Vol. 48 No.

1
FEBRUARY 2017
Volume 48, Number One IN THIS ISSUE

The magazine for Scottish Rite Masons of AmericaSM 3 Message from the
Sovereign Grand Commander

11 In Memoriam
Articles Notes from the
18
Scottish Rite Journal

4 Masonic Pageantry
The inspiration for Scottish Rite
19

Brothers on the Net
Leigh E. Morris, 33

Costumes 18671920
20 Helping Our Brothers and
their Families in Louisiana

By Aimee E. Newell, PhD

Linda Patch
Stamp Act
21
Robert A. Domingue

22 Book Nook
8 Form Versus
Function
24 HealthWise
The case for substance 25 Harry Davis Painting Helps Tour
Guides Tell Cathedrals Story
James R. Keating, 32
By Leigh E. Morris, 33
26 Views from the Past
12 The Poetry
of a Good
27 Quotables
28 Todays Family
Drive 29 More Than Just Books
By Alan E. Foulds, 33 30 Readers Respond
30 Not That John Lowell
14 The Truth About
Freemasonry
31 Et cetera, et cetera, etc.
By Jeffrey L. Kuntz, 32 D I R E C T O RY
EDITOR
Alan E. Foulds, 33

Contributors CREATIVE SERVICES MANAGER

Beth E. McSweeney

MEDIAADVISORYCOMMITTEE
Richard V. Travis, 33, chairman
Donald M. Moran, 33 Douglas N. Kaylor, 33
Alan R. Heath, 33 Donald R. Heldman, 33
Donald G. Duquette, 33

SUPREME COUNCIL, 33
Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite,
Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, U.S.A.

SOVEREIGN GRAND COMMANDER

John Wm. McNaughton, 33

Aimee E. Newell is Jeffrey L. Kuntz, 32, is a Linda Patch is the THE NORTHERN LIGHT (ISSN 1088-4416) is p ublished quarterly
executive director of member of the Valley of director of communica- in February, May, August, and N ovember by the Supreme Council, 33,
Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, U.S.A.,
the Luzerne County Williamsport, PA. tions for the Supreme as the official publication. Printed in U.S.A. Periodicals postage paid at
Historical Society (PA) He has published several Council, AASR, NMJ, Boston, MA, and at additional mailing offices.
and the former director of articles both nationally USA. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Northern Light, PO
collections at the Scottish and internationally. Box 519, Lexington, MA02420-0519.
Rite Masonic Museum
& Library. Copyright 2017 by Trustees of the Supreme Council of the Ancient
Ac cepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry for the Northern Masonic
J urisdiction, U.S.A.
Jeffrey Croteau is the director of the library and archives at the Van Gorden-Williams Library. Mailing Address:
PO Box 519, Lexington, MA02420-0519
Robert A. Domingue is the historian for St. Matthews Lodge, Andover, MA, and the editor of The Philatelic Freemason.
Leigh E. Morris, 33, works in corporate communications for a major utility company and is a regular columnist Editorial Office:
33 Marrett Road (Route 2A), Lexington, MA 02421
for this magazine. He is a member of the Valleys of Milwaukee and Springfield, IL. 781-862-4410 Fax: 781-863-1833
S. Brent Morris, 33, is the editor of the Scottish Rite Journal, a publication of the Southern Jurisdiction, USA. email: [email protected]

InterneT:
www.ScottishRiteNMJ.org
 SOVEREIGN GRAND COMMANDER
John Wm. McNaughton, 33

Balance
T he Yin and Yang are concepts developed centuries
ago by Chinese philosophers to describe how
opposite or contrary forces are actually complementary,
we find eight hours for the service of God and a
distressed worthy Brother; eight hours for our usual
vocations; and eight hours for refreshment and sleep.
interconnected, and interdependent in the natural world.
They are essential to harmony and balance What conclusions might be drawn from the chart in
in every day life, and are represented by figure 2?
the simple symbol below. 1) There are no great Chinese philosophers in leadership
Might the same basic principles also positions in the Masonic fraternity today.
apply to the harmony and balance of 2) The continued over-emphasis of repetitive ritual is
life in the Masonic fraternity in the 21st not a balanced plan for the future of Freemasonry.
century? A quick analysis of the current
division of our time within the craft today could be Could we correct this imbalance if we implemented
represented by a pie chart found in figure 1: a new operational model represented by the chart in
figure 2, whereby our time within the fraternity would
be divided into three equal parts?
Figure 1
Yes.
n Ritual (Memorization,
rehearsal, performance,
inspection)
Figure 2

n Caring for Each Other n Ritual (Memorization,

rehearsal, performance,
n Social Time
inspection)

n Caring for Each Other

n Social Time
Is Freemasonry growing and flourishing today under
the model in figure 1? The short, sad answer is NO.
Throughout the United States, membership and
influence continue to decline. Over the past 60 years, Freemasonry has lost a
significant number of members who joined the fraternity
When we first became Masons, we learned about the only to discover that the organization was little more
working tools of the Entered Apprentice, which also than a ritual society.
emphasized a need for balance.
Simply put,
The twenty-four inch gauge is an instrument used by Ritual is what we say.
operative masons to measure and lay out their work;
Freemasonry is what we do.
but we, as Free and Accepted Masons are taught to
make use of it for the more noble and glorious purpose
of dividing our time. It being divided into 24 equal parts
is emblematical of the 24 hours of the day, which we are
taught to divide into three equal parts; whereby Sovereign Grand Commander

Cover Photo: Bro. Arnold Palmer was recipient

of the Gourgas Medal in 2010. Britt Runion The Northern Light /February 2017 3
Masonic Pageantry
The Inspiration for Scottish Rite Costumes, 18671920
By Aimee E. Newell, PhD

I n 1913, at its annual meeting, the Supreme

Council for the Scottish Rites Northern Ma-
sonic Jurisdiction, agreed to [secure] the services
The national craze for historical pageantry
during the late 1800s and early 1900s may have
inspired Scottish Rite Masons to make the pre-
of some one competent to design costumes and sentation of their rituals more complex. A photo-
paraphernalia appropriate to the various degrees. graph from about 1930 shows two unidentified
From 191320, the Supreme Council contracted women dressed as America and Liberty, probably
to have 119 costumes designed for its rituals, for a local pageant. Like the local historical
ranging from the elaborate, such as King Solomon, pageants, Scottish Rite degree ceremonies offered
to the everyday, like a Jewish Workman, from a shared sense of values, built a collective story
the traditional apron and sash of an officer in and helped to create an identity for participants
the 26th degree, to the exotic Sultan and Turkish and audience alike.
Guard of the 29th degree. This project reflected The new Scottish Rite rituals required large
a need that grew from the significant changes that casts, elaborate sets, and costumes. We return
the fraternity made to its rituals during the late to the 1913 annual meeting when the Supreme
1800s and early 1900s. Prior to 1867, the Scottish Council approved the design of new costumes.
Rite practiced its 29 degree rituals in much the same This process took seven years. In 1914, the
way that the first three degrees were performed in Committee on Rituals and Ritualistic Matter
local Masonic lodges. They consisted of a lecture, was authorized to secure the services of some one
an oath for the initiate, and usually conveyed a competent to design costumes and paraphernalia
secret password or sign. Rather than costumes, appropriate to the various degrees, for one year, at
the members wore sashes (and often aprons and a salary not to exceed the rate of $2,500 per year.
gloves) over their street clothes. Another year passed, and in 1915, the committee
As early as 1858, the Supreme Councils reported that Walter B. Tripp had begun the work.
Committee on Regalia expressed [its] conviction Tripp was uniquely positioned for this job. He
that it is highly important at the present time had joined Bostons Mount Lebanon Lodge in
that the Supreme Council should prescribe cloth- 1893, serving it as Master in 1903. He joined the
ing to be used both for dress and work. Factors Scottish Rite in 1906 and received its honorary
that spurred this change included: promoting 33 in 1921. In addition, Tripp was on the faculty
uniformity in the lessons being taught, decreasing of Bostons Emerson College as a professor of
expense and maintaining a boundary between dramatic art.
themselves and clandestine Scottish Rite groups. By the time of the Supreme Councils annual
After the Civil War, the Northern Masonic meeting in 1916, Tripp had completed designs
Jurisdiction began to elaborate on its rituals. In for the 4 through the 16. These were adopted
1869, Israel Thorndike Hunt of Nashua, NH, as a standard, but were not obligatory upon the
compiled a manuscript book. Hunt recorded subordinate bodies. This group included 34 plates:
the rituals that were in use at the time, complete 21 for the Lodge of Perfection degrees and 13 for
with colored illustrations of the regalia worn for the Council of Princes of Jerusalem degrees.
each degree. Many of the illustrations show the Each illustration has a colored drawing of the
Scottish Rite member in his best clothes with costume on one side and a typewritten description
an apron, collar and gloves worn on top. of the various costume elements on the back,

4 February 2017/The Northern Light

Costume Design for Zadoc, High Priest, America and Liberty, ca. 1930, A. Brouth, Costume Design for Richard I of England,
19151916, Warren A. Newcomb, Boston, Providence, Rhode Island, Scottish Rite Masonic 19161920, Walter B. Tripp, Boston,
Collection of the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library Purchase. Collection of the Scottish Rite Masonic
Museum & Library. Museum & Library.

followed by a list of the sources consulted in ephod, a mitre, sandals, a girdle, and a breastplate.
designing the costume. Taken as a whole, the Most of the sources for this costume are shared
sources generally date from the mid-1800s to the with that of the Solomon costume. The descrip-
early 1900s and include many American, British, tion of the ephod (which is a sleeveless garment
French and German published sources, as well worn over the super-tunic) specifically cites the
as some paintings and museum objects. Many description found in Exodus 28, which reads in
of the costumes are inspired by archaeological part: Make the ephod of gold, and of blue, purple
discoveries of the late 1800s. and scarlet yarn, and of finely twisted linen. . . .
The illustration for King Solomons ceremonial It is to have two shoulder pieces attached to
dress, which was intended for all of the Lodge two of its corners so it can be fastened.
of Perfection degrees, except the 6, includes: One more example from the initial group
flesh-colored knee hose; an undershirt; a sleeve- of completed drawings is from the Princes of
less white tunic; a silk super-tunic; an ephod; Jerusalem degrees, and is for Artaban, Satrap of
a high gold crown of Assyrian pattern; sandals; Assyria, a Persian provincial governor. It is simpler
a jeweled girdle; bracelets and armlets, pectoral than the previous two, consisting of just a robe,
and earrings. This is one of the more elaborate girdle, cap, shoes and jewelry. The illustration also
costumes, reflecting the importance of the role includes a detail of the patterned fabric for the
of Solomon in the rituals. Also on the back is a robe. Unlike the first two examples, there are no
list of 12 sources that were consulted during the sources cited for this costume, although it would
design process. These range from the Bible to seem that many of the same books influenced
books on Jewish rites, historic costume, art this design.
history, and Jewish ceremonial objects. Walter Tripp seems to have worked with
Another example from the Lodge of Perfection Warren A. Newcomb whose name appears along
degrees is for the role of Zadoc the High Priest. the bottom of 16 of the drawings. Newcomb
Like King Solomon, Zadoc was a major character attended Emerson during the summer of 1915,
in the ritual at the time and needed an elaborate suggesting his connection to Tripp. In October
costume including a linen tunic, a super-tunic, an 1915, Newcomb joined Star of Bethlehem Lodge

