Masonrys Winning Moments
It's hard not to smile. Every time I see the television advertisements for a national publication company's sweepstakes, the reactions of the winners touch my heart. Suddenly, out of the blue, they are "instant millionaires." Each winner's reaction is different. Some respond with stunned disbelief. Others shout for joy. Others cry. As the ad accents, these are truly "Winning Moments."
Looking back over 1993 during this first month of 1994, it is important to note Freemasonry also has had its "Winning Moments."Over and over again, Freemasonry and the Scottish Rite took significant steps forward in 1993. As we begin 1994, it is good to look back at these Masonic "Winning Moments" and, using them as inspiration, to plan for more of the same in 1994. I'll start with those that took place closest to home, in our nation's capital.
On September 18, Masons of the Grand Lodges of the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia reenacted in full Masonic ceremony the laying of the cornerstone of the United States Capitol 200 years ago to the day by President and Brother George Washington. An estimated crowd of over five thousand witnessed the ceremony on the west front of the Capitol, and millions more witnessed the event on national television. It was the greatest public impression of Freemasonry in history! My personal congratulations go out to all involved. You truly gave Freemasonry a high, positive profile and underlined how the principles of our Craft were central to the founding of the United States two centuries ago and are still applicable to our national well-being today.
Just as every Mason's heart lifted at this "Winning Moment" in 1993 for our Fraternity, Scottish Rite Masons can be proud of three substantive advances in Masonic scholarship in 1993, The Supreme Council's publication of Cornerstones of Freedom: A Masonic Tradition by Dr. S. Brent Morris, 33 , and The Bible in Albert Pike's "Morals and Dogma" and A Glossary of "Morals and Dogma" by Dr. Rex R. Hutchens, 33 , author of A Bridge to Light. The first book describes and celebrates the Masonic custom of laying cornerstones. While accenting the Masonic cornerstone ceremonies of the Federal District, United States Capitol and White House two hundred years ago, the well-illustrated book describes the evolution of the cornerstone ceremony itself and shows how it has been used by Masons to dedicate a wide variety of notable public buildings and monuments throughout American history.
The two books by Ill\  Hutchens are meant to assist in understanding Pike's great work, Morals and Dogma. While presenting Pike as the scholar he was, these books also reveal him as a champion of social progress, religious toleration, and the moral improvement of the individual.
Turning to more personal and heartwarming triumphs of 1993, I recall the relief of hearing that Ill  Thomas M. Boles, 33 , Chairman of our Scottish Rite-Masonic Children's Program Development, recovered completely from quadruple bypass heart surgery. Brother Tom is going stronger than ever and was able to be at the Biennial Session on October 18 to witness the dedication on October 18 by Bishop Carl J. Sanders, 33 , G\C\, of the Pillars of Charity Alcove in the House of the Temple. Without Tom's fundraising success, this magnificent addition to the Temple could not have been possible. It and the Temple's bronze recognition panels that complement the Alcove are the visible results of a fundraising program Tom created and will benefit the House of the Temple Foundation and the Scottish Rite Foundation with its Childhood Language Disorders Program for many years to come. Thanks, Tom. You and the donors who have contributed so generously to these two Foundations truly provided "Winning Moments" for our Fraternity in 1993! 
Last year's fraternal highlights were not, however, limited to Washington, DC. Throughout the nation, Masons could point to positive milestones. On April 16, for instance, the delegate/messengers attending the Southern Baptist Convention in Houston, Texas, voted 9-to-1 to support a resolution declaring membership in any Masonic organization to be a matter of personal conscience, just what Freemasonry has always said it was! This vote quashed a vocal extremist splinter group within the SBC which claimed Freemasonry was "incompatible" with Baptist doctrine.
Both Scottish Rites, Southern and Northern Masonic Jurisdictions, led other Masonic groups in responding to this anti- Masonic faction. The February and May issues of the Scottish Rite Journal, for instance, focused on the theme of "Freemasonry and Religion" and provided over 50 effective essays, many of them, such as the article by Norman Vincent Peale, by ministers who are Freemasons. The April 16th vote of the Southern Baptist Convention was truly a "Winning Moment" for all of Freemasonry.
Similarly, the opening of additional Scottish Rite Childhood Language Disorders Centers and Programs provided victories in our great philanthropy. Our newest facilities are in Little Rock, AR; Stockton, CA; Richmond, VA; Troy, AL; Klamath Falls, OR; Iowa City, IA; and Sioux Falls, SD. These start-ups bring the total of Scottish Rite clinics and programs to 104! Multiply this number by the many hundreds of children served, and you have thousands of "Winning Moments," each improving the life of children today so he or she can be a happier, more productive citizen tomorrow!
Regarding Freemasonry generally, 1993 saw at least two other major victories. On August 21, the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania dedicated the wonderful new "Brother to Brother" monument at Gettysburg. This epic bronze statue is located prominently in the Gettysburg Cemetery Annex and is a moving tribute to the fraternal bonding of Masons despite the Civil War's sectional divisions.
This same sense of fraternal unity was also evident on July 5 in San Antonio, Texas. There the representatives from Shrine Temples attending the 1993 Imperial Session soundly defeated a resolution removing Scottish or York Rite membership and substituting "a Master Mason in a recognized Grand Lodge" as the prerequisite for Shrine membership. Every Shrine-Rite Mason should be grateful to Imperial Sir Burton E. Ravellette, Jr., 33 , for helping, among others, to defeat this divisive and counterproductive resolution. As Imperial Sir Ravellette said, all Masonic Bodies, today and tomorrow, must "go forward in harmony and solidarity to meet the challenges before us in total Masonic unity."
There were also Masonic "Winning Moments" beyond our capital city and nation. Internationally, Freemasonry followed up with continued successes the historic 275th anniversary celebration on June 10, 1992, in London of the founding of the premier Grand Lodge in London. The festive event was attended by over 12,000 Masons from around the world. With the tyranny of Soviet domination eliminated by the breakup of the Russian empire, Freemasonry was revived and Grand Lodges established in Poland, Romania, and perhaps soon in Russia itself. Also, a regular Grand Lodge and Supreme Council were established in Portugal. In addition, Supreme Councils were restored in Poland and Romania.
Whether in Washington, DC, America or the world, Freemasonry and the Scottish Rite experienced the joy of many triumphs in 1993. Yet old enemies remain and new challenges face us as we begin 1994. Religious extremists undoubtedly will continue to attack our gentle Craft. As surely, the enemies of liberty in America and worldwide will not let up in their war against Freemasonry, an organization which has always stood for the dignity and freedom of the individual. May we marshal our fraternal strength and, in unity and harmony, continue in 1994 the great "Winning Moments" of 1993!
A Tribute To The Men And Women In Blue
The Honorable Charles R. Richey, 33, G\C\
U. S. District Judge for the District of Columbia
Washington, DC  20001
Through my position, I have had the opportunity to meet a wide variety of law enforcement officers from Special Agents in the Federal Bureau of Investigation, members of the Secret Service and the Drug Enforcement Agency, to officers in the U.S. Marshals Service and various local police officers and departments. I can say without fear of contradiction that they are, as a whole, one of the finest groups of people I have ever met. Yet those same officers of the law are often underpaid, overworked, underappreciated, and more than worthy of the commendation of all good men and women. Thats why we should take the time to salute them and the sacrifices they have made in their efforts to make society just a little safer.
But law enforcement officials do much more than just keep the peace and investigate crimes. They also serve to deter crimes from ever being committed. Law enforcement officers serve as guardians, jacks-of-all-trades, watchdogs, and any other duty they are required to perform. One case which I handled just a few years ago serves as a good example of the different functions that law enforcement officials perform. The case involved a massive drug operation in the District of Columbia. Before the case was ever filed, dozens of officers participated in the investigation, trying to determine who was involved in the drug ring and how the ring operated. Some 29 co-defendants faced charges from the investigation, and I had to hold three separate trials involving hundreds of witnesses and exhibits. During the course of the trials, dozens of police officers testified, some of whom had participated in extensive undercover operations.
Moreover, because of certain threats made at the time of trial, as well as other concerns for court security, I ordered that the jury for each trial should be anonymous and sequestered. In other words, the names of the jurors were not exposed to the public during the trials both for their own safety and to ensure that they were not exposed to any outside influence during the trials and their subsequent deliberations. This procedure was recently followed in the third John Gotti Mafia trial in New York, when the prosecution finally obtained a conviction. The safety and comfort of the jurors were guaranteed by Deputy United States Marshals. Deputy U.S. Marshals provide security for the Court year round, a special concern of all Judges in light of incidents of violence that have taken place in courtrooms around the country. The Deputy Marshals watch over prisoners in the courthouse, are present in the courtroom during criminal trials, monitor the entrances to the courthouse, and provide special security escorts for Judges when necessary, as well as all of the other tasks that they are asked to perform. These duties are good examples of the wide variety of functions that all law enforcement officers perform throughout the country. 
lm sure that some of you remember the popular television show, Dragnet, of  the late 1960s and early 70s. Reruns are still being shown today, over 20 years after the original broadcasts. The stories revolved around a wide variety of police activities such as conducting investigations, participating in criminal prosecutions, going on patrol, conducting stakeouts, and others. Each episode of the show was based upon a true story involving police officers. As an announcer stated at the beginning of each program, Only the names have been changed to protect the innocent. I bring up Dragnet because the show exemplifies the virtues of our law enforcement officers. Each episode showcases the persistence, dedication, and bravery of those individuals. All of these qualities, and more, belong to everyone who can say with pride, as the officers on Dragnet said, I carry a badge.
When I was younger, police officers had a reputation as the main problem-solvers of the neighborhood. People who lived in towns and cities knew their neighborhood police officer by name and knew that the officer could be trusted to keep the neighborhood safe. Police officers watched over the stores and homes of the neighborhood, keeping crime away and keeping an eye on children, elderly people, and anyone else who might need a guardian angel dressed in blue. 
A few years ago, the neighborhood police officer was in danger of extinction, a victim of the increased size of our cities. In recent months, however, I have noticed two developments I view with favor. First, there is a drive for police officers to live in or near problem neighborhoods in the hope their presence will inspire trust and help make the neighborhood safer. Second, there is a move to assign police officers to a particular neighborhood for longer periods of time, rather than rotate them throughout the city. The hope is that neighborhood residents will be more comfortable approaching an officer that they know and that a bond of trust will develop, making the officers job easier and the neighborhood safer.
Of course, even patrolling a neighborhood can hold dangers for a law enforcement officer. Have any of you had occasion to pass by the National Law Enforcement Memorial across from the National Building Museum? (See photo, pages 79, 12) It is a thought-provoking place. There is a low white marble wall, only a few feet high, that curves around in a circle. Engraved on the wall are the names of all those law enforcement officers who have given their lives in the line of duty. It is a quiet memorial, and flowers often appear beside the name of someone remembered.
The wall covers a large area, and carries far too many names for my liking. At last count, over 13,000 names adorned the wall. Standing as sentries around the circular wall are four life-size statues, images of lions and tigers protecting their cubs (See photos pages 9 and 12). Below each statue is a different quotation, small reminders of the common virtues shared by the men and women whose sacrifices are remembered there. Under one statue, an ancient Roman historian reminds us that In valor there is hope. Under another statue, a passage from the Bible, the Great Light in Masonry, notes that The wicked flee when no man pursueth, but the righteous are bold as a lion. Under a third statute, the words of President George Bush, who dedicated the Memorial in 1991, speak of a continuing quest to preserve both democracy and decency and to protect a national treasure that we call the American dream.
The fourth quotation, perhaps the most poignant of the four, comes from a surviving relative of an officer who fell in the line of duty. She admonishes the world that It is not how these officers died that made them heroes, it is how they lived. 
When I read that quotation, I am reminded of the Memorials two-fold purpose. First, the Memorial pays tribute to those who have given their utmost to promote the safety and security of others. The second purpose, perhaps even more important than the first, is to remind us of our obligation, as citizens of this great country, to support our law enforcement officers and to rededicate ourselves to the principles of good citizenship.
The precepts of Masonry have long taught us to stand firm in our support of our civil and criminal laws. These precepts can be seen in what is purported to be Freemasonrys oldest document, the Regius Poem. The Regius Poem, which has been estimated to be over 600 years old, contains 15 articles and 15 points which set out the principles a Mason should adopt in daily life. One of the articles provides that we, as Masons, must not harbor, clothe, or feed anyone guilty of theft or murder, for if we did, we would turn the craft to shame. The Regius Poem goes on to require each brother to swear never to be no thief. Now, although the grammar of the old document sounds a little strange, the sentiment behind the language is clear. We, as Masons, will not violate the law nor will we protect those who do. Furthermore, we must take whatever steps are necessary to promote the values of freedom, justice, and good citizenship. We must always remember that Justice, one of our Orders Four Cardinal Virtues, is that standard, or boundary of right, which enables us to render to every man his just due, without distinction. This virtue is not only consistent with Divine and human laws, but is the very cement and support of civil society; and as justice in a great measure constitutes the real good man, so should it be the invariable practice of every Mason never to deviate from the minutest principles thereof. 
How can we, as Masons, support our law enforcement officers? We can start with our own conduct. Remember the Charge you received at the conclusion of the Entered Apprentice ceremony: As a citizen, you are to be a quiet and peaceable subject, true to your government, and just to your country: you are not to countenance disloyalty or rebellion, but patiently submit to legal authority, and conform with cheerfulness to the government of the country in which you live. 
