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Table of Contents

Comes The Moment To Decide
C. Fred Kleinknecht

Mine Eyes Have Seen The Glory
Melville H. Nahin

The U.S. Coast Guard And World War II
Ray L. Bunnell

Kilroy Was Here!
Morton B. Luxner

World War II Messages Of Brotherhood
John D. Richards and Frank W. Bennett

Dj Vu
Ralph M. Snyder

Drawing Master's Wages
Cedric A. Woodruff

A "Foreign" Mason's Recollection Of Brother General Matthew
Ridgeway
Francisco A.B. Yule

     Wear Your Masonic Jewelry Proudly!
     Why I Became A Mason
     Jack Fuller
     "My Dad Wears A Ring Like That"
     Bill Pitts
     Masonic Watches
     Current Interest 
               Council Distributes Funds
               MBNA Supports Clinics
               Generals Honored
               Jimmy Doolittle Reunion
               WW II Private Honored
               Masons Return War Trophy
               Oklahoma Mayor Thanks Scottish Rite
                                   Red Skelton Honored
               Breakfast for 41,575
               Grand Master Attends DeMolay
     Supreme Council Library
     Joan E. Kleinknecht
     Masonic Travels:
     The Warmth Is Real
     Michael A. Buchan
     The Origin Of "Taps"
     Filipino Masons During World War II
     Harry G. West
     The Flag, A Cherished Symbol
     C. Fred Kleinknecht 
     Senator Bob Graham
     Where Do You Do
     Your Shopping?
     Thomas M. Boles
     Book Reviews:
     On The Cutting Edge
     Dr. S. Brent Morris
     The 1995 Biennial
     Session Commemoratives



Comes The Moment To Decide 
C. Fred Kleinknecht

Once, to every man and nation 
 comes the moment to decide
In the strife of truth with falsehood 
 for the good or evil side
Some great cause, God's new Messiah 
 offering each the bloom or blight
And the choice goes by forever
'Twixt that darkness and that light.

  Those words, written by the great poet James Russell Lowell,
were penned two generations before World War II, but they capture
the essence of America's commitment to that war, that "great
cause."
  More than any other conflict of nations in history, World War
II was truly a struggle of truth with falsehood, and a choice
between darkness and light. The war saw intellectual and
spiritual falsehood raised to unprecedented heights. "Offices of
Propaganda" and "Ministries of Truth" were coupled to the
technique of the "Big Lie" and Hitler's infamous "Final
Solution."
  But it also saw unprecedented commitment to the light. It saw
nations not only defending themselves and their own interests but
also the interests of others. It saw millions of young men and
women prepared to sacrifice everything to restore sanity, safety,
and order to aid the world. It saw a determination that the evil
of a few men, inspired by the darkest dreams of a depraved soul,
should not be allowed to enslave the world.
  The moment came to decide, the moment when the choice could go
by forever. And America decided for the light.
  The numbers which detail that sacrifice, the numbers of dead
and wounded, the numbers who enlisted, trained and fought, the
millions at home who endured cheerfully every sacrifice demanded
of them are all too well known to be repeated here. But they
chose, and they chose the light.
  Masons and Masonry, as befits our teachings, were in the
forefront. Tens of thousands of young men, already knowing when
they were to report for training, petitioned our Lodges. They
wanted to be Masons before they left, knowing that if they should
not come home, the Fraternity would help their families.
Dispensations to waive time and proficiency requirements were
common. Lodge rooms worked 24-hour schedules in some instances.
Special Scottish Rite Reunions were scheduled so that those who
wished to join the Rite before they left could do so.
  Masons served with great distinction in both the military and
political leadership of the war. Men such as Presidents Roosevelt
and Truman and Prime Minister Churchill, Generals Marshall and
Bradley and MacArthur, and men who inspired others with their
individual acts of courage, men such as Eddie Rickenbacker and
Audie Murphy, the latter the most decorated American soldier of
the war. These men and countless others give our Fraternity a
proud heritage of devotion and service.
  Now, on the 50th anniversary of these great sacrifices, it is
appropriate that we reflect on them and on the lessons they
teach. Patriotism has always been a central teaching of the
Scottish Rite. For Lowell was right, the choice is not only one
of nations but of individual men and women as well. Let each
Scottish Rite Mason hold in his heart the determination of these
men, their willingness to pay any price for freedom, the
knowledge of how greatly they accomplished. Then we, too, may be
ready to choose, however that choice may come to us, between the
darkness and the light.


Mine Eyes Have Seen The Glory 
Melville H. Nahin

  "When I was young I often heard the phrase, "You can't see the
forest for the trees." This thought came back to me recently when
I was traveling in Europe.
  I landed in London and was being taken to my hotel by a taxi
driver, when he said "Happy Birthday, Yank. I guess the colonies
have finally done it." Momentarily I had to wonder what his
outburst meant until I realized it was the Fourth of July,
America's Independence Day.  Ten days later on Bastille Day, July
14, I arrived in Paris, and the throngs about my hotel, near the
Arc de Triumphe, were shooting off firecrackers and listening to
speeches. 
  As we wended our way through the crowd, a man in his sixties
looked at me and observed, "From the way you are dressed, you
appear to be an American. Are you?"
  I responded affirmatively, to which he said, "Vive le France.
Vive le America. Vive mis amis." My limited French indicated he
was congratulating America and France, displaying his friendship
for both.
  How strange to have forgotten these days in history only to be
reminded of them in the relationship the U.S. has with the
countries of Europe, a relationship being brought ever closer by
the historic events now occurring in Europe.
  The following day, we journeyed to the Normandy Beaches, and as
we overlooked Omaha and Utah and thought back to that momentous
day, June 6, 1944, a realization of the closeness between America
and Europe was brought even closer. We saw areas where the
British, French, Canadians, Polish, Australians, Americans, and
all other Allied nations joined together to free Europe from the
devastation, the humiliation, and the tyranny of Nazi Germany.
  At the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial the following
words are inscribed: "These endured all and gave all that justice
among nations might prevail and that mankind might enjoy freedom
and inherit peace."
  There was not a dry eye in our tour group as we looked at the
Latin Crosses and the Stars of David, so many thousands of them,
that line the cemetery. Buried there are service men and women
from all 50 states and the District of Columbia, as well as from
England, Scotland, and Canada. Buried side by side are a father
and his son, and in over 30 instances, brothers. Buried there are
heroes such as Brigadier General Theodore Roosevelt, Jr., son of
President Teddy Roosevelt, a Medal of Honor recipient, and a
young lady whose name we know only as Karen, a Red Cross worker.
  Buried alongside the named are 307 "Unknowns," and in the
Garden of the Missing, 1,557 soldiers, whose remains have not
been recovered, are memorialized. An inscription reads: "Here are
recorded the names of Americans who gave their lives in the
service of their country and who sleep in unknown graves. This is
their memorial, the whole earth their sepulchre, comrades in arms
whose resting place is known only to God."
  Of all the Independence Days I have celebrated in over 60 years
and of all the travels I have taken throughout the world, I don't
think I have ever been so taken emotionally by what I saw that
day in Normandy, by the thoughts of the taxi driver in England,
and by the kindness  of the celebrant in Paris. 
  Those young men and women who fought for our country have
passed through the Gate of Death to their joyful resurrection and
eternal life. Hopefully, this world, which they sought to enrich,
remembers them not only by their deaths but by the lives they led
during their brief span on earth.  The words of "The Battle Hymn
of the Republic," emblazoned in bronze letters at the Normandy
American Cemetery Memorial, said it all for us, for our children
and their children, for all the memories we have, and for the
honor we bestow upon their memories: "Mine eyes have seen the
glory of the coming of the Lord_Glory Hallelujah."     

