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TheBONISTEELML.ORG Rising Point Volume 22. Issue 1 • • winter 2011 Special Issue! ∧ US ∨ Presidents US $9.95 10 Fall 2010 Made In Michigan

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WELCOME TO WINTER 2011 For those of you who are new to this publication, we hope you enjoy what you see and come back. Suggestions and opinions are welcome. Contents Volume 22. Issue 1 - winter 2011 FEATURE ARTICLES MAILING ADDRESS THE RISING POINT 3 ......George Washington Bonisteel Masonic Library 5..............James Madison 2520 Arrowwood Trl Ann Arbor, MI 48105 7................James Monroe Web site: www.bonisteelml.org 9.............Andrew Jackson 11...................James Polk Bro. Mitchell Ozog , 32º Editor in Chief. mozog@bonisteelml.org 13..........James Buchanan Bro. Karl Grube, Ph.D., 32º Managing Editor 15..........Andrew Johnson kgrube@bonisteelml.org 17.............James Garfield Bro. Robert Blackburn 32º Book Review Editor 19.........William McKinley LAYOUT & DESIGN 21.....Theodore Roosevelt Bro. Mitchell Ozog COVER CREDITS 23.................Howard Taft Photo - Magdalena Ozog 25...........Warren Harding 27.......Franklin Roosevelt Editor’s Note: Graphics and articles about USA 29...............Harry Truman President was first published in The Masonic 31...........Lyndon Johnson World Vol. 12, No. 1 September 1945. Reprint with permission of the Detroit Masonic Temple 32..................Gerald Ford Library and Museum but © Unknown. 33,34...The Book Reviews THE RISING POINT is the official publication of Bonisteel Masonic Library and is published four times per year. Masonic Bodies are welcome to reprint from this publication provided that the article is reprinted in full, the name of the author and the source of the article are indicated, and a copy of the publication containing the reprint is sent to the editor. Submissions to this publication and all Correspondence concerning this publication should come through the Editor Mitchell Ozog. The Editor reserves the right to edit all materials received. Fair Use Notice: The Bonisteel Masonic Library web site and publication THE RISING POINT may at times contain copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available in our efforts to advance understanding of environmental, political, human rights, economic, democracy, scientific, and social justice issues, etc.. We believe this constitutes a ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. If you wish to use copyrighted material from this site or the publication Rising Point for purposes of your own that go beyond ‘fair use’, you must obtain permission from the copyright owner. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the material on The Bonisteel Masonic Library web site and publication Rising Point is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. For more information go to: http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.shtml United States Code: Title 17, Section 107 http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/unframed/17/107.html Notwithstanding the provisions of sections 106 and 106A, the fair use of a copyrighted work, including such use by reproduction in copies or phonorecords or by any other means specified by that section, for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching (including multiple copies for classroom use), scholarship, or research, is not an infringement of copyright. In determining whether the use made of a work in any particular case is a fair use the factors to be considered shall include - (1) the purpose and character of the use, including whether such use is of a commercial nature or is for nonprofit educational purposes; (2) the nature of the copyrighted work; (3) the amount and substantiality of the portion used in relation to the copyrighted work as a whole; and (4) the effect of the use upon the potential market for or value of the copyrighted work. The fact that a work is unpublished shall not itself bar a finding of fair use if such finding is made upon consideration of all the above factors. Rising point WINTER 2011

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GEORGE 1st President - April 30, 1789 to March 4, 1797 W A S H I N GTO N Rising point WINTER 2011

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On April 30, 1789, George Washington, standing on the balcony of Federal Hall on Wall Street in New York, took his oath of office as the first President of the United States. “As the first of every thing, in our situation will serve to establish a Precedent,” he wrote James Madison, “it is devoutly wished on my part, that these precedents may be fixed on true principles.” George Washington 1732-1799 EA Nov 4, 1752, FC Mar. 3, 1753, MM Aug. 4, 1753, in Fredericksburg Lodge (later No. 4), Virginia, MM 1753, named Worshipful Master of Alexandria Lodge #22, in Alexandria, VA, April 28, 1788, and reelected Dec. 20, 1788, but there is no evidence he was ever installed or presided over any Masonic meeting. Somewhat active and supportive of Freemasonry Rising point WINTER 2011

