MASONIC Digest             Wednesday, 29 July 1992      Volume  4 : Issue 11

Today's Topics:
	American Masonic Review.  (Peter Trei)
	Masonry and moral choices? (Karin L. Trgovac)
	Washington and Masonry. (Leonardo Stevenson)
	Scotch Rite vs. York Rite - Information Please (Brandon D. Ray)
	What it means to be a Mason (Glenn Sanders)
				    (Peter da Silva)
	275 Annual meeting of GL of England (Stuart Lewis)
	Masonic Funerals (Ross Schacher)
	Intro, Rainbow, OES, GL recognition, and Toasts. (Robert H Sherman)
	Is now the right time to join? (Ted)
	Masonic tidbits from usenet. (Peter Trei)

===========================================================================

     Send all submissions and requests to ptrei@mitre.org. MASONIC
digest is moderated. Please remember: THIS IS A PUBLIC FORUM: YOU MUST
ASSUME THAT MANY READERS ARE NON-MASONS. Please include a relevant
subject line. If you require anonymity, say so at the top of your
message (and give a nom-de-net). All contributions remain the property
(copyright 1992), and responsibility of the authors.  My own comments
remain mine (Copyright 1992 Peter Trei), and represent only my views
at the time of posting - not necessarily those of my employer, or of
any Grand Lodge. Back issues are available, as are a few standard
pamphlets, either directly from me or via anonymous ftp to site
150.243.100.10

==============================================================================
From: Peter Trei
Subject: American Masonic Review.
Date: July 27 1992

     I recently received my first copy of the quarterly "American
Masonic Review", published by the St. Alban's Research Society in
Texas. It is "a national journal of cultural, sociological, and
general interest concerning Masonic and other fraternal societies,
their history, philosophy, and effect upon contemporaneous society."
I like and reccomend it.

    A lot of the material relates in one way or another to Prince Hall
recognition. This is not suprising, since this is the biggest brouhaha
in American Masonry in decades.

Some current contents:

Review article:

"Regularity, Recognition, and Fraternal Relations" - a long article
covering the criteria Grand Lodges have used to determine each other's
legitimacy through the centuries - including the many exceptions to
the rules. Cites my favorite quote on the subject, from Coil's
Masonic Encyclopedia: "Recognition among grand lodges is almost
chaotic, except within the English-speaking circle, where it is often
merely illogical or inexplicable."

News Articles:

* Baptists to Consider Study of Freemasonry.
    (This has since concluded, and they basically decided not to decide.)

* Joint Celebration Planned for White House Cornerstone.
    possibly Oct 12, 1992. == Columbus Day

* Spanish Masons Open Grand Lodge Temple for Summer Olympic Games
    Open house in Barcelona

* Russian lodge formed.
    Charter for Harmony #1 in Moscow from National GL of France.
    Senior Warden is Rimsky-Korsakov's grandson!

* Illinois adopts District GL System.

* Washington's Masonic Jewel found in Virginia.

* Missouri Adopts shortened proficency.

* Oregon-Idaho Dispute continues unresolved.
    Idaho recognized the Prince Hall GL of Oregon (which has one lodge
    in Idaho). Oregon withdrew recognition from Idaho, but will still
    perform Masonic funeral services for Idaho Masons in Oregon.

* Georgia GM severs relations with GL of Idaho.
    ...in support of Oregon.

* Canadian Conference recomends recognition of Prince Hall Masonry.

* Louisiana GM permits visitation with Connecticut Masons.

* Rhode Island GM reaffirms "American Doctrine"
    ...which is one of the stumbling blocks to Prince Hall recognition.

* Masonic Renewal Committee unveils blueprint for year 2000.


Book Review:

* "Living the Enlightenment: Freemasonry and Politics in Eighteenth
Century Europe." Margeret C. Jacob.

    Subscriptions to the American Masonic Review are $15/year from
American Masonic Review, St. Alban's Research society, PO Box 10361,
College Station, TX 77842-0361, USA.
==============================================================================

Date: Wed, 15 Jul 92 16:26:10 -0400
From: ktrgovac@tesla.waterloo.edu
Subject: Masonry and moral choices?

