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JULY

MONTE SANO YORK RITE COLLEGE

The Annual meeting of Monte Sano York Rite College No. 64 was held on Saturday, May 6, at Solar Lodge No. 914 in Huntsville. Pre-Eminent Governor Phillip J. Sherman opened the meeting at the appointed time of 1:00 PM. No candidates were in waiting for reception, and a brief discussion ensued concerning the need to invite several North Alabama York Rite Masons to the college. Following other business, the elections were held, with Companion Knight George Flavious Mills being elected to serve as Pre-Eminent Governor for the next year. Other officers elected and appointed were: Bobby Terry, eminent Deputy Governor; Boyd Neblett, Eminent Chancellor; Bob Elkin, Eminent Treasurer; Bobby Park, Eminent Secretary; Earl Reed, Noble Primate; Billy Brackin, Noble Preceptor; Ray Dunn, Noble Seneschal; Bob Dumas, Noble Marshal; James Blanteno, Noble Sentinel; and Brady McCullough and Phillip Sherman, Noble Heralds. The officers were then installed by Regent and Past Grand Governor Emory J. (Smokey) Ferguson.

ALABAMA MASONIC ROSICRUCIANS ANNUAL MEETING

Alabama College, Masonic Societas Rosicruciana in Civitatibus Foederatis, held their annual meeting on Saturday, May 20, at the hall of Solar Lodge No. 914 in Huntsville. One candidate, Sir Knight Isaac (Pat) Hansen of Huntsville Commandery No. 7, was admitted to the First Order of the organization. Frater Hansen received the I°, Zelator, and the IV°, Philosophus, in full form and had the other two Grades (II°, Theoricus and III°, Practicus) communicated. The routine business of the day was quickly disposed of, including the selection to receive invitations of two worthy Sir Knights, and the election for 2000-2001 officers was then held. Frater Phillip Sherman, VII°, was elected to serve as Celebrant for the next year. Other officers elected and appointed were: George Mills, VII°, Suffragen; Tom Craig, VIII°, Treasurer; Mike Addams, VIII°, Recorder; David Milam, VII°, First Ancient; Ray Dunn, VII°, Second Ancient; Boyd Neblett, VII°, Third Ancinet; Bob Dumas, VII°, Fourth Ancient; Pat Hansen, IV°, Conductor of Novices; James Blanteno, VII°, First Herald; Bill Loerch, VII°, Second Herald; Lee Hale, VII°, Guardian of the Caverns; and Bob Elkin, VII°, Acolyte. Officers were then installed by the Chief Adept, George Marshall, IX°.

LOVE

Love seeketh not Itself to please,

Nor for itself hath any care,

But for another gives it ease,

And builds a Heaven in Hell's despair.

-William Blake

JOSEPH FORT NEWTON ON MASONRY AND RELIGION

Is Masonry a religion? The leaders and students of the Craft, as well as the rank and mass of its members, in English-speaking lands at least, do not regard masonry as a religion – though, as has been said, it has certain features which, in the strict technical sense, might lead those to regard it as such who wish, from whatever motive, to regard it. As some of us prefer to put it, Masonry is not a Religion – not a church but a worship, in which men of all religions may unite, unless they insist that all who worship with them must think exactly and in detail as they think about all things in the heaven above and in the earth beneath. It is not the rival of any religion, but the friend of all, laying emphasis upon those truths which underlie all religions and are the basis and consecration of each. Masonry is not a religion, but it is religious.

Joseph Fort Newton

(Joseph Fort Newton (1880-1950) was a Baptist minister who served in various churches until his death. See “10,000 Famous Freemasons” for details).

THE ROAD OF MASONRY

Men build a road of Masonry

Across the hills and dales,

Unite the prairie and the sea,

The mountains and the vales.

They cross the chasm, bridge the stream,

They point to where the turrets gleam,

And many men for many a day

Who seek the heights shall find the way.

Men build a road of Masonry,

But not for self they build:

With footsteps of humanity

The hearts of men are thrilled.

This music makes their labor sweet:

The endless tramp of other feet,

The thought that men shall travel thus

An easier road because of us.

We build the road of Masonry

With other men in mind;

We do not build for you and me,

We build for all mankind.

We build a road! remember, men,

Build not for Now, but build for Then,

And other men who walk the way

Shall find the road we build today.

Who builds the road of Masonry,

Though small or great his part,

However hard the task may be,

May toil with singing heart.

For it is something, after all,

When muscles tire and shadows fall,

To know that other men shall bless

The builder for his faithfulness.

Douglas Malloch

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