This Psychic Reading given by Edgar Cayce at his home on Arctic Crescent, Virginia Beach, Va., this 10th day of January, 1940, in accordance with request made by Hugh Lynn Cayce, Manager of the Ass'n for Research & Enlightenment, Inc.

Present: Edgar Cayce; Hugh Lynn Cayce, Conductor; Gladys Davis, Steno.

TEXT

1. HLC: You will have before you the Ass'n for Research & Enlightenment, Inc., which is studying and presenting the psychic work of Edgar Cayce, this channel. You will consider the various aspects of the Association's program, answering the questions which will be asked:
2. EC: Yes, we have the work of the Association for Research and Enlightenment, Incorporated, its policies, its program in presenting the psychic work of Edgar Cayce.
3. In considering this program, many of the policies which have been reiterated from time to time must be taken into consideration.
4. The greater outstanding policy - which has at times received due consideration, and at others not so much - is the attempt of this Corporation to present a work, or to present phenomena, that might - or may so easily - become a cism [schism] or a cult. And the organization is to keep away from such, just as much as possible or practical.
5. That fact, that idea in itself, has hampered, and does in a manner hamper the Association in its search for, or desire to raise, definite funds for the carrying on of the work.
6. Yet, as has been so oft indicated, there are many phases of the phenomena, and the work, that may be presented in such a way and manner as to bring returns in an equitable manner, and in a manner also in keeping with the policies, the ideals which have been set as the channels for activities of this Association; namely - more specific in the present - the publications.
7. The Publication program, then, as has been indicated again and again, should become the greater active. Yet, as indicated in the Program, the place - or A place - for the preservation of the records that have been made, should be the first on the program, for the assurance of those who may attempt to gather the data from such records for publication.
8. The attempts have in a manner proved satisfactory, yet in some respects very unsatisfactory; these having been in the position as to be necessary for the carrying on at all in the present way and manner.
9. Then, as we find, there should be undertaken a definite way or manner to present this need to those who have indicated their interest, or who MAY indicate an interest in those activities which will enable this phase of the Association work to be carried on, - in such a way that these may become realities in the experience of the Work. And, if it is to be accomplished, it must be done this year.
10. Ready for questions.
11. (Q) It has been proposed and discussed that a building program be launched which will add a library, reading room, vault, and two offices to the rear of the present home. As each is called, please comment on the following suggestions for securing the needed funds for this program: 1st - A personal letter to each individual who has had a reading from the Manager of the Ass'n, enclosing a pamphlet describing the building program and a blank for a statement of contribution. Such letters to bring each individual file up to date if possible. Please comment on this idea.
    (A) If analyzed with the suggestions that have been made from time to time, it will be seen that this is quite in keeping with the policies that have been indicated that should be maintained throughout; that is, that individuals who have sought aid or help, or any activity in same, must themselves be convinced of its worthfulness within their own experience, and indicate as to whether they - as individuals - desire to see such a work passed on to others.
    This is a most desirable way and manner, then; though it would necessarily require a great deal of personal work. But, it fits such an individual, or individuals that do same, to become compilers of data in a way and manner as no other way would!
    To be sure, there may be these alternatives, - only as alternatives - WE WOULD NOT ADVISE THEIR USE:
    To any publication that is already active, there may be offered the use of such as a means of income; and a whole amount of some forty-five hundred to six thousand ($4500 to $6000) may be obtained at once. But this is again putting the work in the position of becoming under the head of some other group, without the ideals or purposes to prevent the making or creating of an ism or cult.
    Or, through some one or two of the Trustees, there may be borrowed sufficient capital for this purpose. If there is not sufficient obtained from such a letter, this might be used (in consistency with the rest of the program) as a means for obtaining the full amount necessary for this procedure. In this case, it would be understood and given to such individuals making such loans, that they would be repaid from the proceeds of publications, - such as articles and the like, that may be gathered ONLY by an indexing and a compilation, under subject heads, of data included in the records already made.
