
THE BUILDER May 1915


HOW TO STUDY MASONRY
A SYMPOSIUM

THE METHOD OF STUDY.

(Continuing the symposium begun in the last issue of The Builder,
it need hardly be said that the letters in this series are more
suggestive than exhaustive, and are intended to be so. Prof. Pound
gave a brief glimpse of the field of Masonic study, Brother Block
reminded us of the purpose to be kept always in mind, and Prof.
Shepardson suggested the method of University Extension and how it
might be worked out. Three other methods are presented in this
issue, and in the next issue still another method will be set forth
both as to the details of its plan and the results in actual
experience. Meanwhile, the invitation remains open to our readers
to contribute plans and suggestions, that the whole problem may be
thoroughly thought through, once for all, that we may the better
work out a program that shall include every valuable finding of the
experience of the Craft.)

IOWA TRAVELLING LIBRARIES.
By Newton R. Parvin,
Grand Secretary,
Iowa.

GIVE instruction unto those who cannot procure it for themselves."
Acting under this suggestion, the Librarian of the Iowa Masonic
Library has for more than a quarter of a century been loaning
Masonic books to our Lodges and members, at times only a single
volume, again a number of volumes, generally requiring the request
to come through the office of the Secretary of the Lodge. Of late
years we have been more free in the loan of books from the Library
and no brother whose name appears on our rolls as a member in good
standing, has ever been refused the loan of books.

For fifteen years there has been published from the office of the
Grand Secretary, a Quarterly Bulletin which has been the means of
communication between the Grand and Subordinate lodges and
officers. This publication, we believe, has done much to acquaint
our Iowa lodges and Masons with the contents of the Library and of
its value and importance to the Craft. In our report to Grand Lodge
in 1910, we stated that "While the Library is the creation of the
Grand Lodge, kept up by that Body, yet it benefits the state at
large. The prestige gained by the establishment and maintenance of
a library reflects credit upon all connected with the institution
and gives us a standing everywhere, not alone among Masonic Bodies,
but among learned societies and fraternal associations, many of
whose officers are today better posted on our Library than are some
of our own members.

An increased interest in Masonic books seems to be taking hold of
our members. They are searching for information which will prove of
value to them in their Masonic work. The Grand Lodge of Iowa has
ever endeavored to supply this want and not only furnished the
works needed, but arranged to have them circulated among the rank
and file of our members for their mutual good. This has been the
aim of your Librarian. He takes great pleasure in stating that the
members fully appreciate this act on the part of the Grand Lodge,
and from numerous letters received when books are returned, they
show their appreciation of the loan of the same."

We stated in our report for 1911 that we had arranged several
collections of Masonic works which we would send to lodges desiring
the loan of the same, allowing them to keep these collections from
three to four months, circulating the books among the Brethren that
they might have the advantage of reading such volumes as they
desired. In order to make these collections at that time, it became
necessary to purchase from three to six copies of many volumes of
which we had only one copy on our shelves. Early after the close of
the Grand Lodge we issued to the lodges a list of the works in
these Travelling Libraries. From the many letters received, we
found the Brethren were interested in the plan of the Travelling
Libraries and it was but a short time until we found that, we would
have to increase the supply to meet the demand. In making up these
Libraries we endeavored to include books bearing not only on the
History, but also the Traditions, the Philosophy, the Symbolism,
the Poetry and Ethics of Freemasonry, the Jurisprudence of the
Order, as well as volumes bearing upon Capitular and Templar
Masonry, the A. & A. Rite, the Mystic Shrine and the Order of the
Eastern star, etc.

In the same report we stated that during the past year the
Travelling Libraries had been inaugurated; while they were intended
more for the smaller towns where the members of the lodges did not
have the advantage of public libraries, we found that even the
lodges in the larger cities were fully as interested and as
desirous of securing one of the Travelling Libraries as were the
smaller lodges. We immediately issued a pamphlet stating how, and
under what conditions, these libraries might be secured, sending
out a large poster calling attention to the subject, asking that it
be hung up in some conspicuous place in the Tyler's room.
Accompanying this poster was a little folder giving a suggestive
list of books for Masons-to read and stating that, "While all
reading of a Masonic nature will be beneficial to the average
Mason, who merely seeks relaxation with Masonic knowledge as an
incidental feature, yet to the students who aim after Masonic light
and knowledge, and who have time to give to the subject, we would
advise against indiscriminate reading, and would suggest the
following of some method of reading that will result in much good.
Lay out some definite plan and commence a course of reading and
follow it closely. Let the line be what it may--history, symbolism,
ceremony or jurisprudence, a clean cut course is essential.
Brethren desiring to do this may place themselves in correspondence
with the Librarian who will be glad to give such assistance as lies
in his power. He would suggest to all such persons the careful
reading of some such pamphlet as 'A Masonic Curriculum,' a guide to
a course of study in Freemasonry, by G. W. Speth, and then
following out the suggestions found in that little pamphlet." This
year we had to increase the number of the Travelling Libraries by
purchasing additional books. We also began to receive special
requests from individual Brethren asking for the loan of books on
special subjects in which they were particularly interested.

