‘Josef Wäges at Mariners next month’

    

Click here.

I’m at Masonic Hall about to join the gang from the Masonic Library and Museum Association, which is meeting here today, and just heard about this great event Mariners will host next month. From the publicity:

Join Mariners Lodge 67 for our November Stated Communication, featuring distinguished guest speaker Bro. Joe Wäges, Masonic historian, author, presenting “The Freemason Degrees of the Illuminati.”

Wednesday, November 11

7-7:30 p.m.—Open to Master Masons who RSVP

7:30 onward—Open to the general public who RSVP. Followed by a Thanksgiving-themed Maritime Festive Board

RSVP for the meeting and festive board as soon as possible here.

Josef Wäges is a prominent Masonic historian, researcher, and author recognized for his work on esoteric and historical rites. A 32° Scottish Rite Mason (Dallas Valley), he holds memberships in Plano Lodge 768 and Fate Lodge 802 in Texas.

He serves on the Board of Directors of the Scottish Rite Research Society and holds memberships in the Society of Blue Friars, the Grand College of Rites, and multiple lodges of research.

His notable publications include co-editing The Secret School of Wisdom: The Authentic Rituals and Doctrines of the Illuminati (2015), translating early 18th-century rites in The Lost Ritual: The Retranslated Bonseigneur Rituals, and editing On Materialism and Idealism (Collected Works of Adam Weishaupt Volume One), alongside upcoming works like Ecossais Masonry and The Columbian Illuminati.

     

‘Civil War Lodge takes Fort Monroe’

    

The Lincoln Gun, located on the grounds of Fort Monroe. Cast in 1860 and named for the president in ’62, this beast fired 300-pound projectiles more than four miles against Confederate batteries on Sewells Point.

Let me begin with the news just announced: Civil War Lodge of Research 1865 will not meet in December for elections and installation of officers as usual, but instead will meet Saturday, January 16 at 10 a.m. in the lodge room at MAHOVA.

Light turn-out for our October 10 meeting
at Monitor Lodge 197 in Hampton, Virginia.

But this edition of The Magpie Mason concerns our meeting last Saturday in Virginia, which was another great time split between the lodge communication and the extracurricular activities. We gathered at Monitor Lodge 197 in Hampton for a shorter-than-typical meeting. Some of the officers were unable to attend, so I had the privilege of serving as tyler.

(It is worth studying and appreciating the differences among grand lodges’ rituals regarding our tylers/tilers. For example, New Jersey’s Opening includes a fairly elaborate portion when the master summons the tyler, who enters, approaches the East, discusses his ritual duties with the master, receives the implement of his office and retires, and then the lodge is tyled and the Opening proceeds. Here in New York, nothing like that happens. The tiler remains outside the door and only receives news from the junior deacon. It is the JD who discusses the tiler’s duties with the master. In Virginia, there is yet a third way, one that is closer to New York’s ritual, albeit with something for the tyler to say to the junior deacon.)

Likeness of the USS Monitor displayed
in the lodge.

You probably guessed Monitor Lodge 197 was named for the U.S. Navy’s first ironclad ship, launched January 30, 1862, which famously fought the ironclad CSS Virginia in the Battle of Hampton Roads in March. The USS Monitor was lost at sea in a storm on December 31 of that same year.

Painting of the USS Monitor in the lodge.
A gift from Bro. John D. Bell.

This was a quick meeting, maybe because, unfortunately, only eleven of us were present. We balloted on two candidates, one for restoration, and one for affiliation—both clear, making our membership 332 Masons strong. (That’s a lot or a research lodge.) One petition for membership, from Ontario, was received.

212 East Mellen Street, built in 1963,
is a short walk from Ft. Monroe.

Our annual meeting in December still was in planning, and, as noted above, this will take place in January. Looking at the rest of 2027, our meetings will be:

✔ April 10 at St. John’s Lodge 3 in New Bern, North Carolina;

✔ July 10 at either somewhere in the District of Columbia or in the GWMNM in Alexandria; and

✔ October 9, hopefully in Maryland, maybe at either Philanthropic 168 or Columbia 58 (the two are only about twelve miles apart).

