Freemason NSW & ACT – April 2023

Humility – Kindness – Generosity

Corn, wine and oil

The consecration of a lodge

INCLUDED WITH THIS ISSUE: RFBI Charity Envelope – see advertisement inside back cover

EDITORIAL POLICY

Aims of the Freemason magazine

COVER IMAGE: Corn, wine, oil and salt are poured in the ceremony to consecrate a new lodge.

R To uphold and promote those values, morals and virtues which Freemasonry believes are universal and enduring.

R To foster a better understanding of Freemasonry within the general community.

R To provide a forum for discussion on masonic issues.

R To publicise the charitable works of Freemasonry.

R To provide articles of interest and education and to disseminate masonic news and views.

R To recognise masons who make significant contributions to the Craft and the wider community.

The Official Journal of The United Grand Lodge of New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory of Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons

This issue of the Freemason is produced under the direction of:

Editor & Chairman: Bro Richard Dawes : Bros Ted Simmons, Graham Maltby (Secretary), Simon Pierce, Derek Robson, Max Katz-Barber, Terry McCallum, Kim Nielsen, Les Hicks, Alan Gale, Rick Atkinson, Owen Sandry and Mrs Lynne Clay

Design & Production: Bro Simon Pierce, Megan Baumann and Pam Gill

Freemason is published in January, April, July and October. Deadline for copy is 1st of the month preceding month of issue.

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The Secretary Freemason Editorial Committee

The United Grand Lodge of NSW & ACT PO Box A259, Sydney South, NSW 1235

Telephone: (02) 9284 2800

Email: freemason@masons.org.au

Published articles do not necessarily reflect the policies or opinions of The United Grand Lodge of NSW & ACT.

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By RW Bro Richard Dawes

We are changing (for the better!)

Our publication dates have changed. Clearly, this issue’s publication date is 1 April (covering April through June). Subsequent issues will be 1 July (July to September), 1 October (from October through December) and 1 January (covering January to March 2024).

We have made this change so that we can report on the Quarterly Communications more promptly. It also allows us to print the Grand Master’s Christmas message in early January rather than September or March! On this occasion only there will be two Quarterly Communication reports.

The format of the Freemason has not changed, but the significant increase in news from the lodges and chapters means that the ‘On the Level’ section is expanding; this is good news because we all need to know what our lodges and colleagues are doing.

We remind our readers that we welcome articles of all sorts. You don’t have to be a top­flight author, we have

journalists who can edit your material, even if it’s just in dot­point form. Remember to include your contact details so that we can clarify any queries before publication, and don’t forget to supply accompanying photos (with captions) wherever possible.

Observant readers will have noticed a blank space on the back cover. This allows a reader or a DGIW to insert his contact details. Let’s distribute the spare copies of the magazine and attract more potential candidates.

The magazine is also increasing its advertising options to make it easier for lodges and brethren to place interesting advertisements in a variety of sizes – see the foot of the page for some new value offerings.

Scam Alert from MW Bro Derek Robson

‘RW Bro Bob Kitching PDGM passed me a copy of a scam purporting to come from me, suggesting he should get in early for a Community Grant of $135,000, available to all Australians over 55. But I know nothing about it. Coincidentally, I have been receiving similar messages from RW Bro Joe Haffner.’

We remind or readers that all these message scams are beyond our control and not genuine.

The Consecration of Lodge Myall

On Saturday 5 November 2022 the Grand Master

MW Bro Leslie Norman Hicks assisted by the Grand Lodge Ceremonial Team consecrated a new lodge in Tea Gardens.

After a breakfast provided by W Bro Joe Balasabas’s wife Gena the Grand Lodge Team opened an Occasional Lodge and consecrated Lodge Myall 1058. This solemn and moving ceremony of great spiritual significance was witnessed by brethren from all over NSW and the ACT.

Twenty eight of the 31 Foundation Members of Lodge Myall were present on the tessellated pavement as the Grand Master presented the new Lodge with its Warrant.

After a Call to Refreshment to allow rearrangement of the lodge room the Assistant Grand Master, RW Bro Khris Albano and the Grand Lodge Team installed RW Bro Geoff Williams into

the Chair of King Solomon whereupon he invested the Foundation Officers of Lodge Myall.

Approximately 125 brethren and guests enjoyed a Consecration Lunch at the Hawks Nest Golf Club.

The DGIW of District 14, VW Bro Peter Andrews, received congratulations for his determination, persistence, and leadership in driving the Lodge Myall project to a successful conclusion. His willing team of RW Bro Darrell Heard, VW Bro Tony Ward and W Bro Bob Burbank also received high praise.

The company left satisfied that Freemasonry had taken a leap forward in returning to the Tea Gardens area.

Lodge Myall is a Daylight Lodge meeting at the Tea Gardens Masonic Centre, 209 Myall Street, Tea Gardens.

The Lodge tyles at 10.30am on the second Monday of each month and ladies are welcome at all meetings.

The brethren of Lodge Myall are enthusiastic about starting this new journey and are keen to welcome all visitors.

By VW Bro Peter Andrews

Our lodge name is Myall, the same as the river.

Fraternal love and relief we aspire to deliver, Our guests we most cherish and wish to see more, The welcome mat is always displayed at our door.

So come and be happy, it’s the way it should be.

At this pleasant little lodge made for you and me.

What’s a consecration?

By RW Bro Ted Simmons OAM

Corn, wine and oil

Consecration is defined as a solemn dedication to a special purpose or service.

In practice the words consecration and dedication are used interchangeably.

In masonic ritual, the elements of wine, oil, corn and salt are poured in a ceremony that dates back to ancient times. Corn, wine and oil are mentioned many times in the Old Testament and are understood to be the wages of builders of King Solomon’s temple. Wine stands for fertility and wisdom; oil represents liberty and prosperity; corn ripens prosperity into abundance while salt symbolises purity and hospitality.

But of more significance and importance to a mason is what a lodge represents. MW Bro Rev. Barrett, Past Grand Master, Tasmania, described it thus:

‘...when a new lodge is officially constituted it is not a building that is consecrated, but a body of men who are the foundation members of the lodge’.

The brethren should bear in mind that a lodge is a body of men banded together for the high purposes of Freemasonry. The lodge is, therefore, a living organism, a continuing group knit together into an entity by the granting of its charter, the ceremony of consecration, and the solemn

declarations and affirmations of officers and brethren to live and act within the bounds of Freemasonry and to be loyal and true to its ideals and practices.

So when a lodge is consecrated, the ceremony binds its members to be conscious of the high purpose involved and to remember they are required to maintain the honour and dignity of their lodge.

Have charter, will travel!

Do you love Motorcycles?

Do you enjoy travelling?

Do you want to visit other lodges or tyle your own lodge all over NSW?

Then Lodge Highway 837 is for you! We hold meetings bimonthly in addition to regular social rides, including some weekend/ overnight trips. Masons that don’t ride are welcome too!

SEEWHAT’SON forournextmeeting!

The Grand Lodge team.

Left: A sumptious breakfast platter prepared by W Bro Jo Balasabas’s wife Gena.

Below: A short poem that graced the placemats of the brethren during the South.

The Grand Master consecrating the new lodge with corn and wine.

By MW Bro Les Hicks, Grand Master

COMMUNICATION CATCH-UP

It’s easy to be nice

Due to the change in Freemason’s printing schedule as highlighted in the Editorial, this issue recaps the December and March Communications.

December Communication

I’m referring to words and actions which do not occur as frequently today and which still rankle by their absence.

Past Grand Masters, Brethren, I thank you for attending our December communication, and, as always, I welcome our Past Grand Masters and I thank them all for their ongoing and much appreciated guidance and support.

You remember them – grace, manners, civility, courtesy.

For example, grace is something you would think of as belonging to an older era, when people were automatically polite, when you wrote letters by hand, ladies and gentlemen were easily recognised, being kind and a willingness to help others.

I also welcome our Entered Apprentices, our Fellowcrafts, our Worshipful Masters and, of course, our Lodge Secretaries who are in attendance here tonight. To all those that are here by way of our live streaming facility, I thank you for making the effort to be with us tonight at our last Grand Communication for 2022.

Manners of course were automatic with respect given to elders, not interrupting when someone else was talking, thanking people for gifts or assistance, giving up your seat in the tram or bus and even holding the door open.

Past Grand Masters, Brethren, over the past 12 months we have witnessed one of the busiest and membership­ sensitive times in recent years. Like you, I have

These actions could also be consistent with the words ‘courtesy’ and ‘civility’ which was part of the era when children were taught what was considered the correct thing to do.

People say to me that the world has progressed since then and we must adjust to modern times and methods. But I wonder whether we should.

OUR NEXT COMMUNICATION

We don’t listen anymore and it is becoming an endangered skill. We talk to, or at, each other but not with each other; that’s when there is a break in the mobile

The next Grand Lodge Quarterly Communication and dinner will be held at the Sydney Masonic Centre on WEDNESDAY 14 June 2023 at 7:30pm

The Communication is open to all members of Grand Lodge, which includes all Master Masons. Other brethren are invited to attend as observers.

made it my business to promote our Craft at every opportunity and, I am pleased to say, the rewards for our efforts are evident. The numbers of men joining our wonderful Craft are testimony to the hard work and common­ sense approach that we have all taken during what has been a very busy and exciting year, a year where we have finally seen encouraging signs of membership growth within our jurisdiction.

We stand in good stead, but we must not rest on our laurels. Over the past couple of years we have introduced new technology. I understand that sometimes this hasn’t been easy as we learn and adapt to a new way of doing things.

Those involved in our technology upgrade are trying to cram the technological growth of the past ten years into just two years, and we are no doubt playing serious catch­up. It is a fact of modern life that for many reasons business and organisational practices and structures continue to change and evolve. There is no doubt that if we don’t move forward with the rest of society we will be left in the past. We have no choice, and we have an obligation to our future membership to keep pace with what is now an ever­changing society.

I also note that some of our sister jurisdictions have identified shortcomings in their communication and data base systems. They are now following our lead and as our technology improves, we will all become more accessible and relevant to our younger brethren.

Brethren, I encourage you to involve our younger members when and where you can. Their skill and ideas are valuable and will help us all as we move into and even help create the future.

Over the next few years there will be practices and even constitutional changes when necessary that will need to take place in order for us to use the amazing technology becoming available to us. I am excited that you all will be a part of and benefit from these changes when they are presented to you for your consideration.

Brethren, the future is in our hands, and we must not let it slip through our fingers.

As I move throughout the jurisdiction, I am constantly reminded of why we are all here. Yes, it’s true that we are an organisation that does great charity work: the Grand Masters Disaster Relief fund, Masonicare (our Grand Charity) and of course, the efforts of almost every lodge in our jurisdiction are just a few excellent examples of that, but that’s not all we do. We are also a brotherhood that prides itself on its moral guidance and its ability to lend a helping hand to someone in need.

During these times of great disaster …fire, drought, Covid 19 and floods that have swept through our jurisdiction over the past four years or so, our message has always been the same: ‘Are you OK, mate?’ Brethren, that is who we are and it is that attitude that holds more sway today than just about any time in our history.

As a youngster, my parents taught me many habits which still persisted as I got older but which now seem to be part of today’s modern ‘it’s old fashioned, throw it away’ system.

As Freemasons, we are taught to be civil, to help and to become better people, to give aid and support to our community...

Communities and brethren are suffering and in a time when mental health is a real issue we have really stood up. I am so proud of you all. I see it wherever I go, the smiles and relief on the faces of the brethren, their families and the local community, whether we are donating funds to those that are struggling, making a call to a mate who has just had three foot of water go through his property, or just getting back to lodge and spending some special time with our mates and our families. We are relevant and we provide one of the most important and necessary functions in our society.

We were honoured to be invited to the consecration of the new Lodge Myall 1058 in Tea Gardens, and we didn’t just watch. The entire team and the brethren of Lodge Myall involved themselves in the Consecration ceremony and the Deputy Grand Master occupied the chair for their very first Installation ceremony.

I thank our museum curator RW Bro Chris Craven and all the volunteers who helped make this weekend such a success.

It’s easy to be nice

There were over 150 people in attendance, and it was an absolutely awesome day of Freemasonry, one that I personally will cherish and never forget.

As a youngster, my parents taught me many habits which still persisted as I got older but which now seem to be part of today’s modern ‘it’s old fashioned, throw it away’ system.

I’m referring to words and actions which do not occur as frequently today and which still rankle by their absence.

Please promote what Freemasonry does, and is, to the wider community at every opportunity. The sheer number of brethren now joining our ranks is proof that this world definitely needs us, and it needs Freemasonry.

You remember them – grace, manners, civility, courtesy.

For example, grace is something you would think of as belonging to an older era, when people were automatically polite, when you wrote letters by hand, ladies and gentlemen were easily recognised, being kind and a willingness to help others.

I acknowledge all those brethren that have taken it upon themselves to transform their lodge buildings, whether it be installing new doors, replacing worn out flooring, or simply touching up the landscape around the buildings. You are making a difference.

Manners of course were automatic with respect given to elders, not interrupting when someone else was talking, thanking people for gifts or assistance, giving up your seat in the tram or bus and even holding the door open.

Over the past three months your Grand Lodge Ceremonial team has again been very active, and they have also fortunately been in a position to offer support to countless installation, degree, charitable and District events.

These actions could also be consistent with the words ‘courtesy’ and ‘civility’ which was part of the era when children were taught what was considered the correct thing to do.

People say to me that the world has

We travelled to Ballina where we presented $90,000 in cheques from the Grand Master’s Disaster Relief Fund to various organisations that have provided physical assistance, nourishment, and mental health support directly to the flood victims in the Lismore and surrounding areas. Brethren, it really hits home when people openly cry when that assistance is delivered, and I was almost at a loss for words when it happened on this occasion.

We also represented this jurisdiction at the Grand Installation of New Zealand, and it was great to have our local brethren and their wives come along in support; I thank you all.

On the first weekend in November, we again took part in Sydney Open. We had over 880 members of the community visit, enjoy and appreciate the Sydney Masonic Centre, our officially consecrated memorial building.

On 11 November many brethren, family and members of the community, again gathered here at the Sydney Masonic Centre for our annual Remembrance Day ceremony. That ceremony was very well attended, and I thank MW Bro Greg Levenston, RW Bro Colonel Stewart Grant, RW Bro Sam Young, VW Bro Lt Col Michael Price OAM, RW Bro Chris Craven and everyone else who took part in what was a very solemn and moving ceremony.