Obviously, I need not remind you 
of our obligations as Masons to obey the laws of our community. But I would remind you that our obligations do not end there. Being a good citizen is far more than obeying the laws of the community. We can also help our community by cheerfully and wholeheartedly serving on juries, when we are called upon to do so. During my time on the bench, I have seen hundreds 
of juries, and thousands of jurors, and most of them have given their full attention to the task at hand. There have been a few who have done whatever they could to get out of jury duty. 
They thought that serving on a jury was inconvenient, or boring, or a waste of time.
Not only were those individuals doing a disservice to the defendant on trial, but they were failing to live up to their obligations to support the law enforcement officers of their community. A great deal of time, effort, and money are spent investigating and solving crimes. We, as citizens, owe it to our law enforcement agents to give our full attention at trial in deciding whether the government has proved, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the defendant on trial did indeed commit the crime or crimes charged.
Another simple way that we can assist our law enforcement officers is by cooperating with them whenever possible. We can help arrange neighborhood watch programs as part of an effort to keep our streets free of crime. By keeping an eye on our neighbors house, we make our own more secure, and by taking an interest in our community, we reduce the likelihood that law enforcement officials will have to spend time on a crime that could have been prevented, had we only paid attention and looked out for each other. We can take the time to smile at police officers as they walk their beats. We can send a note of thanks when an officer has been of assistance. We can cooperate when we have information that may be useful to an investigation. All of these little things make the work of our law enforcement officials that much easier. In short, we can live up to our obligations as citizens and Masons. Remember, as the prophet Jeremiah has said: Seek the welfare of the city where you dwell! and pray to the Lord for it: For in its welfare shall be your peace.
Finally let me remind you of what we tell our young DeMolay boys regarding the virtue of patriotism: that there is a patriotism of peace as well as a heroism of war and that good citizenship is the only opportunity peace affords for the display of this virtue. . . . Each day affords new opportunities to stand as good and upright citizens. As citizens, we must seize any and all opportunities to assist law enforcement officials in their efforts to make our community and nation safe. By doing so we pay the greatest tribute possible to those in whom we place our safety.
I will close this address by paraphrasing an old Chinese proverb which I learned from a Christmas card I received in 1973 from a man who I had sent to prison. I think it reflects not only the goals and values our Fraternity holds dear but also gives each of you a better understanding of the ultimate goal of our law enforcement system. It goes like this:
If there is righteousness in the heart, 
there will be beauty in the character. 
If there is beauty in the character, 
there will be harmony in the home. 
If there is harmony in the home, 
there will be justice in the nation. 
If there is justice in the nation, 
there will be peace in the world.
Editors Note: This article is taken from an address for Law Enforcement Night by Ill\  Richey to John Blair Lodge, No. 187, Alexandria, VA, on August 18, 1993. Judge Richey was impressed by this Lodges activities during that meeting. He sees in John Blair Lodge a model for other Lodges to follow. In particular, he approved of how the Lodge (1) voted to contribute to the flood victims in the Midwest at that time (2) officially recognized the director, present in Lodge, of several homeless shelters in Alexandria and Arlington, VA, for his community contributions (3) discussed use of Lodges in northern Virginia for a program of exercise for senior citizens (4) included a health-related presentation by a Brother and doctor on a matter close to the interests of the Brethren, and (5) invited the ladies of the Lodge Brothers into the Lodge to hear this occasions main address. Such relevant, inclusive Lodge programs are central, Judge Richey believes, to the vitality of Freemasonry today and in the future.
Charles R. Richey has been a member of Hiram Lodge No. 18, Delaware, OH, since 1945, and he affiliated with Potomac Lodge No. 5, Washington, DC, in 1990. He became a Scottish Rite Mason in the Valley of Columbus, OH, in 1949 and holds dual membership, as of 1993, in the Washington, DC, Bodies. Judge Richey has completed more than 22 years of outstanding judicial service which has been recognized by both the bench and the bar throughout the nation.
Masonry has more to offer the twentieth century than the twentieth century has to offer Masonry. 
Bro\ Roscoe Pound, Dean of Harvard Law School
Director of Development Sought
The Grand Lodge of North Carolina is accepting applications for the position of Director of Development for The North Carolina Masonic Foundation, Inc., to be responsible for major gifts and planned fundraising. Submit rsum to: Search Committee, P.O. Box 1553, Jacksonville, NC  28541-1553 by February 28, 1994.
Lessons From Geese 
by  Bro\ Milton Olson
Reprinted from The Masonic Trowel
FACT: As each goose flaps its wings, it creates an uplift for the bird following. By flying in a V formation, the whole flock adds 71% greater flying range than if the bird flew alone.
LESSON: Masons who share a common direction and sense of community can get where they are going quicker and easier, because they are traveling on the thrust of one another.
FACT: Whenever a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to fly alone, and quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird immediately in front.
LESSON: If Masons have as much sense as geese, they will stay in formation with those who are headed where we want to go and be willing to accept their help as well as give help to others.
FACT: When the lead goose gets tired, it rotates back into the formation, and another goose flies at the point position.
LESSON: It pays to take turns doing the hard tasks and sharing leadership with people, as with geese, we are interdependent on each other.
FACT: The geese in formation honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep their speed.
LESSON: Masons need to make sure the honking from behind is encouragingand not something else.
FACT: When a goose gets sick, wounded, or shot, two geese drop out of formation and follow it down to help protect it. They stay with it until it is able to fly again or dies. Then they launch out on their own, with another formation, or try to catch up with the flock.
LESSON: If Masons have as much sense as geese, they too will stand by each other in difficult times, as well as when we are strong.
Join the Flock!
Never Satisfied
Bishop Carl J. Sanders, 33, G\C\ 
Grand Chaplain of The Supreme Council, 33
2235 Monument Avenue, #2, 
Richmond, Virginia  23220-2734
It was on the old movie cable channel that we saw the film of Red Nichols and his Five Penniesa small dance band that at one time or another included Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey, Glenn Miller, Artie Shaw and, of course, Red Nichols. Red was a trumpet player and a good one.
As the film progressed and the band crisscrossed the country in one-night stands, you would expect some romance to occur, and it did. Red met a lovely lady, fell in love with her, and marriage followed. She traveled with the band in their old bus. To that couple was born a beautiful baby girl. She, too, traveled with the band and became the favorite of all.
With the passing of years, Red and his wife became aware that this little girl had to go to school. They looked for and found a home in San Francisco. Red would leave his wife and daughter from time to time and travel with the band.
While on the Eastern seaboard, Red received an urgent message from home that his little girl was seriously ill with polio complicated with encephalitis. He crossed the continent, went to the hospital, and found she was in quarantine. At his insistence, he was admitted, but only after he was equipped with proper medical protection.
After looking down at his daughter who was hovering between life and death, Red stormed out of that room and said to the hospital staff, Get someoneget 
anyoneshes got to live! 
With the best that medical science had to offer, Red and his wife waited, and waited, and waited. One night Red Nichols walked out of the hospital with his trumpet in hand. Down to the Golden Gate Bridge he went, walked a little way out on the bridge, held his trumpet high in his hand, and with a prayer for the healing of his little child and as a symbol of his dedication to that end, he threw his trumpet off the bridge into the water below.
He turned back to the hospital where he and his wife continued to wait. Not many hours after that, the Doctor said, Shes passed the crisis. She will live, but she will never walk.
Red and his wife would not take that as the final answer. In the hospital and at home they took turns massaging her limbs trying to restore their use and bring those muscles back to life. Red bought her a pair of braces, put them on her, and tried to get her to stand. She fell and began to cry. His wife said, You are too hard on that child. She will never walk and you might as well admit it. But admit it he would not. On and on he continued. Then one day he saw her stand alone. Another day she took a step, then two. The movie ended with a Junior-Senior prom where couples waltzed in a high school gym. In the shadows of one corner, unseen by the couple, Red Nichols, prematurely gray and a little stooped at the shoulders, watched his 17-year-old daughter dance with her partner.
Beneath the fluff and romance of the movie, Red knew one thing, and he knew it wellif he was ever satisfied with any level of her recovery, she would never have gone beyond it.
Every great discovery, every great invention, every great accomplishment has come because somebody has not been satisfied. Jesus said, Be ye therefore perfectdo not be satisfied with anything less. To be absolutely satisfied is to become complacent, and complacency breeds stagnation.
If such is true with our personal lives, it is surely true with our nation. We have the greatest nation on the face of the earth. This country was not discovered, it was built by men and women who gave their lives for it. No sacrifice was too great, no service was denied. We proudly proclaim our democracy sometimes forgetting that democracy is simply political framework on spiritual principles.
This is my country, and I love it. But I am not satisfied with it. I am not satisfied with its poverty, its violence, its crime rate, its drug abuse, its greed in high places and low. There is so much that I am not satisfied with, but that does not mean that I am going to turn my back on my country. I am not going to align myself with any individual or group dedicated to our countrys destruction. Instead, I am going to roll up my sleeves and work to make this country what our fathers and mothers dreamed it could be.
Lets go a step more and think of this Fraternity. I love it, and my life has been blessed by friendships here and across the Craft of Freemasonry.
But I learned an important lesson more than 60 years ago, and it has influenced my life and ministry. It was in the fall of 1933. I was just graduated from college and accepted as a student at the School of Theology at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. Without sufficient funds for bus fare, I was at a loss as to how I was to get to Atlanta from my home in South Carolina.
A student in my hometown had been accepted in the undergraduate school at Emory and had bought an old 1923 Model-T Ford to use on the campus. He asked that I drive the car to Atlanta, and I accepted. My doubts arose, however, when I went to his home to look at the so-called automobile. It was an old touring car without a top. I had to get to Atlanta, so the agreement stuck. Two weeks later I went by to get the car, and he had put a top on it, and it was a fancy job. You can imagine how proud I was to be driving that Model-T Ford with its new top down the highway.
Now, theres not a woman here old enough to remember a Model-T Ford, but all the men are. You will remember that it had three pedals at the floorboard. The left one was the clutch and the low gear, the right one was the brake, and the middle one the reverse. I made out fine across South Carolina and had enough speed to move up on the first good-sized mountain in North Georgia. I pushed that left pedal in and didnt have enough low gear to get up the hill. I found myself backing down, and I wheeled the rear end of that Ford into the side of the mountain and just sat there getting madder by the moment. Here was a boy that spent all his money on a fancy top and forgot the low gear! The top was merely trimming, but the low gear was the heart and soul of the car.
This was long before interstates, and there were few cars on the road. So, I tested the reverse and turned around and backed over that mountain. I met a lot of people coming the other way, and I am not at liberty to tell you what they said.
On that mountainside, I learned that trimmings are beautiful, but they are not the heart and soul of the automobileor anything else, I might add.
While here in Washington and later in Orient after Orient, there will be an old ritual with ancient symbols used in the conferral of the Thirty-third Degree. The ritual and symbols of the Craft are beautiful and hold an important place in our Fraternity. But make no mistake about itthese are the trimmings. The heart and soul of Freemasonry are found in the moral character of its members. Your character is your credential. The heart of Freemasonry is not what happens to you but what happens in you!
Since we last met here, our Fraternity has gone through some difficult times. Our critics have been bitter and unrelenting. Its not the critics on the outside that concern me the most. Its the lukewarmness, the lack of commitment, and the complacency of some on the inside. 
There are too many of us who under the sting of criticism become rather apologetic and pessimistic about our Fraternity. Let it be said loud and clearwe are not a little band of men hovering over a bit of fire for fear it will go out. We are a fellowship that reaches around the world and upon which the sun never sets.We can become too satisfiedGod forbid that it should ever happen to you, and you, and you.
Carl J. Sanders is a retired Bishop of the United Methodist Church. He has served as a minister and a Mason for over half a century, receiving his 50-year Masonic pin in 1987 in his Lodge, Shades Valley No. 829 of Homewood, AL. He received the Grand Cross, the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry's highest honor, at the 1991 Biennial Session and presently holds the office of Grand Chaplain of the Supreme Council 33.
Where Do You Do Your Shopping?
Thomas M. Boles, 33
Chairman, Scottish RiteMasonic Childrens Program Development
1761 East Woodcrest Avenue
La Habra, California  90631-3260
See pages 21 of Aug., 26 of Nov. 1992, 25 of Jun., 53 of Jul., 18 of Aug., 31 of Sept., 45 of Oct.,  53 of Nov., and 11 of Dec. 1993 Scottish Rite Journal for Parts I-X of  this Where Do You Do Your Shopping? series.
OH, do we ever have a new department for you to shop in this month! Without doubt, this has to be the finest, most memorable, most noticeable product you can find anywhere.
This section of the Scottish Rite Store of Happiness has many new items which will be shared by thousands of people for years and years to come. In fact, we trust this product will last forever!
 This new section is known as the Scottish Rite Donor Recognition Program. In it we have a Book of Gold and several huge bronze panels, each approximately ten feet high, prominently located in the House of the Temple, a Hall of Honor with commissioned oil portrait paintings, and the ultra-beautiful Pillars of Charity Alcove with its magnificent stained-glass window and donor recognition Pillars.
There is something for everyone! Here are your choices and what you receive as a token of appreciation for the greatest shopping spree of your lifetime.
$1 - $499

