The first Matre of AMORC, mystery solved!!!
Antonio Serra
Manly P. Hall (1901-1990) believed that Rosicrucians actually
existed; however, he also wrote that the whole subject of
Rosicrucianism has been intensely complicated by misrepresentation and
imposture.– As one of the most invidious critics of Rosicrucianism in
America, Hall was convinced that the claims of a number of modern
organizations were utterly false.
Similarly, in his analysis of American Rosicrucianism Arthur Edward
Waite (1857-1942) wrote that the Societas Rosicruciana in America
obviously has no tradition, no claim on the past and no knowledge
thereof. Moreover, he concluded that:
It would serve no useful purpose to enlarge upon later foundations,
like that of Dr. R. Swinburne Clymer, who seems to have assumed the
mantle laid down by [P. B.] Randolph, or Max Heindel's Rosicrucian
Fellowship of California. They represent individual enterprises which
have no roots in the past.–
And, in spite of the fact that Waite's assessment of American
Rosicrucian groups did not include Harvey Lewis' enterprise, it cannot
be inferred that Lewis' claims of authenticity were any more valid
than the claims of his rivals. Harvey Spencer Lewis (1883-1939) was
the founder of the Ancient Mystical Order Rosae Crucis, established in
New York City on April 1, 1915. Lewis introduced May Banks Stacey
(1846-1918) as co-founder of his group in a biography written for the
initial issue of AMORC's– official organ, The American Rosae Crucis.–
Approximately three years later, Lewis wrote a combination
obituary-biography of Stacey together with a testimonial attributed to
her in support of his claims.– Finally, in 1927, Lewis condensed the
data in both biographies and incorporated the fragments into his
autobiography, giving her some notoriety, albeit for his benefit.
Lewis wrote that:
he made his first contact with the work of the Rosicrucians through
obtaining copies of the secret manuscripts of the first American
Rosicrucians who established their headquarters near Philadelphia in
1694. A member of the English branch which sponsored the first
movement in America, Mrs. Colonel May Banks Stacey, descendant of
Oliver Cromwell and the D'Arcy's of France, placed in his hands such
papers as had been officially transmitted to her by the last of the
first American Rosicrucians, with the Jewel and Key of authority
received by her from the Grand Master of the Order in India while an
officer of the work in that country.–
On the face of it, the gesture of including Mary Stacey in his
autobiography seemed to be a strategy for the reinforcement of Lewis'
claim to Rosicrucian authenticity. Although Lewis publicized her as
the organization's co-founder, Stacey never signed the group's
original charter.– Moreover, evidence of Stacey's membership in the
English branch which sponsored the first [Rosicrucian] movement in
America remains to be discovered. In any case, only Lewis and Stacey
knew for certain the reasons for, and, the extent of their
association. Therefore, a biographical sketch, supported by sources
outside of the Rosicrucian Order (AMORC), is essential to determine
whether or not Mary Stacey could have functioned in the capacity
ascribed to her by Lewis.
Mrs. Stacey was born Mary Henrietta Banks in July 1846, in
Hollidaysburg, Blair County, Pennsylvania. The census of August 30,
1850 records Mary H. Banks, age 4, in the household of Thaddeus
Banks.– The exact day of her birth remains to be discovered.
Additionally, records relevant to her formal education have yet to be
located.
However, available records disclose that her father was a
Presbyterian– and a Democrat.– Also, Thaddeus Banks was a well known
attorney in Hollidaysburg, who in 1862 served in the House of
Representatives of Pennsylvania.– Furthermore, he was the son of Judge
Ephraim Banks of Lewistown, Pennsylvania– and the grandson of James
Banks Jr., a member of the State Legislature in 1790–, as well as a
Major General in the Pennsylvania Militia during the War of 1812.–
Mary's earliest known immigrant ancestor, James Banks Sr., was born in
Ayr, Scotland in 1732.– He and his wife Anna sailed for America and
landed at Christiana Bridge, Delaware in 1755. From Delaware they went
to New London Crossroads, Chester County, Pennsylvania, where they
made their first home in this country. In 1756, James Banks Sr.
