LIBRARY
OF THE
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA.
GIFT OF
^ Class '
Office of Librarian
MASONIC GRAND LODGE LIBRARY
NORTH DAKOTA
FARGO, OCTOBER 1st, 1908.
LIBRARIAN, PUBLIC LIBRARY :
Herewith find two books, the " Masonic Membership Record and
Library Classification" and the " Masonic Homes," donations from
the Grand Lodge A.'.F.'. & A.'.M.'.of North Dakota to your
library.
The value to the Public Library of the "Masonic Membership
Record and Library Classification," will, doubtless, lie with the
classification of books on masonic subjects, beginning on page 17.
We have given two methods under titles "Masonic Subject Classifi-
cation" and "Masonic Body Classification," pages 20-24. Since
Avriting the book, experience has shown a preference for the "Ma-
sonic Subject Classification," i. e., the last number indicating the
particular branch or body of Masonry to which the book pertains,
the first number (cluding the Dewey masonic number of 366.1)
indicating the class.
The book entitled "Masonic Homes" should be of interest, not
only to Masons, but to those who are interested in the charity
phase of our times. Its masonic number, under our classification,
is 366.1-360. According to Dewey, it is merely 366.1.
Where a library possesses a sufficient number of works on
masonic subjects, it is advisable to use the masonic classification:
for it throws the books in convenient and systematic order, while
if the Dewe}^ number only is used it disintegrates subjects which
should be together. For convenience, we write the Dewey number
small and the masonic number the usual size, as illustrated on
pages 25-29.
In addition to what is said of our masonic classes on page 22,
we may add that our grouping under 500 Natural Science is
practicaly, if not wholly, arbitrary.
The "Masonic Membership Record and Library Classification"
and the "Masonic Homes" were printed by the Grand Lodge
A.'.F.'. & A.'.M.'.of North Dakota for distribution among other
masonic bodies. The author was also directed to have bound in
permanent covers 150 copies of each for distribution among the
public libraries. They are not sold nor copyrighted, but given to
the world in the hope that some one may obtain the light he seeks.
With compliments,
FRANK J. THOMPSON,
Librarian.
A SYSTEM OF CARD MEMBERSHIP RECORD
FOR
MASONIC BODIES
AND
A SCHEME OF CLASSIFICATION FOR
MASONIC BOOKS.
Being an extension of the Dewey Decimal System.
By
FRANK J. THOMPSON 33
Past Grand Master and Grand Secretary and Grand Librarian
of the Grand Lodge A.'. F/. & A/. M/. North Dakota.
Also Grand Secretary of the Grand Chapter R.% A/. M.%
and Grand Recorder of the Grand Commandery K.*. TV.
North Dakota, and Librarian of the Public Library, Fargo,
North Dakota* President, North Dakota Library Associa-
ERRATA
On Page 9, second line, opposite marginal note "In re rejections," the
"and" should be "are."
On Pages 25 and 26, the figures 336.1 should be 366.1.
o 1 1
A SYSTEM OF CARD MEMBERSHIP RECORD
FOR
MASONIC BODIES
AND
A SCHEME OF CLASSIFICATION FOR
MASONIC BOOKS.
Being: an extension of the Dewey Decimal System*
By
FRANK J. THOMPSON 33
j^
Past Grand Master and Grand Secretary and Grand Librarian
of the Grand Lodge A/. F/. & A/. M.% North Dakota.
Also Grand Secretary of the Grand Chapter RA A.% M/.
and Grand Recorder of the Grand Commandery K% TV*
North Dakota, and Librarian of the Public Library, Fargo,
North Dakota* President, North Dakota Library Associa-
tion* President, State Library Commission*
Published by sanction of the
GRAND LODGE A.% FA & A/. M/.
DEDICATION.
SHOULD we dedicate this pamphlet, or should it go into
the world without godfather. These were the thoughts
which catne upon us as we stood upon the brink of publica-
tion. However, when we look back upon the years in which
we have served the Grand Masonic and Templar bodies of
North Dakota, we cannot conceal the fact of the generous and
progressive spirit which has actuated and tempered the mem-
bers who compose the various grand bodies, and through
whose kindness and liberality it has been made possible to
place Masonry, in relation to its grand organizations, among
the best and most progressive of the world; that in patience
they have awaited the years for our membership records to be
completed, and our library to assume proportions of which
we have no reason to be ashamed. Therefore, to these broth-
ers, this little work is fraternally dedicated.
THE AUTHOR.
PART L
CARD SYSTEM OF MEMBERSHIP
RECORDS.
IT is doubtless true that one's acts, especially-
when they become public, quasi or otherwise,
should have some reason behind them. The writ-
ing of the following brochure has as much been in-
stigated, if we may use that word, by requests to
explain our card system of keeping membership
records, adopted by the Grand Masonic and Tem-
plar Bodies of North Dakota, as any other one fac-
tor. While not officially authorized to have the
method printed, a sanction has been given in ways
which those familiar with the workings of grand
annual meetings well know. It may not be amiss
-to state concisely of what our card system consists
before going into a detailed explanation.
The record of each grand body is entirely distinct
and separate from the others, and while we now
speak of the Grand Lodge it applies equally as well
to the Grand Chapter and to the Grand Command-
ery.
Each brother who is or ever has been a member
of a lodge in North Dakota has a separate card
upon which certain personal history is given, the
date of his petition, election, and, if he became a
member by degrees, the date of the several degrees,
with other information which may be seen by refer-
ence to the appendices as indicated. Each brother
also has an index card which refers one to his mem-
bership card. He is given a local lodge number
which indicates the order in which he became a
member of the lodge, and is also given a grand
lodge number by which he may be identified.
