The Conundrum Solved

Sir,
    Ex. Comp. Michael Reader has every reason to feel that the use of ‘order’ and ‘degree’ form a conundrum. The earliest use of the word ‘degree’ in Royal Arch Masonry comes from Ireland (D’Assigny’s The serious and impartial enquiry into the decay of Freemasonry in the Kingdom of Ireland). The Charter of Compact of 1766 does not use the word ‘order’ but ‘sublime degree’ (6th and 9th paragraphs) and ‘most exalted and sacred Degree’ in the 5th part of the preamble. The Supreme Grand Chapter afterwards decided to issue warrants for chapters to meet as such. The words ‘sublime degree’ occur only once on these warrants, but the words ‘Chapter of our Order’ appear twice and ‘most excellent Chapter’ once. So we have a conundrum starting with the issue of these warrants in 1769. This would appear to be the earliest reference to the word ‘order’.
    With the issue of the ‘Laws of the Supreme Chapter 1778’, Royal Arch Masonry is referred to as an ‘exalted degree’ and ‘sublime degree’, as well as ‘the whole Society of Royal Arch Masons’. The General Regulations of Royal Arch Masonry in the following century refers to ‘the Government of the Order’ in its preamble, the only time the phrase appears therein; the word ‘degree’ does not appear as such. Our Companion President will find on his Grand Chapter Certificate that he “entered into the mysteries of the Order”, showing the importance of that word.I thus feel that we can accept that ‘Order’ refers to Royal Arch Masonry in its entirety, while the word ‘Degree’ refers to the physical action of Exaltation and Installation.
    RA Spiller. PGStBr (RA) Belvidere Chapter No 503.

Iniquitous Measures

The following letter was sent by Bro Jack G Blandford of the Warwickshire Royal Air Force Lodge No 9456 to his MP in September:

Sir,
    I refer to the unacceptable, intense criticism of Freemasonry. I am proud to have been a mason for 53 years, initiated by my father in 1945 when I was a 24 year old Flight Lieutenant. I was a navigator in Bomber Command when I was shot down in the Ardennes in Belgium in 1943. I baled out and was assisted by the Resistance, entering Switzerland after 6 months, returning to the UK after the invasion of Southern France. I continued flying for some 4 years.
    I state these facts because people in Occupied Europe risked EVERYTHING to aid unknown airmen who needed assistance. When Hitler came to power, he ordered the destruction of masonic orders in Germany because they were honourable men. Is this what we fought for? 60,000 died in Bomber Command alone: the cream of our Country and Empire. Do you realise donations to non-masonic charities total some £90,000 in Warwickshire alone, as well as £250,000 recently to The Childrens’ Hospital? Our Provincial Grand Master, Stanley Lates, came back from Dunkirk. I was then on guard with others on the south coast with a Lee-Enfield and a clip of 5, with instructions: “Don’t waste it. We haven’t got any more.” - thanks to the politicians of the day, who failed us miserably – like today’s: only looking after their own misguided interests. Leave Freemasonry alone. I doubt if the Committee members who criticise are good enough to be with us.

The letter was also sent to the Lord Chancellor and the Home Secretary. Bro Blandford writes: “The Lord Chancellor’s Department have replied with a formal white-wash letter; Jack Straw: nothing.”

