Brief Reviews of Books written by Allen E. Roberts

Reviews by Paul M. Bessel

 

House Undivided: The Story of Freemasonry and the Civil War 1961

This book describes how Masons from the North and South reacted to the coming of the Civil War and how they acted toward each other during the War. The stories are fascinating, showing how Masons went out of their way to try to help brethren, even those who were on the other side in the war.

Freemasonry in Highland Springs 1962

This is a history of Babcock Lodge #322, named for the Mason whose gift of property is today the location of the Masonic Home of Virginia as well as the Grand Lodge of Virginia.

A Daughter of the Grand Lodge of Virginia 1963

History of the Grand Lodge of Ohio.

Sword and Trowel: The Story of Military Lodges 1964

This is a very interesting description of an unusual type of Masonic lodge, those that were created during various wars to provide Masonic activities for Masons serving in the armed forces. There was some controversy about these military lodges, and their story is important to understand the development of Freemasonry, especially since Masonry has been so affected by wars throughout its history.

Masonry Under Two Flags 1968

Key to Freemasonry’s Growth 1969

Suggestions on how to improve Freemasonry, primarily by concentrating on training better Masonic leaders.

How to Conduct a Successful Leadership Seminar 1970

Freemasonry’s Servant: The History of the MSA 1969

This is the story of the Masonic Service Association, an organization started around World War 1 when the U.S. government wanted to deal with one Masonic group wanting to aid servicemen, rather than dozens of different Grand Lodges. The MSA has now become a key part of Freemasonry, performing many valuable services.

Fifty Golden Years: The History of Warwick Lodge 1972

Brotherhood in Action!: The History of the Virginia Craftsmen 1977

This is the story of a group of Virginia Masons who decided in the 1950's and 1960's to help spread Masonic friendship by traveling around the country and the world to demonstrate Virginia ritual wearing uniforms that resembled Confederate outfits, and promoting more interaction between different Masonic jurisdictions.

The Craft and Its Symbols 1974

This is the most famous of all of Allen E. Roberts’ books. It is perfect as a gift for newly initiated Masons, and has been translated into several languages. This book describes the symbolic meanings of the Masonic working tools, ceremonies, and other objects, in ways that make new Masons think more about what they have been through in their Masonic degrees.

G. Washington: Master Mason 1976

This is one of the best short biographies of George Washington, concentrating on his Masonic attachments. It presents an honest picture, showing that while Washington was proud to be a Mason, he was not active in his Masonic activities.

Frontier Cornerstone: The History of the Grand Lodge of Ohio 1980

Shedding Light on Leadership

A Chronicle of Virginia Research Lodge 1978

Freemasonry in American History 1985

This is a complete history of the United States, pointing out which historic figures were Masons and the role that famous Masons played in the development of our country.

Who is Who In Freemasonry 1984 1984

Short biographies of well known Masons.

Who is Who In Freemasonry 1986 1986

More short biographies of well known Masons.

Brother Truman: The Masonic Life and Philosophy of Harry S. Truman 1985

This is the only biography of Harry S. Truman that concentrates on what he felt about his Masonic involvement, showing that Truman was one of the most active of Masons. For example, even during his Presidential campaign, he sometimes stopped to attend a lodge meeting and deliver part of the ritual, and he said being Grand Master of Missouri was his proudest achievement.

The Diamond Years: Seventy-five Year History of Babcock Lodge 1987

A follow-up to Fifty Golden Years, adding to the earlier history of this interesting lodge located in the Richmond suburbs.

The Search for Leadership 1987

Seekers of Truth: The Story of the Philalethes Society 1928-1988 1988

This is the only history of one of the most important Masonic organizations, which for almost 70 years has concentrated on promoting Masonic research.

The Mystic Tie 1991

This is a collection of many of Allen E. Roberts short speeches and articles, concentrating on what Freemasonry meant to him and many others.

Masonic Lifeline: Leadership 1992

This contains more suggestions from Allen E. Roberts about how Masonry can improve if it concentrates on training better leaders for the future.

Masonic Trivia and Facts 1994

This is an easily read book about key facts, and corrections to misconceptions, about Freemasonry.