Spring Summer 2011 Rising Point Web

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Rising Point
Volume 23. Issue 2 • • SPRING/SUMMER 2011

What
exactly is
“More Light”
in Masonry?
By Robert Blackburn

From
the
Parthenon to
US $9.95
the Capitol
10 By Leo Operti

SPRING 2011
Made In Michigan

For those of you who are new to this publication,
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Contents
Volume 23. Issue 2 - SPRING/SUMMER 2011
FEATURE ARTICLES
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THE RISING POINT
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3 From the Parthenon to the Capitol

What exactly is “More Light” in
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11 Freemasonry
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14
mozog@bonisteelml.org Social Security and Freemasonry
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Bro. Robert Blackburn 32º Book Review Editor
16 Fundamental Principles of Public
Finance

LAYOUT & DESIGN
Bro. Mitchell Ozog
18 Reading Masons and Masons who do
not read
COVER CREDITS
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21 The Working Tools

26 The Power of the worshipful Master
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Rising point SPRING/SUMMER 2011

From the Parthenon
to the CaPitol
By Wor. Bro. Leo Operti
Photo #1 Photo #

The genesis of this presentation occurred in November 2008 while looking up towards the Parthenon on the Athenian
Acropolis, just as you see in the photo listening to a very knowledgeable guide and thinking that on that occasion that I
was not going to attack the 90 plus steps to the top.
Looking up, the Parthenon (photo #3) appeared as a tiara on the brow of a noble lady and a burgeoning but incomplete
idea began to take shape in the shadows of my mind. Serendipity would have it that later that evening I would read the last
chapter of a book that I had taken along, ‘Solomon’s Power Brokers’ by Christopher Knight and Alan Butler, to which I
am indebted for parts of this presentation for therein laid “ the rest of the story” which rounded off the idea that had begun
to form in my mind.
Let me tell you a little about Athens tucked away in one of the many bays along the southern coast of Greece. It is
situated within the “Fire Ring” of the Mediterranean Sea; an extensive zone of volcanic and seismic activity prone lands
surrounding the “Mare Nostrum” as the Romans used to consider it. Over the millennia Athens has been subjected to a
Photo # multitude of tremors. There are monuments and buildings of
ancient Greece strewn everywhere. Remains are constantly
being unearthed and usually left in their natural state. If
possible, repairs and reconstructions are made.
An example of this is the replica of the original Olympic
stadium, Kallimarmaro, (photo #4) used for the first modern
games held in 1896.
One has to wonder how is it possible that the Acropolis was
able to withstand these devastating seismic ravages standing
some 300 feet above the city atop a solid granite pedestal
while so many others inexorably crashed to the ground. One
has to regret that the many of the damages were caused by the
hand of man rather than by natural causes.


An example of this is the destruction of part of the
south colonnade by Venetian cannons in the late 1600’s
in an attempt to conquer the city from the yoke of the
Ottoman Empire. The Turks had used the Parthenon
as an arsenal and magazine while the besiegers were
endeavoring to destroy it. (photo #5)
Another was the wonton removal of the frieze
entablatures by Lord Elgin with no precaution as
to their protection while disassembling the pieces.
(photo #6)
Conversely, the Temple of Apollo at Claros on the east
Photo # coast of Turkey not far south of the site of ancient Troy
was destroyed by earthquake. The temple was much
Photo #5 smaller than the Parthenon, four columns wide by six
long, but apparently built along the same lines. This temple housed
an important oracle, one of the same stature as that of Delphi at
Ephesus. The oracle sat in one of the caves below the temple and
foretold the future for an important fee of course. (photo #7)
A scribe sat in an adjoining chamber and recorded the utterances.
These records were filed away in the event of future claims on the
supposed inexactitudes of the prophecy. The omens were couched
in convoluted format that any suspected error in the prediction
was easily written off as misinterpretation by the recipient of the
prophecy. (photo #8)
This temple was completely flattened and the ruins were not
discovered until the early 20th century. It would appear as if the
roof flattened the building and pushed the columns aside.
Why hadn’t a similar fate occurred to the Parthenon?
This brings up another interesting issue. The layout of the temple
appears to be that of a hypostyle hall as shown in this plan; a
series of columns supporting cross beams, which in turn support
a roof. For many years it was assumed that the temple was indeed
covered. (photo #9)
Photo #6
Recent studies, however, have concluded that
the structure was in fact a peristyle; a peripheral
colonnade surrounding an open space to house the
ivory and gold statue of Athena which stood beyond
the height of the columns in the cella, or interior
cell. Thus there was indeed no roof structure thereby
reducing the outward stress imposed by its weight.
In their constant search for optical perfection, the
Athenians introduced certain modifications to their
structures that may have helped save the building
from the ravages of the quakes and certainly cheated
perspective; that optical illusion that make things
appear smaller than they are when they are located
far, or move away from the viewer.
There are no straight lines at the Parthenon; (photo #10) the base shows a slight curvature raising the center axis some
five inches higher than the corners. The seventeen flank columns and eight façade ones curve inwards at the top, which
have a slightly larger diameter than the base. Likewise the corner columns have a slightly greater diameter than the


Photo #7
others and are positioned closer. All this designed to give the viewer
the impression of a formidable and awe inspiring structure created to
house and honor the protector goddess of their city.

It is possible that the inward inclination of the columns may have
thwarted to some degree the outward thrust of the roofline, as occurred
at Claros.
While I am sure that you may find these comments regarding the
Parthenon as interesting, that is not the purpose of this paper. I consider
it an enduring symbol of a glorious Athenian age that gave us one of
the Wonders of the Ancient World. Yet, Athens gave us something far
Photo #8
more important and enduring than the Parthenon. It is called

δημοκρατία
If this seems Greek to you, you are correct.

It is more comprehensible when we apply Latin alphabet characters to
the word that then reads

dēmocratía
demos = people + kratein = to rule.

In plain English it is called democracy

Athens, a city state, developed a socio-political system
unknown at that time whereby all citizens could assemble
forty times per year on a hill near the Acropolis called
Pnyx.
Pnyx was the meeting place of the world’s first ever
Photo #9 democratic legislature, the Athenian assembly. As such,
the Pnyx is the material embodiment of the principle
of isçgoria “equal speech”, i.e. the equal right of every citizen to
debate matters of policy. The other two principles of democracy were
isonomia, equality under the law and isopoliteia, equality of vote
and equal opportunity to assume political office. The right of equal
speech was expressed by the presiding officer of the Pnyx assembly,
who formally opened each debate with the invitation “Who wishes
to speak?”
Perhaps the catch here is the word “citizen” for not all individuals
were citizens as such; some were slaves or other lesser category
Photo #10 inhabitants who did not have those same rights. In other words, then
as now, all are equal but some are more equal than others.
It is not my intention to describe the architectural details of the Parthenon but to signify that while Athens provided the first
democracy in the ancient world, the United States of America provided the first democracy in the modern world and it is at
this point where I associate the Acropolis to the Capitol.

Rising point SPRING/SUMMER 2011 5

A group of enlightened men and women, colonists of England under the common laws of that country and perhaps guided
by the grants of the Magna Carta replicated the same Athenian principles in this document penned by Jefferson which he
titled “A Declaration of the Representatives of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA in General Congress assembled.”
The famous initial words “When in the course of human events…” are well known, or should be known, by every citizen
or resident of this country. The signed original document, known as the Declaration of Independence is housed in the
Library of Congress and while the words are fading the principle is not. Jefferson finalized this draft in seventeen days
between June 11 and 28.