12. (Q) Should a fixed amount be set for the building program, and would it be wise to include sufficient funds to equip the new offices and conduct the work of indexing and extracting from the readings, showing estimates of items needed?
    (A) This should be included in the raising of funds, as has been indicated above.
13. (Q) What amount should be set?
    (A) Forty-five hundred to six thousand ($4500 to $6000), dependent upon how many would be active and how long it would be estimated as necessary to require the activities to index and compile sufficient data to be offered for publication in various means and manners where there may be sought information.
    There are several groups or societies that have publications that are a part of their records; the research organizations such as the Homeopathic Research Society, the Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Specialists The Osteopathic Research Society, the Physicians and Surgeons Research Society; and all of the metaphysical societies. All of these offer outlets such that, with such a compilation, there may be contracts for six months for articles, for a year, - yea, for two to three years, that may be made.
    These, to be sure, are far ahead, - but carry on; and this may be accomplished before the meeting in June, - it should be.
14. (Q) Should the amounts desired for each activity be included in the pamphlet on the building program. Please comment on this.
    (A) Not necessarily broken down into items, but rather indicated all that is needed for such. For, as we find, in the end, there will necessarily be supplements made to the contributions. But make it rather strong, indicating on the slips that are to be returned as to whether the individuals (those from long ago until today) are interested, or are to be considered non-existent so far as the work of the Association is concerned.
15. (Q) Would it be wise to hold an open meeting in New York at which [time] the building program would be discussed, and should contributions be solicited at such meetings?
    (A) Not until the other has been launched and there is at least a great portion of that needed already subscribed. In New York, as in any other center, a going thing carries weight! Where there is the seeking FOR the going, - it is already beaten!
16. (Q) Would it be wise to advance to the general membership the proposal of the Norfolk Trustees that ten percent of income for three months be contributed?
    (A) Be wise to indicate this as a way in which certain groups are aiding in the program, but as to whether this plan should be accepted or rejected - leave open.
17. (Q) Considering all circumstances and conditions, would it be wise to undertake to build the addition as planned to the present home, or attempt to raise funds to secure a new home and office site?
    (A) As it has been begun, and as this was the center given, hold to it!
18. We are through for the present.

REPORTS

1. 9/29/40 See DEDICATION CEREMONIES LIBRARY, OFFICES AND VAULT, Opening Remarks by Noah Miller, A.R.E. President, and Dedication Address by Thomas Sugrue entitled, "The New Tomorrow," in 254-107, Par. R1.
2. 4/21/56 Sample letter sent to each member by HLC:
   ASSOCIATION FOR RESEARCH AND ENLIGHTENMENT INCORPORATED VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA
   Mrs. Frances Y. Morrow [379] 3583 Ladd Ave. Norfolk 2, Va.
   Dear Mrs. Morrow:
   On March 18, 1956, Edgar Cayce's birthday, the new headquarters Memorial Building was dedicated. A group of fifty gathered in the reception room in prayer and gave thanks for God's bounty. All about us was evidence of the misuse of the building during the preceding years - ancient stains of food and drink, crusted dirt, broken plaster, chipped and faded paint. We divided into small groups and walked through the building, stopping in each desolate room to pray and dedicate it to God's use. We prayed for help in making each room ready for workers, members and visitors who would soon be coming. As I listened to the prayers, I remembered the phrase from the readings which was inscribed on the original cornerstone of the building: "That we may make manifest our love for God and man."
   On March 24, the Association moved back home. The readings are again safe in the steel and concrete vault originally designed for them. The office staff is enthusiastically working in makeshift quarters. The thousands of books sit crated on the library floor, waiting for their places on shelves yet to be built. Requests for room reservations are already being received for the June Congress. Work on these rooms must be started.
   Our member who is an interior designer, and whose art work you see in our brochure, has made color renderings of the various rooms. They are beautiful. He has computed the cost of decorating and furnishing individual rooms. He will spend the month of June in Virginia Beach supervising the work made possible by individuals and groups who, it is hoped, will underwrite the work of restoration.
