The Builder Magazine

January 1919 - Volume V - Number 1

 

LINES DEDICATED TO THE CEDAR RAPIDS CONFERENCE.

It is but a little distance,

In this silly flight of years,

'Twixt the path that leads to laughter,

And the road that leads to tears.

 

'Tis the shortest, sweetest pathway,

Through this silly flight of time;

It is but a tear- and laugh-way,

Filled with music and with rhyme.

 

There's a feast of joy tomorrow,

There's a funeral dirge today;

And the sombre shades of sorrow

Cast their shadows where we play.

 

And the smile that's born in gladness,

Pure and limpid ere it start,

With a wail of pain and sadness,

May come sobbing from the heart.

 

So, the song that lifts the curtain

From the backward flight of years,

Brings a smile but too uncertain -

Half of pleasure, half of tears.

 

Then let us laugh in sorrow,

Let us bathe our smiles in tears;

For we cannot count the morrow

In this silly flight of years.

 

Let us laugh with one another,

While we strive for human weal;

Let us weep, my friend and brother,

For the wounds we cannot heal.

 

In the great unknown Hereafter,

In the better, brighter day,

Surely sobs shall yield to laughter,

For it is our Father's was.

 

But here 'tis but a handbreadth

In this silly flight of years,

'Twixt the path that leads to laughter

And the road that leads to tears.

 

But whether in tears or laughter,

Let us build the best we can;

For the Here and the Hereafter,

And the Brotherhood of Man.

 

By Bro. Henry A. Grady

D.G.M. of North Carolina

Cedar Rapids, Iowa,

Nov. 28, 1918.

 

----o----

 

THE CEDAR RAPIDS MASONIC CONFERENCE

 

MASONIC SERVICE ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED STATES

 

BY BRO. GEO. L. SCHOONOVER. GRAND MASTER, IOWA

 

HE WOULD be a seer, who would have attempted to forecast what the result of the Cedar Rapids Conference would be. And he who would interpret that result now that the Conference is a matter of history, must have been present, have felt the mellowing influence of the voices clad in khaki, have realized that this Fraternity of ours, far from forgetting its glorious accomplishments of the past is taking them to heart and applying its age-old principles to the problems of the present. More than this, he must also appreciate and not undervalue that element of conservatism which has come to us of today from the days of old, that close adherence to first principles to which we are obligated and which, from one viewpoint, is the very genius of our Masonic system.

 

Withal, he who would understand the Cedar Rapids Conference must focus his mental vision, not upon the three days of this meeting, but the century and a half of Masonry in America, and the century and a half of development of a national consciousness within that America itself. As we stand in the sunlight of the great awakening which these years of war have brought to America we wonder at the days and years which went before. Our whole civilization has been reborn, as it were, and our newly-opened eyes are still blinded by this wonderful brilliancy of accomplishment --a national accomplishment of which we did not know we were capable.

 

It would be surprising indeed if these slow-moving but irresistible forces could have accomplished their wonders in Masonry without travail. On the surface there was little indication of their working. But he who has observed with care the tendencies of late could not be blind ta them. Here was a great Fraternity, grown so rapidly that its functions of life-maintenance overshadowed all else. Its men of action were bound down by detail--the never-ending grind of degrees to be conferred upon the thousands who flocked to our gates. What wonder that there was only a dulled and half-efficient transmission of the deeper impulses of the ordinary member to those who have been the leaders of recent years--and those leaders themselves sapping their energy to accomplish the extraordinary duties which both patriotic and Masonic instinct told them they owed to their assaulted Country.

 

Reproach is not the proper word to use in speaking of the lack of prompt appreciation by Masons of what Masonry could do in a crisis like that of these two years. "My Country comes first!" is but a natural war-cry for a Mason, and we all know why. And not until the new and arduous duties of patriotism had in a measure become a part of the day's work did any of us really begin to ask ourselves what Masonry as an institution ought to be doing. We had been content to do as we had been taught to do, guided by the ancient charges of loyalty, and we did to ask ourselves what Masonry as an institution ought to be doing. We had been content to do as we had been taught to do, guided by the ancient charges of loyalty, and we did not stop to ask ourselves whether these turbulent days offered to our Institution a duty.

 

 Those who first felt the burden of this new responsibility raised their voices with caution, lest they might have misread the trestleboard of Fate. Presently they began to make solemn inquiry. Then came a great, an awful conviction, that a new day had brought new ties and responsibilities, and that they must be met. Brought together at the Government's call, a few of the leaders of the Craft tried to study the problem, at Washington, last December. Undigested opinion did not visualize the problem, yet. But down in New York, with a constant stream of our young men in khaki passing before their eyes, on their way to Europe to fight the battles of Democracy, and a presently returning stream of physical wrecks making mute appeal for brotherhood, there awoke at last to realization, full realization, the Masonic leaders of that great Jurisdiction. The genius of doing things responded to the appeal, and those leaders began to visualize what Masonry's problem really was, and went to work to see how they might act in the premises.

 

They applied to the Government for permission to act as their consciences told them they ought to act, and as a knowledge of what this Brotherhood of ours was worth to a man in his hour of trouble dictated would be a practical method of acting. "For whom do you speak?" was the query of the officials. "For Masonry" was the response. "For the Masonry of New York?' "Yes." "But we cannot recognize State organizations."

 

Then came the New York Conference, called to meet the immediate need, and meeting it, in part. The paths leading from that Conference have been troublous. That part of the story must come in a later chapter. But the need was finally visualized, and the Grand Jurisdictions of America generally got behind New York in their plan of solving it. The weak link in the chain was that they did not make that plan their own. Co-operation was promised, on the other side of the water. It might have worked, had the plans then proposed been successfully begun in France. Why they were not so begun is still another story, which THE BUILDER will tell, in due time.

 

And so May turned into June, and September followed August and July, with no tangible results. Diplomacy was trying to solve the difficulties in the way, so that harmony might prevail. It is to the interest of Freemasonry that the whole story shall be told, and told it shall be. Those who would indict our Fraternity for its apparent indifference must reckon with that story.

 

The writer was elected Grand Master of Iowa in June, 1918. As the months went by, smatterings of the truth, hints of the reason why things were going as they were crept into his official correspondence. A brief trip East brought knowledge of a part of it. Perhaps impatience is my middle name. Be that as it may, the information coming from overseas the latter part of September, and the insistent challenge to me, as the official head of Iowa Masonry to do something definite, caused my outburst of October third last, the letter to my fellow Grand Masters which appeared in the November issue of THE BUILDER.

 

In a very brief time my correspondence showed that others had received the same challenge, and were as deeply moved by the apparent need for action as I was. Wherefore, on November 1, I called a Conference of Grand Masters and Representatives of the several Jurisdictions to meet in Cedar Rapids on November 26th to 28th, hopeful that opinion would there crystallize into action. The kind of action which seemed to me necessary was that the New York plan should be made actually National, by its specific adoption, and that the Masonic Fraternity should definitely make it impossible for us to be placed again in the humiliating position we have occupied for more than a year. The challenge to us, and the opinion of us which I feared did not come from the public. It came from our own-- our boys in khaki, who knowing our doctrine and our teachings, but not knowing our discouragements and our trials, would be prone to ask us why those teachings had not been put into practice in their behalf. It seemed to me it was time to put on perpetual record the defense which was ours, and at the same time to insure our Fraternity against future indictments of like character, by organizing ourselves so that, in times of emergency, we might have a National Voice.