Having thus inaugurated the system, we felt that we must give the
Brethren what they most desired, and in a short time, instead of
having a half dozen books of a certain title, we found it necessary
to have two dozen or more volumes of each.

The year following, 1912, in presenting our report, we stated that
nothing ever inaugurated by the Grand Lodge had met with greater
favor by the rank and file of our members than the Travelling
Masonic Libraries. Lodge after lodge has availed itself of the
privilege of the loan of one or more of these Libraries. In
returning the Library, they frequently asked that an additional
collection be sent to them. We found it therefore necessary to
increase the number of our collections of which we now have quite
a goodly number. It was at this time we issued a little folder
outlining a three years' course of study, recommended by the
Officers of the International Association of Masonic Students of
America.

The cases are made of hard wood and contain two shelves capable of
holding from thirty to forty volumes of regular sized books, with
a neat door locked with a Yale lock. The whole is put up in a good
heavy box with iron handles so as to be easily transported. The
only expense in connection with the loan of these Libraries is that
the lodges shall pay the freight charges which amount to about
forty to sixty-five cents each way. A comparison of the number of
books loaned our members outside of the Travelling Libraries during
the pas years will give a better idea of the interest shown in the
Library by the Masons of Iowa.

In 
1911-12.....177 Volumes were loaned
1912-13 ....229 Volumes were loaned
1913-14 ....413 Volumes were loaned

This year, 1914-15, the number will be greatly increased. This does
not include the volumes consulted at the Library.

No volume up to this had been lost, all being accounted for when
checked up at the Library on the return of the case.

Brother Block as Chairman of our Research Committee, in speaking of
this subject in his report in 1914, has the following to say
regarding the Travelling Libraries:

"One of the noteworthy results, due to a large extent to the great
interest and enthusiasm stirred up by the splendid work of our
Masonic lecturers, has been the striking increase in the use of our
travelling Masonic libraries.

"During the past year the number of libraries sent out has been
increased over 64 per cent and the number of books thus loaned has
grown by over 55 percent, and the number of readers of these has
increased 53 per cent. In addition to this the demand for these
travelling libraries has grown to such an extent that during the
past year there has remained on file in the Grand Librarian's
office an average of three applications for libraries unfilled,
which means that the demand for these libraries has exceeded the
supply by three to one.

"All of this Masonic reading cannot be going on in the state
without its resulting in the making of Masons in truth and fact and
more than in name only. * * *

"We should be quick to satisfy a demand for such a library as soon
as it is made. We should strike the iron while it is hot and not
allow disappointment and delay to blight this newly awakened desire
for Masonic study. We should foster and encourage this new interest
in Masonic research by every means in our power. We should give the
young Mason a chance to educate himself. He is the one who will
follow us and carry on the great work after we have passed on to
the great beyond. * * * The best part of American manhood is its
Masonic manhood. History proves that this has always been so. Let
us do all in our power to cause it to thrive, to prosper, and to
grow, to blossom into an ideal citizenship that shall be worthy of
the great teachings of our good and glorious order !"

It is not necessary to follow this work from year to year, but I
simply state that the success of the Masonic Travelling Libraries
is no longer being questioned. The Brethren of Iowa are beginning
to realize fully the value and importance of them and of their
great Library, and year after year are making better use of the
same. Individuals are constantly making requests of the Library for
special works along the line in which they are most interested, and
these are being loaned to them for a period of thirty days. Where
the book is a rare or expensive one, it is sent by express at the
expense of the borrower, but where the book is one easily
duplicated, it is sent by parcel post and returned in like manner.

To show that this subject is attracting attention elsewhere, we
have only to state that we have had quite a number of requests for
loan of libraries from other states which we felt compelled to
refuse, though we frequently sent volumes from the Library to
lodges and individuals in other states.

The Librarian of the Grand Lodge of North Dakota has recently
followed our plan and now has several travelling libraries
circulating among the lodges of that Jurisdiction.

In a later article we may give information relative to Clippings,
Papers and Addresses on Masonic topics which we have arranged in
scrap book form or put up in envelopes for mailing to our members,
and also information relative to topics covered and how they may be
secured and made use of by members of the Craft at large.

