Freemason NSW & ACT – December 2018

INVICTUS GAMES R CHIVALRY R LODGE INDUS IS FORMED

On the

Ghan

v50 n4 December 2018

Contents

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

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15 16

This issue of the Freemason is produced under the direction of: Editor & Chairman: RW Bro Ted Simmons OAM Committee: RW Bro Graham Maltby (Secretary), Dr Yvonne McIntyre, VW Bro Andre Fettermann, RW Bro Craig Pearce, RW Bro Richard Dawes, W Bro Stephen Dally, W Bro Steve Lourey, Bro Simon Pierce Design & Production: Bro Simon Pierce, Megan Baumann and Pam Gill

24 •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• ••

Editorial 3 Quarterly Communication

4

GM’s theme

6

From the Grand Chaplains

8

Hints and tips for your lodge

9

A knightly code

10

Meet your UGL staff

13

Book reviews

14

DGIW conference

15

Famous mason

16

Test your Aussie knowledge!

17

Runs in the family

18

Rainbow Girls

19

•• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• ••

28

Freemason is published in March, June, September and December. Deadline for copy is 1st of the month preceding month of issue.

All matters for publication in the journal should be addressed to:

A new lodge

20

Letters to the Editor

22

Associated orders

23

Adelaide to Darwin

24

Invictus Games

28

The Grand Secretary’s desk

31

Lodge Indus 1055

32

Masonicare 36 Masonic philately

38

Regional Roundup

39

Initiates 44 Crossword 45 Service Certificates

46

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. Publication of an advertisement does not imply endorsement of the product or service by The United Grand Lodge of NSW & ACT. Advertising enquiries should be addressed to: Bro Simon Pierce APM Graphics Management 16 Springwood Street, Blackwall, NSW 2256 Telephone: (02) 4344 5133 Email: freemason@apmgraphics.com.au Freemason is proudly designed and produced

by APM Graphics Management 16 Springwood Street, Blackwall NSW 2256 Printed by PMP Limited Distributed to all NSW & ACT brethren and sister Grand Lodges in Australia and Worldwide.

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Photo courtesy of Journey Beyond.

COVER IMAGE:

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The Ghan heads north from Alice Springs at Sunset.

Electronic versions of FREEMASON can be viewed or downloaded at www.masons.org.au

EDITORIAL POLICY

Aims of the Freemason magazine RR To uphold and promote those values, morals and virtues which Freemasonry believes are universal and enduring.

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

RR To provide a forum for discussion on masonic issues.

RR To publicise the charitable works of Free­masonry.

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

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

December 2018

ISSN 1836-0475 or ISSN 1836-0513 (Online) Print Post Approved 100007316 © 2018 Copyright: It should be noted that copyright for all text, photographs and illustrations (except where otherwise indicated) rests worldwide with Freemason.

INDEMNITY: It is the responsibility of the advertiser to ensure that advertisements comply with the Trade Practices Act 1974 as amended. All advertisements are accepted for publication on the condition that the advertiser indemnify the publisher and its servants against all actions, suits, claims, loss and/or damages resulting from anything published on behalf of the advertiser.

Freemason

Editorial

By RW Bro Ted Simmons OAM

Where did the year go?

Suddenly it’s December ...again! It seems like only yesterday that it was the start of January and within a blink of an eye, 2018 is almost over!

H

ow do I start to review the past 12 months, on what I have achieved, what still remains to be done and plans for the future. I suppose I could begin by saying a big ‘thank you’ to everyone for your friendship, laughs and memories during 2018.

To the many happy times we have spent together, to the moments of sadness and sorrow as life continues, to welcome the newcomers and watch the younger generation slowly grow.

To those who have spent time as a volunteer, either donating to charity or helping with meals, transport, visiting those in need and just generally being around when someone wants a friendly face and a few moments to chat.

GENERAL DOUGLAS MACARTHUR R MASONIC KNOTS R TERCENTENERY

v50 n1 March 2018

OF FREEMASONRY WAS JACKSON? R THE (K)NOTS THE CHRISTMAS STORY R WHO

v50 n3 Septe

GRAND

FAUNA R FIERCE

E R STROK

The friendly

Our

Grandr Maste

So if I had to give a message to the people I know and even those I don’t know, it would go something like this: To those who need money, may your finances overflow. To those who need caring, may you find a good heart. To those who need friends, may you meet lovely people.

Should you be driving during this time, please take care and stay safe.

To all our readers and contributors, to the many masons and their families and generally to those who seek to make this world, a better place ... we wish you a safe, healthy and happy Christmas and may 2019 bring you peace and a better world.

Get your own!

mber 2018

RECOGNITION

Games

But are we worshipping at the altar of bigness and has the passion of today’s world for bigness and efficiency dulled the spirit of masonic charity.

The obsession with mobiles, restricting hand movement to a thumb and one finger has diminished the role of talking face to face, of seeing a person smile and becoming truly interested in what you are saying.

Remember, a smile costs less musclepower to use than a frown or a mobile phone and can even result in a total stranger smiling back.

v49 n4 December 2017

www.masons.org.au INSTALLATION

I was always taught that the role of a volunteer is not just counting the dollars raised but the areas of human kindness in assisting and making people happy. And it is those volunteers who give of their time at hospitals, houses and retirement villages who enable staff to work on other areas and save the costs of using outside aid.

Are you borrowing someone else’s copy of the Freemason?

Did you know that you can receive your very own copies delivered to your door without being a mason?

Sydney’s

Sandstone

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For only $21 (or $26 overseas) per year, enjoy a four-issue subscription – just get in touch with the Secretary of the Freemason magazine by calling (02) 9284 2800 or by emailing freemason@masons.org.au.

Subscribe to the Freemason from only $21 per year!

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December 2018

3

Quarterly Communication

SEPTEMBER COMMUNICATION The Grand Master, MW Bro Derek Robson, AM, thanked all in attendance at the September Quarterly Communication as a special meeting, particularly as it signalled the commencement of his term as Grand Master.

H

e said he trusted the majority were able to attend the Grand Installation in the Sydney Town Hall on 4 August because there was no doubt we stand tall among the Grand Lodges of

OUR NEXT

COMMUNICATION The Grand Lodge Quarterly Communication will be held at the Sydney Masonic Centre on WEDNESDAY 12 December 2018 at 7:30pm.

The Communication is open to all members of Grand Lodge, which includes all Master Masons.

The Grand Master extends an invitation to all other brethren, especially Entered Apprentice and Fellowcraft Freemasons, to attend as observers.

Brethren attending as observers are not entitled to vote on matters being considered by Grand Lodge.

GRAND LODGE CLOSURES:

Grand Lodge will close for holidays and renovations. See p31 for details.

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December 2018

Australia and New Zealand. He has been pleased to receive congratulations from all Grand Lodges, and also many other brethren have given messages of congratulations.

‘Of course, such an event does not simply happen. It takes months of effort by our Grand Secretary, and then all of the staff in the Secretariat is involved in the planning and set-up of every aspect of the program. Each function presents its own difficulties, but the result was a credit to everyone involved. I am most grateful to every member of our Secretariat staff, and on your behalf, I thank them most sincerely. Likewise, I thank everyone on the staff of the Sydney Masonic Centre for their kind hospitality and dedicated commitment.

We are well served by our staff and their management and I thank them so very much,’ he said.

‘For my own part, I was both humbled and honoured. I thank the Immediate Past Grand Master, and the Ceremonial Teams for the conduct of a most dignified ceremony. I appreciated the personal support of the Past Grand Masters, my sponsors, and my regalia bearers. The extraordinary talents of the Grand Director of Music, the wonderful Masonic Ensemble, all accompanied by the magnificent Town Hall organ made this Grand Installation an experience to be remembered. The efforts of the Town Hall staff, the Sydney Masonic Centre staff, our Grand Lodge Secretariat staff,

the photographer, and the many others involved, was all very much appreciated and collectively, they brought huge credit to our Craft. And my final thanks go to the Editorial Committee of our Freemason magazine for their wonderful overview of this most significant event.

‘The general theme for my term of office will be “Integrity, Loyalty and Respect,” and I look forward to that being fully explained in the coming weeks in our masonic publications, and in our general dialogue together. Brethren, there is much for us to do.

‘I am pleased to acknowledge the efforts of our outgoing Board of Manage­ ment and particularly the Committee set up to present the Regional arrangements for the election of the Grand Master.

Since you gave your direction at the March 2018 Communication, they have worked hard to create a policy by which we will be able to better conduct our elections for Grand Master, and this has now been accepted by the Board. It is my pleasure to announce the Board will now establish a live streaming of the Dec­ ember Quarterly Communication to various Regional Centres mentioned in the Constitutional change. This measure is intended to enable our country and regional brethren, who are unable to attend the Communication in Sydney, to view the proceedings. This change is part of my administration’s ongoing commitment to involve our country and regional brethren in the life of their Grand Lodge.’

In his address to the Grand Install­ ation, the Grand Master announced his intention to create a task force to examine and review all the interrelated and inter­ connected issues related to buildings, timely meeting practices, interesting

Freemason

programs, community activity, social media, charity, and membership recruit­ ment, retention and renewal. He has already appointed the task team with RW Bro Les Hicks as its Chair and Advisor, and he will be initially assisted

by RW Bros Richard Dawes, Graham Moon, Jason Plumridge, John Jacobson and Bruce Arnol, VW Bros Roman Cholawinskyi and Tom Muir, and Bro Alex Taylor. As the task progresses, he will be looking to add further brethren to this most important role.

‘This initiative is important and will have a huge bearing on how we provide for the future of Freemasonry. I am pleased the task team has already looked at a number of individual lodge examples and I am sure we will see some early success in this regard,’ he said.

‘I welcome the recently appointed District Grand Inspectors of Workings for 2018/20. They are attending their first Quarterly Communication as our field management officers, and today began their first day of a two day confer­ ence, designed to give them the tools to enable them to be able to support the lodges in their respective districts.

‘In my Statement to the Jurisdiction in February this year, I raised several issues for which I have considerable concern, and it is my intention to attend to each of these as soon as practicable.

In general terms, I noted that:

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RR we must encourage all lodges to be actively involved in the personal development and proper instruction of new and existing members; and RR We must be satisfied that Freemasonry is relevant.

‘As the Sydney Masonic Centre undertakes refurbishment to entrench its continued success in the lucrative CBD conference market, there is also need to ensure the heritage environ­ ment of our building is maintained for future generations. Therefore I have re-formed the Masonic Centre Building Heritage Committee under the direction of the Chairman, Board of Management to ensure that, regardless of any renova­ tions and reconfiguring, the original concept of our Memorial Building will be maintained.

‘I am pleased to announce the winners of the 2018 Grand Master’s Literary Prize, with first prize being awarded to W Bro Ray Posner of Armidale and second prize to W Bro Adam Edwards of Wauchope. The topic for the 2019 Prize will be the following scenario: “You are in progressive office and will soon occupy the chair of your lodge.

What are your plans to improve your lodge during your term of office?”

‘The Executive Council, at its meeting on 30 August, approved a recommenda­ tion from the Board Chairman to consol­ idate all social media communication with the community, including all mes­ sages from the United Grand Lodge, the Museum of Freemasonry and Masonicare. It is very important we signal to all users and administrators of social media that we are of one company and our messaging must be the same as we seek to engage in the public domain.

‘Masonicare has now completed its special wheelchair program with 254 hospital grade wheelchairs distributed to 26 different hospitals and aged care centres across our jurisdiction. The chairs carry the Grand Lodge “Square & Compass” logo, as well as the Masonicare logo and are now a highly visible

promotion for the Craft. I congratulate all lodges which took part in this program.’

The Board of Management reported it has also established a task team to examine all aspects of recruitment, retention and regaining of masons, including social media, particularly Facebook. The Board reported that pro­ motion of Freemasonry via Facebook is generating a high volume of member­ ship enquiries and members of the taskforce are also visiting lodges seeking assistance on building membership.

The Board was further informed that documents relating to membership applications, Guide to the Master and the Handbook of Masonic Information and Procedures are under review.

The Museum of Freemasonry at Grand Lodge will not be available during the close of the Sydney Masonic Centre from early December to May, while building works are undertaken.

The Deputy Grand Secretary said tour groups were increasing in popularity as well as the continuous numbers of casual ‘walk-ins’ that have occurred.

An election was held to fill the vacancy on the Ritual Committee and RW Bro Peter Ratcliff, PAGM, was elected from 16 nominations.

EVENTS AND NOTICES Lodge Mayfield Daylight No 493

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2nd Tuesday of every month.

Tyling at 9:30am. Lunch $10.

New Lambton Masonic Centre.

For details call 02 4968 4511.

International Order of the Rainbow for Girls

Philippines trip Rainbow Girls of NSW & SA invite all masons and friends to join their group trip to Manila for the Philippines Grand Sessions from 24 May to 3 June, 2019!

For further details please call Hazel at Golden Globe Travel on 02 8834 1181 or email rainbowgirls74@gmail.com

WHAT’S ON

RR we must take every opportunity to enhance the tenets and principles of the Craft, and be mindful and true to our obligations; RR we must have the utmost respect for each other, have better connections between each other and our commu­ nities, and use the entire spread of our resources and talents to further our aims; RR we must pursue those ideas which have benefit to all of our members; RR we must be more aware of our clear lines of responsibility and the roles that particular brethren play in that process; RR we must be supportive of our Grand Charity, ensuring that all money collections are collected, properly managed, accounted for, and reported to the floor of this Grand Lodge. Importantly for any charitable

activity, we need to ensure that any collections and distributions are properly managed and dealt with in accordance with Government regula­ tion, the Charities Commission and the Taxation Office;

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December 2018

5

GM’s theme

By RW Bro Robert Moore RR accept life’s tribulations and burdens with equanimity; and above all to be just in our dealings with others, but not to be judgemental.

Integrity, loyalty, respect The Grand Master, MW Bro Derek Robson has determined his theme for his term of office is three words – Integrity, Loyalty and Respect.

W

hile words are important to characterise a person, their individual use, understanding and imple­ mentation are all that observers need to be able to live the meaning of the words.

Therefore, it is very important in the jurisdiction of NSW and ACT that his theme is explained.

Integrity is a noun from the Latin word intergritas and has a meaning of steadfast adherence to a strict moral or code with a consistency of actions, values, honesty and truthfulness.