The cards for the grand lodge records are kept in
a large cherry case with ample room for increase.
The local lodges are furnished an exact duplicate
of the grand lodge cards. Their cards are kept in
4 CARD SYSTEM.
numerical order in small mahogany trays. An in-
dex book, by which each brother's name can be
found, is also furnished. The cost of the outfit,
with cards, is paid in the first instance by the local
lodges, but when the outfit has once been furnished
each annual increase of membership is furnished
the local lodge by the grand lodge without cost.
This is what we have, and those who desire to
study the matter in detail can do so from the fol-
lowing explanation, which we have endeavored to
give in full.
A number of years' experience as Grand Secre-
tary of the Grand Lodge, A. F. and A. M., and
Grand Chapter, R. A. M., and Grand Recorder of
the Grand Commandery, K. T., of North Dakota,
demonstrated the need of keeping a record of the
membership of these grand bodies. We investi-
gated the systems in vogue, and became con-
vinced that a membership record kept in books
was unwieldy, transient, and in time became un-
tidy. We, therefore, turned to what is known
as the card system of keeping names, and worked
out an adaptation for masonic records of mem-
bership.
Returns. Anticipating the work, we recommended a new
system of returns of particular lodges (1894, G.
L. Pro., p. 17), and were authorized to prepare
new forms (G. L. Pro., 1894, p. 35). Thereto-
fore lodges were compelled to return annually
the names of their full membership. The new
system called for more personal history, and for
only change in membership during the year,
either by increase or decrease, with a marginal
line for grand lodge, chapter or commandery
number, as the case may be. Similar recom-
mendations regarding returns were made to the
Grand Chapter and Grand Commandery, and we
were authorized by each grand body to prepare
new return blanks.
To meet the demand for data, the grand bodies
authorized that the information called for by the
CARD SYSTEM. 5
cards should be given upon the back of each peti-
tion.
The first step taken in the matter was to send Manner of
to each of the local secretaries a number of an- Sata'S" 8
nual return banks, explaining the object of the cards -
sending, and requesting them to fill out the vari-
ous blanks thereof for every brother who was or
ever had been a member of the lodge, and after
so doing return the blanks, completed so far as
possible, to the Grand Secretary's office.
This called for a great amount of extra work on
the part of the local secretaries, and, for some un-
known reason, the next year saw more changes in
the offices of secretaries than ever before in the
history of the state. After we had exhausted the
resources of the secretaries, thousands of letters
were written to various Masons asking for infor-
mation which the records of the lodges did not
show. The information received was then tran-
scribed to cards.
33V cards for the membership record, and 33? Kind of
for the index cards, were procured from the Li- printed
brary Bureau. We subdivided the membership same, and
cards so as to admit of all information called for by
the returns. The cards were lightly ruled when
purchased. An electrotyped form was obtained for
each grand body, one of the lines, and one of the
printed matter. In the latter a piece was sawed out
in order to permit the name of the lodge, chapter
or commandery to be printed in at the top. The
appendices do not, of course, show the small blue
lines where the red ones do not appear, and the
name of the local body at the top is given simply
for illustration.
The system calls for two numbers, one applying Numbers^
to local bodies ; the other, to grand bodies. The
local number indicates the numerical order in
which the brother became a member of the body.
The number for the grand body is for the purpose
of identification, and is given in all changes of
CARD SYSTEM.
Local
numbers.
Grand
numbers.
Manner of
keeping
records for
grand body.
Order of
index and
membership
cards.
membership by exit. Thus, when there are two
persons by the same name belonging to the same
lodge, as John Smith or Ole Olson, the grand body
number would identify the exiting brother.
The manner of beginning the local numbers is to
give the master of the lodge, while under dispensa-
tion, number one, then numerically in the order of
the officers : Master, No. I ; Senior Warden, No.
2, and so on. The rest of the membership would
be by alphabetical order of surname. This would
comprise the list of those who signed the petition.
From thence on the number is given in the order
of becoming members of the local body, either by
raising or date of affiliation. If more than one was
raised or elected by affiliation at one meeting, the
number is given according to the first letter of the
brother's surname.
The number for the grand body is given by tak-
ing the oldest local body first. In this case the
local and grand numbers run alike. Then the
numbers are continued to local body No. 2, then to
No. 3, and so on, so that the youngest local body
has the highest- grand body number.
In the grand secretary's office, the membership
records of the grand bodies are kept (say for Grand
Lodge) by lodges in order of their number, and
each of which is subdivided into surnames of mem-
bers by A-Z cards.
The index cards are divided alphabetically, first,
by first letter of surname, and then this surname is
divided alphabetically into the first letter of the first
given name. Then, for illustration, Frank Jared
Titmouse would come before Frank John Titmouse
on account of the vowel in the second given name,
and a Farrar Titmouse would come before Frank
Titmouse, because of the consonant intervening
between the initial "F" in Frank and the following
vowel.
The index, as well as membership cards, are not
only arranged under the respective initial letters of
the surnames, but in the order of the first vowel
CARD SYSTEM. 7
following such initial letter. Then in the order of
the consonants preceding the first vowel after the
initial letter, and then in the order of the conso-
nants following the first vowel. The vowel system
should not be carried beyond the first vowel after
the initial letter. This may be illustrated by taking a
number of cards at random, and giving the names in
the order found, as Palfrey, Palmer, Parker, Parks,
Parr, Parson, Pattison, Paulson, Pratten, Pendroy,
Percival, Peterson, Pettit, Phelan, Phelps, Prentice,
Pinkham, etc. It will be seen that the vowel "a"
governs, and the consonant following modifies.
