We look at the life and work of Carl H. Claudy, a prolific Masonic author who believed that Masonic education is the foundation for the Fraternity.
Carl Harry Claudy (1879-1957)
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The genius of Freemasonry is not our Masonic buildings and temples or the trappings of our organizations. It is not our great charities or community activities. It is not our beautiful rituals or their teachings! It is the ‘practice of Freemasonry’ by the Freemasons. Yet we cannot practice that which we do not know or understand. Thus, Masonic education is the foundation for our Fraternity.
– Carl H. Claudy
Carl Harry Claudy (1879-1957) was an American author, magazine feature writer, and journalist for the New York Herald.
Born in Washington DC on 13 January 1879, Carl Claudy received just one year of formal education, yet he went on to become one of the most prolific authors and journalists of the early twentieth century.
Journalist and photographer
By the time he was nineteen, with no work available, Claudy headed off to the gold fields of Alaska, but sadly after six months of prospecting, he had found no gold and so returned to the States.
Sometime later, he found a job as editor of a popular science paper and, considering his lack of education this was no mean feat.
He focused on writing and his first story appeared in the Washington Post. Heartened by his success Claudy went on the write, as a freelancer, for the New York Herald, joining the staff full time in 1908.
At that time aviation was in its infancy and he wrote many articles on the subject.
Claudy was also a proficient photographer and during the early 1900s he photographed many important aeronautical events, including Alexander Graham Bell’s 1906 tetrahedral kite experiments; the flights of Thomas Baldwin’s dirigible (1904) and the US Signal Corps SC-1 (1908); the Wright Flyer Army Trials at Fort Meyer, Virginia in 1908 and 1909.
Claudy’s photographic collection capturing these events is held by the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.
Claudy was a man of prodigious energy and aside from his journalism and photography, he was a keen sportsman; his favourite activities included baseball rowing, boxing, football and tennis.
His adventurous streak continued as he became involved in mountaineering and camping and he wrote many articles on the subjects dear to him, his features often appearing in Boy Scout publications and sporting journals and he wrote a book, The Battle of Base-Ball (1912)
Not one to stay pigeon-holed in his writing career, Claudy also wrote science fiction stories for The American Boy magazine during the 1930s; four novels evolved from some of the stories.
He then proceeded to write for DC Comics’ All-American Comics #16 (1939-1948).
Freemasonry – author, playwright and leader
It was in 1908, at the age of twenty-nine that Carl H. Claudy was raised a Freemason in Harmony Lodge No. 17 in Washington DC.
He became Master of the lodge in 1932, and, in 1943 was Grand Master of Masons in the District of Columbia.
By now Claudy was a successful author of innumerable articles, short stories and novels but his writing career really took off when he became associate editor of the Masonic Service Association’s magazine The Master Mason.
The MSA was formed in 1919 by the Grand Lodges of the United States:
‘for the purpose of performing a number of services under one central organization. Some of those services have changed over the years, but MSA remains an organization dedicated to serving Freemasonry, our country, and the world’.
Claudy was executive secretary of the MSA from 1929, until his death in 1957.
But it was his influence and leadership that the MSA was elevated to a position of distinction when he authored the Short Talk Bulletin – this was distributed across the country, making him a familiar name in virtually every lodge.
He wrote around 350 Short Talk Bulletins but in addition to this, he was prolific in his Masonic writing: digests, essays and collections of historical and factual papers, all designed to promote and offer education about the Craft.
He edited the Little Masonic Library, a collection of twenty pocket-sized volumes.
In 1930, Claudy included a serialisation of his novel The Lion’s Paw in The Master Mason magazine.
This was well received, and he followed this with The Master’s Book (1935), which set out the principles and practices of a successful lodge Master.
Claudy’s classic primer for new Masons was aptly titled Introduction to Freemasonry, in which he states:
‘He is a wise initiate who will read and study that he may receive all of that for which he has asked.’
Claudy went on to pen twelve Masonic plays, the first while he was in Washington and nine of the succeeding ones he wrote in Montana, hidden away in a log cabin within sight of the Emigrant Peak, surrounded by the Gallatin National Forest – his own personal lodge.
Carl Harry Claudy died in 1957 but it only takes a moment to see that his contribution to Masonic literature is still universally popular – look on websites such as Goodreads and he is still an (almost) five-star author.
Claudy’s long service and dedication to Freemasonry was honoured – the 33rd Degree Scottish Rite Mason was the recipient of the Henry Price medal.
No doubt he would be delighted to see his work continuing at the MSA, where you can still sign up to the Short Talk Bulletin.
Every month since 1923 the Masonic Service Association has published The Short Talk Bulletin, which was to be an informative, chatty discussion of some aspect of Freemasonry: symbols, allegories, history, individuals, etc..
