THE BUILDERS
The first Editor was Joseph Fort Newton
July 21, 1880 - January 24, 1950
Baptist minister and masonic author, Joseph Fort Newton is remembered for several masonic books, The Builders in 1914 and The Men's House in 1923 being two of the most widely reprinted.
His autobiography, River of Years (1944), contains many masonic references.
Raised: May 28, 1902
Friendship Lodge No. 7, Dixon, Illinois
Grand Chaplain: 1911-13
Grand Lodge of Iowa
Bro. Newton was followed by Robert I. Clegg, and he succeeded by H. Haywood.
The Builder Magazine was published from 1915 through 1930 by the National Masonic Research Society. Many Masonic Librarians and scholars believe that The Builder Magazine was the best American Masonic magazine ever published. The fifteen year collection (185 monthly issues) include thousands of excellent articles on Masonic history, philosophy, jurisprudence, poetry, landmarks and symbolism. Those who have read original copies of these publications can attest to the fact that you will find many hours of enjoyable Masonic Education within.
As you can see there were only five magazines issued in 1930 and, to my knowledge, none thereafter. No inidication of heading toward this abrupt end appeared in any of the editorials, or elsewhere. Perhaps the stockmarket crash of 1929 played a part. If anyone knows, drop us a line. There is a wealth of material, a wealth of good reading from some of the finest minds ever to ponder Masonry. Pull up a chair and enjoy
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