The U.S. Coast Guard And World War II
Ray L. Bunnell
OPA Projects Officer, U.S. Coast Guard (Ret.)
  When you think of the United States Coast Guard, you do not
think of a front-line fighting unit; nor when you think of World
War II, do you think of the Coast Guard. Yet the U.S. Coast Guard
was a significant contributor to the United States effort and the
winning of World War II.
  Even though the Coast Guard continued its coastal patrols and
lifesaving duties during the war, Coast Guard ships and aircraft
ventured well out to sea, protecting convoys along the U.S.
coast, across Europe and Africa, and throughout the Pacific. The
Coast Guard began operations in Greenland, a Danish colony, soon
after Denmark fell to the Germans in 1940. By October 1941, all
Coast Guard and Naval forces in Greenland were consolidated into
a unified  Greenland Patrol under the command of Coast Guard CDR
Edward  Iceburg Smith. This patrol established bases, escorted
convoys, destroyed German weather stations, and rescued survivors
from torpedoed ships. Greenland became home base to a Coast Guard
manned patrol bombing squadron, VP-6, which operated over the
North Atlantic.
  In late 1941, the Coast Guard's available forces included 56
aircraft, 7 relatively new Secretary-class cutters, and a wide
assortment of other cutters, and such lightships as tenders,
tugs, and  patrol craft.
  In 1941 until mid 1942, the Germans mounted an unsurpassed
U-boat offensive against the United States coast line. As the
U-boats attacked the unescorted merchant ships, many Coast Guard
units, augmented by reserve and temporary reserve vessels,
rescued survivors and chased down suspected U-boat contacts.
Coast Guard cutters and aircraft destroyed three U-boats along
the U.S. coast during this German offensive. The 165-foot Coast
Guard cutter Icarus, sank the heavily armed U-352 off the coast
of North Carolina. Its sister cutter the Thetis, sank the U-157
off Key West, Florida, and a Coast Guard aviator destroyed the
U-166 off the coast of Texas with a single well-placed depth
charge. Other Coast Guard aircraft sighted and reported the
location of more than 1,000 U-boat attack survivors.
  To help ships avoid hazards, tenders, such as the Coast Guard
cutter Juniper, had the solemn task of marking the wrecks of
ships sunk by U-boats. One tender, the CGC Acacia, fell victim to
the onslaught when it was shelled and sunk by the U-boat 161. The
Acacia was the only Coast Guard tender lost to enemy action
during the war. When finally established, the convoy systems
along the coast deterred the U-boats, and ship losses declined.
By summer of 1942, the U-boats left American waters in search of
easier prey.
  As our nation moved closer to full-scale war, the Coast Guard
gradually received more responsibility, in particular
safeguarding all American and territorial waterfronts. 
  Meanwhile, on the North Atlantic convoy routes, Secretary-class
cutters were escorting convoys, a dangerous duty as was made
plain after the cutter Alexander Hamilton fell victi to a torpedo
attack in January 1942. However, five other Coast Guard cutters,
along with Navy destroyers, continued to be the mainstay of the
American escort effort through mid-1943.
  The storms of the winter of 1942 and 1943 were the worst to hit
the North Atlantic in 50 years. The weather, in conjunction with
a renewed U-boat offensive on North Atlantic convoys, led to the
period being nicknamed the  Bloody Winter.
  The first Coast Guard cutter victory in the North Atlantic came
when the cutter Ingham located a submerged U-boat while screening
ahead of Convoy SC-112 the night of December 17, 1942. The Ingham
attacked, laying depth charges at varying depths to create a
 hammer effect. 
  During the night of February 3, 1943, the U-233 torpedoed and
sank the troop-carrying passenger ship S.S. Dorchester, bound for
Greenland. Its escorts, the Coast Guard cutters Tampa, Escanaba,
Comanche, and later supported by the Coast Guard cutter Duane,
worked in the darkness to save 229 of the 904 passengers and
crew. The frigid waters claimed the rest.
  This rescue was the first recorded use of the  retriever
technique. A crewman, insulated against the frigid water by a
rubber suit and tethered to the ship, was lowered into the sea
where he would grab a survivor. Crewman aboard would then haul
them in, recover the survivor, and lower the rescuer back in to
retrieve another. Besides convoy duty on the North Atlantic and
along America's shores, Coast Guard forces escorted convoys
across the central Atlantic and into the Mediterranean. Although
the seas were calmer, they were subject to attacks from U-boats,
and once past Gibraltar, from German torpedo-armed aircraft.
These proved to be just as deadly as the submarines.
  The first Coast Guard manned hunter-killer group, whose sole
function was to hunt down and destroy U-boats was composed of the
Coast Guard cutters Pride, Menges, Mosely, and Lowe.
  The Coast Guard's contribution to Allied victory over the
U-boats went far beyond estimation. Each escort helped to keep
the U-boats at bay, ultimately ensuring the timely and safe
arrival of personnel, food, and military cargoes. 
  Also, Coast Guard units rescued nearly 1,000 Allied and Axis
survivors along the North Atlantic convoy routes, 1,600 along the
American coast, and 200 in the Mediterranean. In August 1943, at
the Quebec conference, the combined chiefs of staff finalized the
agreement to invade France in 1944. Operation Neptune was the
code name given to Overlord's amphibious assault and naval
gunfire support operations. The U.S. Coast Guard was an integral
part of Operation Neptune. This included landing troops in the
Omaha Beach and the Utah Beach assault areas. 
  The Coast Guard participated in the British and Canadian
landings as well. Four Coast Guard-manned LST's trained with and
carried British troops and equipment to the landings at Gold
Beach.
  A few weeks prior to D-Day, President Franklin D. Roosevelt
suggested that Operation Neptune needed a rescue flotilla. The
Commander in Chief of the Navy, Admiral Ernest King, looked to
the service dedicated to life saving at sea.
  The Coast Guard had 60 83-foot patrol boats, nicknamed the
 matchbox fleet, on anti-submarine duty along the East Coast of
the United States. Although they were constructed of wood and had
gasoline engines, hence the nickname, they were available and had
trained crews. King ordered them to New York harbor where they
were hastily put aboard freighters and shipped to Great Britain.
Renamed Rescue Flotilla One for the invasion, the rescue flotilla
saved more than 400 men on D-Day alone, and by the end of the
month they had pulled 1,438 from the Channel. As at North Africa,
Sicily, Italy and throughout the Pacific, the Coast Guard was
instrumental to the invasion of Europe.
  In accomplishing its mission during this period, the Coast
Guard earned worldwide respect and admiration. This is the
little-known Coast Guard, a small quiet service that goes about
its variety of duties in peacetime with little acclaim, but
always ready, semper paratus, to defend our great nation.

Kilroy Was Here!
Morton Bennett Luxner

  World War II's famous graffiti was a form of welcome that
relates to a key Masonic quality today, friendship.It is only
fitting, as we recall our landings in the invasion of France over
50 years ago, that one significant G.I. motto be given its
rightful place in history. Those of us who actually participated
in the landings at Normandy and Marseilles, will no doubt smile
as they are reminded of one slogan in particular.
  Shortly after General Dwight D. Eisenhower proclaimed V-E Day
back in 1945, SHAEF (the Supreme Headquarters, Allied
Expeditionary Forces) was besieged by an army of war
correspondents who were anxiously awaiting newsworthy comments
from the "brass" to be flashed across the Atlantic to news-hungry
America. Asked what he personally considered to be the most
significant, uplifting, and morale-building slogan to come out of
World War II, "Ike" reflected for a few seconds; then, in his
most solemn manner, replied quite simply: "Kilroy Was Here." Thus
was recorded for posterity not only the famed Yank battle cry,
"Lafayette, we are here!", the paratroopers' well known
"Geronimo!" and MacArthur's "I shall return," but also "Kilroy
was here."
  What did these words denote? Recognition and friendship. How
were they represented? By scrawlings in paint, ink, chalk,
grease, and bullets. The now-famous phrase was written, marked,
stained, perforated, or otherwise inscribed on walls, weapons,
signposts, tanks, trucks, tents and trees all over Europe, Asia,
Africa, Iceland, China, the Hawaiian Islands and Australia.
Wherever our Armed Forces fought, froze, sweated and griped,
Kilroy was there.
  Seeing these three words, "Kilroy was here," signified to the
newly arrived replacements that other Americans had been there
before them. It was a sort of welcome. It gave heart to the new
volunteer and inductee, the "rookie" fresh from the States. He
was no longer alone; Kilroy had been here before and survived to
leave that terse message. Everywhere our military men and women
went, they were preceded by Kilroy. Yes, Kilroy was here, there
and everywhere. Boastful of his travels, he had autographed
everything moveable and immovable under the canopy of heaven.
  We too, as Masons, are inclined to be a bit vain about our own
travels, and we boast of having sat in this Lodge in Mexico, or
that Lodge in Israel, or some other Lodge in Rangoon, Rome, or
Rio. But with what degree of regularity do we try to attend our
own and neighboring Lodges? Wouldn't it be more encouraging to
see more of our own Brethren at our own Masonic Temples? Of
course, instead of scribbling "Kilroy was here" all over the
Temple walls, we might adhere to the more noble and discreet
practice of signing the register at the Tyler's gate. We need not
wait until we travel in foreign lands or other parts of our own
country. We can discover and visit the Masonic Lodges and Temples
in our own vicinity.
  One suggestion worth considering is to exchange visits with our
Masonic associates in everyday business. In our desire to make
our Temples and Lodges a places where we might greet Masonic
friends from distant Lodges, we should not forget the Brother on
the other side of town.
  Friendliness begets friendliness. The Mason who is cordial will
find hands extended to meet his. He will learn that a genuine
interest in a Brother Mason produces real interest in him. Both
will benefit as the lamp of wisdom is replenished with the
essence of knowledge. We should not forget the simple formula
used in spreading the cement of brother love. The secret lies in
the initials of the following ingredients, to be administered in
equal parts: 
   Frankness, 
   Responsiveness, 
   Idealism, 
   Enthusiasm, 
   Nobility of purpose, 
   Dependability, 
   Selflessness, 
   Harmony, 
   Interest, and 
   Patience. 

  The word is friendship. All this G.I. Joe had boiled down to
simply, "Kilroy was here!"