They are sent to all Lodges of the constituent Grand Lodges, and are intended to be read in all Lodges.
Here, we are bringing all of these jewels of Masonic Light to life, so that Masonic Education may happen wherever Brothers are.
Article by: Philippa Lee. Editor
Philippa Lee (writes as Philippa Faulks) is the author of eight books, an editor and researcher.
Philippa was initiated into the Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasons (HFAF) in 2014.
Her specialism is ancient Egypt, Freemasonry, comparative religions and social history. She has several books in progress on the subject of ancient and modern Egypt. Selection of Books Online at Amazon
The Battle Of Base-ball
by Carl Harry Claudy (1879-1957)
This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it.
This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.
Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. To ensure a quality reading experience, this work has been proofread and republished using a format that seamlessly blends the original graphical elements with text in an easy-to-read typeface.
We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
The Lion’s Paw
by Carl Harry Claudy (1879-1957)
A thrilling story in which Freemasonry plays so large a part that were the Ancient Craft taken out there would be no story left.
Here are adventure, war, excitement; here is drama and love and sorrow. And here also is the idealism of the Craft, at work on faulty humanity.
The Lions Paw is one of the greatest Masonic novels ever written.
It contains 24 short stories that display the excellence that Freemasonry teaches.
Read it and you will thank the author for a novel that touches deeply the Masonic heart.
The Master’s Book
by Carl Harry Claudy (1879-1957)
Should this book, in its latest edition, continue to help Masters to enjoy successful years, to provide inspiration for the Brethren
Introduction to Freemasonry
by Carl Harry Claudy (1879-1957)
Introduction to Freemasonry, set of 3 books.
Recent Articles: by Carl Claudy
 Old Tiler Talks - Eyes Lifted High The Old Tiler Talks first published in 1925, by Carl Claudy, is a series of short anecdotal stories told in the setting of a new member asking an old tiler for his opinion on various masonic topics. These short articles are still very relevant, 100 years on, and hopefully provide some insight to new members today. |
 Old Tiler Talks - Masonic Libraries The Old Tilers talks first published in 1925, by Carl Claudy, is a series of short anecdotal stories told in the setting of a new member asking an old tiler for his opinion on various masonic topics. These short articles are still very relevant, 100 years on, and hopefully provide some insight to new members today. |
 Old Tiler Talks - So Many Rascals "Why are there so many rascals in the Fraternity, and why don't we turn them out?" a new member voiced to the old tiler for his opinion. These short articles are still very relevant, 100 years on, and hopefully provide some insight to new members today. |
 Old Tiler Talks - The Greatest Work The Old Tiler asked, "what is the greatest work of Masonry?" The New Brother sat by the guardian of the door and pulled out his cigar case. - Another instalment of wisdom by Carl Claudy, The Greatest Work |
 Old Tiler Talks - Why Men Love Freemasonry The 'Old Tiler Talks' first published in 1925, by Carl Claudy, is a series of short anecdotal stories told in the setting of a new member asking an old Tiler for his opinion on various Masonic topics. These short articles are still very relevant, 100 years on, and hopefully provide some insight to new members today. |
 Old Tiler Talks - Seeking a Little Light The Old Tilers talks first published in 1925, by Carl Claudy, is a series of short anecdotal stories told in the setting of a new member asking an old tiler for his opinion on various masonic topics. These short articles are still very relevant, 100 years on, and hopefully provide some insight to new members today. |
 The new mason laments that practically speaking, Masonry is a failure, and it depresses me … Masonry cannot be a failure, because men fail as Masons. The Old Tilers talk by Carl Claudy |
 Old Tiler Talks - Country Lodge A lesson in the importance of an open mindset to observe, not to judge, but to learn and accept that we can achieve the desired outcome employing a different process. by Carl Claudy |
 Old Tiler Talks - The Ideal Mason "What's your ideal of Freemasonry?" asked the Younger Mason - A short anecdotal story told in the setting of a new member asking an old tiler for his opinion on various masonic topics by Carl Claudy |
 Old Tiler Talks - Learning the Work A short anecdotal story told in the setting of a new member asking an old tiler for his opinion on various masonic topics by Carl Claudy |
 Masonic first appointments and promotions might appear to be inequitable for one point a view, but some times, one point does not show the whole picture. A perfectly articulated story by Claudy, we should not compare one persons abilities with another. |
 Old Tiler Talks - Masonry's 'Failure' Masonry fails because it doesn’t interest men sufficiently to make them practice what they preach. A perfectly articulated story by Claudy Masonry does not fail men. Men fail Masonry. Masonry has the teachings. |