Letter of Appreciation from the Sovereign Grand Commander

$500 - $999

Name in Book of Gold 
Sustaining Membership in the Scottish Rite Foundation, S\J\
Most recent Supreme Council, 33,
Biennial Session Medallion

$1,000 - $9,999

Name in Book of Gold
Permanent Membership in the Scottish Rite Foundation, S\J\
Pyramid Replica of the House of the Temple

$10,000 - $24,999

Bronze Nameplate displayed on the Patrons Panel in the Scottish Rite Hall of Recognition, Robert Burns Room
Patron Membership in the Scottish Rite Foundation, S\J\
Crystal Vase, nine inch, with Scottish Rite Eagle inscribed

$25,000 - $49,999

Bronze Nameplate displayed on the Benefactors Panel in the Scottish Rite Hall of Recognition, Robert Burns Room 
Benefactors Membership in the Scottish Rite Foundation, S\J\
Crystal vase, ten inch, with Scottish Rite Eagle inscribed

$50,000 - $99,000

Bronze Nameplate displayed on the Philanthropists Panel in the Scottish Rite Hall of Recognition, International Room
Philanthropist Membership in theScottish Rite Foundation, S\J\
Tiara Royale Plate with Gold Scottish Rite Eagle

$100,000 - $249,000

Bronze Nameplate displayed on the Founders Panel in the Scottish Rite Hall of Recognition, International Room
Founders Membership in the Scottish Rite Foundation, S\J\
Picard Bowl with Scottish Rite
Eagle and inscription

$250,000 - $499,000

Bronze Nameplate displayed on the Master Temple Architects
Panel in the South Entryway to the Temple Architects Hall of Honor
Master Temple Architects membership in the Scottish Rite Foundation, S\J\, or the House of the Temple Historic Preservation Foundation
Picard Richmond Oval Bowl with Scottish Rite Eagle and inscription
$500,000 - $999,999

Bronze Nameplate displayed on the Grand Temple Architects Panel in the North Entryway to the Temple Architects Hall of Honor
Grand Temple Architects Membership in the Scottish Rite Foundation or the House of the Temple Historic Preservation Foundation
Picard Richmond Round Bowl with Scottish Rite Eagle and inscription
$1 Million and up

Commissioned original oil portrait received into the Temple Architects Hall of Honor
Supreme Temple Architects Membership in the Scottish Rite Foundation, S\J\, or the House of the Temple Historic Preservation Foundation
Mounted copy of oil portrait
$1 Million and up

Gold Plaque in the Pillars of Charity Alcove
Pillars of Charity Membership in the Scottish Rite Foundation, S\J\, or the House of theTemple Historic Preservation Foundation
Duplicate of the Pillars of Charity recognition as received into the Alcove

Now, for the special offer! Any gift of $10,000 or more given to your local Childhood Language Disorders Centers makes you eligible for the above appropriate recognitions by the Scottish Rite Foundation, S\J\, USA, Inc.
Yes, we truly believe the great high road of human welfare lies along the old highway of the extra mile; and they who are the most diligent and strive in the truest spirit will wayfare the most honorably.