 

And so we met together on that eventful morning of November 26th, 1918. Thirty-six Jurisdictions we represented definitely. Twenty-two were there in person, represented by about fifty leaders of the Craft. Fourteen others regretted their inability to come, but expressed themselves as favorable to action. Influenza kept many away. But they sent us their good will-- sometimes expressing their infinite trust in us. Mindful of this trust and of our responsibilities, we tried to do God's work for Masonry. He had promised that "where two or three are gathered together in My name, I will be in their midst and bless them." We believe now that He kept His promise.

 

The following is a list of Grand Masters and Representatives who were present:

 

Delaware                        A. Victor Hughes                        Grand Master

Florida                        T. Picton Warlow                        "

Idaho                        George Lawler                        Past "      of Washington (Rep.                                                                Grand Master)

Illinois                        Austin H. Scrogin                        Grand Master

                        Arthur M. Millard                        President Masonic Employ.                                                            Bureau

Iowa                        Geo. L. Schoonover                        Grand Master

                        Newton R. Parvin                        Grand Secretary

                        Frank S. Moses                        Past Grand Master

                        Louis Block       "    "     "

                        Fred W. Craig    "    "     " and General Grand                                                   High Priest

                        Charles C. Clark                        "    "     "

                        W. A. Westfall                        "  D.G.M.

                        Ernest R. Moore                        "    "

Louisiana                        George A. Treadwell                        Grand Master

                        John A. Davilla                        Grand Secretary

                        Rudolph Krause                        Past Grand Master

Maryland                        Chas. C. Homer Jr.                        Grand Master

Michigan                        Hugh A. McPherson                        "     "

                        Lou B. Winsor                        Grand Secretary

                        George L. Lusk                        Past Grand Master

                        Charles A. Conover                        General Grand Secretary                                                          General Grand Chapter

Minnesota                        Wm. N. Kendrick                        Grand Master

                        John Fishel                        Grand Secretary

                        Geo. N. Stowe                        Dep. Grand Master

Montana                        E. M. Hutchinson                        Grand Master

Nebraska                        Ambrose C. Epperson                        Grand Master

                        John A. Ehrhardt                        Past Grand Master

                        Robert E. Evans                        Past Grand Master

New York                        Wm. S. Farmer                        Grand Master

                        Robert Judson Kenworthy                        Grand Secretary

                        Robert H. Robinson                        Dep. Grand Master

                        Townsend Scudder                        Past Grand Master

                        Wm. C. Prime                        Rep. G.L. England

North Carolina                        Henry A. Grady                        Dep. Grand Master

North Dakota                        Henry G. Vick                        Grand Master

                        Walter L. Stockwell                        Grand Secretary

                        Capt. Chas. I. Cook                        United States Army

Oklahoma                        Joseph W. Morris                        Grand Master

                        Wm. M. Anderson                        Grand Secretary

Pennsylvania                        Louis A. Watres                        Past Grand Master

Rhode Island                        E. Tudor Gross                        Grand Master

                        Frederick I. Dana                        Treas. Masonic War

South Carolina                        J. L. Michie                        Past Grand Master

South Dakota                        Geo. A. Pettigrew                        Grand Master

                        C. L. Brockway                        Grand Secretary

Tennessee                        Samuel W. Williams                        Past G.H.P.

Utah                        Arthur C. Wherry                        Senior Grand Warden

Washington                        George Lawler                        Past Grand Master

 

The first day was spent in surveying the situation. One after another the brethren who by fortune of circumstance had been brought in intimate touch with one or another feature of the problem spoke to us. It was a day of chastening of spirit. Fact after fact came out, incontrovertible, proving conclusively that General Apathy, Selfishness and Disunity were the three assassins of Masonic accomplishment. To each was charged a portion of the guilt. If apathy within the Craft was offset to a degree by selfishness within and without the ranks of our Fraternity, it soon became apparent that the heavier portion of the blame lay with Disunity.

 

Ere the evening session closed, all were convinced that the way of future accomplishment led to the broad highway of co-operation. To reach it meant the removal of Disunity. With a sweetness of spirit eminently characteristic of brethren desiring to dwell together, this third and most treacherous enemy was done away with. An organization was declared by unanimous resolution to be the prime necessity to avoid like complications for all time to come, and a committee was charged with the responsibility of finding the type of organization which would at once accomplish the vital needs of the present and provide a way for like accomplishment for the future, without interference with the established usages and customs of the Fraternity, as exemplified by and in our present Grand Lodge organizations.

 

There was no dissenting voice when it was suggested that the only way to meet both of these conditions lay through organization for Service. Masonic service it should be and must be. And so it came about that at the afternoon session of the second day there was presented for consideration in committee of the whole, a proposed Constitution for the Masonic Service Association of the United States. The tentative Constitution follows:

 

THE CEDAR RAPIDS MASONIC CONFERENCE

 

CONSTITUTION

 

Whereas, The several Masonic Jurisdictions in the United States of America have been invited to attend a Conference of Grand Masters at Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on the 26th, 27th and 28th of November, 1918, for the purpose of considering and taking action in respect of the present war emergency and the opportunity for Masonic service in connection therewith; and

 

Whereas, Twenty-two Jurisdictions have responded to said call, and fourteen Jurisdictions have expressed-their approval, in general terms, of the purposes of said Conference, and have given assurance in writing, of their support through their respective Grand Masters; and

 

Whereas, It has been made clear to said Conference that the Masonic Fraternity will be enabled to render more efficient service to mankind and to fulfill its mission among men by bringing about a more perfect cooperation among the several Masonic Grand Jurisdictions of the United States; and

 

Whereas, It is apparent that there is a pressing need of Masonic service among the men with the United States forces overseas during the period following the signing of the armistice and peace and reconstruction, at home and abroad, the duration of which is wholly problematical; and

 

Whereas, The assembled representatives of Grand Lodges have by their unanimous expression agreed that the need for service is real; that the opportunity is present and compelling and that they unanimously desire to participate in and render a more satisfying service, and that to fail to take some affirmative action in this matter at this time will lead to irretrievable injury and impairment of the Fraternity's future usefulness; and

 

Whereas, It is the sense of this Conference that plans be now tentatively formulated for effective service wherever and whenever the opportunity and need to render the same shall be present, said plans to be submitted to the several Grand Jurisdictions for consideration and action thereon; now, therefore, be it

 

Resolved, That there be organized the MASONIC SERVICE ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED STATES, a voluntary association of Masonic Grand Jurisdictions of the United States of America, for Service to Mankind.

 

All Masonic Jurisdictions of the United States of America shall be entitled to membership therein on equal footing on expressing their approval of this constitution and acceptance of the responsibility and privileges outlined therein. Any member shall be entitled to withdraw at any time on ninety days' notice, provided it shall have complied with all of its assumed obligations. Such notice shall be delivered by registered mail to the Secretary at his post office address.

 

OBJECT The object of the Association shall be the Service of Mankind through education, enlightenment, financial relief and Masonic visitation, particularly in times of disaster and distress, whether caused by war, pestilence, famine, fire, flood, earthquake or other calamity; and presently and immediately ministering to, cherishing, comforting and relieving the members of the Fraternity, their dependents and others engaged in the United States forces, in the present great war, wherever they may be stationed and upon whatever duties engaged in the service.