Our team finished the year with a district meeting at Lodge Ku­Ring ­Gai, an interesting and fun ‘mock trial’ at Bundaleah Daylight, a passing at Lodge Jerusalem and the opening of Lodge Wahroonga’s new charity foundation.

It’s been a busy time, no doubt, and I also acknowledge the amazing contribution made by our various Boards and Committees, and, of course, our Grand Secretariat. They have all worked incredibly hard through some pretty tough times, and without them we simply could not function.

I am also pleased to announce that I have appointed W Bro Peter Russell Moore to the casual vacancy of director of the College of Masonic Studies.

Brethren, at Tweed Heads on 4 February 2023 we will begin the new year with a very special event called ‘Hands across the border’.

This event will see a gathering of brethren and companions from both here and interstate. Supporting the event will be the Grand Masters of both NSW & ACT and the United Grand Lodge of Queensland. We will attend the event along with the Most Excellent First Grand Principal and Grand Master of the United Supreme Grand Chapter of NSW and ACT, the Most Excellent First Grand Principal of Queensland Royal Arch Chapter and the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons of Queensland.

At this event we will witness a Mark Man ceremony and attend a New Year celebration that will be used to promote Freemasonry to the wider community on the NSW North Coast and to give back to areas where the floods have done irreparable damage. Of course, you are all invited to attend what promises to be a very special and memorable event. Bookings will be done electronically and will be out before Christmas closure.

Following this event, and as we move further into an exciting new year, your Ceremonial Team will then travel to Canberra for Lodge Gowrie’s Installation and then head off to Tasmania to again represent our jurisdiction at their Grand Installation. Following this it’s back to Petersham for the Installation of The Cedars Lodge and then, on 8 March, we have our first Grand Communication for the New Year.

It is my hope that 2023 will see a reprieve from these floods and the other disasters that have plagued us for the past few years; they have really taken their toll and I give my sincerest thanks to all those who have given so generously to the Grand Master’s Disaster Relief Appeal. The Appeal will soon close and in view of the most recent events out at Forbes and surrounding areas, we’ll be working hard providing relief and support well into the New Year. Brethren, you have all been incredibly generous, the funds are there, and with the wonderful assistance that we receive from Masonicare, (our Grand Charity) we will be sending those funds to where they are needed most.

Brethren, it is always sad when the Grand Master is called upon to acknowledge the passing of a brother to the Grand Lodge above, and it is important to acknowledge special service given by such brethren.

[The Grand Master then named three masons who had passed to the Grand Lodge Above. They were:

R RW Bro Lance Henry Handley PDGM

R RW Bro Brother Ralph Ewart Stone PAGM

R MW Bro Anthony Raymond (Tony) Lauer PGM.

The masonic achievements of RW Bro Lance Handley can be found on the Grand Lodge website.

An obituary for MW Bro Tony Lauer is found on page 12 of this magazine].

Brethren, there is no doubt that the service gifted by any Grand Master is indeed extra­ordinary, and it is important that we particularly recognise such service. Brethren: I ask you to please rise, face the west, for a moment’s silence in honour of our revered Grand Master.

RW Bros Ralph Stone, Lance Handley and MW Bro Tony Lauer ‘lived respected, and they died regretted’. They will all be sorely missed.

Brethren, I have no doubt that next year will see us back better than ever and it is your efforts that have made that possible. You have shown the true meaning of Humility, Kindness and Generosity.

I congratulate you all, I thank you all and I look forward to seeing you fit and well next year, Narelle and I wish you and your family a safe and enjoyable rest as we recharge our batteries and spend some special time with our loving families.

Thank you.

December Communication

Past Grand Masters, Brethren, we are well into a new masonic year, a year that started off just as energetically as 2022 finished. Already we have seen many installations and other events. I recently accompanied the Grand Ceremonial Team and numerous NSW & ACT brethren and their partners to Hobart where we were pleased to witness my good friend MW Bro Luke Wood installed as Grand Master.

Later this month the AGM RW Bro Paul Schultz will lead another large delegation to Melbourne to support RW Bro Anthony Bucca as he is installed as Grand Master of Victoria.

Recently, the Grand Ceremonial Team and I attended installations at Lodge Gowrie of Canberra, and The Cedars Lodge. At the same time the DGM RW Bro Khris Albano led a delegation to Fairfield’s installation, and there were almost 300 masons in attendance at these events.

At the Hands Across the Border event that was held on the NSW/QLD border on 4 February the number of brethren and ladies in attendance was outstanding.

Hands Across the Border had been largely forgotten over the past eleven years and I congratulate Most Excellent Companion Robert Drake and his team for breathing life back into what I think is a very important and significant event. To my knowledge this was the first time that the Craft Grand Masters and brethren of NSW & ACT and Queensland have been involved, and, while this was a Royal Arch undertaking, we were made most welcome on the weekend.

We witnessed several masonic events culminating in 10 candidates experiencing an impressive Mark Man ceremony. We also attended a New Year celebration, and I thank everyone present for their friendship and hospitality. It is events like these that bring us together, and that can only be good for Freemasonry.

The Board of Management, the Masonicare Board and our various committees hit the ground running and I offer them my continued support, as they work to create a better future for us all.

...Please promote what Freemasonry does, and is...

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I particularly thank our Grand Secretariat for the huge effort they have been putting in during a busy start to the New Year.

A struggling economy affects us all, and rising costs have had an impact on us. The Board of Management and Executive Council will continue to work with and support the Grand Secretariat, lodges and committees as we develop, refine and improve our technology to ensure that it is working for us. With constantly improving technology, the encouraging rise in the number of new initiates, and the positive change that this is having on our age demographic, there is no doubt that we will endure and flourish.

It is encouraging to see a sharp rise in Interaction Grants and combined with various other Masonicare Board initiatives the future bodes well for our Grand Charity. Masonicare board member, VW Bro Joe Corrigan, is embarking on an incredible fundraising event. Joe is flying a four­ seater aeroplane from Sydney to England by way of East Timor, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar, Bangladesh, India, Oman, the UAE, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Greece and Italy. This fundraiser will support Masonicare and Little Wings, and donations can be made via Joe’s Facebook page. I thank Joe and wish him well on a momentous journey that will have a positive effect on the lives of the children and parents who need assistance.

The Masonicare board will continue to identify and deliver relief to flood

effected regions and I again thank you all for the incredible generosity and support you have shown for both Masonicare and the Grand Master’s Disaster Relief Appeal.

Brethren, times are indeed changing at a more rapid pace than ever before. we will keep up with these changes and ensure that this jurisdiction remains relevant in today’s society. Thank you all for the trust and support you show our team and I congratulate you on your ability to adapt and prosper as we move into a world that is getting smaller thanks to communication and technology.

While we recognise that some changes need to be made, we will ensure that the moral lessons, tenets, and traditions of our wonderful Craft remain unchanged. They are now more necessary and relevant than ever. There is no doubt that we are starting to get the modern and traditional balance right.

Thanks to our modern thinking, we are making the Craft more attractive, resulting in an influx of young men into our ranks; 126 initiates in the second half of last year and so far this year we have welcomed a further 83 brethren and another 204 applications are currently being processed. We are seriously kicking goals, brethren. Clearly these men see the need to belong, they genuinely want to create a better world, and they see Freemasonry as the perfect vehicle for them.

This is an ongoing and significant exercise for the Grand Lodge, and I sincerely thank the staff of the Grand Secretariat and the Board of Management for their wonderful efforts.

Brethren, It is always sad when the Grand Master is called on to acknowledge the passing of a brother to the Grand Lodge above, and it is important to acknowledge special service given by such brethren.

Tonight, I ask that we all remember the outstanding service made by:

R RW Bro Neville Rupert Roy Simpson PAGM

R RW Bro Alexander George Bedwell OAM PAGM

R RW Bro Huybertus Gude PAGM

R RW Bro Norman Symon PAGM

R and RW Bro William (Bill) Martin Kelly PJGW

Right Worshipful Brothers Neville Simpson, Alex Bedwell, Bert Gude, Norm Symon and Bill Kelly ‘lived respected, and died regretted.’ They will all be sorely missed.

The masonic achievements of the above brethren can be found on the Grand Lodge website.

Brethren, I have no doubt that this year will be a good year. It will bring with it some challenges. We will meet and overcome these challenges with Humility, Kindness and Generosity.

I thank you all for your attention and support.

Lodge of the sky!

Do you want to take your Masonry to new heights? If yes, then this is the idea for you!

VW Brother Clive Lipscombe (PDGIW) is an avid aviator and is exploring the prospect of bringing masons and local communities together with a new lodge. Brother Lipscombe has been a mason for more than 50 years and has over 35 years’ experience flying helicopters, with significant time in Adelaide and Newcastle. It is with this passion for flight that he wants to bring together brethren interested in aviation.

Although only an idea at present; the bimonthly lodge would travel across NSW and attract members across the jurisdiction. Members could fly-in/ fly-out across NSW and the ACT, assist in carrying out degree work and extend the hand of friendship both within the lodge and in the general community. However, a member would not need to fly – all that is required is an interest in aviation! Any mason that has an interest in, or is involved in aviation, perhaps as a hobby, model making, plane spotting – all would all be welcome to join. What unites each

member would be a passion for aviation. Notably, this lodge would not replace a monthly, or mother lodge, rather it is an additional experience within Masonry – one of friendship, brotherly love, and a love for the skies!

Last, this lodge would also connect with the community. In addition to Masonic meetings, the lodge would hold barbeques, open nights, and events to connect with the wider aviation community. Not only will this provide members with a wide range of

aviation experiences and connections, but also connect Masonry to the larger community. So, if this sounds like fun, and you have a passion for the skies, then register your interest with VW Bro Clive Lipscombe.

Clive is eager to hear from you! Send him an email or telephone him.

Email: c.b.lippy@gmail.com

Mobile: 0418 680 753.

Sky-high masonry By VW Bro Clive Lipscombe

Any mason that has an interest in, or is involved in aviation, perhaps as a hobby, model making, plane spotting – all would all be welcome...

Vale MW Bro Tony Lauer

The death of any brother diminishes us all, but the death of a Past Grand Master also generates a wave of memories that although they may fade with time will serve to illustrate the man and the mason.

MW Bro Lauer was initiated, passed and raised by Lodge Nepean No 29 in 1960 and installed as Worshipful Master in 1970. He resigned in 1981, re­joined in 1997 and remained active in the lodge for the remainder of his life.

He affiliated with The Sydney Lodge 1020 in 2002 and remained a member until 2015.

He was a Foundation Member of Lodges Germania 1036 (2008) and Oorana 1053 (2016) and remained a member of both lodges until his death.

His Grand Lodge service began in 1998 when he was appointed District Grand Inspector of Workings and culminated in 2002 when he was elected Grand Master.

At Tony’s funeral, his daughter Debbie Thornhill said that her father had a passion for the Police Force. He joined the police motorcycles at Penrith in 1955 and it soon became his life, with his love for bikes later leading him to

become a member of both the Blue Liners and Ulysses bike groups.

He was elevated to NSW Police Commissioner in 1991, holding the position for five years. He was also appointed President of the NSW Police Association and Chairman of the Police Bank.

Tony believed that you never stop learning. He studied criminology at University as a mature age student, and studied with the FBI in Virginia in the United States.

MW Bro Lauer was born in Newcastle on 19 December 1935. He moved to Springwood in the late thirties, and after living in a number of Sydney western suburbs, the family finally settled in Glenmore Park.

Tony was remembered for being ‘a doer and a leader’

Humility – Kindness – Generosity Freemason

NSW Police pallbearers carry MW Bro Lauer’s coffin out of the service.

Photo by Melinda Jane courtesy of the Western Weekender

Tony and his wife Joy had four children (Tony, Debbie, Rodney and Tanya), 15 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren. After 67 years of marriage, his beloved Joy passed away in April 2022.

Tony died of pulmonary arterial hypertension. His family were with him as he passed away peacefully at home on 30 November 2022.

A FINAL FAREWELL

13 December 2022

A large crowd of family, friends and colleagues completely filled Grace West Anglican Church in Glenmore Park to farewell MW Bro Anthony ‘Tony’ Raymond Lauer PGM. Outside and around the church police officers of all ranks – mounted and motorcycles included – stood in tribute while the service was conducted.

Amongst those attending were dignitaries from state and local governments, as well as representatives of the RSL and numerous other organisations that Tony had been associated with. A good number of masons were also seated in the crowd – notably the Grand Master MW Bro Les Hicks, accompanied by four past Grand Masters, namely MW Bro Derek Robson, MW Bro James Melville, MW Bro Dr Greg Levenston and MW Bro Ron Johnson. The

Chairman of Masonicare, RW Bro Andrew Fraser, was also in attendance, as well as many other Grand Lodge Officers and brethren.

There were many moving speakers at the service. Eulogies were delivered by Tony’s daughter Deb Thornhill, as well as retired Police Commissioner Ken

MW Bro Anthony

Raymond Lauer APM, PGM (19 December 1935 –30 November 2022)

Grand Master of The United Grand Lodge of NSW & ACT (2002–2005)

18th New South Wales Police Commissioner (13 March 1991 –19 September 1996)

Recipient of Australian Police Medal (1990)

Maroney. A valediction was given by NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb, and a lovely poem Live a Life That Matters was read by Tony’s granddaughters Melinda and Lyndall. The final tribute was given by the RSL, recognising Tony’s time in the military.

During the speeches, Tony was remembered for being ‘a doer and a leader’ who was always striving to improve the lives and standards of police officers. He always believed that people – no matter how humble their beginnings – should aim high in life.

After the service, Tony was honoured by a procession of over 200 officers accompanying the hearse, marching to a slow lament played by the NSW Police Band, whilst many other officers lined the street and stood to silent attention, giving him a final salute as the white hearse passed.

A beautiful and fitting farewell to someone who gave so much.

The funeral service can be watched on YouTube ( https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=A_kMfWII8k4).

Over 200 officers accompanied the hearse.

Photo by Melinda Jane courtesy of the Western Weekender

The Wahroonga Foundation

VW Bro Cec Richards PDGIW was a stalwart of Lodge Wahroonga 674 and when he passed to the Grand Lodge Above, at the conclusion of the Lodge of Sorrow, a motion was put to the Lodge to remember him by establishing a scholarship for disadvantaged school children. VW Bro Richards, having left school after primary, was always very enthusiastic about education.

The Wahroonga Foundation was established to administer the Cec Richards Memorial Scholarship for disadvantaged school children, in honour of VW Bro Cec Richards PDGIW, a much­loved member of Lodge Wahroonga.

