December 1993

1
The Historic Symbolized Masonic Lord's Prayer
James E. Stratton.
5
In The Depth Of Winter, Invicible Summer
C. Fred Kleinknecht
7
Tableau
8
From The Instructive Tongue
Gary F. Breylinger
11
Where Do You Do Your Shopping?
Thomas M. Boles
13
Enjoy Your Year!
David B. Dibrell
16
Young At Heart
Harold H. Slattery
18
Santa's Sleigh
Warren R. Truesdell
21
Masonic Travels: In Touch With The Past
Justin A. Hopkins


24	The Flood Of 93
	John H. Collison
26	Your Masonic Signature
	Hugh H. Clements
30	A Recipe To Heal
	The Heart
	Carlos A. Garcia
32	Current Interest 
	32	Ill\ Morgan Appointed	
	33	Cornerstone Ceremony	
	34	Friend to Friend  Memorial 
        36      First N\M\J\ Center
        38      Florida Regional Reunion 
	39	Ervin Portrait Presented 
	40	General Doolittle Dies
	41	Second Lodge in Russia
	41	Cards Bring Cheer
	42	Masons Host Barbecue
43	Freemasonry Up North
	John H. Grainger	
44	Why I Became A Mason
	Richard Jennings
46	A Civil War Incident
	George S. Cowan, Jr.
50	Twelve Laws For  			Leaders
	William Arthur Ward
54	Masonry And The Poor
	Irving I. Lasky
57	Sodden But Successful
	Edward Haynie Ezell
59	Look Well To The East
	S. Brent Morris
62	Masonic Knighthood
	A. Milton Stanley

COVER CREDITS: Page 1, Bro\ Earl McDonald; Page 2, Bro\ James E. Stratton;
Page 3, Bro\ Earl McDonald; Page 4, Runk/Schoenberger from Grant Heilman
Co.


In the Depth of Winter Invincible Summer

I just can't get in the holiday spirit!  How often have you heard that
line? Or, perhaps, said it yourself? I k ow I have! Sometimes Scrooge's
Bah, humbug!  seems a lot easier than the Great Light of Freemasonry's
peace, good will toward man. We all, I think, sometimes forget what the
winter holidays, whether Hanukkah or Christmas, are all about.

        Certainly, they are not just about snow and sleighs, roast goose
and potato pancakes (latkes), family visits and expensive gifts. Carols and
candies, are fine, but they do not reach to the spiritual core of this most
significant season of the year. The Hanukkah menorah and the Christmas
evergreen, however, hint of each holiday's essential meaning for Jew and
Christian alike. The beauty and light of these holiday candles and trees,
as emblems of joy and faith, embody one of life's great truths: the
perseverance of God's love for all humankind.

        We never need to fear. The love of God is always there to nourish
and support us. However dead nature may appear in the bleakest of winters,
summer's abundance is harbored safely beneath the snow. However desolate
our spirit initially may be during this holiday season or any other time of
year, God's eternal and restorative love is forever available for the
asking, which we call prayer.

The green of the Christmas tree carries this message of life as does the
glowing aura of the Hanukkah candle. We are never alone. We are never
abandoned. The Creator waits only for our call, our prayer. And if the
words do not form easily, there is another way. Action. Act from love. Turn
to your fellowman and extend the hand of help. You will be amazed! Your own
spirit will soar, your own heart will lift in joy, that most infallible
sign of the presence of Deity.

There is no satisfaction as deep as giving, no conviction firmer of what is
right than the knowledge that you have broken the shell of self and given
to another without thought of gain.

The wonderful thing about Freemasonry is that it offers us the holiday
spirit year round. You don't have to wait for December to know the thrill
of giving and sharing. Every day of the year, Freemasonry encourages us to
live the fundamental ideal of our Craft, the Brotherhood of Man under the
Fatherhood of God. The tenets of FreemasonryBrotherhood, Relief, and
Truthare the essentials of what we call the holiday spirit, but they are
available each and every day if we but live the Masonic principles taught
from the First Degree to the Thirty-third.

Wherever you are, the holiday spirit is there, ready for the taking. Boxes
of artificial snow and banks of plastic poinsettias cannot generate this
spirit. It is only grasped by finding love within your heart and then
sharing it with others. This is the eternal message of Freemasonry that
will reveal an invincible summer of joy in the darkest depth of any winter.

May all of us realize this truth and, through our personal faith and our
fraternal dedication, find, again, the holiday spirit of God's love for all
mankind via our sharing of that love with others every day of the year!
s

Your Masonic Signature

Hugh H. Clements, 32, K\C\C\H\
523 Forrester White Drive
Hixson, Tennessee  37342-4276

Did you know that as a Scottish  Rite Mason you have a distinct and
significant signature? Your name, of course, is the most important, but not
the only element of your Masonic signature.

In the Scottish Rite, the Latin phrase ne varietur appears on each of the
official documents pertaining to your membership. It is always adjacent to
the line reserved for your signature. It means lest it should be changed.

The custom is not exclusive to the Scottish Rite. In fact, its origin lies
in the most ancient form of craft Masonry. It was used as a means of
verifying the authenticity of an operative mason's credentials by the
simple expedient of comparing signatures. Thus, when a stonemason affixed
his signature to an official document, he could travel to a place where he
was not known. Then by displaying his signed original and writing his name
for comparison, he could enjoy the rights and privileges to which he was
entitled.

One of the things we are given in life that distinguishes us from other men
is our name. The way in which we sign it further distinguishes us. The word
signature means the name of a person written in his own hand.

In Masonry, it is customary to append a title to a signature, if warranted.
The Past Master of a Blue Lodge may use the initials P\M\ following his
name, for example. Note the tripods. Over a century ago, the tripod came
into Masonic usage as a substitute for the period in abbreviations of
Masonic titles. There seems to be no specific reason for the development of
this custom, which may or may not be followed by Masons today. Still, the
use of tripods for periods in abbreviations of specifically Masonic titles
adds a unique quality to formal Masonic writing and is a custom that many
Appendant Bodies, including the Scottish Rite, continue in intra-Fraternity
communication. 

Also in the Scottish Rite, there are certain symbols which may appear as a
part of a signature. The symbols most used are the triangle and the cross
in one of its many forms. The equilateral triangle is used throughout
Masonry to denote the Deity. When used as a part of a signature, the
triangle is frequently radiated. That is, it has a circle of lines
radiating from its center, signifying the eternal light of wisdom.

The cross does not appear in Masonry until the advanced Degrees where it
has come to represent eternal life as well as the four cardinal points of
the compass. While many forms of the cross are referenced in the Scottish
Rite's literature, we use three for the purposes of signature.

The first is the Passion Cross, a single-barred cross that takes its name
from the cross used in the crucifixion of Jesus. Another is the Patriarchal
Cross, a double-barred cross on which the upper bar is usually shorter than
the lower. It takes its name from its use as the insignia of a patriarch of
the Roman Church. Finally, the Cross of Salem, or Pontifical Cross, is
used. 

The latter cross takes its name from its use as the insignia of the Bishop
of Rome, the Pope, and is carried before him in procession. This cross has
three bars, the upper and lower of which are shorter than the center.
Regardless of the religious usage of these cruciforms elsewhere, they have
no religious sense in Freemasonry and are used in the Scottish Rite simply
as insignia and as part of your Masonic signature.

There is also a protocol involving the colors to be used in signing your
official signature. Regular readers of the Scottish Rite Journal know that
our Sovereign Grand Commander precedes his signature with a Cross of Salem
and follows it with a radiated triangle enclosing the number 33. These
symbols as well as his title appear in the color violet. The Cross is
adorned with small cross-bars near the extremities of the horizontal bars
and slanted shaft. The shaft is slanted to the right at an angle
approximating the slanted strokes of writing.

While the color violet has no defined Masonic significance, it is
interpreted as expressive of a belief in eternal life, violet being the
mixture of red, the symbolic color of life, tinged with the blue of
immortality.

Thus, our Sovereign Grand Commander's official signature appears as below:
 
Sov\ Grand Commander Purple is the color designated for use by a Sovereign
Grand Inspector General. In Royal Arch Masonry, purple is used to represent
harmony between Craft Masonry, symbolized by the color blue, mixed with the
red of the Royal Arch. Scottish Masonry recognizes purple as symbolizing
high office or authority. The symbols used are the Patriarchal Cross
adorned with small cross-bars near the extremities of the horizontal bars
and slanted shaft. A S\G\I\G\'s name is followed by a radiated triangle
enclosing the number 33.

Sov\ Gr\ Insp\ Genl\ The color crimson, red tinged with blue, denotes
fervency and zeal. It is reserved for use by Inspector Generals Honorary.
The symbols are an unadorned double-barred cross with slanted shaft and the
radiated triangle enclosing the number 33.

Insp\ Genl\ Hon\ An Inspector General Honorary who has been invested with
the Grand Cross uses as his symbol a crimson double-barred cross adorned at
the extremities of its horizontal bars and vertical shaft.

Gr\  Cross The color red is used in Masonry to symbolize ardor and zeal. It
is the predominant color of the numerically higher Degrees. It is also the
color reserved for the symbols and titles of those Scottish Rite Masons
below the rank of Inspector General Honorary. The symbol used for the
Knight Commander Court of Honour is a Passion Cross adorned at the
extremities of its horizontal bar and vertical shaft. The numerical
designation for the Thirty-Second Degree follows his name. The title is
generally abbreviated as K\C\C\H\ or as below.
 
Kt\ Comm\ C\ of Hon\ A Master of the Royal Secret uses as his symbol a
single-barred cross adorned at the extremities of its horizontal bar and
slanted shaft. The numerical designation of the Degree follows the name and
the title is usually abbreviated as below.

Insp\ Genl\ Hon\ A Knight of the Chapter Rose Croix is also entitled to use
an official signature. It is preceded by a Passion Cross set upon the apex
of an equilateral triangle. The written name is followed by the numerical
designation of the Eighteenth Degree. His title is the Latin phrase Eques 
. . . R\C\ Eques in Latin means knight and the  represents the
prepositional phrase of the, and the R\C\, of course, stands for Rose
Croix.
  
