VOLUME LIII - May 2007 - NUMBER 5
"The Magazine for York Rite Masons-and Others, too"
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Grand Master's Message - May 2007

    May has arrived, and everything is in bloom. Everywhere we look we see trees budding, flowers popping from the ground, and fields turning green with newly planted crops. What an invigorating time of year! Spring is the season of rebirth and renewal. As Christians, we're reminded during springtime of God's promise of everlasting life. I've heard with great interest, news of One-day Classes being performed by some of our Grand Lodges around the country. We certainly wish them well in their endeavors. One-day Classes, both praised and criticized, have definitely proven to be effective in providing an opportunity for those who have active schedules, such that time doesn't permit them to join in the more traditional manner. Our Lodges are fertile ground indeed from which to seek new York Rite members. As spring is the time of renewal, let it be a season of renewal for us as Templars. We have a meaningful story to tell in the beautiful ritual we portray in the York Rite. It needs to be shared with these new members of our Lodges. I encourage you to attend your Symbolic Lodge, seek out our Brothers, and share with them the beauty we have found in our York Rite. I would also like to thank all of you who attended the Easter Sunrise Service last month at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial. Our Grand Prelate, Sir Knight Robert Cave, KGC, conducted a most memorable service, and those of you who attended made it a very special time for me as Grand Master. Enjoy the spring! It's a wonderful time to celebrate God, family, and Fraternity.

    Yours in Templary


    Sir Knight Richard Burditt Baldwin
    Most Eminent Grand Master
    2006 - 2009


One of the Great Men!: Sir Knight Thurman C. Pace, Jr.
by Sir Knight William Howard Koon II, GCT
Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Encampment

