back to the answer to those questions already; why vocation, worked to draft the first set of trestleboard and studied our design. don’t you tell me?’ by-laws, while I had the pleasant task of At the next Grand Lodge session, The question of Class Lodges and writing to all the other Research Lodges 1989 in Baton Rouge, the Committee groups such as Table Lodges were in the country requesting information. was ready. It had done its homework: reserved for another period of discussion The Southern California and the talked to the District Deputy Grand and debate, but the idea of a Research Southern Arizona lodges initially Masters, Lodge officers, general Lodge became a quest for answers. Thus supplied a great deal of information. The membership, as many as we could talk to began a three-year discussion on the Texas Lodge of Research supplied the and explain the purposes. The vote was merits of developing a forum where most helpful material. It was almost as if taken on the formation and chartering— Masons could have a point of focus for Texas wanted to repay Louisiana in unanimous! scholarly talks on philosophy, esoteric forming our Research Lodge as The new Grand Master, MW Eugene doctrine, history, and heritage. Louisiana had helped Texas organize its Love, was a Masonic researcher in his Whenever we could get together and talk Masonry. It was a rewarding experience own right, and he wanted the Research about the need and worth of a Research contacting Masonic research Lodge chartered as soon as possible. He Lodge, Bro Burgess guided and moulded organizations throughout the country. allowed the newly created Research All were helpful and encouraging. Lodge to solicit members from across ‘Whatever you need’ and ‘How we can the state. At one Grand Lodge Workshop RICHARDS help’ were the two most frequent replies. in Baton Rouge in April 1989, the Grand Masonry in action—extending that Master announced that he was going to helping hand of assistance. be the first to pay his dues in the new The first year, the Committee asked Research Lodge. Immediately 78 people the Grand Lodge for acceptance of a stepped forward and gave their ten structure: a lodge without the rights of dollars for charter membership. The rush conferral of degrees or duty to pay was so fast and furious that only 70 assessments to the Grand Lodge. The names were recorded that day but there second year saw the report of by-laws was money for 78! We never did find out and officer arrangement. The third year who the other eight were! saw the report to organize and charter. The Installation of Officers in Each year the Grand Lodge September 1989 on Labor Day weekend enthusiastically supported the concept of is a shining day. To realize an idea that a Research Lodge, so no opposition was began in July 1982 finally become a expected. The third year something Lodge of Research was a magic moment. incredible happened: the vote of the To have my brother Ballard Lee Smith in Richard Num, WM 2006 Grand Lodge was ‘NO’ on formation. the West was a great pleasure. To have Bro Smith and I could not believe MW Ray W Burgess as the Installing its sequicentenary in March this year, the what we had heard. A ‘NO’ vote for a Officer was a great honor. Something Master was Richard Num. That both Research Lodge was a vote against had been accomplished. It was not Masters bore the name Richard must motherhood, apple pie, the American always easy, it was measured and surely be a coincidence, but can it be way. It was Bro Burgess who again came studied. It was the Masonic way. mere coincidence that our Richard has over with the steady, seasoned hand. So mote it be. suddenly sprouted facial fungus? Although he was shaking his head in
Issue 38 page 5
IN MEMORY OF RWBro
Joseph Alphonso Walkes Jr was made a copy of the annual Transactions for Joe Square & Compass (1979), A Prince Master Mason on 15 October 1965 in Walkes. Shortly before his death, Hall Masonic Quiz Book (1983, 1989), Karlsruhe, Germany, in a lodge under Draffen persuaded me to assume that and the Phylaxis magazine (1974 the jurisdiction of the Prince Hall Grand responsibility; and since 1986 I have onwards), he made well-documented Lodge of Maryland. He became provided a copy of AQC. When the information available to his own interested in the history of Prince Hall United Grand Lodge of England began fraternity and to mainstream researchers Freemasonry, and soon began to write to recognize Prince Hall Masonry as who questioned the verdict of articles and books on the subject. His ‘Regular’, in December 1994, I irregularity. His dream was that every work included an immense amount of suggested that Joe might want to PH Mason should be free to visit every archival research, and he frequently subscribe directly to QCCC; he declined ‘regular’ lodge in the world. That dream quoted extensively from original to do so, and so I kept paying his has yet to be realised, but he stands tall documents (personal letters, minutes of subscription. among those who have worked toward meetings, grand lodge proceedings) that achieving the dream. provide irrefutable evidence for his I never met Brother Walkes in assertions. He was in considerable person, never had the opportunity to demand as a Masonic speaker. In his shake his hand, or to sit in lodge with presentations, he was polemical when it him, but from 1993 I corresponded with was necessary, and he did not welcome him, at first by snailmail, then by email, opponents whom he regarded as and we became firm friends. We found incompetent. Part of his attitude might more in common than just be regarded as racial prejudice, for he Freemasonry—both were born in 1933, was convinced, as he said on more than both were soldiers in our youth and then one occasion, that ‘The history of Prince in law enforcement, both stamp Hall Freemasonry must be written by collectors and jazz fans—and we found the Prince Hall Freemason, for only he things to argue about, sometimes can understand and interpret the Black vigorously. I joined the Phylaxis experience’. He was fairly hostile to Society, first as a subscriber, and then as white men who tried to write the history Joseph A Walkes Jr a full member; Joe enrolled the Phylaxis of Black Masons, and referred to Cerza, Society as an associate member of Coil, Sherman, and Voorhis as ‘so- In February 1989, Allen E Roberts ANZMRC, and then asked the Council called Masonic scholars’. spoke about ‘Black Masons’ at the to present an award to me on behalf of Not too long after becoming a Conference of Grand Masters in the Society; I wrote a couple of pieces Mason, he joined the Philalethes Alexandria, Virginia, and on 14 October for Phylaxis and he wrote an article for Society; he appreciated its work, and 1989 Connecticut recognized the Prince Harashim, and he contributed to the formed a similar group for Prince Hall Hall Grand Lodge. On 20 March 1992, I discussions on the ANZMRC e-list. Masons, called the Phylaxis Society spoke on ‘Prince Hall Masonry’ at the Joe was well aware of his mortality, (1973). Then, on 4 March 1974, Conference of Grand and District Grand and several years ago deeded much of Bro Walkes was notified by the Lodges of Canada, in Winnipeg, and his vast research material to the President of the Philalethes Society that soon Canadian Grand Lodges began to mainstream Iowa Masonic Library, for his membership had been terminated, recognize Prince Hall Freemasonry. So, the benefit of his successors. Similarly, because the Executive Board had while Bro Walkes provided ample three years ago he stepped down from learned that he belonged to an documentation, he was not directly the presidency of the Phylaxis Society unrecognised or clandestine Lodge. responsible for reconciliation. and editorship of its magazine. But Joe After ‘mainstream’ American Grand still had things to do, and some of them Wallace McLeod Lodges began to recognize Prince Hall have been left undone by his passing. Affiliation bodies as regular, Among the books as yet unpublished Bro Walkes rejoined the Philalethes Joseph Walkes was never a slave, but was a history of the Prince Hall Grand Society, and was proclaimed a Fellow neither was he entirely free. He Lodge of Missouri. Joe asked me if I on 17 February 1994. discovered early in his Masonic career would copy-edit the manuscript when he Soon after 1970, he applied to join that Prince Hall Masonry was finished it, prior to submission to a the Quatuor Coronati Correspondence considered irregular by mainstream US publisher, and I replied: ‘Bro Joe, I’d be Circle. He had to include his Lodge Masonry, and widely throughout the honoured. I’m fully booked until late membership, and so he was not Masonic world. His research proved next year, but that sounds as if it will fit accepted, since it was not recognized. otherwise, and he devoted his life to right in, provided the Great Architect George Draffen of Newington (1910– restoring and defending the reputation doesn’t call either of us home before 1986), who wrote an article on Prince of Prince Hall and the fraternity which then.’ Sadly, the call came far too soon. Hall Masonry in AQC 89 (1976), honoured him. Through his writing, decided that he would pay for an extra particularly the Macoy edition of Black Tony Pope page 6 Harashim JOSEPH A WALKES Jr
As we reflect upon an awesome legend ourselves on the many Phylaxis and the East Coast, Joe from Brooklyn (New of the man and Mason, the Honorable Phyllis Chapters established across our York) and me from Newark (New Joseph A Walkes Jr, we quickly learn great nation, not to mention the fact that Jersey); we shared the same interest in that his ambition of becoming a writer we have membership in 21 other jazz music and also this passion we had began in his early childhood, back home countries. Along with this, we can also for the history of Prince Hall in Brooklyn. He delighted in reading, pride ourselves in presenting some of Freemasonry. Bro Joe was the father for with high expectations of one day the most outstanding Masonic this generation of historians and writers, becoming a published author. And, workshops at our annual sessions found and boy did he bring back the voices indeed, a great Masonic author he anywhere around the globe. from the past. became. Without doubt, Bro Walkes and the I first met Bro Joe at a Phylaxis The main driving forced behind Society he founded have provided the Society session in St Louis, Missouri, Bro Walkes’ initial desire to become a factual basis and the impetus for back in 1993. I was raised in a military Masonic writer and author was based lodge overseas and, like most military upon the injustices he witnessed as it Masons who return to the US, I had a related to Masonic recognition, and the hard time adjusting to civilian Prince unfounded accusation that Prince Hall Hall lodges. I got my feelings hurt and Masonry was looked upon as could not believe how I was treated in ‘clandestine’. His mother lodge was a my lodge, so I wrote Bro Walkes a military lodge, formed in Germany in personal letter about a project I was 1963 under the Prince Hall Grand considering. He telephoned me and we Lodge of Maryland. Many years later, talked, but I had no idea that our he wrote (in Prince Hall’s Mission: the relationship would take off and end up rise of the Phylaxis Society, on page 2): as close as it did. I attended the meeting in St Louis The first Caucasian petitioned the Lodge on the first of February, 1964, and was appointed to a position in the and up to that point and beyond, race Society, Director of its Welfare and has never been an issue or debated in Social Services Fund. I knew that this Lodge. would be a test for me, and I worked However, I was in for a rude Ralph McNeal & Joseph Walkes hard, raising quite a few dollars for the awakening and it wasn’t long before mainstream recognition of Prince Hall fund by selling Phylaxis tee-shirts, the realization hit me that I was Freemasonry, and America is a better sweatshirts, hats and watches. I was also considered ‘clandestine’ by my place because of it. introduced to some of the giants in Caucasian fellow soldiers, who were Bro Walkes retired as President in Prince Hall Masonry, including Grand Freemasons and would not talk with me on Masonic subjects, and as I 2003, and since then the Society has Master Howard Woods of Arkansas, continued to explore more works on accepted the challenge to present Prince chairman of the Conference of Grand Freemasonry, I quickly learned that Hall to the general public as a long- Masters of Prince Hall Affiliation. most of the masonic writers who were forgotten American hero, entitled to his The next Conference of Grand white, looked on Prince Hall as being place beside the founding fathers of our Masters happened to be held in my irregular. I was devastated, and nation. We are supporting a major home jurisdiction of New Jersey, in perhaps it was then that documentary production, ‘Prince Hall: 1994, and these same ‘giants’ attended. subconsciously I decided that I would The Untold Story’, quite an And so did I. You should have seen the do something about this cancer on achievement for Masons who were once faces of the leaders of my jurisdiction American Freemasonry. referred to as ‘clandestine’. And, in when they saw me laughing and joking I believe here lies the cornerstone which memory of Joe, we plan to chart a with the conference chairman! Bro Walkes used to mount his research bigger and brighter course in Masonic From that day on, I made a point of efforts to prove that Prince Hall research than ever before. attending the Phylaxis sessions, taking Freemasonry was of legitimate origin. Tommy Rigmaiden on responsibilities that my Grand Lodge His exact words were: ‘Until we free would never consider giving me. As a ourselves from dependence on other result, my name was plastered all over people, we will never be free.’ With this I am honoured to write a few words the Phylaxis magazine—unwanted in mind, the Phylaxis Society was born about my mentor and Masonic father, publicity which eventually led me to under his able leadership. As a direct the late Bro Joseph A Walkes Jr. being appointed Grand Historian of the result of his thirty-plus years of Brother Joe had been sick off and on for Prince Hall Grand Lodge of New Jersey. dedication, we can appreciate what an many years, but it was during that time Also in 1994, there was a mid-year awesome Society he has left us. In that we had great conversations session in Boston (Massachusetts) and addition to the respect our Phylaxis concerning Prince Hall Masonry, Bro Joe arranged for all who attended to magazine enjoys on an international mainstream Masonry, bogus Masonry, see the Charter of African Lodge 459 Masonic platform, we can also pride and life in general. We were both from (Continued on page 8)
Issue 38 page 7 IN MEMORY OF This ’n’ that . . . JOSEPH WALKES continued from page 3 PO Box 4088, Mosman Park, WA 6012; phone (08) 9284 3178, email
