THE BUILDER FEBRUARY 1918

EDITED BY BRO. GEORGE E. FRAZER
PRESIDENT. THE BOARD OF STEWARDS

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS 
Geo. W. Baird, District of Columbia. 
Joseph Barnett, California. 
John W. Barry, Iowa 
Joe L. Carson, Virginia. 
Jos. W. Eggleston, Virginia. 
Henry R. Evans, District of Columbia. 
H. D. Funk, Minnesota. 
F. B. Gault, Washington. 
Joseph C. Greenfield, Georgia.
Frederick W. Hamilton, Massachusetts. 
H. L. Haywood, Iowa. 
T. W. Hugo, Minnesota. 
M. M. Johnson, Massachusetts. 
John G. Keplingel, Illinois. 
Harold A. Kingsbury, Connecticut. 
Dr. Wm. F. Kuhn, Missouri. 
Dr. John Lewin McLeish, Ohio. 
Joseph W. Norwood, Kentucky.
Frank E. Noyes, Wisconsin. 
John Pickard, Missouri. 
C. M. Schenck, Colorado. 
Francis W. Shepardson, Illinois. 
Silas H. Shepherd, Wisconsin. 
Oliver D. Street, Alabama. 
H. W. Ticknor, Maryland. 
S. W. Williams, Tennessee.

(Contributions to this Monthly Department of Personal Opinion are
invited from each writer who has contributed one or more articles
to THE BUILDER. Subjects for discussion are selected as being alive
in the administration of Masonry today. Discussions of politics,
religious creeds or personal prejudices are avoided, the purpose of
the Department being to afford a vehicle for comparing the personal
opinions of leading Masonic students. The contributing editors
assume responsibility only for what each writes over his own
signature. Comment from our Members on the subjects discussed here
will be welcomed in the Question Box and Correspondence Column.)

QUESTION NO. 8--

"Shall Masonic Recreation Centers or Club Houses be established at
each Cantonment in the United States and at convenient military
points in France? If so, shall the Grand Lodges of the United
States unite in the appointment of a central committee with power
to solicit funds and with power to direct such centers under the
rules and regulations of the War Department? If you do not favor
the establishment of Masonic Recreation Centers at military camps,
what system do you favor to aid and relieve the soldiers and
sailors in camp?"


Favors Masonic Centers.

Most assuredly I do favor Masonic Recreation Centers in or near the
various camps and cantonments of our Army both in this country and
at the Front. If after the "fuss" we have made we fail to do
something adequate along this line we shall be laughed at and shall
deserve to be.

What shall we do and how shall we do it are difficult problems and
call for our best thought. There are some things we should not do;
we should not attempt to duplicate the work of the Y.M.C.A., the
Red Cross and other instrumentalities. We do not desire merely to
add a "fifth wheel to the wagon." We should have a building of our
own conveniently located either in or near each camp. It should be
kept open at all suitable hours with a sufficient force in charge.
It should be made comfortable and attractive inside and out. Every
Mason in the camp should be looked up, his name and home address
taken, and be invited to visit the "Masonic Hall." If he is not in
good standing he should be urged to place himself so. Every son of
a Mason should be made welcome; every daughter or sister of a Mason
engaged in Red Cross or relief work should be made to feel that she
is surrounded by brothers.

While the movement should be distinctively Masonic, it should not
be exclusive--those of known good character, though not Masons nor
sons of Masons, should be welcomed, but it should be understood
that only gentlemen are desired. Cards could be issued to such
under proper restrictions.

Good Masonic (and other) literature should be furnished with
reading and writing facilities. A room should be provided where
Masons only, might, on occasion, assemble for such Masonic
refreshment and "labor" as might be allowed. Here lectures by
competent brethren could be given on Masonic and kindred subjects--
among the things to be made clear and strongly impressed is the
duty of the soldier Masons under war conditions to their brethren
and to their country. Sick or wounded brethren or those in any
distress could be visited and made to feel the touch of a brother's
hand. In many ways the spirit of fraternity could make itself felt
to the benefit both of the soldier and of the service.