The Northern Light /February 2017 5

in Chelsea, MA, and listed his occupa-
tion as instructor. His book, Construc-
tive Figure Drawing: A Constructive
Course in Poster and Costume Designing,
was published in 1916. By 1925, New-
comb moved to California where, from
19251957, he worked as a set designer
for 175 Hollywood films including Eas-
ter Parade, An American in Paris, and
Singin in the Rain. He was also Director
of Set Painting for The Wizard of Oz.
The Scottish Rites costume design
process seems to have slowed down
in 1917 and 1918. At the 1918 annual
meeting, the committee reported that
the work of completing the finished
designs for costumes has proceeded
during the year as rapidly as the other
engagements of the artist would permit.
The series as planned for last year is
not quite completed, but will be Costume Design for Artaban, Satrap of Costume Design for Hermes and Phrenes,
completed at an early date. Assyria, 19161920, Walter B. Tripp, Boston, 19161920, Walter B. Tripp, Boston,
Collection of the Scottish Rite Masonic Collection of the Scottish Rite Masonic
Indeed, by the time of the 1919 Museum & Library. Museum & Library.
annual meeting the committee was able
to report that the work of designing costumes in 1745], Frederick always wore his uniform,
for the Scottish Rite Degrees has been completed. discarding Court dress for himself entirely. The
This second group of drawings numbers 85 covering source list starts with Menzels paintings, which
the Chapter of Rose Croix degrees and the Con- are described as most suggestive and helpful.
sistory degrees. Two drawings are related to the German artist Adolph Menzel was famous for
Rose Croix degrees (17 and 18). The remaining his paintings of Frederick the Great and his court.
83 illustrations are for the Consistory degrees, He was reportedly devoted to historical accuracy
1932. and painstaking research of the details of the dress
The costume for Hermes in the 19 and for and the objects in each scene. Even a cursory look
Phrenes in the 24 includes a leopard skin, which at just a few of Menzels paintings shows their
seems elaborate, especially for a Masonic Valley on influence on this costume design.
a budget, but it is striking. The illustration includes Still other characters were presented in their
a detail of the perfume spoon that the character armor. King Richard I of England, from the 21,
wears at his waist. The source for this design is is pictured in a full set of chain mail. Among the
identified as details from various illustrations of 13 sources listed on the back of the card is a book
the art of Egypt and from collections of Egyptian on the Bayeux Tapestry. Illustrations in that book
remains in the Metropolitan Museum in New show men in similar light-colored mail. His sword
York. resembles some of the examples seen in Horae
Some of the characters are based on actual Ferales by J.W. Kemble, which is listed on the
historical figures. One of the illustrations from the source list.
20 depicts Frederick the Great. Frederick II was One of the whimsical designs is for evil spirits
King of Prussia from 174086. He was initiated in the 19 and demons in the 27. Despite the
into Freemasonry in 1738 in Hamburg. The de- rather dark nature of these characters, the illustra-
sign shows a military uniform and the description tion shows the man flinging his cape out with a
on the back notes that every detail of this cos- smile on his face. This was a free design, with no
tume has been verified and taken from the most sources listed. A devil costume was not exclusive
authentic sourcesAt the time of the degree [set to Masonic rituals. In the collection at the Scottish

6 February 2017/The Northern Light

Costume Design for King Solomon, 1915 Costume Design for Evil Spirits and Demons, Costume Design for Frederick the Great,
1916, Walter B. Tripp, Boston, Collection of 19161920, Walter B. Tripp, Boston, 19161920, Walter B. Tripp, Boston,
the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library. Collection of the Scottish Rite Masonic Collection of the Scottish Rite Masonic
Museum & Library. Museum & Library.

Rite Masonic Museum & Library, we have a few designed, the Supreme Council was also review-
photographs of a group of West Virginia Knights ing and revising its rituals. Twenty-five out of
of Pythias members drilling in similar outfits, 29 were revised between 190422.
which they called Mephisto suits. These costume designs help us to better under-
And, the Spirit of Masonry character from stand the history of the fraternity, but they also
the 19 is particularly striking. One of the sources serve as an example of how Freemasonry did not
for this design was the Statue of Liberty. The de- operate in a vacuum despite its secrecy. They are
scription on the back cites it as a free design, with influenced by historical pageantry, as well as by the
one hint from the Bartholdi statuethe crown. fraternitys own need to set itself apart from unau-
Instead of a torch, the Spirit of Masonry holds thorized competitors and to accommodate a huge
the flaming sword of justice. post-Civil War surge in membership. As Sovereign
When these drawings became available, the Grand Commander Barton Smith commented
Supreme Council made clear that their use was in his 1920 allocution to the membership: The
not obligatory, but it did want them to be exclu- wonderful growth of Freemasonryis bringing
sively for the use of their own subordinate bodies. this Supreme Council face to face with problems
The committee pointed out the work that went which arise from the great numbers that are
into creating them. They were produced by expert enlisting under our banner. It becomes necessary
artistswith due regard not only to chronological for us to consider with wise care how we may
and historic accuracy, but also to the types and guide this . . . force . . . so that it may do the great-
characters represented in our rituals. They are in- est good. The production and use of these costume
tended to afford our workers knowledge as to the designs presents one element of the fraternitys
proper representation of the persons portrayed. response to this challenge.
These illustrations are a product of change
in the Scottish Rite fraternity from lodge room Aimee E. Newell, PhD, is the executive director
speak-and-repeat rituals to elaborate morality of the Luzerne County Historical Society (PA) and
plays conveying shared values and teaching ethics the former director of collections at the Scottish Rite
and philosophy. As these costumes were being Masonic Museum & Library.

The Northern Light /February 2017 7

 Form The case for substance
versus Function
By Leigh E. Morris, 33

Form ever follows function. We bring those men out

A
merican architect Louis Sullivan, the man
known as the father of the skyscraper, of darkness (ignorance)
coined the phrase. Later, he would write
the core idea came from the Roman architect
Marcus Vitruvius Pollio, who insisted the three and teach them to pursue
qualities of a building must be firmitas, utilitas,
et venustas. In other words, it must be solid,
useful, and beautiful. It is of note that Vitruvius
that endless quest for
often has been identified as being among the
first Freemasons. knowledge.
To illustrate, consider the works of the famed
American industrial designer Brooks Stevens.
His adherence to the principle of form following greatest things are accomplished by individual
function is found in his creations: The Skytop people, not committees or companies. But I
Lounge observation cars for the Milwaukee digress.) Indeed, ritual was created to exemplify
Road Hiawatha streamliners, Studebakers Gran (that is, communicate) our beliefs. As ritual and
Turismo Hawk, the Miller Brewing Company symbols developed, they proved to be solid, useful
logo and even household appliances. All are solid, and beautiful. On that, I believe we all can agree.
useful and beautiful. Well get back to Stevens
a little later. Now consider the ultimate form/function.
I am referring to the core beliefs of Masonry.
In Masonry, we have symbols and rituals.
These are the form. The meaning behind the The Supreme Being: Masons believe in the
rituals, symbols and the actions taken by Masons Supreme Being, the Grand Architect of the Universe.
are the function or, if you prefer, the substance. In America we most often call Him God, but some
call Him by other names while others simply say
Consider that our ancient Brethren did not start the ineffable name of the Deity. We share a
out with a bucket of symbols and appoint a com- common belief, though we venerate Him in differ-
mittee to ferret out the meanings. Not at all. These ent ways. We belong to different religions or
men held certain beliefs and it was these beliefs choose no formal religion. Still, we share a binding
that led to the selection of symbols. Function/ bondour absolute faith in the Fatherhood of
substance drove form. Goda Fatherhood that extends to all His children,
not just Masons. And we must not only hold
Similarly, our craft did not begin with ritual
this faith, but practice it within and outside
and then create a committee to figure out meaning.
our Masonic functions.
(Of course, had that happened, we most likely would
still be working on the meaning. I think novelist Brotherly Love: Our belief in the Fatherhood of
Fay Weldon was right when she wrote: The God naturally leads us to the belief in the Brother-

8 February 2017/The Northern Light

 Maintaining relevance does not mean
an abandonment of core beliefs. Just the
opposite. It demands a renewal of belief
and a recommitment to those beliefs.

hood of Man. Thus, we must extend our love to Masonic titles that in no way make us better than
all of mankind for they, like us, are the children the youngest Entered Apprentice or 32 Mason.
of the one Supreme Architect of the Universe. It is Additional responsibility does not confer superior-
imperative that we expel all racial, ethic, religious ity. But equality is not confined within Masonry.
and similar prejudices from our hearts, and through We all stand equal in the sight of the Almighty.
word and deed lead others to do the same. We must practice it in every aspect of our lives.

Relief: It is both our duty and privilege to come Morality: Human happiness and moral duty
to the aid and relief of a poor, worthy, distressed are inseparably connected, Bro. George Washing-
Brother and his family. And so far as our means ton observed. No civilized society can exist in the
allow, we must extend charity to others. You need absence of the adherence to morality. Yet, one
look no further than our own Almoners Fund, the need go no further than the daily news to realize
Childrens Dyslexia Centers, the many Masonic that morality is under increasing assault. Shoplift-
scholarships and the countless charitable activities ing has reached epidemic proportions. Defaults
carried out by lodges in every corner of this nation on debt are on the rise. Far too many people have
and around the world. We are wise to heed the come to accept political corruption as a way of life.
words of Bro. George Washington: Let your heart On morality, author and Holocaust survivor Primo
feel for the afflictions and distress of everyone. Levi wrote: I am constantly amazed by mans
inhumanity to man. As Masons, we are challenged
Truth: As Masons, we do not, we cannot pre- to champion such principles as personal responsi-
tend to know the ultimate truths. Rather, we bring bility, decency and honor. We believe in doing the
good men to Masonic light. We bring those men right thing because it is the moral thing to do. I
out of darkness (ignorance) and teach them to am firmly convinced that Freemasonry is uniquely
pursue that endless quest for knowledge. Through enabled to be the standard bearer of moral
our daily lives, we can help overcome ignorance education.
in the world around us.
And morality may well be our toughest assign-
Equality: Bro. Theodore Roosevelt was a mem- ment. It is so because we come face to face with
ber of Matinecock Lodge No. 806 in New York. that unique human traitrationalization. Your
While serving as president, Roosevelt attended his ability to rationalize your own bad deeds makes
lodge. In the East sat his gardener. Clearly I could you believe that the whole world is as amoral as
not call upon him when I came home. It would you are, wrote novelist Douglas Coupland.
have embarrassed him. Neither could he, without
embarrassment, call on me. In the lodge it was As you ponder these and other Masonic beliefs,
different. He was over me, though I was president, you must be reminded that Masonry is far more
and it was good for him, and good for me. Upon than an organization. It is a way of life and a
entering our lodges and Scottish Rite halls, we challenging one at that.
leave our worldly titles, status and possessions
I recall my many conversations with the late Ill.
at the door. Within the lodge, we meet on the
Richard H. Curtis, 33. Though we did not always
level as Brothers and, from time to time, assume

The Northern Light /February 2017 9

 Make no mistake. In the end, function/substance
was, is and will always be of paramount
importance. Without it, form is nothing more
than an attractive but empty shell.

