ATTRACTED TO FREEMASONRY

by Michael A. Porada, 32ø,
Valley of Tucson


(From March 1997 Niagara-New Orleans Masonic News via The Baton Rouge
Scottish Rite Trestleboard for November 1997)


The fraternity of Freemasonry just a few years ago was blessed to
have attracted the attention of John Robinson, who not only wrote
three books on the craft itself but was also willing to be a
staunch advocate of Masonry. He traveled and spoke for and about
Freemasonry not only to its modem day opponents, but especially to
the nominformed and to the Masonic community.


While John J. Robinson may have departed from his earthly life in
September, 1993, his spirit and message are literally still in our
very midst today! I recently had the opportunity and privilege to
interview his widow, Bernice Robinson, who most graciously agreed
to sit down and discuss John's Masonic Journey through his unique
perspective.


"John's approach to researching Born in Blood (his first book) was
in business research," Bernice said. "He investigated and assembled
a the pertinent facts, then let them lead him to a logical
conclusion, rather than forming a theory, selecting solely the
facts which would support such a theory and ignoring the rest."


His research, started in the early 1980s, led him to conclude that
the Knights Templar had to go underground early in the 14th century
to avoid torture and death. He also concluded that this underground
organization was, some 70 years later, the guiding force behind the
Peasants' Revolt in England. Other independent research into the
mysteries of Masonic origins began to connect with his theory that
had evolved concerning the fate of the Templars-on-the-run. "By
1985, John had decided that he had accrued enough material to
produce a fascinating book," according to Bernice.


Two years later, John Robinson did submit what he thought was a
complete manuscript to the well known Alfred Knopf book publishing
house. "The editor assigned to work with John told him that there
had always been a strong interest in Masonry by the general public,
and to add a section about Freemasonry spanning the period from the
Middle Ages to the present day. John was told that his book would
appeal to a much wider readership if it dealt with Freemasonry in
greater depth. Although it's possible that the editor might have
expected John to uncover harmful facts about the craft, it didn't
work out that way."


Although Knopf was unable to publish the final manuscript, they did
refer John to other publishers who would be in the position to
help. "M. Evans and Company was the first of the publishers John
had been referred to that responded," Bernice recalled. "George
deKay, the President and owner, said that lie had read the
manuscript and was ready to publish it," she added.


In Masonic circles, Born in Blood met with mixed reviews and
reactions from historians and researchers, but gradually John's
theory gained acceptance.


Perhaps most important was the acknowledgment of Allen Roberts,
Executive Secretary of the Philalethes Society. "Early in 1990,
John was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal of the Society for
his service to the cause of Freemasonry in general," Bernice
recalled. "He was touched by this recognition of his work's value-
he and Allen developed a Friendship that was based on mutual
admiration and respect."


After the publication, John Robinson began to receive requests to
speak about his research, his initial engagement at the Scottish
Rite Valley of Cincinnati. "John admitted to being nervous over how
his presentation would be received," Bernice said. Fortunately, his
ability to communicate in a clear, straight forward way met with a
warm and lively response from his audience. When he came home he
was relieved and happy. I had not seen such a sparkle in his eye
for a long time."


The success of his first occasion helped set a general pattern for
future appearances in that John would speak for about 30 minutes
with the remaining time taking questions, so that other ideas could
develop.


In the succeeding two years, John Robinson finished two more books,
Dungeon, Fire and Sword and A Pilgrims Path, while carrying out a
very busy schedule of speaking engagements, both to Masonic forums
and on radio and television. These engagements involved hundreds of
thousands of miles of travel throughout the United States and
Europe.


As he was then not a Mason, he had a very high degree of
credibility when defending Masonry to the various latterday
accusers of the craft. He drew the attention of many talk show
hosts who looked for (and thrived on) controversial subjects.
Bernice accompanied him whenever possible.


"John never knew a stranger," she stated. "He showed the same
respect and friendliness to everyone he met from whatever walk of
life. He was always ready to fit in an extra meeting or impromptu
discussion, and never sought to impress listeners with his
erudition or importance. After a few formal presentations, he was
always delighted to stay around, signing books, and answering
questions and visiting with people. Frequently, he would get to bed
well after midnight only to be up again after a few hours rest to
fit in more unscheduled meetings before it was time to leave. No
matter how tired he was, he found the energy to meet people,
because he sincerely loved what he was doing. As a wife, I enjoyed
seeing him receive a standing ovation, because I felt he deserved
it."


