Battle of the Sublime

Dedicated to Boyce McNeill and Freemasons everywhere.Boyce McNeill lived 1906 - 2001 and was a mason for 73 years.

This is a story about a far off relative and his possible journey with tuberculosis. During his battle he visits the JCRS for almost two years and makes a full recovery. Without the help of the JCRS staff, doctors and some of his brothers Boyce McNeill may have remained in Kentucky and never got the treatment he needed.

The JCRS started as an orphanage in 1855 but when they moved to Denver they transformed into a flourishing medical facility. With the help of Dr. Spivak and his unique outlook on patient care the medical buildings turned into their own city.

The sanatorium offered its services free of charge to patients with any stage of the disease. JCRS remained opened until 1954 when the scope of the society changed to cancer research and partnered with the American Medical Center.

Today the campus is shared with the Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design and the AMC Cancer Research Center.

4

A white and blue blindfold is placed around my eyes and tied from behind.

I’m the third captive in line, hands bound in front of me and surrounded on all sides by guards. “Relax and tell them what they want to hear”, my brothers tell me as we begin to march in the darkness. I hear a door open and we are lead in, the room is very large and I can hear echoes and people shuffling on all sides of me. I can feel my captors leading one of my brothers and me off to the side of the room, but I can’t tell where my third brother is.

We are placed on the floor, even in the warm nights here in Kentucky the floor is cold. My brother and me are sit down back to back, still bound and blindfolded. The guard tells us to be quite and we would have our turn in little while. I can hear ritualistic chanting coming from all around the room, then my brothers voice break through the ambient chorus. Another voice bellows through the darkness and begins its interrogation upon my brother.Suddenly the room goes completely quiet, the only sounds are that of hallowed footsteps coming towards me & my brother. Without warning my brother is pulled from my back, the guard keeps me from falling over and assures me I will get my turn in a moment.

June

19,

192

8

5

Then silence...

I now realize that I am by myself and the footsteps are walking away from me. I can hear my brothers’ feet scraping the floor unsteadily as he is being lead away, and the ritual begins again. The same chanting and interrogating line of questions, my other brother again answers as my first brother did.

6

My heart stops when I hear the footsteps approaching me, I try to keep my composure but I know now there is no turn-ing back. I’m picked up and walked towards the center of the room. The sounds of the others in the room soon turn to ritualistic hymns as I am turned to face the voice that has already interrogated my brothers. My answers are the same as my brothers, am I to meet the same fate as them?

7

Then

Silence...

Overwhelming

8

Two men grab my wrists and pull on my rope bindings, what is this? Did I answer wrong? My mind is filled with questions, but then I realize that the men were not leading me away but rathercutting the bounds off.

Suddenly

my blindfold is removed, I look to see my brothers being freed as well.

9

The master of the lodge looks at us and congratulates us. He is wearing the traditional mason robes, a large crafted necklace with Masonic symbols stretches from shoulder to shoulder and drapes down to the center of his chest.

We look around trying to let our eyes adjust to the light and the grand master continues. “Brothers, welcome to the fraternal order of the freemasons. Those you see before you are your masters, mentors, but most importantly they are now your brothers. As brothers we take care of each other as our own family, across the world. You will each be given a mentor for the next stages of your induction into our family.” I feel a hand on my shoulder from behind, I realized my guard was now my guide. “Take with you the knowledge in this book and heed the wisdom of your mentors, for we will meet again.”

With this we were given a book to study from and our guards turned guides walked beside us instead of leading us. We were seen as equals even though we were only “Entered Apprentices.” My new brothers and me have two more levels to become master masons.

10

I have spent many months studying the ciphered book I was given at my Apprentice ceremony. My mentor has spent many hours with me teaching me what the coded text means and the lessons I should be learning. I stand once again with my two new brothers at the doorway to the lodge waiting to be blindfolded. Our mentors approach us like before but the blindfolds never come. Instead they take their place at our sides and the guards open the door for us.

Sept

18,

192

8

We march two by two into the grand hall past the dark crowds of our fellow brothers that line the sides of the room. We are making our way to an altar in the center of the room, Masonic symbols are illuminated on the walls.

11

More symbols that I am not yet familiar with litter the furnishings. Four large candlesticks placed at the four cardinal directions, light the grand master and altar. On the altar is a stack of books similar to the ones we received during the last ceremony.