Where a consonant comes between the initial letter
and the vowel, that card is placed after all the cards
where the vowel follows the initial letter. Thus,
Pratten comes after Paulson, and Phelan after Pet-
tit. Phelps comes after Phelan because the "p"
after the "P is higher alphabetically than the "a"
after "1" in Phelan. This order is given to facili-
tate the finding of the name sought, and is a
desideratum in saving time.*
The index card gives the brother's name, the Data on
local body to which he belongs and its location, and
the grand body number. This card has five hori-
zontal lines, and does not have to be changed when
the brother dimits and joins another lodge in the
same grand jurisdiction. The name of the new
lodge membership is merely written underneath,
and the last on the card indicates the last lodge of
which the brother is or was a member.
The local membership cards are a duplicate of ^^.^ord
the grand body cards, but instead of being kept al- e ra t nd - How
phabetically are kept in order of local lodge num-
ber. The names are written in an index book with
the local number opposite the name.
The keeping of names numerically by local bod- Reasons for
ies, perhaps, could be changed to the alphabetical order for
, , i i j local bodies.
system, and tnus do away with the index book ; but
*Unless the number of names is very great, it may be
simpler to arrange the names in the order of the letters
which compose them irrespective of vowels. But for Grand
Lodges, say like New York, we believe the vowel method
better.
CARD SYSTEM.
Membership
cards sup-
^plied local
bodies by
grand sec-
retary.
'Method of
keeping
current work.
experience has shown that if the index book be
kept up, which at most is a very slight matter,
names can be found with more facility than with
the alphabetical system. Another, and perhaps a
sentimental, reason for keeping the cards numeric-
ally in local bodies is that one in looking them over
can take in the order in which the brothers became
members of the lodge.
After the close of each grand annual session,
each local body is supplied with the new completed
membership cards from the grand secretary's office,
and all the local secretary has to do is to enter the
names, with numbers, in the index book, and place
the cards sent in their local numerical order. Cards
for rejected candidates and work transferred to
other grand jurisdictions are also sent to the local
secretary.
The cards are furnished the local bodies so there
will always be a duplicate record, and experience
teaches that local secretaries, in many instances,
cannot be relied upon to keep up records, even to
entering names in the index book.
The current work of the local body, lodge for ex-
ample, such as petitions received, elections, rejec-
tions, initiations, etc., are kept on temporary cards
and divided by guide cards. The first guide card is
marked "Petitions." When a petition is received,
the applicant's name is written on a membership
card, giving date when petition was received, and
placed behind the guide "Petitions.'' If the peti-
tion be for degrees and he be elected, after noting
date of election, his card is transferred behind a
guide card marked "Unfinished Current Work."
As he is given a degree, the date thereof is noted
on his card, and when he is raised the card is placed
behind a guide card marked "Finished Current
Work.'' If the petition be for affiliation, and if
elected, the card would also be transferred to "Fin-
ished Current Work." If rejected, whether for de-
grees or affiliation, it is placed behind a guide card
marked "Current Rejections." If a brother dies,
his name is placed on a new temporary card, noting
CARD SYSTEM. 9
date of demise, cause and place, and put behind a
guide card marked "Current Deaths." If he be
suspended, his name is written on a new temporary
card and goes behind a guide card marked "Cur-
rent Suspensions." These changes are also noted
by the local secretary on the member's permanent
card, and when the annual returns are received in
the grand secretary's office, the data is noted on
the member's card in the grand record.
At the end of the Masonic year, the temporary Temporary
cards contain all the data called for by the annual 3f d^ior
returns, except dimissions, which will be taken up f"rns? lr<
later, and the simple transcription of these cards
furnishes the information for the annual returns.
The temporary cards under "Finished Current Disposal of
Work," "Deaths," "Suspensions," are now useless 3i? rary
and can be destroyed. Those under "Unfinished
Current Work" must be kept, as the work after the
close of the fiscal year will be matter for the next
annual report.
It may be well to state that the work once Records not
reported to the grand body does not have to be re- t5ice. ted
ported again. Thus, if John Smith had received
the E. A. degree before the close of the Masonic
year, and the other degrees afterwards, the follow-
ing year's report would begin John Smith's record
with the F. C. degree.
Current rejections after the annual reports are in re
made up sad, placed behind a guide card marked rejec
"Rejections."
We may add, parenthetically, that while the an-
nual returns have no place for current rejections,
they are now reported by the local bodies and re-
corded on separate cards by a red ink entry in the
election column, with the word "rejected," the date
of petitioning and personal history being given.
If a candidate be transferred by waiver to another in re
lodge, his card is put behind the guide card marked
"Work transferred to other lodges.' 7
In this grand jurisdiction, a failure to receive tb* Lapse of
degrees within one year from election, or letting a afflctfng
year elapse before applying for advancement, a new advancement.
ballot is required. Such a person's card would, card!" 8
CARD SYSTEM.
Dimissions.
Rejoining
same body.
Dimit book.
naturally, be behind guide "Unfinished Current
Work/' If the year elapses, his card goes behind
"Old Unfinished Work." If the person be re-
elected, it is replaced behind "Unfinished Current
Work/'
It may be well to state that where a member
dimits and subsequently rejoins the same body, his
membership is treated as though he had never be-
longed to that local body before. A new index
card, however, in the grand body is not given, the
name of the local body being merely written under-
neath the last local body although it be the same,
with the grand body number following. Naturally,
it is unnecessary to rewrite his name in the local in-
dex book, simply add his new number after the old
one.
In connection with the system is a dimit book for
local lodges, prepared by the grand secretary. It
contains a series of index leaves on which are en-
tered, in the grand secretary's office, the name of
all who dimitted up to the time the book is sent out,
giving the date of dimission. These names are
counted, and the first dimit issued thereafter will be
in numerical order. That is if there were 100
dimits granted before the use of the book, the first
dimit taken from the book would be numbered 101.
