Freemason NSW & ACT – December 2019

GM RE-INSTALLED R HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEMOLAY R THE HISTORY OF THE AFL

v51 n4 December 2019

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect

truth Brotherly love and

– GM’s Christmas Message

Contents

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

10 24

15

20

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 Richard Dawes, W Bro Stephen Dally, W Bro Steve Lourey, Bro Simon Pierce and Lynne Clay Design & Production: Bro Simon Pierce, Megan Baumann and Pam Gill

26 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Editorial 3 Quarterly Communication

4

Farewell to our Editor

5

Re-installation 6 GM’s Christmas message

7

Non-ritual duties

8

The past 150 years

10

From the Grand Chaplains

14

A white Christmas

15

Letters to the Editor

16

The oldest chair

18

RFBI wins Award

19

A trip on the Ghan

20

What’s on

21

Rise of the Phoenix

24

• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

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

90 years of Rainbow Girls

25

Football history

26

Masonicare 30 An Aussie Quiz

32

Teaching the eager

32

Questions and answers

33

Virtues and sins

34

A Lewis’ tale

36

Nursery Rhymes

37

Saving a brother

38

Regional Roundup

39

Initiates 44

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

Crossword 45

Printed by Ovato

Service Certificates

Distributed to all NSW & ACT brethren and sister Grand Lodges in Australia and Worldwide.

46

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

EDITORIAL POLICY

COVER IMAGE:

O

The Grand Master, MW Bro Derek Robson AM

Aims of the Freemason magazine

2

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

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

R To provide a forum for discussion on masonic issues.

R To publicise the charitable works of Free­masonry.

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

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

December 2019

ISSN 1836-0475 or ISSN 1836-0513 (Online) Print Post Approved 100007316 © 2019 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.

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect Freemason

Editorial

By RW Bro Ted Simmons OAM

Endings and beginnings In the months of December and January we celebrate the end of one year and the start of another. We may solve some problems and we may receive new problems. But overall it is a time for being happy, of renewing friendships, of making new friends and looking ahead to better times!

T

o our many readers, the Freemason offers its best wishes and hopes that the New Year will bring good health and happiness. I commend the following words to your careful consideration.

On the way to a meeting recently, I saw a house with a wall built around it and I thought good masons don’t build walls or fences. Our work is not to separate or divide people.

The original settlers never built fences or walls. They were welcoming and open and believed in sharing.

We don’t build walls – we build bridges. They connect and make communication easier. Walls obstruct and divide. So we work on bridges of understanding, connecting people by brotherhood. We construct passageways of

VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER R EDWARD LARKIN R FEMALE FREEMASONS

SILENT FLEMING R WHEN THE GUNS FELL COMMUNITY RADIO R ALEXANDER

v51 n2 June 2019

www.masons.org.au v51 n4 Decem

TALLED GM RE-INS

BIRTH R HAPPY

DAY DEMO

HISTO LAY R THE

RY OF THE

ber 2019

AFL

SUPPORTING THE

RSPCA R WHO’S ON FIRST?

R MENTORING FOR THE MASSES

– Respect – Loyalty Integrity

v51 n3 September

2019

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect

Bee Busy as a

Travels in

Jordan

friendship between persons who may differ in language or race.

People, like islands, need bridges – a way to cross over, speak, reach, see over all that space that separates us. So if I wait, you wait, everyone waits – when I don’t start, you don’t start. The only real action takes place on the bridge between people.

What does change is the amount of your involvement – your awareness, understanding and growth. And growth is only a deepening of what passes between you and me – what passes on the bridge.

Your world, your home, your life and your lodge consists of two types of people – pillars and caterpillars.

The pillars hold and support, the caterpillars crawl in and out at odd times.

Which is your type?

v51 n1 March 2019

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect

We don’t build walls – we build bridges.

No action, nobody arrives, no builders. The world stays the same in one way – the same hopes, the same challenges, the same tragedies, the same fears and victories.

Get your own!

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?

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.

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One regular

love and Brotherly

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the moon

December 2019

3

Quarterly Communication

SEPTEMBER COMMUNICATION The Grand Master, MW Bro Derek Robson AM, in welcoming members and visitors to the September Quarterly Communication and Proclamation said that ‘This night effectively completes yet another masonic year – and it has been a good year.’

W

ith the Board of Management, and the Grand Master’s Task Team working together, we have met our challenges full on and, through our lodges, we have made some fabulously strong connections with our local communities.

By now, most of you will realise that we are well down the track to changing

OUR NEXT

COMMUNICATION The Grand Lodge Quarterly Communication will be held at the Sydney Masonic Centre on Wednesday 11 December 2019 starting 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 to attend as observers.

A live video stream of the Communication will be shown at a number of regional Masonic Centres.

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our attitude towards many of the traditional ways we have been gifted with.

I look forward to our working together to progress these efforts, so that we can make real gains from many of the related programs we have already commenced, and for which we should soon start seeing some very real and tangible benefits.

Freemasonry is alive, it is exciting, and it is waiting for us to appreciate all that it has to offer.

I appreciate that we are streaming tonight’s proceedings to a wider audience across the jurisdiction and for those of you who might be witnessing your first Quarterly Communication, I trust you will appreciate the wonderful efforts of the Ceremonial Team as they perambulate around this magnificent Lodge Room No 1.

Tonight is of course all about you.

