Hall, are increasing in interest all the time. A noticeable feature is
the number of men who attend and the very excellent and intelligent
questions which are asked. The meetings are interspersed with music,
usually by the Misses Fuller, Piano and Violin, forming a very important
part of the proceedings. Short addresses are given and questions
answered by H. T. Patterson, H. Coryn, B. Harding, and J. H. Fussell. A
collection is also taken to help defray expenses and it is found that
the visitors appreciate the opportunity of doing this.
The Aryan Lodge Meetings on Tuesday evening have for some time past been
for members only but it has been decided to open them to the public. The
first open meeting was held Jan. 17, and a number of visitors were
present. The Lodge meetings adjourn at 9.30, thus giving an opportunity
for conversation and social intercourse. Our President, Bro.
Neresheimer, often adds to the pleasure of the evening by singing.
A new Lodge was formed in New York on the West Side on Jan. 3. At the
time of writing three meetings have so far been held. A large room with
a piano has been hired at 587 Hudson Street, and a very good beginning
has been made, several people being already interested. This is one of
the old residence districts of New York and the inhabitants generally
are noted for being good thinkers and earnest people. Those helping in
the work are members from the H. P. B. and Aryan Lodges: D. N. Dunlop,
S. Hecht, Mrs. Cracauer, Dr. Wilcox, Miss Bernstein, H. T. Patterson, H.
Coryn, Miss Whitney, J. H. Fussell, and others.
Bro. Albert E. S. Smythe is now making a tour of Universal Brotherhood
Lodges and is a fully authorized representative of the Universal
Brotherhood, and the International Brotherhood League. He has so far
visited Toledo, Fort Wayne and Chicago and has had good success. This is
an opportunity for the new members and those at a distance to come in
closer touch through Bro. Smythe with the work at Headquarters. Bro.
Smythe is so well known through his work in Toronto and as Editor of
_The Lamp_ and so many have also heard him at the annual Conventions of
the T. S. A. that he needs no introduction.
Inquiries have been received in regard to the railway arrangements for
the Congress of Universal Brotherhood at Point Loma next April. Bro. W.
A. Stevens, 500 Lafayette Ave., Buffalo, N. Y., has these in charge and
will be ready to report by about Feb. 1st. Those desiring information
should write him. Further particulars will be given in _The New
Century_.
An important meeting of the Universal Brotherhood was held in Boston,
Jan. 17, at which were present the Leader, E. A. Neresheimer, F. M.
Pierce, H. T. Patterson, and H. Coryn from New York, and Clark Thurston
from Providence.
An illustration is given in this issue of the Headquarters Building at
144 Madison Avenue, New York, showing the office and book-store of the
Theosophical Publishing Company, on the first floor. The offices of the
Universal Brotherhood and the Theosophical Society in America are on the
second floor.
[Illustration: Central Office of the Universal Brotherhood Organization,
the Theosophical Society in America, and the Theosophical Publishing
Company.]
January 13th was the 1st anniversary of the founding of the Universal
Brotherhood Organization. The second year of U. B. has begun and we can
now look back and see how great a work has been done during the past
year. But more than all, one may know what this work has been, by simply
looking into his own heart. It has been a year of great effort; of trial
to some; but has resulted in joy to all who have worked unselfishly in
our glorious cause and who have followed faithfully the guidance of our
great Leader. I have heard many say recently that it seemed as though a
new spring had begun, that they felt so happy they wanted to sing. There
does indeed seem to be a new energy awakening and certainly never before
has there been such a happy harmonious household and staff as at present
at Headquarters, nor have we ever had such bright and harmonious
meetings.
But this is not only true of New York and the Headquarters but of the
whole organization from Boston and the East, from Fort Wayne, Chicago,
Pittsburg, Macon, and Lodges too numerous to mention, from the whole
Pacific Coast and the North West come the same tidings of new hope, new
strength, new achievements. Truly, U.B. 2 has begun auspiciously.
J. H. FUSSELL.
TACOMA, WASHINGTON.
Jan. 9, 1899.
DEAR COMRADE:—I have your favor of 3d inst. and am fully convinced that
you are right in the references and hopes you express for the year 1899.
Our local U. B. organization is in good shape, we never were able before
to work so unitedly and loyally and the efforts from all the members
seem now to strengthen that unity.
