THE BUILDER January 1917


CORRESPONDENCE CIRCLE BULLETIN---No. 4

Edited by Bro. Robert I. Clegg, Caxton Building, Cleveland Ohio

FREEMASONRY AND MONASTICISM IN THE MIDDLE AGES

BY R.I. CLEGG

THERE are some old documents known to us, as the Ancient Charges.
These show that the Freemasons of the middle ages possessed a
curious tradition peculiar to themselves. This tradition dealt with
the origin of Masonry and the invention of geometry, that branch of
the liberal arts and sciences that enters so largely into the
practice of the craft whether operative or speculative. Conder, in
his book. "The Hole Craft and Fellowship of Masons," says that
"this tradition was without doubt largely due to the clerical
influence exercised over their calling."

Not only is this very probable but there is internal evidence to
indicate that the oldest of these Ancient Charges was written by
one holding office in the Church.

This contact of the Lodge and the Church is not surprising. From
the most remote antiquity Masons have built structures to house the
worshipers of the Deity. At all stages of the work they have been
associated with the priesthood. They were also intimately allied
with those religious orders affiliated with the Church.

This fact is of itself sufficient to account for the semi-religious
body that the Masons became. It explains the moral teaching and the
curious traditions found embedded so intimately within the Masonic
organization which has so freely drawn upon the sacred books of the
Church and from legendary history.

Brother Conder says further: "Undoubtedly such was the fact. It is
therefore without surprise that about the end of the fourteenth or
early in the fifteenth century we find a document, evidently
founded on a much earlier one (or on remote oral traditions) which
recites the supposed history of the Fellowship of Masons, and lays
down rules for the guidance of its members; at the same time
inculcating a behavior and conduct, which if not a gratuitous
insertion is as regards ordinary workmen greatly in advance of the
spirit of the time, and far beyond that practiced by the other
trades. No doubt this was to support the craft in maintaining its
ancient worthy position, and in order that its members might
continue to hold their ancient and honorable station."

"As the beauty of the so-called Gothic architecture advanced under
the wing of the Church, schools of Masonry, wherein the elements of
Euclid were taught to the higher classes of operative masons,
became attached to certain religious houses and from time to time
efficient workmen left these schools for work further afield."

Not only in their structural designs but in the decoration of their
buildings the old craftsmen made liberal employment of the
principles set forth by the great geometrician, Euclid. In the
construction of the equilateral triangle entering into the very
first proposition of Euclid's famous "Elements" there was shown to
the Master Mason a new form for the arch, a suggestion for the
familiar trifoil representative of the Trinity, and by the
intersection of the circles he was symbolically shown "the Deity
ever present where the eternity of the past overlapped the eternity
of the future, who was, and is, and is to be."

"If we follow the details of Gothic architecture, we shall see that
the triangle and the circle form the keystone to that ornamental
tracery for which this style is noted. This symbolical language of
Masonry, together with the use of the Mason's square and compasses,
would doubtless be used by the ecclesiastics as an object lesson to
the workmen engaged on the sacred edifice and so become
incorporated in the traditions of their gild. The Masons at the
cathedrals and other large ecclesiastical buildings were attached
to the monastery, and often a technical school of Masonry was
founded by the monks who in teaching the craft would not forget the
higher or symbolical meaning to be derived from the geometrical
figures used in tracing sections, etc." Thus far I quote Brother
Conder.

How far is this vision borne out by the facts ? To my mind it has
a very reasonable foundation. Let us take but one of the old
monastic orders and compare it with Freemasonry. I will not now
take the time or space to go carefully into a comparison of the
Ancient Charges or any part of them with the rules and regulations
laid down by any order of monks. Such a comparison while
interesting is largely unnecessary because for all practical
purposes the monitorial charges of today are similar to those given
in the old charges. You may therefore compare for yourselves what
I may say of any monastic institution and determine how far it
resembles the Freemasonry that is known to you by its distinctive
charges and ceremonies, by our authorized and familiar monitor and
ritual.

We will, if you please, consider then the order of St. Benedict.
That great lawgiver, dying in the year 542, saw one night in a
vision the whole world gathered together under one beam of the sun.
So states Gregory in the following century and the tale has come
down the long years. In the light of this very suggestive
illumination his followers had great breadth in religious
convictions.

Said the Venerable Bede: "You know, my brother, the custom of the
Roman Church in which you remember you were bred up. But it pleases
me that if you have found anything either in the Roman or the
Gallican, or any other Church, which may be more acceptable to
Almighty God, you carefully make choice of the same, and sedulously
teach the Church of the English, which as yet is new in the Faith,
whatsoever you can gather from the several Churches. For things are
not to be loved for the sake of places, but places for the sake of
good things. Choose therefore from every Church those things that
are pious, religious, and upright, and when you have, as it were,
made them up into one body, let the minds of the English be
accustomed thereto." Such were the instructions of Gregory to
Augustine.

Newman has given us in the Mission of St. Benedict to Europe an
estimate so richly colored by his affectionate regard for the
brethren that it reads with extravagant force.