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J ames Madison 4th President - March 4, 1809 to March 4, 1817 Rising point WINTER 2011

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Madison made a major contribution to the ratification of the Constitution by writing, with Alexander Hamilton and John Jay, the Federalist essays. In later years, when he was referred to as the “Father of the Constitution,” Madison protested that the document was not “the off- spring of a single brain,” but “the work of many heads and many hands.”James Madison 1809-1817 James Madison was presumed a Freemason at one time, but the records of the lodge that he is believed to have attended have been lost for that time period. Rising point WINTER 2011

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J ames Monroe 5 th President - March 4, 1817 to March 4, 1825 Rising point WINTER 2011

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As a youthful politician, he joined the anti-Federalists in the Virginia Convention which ratified the Constitution, and in 1790, an advocate of Jeffersonian policies, was elected United States Senator. As Minister to France in 1794-1796, he displayed strong sympathies for the French cause; later, with Robert R. Livingston, he helped negotiate the Louisiana Purchase.James Monroe 1758-1831 EA in Williamsburg Lodge #6 at Williamsburg, VA., Nov. 9, 1775, but there is no record of his taking any further degrees. The records of Cumberland Lodge #8 in Tennessee, June 8, 1819, show a reception for Monroe as “a Brother of the Craft.” possibly MM 1776 Rising point WINTER 2011

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A ndrew Jackson 7 th President - March 4, 1829 to March 4, 1837 Rising point WINTER 2011

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More nearly than any of his predecessors, Andrew Jackson was elected by popular vote; as President he sought to act as the direct representative of the commonAndrew Jackson 1767-1829-1837 man.MM 1800?, his lodge is un-known but he is said to have attended at Clover Bottom Lodge under the Grand Lodge of Kentucky. He was present in lodge at Greeneville in 1801 and acted as Senior Warden pro tem. The records of St. Tammany Lodge #29 at Nashville, which became Harmony Lodge #1 under the Grand Lodge of Tennessee, show that Jackson was a member. Very active in Freemasonry, Grand Master of Tennessee 1822-182310 Rising point WINTER 2011

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J ames Polk 11th President - March 4, 1845 to March 4, 1849 Rising point WINTER 2011 11

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He offered to settle by extending the Canadian boundary, along the 49th parallel, from the Rockies to the Pacific. When the British minister declined, Polk reasserted the American claim to the entire area. Finally, the British settled for the 49th parallel, except for the southern tip of Vancouver Island. The treaty was signed inJames K. Polk 1795-1849? - 1845-1849 1846. EA, FC, MM, in Columbia Lodge #31, Columbia, Tenn., 1820, exalted a Royal Arch Mason in La Fayette Chapter #4 at Columbia in 18251 Rising point WINTER 2011

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J ames 15th President - March 4, 1857 to March 4, 1861 Buchanan Rising point WINTER 2011 1

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Tall, stately, stiffly formal in the high stock he wore around his jowls, James Buchanan was the only President who never married.James A. Buchanan 1791-1868 - 1857-1861 EA Dec. 11, 1816, Lancaster Lodge #43, Lancaster, PA, FC MM 1817, Junior Warden 1821-1822, Master 1825, exalted in Royal Arch Chapter # 43, in 1826, Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania1 Rising point WINTER 2011

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A ndrew Johnson 17th President - April 15, 1865 to March 4, 1869Rising point WINTER 2011 1

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Born in Raleigh, North Carolina, in 1808, Johnson grew up in poverty. He was apprenticed to a tailor as a boy, but ran away. He opened a tailor shop in Greeneville, Tennessee, married Eliza McCardle, and participated in debates at the localAndrew Johnson 1808-1875 - 1865-1869 academy. EA, FC, MM, in Greeneville Lodge No. 119 now #3 at Greeneville, Tenn. in 1851, probably a member of Greeneville Chapter #82, Royal Arch Masons, since he joined Nashville Commandery of Knights Templar #1 in 1859. He received the Scottish Rite degrees in the White House in 18671 Rising point WINTER 2011

