Volume Lxi Number 6: JUNE 2015
Volume Lxi Number 6: JUNE 2015
Volume Lxi Number 6: JUNE 2015
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VOLUME LXI JUNE 2015 NUMBER 6
Published monthly as an official publication of the
Grand Encampment of Knights Templar
of the United States of America.
Jeffrey N. Nelson
Contents Grand Generalissimo and Publisher
3112 Tyler Parkway
Bismarck, ND 58503-0192
Grand Master
The future is ours! We must seize the moment!
4 Every Christian Mason should be a Knight Templar. june 2015
Donald C. Brown Ronald Lee Thomas
Vermont Alabama
Grand Commander 1988 Grand Commander 2012
Born: November 15, 1929 Born: July 8, 1947
Died: March 14, 2015 Died: March 30, 2015
T
he disciple, Stephen, gave a
wonderful defense of the new
Christian faith before the Jew-
ish Council in Jerusalem (The Acts
6-7), but they were incensed against
him and demanded that he be stoned
to death. He was taken outside the
city, and as he was being stoned, he
prayed; Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.
Then he knelt down and cried out in
a loud voice, Lord, do not hold this
sin against them, (The Acts 7:60) and
then he died.
I am not sure I could be so forgiv-
ing, but its a good lesson to learn. Stephen and the early Christians were over-
whelmed with the Good News of Gods love for all of his children and that God
had sent His only son to die in our place and restore us to new life. They knew
through the resurrection of Jesus that death cannot hold us imprisoned and that
we have victory through Jesus victory over sin and death. As they shared the good
news with others, they were often scorned and mocked and, in Stephens case,
murdered, but they also knew that although the world may be against them, they
could not be overcome.
Forgiveness became a hallmark of early Christianity, because those early Chris-
tians knew that evil was at work in those around them. They knew that Satan never
rested as they remembered what Jesus had said to Peter when he wanted to keep
Jesus from going to Jerusalem to die; Get thee behind me, Satan. Jesus had for-
given Peter, even though he had denied him three times. Jesus words from the cross,
Father, forgive them for they know not what they do, now had significant meaning
and understanding for the way Christians live their daily lives.
The next time you pray the Lords Prayer which includes forgive us our debts as
we forgive our debtors, Jesus is daily reminding us that as His Father has forgiven
our sins, our transgressions, and our bad behavior, so let us do to others, for by so
doing, we are fulfilling the law of love as Jesus taught us; As I have loved you, so you
ought to love one another.
Sir Knights, go forth to love and serve the Lord!
6 june 2015
Flag Day! By
Sir Knight Richard F. Muth
une 14th is Flag Day. It commemo- rangement of its stars, however, were
J rates the birth of the United still open to each makers imagination.
States flag as conceived by the Many even employed stars with six or
Flag Resolution of 1777. For the first eight points or included other items
two years of the American Revolu- within the Union, such as an anchor on
tion, there was no national flag for the maritime flags. Finally, in 1912, Presi-
fledgling country or even a uniform dent and Freemason William Howard
flag for our troops to rally around. Each Taft signed an executive order that spec-
unit flew what suited them, and Gen- ified for the first time exactly what the
eral Washington was not happy about flag should look like.
it, but the Continental Congress was Although Continental Congressman
busy with other matters. It finally set Francis Hopkinson who is believed to
aside some time to pass a resolution have been a Mason and was the son of
on June 14, 1777, stating simply That Thomas Hopkinson, the Grand Master
the flag of the thirteen United States of Pennsylvania in 1736, was most likely
be thirteen stripes, alternate red and responsible, it is not known for certain
white; that the union be thirteen stars, who devised the original design in 1777.