Take a look at our shelves in this new department of the Scottish Rite "Store of Happiness" and let me know what to ring up for your room in the house not built with hands. That leaves our ad for the month to read:
Your gift will be held in the hearts of our children forever and appropriately remembered in the House of the Temple so long as the stones of ages shall last.\
Tom M. Boles has worked extensively in children's programs throughout our Fraternity. For more information, call Tom at 310-691-4227 (FAX 310-691-5327) or the Scottish Rite Foundation at 202-232-3579, ext. 22.
Giving and Living
Life can be more than merely striving,
And surely more than just surviving!
We can enjoy abundant living . . .
Life is, in truth, the Art of Giving!
The Thrill of Giving
Learn well the art of sharing:
It is the proof of caring.
Enjoy the thrill of giving;
It is the key to living!
William A. Ward, 32, K\C\C\H\
Fort Worth, Texas, Scottish Rite Bodies
Masonic History In The Making In Hungary
Richard F. Rigby, 32
American Embassy Budapest
Unit 25402
APO AE 09213 
IN March of 1992, I was approached by Felix Walker, a co-worker at the American Embassy in Budapest, Hungary, and asked how one could become a Mason. I explained to Mr. Walker that he would have to initiate the request, and I would be more than happy to explain as much as possible and obtain a petition. He told me he had been considering asking about Masonry for quite sometime as he had seen and heard so much about the good deeds which Masons did, especially the charities for crippled children and children with language disorders.
The following month, while attending the annual communication of the American Canadian Grand Lodge in Garmisch, Germany, I met a Brother Mason by the name of Gabor Ecsodi who just happened to be Hungarian. I told Wor\ Bro\ Gabor of the request which I had received, and he introduced me to the new Grand Master of the American Canadian Grand Lodge, Rt\ Wor\ Don Metscher. After explaining to the Grand Master what I had found out (that there had never been an American who had received any Degree work in Hungary much less any courtesy work performed by a Hungarian Lodge), he felt as I, that this would be a great opportunity to build that Masonic bridge between the American and Hungarian Brothers. He then introduced me to Past Grand 
Masters, Jess Menton, the ACGL Grand Secretary, and Louie Conine whom I had met some 23 years ago at a Scottish Rite Reunion. It was decided that Right Worshipful Brother 
Conine would get a petition from Bavaria Lodge No. 935 in Munich, Germany, and send it to me for Mr. Walker. The petition was returned to Bavaria Lodge, and it was acted upon.
Felix and myself traveled overnight on October 30, 1992, to Munich for his initiation as an Entered Apprentice on October 31. After I coached him on his E.A. work, he stood proficiency in open Lodge among some 30 Hungarian Brothers, and the information was faxed to the Master of Bavaria Lodge, Worshipful Master Bill Turney. After some discussion as to which Hungarian Lodge was willing to perform courtesy work on the Fellow Craft Degree, it was determined that Egyenlsg Lodge would be asked through the Grand Lodge of the ACGL and that the Hungarian Grand Lodge would perform the Second Degree on Brother Felix.
On February 9, 1993, Worshipful Master Janos Cochran, Master of Egyenlsg Lodge conferred the Fellow Craft Degree on Brother Walker. Since the bylaws of the ACGL state that the obligation has to be made in English, I had the great pleasure of giving the obligation as well as the Working Tools Lecture.
I then taught our newly passed Fellow Craft how one should wear his apron. Brother Felix stated his proficiency on the Fellow Craft Degree in the presence of four Americans, and it was decided that Bavaria Lodge would travel to Budapest for the raising of Bro\ Walker to the sublime Degree of Master Mason on March 27, 1993. 
On Saturday, March 27, Worshipful Master Bill Turney of Bavaria Lodge No. 935, bolstered by a number of Brethren from Bavaria Lodge plus the Grand Master of the ACGL along with two Past Grand Masters and the Deputy Grand Master, raised Bro\ Walker to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason.
History was made, and the Hungarian Brothers in attendance were ecstatic as to the work performed as there are some significant differences between the work in Hungary and that of the Americans. We had in attendance some 45 Brothers, composed of American, Hungarian, Italian, British, German, Canadian, and Austrian descent.
That evening all Brothers enjoyed an elaborate banquet along with their wives. There lifelong friendships, which had been started just a few days earlier, cemented themselves into permanent fraternal relations. When I first started attending Lodge with my Hungarian Brothers just some 18 months earlier, I had no idea I could be a part of history being made. I have since been asked by many of the Hungarian Brothers, as well as the 15 or so English-speaking Brothers, if  I would start an English-speaking Lodge in Budapest. Who knows what might be around the corner?
Richard F. Rigby has been a member of Azalea Lodge No. 716, Valdosta, Georgia, since 1965 and a member of the American Military (NATO) Scottish Rite Bodies for 24 years. Also a member of Moslah Shrine Temple of Dallas/Forth Worth, Texas Bro\ Rigby is presently part of the staff of the American Embassy in Budapest.
1993 Biennial Session Celebrates Success 
"Now is a time to celebrate achievement and recognize merit. Here is the place to create a new foundation for future accomplishments." With these words as his message of welcome to all, Ill\ C. Fred Kleinknecht, 33, opened the 1993 Biennial Session of The Supreme Council, 33. Over 1,000 Brethren from throughout the Americas and around the globe gathered at the House of the Temple in Washington, DC, on October 18 and 19, 1993, to share in this great occasion. Of particular note were delegations from Eastern Europe, Brethren newly freed from the tyranny of political and economic oppression.
The first event of these days of fellowship and festivity, gratitude and inspiration, began on Sunday afternoon, October 17, at St. John's Church on Lafayette Square where Bishop Carl J. Sanders, 33, G\C\, Grand Chaplain of The Supreme Council, 33, led the Session's traditional Albert Pike Memorial service. Following a beautiful choral prelude, the large gathering was welcomed by Dr. W. Kenneth Lyons, Jr., 33, who also shared a litany of praise with the congregation as well as a memorial prayer.
Then, after a Scripture reading by the Grand Commander, a solo of "The Navy Hymn" by Michael Ford of the U.S. Navy Band, and a singing of "God Bless America" by the assembled Brethren and guests, Bishop Sanders delivered an inspiring vesper sermon entitled "Never Satisfied" (see p. 15) in which he challenged each individual and the Scottish Rite in general, never to be satisfied with past accomplishments, however great, but always to strive for new achievements. Following the service, everyone gathered at the House of the Temple nearby to share fellowship, refreshments, and tours of the Temple's several newly refurbished or constructed areas. 
The formal opening of the Session was at 9:00 A.M. in the Temple Room on Monday, October 18. There, M\W\ George R. Adams, 33, Grand Master of Masons for the District of Columbia, welcomed all participants. In addition, M\W\ Adams noted that the last two years witnessed the bicentennials and reenactments of the cornerstone ceremonies for the Federal District, White House, and U.S. Capitol. Celebrated in Masonic ceremonies, these events, as broadcast by national and international media, reached an estimated audience of over 750 million persons, the greatest display in history of Freemasonry to the general public.
Illustrious H. Douglas Lemons, 33, Grand Master of Ceremonies, then formally introduced many distinguished visitors, and Grand Commander Kleinknecht honored several of these distinguished Brethren by inviting them to sit with him in the East. Included among these were Ill\ Robert O. Ralston, 33, Sov\ Gr\ Cmdr\, Supreme Council, 33, N\M\J\, U.S.A.; Ill\ John V. Lawer, 33, Sov\ Gr\ Cmdr\, Supreme Council of Canada; Ill\ Agustin Arriaga Rivera, 33, Sov\ Gr\ Cmdr\, Supreme Council of Mexico; Ill\ Jean P. Grenier, Sov\ Gr\ Cmdr\, Supreme Council of Switzerland ; Ill\ Parviz Yeganegi, 33, Sov\ Gr\ Cmdr\, Supreme Council of Iran-in-Exile; Ill\ William H. Thornley, Jr., 33, Grand Master, Grand Encampment of Knights Templar of the U.S.A; Ill\ Jack H. Jones, Imperial Recorder, Imperial Council, A\A\O\N\M\S\; Ill\ Burton E. Ravellette, Jr., 33, Deputy Imperial Potentate.
Following a formal welcome of the assembled Brethren by Ill\ Thomas C. Raum, Jr., 33, Grand Orator,  Sovereign Grand Commander Kleinknecht delivered an oral summary of his Allocution which was available in printed format for the Brethren. Then, taking advantage of the occasion, Grand Commander Kleinknecht, with the assistance of Bishop Carl J. Sanders, dedicated the new Pillars of Charity Alcove located at the landing between the Library of The Supreme Council and the Executive Chamber. Dedicated to recognizing those who have given generously to the Scottish Rite, both locally and nationally, this beautiful new area features, among other elegant embellishments, a custom-made stained-glass window celebrating the House of the Temple and the Scottish Rite.
At 11:00 A.M., the assembled Supreme Council, 33, and guests were privileged to hear remarks by Gen. Walter E. Boomer, USMC, 33, Assistant Commandant, U.S. Marine Corps, who spoke of "the critical link of moral quality that exists between Freemasonry and the history of the United States Marine Corps." During his presentation, General Boomer was proud to introduce to the Brethren his father, Ill\ Vigle Eugene Boomer, 33, who was present to hear his son's tribute to our Craft and America.
Similarly, Sov\ Gr\ Cmdr\ Robert O. Ralston was invited to address the Brethren. The Northern and Southern Jurisdictions of the Scottish Rite are, he said, "walking ever closer, reaching higher, and working harder on the same path to identical goals. Together we are better than the sum of our parts." Later in the Session, Ill\ Ralston was elected an Emeriti Member of Honour of The Supreme Council, 33, S\J\
Following on this theme, Ill\ Burton E. Ravellette, 33, was invited to speak to the assemblage. He addressed the "synergy" of the Shrine and Scottish Rite "working together through interdependence and moving in total unity into the 21st century."
The Supreme Council then adjourned in order to reconvene in Executive Session for the election to honors of all new Knights Commander Court of Honor and Inspectors General Honorary.
After a delicious buffet luncheon catered in the House of the Temple for all the Session's participants, the General Session continued in the Temple Room where Ill\ David O. Johnson, 33, Chairman of the Committee on Obituaries, delivered a moving Tribute to the Illustrious Dead which was followed by the playing of "Taps" and a moment of prayerful remembrance.
Then followed relevant reports including those by Ill\ Sam E. Hilburn, 33, Chairman, Finance Committee; Ill\ Earl K. Dille, 33, Chairman, S\J\, Unity Committee; Ill\ H. Lloyd Wilkerson,  33, Chairman, State of the Order Committee, Ill\ Jess W. Gern, 33, Rituals and Ceremonial Forms Committee; Ill\ D. Walter Jessen, 33, Publications Committee; Ill\ Jack E. Nixson, Committee on the House of the Temple, and Ill\ Wallace H. Reid, 33, Chairman of both the Committee on Fraternal Relations and the Subcommittee on Masonic and Public Relations. 
The Brethren adjourned until meeting that evening at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. There, everyone enjoyed a spirited program of patriotic and traditional music by the U.S. Navy Band and Sea Chanters.
On Tuesday, The Supreme Council, 33, reconvened at 9:00 A.M. in Executive Session. In addition to the election of Supreme Council officers (see Tableau, p. 36), The Supreme Council elected the following distinguished Brethren as Sovereign Grand Inspectors General: Ill\ John H. Ramlo, 33, Orient of North Dakota; Ill\ Richard B. Homard, 33, Orient of Arkansas; Ill\ Karl F. Reed, 33, Orient of Alabama; and Ill\ William R. Miller, Orient of Washington. (For portraits see back exterior cover.)
In addition, Ill\ Edward L. Pine, 33, Past S\G\I\G\ in Nevada and Past Grand Chamberlain, as well as Ill\ Aaron B. Pierce, 33, Past S\G\ I\G\ in Arkansas, were elected Emeriti Members of The Supreme Council, 33. Also, the following were elected to hold the Scottish Rite's highest honor, the Grand Cross: Ill\ Brothers Burl Icle Ives, Academy-award actor and folk singer; Marvin Edward Fowler, Provincial Gr\M\ of the Royal Order of Scotland for U.S.A.; Robert Joseph Dole, U.S. Senator from Kansas; Quinn Henderson Becker, Former Surgeon General; John William Boettjer, Managing Editor, Scottish Rite Journal, Willard Hold Erwin, Jr., entrepreneur and philanthropist; Charles Robert Richey, Federal Judge; Samuel Augustus Nunn, U.S. Senator from Georgia. Also, a Certificate of Honor was authorized for Ill\ Reynold J. Matthews, 33, Grand Archivist of The Supreme Council, 33.
Ill\ Donald G. Brotzman, 33, was Master of Ceremonies at the 1993 Biennial Session Gala Banquet. 
Concluding Executive Session deliberations, members of the Supreme Council, 33, moved to the Scottish Rite Temple of the District of Columbia where an expert Ritual team of the Alexandria, Virginia, Scottish Rite Bodies, led by Ill\ Walter S. Downs, Active Members of The Supreme Council, 33
33, G\C\, conferred the Thirty-third Degree on 134 outstanding Brethren. Ill\ John W. Teets, Chief Executive Officer of the Dial Corporation, was the Active Candidate and, after the conferral, shared with the other electees his thoughts on the significance of the occasion.
Then followed a historic event, the reconsecration of the Supreme Councils of Poland, Romania, and the regular Supreme Council of Portugal. With Ill\ Robert O. Ralston sharing the East and with Ill\ Reynold J. Matthews, 33, Grand Archivist, assisting him, Grand Commander Kleinknecht conducted the impressive ceremony with a high sense of the significance of the occasion. The capacity audience twice burst into spontaneous applause as these new Scottish Rite leaders pledged their dedication to our Order and its principles of freedom and justice for all. Though space limitations preclude the listing of all the members of the three new regular Supreme Councils, the three Sovereign Grand Commanders are: Ill\ Tadeusz Gliwic, 33, Poland; Constantin Ianc, 33, Romania; and Jos Eduardo Pisani Burnay, 33, Portugal.
The Session came to a celebratory conclusion that evening at the gala banquet honoring distinguished guests, Actives, Deputies, and Officers of The Supreme Council, Grand Crosses, Thirty-third Degree Masons and their ladies. Extending through three large banquet rooms of the Capital Hilton Hotel, the banquet began with appropriate remarks by Ill\ Donald G. Brotzman, 33, Master of Ceremonies, who introduced guests at the head table. This was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, a blessing by Bishop Sanders, music by Louis F. Coppola and the Stereo Strings, and a delicious dinner.
Illustrious Brotzman then introduced Sovereign Grand Commander Kleinknecht who, in turn, presented the Grand Cross awards to Illustrious Brothers Charles Richey, Quinn Becker, Willard Erwin, Robert Dole, and Sam Nunn. Each Grand Cross had an opportunity to respond to the award, including Senators Dole and Nunn who found time to attend the gala banquet despite the Senate being in night session that evening.
General Walter E. Boomer, 33, Assistant Commandant, U.S. Marine Corps, was the banquet's guest speaker. He traced the ties between Freemasonry and the U.S. Marine Corps from as early as 1775 to the present. "Honor, courage, and commitment are the main principles of the Marine Corps and of Freemasonry," he said, "and we must work to keep both these great institutions as the solid cornerstones of America."
By any criterion, the 1993 Biennial Session of The Supreme Council, 33, was a great success. As Sovereign Grand Commander Kleinknecht said in his closing remarks at the gala banquet, "We have been present at a new beginning, a rebirth of our Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry in Poland, Romania, and Portugal amid the turbulence of the modern era. We greet this birth with the joy appropriate to such an occasion, and we join with these dedicated new leaders of our Order to strive with fresh energy for the freedom, harmony, and brotherhood of all humankind."
John W. Boettjer is a former professor of George Washington Univ., VA Military Inst., and Michigan State Univ. A member of Cypress Lodge No. 295, Naples, FL; the Scottish Rite Bodies of Alexandria, VA; and Kena Shrine Temple, Fairfax, VA, he is also a fellow of the Philalethes Society and, since 1989, the managing editor of the Scottish Rite Journal.
Now is a time to celebrate achievement and recognize merit. Here is the place to create a new foundation for future accomplishments.
Ill\ C. Fred Kleinknecht, 33
TABLEAU
Ill\ Homard Elected S\G\I\G\ in Arkansas
The election of Ill\ Richard B. Homard, 33, on October 19, 1993, to replace Ill\ Aaron B. Pierce, 33, who retired, continues a 140-year family history of distinguished Scottish Rite membership as initiated by Ill\ Homard's father and grandfather.
Appropriately, Ill\ Homard was born on Flag Day in 1927 and served his country well in the U. S. Navy in World War II and in the U. S. Army in the Korean War where he received the Korean Medal with three battle stars.