agreethere is much to learn through differences it sooner than is necessary, I doubt anyone ever
of opinion we pondered and debated the future will need to worry about that when it comes to
of our craft. As some of you surely recall, Bro. our ritual.
Dick wrote an elegant article on this subject for
this magazine. It inspired me then, and inspires Form (symbols/ritual) is intended for one
me today. purpose: the communication (teaching) of our
function/substance. Through function/substance,
Though we may have differed on some details, we communicate our relevance.
Bro. Dick and I did agree the need for Masonry
is great. And today, I would contend, the need for Over time, ritual grew in beauty. It also has
Masonry has only grown. Perhaps it has never grown in complexity. In many minds, ritual is per-
been greater. We also agreed that it is not enough formed for rituals sake. When this occurs, ritual
that we understand the relevance of Masonry. becomes an end unto itself rather than a gateway
Indeed, it must be readily apparent to the non- to greater knowledge and understanding. I dare
Mason that our ancient craft is relevant. say that many Brethren on the sidelines do not
fully understand what they are witnessing.
Maintaining relevance does not mean an
abandonment of core beliefs. Just the opposite. Should the basic meaning of ritual be appar-
It demands a renewal of belief and a recommit- ent to the initiated? It must, otherwise it cannot
ment to those beliefs. instruct. It also should encourage the need to
continue the search for further light in Masonry.
At the same time, we must better communicate
our function/substance so as to bring our light to Then there is the problem of recruiting quali-
new generations. fied ritual participants. This problem plagues blue
lodges and Scottish Rite Valleys. In some cases,
I know there are those who insist that this is this is caused by shrinking membership. However,
the way it has always been and so it must remain. there are other causes. Many men are uncomfort-
I hear it every time I raise this subject. The prob- able with the process of memorization. Others
lem is this: it just aint so. Form has been evolving simply do not believe they have the time to
since the beginning and our survival depends on learn ritual.
the continued evolution of form. Previously men-
tioned designer Brooks Stevens coined the term This is not to suggest we ignore form. Not
planned obsolescence. He did not mean a prod- at all. It is important, and its usefulness most
uct was designed to lose usefulness. Rather, he felt certainly can be enhanced.
designs purpose is instilling in the buyer the de- During my lengthy career as a professional
sire to own something a little newer, a little better, communicator, I have strived to impress the impor-
a little sooner than is necessary. I believe ritual tance of keeping the message as plain as possible.
must never be viewed as stagnant and unchanging. Never overwhelm an audience. Rather, provide in-
It is living and as such must from time to time formation in doses that can be readily understood
be modernized and improved. As for changing

10 February 2017/The Northern Light

and absorbed. Learning is not a one-time proposi- Bro. Winston Churchill observed: However
tion but rather a lifelong process. Audiences have beautiful the strategy, you should occasionally look
difficulty comprehending, processing, and retain- at the results. In our case, just substitute form
ing complex messages. They stop listening. They for strategy.
tune out.
Our first task is to stabilize our membership
The Scottish Rite practice of degree exemplifi- levels. Then, we must begin the process of growth.
cation allows the candidate to observe and absorb It is up to you and me to bring the message of
the rituals story. I have long believed the first Masonry to the non-Mason. We do this by making
three degrees could benefit from the same approach. our works known to the world. We do this through
(Yes, I hear the cries of heretic.) proper solicitation to become a Mason. As an
aside, my Illinois lodge has made effective use of
Degree presentations could be further enhanced what is called Invitation to Petition. Men who
through the addition of a degree narrator. This are invited to join are flattered and often respond
person would provide meaningful, basic explana- by submitting a petition. Though this is a small
tions as the degree progresses rather than rely upon lodge in a rural community, we are experiencing
the candidate (as well as sideliners) to correctly growth and are experiencing a steady decline in
divine the meanings. the average age of the Brethren.
Like it or not (and I know many do not), video But no matter the approach, it depends on our
presentations are the way of the future. Not only ability to practice our precepts. And it depends on
do video presentations address the issue of securing our ability to communicate the meaning and bene-
qualified degree participants, but videos assure the fits of Masonry to our Brethren and to those who
highest possible quality. Most certainly Johannes have yet made the decision to seek light through
Gutenberg was roundly assailed for upsetting the Masonry.
proverbial apple cart with that newfangled movable
type. Why is this so important?

Then there is the matter of language. It needs I would answer it this way: Brothers, we have a
to be brought into the 21st century. (More cries solemn obligation to leave this world a better place
of heretic.) than we found it. Consider the good we achieve
by putting our principles into practice.
Make no mistake. In the end, function/substance
was, is and will always be of paramount importance.
Without it, form is nothing more than an attractive
but empty shell.

Ill Philip Lawrence Hall, 33

19292016
Ill Philip L. Hall, 33, an Active Emeritus Member of this Supreme Council for the state
of New Hampshire, died on Monday, November 7, 2016.

Raised a Master Mason in Rising Sun Lodge No. 39, of Nashua, New Hampshire, on February
10, 1954. He was Worshipful Master from 1967-69.

On June 13, 1953 he was united in marriage to Betty Jane Baldridge, who survives together
with their children, Susanne (Hall) Grigel, Elliott Hall, and Charles A. Hall, and seven
grandchildren.

For the complete balustre on the life of Ill. Phil Hall, 33, visit the Members Center
at ScottishRiteNMJ.org.

The Northern Light /February 2017 11

The Poetry of

A Good Drive
Bro. Palmer Redefined the World of Golf
By Alan E. Foulds, 33

Sovereign Grand Commander McNaughton and Arnold A Pennsylvania Masonic award prominently displayed
Palmer after the Gourgas Medal presentation by Arnold Palmer

I
n 1954, Gene Littler, a pro golfer and member Bro. Palmer was a man who transcended his
of the World Golf Hall of Fame, was asked by sport, but then brought it along with him. He was
reporters who the young man was that was the first superstar in the television age. His work-
cracking balls on the practice tee. Littler replied ing class background in his home town steel mill
Thats Arnold Palmer. When he hits the ball the community of Latrobe, PA, helped him democratize
earth shakes. Indeed it did. For the next seven the sport and allow the masses to take part.
decades Ill. Arnold D. Palmer, 33, was the sports
dominant figure, both as a player and as an He learned golf from his father, the grounds-
ambassador. keeper at the Latrobe Country Club. His proximity
to the course, as he helped his father in maintain-
At the time of his passing last September he ing it, afforded him the opportunity to practice
was hailed by leaders of sport and politics. Good his talents. His father, known by his friends as
friend and competitor, Jack Nicklaus, said He was Deacon, or just Deac, supported his sons interest
the king of our sport and always will be. President in the sport. One early piece of advice he gave
Obama added He was the American Dream young Arnie was to hit it hard boy. Go find it
come true. Sure, we liked that he won seven and hit it hard again.
majors, but we loved that he went for it when he
probably should have laid up. Phil Mickelson said In 1954, he won an amateur event in Detroit,
Palmer was my model on and off the course. giving him the confidence to go pro. His first

12 February 2017/The Northern Light

major win came in his rookie year as he took the Next, Palmer entered the golf business. He
Canadian Open. His charisma was one of the owned the Bay Hill Country Club in Orlando,
main factors propelling golf into the brand new FL. He was one of the founders of The Golf
world of televised sport. An early sports agent, Channel, and he formed a course design firm,
Mark McCormack, made Palmer his first client. leading to the building of the first golf course in
He said that his humble beginnings at Latrobe, the Peoples Republic of China. He designed more
his risk-taking on the course, and his involvement than 300 courses in 37 states and 25 countries.
in several exciting finishes made him attractive to
audiences. In addition, he was just plain friendly. He took up winter residence in Orlando, FL,
helping that city become a destination for tourists
and others. He was an avid pilot. On his 70th
birthday the airport in Latrobe was named for him.

His list of achievements is truly breathtaking.

Highlights include induction into the World Golf
Hall of Fame, PGA Player of the Year in 1960
and 1962, named Golfer of the Decade by Golf
Magazine. He won the Humanitarian Award
from Variety Club International. He was awarded
the Congressional Gold Medal, and in 2004
he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom
from President Bush. The list goes on and on.

Meanwhile Bro. Palmer had his Masonic life.

In 1958 he joined the fraternity in Loyalhanna
Lodge No. 275 in Latrobe. In November 1995
he joined the Scottish Rite and received the 33, in
1998 in special session. The ceremony took place
appropriately at the Syrian Shrine Oasis Country
Club in Cincinnati, OH. The club was dedicated
Arnold Palmers house in Latrobe, PA earlier in the day. Also, that day, Bro. Palmer
agreed to be an honorary member of the board
of directors of the 32 Masonic Learning Centers,
His runner-up status in the British Open in Inc. (Today the Childrens Dyslexia Centers). On
1960 thrilled the English crowd. The reception July 8, 2010, Sovereign Grand Commander John
and support he received in the UK opened the Wm. McNaughton visited Latrobe where a special
floodgates for other Americans to travel to the ceremony was held to present Bro. Palmer with
event ever since. From 196063 Arnold Palmer the Gourgas Medal. He became just the 37th
won 29 PGA Tour events. He was named Sports- recipient since the awards inception in 1938.
man of the Year by Sports Illustrated, and his
Ill. Arnold D. Palmer was one of the rare people
burgeoning legion of fans became known as
whose actions changed the course of history. His
Arnies Army. Every year from 1957 through
athletic ability propelled him to the top of his
1971 Palmer won at least one PGA event
sport. His personality helped modernize an
a truly incredible record.
ancient game and bring it to the masses. His
In all Arnold Palmer was victorious at the expertise allowed him to design courses, carrying
Masters Tournament four times, the U.S. Open his legacy far into the future. As a young man
once, The British Open twice, and the PGA making the life choice that would define him,
Championship three times. He was the leading he was asked what it was about golf that headed
money maker on the PGA Tour four times him down this path. He responded What other
between 195863. people find in poetry, I find in the flight of a
good drive.

The Northern Light /February 2017 13

The Truth About Masonic Secrecy
By Jeffrey L. Kuntz, 32

F
reemasonry and the secrecy associated with association. Some were organized for criminal
it have been a disputed topic for centuries. activities, whereas Freemasonry was created for
The matter of Masonic secrecy has, in fact, such worthy causes as the advancement of univer-
been too often misunderstood and misrepresented, sal Brotherhood and charitable activities, as well
even by many of its members. These fallacies as the inculcation of its teachings and philosophy.
have been the cause of much of the suspicion
and criticism leveled at the fraternity throughout Freemasonry, secrecy, and The New World
much of its history. Order have occasionally been a somewhat juicy
topic of debate in recent decades. There are those
Perhaps one of the most misconstrued and who believe the establishment of this New World
misused statements occasionally uttered by mem- Order, which is said to be the plot by a small
bers in more recent times concerning Masonic authoritarian group of leaders planning to obtain
culture is that there are no secrets. This seems, control over the western world, is a major agenda
to some at least, to be about as tepid a statement item of the Freemasons.
by those attempting to make an apologia for the
order as is it [Masonry] makes good men better This notionor conspiracy theory, if you will
as true as that may bebut the former avowal is prompted, in part, by the fact that the latin
is not even really true. This is one of those things phrase Novus Ordo Seclorum is imprinted on the
showing the lack of knowledge of Masonic history reverse side of the Great Seal of the United States,
and principles, even among some leaders within which is, in turn, imprinted on the reverse side of
the membership. Joshua Gunn, 32, a professor the US one-dollar bill. It is arched under the pyra-
of communication studies and author of works mid, which is capped by the all-seeing eye encased
on the occult, in an article in the 2007 edition within an equilateral trianglesymbols associated
of Heredom (Vol. 15), the official publication with Freemasonry. The Great Seal of the United
of The Scottish Rite Research Society, stated, States first appeared on the dollar bill in 1935
. . . downplaying the secrecy of Masonic prac- under President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who was a
tice and ritual may be more detrimental to Freemason. The Great Seal was, of course, designed
our fraternity than many realize. during the few years immediately following the
Declaration of Independence by several early
Naturally, as in all fraternities, business meetings American leaders, including Benjamin Franklin,
and degree work of the various Masonic bodies are a devoted Freemason.
open only to fully initiated members. But is Free-
masonry what is called a secret society? The term These things help to contribute to the suspicion
often conveys a rather adverse connotation. Refer- of those misinformed souls who think the order is
ence books describe a secret society as performing involved with such a sinister scheme. If there were
some of the same practices as does Freemasonry: such an elite coterie with such a world changing
rituals, including secret initiations; oaths; signs of plan, they would have to be frighteningly power-
recognition; inculcation of the orders mysteries, ful, indeed. The problem for the critics regarding
often by use of symbolism. It seems the problem that latin phrase is that it actually translates as a
defining it has to do with the purpose of such an new order of the ages, meaning the establishment
of the new independent nation-state of the United