Yes, we are all looking forward to Point Loma in many respects. Many of
our members are planning to go down and I only wish we could all go and
hope we may be able.
R. H. LUND.
A SPLENDID RECORD.
UNIVERSAL BROTHERHOOD LODGE NO. 7, AMERICA,
California Academy of Sciences Building,
Room 30, 819 Market Street, San Francisco.
Secretary’s Annual Report for Year Ending December 21, 1898.
OFFICERS AND MEMBERS OF UNIVERSAL BROTHERHOOD LODGE NO. 7, AMERICA.
COMRADES:—Your secretary begs leave to report as follows concerning the
closing year:
The year’s work shows a gratifying increase in results. In order to be
exact your secretary gives the figures as shown by the minutes of the
year: 547 meetings were held, with an attendance of 41,150, as against
478 meetings and 36,279 attendance in 1897, an increase of 14 per cent.
in the number of meetings and of 13-1/2 per cent. in attendance; 481
addresses were delivered at these meetings by 65 speakers.
The highest total weekly attendance was 1060; the lowest 605; average
791.
The most noticeable increase is in the case of the International
Brotherhood League, which began the year with an average attendance of
78, and closes the twelve-month with an average attendance of 170, a
gain of 118 per cent.
The Lotus Group shows a gain of 18 per cent., as compared with 1897, and
Lodge meetings a gain of 29 per cent. The attendance of visitors at the
Library increased 16 per cent., and of members at meetings of Pacific
Coast Committee for Universal Brotherhood 98 per cent.
The especial attention of members is called to the Ethical Class and
Secret Doctrine Class as being the most important local channels for the
acquirement of a knowledge of ethics and philosophy. The Ethical Class
shows a gain of 35 per cent., and the Secret Doctrine Class 33 per cent.
for the year.
The work at San Quentin Penitentiary was resumed in August, under the
direction of H. H. Somers, after a suspension of more than a year.
Lectures are given monthly, and the chapel is always filled with
listeners.
A private meeting of U. B. L. No. 7 was instituted in October, two
meetings being held each month. Beginning with January this meeting will
be held regularly every Thursday evening, and is expected to accomplish
much good by way of bringing members into closer sympathy with each
other.
Your secretary’s annual report one year ago showed that 1897 had been
the most prosperous year in the history of the movement in this city. By
the present report it is seen that 1898 far surpasses the previous year,
and this in the face of financial distress and general unrest. The
prediction is ventured that 1899 will bring a still greater need of
success, for it is the beginning of a California cycle. In 1849 the name
of California was emblazoned before the world. The closing year marks
the passing of the seventh septenate of the cycle, and 1899 will usher
in the new cycle which is to bring California again before the notice of
the world, but this time as the depository of spiritual gold.
This report would be incomplete without reference to the Chicago
Convention, held on February 18, 1898, at which time the Universal
Brotherhood, or the Brotherhood of Humanity, was promulgated under the
leadership of Mrs. Katherine A. Tingley, and of which the Theosophical
Society in America and the International Brotherhood League became
integral parts. San Francisco Branch at once transformed itself into a
Lodge of Universal Brotherhood, becoming Lodge 7—the mystic number—and
the results of the year are ample justification of the action taken.
There were a few defections from the Society because of its expansion,
but the record shows that the result was in no wise serious for the
organization. An organization, like a human body, is made up of atoms or
lives, and as growth proceeds these atoms are constantly changing their
position and passing into and out of the body. The correspondence is
very similar, except that in the case of this organization it is not the
law of fatality which expels the atoms, but each has the free will to
maintain his position in the growing body if he so desires, or to leave
it. Each will choose as he desires, and we have not the right to attempt
to compel them. We have but to perform our full duty in every department
of our lives, and the recorders of karma will adjust the conditions and
the result.
I congratulate the members of Universal Brotherhood Lodge No. 7 on the
work of the closing year and the prospects of the coming one.
Fraternally,
AMOS J. JOHNSON, Secretary.
SAN FRANCISCO, December 21, 1898.
LOTUS HOME.
BUFFALO, N. Y., Dec. 29, 1898.
