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Correspondence from Karl Germer to Jane Wolfe
K.J. GERMER 133 West 71st Street New York, N. Y.
February 28, 1943
Dear Jane,
I have decided to send you a copy of my letter to 132 [Wilfred T. Smith] in reply to one I received Monday. I want you to read it carefully, meditate on it, then let Jack [Jack Parsons] read it. I have restricted myself to matters from my own experience in 1941 and 1942.
The affairs in the Lodge [Agape Lodge] are disappointing to the nth degree. Some move will have to be made and 666 gives me instruction to make it according to my judgment of the situation. You possibly know or have felt that when 666 in 1941 after my arrival appointed me his personal representative and special appointee of the Order with jurisdiction over Agape Lodge, I first remonstrated, and accepted that position very unwillingly.
When finally I had to accept and obey, and notified 132, I soon found a situation of opposition and reluctant cooperation and help. I knew the cause: 132 was mad that he, the Grand Master, had been put under what he considered a newcomer, especially so far as the U.S.A. are concerned. The further developments are more or less referred to in my letter to 132.—I asked to get full reports: it took ages, repeated letters—often unanswered—before I obtained something at all. However it was, I felt great disappointment.
When it came to signs of devotion to the Work, it became worse. Innumerable letters dealt with finances. Yet, devotion should be free gift, a burning passion and flame. It never came from Agape. I felt that Agape Lodge had, let me say, the isolationist spirit: it thought rather in terms of development in California, independent, instead of seeing that under its present leadership and constitution, it will just drop flat if G.H.Q. [Grand Headquarters] should succumb.
I must blame myself for losing too easily the necessary interest and becoming disgusted. This was weakness. The Gods always force you back into their chosen path. The fact is that for almost a year the silent and open hostility from your camp, covered periodically by phases of formal politeness and apparent collaboration, made me lose interest. Never in any way have I been offered the spirit of wholehearted devotion and cooperation as it should be.
What conclusion was there for me to draw, but that the cause of the disappointing state of things was the leader? Smith very ealy began attempts which I can but call intrigue against me; but also against others.
What I want from you, as well as from Jack is
a) a criticism of my letter to Smith, matter-of-fact, detached, after elimination of personal prejudice and passion. Sentimental loyalty will not help the Order.
b) a report on the situation in the Lodge; financial; and present situation generally. How have members shown their devotion to the Work.
c) What plan is there to carry matters forward in Smith's absence
d) Smith, it appears, is still at 1003 [S. Orange Grove Avenue, Pasadena, California - Agape Lodge]. Your orders to him in that respect were clear. They came from the O.H.O. [Outer Head of the Order]. Why were they disobeyed? Is this recalcitrance or are there circumstances which excuse?
In other words I want that "clear, concise, cohesive report" which helps me form a judgment so that I can act.
Smith—not 132!—wrote in a biting aggressive way. I have no objection to frank and balanced criticism of anything I do, I even invite it, because only that can help the Work. But TRUTH and selfless devotion to the Work should be the basis of anybody who criticises.
666 also sent a 3 page letter for Jack, but said a duplicate had gone direct, asking me to send a copy to Jack, if the other had failed to arrive. I hope it has.
I think Smith should go to Roy's [Roy Leffinwell] ranch, if he invites him. I want to come to some decision and his absence from Pasadena for a while would be more correct, diplomatically, politically, and magically, apart from the fact that it might help him clear his mind.
Love,
Karl
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