BUILDERS OF EMPIRE (Book Review)
by W:.Tim Bryce, PM, MPS
timb001@phmainstreet.com
Palm Harbor, Florida, USA
"A Foot Soldier for Freemasonry"
"English-speaking peoples and organizations [are] the saviour of the
world
and more than ever needed at this time."
- a letter from John Thomas, a Masonic officer in Massachusetts to
Colonel William Ponton,
a Canadian Mason (1922)
"Builders of Empire" is a refreshing new book on Freemasonry by
Jessica L. Harland-Jacobs, Ph.D.,
an Assistant Professor of History at the University of Florida. This is
a meticulously
researched book which sets the record straight on the propagation of the
fraternity
in the 18th and 19th centuries and links it to British imperialism
(1717-1927). Its intent is
to demonstrate the social impact Freemasonry has had on the civilized
world. Freemasons
are portrayed as crusaders for modern civilization. Consequently,
Masons were either
envied or viewed with disdain for their influence.
As a history book, it doesn't try to interpret Masonic motives, but
simply observes the
facts. Dr. Harland-Jacobs' style of writing is reminiscent of the works
of historian
Doris Kearns Goodwin. This is not a novel but an interesting thesis on
the symbiotic
relationship between the spread of Freemasonry and the rise of the
British Empire. Included
are descriptions of the colonization of Freemasonry in North America,
the Caribbean, India,
Australasia, and South Africa.
The author is not overly concerned about the esoteric side of
Freemasonry, but it is
obvious she grasps the significance of our customs (handshakes and
passwords) and degree
work. As a non-Freemason she shows a remarkable grasp of what the
fraternity is about
which, to me personally, is very encouraging.
The book discusses in detail the differences between the "Ancients" and
the "Moderns,"
the development and impact of the Regimental Lodges in the British Army,
the role of
women, the development of Prince Hall Masonry, class distinctions within
the fraternity
(elite versus working class), the concept of the "Empire Grand Lodge,"
and much more. In
particular, I found the discussion of how the Grand Lodges were forced
to adapt to changing
times most interesting. For example, issuing warrants to allow
Regimental Lodges to meet,
coordinating communications between the Grand Lodges of Ireland,
Scotland, and England,
and how the "Ancients" and the "Moderns" ultimately merged. Had the
Grand Lodges not
adapted, they would have surely perished.
The book debunks the myths of the fraternity and shows it for what it is
and isn't.
As such, it shoots down the arguments of the conspiracy theorists as
promoted by the
anti-Masons. Its nice to see someone who has honestly done their
homework and "gets it."
The book is written more as a college text book than as a rambling
novel. If
Dr. Harland-Jacobs uses this in the classroom, it bodes well for the
fraternity.
This book should be considered as must reading for all Freemasons,
particularly Grand
Lodge officers, and I believe we are indebted to Dr. Harland-Jacobs for
reminding us
of the greatness the fraternity once was and could be again if we truly
thought of it
as a universal concept. Actually, her book left me wanting more, such
as a follow-up
book as to the rise and fall of Freemasonry in the 20th century.
I recently interviewed the author by telephone and found her to be a
delight. I do
not believe there is any hidden agenda here. Her forte is history,
specifically the
causes of the spread of British imperialism. She has an inquisitive
mind and understands
the importance of performing accurate research. Frankly, she would make
an excellent
speaker at any open Masonic function.
Here are the specifics on the book:
"Builders of Empire" by Jessica L. Harland-Jacobs, Ph.D.
ISBN 978-0-8078-3088-8
Released April 23, 2007
The University of North Carolina Press, 367 pages
$39.95 at
Amazon.
Keep the Faith.
NOTE: The opinions expressed in this essay are my own and do not
necessarily represent the views or opinions of any Grand Masonic
jurisdiction
or any other Masonic related body. As with all of my Masonic articles
herein,
please feel free to reuse them in Masonic publications or re-post them
on Masonic
web sites (except Florida). When doing so, please add the following:
Article reprinted with permission of the author and www.FreemasonInformation.com
Please forward me a copy of the publication when it is produced.
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Copyright © 2007 by Tim Bryce.
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