And December 2027? I think that will have to be figured out by the then incoming Worshipful Master.

I assume this is one of the reasons the rebels never got around to capturing this U.S. fort despite its location in Virginia.

During WM Hare’s preview of our post-meeting visit to Fort Monroe, we learned:

⭑ Ft. Monroe remained a U.S. installation throughout the Civil War. Built in the early 19th century, it is named for James Monroe.

⭑ Edgar Allan Poe had served there as a sergeant major of artillery in 1828. Hard to envision, but there you go.

⭑ Robert E. Lee, a second lieutenant and engineer, was stationed there 1831-34.

⭑ Harriet Tubman factors repeatedly in the fort’s Civil War story, having served as a nurse and in other capacities 1861-65.

⭑ Jefferson Davis, having been captured in May 1865, quickly was sent to Fort Monroe for incarceration, and was released two years later. After touring the fort and its grounds, I can say there would have been zero chance of escape or forcible liberation from the site.

Outside Davis’ jail cell…

…and inside. Jefferson Davis was charged with treason, conspiring to assassinate President Lincoln, and committing atrocities against Union POWs. The murder charge didn’t stick; the other charges were dropped; he was a free man by the end of 1868. I don’t know who prosecuted, but if Jeff Davis walks on treason, you’re hopeless.

⭑ Fort Monroe became known as Freedom’s Fortress on account of its commanding officer providing sanctuary for escaped slaves.

Click to enlarge.
Didactic panels in the fort’s museum.

⭑ The Haunted Fort: Because of its four centuries of history, Fort Monroe is said to be home to spirits ranging from Davis and Poe to Abraham Lincoln and a number of lesser known local personalities.

But the proof is in the touring. We didn’t have a formal group tour so we visited independently, occasionally bumping into each other.

 

 

The 3-Inch Ordinance Rifle Model 1861 was manufactured by Phoenix Iron Co. in Pennsylvania. Weight: more than 800 pounds. Fired a nine-pound shell 2.25 miles.

Tobacciana is scarce in the fort’s Casemate Museum,
but I found this.

One of the gates to ingress and egress.
Obey the traffic light!

Quarters No. 1, where Lincoln stayed, May 1862,
while planning the attack on Norfolk, Virginia.

 

Eight, nine, and ten-inch Rodman Gun cannon balls,
recovered from the moat.

Known as the Algernourne Oak, it is named for Fort Algernourne, a 1609 English stockade where Ft. Monroe would be constructed. It is approximately 500 years old, so it is credited with seeing the first slaves brought from Africa to the New World. Its trunk’s girth spans about 288 inches, and it stands 58 feet, with a crown measuring 88 feet.

 

This tree was planted June 6, 1984 to commemorate the fortieth anniversary of D-Day in France, and is planted in soil from Omaha Beach in Normandy.

The Parade Grounds.

While driving around the fort, I espied a sign pointing to a brewery. Despite my terrible sense of direction, I found Oozlefinch Beers…

…and had a Moat Monster (the fort is ringed by a moat) Stout Ale. It’s a dark beer, of 5% ABV, not a stout. It was okay.

Has Ft. Monroe a connection to New York City? Yes. Prior to the War of 1812, the government constructed a first, then a second, system of coastal fortifications to guard major harbors and ports. These included Monroe at Chesapeake Bay; McHenry at Baltimore; Mifflin at Philadelphia; and both Fort Columbus and Castle Clinton at Manhattan.

Origins of Monitor Lodge 113/197

A few days ago, I excerpted from Edward T. Schultz’s multi-volume History of Freemasonry in Maryland, and in Vol. 3 we find:

At the Semi-annual Communication [of Grand Lodge], May 1863, Grand Master McJilton reported that he had granted a dispensation to Bro. C.W. Thomas, Past Master, and others, for the opening of a Regimental Lodge, temporarily at Fortress Monroe. He stated, that “although the Fortress is in the State of Virginia, it is the property of the United States, and as it was impossible for the Brethren residing there to obtain a dispensation from Virginia, they accordingly made application to Maryland. The Brethren desiring the Lodge privileges were not residents of Virginia, but of Maryland and other States.”

