The Library of the Supreme Council is representative of a quiet but powerful revolution happening in American Masonry today.

The title of this essay is a relevant adaptation of one of Brother Rudyard Kipling’s most famous lines. Kipling, of course, wrote about "boots," not books, and the full line is "Boots–boots–boots–boots–movin’ up and down again; There’s no discharge in the war!"

But the boots/book analogy holds. For civilization itself is a war, and Masonry is and has been a prime factor in that war. And books are not only the weapons but the supply line.

For several reasons, I am happy this issue of the Journal features the Library of the Supreme Council. The first is that the library and its staff are underpraised. In my research, as well as in writing the book review dedicated. The library itself is a treasure trove, a wonder of leather bindings and fragile paper editions. And it is a working library. To enter it is to enter a factory, not a mausoleum. It’s worth a trip to D.C. just to spend some time in this special library.

The second reason I rejoice in the attention being given to the library is that it’s a symbol of a quiet but powerful revolution happening in American Masonry today. There is an increasing desire—in fact, demand—on the part of Masons to know more about Masonry.

For years it has been an article of faith among Masonic leaders that Masons don’t want to learn anything about Masonry. There was some justification for that belief. Years ago, when I first started sending articles to the Scottish Rite Journal, you could be fairly certain that when an article was published you would receive three pieces of mail. Two would be anonymous and would enclose copies of the Baphomet anti-Masonic "comic book." One would be from a Mason who didn’t like something you said.

Now, an article usually brings several letters, many of them asking for additional information. They are thoughtful letters, raising thoughtful questions. In addition, I get at least four letters or phone calls a week, not generated by the articles, but simply because Brothers have questions. From talking to other Masonic writers, I know they get at least that many as well. Thus far in 1998, I’ve received three requests from Brothers whose sons have decided to write about Masonry for a term paper or other school assignment. There is interest out there.

The requests from Lodges and Masonic Districts to have someone come and do a program about Freemasonry—its history or symbolism or famous Masons or its influence in the world—have doubled and doubled again. Grand Lodges are having to put together and expand speakers bureaus to meet the demand. There is a wonderful, restless curiosity among many Masons today. The Library of the Supreme Council, located in the House of the Temple, is a prime resource in meeting the needs of these Brethren.

The third reason I rejoice in this issue of the Journal is that we are engaged in a war, and always have been. And there is no discharge in the war. Masonry, more than any other group, has been a champion of the right of each man and woman to think, to question, to learn, and to know. We, more than any other group, have opposed superstition and the attempt of any organization, sacred or profane, to dictate what knowledge is "acceptable" or what phrases are "politically correct." It isn’t an easy battle, and it is far from over.

Just a few days ago, a television evangelist said that "people should not think about other religious faiths, because it might confuse them." That’s like saying there should be only one candidate for each political office because thinking about more than one might confuse the voters. Masonry stands there, in the face of creeping tyranny, saying "having to make choices is the price of freedom, but you will not subject us to tyranny in order to ‘simplify’ our lives." Books are the weapons in these wars. There are books on Masonic history. There are books of Masonic eloquence. There are books which explore our traditions. There are books, generally by non-Masons, which trace the effects Masonry has had on the intellectual and political history of the world. There are many, many more. These are the weapons and the supply lines. They correct error while holding the knowledge future generations of Masons will need when it is their turn to oppose bigotry and superstition and intellectual dictatorship. And they also hold a lot which is simply fun.

Explore the written resources of Masonry. Enjoy the wonderful prose of the Reverend Joseph Fort Newton, the razor intellect and analysis of Roscoe Pound or Alphonse Cerza, the scope and breadth of Albert Pike and Albert Mackey (yes, they were wrong about some things, but they were right on much more), the penetrating precision of Brent Morris, the insight of Rex Hutchens, the historical grasp of William Fox, the sheer love of Masonry of H. L. Haywood—and so many, many more. Books...books...books...books...

We have been given a treasure chest of gems of great price. All we have to do is open the lid.

Jim Tresner is Director of the Masonic Leadership Institute and Editor of The Oklahoma Mason. A frequent contributor to the Scottish Rite Journal and its book review editor, Illustrious Brother Tresner is also a volunteer writer for The Oklahoma Scottish Rite Mason and a video script consultant for the National Masonic Renewal Committee. He is the Director of the Thirty-third Degree Conferral Team and Director of Work at the Guthrie Scottish Rite Temple in Guthrie, Oklahoma, as well as a life member of the Scottish Rite Research Society, author of the popular anecdotal biography Albert Pike, The Man Beyond the Monument, and a member of the steering committee of the Masonic Information Center. Ill. Tresner was awarded the Grand Cross, the Scottish Rite’s highest honor, during The Supreme Council’s October 1997 Biennial Session.