enlisted and served two years in the Indian campaigns with Captain
Clinton's Volunteers, who incidentally were under the command of
Colonel George Washington. In 1758, he enlisted in the army of General
Forbes and marched against Fort Du Quesne in the French and Indian
War.– Mary's mother was Delia Cromwell Reynolds of Cecil County,
Maryland, daughter of Reuben Reynolds and Henrietta Maria Cromwell.–
In short, since Mary Banks was a fifth generation American on both
sides of the family, her reported membership in an English branch of
Rosicrucianism could serve only to obscure the issue of her origin.–
Meanwhile, Mary Henrietta Banks married Captain May Humphreys Stacey
on December 9, 1869, at her father's home in Hollidaysburg,
Pennsylvania. The ceremony was performed by Reverend William Preston,
Rector of Saint Andrew's [Episcopal] Church of Pittsburgh.– Captain
Stacey was an adventuresome choice as a husband. In 1857 he crossed
the plains to California with Lieutenant Edward F. Beale, who was
surveying a wagon route between Alberquerque, New Mexico, and the
Colorado River. The only camels that ever crossed the continent were
taken by Lt. Beale's party.– After reaching California, May Stacey
stayed for over a year, then returned home on a merchant ship via
Calcutta and the Cape of Good Hope. In 1859 he was appointed Master's
Mate of the United States steamer Crusader. Soon afterwards, Stacey
joined the United States Coast Survey steamer Corwin where he remained
until his appointment as first lieutenant in the Union Army.– He was
promoted to captain Twelfth Infantry August 19, 1864 and was three
times breveted for distinguished services.–
Brevet Lieutenant Colonel, Captain May Stacey and his bride Mary
became the parents of a daughter and two sons: Delia Van Dycke Stacey
born at Hollidaysburg, November 9, 1870; Aubrey Banks Stacey, born at
Angel Island, California, February 29, 1872; and, Edward Cecil
Cromwell Stacey, born at Camp Halleck, Nevada, February 14, 1876.–
The Staceys were stationed at the most desolate outposts the Army had
to offer between 1869 and 1882. According to data in his personnel
file Captain Stacey served as commanding officer at the following
posts: Fort Grant, Fort Lowell, Fort Mojave, and Fort Thomas, Arizona;
Camp Reynolds on Angel Island and Fort Yuma, California; Camp Halleck
and Fort McDermit, Nevada. Finally, the Staceys spent their last four
Army years at Plattsburg Barracks, and Fort Ontario, New York.–
Captain Stacey died at Fort Ontario on February 12, 1886 from
paralysis caused by the wounds he received in the Civil War.– In a
short time, May H. Stacey Post No. 586, Grand Army of the Republic was
chartered in his honor at Oswego, New York.–
Captain Stacey was buried in Chester, Pennsylvania. Afterward,
affidavits obtained by Mary Stacey to secure her widow's pension
indicated that she and her children lived with in-laws in Chester
during the period 1886-1887, and with her sister's family in Baltimore
from 1887 to 1891. The report submitted to Congress by Mr. Brady of
the committee on pensions stated that Captain Stacey's death left Mrs.
Stacey and three children in needy circumstances.– Hence, the
necessity of living with relatives was evident. Initially, her pension
was $20.00 per month, plus $2.00 per month for each child under
sixteen years of age. Three years later, the United States Senate
approved a pension of $30.00 per month.– Supplemented by financial
assistance from her children, she lived on that amount for the
remainder of her life.
Clearly, times were hard. From 1892 to 1897, Mary Stacey lived in a
boarding house at 139 West 41st Street, New York City. Her landlord,
Fred Stanley Betts, complained to the War Department that Mrs. Stacey,
the mother of Lieutenant Stacey was $450.00 in arrears for her board
bill. Betts wrote that she and her son signed a note payable, then
moved.– Further proof of her sorry financial circumstances may be
inferred from a letter written to President McKinley. Of her youngest
son, she wrote, He is my main support. . . . I have no political
influence, but I have given both my boys to the country. My eldest boy
is in Cuba. –
In another letter on behalf of her youngest son, Mary Stacey also
revealed information about her personal life. On April 26, 1898, she
wrote, I am the First Vice President of [the] New York Women's
Republican Association, and worked hard in the Presidential campaign.