November saw the official launch of The Wahroonga Foundation at the Turramurra Masonic Centre, supported by over 50 guests including the Grand Master who commented that he now knew Cec Richards through the memories shared by the brethren. He also commented that it was good to see brethren coming back to the lodge room and getting on with Freemasonry again. He spoke passionately about the needs of society and how Freemasons are trying to fill those needs through a variety of charity work.

Entertainment was provided by Bro Dean Pritchard in his stage persona Dean Ray and a fundraising wine raffle raised $5,000.

About the scholarship

The recipients of scholarships will be selected based on merit and need by the Trustees of The Wahroonga Foundation. The criteria to receive a scholarship are a need that is beyond the means of the

applicants and their family, and a school­aged student residing in the jurisdiction of NSW and the ACT. Preference will be given to children who have not received assistance for the same need from another funding source.

Nominations for the Cec Richards Memorial Scholarship are now open and the application forms are available at https://thewahroongafoundation.org or by contacting The Wahroonga Foundation by email at info@thewahroongafoundation.org . Hard copies of the scholarship application can be forwarded to an applicant if necessary.

About the Foundation

The Lodge settled funds from its bank account on the Foundation to create a corpus to cover the Foundation’s future administrative costs. This means The Wahroonga Foundation can apply all donated funds to recipients of the Cec Richards Memorial Scholarship.

The trust deed needed to satisfy the legal requirements of the Charities and Not for Profit Commission, the Australian Taxation Office, and NSW Fair Trading. This was achieved at no cost, thanks to the assistance of a legally qualified brother and allows the Foundation to carry out fundraising with Deductible

Gift Recipient Status. As a result, all donations over $2 are tax deductible. The Foundation is also exempt from taxation and GST.

(Details of the trust deed can be made available to any other masonic group.)

The Foundation’s core principle is that 100% of donations will go to recipients of the scholarships and the scholarships are generally to be provided by purchasing goods or equipment needed by the recipient. As a result, the funds raised by the Foundation are applied directly to the specific needs of the recipient; in this way the Foundation will be able to help as many children as possible. The second principle allows the Foundation to buy locally and thus support local businesses.

The webpage is also available to make secure tax­deductible donations and has further details of Cec Richards’ biography, the story of the Foundation, and the trustees. Soon it will include stories about recipients.

Next time you’re surfing the internet we invite you to visit our website at https://thewahroongafoundation.org

The Foundation took over four years to create. The trustees thank their partners and relations for the support provided in setting up the Foundation. For example, a family member of one trustee with web design experience in the charities area set up the web page at no cost.

Double Lewises at Wahroonga

What constitutes a great night for Freemasonry? Most would agree that the presence of the Grand Master would be a prerequisite; some would say a new brother being brought forward from the ignorant depths of darkness and even better if the new brother were a Lewis.

Lodge Wahroonga’s October 2022 meeting will long be remembered as such a night. The Grand Master was accompanied by 26 Grand Lodge officers including the Deputy Grand Master RW Bro Khris Albano, the Assistant Grand Master RW Bro Paul Schultz, the RGC VW Bro Don Pandes, the DGIW VW Bro Peter Goodridge and the GDC RW Bro Troy Gara as well as other members of the Grand Ceremonial Team. (This made the toasts in the South quite complex.) The lodge room was filled with visitors from numerous lodges including Barham 561, The Hills Lodge 1025, Harold Herman Unity 428, Balmain 23 and Lodge Ku­Ring ­Gai 1033.

Breaking news!

Masonicare and The Wahroonga Foundation have combined to provide additional scholarships to primary or secondary children in New South Wales or the ACT, who live in a declared flood disaster area and who have suffered losses as a result of flooding. The scholarships will be provided by the Foundation in conjunction with Masonicare.

The Foundation hopes that the additional scholarships will provide a benefit to school students, local businesses, and Freemasonry in general.

Amid such illustrious company the occasion was truly exceptional as the work was a double initiation of two brothers, both Lewises, the sons of Lodge Wahroonga’s IPM and Secretary, W Bro Rob Chapman GStwd. The candidates: Josiah Chapman (twenty­two) and Daniel Chapman (nineteen) were initiated in due form and the quality of the ritual was a tribute to the many hours of rehearsal and practice. The Grand Master clearly enjoyed the proceedings while the Grand Ceremonial team also enjoyed the opportunity to be simple spectators. W Bro Chapman acted as Junior Deacon and kept his proud paternal emotions under control but

welcomed his new brothers to the Craft with a proud handshake – and a bear hug!

The Grand Master in addressing the eight entered apprentices and two fellowcrafts spoke of the future of Freemasonry being on a precipice, and the need to attract fine young men to the Craft but more so to retain them in the Craft.

The evening concluded with a festive board in the presence of ladies and friends. The fraternal fellowship and merriment capped off the excellence of the Lodge’s work. It was a great night to welcome two young men who are now part of the future of Freemasonry.

Brethren enjoying the festive board.

Your Grand Charity

Brethren from throughout NSW and the ACT have combined to raise money for victims of the unprecedented flooding we have seen throughout the state.

These funds having been raised by our masonic community through the Grand Master’s Disaster Relief Fund, administered by Masonicare, and represent a significant first step in distributing the funds to the areas of greatest need.

The funds to assist the Northern Rivers communities have been distributed to several front­line, grass roots local charities.

Ballina Hot Meal Centre

BHMC is a privately funded, volunteer organisation, working out of the Ballina Masonic Centre, which provides up to 250 wholesome meals on Tuesdays and Fridays to homeless, elderly, sick and disabled people.

Donation $20,000

Healthy Minds Club

The Healthy Minds Club is a not­forprofit mental health organisation based in the Northern Rivers region. The charity raises awareness and provides funding for mental health issues and provides a range of free services to the Northern Rivers Community.

Donation $15,000 batyr

batyr was launched in 2011, after the founder Sebastian Robertson experienced the frustration and isolation of living silently with mental ill­health while attending university. Sebastian recognised that it was time to hold honest conversations about mental health with young people and founded the organisation, naming it after batyr

the talking elephant. (batyr means ‘hero’ in Turkic.)

Donation $15,000

Human Nature Adventure Therapy

Based in the Northern Rivers region, Human Nature Adventure Therapy works with young people aged 14 to 24 with experiences of complex trauma and significant health issues and offers in­depth mental health programs set in nature.

Donation $15,000

Northern Rivers Housing Pods

The Northern Rivers Housing Pod Project is vital for those families and individuals who have lost all. Currently there are many displaced people who will probably never be able to return to their homes because of the damage caused by the floods. The Pod project is giving some of the displaced assistance with a safe, dry place to live while they rebuild their lives.

Donation $25,000

A Northern Rivers housing pod Masonicare helped support with a $25,000 donation.

Upper right: The Grand Master presents a $15,000 cheque to batyr.

Lower right: The GM presents Ballina Hot Meal Centre with a cheque for $20,000

Grand Master’s Disaster Relief Fund

In October 2022, Lodge Ballina United No 112 hosted a District 11 combined district meeting at the Ballina Masonic Centre.

In the presence of the Grand Master, MW Bro Les Hicks, supported by a substantial Grand Lodge delegation and a full room of brethren, the ceremony of the presentation of the Patent of Office of DGIW of District 11 was performed; VW Bro Joe Corrigan was presented with his Patent and Jewel of DGIW by retiring DGIW VW Bro Todd Shadbolt, who was himself then presented with his PDGIW Jewel and warmly thanked for his tireless service to the district.

The Lodge was called from labour to refreshment and a presentation ‘The Flight of the Winding Stair’ was delivered with the Grand Master in the Chair.

The Flight of the Winding Stair is a beautiful presentation that has been formed and perfected over many years. We thank RW Bro Don Pandes RGC 2 and his team for their hard work in continuing to evolve and present this interesting topic. (If you have an opportunity to witness it, do so, you will not be disappointed.)

Following the meeting, brethren joined their partners and guests who had travelled from all over the state to attend the celebratory banquet. RW Bro Colin Lee invited the Grand Master to present the cheques to the recipients of the Grand Master’s Disaster Relief Fund.

The recipients were overwhelmed by the donations and assured us that the funds would be put straight into community projects. Mrs Sharon Cadwallader, Mayor of Ballina praised the work of Masonicare and the brethren of District 11 and encouraged the brethren to continue this vital work.

...it was time to hold honest conversations about mental health with young people...

L–R: VW Bro Todd Shadbolt, MW Bro Les Hicks and VW Bro Joe Corrigan

The Grand Principles – Brotherly Love

Every Freemason is aware of the Three Grand Principles underpinning our Craft: Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth. Having witnessed some very unpleasant scenes in lodge rooms I wonder if every brother truly understands what brotherly love means, and how it should be practiced.

What is brotherly love?

Brotherly love is the love for one’s fellow man as a brother and this concept is raised a multitude of times in the Volume of the Sacred Law.

Parents experience a heightened sense of frustration when they hear their children arguing or fighting with one another, because parents expect their children to love each other. If you were a fly on the wall, you might hear a parent asking their child, ‘Were you loving your brother or sister when you were fighting with him, or her?’ The Great Architect has commanded us to love our neighbour – even when our neighbour is our enemy. How much more, then, should brothers and sisters have a deep and lasting love for one another? Though the world is full of strangers, brothers and sisters come from the same womb and are brought up by the same parents in the same house. The bond that exists between siblings gives shape and form to the language of Scripture, where God commands believers to ‘love one another with brotherly affection’. Scripture goes on to say that we should ‘have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind’.

The concept of brotherly love extends much further than brother loving brother. It includes sister to sister, neighbour to neighbour, race to race, even nation to nation. In its fullest sense it means that every human being

should extend feelings of love and care, understanding and genuine concern for, and to, every other human being.

What a difference it would make if we would learn to view one another through the eye of our Creator. It is only when we learn to truly see our neighbour as our brother, our sister, our equal, that we can begin to understand the meaning of love in all its fullness.

To know and experience brotherly love we first need to learn how to love the various members of our own families. Unfortunately, in this present age, this is not always the case. Regrettably, a large number of families are dysfunctional and I have spent a number of years working with these families and the results of broken relationships within them. Children are most often the ones who suffer the most, often having to be

removed from the home and family for their own safety and wellbeing.

When families are broken apart, many members are left broken, bitter and filled with anger. These feelings may take many years to resolve enough for the person to begin to trust other people again and to build meaningful relationships.

Unfortunately, this is only one of the many reasons why love for one another is not as prevalent in our society as it should be and for these reasons, we should be reaching out to love our brothers and sisters in the world around us.

Our love for our neighbours should be greater than our love for ourselves.

Many people believe that the greatest words written about the nature of love are found in the first Letter to the Corinthians, chapter 13, in the Volume of the Sacred Law. It describes the nature of love as

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

These words are applicable to us all, whatever our race, or creed, and we would all do well to take our time in studying them, the full meaning of which could not be sufficiently revealed in a whole lifetime.

...brotherly love extends much further than brother loving brother. It includes sister to sister, neighbour to neighbour, race to race...

Would you like a pint of Masonry?

Recently the United Grand Lodge of England welcomed Lodge Horus 3155, where brethren’s passion for ale and social activity lead to a fully-fledged masonic beer lodge. Given this unique Lodge, and tasty membership option, we thought we should wet our whistle and find out more.

This Lodge is described as ‘creating a door that is already open’, or in other words, given Freemasons enjoy a drink together before and after a meeting, the culture is already there. The Lodge provides structure, guidance, and education, along with fraternal good cheer! In such a lodge, concepts such as ‘gaining purity through process’, similar to smoothing out an ashlar, are employed. These lodges can also apply the lessons of the second degree to brewing; for like brewing where chemistry and biology collide, where a master brewer’s discipline and dedication is needed. God provides similar oversight upon his creations.

Originally, this brewing Lodge was born from masons who enjoyed good beer and wanted to keep masonic connections alive during COVID. Initially it started as a group of five like­minded masons with a WhatsApp group chat, then soon grew to a Facebook group with thousands of members. Later, they were invited to take over an existing lodge, and thus Lodge Horus 3155 was reborn. Significantly, this Lodge only meets twice a year on a Saturday. What an excellent way to spend a Saturday – a cold brew and fraternity!

Historically, when one thinks Freemasons and beer, one might think of Samuel Adams.* The Samuel Adams Brewery produces some of the most finely crafted beers in the United States. Though

it is debatable if Samuel Adams was a brewer, he did work in a malthouse which produced the malt that was used in beer.

One might also think of Bro Benjamin Franklin: he originated the famous quote that all beer drinkers know by heart and share enthusiastically – ‘Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to prosper’! Ever since the birth of the United States beer has been the beverage of choice for Americans. In fact, at a large parade in Philadelphia to celebrate the ratification of the Constitution, several of the local brewers marched in the parade under a banner that read: ‘Ale – a proper drink for Americans.’

We can see that there are exciting new lodges, focused on key themes, popping up all around the world. The ‘Beer Lodge’ is one exciting way to connect and share our masonic values. And in this author’s opinion, this is news worth raising a glass to!

* Samuel Adams (1722–1802) was a Founding Father of the United States.

Whiddon Board of Directors Awards

It was a gala night on 24 November at the William Inglis Hotel, Warwick Farm, when Whiddon presented its annual awards. It was a night that featured great conversation and great entertainment.

Whiddon employees from throughout the state were present, and it was very special to see employees from remote and country areas.

The awards were based on Whiddon’s core values:

R To be progressive and innovative

R To nurture relationships, and community

R To create exceptional impact.

An interesting facet of these awards and something that made the recognition even more special was that the nominees, who Whiddon call Everyday Heroes, are nominated by their colleagues.

This means that the nominees and the winners have stood out amongst their peers as people who create exceptional impact, and so truly live Whiddon’s core values.

Whiddon proudly acknowledged and celebrated the Nominees and Winners of the 2022 Board of Directors Awards.

There were many well-deserved awards, chief of which were:

Cheryl Gordon – (Easton Park) Cheryl is the epitome of service with a smile for the residents of Sir David Martin. All those around her have always found her reliable, efficient,

All individual award winners

and kind. She projects a warm, cheerful attitude to our residents, their families, and friends.

Monique Moore – (Far West district) Monique is truly deserving of this award. She is responsible for all administration tasks, completes the roster each fortnight and coordinates and delivers the Wellness & Lifestyle Program at Whiddon, Bourke. As if not enough, she also cooks delicious meals for our residents – truly remarkable, truly person­centred care for everyone.