"Silent men were observed about the country, or discovered in the
forest digging, cleaning, and building; and other silent men, not
seen, were sitting in the cold cloister tiring their eyes and
keeping their attention on the stretch, while they painfully
deciphered, then copied and recopied, the manuscripts which they
had saved. There was no one that contended or cried out, or drew
attention to what was going on; but by degrees the woody swamp
became a hermitage, a religious house, a farm, an abbey, a village,
a seminary, a school of learning, and a city. Roads and villages
connected it with other abbeys and cities which had similarly grown
up; and what the haughty Alaric or fierce Attila had broken to
pieces these patient meditative men have brought together and made
to live again. And then, when they had in the course of many years
gained their peaceful victories, perhaps some new invaders came,
and with fire and sword undid their slow and persevering toil in an
hour. Down in the dust lay the labor and civilization of centuries-
-churches, colleges, cloisters, libraries --and nothing was left to
them but to begin all over again; but this they did without
grudging, so promptly, cheerfully, and tranquilly, as if it were by
some law of nature that the restoration came; and they were like
the flowers and shrubs and great trees which they reared, and which
when ill-treated do not take vengeance or remember evil, but give
forth fresh branches, leaves and blossoms, perhaps in greater
profusion or with richer quality, for the very reason that the old
were rudely broken off."

Of Dunstan, whose work in the restoration after the ravages of war
was notable, Newman recites: "As a religious he showed himself in
the simple character of a benedictine. He had a taste for the arts
generally, especially music. He painted and embroidered; his skill
in smith's work is recorded in the well-known legend of his combat
with the evil one. And, as the monks of Hilarion joined gardening
with psalmody, and Bernard and his cistercians joined field work
with meditation, so did St. Dunstan use music and painting as
directly expressive or suggestive of devotion. 'He excelled in
writing, painting, moulding in wax, carving in wood and bone, and
in work in gold, silver, iron, and brass,' says the author of his
life in Surius, 'and he used his skill in musical instruments to
charm away from himself and others their secular annoyances, and to
raise them to the theme of heavenly harmony, both by the sweet
words with which he accompanied his airs and by the concord of the
airs themselves.'"

We are told that when a young man desired to enter the monastery of
St. Augustine he had to remain for some time in the guest house as
a postulant. When the day was fixed for the admission, or as it was
called, the "rastura," the shaving of his head, the prior gave him
notice that three days before he was to dine with the abbat. The
abbat would then call the prior and two of the seniors, and they
appointed the novice-master who was charged to instruct him in all
that was necessary for his state, and to supply all his wants. The
abbat, then, after some kind words, left the youth in the hands of
the master, who examined him and found out if he had everything he
wanted for the time of his probation.

The postulant was then warned to cleanse his soul by confession if
necessary, and was then instructed in the rudiments of monastic
ceremonial. These instructions were spread over the intervening
days on one of which the postulant dined with the prior.

On the day appointed the postulant attended divine service and made
an offering after the reading of the Gospel. His master then took
him to the chapel and there prepared him diligently for the
ceremony.

When the hour arrived he went with his master into the chapter
house where the brethren were assembled and prostrated himself
before the abbat.

He was then asked what he desired and he replied in the usual form.
He was then bidden to arise, and was told by the abbat how hard and
trying was the life that he desired.

Then he was asked if he was freeborn. Was he in good health and
free from any incurable disease ? Was he ready to accept hardships
as well as pleasant things, to obey and bear ignominy for the love
of Christ? To these questions he replied "Yes, by the grace of
God."

Continuing the examination the abbat asked if the postulant had
ever been professed in any other stricter order; whether he was
bound by any promise of marriage, and was he free from debt and
irregularity.

On receiving an answer in the negative the abbat granted his
prayer; and he was forthwith taken by the novice-master to have his
head shaved and be invested with the monastic habit.

Gould gives us the essentials of the initiation into the order of
St. Benedict as "The vow was to be made with all possible
solemnity, in the chapel, before the relics in the shrine, with the
abbat and all the brethren standing by, and once made it was to be
irrevocable."

He further points out the relation of the ritual to darkness as
connected with death and initiation. Upon the matter of the
ceremonial he had the advantage of quoting directly from a
communication sent to him by an eyewitness, and which was given in
the following terms:

"St. Pauls without the walls of Rome is a basilica church, and in
the apse behind the high altar another altar had been fitted up.
The head of the Benedictines is a mitered abbat. On this morning
the abbat was sitting as I entered the church, with his miter on
his head and crozier in hand. Soon after our entrance a young man
was led up to the abbat who placed a black cowl on his head. The
young man then descended the steps, went upon his knees, put his
hands as in the act of prayer, when each of the monks present came
up and, also on their knees, kissed him in turn. When they had
finished, a velvet cloth, with gold or silver embroidery on it, was
spread in front of the altar; on this the young man lay down and a
black silk pall was laid over him. Thus, under semblance of a state
of death he lay while mass was celebrated by the abbat. When this
was finished, one of the deacons of the mass approached where the
young man lay, and muttered a few words from a book he held in his
hand. I understood that the words used were from the Psalms, and
were to this effect: 'Oh thou that sleepest, arise to everlasting
life.' The man then arose, was led to the altar, where I think he
received the sacrament, and then took his place among the
Brotherhood."

The significant numbers three, five and seven are curiously found
to be employed by the Benedictines. There were "three voices" to be
recognized among the brethren in the chapter. These were the ones
of the accuser, the answerer, and the judge.

Another "five voices" were those of him who presided, the guardians
of the order; the precentor and succentor; the brothers charged
with keeping the silence, "because silence is called the key of the
whole order"; and then the almoner and sub-almoner. These five in
their order were the first to proclaim any one who through their
respective offices they knew had infringed the rules. The monk so
proclaimed had to go out into the center of the chapter and
prostrating made confession of his fault, and saying "Mea culpa" (I
have done wrong) and promising amendment then received penance and
rebuke.

Every one who had ceased to be under ward had a right to speak in
the chapter on "three points"; defects in the public worship, the
breaking of silence, and the distribution of alms. On all other
subjects he must ask leave to speak.