Photo #11

This mere act, one of freedom for some, one of rebellion for others, became the birthright of this country. But if I ask
anyone when was this document signed I expect the response will be “The Fourth of July, 1776 of course”.

If you agree and research, you will find that you also are incorrect. Congress declared independence on July 2nd. Two days
later, July 4th, Congress adopted the Declaration. The original parchment was written, copies were printed and on July
19 Congress ordered the Declaration of Independence “to be engrossed and signed by the members”. The Delegates, led
by John Hancock began to sign the document on August 2, 1776. Nonetheless, since July 4th was the date that Congress
“adopted” the Declaration that is the date we traditionally celebrate the event.

Fifty-six signatures of the representatives of the thirteen colonies are affixed at the foot of that historic parchment.

A lengthy war ensued which ended with surrender of Yorktown on October 19th, 1781 leading to a peace negotiation by
Great Britain and the treaty of Paris signed on September 3rd, 1783 recognizing the independence of the United States.
In the interim the Articles of Confederation, which had been drawn up on March 2nd, 1781, proved to be insufficient as a
nationwide governing instrument.

6 Rising point SPRING/SUMMER 2011

A new document was drawn consisting of seven articles. Later, on September 25th, 1789 Congress transmitted to the
state legislators twelve amendments, the first ten of which became the Bill of Rights, were ratified and became effective
on December 15th, 1791.

I again ask the question. When was this document signed and by whom?

Thirty-nine delegates representing twelve states, including George Washington who signed both as President and delegate
from Virginia affixed their signature to the Constitution of the United States of America on September 17th, 1787. No
delegate from Rhode Island signed the Constitution. This date, September 17th will often be referred to in this paper

The delegates had been working for many weeks on its preparation and the document was completed and ready on
September 2nd. Yet while this was so and the delegates were assembled and remained in Philadelphia, they waited until
the 17th to “engross and sign” the document to make it official. I have not found historical references to indicate the
reason for this delay. However we may find a forceful reason in our own ritual.

As a Fellowcraft, we are admonished to make a daily advancement in knowledge. The Charge insists, “the study of
the liberal arts, that valuable branch of education which tends so effectively to polish and adorn the mind, is earnestly
recommended to your consideration”. One of those liberal arts is Astronomy, assisted by which “we can observe
the motions, measure the distance, comprehend the
Photo #1
magnitudes and calculate the periods and eclipses of the
heavenly bodies. By it we learn the use of the globes, the
systems of the world and the preliminary law of nature.”
The celestial globe is a calendar that has been studied by
humanity since its inception and more especially when
humans included agriculture in their knowledge base.

Later in our Masonic career we are presented with this
figure. (photo #12) It is described as a monument erected
to the memory of Hiram Abif consisting of a Virgin
weeping over a broken column, an urn containing his
ashes and Time unfolding the ringlets of her hair. The
emblem of time, the scythe, the hourglass and a portion
of a broken column may be readily interpreted but what
of the Virgin? Nowhere in the Books of the Bible that
relate the building of the first Temple at Jerusalem nor
elsewhere in our ritual is there mention of a women except
here. Why has this been inserted?

Yet, if we recur to a ritual of the late 19th century, we will
find another of the many versions of that figure.

This one depicts (photo #13) the same characters but in a
different context. Firstly and most significantly, a portion
of the Zodiac is included. Time is clothed differently;
rather than a long robe his waist is bound by what appear
to be leaves; a reference to nature perhaps? There is neither
hourglass nor urn. We see the entire column broken into
two pieces. Time is not playing with the Virgin’s hair but
pointing to the section of the Zodiac with the symbol of
Virgo , that period of time between late August and

Photo #1 late September that ends with the Autumnal equinox as shown, on
September 23rd followed by the sign of Libra . You are aware
that Virgo is Virgin in Latin. So we now begin to see a correlation.

From ancient times, the week between the 17th and 23rd of
September has been the start of the harvest season and represented
in different rites and ceremonies. The Elusinian Mysteries were
the center of Greek religious beliefs. They were held at the Spring
and Autumnal equinoxes commencing in Athens and finalizing in
Eleusis. The rites were dedicated to Demeter, Mother Earth, and her
daughter Persephone.

The Lesser Mysteries were offered for the general citizenry and
represented Demeter’s loss of her daughter Persephone. According
to the myth, Persephone had been kidnapped by Pluto the lord of
the underworld, and taken to his domain, Hades. Demeter in her
search for her daughter abandoned her earthly duties and the plants
withered for lack of attention. Zeus intervened and arranged for
Persephone to spend one third of the year in Hades and two thirds
on earth thereby representing the seasons. The Greater Mysteries
were reserved for the elite and dealt with the basic principles of life and death, a way of living in happiness and of dying
with greater hope. The initiates were bound to the utmost secrecy under penalty of death.

Demeter has been compared to Ishtar of the Babylonians, Astarte of the Phoenicians and Isis, another fertility goddess.
The Egyptian mysteries relate the death of the sun god Osiris. Similarly the Roman Dionysic corn god festivities related
to the death and rebirth of the prime character.

This pre-autumn period has been important for centuries back to the Stone Age. The week of September 17th to the
23rd has been held in high esteem in religious and secular calendars too. September 17th is the festivity of Our Lady
of Sorrows; it is also the first day of harvest. On September 23rd 1456, named as St. Matthew’s Day, the cornerstone of
Roslyn chapel was laid.

At this period certain significant astronomical events occur. Every eight years the planet Venus returns to the apparent
same point in the sky in relation to the earth’s horizon although the background stars are different. The planet, also known
as the morning star, moves one fifth of the Zodiac every year and completes a full lap of the Zodiac every 40 years. Every
twelve cycles, or 480 years, a major event, known as the Shekinah, occurs wherein the planets Mercury and Venus are in
conjunction, forming a blazing star. The cornerstone of Solomon’s temple was laid at this time in 967 BC. 480 years later
in 487 BC the Shekinah returned as expected, when the cornerstone of the 2nd temple at Jerusalem was laid after King
Cyrus of Babylon allowed the Hebrews to return to their land. The next sighting was expected in the year 8 BC. Was the
Shekinah the Blazing Star the Magi followed?

The Constitution was signed by the delegates on September 17th, 1787 and on Sunday, September 23, the final day of the
Demeter mysteries, Mercury and Venus were in conjunction before dawn forming the Shekinah. On Wednesday September
18th 1793 the cornerstone of the US Capitol, the maximum exponent of self-rule and democracy, was laid. On that day
Venus and Mercury rose before the sun as morning stars and as the stone was laid and tapped by George Washington at
11:00 am Venus, still visible, was directly overhead.

On August 2nd, 1952 Congress resolved and requested that the week from September 17th to 23rd be designated as
Constitution week. This bill laid in Congress for forty-six years until on September 16th, 2002 George Bush signed the bill
formalizing the request. This was the time of the Eleusinian Mysteries. Did the president know what he was signing?


During this period the sun passes from Virgo to Libra. Virgo is the Zodiac sign of sacrifice and servitude. Libra is the sign
of justice, equality and freedom. Was it not appropriate that the Constitution be signed at that period?

Ten of the fifty-six signers of the Declaration of Independence were proven Masons; fifteen of the forty signers of the
Constitution were, at the time or later became, Masons.

