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




                     SIXTY YEARS! WHERE DO WE STAND?

                        -by- Allen E. Roberts, FPS

    The Founding Fathers of The Philalethes Society, THE only Masonic 

Research Society in the world, must be amazed, as they look down from on 

high, at what they wrought in 1928. From a handful of enthusiastic and 

dedicated Masonic writings, their Society has blossomed into a world-

renown and respected association of Master Masons who are "the cream of 

the crop."

    The full story is told in Seekers of Truth, and the story is told in 

the words of the Society's writers from 1928 to 1988. Here are a few 

highlights.

    The lack of money and members kept the Society from doing all it would 

like to do for several years. Its early members covered the bulk of the 

expenses from their own funds. Articles written by its members were 

published in the existing magazines edited by its associates. The "Great 

Depression" didn't help, but those who had joined the Society remained 

loyal. Then came World War II with its shortages of manpower and 

materials.

    In 1946, as soon as paper and other necessities became available, the 

Society started its publication, The Philalethes. It has continued 

faithfully to the present day -- with a brief interruption.

    This diversion occurred in 1952. Walter A. Quincke, President and 

Editor died and the leadership was turned over to his protege Harold H. 

Kinney. Kinney also became the Editor and President. Then he died 

unexpectedly. There was chaos within the ranks. No plans had ever been 

made for such a contingency. There was no one to edit the magazine.

    For some unknown reason the Executive Secretary did nothing, so the 

First Vice President, Lee Edwin Wells, an aspiring author of fiction who 

would write more than 40 books under varying pen names, took over. With 

the help of Alphonse Cerza, Elbert Bede and Harold V.B. Voorhis new bylaws 

were written and approved. Then officers were elected in 1954. Never again 

would the Society be left at loose ends during any calamity.

    The growth of the Society has been slow but steady. The magazine has 

been continuously published six times a year. Often, because of the lack 

of funds, the issues consisted of 16 pages. For the past five years it has 

remained at a constant 24 pages. The Society has become financially sound, 

but it still cannot do all it would like to do for Freemasonry in general.

    There have been a few complaints because the Society has never adopted 

a "charitable" project. It hasn't because every member must be a Master 

Mason. All of its members are contributing to the major charitable 

endeavors of their Grand Lodges, the Royal Arch, Cryptic Masonry, the 

Scottish Rites, the Commandery, the Shrine, and multiple other bodies. 

Many of these bodies are concentrating on their benevolent objectives; The 

Philalethes Society has been concentrating on being of service to the 

Craft.

    It's important to remember that no organization can be stronger than 

the foundation. The foundation of Freemasonry is, and always has been, the 

Lodge. Without active and vibrant Lodges there can be no Grand Lodges nor 

would there by any appendant bodies. The Masonic Service Association was 

designed and chartered to help strengthen the Grand Lodges. There is an 

important need to add strength to the foundation -- the Lodges. This the 

Society has been doing, whether it realized it or not, for 60 years. 

    The Membership Benefits have increased beyond any expectations the 

founders ever held. With no assistance from any but its members it's safe 

to claim The Philalethes Society is doing more for Freemasonry as a whole 

than any other organization -- without exception. In addition to 

publishing the best, by far, Masonic magazine, the Society is providing 

free or low cost books, microfiche of three magazines, grants, speakers, 

writers, awards, Masonic information, and superb fellowship. Much of this 

was started with less than 2,000 members (there are now 3,700). Think of 

what can be accomplished with 10,000! 

    Has the Society done enough? No. But when one considers the funds the 

Society has had to work with compared with the funds of some of the 

appendant bodies, what The Philalethes Society has accomplished is 

remarkable indeed. But more can and should be done. For example:

    It was pointed out during the 1988 Midwest Conference on Masonic 

Education that our Masonic leadership is constantly re-inventing the 

wheel. It's doing it because it doesn't know the "wheel" has been improved 

upon time after time. The programs and ideas proposed year after year have 

been proposed time and time again. But there is no way to know this. 

Freemasonry must have a "clearing house."

    It was suggested the Grand Lodges work together to set up such a 

clearing house. By working together and sharing expenses no Grand Lodge 

would be harmed financially. In fact the Grand Lodges would save money. By 

having information available in a central location what has been 

"invented" over the years can be shared. Think of the hours and money this 

would save!

    It's doubtful that the Grand Lodges will see the wisdom in this 

venture. Bureaucracy, unfortunately, isn't confined to the federal and 

state governments. Could an organization such as The Philalethes Society 

set up a clearing house? It would take volunteers until funds could be 

raised to make it a "break even" proposition. It can be done.

    Members of The Philalethes Society can be proud of what they have 

accomplished during the past 60 years. The next 60 years can be more 

remarkable. It can be -- but only if its members don't sit on the laurels 

of the past. 


                                   -30-     


 
