Opportunities for More Light
Grand Lodge Library
The Library of the Grand Lodge of Maine was established over 150 years ago. On May 3, 1850 at the Grand Lodge of Maine’s annual session steps were taken to start a library for the Grand Lodge of Maine. At this session it was also voted to purchase a set of bookshelves at the cost of $20.00.
Through the years many prominent Maine Masons have contributed their collections to the Library. Combined with the purchases of updated books, your Library has in excess of over 6,000 volumes, not including videos, and Masonic periodicals from around the globe.
This Library has been rated by one Masonic Researcher as one of the Masonry’s Top Ten Libraries. Any interested Mason will find, as he did, that the Library of the Grand Lodge of Maine is a great place to do Masonic research. It is in touch with Masonic Libraries all over the world.
The materials in the Library have been purchased for the enjoyment of Maine Masons. The Library has books covering subjects from History of Masonry to the Philosophy of Masonry, Plays, Lectures, Masonic Music, Masonic Education, Leadership, Symbolism, Biographies on Famous Masons, Videos on various Masonic Subjects and much, much more.
The GRAND LODGE LIBRARY is located at: (Note: Changes made to update this section 9/2012)
1007 Main Road
Holden, Maine
1-207-843-1086
E-mail: grandlibrarian@mainemason.org
The Grand Lodge Web site at www.mainemason.org shows a list of material that is available from the library. Material can be borrowed for one month and renewed for an additional month. Items can be sent back to the library at BOOK RATE to:
Grand Lodge of Maine, AF&AM
Attn: Grand Librarian
P.O. Box 430
Holden, ME 04429-0430.
The Library is open during Grand Lodge working hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 4:00pm. The Grand Librarian can be available at other times by prior arrangement.
Museum of Our National Heritage
In 1968, the Sovereign Grand Commander of the Supreme Council of the Scottish Rite, Illustrious George A. Newbury, 33°, envisioned a museum and library on the Lexington, Massachusetts grounds of Supreme Council, only a short distance from the site of the “Shot heard ’round the world” — the beginning of our American Revolution. Fundraising began and ground breaking ceremonies took place in 1973. The building opened in April 1975, the 200th anniversary of the historic Battle of Concord and Lexington.
The facility has a 400 seat auditorium, four major exhibition halls and a library capable of holding 80,000 volumes. It also has a gift shop containing many Masonic items.
The museum is committed to fostering a sense of pride in the United States of America and offers interesting exhibits, programs and films, along with a variety of activities which enhance a visitor’s feeling about our country and its accomplishments. Imaginative educational programs are prepared for history and social studies classes in schools throughout the country.
The museum recognizes the contribution which Freemasonry has made to the building of the country. There are periodic exhibits which are of interest to Masons and non-Masons alike. The museum is becoming a center for significant collections of Masonic memorabilia, and the library provides opportunities for students and researchers to learn more about the long history of Freemasonry.
The Museum of Our National Heritage is located at 33 Marrett Road in Lexington, Massachusetts, 02173; this is at the intersection of route 2A and routes 4 and 225. It is open on Monday through Saturday from 10 A.M. to 5 P.M., and Sunday from noon to 5 P.M. The Museum telephone number is (781)861-6559.