14 February 2017/The Northern Light

Freemasonry was created for such worthy causes
as the advancement of universal Brotherhood and
charitable activities, as well as the inculcation of
its teachings and philosophy.
States of America by the Founding Fathers. By masonry. Today, such actions taken against some-
the way, the other latin phrase, Annuit Coeptis, one making the threats that Morgan made would
which is arched over the triangle, is translated He appear to be way beyond the pale, indeed, consid-
(God) has favored our undertakings. Both these ering the seemingly widespread lack of earnestness
phrases are taken from Virgils Ecologues. among members toward the fraternity, especially
the ideological and philosophical aspects of it.
The William Morgan Affair of the 1820s
caused certainly one of the biggest furors involving It should be pointed out here, too, that
Masonic secrets in the history of the fraternity. there has been an abundance of other exposs
Freemasonry was decimated. As a result, in fact, of Masonic rituals throughout much of the frater-
a new political party, the Anti-Masonic Party, nitys history, all without incident, as far as it is
was formed. There were those who even called the known. Very shortly after the founding of the
order the anti-Christ. The affair occurred nearly Grand Lodge of England, in 1717, in both Great
two centuries ago, and has perhaps been adequately Britain and France, as well as in America, a num-
covered, but for the purpose of discussing Masonic ber of exposs were printed, some of which were
secrecy, it is important to rehash it here. distributed in the form of tracts. Even during
the last several decades, publications have come
In 1826, in Batavia, NY, William Morgan mys- out harshly disparaging the order, including some
teriously disappeared after threatening to publicize written by former candidates who withdrew from
Masonic secretsinitiatory rites in particular the initiatory process after being appalled by the
after being rejected, it is said, from membership symbolic penalties of the oaths. The oaths and
in a Royal Arch body. Suspicions were that he was other esoterically abstruse parts of the rituals point
kidnapped and murdered because of his threats, to one of the reasons for the secrecy. Unfortunately,
although nothing was proven one way or another of course, there was, is, and always will be that
despite the fact that extensive investigations were perennial liability of a prospective candidate getting
made into the affair. Morgan lived in Canada for a in the door who should not be in to begin with, as
time and may or may not have been a member of such individuals could be inclined to bring open
the fraternity up there, but there is no evidence of condemnation and ridicule to Freemasonry.
his ever having been a member of a lodge in
the United States. It is believed, however, that he The concerns relating to Masonic secrecy
made money as an itinerant lecturer on Masonry addressed here up to this point are really rather
when back in the states. secondary. We shall now examine the nitty-gritty
of fraternal secrecythe hows and whys of
Morgan was thought of by many as being a secrecy. A most important matter of Masonic cul-
rather shady character, a heavy drinker, a deadbeat, ture that seems to be discussed not nearly enough
having intermittently spent time in jail, and made is Freemasonrys connection with the Ancient
enemies easilycertainly possessing character Mysteries. Upon perusal of just a small cross-
flaws quite unbecoming of a Mason. It certainly section of the plethora of books and articles written
is not beyond the realm of possibility that his dis- about Freemasonry, one would be hard put to deny
appearance and alleged murder were perpetrated the relationship of that fraternal organizations
by individuals having no connection at all to Free-

The Northern Light /February 2017 15

relationship to esoteric knowledge. It is mainly In chapter 130 of The Lost Symbol, Brown
due to the abstruse nature of its more sublime wrote: For Americas Masonic forefathers, the
teachings that there is so little discourse among Word had been the Bible. And yet few people
the fraternal Brethren involving the more mystical in history have understood its true message. This
and philosophical side of the fraternity. This, of chapter is just a little over one page long, but
course, is quite understandable. one should read all of it, for it contains a treasure
trove of wisdom and truth.
Masonic author George H. Steinmetz, in
his enlightening book, FreemasonryIts Hidden One of the phrases Brown uses in The Lost
Meaning, quoted another well-known Masonic Symbol that would make a serious student of
scholar J. D. Buck: It is in the ancient symbols of mysticism sit up and take notice is As Above, So
Freemasonry that its real secrets lie concealed, and Below. Until then, this axiom was almost entirely
these are as densely veiled to the Mason as to any unknown in the exoteric outside world. It appears
other, unless he has studied the science of symbol- to paraphrase what some theologians call the
ism in general, and Masonic symbols in particular. Third Petition of The Lords Prayer, Thy will be
Steinmetz then drops an even more striking J. D. done on earth as it is in heaven. To the mystic, the
Buck bombshell with the quote: The most pro- Christian mystic in particular, what both phrases
found secrets of Freemasonry are not revealed basically mean is that Gods spiritual power is
in the lodge at all. They belong to the few. around us and within us, as it is throughout the
infinite Universe. Another possible way to express
It would, perhaps, be remiss not to also make it would be to say that Gods invisible omnipotent
this point from a biblical aspect. After being asked and omnipresent spiritual energy is among us in
by His disciples why He spoke to the multitudes this vulnerably material world.
in parables, Jesus replied, Because it is given unto
you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of
heaven, but to them it is not given. (Matt. 13:10)
Gods invisible omnipotent and
Perhaps our next question, then, should be
just exactly what are the Ancient Mysteries, if we omnipresent spiritual energy
would even dare to ask? Despite the hundreds of
books on the philosophical teachings as well as
is among us in this vulnerably
history of Freemasonrymany of which are very material world.
well written and highly informativeit took a
book of fiction by a non-Mason to answer that
question to any really significant wide ranging An even more engaging subject broached in
effect. Dan Brown in his blockbuster novel, The The Lost Symbol is that of Noetics, a word derived
Lost Symbol, has probably revealed more about from the Greek word nous, meaning knowing
the so-called Ancient Mysteries and the kinship or inner knowing. There is actually an organiza-
of Freemasonry to them than any nonfiction book tion called the Institute of Noetic Sciences located
about the fraternity. When Browns greatly antici- in Petaluma, CA, which deals with the study of
pated book first came out in 2009, Random House the ability of the human mind to tap into the
initially printed 6.5 million copies. By 2014, there power that permeates our being as it permeates
were over 30 million copies worldwide. People like the infinite universe. In another narrational pas-
a good yarn, and Brown is a master of suspense. sage of the story, Brown explains: . . . the minds
If that is what it takes to make the truth known ability to affect the physical world could be aug-
and for readers to really pay attention, then so be mented through practice. Intention was a learned
it. Yes, it is a book of fiction, and it contains some skill. Like meditation, harnessing the true power
far-fetched episodes in order to sensationalize the of thoughtrequired practice. More important . . .
story, but Brown did amazingly extensive research some people were born more skilled at it than
on the interrelationship between the Ancient others. And throughout history, there had been
Mysteries, Freemasonry, and the Holy Bible. those few who had become true masters.

16 February 2017/The Northern Light

 Savants of mysticism and the occult believe tric power is available. There have been scholars
there have been civilizations in the distant past who have suspected that vestiges of certain natives
that have had a much greater knowledge of the possessing advanced knowledge in certain areas of
powers of the mind, such as the ancient Egyptians, America have existed in the not too distant past
Jewish Essenes, Chinese, and even some Native who had preserved their ancient customs in secret
colonies.

Just exactly what are the Freemasonry actually did exist prior to the
founding of the Grand Lodge of England in 1717.
Ancient Mysteries, if we During the last half of the 16th century and first
would even dare to ask? half of the 17th, there were a number of mystical
and scientific philosophers who are considered
to have had a strong influence on the development
American cultures as the Hopi and Mayan groups. of Freemasonry as we know itsuch men as Elias
This could account for their seeming advanced Ashmole, Robert Moray, John Dee, and Francis
knowledgement of certain sciences such as astron- Bacon, who was deeply involved with the Rosicru-
omy. By the way, amazingly enough, some symbols cians, and who was the author of The New Atlantis.
very similar to Masonic ones, have been found on It appears there is a strong likelihood that these
ancient stone structures of these ancient peoples. men were among the first of those who planned to
establish a mystical fraternal organization that would
Modern occult students also believe some have a wide appeal among the populace, i.e., a wa-
ancient adepts of psychic powers misused these tered down version of the Ancient Mystery schools.
forces for evil purposes, and that that is what lead
to the establishment of a secret initiatory system After long and serious examinations and dis-
in order to prevent these abuses from getting into cussions of Dan Browns The Lost Symbol, as well
the wrong hands. Secret signs, passwords, and as certain nonfiction books by Masonic authors, it
grips were also created somewhere along the line. would seem a gross injustice not to conclude that
The more profound secrets of nature, science, Freemasonry has some connectionas vague and
and art were not to be entrusted to the masses . . . , indirect as it may bewith mental and spiritual
explained Dr. H. Spencer Lewis in his book, development and is not just another social club.
The Complete History of the Rosicrucian Order. In At the same time, all Masons, even those who
the 1958 science fiction movie, The Fly, starring have received most or all Masonic degrees, could
Vincent Price, the character he portrayed ended possibly agree that there is nothing in any of the
the tragic story by saying, The search for the degrees that would be too dangerous to reveal
truth is the most dangerous work in the world. to the general public.

On a lighter note, there is the story of a lady In conclusion, we shall make what may seem
along a parade route jokingly yelling out to a like somewhat of a deviation from our topic
marching Commandery of Knights Templar, of Masonic secrecy, but really is not, by stating
Where is the Holy Grail? One of the Sir Knights another J. D. Buck quote that Steinmetz used that
retorted, We could tell you, but wed have to is perhaps even more relevant today than when
kill you. Back to the more serious side, there is it was stated over 100 years ago: There was never
a supposedly true story of a student of esoteric a greater need . . . never so great an opportunity
knowledge who attempted to approach a certain as now for Masonry to assume its true place. . . .
area in the Yucatan peninsula containing Mayan If the majority of Masons do not realize the true
ruins, being persuaded to turn back in a manner in significance and value of their possessions, there
which he felt physically threatened. There are vari- is all the more need for those who do to speak out
ous recorded accounts of similar but perhaps more in the face of discouragement and distraction, and
polite occurrences taking place in the foothills of do their utmost to demonstrate the truth.
Mount Shasta in northern California, where, also,
very strange lights have been seen where no elec-

The Northern Light /February 2017 17

 We are in the People-Brotherhood Business, Grand Commander

not in the Thing Business. Ronald A. Seale, 33,

is extremely grateful
Brothers All for the generous
support for the
The Baton Rouge Scottish Rite had four feet of water yesterday. Most of the Masonic Lodges Masons in Louisiana
in the area have suffered flooding. These are buildings that have things in themsome things from around the
that we cherish, but things. As Masons, we are in the people-brotherhood business, not in the country, including:
thing business. We have Brothers who are without homes, cars, clothes, food, work places, the Masonic Service
and churches, and do not know what today or tomorrow will bring. Many have lost almost Association of North
America; Scottish
everything.
Rite Foundation of
As the water begins to go down slowly, we need to remember who we are as Masons.
Missouri; and the
Caring for each other, offering assistance, and stretching forth that hand of charity is what Supreme Council, 33,
we do. We need to realize what we can offer as help, aid, and assistance. Northern Masonic
Photography courtesy Milford Lodge No. 117

William J. Mollere, 33, PGM, SGIG in Louisiana, From the Louisiana Scottish Rite Orient Express Jurisdiction. He
wants to particularly
acknowledge the NMJ
for reaching across
the jurisdictional
boundary and ex-
tending the hand of
fraternal assistance.