DEAR LEADER:—
I wish it were in my power to express to you all the sweetness and quiet
joy of the first Christmas, at Lotus Home, and the only thing that was
lacking, was the presence (in the physical body) of the precious “Lotus
Mother,” for it was such a delightful experience, so full of hope and
promise, that we wanted you there to share it with us.
Truly the spirit of “Peace on Earth, Good Will to all Men” brooded over
the Home and spread its wings over all that are working and ministering
to the tiny “Buds” there.
It is wonderful to see the improvement in them as the days go on, since
Dr. Kean has taken them in hand; she understands all their little needs
and with Miss Morris’ gentle and unceasing care and attention they are
growing as strong and beautiful as the most exacting could desire.
The atmosphere surrounding them is so serene and full of unselfish
brotherly love that the unfoldment into health and beauty of mind and
body has begun early, and we feel sure that they will grow to lovely
“Blossoms by and bye” and be workers for Humanity on the broadest lines
of “Universal Brotherhood.”
There was the Christmas Tree, filled with lights and all the “shining
things,” and the sweet odor of the fragrant boughs filled the rooms, the
babies and all the household gathered around it with the members of our
family also, at twilight, and if any one thinks a lot of wee babies do
not enjoy the fun of a Christmas tree, let them come here and see
“ours,” they stared and laughed and took in all the loveliness, as
wisely as the older ones of us. Little Katherine was so overcome with
prolonged staring and nodding her head with approval, that she fell
asleep in the midst of it, no doubt continuing the lovely vision in her
dreams.
Little Grace with the rosy cheeks and laughing blue eyes had grown to
the dignity of short clothes on Christmas day, and though but five
months old she sat in her fine new high chair and crowed and laughed
aloud with glee just as though she were years old instead of months
only.
Wee Edith, our frailest Bud, is frail no longer, but is growing stronger
and rosier every day, and her great wonderful eyes look as if they held
a store of untold things, which she will give to the world some day, in
song or verse.
On Christmas Eve a new-comer appeared, little “merry Christmas” and on
Christmas day another; this one we didn’t know what to call for the time
being, but little “Miss Newcome,” and that made six small workers for
humanity at Lotus Home on Christmas day.
The household is now composed of twelve persons, Dr. Kean, Supt.; Miss
Morris, assistant Supt.; the Housekeeper; the Maid of all work (who by
the way is a jewel); the Man of all work; and the new nursery maid; with
the six babies making the twelve.
Quite a household, for so short a time since the work was begun, and it
will continue to grow for it is getting to be better known all the
while.
We have received an appropriation from the County of $600. We are very
glad to get this, it will help us through the winter and in spring we
hope to have an entertainment that will bring us over $200.
I have no words at my command, dear Mother, to express all I feel in
regard to our blessed work here, and of my appreciation of the great
privilege you have bestowed upon us here, in permitting us to help on
our great Cause in this practical and substantial way, but you know my
heart, and what I lack in beautiful language, I hope I can make up in
faithful work.
THERESA Y. STEVENS.
HOME CRUSADE IN IRELAND.
On December 7th the Crusaders, Mrs. A. L. Cleather and Bro. Basil Crump,
went to Dublin for the first time, where they enjoyed the real Irish
hospitality of Mr. and Mrs. P. J. Dick. Ireland is a dreamy country, and
its people are extremely diffident and hard to interest in anything
novel. The deep interest of those who came to the Wagner lecture was,
therefore, no less a surprise to the local workers than the unusually
long and appreciative reports which appeared in the principal Dublin
papers. It was a significant fact that, although the reporters were
supplied with a complete summary of the lecture, they stayed to the end,
and gave money for the children’s work. This lecture was on Friday, the
9th; Saturday, Sunday, and Monday were occupied with U. B. and private
meetings, interviews, and general routine work. On Tuesday the
children’s entertainment took place in the Rotunda. A number of Dublin
ladies interested in philanthropic work came to help, and a gentleman
very kindly operated the lantern. All were delighted, and said it was
quite as much a lesson for them as for the little ones. There is no
doubt that this work will be carried forward in Dublin. Each visitor
asked for a portrait of Mrs. Tingley.
Early on Wednesday morning the Crusaders, Mrs. Cleather and Bro. Crump,
left Dublin to help at the
BROTHERHOOD BAZAAR IN LIVERPOOL.