Grand Canyon: the Solution

Sir,
    Re the photograph on p.42 of the Summer issue (No 5). On August 15 1913, Arizona Lodge No 2 (originally chartered by the Grand Lodge of California as Arizona Lodge No 257 on Oct 16 1879, and one of the five lodges which formed the Grand Lodge of Arizona on March 25 1882), voted to request Most Worshipful Grand Master Leroy Middleton to grant a dispensation to confer the three degrees on three candidates in the Grand Canyon on September 8-10, and that Flagstaff Lodge No 7 be fraternally requested to waive its jurisdiction over the Grand Canyon for this reason and to attend, either as a lodge or as individual members. The dispensation granted by the Grand Master on August 20, Arizona Lodge No 2 opened at 10.30am, September 8 1913, at a point on the south or left bank of the Colorado River, near the foot of Bright Angel Trail, “at some suitable point” to confer the first degree. Later that day, at 2pm, the second degree was conferred at a point on the Trail known as Indian Gardens. The third degree was conferred the next day, also at 2pm, at a point near the head of the Bright Angel Trail known as Point Hopi. All of the members and candidates descended and ascended the Trail on muleback – nearly 18 miles round-trip!
    On October 17 1913, a committee was directed to select a suitable marker to be placed on the site of the altar where the Master Mason Degree was conferred. Permission was granted by the US Forestry Service, and the tablet was placed by Flagstaff Lodge No 7. On November 2 1915, the tablet was moved to its present location (the photo on p.42 of FMT) by the Government to make room for some construction at the Canyon rim.
    Arizona Lodge No 2 engaged in a similar activity on two more occasions: September 1953 and September 1957. However, it would now be impossible to reconstruct those three occasions because the United States National Park Service will not allow such private functions in the Canyon due to the large number of visitors and, too, it would now be impossible to suitably ‘tyle’ a lodge anywhere along the Bright Angel Trail. Truly, it may be said that the lodge met on the “highest hills and the lowest vales.”
    W Bro Donald W Monson PM (Pima No 39), Deputy Grand Master, The Grand Lodge of Arizona Free & Accepted Masons. Phoenix, Arizona.

Rosslyn Again

Sir,
    In the last issue, one of the authors of The Hiram Key criticised my summer article, complaining that I didn’t report “the proof” that Rosslyn Chapel is, according to them, a replica of Herod’s Temple in Jerusalem. Well, it is simple. Their theory constitutes what academics refer to as a post hoc ergo procter hoc argument; the thesis is first conceived, and the facts made to fit. Chris Knight stated that I should not try to massage facts to suit “one’s preferred views”, and yet I am reminded of his own proud statement in an interview with the summer 1997 issue of Gnosis magazine (p.28) : “We started off with a blank piece of paper, and we put lots of speculation down. And each of those bits of speculation hardened up, as new evidence came into play”. Need I say more?
    They claim that the quote from III-IV Ezra (I-II Esdras) carved at Rosslyn is of pivotal importance to the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite. Well, the building was begun in the 1450s and the earliest known existence of the Ancient and Accepted or Scottish Rite (then known as the Rite of Perfection) was in France in the 1750s, namely the Rose-Croix ritual. But then why let a 300 year gap spoil a nice story?
    Regarding the carving which “unquestionably” depicts a Knight Templar putting a candidate through a ritual identical to the initiations of today. I would like to refer readers to the picture accompanying this letter, and let them draw their own conclusions. The alleged Templar connection is a theory totally unsupported by any academic historian, and that includes the foremost expert on the Templars, Prof Malcolm Barber. Robert Brydon, the man responsible for the new exhibition at the chapel told me that “there is no documentary evidence whatsoever concerning Templars at Rosslyn”, an opinion shared by Michael Baigent, co-author of The Temple and the Lodge.
    Moreover, the academic who Chris Knight claimed was in support of their work (Dr Jack Miller of Churchill College, Cambridge) has informed me : “I have never expressed a view on the design of the building” and “I regret strongly to having words put in my mouth by Mr Knight and dissociate myself from his views entirely.” (Fax of 14.11.98).
    Matthew Scanlan MA (UCL). London.

