‘Weird Fact Wednesday: Tassels’

     
I probably ought to move this feature to Tuesdays and dub it Trivia Tuesday or something like that, because, once again, here is a Weird Fact that I’m not sure is genuinely weird.

Okay, so we’ve all seen those twin tassels flanking the flaps of many aprons. To wit:

Courtesy masonicsupplyshop.com

Well, how did they get there? I’ve been told over the years by learned brethren how these ornaments bear all kinds of symbolism, such as representing the Pillars in the Porch. Personally, I favor the practical explanations of many things in Freemasonry. (I don’t know how many fluid ounces of post-meeting port have passed through my nostrils at the mention of Templar origins of Freemasonry, but I digress.)

It is sad that countless volumes of Masonic literature from earlier centuries have disappeared from sight. In some cases, largely because of dubious scholarship—which was the norm for those times, we must remember—that’s a good thing, but plenty of other cases are lamentable. In the encyclopedia department, we all have Coil’s, Mackey’s, and maybe Waite’s. And then there are dictionaries and other reference books. In the early 20th century, Edward Lovell Hawkins, of Quatuor Coronati 2076 and other accomplishments, published his A Concise Cyclopædia of Freemasonry or Handbook of Masonic Reference. (He also authored A History of Freemasonry in Oxfordshire.)

On the subject of tassels, he writes:


The silver tassels prescribed in the English Constitutions for the aprons of a Master Mason and of a Grand Steward have evolved in course of time from the two long ribbons by which the early aprons were tied on. These ribbons passed round the body and were tied under the flap, with the ends pendent in front. To give a finish to these ends, they were ornamented with a silver fringe. The ribbons would soon become creased with frequent tying, and considerable care would be necessary to get the pendent ends of equal length; so the next step was to sew the decorated ribbons to the apron, making them distinct from the actual tie, which would be concealed by the flap. Then came the strap and buckle now worn.


(The next entry in his cyclopædia is Templar, Knights!)

I’ve been asked a number of times by all kinds of Masons if the quadrangular shape of the Masonic apron and its triangular flap communicate rich symbolism—for example, with the four angles representing the Elements of our material world, and the three angles speaking to aspects of Diety. Nice try, I always say, but the modern apron was shaped by the Industrial Revolution. Prior to machines making our regalia, a Masonic apron had rounded edges and a rounded flap. Reality can fade the fun out of some things, but without it we wouldn’t know what really is exciting in symbolism.

What kind of apron do I wear? I very much would love to wear the regulation Grand Lodge of New York Past Master apron (I am a refugee from another jurisdiction where I actually served in the East of my previous lodge), but the $500+ price is prohibitive. But I am very content wearing my grandfather’s PM apron from 1976. Nevertheless, this will be the year I acquire a new apron, and I am thinking of one similar in all ways to what is shown above, but in purple instead of the blue. I’m still mulling that over.

Grand Lodge of New York Past Master apron.

     

‘An embarrassment of riches’

     

It’s true: you can have too much of a good thing. There are four (4) eminent, admirable Masons seeking election to the office of Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of New York this spring.

I’m actually glad that as a Past Master I do not have a vote.

RW Bro. Oscar Alleyne, current Junior Grand Warden; RW Bro. Paul Huck, current Judge Advocate (and MEGHP of the Grand Chapter); RW Bro. David Menegon, current Senior Grand Deacon; and RW Bro. Steven Rubin, current Grand Treasurer are the declared candidates.

Holy guacamole!

I’m not one to appreciate a brother Mason because of his Masonic titles, but these four candidates are vastly accomplished. I wouldn’t want to sketch their highlights for fear of missing something important. With Oscar, for example, I don’t know where to begin. In addition to helming half of what goes on in American Freemasonry, someone told me he’s the governor of Minnesota! I will say he is my fellow Vice President of the Masonic Society.

In many grand jurisdictions around the country, a candidate wins election to the Grand South, and then proceeds without contest to the Grand East. The aspirants to the Grand East in New York, however, face competition along the way. Ergo this wild conundrum in 2020. Meanwhile, the Craft profits from having worthy and well qualified leaders. Usually.

