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From the Historian's Desk

From the Historians Desk

Blue Square and Compasses

Masonic History

Freemasonry is one of the oldest fraternal organizations in the entire world. Its only natural that Freemasonry has a very rich and long history.

This section of the website which is named "From the Historian's Desk" will contain articles related to that.

Articles published here are the courtesy of our dear friend and official historian of Mosaic Lodge #194 brother R.W. Daniel J. Schultz, PGH.

Liberty Enlightening the World

Saturday, 22 October 2011 21:55 Written by R.W. Daniel J. Schultz, PGH

The Statue of Liberty – Liberty Enlightening the World

As the Statue of Liberty will be celebrating her 125th Anniversary on October 28, 2011, I thought I would repeat my 2004 historian’s report.

The Statue of Liberty is one of the most recognizable monuments in the world, representing freedom to all who have followed her guiding light to our shores. “Lady Liberty” was, in fact, a real lighthouse from 1886 to 1902 when she was under the care and operation of the US Lighthouse Board. The light had a keeper to maintain the electric light and could be seen for 24 miles at sea. The flame of the torch had glass inserts in its sides that helped her light shine brightly. The power to generate the light came from an electric plant on the island. The “Statue of Liberty” is also known as “Liberty Enlightening the World”, and it remains a symbol of hope to millions of people who see her standing in the harbor.

Edouard de Laboulaye, French historian and admirer of American political institutions, suggested that the French present a monument to the United States as a token of mutual friendship, with the United States providing the pedestal and site. Its designer, a Freemason, was Bro. Frederic A. Bartholdi (1834-1904) who conceived its design while on a visit to America. As his ship sailed into New York, Bartholdi had a vision of a woman standing on a pedestal, holding a torch and welcoming immigrants to a new life in a free land.

He began work about 1874 in Paris. He made several models and one, 36 ft. tall, enabled him to compute the statue in sections. Wooden molds were made and sheets of copper 3/32nds of an inch thick were hammered into shape on them by hand. Gustave Eiffel, creator of the Eiffel tower, designed a framework of four steel supports. The completed statue was 151 ft. 1 in. tall.

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Nine-Eleven 10th Anniversary

Friday, 16 September 2011 12:19 Written by R.W. Daniel J. Schultz, PGH

Nine-Eleven Anniversary: Sept. 11, 2001-2011

As we anticipate the 10th Anniversary of Nine-Eleven, we remember, with saddened hearts, those who perished, that bright sunny Tuesday morning, in the Twin Towers, the Pentagon, and Flight 93. This largest “attack” made upon America since Pearl Harbor will go down in the world’s history as the largest terrorist attack on America, yet to date. The effects of this tragedy will never fully end, for they have become a part of our history, as have Pearl Harbor and the Civil War. Our way of life has changed forever. Those of our Brothers, who worked in and near the World Trade Center, recall their terrifying experiences in trying to escape this tragic scene.

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Declaration of Independence

Friday, 01 July 2011 17:23 Written by R.W. Daniel J. Schultz, PGH

“Declaration of Independence” and Our “Independence Day” celebration

Having read several books on the “Declaration of Independence”, I found some very interesting information, which I wish to share, as we are approaching our “Independence Day’ Celebration.

The Second Continental Congress met throughout the winter of 1775/76 in the large Assembly Room of the State House in Philadelphia, with John Hancock serving as President. Sentiment for a complete break with Great Britain mounted continuously; and on June 7, 1776, the Virginia delegate, Richard Henry Lee offered his resolution “that these United colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States.” Lee’s resolution was passed on July 2^nd.

Sec Cont Congress Room

The Second Continental Congress formed a committee known today as the “The Committee of Five. It consisted of John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Robert R. Livingston and Roger Sherman. They were to come up with a draft for the Declaration. Thomas Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence—intended to justify to the world the passage of the Lee resolution. The Committee of Five first presented the document to Congress on June 28, 1776. After considerable amendment, Congress adopted the Declaration late in the afternoon of Thursday, July 4^th. The Declaration was not signed that day, except by John Hancock. Congress merely ordered that the revised text be printed, and then turned to other business. Next day Congress resolved that the Declaration “be proclaimed in each of the United States, and at the Head of the Army.” On July 19^th, it was ordered that the Declaration “be fairly engrossed on parchment…and that the same, when engrossed, be signed by every member of Congress. The formal signing took place on August 2, 1776.

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Patriotism

Monday, 30 May 2011 23:59 Written by R.W. Daniel J. Schultz, PGH

From the Desk of the Historian: “Patriotism”

During May, the patriotic holiday, Memorial Day, is observed. This brings to mind the meaning of one of the lapel pins I proudly wear, and have been asked on numerous occasions, its meaning. Around the outer edge is written “The four immortal chaplains – Bro. George Lansing Fox. Inside the circle three emblems…the Masonic emblem, the Jewish Star and the Christian Cross, with the date 1943”.

“The Four Immortal Chaplains”

During World War II, four chaplains of different faiths gave their life jackets to soldiers from the torpedoed troop ship, S.S. Dorchester, and in doing so, knowingly sacrificed their own lives.

The Four Chaplains were:

George L. Fox

Alexander D. Goode

Clark V. Poling

John P. Washington

Lt. George Lansing Fox (Protestant)
Lt. Alexander David Goode (Rabbi)
Lt. Clark V. Polings (Protestant)
Lt. John P. Washington (Catholic Priest)

Corner Stones

Thursday, 09 September 2010 12:52 Written by R.W. Daniel J. Schultz, PGH

(This information comes from the winter 2002 edition of the “California Freemason”)

George Washington Lays Cornerstone to Capitol Building

From time to time, Brethren ask why Masonry is involved in the placement of corner stones, and so a little information about the history of the tradition may be helpful. The tradition goes back to antiquity – and it probably evolved out of the foundation and completion sacrifices which were common with any large building project (and which are echoed in the legend of the Master Mason Degree). In Babylon, clay cylinders, called “timmon” were inscribed with the history of the king and of the building, and buried in the foundations of the structure.

During the construction of the cathedrals of the Middle Ages, special stones, hallowed to receive offerings, were included in the foundations of the walls.

Thus, from the remotest times, the laying of a special stone, usually sealing in a deposit intended for future generations, has been a part of any significant building.

Although the terms are often used interchangeably, there are actually three major classifications of such stones.

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