My son is a New York soldier, so I write to you as our Senator,
begging you to use your influence with the President and Secretary of
War, to appoint Sergeant Stacey as Second Lieutenant. Also, February
25, 1898, a friend of the family, Thomas F. Reed, Surveyor of Customs,
Port of New York, wrote to General Alger of the War Department on
behalf of Sergeant Stacey. Likewise, his letter revealed information
about Mary Stacey's private life. Of Mrs. Stacey, he wrote, With the
prominence and loyalty of his father we can add the distinguished and
energetic life and labors of his mother Mrs. May Banks Stacey, who is
engaged in duties on the rostrum, in our schools, and before
societies, teaching the young those lessons of patriotism, which makes
our Republic the great and growing power of the world. – Mary Stacey
had been teaching at the Charlier Institute, a private school, on
Sixth Avenue at Fifty-ninth Street, opposite Central Park.– Her
brother-in-law, Professor Elie Charlier was the founder of the
Institute and a French Episcopal minister as well. Moreover, he was
Jeannette Stacey's husband.
Consequently, working for her in-laws proved beneficial for Mary
Stacey. In addition to the extra income, she found plenty of time to
actively campaign for Cromwell's promotions. Eventually, her efforts
were successful. Cromwell was appointed second lieutenant of Infantry
at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, on July 15, 1898.– During the Spanish
American War, he distinguished himself in Puerto Rico and a few years
later in the Philippines,– while his older brother, Aubrey, never rose
above the rank of Sergeant.– The following extract is from one of Mary
Stacey's letters to Secretary of War, Elihu Root:
You will see I am with the 19th U.S. Inf. now at Camp Meade,
[Middletown] Pa., with my son Cromwell, 1st Lt. but who has acted
Captain all through the Porto Rican Campaign. You may have seen how he
covered himself with glory by capturing the famous brigand [Estaban]
Garcia. The New York papers [New York World, April 16, 1899] gave
Cromwell's picture and a full account taken from the Porto Rican
papers, in which they said Lt. Stacey deserved great things for thus
saving the lives and property of the people.
Most important, Cromwell's military service reports made it possible
to accurately document his mother's places of residence.– Therefore,
this information combined with the knowledge of her financial
circumstances would seem to preclude the notion that Mary Stacey
served as an officer of the Rosicrucian Order in India. In fact,
existing records support the contention that her personal and
financial circumstances made it all but impossible for her to travel
anywhere other than from relative to relative.
Indeed, Mrs. Stacey prepared a holographic will while residing with
her daughter in Atlantic City, New Jersey. She described the extent of
her wealth as: all personal property, viz., jewelry, clothes,
bric-a-brack, books, mining shares, and whatever I may possess at
death. . . . . – Mary Stacey died– on January 21, 1918, and her
daughter filed the will at the Circuit Court of Cook County, Probate
Division, on March 11, 1918. Assets in the estate were about $100.00.–
Sexton's records from Graceland Cemetery and Crematorium, 4001 North
Clark Street, Chicago, Illinois, confirm that Mary Stacey was cremated
and her ashes scattered.
On the whole, sources outside of the Rosicrucian Order (AMORC)
pointedly suggest the following:
1. Although some of Mary Stacey's relatives were wealthy, her
immediate family lived modestly. And, in spite of hardships, Mary
Stacey was always completely devoted to her family. When she died she
was living with her daughter in Evanston, Illinois, and her youngest
son Cromwell was stationed at nearby Fort Sheridan. It seems unlikely
that she would have forsaken her children to embark upon an arduous
and expensive journey to India. Consequently, evidence of Stacey's
service as an officer of the Rosicrucian Order in India remains to be
discovered. Likewise, it is unclear how Mary Stacey could have been a
member of the English branch which sponsored the first [Rosicrucian]
movement in America.
2. Finally, Lewis benefitted from their relationship in ways that
were obvious. In contrast, one can only speculate concerning the
benefits to Mary Stacey. 's involvement with his organization must
remain questionable. And, since that is the case, it would appear that
Lewis' claims of Rosicrucian authenticity were just as incredulous as
the claims of his rivals.
