This is fantastic! What great news! I wish we had a Masonic library like that here in Brazil, but, alas, we have isolated efforts, usually headed by a few Masons or a single one. We have a virtual library in one of our states and a few physical ones on certain places, but these are usually filled with minutes or classic books (and vanity ones, of course, "written" by Grand Masters or the ones they sponsor, rarely worthy of study).
You mentioned finding the ivory gavel in a yard sale - my sponsor in Freemasonry once saved the collection of one of the leading scholars in Brazilian Freemasonry from going to the trash (or recycling, which is a tad better, I suppose). Among the many, many treasures he bought (using his savings, even though he asked several State Grand Lodges and Orients to take the endeavour and was refused by all of them), I will mention a single one: the original Charter of our first Supreme Council for the 33rd, dated 1832!
My own Grand Lodge has a library, and it is very well stocked with materials, but it is a massive endeavor. Ultimately it needs more attention, and more money than we have been able to dedicate to it. I guess I would describe it as a continual work in progress.
From Brazil, you might not know about the Prince Hall Recognition controversy that has plagued United States Freemasonry for over a hundred years, but my Grand Lodge, and one of its early Grand Masters was one of the forerunners on the side of the angels in that controversy. If it weren't for my GL's efforts to maintain a Library, many of his writings, now considered quite important could well have been lost.
Some of our Lodges do maintain quality Libraries as well. Much smaller than Grand Lodge Libraries of course, but still of great value to Masons. I'm thinking of one in an area of our State known as the Tri-Cities. It is quite superb for a Lodge. Unfortunately though, for many Lodges, it's just old books, shoved into boxes.
Sep 22, 2023·edited Sep 22, 2023Liked by Cameron M. Bailey
This has always been on my mind. It's part of my concept of the Masonic Digital Trust (https://MasonicDigitalTrust.Org). I want to organize a group of Masons to manage and preserve Masonic texts and data in an online Alexandria or sorts. I already started reconstructing all Bro. Bessell's content under the assumption he's gone and his site only exists in pieces at Archive.Org.
BTW, I have a Masonic/Esoteric imprint for my publishing business if you need help putting it all in print-on-demand form. (https://amorphous.press/cyphrGlyffe/)
And the point of such writing is not to sell books or hope for a big audience. It is a matter of preserving PERSONAL WITNESS. Don't ever shy from such endeavors under the assumptions of other people's interests.
You are correct when you say we are losing too much wisdom and literacy to the ravages of age. This is a function of a decentralized organization where each jurisdiction is its own kingdom and saving Masonic literacy is a hit or miss proposition. In addition to limiting the salvage of Masonic knowledge, it prevents us from having a unified voice when it comes to telling our story to the public, which alludes to some of the mistrust and associated troubles that come with it.
The United Grand Lodge of England saw this problem early and developed research lodges such as the Quatuor Concerti Lodge #2076 in 1884 to try to capture and validate Masonic intelligence but even they have trouble trying to corral writings outside of the United Kingdom. Locally, we have our own Museum and Library at Grand Lodge, but even that is limited with the lack of volunteers to help save and curate the rich history we have in our jurisdiction. I applaud what the Grand Lodge of Oregon is trying to do, but they will soon discover what we know about the shortcomings of trying to do more than what they may be capable of doing.
There is one point that should be noted despite these challenges. And that is the wisdom and literacy imparted to all who are part of our Emeth community. I would argue some of the best minds in localized Masonry sits here in Washington which explains why many outside our jurisdiction are signing up.
Many of the issues you raise that are discussed among our many esteemed brothers are worth more than anything you can imagine. I can speak for myself that our discussions on being better versions of ourselves will live with me until I am called to that place not made with human hands. This may not be captured in writing but is captured in my mind and heart. And isn’t that more important?
Take heart in the saying of Brother Pike when he reminds us that what we do for ourselves dies with us. What we do for others, lives on forever.
W Brother, I would like to say Thank You for your very kind words about Emeth. It is truly appreciated, as is your support for this endeavor from day one. I'm very pleased that it has enhanced your own Masonic experience, as it has mine.
