          This file is copyright (c) 1994 The Philalethes Society and
          uploaded here with permission. 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 
          CIS: 71202,22
          
          PRESIDENT'S CORNER
          DECEMBER 1994 ISSUE
          
          President's Corner guest author this Issue is former Editor,
          Charles S. Guthrie, FPS. It is a pleasure to welcome this fine
          writer and well known Mason to express his thoughts about The
          Philalethes Society, now that he is away from us and "looking."
          Forrest D. Haggard, FPS
          President
          
          Reflections
          
          By Charles S. Guthrie, FPS
          
          In response to a request by President Forrest D. Haggard, FPS,
          some of my reflections on two years spent as editor of The
          Philalethes follow. My reflections are on the leadership of the
          Philalethes Society, the writers, and the readers. 
          I enjoyed the association with the leaders of the Society.
          None--including the editor--receives a salary. We are essentially
          a hip-pocket operation, working for the advancement of our
          fraternity, and are fortunate to be able to meet necessary
          expenses. 
          Our leaders are fully aware of the problems facing Freemasonry
          today. They share a mutual dislike of ignorance, bigotry, and
          narrow-mindedness among both Masons and the profane. 
          One of the thorniest problems engaging the Society's leadership
          is the relationship between Prince Hall and Caucasian Masonry.
          Prince Hail leaders and we have similar problems. They do not
          want their organization consolidated with ours. Rather, they want
          their Freemasonry recognized for what it is -- regular of origin
          and legitimate -- for intervisitation and cooperation. Our leaders,
          as well as theirs, believe that Masonry should be what it says it
          is, a brotherhood of men under the fatherhood of God, without
          regard to race, creed or color. 
          Now for a consideration of the writers. My relationship with the
          writers was generally harmonious. The quality of material
          submitted was usually high. Also, in keeping with our styling
          ourselves a research organization, many writers are adequately
          documenting their work when it is necessary, so that readers
          wishing to pursue the subject further will know where to look. 
          During the time I was editor, I tried to print material that would
          appeal to a wide readership, material that would interest readers
          whether I agreed with it or not. Seasoned Masonic scholars
          already know much of what is printed; however, some readers
          are beginning gleaners and need to feed on the essentials of
          Freemasonry. To that end some of the material printed may
          seem rather elementary, but if we fulfil our task of bringing more
          of the light of knowledge to the fraternity, we must take care of
          all. 
          It was refreshing to me that I was able to print material not only
          by American and Canadian writers, but some from other
          jurisdictions as well. Our voice is being heard and heeded. We
          are the conscience of Freemasonry. 
          Now to some more mundane concerns of editors--things that
          make their job more difficult and time-consuming. Some
          manuscripts arrived with single-spacing, some with misspelled
          words, and some that did not observe elementary conventions of
          punctuation. Some was typed in capitals throughout and even a
          few short manuscripts were handwritten. If writers will use the
          basic principles of margins, double-spacing, capitalization and
          punctuation of manuscripts, they will be more likely to see their
          work in print and will certainly make the editor's task easier.
          Sending material on a computer disk will aid him very much. 
          As for the readers, they demand quality research and writing.
          Their demands should guide the policies of the Philalethes
          Society. Unfortunately, some of us make errors of fact or
          interpretation. Our eagle-eyed readers usually point that out.
          Most readers communicated with me in a courteous way; some
          otherwise. I would call upon all readers as well as writers who
          desire to communicate with Editor Nelson King to do so in a
          courteous manner. 
          Let us all support our officers and our editor as we work together
          for the diffusion of Masonic light in a dark, confusing world. 
          And to all Masons, wherever dispersed throughout the world,
          "Let there be Masonic light."