In the space represented by the ellipsis in the paragraph above and by the
line in the Eques R C  in the same paragraph, the Knight of the Rose Croix
is to insert either a characteristic chosen according to tradition for his
particular office or a quality of character of his own choice. This is
described by the Ritual of the Eighteenth Degree, as follows: Each Brother,
at his admission [to Degree of Rose Croix], adopts as his own, some
characteristic, the choice of which is left ot him, as Prudence, Valor,
etc., expressed in Latin thus: Eques  Prudentia, Eques  Fortitudine,
(Knight of Prudence, Knight of Valor), etc. Those of the three first
officers and Master of Ceremonies are always the same . . . Eques 
Sapientia, Eques  Robore, Eques  Pulchritudine, Eques  Bellico, (Knight
of Wisdom, of Strength, of Beauty, and Alarm). In modern usage, the
Inspector General Honorary often uses as his signature, his name followed
by 33. The Knight Commander Court of Honour, has  his name followed by 32
and the initials K\C\C\H\ The Master of the Royal Secret, simply uses his
name followed by 32. Why all the symbolism and protocol in the official
signature? Ne varietur, Brethren. It is why you have something no other
person has  your Masonic signature!     s

Hugh H. Clements,
is a radio broadcaster and award winning poet. He is a life member of
Acanthus Lodge No. 558, Detroit, MI, and is now a member of the S\R\ Bodies
of Chattanooga, TN, where he serves as Assistant Class Director.

		Doctrine is the skin of truth set up and stuffed.	

Why I Became a Mason

Richard Jennings, 32
911 Beverly
Pasadena, Texas  77506-4726 

WHEN I was a little boy during the Depression of the 1930s, my mother and
father separated, and my brothers and I were placed in a children's home. I
am proud to say that it was a good home where I was taught Christian values
and the ethic of labor.

Things were very austere, but we were fed and sheltered. Also, we had fine
Masons from Jamestown, New York, who took us in tow and provided many
things for us that we could never have had otherwise.

 In the springtime, for instance, we were taken to an amusement park where
we had all sorts of competitive races such as potato sack, relay, and
wheelbarrow. The grand finale was a pie-eating contest. What a mess!
Usually it was blueberry, so it would show up on the black-and-white
cameras.

Then we were given tickets to the amusements, and could enjoy the rides. We
even had a picnic lunch with lemonade.

Then at Christmastime, the Masons took us to Hotel Jamestown for a turkey
dinner. We were given gifts, there was a magician, Santa, and all. These
were precious moments to me. I vowed that if I was ever old enough, I would
be a Mason, too. Years later, that vow came to pass.

Since that time, many wonderful things have happened to me by virtue of
just being a Mason. When I was in Korea, for instance, every week a Mason
came to my wife and children back in the States to see if they needed
anything. I am blessed to have had Masonry as a part of my life. May people
everywhere be as kind to each other as the Masons were to  me as a child.
s

Richard Jennings 
is a member of Silver State Lodge No. 95 and the S. R. Bodies of Pueblo,
CO. As a member of the 8th Air Force during WW II, he flew 35 missions over
Germany and then served in Korea in the 1950s. Now a retired Army Chaplain,
he teaches at Cavalry Bible College and Seminary in Pasadena, TX.

Freemasonry's
Best Kept Secret

Freemasons have always proclaimed that they are not a secret society, yet
out of millions of Freemasons all over the world, only a select few are
aware of The Philalethes Society.

The Philalethes Society was founded on October 1, 1928, by a group of
Masonic students. It was designed for Freemasons desirous of seeking and
spreading Masonic light. In 1946, The Philalethes Magazine was established
to publish articles by and for its members. For many years, it has been
voted one of the best Masonic publications in the world.

The sole purpose of this research society is to act as a clearing house for
Masonic information. It exchanges ideas, researches issues facing
Freemasonry, and passes knowledge along to the Brethren throughout the
Masonic world. 

To find out more about the Philalethes Society, Freemasonry's best kept
secret, write to P.O. Box 70, Highland Springs, Virginia  23075-0070.

Nelson King, 32

Chairman Membership Committee, The Philalethes Society






Twelve Laws for Leaders

William A. Ward, 32, K\C\C\H\
5104 Yucca Court
Arlington, Texas  76017-2022

I. A Leader Is Resourceful.

He is a person with imagination, initiative, and fresh ideas. Because of
his many plans, projects and creative ideas, he feels a kinship with Victor
Hugo, who said, I need a thousand years to do what I have in mind. A
leader is ever conscious of the Biblical warning: Where there is no vision,
the people perish. Likewise, he is fully confident that where there is
vision, originality and resourcefulness on the part of the leader, his
efforts will ultimately bear fruit.

II. A Leader Is Persistent.

He takes heart in the words of the great social reformer Thomas F. Buxton:
With ordinary talent and extraordinary perseverance, all things are
attainable. He knows that persistence is the forerunner of success, the
father of victory, and the ancestor of accomplishment.

A leader is constantly aware of the truth that failure comes from following
the line of least persistence. When he is tempted to give up, a good leader
gets his second wind: he keeps on keeping on.         

III. A Leader Is Dependable.

His word is his bond, his duty is a sacred trust, and his acceptance of a
position is always a forerunner of a job well done. When he accepts a
position of leadership, he is more concerned with shouldering
responsibility than with receiving honors. More interested in serving than
in seeking, he can always be counted on, never counted out. He is
consistently a man of his word.

IV. A Leader Is Patient.

He reflects the sage advice of 

William James: The art of being wise is the art of knowing what to
overlook. He realizes that patience is not only a virtue but a daily
necessity, not an elective but a required course in the school of service.

He is patient with others because he is at first patient with himself. He
remembers this truth: the mushroom appears overnight; the giant redwood
reflects the patience of centuries.

V. A Leader Is Courageous.

He stands for what he believes to be right, even in the midst of conflict
and criticism. His physical, mental and moral courage is contagious to
those around him. He dares to be an individual whose honor and integrity
are respected and admired by all who know him. He represents strength to
the weak, faith to the faint of heart, and confidence to the fearful. He
believes in and personifies the words of Andrew Jackson: One man with
courage makes a majority.

VI. A Leader Is Mature.

He takes his responsibilities seriously, but he is able to laugh at
himself, his foibles, his mistakes, and his shortcomings. A leader knows
that a sense of humor is the pole that adds balance to his steps as he
walks the tight wire of life. He has learned to react maturely to the
immature actions of others.

He measures up favorably to Dr. William C. Menninger's six criteria for the
emotionally mature person.

 He finds greater satisfaction in giving than in receiving

 He creates satisfying and permanent loyalties in give-and-take
relationships

 He uses his leisure creatively

 He contributes to the improvement of his own home life and to the
activities of his community

 He learns to profit from his mistakes and his successes

 He is relatively free from fears, tensions, and anxieties

VII. A Leader Is Encouraging.

He is generous with well-deserved praise, prompt with well-earned
commendation, and ever alert to recognize and emphasize the best efforts of
everyone. He knows that an ounce of sincere praise is worth a pound of
fault finding.

He remembers the advice of the great German Mason and poet Goethe:
Correction does much, but encouragement does more. Encouragement after
censure is as the sun after the shower.

He inspires others to rise to new heights of achievement, to outdo
themselves, to stretch, to stand on tiptoes, and to set new records of
service and advancement.

VIII. A Leader Is Adaptable.

He has a plan and works his plan, but he is always wise enough to change
his course or to adjust his sights when necessary. He is unafraid of
dangers, difficulties, and detours: they may delay him, but they do not
discourage him. He frequently uses blueprints and booklets as guideposts,
but he never lets them use him. He is guided by the lessons of experience,
but he is not a slave of conformity. A good leader can change his mind
without sacrificing his integrity: he can adapt to new and changing
circumstances without compromising his principles.

IX. A Leader Is Optimistic.

He has a reason for every success, not an excuse for every failure. He goes
out and rings bells, never gives up and wrings his hands. He turns the
impossible into the possible, never the possible into the impossible.

He pleasantly ponders how high his kite will fly, and never woefully
wonders how soon his kite will fall. He sees a green near every sand trap,
never a sand trap near every green. He is confident that opportunity is now
here, not afraid that opportunity is nowhere.

X. A Leader Is Grateful.

He never takes for granted the responsibilities and opportunities that have
been given to him: rather, he is grateful for the privilege of leadership.
Like Cicero, a leader recognizes the truth that a thankful heart is not
only the greatest virtue, but the parent of all other virtues.

He is grateful to his God for the gift of life, to his fellow man for the
blessings of friendship and Brotherhood, and to his organization for the
challenges and joys of leadership.

XI. A Leader Is Dedicated.

He throws himself wholeheartedly and unreservedly into his
responsibilities, and can say with Nicholas Murray Butler: The forty-hour
week has no charm for me. I'm looking for a forty-hour day!

He makes a habit of punctuality, attendance and follow-through. His motto
is Let me help, not Let George do it. He is conscientious but not
contentious: determined but not dictatorial: dedicated but not demanding.

XII. A Leader Is Enthusiastic.

He employs the magic of enthusiasm to inspire others to believe in him, to
work with him, and to follow him. He walks with a spring in his steps, he
works with a sparkle in his eyes, and he speaks with confidence and
assurance.

He accepts the challenge of Bruce Barton, who said: If you can give your
son only one gift, let it be the gift of enthusiasm.

As a leader, he knows that his co-workers and Brothers are in the same boat
with Ralph Waldo Emerson who wrote: What I need most is something to make
me do what I can. The something that can inspire others to do what they
can and ought to do is a leader who possesses and practices the most
contagious quality in the world: Enthusiasm!     s


William Ward is a speaker, a United Methodist layman, and the author of 12
books. He was raised a Master Mason in Kerrville, TX, and is now a member
of the Scottish Rite Bodies of Fort Worth. A Shriner, he is Chaplain of
Moslah Temple in Fort Worth. He is also a long-time member of the
administrative staff at Texas Wesleyan College in Kerrville, TX, where he
now holds the title of Writer in Residence.







Have You Found Your Replacement?

The more time we spend in Masonry, the more we seem to find the real
meaning and practice of this fine Fraternity, good work going on within and
the charitable endeavors outside as well.

I believe as time goes on (and it goes by quickly as we get older), it
behooves us to search and seek for our replacement to carry on
Freemasonry's good work. We meet many fine young men in our lives. If we
take the time to throw out a question or two and, as a follow-up, leave a
bit of Masonic literature, this will aid in what should be our mutual
endeavor, to find our replacement in Masonry.

        Forrest Goodman,  32
Tacoma, Washington,  Scottish Rite Bodies


Current Interest

Ill\ Morgan Appointed Deputy in Nevada

On October 1, 1993, Sov\ Gr\ Cmdr\ C. Fred Kleinknecht, 33, appointed Ill\
David J. Morgan, 33, Deputy of this Supreme Council in the Orient of
Nevada, succeeding Ill\ 

Edward L. Pine, 33, who resigned as of October 1.