Upon the recommendation of the Committee to whom the subject was referred, a Charter was ordered to be issued for Monitor Lodge, No. 113, at same Communication.

At the Semi-annual Communication, May 1865, upon the motion of Past Grand Master Ohr, preambles and resolutions were adopted to the effect that whereas regular communications can again be held with the Grand Lodge of Virginia, the Grand Master be requested to take such steps as in his judgment shall be proper for the withdrawal of the Charter of Monitor Lodge, and its transfer to the Grand Lodge of Virginia. In accordance with which the Charter was surrendered at the conclusion of the Communication, and turned over to the Grand Lodge of Virginia, which body at its Annual Communication, December 1865, adopted the following:

WHEREAS, A charter was granted in May 1863 by the Grand Lodge of Maryland to certain Masons at Fortress Monroe, empowering them to open a Lodge under the name of Monitor Lodge;

And whereas, the Charter was surrendered to the said Grand Lodge in November 1865;

Now therefore, in consideration of the fact that these Brethren at Fortress Monroe were cut off from communication with the Grand Lodge of Virginia, and therefore could not apply to her for authority to organize, and that the Grand Lodge of Maryland has acted so honorably and fraternally, in withdrawing their authority as soon as they could communicate with this Grand Lodge; that these Brethren yielded so readily, and have shown so commendable a spirit: now therefore,

Be it resolved, That their application for a Charter be granted under the name and style of Monitor Lodge, No. 197, with such officers as may hereafter be designated to the Grand Secretary; provided, the officers and members of said Monitor Lodge, No. —, who have received the degrees in said Lodge, shall first be duly healed.

The records of Monitor Lodge, No. 113, while working under dispensation and charter from the Grand Lodge of Maryland, and under charter of Virginia, as No. 197, to the year 1879, have kindly been placed by the Master in the hands of the writer, and from them the following items are quoted:

The first meeting under the dispensation recorded is March 31st, 1863, although reference is made to prior meetings. May 14th, Bros. Robert Quynn, David Martin, Wm. J. Stowell, Thos. J. Cooper of Baltimore, and Brethren from other jurisdictions were present, when the Lodge was constituted under the Charter, and the officers installed by Bro. Quynn, of Arcana Lodge, No. 110, Baltimore. Meetings were held nearly every week and many applications were received and acted upon. In accordance with the instructions of the Grand Lodge applications for initiation were refused from everyone not connected with the army or navy of the United States. It is to be regretted that in many cases, the rank and former residence of the applicants are not stated in the records. Brig . Gen. Rufus King of Milwaukee, and many others, were elected to receive the degrees, but the exigencies of the service requiring their presence elsewhere, never received them. The last meeting held under the Maryland Charter was November 28th, 1865. The following Brethren having served as Masters: Charles W. Thomas, Ely McClellan, Joseph G. Fulton, and John Bogart. The records have been well kept by the following secretaries: Anthony E. Stocker, James M. Meade, and John Bogart. In accordance with the resolutions of the Grand Lodge of Virginia, a meeting was held under its new Charter Number, 197, January 2nd, 1866, when Worshipful Bro. J.G. Smith, by authority of D. Grand Master Samuel Seldon of District No. 1, proceeded to formally heal the officers and members of Monitor Lodge, No. 113, in accordance with the requirements of the Grand Lodge of Virginia. The Lodge under its present Charter appears to have had a prosperous existence.

     

‘Lost/Missing Item: artillery piece’

    

Baron Steuben Lodge 264

Baron Steuben Lodge 264, way up north in Lee Center—near Lake America—has a request: Please help find and return an artillery piece that once was mounted outside their meeting place.

No, they’re not getting carried away with security. The brethren simply wish to restore a historical artifact to their landscape. Nobody knows where it was taken, when, or why. The lodge says:

Help Us Bring a Piece

of Our Lodge’s History Home!