Oaths Act of 1797 and the Unlawful Societies Act of 1799. Societal and government changes and their effects on the societies is also well covered. Whilst written for a UK audience, the development of the societies in other parts of the world is not ignored. I might quibble about the concise history of The first 416 pages are devoted to the Freemasonry as presented here, but it is Duke of Leinster Lodge and its adjuncts: not misleading. I do have a problem with the Royal Arch Chapter and Mark the statements ‘If [a] Mason goes on to Lodge; the Hall Trust; the Benevolent be the master of his lodge the rosettes are Fund; and the Provincial Grand Lodge of replaced by silver T shapes’, and ‘The South Australia, IC (1860–?1888). It is a Ancient and Accepted Rite, sometimes carefully researched presentation of the known as the Scots Rite’, but these are life of the lodge over its first 150 years, Did You Know This, Too? minor. It contains a good index, an combining the necessary statistics of any Revd Neville Barker Cryer inadequate ‘further reading’ list, but a lodge history with illustrations of the Lewis Masonic, Hersham UK 2005; reasonable list of internet resources and character and personality of many of its 96 pages, A5 paperback, black & white an interesting list of places to visit in leading members—clearly human and photos, no index, ISBN 0-85318-241-8; England. sometimes far from perfect. This is UK£9.99, from
page 10 Harashim Australia. More recently, ANZMRC also in hardback, ISBN 0-900588-51-9, immediately attracted to at least some of were happy to supply the digitised text US$37.95. the topics listed on the contents page of A Masonic Panorama, to assist in (qv) and will not be disappointed. If you To most anglophone Masonic publication of yet another of Bro Cryer’s have your own Masonic library, this researchers, Guénon is just a name, eminently readable books. And so we book will widen its range—and yours. If albeit one known to be highly respected have Did You Know This, Too?, you do not own any Masonic books, this among francophone researchers. The containing those eleven chapters, and is probably not the one to start your metaphysician René Guénon (1886– three others: ‘The development of collection, but definitely recommend its 1951) studied and wrote about a wide English Freemasonry from 1350 to purchase for your Grand Lodge library. range of religious, philosophical and 1730’, ‘What was Dunckerley playing esoteric subjects, including Christianity, Tony Pope at?’, and ‘Further reflections on the third Islam, Hinduism, Taoism, Theosophy, degree puzzle’. Spiritism, alchemy, hermeticism and The last-mentioned chapter contains symbolism, as well as Freemasonry. further thoughts and research on a topic Now, the New York publishers Sophia from I Just Didn’t Know That. The fact Perenis have made him more readily that Bro Cryer had returned to this topic available to us with a 24-volume and done further work on it led me to translation of The Collected Works of hope that he might have included further René Guénon, of which Studies in work on an earlier topic from A Masonic Freemasonry & the Compagnonnage is Panorama: ‘The Grand Lodge of most likely to appeal to readers of England at York and the York Rite—a Harashim. fresh appraisal’, where he wrote (in 1995): ‘The decision I made to end my Studies in Freemasonry & the Compagnonnage days in York and among York Masons Table of Contents was more than a coincidence’. I had 1 Scientific Ideas and the Masonic Ideal hoped that in the ensuing ten years he 2 The Great Architect of the Universe 3 Lost Word and Substituted Words might have discovered more on this 4 The Builders of the Middle Ages fascinating subject, and shared it with us. 5 Masons and Carpenters Not so! Perhaps he is saving it for his 6 Masonic Orthodoxy next book. 7 Gnosis and Freemasonry Masonica N° 19 8 The Masonic High Grades Michel Jacard (chief editor) Be that as it may, if you don’t have 9 Feminine Initiation and Craft Initiations A Masonic Panorama, then you must 10 Pilgrimages Groupe de Recherche Alpina, Lausanne buy Did You Know This, Too? Of 11 The Compagnonnage and the Bohemians Switzerland 2006; course, if you are (like me) a Cryer fan, 12 Heredom French edition, with summaries in you need both. Librarians, this will prove 13 The Monogram of Christ and the Heart in English, 160 pages, 16 x 23 cm Ancient Trade Marks paperback, no index; a popular book, and seldom be left on 14 Corporative Signs and their Original your shelves. Meaning German edition (in press), 60 pages, A4; Tony Pope 15 The Enigma of Martines de Pasqually US$15 + postage, from Alpina Research 16 On the ‘Lyonnais Rose-Croix’ Group
page 12 Harashim Harashim
The Quarterly Newsletter of the Australian & New Zealand Masonic Research Council
ISSN 1328-2735 Issue 39 July 2006
ARTHUR HARTLEY SCORES A CENTURY
by Peter Verrall
Over forty brethren and their A few days previously Bro wives from the Western Hartley had delivered his second Australian Lodge of Research Robin Hewitt Memorial Lecture, gathered at a luncheon at the ‘Freemasonry during the Nookenburra Hotel in Perth on Enlightenment’, and he was Wednesday 31 May to celebrate presented with the 2006 Robin RWBro Arthur Hartley’s one Hewitt Memorial Lecture hundredth birthday, which had Certificate by VWBro Peter occurred eight days earlier. Verrall. He was accompanied by his Arthur Hartley joined wife Edith, who is 97 years old, Freemasonry in 1930 and and in attendance were the recently received his 75-year Grand Master, MWBro James jewel. He joined the Lodge of Maley OAM, the Deputy Grand Research in 1952, a year after its Master, RWBro Wayne Hibble, consecration, and was MWBro Peter Stokes PGM and Worshipful Master 1972–73. He their wives. Above: WM Tony Cousins and Arthur Hartley with the ceramic has been a regular lecturer for The Worshipful Master, plate. over 50 years at both the Lodge WBro Tony Cousins, extended Below: Arthur and Edith Hartley with GM James Maley. of Research and the constituent a warm welcome to the couple lodges. He has presented the and on behalf of the Lodge of Kellerman Lecture for Western Research presented Bro Hartley Australia to the Australian and with a magnificent ceramic New Zealand Masonic Research plate with Egyptian motifs, in Council on three separate reference to one of Arthur’s occasions, and was Vice lectures on ‘The Geometry and President for many years. Construction of the Great Arthur started off as a Pyramid’. Edith received a salesman for a bicycle firm, lovely bouquet of flowers. qualified as a teacher, advanced The Grand Master presented to become a headmaster, and a framed certificate to finally became principal of the commemorate the occasion and Teachers Centre for Further mentioned that Arthur was the Education in Perth, until his third centenarian in the history retirement in 1972 after a of the Grand Lodge of Western business life of 45 years. Australia. Issue 39 (Continued page on page 1 3) Editorial So, what about ANZMRC itself? In About Harashim March this year the Canberra Lodge of We all know how important it is to Research & Instruction made an audio Harashim, Hebrew for Craftsmen, is a preserve historical records, and it is self- recording of Kent Henderson being quarterly newsletter published by the evident that such records must first be interviewed by Tony Pope on the history Australian and New Zealand Masonic created in order to be preserved. Why, of the Australian Masonic Research Research Council (PO Box 332, then, do we researchers make so little Council from its inception prior to 1992, Williamstown, Victoria 3016, Australia) and effort to record the histories of our own two copies are issued free to each of its up to its expansion to include New Affiliate and Associate members in January, research lodges and groups? Too Zealand lodges as affiliates in 1998. This April, July and October each year. daunting a task? Too boring? Too soon? will be transcribed and published, Current and back issues in PDF format Too contentious? One day it may be too initially in Harashim, together with an will soon be posted on ANZMRC’s Internet late. website
President’s Corner has turned, for the AMRC, as it was then accomplishments and in lifting not known, was constituted in Melbourne in only the profile of the ANZMRC but 1992 and we now return to that State. also the image of Australian Ballarat you will know of as a city rich Freemasons. in history, and here we will join together Who would have thought when the in the furtherance of Masonic education, idea of the AMRC (the brainchild of research and common endeavour. WBro Kent Henderson), was mooted, We, the executive, are very pleased to that it would have progressed to what it provide a vehicle by which a is today—one of the leading Masonic representative chosen by the research research bodies in the world. When groups in each jurisdiction selects a topic considering the various lecturers’ and then presents it at the Conference. efforts, let us pay homage to the late The plethora of topics that we have for RWBro Harry Kellerman, in whose your enjoyment at this Conference will, I name we submit our papers. feel, stimulate your interest, and no To say that I am proud to have been It is with some sadness that I compile doubt provide some interesting question associated with this Council for many these, my last musings for inclusion in times for the Kellerman Lecturers. years, the last two as President, is an the President’s Corner. Though this past I am sure, Brethren, that you would understatement. I shall always treasure two years I have had some personal have noticed in the June 2006 issue of the memories shared and the health trials, I have found strength in the the Square an article on our very own friendships formed. enjoyment I receive from my Masonic WBro Kent Henderson, Secretary of As we make our way to Ballarat, I activities and I thank the brethren who ANZMRC. If you subscribe or have am sure that if we were to cast our eyes are so supportive. access to another English Masonic to the heavens we would see RWBro Ballarat, here we come! What a treat magazine, Freemasonry Today, you will Harry Kellerman smiling down at us, the brethren and partners are in for. The in due course find another article by pleased and proud of the way the hard yards that WBro Very Revd Fred WBro Tony Pope, our esteemed Editor. ANZMRC has progressed over the Shade as Conference Convenor and his He has been asked to write an article on years. Brethren, I look forward to energetic team have done will culminate Prince Hall Freemasonry. seeing you in Ballarat. in the Eighth ANZMRC Conference, to Congratulations to both these be held from 6–8 October. The wheel distinguished brethren for their personal Graham Stead
any notes or other assistance. Arthur Hartley RWBro Hartley thanked the brethren for their congratulations and (Continued from page 1) presentations and expressed his debt to his wife Edith for her support over their Amongst his many talents is his love of 70 years of marriage. music and he has entertained many lodge To cap off a marvellous occasion meetings with his playing of the flute Arthur and Edith drove themselves back and mouth organ. In addition, at the home as he still has a driving licence at Research Lodge meetings he would the age of 100 years.. present long poems off the cuff, without
Left: Peter Verrall and Arthur Hartley.
Right: Hatley the musician.
Issue 39 page 3 . The CHARTER CHARGE given to him by an INDIAN; This ’n’ that . . . by Tony Pope . And the CHARGE AFTER INITIATION entrusted to him by an AMERICAN. From Murray Yaxley’s column ‘Around Grand Lodge of Cyprus Did anyone tell the Candidate that he the World’ in Freemasonry Tasmania, The Grand Lodge of Cyprus has been was joining an INTERNATIONAL May 2006: formed by six Cypriot lodges which until Lodge? recently operated under the Grand Lodge With all of our various ethnic Truly international of Greece. In January 2006 the GL of backgrounds, is it a surprise that we all The Sovereign Grand Lodge of Malta, Greece recognised the new Grand came together to become part of one of consecrated in November 2004, is Lodge, and is planning to install the the oldest fraternities in the world. already involved in an exciting new Grand Lodge of Cyprus in October. In American Samoa, we here at venture in Freemasonry. Combining with Lodge Benjamin Kneubuhl No. 441 the Regular Grand Lodge of Italy it has To which Freemasonry Victoria, May under the Charter of the Grand Lodge of (jointly) sponsored a new lodge which 2006, adds: New Zealand are definitely an can claim to be truly international: The GL of Greece is planning to install INTERNATIONAL LODGE. Loggia Flos Mundi will have four this new GL in October. meetings each year, one each in Rome Finally, from the New South Wales If any Brother wishes to attend the and Sicily and two in Malta. An old Freemason, April 2006: inauguration, please contact the Grand Italian folk song says ‘Rome is holy, Secretary. Technology gains for the Grand Naples is beautiful and Malta is the Library flower of the world’. Hence the name of And from Freemasonry New Zealand, The Harry Kellerman Study Centre was Loggia Flos Mundi (‘Flower of the issue 1 of 2006, this little gem: launched in March to enhance the World’). Masonic research facilities available to RWBro Arthur Fallon, a member of An International Lodge members. New technology donated to the Sovereign Grand Lodge of Malta, Michael Leau, Secretary of Lodge the Grand Library has now extended its was recently in Tasmania and expressed Benjamin Kneubuhl No. 441 [New sphere of Masonic learning from the appreciation for the support given the Zealand Constitution] in American wonderful library of research texts that new Grand Lodge by Australian Grand Samoa shares with you his observance of Harry Kellerman spent eighteen years Lodges. a recent Initiation. developing as Grand Librarian, from He says a new Lodge of Research, An American Coast Guard Officer is 1982 to 2000. The Grand Master, ‘Ars Discendi’, will be formed shortly. shipped off to the Pacific to serve two MWBro Raymond Brooke, opened the Given that the first lodge was formed in years in the islands. While there he is new facility, simultaneously announcing Malta in 1730, there must be plenty of drawn to become a Freemason. this opening with a specially prepared scope for Masonic research. We wish the . During his INITIATION he hears his email message to all Freemasons of members well. OBLIGATION given by a KIWI; . The LESSER LIGHTS given to him NSW and ACT. Forum Balticum by a HAWAIIAN; The Grand Librarian, RWBro Joseph The Forum Masonicum Balticum has . The CHARGE AFTER Haffner PJGW, outlined how the new been established to enable Freemasons INVESTITURE delivered to him by a facilities provided Freemasons with an from the Grand Lodges of the Baltic FILIPINO; expanded research environment. Three countries to meet occasionally for . The CHARGE in the North East computers equipped with the most informal exchanges of ideas. The theme handed over to him by a SAMOAN; advanced peripherals and a multi- for the first meeting, in Riga, Latvia, was . The REASONS for PREPARATION function print centre were donated by ‘Freemasonry in a Changing Europe’. relegated to him by a ‘Red Neck’ Lodge Kellerman. Following this Speakers from the Baltic and from COLORADO. example, another computer equipped neighbouring Grand Lodges participated. One of the lead speakers was RW Bro John Hamill, Director of Communications of the United Grand Lodge of England. He stressed the responsibility of Grand Lodges in helping to develop the new lodges and grand lodges they create. He argued that supra-national alliances were unnecessary, as there were numerous opportunities for informal gatherings like the Forum Balticum. The meeting was also addressed by the Grand Masters of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. Each reported on the history and present situation of Freemasonry in their countries. All addresses were simultaneously In the Harry Kellerman Study Centre (NSW) translated into English and German. From left to right: Grand Master Raymond Brooke, Bro Lachlan Delaney, Grand Librarian Joseph Haffner photo courtesy of NSW Freemason page 4 Harashim Reprinted from the Philalethes magazine, April 2006, by kind permission of the editor, Nelson King. Enjoy!
