On Masonic Research
On Masonic Research
By: S. Brent Morris, October 30, 1985.
Masonic research is a topic that has fascinated me for years, and it gives me great pleasure to share some of my thoughts with you on the matter.
Masonic research, when done well, is fascinating to nearly anyone, whether in doing the work or in enjoying the results of the labor. It reveals the history, the lore, and the personalities that have made Freemasonry what it is today. Masonic research can reveal much of hidden significance in history, literature, and politics, and while it has a nearly universal attraction, few Masons undertake quality research. They may be frightened by the prospect of the unknown (that is, engaging in original intellectual inquiry), unsure of their ability to commit their work to writing, or sidetracked too easily into trite, trivial, or simply false studies.
It is my intention to address the first and last-mentioned stumbling blocks to sound Masonic research.
The problem of writing almost solves itself if you are excited about your work and have done your research. Beyond referring to a good English composition textbook, my best advice is for you to consult with other well-read brethren for counsel. On the other topics though, I think that I can point out some of the major pitfalls to avoid, and, I hope, inspire you to set out on your own study of some interesting and significant topics.
The first step towards good research is to read-read history, literature, current events, and particularly Masonry. Visit the librarie. Browse in used bookstores and in flea markets looking for Masonic volumes. At all times, though, be leery of believing everything you read.
Whenever you read, keep alert to unanswered questions in your mind. In fact, the very first requirement for a good research topic is that it should intrigue you, for if you are not excited, then you can hardly hope to interest anyone else. If you are curious about more details after reading an article, then you probably are on the track of a good topic. Finally, be aware that not all research leads to a finished product; much of the thrill is in the chase, rather than the capture.
Now for some specific details. Consider the coat of arms of the Grand Lodge of Maryland: it is almost an exact copy of the coat of arms of the United Grand Lodge of England, reflecting the coats of arms of the Antients and of the Moderns. When did we adopt our coat of arms? Why did we copy the United Grand Lodge of England? Since the United Grand Lodge was not formed until 1813, and the Grand Lodge of Maryland was formed in 1787, did we have another coat of arms from 1787 to the adoption of our current armorial bearings?
Examine the jewels in your lodge, or in the Grand Lodge Museum, or in any lodge for that matter, particularly an old set that may be gathering dust. If your lodge's jewels were clearly produced by modern manufacturing techniques, then there is probably little interest in them. However, if they have the look of being handmade by a craftsman or of being quite old, then they may have a good story to tell. Was the artisan a brother? Did the lodge order the jewels or were they a gift? While you're looking at jewels, dig out your Tiler's sword and see if it has a story to tell.
On the topic of jewels, consider the magnificent, bejeweled square of the Grand Master of Masons in Maryland. Who made it? Who commissioned it? When was it made? What is its current value? Are there any occasions when it was lost or was part of an unusual experience?
If you belong to an older lodge, what happened to it during the Civil War?
If you don't belong to a lodge that old, then check the records of extinct lodges in the Grand Lodge Archives or of extant lodges you're interested in. Did the lodge express any strong partisan sympathies? Were there any resignations or trials because of the strife? Did the members or officers serve in either the Federal or the Confederate forces? Were any unusual tales of wartime fraternalism recorded in the minutes? Did the local newspapers report any activities of the lodge or of its members?
A fascinating branch of history that has only recently received any scholarly recognition is oral history. This is the collective memory of an organization or of a people as preserved in stories and tales. For example, who hasn't heard of the handwritten copy of our ritual stored in the Grand Lodge archives and available only to the Grand Master? Perhaps your lodge has preserved through tales, repeated and retold through the years, similar interesting tidbits. Seek these out and look for the true story behind the legend.
Speaking of the Grand Lodge Archives, a few hours there can produce a wealth of material for research papers.
The difficult times during the anti-Masonic period should be a great source of research. Did your lodge survive from 1826 to 1840? What of the lodges that expired? What of the Anti-Masonic political party candidate for President, William Wirt of Baltimore? What did the newspapers of the day have to say on the excitement?
As a final source of topics, consider the Revolutionary War. It is beyond my self-imposed limit of the nineteenth century, but it could produce significant, original studies. Rather than taking the standard approach of looking for outstanding revolutionists, see if you can find any loyalist Masons from Maryland. What trials did they suffer? What became of them, of their families, and of their Masonic affiliation after the war?
My brethren, I hope that I have piqued your curiosity this evening and inspired you to do some digging on your own. There is no limit to what you can find, if you only keep in mind the important questions of any detective:
"Who?". "What?". "Where?". "When?". "How?". and most importantly, "Why?".
Book: A Radical in The East: Second Edition Revised, 2022.
Article: On Masonic Research.
By: S. Brent Morris, October 30, 1985.
Subject: An Inaugural Address as President of the Maryland Masonic Research Society.
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