Ill\ Morgan is a Certified Public Accountant and partner in the firm of
Pangborn & Company, Ltd. in Reno, Nevada. From 1983 to 1990, by state
appointment, he served the Nevada State Board of Accountancy, three years
as Secretary-Treasurer and two years as President.

His business and community service encompasses many organizations including
Junior Achievement, Nevada Society of Public Accountants, American
Institute of CPA's, Rotary Club, Board of Directors of the RenoSparks
Chamber of Commerce, and Nevada Jaycees.

Born in Los Angeles, California, Deputy Morgan has had a very active
Masonic career since he was raised a Master Mason in Reno Lodge No. 13,
Reno, Nevada, serving as its Worshipful Master in 1969. Made a Master of
the Royal Secret in 1965, he has served our Fraternity as an expert
ritualist and presiding officer in the Reno Scottish Rite Bodies. In
addition, he has been a officer in the York Rite Bodies and served as Grand
High Priest (1988-89), Royal Arch Masons.

Ill\ Morgan has served in the Grand Lodge of Nevada continuously since 1981
and is now Grand Master, installed November 9, 1993. The International
Order of DeMolay has also enjoyed his leadership as a member of its
Executive Committee for 14 years and as Grand Master (1981-82),
International Supreme Council, of which he is now an Active Member. His
wife, Mary Lynne, is a public school teacher with four children, ages 16 to
26.

Throughout his long Masonic career, Deputy Morgan has demonstrated both
competence and enthusiasm, qualities he will undoubtedly bring to his new
role as Deputy in the Grand Orient of Nevada.

Masons Participate in Second U. S. Capitol Cornerstone Celebration

Again, Freemasonry was on national and international display on October 23,
1993, as Congress and the American people celebrated the bicentennial of
the laying of the cornerstone of the United States Capitol. Like the
Masonic reenactment of the cornerstone ceremony on the actual bicentennial
day (September 18, 1993), this general celebration was conducted with
appropriate pomp and ceremony.

The events, broadcast via live television to millions around the world,
began at 8:30 a.m. with a parade from the ellipse near the White House to
the Reflecting Pool on the west front of the Capitol. There, at 9:30 a.m.,
colorful military units, bands, and hundreds of people in
eighteenth-century costume paused to witness an inspiring program offered
by a non-profit Celebration Committee educational consortium chaired by
Betty Jane Johnson Gerber with Dr. Claude H. Harris, Jr., who also happens
to be a Thirty-second Degree Mason and Worshipful Master of
Alexandria-Washington Lodge No. 22, Alexandria, Virginia, as historical
consultant.

Supported by nine major contributors, including the Scottish Rite, S\J\,
USA, this consortium of some 18 historical, patriotic, military, and
Masonic groups featured brief inspirational presentations by M\W\ George R.
Adams, 33, Grand Master of Masons of the District of Columbia; M\W\
Nathaniel M. Adams, 33, Grand Master of Prince Hall Masons in the District
of Columbia; and Ill\ C. Fred Kleinknecht, 33, Sov\ Gr\ Cmdr\, Scottish
Rite of Freemasonry, S\J\, USA, in addition to introductory comments by
Chairperson Gerber and a historic/Masonic perspective by Bro\ Harris.

Then followed an excellent portrayal of a shortened version of the Masonic
cornerstone ceremony by professional actors in authentic period costume
wearing resplendent new Masonic aprons provided by Bro\ Robert B. Schlenk,
32, of the Louisville, Kentucky, Scottish Rite Bodies, who was also
instrumental, along with Colonial Williamsburg, in providing a magnificent
silver cornerstone plaque similar to the one placed under the original
cornerstone of the Capitol by Bro\ and President George Washington in the
1793 Masonic cornerstone laying.

Following these stirring ceremonies, the parade and assembled spectators
moved to the east and west fronts of the Capitol to witness the return via
helicopter of the Statue of Freedom to the Capitol dome. Then a roster of
distinguished statesmen addressed the huge crowd. Among them were: Hon.
George J. Mitchell, Majority Leader, U. S. Senate; Hon. Bob Dole, 33,
G\C\, Minority Leader, U. S. Senate; Hon. Robert C. Byrd, 33, G\C\,
President Pro Tempore, U. S. Senate; Hon. Harry A. Blackmun, Associate
Justice of the Supreme Court; Rita Dove, Poet Laureate of the United
States; Hon. Robert H. Michel, 

Republican Leader, U. S. House of Representatives; Hon. Richard A.
Gephardt, Majority Leader, U. S. House of Representatives; Hon. Thomas S.
Foley, Speaker of the U. S. House of Representatives; and the President of
the United States of America, a Senior DeMolay, William J. Clinton.

Each speaker addressed an aspect of the history of the United States
Capitol, the Statue of Freedom, and the significance of the occasion.
Senator Dole  twice noted Masonic aspects of the original cornerstone
ceremony two centuries ago.

This glorious day for America and Freemasonry concluded with Liza Minnelli
singing America the Beautiful, a 50-state cannon salute to the Union, and
a joint concert by the Howard University Choir and the United States Navy
Band.

Friend To Friend Masonic Memorial Monument

August 21, 1993, was a clear, sunny day in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. The
beauty of the blue skies contrasted sharply with the desolation and carnage
of 130 years before at the Battle of Gettysburg. During that awful battle,
where Brother battled Brother and which was the turning point in preserving
the Union, there were small incidents of humanity, incidents when opposing
soldiers forgot their hatred and remembered their Brotherhood as members of
the human family with one divine Father. The Friend to Friend Masonic
Memorial Monument (pictured below right) commemorates one such touching
event.

The dedication activities began Friday evening, August 20, at 7:30 p.m.
when a formal patriotic dinner was hosted by R\W\ Edward H. Fowler, Jr.,
33, Grand Master of Masons in Pennsylvania. The next morning at 9:30, in a
ceremony witnessed by more than a thousand spectators, hundreds of members
of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, lead by a color guard of members of the
Order of DeMolay and of the Knights of Pythagoras (a Prince Hall youth
organization), marched to the site of the dedication.


The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania is well known for doing things right, and
that is how the Friend to Friend Masonic Memorial Monument was handled.
From conception to completion, Pennsylvania Masons maintained the high
standards of our Fraternity to create a national monument in which every
Mason can take great pride. The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania did much, much
more than merely commission a statue. They reconstructed and landscaped the
entire Cemetery Annex. The statue is on the crest of the knoll of the
Annex, and it is surrounded by a viewing plaza of highly polished granite.
The Grand Lodge project included the construction of a new entrance plaza
with lighted flagpole, paved roadways, parking lot with handicapped access,
permanent perimeter fencing, a wayside exhibit, and improved landscaping.
And just to make sure everything continues to be right, the Grand Lodge
provided a $25,000 endowment for the perpetual maintenance of the Friend to
Friend Masonic Memorial Monument.

The statue, sculpted by Bro\ Ron Tunison of Cairo, New York, a nationally
prominent historical artist, depicts the historically verified July 3,
1863, encounter on Cemetery Ridge between Confederate Brigadier General
Lewis A. Armistead and Captain Henry Bingham, an Aide to Union Major
General Winfield S. Hancock. Armistead and Hancock had been friends, fellow
officers, and Freemasons for many years, but they chose to fight on
opposing sides when the Civil War broke out in 1861.

As he was being carried to medical aid, Armistead, by chance, encountered
Captain Bingham. After mutual recognition of each other as Masons and
Armistead's learning of Bingham's relationship to General Hancock,
Armistead asked Bingham to relay a message of regret to his old friend,
Hancock, and entrusted his personal effectsincluding his Masonic watchto
the Captain. Armistead died two days later without seeing Hancock.   

During the dedication ceremonies, R\W\ Fowler laid the capstone of the
surrounding plaza. Under the capstone is a time capsule containing
documents of the occasion and our times. The statue and Cemetery Annex
improvements were then formally conveyed to the National Park Service for
the benefit of the citizens of the United States.

Following the dedication, a stunning parade was held through the streets of
Gettysburg. The parade had six divisions including the entire family of
Masonry: Masons, Shriners, Tall Cedars, DeMolays, Rainbows, Job's
Daughters, and many more. The crowds lining the streets were estimated to
be between 5,000 and 10,000. The events ended with a gala dedication dinner
that evening. Clearly, August 21, 1993, was a proud day for Freemasonry in
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, and in the United States.

Miniature replicas of the statue and commemorative medallions are
available. For more information, call the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania,
Office of the Grand Master, (215) 988-1920.

First Center Opens in Northern Jurisdiction

On a plain piece of notepaper, the message was written in pencil and it
said, Thank you. It was from a 10-year-old, and it said it all! Starting
out as a very reluctant youngster early in the summer of 1993, in six weeks
he was transformed into an enthusiastic student. He had found out, because
of the Scottish Rite, that he wasn't dumb after all!

The first Scottish Rite Learning Center for children with learning
disabilities opened in July, 1993 in the Newton Masonic Temple,
Newtonville, Massachusetts, in conjunction with Massachusetts General
Hospital and its Language Disorders Unit. Twelve children were given
remedial assistance for nine hours each week during the summer, and speech
therapy was also provided. The 1993 Fall program was even more
comprehensive and included an affiliation with C.A.S.T. (Center for Applied
Special Technology) which recently won the prestigious Smithsonian Award
for computer-assisted education.

The Massachusetts Scottish Rite Foundation, Inc., was established a year
ago to raise funds for the establishment of centers initially in
Massachusetts and subsequently throughout the fifteen states in the
Northern Masonic Jurisdiction. Achieving tax-exempt status was
accomplished, and a suggested voluntary contribution was added to each dues
bill. These contributions provided the initial funding necessary for the
renovation of space for the first learning center which contains
approximately one thousand square feet with two private session rooms and
several open areas with movable partitions for potential group sessions.

The fall sessions included Orton-Gillingham therapy for a number of
dyslexic children and computer-oriented programs designed individually for
specific children depending upon their needs.

The Southern Jurisdiction, its officers and members, have been of
immeasurable assistance in the formation of this Foundation and in the
design and development of this first center. The hospitality of the Dallas
and Denver Centers and their personnel, Commander Kleinknecht's personal
interest and support, material supplied by the West Virginia, Maryland and
Washington Centers and by Ill\ Bro\ Thomas M. Boles, 33, and by Executive
Director W. Eugene Sizemore, 33, G\C\, have been most encouraging and of
great value to all those involved in this venture.

The above news item was contributed by Ill\ J. Philip Berquist, 33, Deputy
for Massachusetts, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction.

Florida Regional 
Reunion A First


The Orient of Florida has a new first, a one-day regional Reunion. Held on
September 18, 1993, at the Pensacola Scottish Rite Temple, the historic
event was co-hosted by the Florida Valleys of Pensacola, Panama City, and
Tallahassee.