Mexican Ritual— Not for the fainthearted by Jack Buta, MPS
The first thing I noticed traveling south ornamentation is a simple motif staircase. from Tucson on Interstate 19 towards the depicting three pyramids set in a circle. I was really looking forward to this Mexican border were the road signs. All Inside, you sign the register and show degree. the distances are in kilometers. I was still your dues card. In our case, since this The lodge room was small by US sixty miles from Nogales but I already was part two of a combined function standards, but recognizable to any felt like I was in a different country. with the Nogales Lodge #11 A&FM we Mason. Different customs are observed Come to think of it, 150 years ago I had a ticket. We had spent the morning in the lodge. Mexican Brothers always would have been. and early afternoon raising two Masons salute the VSL as they pass, but there On arriving at the border, I pulled my in Arizona. Now we were about to seems to be no restriction about crossing car into a private lot that provided secure witness a Mexican Initiation. in front of the altar. parking for just four dollars. Getting into As I waited my turn on the stairs The candidate’s arrival is announced the mood, I slipped the attendant a leading to the second-story lodge room, by a pounding on the door, with the Mexican bill which he cheerfully along with about 80 other Gringo interior guard shouting ‘Alarm’. In accepted and we crossed the street into Masons, a Mexican Brother asked Donn Mexico almost every brother in the lodge Mexico. It took me almost five minutes Sager, Bill Greenen and me if we would has a sword, a sharp steel blade that is to realize the bill I had given him was a like to see the Chamber of Reflection. more than just symbolic. The door is 100 pesos note; more than twice the ‘It is our preparation room. Please opened to admit the candidate, closely amount he asked for. Oh well, I never come, you will find it interesting.’ escorted by two brothers in monkish said I was smart. I was about to find out that our host robes with the cowls pulled over their For someone traveling south from had a gift for understatement. heads hiding their faces. The candidate is Arizona to Mexico there are no In an alcove just off the staircase, a led in, held by a cable tow wrapped inspections, no immigration, just a short rough opening had been made in the closely around his neck and gripped right walk around the big US Border Control wall. There appeared to be a small area at the neck by the Senior Deacon. He is building and we were in Sonora, Mexico. inside finished in rough gray cement. A questioned by the Master while at the Four hundred feet to the right we entered single wooden kitchen chair, a wax door and required to give his name, age, the Alonso Flores Lodge #16 and candle, and a book of paper matches city of birth, occupation and religion. stepped into a different world. were the only contents. One gets the impression that there is not The nondescript two-story building ‘We must light the candle before we too much talk about vague concepts of has none of the ostentatious ornaments proceed,’ our guide informed us. ‘Please deity among our Mexican Brothers. that adorn US Lodges, no neon-lit square be careful.’ The candidate is received on the point and compasses, and the only Once we had duck-walked into the of two swords and a surprised gasp entry the flickering candle showed, we escapes from his mouth as one slices the Kellerman Study Centre found ourselves in a tunnel that led down skin on his left chest. The degree lasts and turned to the right. I was the second for almost two hours, during which the (Continued from page 4) person behind the guide and as he turned candidate is blindfolded for at least half with barcoding scanner facility was the corner I was left in total darkness. As of that time. It is a fascinating ceremony donated by Lodge Woollahra, RWBro I inched forward and down, the tunnel during which the candidate takes three Alex Morris PAGM and WBro Reginald became smaller and uneven. Finally, I symbolic journeys and learns several Whiteley, to centralise the Electronic caught a glimpse of the final turn, but Masonic lessons. Lending System of our library. not before slamming my bald head Goaded into making an error, he must This technology now allows a member against the lowering roof of the tunnel. It face the rejection of his brothers. The or visitor to simultaneously access the ended with a drop down into a small entire lodge turns their back on him, broad range of hard-copy texts while chamber barely large enough to contain a while the rod bearers beat their rods on conducting research and accessing the second chair. the floor. It’s an experience he will not large capacity store of knowledge that is ‘We leave the candidate here to soon forget. Unlike the passive sidelines available on the internet. The Grand reflect for between a half-hour to an north of the border, every brother in the Librarian said that the money, time and hour’, our guide said. lodge participates in the degree. The effort that had been invested by Lodge I wonder how many US candidates intense experience of the Mexican ritual Kellerman underscored the links that would have come this far? might put some people off but certainly this young lodge has forged between the I was contemplating just how we those who do take the obligation seem to learning legacy of Harry Kellerman and were going to get back out of the be far more committed to the fraternity our valuable Hub of Knowledge, the chamber, when part of the ‘wall’ slid than many of their Brethren north of the Grand Library. open and we stepped out, back onto the border. Issue 39 page 5 A paper presented to the mixed-gender, multi-jurisdictional Maryland Masonic Research Society on 22 August 2005, published here by consent of the author.
A Freemasonry for the Twenty-first Century: Looking Back at the Enlightenment to Move Forward
by Jeffery Marshall
Good evening and thank you all for barriers in the Masonic family. we can look back and see these were all coming to the Maryland Masonic This discussion is not, however, about imperfect in some way. British Research Society’s 2005 Festive Board. I a call to integrate our Grand Lodges both parliamentary government was still hope that you have had a wonderful racially and between the sexes. That is class-ridden and limited largely to dinner and a great evening so far. I’d like neither the prerogative of the Maryland propertied males. The Royal Society was you to take a moment to look around the Masonic Research Society nor the home of wealthy dilettantes as well room at your fellow Masons here. This is something that will happen overnight. as scientists, and some of the science the future of Freemasonry. Not For example, even though the Grand was perhaps crude by modern standards. necessarily the individual Masons here, Lodge of Maryland and the Prince Hall Freemasonry was viewed by many as an but rather what you all—and we as a Grand Lodge of Maryland have elitist drinking society. Witness collective society—represent. We have established relations, there are many Hogarth’s engraving, Night, that depicts Masons from several different other traditionally black grand lodges a drunken master and tyler staggering jurisdictions here, sharing a Masonic that are not included in this agreement. home after a lodge meeting. experience. Some are black, some are Some of the grand lodges are clearly But if we view the time without the white. Some are men, some are women. irregular in practice. Others, however, lenses of twenty-first century science But most of us are Masons. We may not may be irregular in origin, but not and governance, I think we can see how be able recognize each other or sit in a irregular in practice. path-breaking the Enlightenment was, tyled lodge together, but at least in this Rather, this discussion is about how and the enormous changes it wrought. I group, we recognize the shared Masonic perhaps we can learn something from the would like to review some of these experience. eighteenth-century Freemasonry—both changes and ideas, and reflect on where We are a diverse group, but diversity good and bad—and perhaps help twenty- similar ideas of such magnitude would is not our strength. Rather, our strength first century Freemasonry become more take us in today’s society. I think we can is that we are all Masons, called together vibrant. use the Freemasonic Preston-Webb ritual by a common set of core values. The Eighteenth-century Freemasonry was to illustrate the profound nature of the ritual and wording may very somewhat almost certainly rooted in the times. Words that we take for granted from Grand Lodge to Grand Lodge, but Enlightenment. Broadly speaking, the now and seem like grade school material we all share some form of the tenets of Enlightenment was about liberty: liberty were state of the art and earth-shaking in Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth. We all of thought, liberty of opportunity, the eighteenth century. share a more or less common initiatic religious liberty and political liberty. Its For example, the Preston-Webb ritual, experience that ties us together with the essential goal was to set men free and in the Master’s lecture for the Mystic Tie. recognize the human dignity within each FellowCraft degree tells us: No, diversity for diversity’s sake is person. It is perhaps best expressed in Geometry, the first and noblest of probably a meaningless quest. I don’t the lines from the Declaration of sciences, is the basis on which the think Masonry celebrates diversity. Independence: superstructure of Freemasonry is Rather, each candidate must knock, seek, We hold these truths to be self-evident, erected. By Geometry we may and ask for initiation individually. The that all men are created equal, that they curiously trace nature, through her Preston-Webb ritual in the Entered are endowed by their Creator with various windings, to her most Apprentice Degree tells us that we judge certain unalienable Rights, that among concealed recesses. By it we discover Masons by their internal, not their these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit the power, wisdom and goodness of of Happiness. the Grand Artificer of the Universe, external qualities. In the ways that and view with delight the proportions perhaps count most, we are not really a The time of the Enlightenment clearly which connect this vast machine. By it diverse group. We all subscribe to a shows an expansion of human rights, a we discover how the planets move in common set of core values that revolve questioning into the meaning of life and their different orbits, and demonstrate around the tenets of Freemasonry. the cosmos and a renewal of classical their various revolutions. By it we But the Freemasonry we often find studies. In England, this led to the birth account for the return of seasons, and today does not have the surface diversity of both Freemasonry and the Royal the variety of scenes which each that we see in this room. In spite of the Society, as well as an expansion of season displays to the discerning eye. move to recognize Prince Hall parliamentary government. From our Numberless worlds are around us, all framed by the same Divine Artist, Freemasonry, there are significant vantage point of the twenty-first century, page 6 Harashim which roll through the vast expanse, and century this really only meant white not to join Freemasonry or demitted all are conducted by the same unerring males. But even with that limitation, the because they were afraid that membership laws of nature. implications of these statements at the would be seen as belonging to a racist or Today, that sounds pretty tame. In the first time were enormous. Just as the misogynic group. half of the eighteenth century, however, it combination of science and theology was Society has moved along well past the was cutting-edge science and perhaps earthshaking; so too were the social changes that Freemasonry helped to birth. pushed the edges still of theology. Galileo implications of brotherly love and justice If we want to be relevant to society today, was imprisoned less a century before, for noted above. then we must return to our roots. Indeed writing words similar to these. With these If we want to draw a modern parallel, the very word radical means going to the words, we see a union of science and we would need to enshrine liberty and roots. The OED lists one of the meanings religion that echoes the words from the membership in Masonry to all of as: ‘Going to the root or origin; touching Entered Apprentice Degree: humanity, not just to white males. Take a or acting upon what is essential and by the TrestleBoard, we are also look around the room again. That means fundamental; thorough.’ Virtually all reminded, that, as the operative that everyone here would be eligible for other definitions listed also imply the workman erects his temporal building membership in a regular grand lodge that concept of roots. agreeably to the rules and designs laid is recognized by other regular grand Does this mean that Freemasons need down by the Master on his lodges. The exclusivity would be in the to storm the barricades by advocating TrestleBoard, so should we, both internal, not the external qualifications. cloning or support the Equal Rights for operative and speculative, endeavor to There is also another interesting All amendment? Do we need to change erect our spiritual building agreeably to our ritual to update the science in it? No, I the rules and designs laid down by the modern parallel. Consider the current don’t think that’s at all what it means. Supreme Architect of the Universe, in global situation, and particularly that of the great books of Nature and Africa and the Middle East. Freemasonry is inherently not about Revelation, which are our spiritual, Niger is in a tremendous humanitarian equality—it’s about liberty. It’s about moral and Masonic TrestleBoard. crisis at the moment, with thousands on providing the opportunities for each person to pursue their own version of The thought is clearly stated that by the verge of starvation. Most of sub- happiness and to go as far as his or her science and understanding Nature, we can Saharan Africa is ravaged by AIDS and own talents allow. understand the Grand Architect of the poverty. As we watch this on the evening The science in the Fellow Craft degree Universe—or at least gain some insight. If news and read about it in the papers, how still strikes to the heart of the issue— we want to look at modern issues with do we square this crisis against our tenets helping us to better understand the similar import and implications, we of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth? Cosmos and the Grand Architect of the perhaps need to look at cloning and stem- When we look at the Middle East, it’s Universe. The language in the Middle cell research. Can you imagine putting a all too easy to write it off as a den of Chamber lecture is beautiful, powerful reference to genetics into a Masonic terrorists and oil-drunken sheiks. This is and to the point. ritual? especially true with the Global War on So then, what does going back to our Similarly, Freemasonry enshrined a Terror. Yet do we really understand what roots mean? degree of equality and democracy into the the root causes of terrorism are? Is it Primarily, I think it means changing rituals and conduct of the lodge. The possible that by applying the tenets of our mindset from reactionary to Entered Apprentice Degree plainly states: Freemasonry that Freemasons may have a vital role to play in helping to resolve the proactionary. By the exercise of Brotherly Love we conflicts? It means opening up our are taught to regard the whole human membership—or at least extending Given what we see in our rituals and species as one family the high and low, recognition to other bodies based on rich and poor; who, as created by one the democratic values of our institution, regularity of practice. That means, I think, Almighty Parent, and inhabitants of the when we view them not from the lens of looking primarily at how a grand lodge same planet, are to aid, support and the twenty-first century, but rather from accepts candidates, raises Master Masons protect each other. On this principle, that of the eighteenth century, and adheres to the tenets of Brotherly Masonry unites men of every country, Freemasonry was a radical institution. It sect and opinion, and conciliates true Love, Relief and Truth. Being fixated on was at the forefront of significant change. friendship among those who might regularity of origins is an evolutionary The scientists, philosophers and artists otherwise have remained at a perpetual dead end. More than a few COGMINA– that were at the core of those changes distance. recognized grand lodges—including the were Freemasons. And regarding Justice: Grand Lodge of Maryland—have origins And what happened? They that may be considered irregular if they Is that standard or boundary of right, succeeded—and were not prepared for were newly created today. Let us recall which enables to render unto every man their success. that the Grand Lodge of Maryland was his just due, without distinction. This Bathed in its success, Freemasonry virtue is not only consistent with divine effectively created out of the Grand then changed its character. Oh, we left the and human laws, but is the very cement Lodge of Pennsylvania by a vote of rituals unchanged, but the Freemasonic and support of civil society; and as Maryland Masons in Easton. Recognizing culture changed. It went from being a justice in a great measure constitutes the Prince Hall is only a small step in this radical culture to a conservative culture. It really good man, so should it be the process. invariable practice of every Mason went from advocating and facilitating It means working to show we live by never to deviate from the minutest change to reactionary and seeking to the tenets and values of Freemasonry. principle thereof. maintain the status quo. The numbers of Consider the impact if a group of scientists, artists, philosophers and Notice there is no distinction. No special Freemasons from the US, Europe, Asia, politicians in our membership are preferences for the gentry or royalty. It is Israel and Arab countries built schools what holds together civil society. dwindling. I have heard of politicians and public servants that have either elected Now we know that in the eighteenth (Continued on page 12) Issue 39 page 7 Masonic Renaissance