SCHOOLS OF INSTRUCTION.
Prof. John Pickard,
University of Missouri.

THE field occupied by this society is so exceedingly broad that a
mere catalogue of the work to be accomplished would occupy a
considerable space. In this letter I would touch upon only two or
three points. In spite of the great work which has been done by
Masonic historians in the past I am fully persuaded that the search
for original documents with reference to the early history of
Masonry may yet be continued with the hope of discovering evidence
of much interest and value, and I trust that the Masonic Research
Society may in the near future secure such financial backing as
will enable it to support able and earnest Masonic workers in such
a manner that they, freed from the necessity of working for daily
bread, may devote themselves entirely to the cause of furthering
our knowledge with reference to the origin, development, and growth
of our great institution. The work of such men might well be
devoted to research in the great libraries of the world, securing
such information as may have escaped the research of earlier
historians.

Apart from the study of manuscripts, inscriptions, and writings of
the men of by-gone days, I believe much good could be accomplished
by investigations of the great buildings of the world to show how
from the beginning of time the secrets, traditions, and practices
of the Craft have been handed down from race to race, from
civilization to civilization, and from nation to nation. In other
words to show the unbroken continuity of Masonic tradition in the
architecture of the world. This, as the field of work, has been
less thoroughly cultivated by the Masonic historians of the past.
These two suggestions have reference to the broadening and
deepening of our Masonic knowledge, but there is another field
which may well be cultivated by the Masonic Research Society.

It would be well to have active Masons understand that a thorough
knowledge of the ritual is only the beginning and not the end of
Masonic work. Too often earnest and sincere Masons feel that they
have accomplished something which is very much worth while, when
they have simply succeeded in learning with more or less accuracy
the ritual. Now an accurate knowledge of the ritual is a very
essential thing, and we cannot lay too much stress upon it, but if
that is all there is in Free Masonry, then Free Masonry is not a
very important matter.

If, on the other hand, we regard such ritualistic knowledge as a
mere beginning and go on to build upon this as a foundation and
endeavor to erect a perfect moral and Masonic structure above this
foundation, then we are really moving out on the right path.

I do not think, however, that we can lay down a curriculum of
Masonic study extensive and varied, with the hope of persuading the
great mass of Free Masons to go through with this or to enter upon
the study with the idea of going through with an extensive
curriculum. Free Masons are ordinarily men who have passed the
School and College age, and are busy with the affairs of life, and
any proposition which involves extensive and long continued labor
in order to arrive at the expected goal will tend to repel rather
than to attract. On the other hand, it seems to me that it would be
pedagogically sound to prepare a series of interesting topics which
might be pursued with great pleasure by Free Masons, and then
present these to our lodges in such an attractive form that the one
or the other topic would be sure to appeal to members in our
subordinate lodges. The appeal once made and study once begun, the
field of vision would broaden so rapidly and pleasantly that men
would be led on and on and yet on to the study of this or that
phase of the work and would find their interest growing and
increasing as the years go by. Leadership of this kind would be
effective in accomplishing great good.

To bring this matter effectively before our subordinate bodies it
would be necessary to hold schools of instruction of a little
different type than those we are accustomed to hold, schools of
instruction in which the best workers and strongest men in the
subordinate lodges could be brought together and inspired with a
love for and desire for increased Masonic knowledge. These men then
can be depended upon to direct the lodges to which they belong.
* * *
IV--

THE CORRESPONDENCE SCHOOL METHOD IN MASONRY.

R. J. Lemert, Helena, Montana.
No matter how much of value there may be in the Masonic
institution, no matter what the richness of its philosophy, or the
suggestiveness of its symbolism, it can never fulfill its mission
until its votaries become better versed in its fundamental tenets,
more keenly aware of its ultimate purpose and its possibilities. In
the ordinary affairs of the world at large it is axiomatic that
education is an absolute essential to good citizenship; and this is
no less true in the affairs of Masonry. No one can comprehend the
true object of this great fraternity of ours until he has delved
deeply into the history, the philosophy and the traditions of
Masonry, and has discovered for himself the True Word--the true
mission, the true working tools--of a Master Mason.

The Masonic education of the members of our institution can be
accomplished only by one of two methods--by the study of books, or
by oral lectures. The National Masonic Research Society, under
whose auspices this magazine is published, has devoted itself to
the task of stimulating study by the former method, while the
Masonic Lecture Bureau believes that it has evolved a plan which
will be of incalculable benefit to American Masonry.

