The year 1940 started a new decade – a decade of horror. It found little Finland still resisting the Russian giant, refusing to capitulate without a strong fight. But, its defenses finally gave way under the weight of overwhelming Russian forces. Finland had to accept the Stalin demands.

New words were added to the hundreds of thousands in use. The German "juggernaut" continued to roll. German "blitzkreig" tactics wiped out resistance quickly in Poland and the Scandinavian countries daring to resist the forces of Hitler. As soon as a country was under the Nazi yolk all freedom disappeared. "Quisling" officials were put in power by Hitler. The term became synonymous with "traitor" and was derived from the first to bow to the Germans - Vidkum Quisling of Norway.

The Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg quickly fell. Chamberlain resigned as Prime Minister of Great Britain, and Winston Churchill was immediately selected to take over. England finally had a leader, but it was too late to stem the powerful mechanized forces of Germany. The juggernaut moved into France; allied soldiers were trapped in Belgium. But through what has been termed "the miracle of Dunkirk" the most heroic rescue ever took place. In the oddest flotilla of vessels ever assembled, British and French soldiers were rescued to carry on the fight against the Nazi tyranny.

The fall of France became inevitable. On June 22, 1940, an "armistice" was signed at Compiegne. Hitler suggested England do the same, but it didn't want Hitler's type of peace. President Roosevelt was doing all he legally could to aid Great Britain. Weapons of varying types were "sold" to England; in September, 50 over-age destroyers were "traded" for the lease of sites for eight naval bases. This was three months before Roosevelt dreamed of the "novel"
program of "lend-ease."

It would take 40 years before the impeachable role Franklin Roosevelt played in saving Great Britain, and democracy, would be learned. Then it was first told by "A Man Called Intrepid."

Freemasonry was active on many fronts. With the Armed Forces of the United States being dramatically increased, several Grand Lodges, along with The Masonic Service Association went into action. During the first World War, Freemasonry wasn't allowed to help the service men, except in isolated cases. This time, things were different.

Grand Master Dillon Crist, of J. E. McFadden Lodge No. 697, told the delegates on October 16, 1940, he had received several pieces of correspondence from Carl H. Claudy, Executive Secretary of The Masonic Service Association. The Masonic Service Association was asking all
Grand Lodges to help in its efforts to serve the men and women of the Armed Forces. Crist concluded: "This Grand Lodge should not commit itself to any such work as the Masonic Service Association proposes for the reasons that Masonry has neither the trained personnel nor the financial resources that would enable it to carry on a creditable work. Such an undertaking could be neither begun nor carried on without, in its inception, a prohibitive tax on our members."

His words would prove unprophetic.

During the year, Grand Master Crist had ordered checks sent to the American Red Cross for its war relief campaign and the Grand Lodge of England. The latter was specified "to be used by them for relief of wounded soldiers who are members of the Fraternity." He received a reply from the "Joint Honorary Secretary" saying his Grand Lodge was working with the War Office. The Masonic hospitals were taking wounded from the front. Among were a number of Canadians.

The Secretary added: "At the same time we have a certain number of beds set aside for the use of the Royal Air Force, by arrangement with the War Office, and here again, as you know, there come forward in this connection a considerable proportion of men who have come from over seas." He continued with a phrase that would become familiar as the war progressed: "We do think, if we may be allowed the expression, that our institution is in every sense a home away from home, and that is the very general expression of feeling of those patients who come to us
very frequently from very far away."

Grand Master Crist noted:

Today is a memorable one in the history of our nation. It is the day when millions of our young men register under the Selective Service Law. The past several years has seen the rise of dictatorship in many lands and consequently the fall of free institutions and liberties as we know them in our country. Almost without exception in totalitarian nations Freemasonry has suffered. Freemasonry believes in brotherhood and, therefore, in peace. The citizens of the United States are a peace-loving people, anxious to get along with their neighbors and to live in perfect harmony with each other. However, we cherish our traditions; we love our liberties, and we like our way of life. We are going to continue our way of life, and if it requires force to convince others of that fact, force will be used. We are not too proud to fight to defend our heritage, but God grant that it will not be necessary. To be prepared to defend our liberties and our way of life, Congress has enacted and the President has signed legislation calling for the registration of these millions of men today, some of whom will be called into camp for training in the near future. Among those who register today will be members of Freemasonry, and here in Ohio a number of men serving as officers of their respective Lodges will be included; some are here today. We honor them as good citizens and good Masons.

The Grand Master later observed:

Masonry in many lands today is being attacked and many Grand Lodges have been forced to disband. This should give us cause to think of our fortunate position the things we might do to further strengthen and justify our existence in this country. The one thing that is most needed by our membership is a though understanding of the ideals and philosophy of Masonry and a practical application made of its duties and teachings. The tragedy in our American Freemasonry is that even our own members understand little of its true purpose and do not seem to be interested in acquainting themselves with that for which they sought. The great danger to Freemasonry in this country today lies within itself. The great multitude of organizations that have come into existence in the last half century whose membership is predicated upon Craft Lodge Masonry has reached a point where it is becoming serious. All or most of these organizations - and I am informed there are over 200 of them - have an initiation fee, dues, and require manpower to operate. Each one of these organizations is taking funds and strength away from the underlying structure, Symbolic Freemasonry, and in some instances the branch is attempting to exert authority and do things that are anything but creditable to that to which they hold allegiance. These organizations forget that they are endured only because the Grand Lodge has not as yet seen fit to take other action.

In these rather trying days our country needs the stability of Freemasonry; it needs the religious attitude of Freemasonry, the loyal patriotism, the brotherhood for which we strive, and it needs the unselfish service of true manhood which we attempt to build. And because these things are needed, it is unfortunate that so many of our members are more interested in some of the so called playgrounds of Masonry or these many other organizations whose membership is predicated upon the Craft Lodge than they are in the parent organization it self, and all for which it stands.

In responding for the Grand Representatives, Burleigh E. Cartmell said:

Mingled with my happiness, is a feeling of great sadness that the picture is so dark in so many countries of the world today where Masonry in the past has cast its beneficent influence over mankind.

As to the countries I represent, in Sweden we believe that the Order is still existing, but in a semi-secret state. In Norway and Denmark, whose Grand Master, King Christian, sent me this Jewel which I wear, the same Masonic blackout has occurred that always accompanies and follows the Dictator. The bombs of hatred and prejudice and cowardice of the insane Hitler have
driven our Masonic Brethren to hide their Masonry in the innermost recesses of the heart, which is, after all, the true receptacle of Freemasonry for the things which are eternal.

In his excellent topical review of Grand Lodges, Past Grand Master Earle Stewart quoted at length from Nova Scotia. He noted Freemasonry could not exist in countries controlled by dictators. In Spain "Freemasonry has been suppressed by Dictator Franco. During the Civil War, there was much testimony to the effect that whenever the insurgents occupied a town they shot or murdered in the most diabolical way, all Masons whom they could identify and even those related to them."

Grand Master Crist, as a reminder that routine business must be handled by the Grand Lodge, called attention to the year 1912 when the last volume of the history was written. He said this left 28 years unaccounted for and believed it was time it was brought up-to-date.

The Committee on Ways and Means agreed. It appropriated money and authorized the Grand Historian to prepare a volume. After years of trying to determine exactly how to proceed with the project, it was abandoned. It was 1976 before it was again considered seriously.

The same Committee went along with the Grand Master's suggestion to allow all Worshipful Masters serving in the National Guard per diem and mileage. They were also credited with being present during the Annual Communication.

Again the Committee agreed with the Grand Master's request for a motion picture about the Ohio Masonic Home to be produced. The necessary funds were appropriated, and the film was produced the following year.