During this special one-day Reunion, 105 new Thirty-second Degree Scottish
Rite Masons were created at the Pensacola Scottish Rite Temple. Of these,
57 candidates were from the Valley of Pensacola, 39 from the Panama City
Valley, and 7 from the Valley of Tallahassee.

The Reunion got a jump start on Friday evening when all participants and
guests, as well as local members, attended a fish fry hosted by the
Brothers of Pensacola. Over 300 attended this introduction of the
candidates to Scottish Rite fellowship.

On Saturday morning, 65 wives of candidates toured the Pensacola Historical
Disrict followed by a luncheon and style show at the Pensacola Executive
Club located at Harborview on the Bay. These affairs were hosted by the
Scottish Rite Woman's Association.

On Saturday evening, over 300 members, spouses, and guests were treated to
a delicious banquet held in the Temple dining room honoring the new
Scottish Rite Masons and featuring as principal speaker Ill\ Robert L.
Goldsmith, 33, S\G\I\G\ in Florida.

Ervin Portrait Presented to Grand Lodge of North Carolina

On December 19, 1992, a portrait of Senator Sam Ervin Jr., 33, was
received in the Temple Architects Hall of Honor in the House of the Temple
in Washington DC.

Central to the move to place the portrait of Senator Sam in the Hall was
Past Grand Master of North Carolina James W. Brewer, 33. Donations from
around the state may have helped in placing the painting, but Ill\ Brewer
was the driving force, ever working and moving the Craft toward the goal.

In appreciation of his efforts, a facsimile copy of the original Ervin
painting was given to Ill\ Brewer. His response was, of course, that the
picture belonged to the Masons of the state, and that it should be hung in
the Grand Lodge offices in Raleigh, NC.

On September 3, 1993, the portrait was hung with due formalities at the
entrance of the headquarters. More than 50 people attended, and Ill\ H.
Lloyd Wilkerson, 33, S\G\I\G\ in North Carolina and Grand Prior, served as
master of ceremonies. Invocation and benediction were offered by Bro\ James
Bailey, 32.

Past Grand Master and Superior Court Judge Lester Martin, 33 introduced
the featured speaker for the event, Bro\ James G. Exum, Jr., 32, Chief
Justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court and Past Grand Orator of the
Grand Lodge of North Carolina.

War hero, country lawyer, legislator, trial judge, congressman, associate
justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court, United States Senator, author,
raconteur, beloved statesmanall these fit the Hon. Sam J. Ervin Jr., whose
portrait the Grand Lodge will receive and unveil today; yet all taken
together barely hint at the greatness of this man, according to Bro\ Exum.
Our Nation rightly claims him as a national hero. We here proudly claim him
our Masonic Brother.

Ill\ Brewer made the formal portrait presentation to Grand Master Richard
G. Moore, 33. Judge Sam J. Ervin III, 32, son of Senator Sam, expressed
thanks on behalf of the family for the recognition of his father.

General Doolittle Dies

On September 27, 1993, with the death of Lt. Gen. James H. Doolittle, 33,
G\C\, at his home in Mt. Carmel, California, America and Freemasonry lost
one of our greatest heroes. Born on December 14, 1896, in Alameda, CA, Ill\
Doolittle is best known for his thirty seconds over Tokyo World War II
bombing raid on Japan in 1942. Those were dark days for America. Bataan had
fallen. The situation on Corregidor was desperate. Then, on April 18, 1942,
Lt. Col. Jimmy Doolittle led 16 B-25s from the carrier Hornet on a daring
attack on the Japanese home island. The raid proved inspirational, giving
the United States a much-needed morale boost and shaking Japanese
confidence in its own invincibility.

Previous to his military service, Ill\ Doolittle was a prizefighter, daring
stunt flyer and racer, and then test pilot who innovated the development of
high-octane aviation fuel and was the first pilot to fly blind, guided
exclusively by instruments, from takeoff to landing.

Later, he had key roles in helping to establish a separate United States
Air Force and promoting exploration of space. Awarded the Congressional
Medal of Honor for his accomplishments, Ill\ Doolittle in later life was a
vice president and director of the Shell Oil Company.

In Freemasonry, Bro\ Doolittle became a Master Mason on August 16, 1918, in
Hollenbeck Lodge No. 319, Los Angeles, California, and Master of the Royal
Secret in the San Diego Consistory on December 14, 1918. He received the
Thirty-Third Degree Honorary in 1945 and the Grand Cross of Honour in 1990.
In 1991, as a gift of the Scottish Rite Masons of California, his portrait
was received in the Temple Architects Hall of Honor in the House of the
Temple in Washington, DC.

In recognition of their famous Brother, each Reunion class of the
California Scottish Rite Valleys in 1993 will be named a Jimmy Doolittle
Class, and each class will carry as its emblem one of the flight insignias
of Ill\ Brother Doolittle's Tokyo raiders. Extraordinary pilot, soldier,
business executive and Mason, Ill\ James H. Jimmy Doolittle is a giant of
our nation and our Fraternity. His name will live forever so long as
humankind honors bravery, dedication, and selfless service.

Second Lodge  in Russia

The Grand Loge Nationale Franaise recently announced the consecration of a
second Lodge in Russia. Moscow's Harmony Lodge No.1 was consecrated on
January 14, 1992, and is now gaining initiates and performing well.
Russia's second Lodge, Astree No. 803, was consecrated between September 8
and September 12, 1993, in St. Petersburg and should prosper as the ideals
of freedom and fraternity spread throughout Russian society.

Cards Bring Cheer

The panel below was put together by Bro\ Edwin S. Douglas, 32, of the San
Diego Scottish Rite Bodies. He also has created a series of 3 x 8 cards
to send to ill, aged, and handicapped Scottish Rite members.



These cards feature realistic characters with a splash of color, and with
appropriate captions that have humor and/or a special message. In addition,
all cards have a flap on the back so that the cards will stand upright.   

Samples of these cards and any hereafter ordered, are available at no
charge. Send your request for samples to: Edwin S. Douglas, 1912 Gateway
Dr., San Diego, CA  92105-5106.

Masons Host 

Back-to-School Barbecue

Members of King David's Lodge No. 209 of San Luis Obispo, California, were
the hosts and the local Scottish Rite Clubs the cooks at a recent barbeque.
Hawthorne School students, kindergarten through sixth grade, their
families, teachers, and support staff were the guests as over 300 hot dog
dinners with all the trimmings were served at the first Adopt-a-School
event of the 1993-94 school year. The event also served as an informal
gathering of parents and students to welcome the school's new principal,
Dr. Carol Takagi.

King David's Lodge formally adopted the school last spring. Last year,
members of King David's Lodge queried Hawthorne School staff, teachers, and
parents to find out what volunteer projects would benefit the students and
their families. A need was identified for re-emphasizing the school site as
a family center for education, recreation, and multi-generational
camaraderie. With this in mind, King David's Lodge made a proposal to host
the back-to-school barbecue. In addition, Hawthorne School students and
their teachers were the grateful recipients of a donation of art supplies
from members of King David's Lodge who also serve as tutors and volunteer
in the classrooms and library. Clearly, members of King David's Lodge No.
209 and the Scottish Rite Clubs of San Luis Obispo stand strong in carrying
through with Masonry's traditional support of America's public schools.






Where Do You Do Your Shopping?

Thomas M. Boles, 33
Chairman, Scottish Rite 
Masonic Children's
Program Development
1761 East Woodcrest Avenue
La Habra, California  90631-3260

See pages 21 of August, 26 of November 1992, 25 of June, 53 of July, 18 of August, 31 of September, 45 of October, and 53 of November 1993 Scottish Rite Journal for Parts I-VIII of this Where Do You Do Your Shopping? series.

YES, we have a Speciality Department which has a product that, to my knowledge, you cannot find anyplace else in the world. Of course this product is not needed by every family, but for those who do need it, they should come in this month and do a little shopping. And for those who do not need it, they might find it most interesting that we have such a product on our Shelves Of Happiness. In fact, we have similar products for every household.

        Many people today have large estates and want to pass this wealth
along to their children and grandchildren, but it seems that estate taxes,
gift taxes, death taxes, and who knows what other taxes, come in the way.
It's frightening to think most of everything you have earned in your
lifetime may be taken away before you have a chance to share it with your
family.

        Well, we have a product (solution) for you that covers this very
situation. Without it costing you one single penny, you can receive from
our shelves a complete Estate Plan Proposal, fully analyzed by Certified
Estate Planners and reviewed by some of the best attorneys and certified
public accountants in the world. We have been providing this product for
quite some time, but it appears only a few of our members know it is on our
shelves.

        Here's just a brief example, without its long explanation, of what
can happen with proper planning:

           Current Estate Without Plan

equals $10,750,000

           Net Estate Passing To Chil- dren Before Plan equals $5,544,800

           With Plan, Net Estate Pass- ing to Children equals $10,440,300

I have made it look simple, but I assure you many, many hours of
professional time went into this product (solution) to make it all
possible. Isn't it well worth the shopping hours, not only for the children
of our Language Disorders Centers, but truly worth the shopping hours to
you, our Brother and/or your family?

 If you have a situation similar to the above, please give me a call, or
write, and I'll be most pleased and privileged to share with you Our
Products For Happiness. Which leaves our ad for this month as follows:

To read without thought is motionless, but to read with thought is the seed
of action.      s


Please remember The Scottish
Rite Foundation, S\J\, USA, with
your gifts and in your will.
	1-800-486-3331

The Flood of '93 . . .
John H. Collison, 33
800 Highway 45, Weston, Missouri  64098-0126


Living in Weston, Missouri, most of my life, I have seen many floods and
listened to old timers tell of the high waters way back when, but the
flood of '93 is one to remember!

In our community, spring brought much precipitation, but local streams
remained in their banks. Then came late June, and we noticed weather
reports of heavy rains upstream, and the Old Missouri was running bank
full. July brought additional rains, and then the skies opened in Iowa and
Nebraska. By July 10, the river was at flood stage. From that point of time
onwards, one crisis after another came with each crest a little higher than
the last one. The final blow reached our community on July 26. The crest
rose to an all-time record, and waters covered areas to depths never before
recorded. The people had fought a good fight, but the river had won.

