1914. Organization of the National Masonic Research Society. It issued the first copy of The Builder, January 1915.
Reverend Joseph Newton wrote The Builders for the Grand Lodge of Iowa which was given to each new Mason. The book has been popular ever since.
1915. June 8, Brother William Jennings Bryan resigned as United States Secretary of State over United States handling of the German sinking of the Lousitania. He ran three times for the United States Presidency. The first two times he was defeated by Brother William McKinley, and the third time by Brother William H. Taft. Brother Bryan was raised in Lincoln Lodge No. 19, Lincoln, Nebraska, and later affiliated with Temple Lodge No. 247, Miami, Florida. He died in Miami, July 26, 1925. (Newsday; Livingston Masonic Library)
Julius F. Sachse published Washington's Masonic Correspondence.
During the dedication of the House of the Temple (home of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, Southern Jurisdiction), a dove flew into the building, circled the atrium and flew out. It was generally regarded as an omen of Masonic peace.
1917. June 19, During World War I, King George V ordered the British Royal family to dispense with German titles and surnames. The family took the name of "Windsor." Although not himself a Mason, he became Grand Patron of three Masonic Charities of the Grand Lodge of England when he ascended the throne. (Newsday: This Day in History; Livingston Masonic Library)
June 26, General and Brother John J. "Black Jack" Pershing sent the first troops of the American Expeditionary Force into France during World War I. When the first American troops landed in France Colonel Charles E. Stanton stood at the tomb of the Frenchman who had given so much to America and said: "Lafayette, we are here." On October 20, the First division entered the front lines at Luneville, a town that quickly got renamed "Looneyville" by the new troops, much to the dismay of the locals. (The Learning Kingdom; Chronicle of America)
President Woodrow Wilson boosted our flag with these words: "The flag which we honor and under which we serve symbol of our unity, our purpose as a nation, has no other character than that which we give it from generation to generation. The honor is ours." At home and at war Americans sang Brother George M. Cohan's wartime hit: "You're a Grand Old Flag."
1918. Conference held at Cedar Rapids, Iowa, November 26-28, which resulted in the formation of The Masonic Service Association of the United States.
1919. The Builder reprinted the article on Freemasonry published in the Catholic Encyclopedia.
The Grand Master of Rhode Island gave a dispensation for Overseas Lodge, April 24, with petitions only of men in the armed services accepted while it operated in Europe.
1920. The Shrine adopted a resolution to establish hospitals for crippled children.
Bainbridge Colby, member of Kane Lodge No. 454, New York, appointed Secretary of State in Woodrow Wilson's cabinet.
1921. Born July 19, Brother John Glenn, United States Senator (D-Ohio), first American astronaut to orbit earth, in Cambridge, Ohio. Brother John Glenn is an ardent Scottish Rite Mason, too. He received the 33° with Brothers Joel Berg, Arnold Palmer and Carl J. Smith, now Grand Master of Masons in New York, in 1998. (Source: American Mason Rsearch)
John Henry Cowles became Grand Commander of the Ancient and Accepted scottish Rite, Southern Jurisdiction. He served until 1952.
Warren G. Harding became President of the Untied States. He was a Mason.
1922. May 29, Chief Justice and Brother William Howard Taft dedicated the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC Brother Taft went on to become the 27th President of the United States. He was made a Mason "at sight" on June 18, 1909, by Grand Master Charles S. Hoskinson. He became affiliated with Kilwinning Lodge No. 356 on April 14, at Cincinnati, Ohio, then made Honorary member of Crescent Lodge No. 25, Cedar Rapids, Idaho.
Eddie Rickenbacker made a Mason in Kilwinning Lodge #297, Detroit, Michigan.
June 14, Brother Warren Gl Harding became the first United States President to broadcast a message over radio. The even was the dedication of the Francis Scott Key Memorial in Baltimore, Maryland. The first official government message was broadcast December 6, 1923. (Chase's)
Matthew McBlain Thomson and his associates found guilty of using the mails to defraud. They had conducted a clandestine Masonic organization.
1923. Grand Fascist Council issued first resolution against Freemasonry, February 13.
June 12, the magician and Mason Brother Harry Houdini amazed a large and disbelieving audience as he freed himself from a straitjacket while suspended upside-down 40 feet (12 m) above the ground in New York City. The Hungarian entertainer was famous worldwide for staging the most dazzling and difficult escapes. Brother Houdin was raised August 21, 1923 in St. Cecile Lodge No. 568 in New York City. He later came a member of Mecca Shrine Temple. He died October 31, 1926. (The Learning Kingdom; Livingston Masonic Libary)
Born, July 23 Brother and Sir Knight Robert J. Dole, United States Senator (R-Arkansas) at Russell, Kansas. World War II broke out during Brother Dole's second year at college. He left to enlist in the United States Army becoming member of the 10th Mountain Division where he saw extensive duty in Italy. While leading an attack on the a German machine gun unit in the Po Valley on April 14, 1945, he was hit by part of an exploding shell. His right shoulder was virtually gone, some neck and spinal vertebrae were fractured and several slithers of metal penetrated his body. Three years of hospitalization and three operations followed. Slowly the wounded soldier recovered the ability to stand, walk and use his left arm and hand. In 1975 he married Elizabeth Hanford of Raleigh, North Carolina. In 1950 a 27-year-old Dole became a candidate for the Kansas Legislature. The rest is history. Brother Dole was initiated into Russell Lodge 177 on April 19, 1955, passed to Fellowcraft on June 7, and was raised on September 20, 1955. Brother Dole completed his Scottish Rite degrees in the Valley of Salina on December 10, 1966, and the York Rite in Aleppo Commandery No. 31 in Hays, Kansas. (Source: Knight Templar magazine, May 1997) (Source: AMERICAN MASON Files)
Cornerstone of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial laid November 1.
Melvin M. Johnson's The Beginnings of Freemasonry in America was published.
The Masonic Service Association raised $15,777.25 for Japanese earthquake relief.