There will be six “town hall”-style meetings where the brethren can hear from these candidates and those seeking election to other offices—two this month, three in February, and finally one in March at Masonic Hall in the city. Somehow I suspect these discussions will only make the voters’ choices more difficult.

All is can say is good luck! No matter who prevails, we all win.

     

‘Weird Fact Wednesday: Masonic Janitors’

     

Courtesy Jeopardy!/Sony Pictures Television

As seen on the broadcast of Jeopardy! last Monday. Who is Janus?!?

Like the previous installment of Weird Fact Wednesday, this one does not reach the legal definition of weird. This, I’ll say, simply sounds weird to the American ear.

An office in Freemasonry named Janitor.

When I first found mention of this in the aforementioned book from 1909 Sidelights on Freemasonry: Craft and Royal Arch, I assumed this referred to the chapter equivalent of the lodge’s tiler/tyler. And I was right, which is weird in itself, but I was right for the wrong reason. Remembering ye olden tymes, when the lodge tiler (that’s our New York spelling) would draw in chalk the lodge upon the floor of the meeting space in the tavern and then mop it away after the meeting, I pictured the chapter janitor on clean-up duty also.

But that ain’t it. In American-English usage, a janitor is a caretaker, a custodian, a maintenance worker, one who keeps a facility neat, clean, and orderly. But, as is usually the case, the British-English primary usage is literal in nature, so it requires a look at the word’s etymology to understand why their Royal Arch chapters employ janitors. Excerpted:


janitor (n.)
1580s, “an usher in a school,” later “doorkeeper” (1620s), from Latin ianitor “doorkeeper, porter,” from ianua “door, entrance, gate,” from ianus “arched passageway, arcade” (see Janus).

Keeper of a doorway—in an arched passageway. All right then.

With January here today, I think I will “see Janus.”

Janus
ancient Italic deity, to the Romans the guardian god of portals, doors, and gates; patron of beginnings and endings, c. 1500, from Latin Ianus, literally “gate, arched passageway,” perhaps from PIE root*ei- “to go” (cognates: Sanskrit yanah “path,” Old Church Slavonic jado “to travel”). He is shown as having two faces, one in front the other in back (they may represent sunrise and sunset and reflect an original role as a solar deity). His temple in Rome was closed only in times of peace. Related: Janian.

Courtesy britannica.com

Janus, beardless, on a Roman coin. Britannica says: ‘Janus, in Roman religion, the animistic spirit of doorways (januae) and archways (jani).’

In January, we certainly do look forward while still eyeing the past.

Remaining a little stubborn, I wondered if janitor is used in English Royal Arch Masonry today, so I queried the ML group, where any question can be answered quickly, accurately, and patiently. Companion Gerald, one of my co-moderators who is way out in East Anglia, replied 35 minutes later:


Indeed in English R.A., the Janitor remains at his post; swords are not apparent.

Regards,
GR
Janitor,
Essex Past First Principals Chapter

Courtesy southernregalia.com

The jewel of office of the English Royal Arch Janitor.

So that’s it for today. Happy New Year!
     

‘Landmark Freemasons teaser is posted’

     
The pilot episode of a YouTube show titled Landmark Freemasons, that will explore Elias Ashmole the Freemason, is coming, and a teaser of about a minute in length has been posted. Looks like episode one will address Ashmole’s personal Bible, owned in more recent centuries by the local lodge.




And here’s a look at the introduction:





Can’t wait to see more!
     

‘A Masonic side of the Priestly Blessing’

     
At the communication last Saturday of New Jersey Lodge of Masonic Research and Education 1786, Bro. Howard brought up, during a miscellanea part of the meeting, what he described as a Masonic understanding of the Priestly Blessing from the Book of Numbers.

The Lord bless you

and keep you;

the Lord make his face shine on you

and be gracious to you;

the Lord turn his face toward you

and give you peace.

Detail from Resurrection of Lazarus by Marc Chagall, 1910.

Chagall was a Freemason of the Grand Orient of France.

He began by describing it is a prayer that can benefit people of any faith, and not only Jews. Then he explained, how in Hebrew, it is delivered in a trio of phrases, first of three syllables, then of five syllables, and then of seven syllables.