Ten Good Masonic Books
Many books exist on Freemasonry and undoubtedly various Masonic Scholars would rank their preferred readings differently. The May 1995 volume of The Northern Light, the publication of the Scottish Rite N.M.J., included an article on this subject, which included preferred reading lists of several learned Masons. The preferred reading list of the magazine’s editor, together with the sources of these publications, are as follows and would benefit any Mason seeking further light in Masonry:
(In order of preference)
1. The Craft and Its Symbols, Allen E. Roberts, 1974, (1) (2)
2. Freemasonry: A Celebration of the Craft John Hamill and R. A. Gilbert (ed.), 1992,
3. A Pilgrim’s Path, John J. Robinson, 1993 (1) (2) (5)
4. A Comprehensive View of Freemasonry, Henry Wilson Coil, 1973, (1) (2)
5. Freemasonry in American History Allen E. Roberts, 1985, (1) (2)
6. The Meaning of Masonry W. L. Wilmhurst
7. Masonic Trivia & Facts, Allen E. Roberts, 1994, (4)
8. Masonic Membership of the Founding Fathers Ronald E. Heaton, 1965, (1) (4)
9. 10,000 Famous Freemasons William R. Denslow, 1957, (1)
10. The Builders, Joseph Fort Newton
Sources:
1. Macoy Publishing & Masonic Supply Co., Inc. P.O. Box 9759, Richmond, VA 23228
2. Southern California Research Lodge P.O. Box 6587, Buena Park, CA 90622
3. Supreme Council, NM.J., P.O. Box, 519, Lexington, MA 02173
4. Masonic Service Association 8120 Fenton St., Silver Springs, MD 20910
5. M. Evans & Co., Inc. 216 East 49th St., New York, NY 10017
CHAPTER VII
Masonic Charities
Masonic Charities
Throughout the Masonic degrees, candidates are taught the value Masons place on Charity. In the First Degree they learn the message: “Faith, Hope and Charity, teaching Faith in God, Hope in Immortality and Charity to all mankind. But the greatest of these is Charity …”
Freemasons across America donate over two million dollars each and every day to the benefit of mankind, in particular to the youngest members of our society — our children. Charity takes many forms and is provided by health care and research professionals, and by Brethren who simply and continuously give of themselves for one reason: to help someone in need. Most of the charitable efforts referenced in this chapter are extended without consideration of whether the recipients have Fraternal ties to Masonry. The charities care for those in need, without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex or national origin.
This chapter reviews this important aspect of our Craft and provides information on some of the many charities organized by members of our family of Fraternal organizations.
Charity, a Masonic Way of Life
The Scripture Lesson for the Second Degree is found in I Corinthians, Chapter 13. It is a record of St. Paul’s letter to the people in Corinth. In it he states, ‘Though I speak with the tongues of men and angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. . . And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor … and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.” As Masons, we should regard Charity as an act of Brotherly Love to our fellowmen. This meaning has far greater and deeper significance than merely giving money to a charitable cause. It is also an exemplification of one of the tenets of our profession. In the words of Dr. and Brother Norman Vincent Peale, “Your world, the world you live in day by day, is just about what you make it. It will be no better or bigger or finer than you are yourself.”
Charity is the way we conduct ourselves with others. We should exercise the virtues of patience and unselfishness, maintain a high degree of humbleness of character, and control our emotions to prevent irritability toward others. It should be remembered that a man who possesses an upright character is more respected than a man with only skill as a predominant characteristic. The Second Degree, therefore, emphasizes the value of practicing Brotherly Love in our daily lives, as it is paramount to the attainment of skill and knowledge of material things.
Because our structure of civilization is complex and integrated with men of all races, colors, and creeds, we need to practice the spirit of Brotherhood to all peoples of the earth. The work of the Supreme Architect and the principles of Freemasonry will thereby become manifested, and the true meaning of Charity as taught in the Second Degree will be exemplified by all Masons.
The Heart of the Masonic Family
Freemasonry is not just another fraternity or association of men banded together for social, political or economic advantage. It inculcates friendship and brotherly love as the foundation stones of its philosophy, but it is also a practical association that makes many worthwhile contributions to our society in the 21st century.
The Masonic family is proud of the contributions made by the appendant bodies and orders which are composed entirely of Masons. Perhaps the largest and best known contribution is made by the Shrine Burns and Orthopedic Hospitals for Children. Twenty-two units, located all over the United States, Canada and Mexico minister to the needs of affected children, regardless of racial, religious or fraternal background. Families are not asked to pay for the surgical and psychological care needed to make these children whole and to enable them to become useful citizens.