In processions there was to be preserved a distance of "seven" feet
between each of the monks.

But sufficient has been pointed out to serve our purpose. These
extracts will be found highly suggestive to the thoughtful Mason
and will recall much that is bound up in his own experience.

HINTS FOR FURTHER RESEARCH

The two preceding issues of the Bulletin have had a number of
references for the study of Freemasonry in the middle ages. To
these I may add the two volumes entitled "The Black Monks of St.
Benedict," by E. L. Taunton, and published by John C. Nimmo of
London, and Longmans, Green and Co., New York. Free use of this
work has been made for presenting the above facts.

KEYSTONE KRAFTSMEN KLUB

In response to your "Get Together" letter of September, let me
present "Keystone Kraftsmen Klub" as a new member of the
Correspondence Circle.

This is the beginning of an earnest, active society of Craftsmen
who desire to know why and how they are known as Masons.

The announced purposes are given as "the attainment of greater
efficiency in degree work, a practical knowledge of the various
lectures and a better understanding of the tenets and philosophy of
Masonry."

An invitation was extended to all Master Masons residing in this
vicinity as well as to the members of Keystone Lodge No. 153, F. &
A. M., upon the regular monthly Lodge notice.

Permanent organization was perfected on Tuesday evening November 7,
the brethren present including the Master, Junior Warden, Senior
Deacon and a Past Master. At this meeting it was decided to follow
Masonic usage rather than an elaborate code of by-laws for the
government of the sessions.

The presiding officer is to be the Master of Keystone Lodge if he
be a member of the Klub. If he is not a member, a vice president
will take the chair. The purpose of this is many sided as you will
see. In the first place, we are sure of the "brightest" Mason being
in the chair, that we shall have him handy for information as to
what he desires in the Lodge during his administration, that he can
see that his staff of officers is efficient in their work, and also
see that nothing but good Masonic subjects are studied. He is not
expected to take an active part in the preparation of papers unless
he so desires.

The Chairman of the Program Committee, who chooses one assistant,
will assign all topics for papers, by and with the advice of the
President. He will assist the members in the preparation of papers,
advise them as to where to find the information desired, if
possible, and act as Librarian of the Klub.

The Treasurer will also be the Chairman of the Membership
Committee. He and his assistant will pass upon all applications for
membership, collect the dues, issue membership cards, which are to
be signed by the President, and keep the funds, paying them out by
check.

The Secretary, then, has but his minutes and correspondence to
handle

For the present our dues are $2.00 per year, payable in advance.

Meetings will be held on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the
month, except during June, July and August. The second meeting in
June is to be used as a "Pilgrimage" to some place of Masonic
interest.

It is proposed to secure speakers on special topics from time to
time, and issue special invitations therefor.

One of the first benefits to be secured is a standard course of
instruction for candidates, and an established school of
instruction for the officers, in floorwork as well as the lectures.
The floorwork to be exemplified in the Lodge room.

We shall be pleased to be put in touch with other clubs through the
"clearing house" you have established, and to receive suggestions
at any time.

The Keystone Kraftsmen Klub will thoroughly enjoy the articles
published in "The Builder," and Keystone Lodge will receive as much
benefit from this club as it will agree to hear.

With best wishes for success in your great work, T. George
Middleton, P. M.,
Chairman Programme Committee.

This excellent plan should fully fill that long-felt want of which
I am hearing so much. A skilfully planned administration it is,
hinging as it should upon close contact with Lodge authority and
making excellent progress. An ideal arrangement truly from many
points of view and cannot but be richly successful. Say, Brother
Middleton, when you arrange that "Pilgrimage" in June, please do
not fail to let me know of it. If within easy reach of the
possibilities I shall gladly join you. And in the meantime kindly
continue to keep me in touch with your doings. 

NEW WORK FOR THE FELLOWCRAFTS

I was a little surprised to see a portion of my letter some time
since printed in THE BUILDER of November. Your offer to help start
me off is timely and good.

There is connected with Adelphi Lodge an organization called the
Fellow-craft Club whose primary aim is to keep the Brothers in line
so that we may have a full, well-drilled floor team. It appealed to
me that I could put the proposition of a Study Club up to the F. C.
club and if they took it up it would help me in getting the study
idea going in New Haven.

I met with them last evening and the idea was taken up more
enthusiastically than I dared hope. I told them briefly what I
hoped to do and asked them to think it over until next meeting one
month hence--my idea being that I would rather drop the whole thing
than have to be and make all the enthusiasm myself. They voted to
subscribe for THE BUILDER and next month I am to address them on
the modest subject of "Masonic Law" and at that time present a
modus operandi.

This is where you come in. I have my organization place and time of
meeting. Our idea is to use perhaps an hour of the club's meeting
time in this way. I should like some advice as to program and
methods of conduct. For the good of the Craft in general and
Adelphi Lodge in particular I want to make a success of it. Our
club has 72 members on the list and there was an attendance of 13
besides myself last evening and this was normal for no one but the
secretary-treasurer knew what I was about to propose.

I apologize for writing so long a letter but I wished to show my
proposition from all sides thinking also that it might help some
other Brother to know of the F. C. Club and perhaps organize one
which would combine study with actual Lodge service as ours will if
we succeed.

Julius H. McCollum, Sec'y Adelphi Lodge No. 63,
New Haven, Conn.

Suppose you try out the Keystone Kraftsmen Klub as explained by
Brother Middleton in this issue. When you run out of papers
prepared by any of your members, try one of mine. In every issue of
THE BUILDER I aim to publish a paper on some question of interest
to my Brother Masons. If I don't happen to take such lines of study
as in your judgment may seem most desirable, kindly let me know.
But your situation is so closely akin to that of Brother
Middleton's that I wish you would put into practice as far as
possible and let us know the results. too, have something to do
with a Masonic Club, being President of a Masonic Temple
Association of considerable size. To many of us your experience
will be of the greatest interest and consequence.