Jermyn

Sir,
    Re Anthony Adolph’s article on Henry Jermyn in the Autumn issue, I would query the following :
    a) Henry Jermyn’s dates. According to the first two of the three main authorities, he was born about 1604, and died on 2 January 1683/4, aged about 80.
    b) His titles and dates of their creation. On 8 September 1643, he was created BARON JERMYN of St Edmundsbury, co Suffolk; and on 27 April 1660 at Breda, by letters patent, he was created EARL OF ST ALBANS.
    c) In Anderson’s 1738 Constitutions, it would appear that St Albans appointed Sir John Denham his Deputy Grand Master, and Sir Christopher Wren and Mr John Web (sic) his Grand Wardens. The six Regulations were made at a General Assembly and Feast on St John’s Day 27 December 1663, which is presumably the date on which St Albans appointed both his Deputy and his Grand Wardens, rather than later as the author implies. It was Thomas Savage, 7th Earl Rivers (c.1628-1694) who succeeded St Albans – there is no mention of the latter resigning – and on 24 June 1666 he appointed Sir Christopher Wren his Deputy and Mr John Web and Mr Grinlin (sic) Gibbons as Grand Wardens.
    Bruce B Hogg PJGD, Linthorpe, Middlesborough.

Sir,
    Re Bro Hogg’s letter about my Jermyn article. The best printed source for Jermyn’s life is the Rev SA Hervey’s Rushbrook Parish Registers (Suffolk Green Book Series 1903), soon to be superceded by my own biography. Other biographical sources tend to repeat each others’ inaccuracies, including his year of birth. Usually given as 1604, he was in fact baptised on 29 March 1605 at St Margaret’s, Lothbury in the City of London, his elder brother Thomas having been baptised at Hanworth, Middlesex on 25 March 1604.
    I stated that Jermyn became Earl of St Alban in 1659, but the sources state 1660. Charles II made him an earl at Colombe, Paris in December 1659 and both he and Sir Robert Moray addressed him by his new title thenceforth, despite the fact that Jermyn’s enemy Clarendon delayed the signing of the letters patent until April 1660. He had a family connection with Francis Bacon, Viscount St Albans, and knew Ulick de Burgh, Earl of St Albans, who died in 1657. However, although Bacon took his title from the proximity of his house (Gorehambury) to St Albans, Herts., Jermyn always signed St Alban, employing what I believe was a double meaning.
    Bro Hogg raises the question of the passage in Anderson’s Constitutions (1738) concerning the 1663 General Assembly. A quick reading of the passage suggests that Wren was Grand Warden in 1663, and when I found that Wren and Jermyn only met in 1665, I thought that this disproved Anderson’s accuracy. All the passage actually says, however, is that there was a meeting in 1663, and also (separately) that Wren served as a Grand Warden during Jermyn’s Grand Mastership (1660-1666). Deeply impressed by Wren’s love of architecture, there is no reason why Jermyn should not have appointed him Grand Warden in 1666 – and this would not contradict what Anderson wrote. I agree that Anderson does not state that Jermyn resigned in 1666, but simply that Earl Rivers took over as Grand Master. However, it is surely obvious that Jermyn would have had to resign the office in order for another to assume the same.
    Anthony Adolph, Canterbury, Kent.

Sir,
    I was interested to read Anthony Adolph’s article on Henry Jermyn in issue 6, but his first paragraph is misleading. The 1738 edition of Anderson’s Constitutions was not the last to contain a history giving an account of the Grand Masters prior to the formation of Grand Lodge in 1717. The history is included in the 1746 edition, which is merely the 1738 edition with a new frontispiece; Entick’s Constitutions of 1756; and Noorthouck’s Constitutions of 1784. A further small point is that the 1746 and 1756 editions give Henry Jermyn’s title as ‘St Albans’, while Noorthouck gives it as ‘St Alban’s’.
    Jim Reddyhoff PJGD, Leeds.

Masonic Hospital

Sir,
    I did my nursing training at the Royal Masonic Hospital in 1974. I am organising a 25th reunion of the nurses that I trained with.
    Did your daughter/wife train as a nurse at the Royal Masonic Hospital, London in 1974? For details of a 25th reunion of set 1/74 please contact: Mrs Joy Fussell, 17 Church farm Close, Yate, Bristol BS37 5BZ. Tel: 01454 314074.
    Joy Fussell, Yate, Bristol.