–Mrs. May (Banks) Stacey was Mary Henrietta Banks, the wife of May
Humphreys Stacey. The reference to May Banks Stacey was a gender role
stereotype whereby her identity was defined by the relationship to her
husband.
–Mr. Rocks is a former member of AMORC and currently the head of Rocks
and Associates (Orange, California). As a historian, he is the author
of W.C. Fields An Annotated Guide: Chronology, Bibliographies,
Discography, Filmographies, Press Boods, Cigarette Cards, Film Clips,
and Impersonators (Jefferson, North Carolina: McFarlane, 1993). Mr.
Rocks is also the author of two bibliographies of Orange County
(California) history: A Contribution Towards a Bibliography of Orange
County, California, Local History, Together with a Checklist of the
Publications of the Fine Arts Press of Santa Ana, California (1971)
and Orange County Local History, 1869-1971: A Preliminary Bibliography
(1972).
–Hall, Manly P. The Riddle of the Rosicrucians (Los Angeles:
Philosophical Research Society, 1941), 2, 14-15.
–Waite, Arthur Edward. The Brotherhood of the Rosy Cross (London:
Rider & Co., 1924), 615-616.
–AMORC is an acronym for the Ancient Mystical Order Rosae Crucis.
–Lewis, H. Spencer. Mrs. May Banks Stacey Matre, Rosae Crucis America.
The American Rosae Crucis. Vol. 1, No.1 (January, 1916): 16-17.
–_____ The Supreme Matre Emeritus Raised to the Higher Realms.Ó
Cromaat. D (1918): 26-27.
–_____. Rosicrucian Manual. AMORC. (Charleston, W. Va.: Lovett
Printing Co., 1927), 13, 128.
Lewis claimed that the German Pietists were the first American
Rosicrucians. See Julius F. Sachse, The German Pietists of Provincial
Pennsylvania, 1694-1708. (New York: AMS Press, 1970), iv, 37.
Manly P. Hall, Codex Rosae Crucis. (Los Angeles: Philosophical
Research Society, 1974), 33-38 contains a complete description of the
so-called secret manuscripts of the first American Rosicrucians.
Mrs. Stacey fervently believed that she was a lineal descendant of
Oliver Cromwell. However, famed genealogist Francis B. Culver was the
first to discover the erroneous Cromwell connections. Unfortunately,
every Cromwell who emigrated to Maryland claimed descendance from the
Protector, but, no one has proven a relationship. Additionally, the
eminent Maryland genealogist Harry Wright Newman, wrote that after
studying the foregoing [genealogical] outlines, it shows conclusively
that the Maryland Cromwell's are not descended from Oliver the
Puritan, unless they be from his son and namesake, Oliver, who is
supposed to have died without issue at the age of twenty-one.Ó See
Newman's Anne Arundel Gentry. A Genealogical History of Twenty-Two
Pioneers of Anne Arundel County, Md., and their descendants. (n.p.:
Maryland Pioneer Series, 1933), 4-5.
–Lewis, Ralph M. Rosicrucian Documents (San Jose: Supreme Grand Lodge
of AMORC, Inc., 1975), 6. Photograph of the Pronunciamento [charter]
issued and signed on the occasion of the first meeting of the American
Supreme Council of the AMORC in New York City, April 1, 1915. Mary
Stacey was not one of the several women who signed the document.
–United States. Census. Schedule I. Hollidaysburg, Blair County,
Pennsylvania. August 30, 1850. Family of Thaddeus Banks, House 53,
Family 62, page 195.
–Letter to the author from James M. Hanly, Pastor, First Presbyterian
Church, Hollidaysburg, PA, dated 16 September 1985. Thaddeus Banks
united with this church in January 9, 1864. . . .
–Davis, Tarring S. and Lucille Shenk. A History of Blair County,
Pennsylvania (Harrisburg: National Historical Association, 1931),
II-168. He [Thaddeus Banks] was the Democratic candidate for judge
against Dean and Taylor in 1871, but was defeated.
–Wiley, Samuel T. and W. Scott Garner. Biographical and Portrait
Cyclopedia of Blair County, Pennsylvania. (Chicago: Gresham Publishing
Co., 1892), 92.