The dimit is attached to a blank stub which bears
the number of the dimit, the name of the brother to
whom it was issued, date of granting dimit, name
of secretary (could also give name of worshipful
master), and place for remarks.
The dimits are not numbered in advance because
it may become necessary to issue duplicate dimits
now and then, and, unless a separate supply was
kept, the numerical order would be destroyed. It
will be observed that the number of the last dimit
is the total number of dimissions from the lodge.
The name of the brother dimitting is also en-
tered on the index sheet of the dimit book, his di-
mission number following the name instead of the
date, the latter being found on the stub. These
stubs are easily accessible, and the dimissions can
CARD SYSTEM. n
be readily obtained when the annual returns are
made up, and mistakes are not so liable to occur as
when it is necessary to look through the minutes of
the year.
Each local body is furnished a mahogany tray Card trays
like the 22C7 outfit, catalogue 1897, Library Bureau, bodies? 1
with the addition of a lock and duplicate keys, a lug
at the back end to hold the cover on, a handle on
the cover, and two small strips of wood, 3^ inches
long, on each side of the inside of the cover, and far
enough from the top to slide the index book under.
The latter just fits the inside of the cover, and is
furnished with an ear or strip of tape at one end so
that it may be lifted out. The index book is bound
in Russia, and the name of the local body is printed
on the outside. The tape ear is fastened to the in-
side of the back cover.
The larger local bodies are furnished a tray 13
inches long, 6 inches wide and 4% inches high,
outside measurements. The smaller bodies receive
a tray of similar dimensions, but only 10 inches
long. When the total membership of a body runs
up to three or four hundred, a case with two trays
is furnished, with a small shelf directly over the
trays to hold index book, and a cover hinged to
the top, and is made to lock.
Mahogany cases, or even bass wood stained, are,
in our opinion, better than oak ; for the latter is so
liable to check, especially in the uneven tempera-
ture of lodge rooms.
Each Masonic body pays for the actual cost of Cost of
trays and
trays, index book and guide cards, and five cents cards,
apiece for lodge, six cents for chapter, and seven
cents for commandery membership cards when the
tray is furnished, making a small cost to them indi-
vidually, but which would be considerable of a sum
did the grand body pay the expense. After the
tray, with contents, is once furnished, our grand
bodies thereafter annually furnish, through the
grand secretary's office, without cost to the local
body, the membership cards of those who have be-
12
CARD SYSTEM.
Keys for
trays.
Difference
in cost of
cards for
different
bodies.
Outfit for
grand body
records.
come members during the year, the grand body
making a small annual appropriation to cover the
expense. No cards, however, are sent to local
bodies of those who have not fully completed mem-
bership, that being considered "Unfinished Work."
As explanation, we may say that one key is fur-
nished with each tray, and a duplicate key kept in
the grand secretary's office, and marked with the
name of the local body. In this way, a duplicate
key can be furnished the local body when its key
is lost, and which frequently has happened.
The difference in the original cost of the cards
to the local lodge, chapter and commandery is be-
cause of the increased amount of matter on the
membership cards, as will be seen from the appen-
dices.
The membership records of the grand bodies are
kept in a case large enough to hold the index and
membership cards, allowing, of course, space for
future growth.
CARD SYSTEM. 13
Method of Distributing Cards.
ONE of the mcst important details of the card
system is the distribution of the cards that
they may be numbered according to date of mem-
bership, and then rearranging them in alphabetical
order for grand body records. Where hundreds,
and even thousands, of cards are at hand, it be-
comes necessary to adopt some method, expedi-
tious and accurate. The method adopted by us is
as follows :
Take one or two plain one-half inch boards, say
five or six feet long and a foot wide. Draw two
parallel lines, lengthwise ; one, two inches from the
top side ; the other, seven inches from the top.
Then draw vertical lines across the board, or at
right angles w r ith the long ones, six inches apart.
Then on the horizontal lines, one and three-quar-
ters inches inside of each vertical line, make small
holes for a No. 12 wire, which is bent as shown in
appendix No. 3. Then have the bookbinders cut
pieces of press-board four and one-half inches wide
and five and three-eighths inches long. Have these
scored so that one end can be turned at right an-
gles, three and one-quarter inches of it serving as
a bottom and two and one-eighth inches serving as
a front side. Place one in two of the wire brackets,
thus serving as a receptacle for the cards. The
board is then placed on an easel made of ix3-inch
strips, hinged at the top. See appendix 4.
After the desired data is transcribed to the cards,
the next thing is to number them according to the
manner indicated, the lodge number being given
first. It, therefore, becomes necessary to arrange
the cards so they can be numbered consecutively as
they come from the pile.
The first throw is by years. Prepare small in-
dicator cards, on which write the various years. At
the top, and in the center, punch small holes and
hang on small brads or tacks in the distributing
board. The first cards to be thrown are those for
the year when the dispensation was issued, and
then the next earliest year, and so on until all the
14 CARD SYSTEM.
cards have been thrown, but keeping each year in
separate piles.
Then replace the year indicators by indicator
cards on which are written the several months.
Then throw the cards of the earliest year by
months, removing after thrown and keeping each
month of that year in separate piles, or placing
them so that January, or the earliest month, will
be on top of the year's pile, and the rest of the
months following in consecutive order.
After all the years have been thrown by months,
replace the month indicators by indicator cards of
the days of the month from i to 31. Then throw
the, for instance, January cards of the earliest year
by days. Remove these cards after being thrown,
keeping them in proper order. The same handling
is continued until all the cards are distributed. The
cards are now all in proper order for numbering,
except to place the card of the Master of the lodge
U. D. first, the Senior Warden, second ; the Junior
Warden, third, and so on down the list of officers ;
then those who signed the petition for the forma-
tion of the lodge, not officers, in alphabetical order
of surname. This is a but a few minutes' work.