Act Now

Sir,
    The recent copy of UGLE News (9 Sept 1998) contains positive news. All organisations find themselves faced with the need to manage relationships – whether they are internal (Grand Lodge itself) or external (the public). We need a vision-led approach. Grand Lodge seems to have accepted that it is preferable to be pro-active than reactive. It is only by improved media awareness and having a clear strategy and the resources necessary to carry it out to a successful conclusion that we can then be satisfied with the positive effort. Strategic thinking, understanding all the elements, including focus and direction, will enable Freemasonry to face the future with a new confidence. A good plan is essential, but a plan itself does not bring results. I am sure all members of the Craft wish success to those who have accepted the responsibility.
    Nigel JD Gallimore, Swindon, Wiltshire.

Sir,
    Re Anthony West’s article on Openness in the Summer edition. It is now necessary for the Craft to go on the offensive to promote itself and its ideals. A small pamphlet explaining Freemasonry should be the first objective. I find that masons are dismayed at the apparent inability or unwillingness of the Craft to defend itself. It appears to be satisfied that it recently survived a Parliamentary Inquiry instead of being appalled that one was considered to be necessary in the first place. This predicament has the effect of deterring those who, but for the criticism, would join. There can be little doubt that if the current criticism is allowed to continue, many members who are businessmen or employees may be obliged to resign to protect themselves and their dependants. The Craft has to face up to the fact that if these conditions are not reversed, its virtual demise (in this country at least) will come about in the next 20 years. That is how serious the situation looks to most ordinary masons who, I suggest, are at the sharp end of Freemasonry (from having their livelihoods at stake).
    I fully support the author when he highlights the need for public-relations assistance and for becoming pro-active in publicising Freemasonry. Grand Lodge must take the lead and not sit back and wait for a culture change. That could take 10 years! They should put the options to the membership and, if necessary, seek a mandate to put these measures into effect by a ballot of all the UK members. They should act now before more damage is done!
    Gordon H Mugurian, St Anselm Lodge No 5166, Chester.

Sir,
    I fully support the Rev G Ernest Smart’s call for additional instruction in the meaning behind the ritual. On joining the Craft I was disillusioned by the manifest ignorance of my lodge brethren in the esoteric aspects of Freemasonry and disappointed by their apparent disinterest. It was only the casual acquisition of W Kirk MacNulty’s The Way of the Craftsman that rekindled my enthusiasm and led me to discover that there were other brethren who were far from disinterested and whose deep insight into the inner workings was freely available to me.
    Would it not be beneficial to present every newly-raised brother with a brief list of recommended reading (including Freemasonry Today) to assist him, if he so wishes, in unveiling the allegories and pursuing a more spiritual masonic progression?
    H Ewings, Surbiton, Kent.

Above Us the Waves

Sir,
    Three cheers for Bro Julian Rees and his article ‘All distinctions save for those of goodness and virtue’ in issue 5. The ‘senior chaps’ of Grand Rank he mentions may be remote from the rest but when they visit us, too much time is wasted in obsequious deference to their rank. Often they contribute nothing to our assemblies other than their presence. Is it too impertinent to ask what criteria are used in their selection? In my experience, they are not perceived generally as role models and teachers who can guide us to better things. What is to be done?
    Firstly, those ‘senior chaps’ should be selected on merit and from a wider spectrum of society than at present. Acting officers are found almost exclusively from within the ranks of the retired, self-employed and the professions, where absence from work to perform extra duties is tolerated. Is there any evidence to suggest that merit is to be found only in those groups? To enable such a change, duties must be changed. Hours required would need to be reduced and tailored to evening meetings. Empowered by their own high personal standards they could concentrate on communicating the truths of our fraternity and exhorting us to seek the ideal in our own lives. Secondly, honour the worthy. So long as he is warm to the touch and makes regular appearances, in due time a brother can confidently expect to be ‘honoured’ with some quite meaningless past rank. This may give him pleasure, but it is an empty gesture, conferring neither honour nor responsibilty. If giving pleasure is the point, why not a bar of chocolate instead?
    Will we see a change? Machiavelli, who knew a thing or two about manipulation, said: “It must be considered that there is nothing more difficult to carry out, nor more doubtful of success, than to initiate a new order of things. For the reformer has enemies in all those who profit from the old orders, and only lukewarm defenders in all those who would profit by the new.” But at least let us try. English Freemasonry needs a good kick to get it safely into the next century.
    PR Whitfield, Wilbraham Lodge No 1713, Liverpool.