Milford Lodge No. 117, Baton Rouge, from the back. The building sustained 3.03.5 feet of water throughout.

Other college fraternities

The Greek Rite by Jace S. Gentil, MM (and sororities) with

I t would probably surprise many collegians and laymen to significant Masonic

influence in their
know that quite a few popular Greek Letter fraternities were founded by
founding include: Acacia,
Freemasons. The idea of fraternity was established in 1750, with the formation
Alpha Phi Alpha, Alpha
of the Flat Hat Club (FHC) at the College of William and Mary, a secret
Phi Omega, Alpha Tau
society which was literary and social in nature, but not Greek-lettered.
Omega, Delta Tau Delta,
On Dec. 5, 1776, a group of students at William and Mary decided to establish an organiza-
Delta Zeta, Kappa Alpha,
tion unlike any other fraternal group on campus. It was dedicated to the promotion of friendship
Kappa Sigma, Lambda
as its basis and benevolence and literature as its pillars. The society would eventually be named
Chi Alpha, Omega Psi
the Phi Beta Kappa Society, a fraternity that many credit with the tradition of naming American Phi symbol (pictured
college societies after initials of secret Greek mottos, or Greek-letter fraternities. left), Phi Beta Sigma, Phi
While the principal founder, John Heath, was not a Mason (as he was 15 years of age at Omega Pi, Pi Kappa Phi,
the time), another co-founder, Thomas Smith belonged to Williamsburg Lodge No. 6, before Sigma Alpha Chi, Sigma
he joined Heath as a founding member of Phi Beta Kappa. Within the next year, nine of the Mu Sigma, Sigma Nu,
founding members were raised as Master Masons. and Tau Kappa Epsilon.

You can find the full text of these articles in the Sept/Oct & Nov/Dec online edition of The Scottish
Rite Journal at www.scottishrite.org or via the app available in the Apple and Google stores.
BROTHERS
on the NET

Your medical records are secure.

Yeah, right! Leigh E. Morris, 33

I f you have ever received any sort of

health care service, you are at risk of
becoming a victim of a rapidly growing
So, what can you do to protect
yourself?
Guard your Social Security
EOBsWe all despise explanation
of benefit statements, but these must
be reviewed. Contact the provider and
but under-reported cyber threat numberIf you are not a Medicare insurer if you spot an error or something
medical identity theft. beneficiary, nevergive a health care that just doesnt seem right.
Lets consider some key risk factors. provider your Social Security number. Beware of phone calls and
Medicare beneficiariesYour NEVER! No matter what they may emailsMany people fall victim
Medicare number also is your Social tell you, they dont need it. to scammers claiming to represent
Security number. What an incredibly Secure your Medicare/Social Medicare, an insurer, hospital or other
stupid idea! That number opens the Security cardsNever routinely carry provider. Never give any ID number
door to every imaginable sort of fraudu- your Social Security or Medicare cards. or other sensitive information. Instead,
lent activity. Legislation enacted in 2015 If you are visiting a provider for the first contact the provider to see if they
requires the U.S. Department of Health time, bring your Medicare card and then need any information.
& Human Services to issue Medicare put it away when you return home. And Destroy unneeded records
cards that do not use Social Security I cant think of a good reason to ever Many (maybe most) people simply toss
numbers to both new and existing carry a Social Security card. into the trash old health care bills, insur-
beneficiaries. However, it will be many Insurance cardsIf you lose it, ance statements, EOBs and other health
years before this process is completed. immediately report the loss and insist care information. If possible, burn these
Another stupid idea. You can help the insurer issue a new card with a papers. Otherwise, shred before dis-
correct this deficiency by contacting new IDnumber. posing. This goes for all old bills, salary
your congressman and senators to Other IDDo not allow providers stubs, bank statements and so on.
demand this process be speeded up. to make copies of your drivers license, Being a pragmatic skeptic, I know
ChildrenThieves target children company IDor other types of ID. These most people do little to nothing when it
because fraud often goes undetected are prized by thieves. Never have your comes to electronic security. I suppose
until years later when the grown child drivers license or Social Security num- people tend to believe it wont happen
needs to obtain credit. ber printed on your checks. to them. Besides, taking precautions
Frequent patientsThe more you Dont shareResist the temptation takes extra effort.
use the health care system, the bigger to put health care information of any I hope you will not be one of them.
target you become in the event of a data sort on a social media site, such as your I trust you will take this issue seriously.
breach. Facebook page. I dont even like the I cant guarantee you will never become
Social media site usersThose idea of sharing it in texts and emails. a victim of medical identity theft, but I
who put a lot of personal information on Get copiesEvery time you receive can assure you that you will be a less
social media sites are more likely to be a health care service, obtain an updated appealing target since thieves like to
targeted. Thieves can gather all that per- copy of your medical records. Review go after the low hanging fruit.
sonal information and link it with health and have errors immediately corrected. And dont forget to get your free
information. You become an even bigger Not only do these records belong to annual credit report from Experian,
target if you put any sort of health care you, updated records can help prove TransUnion and Equifax by visiting
information on these sites, as so many do. your records were altered by thieves. annualcreditreport.com. Stagger your
Even if you dont fit in one of the above If you havent received a health care requests by going to one credit bureau,
categories, you still are at risk. No elec- service within a 12-month period, get then the next bureau four months later
tronic file is 100 percent secure. Period. a copy of your records to make certain and so on. Check for fradulent new
The Ponemon Institute estimates they are accurate. accounts and other irregularities.
there were 2.3 million medical identity Patient portalAsk your physician As always, I welcome your questions,
theft victims in 2014, an increase of 21.7 or clinic if you can access your own comments and great thoughts. Just
percent from 2013. While statistics are records online through a patient portal. fire off an email to me at my new email
not yet available, the number of victims Never access a portal on a mobile address: [email protected].
in 2016 most likely exceeds 3 million. device through public WiFi.

The Northern Light /February 2017 19

Helping Our Brothers and
Their Families in Louisiana
By Linda Patch

I
n August 2016, your Scottish Rite pledged more than $1 million in disaster relief to help To date, your Scottish Rite
Freemasons affected by the massive flooding in Louisiana. The crisis is described by the has made the following
American Red Cross as the worst natural disaster in the United States since Hurricane assistance available to
Sandy in 2012. Masons in Louisiana:
The incomprehensible level of destruction in Louisiana has damaged or destroyed more $1 million for rebuilding
than 40,000 homes, said Sovereign Grand Commander John Wm. McNaughton. Many of assistance
our Brother Masons and their families are among the 70,000 persons displaced in this disaster.
In response to the crisis, the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction issued $100,000 in debit cards $150,000 in debit cards
that were distributed immediately to Freemasons with urgent needs, such as food and clothing. for urgent needs such
as food and clothing
During Hurricane Sandy, we learned that accessing cash is a real problem for the displaced,
said Grand Commander McNaughton. Our Brothers in Louisiana who are leading the $158,000 in materials
Masonic relief efforts advised us that the same was true in this situation, so we responded. distribution
Many of our Brothers and their families remain without homes, cars, clothes, food, work-
$ 7,400 in bottled water
places, or churches. They still do not know what tomorrow will bring. Many have lost
almost everything.
The need in Louisiana continues to prove so great that, as of December, the Supreme
Council will have issued an additional $50,000 in relief through debit cards. A pledge
of $1 million is designated for construction and rebuilding
efforts. The news of the storm is becoming a distant
memory for many of us. Recovery, however, is expected
to take months, if not years. We will work closely and
deliberately with the Southern Jurisdiction to ensure
these funds are used to help our Brothers put their
lives back together, said the Grand Commander.
The Northern Masonic Jurisdiction also organized
a large shipment of bottled water and other supplies
to be sent to the ravaged area. Several tractor trailers
loaded with drywall have also been delivered.
William J. Mollere, First Grand Equerry, S.G.I.G.,
Louisiana, said, The Northern Masonic Jurisdiction
has been incredible in its generosity to our area. The
building materials have been a godsend. It allows us
to put boots on the ground, and help people actually
rebuild their homes. Latest estimates tell us that
158,000 homes and 7,000 businesses are still flooded.
Some churches and schools remain closed. Too many
businesses are just quitting, which leaves people
without work, and further complicating the prob-
lems. We are slowly climbing back, but it will
take longer than originally thought.
So what does it mean to receive this kind of
aid in a crisis? Here is one eloquent thank you
representative of so many received. Think about
how, together, we are doing so much good.
STAMPACT

instead to pursue a career as an intel-

lectual, studying and later writing on a
broad range of topics, including educa-
tion, history, literature, and sociology. His Robert A. Domingue
vision and political skill led to the revival
of the Olympic Games which had been
practiced in antiquity.He helped orga-
nize the 1894 Congress in Paris and the WILLEM PIJPER
James Cleveland Jesse Owens
1896 Athens Olympic Games. He took The Netherlands
is pictured on a stamp issued by the US
over the IOC Presidency in 1896, and issued a semi-
in 1990. Bro. Owens was a member of
the Olympic Games have come to be postal stamp
King David Lodge No. 100, Prince Hall
regarded as the worlds foremost sports in 1954, which
Grand Lodge of Illinois.
competition. The Pierre de Coubertin pictures Willem
Born James Cleveland Owens in
medalis an award given by the Inter- Pijper. He was
1913, he was five years old when his
national Olympic Committeeto those a member of the
family moved to Cleveland, Ohio. His
athletesthat demonstrate the spirit of Lodge De Drie
new teacher asked his name for the roll
sportsmanshipin the Olympic Games. Kolommem in
book and misunderstood the J.C. as
He died in 1937 in Geneva, Switzerland. Rotterdam being initiated on June 16,
Jesse and that nickname stuck with
him for the rest of his life. He had a 1938, and passed on April 24, 1940.
passion for running and attributed the
Bro. Arnold Masonic work was not possible during
success of his athletic career to the
Daniel the German occupation and the Lodge
encouragement of his junior high track
Palmer Temple was destroyed. After the war
recently passed the lodge used the temple of the Lodge
coach. He first came to national atten-
away on Sep- Silentium in Delft where he was raised
tion when he was a student at East
tember 25, 2016 on April 18, 1946. He was of the opinion
Technical High School in Cleveland
in Pittsburgh, PA. that good music during an Initiation is of
where he equaled the world record
He was raised to great value and for this reason he com-
100-yard dash. He attended Ohio State
the sublime degree of Master Mason in posed his last work, his Six Adagioes
University and became known as the
Loyalhanna Lodge No. 275 in Latrobe, for the fraternity.
Buckeye Bullet winning a record eight
PA in 1958. He remained an active He was born in 1894 in Zeist,
individual NCAA Championships, four
member there throughout his life and Utrecht, with delicate health. As a child
each in 1935 and 1936. At the 1936
was also a 33 Scottish Rite Mason. He he was taught by a private teacher. He
Summer Olympics in Berlin, Germany,
was honored on a stamp issued had to struggle with this handicap all his
he won international fame with four
by the Democratic Republic of the life. He studied music theory and piano
gold medals.
Congo in 2003. and became a music critic for the
Born in 1929in Latrobe, PA, he Utrecht Tagblatt from 191823. In 1926
Pierre de
learned golf from his father, who had he became director of the Utrecht Wind
Frdy, Baron
suffered from polioat a young age Sextet and was prominent as a music
de Coubertin
and was a professional greens keeper. teacher both at Amsterdam High School
is pictured on
He attended Wake Forest Collegeon and the Amsterdam Conservatory. In
a stamp issued
a golf scholarship but left to enlist in the 1925 he became editor of Die Muzick
by France
United States Coast Guard, where he which is the most important music jour-
in November 1956. He was an active
served for three years and had some nal in Holland. He has probably done
Freemason from his days at Oxford Uni-
time to continue to hone his golf skills. more for modern Dutch music than any
versity where he was initiated in Apollo
Palmer returned to college and compe- other person in his various capacities as
University Lodge No. 357, Oxford,
titive golf. His win in the 1954 U.S. composer, teacher, editor and writer. As
England in 1890.
Amateurmade him decide to try the pro a composer he first attracted attention
Born in 1863 in Paris, his parents
tour for a while and traveled the circuit when his First Violin Sonata was per-
enrolled him in a Jesuit school at the
for 1955. Palmers first tour win (in his formed in England in 1921. He wrote
age of eleven where they hoped he
rookie season) was the 1955 Canadian three symphonies, three string quartets,
would adopt a strong moral and reli-
Open andhis first major championship two piano trios, various chamber music
gious education.He was among the top
win at the 1958 Masters Tournment. He and several choral works. He died in
three students in his class and was an
won the PGA Tour Lifetime Achievement March 1947 in Utrecht.
officer of the schools elite academy
Awardin 1998, and in 1974 was one of
made up of its best and brightest. As an
the 13 original inductees into the World
aristocrat, he had several career paths
Golf Hall of Fame.
from which to choose, but he chose