 

ADMINISTRATION

 

For the purpose of administration the United States is divided into departments as follows:

 

NEW ENGLAND DIVISION

Connecticut

Maine

Massachusetts

New Hampshire

Rhode Island

Vermont

 

CENTRAL DIVISION:

Arkansas

Kansas

Kentucky

Missouri

Oklahoma

Tennessee

 

NORTH ATLANTIC DIVISION: CORN BELT DIVISION

New Jersey

New York

Pennsylvania

Iowa

Minnesota

Nebraska

North Dakota

South Dakota

 

SOUTH ATLANTIC DIVISION

Delaware

District of Columbia

Maryland

North Carolina

South Carolina

Virginia

West Virginia

 

GULF DIVISION:

Alabama

Florida

Georgia

Louisiana

Mississippi

 

GREAT LAKES DIVISION:

Ohio

Illinois

Indiana

Michigan

Wisconsin

 

NORTH PACIFIC DIVISION:

Idaho

Montana

Oregon

Washington

Wyoming

 

SOUTH PACIFIC DIVISION:

 

California

Colorado

Nevada

Utah

 

SOUTHWESTERN DIVISION:

Arizona

New Mexico

Texas

 

Upon the occurrence of a disaster of greater magnitude than a local calamity, the Grand Masters of the several Grand Jurisdictions within the department, in which the said disaster shall occur, shall appoint a committee to survey the need, appraise it and report forthwith its findings to the department. The department shall thereupon take action on the report of the committee to the end that the fund necessary shall be provided and properly disbursed.

 

The Association may enter into correspondence and affiliation with similar agencies in other lands or under other governments, the better to teach the Fatherhood of God, and to promote the Brotherhood of Man.

 

The powers and duties of the Association may be enlarged or curtailed from time to time; but no member shall be bound thereby without its express assent.

 

Each department shall meet annually on a date and at a place to be fixed by it; or oftener if it shall so determine. A meeting may he called at any time on the request of three Grand Jurisdictions. A general meeting, of all departments. shall be held triennially on the eleventh day of November, or oftener on the call of ten Grand Jurisdictions. Notices of the time, place and object of the meetings shall be issued by the Secretaries.

 

At each meeting, departmental or general, a presiding officer shall be elected by ballot, for the purposes of the meeting. Each department shall select a Secretary whose duties shall be to keep the records and attend to the correspondence of the department.

 

The sole officer of the Association shall be the Secretary who shall be selected at the general meeting, or during the pleasure of the Association, and his functions shall be purely clerical.

 

Realizing also that there must be some practical way of knitting together the immediate efforts to vitalize the New York Plan, as well as of getting the principles embodied in the above Constitution before the several Grand Lodges of the United States, and having them interpreted in the spirit in which they were adopted, an Executive Commission was authorized to perform these important duties, in the following resolution:

 

Resolved, That in order to carry out and effectuate the objects specified in the Constitution this day adopted, and for the purpose of meeting the instant need of service to the soldiers and sailors overseas, a Commission of fifteen be appointed with Grand Master Schoonover of Iowa as chairman thereof; said Commission to be selected as far as possible according to their geographical situation; which Commission shall have in charge the entire work contemplated in said Constitution, in respect to the men engaged in overseas duty.

 

Resolved Further, That the said Commission be authorized to enter into immediate correspondence with the several Grand Jurisdictions here represented, and with those who shall hereafter adopt said Constitution; and, in a general way, exercise the functions of an administrative body, until such time as a set of by-laws may be adopted by said Association.

 

Resolved Further, That this Commission be known and designated as "The Executive Commission of the Masonic Service Association of the United States." Of the fifteen members of the Commission, ten have already been appointed, the naming of the rest being dependent upon future developments. Besides the chairman, Past Grand Master Townsend Scudder of New York is named as the Overseas Commissioner, in charge of all activities deemed advisable on the other side, and the following brethren:

 

George L. Schoonover, Grand Master, Iowa, Chairman;

Robert Judson Kenworthy, Grand Secretary, New York;

Hugh A. McPherson, Grand Master, Michigan;

A.C. Wherry, Senior Grand Warden, Utah;

Charles C. Homer, Jr., Grand Master, Maryland;

E. Tudor Gross, Grand Master, Rhode Island;

Walter L. Stockwell, Grand Secretary, North Dakota;

George A. Treadwell, Grand Master, Louisiana;

T. Picton Warlow, Grand Master, Florida;

George Lawler, Past Grand Master, Washington.

 

Of the spirit of exaltation which pervaded the Conference, from its beginning to its end, little can be told in cold type. Iowa welcomed the delegates in the spirit of "The Rose of Sharon," which was sung by the Consistory Quartette. It became the official song of the Conference, and was sung over and over again. When the first informal vote was taken upon a resolution which denoted action, and was in fact the first indication of the sentiments of the men there gathered, every hand was raised in the affirmative. Applause grew into cheers, while strong men wept, their quivering lips restraining tongues that could not cheer. The vote taken upon the tentative Constitution to be presented to the Grand Lodges for their action was likewise unanimous, the roll call being by States. A declaration to that effect was greeted by the entire Conference, without suggestion, rising to sing America. And again the tears mingled with the cheers. It may be truthfully said that not a single hour of any session but was characterized by cheers and tears. The spirit of exaltation never left the conference room. Not a word was spoken in rancor. The Spirit of Brotherhood was never more present at any gathering. Every one weighed his words, conscious of the responsibility resting upon him. Only one story was told during the entire sessions, and that dealt with George Washington's position in the constitutional convention. Always the atmosphere was electrical, with a gentleness and consideration given to every speaker; his humor was appreciated, his broad-mindedness conceded, his earnestness and sincerity taken for granted. In a word, to have been privileged to sit in this gathering was to be allowed a glimpse into Utopia.

 

The action of the Conference was wholly informal, resting upon no buttress of law, and everyone knew it. No pretense was made that the action taken was binding upon any Grand Jurisdiction until that Jurisdiction chose to make it so. The individuals simply gave expression to a unanimous opinion that Masonry ought to consider the line of action indicated, and if deemed reasonable and wise, it ought to act upon it. There the matter was left, each Brother present binding himself to go forth and interpret the action to his own Grand Lodge in the spirit of the Conference.

 

It is interesting to note that the Grand Lodge of Georgia, which was holding its annual communication at the same time as the Conference, consequently having no delegates present, but which had been apprised of the subjects to be discussed, sent the following telegram:

 

"Grand Lodge closed today. Endorsed your convention unreservedly. Authorized Grand Master to appropriate funds needed."

 

The Grand Lodge of Texas, meeting the week following the Conference, took action substantially after the same manner, arranging also for the official attendance of its delegates at the meeting to be held in November, 1919, providing a sufficient number of Jurisdictions approve the action taken at the Conference so that a working organization is assured.

 

Likewise the Grand Lodges of Alabama and South Carolina have endorsed the project.

 

The first triennial meeting of the Masonic Service Association, if said organization is approved by 15 or more Jurisdictions after all have had opportunity, will be held on Liberty Day, November 11, 1919, as proposed in the tentative constitution.

 

Thus is formally presented to the Craft an opportunity to ally itself for any mission of mercy that may occur. Education and enlightenment, as provided for in the objects listed, should go a long way toward unity of thought and action in the directions which are the basic and fundamental purposes of the Institution. I do not personally believe that an alliance of our Grand Lodges after this manner, permitting the voice of brotherhood to be raised in time of need and the hand of mercy to be extended when men suffer, can be considered unmasonic by any Grand Jurisdiction. I do not believe that, if our action is properly understood and interpreted, there is any Mason in America who will not be willing and anxious that he may help to support it. Control by law is not intended or expected- - the Conference unanimously passed a resolution that "nothing in the formation of this organization shall be construed as a move toward the organization of a National Grand Lodge." Opportunity is afforded, however, for fraternal intercourse of the warmest and most intimate kind, and in time of emergency, the Voice of Masonry may speak, and action may be had in an organized way, for the amelioration of distress.