First Short Talk Bulletin issued by the Masonic Service Association, entitled "Paul Revere," written by Jacob Hugo Tatsch.
1924. June 20, at Kingston, Texas, was born Brother Audie Murphy , the Mason who was to become the most decorated soldier in World War II, and later an actor in western and war movies. Brother Murphy was raised April 4, 1955 at North Hollywood Lodge No. 542 and on May 24, 1956 became a plural member of heritage Lodge No. 764, also of North Hollywood, California. He completed his Scottish Rite degrees in Dallas, Texas on November 14, 1957, and less than two months before his death in a plane crash, had his Scottish Rite membership moved to the Valley of Long Beach, California Brother, Murphy died in a fiery plane crash near Galax, Verginia on May 28, 1971. Some days elapsed before his body was recovered. He was buried on June 7, 1971 at Arlington National Cemetery. (Chase's; Knight Templar Magazine)
The Master Mason magazine born.
First edition of the Little Masonic Library published in twenty small volumes.
1925. Imperial Council of the Shrine was incorporated in Colorado to administer the affairs of the national organization.
Ray V. Denslow's Territorial Freemasonry was published.
First Grand Masters' Conference of the present series held November 17 in Chicago. Meetings have been held every year since. Proceedings have been printed since 1929.
1926. The Salvation Army issued "Confidential" communication to its officers expressing opposition to secret societies.
The Fascists confiscated property of the Craft in Italy, January 9.
New Masonic Temple of Detroit dedicated November 25. It cost seven million dollars.
General Luigi Capello arrested for allegedly plotting the death of Mussolini. After a farcical trial, he was sentenced to thirty years.
The Masonic Service Association reported the publication of the national Masonic Library.
The Masonic Services Association raised $114,236.97 for Florida hurricane relief.
1927. June 13, 1927 aviation hero, BROTHER CHARLES LINDBERGH was honored with a ticker-tape parade in New York City.
The Lodge of Friendship Village, a collection of Masonic short stories by P. W. George, was published.
The Masonic Services Association raised $608,291.91 for Mississippi Valley flood relief.
1928. The Masonic Services Association raised $86,316.58 for Puerto Rico hurricane relief.
First Conference of Grand Secretaries' held in Washington, DC, February 21.
1929. June 12, 1929 the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum was dedicated at Cooperstown, New York. More than 200 individuals have been honored for their contributions to the game of baseball by induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Of the first five players to be so honored, four were Freemasons: Brother Tyrus R. "Ty" Cobb of Royston Lodge No.52, Detroit, Michigan; Brother John "Honus" Wagner of Centennial Lodge No. 544, Carnegie, Pennsylvinia; Brother Christopher "Christie:" Mathewson of New York City's Architect Lodge No. 519. The non Masons were Walter Johnson and Babe Ruth. (Chase's; Livingston Masonic Library)
J Hugo Tatsch's Freemasonry in the Thirteen Colonies published.
The Supreme Court held that the white Shriners of Texas could not stop the Negroes from having their Shrine organization.
Eugen Lennhoff's The Freemasons published. This book was translated into English in 1934.
The Masonic Services Association reorganized with George R. Sturges of Connecticut the Chairman of the Executive Commission and Carl H. Claudy, Executive Secretary.
1930. The Builder died.
1931. The Master Mason magazine died.
Masonic meetings prohibited in Portugal by order if the police.
First volume of the Transactions of the American Lodge of Research, New York, published.
J. Hugo Tatsch's The Facts about George Washington as a Freemason published.
Andrew L. Randell, Past Grand Master of Texas, died.
1932. Dedication of the George Washington Masonic national Memorial, Shooter's Hill, Alexandria, Virginia.
Third cornerstone of the United States Capital laid, September 18, by Grand Master Reuben A. Bogley of the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia.
United States government Washington Bi-Centennial Commission, Honorable Sol Bloom, Chairman, published Washington's Home and Fraternal Life, and sent reproduction of Burdette painting of Washington to every lodge in United States.
1933. Melvin M. Johnson became Sovereign Grand Commander of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Northern Masonic Jurisciction serving until 1953.
1934. June 26, Unite States President and Brother Franklin Delano Roosevelt signed into law the Federal Credit Union Act, thus enabling the formation of credit unions anywhere in the United States. Credit Unions, unlike banks, are non-profit cooperatives owned and controlled by their members. The Act was part of Roosevelt's New Deal program to assist people of small means. Courtesy AMERICAN MASON magazine.
The Masonic Services Association published first of series of twelve lodge room plays, August 1.
First presentation of the first of the Masonic Services Association's twelve Masonic plays, The Greatest of These, played by Fellowcraft Club of LaFayette Lodge No. 19, District of Columbia, October 4, before the author's lodge. Harmony No. 17, District of Columbia.
1935. Earl Warren became Grand Master of California. He became Chief, Justice of the United States Supreme Court.
1936. General Douglas MacArthur made a Mason at Sight, at Manila, Philippine Islands.
June 18, the United States Virgin Islands celebrates Organic Act Day annually on the third Monday in June. This public holiday honors United States President and Brother Franklin Delano Roosevelt's 1936 signing of the Organic Act bringing self government to the United States Virgin Islands. This act was the culmination of an effort led by Rothschild Frances, D. Hamilton Jackson, and Lionel Roberts. (Chase's)
R. F. Gould's The History of Freemasonry throughout the World republished: many contributors wrote histories of United States Grand Lodges for this six volume edition.
1937. June 3, The Duke of Windsor, who as King Edward VIII, had abdicated the British throne on December 11, 1936, was married to Mrs. Wallis Warfield Simpson of Baltimore, MD at Monts, France. The couple made their home in France after their marriage and had little contact with the royal family. The Duke died at Paris on May 28, 1972, and was buried near Windsor Castle in England. The Duchess died April 25, 1986. Brother Edward was a member of Household Brigade Lodge No. 2614. He became Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of England in 1936.