The Northern Light /February 2017 21

BOOKNOOK

Reviewed by John A. Amarilios usual emphasis on rote memorization of ritual (at least
in my jurisdiction) unfortunately sets aside such concerns
The Genius of Freemasonry with, at best, some cursory abbreviated treatment.

I f you are a Brother who is actively seeking more light

in Masonry or have embarked on the path of the great
work, this book will prove to be a very useful guide. The
The book, amongst its 13 essays, further explores and
explains the historical context of Freemasonry necessary
to appreciate the cultural background from which Free-
book is a compilation of essays which were originally masonry developed and emerged, and a thorough treat-
assembled in 1935, and reissued in 1946 by the Grand ment of Masonic virtues. Lastly, having been originally
Lodge of Georgia under the issued by the Grand Lodge of Georgia, there is a treatment
title of Leaves from Georgia of officers duties, visitation, and relief, as well as a thorough
Masonry. Written by a num- and riveting history of Freemasonry in that jurisdiction,
ber of Past Grand Masters amongst other relevant topics.
of that state, the materials
contained therein are time- This book is a gem and belongs in any Freemasons
less and invaluable to those library who seeks Masonic light and is on the path of per-
seeking to effectuate the sonal transformation. It will serve as an excellent guide to
promise of Freemasonry the process and its timeless explanations will provide most
transmutation into the high- seekers with a number of eureka moments. A thoroughly
est expression of man that satisfying read for any soul seeking to manifest dominion
one can be. over this lifes dross!

Anyone who enjoys read-

ing and being exposed to wisdom will find that the pages Reviewed by Robert W. Bruneau
contained in this diminutive tome will simply melt away.
There is veritable gold contained in these pages that can Stolen Legacy
serve as a syllabus to any person seeking to systematically
By George G.M. James. Published originally in 1954. Republished
improve himself through the process of symbolism that in 1989 by Conquering Books. Available at Amazon.com.
Freemasonry openly offers to her members. The first essay

F
is especially instructive in that it outlines the process by or those of us who engage in a deep study of Masonry
which Freemasonry is the subjugation of the Human that and who feel that it is actually a study of the philosophy
is in Man by the Divine: The conquest of the Appetites of life, a study of the nature, purpose, and life of man,
and Passions by the Moral Sense and Reason. These are I would like to recommend this book to you.
not mere hollow condescending words. What you are
given here is the very process of accomplishing this work, Keeping in mind that the obvious, apparent, goal of
laid out for anyone who can hear what is being revealed this book is what I would consider a cultural impossibility
in these very valuable pages. at least at this time and certainly within the framework of
the time period in which it was written, but it does amplify
This is one of the best and most through expositions what we as Masons allude to when we refer to the ancient
of the subtle and sub rosa concepts embedded in Free- mysteries.
masonic Symbolism and its Degree work. The process
of personal transmutation which is gifted to every man Within the fraternity we express notions of the arts
who is Initiated, Passed and eventually Raised, is also out- and sciences to further our learning of the aspects of nature
lined and delved into with equal dexterity. This is what and quote the ancient mysteries as the source of a great
makes this book unfortunately so unique it outlines and deal of our teachings, but there is little to no identification
explains the systemic organization and transformative of just what those mysteries are nor of what they actual
potential contained within the system of symbolism one consist.
encounters in each of the blue lodge degrees, whereas the

22 February 2017/The Northern Light

 We delve in the higher metaphysical doctrines of Reviewed by: Caleb William Haines
the ancient mysteries of unknown mystery schools to the
accepted schools of Socrates, Plato, Aristotle and other House Reunited
Greek philosophers, but where did these ancient schools Civil War-Aftermath-Brotherhood
exist?
By Allen E. Roberts. Published in 1996 for the Masonic Service
Greece was founded 800 B.C. to 500 B.C. and the Association of the United States by Anchor Communications.
famous philosophers of Greece have very few biographies

H
except historical comments on travel to Egypt to be ouse Reunited chronicles the selfless acts of Brother
schooled in the Ancient Mysteries. It is even said by Masons after the war; Brotherhood is the clear and
some that Moses and Jesus lived and were taught the resounding message. However, I have to say that I was
Ancient Mysteries in Egypt. disappointed with the scale of this work in comparison
to its predecessor House Undivided. This book serves
The Egyptian theory of salvation and the relationship more as a guide of identify-
of man to God was a subject of study within a system of ing the Masons who had
schools in which the subjects were transmitted by word important roles in the post
of mouth and were for most purposes kept secret. Even war period than an astute
the great hero of Masonry, Pythagoras, a native of Samos depiction of the depth of
travelled frequently to Egypt for the purpose of education. involvement and instead
The Greek philosophers flourished after the conquest focuses on the push to im-
of Egypt by Alexander the Great and the discovery of peach Johnson by Radical
the libraries of Alexander and Thebes, the Menephtheion Republicans.
which was completed by Rameses II. I strongly advise that
This book seeks to explain that what we, as Masons, this work should not be
seek to maintain is the mystery schools of Egypt and read until after reading
that the knowledge handed down over centuries had its Roberts 326-page House
genesis in Ancient Egypt. This book will take you on a Undivided. Without its companion, it would seem
journey from the mystery schools of Egypt to the teach- underwhelming and deficient. Some may perceive House
ings of their priest and their system to the teachings Reunited as remedial and lacking the scholarly value
of the Greek philosophers to the teachings of todays of its predecessor, but perhaps that is what Roberts in-
Masons, or at least what we profess to teach, why we tended. What is merit-worthy is that it serves to prompt
teach in the manner that we allegedly teach, and how authors inspired by Roberts work to further research
it came to us from Egypt through Greece through the Reconstruction Era.
the Hebrews and why so much of the weaving of our If you are an overly critical intellectual this work
teachings is convoluted and misunderstood. will not appeal to you. If you are like me you will find it
Drawing from the various similarities with the teach- redeeming that someone has made an attempt to honor
ings of these mystery schools, their protocol and secrecy those Brethren who came to assist each other. If you
to the alleged teachings of Freemasonry and the genesis are interested in Civil War and post-Civil War Masonic
of the things we attempt to inculcate to our initiates history Roberts House Undivided and House Reunited
becomes evident that the birthplace of our philosophy are great sources of information, for the authors writings
was indeed Egypt. Keeping in mind that Egypt has display unbiased characteristics of a true Friend and
been in existence for well over 7,000 years and Greece Brother Eternal.
less than 3,000 years.

The Northern Light /February 2017 23

HEALTHWISE
Sleep deprivation can build up tinib and Tofacitinib, have been tested actually makes you more sleepy and
In the United States, sleep depriva- in cases of Alopecia Areata, but new groggy.
tion is now considered a public health trials will test their effects on male The extra sleep you are getting
epidemic. The Centers for Disease pattern baldness. Alopecia Areata is is fragmented, Rosenberg told CNN.
Control (CDC) estimate that 50 million the sudden loss of hair in patches. You are starting a new sleep cycle, but
to 70 million people are affected by In fact, hair growth in the case of you wont have time to finish it in the
disorders of sleep or wakefulness. Alopecia was a surprise side effect in ten minutes before the alarm goes
When a person gets less sleep a Yale study on plaque psoriasis. At off again.
than he or she needs, over time, that the end of the seven-month study, The result is called sleep inertia
deprivation builds up and can cause one patient who had not shown hair that groggy, disoriented feeling upon
serious problems. growth for seven years ended up waking. It can take an hour and a half
Six signs of sleep deprivation: with a full head of hair. to recover from this disorientation.
The signs of sleep deprivation can The drugs are promising, but trials, Even a shower or coffee wont help
range from mildly annoying to serious, expected to be completed in 2016, much, Rosenberg says.
affecting just one person, or the lives are still incomplete. According to the Wall Street
of many. Some of the signs that theres On the scale of fake promises, hair Journals Dan Ariely, the best plan is to
a sleep issue going on include the regrowth has to be in the top ten, right get up at the alarm and stay up. In a
following: behind miracle weight loss pills. From few months, it will become automatic.
1. Lack of enjoyment in activities herbal supplements to laser hair brushes,
that one usually finds enjoyable. the claims to cure are legion, but the
2. Difficulty in communicating clearly results are sketchy to non-existent. Cellphones and cancer?
3. Sleepiness during daily activities. Medications like Rogaine and
Links between brain tumors and cell-
4. Slow reaction times. Propecia can regrow hair in cases of
phones have not been established,
5. Trouble with decision making. Alopecia. The treatment is lifelong. But
but new research suggests there might
6. Irritability and anger. people can see some results in three
be a connection.
The National Institutes of Health to four months.
Rats developed cancer after being
(NIH) suggests that adults, including Speak to a doctor and do your
subjected to full-body radiation of the
the elderly, get between 78 hours of research before you choose a hair
type that cellphones emit. This is the
sleep, while teenagers need approxi- loss treatment.
finding by the National Toxicology
mately 910 hours of sleep each night. Project, or NTP, which was the lead
School-aged children need at least 10 agency in this two-year study.
hours a day. The amount of sleep that Hitting snooze? After being exposed to radiation for
an individual requires varies, depending You set the alarm for 7 a.m. but you nine hours a day for two years, about
on factors such as age, activity level, hit the snooze button a couple of times three percent of male rats developed
and other health issues. before you actually get up. cancerous tumors of the brain. No
According to Robert S. Rosenberg, rats in the control group (who received
medical director of the Sleep Disorders no radiation) had tumors. About one
Hope for baldness cure Centers of Arizona, this bad habit percent of female rats developed a
When it comes to hair, three truths brain cancer.
stand out: Many people have lost it, But, surprisingly, the control group
many want it back, and the person of rats died sooner than irradiated rats.
who invents that cure will have According to Scientific American,
plenty of customers. researcher Christopher Potier, who
According to the Hair Society, about launched these studies while he was
35 million men, and 21 million women at the NTP, the study definitely showed
suffer from hair loss. causation between tumors and cell-
The best hope is two new drugs phones.
that have been demonstrated to grow Salvatore Insinga, a neurosurgeon
thick, normal hair in mice. at Northwell Healths Neuroscience
Reported in 2015 in the journal, Institute in Manhasset, NY, told CNN
Science Advances, two drugs, approved that the findings pointed to a need for
by the FDA for other uses, have been more research. Insinga said there was
demonstrated to grow coats of hair on not enough data to advise people
bald mice in just ten days. The drugs to cut their cellphone use.
are enzyme inhibitors that reawaken A second report is expected this year.
the hair follicles from their resting state
to their active state. The drugs, Ruxoli-

24 February 2017/The Northern Light

 Harry Davis Painting
Helps Tour Guides Tell Cathedrals Story
By JIM KEATING, 32

T he Valley of Indianapolis owns an original Harry

Davis painting of its magnificent home, the Indianap-
olis Scottish Rite Cathedral. The building, is considered
one of Americas premier examples of Neo-Gothic archi-
tecture and one of the largest buildings in the world
devoted to the Freemasonry. It was designed by Scottish
Rite Mason George F. Schreiber and completed between
1927 and 1929. It is known for its distinctive limestone
exterior, luxurious interior wood paneling, marble stone-
work, and sparkling art glass windowsreplete with
Masonic symbolism.