Sunday Circuses were declared outlawed by the Committee on Jurisprudence. It went along with the Grand Master who declared officers and members participating in such guilty of un-masonic conduct. It recommended, and the delegates concurred, in the following resolution: "The use of the word Masonic or any derivation thereof in the name of any business enterprise or firm designation, composed in whole or in part of members under obedience to The Grand Lodge of Ohio F. & A.M., except for legitimate Masonic purposes, is hereby declared to be in violation of the fundamental principles of Freemasonry, contrary to the best interests of the Order and un-masonic conduct."

The Grand Lodge agreed to charge every petitioner for initiation and every applicant for affiliation from another Grand Jurisdiction who has not heretofore paid such fee the sum of $10 to be paid to the Masonic Home.

Conditions in Europe hadn't improved for the friends of the United States when the Grand Lodge convened for its Annual Communication of October 15, 1941. Once again the Governor, Brother John W. Bricker, welcome the delegates. This time his address wasn't cheerful:

There has never been an hour in the history of our country or the world when the fundamental principles of Masonry were so much needed as today. This Organization is committed to community service, to brotherly helpfulness, and is founded upon the belief in an Almighty God.... Time was when you and I as individuals, and there are many here no doubt that have experienced the same early life that I did, were called upon to help our neighbors when they were in distress. Many incidents, of course, recall vividly the community service that was rendered by family to family, by neighbor to neighbor, and by Brother to Brother. I know that that no longer can be true. I know no longer do we give much time because of the pressure of life and of business and of every activity to the individual social responsibilities we owe to our fellow citizens. That has been transferred to the government. But in the transferral you and I have lost something that is fundamental in Masonry . . . The world storehouse of mercy is becoming depleted again, as it has many times in the past. We are in one of those eras of the world's history when the implements of destruction have completely outrun man's ability to de
fend himself against destructive forces."

He concluded his address by covering more of the signs of the period:

I was down at an Air Show not many months ago at Dayton. I saw there again the implements of war. I was shown by an army officer one plane that he said would fly 600 miles an hour, and that could dive at a speed of between 675 and 700 miles on hour, carrying bombs and cannons and implements of destruction. Then he showed me another, one of the last at that time, one of the very most powerful - it may be obsolete today, I don't know; that was two months ago. Then he said, "This plane will fly 35,000 feet in the air," and you know that is 5,000 feet beyond the range of anything on the battle front today. It is beyond the range of any aircraft gun. It was
an amazing thing to stand there and see the most power ful and destructive weapon that had ever been made. As we walked away, I expressed my amazement. This man said, "The difficulty is not today in building power and speed. Soon no doubt we will have one that will fly a thousand miles an hour, and 40,000 feet in the air. But what is needed today is the manpower to handle the powerful weapons of destruction." He said, "So sensitive are they that the mere shifting of a control improperly will tear them into splinters and destroy the occupants." Physical strength to endure the strain, spiritual power to handle the machine, the moral courage to drive it to its destination!

Then I thought of the great cities we have built, of the wealth that has been accumulated, more than any nation of history, of the natural resources we enjoy, unparalleled and unequaled in the whole world today, of the great power that has been given to organizations such as this one, of the power that has been handed to labor unions today, with the tremendous amount of money
which they have and the voting strength they wield, of the power given industry and the strength of accumulated capital. Then I thought of the power given to public officials in the cities, counties, States, and, especially, the national Government, which we never dreamed would be given in this country. And I could not help but offer up a prayer to Almighty God that in this hour of great trial, in this hour of need, we might have steady thinking and careful planning, and there would rise in all of these groups and organizations, and particularly in the field of government, an inspired and spiritual leadership that would use and could use all this tremendous power and wealth for the preservation of the most priceless heritage that any people has ever had, the right to govern themselves, the right to a voice and a vote in the destinies of their Government, and the right to live with their fellow men in equality of opportunity.

In greeting you I know that Masonry in Ohio is responding to this great challenge and will do its full duty in this hour of America's need.

In this address, Grand Master Wilson, of Ada Lodge No. 344, covered more of the history of the period:

Masonry abroad, in countries under the heel of merciless dictators, has suffered untold hardship and is in an appalling condition. Its members and families have been subjected to the most severe torture and persecution, and many have given their lives as martyrs. Lodges have been desecrated, their resources confiscated, and their property pillaged and destroyed. Tragic as all
this is, I know I voice the feeling of each one here when I say that my heart and voice are lifted up this morning with that same confident faith that moved the prophet Hadakkuk to declare exultingly in the face of the hopelessness of his nation, "Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall there be fruit in the vines; the labor of the olive tree shall fail, and the fields shall
yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stall; yet will I rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation." Then can we rest serene in the faitb that as long as we continue loyal to Him to whom each of us has dedicated his life, our Lodges will go on their beneficent way and the world at large will declare, "Masonry worketh no ill to his neighbor." May this present Communication witness a solemn re-consecration of each one of us as we reaffirm our trust and faith in God.

Grand Master Wilson noted: "The 37th Division stationed at Camp Shelby near Hattiesburg, Mississippi, is strictly an Ohio Division, and a large percentage of the officers and many of the enlisted men are members of Lodges in our Grand Jurisdiction. Hattiesburg Lodge has a very active and effective committee that keeps in close touch with Masons within the camp, and are ready and anxious to afford every possible means of assistance to our members that we might desire." He had ordered a check sent to Hattiesburg Lodge to help with the work it was doing. He had also ordered an additional $2,500 sent to the United Grand Lodge of England to be used in its efforts to relieve and comfort the Freemasons in England.

Grand Secretary Harry S. Johnson was happy to report a net gain in membership of 1,409. The previous year had shown a continuation of the losses, although they had decreased to 915. In 1942, the net gain would almost double that of 1941 when he would report it at 2,780.

The Board of Trustees of The Ohio Masonic Home reported the film proposed and financed the previous year had been produced. Part of it was in color, and there were two versions, silent and sound. It would be first distributed on November 1, 1941.

The Grand Lodge still wouldn't approve "character building youth organizations whose membership was limited to the family of Masons" to meet in Masonic halls.

The Committee on Jurisprudence recommended, and the Grand Lodge concurred, in the following: "Be it resolved, That The Grand Lodge F. & A. M. of Ohio, do hereby recognize the Ohio Masonic Historical Society. Inc., as an honorary society for the promotion of Masonic information and education among the Master Masons of the State of Ohio; and Be it further resolved, That they Historian of The Grand Lodge F. & A. M. of Ohio, by virtue of his office,
shall serve as President of the said Ohio Masonic Historical Society, Inc." Some of the work of this Society is still to be found in the Grand Lodge Library and Museum.

Past Grand Master Earle Stewart spoke like a true historian when he answered criticism for not commenting on his fraternal reviews: "There are some reviewers who comment but sparsely and who believe that 'these reports will form the gem of future Masonic history,' as Mackey puts it, and they wish only to record history faithfully, intelligently, and impartially, and are not ambitious to give it a tint, or to shove it this way or that way, in any attempt to guide its course, preferring to leave such to the volition of their readers." Most of his reviews covered world conditions.

A little over a month after the close of the Grand Lodges, disaster struck the United States. The Japanese practically destroyed the American fleet at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Nothing would ever be the same again.

Grand Master Charles B. Hoffman, of Conservancy Lodge No. 661, lost no time in going into action. He authorized the Lodges of Ohio to elect and install all officers by proxy. This included Worshipful Masters who were in the Armed Forces. He said this would be subject to the approval of the Grand Lodge when it met in October – and his action was approved.