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J ames 20th President - March 4 , 1881 to September 19, 1881 Garfield Rising point WINTER 2011 1

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As the last of the log cabin Presidents, James A. Garfield attacked political corruption and won back for the Presidency a measure of prestige it had lost during the ReconstructionJames A. Garfield 1831-1881 period.EA FC Magnolia Lodge #20, Columbus, Ohio, MM Columbus Lodge #3O, 1864, Affiliated with Garrettsville Lodge #246 in 1866, Affiliated with Pentalpha Lodge #23 Washington, D. C. as charter member in 1869. Exalted in Columbus Royal Arch Chapter 1866, and Knight Templar 1866, 14th Degree Scottish Rite 187218 Rising point WINTER 2011

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W illiam McKinley 24th President - March 4 , 1897 to September 14, 1901Rising point WINTER 2011 1

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At 34, McKinley won a seat in Congress. His attractive personality, exemplary character, and quick intelligence enabled him to rise rapidly. He was appointed to the powerful Ways and Means Committee. Robert M. La Follette, Sr., who served with him, recalled that he generally “represented the newer view,” and “on the great new questions .. was generally on the side of the William McKinley 1843-1901 public and against private interests.” 1897-1901 is sometimes said to have received EA, FC, MM, in Hiram Lodge #10 in Winchester, West Virginia, in 1865, but William Moseley Brown is authority for the statement that this event took place in Hiram Lodge #21 at Win- chester, Virginia in that year. McKinley affiliated with Canton Lodge #60 at Canton, Ohio in 1867 and later became a charter member of Eagle Lodge #43. He received the Capitular degrees in Canton in 1883 and was made a Knight Templar in 18840 Rising point WINTER 2011

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Theodore Roosevelt 25th President - September 14, 1901 to March 4, 1909 Rising point WINTER 2011 1

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He took the view that the President as a “steward of the people” should take whatever action necessary for the public good unless expressly forbidden by law or the Constitution.” I did not usurp power,” he wrote, “but I did greatly broadenTheodore Roosevelt 1858-1919 - 1901-1909 the use of executive power.”EA, FC, MM, in Matinecock Lodge #806, Oyster Bay, NY in 1901. Somewhat active, and very supportive of Freemasonry Rising point WINTER 2011

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W illiam 26th President - March 4 , 1909 to March 4, 1913 TaftRising point WINTER 2011

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Born in 1857, the son of a distinguished judge, he graduated from Yale, and returned to Cincinnati to study and practice law. He rose in politics through Republican judiciary appointments, through his own competence and availability, and because, as he once wrote facetiously, he always had his “plate the right side up when offices wereWilliam H. Taft 1857-1930 - 1909-1913 falling.”EA Feb. 18, 1909, MM “Mason at Sight” in Kilwinning Lodge #356, Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1901?, Evidently, that made hirn a member at large, for the Grand Lodge issued him a demit and he became a member of that lodge. Somewhat active, and very supportive of Freemasonry Rising point WINTER 2011

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W arren Harding 28th President - March 4 , 1921 to August 2, 1923Rising point WINTER 2011

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Warren G. Harding declared, “America’s present need is not heroics, but healing; not nostrums, but normalcy; not revolution, but restoration; not agitation, but adjustment; not surgery, but serenity; not the dramatic, but the dispassionate; not experiment, but equipoise; not submergence in internationality, butWarren G. Harding 1865-1923 - 1921-1923 sustainment in triumphant nationality....”EA Lodge #7O, Marion, Ohio, Jun 28, 1901, received no other degree until after becoming U.S. President, FC MM in Marion Lodge #70 in 1920 (MM Aug. 27, 1920), Royal Arch Chapter degrees in Marion Chapter #62 in 1921; Knight Templar in Marion Commandery #36, in 1921, Scottish Rite and Shrine in 1921 Rising point WINTER 2011

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F ranklin 31st President - March 4 , 1933 to April 12, 1945 Roosevelt Rising point WINTER 2011