Loyalty is a noun from the old French word loial and has a meaning of the quality of faithfulness, fidelity, fealty and allegiance.

Respect is a noun and has a meaning of a state of deference, esteem and honour, a positive feeling or action shown towards someone.

Collectively the theme pillars what it means when a person takes the step to become a Freemason. The embodiment

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December 2018

of the theme lies in the charges and obligations we take on ourselves when we enter Freemasonry – obligations which entail collective as well as per­ sonal responsibilities.

Obligations which call on us to apply the principal virtues of faith, hope and charity: RR Faith to follow the moral dictates of our hearts and minds – ‘the sub­ stance of things hoped for; the evi­ dence of things not seen.’

RR Hope that our faith will be manifest in the things we learn, and in our turn, teach.

RR Charity – or as it is now more com­ monly understood, love – to share our lives, knowledge, understanding and means with others, especially our brethren.

Obligations which call on us to apply the cardinal virtues of prudence, tem­ perance, fortitude, and justice to: RR be prudent in our deeds and thoughts; RR temper our actions with wisdom;

Obligations which ask us to practise a meaningful work ethic, to consider everybody as an equal, and to act hon­ ourably towards our fellow brethren.

Obligations which require us to develop our knowledge of masonic philosophy, history and morality and above all, insist that we respect our brethren by practising the five points of fellowship.

The theme embraces the elements of masonic philosophy. The work ethic promoted in the First Degree is neces­ sary to ensure the wellbeing of individ­ ual lodges and the Craft. That labour (or effort) is required; that accuracy is not just important but is absolutely essen­ tial and that without perseverance the affairs of a lodge which is facing adver­ sity may well lose its resoluteness.

The lessons of the Second Degree must be learned and applied if the lodge and its brethren are to advance – that a lodge must preserve, almost as one of its landmarks if you like, the concepts of equality and merit. The concepts of justice and fair play – and the qualities of mercy and constructive criticism are applied fairly and equitably. Without the study and honing of the mind which is referred to in the Second Degree, the understanding, let alone the develop­ ment, of the philosophy that is held dear is impossible.

The theme demonstrates that the lesson of the First Degree is about devel­ oping a strong and meaningful work ethic; that the Second Degree is about the honing and polishing of the mind with knowledge and understanding and that the Third Degree is to teach us about the spirituality of Freemasonry and our lives.

The theme says that if we miss these elements we miss the whole point of Freemasonry.

The Grand Master’s theme makes so much reference to what should be the daily practice of masons and masonic philosophy, and Kipling’s poem, If, sum­ marises the qualities to develop the hearts and minds of every Freemason.

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From the Grand Chaplain

By RW Bro Leon Carter, OBE

Of good character Character is the dearest earthly possession, in as much as it is that alone which can secure and render permanent every other.

T

o be without character is to be without honour or friendship in our association with others. We must cultivate proper principles – the education of the moral character.

Patient and careful watching must be maintained over the development of habits of thought and feeling, all of which operate so powerfully as ingredi­ ents in personal and relative character.

Self cultivation, or the correction of whatever is evil is necessary.

From the Grand Chaplain

The improvement of whatever is lovely and of good report rises in impor­ tance in proportion to our views of the desirableness or necessity of attaining and maintaining a high standard of indi­ vidual excellence and of social order.

Excellence of character can only be acquired by patience and unwearied endeavour. It must be founded upon the conviction that intellectual achievements are those which alone can ennoble it and exalt the mind.

Pure and virtuous feelings are those which can adorn it and piety alone can ennoble it.

The conjoined influence of these things are requisite to the formation and maturing of character which opens up the path of happiness to man on earth and the enjoyment of higher and nobler felicity beyond the grave.

May the deep religious significance of Christmas be accompanied by peace, love and happiness for all.

By RW Bro Peter Kilkeary

Another year gone!

December already! Time to put pen to paper and remind all members that we are approaching the end of another year – with the knowledge that we are older now than we were last year, and that the inevitability of growing older affects us at it does family and friends.

T

he passing of time is a natural experience of life, and we can all reflect on the past twelve months—hopefully with posi­ tive memories. We are all busy: but have we managed to read books which have influenced our outlook on life?

We live and work within different contexts, but all of us are influenced by the people we meet and relate to in our social lives. We draw upon the knowledge and experiences of others while contrib­ uting to their own life experiences.

As we draw near to the end of 2018, it is realistic that we should look back

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December 2018

...let us grasp the opportunities...

RR What has been my positive influence on my home and family, and organi­ sations to which I belong?

Let me challenge you to look back on this year as a dedicated mason.

Have I lived with positive influence on others?

Do I continue to encourage positive membership of our organisation?

on the year that has passed and ask ourselves: RR What can I evaluate positively as my life experience of the past year?

RR Have I helped other people in the progress of life?

Take time to honour and support the officers of Freemasonry. As this year comes to a close, let us grasp the oppor­ tunities before us to support our organi­ sation, and to honour those who give so much time to leadership.

Freemason

Hints and tips for your lodge

Hints for lodges The Grand Master, MW Bro Derek Robson has appealed to all lodges to look more closely at membership and to realise the importance of retention is vital to our future.

H

e said firstly, we must ensure that all new brethren have an appropriate mentor to guide them on their masonic

journey.

‘There is so much more we can do so consider the following suggestions. I look forward to your assistance.’

RR We need lodges to be actively involved in the personal develop­ ment and proper instruction of our new and existing members.

RR Lodges need to have interesting and varied programs so that we gain from our experience.

RR In the absence of any degree work, lodges could use one of the articles in the Freemason magazine as a source of instruction, and simply read it out in open lodge.

RR The lodge room itself needs to be warm and inviting; RR Meetings shouldn’t drag on simply to fill in time.

RR Lodge Secretaries could include the bulk of any correspondence in an informative newsletter to go out with the notice paper, rather than reading them out verbatim in lodge.

RR A timely and well planned meeting will encourage future attendance; and similarly.

RR A well set-out and catered south, with minimal toasts and efficient emceeing will ensure that we all return for our next happy meeting.

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December 2018

9

A knightly code

By Dr Yvonne McIntyre PhD

Chivalry ‘Never do outrageousity nor murder, and always to flee treason; also, by no mean to be cruel, but to give mercy unto him that asketh mercy, upon pain of forfeiture of their worship and lordship of King Arthur for evermore; and always to do ladies, damosels, and gentlewomen succor upon pain of death. Also, that no man take no battles in a wrongful quarrel for no law, nor for no world’s goods.’

U

nto this oath were all the knights sworn of the Table Round, both old and young.

And every year were they sworn at the high feast of Pentecost.

(Le Morte d’Arthur, Book III, Chapter XV – Sir Thomas Malory – Pentecostal Oath) Most readers of this article have grown up with the romantic tales of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, of Lancelot, Gawain, Guinevere and Excalibur. Tales that depict a code of chivalry brought to life in literary works, films and theatre; a code based on honour, honesty, valour and loyalty.

Much of this fantasy stems from Sir Thomas Malory’s book Le Morte d’Arthur (The Death of Arthur) published in 1485 and is one of the best known of Arthurian literature. It depicts King Arthur, also called Arthur or Arthur of Pendragon, as a legendary British leader who led the defence of Britain against Saxon invaders in the late 5th and early 6th centuries.

However, there is little factual evidence to support the existence of Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table and many historians believe the Arthurian legend is based on folklore and literary invention.

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December 2018

Freemason

Whilst the Chivalric Code depicted in Malory’s book may be legend, there is no doubt a code of chivalry did prevail with the medieval Knights. The epic French Poem The Song of Roland written around 1040, describes the 8th century Knights and the battles fought by the Emperor Charlemagne. The poem includes vows which required the Knight to – ‘fear god and his church; serve the liege lord in valour and faith; protect the weak and defenceless; live by honour and for glory; respect the honour of women.’

A code of chivalry existed in England prior to the legend of Arthur’s Knights and was formalised by King Edward lll (1312–77), King of England and Lord of Ireland from 1327 until his death. Apart from his military success and the resto­ ration of royal authority during his reign, Edward is noted for establishing a sense of community amongst his subjects through the creation of the Most Noble Order of the Garter in 1348.

The Order of the Garter was drawn up to include the King, the Prince of Wales and 12 knight companions.

Initially, appointments were limited to the aristocracy but today are chosen from various backgrounds in recogni­ tion of their public service.

The spiritual home of the Order is St George’s Chapel, Windsor, built between 1475 and 1528. In addition to its role as a place of worship, the Chapel has witnessed Royal weddings, christen­ ings and burials. When Prince Harry married Meghan Markle, now the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, on 19 May 2018, he retraced the steps of his mother, Princess Diana at his christening.

Today, the Order includes the Queen, who is Sovereign of the Garter, several senior members of the Royal Family, and twenty-four knights chosen in recogni­ tion of their work. Knights of the Garter are chosen personally by the Sovereign to honour those who have held public office, contributed in a particular way to national life or personally served the Sovereign.

Improvements in education brought a change in chivalry codes. In his book History – Middle Ages the author Simon Newman, states: ‘In the late middle ages, the wealthy merchant class began

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The Book of the Courtier, a translation of Il Cortegiano by Baldassare Castiglione, was one of the most influential ‘courtesy books’ of the sixteenth century.

to be educated on chivalry and the ideals of the knights. This led to publica­ tion of the courtesy book which was a guide for gentlemen on how to behave.

This indicates men’s values and ideals after the medieval era were shaped by the chivalric culture.’

Courtesy books contained instruc­ tions for gentlemen and ladies on how to behave in the presence of royalty or gentlemen of higher station; on how to meet and greet and on table manners.

Instructions on table manners included:

RR Keep your hands and nails clean.

RR Keep your knife clean and sharp.

RR Cut meat into small pieces and don’t hack it into great gobbets.

RR Cut bread with your knife, and don’t tear it in great hunks.

RR Never put the meat into the salt cellar.

Keeping the salt cellar clean is very important. You should take a little salt on the tip of clean knife and put it on your food. Never put spilled, dirty salt back in the cellar.

... continued on next page

December 2018

11

O

A knightly code RR Don’t leave your spoon in the dish when you are done with your pottage.

Don’t overfill the spoon and definitely don’t spill it on the cloth! Don’t slurp your soup.

RR Keep the cloth as clean as possible.

RR The French sources recommend that when you are given a drink, either drink it all or throw it away. English sources seem to indicate it is rude to drink the whole thing.

RR Empty and wipe your mouth before drinking.

RR Don’t throw your bones on the floor.

Put them in a voiding bowl (so much for the Charles Laughton version of Henry VIII).

RR If food is dropped on the floor pick it up but don’t eat it.

RR Don’t stroke cats and dogs at the table.

RR Don’t stuff your mouth, pick your teeth, make rude noises, scratch your­ self, blow on your food, spit in the washing basin or across the table, spit food into your dish, talk with your mouth full, or fall asleep at the table.

Is Chivalry still alive and well in mod­ ern-day society? Megan Harris writing for the Chronicle believes it is, but in a different form. In an article published on 12 February 2016, she writes: ‘In today’s society you often hear women complain­ ing that chivalry is dead. But the art of being a gentleman is not as simple and well defined as it used to be.’

The article goes on to say: ‘being chiv­ alrous no longer strictly means opening doors, pulling out chairs, helping a woman with her coat and buying flowers for no reason. These traditional stereo­ types are now outdated and chivalry has evolved to reflect modern-day values.’

‘Having good manners, being polite, considerate, making an effort with your partner’s family and keeping the house clean are the new rules of being a gentleman.’

‘These days women are more inde­ pendent and capable of doing things themselves. Maybe in gaining that inde­ pendence, men thought they didn’t need to be traditionally chivalrous anymore.’

Mark Hall, Gentleman Creation Officer for Socked.co.uk, said: ‘men’s standards have slipped so far over recent years that any offer of chivalry from a gentleman knocks a woman off guard and is viewed with outright suspicion.’

12

December 2018

Company Shocked at a Lady Getting up to Ring the Bell, by caricaturist James Gillray commented on standards of social etiquette even in 1805.

The view that women today are more capable of doing things themselves is supported by The Telegraph survey on 14 January 2013 and titled ‘Traditional Acts of Chivalry Frowned Upon as Suspicious.’ The survey found most women are striving for independence and do not expect token acts of kind­ ness like giving up a seat on a packed bus or carrying shopping bags.

A survey by an online service, which helps men to dress well and offers free tips on etiquette, revealed just how much women rejected chivalrous behaviour.

RR RR RR RR RR RR

The survey results indicated: 82% of women said they would prefer to pay for their dinner on a first date.

52% would happily pay for the entire bill on a first date.

89% said they would not take up the offer from a man to carry their bag.

78% would not accept a coat from a man on a cold day.

Only 34% of women expect men to open doors for them.

8% said they would take up the offer of a seat if a man offered. In London, this figure was only 2 per cent.

The survey also had some surprising answers: RR 41% of women agreed men should be able to wear dresses.

RR 98% would like to be bought flowers, but only 32% had actually received flowers in the past twelve months.

In a paper published under the banner of The Order of the Temple of Solomon and titled ‘Chivalry Upholding Values as Pillars of Civilisation’ it is

stated: ‘Very much like the “lost history” which the Templar Order brings back to the modern world, the principles of Chivalry and traditional values have also been largely forgotten in the conscious­ ness and culture of modern society, and need to be restored. It is the responsibil­ ity of all Templar Knights and Dames to represent chivalric values in their own lives and professional activities, leading by example, to promote and advance those principles for the benefit of world civilisation.

‘A concise understanding of Chivalry and chivalric values is also essential to defining the activities of the Templar Order, which its Knights and Dames pursue in real-world practice. Meaningful activities reflecting the values of Chivalry are perhaps the most important and tangible characteristic of the Order.’

Bibliography: 1. Wikipedia 2. Encyclopedia Britannica 3. Medieval Chronicles 4. Medieval Life and Times 5. The Daily Telegraph – ‘Chivalry’s oldest honour, the Order of the Garter, was born on the dance floor 670 years ago’, Marie Hogg, Staff Writer 6 History – Middle Ages – Simon Newman, 7. Chronicle – Megan Harris – 12 February 2016 8. The Telegraph - 14 Jan 2013 ‘Traditional Acts of Chivalry Frowned Upon as Suspicious.’