Nathan McDonald – (Northern district) Nathan has been an integral part of the Maclean team for 23 years, working in various roles. Although currently working in the maintenance team, Nathan stepped up during the recent floods to reprise his role within the care team, to ensure our residents were looked after while other Assistants in Nursing were unable to access the facility due to flooding.

Alannah Dodd – (Southern district) Alannah is a true example of the ‘Whiddon Way’. Her time at our Redhead home is relatively short but she has made a great impact on the residents and team. She brings an upbeat attitude with her, especially when working through COVID lockdowns and doing extra shifts.

Leonie Tristram – (Community Care) Leonie’s contribution to the Kelso region deserves to be recognised. Leonie is known by all for her positive attitude and ‘client first’ approach to her work. She has been recognised for not only her approach with clients but also for the warmth and support that she provides to her team.

Camille Vergara – (Support Services) Camille celebrated 5 years with Whiddon this year. She started in the Easton Park team and has recently moved into support services. She has quickly developed a strong relationship with her team and is already making an exceptional impact in her new role within People and Culture, Talent Acquisition. She is known for her big smile, positive attitude, and fantastic attention to detail.

After the presentation of awards, the assembly danced the night away.

Rainbow turns one hundred

One hundred years of the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls 1922–2022.

Rainbow was founded in McAlester Oklahoma on 6 April 1922. The first assembly initiated a class of 171 girls.

The ritual was written by the Rev William ‘Mark’ Sexson at the request of the South McAlester Eastern Star Chapter. He was a prolific writer and masonic scholar who travelled extensively in 1909 as preparation for his work as a contributor to masonic literature.

He was Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Oklahoma – 1928–29 and Worthy Grand Patron of the Order of the Eastern Star 1925­26.

Rainbow is now found in several states of the USA, Brazil, Philippines, Aruba, Italy, Romania, Bolivia, Canada, Paraguay, Puerto Rico and Australia.

You can discover some famous Rainbow Girls at: gorainbow.org

A ‘Special Session’ for the 100th anniversary was held in Oklahoma City from 28 July to 3 August 2022 and was attended by approximately 1,000 members.

Leila Rodeghiero, from Australia, worked hard to raise funds to assist with her travel to Oklahoma City and was honoured to carry the Australian flag at the Opening Ceremony and during the Cavalcade of Flags on the closing day. Leila is pictured with the newly installed Supreme Worthy Advisor, Mrs Kay Letterman of North Carolina.

Leila (right) with newly Installed Supreme Worthy Advisor, Mrs Kay Letterman of North Carolina

Rainbow Girls By Lorraine Rayner, Supreme Deputy of NSW & SA

years of exceptional care

Whiddon celebrates 75 years

A dream to care lives on, 75 years strong!

Whiddon celebrates 75 years at the annual Board of Directors Awards after a long and proud history dating back to the early 1920’s, when a small group of Freemasons had the dream to build care facilities for older Australians.

In 1947, the Frank Whiddon Masonic Homes of New charity and named in the Grand Master ’s honour, although decades have passed, our philosophy has always remained the same - we believe that ageing should be a rich and rewarding journey for everyone.

In 2007, we expanded our care model to include community care, providing in-home assistance and support to hundreds of clients throughout the state so that these seniors can live safely and independently in their own homes.

Our values, which were built on Freemasonry, remain just as strong, and the passion and perseverance of our founders is well and truly alive in our organisation today, in addition to our heritage of supporting our local communities also continues. We are often at the heart of our communities, contributing to them and working actively with them. It ’s important that our residents remain connected to the communities they love and that we maintain a sense of community that everyone matters.

Today, we are a large not-for-profit organisation

clients in around 40 locations across both New South Wales and Queensland. Whiddon has grown to become an industry leader and one of the largest aged care providers in New South Wales as a result of its progressive and innovative culture. Although we have seen such large areas of growth, we are still growing, we are building new homes and we are continuing to enhance our existing facilities and extending our programs and services.

We are always looking for ways to improve, and for new and exciting opportunities. Our quality care, services, creative ageing programs and innovation have been recognised through many awards and accolades over the years such as the Innovaging Awards for 2022 , recognising our Exercise 4 life program that has seen dramatic impacts in the quality of life for our residents.

Our approach to wellbeing is holistic, and healthy ageing forms an important part of what we do, why we do it and who we are. We believe that keeping people connected, staying physically and mentally active, finding meaningful and purposeful activities is essential to wellbeing.

with residents, clients and their families to support their wishes, choices and physical, emotional and social needs.

We are who we are today, because of our beginnings and as we enter the next 75 years of our organisation, the dream of our founders lives on. Thanks to their foresight and compassion, Whiddon has made, and lives of older Australians.

If you are interested in finding out more about Whiddon or our many programs, please get in touch or donate today to allow us to continue to provide excellent care.

Address to a Haggis

With Burns’ birthday being 25 January, a great number of masonic lodges use their January meeting to conduct a Burns Night, where a haggis is piped into the South amid great ceremony and applause, only to be gutted mid-poem, displayed to all, toasted with a hearty shout and then ceremonially removed to the kitchen to be prepared for the Great Devouring.

Some background for the Sassenachs

Listed amongst our many famous masons is Robert ‘Rabbie’ Burns aka The Bard. Scots around the world speak of him with great pride, and he is widely seen as Scotland’s National Poet. In a poll conducted by Scottish TV in 2009, Burns narrowly beat William Wallace as The Greatest Scot of All Time.

Burns was initiated into Lodge St David, Tarbolton, on 4 July 1781 at the age of 23. He was later passed and raised to Master Mason on 1 October that same year in the presence of over 120 masons. At the age of only 25 he achieved the rank of ‘Depute’ Master of the Lodge, being effectively in charge since the

Master of the Lodge was an honorary position only.

In 1786 Burns changed the spelling of his name from that of his father (Burness), after which Robert and his brother Gilbert, both signed themselves as Burns.

If you ask anyone about Burns – Scot or not – they will likely mention Auld Lang Syne, Red Red Rose, Tam O’ Shanter and Address to a Haggis. But these are only a famous four from a total of almost 720 works, over 300 of them songs.

And it is on the last work above that this article will now focus –Address to a Haggis.

What’s in a haggis?

Don’t ask!

Alright then, seeing as you did ask...

It’s usually referred to as a pudding, but it kind of comes under the same general category as a sausage. Like all sausages there’s a whole bunch of otherwise unsavoury ingredients that get minced up and dressed up before being presented as a delicacy. In fact, I once heard that the food regulations regarding sausages only specify a few things that can’t be used. Everything else is fair game.

Portrait of Robert Burns by Alexander Nasmyth, 1787

A haggis contains a sheep’s heart, lungs and liver all minced and mixed with salt, onion, oatmeal and spices numerous and various. Sounds OK so far? Here comes the best part.

It’s all cooked inside a sheep’s stomach. In the good old days it was traditional to leave the oesophagus at full length and wrap it around the middle of the stomach to tie it off. By pulling the oesophagus a little tight it squeezed the body of the sausage (pudding), making both ends bulge a little.

The end result bears more than a passing resemblance to a pair of buttocks on a plate. Indeed, Burns’ poem mentions exactly that!

Yum!

However, to accommodate the squeamish Sassenachs that tradition has sadly faded. The oesophagus is nowadays trimmed well back and the stomach is simply tied off at each end, leaving just a large sausage. However the longer ones are often folded in half in order to fit onto the plate, which thankfully produces the same aesthetic result.

And now for the poem

Following the successful release of Burns’ first book of works in 1786, The Caledonian Mercury was the first newspaper to publish a Burns poem – The Address to The Haggis.* Written in a blended mix of English and Anglified Scottish, it celebrates and lauds the glory of working ­class Scottish fare over the thin and flavourless European foods of the time.

The original text of the poem is presented on this page, alongside a translation.

Bon Appétit!

Address to a Haggis

Original text

Fair fa’ your honest, sonsie face, Great chieftain o the puddin’ race! Aboon them a’ ye tak your place, Painch, tripe, or thairm; Weel are ye worthy o’ a grace As lang’s ma airm.

The groaning trencher there ye fill, Your hurdies like a distant hill, Your pin wad help to mend a mill In time o‘ need.

While thro your pores the dews distil Like amber bead.

His knife, see rustic labour dight, An’ gut you up wi‘ ready sleight, Trenching your gushing entrails bright, Like onie ditch.

And then, O what a glorious sight, Warm, reekin’, rich!

Then, horn for horn, they stretch an‘ strive: De’il tak the hindmaist, on they drive, Till a’ their weel-swall’d kytes belyve Are bent like drums.

An auld Guidman, maist like to rive, ‘Bethankit’ hums.

Is there that owre his French ragout, Or olio that wad staw a sow, Or fricassee that wad mak her spew Wi’ perfect scunner, Looks doon wi‘ sneering, scornfu’ view On sic a dinner?

Poor de’il! See him owre his trash, As feckless as a wither’d rash, His spindle shank a guid whip-lash, His nieve a nit; Thro’ bloody flood or field to dash, O how unfit!

But mark the Rustic, haggis-fed, The trembling earth resounds his tread, Clap in his walie nieve a blade, He’ll make it whissle;

An’ legs an’ airms, an’ heads will sned, Like taps o‘ thrissle.

Translation

Good luck to you and your honest, cheeky face, Great chieftain of the sausage race! Above them all you take your place, Stomach, tripe, or intestines. Well are you worthy of a grace

As long as my arm.

The groaning serving dish there you fill, Your buttocks like a distant hill, Your skewer would help to mend a mill In time of need.

While through your pores your juices seep Like amber bead [Scotch].

His knife, see vigorously prepared, And cut you up with ready ease, Trenching your gushing entrails bright, Like any ditch. And then, O what a glorious sight, Warm, steaming, rich!

Then spoon for spoon, they stretch and strive: The Devil take the last man, yet on they drive, Till all their well swollen bellies Are bent like drums.

The old head of the table, most likely to belch, ‘Thank the Lord’ mumbles.

Is there that over there his French ragout, Or a dish that would sicken a sow, Or French food would make her vomit With perfect disgust, Looks down with sneering, scornful view On such a dinner?

Poor devil! See him over his rubbish, As feeble as a withered rush, His skinny legs a good whip-lash, His fist a nut; Through bloody flood or field to dash, O how unfit!

But have a look at of the Rustic, haggis-fed, The trembling earth resounds his tread, Clap in his ample fist a blade, He’ll make it whistle; And legs, and arms, and heads will be cut off Like the tops of thistles.

* Though masons refer to the poem as The Address to the Haggis, reflecting its place in their annual Burns festivities, it is more properly known as Address to a Haggis.

Ye Pow’rs, wha mak mankind your care, And dish them out their bill o‘ fare, Auld Scotland wants nae skinking ware That jaups in luggies: But, if ye wish her gratefu’ prayer, Gie her . . . A HAGGIS!

You powers, who make mankind your care, And dish them out their bill of fare, Old Scotland wants no watery stuff, That splashes in small wooden dishes; But if you wish her grateful prayer, Give her . . . A HAGGIS!

Talking research

Last November, the Australian and New Zealand Masonic Research Council (www.anzmrc.org) held a conference at the Dunedin Masonic Centre in New Zealand.

These conferences are usually biennial, but the 2020 conference was postponed till 2022 because of the coronavirus. At that meeting I was elected President of the Council and I will remain in that position until the next conference, which will occur in Sydney in 2024, the venue probably being the NSW Masonic Club and the convener W Bro

Kim Nielsen

The first Australian Masonic Research Council (AMRC) conference was held in Melbourne in 1992. At the third conference, held in Perth in 1996, it was decided that New Zealand research lodges would be included. So, at the conference held in Launceston in 1998, a New Zealand mason spoke for the first time. The Council was renamed the Australian and New Zealand Masonic Research Council (ANZMRC).

The aims of the ANZMRC are:

1. to promote masonic research and education

2. to act as a liaison body among its affiliated research lodges and chapters

3. to organise biennial conferences across New Zealand and Australia

4. to organise and coordinate speaking tours by noted masonic researchers

5. to publish the proceedings of its conferences and tour books of each touring speaker.

Aims 2, 3 and 5 are being achieved. Aim 4 took a different form in 2021 in that we had two speakers, one from New Zealand and the other from Australia. This had previously been done in 2009, but in 2021 Zoom was used as the means of communication. So, the term ‘touring lecturer’ has become something

of a misnomer as there was no touring involved. There will be no touring lecturers this year and it is hoped that something more suitable will have been implemented by 2025. We must evolve as requirements change.

My main objective as President is to promote masonic research. Ten Australians and thirteen New Zealanders attended the Dunedin conference, and another five or six others attended the occasional talk. Of the Australian masonic jurisdictions, only the three eastern mainland ones were represented. We all had a good time, and the quality of the lectures was excellent, but it would have been better if more had attended, and more jurisdictions had been represented. We were honoured by the presence of the Grand Master of New Zealand, MW Bro James Watt.

Each of the presenters of papers at these conferences is named a Kellerman Lecturer (KL) and his talk is called a Kellerman Lecture. Harry Kellerman, who was New Zealand born, was our Grand Librarian during the 1980s and 1990s. He was a teacher and an excellent masonic researcher. Until recently, each masonic jurisdiction was represented by one KL, then later New Zealand was

permitted to have two KLs. Now, it is those lectures that are considered the best, irrespective of jurisdiction, that are chosen. Harry Kellerman became the first KL for NSW by presenting, in 1992, a paper on The Challenge of Changes in Membership in New South Wales.

At the Dunedin conference, there was a goodly number of new KLs. There were also some extra presentations by those who were already KLs. The new KLs from our jurisdiction are Bros Wayne McPhee and Benjamin Wharton, who jointly presented a paper on Some mid nineteenth century Sydney Freemasons and how they created a life beyond the Craft. Wayne was the WM of The Discovery Lodge of Research from 2018 to 2020. This was an interesting, well researched and well delivered paper as were all the papers presented. I encourage you to read them in the Proceedings of this Conference, a copy of which has been deposited in our Grand Lodge Library.

Also of note was the presence of three winners of the Norman B. Spencer Essay Prize. This prize is awarded to masons who have not previously presented a paper at the Quatuor Coronati Lodge or had a paper printed in its transactions. The Quatuor Coronati Lodge, which meets in London, is arguably the foremost masonic research lodge in the world. During the past five years, three of the winners have come from Australia or New Zealand. All three were present at the conference. They are Jack Dowds (the 2022 winner, the New Zealand touring lecturer for 2022 and a new KL from New Zealand), Brendan Kyne (the 2019 winner and the Secretary of both the ANZMRC and the Victorian Lodge of Research) and me (the 2018 winner and the current Master, soon to be IPM, of the Discovery Lodge of Research). It shows that, in research, Australia and New Zealand are doing well.