WW II -- Messages of Brotherhood 
John D. Richards and Frank W. Bennett

  During World War II, American prisoners find succor and
fellowship in Freemasonry even while in a German concentration
camp. Every Lodge has its own oral history of stories which
convey the meaning of friendship, morality, and Brotherly love.
Usually, these are stories about personal experiences which are
handed down from one generation to the next in order to teach
Masonic virtues. From the newest Entered Apprentice to the oldest
Master Mason,  everyone enjoys listening to, and telling, stories
of Masonic interest. The moral lessons these stories provide
often serve as a means for examining and improving our lives. 
  Washington Lodge No. 58, St. Albans, West Virginia, abounds
with such stories which are viewed as being an essential part of
a good Masonic education. We would like to share one story with
you which has had special significance for us.
  In 1991, Brother Frank Bennett, our Junior Warden, expressed an
interest in researching and preserving the history of our Lodge.
As a result, Brother James Stanley, Past Master, gave him a
letter and a copy of a signed membership list of a Square and
Compass Club that had been formed at Stalag Luft 3 in Germany
during World War II. Among the names on the list, four were from
West Virginia: William L. Martin of Gauley Bridge; William F.
Common, Jr. of Madison; Joseph Haught of Grantsville; and Herman
D. Stevens from our own Lodge in Saint Albans. Frank decided to
try to contact the West Virginia members in order to sponsor a
reunion.
  After contacting their home Lodges, Frank discovered that three
of the members were deceased. An examination of our own records
tended to indicate that Brother Stevens was deceased as well. At
this time it appeared that, not only was a reunion impossible,
but a small piece of Masonic history had been lost forever.
  One of our Past Masters, Forrest Wellman, on hearing about
Frank's efforts and subsequent disappointment, pointed our that
it was Brother Stevens' father who was deceased and not Stevens
himself. Forrest, who had known Brother Stevens, said that he had
moved to Wilmington, North Carolina, after the war. After a short
search, Brother Stevens was contacted, and he related the
following story about the Masonic fellowship he experienced
during his internment in a concentration camp in Germany.
  During World War II, special allowances were made for men in
the military who desired to be made Masons. Brother Stevens, who
was a member of the Air Corps, petitioned Washington Lodge No. 58
in St. Albans on March 3, 1942. He was initiated on November 7,
1942; passed on November 13, 1942; and raised to the Sublime
Degree of Master Mason by W.M. Henry H. Peyton on November 17,
1942. Brother Stevens received all three Degrees within a span of
ten days.
  In the winter of 1943, Brother Stevens' plane was shot down
while flying a mission over Germany. He was captured and
imprisoned in Stalag Luft 3, a prisoner of war concentration
camp. On his arrival, the first person he met was Joseph Haught,
a Brother Mason and fellow native of West Virginia. Brother
Haught was a member of Eureka Lodge No. 40 in Grantsville, West
Virginia. Like Brother Stevens, Brother Haught had also been
captured after his plane was shot down. Unfortunately, however,
Brother Haught had lost one of his legs during the crash of his
plane.
  Brothers Haught and Stevens quickly became friends. During
those cold winter months, they had to share the same blanket and
toothbrush. Because of the shortage of supplies, the only way a
blanket became available was if another prisoner died. Even
within those terrible living conditions, both Brothers were able
to find some comfort in their Masonic fellowship.
  As it turned out, there were several Brother Masons imprisoned
in Stalag Luft 3. On November 15, 1943, they got together and
formed a Square and Compass Club. Their membership list, which
consisted of 34 names, represented Lodges all the way from New
York to California. The club met when it could and helped to keep
up the men's morale and togetherness.
  Brother Stevens, in relating his story to Brother Bennett,
talked about one particular meeting. He said that a Tyler stood
watch outside the door at each meeting and that during one of
these meeting a German guard was walking by. The Tyler gave three
warning knocks; they had to be especially careful since Hitler
had declared Freemasonry to be an enemy of the German people.
Without breaking his stride or turning his head, the guard gave
the duegard of an Entered Apprentice and continued on his way.
  Brother Stevens also related another story about the Christmas
of 1944, before they were liberated. He said Brother Haught came
up to him and handed him a matchbox. Brother Haught told Brother
Stevens that this was his only possession in the world, and he
wanted Brother Stevens to have it. When Brother Stevens opened
the box, he found Brother Haught had given him his Masonic ring.
Nearly half a century later, Brother Stevens stated with a touch
of pride and sentimentality, "I am sitting here looking at that
same ring on my finger as we talk."
  When Brother Stevens had been told about the original plan to
sponsor a reunion, he said that a reunion had been held after the
war. They invited the German guard to come, and he came,
reuniting friends and former enemies under the universal tenets
of Freemasonry. With the differences of war behind them, everyone
had a good time.
  During our annual Labor Day Breakfast in 1991, Brother Frank
Bennet presented the membership list and an accompanying letter
from Brother Stevens to the Lodge. He then proceeded to relate
Brother Stevens' account of Masonic friendship, morality, and
Brotherly love to a silent, attentive audience. Brother Stevens'
story has since become a permanent part of our Lodge history, and
it is told to all new members to convey the true meaning of
Masonic virtues.


Dj Vu With Symbols
Ralph M. Snyder

  It was August 24, 1943, and the world, including America, was
in the midst of total war. Young men were being sent to foreign
lands to fight and die to preserve freedom. Homes all across
America were dealing with rationing, shortages and, most of all,
the unwanted news of a loved one either wounded or killed in
action. 
  Yet among all the world's confusion, at Ft. Leavenworth, a U.S.
Army base in Leavenworth, Kansas there existed an oasis of
Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth for whom temperance, fortitude,
prudence, and justice were the principal virtues. This oasis was
the Hancock Masonic Lodge No. 311. These principal virtues
weren't unique to Ft. Leavenworth, for there were Masonic Lodges
then, as now, all over America offering oases in each of their
locations.
  On this day in August 1943, at Hancock Lodge for instance,
James A. Roudebaugh, a young man at the time, received the
Sublime Degree of Master Mason. Immediately afterwards, Bro.
James received orders and was transferred overseas before he
could turn in his proficiency in this Degree. Bro. James
completed his service during the war and went on to make the
military his career. After retirement, he settled in Sherwood,
Arkansas, a suburb of Little Rock. Bro. James is now 79 years old
and regularly visits Sylvan Hills Masonic Lodge No. 754. He is
also a member of the Valley of Stockton, Orient of California,
Scottish Rite Bodies and the York Rite Bodies in the Little Rock,
Arkansas, area. Bro. James has been a member of Hancock Lodge for
over 50 years. The Lodge sent Bro. James his 50-year pin which he 
proudly wears.
  In the spring of 1994, while enjoying fellowship over coffee
and doughnuts at Sylvan Hills Lodge, Bro. James told several of
the members of that Lodge that even though he was a 51-year
member of Hancock Lodge, he had never returned to the Lodge since
he was raised in August 1943. He further stated that he would
like to turn in his proficiency for the Master's Degree that he
took so long ago. Several Brothers overheard the statement and
thought it the most unique request made in local Freemasonry. 
The Grand Lodge of Arkansas was contacted.  
  They in turn contacted the Grand Lodge of Kansas. Through these
conversations, all the necessary information was passed from
Kansas to Arkansas to enable Bro. James to return to his home
Lodge and turn in his proficiency in the Master's Degree. Several
Brothers decided to charter an airplane to ease the rigors of the
trip for Bro. James. M.W. Garry C. Jones, 32, then Grand Master
of Arkansas, (1993-94), recognized the novelty of the situation
and announced he would accompany Bro. James on the flight. The
Grand Master was accompanied by two other Grand Lodge officers.
Several Little Rock Lodges showed their support by sending
delegates to Kansas with Bro. James on his first return to his
home Lodge in 51 years. 
  All of the arrangements were made with Hancock Lodge and its
members, and the event occurred on October 8, 1994. That day,
Hancock Lodge also conferred the Sublime Degree of Master Mason
on Mr. William F. Huggins. 
  After the Degree, Bro. James turned in his proficiency in the
Master's Degree, and it was accepted. It is ironic and a genuine
case of dj vu, that Bro. Huggins, who received his Master's
Degree that day, received orders to be in Kuwait in two days just
as had happened to Bro. James 51 years earlier.
  It is said the Masonry is "a beautiful system of morals veiled
in allegory and illustrated by symbols." If this is indeed true,
several symbols jump out from this event that truly define
Freemasonry.
  Bro. James desired to return to his home Lodge 51 years later
to finish what he had started. This Fraternity lives because of
the dedication of the Brothers to it, as illustrated by Bro.
James' tenacity and dedication to complete his work. Masonry is a
way of life for all of a Brother's life! 
  The assistance of all the Brothers in both Sylvan Hills Lodge
No. 754 and Hancock Lodge No. 311 and in both Grand Lodges to
facilitate this event, exemplifies the relief by Brothers for
another Brother, whatever the cause. "They applying to me as such
and I finding them worthy" are not just words to be voiced, but
words of action.
  And finally, many of our Brothers were, are, and will continue
to be members of the United States Military and in so doing are
upholding Freedom for all citizens of our great country.