 

That the Craft will accept the opportunity tendered to them in the spirit which governed the Conference itself, is all that can be expected, for that spirit was ideal. Those who participated do not believe that the Voice of Masonry, raised in behalf of a humanitarian service will be a harsh, discordant voice. They believe that it will be expressive of all the gentleness and altruism embodied in the spirits of its votaries, and they are not afraid of the result.

 

To summarize the spirit and the attitude of the Conference, and to make its action fit into the history of American Masonry in what I believe to be its proper niche, one needs but to quote the words of Brother Edwin Markham:

"He drew a circle that shut me out,

Heretic, Rebel, a Thing to flout;

But love and I had the wit to win;

We drew a circle that took him in!"

 

----o----

 

I NEED NOT FEAR

 

If I live a life that is clean and square

And love my fellow man,

And lend him a hand to help him bear

His burden whenever I can,

I need not fear what the future holds,

Nor what the reward shall be,

For the mighty love that all enfolds

Will most surely care for me.

 

If I speak a word of good cheer to one

Whose sorrows have borne him down,

And I give him new hope to journey on

And change to a smile his frown,

I shall not dread when the shadows fall

And the end of life draws near,

For that wondrous love that shelters all

Will drive away my fear.

 

For my life is measured by what I mete,

And I earn my own reward,

So the love I give makes my heart complete,

And through it I gain the reward.

For whether I dwell in a house by the road

Or far from the haunts of men,

If only my love makes bright the abode

No fear shall enter it then.

--Author Unknown.

 

----o----

 

THE RED CROSS COMES

BY JEANNE: JUDSON

 

Lest we forget the simple joys,

The kindly thoughts, the human tears,

The harmless laughter and the song,

We knew in other happier years,

Lest we grow hard, and cruel and cold,

And being young, our hearts are old,

Held in the grasp of death undied,

The Red Cross comes to fill again,

The cup of mercy long since spilled;

Bids in our hearts the birds to sing,

Reviving joy that anger killed.

 

----o----

 

SEA AND FIELD LODGE NO. 1

 

by Brother William C. Prime, New York

 

Brother William C. Prime was born at Yonkers, New York, October 21, 1870, was graduated from Princeton in 1890, admitted to the Bar in the State of New York in the Spring of 1893, after studying at New York University Law School.

 

He was initiated, passed and raised in 1899, and has never had time to interest himself in other Masonic activities than Craft Masonry, to which he has devoted a large part of his time and resources. It may be that he is devoid of curiosity.

 

Brother Prime has been active in the affairs of the Grand Lodge of New York for many years, being at different times District Deputy Grand Master, member of various Committees, Judge Advocate, and now Representative of the Grand Lodge of England near the Grand Lodge of New York, as well as a member of the War Relief Administration and of the Grand Master's Committee on Plan and Scope of Masonic Service during the War.

 

He is an active practicing lawyer, and very busy in the things which interest him, of direct speech and rather quick thought.

 

THE United States of America entered the great war on the side of the Allies on April 6, 1917. On the first Tuesday of May following, the Grand Lodge of New York held its Annual Communication, which was marked by enthusiasm, deep interest in, and support of the war and of the cause of the Allies, but fortuitously, and yet, strangely enough, so new was the war and our participation therein- -so inchoate our plans and appreciation of the duties and responsibilities that would be involved that practically no consideration--certainly no adequate consideration-- was given to the duties and responsibilities that would rest upon Freemasonry in connection therewith, and with the participation in the war of thousands of Freemasons from the State of New York.

 

Grand Master Penney, early in the month of July following, appointed a "Committee on Plan and Scope of Masonic Service during the War," to advise with him and suggest the course to be pursued, and legislation to be enacted to meet the emergency. The plans of the Government for the construction of a great army had been formulated and were in process of development. Camps and cantonments were established at Syracuse, Fort Niagara, Madison Rarracks, Plattsburg, Yaphank, and Pelham Bay, within the borders of the State, and men were also located at Fort Totten, Fort Slocum, Fort Jay, Fort Hamilton and Fort Wadsworth, in the process of training. Enlistments were being made rapidly. The draft had been authorized and was about to be carried into effect. The army was mobilizing. Numbers of men, candidates for Masonry, elected, and upon whom none, or only some, of the Masonic degrees had been conferred by lodges outside our borders, were being sent into the State for training. Appeals from sister Jurisdictions for assistance in the matter of conferring degrees upon their candidates in this situation were pressing and no machinery was provided by our Constitution for assistance of candidates who had received no degrees. This Jurisdiction is one of the few in the United States which does not, and never has authorized one lodge to confer the first degree for another, in or out of the State. What to do for ourselves, for the sons of Masons who were entering the service and were soon to be dispatched overseas; for men, sons of Masons or otherwise, who were desirous of allying themselves with the Fraternity and who had little or no time to attend upon lodges in ordinary course, sorely perplexed. What should be done to protect, stabilize and upbuild the moral fibre and standard in the men thus turned from home, business, and ordinary pursuits and thrust into a new life under strange conditions, without safeguard, as it seemed, occupied the Committee and required its most careful consideration. Nothing could be done without legislation, and the Constitution of the Grand Lodge provided that legislation could be enacted only at an Annual Communication. Another Annual Communication would not occur until May, 1918. How to solve the problem was a sore trial.

 

Frequent sessions of the Committee with the Grand Master were held during the summer of 1917, and resulted in the formulation of a report, bearing date the 10th day of September, 1917, recommending, among other things, three salient points:

 

1. Adoption of War Regulations, looking to the abbreviation of formalities, in connection with the conferring of the degrees on candidates in the Service and making possible the conferring of the three degrees in one session by special dispensation of the Grand Master, previously obtained;

 

2. The organization in cantonments, training camps, on vessels, in regiments or other Military units of Sea and Field Lodges, if the Grand Master should see fit, at home or abroad, with authority to make Masons, and under such regulations as to dual membership, or multiple membership, inspection, and control, as should seem proper, and the extension by all appropriate means through Deputies, representatives, or otherwise, to and among members of the Fraternity engaged in the Country's service, of the influence of Freemasonry, and the rendering to all sick and distressed, such aid, comfort and relief as should seem best and proper; and,

 

3. The prompt accumulation of a Masonic War and Relief Fund, of at least one million dollars, to prepare for the burden of dependent parents, widows and fatherless, which, it was anticipated, would soon become apparent.

 

To the end that these suggestions should be carried into effect and made legal, the Grand Master reconvened the 136th Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge in session September 10th, 1917; the report of the Committee on Plan and Scope was read, accepted, and its recommendations adopted.

 

Thus machinery was devised, and preparation made for our own immediate needs, but the legislation did not extend so far as to provide a method of solving the problems of sister jurisdictions in respect of their men within our territorial borders.

 

Lodges promptly and busily became engaged in Masonic service of all kinds under the war regulations, and could perform full and ample service for candidates from other Jurisdictions within our borders who had already been initiated. But there were large numbers of men within the State, and constantly more were coming, who had been elected, but not initiated and others who had not even been elected, and who were most zealous in their quest of light. The Grand Master early decided, owing, in part, to the experience which he discovered had been had with Military Lodges in the Civil War, against the establishment of Sea and Field Lodges with regiments or on ships. His inclination was strongly in favor of the fostering of Masonic Clubs or conferences among the men in the Service overseas, but those, valuable as it might be, would not serve as an instrumentality for conferring Masonic degrees, nor would they afford, within the State of New York, a means of complying with and satisfying the prayers of sister Jurisdictions for assistance.