Brothers, friends, and community members:

We are searching for a cannon that once sat on the grounds of Baron Steuben Lodge 264, as seen in this historical photograph:

At some point years ago, the cannon went missing, and we’d love to see this piece of history returned to the Lee Center Masonic Temple.

If you know where the cannon is, have any information about what happened to it, or know someone who might, please reach out to us privately. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Please share and help spread the word. Let’s work together to bring this piece of our history home!

I wouldn’t want you to contact them unless you know something useful. Doesn’t have to be the exact latitude and longitude of the cannon’s current emplacement, but maybe you know something about a historical society, a local historian, someone in local government, etc. that you could recommend.

Send the lodge a message via Facebook here.

     

‘Maryland puts The Grand back in Grand Lodge’

    

Baltimore Business Journal

The Grand Lodge of Maryland has acquired the building that originally was the brethren’s longtime headquarters, according to local media.

Baltimore Business Journal reports today that the Grand Lodge purchased The Grand, which “has struggled with revolving ownership and financial woes in recent years.”

It was built by the Grand Lodge in 1866, but was sold in 1998 to a hotelier. After years of renovations, it reopened as a luxurious banquet hall and events venue named the Tremont Grand. Name changes ensued until it became The Grand in 2015. Maybe you’ve seen it as an on location site in episodes of House of Cards, Veep, and others.

The Grand

Financial difficulty characterized the building’s existence from the start. It was on Tuesday, November 20, 1866 when the Grand Lodge laid its cornerstone. The 1887 book of proceedings notes in reflection:

At the May Communication 1864, Grand Master Coates recommended that preliminary steps be taken looking to the inauguration of the enterprise. It was resolved to issue stock to the extent of $200,000 and that as soon as the subscriptions thereto amounted to $50,000, the Grand Charity Fund should be invested in the same security. A Building Committee was appointed consisting of [Grand Master] John Coates, Francis Burns, John S. Berry, Charles Webb, William Wilson, Jr., George J. Kennard, and James Logue. Bro. Edmund G. Lind was subsequently selected as Architect.

In November 1865, the Committee reported the purchase of the site of the present Temple on North Charles Street, and in May following, additional ground was bought to enlarge the lot. On the 20th November, 1866, the Grand Lodge laid the cornerstone of the New Temple with imposing ceremonies. The procession was immense, including Lodges, Chapters, and Commanderies at home and from various other States. The President of the United States, Bro. Andrew Johnson, Past Grand Master of Tennessee, with his Secretary, Bro. Robert Johnson, escorted by Governor Swann and his uniformed Staff, joined the procession at the Governor's residence on Franklin Street and marched with the Grand Master his suite through the open lines to the site of the new Building.

Hymns composed for the occasion by Rev. Andrew Longacre and Hon. Brantz Mayer were sung by a choir of two hundred voices, accompanied by an orchestra, under the supervision of Bro. Robert J. Kerr. Rev. R.W. McMurdy of New York, Grand Prelate of the Grand Encampment of the United States, acted as Grand Chaplain.

Our distinguished and now venerable Brother, John H.B. Latrobe, delivered an able and eloquent oration, concluding with the following beautiful peroration: “Whether Freemasonry may go back to the Mithratic caves, Egyptian or Grecian temples, to Roman Collegia, to the House of the Lord at Jerusalem in Moriah—to the preceptories of the Templars—to the Crusades—to the charter of Athelstan—or the Lodge of Kilwinning—is, after all, but of little moment. Its principles can alone be relied on to maintain our time honored Order in its purity. They inculcate charity to all mankind—a charity without stint—a brotherhood without boundaries—religion without sectarianism— patriotism without party—a union, not of hands only, but of hearts—a union not limited to persons, but embracing states and nations and all this accompanied by the profoundest recognition of man’s dependence upon Him, whose All Seeing Eye is our emblem, who hath measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, and meted out the Earth with a span, and comprehended the dust of the Earth in a balance and weighed the mountains in scales and the hills in a balance….”

The building of the new Temple had meanwhile progressed amid rejoicing and congratulation and at the May Communication 1869, Grand Master Coates, Chairman of the Building Committee, reported that the Temple was completed and ready for occupancy. But now came “the tug of war.” It had not been paid for...

