The Working Tools June 2011 Issue

June 2011 Issue #42

Freemasonry During The Civil War

Stories About Our Brothers Divided 1

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Letter FromWelcome the Editor “Rekindling My Masonic Bonds” At the end of April I attended the Annual Communication for the Grand Lodge of New Jersey held in Atlantic City. It’s a spectacular sight to almost 1,000 Freemasons walking around the hotel in their full regalia. It’s a cloud of white lamb skin aprons all throughout the halls!

In-between the early morning meetings we have our share of brotherhood and fun. Getting to see all my brothers from across the state that I only get to see at such events is something that I look forward to all year. I’ve made many friends throughout the years and I cherish what our Craft provides us.

I would like to congratulate all of the Grand Lodge staff who have won their elections and the Brothers who love the Craft enough to run for the chairs. Whether they won or lost the election, their hearts were in it the whole way.

Regarding this issue– I’ve worked through some crazy PC problems ( near hard drive failure and a wicked virus) to collect some of the best info I could find on the topics that made it in the June edition. Still I was able to push through and create another issue of TWT. I’m very happy with the Civil War articles. I think it shows truly how great of a Fraternity we are even in the middle of a tragedy.

Hopefully the PC issues are over with for now. Keep sending me emails, your feedback has been great. I appreciate everyone that has taken the time to write me. As always send me over your paper, articles and interesting websites, I’m looking forward to hearing from you!

Until next time...

Cory Sigler, PM

Hawthorne Fortitude #200

Find me on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/corysigler & facebook.com/twtmag 2

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TWT MAG presents:

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Including music and video segments

Download and show in Lodge for a quick 10 minute presentation that all the brethren will enjoy!!!

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Contents

This Month’s Issue Includes:

Pg 43 Cover– Freemasonry in the Civil War

Pg 27

Pg 23 The Grotto

Biography: Buzz Aldren

This Issue:  Old Tyler Talks- “He Found Out” - Pg.13  Masonic Renwal.org -

Pg.15

 Word of the Month- Pg.17  The Baltimore Convention - Pg.19  The Temple Church - Pg.31  In The News - Pg.36  “Old Masters Whisky”, “WEOFM”, “This month in Masonry” & More

The Working Tools is published monthly by Corsig Publishing & Cory Sigler, It is not affiliated with any Grand Lodge. Letters or inquiries should be directed to Cory Sigler, Editor, at E-mail: Corsig3@yahoo.com All letters become the property of the Working Tools. Photographs and articles should be sent to the attention of the Editor.

Every effort will be made to return photographs but this cannot be guaranteed. Please include a self-addressed stamped envelope. The Editor reserves the right to edit all materials received.

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Masons in Need

Joplin, Missouri Relief Efforts Brethren, as you know Joplin, Missouri was devastated by a tornado several weeks back destroying a whole town. The Grand Master of MO has posted a message for those who are looking to help by donating time and/or money.

As found: http://www.momason.org/

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Masons in Need

Joplin, Missouri Relief Efforts Continued..

Those who wish to volunteer for the clean-up efforts may do so by clicking “Sign-Up to Volunteer” link at http://www.211missouri.org/. This is being organized by the United Way. The Valley of Joplin continues to feed volunteers and will be in need of assistance cooking and serving food beginning on Tuesday. Please contact the Valley’s office at (417) 623-3219 if you would like to help.

The Joplin Parks and Recreation Department is in need of chain saws, rakes, weed trimmers and lawn mowers to assist with various efforts. Please contact them at (417) 625-4718 if you can supply any of these items.

If you would like to make a donation, you may send a check payable to the Scottish Rite Valley of Joplin with the notation “tornado disaster relief”.

Scottish Rite Valley of Joplin Attention: Richard Lowrey 505 S. Byers Joplin, MO 64801 The Grand Lodge of Missouri AF&AM has also established a disaster relief fund and payment should be made payable and sent to the Grand Lodge of Missouri with the notation “Joplin area disaster relief”. You can also now donate online via the Grand Lodge’s website at www.momason.org!

Grand Lodge of Missouri 6033 Masonic Dr., Suite B Columbia, MO. 65202-6568

IMPORTANT LINKS

http://www.momason.org http://www.211missouri.org/

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Supporting the Masonic Arts

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This Month in History

June 1st- On this date in 1820, the Grand Lodge of Maine was founded.

5th- On this date in 1820, James K. Polk (U.S. President 1845-1849) received his 1st degree in Columbia Lodge #31, Columbia, Tennessee & in 1923, groundbreaking took place for the George Washington Masonic National Memorial, in Alexandria, Virginia 9th- On this date in 1849, the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Delaware was established 11th- On this date in 1986, the United Grand Lodge of England required the removal of references to the physical penalties from all obligations.

20th- On this date in 1881, Albert G. Mackey, Masonic author and SecretaryGeneral of the Supreme Council of the Scottish Rite, Southern Jurisdiction of the U.S., died.

24th- On this date 1) In 1717, what is referred to as the premiere Grand Lodge was formed in London, at the Goose and Gridiron Ale-house 2) In 1731, of a Lodge meeting in the colonies that became the United States, in an account book of St. John's Lodge in Philadelphia 3) In 1734, Benjamin Franklin became Grand Master of what would be known as the "Moderns" Grand Lodge in Pennsylvania.

4) In 1791, the African Grand Lodge of North America was organized in Boston. It later became the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Massachusetts.

28th- On this date in 1901, Warren G. Harding (U.S. President 1921-1923) received his 1st degree in Marion Lodge #70, Ohio.

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This Month in “The Worldwide Exemplification of Freemasonry”

June 2011 Lectures “The Worldwide Exemplification of Freemasonry”

06-04-11 Freemasons & the Greek War of Independence, Andreas C. Rizopoulos, PM 06-18-11 The Catholic Church & Freemasonry, Michel L. Brodsky, PM 06-25-11 Philalethes Among Us, Ed Halpaus, PM

http://weofm.org

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Freemason Whisky

Old Masters Freemason Whisky O

ld Masters is a rich blend originally created for the Freemasons and has been carefully chosen

from selected grain whiskies and specific Highland and Speyside malts. This is the perfect Masonic Gift for a Mason, Brother, Master or Past Master. If you are a mason to any degree you will appreciate the fantastic picture label on this bottle. This wonderful item would create a fabulous talking point before and after any Lodge meeting or diner. It would also make a great prize for a Masonic raffle or initiation ceremony. This item is totally unique and original.

This item is not available in any shops and is in limited supply, making it very rare and collectable.

This item is now supplied online in a Lombard's Card Gift Box.

Tasting Notes: "The perfect nose to experience blindfolded (how else...?) as the depth of the fruit and grain - and their happy intermingling - is astonishing.

A few under-ripe gooseberries here. Light, graceful arrival with the early emphasis on a Speyside malt theme before some grain and oak kicks in. Pretty long with touches of cocoa though the fresh malt lingers. A high quality blend that doesn't stint on the malt. The nose, in particular, is sublime.

- 92 points."

Jim Murray - Whisky Bible 2008

Editor note– While I personally have not consumed the “Old Master” whisky myself, I have heard from others that have tried it and enjoyed it. I didn’t add any links here to buy it but a simple google search will lead you right to it. CS 12

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Claudy- “Old Tyler Talks”

“He Found Out” "Old Tiler I can save you some trouble!" announced the New Brother.

The Old Tiler leaned his sword up against the wall and motioned the New Brother to a seat. "I am never adverse to anyone saving me trouble!"

"A petition was read in lodge tonight," continued the New Brother. "Man by the name of Ned Brinkley. I have known old Brinkley for years. I heard your name on his committee. I can tell you anything you want to know."

"Nice of you!" repeated the Old Tiler. "Why does Mr. Brinkley want to be a Mason?"

"Oh, I don't know... same reason we all do, I guess."

"You speak of him as 'Old Brinkley.' How old is he?"

"Must be all of 65, or maybe 68. Carpenter by trade, he is; worked for me off and on for years.

The wife never wants a shelf put up or a hinge mended or a fence painted or the gutter spout fixed that we don't call on old Brinkley. He's a fine old chap, very religious too. I rather wondered at the Master putting you on his petition."

"Why?" asked the Old Tiler.

"I know your reputation as a committeeman!" smiled the New Brother. "You dig to the bottom.

They don't waste you on people everyone knows about. Brinkley is a dead open-and-shut proposition. Everyone in town knows him, I guess. I don't see why they put an old ferret like you on his trail.

But I can tell you anything you want to know about him."

"Except why he wants to be a Mason!" answered the Old Tiler, dryly.

"Well, that isn't important in this case. He is a very religious man, and I suppose wants the religious part of lodge work."

"You suppose! Suppositions are not good enough for me. How does friend Brinkley know there is anything religious about a lodge or Masonry? Why does a very religious man find his church insufficient to supply his religion? Why does he wait until he is 65 years old to want to be a Mason? Those are questions I want answered. You know Brinkley as a workman, an obliging tinkerer with shelves and gutter spouts. But apparently you know nothing else about him except that he is religious. Suppose you tell me how you know that much."

"How do I know he is religious? Why, he goes to church every Sunday and he talks a great deal about it... I don't know!"

"I'll say you don't know! You don't really know anything about Brinkley, do you? Your attitude is too sadly common for the good of Masonry. You are familiar with Brinkley's name and his appearance and his looks; he has worked for you as an odd job man for years. Because he never stole (Continued on page 14)

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Claudy- “Old Tyler Talks�

(Continued from page 13)

your silver or beat your dog you think he is a good man. Because he talks religion and goes to church you term him religious. He is a part... a small part, but yet a part... of your life, and therefore he is all right for your lodge! Oh, conceited man! As if you couldn't be fooled and taken in and hornswoggled and deceived like anyone else!

"I happen to know considerable about Brinkley. I heard he was going to petition this lodge and I made it my business to find out. Listen, and see how much damage you might have done if I had been less well informed and had taken your estimate of Brinkley for truth!

"Brinkley owes a lot of money. His credit is exhausted. There is nothing bad about the man; he is a well-meaning but shiftless person, who has never either the ambition or the ability to rise above sporadic day wages and occasional jobs. He is weak, so he borrows right and left and runs accounts which he seldom pays, not that he isn't honest, but that he is careless.

round, and emphatic negative on my report, and I very much suspect that both other committeemen will do the same thing!"

"Oh, well, of course!" answered the New Brother.

"I didn't know!"

"Of course you didn't! And because you only guessed and hoped and believed and had no real knowledge, you would have done this lodge a great injury if all the committeemen had depended solely on your report!"

"But I know now... and I won't do it anymore!" pleaded the New Brother.

The Old Tiler grunted.

"A few years ago he got into difficulties, and seeing no other way out, attempted to become a Catholic.

But the good fathers of the church turned him inside out in no time and found out that he had been, at various times, a member of at least four other churches, all for the work he could get and the charity he could receive from their organizations. He has been a member of the Odd Fellows, the Pythians, the Red Men and a few others, in all of which organizations he has been dropped for N.P.D. "At 65 or more years of age he suddenly conceives a great regard for the Masonic fraternity and wants to join our lodge. Why, I don't know, but I strongly suspect! And my suspicions are well founded in evidence that Mr. Brinkley wants to become a Mason for what he can get out of Masonry in a material way that I shall register a loud, 14

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Masonic Education Portal Cory Approved

MASONIC RENEWAL

http://www.masonicrenewal.org

Reference Library For Masonic Leaders What is it?

by clicking on the ―Links‖ section of this site.

The Reference Library for Masonic Leaders is available to everyone in our Masonic Family. Publications, in Welcome to the Masonic Renewal Committee of the PDF, PowerPoint, Video, and audio format, are from Conference of Grand Masters of North America Grand Lodges throughout North America and include The purpose of the Masonic Renewal Committee (―MRC‖) is to provide continuity for Masonic Renewal submissions from our Appendant and Concordant Bodies, None are copy-written and any part of them may efforts by Grand Lodges of North America and bring be used at the discretion of the reader. about the renewal of Freemasonry as an active, viable and relevant institution for the 21st Century.

The Committee consists of a number of Grand Lodge Officers, Past Grand Masters, and others. It meets periThis Committee, charged by the Conference of Grand Masters of North America, developed this web site for odically, holding open meetings at the Conference of the sharing of information between Grand Lodge Juris- Grand Masters for the exchange of ideas. dictions in Canada, the United States and Mexico. This web site will also provide a secure forum for Grand Masters to engage in electronic discussions relating to Programs you’ll find PDF‖S, DOC‖S, POWERPOINTS from Grand Lodge issues and concerns that face Freemasonry. This passleaders to assist the Lodges staying current and active word-protected forum will afford the opportunity to for today‘s Mason. The areas you‘ll find programs in share concepts and programs that have succeeded in are: Grand Jurisdictions.