9. The Order of the Temple of Solomon – ‘Chivalry Upholding Values as Pillars of Civilisation’.

Freemason

Meet your UGL staff

Meet the

staff Philip Quadrio has always been interested in Freemasonry and it was only natural that he would become a member of the NSW Grand lodge secretariat.

B

orn and schooled in Perth, he had the example set by his family, especially the American side, to steer him towards the organisation.

‘Apart from my American relatives, I had uncles and others who were involved and I was always intrigued by it as a young man. There were many people I knew and looked up to who were masons,’ said Philip.

Education played an important role in his life and he gained first class honours at the University of NSW where he studied religion and philosophy for his Bachelor of Arts and then gained his PhD at Sydney University.

He has been married to Carrol for 19 years with a son and daughter.

The son, who is also a mason, is named Raeginn, an old Norse word discovered when Philip was studying Old English.

Philip Quadrio joined Masonry in 1995 when he was initiated at Lodge Kensington, took his Second Degree at Eastern Suburbs Daylight and his Third at Lodge Galileo. He is a member of Lodges Galileo, Prince Charles Edward Stuart and Zetland and was WM of Galileo in 2004.

In his progress, he was a Board member of the College of Masonic Studies, a lecturer with the College, a Regional Education Officer and foun­ dation member of Galileo and Prince Charles Edward Stuart.

www.masons.org.au

‘We should be aiming to attract quality members to ensure the future of the Craft. A lot of people need to under­ stand what Masonry is and individual lodges need to work on it,’ he said.

‘There has to be a presence in the community and that starts with the building which needs to be a credit.

We have to be active in the community and to be seen to be active.

‘People should be invited to come to open days, to see a lodge room and ask questions. But it’s more than the lodge room, it’s the individual mason, some­ one you can talk to about Masonry.

‘Individuals I looked up to who loved the Craft inspired me to look further into it; their passion becomes infectious, it’s our lodges and members being present in the community which will attract people. Our greatest asset is our members.’

‘We are doing quite a good job of attracting members, that is not an issue.

What we are not doing so well is retain­ ing those members. I believe new masons really need mentors that can help them understand the Craft and the meaning of our ceremonies, which means doing a little more than quoting the ceremony back to them. It requires some explana­ tion of its significance and meaning, this brings Masonry to life and beautiful words are connected to deep ideas.’

Family Law

Philip took over from the now-retired Peter Court and was one of the early people to benefit from the Membership Assistance Scheme as most of his contacts were in America.

‘I have a lot of respect for Peter, whom I have known almost from the year dot.

His are big shoes to fill and I am glad Peter is still a friend and someone to talk to if needed.’

December 2018

13

Book reviews

A JOURNEY IN STONE I found A Journey in Stone to be an extremely useful addition to my masonic library.

Craig explains the symbolism of Masonry in a more contemporary way – throwing in modern references to help explain the fundamental goals of Free­ masonry – but with true reverence and constant citation to the original texts that we are all familiar with.

You get the feeling that he is saying exactly what you’ve heard a hundred times before yet the supplementary notes scattered throughout help to paint a clearer picture.

There is also a lot in this book that I come across on my masonic journey.

I’m sure it’s not new information but it’s

Publisher: Lewis Masonic

well written, well researched and most importantly well composed.

Here’s a summary of the synopsis which explains the book perfectly: ‘Freemasonry is a path of self-development, and inner transformation. A Journey in Stone is a guide to Freemasonry and its effect on the masonic workman. The author explains how the working of stone is an apt metaphor for transformation and how Masonry encourages the candidate to find their true selves in order to support society in the best way possible.

‘The book offers an inspirational read for any Freemason, makes a perfect guide for the newly made mason and also offers the perfect opportunity for non-masons to understand how one may embark upon their own “journey in stone.”’

ISBN: 978-0853184911

by Craig Weightman, reviewed by Bro Simon Pierce

Available from: www.lewismasonic.co.uk and online retailers

175 YEARS OF FIDELITY, 1843–2018 Students of NSW Masonic history will have a feast with the details in two books produced by writers Wayne McPhee and Benjamin Wharton in tracing the history of the Lodge of Fidelity, one of Sydney’s earliest lodges.

It was formed in 1843 as part of the Irish years until 1882 when it linked with the Grand Lodge of NSW and then became No 101 on the register of the United Grand Lodge of NSW and the ACT. There are scripts of early minutes, problems within and outside the lodge and a portrait of life in Sydney during the city’s formative years.

The reproduction of the early minutes, as well as accompanying photos is fascinating. The authors said they hoped to enlighten and captivate the imagination of its readers regarding Publisher: Self-published

14

December 2018

this period of Masonry’s infancy in NSW. These writings take the reader through the Gold Rush, two World Wars and the Great Depression to the 21st century.

They quoted Bro Theodore Roosevelt who said ‘I believe that the more you know about the past, the better you are prepared for the future.’

The current Grand Master, MW Bro Derek Robson said in his foreword: ‘Freemasonry in Australia was built on the efforts of our early brethren who had to overcome enormous challenges to establish a new community in a foreign land. This history is the first step in establishing the Australian Lodge of Fidelity as one of the most important early lodges in Australia.’

by Wayne McPhee and Benjamin Wharton, reviewed by RW Bro Ted Simmons

The book is well written, easy to read and difficult to put down. It is a must for every mason.

ISBN: 9780464737803

Available from: www.blurb.com and the Grand Library

Freemason

DGIW conference

By RW Bro Les Hicks

DGIW Conference 2018 Knowledge is important and the new 2018 District Grand Inspectors of Workings received plenty of information on their new role at the two-day conference held in the Sydney Masonic Centre in September.

T

he conference was an opportu­ nity for the DGIWs as our field management officers to meet with the Grand Master, Board of Management and network with each other and their RGCs. It was also designed to give them the tools to help support the lodges in their respective Districts.

Grand Master, MW Brother Derek Robson opened the conference and impressed upon the members the importance of their position and his delight to see them take on a challeng­ ing and rewarding role assisting the

brethren within their Districts for the next two years.

He also spoke on his theme – ‘Integrity, Loyalty and Respect’ and impressed on them the important place the theme has within Freemasonry.

The Chairman of the Board of Management, RW Brother Robert Moore congratulated the DGIWs on their appoint­ments and spoke on the constitutional role of the DGIW, the management responsibilities of the position and the leadership and coach­ ing role of the DGIW in each District.

Over the two days, discussion ses­ sions were held with the DGIWs receiv­ ing valuable information regarding membership, lodge administration, Grand Secretariat administration, con­ flict resolution, training seminars, build­ ings, ceremonial protocol and the Grand Master’s task team.

The success of the conference was made possible by designing interactive sessions with the Grand Master, the Board of Management, Grand Secretariat, the RGCs and of course the DGIWs.

St George Masonic Centre 480 Forest Rd Bexley – lease or hire today!

After an extensive modernisation, the historic St George Masonic lodge room and dining room facilities are now available for approved masonic lodge meetings.

• Lodge and dining room accommodates 100 guests • Modern air-conditioning • Off-street parking • Fully disability access compliant • Modern lift to first floor

• Fully carpeted • Most nights available • Preference given to long term leases but always ready to negotiate.

• Competitive rate • Catering options available

Contact the Secretary of Lodge No 7 at patrick@wpsa.org.au or 02 9556 1537 for a brochure!

www.masons.org.au

December 2018

15

Famous mason The official Presidential Portrait of Harry Truman, painted by Greta Kempton

Harry Truman

...a man of the people

Harry S Truman was the 33rd president of the United States. He was born on 8 May 1884 and died on 26 December 1972 after a career as a bank clerk, postmaster, World War I soldier and haberdasher before becoming President.

H

e was born in Lamar, Missouri to John and Martha Truman but did not attend school until he was eight. He graduated in 1901 and was the only president who served after 1870 not to earn a college degree. He had aimed at joining West Point but was prevented by poor eyesight.

The war brought out his leadership qualities, resulting in his promotion to Lieutenant Colonel in the National Guard. At war’s end, Truman returned home where he settled down and married Bess Wallace in June 1919. The couple had one daughter, Margaret, born in February 1924.

Truman worked at a series of clerical jobs and returned to the family farm in 1906 and remained there until 1917 when he enlisted for military service after joining the National Guard.

Truman entered public life with the support of the Kansas City Democratic machine when he was elected as a judge of the County Court in Jackson County, Missouri. He performed his duties in office with diligence and was notable for several popular decisions including an extensive series of roads to cope with the increasing amount of traffic, construc­ tion of a new County Court building and monuments honouring pioneer women.

America had entered World War 1 and prior to leaving for France, Truman was sent to Fort Still in Oklahoma where he was chosen to be an officer and then battery commander in an artillery regiment in France.

16

December 2018

In the 1934 election, Truman cam­ paigned successfully as a New Deal Democrat to win Missouri’s open United States Senate seat in support of President F D Roosevelt. He was sworn in as VicePresident on 20 January 1945 but only held the position for 82 days when he had to take over the leadership role after President Roosevelt died.

Truman signed the National Security Act of 1947 to strengthen the United States during the Cold War against Communism and reorganised military forces by creating the Department of Defence, the CIA, the US Air Force as a separate entity from the US Army and the National Security Council.

On 25 June 1948, the Allies initiated the Berlin Airlift, one day after

Freemason

Test your Aussie knowledge! the Soviet Union blocked access to the three Western-held sectors of Berlin.

Although it had never been tried before, the airlift worked, dropping food and other supplies from military airplanes.

The Berlin Airlift was considered to be one of Truman’s great foreign policy successes and significantly aided his 1948 election campaign. An attempt to assassinate Truman in November 1950 by two Puerto Rican nationalists failed when one was shot dead.

Truman announced on 29 March 1952 that he would not run again for president after a change to the constitu­ tion which did not allow a president to serve more than three terms in office.

He retired to his mother-in-law’s house in Independence, Missouri and worked to build a presidential library which he donated to the Federal govern­ ment to maintain. Over the following years, he wrote and put together his memoirs in two volumes which were successfully published in 1955–56.

Harry Truman was initiated on 9 February 1909 in Belton Lodge No 450 in Belton, Missouri. He then joined Grandview Lodge at Grandview, Missouri and served as its first WM. In September 1940, he was elected the 97th Grand Master of Masons of Missouri and served until 1 October 1941.

Australia Day trivia Test your knowledge about Australia!

1

What are the first two lines of lyrics in Australia's national anthem, Advance Australia Fair?

2

What is the last line of the jingle first used in the 1950s to market Vegemite?

9

10 Which is the oldest bridge still in use in Australia?

11 Which circle of latitude passes through Australia?

3

Which Australian author wrote the books An Innocent Obsession and Tim and The Thorn Birds?

4

Who won Australia's first ever gold medal at the Winter Olympics?

5

What is Australia's oldest continually operated brewery, established in 1832?

6

When did Governor General Sir Ninian Stephen officially proclaim Australia's colours as green and gold?

7

What is Australia's first university?

8

On what date was Ned Kelly hanged in Melbourne Jail?

And on jails, in what year was Ronald Ryan hanged in Melbourne to become the last man executed in Australia?

12 What is the animal emblem belonging to the State of Victoria?

13 In what year did Dorothy Tangney become the first woman elected to the Australian Senate?

14 In what street and suburb was the first Coles store opened in 1914?

15 What numbered Prime Minister of Australia is Scott Morrison?

How did you do? Check your answers on page 22!

However, Truman had a bad fall in the bathroom of his home in 1964 which limited his physical movement. On 5 Dec­ember 1972 he was admitted to hospital with lung congestion from pneumonia which developed into multiple organ failure, leading to his death at age 88.

$1,000 ESSAY COMPETITION Enter the Norm Garland Literature Awards and win $1,000 by writing an essay on:

WHAT IS THE LINK BETWEEN THE CRAFT AND THE ROYAL ARCH? The United Supreme Grand Chapter of Mark and Royal Arch Masons of NSW and the ACT invite you to enter the Norm Garland Literature Awards. You could receive $1,000, a certificate and have your essay form part of the E Norman Garland Library collection! Simply write a 1,500 word essay on the above topic and submit it along with your entry form.

For an entry form contact: 02 9569 5699 or gse@usgcnsw.org.au

www.masons.org.au

Entries close 4PM 28 FEBRUARY

December 2018

17

Runs in the family

A masonic

family

Many of us remember Dad moving through the house silently, dressed in his black suit, little black bag in hand as he went out the door and off into the night.

T

hat was the way Zane Zuschke was first introduced to Free­ masonry, the same way his father was and exactly the same way his father’s father was in Berlin Germany in the 1940s.

Freemasonry has always been a tradi­ tion in the Zuschke family, with early records that were not destroyed in World War II, naming Herbert Karl Otto Zuschke and his lodge in Berlin (Johannisloge ‘Zur Eintracht’), then as a member of Grand Lodge in South Africa, Namibia, and finally a member of Graceville in Queensland.

Zane first started to attend lodge with his father VW Bro Michael Zuschke in Tweed Heads to satisfy his curiosity as to what Dad was doing.

Sometimes he took his fishing rod to cast around the trawlers while lodge was in session, only to join the brethren for dinner in the South.

‘I did not want to push Zane to join Freemasonry and I recall saying that he would know when it was right for him to join,’ his father said.

‘Two months before he turned 18 he came to me and said “Dad when I turn 18 I want to become a Freemason.”

‘The full extent of what he said washed over me like a wave but I did know it was going to be a milestone for both of us.

18

December 2018

The recognition of Grand Lodge and the millennial mason initiative have made this a night that I will never forget.

‘Zane looked at me and said, “Since I don’t know much about Freemasons – can you teach me what I need to know so that I will be good on the night?”’

‘I had to contain my laugh to some­ thing that resembled a grunt attached to a smile and I said to him, “at this stage son you don’t need to learn anything, It’s me that needs to do all the learning.”

With that he was satisfied in his deci­ sion and off he went.

‘I filled out Zane’s paperwork with him and submitted it and the WM of Lodge Dawn in Tweed Heads Masonic Centre, W Bro Robert Ayscough pro­ ceeded to make arrangements for what we deemed to be the event of the year for Lodge Dawn.

‘As I had hoped W Bro Ayscough was delighted that we would have a Lewis to initiate and he immediately said “it’s your right” in offering me the Chair to perform what is still one of the high­ lights of my masonic career.’

Plans were made to ensure a great evening and notices went out to the District. When the Grand Master, MW Bro James Melville announced that he would be in attendance at the initiation ceremony, for what was deemed a mil­ lennial mason event, everything got very serious.