by Tony Pope
In recent years the feeling that there is something missing in Masonry has spread among Masons throughout the English-speaking jurisdictions. Some are beginning to define what is missing and how to restore it, resulting in several initiatives worldwide that are linked and not mutually exclusive. Among the foremost of these are European Concept lodges, Traditional Observance lodges, the Masonic Restoration Foundation and the Cornerstone Society. These, and others, will be illustrated or referred to in this and subsequent issues of Harashim. European Concept lodges began with Some members of the Masonic Restoration Foundation Council Lodge Epicurean in Victoria, and have From left to right: Joseph Crociata (DC), Thomas W Jackson (PA), Robert spread (thinly) to other jurisdictions in G Davis (OK), William Brunk (NC), Curtis N Lancaster (UT), S Brent Morris Australia and overseas. The ethos of this (DC). Photo from the Foundation website movement was explained in Kent The ever continuing process of it has been announced: Henderson’s ‘Back to the Future—a spiritual and intellectual formation that The Grand Lodge of California, with prescription for Masonic renewal’ (in all Freemasons must undergo in order AMRC Proceedings 1994, Masonic assistance from the Masonic to improve themselves in Masonry. Restoration Foundation, has been hard Inspirations 1994, revised in Millennial This term differs from Masonic at work developing an integrated Masonry 2002). These lodges require a Education in that it refers to a process program to facilitate a new approach to higher standard of admission, ritual of growth concerned with much more Freemasonry throughout its performance, education and than intellectual faculties. jurisdiction. Because the history of understanding, attendance and Masonic Formation is the process Masonic Education in California, and of fitting the rough ashlar of our most North American jurisdictions, participation, and dining, thereby imperfect being into the perfect ashlar extending the time between degrees and has generally been episodic, fit for the divine temple. It is a incomplete and often inaccurate, a requiring higher fees. They do not, constant transformation through the however, meet nearly as often as large part of California’s solution use of Masonic symbols, rituals, and includes integration of the following: European lodges, nor do they encourage teachings. public, prospect and applicant ritual or debate in the European manner. There are Traditional Observance lodges information Traditional Observance lodges are an within the mainstream structure in candidate education and ritual initiative of the American-based California, Kansas, Louisiana, instruction Masonic Restoration Foundation and its Minnesota and Oklahoma, and membership retention, education and president, Dennis Chornenky,
Reading Masons and Masons Who Do Not Read
by Albert G Mackey
I suppose there are more Masons who timepiece, because that he knows how to application for admission, being are ignorant of all the principles of do. If I go to an artist with an order to prompted, as the ritual requires, ‘by a Freemasonry than there are men of any paint me a historical picture, he will tell favorable opinion conceived of the other class who are chargeable with the me that it is beyond his capacity, that he Institution, and a desire of knowledge’. like ignorance of their own profession. has never studied nor practiced the As soon as they are initiated, they see in There is not a watchmaker who does not compotation of details, but has confined the ceremonies through which they have know something about the elements of himself to the painting of portraits. Were passed a philosophical meaning worthy horology, nor is there a blacksmith who he dishonest and presumptuous he would of the trouble of inquiry. They devote is altogether unacquainted with the take my order and instead of a picture themselves to this inquiry. They obtain properties of red-hot iron. Ascending to give me a daub. It is the Freemason Masonic books, they read Masonic the higher walks of science, we would be alone who wants this modesty. He is too periodicals, and they converse with well- much astonished to meet with a lawyer apt to think that the obligation not only informed brethren. They make who was ignorant of the elements of makes him a Mason, but a learned themselves acquainted with the history jurisprudence, or a physician who had Mason at the same time. He too often of the Association. They investigate its never read a treatise on pathology, or a imagines that the mystical ceremonies origin and its ultimate design. They clergyman who knew nothing whatever which induct him into the Order are all explore the hidden sense of its symbols of theology. Nevertheless, nothing is that are necessary to make him cognizant and they acquire the interpretation. Such more common than to encounter of its principles. There are some Masons are always useful and honorable Freemasons who are in utter darkness as Christian sects who believe that the members of the Order, and very to everything that relates to water of baptism at once washes away frequently they become its shining lights. Freemasonry. They are ignorant of its all sin, past and prospective. So there are Their lamp burns for the enlightenment history—they know not whether it is a some Masons who think that the mere of others, and to them the Institution is mushroom production of today, or act of initiation is at once followed by an indebted for whatever of an elevated whether it goes back to remote ages for influx of all Masonic knowledge. They position it has attained. For them, this its origin. They have no comprehension need no further study or research. All article is not written. of the esoteric meaning of its symbols or that they require to know has already But between these two classes, just its ceremonies, and are hardly at home in been received by a sort of intuitive described, there is an intermediate one; its modes of recognition. And yet process. not as bad as the first, but far below the nothing is more common than to find The great body of Masons may be second, which, unfortunately, comprises such socialists in the possession of high divided into three classes. The first the body of the Fraternity. degrees and sometimes honored with consists of those who made their This third class consists of Masons elevated affairs in the Order, present at application for initiation not from a who joined the Society with the meetings of lodges and chapters, desire for knowledge, but from some unobjectionable motives, and with, intermeddling with the proceedings, accidental motive, not always honorable. perhaps, the best intentions. But they taking an active part in all discussions Such men have been led to seek have failed to carry these intentions into and pertinaciously maintaining reception either because it was likely, in effect. heterodox opinions in opposition to the their opinion, to facilitate their business They have made a grievous mistake. judgment of brethren of far greater operations, or to advance their political They have supposed that initiation was knowledge. prospects, or in some other way to all that was requisite to make them Why, it may well be asked, should personally benefit them. In the Masons, and that any further study was such things be? Why, in Masonry alone, commencement of a war, hundreds flock entirely unnecessary. Hence, they never should there be so much ignorance and to the lodges in the hope of obtaining the read a Masonic book. Bring to their so much presumption? If I ask a cobbler ‘mystic sign’, which will be of service in notice the productions of the most to make me a pair of boots, he tells me the hour of danger. Their object having celebrated Masonic authors, and their that he only mends and patches, and that been attained, or having failed to attain remark is that they have no time to he has not learned the higher branches of it, these men become indifferent and, in read—the claims of business are his craft, and then he honestly declines time, fall into the rank of the non- overwhelming. Show them a Masonic the offered job. If I request a affiliates. Of such Masons there is no journal of recognized reputation, and ask watchmaker to construct a mainspring hope. They are dead trees having no them to subscribe. Their answer is that for my chronometer, he answers that he promise of fruit. Let them pass as utterly they cannot afford it, the times are hard cannot do it, that he has never learned worthless, and incapable of and money is scarce. how to make mainsprings, which improvement. And yet, there is no want of Masonic belongs to a higher branch of the There is a second class consisting of ambition in many of these men. But their business, but that if I will bring him a men who are the moral and Masonic ambition is not in the right direction. spring ready made, he will insert it in my antipodes of the first. These make their They have no thirst for knowledge, but
page 10 Harashim they have a very great thirst for office or It must not be supposed that every more than four hundred thousand for degrees. They cannot afford money Mason is expected to be a learned affiliated Masons. How many of these or time for the purchase or perusal of Mason, or that every man who is are readers? One-half—or even one- Masonic books, but they have enough of initiated is required to devote himself to tenth? If only one-fourth of the men who both to expend on the acquisition of the study of Masonic science and are in the Order would read a little about Masonic degrees. literature. Such an expectation would be it, and not depend for all they know of it It is astonishing with what avidity foolish and unreasonable. All men are on their visits to their lodges, they would some Masons who do not understand the not equally competent to grasp and retain entertain more elevated notions of its simplest rudiments of their art, and who the same amount of knowledge. ‘Order’, character. Through their sympathy have utterly failed to comprehend the says Pope, ‘Order is heaven’s first law scholars would be encouraged to discuss scope and meaning of primary, symbolic and this confess, some are, and must be, its principles and to give to the public the Masonry, grasp at the empty honors of greater than the rest, richer, wiser’. results of their thoughts, and good the high degrees. The Master Mason All that I contend for is that when a Masonic magazines would enjoy a who knows very little, if anything, of the candidate enters the fold of Masonry he prosperous existence. Apprentice’s degree longs to be a Knight should feel that there is something in it Now, because there are so few Templar. He knows nothing, and never better than its mere grips and signs, and Masons that read, Masonic books hardly expects to know anything, of the history that he should endeavor with all his do more than pay the publishers the of Templarism, or how and why these ability to attain some knowledge of that expense of printing, while the authors old crusaders became incorporated with better thing. He should not seek get nothing; and Masonic journals are the Masonic brotherhood. The height of advancement to higher degrees until he being year after year carried off into the his ambition is to wear the Templar cross knew something of the lower, nor grasp literary Academia, where the corpses of upon his breast. If he has entered the at office, unless he had previously defunct periodicals are deposited; and, Scottish Rite, the Lodge of Perfection fulfilled with some reputation for worst of all, Masonry endures depressing will not content him, although it supplies Masonic knowledge, the duties of a blows. material for months of study. He would private station. I once knew a brother The Mason, who reads, however fain rise higher in the scale of rank, and whose greed for office led him to pass little, is it only the pages of the monthly if by persevering efforts he can attain the through all the grades from Warden of magazine to which he subscribes, will summit of the Rite and be invested with his lodge to Grand Master of the entertain higher views of the Institution the Thirty-third degree, little cares he for jurisdiction, and who during that whole and enjoy new delights in the possession any knowledge of the organization of the period had never read a Masonic book of these views. The Masons who do not Rite or the sublime lessons that it nor attempted to comprehend the read will know nothing of the interior teaches. He has reached the height of his meaning of a single symbol. For the year beauties of Speculative Masonry, but ambition and is permitted to wear the of his Mastership he always found it will be content to suppose it to be double-headed eagle. convenient to have an excuse for absence something like Odd Fellowship, or the Such Masons are distinguished not by from the lodge on the nights when Order of the Knights of Pythias—only, the amount of knowledge that they degrees were to be conferred. Yet, by his perhaps, a little older. Such a Mason possess, but by the number of the jewels personal and social influences, he had must be an indifferent one. He has laid that they wear. They will give fifty succeeded in elevating himself in rank no foundation for zeal. dollars for a decoration, but not fifty above all those who were above him in If this indifference, instead of being cents for a book. Masonic knowledge. They were really checked, becomes more widely spread, These men do great injury to far above him, for they all knew the result is too apparent. Freemasonry Masonry. They have been called its something, and he knew nothing. Had he must step down from the elevated drones. But they are more than that. remained in the background, none could position which she has been struggling, They are the wasps, the deadly enemy of have complained. But, being where he through the efforts of her scholars, to the industrious bees. They set a bad was, and seeking himself the position, he maintain, and our lodges, instead of example to the younger Masons—they had no right to be ignorant. It was his becoming resorts for speculative and discourage the growth of Masonic presumption that constituted his offense. philosophical thought, will deteriorate literature—they drive intellectual men, A more striking example is the into social clubs or mere benefit who would be willing to cultivate following: A few years ago while editing societies. With so many rivals in that Masonic science, into other fields of a Masonic periodical; I received a letter field, her struggle for a prosperous life labor—they depress the energies of our from the Grand Lecturer of a certain will be a hard one. writers—and they debase the character Grand Lodge who had been a subscriber, The ultimate success of Masonry of Speculative Masonry as a branch of but who desired to discontinue his depends on the intelligence of her mental and moral philosophy. When subscription. In assigning his reason, he disciples. outsiders see men holding high rank and said (a copy of the letter is now before office in the Order who are almost as me), ‘although the work contains much ignorant as themselves of the principles valuable information, I shall have no of Freemasonry, and who, if asked, time to read, as I shall devote the whole would say they looked upon it only as a of the present year to teaching’. I cannot social institution, these outsiders very but imagine what a teacher such a man naturally conclude that there cannot be must have been, and what pupils he must anything of great value in a system have instructed. whose highest positions are held by men This article is longer than I intended it who profess to have no knowledge of its to be. But I feel the importance of the higher development. subject. There are in the United States Issue 39 page 11 The Phylaxis Society in 2006