King George VI of England invested as Past Grand Master.
Knoop and Jones published An Introduction to Freemasonry.
1938. Samuel Harrison Baynard, Jr. published History of the Supreme Council, Northern Jurisdiction.
Knoop and Jones and Hamer published The Two Earliest Masonic Manuscripts.
The Masonic Services Association raised $5,202.36 for Austrian relief fund.
1939. The Masonic Services Association raised $7,387.27 for Chilean earthquake relief.
1940. Harold V. B. Voorhis published Negro Masonry in the United States. It was later withdrawn by the author because further research disclosed that many of the facts stated wee in error.
Knoop and Jones published A Short History of Freemasonry on 1730.
1941. First Masonic Service Center opened at Columbia. South Carolina by the Masonic Services Association, February 1.
We were again called upon to defend our freedom and that of weaker nations subjugated by power hungry dictators. We marched to Brother John Philip Sousa's Semper Fidelis March, The National Emblem March and, of course, Stars and Stripes Forever. And, with the poetic genius of Brother Irving Berlin, we asked "God to Bless America "
George C. Marshall and Jesse Jones made Masons at Sight, Washington, DC.
Harry S. Truman became Grand Master in Missouri.
1942. June 13, 1942 BROTHER FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT created the Office of War Information, and appointed Ed Radio News commentator Elmer Davis to be its head.
James Harold Doolittle led bombing raid on Tokyo. He was member of Hollenbeck Lodge No. 319, Los Angeles, California.
1943. Charles C. Hunt published Landmarks.
Masonic Service Center opened in London, England, October 11, by Masonic Service Association.
1944. June 22, President and Brother Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the GI Bill of Rights. One of the most important governmental measures of the post-World-War-II era, the bill provided for the training of nearly eight million veterans. The Serviceman's Readjustment Act (its official name) provided housing and educational assistance for returning war veterans - men and women. Money for a years schooling was offered all veterans, and of those with special skills, funds were available fore three years. (Chase's; Chronicle America)
Carl H. Claudy published The Lion's Paw.
Hospital Visitation Service by Masonic Services Association made full time and continuing relief project.
1945. All Washington Masonic Conferences called of on account of war.
The Masonic Services Association sent a Committee of four to Europe to report on Masonry there.
Masonic Service Center opened in Paris France, April 8, by The Masonic Services Association.
June 26, United States President and Brother Harry S. Truman at San Francisco, California joined 50 nations in signing the United Nations Charter. "We had sponsored and helped establish the United Nations Organization," wrote BrotherTruman, "hoping to prevent again the too often recurring plague of humanity...war." The United Nations is pledged to attain world peace and security and to let the residents of colonial areas "gradually develop their free political institutions." Courtesy AMERICAN MASON magazine
The Masonic Services Association raused $46,798.46 for Philippine relief.
1946. First issues of The Philalethes, official magazine of the Philalethes Society published.
Third volume (Supplement) of Mackey's Encyclopedia published; monumental work of H. L. Haywood.
Masonic Service Center (final one) at Columbus, Georgia, closed December. More than 8,000,000 service people were served in the United States.
1947. June 5, United States Secretary of State Bro. George C. Marshall (under Bro. Harry S Truman, United States President) urged a massive American aid program to rebuild Europe. Brother Marshall was speaking at Harvard University which had just conferred an honorary doctorate's degree on him. "We need to restore the confidence of the European people. " he said, " in the economical future of Europe as a whole." Brother Marshall had been distressed by the sorry state of Europe which Brother Winston Churchill, Prime Minister of England, had called "a rubble heap, a charnel house, a breeding ground of pestilence and hate." Three Masonic would leaders showing the compassionate Masonic way after a great war.
Knoop and Jones published The Genesis of Freemasonry.
Committee of Grand Lodge of Massachusetts reported that Prince Hall Freemasonry was regular in origin. This caused some difficulty and in 1949 the report was rescinded.
1949. The Spanish Government included an item in its budget ti spend almost $100,000 for maintenance of a special tribunal to suppress Masonry.
The Masonic Services Association sent a second Committee to Europe.
On August 3, a Master Mason and Knight Templar 80 years old and in failing health, came to Washington from Yeadon. Pennsylvinia, to witness United States President and Brother Harry S Truman sign The Flag Day Act into law. Brother William T. Kerr had, with other Masons, for more than a half century, appealed to every United States President from McKinley to Truman. He lead rallies and continually promoted the idea of a special day to honor "Old Glory." Kerr died in 1953 but left his brethren this legacy, now the law of the land:
"Resolved by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled. That the 14th of June of each year is hereby designated as "Flag Day, "and the President of the United States is authorized and requested to issue annual a proclamation causing upon officials of the government buildings on such a day, and urging the people to observe the day as the anniversary' of the adoption, on June Fourteenth, 1777, by the Continental Congress of the Stars and Stripes as the officiating of the United States of America" Harry S. Truman
Lodge in Hungary dissolved.
First Midwest Conference on Masonic Education held December at Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
1950. June 27, President and Brother Harry S Truman ordered the Air Force and Navy into the Korean conflict after a call from the UN Security Council for members to help South Korea repel an invasion from North Korea. The President then ordered Brother Douglas MacArthur, commanding general of American Far east forces to Tokyo, to provide the Republic of Korea troops with American and naval air power. Bro. Truman later gave Brother MacArthur authority to also commit ground troops to the conflict Brother Truman explained America's position this way: "To return to the rule of force in international affairs would have far-reaching effects. The United States will continue to uphold the law." (Newsday: This Day in History; Chronicle of America; Masonic Leadership Center)
1951. The January issue of Theology, an English magazine, published an article "Should a Christian be a Freemason?" by the Reverend Walton Hannah. It was the beginning of a storm within the Anglican Church and resulted in the publication of an expose by Hannah.