At the beginning of 2018 MW Bro Melville made a pledge, ‘This Year – 2018, is the first chance we have to make truly “millennial masons.”’ Young men born in the Year 2000 will turn 18 this year. The Grand Master will attend the Initiation for the first millennial mason.

The first millennial mason will also be invited by the Grand Master to attend the following Quarterly Commun­ication, and join him at the Grand Master’s Table at the Communication banquet.

‘Even though we are at the extremi­ ties of NSW, we have enjoyed many visits over the years from Grand Masters.

During my time in the Chair I was privy to two such visits from the Grand Master, and when you are in the chair and per­ forming your Craft it is never easy to do so in front of a Grand Master.’

The initiation of Zane Zuschke came

Freemason

Rainbow Girls quickly and all plans were in place to ensure that he would have a night to remember. Some 60 masons arrived before the meeting and Zane met with many familiar faces prior to the impend­ ing ceremony.

Imagine being a candidate and await­ ing the ceremony while being sur­ rounded by a Grand Lodge delegation of 20 members and the Grand Master but every member in that room was very engaging with Zane and especially the Grand Master.

‘I was part of the Grand Lodge delega­ tion that night as the appointed DGIW for District 11. I still recall walking into lodge with the delegation, so proud of not only being a part of this fraternal organisation, but also what was to unfold in front of me,’ said VW Bro Zuschke.

‘As I was summoned to take the Chair I thought “this is about to get real, but not as real as for the candidate.” I was met with encouragement from our Grand Master and the ceremony began.

‘The weeks of work to prove to myself I could pull off a perfect ceremony and the assistance of the Officers in the lodge, all of whom were Master Masons went seamlessly until the moment I looked into my son’s eyes and he gave me a puppy dog look.’

After the meeting, everyone pro­ ceeded into the South with a zeal that only a brotherhood can understand and were met by ladies and young friends who came to support Zane.

The time came for Zane to speak and a week’s thinking was put into action.

‘I would like to thank the MW Grand Master for making this night even more special. The recognition of Grand Lodge and the millennial mason initiative have made this a night that I will never forget. I would like to present this gavel to you, Grand Master, in recognition of your attendance at tonight’s ceremony and to personally thank you for taking the time to attend.’

The Grand Master had a full card that night with a presentation to VW Bro Neil Duncan for 60 years of service and still an active member of Lodge Dawn and the presentation of a Master Mason’s Certificate to Bro Leo Peek, also a member of Lodge Dawn.

www.masons.org.au

Rainbow Girls Former Sydney woman Lorraine Rayner has won a major prize as a nominee for the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls.

M

rs Rayner was nominated by the Adelaide Rainbow branch to contest the Westfield Shopping Centres’ new initiative called Local Heroes and won the major prize of $10,000 for her organisation.

Lorraine also became a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and Order of the Amaranth but her passion is working with the youth of the commu­ nity and helping them develop skills from leadership to public speaking and working as a team.

In the contest, organisations were encouraged to nominate a person who had shown dedication to their group as well as contributing to the community.

‘It’s very rewarding to think you can have a little bit of input and watch girls go on to pursue their dreams,’ said Lorraine.

Six finalists were chosen and the three with the most votes won $10,000 each for their organisation.

Some of the funds will be used to upgrade the kitchen at the Hawthorn Masonic Centre in Adelaide where Friendship-Dilkara Assembly has met for 44 years.

Mrs Rayner has been a Rainbow Girl since 1961 and is currently the Supreme Deputy for NSW & SA. She was initiated into Illawarra St George Assembly at Hurstville, served as Grand Worthy Advisor in 1967–8 and then relocated to Adelaide in 1971 after marrying her husband Alan.

If you know a girl between seven and twenty years of age who would like to join the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls, contact Lorraine at: rainbowgirls74@gmail.com.

Lorraine being presented with the cheque from Westfield Marion, South Australia

December 2018

19

A new lodge

Welcome Elysian More than 250 brethren were in attendance at the Royal Arch Masonic Centre in Petersham in March to witness the consecration of Elysian Lodge No 418.

A

lthough the youngest masonic lodge in the jurisdiction, the 77 Foundation members of Elysian Lodge were given approval to be numbered 418 on the register of the UGL NSW&ACT under interesting circumstances.

The name Elysian Lodge came through the Foundation Secretary, Bro Jano Toussounian who was raised in Elysian Lodge No 418 of the Grand Lodge California. As preparations were made to bring the idea to fruition, Elysian brethren in California also committed to becoming foundation members. Some of

It was a performance that delighted and impressed everyone...

the foundation members were also raised in the Grand Lodge of the Philippines where they practice an almost identical ritual to that of the California jurisdiction.

This background provided an interesting

rationale for seeking the lodge designa­ tion and number because number 418 had never been previously issued to any NSW lodge.

The following appears in the Grand Lodge archives: RR Lodge Allan Stuart No 416 – ‘consecrated 1 Dec 1921’ RR Lodge Composite No 417 – ‘consecrated 22 Dec 1921’

A spectacular turnout for a very special occasion!

20

December 2018

Freemason

The UGL records showing that 418 had not been assigned L–R: RW Bro Driver, RW Bro Georges, RW Bro Murray GME VIC, MW Bro Melville and VW Bro Albano

RR 418 – ‘No Lodge listed under this number as per GL Register’ RR Lodge Prudence No 419 – ‘consecrated 27 Jan 1922’ The event became more historic during the installation of the foundation Worshipful Master. While the consecra­ tion of new lodges is generally performed by the Grand Master, on this rare occa­ sion MW Bro James Robert Melville GM conducted a full ceremony installing VW Bro Khristian Albano, AGDC as the foun­ dation Worshipful Master.

It was a performance that delighted and impressed everyone, including visitors such as the Deputy Grand Master of the UGL of Victoria, RW Bro Keith Murray GME, Officers from the Grand Lodge of Queensland and Grand Lodge of the Philippines.

The evening culminated at the Festive Board held at Petersham Town Hall where the new WM promised the existing capability of Elysian members will be utilised to work with other lodges, districts and regions to regain and retain interest in the membership.

Since then, Elysian Lodge has initi­ ated its first candidate, conducted a Mark Man ceremony and presented the much sought-after The Flight of the Winding Stair with further Mark Man ceremonies and presentations of the Flight in lodges in country centres.

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9/11/2018 1:11:07 PM

December 2018

21

Letters to the Editor

Have your say A knotty memory To RW Bro Rabbi Dr Samuel Tov-Lev – I enjoyed your words on Free­ masonry around the world. They brought back many good memories.

Apart from tie, white shirt, dark jacket, etc, I would also take two essentials – a letter of my financial situation from the Grand Lodge and my PM apron.

Over many years, I have visited lodges in Boston, New York, London, Paris, Nice and Honolulu.

The most memorable was in Paris and the consecration of the lodges in Ukraine.

The entire evening was conducted in French and Russian!

Since I was the only Australian present, I was asked to represent all the masons of Australia. I politely joined the visitors but if I had known all that was required was the first degree sign, then things may have been different.

Masonry around the world is alive and well!

W Bro Ross Gibson Lodge Middle Harbour

Trowel talk I wish to say how pleasing it was to see recognition given to the trowel in W Bro Steve Lourey’s article The trowel – a lost symbol? in the June 2018 edition of the Freemason magazine. This now almost lost tool of Freemasonry deserves, I believe, to be restored to its rightful place within the Craft.

Some readers may be interested to know also that the trowel was a prominent symbol here in Sydney during the colonial era. It was then, the emblem associated with Irish Freemasonry, and those Irish lodges displayed it proudly as the seals of their lodge. This was though, stipulated in

22

December 2018

the Constitution that: ‘Every lodge shall have a Seal, with an impression of a Hand and Trowel, encompassed with the name of the place where such a lodge is held, and the number of the lodge.’ My lodge, Australian Lodge of Fidelity No 101, formerly No 267 of the Irish Constitution in 1843 had this bowed-arm and trowel emblem as their seal, as did our Mother lodge, Australian Social Lodge No 260, now Antiquity No 1, and Leinster Marine No 266 – now No 2.

As W Bro Lourey pointed out in his article the trowel was the working tool symbolising the unifying of brethren, and of lodges within Freemasonry; however, not only was it a working tool, it was an emblem for Freemasonry itself as distinct as the square and compasses are today. Going back into Irish Masonic history, the earliest account of the use of the trowel also happens to be the earliest known account of a Grand Lodge in Ireland. To quote from a paper in the Quatuor Coronati volume 105, says: The Dublin Weekly journal in 1725 describes a procession in great detail of a `Mason King at Arms ... carrying upon a Velvet Cushion, a little Gold Trowel with a Black Ribbon’, and this he subsequently hung about the neck of the Grand Master.’

The trowel was the distinguishing badge of the Grand Master, and to quote again: ‘…was evidently looked upon as the most important symbol of the Irish Craft.’ However, the use of the trowel has died out in time and the Grand Master wears a jewel similar to that worn by the Grand Master of England.

Why did the trowel serve such a prominent position in the Craft and not the square and compasses? Why was that not the symbol on the Irish seals? Perhaps, while the Square and Compasses symbolise lessons for ourselves to take on as individuals; the trowel is an emblem regarding Freemasonry as a whole. It relates to your

ee tary The Secre Editorial Committ W & ACT on Freemas Grand Lodge of NS W 1235 d uth, NS The Unite Sydney So , 59 A2 x The Secretary PO Bo Freemason Editorial Committee The&Secret The United Grand Lodge of NSW ACT ary Freem ason Editorial Committee PO Box A259, Sydney South, NSW 1235 The United Grand Lodge of NSW & ACT PO Box A259, Sydney South , NSW 1235

individual role as a Master Mason, also your lodge and its relation to other lodges in unity, as well as the role of the Craft to the world around us.

Another instance of the trowel within the history of colonial-era Sydney was its use in foundation stone or cornerstone laying ceremonies, or as gifts from lodges to prominent masons in society. There are fine examples of these in the museum at Grand Lodge and the State Library of New South Wales. Such examples include a trowel used by Bro Gov Lachlan Macquarie when he laid the first stone of the first Catholic church in the colony, now St Mary’s Cathedral at Hyde Park, and a trowel commissioned by Australian Social Lodge, No 260 IC dated 1823, crafted by the eminent colonial engraver Bro Samuel Clayton which was presented to Lt Gov Erskine on his departure from the Colony.

W Bro Benjamin Wharton Australian Lodge of Fidelity No 101

Australia Day trivia answers!

Email to: freemason@masons.org.au

Post to:  The Secretary, Freemason Editorial Committee The United Grand Lodge of NSW & ACT PO Box A259, Sydney South NSW 1235

1 ‘Australians all let us rejoice, for we are young and free.’

2 ‘It puts a rose in every cheek.’

3 Colleen McCullough 4 Steven Bradbury.

5 Cascade brewery (Tas) .

6 April 19, 1984 7 The University of Sydney.

8 Nov 11, 1880.

9 1967 10 Richmond Bridge, Tasmania 11 Tropic of Capricorn.

12 Leadbeater’s possum 13 1943 14 Smith Street, Collingwood 15 30th

Send your Letters to the Editor by:

Freemason

Associated orders

Knights make

progress The Masonic Order referred to as the Order of Constantine is booming in NSW with membership increasing by over 20% during the last twelve months. There is every indication this development will continue with the possible opening of another Conclave.

A

The induction of such high ranking masons gives witness to the develop­ ment of Constantine Masonry but of equal interest was the Grand Team who came together to carry out the work.

Just days after the welcome of Knight Peattie, Most Excellent Companion Ted Keenahan also became a Knight of Rome and the Red Cross of Constantine in the Faith Conclave at their meeting at Bulli.

At that time Knight Ted was the immedi­ ate Past First Grand Principal and Grand Master of the United Supreme Grand Chapter of NSW and ACT.

The team for Knight Robert Peattie comprised the Heads of a number of orders in NSW who are also Knights of the Order of Constantine. They comprised M Ill Kt Terry Ryan, Grand Sovereign of the Order of Constantine; Rt Ill Kt John Anderson, First Grand Principal and Grand Master of the United Supreme Grand Chapter of NSW and ACT; RW Bro Thomas Pfeifle, Provincial Grand Master of the Royal Order of Scotland for NSW; MW Bro Donald Savage, Past Grand Supreme Ruler of the Order of the Secret Monitor; RW Bro Arthur Macken,

mongst the new knights the Order was delighted to wel­ come into its ranks was Most Excellent Companion Robert Peattie who at the time of his welcome as a Knight of Rome and the Red Cross of Constantine was also First Grand Principal and Grand Master of the United Supreme Grand Chapter of NSW and ACT.

Constantine the Great Photo by Katie Chao and Ben Muessig

Assistant Grand Master-in-Charge of Order of Athelston in Australia; and RW Bro Herbie Mailey, VII Deputy Grand Master Mason and Senior Past Master (Australia Eastern).

At the joining of Knight Ted Keenahan most of those Heads of Orders were again present and combined successfully with senior Knights of Faith Conclave to welcome Knight Ted into the Order.

It is noted that four of the last five First Grand Principals and Grand Masters of the USGC have recognised Constantine Masonry and are now Knights of the Order.

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www.masons.org.au

December 2018

23

Adelaide to Darwin

By RW Bro Ted Simmons

Ghan Travel the

George Stephenson probably never imagined that the steam train he built in England in 1825 would flourish in to an industry which has fascinated travellers for more than a hundred years!

Photo courtesy of Journey Beyond

24

December 2018

Freemason

T

he first practical steam locomo­ tive was created in 1812–13 by John Blenkinsop and built by George Stephenson and his son Robert’s company. Called Locomotion No 1, it was the first steam locomotive to carry passengers on a public rail line.

By the early 1900s steam locomotives were gradually superseded by electric and diesel locomotives, with full conver­ sion to electric and diesel power begin­ ning in the late 1930s.

But the interest in trains has never waned and world famous lines such as the Orient Express, the Canadian Rocky Mountaineer, South Africa’s Blue Express and even Australia’s Indian Pacific from Sydney to Perth continue to attract customers who enjoy the thrill of riding the rails.

However, this century has seen Australia create another long distance delight with the extension of The Ghan from Adelaide to Darwin.

originally operated between Adelaide and Alice Springs and which is better known today as simply The Ghan.

