NOTICE
Because of the necessity to keep our mailing lists up to date we must ask that
you check to see if you are current with payment of dues for 2001. Dues for the
year ending December 31, 2001 are $8.00.
If you have not paid your 2001 dues you will note that a checkmark appears near
the mailing label. To keep receiving "THE BULLETIN" please send your
2001 dues to:
SDLMR Secretary
Richard M. Luther
124 Gilley Avenue South
Brookings, SD 57006-2535
SOMETHING NEW
I recently received a copy of: The Masonic Globe. As the title indicates it is
International in flavor and takes on the aspect of being a forum type
publication. If interested in a sample copy, write
The Blue Light Publishing Company
15147 Deer Valley Terrace
Silver Spring, MD 20906-6224
E-mail [bluelightbooks.com]
Where do you see Masonic education today? Where is it going? This question
was asked and answered by popular Masonic author S. Brent Morris, Editor, of The
Scottish Rite Journal. He said: "It is a pleasant surprise to me that as
our membership numbers are declining, interest in research, lodges and
organizations, and publications seems to be increasing. The establishment of The
Masonic Globe is testimony to this. What troubles me, however, is the great
interest in what I call "mushy" romantic Masonic history. A perfect
example of this is the excessive interest (in my opinion) in the Knights Templar
to the exclusion of other topics. For example, no one has written a good history
of how American ritual evolved from Preston to Webb and to Cross, Barney and
others. "
I guess Thor likes all kinds of Masonic history including "mushy"
romantic history.
PURPOSES OF A RESEARCH LODGE
In an address given by MWB Cuthbert H. Taylor, PGM, New Zealand in 1959 and
appearing in "Selected Papers of The United Master's Lodge No. 167, Vol. 2,
1960, pp. 173-175."
What Thor thought was interesting about this paper was that the purposes he
described over 40 years ago could well describe what we in The South Dakota
Lodge of Research (SDLMR) are attempting to accomplish today.
Brother Taylor said: "The object of a Lodge of Research, according to the
Book of Constitutions of his Grand Lodge of New Zealand shall be the historical,
and comparative study of.. (1) the origins, development and modern trends and
activities of Freemasonry, its organization, ritual and teachings and; (2) the
dissemination of Masonic knowledge amongst its members of the Lodge and other
brethren".
He likens the dissemination of Masonic knowledge to the familiar words -
"Let there be light".
This is certainly, as we would have it today. However, scattered through the
paper is obvious thread of participation, at that time, by New Zealand Masons.
Perhaps such participation has waned over the years, as has participation by
SDLMR members. Today we are grateful for member support but we need to have some
of our members willing become active in the purposes in (1) and (2) above.
Furthermore, we must appreciate the efforts of our dedicated SDLMR Editor, for
his untiring efforts to disseminate Masonic knowledge in "The
Bulletin".
BOOK REVIEW
As Thor was assisting in the boxing of books housed at the former Grand Lodge
Library Building, he came upon a bound volume titled "Harris's Masonic
Discourse". Our Grand Lodge labeled this volume as EX LIBRIS, No 1401 that
was donated to the Library by N. L. Finch in June 29, 1910. REVEREND BROTHER, T.
M. HARRIS wrote the book. What is so significant about this book? Why, because
of the elaborate cover page, of course. It says: the discourse illustrates the
principles, displays the tendency, and vindicates the design of Freemasonry. Oh!
Yes, the book was printed in Anno Lucis, 5801 or 1801. More from this
"gem" later.
Indocti discant, ament meminisse periti.
Let the unlearned learn, let the experts love to remember.
The Plumbline, Volume 8, No. 4, 2000-2001.
MWB Richard "Thor" Luther, Secr. SDLMR