Drawing Master's Wages 
Cedric A. Woodruff
  In Freemasonry, certain terms are used in each of the three
basic Degrees that have special application and meaning to the
candidate as he advances on his Masonic journey. In the Entered
Apprentice Degree, words such as "untempered mortar," "perfect
points of my entrance," and "Tenets" are encountered. In the
Fellowcraft Degree, we speak of "Wages of Fellowcraft" and in the
Master Mason Degree, our thoughts are directed to that of
"Master's Wages."
  As Masons, all too often we use these terms without offering to
explain their deeper meaning. Thus, the new Mason is left to
grapple with these esoteric terms and their application to him as
he begins his Masonic journey through life. Left to his own
devices to plumb the depths of his newly acquired knowledge and,
perhaps, too hesitant to inquire, he shelves these terms in the
deep recesses of his mind. Unless explanation is soon
forthcoming, he may begin to question himself why he became a
Freemason.
  Perhaps many of the terms we use in Freemasonry are not
supposed to have a "school solution." Like much of the hidden
meaning of Masonry, it is left up to the individual Brother to
discover for himself a suitable meaning. Certainly that was my
experience and, I venture to say, also that of many of my
Brethren. Only many years and many wonderful experiences later,
after being raised, did I arrive at a suitable meaning of the
term "Master's Wages."
  Finally, I came to the realization that "Master's Wages" could
not be equated with monetary wages but with inner satisfactions.
During the course of my Masonic journey, it has been my good
fortune to garner experience and "Master's Wages" on an
international basis. 
  Six months after having been made a Master Mason, I found
myself on the West Coast of France in the service of the U.S.
Army Transportation Corps. Upon inquiry, I learned of the
existence of a Masonic Lodge, Liberation Lodge No. 8, located in
La Rochelle, which was to be reinstituted in the near future.
Along with other military members who were Masons, I availed
myself of the opportunity to visit Liberation Lodge on what
promised to be a historic and colorful occasion. 
  Grand Lodge officers from both the Grand Lodge Nationale de
France and the Grand Lodge of England were present for the
reopening of Liberation Lodge which had been forced to go dark
under the tyranny of Nazism. What a momentous occasion for a new
Mason! Only six months a Master Mason, now in a foreign land,
there I sat among my Brethren_English, American,  and French_all
bound by the common tie of Freemasonry. 
  Tears of joy were unrestrained as French Brothers were again
free, following many years of repression, openly to assemble as
Masons. Once again they could pick up the Working Tools of
Speculative Masonry. There, in a foreign country, I received a
bounty of Master's Wages. Almost fifty years have come and gone
since that wonderful experience in France. The passage of time
has not dulled my recollection of it nor the thrill I experienced
on that occasion.
  In the summer of 1962, I was once again posted to Europe near
the city of Stuttgart. Again, as in France, I found active
Masonic Lodges, both German and English speaking. The latter were
organized under the jurisdiction of the American-Canadian
Provincial Grand Lodge which had been established by the United
Grand Lodge of Germany for the purpose of exercising jurisdiction
over the many English-speaking Lodges previously authorized by
the United Grand Lodge of Germany.  These English-speaking Lodges
were established for the benefit of the many Masons within the
military units stationed throughout the Federal Republic of
Germany, more commonly known as West Germany. To my good fortune,
I discovered such an English-speaking Lodge in Stuttgart, Solomon
Lodge No. 822. Through the kind offices of our German Brethren,
we were permitted to meet in the beautiful German Masonic Temple
located at 19 Herdwegstrasse in downtown Stuggart. The Temple was
an imposing structure of stone and concrete with floors and
staircases made of marble. Its four stories included a restaurant
and an elegant banquet hall on the first floor, Lodge rooms on
the second and third, and living quarters for the Temple
caretaker and family on the fourth floor.
  Freemasonry in Germany was forced to disband prior to World War
II soon after the Nazis came to power. In order to effect some
means of outward recognition of their Masonic connection, the
German Masons devised a small lapel pin in the form of a "Forget
Me Not" blossom which they wore. This tiny replica of a common
flower enabled Masons to recognize one another without fear of
letting slip the least sign or token of their Brotherly
affiliation. As permitted by the Grand Lodge of Alabama, I took
dual membership in Solomon Lodge. A unique circumstance prevailed
at the time that was to have an adverse effect on Lodge
membership and continuity in office: the needs of the military
service. The military involvement in South Viet Nam was placing
great demands on all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces to provide
experienced officers and soldiers to that distressed area. The
result was a loss of Lodge officers and members as tours of duty
in West Germany were curtailed to fill the more pressing need in
Southeast Asia. 
  Solomon Lodge did not escape from the unforeseen attrition
caused by the need to provide military manpower in Viet Nam.
Amidst the ensuing turmoil caused by the loss of Lodge officers
and members, I found myself suddenly elected to the East. Not
having the luxury of working through the chairs, I was thrust
into the highest office in the Lodge. But I was not alone in this
predicament. Practically every principal office in the Lodge was
filled by inexperienced members. Working together, ably assisted
by all the Brothers, we gradually gained the knowledge to perform
our duties in a respectable manner. 
  For a period of fifteen months, I served the Lodge as its
Master. Fortunately, the situation as to loss of members abated,
and well before the end of my term of office, the members were
performing work in all Degrees in a most commendable
manner_traveling and working in foreign countries and drawing
Master's Wages, indeed.
  One of my most memorable experiences while serving in Germany
was the opportunity to work with our youth in support of DeMolay
and Rainbow activities. The high point of this endeavor came when
Brother Master Masons and young DeMolay members from throughout
West Germany journeyed to West Berlin to perform the ceremony of
instituting a new DeMolay Chapter in that city. West Berlin was
situated 106 miles deep into Communist-controlled territory. What
a thrill we all enjoyed at being involved at the Rite of
Institution of Frontier Chapter No. 1, International Order of
DeMolay for Boys! Master's Wages filled us to overflowing! 
  Lest I seem to place too much emphasis on my foreign
experiences in Masonry, let me hasten to reassure my readers that
Freemasonry offers opportunities aplenty for the "drawing of
Master's Wages" in your local Lodge and community. The fields
about us are ripe for the harvest, but I fear the workers are too
few.  Cast your net beyond the confines of your local Lodge!
Explore the adventures that await in the Scottish and York Rites
and on into the Shrine of North America. 
  The philanthropies supported by those organizations are in the
highest keeping with those lessons of charity you learned in
Masonry beginning with your admission into the Fraternity in the
Entered Apprentice Degree. 
  As I write this paper and in retrospect consider all that I
have learned as I walked thus far in Freemasonry, as I consider
all the good Brothers who have enriched my life, what a blessing,
indeed, Freemasonry has meant to me. Yes, Brethren, Master's
Wages greater than the mind can contemplate await you. Are you
willing to accept the challenge?
  Post Note: In correspondence subsequent to the submission of
this article, Ill. Woodruff offered the following two additional
Masonic and military anecdotes:
  During my tour of duty in France, 1955-58, I was approached by
my then company commander who was desirous of becoming a Mason. I
obtained a petition for him, and he eventually was raised in
Liberation Lodge No. 8, La Rochelle, France. 
  At the time, I was the Acting First Sergeant of the company
serving under the same person I had recommended for the Degrees.
Throughout our tenure together as superior officer and NCO, we
held the greatest respect for each other as soldiers and Masons.
We never permitted our Masonic ties to interfere with our
military duties.
  Several years later on a subsequent tour of duty in Germany, I
had been appointed a Warrant Officer in the Judge Advocate
General Corps and assigned to Headquarters, VII Corps, in
Stuttgart. One day, I was summoned to the office of Lt. Gen.
Louis W. Truman, the Corps Commanding General. Meeting privately
with General Truman, he informed me that he, too, was a Mason and
would like to visit the Lodge of which I was then Master. 
  On the night of his visit, I introduced him to the assembled
Brethren as "General Truman." He immediately called me up short
and said, "When I entered the door of this Lodge, I left my
General status outside. In here, I am Brother Truman." I have
never forgotten the above two incidents which helped me mature as
a Master Mason.

A "Foreign" Mason's Recollection of Brother General Matthew
Ridgeway 
Francisco A. B. Yule
  The experience of sharing a 1951 Scottish Rite Reunion in Tokyo
with World War II hero General Matthew Ridgeway, along with
similar experiences throughout his life, convinces a Eurasian
Brother that Freemasonry is truly a brotherhood of good men from
all over the world. The recent obituary for General Matthew
Ridgeway brought back memories of a great Mason, over forty years
ago in Japan before and during the Korean War. Although he had
high military rank and well-deserved prestige in a position with
tremendous authority and responsibility, he met easily on the
level in Lodge with his Brother Masons from all walks of life. My
contacts at that time with most American Masons gave me the same
marvelous feeling that Brotherhood was more than a slogan.
  As a Macao-born Portuguese citizen, Shanghai-rased by
well-to-do Eurasian parents, Catholic-educated with a staunchly
Catholic wife, then only recently raised as a Master Mason, I was
astonished that a top-ranking General would treat a fellow Mason
with such humility and brotherhood. Not only many Americans and
Europeans but also most wealthy Chinese or Japanese lacked
respect for Eurasians. I first met General Ridgeway as a member
of the Tokyo Scottish Rite initiation class of 1951, when he took
the part of the Exemplar, in costume. I was startled when we
gathered for a group photograph and I saw that he was a four-star
General, not just another American with an excellent knowledge of
Ritual.
  I started my Masonic career in Shanghai in 1947, taking my
First and Second Degrees there, the Third being postponed until I
settled in Yokohama because of the Communist takeover of China. 
  I applied for membership because I was impressed with American
charity, goodwill, and benevolence during the occupation of
Shanghai after the defeat of the Japanese, noting that so many
Americans that I respected most were Masons. 
  As an active Mason in Japan, I became Master of the Far East
Lodge (Yokohama) in 1959, was honored by the rank of K.C.C.H. in
1959, and chosen as Venerable Master of Tokyo Consistory in 1960.
I recall with great satisfaction helping to bring many Japanese
into Freemasonry and enjoying being part of a brotherhood of very
good men from all over the world.
  When Japanese businesses were freed from World War II punitive
restraints, my insurance business in Japan was no longer
profitable. Since my children were American-educated, my wife and
I gladly settled in San Francisco and became American citizens.
My life has been enriched by General Ridgeway and men like him
who showed me that Freemasonry is truly a brotherhood, not merely
a men's social organization.     

Why I Became A Mason 
Masonic jewelry is a recurring theme in articles submitted to the
Scottish Rite Journal. Two such articles follow. Each is focused
on a World War II incident. Responding to similar articles in
previous issues of the Journal, one Brother (Michael S. Swisher,
32, Valley of Minneapolis) wrote in to observe: The common theme
of many Masonic jewelry stories is trust freely extended, upon
the most fleeting recognition, because of the obligations that
are assumed to be shared between Brethren. What a wonderful and
fragile thing trust is_and how easily it can be abused! To the
encouragement to "Wear your Masonic jewelry proudly," I can only
add that when you do, remember it places you under a renewed
obligation to "stand a just and upright Mason, and ever to work
and act as such." A World War II incident of fraternal assistance
convinces a U.S. Army enlisted man to walk in his father's
Masonic footsteps. 