All efforts were now directed towards raising the means to meet the pressing claims. Taxation upon the Subordinate Lodges was necessarily resorted to, and in the emergency a host of critics arose to find fault with the plan of building and even the policy of erecting the structure at all. Unfortunately the main hall, which had been relied upon as a source of large revenue from rentals, proved deficient in its most important requirement: acoustics.

Murmurings of discontent, complaints, and even denunciations, became the order of the day, and many brethren who could doubtless have built a different Temple, felt and expressed confidence that they could have built a better one. Meanwhile the creditors, not content with urging the payment of their claims by pacific methods, had resorted to legal process and the sale of the Temple to satisfy its liens was only delayed by the struggle for priority among the various claimants. It happened at this critical juncture in the affairs of the Grand Lodge, as it always does in meritorious cases in human affairs, that men were found to meet the emergency. At the November Communication 1780, Brother John H.B. Latrobe, who had delivered the Oration at the laying of the cornerstone of the building, was elected Grand Master and at once called a halt in the rapid march towards financial disgrace.

Their records show the costs of acquiring the land (first one lot, then a second), and the construction, furnishing, decorating, etc. of the new headquarters approached $500,000—legitimately a shocking sum for a fraternal order. In his History of Freemasonry in Maryland (Vol. 4), author Edward Thomas Schultz writes:

...and in consequence, the Grand Lodge became greatly embarrassed financially. Many and great complaints were heard and censures expressed by the brethren against the plan and cost of the building. While there is no doubt the building cost too much, and was in some respects not constructed to meet fully the requirements of the fraternity, it is not certain that another committee under the circumstances then existing, would have done better. It was perhaps unfortunate that the building had not been commenced in 1859, when the subject was first agitated and when building materials and labor were very low, whereas in the first few years after the war materials and labor were higher than perhaps ever known in Baltimore before or since.

At Grand Lodge’s semi-annual communication on May 10, 1869, Grand Master John Coates informed the brethren that he believed a public celebration of dedicating and opening the building should be avoided, saying:

The certainty that in a few days, our subordinate Lodges and other Masonic bodies will occupy the several rooms prepared for their use, renders it necessary that provision should be made for the dedication of our New Temple. This has been to me a matter of serious consideration, in view of the great necessity for money to pay off the debts yet due upon the Temple, and my desire as well as that of the Craft generally, to celebrate the completion of this great enterprise, in such a manner as would be creditable to the Fraternity of Maryland. After due reflection and a consultation with the Grand Officers and other prominent Masons, we have deemed it most wise and prudent to perform the ceremony of Dedication during the session of the Grand Lodge, without any public demonstration, involving as it would, a heavy expenditure of money. The very great responsibility we have assumed in building this Temple, involving us in heavy obligations, and upon the faithful discharge of which our honor and very existence depends, demands of us the husbanding of every dollar of our means, and the strictest economy in the management of our finances. There is yet required to pay off the remaining floating debt upon the Temple, about forty thousand dollars, which the Building Committee are endeavoring to secure. A heavy tax has been laid upon our city Lodges to meet the expenses incurred in furnishing the various rooms prepared for their use, which has exhausted all the funds in their possession. Under these circumstances we are wholly unable to make such a public demonstration as would be creditable to us, and would not detract from the reputation we have already established by that most grand and imposing display made on the occasion of laying the cornerstone.

Joanna Campbell Rocky 98.5

Joanna Campbell Rocky 98.5

Joanna Campbell Rocky 98.5

Joanna Campbell Rocky 98.5

I hope a suitable celebration will mark the return of Freemasonry to the historic site. Congratulations, brethren!

     

‘Rubicon: Masons Who Read’

    

The snickering on social media aside, let me assure you that Ukraine’s bombing of Yandex data centers and the interruption of this blog’s streak of forty-one posts in forty-one consecutive days is entirely coincidental! Speaking of centers of data, the Kentucky brethren’s “21st Century Conversations on Freemasonry” lectures on the YouTube continued yesterday with their posting of Timothy J. Bramble’s lecture titled “Masons Who Read.”

