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VWB Ned Daniels Deputy of the Grand Master in District 4 of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Washington for 1999-2000 |
"The Mystery" (July 2000)
Every so often, in our various readings, we encounter intriguing information on the early history of Freemasonry. I recently came upon just such an article, and I thought it was worth sharing. From the Masonic publication entitled "The Short Talk Bulletin" published by The Masonic Service Association of North America (February 2000, Vol. 78, No. 2):"In April 1717, a storm off Cape Cod destroyed the treasure-filled pirate galley the Whydah.' Artifacts have been recovered for many years. However, more recently, it is believed the actual remains of the sunken ship have been found.
"The May 1999 issue of 'National Geographic' tells the story of the 'Whydah' and shows a photo of a pewter plate recovered along with many other items. What appears to be a Masonic Square and Compasses have been carved into the plate.
"The mystery — Where did it come from? Remember, the ship sank in April 1717, and the first Grand Lodge was formed in June 1717.
"Of course, we know Freemasonry began earlier than 1717, but the intriguing questions about the plate are: Did it belong to a member of the crew? Was it a part of the booty stolen from another ship? We don't know.
"You are invited to visit the website of the 'Expedition Whydah Museum' in Provincetown, MA, at www.whvdah.com.
"At the meeting of the Masonic Information Steering Committee in August 1999, we had a conference call with Mr. Ken Kincor of the 'Expedition Whydah Museum.'
"So much early history of Freemasonry is unknown that we feel encouragement should be given to those in the public sector doing research, especially research involving Freemasonry.
"Mr. Kincor has written an article about this subject which is currently under review by several members of the MIC Steering Committee.
"We invite you to visit us at http://www.msana.com. We are constantly adding information to the site and are really encouraged by the number of people who visit us. If you have not done so, please check our website and give us your comments."
Addendum. CONGRATULATIONS to the following Brethren from District 4 who have been appointed by our newly elected Grand Master, MWB Richard A. Mecartea, to serve on this year's Grand Lodge Team:
WB Dale E. Boudreau (149), Grand Historian; MWB Kenneth S. Robinson (72) and MWB Carl B. Smith (279), Jurisprudence Committee; VWB lan C. Hyde (239), Research and Education Committee; WB Ron Duck (72) and WB Jerry M. Schor (72), Masonic Home Endowment Committee; WB M. Gene Ross (239), Public Schools Committee; Bro. Brian Hardy (72), and WB Alfred J. Luberts, Jr. (149) Internal Communications Committee.
Thanks to both the District Deputy of the Grand Master in District 4, and the Masonic Monitor which publishes his articles for allowing us to reprint them. The Masonic Monitor is published monthly (except August) under approval of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Washington. The Masonic Monitor can be contacted at: 6619 132nd Avenue NE, PMB 237, Kirkland, WA, 98033-8627, USA. Phone: (425) 822-4605 - FAX: (425) 822-2535 - Email: masonicmonitor@earthlink.net.