LODGE IS A SCHOOL

In late issue of THE BUILDER many writers are stressing the
importance of making the Lodge a Study Club. Really if we had taken
second thought, that is what a Lodge is, and always has been, a
place where "Masons meet," where the "Worshipful Master gives good
and wholesome instruction," etc. It is a hopeless task to try to
get up anything new in Masonry. All that is best for man physically
and spiritually, and the sanest, simplest way of doing it, has been
culled from the wisdom of ages, so that all that remains for him to
do is to put in practice the beautiful system, to the end that life
on earth may be sane, normal, easy to live and full of intense
enjoyment. By all means revive the ancient practice and make the
Lodge a study club.
A. K. Bradley, Tioga, Texas.

True enough ! A Lodge is the place for work and for study. Just as
a diamond reflects all rays of light with added glory in color and
in brilliance so has the Lodge, to the seeing eye, to the informed
intellect, to the awakened mind, a message of grouped facts and
instruction borrowed from the near and the remote past. Converging
in that geometrical crystal of history that we call the Lodge, our
priceless heritage should there be turned into glowing radiance of
service, a truly perfect reflection in new uses of old tenets, the
ancient made modern. You do well to remind us that the Lodge is a
School. Would that our hearts are ever open to its teaching.

PUTTING IT UP TO GEORGE

We had a meeting for the starting of a Study Club on Wednesday
last, in the Scottish Rite Club Rooms of our Temple. There were but
five men present--discouragement enough for any five men. However,
we have come back like Antaios, doubly determined that by our own
endeavors and your assistance we shall receive further light in
Masonry.

Accordingly we have set a second meeting for Thursday November 23,
at the same place and for the same purpose. We have set it far
enough into the future that we can have opportunity to communicate
with all Brethren possible. Fraternal Lodge No. 37 has nobly come
to our assistance and instructed its Secretary to send a postal
card notice of this meeting to all its members. Our own lodge,
Trinity No. 208, has a notice of it published in its monthly
Bulletin. We further intend to have it noticed on all bulletin
boards, and in the City papers.

We are especially interested in the closing paragraph of your
letter in which you offer your valued assistance in preparing
by-laws and organizing. Will you kindly send me what you have on
this so that I can present a plan of organization at the meeting ?
Albert Block, 310 City Hall, Davenport, Iowa.

In response to your letter of recent date I am enclosing you
herewith a copy of the by-laws adopted by the Boone, Iowa, Study
Club. You will note that their code is a model of simplicity and,
it would seem to me, could be adopted by other Clubs with very
little modification. They have provided for three officers: a
President, Vice-President and a Secretary-Treasurer which are
practically all that should be required.

Some Study Clubs are asking us for a cut-and-dried program of study
to cover a period of six months or a year. Others are using Brother
Clegg's articles which appear each month in the "Correspondence
Circle Bulletin." Personally I consider the latter course more
preferable.

Brother Clegg is making a series of the articles, connecting them
up one with the other, and they are going to prove fascinating as
well as instructive. This, to my mind, is what the Brethren want,
the majority of them will not care to be loaded up with dry facts
and specific data which they cannot remember. That all the Brethren
will agree in the opinions expressed by Brother Clegg is not to be
expected. In fact the articles are written with a view of inviting
expressions of diverse opinions of the members of the Study Clubs.

We want them to prepare papers on the subjects to be read and
discussed at the same meetings at which Brother Clegg's articles
are used, and to send copies of their papers to us so that we may
forward them to the other Clubs.

For this reason we shall ask the Clubs to use Brother Clegg's
articles at their meetings a month later than their appearance in
THE BUILDER in order to enable the Study Club members to prepare
their papers on the subject and mail copies of them to us not later
than the fifteenth of the following month so that we may have time
to copy them here and send them out to the other Clubs in advance
of their meetings.

We also hope that the Study Club Secretaries will mail us each
month a report of their proceedings so that we at Anamosa may be
kept in close touch with each individual Club.

I shall anxiously await the result of your meeting and wish you
every success in the organization of your Club.
Geo. L. Schoonover, Secretary.

Brother Schoonover's answering letter fills the bill in so many
directions that I could not refrain from publishing it. Explaining
as it does so clearly the desire we all have for a frank and
thorough discussion of the papers published in the Bulletin, I
sincerely trust its suggestions will be followed with zest and with
all practicable regularity. Of many minds are Masons. Differences
of opinion are common to us upon various branches of Masonic study.
No one, least of all myself, should fail to welcome every effort at
a better understanding of Masonry. To bring about a wholesome
regard for study and for students among Masons, to set a still
larger section than ever of the Craft to work, to do this
acceptably in a cheering spirit and systematic style, is indeed a
task. But already there's great encouragement. And many thanks for
that compliment, G. L. S.

DEVELOPING INDIVIDUAL EFFORT IN THE STUDY CLUB

A word about our Study Club may be of interest. We have a
membership of fifteen with an attendance of about twelve, and at
this time are taking up the study of Brother Newton's book, "The
Builders." We assign two questions to each member for each
semi-monthly meeting, we first gave a greater number of questions,
and confined the answers to the book answers but found this not
satisfactory, as we frequently departed from the book for other
information, and found that the study lasted longer than we
believed best for a continued interest in the work. So we decided
to limit it to two questions and allow the members to depart from
the book answers and give a review of the question assigned from
any research they desired to follow.