In conclusion, he said this sentence structure is the basis for a certain aspect of the lecture of the Second Degree.

As we are into the first hours of Hanukkah, I extend my sincere wishes for a safe and happy time for all who celebrate!
     

‘A beacon within the crush and hub of NYC life’

     
The Anthroposophical Society of New York City will resume a full schedule of activities spanning the twelve Holy Nights of Christmas. Unfortunately, there seems to be no information on the individual events, but there will be something to do nightly between Tuesday the 24th and Sunday, January 5. From the publicity:


The twelve Holy Nights of Christmas are symbols for the twelve forces of the soul that live in us. On these darkest nights of the year, we are closest to the Sun’s Spirit. We are invited to contemplate and reflect on the past year, and to envision the coming year.

Anthroposophy NYC adopted Vincent van Gogh’s Starry Night over the Rhône (1888) to help communicate its Holy Nights messages. (Not to be confused with his The Starry Night, 1889.)

For the Holy Nights this year, we have selected a series of contemplations inspired by indications given by Rudolf Steiner to Herbert Hahn, who met Steiner in 1919, and became a class teacher at the first Waldorf School in Stuttgart, where Steiner also asked him to give “free religious lessons” to the children.

Each evening, along with our traditional annual Holy Nights activities of candle lighting, tree adorning with roses, and Eurythmy, we will read together each short contemplation for that day and share thoughts about it. Each discussion will be facilitated by a member of Anthroposophy NYC. Our goal is to experience with others in these contemplations the deep spiritual significance of this special time in the year.

As we approach the dark night of winter and the Holy Nights, which celebrate the birth of a new Light into that darkness, we can also bring confidence and hope for a new light that is awakening in the seeming societal darkness of our times. Truly, programs and policies alone will not be the solution, but rather the conscious awakening of the light of truth and a renewed sense of brotherly and sisterly love for all humans. Of all the works offered by Rudolf Steiner, his central call is to our awakening to this spiritual light that has entered the world and to the practice of love for all of creation as we realize our full humanity.

This is the core work of Anthroposophy NYC—to offer tools for this path toward truth and love—through the work of Rudolf Steiner. Our goal is to be a beacon within the crush and hub of New York City life, where humanity expresses its struggles and triumphs most vividly in all its diversity. There are many seekers of spiritual truth in this city. We aim to be a home for their seeking.

May these very potent days of Christmas be full of meaning and inner light for your path.

All are welcome to all gatherings.


Anthroposophy NYC is located at 138 West 15th Street, between Sixth and Seventh. Make sure you visit the bookstore when you visit!
     

‘National Grotto Day 2020’

     
I know what some of you are thinking: “The Grotto?!”

Yeah, that’s right, the Mystic Order of Veiled Prophets of the Enchanted Realm.

There should be local places where the purely convivial and even frivolous impulses in Freemasonry can be exhibited, and a Grotto offers the best venue.

After 22 years in Freemasonry, I have come to see that the Masonic family tree needs a robust pruning. There are too many groups—and most of them are relics from the 19th century—that serve little, if any, purpose today, other than to strain the capabilities of the guys who keep all these groups afloat. I don’t want to offend, so I won’t name names, but when I’m grand master of the world, there will be:

• the Craft lodge, for philosophical Freemasonry;
• the Royal Arch Chapter, for spiritual Freemasonry;
• the research lodge* or similar venue, for additional intellectual work; and
• the Grotto for the social, charitable, and funny stuff.

Courtesy Duluth Masonic Center

The Grotto for raucous dinners, cigar nights, beer/wine/liquor tastings, ladies nights, trips to see concerts/plays, etc. Let’s free the lodge from the off-topic and extracurricular, like the softball games against the Elks, and the all kinds of parties, and that stuff. As the social media meme says (I paraphrase): “George Washington didn’t join for that crap!” Well, I can dream, can’t I?

Anyway, the Empire State Grotto Association announces that National Grotto Day 2020 will be observed Saturday, March 21! I don’t know what that will entail yet, but it’s on my calendar. If you want to join the most laid back fraternity in Freemasonry, that would be a great day for it, so I’ll keep you posted when the details are made available. You’ll look good in a fez! (Well, maybe not you, but you guys generally.)