LaFayette Lodge No. 79 of Zanesville elected Kenneth C. Thompson as its Worshipful Master. Although he was in the United States Army, the Lodge had every reason to believe he would be present to be installed. With the attack on Pearl Harbor, all leaves were cancelled. Thompson
couldn't leave Camp Sherman in Texas. The Lodge appealed to the Grand Master for help.

"Action upon the theory that if our Lodges can open in another Grand Jurisdiction to confer a degree (for which we have sufficient precedent)," said Grand Master Hoffman, "they can do so for the purpose of installing a Worshipful Master. On January 12, with the permission of the M. W. Grand Master of Texas, I issued a Dispensation authorizing W. Bro. William S. Downey, Past Master of LaFayette Lodge, to open LaFayette Lodge No. 79 in the hall of Travis Lodge No. 117, at Sherman, Texas, and with such assistance as he might require, install Bro. Thompson
as Worshipful Master of LaFayette Lodge No. 79."

The Grand Master had granted permission for Masonic Temples to be used by "government and semi-government agencies." He said: "Noteworthy among these cases is that in my own city of Dayton, where a complete emergency hospital plan was set up in cooperation with the Civilian
Defense Committee and the Red Cross. Among its facilities, in addition to space for emergency operating, is the installation of fifty cots, which number can be expanded considerably on short notice.

"Part of the Dayton Temple is also used from time to time as a Red Cross Blood Donation Center. Other cities and towns have followed this example extending facilities just as valuable and to the limit of their abilities."

When the Grand Lodge convened on October 21, 1942, something new had been added. At the registration desk, a place had been provided "for the receipt of donations to the War Service Fund."

In his opening remarks, Grand Master Charles B. Hoffman said:

A few weeks ago the Masonic world was shocked by the tragic death of His Royal Highness, the Duke of Kent, the M. W. Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of England. Only a little more than three years ago at London, in the presence of a vast assemblage of Masons gathered from all portions of the world, he was installed with imposing ceremonies as Grand Master of
Masons in England. A few short weeks thereafter war broke out and he immediately entered upon active duty with the armed forces of the British Empire. He died in the service of his country, fighting for the great cause of human liberty and civilization. And I am sure that Masons throughout the world sympathize with our English Brethren in the loss of their fallen leader.

One of the guests at the installation of the Duke of Kent was the Grand Master of Masons in the Netherlands. A short time after the Hunnish horde had overrun that peaceful land, he was placed in a concentration camp, where he has since died, a martyr to his fidelity. I am certain that our sympathy goes out to these Brethren of the Netherlands.

In many countries our Brethren are proscribed, their Lodges closed, their properties confiscate but the spirit of Masonry still lives with them, and our spirit and theirs brings to me the words placed in the mouth Sir Andrew Barton, wounded on the field of battle:

"I am hurt," Sir Andrew Barton said: "I am hurt, but I am not slain. I will lie me down and bleed awhile, and then I will fight again."

Before the morning session ended, all the representatives, their ladies and friends, were invited to attend "the patriotic meeting and entertainment to be held on Wednesday evening in the Masonic Temple auditorium, the chief feature of which was to be an address by United States
Senator Brother Harold H. Burton on the subject ‘America looks ahead.'

The Grand Master had attended a meeting in Washington, D.C., on December 16, 1941. General C. Marshall, Chief of Staff of the United States Army, and Jesse H. Jones, Secretary of Commerce, were made Masons at Sight. He noted: "My opposition to this practice was greatly
tempered after witnessing this ceremony, for far from being a simple hand-waving gesture, not a single essential of the three degrees was omitted. I am inclined to the belief that Freemasonry has benefitted by that action as largely as the individuals who were honored."

Grand Master Hoffman noted The Grand Lodge of Ohio had contributed $5,000 to The Masonic Service Association program for "Masonic Service Centers." He added:

From the beginning I have not been in accord with their methods, though acknowledging the great duty generally facing us. Because the service rendered in these "Centers" is available to all men in uniform and not limited to Masons (and it should not be limited), it becomes a general welfare activity which can be performed far better by other institutions whose experience in that type of service is much greater than ours. It extends service beyond my conception of the point that may be considered Masonic, the only type with which we as an Institution need be concerned. This generalization of fort results in a very high cost with a comparatively small number of our members being served. No cost is too high that is necessary to bring joy and happiness to those who are serving on the firing line for us, but the USO and the Red Cross, hearing the stamp of approval of our Government, with Centers being operated in almost every city by the Civilian Defense Committee and local groups, it appears to me that The Masonic Service Association has reached beyond the province of Masonic activity.

This view, being merely my own, concedes the right by others to differ. It gladly acknowledges an outstanding accomplishment in that type of work by those in charge. They were the first in operation; their services are given entirely without charge, and many Masons and relatives of Masons have found real pleasure and satisfaction in their contacts with these Masonic Service
Centers.

In tribute to such service and because in the beginning they reached many of our members at an opportune time, before our own program had swung into operation, and above all, because I felt they were entitled to the encouragement and appreciation of this Grand Lodge, I sent them a check for $5,000 with a letter.

He said the War Service Committee of the Grand Lodge was hard at work. Letters had been sent to all the Lodges requesting assistance. Letters had also been mailed to all members of the Armed Forces and to the sons of members serving in the Armed Forces.

The Grand Master noted that he had received a letter from the War Saving Staff of the Treasury Department in Washington. It had arrived too late for him to act on it. He suggested it be turned over to the incoming Grand Master for disposition. The letter read:

Three international ruffians - Hitler, Hirohito, and Mussolini - challenge our national independence, and threaten to destroy our personal liberty. We are fighting for life! Every Patriotic Fraternal Club must mobilize! From November 15 through December 81, 1942, every
Masonic Lodge in the United States will sponsor a War Savings Bond Drive. Attend your Lodge. Go prepared to invest in yourself. Buy United States Savings Bonds until it hurts – hurts the Axis – and then keep on paying the premium on your life insurance policy – the American Bill of Rights – by investing at least 10 percent of your income regularly for your own life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness.

The United States Government asks no citizen to GIVE his money to pay the cost of this war, but it does expect every patriot to invest a part of today to insure a whole tomorrow.

Masons of America – Mobilize for Victory! Invest in Independence! Preserve Freemasonry by Preserving Freedom!

Grand Master Harry E. Schramm, of American Union Lodge No.4, acted on the request by asking all Lodges in Ohio to respond "most cheerfully to all War Bond Campaigns." He ordered a mailing list of all Ohio masons sent to the Treasury Department. And the Grand Lodge pur
chased $314,000 in Bonds during the year.

Shortly after the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge was opened on October 20, 1943, Grand Master Schramm asked the Junior Grand Warden to call it from labor to refreshment. The Grand Secretary, Harry S. Johnson, then introduced Miss Emma M. Burroughs, "who has
been in the office of the Grand Secretary for more than fifty years, and who, by her faithfulness merits the esteem as she holds the regard of everyone who has come in contact with her."

The Grand Master heartily welcomed her: "This service, as has already been stated by our Grand Secretary probably the longest in actual Grand Lodges work of any one here. On this particular morning, we wish to express to you our thanks and sincere appreciation. You have already been told by the applause of this audience what they think and how they feel concerning your services, but they did not have the opportunity, really, to express themselves, so we are going to let them stand now and really give you a real hand." There was long and continued applause.

Miss Burroughs then said: "I understand a most single honor has been conferred upon me in being permitted to appear before the Grand Lodge. I appreciate all you have done. My years of service have seemed short and I have been very happy in my work. Due to the many kindnesses
that have been shown me and the wonderful friends I have made in this Grand Lodge, I thank you most sincerely."