Our dues are one dollar per year. We frequently have a luncheon or
dinner prior to the study, and on occasion, we gave an evening to
the consideration of Masonic poetry to which we invited the ladies,
assigning to the guests selections to read or recite.

We are pleased with the interest in the club work and observe that
the members dislike to miss a single meeting, and frequently forego
other important functions in order to be present.

The by-laws of the Boone, Iowa, club are of interest, but we do not
think they are as well adapted to a club having in mind individual
effort, as those adopted by our club.

Our purpose is to make every member a student and in turn an
instructor, to require individual study and effort, and in order to
accomplish this object, we have limited the membership to fifteen,
believing that if a greater number desire to become members, that
a second club would be a greater advantage than to have so many
members that the individual effort might be overlooked.

In the notes of the Study Club Department we believe the plan
suggested of a larger membership, would require instruction more in
the nature of a lecture, this we believe would be instructive for
the hour, but it is not the kind of effort that will stay with the
student.

We shall be pleased to have any suggestions from time to time, and
will be glad to submit special papers as we have opportunity.
Clark Cooper, President Masonic Study Club,
Canon City, Colo.

Whether a Study Club shall be large or small is not offhand an easy
question for me to answer. Your point, Brother Cooper, is decidedly
worth pondering. It is not quite the same question as to the
preference between large lodges and small ones, as I see your
position. Do we not all agree that there should be more complete
circulation of Masonic knowledge among the Brethren? How far then
shall we restrict Study Club membership ? Of course there may be a
distinct advantage in independent meetings, and even of an
organization separately, of the leaders, the "instructors," to use
Brother Cooper's term. But in some way the work of the Study Club
ought to get before the brethren at large. You recognized this
social impulse in most commendable style, Brother Cooper, when you
enlarged your audience to include the ladies. Why should we not
oftener plan for papers attractive to that sex ? The idea seems
eminently deserving of imitation. Here are the rules of the Boone
Club:

BOONE MASONIC STUDY CLUB

Constitution and By-Laws

PREAMBLE--The Masons of Boone, Iowa, being desirous of obtaining
for themselves "Further Light in Masonry," and of promoting to the
best of their ability the Cause of Masonic Research, for the good
of the Order, hereby associate themselves into an organization for
Masonic Study and Research.

ARTICLE I--The name of this organization shall be the Boone Masonic
Study Club.

ARTICLE II--The object of this organization shall be the
improvement of its membership in Masonic knowledge

ARTICLE III--The Club shall be composed of such Master Masons as,
having expressed a desire for "Further Light in Masonry," shall
make application for membership and be elected thereto by a
majority vote of the members present.

ARTICLE IV--The officers of this Club shall be a President,
Vice-President and Secretary-Treasurer, elected by a majority vote
of the members present at the December meeting of each year. The
duties of these officers shall be such as usually appertain to
their respective positions, and the absence of one or more of them
shall automatically place the responsibilities of presiding over
the meetings of the Club upon the officer next in order as above
mentioned. The newly elected officers are to assume their duties at
the January meeting next following their election.

ARTICLE V--The meetings of the Club shall be monthly, on the third
Wednesday evening of each month, and the hour shall correspond to
the hours of meeting of Mt. Olive Lodge No. 79. Special meetings
may be held when deemed necessary for the good of the Club.

ARTICLE VI--Dues in the Club shall be Twenty-five cents annually,
payable in advance. These dues shall be applied to the running
expenses of the Club, subject to the decision of the three
principal officers.

ARTICLE VII--There shall be only one standing committee, the
Program Committee, which shall be composed of the three principal
officers. The President shall have power to appoint any other
committees he may deem desirable or necessary.

ARTICLE VIII--This Constitution and By-Laws may be amended at any
regular meeting of the Club, such amendment having been proposed in
writing at the next previous meeting, by a two-thirds vote of the
members present.

A MASONIC STUDY CLUB IN SESSION

As my last endeavor to inform you of our endeavors met so favorable
response, I am going to try again and hope you will be able to see
our weakness and help us strengthen it.

Meeting of four brethren; two interested brethren unavoidably
absent.

Preface of Mackey's "Symbolism" read and attention directed to
explanation of the ritual of Wisconsin given the candidate, in
which he is informed that the lessons of Masonry are taught by
types, emblems and allegorical figures. A full comprehension of
this work would undoubtedly clear many brethren's mind of the
confusion which appears to prevail.

We then read Speth's "What is Freemasonry," each taking turns
reading and others taking notes o points to be raised. A
discussion followed.

A brief description of Anderson's "Book of Constitutions" (1723)
was given and attention particularly directed to regulation 39 and
its significance. The question was also brought out that among
Masonic students there are several schools of thought and that Bro.
G.W. Speth belonged to what might be called a critical or exact
school and furthermore, that, while Speth, Gould, Hughan and others
of their rank were critical in their method and did not wish to
give as history anything which was doubtful, they freely admitted
that much lay outside the scope of their knowledge and they were
not dogmatic in their views of the origin of Masonry.

The following questions were also asked all of which were not fully
answered:

1. How far does Masonry antedate Christ's time?
2. Does the Bible conflict with the teachings of Masonry ?
3. Who were the ancient Magi ?
4. Are the Magi the same as spoken of in the Bible as bringing
their book to the Apostles and burning them? (Acts 19:19-)
5. Who were the great world characters who were Masons ?
6. What is the meaning of cowan ?

As exhibit we had: 
Reprint of "H. F. Beaumont Mss." 
Reprint of "York rolls." 
Fac simile of "Regius Ms." 
Reprint of "Anderson's Book of Constitutions" (1723).