   We have purchased the property on a time-payment schedule of twenty-five years. Our faith tells us it will be paid for much sooner. However, it is most necessary that first we put our house in order. We must clean, renovate and make ready for the new and varied activities that we foresee. We know that at this time there will come forward the men and women, the ideas and money which will bring into reality the ideals expressed in the brochure.
   You are one of these people. You are needed. Can you come to Virginia Beach and work with a hammer or a paint brush?
   Or can you share in the cost of putting a room into service? Or will you add your prayer to ours?
   Sincerely, [signed] Hugh Lynn Cayce [HLC:jp]
   RECEPTION ROOM
   COST PER STYLE DESCRIPTION QUANTITY UNIT TOTAL
   #31-16 Armless Sofa 6'6" 2 148.00 296.00 #31-4 Armless Lounge Chairs 25" 2 70.50 141.00 #1231-2 Arm Lounge Chairs 27" 6 87.75 526.50 #122A Low End Tables 4 82.50 330.00 #121A Small End Tables 2 69.50 139.00 #125A Large Low Coffee Tables 2 110.50 221.00 Special Center Table 60"x36" 1 126.75 126.75 Draperies 2 Pr. 80.80 Carpet 12'x12' W/pad 184.00 Carpet 12'x10' W/pad 161.00 Carpentry & Materials 1,200.00
   TOTAL $3,406.05
   DINING ROOM & KITCHEN
   #535 30"x30" Tables Ped. Base, Formica Top 8 23.00 184.00 Dining Chairs 25 81.00 2,025.00 Draperies 4 Pr. 271.20 Carpentry & Materials 1,335.00
   TOTAL $3,815.20
   LIBRARY
   30"x30" Tables W/legs 2" Drop, Formica Top 7 31.60 221.20 #536A Arm Side Chairs 12 99.50 1,194.00 #1231-2 Arm Lounge Chairs 5 87.75 438.75 #1231-20 5' Sofas 2 210.25 420.50 #1851-F Desk 48" 1 173.50 173.50 COST PER STYLE DESCRIPTION QUANTITY UNIT TOTAL
   25 1/2 Desk Chair 1 58.00 58.00 #11 Draperies, Casement 4 Pr. 233.20 Carpet W/pad 93 1/3 Yds. 728.50 Carpentry & Materials 1,700.00
   TOTAL $5,167.65
   RECEPTIONIST "C"
   #1860-C 60" Secretary Desk 1 154.00 154.00 Desk Chair - Posture 1 44.00 44.00 #900 End Table 1 32.50 #625 Arm Lounge Chair 1 48.00 #1830-ECB Corner Bookcase 1 84.00 Carpet (See Office "D") Drapery 1 Pr. 70.00 #1830-EBCD Bookcase W/doors 1 68.00 Carpentry & Materials 1 24.00
   TOTAL $524.50
   OFFICE "D"
   #1858-74-F Desk 72"x78" 1 176.00 176.00 #1830-EBC #1830 ETS #1830-ECB T-96 Wall Units 4 248.00 25 1/2 Desk Chair 1 58.00 58.00 #625 Lounge Chair 1 48.00 48.00 #900 End Table 1 32.50 32.50 #8 Draperies 40 Yds. 232.00 Carpet 35 Yds. 271.25 #645 Arm Chairs 2 47.00 94.00 #188OCA-66 Credenza 1 114.50 114.50 Carpentry & Materials 87.00
   TOTAL $1,361.25
   MEDITATION "E"
   #1231-20 Two Seat Sofa 1 210.25 210.25 #1231-2 Arm Lounge Chair 2 87.75 175.50 #122A Lamp Tables 3 82.50 247.50
   #5500 Desk 1 237.00 237.00 #5527 Desk Chair 1 143.50 143.50 COST PER STYLE DESCRIPTION QUANTITY UNIT TOTAL
   Drapery - Lined 36 Yds. 252.00 Carpeting 19 Yds. 194.75 Carpentry, Materials, electrical work, plumbing, etc. 74.00
