                       FRATERNAL RERVIEW


# 660                                                11-1-92

BASEBALL - FOOTBALL
Some years ago, one of our members, Jerry R. Erikson, worked diligently in the
fields of persons in prominent places who were Freemasons.  Brother Erikson
passed away in 1982 and only recently, in one of the many nooks and crannys one
places items, we came across copies of his 1977 edition of "Fraternal
Footballers," a listing of 463 men in various capacities in football; players,
coaches, owners, officials, etc.  We also found copies of his "Alexander Joy
Cartwright - A Freemason Was the Father of Baseball." Postage for both is 52
cents and we will send them to you for a dollar bill - while they last.

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ALL SEEING EYE
The Newsletters of the Committee on Masonic Education of the Grand Lodge AF&AM
of Canada in the Province of Ontario includes questions and answers and here is
another sample from the Fall 1991 issue:

"Ouestion 51:  What is the explanation of the symbol 'The All-Seeing Eye?
"Answer 51:  The 'eye' was a symhol for Osiris among the ancient Egyptians, who
revered him as the giver of all blessings, life, light and health.  Wallis
Budge, in his work on the 'Rosetta Stone,' quotes the 'eye' symbol as
representing the Sun-god Ra.

"The term 'All-Seeing Eye' as we use it in Masonry, is probably derived from
Proverbs 15, v.3:  'The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil
and the good.'

"In Hebrew and Christian symbolism, as in Masonry, it denotes the Omniscient,
Omnipresent God, the G.A.O.T.U.  There is a tendency, occasionally, to
interpret it as a symbol of reward to the righteous and of retribution to evil-
doers, but there is no limit to the range of explanations that the symbol may
evoke.  I prefer to see it as the ever-watchful Eye of the Divine Creator, whom
we worship as our Father in Heaven.

"Any one of these brief hints may appeal to you, but the meaning that really
matters is the one that you will work out for yourself. Masonic symbolism opens
up a whole world of study and the answers that you find by your own efforts will
always be the most rewarding and satisfying.

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RUSSIA - ALASKA
The June 1992 The Northern Light (this time the publication of the Grand Lodge
of Alaska) gave us this from their Deputy Grand Master, John H. Grainger:

"Your Grand Lodge is pursuing the challenge of introducing Masonry in four
towns in Eastern Russia.  The Siberian towns are Magadan, with a population of
145,000; Khabarovsk, 650,000; Irkutsk, 500,000; and Valdivostok,
750,000. "Lodges, or individual Masons, in a position to defray travel costs, are invited
to participate in this program.  As representatives of the Grand Master, they
would travel to Siberia, providing information about our fraternity.

"As Masons, we do not ask new members to join.  But this does not mean that we
cannot provide information about our fraternity to potential candidates whom we
believe would be a credit to our craft.  The choice to petition is
theirs, but we can provide an opportunity for them to make that choice.

"With the relaxation of travel between our two countries, this program provides
an exciting opportunity to initiate new friendships and to reintroduce Masonry
to our Eastern neighbors.  New members for our Alaska lodges are a small part
of the potential developments that could be realized.

"Organizations in Anchorage, Cosar, Alaska Airlines, Aeroflot and Easy Travel,
are experienced in facilitating travel between Alaska and Russia.  They can
arrange letters of invitation to visit, passports, visas, hotel accomodations,
or housing in a host Russian home.  A week's visit to Siberia, including meals
and round trip transportation, costs from $1,000 to $1,900.  Bulk ticket rates
for groups can be arranged.

"Video film and literature about Masonry are availahle from the Grand
Lodge.  For further information about representing the Grand Master in Russia, contact
V. W. Robert Fulton, P.O. Box 1087, Kenai AK 99611 or phone (907)
776-8250 

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RITUAL
The July 1992 Louisiana Freemason noted a particular difference in ritual and
we would also add that a lodge in Los Angeles does the same but in the French
language when they have a French speaking candidate.

"At the invitation of the York Rite Bodies of Alexandria, a special degree team
from the 16th Masonic District in New Orleans met with almost 80 Masons at the
Masonic Temple in Alexandria to exemplify the Entered Apprentice Degree using
the Scottish Rite Ritual.  Abe Hinson Lodge No. 472 was the host lodge."

Noted reference to a Master's Closing Charge in the Mew Mexico Freemason so
asked for a copy to demonstrate to our members another difference, something we
do not have.

"Brethren:  You are about to quit this sacred retreat of friendship and virtue, to
mix again with the world.  Amidst its concerns and employments, forget not the
duties you have heard so frequently inculcated and forcibly recommended in this
Lodge.  Be diligent, prudent, temperate, discreet.  Rememher that around this
altar you have promised to befriend and relieve every worthy Brother who shall
need your assistance.  Remember that you have promised to remind him, in the
most tender manner, of his failings, and aid his reformation.  These generous
principles are to extend further.  Every human being has a claim upon your kind
offices.  Do good unto all.  Recommend it more especially to the household of
the faithful.  Finally, Brethren, be ye all of one mind; live in peace; and may
the God of love and peace delight to dwell with and hless you."

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RELIGION
The May 1992 Wisconsin Masonic Journal points out something interesting in this
controversial (?) subject.  The Eastern Star provides scholarships to those who
are prepared on the graduate level with a Master of Divinity Degree.