Questions discussed at previous meeting were enlarged upon and
meeting was closed with everybody pleased and happy.

In answer to Question 1, the different schools of thought were
mentioned and it was considered one of those problems which we, in
the primary class, must not try to solve but leave open for our
best efforts when we proved ourselves proficient in the elementary
work.

Question No. 2 was unanimously decided in the negative.

For the information of the Brother asking Questions 3 and 4, I am
loaning him "Arcane Schools" (page 79 contains reference), "History
of Initiation" (lecture IV has some light), "Rollins Ancient
History" (Book 4, Art. 4, has reference), and references in Gould's
History, and will look up such others as I can.

Question No. 5 is one none of us were qualified to fully answer but
we will be on the lookout and note them as much as possible. I have
a fairly good idea of our most noted American Masons.

Question No. 6 was answered by Mackey's Encyclopedia.

Hoping this may be of use to you and that by constructive criticism
you may help us, I am, Yours to find the key to the door of
knowledge,
Silas H. Shepherd, Hartland, Wis.

Just the thing I want. To tell me of what you are trying to do and
how you are going about it and what you have to do with is the sort
of story that whets my Masonic interest to the acme of keenness.
There's little I can tell you of any way to better what you have in
hand. Anything from me may sound presumptuous. But I'll risk it if
only to show my desire to lend a hand.

What a wealth of material you possess! Is there not just a little
danger that the very amount of it may oppress and deter the average
inquirer from going ahead on his own more limited course of
research ? Please let me have your advice on this matter. You have
doubtless noticed that I try to give references in my own articles
and I do like to lay hands on sources of information readily
available for everybody. We must make it easy for the average Mason
to start his studies. 

I'm not concerned with accelerating the progress of brethren of the
Hartland quality. They are speeded up in great style. But I do
worry over what we can do to enthuse those whose opportunities and
capacities are much less auspicious. I rely upon your help in this
work. Please continue to give me the active benefit of your
goodwill and of your valued criticism.

Regulation 39, to which you refer, will be interesting to many:

"Every Annual Grand Lodge has an inherent Power and Authority to
make new Regulations, or to alter these, for the real Benefit of
this ancient Fraternity: Provided always that the old Landmarks be
carefully preserv'd, and that such Alterations and new Regulations
be proposed and agreed to at the third Quarterly Communication
preceding the Annual Grand Feast; and that they be offered also to
the Perusal of all the Brethren before Dinner, in writing, even of
the Youngest Apprentice; the Approbation and Consent of the
Majority present being absolutely necessary to make the same
binding and obligatory; which must, after Dinner, and after the new
Grand Master is install'd be solemnly desir'd; as it was desir'd
and obtain'd for these REGULATIONS, when propos'd by the GRAND
LODGE, to about 150 Brethren, on St. John Baptist's Day, 1721."

Your Question 5 reminds me of the long list given in the Annual of
the International Bureau for Masonic Affairs. It includes Lincoln
though I am not aware of any evidence to prove his membership.
However, Brother la-Tente's lists of Masons Illustres and of Dates
importantes de l'Histoire de la Maconnerie were undertaken with all
sincerity by that enthusiastic Freemason and it is to be hoped that
they may be corrected wherever amendment is found necessary. Is
there any record connecting Lincoln with the Craft as an initiate
?

THE ORGANIZATION OF STUDY CLUBS

I find that there exists in many sections a pronounced desire for
some more formal scheme of organization than has so far been
outlined by me. From the National Masonic Research Society's
headquarters at Anamosa, Iowa, there is sent to every inquirer a
list of the fellow members in his locality so that he can make a
very convenient start at the organization of Study Club. If steps
to this end have already been made then the inquirer gets the
addresses of those already active, and every effort is made to set
him at work under the best possible auspices. So far so good.

But more is asked. Too often there is a tendency to "stick on the
way" and the launching of the enterprise does not then advance
rapidly enough to suit a very natural and common desire for
results.

EXPERT ASSISTANCE AT THE START

If we could but send on a competent brother to begin the work,
offer advice, instruct the officers, lay out a preliminary course
of work, we could leave the members busy, pleased, ambitious, and
resultful. Sometime somehow we shall do something after this style.
Some task! Yes, but there is a plan even now under consideration
whereby such an effort may be practically put into operation. But
it is far too remote to count upon for the present.

How then shall we bring about that happy condition of affairs which
will satisfy the demand for a formal organization? Not by any
complicated system of control at long range or by any unwieldy
method of local management will the best results be obtained. Just
enough to hold all hands together in unity is plenty. Not too
formal lest peradventure "the letter killeth." A just mean, an even
balance, a happy medium is eminently desirable.

DISTRIBUTE THE STUDY CLUB DUTIES

First of all we must distribute the duties among as many members as
is possible. On the other hand keep the duties themselves down to
a minimum. Thus each member will probably have something to do but
will not be burdened to discouragement. Many hands make light work.

There will be a President to perform the usual functions of that
office. There will be a Vice-President or two to take charge in the
absence of the President. A Secretary will attend to preparing and
sending notices and the general correspondence but he should not
clutter up his own wheels by lengthy minutes of the proceedings.
The Treasurer will handle the funds and collect and disburse them.
Many times the two offices, Treasurer and Secretary, may profitably
be combined. The Librarian will take charge of such books and
magazines and manuscripts as may come into the possession of the
Club and will distribute them to the members and preserve them as
required. There will be a Master Builder to prepare the program for
each meeting. There will be a Critic to see that the subject is
properly discussed and that definite progress is accomplished. And
there will be a Reporter to keep the headquarters of our Society at
Anamosa regularly informed as to the work that is being done.