Married since 1952 to Margie Wayne Brown of Searcy, AR, Ill\ Homard was raised a Master Mason in Searcy Lodge No. 49 in 1948, having been an active DeMolay from 1943 to 1945. "Dick" immediately joined the Scottish Rite in Little Rock and began an outstanding career in service to our Order. In recognition of his many accomplishments for the Rite, he was invested with the rank and decoration of Knight Commander Court of Honor in 1969 and coroneted an Inspector General Honorary in 1975. Since then he has served the Order ably in many capacities including Chairman of the Scottish Rite Advisory Conference and Personal Representative of the Orient of Arkansas.
Ill\ Homard is also very active in other Appendant Bodies of Freemasonry including Scimitar Shrine Temple (President of Ritualistic Divan), Benedemeer Grotto (Monarch, Fraternal Relations Committee, and Board of Trustees), York Rite (Chapter Council, Commandry, and Red Cross of Constantine), DeMolay (Active Legion of Honor and a Deputy Member of the Supreme Council), Rainbow (Grand Cross of Color).
Professionally, Ill\ Homard is a well-respected electrical engineer who received his Master's degree from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, AR. He is now retired and was Director of the Corporate Modeling and Analysis Department of the Arkansas Power & Light Company's Financial Services, having initially joined this company in 1952.
Ill\ Lowell C. Jensen Passes
It is with great sadness we report the unexpected passing of Ill\ Charles Jensen, Jr., 62, who died at Boise, Idaho, on November 8, 1993. Ill\ Jensen was well known as a farmer, civic volunteer and, to Freemasonry, as a dedicated Freemason who filled many posts in our Craft throughout his life, most particularly as Grand Master of Idaho, 1973-74, and Deputy and then S\G\I\G\ in Idaho since 1984.
Working the same 180 acres his grandfather settled in the 1890s, Ill\ Jensen took great pride in producing world-famous Idaho potatoes as his main crop. He was also very active in the Presbyterian church and as President of the Board of Directors of the Idaho Youth Ranch in Rupert, Idaho. In addition, he served as President of the New Sweden Cemetery District, Chairman of the New Sweden Heritage Society, Director of Bonneville County Wool Pool, member of the Bonneville County Advisory Committee, and Chairman of the Bonneville County 4-H Council Legislative Action Committee.
Raised a Master Mason in St. John's Lodge No. 52 of Shelley, Idaho, which he served as Worshipful Master in 1961, he became Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Idaho, 1973-74, and also filled the post of Grand Librarian for many years. A member of Lodge of Research No. 1965, he was a member of the Pocatello Scottish Rite Bodies since 1960, elected K\C\C\H\ in 1975, coroneted an I.G.H. in 1983, and instrumental in establishing the Scottish Rite Childhood Learning Center in Twin Peaks, Idaho.
Similarly, he served several other fraternal organizations with distinction. Among them were: the Royal Order of Scotland, the York Rite, El Korah Shrine, the Red Cross of Constantine, Order of Eastern Star, and the International Order of DeMolay which elected him a Chevalier and Legion of Honor in recognition of his many services for America's youth.
Ill\ Lowell Charles Jensen, Jr., is survived by his wife Janet of Idaho Falls, three daughters, and five grandchildren. America and Freemasonry will deeply miss this great and good man.
Deputy Ian Lin, 33, Passes
It is a sad duty to report the death, after a long illness, of Ill\ Ian Lin, 33, Deputy in Taiwan and China. He passed away on November 11, 1993, and services were held on November 19 at the English Church in Taipei, Taiwan R. O. C., with a Masonic service following.
Ill\ Lin was born in Taipei on May 10, 1923, and was raised a Master Mason in Sun Lodge No. 6 on May 13, 1963, being elected Master of his Lodge in 1968. A member of the Taipei, Taiwan, Scottish Rite Bodies, he was elected Senior Warden in Taipei Chapter of Rose Croix in 1967 and Wise Master in 1968. He held, among other Masonic posts, the following: President of the Taipei Square & Compasses Club, Treasurer of Liberty Lodge No. 7, Almoner of the Taipei Scottish Rite Bodies, Venerable Master of the Taipei Lodge of Perfection, and Senior Grand Warden of the Grand Lodge of China.
In recognition of his many services to Freemasonry and the Scottish Rite, he was honored with the Rank and Decoration of K\C\C\H\ in 1969, coroneted an Inspector General Honorary in 1973, and appointed Deputy of this Supreme Council in the Orient of Taiwan and China effective March 15, 1977.
Aside from many civic and educational interests, Deputy Lin was an outstanding leader in business as the Chairman of the Board and President of Tekkee Sulphur Mining Co., Ltd., and the Jin Chi Sulphur and Pyrite Mining Co., Ltd.
Ill\ Walter C. Ploeser Passes
On November 16, 1993, our nation and our Fraternity lost an outstanding American and Freemason, Ill\ Walter C. Ploeser, 33, Past S\G\I\G\ in Missouri, Past Grand Chamberlain, and Emeritus Member of The Supreme Council, 33. Appropriately, memorial ceremonies in St. Louis, Missouri, on November 19 included a joint K\C\C\H\ and I.G.H. Honor Guard and a Rose Croix Funeral Service.
Ill\ Ploeser was born on January 7, 1907, orphaned at age seven, and already at work as an insurance agent in Missouri at age 15. Largely a self-taught man after grammar school, he rose to be Corporate Partner and Board Chairman of Ploeser, Watts & Company. Very active in a number of business and civic groups, Ill\ Ploeser was elected a member of the Missouri Legislature 1931-32 and served eight years as a Representative in the U. S. Congress, 1941-49, where he was a member of the Republican Steering Committee, Chairman of the Select Committee on Small Business, and Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Government Corporations. He was rated one of the six top orators in the Congress in the 1940's.
Founder in 1934 of the Young Republican Federation in Missouri and its first President, Ill\ Ploeser also served as Regional Chairman of the Republican National Program Committee and as a member of the Missouri Republican National Committee, 1964-65. He traveled widely representing American business and was appointed United States Ambassador to Paraguay, 1957-59.
A member of Algabil Lodge No. 544 in Missouri, serving as Worshipful Master 1967-68, Ill\ Ploeser became a Scottish Rite Mason in the Valley of St. Louis and was recognized for his many services to our Order by receiving the honors of K\C\C\H\ and I.G.H. in, respectively, 1949 and 1961. He was appointed Deputy and then S\G\I\G\ of the Orient of Missouri in 1967. He served The Supreme Council, 33, with distinction as a member of the Committees on Jurisprudence and Legislation, Foreign
Relations, and Education and Americanism. 
Among his other Masonic affiliations were: DeMolay (receiving the Legion of Honor and serving as Grand Master), Oriental Chapter R\A\M\, Moolah Shrine Temple, St. Louis Scottish Rite Foundation, Missouri DeMolay Educational Foundation, Masonic Educational Bureau of Missouri.
The passing of Ill\ Walter C. Ploeser, 33, leaves a gap in the ranks of those who have gone far beyond the call of duty in serving Freemasonry and America.
Smithsonian Accessions Scottish Rite Medallions
On November 15, 1993, at the House of the Temple, Ill\ C. Fred Kleinknecht, 33, on behalf of The Supreme Council, 33, presented a Biennial Session Medallion Collection to the Smithsonian Institution's National Numismatic Collection.
Mrs. Elvira Clain-Steffanelli, Curator and Executive Director of the National Numismatic Collection, received the collection and commented on the excellent workmanship of the collections bronze medallions and two plaquettes.
Also attending the presentation were Bro\ David Board, 32, Museum Specialist at the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American History; Ill\ Walter W. Pepmiller, 33, whose idea it was to create this special album; and Ill\ John W. Boettjer, 33, G\C\, managing editor of the Scottish Rite Journal.
Produced by Medalic Art Co. and Protocol Group, Inc., the medallions picture many patriotic and Masonic scenes. Among them are George Washington laying the cornerstone of the U. S. Capitol, the American victory at Yorktown, the moon walk of Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin, 33, and portraits of Frederick the Great, George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, the Marquis de Lafayette, Albert Pike, and Bro\ James Hoban, architect of the White House and the U. S. Capitol. Also pictured on the medallions, among other images, are the George Washington Masonic National Memorial, the House of the Temple, the United States Flag, Mount Rushmore, and the Liberty Bell.
Delighted at the Smithsonian's receiving this fine collection, Mrs. Clain-Steffanelli noted the presentation was particularly meaningful to her since her late husband had been a Freemason in Italy under Mussolini. She mentioned that, because of the Fascist and Nazis persecution of Freemasons, Masons had to be very secretive. Her husband, for instance, was arrested in Berlin and held as a political prisoner in the Buchenwald concentration camp from Christmas 1942 to August 1944. Rather than be separated from her spouse, Mrs. Clain-Steffanelli, accompanied by her six-month-old son, joined him at Buchenwald until their native country, Romania, collapsed and both husband, wife, and child were released. Mrs. Clain-Steffanelli was happy to hear that a Grand Lodge and a Supreme Council, 33, of the Scottish Rite were recently established in her homeland of Romania. After the presentation, Ill\ Boettjer gave Mrs. Clain-Steffanelli and Bro\ Board a tour of the House of the Temple, including the Temple's extensive collection of Royal Arch Chapter Coins.
The Biennial Session Medallion collection, mounted in a gold-stamped brown leatherette album, is available for $110.00, and albums alone are available for $25.00, shipping and handling included. Please make checks payable to: The Supreme Council, 33. Mail to: Grand Executive Director, The Supreme Council, 33, 1733 Sixteenth Street, NW, Washington, DC 20009-3199. 
For Masons Who Like Camping
National Camping Travelers was founded in 1966 in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, by Bro\ Myron Fox and 21 Masonic families. The NCT and its 163 chapters throughout the United States and Canada serve Masons who have recreational vehicles and use them to enjoy the great outdoors, warm fellowship, and good eating. Activities include chapter cookouts at local, state, and district gatherings with activities for young people, families, seniors, and widows of NCT members.
Though not formally a fraternal group, members must be Master Masons in good standing in their jurisdiction. Consequently, members share a common interest, and there is a stronger bond of fellowship that generates more fun for all involved. For the chapter nearest you and more information, contact: National Camping Travelers, Inc., 1800-C Speedy Ave., Chesapeake, VA 23320 or call 804-420-6829.
New Treasure for the Temple
On October 17, 1993, during the Biennial Session of The Supreme Council, Ill\ Robert H. Klotzman, 33, of the Scottish Rite Bodies of Great Falls, Montana, made a special presentation to Sov\ Gr\ Cmdr\ C. Fred Kleinknecht, 33. It consisted of 12 United States gold coins in denominations of from $1.00 to $20.00 dating from 1853 to 1928. The collection has an appraised value of over $3,000.00 and is a worthy addition to the House of the Temple's Museum holdings, in particular its collection of coins which is only now beginning to become substantive, in part due to such donations as Ill\ Klotzman's recent gift.
Ill\ Klotzman's generosity is a reminder that Brethren can create a permanent remembrance of their dedication to the Rite by donating special coins, books, heirlooms, or other collectibles of value to the Library or Museums of The Supreme Council, 33. Through your tax-deductible gift or bequest, you can become part of Scottish Rite history.
For additional information, please contact the Grand Executive Director, 1733 Sixteenth St., NW, Washington, DC 20009-3199 or call (202) 232-3579.
Cornerstone Video
The VHS videotape "The Cornerstone of Democracy: The U. S. Capitol's Bicentennial" is now available. It consists of two equal parts on one tape: "The History of the U. S. Capitol Cornerstone" and "The 1993 U. S. Capitol Bicentennial Celebrations."
Freemasonry's ties to the U. S. Capitol are traced from the laying of the building's cornerstone by George Washington on September 18, 1793, to the colorful Masonic celebration of this event on September 18, 1993. Part two also highlights the October 23, 1993, reenactment of Washington's journey
from Mount Vernon to the Capitol to lay the cornerstone.
An educational consortium of private non-profit groups sponsored this historic recreation of the Masonic ceremony. Also, this portion of the tape includes the dramatic replacement by helicopter of the statue of Freedom to the dome of the U. S. Capitol.
Either hour-long section (which may be shown, for instance, divided into 20-minute segments) makes an excellent Lodge presentation and is suitable for a number of other civic, educational, patriotic, or service groups.
As a tribute to Bro\ Washington, Capstone Productions will donate $5.00 from the purchase of each videotape to the George Washington Masonic National Memorial in Alexandria, Virginia.
For the "Cornerstone" videotape (both parts on one tape; shipping and handling included), please send a check payable to Cornerstone Productions, Inc. for $40.00 (MD orders please add 5% sales tax) to: Capstone Productions, Inc., 12002 Citrus Grove Road, N. Potomac, MD 20878.
Appreciation A Plus
Recently, Bro\ James R. Gurley, 32, of the Scottish Rite Bodies of Columbia, SC, received a Certificate of Appreciation from the Scottish Rite Foundation of South Carolina in recognition of his nearly 64 years of service to Freemasonry. The certificate was presented to Bro\ Gurley by Ill\ Joe C. Forrest, a member of the Spartanburg Scottish Rite Bodies.
Bro\ Gurley was raised a Master Mason on July 24, 1930, in Hiram Lodge No. 40, Raleigh, NC, and he demitted to Richland Lodge No. 39, Columbia, SC, in 1946. He became a Scottish Rite Mason on April 9, 1931, and was born on December 4, 1904. 
Brother Gurley is now a resident of Skylyn Place Retirement Community in Spartanburg. While he considers the Scottish Rite Certificate of Appreciation a "plus," the real benefits of Freemasonry, he says, are the strong friendships he has formed in the Craft and the many Masonic labors he has shared with other Brethren during his lifetime of activity in Freemasonry.
Bataan to Berlin
Ill\ Kermit Lay, 33, a member of the Scottish Rite Bodies of San Francisco, received a long-overdue medal from the U.S. Army on September 8, 1993. Brother Lay, a survivor of the infamous Bataan Death March and a train master during the Berlin Airlift, was presented with the Humane Action Award in a public ceremony at the Sixth Army Headquarters in San Francisco. This award commemorated his participation in the massive airlift and ground transportation of supplies to West Berlin in 1949.
Lt. Gen. Glynn Mallory, Commanding Officer, Sixth Army, made the presentation stating, We are gathered this morning to recognize the matchless actions of a man who clearly meets the traits of a heroic figure. Make no mistake, Captain Kermit Lay is an authentic American Hero. He truly symbolizes the strength of America.
Brother Lay is very active at the Scottish Rite Bodies of San Fransisco, particularly in membership promotion. He obtained ten new members in 1992 and had ten members for the 1993 Fall Class. In addition, he has been the top-line signer on more than eighty applications. We salute Brother Kermit and thank him for his service to his fellowman, our country, and his beloved Scottish Rite.
Handicap Did Not Stop This Brother
In 1987, Ill\ William L. Jones, 33, did not let having one leg amputated stop him from an active Masonic career. Even the amputation of his other leg in 1989, due to a vascular disease, did not cause him to diminish his involvement in Masonry. He attended every meeting of Polar Star Lodge No. 154, which he served as Worshipful Master two times, and every meeting, as well as practice and Degree presentations, of the Gulfport, Mississippi, Scottish Rite Bodies which he served as Almoner for many years.
In recognition of his many services, he was coroneted an Inspector General Honorary in 1987 and, in 1989, he was presented his 60-year pin by the Grand Lodge of Mississippi. He was also active in Gulfport Chapter No. 121, R\A\M\; Gulfport Commandery No. 38; Joppa Shrine Temple; and the Hansboro Chapter No. 374, Order of Eastern Star, where he filled the office of Worthy Patron on two separate occasions. No wonder he was affectionately dubbed "Mr. Mason" by so many Brethren.
We are sorry to report that Ill\ William L. Jones passed away on July 24, 1993. He is survived by his beloved wife Mary who is as proud of her husband's enduring spirit as Ill\ Jones was proud of his lifelong service to Freemasonry.
"The In Basket"
Articles Recently Received by The Scottish Rite Journal
"Thank you!" to each of these Brethren or their family members who have recently submitted articles to the magazine. Each submission will be published in The Scottish Rite Journal or, by notification to the author, placed on file in the Archives of The Supreme Council, 33, as an information and research resource for the Fraternity. Listing is by name (alphabetical), Degree, Valley, and title of contribution.