     Before I ask my question, I should perhaps introduce myself.  I
am a graduate student in Religion, studying the prominence of
fraternal organizations in the United States in the 19th century.  I
am also attempting some research into Albert Pike's work "Morals and
Dogma", trying to understand his methodology and the system of
theology - if there is any- within the book.  I am a great admirer of
Freemasonry and very interested in what it and its members have
accomplished in its history.

     Which really has nothing to do with my question...

     In v04n010 one man (I didn't write down the name) comments that
(paraphrased) adjectives and ideas like "pro-choice" and "pro-life"
are not relevant to a Mason, because even beyond these ideals Masonry
itself is Right and Good.

     I was wondering if all Masons felt the same way??  Is there
nothing in Masonry that would assist a Mason in defining his ethical
and moral outlook??  Or is that defined by virtue of one being
religious and secondary to the fact that one is a Mason.  Do Mason's
take stands on issues like abortion or the death penalty??  Or is that
simply not in the realm of the Lodge's operation?

Thanks.

Karin L. Trgovac
ktrgovac@sunee.uwaterloo.ca

[PT: In responding, please don't start a flame war on abortion.		]

==============================================================================

Subject: Washington and Masonry
From: cyberden!lstevens%moon@mbunix.mitre.org
Date: Thu, 23 Jul 92 17:58:40 PDT

     I have an interesting story by Christian paranoic from Texas
about Masons killing Geo. Washington by doctors bleeding him to death.
     It's featured on the Bulletin Section (Bulletin #1) on my
Masonic/Shrine BBS.  510-644-9307 Please inform the brother's who were
interested in Washington/The Fraternity lore.
                              fraternal salutations etc all the best,
Leonardo Stevenson 32~
__________________________________________________________________________
   |       /         |\
   | H E   \ Y B E R |/ E N       [ moon!cyberden!lstevens@well.sf.ca.us ]

[ PT: Washington died (quite unpleasantly) of a throat infection. His	]
[ demise was probably hastened by poor care (which included bleeding, a	]
[ common remedy of the day). I don't know if his doctors were Masons.	]
[ There seems to be no motive to this charge.				]

==============================================================================

Date: Mon, 27 Jul 92 14:49:00 -0400
From: bu008@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Brandon D. Ray)
Subject: Scotch Rite vs. York Rite - Information Please

     I have been in Masonry about one year now, and I have been
approached by representatives of both the Scotch Rite and the York
Rite.  I am interested in further advancement, but I am unsure which
route to take.  I would appreciate any information which older members
may be able to offer which would help me to make a decision.  (I am
also willing to listen to people who feel I should avoid both, if any
such people there be.)  Obviously, you can't be expected to discuss
anything which you are bound to keep secret, but... anybody have any
opinions?

==============================================================================
From: Glenn David Sanders <sanders@pogo.den.mmc.com>
Subject: What it means to be a Mason (long-winded)
Date: Wed, 15 Jul 92 22:59:08 MDT

     I would like to follow up on the question, "What does it mean to
be a Mason"?

     I have pondered this for some time now, and have come up with the
conclusion that this question is too broad to be answered adequately.
It is kind of like asking what it means to be a father, mother,
American, Lutheran, pro football player, Republican, et cetera ad
infinitum.  Reams of material can and has been written about some of
these subjects, but yet little is communicated.  The problem is that
the meaning of your membership in any of these groups, Masonry
included, is multi-faceted, personal, and unique.  You can _try_ to
explain to someone what it means to you, but somehow your explanation
always seems to fall short of the mark.  In many ways, a person must
become a member of a particular group before he or she can understand
the meaning of the membership for him or herself.  For instance, I
could never have dreamed of what fatherhood meant until I became a
member of the fatherhood group.  Even then, I suspect that the meaning
of fatherhood is somehow different for every man who has become a
father since the beginning of humankind.