The MRC has also developed a periodic e-newsletter to inform Grand Lodges and their officers about various events within Freemasonry, developments within the Fraternity and its Appendant and Concordant bodies and news of additions to this website. Members of our Masonic Family may subscribe by simply clicking on the ‖News‖ section of this web site and entering an email address in the sign up box. Electronic links to all Grand Jurisdictions and other Masonic sources are available for use

―Lodge Programs‖ - Grand Lodge of Maine Fellowship Night, Guidelines for Table Lodge, and Widows Program ―Membership‖ - Membership Recruitment and Retention Plan from the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, PowerPoint program designed for guest nights from the Grand Lodge of Minnesota, brochure lists the privileges of being a Mason in PDF form from the Grand Lodge of Michigan, MEMBERSHIP RESEARCH (Continued on page 16)

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Masonic Education Portal

PROJECT from the Grand Lodge of Utah

entitled LIFE MEMBERSHIP- from the Grand Lodge of Minnesota, PDF file is entitled LIFE MEMBERSHIPfrom the Grand Lodge of Minnesota.

―Mentoring‖- Booklet entitled A MESSAGE TO THE NEW CANDIDATE, booklet entitled BACKGROUND FOR THE ASPIRANT, PDF file is entitled THE MENTOR PROGRAM, Manual for candidates from the Grand Lodge of Oregon in PDF format.

―Grand Lodge Issues‖- GRAND LODGE OF KENTUCKY AWARDS PROGRAM, PDF is entitled 20072008 GRAND LODGE PLAN from the Grand Lodge of Illinois., MEMBERSHIP RESEARCH PROJECT in PDF format is from the Grand Lodge of Utah

―Leadership‖- 2009 Lodge of the Year Program in PDF format from the Grand Lodge of Oklahoma., PDF file is entitled DUTIES AND OBLIGATIONS OF LODGE OFFICERS from the Grand Lodge of Minnesota, PDF document entitled Lodge Leadership and Management Notebook from the Grand Lodge of Minnesota., guide entitled PLANNING FOR YOUR YEAR AS MASTER is from the Grand Lodge of Nevada .

―EA Guides‖ - Booklet entitled YOU ARE NOW AN ENTERED APPRENTICE from the Grand Lodge of Minnesota, ENTERED APPRENTICE MANUAL from the Grand Lodge of Calf., PDF file from the Grand Lodge of Arkansas contains information for the new Entered Apprentice, Grand Lodge of Ontario entitled E.A. MANUAL.

(Continued from page 15)

―Community‖- Oklahoma Grand Lodge Student of Today Program, program from the Grand Lodge of New Jersey entitled NEW JERSEY MASONIC BLOOD PROGRAM, Oklahoma Grand Lodge Teacher of today Program ―Retention‖- 7-page script of the Dusty Square and Compass program from the Grand Lodge of Minnesota., Grand Lodge rewards Program from the Grand Lodge of Kentucky, Grand Lodge rewards Program from the Grand Lodge of Kentucky ‗Promotional‖ - PDF gives examples of printed ads for Lodges from the Grand Lodge of British Columbia., brochure entitled FRIEND TO FRIEND, brochure entitled, HAVE YOU EVER CONSIDERED BECOMING A MASON?, informational booklet used for promotion from the Grand Lodge of British Columbia. ―Training‖- Ohio Grand Lodge Masonic Education Program, Pennsylvania Grand Lodge Academy of Knowledge, Grand Lodge of Alaska FACILITATOR GUIDE FOR TRAINING COURSE 30 PowerPoint slides, Grand Lodge of Alaska LODGE OFFICER TRAINING HANDBOOK-PART 1 & 2… ―Secretarial‖- PDF document from the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts on GRAND LODGE RESOURCES and MASONIC AWARNESS., Secretaries Handbook in PDF format from the Grand Lodge of Minnesota., PDF file is 16

―FC Guides‖ - Booklet from the Grand Lodge of Minnesota entitled MORE LIGHT FOR A FELLOW CRAFT, booklet in PDF format is a handbook for the Fellow Craft from the Grand Lodge of California, PDF file from the Grand Lodge of Arkansas contains information for the new Fellow Craft ―MM Guides‖- booklet entitled UPON BECOMING A MASTER MASON from the Grand Lodge of Minnesota, booklet in PDF format is a handbook for Master Masons from the Grand Lodge of California, PDF file from the Grand Lodge of Arkansas contains information for the new Master Mason Committee Members As you can see from the list below, the committee members are made from our Crafts esteemed leaders. Some I‘ve even had the pleasure of meeting and knowing personally.

Dean Alban A&A.S.R., S.J, Bill Berman PGM New Jersey -Treasurer, Ken Butchart, PGM Manitoba- Vice Chair Stuart Cowan, PGM Hawaii, David B. Dibrell, PGM Texas , Brian R. Dodson, PGM Texas- Chair , Matt Harrison, Utah - Web Master , Patton R. Hart, PGM Kentucky- Secretary, Chris Hodapp, Indiana , Jack H. Jones, AONMS , Richard Lynn, PGM Florida ,Ken Nagel, GM California, Richard G. McNeill Jr. JGD Arizona, Glen Means, PGM, CGMNA , Neil Neddermeyer, PGM MN

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Word of the Month

Masonic Symbolism & Words Brought to you by Www.masonicdictionary.com

This Month’s Word is

“CHAMBER OF REFLECTION”

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Word of the Month

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The Baltimore Convention

The Baltimore Convention On May 8, 1843, A national congress was formed to create a uniform ritual for all of the Lodges in the United States.

The following article is a great overview.

The "Baltimore Convention of 1843", held May 8 to 17, attempted to agree upon a "mode of work" to recommend to the various Grand Lodges, that Masonic ritual might become uniform throughout the nation.

The catechism form of lectures came to this country with Freemasonry. The system originally arranged by Anderson and Desaguliers was revised and "improved" by Martin Clare, Thomas Dunkerly, William Hutchinson and, most important, William Preston, who suggested, if he did not exactly teach, the esoteric parts of the "work" by illustrations of symbols and emblems, depicted on "floor clothes" or "carpets" - even today we retain a reference to "The Master's Carpet".

The Prestonian work was largely spread in this country by Thomas Smith Webb, who published his first "Freemason's Monitor" in 1797. He is supposed to have had the Prestonial work from a pupil of Preston's, John Hanmer. Almost every Jurisdiction (Pennsylvania excepted) adopted some or all of Webb's modifications of Preston. Webb's labors were greatly aided by Jeremy Cross, whose "True Masonic Chart" (illustrated by the Connecticut engraver Amos Doolittle) is the foundation of those often terrible examples of art seen today on Masonic charts and lantern slides.

In the early days of Masonry in this country a ritual, with every word prescribed, had not been evolved. According to Rob Morris: "The catechism being committed to memory the learner was supposed to possess the method of work, that is, the drill and drama. Or ceremony of Masonry, which was made literally to conform to the lectures."

Dr. Mackey, in his Lexicon said of the lectures: "These constitute the simple text of Masonry, while the extended illustrations which are given to them by an intelligent Master or Lec-

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turer constitute the commentary, without which the simple text would be comparatively barren and uninstructive."

A joint committee report recommending the adoption of the Webb lectures to the Grand Lodges of Massachusetts and New Hampshire, in 1806, stated: "In the three degrees every Master of a Lodge should be indulged with the liberty of adopting historical details, and the personification of the passing scene as most agreeable to himself, his supporting officers and assisting Lodge."

That "the lectures" meant a catechism which the Baltimore Convention wished to make uniform throughout the nation, is revealed in its official printed proceedings of Wednesday, May 8, 1843: "The Chairman of the Standing Committee on work, stated that the Committee had, after mature deliberation, decided on the lecture of the first Degree, and proceeded to report, - Br. Moore citing the answers."

In the first quarter of the nineteenth century the establishment of Lodges rapidly followed the westward march of the pioneers. Many prominent, substantial and influential men became Masons. But the second quarter saw the Fraternity almost wiped out of existence. The excitement created by the disappearance of William Morgan, of Batavia, New York, in September, 1826, ripened into a nationwide and extraordinarily bitter anti-Masonic movement, a crusade which became relentless persecution.

Anti-Masonic newspapers, pamphlets, almanacs and addresses were distributed in large quantities. Iterenant lecturers traveled the country over, each striving to outdo the other in denunciation of the Institution. In public exhibitions before large audiences, crusaders purported to open "Masonic Lodges" and confer "Masonic Degrees" upon disreputable persons. Exposes, pretending to reveal the secrets of Freemasonry, were published.

These widespread persecutions nearly wrecked the Fraternity.

A very large number of Lodges either gave up their Charters,

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The Baltimore Convention instruction necessary and proper to be imparted to the Lodges and the Fraternity in their several Jurisdictions."

(Continued from page 19)

or became dormant. Grand Lodges ceased to meet. Masonry was seriously affected everywhere.

During the years of the Morgan warfare against the Craft little Masonic work was done, and the older and more skilled members either died or lost their proficiency. Professional Masonic lecturers sought other means of livelihood. So that when the tide receded and petitions once more were presented to Lodges, the younger generation often received only imperfect instruction.

On the defensive, the Fraternity was obliged carefully to guard against cowans and evesdroppers. Evidence of membership of a would-be visitor was critically tested. Examining committees proceeded on the theory that the presumption of regularity was against the would-be visitor.

Under such conditions lack of uniformity of masonic work among the several Grand Lodges, or even among Lodges in the same State, was a formidable obstacle to fraternal intercourse.

The Baltimore Convention met Monday, May 8 1843, and remained in session (Sunday excepted) to and including Wednesday, May 17. Delegates and visitors were as follows: Alabama, Edward Herndon, P.G.M.; District of Columbia, Nathanial Seevers, G.L.; Florida, Thomas Hayward, P.D.G.M.; Georgia, Lemuel Dwelle, G.L.; Louisiana E. Cruben (a visitor); Maryland, Daniel Piper, G.L.; W. E. Wyantt, Chaplain of the Convention: Charles Gilman, G.M. (a visitor); Cornelius Smith, S.G.W. (a visitor); and Joseph K. Stapleton.

D.G.M. of Grand Encampment (a visitor); Massachusetts, Charles W. Moore, G.S.; Missouri, Stephen W.B. Carnegy, P.G.M.; Joseph Foster, S.G.W.; Fred'k L. Dillon, P.G.S. (a visitor) and Hiram Chamberlain, G.C. (a visitor); Mississippi, John Delafield (of Memphis) G.L.; New Hampshire, Thomas Clapham; North Carolina, John H. Wheeler, G.M.; New York, Ebenezer Wadsworth, P.G.S.; Ohio, John Barney, G.L. and W. J. Reese, G.M. (a visitor); Rhode Island, William Field; South Carolina, Albert Case, G.C.; South Wales, Edward John Hutchins, P.P.D.G.M. (a visitor); Virginia, John Dove, G.S.

“To produce uniformity of Masonic work.�

Possible relief from these chaotic conditions it was thought might be found in uniformity of the lectures. Identification of members could thus be the more readily made and lodges could discontinue turning away visitors, among whom many must have been in good standing, even if unable to prove themselves.

In 1840 the Grand Lodge of Alabama requested all (Grand Lodges in the nation with which she was in fraternal intercourse, to send a delegate to meet in a general convention the first Monday in March, 1842, in Washington, D. C. "for the purpose of determining upon a uniform mode of work throughout all the Lodges of the United States, and to make other lawful regulations for the interest and security of the Craft."

As a result, representatives of Alabama, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, South Carolina and Virginia, convened.

On March 9, a committee of five; John Dove, Charles W. Moore, James Herring, William Field and Isaac E. Holmes, appointed "to revise and suggest a uniform mode of work" reported that, among its members, "there exists a satisfactory degree of uniformity", but because many Grand Lodges were unrepresented, it recommended that "every Grand Lodge in the United States appoint one or more skillful brethren to be styled Grand Lecturers, who shall meet and agree upon the course of 20

Following the adoption of this report, the Convention "Resolved, That should the Grand Lodges or a majority of them determine to adopt the recommendations contained in the report of the Committee, respecting the appointment of Grand Lecturers, that it be further recommended by this Convention that the first meeting of said Grand Lecturers be held in the City of Baltimore, on the second Monday in May, 1843."

On the opening day Dr. Dove was elected president and Rev. Albert Case, Grand Chaplain of the Strand Lodge of South Carolina, Secretary.

On the second day, agenda were adopted declaring the objects and purposes of the Convention to be: 1. To produce uniformity of Masonic work.