12

We march, books in hand and stop at the lit area. Then the Grand Master speaks, “do you come of your own free will to continue your journey through the fraternity of masonry?” “Yes” we reply, and we are motioned forwards to the altar. A positive and accepting hush falls over the audience of brethren that have already been where we are now.

13

The Grand Master raises his hand and begins the ceremony, our brothers begin to chant passages from the book I’ve spent the last month studying so diligently. My heart begins to speed up and I feel myself begin to sweat, “this was easier with the blindfold” I think to myself. Again the interrogation begins but we answer as if we have been masons all our lives. If I answer truthfully and correctly tonight, I can refer to my brothers by name instead of rank and begin a new life long journey in the mason brotherhood.

The ceremony is quick, precise and ritualistic. At the end we are told to take the books in front of us and leave the ones we received as Apprentices. We would no longer need these as they are the tools for an apprentice, we were now Fellow Craft Masons. My brothers and me did as we were told, exchanging the small coded book for a leather bound, gold trimmed Masonic bible. This was not like any other bible, rather excerpts from the Old Testament that cover why we do what we do. One side of the book has the passages and their meanings to the masons, the other side of the page is blank. Later we are told that the pages are blank so we can write in our experiences during the events that pertain to that passage or lesson.

Again, we are lead out of the hall by our guides, our mentors, still at our side we leave the way we were marched in. Once outside the hall my guide, George Yankey, starts to explain what we could expect next. I’m excited and I don’t remember almost anything he tells me other than if I want help to ask him. I go straight home and begin to write down everything so I would not forget it. This is an exciting new time in my life.

14

This is my first meeting in the “Blue Lodge.” As an apprentice I was not allowed into the meetings but now I welcomed into any lodge by masons across the globe. This is an amazing feeling, to know that I am a part of something much larger than myself is truly humbling. I have read the entire bible that was given to me, however I am having trouble understanding some of the concepts. I’m sure George will help me if I ask but I would rather experience them firsthand so the events will be genuine and unabridged.

The room moves through its rotation, old business, new business then something a little more familiar. The lights are lowered and my brothers begin the ritualistic chanting begins. I have just enough time to realize what is about to happen when the doors open and two blindfolded men are marched in by the “Tyler” or outer guard. Having already lived their experience, I was anxious to SEE this side of the event.The Grand Master, Senior Warden and Junior Warden wait at the altar for one of the men to be lead to them. The other blindfolded man is taken by the Tyler to the side of the room as was I, a chill went down my spine for I remember the cold floor and extreme anticipation he was experiencing at this very moment. One day he would be sitting where I was reliving the same thing I am now and the cycle would repeat as it has for thousands of years before us. At this moment I grasped the idea of the brotherhood I have been inducted into and I am ready to devote my life to better understanding them and their way of life.

Oct

ober

16,

192

8

15

I’ve dressed in my best suit, treated to dinner in town and adorned the Masonic items George and my other brothers have given to me to wear for the ceremony tonight. The ceremony itself was not unlike the last ceremony, each

meeting we were being groomed into the position we would raised to. Morals, values and lessons of life were instilled into us with each meeting. I am determined that I can be a good man & better person through the Masonic brotherhood, and I am willing to devote my life to doing so. I completed the ceremony flawlessly and was bestowed the sublime degree of “Master Mason.” After you are “raised,” or become a master mason, you are given a seat at the edges of the room in the back isle. As you rose in rank you also moved more towards the center of the room. There are several offices that you can hold: Grand Master (president), Senior Warden (vice-president), Junior Warden (third in line), Senior Deacon, Junior Deacon, Senior Steward, Junior Steward, Secretary, Treasurer, Chaplain, and Tyler (outer guard).

The next meeting I will be at the rank of Tyler, you remain at your ranks until there is an opening in the lodge for the next rank. I’m one of 15 Tyler’s and we will take turns as the guard of the meetings on the outside of the great hall. As unimportant as it sounds it is a tremendous responsibility and shows your commitment for the greater good of the brotherhood. Leaving the lodge felt amazing, I am returning to my farm on a cloud of bliss with an overwhelming sense of involvement and pride. This will make the harvest go faster, knowing that I will be helping the people of my town as well as my brothers and they are willing to help me if I ask.