     If this is the case, then, perhaps a reasonable substitute for
the original question, and one that may go farther in helping to
understand Masonry, is - "What do you most (enjoy or don't enjoy)
about being a Mason?".  To this end, I would like to offer the
following personal observations as to my experiences with the
Fraternity:

     I am proud of being a member of the group that inspired much of
what is really good about America.  We know that many of the founding
fathers of our country were Masons, and I think it no small
coincidence that Masonic tenets found their way into our Constitution
and especially the Bill of Rights.  These include freedom of religion,
and separation of church and state.  Remember, these were radical
ideas 200 years ago - but probably not to those men who practiced
Freemasonry.  (BTW, this might seem a contradiction to the idea of
separation of church and state, but aren't all American presidents
sworn into office on Geo. Washington's original _Masonic_ Bible?)

     I am proud of being part of a group that propounds the idea of
Morality, in a day and age when this kind of thinking seems to be
old-fashioned or out-dated.

     I enjoy the fellowship of meeting with the Brothers in my lodge.
As an engineer, I interact with (mostly) engineers all day, every day.
My lodge membership is made up of policemen, clockmakers, ranchers,
lawyers (who let him in? :-)), airline pilots, insurance salesmen,
etc.  Men of all economic class, from every walk of life, and of all
ages.  I love meeting with these guys regularly and getting to know
them on a close personal basis.  It's true that the best men to be
found are in the Masonic lodge!  I also enjoy going to other lodges
and being treated as if you were an old friend.

     I enjoy the Masonic ritual.  These rituals are hundreds of years
old, and suprisingly they vary little from lodge to lodge, state to
state, country to country.  When done correctly, the ceremonies for
initiation to the first degree, passing to the second degree, and
raising to the third degree, are most beautiful, stately, and
impressive.  Few Masons will ever forget what happens to them on each
of these occasions.  Also, I enjoy the mystery involved in the ritual.
There is a meaning for everything that happens, even during the lodge
opening and closing ceremonies, that is not always readily apparent.
Sometimes you have to do some research to find out why things are done
as they are.

     As an amateur historian, I enjoy researching how much Masonry has
played a part in the formation of our country.  It almost seems that
when people moved west in the 19th century, the first thing they did
after building a school was to establish a Masonic lodge in each
township.  In my home state, Colorado, Masonry has certainly played a
large and influential part in history.

     Lastly, I enjoy carrying on a long-standing family tradition.  My
father is a Colorado Mason, as were my grandfather and
great-grandfather, making me and my brother fourth generation Colorado
Masons!

     As for what I don't enjoy about Masonry, I have to confess that I
am deeply ashamed about the way black people have been historically
treated by the Fraternity in the USA.  Here in Colorado, as well as in
most states across the the country, this is changing, and I say it's
about time!

Glenn Sanders

==============================================================================

Subject: What does it mean to be an American? (was "...a Mason?).
Date: Wed, 15 Jul 92 18:48:58 CDT
From: peter@taronga.com (Peter da Silva)

> What does it mean to be an American?

     That's a very good question. Until I've answered *that* one to my
satisfaction I'll remain an Australian... and I think I have a better
idea of what it means than many people who were born here. I've grown
roots into this country, and I've married into this family, but until
I'm prepared to pledge alleigance in my heart I'm not going to do it
with my voice.

     I must admit to being as confused about Masonry as before I asked
the question, but at least I think I have an idea what it is I'm
confused about. Thanks to all, and now I'll go back to being a fly on
the wall.
                                                                `-_-'
                         Have you hugged your wolf today?        'U`

Peter da Silva, Taronga Park BBS, Houston, TX  +1 713 568 0480/1032

[ PT: Peter posted the initial question of "What does it mean to be a	]
[ Mason?"								]

==============================================================================
Date: Wed, 15 Jul 92 15:31:29 pdt
From: sml@ssc-vax.boeing.com (Stuart Lewis)
Subject: 275 Annual meeting of GL of England

[...]

     I had been holding back sending you mail, waiting for the
newsletter.  What I had wanted to submit was some info shared by one
of Washington's P.G.M.'s concerning his visit as official
representative of the current G.M. of Wash., to the 275th Grand Lodge
of England.  Every June my lodge has a strawberry feed on the first
Monday after Grand Lodge which is traditionally attended by the new
Grand Master.  Anyway, it was during this affair that M.W.  Bro. Bert
Miller spoke about the Grand Lodge's celebration.