Episode LXXXVI (I think that’s 86) runs a little more than an hour. Click this image:

The series is co-hosted by the Rubicon Masonic Society, William O. Ware Lodge of Research, and Lexington Lodge 1. Bramble, is at labor in Lexington 1 (and others), is chaplain of W.O.W., and is a member of Rubicon.

Last year, Rubicon challenged its members to read one book on Freemasonry per month during the period from May 2025 through June of ’26. Bramble read fifty-one books. In this talk, he lists those he read, and discusses the pleasure and profit derived. Enjoy.

     

‘Alma: a night at the opera’

    

Tickets here.

I’m not at all embarrassed to admit everything I know of Alma Mahler comes from the Tom Lehrer song, but I’ve known every word of the song since 1980. In more recent news, Bro. Valentin Peytchinov, of Scotia Lodge 634, presents Alma, the opera, coming to New York! From the publicity:

Alma

Saturday, October 17

8 to 9 p.m.

Theatre of St. Jean’s

150 East 76th Street,

between Lexington & Third

Tickets here

Dear Brothers and Friends,

We are bringing Alma—a moving new opera about Alma Mahler’s life—to New York City, and I’m reaching out personally because this project is deeply meaningful to me.

This production will also honor the 75th birthday of Lubo Denev, the celebrated Bulgarian composer, conductor, and jazz artist. Presenting Alma in New York as a tribute to his legacy makes this moment truly special.

Overview

Alma the opera, comes to New York: a powerful monodrama of love, art, war, and Alma Mahler’s relentless pursuit of artistic freedom. Alma is a powerful monodrama inspired by the extraordinary life of Alma Mahler—composer, muse, lover, wife, and witness to the collapse of old Europe. Surrounded by the genius of Gustav Mahler, the passionate intensity of painter Oskar Kokoschka, the visionary architect Walter Gropius, and the poet Franz Werfel, Alma is swept through love, betrayal, war, and an unrelenting search for artistic freedom.

Her deeply personal journey becomes a mirror of an entire era—a story of passion, art, and the price of dreams. With music by celebrated Bulgarian composer Lubomir Denev and a libretto by Guerguan Tsenov, Alma brings Alma Mahler’s extraordinary story to the stage through an intimate and compelling musical portrait.

The New York premiere features soprano Teresa Castillo in the title role, with Ahmed Alom conducting a chamber ensemble. The New York premiere carries a special historical significance. After fleeing war-torn Europe, Alma Mahler spent the final two decades of her life in the United States and died in New York City on December 11, 1964. Presenting Alma in New York is therefore more than a premiere—it is, in many ways, a symbolic homecoming for one of the twentieth century’s most remarkable artistic figures.

Following its acclaimed Bulgarian premieres in 2025 at the March Music Days International Festival in Ruse and the Sofia Music Weeks International Festival, Alma now comes to New York in a production celebrating the 75th birthday of composer Lubomir Denev. Soprano Teresa Castillo, together with a chamber ensemble conducted by Ahmed Alom, will bring this intimate monodrama to life at Theatre at Saint Jean. The project is presented by Valentin Peytchinov Vocal Studios in collaboration with Vocal Productions NYC.

Throughout his distinguished international career, Valentin Peytchinov has devoted himself to mentoring young singers and creating opportunities for emerging artists. Alma continues that mission by bringing a remarkable contemporary opera to New York while providing a professional stage for exceptional young performers and celebrating the work of its composer, librettist, conductor, and performers.

You know something? Lehrer never mentioned Kokoschka!

      

‘Meditation techniques at Livingston Library’

    

“A light heart lives long.”

William Shakespeare

Love’s Labour’s Lost

The Chancellor Robert R. Livingston Masonic Library offers a change of pace for its monthly lecture this time. Different day too. (Let’s attend and head downstairs for The ALR after.) From the publicity:

HeartMath Meditation!

Tuesday, October 27 at 6 p.m.