My view is that this should be done under a single Masonic
organization for the entire United States. Grand Commander George
F. Moore has been suggested as a suitable leader and he could not
be surpassed. It should be made plain that the movement did not
pertain peculiarly to any Rite or System, that it was "Masonic" in
the widest sense and embraced all Bodies of all Rites as well as
all Concordant Orders. The necessary funds should be raised by a
nation-wide campaign through voluntary donations by Masons and
Masonic Bodies.
O. D. Street, Alabama.


Masonic Deputies for Regiments.
There is no recognized central Masonic agency through which a
unified system can be adopted. This is unfortunate and is, in the
minds of some, the strongest argument in favor of a General Grand
Lodge which has been advanced. Many of us who have not yet been
converted to the General Grand Lodge, nevertheless would favor the
establishment under competent, unselfish executive management of
some central agency of all the Grand Lodges for the handling of
inter- or pan-jurisdictional matters. As things stand, however,
outside of assistance to the Y.M.C.A., etc., the thing for us to do
is to raise large funds for relief of the dependent families of our
Brethren who are called to the Colors and of the Brethren
themselves when returning in mental, physical or financial
distress.

Meanwhile if the various Grand Masters will commission Special
Deputies with different regiments, these Deputies can get together
the Masons of various Camps for social intercourse and can keep
alive and stimulate, even without Lodge meetings, our fraternal
bond. They can also keep each Masonic jurisdiction in touch with
the needs of its own Brethren who are under arms.
Melvin M. Johnson, Massachusetts.

* *

Constant Calls for Money.
The war is making constant calls for money. Masons are generously
responding to the calls, one of which is for the establishment and
maintenance of the Y.M.C.A. Recreation Centers in Cantonments and
Camps in the United States and France.

While these Centers are in no sense Masonic, they are available to
Masons for recreation purposes. In a letter received today from a
Masonic friend, now serving with the U. S. Army in France, he says:
"The Y.M.C.A. is a wonderful institution and doing great work." The
establishment at the present time of Masonic Recreation Centers in
the camps would in a measure duplicate the work of the Y.M.C.A. and
it seems to me that under the existing conditions, the money
necessary for such establishment would serve a better purpose if
placed at the disposal of the Y.M.C.A. and the Red Cross
organizations which are doing great things for the aid and relief
of soldiers and sailors in camp.

Later it may be wise to seriously consider the establishment of
Masonic Recreation Centers, but not while the present financial
strain continues.
C. M. Schenck, Colorado.

Add to Y.M.C.A. Work.
In corresponding with the Grand Masters, one of them made a very
good suggestion, as it seemed to me --Brother Fead of Michigan. His
idea is that in addition to providing funds, the Masons should
provide some distinctive recreation to be put on by Y.M.C.A., or
the Red Cross, publicity being given to the fact that such
entertainment was furnished by the Masons.

At first thought, it is very easy to conclude that each Grand Lodge
should go ahead and erect buildings, but when one comes to consider
what this involves and above all that it is a mere duplication, the
wisdom of the decision of the Grand Lodge of Iowa that it would be
unwise to attempt such work alone will, I think, be fully borne
out.
John W. Barry, Grand Master, Iowa.
*

Give in Business-Like Way.
Every Mason must give--give until it hurts -- but, in addition, he
must see to it that he gives in the most efficient and
business-like way. The United States can not win the war unless the
efforts of the people be expended to the very best advantage; no
second best measures will do. Therefore, let the Mason forget the
aggrandizement and advertisement of Masonry that might come from
the establishment of Masonic Recreation Centers, and support the
Y.M.C.A. When letters come to us from our loved ones at the camps,
both here and "Somewhere in France," each letter with the Red
Triangle of the Y.M.C.A. in the corner of the letter paper, think
what that Triangle means--"We, an organization whose business is
young men, are doing our bit. Help us!" Masons! Forget this Masonic
social center study and get busy !
Harold Kingsbury, Connecticut.