I have not been able to verify the data regarding the dates and time periods of the Shekinah indicated in any other sources
than the publication referred to in the opening statement. I have been able to do so in matters regarding the planet Venus,
its recurrence, locations, etc. An example of this is its position at the cornerstone laying of the Capitol. Consequently, I am
unable to affirm to the veracity matters stated regarding the Shekinah. However it does make a very good story.

It would seem logical to assume that our ancient brethren knew of these reported events and timed the modern events
accordingly; or perhaps it was just chance. I will leave that conundrum to you.

About author: Wor. Bro. Leo Operti P.M. Eureka Lodge # 106. Grand Lodge of Argentina, F. A. M. Past Grand Expert.
Grand Lodge of Argentina P.M. Victory Lodge # 3926 at Buenos Aires. United Grand Lodge of England. A. F. A. M.
(Victory Lodge ceased operations in 1980) P.M. Michigan Lodge of Research Information. Grand Lodge of Michigan

September 23, 2009

Presented at Michigan Lodge of Research quarterly meeting held at Farmington Lodge # 151, Farmington, MI on Saturday,
March 12, 2011


What eXaCtlY iS “more

liGht” in maSonrY?
W. Bro. Robert Blackburn., PM

Many Masons today confuse ritual proficiency with Masonic “light.” While a deeper
understanding and appreciation of ritual can lead to important personal insights, this is not
the “light” our Masonic predecessors had in mind. Modern Masonry is a product of the
European Enlightenment. “Light,” consequently, was knowledge of the world around us
and, more particularly for Masonry, information that makes us all better human beings.
Early Masons used their lodges to discuss a variety of topics, loosely ascribed to the
seven “liberal arts and sciences.” The ability to intelligently discuss and debate such
matters was considered a distinguishing characteristic of a Master Mason.

Today’s Masonry has all but forgotten its intellectual heritage. Few lodges are active
places of learning, Masonic or otherwise. They are social clubs and service organizations,
mistaking memorization and philanthropy with Masonry. Real Masonry, it must be
remembered, is about creating enlightened men. Ritual and charitable works are
important. Ritual is the entrance to Masonry; philanthropy is one of Masonry’s many
gifts. But for Masonry to be truly meaningful, education has to be its cornerstone. Lodges
having libraries should update them. Members should organize regular book clubs and
discussion groups. More importantly, time should be scheduled at every regular, non-
degree meeting for education. This could be a Masonic “short talk” or other informative
article. Better yet, a 20 to 30 minute member presentation when time permits.
The “seven liberal arts and sciences” is a broad body of knowledge; no doubt every
member could, and should, be able to contribute something for discussion. Lastly,
lodges should arrange guest speakers or performers, such as university professors and
musicians, for special lodge events. Such occasions can be opened to family and invited
guests, spreading Masonry’s light a little further. All Masonic lodges should consider
themselves “research lodges,” places where members learn about the Craft and grow
as enlightened men. We fail ourselves, as Masons, if we do not make time at lodge
for learning. We also fail our brothers when we are too stingy to share what we
know. This is particularly true for new members who have high expectations of the
Fraternity. Therefore, we must all continuously strive, individually and collectively,
to bring more light to ourselves and Masonry. Without it, our lodges will be very dark
indeed.


Continued on page 12


Article reprinted from “The Masonic
Craftsman” January, 1943 No. 5


even though we do not regard ourselves as technically a
“beneficiary” society.

Article reprinted from “The Masonic Craftsman” April, 1940 No. 8

Article reprinted from “The Masonic
Craftsman” April, 1940 No. 8


Article reprinted from “The Masonic Craftsman”
January, 1943 No. 5



reaDinG maSonS anD maSonS Who

Do not reaD Albert G. Mackey 33°
I SUPPOSE THERE are more Masons who are ignorant of all the principles
of Freemasonry than there are men of any other class who are chargeable
with the like ignorance of their own profession. There is not a watchmaker “The
who does not know something about the elements of horology, nor is there ultimate success of
a blacksmith who is altogether unacquainted with the properties of red-
hot iron. Ascending to the higher walks of science, we would be much Masonry depends on the
astonished to meet with a lawyer who was ignorant of the elements of intelligence of her disciples.”
jurisprudence, or a physician who had never read a treatise on pathology,
or a clergyman who knew nothing whatever of theology.

Nevertheless, nothing is more common than to encounter Freemasons
who are in utter darkness as to every thing that relates to Freemasonry.
They are ignorant of its history -- they know not whether it is a mushroom
production of today, or whether it goes back to remote ages for its origin.
They have no comprehension of the esoteric meaning of its symbols or its
ceremonies, and are hardly at home in its modes of recognition. And yet
nothing is more common than to find such sciolists in the possession of
high degrees and sometimes honored with elevated affairs in the Order,
present at the meetings of lodges and chapters, intermeddling with the
proceedings, taking an active part in all discussions and pertinaciously
maintaining heterodox opinions in opposition to the judgment of brethren
of far greater knowledge.

Why, it may well be asked, should such things be? Why, in Masonry
alone, should there be so much ignorance and so much presumption? If I
ask a cobbler to make me a pair of boots, he tells me that he only mends
and patches, and that he has not Iearned the higher branches of his craft,
and then hie honestly declines the offered job. If I request a watchmaker
to construct a mainspriiig for my chronometer, he answers that he cannot
do it, that he has never learned how to make mainsprings, which belongs
to a higher branch of the business, but that if I will bring him a spring
ready made, he will insert it in my timepiece, because that he knows how
to do. If I go to an artist with an order to paint me an historical picture,
he will tell me that it is beyond his capacity, that he has never studied nor practiced the comportion of details, but has
confined himself to the painting of portraits. Were he dishonest and presumptuous he would take my order and instead
of a picture give me a daub.

It is the Freemason alone who wants this modesty. He is too apt to think that the obligation not only makes him a Mason,
but a learned Mason at the same time. He too often imagines that the mystical ceremonies which induct him into the
Order are all that are necessary to make him cognizant of its principles. There are some Christian sects who believe that
the water of baptism at once washes away all sin, past and prospective. So there are some Masons who think that the
mere act of initiation is at once followed by an influx of all Masonic knowledge. They need no further study or research.
All that they require to know has already been received by a sort of intuitive process.
The great body of Masons may be divided into three classes. The first consists of those who made their application for
initiation not from a desire for knowledge, but from some accidental motive, not always honorable. Such men have been
led to seek reception either because it was likely, in their opinion, to facilitate their business operations, or to advance
their political prospects, or in some other way to personally benefit them. In the commencement of a war, hundreds flock
to the lodges in the hope of obtaining the “mystic sign,” which will be of service in the hour of danger. Their object
having been attained, or having failed to attain it, these men become indifferent and, in time, fall into the rank of the
non- affiliates. Of such Masons there is no hope. They are dead trees having no promise of fruit. Let them pass as utterly
worthless, and incapable of improvement.