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Assuming the Presidency at the depth of the Great Depression, Franklin D. Roosevelt helped the American people regain faith in themselves. He brought hope as he promised prompt, vigorous action, and asserted in his Inaugural Address, “the only thingFranklin D. Roosevelt 1882-1945 - 1933-1945 we have to fear is fear itself.”EA Oct 11, 1911, FC, MM, in Holland Lodge #8, New York City, in 1911, Scottish Rite in Albany Consistory 1929, Shrine in 1930. Somewhat active, and very supportive of Freemasonry8 Rising point WINTER 2011

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H arry Truman 32nd President - April 12, 1945, to 1953Rising point WINTER 2011

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Dangers and crises marked the foreign scene as Truman campaigned successfully in 1948. In foreign affairs he was already providing his most effective leadership.Harry S. Truman 1884-1972 - 1945-1953 EA Feb. 9, 1909, Belton Lodge #450, Grandview, Missouri, MM 1909. In 1911, Truman was the 1st WM of the new Grandview Lodge #618. Grand Master of Missouri 1940-1941. Very active and supportive of Freemasonry, Master of Missouri Lodge of Research while U.S. President, Masonic Ritualist, district lecturer and deputy Grand Master for several years, he died December 26, 1972, buried with Masonic rites in Independence, MO, in televised ceremony.0 Rising point WINTER 2011

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L 36th President - 1963, to 1969 yndon B. Johnson Lyndon B. Johnson was initiated on October 30, 1937 in Johnson City Lodge No. 561, at Johnson City, Texas, but completed only the Entered Apprentice, or first, of the three Masonic degrees. He was a Freemason in the sense that he took the Entered Apprentice, or 1st Degree, but did not continue to the 2nd and 3rd degrees. Some would consider him to have been a Freemason, but others would not. “A Great Society” for the American people and their fellow men elsewhere was the vision of Lyndon B. Johnson. In his first years of office he obtained passage of one of the most extensive legislative programs in the Nation’s history. Maintaining collective security, he carried on the rapidly growing struggle to restrain Communist encroachment in Viet Nam.Photo Credit: Photo Credit:LBJ Library photo by Yoichi Okamoto - Public Domain LBJ Library photo by Arnold Newman - Public Domain Rising point WINTER 2011 1

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G erald R. Thirty-eighth President (1974-1977) Ford MASONIC RECORD Initiated: September 30, 1949, Malta Lodge No. 465, Grand Rapids, Michigan, along with his half-brothers Thomas Gardner Ford (1918-1995), Richard Addison Ford (1924- ) and James Francis Ford (1927- ). The Fellowcraft and Master Mason Degrees were Conferred by Columbia Lodge No. 3, Washington, D.C., on April 20 and May 18, 1951, as a courtesy to Malta Lodge. Brother Ford was made a Sovereign Grand Inspector General, 33°, and Honorary Member, Supreme Council A.A.S.R. Northern Jurisdiction at the Academy of Music in Philadelphia, on September 26, 1962, for which he served as Exemplar (Representative) for his Class. Brother and President Ford was unanimously elected an Active Member of the International Supreme Council, Order of DeMolay and its Honorary Grand Master, at its Annual Session held at Orlando, Florida, April 6- 9, 1975; Brother Ford held this post until January 1977, at which time he became a Past Honorary Grand Master, receiving his Collar and Jewel on October 24, 1978 in Topeka, Kansas, from the Hon. Thomas C. Raum, Jr., Grand Master, Order of DeMolay. http://www.pagrandlodge.org/mlam/presidents/ford.html Lithographic copy of an engraving of U.S. President Gerald R. Ford by the staff of the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing. - http://www.fordlibrarymuseum.gov/avproj/portraits.asp When Gerald R. Ford took the oath of office on August 9, 1974, he declared, “I assume the Presidencyunder extraordinary circumstances.... This is an hour of history that troubles our minds and hurts ourhearts.”Ford was confronted with almost insuperable tasks. There were the challenges of mastering inflation,reviving a depressed economy, solving chronic energy shortages, and trying to ensure world peace. Rising point WINTER 2011