Harry Davis is a well-known Indiana artist whose

works include dozens of important regional scenes and
architectural landmarks. Born 1914, Davis became well
known for his painting during World War II, when he
worked as a combat artist. Among the best known is
his iconic painting of American GIs passing the Arc
de Triomphe in Paris in the closing days of the war.

Following the war Davis returned to Indiana and all we see. But the instant an actor appears, our attention
began a long career painting and teaching at the Heron is diverted, and the scene recedes into the background.
School of Fine Arts, where he worked until his death
The canvas is on display in the Baxter Room, located
in 2006.
adjacent to the Tilers Room and just off of the cathedral
Much of his later work was done in a pointillist that lobby. The tour guides work Tuesday to Friday and on
gave his work a timeless, dream-like quality. third Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Tours are
open to the public at no charge, and parking is free.
The cathedral is easily recognizable in the painting.
Davis placed his easel so he could capture the entire front The Harry Davis painting of the Indianapolis Scottish
of the building which is 330 feet in length and 212 feet Rite Cathedral is created in the pointillist style. Davis was
from street level to the top of the bell tower. a prominent Indianapolis painter whose works have been
prominently recognized since the 1940s.
Artistically the painting is interesting because there are
no people in it. There were once vigorous debates among These details of the front of the building are taken
impressionist painters on the role of human figures in art. from the Harry Davis painting of the Indianapolis Scot-
Some, including Claude Monet, argued that figures dis- tish Rite Cathedral. The pointillist style is evident in the
tracted from the main purpose of the painting. They sug- way he used dots and dabs of paint in a manner that they
gested that paintings are like a theatrical setting. Before blend together when seen from a distance, thus creating
actors arrive on the scene, we notice the sets, and that is an impressionistic rendering of the subject.

The Northern Light /February 2017 25

VIEWS FROM THE PAST
Quotations selected from the past may not
necessarily represent todays viewpoint

How Firm is Ancient not claim to possess any patent pill for the evils of human-
ity, nor does it propose to build a Utopian State of political
Masonry Today? freedom and economic happiness.

W ith the present trend in lack of attendance, lack of Masonry is not for social fellowship, although that form
interest among officers and members, and a steady and in many instances, is a prominent part of it. It is not
decrease in membership in the fraternity, the members of constituted for the exercise of benevolence only, although
the craft are prone to wonder just how firm is our founda- that occupies no insignificant place, both in the precepts
tion and how strong can the organization remain with this and practices. It teaches no science, yet science holds an
situation as it is at the present time. Each year we seem to important position in it. It favors no philosophic school,
becoming more weak, more inattentive, and less concerned yet a profound philosophy permeates its system of symbol-
about the tenets of Masonry. The trend appears to be gen- ism. It instructs in no special art, yet in it all arts are hon-
eral throughout the entire Masonic world, however, there ored. It has no religious creed, yet religion forms its foun-
is still hope that one day it will be rebuilt again and become dation and crowns its principles. It is not the product
strong and firmfor Masonry offers the Trestleboard of of any age, nor the work of any nation. It is the evolution
life which is governed by rules and designs in spite of its and growth of centuries and has received recognition from
antiquity. many diverse races and peoples. All of these make up the
Looking back on history and ancient times we ask is strength of Masonrys foundation and all are the rules
there a nation intact today that has lived since the time and designs taken from the Book of Light.
of the building of King Solomons Temple? Not one. So, while great men shall argue over what they call
Hundreds have risen to power and disintegrated through the complicated problems of peace, let us not be deluded.
the confusions they brought upon themselves in trying Justice, righteousness, mercy and love, are simple, clear and
to keep the evils that grew up within them. Their hopes, plain. Masonrys relation to life is that of light to darkness
prides, ambitions and deeds lie buried in ashes of antiquity. which makes its foundation firm, lasting and trueif we
We also ask, but what about the noble fraternity of will it so.
Masonry? Nations have bestowed honors, degrees, titles M. A. Stillwaugh, Square & Compass, Feb. 1965
and rank since time immemorial. All have been swept away
in the constantly rising tides of human avarice, passion and
greed. Yet, Masonry itself and the honors conferred by it Masonic Ideals *
A
should stand more firmly today than ever before. Masonry n ideal has been defined as a conception proposed
has not changed. The whirlpools of hate and the torrents of by the mind for imitation, realization or attainment.
war constantly threatenthe same now as in times before Another definition is, a standard or model of perfection
and yet it stood immovable and fixed. Why is this so? or duty.
Again the answer is simple. The Masonry we practice Masonry in ancient times was chiefly concerned in the
or should practicewas erected according to the rules laid erection of dwellings or structures for mans use; but now
down by the Supreme Architect of the Universe in the its work is circumscribed to the building of character or the
Book of Life. attainment of ideals. Its purpose is to develop the highest
We hope we can always say that our foundation is firm usefulness of the individual. A Mason is taught that he
let us never forget this. Our purpose is to be of service to should become the possessor of useful knowledge which
our fellow man and to our country. Masonry does not exist should be applied to the discharge of all the duties he owes
to combat any particular evil, to solve a special problem,
to advance any particular cult, to probate any precise
dogma in the outer world, nor does it exist to satisfy mans * Response to toast by Grand Master Grove at banquet of Seattle Lodge,
revenge, hatred and ambition for power. Masonry does No. 164, Seattle, July 7, 1908.

26 February 2017/The Northern Light

to God and his fellow man with the hope that in old age he will be happy
in the thought that his time has been well spent and that his heritage is
QUOTABLES
that of immortality.
If we have high ideals we shall live good lives. It is not in our stars, but
in our ideals that our destinies lie. Freemasonry teaches us that we should Authority without wisdom is like a
labor to subdue our passions. Hatred, malice, lust and envy must never heavy axe without an edge, fitter to
become our masters. Freemasonry teaches the equality of man and that bruise than polish.
the whole world is one great family. It has attracted the artist, the student, Anne Bradstreet
the poet, the peasant, the statesman and the monarch. Its underlying
and eternal principles and ideals have united men of every country and A mind always employed is always
opinion and conciliated the truest friendship among them. happy. This is the true secret, the grand
Kingdoms have risen and fallen; monuments of mans greatness have recipe, for felicity.
crumbled into dust; ages of wars and revolutions have passed away, but Thomas Jefferson
Freemasonry notwithstanding has still survived, substantially unchanged
in aim and end. Work isnt to make money; you work to
Royal A. Grove, The Tyler-Keystone, July 20, 1908 justify life.
Marc Chagall

Just A Few Random Thoughts I object to violence because, when

A s you all know, our Masonic ritual stresses the point that charity does it appears to do good, the good is
not consist alone in the giving of alms, feeding the poor and relieving only temporary; the evil it does is
their distresses. permanent.
We should be more charitable of the faults and frailties of others. There Mohandas K. Gandhi
may be something back of every misdemeanor of which we know nothing
we are never quite charitable enough. You cannot shake hands with a
Often we should sympathize with a man who does a wrong rather than clenched fist.
censure him. Golda Meir
If we carefully analyze our conduct we shall see that we really need
charity for many of our tendencies, and we should be big enough to grant There is nothing in a caterpillar that
to others every favor we ask for ourselves. tells you its going to be a butterfly.
It all reverts to a narrowness of vision, and that seems to be a part of Richard Buckminster Fuller
human nature. We should strive to become broadminded. We allow our
vision to become altogether too circumscribed and consequently permit Vegetables are a must on a diet. I
the smaller things of life to assume too much importance. If we could
suggest carrot cake, zucchini bread, and
learn that many of the things that annoy us and cause us much unhappi-
pumpkin pie.
ness are so very inconsequential. Few of them are fundamental, and yet we
Jim Davis
foolishly permit them to interfere with our peace of mind. To be sweet and
serene in the face of all sorts of annoyance is to gain the secret happiness.
Then, if we are happy, we can laugh. You only have to be right once.
Laughter is the balm that eases the sorrows of men and lets the Drew Houston
sunlight into their souls. It spreads a gleam of brightness over the rippling
rivers of life and flashes back a glow of joy for every human heart. It eases A fanatic is one who cant change his
the stress and strain of existence. It breaks the chilly ice of reserve, and mind and wont change the subject.
even beats down the rising tide of resentment, suspicion and hate. It is Winston Churchill
truly the quintessence of happiness which is so greatly needed in our
lives today. Family faces are magic mirrors looking
Let us cultivate the habit of being more charitable and we will be at people who belong to us, we see the
well on the road to happiness. past, present, and future.
Charles V. Rice, 33, Chicago Scottish Rite Magazine, April, 1946 Gail Lumet Buckley