I can't know any details of course, but looking in from the outside, it certainly seems that the Grand Lodge of Oregon is devoting very significant resources to the Richmond Library and Museum, as evidenced by the superb new structure, and the proactive work they are doing to preserve our history. It looks to me like they are creating a truly wonderful resource for Masonry here in the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
As for the Grand Lodge of Washington, I've not visited our Library for a while now, but I know that more resources, both professional and volunteer have been devoted to it recently, and I understand that improvements are coming along at a good clip.
What I would most like to see is our Lodges perform better when it comes to archiving their own history. I know Centralia Lodge best of course, so I can say that it holds a great many fascinating documents and other ephemera, plus a fairly large collection of books, old and new, but none of this is organized, and none properly stored for preservation. A future project!
MW Brother, thank you for this thoughtful essay. It reminded me of a task that I need to repeat here in district 12. Several years ago I put out a district wide email request that any masonic books, papers, and items be donated to Warren G. Harding Lodge No. 260 library. I have received some books and papers from two families, but it is time to make that request again. It would be a shame to loose any educational books, papers, etc. regarding our Craft to some thrift store. I regularly scour thrift stores for masonic books, etc. And, next time I am in Forest Grove I will spend some time in their library. Thank you for that information.
It is great that you are doing that at Warren G. Harding! Being able to preserve these things from our Brothers is wonderful. I hope that someday we can do something similar at Centralia Lodge.
I'm like you when it comes to junk stores. And I end up buying whatever I find. Luckily I've almost always been able to find a good home for what I come across.
I feel badly in that I didn't even know that the beautiful Library existed in Forest Grove. I'm not sure how I ever managed to not encounter it. In any event, I'm certainly looking forward to my first trip there when I deliver the first set of papers.
Oh wow - this is wonderful !!
Congratulations :)
Thank you very much!
This is fantastic! What great news! I wish we had a Masonic library like that here in Brazil, but, alas, we have isolated efforts, usually headed by a few Masons or a single one. We have a virtual library in one of our states and a few physical ones on certain places, but these are usually filled with minutes or classic books (and vanity ones, of course, "written" by Grand Masters or the ones they sponsor, rarely worthy of study).
You mentioned finding the ivory gavel in a yard sale - my sponsor in Freemasonry once saved the collection of one of the leading scholars in Brazilian Freemasonry from going to the trash (or recycling, which is a tad better, I suppose). Among the many, many treasures he bought (using his savings, even though he asked several State Grand Lodges and Orients to take the endeavour and was refused by all of them), I will mention a single one: the original Charter of our first Supreme Council for the 33rd, dated 1832!
My own Grand Lodge has a library, and it is very well stocked with materials, but it is a massive endeavor. Ultimately it needs more attention, and more money than we have been able to dedicate to it. I guess I would describe it as a continual work in progress.
From Brazil, you might not know about the Prince Hall Recognition controversy that has plagued United States Freemasonry for over a hundred years, but my Grand Lodge, and one of its early Grand Masters was one of the forerunners on the side of the angels in that controversy. If it weren't for my GL's efforts to maintain a Library, many of his writings, now considered quite important could well have been lost.
Some of our Lodges do maintain quality Libraries as well. Much smaller than Grand Lodge Libraries of course, but still of great value to Masons. I'm thinking of one in an area of our State known as the Tri-Cities. It is quite superb for a Lodge. Unfortunately though, for many Lodges, it's just old books, shoved into boxes.
Can't wait to welcome the collection for all generations to read and study. 2 huzzahs and one huge wooot!
Thank you for everything Brother! I look forward to seeing you soon!
Your scholarly and insightful writings deserve a place in the Oregon Grand Lodge library as well as many others for.posterity.
Thank you Brother! I appreciate your kind words.
I'm not sure I'd consider my scribblings very scholarly though. I kind of see myself as Crazy Man, Shooting From The Hip! ;-)
What an amazing honor for both you GM and all of Masonry, especially in the Northwest.
Thank you W Brother! Indeed, I think it is the greatest honor I've ever received.
Congratulations!
Thank you VW!
This has always been on my mind. It's part of my concept of the Masonic Digital Trust (https://MasonicDigitalTrust.Org). I want to organize a group of Masons to manage and preserve Masonic texts and data in an online Alexandria or sorts. I already started reconstructing all Bro. Bessell's content under the assumption he's gone and his site only exists in pieces at Archive.Org.