 

By and with the advice of his Committee on Plan and Scope, he determined, by virtue of the power in him vested, and in pursuance of the spirit of the resolution of the Grand Lodge in reconvention respecting Sea and Field Lodges, to organize Sea and Field Lodge No. 1, by his special warrant, as his own creature with an extraordinary authority to meet the emergencies arising through the war, and, on October 6, 1917, signed the warrant, creating the lodge and nominating its seven officers sufficient to establish and equip an Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, or Master Mason Lodge, as might be necessary, from the Master to and including the Junior Deacons, with authority to hold Communications in the City of New York and elsewhere, as might be necessary, to adopt such by-laws and regulations for the governance of its proceedings and labor, subject to his approval, as it might see fit to confer upon candidates who had been elected members of a regular chartered lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New York and who had actually enlisted or been drafted or commissioned officers in the United States Forces in the present great war, the three degrees of Ancient Craft Masonry without the usual interval and without the usual proof of suitable proficiency in preceding degrees; to elect, initiate, pass and raise, without the usual formalities and requirements of chartered lodges, candidates, resident of the State of New York who had actually enlisted or been drafted or commissioned officers in the United States forces in the present great war, who applied therefor in writing and who satisfied the Master and Wardens of said lodge that they were qualified, and who were about to be sent out of this Jurisdiction on duty; and to initiate, pass or raise candidates who had actually enlisted or been drafted or commissioned officers in the United States forces in the present great war, residents of other States who had been initiated or passed or, who, having been elected members of regular lodges in their respective States, had not been initiated, upon request of the Grand Master. Membership or officership in said lodge was expressly permitted, without affecting existing membership or officership in a regular chartered lodge.

 

The original warrant did not authorize this lodge to initiate for another lodge in the State of New York, but only to pass and raise candidates of such lodges, but early in November, 1917, in compliance with obvious necessity therefor, a supplemental warrant covering authority to initiate for another lodge in the State of New York was issued, making the scope of the lodge's authority substantially as set forth in the above summary. The warrant designated as Master, a Past Grand Master most active in the affairs of the Craft in the State, and all the other officers designated were most actively concerned in the affairs of the Grand Lodge, and most, if not all, officers thereof.

 

The lodge being authorized to transact its business and conduct itself without the usual formalities and requirements of chartered lodges, devised its own ritual, patterned essentially after the standard ritual of the State of New York, with certain radical modifications suited to its necessities and purposes. It will be noted that its authority in respect of the election of candidates eliminates the ordinary methods of investigation and balloting, and substitutes satisfaction of the Master and Wardens as to the qualifications of the candidates. All of its personnel are persons busily engaged in the affairs of life. It is without machinery to investigate or to instruct. Its method, without going into extensive detail, has been to satisfy itself of the desirability from a high Masonic point of view, of material, and the approval in writing, by the Master and Wardens, of the application is followed by a formal ballot by show of hands, the lodge but formally ratifying, for the sake of the record, the primary act of approval by the Master and Wardens who are the sole arbiters.

 

It would be difficult for any Masonic genius, or company of geniuses, to contrive in a brief space of time by mere concentration and thought, without experience, a method of conduct and ritual and scheme of ceremonies which would be satisfactory or adequate. Much thought was, of course, given to this subject before the lodge sat, but naturally its method of performance has been a matter of development, and a composite of the judgment of those among its personnel most interested and qualified to advise. It sat first in the Scottish Rite Parlor in the Temple in New York on October 10, 1917, and conferred the three degrees in one session on five candidates, including a son of the then Grand Master. Since that date it has sat thirty-five times, always in the City of New York, and has conferred the degrees on seven hundred and forty-three candidates, of whom four hundred and thirty-nine have been its own material, one hundred and eighty-five candidates of lodges within the State of New York, and one hundred and nineteen candidates of lodges without the State. Fifty-seven of its candidates have been under the age of twenty-one years, all blood sons of Master Masons, for each of whom a special and separate dispensation was first granted by the Grand Master.

 

It has allied with itself as Associate Members all of the Grand Master's Committee on Plan and Scope and certain additional members whose zeal and devoted service naturally identified them with the lodge. Seventeen of its personnel are members of the War Relief Administration, lately organized by the Grand Lodge to administer the War Relief Fund.

 

It was prophesied before the lodge first sat, that its service would be more holy, serious, and beneficial than that of any other symbolic lodge then known. The prophecy has been more than realized. The harmony, consecutiveness, propriety and symbolism of its performance is conspicuously unique. Attendance at its functions is by invitation only. The performance of its service requires approximately three and one-half hours. None come to scoff, but all stay to pray.

 

As is natural the musical feature of its sessions is of a strikingly high order. Appropriate selections are used in the successive stages, which have been chosen with regard also to their symbolism and fitness to the lodge purposes.

 

The opening ceremonies include the carrying of the colors and the singing of two verses of "My Country 'Tis of Thee," the second verse composed in Canada since the commencement of the war, with particular reference to the men in the Service, commencing, "God save our splendid men." In the First degree, at the reception, is sung, "Guide Me, Oh Thou Great Jehovah," to the tune "Autumn" suggesting to thoughtful men, "Fortitude," it being the air played by the band to stimulate brave men when the "Titanic" sunk. The second section of the Third degree opens with a verse of "I Would Not Live Alway," and the lodge is closed with the hymn, "Oh, God, Our Help in Ages Past." To each candidate for the First degree, is presented an apron, and to each candidate who is raised is presented a Bible in which is printed a pledge to which each candidate is required to subscribe at the end of the ceremonies, but which is read to him and assented to immediately after his reception in the First degree, which is as follows:

 

"We undertake to maintain our part of the war free from hatred, brutality, or graft, true to the American purpose, and ideals. Aware of the temptations incidental to camp life and the moral and social wreckage involved, we covenant together to live the clean life and to seek to establish the American Uniform as a symbol and guaranty of real manhood.

 

"We pledge our example and our influence to make these ideals dominant in the American Army and Navy."

 

All the lodge's surplus funds, over expenses, are devoted to the Grand Master's War Relief Fund, and it takes up at each session a Dole for this purpose. From both sources the fund has been enriched to date by more than $6,500.

 

The legislation referred to at the opening of this account was the primary step taken by Freemasonry in the United States of America to meet the duties and opportunities resting upon it in this war (and while no other jurisdictions, so far as the writer is aware, have met the situation as broadly and fully as has New York, a number have been inspired to take action along similar lines in certain respects.) Three jurisdictions have organized Military Lodges attached to regiments. Several are engaged in raising funds and making plans for the administration thereof. Most have modified, for men in the service, the rigidity of the regulations respecting the interval between degrees and the requirement of proficiency, and some, which have not done this for themselves, have legislated to recognize and approve as valid for them, Masonic service performed by Sea and Field Lodge No. 1 in accordance with its methods, which is valid in the State of New York.

 

It may safely be observed that men like Masonry; and it is better, by far, that this Ancient Love should be modified and modernized to suit the pressing needs of the time, than that its beneficent influence should be denied men in dire need of its kindly office because of inflexible adherence to tradition and ancient practice.