Our own experience has shown that a thousand or
more cards can readily be thrown and numbered
during the working hours of an office day.
Distribution To distribute by names, which will now become
bynames. .
necessary, the day indicators are replaced by indi-
cators upon which are written the several letters of
the alphabet. The cards are then thrown by first
letter of surname. If the cards are so numerous
under any one surname that they cannot be easily
handled, they can be redistributed into the initial
letter of the given name, following the foregoing
method.
When all distributions are completed, the cards
are ready for the grand body case. Then divide
membership cards : First, with guide card for lodge ;
second, A-Z cards for surnames of members.
Then divide index cards : First, by guides for "Sur-
name A" ; second, A-Z cards for given names of
this surname.
CARD SYSTEM. 15
Transcribing Data to Cards.
A WORD as to the manner of transcribing infor-
mation to the cards. To do it by hand is a
slow, tedious process, and should be done rather in
the style of printing. The best plan is to do the
work with a typewriter adapted for that purpose,
using record ribbon. The Hammond typewriter is
much used, and the Remington has an appliance
which may be fastened to the platen, thereby secur-
ing the cards for writing. For our record, we use
an appliance to fit the Barlock machine, and, al-
though crude in make, it has served to print a great
many thousand cards, and we prefer it to anything
we have thus far seen for the reason that the card
and printing are always in sight. There may -be
other typewriters that may be used. We would
say that our own appliance is not on the market,,
and therefore, we have no interest in what machine
is used, simply giving our experience for the bene-
fit of those who want to use the system. Where
the card is fitted around the platen, there is always
a little roll left in the card, but we have found that
to be no objection whatever, as the card can be
straightened by a simple movement, and the curl
does not stay although the card may be printed
upon at various times.
It is quite necessary in order to get all data upon
the cards to use small type. We have found a great
saving in space with the elite type, more than any
one would imagine unless one has counted the
difference in the number of letters in a line of elite
type and a line of the ordinary type used in type-
writers. We may add that before using the
typewriter for transcribing to cards, we put the rec-
ord ribbon of tht Barlock typewriter (and we pre-
sume it is the same as the record ribbons of all
other machines so far as the composition of the ink
is concerned) to a severe test. We let one card re-
main in the sun for nearly a year, another we placed
i6 CARD SYSTEM.
in cold water for several months, and one we put in
water and boiled the water gently at intervals, and
in the meantime left it on a hot steam radiator dur-
ing the greater part of one winter, and found that
the ink stood the test. We still have the samples,
and, although they were left in the sun for a couple
of years longer, they are still fresh and bright.
CLASSIFICATION. 17
PART IL
SCHEMES FOR CLASSIFICATION OF MASONIC
LIBRARIES.
IT may not be known generally that many of the masonic
grand lodges of this country possess fine libraries, con-
taining not only the printed transactions of the different ma-
sonic grand bodies, but many and valuable works which treat
of Masonry directly and indirectly, as well as works on mis-
cellaneous subjects. While some of these are shelved and ac-
cessible, yet it is true, nevertheless, that, from lack of appre-
ciation (or something) by the grand bodies, or lack of enthus-
iasm on the part of the librarians, many libraries lie in confu-
sion, or are hidden away in obscure rooms and dusty niches.
Of late, the mantle of indifference is lifting, and the time
seems not far distant when all .grand lodges will see the neces-
sity of having, in some permanent and accessible location,
the means by which those in search of light shall have the op-
portunity "to polish and adorn the mind," upon which so
much has been said but with so little effort to accomplish.
So far as we have been able to learn, no masonic library
has yet been classified according to the decimal or Dewey
system, except now the library of the Grand Lodge A. F. &
A. M. of North Dakota. This is neither the time nor the
place to enter into a discussion of the merits or demerits of the
various systems of classification in use. Our experience leads
its to believe that the decimal system is the best adapted of
any for a rational classification of books, and that it is grad-
ually replacing all others for general libraries.
Why no masonic library has been classified under the deci-
mal system may be for the reason that the latter has never
been extended, or adapted in detail, for works which may be
called masonic. Presuming that no one will attempt to
classify a masonic library according to the Dewey or decimal
system without an intelligent understanding of the same, we
shall not try to explain it, taking it for granted that the
reader knows the principle of that scheme of classification.
i8 CLASSIFICATION,
Our adaption of the decimal classification grew out of a
necessity, and it is satisfactory so far as our work is con-
cerned, although, without doubt, it will be improved. The
reason for giving it to confreres is that they may have the
advantage of our experience, and we, in turn, the benefit of
theirs.
Dewey, in his decimal classification, has given to Masonry
generally the number 366.1.
3 sociology,
6 associations and institutions,
6 secret societies,
.1 to Masonry as one of the secret socie-
ties, thus, 366.1. Reading the numbers from right to left, we
have, in paraphrase: Masonry, a secret society among the
associations of the sociological relations of men with men.
Naturally, this application to Masonry generally is not suffi-
cient for a library especially devoted to works upon Masonry,
directly and collaterally, and, hence, our additions to the num-
ber given by Dewey.
It may be well at this time to state that only one of two
methods is open to the classifier, and one or the other must
be chosen for they will not combine.
One method is to have the books pertaining to any one
body of Masons together, i. e., those pertaining to the blue
lodge by themselves, those pertaining to the chapter by
themselves, and so on through the masonic system. In
other words to classify by MASONIC BODY.
The other method is to classify by subjects irrespective of
the particular masonic body to which they pertain so long as
they come within the purview of Masonry.