As mentioned in the April issue of Harashim, Bro John B Williams FPS has succeeded Bro Tommie Rigmaiden FPS as president of the Phylaxis Society. The event is described briefly by the incoming president in the Summer 2006 issue of the Phylaxis magazine: On March 1st, the Phylaxis Society met in Albuquerque, New Mexico, for its Executive Session. At that time, the Honorable President, Brother Tommie Rigmaiden resigned to answer a higher calling. [a Christian ministry, not the Grand Lodge Above—Ed] The Executive Committee nominated me to fill the unfinished year remaining on his term of office. This was an unwelcome surprise, but as events unfolded, I could see no way to gracefully decline the nomination. I have now committed myself to serve as your president for the time being, and with the support I have received in my first 100 days, I believe it will be a pleasure to serve. Before the annual convention ended, our founder and President Emeritus, the Honorable Joseph A Walkes Jr, answered a call to glory. His passing is a tremendous loss to the Phylaxis Society and to the world of Freemasonry. Brothers have asked me whether I am the replacement for Brother Walkes, and my answer has always been a resounding ‘No’. Brother Walkes is irreplaceable; I would not presume to suggest that I can walk in his shoes. We pay tribute to him briefly in this issue of the Phylaxis, and our next issue will be a commemorative issue dedicated to his memory. The Phylaxis Society has a new website under construction at
Looking Back at Guild of Masonic the Enlightenment Musicians
(Continued from page 7) (Continued from page 2) together in the third world. That’s a . the nature of the various forms of powerful image. That is a definitive Masonic Music and related traditions action that puts Freemasonry’s money encountered within both Freemasonry where its mouth is. It shows that we and parallel or analogous bodies, in President John B Williams, FPS walk the talk. It clearly shows that terms of their structure and of their ‘Masonry unites men of every country, practical, theoretical and symbolical Bro Williams was born in Georgia in sect and opinion, and conciliates true aspects 1941 and was educated in Florida and friendship among those who might . the position of such movements and Georgia, obtained a BA degree in 1962 otherwise have remained at a perpetual traditions within the culture of their and taught mathematics at a High distance.’ It also shows we value times, and their relationship with School in Florida, then joined the Air education and the knowledge that it parallel movements, religious and Force, in which he served for 20 years, produces. secular retiring with the rank of captain. He We must move beyond cake and ice . the activities and ideas of Masonic earned a Master of Science degree in cream to engage in the issues that are Musicians, who have had a 1971, while in the Air Force, and when shaping modern society. We must eat significant impact on Freemasonry he became a civilian, he added an the food of the mind as well as that of and the wider community. Associate of Science degree in the stomach. We must give Masons a . the presentation of new perspectives computer science in 1990. He is the reason for coming to a lodge meeting. from recent anthropological, author of Image clarity: high We must show them that we live the psychological, religious, sociological resolution photography (Focal Press, tenets, rather than hang them on the and historical research. 1990), and writes articles for national walls. In the final analysis, what counts Papers may also relate to the wider photographic magazines. He now is not what you say, but what you do. cultural influence, both real and resides in California. We are a child of the Enlightenment. assumed, of Music and related He was initiated in a military lodge Mathematics and natural philosophy traditions. in the Netherlands, under the Prince were our siblings. They have grown; we The aim is to foster links between Hall Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, in have not. We need to rejoin our siblings. Masonic and non-Masonic academic 1972, and wrote the history of the If mathematics was the defining scholarship, and to demonstrate the lodge the following year; he was change moving humanity into a modern international dimensions, durability and elected Master of the lodge in 1975. He age, so too I think computers and the complexity of the Masonic phenomenon subsequently affiliated with lodges in information revolution is the defining in all its various manifestations. Maryland and California. His article change as we move into a new age. The conference Proceedings will be ‘Racism in American Freemasonry’ Perhaps a new Enlightenment that takes published. was published in the March 1992 up where the forces of counter– For further information, contact edition of Phylaxis, and earned him Enlightenment truncated the first David Coburn, Deputy Guild Warden both a Certificate of Literature and his Enlightenment. Masonry can help in this (and Deputy Grand Organist, UGL of FPS. He has also been awarded the birth process. We have an organization. NSW&ACT), by email at Society’s John Wesley Medal of We have funding—especially if we can
The Quarterly Newsletter of the Australian & New Zealand Masonic Research Council
ISSN 1328-2735 Issue 40 October 2006
About Harashim A note from the editor Harashim, Hebrew for Craftsmen, is a quarterly newsletter published by the Australian and New Zealand Masonic Research Council (PO Box 332, Williamstown, Victoria 3016, Australia) and No News two copies are issued free to each of its Affiliate and Associate No doubt things have been happening in the Masonic world, as members in January, April, July and October each year. Current and back issues in PDF format will soon be posted on usual, but two separate circumstances have combined to make ANZMRC’s Internet website
page 2 Harashim the regularity question, and they have Lodge has been tackled boldly and well, One final quote from Brent Morris in done a great job. Here are the with numerous quotations from clearly his Foreword: ‘I am very pleased to add definitions, the issues, and the actions, cited primary sources, and leads to the this book to my reference volumes. It all detailed as an invaluable resource conclusion that the National Grand will be used regularly’. So mote it be. for future researchers. One of the Lodge has had a continuous existence maddening things for the student of Tony Pope Prince Hall Masonry is the uneven from its inception in 1847 right up to the availability of primary documents. Out present day. This is a courageous stance of the Shadows provides detailed for a PHA Mason to take, and one which references, so that when a question will be hotly disputed by other PHA arises of when or where something researchers, but Roundtree and Bessel was said about Prince Hall regularity, have gleaned most of their evidence scholars will refer to ‘Roundtree and from the contemporary Proceedings of Bessel’. what are now PHA Grand Lodges (in I concur. In future, students and scholars law, these might be considered will need to refer to Roundtree & Bessel ‘declarations against interest’, and on the topic of the National Grand therefore likely to be true), and to refute The Shadow of Solomon: The Lost Lodge, and a fortiori on the minutiae of them will require equally careful Secrets of the Freemasons Revealed recognition of PHA Grand Lodges by documentation and hard-copy Laurence Gardner individual US mainstream Grand publication of what has previously been Harper Element, ISBN 0 00 721660 2. Lodges. Here, Out of the Shadows is a mooted only on Internet e-lists. As Brent RRP £8.99 (Amazon £7.19, US$17.99). unique and invaluable reference, a sine Morris comments (and in this he has qua non for any serious student of the been foreshadowed by David Gray and IN THE SECOND PARAGRAPH OF THE subject and essential for all Masonic your reviewer): INTRODUCTION, THE AUTHOR STATES: libraries larger than a single bookshelf. This raises the interesting issue— In The Shadow of Solomon I have Alton Roundtree MA is editor of the perhaps the next round in the approached the subject from an Prince Hall Masonic Digest ‘regularity debate’—of the National objective standpoint since I am able to (Washington DC) and editor-in-chief of Compact, directly descended from call upon long-term experience as a the Masonic Globe magazine, as well as African Lodge No. 459, practicing Freemason, while also now being an vice-president of KLR Publishing LLC, regular Masonry, and shunned as equally long-term Past Mason. located in Maryland. As vice-chairman irregular. Initiated into a City of London lodge of Prince Hall Grand Lodge of the Thus far we have covered the first four in 1966, and subsequently passing chapters of the book, some 90 pages. through the Craft degrees, my active District of Columbia’s recognition regular involvement as a Master committee, he has first-hand experience The next ten chapters are a detailed Mason continued for about 20 years. of the recognition process. survey of many aspects of the emergence By the middle 1980s, however, it Paul Bessel is a Fellow of both the of PHA Masonry out of the shadows into became necessary to review my Scottish Rite Research Society and the the light of mainstream recognition, with situation as the requirements of lodge Philalethes Society, a Past Master of the meticulous documentation at every membership were potentially limiting Civil War Lodge of Research (he was stage. The authors point out that in many to my occupation as an independent WM when a delegation from Quatuor instances, once a Prince Hall Grand researcher. Consequently, I tended my Coronati Lodge, under WM Yasha Lodge has exchanged recognition with formal resignation at the United Grand Lodge of England. Beresiner, visited the lodge in 1998), and its in-state mainstream counterpart, it a member of the board of the makes no effort to initiate an exchange Later he writes: Brotherhood of the Blue Forget-me-not. of recognition with other mainstream The basic precepts of Freemasonry He is also a Past Senior Grand Warden Grand Lodges. The authors also indicate, have much in their favour, but the of the mainstream Grand Lodge of the delicately and diplomatically, a fact most anomalous feature is that District of Columbia and (surely a which others are prepared to trumpet masonic practice derives from certain unique office in all of Freemasonry) a from the roof-tops, that the majority of ancient sciences which are never actually taught. Ceremonies are PHA Masons live below the Mason- Past District Deputy Grand Master for performed and rituals are learned, but Research Lodges, in the mainstream Dixon line, in States where there is no it is stated that, for all this pageantry, Grand Lodge of Virginia, but his main mainstream recognition, and are thus still the secrets on which the Brotherhood claim to fame is the establishment of the deprived of their Masonic heritage. The was founded were lost long ago. library-sized website now located at authors are, of course, concerned to And later still:
Through Ritual to Enlightenment
by Julian Rees
Worshipful Master and Brethren, I thank our beautiful ritual, often with great however, the two rival Grand Lodges in you for according me the honour of expressiveness and after having spent England buried the hatchet and devised delivering the Wendell K Walker great effort memorising them, but ritual forms acceptable to both, which Memorial Lecture for 2003, the more so without having a sense of the words, of were approved by the new United Grand in view of MWBro Wendell Walker’s how they affect and influence their lives, Lodge in 1816. At this time the de- English connections. I note that he was a without, in short, having a sense of the Christianizing of the ritual was graduate of Exeter University in divine. Many lodges in the world do not completed. It is generally accepted that England, and was also from 1982 Grand suffer from such myopic attitudes, but this de-Christianizing resulted in the Representative of the United Grand sadly the majority do seem to. jettisoning of much of the focus on Lodge of England at the Grand Lodge of It was not always so. In England the spirituality, leaving in a sense just the New York. I would like my visit to you history of ritual development provides husk of the ritual—the baby was thrown today to be some recognition of MWBro some intriguing insights, and we may out with the bathwater. Wendell Walker’s work in cementing here digress for a moment to trace a little Before this union of the two Grand relations between our two countries and of the history of Freemasonry in England Lodges, an integral part of this ritual was our two Masonic jurisdictions. in the 18th century. In 1717, at the time a system of question-and-answer or A paper I wrote some years ago for of the constitution of the first Grand catechetical lectures, by means of which the English publication Freemasonry Lodge in England, Freemasonry young Masons were instructed. These Today reminded the readers that the consisted of only two degrees, both of lectures were split into three distinct proper means of instructing young which were very strongly Christian in degrees, one for each Masonic grade. Masons was not by repetition of degree content. In the 1720s the third degree The proficiency that had to be displayed ceremonies but by a system of set was added, or more correctly the second in them by the aspiring candidate were lectures. I made this discovery on degree was split into two to form the the means of his advancement. At this reading Colin Dyer’s Emulation – A second and third degrees, and at this time time, most work in lodges of instruction Ritual to Remember. In the late 18th and the de-Christianizing of the ritual had was dedicated to these lectures, with early 19th centuries, lodges of begun. Our sensitivity to the mystical only occasional practice of the degree instruction did not teach degree was in question; the Royal Arch degree ceremonies themselves. The catechetical ceremonies, so much more engaged were was removed from its proper place at the lectures in the ritual practised in the they in philosophical and moral debate. heart of Craft Freemasonry. The Grand Lodge of New York are certainly My discovery of this fact resonated with experience of the English in their derived from the same source as the my own feelings on the matter, and was empire-building in India and other parts English ritual—the similarities are too one of the stages in a journey I had of the world meant that the influence of marked to suppose otherwise. undertaken, and still continue to make religions other than the Christian were All the evidence is that in the today, a journey whose name may be brought into play, and in your own eighteenth century the spiritual and expressed as follows: Are we as country there were