BETTER A FEW FAITHFUL THAN AN IDLE MANY

Inasmuch as I see no good reason why a Study Club with say but two
or three really loyal and active members cannot do effective work
my readers will at once understand that I do not deem it necessary
to have every one of the foregoing positions filled by a separate
and distinct brother. But the titles and the synopsis of their
duties will furnish an idea of the work that in my opinion should
be accomplished by the officers to maintain satisfactory progress
in research.

MAINTAINING AN INTEREST

Programmes depend so much upon individual taste that suggestions
can only be made very roughly. Of course the BULLETIN will be
coming along regularly with its notes for various courses of
Masonic study so there will be no lack of matters for
consideration. In the absence of any other plan tackle a copy of
Mackey's revised Encyclopedia or "THE BUILDERS" and read any
section that strikes you as especially favorable, the one most to
your liking. Follow the reading with a discussion. Prior to the
meeting have the Secretary state the subject in his announcements,
and also have the Critic line up two or more members to study the
same section or chapter in advance and be prepared to discuss some
angle of it. Any Masonic essay or topic may be examined in the same
style.

SLEEPY OR WIDE-AWAKE STUDY CLUBS

Unless the meetings are of interest, and exciting a strong desire
for attendance, we must expect a dormant Club. Much rests upon the
ability of everybody to do his part. Here is indeed the purpose of
my suggestion that many hands be actively employed. No one to do
very much and yet all to do a fair share. Visitors should be
invited, but not allowed admission at successive meetings unless
they are accepted as members. No one should be proposed for
membership unless agreeable to all and willing on his part to be
active in doing whatever shall be assigned him to do. Continued
absence may be challenged and the offender warned. If he improves
not, then a fine may fit his case if the limit of expulsion be not
chosen. But the regular meetings of congenial brethren in agreeable
surroundings for the instructive examination of matters Masonic
would surely be alluring. Remember always that different duties fit
different men; one of the very best of presiding officers known to
me would be the poorest of Secretaries; one delighted in listening
to the results of Masonic research is, as I have often found,
indisposed to individual digging.

TOPICS TO BE TABOOED

Whether the members of a Study Club are all affiliated with the
same Masonic bodies or not, there will be matters that in the
discussions it is the part of wisdom to avoid. Questions of Lodge
policy, for example, might be embarrassing if ventilated
thoughtlessly in a research organization. Yet there are occasions
when the consideration of Lodge practices is as harmless and
unobjectionable as any other topic of Masonic importance. Right
here is the benefit of the Master Builder and the President. The
one sees that the proper subject is selected, and the other is
charged with the duty of allowing none but appropriate presentation
and seemly argument upon it.

LAYING OUT THE RULES

Having gone thus far in a general way let me now lay out a set of
regulations following the foregoing lines. Fill in the various
blanks to suit your collective. judgment when organizing.

RULE I.--The name of this Study Club shall be ..................

RULE II.--The purpose shall be the promotion of Masonic study and
discussion.

RULE III.--The Officers shall be a President, Vice President,
Secretary, Treasurer, Librarian, Master Builder, Critic, Reporter,
and Guard.

RULE IV.--The President shall perform the usual duties of a
Chairman.

RULE V.--The Vice-President shall in the absence of the President
assume the chair and perform all the duties of that position.

RULE VI.--The Secretary shall keep a record of the proceedings,
send out notices of the meetings, prepare and forward to the
National Masonic Research Society on the date of institution, and
regularly every half year thereafter on the first day of January
and July, a statement of membership and a copy of his semi-annual
report of receipts and disbursements. He will also forward to the
headquarters of the National Masonic Research Society results of
elections and appointments of officers and the names and addresses
and Lodge affiliations of all new members when they are admitted to
membership.

RULE VII.--The Treasurer shall collect and hold the funds. He shall
pay them out only upon orders prepared by the Secretary and
countersigned by the President.

RULE VIII.--The Librarian shall take charge of all books and
magazines and MSS in the possession of this Study Club.

RULE IX.--The Master Builder shall prepare the programme for each
meeting and assist the President in its most effective
presentation.

RULE X.--The Critic shall see that proper discussion takes place at
all meetings.

RULE XI.--The Reporter will keep the National Masonic Research
Society informed regularly and frequently of the activities of this
Study Club.

RULE XII.--The Guard will attend to the door, act as messenger, and
also introduce new members and visitors.

RULE XIII.--The President, Secretary and the Treasurer shall be
elected semi-annually by written ballots without any other previous
nominations. The remaining officers shall be appointed by the
President. Any officer may be removed from office by a two-thirds
vote of those present at any meeting called to consider such vote,
all the members having been notified.

RULE XIV.--Meetings shall be held at. . (place) . . monthly upon .
. (date) . . and punctually at the following time....... Meetings
falling upon St. John's Days, the twenty-fourth of June and the
twenty-seventh of December, or in default of this coincidence of
time, the meetings immediately following these dates shall be
designated as Election Days.

RULE XV.--Dues shall be payable in advance on the admission of an
applicant for membership, and are again due and payable on Election
Days. The semiannual dues of each member shall be $......Members in
arrears cannot vote nor hold office and are subject to expulsion.

RULE XVI.--Applications for membership shall be on a prescribed
form and the action thereon shall be by ballot, two blackballs
rejecting the applicant. Any application may be renewed after an
interval of six months.

RULE XVII.--Special meetings may be called by the President at any
time, or by any three members in good standing.