Once again the Governor and Brother John W. Bricker addressed the Grand Lodge with words of welcome and wisdom:

Today let us not forget that we have a responsibility in the midst of war to protect our thinking and our services beyond the day of war. There has been too much reliance upon government itself in the last fifty years, even in this country. There has been a sweeping of absolutism around the world that has caught us in its backwash. There has been a feeling of dependency on the government. There has been a dependency by the local community on the government higher up. And there has been a tendency for people to say, "Well, the government will take care of that." The time has come for the average citizen to say: "This is my government. I will give my services to it." Let us ask ourselves the question, "What can I do for my government?" instead of what the government can do for me; and then we are on the road to the redemption - to free government.

Eighteen years later, a young President of the United States was to say about the same thing and be highly applauded for his "original" challenge.

Among the uniformed members present was Lt. Col., And Senior Grand Warden, William W. Canton.

The Grand Master noted the Ohio Grand Lodge War Board had contributed $5,000 to The Masonic Service Association. He had ordered another $2,500 sent to the Association in appreciation of its work for the members of the Armed Forces. He was pleased to also say a check for $22,642.75 had been contributed to the George Washington Masonic National Memorial Association. This represented 100 percent of the quota owed by Ohio to this Memorial.

Grand Master Schramm had received "good and sufficient evidence" that Charles F. Sowersby had been made a Mason at Sight on October 16, 1888, by S. Stacker Williams, then Grand Master. He ordered the name of Sowersby entered on the records of the Grand Lodge as a
Master Mason as of October 16, 1888. It was also noted that this honor had been conferred on but three known individuals. Governor Asa S. Bushnell and President-elect William Howard Taft had been the other two known Ohio Masons made Masons at Sight.

The Grand Secretary reported a net gain of 6,466. For the time the restorations far outnumbered the suspensions for non-payment of dues.

The Ohio Masonic War Board reported: Several Lodges "are doing a very splendid piece of work through their committee on maintaining contact, sending gifts, cigarettes, etc. Probably the most outstanding piece of work along this line has been accomplished by the Brethren of Alliance. There have been a number of Lodges, located in or near camps or colleges, that have been kept busy with courtesy degree work. This has been particularly true with Oliver H. Perry Lodge No.341, Port Clinton, Ohio. The Committee has extended financial assistance in several of the cities or communities where the opportunity presented itself."

It noted that Hiram Lodge No. 18 of Delaware had "opened its Lodge building to the service men stationed at Ohio Wesleyan University. Their service included dancing, lounge rooms, games, etc.

"At Wilmington, Ohio, Wilmington Lodge No. 52 is participating with their local service center and we have made contributions to their activity.

"In Columbus, the Franklin County Masonic War Board is still carrying on with the program inaugurated about two years ago in contributing to the work being done at the Union Depot and bus stations to which all of the Masonic bodies of Columbus and Franklin County are making financial contributions." It went to note that many Lodges throughout the state were helping in many different ways.

A resolution was adopted authorizing the opening of a Lodge at The Ohio Masonic Home for memorial purposes. It was established to perform the funeral service for any Brother at the Home when he passed away. This Lodge would remain active for twenty years. Then the local Lodges would take over this function.

The Grand Lodge adopted a resolution requiring only one ballot to elect a petitioner for all three degrees. It was emphasized, however, that each candidate must stand a satisfactory examination on his proficiency in the ritual before he could be advanced.

The Proceedings has a list of members serving in the Armed Forces which totals 44 pages set in small type.

The Foreign Correspondent, Earle Stewart, within his excellent, but lengthy, report noted the Duke of Kent, "younger brother of King George VI of England," was flying in an army plane, "presumably for Iceland," when it crashed in Scotland. There was only one survivor.

Grand Master Alpheus A. Stephens, of Lakewood Lodge No. 601, presided over the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge on October 25, 1944. In his Address he said:

It has been a year filled with conflicting emotions for all of us – a year filled with pleasure and with pain – with accomplishment and with disappointment – with victory and with hope deferred – with happiness and, for many homes, with tragedy and with sadness. Nineteen forty-four will long be remembered as the year when our great country and its Allies, locked in mortal combat with the enemies of all that we – as Americans and as Freemasons – hold dear, brought freedom to millions of enslaved and oppressed fellow beings – and a "Great light" to many who "sat in darkness."

For the first time since the mad forces of tyranny unleashed their savage fury on innocent victims some five years ago, the aggressor has become the defender – has been driven from the west, from the east, and from the south, back into his own so-called "holy soil." For the first time in those long years of darkness and of misery, we begin to see the faint gleams of light ahead – the first beams of that morning which is bound to herald a glorious victory – a just, a lasting, and a righteous world peace.

He was pleased to announce "there has been an increase in membership (11,463) which is the greatest since the year 1921, and the spirit evidenced by the Brethren of Ohio is the greatest in all our history."

The Grand Master commended the Ohio War Board for its service and the Brethren of Ohio for the work it had done for the servicemen and their families, especially at Christmas time. He complimented all the Lodges that had invested in War bonds.

At the "new Willard Hotel" in Washington, D.C., Grand Master Stephens presented a check for $5,000 to The Masonic Service Association. He later learned more money was needed, so he ordered another $5,000 contributed.

During the Conference of Grand Masters, Grand Master Stephens was elected Chairman. In this capacity he acted as toastmaster during the annual banquet. Among the guests at the banquet were General George C. Marshall and Admiral Ernest D. King, both Freemasons.

It had been impossible to obtain 50-year medals for the past two years. The metal used in them was needed for the war effort. Twenty-five year sterling silver emblems were available, so were 50-year lapel pins.

From the office of the Commanding General in Washington, D. C., came a letter written by Lieutenant Colonel William W. Carlton. He said he regretted he would be unable serve as Grand Master, if elected. He was appreciative of being remembered during the past four years of his absence. This resulted in the election of David B. Sharp, of University Lodge No. 631, as Grandmaster, and William W. Canton was re-elected Deputy Grand Master.

The names of Ohio Masons serving in the Armed Forces covered 20 pages set in small type. Twelve more pages were added in 1945.

Grand Master David B. Sharp's travels were greatly curtailed during 1945. A directive from the Office of Defense Transportation prohibited the gathering of large groups. Then, too, gasoline wasn't easy to obtain. But he did have two interesting trips.

On June 23, he traveled by chartered bus with the "Active Officers' Association of the First Masonic District at Cincinnati" to Owensboro, Kentucky. There the Master Mason Degree was conferred on the son of a former District Deputy Grand Master of the First District of Ohio.
So impressed was the Grand Master of Masons in Kentucky "he shortly after extended the team an invitation to go to Manchester, Kentucky, his home town, and confer the degree on one of Manchester Lodge's candidates."

"The invitation was accepted," said Grand Master Sharp. He again joined the group, and on September 22 they went to Manchester. "After an excellent meal served picnic style," he said, "we repaired to the school gymnasium where the Master Mason Degree was again exemplified in splendid fashion before a capacity audience." He was pleased to have two "foreign" Grand Masters present – Laningham of Virginia and Smith of Indiana.

The Secretary of Van Wert Lodge No. 218 asked the Grand Master if it would be permissible for the Lodge to purchase "a shelf of books and have them placed in a public library." The Grand Master strongly approved the idea. He suggested other Lodges "might do well to give them plan
of Van Wert Lodge consideration."

During the year, Grand Master Sharp had sent $5,000 to The Masonic Service Association; $2,500 to the United Grand Lodge of England; and $1,000 to the Grand Lodge of the Philippines.