THERE IS A second class consisting of men who are the it supplies material for months of study. He would fain rise
moral and Masonic antipodes of the first. These make their higher in the scale of rank, and if by persevering efforts he
application for admission, being prompted, as the ritual can attain the summit of the Rite and be invested with the
requires, “by a favorable opinion conceived of the Institution, Thirty- third degree, little cares he for any knowledge of
and a desire of knowledge.” As soon as they are initiated, the organization of the Rite or the sublime lessons that it
they see in the ceremonies through which they have passed, teaches. He has reached the height of his ambition and is
a philosophical meaning worthy of the trouble of inquiry. permitted to wear the double- headed eagle.
They devote themselves to this inquiry.
SUCH MASONS are distinguished not by the amount of
They obtain Masonic books, they read Masonic periodicals, knowledge that they possess, but by the number of the jewels
and they converse with well-informed brethren. They make that they wear. They will give fifty dollars for a decoration,
themselves acquainted with the history of the Association. but not fifty cents for a book.
They investigate its origin and its ultimate design. They These men do great injury to Masonry. They have been
explore the hidden sense of its symbols and they acquire the called its drones. But they are more than that. They are the
interpretation. Such Masons are always useful and honorable wasps, the deadly enemy of the industrious bees. They set
members of the Order, and very frequently they become its a bad example to the younger Masons - they discourage the
shining lights. Their lamp burns for the enlightenment of growth of Masonic literature - they drive intellectual men,
others, and to them the Institution is indebted for whatever who would be willing to cultivate Masonic science, into
of an elevated position it has attained. For them, this article other fields of labor - they depress the energies of our writers
is not written. - and they debase the character of Speculative Masonry as a
branch of mental and moral philosophy.
But between these two classes, just described, there is an
intermediate one; not so bad as the first, but far below the When outsiders see men holding high rank and office in
second, which, unfortunately, comprises the body of the the Order who are almost as ignorant as themselves of the
Fraternity. principles of Freemasonry, and who, if asked, would say they
looked upon it only as a social institution, these outsiders
THIS THIRD CLASS consists of Masons who joined the very naturally conclude that there cannot be anything of
Society with unobjectionable motives, and with, perhaps the great value in a system whose highest positions are held
best intentions. But they have failed to carry these intentions by men who profess to have no knowledge of its higher
into effect. They have made a grievous mistake. They development.
have supposed that initiation was all that was requisite to
make them Masons, and that any further study was entirely IT MUST NOT be supposed that every Mason is expected
unnecessary. Hence, they never read a Masonic book. to be a learned Mason, or that every man who is initiated is
Bring to their notice the productions of the most celebrated required to devote himself to the study of Masonic science
Masonic authors, and their remark is that they have no time and literature. Such an expectation would be foolish and
to read-the claims of business are overwhelming. Show unreasonable. All men are not equally competent to grasp
them a Masonic journal of recognized reputation, and ask and retain the same amount of knowledge. Order, says Pope
them to subscribe. Their answer is, that they cannot afford -
it, the times are hard and money is scarce.
“Order is heaven’s first law and this confest, Some are, and
And yet, there is no want of Masonic ambition in many of must be, greater than the rest, More rich, more wise”.
these men. But their ambition is not in the right direction.
They have no thirst for knowledge, but they have a very All that I contend for is, that when a candidate enters the fold
great thirst for office or for degrees. They cannot afford of Masonry he should feel that there is something in it better
money or time for the purchase or perusal of Masonic books, than its mere grips and signs, and that he should endeavor
but they have enough of both to expend on the acquisition of with all his ability to attain some knowledge of that better
Masonic degrees. thing. He should not seek advancement to higher degrees
until he knew something of the lower, nor grasp at office,
It is astonishing with what avidity some Masons who do unless he had previously fulfilled with some reputation for
not understand the simplest rudiments of their art, and who Masonic knowledge, the duties of a private station. I once
have utterly failed to comprehend the scope and meaning of knew a brother whose greed for office led him to pass through
primary, symbolic Masonry, grasp at the empty honors of all the grades from Warden of his lodge to Grand Master
the high degrees. The Master Mason who knows very little, of the jurisdiction, and who during that whole period had
if anything, of the Apprentice’s degree longs to be a Knight never read a Masonic book nor attempted to comprehend the
Templar. He knows nothing, and never expects to know meaning of a single symbol. For the year of his Mastership
anything, of the history of Templarism, or how and why he always found it convenient to have an excuse for absence
these old crusaders became incorporated with the Masonic from the lodge on the nights when degrees were to be
brotherhood. The height of his ambition is to wear the conferred. Yet, by his personal and social influences, he had
Templar cross upon his breast. If he has entered the Scottish succeeded in elevating himself in rank above all those who
Rite, the Lodge of Perfection will not content him, although were above him in Masonic knowledge.


the expense of printing, while the authors get nothing; and
They were really far above him, for they all knew something, Masonic journals are being year after year carried off into the
and he knew nothing. Had he remained in the background, literary Acaldama, where the corpses of defunct periodicals
none could have complained. But, being where he was, and are deposited; and, worst of all, Masonry endures depressing
seeking himself the position, he had no right to be ignorant. blows.
It was his presumption that constituted his offense. The Mason who reads, however little, be it only the pages of
A more striking example is the following: A few years ago the monthly magazine to which he subscribes, will entertain
while editing a Masonic periodical, I received a letter from higher views of the Institution and enjoy new delights in
the Grand Lecturer of a certain Grand Lodge who had been a the possession of these views. The Masons who do not read
subscriber, but who desired to discontinue his subscription. will know nothing of the interior beauties of Speculative
In assigning his reason, he said (a copy of the letter is now Masonry, but will be content to suppose it to be something
before me), “although the work contains much valuable like Odd Fellowship, or the Order of the Knights of Pythias
information, I shall have no time to read, as I shall devote the
- only, perhaps, a little older. Such a Mason must be an
whole of the present year to teaching.” I cannot but imagine indifferent one. He has laid no foundation for zeal.
what a teacher such a man must have been, and what pupils If this indifference, instead of being checked, becomes more
he must have instructed. widely spread, the result is too apparent. Freemasonry must
step down from the elevated position which she has been
THIS ARTICLE is longer than I intended it to be. But I feel struggling, through the efforts of her scholars, to maintain,
the importance of the subject. There are in the United States and our lodges, instead of becoming resorts for speculative
more than four hundred thousand affiliated Masons. How and philosophical thought, will deteriorate into social clubs
many of these are readers? One-half - or even one-tenth? or mere benefit societies. With so many rivals in that field,
If only one-fourth of the men who are in the Order would her struggle for a prosperous life will be a hard one.
read a little about it, and not depend for all they know of The ultimate success of Masonry depends on the intelligence
it on their visits to their lodges, they would entertain more of her disciples.
elevated notions of its character. Through their sympathy
scholars would be encouraged to discuss its principles and About the Author:
to give to the public the results of their thoughts, and good
Masonic magazines would enjoy a prosperous existence. Albert Gallatin Mackey 33° was one of Freemasonry’s most
insightful interpreters, and a voluminous author. This essay
NOW, BECAUSE there are so few Masons that read, was first published in 1875, and is reprinted from The Master
Masonic books hardly do more than pay the publishers Mason (October 1924 issue).