* *
The Kentucky Plan.
In answer to the question concerning Masonic Recreation Centers, I
am most heartily in favor of them and think that there should be
such not only at Cantonments in the United States but at Military
points wherever our boys are to go in Europe. There is already
being a great deal done as you no doubt know along this line since
the War Department reversed its ruling. Perhaps what we are getting
ready to do here in Kentucky may interest your readers. Kentucky
already has two Military Lodges now at Hattiesburg, Mississippi,
which may soon be in France. Masons of Louisville are preparing to
erect outside of the Cantonment, but near Camp Taylor, a convenient
Masonic Hall both for Club purposes and the conference of degrees.
This will be occupied by one or more Military Lodges from Indiana,
Illinois and Kentucky. At a recent meeting of about two hundred
Masons in the Camp from those States, embracing both officers and
privates, the plan was enthusiastically endorsed. We already have
the site. I wish some of those who object to Military Lodges could
have heard the speeches made on that occasion by officers and
privates who realize that they are about to sacrifice all they hold
dear, perhaps life itself, that the world may be brought to the
great ideal of Brotherhood and that all countries may be made safe
for this great principle which Masons profess. They believe without
doubt that Masonic Lodges which they could carry with them to
Europe, would do much toward cementing friendships among all
people. They intend to practice Masonry rather than to preach it.
I am inclined to think that as conditions now are in the Masonic
World it is best to let each Grand Lodge run its own gait, but if
it were possible to hold a general Masonic Congress in this country
such as the Latin and German Masons are used to we could accomplish
a world of good and perhaps speed up a day to half a century when
Freemasons would forget their red-tape and old-fogyism, championed
by a few of the "old timers" who have nothing else in life to do
but pick flaws at somebody else and get reason why we would not be
friendly to this or that jurisdiction.

We need more leaders, writers who will find reasons why Masons
should get together than why they should be kept apart. Many Lodges
have sat down on the General Grand Lodge proposition in every phase
or form for something over a century. May I suggest however that
they are at least united on three needs: the General Relief Board,
National Masonic Research Society and the War Relief Board. Perhaps
these three may pave a way for some sort of Annual Advisory
Conference which would in effect be such a Central Committee as you
suggest.
J. W. Norwood, Kentucky.

* * *
Support the Y.M.C.A.
General Pershing is quoted as saying "I desire to deal in France
with only two non-military relief organizations--the Red Cross for
the sick and the Y.M.C.A. for the well."

These two organizations are superbly efficient. It seems to me that
it would be a great mistake to attempt to duplicate their work. I
would rather call upon all Masons everywhere to unite in a great,
earnest and effective support of these two magnificent
organizations.
John Pickard, Missouri.

Suggests Letters to Soldiers.
It seems to me that the establishment of Masonic Recreation Centers
or Club Houses at Cantonments or at Military points in France is
impractical and would lead to endless confusion.

Why multiply agencies for doing the work for which the Y.M.C.A. and
the American Red Cross are so splendidly equipped? To my mind we
can not improve upon the work these organizations are doing and if
we compete with them we weaken them without compensating advantages
to the men.

I would favor giving financial assistance to these organizations
which are open to all regardless of creed or affiliation in any of
the fraternal orders.

But, the mere giving of money involves no real sacrifice on our
part and the benefits to the boys would be mostly material and
impersonal. Their creature comforts are provided for. As Masons,
let us give them something of a spiritual nature--something of
ourselves.

For instance. Here is a Lodge of 300 members. Twenty are in the
"chosen" army. Why shouldn't the 280 remaining at home get back of
the 20 and let them know that they will always be in our thoughts.
Let a correspondence committee be appointed to write to the boys
regularly. Let them know that their letters from the front will be
read at the meetings. Then let us look up the immediate connections
of the twenty and see that none of them come to want. In case any
should do so let us ease the boys' minds with the assurance that,
no matter what comes, their loved ones are and will be looked after
by the brethren at home.