The first reaction of the people was to give up and abandon their
businesses, homes, and farms to Old Man Missouri. This reaction lasted
about five days as the water began to recede and the devastation unfolded.
It is difficult to describe the destruction and muddy mess the river left
in asserting its rights over man. Soon the American spirit began to come
alive, and the people began to fight back. Encouragement from all over
America began to arrive. Donations of cash, labor, and materials poured
into our area. In a few short weeks, businesses were reopened, homes were
being rebuilt, farmland reclaimed, and spirits uplifted. The American
character cannot be dampened by flood, and the people were fighting back.

This story of the flood of '93 revealed to those of us living in the
Midwest that people still help people. We saw the work of the American Red
Cross and Salvation Army firsthand. Assistance was received from Rotary
Clubs, church groups, and fraternal institutions. For instance, Compass
Masonic Lodge No. 120 in Parkville, Missouri, moved from their Lodge
building in order for the local bank to move in and operate during the
rehabilitation of their building. The work continues, and it will be many
months before things return to normal.

Man will continue the fight to control the mighty Missouri. At times, it
appears all is lost, but the rich bottom land will again produce food for
our tables, businesses will operate, and the people will return to their
homes. This is America, and it will take more than floods to dampen our
spirit!     s


Joseph  H. Collison is a 45-year member and Past Master of Weston Lodge No. 53, Weston, MO, Past Potentate of Moila Shrine Temple, St. Joseph, MO, and a former member of the Board of Directors, Masonic Home of Missouri. Bro\ Collison is Senior Vice Pres. of the Bank of Weston, MO.

A CIVIL WAR MASONIC  INCIDENT


George S. Cowan, Jr., 32 
1835 Forrest
Memphis, Tennessee  38112

This 120-year-old tear-jerker from the American Civil War era is a most
sweetly powerful example of Masonic charity. It may give you pause to
wonder what you would have done if faced with a similar situation. Would
you have done likewise?

Editor's Note: Brother Cowan, with his son Scott, is an experienced
researcher of earlier Masonic periodicals. Their mutual project called
MOMMA (Make Our Masoniana More Accessible) is dedicated to preserving the
physical magazines themselves and to making significant selections from
them available. The Scottish Rite Journal is cooperating in this effort by
republishing outstanding articles, as offered by Dr. Cowan, from
long-out-of-print Masonic periodicals. A Civil War Masonic Incident is an
essay from Loomis' Musical and Masonic Journal as reprinted in The Masonic
Jewel 1872, volume 2, pages 1420. This article, as in others past and
upcoming in this series entitled Those Who Have Gone This Way Before, has
been edited to regularize capitalization to the Journal's criteria. Also,
minor changes have been made to modernize presentation. Deletions are
indicated via the use of ellipses and additions via brackets.

The incident which we are about to relate occurred in New Haven, Connecticut, and of which we were a witness, before we were admitted to enjoy the great gifts of Masonry. 

        During the fall of the second year of the late Civil War, we were
passing down one of our principal thoroughfares, when we stepped into a
store on business with the proprietor. While conversing with the owner, a
woman of thirty and a little girl not over six years of age entered, and
after looking wistfully about a minute or two, timidly drew near to where
we were standing, and as the woman  extended her open, thin, hand, we saw
four pennies therein.

        She said, as she did so: Please sir, will you give me another
penny? I want to get a loaf of bread. I have four cents, and I need a penny
more.

        While speaking, she turned toward the proprietor of the store, who
looked at her a second, and then said, in a heartless manner: Oh clear out!
I can't be bothered with beggars.

        With tears streaming down her cheeks, she started to go out; the
little child by her side clinging to her dress, looked up into her mother's
face, and lisping as children can only speak: Mama, I want a cookie.

        We had been silent spectators until now, and following the woman to
the sidewalk, we stopped her, and invited her to step into the bakery
adjoining, where we purchased her a large loaf of bread. With the usual
mistrust that pervades the human heart, we broke the loaf across our knee,
for fear she might pawn it for a drink. We handed the woman the broken
loaf, and as she grasped it, she sank upon her knees, and if there ever was
a prayer of thanksgiving that went to the throne above, it was the earnest
words of this starving woman.

        In the bakery there were several gentlemen, whose eyes were wet
with tears unbidden. The poor woman was assisted to rise by one of the
gentlemen, who extended his hand to help her. As she put forth her hand, on
her finger was a small gold ring on which was engraved the letter G.

        The gentleman looked at it a second or so, and then, turning to the
owner of the bakery, asked him if he knew the woman. The baker said all he
knew was that she lived just around the corner, and that her husband had
enlisted in one of the three-years regiments, and had gone to the war. The
gentleman at once ordered the baker to fill a basket of provisions and take
them to the home of the woman. The woman was too much overcome to express
her gratitude, while the little child  looked on with apparent
astonishment. 

        After finishing his orders to the baker, the gentleman took the
little child by the hand, led her into a shoe store close by, and procured
a pair of shoes for the little feet, which were purple with cold. He then
bade the woman good-bye, promising to come and see her that night, and
turning to us, asked us to accompany him. We consented, and went. In a
single room, without a carpet, we found the mother and two childrenthe
little girl whom we saw in the afternoon, and a little boy, not over four
years old, asleep close behind a wood fire.

        We were welcomed with tears falling down the cheeks of the lady as
she bade us enter and take seats. After thanking us and making excuses for
her appearance, she told us her story. Her husband, an English bricklayer,
came to this country early in the spring, but on arriving in this city he
did not readily find work, and while out looking for something to do,
became disheartened and enlisted for three years. He left the city in a
week after enlistment, leaving his family nothing with which to purchase
the necessities of life. The few spare articles of simple furniture which
the little broken-heartened family possessed, and could do without, she had
pawned, until only two broken chairs and a table, a lounge and a stove,
with a few dishes, formed the entire stock of her household furniture. Her
husband had promised to send her some money, but she had not heard a word
from him since he had marched down Long Wharf to the war. 

        Her narrative was often interrupted by scalding tears, but there
was such an earnestness in it, that both of the visitors felt relieved when
she had finished. Our friend then asked her where she got the ring she wore
on her finger.

        She said that just as she was leaving Liverpool, her mother, father
and sister came to see her off, and as she was about to step on board the
ship, her father took from his finger the ring and put it into her hand,
and told her always to wear it, and if ever in distress to show it to
someone.

        She had worn it ever since, but  had forgotten, in her troubles,
her father's advice. She slipped the ring off her finger and showed it to
us, and after viewing it a short time, our companion inquired if her father
was a Mason. She answered that he was, and Master of one of the Lodges in
Liverpool.

        We were interested spectators during the whole scene. We looked at
the letter G, but to our eyes it had no meaning, and innocently enough we
inquired of our companion what it meant.

         What does it mean? he repeated after us. Why it means that that
woman is my Brother's daughter, and she is in distress, and that it is my
Masonic duty and my pleasure to help her.

        And we knew that he was as good as his word. The dreary home was
made happy, and the hearts of the lone one and her children were bound up
with the silken cords of love and charity. Our companion interested himself
in finding where the husband was, and it was not many months before
remittances came regularly from the patriot in the gallant army to his
family at home.

        The wife sent a letter home to her father, and today our Brother
(for we have learned the value of the letter G) has in his possession a
token and a letter of thanks, as rich in gratitude as words can make it,
from the Brother Mason who presides over a Lodge of the Craft in Liverpool.

        The husband served his time amid the canebrakes of Louisiana and
returned to his home to thank in person him who had cared for his wife and
little ones in his absence. Thus the simple letter G may teach all a
lesson, and prompt us to the works of love and charity that make the heart
glad; for it is more blessed to give than to receive.     s



George S. Cowan, Jr.

is a full professor of  Surgery at the College of Medicine, University of
Tennessee, Memphis.   He is a Past National Commander of the Heroes of 76,
National Sojourners, and a member of the Scottish Rite Bodies of Memphis,
Tennessee.


ENJOY  YOUR YEAR!


David B. Dibrell, 32, K\C\C\H\
7732 Mullrany, Dallas, Texas  75248-1717

	Responsibility and leadership.

        These are usually the words uppermost in a new Lodge officer's mind
as he begins his year in office. These are, of course, essential qualities
for both the growth and prosperity of a Lodge. Equally essential, however,
is that ALL officers enjoy their year.

For the newly installed Worshipful Masters, now is the time to enjoy the
fruits of your many years of preparation. For the newly installed Wardens,
you must exercise patience and complete the final preparations for the next
year while, at the same time, supporting the new Master. For the newly
installed Secretaries, you must again resolve to exercise perseverance and
remember that you not only maintain the records of the Lodge, YOU are the
continuity that keeps the Lodge working from year to year.

Masters, now is the time, now is YOUR time, to implement all of those
wonderful, carefully thought out plans. But, please remember, all plans are
made to be changed. Also, realize that everything will not be perfect. You
have done the best you can do to prepare. Now is the time to demonstrate
your leadership abilities. Now is the time for you to exercise a positive
attitude and dynamic example. 

The job of Worshipful Master of a Lodge has enormous power. In fact, the
job has more power than any other job in any other organization. Use this
power wisely and remember that it is always easier to pull a rope than to
push it. Remember that you are at all times the leader, but you cannot lead
if no one follows.

There are two kinds of leadership, the Go Get  Em style and the Follow Me
style. Both styles are acceptable, and both can be successful. The style
that you adopt will depend on your personality, upon your preparation, and
upon your followers. In fact, you may switch back and forth between styles
at various times throughout the year.

The Go Get  Em leadership style is the typical style used by athletic
coaches. They set the goals, they direct the training, and they motivate
the players to Go Get Em. Although not active participants directly,
these leaders are still involved and still share in the excitement of the
tasksin the successes and in the failures.

The Follow Me leadership style is utilized by those leaders who are
actively involved and participating in the tasks at hand. These leaders
often feel that the only way to lead is to be out in front of the troops.
A Follow Me style is usually appropriate when leading small groups and
executing small tasks.

This year you are the Master. This year is the time for you to lead your
Lodge. Whether a Go Get  Em or a Follow Me style of leader, be sure that
you lead. YOU must make it happen!

Wardens, this is YOUR year for patience. Since it is your year for final
preparations, complete those final plans. This is your year to observe and
to support the Master. As we look well to the West, we must see an
emerging leader. Yes, leadership is your job too. You only lead the parade
when the Master asks you to, but you must be prepared to assume the lead at
any time. In fact, a good

Master will be helping you develop your leadership skills. He will take
time to enjoy his year. At the same time, he will be helping you to prepare
for your year.

Remember the old adage, you cannot lead until you learn to follow? Learn
to follow the Master. Learn from his mistakes. Make your final plans now
and be ready.

Secretaries, get ready for another year of perseverance! It often seems
that the Secretary receives little recognition for the difficult tasks he
performs, but that is O.K. You did not take the job for recognition. You
took the job to help your Lodge. The new Master has worked diligently to
achieve his station. He has planned and prepared. Be his willing helper. 