    In a conversation many years ago during Masonic Week, Grand Master Richard B. Baldwin referred to a meeting of Masonic leaders taking place in one of the Hotel Washington suites, as a "Meeting of the Great Men."
    But what defines greatness? What single thing separates what is "great" in a man from what is ordinary? Greatness must be connected with SUCCESS in some way, and the best definition of "success" that I've ever seen was on an old, framed document hanging on the wall of one of those restaurants decorated in old pictures, signs, and tools of a bygone era. That document is quoted below:
    SUCCESS
    To have laughed often and loved much;
    To have won the respect of intelligent people and the affection of little children;
    To look an old dog in the eye and know that he likes you, just because you like him;
    To have looked for the best in people, instead of the worst;
    To have withstood the betrayal of false friends, and won the approbation of honest critics;
    To leave the world a little better, whether it is through a garden patch, a healthy child, a better business, a better
             association, or a redeemed social condition;
    To know that even one life has breathed a little easier because you have lived;
    That is to have succeeded!
    The author was not listed and may well be lost to the sands of time. But anyone whom we consider "great" we recall in many of the terms quoted. Many times the names of the "great" are lost in time, but the contributions they made live on in the freedoms we take for granted, the prosperity we enjoy, and the Fraternity we love. When one thinks of "greatness," one thinks of those brave souls who fought at the bridge in Lexington and Concord, those Texans who lost their lives in a crumbling adobe mission called the Alamo, those brave soldiers who died that the Stars and Stripes might be raised over Mt. Suribachi on an island called Iwo Jima, or those who landed on a deserted beach to the sound of gunfire in Normandy. There are others whose sacrifices weren't as final but who, nevertheless, left their mark on these United States of America.
    There were Fraternal Greats as well: Sir Knight Thomas Smith Webb envisioned and shaped the Grand Encampment, though he never served as a Grand Master because he felt it more important that a man of the time with "name recognition" serve as Grand Master so that Templary might be identified with the "great men" of that time. Thomas Smith Webb had the "vision," but he loved the Fraternity so much that he gave up its highest office that a fledgling order might have credibility. Sir Knight DeWitt Clinton, Governor of New York, was our first Grand Master, though he never attended a single Grand Encampment Conclave.
    In the mid-1800s a "Templar Great" came along in the person of Sir Knight William Blackstone Hubbard, who served longer as Grand Master than any other. Hubbard reshaped the structure of Templary into what we enjoy today. It was under his able R> leadership that our present system evolved out of Sir Knight Thomas Smith Webb's "vision."
    Sir Knight Joseph Kyle Orr came on the scene in the early 1900s, and as Grand Master, he gave us the Knights Templar Educational Foundation at a time when not many were particularly interested in "higher education" for those who were not wealthy.
    In the mid-1900s, a retired brigadier general by the name of Walter Allen DeLamater had the "vision" of the Knights`Templar Eye Foundation. He had the unmitigated gall to ask every member in 1955 to donate one dollar for this philanthropic endeavor. By the strength of his idea and the "greatness" of his purpose, the voting delegates of Grand Encampment adopted his "vision" just before they elected him Grand Master.
    Following DeLamater's death, Sir Knight Wilbur Bell, as he finished his triennium as Grand Master, picked up Sir Knight DeLamater's "vision," making it his own, and in the twenty plus years he served as Executive Director of the Knights Templar Eye Foundation, he built it into a major philanthropic foundation. Nobody could tell Wilbur "no" when he asked them for money! The people whose lives have been touched by the Foundation, through treatment, number in the hundreds of thousands and through our contributions to research, they number in the millions.
    In more recent times, the ministers whose lives have changed because we sent them to the Holy Land will be the legacy of Sir Knights P. Fred Lesley and R. Frank Williams. I'm sure that some Sir Knight will write in glowing terms of their greatness in future articles of this magazine.
    There are others who have had a positive impact on our Fraternity. Time and space prevent us from listing all of them, but each of them has one thing in common: They left Templary and our Fraternity a little better than they found it. They made a difference! Many of their names are "known but to God," but their contributions remain.
            Greatness is always defined by others and never by those who are its subject. There is a line out of the 32" ritual of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite as conferred in the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction that addresses this: "It is not for me to speak. Unless my Brethren can answer for me, I am indeed unworthy."
    In this article it is my great pleasure to "speak" for Sir Knight Thurman Cleveland Pace, Jr., who without question would, by anyone's standards, be considered a "Great Man." Much like the early examples of those who fought to keep us free, Sir Knight Thurman following graduation in 1942 enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the European Theatre during World War II, earning battle stars for the Battle of the Rhine River and the Battle of Central Europe. He was present when the Dachau Death Camp was liberated, an experience that he has never forgotten. When his country called, Thurman was there in the field of battle looking the enemy in the eye before many of us were born! He made a difference for all of his country. Following his discharge in 1946, he received a Bachelor of Science Degree from Auburn University in Auburn Alabama. After working a year for Allis Chalmers Manufacturing Company, he joined Amstar Corporation, where he worked for 38 years, retiring in 1987 as Financial Executive of the corporation and President of the United States Mutual Liability Insurance Company. He made a difference in his professional life!
           In 1950 he made one of the smartest moves of his life when he married Betty Annette Drake! They've been blessed with three children; Donna, Arthur, and Susan; and four grandchildren. Over the years Thurman has been active in the Presbyterian Church and in more civic organizations than this magazine has room to mention. He has made a difference and is beloved in his personal life!
    Sir Knight Thurman's Masonic record is an enviable one. He's presided over more than 30 Masonic organizations during his life. Again, space does not permit their listing. It would be far easier to list what Thurman hasn't done! Few in our Fraternity have had the privilege of "touching" nearly all the many branches of Freemasonry, but Thurman has! He's left an indelible mark over the past 50 years on Templary, Scottish Rite Masonry, Symbolic Masonry, Masonic Rosicrucians, to name just a few. I dare say, there are few Masons today who aren't familiar with his name, though they may never have met him.

    Sir Knight Thurman C. Pace, Jr. and Lady Betty Pace and Eugenio (Mel) Melendez, Past Commander of Trinity Commandery No.17, Plainfield, New Jersey.
            Scottish Rite thrived in New Jersey during the years he served as both an Active and Deputy for the Scottish Rite, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction. The Scottish Rite Learning Centers were in their infancy, and they are better today because of Thurman Pace's influence. DeMolay has always been close to his heart, and he's spent a lifetime helping and assisting behind the scenes to make it as great as it should be. Templary has been much improved because Thurman served as the Grand Commander and later as Grand Recorder of New Jersey. The entire Northeastern Department thrived as a testament to Templar Unity under his able leadership. His handling of our finances as Chairman of the Committee on Finance has been one of credibility and fiscal responsibility. The Societas Rosicruciana in Civitatibus Foederatis (MSRICF) experienced its greatest time of growth under his able leadership. He has made a BIG difference in our Fraternity!
    During the 63rd Triennial Conclave of the Grand Encampment last sum mer in Houston, Texas,he was elavated to the rank and title of "'Honorary Past Grand Master." At the time of his elevation, he truly honored us by accepting! Templary is grateful for the time he's spent making us better!
          Thime alone will determine the level of his greatness. He didn't win every battle, and he wasn't always right, but in the end, he won far more than he lost, and he was rigbt more times than not! More importantly, he never gave up! I dare say that future generations of Masons and Templars will be better because Thurman Cleveland Pace, Jr., passed our way. He is truly one uf the "Creat Men."