Detroit MASoNiC teMple


the WorkinG toolS
THE SHORT TALK BULLETIN The Masonic Service Association of the United States VOL. 6 April 1928 NO. 4
Entered apprentice luxury, dissipation and destruction, his purposes were
bad, and at the age of forty-two he died in a drunken fit.
The Common Gavel, used by operative Masons
to break off the corners of rough stones, is in Charles the First of England insisted on the divine
speculative Freemasonry a symbol of power. right of kings. he had his courts decree that the King
could do no wrong, filled the Tower of London with
The Twenty-four-inch gauge is an instrument used by political prisoners, tortured and decapitated his enemies,
operative Masons to measure and lay out their work, claimed the right of life and death over his subjects, and
but in speculative Freemasonry we are taught by its exercised the unlimited power of an absolute monarch.
symbolism to divide our time into three equal parts, His purposes were bad, and under Oliver Cromwell
whereby are found eight hours for refreshment and sleep, his career was canceled, the executioner swung an
eight for our usual vocations and eight for the service axe and the head of Charles the first rolled in the dust.
of God and humanity. There is an object in view and an
end to be attained. It is, therefore, a symbol of purpose. These were unusual men occupying exceptional positions,
but the power of destruction is terrific in the most ordinary
Power is the ability to act so as to produce change life. Czolgoez, the polish anarchist, was a man of a low
land cause event. Purpose is the idea or object order in the social scale, without wealth, without influence,
kept before the mind as an end of effort or action. without education; from the casual viewpoint ignorant,
insignificant and weak. His mind was the breeding ground
Modern science has uncovered so much power that thoughtful of crazy purposes, but he had sufficient destructive
men fear it will work the destruction of civilization unless a power to shoot William McKinley and assassinate
commensurate humane purpose is developed for its direction. the Chief Magistrate of the greatest nation on earth.

The day and generation in which we live pulsates with Power directed by a good purpose is constructive, and results
power, the world is held in place by dynamic oppositions, in achievement. It keeps the cars on the tracks and the wires
the universe is vibrant with force and man is a part of the in the air, it turns the wheels of man’s industry and carries
divine energy. The greatest think in God’s created universe the commerce of continents as upon a mighty shoulder.
is a man. In him, according to the teachings of Freemasonry,
is the eternal flame, the indestructible image of the livingWarren Hastings was born in 1732; his mother was a servant
God. The power of man cannot be defined, cannot be fenced girl who died when the baby was two days old; his father
in, because it transcends all finite standards of measurement.
deserted him, so he grew up as a charity child. He had a
hungry mind and obtained an education as best he could.
Power directed by a bad purpose is positive destruction. When eighteen years of age he shipped for India, working
Alexander the Great was the most powerful man of his own passage. He had a purpose in his life and there came
antiquity. With an army of 35,000 men he flung himself a power that enabled him to establish the Bengal Asiatic
against a Persian horde of over one million. He conquered Society, to found colleges out of his own funds and in his
the world, but could not master himself. Intent on lust and own name. Disraeli said English supremacy in India was the


direct result of this man’s work. Today the memory of Warren that all men are “created equal.” With most of us this is a
Hastings is linked with the greatness of the British Empire. glittering generality, born of the fact that we are all made of
the same dust, share a common humanity and walk on the
David Livingstone was a humble Scotchman, the son of a level of time until the grim democracy of death blots out all
weaver and himself a worker at the spinning wheel. Into his distinctions, and the scepter of the prince and the staff of the
soul there came a great purpose of life, and he went to South beggar are laid side by side. It is apparent that men are not
Africa as a missionary. He was frail of body, never physically equal, and cannot be equal either in brain or brawn. There
strong, but with the purpose there came to him a power to is no common mold by which humanity can be reduced
brave danger and endure privations. For a period of twenty to a dead level. The world has various demands requiring
years he blazed a trail of light through a dark continent, different powers; brains to devise great and important
destroyed the slave trade in negroes, and convinced the undertakings; seers to dream dreams and behold visions;
world that the salvation of Africa was a white man’s job. hands to execute the designs laid down upon the trestle board;
In that commission he surrendered his life on his knees in scientists to adorn the mind and reveal the glories of the
supplication to God. His body was carried thousands of miles universe; poets to inspire the soul and play music on human
by a black man through jungles, over rivers, across land and heart-strings; pioneers to blaze out the path, and prophets to
seas; last summer at Westminster Abbey I stood before his light up the way to a land where the rainbow never fades.
mortal remains buried and honored in the sepulcher of Kings.
The equality of which the Level is a symbol is one of
In his early manhood Abraham Lincoln stood before a slave right and not one of gift and endowment. It stands for the
market in New Orleans. Upon the block was a young woman, equal right of every man to life, liberty and the pursuit of
stripped to the waist. he heard the auctioneer describe her happiness; the equal right of every man to be free from
fine points and estimate her value. He became conscious, oppression in the development of his own faculties. It means
not simply of a black form, but of life divinely given. His the destruction of special privilege and arbitrary limitation.
soul responded to the challenge of a supreme purpose
and he said, “If I have a chance to strike this institution I Freemasonry presided over the birth of our Republic and by
will strike it hard.” Through the years there came to him the skill of its leaders wrote into the organic law of this land
the power to blaze out the path and light up the way for a the immutable truth of which the Level is a symbol. In a
new baptism of human freedom, finally to seal that purpose Masonic lodge George Washington was taught that the Level
with a martyr’s blood and ascend to the throne of God with is a symbol of equality. In the darkest hour of the Colonial
four million broken fetters in his hands. Now the whole cause, the soldiers, in a moment of despair and desperation,
world joins in a myriad-voiced chorus of love and honor would have placed on washington’s head the crown of a
to his memory. In every land and under every clime he is king. Hayden says, “The overthrow of the rump parliament
exalted and glorified as a mighty champion of human rights. by Cromwell, the breaking up of the imbecile directory by
Napoleon were difficult tasks compared to the ease with
History preserves in the clear amber of immortality the which the divided Continental Congress could have been
record of men, who, set on fire by some sublime purpose, dispersed.” Washington was not fighting for royal rank, nor for
dedicate the power of their lives to its prosecution. coronation. As a champion of human rights, he was fighting for
exact justice and equality of opportunity, and so the kingship
The lesson is definite and practical. The twenty-four-inch and the crown were rejected with indignation and contempt.
gauge and the common gavel speak to every Mason the
language of constructive purpose land personal power. They This symbol means that in a Masonic lodge every man
mean that a Mason should cherish his ideals, the beauty that should count for one, and no man should count for more
forms in the mind, the music that stirs in his heart, the glory than one. In a Masonic lodge the weak and the strong, the
that drapes his purest purpose, for out of these things he rich and the poor, men of diverse creeds and capacity, meet
has the power to build for himself la new world in which to upon the level, close their eyes to arbitrary distinctions and
live. reaffirm that Freemasonry regards no man for his worldly
wealth or honors, that the internal and not the external
Fellowcraft... qualifications of a man recommend him to Freemasonry.

The Level is an instrument used by operative Masons to prove Albert Pike said that Freemasonry was the first apostle of
horizontals. It is trite to say that it is a symbol of equality. equality. The truth of the Level is woven into the fabric of
The Declaration of American Independence proclaims our free institutions. So by Craft and country we are picked