2. To recommend such measures as shall tend to the elevation of this Order to its due degree of respect throughout the world at large.

To accomplish the first object, four Committees were appointed, viz:-

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The Baltimore Convention of the first degree," which was adopted.

(Continued from page 20)

1. On the work and lectures in conferring the degrees.

2. On the funeral service.

3. On the ceremonies of Consecration and Installation.

4. On Masonic Jurisprudence.

To accomplish the second object, three Committees were appointed, viz:1. To report on the expediency of adopting a regularly authorized Masonic Trestleboard and further to report on the propriety of publishing a work of antiquarian research and learning on the origin and history of the Order, of such a character as shall exhibit the excellence and antiquity thereof in its true light.

2. To report on further measures necessary to carry out the programme of the Washington Convention of 1842, in reference to Grand Lodge certificates.

3. To report on the expediency of issuing a letter addressed by this Convention to the Fraternity throughout the United States on the general state of Masonry, etc.

The Committee "on the work and lectures in conferring the degrees" was appointed on the second day of the Convention, Tuesday, May 9, and consisted of Dr. Dove of Virginia, (Chairman), Moore of Massachusetts, Barney of Ohio, Wadsworth of New York, and Carnegy of Missouri. It made its first report the next morning. Except as to one member, a "satisfactory degree of uniformity existed."

The official printed proceedings of the Convention show fully all of the matter printed relative to the reports of this Committee: the Proceedings state:"The Chairman of the Standing Committee on work, stated that the Committee had, after mature deliberation, decided on the Lecture of the first Degree, and proceeded to report, - Br. Moore giving the answers."

Herndon, Past Grand Master of Alabama, offered the resolution: "That the Lecture on the first degree of Masonry, as reported by the Committee, be by this Convention now adopted, as the authorized work in that degree, to be recommended to the Fraternity throughout the Union." The proceedings then state. "After an animated discussion, the question was taken on the Resolution, and it was adopted, 14 to 1, the delegate from New York (Wadsworth of the Committee) dissenting."

On Thursday morning, May 11, "The Chairman of the Committee on Work, reported on the opening and closing ceremonies 21

Then, "The Chairman of the Committee on Work, assisted by Br. Moore, reported the Lecture of the second degree".

"Br. Wadsworth moved an amendment to the report, which was rejected." The resolution to adopt the report was then adopted.

Then, "The Chairman of the same Committee reported on the opening and closing of a Lodge in the second degree. After some discussion, in which several brethren took part, the report was adopted. Br. Wadsworth requested to be excused from serving longer on the Committee on Work. Excused, and Br. Herndon of Alabama substituted."

On Friday morning, May 12, "The Committee on Work presented a verbal report on the opening of the third degree" which was adopted.

Then, "The Chairman on the Committee on Work presented a verbal report on the 1st section of the lecture in the third degree", which was adopted "after a slight amendment."

At the afternoon session of the same day, "Br. Moore from the Committee on Work reported the second section of the lecture in the third degree. Br. Case moved an amendment, which was adopted." The report as amended was adopted.

Then, "Br. Moore from the same Committee reported the third section of the Lecture in the third degree", which was adopted.

At the afternoon session, Saturday, May 13, "The Committee on Work reported another section of the work of the third degree." "On motion the report was adopted by a vote of 12 to 1, Wadsworth of New York dissenting.

On Monday evening, May 15, "The Committee on Work exemplified the opening and closing of the Lodge in the third degree." And on Tuesday morning, May 16, "The lecture of the first Degree was given and repeated."

What was it that the Baltimore Convention adopted and recommended to the various Grand Lodges of the country?

In a letter written twenty years after the Convention, quoted in The Builder, June, 1916, R. W. Charles W. Moore said:.

"The work and lectures of the first three degrees, as adopted and authorized by the Baltimore Convention, in 1843, were, with a few unimportant verbal exceptions, literally as they

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The Baltimore Convention were originally compiled by Bro. Thos. S. Webb, about the Under the title "Immovable Jewels" Dr. Mackey's Lexicon close of the last century, and as they were subsequently taught says: by him during his lifetime, and also by his early and favorite pupil, Bro. Benjamin Gleason, from the years 1801-2 until his "According to the old system in England, the immovable jewdeath in 1847. * * * I had the honor to be a member of the els of the Lodge are the Rough Ashlar, Perfect Ashlar and Committee, and to report the amendments and the lectures as Trestle Board; but in this Country, by the decision of the Balamended, to the Convention. This I did without alterations timore Convention, in 1843, they are made to consist of the from the original; and these are now in my possession. They Square, Level and Plumb." are mostly verbal, few in number, and not material in their results. The only change of consequence was in the due guards Apparently only three major changes of importance were of the second and third degrees, which were changed and adopted by the Baltimore Convention. The third is seen in made to conform to that of the first degree in position and ex"The Masonic Trestleboard" the manual or monitor issued by planation. This was analogically correct." the authority of the Convention (the same may be seen in many modern manuals and monitors) On Plate 3 appeared the To the Grand Lodge of Vermont Grand Master Phillip Crosby following cryptic figures: Tucker said, at the annual communication of 1861:7 (3/4); 5 (3/2); 3.

"There can be no doubt then that the Lectures communicated by (Henry) Fowle to (John) Barney were the genuine Lectures An explanation by Dr. James W. S. Mitchell. P.G.M. (Mo.) in taught by (Thomas Smith) Webb and (Benjamin) Gleason: the his magazine, "The Masonic Signet and Literary Mirror" for same which Gleason received from Webb in 1801 or 1802; the March, 1852, reads: "About the time of the rage of anti- Masame which he taught as Grand Lecturer of Massachusetts from sonry various schemes and devices and non-essential changes 1805; the same that I found among the Boston Masons in 1823 were proposed, among which it was gravely suggested that or 1824; and the very same which are taught there now." all members of Lodges must be M. Ms., that the business of the Lodge should be done in the third degree, which would A.L. Kress, in The Builder September, 1926, stated:require all applicants to visit to prove themselves to be M. Ms. In some Jurisdictions this system was "In 1760, what is now the EA sign was adopted, in others, the good old way was adhered called the EA's due guard or sign. What to." are now the EA and FC DG's were unknown or at least not used as such. There Doubtless the reasons which impelled the Conwas only one sign each in the EA and FC vention to take this action were those which had degrees. Some time about 1800 (the date moved it to adopt the other changes or amendis indeterminate) it occurred to someone ments to prevailing words and practices. to incorporate one movement or action to be known as the due guard, and the other However that may be, it seems clear that the Balas the sign. These were as follows: In the timore EA degree, what is now the due guard was then termed the sign and what is now Convention adopted, with only three major the sign was called the due guard. In the changes of importance, the lectures as taught by FC degree, the two were given almost as Thomas Smith Webb, and recommended their now, except they were never given sepaadoption by the several grand Lodges then in exisrately. In the MM degree, the due guard tence. was given with the right hand only. In 1843, a convention was held at Baltimore, (This Bulletin is an abstract from the scholarly study made Md., to agree on a uniform ritual. Among

by R. W. Henry C. Chiles, Junior Grand Warden, Grand other things, they reversed the procedure Lodge of Missouri.) in the EA degree. What was then the due guard they made our present sign and vice versa. In the MM degree, they adopted the use of both hands in giving the MM due guard."

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The GROTTO

Mystic Order of Veiled Prophets of the Enchanted Realm A.K.A The GROTTO

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The GROTTO (Continued from page 23)

What the Grotto Teaches Some of the many privileges of being (Continued on page 25)

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The Grotto (Continued from page 24)

a Grotto Member

History of the Grottoes of North America, M.O.V.P.E.R.

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The Grotto (Continued from page 25)

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Biography- Buzz Aldrin

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Biography- Buzz Aldrin (Continued from page 27)

Overview Edwin Eugene Aldrin, Jr.; born January 20, 1930 is an American mechanical engineer, retired United States Air Force pilot and astronaut who was the Lunar Module pilot on Apollo 11, the first manned lunar landing in history. On July 20, 1969, he was the second human being to set foot on the Moon, following mission commander Neil Armstrong.

Early life Aldrin was born in Glen Ridge, New Jersey, to Edwin Eugene Aldrin, Sr., a career military man, and his wife Marion Moon. He is of Scottish, Swedish, and German ancestry. After graduating from Montclair High School in 1946, Aldrin turned down a full scholarship offer from The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and went to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. The nickname "Buzz" originated in childhood: the younger of his two elder sisters mispronounced "brother" as "buzzer", and this was shortened to Buzz. Aldrin made it his legal first name in 1979.

Nasa Aldrin was selected as part of the third group of NASA astronauts in October 1963. Test pilot experience was no longer a requirement, so this was the first selection that he was eligible for. After the deaths of the original Gemini 9 prime crew, Elliot See and Charles Bassett, Aldrin was promoted with Jim Lovell to back-up crew for the mission. The main objective of the revised mission (Gemini 9A) was to rendezvous and dock with a target vehicle, but when this failed, Aldrin improvised an effective exercise for the craft to rendezvous with a coordinate in space. He was confirmed as pilot on Gemini 12, the last Gemini mission and the last chance to prove methods for EVA. Aldrin set a record for extra-vehicular activity and proved that astronauts could work outside spacecraft.

On July 20, 1969, he was the second astronaut to walk on the moon and the first to have also spacewalked, keeping his record total EVA time until that was surpassed on Apollo 14. There has been much speculation about Aldrin's desire at the time to be the first astronaut to walk on the moon. According to different NASA accounts, he had originally been proposed as the first to step onto the Moon's surface, but due to the physical positioning of the astronauts inside the compact Lunar Landing Module, it was easier for the commander, Neil Armstrong, to be the first to exit the spacecraft. There was also a desire on NASA's part for the first person to step onto the Moon's surface be a civilian, which Armstrong was.

Buzz Aldrin was the first person to hold a religious ceremony on the Moon. Aldrin is, as he was, a Presbyterian. After landing on the moon, Aldrin radioed Earth: "I'd like to take this opportunity to ask every person listening in, whoever and wherever they may be, to pause for a moment and contemplate the events of the past few hours, and to give thanks in his or her own way." He gave himself Communion on the surface of the Moon, but he kept it secret because of a lawsuit brought by atheist activist Madelyn Murray O'Hair over the reading of Genesis on Apollo 8.

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Biography- Buzz Aldrin (Continued from page 28)

Aldrin, a church elder, used a pastor's home Communion kit given to him by Dean Woodruff and recited words used by his pastor at Webster Presbyterian Church. Webster Presbyterian Church, a local congregation in Webster, Texas (a Houston suburb near the Johnson Space Center) possesses the chalice used for communion on the moon, and commemorates the event annually on the Sunday closest to July 20 Aldrin, a Freemason, also carried to the Moon a special deputization from Grand Master J. Guy Smith, with which to claim Masonic territorial jurisdiction over the Moon on behalf of the Grand Lodge of Texas. (Wikipedia)

Masonic Affiliation The first Mason on the moon he was a Master Mason in Montclair Lodge No. 144 (New Jersey) , 32nd Degree A.A.S.R., R.A.M. & K.T. in Authven Commandery, Houston, Texas. Recipient of the Knight Templar Cross of Honor in 1969. Member of the Shrine of North America (PhoenixMasonry.org) http://www.phoenixmasonry.org/masonicmuseum/americas_astronauts_fdcs.htm

Bro. Buzz Aldrin Reports Back to the House of the Temple From The New Age Magazine, December 1969 (pp. 34-6): Astronaut Visits Grand Commander

The history of Masonry in the space age took another step forward on September 16, 1969, when Astronaut Brother Edwin E. Aldrin, Jr., 32°, visited the House of the Temple in Washington. Accompanied by his father, Edwin E. Aldrin, Sr., also a Scottish Rite Mason, Astronaut Aldrin paused in his busy schedule to greet Grand Commander Smith and to present to him the handmade Scottish Rite flag he had taken to the moon.

The flag is made of white silk, measures 22 x 30 centimeters, and is edged by a band of gold. It is embroidered with the words “The Supreme Council, 33°, Southern Jurisdiction, USA” and the motto “Deus Meumque Jus.” It is also decorated with the double-headed eagle, the crown of the Thirty-third Degree, the insignia of the Sovereign Grand Commander, and the insignia of a Master Mason.

On that historic lunar flight from July 16 to 24, 1969, the presence of this flag symbolized Masonry’s universal importance. When man reaches new worlds, Masonry will be there.

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Biography- Buzz Aldrin

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Masonic Traveling- Temple Church

The Temple Church in London, famed for its rare circular nave called "the Round," was built by the Knights Templar in the 12th century. It is one of only three Norman round churches left in England.