RULE XVIII.--A quorum for the transaction of business shall consist
of not less than..members. 

RULE XIX.--Rules may be amended by a two-thirds vote at any meeting
of which usual notice he been given.

AND, FINALLY AND MOREOVER

Say, brother, don't you just ache to start something of this sort?
Well, then, don't wait for large numbers. Get two or three good
fellows like yourself together. Read this story of mine over, to
them. Ask, nay, tell them to vote "Aye." Then write to the
Secretary, George L. Schoonover, at Anamosa, Iowa. He will help.
Topics will be suggested to you. Pointers on programmes offered
freely to you whenever you want them.

Start something. When you get the data all in hand, bring together
your best studious Masonic friends. Talk it over. The cost can be
as little as you choose. My notion would be for the pleasantest of
Masonic meetings. Let there be frequent occasions when refreshments
as well as research will be temperately relished and good cheer be
abundant. Of such was Freemasonry of old.

Handled with prudence, temperance, and zeal, and with a goodly
assortment of fortitude, these Study Clubs may be sturdy
Foundations, helpful and enjoyable associations of truly Masonic
builders.

ORGANIZATION

MASONIC STUDY IN THE LODGE

In the smaller cities, where Lodges are not too crowded with degree
work, it is recommended that the Lodge take up the study of Masonry
as a body. The ideal plan would be to set aside one meeting each
month for this purpose. This could be either a regular or a special
meeting. If a regular meeting is decided upon, let the Lodge be
prompt in opening at the stated time and dispose of the routine
business as quickly as possible. Then turn the Lodge over to the
Chairman of the Program Committee and proceed with the reading and
discussion of the articles and papers which have been made ready
for presentation. The degree work, under this plan, would be
confined to special meetings. If on the other hand special meetings
are deemed more practical for the purpose, let them be
approximately thirty days apart, selecting if possible a definite
meeting night of each month. This meeting night to be exclusive for
study programs.

HOW TO PRESENT THE PROPOSITION TO YOUR LODGE

The Worshipful Master should be interested, first of all. With his
sincere co-operation, very much can be accomplished. Then take two
weeks or a month to advertise the preliminary meeting at which the
proposition is to be considered. Have your Secretary emphasize the
date and purpose of the meeting in all his notices that are sent
out in the meantime. Some Lodges are inserting notices in their
home newspapers. The day before the meeting send out the last
notices, and urge every member to be present.

At your preliminary meeting the Brother having the responsibility
of introducing the subject should have all the necessary data for
presentation:

Some copies of the "Correspondence Circle Bulletin."

Our regular Study Club Bulletin.

The special Bound Volume Offer of the N. M. R. S.

Some N. M. R. S. Membership Circulars for distribution.

This will enable him to outline what the purpose of organizing is,
how the papers are to be brought before the members, what the
National Masonic Research Society is and how it can be of help to
your group.

After all the facts are presented and discussed, a "Research
Committee" should be appointed to take charge of programs, assist
the Brethren in preparing papers, lead the discussions, etc. The
same Committee, or the group as a whole, should also then and there
determine how far it wishes to go in purchasing books of reference,
etc.

The meetings may be called whatever you wish-- "Research Meetings"
and "Research Communications" have been suggested for Lodge use--of
course if you organize a Study Club, simply a meeting of it called
will give notice to all.

These suggestions are by no means complete, but they emphasize the
lengths to which we are willing to go in order to make this work a
success. If you have other suggestions to offer, or if there is any
particular phase of organization which you feel like taking up with
us, "let it be known, and quickly."

USE OF BROTHER CLEGG'S ARTICLES

We have thought out the problem of everybody working together along
this same outline, and it seems to us that if all Lodges and Study
Clubs will use these articles at their meeting night the month
following their appearance in the Correspondence Circle Bulletin,
we shall all work to better advantage. And for this reason: it will
enable you to get to us copies of additional papers prepared for
presentation at your next meeting, and then we can pass them on to
other Study Clubs, who, in their turn, will send us material which
we can pass on to you. For example, if these copies of your
additional papers get to us not later than the fifteenth of the
month--that is two weeks after THE BUILDER reaches you--then we can
review them, gather together all the good points and make a general
distribution prior to the first of the next month--in other words,
in time for your meetings. Such a plan, consistently worked to and
systematically carried out, will give us all the maximum of
benefit--almost as good as having a joint meeting.
Send your communications direct to

NATIONAL MASONIC RESEARCH SOCIETY,
Anamosa Iowa.

NOTICE TO OUR MEMBERS

If our members will send us a list of the newly elected officers in
their respective Lodges, we will be very glad to take up with them
ways and means by which we can be of service to them. It looks very
much as if 1917 were to be a year of study for many thousands of
American Masons, and it is fitting that it should be so. We are
prepared to be of material assistance to groups desiring to have a
share in this movement. The foregoing discussion of method will be
followed, next Month, by an installment, at least, of our Course of
Study, which is now practically completed. Comprehensive, but based
upon books which are easily accessible to the student, we believe
that any Lodge will be able to follow it through. The measure of
advantage derived, as always, will depend upon the use that is made
of it. And so, from every point of view, we are anxious that the
Brethren should know about it--and particularly the Masters and
Wardens for 1917.

DEMOCRACY

Democracy is not a mere phrase. It is a spirit, a religion. It is
that faith in the excellence of human beings which makes life worth
living. It finds that excellence in inclusiveness. It is different
from any other and all other religions. It has its root in a kind
relation to God because it has a kind relation to man. It is more
than liberty, equality and fraternity. It is the thing Lincoln had.
It is the thing Whitman had.-- Francis Hackett.