Never remind the Master of how you did it in MY year. This is not your
year. This is the Master's year. This year, you will do things his way. As
the young folks used to say, Go with the flow. Be genuinely helpful. Be a
team player. Support and assist the new Master. He may be poor, even
penniless, in regard to knowledge, so contribute to his relief. He may not
know it, but he really does need your help in guiding the Lodge.

This is a time of new beginnings. It is now time to execute. All of the
preparation in the world is useless without execution! Adopt and
re-energize that positive attitude. Positive attitudes generate energy and
synergy.

Masters, Go Get  Em! Take the lead and tell your Lodge to Follow Me! Now
is the time for you to enjoy YOUR year!

Wardens, you, too, must have patience! Be the right hand of your new
Worshipful Master. Be prepared and enjoy YOUR year.

Secretaries, have perseverance! Help, aid, and assist the new Master. Enjoy
YOUR year!

So together, all of the newly elected Lodge officers are reminded that with
leadership, time, patience, and perseverance, you, your Lodge, and all
Masonry can overcome ALL things, and achieve ALL things!

Enjoy YOUR year!     s



David B. Dibrell
is the Wise Master of Dallas Chapter of Rose Croix. A Past Master of
Richmond Lodge No. 1214, Richardson, Texas, he served as District Deputy
Grand Master in 1990. An active Eastern Star, he is a Past Patron of
Dal-Cliff Chapter No. 574 in Dallas and currently serves as Grand Sentinel
of the  Grand Chapter of Texas. A Senior DeMolay, Bro\ Dibrell holds the
Legion of Honor from DeMolay as well as the Grand Cross of Color from
Rainbow.


Sodden but Successful

Edward Haynie Ezell, 32
Route 2, Box 170
Buffalo, Texas  75831


A s a worthy Masonic example, consider Dr. S. M. Brown. He was born in
Pennsylvania on December 4, 1865. In later years, he finished medical
college and set up an office for the general practice of medicine at
Keechi, Texas. Shortly thereafter, he joined Oakwood Lodge No. 967 where he
was raised as a Master Mason on July 2, 1907. Later, he affiliated with
Buffalo Lodge No. 554 on February 28, 1920. He remained a member of the
Buffalo Lodge until his death March 2, 1948.

A Brother Mason who was Dr. Brown's neighbor and had been made a Master
Mason in Buffalo Lodge on December 25, 1909, told me the following story at
Dr. Brown's funeral.

During the flu epidemic of 1918, about everyone became sick including
Brother W. D. Recknow, the neighbor across the creek from Dr. Brown.
Brother Recknow got word to Dr. Brown that he felt like he was dying and to
come and bring him some medicine.

Dr. Brown had four saddle horses, and since he was having to go horseback
night and day on sick calls, the horses were ridden down except one younger
horsethe only choice for the emergency call. It was night and recent heavy
rains had the creek bottom covered with water from hill to hill. Dr. Brown
decided not to try to swim the main channel on an inexperienced horse.
Instead, he dismounted, took off most of his clothes and swam the main
channelwhich he could not wadeholding his clothes and medicine kit above
the water. On the other side of the creek, he dressed and walked to Brother
Recknow's place. After attending to Brother Recknow, he then returned to
the swollen creek and went through the same procedure of undressing,
swimming the creek, mounting the horse, which he had secured to a tree, and
returning home, a tired and worn person. But Brother Recknow got well and
proudly told this story to his friends and neighbors just about anytime
there was a group together.     s


Edward H. Ezell

is a member of Buffalo Lodge No. 554 in Buffalo, Texas. Brother Ezell
received his 65-year pin in 1990, having been raised in Lubbock, Texas, in
1925. Though aged 97 and recovering from  a slight stroke, he wanted to
share this exemplary Masonic story with the Brethren.


A RECIPE TO HEAL THE HEART

Carlos A. Garcia, MD, 32
144 Marsh Wren Court Daytona Beach, FL  32119-8707

HEART DISEASE is America's number-one killer, and as a heart surgeon for
over 30 years I have witnessed it firsthand. More Americans die from heart
disease than from all other natural causes combined. In the U.S. alone,
surgeons annually perform 330,000 coronary bypass operations. An additional
190,000 cardiac patients every year undergo angioplasty, which usually
involves the use of a balloon-tipped catheter to widen the arteries.

Both operations provide immediate, dramatic relief for the cardiac patient.
But the relief is only temporary. On average, five years or so after bypass
surgery, plaque has built up in the grafted veins. And arteries opened by
angioplasty sometimes become partly blocked again within three to six
months. Finally, the price tags are staggering: about $7,500 for
angioplasty and between $30,000 and $40,000 for bypass surgery. All told,
some $11 billion is spent in the U.S. each year on surgery for coronary
heart disease. Another $65 billion is spent on treatment by about 45
million Americans who are suffering from heart disease.

Until recently, blockage of coronary arteries was considered irreversible.
The standard treatment besides bypass surgery, angioplasty and other
invasive techniquesis to prescribe heart medications and cholesterol
lowering drugs. But a growing body of research is showing that our food
choices may help determine how well our hearts stand the test of time.

The first-ever Surgeon General's Report on Nutrition and Health issued in
1988, stated that diet affects longevity: For the two of three adult
Americans who do not smoke and do not drink excessively, one personal
choice seems to influence long-term health prospects more than any other:
what we eat.

The medical community has been slow to accept the power of diet to prevent
chronic illness, but now it embraces the concept. The National Academy of
Sciences, in its 1989 landmark report, Diet and Health: Implications for
Reducing Chronic Disease Risk, says that for nearly all Americans there is
an ideal diet. It is one that is low in cholesterol and fat; low in salt;
moderate in protein; well supplied with calcium; and rich in complex
carbohydrates and fiber such as those found in whole grains, fruits, and
vegetables. Specifically, the academy's report advises us to consume less
of certain kinds of nutrients. Here are some specifics:

       Consume no more than 12 ounces of beef, chicken, fish, cheese, or
other high protein foods a day.

       Limit total salt intake to six grams a day.

       Reduce total fat intake to 30 percent or less of calories.

       Reduce cholesterol to less than 300 mg. daily (one egg contains 240
mg).

And perhaps most important, it tells us what to eat more of:

       Eat five or more servings of a combination of vegetables and
fruits, especially green and yellow vegetables and citrus fruits every day.

       Increase intake of starches and other complex carbohydrates by
eating six or more servings of a combination of breads, cereals, and
legumes.



When it comes to protein-heavy foods, the goal is twofold: substitute fish,
chicken or beans for red meats and eat smaller portions of protein foods in
general. According to the academy's report, there's been too much emphasis
on protein in our nutritional dogma; not only do animal sources of protein
often come burdened with saturated fat, but excess protein itself puts a
strain on the kidneys and may cause our bones to lose calcium.

In April 1991, the National Conference on Cholesterol and High Blood
Pressure Control not only confirmed the above facts, but also showed that
reversal of arterial and coronary disease could be achieved through proper
diet and regular exercise.     s




Carlos A. Garcia

is a Member in the Valley of Balboa, Orient of  the Panama Canal. He
graduated  from Georgetown Medical Center in Washington, DC, in 1958 and
did post-doctoral studies in Cardio-vascular disease until 1964. He has
practiced medicine for over 30 years.


Freemasonry Up North

John H. Grainger, 32, K\C\C\H\ 

P.O. Box 5326, Ketchikan, Alaska  99901-0326

CONSIDER the commitment and respect the Masons from Whitehorse, Yukon
Territory, Canada, have for their Brothers in Skagway, Alaska. Driving from
a subarctic interior, over the White Pass, to the coastal rain forest, the
Canadian Masons attend Lodge in Skagway. Temperatures of below minus 50
degrees and a 110-mile drive (one way) have not deterred these dedicated
Brothers from regularly attending White Pass Lodge, No. 1. It has been
reported that Skagway sponsored the first Masonic Lodge in Whitehorse.
Unfortunately, membership in White Pass Lodge has decreased, and now it is
the Canadians who support the Lodge with membership and labor.

The concern of Masons for one another is not restricted to any one Lodge.
We witness fellowship and brotherhood in action throughout our Alaskan
Lodges. Many Masons support the smaller Lodges by their dual membership,
attendance, and participation.

You called me Brother, and I responded. You challenged me, and I became a
better man.      s


Freemasonry and Fifty

 Hours for the Poor

Irving I. Lasky, M.D., 33
11920 Dorothy Street (204)
Los Angeles, CA  90049

Though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not
charity, I am nothing. I Corinthians, 13:2

Charity is the moving force that unites and binds the welfare of others
into the order out of chaos of Freemasonry. When a need exists in our
fellowman, Masonic Bodies quietly pass the hat.  This is Masonic charity
at its best. To clean up a cemetery out of respect for those who have
departed, to put a new roof on a senior citizen's home, or paint a fire
station are all part of the Mason's way of life.

Today, Freemasonry has evolved into a great worldwide benevolent
organization with the objective of bettering world conditions through the
improvement of the individual, for Freemasons believe in the Brotherhood of
Man.  The Masonic Service Association, for instance, places great emphasis
on helping the sick, lonely, and discouraged with particular emphasis on
war veterans.

A marvelous little book entitled Masonic Philanthropies by Dr. S. Brent
Morris, 33, recites chapter and verse about the vast efforts of Masonry.*
Specifically, the average contribution for 1990 was in excess of $525
million, and the amount is increasing every year!

Doctors and lawyers belong to the classic learned professions, and one of
the characteristics of a true profession remains its special relationship
with those in need.

The privilege to practice law or medicine, for instance, has carried with
it the obligation to serve the poor without payment. Many members have
always cared for the poor who need legal or medical help. But their efforts
are not always what they should be, and there is abundant evidence of unmet
needs.  For example, 35 to 50 million Americans are medically uninsured or
seriously underinsured, and access to adequate health care is limited.  

The philosophical and ethical roots of the medical and legal professions,
like those of Freemasonry, are entwined with the public interest, service
to the community, and care for those in need.  In law, for example, the
official policy of the American Bar Associations, adopted in 1975, states:

 It is a basic professional responsibility of each lawyer engaged in the
practice of law to provide public interest legal services without fee or at
a substantially reduced fee in the following areas: poverty law, civil
rights law, charitable organizations representation, and administration of
justice. It should always be provided in a manner consistent with the Model
Rules of Professional Conduct. The organized bar should assist each lawyer
in fulfilling his responsibilities in providing such services as long as
there is need.