*I am mentally drafting a future edition of The Magpie Mason that will explain why there is a superior alternative to the Masonic lodge of research and education.
     

‘Congratulations to QUEST for 40 years!’

     
While my own understanding of what comprises Masonic education differs, I have to congratulate the organizers of Queens United Education Seminar Today on reaching their 40th anniversary. QUEST XL will take place next March. This flier says it all:

Click to enlarge.

     

‘New website at the MLMA’

     

It looks like some modernizing changes are afoot at the Masonic Library and Museum Association, including a new website. Click here.
      

‘All You Can Hold for 150 Bucks.’

     
They’re back in business! Historic Mariners Lodge 67 will host its legendary Beefsteak Banquet again next month after an interminable absence of, I think, a year. Don’t disappoint yourself by missing out. Tickets are on sale now.

Courtesy Mariners 67

This is not a colorized photo from the 19th century.
This is the real deal: the Mariners Beefsteak Banquet.

(The title of this edition of The Magpie Mason is borrowed from the great Joseph Mitchell’s piece in The New Yorker from 80 years ago in which he traces the history and describes the heavenly joys of the New York beefsteak dinner. Click here, but do as I did decades ago as an optimistic journalism student (ha!) and get a copy of his anthology Up in the Old Hotel, which also includes his “McSorley’s” story. “All You Can Hold for Five Bucks” and others even mention a few Freemasons. Buy yours today!)


From the publicity:

Mariners Lodge 67

Maritime Festive Board

and Beefsteak Banquet

Saturday, January 25, 2020

Masonic Hall, Grand Lodge Room

71 West 23rd Street, Manhattan

Tickets here

A Uniquely New York,

Old-School Masonic Event

Seating Begins at 6:30

Opening Gavel at 7:30

Dress is Tuxedo (preferred)

or Business Formal

All Attendees Receive

a Butcher's Apron

to Wear and Take Home

Prepaid Reservations

Are Required to Attend

Reserve and pay online here

Five Course Menu

First Course

Iced Shrimp

The Ancient Mariner’s Cured Salmon

House Pickles

Second Course

House-Smoked Brisket Pastrami with Rye Toast

Roast Pork with Rolls

Tomato-Braised Lamb Meatballs

Third Course

Memphis-Style Dry-Rubbed Pork Ribs

72-Hour Braised Beef Short Ribs

Wedge Salad with Blue Cheese Dressing

Fourth Course

Strip Steak

Lamb Chops

Roasted Potato Wedges

Fifth Course

Assorted Dessert Platters

Beer from The Bronx Beer Hall

The Festive Board is a feature of the Masonry that extends back to our very beginnings. Operative stonemasons’ lodges would gather upon important occasions around tables laden with food and drink to celebrate in fellowship with the tangible fruits of their labor. Most common were feasts on St. John the Baptist’s Day and St. John the Evangelist’s Day, which were not coincidentally right around the time of the Summer and Winter solstices. These traditions have been part of our Craft ever since. Indeed, one of the reasons given for forming the first Grand Lodge in 1717 was to hold an annual feast.

In the days before Masons had their beautiful purpose-built Masonic temples and lodge rooms, members of the Craft often convened their lodges in taverns and restaurants. The tables were pushed back and Square and Compasses might be scratched out in the sawdust covering the floor while the brethren performed their Masonic work. Before too long the idea arose of taking advantage of what the tavern had to offer, and a practice was born whereby the brethren would take food and drink on a Masonic form and while conducting the work of the lodge.

Over time, various ritual practices of the Festive Board evolved, especially among military officers, who incorporated various elements from their formal dining traditions. These historic rituals and traditions have been resurrected in the modern day, and the Masonic Festive Board with its multiple courses of food, toasts, responses, and giving of “Masonic Fire” has become one of the most popular special events among Masons.

The Mariners Lodge Maritime Festive Board is a unique form of these table ceremonies, which invokes certain early Masonic legends and incorporates elements of historical naval practice and seafaring tradition.