instances of philosophical instruction given was on a Freemasons so bound up in the form of Amerindians, who recognised much more informal level. The our Craft as to have lost sight of the shamanism, embracing Freemasonry. ceremonial and procedure, the attention content behind the form? Let me put it In 1751 the authority of this first to dress and to precedence and seniority another way. A Christian priest or English Grand Lodge was challenged by were to come much later. Paradoxically, minister may pronounce the words of the the establishment of a rival Grand the codifying of these lectures into set Eucharist from beginning to end in the Lodge, dubbed the Antients, who wanted forms, which took place at the start of belief that by speaking the words he to retrieve those elements of our ritual the 19th century, went a long way to thereby fulfils his obligation, without which they perceived to have been codifying Masonic behaviour as a whole, taking the words into his heart, without unjustly abandoned. This Grand Lodge, and led to the rigid patterns we know feeling them, and without knowing, deep which also went by the name of the today in Masonic procedure and down, what the words are telling him. I Atholl Grand Lodge, was largely ceremonial. Nonetheless, what we have do not of course suggest that this is true responsible for establishing Freemasonry inherited, although lacking in flair and of all priests, merely that it can happen. in the New World so that, incidentally, spontaneity, does impart something of And I have, over many years as a some of the ritual forms today practised the real hard learning to which a young Freemason, come to the conclusion that in the United States are probably older Mason in those days had to submit. As some Freemasons intone the words of than those practised in England. In 1813 an example, we may consider that page 4 Harashim section of the first degree lecture of realized to be the product of the pursuit themselves. How did they do this? which copies have been distributed, and of purely material goals. It may not be Incorporated in the practice of the which contain much material well true to say that western institutional ancient Mysteries was a process of known to New York Masons. [fourth religions have let us down, although initiation, a process directly comparable section of first lecture] many perceive this to be the case. It is with Masonic initiation. Today, and since the early 19th certainly true to say that more effort There is no evidence that speculative century, these lectures are grouped to seems to go into maintaining the Freemasonry arose purely as a social form seven sections in the first degree, institutions than in nurturing the spiritual phenomenon. On the contrary, there is five in the second and three in the third. message. every justification for the view that it Together with the three degree So, if spirituality today is on the arose as a means of initiating men into a ceremonies, they are in England today wane, should we perhaps trace human way of moral awareness, responsibility regulated, under the name ‘Emulation history back to that point when it was in towards society and self-knowledge. We Ritual’, by a body known as the the ascendant? Certainly spirituality is may justifiably view it as fulfilling the Emulation Lodge of Improvement, older than organised religion as we same function in society as the ancient which is the ultimate authority in understand it today, with its Mysteries, for whom initiation was a England in all matters pertaining to this, administrative apparatus, ornate mystical path to enlightenment, where the most widely practised ritual. Yet buildings and hierarchies. We have only mankind stood within the holy of holies even in England, the lectures are today to consider vestiges of ancient spiritual in the great temple to come face to face known only to a minority, and the real practice, such as the many clusters of with the Great Architect. philosophical and spiritual intent behind megalithic stones in various countries of Now, there is some good news for them is largely lost. the world, or tens of thousands of years you, and some bad news. The good news Yet if we examine the ritual forms earlier, burials of Neanderthals carried is that in our own Masonic system, for which we have inherited, we discover out in a ritualised manner. These testify those who have no adherence to an that much of the spiritual content to the fact that many centuries before institutional religion—and even for those remains. We discover that all the way institutional religion there existed a quest who have—we have a clear-cut route, if through our ceremonies we are for knowledge about human nature and we choose to follow it, to self-awareness, encouraged to research our inner selves. the purpose of human existence. self-knowledge and spiritual Wherever we look in Masonic ritual, the In the western world, these quests enlightenment. The bad news is that constant theme is one of knowing who came to belong to a general body of Freemasonry has all too often become and where I am, and knowing my true thought referred to as the Mysteries. The ossified in the form of its ritual. It seems, relationship to my fellow-man and to the core of the Mysteries rested on one in some lodges, that the learning of the universe which I inhabit. Even a cursory crucial fact: for the Ancients there words and actions has become an end in reading of the degree ceremonies leaves existed two parallel worlds, both of itself, and the enormous effort put into no place at all for the assertion made by which we inhabit at the same time. There this learning and the concentration some Freemasons, that our Order is ‘a was the physical, material, sensual necessary to render the words correctly social and dining club with a few ritual world—a world with edges—and there according to the book have proved so to appendages’, an assertion which betrays were the vast, limitless, eternal, non- divert us from the meaning as to obscure a wilful ignorance. material realms, not limited by physical it almost completely. We have forgotten The decline in spiritual awareness and phenomena, and not available to the virtue and the beneficial effects of in the following of spiritual quests is, of ordinary perception, but which were still stillness and silence, of the attempts to course, nothing new. The surprise is that a part of our universe. In these realms, shut out the outer world, so that, for a western society does not appear to have the arenas for the exploits of the gods of while at least, we can be at our own noticed how deprived of spiritual mythology, events occurred which were centre, the place from which we cannot nourishment we have become. We governed by the same natural laws err. pretend, through an obsession with existing in our world of ordinary We cannot find a better place to study technology and science, that the spiritual experience, events which had an the importance of this aspect than the is not as important as the air we breathe important influence on the daily activity prayer we say over a candidate on his or the water we drink. All the major of human life. As Kirk MacNulty points admission to the temple for his initiation: western religions have suffered erosion out, the closest of these non-material Grant that this candidate for Masonry through the onslaught of materialism. domains exists in our own psyche, since may dedicate and devote his life to Humankind seems intent on satisfying every time we dream, we are participants Thy service and become a true and his sensual appetites, to the detriment of in such supernatural events, the faithful brother among us. Endue him the core of his existence, that spiritual boundary of the inaccessible part of that with a competency of Thy divine pillar at his centre, whose function is to domain being the threshold of our own wisdom, that, by the influence of the keep him upright, and to connect at all consciousness, a threshold which we pure principles of our Fraternity, he may be better enabled to display the times the physical and spiritual worlds, may have created ourselves, an artefact beauties of holiness, to the honor of like Jacob’s ladder. of assumed cult belief, not a biological Thy Holy Name. In a world where humankind has reality. We are in effect praying that largely dismissed institutional religions, The Mysteries were schools which Freemasonry may help the candidate man seems to assert that he needs provided the gateway to those non- reveal—display—holiness: in other nothing of spiritual values. Yet against material realms, and to the knowledge of words, to own that divinity for himself. his rational judgement, he still feels the the natural laws operating in them. They Note that the ritual does not charge him need for a dimension other than the existed for the satisfaction of those who to go out and seek the beauties of physical and material. Social evils and wished to know more, those who wished psychological distress are increasingly to understand divinity, directly, for (Continued on page 6)
Issue 40 page 5 (Continued from page 5) prepared in an anteroom separate from, see a justification for initiating more than holiness. And why? Because that but adjacent to the temple, analagous in one candidate at one time. Many lodges holiness already resides within him and New York to your room for the in England, who up to now practised needs only to be displayed; but the ritual preparation of the candidate, opening double initiations in order to ease the will gradually teach him that. It is of directly onto the temple. But in the 18th flow of candidates, have re-considered passing interest here to consider the century in England these were called that position in the interests of the proper slight variation in the English ritual: ‘that ‘Chambers of Reflection’ and that is enlightenment of the individual aspirant he may the better be enabled to unfold their true function. In Germany even for Freemasonry. Whatever may be, we the beauties of true godliness, to the today, the candidate for initiation is shut certainly cannot become initiates on the honour and glory of Thy Holy Name’. away in such a room, surrounded by Masonic path by some vicarious process These are small variations of emphasis, emblems of transitoriness and involving a sample initiation being not changing the central spirituality at mortality—a skull, an hour-glass, a lit conducted in front of us, in some way all, and serve to allow each of us to see candle and a bell. He is left on his own, conducted on behalf of a group. It is true the essence of our common Craft in a to reflect on his relationship to the world, that in the First World War there were different light. to society and to his own destiny, in near instances of lodges initiating four or five And it is the essence. Were that not darkness and in total silence. After this, candidates at one time, on the eve of so, our mention of ‘holiness’, of he is blindfolded. In some present-day their leaving for the front—even then, ‘godliness’ and therefore of divinity French rituals, even more extreme these candidates were not initiated would be meaningless. Right at the start, measures are undertaken to attempt to together, but one by one, the ceremonies we are plunged into the real spiritual disorientate the candidate. lasting late into the night; exceptional matrix of our Craft. We are immersed in Now he enters the temple and his times in the lives, and in the deaths, of the spirit, and our candidate is about to symbolic journey towards the light has aspirants for Freemasonry. discover, to reveal, some fragment of the begun. Here we have the golden To sum up, then: we are equipped eternal divinity within himself. This is opportunity, if we apply the preparation with a very beautiful, very strong ritual the start of his journey on the Masonic and the ritual carefully, to bring these system as a means of advancing towards path, and along the way he learns his symbols to life, not only for the self-knowledge. Our candidate is already responsibilities to this our contrasting candidate, but also for ourselves. We, imbued with divine knowledge and material world. There is no room for who partake in this mystery with the wisdom, which needs only to be doubt about what Freemasonry is doing candidate, may regard ourselves as being revealed, to be validated. He is on a here. It will no longer be enough for us there to assist him in transforming a journey to discover—to remember—his to concentrate on the form while symbolic light into a real light. own spiritual links. His progress may be ignoring the content. We cannot, as some This candidate, then, is effectively hindered if we pay attention only to the do, claim that there is no deeper being asked to suspend his disbelief. We form of our Craft and not the content, or meaning, and that as long as we gain are immersing him in a new world, if we are distracted by ideas of promotion to a higher rank in where the norms in operation in his other advancement, or if we seek the wrong Freemasonry, then that’s all there is to it. life no longer apply. It is a world where things in our Craft. It is possible that we What are the other clues in our ritual there is more to discover within than need to search not only in the degree indicating that our candidate for without. We ask him to own and ceremonies themselves for the initiation is embarked on a journey embrace a divinity to which, up to now, spirituality in Freemasonry. whose meaning and purpose are esoteric he may have only paid a half- To address this very aspect, an ones? The chief one is that he is unbelieving lip-service. We ask him to organisation was set up in 1999 in blindfolded: he is put into a state of consider that the faculty of reason on its England called The Cornerstone Society. darkness, symbolising the primeval, own is not enough, and is certainly not Its aims are to increase the awareness, unenlightened state of man. This paramount. It deals only with the particularly of Master Masons, of the practice, too, links our Craft to that of phenomenal world, and our reality, as we real meaning and inner spirituality and the ancients, who began rituals in exactly have seen, is much greater than that. beauty of our Masonic ritual. The the same manner. Yet we may ask Reason alone cannot comprehend the Society seeks to help brethren who are ourselves whether blindfolding is irrational, the metaphysical, the spiritual. actively interested in developing the enough. We may consider that the Reason alone cannot penetrate that crucial aspects of Freemasonry already candidate needs to be placed in a state of mysterious veil which shields us all from mentioned above. One of the leading sensory deprivation, of disorientation, the vista of eternity. founder members is the Pro Grand albeit a benign one, to enable him to From this we can see that initiation, Master of the United Grand Lodge of change the focus from the outer, material properly understood, is an intimately, England, MWBro The Marquess of world, with all its sensory distractions, intensely personal journey. It is, Northampton, and I would like to quote into his own inner self, to listen to the potentially, no less than the candidate’s from a paper he gave at the Cornerstone still small voice, to find himself at the own personal, spiritual climbing of Society Conference in London last centre and to start his journey towards Mount Everest. And as we have implied summer: the light. We may, with some historical there are no bystanders in the lodge; by It is important that at the centre [of justification, consider whether a period joining together with the candidate, we Freemasonry] there is a core of of prolonged and total silence is can ensure that his journey from brethren who do understand the required. Our candidate needs now to darkness to light is a truly life-changing spiritual message that our rituals meditate, to try to understand his place at experience, and we can make of it a contain. I am sure that like me there the centre of the universe. For this collective endeavour. But it is, and are many who joined Freemasonry as procedure, we have precedents to follow. remains, as personal as physical birth. It earnest seekers after light and wisdom, In England today, the candidate is must change him. As such, it is hard to (Continued on page 9)
page 6 Harashim This paper was presented to a Cornerstone Society Conference on 22 June 2002.