Ashworth, Mac, Jr., Dallas, TX, "A Gift Given Freely"
Abrams, Herman, 32, Dallas, TX, "Poems"
Calhoun, Ralph A. II, 32, K\C\C\H\, Greenville, SC, "Ill\ Joel Frampton, Jr., A Man Among Masons" 
Canoose, John E., 32, K\C\C\H\, Fresno, CA, "What's Wrong with Our Public Schools?"
Coop, W. Howard, 32, Louisville, KY, "The Influence of Good Men"
Cowan, Samuel E., 32, K\C\C\H\, Jacksonville, Fl, "Friend to Friend: The Gettysburg Masonic Memorial Monument"
Culbreth, Fred P., 32, Charlotte, NC, "Masonic Travels: A Visit to Sovereign Hill, Australia"
Fravel, Mark, 33, Norfolk, VA, "The Public School `Crisis'"
Goodman, Forrest D., 32, Takoma, WA, "Have You Found Your Replacement?"
Hanan, Rubin M., 32, Montgomery, AL, "First Candles: The Relevance of Chanukah"
Kelly, Terance L., 32, Phoenix, AZ, "They Are There Waiting on Us!"
Kent, Lawrence, 32, Orlando, FL, "What's Your Opinion?"
Kiser, Jimmie A., 32, Guthrie, OK, "Membership"
Marples, James A., 32, Wichita, KS, "Practicing Scottish Rite Virtues"
Melton, C. Raymond, 32, K\C\C\H\, Birmingham, AL, "Investing in Education"
Moore, James E., 32, Louisville, KY, "Silence Is an Outdated Defense"
Mote, Tom, Jr., 32, K\C\C\H\, San Antonio, TX, "He Ain't Heavy, Father. He's My Brother"
O'Hare, Timothy J., 32, Denver, CO, "Can a Scottish Rite Mason Be for School Vouchers?"
Pearce, E. Franklin, 32, Los Angeles, CA, "The Mark of a Mason"
Robbins, James W., 32, K\C\C\H\, Kansas City, KS, "The Joy of Failure"
Robbins, Q. C. "Tony," 32, K\C\C\H\, Kansas City, KS, "Vernal Equinox"
Rooke, Kermit V., 32, K\C\C\H\, Richmond, VA, "The Protection of Divine Providence"
Smith, Ivan J., 32, Eugene, OR, "So Proud To Be a Mason"
Smith, Ronald C., 32, Ocala, FL, "Manifest Destiny, The Nez Perce' Tragedy"
Sotak, Veonor M., 32, Denver, CO, "The Temple"
Thompson, Derwent, 32, Tampa, FL, "A Visit to Derwentwater Lodge, England"
Opportunities for the Future Keynote Address to the Southeast Masonic Conference Airport Holiday Inn North
East Point (Atlanta), Georgia
August 6, 1993
Gary Leazer, Ph.D
Center for Interfaith Studies
Post Office Box 870523
Stone Mountain, Georgia
30087-0014
EDITORIAL NOTE: Gary Leazer, assistant director of the Southern Baptist Home Mission Board's Interfaith Witness Department, resigned on October 22, 1993, following publication of this speech which he gave to the Southeastern Masonic Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, on August 6, 1993. Leazer's address to the Conference and the publication of this address in the October issue of The Masonic Messenger of Georgia was characterized as "gross insubordination" by Larry Lewis, President of the Home Mission Board, who claims he "directed [Leazer] to refrain from any and all involvement in the Freemasonry issue." Leazer says he does not remember being given this instruction.
A headline in the Florida Baptist Witness of November 4, 1993, reads "Only half of story told, Leazer says of firing." Exactly so. Leazer has been under heavy fire from a small faction of fervid anti-Masons in the SBC since he was assigned the task, despite his declared reluctance for the job, of studying Freemasonry and deciding if it is compatible with Christianity and Baptist doctrine. Among Leazer's most heated detractors was Dr. Larry Holly, a Beaumont, Texas, physician who now indicts not only Leazer but also Dr. Lewis and the Home Mission Board for not providing "the SBC with an honest and objective study of one of the scourges [meaning Freemasonry] of the Kingdom of God." This statement characterizes the intent of this anti-Masonic faction's determination to condemn Freemasonry.
Dr. Leazer's professional objectivity was impugned, and he was removed to a field position. Subsequently, the Board's report was anonymously rewritten by Home Mission Board administrators. Dr. Leazer claimed the revised version was so altered and given "a more negative spin . . . that I requested my name not be attached to the study." Even after heavy editing and rewriting, the report ultimately declared Masonic membership to be a matter of "personal conscience," exactly what Freemasonry has always said it was.
The dismissal of Dr. Leazer underlines the unreasoning anti-Masonic tenor of a small faction within the Southern Baptist Convention. Clearly, Freemasonry must continue educating the general public and its own members on the true nature of our Craft, a moral Fraternity dedicated to making good men better through education and ethical standards. 
IT is indeed an honor to receive your kind invitation to speak to you this morning. This is not an invitation I would ever have expected to receive. A year ago I knew little about a fraternity known as Freemasonry.
Then, I was given an assignment which I neither asked for nor wanted, but one which, when given, I was determined to complete as fairly and objectively as was humanly possible. I knew the assignment was a no-win assignment from the very beginning because there were and still are very powerful voices within my denomination, the Southern Baptist Convention, calling for the complete condemnation of Freemasonry. That became clear from the very beginning when a letter I wrote in August 1992 to Craig Branch, director of the Birmingham, Alabama, office of Watchman Fellowship, an anti-cult ministry, was forwarded to James Larry Holly. Branch, a member of the Presbyterian Church of America, recently coauthored a book with John Ankerberg so that should help you place him. James  Larry Holly, the Beaumont, Texas, physician who has been instrumental in the attempts to have the Southern Baptist Convention condemn Freemasonry on two occasions, immediately called for my replacement claiming, in a nine-page letter to Home Mission Board president Larry L. Lewis, that I was too prejudiced towards those opposed to Freemasonry. Lewis declined at that time to replace me stating that the messengers to the Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting in Indianapolis in June 1992 directed the Interfaith Witness Department to do the study. My impression of Holly's action then was his realization after reading the contents of my letter to Branch that he would have no influence in the direction of my research. Holly has been quoted as being very disappointed that an ad hoc committee was not appointed by the messengers at the June 1992 Southern Baptist Convention and to which he could be appointed.
Another letter, which no doubt you have all heard about if you have not read it, was the catalyst for my removal from the Freemasonry study and eventually my move to a field staff position. This letter was written to a Southern Baptist Mason in January 1993 after I had completed my study but before I had submitted it to Larry Lewis. I summarized my conclusions and recommendations in the letter. Somehow, this letter also ended up in Holly's possession. I received a phone call at 12:45 A.M. while I was at a meeting in Lexington, Kentucky, from Darrell Robinson, vice-president for the Home Mission Board evangelism section and my immediate supervisor, informing me that I was being removed from further work on the assignment. Later, Holly claimed to have learned of another letter I had written to a Mason and was trying to get a copy. As a result of that claim, two Home Mission Board staff came to my home and removed two boxes of letters and research notes from my home office. In those boxes, they found three other letters which they said cast doubt on my objectivity. As a result of this, I was given the opportunity to request a demotion and transfer to a field staff position rather than risk an attempt by the Home Mission Board trustees to fire me. I requested a field staff position.
None of my supervisors asked me for my side of the story concerning my actions during my research and writing of the study. I was criticized for allowing two Masons to read advance copies of the study. This was unusual, but not unique, given the controversial nature of the assignment. I have asked for critiques of my research from persons representing groups I was writing about on at least two other occasions, one an article on the visit of the Pope to this country several years ago and another on an article about the Latter-day Saint Church. John Ankerberg, Ed Decker, and other anti-Masons would have much more accurate books if they would only talk with people they are writing about, rather than depending on their own vivid imaginations. While I was criticized for allowing two Masons to read the advance copy, no one criticized me for allowing three non-Masons to read advance copies.
The study which I submitted to Lewis in January was subsequently revised so muchtwenty-five percent of the text was removedand a more negative spin was given to the text that I requested that my name not be attached to the study. In spite of these changes, I still believe the study is the most accurate and fair of any done by a non-Mason.
The Home Mission Board report adopted by the Southern Baptist Convention was written after I was removed from the process, and I had absolutely nothing to do with its content. An associate, Bill Gordon, who was Paige Patterson's grader while a student at Criswell Bible College in Dallas, was asked for input. The curriculum at Criswell Bible College includes a study of Freemasonry in its course of religious cults. Patterson, formerly president of Criswell Bible College, is now the president of the Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in North Carolina. He is generally regarded as one of the two primary architects of the conservative resurgence in the Southern Baptist Convention, and is a well-known anti-Mason.
I know many of you feel relief that the Southern Baptist Convention did not condemn Freemasonry, but you should not be satisfied with the report adopted by the Convention. You cannot agree with the eight points critical of Freemasonry which are found in the report. I hope you will respond clearly and quickly to each of these points. [See block above.] Literally thousands of Southern Baptists and others have read these points and believe them to be an accurate summary of Masonic teachings. You simply cannot afford to ignore this report. An article in this month's issue of the Scottish Rite Journal [August 1993] quoted J. Walter Carpenter, a trustee of the Home Mission Board and editor of the Southern Baptist Watchman, an independent newspaper, who cautioned that Masons must be aware of the criticism of the Home Mission Board report, giving them close attention and action, if Freemasonry is to avoid attacks from religious groups, including Southern Baptists, in the future. My study does not agree with the conclusions in the Home Mission Board report, but the report, not my study, is the official position of the Southern Baptist Convention.
I found that the criticisms of Freemasonry in the Home Mission Board report are widely believed by Southern Baptists, primarily because of the continued widespread availability of anti-Mason books in Baptist bookstores and other Christian bookstores across the nation. For example, the Baptist Bookstore at our denominational assembly at Ridgecrest, North Carolina, is carrying an anti-Mason book by John Ankerberg, but not the study I wrote. For years, the books have been believed to reflect Masonic teachings accurately, partly because anything written in a book is believed true by many, and secondly, and more importantly, Masons have been silent. Silence has been interpreted to mean agreement.
Anti-Masons will use the first part of the summary adopted in Houston, "In light of the fact that many tenets and teachings of Freemasonry are not compatible with Christianity and Southern Baptist doctrine," to their advantage. Surely, you cannot be pleased with that statement. It does not reflect my conclusions as a non-Mason and I feel certain it does not reflect yours.
They will also refer to a non-binding resolution adopted by messengers at the 1992 Southern Baptist Convention "On Christian Witness and Voluntary Associations." Resolutions represent the opinions of the messengers present and voting, but in recent years resolutions have been used as if they are binding on SBC agencies, institutions, churches and employees of SBC agencies and institutions. The resolution urges "all Southern Baptists to refrain from participation or membership in organizations with teachings, oaths, or mystical knowledge which are contrary to the Bible and to the public expression of our faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ." Although the resolution does not mention Freemasonry, many observers believe it was directed at Freemasonry.
The anti-Mason movement lost a major battle to secure an outright condemnation of Freemasonry in Houston in June, but it has not given up the fight. Anti-Masons do not consider the war lost; no treaty has been signed. I believe this issue will surface again in three to five years. The Home Mission Board hopes this issue will never come up again as there is no doubt it has hurt income to some degree. The Board hopes the issue will die a quick death. I have been told I will have no input in any future restudy of Freemasonry. Some anti-Masons want to bring it up at the Southern Baptist Convention next year. You must begin preparing now for that eventuality. Remember that this issue came up in 1985 and then again in 1991. I appreciate the call in this month's issue [August 1993] of the Scottish Rite Journal calling for a "renewed effort on the part of all Freemasons today to reenergize our Fraternity." The ball is in your court; you have the momentum if you will take advantage of it.
An editorial entitled "Freemasonry and Religion Often Misunderstood by Masons and Non-Masons" in the November-December 1992 issue of the Washington Masonic Tribune stated that Masons must "be better informed about ways in which we can answer the questions and comments made to us by uninformed citizens. You can no longer afford to be passive and not respond to accusations that are false. Masonic membership is a true privilege and there are so many positive elements of Freemasonry to be proud of that we must be willing to speak out and inform our friends and neighbors." I would recommend that each issue of your Grand Lodge periodicals include an article discussing a specific Masonic teaching.* Anti-Masons have raised a number of questions about Freemasonry. Whether these anti-Masons are correct of notand my research suggests they are notMasons must respond.
Edmund Burke said, "All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." As abhorrent to Masons as it may be, it is my measured opinion that if Masons don't take advantage of this window of opportunity, Freemasonry will be a subject your great-grandchildren will read about in obscure history books. I hope you do not think I am exaggerating when I say that you have a herculean task ahead of you.