It is believed the abbreviated name originated in 1923 when one of its crews decided to honour Afghan camel drivers who arrived in Australia in the late 19th century to help find a way to reach the country’s unexplored interior.

Today’s traveller will find a vastly different scenario to that of yesteryear, but it is still a fascinating adventure...

Starting in August 1929, the Ghan first ran on the Central Australian Railway which only travelled as far north as Alice Springs. In 1957, a standard gauge line was opened to Maree until October 1980 when the standard gauge replaced the old line and this was extended north­ wards from Alice Springs to Darwin, opening in January 2004.

The Ghan route map.

The new section of the route began operation in 1980, and Darwin wasn’t connected until 2004!

Adelaide River

Pine Creek

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... continued on next page

The Afghan Express was the first name of the railway service which

DARWIN

Plans for a railway north from Adelaide had frequently been a discus­ sion point and construction of what was then known as the Port Augusta to Government Gums Railway began in 1878 when the South Australian Premier broke ground at Port Augusta.

But it was not until 1926 that the exten­ sion of the line to Alice Springs began, and that section was completed in 1929.

Until then, the final leg of the train journey was still made by camel.

Katherine Tennant Creek

ALICE SPRINGS Kulgera NEW GHAN ROUTE Manguri Tarcoola PERTH

OLD GHAN ROUTE Coober Pedy

BRISBANE

Coondambo Pimba

Kingoonya Tent Hill

Port Augusta Coonamia

SYDNEY

ADELAIDE MELBOURNE

HOBART

www.masons.org.au

December 2018

25

Adelaide to Darwin The original Ghan line followed the same track as the overland telegraph, which is believed to be the route taken

by John McDouall Stuart during his 1862 crossing of Australia. The road from Alice Springs to Darwin was subse­ quently named the Stuart Highway.

Travellers had to be prepared for any emergency because the service was notorious for washouts and a flatcar behind the locomotive carried spare sleepers and railway tools, so that if a washout was encountered, the passen­ gers and crew could work as a railway gang to repair the line and permit the train to continue.

My first experience on the Ghan was from Adelaide to Alice Springs in 1952, punctuated by stops at different towns such as Coober Pedy to visit homes built underground to escape the heat. Food was plentiful but the biggest surprise was the entertainment carriage which boasted a piano and plenty of singing.

Today’s service takes four days and three nights from Adelaide to Darwin

...the Ghan first ran on the Central Australian Railway which only travelled as far north as Alice Springs.

with stops at Coober Pedy, Alice Springs and Katherine where excursions are available.

The Ghan normally runs weekly year-round although during December 2012 and January 2013 it ran only once every two weeks. Until 2016, a second service operated between June and September.

Each train consists of between 16 and 26 stainless steel carriages plus a motor rail wagon.

The original Ghan ran for the last time in 1980 and is in the hands of The Ghan Preservation Society, which repairs sections of the old narrow gauge track and some notable sidings. In October 1980 a new standard gauge line from Tarcoola to Alice Springs was opened, and the train took the form it has today.

The new line is located approximately 160 kilometres west of the former line, in an effort to avoid the floodplains where the original line was often damaged by floods. It was also hoped that the construction of the new line would improve the train’s timekeeping.

Construction of the Alice Springs– Darwin line was believed to be the second-largest civil engineering project in Australia, and the largest since the creation of the 1949 Snowy Mountains scheme. Construction on the line began in July 2001, with the first passenger train reaching Darwin on 3 February

The pre-passenger ‘Ghan’ steaming into Oodnadatta in 1910.

The link from Quorn to Oodnadatta ran from 1891.

Photo courtesy of the State Library of South Australia

26

December 2018

Freemason

Travellers today have a much more leisurely experience!

Photo courtesy of Journey Beyond

2004, after 126 years of planning and waiting. The project had a total cost of $1.3 billion.

The Ghan’s arrival in Darwin signified a new era of tourism in the Northern Territory, making travel to the region easier and more convenient as well as providing better access to and for Aboriginal communities in the region. The rail link allowed for more freight to travel through the region, leading to a hope that Darwin will serve as another trade link with Asia.

Today’s traveller will find a vastly different scenario to that of yesteryear, but it is still a fascinating adventure involving a mixture of modern life and stunning natural outback scenery. To a degree, Darwin provides the modern life with its mixed city of new and old in addition to a sunset cruise on Darwin Harbour, the spectacular Northern Territory sunset and tours to Litchfield National Park and the world famous Kakadu area.

If you make Darwin your starting point it will take four days to travel to Adelaide with off-train stops at Katherine, Alice Springs, Uluru and

www.masons.org.au

Coober Pedy. At Katherine, enjoy a river cruise along Nitmiluk Gorge or a Bush Barbecue (the flies are free), while Alice Springs can take you on a scenic flight to Uluru, to Stanley Chasm or to the Flying Doctor monument.

Coober Pedy entertains with a full day excursion to find out about Australia’s natural gemstone or explore how the locals cope with the scorching heat through underground towns, tunnels and churches before the Ghan rolls on.

Adelaide, the capital of South Australia is the final stop on this remarkable journey and where further pleasures await the traveller with the city sights, a visit to the Barossa Valley for some of the world’s best wines or take to the hills to see the early town of Hahndorf.

There are many great railway jour­ neys around the world. The Ghan ranks among the best and provides access to areas and sights of Australia that cannot be matched in most other countries as well as an adventure to be remembered and treasured.

December 2018

27

Invictus Games

By RW Bro Ted Simmons

what a memory!

Many years ago music, as it does now, played a very important role in our lives and one song in particular still stays, especially the last lines which were ‘the song is ended but the melody lingers on...’

Photo © Commonwealth of Australia 2018

28

December 2018

Freemason

A

ustralians have been known world-wide for their support for people in difficult circum­ stances, often known as the under-dog, whether in work or sport.

This was visibly evident with the staging of the 2000 Paralympic Games and this sporting tradition continued when the 2018 Invictus Games were staged at various venues across Sydney in October.

Such has been the effect of the 2018 Invictus Games in Sydney where every­ one was invited to be part of a wonder­ ful ceremony and to take away with them memories that will remain for a long time.

This applies specially to the people involved in its organisation, especially the Royals Harry and Meghan and the obvious commitment and support of every person who took part, either as a competitor, official, volunteer or visitor.

On this occasion, there was no barrier, class distinction or special requirement except a willingness to be part of a group who cared and wanted to help.

Among the thousands who stood up to help was Sydney school teacher Bony Alex who became involved when he received an email from a colleague last March who was trying to promote the value of the Games to public schools in Sydney.

‘My initial reaction was to immedi­ ately approach my Principal to try and get our school to be part of it,’ Bony said.

‘Another part that prompted me is that my older brother works in Canberra for the ADF and has served in Afghanistan and East Timor. He went through a lot of personal issues after returning from serving for our country and fought against all odds. Seeing what he went through gave me immense respect for all the veterans who were participating in the Sydney Invictus Games.

‘The values of resilience and mateship portrayed by these wounded warriors is something that should be celebrated and the students at my school need to learn these values and adopt them as it can help them get through tough times.

I’m hoping from my experience to learn the values of resilience and to show the students in my school that nothing in life

www.masons.org.au

Photo © Commonwealth of Australia 2018

is impossible even when the odds are stacked against you.

‘I have been active in sport for a long time, especially team sports which teach the value of mateship, including soccer and cricket which I played in High School as well as interest in rugby union and NHL. Currently I am the coach of the Open Boys soccer and cricket teams at my school.’

As he had not attended any of the previous Invictus Games, the opportunity now became available to take a more hands-on role with his students to see first-hand the meaning of the Games.

Arrangements were made to organise a visit to the Games and the first group was the entire Year 7 classes to the Indoor Rowing on the Monday, Year 9 to the swimming on Tuesday, Year 11 and Support students on Wednesday for Wheelchair Rugby, Year 8 for Athletics on Thursday and Year 10 on Friday for the Wheelchair basketball.

‘The students were absolutely thrilled and enjoyed themselves immensely and rightly got into chanting and supporting Australia at the Games.

The best event would have to be Wheelchair Rugby in which Australia dominated and it was amazing to see the strength and true grit of all these wounded warriors,” said Bony.

The school had been sent tickets by the Games CEO, Mr Patrick Kidd for the Opening and Closing ceremonies but family illness stopped them from

attending the Opening Ceremony.

However, they attended the Closing Ceremony which was described as fantastic.

O

... continued on next page

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December 2018

29

Invictus Games ‘The atmosphere, the performances and the speech by Prince Harry at the Qudos Bank Arena was absolutely memorable but unfortunately we did not get to meet the Duke and Duchess,’ said Bony.

He added that the school had raised over $20,000 for the Invictus Games and the cheque was handed over in front of ABCTV with the crowd thrilled by the donation for what Bony called ‘such an awesome cause.’

Bony Alex is an English and Support Teacher, Year 9 Year Adviser and Debating Coordinator at Baulkham Hills High School Sydney was the fourth staging of the Games. Australia has participated each time and this year had a team of 72, the largest so far selected.

Similar in one sense to the Paralympic Games, which are staged for disabled competitors, the multi-sport Invictus Games, created by Prince Harry, are spe­ cially staged for wounded, injured or sick armed services members and associated veterans.

About 500 competitors from 18 nations contested the different sports which included archery, golf, Paralympic athletics and swimming, volleyball and wheelchair basketball, rugby and tennis.

They were supported and cheered on by more than 1000 family members and friends.

The word invictus is Latin for ‘uncon­ quered’ or ‘undefeated’ and the event inspired Prince Harry into action after seeing a British team compete in a program in December 2013 at Colorado in the United States titled the Warrior Games.

Prince Harry, speaking at the launch­ ing of the inaugural Games at London’s Copper Box arena on 6 March 2014, said the Games would ‘demonstrate the power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and demonstrate life beyond disability.’ He also said their long-term objective was to ensure injured troops were not forgotten.

Sydney turned out in force to welcome the competitors, attend the events and had an army of volunteers to help as it did at the 2000 Olympics.

Damien Thomlinson (left), commando and swimmer with Bony Alex, teacher and Invictus Games volunteer.

Photo courtesy of Bony Alex

The 2020 games are scheduled to be held in The Hague, Netherlands.

And to add further interest to the Invictus, the Royal Australian Mint released a coloured $1 collectable coin featuring braille text, the first of its type in Australia.

The coin’s unique braille text spells ‘Sydney 18’ and is accompanied by an image of a wounded competitor, symbol­ ising the healing power of sport to inspire recovery and support rehabilitation.

Royal Australian Mint Chief Executive Officer Ross MacDiarmid said the coin, along with a silver selectively gold-plated coin, was a tribute to the courage and resilience displayed by the competitors and their families and friends.

Photo © Commonwealth of Australia 2018

30

December 2018

Freemason

The Grand Secretary’s desk

By RW Bro Stephen Green

No more Arctic conditions!

The Sydney Masonic Centre will undergo a large renovation to upgrade its now inadequate and obsolete air conditioning system.

O

nce the new system is in place all rooms will feature individual temperature control ensuring a pleasant and comfortable temperature for all.

From Friday, 14 December 2018, all rooms will be unavailable and

alternative arrangements for all meetings will have to be organised. The Grand Secretariat will start to operate from the Ionic room on the ground floor. There will be business as usual and all current telephones and email addresses will remain active.

The renovations are expected to be concluded with the building fully opera­ tional from early May 2019 Please note that the Grand Secret­ ariat will close midday on Friday, 21 December 2018 and re-open on Monday, 7 January 2019.

Important dates for your diary DATE

ROOMS

UGL SECRETARIAT

FREEMASON EDITORIAL

AIRCON

DEC ‘18 CLOSED FOR HOLIDAYS

JAN ‘19 FEB ‘19

CLOSED FOR RENOVATIONS:

MAR ‘19

14 December to early May 2019

APR ‘19

OPERATING FROM GROUND FLOOR: 14 December to early May 2019

OPERATING AS USUAL: freemason@ masons.org.au

MAY ‘19

R !

FO NS W ING SIO NO LL CA ES ST PR RE EX NTE I OF

Bro P huoc Vo’s

Tour of Vietnam W Bro Phuoc Vo is finalising his trip to his father’s home country and invites those interested to come along!

Spend two weeks experiencing Vietnam through the eyes of those who lived through some of its most turbulent times, as told by his father.

Tour departs July 2019 – contact Bro Phuoc by 28 February 2019!

Call 0408 493 688 or email vietphuoc@y7mail.com

www.masons.org.au

December 2018

31

Lodge Indus 1055

Lodge Indus is formed In August 2016, the Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of NSW & ACT, MW Bro James Melville visited Lodge Epping, at Epping, NSW, to present a 60 year jewel to RW Bro David Redfern. During that evening, he met W Bro Amitava (Amit) Sen, a recent Indian Past Master of that lodge.

T

he conversation centred on three topics: primarily that there were very few Indian masons in NSW, secondly there were a number of successful ethnic lodges in Sydney, (French, German, Greek, Italian, Lebanese, Filipino and Spanish) and lastly a new ‘Indian’ lodge may help attract more Indian brethren to the Craft. MW Bro Melville requested W Bro Sen to explore that venture and he told the GM that he could only think of three Indian brethren in the jurisdic­ tion making it very hard, if not impossi­ ble to start such a lodge.

...these countries have well established masonic foundations, in most cases even older than Australia.

In the next few days, W Bro Sen contacted those three brethren with two of them declining to be part of the venture making him give up the idea completely. However on visiting Aurora Australis RA Chapter at Turramurra, one day the following month, Amit’s path crossed with a young Indian RA Companion, Jas Siyan, who talked of the proposed Indian lodge; so obviously word had spread. Jas knew of another brother, Amal Khanna from Wollongong.

Over the next few weeks, Jas and Amal forced Amit to go to Grand Lodge in December 2016 to meet the Membership Officer, RW Bro Peter Court.

Peter was very encouraging and gave them a lot of advice and guidance on how to go about forming a new lodge and most importantly the contact details

An Ashoka Chakra forms part of the lodge’s logo

of Indian brethren across the jurisdic­ tion who could form the core of a group.

Amal, Amit and Jas actively started working their small list of Indian breth­ ren, trying to expand numbers and sent out numerous messages and invitations through January 2017 for a meeting in the Epping Club. That meeting eventu­ ated in February 2018 with a dozen brethren attending with ten of those brethren becoming Foundation members.

