Questions & Answers Question: Explain the word "profane" when used Masonically? Answer: The word refers to one not initiated. It comes from "pro," without, and "fanum," a temple-one outside the t emple. It does not mean blasphemous when used Masonically. The Craft's reference to "a profane" or "the profane" means only the individual or group not a member or members. Question: What does "hele" mean? Answer: Hele (pronounce) hail) is derived from the Anglo-Saxon and means cover or conceal.
The Scottish Rite Cathedral, New Castle, Pa., where the Quarterly Communication of the Grand Lodge F. & A. M. of Pennsylvania was held on June 3, 1964.
Being Well and Duly Prepared Being "Well and Duly Prepared" is a Masonic expression. Masons understand its significance in the Lodge Rooms, however, they may also interpret it outside the Lodge. No Mason enters even the ground floor of the Lodge unless he is "Well and Duly Prepared," but so simple is his dress that it provokes no envy. H e is dressed proper ly for the occasion, and everyone so dressed feels perfectly at ease among his Brethren. No place here for the rich to boast of fine raiment and resplendent jewels, nor for the poor to envy his more fortunate Brother or covet his w ealth. Their clothing in each case sy mbolizes labor a nd innocence. With hand a nd brain, each is ready to serve his fellow men; with forebearance and toleration, each is willing to forgive the crude and ignorant every where. To carry the symbolism of Masonic investiture still further, THE PENNSYLVANIA FREEMASON Distribution Office MASONIC HOMES Elizabethtown, Po. 17022 (Send FORM 3579 to Above Address)
every Mason should be clothed in the habiliments of truth. His wardrobe should contain the robe of justice, with which to protect those who for any reason have been deprived of their just rights; the mantle of charity, with which to comfort those made destitute, many times by no cause of their own; the tunic of toleration, with which to hide the weakness of the wayward and h elp them to the road of recovery; the cloak of mercy, with which to cover the wounded a nd suffering in mind or body with unstinted sympathy and kindness. These garments are all of genuine quality, measured and cut by a Master Tailor. They are serviceable and in good taste on every occasion. They, too, may be had without money and without price, and, the man who wears them is truly "properly clothed," and "Well and Duly Prepared" as a Master Mason. Second Class POSTAGE PAID AT Elizabethtown Pennsylvania
Que stion: What is the origin of the expression "Blue Lodge?" Answer: There are several theories of which t wo have the most adherents. Some believe that Operative Masons felt that blue, the color of the sky both by day and by night, was associated in their minds · with the purity of Deity, which Masons attempt to emulate. Others refer to the change made by Speculative Masons shortly after the establishment of the original Grand Lodge of England when blue was substituted for white as the official Masonic color, presumably because it was the color of the Order of the Garter of which a number of Masonic leaders were members. Question: I s Freemasonry a religion or has it a religion? Answer: Freemasonry is non-sectaria n and men of all religious faith s and beliefs can join in its rites and ceremonies. Although it is definitely not a religion, nor does it have a religion, it certainly is re ligious in c haracter and practice in that it teaches monotheism, the Bible is open on its altars whenever a L odge is in session, reverence for God is ever present in its ceremonies, and lessons of morality a re constantly add ressed to its M embers. Question: Where can I obtain additional information concerning Freemasonry? Answer: The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania has quite a st orehouse of M asonic information in its fa m ous Libra ry and Museum which comes under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge Committee on Masonic Culture. A full-time staff of this Library and Museum is always r eady and w illing to provide any information, possible to relate, concerning Freemasonry. Write to Librarian and Curator, M ason ic Temple, One N o rth Broad Street, Philadelphia, Pa. 19107. Question: Where was the first Masonic Hall in America? Answe r: Freemason's Lodge built in 17 55 in Philadelphia on the south side of Norris (or Lodge) Alley which extends west from Second Street and is par allel to and n orth of Walnut Street. Question : Who was the first Mason reporting informal Masonic mee tings in America? Answer: I n 1715 John Moore, Collector of the Port of P hiladelphia , wrote in a let ter that he had "spent a few evenings of Masonic festivity with m y Masonic Brethren."
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Editor's Note: If you have a question on Freemasonry, share it with us. We will make every e ffort to answer it. If per· mi~siblc, we will include both the question and the answer in this Question and Answer column for others to read.
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FREE:M:A.SO~ AN OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE RIGHT WORSHIPFUL GRAND LODGE OF FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS OF PENNSYLVANIA
VOLUME XI
AUGUST
•
1964
NUMBER 3 sonal sacrifices in order to participate
in the Guest Fund. Many of the conGrand Master Urges Use of Special tributors have retired and are living on pensions. It would not be possible in the short Envelope Provided for 'Guest Fund' space a llocated to this article to list Once again we are approaching the Holiday Season-days to be thankful for our blessings in life-and days to remember others. Each year at this time it is customary for the Grand Master to urge the Brethren to remember the needs at the Masonic Homes at Elizabethtown. This year is no exception. Every member of Lodges in this J u risdiction will receive a special Guest Fund appeal letter, along with a self-addressed envelope, in the September Lodge Notice. In this special appeal, I point out: "This is a very important fund, and is one of the major factors that make Elizabethtown a 'home' and not just another institution. Your continued financial assistance is n eeded." For t he past several years we h ave kept records to see how many Brethren, and from which Bro. Earl F. Herold Lodges, contribute to the fund. R. W. Grand Mastet· It may surprise you to know that only 14.5 per cent of the approximately 255,000 Masons in this Jurisdiction have not participated to please make a contributed through the special enve- special effort this year. Every dolla r you contribute is d elopes to the fund last y ear. It will please you to know that this ductible for income tax purposes. To small percentage contributed slightly m a ny of you Brethren, this would be more than $250,000. This was the a welcome deduction when filipg t ax statements. goa l set by the Grand Mast er. Several weeks ago I r eceived the I express a deep appreciation to those Brethren who p articipated in the following letter: Guest Fund last year. I also urge "A sm all check for y our lovely you to continue this support. home at Elizabethtown, Pa. I am On the other h and, I urge those who an old m ember of M elita L odge No. 295, long over 50 years. Will be 92 years young . Best Wishes." If you
h a ve misplaced the self· addressed , postage-fre e e n velope pro· vide d in the Lodge Notice for your contribution to the Guest Fund, you can send your contribution direct to: Superintendent, Masonic Homes, E lizabethtown, Pa. 17022
The size of the check is immaterial. However, it is mate rial that the Brother who wrote the a bove l etter is himself a guest in a home-not a M asonic home. I could cite many a dditional insta nces where M asons h ave made per-
the many ways the Guest Fund is used. For instance, a new ambulance was purchased several weeks ago. It cost approximately $10,000 and was very badly needed. The fund will provide a summer vacation period for Masonic Homes children who have no fa milies to v isit. The Guest Fund provides for many more costly projects, including a comp lete occupationa l therapy program, religious services, mov ing pictures, and special e ntertainment throughout the en tire year. The n ame of the Guest Fund was formerly "Christmas, Entertainment a nd R ecreation al Fund." The name was changed because it gave the impression t he fund was very limited in its use. For instance, it did not show that t h e fund provides each Guest with $10.00 a month spending money, a n a nnual requirement of $84 ,000. Brethre n, I am sure we a ll agree as to the need at the M asonic Homes at E li zabethtown. Now I personally urge each one of you to send a c heck in the en velope provided in y our Septemb er L odge Notice. By using the envelope method of contribu tin g, your Lodge will be credited with your gift. E ach con tributor will be provided w ith a receipt. I sincerely a ppreciate your continued d edication and interest. Fraternally yours,
R. W. Grand M aster