FRATERNAL REVIEW

Editor - Ralph A. Herbold         (1-1-94)                        No. 684

PROFICIENCY
Grand Master Kenneth K. Klentschy, in the New Mexico Freemason for December
1993-January 1994 spoke out pointedly regarding his Edict on proficiencies:

"To those who opposed the Edict which I issued in regards to length of
proficiencies, time between degrees and using the Lodge System of Masonic
Education IN AN ATTEMPT TO BETTER EDUCATE OUR CANDIDATES AND MAKE MORE 
INFORMED MASONS RATHER THAN PARROTS OF THEM, I hope that after some time to 
reflect, you will see the same things that I saw - an improved Fraternity 
unwilling to steal a man's time."

NEW YORK
Grand Master Gary A. Henningsen of New York also had pointed remarks to the
District Deputy Grand Masters and State Officers in his address to them and
printed in the Empire State Mason of Fall 1993, including:

"Therefore, I say to you and all our members, if you know someone who is a
quality person, a man who is willing to give of himself, a man with whom you
would be proud to associate, ask him to join!!!  It is far better to have
someone you know become a member, rather than a man you don't know."

and then to the nitty gritty with:

"How can we bring in others if we know nothing about our Fraternity?  That is
why our Masonic Education and Leadership programs are of such prime 
importance."

ALASKA - RUSSIA
The October 1993 North Star (Grand Lodge of Alaska) told of another visit by
Alaska Freemasons to Russia, town of Magadan. Looked up Magadan in my Atlas 
and found it had a population of 92,000 about twenty years ago, about the size 
of Downey, California.  Magadan is about half way between San Francisco and 
Moscow.

They met with administrators of the city and members of the Russian Navy.  The
Russians had no concept of what Freemasonry was about but could relate to
organizations as they did have a Rotary.  It could be done but it would take a
lot of time, patience, perseverance and work on the part of the Alaska 
brethren.

RELIGION
Our December 1993 mailing included a copy of the October 1993 Georgia Masonic
Messenger which contained the Keynote Address to the Southeast Masonic
Conference by Gary Leazer, Ph.D., who first had the assignment by the Southern
Baptist Convention to investigate Freemasonry but was later relieved of this
task.  The address was favorable to Freemasonry but he warned we should not be
satisfied with the report at their Convention.


Now the reason for bringing this up:  The December 1993 Arizona Masonry
reprinted an article from the Arizona Republic in which it was stated that 
Gary Leazer had been ordered to resign from the agency (Mission Home Board) 
because of the above mentioned Keynote Address. "Leazer, in the August speech, 
said he disagreed with the report, which said some Masonic beliefs were not 
compatible with Baptists, and he also criticized opponents of Freemasonry 
within the denomination."

DeMOLAY
Have a copy of the Fall 1993 issue of the DeMolay International Cordon,
emphasizing that the 75th Anniversary of the Order will be celebrated in 1994.

Notes of interest:  Lexington (Southern California) Chapter won the
International Softball Tournament.  DeMolay is featured on our float in the
Tournament of Roses Parade. A new membership video featuring President Clinton
is available for $10 plus shipping.  Thanks to the Youth Fund of Southern
Califonia there's a new DeMolay Center at 303 West Lincoln Avenue in Anaheim,
Caifornia.  Indidentally, that's where we meet.  DeMolay is on Compuserve and
Prodigy and has a "Computer Chapter," more information from David Glenn, 4939 W.
Carol Ave., Glendale AZ 85302.  A National Ritual Tournament set for June 24, 25
and 26 in Kansas City, Missouri, the birthplace of the Order of DeMolay.

If you want to aid in publicizing the 75th Anniversary you can oblain a Press
Kit that includes written material, clip art, logos and photos, write to 
Daniel E. Houlahan, 10200 N. Executive Hills Blvd., Kansas City MO 64153-1367.

SHRINE HOSPITALS
The November 1993 Rhode Island Freemason Shrine section included:

"Shriner's Hospitals launch an educational campaign as to how a simple 
vitamin can help avoid a serious problem.

"Supermodel Cheryl Tiegs is starring in public service announcements aimed at
informing women about taking folic acid to reduce the number of birth defects.
Following the taping of the PSAs, Tiegs was presented with a plaque from
Shriner's Hospitals in recognition of her contribution."

WORLD WAR I - FRANCE
In "Looking Back In The Herald" by R.L. Dillard, Jr., P.G.M., 33, in the
Dallas (Texas) Scottish Rite Herald:

"75 Years Ago - November 1918.  1n World War I the Germans made an effort to
use Freemasonry to obtain peace from the Allied Powers but without success.
This was seen as an improper use of Freemasonry for political purposes.  A
Special Committee of the Grand Lodge of California reported in favor of the
recognition of the Grand Lodge of France in spite of that Grand Lodge's 
removal of the Bible from the altar. Several other Grand Lodges followed suit.  
The Grand Lodge of France is not now recognized by any regular Grand Lodge in 
the world."

To avoid criticism, do nothing, say nothing, be nothing.  - Elbert Hubbard