and pledged to the practice of this priceless principle. In the eyes of the law he had committed the immoral act
of theft. But his eyes saw pinched-up faces, his ears heard
The square is an instrument used by operative cries of hunger and, regardless of consequences, his conduct
Masons to square their work. In speculative corresponded with his conscience in a deed of moral heroism.
Freemasonry it is a symbol of morality.
Back of all the temporary circumstances and conditions
It is white with a nameless age. Centuries before the Christian of men and the transitory moral codes evolved by human
era a negative statement of the Golden Rule was called the minds are certain positive standards of morality which
principle of acting on the square. Today the expression “upon the Divine Intelligence has impressed on every particle of
the square” stands for truthful statement and honest dealing. matter and every pulsation of energy. They are the same for
all mankind, regardless of place, time, race or religion. Of
In a superficial sense, morality is the verdict of the majority. these standards the trysquare is the Masonic mouthpiece.
The elements of time and geography enter into the conception Freemasonry is defined as a beautiful system of morality. It
of moral standards. In some aspects morality is relative; is a woven tapestry of great moral principles and purposes.
what is moral to one man may be immoral to another, Whenever a Mason fails to live up to the best that is in him,
what is moral in one position may become immoral when whenever he blots out the divine light of his conscience,
conditions are changed. The word is difficult of definition, whenever he is recreant to right as God gives him to see
but for everyday use, morality seems to be a correct the right, he is false to the trying square of his profession,
correspondence between conscience, circumstance and but by this symbol Freemasonry teaches a morality that
conduct. Within definite limits men have a right to prescribe masters manners, molds mind and makes mighty manhood.
standards of morality for themselves. In the eyes of the law
there are two kinds of wrong. One is called “malum in se,” The plumb is an instrument used by operative Masons to try
that is, an act which is evil in itself and by reason of its perpendiculars. In speculative Freemasonry it is a symbol of
inherent nature. The other is “malum prohibitum” that is, an righteousness, that is, an upright life before God and man.
act which is not naturally an evil, but only so in consequence
of its being forbidden. Except where fundamentals are Righteousness is not a sanctimonious word. It means
involved, it is dangerous for one man to attempt the rectitude of conduct, integrity of character, and deathless
application of his standards of morality to another man’s life. devotion to truth. The Psalmist asked, “Lord, who shall
abide in thy Tabernacle?” and this was the answer: “He that
I remember reading a story of the great flood that came walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness and speaketh
upon the Ohio. In the grey of the morning some men saw a the truth in his heart.” When correctly understood, the truth
house floating down the river and on its top a human being. symbolized by the Plumb constitutes a challenge to courage.
Going to the rescue, they found a woman whose life they
wished to save, but she said, “No! In this house I have three In the Sixteenth century Giordazo Bruno taught a plurality
dead babies, I will not desert; I am going out with them.” of worlds; for this he was accused of heresy. He was
To most of us that act would verge on the immorality of tried, convicted and imprisoned in a dungeon for seven
suicide; to her it was the expression of a mother’s love years. He was offered his liberty if he would recant, but
deeper than despair and death; her conduct corresponded Burno refused to stain the sanctity of his soul by denying
with her conscience. We cannot place ourselves in her that which he believed to be true. He was taken from his
circumstances and in charity should refrain from judgment. cell and led to the place of his execution, clad in a robe
on which representations of devils had been painted. He
Jean Valjean was a great hulk of a man, young and strong, was chained to a stake, about his body wood was piled,
ignorant and big hearted, tramping the streets of Paris in fagots were lighted and on the spot in Rome where a
search of work, trying to care for a widowed sister and her monument now stands to his memory he was consumed
family of seven little ones. there was no work to be had. He by the flames. Without the hope of heaven or the fear of
could not bear to hear the voices of starving children so be hell he suffered death for the naked truth that was in him.
came home late at night, thinking they would be asleep. But
hunger gnawed, and when he came in they were wide-awake The Great Light of Freemasonry contains this promise:
and cried, “Oh, Uncle Jean, have you any work? Oh, Uncle “The righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance.”
Jean, we are so hungry!” Madness seized the man; he went Men of tremendous power, men of creative genius, have
to the nearest bakery, broke the window and stole a loaf of passed into oblivion, but the righteousness of a pure and
bread. Jean was arrested and sent to Toulon as a galley slave. noble character, of an unselfish and divinely inspired life

finds perpetuation in the clear amber of immortality. Of The first is sympathy. Note intellectual sympathy that
that righteousness the Plumb is a symbol in Freemasonry. passes by on the other side of the street and expresses
sorrow, but a red-blooded sympathy that lifts a man up who
Unrighteousness has wrought the destruction of peoples has fallen down and speaks the light of a new hope into
and civilizations, but “righteousness exalteth a Nation.” his face. Dr. Hillis said that sympathy is the measure of a
man’s intellectual power. Sympathy is more than this; it
Symbols are not academic playthings, they is the measure of a man’s heart-throb and soul vision. The
are intended to provoke and sustain thought. great painters, poets, preachers, physicians, and patriots,
whose names illuminate the pages of history, excelled their
Fellowcraft Working Tools present to the mind basic ideas contemporaries in this one quality of human sympathy.
of equality, morality and righteousness.
The second avenue is service. I have read somewhere, most
Master Mason... likely in one of the writings of Dr. Joseph Fort Newton,
a statement that all over the vast temple of Freemasonry,
All the implements of Masonry are assigned to the use from foundation stone to the highest pinnacle, is inscribed
of a Master Mason. The principal one is the Trowel, an in letters of living light the divine truth that labor is love,
instrument used by operative Masons to spread the cement that work is worship, and that not indolence but industry
which unites the building into one common mass. In is the crowning glory of a man’s life whether he be rich or
speculative Freemasonry it is a symbol of Brotherhood. poor. In all the annals of human progress the men who have
accomplished works which have lived after them, which
Paul stood on Mars Hill and said to the Athenians, “God have come up through cycles of time a blessing to succeeding
hath made of one blood every nation of men.” That is not generations, had not before their eyes gold or fame or
an expression of sentiment but the announcement of a fact, selfish aims or sordid gain, but had hung upon the walls
whether men desire or deny it, whether men cherish it in of their minds great ideals of human service to which they
their hearts or crucify it. Man’s ignorance does not change remained devoted until the light faded and the day closed.
the laws of nature nor vary their irresistible march. God’s
laws vindicate themselves; they crush all who oppose and The third avenue is sacrifice, the most radiant word in the
break into pieces everything that is not in harmony with their history of our race. The sacrifices of father and mother for
purpose. In the light of this truth it can be safely asserted the education of the child, the sacrifices of son and daughter
that no nation, no civilization can long endure which for the old folks back home, the sacrifices of the patriot
does violence to the divine fact of human brotherhood. for the homeland and the Flag, the sacrifices of the great
servants of humanity, have through the ages made music
Fraternity is the basis of all important movements for in the souls of men. He who would take sacrifice out of
the common good and the general welfare of society. human life would steal from maternity its sacred sweetness,
expunge the wrinkles from the face of Abraham Lincoln,
Freemasonry has been called a “society of friends and and obliterate the stripes of red in our National Flag.
brothers employing symbols to teach the truth.” The trowel
is a Masonic symbol of love, and with it we are to spread Every advance in civilization involves a victim. Before the
the cement of brotherly affection. Next to faith in God, the progress of the world stands an altar and on it a sacrifice.
greatest landmark in Freemasonry is the “Brotherhood of
man.” We call each other “Brother”, but we sometimes fail Back in the centuries Socrates, with a cup of hemlock
to realize that brotherhood is a reciprocal relationship. It poison pressed to his lips, offered himself upon the altar
means that if I am to be a brother to you, then you must be of human sacrifice for the divine right of liberty in man.
a brother to me. It is exceedingly practical; it is not only for
grateful gifts and happy hours, but for me when the soul is The words of Patrick Henry before the Virginia Assembly:
sad, when the heart is pierced and pained, when the road is “The next gale that blows from the north will bring
rough and ragged, and the way seems desolate and drear. to our ears the resounding clash of arms. I know not
what course others may take, but as for me, give me
The sentiment of Brotherhood in a man’s heart is a futile thing liberty or give me death,” lifted the soul of Colonial
unless he can find avenues for its external expression. So far America up to the coronation of a supreme sacrifice
as I have been able to discover, there are three such avenues. and made this Republic of the West a possibility.