Nine of them became officers, one missing out as he was still a Fellow Craft.

RW Bro Court suggested the Consec­ ration Committee should quickly appoint a Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer with Amit taking the role of Chairman, in which he was unanimously supported and Amal as Treasurer. Also Jas and Amal took on roles of Membership Officers.

W Bro Pritam Singh had been present at the meetings and became an obvious choice for Foundation WM-Elect.

From the first meeting it was clear this would NOT be an ‘Indian’ lodge.

The need was felt to be much more

The attendees at the foundation of Lodge Indus

32

December 2018

Freemason

inclusive and make it conducive for all brethren from the sub-continent to feel welcome and at home. Apart from India, there were already names of brethren from Pakistan, Sri-Lanka, Kenya, etc. being mentioned around.

Key decisions of location, months and dates of meeting were all taken logically and democratically through the Committee, which met regularly once a month on average.

It took the committee a few more meetings to find an appropriate Foundation Secretary, in the person of VW Bro Paul Foster from Hong Kong, a past DGIW in this jurisdiction. The Consecration Committee never looked back since then.

The name Indus was decided through a process of selective voting at the second meeting, from a large list of possible names. The River Indus being the largest river in the sub-continent, running through India, Pakistan and Tibet. The word itself comes from the ancient Sanskrit word Sindhu, adopted by early Persians and Greeks as ‘Hindus’ from which the name India was adopted by early European settlers. The Indus Valley Civilisations, one of the earliest in the world, flourished around this river basin circa 3,500 BC as evidenced in the excavations and findings around Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa.

The Ashoka Chakra was selected as the logo because of its eminent connec­ tion with the cultures of the whole sub-continent. It represents the Dharma Chakra of ancient Sanskrit and the Vedas.

The 24 spokes on the wheel represent the 24 tenets of spirituality and are synony­ mous with the ancient Vedic Rishis or Saints who were the custodians of the mantras. 12 out of 24 spokes represent the twelve causal links taught by The Buddha (5th Century BCE). This was made famous during the later Buddhist empires of Emperor Ashoka, who ruled the region in 3rd century from Afghan­ istan to Cambodia, when Buddhism spread throughout the sub-continent.

A blow to the morale of the Consecration Committee came when

Almost all the foundation officers were volunteers to the respective posi­ tions. Bro Jinny George quickly found a useful source for buying regalia and the Foundation Jewel. Similarly, Bro Jas Siyan and his wife Justine, graciously contributed to the design and procure­ ment of the lodge logo, tie and lapel pin.

The charter of Lodge Indus 1055

they discovered a charter would not be approved unless there was at least $5,000 in the kitty. This news was taken back by Amit to his home lodge, Lodge Epping, which spontaneously offered to provide an initial donation of $2,000 and also agreed to become the sponsoring lodge for Lodge Indus.

Another temporary setback came with the move to Melbourne, Victoria, of the then SW Elect, Bro Srinivasan Chellappa, a very keen affiliating second-generation English Constitution Freemason from India to Melbourne. However W Bro Jodhi Menon was prompt to fill the breach.

It naturally transpired that the target ethnic footprint of the lodge would be expanded to all countries of the Commonwealth and South East Asia.

A novel fee structure was established to attract Foundation, interstate and International members. The recruiting campaigners travelled far and wide to India, Malaysia and Hong-Kong and managed to get members to sign up from each of those countries.

At the time of Consecration on 7 July, 2018, forty eight members had signed to be Foundation Members, there were two Foundation Membership Assistance Scheme Candidates and five members paid $500 to become Life Patrons of the lodge.

... continued on next page

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A good lawyer looks beyond the surface!

Want to know the answer? Ask Dr. Dion Accoto next time you seem him at Lodge, or email him. Contact details are on the inside back cover of this issue!

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www.masons.org.au

December 2018

33

O

Lodge Indus 1055

The Grand Master performing the founding ceremony

Ten of these members are not current members of the jurisdiction, so recruit­ ment has been extremely effective.

There were plenty of chances to socialise and enjoy the occasion

Lodge Indus No 1055 has been accepted as a member lodge of FAME (Freemasons Annual Masonic Event) run by the group of ethnic lodges in NSW and participated on 14 July 2018 for the first time at FAME, at the Turramurra Masonic Centre.

The reasons for this lodge are threefold: RR To become a home lodge for, and to attract, brethren from South East Asia and the Commonwealth, when in Sydney RR To foster an interchange of cultural and social values and showcase the same to the whole Craft, and to that extent it strongly welcomes local Australian members RR To establish links with other lodges in all the ‘home’ countries to facili­ tate a two-way exchange of visitors The founders recognise that the countries of South East Asia and the Commonwealth have a growing popula­ tion with a very large, highly educated professional middle-class. With their socio-economic global dynamics, these countries will be a natural source of immigration to Australia and ipso facto to NSW and Sydney.

Also these countries have well estab­ lished masonic foundations, in most

34

December 2018

cases even older than Australia. Family of Freemasons from these countries coming to and visiting Australia will continue to grow.

Consequently such immigrants will form a captive source of recruitment into Freemasonry for NSW. There is need for a lodge in Sydney which is well known and well-advertised in these countries and a starting home base for such people providing a conducive and ‘homely’ atmosphere.

Lodge Indus No 1055 proposes to fill that role.

Already there are moves to establish sister lodge relationships in each of these countries. Our membership also provides many direct connections, interstate and internationally. There is a vision that inter-visiting will become the norm and these international ties will become closer, over time. An approach has been made to the Commonwealth Lodges Association to become a member, and has received a positive response.

These relationships will become more clearly spelt out and formalised in future.

Freemason

Presenting the cheque – foreground left to right: Whiddon Board Chairman Len Kearns, Rural Aid General Manager Wayne Thomson and Whiddon CEO Chris Mamarelis.

Whiddon supports communities impacted by drought

Our support will be extended through Rural Aid’s Buy a Bale program and will provide relief to the following areas that are in true need of help:

Whiddon has made a donation of $100K to Rural Aid to help a number of our communities impacted by drought in regional, rural and remote NSW.

p Far west and New England region – around Walgett, Wee Waa, Tamworth and Narrabri

p Bathurst region – around Orange, Oberon and Blayney p South West Sydney region – around Wollondilly and Picton

p Hunter region – around Muswellbrook and Singleton

Whiddon has a long and proud history of supporting our local communities, and as a provider located primarily in regional, rural and remote areas in NSW and QLD, we are often at the heart of our communities.

It has been devastating to see the impact of the drought on these, and many other communities.

Our donation will be facilitated through Rural Aid’s Buy a Bale campaign and will help farmers through a number of deliveries of much-needed supplies of hay.

Many Whiddon employees, and residents whose families still reside on rural properties, are dependent on working the land. As such, it is vitally important that we do what we can as an organisation to lend a hand at this challenging time.

Our donation will provide for ten large trucks packed with hay bales to head out to locations around Bathurst, Narrabri, Walgett, Wee Waa, Wollondilly and the Hunter region. These are areas that we are part of, or located close to, and are needing help. Being able to support these communities and the people that live in them, including our employees and families, is something that is incredibly important to Whiddon.

The donation will provide welcome relief to farmers and communities doing it tough as a result of drought conditions and we are very pleased to provide this assistance on behalf of all of our residents, clients, employees and families.

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visit our website or call 1300 738 388

Masonicare

MASONICARE

Your Grand Charity

INTERACTION GRANT CHEQUE PRESENTATIONS

Masons wheel into action at Macksville Hospital Macksville District Hospital has five new lightweight wheelchairs thanks to Lodge Nambucca No 271 and the Freemasons’ NSW/ACT charity, Masonicare.

The donation, valued at more than $2,500 is part of a state-wide Masonicare initiative, funded dollar-for-dollar by participating masonic lodges, to donate wheelchairs to public hospitals in rural and regional NSW. Lodge spokesman David Boulton said the Freemasons were delighted to help.

‘Fundraising is a truly win-win situation,’ Mr Boulton said.

‘People like to get involved in activities that help others. Charitable acts like

36

December 2018

raising money for wheelchairs or cattle feed for our farmers are just a couple of the many activities with which Free­ masonry and Masonicare are helping those in need and, hopefully, aid in building a better future.’

Macksville District Hospital’s Acting Executive Officer/Director of Nursing Janelle Goodall said the wheelchairs would make a valued contribution to the hospital’s occupational therapy patients.

‘The wheelchairs are a wonderful, practical and much-needed donation to our health campus’ Ms Goodall said.

‘They are essential in the rehabilitation of patients who have limited mobility due to falls, injuries or illness, and now we

RW Bro Andrew Fraser MP DGM and Members of Lodge Nambucca present the five new wheelchairs to Macksville Hospital representatives.

have five brand new chairs to help with demand.’

The wheelchairs are easily identifiable with the hospital’s name, ‘Masonicare’ and ‘Freemasons NSW/ACT’ emblazoned across the back. The branding will also help the hospital retain its wheelchair stocks.

‘There is a demand for wheelchairs by patients at most hospitals, and Macksville is no different,’ Ms Goodall said.

‘The Freemasons generosity is greatly appreciated, not only because it provides our hospital with equipment that is needed for patients, but because it gives some of our patients who experience mobility difficulties the freedom to move around and interact with other people and their environment.’

Freemason

As busy as Beecroft

interACTION

Grants How your lodge can help...

Did you know that your lodge can apply for an interACTION Grant before it embarks on a charitable fundraising activity in your local Community?

The correct procedure to get this underway is:

A cheque for $6,000 was presented by Lodge Beecroft No 359 to Northwest Disability Services in August with funds raised throughout the year by Sausage Sizzles held at Bunnings Stores.

The functions were arranged by District 25 and 25A Committees and shared by participating lodges within the district.

A matching InterAction Grant of $3,000

by Masonicare made up the donation.

Presenting the $6,000 cheque to NWDS

The cheque was presented by the WM Richard Havard to A/CEO Raelene Edwards in the presence of Mr John Legrand (Board member NWDS) and the following Lodge Beecroft members: W Bro Ross and Pat Johnson, W Bro Lance Williamson, W Bro Brian Sandercock, W Bro Ken Ryan and Bro Max White.

Scott Young Trust The Scott Young Trust was specifically set up to assist families of deceased masons, who for one reason or another find themselves in financial difficulties and requiring assistance from Masonicare.

Masonicare Charity Jewels Has your Lodge Management Committee considered making a special presentation of one of these beautiful Masonicare Charity Jewels to a deserving brother at your Install­ation meeting?

One of the jewels could even be presented to the incoming/ outgoing MCO at an appropriate time or at the festive board.

Jewels can only be purchased by the lodge and are not tax deductible in compliance with ATO ‘charity’ regulations. Funds raised from the sale of jewels go to The Benevol­ence Fund.

These Jewels make great presentations!

Contact Masonicare for more information.

www.masons.org.au

Plan to do a particular fundraising activity with the funds raised to be presented to a local charity which is registered as a Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR).

Obtain an interACTION Grant Application Form from your Regional Masonicare Manager (RMM) or download from the website: www.masonicare.org.au

Apply for the interACTION Grant, in principle, with an amount nominated.

Approved (at Board meeting).

Fundraising activity.

Cheque request sent to Masonicare along with funds raised by lodge, which will be matched, dollar for dollar, by Masonicare.

Cheque sent to your RMM or designated person for presentation at organised event.

You should allow about six weeks for the whole process, so plan accordingly!

This is how the members of your lodge can demonstrate their commitment to the lodge and the local community, not only assisting in a charitable sense but also showing Freemasonry in action.

The application process has now become more streamlined! Applications can now be emailed directly to: Angelo Sanchez Sojo at info@masonicare.org.au These requests will be dealt with by the Masonicare Board. Those charities that are eligible for an interACTION Grant must have DGR status. DGR status can be checked at www.abr.business.gov. au by entering the ABN for the nominated charity.

December 2018

37

Masonic philately

By Bro Leon Wild

Masons on the letter

An anti-masonic stamp from Nazioccupied Serbia

I used to collect stamps as a kid. My theme was Australian birds and as a keen bushwalker I liked how I could sometimes see my ‘collection’ darting through the trees.

C

ollecting is a great hobby. It can provide a welcome relief from the workaday world and you can learn a lot about a new topic. One of the most widespread hobbies even in the internet age is stamp collecting, or philately. Keen collectors learn about stamp design and even how to detect forgeries.

a fun degree with a full complement of officers, floor work and working tools.

The Philately Degree is also worked by the George Washington Masonic Stamp Club in the USA. The Degree is available to any Master Mason member of the club. As a non-member it’s fun to guess what the Working Tools may be – a magnifying glass and stamp tweezers?

Masonic philately is the study of postage stamps that are or may be associated with the Masonic Order.

The oldest masonic stamp club is the Masonic Stamp Club of New York (MSCNY), which was formed in 1934.

In the UK, the Masonic Philatelic Club was founded in 1976. They also offered the ‘Philately Degree’ for Master Masons but are currently reevaluating it.

Interestingly the UK Club has opened membership to non-masons as they realized that stamp collecting on masonic themes has a broader appeal than just to Freemasons.

The New York club classifies stamps in several ways – such as stamps issued for masonic purposes, Freemasons on stamps and stamps with a possible masonic connection or theme. The club has issued a series of books and a regular journal, The Masonic Philatelist.

Membership is informal and the Club is responsible for creating a curious side-Degree called the Master Degree of Philately, which is reportedly

A sobering sub-class of masonic stamps are those of anti-masonic propa­ ganda, issued by totalitarian states in macabre celebration of hatred.

An interesting Australian connection is that there once was a lodge founded solely around the hobby – Lodge Philatelic No 552, consecrated in

1944 under the United Grand Lodge of Victoria. Sadly it is no longer existent, but I’ll close with their words: ‘What has Freemasonry to do with philately? Much in many ways. Silent communication, information and service are ideals of the Craft closely related to the mission of the postage stamp. The liberal arts and sciences; the hidden mysteries of nature and science; the diversity of objects that decorate and adorn creation … are well illustrated by this universal symbol of communication.’