In his Address during the Annual Communication held on October 17, 1945, Grand Master B. Sharp said:

While we were meeting in Grand Communication last year, the clouds of war still hung heavy over the world, and the nations were still locked in deadly combat; although Germany had been stopped in her career of conquest and Japan was being slowly driven from the islands she had seized in the Pacific, and Italy had been eliminated from the conflict, a long and bloody struggle lay ahead.

Now victory has perched upon our banners and a dazed and shattered world enjoys an uneasy peace. Throughout this dreadful conflict, no bombs fell upon our cities with devastating force, no hostile foot was set upon our soil, no Hunnish horde or barbarous Japanese were able to wreak their fiendish atrocities upon our people.

From all appearances, we were at peace, and the destruction visited upon almost all other nations was never visited upon us. While many of our sons had made the supreme sacrifice, and many Rachels were weeping for their children, because they were not, this land did not suffer the barbarities of war as did the nations of Europe and Asia.

Can any Mason fail to see in this the hand of Almighty God who hath gotten us the victory?

Remembering with sorrow and also with pride the valor of those who fell upon the field of battle, let us unite with our Grand Chaplain in a prayer of humble thanksgiving to God for His great mercy toward us.

The Grand Master objected strongly to a Temple Corporation renting its auditorium for a meeting to be addressed by "Earl Browder, leading Communist in the United States." He also objected to Masonic buildings being used for any sectarian religious group or political group. He stated: "Such incidents can do the Fraternity no good and must be very confusing to new Masons. Some of these Temple Boards seem to feel that they are beyond the reach of Masonic law, but they are mistaken.

"I recommend the adoption of legislation which will make illegal the renting of Temples or any portion of them to either political or sectarian religious organizations, whether the premises be dedicated to Masonry or not The non-Masonic public cannot differentiate. All it knows is what is sees, and it judges the Fraternity accordingly, and Masonry cannot afford to be identified in the public mind with any political or sectarian organization."

A resolution to this effect was submitted to the Jurisprudence Committee for action. But the Committee feared the intent could not be enforced. The resolution was never enacted into the law of the Grand Lodge.

The Deputy Grand Master, William W. Carlton, presented his report in the form of a poem "those of you who have served with the armed forces" will appreciate, and whose author is unknown:

RECONVERSION

When the bugles sound their final notes,
And the bombs explode no more
And we return to what we did
Before we went to war.

The sudden shift of status
On the ladder of success;
Will make some worthy gentlemen
Feel like an awful mess.

Just think of some poor
Captain Minus all his silver bars;
Standing up behind some counter
Selling peanuts and cigars.

And think of all the Majors
When their Oak Leaves fall behind;
And the uniform they're wearing
Is the Western Union Kind.

Shed a tear for some poor
Colonel If he doesn't feel himself;
Jerking sodas isn't easy
When your eagles are on the shelf.

'Tis a bitter pill to swallow;
'Tis a matter for despair;
Being messengers and clerks again
Is a mighty cross to bear.

So be kind to working people
That you meet where e'er you go;
For the guy who's washing dishes
May have been your old C.O.

He once again had to ask that he not be considered for Grand Master He was still involved with reconstruction work with the Armed Forces. Consequently, Ernest F. Schaefer, of Akron Lodge No.83, was elected Grand Master; William W. Carlton remained the Deputy Grand Master.

Grand Secretary Harry S. Johnson reported a record net gain of 12,104. He also said more than 21,000 sterling silver 25-year lapel pins had been purchased during the past four years.

The Committee on Charity made its report by stating: "First your committee decidedly objects and resents the name of the Committee: In our opinion 'Charity' has no place in the Masonic vocabulary. 'Relief' would seem to be a much better term, as the implications attached to the
word 'charity' do not apply to the furnishing of relief to Masonic Brethren, or support to Masonic organizations, or to charity other than Masonic, or to individuals – not Mason." It won its argument. It was changed to "Relief" the following year.

The Ohio Masonic War Board Committee thanked the many Brethren and Lodges throughout Ohio who had assisted with the work throughout the war.

For the first time, Earle Stewart, Past Grand Master and Foreign Correspondent, wrote a foreword to the Proceedings of other Grand Lodges he reviewed during the hear: His account covers the history of the period:

The influence of the war is everyhere shown in the reports of the meetings of Grand Lodges. This is true all over the United States. It is true of Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and Mexico. . . .

It is perhaps noteworthy that Grand Lodges were even able to continue to function during the drastic restrictions made necessary by governmental regulations incident to the prosecution of the war. The Masonic Homes maintained by most American Grand Lodges have continued to provide shelter and refuge for their residents. The maintenance of these Homes was often the compelling reason for Grand Lodge Communications. Many Grand Lodge sessions were held with fifty or fewer voting delegates. These delegates held the Proxies of the required constitutional number of Masters and Wardens. Grand Masters in some instances issued edicts to legalize these abbreviated sessions and these edicts in all cases were later approved by the Grand Lodge.

With a single exception Grand Lodges whose 1944 or 1945 sessions are here reviewed showed a net gain in membership. The exception was the York Grand Lodge of Mexico. All over the world where Lodges have been in operation the people are interested in Masonry and petitions have been many and restorations have likewise been numerous.

The consolidation of two Lodges into one was not uncommon. This represents a realistic approach to the immutable operation of shifting populations. There is a great deal of deep-rooted sentiment attached to the history of an old Lodge, especially in small communities. But with normal transportation restored, it is far better to unite two weak Lodges into one active, strong Lodge, even though some of the membership may have longer distances to travel and in spite of deep-seated attachentment for the old Lodge.

Generally speaking, little controversial legislation was introduced or considered at the sessions reviewed during the past year. It may be well to list a few of thematters which did receive more than local attention during 1944, and the first half of 1945, as shown by the Proceedings Report.

1. Grand Masters made free use of their authority to issue Dispensations. Committees on Jurisprudence usually approved these Dispensations. Perhaps the foremost reason for the free use of Dispensations was to permit Lodges to confer work "out of time" mostly for men in the armed forces with limited furloughs. Numerous Dispensations were also issued to permit Lodges to elect officers to fill vacancies principally because of the induction of the regularly elected officers into military service.

2. Many Grand Lodges have had before them the question of liberalizing the "physical qualification" regulations. Some of these Grand Lodges have already taken action either by changing their Code or approving decisions made by the Grand Masters to permit the Subordinate Lodges more latitude in this matter than they have heretofore had. Other Grand Lodges have the matter in process of consideration and a few of the Grand Lodges have taken negative action. A survey of the whole field of thought on this question would reveal a decided trend toward more liberal interpretations and to vest more power in the Subordinate Lodge. The most noteworthy study reported by any Grand Lodge on this subject was that of the District of Columbia. Grand Master Marrs, of that Jurisdiction, made a profound and well-considered statement on the matter. This particular statement bore evidence of much research into the whole question.

3. Several Grand Lodges considered the interests of young men of sufficient importance to discuss youth organizations at their Grand Lodge sessions. Where this question was raised there was favorable consideration given. In a few instances this matter rated a major place in the Grand Lodge session.

There was almost a universal expression of thought for the future even though the war was still in progress when these Grand Lodge sessions convened. Now that the war is over, Masonry generally enters a new era. This will be a period of Masonic reconstruction. There will be the problem of re-establishing European Lodges uprooted and suspended by the war. A re-examination of Masonry in Central and South America must go forward. In other places, the work of establishing Masonry must be started from scratch.

Grand Lodges will face the problem of the recognition of reconstructed and newly organized Grand Lodges in other lands. This will require patience, forbearance, and tolerance, but it will likewise demand the exercise of good judgment and discretion. Some research work on this general problem has already been under taken by some American Grand Lodges and much more work will be required.