–History of that part of the Susquehanna and Juniata Valleys, Embraced
in the Counties of Mifflin, Juniata, Perry, Union and Snyder in the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In Two Volumes. (Philadelphia: Everts,
Peck & Richards, 1886), vol. I, 467-68.
Ephraim Banks was a native of Lost Creek Valley (now Juniata County);
was born January 17, 1791. He came to Lewistown in 1817, and was
appointed prothonotary of Mifflin County in 1818 by Governor Freedley.
After studying law, was admitted to practice in 1823; was a member of
the Legislature in 1826-7-8; a member of the Constitutional Convention
in 1837; was elected auditor-general of the State in 1850, and
re-elected in 1853. In 1866 he was elected associate judge of Mifflin
County, which position he held at the time of his death, in January,
1871.
–Jordan, John W. A History of the Juniata Valley and Its People.
Volume I. Illustrated. (New York: Lewis Historical Publishing Co.,
1913), 115.
–Montgomery, Thomas Lynch. Pennsylvania Archives, Sixth Series. Volume
VII. (Harrisburg: Harrisburg Publishing Co., State Printer, 1907),937.
A general return of the Militia of Pennsylvania for the year 1812.
Names of Major Generals: James Banks.
–Note that James Banks Sr. was born 38 years after the German Pietists
settled near Philadelphia.
–History of that part of the Susquehanna and Juniata Valleys embraced
in the Counties of Mifflin, Juniata, Perry, Union and Snyder in the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Two Volumes. (Philadelphia: Everts, Peck
& Richards, 1886), I: 824-831. Note: Captain Clinton was also Banks'
landlord.
–The Biographical Cyclopedia of Representative Men of Maryland and
District of Columbia. (Baltimore: National Biographical Publishing
Co., 1879), 556-557.
–The English branch of AMORC was established in 1921. See the
Rosicrucian Forum, 26-4 (February 1956): 95.
–Stacey, Mary H. Affidavit of Marriage to May H. Stacey, dated
February 26, 1886. Thomas Dees, Clerk of Orphan's Court, Chester,
Delaware County, Pennsylvania.
–Fowler, Harlan D., Camels to California. (Stanford: Stanford
University Press, 1950),46-67, 92-93. Also see Stacey, May Humphreys.
Uncle Sam's Camels: The Journal of May Humphreys Stacey, Supplemented
by the Report of Edward Fitzgerald Beale, 1857-1858, edited by Lewis
Burt Lesley. (Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1929).
–Martin, John Hill. Chester and It's Vicinity, Delaware County in
Pennsylvania; with Genealogical Sketches of Some Old Families.
(Philadelphia: n.p., 1877), 47.
–United States. Cong. House. Report on May H. Stacey by Mr. Brady from
the committee on pensions. 49th Congress. 2nd Session. House Report
3694. January 20, 1887. Note: A brevet is a commission giving a
military officer higher nominal rank than that for which he receives
pay. However, such a commission, carries no right of command. It may
be conferred by the President of the United States by and with the
consent of the Senate upon officers of the Army and Marine Corps for
distinguished conduct and public service in the presence of the enemy.
–Stacey, Mary H. Affidavit of Birth and Baptism of children of Captain
and Mrs. Stacey, dated March 8, 1886. J. N. Shanafelt, City Recorder,
City of Chester, Delaware County, Pennsylvania. All three of the
Stacey children were baptized by Episcopal ministers.
–United States. Adjutant General' s Office. Personnel File 2930, May
H. Stacey. 124 leaves.
–United States. Cong. House. Report on May H. Stacey by Mr. Brady from
the committee on pensions. 49th Congress. 2nd Session. House Report
3694. January 20, 1887.
–Boyd' s Oswego City Directory, 1895-96, 75
The original Post Charter and the membership register is in the
archives of the New York State Library at Albany.
Note: The Grand Army of the Republic was a Civil War veteran's
organization.
–United States. Cong. House. Report on May H. Stacey by Mr. Brady,
from the committee on pensions. 49th Congress. 2nd Session. House
Report 3694. January 20, 1887.