The two classifications are : to classify by MASONIC
BODY, or to classify by MASONIC SUBJECT. By the
latter, for illustration, all books upon ceremonies, whether
those of the lodge, chapter, council, commandery, etc., would
be together. By the former, these books would be found
among the books of the masonic body whose ceremonies they
describe.
The choice must lie with the librarian. Our opinion is
worth no more than the opinions of those who may read this
brochure ; but we may suggest that where the library is ex-
tensive it may, possibly, be desirable to create sections of the
various masonic bodies, such as blue lodge section (symbolic
CLASSIFICATION. 19
Masonry), chapter and council section (capitular and cryptic
Masonry), or by any name applicable to those and the other
masonic bodies. In smaller libraries it may be better to ar-
range the books by subjects irrespective of the masonic body
to which they pertain. This latter method grows in favor
with us the more we work with it in the library of our grand
lodge, and would recommend it whether the library be great
or small. It is the method we shall try to explain unless
otherwise stated.
Before entering into the details of our adaptation of
Dewey's system to masonic works, it may be well to explain
the method by which his scheme of classification was adapted
to the work at hand. To do this, let us recall that he divides
the field of knowledge into nine parts, which he calls classes,
as follows :
General Works,
1 Philosophy,
2 Religion,
3 Sociology,
4 Philology,
5 Natural Science,
6 Useful Arts,
7 Fine Arts,
8 Literature,
9 History.
assigning the o to general works which embrace generally
all classes, such as dictionaries, encyclopedias, etc. This
class figure always comes first. Then each of the classes is
divided into nine parts, which are called divisions, and each
of the divisions is again divided into nine parts, which are
called sections, and these sections may be divided, and are
divided, into sub-sections.
In Dewey's classification, Masonry is given the number
366.1. In working out the masonic classification, we, theo-
retically, ignored this number, and imagined that Masonry
was the sum total of human knowledge, and that his classes,
divisions and sections applied to masonic subjects only; and
thus o stands for general masonic works, I for masonic phil-
osophy, and so on down the list.
It will be seen from our masonic classification that we
have followed the principle of the Dewey system. We have
20 CLASSIFICATION.
retained the Dewey numbers and names for masonic
classes, but have applied our own names of subjects to the
divisions, sections and sub-sections. We have not used all
of the divisions or sections under the different classes. If it
be found desirable, however, to add new subjects or extend
the subjects given, it can easily be done by the cataloguer.
Our numbers, subject classification (excluding Dewey's
366.1), consist of three and sometimes four figures. When
the work pertains to some particular masonic body, our
number contains four figures. When it applies to no par-
ticular masonic body, our number contains but three figures.
Masonic Body Classification:
Should it be desired to classify by Masonic Body, it be-
comes necessary to call a particular masonic body the
class, or give it the class place, then follow with Dewey's
class number, which will now be in the division place, and
then place Dewey's division number in the section column.
If the division be divided into sections, the section number
will fill the sub-section place.
An example in Blue Lodge Literature will illustrate this
scheme. I stands for Blue Lodge, and 8 for Literature.
Thus 18 means Blue Lodge Literature. One of our divi-
sions of Literature is Lectures, which is given the figure 4.
Adding this division to 18, we have 184. The division of
Lectures is sectioned into ''Defenses of Masonry," which is
I. Adding this to the number already given, we have 1841.
The figure I, meaning Blue Lodge, is carried through all
the nine classes. When the Chapter and Council are
reached, the figure I is replaced by the figure 2, and, there-
fore, Lectures of the Chapter or Council would be 284. The
detailed classification given can be adapted to all masonic
bodies by using the masonic body number in the class place.
Where the division is not sectioned, the nought can be
dropped if desired. Thus Blue Lodge Lectures may be
written 184 or 1840. The system being decimal, the nought
adds nothing to the value of the number.
It will be observed in the Body Classification that when
four figures are used, exclusive of Dewey's 366.1, it indi-
cates that the division has been divided into sections.
In classifying by the Masonic Body scheme, one could not
include in any one masonic body works on Masonry gener-
CLASSIFICATION. 21
ally, and, therefore, a section of general masonic works
must be formed, and which can be done by placing the
nought in the class place to indicate the general character of
the works.
After a book is classified masonically, place Dewey's ma-
sonic number before it. Thus, for general masonic moni-
tors (subject classification), we have 366.1-210, and 366.1-021
by the masonic body classification.
From the foregoing, we have the following rules :
The placing of the class number first makes a Classification by
Masonic Subject.
The placing of the masonic body number first makes a Class-
ification by Masonic Body.
Monitors, Codes, Magazines, Proceedings :
We believe it will be found more satisfactory to keep
magazines, codes and statutes of the grand or general grand
masonic bodies, and the printed proceedings of grand bodies
in sections by themselves. These books, excluding codes,
accumulate so rapidly that if placed among the miscellane-
ous books a constant rearranging of the volumes is required.
We believe it unnecessary to classify any of the foregoing
because we think they should be kept by themselves and in
alphabetical order, athough an exception may be made to
codes, they being not so numerous. If desired to classify
any of the foregoing works, yet have them by themselves,
the proper number can be given, and dummies inserted indi-
cating their location. That these works may come at the
end of the classes, we have given codes the number 599 and
magazines and transactions 898 and 899, respectively.
Under the Masonic Body Classification, if it be desired to
keep all monitors and codes together, the subject classifica-
tion must be used, otherwise they will come among the
works of the body to which they belong.
