And There Was Light

Hugh Clements, 32, K\C\C\H\
523 Forrester-White Drive, Hixson, Tennessee  37343

Masonry is unquestionably one of the most challenging avocations a man can
pursue. It is also one of the most humbling. Just about the time you think
you're beginning to get a handle on things, something else comes along and
puts you back to square one.

        For example, I was made a Mason in the "year of light" 5952. This
is demonstrated by the inscription on the frontispiece of a Masonic
reference book presented to me by my dad. The occasion was my being raised
to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason. The date reads June 11, 5952 a\l\,
my year of Masonic Light.

        Over the years, I have no idea how many times I have read that
inscription. Until very recently its numerical significance was just
another Masonic curiosity. I accepted the fact that someone added 4000
years to 1952 a.d. and came up with 5952 a\l\, but I didn't know why.
Besides, Dad was the Masonic scholar in the family, and if he said 5952 was
the year, well, Father knew best!     

        Recently, however, considering how important the symbolism of light
is to our Craft, I determined it was time for me to learn more about this
mysterious "year of light." What I learned added another of those
fascinating nuggets of information to my treasure of Masonic lore that
constantly reminds me of how little I know.

        At this point a disclaimer is in order. Before I start sounding
like a one-man Lodge of Research or even a well-informed Mason, I am
neither. I am lucky enough to have been given a modest Masonic library and
stubborn enough to follow up these fragments of Masonic tradition. 

        Mackey's Revised Encyclopedia of Freemasonry (vol. I, p. 81)
contains this definition: Anno Lucius. Latin, meaning "in the year of the
light." Abbreviated a\l\, it is an indication of the date used in ancient
Craft Freemasonry; found by adding 4000 to the Vulgar Era; thus 1930 + 4000
= 5930.

        The "Vulgar Era"? Read this as the "Common Era" or era after the
birth of Christ. Now we have a starting point. Every Mason is familiar with
the words contained in the first three verses of Genesis: "And God said,
Let there be light; and there was light." These words, revered by Hebrew
and Christian alike, have a special place in the hearts of Masons.

        My Masonic Bible uses as its text the King James version first
published in 1611, the result of forty-seven Biblical scholars working
several years on a new authoritative translation of the Bible.

        Somewhere along the line, a chronology had been published by
Christian theologians which placed the birth of Christ 4000 years after the
creation of the world. However, James Ussher (or Usher, 1581-1656) who
later became Archbishop of Armagh in Northern Ireland, authored a slightly
different Biblical chronology which was printed in the margins of the King
James version. This placed the creation at 4004 years before the birth of
Christ.    

        However calculated, the Masonic usage of the "year of light" is not
intended to convey the thought that our Order is as old as creation. Again,
according to Mackey's Revised Encyclopedia of Freemasonry (vol. II, p.
1126): It is simply used as expressive of reverence for that physical
light which was created by the fiat of the Grand Architect, and which is
adopted as the type of intellectual light of Freemasonry. The phrase is
altogether symbolic.

        Freemasonry continues to use the "year of light" for its official
chronology. Once common, the designation Anno Lucius is largely restricted
today to the dating of certain Masonic documents. The generally accepted
practice of adding 4000 years to the present year prevails. However, as
recently as 1802 our own Supreme Council, publishing its first circular,
dated it 5806 a\l\

        Now that we have shared the mystery of the "year of light," allow
me to make this suggestion. The next time you have occasion to present a
Masonic gift or make a talk to a group of Masons, refer to the Masonic
date, for instance 5992 a\l\, Anno Lucius for 1992. You may do for one of
them what my dad did for me. Provide a reminder that our search for Light
is never ended!     s

However calculated, the Masonic usage of the "year of light" is not
intended to convey the thought that our Order is as old as creation.

Hugh H. Clements

is a radio broadcaster who also writes award-winning poetry. He is a life
member of Acanthus Lodge No. 558, Detroit, Michigan, and is an Assistant
Class Director of the Scottish Rite Bodies of Chattanooga, Tennessee.


Don't Drop the Ball!

WHILE I agree we should not violate the time-honored Masonic tradition of
requiring the candidate to make the first step in seeking membership in the
Fraternity, there is much we can do to assure potential new members are
properly assisted in joining the Craft. For instance, when someone asks to
join, don't just say "You have to ask a local Lodge." Instead, keep the
petition in motion!   Give the candidate the name and telephone number of
an active local Brother.  Show him where the Lodge is either by driving by
it or, at least, locating it for the candidate in the telephone book and
the city map.   Arrange a luncheon where the candidate, as your guest, can
meet with you and the Worshipful Master or other officer or active member
of a local Lodge. The point is to get acquainted in an informal and
pleasant atmosphere. Such action is not solicitation, just good sense and
courtesy. So the next time, a potential candidate for the Masonic Degrees
asks you about Freemasonry, don't drop the ball!

Allan A. Ahern, 32,  Orlando, Florida, Scottish Rite Bodies