This would be merely a beginning. But I can not conceive of
anything which would be more helpful to the boys at the Front,
which would make us all better Masons and bind us closer together
in the fraternity than a nation-wide program such as this. To me
this is the heart, soul and work of Masonry.
John G. Keplinger, Illinois.

An International Masonry.
"Shall Masonic Recreation Centers or Club Houses be established at
each Cantonment in the United States and at convenient military
points in France?"

Unhesitatingly I answer yes, and would add that in Masonic
sociability they should be free to our unrecognized French
Brethren. These are no times for red-tape restrictions. I am not
one of those who are carried away with war hysteria to the point of
wanting our whole Army and Navy made Masons at sight and free of
cost, nor do I advocate any change in our present list of
recognized Grand Lodges, but I do think the opportunity presents to
show Europe what American Masonry really is.

I would go even further. I would strongly urge the Masons in these
Clubs to seek out, when they can. Masons among German prisoners and
go their utmost length in expending utterly undeserved kindness and
relief. England erred, Masonically; let us, if we too err, do so on
the other extreme.

2nd. "If so, shall the Grand Lodges of the United States unite in
the appointment of a Central Committee ?"

Equally unhesitatingly, No. Small differences of views would result
in discord. We want no central power, great or small, but
independent action by each Grand Lodge. Already some Grand Lodges
are forming traveling Military Lodges, while others vehemently
object. Let each make its own mistakes without involving others.

I favor Clubs or Recreation Centers, only, partly because we can
thus freely open them to unrecognized Masons and because I happen
to know, that in the war of the '60s Military Lodges made serious
mistakes and made Masons of high officers who would have been
blackballed at home. Secretary of War Baker was right in forbidding
all secret meetings. These Clubs should be social and brotherly and
should illustrate the words of our ritual, "These generous
principles are to extend further. Every human being has a claim
upon your kind offices; do good unto all; recommend it more
especially to the household of the faithful." These clubs should
illustrate brotherly love and unselfish humanitarianism. 
Joseph W. Eggleston, Virginia.

* * *

Opposes Masonic Centers.
Answering the question of the establishment of Masonic Recreation
Centers at Military Cantonments, I wish to say that, as I am not in
favor of Military Lodges, neither do I think it would be the best
policy to establish these Centers at Cantonments or at Military
points in France. Those Grand Lodges which have already taken steps
will, of course, be expected to go ahead with the arrangements now
that Secretary Baker has modified the order and they are permitted
to do so; but it seems to me that as a general rule it would be
better for the Masonic bodies and Grand Lodges to do their work in
co-operation with the Y.M.C.A. There are enough Masons connected
with the Y.M.C.A., and enough at the Military centers not
immediately connected who could act in organizing, under proper
supervision, auxiliary bodies which could carry work for relief of
soldiers and sailors who are Mans at these centers. Working in this
way, I believe much better work could be accomplished and at less
expense, thereby conserving the moneys donated for Masonic relief
purposes and enabling them to go farther in the work of relief.
Frank E. Noyes, Wisconsin.

* * *
An Army Precedent.
The Washington (D. C.) papers of December 9th have an account of
the activities of the Ashlar Club, of " at city, which may have
some bearing on the question. The Ashlar Club is made up mostly, it
is said, of Masons employed in the War and Navy Departments, and
officers and enlisted men in the Army and Navy. On November 24th
the Club held a rally in Washington and began a movement towards
organizing Masonic Clubs in the various instruction camps and
especially abroad in order to look after the health and morals of
the American soldiers. The Washington Club suggests that these
clubs be known as Ashlar Clubs, to which it would issue charters,
etc., and act as a channel of correspondence, especially when it is
necessary to make known the needs of the men to the fraternity at
large.

