(Chris Detrick/The Salt Lake Tribune)
Posted on 01/20/2006 10:28:11 AM PST by TFFKAMM
Dan Brown clearly enjoys playing with legends, history, symbols and secrets. And readers' minds. In his best-selling novel, The Da Vinci Code, Brown wove all these - real and imagined - into a breathless mystery about Christianity, Mary Magdalene and the Divine Feminine that has spawned an industry of de-coders eager to separate fact from fiction.
Now that he has turned his attention to the mysteries of Freemasonry, the centuries-old fraternal order, the new book also might deal with Mormonism.
But rather than announce the Da Vinci sequel in a news release, Brown embedded tantalizing clues to its subject on the book's jacket. Written in typeface that is slightly larger and bolder than the rest (it requires a magnifying glass to find them all) are the words: is there no help for the widows son.
"O Lord, my God, is there no help for the widow's son?" was used historically as a Masonic distress call, but when journalist David Shugarts plugged it into Google, the first hit was a 1974 speech given by an LDS Institute of Religion teacher, Reed C. Durham, at the University of Utah.
Joseph Smith, the founder of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, reportedly began to utter the call as he fell from a second story window after being fatally shot by a mob in a Carthage, Ill., jail in 1844, Durham said.
In an electrifying presidential address to the Mormon History Association meeting in Nauvoo, Ill., he traced close parallels between Smith's account of digging gold plates out of a New York hillside and Masonic tales of Enoch and buried treasure. Smith wore a "Jupiter talisman," or what his wife called "his Masonic jewel," and LDS temple ceremonies bear a striking resemblance to Masonic rituals, he said.
The
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The Winding Staircase, like all Masonic symbols, is illustrative of discipline and doctrine, and opens to us a wide field of moral and speculative inquiry. (Chris Detrick/The Salt Lake Tribune)
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speech was so controversial that Durham's superiors in the LDS Educational System forced him to issue a public apology.
The speech was never published but was surreptitiously taped and has floated around on the Internet for years.
It may have also caught Brown's attention, Shugarts speculates, and may provide one plot twist in Brown's next book, tentatively titled The Solomon Key. Brown confirmed in a speech last year that the book's mystery will be set in Washington, D.C., where many architectural features were drawn from Masonry, and will feature the same lead character, Harvard-professor-turned-detective Robert Langdom.
Getting a jump on the novel's historical context, Shugarts has written Secrets of the Widow's Son: The Mysteries Surrounding the Sequel to The Da Vinci Code.
He provides a broad history of Mormonism, including its brush with Masonry in the 19th century. It also offers nuggets about Masonic history such as these: At least eight signers of the Declaration of Independence were Masons, as were 13 U.S. presidents including George Washington. A Freemason released Paul Revere from British custody on the night of his famous ride, after he determined that Revere was a Mason. Mozart's "Magic Flute" and Rudyard Kipling's The Man Who Would Be King were written as Masonic allegories.
The Washington Monument and a similar monument on Bunker Hill in Boston, were not just coincidentally shaped like an Egyptian obelisks, but intentionally designed to honor Masonic allusions to ancient Egyptian mystical wisdom.
Much of the symbolism is mathematical, even geometrical, which could explain why the fraternity has attracted rationalists such as Voltaire, Goethe, Benjamin Franklin and Mark Twain.
"We've heard from Masons
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One of the rooms in the Temple. The Salt Lake Masonic Temple was completed in 1927 and was built in 1 year, 3 months, and 22 days. The architect of the temple was Carl W. Scott and George W Welch. (Chris Detrick/The Salt Lake Tribune)
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that they feel that [Brown is] going to do them justice," says Dan Burstein, who wrote the introduction to Shugarts' book. "He seems to be favorably disposed to thinking of Masons as an important historical underground movement, pushing the world towards democracy and enlightenment."
Today there are nearly 2 million Masons in the United States, with 2,250 members in 29 Utah lodges.