Why I Became A Mason
Jack Fuller
  The Masonic Lodge. I knew where it was because Pop spent an
evening there every week. I knew that most of Dad's friends were
there, too. I really didn't know anything about it. I really
didn't care to find out. There was a terrible war consuming the
world, and I was preparing to be a part of it. It still amazes me
just how much being a member of an army at war can focus your
attention. Pop's interest in his Lodge seemed a distant and
trivial thing compared to the prospect of facing down an enemy
tank with just your M1 rifle! Yet it was because of the military
that I came to see Masonry in a different light.
  Late in the war, I was stationed at Fort Bragg. My folks came
to visit me from Wisconsin in Pop's old Chevy. That old car had
lots of miles on it and was pretty used up. I got a three-day
pass, and we all went camping in the hills of western North
Carolina. 
  On the return trip, something caused the generator to quit, and
we barely limped into Charlotte. It was late Sunday night, and we
had little chance of getting any repairs made before my pass
expired.
  We pulled into the only place we could find open, a tiny gas
station. Pop explained our predicament to the attendant, who
commented on Dad's attractive Masonic ring. He told Pop that he
would contact the owner of the Chevy garage to see if there were
any possibility of getting the car fixed that night. 
  A neatly dressed man soon appeared. He introduced himself to
Pop as W. D. Lackey, Master Mason. Bro. Lackey made arrangements
for us to spend the night at the local hotel, and he took the
Chevy in tow to his dealership. Once there, he called in his best
mechanic, also a Mason, and together they spent the night finding
and fixing the problem. First thing in the morning, Bro. Lackey
collected us at the hotel. He would not accept payment for the
repairs and told us that the hotel room and the breakfast we had
eaten were provided by members of his Lodge.
  I was late getting back to camp, but when I related the story
to the first sergeant, he just smiled and nodded his head
knowingly.
  I decided right then that if a Mason in North Carolina would do
all that for a guy from Wisconsin just because he, too, was a
Mason, then Pop was onto something. 
  I resolved to someday walk in my father's footsteps convinced,
then as now, that we have the greatest Fraternity on earth!     

Masonic Watches,  A Time-Honored Tradition 
Bill Pitts III
  In 1995 The Supreme Council, 33, commissioned Hamilton Watch,
"Timekeepers to America since 1892," to create a unique watch
exclusively for Scottish Rite Masons. The Hamilton Watch Company
was founded in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, in 1892 and has a proud
history of serving America for over 100 years.
  In 1893, America's railroads experienced an epidemic of train
wrecks, many caused by faulty timepieces. Hamilton answered the
call by developing the most accurate and dependable pocket watch
ever made in America. Railroad safety improved dramatically, and
Hamilton has since produced over 2.6 million railroad watches!
  In 1917, the U.S. Government used Hamilton railroad watches as
the official timepieces of the very effective American
Expeditionary Forces'  railroad in France. General John J.
Pershing used a Hamilton to time the movement of his troops.
Hamilton also provided strap watches to officers in the trenches,
marking the beginning of the trend away from pocket watches to
wrist watches.
  In 1942, following Pearl Harbor, the U.S. Navy commissioned
Hamilton to create a Marine Chronometer. Less than three months
later, the first was delivered, and 9,800 were delivered before
VJ Day. To this day, they are still considered "the finest
timepiece ever made in America."
  W. W. Dudley, maker of the world-famous Dudley Masonic pocket
watches during the 1920s, worked for Hamilton from 1906 to 1920.
Inspired by Dudley's work, Hamilton introduced its first modern
Masonic watch in 1952. 
  The new Hamilton Scottish Rite Mason Diamond Watch joins the
time-honored tradition of fine Hamilton craftsmanship. Scottish
Rite Masons have earned the  privilege to wear this watch. See
the inside back cover of this issue of the Scottish Rite Journal
for further details about our watch. 

CURRENT INTEREST
Supreme Council Distributes Funds To Clinics
  In mid-August 1995, The Supreme Council, 33, distributed
$360,000 to our children's program, $10,000 to each of 36 Orients
participating in the Childhood Language Disorders Program. Of
this amount, $5,000 is from our credit card program (see
following story) and $5,000 from the Scottish Rite Foundation. In
making this distribution, Grand Commander Kleinknecht noted,
"More children are served by the Southern Jurisdiction's flagship
philanthropy than any other Masonic charity in America."

MBNA Supports Scottish Rite Clinics
  On July 20, 1995, representatives from MBNA America Bank, N.A.,
presented a check for $100,000 to Grand Commander C. Fred
Kleinknecht, 33. MBNA America is one of the world's leading
issuers of bank credit cards and the provider for our new
no-annual-fee Scottish Rite Visar credit card. With this
significant funding, the company shows its support of our Order's
over 100 Scottish Rite Childhood Language Disorders Clinics,
Centers, and Programs. Every time you use the new Scottish Rite
Visa card to make a purchase, you will, at no additional cost to
you, be helping our Order assist America's special children
overcome speech-language problems.
  You can join this great work by obtaining an exclusive Scottish
Rite Visa credit card. To apply for your card and so assist this
worthy program, call toll-free 1-800-847-7378. Be sure to mention
your Scottish Rite Priority Code IELK. If you already have
another MBNA credit card, you can obtain information about our
program by calling toll-free 1-800-421-2110.

Generals Boomer and Wilkerson Honored
  Recently, two dedicated Scottish Rite Freemasons, General
Walter E. Boomer, USMC (Ret), 33, and Major General Thomas L.
Wilkerson, USMC, 33, were, respectively, honored and promoted.
  On April 7, 1995, in special ceremonies at the US Naval Academy
in Annapolis, Maryland, Bro. Evan S. Baker, 32, Navy League
National President, presented General Boomer with the Navy
League's prestigious Admiral Arleigh Burke Leadership Award. The
award is given annually to an outstanding leader "whose life is
in keeping with the example set by Admiral Burke, a true American
hero whose achievement, standards, and dedication personify all
that is noble in the American character."
  General Boomer led the Marine Expeditionary Forces in Saudi
Arabia during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. In
making the award to General Boomer, Bro. Baker said, "I can think
of no one more worthy to receive this honor." Ill. Boomer is a
member of Temple-Noyes-Cathedral Lodge No. 32 and the Scottish
Rite Bodies of the District of Columbia.
  Following in General Boomer's tradition of service to
Freemasonry and America, Brigadier General Thomas L. Wilkerson,
USMC, 33, was recently awarded his second star and promoted to
the rank of Major General. Ill. Bro. Tom is the son of Major
General H. Lloyd Wilkerson, USMC (Ret.), Lieutenant Grand
Commander, and S.G.I.G. in North Carolina. 
  This is only the fifth time in Marine Corps history that a
father and son both have achieved General rank. Ill. Wilkerson
assumed command of Marine Forces Reserve in New Orleans on July
14, 1995. He is a member of Semper Fidelis Lodge Number 680 and
the Scottish Rite Bodies of New Bern, North Carolina.

Jimmy Doolittle Reunion
  Over 1,500 candidates from California's 18 Scottish Rite
Valleys are anticipated to observe the 50th anniversary of World
War II victory by joining in a special Jimmy Doolittle Reunion
Class named in honor of General James H. Doolittle, 33, Grand
Cross. Ill. Bro. Doolittle is famous for his "thirty seconds over
Tokyo" World War II bombing raid on April 18, 1942. 
  The raid proved inspirational, giving the United States a
much-needed morale boost and shaking Japanese confidence in its
own invincibility. A giant of our Fraternity and our nation,
General Doolittle passed away on September 27, 1993. After each
petitioner for this special class has taken all the Degrees
except the Thirty-second Degree in his local Valley, he will meet
with other candidates in either the San Diego or Oakland Scottish
Rite Valley for the Rite's culminating Degree. 
  By having two locales, one in northern and one in southern
California, no candidate will have to travel more than 150 miles
to become a Master of the Royal Secret. Each of these special new
Scottish Rite Brethren will receive a golden Command Flight Wings
insignia closely modeled on that worn by General Doolittle. 
  The unique "Doolittle Class" is the first of a series of annual
Reunions in California to be named after famous American heroes.
In 1996, the honoree will be General Douglas MacArthur, 33. 
  This unique program was initiated by Ill. H. Douglas Lemons,
33, S.G.I.G. in California, to pay special respect to our
Brother in Masonry, General Jimmy Doolittle, and to honor other
Masonic Brethren who have been truly outstanding in their service
to America, Freemasonry, and the Scottish Rite. 

WW II Private Honored
  It took 50 years, but Ill.  George C. Poloynis, 33, has
finally been recognized by the U.S. Army. Along with 120 World
War II Army optometrists, he was recently named a distinguished
member of the Army Medical Department Regiment. The honor was
conferred at the national convention of the American Optometric
Association meeting in Nashville, Tennessee, where Ill. Poloynis
was one of 13 optometrists receiving this honor.
  Until the 1960s, the Army did not commission optometrists,
though ophthalmologists, who are medical school graduates, held
officer rank. Francis McVeigh, Chief of the Pentagon eye clinic,
says, "The optometrists who served in World War II were slighted.
It's hard to go back and right wrongs." Starting in 1946,
however, Ill.  Poloynis wrote and lobbied to right this wrong.
Success was attained in April 1995 when Alcide LaNoue, U.S. Army
Surgeon General, named the 120 surviving WW II Army optometrists
to the Army Medical Department Regiment.
  At age 77, this is not the first honor for Ill. Poloynis. A
native of Bakersfield, California, he was a champion runner at
Kern County Union High School and Bakersfield College. He also
competed successfully throughout his life in such events as the
Greek National Olympics, Pan-American Masters Games, and Senior
International Olympics. He is a member of the Bob Elias Hall of
Fame, the Bakersfield College Sports Hall of Fame, the National
Sports Hall of Fame for Greeks, and the Southern California Hall
of Fame for handball. 
  Referring to his recent distinguished membership in the Army
Medical Department Regiment, Ill. Poloynis notes, "I feel lucky.
I know there are a lot of guys who deserve it more than I do, but
they're not around."