At the Dunedin conference, there was an opportunity to socialise with other researchers, particularly over morning and afternoon teas and lunches, as well as a dinner at the Impression Manor Chinese restaurant and the official dinner, on the last evening of the conference, at the Distinction Dunedin Hotel. The ladies were also present at these dinners. They had their own programme,

...someone whose career was in IT, and certainly not in research...

including a visit to Larnach Castle. Another interesting point is that I stayed in Room 208 of the Law Courts Hotel, through which Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip gained access to the balcony where they greeted their adoring subjects in February 1954. Highlights were the St Andrew’s Day Celebration, where pipes were played and the haggis was piped in and toasted, and the Dunedin Public Art Gallery which had a very impressive and diverse collection. These were but two of the interesting attractions I was able to visit in Dunedin.

Bro Glenn Summerhayes, the convener, assisted by Bros Kerry Nicholls, Grant Watson and the rest of the team, are to be congratulated for running such a successful conference. We look forward to W Bro Kim Nielsen and his team providing as good a conference in Sydney in 2024. This will be the third time that the conference has been held in our masonic jurisdiction, it being previously held in Parramatta in 1994 and in Queanbeyan in 2008.

I mentioned above that one of my aims during my presidency is to promote masonic research. Now, at many a festive board you are sure to have heard the responder to the visitors’ toast telling you that ‘Visiting is what Masonry is all about’. You have probably also heard in lodge a brother claiming that ‘Charity is what Masonry is all about’. No doubt some have said ‘Brotherhood is what

Masonry is all about’. Now, at most one, but most likely none, of these statements is correct. Masonry covers many activities, and none covers the whole of Masonry. You will never have heard that ‘Research is what Masonry is all about’, but I am here to argue that it is just as important as visiting, charity and brotherhood. Not all masons wish to be researchers, but I am of the opinion that more would be if there were a greater emphasis placed on masonic research.

In our jurisdiction there are three bodies, namely the Discovery Lodge of Research in Sydney, the Linford Lodge of Research in Canberra, and the Newcastle Masonic Study Circle in Newcastle. All these are affiliate members of the ANZMRC. It is also possible for private lodges to be associate members of ANZMRC and one Sydney lodge, Lodge Kellerman, indeed is. If you are interested in research and any of these bodies are within the length of your cabletow, please seriously consider visiting and perhaps even joining at least one of them. Otherwise, you can always set up your own group of researchers or undertake individual research.

There are many masonic researchers who would be willing to assist you if you wish to be involved in masonic research, including me. A mentor can be of great assistance. I am indebted to Bro Neil Morse KL, who has encouraged and assisted me, as well as suggesting that I should submit papers. I am going to give some examples of my own research to

show that someone whose career was in IT, and certainly not in research, can produce masonic research papers. I have two published papers. The first is my Kellerman lecture which considers our attitudes to women and mysticism in Freemasonry1 and the second is a study of John Browne’s masonic ciphered works of the turn of the 19th century.2 I have also researched Freemasonry as conducted in the Dutch East Indies and Indonesia, the formation of the various Grand Lodges in Australia and the possible influences of Freemasonry on Caodaism. The last mentioned was because of a trip to Vietnam organised by the late Bro Peter Court in 2011 where he pointed out some similarities between Freemasonry and Caodaism. In my quest to encourage research, I am willing to visit your lodge to advocate masonic research and/or to present a research paper. I am sure that others are also willing to do this. Simply send an email to david@slaters.id.au and we can arrange a time and place. I hope that many of you will come to enjoy masonic research and may even, sometime in the future, become a KL.

1 See http://www.freemasons-freemasonry.com/mysticism-masculinity-freemasonry.html

2 AQC 132, 2019 pp. 59-98 or https://www. quatuorcoronati.com/wp-content/ uploads/2019/04/AQC132.03-Slater. pdf (without the questions and answers resulting from the paper)

ANZMRC conference attendees in Dunedin last November

Burns and the Cutty Sark

The Cutty Sark is a British clipper ship that was built in Dumbarton, Scotland in 1869. She was one of the last tea clippers to be built, but her beautiful and sleek design was cast aside by the arrival of the newly developed and more efficient steamships.

The Cutty Sark spent only a few years in the tea trade before turning to the wool trade from Australia, holding the record time to Britain for ten years.

After some time as a cargo ship and then a training vessel, she was finally moved to dry dock in Greenwich, London, as a permanent display for the public.

Now let’s look at the figurehead. The picture shows the rather predictable bare­breasted maiden holding what looks like a clump of hair. It is in fact a horse’s tail. The maiden seems quite angry. Her name is Nanny, and here’s the background.

In Robert Burns’ epic poem Tam O’Shanter, our hero Tam is riding his horse, Maggie, home on a stormy night. He happens across a dance party being held by witches and warlocks in an old, abandoned church.

FYI: In the context of the poem, a ‘sark’ is a nightdress or shirt. A ‘cutty sark’ is a short nightdress.

The witches are old, withered hags in flannel sarks, except for a recent addition to their number, Nanny –a young and beautiful maiden, dancing with gay abandon. She is wearing a cutty sark of fine linen. Burns writes

‘Her cutty sark – o’ paisley hairn - that while a lassie she had worn – in longitude, though sorely scanty…‘

Tam is discovered admiring Nanny and is chased by all. He races away on Maggie, hurrying for safety at a nearby bridge that witches cannot cross. But Nanny, being the

youngest and fastest, lunges for Maggie as she leaps for the bridge. Tam escapes with his life, but poor old Maggie left behind

‘… her ain grey tail!’

And that’s the link between Robbie Burns and the Cutty Sark!

Cutty Sark’s figurehead –Nanny grasps the horse’s tail

Photo by Rachel Andrew

The Cutty Sark waiting in Sydney Harbour for the new season’s wool.

Have your say

Living in regional NSW

My name is Terry Boyce and I live in an Alpine town called Oberon. I affiliated with Lodge Oberon 355 in 2017. My mother lodge was Lodge Lennox 902 where I was initiated in 1984 and rose to JW before calling off in 1989 for medical reasons.

The reason I am writing this letter is to applaud all the masons who travel to visit lodges in District 46 of Region 4. District 46 extends from Blackheath to Bathurst and includes Lithgow, Portland and Oberon.

Other Districts are of course larger than District 46.

Just to give brethren an idea of distance and the time it takes to visit other lodges from Oberon and also, of course, for visitors to join us in Lodge Oberon 355.

R From Oberon to Blackheath is a 134k round trip

R To visit Portland from Oberon is 102k round trip.

R To visit Bathurst is a 100k round trip.

R To go out to Orange is a 210k round trip.

R Taralga 200k.

R Blayney 166k.

R Cowra 310k round trip and you need to stay overnight.

R Lawson 180k round trip.

Some brethren do make long round trips – there and back in one night. This means arriving home after midnight which is certainly not safe for us who are young at heart but long in the tooth!

I recently visited Lodge Queanbeyan St Andrew No 56; it was a day’s travel there and a day’s travel back so we stayed overnight and the cost was something like $250 for the trip.

I also visited Lodge Barham 561 in Bathurst and it was late at night when we arrived

home – 11.30 or later. The work of the evening was a second degree for a brother from a Sydney lodge. He was accompanied by a fraternal who had to stay in Lithgow because there was no accommodation in Bathurst and some of those brethren were amazed how far some of the locals had travelled to visit Lodge Barham.

Please don’t think we are complaining about the kilometres we are traveling. We who travel are dedicated masons and we enjoy the friendship and the South that are provided. The masonic reward is well worth the effort we put in behind the wheel of our car!

Lodge Gowrie

At the recent re-installation of Lodge Gowrie of Canberra 715 the Grand Master commented on the lodge’s significant history. What follows is a summary of his talk

Lodge Gowrie of Canberra was consecrated on 20 September 1947 at the Albert Hall, in the Parliamentary triangle in Canberra. The Lodge was named to honour Lord Gowrie, the mason who, beginning in 1935, had encouraged its formation. Unfortunately, the aftermath of the Great Depression and then WWII combined to delay the founding of Lodge Gowrie for over 12 years.

After a distinguished military career, Lord Gowrie arrived in Adelaide in 1928 to serve

as Governor of South Australia (just in time for the famous bodyline Cricket Test 90 years ago). He became Governor of NSW in 1935 and eventually Governor-General from 1936 to 1945. He was also successively Grand Master of the Grand Lodges of South Australia and New South Wales. Lord Gowrie was a close friend of the Foundation Worshipful Master of Lodge Gowrie, Rev Canon VW Bro Charles Shearer Robertson PDGIW, Rector of St John’s Anglican Church at Reid, ACT, from 1930 to 1949.

Lodge Gowrie has, since its consecration, welcomed two Governors-General (Lord Gowrie in 1953 and Lord Dunrossil in 1961), and a Governor of two Australian States (Lord Gowrie). Three Australian Grand Masters have been members of the Lodge (Lord Gowrie for SA and NSW and MW Bro Robson for NSW & ACT). An impressive record in an impressive lodge; but a lodge where everyone is valued as a brother.

Lodge Gowrie’s ambition is to be a microcosm of what is best in Australian society.

RW Bro Graham Davies PAGM

Lodge Gowrie of Canberra 715

VW Bro Terry Boyce PDGDC Lodge Oberon 355

The Broached Thurnel

The broached thurnel is composed of a square; a cube; a triangle and a pyramid, all geometric shapes and solids, which enable mathematical calculations to be determined with accuracy and precision by the craftsman, which in turn enables the master mason to build a structure on a sure and firm foundation.

In Prichard’s Masonry Dissected (1730) the ‘broached thurnel‘ is said to be one of the three immovable jewels of the lodge, and ‘is for an entered apprentice to learn to work upon’. It is generally admitted that the ‘broached thurnel’ was one of the many symbols which used to figure in the work of the old lodges, but which have now disappeared, like the Trowel, the Beehive and the Ark and Dove.

In the Deptford MS (1814–19) we find a further reference:

Master: When you got admittance, what did you expect to see there?

Mason: The tracery board, perpend ashler and broached thurnel.

Master: How did you expect to find them placed?

Mason: The tracery board upon the mosaic paving, the perpend ashler upon the blazing star and the broached Thurnel upon the tracery board.

Master: What does the broached thurnel represent?

Mason: The divine grace of God penetrating our hard and stony hearts.

(The last answer references Ezekiel 11:19 and 36:26.)

A broached thurnel is still depicted on French tracing boards, although long ago it disappeared from English­derived tracing boards, it having been replaced with the smooth or Perfect Ashlar. French Freemasons have always referred to this stone as ‘la pierre cubique a pointe’, which literally means a pointed square stone. The original French ritual, still in use, explains that it is a model of a spire or turret, whose various outlines provide a means of teaching the apprentice how to develop the forms of the square, the triangle, the cube and the pyramid.

The only modern reference to the broached thurnel, is in the ritual of the Royal Order of Scotland, where it is called the ‘broaching turner’.

...such a stone would lend itself readily to the illustration of the moral lesson.

Left: A broached thurnel

Below: An extract from Masonry Dissected with references to the Broached Thurnel underlined.

A ‘broached spire‘ is a recognised architectural term and is defined as ‘a spire without any parapet at its base, showing the junction of the octagonal spire with the square base.’ The sketch [below] illustrates this type of spire, and it will be seen that the spire may be looked upon as piercing upwards through the top of the lower tower.

When we consider the various material objects which are referred to in the masonic ritual, and displayed in the lodges, we note the obvious fact that they are all of such a nature as to convey some moral lesson or remind us of some moral truth, as well as possessing an interest from the practical or operative point of view. Now, if the ‘broached thurnel’ ever formed part of the furniture of the lodge, what moral teaching could be associated with it? A lesson is connected with the various ashlars, as we are aware. Another beautiful allegory is that of the stone which was rejected

because its real properties were not understood, and which yet became at last the cornerstone of the building.

There is one such form; a simple shape, yet one of quite equal importance to those already mentioned, and one which while quite equally illustrating the same moral, agrees more closely than any of them with the words ‘cornerstone of the building.’ The stone in question is the topmost or terminal stone of a pyramid.

The connection of the pyramids with masonic tradition, whether by

direct descent or by adoption, is well established. I would suggest that a symbol used in the work of a masonic lodge may have had its origin in the craftsmanship of the pyramid builders.

The pyramids were built with their sides formed in a series of steps and were afterwards encased with another layer of stones of such a shape as to leave a smooth outer surface. This construction is shown in the sketch below. At the apex of the pyramid, for practical reasons, no architect or mason would think of leaving a series of joints, but would provide an apex or terminal stone, as shown in the sketch, and this stone would be of a shape quite distinct from any other stone in the structure. It would be fitted only for its exalted position — the cornerstone indeed — for it is the only salient corner, or angle, of the whole building. From the speculative point of view, then, such a stone would lend itself readily to the illustration of the moral lesson.

In the preparation of this article considerable reference was made to The Broached Thurnel, a paper by Bro Arthur Bowes, from the Transactions of The Lodge of Research No 2429 EC for 1912–13, pages 52–56.

Left: Two ‘pierre cubique a pointe’ on the upper right [beneath the moon], from an EA TB in a c1765 ritual in the National Library of Australia.

Centre: A broached spire

Below: The casing stones of a pyramid, showing the apex or terminal stone – a broached thurnel.

...long ago it disappeared from English-derived tracing boards, it having been replaced with the smooth or Perfect Ashlar.

Hands Across the Border is back

After a 12-year break, Hands Across the Border –celebrating the close relationship between NSW & ACT and Queensland Freemasonry has resumed with great vigour.

In early February, Craft, Mark, Royal Arch and Royal Ark Mariner masonry united for a weekend of cross­border cordiality at Tweed Heads.

The resumption of the event was the initiative of the United Supreme Grand Chapter of Mark and Royal Arch Masons of NSW & ACT.

‘It was a great pleasure to be able to demonstrate what is for NSW & ACT a true bond of union between the Craft and the Royal Arch.’ said First Grand Principal and Grand Master, Robert Drake.

The sentiments were echoed by Grand Master MW Bro Les Hicks, who also appreciated the rare occasion he didn’t have to make a long trip south to attend a major masonic event.

‘The weekend was a success, and there was a lot of enthusiasm from the Queenslanders who said they wanted to keep the momentum moving and resume holding the event annually.’ he said.

‘I want to thank all those who make the weekend possible, especially the brethren of Tweed Heads such as Ray

Weblin, Graham Moon, local DGIW Joe Corrigan, the 10 candidates who are now ‘marked men’, and the leaders of the Queensland Craft, Mark and Chapter whose enthusiasm was clear to see.’