Within the American, and for that matter other English-speaking Lodges, there is the prospect of a rapidly increasing membership these next few years.

Masonry appeals to the thoughtful and people have been thinking. Our Lodges must prepare themselves to assimilate these new members and guide them into places of Masonic usefulness or we shall have failed in our duty to the present and our obligations to a rich and revered heritage of the past. This will require "The Everlastin' Teamwork of Every Bloomin' Soul."

A letter dated 28 November, 1945, was received by the Secretary of N. C. Harmony Lodge No.2. It was written by Dancel V. Jones, President of the Marcoba Masonic Ulithi. Within the letter he said:

I was president of this group and we organized it in place of a Lodge for reasons you well know and had an average attendance of 150 to 250 present at the meetings. Ulithi was the secret fleet anchorage for the Phillippines, Okinawa, and Iwo Jima campaigns. The use of radio made us able to draw members out of the fleet and they represented Lodges from all over the world. Some of these men had visited in Arabia, England, and the clandestine Lodges of France. We learned that Masonry had gone underground in Nazi Germany and had transferred all its records to Argentina. We also had contact to the American invasion of the Philippines with Masonic Brethren in that area. Our sister group of Guam maintained an average attendance of 2,800 at their meetings. There were also clubs in Guadalcanal, Tinian, Majuro, and many other places throughout the Pacific. It was an inspiration to see Masonry so strongly united among men under overseas conditions and battle hazards. I believe Masonry to be one of the stronger forces that exist among men in the armed services. Its benefits were multitudinous.

Our membership cards were charged for and money accruing thereby was saved and transferred to the Grand Lodge at California to contribute to the fund for rehabilitation of the Masonic buildings in the Philippines and Guam. We felt that no greater tribute could be paid to the Brethren on those islands who had out lasted the Jap occupation.

Masonic Service Association had sent a delegation to Europe to determine what could be done for the Freemasons there. Grand Master Ernest F. Schaefer sent $2,500 to Norway, and a copy of the report from the MSA to each Lodge in Ohio. He asked them to send their contributions to the Grand Secretary, "marking them 'European Masonic Relief Fund.'"

From the Grand Secretary of Denmark came a letter in which he said: "We have started working again after the German occupation, but our Masonic Hall is still occupied by German fugitives, so we have to work in our provincial Lodges. Our Masonic Hall was first occupied by the Germans in October, 1943, but we had the luck that we were able to save everything - the library, museum, regalia, and personal property. When the Germans arrived, they found an empty building only. Later, after the capitulation, our government was forced to occupy many private and public houses for German fugitives (we still have about 230,000 in the country) and they are all from that part of Germany which is occupied by the Russian troops. We do not know what time we wiH get rid of the fugitives, because the Russians do not want them back yet."

From the Grand Secretary of Sweden: "Here in Sweden we are extremely grateful that the war has come to an end and that we have been able to pass through the dark and dreadful period without having been afflicted and that we have been able to carry on with our Masonic work during this time of tribulation for the Craft in Europe."

The Grand Secretary of Norway wrote: Fortunately, many of our Lodges and unions have resumed their workings, even if most of them have been obliged to reduce our former claims to furniture, jewels, and other paraphernalia. By degrees we hope to be up to our former standard."

The Ohio Masonic Home celebrated its Fiftieth Anniversary with appropriate ceremonies on October 23, 1945. The meeting was opened to the public. There were musical selections by the Home Orchestra, as well as speeches.

The War Board Committee had established a Service Center at Crile Hospital in Cleveland. The Veterans' Administration took over the hospital. So, on June 18, 1946, the Masons of Cleveland held a farewell reception for the hostesses and Brethren who had assisted in the work of the Center. Each received a Certificate of Merit for giving unselfishly of their time while the Center was active.

Grand Master Schaefer attended the Conference of Grand Masters in Washington, D.C., in February. The Grand Masters and their wives were received by the President of the United States, Harry S Truman, a Past Grand Master of Masons in Missouri. The event took place in the White House, and Mrs. Truman, as well as their daughter Margaret, was present.

The Grand Lodge met in Akron on October 16, 1946, for its Annual Communication. Grand Master Ernest F. Schaefer said he had to order the Worshipful Master and officers of a Fellowcraft Club to appear before the Committee on Grievances. He had learned a "carnival" had been held during September at which War Bonds were raffled off.

The Committee found not only War Bonds had been raffled off, but "there was operated a money-ring game," and "a penny game." It was determined nothing further should be done as the District Deputy Grand master had abolished the Fellowcraft Club.

A Past Master had made a typewritten copy of the Cipher Ritual." The Committee felt the matter should be turned over to the Grand Master for whatever disciplinary action he might take.

The Jurisprudence Committee recommended Chapters of the order of DeMolay be permitted to use Masonic halls legally. The matter was ordered laid over until the following year, at which time the resolution was withdrawn.

One of the most controversial sections of the Code concerned the doctrine of "the perfect youth." There was a lengthy discussion about whether or not a man should be physically perfect before he could petition an Ohio Lodge. At its conclusion a ballot was taken. When it was counted there were 953 for the legislation; 454 against; it was lost by 100 votes.

The Deputy Grand Master, William W. Carlton, of Evanston Lodge No.695, finally was in a position to accept the duties of Grand Master.

Grand Secretary Harry S. Johnson reported the net gain what the year was 12,878. He was pleased to say: "Our membership loss of 37,304 during the depression has been entirely recovered and our present membership of 219,503 is 9,796 more than the peak in 1930." The trend continued. In 1947, the net gain was 11,997.

The September 15, 1947, edition of Life magazine carried what Grand Master William W. Carlton considered "an offensive item on eighteenth-century French, so-called, Freemasonry." Rather than send off a letter to the Editor and speak "for one of the world's largest Masonic Jurisdictions" alone, he presented his reply at a Conference of Grand Masters and elective Grand Lodge officers on September 22. On the same day, he sent the following:

In a world torn by intolerance and discord, Life magazine publishes an item (Anticlericalism, September 15, 1947) which, by implication, impugns the benevolence and sincerity of a great and unprejudiced Fraternity; a Fraternity whose timeless philosophy particularly enjoins a belief in God but quarrels with no man's church.

Your people 8hould know that always since its first appearance in history, Speculative Freemasonry has interdicted the discussion of religions and politics.

They must know that, whatever they called themselves, irreligious bigots and charlatans of France's Louis XV age, banded together as anticlerics, could neither represent nor perpetuate Freemasonry.

Life has abused the privileges of a free press.

A copy of the letter was sent to every Grand Master and Secretary in the United States.

The Annual Communication was held in Cincinnati on October 16, 1947. And an historical first took place – the Proceedings were "magnetically transcribe (recorded) on a Webster model 80 recorder, and the wire will be preserved as a part of the permanent records of the Grand Lodge." This and subsequent recordings are preserved in the office of the Grand Secretary (but no recorder was I preserved to play them on).

Grand Master William W. Canton highly praised the efforts of Dr. Charles H. Merz who published the highly educational Sandusky Masonic Bulletin for years. He was saddened by the death of Merz.

The Grand Master made several sweeping recommendations concerning the Ohio Masonic Home. Among them were: "a comprehensive and scientific analysis and study be undertaken"; "That a competent firm of of engineers beretained to make a complete physical survey and inventory of Home property"; "That these studies and charts be used for a ten-year improvement plan to be prepared by aid of qualified consultants"; and "that the Board of trustees of the Home initiate necessary action at its November stated meeting to amend the Third declaration under the Articles of Incorporation of the Home, to read as follows:

"Third: The purpose for which said corporation is formed is to provide and maintain a Home for the care and protection of aged, infirm, and distressed Master Masons, their wives, widows, children, and orphans, under the auspices and control of The Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Ohio."