In medicine, the American Medical Association's original code of ethics,
written in 1846, emphasizes relief of pain and disease without regard to
danger or personal advantage and states that to individuals in indigent
circumstances, professional services should be cheerfully and freely
accorded.

In 1987, the American Medical Association House of Delegates approved as
policy that the AMA urges all physicians to share in the care of indigent
patients.  Principle 3-6b of the Health Policy Agenda for the American
people states: all health care facilities and health professionals should
fulfill their social responsibility for delivering high-quality health care
to those without the resources to pay.

Doctors and lawyers in our society have benefited greatly from the abundant
opportunities made available to them by the fruits of our plenty. All
doctors and lawyers, as a matter of ethics and good faith, should
contribute a significant percentage of their total professional efforts
without expectation of financial remuneration. This percentage will vary
depending on time, setting, opportunity, and need, but 50 hours a yearor
roughly one week of timeis an appropriate minimum amount. 

There is a great tradition behind the giving of this gift. In the church,
it is called stewardship. In law, it is called pro bono publico. In
medicine, it is called charity.  In everyday society, it is called
fairness.     s


Irving I. Lasky was a member since 1946 of Westgate Lodge No. 335, Los
Angeles, CA, and since 1948 of the Scottish Rite Bodies of Los Angeles
where he participated in Degree presentations. He affiliated with the
Pasadena Scottish Rite in 1984. A higly respected medical author and expert
in forensic medicine, Ill\  Lasky served in World War II as an Air Force
flight surgeon, was an aviation medical examiner for the Federal
Aeronautics Administration, served on the medical staffs of several Los
Angeles hospitals, was a member of the Board of Trustees of Temple Israel,
and created the Lasky Award for medical research at the School of Medicine
at the University of California in Los Angeles in 1992. A long-time member
of the Scottish Rite orchestra of the Los Angeles Valley, Ill\ Lasky wrote
many articles for Masonic publications, including the Scottish Rite
Journal. He was a member of the York Rite Bodies and Al Malaikah Shrine
Temple in addition to being a DeMolay Legion of Honor. We note with deep
regret that Ill\  Bro\ Irving Israel Lasky, 33, passed away in Los Angeles
on March 26, 1993. This fine man and Mason has left our midst, but his
heritage of faithful service and commitment will be with us always.







Young at Heart

A Personal Masonic Remembrance

Harold H. Slattery, 33
1337 S. Maize Road
Wichita, Kansas  67209

SOMETIMES, it is helpful to  younger Brother Masons if we old timers share
our experience in this great Fraternity. I was raised to the Sublime Degree
of Master Mason April 5, 1943, in Albert Pike Lodge No. 303. It was my good
fortune to be a candidate in the first long class held by the Scottish
Rite Bodies of Wichita, Kansas, which ran seven Friday evenings and all day
Saturday, ending with the Thirty-second Degree and class banquet. This was
the 1943 James Harvey Saniford Class, named in honor of this fine departed
Brother.

How anxious I was for each Friday to arrive so that I could witness more
Degrees. Each had a lasting impression on me. Making the acquaintance with
some very fine people through this association with the Blue Lodge and the
Scottish Rite added to this experience. I became a Life Member my first
year in the Wichita Scottish Rite by signing ten top lines. I was on the
Petitions Committee, and I am still in that capacity today. Also, I have
enjoyed working in many of the Degrees and spending many pleasant hours
with my Scottish Rite Brethren.

In 1949, I received the Investiture of Knight Commander of the Court of
Honour. Thirty-four years later in 1983, I received the Thirty-third Degree
Honorary Inspector General.

Today, I remain an active member of Midian Shrine Temple in Wichita, a
Chapter Member of the Shrine Motor Patrol, and a member of the Arab Patrol
(now a veteran in both). I hold membership in both our Wichita High Twelve
Clubs, No. 45 and No. 376. I am likewise proud to be a member of the
Ambassadors of Midian Shrine Temple and an active member of our Scottish
Rite Membership Committee. And, I'm still in the Degree Work!

I guess what I'm trying to say to you, my Brother, is STAY ACTIVE! The
happy labor within the walls of our Temples will keep you both young and
young-at-heart. And I plan to stay that way! My mother was accepted into
the Kansas Masonic Home at age 100 and resided there for six years until
her passing in 1986. Mother had a memorable collection of poetry which she
loved to recite. One particular poem has had a lasting impression on me and
best expresses the true meaning of Masonry in my life:

Lend a hand to one another, 

        In the daily toil of life.

When we meet a weaker Brother,

        Let us help him in his strife.

There is none so weak that may

        Run adrift in shame or sorrow,

For the poor man's lot today,

        May become our own tomorrow.

        

In lending our Masonic hand, our toils become labors of love. I hope that
you enjoy your Masonic labors as much as I have and still do!      s


Harold Slattery

is a 50-year member of Albert Pike Lodge No. 303 as well as a member of the
Scottish Rite Bodies, Midian Shrine Temple, Arab Patrol, and High Twelve
No. 45 and No. 376, all of Wichita, Kansas.

On Earth as it is in Heaven

The Historic Symbolized Masonic Lord's Prayer

James E. Stratton, 32, K\C\C\H\
7613 Soaringfree Lane, Charlotte, NC  28226-4439

AS ACCURATELY as we are able to determine, the Symbolized Masonic Lord's
Prayer pictured on the facing page was painted about 1875. The artist is
not known.

The original painting was acquired by M. G. Lilley Company of Columbus,
Ohio, which had been formed in 1865 to publish Odd Fellows papers and which
later added selected Masonic publications to its line.

When customers requested sources for Lodge paraphernalia, the company
expanded in scope to include Masonic regalia. The business grew rapidly and
at one point employed more than 1,000 people.

During the Depression of the 1930s, the company merged with HendersonAmes
of Kalamazoo, Michigan, to become known as LilleyAmes. Under the economic
hardships of the Great Depression, the once-bustling company eventually
faded from the scene, and the historic Lord's Prayer was discontinued.

In 1971, while rummaging through an attic in Chicago, Jim Miller of
Wauconda, Illinois, found a faded print of the Lord's Prayer. With the help
of a commercial printer friend, the faded print was color-enhanced and
restored. The printer then made color-separated negatives and printed some
copies. Miller was able to secure a copyright for the refurbished artwork
in 1975.

Then, in an unfortunate fire, the artwork was lost forever.

When Miller suffered a stroke in the fall of 1986, he had to give up
selling prints of the prayer. He and his printer partner sold to me their
total interestsinventory of prints, negatives and copyright.          

As a Scottish Rite Mason, Knight Templar and Shriner, I saw the acquisition
of the historic symbolized Masonic Lord's Prayer as a unique opportunity to
provide Brethren an heirloom-quality memento of the Fraternity and, at the
same time, raise funds for our charities, specifically The Knights Templar
Eye Foundation which provides free corrective eye surgery to the needy; The
Scottish Rite Foundation, S\J\, USA which provides free evaluation and
therapy for children with language and learning disorders; and The North
Carolina Masonic Foundation which provides operating expenses for the
Oxford (NC) Orphanage and the Masonic and Eastern Star Home in Greensboro,
NC.

Please use the following directions to obtain this beautifully antiqued
print, which contains 50 authentic Masonic symbols, for display in your
home or office and to pass on as an heirloom or use as a gift for your
Lodge or Temple, its officers, and all your Masonic friends.

The print is available in two formats: 8"x 10" single copy @ $2.50; 12
copies @ $28.00; 24 @ $50.00; 100 @ $150.00; or 11"x14" single copy @
$3.50; 12 copies @ $38.00; 24 @ $70.00; 100 @ $200.00. Add $2.00 S/H per
shipment. Make checks payable to: J. E. Stratton. Mail to: Prayer, 7613
Soaringfree Lane, Charlotte, NC  28226. Payment must accompany order.     s 





The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. James 5:16

More things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of. Lord Alfred
Tennyson, The Passing of Arthur

Who rises from prayer a better man, his prayer is answered. George
Meredith, The Ordeal of Richard Feverel

We do pray for mercy, and that same prayer doth teach us all to render the
deeds of mercy.

Shakespeare, The Merchant of Venice


SANTA'S SLEIGH

Warren R. Truesdell, 32
10312 Bateman
Hayden, Idaho  83835-9244

T  was a couple of weeks before Christmas, and all through the Klowns
house, we were planning a mission not quite like a mouse. These Klowns of
Calam Temple in Idaho were noisy; we were busy planning a visitation to all
of the nursing homes in the five northern counties of Idaho a big project!

First, we had to obtain total numbers of residents in each nursing home.
This necessitated several long-distance calls. Then we compiled the
statistics enabling us to order the stuffed animals, clowns, and dolls as
gifts for  each of the residents. As our hearts thumped with pride, we
thought that a wee stuffed animal wouldn't be sufficient as a gift, so to
our purchases, we added large candy canes. Our final tabulations for
purchases were 80 dozen stuffed animals and 850 candy canes.

Next, the search was on to find a vehicle to transport our stuff plus many
oversized Klowns. To our amazement, the local Dodge dealer offered us the
use of a large 1993 Dodge van. Our inquiry as to cost was answered by these
words: There will be no charge for your use of  the van.

Our supplies were purchased and the days arrived, the second week in
December. We were ready!

Our crew (pictured above) consisted of Calam Klown, Bro\ Ken Waters, in a
brand new tailor-made Santa suit (without stuffing as Ken doesn't need it),
Warren Tinkle Truesdell, Jim Pickle Ufford, and Kent Go-fer Tayman,
our official go-fer, driver, and photographer. Soon we were off on our
missiona mission of true Masonic teaching. All sorts of  surprises were in
store for us.

At the first visitation, a Brother, who is a York Rite member and Shriner,
heard us in the hall of his facility and came from his room, dressed in his
robe, pushing his walker and saying, I'm a Shriner, I'm a Shriner,  a fact
we acknowledged by placing Go- fer's fez on him, and all gathered round
for a photograph with this proud Mason. The second visitation the same day
brought us to the home of one of Idaho's oldest citizens, a lady from
Mullan, Idaho, who is 108 years of age. Again, many pictures were taken of
Anna Bean with Santa and the Klowns.