June 25. Columbia Broadcast System (CBS) aired the first color TV program. The transmission was an hour long show starring Ed Sullivan and Brother Arthur Godfrey. Few people, however, were able to see the show in color because most homes at the time only had black and white sets. Brother Godfrey was best known for his televison show, Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts. He became a mason in Acacia lodge No. 18 in Washington, DC in 1937. A member of Albert Pike Consistory, AASR, he joined Almas Shrine Temple May 19, 1937. Brother Godfrey was born in New York City August 31, 1903. (The Learning Kingdom)
July 23, CBS Televison premiered the Gene Autry show. A popular western that ran for six years starring Brother Gene Autry, movie star, along with side-kicks Pat Buttram. Brother Autry was raised in Catoosa Lodge No. 185, Catoosa, Oklahoma, in 1927. He became a Life Member of Long Beach, California AASR (32º) as well as a Life Member of Malaika Shrine Temple at Los Angeles, California. (Source: American Mason; 10,000 Famous Freemasons; Chase's)
The Masonic Services Association raised $202,224.46 between 1946 and 1951 for European relief.
1952. On November 4, the Grand Lodge of Virginia celebrated the 200th Anniversary of George Washington's initiation.
In remodeling the White House, many stones were found which bore carvings of Masonic symbols. These were delivered to the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia for presentation, one to each Grand Lodge in the United States.
Thomas J. Harkins elected Sovereign Grand Commander of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, Southern Jurisdiction.
1953. Eisenhower took oath of office on Bible of St. John's Lodge, New York; the same Bible used when George Washington took his oath of office.
Grand Lodge of California intervened in a tax case and successfully defeated and attempted to exempt sectarian schools from taxation.
Cornerstone laid for new building to house the Iowa masonic Library, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, October 10.
Inauguration of the Indiana Mentor Plan to make qualified members supply candidates with information relating to the Craft.
First stone from the White House, with Masonic symbol, delivered to Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia, September 29, by Renah F. Camalier.
Grand Lodge of the State of Israel consecrated October 20 by Grand Lodge of Scotland.
1954. John Henry Cowles, retired Sovereign Grand Commander of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, Southern Jurisdiction, died June 18.
Fred L. Pick and G. Norman Knight, of England, published The Pocket History of Freemasonry.
Freemasonry re-established in Finland.
George E. Bushnell elected Grand Commander of the Scottish Rite, N. M. J.
Hatoyama, of Japan, became a Mason.
Masons imprisoned in Spain.
Comprehensive View of Freemasonry, by H. W. Coil, was published.
History of the Eastern Star, by H. V. B. Voorhis, was published.
The Landmarks, by Elbert Bebe, published.
Freemasonry in the Eastern Hemisphere, by R. V. Denslow, was published.
A committee of the Church of the Brethren recommended that its members not join lodges.
Masonry in the Light of the Bible, by John C. Palmer, was published by the Missouri Synod of the Lutheran Church. (Anti-Masonic)
1955. Luther A Smith elected Grand Commander of Scottish Rite, S. J.
Masons of the armed forces of United States formed Masonic Club with a hospital to aid children in Pusan, Korea.
Dr. Mauro Baradi, PGM of the Philippines, was opposed by the Roman Catholic Church to serve in a public office in the grounds that he was a Mason.
M. S. A. Relief to Tamaulipas in the sum of $19,024.42.
1956. The February 23 issue of the Christian Science Monitor had a long, favorable article about the Craft.
Northeast Conference on Masonic Education formed.
The High Synod of the Greek Orthodox Church petitioned the Ministry of the Interior to withdraw government recognition of the Craft.
The Church of the Nazarene stated it was opposed to the Craft.
Freemasonry and the American Indian, by William r. Denslow, was published.
Two Cuban masonic stamps issued, June 5.
The issue of October 8, of Life magazine, was devoted to Freemasonry.
Grand Lodge Recognition by Thomas S. Roy, was published.
Philippine Masonry, by Teodero M. Kalaw, was published.
History of the Royal Arch, by Denslow and Turnbull, was published.
1957. Grand Lodge of Japan formed.
Melvin M. Johnson died, February 19.
Carl H. Claudy died, May 27. He was Executive Secretary of masonic Service Association. Succeeded by John D. Cunningham.
Jan Sibelius died, Sept. 20.
Louis b Mayer died, October 29.
A court ruled in England that Freemasonry is not a religion.
Meeting of Lutheran Churches failed to achieve unity because of opposition by one group to membership in Lodges by its members.
Cornerstone of Truman Memorial Library laid by Grand Lodge of Missouri. Earl Warren was main speaker. Truman and hoover were present July 6.
First volume of 10,000 Famous Freemasons, by W. R. Denslow, was published.
Freemasons' Book of the Royal Arch, by B. E. Jones, was published.
The York Rite Sovereign College of North America was formed.
Mozart and Masonry, by Paul Nettl, was published.
1958. New Grand Lodge Building dedicated in San Francisco, September 29.
Conrad Hahn, P. G. M., Connecticut joined The Masonic Services Association as editor of publications.
Jurisdictional dispute between Japan, and the Philippines settled on July 8.
Medinah Shrine Temple, of Chicago, gave $5,000 to help victims of a fire in a Roman Catholic school.
Christianity and Freemasonry, by William J, Whalen, was published. (Anti-Masonic)
Southwest Conference on masonic Education formed.
Information for Recognition, by Thomas S. Roy, was published.
Freemasonry on the American Courts, by W. Irvine Wiest, was published.
The Scottish Rite for Scotland, by R. S. Lindsay, was published.
From Operative to Speculative, by W. M. Brown, was published.
Volume 2 of 10,000 Famous Freemasons, by W. R. Denslow, was published.
1959. Cornerstone laid for extension of United States Capitol, in Washington, with vocal opposition by the Knights of Columbus.
Twenty-one Masons were Imprisoned in Spain under a March 1, 1940 law.
On January 19 the St. Louis Globe Democrat had a ten-page article (color) about Freemasonry.