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The ManuscripT Found in saragossa Jan Potocki (1761 – 1815) lived a life hole down which the Masonic reader will, at times, feel he that reads more like fiction than fact. is witnessing a series of obscure Ecosais degrees. Its 66 A Polish nobleman, army officer, stories are by turn humorous, picaresque, erotic, gothic, and novice Knight of Malta, ethnologist, esoteric. Many incidents and characters call to mind the linguist, early balloonist, and world cards from the Tarot’s Major Arcana. Even the protagonist, traveler, he is without question one Van Worden, is left to wonder whether he hasn’t been caught of the most intriguing figures of his up in a vast conspiracy, the substance of which is always age. Yet there is more to Potocki, just beyond his grasp: including some rather dark rumors …I recognized the ill-starred gallows of Zoto’s too. Potocki had a keen interest in brothers. The sight of this made me curious. I the occult and was an acquaintance hastened down and indeed came to the foot of of Alessandro Cagliostro (into whose the gallows from which the two hanged men were suspended. elaborate Egyptian-styled Masonry I looked away and sadly climbed back to camp.he may have been initiated). Potocki’s two marriages ended The gypsy chief asked me where I had been. Iin accusations of incest. Thereafter, Potocki retreated to his replied that I had been down to the gallows ofestate where he is said to have committed suicide with a Zoto’s two brothers.silver bullet he fashioned from a sugar bowl handle - a gift ‘Where are they,’ asked the gypsy.from his mother – which he had blessed by his priest. ‘What do you mean,’ I replied. ‘Are they in thePotocki wrote several travelogues documenting his habit of absenting themselves?’adventures. He also left a novel, originally written in French, ‘Often,’ said the gypsy, ‘especially at night.’titled The Manuscript Found in Saragossa (1814). A literary These few words made me very pensive. I foundnesting doll, the book is a collection of interwoven stories myself once again in the neighborhood of thoseadopting a variety styles and conceits. The “manuscript” is damned ghosts and whether or not they were vampires or had been used to persecute me, Isaid to have been found by a French military officer who, believed that I had much to fear from them. Ifollowing his capture, is presented with a translated copy of was morose for the rest of the day, did not eatthe work. Superficially, it is the diary and recollections of supper and went to bed, where I dreamed ofa young army captain in the Walloon Guards who has been vampires, phantoms, nightmares, spectres andcalled to Madrid for a new posting. While en route, this hanged men.Alphonse van Worden is separated from his companions Potocki’s Manuscript is meant to entertain rather thanand forced to take refuge in an abandoned hostelry. Here illuminate. It deservedly draws comparisons with Thehe meets two beautiful Muslim princesses who may, or may Arabian Nights, Canterbury Tales, and Decameron.not be, the ghosts of two recently hung bandits, the Zoto Whether The Manuscript constitutes “Masonic” literature,brothers. Bound by his strict code of honor, if not chastity, on the other hand, is up to the reader to decide. But bethe young soldier’s word is repeatedly tried and tested as forewarned, there will be as many twists and turns to reachhe encounters the Inquisition, a religious hermit, bandits, that conclusion as there are in the book itself.cabalists, gypsies, a mathematician, the “Wandering Jew,”and a mysterious Muslim sheik that controls the lonely Jan Potocki, The Manuscript Found in Saragossa, trans. by IanSpanish countryside where the story takes place. Mclean (Penguin Books 1996, $ 17.00 USD)The Manuscript Found in Saragossa is a delicious rabbit Rising point WINTER 2011