    Sir Knight WilHam H. Koon II, GCT and R.E. Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Encampment, is P.D.C. of the East Central Deparartment, a trustee of the Board of the KTEF, and a P.G.C. of the Grand Commandery of Ohio,1996. He resides at 7200 Slabtown Road, Columbus Grove OH 45830.


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2007 Southeastern Department Conference

    We are pleased to announce that the 2007 Southeastern Department Conference will be held on Saturday, June 23, 2007, at the Crowne Plaza Atlanta Airport Hotel, 1325 Virginia Avenue, Atlanta, Georgia.
    Most frequently asked question: Why is the Grand Encampment meeting separately from the Southeastern York Rite Conference in Greenville, South Carolina? Reply: The inability for us to meet jointly this year only resulted from the Greenville conference being scheduled on top of a long-standing national Masonic meeting, the International Supreme Council of the Order of DeMolay, with which we will not conflict. If a non-conflicting date is selected, we will again meet together next year. Second most frequently asked question: What about the ladies? Reply: Ladies, since this is only a one-day meeting, there are no planned activities for you. We, instead, will leave you to your own daytime adventures and have you join us for dinner Saturday evening. Least frequently asked question: What is the proper attire? Reply: Coat and tie or business casual (no uniforms). We want you to be comfortable so you can focus your attention on the interesting and informative sessions that are planned. Because this is a constitutionally required conference, we look forward to seeing all elected Grand Commandery officers as well as any interested Sir Knights at this gathering of Templars in Atlanta, where we can all share in some good, old-fashioned Southern hospitality and fellowship. I look forward to seeing you there. Until then, I am, as always, your most humble and obedient servant and remain
    Courteously and fraternally,
    Robert E. (Bob) Burleson
    Southeastern Department Commander
    Make your hotel reservations directly with the Crowne Plaza at 1-866-750-3365; mention you are with the Knights Templar for the $89.00 rate (single or double) plus 10% tax. (complimentary airport shuttle service runs every 15 minutes)
    To register for the conference, contact: Phillip E. Moffses, Registration Chairman;
    3007 Surfside Way; Orlando; FL 32805; phone: (407) 425-2978; e-mail:
    pathfinderp98@juno.com (deadline is June 15, 2007-no guarantees after this date.
    The Southeastern Department-A Tradition of Templar Excellence
    Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina, and Tennessee
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"Immanuel" - A small note on Christian doctrine
by Sir Knight Rex R. Hutchens
Deputy Grand Commander and Grand Master, Arizona