     Over 80 (~82?) Grand Masters were in attendance; more than 100
(~105?) jurisdictional representatives were their also.  The event was
covered by British television and press.  I learned quite a bit about
the office of Grand Master of England.

     The Grand Master is The Duke of Kent; the office is held by the
ranking male member of the Royal Family - it is not held by Philip
because he is Consort - by marriage, not birth.  The Duke of Kent is
the Queens cousin.  If Prince Charles were to become a Mason, it would
automatically go to him, however, apparantly at the urging of the
Queen Mother, Charles will not become a Mason in order to, "be closer
to the common citizenry." [not my words] Should Andrew become a Mason,
it would then go to him; at this time it is not known if he will or
not.  I believe that the Duke of Kent has been G.M. for around 25
years now, if I remember what M.W. Miller said.

     For the first time in history, women were in attendance during
much of the celebration.  There were other tidbits which time has
dulled so I won't try and impart any of it for fear of being wrong -
some of it had to do with the concurrance of St. John's Day with the
actual anniversary, &c.

Sincerely,

Stuart Lewis
sml@ssc-vax.boeing.com

==============================================================================
Date: Fri, 17 Jul 92 09:05:08 EDT
From: dwarf@pro-angmar.alfalfa.com (Ross Schacher)
Subject: Masonic Funerals

     Hi there. I had a disturbing conversation on this subject last
night, and I thought I'd ask on the net and get some input from masons
in other districts.

     A friend told me last night that when her dad died (in South
Carolina), the funeral director told her that his lambskin apron could
not be placed on the body because he had not paid his dues for several
years. He was raised in NY, and the funeral was in SC. Apparently,
Masonry meant quite a lot to him, and this request was one he had made
specifically of his daughter; to see that he was buried with his apron
on.

     Now, this conversation upset me on two levels: first, that his
request was denied, and second, because in MA, at least, the reason
given by the funeral director is dead *wrong*. If a family requests a
Masonic funeral for a brother, by order of the Grand Master, we do it.
If there are any "irregularities", the Grand Master will heal it
later.

     What is the attitude in NY and SC. Was the funeral director
right? Or was the funeral director (as I suspect) just talking through
her hat without the slightest clue what she was talking about?

     Thanks for any help. It won't get Brother Conyers' apron on him,
but it might ease his daughter's mind to know if the funeral director
was right or wrong.

Ross E. Schacher
Master-Elect, Franklin Lodge, Grafton, MA
---
ProLine:  dwarf@pro-angmar
Internet: dwarf@pro-angmar.alfalfa.com
UUCP:     uunet!alfalfa!pro-angmar!dwarf

==============================================================================
Date: Fri, 17 Jul 92 15:43:32 -0600
From: rhs@beta.lanl.gov (Robert H Sherman)
Subject: Intro, Rainbow, OES, GL recognition, and Toasts.

     First let me introduce myself.  I am Robert H. Sherman,
Worshipful Master of Pajarito Lodge #66 AF&AM (for the second time)
working under the Grand Lodge of New Mexico.  I am also District
Deputy Grand Lecturer, JW (and Chmn of publications committee) of the
NM Lodge of Research, Associate Patron of Los Alamos Chapter #63
(OES), a member of our Rainbow Advisory Board, and active in AASR
(Southern Jurisdiction).  I have, in the past, been a member of the
National Council of the Boy Scouts of America, and am still a member
of the Advisory Board of the Great Southwest Council.  I have many
years of service to the Red Cross and the National Ski Patrol.  My
wife is active in OES, Rainbow Girls, and has had many years of
activity in the Girls Scouts as both a unit leader and a trainer.

     I owe my introduction to the MD by WB Jim Park.  We met him and
his lovely bride in the San Juan, Puerto Rico airport a few weeks ago
where we were both returning to the states from Caribbean cruises.

     I would like to respond to a few of the questions and comments
which have been brought up in recent issues of the MD.