Some 90 masons made the journey, all supporting the four heads of the Orders who attended and of course getting to see each other’s ceremonial teams on display.

There was also some pretty serious socialising going on, including a welcome dinner, the expected banquet on the Saturday night and the many small impromptu gatherings that took place.

The masonic programme started with a rare presentation of the Ark Mariner Tracing Board, demonstrating that the two pillars of our Craft ritual were not always those of Solomon’s temple and the masonic story of the Ark and its survival predates a lot of our current Craft ritual.

USGC NSW & ACT and UGL NSW & ACT combined to demonstrate the Mark Man ceremony, conferring the degree on 10 Craft masons as an steppingstone to their joining a Royal Arch Chapter.

The ceremony adds information to the Second Degree and paves the way to the Mark Master Mason Degree, (a part of the NSW and ACT Royal Arch series where the Royal Arch degree completes part of the Craft Third degree i.e. ‘Substituted Secrets’).

L–R: Grand Master of UGL QLD, MW Bro Jeff Harper, Grand Master of UGL NSW and the ACT, MW Bro Les Hicks, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons of QLD, MW Bro Paul Southon, the First Grand Principal of the United Supreme Grand Chapter for NSW and the ACT, M Ex Comp Robert Drake, and the First Grand Principal of the United Supreme Grand Chapter of QLD, M Ex Comp Ian Hodgson.

The Royal Ark Mariner tracing board was presented

Supporting independent students

For young Australians in today’s world, broadening educational and career horizons is a challenge. This is especially true when they are without financial and parental support.

Oswald and Hanna are two students who live independently of their parents. They are, however, incredibly mature, motivated and resilient young adults determined to make the most of their education and future. A Start in Life was delighted to recently welcome Oswald and Hanna into their program to help them broaden their educational and career horizons.

Oswald – Year 12

Oswald has been responsible for his own finances, education and living situation since 2020, when he moved out of home due to a strained relationship with a parent. He applied directly to A Start in Life, as his limited income was not enough to cover the cost of his schooling, accommodation and other requirements.

In the short time A Start in Life has supported Oswald, he has proven time and time again that he is a highly motivated and astute young man. He took it upon himself to apply and be accepted into his selective school for Years 11 and 12, and recently set

himself a goal of achieving an ATAR of 80. He is very engaged with A Start in Life’s team, who check in with him regularly. At a recent check­in, Oswald told them he has been avidly using the planner and study guides they provided to assist with his studies.

Throughout various hardships, Oswald discovered how physical activity supports his mood. Once he has graduated, he hopes to study a Bachelor of Exercise Science and Rehabilitation and become a physiologist, coach or personal trainer. A Start in Life has provided funding for access to his local running track and gym to help him explore his passion for sport as a career, and further support his mental health. Oswald’s future prospects are perhaps best summarised by one of his teachers who said he has a ‘propensity for complex thought’ with ‘the skills and ability to succeed’.

Hanna – Year 12

When Hanna applied to A Start in Life she was struggling to cover essential schooling and living expenses. She has not had contact with her parents since moving out in Year 10, and now lives with her sister and brother­in­law.

Despite various hurdles, Hanna’s teacher said she has ‘never missed a beat at school’. Hanna is a bright and diligent student, who was already preparing for life after school by regularly speaking with her career advisor. Since receiving the charity’s support she has begun tutoring, with her tutor stating she is motivated to work hard for the HSC. A Start in Life has regular check­ins with Hanna and their funding also includes Year 12 study guides, which Hanna says have been a great revision tool for classwork.

Hanna also has a passion for sport. She has excelled in netball umpiring and would like to study Occupational Therapy or Exercise Science at University. To support these passions and enhance her career prospects, A Start in Life is funding her netballing. Hanna was originally aiming for an ATAR of 80; however, with their support, she is now aiming for above 87. Her PDHPE teacher states, ‘Hanna values learning and consistently devises strategies to build on her already superior results’.

Ambarvale lodge building fire

Ambarvale Lodge building was destroyed by fire during the night of Monday 9 January.

VW Bro Scott Cunningham

PDGIW the Secretary of The Lodge Federation No 196, had advised the following.

The NSW Police have contacted VW Bro Scott Cunningham and have reported that their investigations and those of Fire & Rescue NSW have resulted in an ‘undetermined’ cause of the fire. This means that no external causes of fire were found (arson etc). The NSW Police do not usually send out their reports unless the insurance company requests it.

What’s on?

R The insurance company has sent out engineers, loss adjusters, and their own forensic investigator and other representatives who have all had access to the building for their reports.

R Two demolition companies have been on site and have/are submitting

quotes to the insurance company. At this point, we have been informed by the demolition companies that they are quoting for a full knockdown.

R The insurance company contacted the secretary early February and informed

him that they would be making a decision on the site within 2–3 weeks. This may be a full demolition or part demolition down to the slab.

The members of The Lodge Federation have set up a Recovery Committee. This currently comprises several brethren who have specific expertise (legal, disaster recovery etc). This committee will eventually expand to incorporate other people, most likely from those Orders meeting at the centre.

The Lodge Federation has decided to meet at the Camden Masonic Centre. Other orders are making their own arrangements. Liverpool and Padstow Centres have offered the use of their facilities to other lodges and Orders in need.

EVENTS, NOTICES AND INVITATIONS FROM AROUND THE JURISDICTION

Lodge Mayfield Daylight No 493

Rainbow Girls meetings

Now meet on 4th Sunday of each month at 11.00am at the Blacktown Masonic Centre 5/1 Carnegie Place, Blacktown

For further details please phone Talese on 0401 213 800 or email: rainbowgirls74@gmail.com

Calling Newcastle masons

Newcastle’s only daylight lodge welcomes masons unavailable for or cautious about night-time meetings!

2nd Tuesday of every month.

Tyling at 9:30am. Lunch $10. New Lambton Masonic Centre. For details call 02 4968 4511

Lodge Highway No 837

Lodge Highway upcoming meetings

We will be meeting for a day ride at Kiama in April and meeting overnight at Forster in June. Visitors are most welcome to join us!

For more details contact Basil Freedman on 0417 880 991 or email basil@archerpress.net

ATTENTION ALL MASONS: Got something to sell? Want to promote your business? Got an event coming up? Let masons all over the state know, and support your magazine at the same time! List for as little as $12.50 per issue ($50 for four listings). Email freemason@apmgraphics.com.au.

The remains of the lodge building

The fire in action

Send your masonic news by: Email to: freemason@masons.org.au

On the level

Sharing your stories from around the jurisdiction

W Bro Kel receiving his 70-year Jewel and certificate from his son W Bro Greg

Lodge Cessnock 252

Mo’ charity

During November Lodge Cessnock raised over $725 toward the Movember campaign.

Lodge Canoblas Lewis No 806

At a recent meeting of Lodge Canoblas Lewis, W Bro Kelvin Sidney (Kel) Howarth was presented with his 70-year jewel. To make this event more special, it was presented by his son, W Bro Greg Howarth.

W Bro Kel Howarth is a Lewis Mason, as is his son Greg. Kel is the son of the late Bro Sid Howarth and the nephew of the late W Bro Percy Howarth, both foundation members of this lodge.

While Kel is not a foundation member of Lodge Canoblas Lewis, he was the first person to complete all three degrees within this lodge. He was initiated in December 1952 and has been a member since then.

Kel has been Master of the lodge twice, in 1964 and 1979, and has held many other positions. He is respected as a brilliant

ritualist and has been able to step in at short notice on many occasions.

During his working life Kel worked in the family orchard and for many years was a mechanical fitter at an agricultural engineering plant in Orange.

In 2005, Kel was awarded the Grand Master’s Community Award. He is a strong, valuable and popular member of the community. For example, if any of the kids in the neighbourhood ever had a puncture or a problem with their bike, they knew that Kel would fix it – with a smile and a joke.

Lodge Canoblas Lewis congratulates W Bro Kel Howarth for his long involvement in Freemasonry and as a mark of the esteem in which he is held the Lodge has made him an Honorary Member.

Movember is an annual event involving the growing of moustaches during the month of November to raise awareness of men's health issues, such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and men's suicide. Lodge Cessnock’s brethren raised the funds through internal donations and community assistance – for which they are truly grateful.

Lodge Kiama No 35

A top shot

Recently, the Australian Air Rifle Championships was held at the Monaro Air Rifle Club in Cooma.

W Bro William (Bill) Gillespie of Lodge Kiama fared well, winning the ‘Over 21 and a bit Golden Oldies’ (for the third year running) and the ‘Division 2 Bench Rest’ competitions.

Bill’s team was first in the ‘Teams Bench Rest’ and second in the B Grade teams ‘Shooting off the Shoulder or Unsupported’ events.

Congratulations Bill – job well done!

70 Years a Mason

Lodge Livingstone No 71 and Lodge Prince Leopold No 87

Consolidation on the Clarence

In February 2022 the first consolidated meeting of Lodge Livingstone and Lodge Prince Leopold was held, with 20 masons in attendance including the DGIW RW Bro Gary Chandler. The new lodge, Lodge Prince Leopold meets at the Grafton Masonic Centre on the first Monday of each month except in January, and on the third Saturday in August which is the installation night.

The consolidation process was made smooth by the expertise of RW Bro

Grahame LaMotte and his Grand Lodge experience. RW Bro Garry Sayer also helped with the process from the Grand Lodge Secretariat perspective.

On the night, we had our first opportunity to present Bro Kane Dorrington with his Master Mason’s Certificate. Kane was unfortunately caught up in the flooding of the Lower Clarence earlier in the year and hadn’t been able to attend lodge with all the Covid lockdowns. It was great to see Kane back in lodge.

Resurgo’s double

It’s not hard to find something interesting to attract the attention of the brethren.

First: late in 2022, the presentation of a 70-year jewel and certificate to Bro

William (Bill) Muter. Bill was especially pleased by the letter of congratulations from the Grand Master. Bill was initiated as a Lewis in Lodge Trinity 666 on 1 October

Lodge Inverell No 48

Aloha Inverell

In January, Lodge Inverell 48 held its first meeting for the year – a Hawaiian Night.

Lodge Inverell have held a Hawaiian Night for several years and they have always been a great success. We’ve found that it’s a great way to get the brethren back into gear following the Christmas/New Year break and as you can see from the photo, there were lots of happy faces.

We were visited by our DGIW VW Bro Roy Lawson who was accompanied by RW Bro Ray Weston from Lodge Armidale 641 and W Bro John Young from Lodge of Peace 120, Uralla.

After the meeting the brethren retired to the courtyard where we enjoyed a BBQ and cool drinks under the night sky.

Aloha, brethren, for 2023!

1952. The jewel was presented by his close friend, VW Bro Don Mason

Second: the passing of Bro Reggie Lloyd from Lodge Jose Rizal 1045 to the Second Degree. Jose Rizal was represented by a fraternal of a number of their brethren led by their Worshipful Master Elect, Bro Oscar Eugenio.

Lodge Resurgo No 223

L–R: W Bro Peter Kleindienst Secretary, RW Bro Gary Chandler DGIW, W Bro Tony Everingham WM Lodge Prince Leopold 71, W Bro Dr Peter Whitley WM of the former Lodge Livingstone 71, RW Bro Grahame LaMotte, the driving force behind the work to consolidate.

The brethren of Lodge Inverell in all their Hawaiian-themed finery!

Freemasons Hall restoration at Paxton

December 2022 marked the completion of the first stage of the restoration of the Paxton Freemasons Hall, the home of local Freemasons since 1927. As you pass the hall in Frances Street you will notice the updated colour scheme has returned the hall to its former glory.

This project was made possible with the assistance of a heritage grant from Cessnock City Council, coupled with an investment from our own funds.

A big thank you to Dale Troy Painting

for this exceptional work and everyone involved in making it possible.

In January 2023 we have further work scheduled, including a new driveway, offstreet parking and disabled access to the front of the building. So watch this space!

Our Worshipful Master, W Bro Peter Pratt said ‘The restoration of our building is very important to the Lodge. Our 95-year home is being restored to its former glory but in a way that it will better serve us and the community into the 21st century.’

Lodge Antiquity No 1

Robbie Burns Night

This January, Lodge Antiquity No 1 and Lodge of Australia No 3 combined to bring in the New Year and to celebrate Robbie Burns' birthday with a wonderful dinner at the Sydney Masonic Centre.

The haggis was presented by a procession of brethren with music from the piper. Many brethren were resplendent in their kilts as they listened to the recital of Robbie Burns' great poem Address to a Haggis.

It was a night of fellowship, good food and excellent Atholl Brose. The brethren left content after an evening of fellowship (and with full bellies).

enjoying a convivial Burns Night celebration.

Lodge Paxton No 608

Top Left: The original facade of Lodge Paxton’s Hall, taken around 1927. Left: Hall exterior pre-renovation.

Above: The Hall exterior after its fresh coat ofpaint, December 2022.

Top: Brethren

Above: The ceremonial piping in of the haggis, a vital part of any Burns Night!

Mock trial

Members and visitors all enjoyed a most entertaining meeting when Lodge Bundaleeah Daylight conducted one of their now famous mock trials, where a poor and hapless member suddenly finds himself the defendant in a legal matter.

More embarrassing for him when you consider that his ‘trial’ was to be held in the presence of the Grand Master himself.

After some furniture re-arranging and audience-shuffling, the lodge room was transformed into a court room, with the luckless defendant Bro Frank Gaha (Junior Deacon of Lodge Bundaleeah) – despite his protests of innocence – being forced to sit alone in what was once the Secretary’s chair.

The imposing figure of the bailiff (RW Bro Peter Figg) entered the room and commanded all to rise while His Honour the Judge Presiding (RW Bro Harry Griffiths KC) entered. Once seated, His Honour appointed those Grand Officers in attendance to be the jury, with MW Bro Les Hicks as foreman.

Counsel for the Prosecution was RW Bro Ross Partridge, with the case to be defended by RW Bro Bob Handley. A noble but futile gesture was made obvious to all when the side curtains parted to allow a priest (VW Bro Terry McCallum) and an executioner (Bro Kieran Rodgers) to enter, ready and indeed eager to fulfil their inevitable duties.

The defendant stood silently while the charge of assault was read. It claimed that

he did knowingly and with premeditation during his time as Inner Guard assault one Derek Blundell, on the occasion of his initiation, with a sharp instrument (Exhibit A). Witnesses to this heinous crime included Bro James Cameron (effectively sounding the death knell for the accused), and Lodge Bundaleeah’s mascot W Bro Croc O’Dile, who withstood a strong challenge by Defence Counsel that he would be able to see ‘bugger-all in that suit!’