   TOTAL $1,534.50
   OFFICE (VAULT)
   #645 Open Arm Chair 1 47.00 47.00 #1907-77- F-4 Desk 72" 1 233.00 233.00 25 1/2 Desk Chair 1 58.00 58.00 #625 Arm Lounge Chair 1 48.00 48.00 #981 Corner Table 1 32.50 32.50 Draperies 24 Yds. 138.40 Carpeting 23 Yds. 235.75 #1900CA-60 Credenza 1 257.00 257.00 #1930-BR Bookcase 1 59.00 59.00 #1930-BCD Cabinet 1 69.50 69.50 #8718-T Top 1 49.50 49.50
   TOTAL $1,227.65
   SITTING ROOM "F"
   Duo Bed 1 406.00 406.00 #93-SP Desk 1 60.00 60.00 #488 Desk Chair 1 37.50 37.50 #910-20 Chest 1 83.00 83.00 #1017-53 Carpeting 19 Yds. 102.60 Draperies 49.90 Carpentry & Materials 50.00
   TOTAL $789.00
   SITTING ROOMS,H,I,J,K,L,M,N,& O
   3/3 Box Spring & Mattress W/legs 2 60.00 120.00 Bolsters 2 12.00 24.00 Slip Covers 2 15.70 31.40 #1560 Desk 1 43.00 43.00 #1534 Desk Chair 1 26.50 26.50 #43 Lounge Chair 1 68.00 68.00 #1501B Chest (4 drawers) 1 76.50 76.50 Special Cabinet (over radiator) 1 68.60 68.60 #8486 Bullet Type Lamp 2 7.65 15.30 COST PER STYLE DESCRIPTION QUANTITY UNIT TOTAL
   Desk Lamp 1 12.00 12.00 Draperies 12 Yds. 49.90 Carpeting W/Padding 13 1/3 Yds. 70.85 Carpentry, Materials, Plastering, Elec. & Plumbing 80.00
   PER ROOM $686.05
   8 ROOMS $5,488.40
   EFFICIENCY Q & P
   Sofa-Beds W/bolsters & slipcovers 2 88.65 177.30 #1590 End Tables 2 33.50 67.00 #1572 Nite Stand 1 21.50 21.50 #1560 Desk 1 46.00 46.00 #1534 Desk & Dining Chairs 3 26.50 79.50 #43 Lounge Chair 1 69.00 69.00 #1524 Drop Leaf Table 1 40.00 40.00 #15156 Cabinet (Sliding Doors) 1 56.00 56.00 Draperies 3 Pr. 167.00 Carpeting W/Padding 28 Yds. 147.00 Carpentry & Materials 610.00
   PER ROOM 1,480.30
   2 ROOMS $2,960.60
   DORMITORIES
   3/3 Box Spring & Mattress W/legs 27 60.00 1,620.00 Special Chests (Walnut) 27 64.00 1,728.00 #8320 Arm Chairs 6 44.50 267.00 #8126 Side Chairs 9 36.00 324.00 #2270 Night Stands 7 23.00 161.00 Tables 30"x30" 6 31.60 189.60 #8486 Lamps 17 Pr. 7.65 130.05 Draperies 17 Pr. 579.00 Carpeting 87 Yds. 456.75
   Carpentry & Materials 327.40 TOTAL $5,782.80 RECAPITULATION
   ROOM COST PER UNIT TOTAL
   Reception.........................................$3,406.05
   Dining room & Kitchen..........................................3,815.20
   Library............................................5,167.65
   Receptionist "C".....................................524.50
   Office "D".........................................1,361.25
   Meditation "E".....................................1,534.50
   Sitting Room "F".....................................789.00
   Office (Vault).....................................1,227.65
   Sitting Rooms, H,I,J,K,L,M,N,& O $686.05 5,488.40
   Efficiency Q & P, (not including equipment) $1,480.30 2,960.60
   Dormitories 5,782.80
   TOTAL $32,057.60
3. 9/21/59 HLC to GDT: Gladys, please keep this for request. Will be glad to have suggestions. This is in talking stage. HL.