They were met by Secretary Herbert Crooke and Brother H. M. Savage, and
stayed along with Brother Cranstone Woodhead at the “Mitre” Hotel. Some
very advantageous arrangements had been made, so that the Bazaar started
on a favorable financial basis. A beautiful picture, sent by Brother R.
Machell, R. B. A., was splendidly displayed in a large shop window in
Lord Street, and attracted an immense amount of public attention.
The Committee were singularly happy in securing the sympathetic services
of Mr. R. Holt and Mrs. Jeannie Mole to open the Bazaar on the first and
second days respectively. They both made speeches which came straight
from the heart, and their appreciation of the work now being done by the
Movement along practical lines was an object lesson to all in the
foresight and wisdom of our Leader. Brother T. Baker’s orchestra
provided excellent music, the refreshments were daintily served by lady
workers in tasteful costumes, and on the seven stalls there was a
profusion of articles for sale. We understand that the total receipts
amounted to upwards of £150, and we warmly congratulate the Committee on
this highly successful result.
BRISTOL.
Bristol reports an increase of attendence, due to copies of the _New
Century_ being placed in the public libraries. _New Century_
distribution is highly important work. When the hour shall strike, when
we have given it that unqualified support that it demands of us, it will
then speak right into the people’s hearts in clear and simple language,
so that none need longer question the “nobility of their calling,” or
again forget their “true position in life.” C. O.
LIVERPOOL.
The Lodge is flourishing, and the sole topic is the “Bazaar.” The
Thursday evening meetings have been very interesting during November.
On Sunday, November 20th, Brother Bern lectured on “Music.”
On the 24th November Brother Crooke gave an excellent lecture on “King
Solomon’s Seal.” To all our brethren, greeting.—J. F. CROPPER.
From _The Crusader_, Dec. 27, 1898.
HOLLAND.
We know that you are in a whirlwind of work. Here, too, we are, after
our own way in a whirlwind of the same kind, and things are going well.
We are busy with preparations for our Lotus circle, etc., and, as for U.
B. work, it goes in every way as far as our means allow. Inward work is
very good, and the true members are coming nearer to each other in
conscious unity. We only know our Leader here, and try to follow her.
H. DE N.
UNIVERSAL BROTHERHOOD ORGANIZATION.
“Slowly the Bible of the race is writ,
Each age, each kindred adds a verse to it.”
Universal Brotherhood or the Brotherhood of Humanity is an organization
established for the benefit of the people of the earth and all
creatures.
This organization declares that Brotherhood is a fact in nature. The
principal purpose of this organization is to teach Brotherhood,
demonstrate that it is a fact in nature and make it a living power in
the life of humanity.
The subsidiary purpose of this organization is to study ancient and
modern religion, science, philosophy and art; to investigate the laws of
nature and the divine powers in man.
This Brotherhood is a part of a great and universal movement which has
been active in all ages.
Every member has the right to believe or disbelieve in any religious
system or philosophy, each being required to show that tolerance for the
opinions of others which he expects for his own.
The Theosophical Society in America is the Literary Department of
Universal Brotherhood.
The International Brotherhood League is the department of the
Brotherhood for practical humanitarian work.
The Central Office of the Universal Brotherhood Organization is at 144
Madison Avenue, New York City.
THE INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD LEAGUE.
(_Unsectarian._)
“Helping and sharing is what Brotherhood means.”
This organization affirms and declares that Brotherhood is a fact in
Nature, and its objects are:
1. To help men and women to realize the nobility of their calling and
their true position in life.
2. To educate children of all nations on the broadest lines of Universal
Brotherhood and to prepare destitute and homeless children to become
workers for humanity.
3. To ameliorate the condition of unfortunate women, and assist them to
a higher life.
4. To assist those who are, or have been, in prison, to establish
themselves in honorable positions in life.
5. To endeavor to abolish capital punishment.
6. To bring about a better understanding between so-called savage and
civilized races, by promoting a closer and more sympathetic relationship
between them.
7. To relieve human suffering resulting from flood, famine, war, and
other calamities; and generally to extend aid, help, and comfort to
suffering humanity throughout the world.
It should be noted that the officers and workers of the International
Brotherhood League are unsalaried and receive no remuneration, and this,
as one of the most binding rules of the organization, _effectually
excludes those who would otherwise enter from motives of self-interest_.