Whether our groupings of additional subjects under the
Dewey classes be changed, modified or rearranged, it will
not destroy the principle of the classification. We have
added these additional subjects because the necessity of the
occasion made them seem expedient. In some instances
they may appear arbitrary, but in most instances we
thought we saw an application of, or an analogy to, the
classes which Dewey has given. We retained the Dewey
22 CLASSIFICATION.
classes because they are familiar, and because they served
the purpose as well as any we could name.
Under the head of Religion, we could not, in our special-
ized library, place any of the sacred books of the world ; but
placed those which serve Masons as guides of conduct, such
as "Ancient Charges and Regulations." Services of any
kind, directed or conducted by a body of Masons, are at
least, ethical, if not religious in their import. "Tactics" are r
doubtless, the most far fetched, yet a Knight Templar
knows how intimately connected the templar tactics are to
some of his ceremonies of initiation.
Under Philology, we have grouped symbolism. We have
no masonic works which come within the purview of Phi-
lology as generally accepted ; but the Mason has signs and
symbols which to him are a speech, a language, and by
which the Blue Lodge degrees are termed the symbolic de-
grees. This applies also to other bodies of Masonry. As
Albert Pike says in his Legenda XXXII: "Symbols are the
language of Masonry, as they are the language of God and
nature." And thus by symboism a knowledge of Masonry,
its ethics and rules of conduct, are taught, and whereby one
Mason may know another in the dark as well as in the light.
CLASSIFICATION. 23
MASONIC CLASSIFICATION.
In classifying masonic books, exclude from the mind the
Dewey numbers, 366.1, and assume that masonic books are
the only ones existing.
A CLASS is one of the nine parts into which the whole
field of knowledge is divided. Books so general in charac-
ter that they cannot be assigned to any one class, are
marked nought, and form a tenth class.
A DIVISION is one of the nine parts into which a class
is divided.
A SECTION is one of the nine parts into which a division
is divided.
A SUB-SECTION is one of the parts into which a section
is divided.
Masonic Subject Classification:
In the classification by Masonic Subject, the Masonic
Sub-section, or our fourth number (excluding Dewey's
366.1), always indicates the particular masonic body, legiti-
mate or otherwise, to which the book refers.
The numbers representing the class, division, section and
sub-section are always written in the order of their import-
ance ; i. e., the greatest, first ; and the least, last. Illustra-
tion:
200 is the Masonic CLASS of Masonic Religion,
210 is the Masonic CLASS and DIVISION of Masonic
Religion,
211 is the Masonic CLASS, DIVISION and SECTION
of Masonic Religion,
21 1 1 is the Masonic CLASS, DIVISION, SECTION and
SUB-SECTION of Masonic Religion.
Masonic Body Classification :
In classifying by Masonic Body, the masonic body to
which the book pertains is called the Class ; hence, the first
figure after 366.1 should be one of the nine figures into
which the several masonic bodies are divided under "Divi-
sion of Masonic Bodies." If the book contains general ma-
sonic information, the nought follows 366.1. Then follow
24 CLASSIFICATION.
with the masonic class and division numbers, and the sec-
tion number, if the division be divided into sections.
Example showing division not divided into sections :
366.1-041, meaning general masonic symbolisms, or sym-
bolisms pertaining to no one particular masonic body.
Example showing division divided into sub-sections :
366.1-0392 being entertainments of combined or general
masonic bodies. If it be entertainment of Blue Lodge, the
number would be 366.1-1392.
Division of Masonic Bodies :
General, no particular masonic body.
1 Master Mason Lodge (blue or symbolic Masonry),
particular or grand.
2 Royal Arch Chapter (capitular Masonry), subordi-
nate, grand or general grand.
Council of Royal and Select Masters (cryptic Ma-
sonry), subordinate, grand or general grand.
Order of High Priesthood.
3 Knights Templar (commandery), subordinate,
grand or grand encampment.
Knights Malta. ^ . .
Knights Hospitallers. \VjvvA^^^
4 Scottish Rite of the Northern or Southern Jurisdic-
tion, subordinate or supreme.
5 Mystic Shrine (A. A. O. N. M. S.), subordinate or
imperial.
Eastern Star, subordinate, grand or general grand.
Dependent Masonic Societies, subordinate or grand.
TABLES, MASONIC SUBJECT.
Including
Classes, Divisions, Sections, Sub-sections.
366 SECRET SOCIETIES.
.1 Masons.
*w_ooo GENERAL WORKS.
oio Bibliography. Lists of Secret Societies. $
020
030 Cyclopedias. Lexicons.
366.i__ IOO PHILOSOPHY.
Legenda. Morals and Dogmas.
366.1^200 RELIGION.
210 Monitors, general, no particular masonic body.
1 Monitors, Blue Lodge.
2 Monitors, Chapter, Council, Order High
Priesthood.
3 Monitors, Commandery, Knights Malta,
Knights Hospitallers.
4 Monitors, Scottish Rite.
5 Monitors, Mystic Shrine, Eastern Star, De-
pendent Masonic Societies.
220 Ancient Charges and Regulations.
230
240
250
NOTE. For Rituals, Secret Works, or Keys, double the last figure.
26
260 Tactics.
261 Services.
262 Forms of Ceremonies.
270
271
272 Persecutions.
SOCIOLOGY.
310 Negro Masonry.
320 Spurious or Clandestine Masonry.
330 Anti-Masonic.
340 Scottish Rite Bodies Not Recognized by N. or
S. J., Works for.*
341 Works against the foregoing.*
35 o * -* vs, ^x \ l( : v. x ^ v
360 Institutions. Homes.
370 Ceremonies of Initiation, Ancient or Modern.
380
390 Anniversary Celebrations.
391 Dedications.
392 Entertainments.
393 Laying of Corner Stones.
394 Receptions.
**n-- 4 oo PHILOLOGY.
410 Symbolism, direct or collateral.
420
421
422
423 Dictionaries.
*Under 340 and 341 should be classed the numerous pamphlets issued for and
against the legitimacy of the various Scottish Rite organizations, and which may
be known as the Cerneau controversy.
