George I. Purdy on Masonry (from pg 19 of his book)

[[Freemasonry is not just a group of men who get together to wear fancy aprons and funny little hats. It is a way of life. While not a religion, Freemasonry imposes a moral code upon its members that promotes industry, charity, and the taking care of one's family. In short, Freemasonry is for those who are honest and responsible. Far from being worshipers of the devil, some of the Masons I have met are the closest I will ever come to meeting saints. After receiving my uncle's gift, I kept an interest in Freemasonry, but did not act on this interest until I met several Masons at my place of employment in Texas in 1938. I applied for membership and was accepted as an Entered Apprentice in El Paso Lodge Number 130. I remained active in my lodge for awhile but, as the clouds of World War II loomed on the horizon, there was little time for involvement. It was not until almost twenty years later, in 1958, that I again became an active member, this time in Tokyo Lodge Number 2, under the jurisdiction of the newly-formed Grand Lodge of Japan. In 1964, I joined another Japanese lodge called Harmony, of which I became Master in 1969. In 1963, I received the Scottish Rite Degrees in the Tokyo Scottish Rite Bodies. Almost half a century since a young boy received a ring as a gift from a stranger, he was ready to place it on his finger. I continued to be active in Scottish Rite Masonry and was the first person in Japan to become Master of all four bodies. {***Note: Lodge of Perfection, Rose Croix, Council of Kadosh, Consistory} In 1960, I received the honor of Knight Commander of the Court of Honour. In 1967, I became the recipient of the 33rd degree Inspector General Honorary in Washington, D.C. All men have pillars that support the structure of their lives. For me, the one on which I have always relied, and the one that will be with me for the rest of my days, is the fraternity of Freemasons. I do not think that I would have gotten as far as I have without them. My interest in Freemasonry turned out to be the greatest gift I ever received. Amazingly, it came from a man I never knew. Yet somehow, for reasons that will always remain a mystery, he knew me.]]

**** Comments from Individuals about A Summer For A Lifetime: The Life and Times of George I. Purdy:

"One of the joys of my time in Tokyo representing my country was getting to know and work with George Purdy."
-- Walter F. Mondale, former Senator, Vice President and Ambassador to Japan

"George and I are both men of the sea. I've known him since we worked together on the 1964 Olypmpics. He is all hard work, good humor and, most of all, guts."
-- Shintaro Ishihara, Governor of Tokyo

"If you really want to increase your knowledge of the past and to increase your knowledge of the present, this is the book to read."
-- Michael J. Mansfield, former United States Senator and Ambassador to Japan

"George Purdy's autobiography captures an extraordinary life and period in our national history. More than that, A Summer for a Lifetime expresses the author's unique humanity and uplifting philosophy of life. I recommend it highly."
-- C. Fred Kleinkneckt 33*, Sovereign Grand Commander, Scottish Rite Freemasonry, Southern Jurisdiction

Many know Illustrious George I. Purdy, 33*, as "Mr. Navy because he founded the Navy League in Japan. But his fascinating biography, titled A Summer for a Lifetime, covers so much more. From his years at Annapolis, to his command of a warship in WWII, to his biggest challenge after the war when he was hired by the occupation government of Douglas MacArthur to get Japan's metal industry back on its feet. Illustrious Purdy's fascinating life is narrated in an easy-to-read style and with an uplifting optimism. The book, as told to Thomas Caldwell, is published by Lost Coast Press (Suggested Retail Price: $24.95, casebound, 6"x9", 157 pages -- 14 pages of photos; ISBN 1-88287-45-5) and distributed by Baker & Taylor, Ingram, Mother Pickle, and Partners (Canada). Orders can be made from the following websites:

Amazon.com

Cypresshouse.com Look under the biographies section.

Barnes & Noble (January delivery)

Direct links to the book can be made via the author's website:
Thomas Caldwell

A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the book is donated to the Scottish Rite Foundation, S.J., U.S.A., for the benefit of the Childhood Language Disorders Program.