July

16,

192

9

18

Reading my bible after the last meeting at the lodge I have come to crossroads. I am only 23 years old and I believe my health is failing. I can only work half as long as I used to in the fields and I have a cough that will not go away. I’ve tried everything from sleeping to fresh air and even some “miracle cures” sold by the guys in town. The lodge has been gleaming of people stricken with the “white plague” but the papers are calling it tuberculosis. There are new centers all over the country popping up to help care for the infected, our lodges in Kentucky are helping fund several of them.

We have brothers in the Temple Israel Hospital in Kevil, one of my brothers is going to pick me up and take me by car. I can’t wait to show up in the big town in a new Ford going to one of the best Doctors in the country. Our brothers definitely take care of our own, there is no way I could afford to see a Temple doctor on my own.

Nov

embe

r 19

29

19

20

Pneumonia! I exclaim as I open the test results from my brother in Kevil. This is a huge relief, I was worried it was tuberculosis and my days would be numbered. Now all I have to do is see the local mason doctor and get my medicine, I should be fine to see next spring. I have to let George and the lodge know right away, I can’t wait for the next meeting.

Dec

embe

r 19

29

There is a passage in my bible that reminds me of my present condition, however I can not recall the words at the moment. I have progressively gotten sicker since I was diagnosed with Pneumonia in November. My brothers at the lodge have been tending to me as well as my family but they don’t stay long, they don’t want to catch what I have. My fields are barren, I have not had the energy to seed them. My brothers are coming next month to seed them for me, my lesson in humility it would seem. They are also taking me to a specialist in Paducah for another examination.

Mar

ch 1

930

21

Dr. Young seems to think the same thing, pneumonia. The length of time I’ve had it isn’t uncommon but does lead him to think it could be tuberculosis, so we took some x-rays. He said he would send telegram and post when he got the results.

When I got back to my farm I found my brother seeding my fields and tending to the jobs I have put off due to this damn disease. I thought I was in debt to the lodge before but now if I had two lifetimes it would not be enough. I will begin as soon as I get better.

Apr

il 19

30

My results came in the day of our monthly meeting, Dr.

Young is not convinced that it is tuberculosis. I am feeling

better, George has been helping me around the farm and

picked me up for the meeting tonight. Old business aside,

when the Grand Master asked for new business I could

hardly contain myself. I spread the news of my recovery to

all my brothers present and conveyed my undying gratitude

to all my brothers that helped me in my time of need. The

room was filled with a positive aura I had not felt in a long

time, in turn filling me with an energy and vitality that was

indescribable to someone outside the fraternity.

May

193

0

Over the next couple days I began my harvesting and

preparations for the market. I still maintained my cough but

my energy was back and I’m ready for the fall. All my crops

are coming in very nicely, my brothers did a very good job.

They fallowed my rotation and the almanac with extreme

accuracy, something that only outsiders with a bond for the

greater good of man could make possible. This year I will not

keep any profits from my farm, I will use what I need to for

seed and give the rest to the masons in need across the state.

23

Our monthly meeting, I donated $300 to the lodge tonight. I am excused from dues for the next two years and was awarded a Masonic ring. I know the lodge is proud of what I have done and they know I am still in their debt. If I can make it through this winter without catching something else I will be ever so grateful. My cough still comes and goes but I completed the harvest almost by myself, a few of my brothers came to help this season.

Nov

embe

r 18

, 193

0

24

A brother knocks on my door, its around 10am. He is dressed in a suit, a Masonic ring adorns his right ring finger as he shakes my hand and introduces himself. By the time I’ve wrote this down I’ve forgotten his name, he was from the Paducah Lodge sent by Dr. Young to pick me up.

“What does the doctor need with me?” I ask.

“We have a new test to be 100% positive that you do not have tuberculosis, Dr. Young would like to conduct this on you to be sure that a brother maintains good health.” He responds.

“I will get dressed and meet you at the car.” I replyHe turned to leave and I put on my best suit, the one I would normally wear to the lodge.