The Grand Lodge approved this portion of the Grand Master's Address without any discussion. This disturbed some of the members of the Board and they asked for this to be reconsidered later in the Communication. The Grand Master readily agreed to their wishes. After some discussion, his recommendations were again approved. The matter would arise again.

This caused A.J.M. Wannamaker, Grand Master of Masons in South Carolina to say, when he was called on to address the Grand Lodge: "I came early; I am staying late; I wanted to see your entire session. I heard that you might have a little disagreement on the floor, but I do not consider anything that has come up in the last two days a disagreement. I think you have accomplished great things when you can take an issue that is fifty years old and decide it in fifteen minutes."

Dual membership had been discussed for years, but no regulation could be found for or against it. The Jurisprudence Committee offered the following resolution which was adopted: "While there is no provision for dual membership in Lodges in this Grand Jurisdiction, there is no regulation prohibiting a member of an Ohio Lodge from accepting dual membership in a Subordinate Lodge of another recognized Grand Jurisdiction which permits dual membership." The Code still reads essentially the same.

The Committee on Relief opened its report by stating: "First allow us to express our gratification at the acquiescence of the Grand Lodge in the suggestion of our Committee that its name be changed from 'Charity' to 'Relief.' " It was proud to report the Lodges in Ohio had dispensed over $120,000 for relief of a varying nature.

The question of "maimed candidates," or "the doctrine of the perfect youth," was brought up again. This time every Past Grand Master present, plus the members of the Jurisprudence Committee, signed the proposed amendment to Article16 of the Constitution. This would allow "the Subordinate Lodges to determine whether a petitioner's physical condition will render him incapable of performing his duties as a Mason and member of the Lodge." If the "Master of the Lodge cannot determine to his satisfaction the candidate's fitness, he shall submit the question to the Grand Master for his determination."

The amendment was referred to all the Lodges in Ohio, as the law required. Six hundred twenty-five Lodges were entitled to vote. Four hundred twenty-seven approved the amendment; 417 approving votes were necessary for it to be brought before the Grand Lodge. On October 20, 1948, there were 1,432 ballots cast; 1,076 approved the amendment; 356 did not approve; 1,074 votes were necessary for its adoption. By two votes Article 16 of the Constitution was amended.

Governor and Brother Thomas J. Herbert welcomed the delegates to Columbus for the Annual Communication on October 20, 1948. "I may be Governor of Ohio outside this Hall," he said, "but in here I feel exactly like the rest a Brother Mason."

Grand Master Raymond A. Younger, a member of Celina Lodge No.241, said he had learned food was scarce in many European countries. So, he had ordered CARE packages sent in the name of the Grand Lodge to Germany, England, Ireland, and Scotland. The cost for "this soul
satisfying program" was $8,950.

A group of Master Masons attending Muskingum College in New Concord, Ohio, wanted to hold monthly meetings and be addressed by prominent Masons. They asked for the use of the Hall of Concord Lodge No.688 for this purpose. Grand Master Younger issued a Dispensation to Concord Lodge so these students could use its facilities. "It is my firm conviction," he said, "that masonry as a whole will benefit by promoting and encouraging the formation of such clubs upon the campuses of our colleges and universities that they may not only promote and enjoy Masonic
fellowship, but that they might also benefit intellectually, morally, and spiritually as a result of their common endeavors to improve themselves, not only in Masonry but also in those things which are above the affairs of everyday life." Interestingly, many of these were students of
Robert A. Hinshaw who would become Grand master and later Grand Secretary of The Grand Lodge of Ohio.

Bridgeport Lodge No. 181 also received a Dispensation. This one was to open a Lodge of Master Masons on Sunday afternoon, May 9, 1948. Its purpose was to welcome and provide a meeting place for all the Commandries of that section of the State as well as West Virginia. They joined in a procession to Bridgeport High School stadium where religious services were held. "In the procession were several bands and units of Masonic organizations, and altogether about 5,000 Masons and their wives participated." The whole service was broadcast over local radio stations.

Grand Master Younger said that he had attended twenty 100th Anniversaries of Lodges during the year. It made him curious about why there were so many for this particular year. He searched and found the answer:

We all know of the Morgan incident which lasted from the 1820's to approximately 1845. After this affair died down it would take some time for groups in the various communities in this State to organize themselves and to be in position to request a Dispensation or a Charter from the Grand Lodge. This may account for the exceptionally large number of Lodges started in the year 1848. However, I am convinced that there are deeper and greater reasons for such activity.

The year 1848 was an important one in the history of civilization as we know it now. In February of 1848, there occurred the revolution in Germany.

This revolution spread the following month into Austria, and Metternich, who had ruled the diplomacy of Europe from the Congress of Vienna to that time – who had established and overthrown kingdoms here and kingdoms there as suited his convenience based upon the divine right of kings - was forced to flee at night and in disguise.

This revolution of 1848 spread to Spain and to Portugal. It spread to Italy, and Garibaldi and Maxxini as leaders in that revolution paved the way for Cavour and laid the foundations of that great country. A constitution was granted to the people in 1848, and that constitution has been the foundation of the government of Italy until January 1 of this year when a new constitution went into effect, except, of course, during the time that Mussolini took over the government of Italy, overthrew its constitution, and ruled it with an iron hand.

This revolution spread in other directions in Europe. It became the basis of the Chartist movement in England. It spread north as far as Warsaw, but as a result the divine right of kings disappeared. Citizens were given a greater opportunity to share in the government under which they lived. Representative and constitutional government was established, and what is of great importance to us is that from this time Masonry continued to prosper greatly and to reach the heights of we are all proud. Masonry came into greater prominence and continued so until the rise of the dictators and until the emergence of that great evil – Communism – which forced Masonry to disband and to go underground.

These rights and liberties granted to the citizens a merely part of a world movement reflected, I think, activity here in the State of Ohio which saw new Lodges started and which saw Masonry making new progress.

But, my Brethren, the year 1848 also brought forth another important matter which now one hundred years later demands our attention and challenges our greatest effort. As in all revolutions or revolutionary movements, there are those who are carried to extremes. This happened in 1848, because in the early months of that year there was published in London the Communist Manifesto by Karl Marx and Frederick Engels. Karl Marx was the son of a very prominent Jewish lawyer who gave up his Jewish religion and became a Christian. He later gave up Christianity and became an atheist. This lack of stability had its effect upon young Marx. Frederick Engels was the son of a very prominent and wealthy businessman of Barheim, Germany, and Manchester, England, and the money which he received from his father kept Marx and Engels going. The Communist Manifesto published one hundred years ago was the pattern of action for Communism. It laid the foundations and gave directions for the accomplishment of the dictatorship of the proletariat. It taught that there was an irreconcilable conflict between the rich and the poor – that these conflicts could never be compromised. It taught that Christians should have no part in govern taught that Christians were meek, mild, and submissive. That government only belonged to the courageous, to the strongwilled type of person. It taught that religion was an opiate to the people which lulled them into submissiveness and which must be eradicated.

Communism and Masonry are mortal enemies. During the year, it has been my privilege to be in correspondence with the Grand Masters of a number of European countries. Early in the year, I received a letter from the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Spain in exile in Mexico City. He told me of the atrocities committed by the Franco regime in Spain and of the methods used by Franco in eliminating Masonry in Spain. Simply stated, it was this: After a town of any importance was taken over, the list of Masons of the town was obtained. The Masons were rounded up, taken outside of the city, compelled to dig a large pit. They were then shot and buried in this pit. Yet, the Grand Lodge of Spain, even though it is in exile in Mexico City, is still functioning and trying to keep alive the spark of Spanish Masonry that may some day when the time is opportune, be take back to Spain.