About the Beefsteak Banquet

The Mariners Lodge Maritime Festive Board and Beefsteak Banquet incorporates elements from the rich New York tradition of the Beefsteak Banquet – those famous celebrations of gluttony where men gathered to eat massive amounts of aged steak, lamb chops, shrimp cocktail, pork belly and mini-burgers washed down with bottomless schooners of beer. Forks and knives are strictly prohibited, but you will be provided with a butcher’s apron and plenty of napkins!
     

‘Lecture Tuesday: Chamber of Reflection’

     

Click to enlarge.

The indefatigable RW Bro. Rafael Preza will speak Tuesday night at Pelham Lodge in the Bronx. As you can see, his topic will be the Chamber of Reflection and, while New York Freemasonry has a Chamber of Reflection as part of its initiation rite, I suspect RW Preza will discuss the European-style Chamber of Reflection. I’m sorry I won’t be able to attend, but I’m sure it’ll be a great night, so get there.
     

‘Upcoming book: Long Island Freemasons’

     
And speaking of Long Island Freemasons (see post below), another Arcadia Publishing “Images of America” book, titled Long Island Freemasons, is due for release next April.

These books are paperbacks of archival photographs of their subjects. One on New Jersey lodges was published recently, and there are others, like one on the Detroit Temple. (Years ago, I wanted to make one devoted to New York Freemasonry, as a fundraiser for the Livingston Library, but couldn’t get a green light on that from the library trustees.) They typically run 128 pages, but I see this one will span 160 pages.

From the publicity:

Long Island Freemasons

by Ron Seifried

Due April 6, 2020

$24.99

Courtesy Arcadia Publishing

The first Masonic lodge in what is today Nassau and Suffolk counties was constituted in 1793. For more than 200 years, more than 70 lodges were founded and have flourished in various locations from Amagansett to Great Neck. In this book, some of the secrets of the Masonic fraternity are revealed for the first time. Recovered from dusty lodge attics and closets, this selection of long-forgotten photographs and artifacts gives the readers a brief glimpse of what was taking place behind the closed doors of their local lodge. Long Island was the Masonic home of Theodore Roosevelt of Oyster Bay and, 30 years later, was honored by a visit to the Huntington Masonic lodge by his fifth cousin and fellow Mason Franklin D. Roosevelt. Masons continue to support the community through charitable endeavors, including the Masonic Medical Research Institute, Masonic Safety Identification Programs, Shriners Hospitals, and many others.

Author Ronald J. Seifried was first introduced into Masonry by his mentor in 2003. Elected as master of his lodge, the author is a member of several Masonic concordant bodies, including the Royal Arch, Cryptic Council, and Scottish Rite, and is a recipient of the Dedicated Service Award. As historian and trustee of his home lodge, he is responsible for the conservation and maintenance of the historic lodge building and its artifacts.
     

‘What are you doing for St. John’s Day?’

     
How will your lodge celebrate St. John’s Day this time? I hope you’re planning something cool like this:

Suffolk Lodge 60 will host “a traditional English Festive Board or Table Lodge” on the EA° this Thursday.

(Okay, I think they mean Table Lodge. Many Masons think the two terms are synonymous, but they are not. If, for example, a degree is involved in any way, you’re at a Table Lodge, because it’s a lodge.)

Starts at 7 p.m. Menu: roast beef, roasted turkey, potatoes, vegetables, apple pie à la mode, with, of course, powder for the canons. Also a cash bar. The “tariff” for the affair is only $20.

Contact the secretary here to book your seat.

The lodge just marked its 223rd anniversary on December 7. Vivat!

Brethren, don’t forget the tobacco. And don’t forget to sing this:

     

‘Weird Fact Wednesday: Sir Walter Raleigh Lodges!’

     
It’s time for another Weird Fact Wednesday!

You know that some lodges constituent to the United Grand Lodge of England are “affinity lodges” (once called “class lodges”), meaning how, additionally to the center of union, the members share a commonality of profession, education, hobby, etc., but did you know there have been lodges comprised of Masons in the tobacco business? In a few cases, they adopted Sir Walter Raleigh’s name for their own!