white in a blue field, representing a Likewise, beyond what is explained in
new constellation. that resolution and the subsequent act
A few years after the Revolution, in of 1818, the significance or meaning
1794, when two new states had been add- behind the choice of colors and pattern
ed to the Union, Congress declared that for our flag is unknown. In recent years,
the flag would thereafter contain fifteen various patriotic interpretations have
stripes and fifteen stars. In the years that been promoted retroactively similar
followed, there were several more states to how the legend of Betsy Ross making
added, yet the flag remained unchanged. the first American flag in 1776 was not
Finally, in 1818, under President and widely heard until almost one hundred
Freemason James Monroe, Congress en- years after the fact. (Though most his-
acted new legislation declaring that there torians now discredit that story, she is
should be thirteen stripes in honor of the known to have made various flags dur-
thirteen original colonies and one star for ing the Revolution. It is also known that
each state in the Union. The stars for new her third husband, John Claypoole, was
states are to be added on the 4th of July fol- a member of St Johns Lodge No. 2 in
lowing that States admission. Philadelphia.) While no significance was
The flags proportions and the ar- given to the choice of red, white, and
knight templar 7
the Civil War, however,
the United States flag
quickly became a popu-
lar symbol throughout
the North. It was not
unlike what was seen
shortly after September
11, 2001, when the flag
again became a very
common sight on Amer-
ican homes. The attack
on Fort Sumter, like the
attack on 9/11, made
the Stars and Stripes a
symbol of national pride
and unity.
On June 10, 1861, an
editorial was published
in the Hartford Eve-
ning Press proposing a
national holiday called
Flag Day, proclaiming
that it should be a day
of feasting and jollity,
and let the great feature
of it be a general dis-
play of American flags.
What effect the edito-
blue in the resolution of 1777, those rial had is unknown, but
colors were given specific meanings in flags were soon flying from homes and
the Great Seal of the United States as businesses in and about Hartford, Con-
adopted in 1782. Apparently based on necticut and elsewhere. Then in 1885, a
the definitions he found in a book titled Wisconsin teacher promoted the idea
Elements of Heraldry, Charles Thompson, for a national flag day, and over the
a principal designer of the Great Seal, next several years, he vigorously ad-
also attached meaning to the colors in vocated June 14th as Flag Birthday, or
our flag five years after its creation when Flag Day in numerous published ar-
he wrote, The colorsare those used in ticles and speeches. Within a few years,
the flag of the United States of America; school based Flag Day observances were
white signifies purity and innocence, red to be found in New York City and then
hardiness and valor, and bluesignifies throughout the state. The Betsy Ross
vigilance, perseverance, and justice. House in Philadelphia held a Flag Day
Up until 1861, individual citizens celebration in 1891, and other groups
very rarely flew the flag. At the start of soon adopted the observance of June 14
8 june 2015
as Flag Day as well. distribution and with minor revisions be-
Eventually, after thirty years of vari- came part of public law in 1942.
ous state and local celebrations, the an- Among the provisions of that code
niversary of the Flag Resolution of 1777 is the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
was officially established as Flag Day by This pledge, recited during the opening
a presidential proclamation from Wood- of each of our Conclaves, was originally
row Wilson in 1916. Then finally in 1949, written by a Mason two in fact: Rever-
President and Freemason, Harry S. Tru- end Francis J. Bellamy of Little Falls Lodge
man, signed the congressional act that No. 181 in New York, with the assistance
henceforth designated June 14th as Na- of James B. Upham of Converse Lodge in
tional Flag Day. Although it is not a feder- Malden, Massachusetts. The pledge has
al holiday, the United States government changed four times between 1892 and
encourages its citizens to display the flag 1954 with the addition or substitution
outside of their homes and businesses. of a few words here and there, the last
However, up until 1923, there were no being the addition of the words under
official guidelines regarding the display of God. This alteration may be doubly sig-
the flag from either the federal govern- nificant for us as Freemasons, for we, like
ment or any of the States. On Flag Day our country, are and should always be
of that year, the National Flag Code was united as one under the Fatherhood of
developed by representatives of nearly God, to whom we dedicate all our doings.
seventy different organizations, under Sir Knight Richard F. Muth is Past Com-
the sponsorship of the American Legion. mander of Beaver Valley Commandery No.
The code they drafted was given national 84 in Beaver, Pennsylvania and can be con-
tacted at Richard.Muth@comcast.net.
Sources:
The Elements of Heraldry, by Mark Anthony Porny, J. Newbery, 1765
Our Flag, from the Joint Committee On Printing United States Congress, U.S. Govern-
ment Printing Office Washington, 2003
Tribute To The Flag, video, by the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry (SJ) on-line at http://
vimeo.com/23204551
The Truth About the Betsy Ross Story, by Robert Morris, Wynnehaven Publishing Co., 1982
Unhappy Flag Day, by Adam Goodheart, The New York Times, June 13, 2011
United States Flag Code, United States Code Title 4, Chapter 1 (4 U.S.C.)
knight templar 9
Worthy President, (Mrs. Gary) Brenda Davis, presided over the Official Visit of (Mrs.