The Knights Templar Eye Foundation works unceasingly to combat the loss of sight. It supplies funds for surgical treatment as well as for glasses to those who cannot pay for these necessities. This assistance is provided without regard to race, religion or fraternal background. The Foundation also makes grants to various hospitals for the continuing study of diseases of the eye and for the purchase of modern equipment to serve this field.
The Scottish Rite, N.M.J., has conducted a program of Schizophrenia Research since 1935 and is the largest donor to such research. Helped by the financial and technical contributions of Masons, the treatment of this disease of the mind has greatly advanced. In addition, the Scottish Rite, N.M.J., has begun a network of Children’s Learning Centers. One center is now open in Bangor, Maine and a second learning center is scheduled to open in Portland in 2002
The Masonic Service Association coordinates visitations to Veterans Hospitals all over the United States. The dedicated Brethren serving in this field have enabled Masonry to light another candle on the altars of brotherly love.
While space does not permit a complete list of Masonic charities, this manual lists some of the more significant charitable efforts supported by the family of Masonic organizations.
The Principal Charities of Freemasonry
The following information on Masonic charities is from a book by S. Brent Morris, 33°, entitled Masonic Philanthropies, A Tradition of Caring, published by The Supreme Councils, 33°, N.M.J, and S.J., Lexington, Massachusetts and Washington, D.C. The book lists many other Masonic Charities in addition to those listed below. For general information about Freemasonry and related Masonic organizations, write to the Masonic Service Association, 8120 Fenton Street, Silver Spring, Maryland, 20910-4785, or call (301)588-4010.
Abbott Scottish Rite Scholarship Program
Provides grants to children and grandchildren of Scottish Rite Masons and to members of DeMolay, Job’s Daughters, Rainbow for Girls and other Masonic youth groups.
See the Scottish Rite Supreme Council, N.M.J.
Amaranth Diabetes Foundation
Supports research on diabetes
The Supreme Council, Order of the Amaranth
Mrs. Ethel B. Fry, Supreme Secretary
2303 Murdoch Avenue
Parkersburg, West Virginia 26101
(304) 485-0423 or (304) 428-1565
Cryptic Masons Medical Research Foundation
Supports arteriosclerosis research
Cryptic Masons Medical Research Foundation
Marion K Crum, Executive Secretary
Route 4, Box 301
Nashville, Indiana 47448 (812) 988-8655
Eastern Star Cancer Research Project
Supports cancer research. See the General Grand Chapter, Order of Eastern Star
Eastern Star Training Awards for Religious Leadership
Supports those who are making religious work their career See the General Grand Chapter, Order of Eastern Star
General Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star
Supports Eastern Star Training Awards for Religious Leadership, Peace Chapel at the International Peace Garden, and other Masonically related projects
General Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star
1618 New Hampshire Avenue, N.W
Washington, D.C. 20009-2578 (202) 667-4737
George Washington Masonic National Memorial
A museum and monument to our first President
George Washington Masonic National Memorial
101 Calahan Drive
Alexandria, Virginia 22301 (703) 683-2007
Grotto Dentistry for the Handicapped Program
Provides dental care to handicapped children
Supreme Council, M.O.V.P.E.R.
34 N. Fourth Street
Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 463-9193
International Order of Job’s Daughters
An organization for girls between the ages of twelve and twenty who are relatives of Master Masons
Supreme Guardian Council,
International Order of Job’s Daughters
233 West 6th Street
Papillion, Nebraska 68046
(402) 592-7987
International Order of Rainbow for Girls
An organization for girls between the ages of eleven and eighteen who are daughters Masonic, Eastern Star or Amaranth families, or friends of such girls.