Sir,
    Re Bro Rees’ article on Rank. My experience has been contrary to the views expressed therein. I am a comparatively new boy to Freemasonry, initiated at the age of 56 years in 1992. I began service the following year as a Steward and was never made to feel inferior. Past Masters in dark blue aprons watched my initiation, passing and raising with facial expressions of welcome to the Brotherhood. I have experienced in life the proverb that what one puts in is what one gets out, and this is equally true of Freemasonry. During the past six years, I have four times given the explanation of the Second Degree tracing board, and am pleased to have learned to attempt in my small way to pull my own weight in lodge.
    In 1996 I was invited to join Rose Croix and, like the Craft, find the experience strengthens my Christian faith. This week I was installed as Senior Deacon in the Craft. At the age of 62 years, I shall never be able to aspire to the heights of the Brotherhood, but God willing, in October 2001, I shall be installed as Worshipful Master in the Chair of King Solomon of my lodge. This will be the highlight of my life, which, if achieved, I will ever be grateful to my senior brethren and Preceptors of the Lodge of Instruction who have so patiently and meticulously nurtured and taught me, which in my experience is so contrary to the outside world.
    Michael Kent, Dr Field Lodge No 8158, Northampton.

Sir,
    Re Openness. I propose that for one day each year we have a Masonic Day. On this day we could wear something that communicates our membership and endeavour to agree to perform one extra charitable act over and above the normal quota. Such a Day would communicate a very strong statement to the world, that we are proud of our Masonry and are certainly willing to stand up and be counted. As for a date, I would suggest 2 October, as that was when the Emulation Lodge of Improvement first met in 1823 at Freemasons’ Hall, Great Queen Street. What day would you pick and why? Are you in favour of a ‘Masonic Day’?
    Graham Arnold, Tudor Rose Lodge No 7590, Onchan, Isle of Man.

Communicate

Sir,
    A recent survey of 52 brethren produced the following percentages of computer literacy: 100% of 30 year olds, 100% of 40 year olds, 50% of 50 year olds, 53% of 60 year olds and 7% of 70-80 year olds. Information Technology is no pipe dream: the new Internet Lodge No 9659 answered all my detailed enquiries within 48 hours – by e mail!
    We need more computer literate Secretaries. This will greatly improve our contact with the social and economic world around us. It will cheapen our overheads (more for Charity), create closer brotherly ties (swifter contact with other lodges and brethren), make the work of Provincial Lodge Officers easier (fewer letters and telephone calls) – and all because e mail is less costly in time and money.
    To prevent overloading an e mail-based administrative structure from Grand Lodge downwards, it is sensible to introduce ‘passwords’ within the chain of command. As e mail messages can be swiftly repeated up and down this system, a password should cause no problems, provided it is changed annually. Individual e mail nets between lodges, chapter members and Almoners’ Alliances need no passwords, and easily accessed nets are bound to radiate from masonic centres to brethren and their local community. To nominate one Brother in each lodge as its e mail ‘correspondent’ or link-man might be useful, providing the link to all internal and external nets. With printing costs so high, e mail will inevitably encourage bonding. At the moment, such fraternal contacts are limited to about a dozen in each locality, but linking into the Internet, masonic e mail can produce over 30 e mail replies per day! The possibilities internationally are obvious. At current rates of growth, we can expect the majority of our members to have an e mail address by 2004 AD. By then, our summons, social invitations and inter-lodge news will be sent by e mail.
    It cannot be denied that we have many able brethren with considerable I.T experience. Neither can it be concealed that Pre-planning will promote masonic progress in the 21st century.
    W Bro Peter Rance, Sheringham, Norfolk.