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INTERNATIONAL MAsONIc REVIEW PUBLIsHED BY BONIsTEEL MAsONIc LIBRARY Haunted CHambers: the Lives of early Women Freemasons In April 2010, the Grand Orient of France, the largest and oldest Masonic jurisdiction For the in continental Europe, ruled that women can be initiated as full members of its lodges. First time While this decision is of limited importance to regular Masonry (such jurisdictions having ever, the most severed ties with the Grand Orient of France in 1877 over its admitting atheists), it is complete stories nevertheless historic. Women, for the first time in more than four hundred years, are oF early women being admitted directly into our mysteries. Or so we have been lead to believe. Such Freemasons milestones are rarely so simple. Karen Kidd’s Haunted Chambers: the Lives of Early Women Freemasons has two apparent goals. First, to demonstrate that women have already had a share, albeit a small one, in regular Masonry since its inception. Second, that female Freemasons, possessing the same abilities and Masonic passions as their male counterparts, deserve to enjoy full recognition and acceptance by all-male lodges. Kidd acknowledges the meagerness of her source material, yet manages to build some interesting biographical sketches of women who claimed Masonic affiliation with regular Masonry. Her plea for full female recognition, on the other hand, is another matter altogether. Kidd contends that mainstream Masonic histories unfairly conceal the existence of female craft masons when discussing the Fraternity’s origins. She notes that the “Old Charges,” being a body of some hundred or so early manuscripts, contain numerous references to women, including the use of the word “Dame” in some texts as the equivalent of “Master.” Of particular interest is York MS No. 4 (dated 1693): The one of the elders takeing the Booke and that hee or shee that is to be made mason shall lay their hands on thereon, and the charge shall be given. Kid also provides examples of women operative apprentices and men being assigned to female masters as late as the early 18th century. So why, ponders Kidd, were women excluded from speculative Masonry? Regrettably, there is no certain answer to this question. Andersen and Desaguliers made the injunction explicit in Masonry in 1726. Kidd, in a nutshell, believes it was because 18th century women were not “free” under the law and moral codes of their day and that women posed a sexual threat of INTERNATIONAL MAsONIc REVIEW PUBLIsHED BY BONIsTEEL MAsONIc LIBRARY - WWW.BONIsTEELML.ORG Page 1 Rising point WINTER 2011