Emmett J. McLoughlin, former Roman Catholic Priest, received the Masonic degrees in Sahuaro Lodge No. 45 of Phoenix, Arizona.
1960. Statue of Washington with masonic regalia, dedicated on New Orleans on February 8.
Southeastern Conference on Masonic Education was formed.
Volume 4 of 10.000 Famous Freemasons, by W. R. Denslow, was published.
The Royal Order of Scotland, by H. V. B. Voorhis, was published.
Grand Ldge of Belgium formed.
The Masonic Services Association Relief to Chile $11,436.75.
Richard Scott Mower, in a news item, reported that fourteen Masons were still imprisoned in Spain.
1961. Brother Virgil (Gus) Grissom, 35, July 21, became the second American to rocket into a suborbital pattern around Earth. Bro. Grissom's capsule sank after splashdown and the astronaut nearly drowned. Brother Grissom, was tragically killed in a launch pad explosion in 1967. (Source: Newsday: This Day ion Space; Chronicle of America)
New Grand Lodge formed in India, on November 24.
The Masonic Services Association collected and distributed $4,107.25 for the relief of Cuban Masons in Florida.
Grand Lodge of Cuba in exile approved in Florida.
Masonic Encyclopedia, by H. W. Coil, was published.
House Undivided, by Allen E. Roberts, was published. (Covers the Craft during 1860 War.)
Mother Kilwinning Lodge, edited by Harry Carr, was published.
Reluctant General, by Robert L. Duncan, was published. (Biography of Albert Pike).
The Masonic Services Association Relief to Cuba, $54,718.90.
1962. On October 11, the 21st Ecumenical Council of the Roman Catholic Church was convened by Pope John XXIII. It met in four annual sessions, concluded December 8, 1965. It dealt with the renewal of the Church and introduced sweeping changes, such as the use of the vernacular rather than Latin in the Mass. Of interest to Freemasons of the world, the Council reversed the encyclical Humanum Genus, the strong and comprehensive papal condemnation of Freemasonry promulgated in 1884 by Pope Leo XIII.
Masonic Unity meeting with all Masonic group leaders held in Maine, December 7.
Liberty Lodge No. 70 formed in Biaritz, France, as a traveling lodge to serve Spanish Masons.
Masonic Blood Bank formed in Oregon and in Vermont.
Grand Lodge of Illinois had a Masonic Week; on last day the Washington-Morris-Salomon monument was dedicated for Grand Lodge, and during the ceremony President Kennedy pressed a button while in Michigan, which turned on the lights on the monument.
On December 7, Bishop Mendez Arceo, of Cuernavaca, Mexico, at the Vatican Council raised the question of the relations between the Church and the Craft.
Minutes of the Lodge of Edinburgh (Mary's Chapel), edited by Harry Carr, was published.
Anti-masonry, by A. Cerza, was published.
History of the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia by R. B. Harris, was published.
The Sword of Solomon, by Robert E. Easter, was published. (Novel)
1963. Ohio adopted Masonic road map program.
The Early Masonic Catechisms, 2nd Edition, by Knoop, Jones, and Hamer, was published.
Masonic Essays, by H. L. Haywood, was published.
Whither Are We Traveling? by Dwight L Smith, was published.
A Short History of the Conference of Grand Masters, by Conrad Hahn, was published.
The Order of the Red Cross of Constatine, by H. V. B. Voorhis, was published.
Two Masonic Stamp books, by Gregory Lucy, were published. Freemasonry in the Making of a National and Freemasons of many Nations.
Revision of A bibliography of Anti-Masonry, by Dr. William L. Cummings, was published.
1964. June 19, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was approved after surviving an 83-day United States Senate filibuster. Passage of the Bill required the Senate to impose cloture for the first time on a civil rights bill, to end a filibuster by the southern Senators. The Bill contained the most sweeping civil rights legislation in America history and, as Brother and President Lyndon B. Johnson said on television, "may help to eliminate the last vestiges of injustice in America." Brother Johnson was to sign the Bill into law on July 3 of that year. (Newsday: This Day in History; Chronicle of America)
Roscoe Pound passed away.
Grand Master William H. Quasha, of the Philippines, made two trips to Rome to explain the nature of Freemasonry to the Roman Catholic hierarchy.
On September 29, Bishop Mendez Arceo, Cuernavaca, Mexico, expressed view at Vatican II, that Christians should make peace with the Freemasons.
Sward and Trowel, by John B. Vrooman, and Allen E. Roberts, was published.
Collected Prestonian Lectures, edited by Harry Carr, was published.
Our Separated Brethren: The Freemasons by Alec Mellor, a Roman Catholic, was published. He later became a member of the Craft.
A Comprehensive Dictionary of Freemasonry, by E. Beha, was published.
A History of the Supreme Council, 1801-1861, by R. B. Harris and James D. Carter, was published.
Discussion held on England on whether to modify the penalties in the degrees.
The Greek Origin of Freemasonry, by J. N. Casavis, was published.
1965. George A. Newbury elected Grand Commander of Scottish Rite, N. M. J.
Masonic Pavillion was maintained by Grand Lodge of New York at the New York Worlds' Fair.
The Masonic Membership of the Founding Fathers, by Ronald E. Heaton, was published.
The Masonic Services Association Louisiana Hurricane Relief Fund in sum of $59,395.54.
President Kennedy issued an Executive Order prohibiting use of facilities on military bases by groups not integrated. The result was to bar Masonic lodge from using the bases.
New York adopted ten points program to increase lodge attendance. West Virginia held it to be bad taste to place Masonic emblem on auto license plates.
Opposition to chain letters noted by Massachuset, Michigan, New York, Ohio and Tennessee.
The British Broadcasting Co. presented a movie, "Freemasonry, the Open Secret," purporting to be an expert of the Masonic Ritual.
The Grand Lodge of Virginia registered its emblem to prevent its use by others.
Twelve Knights of Columbus and forty Roman Catholic students from Indiana traveled to the Shriner's Hospital in Chicago to donate blood. This was promoted by a seminarian who had been a patient at the hospital.