The second day had more surprises in store. Santa's Sleigh had at the
controls our Illustrious Potentate, Leigh LeGore, with Santa riding
shotgun. We were also joined by Dick Dickie Lindsey. That made three
Klowns in full dress at attention in the rear seat of the van, and
Go-fer. Needless to say Klowns must have pranks! So unbeknownst to Santa,
his bag was weighted with three gift-wrapped bricks which he carried around
for three days before he accidentally dropped his bag, and the noise made
wasn't from stuffed toys! The weather was stormy, snowing and blowing, with
very poor visibility, but Boss, as we called the Potentate, led the team's
members on their mission. On this occasion we were up in the northern-most
Idaho near the Canadian border when we noticed a lady standing in the
middle of the highway waving her arms, a signal of distress. Her car, a
Yugo, was pointed into the guardrail on the low side of a steep curve. It
was snowing, and the wind was blowing hard, so we

proceeded slowly around the car and stopped to give aid and assistance.

Whoa! cried Boss, and Santa's Sleigh stopped. First out was Santa,
followed by three Klowns in full dress plus Boss and Go-fer. As we walked
single file toward the car, passing trucks and cars honked horns, and
people waved at this menagerie walking down the highway. We physically
picked up the Yugo, and put it back on the road as two small children in
the back seat tumbled around excitedly, their eyes as big as saucers.
Go-fer started the engine, mother got in the car, waved, honked, and was
soon out of sight. We stood there laughing and wondering what she and the
kids were going to tell husband and dad when they got home: Santa and the
Klowns put us back on the road! Unbelievable, but true.

So in all our visitssome very long days of work, plus hundreds of miles of
travelwe were greeted by ladies of the Eastern Star, or ladies who said,
My husband was a Mason or I have a son who's a Shriner. We also met a
50-year Mason and a 50-year Knights Templar member. So many times we shared
Masonic conversations. Yes, we met with resistance, too! There was a lady
who wouldn't accept any gifts from us, so I asked her if I could give her a
Christmas kiss. She said yes, so I gently kissed her cheek and whispered,
Merry Christmas, to which she replied, with, at last, a smile and Get out
of here. You bet I did! It was very heartwarming and rewarding to us who
participated in the mission of Santa's Sleigh.

We Shrine Klowns are proud to be Masons, proud of our work, particularly
proud of our Ill\ Potentate, Leigh LeGore, and especially proud that we
brought our love, happiness, and joy to many, many people of northern Idaho
during Christmas of 1992.

]And we'll do it again this year, too!   s

FROM THE  INSTRUCTIVE TONGUE


Gary F. Breylinger, 32
P.O. Box 1197
Big Fork, Montana  59911-1197

Charlie Netherwood was considered to be a character, albeit a delightful
one. He had taken a Confederate ball to his jaw during a Civil War skirmish
and wore a bushy white beard to hide his deformity. Two other wounds in
other areas also slowed him down, but he never lost his wonderful positive
attitude. His local public notoriety came from his annual march on the
Fourth of July, in full Union Army regalia and carrying the Stars and
Stripes, from Monroe, Wisconsin, to New Glarus, a distance of 16 miles. He
continued his march well into the 1920s, when he was in his 80s, and there
were many families along his route who had not known a Fourth without
Charlie.

Now Charlie had married my father's widowed grandmother rather late in
life. He took a liking to his stepgrandson, and Dad always liked him. I
only knew of Charlie through remarks made about him from time to time by
Dad, as old Charlie was gone by the time I came on the scene.

Dad, too, passed away a few years ago. In going through his papers, I found
a letter to Dad, written by Charlie from Oregon, Wisconsin, on February 10,
1929, just a few days after Dad had been raised in La Brea Lodge No. 513 in
Los Angeles. I think there can be no better example of brotherly love,
truth, and affection than what was embodied in that old letter.

Take a moment and listen with your own attentive ear to the words of a
truly instructive tongue.

\Dear Brother Breylinger:

This is a case of an old Masonic Brother addressing one who has just, in a
short time, passed from darkness into light and obtained the three Great
Lights in Masonry. Each beam should be carefully investigated and studied.
This will naturally cause the progressive mind to discover that here is a
wonderful field of opportunity for the attainment of useful knowledge of
the past as well as of the present. I would respectfully commend to your
attention a careful reading of ancient history and the Bible. A further
reason for giving this advice will be more apparent as I write. Too many of
our younger members, as well as older ones, are satisfied if they learn the
ritualistic portion so that they can readily pass an examination to gain a
admission into a strange Lodge, but, my dear boy, this is but a superficial
knowledge of the true meaning of the significance of the words Light, More
Light, and Further Light.

Sixty-five years ago the 11th of last month, I joined the Masonic

Order. I am today 86 years, 1 month and 16 days old, so you see I am well
started on my 87th year. During my 65 years as a Mason, I have served 7
years as a Secretary, 1 year as a Senior Warden, and 10 years as a Master,
at four different times, and have served in all the subordinate positions
in the Lodge. I have received all the so-called Higher Degrees, and am now
a Thirty-second Degree Mason.

I do not mention these facts in a self-praising way, but to impress as far
as I can that my advice in the forepart of this epistle is founded on 65
years of experience. I have received nothing but a very common school
education, I was crippled for life just 4 months after reaching my 20th
birthday, being badly wounded three times. Then I have had a hard time
making a living of it physically and financially. Of all the men who formed
and started my Lodge, every one passed on, but I have never known one
moment during my 65 years that I have regretted joining the Masonic Order.

I am the only Civil War Veteran in this locality. During my 24 years as
U.S. Postmaster here, I spent my spare time in reading and collecting a
valuable library. Ancient History has been something of a specialty with
me, and my knowledge of that and my Masonic experience have been a source
of comfort and consolation during trying times.

Now if you can accomplish it, I would recommend to you that you get a copy
of a wonderful work written and compiled by John Lord LL.D. on ancient
history. In my aged years, it is a matter of regret to me that I did not
have it at your age.

I especially commend the Bible with it. I confess that I have now a higher
and nobler estimate of the Bible than I had before, and a clearer
conception of King Solomon and Masonic history. I enclose a little
pamphlet. The title of this work is, The Beacon Lights of History.

I want you to receive this letter, with as kindly a spirit as it was
written. Take it for just what you think it is worth, but above all receive
it.

                        Fraternally,

                                C. H. Netherwood


Gary F. Breylinger
is a fourth generation Mason. He is a member of Consuelo Lodge No. 325 and
North County Daylight Lodge U.D., both in Escondido, CA, and the San Diego
Scottish Rite Bodies. A retired International consultant, he currently
serves as International Representative and Member of the Board of Directors
of the Antique Motorcycle Club of America.                                                                                                                                                                      

Season's Greetings
from all of us at the
Scottish Rite Jounal



In Touch With The Past

Masonic Travels 
Through London 

Justin A. Hopkins, 32
1236 Kensington Drive
Charleston, South Carolina
29407-7735

Wanderlust. This is a wonderful ailment which has afflicted my wife and me
on many occasions, causing us to roam around the world in search of new
experiences and wonderful people. The highlight of our travels abroad,
however, was our first visit to Great Britain.

I do admit to holding a warm place in my heart for England because of my
heritage. Both my maternal and paternal grandparents were British, later
becoming citizens of the United States and settling in Charleston, South
Carolina. In addition, I, like many American Masons, feel a strong bond
with the Craft in England.

Even people without partiality towards England cannot deny that the
country's capital, London, is one of the world's great cities. Seat of the
British Royal Empire, London has a history that can be traced back to
revolts against Roman invaders in 61 A.D. Today, London's modern face
reveals vestiges of the city's triumph and turmoil: the great London fire,
the architecture of Sir Christopher Wren, the theatre revival of the
Restoration, and the bombing raids of World War II.

In England, we stayed in Mayfair, named for a fair which took place in May
from the 16th through the 19th centuries. Located in a historic section of
West London, Mayfair is full of notable squares and old buildings, such as
the Mayfair Hotel, where we stayed for a week. 

One day during our stay we walked to Piccadilly Circus, a multiple
intersection serving as one of London's centers of traffic and amusement.
Piccadilly Street, which runs to Green Park, is crammed with hotels, clubs,
and shops, as well as the famous St. James's Church and the Royal Academy
of Arts. According to one of the local shopkeepers, the area also boasts a
historic Masonic structure, the British Grand Lodge of 1717.

As an American Mason, I was very interested in seeing the building because
Blue Lodges in the United States emanated, in large part, from British
Military Lodges. Luckily, we were within walking distance.

As we toured the building, learning a great deal about Freemasonry and, in
particular, British Masonry, I felt closely akin to the Mother Grand Lodge.
While there, I purchased a set of slides with commentary which have come in
handy at more than one Blue Lodge meeting.

We emerged from the Grand Lodge tired from walking and decided to hail a
taxi. Traffic in London is crowded, and around Piccadilly it's outrageous,
but  here everyone respects the traffic laws. This even includes the city's
taxi drivers!

The driver who stopped for us was an elderly, distinguished looking
gentleman. He quickly spotted my Past Master's ring and started to talk
enthusiastically about Masonry. At one point he stopped and said to my
wife, Madam, please excuse my talking to your husband about Masonry, but I
cannot contain myself. During our drive back to the hotel, he pointed out
a shop on one side of the street and said if I ever wanted to attend Lodge
in London, I should see the store's proprietor.

Our last stop in England was Southampton, located at the head of the
Southampton Water in Hampshire, southwest of London. A port city for
transatlantic and European merchant and passenger ships, Southampton was
also the dockyard of our transportation back to the United States, the
Queen Elizabeth II.

All the comforts of home perfectly describes the delightful cruise we had
aboard this elegant and enormous luxury liner. One night, the Captain
sponsored a cocktail party for all the Masons on board. There turned out to
be about thirty Brethren from many parts of the world. To help get
acquainted, we each told a brief history of our Blue Lodge, and to this day
I have a portfolio listing the names and addresses of the Brethren I met.

Our trip to Great Britain was wonderful for me as a man of English heritage
and a Mason with ties to the Mother Grand Lodge. Through all our trips
overseas and in the United States, I have never traveled without meeting
Masonic Brethren. Masonry is indeed a universal Fraternityone which has
benefitted me greatly and given me Brotherly ties in nations around the
world.     s




Justin A. Hopkins
is a member of Landmark Lodge No. 76 in Charleston and the Scottish Rite
Valley of Charleston, SC. Now retired, from 1948 to 1972 he was a Territory
Manager for Wyeth Laboratories of Paoli, PA. Bro\ Hopkins makes Freemasonry
an integral part of his many travels around the world.


Editor's Note: WANTED, MORE MASONIC TRAVEL ARTICLES! If you have an
interesting travel tale to tell and it has a Masonic slant, send it to the
Scottish Rite Journal, 1733 Sixteenth St., NW, Washington, DC 20009-3199.
Please include relevant travel pictures, a recent portrait of yourself
(passport type photos are fine), and a brief biography noting a few Masonic
or other life details you care to share with the Brethren.


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