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www.bonisteelml.org www.bonisteelml.org INTERNATIONAL MAsONIc REVIEW PUBLIsHED BY BONIsTEEL MAsONIc LIBRARY INTERNATIONAL MAsONIc REVIEW PUBLIsHED BY BONIsTEEL MAsONIc LIBRARYscandal for speculative lodges making a breakbreak their operative origins. scandal for speculative lodges making a from from their operative origins.Haunted Chambers also contains a catalogue of women alleged to have have breached regular Masonry’s gender Haunted Chambers also contains a catalogue of women alleged to breached regular Masonry’s genderbarrier. The number, it should be noted, is little more more a handful and several strainstrain credulity. three three are barrier. The number, it should be noted, is little than than a handful and several credulity. Only Only aregenerally accepted to have have been initiated - Elizabeth St. Leger Aldworth (1712), Henriette Heinken (1795), and generally accepted to been initiated - Elizabeth St. Leger Aldworth (1712), Henriette Heinken (1795), andHelene, Countess HadikHadik Barkoczy (1875) – having drawn particular notice and either recognition or censure from Helene, Countess Barkoczy (1875) – having drawn particular notice and either recognition or censure fromtheir local Masonic communities. The others constitute an array array of eavesdroppers like Elizabeth Aldworth, their local Masonic communities. The others constitute an of eavesdroppers who, who, like Elizabeth Aldworth,may or may not have have been regularly initiated, two early “adoptive” masons, a transvestite (who, being a man, may or may not been regularly initiated, two early “adoptive” masons, a transvestite (who, being a man,really really oughtn’t count), and one or two more whose Masonic pedigrees persist more in the realm of legend rather oughtn’t count), and one or two more whose Masonic pedigrees persist more in the realm of legend ratherthan historical fact. It is also clear that none,none, otherperhaps Elizabeth Aldworth, was ever permitted to enter enter than historical fact. It is also clear that other than than perhaps Elizabeth Aldworth, was ever permitted toa regular lodgelodge again. a regular again.Karen Kidd is a member of a co-Masonic lodgelodgeHaunted Chambers, a littleatoo frequently, readsreads more like Karen Kidd is a member of a co-Masonic and and Haunted Chambers, little too frequently, more likea polemic against gender exclusivity in regular Masonry than a straightforward history. ThereThere is no reason a polemic against gender exclusivity in regular Masonry than a straightforward history. is no reasonto question her or any woman’s commitment to Masonic idealsidealsprinciples. They Theyafter all, universal. to question her or any woman’s commitment to Masonic and and principles. are, are, after all, universal.But speculative Masonry, regardless of operative masonry’s actual traditions, was established as anas an all-male But speculative Masonry, regardless of operative masonry’s actual traditions, was established all-maleorganization. And there there need not be anything sinister or controversial in this fact. During an age of clubs, men organization. And need not be anything sinister or controversial in this fact. During an age of clubs, menliked to organize socially as men. men. we still do. Let thosethosewish pursue co-Masonry, adoptive Masonry, or liked to organize socially as And And we still do. Let who who wish pursue co-Masonry, adoptive Masonry, orfemale lodges do so. They They do not need our permission, nor is there any reason for regular Masonry to recognize female lodges do so. do not need our permission, nor is there any reason for regular Masonry to recognizethem.them.enough that we have our traditions and they have theirs. It is It is enough that we have our traditions and they have theirs.Haunted Chambers contains somesomeinteresting and useful material. It is a It is a shame that did not discuss Haunted Chambers contains very very interesting and useful material. shame that Kidd Kidd did not discussthe advent of eithereither co-Masonry or female Masonry. Women being barred regular Masonry, it wouldwould the advent of co-Masonry or female Masonry. Women being barred from from regular Masonry, ithave have been interesting to learn more about the development of these bodiestheir early early female champions. been interesting to learn more about the development of these bodies and and their female champions.Perhaps Kidd is leaving that to another book.book. I also point out that there there are two factual errors which caught Perhaps Kidd is leaving that to another I must must also point out that are two factual errors which caughtmy eye and which, I confess, irritated me (as they do in any non-fiction work). On p.On p. 64, refersrefers to “Ancient my eye and which, I confess, irritated me (as they do in any non-fiction work). 64, Kidd Kidd to “AncientMason Laurence Dermott,” author of Ahiman Rezon, as “Grand Master of Ireland.” Dermot was awas a Master Mason Laurence Dermott,” author of Ahiman Rezon, as “Grand Master of Ireland.” Dermot Past Past Masterof an of anlodgelodge and Grand Secretary of the Ancient Grand Lodge of England 1752 1752 to 1771. Henevernever Irish Irish and Grand Secretary of the Ancient Grand Lodge of England from from to 1771. He was wasGrand Master of theof the Grand Lodge of Ireland orjurisdiction. Also problematic is Kidd’s assertion on p. on p. 42 Grand Master Grand Lodge of Ireland or any any jurisdiction. Also problematic is Kidd’s assertion 42concerning whether or notor not Elizabeth Alworth received rd degree in Masonry: concerning whether Elizabeth Alworth received the 3 the 3rd degree in Masonry: These Masonic historians seemseem not to know, forget, or ignore thethat what whatknown as as These Masonic historians not to know, forget, or ignore the fact fact that