2023 Triennial Crest

Report of the Committee on Education

Report of the Committee on Education
Submitted by IC Adam Hathaway, Chairman

Adam Hathaway
Chairman, Education

Most Puissant General Grand Master David Grindle, General Grand Council Officers, Good Companions and Brothers All,

This triennial began with the Most Puissant General Grand Master appointing Right Puissant Companion Carle Jackson to serve as Chairman of the General Grand Council of Cryptic Masons International Education Committee. RPC Carle, having completed his temple here on earth and safely depositing his sacred treasures within the repository of the faithful breast, was called home by the Great Architect of the Universe on February 7, 2019. He left us a rich Masonic legacy as a Past Master of two lodges; Past Potentate and Treasurer of Acacia Shriners; Past Grand Royal Patron of Louisiana Order of the Amaranth; Past Worthy Patron of Baton Rouge Chapter 163, Order of the Eastern Star; and Chair of the General Grand Council of Cryptic Masons International Education Committee, to say the least.

Most Puissant General Grand Master David Grindle bestowed upon me the great honor of serving as Chairman and trusting me to follow in the footsteps of my great predecessor. I am joined in this committee by: Most Illustrious Companion Robert D. Elsloo, Most Illustrious Companion Lon A. Peden, Illustrious Companion Steven R. Goad and Illustrious Companion Benjamin F. Williams.

Upon receiving the first charge from the General Grand Master to this committee – to provide educational articles for the Decryption, I presumed that the articles were to be limited to the realm of Cryptic Masonry. Most Puissant Companion David explained to me that the holy mandate of Cryptic Masonry is Preservation: of all things Masonic, of Truth and Virtue, and of all the traditions and sacred treasures that will guide us to our Second Temple on the other side of the veil of mortality.

The call for articles to be included in the Decryption went out and that call was answered. Articles included topics of esoteric, historical, symbolic, moral and inspirational interests. Many thanks to the following authors who contributed their valuable time and distinguished talents in writing their respective articles:

Title Author
The Symbolism of the Square Illustrious Companion Benjamin F. Williams
Introduction to Washington’s Rules of Civility Part One Illustrious Companion Adam L. Hathaway
Introduction to Washington’s Rules of Civility Part Two Illustrious Companion Adam L. Hathaway
The Word Illustrious Companion S. Lane Pierce
On the Number 7 Illustrious Companion Benjamin F. Williams
Albert Mackey Illustrious Companion Adam L. Hathaway
Especially in Sculpture: the Via Negativa and the Symbolism of the Secret Vault Most Illustrious Companion Mark Z. Oldknow
Royal Masters, It’s Your Time Illustrious Companion Chadwick B. Burks
An Examination of Prayer Beads from a World Religions Perspective

Companion James F. McCallion

The Several Secrets of the Letter G Illustrious Companion Benjamin F. Williams
Umin and Thummin Illustrious Companion Benjamin F. Williams
After He made the form of the chariot of the supernal Adam Illustrious Companion Benjamin F. Williams
Alpha and Omega Companion Phillip R. Houtz
The Degree of Royal Master Companion Scott A. Schwartzberg
The Holy Saints John: Masonic, Astronomical, and Calendrical Incorporation Illustrious Companion Jay S. Williams
The Degree of Select Master Companion Scott A. Schwartzberg
The Degree of Super Excellent Master Companion Scott A. Schwartzberg
Freemasonry and Revolution Companion Scott A. Schwartzberg
Rituals of the York Rite Companion Scott A. Schwartzberg
Masonic Calendars Companion Scott A. Schwartzberg
Keeping your Passions within Due Bounds Companion Scott A. Schwartzberg
Who Was Zabud? Companion Scott A. Schwartzberg

Please look for these outstanding articles at crypticmasons.org

Very special thanks go to Illustrious Companion Benjamin F. Williams and Companion Scott A. Schwartzberg who contributed the lion’s share of articles. Heartfelt thanks to Illustrious Companion Will Highsmith, Editor of the Decryption, who collaborated with me in all ways, making sure that the work of the authors listed above were presented in most professional and illuminating light, with massive amounts of patience and good cheer.

I challenge each of you to take some time to pray and meditate on what you can do to preserve our Craft. Masonic preservation activities include but are in no way limited to: writing articles, memorizing ritual, holding office, mentoring new members, seeking ideal candidates, teaching and research. How will you nourish your own Secret Vault and what Sacred Treasures will it hold? Do it. Teach it. Write an article about it.

Fraternally and Sincerely,

IC Adam Hathaway, Past Illustrious Master
Chairman
General Grand Council of Cryptic Masons International Education Committee

 

Committee Members:

 

Adam Hathaway

IC Adam Hathaway
Chairman, Education
Robert D. Elsloo

MIC Robert D. Elsloo
Steven R. Goad

IC Steven R. Goad
Lon A. Peden

MIC Lon A. Peden
Benjamin F. Williams

IC Benjamin F. Williams