–United States. Cong. Senate. Report on May H. Stacey by Mr. Paddock
from the committee on pensions. 50th Congress. 2nd Session. Report
2560. February 8, 1889.
– Betts, Fred Stanley. Bills Owed by Mrs. May Banks Stacey since May
1, 1898. Letter to War Department, dated May 1, 1899. Betts wrote,
Since that date I have heard not a word from either of them, and it
seems to me that I have been done out of my money, unless the
department in some way induces Lieutenant Stacey to uphold the honor
of a United States Army Officer by meeting his just obligations.
–Stacey, Mary H. Letter to President McKinley re: Promotion of
Cromwell Stacey, dated [illegible], 1898. Her statement, Again, Mr.
President, I beg as a soldierÕs widow, as a Grand Army woman, and as a
Mason [?], for your help. This is puzzling. Since women were not
allowed into the fraternity proper, she may have meant a women's
masonic auxiliary, which would imply that Captain Stacey was a Mason.
To be sure, she did not mean Co-Masonry because it was not established
in America until 1903.
–Stacey, May Banks. Letter to [New York] Senator concerning promotion
of Cromwell Stacey. April 26, 1898. Name of Senator covered by
transmittal notation to the Secretary of War.
–Reed, Thomas F. Letter from Office of the Surveyor of Customs, Port
of New York to General Russell A. Alger, War Department concerning
Cromwell Stacey. February 25, 1898.
–Eyre, Lawrence. Family Records of the Stacey Family and their
Connections. (n.p., n.p., [1936]),32-33.
–Stacey, Cromwell. Oath of Office. July 15, 1898.
–United States. Army. Headquarters Philippines Div., Manila, P. I.
January 26, 1906. General Orders No. 6. Commendation of Cromwell
Stacey.
–United States. Army. Register of Enlistment, Aubrey B. Stacey. May 7,
1904, Entry 1487, page 188. May 22, 1908, Entry 1353, page 102.
February 7, 1911, Entry 618, page 240.
–United States. Adjutant General' s Office. Personnel File 9250,
Cromwell Stacey. Microfilm, 1204 frames.
Extracted from Officer' s Individual Service Report:
1898-1899 101 West 40th Street, New York City
1899-1902 137 West 67th Street, New York City
1902-1903 47 West 63rd Street, New York City
1903-1904 160 St. Charles Place, Atlantic City, NJ
1904-1905 816 11th Street, NW, Washington, D. C.
1906-1907 Hotel Fredonia, Washington, D. C.
1908-1910 160 St. Charles Place, Atlantic City, NJ
1911-1917 26 East 25th Street, Baltimore, MD
1917-1918 1003 Davis Street, Evanston, IL
–Stacey, May Banks. The Last Will & Testament of May Banks Stacey,
Atlantic City, New Jersey, February 16, 1904. 1 leaf.
–Certificate of Death, State of Illinois, Bureau of Vital Statistics.
Mary B. Stacey. Date of Death: January 21, 1918. Filed: February 5,
1918.
–Naramore, Milton O. Attorney for Delia (Stacey) Muller. Letter to
Bureau of Pensions, dated June 6, 1918. There was no property left by
the widow except a few personal effects contained in trunks which are
in storage in New York City.
* * * * *
Mrs. May Banks Stacey
Article by David T. Rocks in "Theosophical History", Vol. VI, 4,
October 1996.
christian rosencreuz
resource seems to regard this communication as genuine.
"Lewis was also attacked for claiming additional Rosicrucian authority
from the English 'Grand Matre' Mrs. May Banks-Stacey [e.g. Mary Banks,
wife of Colonel May Stacey], an invalid criticism as research have
proved the contact genuine, though distinct from Lewis' French
sources"
Does anyone have further elucidation on this one ?
R+C
christian rosencreuz
> resource seems to regard this communication as genuine.
>
After further thought, I suspect the two contentions of David T Rocks
and Fra Melchior aren't inconsistent.
Fra. Melchior's contention that the contact was 'genuine' of course
only need mean that Lewis did meet with Mrs Banks-Stacey, and not that
she
was a 'Rosicrucian' contact.
Rocks' article indicates two things which may lead one to the view
that
Mrs Banks-Stacey may have had a Rosicrucian connection.