    This important word in Templar ritual is Hebrew and gives the sense of "God with us." It is found in Isaiah (7:14; 8:8,10), where the prophet seems to predict the birth of a child from the tribe of Judah who would choose good and reject evil. The time frame is about the eighth century B.C., and the name is clearly symbolic. It became significant in Christian doctrine primarily because of two factors:
    1.) The entire verse in the KJV reads, "Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel." This is precisely the verse that resulted in the doctrine of the virgin birth finding its way into Christian theology.
    The actual translation of this verse and particularly the word translated as "virgin" has been the source of many scholarly disputes for the entire history of Christianity. One does not need to be an expert in either Hebrew or Greek to understand the essential controversy. The Hebrew word is almah and is generally translated as "maiden" or "young maiden," not necessarily denoting virginity, for which the Hebrew is betulah and could be further defined to avoid ambiguity, such as in Gen. 24:16. When the Book of Isaiah was translated into Greek, the word parthenos was chosen to translate the Hebrew word almah. Parthenos specifically means "virgin," and it was this Greek version that was the one available and used by the writ
    ers of the New Testament. It is safe to say that they probably could not have even read the Hebrew original. Further, Hebrew present and future tenses tend to be ambiguous, and the passage could be translated with "has become pregnant" as easily as "will become pregnant." (See Gen. 16:11, where "thou art with child" is the same Hebrew grammatical construction as Isaiah 7:14).
    2.) The second factor that led to the importance of this word to Christians is its presumed messianic character and the
    belief that Jesus was in fact the predicted Hebrew Messiah. Thus he was "Immanuel." This is specifically stated in the New Testament (Matthew 1:23):"Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us" (KJV). Here we see Matthew applying Isaiah 7:14 to Jesus just as he does other events that happened in Israel's history. (See especially Matt.2:15,18; 4:15-16; 10:35-36; 12:40; 13:35;15:8-9). In the first example, Matthew is attempting to relate a passage from Hosea 11:1 as a prophecy related to Jesus when the clear intent of Hosea is simply to remind his audience that God delivered Israel from Egypt at the Exodus. Matthew does not commonly give translations of Hebrew names; his purpose in doing so in the case of "Emmanuel" clearly indicates that he wanted to stress the miraculous birth of Jesus and that Isaiah's words were specifically applicable to him. Some have seen a recapitulation of the meaning of the name (God with us) in Christ's words "I am with you" that are Jesus' last words in Matthew's Gospel. This might lead us logically to the translation and origin of the name "Jesus," but that is for another article.
    Sir Knight Rex R. Hutchens, Deputy Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of Arizona and Grand Master of Masons in Arizona, is a member of Arizona Commandery No. 1, Tucson, Arizona. He resides at 4678 CoachlightLane, Tucson, AZ 85718.
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    The Wearing of Masonic Emblems
    by Sir Knight James A. Marples, 32º
    Many Masons like to wear Masonic pins or rings. When done modestly, these emblems can sincerely display a man's dedication to those associations he values or holds most dear. It is sad that a few of our card-carrying members display the emblems for selfish motives often hoping to generate some type of business gain from publicly trumpeting who they mingle with, but in most cases, the wearing of Masonic emblems is a positive thing, if done modestly and with respect to our gentle Craft.
            Tradition holds that a man's left lapel is suitable for a membership pin or button. (I applaud former astronaut and Senator and Brother John Glenn for regularly wearing the Masonic Square and Compass on his lapel.) I think it imperative that this basic emblem of Craft Masonry be the pin chosen, although I confess, I have worn four lapel pins to Shrine meetings-in the hope of promoting Masonic education and unity. I always wear the Square and Compass on the top and in the middle two pins, one a Scottish Rite double-headed eagle and the other one a Knights Templar Cross and Crown of the York Rite. The final pin on the bottom would be the Shrine's famous scimitar and crescent.
            I try to treat both Rites equally, and even in conversation, when I mention one Rite, I like to mention the other. Even though not a prerequisite for today's Shrine membership, the original Shriners in the year 1872 felt that both rites were vital in one's overall understanding of the whole Masonic Fraternity, and I totally agree.
           I have seen other Masons adopt an even better way of showing Masonic unity: a tie tack or tie bar with all four emblems side by side. That gets the point across without going overboard. I have adopted this idea as well and have a four-emblem tie bar, which shows the Blue Lodge/York Rite/Scottish Rite/Shrine emblems. For those who utilize the four-emblem tie bar, I still recommend that they stick with the Blue Lodge lapel pin on their suit jacket.
            Some Shrine Potentates promote their own "Potentate's pin" to celebrate their year in office. I would prefer that they develop a commemorative coin to mark their year instead. It seems to me that Masonry and Shrinedom are getting too splintered with subgroups, committees, clubs, and units. There simply is no substitute for the Square and Compass for that
    emblem binds us together as a fraternal band of Brothers. We need to display Masonic Unity at the most basic level. Furthermore, the public needs to see one constant image that they can link to our Craft. I don't care whether you wear one lapel pin or 15 lapel pins (that choice is up to you). However, I hope the primary one which stands out among your selection will be the Square and Compass.
          I belong to many groups. I enjoy my membership in my High-12 Club and my Grotto, but I just try to promote the overall Masonic Fraternity with a pin and praise fine groups such as these by my favorable words and actions.
          Our various organizations should not be treated like "notches on a gun belt." Their Masonic heritage is the anchor which enables them to prosper, and our Lodges are the foundation of the whole superstructure, so if we promote the entrance gate," we will nurture the seeds of future growth, and, whenever the Symbolic Lodges prosper, the Rites will prosper, and so on. When I joined Masonry at age 18 (permitted in Kansas), my Dad gave me a ring with a red stone featuring the Square and Compass. He gave a little speech in open Lodge and said he hoped that I would always wear that ring with all the honor and dedication that the emblem denotes.
            I wear it on the ring finger of my right hand. I wear my 14º A.A.S.R. ring on the ring finger of my left hand. (At times, I have people, including girls, ask me if that gold band is a wedding ring. Presently I am still single, but if I
    get any proposals I might entertain a wedding ring on that finger!!)
            I have read that the Knights Templar wore their KT ring on the index finger of the right hand. I wear my KT ring on that finger to honor their legacy. Since I equate the level of the Knight Templar Order as roughly comparable in level to the Scottish Rite's 32º, I wear my 32º double-eagle ring on the index finger of my left hand.
            Interestingly, on the side of it is the numeral 32 within a triangle. It looks as if it was meant to be in that position on my hand, although I may be the only one to utilize historical accuracy in the placement of my rings.
            If I recall correctly, The 33º ring of the Scottish Rite, Southern Jurisdiction, is traditionally placed on the little finger of the right hand. In the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, it is placed on the little inger of the left hand. I hope that all Masons reading this article will wear a Masonic pin or ring or utilize some other suitable way to promote our Fraternity. Again, I hope the Square and Compass will be the primary emblem chosen; however, don't abandon the other pins. You can display them on your office desk or pin them to a window curtain or your ball cap so visitors will see them.
            Whatever emblems you display to the public, please be prepared to tell people how that particular emblem fits into the overall Masonic, organizational chart. As I say, if you have the fundamental Square and Compass displayed, you will have an easy point of beginning.
    Let your light shine.
    Sir Knight James A. Marples is a Perpetual Life Member of Mulvane Lodge No. 201, Mulvane, Kansas; a Life Member of the El Dorado, Kansas, York Rite Bodies; a Life Member of the Lincoln, Nebraska, Scottish Rite Bodies; and a Life Member of the Royal Order of Scotland. He is also a member of the Allied Masonic Degrees, Knight Masons, and the Red Cross of Constantine. For correspondence write him at P.O. Box 1542, Longview, TX 75606.
    Editor's note: Sir Knight Marples is talking about the wearing of emblems with business suits and other clothing. There is Grand Encampment protocol for the Knights Templar uniform.
    Behold, how good and joyful a thing it is, brethren, to dwell together in unity!Psalms cxxxiii.
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    Thoughts from a Past Master of Lodge
    by Brother David Kane
    Le Constructeur Principal The Master Builder And the Psalmist said: "The heavens declare the glory of G-D and the firmament showeth his handiwork."
    The universe shows such perfect mathematical and intense geometrical proportion and design, that only G-D, the Supreme Great Architect, could account for its flawlessness.
    Scientists agree that the earth rotates on its axis at the rate of 1,000 miles per hour; if it rotated at 100 miles per hour, the days and nights would be ten times as long as they are now; the earth would alternately burn and freeze, and vegetation could not live.
    The sun, science has calculated, has a surface temperature of 12,000 degrees Fahrenheit. The earth is at the exact distance necessary to receive the precise amount of needed heat to sustain itself.
    If the moon were not at the precise distance from the earth, the ocean tides would flood the land completely twice a day.
    If the ocean were only a few feet deeper, the carbon dioxide and oxygen would be completely absorbed, resulting in the situation that no vegetation could live on earth.
    With such evidence, who can deny the existence of the Supreme Great Architect of the Universe? Albert Einstein, a world renowned physicist and much respected scientist, once stated: "A man who can stand before the Eternal Sources of this amazing universe without reverent awe, is blind."
    Reference scientific source: Dr. A. Grassy Morrison, former president of the New York Academy of Science
    The Search for Truth
    Take heed, Brethren; the cryptic understanding of Freemasonry cannot be found in the mere memorization, nor in the rote recitation of its most sacred ritual; for it would surely be a pure waste of man's innate intelligence and his true love for the Craft. Man, therefore, would not gain anything of value for himself, nor achieve any merit for the Fraternity.
            The rote memorization of our ritual is not in the least that which is important, of and for the Craft or our Brethren. However, Brethren, the search for the esoteric Truth is where we will find ourselves deep within the realm of
    Freemasonry and the true meaning and understanding of its wisdom.
    Ritual is certainly important for the Craft, for it is the structural architecture that holds our beloved Craft together as a composite Fraternity; however, it is in the persistent scholarly search for the secret, in which the Truth of the Craft can be found. The authentic and true secret of Freemasonry can only be found in the sincere and relentless search of its philosophy.
    Seek in earnest, Brethren, for the Truth with all your heart, for the knowledge our philosophy contains, and you will find it. I promise.
    Brother David Kane is a Past Master and present Orator of Asbury Jordan Lodge No. 142, F. & A.M., Neptune, New Jersey. He resides at 44 Wyckham Road, Spring Lake, NJ 07762.
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    Brother Heinie Groh:
    The Bottle Bat Man and Fifty-Year Mason
    by Dr. Ivan M. Tribe, KCT, KYCH, 33º