None of the officers hold any political office, the League is not
connected with any political party or organization, nor has it any
political character, it is wholly humanitarian and unsectarian.
THE THEOSOPHICAL SOCIETY IN AMERICA.
This Society was formed in 1875 under the name of the Theosophical
Society, by H. P. Blavatsky, assisted by W. Q. Judge and others;
reorganized in April, 1895, by W. Q. Judge under the name of the
Theosophical Society in America, and in February, 1898, became an
integral part of Universal Brotherhood Organization.
The principal purpose of this Society is to publish and disseminate
literature relating to Theosophy, Brotherhood, ancient and modern
religions, philosophy, sciences and arts.
Its subsidiary purpose is to establish and build up a great library, in
which shall be gathered ancient and modern literature of value to the
great cause of Universal Brotherhood.
SCHOOL FOR THE REVIVAL OF THE LOST MYSTERIES OF ANTIQUITY AT POINT LOMA,
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, U. S. A.
Although American in centre, this school is international in
character—“a temple of living light, lighting up the dark places of the
earth.
“Through this School and its branches the children of the race will be
taught the laws of physical life, and the laws of physical, moral, and
mental health and spiritual unfoldment. They will learn to live in
harmony with nature. They will become passionate lovers of all that
breathes. They will grow strong in an understanding of themselves, and
as they gain strength they will learn to use it for the good of the
whole world.”
The Leader and Official Head wishes it known that there is an Eastern
and Esoteric School in which a very large number of the earnest members
of the UNIVERSAL BROTHERHOOD throughout the world are pupils. At present
there is no institution where students go to learn these teachings. The
studies are carried on in each group under directions from the centre in
New York.
In the School for the Revival of the Lost Mysteries of Antiquity there
will be an Esoteric Department, in which the higher teachings will be
given to such pupils of the Eastern and Esoteric School as are prepared
to receive them.
THE ISIS LEAGUE OF MUSIC AND DRAMA (OF THE ART DEPARTMENT OF UNIVERSAL
BROTHERHOOD).
The Isis League of Music and Drama is composed of persons carefully
selected by the Foundress, who are interested in the advancement of
music and the drama to their true place in the life of humanity. Its
objects are:
(_a_) To accentuate the importance of Music and the Drama as vital
educative factors.
(_b_) To educate the people to a knowledge of the true philosophy of
life by means of dramatic presentations of a high standard and the
influence of the grander harmonies of music.
Headquarters: 144 Madison Avenue, New York City, and at Point Loma, San
Diego, California.
OBITUARY.
We deeply regret to record the passing away on Dec. 30, of Bro. H. T.
Lotter, one of the most faithful and earnest workers in Kansas City,
after an illness lasting since last Aug. The following resolutions were
passed by Lodge No. 47 of Universal Brotherhood, Kansas City, Mo.
_Whereas_ In the economy of Nature, all is subject to change, that which
we see being the blossom of seed sown in the long ago in the yesterdays
of Eternity which in their turn shall bear seed for futurity’s growth;
and
_Whereas_ Time in its onward sweep has closed the Cycle of Active life
of him who was erstwhile known to us as Henry T. Lotter gathering for
further unfoldment the ripened fruit of an Earth life; now therefore be
it
RESOLVED That in the passing hence of brother Lotter this lodge loses an
earnest, enthusiastic and untiring worker in the Cause, its members a
staunch, sincere and kind brother and an amiable and gracious friend;
and further be it
RESOLVED That in token of our love and esteem, flowers shall be placed
on the rostrum at the public meetings to be held Jan. 8, 15, 22d and
that three members be appointed to address the audience in memoriam,
also be it
RESOLVED That our recollections of him can best be kept in our memories,
by making his conduct in life our standard of duty.
CHAS. E. HUNGERFORD, Pres.
J. FRANK KNOCHE, Sec.
We have also received notice of the passing away from earth-life of two
of the oldest workers on the Pacific Coast, Bro. Theodore G. Ed. Wollet
of San Francisco, on Dec. 12th, aged 70 years, and Dr. John S. Cook of
Sacramento, on Dec. 30th. Both of our brothers will be much missed by
their respective Lodges, but the memory of their faithful endeavor for
Universal Brotherhood will long be kept in the hearts of their comrades.
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