Leslie J.) Sandra Loomis, Supreme Worthy President, to Kingsport Assembly No. 244.
Along with members of the Assembly pictured were (Mrs. Joseph) Barbara Bon-
giovi, Supreme Worthy Second Vice President; (Mrs. Edwin R. Jr.) Sharon Carpenter,
Supreme Assistant Marshal; and new sisters, (Mrs. Tom) Lindsey Sutton, Ms. Linda
Sutton, and Ms. Gina Hammond.
(Mrs. Leslie J.) Sandra Loomis, Supreme Worthy President, was welcomed by (Mrs.
Carl) Yvonne Wunsche, Worthy President of Melrose Assembly No. 204 during her
Official Visit. Many members of the Supreme family were present for the initiation
of Mrs. Randal Werner. Those attending were Supreme Chaplain, (Mrs. John) Mary
Hackward, and Past Supreme Worthy Presidents; (Mrs. John A.) Velma Kleinfelder,
(Mrs. Jay U.) Nancy Ipsen, (Mrs. Harry S.) Phyllis Rogers (Maddox), (Mrs. Milton F.)
Coy Baker, and (Mrs. Richard B.) Jeanette Cotton.
10 june 2015
Who Was Simon of Cyrene?
By
George L. Marshall, Jr., PGC, KCT, ADC
SOURCES USED
William Barclay, The Gospel of Matthew, Vol. 1, The Daily Study Bible Series ,
Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1958, page 166.
N. Avigad, A Depository of Inscribed Ossuaries in the Kidron Valley, Israel
Exploration Journal 12 [1962]: 112; cited in D. A. Carson, Matthew. In The
Expositors Bible Commentary, Frank E. Gaebelein, ed. Vol. 8. Grand Rapids:
Regency (Zondervan), 1984. Page 575.
http://www.gotquestions.org/Simon-of-Cyrene.html
knight templar 13
http://catholiclane.com/simon-of-cyrene-and-the-scandal-of-the-cross/
Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: Simon of Cyrene article.
http://www.sharefaith.com/guide/Christian-Holidays/simon-of-cyrene-picks-up-
the-cross.html
Dr. Maurice C. Taylor, AFRICENTRIC: Lessons from Simon of Cyrene at
http://www.catholicreview.org/article/commentary/africentric/africentric-lessons-
from-simon-of-cyrene
https://dckoso.wordpress.com/2008/10/28/simon-of-cyrene-and-simeon-
called-niger/
http://www.compellingtruth.org/Simon-of-Cyrene.html
http://thebiblestudy.co.uk/studies/simon-of-cyrene.php
http://www.biblecourses.com/English/downloads/pdfs/CrossLessons/033.
Simon,_Jesus_Cross-Bearer.pdf
We publish letters and articles from a variety of sources and points of view. The
opinions expressed in these articles do not necessarily reflect the opinions or
policy of the Grand Encampment, the Knight Templar magazine, or the Editorial
Review Board.
14 june 2015
knight templar 15
Knights
at the Bookshelf
By
Sir Knight Douglas M. Rowe, Grand Recorder Knights Templar of Pennsylvania
W hile not Templar or Masonic specific, this work can relate more easily to
our fraternity than many other management science and organizational
development works I have read. One important caveat; the authors are
academics, and the work is probably not intended for a mass readership.
The authors present a counter-argument to the concept of The Wisdom of Crowds
popularized a decade ago by James Surowiecki, and cautions groups against Happy
Talk which most Masons should readily recognize as We didnt do it that way when
I was Worshipful Master, Eminent Commander... or the more insidious belief, Our
Commandery is doing well, we had enough uniforms to open last month.
The work presents many simple cases analyzing how an idea with little individual
support gained majority support from a group consensus. I will cite just one example.
Alan, Betty, Charlie, Donna, and Ed were co-equal members of a team represent-
ing different disciplines (i.e. production, marketing, etc,) and tasked with evaluating
a proposed new product, code named Q. Each member was given the same informa-
tion and did not discuss the proposal prior to a group meeting. A was in favor, B was
neutral, and C opposed the project. By random draw A spoke first and presented his
case favoring Q. Persuaded by A, the neutral B decided to support Q as well. Speak-
ing third, C (originally opposed to Q) re-evaluated his position rather than disagree-
ing with the consensus. The subsequent votes of D and E became irrelevant. Q was
approved by a Group Think consensus when the product really had the support of
only one member of the group.