 

The good which this war service of Freemasonry has accomplished, is accomplishing and will accomplish, is beyond anyone's capacity to estimate. No harm of any kind has been, or can be suffered by Freemasonry as a result thereof. On the contrary, it has proven an ideal union between ministry, the ministers and those ministered to, to the glory of God and the eternal betterment of mankind. o

 

----o----

 

JANUARY

 

Janus was invoked at the commencement of most actions; even in the worship of the other gods the votary began by offering wine and incense to Janus. The first month in the year was named from him; and under the title of Matutinus he was regarded as the opener of the day. Hence he had charge of the gates of heaven, and hence, too, all gates, Januae, were called after him, and supposed to be under his care. Hence, perhaps it was, that he was represented with a staff and a key, and that he was named the Opener (Patulcius), and the Shutter (Clusius). --M. A. Dwight.

 

----o----

 

CORRESPONDENCE CIRCLE BULLETIN -- No. 24

 

Edited by Bro. H. L. Haywood

 

THE BULLETIN COURSE OF MASONIC STUDY FOR MONTHLY LODGE MEETINGS AND STUDY CLUBS

 

FOUNDATION OF THE COURSE

 

THE Course of Study has for its foundation two sources of Masonic information: THE BUILDER and Mackey's Encyclopedia. In another paragraph is explained how the references to former issues of THE BUILDER and to Mackey's Encyclopedia may be worked up as supplemental papers to exactly fit into each installment of the Course with the papers by Brother Haywood.

 

MAIN OUTLINE:

 

The Course is divided into five principal divisions which are in turn subdivided, as is shown below:

 

Division I. Ceremonial Masonry.

 

A. The Work of the Lodge.

B. The Lodge and the Candidate.

C. First Steps.

D. Second Steps.

E. Third Steps.

 

Division II. Symbolical Masonry.

A. Clothing.

B. Working Tools.

C. Furniture.

D. Architecture.

E. Geometry.

F. Signs.

G. Words.

H. Grips.

 

Division III. Philosophical Masonry.

A. Foundations.

B. Virtues.

C. Ethics.

D. Religious Aspect.

E. The Quest.

F. Mysticism.

G. The Secret Doctrine.

 

Division IV. Legislative Masonry.

 

A. The Grand Lodge.

1. Ancient Constitutions.

2. Codes of Law.

3. Grand Lodge Practices.

4. Relationship to Constituent Lodges.

5. Official Duties and Prerogatives.

 

B. The Constituent Lodge.

1. Organization.

2. Qualifications of Candidates.

3. Initiation, Passing and Raising.

4. Visitation.

5. Change of Membership.

 

Division V. Historical Masonry.

 

A. The Mysteries--Earliest Masonic Light.

B. Studies of Rites--Masonry in the Making.

C. Contributions to Lodge Characteristics.

D. National Masonry.

E. Parallel Peculiarities in Lodge Study.

F. Feminine Masonry.

G. Masonic Alphabets.

H. Historical Manuscripts of the Craft.

I. Biographical Masonry.

J. Philological Masonry--Study of Significant Words.

 

THE MONTHLY INSTALLMENTS

 

Each month we are presenting a paper written by Brother Haywood, who is following the foregoing outline. We are now in "First Steps" of Ceremonial Masonry. There will be twelve monthly papers under this particular subdivision. On page two, preceding each installment, will be given a list of questions to be used by the chairman of the Committee during the study period which will bring out every point touched upon in the paper.

 

Whenever possible we shall reprint in the Correspondence Circle Bulletin articles from other sources which have a direct bearing upon the particular subject covered by Brother Haywood in his monthly paper. These articles should be used as supplemental papers in addition to those prepared by the members from the monthly list of references. Much valuable material that would otherwise possibly never come to the attention of many of our members will thus be presented.

 

The monthly installments of the Course appearing in the Correspondence Circle Bulletin should be used one month later than their appearance. If this is done the Committee will have opportunity to arrange their programs several weeks in advance of the meetings and the brethren who are members of the National Masonic Research Society will be better enabled to enter into the discussions after they have read over and studied the installment in THE BUILDER.

 

REFERENCES FOR SUPPLEMENTAL PAPERS

 

Immediately preceding each of Brother Haywood's monthly papers in the Correspondence Circle Bulletin will be found a list of references to THE BUILDER and Mackey's Encyclopedia. These references are pertinent to the paper and will either enlarge upon many of the points touched upon or bring out new points for reading and discussion. They should be assigned by the Committee to different brethren who may compile papers of their own from the material thus to be found, or in many instances the articles themselves or extracts therefrom may be read directly from the originals. The latter method may be followed when the members may not feel able to compile original papers, or when the original may be deemed appropriate without any alterations or additions.

 

HOW TO ORGANIZE FOR AND CONDUCT THE STUDY MEETINGS

 

The lodge should select a "Research Committee" preferably of three "live" members. The study meetings should be held once a month, either at a special meeting of the lodge called for the purpose, or at a regular meeting at which no business (except the lodge routine) should be transacted--all possible time to be given to the study period.

 

After the lodge has been opened and all routine business disposed of, the Master should turn the lodge over to the Chairman of the Research Committee. This Committee should be fully prepared in advance on the subject for the evening. All members to whom references for supplemental papers have been assigned should be prepared with their papers and should also have a comprehensive grasp of Brother Haywood's paper.

 

PROGRAM FOR STUDY MEETINGS

 

1. Reading of the first section of Brother Haywood's paper and the supplemental papers thereto.

 

(Suggestion: While these papers are being read the members of the lodge should make notes of any points they may wish to discuss or inquire into when the discussion is opened. Tabs or slips of paper similar to those used in elections should be distributed among the members for this purpose at the opening of the study period.)

 

2. Discussion of the above.

 

3. The subsequent sections of Brother Haywood's paper and the supplemental papers should then be taken up, one at a time, and disposed of in the same manner. 4. Question Box.

 

MAKE THE "QUESTION BOX" THE FEATURE OF YOUR MEETINGS

 

Invite questions from any and all brethren present. Let them understand that these meetings are for their particular benefit and get them into the habit of asking all the questions they may think of. Every one of the papers read will suggest questions as to facts and meanings which may not perhaps be actually covered at all in the paper. If at the time these questions are propounded no one can answer them, SEND THEM IN TO US. All the reference material we have will be gone through in an endeavor to supply a satisfactory answer. In fact we are prepared to make special research when called upon, and will usually be able to give answers within a day or two. Please remember, too, that the great Library of the Grand Lodge of Iowa is only a few miles away, and, by order of the Trustees of the Grand Lodge, the Grand Secretary places it at our disposal on any query raised by any member of the Society.

 

FURTHER INFORMATION

 

The foregoing information should enable local Committees to conduct their lodge study meetings with success. However we shall welcome all inquiries and communications from interested brethren concerning any phase of the plan that is not entirely clear to them, and the services of our Study Club Department are at the command of our members, lodge and study club committees at all times.

 

QUESTIONS ON "THE WORKING TOOLS OF AN ENTERED APPRENTICE."

 

I

What can you add to the quotation from Carlyle? What particular accomplishment of man is cited by Bergson to distinguish man from brute ? In what manner do the tools of the brute differ from those of man ? How has man's superiority over the brute developed? Where does man's superiority lie?

 

What is the key to Masonry's use of the "working tools"? What is their use ? How are they symbolized ? What is the ultimate design to be accomplished by the use of the working tools of Masonry ? Can a Mason shape his own destiny or be instrumental in shaping the destiny of others without the aid of his Masonic working tools?