    To the degree that Henry Knight Groh is remembered by baseball fans today, it is usually for his unusually shaped bat that resembled a milk bottle with a slender, elongated handle. However, Groh was much more than that, being one of the best fielding and hitting third basemen of his generation. In addition, "Heinie" (as most German-Americans named Henry were nicknamed in that era) was a fifty-two-year member of E. T. Carson Lodge No. 598 in his adopted hometown of Cincinnati.
    Henry Knight Groh was born in Rochester, New York, on September 18, 1889. As a youngster, Henry and his older brother Lewis both developed a serious interest in baseball, and both eventually played in the big time although Lew only got into two games with Connie Mack's Philadelphia Athletics in 1919. Rochester was a hot baseball town, being a stalwart in the International League from 1899 until 1962, albeit the city didn't really experience its best days until the team became the crown jewel in Branch Rickey's vast St. Louis Cardinal farm system from 1928.
            When Heinie finished high school, he was about to enter the University of Rochester when fate intervened, and in 1908 he accepted an offer to play shortstop with Oshkosh in the Wisconsin-Illinois League. He later recalled that his parents thought he would be back home in less than a month, but the youth stayed for the rest of the season. While Groh did well in the field, he batted a lackluster .161.
    Heinie Groh was bitten by the "baseball bug" and was determined to improve his skills with the bat. As he later told baseball historian Lawrence Ritter, "I kept practicing and practicing at it, and the next year I hit about .285, and the year after that I made it to .300 [actually .297]."
            For the 1911 season, he played first for Decatur in the "Three I" League until July when the New York Giants purchased his contract and assigned him to Buffalo, where he hit .333, and the Giants brought him up to the parent club in 1912.