Counsels for the prosecution and defence readily adopted the appropriate mien and haughtily criss-crossed the court room floor, verbally to-ing and fro-ing with their arguments. The jury would often huddle and mumble like a Roman Senate

as points were made, but inevitably the scripted verdict of ‘Guilty as Charged’ was proclaimed by the Grand Master.

The priest crossed the court room and, perhaps more than a little prematurely, gave the last rites to the prisoner before sentence was pronounced. In his sentencing RW Bro Griffiths KC said that in his ‘many years on the bench (etc, etc)’. He announced that the poor soul was to complete his service as Junior Deacon for the remainder of the current masonic term.

A gasp was heard from the gallery, and the executioner – who had been noisily sharpening his axe on a stone during the entire proceedings – was visibly disappointed.

Court was declared closed, and all retired to enjoy a hearty festive board. Yes – even the prisoner!

The cast

R Plaintiff: Bro Frank Blundell

R The Accused: Bro Frank Gaha

R The Judge: RW Bro Harry Griffiths PSGW

R Foreman of the Jury: MW Bro Les Hicks GM

R Bailiff: RW Bro Peter Figg PJGW

R Defence Counsel: RW Bro Bob Handley PAGM

R Executioner: Bro Kieran Rodgers

R Priest: VW Bro Terry McCallum PDGIW

R Chief Witness: W Bro Croc O’Dile (Bro Elliot Reynolds)

R Prosecution: RW Bro Ross Partridge PJGW

Bundaleeah Daylight Lodge No 992

A good number of Central Coast Brethren gathered for a social morning on February 13th to watch the Super Bowl at the Eleanora Hotel, East Gosford. W Bro Matt Harrison, Lodge Morning Star No 410, said that having a mix of Freemasons and their friends was a great opportunity to discuss all of the great aspects of Freemasonry. This was the first time that this group had gathered and all present agreed to make it an annual event!

130 years combined

In October, two of our long-serving brethren, W Bro Leon Shade and VW Bro Neville Clements were presented with their 60-year and 70-year certificates respectively by the DGIW District 15, VW Bro Darryl Wade.

Helping kids in need

On Saturday 5 November 2022, Freemasons on the Central Coast (FotCC) and the Central Coast Bulldogs again joined forces in aid of Central Coast Kids in Need (CCKIN) by sponsoring their Charity Race Day at the Wyong Race Club.

The event had been planned earlier in the year but weather events had led to the race day being postponed on two occasions. The race day was an enormous success with in excess of 200 people buying tickets for a marquee event.

With the sale of tickets, raffles and various auction items that had been generously donated, the event raised over $22,000 which was presented to Lorraine Churchill and Rhonda Doyle at the Budgewoi Soccer Club on 19 November 2022. Lorraine and Rhonda were very grateful to all the people and organisations who gave their services and donations that had made the event the success that it was.

In fact, the event was so successful that another charity race day has already been planned for November 2023.

The Central Coast Bulldogs (Masters Team) have supported Central Coast Kids in Need for the past 14 years and during this period have raised in excess of $20,000 which has been used to support the families of sick children from the Central Coast undergoing medical treatment and requiring care where Government assistance does not apply.

Likewise, Freemasons on the Central

Coast support CCKIN and they also sponsor the Central Coast Bulldogs.

Since 2016, Freemasons on the Central Coast have been stalwart supporters of the Central Coast Bulldogs (Masters Team). This connection commenced when the Central Coast Bulldogs requested assistance in purchasing their football shirts.

The Bulldogs are part of a Sydney-wide competition with players ranging from their mid-thirties to their oldest active player who is a ripe old age of 83 years! The team regularly travels from their home ground at Vales Point to all points south and west to participate in the master competition.

However, being a Bulldog isn’t all about the game. A large proportion of their time is spent raising money for the community and FotCC are extremely proud to be associated with them. Over the years we have enjoyed many joint ventures raising money for breast cancer research, the Shoebox Revolution, The Entrance Neighbourhood Centre and most notably, Central Coast Kids In Need.

A few weeks ago the Budgewoi Soccer Club at Buff Point provided a great backdrop for FotCC to present a cheque for $5,000 to the Bulldogs to assist members with the purchase of uniforms and training equipment.

The donation to the Bulldogs was made in recognition of their sportsmanship and their significant contribution to the Central Coast community.

W Bro Shade was initiated in August 1962, passed in January 1963, and raised in the following March. He has been in the chair on several occasions and occupied every office.

VW Bro Clements was initiated in October 1952, passed in February 1953, and raised five months later in July in the company of his twin brother Ken in Lodge Unity No 4. Later, when he moved to the Singleton district, he affiliated with Lodge Singleton No 867, and eventually became a member of (consolidated) Lodge United St Andrew Singleton No 34. He has been through the chair of Lodge Singleton and Lodge United St. Andrew several times and he also served two terms as DGIW of the old No 75 District from 1996 to 2000. He has been in office for just about every one of those 70 years and has delivered every charge in the Craft. He was thrilled to receive the certificate and has enjoyed every one of those 70 years.

Lodge United St Andrew Singleton No 34

Freemasons on the Central Coast

VW Bro Darryl Wade presents certificates to VW Bro Neville Clements (top) and W Bro Leon Shade (bottom)

L–R: Central Coast Bulldogs President Paul Pafumi, Lorraine Churchill and Rhonda Doyle of Central Coast Kids in Need and Bro Steve Sullivan

Brian is a PAGM

The day before his 93rd birthday, RW Bro Brian Stanley Heath received his Past Assistant Grand Master certificate from RW Bro Stephen Green, Grand Secretary, at the 1,299th meeting of Lodge Vaucluse. This was the first time Lodge Vaucluse had met at their new home in the Northbridge Masonic Centre.

50, 60 and 70 in No 56

On Tuesday 20 September 2022 Lodge Queanbeyan St Andrew celebrated the personal milestones of three brethren.

RW Bro Ernest Edward Lewis PSGW received his 70 Year Jewel. Ernie was born in 1926 and grew up in Queanbeyan. He was initiated into Lodge Unity 54 UGLV at Bright in September 1952 while working there with the CSIRO. He was passed in November and raised in June 1953. Ernie affiliated with Lodge Queanbeyan St Andrew in 1953, has been Master on five occasions and has continued to work for the Lodge over the years. He first received Grand Lodge Honours in 1975 as PDGDC and is now a PSGW. Ernie is the great grandson of John Gale, the last WM of Lodge St Andrew under the Scottish Constitution in 1886–87, and the first under the NSW Constitution in 1888–89.

RW Bro Errol Hugh Evans PJGW was presented with his 60 Year Jewel. He was initiated into Lodge Crookwell 232 in August 1962, passed in November, and raised in February 1963. He joined Lodge Queanbeyan St Andrew in 2013. Errol was a foundation member of Lodge Ethos 963 and has been a valued member of Lodge Queanbeyan St Andrew. He has been Caring Officer since 2016. Errol was first conferred Grand Lodge Honours in 2017 as PDGDC, and in 2022 as PJGW.

The third brother presented with a Jewel was VW Bro Robert (Bob) Walter Thomas Gregory PDGIW who was presented with a 50 Year Jewel. He was born and grew up in the Queanbeyan area. Bob was initiated in Lodge Queanbeyan St Andrew in December 1971. He was passed in January 1972 and raised in June 1972. Bob was also a foundation member of Lodge Jerrabomberra Daylight 1001 in 1989. Bob was WM of Lodge Queanbeyan St Andrew, and in 1988-89 was the DGIW for District 48.

The jewels were presented by MW Bro Derek Robson PGM who congratulated each brother on his service to both the Lodge and the Craft.

Paxton’s 3

At Lodge Paxton’s December meeting three of its members were awarded their 40-year certificates and jewels in recognition of their dedication to Lodge Paxton in particular and Freemasonry in general.

WM Peter Pratt said ‘What an amazing achievement by these three brothers. Having a lodge which such a solid a foundation as this enables us to grow stronger in the future. Thank you for your service brethren.’

Lodge Queanbeyan St Andrew No 56

L–R: VW Bro Bob Gregory, RW Bros Errol Evans and Ernie Lewis and MW Bro Robson.

Lodge Vaucluse No 266

Lodge Paxton No 608

L–R: RW Bro Stephen Green and RW Bro Brian Heath

R–L: VW Bro Denis McDonald, Bro Brad Hayes, W Bro Dennis Craft, WM Peter Pratt and DGIW VW Darryl Wade.

Novacastria supports rural kids

The Backpack Venture mission is to give a backpack full of resources to as many school students as possible living in small rural towns in NSW, to make sure each child starts school confident and enthusiastic.

W Bro Joe Balasabas, the Worshipful Master of Lodge Novacastria, comments, ‘It all started after the repeated flooding in Northern NSW. As the WM-Elect of Lodge Novacastria I was thinking about what I could do to assist those who were affected, so I reached out to local businesses and associates asking for financial support. The result, our Lodge was able to raise $2,198 for the Grand Master’s Disaster Relief Fund, which I presented to the Grand Master at my installation.

‘This motivated me to continue to support my local community and by doing so to promote Freemasonry. We looked for an organisation we could support. My wife Gena and I were considering many local charities and The Backpack Venture stood out. We had grown up in a rural area of the Philippines and had experienced going to school without the essential resources that we needed. When we found out that this was also happening to many school children in Australia, particularly in the

rural and remote communities, we were in absolute disbelief, so we decided to support The Backpack Venture.

‘At our 2022 Lodge Christmas party we invited representatives of The Backpack Venture to join us, and we donated $500 worth of school supplies. The success of the Christmas event convinced us to turn our social Ride or Drive Day into a fundraising event to raise more money for The Backpack Venture. The support we gathered for this was far greater than expected and we are still overwhelmed with the result. We have managed to raise and present $7,000 and six full backpacks donated by local businesses and other lodges and from donors throughout the Jurisdiction.’

Special thanks to our major sponsors, Sayas Ink Tattoo Clinic, SNC Apparel, Morpeth Antique Jewellery Gallery, and the Hunter Freemasons Association.

Lodge Novacastria will be making more appeals in the future, first to be able to reach out to those who need our help and second, to demonstrate one of the great principles of Freemasonry – charity! As the current theme of Lodge Novacastria puts it, TEAM – Together Everyone can Achieve More.

Lodge Pennant Hills No 905

A family affair

It was an emotional night for the Booth family when Lodge Pennant Hills held its Installation ceremony at the Ryde Masonic Centre in February.

Installing and WM, W Bro Graham Booth, took centre stage when he installed his son Daniel as the new WM for the ensuing year.

A strong Grand Lodge delegation, led by the Deputy Grand Master, RW Bro Khris Albano, was present to support the evening which had many moments for members and visitors to treasure.

One such moment occurred when RW Bro Alex Parker stood to deliver a musical tribute and was accompanied on the guitar by W Bro Daniel Booth, the newly installed WM.

There were many tributes for the Booth pair with all present looking forward to a happy year for the family duo and the Lodge.

Lodge Novacastria No 765

W Bro Joe Balasabas presents the cheque to The Backpack Venture mission

L–R: Deputy Grand Master RW Bro Khris Albano, with newly-installed Master Bro Daniel Booth and Installing Master Bro Graham Booth.

Lodge Gowrie of Canberra No 715

An outstanding night in the capital

Lodge Gowrie of Canberra celebrated its 819th meeting and 75th Installation on Saturday, 11 February at the Canberra Masonic Centre. Over 100 brethren joined the Grand Master, MW Bro Les Hicks, to witness the Re-Installation (for his third term) of W Bro Richard John Anderson who is also serving as a current Grand Steward.

A total of 101 masons were present with brethren coming from the Philippines, Victoria, as far away as Albury and Orange, and a dozen places in between.

Present were the Assistant Grand Master, RW Bro Paul Schultz and the GDC, RW Bro Troy Gara, RGC R4, RW Bro Dr Sean Hogan and the DGIW for D47, VW Bro Simon Hruza. Two PDGMs and 10 PAGMs were in the delegation.

However, the real significance of the evening was the member of Lodge Gowrie who had been asked by the WM-Elect to be the Installing Master – MW Bro Derek James Robson AM CMH. His exposition of the ritual and perambulations in the lodge room was a master class of knowledge and experience.

The Grand Master congratulated not only his predecessor, MW Bro Robson, but everyone who took part in this memorable event and emphasised that the whole evening represented Freemasonry working

Masterful Jerusalem

For some Worshipful Masters, having a bevy of Past Masters in the lodge can be daunting, but having eight Worshipful Masters at every meeting?

Lodge Jerusalem discovered that eight of its members were Masters of other lodges so in December they were all put to work to pass a brother. The Grand Master came along to celebrate this unusual occurrence.

at its most inclusive and enjoyable best. Special mention was made by the Grand Master of the perfect delivery of the Working Tools by three Lodge Gowrie Master Masons, Bros Allan Manalac, Cidrex Ramos and Stan Tudio.

The installation banquet was held at the Hellenic Club in Woden with 95 brethren and ladies and five children present and an excellent three course meal was enjoyed by all. Later in the evening the brethren of

Lodge Gowrie assembled for the cutting of the 75th anniversary cake, which was distributed, along with handmade masonic chocolates, to those present.

The Grand Master paid tribute to the long record of Lodge Gowrie and expressed his confidence that with the current team the Lodge’s future was in safe hands. In his response MW Bro Robson thanked the Lodge for the opportunity to act as Installing Master at the anniversary meeting.

L–R: MW Bro Les Hicks, W Bro Richard John Anderson and MW Bro Derek James Robson, PGM

L–R: RW Bro George Shenouda PJGW (Mark Owen); W Bro Alex Hezari (Elysian); VW Bro Joshua Newman (Highway); RWBro Alex Parker (Eastern Suburbs); The Grand Master; RW Bro Rod Cohen (Jerusalem); VW Bro Nick Pagonis, DGIW D37 and W Bro Mark Salman (Harmony).

Lodge Jerusalem No 1056

A century and a half for Kiama

As noted in the Freemason of March 2022, Lodge Kiama had planned to celebrate its 150 years of existence in July 2021.

During the celebrations, eventually held in July 2022, visitors were able to look into the past through a display of photographs and information in the Kiama Masonic Hall which has an interesting history of its own.