"We have a lot of Mormons who are Masons in this state, but we don't know exactly how many," says Ridgley Gilmour, Grand Master of Utah Masonic Lodge. "Anyone with a belief in God can petition to join but we don't ask what religion they are."
Gilmour was adamant the Masonry is not a "secret society," but a fraternal order with large-scale charitable giving built on deeply held American values of family, God and country.
"The only secrets we have are little signs and passwords which we use because it's an ancient custom, and, frankly, it's fun,'' Gilmour says.
It remains to be seen how much Mormon history will feature in the novel, (Brown's wife reportedly was raised in the LDS Church) but if the reaction to Durham's 1974 speech is any indication, any link between the two could be controversial in Utah.
For his part, Nicholas S. Literski, an active Mormon and Mason living in Nauvoo, thinks Latter-day Saints misunderstand the similarities. But they are significant.
"Everybody wants to obsess over supposed similarities in ritual," he says. "But that's just one aspect. Everything about Joseph and his family was tied into Masonic legends."
The Mormon connection: Smith's father, Joseph Smith Sr. joined a Masonic lodge when the family moved to Palmyra,
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N.Y., in 1816. Later, Smith's brother Hyrum also joined. From them, Smith heard the story of a lost sacred word that was engraved upon a triangular plate of pure gold. The word was the name of God.
It makes sense that he would go searching for such treasure in the large American Indian burial mounds near his home, says Literski, author of the forthcoming book, Method Infinite: Freemasonry and the Mormon Restoration.
And when Smith reported finding an ancient record written on plates of gold, he used "distinctively Masonic language to describe the experience," Literski says.
The church, which claimed to restore ancient truths of Christianity lost through the ages, attracted many members of the Masonic fraternity who traced their own roots back centuries and had similar esoteric teachings.
By the 1840s, many Mormon leaders in Nauvoo, including Smith and apostles Brigham Young and Heber C. Kimball, became Masons and organized a lodge there under the auspices of the Grand Lodge of Illinois. It wasn't long before nearly every male member of the church in the area had joined. At the same time, Smith introduced LDS temple rituals that included secret handshakes, signs and symbols like the all-seeing eye, the compass and square (tools of the mason's trade) and the sun, moon and stars that echoed Masonry.
Soon, though, other Masons felt that the Mormons were dominating the fraternity. In 1842, the Nauvoo Lodge was suspended. Many Mormons believed that Masons contributed to the murder of their prophet.
Antagonisms built up between the two groups. In Utah in 1860, Masonic lodges were established but they prohibited Mormons from joining. At the same time, Young forbade Mormons from joining and refused to allow any Mason to hold
priesthood leadership positions in the church, Literski says.
It wasn't until 1984 that LDS President Spencer W. Kimball removed the prohibition against Latter-day Saints becoming Freemasons. Later that year, the Grand Lodge of Utah removed its own ban on Mormon membership so that, in the ensuing years, many Latter-day Saint men have returned to this part of their heritage.
In the novelist's mind: Shugarts says it was not his intention to be a plot spoiler for Brown's sequel. He couldn't do that if he wanted. But he did offer a primer on Masonry and Mormonism for those who will want to explore, as they did with Da Vinci, just how much of what Brown writes is really history.
"I had to push out in every direction possible," Shugarts said in a phone interview from his Connecticut home. "I read five books about Mormon history and thousands of Internet Web sites. I tried to be thorough and fair."
Though he only dedicated four or five pages to Mormons in a 200-page book, he's already heard from unhappy Latter-day Saints who accuse him of misreading or a biased approach to LDS history, a charge he rejects.
"Prior to embarking on my research, I had no particular opinion of Joseph Smith or the details of the founding of the [LDS ]Church," he wrote to one critic. "But I had met a few Mormons and they always impressed me as fine people. After delving into the story of Joseph Smith, I understood a lot more about LDS. I remain impressed that Mormons are fine people."
It will be interesting to see if Brown sees them that way as well. Literski isn't worried.
"He'll weave a good conspiracy," Literski says, "but no matter how inventive Dan Brown gets in terms of the connection, he will fall short of just how deep
that story does go."