was was known “the Master’s Part” was not yet separated into its own degree from the Second Degree. The Third Third “the Master’s Part” was not yet separated into its own degree from the Second Degree. The Degree did not yet exist this early in thein the 18th Century. Degree did not yet exist this early 18th Century.Kidd is apparently unaware that the Trinity College, Dublin MS, dateddated 1711 (a BEFORE she suggests Kidd is apparently unaware that the Trinity College, Dublin MS, 1711 (a year year BEFORE she suggestsAldworth was initiated) demonstrates that in Ireland, at least, least, all three separate degrees were already being Aldworth was initiated) demonstrates that in Ireland, at all three separate degrees were already beingworked. GivenGiven that Aldworth accidentally overheard the Fellowcraft Degree, there reason to assume that that worked. that Aldworth accidentally overheard the Fellowcraft Degree, there is no is no reason to assumeshe ever received any more more “light” in Masonry what whathad already improperly obtained, let alonealone be she ever received any “light” in Masonry than than she she had already improperly obtained, let begranted the Master Mason degree or be or be allowed in thein the East. On the contrary, common sense dictates she granted the Master Mason degree allowed to sit to sit East. On the contrary, common sense dictates shewouldwouldhave been been obligated as far as necessary to maintain secrecy. But this, like so muchmuch concerning only only have obligated as far as necessary to maintain secrecy. But all of all of this, like so concerningthesethese women Freemasons, is conjecture owingowing to the scant historical record. early early women Freemasons, is conjecture to the scant historical record. Karen Kidd, Haunted Chambers: the Lives of Early Women Women Freemasons (Cornerstone 2009,US). Website:Website: http://www.hauntedchambers.com Karen Kidd, Haunted Chambers: the Lives of Early Freemasons (Cornerstone 2009, $24.95 $24.95 US). http://www.hauntedchambers.com According to her web site, She was initiated into Freemasonry in AugustAugust into a Seattle, WA-based Lodge Lodge According to her web site, She was initiated into Freemasonry in 2006, 2006, into a Seattle, WA-based that works works the Honorable Order of American Co-Masonry, American Federation of Human Rights.Rights. The that under under the Honorable Order of American Co-Masonry, American Federation of Human The Honorable Order is based in Larkspur, CO, and was founded in the USthe the early 20th Century. She is She is also a Honorable Order is based in Larkspur, CO, and was founded in in US in the early 20th Century. also a member of the Honorable Order’s Lodge Lodge of Research, for she writtenwritten several architectures/research papers member of the Honorable Order’s of Research, for which which she several architectures/research papers and more are in the works.works. In March She was honored by many of Malecraft Brethren during during a ceremony and more are in the In March 2008, 2008, She was honored by many of Malecraft Brethren a ceremony in Machester, England. Karen Karen essay, “I am Regular”, won the WorldI have I any hopes for “Haunted in Machester, England. essay, “I am Regular”, won the World “If “If have any hopes for “Haunted AwardAward in Internet Lodge No 9659’sPaper’s competition. Internet Chambers”, it’s that the book gets to gets to in Internet Lodge No 9659’s Short Short Paper’s competition. Internet Chambers”, it’s that the book Lodge Lodge is a Lodge in Manchester England that works the UnitedUnited the readers who most want it.are is a Lodge in Manchester England that works under under the the readers who most want it. There There are Grand Grand Lodge of England. It’s biannualpapers papers competition attracts a quitefolks who will findwill find this book Lodge of England. It’s biannual short short competition attracts quite few and would rather this never a challenge a few folks who it book entrants the world over. She was the first Co-Mason and the first woman had been written.written. would rather itconvert a challenge and entrants the world over. She was the first Co-Mason and the first woman had been I’m not I’m notconvert out to out to never Freemason to win such an award in a contestcontest sponsored by a Lodge under anyone. Thoserather dismiss dismiss it out Freemason to win such an award in a sponsored by a Lodge under anyone. Those who’d who’d rather it out the UGLE. DuringDuring the ceremony, She was addressed as “Brother”of hand of hand aredo so.to do Iso. But there there the UGLE. the ceremony, She was addressed as “Brother” and and are free to free But know I know She received the award awardthe then Pro Grand Grand Master UGLE, are readers readers the want to want to know this She received the from from the then Pro Master of the of the UGLE, are whoThose are the readers to hope to really really know this history. history. are Those who readers I hope I the Most Hon the Marquess of Northampton. the Most Hon the Marquess of Northampton. reach.” reach.”Source: http://www.hauntedchambers.com/About__Biography_.html Source: http://www.hauntedchambers.com/About__Biography_.html INTERNATIONAL MAsONIc REVIEW PUBLIsHED BY BONIsTEEL MAsONIc LIBRARY Page 2 Page 2 INTERNATIONAL MAsONIc REVIEW PUBLIsHED BY BONIsTEEL MAsONIc LIBRARY Rising point WINTER 2011

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The Book Review: if you want your book to be considered for a review, please send two copies. For more information please visit Bonisteel Masonic Library - “Rising Point” (www.bonisteelml.org) The reviews will published online of Bonisteel Masonic Library and in Rising Point at www.bonisteelml.org Please address packages to: Bonisteel Masonic Library - Rising Point 2520 Arrowwood Trl. Ann Arbor, Mi 48105 USA Rising point WINTER 2011