During the final weeks of Vatican II, there was read a Papal document, a Special Jubilee from January 6 to January 29, 1966; among other things it granted confessors power to absolve penitents from censure incurred for belonging to the Masonic Order or other forbidden societies.
Thomas Smith Webb: Freemason-Musician-Entrepreneur, by H. T. Leyland was published.
The Rise of the Ecossais Degrees, by J. Fairgairn Smith, was published.
The Story if the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, by H. V. B. Voorhis, was published.
1966. The Masons of St. Louis, Missouri arranged to have a French girl admitted to the Shriners' Hospital for Crippled Children for treatment.
The Unlocked Secret, by James Dewar, was published. (Expose)
Masonry in Japan, The First Hundred Years, by Nohea O. E. Peck, was published.
Dare We Be Masons. By Thomas S. Roy, was published.
Grand Lodge of Michigan dedicated a monument of Washington with Masonic Regalia, in Detroit, May 21.
The Grand Master of Cuba in exile relinquished the office and gave the seal of the Grand Lodge to the Grand Lodge of Florida for safekeeping.
A thirty-minute television program in Louisiana presented a panel discussing the history, principles and charitable work of the Craft.
Distribution of stones from the White House was completed. Each had Craftsmen marks and were sent to Grand Lodges all over the country.
1967. The United Grand Lodge of England celebrated it 250th anniversary; present were leaders of the Craft from all over the world.
Secret Societies, by Norman MacKenzie, was published.
Indian called its 1963 Medal of Honor "The Caleb B. Smith Medal of honor."
Meetings held with Knights of Columbus in Montana, Rhode Island, New York, New Mexico, Washington, and Wyoming.
Connecticut held a meeting with other fraternal groups to discuss ways and means of making our communities healthier, better, and safer.
Grand Lodge, 1717-1967 was published by the Grand Lodge of England.
Volume #1 of Freemasonry through Six Centuries, by H. W. Coil, was published.
Order of Knight Masons formed in the United States; its origin was in England in 1923.
The Masonic Services Association Italy Flood Relief, $20,000.00
California decided to discontinue two club houses at universities to use the money for scholarships for needy students.
Masonic Lodge of Research formed in Connecticut.
Having given the University of Minnesota a million dollars for a cancer hospital years before, on April 19 the Grand Lodge gave the university a check for $1,100.00 for an addition to the same hospital.
June 13, 1967 BROTHER LYNDON B. JOHNSON nominated Soliciter-General BROTHER THURGOOD MARSHALL to become the first Black justice on the United States Supreme Court. (Newsday: this Day in History)
The Supreme Grand Chapter of the Royal Arch celebrated its 159th Anniversary, June 15th.
June 23, In 1967, President and Brother Lyndon B. Johnson and Soviet Premier Alexei Kosygin held the first of two meetings in Glassboro, New Jersery After conferring for 10 hours over a three -day period, the two world leaders went their separate ways. The talks covered the Vietnam War, disarmament and the Middle East. Though cordial, the talks were described as inconclusive. (Newsday: This Day in History; Chronicle of America)
The Grand Master of Alberta, Canada ruled it was improper to send lodge notices in unsealed envelopes.
The Grand Master of Arizona recommended that a committee be appointed to explore the possibility of holding a state-wide celebration with the knights of Columbus.
Arkansas adopted a resolution permitting the Master of a lodge to appointed a committee to examine a brother for advancement to the next degree.
Texas prepared plans for Masonic building.
North Dakota gave its Masonic library to the University of North Dakota.
Indiana adopted minimum standards for Masonic publications.
1968. Harry Carr met with Cardinal Heenan, in London, and discussed the relationship of the Craft and the Roman Catholic Church on March 18. As a result, the anti-masonic tracts sold in Roman Catholic Churches on London were removed from the stacks.
Montana ruled that Lodge members could take part in community parades on holidays.
Goodly Heritage, by Dwight L. Smith, was published. (Excellent Indiana Masonic history.)
La Masoneria Despue Del Concilio, by Father J. A. Ferrer Benimeli, was published.
1969. The Masonic Book Club was formed in Bloomington, Illinois It published its first book the next year: a facsimile of the Regius Poem.
The Masonic Services Association Mississippi Relief $87,367.39
Freemasonry's Servant, by Allen E. Roberts, was published. (History of Masonic Service Association.)
Pocket History of Freemasonry, by Pick, Knight and Smyth, was published.
Tied to Masonic Apron Strings, by Stewart M. L. Pollard, was published. (Masonic humor)
Key to Freemasonry's Growth by Allen E. Roberts, was published.
The Word, by Myron K. Lingle, was published. (York Rite ritual in chronological order.)
Henry C. Clausen was elected Grand Commander of the Scottish Rite, Southern Jurisdiction.
1970. The first issued of The Northern Light, official magazine of the Scottish Rite, N. M. J. was published on January.
Harry F. Byrd, of Virginia, was made a Mason at Sight, May 9.
On May 27, Duke of Windsor, and Freemason, who had abdicated the English throne to marry American divorcee Wallis Warfield Simpson, died in Paris at age 77. His full name was Brother Edward Albert Christian George Andrew Patrick David. Before ascending the throne he was Prince of Wales, and after abdication, Duke of Windsor.
The Clergy and the Craft, by Forrest D. Haggard, was published.
The Masonic Services Association Peru Relief $19,229.82.
Hi, Dad! Frank S. Land a Biography, by Herbert F. Duncan, Was published.
Jews and Freemasons in Europe, 1923-1939, by Jacob Katz, was published.
California ruled that it was improper for a lodge to rent its premises to a clandestine group.
Georgia ruled that use of a lodge name on the uniform of a Little League Teas was proper.
1971. Harry Carr had several more conferences with Cardinal Heenan; this led to a friendly relationship developing between the Craft and the Roman Catholic Church. On April 26 there was a rumor that the Church was about to change its rules about barring Masonic membership to its members.