Even in Smith's day, there were Masons who believed the legends were historical truth and saw Freemasonry as a deeply spiritual, mystical quest. Other, more sophisticated members, discounted the old stories, wanting to refocus it along the lines of a charitable and benevolent institution.
The Smiths were about as far into mysticism as you can get, Literski says. "Joseph was rebuilding Solomon's temple with all the legendary baggage that came along with that."
Seeing the relationship between the two groups forces Mormons like Literski to revise his ideas about how God interacts with a prophet.
"You cannot understand what is going on in Joseph's mind unless you can know what he is seeing, hearing, feeling and touching," he says. "That gives me a stronger position of faith than would this idea that revelation is ex nihilo. Joseph was not a puppet."
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Contact Peggy Fletcher Stack at pstack@sltrib.com or 801-257-8725. Send comments on this article to religioneditor@sltrib.com.
Dan Rather is not the only one who came up with forged documents claimed to have come from the distant past.
The guy that forged this is still in jail for killing someone with a bomb and then having a "work accident" when he went to deliver another bomb to someone else.
You do learn something new every day.
Or maybe they openly rule this country?
Former Senate Majority Leader, Ill. Trent Lott, Trent Lott, 33°, Grand Cross
As Majority Leader of the Senate, Ill. Bro. Lott carries on a tradition of Masonic service to America.
The annals of the United States Senate are filled with contributions made by members of the Masonic Fraternity to our nation’s history. From early days, when such noted Brethren as Oliver Ellsworth and James Monroe sat in that august body, through the nineteenth century, when such individuals as Thomas Hart Benton, Henry Clay, Stephen Douglas, and William Boyd Allison filled its ranks, Masons have played a prominent role. In the twentieth century, Robert LaFollette, George Norris, Hubert Humphrey, Henry Jackson, and Barry Goldwater—among other noted Masons—left their mark on the Senate.
In recent years, several Masons have continued to serve our nation well from the Senate’s halls. Among those in the 1990s have been Robert Byrd, John Glenn, Robert Dole, and the current majority leader and subject of this sketch, Brother Trent Lott, 33°, Grand Cross, of Mississippi.
Regarding Senator Glenn's Masonic background, Allen Roberts, the well-known Masonic historian, probably best described the situation in his authoritative Frontier Cornerstone. Paraphrasing Roberts, it can be noted Ill. Glenn petitioned Concord Lodge No. 688 of New Concord, Ohio (now merged with Malta Lodge No. 118, Norwich, Ohio) in 1964 and was elected to receive the Degrees, but for varying reasons this was impossible.
Then, on August 19, 1978, with hundreds of Master Masons present, Scioto Lodge No. 6 of Chillicothe opened a Master Masons Lodge in the gymnasium of the Chillicothe High School. Grand Master Jerry C. Rasor then opened the Grand Lodge of Ohio, and the Degrees were conferred. Fourteen years after being elected to receive the Degrees, Glenn became a Master Mason and member of Concord Lodge No. 688. The Senator received additional "Masonic Light" on April 11, 1997, in the Valley of Cincinnati, when he received the Scottish Rite Degrees. His highest Masonic honor came on September 10, 1998, when the 33° was conferred upon him. Two Republican Senate colleagues, Brothers Charles Grassley (see an article by Sen. Grassley in this issue) and Conrad Burns, were present, as was former Ohio congressman Brother Clarence Brown, Jr. of the Valley of Dayton.
So, if someone has some critical things to relate about the LDS, that amounts to bashing?
Lyndon B. Johnson was initiated on October 30, 1937 in Johnson City Lodge No. 561, at Johnson City, Texas, but completed only the Entered Apprentice, or first, of the three Masonic degrees.