 

Why is not the newly initiated candidate at once intrusted with all the working tools or implements of Masonry? With what tools is he intrusted and instructed in the Masonic application of, in the Entered Apprentice degree? in the Fellow Craft degree? in the Master Mason degree ?

 

II

What is a "twenty-four inch gauge"? Of what is it the symbol, in our Monitors? Give the Monitorial exposition of the twenty-four inch gauge in the language of the standard "work" of your Grand Jurisdiction. What reference to it was made by the old writers in connection with Saints Ambrose and Augustine and King Alfred? Do you agree with what Brother Haywood says regarding the right use and division of time ? If not, why not ?

 

What is your definition of "Time"? What definition of it does Brother Haywood give? Does Time symbolize to you opportunities to be grasped and improved upon ? Who wastes time, the laggard or the successful man ? Do you consider it a waste of time to attend the Study Club meetings of your lodge or Study Club? Are you wasting time by not attending these meetings ? Are you applying the twenty-four inch gauge to your time as did Abraham Lincoln and Albert Pike and other busy men?

 

What is the fundamental reason for so many men devolving into "human failures" ? How may we protect ourselves against becoming failures in life ? How has man heretofore divided his actions ? What test should we apply to our actions? What foundation are Masons laying for the morality of the future? What great secret have we to learn from the twenty four inch gauge?

 

III

What was the symbolism of the gavel in the Middle Ages? Whence was this symbolism derived? Of what was the gavel a symbol in Scandinavian mythology? What other peoples attribute to it the same symbolism? What is the Masonic derivation of the gavel? Give the Monitorial reference to the gavel as used in the standard "work" of your Grand Jurisdiction. Is the common gavel a symbol of authority ? How is it distinguished from the implement of authority wielded by the Master of a lodge? What functions are combined in the common gavel? What is Mackey's explanation of its probable derivation?

 

What use did the operative masons make of the common gavel ? What is a "knob" on a stone ? an "excrescence"? What do these suggest to Brother Haywood ? Do you agree with him in his deductions? If not, why not?

 

IV

Does Masonry demand more from its members in the foregoing respect than do other organizations of their members or employees? What is the first lesson to be learned by a soldier, or an employee of a corporation? Why must they learn this lesson ? Is "team work" and "cooperation" necessary to the success of a lodge ? of a Grand Lodge ? of Masonry as a whole ? Could Masonry successfully cope with the questions which are arising each day in connection with the great work of reconstruction which the world is now facing, without some such united organization as the recently-launched "Masonic Service Association of the United States"? Did the necessity of "team work" and "cooperation" demand the organization of such a Body ?

 

 SUPPLEMENTAL REFERENCES

 

Mackey's Encyclopedia: Gavel, p. 290; Twenty-Four Inch Gauge, p. 811.

 

THE BUILDER: Vol. I--The Twenty-Four Inch Gauge, p. 94. Vol. III.--Gavel, p. 79; Twenty-Four Inch Gauge, p. 79. Vol. IV.--Gavel, p. 156.

 

 

FIRST STEPS

BY BRO. H.L. HAYWOOD, IOWA

 

PART XI--THE WORKING TOOLS OF AN ENTERED APPRENTICE

 

I

"Man is a tool-using animal, weak in himself, and of small stature, he stands on a basis, at most for the flattest-soled, of some half-square foot, insecurely enough; has to straddle out his legs, lest the very wind supplant him. Feeblest of bipeds ! Three quintals are a crushing load to him; the steer of the meadow tosses him aloft, like a waste rag. Nevertheless he can use tools, can devise tools; with these the granite mountain melts into light dust before him; he kneads glowing iron, as if it were soft paste; seas are his smooth highway, winds and fire his unwearying steeds. Nowhere do you find him without tools; without tools he is nothing, with tools he is all."

 

THUS writes Thomas Carlyle, who was not always as Masonic as he is here. It would be difficult to state in language more forceful the whole philosophy underlying the Working Tools of Masonry, albeit reference might also be made to Henry Bergson, who wrote his "Creative Revolution" many years after Carlyle had penned his "Sartor Resartus," and when new light had come, and men had grown wiser in science. In his book, which is the most original discussion of Evolution since Darwin's "Origin of Species," Bergson shows that nothing more distinguishes the man from the brute than his use of tools. The brute has his tools built into his own body and consequently can neither modify nor change them; the beaver's teeth, the spider's spinnet, the eagle's talons, the lion's claws, in every case the brute's tool is a part of the brute's anatomy, with the result that its operations are confined within very narrow limits. But man makes his own tools, can modify or change them at will, and is always free to adapt himself and his work to ever-changing need; from this has arisen man's superiority to the brute creation for he can use his tools upon himself and thus change his own nature as well as the external world. Accordingly, Bergson defines a man as "The animal that makes things," and he is careful to show that man's superiority lies in his power to work upon himself as well as upon things.

 

Here, in this last clause, is the key to Masonry's use of Working Tools. In no case are they instruments to be used on external things, though they are symbolized by the tools of the operative builders; in which every case they are mental or moral forces with which a man may reshape himself into a mystic temple, and help reshape society into a great Brotherhood. With the implements thus understood, no man or Mason can ever hope to build except he be equipped with his kit of tools.

 

But some tools are simpler in use than others, and better adapted to simpler work; therefore the Craft has wisely distributed the implements among the degrees, in recognition of the candidate's increase of skill and responsibility; in the First degree the Apprentice is given the Twenty-four Inch Gauge and Common Gavel; in the Second degree the candidate is allowed the Plumb, Square and Level; while the Master Mason, in token of his task in completing the building work, is given the Trowel. Necessarily the tools of the Second and Third degrees will be treated in their corresponding places; in this connection we are interested only in the working tools of an Entered Apprentice.

 

II

The Twenty-Four Inch Gauge. This is nothing other than an ordinary two-foot rule such as may be found in use among stone-masons of today; as such we need not go far to seek its origin or dive deep to find its meaning. Our Monitors make it the symbol of time well systematized, and our older writers have often referred to Saints Ambrose and Augustine and to King Alfred as exemplars of the wisdom of devoting eight hours to the-service of God, and distressed worthy brethren, eight hours to their usual vocations and eight to rest and refreshment. This reading of the symbolism may be accepted without reserve, but is not this right use and dividing of time itself suggestive of that wider use of law and order so necessary in the life of the individual and the world ?

 

What time is in itself we do not know, perhaps we shall never know. But in every life it is nothing other than our opportunity to live and work. We have our alloted span of existence; we have our allotted task; our wisdom consists in making one fit the other. Time flows over some men as water flows over a stone; to others a single hour may bring a new depth of experience and open out new vistas of vision. It is not the least among the secrets of genius that the great mind understands the value of the odd moment or the spare hour. Many Illinois lawyers between 1840 and 1860 found their days eaten up by their practice; Abraham Lincoln was as busy as the others but he managed in his spare time to learn Whites' Geometry by heart, to study the technique of politics, and to master every phase and angle of the Slavery question. There were only twenty-four hours in one of Albert Pike's days, even as in ours; he made of himself, in spite of a thousand handicaps, one of the profoundest scholars of his day--antiquarian, linguist, jurist, philologist, what not; he "found the Scottish Rite a log-cabin and left it a palace"; he plowed his influence into America, and all because he knew how to apply the gauge to his time.