Granted, that’s not statutorily a weird fact. I just like tobacco, and this is my website.

There was Sir Walter Raleigh Lodge 2432 in London. I stumbled across this information last weekend in a book from 1909 titled Sidelights on Freemasonry: Craft and Royal Arch: “We might have thought that the tobacco trade would have found itself at home in any Masonic assembly, but nevertheless they have a Lodge of their own, the Sir Walter Raleigh.”

Click to enlarge.

The January 1, 1896 issue of the trade publication Tobacco reports: “This lodge, which was established in 1892 for the convenience of gentlemen engaged in the tobacco business, held its fifth annual meeting for the installation of a new Worshipful Master on Thursday, the 26th ult., at the Inns of Court Hotel, London.”

The story continues in surprising detail about the installation of officers, presentation of a Past Master jewel, and the “customary loyal and Masonic toasts,” including to the visitors, to the Past Masters, to the Treasurer and Secretary, and to the Officers, before “the Tyler’s toast concluded a most enjoyable evening,” as it should.

This lodge was warranted June 3, 1892 and consecrated on July 28, according to Lane’s Masonic Records. Alack, an internet search a minute ago reveals the sad news that this lodge went dark and was stricken from the rolls by Grand Lodge three years ago. Another victim of the National Health, maybe.

Its meeting place was that aforementioned hotel in Holborn; I do not know if it is the very same location as the Fuller’s pub that goes by the same name today. Lodges in London now, I think, all are centralized inside Freemason’s Hall on Great Queen Street—and, really, who wouldn’t want to meet there?—just as we do at Masonic Hall in Manhattan. I can only wonder what it must have been like generations ago, when lodges were local to neighborhoods throughout those cities.

I suppose that term “tobacco trade” could encompass a number of endeavors including the agriculture of tobacco; import/export; making of pipe mixtures, snuffs, and cigarettes; wholesaling and retailing of the same; advertising; and maybe more. Which brings me to Sir Walter Raleigh Lodge 2837 in Liverpool.

Of course London, essential nexus of so much of what transacts on earth for centuries, would have been central to the commerce of tobacco, and Liverpool—another maritime power—is equally renowned for the tobacco goods it served the world. That city’s tobacciana heyday is long gone—both the Ogden’s factory/headquarters and the gigantic Stanley Dock Tobacco Warehouse are converted to residential uses—but a century ago, tobacco enjoyers knew Liverpool as a mecca. (St. Bruno and Gold Block pipe tobaccos are still available, but now are made by Mac Baren in Denmark.)

Sir Walter Raleigh Lodge 2837 was warranted November 5, 1900, was consecrated July 12, 1901, but was erased from the rolls of Grand Lodge March 8, 2000 due to “decreased membership,” according to Lane’s.

Volume 40, No. 1663 of The Freemason: The Organ of the Craft, a Weekly Record of Progress in Freemasonry, Literature, Science and Art, from 1901, reports the following:


“With the object of fostering an interest in Freemasonry among those connected with the wholesale tobacco trade in Liverpool, a new lodge was consecrated on the 12th inst. At the Alexandra Hotel, Dale-street, by Bro. the Right Hon. the Earl of Lathom, P.G.W., Prov. Grand Master of West Lancashire. Appropriately enough the title of the lodge is the Sir Walter Raleigh, this bringing the total of the lodges under the rule of the West Lancashire Province up to 127. The consecration ceremony was very numerously attended. The Prov. Grand Master presided, and at his request Bro. the Hon. Reginald B. Wilbraham, P.M. 2682, acted as I.P.M. Bro. J.J. Lambert, P.G.D. Eng., and Bro. P.T. Shann, P.J.G.W., occupied the Senior and Junior Wardens’ chairs respectively; and Bro. G. Harrison, P.P.G. Treas., discharged the duties of I.G.”

The story continues with a list of the eminent brethren who were present, both as founders of the lodge and as visitors. Too many names and titles to transcribe here. And then:

“At the conclusion of the consecration service, the Prov. G. Master proceeded to install Bro. Alderman John Houlding as the first W.M. of the lodge.