            Groh made his major league debut as a pinch hitter for the Giants on Heinie Groh with his "bottle bat." April 12, 1912. Umpire Bill Klem thought New York manager John McGraw was playing a joke on him by sending the pint-sized infielder into the game, but Heinie had the last laugh by hitting a single. Still, he didn't play much that year getting into only twenty-seven games and batting a respectable .271. In that first year he did get a custom bat made for him at McGraw's suggestion with a tick barrel for maximum contact with the ball, but with a thin handle that he could best grip with his small fingers and hands. Thus the bottle bat became Groh's trademark for the remainder of his career.
            The next major event in the young infielder's career came in May 1913 when he was traded to the Cincinnati Reds. This provided him with the opportunity to play regularly, and in 117 appearances he became a fixture at second base and hit a .282. In fact, for the rest of his time with the Reds that would be his lowest average-except for an off-year in 1916 when he dropped to .265. In 1915 he was switched to third base and proved especially adept at fielding bunts in an era when the "hot corner" was just that. In 1916 Henry Knight Groh became a member of E. T. Carson Lodge, being initiated an Entered Apprentice on January 14 and passed to the degree of Fellowcraft on February 11. Spring training intervened at that point but not for long as he was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason on April 14, 1916. Heinie went on to receive his Fiftyyear Award in 1966. In mid-July 1916, the Reds and Giants engaged in one of the game's more unusual trades. Club President Garry Herrmann traded Cincinnati manager Buck Herzog and others to the Giants for fading, one-time pitching superstar, Christy Mathewson, and others. Matty then became the Reds' manager. Whether the latter would have become a great manager had not World War I intervened is hard to say, but in 1917 and 1918, the Reds did post winning records for the first time in several years. Heinie led the league in hits in 1917, in doubles both of those years, and in runs scored in 1918. When Mathewson entered military service in August, Groh served as interim manager winning seven victories in the final ten games of that shortened season.

