Sidney Ransom
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Captain Sidney Ransom was an English Theosophist and engineer who was married to Australian Josephine Ransom. He lectured all over the world. wrote articles, and was active in the Liberal Catholic Church.
Early life and career
Theosophical work in England
Captain Ransom was a popular speaker, and lectured extensively in England, the United States, and elsewhere. On June 8, 1935 he delivered the Blavatsky Lecture at the annual convention of the Theosophical Society in England at Conway Hall, London on the subject, "The Ethics of The Secret Doctrine."
Theosophical work in the United States
In 1936-1937, Caption Ransom lectured and worked in the United States:
Captain Sidney Ransom has been our guest lecturer from England since September. While visiting us for a period of only nine months, I am glad to state that he has consented and has been able to arrange other responsibilities to stay with us for another full year. From reports received at Headquarters and from the numerous requests for return engagements, it is clear that Captain Ransom's visits have filled a need wherever he has worked in the Section. We are glad that parts of the Section originally omitted from his itinerary can now be included, that all may share the inspiration and the helpfulness, both public and in the lodge, which Captain Ransom so freely gives and which has been so much appreciated.
Captain Ransom has consented and the Board have approved his appointment as acting National President, and that of Miss Ellen McConnell as acting National Secretary in the place of your National Officers during the six weeks that they will be absent from the Section attending the World Congress at Geneva.[1]
As he departed for England, he was described in this way,
From New York to Florida, from the Atlantic Coast to the Pacific, he has traveled among our lodges, and by the magic of his loving kindness, the delight of his never-failing humor, and the strength of his courage and devotion he has warmed our heats and inspired members everywhere to live more nobly, and to see more clearly the vision of the greatness of work to which we are all dedicated. A genius in the high art of sincere and warm friendliness, Captain Ransom has helped us all to express the best in ourselves, and in lodge, in home, or in business to stand before the world wiser, truer representatives of The Theosophical Society to which we have the honor to belong.[2]
Writings
The Union Index of Theosophical Periodicals lists over 50 articles by or about Captain Ransom. Two of his lectures were published:
- Ethics of The Secret Doctrine. London: Theosophical Publishing House, 1935. Pamphlet of Ransom's 1935 Blavatsky Lecture. Available at this website.
- Years of Grandeur: Memories of Annie Besant. London: Theosophical Publishing House, 1949. From a presentation with Josephine Ransom. "Delivered at the headquarters of The Theosophical Society, London, on October 1, 1949."