Mar

ch 1

2, 1

931

Once there Dr. Young explains the new test to me, another shot for all I can tell but he is the expert. He sticks me in the arm and begins another examination, listening to my chest and asking me questions. “Does this hurt? Take a deep breath. Are you coughing blood?”“Sometimes” I reply, “but not a lot, I hardly cough anymore but when I do there is some blood sometimes.”I start to realize that my left arm is beginning to itch, almost burning. I look at where he injected me and there is what looks like a blister the size of a quarter on my forearm.

25

“What did you do to me?” I demanded.

“Relax,” he tells me “this test just confirmed that you have the beginning stages of tuberculosis. It also means that your condition is treatable.”

He gave me some more information about the treatments, I would have to live in a sanatorium for as long as it takes for me to get better. I couldn’t believe what I was telling myself, I’ve never went more than 100 miles from Boaz let alone to a sanatorium to live for god knows how long. I am going to ask my brothers at the lodge for their opinions, the meeting is next Tuesday.

26

McCracken County has a new sanatorium, I won’t be able to be admitted until July but at least I wont have to leave the state. All I know is I will not be able to keep my farm, I’ve donated it to the Lodge to decide what to do with it while I am gone. If it is still a farm when I return and in need of farm hands I will be more than willing to return to work there.

Mar

ch 1

7, 1

931

27

28

July, 1931

29

My brothers drop me off at the McCracken County Sanatorium for treatment, the walk to the front doors of the building is the longest walk I’ve ever made. The blindfolded march so many years ago fails in comparison to this humbling moment. I bring with me 2 suits, 2 additional changes of clothes and enough toiletries to keep me for several months. My brothers assure me they will check on me throughout my stay if there is anything additional I need. I can’t help but think my status in the lodge has something to do with my admittance into this facility, I am a poor farmer and can’t afford this treatment for long. My Grand Master reassures me everything will be taken care of, are there more people in this state that could use the help more than me?

30

My health is neither improving nor declining, I guess this is as much of a blessing as a curse. My brothers have visited me, I have also met 2 fellow brothers also stricken with the “white plague.” Their cases are further advanced than my own so I don’t see them too often, this is my blessing, my case is stagnant. My curse is that I am cut off from my Boaz and what I am used to, call it homesick if you will but I have it bad. Letting the nurses take constant care of you is a little uncomfortable as well, I was harvesting field only a few months ago.

One Month Later...

31

Dr. Young is brought down from Paducah for a follow up exam, I don’t think I’ve gotten better or worse but they tell me this is pretty standard. I’ve been one of the most active people around this place, the stench of death is constant and looms from room to room. I’m not next on his list but the aroma is depressing and leaves only room for the stronger willed.

My doctor arrives & I am brought to an exam room on the other side of the sanatorium, it is getting quite brisk out this time of year. Young starts in with the same shot and line of questions he did seven months ago, coughing blood? fatigue? Again my answers are the same, a little blood and a little fatigued but I feel like I could go back to work on my farm. He informs me that there is a small problem, the east coast is reaching epidemic scale for cases of the “white plague” and the brotherhood has a request of me.

“Anything.” I replied.

In short, I am to be sent to another sanatorium so I can free resources here for my state. It would be for the greater good if someone could be treated that had a more severe case of tuberculosis than I have.

My brothers have already made arrangements for transportation to and from the new sanatorium, however the did not tell me exactly where it is yet. Dr. Young avoided telling me much about it other than the name, the Jewish Consumptives Relief Society. He said that the doctor there has been using the mountain air mixed with state of the art equipment to heal his patients with amazing results. The mountains in October doesn’t sound like a good idea to me but if its the trick to recovery sign me up.

Oct

ober

19,

193

1

32

I have just got word today that I am to be admitted to the JCRS, they delivered the letter directly to me. I also know where the JCRS is... Spivak, Colorado. Just west of Denver from the best I can tell, our library here at McCracken isn’t the best or most up to date. My brothers were right to keep this location from me, had I known I would have stayed here. The masons have several lodges there in Denver, I have wrote them to seek their guidance and support in the months to come.

December, 1931

33

March 16, 1932

I feel as the people in the bible felt before and others look at me with sympathy in their eyes. My brothers are there as well, they tell me that the lodge in Denver will send someone to pick me up at the train station. This is the very first time I’ve been on a train, seen a lot of them go through town but this will be the first time I get to escape on one. I never thought I would be so happy to leave my home but I know it will not take long to recover at JCRS.