   Subject: NEW FOUNDATION BUILDING
   In thinking about the new Foundation Building, it might be wise to plan a two-unit structure, the first of which could be built sooner than the other half.
   The first unit might contain a new vault to hold 28 filing cabinets, twice the present number. The vault is 9 x 9 now with 7 filing cases [cabinets] on each side with a central walkway.
   There should be an adjacent office, perhaps 12 x 12. We could call this Custodian Office. Perhaps 3 offices for special workers. They might be 9 x 12 each. One large duplicating office where the machines for duplicating might be housed. This probably should be at least 20 x 20 and of this a stock supply room and one office for typist. This office should be large enough to handle at least 3 or 4 typist desks with space in between. Toilets for both men and women with some sort of lounge space should be included.
   SECOND UNIT
   This might contain a reception hall with an office and entrance; a library - this to be large enough for twice the present number of books plus space for readings (that is, copies of readings). This certainly ought to be at least 1/2 the present space. The present library is approximately 27x30.
   It seems to me we should have four small work rooms off of the library. These need to be light but not large. These are for individuals who would be working on special projects, copying readings, doing reference work and doing writing, etc. One room for tape library. This would be large enough for a small group, say 6 or 8, to hear tapes but for larger groups the machines would be wired so that it would be heard outside in larger lecture rooms. There probably should be a small workroom for supplying tapes and for storing additional tapes off of this tape library. There should be one small stockroom for supplies for the library and one storage room for magazines, old books, etc.
4. 5/16/80 GDT's memo to A.R.E. Managers:
   SUBJECT: Changing of term COMMUNITY OF ASSOCIATES to simply A.R.E. ASSOCIATES.
   This designation would include every individual who has expressed any interest in the Edgar Cayce work: First inquirers, book buyers, visitors, conferees, study groups, the membership, etc., etc. It would be an open invitation to "Come and see", to come and help carry on or participate in whatever phase of the work interests you most.
   The term "Community" has a meaning all its own, depending on how you are approaching it. We are told in the Edgar Cayce readings to work in the place (the community) where we are (the place we have chosen) and to make it a better place because of our being a part of it, our church, our community, our town, city, state, country, etc. We are told to not allow a cult, ism or schism to become a part of this work. Of late the term "community" has taken on a derogatory connotation, what with the Jim Joneses, the "Moonies", etc., etc. (the list seems to be growing), and we need to avoid any appearance of getting into such a category. We can preserve the true meaning of "community", as our forefathers conceived and practised it, by cooperating each with our own little natural community, bringing to it the best we can give because of our association with this work. There are enough of us all over the world that we CAN have an influence. 254-45, 10/27/28 ON THE WORK: As has oft been given, through such an institution, properly handled, properly conducted, or in accord (being proper) with the forces as may guide and direct from time to time, this may be a channel through which many may come to a better understanding of their relations to the Creative Energy and to their fellow man. [254-45]
   I subscribe to THE OPEN DOOR, the Newsletter of the New York A.R.E. ASSOCIATES and I think they are doing a wonderful job, uniting the various groups into various activities where all can participate. It reminds me of the old days when the N.Y. Council of A.R.E. was first established "and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof: for the people had a mind to work." [Nehemiah 4:6]
   In using A.R.E. be sure always to use the Registration Mark (R), but also be sure NOT to use INC after it. The INC. is only to be used after the whole title, Association for Research & Enlightenment, Inc. The A.R.E. is only registered, NOT incorporated.

Edgar Cayce Readings © 1971, 1993, 1994, 1995 by the Edgar Cayce Foundation