History In the mid-12th century, the Knights Templar or Red Knights (so called after the red crosses they wore) had their London headquarters at a site in High Holborn. But by the 1160s, the order outgrew the original site and purchased property near Fleet Street for establishment of a larger monastic compound.

The Temple Church was consecrated on February 10, 1185 in a ceremony conducted by Heraclius, the Crusader Patriarch of Jerusalem. King Henry II may have been present at the consecration. The Knights Templar held worship services and their secret initiation rites in "the Round," the oldest part of the Temple Church.

The church was originally part of a large monastic compound that included residences, military training facilities, and recreational grounds for the military brethren and novices, who were not permitted to go into the city without the permission of the Master of the Temple.

The order of the Knights Templar was very powerful in England in this early period. The Master of the Temple sat in parliament as primus baro (the first baron of the realm). The Temple compound was regularly used as a residence by kings and by legates of the Pope.

The temple also served as an early depository bank, sometimes in defiance of the Crown's wishes to seize the funds of nobles who had entrusted their wealth there. The Temple was the scene of important negotiations leading to the signing of Magna Carta in 1215. Instrumental in these negotiations was William Marshal, whose effigy is in the Round.

The original church had a small choir, but this was greatly enlarged in the early 1200s when King Henry III expressed a wish to be buried there. The new chancel was consecrated on Ascension Day 1240. However, when Henry's will was read upon his death in 1272, it was discovered he had changed his mind and wanted to be buried in Westminster Abbey instead.

Having started out poor, holy, and dedicated to the protection of pilgrims, the Knights Templar grew rich from showers of royal gifts. Their popularity waned until, in the 14th century, they were charged with heresy, blasphemy, and sodomy, thrown into the Tower of London, and stripped of their wealth. With the suppression of the Templars, the Knights of Malta obtained control of the property.

In Part I of the 16th century play Henry VI, by William Shakespeare, the Temple Church is the scene of the start of the 15th century Wars of the Roses. In the play, the war was sparked by the plucking of two roses in the Temple garden. In 2002, the Shakespearian tradition was commemorated with the planting of new white and red roses in the 31

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Masonic Traveling- Temple Church (Continued from page 31)

modern gardens.

Later, law professors who worked in the area began to rent a portion of the space; in the early 1600s King James I granted control of the complex to their societies. Each section of The Temple — Inner Temple and Middle Temple — has its own halls, gardens, courts, and library collections, but the Temple Church is held in common by both.

The Temple Church survived the Great Fire of London (1666) unscathed, but received restorations anyway by Sir Christopher Wren (1632-1723). In 1841, the walls and ceiling of the church were renovated in the Victorian Gothic style.

On May 10, 1941, during the height of the Battle of Britain in World War II, a German air raid of incendiary bombs severely damaged the Temple Church. The roof of the Round Church caught fire, which quickly spread to the nave and chancel. All the wooden parts of the church, including the Victorian renovations, were destroyed. After the war, the Temple Church was fully restored; it was rededicated on November 1958.

Today, the Temple Church is still the main chapel of those who work in the Temple area. It also functions as an Anglican parish church, with regular worship services and choir performances conducted here. The head of the church bears the title "Master of the Temple," after the head of the order of the Knights Templar.

The present Master of the Temple is the Reverend Robin Griffith-Jones, appointed in 1999. He gives regular lunchtime talks open to the public, many of which have recently been on the subject of the Temple Church's role in the controversial novel The Da Vinci Code (on which more below).

What to See One might expect the Temple Church to be dark and thickly atmospheric, but later restorations have tamed its air of antique mystery. Still, it's a lovely Gothic-Romanesque church, whose chancel ("the Oblong," dating from 1240) has been accused of perfection. The church is made entirely of beautiful cream-colored Caen stone.

One of the most interesting aspects inside the Temple Church are the 10 knightly effigies that lie in the old round church. These were believed to be tombs until the post-WWII restoration revealed no bodies, but only effigy memorials.

All the knights are on their back, but are otherwise positioned in different ways: some have their legs extended straight out while others have their legs crossed; some wear tunics over their armor and others wear fulllength robes; some clutch their swords, some pray, and some have their arms straight at their sides. One has no effigy at all, but only a trapezoidal sarcophagus lid.

Look also for the Norman door, and take note of the circle of grotesque portrait heads, including many silly human faces and a goat in a mortarboard. The use of gargoyles to express masons' imaginations and irreverence through gargoyle sculptures is common in churches, but it is unusual for them to be placed indoors. This al(Continued on page 33)

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Masonic Traveling- Temple Church (Continued from page 32)

lows you to examine each unique and fascinating face up close, instead of high up on a drain spout as is more usual.

The nave part of the church ("the Oblong") is lovely, featuring colorful stained glass windows, an impressive organ, and a beautiful wooden altar designed by famed architect Sir Christopher Wren. The altar was designed for the Temple Church, but was mercifully in a museum in Durham when the Temple Church was nearly destroyed in 1944.

It has now been restored to its intended position, where visitors can admire the woodwork and read the Ten Commandments, the Apostles' Creed and the Lord's Prayer in handsome gold script.

In the Da Vinci Code The Temple Church is the setting of an action-packed scene in the popular novel The Da Vinci Code. In chapters 83, 85 and 86, Robert Langdon, Sophie Neveau and Leigh Teabing arrive at the Temple Church pursuing the answer to their latest riddle: In London lies a knight a Pope interred.

His labour's fruit a Holy wrath incurred.

You seek the orb that ought be on his tomb.

It speaks of Rosy flesh and seeded womb.

After a careful examination of the ten knights, the group learn from an altar boy that there are no tombs in the church, only effigies.

Eventually, they realize the riddle refers to the tomb of Sir Isaac Newton in Westminster Abbey, but not before they are held at gunpoint in the church by the bad guys.

On the way to the Temple Church (chapter 82), Leigh Teabing had explained to his companions that its architecture is "pagan to the core." He told them it is "Pantheonically pagan," ignoring the traditional cruciform shape in favor of a round shape "in honour of the sun.... A not-so-subtle howdy-do to the boys in Rome. They might as well have resurrected Stonehenge in central London."

In reality, it is generally believed that the round shape of the Temple Church was patterned after the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem, which the Knights Templar were responsible for guarding during the Crusades. There is no evidence it had anything to do with either the Pantheon in Rome or worship of the sun. (And the (Continued on page 34)

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Masonic Traveling- Temple Church (Continued from page 33)

more traditional chancel was added only a half-century after the Round.) There are three other round churches in England, including one in Cambridge.

All information found above from: http://www.sacred-destinations.com/england/london-temple-church

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Masonic Video’s

This month’s feature film is titled “Knights Templar Effigies at Temple Church in London” Run time– 3:00 minutes

Click Here

Click on the “Movie Screen” to start the video Video also will be posted on our Facebook fan page 35

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The Working Tools News June 2011

‚Archbishop allows freemason to be bishop‛

The Archbishop of Canterbury is at the centre of a row after it emerged he had appointed a Freemason to be a bishop.

adding: ―I wish nothing to distract from the inauguration of that ministry.‖ Freemasonry, a secretive male-only organisation dating back 300 years, requires its members to declare a belief in a ―supreme being‖ and to undergo elaborate rituals.

Fr Baker joined the Apollo University Masonic lodge in Oxford while he was a student, in an initiation ceremony that involves promising to keep the ―secrets of Freemasonry‖.

This ritual is said to involve members being blindfolded, wearing a hangman‘s noose, and being warned that those who break the oaths of allegiance will have their throat slit and their tongue torn out before being buried in the sand.

By Jonathan Wynne-Jones

Dr Rowan Williams named the Rev Jonathan Baker as the next Bishop of Ebbsfleet despite knowing he was an active and senior mason.

The appointment, announced earlier this month, marked a significant U-turn by Dr Williams who had previously said that Freemasonry was ―incompatible‖ with Christianity and had refused to promote Masons to senior posts.

Last week, as news of Fr Baker‘s membership of the Masons began to circulate through the Church, it provoked growing concern and criticism from clergy and members of the General Synod.

When contacted by The Sunday Telegraph on Friday, Fr Baker defended his continued membership of the Masons and insisted it was compatible with his new role as a bishop.

He remained a member of the lodge for more than 20 years until his resignation yesterday, rising in the organisation to serve a term as an assistant Grand Chaplain.

Fr Baker, who is currently principal at Pusey House in Oxford, said he had told Archbishop Williams he was a mason when they discussed his appointment to be the next Bishop of Ebbsfleet – one of the ―flying bishops‖ who oversee clergy opposed to women priests. The post had fallen vacant when its previous holder quit to join the Roman Catholic Church.

He said on Friday: ―For many years I have been an active member and I continue to be a member. This came up in discussion with Rowan, but it has not caused a problem for me at any stage of my ministry and it won‘t cause a problem now.‖ He argued that it would not interfere with his role of overseeing traditionalist parishes and said he saw no conflict

Yet yesterday he said he had changed his mind was leaving the masons so he could concentrate on being a bishop, 36

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The Working Tools News (Continued from page 36)

in being a bishop and a Freemason. ―I‘ve never found it to be anything other than an organisation that is wholly supportive of the Church.‖

A spokesman for Dr Williams said at the time that he was ―worried about the ritual elements in Freemasonry, which some have seen as possibly Satanically inspired and how that sits uneasily with Christian belief‖.

He continued: ―The other idea is that because they are a society, there could be a network that involves mutual back-scratching, which is something he would be greatly opposed to.‖

However, yesterday he said: ―I have concluded that, because of the particular charism of episcopal ministry and the burden that ministry bears, I am resigning my Last night, Christina Rees, a member of the Archbishmembership of Freemasonry.‖ ops‘ Council, said: ―The fact that Jonathan Baker has resigned as a Freemason suggests to me there is a seriHe said that in his conversation with Dr Williams ous incompatibility between the organisation and the about taking up the Ebbsfleet post, the Archbishop had Church. If it was only a matter of perception, surely he asked him to reconsider his membership of Freemacould have stuck it out.‖ sonry, but was happy for the appointment to go forward while he was still a Mason.

Her comments were echoed by Alison Ruoff, a prominent member on the General Synod, who said she had Yet Dr Williams has previously expressed serious been stunned to learn of Fr Baker‘s involvement with concerns about clergy being involved with the organi- the Masons. sation. ―I‘m pleased to hear he‘s resigned as a Mason because In 2002, shortly before he became the Archbishop of it is clear that the gospel does not go with masonic beCanterbury, Dr Williams wrote in a letter to Hugh Sin- liefs,‖ she said. clair, of the Movement for the Register of Freemasons: ―I have real misgivings about the compatibility ―I think Rowan should have said he could not be a of Masonry and Christian profession ... I have resisted bishop if he continued to be a Mason.‖ the appointment of known Masons to certain senior posts.‖ The Rev David Phillips, general secretary of the Church Society, a conservative evangelical group, A year later he repeated this unease when he tried to said: ―The Church has said that Freemasonry is not apologise for upsetting Freemasons with his comcompatible with Christianity so appointing him as a ments, saying: ―Where anxieties exist they are in rela- bishop seems to contradict its own stance.‖ tion not to Freemasonry but to Christian ministers sub- Lambeth Palace declined to comment. scribing to what could be and often is understood [or misunderstood] as a private system of profession and http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/8514169/Archbishop-allowsfreemason-to-be-bishop.html initiation, involving the taking of oaths of loyalty.‖ His senior advisers went even further at the time. ―He questions whether it‘s appropriate for Christian ministers to belong to secret organisations,‖ said The Rev I would love to hear your comments about this. Do you Gregory Cameron, a close friend and former chaplain think it was necessary to make him resign? to Dr Williams. ―He also has some anxiety about the spiritual content of Masonry.‖ 37

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The Working Tools News

‚Freemason charged in $1M embezzlement‛ A 58-year-old Maine man accused of embezzling more than $1 million from within the secretive headquarters of the Massachusetts Grand Lodge of Masons is scheduled to be arraigned today in Suffolk Superior Court.

Vincent Paul Reed Jr. of Shapleigh, Maine, spent $1.25 million in Mason funds on personal travel expenses, household pets, utilities and credit card debt, prosecutors said.

The theft is alleged to have taken place from 2001 to 2008 — while Reed served as elected treasurer of the Boston Council of Loyal Select Master Masons and the St. Paul‘s chapter of the Loyal Arch Masons, said Jake Wark, spokesman for Suffolk District Attorney Daniel Conley.

Both divisions of the ancient fraternal order meet at the Masonic lodge on Tremont Street downtown.

Neither Reed nor his lawyer could be reached.