Left to right: A selection of masonic stamps – El Salvador Grand Lodge Centenary, Two stamps from St Kitts celebrating the centenary of the Mount Olive Lodge, Sri Lankan Centenary of the Freemasons Hall and one of the Isle of Man 300 Years of Freemasonry stamps

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December 2018

Freemason

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

Masonic News from NSW & ACT Post to:  The Secretary, Freemason Editorial Committee The United Grand Lodge of NSW & ACT PO Box A259, Sydney South NSW 1235

Regional roundup District 37

Masons in action Masons from District 37 presenting a cheque to Sydney Children’s Hospital

NSW S ACT

The Royal Empire Lodge No 613

Royal Empire soldiers on The Royal Empire Lodge hosted a most successful black tie winter banquet at Cellos (the grand dining room of the NSW Masonic Club) to raise money for Soldier On. Soldier On gives support to about 750 ADF contemporary veterans and their families each month, who due to mental or physical disabilities are having trouble resettling and reconnecting with their communities.

In just about every street, every town and city and every state you’ll find them – Freemasons – they walk among us.

and Freemason Robbie Burns. Fittingly, it was an all Scottish event, right down to the Haggis and the Single Malt!

But few would have any idea of what we Freemasons do.

‘This is what Freemasonry is all about,’ Lodge Eastern Suburbs’ Alex Parker, said, unable to hide his Scottish brogue.

Recently there was plenty of evidence on show at the Sydney Children’s Hospital at Randwick as Freemasons from No 37 District came together to present the Emergency Department with a cheque for $2,500.

The money was raised by the various lodges, scattered throughout Sydney’s eastern suburbs, coming together to commemorate the death of Scottish poet

www.masons.org.au

‘If we can quietly work away behind the scenes to help needy causes, and the less fortunate, then we are fulfilling our obligation to Freemasonry’.

It’s the first donation to come from No 37 District to the Sydney Children’s Hospital and, hopefully, the beginning of a long-standing and rewarding relationship.

The organisation does not give financial grants or handouts, but arranges and pays for specialist services, including psychological, counselling, and even educational support to recent ADF veterans.

Soldier On is a national, not-for-profit organisation now in its sixth year, and is run by a small group of full time staff members, and a phalanx of volunteers.

All who attended enjoyed a gourmet meal and accompanying wines, and were entertained by a pianist during dinner and a talk and powerpoint presentation by Barry Kenyon, a Soldier On representative.

A raffle and an auction were most successfully conducted for attractive prizes donated by the WM, W Bro Joe Corrigan.

December 2018

39

Regional Roundup

Masonic News from NSW & ACT Lodge Young Burrangong No 20

Higher duties Ad Lucem Sovereign Chapter No 141

Well earned recognition At the September meeting of the Ad Lucem Sovereign Chapter, Princes were present for the presentation of two Order of Merit certificates.

Ill Bro Henry Trow and Ill Bro Joe Bliss were awarded their certificates and Order of Merit jewels by the District Commander V Ill Bro John McMaster 32°.

Also in attendance was MP Bro Peter Straw, Past Sovereign Grand Commander of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite for Australia

Ill Bro Henry Trow and Ill Bro Joe Bliss with V Ill Bro John McMaster

The Order of Merit is presented to members of the A&A Rite who have contributed over and above dedication to the progress and promotion of the Order.

Visiting Princes from Armidale and New England Sovereign Chapters then joined with the Ad Lucem Princes and retired to the Refectory for an evening of Fellowship.

Armidale Chapter No 641 staged a big night in August with the presentation of two 40 year certificates.

RW Bro Ray Weston and RW Bro Norman Dare were presented with their certificates by the newly appointed DGIW for District 18, VW Bro Wayne Jones who spoke on their many years of dedication and contribution to Freemasonry in the New England, North West Region.

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December 2018

In the address to the wardens there is a phrase that states that in the absence of the WM you may succeed to higher duties, but nowhere are we told how that is to be done.

For their September meeting Lodge Young Burrangong put this into effect as the WM, W Bro Trent Jamieson was absent, somewhere in darkest Africa.

This approach is not often seen.

Armidale Chapter No 641

Long serving members

Bro Ledger and VW Bro Brian Morgan improvised a successful workaround to compensate for their absent WM.

RW Bro Weston and RW Bro Dare earned their 40 year certificates

Also in attendance was RW Bro Peter Straw who the week before had celebrated 50 years membership of the Craft and Freemasonry in general.

The DGIW said these brethren should be seen as an example of what Freemasonry can do for men and all brethren should aspire to follow their example.

Bro Peter Ledger, the Senior Warden, ran the meeting from the Senior Warden’s chair. A little creative thinking was required. The DC, W Bro Ken Donohue sat beside him while VW Bro Geoff King sat in the Master’s Chair and acted as Senior Warden and IPM during the opening ceremony. The DGIW, VW Bro Brian Morgan entered the lodge and saluted Bro Ledger from about the JW’s chair, after which he was conducted to his rightful place in the East.

The work of the evening was a talk on symbolism in the first degree which was shared by Bro Ledger and the Secretary, VW Bro Tom Preston.

When the lodge was closed Bro Ledger performed the duties of WM at the festive board.

Freemason

L–R: RW Bro Ken Bellingham, Sarah McKavanagh, Caitlyn Gulson, Bro John Dowle

Goulburn District Daylight Lodge No 1024 Lodge Leeton-Yanco No 313

Old friends re-unite

Friends from the past had a get-together when Bro David Walker was installed as the new Master of Lodge Leeton-Yanco in September.

The Grand Master’s representative was RW Bro Peter Stoneman who was the WM of Leeton-Yanco in 1992 and it was a wonderful reunion when he and his wife Elizabeth visited Leeton on this occasion.

A number of masons from David’s old lodges of Saratoga and Morning Star travelled down to support him, and his daughter Jocelyn Walker came from Sydney for the weekend.

David has held positions in three lodges but never made it into the Chair, so this was made very special with over 60 present to witness the installation.

VW Bro Whitehead presenting W Bro Walker with a commemorative book

Adding to the night was the Patent of Office given to VW Bro Roger Whitehead as the new DGIW. Both David and Roger were in Lodges Saratoga No 937 and Morning Star No 410, when Roger was Worshipful Master.

In return, VW Bro Whitehead presented W Bro Walker with a This is Your Life style story of his life and masonic career.

David has presented similar stories to over 40 masons in Lodges Saratoga and Morning Star over the last 15 years, including Roger in 2006 and 2017 so it was now his turn to have his story told.

Scholarship awarded The Grand Lodge Trustees Scholarship for 2018, valued at $1,000 was awarded to Sarah McKavanagh, a Year 12 student of the Mulwaree High School in Goulburn.

The application was submitted by the Goulburn District Daylight Lodge. In addition to the Scholarship, the Daylight Lodge gave an encouragement award of $150 to Caitlyn Gulson, another very deserving student.

The presentations were made at the final Year 12 assembly on 28 September in the presence of the State Member for Goulburn, the Mayor of Goulburn and several dignitaries as well as an audience of several hundred. RW Bro Bellingham made the presentations and was invited to speak to the assembly. This was a most successful and stimulating event.

Lodge Miguel de Cervantes No 1038

A new masonic year A crowd of 80 was present at the Sydney Masonic Centre in September to witness the Installation of Bro John Blicq as the new WM of Lodge Miguel de Cervantes.

W Bro Carlos Vazquez Hernandez performed his role as the Installing Master with credit as did the three young Master Masons who presented the Working Tools.

The presence of the Grand Master, MW Bro Derek Robson and his delegation made a big difference to the evening.

‘We hope that the new masonic year for Miguel de Cervantes will firm our bases and permit us to develop brotherly ties

www.masons.org.au

MW Bro Robson and W Bro Blicq

with lodges in our district and other areas,’ said W Bro Blicq.

December 2018

41

Regional Roundup

Masonic News from NSW & ACT

RW Bro Whitby, W Bro Prasad and VW Bro Whitby made quite the trio!

The School’s Lodge No 639

A unique ceremony The School’s Lodge had a splendid Installation Meeting on 28 August, however there was something that made the ceremony unquestionably unique.

VW Bro Peter Loxton and RW Bro Ian Cox reconnect at Lodge Wahroonga

The incoming Worshipful Master, Bro Hirendra Prasad, was installed in the Chair of King Solomon according to ancient custom by VW Bro Adam Whitby. Nothing too unusual there as Adam has installed numerous brethren and Hirendra was a progressive officer coming up from Senior Warden. However, the Representative of the Grand Master on this occasion, was none other than, the Grand Registrar RW Bro Bill Whitby PGM, Adam’s father!

It was his first experience of representing and he was warmly congratulated by VW Bro Peter Loxton, a member of the

Masonic Ensemble and a long-standing friend of Ian. It was a happy occasion for a long-time friendship.

The unique set of circumstances led to a very amusing and heartfelt welcome, and no doubt one they will long remember. It was a first for The Schools Lodge and certainly a father and son combination you don’t see too often!

The Goldfields Lodge No 40

DGIW, VW Bro Tim Keith present W Bro Dick Baxter with his 70 Years Certificate.

Lodge Wahroonga No 674

Friendship reinforced Lodge Wahroonga conducted its annual installation ceremony in September with the Grand Master represented by RW Bro Ian Cox, Grand Director of Music.

70 years for Dick Members of the Goldfields Lodge with friends and family were in force at the Peak Hill Hospital to watch the new

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December 2018

Dick joined Lodge Jersey No 204 Peak Hill NSW, in July 1948 as a young man, farmer and grazier just returned from the Second World War. He served in the RAAF 1940–45 as radio mechanic in the South Pacific with Beaufort Boomers Squadron.

He was very active in the community being involved in the Peak Hill Service Club and RSL Sub Committee, Peak Hill A&H Show, Frazer Court Retirement Village and

in recent times the Peak Hill Men’s Shed.

It was pleasing to have Dick’s sons Graham and John and their wives at the presentation.as well as the Matron and staff of the Peak Hill hospital who made a special cake for the occasion.

Dick continues to serve his lodge and community. He progressed through the offices of Lodge Jersey and became Master in June 1977, was the Secretary Treasurer for a number of years until the Lodge closed in July 2014.

Freemason

Lodge Mark Owen members present the cheque to Kids Giving Back

Lodge Mark Owen No 828

Kids benefit Lodge Mayfield Daylight No 493

Arnold reaches 80 It was a triple header for W Bro Arnold Camps in September when he was presented with his 80 Year Certificate and pin, along with a letter of congratulations from the Grand Master.

W Bro Duncan presenting W Bro Camps with his 80 Year Certificate

The presentations were made by a small group of masons when Bupa Waratah hosted a morning tea with W Bro Hector Duncan presenting the certificate, W Bro Don Catterall the Grand Master’s letter and W Bro J Neilson the 80 year pin.

Arnold was initiated into Lodge Mayfield 493 on 27 August 1938 and remains a member at the age of 101.

The Leichhardt Lodge No 133

A proud father and son VW Bro Michael Youssif could hardly control his emotions when his son John was installed as WM of The Leichhardt Lodge in September.

As a previous WM and DC, Michael was well versed in what was required of the office and was given the additional role of sponsor along with another long-time family friend, VW Bro Michael Abdenour.

www.masons.org.au

A big attendance with fraternals from District lodges as well as a large Grand Lodge delegation accompanying the Assistant Grand Master, RW Bro John Armfield, made the night more special.

The Installing Master, W Bro Harry Kariatlis, was impressive in his work as he had been during his year in office and all officers with work on the evening maintained the standard.

Lodge Mark Owen in August presented a cheque of $1,000 to the Kids Giving Back charity in Bondi.

This consisted of $500 raised at a special charity function plus $500 from the lodge general charity funds The WM, RW Bro Sam Rock, secretary, Bro Danny Marcus, treasurer, W Bro Joshua Newman and JW, Bro Vince Mesiti attended the meeting where the donation was gratefully accepted by Kids Giving Back co-founder Carole Schlessinger.

Lodge Kiama No 35

Full house Lodge Kiama 35 has had a busy program in recent months.

At the August meeting, Bro Mohammad Buquayee was initiated in the presence of the new DGIW, VW Bro Peter Cornelius, When the DGIW welcomed the new member and asked any EAF and FC to stand he was surprised when five Entered Apprentices and four Fellowcrafts rose.

The September meeting saw two of the EAF passed at Lodge Broughton with more candidates in line for Lodge Kiama.

A busy time all round in the area!

December 2018

43

Initiates

United Grand Lodge of NSW & ACT

Welcome to our new members ABDENNOUR, Brandon. . . . . . . . The Leichhardt Lodge 133 ABTAHI, Bob. . . . . . . . . The Queen’s Lodge 229 AGBESI, Derrick. . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Capitol 612 AGUANTA, Marcelo. . . . . . . Lodge Caledonia of Canberra 938 AHMEDALI, Naheed. . . . . . . . . Lodge Antiquity 1 ALBA, Christian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Parramatta City Daylight Lodge 1014 ALEGADO, Ryan. . . . . . Lodge Wagga Wagga 22 AL-KILANY, Louis. . . . . . . Lodge Germania 1036 ALWAN, Marcus. . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Hastings 69 ANASTACIO, Kevin . . . . Lodge West Epping 731 ANDREWS, Justin. . . . . . . . . Lodge Wyvern 813 AUDISHO, Roni. . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Toxteth 1052 BAHAA, Ali. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Honour 1054 BAQUAYEE, Moe. . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Kiama 35 BEACH, Richard. . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Camden 217 BENNETT, Lee. . . . Lodge Eastern Suburbs 1050 BERTRAM, Josh. . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Fitzroy 248 BOHLEKE, Konrad. . . . . . . . . . . Lodge University of Sydney 544 BOOYENS, Joshua. . . . . . . Lodge Cavanbah 231 BRAZIER, Andrew . . . . . . . Lodge Cessnock 252 BRETTONI, Daniel. . . . . . . . . Lodge Galileo 1019 BRIDGE, Jason. . . . . . . . . . Lodge Cessnock 252 BUCKLEY, Mitch . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Ethos 963 BURLING, Jade. . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Courallie 235 CALCAGNO, Andrew. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The United Lodge of Sydney 11 CALOPEDOS, Spero. . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Hellenic Arcadia 177 CHUA, Karl. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Parramatta City Daylight Lodge 1014 COWELL, Darren. . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge St George and St Andrew 7 CUTHBERTSON, Cody. . . . . Lodge Cowper 295 CVETASNOSKI, Antoni. . . . . . . . . Lodge Rudyard Kipling 143 DANDAN, Ronnie. . . . . . . . . . . . Australian Lodge of Fidelity 101 DANTES, Junie. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge The Star of Australia 200 DARWICHE, Michael. . . . The Cedars Lodge 1041 DAVIS, Blake. . . . . . . . . . . Lodge St Andrews 281 DAVIS, Shaun. . . . . . . . Lodge Richard Coley 152 DAZZI, Andrea . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Galileo 1019 DEMIR, John. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Antiquity 1 DICKERSON, Robert. . . . . . . . . Lodge Antiquity 1 DOGAN, Ender. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Horace Thompson Ryde 134 D’ORAZIO, Tibs. . . . . . . The Queen’s Lodge 229 DUNGO, Edgar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Australian Lodge of Fidelity 101