Masons Return War Trophy
  On April 1, 1945, Bro. Fred M. Kelly, now a member of Harper
Lodge No. 386, Alpena, Michigan, landed on Okinawa. He was a
20-year-old Private in the U.S. Marines. As he advanced north, he
found a photo album in an abandoned home and took it as a war
trophy.
  Recently, the VFW magazine carried an announcement from the
U.S. Marine Corps in Okinawa. It offered help to any veteran
desiring to return war trophies. Captain Mark Roberts, a Mason,
is coordinating the return. He received Bro. Kelly's photo album
on Lodge night, so he brought the album to the Stated Meeting  to
show it to the Okinawan Brethren.
  Past Master Michihiro Iha, leafing through the album,
discovered pictures of himself and friends from his school days.
Obviously, the album had belonged to one of Bro. Iha's school
friends, though so far the owner has not been found.
  Bro. Kelly says nothing would please him more than getting the
album back to its rightful owner, and he thanks his Brother
Masons for helping in its return.

Oklahoma City Mayor Thanks Scottish Rite
  On July 24, Grand Commander Kleinknecht received a letter of
thanks from the Mayor of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. It was in
response to the Scottish Rite donation presented to Mayor Ronald
J. Norick, 32, Valley of Guthrie, Oklahoma, by Justice Ralph B.
Hodges, 33, Oklahoma Supreme Court Justice and a member of the
McAlester Advisory Conference. Mayor and Brother Norick wrote:
  "Please accept our heartfelt appreciation for your most kind
gestures in honor of the victims in Oklahoma City's tragedy.
  We appreciate your participation in the recent fundraiser, and
we are in receipt of the $41,186.21 which was hand-delivered to
my office last Tuesday [July 18] by Justice Ralph Hodges. The
funds will be deposited in the Mayor's Disaster Relief Fund for
use by those who were affected by the bombing of the Alfred P.
Murrah Federal Building. 
  We thank you for your interest and concern. Please convey my
personal gratitude to the members of the Scottish Rite." 
  Grand Commander Kleinknecht adds his gratitude to that of Mayor
Norick and thanks all Scottish Rite Brethren who gave so
generously to this worthy cause. After the above ceremony, for
instance, Brethren of the Tokyo Masonic Association made an
additional donation, nearly $6,000, for the assistance of the
victims of the Oklahoma bombing. This from Brethren still reeling
from an earthquake! Truly, the Masonic principle of relief is
worldwide.

Red Skelton Honored
  On July 14, 1995, in Reno, Nevada, the Supreme Council, 33, of
the Scottish Rite, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, USA, conferred
its highest honor, the Gourgas Medal, on Red Skelton for seven
decades of "service to humanity." Ill. Skelton is the 29th
recipient of the Gourgas Medal. President and Brother Harry S.
Truman was the first.
  In conferring the honor during a packed news conference, Ill.
Robert O. Ralston, 33, Grand Commander, N.M.J., said Ill. 
Skelton "always makes us feel good about ourselves, and our
family, and our country, and our God." 
  Fighting back tears, Ill. Skelton accepted the honor with an
ear-to-ear smile, a string of jokes, and responses to questions
about his career. The news conference was held at the Nugget
Hotel-Casino in Sparks, Nevada, where Ill. Skelton was
celebrating his 82nd birthday by attending an exhibit of his
famous clown paintings. In a gesture to show his support of
Freemasonry, Ill. Skelton donated $25,000 to Masonic
philanthropies. 
  The famed comedian has been a member of Vincennes, Indiana,
Lodge No. 1 since he was raised a Master Mason on September 20,
1939. He received the 33 in 1969.

Breakfast for 41,575
  Since it began 18 years ago, on March 11, 1977, with a couple
of Masons from Nellis Lodge, No. 46, Las Vegas, Nevada, having
breakfast and Masonic fellowship together, the Friday, 6:30 a.m.,
weekly Las Vegas event has served 41,575 breakfasts! 
  On average, 50 to 60 Masons gather, these days at the Showboat
Hotel (2800 East Fremont St.), to share a buffet breakfast.
Originally, the cost was $.99 (with tip). Today the charge is
$2.50.
  What is the secret of this success? One word, no, is the
answer. There are no officers, no weekly speakers, no dues, and
no dress codes. Of the few bylaws, the most important one,
strictly observed, prohibits fundraising, ticket-selling,
assessments, and the like. 
  The group is open to Masons and non-Masons alike, and its only
promotion is a card of invitation that attenders can pass on to
others and so bring in new members to share breakfast, fellowship
and, possibly, membership in the Fraternity. 
  When you are in Las Vegas, be sure to drop by!

The Supreme Council Library, Threshold To Knowledge-Today And
Tomorrow 
Joan E. Kleinknecht

  Recent major renovations have greatly improved the Library of
The Supreme Council in the House of the Temple.These words
dedicated to Albert Pike are mounted in bronze near the
impressive, leather-covered doors leading into the Library of The
Supreme Council, 33. They are an appropriate greeting to the
user of the Library since today The Supreme Council's Library
continues Pike's lifework and Freemasonry's mission.
  Pike, who admitted to being "capricious in my reading," was an
avid collector of books. In his Little Rock, Arkansas, home one
of the most impressive rooms was the library, and Pike kept an
extensive collection of books at his Arkansas mountain cabin
retreat where he wrote the first drafts of what was to become
Morals and Dogma.
  Pike saved what he could of these books during the turmoil of
the Civil War and its aftermath, and when he moved to the
nation's capital area, he built on these collections, first in
his home in Alexandria, Virginia, and then in the first House of
the Temple at Third and D Streets, NW, in Washington, DC. Upon
his death, he willed all his books to The Supreme Council, 33,
under the provision that they be made available to the general
public at no charge. Thus in 1891, the House of the Temple
Library became, in effect, the first "public library" in the
District of Columbia.
  Today, many of these books from Pike's personal collection form
the nucleus of the Library of The Supreme Council at the present
House of the Temple at 1733 Sixteenth Street, NW, and they are
still available for use, free of any charge, by the general
public as well as, of course, the Brethren. One of the thrills of
conducting research in the Library is, unexpectedly, to come
across a few words in Pike's own small, meticulous handwriting in
some of the older books.
  But preserving Pike's books is only one of the purposes of the
Library. In addition, the Library over the years has enriched its
shelves by accumulating what is arguably the best and most
extensive collection of Masonic and Masonically related books and
periodicals in the world. Also, decades of fervent collection,
supplemented by donations from the Brethren, have added a large
accumulation of rare historical artifacts and Masonic memorabilia
to the Library's holdings, so much that the Library has had to
expand into a number of special collections display areas such as
the Albert Pike, Robert Burns, and International Rooms.
  For over 80 years (the House of the Temple having been
completed in 1914), the Library and its collections have
experienced the inevitable deteriorations of time and use. The
metal frames of the Library's monumental windows, for instance,
began to rust, and significant holes weakened support for their
heavy glazing. Climate control systems failed, and lights, as
well as electrical wiring, had to be repaired or replaced. Due to
the generosity of the Brethren, new collections were obtained,
straining shelf areas and the cataloging system. As these
concerns mounted, it became evident a complete restoration of the
Library was necessary. Fortunately, the annual Scottish Rite
Calendar Program was developed six years ago and, since then, has
been well supported by the Brethren. Now, as one of its major
benefits, the calendar program has allowed major repairs and
improvements to the Library of The Supreme Council, 33, in the
House of the Temple.
  Thus, a year and a half ago, major renovation of the Library
began and is now completed. While maintaining the Library's
traditional appearance, its facilities have changed considerably
along with the organization of its collections.
-PHYSICAL ENHANCEMENT-
  Libraries need an even temperature no higher than 70
Fahrenheit and a stable relative humidity between a minimum of
30% and a maximum of 50%. Temperature and relative humidity are
of critical importance in the preservation of library and
archival collections. To maintain conservation standards, as well
as the comfort of the Library's users, a new heating and humidity
control system was installed in 1995. Given the Library's
differing ceiling heights between the formal reading room,
display area and stacks, this was a difficult task, but the
successful installation of an appropriate system will
significantly retard deterioration of the Library's many rare
books and periodicals.
  Also, six entirely new ten-foot windows had to be installed.
Light is a major factor in the deterioration of books,
particularly leading to the fading, weakening, and embrittlement
of the collection. Light damage is cumulative and irreversible.
The new double-pane windows have special glass which will cut
down considerably all the deteriorating forces of outside light.
  Regarding interior light, nearly all fixtures were replaced and
new wiring installed. The skylight above the main reading desk,
for instance, was reglazed and a decorative etched pattern added.
Above it an elaborate banking of florescent lights provides an
even, bright ambience excellent for reading. Also, over 70 new
display and stack light fixtures were installed. The lights were
carefully chosen both for their aesthetic and preservation
qualities. Low-key and simple in design and color, they blend in
unobtrusively with the Library's essentially Victorian decor, and
the bulbs used are a special low-UV fluorescent variety for
minimum deterioration to books.
  Finally, there was a general refurbishing of the Library's
furniture. The antique two-story moving ladders used to access
books on the upper shelves of the main reading room were
meticulously refinished. Existing desks were moved and new
furniture, such as desk extensions to hold computer equipment,
were added. In addition, a carrel with computer access has been
provided for hands-on use by researchers, and a new reading area
has comfortable, heavily cushioned chairs to encourage relaxed
browsing.
  After the hardwood floors were refinished, custom-made carpets
were added to give the Library a particularly warm, welcoming
atmosphere. Finally, new drapes and a small restroom completed
the physical renovation of the Library.
-COLLECTION ENHANCEMENT-
  The collection needed to be "weeded." That is, general
collection books which do not conform to the Masonic mission of
the Library were taken out of circulation and sold at a festive
neighborhood book sale. No Masonic books were discarded. Because
of the elimination of irrelevant books that had crept into the
collection mainly via donations, there is now more shelf space to
facilitate proper storage and preservation of the Masonic
collection. 
  Also, several groups of books relevant to specialized museum
collections, such as the Lincoln collection, were moved to new
locations to allow adequate space for the 20,000-volume
specifically Masonic collection within the Library's total
estimated collection of 180,000 volumes.
  A very special addition to the Library has been the acquisition
of 651 items, mainly books and pamphlets in microfiche form, of
early sources of European Freemasonry, 1710-1850. They were
carefully selected by Margaret Jacob, a professor at City
University of New York and one of the world's leading authorities
on the 18th-century Enlightenment and European Freemasonry. The
collection has been named in honor of Illustrious Ray Baker
Harris, 33, Librarian of The Supreme Council from 1939 to 1963.
A new microfiche reader will be installed in the Library to
accommodate this collection as well as the Library's other
microfiche holdings.
  Following the dust-generating physical renovation of the
Library, there was the necessary cleaning of all holdings and
shelf areas. Each volume was individually cleaned. While handling
each book, its cataloging was checked and corrected, as
necessary, and recataloged.
  A new computer system, Information Navigator, was installed and
existing files downloaded or new electronic files created on the
Masonic holdings. The volumes in the program still need to be
reviewed and reedited so that the fullest benefit can be provided
to the researcher, allowing him or her to search by subject,
thesaurus, and date as well as author and title. 
  Information Navigator is the same library computer system used
by the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction of the Scottish Rite, the
Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, and some other significant
repositories of Masonic books and materials. Our mutual long term
goal is for all the Masonic libraries to incorporate this system
so that we can work together as a team.
  Thanks to the Brethren though their support of the Calendar
Program, the Library today not only looks wonderful but provides
the best possible Masonic research services.
  As Librarian of this premier Scottish Rite service, I hope
everyone will come by to see the significant changes made in the
Library_and stay to do some research! The Library is open from
8:00 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. every weekday. If you call ahead, we will
be sure to have the materials of interest to you ready for your
review.
Hope to see you soon!