Masonic Hall, 14th floor

Zoom here

Join us for an uplifting presentation on managing stress and anxiety. Learn an easy and practical tool for maintaining emotional balance, mental clarity, and sustaining resilience to navigate these unpredictable and challenging times. Come and learn how love, kindness, and compassion help improve our immune system, health, and self-security. The intelligence of the human heart is a powerful force, and this technique will help connect you to your heart’s intuition.

Leigh-Ann Carls, MSN, CCRN, AHN-BC, is an experienced ICU nurse with a 17-year obsession with consciousness, noetic science, and the mind-body connection as it relates to our health. She is a Certified Holistic Nurse, Integrative Health and Wellness Coach, Radical Remission Workshop Instructor and Coach, Advanced Reiki Practitioner, and certified HeartMath practitioner.

     

‘James Royal Case award this month’

         

Things Masonic sometimes are denominated in threes, and Connecticut’s Masonic Lodge of Research 401 has settled on its tertiary choice of date to present its James Royal Case award, which will be at its meeting this month.

W. Bro. Martin Ede, the highly regarded local historian, scholar, perennial Worshipful Master, etc., will be honored with the lodge’s wonderfully prestigious James Royal Case Fellowship at the New Haven Masonic Temple on Wednesday the 28th. The lodge will meet at seven o’clock, and the public award presentation will follow.

There is no cost to attend. If you had paid to book your seats for the previous two planned dates, expect a refund from the lodge.

Case (1895-1987) was, among other things, a Past Master and a Fellow of The American Lodge of Research. He was one of those mid-twentieth century American scholars in Masonry prolific in authoring books and research papers. He studied and wrote of histories outside the Masonic Order also, such as the Revolutionary War pertaining to Connecticut. His book titles include: 

 ▸ Tryon’s Raid on Danbury, 1777: The Battle of Ridgefield and Gen. David Wooster’s Career

 ▸ Fifty Early American Military Freemasons

 ▸ The Case Collection: Biographies of Masonic Notables, Volumes I and II (for Missouri Lodge of Research)

 ▸ Freemasons at the First Inauguration of George Washington, April 30, 1789 (for the Masonic Service Association)

 ▸ Thank You, Mr. Edwards: A Bicentennial History of the Grand Lodge, AF&AM of Connecticut

 ▸ A History of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite in Connecticut

And, unsurprisingly, recent James Royal Case Fellows include familiar Masons, such as Dick Fletcher, Chris Hodapp, Tim Hogan, Arturo de Hoyos, Brent Morris, Roy Wells, and a lot of local talent, including Ron Goldwyn.

Somewhere I had a photo of Case standing in The ALR from, maybe, the sixties. Can’t find it.

     

‘Research chapter to meet in Manhattan’

         

Thomas Smith Webb Chapter of Research 1798 will meet this month…in Manhattan!

The companions will hold their convocation in Masonic Hall on Saturday, October 24 at 4 p.m. Look for the Fifth Manhattan District’s room (I don’t know where that is).

Presenters to include Rene Perez, possibly Michael Chaplin, and hopefully another (maybe you?). A Zoom connection for those who cannot attend is forthcoming, but if you can get there, be sure to budget time for a post-meeting meal at a restaurant.

     

‘Grand Master’s Day reset for April’

    

I’m late with this, but I’m sure the word got out before anyone went to Tappan only to find the place deserted. See you next April.

     

‘MMRI telethon in just 24 hours’

    

UPDATE: When they had to sign off at 8:45, more than $409,000 had been raised!

We are now a mere twenty-four hours from the start of the MMRI’s first global telethon to support this outstanding non-profit biomedical research center.

The work of the Masonic Medical Research Institute encompasses:

⚕️ heart disease research—investigating the genetic and environmental causes of heart disease since 1958;

⚕️ neurocognitive disease research—studying the causes of, and seeking treatments for, conditions affecting cognitive function and neurological processes; and

⚕️ autoimmune disease research—aims to find the causes of chronic illnesses in which the body’s immune system attacks the body’s own tissues.

Our hosts tomorrow night will be The Most Worshipful Robert L. Hogan, Jr., Grand Master of Mason in the State of New York; and MW William R. Sardone, Past Grand Master.

Click here to watch Tuesday night.