Ceremony held at Independence Rock in Wyoming.
New Jersey had its first open Grand Lodge installation.
King Solomon's Temple in the Masonic Tradition, by Alex Horne, was published.
The Early French Exposures, edited by Harry Carr, was published.
Fifty Years of National Sojourners, by LaVon P. Linn, was published.
The Magic Flute, Masonic Opera, by Jacques Chailley, was published.
1972. New York presented its Grand Lodge Medal to Edwin E. Aldrin, Jr.
Alabama adopted a rule that a black person is not barred from filing a petition for the degrees.
The State Deputy of the Knights of Columbus was guest at New York Grand Lodge banquet.
The Grand Lodge of New York presented its Distinguished Achievement Award to Norman Vincent Peale.
Rhode Island adopted rule that no appendant body admit anyone at its meetings unless he has a Blue Lodge dues card showing current dues paid.
Three Centuries of Freemasonry in New Hampshire, by Gerald Foss, was published.
The Masonic Service Association Philippine relief, $5,980.00.
How to Kick a Sacred Cow, by Jerry Marsengill, was published.
A Register of Grand Lodges Active and Extinct, by George Draffen, was published.
Short Talks for Lodges and Trestleboard Gems, by John Nocas, was published.
1973. Ohio sent its list of suspended members to all appendant bodies.
Masonic blood bank formed in District of Columbia.
Grand Lodge of Massachusetts laid cornerstone of new building of the Knights of Columbus in South Boston.
Publication of the second edition of A commentary on the Freemasonic Ritual, by E. B. Cartwright, with comments by Harry Carr, was published.
The Masonic Service Association Nicaragua Relief, $13,696.60.
Emulation. A Ritual to Remember, 1823-1973, by Colin F. W. Colin, was published.
Freemasons and Freemasonry, topic in national Union Catalogue, pre-1965, reproduced in separate volume.
Facsimile of Preston's Illustrations of Masonry, published by the Masonic Book Club.
The Grand Lodge of Michigan laid the cornerstone of Bentley Library, at the University of Michigan, November 17.
1974. The Grand Lodge of Michigan dedicated the Bentley Library at the University of Michigan.
The Sacred Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith, of the Roman Catholic Church, sent a letter to various Episcopal Conferences, on June 19, informing them that Canon 2335 prohibiting its members from joining the masons is to be interpreted to apply to such groups as are opposed to the Church.
The Masonic Service Association Honduras Relief, $7,320.00.
Grand Lodge of Washington authorized use of Masonic buildings for lotteries to extent that it is permitted by state law.
Kentucky decided to put its records on microfilm.
The Craft and Its Symbols, by Allen E. Roberts, was published.
Clausen's Commentaries on Morals and Dogma was published.
The First 100 years of the Grand Lodge of South Dakota, 1875-1975, by Harold L. Tisher, was published.
History of Kansas Masonry, by Ben W. Graybill, was published.
The Works of Dassigny were published by the Masonic Book Club.
1975. Dedication of the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum and Library, at Lexington, Massachuset on April 20, the anniversary of the Battle of Concord and Lexington.
First Day of Issuance ceremony for the Haym Salomon Stamp took place at the Scottish Rite Cathedral on Chicago, March 25.
Stanley F. Maxwell elected Grand Commander of Scottish Rite, N. M. J.
The True Original Minutes of Nauvoo Lodge, edited by Mervin B. Hogan, was published.
Harry, of London, England, made an extensive lecture tour on Canada and the United States.
Tennessee adopted data processing for its records.
Connecticut held seminars with other fraternal bodies of the state.
Berlin Lodge No. 46 returned its charter to Rhode Island and secured a charter from United Grand Lodge of Germany.
Grand Lodge of California approved public relations program.
A Documentary Notebook on the Latin Craft, by Norman D. Peterson, was published. (Explanation of the first three Scottish Rite degrees)
A Register of Supreme Councils Active and Extinct, by George Draffen, was published.
Masonic Bibliography, by Father J. A. Ferrer Benimeli was published. (In Spainsih, Later a large edition was published.)
The Lodge at Fredericksburgh, edited by James R. Case and Ronald E. Heaton, was published.
1976. Most states had Bicentennial programs.
Kansas had a Church-Lodge Committee to develop a better relationship between the Craft and the churches.
North Dakota proposed erecting a masonic auditorium at the International Peace Garden.
The statue of Washington at Prayer, located at Valley Forge, was dedicated by the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania on October 9.
Large statue of Washington with Masonic regalia was dedicated in Buffalo, New York.
The Masonic Service Association Guatemala Relief, $66,180.16.
Illinois Lodge of Research formed.
A Mormon Bibliography, by Mervin B. Hogan, was prepared and place on file in the Library of the Mormon Church in Salt Lake City.
Audi Murphy, American Soldier, by Harold B. Simpson, was published.
The Freemason at work, by Harry Carr, was published.
Symbolism in Craft masonry, by Colin F. W. Colin, was published.
1977. Quatuor Coronati Lodge published the 1723 and 1738 editions of Anderson's Constitutions in one book.
Facsimile of Prichard's Masonry Dissected, with commentary by Harry Carr, published by the Masonic Book Club.
Conrad Hahn passed away on December 15.
Several Prince Hall lodges in south Africa gave up their charters and joined the regular Craft there.
Masons Who Helped Shape America, Hanry C. Clausen, was published.
Aspects of Freemasonry in Modern Mexico, by Thomas B. Davis, was published.
Colonial Freemasonry, was published by the Missouri Lodge of Research as a Bicentennial project.
Woman's Liberation and Freemasonry, by Alphonse Cerza, was published.
The Imperial Council of the Shrine amended its law that a person expelled form his lodge on request could be tried by the Shrine and if found not guilty, would not lose his Shrine membership. This caused much dissension, and the rule was abolished the following year.
Some Royal Arch Terms Explained, by Roy A. Wells, was published.