 

Much of the waste and confusion of human existence arises from men's failure to measure their work by some standard or rule; they float down the stream like chips, take things as they come and go, and suffer themselves to be blown this way and that like a derelict at sea. Their days are as mere heaps of stone to which no quarryman has ever brought his tools. He who has learned how to transform time into life, deals with circumstances as an artist uses his materials; he has ever before him a plan laid out on his mind's tracing board; he selects his materials and appoints each to its appropriate function, fitting and shaping all according to his design.

 

What is the standard by which we may test our work? What is the measure of rightness? For many centuries we have been dividing our actions into two opposing tables, one made up of good actions, and one of bad. When we have desired to learn whether or not some proposed action was good or bad we searched for it in the two lists. But this morality by code is rapidly breaking down for we find that a deed will be guilty under some circumstances, innocent under others. If I shoot a man for assaulting my family I do right; if I shoot a friend in a quarrel I do evil. The one test which we can apply to any and every action is, What is its effect on life~ If it enlarges, exalts, ennobles, if it makes life more musical, more worthful, more rich, it is good; if it cramps, corrupts, debases, defiles, it is evil. This is life morality and every evidence indicates that it is to be the morality of the future.

 

And it is also, I believe, the morality of Masonry, as symbolized by that Working Tool which would teach us how to transform time into life. He who learns this use of it need ever regret the passing of "every year," for every year will but add honor to his head and riches to his heart until the end comes when time will lead him to eternity.

 

"Old time will end our stay, 

But no time, if we end well, will end our glory."

 

III

The Common Gavel. In the Middle Ages the gavel was a symbol often made use of by religious bodies to signify possession, a meaning derived, perhaps, from the ancient custom of throwing a gavel (or hammer) across a field to claim ownership. In the Scandinavian mythology it was Thor's hammer and stood for power, often seen in the thunderings and lightnings by which that dread god split the rocks and destroyed the trees. It is similarly used, we learn from Murray-Aynsley (A.Q.C. Vol. 6, p. 51) by New Zealanders, the Maoris, and Channel Island savages. In Masonry it has other meanings, being derived from the tool used by the workmen in dressing a stone to the desired shape.

 

As a Working Tool it must not be confused with the Master's hammer which, because it stands for his authority, is often called the "Hiram," in commemoration of the authority wielded by the First Grand Master. It is a tool with one sharp edge and combines the functions of the hammer and the chisel. When looked at from the end, with the cutting edge turned up, it has the appearance of the gable of a house, and this suggested to Mackey that it may have been derived from the German "gipful," or gable. However that may be it is a tool for shaping and not for breaking and is therefore not an emblem of force, as some have fancied, though it is obvious that force must be employed to use it.

 

According to the Monitorial explanation, "The Common Gavel is an instrument made use of by operative masons, to break off the corners of rough stones, the better to fit them for the builder's use; but we, as free and accepted Masons, are taught to make use of it for the more noble and glorious purpose of divesting our minds and consciences of all the vices and superfluities of life, thereby fitting our bodies as living stones, for that spiritual building, that house not made by hands, eternal in the heavens." In other connections we are told that the gavel was used by operative masons to break off the knobs and excrescencies of stones in order to shape the rough ashlar into the perfect ashlar, or finished building stone.

 

A "knob" is an inequality in the stone itself; an "excrescence" is some foreign substance clinging to it. It may appear fanciful but this has suggested to me those vices and inequalities in us men which spring on the one hand from heredity and on the other from environment. By the first we are influenced by our ancestors or parents; by the latter we are shaped, in some degree at least, by our surroundings. In either case, and however derived, each of us finds in his nature some trait of temper or temperament, some bias of mind, some. trick of action, or other irregularity, that brings us into conflict with our fellows. In so far as these are not essential to right character Masonry demands that we trim them off in order that we may "fit in" with the Fraternity.

 

IV

In this our Institution asks no more than does the world at large or other organizations, for all the cry today is for team-work and cooperation. The member of a regiment, the employee of a corporation, must learn to subordinate himself to the whole lest the perversity of the individual destroy the whole. Individualists may cherish their differences in behalf of self-distinction, but the wise man will learn to adjust himself to, and control his idiosyncracies in behalf of the needs of order. This is in no sense the debasing of every man to the dead level of mediocrity for it is in and not apart from, social life that real individuality is born.

 

----o----

 

FINDING OURSELVES

 

Life is an offering, that is all

And the ultimate glory of its call

Is that 'tis hardly worth a tear

Save as 'tis given, freely, here--

Save as from it we pour and pour

As the alchemist provides the more--

Save as on the "waters cast"

The "bread" that will return at last--

Save as we give it all away

To find ourselves, some day--some day.

--L. B. M.

 

----o----

 

CALIFORNIA'S RECOGNITION OF FRENCH MASONRY

 

REPORT OF THE GRAND LODGE COMMITTEE

 

AT the annual communication of the Grand Lodge in 1917 the following resolutions were unanimously adopted:

 

Whereas, It is pre-eminently desirable that the "Universality of Masonry," no less than the "Fatherhood of God and the Brotherhood of Man" shall be something more than an empty phrase; and

 

Whereas, The readjustment of the world's affairs that will result from the conflict now raging will justify, if it shall not require, a reconsideration of the judgments rendered in the past concerning what were believed to be fundamental differences between Anglo-Saxon and Latin Masonry; now, therefore, be it

 

Resolved, That a Special Committee of five members of this Grand Lodge be appointed by the Grand Master to report at the next annual communication some plan whereby, if possible, the breach between French and Anglo-Saxon Masonry may be healed without the sacrifice on either side of any essential principle or matter of conscience; and, be it further

 

Resolved, That any inhibition upon the right of visitation heretofore imposed by this Grand Lodge be, and the same hereby is, modified insofar as it may be necessary to allow and permit our brethren to hold Masonic intercourse with the Masons in France, Belgium and Italy, and to visit any of their lodges.

 

The Grand Master appointed William Rhodes Hervey, Bradford Webster, Charles Albert Adams, George F. Rodden and George W. Hunter a Special Committee to make the report provided for in the resolutions.

 

Immediately after entering upon its task the committee was confronted with grave difficulties arising out of the disturbances resulting from our present state of war, lack of authentic and detailed information relating to the subject matter, and the widely variant attitudes assumed by Grand Lodges respecting French Masonic powers. Because of these difficulties your committee finds itself unable at this time, notwithstanding its serious and diligent efforts, to comply with the requirements of your resolution. However, it may be profitable to present a discussion of the subject and respectfully to recommend a present course of action for the Grand Lodge of California without presuming in any degree to indicate the attitude which should be assumed by any other Body, or remotely to suggest the propriety of similar action by any other Grand Lodge of the great family of Anglo-Saxon Masonry.

 

The work entrusted to your committee is one of vital importance at this time. More than 5,300 members of California Lodges have enlisted in the military or naval service of our great government, and thousands more, in all probability, will soon join the colors. Many of these Masons are already serving in France, and our brethren will be sent in increasing numbers to that distant land. California Masons are companions in arms with French Masons who owe allegiance to Bodies with which this Grand Lodge has no fraternal relationship. These men are engaged in the same high enterprise in behalf of honor and civilization, their brave hearts beat in unison, they confront the same foe and equal dangers, and the ashes of many of them will commingle in the sacred soil of France, which is being hallowed by their blood. They are entitled to exchange and enjoy all the royalties and generosities and amenities of Masonic fellowship and social intercourse unless some insurmountable barrier of conscience lifts between them.

 

We are face to face with new and unusual conditions in the Masonic world. Our soldier brethren in France are unfamiliar with the points of difference which separate the Anglo-Saxon M