I board the train, find my seat and look out the window for my friends. The train blows its whistle and smoke begins to bellow from the lead car. I wave to my family as the train pulls from the station, once out of sight I stow my two suitcases and settle in for the 20 hour trip. I make small talk with my new friends in the passenger car setup just for tuberculosis patients, we are not all going to JCRS but rather our own little vacations across the united states at sanatoriums strewn about the country.

They sit and moan about their bad luck, or “why me?” anyone that will lend an ear for a moment. Everything in the car is clean, sterile and white. One nurse to attend to us was provided by the train company, at this moment I realized the sheer scale of the disease and the impact it was taking on the country. When a train company has their own tuberculosis car something is extremely wrong, I hope this is not my new view of life. Moving in and out of white rooms with doctors that have a plethora of instruments placed on steel tables, used to play a symphony of pain and discomfort on your body. I’ll return to my farm and die a dignified death around the people that care about me before I let the doctors take me.

34

Two groups greet me at Union Station in Denver, the first is easy to recognize with their clean white gowns. The second is slightly harder for the average person to pick out, distinguishable only to other masons we blend into the crowds. They come back to the tuberculosis car, I see their rings first fallowed by their proud walk to the sickly train car. Most people are not happy to even walk past our car but not them, they easily pick me out of the group as well. I’m dressed in my best suit adorned in subtle Masonic jewelry, to most people I’m just a sickly old man but not to my brothers.

I am taken to a brand new Packard outside the train station, my two brothers Jim and Todd take me out to see Denver. We stop at a small restaurant down the street from the train station, I had heard about cheeseburgers but I never thought I would have one so soon. Denver was quickly fallowing Kentucky, I heard Knoxville was trying to take credit for it but they will have a hard time keeping up with Denver. Afterwards Jim tells me that they made special arrangements for me at “The Brown Palace” hotel. They had arranged for me to have dinner, a show and a nights stay all on their hospitality. They said it was my last night out before going into treatment, how could I say no.

March 19, 1932

35

36

37

Todd is waiting for me in the lobby of hotel. I make my way to him across this lavish atrium when I realize that he is not alone. More people that I don’t yet know are standing behind him. Other masons obviously, they must be from the same lodge. A man turns around to greet me, he is wearing the garb of the grand master. A hat bearing the compass, a large necklace crafted from squares of sliver linked together with precise hinges and clasps, but something I am not familiar with is the ribbon that is stretched from shoulder to shoulder. We go through the paces that any two masons take when we first meet each other, gestures, handshake and greetings imbued into our memories.

The grand master introduces himself as “the sublime Grand Master Charles Stanton, of lodge #87.”“We’re right down the street on 16th and Welton.” he says as he hands me a piece of paper with all of the lodges contact information on it. “If you need anything call us,” he continues, “There are several brothers also in JCRS, I trust you will have not problem finding them, their names are on there as well.”I thanked all of them for their kindness and hospitality, Jim comes to my side and chauffeured me to the Packard. Back inside I begin my questioning, the biggest one “What was that ribbon around Charles?”

Jim informs me that their grand master is the highest ranking “York Rite” mason, something we don’t have in Kentucky. It is primarily a Christian progression after you reach the Sublime degree of Master Mason. He continues by telling me that he is a Scottish Rite Mason, of the 25th degree however he elaborates no farther than his rank. Being of Scottish decent I immediately became interested, I asked him if I could join the Scottish Rite and he told me not while I was in treatment but he would bring me something to get me started.

The

nex

t mor

ning

38

The car pulls around and I see a sign for Spivak, I remember that name. My heart begins to speed up as we pull into the round drive, this place looks like a city. There are cows and fields, buildings everywhere. I’m overwhelmed, I don’t even see Jim get out & open the trunk. I snap back to the building in front of me, standing at the entrance is a doctor awaiting my arrival. I get out and fetch my bags from Jim, again I traveled light only bringing two bags with minimal changes of clothes.

I think Jim again and he again tells me if I need anything to call the lodge and a brother will be here in minutes. I turn to face the doctor as Jim returns to the car, I can hear it turn in the circle drive as the doctor is introducing himself. Walking into the building I hear the Packard fade into the distance replaced by the sounds of livestock and the scripted words of a doctor that has had a lot of practice at reassuring the terminally sick they will be alright. I will make it, I have a new goal in life.