Brother C. C. Hunt, editor of the "Masonic Standard," that
excellent New York journal of the Craft, has aptly designated the
plan of this Bureau "the correspondence school method, applied to
Masonry," an expression which tells the story perfectly. For as the
correspondence school carries the means of education to men and
women who are remote from schools and colleges, so does the Masonic
Lecture Bureau place at the disposal of lodges and study clubs in
every part of the country entertaining, instructive and reliable
lectures upon every phase of Freemasonry.

The plan of the Bureau is unique. Distinguished students of the
institution are associated with the Bureau in the capacity of
contributing lecturers, furnishing manuscripts upon many topics,
some of which have been delivered to small gatherings of the
brethren in the past, but most of which have been especially
prepared for the present purpose. When these are received at the
home office of the Bureau, in Helena Montana, they are carefully
copied upon the typewriter, scores of copies of each being made,
and are then ready to be rented to such lodges as may desire the
service.

The scope and arrangement of the lecture course has been the
subject of most careful consideration, but upon the theory that the
history of Masonry--or rather of those things which have become
Masonry--is history of civilization, the first course of eight
lectures has been arranged as follows:

No. 1--The Origin of Freemasonry.--This is an introductory lecture,
preparatory for the succeeding numbers. It outlines briefly the
principal theories, some fifteen in number, which been advanced
during the past 200 years to account for our institution, and lays
the foundation for fuller discussion.

No. 2--The Beginnings of the Human Race.--A discussion of the
scientific theories regarding the creation of man and the rise of
civilization, showing the probable source from which all religions
and philosophies have sprung.

No. 3--The First Initiations.--A wonderful lecture, showing the
rise of the white race and the civilizing of ancient India, the
land of mystery, which many writers agree was the home of
initiation.

No. 4--The Mysteries in Egypt.--A fascinating account of the
transplanting of the philosophy of India into the ancient land of
the Pharaohs, with a discussion of the amazing civilization which
flourished there for thousands of years.

No. 5--The Mysteries of Isis and Osiris.--A continuation of No. 4,
carrying the subject still further, and telling all that is known
of the ceremonies of initiation which many writers believe to have
given birth to our own.

No. 6--Persia and the Wise Men of the East.--This lecture treats of
the great teacher, Zoroaster, and the marvelous system of religious
philosophy which he founded, a system which was in part adopted by
those early Christians who were opposed to the papal idea.

No. 7--The Mysteries in Other Lands.--Showing the growth of the
Mystery idea among the Greeks, Romans, Phoenicians and other
peoples, and their methods of imparting philosophical and religious
instruction


No. 8--Moses and the Rise of the Jewish People.--A discussion of
the founder of the Hebrew nation in the course of which new light
is thrown upon the sources of his knowledge and inspiration.

That this choice of topics was a wise one is evidenced by the
number of appreciative and commendatory letters which have been
received at the offices of the Bureau from lodges which have
already availed themselves of the service. No better evidence of
the wisdom of the plan could be asked than the fact that out of
several hundred lodges which have commenced the use of the
lectures, not a single one has discontinued the service.

The eight lectures mentioned above do not, of course, represent all
that the Bureau has to offer. Many other papers of the historical
series are now under preparation, covering the time from the close
of the eighth lecture to the present, including discussions of the
Roman Collegia, the Dionysian Architects, the Gnosis, Early
Christianity, the Johannites, Pythagoras, the Manicheans, the
Comacines, the Steinmetzen, the Crusades, the Knights Templars,
King Athelstan, the Rosicrucians, and numerous other topics set
forth in the literature of the Bureau.

A series of so-called "optional" lectures is also in preparation.
These do not form parts of a connected series, as do the eight
listed above, but each is complete in itself. Two papers of
especial merit, in this series are now offered: "Masonry and the
Church," from the pen of Brother the Rt. Rev. Frederick W. Keator,
Bishop of Olympia, Wash., a scholarly and non-sectarian discussion
of the interrelation between the Craft universal and the Church
universal; and "A Brief Resume of the History of the Royal Arch
Degree," by Brother E. H. Van Patten, P. G. M., of Dayton, Wash.

None of the lectures offered by the Bureau are sold, being rented
only to such regular lodges or study clubs as may desire them. (*)
A small fee is required, not for the purpose of making of the
Bureau a moneymaking institution, but because there are a multitude
of items of expense connected with the administration of the plan,
and it is desired to make the Bureau self supporting.

Such is, in brief, an outline of the plan of the latest entrant
into the field of Masonic education. The Bureau will be glad to
send any of the lectures listed above to properly qualified
applicants, upon request, and it invites correspondence regarding
its work. It will especially welcome additional contributors to the
lecture course.

(*) Lodges or study clubs wishing to use any of the lectures
offered by the Bureau may secure the rent of them at the rate of
$1.50 each. Correspondence should be addressed to the Secretary,
Helena, Montana.