Stewart M. L. Pollard became the Executive Secretary of The Masonic Services Association.
Facsimile of the 1738 edition of Anderson's Constitutions was issued by the Masonic Book Club.
600 Years of Craft Ritual, by Harry Carr, was published.
Military Masonic hall of Fame, First 100 by Robert Bassler, was published.
1978. Freemasonry by Federalist-Connecticut, by Dorthy A. Lipson, was published.
The Craft in the East, by Christopher Haffner, was published.
Prince hall, Life and Legacy, by Dr. Charles Wesley, was published. Reviewed in detail in 90 A. Q. C. 306.
Messages for a Mission, by Seal Coon, was published.
The York Legend in the Old Charges, by Alex Horne, was published.
Questions and Answers, published by Masters' and Past Masters' Lodge No. 130, of New Zealand.
1979. A statue of Washington in Masonic regalia, a gift of the Wayne E. Stichter family of Toledo, was dedicated at the entrance to the grounds of the Scottish Rite Library and Museum in Lexington, Massachuset, June 10.
Data processing system installed in Florida by the Grand Lodge.
Pope John Paul II was visiting in Chicago while the Grand Lodge was in session. The Grand Master and the Grand Wardens by special invitation, attended a Mass conducted by the Pope in Grant Park.
Authentics of Fundamental Law for Scottish Rite, by Henry C. Clausen, was published.
The Imperial Council offices of the Shrine were moved from Chicago to Tampa, Florida.
The Masonic Services Association Mississippi Flood Relief, $80,560.69.
Freemasonry barred in Iran.
The Masonic Services Association Dominican Republic Relief $32,059.55.
Arab Nations assumed an anti-Masonic position under the erroneous belief that the Craft is controlled by the Jews.
Pennsylvania and Virginia considered establishing a "pay as you go" Masonic Home for the Golden Agers.
1980. Rededication of the Obelisk on Central Park, New York City, in October 5, it had been given to the city by Egypt in 1880 and had been dedicated by the Fraternity.
Rose Croix, a History of the Ancient and Accepted Rite for English and Wales, by A. C. F. Jackson, was published.
A Masonic Reader's Guide, by Alphonse Cerza, was published.
Our Craft Monitor, Its Origin and Development, by Alex Horne, was published.
Thomas R. Dougherty, Past Grand Master, New Jersey, named Director of Hospital Visitation by The Masonic Services Association.
Frontier Cornerstones, The Story of Freemasonry in Ohio, 1790-1980 by Allen E. Roberts, was published.
1981. Grand Lodge of Alaska formed, February 7.
1984. January 31, the Grand Lodge of Utah repealed its long standing anti-Mormon resolution.
June 18, Brother Potter Stewart of Ohio retired as Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court , paving the way for Sandra Day O' Conner to become the first female Associate Justice. Brother Stewart was a member of Lafayette Lodge No. 81, Cincinnati, Ohio and a member of Oola Kahn Grotto, Cincinnati. (Newsday: This Day in History)
1989. Grand Lodge of Hawaii formed, May 20.
1991. June 26, a Kentucky medical examiner announced that test results showed President Zachary Taylor had died in 1850 of natural causes and not arsenic poisoning, as speculated by a writer. (Taylor's remains had been exhumed so that tissue samples could be taken.) The 12th President of the United States was purported to be a "Brother" in the Craft but this was no so. He himself stated that he always entertained a favorable opinion of the fraternity, and that his best friends and fellow Army officers were Masons, and that he himself probably would have become one had time allowed. Nevertheless, Zachary Taylor lodge No 166, Kiddville, Kentucky, was named after him. In the history of New York's Marsh Lodge, No. 188 referred to as "Brother." The Grand Lodge of New York and many of its subordinate lodges participated in military and civic funeral honors for him in New York on July 23, 1850. Some 450 brethren turned out. (The Learning Kingdom)
June 28, Associate Justice Brother Thurgood Marshall signaled an end to the era of a liberal Supreme Court. Brother Marshall was a pioneering civil rights lawyer who helped lead the fight to end racial segregation and served as US Solicitor General prior to his appointment to the highest court by President and Brotehr Lyndon B. Johnson as the first black ever to sit on the Supreme Court. As an attorney for the NAACP he successfully argued the case of Brown vs Board of Education before the Supreme Court ending the doctrine of "separate but equal." Brother Marshall's 24-year tenure on the bench was marked by his strong liberal voice championing the rights of criminal defendants and defending abortion rights, his opposition to the death penalty, and his commitment to civil rights. On July 1, 1991 President George Bush selected Clarence Thomas, a conservative black jurist to succeed Brother Marshall. A Prince Hall Mason Brother Marshall had been Director and counselor of the Prince Hall Grand Master's Conference and was a 33º AASR (Prince Hall). Prince Hall Masonic Grand Lodges and Prince Hall Masons contributed to and supported Brother Thurgood Marshall's efforts during his legal career to end legalized segregation. In many ways, Brother Marshall was more important in changing history than any other Civil Rights leader. (Chase's; Livingston Masonic Library)
Grand Lodge of India makes an amendment, July, against plural membership.
1996. June 11, 1996, closing a congressional career that had lasted three-and-a-half decades, Brother Bob Dole said good-bye to the United States Senate to begin in earnest his campaign for the United States Presidency. Decorated Veteran, World War II; United States Congressman and Senator from Kansas, 1961-96; Majority and Minority Leader, United States Senate; Losing nominee for President of the United States 1996; Humanitarian and Philanthropist. Brother Dole was raised in Russell Lodge No. 177, Russell, Kansas September 20, 1955. He completed the Scottish rite degrees in the Valley of Salina on December 10, and the York Rite in Aleppo Commandery No. 31, Hays, Kansas. In recent years he has become a spokesman for the blue sex stimulant pill, Viagra. (Newsday: this Day in History; Knight Templar magazine)
"King of the Cowboys," and a 33 degree Mason, Roy Rogers died.
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