            In 1919 the Reds paced by team captain Groh and center fielder Brother Edd Roush, who had .310 and .321 seasons, respectively, struck pay dirt. The team brought home both the National League pennant and a World Series victory to Redland Field. The latter would forever be tainted by the Black Sox scandal that unraveled the next year. However, both Groh and Roush maintained to their dying day that the Reds would have won anyway.
    Masonic membership on that team was high since other members of the squad included Jake Daubert at first base, Larry Kopf at short, catcher Ivy Wingo, pitcher Ray Fisher, and outfielders, Earle Neale, Rube Bressler, and Pat Duncan, in addition to Roush, Groh, and club President Garry Herrmann.
            As team captain, Henry K. Groh received the winning team's share of the World Series money $117,157.35-from which each player received a full share of $5,207.01.
            The 1920 edition of the Reds slumped to third, and Heinie's average dropped to .298, although Roush surged to .339. This circumstance may have been a contributing factor in both of the team stars becoming holdouts in the spring of 1921. Groh signed on June 1, only after being promised that he would immediately be traded back to the Giants. Then Commissioner Landis voided the trade, but he finally approved it in December. As a result, the little third baseman played in only 97 games in his last year as a Red and hit only .231. Back with John McGraw's team in the Polo Grounds, the 5-ft. 8-in. third baseman had only a mediocre season at the plate. But the Giants had a good year coming in seven games ahead of the Reds for league honors and trouncing the Yankees in the World Series. However, that Series provided Groh with some of the finest moments of his career. While the Reds had won in 1919, Heinie's own performance had been unspectacular. His play in this all New York classic was among the best ever. He made a total of nine hits, scored four runs, knocked in two, and had a .474 average (just ahead of Frank Frisch's .471). The story goes that he was so proud of his performance that he had the number 474 on his Ohio license plate for the remainder of his life.
            Groh spent two more years as a regular at the "hot corner" for McGraw's Giants. Unlike his friend and Brother Edd Roush, who cared little for the belligerent and controversial Giant skipper; Heinie respected and got along with the man. He also continued as a solid performer in the Giant lineup hitting .290 and .281 in those years. Late in the 1924 season, he sustained a knee injury and had to be replaced in the World Series by young Fred Lindstrom, who had the misfortune of having a ground ball take a bad bounce over his head which paved the way for an unexpected Washington Senator world championship. Heinie had a pinch hit single in his only plate appearance.
            Heinie Groh's knee injury continued to plague him, and he saw only limited action with the Giants in the next two years as Fred Lindstrom took over third base chores. McGraw released the veteran player in 1926.
            Former major leaguers often continued for several years in the minors in that era. Signed by the Toledo Mud Hens, he held down third base for much of that season, batting .304 in 104 games. Heinie went back to his old hometown of Rochester, where he also hit above .300 and found himself back in the big time in the latter part of 1927 when the Pittsburgh Pirates
    called him up towards the end of the season. He made his last appearance in a big league uniform as a pinch hitter in the 1927 series.
    Overall, the little GermanAmerican had a .292 lifetime batting average. Returning to the minors, he managed and played part-time for Charlotte in the South Atlantic League in 1928, for Hartford in the Eastern League in 1929, and finally for Canton in 1930. Playing on a part time basis, he continued to bat in excess of .300 each year. After managing in the minors and doing some scouting, Heinie Groh returned to Cincinnati, where he made his home in the off-season, and worked as a cashier at River Downs Race Track near the Queen City until he retired. He participated in old-timer events and was enshrined in the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame in 1963.
    In 1966 he received his fifty-year pin from E. T. Carson Lodge, and he passed away on August 22, 1968. Numerous advocates still favor his enshrinement in Cooperstown.

    Note: A prime source of information regarding Groh is the chapter in Lawrence S. Ritter's The Glory of Their Times (Vintage Books, 1985) and various books on the Cincinnati Reds, especially Greg Rhodes' and John Snyder's, Redleg Journal (Road West Pub., 2000). For the data on his Masonic records, I thank George Braatz, P.G.M. and Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Ohio. Thanks also to Sir Knight Norman Lincoln of the York Rite bodies in Eaton, Ohio. For assistance with photos and a variety of internet data including the SABR website bio of Groh by Sean Lahman, I appreciate the help of Brother Jake Bapst of Centerville Lodge No. 371 in Thurman, Ohio.
    Sir Knight Ivan M. Tribe, KCT, KYCH, 33º, and a professor of history at the University of Rio Grande, Rio Grande, Ohio, is a Past Commander of Athens Commandery No. 15, Athens, Ohio. He resides at 111 East High Street, McArthur, OH 45651-1111.