Possibly the situation can best be handled in this manner. Here is
already a nucleus on which others can form, and the whole will have
a more or less articulated structure. As needs become apparent,
these clubs could go before the Fraternity at large, through their
mother club, and their wants would probably be promptly attended
to.

On the other hand, it would be worth while to make it a nation-wide
movement and put the matter a larger scale from the start than
would be possible for any club, as indicated above. It would be, in
a way, measure of the strength of the fraternity that would be
beneficial to it. And, if the various Grand Lodges could be gotten
to work in unity in one matter, they might be able to get together
in others.
H. W. Ticknor, Maryland.

Either Lodges or Clubs.
My preference is for Traveling Military Lodges with the different
regiments or army corps; but as that does not seem feasible I think
Masonic Recreation Centers or Clubs should be established at
convenient military points in France. We must make our soldier
Brethren feel that they are not forgotten by the Masonic
fraternity. Such centers would supplement the work of the Y.M.C.A.
It might be well for the Grand Lodges to appoint a Central
Committee with power to solicit funds; for such a scheme would not
overlap and duplicate the work of individual Grand Lodges. Henry R.
Evans, District of Columbia.

* * *

Masonic Clubs Not Needed.
Question No. 1. It is unnecessary at this time, because the
soldiers' needs in this line are being well attended to by the
Y.M.C.A.

A number of competing organizations could hardly add to the proper
regimental spirit of a common good comradeship.

While it would make Freemasonry prominent in a most estimable way,
Freemasonry can and will give liberally without advertising itself.

Question No. 2. Yes, if entered upon at all.

Question No. 3. Through the Y.M.C.A. national organization. An
immense sum, said to be $35,000,000.00, has already been collected
for this purpose.

That institution has special experience in this particular
direction. It is non-sectarian, and has among its members many of
all sects. Public confidence in it is well deserved.

Masons, as individuals, have liberally subscribed to this Y.M.C.A.
movement, and can scarcely do greater service in this line than by
continuing to support it.
Joseph Barnett, California.

* * *
The Ohio Plan.
In my opinion any opportunity offered Masons to contribute to the
comfort of brethren in active service of the United States should
be gratefully grasped. Doubtless you are aware of the storm of
protest and indignation that followed the refusal of the War
Department to allow Masons of Atlanta to erect a recreation house
in a southern Cantonment, when similar privileges had already been
accorded the Knights of Columbus and Y.M.C.A. at that particular
Cantonment. A broader policy seems to have influenced the War
Department as a result and it was with deepest appreciation last
month that we Masons of Ohio learned from our Grand Master, M. W.
Henry M. Hagelbarger, that permission had been accorded to Ohio
Masons to erect a Rest or Recreation House at Camp Sherman,
Chillicothe. The Grand Master's request that Lodges of Ohio
contribute twenty-five cents per capita for this laudable purpose
has met with immediate and enthusiastic response in every instance,
and our regret if any is that he did not ask more. The handsome
building in purpose of construction at Camp Sherman will afford
quarters for the relatives of soldier-Masons visiting the
Cantonment and many other similar comforts. Either a Committee
working in conjunction with the Grand Master, or as in Ohio, the
Grand Master assuming the arduous responsibility himself, would be
serviceable. I am informed that even with the admirable relief work
heretofore done at the various Cantonments by the Y.M.C.A. and
K.C's, their accommodations are overtaxed and there is abundant
room for a rich body like ours to fall in line and have a hand in
this splendid patriotic work. After supplying our Cantonments here,
many of which promise to be many years in use, our next endeavor
should be to establish similar comfort headquarters abroad, so far
as the War Department can admit any activities of this nature. It
should be our constant slogan, "If we can not go across, let us
come across," and the next best thing we can do after giving the
flower of our Order to the Flag is to follow the Flag overseas with
our dollars and make the boys as happy as added comforts can.
John Lewin McLeish, Ohio. 