39

40

As we walk into the building all I can think of is the Scottish Rite and getting better so I can learn everything they have to offer. I completed the clerical work and was given a room on the second floor. Another clean white room with the smell of cleaners and sterilizers, the smell only offset by a more familiar smell of livestock and the farm. Then the realization hits me, I no longer have my farm. I have nothing now, I have the clothes in my suitcases and tuberculosis.

41

This realization hits me harder during these first weeks than any experience of my sickness so far. Now I realize why the ones on the train complained the way they did, they have lost everything too. Suddenly I don’t feel like working on a farm, helping the community...

I don’t feel like writing anymore...

42

43

44

46

47

48

I have searched my soul for answers and have only one answer. I now understand why I am writing in the book, it is to give others the guidance that my brothers here have shown me. Todd and Jim visited me last month, I was still sulking and depressed but after their visit I felt better. When they left they suggested I go see another patient, he was also a brother and in very poor condition.

Talking to him was life changing, I can not describe in words the emotions I felt while talking to him on his death bed. How could someone that his lived their last years confined to a bed with a hole in his chest have such an optimistic outlook on life. Scott has been in JCRS for the last four years and has volunteered for nearly every experimental surgery and cure for tuberculosis. He has a large hole in his chest that has almost healed around the tools inserted into his lungs. He tells me through the pain and discomfort that if his sacrifice can be used to save the life of just one person than his death is justified. It would be for the greater good, something the masons have tried to teach me over the last few years but I never comprehended it until that very moment. Scott wasn’t undergoing these treatments for himself, it was for the good of humanity as a whole.

June

, 193

2

49

I began by saying that I had an answer but the in process of learning the answer I can not even begin to express it here. There are no words for it, it can’t be taught either, it must be experienced. A true hero is one that has the integrity knowing that no one will ever know of their sacrifice, I will not let Scott’s death be forgotten.

Jim has “forgot” his Scottish Rite Codex on my bedside table. In these last few weeks I have read it cover to cover, it is not dissimilar to the book I am writing in now. The lessons learned in here however are all of the same level of the one I experienced with Scott. There are 32 degrees of the Scottish Rite, each level must be completed in order to “be raised” to the next. Anyone higher level than you may raise you, but there is an entrance ceremony that I cannot complete while in JCRS. An international congress of lodges choose 33 masons to be that of the 33rd degree, you can not progress any farther than to be one of these 33 in the world. Most Scottish Rite masons will never make it this far, but every mason wants to. I think I can.

50

51

I had asked Jim for a petition to join the Scottish Rite Masons, he dropped it off earlier today. He said to take it back to Kentucky with me and give it to my Grand Master, he would know what to do with it. I tried to give him his codex back while he was here but with a slight grin he looked me in the eye and said “what book?”

He also told me that a new Fellow Craft has been stricken with tuberculosis and will be joining me at JCRS, as a Master, Jim said, I should take care of him as they had taken care of me.

“Teach him the ways of a master mason so he can be raised as soon as he is recovered.” Jim tells me. “He will be here in 3 weeks, arriving from Nebraska.”

I assured Jim that I will do anything I can to help him along, and that I am feeling much better now. I still need my rest but I can travel around the grounds with almost no assistance, my cough has been gradually decreasing and my energy has been returning. I will be out of here before too much longer.

Nov

embe

r, 19

32

52

53

54

I met Tom today, the Fellow Craft from Nebraska. As Jim instructed I quizzed Tom as George had done to me so many years ago. I felt as much in a position of power as I did humbled to be with another that shared my illness. I like Tom, he like myself is also a farmer however his family has retained his land back home. He has a lot of kin to help in his absence, unlike myself. I do not believe I will be a farmer when I return to Kentucky, I have seen where technology and industry are heading and I want to be a part of that.

Dec

embe

r, 19

32

55

After many months I believe Tom is ready to be raised to Master Mason, but like myself is in limbo until he recovers. There have been many talks of budgets and shortages amongst the staff here, I hope this does not prevent them from staying free or open. I have sent this information to Jim to present to the lodge to see if they can do something to help the facility. They told me long ago if I needed anything to ask, we will see how far their hands can really help.