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Robert M. Sirkle Lodge No. 954, Kentucky,
Continues Tradition of Supporting the Knights Templar Eye Foundation

    While at the 36th annual Country ham and eggs breakfast, sponsored by Webb Commandery No.1 in Lexington, Kentucky; Commander Bob Davenport, P.G.M., accepted a check for $500.00 for the Knights Templar Eye Foundation from Brother R. L. Trent, P.M. of Robert M. Sirkle Lodge No. 954, F. & A.M. Robert M. Sirkle Lodge has contributed over $3,000 over the past few years. In the picture, left, is Sir Knight Davenport and at right is P.M. Trent. Of course, Webb Commandery's Country breakfast is a fund-raiser for the KTEF, and "due to the hard work of all the Sir Knights, the breakfast was a huge success," reports Sir Knight Carl A. Penske, a member of Webb Commandery No. 1.


    Companion and Sir Knight Hayward R. Schede received not one but two 50-year York Rite honors at Stamford Clinton Commandery No.3, Darien, Connecticut. His Lady Iris assisted in the presentation. The first 50-year honor was for Capitular Masonry and was presented by Past Grand High Priest and Eminent Recorder Charles A. McCollum, and this was followed by laurels for 50 years in Templary from Sir Knight William L. Miller II, then R.E. Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of Connecticut. Shown, left to right, are: Sir Knight Charles A. McCollum, P.G.H.P.; Sir Knight Hayward R. Schede; Lady Iris Schede; and Sir Knight William L. Miller II, then R.E.G.O.

Raffle of Handmade Masonic Quilt to Benefit Michigan Lodge

    The quilt, shown at right, measures 72 inches square. It is being raffled off as a fund-raiser by Sherwood Lodge No. 421. The estimated value is between $850 to $1,200. Tickets are $2.00 each or 3 for $5.00. The square and compass, measuring 16 inches square, is located in the center; it is a royal blue on yellow background, and it is surrounded by yellow and blue triangles and a royal blue border. Call or write: John Rocho at 971 Thrams Road, Sherwood, MI 49089; (517) 741-7429.

Official Visit of S.W.P Alconn, S.O.O.B., to Westminster Assembly No. 245, MD

    On December 9, 2006, Mrs. David E. Alcon Geft), Supreme Worthy President of the Social Order of the Beauceant, made her official visit to Westminster Assembly, Westminster, Maryland. S.W.P. Alcon is a Past President of the Assembly and also P.P. of Elizabethtown Assembly No. 265, Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania. Miss Rebekah E. Rogers (center) was initiated into Westminster at the visit. She is the daughter of Mrs. David W. Rogers member of Westminster, and granddaughter of Mrs. Joseph F. Chalker (2nd from right), Supreme Recorder, Emeritus, S.O.O.B.

    Below, the members are shown with the 35 "hugable bears" collected for the Christmas project "Hospice": 1st row: Mrs. H. Cassell Roop, P.P., Mrs. Terry E. Robins, P.P. Mrs. David W. Rogers; Miss Rebekah E. Rogers; Mrs. Joseph F. Chalker, S.R.E. Mrs. J. Michael Robbins, 1st Vice President;
    2nd row: Miss Anna Craig; Mrs. Alton Graf; Mrs. Howard E. Roe, S. Marshal and President; Mrs. William J. Baldwin, S. Courier; Mrs. Carl J. WISner, G. Chairman, KTEF; Mrs. Eric L. Woolman, S. Necrology Committee and Preceptress; Mrs. Robert L. Brendle; and Mrs. James J. Morgan, P. President.

S.W.R Alcon's Olticial Visit to ShrevePort No. 60, S.O.O.B., Louisiana

    Sreveport No. 60, S.O.O.B., Shreveport, Louisiana, is growing with a new member initiated at the January 24, 2007, official visit of Mrs. David Alcon, Supreme Worthy President, Social Order of the Beauceant. They initiated 7 in 2006 and have 2 petitions. Left to right are: front row: Mrs. Warren Hoffman; Mrs. Charles England, S. Assistant Marshal and member No. 60; Mrs. Dwight Brown; Mrs. David Alcon, S.W.:P.; Mrs. Pat Dickson, W.:P. of Shreveport; Angela McNicoll, new member; Mrs. Bill Richards, initiated 2005; and Mrs. Larry Ledbetter; second row: Mrs. L. B. Musgrove, W.:P. Texarkana No. 196; Mrs. Armon Lester, No. 196; Mrs. Tom Brown; Mrs. Manfred Johnscher; Mrs. J. T. Rosson; Mrs. Howard Entwistle; Mrs. Lloyd Carpenter, McKinney No. 264; Geneva Dolph; Mrs. Roy May; and Mrs. James Harris, No. 196.
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