The Warmth Is Real
Michael A. Buchan
  It was fifty years ago. I was a sailor with a five-day pass
from his ship anchored off Utah Beach. The day proved to be a
fateful one that I recalled in the Scottish Rite Journal for
December, 1992. In that article, I remembered my visit to London
and being shaken out of my bed by the explosions of V-2 rockets,
the first to strike London during World War II. Following the
morning bomb attack, I wander around London, chanced upon the
Queen Street Temple of the Grand Lodge of England, and accepted
an invitation to visit a London Lodge that night. It was a
wonderfully cordial Stated Meeting with hearty toasts and warm
fraternal fellowship, all this despite the pall created by the
fear of another V-2 rocket attack. Time, however, has a way of
coloring memories, and down through the years, I began to wonder
if my memories were genuine. Was the warmth of English Masonry
all in my imagination?
  In June of this year, the papers were full of stories about
veterans reliving D-day and visiting the battle fields and
beaches of World War II. There was nothing in my Navy experience
that matched the mind-boggling"and sometimes gory"tales told by
some. Duty on a Landing Craft Repair Ship was to patch the holes,
repair the engines, and send the craft back to ferry in another
wave of combatants. My memories of the war leaned more to the
nineteen English Lodges I visited and one in particular, New
Century Lodge No. 2860 in London. Having received a number of
letters from Brethren all over the country in response to the
1992 Scottish Rite Journal article, I thought it might be of
interest to New Century Lodge, so I sent them a copy of the
magazine. The response was a long, emotion-filled letter from W.
Bro. Ray Martin, Secretary. In it, he invited me to come back to
London and visit the Lodge.
  Now cable tows come in assorted lengths, but to stretch one
from Texas to London had to be unique. Nevertheless, after some
correspondence with Bro. Martin, I learned that their
Installation Meeting would be in October and decided that I
should attend it as a sort of fiftieth anniversary. Travel
arrangements were made for my wife and me to spend a week in
London.
  Upon arrival, I called Bro. Martin, who told me that W. Bro.
Brian Francis would like to take me and my lady to lunch in the
dining room of the New Scotland Yard, a half-block down the
street from our hotel. Then, before we went down to meet him,
there was a call from Bro. Bob Walker who could not attend the
Lodge meeting but wanted to meet us. So we met Bro. Walker in the
lobby and then proceeded to have a wonderful lunch with Bros.
Francis and Martin.
  The Lodge opened at 4:00 p.m. After all the business was
transacted, the Lodge was called to refreshment, and we had tea.
Upon resumption of labor, the new officers were duly installed,
the Lodge was closed, and the members and guests assembled for
the Festive Board. It was then that W. Bro. Joe story gave me his
jewel from the Greater London Council as he was about to be
elevated to a higher rank of membership and would receive a new,
appropriate jewel. Bro. Joe, it turned out, was a visitor form
another Lodge.  At the Festive Board, we were served excellent
roast beef, listened to an a capella rendition from a Brother
with a resounding baritone voice, and toasted various persons,
starting with the Queen and including the  distinguished American
Brother. The toast to departed Brethren was drunk at precisely
9:00 o'clock. During the course of events, I was presented a
splendid Masonic glass called a cannon used to  fire toasts. It
had the crest of the Lodge embossed on it. Also, I received a
Lodge summons autographed by the 57 other members and guests
present. And then, as we were about to leave, W. Bro. Albert
Shakel gave me his Past Master's collar and jewel. As he
explained, he was to be inducted into the Greater London Council
and could no longer wear it.
  This sequence of events was one of the most moving experiences
I have ever had. I cannot recall ever have felt so many warm,
loving handshakes nor looking into so many sincere faces on any
other occasion. I found what I went for. The warmth from my 1942
memory was there in 1995-the Masonic warmth is real. 
  Post Note: In a letter accompanying the above article, Bro 
Buchan included some interesting details about Masonic life in
London today. Greater London has 1261 Blue Lodges with an average
membership of 50 Brethren per Lodge. The Greater London Masonic
Council consists of Past Masters, and 80 new members were
inducted this year. All Masters and Past Masters are addressed as
 Worthy Brothers.

  Note: During World War II, as now, special glasses called
 cannons are used to  fire toasts in British Lodges. They are
usually elaborately decorated and made of heavy leaded crystal so
that, after a formal toast, they can be returned to the table, in
unison, with a loud report.


The Origin of "Taps" 
  It all began in 1862, during the Civil War, when a Union Army
Captain, Robert Ellicombe, was with his men near Harrison's
Landing, in Virginia. The Confederate Army was on the other side
of this narrow strip of land. During the night, Captain Ellicombe
heard the moan of a soldier who lay mortally wounded on the
field. Not knowing if it was a Union or Confederate soldier, the
Captain decided to risk his life and bring the stricken man back
for medical attention. Crawling on his stomach through the gun
fire, the captain reached the stricken soldier and began pulling
him toward his encampment. When the captain finally reached his
own lines, he discovered it was actually a Confederate soldier,
but the soldier was dead.
  The captain lit a lantern. Suddenly, he caught his breath and
went numb with shock. In the dim light, he saw the face of the
soldier. It was his own son! The boy had been studying music in
the South when the war broke out. Without telling his father, he
had enlisted in the Confederate Army.
  The following morning, the heart-broken father asked permission
of his superiors to give his son a full military burial despite
his enemy status. His request was partially granted.
  The captain had asked if he could have a group of army band
members play a funeral dirge for the son at  the funeral. That
request was turned down since the soldier was a Confederate. Out
of respect for the father, they did say they could give him only
one musician. The captain chose a bugler. He asked the bugler to
play a series of musical notes he had found on a piece of paper
in the pocket of the dead youth's uniform.
  This wish was granted. That music was the haunting bugle melody
we now know as "Taps" used at all military funerals.          

Filipino Masons During WWII 
Harry G. West
  In late summer of 1944, while serving in the U. S. Navy at
Chase Field, in Beeville, Texas, I should have been content.
  I had a bride of a few short months, good duty at the base post
office, and everything should have been fine, but it wasn't.
There was a war going on, and I had a brother in the Army,
serving somewhere in Europe. I was restless and a little ashamed
that I had the good life while my brother was overseas, doing his
part. The patriotic thing for me to do was to volunteer for
overseas duty, which I did.
  I was transferred to the Fleet Post Office in San Francisco
where I served for only a short while, until my overseas
assignment was consummated. It was now late autumn, and I was
assigned to the 7th Fleet, which was in Australia. My ship, a
troop transport, was scheduled to deliver me (along with Navy,
Army and Marine troops) to Brisbane, Australia. I knew this
because I knew where  my F.P.O. number was located.
  Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately, the 7th Fleet moved out of
Brisbane before we arrived, and we rendezvoused at Hollandia, New
Guinea. While serving aboard my new ship, the U.S.S. Wright, we
sailed for Tacloban, Leyte, where I was eventually shore-based.
  Being an American lad of 20, life in Tacloban was a new and
strange experience. There were no cars of any kind, only Jeeps
and G.I. trucks. The streets were only gravel; in fact, I don't
believe I saw them very often because it rained every day, and
roads were hardly more than mud alleyways.
  During the Japanese occupation, the Filipino Masons went
underground, but when we got there, they formed two Square and
Compass clubs. One was the M.O.P.I. (Masons On the Philippine
Islands) and other one was the Philippine Square and Compass
Club. 
  I was not a Mason at that time, but I was a DeMolay. These
clubs were made up of American service men who were Masons,
Filipino Masons, Chinese Masons, and one DeMolay, namely me. I
was an associate member.
  Becoming a member of these clubs was one of the highlights of
my life, being shadowed only by my later becoming a Master Mason.
I remember the meetings we had and also the gathering of Filipino
families, the exotic food, and native entertainment. I also
noticed that, even though there were enlisted men and
commissioned officers among the membership, I only  heard
"Brother," not the usual "yes sir" and "no sir," while members 
were talking to one another.
  The Japanese had destroyed the Masonic Lodge during their
occupation, so these two clubs would meet in the hills and cut
hardwood trees (I cannot remember what kind) and haul them into
Tacloban to rebuild the Lodge. Several of the Brethren were in a
position to secure the services of certain types of heavy
equipment suitable for cutting, loading and hauling these logs
back to Tacloban, some 15 miles away. The Mason who had
previously been Master of the Lodge (Makabugwas Lodge No. 47) was
an official in the Philippine government. He was to be the first
Master of the new Lodge when the building was completed. Of
course, I could no longer be a part of this fellowship because I
was not a Mason, so I asked if I could petition the Lodge. He
said they could give be the Degrees as a courtesy, but I would
have to petition a Lodge back in the states.
  My full intention was to do just that when I turned 21, but the
U.S. Navy intervened in my life once more. I was transferred back
aboard ship and moved on. After all, there was a war going on. My
one regret is that I cannot remember the names of any of those
fine Masons, except the names on my cards, which I still have.
These Masons held fast to their Masonic convictions even though,
at this particular time in history, no one knew what the future
held for any of them. It was very dangerous to be known as a
Mason during the occupation of the Japanese.
  This was Masonry as seen through the eyes of a DeMolay, and it
was the inspiration that led me to petition a Lodge when I came
of age. Recently, I checked our Lodge book of recognized Lodges
around the world, and I found that Tacloban now has two Lodges.
Makabugwas No. 47 and Tacloban City No. 221. From this I assume
that Masonry is still thriving in the Philippine Islands. So may
it ever remain.