My condition has drastically improved over the last 2 months, my x-rays are clear and fatigue means nothing to me know. I have spent the last few weeks walking the grounds and helping where I can, I’m not a doctor but I am getting pretty good at helping with the meals. I will probably be discharged soon, I would like to see the Blue Lodge here before I go but that may not come to

Mar

ch, 1

933

56

They have moved all the patients out of one of the wings, budget cuts I’m told. My brothers are discussing the matter at this weeks meeting, I hope they will be able to help. I was also informed today that I would be released in the next couple months. Tom was not very happy with this news but I’m sure he will be released soon after me, he was diagnosed with the same test as me and was in the same stage. He is receiving the same care so I have no doubt he will soon be back in Nebraska with the “sublime degree of Master Mason” he has been longing for these last few months.

I have decided to take my first steps in the Scottish Rite without the official title, does it matter if I’m not official when I am helping a brother. You must give up your Masonic Bible as part of the Scottish Rite ceremony, different from what I learned several years ago but all the information I need is already in the codex. Instead of giving it for review to the grand master of my lodge I am going to give it to Tom. I asked Jim if this was acceptable and he assured me it was. When I leave for Kentucky I leave 2 things behind, my bible of experiences while a mason and this damned disease.

Mar

ch 2

1, 1

933

57

58

I’m cleared of tuberculosis, my final test results came in yesterday. I have a train ticket for the 25th to go straight back to Kentucky. My brothers will be waiting for me there, I can’t wait to rejoin them and my family. Jim is coming to pick me up Monday, I am to stay in the Blue Lodge until I leave Thursday. A week of celebration is planned for me, a second rising as it were. Jim could hardly keep himself composed as he told me there is a special ceremony planned for me as well. I believe he will be raising me to the 4th degree under the Scottish Rite, but this book will never know.

You will experience this too one day soon Tom. The lodge here will take care of anything you need, you will come to learn that with time and experience. You can learn a lot here but your community is there to teach you as well. Like a child it needs to be developed, watched and cared for. There are evils in this world but do not let them sway you, stay on the path of the light. Do what you do for the greater good of humanity, not for greed or profit. I leave you with my blessing and best wishes for your road ahead, physical and spiritual.

May

20,

193

3 Boyce McNeill3rd Degree Master Mason Lodge 917 Symsonia, Kentucky

This city is what it is because our citizens are what they are.

-Plato

Bibliography

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“Spookyretouch.” cwparanormalresearch. Web. 3 Dec 2009. <http://www.cwparanormalresearch.com/Spookyretouch.jpg>.

“New (Old) Photographs of the New Masonic Temple in St. Louis.” The New Masonic Temple. John W. Ratcliff, 30 05 2008. Web. 3 Dec 2009. <http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PtTKwwh_xBc/SiFri7tg50I/AAAAAAAAGSk/8YoKOijpkIs/s1600-h/temple1.jpg>.

“Waverly Hills.” Coloradoparanormal.net. Danny, 16 08 2008. Web. 3 Dec 2009. <http://www.coloradoparanormal.net/Back1.JPG>.

“New Hamburg Train Station and Tunnel.” New Hamburg Historical Photos. Web. 3 Dec 2009. <http://www.newhamburg.net/history/page2.htm>.

McCracken Co, Ky History Book. Paducha, KY: Turner Publishing Company, 1989. pg 185, 252, 290. Print.

McNail, Kory. “Lodge Information.” Message to Cliff Hilton. 10 10 2009. E-mail.

“Aurora Lodge.” Aurora Colorado Freemasons. Web. 6 Dec 2009. <http://www.mastermason.com/aurora156/index.htm>.

“life archives.” google images. Web. 6 Dec 2009. <http://images.google.com/hosted/life>.

Visual SequencingRocky Mountain College of Art and DesignMartin MendelsbergColophon and Components

ColophonTitle: Battle of the SublimeDesigner: ©2009 Kory McNail

CreditsBoyce McNeillPatient #9657

Documents and Photography Courtesy ofJCRS Collection, Beck Archives Special Collections, Penrose Library and Center for Judaic Studies, University of Denver, 2008

TypefacesGaramond