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December 2018

DUNN, Lachie. . . . . . . . Lodge Wagga Wagga 22 EBRAHIMI, Mohammad. . . . . . . . The Sir Walter Scott Lodge 123 EDWARDS, Matte. . . . . . . . . . . . . Batemans Bay Daylight Lodge 1013 EDWARDS, Gary. . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Antiquity 1 ESTRERA, Jordan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge The Star of Australia 200 FAIRBAIRN, Tristan. . . Blue Mountains Unity 118 FAROKHI, Ramez. . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge St George and St Andrew 7 FAVIS, Aristotle. . . . . . . . . . Lodge Education 814 FAWAZ, Hilal. . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Sutherland 585 FIFIELD, Izzy . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Double Bay 331 GARRATT, Rob. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Ethos 963 GARTH, Shane. . . . . Lodge Benjamin Pryor 709 GILRONAN, James. . . . . . . Lodge Toxteth 1052 HAMAOUI, Bader. . . . . . . . . . Lodge Panania 845 HASTINGS, Ian. . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Independent Lewis 592 HERMIZ, Lahib. . . . . . . . The Cedars Lodge 1041 HOANG, Paul. . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Germania 1036 HOUSTON, Chris. . . . . . . . . Lodge Courallie 235 HUTCHINSON, Zac. . . . . . Lodge Cessnock 252 IBRAHIM, Sam. . . . . . . The Sydney Lodge 1020 ILIC, Novica. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Liverpool 197 JOSEVSKI, Nathan . . . . . . . . . . Lodge St George and St Andrew 7 KAAN, Ozer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Sir Walter Scott Lodge 123 KALMANOVICH, Vladimir. . . . . Lodge Southern Cross 91 KAMINSKI, Mateusz. . . . . . . . . . . . The Sir Walter Scott Lodge 123 KELLY, Billy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Ethos 963 KLEINE, Phil. . . . Lodge Gowrie of Canberra 715 LAING, Joshua . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Como 738 LIEBERMANN, Mendy. . . . . . . . . . . The Lodge of Tranquillity 42 LOUDJANI, Omar. . . . Lodge Southern Cross 91 MACCOLL, Murray. . . . . . . . . . Lodge Wyvern 813 McKENZIE, Matt . . . . . Lodge Warragamba 541 McKNIGHT, Shaun. . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Sir James Hardy 1046 MECSACI, Adam . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Panania 845 MERCADO, Paolo . . . . . Lodge Commonwealth of Australia 633 MISKI, Mohamad. . . . . . . . . Lodge Liverpool 197 MOORE, Llywellyn. . . . Lodge Wagga Wagga 22 MORES, Salvador. . . . . The Goldfields Lodge 40 ONG, Werner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Kiama 35 PACHECO, Patch. . . . . . . . . Lodge Liverpool 197 PARAGAS, Ray. . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Dubbo 906 PEARSON, Stuart . . . . . . . . Lodge Kirrawee 903

PELLEGRINO, Sam. . . . . . . . Lodge Galileo 1019 PETERS, Ben. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Scone 183 PETRIDIS, Chris. . . . . . . . . . . . Balmain Lodge 23 PLENZICH, Vince. . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Trinity 666 PORTERS, Andrew. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge United St Andrew Singleton 34 POSTIGLIONE, Giovanni. . . Lodge Galileo 1019 POULTEN, Taren. . . . . . . . . . Lodge Tomaree 878 PRASAD, Avi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Alpha 970 PUENTE, Gino. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge The Star of Australia 200 PURCELL, Daniel. . . . . . . Lodge St Andrews 281 QUADRIO, Raeginn. . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Zetland of Australia 9 QUINLIVAN, Derrick. . . . . . . Lodge Galileo 1019 RAE, Jace. . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Ballina United 112 RAMDIN, Kavi. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Balmain Lodge 23 RAY, Ian. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Greater Taree 66 ROSA, Aidan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge University of Sydney 544 RUTTLE, Daniel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Wyong Tuggerah Lakes 247 SADEQ, Mohammad . . . . . . . Lodge Axiom 1047 SALMAN, Solomon. . . . . . . . . . . . . The Sir Walter Scott Lodge 123 SAOUMA, Andrew. . . . . The Cedars Lodge 1041 SAXTON, Joshua. . . . . . . . Lodge Cavanbah 231 SHARMA, Sam. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Alpha 970 SMALL, Leonard. . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Eltham 272 SMITH, Robert. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Caledonia of Canberra 938 STRAK, Jan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge St David and St John 180 TABOR, Chris. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Kiama 35 TAYLOR, Damien. . . . . . . . . . Lodge Camden 217 THORPE, Henry. . . . . . . . . . . . The Central Coast Lodge 2001 TOLENTINO, Jamie. . . . . . . . . . Australian Lodge of Fidelity 101 TOLLEY, Dan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Como 738 TRINE, Jasfer. . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Merrylands 479 TSANIDIS, Nick. . . . . . . . . . Lodge Woronora 414 TULIO, Jacques . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wallis Plains 4 TURNER, Stuart. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Canoblas Lewis 806 URBIZTONDO, Luis. . . . Lodge Wagga Wagga 22 WALKER, Kyle. . . . . . . . . . Lodge Enterprise 400 WELCH, Alfie. . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Enterprise 400 WILLIAMS, Dane. . . . . . Lodge Commonwealth of Australia 633 WOODWARD, Aaron. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bundaleeah Daylight Lodge 992 ZAFAR, Zaf. . . . . . . . . . . The Sydney Lodge 1020

Freemason

v50 n4 December 2018

INVICTUS GAMES R CHIVALRY R LODGE INDUS IS FORMED

GRAND INSTALLATION R FIERCE FAUNA R STROKE RECOGNITION

v50 n3 September 2018

v50 n2 June 2018

MASONIC OBLIGATIONS R HAPPY BIRTHDAY FREEMASON R SIR ASHER JOEL

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Pape Developments

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Phuoc Vo

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International Order of the Rainbow for Girls NSW & SA

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Rembrandt

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United Supreme Grand Chapter of Mark and Royal Arch Masons of NSW & ACT

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Across

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1 A noble order of architecture is buried histrionically (5) 3 Teenager leads in extremes back in Rome with a quiver (6) 8 Odd hen hunter lost one ordinal number (9) 10 Heart attack on this planet (5) 11 Royal Australian Regiment leaders (3) 12 Difficulty with testing in the surroundings (7) 14 International radio code for Academy of Motion Pictures award (5) 15 Recline awkwardly where the fisherman might put the catch (2, 5) 17 Strange moans distinguish a brother (5) 19 The upwind evens out just warm (5) 20 Be awake as we leave in order to find a valley in Lebanon (5) 22 Ban hammers and chisels etc. from a row of icons (7) 23 Most thready characters are all set (5) 24 Large size apron fitted to a woman with a high singing voice (7) 26 Expressive of negation in hypnotism (3) 27 Some defraud IOU’s we hear (5) 28 Devine lad removed from active service due to disability (9) 30 Antelope the French chew up (6) 31 Evens out number wise (5)

1 How 4 down crossed 7 down (2, 7, 5) 2 Knit cardigan for a dog (5) 3 Little Edward dried grass for hay (3) 4 I heap merits covertly on this old Hebrew tribe (11) 5 So Rouen gets upset and now finds it burdensome (7) 6 Where the Master has designs laid on strange cobra trading (7, 5) 7 Horrid Raj event depicted by south West Asian flower (3, 5, 6) 9 Quite a broad section is displayed on these (12) 13 Nationality of Jephthah who changed his idle gait (11) 16 Caretaker concealed a letter from Greece (3) 18 Much fuss on 2nd May, 1st December and 2nd November is about nothing (3) 21 The answer to this in an informal letter and the essence of the speech (7) 25 Slippery slopes for some Europeans (5) 29 To strive for superiority is oddly veiled (3)

December 2018

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Service Certificates

United Grand Lodge of NSW & ACT

Congratulations to our masons

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YEARS SERVICE

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YEARS SERVICE

CHAPMAN, Ronald . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Rudyard Kipling 143 DINNIE, William. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Frenchs Forest United 249 MOORE, Frederick. . . . . . . . . Lodge Epping 390 SMITH, Lindsay. . . . . . . . . . Lodge Thespian 256 STRACEY, Ronald. . . . . . Lodge Kensington 270 VERRELL, William. . . . . . . Lodge Celebration of Fairfield 345 WEBB, John. . . . . . . . . . . Lodge William Ross 76

ALLEN, Latimer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Farrer 93 BURKE, Leon. . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Macquarie 53 CAMPBELL, Alistair. . . . . . . . . Lodge Milton 63 COOMBER, Darrell. . . . Lodge Emu Plains 860 CRAWFORD, Lester. . . . . . . . . . Lodge Southern Cross 91 DAVEY, Robert. . . . . . . . The Goulburn Lodge of Australia 58 FOSTER, James. . . Lodge Carlton Kogarah 305 FOSTER, Kevin. . . . . . . Lodge Warragamba 541 HARRISON, John . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Westlake Daylight 997 HENNESSY, Ernest. . . . . . Lodge Macquarie 53

Comedy corner Bits and pieces

No wonder teenagers are getting confused… half the parents are telling them to find themselves and the other half are telling them to get lost!

An egotist has one point in his favour – he doesn’t go round talking about other people!

46

December 2018

HENRY, Maxwell. . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge KempseyMacleay 203 HOLLAND, Brian. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge St David & St John 180 MACKENZIE, Roderick. . . . . . . Lodge Southern Cross 91 MAWBEY, Barry. . . . . . . . . Lodge Macquarie 53 MCALPINE, Ross. . . . . . . . . Lodge Thespian 256 MOON, Donald. . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Toukley 933 MURRAY, Bruce . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Westlake Daylight 997 OATES, Ronald. . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Gymea 796 PIGGOTT, Anthony. . . . . Lodge Castlereagh 72 PIGOTT, Kenneth. . . . . . Lodge Narromine 236 PULLING, Norman. . . Lodge Souther Cross 91 ROBINSON, Raymond . . . . . . . . . Lodge United St Andrew Singleton 34 SEAGLOVE, Victor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . North Shore Dayligt Lodge 1044 WALKER, John. . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Pacific 298 WHEELER, James. . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Northern Rivers Lodge 77

50

YEARS SERVICE

BLACKWOOD, Ronald. . . . . . . . Lodge Southern Cross 91 BRAMBLE, Lex. . . . . . . . . . Lodge Macquarie 53 CRANE, Leonard. . . . Lodge Southern Cross 91

DAVEY, Arthur. . . . . . . . The Goulburn Lodge of Austtralia 58 DISMORR, Dennis . . . Lodge Morning Star 410 HARRIS, Peter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Milton 63 HILL, Robert. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Wyvern 813 HULL, Rowle. . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Cavanbah 231 JARMAN, Leslie. . . . . . . . . . Lodge Armidale 641 JONES, Robert. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Yass Lodge of Concord 27 KEMPTON, Ronald. . . . . . . . . . . . The Glen Innes Lodge 44 MARTIN, Alexander. . . . . . . . . Lodge Guyra 325 MCPHAN, David. . . . . Lodge Wyong Tuggerah Lakes 247 MOORE, Allan . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Dubbo 906 PARTRIDGE, Ross. . . . . . . . . Lodge Bundaleeah Daylight 992 ROGAN, Graeme. . . . . . . . . . Lodge Barwon 208 SKINNER, James. . . . . . . . . Lodge Warialda 257 TALBOTT, Robert. . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Southern Cross 91 TAYLOR, Robert . . . . . . Lodge West Epping 731 TODD, Ian. . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Jams Kibble 985 TURNBULL, Philip. . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Milton 63 WENIGER, James. . . . . Lodge West Epping 731 WILLMAN, Ronald. . . . . . . . Lodge Foster Great Lakes United 994 WYTHES, Ellis . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Sylvania 853

Dieting is just mind over platter – and it’s easier these days – just eat what you can afford to buy!

A folk singer is a person who gets rich singing about how wonderful it is to be poor.

Vegetarian – Someone who is nice to meat.

You speak of love, tenderness and passion... but real ecstasy is when you discover you haven’t lost your keys after all!

Hypochondriac – A singer of popular maladies.

Middle age is when your narrow waist and broad mind begin to change places.

Definition of fixed income – That’s the income left after the car is fixed, the TV is fixed, your teeth are fixed and the plumbing is fixed!

It’s when you’re safe at home that you wish you were having an adventure and when you’re having an adventure is when you wish you were safe at home!

Did you hear about the new book on corns which consists of nothing but foot notes?

Or about the politicians dance? It’s two steps forward, one step backwards and then sidestep!

Or the confused owl that kept asking ‘Why’, ‘Why’?

Freemason

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He also advises on serious and complex court matters.

Dr. Accoto has a degree in law, and a doctorate in business (leadership).

He has advised government, corporates and other lawyers.

Dr. Dion Christopher Accoto LL.B. GCLP. DBL. Legal Counsel and Corporate Advisor

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’Tis the season to be...giving!

At RFBI we are very grateful for your continued support so that we can help people in need. We also thank all of our valued RFBI Volunteers who have given the gift of their time to help us create a great experience for our residents.

Our volunteers are an essential part of our Village life and support our work in a variety of ways, all of which make an enormous difference to our residents.

From all of us at RFBI we If you want to become an RFBI wish you a Volunteer and give the gift of your safe and Merry time this festive season, please call Christmas.

Frank Price, CEO on 02 8031 3200 or email ceo@rfbi.com.au

2018 Freemason mag Volunteer Xmas ad.indd 1

7/11/2018 12:03:23 PM

Photographs © Commonwealth of Australia 2018