>>Methinks you are very thin-skinned if you think…
Thin skinned no, I grew up in the buckle of the Bible belt My family were usually the only Mormons in my school. I had lots of non-Mormon friends and even went to church with them. I also had lots of “Preacher’s Sons” decide I had to be taken out, so I know how to bash :-) But this is not the place, so I will only defend here like when obviously biased sites are presented as “Fair and Balanced”—TM Fox news. Lets take a look at the first text on the sites you have referred us all to.
The first line from the “maze” site you quoted is a quote from an anti-Mormon who suggests that Mormons don’t like themselves and have to be fake to be active. Not a very promising beginning for “facts, no bashing". Lets try your new site…
First line of text from the let us reason site: “Why the Mormon Church is not the TRUE church Jesus Christ started?”
What’s good for the goose is good for the gander. So, I put up a web sit whose first line is “Why Manfred the Wonder Dog is not a true conservative!” Without reading further, do you think this will be a fair and impartial look into your conservative credentials?
That’s two strikes, let me try, go to http://www.lds.org and see what Mormons are being taught on any subject. Talks from our authorities on every subject in an Internet based searchable form. This site is used more than any other to prepare lessons as it is sanctioned and supported by the church. Want to find out what’s good about Chevy, check out Chevy’s web site, do not go to Ford, Better yet if you can get into the back end site for Chevy repairmen, and users, that is what I am offering you.
Truth, you might like it!
Well, it's not a religion. I'd be happy to direct you to some information, if you're interested.
What? No mention of Strom Thurmond or Barry Goldwater?
What's up with that? When I posted it was HERE not HER.
Lost in translation, somehow.
Bro. Franklin Delano Roosevelt (18821945) Thirty-first President of the United States. Born. January. 30, 1882 in Hyde Park, N.Y , he was a Graduate of Harvard in 1904, and attended Columbia University Law School, 1904-07. He practiced law in New York City from 1907-33. He became a member of N.Y. State Senate, 1910-13, when he resigned to become Assistant Secretary of the Navy, 1913-20. He was elected to Governorship of New York for two terms, 1929-33. Was Democratic nominee for Vice President in 1920. He became President in 1933, serving until his death in 1945. Elected to four terms, he was the only President ever to serve more than two terms.
A member of Holland Lodge No. 8, N.Y.C., he received his degrees, October. 10, Nov. 14, Nov. 28, 1911. Received the 32• AASR (NJ) at Albany, N.Y. Feb. 28, 1929, while governor of N.Y. Member of Cypress Shrine Temple, Albany, N.Y.; Tri-Po-Bed Grotto, Poughkeepsie, N.Y.; Greenwood Forest Tall Cedars of Lebanon, Warwick, N.Y. In 1930 he was appointed representative of the Grand Lodge of Georgia near the Grand Lodge of New York.
Welcome Governor (and Brother to be) to the world's oldest, most respected fraternity
By:Andrew Boracci - Editor and Publisher
Brother to be: When you accepted New York Grand Master Carl J. Fitje’s offer to join our Fraternity and become a Master Mason you triggered an historic event that hasn't been done in New York in the last 133 years. Why the special honor? Here’s how Grand Master Fitje explains it:
“ Governor Pataki has displayed the kind of leadership and quality of men that our organization looks for. That leadership was most evident on September 11, 2001 when he was instrumental in helping to restore calm and committing the total resources of New York State to our city. He activated the New York State National Guard to provide the security for our airports, bridges, tunnels and waterways. I personally met with him at a meeting in New York City that was held for the family of the rescue workers who were missing at the time with my daughter Danielle and everyone commented favorably on the Governor's leadership and support during the World Trade Center disaster.”
Governor Pataki, in accordance with Masonic law, you will be made a " Mason at Sight" with full honors sometime soon. You’ll be joining a distinguished line of New York Masons who have held the State’s highest elected office — some of whom moved on to the highest elected office in America.
Oh, I see it's another anti Masonic thread. Bet someone has told the group of finding some Masonic books in his grandfather's attic that gave all the secrets of the evil group away.