A spokesman for the Grand Lodge of Masons in Massachusetts released a statement thanking investigators for their hard work and saying they look forward to a ―swift resolution.‖ ―When we discovered Mr. Reed‘s actions, we immediately reported our findings to the authorities,‖ the statement said. ―Honor, integrity and trust are the bedrock principles of Freemasonry. We hold our members accountable for their actions and take transgressions seriously.‖ The Herald reported in 2008 that Conley‘s office began investigating along with Secretary of State William Galvin after a member of the lodge discovered irregularities.

In 2005, former Bay State Freemason Brad Bleidt was sentenced to 11 years in federal prison for swindling millions from financial investors, including about $2 million from the Masons. jvansack@bostonherald.com http://news.bostonherald.com/news/regional/view/2011_0510freemason_chargedin_1m_embezzlement/

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The Working Tools News ‚Freemasons to do a ‘Swades’, will bring light to 50 villages in India‛ http://www.dnaindia.com/

Sunday will be a special day for the 250-odd residents of Banaskantha's Nalwas village, one of the few villages in Gujarat yet to be electrified. Freemasonry has included Nalwas under

DNA / DNA Correspondent / Sunday, May 8, 2011 13:20 IST Jyotirgamaya, and the project will be inaugurated tomorrow.

Nalwas will be the sixth village in the country to be electrified Freemasonry, one of the world's largest and oldest organisa-

under the project.

tions, often described as a secret society, has decided to do a 'Swades' in India. In the movie, Shahrukh Khan, with the help Ironically, mobile phone connectivity is available in the reof local residents, electrifies a village to rid it of its power

mote and tribal dominated village, but villagers have to travel

woes. This is exactly the work Freemasonry has embarked

20-25 km to charge their phones. However, they will be

upon.

spared the trouble with the launch of the electrification project, which has been completed at a cost of Rs3.5 lakh.

As part of their Golden Jubilee celebrations, the organization has decided to electrify 50 villages, which do not have access

"The system consists of PV solar module, charger, storage

to electricity. Villages in the state, which are yet to get elec-

batteries, LED lamps and electric wiring from solar panels to

tricity supply, are also covered under the project.

hutments. The modules produce direct current from sunlight which charges batteries through a charge controller. After sun-

"We have embarked on project Jyotirgamaya (Let there be

set, the stored energy from batteries will light the village,"

light), under which we plan to light up 50 villages in the coun- said Rajiv Sethi, assistant regional Grand Master. try using solar energy. Work for the project is in different stages of implementation in 26 villages. We plan to cover 50

Biswakumar said that they are in the process of identifying

villages by October 31," Dr Balaram Biswakumar, Grand

more un-electrified villages in the state which could be cov-

Master, Grand Lodge of India, told reporters.

ered in the project.

Biswakumar informed that the organization would spend

http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_freemasons-to-do-a-swades-will-bring -light-to-50-villages-in-india_1540807-all

around Rs2 crore for lighting up the 50 villages.

http://www.thegardeningguru.com/ The horticultural help you have been looking for is here just for the asking. I am the Gardening Guru®, here to answer your most perplexing gardening questions, and to teach you how fun and enjoyable gardening can be!

Brother David Daehnke 39

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The Working Tools News ‚Want to know a secret?

All is told at Mason exhibit‛

By PATRICK BALES , EDITOR

ing opportunity to learn more about the mystery surrounding Freemasonry and the role it has played in our local heritage," Mitchell The guest of honour for the opening ceremony was Brother Raymond SJ Daniels, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Canada in the Province of Ontario. Daniels spoke at the ceremony before the ribbon cutting, proclaiming Saturday to be "a great day for freemasonry in Ontario."

The St. Lawerence Lodge No. 131 is commemorating its 150th anniversary and to celebrate this momentous The goal of the exhibit is to inform, arouse curiosity occasion a new exhibit is now officially open at the Bruce County Museum and Cultural Centre in South- and promote the heritage and cultural identity of Freemasonry in Canadian communities, as well as show ampton. the public the history, role and admirable qualities of Freemasonry and the role of the Masons in Bruce "Freemasonry -A History Hidden in Plain Sight" opened Saturday afternoon with more than 200 people County in decades past, wrote Shannon Paiva, marketfrom across the province in at tendance to get the first ing/special events co-ordinator for the museum in a look at the one-of-a-kind exhibit, which features vari- news release. ous displays showcasing the history of freemasonry The exhibit will show the "role masonry paternalism not only in Bruce County, but all around the world.

Also included is a model of the actual lodge the local played in development of the county and this great province," said Garry MacGregor, the media represenmasons meet in. tative for the Masons for this exhibit and emcee for the opening ceremony.

In fact, Barbara Ribey, curator of the museum told those gathered for the opening ceremony the exhibit is the only one like it currently in Canada. However, it is "The exhibit is absolutely spectacular," Daniels raved an exhibit that is designed to travel and there is inter- after he and Ribey cut the ribbon and the mass of peoest already from other museums in the province to rent ple poured through. "It's one of the greatest exhibits I've ever seen and I'm so proud of the work the fellows it following its inaugural showing in Southampton. here have done on it."

The opening ceremony for the exhibit was held in the OPG feature gallery in the museum's lower level. The The idea for the exhibit was credited to Doug Pedwall, a past master of the St. Lawerence Lodge No. 131 and exhibit itself, which was prepared with assistance from a $13,600 Ontario Trillium Foundation Grant, is chairman of the 150th anniversary committee. Being formed in 1860, just two years following Southampin the Bruce Gallery on the third floor. ton's incorporation as a village, the lodge is the oldest continuous service group in Saugeen Shores.

"The Freemasons in Bruce County -specifically St. Lawrence Lodge -have an intriguing his-tor y of dedi"If you stop and think, what other organization in cated community service and fellowship ip," said Huron Bruce MPP Carol Mitchell in a letter. Mitchell Southampton has been active here at the heart of this was unable to attend Saturday's grand opening and her community for 150 years?" Daniels said. remarks were delivered by Ron Oswald, who is not only a member of the Local Ontario Trillium Founda- The original intention, Pedwall said, was to do a "small display" about the lodge itself. Then it morphed tion Grant Review Team, but also has been a Mason for more than 50 years. "This exhibit offers an excit(Continued on page 41) 40

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The Working Tools News (Continued from page 40)

into something much larger, encompassing many more elements of masonry and many more groups. There were 15 lodges involved in putting the exhibit together from both the Bruce and North Huron districts.

Pedwall is a bit of a history buff and has done plenty of reading and research on the masons over time, so the information presented in the exhibit was not really surprising to him, however, many pieces of information, such as the philanthropy of the various lodges might be news to several of the museum's visitors.

dured a cultural revolution in opening ourselves up to the public. We have nothing to hide; we have everything to be proud of."

The exhibit will be on display between April 30 and July 3. For more information, contact the museum locally at 519-797-2080 or toll free at 1-866-318-8889. http://www.shorelinebeacon.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=3106177

"All lodges tend to be small in numbers at any given time but they are very long and very active in their communities," he explained. "As we went through the minute books... we found out that prior to the (public health care), Masonic lodges were contributors to a number of hospitals that patients from their community would go to. For example our lodge gave a yearly donation to the forerunner of Sick Kid's Hospital, which was started by one of our Grand Masters."

Pedwall added most people may not realize how much money Masonic lodges donate to various projects because the groups often do not publicize their philanthropy. For many, that is just part of some of the grand mysteries that still surround Freemasonry. There is hope "Freemasonry A History Hidden in Plain Sight" will help to dispel some of those myths.

"I've got a secret," Daniels joked with the crowd during his remarks before the ribbon cutting. "And today I'm going to tell you." But then he said he would not tell any secret because of what the people were about to see.

"A picture is worth a thousand words," he added.

After the ribbon cutting, Daniels touched on the misconceptions of the secrets of the Masons.

"We've always been accused of being a secret society, which clearly we are not. You can go in there and see anything you want to see and there will interpreters to answer questions you want to ask," he said. "So what I've been describing in the last 50 years as Grand Master, we've en41

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The Working Tools News Lindsay Lohan fears 'Freemason stalker'

Actress has posted a photo of a man outside her Venice, Calif. home online

Read more: http://www.dose.ca/ Lindsay+Lohan+fears+freemason+stalker/4799110/ story.html#ixzz1MzlqUtOI

Though the accuser's connection to your grandpa's favourite social club remains unclear, TMZ reports that Lohan has claimed the man in the photo has followed her for nearly four years, and has been spotted outside her home, occasionally leaving "weird gifts" for her.

"All my fans, my supporters, please stand by me. g-d bless xxL," Lohan wrote, asking for help.

As of Monday afternoon, however, L.A. Weekly reported that Lohan had yet to send a similar distress call out to local police. The LAPD told the paper that police had not received any police reports of the sort.

Ah, the sweet, protective embrace of iron bars, mandatory roommates, constant surveillance: sometimes a prison sentence can't come soon enough, Lindsay Lohan.

The alleged ―freemason‖ stalker

About that: Lohan claims that a stalker is, er, stalking the grounds outside her Venice, Calif. home -- and the sometime-actress posted a photo of the burly accused perp online late yesterday. (TMZ reports Lohan published the pic via Twitter, though a corresponding post seems to no longer appear on the star's feed.)

"This is the freemason stalker that has been threatening to kill me- while he is TRESPASSING! I'm actually scared now," Lohan wrote.

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Cover – “Freemasons in the Civil War ”

There’s a lot of talk about the Civil War these days. With the 150th anniversary taking place this year a lot of interest has been stirring up. I found some really interesting articles about brotherly interaction during the war and a very cool piece about Abraham Lincoln who is one of my favorite Presidents. I broke this whole section into 3 parts for easier reading.

numbed it. Finding a large tree nearby he dropped upon his knees behind it and watched the battle rage around him. A horseman fired his pistol at Raynor and missed and then as he passed by struck Raynor with his sabre.

Lights flashed through Raynor's brain and he fell to the ground senseless looking almost dead.

After a period of time Raynor, slightly becoming conscious, realized that someone was tugging at his clothes.

Bewildered he leaned upon one elbow and realized that a Rebel soldier was stripping the dead. He had already taken Raynor's pistol, sword, canteen, and cap and was trying to take his coat. The robber, being startled at the resurrection of the man he was trying to rob, jumped on his horse and rode off.

Later coming completely to his senses, Raynor realized he was surrounded by the Confederate cavalry. Two cavalrymen seeing him standing there grabbed him between

Part 1 Masons During the Civil War Written by: John Howey One of the first acts of Masonic Charity to occur in the American Civil War occurred at the First Battle of Manassas or Bull Run on July 21st, 1861. This act was reported in the Boston Masonic Monthly which started publishing in November, 1863, and was edited by Edward L. Mitchell.

Colonel W.H. Raynor of the 1st Ohio left his command and in the company of two sergeants went to fetch water at a nearby creek. Suddenly, as they neared the stream, they heard the yell that eventually became known as the Rebel Yell and the thundering hoofs of hundreds of horses. Colonel Raynor instinctively raised his pistol just as a buckshot from a pistol hit the instep of his foot and 43

their horses and dragged him off a considerable distance. Finally one lifted him and placed him in front of him on his horse. They rode till they came to a group of Rebel wounded. There he was placed upon the ground and a group gathered around him cursing him and calling him names. Being weak from the loss of blood and in considerable pain, he just laid back and ignored them. His being quiet caused even more of a commotion to the point that one angry wounded Confederate fired his pistol at Raynor but missed. Then the Southerners argued over this cowardly act. By this time, Raynor had almost wished that the ball had pierced his brain.

Raynor was soon lifted behind a Rebel cavalryman and carried to the junction about four miles away. Here fresh Confederate troops were unloading and heading to the battle. Raynor was again met by verbal abuse.

It was now early evening and the Southern wounded from the front were being treated at the junction in a sta-

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“Cover – “Freemasons in the Civil War ” (Continued from page 43)

ble. Raynor was taken first to a surgeon who refused to treat him because he was a Yankee and who said that he had enough others to take care of from his own army. Finally another more compassionate surgeon was found and his wounds were taken care of.

He was made as comfortable as possible. His guard, J.H. Lemon of Radford's Cavalry truly acted the part of the good Samaritan. Lemon somewhere found some ice and put it on the pounding head of Raynor and inquired if Raynor needed any money.

In response to Raynor's expressions of gratitude, pointing to the Masonic pin on Raynor's shirt, Lemon replied, "I can only hope to get the same treatment from your men if I ever fall into their hands.

If you will relieve the distresses of a suffering Brother Mason when in your power, I shall be well paid." Lemon then mounted his horse and rode away.

The next morning Raynor was removed to a barn that contained 20 other Union officers, and he learned the full extent of the Confederate victory.