Translating this case to a typical Masonic hierarchy and substituting Grand Com-
mander for A, Deputy Grand Commander for B, and so forth down the Templar chain
of command, readers can form their opinion on the chances of the Junior Warden
having real influence on the decision. I will cite one particularly cogent sentence
summarizing this idea, .. group members often ignore their own beliefs and say that
they believe what other people believe....
The authors pose several possible solutions of which I identify two and which may
or may not be practical in a real world setting.
16 june 2015
First, ask each individual to submit advance written evaluations. Second, have
individual opinions presented without the other members in the room (i.e. Grand
Jury testimony).
The major failing of this book (see caveat above) is the frequent use of MBA-
speak (my term), referring to complex concepts without laying a proper foundation
or explanation.
I recommend this short, albeit at times obtuse, work to the current and future
officers with an interest in improving Masonic management.
I
am rather amazed at the volume of e-mail I received concerning the Masonic
Philosophy article in the April issue. This is clearly a topic of interest to the
Brethren and Sir Knights!
I just returned from a two week trip to Asia Minor where we spent Easter in Ephe-
sus. I missed being able to attend the Easter observances with you, but the experi-
ences at the sites of the New Testament churches was worth it! Look for photos in
coming issues. It was extremely educational and sometimes surprising! In case you
are concerned, this was not a magazine trip but rather a personal one.
Every time I leave the country, it sets me thinking about civilization. How do you
measure the advancement of civilization? I think one of the ways is to see if the
society in question applies their technology and resources in ways that will benefit
humanity and especially its citizens. I have visited several countries who claim to be
more civilized than we are in the United States. Most of the time, I was told not to
drink their water because it would make me sick. One time, I was told that to drink
our water makes them sick also. This is clearly not true. Anybody can drink the water
here. I also find it interesting that in many if not most countries, you are asked not
to put toilet paper in the toilet as their systems cannot handle it. I think these two
are related.
I think from now on, two of the items on my checklist for a civilized society are go-
ing to be, can I drink the water and flush the toilet paper. Dont get me wrong; these
countries have rich histories, wonderful and educational places to visit, and usually
very nice people. They just arent applying the technology they have for the welfare
of the people. Another indicator might be if I have to pass through a metal detector
to enter my hotel or a shopping mall. There are very good reasons for these security
measures, but they reflect a lack of civility or civilization. We in the United States
are deteriorating in this respect also. I used to be able to go into the courthouse or
museum with my pocket knife in my pocket where it belongs.
I wonder if a time will come here when we cant drink our water anymore?
John L. Palmer
Managing Editor
knight templar 17
General Supplement
The space on these two pages is provided by the Knight Templar maga-
zine to be used by the Grand Commanderies to communicate with the in-
dividual Sir Knights in their jurisdictions on a monthly basis. From time
to time and for various reasons, we fail to receive any material from the
editor of the state supplement for a given month. When this happens,
we take the opportunity to offer you the information below. The Ed.
18 june 2015
Photos of French Templar
city of Le Viala du Pas de Jaux
were taken by the editor.
knight templar 19
Knights Templar Eye Foundation, Inc .
1033 Long Prairie Road, Suite 5
Flower Mound, TX 75022-4230
Phone (214) 888-0220
Fax (214) 888-0230.
Presenting for the Foundation was Sir Knight Larry Brown, Right Eminent
Department Commander of the East Central Department (right of the sword).
Others present from the Grand Commandery of Ohio were Sir Knight Thomas
H. Gault (left of the sword), Right Eminent Grand Commander, along with other
Grand Commandery officers and Sir Knight Ronald G. Horne, Eminent Command-
er of Clinton No. 5, and his core of officers along with the inspection candidate.
20 june 2015
The Four Masonic Elements
Part 2 of 2 of a series
By
Sir Knight David E. Stafford
Editors Note
This article is continued from the May 2015 issue of the Knight Templar magazine.
Hippocrates
Four Humours Phlegm Yellow Bile Black Bile Blood
2
Tramer, A., Voltz, R., Lahmani, F., Szczepinska-Tramer, J. (2007). What is (was) Alchecmy?,
Acta Physica Polonica A, 112(Suppl.), S5-S18.