In the Spirit of Freemasonry
by Julian Rees
Freemasonry, according to our own consider that the secularisation of in his book Freemasonry—a Journey Grand Lodge, teaches moral lessons and Masonic ritual has been going on for Through Ritual and Symbol, W Kirk self-knowledge. Here we take our stand. some 300 years, we can begin to assess MacNulty puts this concept of From this point, we as Freemasons start how much spiritual reference has been ‘otherness’ into perspective: our journey, our quest for self- lost over that period. In the 1780 ritual of The universe is limited by the extent of knowledge, a path leading us to the one of the German Masonic orders, physical phenomena [but] that of the inmost parts of ourselves, our own references to the Deity and to the nature ancient world was conceived as psyche and our own soul. Against the of our own spirit are far more numerous containing vast non-material realms imperative of this self-knowledge, all than they are today. Admittedly this which were not available to ordinary other activities in Freemasonry in which ritual is Christian in concept, but then so perception but were still considered to we engage, whether social, charitable or was most if not all Masonic ritual in be part of the universe as it was then understood . . . Events occurring ritual, must take second place, however those days. Here then we may have within these non-material domains laudable they are and however much stumbled across the reason for such were considered to be governed by . . . they may act as adjuncts to the main secularisation, that in the 18th century the same natural law which gave quest. moves to de-Christianise the Craft, the consistency to the world of ordinary An initiate coming into our Order, baby was thrown out with the bathwater; experience. The Mysteries were who perhaps does not listen too carefully spirituality was sacrificed along with schools which provided knowledge of to the words of the ritual, might be doctrine and dogma. the natural laws operating in those forgiven for feeling that Freemasonry is The teaching of moral lessons and non-material realms. Their knowledge a social club with charitable activities, self-knowledge, in other words the was imparted by a process of development represented by clothed in a set of arcane mystery plays approach to our own spirit, must be our advancement through a series of and with complex regalia adornments minimum requirement. If we are to stay grades, and the instruction itself indicating higher rank. But if he does true, at least to that minimum involved ritual and elaborate symbolic stop and feel the words of our ritual, he requirement, we might perhaps want to structure used to communicate the may be in for a surprise. He has just regain that dimension to our Craft that principles. The objective was to train humbly solicited to be admitted to has been lost, the dimension giving us people to live in consonance with mysteries and privileges. Humbly? access to that knowledge of our self, to natural laws as they operate in the non- Mysteries? Privileges? These are not our spirit, to that ‘otherness’ in material domains. words which are heard too often in post- ourselves. And MacNulty goes on to tell us of the modern 21st-century conversation! And What do we mean by that? exploits of the Gods of mythology, men how does he hope to obtain these? By We mean that attention to our and women with remarkable powers the help of no less a being than God physical wellbeing, acknowledgment of engaged in astonishing adventures Himself. In other words, a mere fourteen and care for the material side of our governed by arbitrary rules and lines or ninety-two words into the first existence, are not enough. Knowing occurring in unlikely situations. All a degree ritual, we are already invoking ourselves does not involve understanding little abstract, removed from reality, the Deity, and we are about to invoke the our bodies and how they work, valuable superstitious even? Well, removed from blessing of heaven to enable the though such knowledge is. It means contemporary scientific materialism, candidate to unfold the beauties of true understanding the non-material, non- certainly. But even in our own lives godliness. Our candidate affirms that physical side of ourselves, understanding today we have experiences on the border God it is on whom he relies in cases of our heart, mind, psyche and soul. It of reality when we dream, when we difficulty and danger, not his mother, not means knowing our true selves, explore that landscape on the borders of his wife, not his boss nor the insurance understanding that greater spiritual our own consciousness, the borders of salesman who has promised him matrix of which we are a part. It means our own psyche. indemnity against the difficulties and being with ourselves, owning ourselves, The fact is, conditioned as we are by dangers of this life—NO, none of these getting to know ourselves, having a the materialist orientation of our society, will suffice, only God. balanced appreciation of our talents and any perception of our ‘otherness’ will Are we serious about God? our failings, so that we need not try so seem bizarre, to others if not to These references to the Deity, to the hard to prove ourselves before others. ourselves, until we pass what I call the power of the Deity and to the spirituality Then we are approaching that ‘reality’ barrier, and interpret the manifest in all of us and in our world, ‘otherness’ that is such a precious part of symbols for what they communicate, increase as this candidate progresses our own existence. We are, after all, rather than taking them at face value. As through his three degrees. We find ‘speculative’ Freemasons in this pursuit, Freemasons, we have a unique chance, repeated and increasing references to from the latin specula, a mirror. We are using symbols and allegory, to free God and to our relations with Him. But it indeed a reflection of divinity. ourselves from the spiritual limitations actually goes deeper than this. If we Writing about the ancient Mysteries (Continued on page 8)
Issue 40 page 7 (Continued from page 7) own existence. It is quite clear that one Christians today are convinced that the of scientific materialism and to own up candidate’s expression of a belief in God meaning of this life is not simply to the otherness in ourselves without may not match that of another. It is also ‘God’ or ‘the divine’ in the abstract, which active knowledge of ourselves is clear that we are going to get nowhere if but human beings themselves, the all- embracing humanum. Not just to know not possible. we try either to prove the existence of God, love God, serve God, but also Religion uses the oldest devices for God, or to define His nature. But then we self-fulfilment, self-development, love this—myth, ritual, devotion and social might like to remind ourselves that of neighbours and those far away. And action—as ways of coping with the ‘prove the existence of’ does not mean mustn’t above all human relationships fundamental human desire to come to the same thing as ‘believe in’. As be included? terms with the mystery of our own Dietrich Bonhoeffer says, ‘A God who is I should say here that it is important to existence. But spirituality pre-dates the there, is not God’. God, understood most distinguish between self-centred egotism great world religions. Since time began, deeply and ultimately, cannot be simply which is negative, and self-awareness, we have needed to know that life makes an object. If God were that, that would which can lead to so much that is sense. We need to know our part in it. In not be God. God is, by definition, that positive. short, each one of us, as a unique part of which cannot be defined, cannot be This is not the only support Hans the creation, needs validation. While limited. In all the Holy Books of the Küng gives to such a view. He writes: following the doctrines of the religion world, God is nowhere demonstrated by As a human being I have, in which we follow, our spirituality, though argument. Our powers of reason, bound reasonable trust in God, an it may owe something to the faith we as they are by space and time, cannot ‘Archimedean point’, a firm standpoint practise, is ours alone. And if we practise prove what is outside space, outside from which I can at least determine, no faith at all, then all the more time. By reason, we can prove neither move and change ‘my world’, an important it is for us to explore and that God exists nor—atheists, please absolute I can hold on to. Free validate our own spirituality, to turn the note—that He does not exist. There are commitment to this one absolute gives key to open the mystery that is ourselves. no strict proofs, but there are good me great freedom over against all that We all too often misunderstand what reasons for His existence. is relative in this world—no matter the Masonic path is trying to teach us. In To be aware of His existence, how important and powerful it may be. In the end I am responsible only to this Freemasonry we have a comprehensive therefore, will depend on us opening our God and not to the state or the church, allegory of birth, moral awakening, life, hearts. In my youth, like many people, I to a party or a firm, to the pope or any pursuit of knowledge, experience, had a closed heart. I went through an leader. This belief in God is thus the through to ultimate wisdom and the atheistic phase. Whenever I asked anchorage for an alternative basic knowledge of ourselves, right up to the followers of different religions questions ethical attitude [whose] centre is importance of the death of our old self to like:What is God? Where is God? I got freedom and love, and whose focal attain rebirth and perfection. And is our answers like: God is everywhere; God is point . . . new hope and joy in life. spiritual path rooted only in intellectual, in you; and finally: You are God. That The ‘death to self’ mentioned earlier is a academic or rational concepts? Not at didn’t make sense at the time, so great key to this freedom, and is rendered in all. The prominent Catholic theologian was my antipathy towards, and mistrust parts of our ritual, little vestiges of the Hans Küng reminds us that ‘faith would in, the very concept of God. I only paid spiritual dimension we have all but lost. only be half a thing were it to address attention to it much later, and in a slow But the overall effect of this is to make only our understanding and reason and dawning I began to see what it could the candidate so unsure of himself and not the whole person, including our mean. When I became a Freemason, I his surroundings that he no longer hearts’. wondered in particular what was meant unthinkingly trusts the material world I spoke earlier about the difference by: around him, the evidence of his senses. between our material existence and our Endue him with a competency of Thy In each degree he advances through this ‘otherness’, that vital part of ourselves divine wisdom that, assisted by the state of insecurity, expanding his beyond the material. In order to reach secrets of our masonic art, he may the consciousness to embrace a new level in that inmost part of our being, we might better be enabled to unfold the beauties the Temple of the psyche. Initiation may like to shed the material, to discover of true godliness. properly occur not during the ceremony indeed that within this perishable frame It gradually became clear that I was itself, but as a consequence of it—the does reside a vital and immortal being made a promise. A promise that, ceremony plants a seed and the actual principle, inspiring holy confidence. We assisted by the secrets, real secrets of raising his level of consciousness need, in the Christian description, to ‘die meaning, not passwords and signs, I follows. When this is achieved, when the to ourselves’, to contemplate our could set out on a path of understanding, initiate’s heart is open, then he is truly an inevitable destiny, in order to guide us to or science, of the divinity, not some Entered Apprentice. His initiation takes that most interesting of all human abstract divinity removed from my place on the ground floor of his psyche, studies. The holy confidence referred to proper understanding, but the divinity that part related to the physical world but is that in ourselves we can be perfect; we already resident in myself. This is true separate from it. The candidate has can in ourselves defeat defeatism, defeat empowerment: acknowledging, by agreed to be deprived, symbolically, of pain, suffering, low self-esteem, meditation, the divinity that is mine, and worldly riches. His clothing is half- insecurity, inner chaos and outer owning it, being at the centre bounded undone, a metaphor much more striking hostility, and lift our eyes to a brighter by the equidistant parts of the circle, at a in the elaborate dress of an 18th century horizon. point where, as a Master Mason, I cannot gentleman perhaps than it is today. He But in order to do this, we need a err, I am truly myself. has allowed a noose to be placed around closer understanding of the nature or It is interesting to note that this view his neck, a powerful image of essence of God to further our quest for is supported also by Christian submission. And, most importantly, he self-knowledge and the mystery of our theologians. Hans Küng again writes: has agreed to be deprived of the power
page 8 Harashim of sight, to be led around in darkness. If himself to be an individual, like the greatest trial of the third degree. we have prepared our candidate rough ashlar which will never be part Nor does time permit me to take you properly, in mind as well as physically, of the bedrock again, the Entered more than fleetingly to the third level of he ought by now to feel humbled, Apprentice can never go back. To put consciousness, parts of which we have it another way, when he has had an submissive, and blind to more than just already explored here. Suffice to say insight into his nature, when he has a material light, for how long he does not glimpse of the fact that he really is, that, if all has gone well, if we have truly know. He is going on a journey in inside, at the core of his being the progressed along our Masonic path, we darkness and deprived of so much in his ‘Image of God’, he can never unknow have by the third degree achieved some everyday life that allows him to feel it. level of self-knowledge, learned how to secure. The object here is to focus the But of course in the second degree he is free ourselves to focus on our inner mind away from the sensuality of the going to work on this rough ashlar and world, achieved some inner harmony, world into the candidate’s own being and make of it a smooth ashlar which, when peace and joyous fulfilment, so that we consciousness. He comes a step closer to it is complete, will willingly integrate truly can be at the centre, imbued with shedding his materialist outer garment. with his fellows and bear the burden all that divinity bestows on us and He will almost certainly feel threatened with them, will integrate in the same way requires of us and able, as Freemasons, by sharp objects. His future in this new that the keystone of an arch must fit to discharge our duty to ourselves, and way of life is far from sure. He is smoothly with its adjacent stones in through that to the world around us, to advised against rashness, impetuously order to support the entirety perfectly. live in harmony with that world and to rushing forward, and also against retreat, In the second degree the hidden realise our own potential. There is no reticence. But note that these risks are so mysteries of nature and science are not greater gift, no greater achievement, no constructed that to avoid the one is to imparted in the course of the ceremony, brighter light. increase the other. He can be neither but the candidate is told that he is impetuous nor can he hold back, and by permitted to extend his researches into this means he is taught resolute but them. Here again, the fruits of the degree cautious perserverance. become accessible as a result of the work Through Ritual to One of the principal attitudes required the candidate undertakes subsequent to of an Entered Apprentice is fidelity to the ceremony. The mysteries of nature Enlightenment secrets. I believe the concept of Masonic and science are hidden; and by now you secrets is one of the most misunderstood. will have guessed that they are not (Continued from page 6) We cannot surely mean signs, tokens and hidden because we have something to only to find that much of the masonry words, still less the form and content of hide—they are hidden because we as practised in the English our degree ceremonies. These have been cannot yet see them, and they are Constitution, and indeed in many parts so extensively published they can in no mysteries because we cannot yet of the world, has forgotten its circumstances be regarded any more as understand them. It requires our own destiny . . . As a result the learning of worth hiding from the profane world. input to make them manifest. It requires ritual has become a drudge and an I myself read Walton Hannah’s us to journey on our Masonic path, and understanding of its purpose is almost Darkness Visible before my initiation impossible . . . Nevertheless, it has to work. A mystery is of no value if it is survived for nearly 400 years and and, perversely, it gave me an even ‘in your face’; its value lies in the very greater desire to become a Freemason. possibly more – and as far as I am work we have to do to reveal it. Only the concerned carries the torch for what No, we are talking about quite different foolish man would confer a university could loosely be described as the secrets to these. degree on someone who has made no hermetic tradition. It is my fervent Freemasonry, viewed as it should be, study of the subject. In the first degree hope that through this Society and is not a physical organisation but rather we are presented with a ladder depicted other similar initiatives it will an activity in pursuit of divinity, of on the tracing board, incorporating a rediscover its spiritual heritage and greater light. Our secrets are those things great deal of symbolism, but that ladder become an active catalyst for the we hold dear, secrets of our own creation transformation of Man’s is a promise for the future; we do not consciousness. and creativity, which we are therefore ascend it in the course of the degree. In reluctant to expose, much as a novelist the second degree, by contrast, we are Worshipful Master, Brethren, I thank dislikes showing his work to others until required to ascend the winding staircase you for listening to me with such it is finished. These are also secrets of three, five, seven or more. By the focused attention. I hope not only to because to disclose them would negate three we can perceive the three lesser have evoked a perception of our Craft as the good effect they would have on lights and their attendant columns; the a spiritual path to self-knowledge, which future initiates. Corinthian, imparting beauty, referring I believe to have been its original The Entered Apprentice is to the heart; the Doric, imparting purpose, but also to have forged a few represented by the Rough Ashlar. Kirk strength, referring to the mind, and the transatlantic bonds in that peculiarly MacNulty puts this very well: Ionic, imparting wisdom and knowledge Masonic way that bears so much fruit. While the rock remains in the quarry, of self, referring to the soul. By the five Julian Rees © 2003 it is part of the mass and experiences we learn of the five orders of what the mass experiences. The architecture and their attendant candidate in the Entered Apprentice symbolism. By the seven we enter into CHANGE OF ADDRESS degree is about to separate himself out, the liberal arts and sciences. Time and to undertake to live his life as an Please note that the editor has permits only this brief exposition, but individual, to be a separate stone. It is changed his email address to: a step which only he can take; and he this is true work, work to smooth the can take it only for himself. When he rough ashlar and make of it something [email protected] has done it, when he has recognised which will be ready for the last and
Issue 40 page 9 Published in the California Freemason, Summer 2004, and reprinted by kind permission of the author.