In 1992, John made his decision to affirm his commitment to
Freemasonry. "John petitioned Nova Ceasarea Harmony Lodge No. 2 for
two reasons," Bernice added. "As this is Ohio's oldest lodge, he
was attracted to the historical aspect. hi addition, he had a
personal association, dating back to his childhood, with lodge
member (and Past Master) Cleve Cornelison, which was renewed when
John first established Masonic connections."


John was made an Entered Apprentice November 25, 1992. "It was a
night that gave him deep satisfaction," Bernice related.
Unfortunately, his active life as a Mason was cut short
immediately.


Over the years, John had successfully overcome a number of serious
health problems; so a severe sore throat that was troubling him at
the time he became a Mason seemed nothing more than a mild
infection. However, the day after Thanksgiving, the throat became
very painful. Within 48 hours his blood stream had been invaded by
a strep infection which caused life-threatening blood poisoning. He
waged a month long battle in intensive care, unable to move or
speak very much at all. Bernice recalled, "I think I was the only
person in the entire hospital who believed that John would survive
during the first 72 hours."


In all the years of the existence of the Grand Lodge of Ohio there
had been only two men made Master Masons at sight: President
William Howard Taft and U.S. Senator John Glenn. Brother Robinson,
however, had already received his first degree, so there was no
thought given,to making him a Mason at sight.


Bernice remembers the initial phone call that came from Allen
Roberts, who had just learned that John's life was in danger. "Allen
felt that it would be a shame if this man who had done so much for
Freemasonry were to die without becoming a Master Mason."


Ohio Grand Master H. Ray Evans called an emergent session of the
Grand Lodge and N.C. Harmony Lodge No. 2 at the Shriner's Burn
Institute, across the street from where John lay in intensive care.
On December 3, 1992, the Grand Master conferred upon John the
Fellowcraft and Master Mason degrees.


"Afterward, I had the distinct impression that John had 'turned the
corner,' even though he could only squeeze my hand to show that he
knew what had occurred." On New Year's Eve, he left intensive care
and returned home weeks later.


John Robinson returned to sufficient health to be able to receive
the Scottish Rite degrees in the Valley of Cincinnati in April
1993. Bernice remembered, "He attended the final banquet in a
wheelchair, but the importance of the occasion, and brotherly
support he received gave his spirits a tremendous boost. It was
just what lie needed at that time." Although elected to receive the
3 3 ' of the Ancient Scottish Rite at Cleveland, Ohio, in September
1994, John's decline in health made it necessary to confer this
honor on him in Cincinnati, with newly elected Sovereign Grand
Commander Robert 0. Ralston, 33', and Ohio Scottish Rite Deputy
Alfred E. Rice, 33 0, present on September 3, 1993, just three days
prior to his death.


"Al Rice especially wanted him to receive it and didn't want to
risk any contingency," Bernice said, "The one thing I as a wife who
loved John very much, want to add is that I am deeply honored that
he was chosen to receive the 33' in the Scottish Rite, and that it
was conferred upon him while he was still here."


It was John Robinson's third book, A Pilgrim's Path, which perhaps
can best summarize his research and conclusions on Masonry. The
first half of the book deals with the various condemnations of
Masonry from past to present, and point by point dismantles the
various claims.


"You would really say that the second half of the book suggests
practical methods and ideas for the growth of Freemasonry," she
continued. "John was concerned by the vast numbers of people,
especially young people, who know nothing about Freemasonry. I
believe he still wants to present the wholesome, positive image of
Masonry, to counter the effect of the attacks of the religious
extremists and other negative sources. Through his books, and the
newly formed Masonic Information Center, I feel sure he can help to
assure that."


Asked what reward Freemasonry gave to such an individual as John
Robinson, who through his research and writing found himself
traveling and speaking out for the craft, Bernice Robinson
concluded that "John rarely put his innermost feelings into words,
but I truly believe that Freemasonry gave him an inner serenity
through helping him find his own path to God."