This file is copyright (c) 1997 The Philalethes Society and all rights
including any redistribution rights are reserved by the copyright holder.
Permission to quote from, redistribute or to otherwise use these materials
must be obtained from the copyright holder directly by contacting The
Philalethes, Nelson King, FPS, Editor, 2 Knockbolt Crescent, Agincourt
Ontario Canada, M1S 2P6. Tel: 416-293-8071 Fax: 416-293-8634 or
nking@freemasonry.org or nking@onramp.ca




                    A TESTIMONY and A REBUKE
           (From the desk of the Executive Secretary)

    A Canadian member plans on forming a Chapter in his area. He
asked how he could reach Master Masons who might be interested in
this venture. We suggested he run an announcement in his Grand
Lodge publication. He responded:

            Putting an announcement in our local publication
         is good, however in my opinion few Masons read this
         publication.
            The sad part is each Lodge is assessed for five
         copies published four times per annum. Like other
         Secretaries I receive over five copies with my
         other Grand Lodge correspondence, advise the Lodge
         the copies are on my desk, after the meeting they
         are still on my desk! . . . . When this publication
         first started I used to Xerox three dozen copies
         for the Lodge. This proved to be a waste of time
         and paper.
            This however is not the reaction to The
         Philalethes magazine. Every meeting I attend (and
         I'm just talking about Craft Lodges) usually two or
         three per week, those Brothers who receive the
         magazine rave about it! "S'marvellous"; "full of
         good stuff"; "very educational"; "how come I never
         heard of this before?"; etc. The message is
         spreading.
    Of course we appreciate the compliments, but it was the last
comment that struck a pungent chord. "How come I never heard of
this before?" And it's a cry we hear far, far too often. We are
still keeping The Philalethes Society, as one Brother said: "The
best kept secret in Freemasonry."
    Isn't this a rebuke? Yep. We're not sharing our riches with
the thousands of Master Masons who are crying, desperately
pleading, for more light in Freemasonry. Every day the officers
of the Society receive requests for information about the Craft.
Some of the letters are pathetic. Most of the writers of these
letters could have found the answers they were seeking within the
pages of one of the issues of The Philalethes.
    Let's hasten to say that The Philalethes Society is in no way
endeavoring to supplant any Grand Lodge. It takes pride in
attempting to supplement the educational programs of all Grand
Lodges. Unlike some appendant bodies this Society considers
itself a servant to the Craft, not its master. It's emblem, found
on its masthead, is the Square and Compasses, not some exotic
curio worn in labels that's unrecognizable. No it doesn't have a
"G" in the center. Neither did the one that was recognized as
Freemasonry's exclusive emblem by the U.S. Patent office. The "G"
was added by of some long-ago jeweler.
    Why is The Philalethes, the publication of The Philalethes
Society considered excellent? Because for over 60 years it has
followed the philosophy and guidelines of its founders. They
wanted all sides of all issues concerning the Craft to have a
fair hearing. They asked its members and writers to search for
truth, fully realizing truth can be an elusive theme.
    Why are the magazine's article well-read and widely quoted?
Because the writers come from every section of the country, the
world, and every walk of life. Each of us views the world through
restricted windows. We are limited, among other things, by our
parents, education, religion, associates, and employment. Through
the pages of The Philalethes our vision is widened considerably.
    We've made it easy to join the fellowship of The Philalethes
Society. We have a beautiful brochure explaining the benefits
found within our association, and it has an application. But it's
not required to fill one out to join. Send the applicant's name,
address and Masonic Lodge (clearly printed or typed) to: The
Executive Secretary, P.O. Box 70, Highland Springs, VA 23075,
along with a check for $20, U.S. funds. He'll do the rest.
    Let's stop being selfish. Let's be Brotherly. Let's share the
riches of The Philalethes Society with all Master Masons.

                                   -30-

To be published in the June 1989 issue of The Philalethes
magazine.