27
366.i_ 500 NATURAL SCIENCE.
5 10
520 Calendars. Almanacs.
530
540 Jurisprudence.
541 Parliamentary Law.
550
56o
570
590
591
592
593
594
595
596
597
598 By-Laws, Codes, or Statutes of Subordinate
Bodies.
599 Codes or Statutes, general, no particular ma-
sonic grand body.
1 Codes or Statutes Grand Lodge.
2 Codes or Statutes Grand Chapter, Grand
Council, etc.
3 Codes or Statutes Grand Commandery, etc.
4 Codes or Statutes Supreme Council Scottish
Rite.
5 Codes or Statutes Imperial Council A. A. O.
N. M. S., etc.
366.i_ 6oo USEFUL ARTS.
Buildings, architectural and constructional.
366.i__ 700 FIN E ARTS.
710 Descriptions.
720
730
740
28
740
750
76o
770 Albums. Souvenirs.
NOTE. Under this head place works descriptive or illustrative of such oc-
casions as General Grand Chapter R. A. M. Convocations, Triennial Conclaves
K. T., General Grand Chapter Convocations Q. E. S., Imperial Council A. A.
O. N. M. S. Sessions, adding the number indicative oi the body.
771 Programs. Announcements.
780 Music.
790
800 LITERATURE.
810 Poetry.
820 Drama.
830 Fiction.
831 Adventures.
840 Lectures. Essays. Sermons, not funeral.
841 Defenses of Masonry.
850 Orations.
851 Official Addresses.
860 Reviews.
861 Reports of Committees.
862 Letters.
870
880
890
891
892
893
894
895
896
897 Bulletins.
898 Magazines.
899 Occasional or Special Proceedings. (See
Note.)
1 Proceedings of Grand Lodges, A. F. & A. M.
2 Proceedings of Grand Chapters R. A. M.,
General Grand Chapter R. A. M., Grand
Councils R. S. M., Order High Priesthood.
29
Proceedings of Grand Commanderies K. T.,
Grand Encampment K. T., Knights of
Malta, Knights Hospitallers.
Proceedings of Scottish Rite N. or S. J.
(Supreme Council).
Proceedings of Imperial Council Mystic
Shrine, Grand Chapters O. E. S., General
Grand Chapter O. E. S., Dependent Ma-
sonic Societies.
NOTE FOR 899. This section is added because it often occurs that the pro-
ceedings of some grand body contain a valuable report upon some special sub-
ject, and which, if not segregated, becomes lost in the mass of transactions. By
keeping them together, much valuable data may be kept accessible, especially if
reference be made to the same on the card catalog. Of course, the same pro-
ceedings should be among the other proceedings of the grand body. If, however,
the librarian would prefer to classify any transaction under the numbers indicating
the subject for which the transaction was the most valuable, he may ignore this
section. For illustration: The report of the committee of the Grand Lodge of
Washington on the subject of Negro Masonry, 1899, is especially valuable, and
it is merely a matter of opinion whether that particular transaction should be placed
among the works on Negro Masonry, or among occasional proceedings.
HISTORY.
910 Geography and Travels Observations on
matters masonic. Guides.
920 Biography Eulogies. Funeral Orations or
Sermons. Memorial Notices.
930 Ancient and Modern History.
940 Europe.
950 Asia.
960 Africa.
970 North America.
980 South America.
990 Oceanica. Polar Regions.
NOTE. Should it be desired to extend the divisions under history whereby a
particular division of any of the continents would be indicated, it may be done by
substituting Dewey's number of the greater political division of the .continent for
the zero. If the history applied to Masonry generally, there would be three
figures only. If to some particular division of Masonry, add as the fourth masonic
figure the masonic body figure to which the history referred. Example: A gen-
eral history of Masonry in the United States would be 366.1973. If history of
Blue Lodge Masonry in the United States, the number would be 366.19731. We
do not think it advisable to subdivide beyond this. The works can be shelved
by author numbers, using the state name as the author. For instance: a history of
Masonry in Illinois would be 366.1973, 116. We have given Gould's History of
Free Masonry the number 366.1930 because it is a general history of Free-
masonry, ancient and modern, and confined to no one continent.
SHILCH LODGE NO. 1, A.'. P.'. A A.'. M.'. FARGO, N. D.
DATE OF BIRTH
AGE
PETITION RECEIVED
LODGE REG NO. I G. LODGE NO.
MEMBERSHIP BY DIMIT
ELECTED
NATIVITY, TOWN, STATE
OCCUPATION
ELECTION
INITIATION
LODGE INITIATED IN
LOCATION
RESIDENCE
DEATH, DATE
WHERE DIED, TOWN
STATE
CAUSE OF DEATH
RAISING
DIMITTED
EXPELLED
REMARKS
LODGE LAST MEMBER OF
LOCATION
SUSPENDED U. C.
REINSTATED, 1.
SUSPENDED, N. P. D.
REINSTATED, 2.
Appendix 1.
Appendix 2.
Appendix 4
V o
c-
THIS BOOK IS DUE ON THE LAST DATE
STAMPED BELOW
AN INITIAL FINE OF 25 CENTS
WILL BE ASSESSED FOR FAILURE TO RETURN
THIS BOOK ON THE DATE DUE. THE PENALTY
WILL INCREASE TO SO CENTS ON THE FOURTH
DAY AND TO $1.OO ON THE SEVENTH DAY
OVERDUE.
H 15 ..
n O *
" S
WAR 2 1S3S
LD 21-95Ht-7,'37
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