Membership trends in the Grand Lodges I examined during my research show a significant decline for the past 30 years. The average age of Masons in Oklahoma, for instance, is 64 years. I believe, even if it were not for the anti-Mason movement, that Freemasonry will find it difficult to attract new members in the future. Young people today are known for not wanting to make long-term commitments. Simply put, they are not joiners. You, of course, are not alone with this trend of a declining and an aging membership. Even the Southern Baptist Convention is currently experiencing a growth rate less than the population growth: 1.9 percent to 2.6 percent for the years 1990 to 1992. As one looks out across the worshippers in many Southern Baptist churches, he sees a sea of white heads. Both churches and your fraternity compete with a smorgasbord of exciting activities that are offered to people. Time becomes of supreme value as they add more activities, with more pizzazz. Church and the Lodge can't be squeezed into their limited free time. As potential Masons
are considering the Lodge, one of the questions they are asking themselves is, "What will I get out of Freemasonry?" Their priorities are different, and the Church and the Lodge are far down the list. I doubt you will do much to change the priorities of the men you seek to interest in membership, unless you find where their interests are and can change to meet some of those needs.
Southern Baptists cannot find 35 to 40 percent of our members. They have disappeared completely. They never attend a church service, and we cannot locate them. I would guess that Masons have a significant number of members who are completely inactive or who you cannot locate. Getting these members involved again should be a priority. They, at one time, expressed enough of an interest in Freemasonry to become members. Rekindle that interest.
There are a number of positive steps you can take immediately. I would recommend that you lay everything on the table. Nothingno ritual, no teaching, no practiceshould be off limits. Look at literally everything. Your very survival as a fraternity depends upon it. You may decide that many or most of your ritual, teaching and practices cannot or should not be changed, but I would implore you to take close look at them. Any organiza-tion has to change to survive. When I interviewed inactive Masons as to why they no longer attend Lodge meetings, I received a number of answers. But they generally centered around their lack of time to attend meetings and the meaninglessness of the rituals. One inactive Mason told me, hopefully facetiously, that after the opening ritual and the reading of the list of recently deceased Masons, it was time to go home.
I find that The Masonic Renewal Committee of North America is on target in their "Blueprint for the Future" when they state that "Freemasonry will be member-driven," "Time and quality will be our members' perquisites. The ordinary will not cut it," and that "thoughtful Masons" "will have an eye to the future and an ear to the past." I disagree with the statement that "The ritual need not change."
Change is always a difficult decision. Rather than thinking of needed changes, you could think of "restructuring for the 21st century." Big corporations like IBM regularly restructure to meet the changing business climate. The Home Mission Board continually looks at how it can restructure to meet the changing needs of our churches and society. Jack Brymer, editor of the Florida Baptist Witness, said in his editorial on July 29, "Change is an inexorable fact of life. Our only option is to choose whether we will endure it by default or lead it by design." I believe Freemasonry needs to change to meet the changing climate of society and the needs of the men who are members or who may become candidates. Could you, for example, create a shortened ritual for regular meetings and use the longer rituals for special occasions? The Scottish Rite of Freemasonry has shortened some of its rituals and "communicates" some rituals to those taking the degrees.
Organizations that have strong traditions tend to deemphasize, whether intentionally or not, the practical teachings of those organizations. Freemasonry is no different from other organizations. The meanings of your rituals are obscure to many of your most faithful members who go through them without digesting the real meaning of them, much like eating a meal without the benefit of taste buds.
A good public relations program is essential. Develop positive relationships with clergy, newspaper editors, and other media personnel. Repeatedly, I was told by pastors that the Masonic graveside service was objectionable. Part of this negative feeling could arise because pastors see the funeral service as a worship service of which they should be in charge. Part of the feeling is probably due to a misunderstanding of the service. Some of the feeling is due to a genuine theological problem with the Masonic service. I know the service is an important Masonic ritual; I have seen my father who is a Master Mason partici-
pate in them, but I believe you would eliminate much of the anti-Mason sentiment if you would discontinue the public Masonic funeral service. Could you find some other way to honor your deceased Brother?
Booklets explaining Freemasonry, such as the excellent "Conscience and the Craft" by Jim Tresner, would be helpful to give to pastors and other church leaders. In my opinion, Jim Tresner, is the most knowledgeable and articulate Masonic writer today.
It is my opinion that testimonies are of little value in convincing skeptical individuals. Although they probably did no harm, the testimonies by Masons at the Southern Baptist Convention took time from Masons wanting to make amendments to the report. Three Masons were at microphones seeking to amend the report to add the words "some believe" to the opening statement "many tenets and teachings of Freemasonry are not compatible with Christianity and Southern Baptist doctrine." Your approach must be, to quote Dragnet's Sgt. Joe Friday, "Just the facts, Ma'am." 
I would caution you about accepting invitations to debate anti-Masons. Remember, if they videotape the debate, they can edit it. Years ago, the founder of the Jehovah's Witnesses, Charles Taze Russell, called for debates with the Pope of the Roman Catholic Church and many Protestant church leaders. When they didn't or wouldn't, he said they were afraid. In one sense, it may seem like a defeat in itself, but little or no good can come of debating these individuals and much negative can. Small insignificant individuals and groups can and will boast of debating the whole fraternity rather than just individual Masons. Clips of videos can change what the speaker said. I found myself asking, "Did I really say that?" during my research when Holly and others twisted my words to suit their desire. Choose your method of response well.
You must attempt to understand the mind set of the anti-Masons. They tend to see everything as black and white, right and wrong, us and them. For example, I saw this with anti-Masons' insistence that the opinion of one Mason had to be the opinion of all Masons. This argument was directed at a number of books, such as Manly Hall's The Secret Teachings of All Ages. I understand the Masonic position that each writer speaks only for himself, but I think you are sometimes your own worst enemy when you recommend certain books to your readers. I support the right of every Mason to write any book he wishes, but I question the wisdom of these books being recommended to fellow Masons. Every Mason has a right to write books, but not all such books are profitable to read. I saw it in the charge that Masonic "light" refers to salvation since Jesus Christ is spoken of as "the Light" in the New Testament. One Anti-Mason expressed surprise when I told him the word refers to understanding or knowledge rather than salvation. Toleration of diverse beliefs, a Masonic virtue, is rejected by anti-Masons and fundamentalist Christians as simple and unacceptable compromise with false or pagan beliefs.
Masons will never be able to satisfy every anti-Mason. Some depend on the sale of their books, videos, and speaking invitations for their livelihood. Others strongly disagree with the Masonic mission which "transcends all religious, ethnic, cultural, social and educational differences." Many anti-Masons, who are usually from fundamentalist denominations, define "being right" very narrowly and find it impossible to accept even persons within their own denominations who don't measure up to their narrow definitions. Some are unacceptable simply because they don't vote for the right candidate or issue, whether secular or religious. In my study, I referred to the 1921 decision by the Supreme Court of Nebraska that Freemasonry was not a religion. Ankerberg responded by arguing that courts are often wrong and this is one case. The thought that he might be wrong probably never crossed Ankerberg's mind. That is the mindset common to anti-Masons. I want to add here that not all fundamentalists are anti-Mason. A number of Masons and your supporters hold that religious persuasion. Perhaps, it would be more appropriate to speak of an aberrant form of fundamentalism, what psychologists call "toxic faith."
There is another issue rapidly approaching which will most likely adversely affect Freemasonry. That issue is the conspiracy theories revolving around the new millennium. One of the most popular conspiracists today is Texe Marrs. He is the author of over 25 books, including Dark Majesty: The Secret Brotherhood and the Magic of A Thousand Points of Light. Marrs claims there is a worldwide conspiracy of well-known men whose goal "is to accumulate most all of this planet's wealth and power under their wings. They intend to become our masters, our benefactors, and our gods." With the Illuminati in this alleged conspiracy are Freemasonry, the United Nations, CIA, FBI, KGB, the World Council of Churches, the Vatican, the World Bank, multinational corporations, and "some TV evangelists." Among the politicians involved in this conspiracy are Ronald Reagan, George Bush, Bill Clinton, Dan Quayle, Henry Kissinger, General Colin Powell, Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, "and just about every other major political and social leader in America." In spite of the absurdity of Marrs' theory, his books are sold in reputable Christian bookstores and purchased by thousands of naive readers. Gary H. Kah, A. Ralph Epperson, William T. Still, and Pat Robertson are other well-known conspiracists who see Freemasonry as part of a worldwide conspiracy. A section on these conspiracy theories was removed from my study after it was submitted to the Home Mission Board president. These conspiracy theories are rooted in premillennialism, which holds that the Anti-Christ will arise to rule the entire world before Jesus Christ returns to usher in the millennium. According to conservative biblical theology, human history will end after 6,000 years. Those 6,000 years are believed to include at the end of this decade. I see the Church as an ally in helping people understand the biblical teaching about eschatology. Herschel H. Hobbs, one of the few statesmen in the Southern Baptist Convention, summarized this issue by saying, "Amazingly, many otherwise sensible people are led astray, or else disturbed, in their faith by such [false teachers]. By the time they get through, people who listen to them are so mixed up that they do not know what to believe."
As a non-Mason, I believe there are Masonic teachings that should be changed or eliminated. I remember in graduate school when I approached the academic dean about changing my major from philosophy to ethics. He refused to allow me to change my major because of a "20-hour rule." I had completed more than 20 hours of study toward my degree. When I complained, he admitted he did not know why the "20-hour rule" was in the book, but that it had to be followed even if we didn't know why. I have little use for that kind of logic. When something loses its meaning, it should be changed. I have no problem with the phrase, Great Architect of the Universe, because I understand its origin [John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, pub. 1536, Book I, page 141.
The penalties in the first three degrees of Freemasonry are offensive to many Christians, including some Christian Masons. I believe the oaths and penalties could be revised without loss of meaning. Worshipful Master is an archaic title. Can some other title be used?
Education is one of the keys in responding to charges leveled by the anti-Masons. This education can never end. It is the life blood of Freemasonry as much as water is the life blood for the giant sequoias which I walked under last week in California. I saw some of these giant trees which had been killed when fire burned the heart out of the tree all the way to the very top. I saw some giant trees lying on the ground, victims of wind and snow and a shallow root system. Once found over hundreds of thousands of acres, sequoias are now found in a few hundred acres on the western slopes of the Sierras. Thousands of tourists come to see them annually. It would be awful if someday tourists visited the remaining Masonic Lodge halls and Scottish Rite temples to be told about a great fraternity of men who once met in those buildings. Without continuing education, without leadership, without vision, it could happen. 
I hope you will consider the criticisms in the study which I wrote. I wrote it out of no malice toward Freemasonry, but with a genuine desire that the controversy surrounding your fraternity can be stopped once and for all. During my research I received over 2,000 letters, over ninety-five percent of them were from Masons or Eastern Star ladies. Almost without exception, the writers of those letters, as well as individual Masons I talked with, were the finest men and women anyone could want to know. I wish I could say the same thing about the other four or five percent of the letters which were from anti-Masons. I sincerely believe that it is possible if you take advantage of this window of opportunity. I you do, the future will indeed be bright for Freemasonry.
Gary Leazer
served over 14 years on the staff of the Interfaith Witness Department of the Southern Baptist Home Mission Board before his involuntary resignation in October 1993. His primary responsibilities included research, writing and conferencing in 40 states and 4 foreign countries on interfaith issues. Leazer conducted the primary research and wrote the original study on Freemasonry for the Southern Baptist Convention. Leazer and his wife have two children.
A Letter Of  Thanks From The Salvation Army
  November 2, 1993