Another example: L.J. Williams of Harvard, New York, enlisted in the 114th New York Volunteers at the beginning of the Civil War. He received the Entered Apprentice and Fellowcraft Degrees in Downsville Lodge No. 464 prior to his leaving home.

Later during the war he was captured and imprisoned near Savannah, Georgia. While in the prison, he communicated with his friends in the North. His lodge in New York through the proper officials got in touch with Zerubbabel Lodge in Savannah and stated that they would consider it a favor if the lodge in Savannah would confer the Third Degree on the Fellowcraft Brother Williams.

One night Brother Williams was taken from the prison and conducted to the lodge room in Savannah. He only had his blue tattered uniform to wear, a token of his sympathy with the cause he believed in. The officers of the lodge were all in Confederate gray. Although on opposite sides in the struggle going on on the battlefields of the South, they were all Brethren. He was then and there raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason and acclaimed a full Brother and friend to those who wore the gray.

Later that night Brother Williams escaped. When asked about his escape he would "smile peculiarly.

You might put it down as an escape, but it wasn't an escape strictly speaking. They put me in a boat and carried me off some distance. Then they deposited me on neutral soil between the lines." From there Williams was able to find his friends. Williams never knew who exactly helped him escape. He considered it as their secret and it was never disclosed.

Williams stated: "I know exactly to whom I may attribute my escape, His name is Hiram."

An example from a unit which also belongs to our famed Iron Brigade of which we belong. Colonel Henry A. Morrow commanded the 24th Michigan of the 1st Brigade (Iron Brigade) of the 1st Corps.

Wounded during the fighting on the first day at Gettysburg, he was captured by the Confederates. As the Confederates prepared to retreat after the disastrous Pickett's Charge, a Confederate (also a Mason) surgeon decided that Morrow's scalp wound was "too serious" for him to be taken along as a prisoner. He also figured that he would get better care in the North. The surgeon probably saved his life due to the hardships of An example of how a lodge was saved: After 4 years prison life.

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Cover – “Freemasons in the Civil War ” (Continued from page 44)

trance" but also to the general protection and "covering" the lodge from all harm, Brother Angel with "commendable zeal, energy and presence of mind" took action even with the Federal troops bearing down on the city of Richmond.

of war, the weary and almost defeated Confederate Army was retreating and leaving the Confederate capital of Richmond to its own fate. As the army retreated, fires broke out in all sections of the city. Hoodlums, deserters, After conversing with Grand Secretary Dove of the Virand criminals, with no law and order, began to pillage the ginia Grand Lodge, he proceeded to collect all the jewels city. and what clothing he could find from every lodge in the city and deposited them in the Masonic Hall on Franklin Just as the city seemed to be doomed, a Union cavalry Street. Angel then proceeded to dress himself in the "time unit swung up Franklin Street. The bearded colonel honored badge of a Mason" and took his place at the door looked warily at the riff raff around him who were about of the Temple. The Northern troops respected the guard to fire a building which bore a sign "Masonic Hall." Tak- placed at the Temple by Major Stevens. The guard under ing command of the moment, he halted his troopers and the command of another Mason, Sergeant Gibbs, reordered that an adjutant "have all Masons wheel out of mained with Brother Angel day and night for three column." Almost half of his force moved out. From this months. group he ordered a suitable guard to protect the Masonic Temple. The column reformed and resumed its ride. Later THE FINAL ACT BY A MASON IN THE General Godfrey Weitzel, a Mason, gave the order, after CIVIL WAR a request by the Lodge, to continue the guard. The buildIt was an April morning ing saved is said to have been the oldest purely Masonic three days after General building in America with records dating back to 1787, Robert E. Lee had surrenand the historic building itself was built in 1785 by Richdered to General U.S. mond Lodge 10. The Grand Lodge assembled here after Grant. The Southern its formation in Williamsburg until its move in 1869. troops, led by General John B. Gordon, a Mason, R.W. Houghton in a report relates a slightly different were marching in colstory to the saving of the lodge in Richmond, or he could umns towards the Northbe referring to a different building. ern troops who were standing in formation Emanuel Semon reported that Major A.H. Stevens, the waiting for the SouthernProvost Marshal of Richmond, raised the first Union ers to stack arms and fold flags over the city of Richmond and that immediately aftheir flags. Suddenly a ter doing so went looking for the Masonic Lodge. Brother shifting of arms is heard.

Semon was one of the first he met there and Semon stated Gordon looked up with alarm. There was nothing to that he had "quartered against the approach of cowans fear. General Joshua Chamberlain had ordered his and eavesdroppers for the last 25 years." Major Stevens troops to assume the position of "honor answering immediately sent Semon a guard and made sure that the honor." Immediately, the Confederate troops snapped to officer of the guard was a Mason. He also sent a guard to attention and returned the honor. It was the first act to Semon's home, Semon's daughter's home and to a number heal the wounds of a nation that had spent four years of other Masons' homes in the city. and 618,000 lives in civil war. That command of "honor answering honor" was ordered by a Mason.

A third account exists of the saving of the Masonic Hall.

In the history of Lodge Francaise No. 53 A.F. & A.M. published in 1874 their Tiler, Brother Thomas Angel, was Major General Joshua Chamberlain was a member of United Lodge #8, Brunswick, Maine. After the war, he commended for saving the temple. Recognizing that his duties as Tiler not only pertained to "guarding the en(Continued on page 46) 45

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Cover – “Freemasons in the Civil War ” As he laid his hand on one of the guns of the 4th US Artillery, the 69th Pennsylvania Infantry fired upon the gray became Governor of Maine from 1866-1871 and President coated General and the men who had followed him. Many of Bowdoin College from 1871-83. went down including Armistead. He was heard to cry for And for my closing example, we go back a few years but help "as the son of a widow." now we are again on our own state's soil in Gettysburg, and perhaps the best example of the ties of brotherhood Colonel Rawley W. Martin of the 53rd Virginia lay near which occurred on the battlefield at Gettysburg. This bat- by and witnessed as some of the men of the 69th Penna. tle, the turning point of the War, saw 93,000 Federal Rose up and came to Armistead's aid. Captain Henry H. troops doing battle with 71,000 Confederates. Of those Bingham (Chartiers Lodge #297, Canonsburg, Pa.) physinumbers, more than 35,000 were killed or wounded in the cian and Mason, was brought to assist Armistead. Arthree days of fighting from July 1 to July 3, 1863. Of the mistead inquired of his friend and Masonic Brother Genmen who fought, 17,930 were Freemasons, including the eral Winfield Scott. Learning that Hancock had also been roughly 5,600 who became casualties. wounded, he entrusted to Bingham his Masonic watch and personal papers to give to his friend and Brother General One of the most famous events and one that I have men- Hancock. Two days later Armistead died in a Union hostioned earlier that occurred at Gettysburg was the huge pital on the Spangler farm of his wounds.

Confederate infantry push known as Pickett's Charge. On July 3, Pickett (a member of Dove Lodge #51, Richmond, Bingham survived the war and in fact won a CongresVa) led nearly 12,000 men on a long rush across open sional Medal of Honor in 1867. He retired in 1867 and fields towards the center of the Union line on Cemetery went on to become a member of the United States ConRidge. It has been called the last and greatest infantry gress where he served for 33 years. He died in 1812 at the charge in military history. age of 70.

(Continued from page 45)

One of the men leading that charge was Brigadier General Lewis Addison Armistead, CSA. He was a member of Alexandria-Washington Masonic Lodge #22 in Alexandria.

Originally from North Carolina, he had attended West Point, and fought with the US Army for a number of years before resigning his commission to fight for the Confederacy. During that time, he had occasion to serve with now Major General Winfield Scott Hancock, USA (Charity Lodge #190, Norristown, Pa.) while both men were in the west. The two had become good friends. However, with Armistead's resignation, it had been nearly two and a half years since the two men had had any contact. Until Gettysburg, that is.

It was Hancock who had taken command of the fragmented Union troops on Cemetery Ridge on July 1, and organized them into a strong front that had withstood three days of pounding from the Confederate guns. And it was his position, in the center of the Union line, that was the focus of Pickett's Charge. General Armistead led his men and vaulted the stone wall, yelled "give them cold steel" and headed for the cannons that had until recently been firing on his men.

General Hancock survived his wounds though it was a long time until he returned to the Army. He later commanded the Department of the East of the United States Army and died in 1886 still in command. In 1880, he had lost an attempt for the United States Presidency to James Garfield.

PART 2

MASONS AT THE BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG THE MASONIC FRIEND TO FRIEND MONUMENT From the St Stephens Lodge 145 The Battle of Gettysburg, which took place from July 1 through July 3, 1863, is the most famous, most bloody, and in many ways the most significant battle of the U.S. Civil War from 1861 to 1865. Robert E. Lee took his (Continued on page 47)

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Cover – “Freemasons in the Civil War ” eral, and Brother, Winfield Scott Hancock, one of the most widely admired generals of the Civil War.

(Continued from page 46)

On July 2, General Lee attempted to defeat the Union army by attacking both ends of it, in another extremely hard-fought day with thousands of casualties. One of the most significant events of that day was the defense of a hill called Little Round Top by a Maine regiment commanded by Colonel (later Major General), and Brother, Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain. When his men ran out of ammunition, knowing that if he gave up his position the entire battle might be lost, he ordered a bayonet charge that might have been suicidal. Instead, he won a highlypraised victory, plus a Medal of Honor, and fame that resulted in his being later be elected Governor of Maine four times.

Confederate Army of Northern Virginia on a controversial invasion of the Northern States in an effort to alleviate Virginia from having armies continue to fight there, and also in an effort to bring the Union Army of the Potomac out of its fortifications, to a climactic battle that could end the war and result in independence for the Confederate States of America.

The climax of the battle took place on July 3. After a quiet morning, in early afternoon General Lee ordered the most massive cannon attack ever on the North American continent. Then, he ordered about 12,000 men to attack the center of the Union position, across about a mile of open country. Both the Southerners and Northerners generally showed great courage in facing each other, realizing that this might be the event that would decide the war and Abraham Lincoln understood the significance of Lee's the fate of our country. Among the leaders of this event, invasion of Pennsylvania, and he appointed Union Major known as Pickett's Charge, was Confederate Brigadier General George G. Meade to lead the United States General, and Brother, Lewis Addison Armistead. The army, with orders to prevent any attack on Washington, leader of the Union force being attacked was the Union D.C., or Baltimore, Maryland. General Meade led his Major General, and Brother, Winfield Scott Hancock. army into northern Maryland, while General Lee split his army into different parts with missions leading to the Armistead and Hancock were both career soldiers, and hoped-for capture of Harrisburg, the capital of Pennsyl- before the Civil War they were friends when both were vania, with other missions to follow. However, Lee did U.S. Army officers in California. Both were also Freemanot realize that Meade's army was as close as it was, until sons.

June 28. Then, he issued orders for the parts of his army to regroup at Cashtown or Gettysburg.

When the Confederate attack reached the Union line at Gettysburg, there was fierce fighting. General Armistead In the meantime, some of Lee's army was camped near was shot twice, and as he went down he gave a Masonic Gettysburg, and some of Meade's army was in Gettyssign asking for assistance. A fellow Mason, a Union ofburg. They clashed briefly on June 30, and again in ficer named Henry H. Bingham, then a Captain, later a much larger numbers on July 1. Both sides threw in rein- higher officer and then a very influential Congressman, forcements, until the July 1 battle became a very large came to Armistead's assistance and offered to help. Arbattle, very hard fought by both sides. At the end of the mistead reportedly asked to see and talk with his friend day the force of overwhelming numbers resulted in a General Hancock, but he was told that Hancock had been Confederate victory for that day. The Union army revery badly wounded just a few minutes earlier. Union grouped on the hills and ridge south of Gettysburg, in a Brother Bingham then helped Confederate Brother Arvery strong position, under the leadership of Major Gen(Continued on page 48) 47

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Cover – “Freemasons in the Civil War ” Cemetery, Norristown, Pennsylvania.

(Continued from page 47)

mistead off the field and to a hospital, but Armistead died Member of Charity Lodge #190, Norristown, Pennsyltwo days later. General Hancock, to the surprise of vania, Royal Arch Mason, #90, and Hutchison Commany, recovered and resumed his command later in the mandery, Knights Templar #22.

Civil War. This incident, of a Freemason who was a Union officer helping a Freemason who was a wounded Confederate officer, is one of the greatest examples of the ideals of Freemasonry in action. In 1993, the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania completed and dedicated a monument on the Gettysburg National Cemetery, with the cooperation and support of the United States government, that shows Brother Bingham, a Union officer, assisting Brother Armistead. This statue is extremely dramatic, and it is called the "Masonic Friend to Friend Masonic Memorial."

Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain Born September 8, 1828 in Brewer, Maine. College Professor at Bowdoin College, Maine; spoke 7 languages.

Lieutenant Colonel and later Colonel of the 20th Maine Regiment, later Brigadier (1 star) and Major (2 star) General. Wounded 6 times during the Civil War. Hero of Little Round Top, for which he received the Medal of Honor.

At Appomattox he was the General who received the formal surrender of the Confederate Army, from Major General John B. Gordon, a fellow Freemason. After the War, Chamberlain was elected Governor of Maine 3 times, later President of Bowdoin College, a businessman and author.

In the words of Sheldon A. Munn, one of the Freemasons Died February 24, 1914. Buried in Pine Grove Cemetery, who helped bring about the construction of this monuBrunswick, Maine. There is a museum about him in ment: Brunswick.

Member of United Lodge #8 in Brunswick, Maine.

"The 'Friend to Friend Masonic Memorial,' at Gettysburg will help demonstrate to the world that Freemasonry is, Lewis Addison Armistead indeed, a unique fraternity; that its bonds of friendship, Born February 18, 1817, in New Bern, North Carolina. compassion and brotherly love withstood the ultimate Came from a military family; his uncle commanded Fort test during the most tragic and decisive period of our na- McHenry during the British bombardment in the War of tion's history; it stood then as it stands now, as 'A Broth- 1812 which inspired the Star Spangled Banner. Attended erhood Undivided!'"

West Point 1833, 1834-1836, but resigned. Served in the Mexican War where he was twice awarded for bravery.

He was serving in California with Winfield Scott Hancock when the Civil War began, and he resigned to travel cross MASONS WHO PLAYED KEY ROLES AT THE country to join the Confederate forces. Colonel and later BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG Brigadier (1 star) General. Died July 5, 1863, in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.

Winfield Scott Hancock Born February 14, 1824 in Montgomery Square near Member of Alexandria-Washington Lodge #22 in VirNorristown, Pennsylvania. West Point class of 1840, ginia. Charter member of Union Lodge 37 in Fort Riley, th graduated 18 out of 25, at age 20. Served in Mexican Kansas. and Seminole Wars and Utah (Mormon) Expedition.

Chief Quartermaster in Los Angeles, California. Civil Other Freemasons who played significant roles at the War Brigadier (1 star) and Major (2 star) General.

Battle of Gettysburg: Wounded severely at the Battle of Gettysburg. Considered one of the best Union generals. After the Civil War served in the U.S. Army, later Democratic candidate for Captain Henry H. Bingham, Chartiers Lodge #297, President of the U.S. in 1880. Died February 9, 1886, at Cannonsburg PA, Life Member of Union Lodge #121 in Governor‘s Island, New York. Buried in Montgomery (Continued on page 49)

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Cover – “Freemasons in the Civil War ” U.S. Senator from Georgia 3 times, later Governor of Georgia. Member of Gate City Lodge #2 in Atlanta.

(Continued from page 48)

Philadelphia. Received the Medal of Honor. Elected to Congress in 1878, where he served 33 years and was one of the leaders of Congress. Died March 24, 1912, in Philadelphia, aged 70. Buried in North Laurel Hills Cemetery, Philadelphia.

Major General Henry Heth, Senior Warden of Rocky Mountain Lodge #205 in Utah Territory. Very close friend of Robert E. Lee. Military career, severely wounded at Gettysburg but survived. After the War he started an insurance business in Richmond. Died in 1899, age 73. Buried in Hollywood Cemetery.

Brigadier General Solomon Meredith. Commander of the "Iron Brigade," also called the "Black Hat Brigade."

Born May 29, 1810 in Guilford County, Virginia. Had 3 sons in the Union Army, 2 of whom were killed. After the War he was surveyor general of the Montana Territory. Member of Cambridge Lodge #105, Indianapolis, Indiana.

Brigadier General George T. "Tige" Anderson. Left college in Georgia to enter the Mexican War. Severely wounded in Gettysburg. After the War he was a railroad freight agent and then police chief in Anniston, Georgia.

He was a Freemason, but details are not known.

Brigadier General John H.H. Ward. Born in New York City in 1823. Fought in many Civil War battles, but removed from the Army in 1864 for misbehavior and intoxication in the face of the enemy. This was disputed for 30 years, and never settled. After the War he served as clerk of courts in New York. In 1903 while vacationing in Monroe, New York, he was run over by a train and killed. Became a Mason in Metropolitan Lodge #273, New York City, f1855. Royal Arch Mason, Commandery, Shriner, Active 33rd degree in the AASR, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction.

Brigadier General Rufus Ingalls - Williamette Lodge #2 Oregon

Brigadier General Alfred Iverson. Columbian Lodge #108, Columbus, Georgia. His father was a U.S. Senator from Georgia before the War. After the War he was a Brigadier General Joseph B. Kershaw - Kershaw Lodge businessman in Georgia and later an orange grower in #29 South Carolina Kissimmee, Florida. Died in 1911, age 82.

Brigadier General Alfred T.A. Torbert - Temple Chapter Major General Carl Schurz. Born March 2, 1828, in #2 Delaware Cologne, Prussia. Very well educated, but left Europe after he supported failed revolutions. Prominent politi- Brigadier General William Barksdale - Columbus Lodge cian in the U.S., supported Lincoln‘s election in 1860, #5, Columbus, Mississippi and a leader of the German-American community.

Major General David B. Birney - Franklin Lodge #134 Given a Generalship to command the large number of Pennsylvania Germans in the Union Army. Did not have a distinguished career in the Civil War. After the War we sup- Brigadier General Harry T. Hays - Louisiana Lodge #102 ported equal rights for Blacks, Ambassador to Spain, Louisiana U.S. Senator from Missouri, and Secretary of the Interior. Died in 1906 in New York City, where a park is Major General Daniel Butterfield - Metropolitan Lodge named for him. Member of Herman Lodge #125 in #273 New York Philadelphia.

Brigadier General John W. Geary - Philanthropy Lodge Brigadier General John B. Gordon. Born February 6, #255 Pennsylvania 1832 in Upson County, Georgia. Attended University of Georgia and trained in law. At the Battle of Antietam he Major General Alfred Pleasonton - Franklin Lodge #134 was wounded so severely in the head that only a bullet Pennsylvania hole in his hat prevented him from drowning in his own blood. Wounded 8 times. After the War he was elected (Continued on page 50) 49

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Cover – “Freemasons in the Civil War ” to become a member..."

(Continued from page 49)

Brigadier General George J. Stannard - Franklin Lodge #4 When a Mason told Lincoln in a conversation during that campaign that all his opponents were Freemasons, especially Vermont noting that Stephen A. Douglas was an early member of the Brigadier General James L. Kemper - Linn Banks Lodge Masonic lodge in Springfield, Lincoln's home town, and he was not, Lincoln replied: #126 (PM) Virginia Major General George E. Pickett - Dove Lodge #51 Vir"I am not a Freemason, Dr. Morris, though I have great reginia spect for the institution."

Brigadier General John D. Imboden - Staunton Lodge #13 After Lincoln's death, the Grand Master of Masons in the Virginia District of Columbia, who had been a friend of Lincoln's, http://www.lodge531.co.uk/Masons%20at% wrote: 20Gettysburg.htm "He [Lincoln] once told me how highly he respected our Order and that he at one time had fully made up his mind to apply for admission into it..."

PART 3 Abraham Lincoln and Freemasonry

There are many reasons for Lincoln to have had a positive view of Freemasonry. A qualification to become a Mason is a belief in a Supreme Being, while leaving it to each one to decide exactly what religious beliefs to hold, and Masonic ritual includes many references to the Bible and the concept of spiritual rebirth. Lincoln, too, had a fervent belief in God and was an avid student of the Bible.

by Paul M. Bessel September 1994

Abraham Lincoln was not a Mason, but he possessed and displayed all the important qualities of Freemasonry: faith, hope, and charity, belief in God, the equality of all people, and the ability of each person to improve. He came into con- He included Biblical references in many of his writings and tact with many Masons and Freemasonry was a greater influ- speeches, the most famous being his second Inaugural adence in society then than today. dress, and he regarded the entire subject of

religion as a matter of individual conscience.

Lincoln could have been expected to have been attracted to Freemasonry's attitude of support for religion combined with strong support of freedom of religion and conscience for all people. Spiritual rebirth was one of the special concepts alluded to in Lincoln's Gettysburg address.

What, then, was his view of Masonry, and would he and Masonry have benefited from his membership? Why did he not become a Mason? How did Masonry affect his life and career?

Lincoln's Attitude Toward Freemasonry -How Lincoln and Freemasonry Would Have Benefited from his Membership The Grand Lodge of Illinois recessed their meeting being held during the 1860 Presidential campaign to call on Abraham Lincoln, a candidate in that election, and he is reported to have said: "Gentlemen, I have always entertained a profound respect for the Masonic fraternity and have long cherished a desire 50

One of the fundamental tenets of Masonry is that it seeks "to make good men better." This belief would have appealed to Abraham Lincoln, who desired to see the best in people and to see that each individual could advance in life as much as possible.

Likewise, the Masonic support of equality and the brotherhood of all people were also fundamental ideals with Lin-

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coln. Masonry examines the meaning of death, and Lincoln frequently meditated on this. Freemasonry, in the 1800's even more than now, focuses on philosophy -- what are the long-term purposes and goals of our lives.

Lincoln, who talked of America as being the beacon of hope for mankind and who said the goal of the Civil War was to insure that free government would survive in the world, would have been interested in this Masonic tradition.

There are more mundane reasons to think that Abraham Lincoln should have been a Mason. Freemasonry and other fraternal organizations are typical places for politicians for become well known and seek support. Lincoln was one of the most ambitious politicians of his day, and he could have benefited from this connection. Lincoln also had an active law practice, and Masons might have given him more business if he had been a Mason.

Another reason to think Lincoln should have wanted to become a Mason is his desire for fellowship. Lincoln enjoyed the company of other men and strongly desired acceptance from society. He should have welcomed the opportunity to be with men who are such close friends as to consider themselves Masonic brothers.

He would have had the opportunity to share humorous stories, discuss philosophical issues, and exchange information about their experiences. Lincoln enjoyed politics in all its senses, and he would have likely risen to a prominent office within Freemasonry.

That would have satisfied his ambition in some way, as well as helping him achieve prominence in the community. It would have shown, as Lincoln did in other ways, that one born without any likely prospects for success in life could achieve much that even those who were more high born did not. in New Salem, Lincoln's personal associations should also have led him to seek to join the Masons. Bowling Green was a close friend of Lincoln and a prominent person Illinois, Lincoln's first home town. Green was a Master of the local Masonic lodge and a member of the original Grand Lodge of Illinois.

quested that Lincoln speak at Judge Green's funeral, which included Masonic services, in February 1842, and Springfield Lodge No. 4 invited Lincoln to give a speech at a memorial service for Green in September. Many of the important men of Springfield with whom Lincoln was in contact were Masons, including Stephen A. Douglas, Ninian Edwards, and James Shields.

The best man at Abraham Lincoln's wedding to Mary Todd was James Matheny, a member of the Springfield Masonic Lodge and a past Master of the Grand Lodge of Illinois. Lincoln's closest neighbor, James Gourley, was also a Mason, as were other friends and business associates.

Lincoln's idol in politics was Henry Clay, a U.S. Senator and Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, candidate for President several times, and one of the most influential Americans of the first half of the 1800's. Henry Clay had been the Grand Master of Masons in Kentucky in 1820 -21, but in 1830-31 he said he had been inactive for many years.

This was during the height of the influence of the Antimasonic Party when Clay was seeking the Presidency, but still he refused to denounce Masonry and thus hurt his chances to be elected. Lincoln said Clay was his model in politics, so Lincoln could have been influenced by Clay's Masonic involvement, and refusal to denounce it even that would have helped him politically, could be expected to have possibly induced Lincoln to seek to join the Masons.

For many reasons, then, one would think that Lincoln should have wanted to become a Mason, and that he would have been welcomed. He said he had a favorable attitude toward Freemasonry, his words and actions showed a devotion to ideals similar to those of Masonry, the philosophy of Masonry is similar to the beliefs Lincoln supported, membership in the Masons probably would have helped Lincoln in his political and legal careers and would have bolstered his desire to be accepted by others and to enjoy friendly fellowship, and Lincoln came into contact with, and admired, many Masons.

Why Didn't Lincoln Become a Mason?

Speculation on the reasons Lincoln did not become a Mason fall into several categories.