1)   Rainbow Girls (Our youngest was an active member and held many
Assembly and Grand Assembly offices.  Another daughter was active in
Job's Daughters.)

  a) As part of her initiation, a young girl is shown the list of Masonic
Presidents of the US.  It is clear that only about 30% have been
Masons.

[PT: I had specifically asked WB Sherman why a girl might join Rainbow	]
[ rather then the Girl Scouts.						]

  b) The bonds of friendship formed in Rainbow are probably stronger
than those formed in Girls Scouts because of the fraternal nature of
the organization.  Rainbow clearly sets out to teach a girl to have
strong moral, ethical, and social values.  She is taught to deport
herself as a lady and learns how to act in large group situations, and
to be a leader.  The ritualistic work in Rainbow leads to greater
skills in dealing with people, public speaking, and presenting ones
self in public situations.  Great emphasis is placed on service work.
The lessons taught have a different emphasis than those inculcated in
the Girls Scouts.  Like the Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and deMolay, we
are looking to the development of the leaders of the future.  Each
group, though often un-articulated, seeks to develop individual
self-confidence and the ability to cope with new situations.  All are
valuable institutions.

2)   Order of the Eastern Star
  a) It is not necessary for a woman to be married to become a
member of OES, but she must have a suitable Masonic relationship, i.e.
father, grandfather, brother, son or husband.

  b) The chief and presiding officer is the Worthy Matron who MUST
be a woman.  She is assisted by the Worthy Patron who must be a Brother.

  c) The purpose is to share with Masons the principles of Brotherly
Love, Relief, and Truth; to assist in each others welfare, to provide
companionship and social contacts; and to become willing coworkers in
the service of humanity.

3)   Religion, Regularity, etc.

     While each Grand Lodge is sovereign unto itself, there are
specific requirements laid down for recognition by the United Grand
Lodge of England.  These are spelled out in their Book of
Constitutions (My copy is dated 1984).  Regularity of origin, Belief
in a Supreme Being (G.A.O.T.U.), the VSL open on the altar during
meetings, membership being exclusively men, sovereign jurisdiction
over lodges under its control (Note: it doesn't refer to territorial
jurisdiction), and prohibition of discussion of religion and politics
are some of the conditions The UGL is very specific that a candidate
must take his obligation on the book which he personally holds to be
sacred.

4)   Loyal Toasts, etc.

     The Festive Board following a lodge meeting winds down with a
series of up to 11 toasts.  The first (in England) is to "The Queen
and the Craft."  It is to be that succinct.  In visiting lodges in
England, Canada, and elsewhere, I never interpreted the toast to be
one of subjugation, but of honor.  There follow other toasts to the
Grand Master, etc. all given by the WM.  There then follows a toast to
the WM.  Subsequent toasts to Initiates (if any) and Visiting Brethren
are given each followed by a reply from a chosen Brother.  Then a
toast to Absent Brethren, and finally the Tyler's Toast (to poor and
distressed Brethren).  This is covered very well in Harry Carr's book
"The Freemason at Work" pp. 178-184.  Here in the US we follow a
similar sequence in our Table Lodges except that since 1846 (or
thereabouts) we seem to feel that some Brethren might overindulge with
wine and so we use grape juice.

[ PT: In MA, we have 7 mandatory toasts, and up to 1 oz. of wine may 	]
[ be used for each.							]

     Very often the toast to visiting Brethren is replied to by the
Brother who has traveled the greatest distance, or who is oldest, or
youngest, etc.  In this regard I have been privileged to respond in
both English and German speaking lodges.

[...]
				Fraternally,
				Bob Sherman, DDGL
				1931 Camino Manzana
				Los Alamos, New Mexico 87544
				rhs@beta.lanl.gov
				or (NEW)
				rhs@mst3.lanl.gov (direct to our LAN)

==============================================================================
Date: Thu, 16 Jul 92 12:54 CDT
From: "So organized, I get nothing done." <PTGARVIN@aardvark.ucs.uoknor.edu>
Subject: Is now the right time to join?