The Northern Light /February 2017 27

TODAYSFAMILY
Happy spoke words of praise in both neutral Generation Huh?
Research finds life gets better with age and higher-pitched (happy) sounds. The wired-up, linked in earbud genera-
Your odds of being happy increase With neutral words only the left side tion is becoming deaf faster than any
five percent every ten years, one of the brains lit up under the scanner. previous generation, experts say.
researcher says. Older people are just With happy, tonal sounds only the According to The World Health
happier overall. right side of the brain lit up. This is the Organization, 1.1 billion young people
Yang Yang, a University of Chicago same way humans process language, are at risk of hearing loss because of
sociologist, interviewed a sample of according to Wired.com. smartphones, electronic dance music
Americans from 1972 to 2004, aged When praise was spoken in words festivalsand the humble earbud.
18 to 88. About 28,000 people took with a happy tone, both regions of One estimate is that hearing loss
part. the brain lit up, suggesting the dog among todays teens is about 30
The findings? People perceive life knew the word and meaning. percent higher than in the 1980s
as better and are happier as they age. The researchers conclusion: and 1990s.
At age 88, 33 percent of people Language is not uniquely human. Exposure to sound over 85 decibels
reported being very happy. But at age can cause hearing loss. Earbuds alone
18, just 24 percent were very happy. Roaring fire, glass of wine . . . increase normal noise by nine decibels.
Wealth, race and economics play A crackling fire is a great place to Irreversible hearing damage can occur
roles in happiness during ones lifetime. gather and creates a relaxed vibe in any in minutes.
Wealthier white people are happier at home. But, if the chimney hasnt been A study published in 2014 by the
a younger age. Young blacks are less cleaned in years, its time to hire a Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary
happy. Bad economic times also corre- chimney sweeper. showed that nerve synapses could be
sponded with happiness, Yang found. The last thing you want is to end more vulnerable to damage than hair
But all those differences melted away up in a room full of smoke from a dirty cells in the inner ear. When young
as people aged. chimney, or worse, with a chimney fire animals were exposed to loud noise,
University of Chicago researcher that puts your home at risk. The Chim- even just once, they had accelerated
Benjamin Cornwell found that social ney Safety Institute of America recom- hearing loss later in life.
connection is the key to happiness mends that homeowners inspect a To protect yourself or your child
in later life. chimney and fireplace annually, and from hearing loss, apply the 60/60
Although older people do experience to clean open masonry fireplaces rule: Keep the volume on the MP3
the loss of friends and family, about when there is 1/8 inch of soot built player under 60 percent and only listen
75 percent of those aged 57 to 85 up, or more quickly if glaze has built for a maximum of 60 minutes a day.
have at least one social activity a week, up inside. Some smartphones allow parents to
according to Cornwells research pub- Youll want to ensure that the area lock sound volume with a password.
lished in the American Sociological inside the home around the fireplace is
Review. In fact, people in their 80s protected from soot. Cover all furniture Never turn left
were twice as likely to be social than and floors, if the company doesnt do Trucks owned by the largest shipping
people in their 50s. it for you. and logistics company in the world do
Older people also find contentment not turn left, most of the time anyway.
with their lives, accepting where their
According to UPS, about ten percent
lives have taken them.
of the time, it makes sense for UPS
One exception seems to be Baby
drivers to turn left, on quiet neighbor-
Boomers. Yang found that Boomers
hood roads, for example. But in 90
were often the least happy, trying to
percent of the cases, planning for a
achieve more as they age while not
right turn is safer and saves time and
accepting lifes accomplishments.
fuel.

Right turns are 10 times safer than
Your dog knows what you are saying a left turn. According to the National
A study from a Hungarian university Highway Traffic Safety Association,
seems to show that dogs understand more than 53 percent of crossing-path
what you are saying and how you crashes involve left turns; only 5.7
are saying it. percent involve right turns.
The research focused on family If avoiding a left turn takes you
dogs that were taught to stay down around the block, you are still more
for seven minutes without moving. Other th und me? efficient than idling in traffic, possibly
The dogs were then brain scanned, until the light changes again, accord-
and during the scan their owners ing to The Washington Post.

28 February 2017/The Northern Light

MORE THAN JUST BOOKS
Van Gorden-Williams Library & Archives

Digital Collections Highlight: Jeffrey Croteau

American Civil War Flag Remnant and Testimonial
The Van Gorden-Williams Library & Archives be lonesome without the green flag they were,
has digitized around five hundred items from its collection with great regret, obliged to discard the ensign
and has made them available online at http://digitalvgw. of the old Bay State. Under the Stars and Stripes,
omeka.net. Among these treasures is the item shown here, on the 27th of June, ten of our bearers fell, either
remnants from a United States flag that once belonged killed or wounded.
to the Ninth Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry
during the American Civil War. The accompanying note, You can get a closer look at this item by visiting the Van
written by Daniel G. MacNamara, reads, in part: Gorden-Williams Library & Archives Digital Collections
website: http://digitalvgw.omeka.net/items/show/633.
These are the remnants of the silk flag of the United
Stateswhich was presented to the Ninth Regiment The Van Gorden-Williams Library & Archives is located
Massachusetts Volunteers in 1861 while encamped in Lexington, Massachusetts, at the Scottish Rite
at Arlington Heights (Genl Robert E. Lees plantation) Masonic Museum & Library and is open to the public
Virginia. 104, WednesdaySaturday. Have questions? Drop
us a line at [email protected] or give us a call at
It was carried by the regiment through the Seven Days 781-457-4109.
Battles from Mechanicsville to Malvern Hill. Ten (10)
of its bearers (color Sergeants) were either killed or
wounded. It was loaned to the regiment at its parade
on the 17th day of September 1877 on the occasion
of the dedication of the Soldiers Monument on Boston
Common. The above remnants were received from
Capts John F. Doherty & Michl F. OHara, October
12th 1877 at the Boston Customs House.

The Ninth Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry was

created on June 11, 1861 and mustered out on June 21,
1864. The regiment, comprised mostly of Irish-Americans
from the Boston area, saw action at some of the most
well-known battles of the Civil War. The note, however,
specifically refers to the flag being carried in combat during
the Seven Days Battles, which took place from June 25
July 1, 1861 in and around Richmond, Virginia. The notes
author, Daniel G. MacNamara, served as First Sergeant.
In an 1899 history of the Ninth Regiment he wrote of the
regiments battle flags and the deaths of its color bearers:

Our regular color-bearers were Sergt. Thomas Fallon

of Company F, who carried the National flag (Old
Glory), and Sergt. Jack Barry of Company B, who
was the bearer of the Green flag of Ireland; emblem-
atic of the place of birth and descent of the men who
composed the Ninth, and dear to every Irish heart.
No regiment was allowed, by orders, to carry more Civil War flag remnants and testimony, 1861-1877. Scottish
than two stands of colors, and as the Ninth would Rite Masonic Museum & Library, Lexington, Massachusetts,
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Francis Quinn, A1988/005/1.

The Northern Light /February 2017 29

READERSRESPOND
The G We welcome letters and emails from our readers
in response to articles appearing in The Northern
Light and will reprint them as space permits.
In reference to an article by H. I. Haywood (TNL Nov 2016, Letters must be signed, should be brief, and are
Views from the Past: The Letter G), I realize it was written subject to editing.
in 1920, but I question the reason for presenting this today.
One takes the impression that the letter G does not relate
to God. When a candidate first enters the blue lodge he is
MASONICMOMENTS will return next issue.
asked in whom do you place your trust? The expected
Please submit your own Masonic photos to The
answer is God. Also, I remember, in the 3 lecture the letter
Northern Light. We accept all things Masonic
G located above the Masters station refers to God. It is
people, places, or occurrences to share with our
odd that the scholars could not find the origin or inclusion
readership. Send your photo with a brief description
of G in our rituals.
to [email protected] or mail your submission to:
Bennett Bartels, 32 The Northern Light, P.O. Box 519, Lexington, MA
Valley of Cincinnati 02420-0619. Include your name, address, and
Masonic affiliation. Photos will not be returned.

Not that John Lowell

J ohn Collins Bossidy once said, And this is good old Boston, the home of the bean and the cod, where Lowells
talk only to Cabots, and Cabots talk only to God. The name Lowell is prevalent in New England, and one
John Lowell was mentioned in an article in the November issue. As it turns out, it wasnt quite the correct John
Lowell. The articles author, Ymelda Rivera Laxton, explains:
A 1793 funeral notice for John Lowell, featured in the article Solemn Strikes the Funeral Chime: Masonic
Mourning and Memorial, was misidentified as a notice for Dr. John Lowell of Philanthropic Lodge in Marble-
head, Massachusetts. The Lowell memorialized in the notice was most likely a John Lowell (17391793) affiliated
with St. Andrews Lodge in Boston and the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. John Lowell was politically active
in the North End Caucus, also referred
to as the Boston Caucus, and was most
likely the same Lowell who helped Paul
Revere move a trunk of John Hancocks
clandestine papers across the Lexington
Green on April 19, 1775. The Revere
and Lowell story is cited in author
David Hackett Fischers 1994 book,
Paul Reveres Ride, and is based on
Reveres accounts of the event. Lowell
also appears to be a cousin to Judge
John Lowell (1743-1802) and the mis-
identified John Lowell (17341776)
of Philanthropic Lodge.

Notice of Masonic Funeral for John Lowell,

1793, Grand Lodge of Massachusetts,
Boston, Massachusetts, Scottish Rite
Masonic Museum & Library collection,
Museum Purchase, A81/003/1.

30 February 2017/The Northern Light

ET CETERA,
et cetera, etc.

Kudos for Kamel Milwaukee, joining in 1985, and he received the 33

Kamel Oussayef, an employee at the Northern Masonic in 1996. He served three churches during his 48 years
Jurisdiction headquarters, was recently inducted into the of ministry. In 196774 he was at Mayfair Plymouth
Order of Lafayette. He was presented with his medal of Church in Toledo, OH; First Congregational Church
Chevalier (Knight) of the order during a brief ceremony in Salt Lake City, UT from 197483, and North Shore
that took place at the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum Congregational Church, in Fox Point, WI, from 1983
& Library in Lexington, MA in the presence of family, 2015. Bro. Schimpf was active with the National Asso-
friends and local and French political dignitaries. ciation of Congregational Churches. He began his Ma-
A Chapter of the Order of Lafayette was created in sonic journey in Toledo, OH, and later, he transferred his
the Americas in 1991 to foster the existing friendship membership to Freemasons Lodge No. 363 in Milwaukee.
between the people of the United States and France and Rev. Schimpf was active until his death. At an All
to preserve and promote the long-standing memories Faith Night at Tripoli Shrine, just a month before his
of their common history. passing he delivered an eloquent address called Faith
Since 2003, Oussayef has worked as a research is What Pleases God. At the end he made a plea to
volunteer on precious, and sometimes unique historic his listeners. The truth is that the future of the world
French Masonic manuscripts preserved at the Scottish depends in part on our ability as Christians, Jews, and
Rite Masonic Museum & Library in. The Museum Muslims to live together in peace. Let us honor the
has recently published The Book of Wisdom by sacredness and uniqueness of each faith as we work
Doszedardski, one of Oussayef s annotated translations to create a common ground of fraternal grace in the real-
of Masonic manuscripts. A new publication of his ization that differences need not divide but can indeed
work is expected this year. enrich our lives and deepen our capacity to love.

Get Your Scottish Rite Now Lobster Invasion

Once a month (and sometimes more often) the Supreme As you may remember, in 2015, Bro. Sam Allen lost
Council publishes a newsletter called Scottish Rite Now. his lobster boat as it caught fire. Through help from the
It contains information on upcoming events and news Almoners Fund and others he was back in business with
items concerning the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction. his new boat, Gerty, named for his mother. As a nod to
It provides a link to the Degree Date schedule, and it the help he had received from the fraternity, the G in
features stories of Freemasonry around the world. To the boats name was surrounded by the square and com-
receive this free online publication simply sign up at passes. Well, recently, Bro. Sam showed his gratitude in a
ScottishRiteNMJ.org. concreteand uniqueway. He showed up at Supreme
Council headquarters with a sack of lobsters for the staff.
New Address? He gave an impromptu and really interestingtalk
If you have moved and The Northern Light (and other on the art and science of lobstering as the crustaceans
Scottish Rite material) is still going to your old address, participated in races across the lobby floor.
you can fix that problem quite easily. Just contact your
local Valley Secretary. If you dont know who that is or
how to reach him, visit ScottishRiteNMJ.org, then click on
Valleys at the top left, just under the double eagle. The
secretary will be glad to help you get your information
updated.

Rev. Karl D. Schimpf, 33
The Grand Prior of the Supreme Council,
Alan E. Foulds, 33
Rev. Karl D. Schimpf, 33, passed away editor
in November. Bro. Schimpf served in
that capacity from 2008 until his death.
He was a member of the Valley of

The Northern Light /February 2017 31

The Northern Light
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Lexington, MA 02420-0519

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