Senator James Strom Thurmond, 33°, G.C., 1902-2003 - Excerpt
Freemasonry and America mourn the loss of one of its most distinctive and celebrated statesmen, Senator James Strom Thurmond, 33°, Grand Cross. Ill. Thurmond was the longest-serving Senator in American history and the oldest person to serve in Congress. Born on December 5, 1902, in Edgefield, South Carolina, and well known as a robust man even in his 90s, Senator Thurmond died, after several months of declining health, on June 26, 2003, at age 100 in Edgefield, South Carolina.
Ill. Thurmond's long life included careers as a farmer, teacher, athletic coach, county superintendent of education, lawyer, city and county attorney, State Senator, and Circuit Court Judge. Volunteering for active duty in World War II the very day war was declared against Germany, he served with Headquarters First Army, participated in the Normandy invasion, landed on "D" day, and was awarded five battle stars and 18 decorations, medals, and awards, including the Legion of Merit with Oak Leaf Cluster, Bronze Star Medal with "V," and Purple Heart. Returning to South Carolina, he was elected State Governor (1947-51), becoming a lecturer and college professor after his term in office. In 1948 he was the presidential candidate of the "Dixiecrat" States' Rights Party. First elected to the U.S. Senate as a write-in candidate in 1954, he began his long political career in the nation's capital as a Washington insider holding many influential government positions, most notably as Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee (1981-87) and Chairman of the Armed Services Committee (1993-99). Though initially famous as a conservative icon, by 1970 Senator Thurmond adopted more liberal views, saying: "Times change and people change, and people who can't change don't stay in office long. You've got to meet changing conditions."
Raised a Master Mason in Concordia Lodge No. 50, Edgefield, S.C., in 1925, Bro. Thurmond was invested with the 32°, Valley of Columbia in 1948 (transferring his membership in the Lodge of Perfection from Columbia to Aiken in 1971); received the K.C.C.H. in 1967; was coroneted a 33° in 1969; and elected to the Grand Cross, the Scottish Rite's highest honor, in 1987. As his 33° nomination form noted, "He is proud of his membership in Masonry and the Scottish Rite and has on many occasions evidenced his genuine interest in and support of their great principles."
Famous Mormon Politicians:
Secretary Ezra Taft Benson, Former US Secretary of Agriculture
Secretary Michael O. Leavitt, US Secretary of Health and Human Services (former governor of Utah)
Secretary David M. Kennedy, US Secretary of the Treasury
Secretary Stewart L. Udall, former US Secretary of the Interior (former U.S. Conressman from Arizona)
Governor Mitt Romney (R) Massachusetts
Governor George Romney (R) Michigan (also Presidential candidate)
Governor Jon Huntsman, Jr. (R) Utah
Senator Harry Reid (D) Nevada, current Minority Leader
Senator Orrin Hatch (R) Utah
Senator Mike Crapo (R) Idaho
Senator Gordon Smith (R) Oregon
Senator Bob Bennett (R) Utah - Chief Deputy Whip
Senator Reed Smoot (U. S. Senator) (1862-1941) (R) Utah
Representative Jeff Flake (R) Arizona
Representative Mo Udall former (D) Arizona, was also Presidential candidate
Representative Wally Herger (R) California
Representative Buck McKeon (R) California
Representative John Doolittle (R) California
Representative Mike Simpson (R) Idaho
Representative Leonard Boswell (D) Iowa (Community of Christ)
Representative Ernest Istook (R) Oklahoma
Representative Tom Udall (D) New Mexico
Representative Jim Gibbons (R) Nevada
Representative Chris Cannon (R) Utah
Representative Jim Matheson (D) Utah
Representative Rob Bishop (R) Utah
Representative Eni Faleomavaega (D) American Samoa
Representative Merrill A. Cook (R) Utah
It looks like the Masons have been a tad bit more powerful!
Thanks for the offer.
As you can see NotJustAnotherPrettyFace had directed me to more info than I can read!:)
I think I get the gist of it. Its along the lines of a fraternity.
My crazy uncle screeched and carried on about Skull and Bones during the election in 2004. He just couldn't understand how we could vote for either of the candidates.
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