The hall was built by the Sons and Daughters of Temperance Society between 1876 and 1878 and was for many years the largest public meeting place in the area. The Freemasons bought the hall from the Temperance Society in 1908 and improved it by adding stained glass windows, removing the gallery, and converting the former stage into a supper room.

Minutes dated 4 February 1909 record that a motion was passed that from then on the lodge would meet in their new Masonic Hall instead of the Church of England Sunday School. Also passed was a payment of £5 for 20 chairs at five shillings each to VW Bro C Stephenson, of whom more below.

In 1973 a loan was obtained from the Masonic Temples Fund to add a hall to the original building to create the Kiama Masonic Temple that we know today. It was dedicated by then Grand Master MW Bro V C N Blight on 28 February 1976 and the first debutante ball was held soon after

Another insight into the way Lodge Kiama, and Freemasonry in general, plays its part in the community comes from an event a week after that first meeting of Lodge Kiama in their new Kiama Temple.

Just seven days after this first meeting, the most senior Freemason of the lodge was dead. VW Bro Captain Charles Moore Stevenson died in Sydney and his coffin was conveyed by train to Kiama the following day. VW Bro Stevenson was a member

of the 2nd Kiama Militia, formed from the Kiama Rifle Club, and his coffin was carried by members of VW Bro Stevenson’s regiment to the Lodge for a Lodge of Sorrow, held in the presence of 26 members of Lodge Kiama and 21 visitors including the Grand Secretary. Afterwards the hearse proceeded to Kiama cemetery in a procession of brethren and members of the regiment which numbered over 1,000 people, a mile long.

It is of interest to note the names of members of the Lodge at the time are today well-known families still In Kiama: Marks, Grey, Noble, Knight and Fraser.

Lodge Kiama celebrated an unbroken line of 1,574 meetings in Kiama before being interrupted by Covid.

Eastern Suburbs lodges

Another haggis bonus

It was a rewarding night in two ways when the Eastern Suburbs lodges combined for a Haggis Night of music and dancing at Kensington.

More than 60 members and visitors attended which resulted in over $3,500 being raised and donated to the Prince of Wales Hospital Children’s Foundation at Randwick.

Nursing Unit Manager Lorna Reardon thanked the masons. ‘The nursing staff

know how valuable every dollar is and the generosity of the masons is greatly appreciated.

‘In recent years, masonic donations have enabled the hospital to buy a sensory box, a projector light, 3-D vision goggles and an infrared small light that fits in the palm of a newborn baby. The department sees about 120 children a day and the staff understand how much difference every donated dollar makes.’

The evening was hosted by Lodge Eastern Suburbs 1050 and Lodge Kingsford Smith 1028 with RW Bro Alex Parker as MC. Music was provided by the Misty Blues Band, Scottish dances arranged by Elizabeth Munro and performed by Brodie Bilotta and Darcy Griffith accompanied by Pipe Major RW Bro Sam Young who also piped in the haggis.

Special thanks to W Bro David Anderson and his partner Nicole who organised the raffle, Bro Bill Wright for the Address to the Haggis and RW Bro George Shenouda for arranging the band.

Lodge Kiama No 35

The Kiama Masonic Temple

Welcome to our new members

ABOUHAMAD, Anthony Lodge France 1021

AHAMNOS, Bruce Lodge Emu Plains 860

ALTAHERI, Hussein Lodge Sutherland 585

ARNOLD, Bradley Lodge Kiama 35

ATSRIM, Jonathan Elysian Lodge 418

ATTALLA, Abdullah Lodge Woollahra 341

BAJADO, Richard Lodge Honour 1054

BARATI, Navid Lodge Wyvern 813

BASAS, Arnel Lodge Capitol 612

BECK, Ben Lodge Challenge 284

BRENNAN, Caiden Lodge Illawarra 59

BRINDLE, Derek Lodge St James 45

BROOKE, Stephen Lodge St James 45

BUENAVENTURA, Jenald Parramatta City Daylight Lodge 1014

CABETE, Samir Lodge Middle Harbour 85

CAMPBELL, Corey Lodge Warragamba 541

CASTILLO, Jon Lodge West Epping 390

CHAHAL, Hakam The Cedars Lodge 1041

CLARK, Drae Lodge Ku-Ring-Gai 1033

CONDRON, Lucas Lodge Lake Macquarie 243

COOKSEY, Philip Lodge Emu Plains 860

COOMBES-MARSH, Kyle Lodge Nowra Unity 60

DANAO, Genesson Australian Lodge of Fidelity 101

DANIELS, Andrew Lodge Queanbeyan St Andrew 56

DASTAGIR, Waqas The Sir Walter Scott Lodge 123

DRAPER, Samuel Lodge Woollahra 341

ESTEPHAN, George Lodge Celebration of Fairfield 345

FLETCHER, Malcolm Lodge Enterprise 400

FREEBURN, Mark Lodge Panania 845

GORMAN, Nicholas Lodge Antiquity 1

GUARIN, Owen Lodge Education 814

HADI, Karar Bankstown Daylight Lodge 996

HAMAD, Abdul Elysian Lodge 418

HASHEM, Mohammed Bankstown Daylight Lodge 996

HOGAN, Michael Lodge United St Andrew Singleton 34

HUNTER, Brent Lodge Queanbeyan St Andrew 56

HUSSEIN, Abbas Australian Lodge of Harmony 5

IACOVELLI, Giuseppe Lodge Kiama 35

JOMAA, Omar Lodge Rudyard Kipling 143

COUTO JR, Rubem Lodge Middle Harbour 85

KABBOURA, Nader Lodge Sutherland 585

KEEDLE, Warren Blue Mountains Unity 118

KEIGALDIE, Daniel Lodge Celebration of Fairfield 345

KHOURY, Sami Lodge Miguel De Cervantes 1038

KOMPO-HARMS, Scott Lodge Caledonia of Canberra 938

KURDI, Walid Lodge Trinity 666

LIPPETT, Andrew Lodge Woollahra 341

LOPEZ, Derek Lodge West Epping 390

LUNNY, Mathew Lodge Camden 217

MADADI, Ali Lodge University of Sydney 544

MALLENDER, Daniel Lodge Warringah 83

MANSOUR, Fadi Lodge Sutherland 585

MAYBERRY, Jarred Lodge Gloucester 291

MAYNARD, Paul Lodge Emu Plains 860

McKITTRICK, Liam Lodge Macquarie 53

MERLINO, Alfio The Sydney Lodge 1020

MILLS, Daniel Lodge Camden 217

MURIE, Andrew Lodge Star of Wauchope 310

NARCH, Sari Lodge Sutherland 585

NEHME, Antonious The Cedars Lodge 1041

VEREIRA NETO, Luiz Lodge Middle Harbour 85

OCAMPO, Renz Australian Lodge of Fidelity 101

OGILVIE, John Lodge Cavanbah 231

PAGE, Lachlan Lodge Burnside 729

PAULA, Maximiliano Lodge Kingsford Smith 1028

PAULE, Brian Lodge Jose Rizal 1045

PILGRIM, Clinton Lodge Woollahra 341

POPE, Darren Lodge Liverpool 197

PULUSO, Corrado Lodge Camden 217

QUAN, Elrene Lodge West Epping 390

RASHID, Barham Lodge Millennium 2000

RICHARDS, Shane Lodge Panania 845

ROBERTSON, Luke Lodge Antiquity 1

RUTTLE, Matthew The Central Coast Lodge 2001

SAMUEL, Tom Lodge Liverpool 197

SANTIAS, Robert Lodge Novacastria 765

SARIAN, Alexander Lodge Ku-Ring-Gai 1033

SCRIVEN, Corey Lodge Courallie 235

SHARP, Michael Lodge Kiama 35

SILLAN, Alexander Lodge Cronulla 312

SNOWIE, Jackson Lodge Caledonia of Canberra 938

SPILSTEAD, John The Yass Lodge of Concord 27

STEVENSON, John Lodge Phoenix 1034

STEWART, Jamie Lodge Woollahra 341

STRAUGHEN, Rodney Lodge Camden 217

SUCCAR, Fouad The Sydney Lodge 1020

SUTHERLAND, Matthew Lodge Caledonia of Canberra 938

TAGOLGOL, Mark Leinster Marine Lodge of Australia 2

TANTAK, Boulos Lodge Woollahra 341

TAYLOR, Brett Lodge Lake Macquarie 243

THEIVENDRAM, Mayoor Lodge Woollahra 341

TOMIC-BAEZ, Lucas Lodge Horace Thompson Ryde 134

TORBARAC, Vedran The Lodge of Australia 3

TOTH, Joseph Lodge Trinity 666

TSANG, Patrick Lodge Oorana 1053

VILLAR, Ralph Lodge Balgowlah 392

WHYTE, Todd Lodge Morning Star 410

XUEREB, Joseph Lodge Gloucester 291

YU, Christopher The Hawkesbury Heritage Lodge 150

ZOR, Tufan Lodge Miguel De Cervantes 1038

ZREIKA, Wassim The Royal Empire Lodge 613

Lodge Wahroonga No 674

Baton for Bro Taylor

At their February meeting Lodge Wahroonga presented RW Bro Dexter Taylor AM PJGW with a personalised baton to mark his decades of service to the Lodge in a variety of roles.

L–R: VW Bro Peter Goodridge DGIW 23, RW Bro Dexter Taylor and W Bro Damien Ackland, WM.

Thank You

Across

1 Claim is substantiated regarding this religion (7)

5 Dance so as to show up Lodge Officers (7)

9 What 5 across do if you count D.C. out (7)

10 Rob a win somehow from an order for girls (7)

12 Sprinkles holy water as per some gesture (8)

13 Theories regarding the State Emergency Service leaders (6)

14 Cheat recruit with building design (12)

18 Deal job cards out in terms of Genesis 28:12 (5’1, 6)

21 Jacobite extremists join wish to be of Hebrew faith (6)

23 Hand over fortified wine for proof of EAF and FC attendances (8)

25 Placate some cheap pea seasoning (7)

26 Aristocracy upset a peer for example (7)

27 Spill ale in mess due to a viral disease (7)

28 More irritable when Ritchie runs riot (7)

Down

2 Scan most of the letters of Robbie Burns perhaps (8)

3 Unsaddled some to add to confusion (5)

4 Recognition without regard to change concealed identity (9)

6 Dignify with a little sex altogether appropriate (5)

7 Discussed rank given by the Grand Master (9)

8 One’s so upset about such cable tows (6)

11 Is the French protectorate surrounded by water? (4)

15 Laid his carpet out in the capitals (9)

16 Rat in nest is for a short time only (9)

17 In favour of scoundrel to discontinue parliamentary session (8)

19 Pepsi lost its lively start and with afterthought, it’s drunk in small amounts (4)

20 Shirley found in a lodge room (6)

22 Heats up with excessive speed (5)

24 We learn that 15 down is located in some township or church (5)

Congratulations to our masons

70

YEARS SERVICE

BARTLETT, John Lodge Sir Joseph Banks 300

DON, David Lodge Mark Owen 828

FRASER, John Lodge Pacific 298

KING, Harry Lodge Federal United 193

NEWLING, William Lodge Frenchs Forest United 249

ROBERTS, James Lodge Richard Coley 152

60

YEARS SERVICE

BRANGWIN, Victor The Queen’s Lodge 229

BROOKING, Dennis Lodge Enterprise 400

COLLINS, Ian Lodge Nowra Unity 60

DAINES, Raymond Lodge Dawn 511

FORD, Michael Lodge Hunter United 246

HANSON, Harold Lodge Guyra 325

HARRIS, Reginald Lodge Oatley 381

HARVEY, Keith Lodge Oberon 355

HUGHES, Thomas Lodge Dawn 511

MANNING, Bruce Lodge Morning Star 410

PRESTON, Thomas Lodge Young Burrangong 20

QUINLAN, Neville Lodge Courallie 235

READ, Terence Lodge Wyvern 813

READFORD, Peter Lodge Gundagai 25

STEPHENSON, Barry Lodge Enterprise 400

TOUT, Ian Lodge Gundagai 25

WRIGHT, Stanley City of Newcastle Lodge 170

YOUNGER, Darrell Lodge Cessnock 252

50

YEARS SERVICE

CATERSON, Leslie Lodge Helensburgh 566 HELYER, Nicholas Lodge Hunter United 246

INNES, Ian Lodge Hunter United 246

IRWIN, Colin Lodge Sir Joseph Banks 300

KEMISTER, Robert Lodge Morning Star 410

MASTERSON, John Lodge Helensburgh 566

O’DRISCOLL, Eric Lodge Enterprise 400

SCHWEIZER, Norbert Lodge Mark Owen 828

SHORT, Kevin Lodge Wallis Plains 4

YEARS SERVICE

ATKINS, Thomas Lodge Bulli Thirroul 1040

CHERRY, Darryn The Lodge Federation 196

GROSSO, Rino Lodge Richard Coley 152

HARRISON, Robert Lodge Kiama 35

PARRATT, David Lodge Bathurst United 79

support, and the wonderful network of ever-willing volunteers.

As Practice Manager Homelessness, Sean Mackinnon explains: ‘Due to the current economic instability, we are seeing a significant increase in need from the most vulnerable in our community... no referral is needed.’

‘The dire housing situation and resulting increase in homelessness has contributed to an ever-increasing need for related facilties and services.’

Freemasons on the Central Coast

Helping Mary Mac’s

Freemasons on the Central Coast are proud to offer ongoing assistance to Mary Mac’s Place in Woy Woy – this year with the purchase of urgently needed equipment.

Mary Mac’s is an invaluable service assisting some of our most vulnerable community members. It provides some 80–100 free hot lunches from Monday to Friday, and visitors can also obtain food hampers and access shower and laundry

facilities in a non-judgemental environment which helps alleviate isolation in the community. In addition, Mary Mac’s provides a segue to other essential services eg. homelessness support, health and legal services.

With no government funding, and only one permanent part-time paid employee, Mary Mac’s relies on charitable funding from the Catholic church, community donations, occasional bequests, corporate

This year Freemasons on the Central Coast received a request from Mary Mac’s Place to help replace the old, worn washing machine and dryer. As Sean explained: ‘We have been seeing a much greater demand for the laundry facility with families having to wait around for a turn, and a modern – quicker and more efficient – washer and dryer would help the situation. Two of each would be even better!’

Appreciating what a vital role Mary Mac’s plays in the local community, Freemasons on the Central Coast answered the call and had no hesitation in providing two washing machines and two dryers.

Freemasons on the Central Coast presents the cheque to Mary Mac’s Place representatives

Brethren and their families enjoy the festivities during the Lodge Myall Consecration and Lodge Wahroonga double initiation.

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