     I've lived in Norman, Oklahoma for about four years (and in
Oklahoma City for seventeen or so years before that).  I've recently
married and we are living, for the summer, in Norman.  In the Fall, my
wife goes to Sapulpa (her teaching job is there) and I'll commute back
and forth, doing work and school during the week and going to Sapulpa
for the weekends.  I only have one more semester of school -- I'm
looking for work in the Tulsa area, but cannot predict where Jan or I
will find a decent job (the economy having gone into a triple-dip
recession, from what I hear).

     Given all this, should I attempt to enter one of the Lodges, or
wait till I graduate (or for that matter, wait until I'm "settled" or
after working a period of time)?  What kind of time/money commitment
should I anticipate?  Which (Norman, Sapulpa, or one in Tulsa) should
I join?  How do big city lodges differ from a mostly blue-collar town
(Sapulpa is a bed-room community of Tulsa) from a college town lodge?

     Is it possible to join without paying the membership dues for
1st-3rd degrees immediately (sort of a 0th degree), since money will
be tight until decent employment is located.

     I understand that the voting for admission to the Lodge has to be
unanimous.  Is there some sort of "get to know you" period before this
occurs?

     Finally, does age matter?  When I visited the Norman lodge, it
looked like everyone was fifty or older (the Grand Master was of quite
advanced age).  Granted that I spoke only to some of the officers, and
haven't visited with the regular members...

- Ted
--
._____________________________________________________________________________.
|"A bug becomes a feature as soon as it's documented."  -- _H*                |
|ptgarvin@aardvark.ucs.uoknor.edu or ted@barrister.ucs.uoknor.edu             |
 \                                                                           /
 /                                                                           \
|in the SCA: Padraig Cosfhota o hUlad @ Barony Namron, Kingdom of Ansteorra   |
|Disclaimer: Solipictically speaking, you _could_ be imagining it all.        |
\-----------------------------------------------------------------------------/

==============================================================================
From: Peter Trei
Subject: Masonic tidbits from usenet.
Date: July 27 1992

     As some of you know, each day I run software which examines most
of the usenet newsgroups for references to Freemasonry. I'm including
part of July's haul.  While many of these are now out of date, there
might be some interest.

bit.listserv.christia

      Discussion (in which I took part) over compatibility of Masonry and
Christianity. This started in June, and in early July the topic was dropped
out of universal exhaustion.

rec.autos.driving
  MsgID: <10K-rAA@engin.umich.edu>
  From: rudman@caen.engin.umich.edu (Daniel E. Rudman)
  Subject: Re: Flashing Lights et al (REPOST)

  quotes California penal code 538b:

  "Unauthorized wearing or use of badge or garb of fraternal or religious
  society.

  Any person who wilfully wears the badge, lapel button, rosette, or any
  part of the garb, robe, habit, or any other recognized and established
  insignia or apparel of any secret society, or fraternal or religious
  order or organization, or of any sect, church or religious
  denomination, or uses the same to obtain aid or assistance within this
  State, with intent to deceive, unless entitled to wear and use the
  same under the constitution, by-laws or rules and regulations, or
  other laws or enactments of such society, order, organization, sect,
  church or religious denomination is guilty of a misdemeanor."

rec.music.gdead
  MsgID: <1992Jul8.235027.1755@cco.caltech.edu>
  From:  mjohnson@arms.gps.caltech.edu (Mary Johnson)
  Subject:  Stealth "(Was: Re: drug-related lyrics)"

  Wonders if a "MY DAD'S A MASON" bumper sticker would make the Highway Patrol
  treat her nice. (I suggested not).

soc.culture.afghanistan,soc.culture.arabic
  MsgID:<1992Jul8.153919.20958@magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu>
  From: mmasood@magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu (Mohammed A Masood)
  Subject: MINBAR - Newsletter

  In long article on the legitimacy of the Algerian junta, describes it
  as "a Masonic, military dictatorship".

alt.fan.monty-python
  Various references. At least two MP skits refer to Freemasonry.

soc.culture.mexican
  Various articles. Wish I understood Spanish.