In the world crisis, American soldiers and sailors, as the By the deathless light that shines from a Masonic Altar.
champions of civilization, laid their all, their hopes, their
aspirations, their ambitions, their home ties and affections In Freemasonry we are familiar with the ancient drama of
upon the altar of human sacrifice to insure our national safety, sacrifice made in the name of faith, fortitude and fidelity.
defend our national honor, and vindicate the ideals of American
Independence on the battle fields of Flanders and of France. These three, sympathy, service, sacrifice, are
the avenues for the external expression of
In a little country school I was taught that our National Flag the sentiment of brotherhood in man’s heart.
stands for the graves of men and the tears of women, for
untrammeled conscience and free institutions, for sacred In proportion as we are inspired by this ideal and use these
memories and great ideals; that its red stands for the blood avenues of expression, our Fraternity will contribute to human
that bought it, its white for the purity of the motive that good and happiness and answer the end of its institution.
caused it to be shed, its blue for loyalty ascending to the sky,
and its stars for deeds of bravery brighter than the stars of Tools have been called “The evangelists of a new day.”
faultless night, But when I think of George Washington and They are teachers not less than college and cathedral. Just as
Gen. Joseph Warren, and Capt. John Paul Jones, and that the Twenty-four-inch gauge and Common Gavel stand for
heroic band of Masonic patriots in the American Revolution purpose and power, and the Level, Square and Plumb present
and cast the utility of our Craft against the background of its basic ideas of equality, morality and righteousness, so the
history, I can see its stripes of red baptized in the sacrificial Trowel is Freemasonry’s symbol of unity and brotherhood
blood of our Fraternity, and its stars of glory illuminated among men.


the PoWer oF the

WorShiPFUl maSter
THE SHORT TALK BULLETIN
The Masonic Service Association of the United States
VOL. 7 August 1929 NO. 8

The incumbent of the Oriental Chair has powers peculiar to his station; powers far greater than those of the President
of a society or the Chairman of a meeting of any kind. President and Chairman are elected by the body over which
they preside, and may be removed by that body. A Master is elected by his lodge, but cannot be removed by it; only
by the Grand Master or Grand Lodge. The presiding officer is bound by the rules of order adopted by the body and
by its by-laws. A lodge cannot pass by-laws to alter, amend or curtail the powers of a Master. Its by-laws are subject
to approval by the proper Grand Lodge committee or by the Grand Master; seldom are any approved which infringe
upon his ancient prerogatives and power; in those few instances in
which improper by-laws have been approved, subsequent rulings
have often declared the Master right in disregarding them.

Grand Lodges differ in their interpretation of some of the
“ancient usages and customs” of the Fraternity; what applies in one
Jurisdiction does not necessarily apply in another. But certain powers
of a Master are so well recognized that they may be considered universal.
The occasional exceptions, if any, but prove the rule.

The Master may congregate his lodge when he pleases, and for that
purpose he wishes, provided, it does not interfere with the laws of the
Grand Lodge. For instance, he may assemble his lodge at a Special
Communication to confer degrees, at his pleasure; but he must
not, in so doing, contravene that requirement of the Grand Lodge
which calls for proper notice to the brethren, nor may a Master confer
a degree in less than the statutory time following a preceding
degree without a dispensation from the Grand Master.

The Master has the right of presiding over and controlling
his lodge, and only the Grand Master or his Deputy may
suspend him. He may put any brother in the East to preside or
to confer a degree; he may then resume the gavel at his pleasure
even in the middle of a sentence if he wants to! But even when
he has delegated authority temporarily the Master is not relieved from responsibility for what occurs in his lodge.
It is the Master’s right to control lodge business and work. It is in a very real sense his lodge. He decides all points of order
and no appeal from his decision may be taken to the lodge. He can initiate and terminate debate at his pleasure, he can
second any motion, propose any motion, vote twice in case of a tie (not universal), open and close at his pleasure, with the
usual exception that he may not open a Special Communication at an hour earlier than that given in the notice, or a Stated
Communication earlier than the hour stated in the by-laws, without dispensation from the Grand Master. He is responsible
only to the Grand Master and the Grand Lodge, and obligations he assumed when he was installed, his conscience and his God.

The Master has the undoubted right to say who shall enter, and who must leave, the lodge room. He may deny
any visitor entrance; indeed, he may deny a member the right to enter his own lodge, but he must have a good and
sufficient reason therefor, otherwise his Grand Lodge will unquestionably rule such a drastic step arbitrary and punish


accordingly. Per contra, if he permits the entry of a A Master cannot accept a petition or confer a degree
visitor to whom some member has objected, he may also without the consent of the lodge. It is for the lodge, not the
subject himself to Grand Lodge discipline. In other word, Master, to say from what men it will receive an application,
his power to admit and exclude is absolute; his right upon what candidates degrees shall be conferred. The
to admit or exclude is hedged about by the pledges he Master has the same power to reject with the black ball
takes at his installation and the rules of his Grand Lodge. that is possessed by any member, but no power whatever
to accept any candidate against the will of the lodge.
A very important power of a Master is that of appointing
committees. No lodge may appoint a committee. The lodge The lodge, not the Master, must approve or disapprove
may pass a resolution that a committee be appointed, but the minutes of the preceding meeting. The Master cannot
the selection of that committee is an inherent right of the approve them; had he that power he might, with the
Master. He is, ex officio, a member of all committees he connivance of the Secretary, “run wild” in his lodge and
appoints. The reason is obvious; he is responsible for the still his minutes would show no trace of his improper
conduct of his lodge to the Grand Master and the Grand conduct. But the Master may refuse to put a motion to
Lodge. If the lodge could appoint committees and act confirm or approve minutes which he believes to be
upon their recommendations, the Master would be in inaccurate or incomplete; in this way he can prevent a
the anomalous position of having great responsibilities, careless, headstrong Secretary from doing what he wants
and no power to carry out their performance. with his minutes! Should a Master refuse to permit minutes
to be confirmed, the matter would naturally be brought
The Master, and only the Master, may order a committee before the Grand Lodge or the Grand Master for settlement.
to examine a visiting brother. It is his responsibility to see
that no cowan or eavesdropper comes within the tiled door. A Master cannot suspend the by-laws. He must not permit
Therefore, it is for him to pick a committee in which he the lodge to suspend the by-laws.
has confidence. So. also, with the committees which report If the lodge wishes to change them, the means are
upon petitioners, He is responsible for the accuracy, the available, not in suspension but in amendment.
fair-mindedness, the speed and the intelligence of such
investigations. It is, therefore, for him to say to whom An odd exception may be noted, which has occurred in
shall be delegated this necessary and important work. at least one Grand Jurisdiction and doubtless may occur
in others. A very old lodge adopted by-laws shortly after
It is generally , not exclusively, held that only the it was constituted, which by-laws were approved by a
Master can issue a summons. The dispute, where it young Grand Lodge before that body had, apparently,
exists, is over the right of members present at a stated devoted much attention to these important rules.
communication to summons the whole membership. For many years this lodge carried in its by-laws an “order of
business” which specified, among other things, that following
It may now be interesting to look for a moment at the reading of the minutes, the next business was balloting. At
some matters in which the Worshipful Master is not the same meeting of this lodge was early (seven o’clock) this
supreme, and catalog a few things he may not do. by-law worked a hardship for years, compelling brethren who
wished to vote to hurry to lodge, often at great inconvenience.
The Master, and only the Master, appoints the appointive
officers in his lodge. In most Jurisdictions, he may At last a Master was elected who saw that the by-law
remove such appointed officers at his pleasure. But he interfered with his right to conduct the business of the
cannot suspend, or deprive of his station or place, any lodge as he thought proper. He balloted at what he thought
officer elected by the lodge. The Grand Master or his the proper time; the last order of business, not the first. An
Deputy may do this; the worshipful Master may not. indignant committee of Past Masters, who preferred the old
order, applied to the Grand Master for relief. The Grand
A Master may not spend lodge money without the consent Master promptly ruled that “order of business” in the by-
of the lodge. As a matter of convenience, a Master laws could be no more than suggestive, not mandatory; and
frequently does pay out money in sudden emergencies, that the Worshipful Master had power to order a ballot on a
looking to the lodge to reimburse him. But he cannot petition at the hour which seemed to him wise, provided--and
spend any lodge funds without the permission of the lodge. this was stressed--that he ruled wisely, and did not postpone