International Order of Rainbow for Girls
P.O. Box 788
McAlester, Oklahoma 74502 (918) 423-1328
Kansas Masonic Oncology Center
Provides out-patient services for cancer treatment
Kansas Masonic Foundation
320 West 8th Street
P.O. Box 1217
Topeka, Kansas 66601-1217
(913) 357-7646
Knights Templar Educational Foundation
Provides students with low-cost education loans
186 Tremont Street
Boston, MA 02111
(617) 426-1973
Knights Templar Eye Foundation
Supports eye surgery and prescription glasses
Knights Templar Eye Foundation
P.O. Box 579
Springfield, Illinois 62705-0579
(217) 523-3838
Minnesota Masonic Cancer Center
Provides treatment for cancer patients and supports research
Masonic Cancer Center Fund, Inc.
1700 West Highway 36, Suite 610
Roseville, Minnesota 55113
(612) 639-8433
Masonic Hospital Visitation Program
Provides Masonic volunteers to work with patients at Veterans Administration and military hospitals
See the Masonic Service Association
Masonic Medical Research Laboratory
Supports research in heart disease, cancer, aging, hypertension and blood substitutes
2150 Bleeker Street
Utica, New York 13501-1787
(315) 735-2217
Masonic Memorial Auditorium, International Peace Garden
Provides meeting and performance facilities for visitors
Grand Lodge of North Dakota
201 14th Avenue North Fargo,
North Dakota 58102
(701)235-8321
Masonic Service Association of the United States
Supports the Masonic Hospital Visitation Program and serves as a clearing house for Masonic information
Masonic Service Association of the U.S.
8120 Fenton Street
Silver Spring, Maryland 20910
(301)588-4010
National Masonic Foundation for the Prevention of Drug and Alcohol Abuse Among Children
Supports education for youth about drugs and alcohol
1629 K Street N.W., Suite 606
Washington, D.C. 20006
(202) 331-1933
Ohio Special Olympics
Sponsors every Ohio Special Olympian at these games
Grand Lodge of Ohio
P.O. Box 629
Worthington, Ohio 43085-0629
(614) 885-5318
Order of DeMolay
A fraternal organization for boys between the ages of thirteen and twenty-one; its purpose is the encouragement and development of good citizenship and sound character
International Supreme Council, Order of DeMolay
10200 N. Executive Hills Boulevard
P.O. Box 901342
Kansas City, Missouri 64190-1342
(816) 891-8333
Dr. Martin Bressler Executive Officer for Maine
Research In Schizophrenia
Supports research into the causes and treatment of schizophrenia. See the Scottish Rite Supreme Council, N.M.J.
Royal Arch Research Assistance Program
Supports research into auditory perception disorders in children
General Grand Chapter, Royal Arch Masons International
111 South 4th Street
Danville, Kentucky 40423-0489
(606) 236-0757
Scottish Rite Children’s Medical Center In Georgia
Provides generalized and specialized services to children
Scottish Rite Children’s Medical Center
1001 Johnson Ferry Road, N.E.
Atlanta, Georgia 30363
(404) 256-5252
Scottish Rite Museum of Our National Heritage
A museum and library focusing on our American heritage as well as Freemasonry’s role in the history of our country
See the Scottish Rite Supreme Council, N.M.J.
Scottish Rite Supreme Council, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction
Administers Abbott Scottish Rite Scholarships, the Museum of Our National Heritage, and research in schizophrenia and related disorders
Supreme Council, 33°, N.M.J.
P.O. Box 519
33 Marrett Road
Lexington, Massachusetts 02173
(781)852-4410
Shriners Hospitals for Crippled Children and Shriners Burns Institutes
Provides orthopedic services to children through a network of hospitals, and treatment for burns victims at three burns centers
Shrine Headquarters
2900 Rocky Point Drive
Tampa, Florida 33607
(800) 282-9161
(800)237-5055 In USA
(800) 361-7256 In Canada
(813) 281-0300 In other areas, call collect
Tall Cedar Foundation
Supports the Muscular Dystrophy Association
Supreme Forest, Tall Cedars of Lebanon
2609 N. Front Street
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17110
(717) 232-5991