Where do you do your shopping?
Thomas Boles
  Correction in Yesterday's Ad. You've seen this kind of
statement in the newspaper. Once in a while, since our store has
one of the finest reputations in the world, I wish to place an Ad
in this month's Journal which reads: Addition to Last Month's Ad.
  I've experienced quite a bit of interest in the tax savings to
an IRA and/or Pension Plan Account, by placing it into a
Testamentary Unitrust. However, I failed, last month, to ask for
sufficient information to calculate properly the analysis of
doing such a transfer. Therefore, please accept my apology, and
for those who have not yet written for an analysis, I do require
the following information: 
   
Total value of your estate; 
  - Total dollars, from your plan, you want to place in trust; 
  - Amount you want to go the Scottish Rite Foundation to help
our children; 
  - Relationship of heirs to the trust and their birth dates; 
  - The period of time you want the trust to exist, i.e. number
of years or life; 
  - Your tax bracket, if you know it;
  - Your birth date. 
  With these seven inputs, I will be able to provide you a
complete and easy-to-read analysis for this great tax-saving
product. This tool, found on our shelf, is truly worth
investigating. 
  A major advantage of the Charitable Remainder Unitrust is that
the amount remaining in the trust grows tax free. For example, if
a person selected a 7% payout trust and the trust investments
earned 9%, there would be a 2% tax-free growth each year. This
tax-free growth could substantially increase the value of the
trust in the last few years of income payments to family members.

   Since the selected 7% payout is based on the value each year,
as the trust principal increases, so would the payments to family
members. The special ability of the Charitable Remainder Unitrust
to increase both in principal and in income payments to family
members over a period of years is frequently referred to as an
inflation hedge.
  Estate taxes can be scary! The distributions remaining in any
IRA account at death could be subject to multiple taxes. For
example, a person in New York City who has used all of her/his
exemptions dies with a large estate and bequeaths a large IRA to
a granddaughter. This IRA could be subject to: 

  - Federal estate tax, 
  - New York inheritance tax, 
  - Federal income tax, 
  - New York State income tax, 
  - New York City income tax, 
  - Federal excise tax, and 
  - Federal generation-skipping tax. (Note: each state can be
different, so please check with your accountant and/or attorney
to see what taxes are applicable in your state.) Scary almost
seems too weak a word! 
  Please consider this subject carefully, and if you have any
questions, want a complete report on the subject, and/or want me
to prepare an analysis for you, just let me know. Which leaves my
ad for this month to read:
We cannot see our true 
  time on the face of a clock. 
It can only be seen 
  by the All-Seeing Eye

BOOK REVIEWS
On Cutting Edge
S. Brent Morris

  Only fools and dead men don't change their minds. This is a
wise observation of human nature, and one that applies to much of
Masonic research. Some questions about Freemasonry, such as its
pre-1717 origins, still are being debated, while other issues are
being reconsidered in light of the latest research. Since 1991,
the Scottish Rite Research Society (SRRS) has contributed to
Masonic research through The Plumbline, its quarterly newsletter,
and Heredom, its annual transactions.
  I would like to think that early Scottish Rite scholars, like
Albert Mackey and Albert Pike, would be active members of the
SRRS, if they were alive today. They always were looking for the
most recent details on Masonry. 
  Pike's and Mackey's publications were certainly
ground-breaking, and their intellectual integrity is shown by
their willingness to change their minds in light of better
information and further research. For example, early in their
literary careers each embraced the  Ancient Mysteries theory of
Masonic origins. Late in their careers, with the availability of
more data and after further research, each rejected the theory.
  The SRRS doesn't guarantee to make you change your mind about
anything in Masonry, but by publishing articles on the  cutting
edge of Masonic research,  it does promise to make you think. 
Volume 3 of Heredom for 1994 was published this past summer, and
it offers exciting, current research on Masonry. Whether you
choose to become an SRRS member or subscriber or to purchase just
volume 3, it is thought-provoking research of the highest
caliber.
*Heredom, The Transactions of the Scottish Rite Research Society,
volume 3, 1994,*
edited by S. Brent Morris, 33. 
Hardbound, 186 pp., 
$30 postpaid, 
Scottish Rite Research Society, 
P.O. 1850, Dallas, TX 75221!1850. 
Memberships or subscriptions are available for $28 per year plus
a $20 joining fee, and include The Plumbline, a quarterly
newsletter, and occasional  bonus books. For  information, call
214-748-9196.
  Volume 3 of Heredom contains seven principal articles, each
highlighting various aspects of Freemasonry. They are carefully
researched and scholarly, but not intimidating. Each is a
pleasure to read and should add to the reader's knowledge and
appreciation of Freemasonry. Perhaps the best way to whet your
appetite is to give a brief summary of each article.
  
*Wheelbarrow and Gridiron: The Colorful Life of Ben Perley
Poore,* 
by Hugh Y. Bernard, 33. 
  Ben Perley Poore was one of those men somewhat bigger than
life. He was a newspaper editor, a shrewd publicist, an author, a
war correspondent, an officer in the Civil War, a diplomat,
founder of Washington's Gridiron Club, and a Mason. The story of
his life is a fascinating tale that takes you from Massachusetts
to Georgia to Belgium to Washington. His achievements are most
impressive, including receipt of one the first Grand Crosses of
the Court of Honour from The Supreme Council 33, S.J.

*The Degree of Elect of the Fifteen,* 
S. Brent Morris, 33, and Eric Serejski, 32. 
  This careful translation of the Third Degree from The Most
Secret Mysteries of the High Degrees of Masonry Unveiled (1766),
is the first published expos of hauts grades rituals. While the
degrees in The Most Secret Mysteries differ substantially from
any of those worked by modern Supreme Councils, study of them is
important in understanding the evolution of ritual themes and
ideas. The Degree of Elect of the Fifteen deals with the capture
and punishment of two of the ruffians.

*Chinese Thought and Freemasonry in the 18th Century: The Degree
of Irish Master, Provost and Judge,* 
by Ren Dsaguliers and Roger Dachez. 
  This paper brings some very surprising conclusions to the study
of the origins of Scottish Rite ritual. The authors' research
indicates that the Irish Master Degree seems to be patterned
after Chinese funeral customs as described in a 1700 French book,
On the Ceremonies of the Chinese. It is as if French Masons
created these ceremonies with the book opened before them. The
authors present two of the earliest versions of the degree.

*Behind the Scenery: Effects Used to Enhance Scottish Rite
Ceremony* 
Lawrence J. Hill. 
  As Prof. Brockman's article in volume 3 treats the scenic
representations of Scottish Rite degrees, this companion article
looks at some of the special measures used to enhance the
ceremonies. Slide projectors, lighting effects, and electric
swords were all part of the theatricality that distinguished the
Scottish Rite. Some of the effects from a century ago are
electrically primitive (by today's standards), but they must have
had quite an impact on candidates.

*A Bibliography of Pre!1851 American Scottish Rite Imprints
(non-Louisiana)* 
by Kent Walgren. 
  This may be one of the most important research aids ever
published on Scottish Rite Masonry. The author lists all 105
books published in the U.S. (but not Louisiana) from 1768 to 1850
that mention Scottish Rite Freemasonry. The books are more than
merely listed; they have detailed descriptions and commentaries.
If you want to know the original source for anything Scottish
Rite, this is the reference for you. To do some important
research, you can check your Lodge library to see if it has an
unlisted edition of one of these books.

*Catalyst for Change: Intersection of the Theater and the
Scottish Rite* 
C. Lance Brockman. 
  This paper addresses one of the most basic questions of the
evolution of American Freemasonry:  How did the Scottish Rite
become the dominant appendant body? It seems hard to believe
that the Scottish Rite could have supplanted the larger and more
widely dispersed York Rite. The author suggests that part of the
catalyst for change was the Scottish Rite's elaborate staging of
degrees. The article is illustrated with ten pages of color
photographs of Scottish Rite scenery and design sketches.

*Astronomical Symbols in Albert Pike's Ornamentation of the
Lodge* 
by Norman D. Peterson 32. 
  Albert Pike described the ceremonies of the Scottish Rite blue
degrees in his Book of the Lodge. Among the descriptions are
decorations for the Lodge ceiling which included elaborate
ornamentation with astronomical symbols. The author has recreated
a Lodge room ceiling from Pike's instructions, and the symbolism
of the constellations is discussed.    