Lincoln spent a lot of time with Green. Mrs. Green re-

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Lincoln is reported to have told the members of the Grand Lodge of Illinois during the 1860 campaign for U.S. President that: "I have never petitioned because I have felt my own unworthiness to do so. I might be overcoming my hesitance and be petitioning at the present time but I am a candidate for political office, and by some such action would be misconstrued. For this reason, because my motives would be misconstrued, I must for the present time refrain."

After Lincoln's death, a friend of his who was a prominent Mason said Lincoln had once told him the reason he did not seek membership in Freemasonry was that, "I (Lincoln) feared I was too lazy to do all my duty as I should wish to were I a member, and I have kept postponing my application." When the friend said it was not too late, he said Lincoln laughingly replied, "Well, perhaps some day I may ask you to let me in."

Mary Todd Lincoln, when told by an Anti-Mason that he would support her husband for President in 1860 if he did not belong to a society with secrets (clearly indicating Masonry), replied, "Mr. Lincoln has never been a Mason or belonged to any secret order..." because he was too busy with his business activities.

During the campaign, six letters were printed in the local newspaper, written by Lincoln and insinuating fraud by Adams, and a few days before the election Lincoln wrote and distributed handbills in Springfield which stated explicitly that Adams obtained the Anderson land by fraud.

Adams responded to these charges, and Lincoln in turn published replies.

The affair was bitter and public. Lincoln said Adams spread rumors that Lincoln was a deist, rumors that caused Lincoln political harm in the future. In the meantime, Adams won the election, and the contested land was still in Adams' estate when he died six years later. James Adams was a Master of the Springfield Lodge in 1839 and was elected Deputy Grand Master of Masons in Illinois in 1840.

Lincoln might not have wanted to join a lodge in which Adams was a prominent member, and Lincoln might not have received unanimous approval to be accepted into the Springfield Lodge after his 1837 run-ins with the prominent Mason James Adams.

A few years later Lincoln had problems with another Mason, James Shields. He was an Irish immigrant who settled in Illinois and became a Mason in January 1841, following Stephen A. Douglas in the Junior Warden's officer chair. Shields was a Democrat who became state auditor in 1841. Lincoln and the Whig party protested his policies, and several satirical letters appeared in the Springfield newspaper questioning Shields' honesty and mocking his physical cour-

Edwin M. Stanton, Lincoln's Secretary of War, was an avid Freemason. He wrote that he once elicited Lincoln's views of Masonry and Lincoln was noncommittal. Perhaps Lincoln did not have strong feelings either way joining the Masons. Lincoln might have avoided Masonry because of unfortunate, but interesting, incidents with a couple of Masons.

One is James Adams. In May 1837, Lincoln took on one of his first legal cases, representing the widow and son of Joseph Anderson in their effort to take possession of, and sell ten acres of land presumed to have been owned by him at the time of his death.

However, James Adams, Anderson's former attorney and an officer of the Springfield Masonic Lodge, was found to be in possession of the land, basing his claim on a deed executed to him by Anderson. Lincoln felt the conveyance of this land was spurious. At the time of this lawsuit, Adams was running as a Democrat for probate justice of the peace

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age.

Shields was told that Lincoln had written these letters, and he challenged Lincoln to a duel. All of Springfield read Shields' published challenge, and there was great excitement about the upcoming duel. Lincoln attempted to end the dispute with a partial explanation, but said if a duel was insisted on then he, as the person challenged, would demand that both combatants be in an eight foot circle holding the largest possible cavalry broadswords with nei-

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ther allowed to passover a line in the center.

These conditions were intended to mock the idea of this duel, especially since Lincoln was so much taller than Shields, but Shields persisted. On September 22, 1842, Lincoln, Shields, their seconds and others boated across the Mississippi River to fight the duel in Missouri, where dueling was still legal. Fortunately, friends intervened to get Shields to accept Lincoln's explanation and the duel was called off, but Lincoln was mortified by the episode.

Shields' and Lincoln's letters and all the details were publicized and the "dueling business" and spirit raged in Springfield afterwards. We can rightly suppose that Shields' Masonic brothers knew all about this affair and possibly assisted him.

It is worth noting that one of the letters which so angered Shields was published in the Springfield newspaper on September 2, 1842, the next day Lincoln delivered a speech at the Masonic memorial service for his late friend Bowling Green (at the invitation, probably made in July before the anti-Shields letters were published, of the Springfield Lodge), a letter that was even more insulting to Shields was printed in the newspaper on September 9, and the parties met and almost fought the duel on September 22. It is likely that there was a good deal of tension between Lincoln and Shields' Lodge brothers during this time.

Lincoln had been in a highly public feud with one of the leading members of the lodge. This might have made him reluctant to join the Masonic lodge to which Shields and his friends belonged, and they might have rejected him if he had petitioned. This episode, plus the one involving James Adams, might have left Lincoln with negative feelings about Masons in general.

Lincoln may have decided not to seek to join the Masons because he thought that would be misconstrued as an attempt to obtain political support from other Masons, or he may have truly felt himself unworthy or too lazy to properly perform his Masonic duties if he joined, or he may have been too busy with his regular business activities, or he may have had poor views of Masons because of his prominent feuds with two of them, or he may have felt that those feuds would lead to his rejection if he tried to join, or he may have felt that anti-Masons would not support his political ambitions if he became a Mason, or he may have just been indifferent toward Masonry.

Perhaps the real reason was some combination. Certainly Freemasonry lost the opportunity to include among its members someone who would have fit very well into the Masonic philosophy and who could have assisted Freemasonry if he had so chosen. Perhaps Lincoln also lost something by not becoming a member of the Freemasons, the opportunity to join with others in an organization seeking many of the same basic goals that motivated Abraham Lincoln throughout his life.

How Did Masonry Affect Lincoln?

It is not possible to know if, or how, Abraham Lincoln was affected, directly or indirectly, by Masonry. Some guesses are reasonable, though.

Freemasonry was especially strong in the 1700's, and its philosophy and goals had a strong influence on the founding fathers of the United States, many of whom, such as George Washington and Benjamin Franklin, were active, enthusiastic, and prominent Masons who applied their Masonic ideals in their work. The Declaration of Independence in 1776 stated a fundamental position that was developed in Masonry earlier in the 1700's: We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Another possible reason for Lincoln's not becoming a Mason may have been political. In the 1830's there was a very strong anti-Masonic feeling and even an Anti-Masonic party that elected some of its members to state and federal positions. Some politicians gained favor and office by attacking Lincoln in 1861 said: Masonry; many lodges lost members and folded. Becoming a Mason could harm political careers, and even some former "I have never had a feeling politically that did not spring Masons took on anti-Masonic attitudes in their speeches. from the sentiments embodied in the declaration of IndeLincoln might have decided to avoid the opposition of anti- pendence....I have often inquired of myself what great prinMasons by not joining the fraternity.

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ciple or idea it was that kept this Confederacy so long together. It was ... that sentiment in the Declaration of Independence which gave liberty, not alone to the people of this country, but hope to the world for all future time. It was that which gave promise that in due time the weights should be lifted from the shoulders of all men, and that all should have an equal chance."

This is the guiding spirit of the Masonic philosophy, then and now, and it became a part of the Declaration of Independence that in turn affected Lincoln so fundamentally.

Lincoln's middle position between Masonry and AntiMasonry may have helped him gain the Republican nomination for President in 1860. All his major opponents, William H. Seward of New York, Salmon P. Chase of Ohio, and Edward Bates of Missouri, had anti-Masonic histories. Masons, and there were definitely some at the nominating convention, would have been more inclined toward Lincoln than the others.

Except for Lincoln, all the candidates for President in 1860 were Masons: Stephen A. Douglas, John C. Breckenridge, and John Bell. The President then, James Buchanan, and other prominent political leaders, were also Masons.

The list of prominent people connected with the Civil War and politics in that era who were Masons is very long, including.......

Winfield Scott, George B. McClellan, Robert Anderson, Winfield Scott Hancock, Benjamin F. Butler, Simon Cameron, Lewis Cass, John J. Crittenden, Andrew G. Curtin, David G. Farragut, Nathaniel P.Banks, John A. McClernand, Thomas H. Benton, John A. Logan, Sam Houston, Stephen A. Hurlbut, Andrew Johnson, Edwin M. Stanton, Gideon Welles, Albert Sidney Johnston, P.G.T. Beauregard, Howell Cobb, John B. Floyd, Albert Pike, Sterling Price, Robert Toombs, Godfrey Weitzel, Henry A. Wise.

Freemasonry also played a role in alleviating the harshness of the Civil War, and this probably came to Lincoln's attention and may have affected his own attitudes to some extent. Masons from both sides got together to exchange information, assist wounded from the other side, and arrange for Masonic burial services for fallen enemies.

Some soldiers even escaped death because of their Masonic affiliation.

Lincoln and his colleagues who were Freemasons demonstrated charity toward others even while engaging in allout combat to accomplish goals they felt were worth fighting for -- to maintain democratic government and to prove that people could govern themselves.

Abraham Lincoln was never a Mason, but it is likely that Masonry had some positive influences on him, and he on Freemasonry. His political philosophy was affected by Masonic ideals through the Masonic influence on the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution. His spirit of charity during the Civil War was probably affected to some extent by hearing how Masons in the war helped each other while maintaining their ideals.

Lincoln was probably helped in his political and personal life by Masons. Without overreaching, Masons and all who study Lincoln can rightly take some satisfaction from the involvement of Abraham Lincoln, a non-Mason, and Freemasonry. http://www.mastermason.com/dresden/ abraham_lincoln_and_freemasonry.htm

It is possible that Lincoln saw some of the spirit of brotherly friendship among these Masons, and that their practice of Masonic ideals had some affect on him.

It is well known that Lincoln demonstrated magnanimity even toward his enemies, asking in his second Inaugural address for "malice toward none and charity for all" and desiring an easy peace and for the leaders of the Confederate government to be allowed to escape rather than being arrested and condemned, and his visits and friendly comments to Confederate wounded. Lincoln searched for reasons to re54

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Guest Lecture Master Mason Only Event - Dues Card and ID Required for Entry Saturday, October 01, 2011 from 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM (ET)

The Boynton Lodge Esoteric Research Group Presents: Dr. John S. Nagy Brother Nagy Entered into Freemasonry in 2001. Having been Prepared in his heart for many years before Entering, he quickly embraced the Tenants of Freemasonry and engaged in several Lodge support activities while learning what he could about the Craft. Brother John steadily progressed through the Symbolic Degrees, earned his White Lambskin Apron and proceeded to support Lodge Degree activities. Immediately following his initial experiences of the Junior Warden‘s chair, he found himself migrating toward providing Music for Lodge Communications and Degrees along with providing continuing Masonic Education as his expressed Masonic passions. His offerings were favorably noticed and because he provided a wide variety of Masonic Education pieces, his Lodge Brothers encouraged him to consolidate his Work into a book that could be shared with Brothers around the world. That effort was eventually named ―Building Hiram – Uncommon Catechism for Uncommon Masonic Education – Volume 1.‖ With its successful creation, publication and distribution, Volumes 2, 3 and 4, quickly followed Volume 1. Those volumes are now collectively referred to as ―The Building Series.‖

Boynton Lodge #236 2701 Quantum Blvd Boynton Beach, FL 33426

In between his research, writing and publication of these books, John also coauthored another book, ―Lifting the Veil – Esoteric Masonic Thought‖, a collection of esoteric Masonic writings by Masonic authors from around the world. Additionally, Brother Nagy has published numerous Masonic Education articles that have appeared in ―Further Light Magazine‖, Lodgeroom International Magazine, The Working Tools Magazine and on his Masonic Web-log, ―Building Builders.‖ He has been interviewed live on several webcasts (Masonic Central, Freemason Information) on his Works. He is currently featured as one of the Intenders on the ―Worldwide Exemplification of Freemasonry‖ project supported by the Grand Lodge of Indiana. That feature is called ―The Coaches Coach: Building Builders‖ and it is based on the research behind his Building Series of books.

Brother John is a North American Freemason who practices Freemasonry within the Jurisdiction of the State of Florida in the South-Eastern United States. He is a perpetual member of Tampa Bay Lodge No. 252 and a lifetime member of the Florida Lodge of Research No. 999. He continues to provide Music to his two Lodges as their Lodge Musician and provides occasional Masonic Education to a select group of other Lodges as time permits. Upon request, Brother Nagy also facilitates http://nagy.eventbrite.com/ Masonic Education Workshops based upon his research and writings.

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And Finally

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Final Words

I hope you enjoy reading “ The Working Tools” and find enlightenment in each and every new issue.

Please spread the word about us to all your Lodge brothers and let them know how to find TWT on the web.

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The Independent Masonic Magazine – Bringing the best information to Mason’s worldwide.

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