First, the fact that she comes from Pennsylvania, the state where the
first American Rosicrucians settled in 1694. Further researches on
this interesting community by Linda Schrigner do not, as far as I can
see, indicate any link, let alone transmission of Rosicrucian papers
and authority, to Mrs Banks-Stacey from this community. Perhaps
Lewis hoped that some connection would be assumed by those with
knowledge of the German pietists ? However, it is doubtful that Lewis
had such a purpose, as in her obituary he stated that Mrs Banks Stacey
was from Baltimore.
He further muddies the waters with his unlikely story that Mrs
Banks-Stacey was an 'officer of the work' in India. I think Rocks has
effectively disposed of this; as Waite said when disposing of a
similar fantasy
'this need not detain us long'.
There is also Mrs Banks-Stacey's puzzling assertion in her letter of
1898 to President McKinley stating that she begged, 'as a Mason' for
his help.
Rocks considers she may have meant that she was a member of a women's
Masonic
auxiliary, in which case her husband may have been a Freemason, and
dismisses the idea of her being a member of Co-Masonry which was not
established in the USA until 1903.
However Rocks does not consider the possibility that Mrs Banks-Stacey
may have meant that she was a member of a more esoteric lodge- as for
instance in the case of 'Soror SDA' or 'Fraulein Sprengel' of Golden
Dawn fame. I do note the probable fictitious nature of 'Soror SDA',
but there were
18th century Rosicrucian lodges with female members, so it is a faint
possibility. If her involvement with such a lodge had occurred
briefly, Mrs Banks-Stacey may have understood herself to be a 'Mason'
of some type.
However if either of these possibilities has corporeal existence
outside of Lewis's fanciful imagination, we are left with the
perplexing fact that as 'Grand Matre' of his order, she did not even
sign the 'Pronunziamento'
charter. Also, is there any evidence of the 'secret manuscripts' that
Mrs Banks-Stacey is alleged to have given Lewis ?
We are left with the possibility that Mrs Banks-Stacey was an
impressive or exotic presence of some sort, and that Lewis hoped that
her veracity would not be questioned, as his was when he first
attempted to found AMORC in 1913-14.
Lewis also furnished Mrs Banks-Stacey with a pedigree catering to the
esoteric aspirations typical of American occultists of the period.
First, the connection with India, seen as a font of secret wisdom by
occultists, eg, Theosophical Society teachings, the 'Great White
Brotherhood' in Tibet and talk of Golden Dawn links to the 'Asiatic
Brethren'.
Second, a connection with Egypt, at the time seen also as the font of
ancient wisdom and of 'Egyptian' Masonry, for instance the Rites of
Memphis and Misraim.
Third, Mrs Banks-Stacey's apparent links to Europe and the 'English
Rosicrucians' and her genealogy, as a descendant of 'Oliver Cromwell
and the D'arcys of France'; catering to that peculiar American
snobbery
which seeks connections with European history and nobility. Another
example;
Lewis's trumpeting to his followers of his elevation to an
'illustrious
Sir Knight and Frater RC' by Theodore Reuss in 1920-21, at a time when
Reuss would surely have given Lewis any title in the world if only
Lewis
would send him $5 a month to feed himself !
The fact that his allegations were inconsistent and at variance with
Mrs Banks-Stacey's conduct and personal circumstances may have not
mattered much to Lewis; merely making the assertions achieved the
desired effect; her quick exit from Rosicrucian history was handy
indeed for Lewis, much as Soror SDA's concocted demise may have caused
Westcott to breathe a sigh of relief !
Lewis exhibited a similar pattern of colourful inconsistency and
out-and-out weirdness in his other assertions of Rosicrucian
'legitimacy'; claiming at various times that he found ancient
Rosicrucian documents in a cave, that he was initiated in Toulouse,
and most bizarrely, that he received a
transfusion of blood from a descendant of Christian Rosencreuz !
Lewis may have hoped that the incompatibility and bizarre nature of
his
stories may have given them a ring of truth; after all, if they were
lies, why make them so contradictory ? However it is more likely,
given
Lewis's compulsion to invent such fancies, that he may not have paused
to think
at all.
R+C