He closed his report by stating: "We must go forward against the power and the forces of Communism, not only to protect and save our Masonry, but also for the larger issues which are at stake. We must go forward if we are to preserve our religion, our churches, our schools, our
democratic and representative forms of government and our American way of life.

"Masonry always has been a society of leaders. Leadership is needed now as it never has been before. Let us therefore, my Brethren, march on."

The Grand Secretary, Harry Johnson, submitted a preamble setting forth the reasons why the Grand Lodge should be the sole administrator of the Ohio masonic Home instead of the "Masonic Grand Bodies of Ohio." He recommended that an edict be adopted by the Grand Lodge which would instruct the other bodies to order their representatives on the Board of Trustees of the Home to have the Charter amended to read "Grand Lodge Free and Accepted Masons of Ohio" instead of "Masonic Grand Bodies of Ohio." This was not approved by the Grand Lodge.

The fighting had stopped and World War II was supposedly ended. But there was no end in sight for millions of the victims of the holocaust. With a divided Berlin, Russia had imprisoned an untold number of Germans behind an iron curtain. Russia threw a blockade around the free section of Berlin, but the Mason in the White House wasn't intimidated. He started what was to become known as the "Berlin Airlift" on June 21, 1948. It would have to supply the necessities of life to the encircled people until May 12, 1949.

As had his predecessors, Grand master L. Todd McKinney, of Conservancy Lodge No. 661, sent aid in the form of CARE packages to the starving Europeans. The Lodges in Ohio contributed liberally to this and other efforts to ease the suffering.

At home, Freemasonry was still being plagued with instances of gambling. On April 7, 1949, the Grand Master wrote a letter to the Potentate of Tadmor Temple. He had learned it had a club in which slot machines were placed on the first floor, "and on the second floor were gaming tables the rules for playing placed on the walls and that play was for money." He asked the Potentate to affirm or deny the charges.

The Grand Master received no reply. A week later he again wrote. This time he received a reply from the Secretary of Tadmor Temple. The Grand Master was invited to inspect the "Oasis Club" owned "by the Trustees of Tadmor Temple." He was assured "that any question in your
mind will be readily satisfied by this visitation."

A month later, Grand Master McKinney received a notice from the same organization reading: "NOBLES – Remember the BINGO PARTY – Friday Night, May 20." He ordered the District Deputy Grand Master to attend this affair as his proxy. He did and reported the affair not complying with the laws of the Grand Lodge. The Grand Master "summoned the Potentate, together with any or all of the officers and members of the Entertainment Committee, as he and they may desire, to appear in my office . . . to show cause why he, the officers and members
of the Entertainment Committee should not be suspended in accordance with Section 44 of the By-laws of the Grand Lodge."

The Potentate and Secretary met with the Grand Master. They admitted the charges were true. The Potentate said he didn't answer the first letter from the Grand Master because, "The charges were true and I did not wish to put the evidence on paper." When he was asked why he had permitted the events to continue, he said: "These were just a continuation of past activities, and that some past officers, as well as some of the present officers and other high-ranking Masons, who were members of the Temple, had supported the proposition, that the practices could continue as nothing had been done by Grand Lodge in past years and that it would probably not interfere now."

"If this is true," said Grand Master McKinney, "it is high time that these high-ranking Masons get a truer picture of the noble calling of our Fraternity and lend the influence of their position to a stricter observance of our Tenets."

The Grand Master suspended the Potentate, other officers, chairman and co-chairman of the Entertainment Committee "from the rights and privileges of Masonry as of the date of my official letter, July 6, 1949, until the next Annual Communication of this Grand Lodge." A week later he "officially vacated the suspensions on all but the three principal officers."

The case was referred to the Committees of Jurisprudence and Grievances when the Grand Lodge met for its Annual Communication in Dayton on Friday, October 21, 1949, (hotels couldn't accommodate the delegates at the regular time). The Committee recommended, and the
delegates concurred, the suspension of the three top officers by the Grand Master be upheld, and their suspension continue until the Annual Communication in 1950.

At the same time, the officers and members of AlSirat Grotto were ordered reprimanded. The Grotto, alone with the Knights of Columbus in Cleveland, had purchased an automobile to be given away during a jointly sponsored football game. The officers agreed to disco the practice.

Concerning these cases, Grand Master McKinney said: "If Masonry is to survive, maintain its reputation, and continue to be an influence for good, we must practice that which we preach. We cannot do lip service, then conduct ourselves in a manner in disharmony with our Tenets, thereby becoming justly subject to criticism by those either within or from without. These malignancies call for radical treatment before it is too late. Our danger of destruction and downfall is not chiefly from our enemies without but from decay from within."

A Special Committee on Trials and Procedure reported after almost two years of study. It was in "favor of switching over to the use of a Trial Commission exclusively, at once, but a slight majority favored permitting the Lodges to decide whether they wanted to use a Trial Commission or hold their own trials.

There was considerable opposition to the granting of Dispensations for two new Lodges desiring to meet in Dayton - Alpha and Solar, the latter a delight Lodge. The Grand Master had urged the Grand Lodge to approve the granting of Dispensations so they might be set to work. They received the Dispensations.

By unanimous consent Section 24 of the Code was amended to read:

1. A member may, by consent of the Lodge, dimit, and until he again affiliates he voluntarily renounces all claim to the benefit of Lodge organization of the right of visitation, unless he is governed by the provisions of the following paragraphs:

2. A holder of a dimit will be considered as having a continuous Masonic affiliation, provided he attaches his dimit to a petition for affiliation, and is accepted into the membership of the Lodge of his choice within six months of the date of the issuance of the dimit.

When he has been accepted, the Secretary of that Lodge will complete the certificate at the bottom of the dimit, detach it, and forward it at once to the Grand Secretary. The record of such member will be adjusted accordingly on his permanent membership card on file in the office of the Grand Secretary.

3. If the Brother fails to be accepted, his dimit will be returned to him. That Brother may then return it to the issuing Lodge, with the request that it be cancelled. Such Lodge is required to accept the dimit and forward it to the Grand Secretary, who will cancel the same and adjust the member's record accordingly. The member ship of such Brother will thus be continuous, as though the dimit had never been issued.

The Grand Master had requested the Grand Lodge to reduce work of this office. Many Dispensations had to be issued by him to permit Past Masters to preside over Lodges during the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge. He felt this "routine" matter, which allowed the
Masters and Wardens to attend, should be handled by an amendment to Section 9 of the Code. Unanimous consent was granted and the Code amended so a Worshipful Master could appoint a Past Master to preside while he and his Wardens attend Grand Lodge.

At the end of the decade of the '40's, Freemasonry in Ohio was growing at a rapid rate more rapid than in any section of the country. The Lodges were busy conferring degrees, but at the same time they were ever willing to extend a helping hand to those in need. Cries for help from the victims of floods, fire, and earthquakes were readily answered.

On the world front, there was an uneasy calm. No fighting of any magnitude was evident. Israel and Egypt had signed an armistice; the North Atlantic Treaty Organization had been formed, hopefully to preserve peace. But they were ominous reports. Russia had the atomic bomb, and the Communist People's Republic of China was proclaimed. And there was a divided country of Korea which would prove troublesome in the years ahead. It would also show the worth of Freemasonry.

Back to Frontier Cornerstone  Previous  Next