alt.magick
  From:  chriscase@twics.co.jp
  MsgID: <23724@twics.co.jp>
  Subj:  St. Germaion

  Wonders if Comte de St. Germain started Masons.

talk.politics.misc,talk.religion.misc
  From:  HOLFELTZ@LSTC2VM.stortek.com
  Subj:  Re: CLINTON: Acceptance speech text - Bible misquote
  MsgID: <1682B7CF4.HOLFELTZ@LSTC2VM.stortek.com>

  Claims Bush's use of phrase "New World Order" is proof that he is a
  Mason.  (I disagreed).

alt.consciousness
  From:  tnf@well.sf.ca.us (David Gans)
  MsgID: <Brt8K1.35J@well.sf.ca.us>
  Subj:  Interview with Owsley

  Interview with LSD guru Owsley Stanley. Claims acid "took you into a
  place that was like the descriptions in the books by the Rosicrucians
  and the Freemasons."

alt.conspiracy

  MsgID:<92188.110516IO10184@MAINE.MAINE.EDU>
  From: IO10184@MAINE.MAINE.EDU
  Subject: Perot's Masonic tendancies???

  Wonders if Perot is a Mason. (I responded that I didn't think so).

  From:  traveler@uflorida.cis.ufl.edu
  Subj:  Masonic Designs in D.C. Street Layout!  See for yourself!
  MsgID: <36511@uflorida.cis.ufl.edu>

  Quotes (with evident amusement) book claiming giant square & compass is
  laid out in Washington DC streetplan.

talk.politics.soviet
  From: grant%lock.dnet@aio.bitnet
  Subj: More comments on sanctity of the Royal Martyrs
  MsgID: <9207232227.AA01629@aio.jsc.nasa.gov>
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  Quotes long letter from Mark Gilstrap (GILSTRAP@IUBACS.BITNET) to
  effect that Freemasonry (along with Communism) was responsible for
  the fall of the Romanovs, who were God's annointed rulers over all
  the Russias.
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alt.activism
  From:  covici@ccs.covici.com (John Covici)
  Subj:  News 07/24/92
  MsgID: <116-PCNews-124beta@ccs.covici.com>
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    This is a listing of news articles from Lyndon LaRouche's perspective.
  Includes the following:
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  --------------------------------------------------
   Freemasonry targets Russia for expansion
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     Jean-Robert Ragache, head of the French ``Grand Orient'' lodge of
  Freemasonry, and Jacques Orifes, a top French Freemason, recently
  traveled to Russia to discuss how Freemasonry could expand in
  post-communist Russia, the Italian daily {Corriere della Sera}
  reported on July 14. ``Will we have a Russian P-2? It's not to be
  excluded,'' the paper asked, referring to the P-2 freemasonic lodge in
  Italy which has been involved in the destabilization of several
  Italian governments.
     The two Freemasons were invited, the paper revealed, by Pavel
  Voshchanov, a friend of Russian President Boris Yeltsin, who took them
  to a secret location at a dacha outside Moscow where they met with
  intellectuals and journalists from {Komsomolskaya Pravda} newspaper,
  and with the editors of the ``Vjesti'' television show.
     {Corriere} reported that the requests from Russians to become
  members of Freemasonry are growing. The names of the so-called ``first
  level'' recruits are being kept secret, in pursuance of the
  traditional practice of Freemasonry, but one prominent ``second
  level'' member is Georgi Arbatov of the U.S.A.-Canada Institute, who
  played a central role in concocting the ``LaRouche ordered the killing
  of Olof Palme'' big lie in 1986.
  --------------------------------------------------
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  For those who don't keep up with fringe politics, LaRouche is a
  "political maverick" and perpetual presidental candidate who is
  currently doing time for tax evasion. This is the fellow who accused
  the Queen of England of running an international drug ring. I place very
  low credence on Covici's article.
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  Please note that this is the "Grand Orient" GL of France, which is
  generally regarded as irregular. It has nothing to do with the
  National GL of France mentioned in an earlier article.
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   Is anyone interested in my continuing to list references such as these?
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							-Peter
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End of MASONIC Digest
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