“In the course of a few observations subsequently, the W.M. mentioned that the lodge started under very favorable auspices. The founders and officers to be invested had presented the working tools and regalia, and they hoped by the end of the year to be not only out of debt, but in a position to hand something over to those magnificent Charities belonging to the Order.”

And in conclusion:

“At the close of the lodge, the brethren sat down to a banquet, when the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were honoured.

“Lord Lathom, in responding to the toast of ‘The Consecrating Master’ proposed from the chair, said he trusted that the Sir Walter Raleigh Lodge would prosper for many years to come, and that the members would look to their first Master for help and guidance. He also wished every success to the tobacco trade of the city with which, he understood, many members of that new lodge were connected.

“A capital musical programme was contributed by Bros. Geo. Platt, D.L. Davies, Henry Fairfield, H. Bayard Harrock, J. Lane, and C. Jones, and Master Guilbert.

“The collars, jewels, founders’ jewels, &c., were manufactured by Bros. George Kenning and Son.”


That first Worshipful Master of the lodge was a previous Lord Mayor of Liverpool, a Past Provincial Senior Grand Warden of West Lancs, a 33º Freemason, a brewer, a hotelier, and founder of Liverpool Football Club!

Another Sir Walter Raleigh Lodge, this one, No. 2958, is still extant in Devonshire. My query via social media to the Provincial Grand Lodge there about that lodge possibly being related to the tobacco trade yielded a more interesting answer: The legendary Raleigh himself was a Devonshire man! (A brother with St. John’s 328 says Raleigh drank at a pub in Exeter named The Ship.)

This lodge was founded in some commemoration of the 350th anniversary of Raleigh’s birth. (Warranted February 27, 1903 and consecrated April 28.) Its earliest meeting spaces were within Odd Fellows lodges. And the brother from the PGL there sent this photo of a book page:

Click to enlarge.

Brown and Williamson brought the classic pipe mixture named for Raleigh to market in 1927, and it is still available today, although now made by Scandinavian Tobacco Group, which seems to make just about everything in pipe tobaccos these days that Mac Baren does not. It remains a mixture of burley tobaccos from the United States.

One prolific reviewer of pipe tobaccos writes in 2012 how he has smoked Sir Walter Raleigh samples from the past 70+ years, and that the taste is consistent throughout. Higher praise I cannot imagine.

Raise your pipe or cigar or whatever is handy to the memory of Sir Walter Raleigh, who brought tobacco to England, and to all the brethren of these historic Masonic lodges.

EDIT: Bonus Fact—I just (July 2020) learned that Sir Walter Raleigh was Jim Tresner’s choice of pipe tobacco!

     

‘Rosicrucian symposium on the solstice’

     

Mark your calendar for Saturday, December 21 at 1 p.m. when the Rosicrucian Order will host a symposium in New York City. From the publicity:

Spend the Winter Solstice with us!

Learn more about the Rosicrucian Tradition as well as other manifestations of the Perennial Philosophy. Topics will include:

• Spiritual Principles for Enhancing and Healing Relationships
• The Master Within
• The Divine Power of Visualization
• Concept of Property - The Illusion of Ownership

The day will conclude with one of the most important rituals in the Rosicrucian Tradition: The Festival of Light Ceremony!

There is not a cost for the event and we would love it if you could donate a coat (or more!) for our annual coat drive. All coats will be distributed through New York Cares.


The Rosicrucian Cultural Center is located at 2303 Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Boulevard in New York City.
     

‘Caring for Your Masonic Treasures’

     

Somehow there still is a Masonic Museum and Library in Lexington, and the good people there have revised their old brochure Caring for Your Masonic Treasures, Jeff Croteau recently reported to the Masonic Library and Museum Association. Info includes:

• The kinds of materials you might encounter in your collection
• The ideal conditions in which to store your collections
• The types of storage enclosures (boxes, folders, etc.) to use when storing your collections
• How to contact and hire a professional conservator to repair damaged documents and books

The guidelines in this booklet will help you feel confident that you are doing what you can to help insure the long-term preservation of your documents, photographs, and books.


There is a PDF for download here, and there is a digital booklet format here.