Dear Mr. Kleinknecht:
What a pleasant and welcome surprise I had when I received your additional $13,000 gift for The Salvation Army Flood relief effort. Please express our appreciation to the members of the Scottish Rite Foundation for their generosity. Once again, Mr. Jim Grimes personally delivered your check.
The Salvation Army's flood assistance began in the Spring of 1993 and will continue well into 1994. However, each day reveals more clearly the serious, long-range commitment that will be necessary to get people back on their feet. For your willingness to support us during this long walkwe are so grateful!
In the name of those whose lives have been touched by your generosity we thank you. The Salvation Army appreciates the trust in our work that this gift represents. This kind of trust builds our faith and keeps us going as we continue to reach out.
May God bless you. 
                                                                     Sincerely,
                                                                     Dennis L. Phillips, Lt. Colonel
                                                                     Midland Division , St. Louis, Missouri
Checking on the Neighbors

Dr. S. Brent Morris, 33
Book Reviews Editor for
the Scottish Rite Journal

In many ways, fraternalism is a uniquely American social phenomenon. From roughly 1865 to 1920, hundreds and hundreds of fraternal societies were formed: Moose, Elks, Reindeers, Eagles, Orioles, Owls, and more. Most patterned themselves after Freemasonry, but few of them have survived to today.
It is instructive to check on our neighbors, those institutions that are similar in form and function to Freemasonry. Their strengths, weaknesses, ideals, and foibles give us insight into the functioning of our Lodges. By understanding what inspires and troubles other fraternal orders, we can better understand ourselves.
Glorious Contentment: The Grand Army of the Republic, 1865-1900, by Stuart McConnell. Hardbound, 329 pp., $32.50, 1992. University of North Carolina Press, P.O. Box 2288 Chapel Hill, NC 27515-2288. For VISA or Mastercard orders, call 1-800-848-6224.
In this well-written and well-researched monograph, Stuart McConnell of Pitzer College makes an important contribution to post-Civil War social and organizational history. Based on his 1987 dissertation at Johns Hopkins University, A Social History of the Grand Army of the Republic, 1867-1900, the author has researched this study from a great variety of published and unpublished sources.
First established in 1866 at Decatur, Illinois, by a former Union Army Surgeon, Dr. Benjamin Franklin Stephenson, the organization expanded through the efforts of two Illinois soldier-politicians, General (later Senator) John A. Logan and Governor Richard Oglesby.
From 1869 to 1871, the GAR adopted a Masonic-like ritual with three degrees or grades: Recruit, Soldier, and Veteran. Only after achieving the third grade (which took a minimum of six months), could the member be eligible for post, department, or national office. Each grade involved payment of dues, a badge, a secret grip and password, and an initiation ritual. (p. 31) This grade or rank system caused numerous problems, the most prominent being that members already had ranksthey had had them in the Union Armyand the system was abolished by the National Encampment in 1871. The GAR, however, continued to retain many features of Masonic and other fraternal bodies until the last Union veteran died in 1956, and the organization, which had intentionally refused to coalesce with other veterans groups, most notably the Sons of Union Veterans, became extinct.
Membership rebounded from a low of 27,000 in 1876 to 351,000 in 1890. The latter figure was only about one-third of the one million-plus Union veterans still surviving at that time. GAR members were scattered in 6,928 posts in all of the northern states and some of the southern ones as well.
The first half of this monograph is truly a history of the GAR. The latter portion treats the role of the GAR, at times somewhat tenuous, in promoting federal pensions for Union veterans, respect for the U.S. flag and its display throughout the nation, the construction of monuments honoring the Union dead, and espousal of an ideology of conservation or preservation rather than significant change. 
The white middle-class GAR leadership, as well as rank and file members, had little interest in addressing the needs and problems caused by increasing immigration, the growth of labor unions, and the proliferation of strikes, racial problems, and controversy concerning the role of women in society.
Both the author and the University of North Carolina Press are to be commended for producing an excellent monograph that is interesting, attractive in format, and seemingly free from the problems of accuracy, style, and format that plague so many historical publications in the 1990s.
Prof. William Preston Vaughn, 33.
Rosicrucianism in America, edited by J. Gordon Melton. Hardbound, 548 pp., $97.00, 1990. Garland Publishing, Inc., 136 Madison Ave., New York, NY 10016, (212) 686-7492.
Rosicrucianism in America is part of a series of books, Cults and New Religions, sources for study of nonconventional religious groups in  nineteenth and twentieth century America. The book has a brief in-troduction to American Rosicrucianism and concerns itself chiefly with Rosicrucian groups that are essentially religions. The book reprints six hard-to-find booklets: The Grand Secret, or Physical Love in Health and Disease, by Paschal B. Randolph; The Book of the Triplicate Order, Rosicrucia, Eulis, Pythianae, by Paschal B. Randolph: The Master Key of Love and the Psychology of Human Behaviour, by Harry O. Saxon; Rosicrucian Symbology, by Khei; Regeneration, by F. B. Dowd; and Rosikrucianism, by Sergius Rosenkruz. Paschal B. Randolph and Freeman B. Dowd were associated with the Quakertown Rosicrucian Fraternity. No mention is made of the Masonic S.R.I.C.F. nor the A.M.O.R.C. in San Jose. The book is expensive but essential to the student of fraternal organizations.
History of the Shrine (A\E\A\ O\N\M\S\, Inc., P\H\A\): A Pillar of Black Society, 1893-1993, by Joseph A. Walkes, Jr. Hardbound, 462 pp., 1993. $25.00 postpaid, from the author, P.O. Box 3151, Ft. Leavenworth, KS  66027-0151.
Joseph A. Walkes, Jr. is the best known and most prolific writer on Prince Hall Masonry today. His books, especially Black Square and Compass and Prince Hall Masonic Quiz Book, have become standard references. He has just published another significant Masonic history book, this one devoted to the Prince Hall ShrineThe Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrineon the occasion of their 100th birthday.
This centennial History of the Shrine gives the reader not only a fascinating insight into the social forces that led to the creation of this order, but also a carefully referenced history for the serious student. Researchers will thank Walkes both for using easily read footnotes rather than endnotes and for giving so many of them.
The Prince Hall Shrine had a turbulent birth, fighting racism without and politics within. Walkes does not gloss over anything, giving equal treatment to triumphs, tragedies, and farces. It is particularly instructive to read about the problems between the Prince Hall Shrine and their Grand Lodges. It is a testament to the strength of Freemasonry that the conflicts ultimately have been resolved to the benefit of the Craft.

{January|Jan}-{PAGE|1}

{page |1}     THE SCOTTISH RITE JOURNAL

MAY 1992     {page |1}