 A perfectly articulated story by Claudy reminds us of a lesson from the Second Degree Charge; in the decision of every trespass against our rules, judge with candour, admonish with friendship, and reprehend with mercy. |
 Old Tiler Talks - A Masonic Speech A Masonic Speech - I can tell you the essence of appeal. It is drama. If you want your hearers to hang on your words, dramatize your subject |
 Old Tiler Talks - A Mason's Christmas A Mason's Christmas - Do you believe in Christmas celebrations should be held by the lodge ? Should members be asked to contribute to one and engage in Christmas festivities ? What is the old tilers take on this ? |
 Advertising - We would do more good in the world if we advertised ourselves more… Why ? |
 Uncover the mystery behind one of the oldest and most widespread symbols denoting God. |
 Do you want to discover the originals of the five points of fellowship ? |
 The mystery behind the two great pillars that stood at the porchway entrance of King Solomon Temple |
 Three numbers, what are their masonic significance? Pythagoras has something to say about them |
 What are the Three Grand Pillars ?, wisdom, strength, and beauty - then later we hear of the Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian columns |
 This emblem contains more real food for thought than any other in the lecture of the Sublime Degree. |
 The Hiramic Legend is the glory of Freemasonry; the search for that which was lost is the glory of life |
 How are the Fellowcraft's five steps connected the five senses of human nature |
 How to explain the principle tents of the craft to a newly made brother |
 What are the lesser lights and where are they placed on our Lodges |
 Like so much else in Freemasonry the Middle Chamber is wholly symbolic |
 In the true sense of the words Freemasonry is not a secret society but a society with secrets. |
 Three Great Lights – the Volume of the Sacred Law, the Square, and the Compasses |
 Entered Apprentice Lambskin Apron; More ancient than the Golden Fleece or Roman Eagle, more honourable than the Star and Garter ... |
 To the initiate, the penalty in his obligation comes with a shock of surprise and sometimes consternation. |
 What is a point within a circle |
Recent Articles: in meet the author series
 Meet The Author - Albert Mackey As a contributor to the literature and science of Freemasonry, Doctor Mackey's labours have been more extensive than those of any other in America or in Europe. |
 Philippa Lee talks Masonry and metaphysics with Ben Zion, the author of two must-have books on esoteric Freemasonry. |
 Meet The Author - Robert Freke Gould A brief look at his life, Gould was a soldier, barrister and prominent Freemason and Masonic historian. He was also one of the founders of Quatuor Coronati Lodge in 1886 |
 In Conversation with…Daniel Duke Author Daniel Duke talks to Philippa Lee about his new book 'Secret History of the Wild, Wild West' the third in a series on Outlaws, secret societies and hidden treasure. Dan is the great-great grandson of the infamous Jesse James, and the definitive authority on the subject. |
 Mike's Masonic Walks and Talks Mike Neville offers walks and talks primarily around London, based on his vast knowledge of the area and his specialist subjects, which cover all aspects of Masonic history, and some unique insight into the more shady side of 'Crime and the Craft'. |
 Darren Lorente-Bull is the author of 'The Other Brotherhood: When Freemasonry Crossed the English Channel' and five other books. Here he talks to Philippa Lee about his beliefs, his Freemasonry, and books. |
 Meet The Author - Angel Millar This month I am delighted to interview Angel Millar – author of five books on Freemasonry, esotericism, and world spiritual and initiatory traditions. |
 Constantinos Biliouris is a Greek Artist and brother from the Grand Lodge of Greece who creates a range of hand painted masonic aprons. |
 This month Editor Philippa Lee meets Stewart Clelland the author / translator of The Green Book of The Élus Coëns |
 Editor Philippa Lee interviews well-known Masonic author Dr Robert Lomas |
 This month we feature ten of our recommended Masonic authors ranging from the early 1900s to the modern day, and we offer our 'Square choice' of their books. |
 We talk with ‘Brother Hogarth’ who is currently writing a series of articles featuring the Masonic art of William Hogarth. |
 If you would like your work to be featured in The Square, please take a look at our submissions guidelines and send any ideas or contributions to the Editor for our consideration. |
 A slight deviation from our usual 'Meet the Author' theme but equally as interesting, we have a 'Portrait of an Artist' - Travis Simpkins - the man capturing the likeness of Freemasons worldwide! |
 This month we Meet the Author: historian and biographer Kevin Shillington. |
 This month in 'Meet the Author' we look at the life and work of Carl H. Claudy, a prolific Masonic author who believed that Masonic education is the foundation for the Fraternity. |
 Daniel Duke, the great-great grandson of Jesse James, grew up surrounded by stories of lost outlaw treasures. |
 Stephen Dafoe - numerous books on the Knights Templar, and Morgan: The Scandal That Shook Freemasonry. |
 Paul Sparks – author of A Guide for the Masonic Treasurer |
 Craig Weightman – author of A Journey in Stone |
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