The Traditional Observance Lodge
by Dennis V Chornenky
While many Masons may have heard can learn the lessons of Freemasonry and Otherwise, they will converse quietly about European Concept lodges, which how they can be inculcated into their over some light refreshments before are themselves a relatively new concept daily lives. entering the lodge room and being in American Freemasonry, few have This is referred to as Masonic properly seated. heard of the Traditional Observance Formation, which is the ever continuing Once the lodge officers have lodge. Traditional Observance lodges are process of spiritual and intellectual ceremoniously marched in and the lodge similar to European Concept lodges in formation that all Freemasons must formally opened, the Worshipful Master that they also incorporate higher dues, undergo in order to improve themselves will call for a period of silence, usually festive boards, a strict dress code and in Masonry. This term differs from lasting several minutes. Following this, higher standards of ritual, but differ in Masonic Education in that it refers to a the Master will call for the scheduled that they choose to follow a close process of growth concerned with much papers and pieces of music to be observance of the traditional initiatic more than intellectual faculties. Masonic presented in an arranged order. During elements of Continental European and Formation is the process of fitting the the meeting there will be no reading of South American Freemasonry. rough ashlar of the imperfect being into the minutes or any administrative This observance is characterized by a the perfect ashlar fit for the divine business of any sort (if allowed in the solemn approach to holding stated temple. It is a constant transformation jurisdiction). The music that is presented communications and conferring degrees, through the use of Masonic symbols, is usually of a contemplative nature and the use of the Chamber of Reflection as rituals, and teachings. is viewed as an important component of part of the initiation ceremony, forming Everything that occurs in a every meeting, as it contributes to the the Chain of Union after the meetings, Traditional Observance lodge is overall beauty and solemnity of the longer time between degrees and the undertaken within this context. Success atmosphere. The music is also intended requirement for candidates to present a is viewed as effectively imparting the to acquaint the brethren with the paper before the lodge on the lessons of traditional teachings hidden within spectrum of Masonic music composed each degree prior to advancement. Masonic symbols and the spiritual during the 18th century, and to educate Traditional Observance lodges are also unification of the brethren in such a them on the profound history of the more likely to use the term Agape rather pursuit. Successful Traditional classical musical tradition and its than Festive Board to describe the meal Observance lodges, though usually relationship to the Masonic Mysteries. which follows the meetings. Agape is the maintaining a small membership of less The presentation of papers is viewed ancient Greek word for love, and in than 50 brothers, retain and engage their as an essential aspect of the life of the Freemasonry the term signifies a meal members with meaningful human lodge and promotes the continued study eaten in common by a congregation of fellowship, stimulating discourse and of Masonic lessons by the brethren. The Masons in token of Brotherly Love. enriching programs. topic of the papers must be relevant to A non-profit organization working to Traditional Observance lodges the interests of the lodge, and papers of a promote the study and understanding of endeavor to make Masonic teachings and strictly historical or biographical nature traditional Freemasonry called the philosophy accessible and interesting to are rarely entertained in the lodge room, Masonic Restoration Foundation (MRF) the members, and do not shy away from though they may be presented during the provides education and support for dealing with the spiritual issues and Agape. Topics considered appropriate Traditional Observance lodges in questions that many men begin to find for the lodge room are symbolism, recognized jurisdictions. The MRF seeks more meaningful as they mature. The initiation, ritual, metaphysics, to foster a network of lodges and Traditional Observance lodge seeks to philosophy and art. These topics and individuals of strong spiritual and create an ambience where true learning their relationship to Masonry can be intellectual character that will help can occur, by taking the members inward found in the context of the major world preserve the initiatic tradition within to the core of their being rather than religions, esoteric movements such as American Freemasonry for future outward toward the profane elements of Gnosticism, Hermeticism, generations. life. Neoplatonism, Rosicrucianism, Members of Traditional Observance A typical meeting of such a lodge Kabbalah, and many other Western and lodges believe very strongly that the may go as follows: The brethren, all Eastern traditions. foremost purpose of Freemasonry is to properly dressed according to the dress Before closing the lodge, the provide an atmosphere where good men code (at minimum black suit, white shirt Worshipful Master will call for another can unite together in a common pursuit and black tie), will arrive at the lodge period of silence. Once the lodge has of virtue in service to God. The ‘work’ hall, which will be dimly lit by been formally closed the brethren will of a Traditional Observance lodge is not candlelight, with classical music softly gather around the altar for a ceremony to review minutes or bills, or plan social playing in the background. If there is a known as the Chain of Union, which is or philanthropic activities, but rather to degree, the brethren will maintain meant to symbolize the common create an atmosphere where the members complete silence prior to the ceremony. (Continued on page 11) page 10 Harashim Presented at the Philalethes Society 75th Anniversary Celebration, September 2003 and subsequently published in Freemasonry Today, Summer 2004, reprinted by kind permission of the author.
Masonic Traditions for the Twenty-First Century
by Dennis V Chornenky
Considering the Craft’s current decline true spiritual potential. The courtly entire world profits thereby. Being part in most English-speaking jurisdictions, it philosophical climate of 16th and 17th of the initiatic tradition is what is important to consider what is at stake century Britain, where it did not follow distinguishes Freemasonry from purely if the organization is to be preserved in strictly Puritan or Anglican trends, was social or philanthropic organizations. its original form and its traditions are to strongly influenced by the underground While there are many different continue to have a meaningful impact on tradition sometimes referred to as organizations that contribute large sums the lives of its members. Arcadia, which encompassed within its of money to charity, offer fellowship Masons should be able to answer philosophy elements of Gnostic, Neo- with like minded men, or provide three questions if Masonry is to be Platonic, Hermetic, and Kabalistic education, Freemasonry is unique in that successful. What is Freemasonry? What thought. As Rosicrucianism surfaced in it embodies all these things, but is is its historical purpose? And what the early 17th century it also showed an actually focused on offering men a makes it different from other fraternal affinity to the Arcadian stream of traditional initiation into the mysteries of organizations? thought. life and death. The initiatic tradition is The answer to the first question is that A close study of the literary works the core, defining characteristic of Freemasonry is a traditional initiatic produced during this period reveals a Freemasonry, without which, there order. While it has taken its modern form distinct current of symbolism embedded would be nothing to differentiate during the Enlightenment, its traditions, inside seemingly mainstream Masonry from other social or symbols and lessons, reach back to pre- publications. And to those well versed in philanthropic organizations. modern times. If we closely investigate Masonic symbolism the central themes Attempts to make Freemasonry as the lives of the individuals who were of the initiatic tradition become quickly accessible as other organizations by active in shaping speculative evident upon examination of this reducing or eliminating the initiatic Freemasonry out of its operative roots, literature. elements are likely to bring ruin to the and particularly examine their It was precisely out of this Craft. One could call the new connections to older occult societies and philosophical climate, united through organization which would emerge from traditions, it becomes clear that organizations such as the Royal Society, such a process anything one likes, but it speculative Freemasonry was designed and through extensive correspondence would no longer be Masonic. to be foremost an initiatic institution that is now well documented, that the Much of our dilemma arises from the through which men could recognize their most well known proponents of 17th and fact that too many men that join are not early 18th century Freemasonry emerged properly educated about the fraternity.
from. Men like Sir Robert Moray, Elias Rather than coming to an understanding (Continued from page 10) Ashmole, Jean Desaguliers, James of the Craft based on diligent study and commitment to Masonic ideals and Anderson, and their numerous friends thinking, new candidates tend to form connection with other Masons from all and counterparts from all across Europe. their opinions based on the behavior of over the world. The brethren will then Even if some of their writings regarding fellow Masons, who are themselves too retire to the Agape, which is usually a the history of the Craft may appear often poorly educated about the catered meal with formal toasts, and questionable to us in light of the fraternity’s history and philosophy. A where a discussion of the main paper evidence now available, it is clear that disproportionately small number of presented earlier will take place. In they viewed Speculative Masonry as a serious and scholarly men within the conclusion, Traditional Observance custodian of the initiatic traditions of the organization has led to a general decline lodges give their members the past, charged with their propagation and over the last several decades. opportunity to partake in a ritual and preservation. In efforts to arrest the decline in sociability that they cannot find The general work associated with the numbers, many jurisdictions in North anywhere else. Traditional Masonry initiatic tradition, and the purpose of America have sought to make Masons allows brothers to move their minds Freemasonry, put simply, is to provide faster and to make it easier for them to from the mundane to the mystical, away an environment where good men can join by reducing the requirements for from life’s petty particulars to attention unite together to assist one another in membership. Unfortunately, in order to on its transcendent meaning. While self-improvement and the realization of appeal to the greatest amount of people Traditional Freemasonry may not appeal their true potential. One of the possible, things must generally be to everyone, it is proving to be a success underlying tenets of this initiatic reduced to the lowest common in more and more jurisdictions around tradition is the belief that if even one denominator. It must be considered, the United States. individual becomes a better person, the (Continued on page 12) Issue 40 page 11 (Continued from page 11) with members who have not been institution. We need festive boards and however, that Freemasonry, is designed properly educated about the purpose and more engaging Masonic programs in to appeal to what might be called the history of the Craft seems only to have order to provide higher quality highest common denominator, that is, led to the deterioration of Masonic fellowship. And we need more thorough good men seeking to improve traditions and values. investigations and more meaningful themselves. Selling ourselves cheap is a This, along with the rise of popular preparatory periods for candidates if we sad sign of a desperate organization. If culture and high technology, left are to rediscover our original purpose, an organization is vibrant and has a Freemasonry in North America uniting good men in the pursuit of virtue. strong sense of purpose it will attract unprepared to respond appropriately to We cannot afford to forget that the good men naturally. Based on the facts, the social changes that were quickly initiatic tradition is what defines us as we know this to be the case in most coming upon the institution. Nor could Masons. Continental European and South there have been a proper response, as Keeping these things in mind, American countries, where Freemasonry much of the leadership, poorly versed in Masonry will doubtless overcome its does not advertise itself to the public yet Masonic history and the initiatic future challenges and survive for many its membership continues to grow or tradition, could not understand what it years to come. But the North American remains stable. was that it should be endeavoring to Masonic experience of the last century This is one of the Masonic traditions preserve. Even now, much of what is must teach us that Masonry cannot go that must be considered—Masonry introduced with the best intentions seems wholesale—that the number of men works best when lodges are smaller. too often to result in further entering the fraternity must be limited to Granted, for smaller lodges to be viable deterioration. The monitors warn us how many men can effectively be economically, they must adopt higher against innovations with good reason. initiated and educated. We must learn dues, but if quality is to be had, it must The facts tell us that we are going to and understand that Freemasonry, if it is be paid for, and men should not be afraid become a much smaller organization to be true to its designs, does not lower to show that the fraternity is important to over the next decade. But rather than its standards but demands that them. accepting this inevitable fact and making individuals raise theirs. Unfortunately, North American preparations for Masonry to succeed Freemasonry has taken a different route with a smaller membership, it seems that for most of the 20th century. When it we are too eager to adopt anything that swung its doors wide open the could possibly delay the inevitable, that Book Reviews organization quickly swelled, but it was is, anything that has the potential to (Continued from page 3) filled with men that had not taken the bring in members in large numbers. In a lost secret of Freemasonry, but he does time to learn about the real purpose of sense, this is a kind of denial, and unless state in the final chapter: Freemasonry. Nor could they have, as it is shaken off soon it is likely to leave The original lost secret of there was no way the lodges could have North American Masonry unprepared Freemasonry – or at least one of so quickly incorporated so many men once more for the challenges of the them – appears to be the very secret into the Masonic culture. This is one of future. But if the right preparatory steps that fascinated the construction of the keys to understanding our are taken, as Masonry becomes a much the Gaza pyramids and the building dilemma—the number of men that any smaller organization, it can also become of the Jerusalem Temple. It was a given lodge can effectively initiate and a much stronger organization. levitical [sic] technology from the educate is naturally limited. One important thing to understand is earliest of times, and one which is Initiation is a slow and sensitive that simply adopting one traditional only now being discovered by process and requires great effort on practice here and another there is not modern science . . . The technique was one of superconductive behalf of both the candidate and the going to turn the whole organization levitation . . . It was the time- existing members of the lodge. For around. What is necessary is an all- honoured Mat-benu [the Light of the initiation and Masonic growth to be encompassing approach to the way our Stone] of the Mason Word, meaningful and enriching, great care and lodges can be improved. We know that combined with the extraordinary attention must be afforded to each European Masonry has been very properties of Orbital Rearranged individual candidate. He must successful in working as small lodges. Monatomic Elements, once known understand that the organization is And we know, whether we like it or not, to all as the Philosophers’ Stone. highly selective, allowing him to feel that our own lodges are also going to It takes 350 pages to get to this self-worth and leading him to respect the become relatively small in the near conclusion! high standards of the Order. Great time future. I am glad I didn’t pay full price for must be spent to educate him about the While it is true that we can this book, and should have not history, symbolism and philosophy of consolidate lodges as a means of keeping weakened, but waited until the Public the Craft if he is to become a Freemason the dues low, this approach is only going Library got it in. worthy of the title. to work for a limited time and does not Neil Wynes Morse Therefore, another tradition that we address the more fundamental problem seem to have lost, that should be of having lost our focus and traditions. If —and, hopefully, for the next issue: emphasized, is the thorough we want Masonic traditions to continue investigation of candidates and to have an impact on the lives of meaningful preparatory period. Indeed, Masons, we need to focus on quality and this is a demanding tradition that limits working out viable models for smaller the number of candidates that any given lodges. lodge can initiate successfully. Doing We need higher dues and dress codes otherwise, that is, filling up the fraternity as a means of returning dignity to the
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