The following article is an excerpt from a pamphlet entitled Charting The Course
written by Sir Knight Wilber M. Brucker, Most Eminent Past Grand Master Knights
Templar, U.S.A., and published February 15, 1965. The content is still extremely rel-
evant to our Commanderies today. I hope you will take a moment to read and think
about it. The pamphlets are still available from the Grand Encampment office.
The Ed.
A
t the 49th Triennial Conclave of course we are patriotic and that no pro-
the Grand Encampment, the pur- gram is necessary to convince us of the
pose of this Standing Committee truth of such an obvious fact. To them,
was stated: [Patriotic and Civic Activities we would say that it is not enough for
Committee of the Grand Encampment] Templars to be rather, we must do!
Other Templars, equally earnest, argue
The committee shall foster and that civic activity by Masons is forbid-
supervise activities of a patriotic den. We deny this most emphatically,
and citizenship nature, whether and state that a non-partisan support
in peacetime or in wartime, and of our American institutions is no more
shall present its recommendations to be criticized than our support of the
for civic responsibility by Knights Christian religion!
Templar individually and collec-
tively, compatible with the patri- What Can We Do?
otic principles of Templary.
By programs for such a purpose, we
This statement puts Templary squarely can be citizens who are better informed
and firmly in support of those local ac- as to the structures, operations, and
tivities which promote the civic welfare needs of our civic institutions. We can
of every community as well as the na- emphasize the need for men of our sort
tional wellbeing of our country. It is the Christian Masons in positions of civ-
responsibility of this committee to af- ic responsibility, and we can honor those
ford an opportunity to demonstrate the who heed the call and provide an audi-
good citizenship of Templars in every ence for their expressions.
community as well as to promote our We can relate ourselves, whether
patriotic principles. by program or project, to high objec-
More than in other areas of activity, tives and give honor to those who have
the idea of patriotic and civic activities made great personal sacrifices to give
is misunderstood. Some earnest Tem- us our American heritage by activities
plars have complained, saying that of related to Armed Forces Day, Memo-
34 june 2015
rial Day, Independence Day, and other basis and does not need to wait for
national holidays. Washington, this is one that will lend
Everyone must recognize that apathy itself to self-help.
and indifference have made deep in- Every Commandery in the country
roads into American life. When we speak should have an active, alert, wide-awake
of the good old days, we refer to the committee to cooperate in the civic and
time when there was personal responsi- patriotic activity that is necessary to
bility on the part of every citizen and a combat this insidious problem. If civic
concern to see that the forces of crime, leaders have not sensed the danger from
corruption, violence, and disorder were this source, Templary should supply the
conquered before they could gain even facts and generate the enthusiasm to do
a foothold. We are appalled when we something real and tangible about it.
survey the present scene and contrast Every Commandery should have a
the days of law-and-order with what is committee, after careful consideration
rampant today. Countless thousands of of the roster, to select those best quali-
people openly say that they couldnt fied to plan and execute both programs
care less about what goes on in civic af- and projects by experience, ability, and
fairs. Murders, hold-ups, and rapes are influence in community affairs. Lets look
boldly perpetrated without too much for the busy men who will be most effec-
fear of apprehension, because people tive and who might never have had time
dont want to become involved. Men to serve as officers of the Commandery.
and women turn away from the scene Our Christian character demands that
of a crime and do absolutely nothing we plan a project for the good of the
to help the hapless victim or the police. community something constructive
They dont have sufficient interest to and unselfish which will earn the respect
care about their fellow man in deepest and appreciation of both our members
distress! Instances of this are not limited and the general public.
to the big cities. Even small towns and
rural communities are becoming infect-
ed with the same disease that is typi-
fied by the expression, so what?
The hour is late to combat this terri-
Grand Encampment
ble moral scourge, but attack it we must
if we are to be true to our convictions. Membership Awards
The cure lies deep in changing the moral
fiber all over the country. America cant
go on this way, or we will degenerate as
all previous civilizations have done. Ev-
ery force for good in America must join a 1031 Ralph Burks Taylor
stout counter-attack, and Templary with Nashville Commandery No. 1
its militant spirit for righteousness must Nashville Tennessee
take an active part. 1st Bronze Cluster
If ever there was a problem that can
be started to be corrected on a local
knight templar 35
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