BTW, I have a Masonic/Esoteric imprint for my publishing business if you need help putting it all in print-on-demand form. (https://amorphous.press/cyphrGlyffe/)
And the point of such writing is not to sell books or hope for a big audience. It is a matter of preserving PERSONAL WITNESS. Don't ever shy from such endeavors under the assumptions of other people's interests.
Thank you for sharing both these links! I appreciate it, wonderful endeavors!
Agreed, preservation is the goal and key.
Congrats!
Thank you W Brother!
Congratulations MW Cameron! It is an honor well deserved and earned by your dedication and willingness to spread light.
Thank you VW, I appreciate your kind words!
You are correct when you say we are losing too much wisdom and literacy to the ravages of age. This is a function of a decentralized organization where each jurisdiction is its own kingdom and saving Masonic literacy is a hit or miss proposition. In addition to limiting the salvage of Masonic knowledge, it prevents us from having a unified voice when it comes to telling our story to the public, which alludes to some of the mistrust and associated troubles that come with it.
The United Grand Lodge of England saw this problem early and developed research lodges such as the Quatuor Concerti Lodge #2076 in 1884 to try to capture and validate Masonic intelligence but even they have trouble trying to corral writings outside of the United Kingdom. Locally, we have our own Museum and Library at Grand Lodge, but even that is limited with the lack of volunteers to help save and curate the rich history we have in our jurisdiction. I applaud what the Grand Lodge of Oregon is trying to do, but they will soon discover what we know about the shortcomings of trying to do more than what they may be capable of doing.
There is one point that should be noted despite these challenges. And that is the wisdom and literacy imparted to all who are part of our Emeth community. I would argue some of the best minds in localized Masonry sits here in Washington which explains why many outside our jurisdiction are signing up.
Many of the issues you raise that are discussed among our many esteemed brothers are worth more than anything you can imagine. I can speak for myself that our discussions on being better versions of ourselves will live with me until I am called to that place not made with human hands. This may not be captured in writing but is captured in my mind and heart. And isn’t that more important?
Take heart in the saying of Brother Pike when he reminds us that what we do for ourselves dies with us. What we do for others, lives on forever.
W Brother, I would like to say Thank You for your very kind words about Emeth. It is truly appreciated, as is your support for this endeavor from day one. I'm very pleased that it has enhanced your own Masonic experience, as it has mine.
I can't know any details of course, but looking in from the outside, it certainly seems that the Grand Lodge of Oregon is devoting very significant resources to the Richmond Library and Museum, as evidenced by the superb new structure, and the proactive work they are doing to preserve our history. It looks to me like they are creating a truly wonderful resource for Masonry here in the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
As for the Grand Lodge of Washington, I've not visited our Library for a while now, but I know that more resources, both professional and volunteer have been devoted to it recently, and I understand that improvements are coming along at a good clip.
What I would most like to see is our Lodges perform better when it comes to archiving their own history. I know Centralia Lodge best of course, so I can say that it holds a great many fascinating documents and other ephemera, plus a fairly large collection of books, old and new, but none of this is organized, and none properly stored for preservation. A future project!
That’s the best! I value your thoughts.
Thank you Brother! I appreciate your friendship very much!
MW Brother, thank you for this thoughtful essay. It reminded me of a task that I need to repeat here in district 12. Several years ago I put out a district wide email request that any masonic books, papers, and items be donated to Warren G. Harding Lodge No. 260 library. I have received some books and papers from two families, but it is time to make that request again. It would be a shame to loose any educational books, papers, etc. regarding our Craft to some thrift store. I regularly scour thrift stores for masonic books, etc. And, next time I am in Forest Grove I will spend some time in their library. Thank you for that information.
It is great that you are doing that at Warren G. Harding! Being able to preserve these things from our Brothers is wonderful. I hope that someday we can do something similar at Centralia Lodge.
I'm like you when it comes to junk stores. And I end up buying whatever I find. Luckily I've almost always been able to find a good home for what I come across.
I feel badly in that I didn't even know that the beautiful Library existed in Forest Grove. I'm not sure how I ever managed to not encounter it. In any event, I'm certainly looking forward to my first trip there when I deliver the first set of papers.