a ballot until after a degree, or until so late in the evening In broad outline, these are the important and principal
that brethren wishing to vote upon it had left the lodge room. powers and responsibilities of a Worshipful Master,
considered entirely from the standpoint of the “ancient
A Worshipful Master has no more right to invade the usages and customs of the Craft.” Nothing is here said of
privacy which shrouds the use of the black ball, or which the moral and spiritual duties which devolve upon a Master.
conceals the reason for an objection to an elected candidate
receiving the degrees, than the humblest member of the Volumes might be and some have been written upon how
lodge. He cannot demand disclosure of action or motive a Worshipful Master should preside, in what ways he can
from any brother, and should he do so, he would be “give the brethren good and wholesome instruction,” and
subject to the severest discipline from Grand Lodge. upon his undoubted moral responsibility to do his best to
Grand Lodges usually argue that a dereliction of duty by leave his lode better then he hound it. Here we are concerned
a brother who possesses the ability and character to attain only with the legal aspect of his powers and duties.
the East, is worse than that of some less well-informed
brother. The Worshipful Master receives great honor, has Briefly, then, if he keeps within the laws, resolutions
great privileges, enjoys great prerogatives and powers. and edicts of his Grand Lodge on the one hand, and the
Therefore, he must measure up to great responsibilities. Landmarks, Old Charges, Constitutions and “ancient usages
A Worshipful Master cannot resign. Vacancies occur in and customs” on the other, the power of the Worshipful
the East through death, suspension by a Grand Master, Master is that of an absolute monarch. His responsibilities
expulsion from the fraternity. No power can make a and his duties are those of an apostle of Light!
Master attend to his duties if he desires to neglect them.
If he will not, or does not, attend to them, the Senior He is as gifted brother who can fully measure up to the use
Warden presides. He is, however, still Senior Warden; of his power and the power of his leadership.
he does not become Master until elected and installed.


BECAUSE I AM A FREEMASON…
… I believe that freedom of religion is an inalienable human right and tolerance an indispensable trait of
human character; therefore, I will stand in my Lodge with Brothers of all faiths, and respect their beliefs as
they respect mine, and I will demonstrate the spirit of Brotherhood in all aspects of my life.

… I know that education and the rational use of the mind are the keys to facing the problems of humanity;
therefore, I will bring my questions and my ideas to my Lodge, and strive to advance the growth of my mind
alongside my Brothers.

… I know that the rich tradition of Freemasonry and its framework of Ritual are important platforms for
growth and learning; therefore, I vow to stand upon these platforms to improve myself as a human being, and
I vow to help in the mission of the Craft to provide tools, atmosphere, challenges and motivation to help each
Brother do the same.

… I know that charity is the distinguishing human virtue, and that personal community service is the best
demonstration of one’s commitment to humanity; I acknowledge that words without deeds are meaningless,
and I vow to work with my Lodge to provide service to the community, and to promote charity, friendship,
morality, harmony, integrity, fidelity and love.

… I know that my obligation to community extends beyond my local sphere and is partly fulfilled in my
patriotism: love of my country, obedience to its laws and celebration of the freedoms and opportunities it
symbolizes.

… I know that Page 3
leadership is best demonstrated by commitment to serving 2007
February 2007 Page 3 February others; I will therefore participate 2007
Page 3 February

in, and help work at improving individual leadership skills, and serve the Brothers of my Lodge to the best of
my ability.

… I know that friendship, fidelity and family are the foundations of a well-lived life; I therefore vow to be
a faithful friend to my Brothers, as I expect my Lodge to respect my personal obligations, and to treat my
family as though my family were their own.

… I know that the last great lesson of Freemasonry -- the value of personal integrity and the sanctity of one’s
word -- is a lesson for all people in all times; I therefore vow to be a man of my word.

… I know that Masonry’s power is best exercised when its Light is shared with the world at large; I therefore
vow to bring the best of myself to my Lodge, in order that my growth might be fostered and nurtured, and to
present myself to the world as a working Freemason, on the path to building a more perfect temple.

Because I am a Freemason,
these values and aspirations are guideposts for my progress through life.
Source: Grand Lodge F.A.M. State Of New York - http://www.nymasons.org/cms/masoniccompact


the intelleCtUal QUaliFiCationS oF

CanDiDateS By Albert G. Mackey

The Old Charges and Ancient Constitutions are not as arts and sciences, and have made some progress in one
explicit in relation to the intellectual as to the moral and or other of them; and he must, previous to his initiation,
physical qualifications of candidates, and, therefore, in subscribe his name at full length, to a declaration of the
coming to a decision on this following import,” etc. And
subject, we are compelled in a note to this regulation, it
to draw our conclusions is said, “Any individual who
from analogy, from common cannot write is, consequently,
sense, and from the peculiar ineligible to be admitted into
character of the institution. the Order.”

The question that here If this authority were universal
suggests itself on this subject in its character, there would
is, what particular amount of be no necessity for a further
human learning is required as discussion of the subject. But
a constitutional qualification the modern constitutions of
for initiation? During a the Grand Lodge of England
careful examination of every are only of force within its
ancient document to which I own jurisdiction, and we are
have had access, I have met therefore again compelled to
with no positive enactment resort to a mode of reasoning
forbidding the admission of for the proper deduction of our
uneducated persons, even of conclusions on this subject.
those who can neither read It is undoubtedly true that in
nor write. The unwritten, as the early period of the world,
well as the written laws of when Freemasonry took its
the Order, require that the origin, the arts of reading and
candidate shall be neither writing were not so generally
a fool nor an idiot, but that disseminated among all
he shall possess a discreet classes of the community
judgment, and be in the as they now are, when the
enjoyment of all the senses of blessings of a common
a man. But one who is unable education can be readily and
to subscribe his name, or to cheaply obtained.
read it when written, might
still very easily prove himself And it may, therefore, be
to be within the requirements supposed that among our
of this regulation. ancient Brethren there were many who could neither read
nor write. But after all, this is a mere assumption, which,
The Constitutions of England, formed since the union of the although it may be based on probability, has no direct
two Grand Lodges in 1813, are certainly explicit enough on evidence for its support. And, on the other hand, we see
this subject. They require even more than a bare knowledge throughout all our ancient regulations, that a marked
of reading and writing, for, in describing the qualifications distinction was made by our rulers between the Freemason
of a candidate, they say: “He should be a lover of the liberal and the Mason who was not free; as, for instance, in the


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