Tonight, we finally get to see all those friends and colleagues whom you have chosen to elect to a particular office actually stand on the floor of Grand Lodge and be invested into those Offices. There is no doubt that we have some particularly talented masons before us and there is no doubt that they will all collectively bring with them a renewed and vibrant attitude to the tasks that we will ask of them.

As I said at the start, Freemasonry is alive, it is exciting, and we are all waiting

to see just what our new Office holders have to offer.

I again thank all those long serving masons who are stepping aside tonight.

I specifically acknowledge the great service freely given to this Grand Lodge by our outgoing Regional Grand Counsellors. How wonderful it is that they so selflessly serve our Craft.

Thank you all.

I am also most grateful to those who put themselves forward to be considered for positions on the Board of Management. Tonight, marks the commencement of their service and, you will note that this is clearly a much younger Board. With their enthusiasm, we will continue our focus on stability and growth, and with us all operating with Integrity, Loyalty and Respect, retention will continue to improve.

Tonight I am pleased to announce the results of this year’s Grand Master’s Literary Competition. First Prize is awarded to W Bro David Maysom of Lodge Edinburgh St John No 38, with second prize being awarded to W Bro James Ellis of Lodge Cooma Monaro No 164.

I am also pleased to announce that the Royal Empire Lodge and Lodge Ethos of Canberra have inaugurated the NSW and ACT Annual Charge Competition. The purpose of this event is to acknowledge the best First-Degree charges delivered by our brethren and to further encourage others to take the same level of pride in their delivery of the charges. This will be a competition, probably starting with the Working Tools, and it will be scored on delivery, accuracy, enjoyment and message conveyance. Clearly it is hoped that the

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect Freemason

Farewell to our Editor long-term result will be to improve the standard of our delivery, with a sincere and accurate message being delivered to our brethren to keep them engaged and interested. I commend this activity to you and congratulate both lodges for their recognition that the importance of Ritual and Education when we are seeking to retain engagement of our members and hence improve upon our retention, can never be underestimated.

I thank the Worshipful Masters of these lodges, W Bros Tom Hitchcock and Simon van Holland, for their imaginative approach. Well done brethren.

I have attended a number of significant meetings in the past few weeks, the highlights include: The 160th Anniversary meeting of Lodge Balmain at Laurelbank, the Installation at Lodge Merrylands, the Knights Templar Grand Installation at Campbelltown, the consecration of the Blacktown Phoenix Chapter of the Order of DeMolay for Australia, the Installation at Lodge Honour, the 131st Anniversary Carrington Dinner, the Freemasons Association AGM, the Yass Lodge of Concord Installation, a 70th Service Award presentation at Lodge Cronulla, the Installation at Lodge Canberra Unity, and the Battle for Australia Dinner at the NSW Masonic Club.

I thank those involved for their very kind hospitality and I trust they will put their minds to improving the delivery of the Freemasonry experience, and so contribute to improving our retention situation.

It takes a brave act in outback Bourke to highlight a need for us all to appreciate that resuscitation techniques, and other related Men’s Health issues, could be included in the educative program within every lodge, and I will ask that the Board of Management take this issue for action at its earliest opportunity.

I regularly ask you to keep watch over each other. Look for signs of difficulty and loneliness and keep your Masonicare Caring Officer informed when a Brother, or his family, and/or his widow, needs any assistance or perhaps a simple watching brief. We owe it to each other and we owe it to our Obligation.

It is also appropriate at this time that I proudly acknowledge the presence of our Past Grand Masters. The presence of

www.masons.org.au

With their enthusiasm, we will continue our focus on stability and growth...

our Past Grand Masters, the backbone of our Freemasonry for so many decades, gives us all the confidence to aspire to assisting Freemasonry and ourselves to the highest achievement. On your behalf, I congratulate each of our Past Grand Masters and trust that with good health, they will continue to guide and strengthen us in our efforts to enhance the experience of Craft membership.

To the Grand Charity, and Masonicare has decided to continue with the sale of its BBQ aprons, and the blue velvet Masonicare ‘donation’ bags. The aprons have been a wonderful source of funds, and the stylish but discreet bags are very convenient for the collection of alms or donations within lodge or at your festive boards. Details of both products will be on the Masonicare website.

The DGIW/District Masonicare Representative Manual is undergoing an update and re-write. When completed, this handy Manual will provide the user with detailed information about the workings of the Grand Charity including how to apply for a Grant, either a dollar for dollar matching InterAction Grant or a Benevolence Grant. I ask that you always have your Grand Charity in mind.

Brethren, to all out there in the streaming centres, we wish you well. To the Mobile Masons holding their annual gathering at Narromine, thank you for taking the time to travel across to the Dubbo meeting tonight, your commitment is always appreciated.

And finally, may I thank you again for your attendance tonight and I trust you will now look forward to our Re-Installation Ceremony where we will welcome our newly elected and appointed Grand Lodge Officers, for the coming year.

By RW Bro Richard Dawes

End of

an era

After thirty years as Editor of Freemason magazine, RW Bro Ted Simmons, OAM, PDGM, is stepping down, but not out!

T

ed will occupy the role of ‘Editor Emeritus’ and will remain a member of the Publication Committee.

Ted has steered Freemason through tumultuous times and the reign of 14 Grand Masters. During the past ten years the magazine has changed in the following ways:

R The balance between purely masonic copy and material that reaches a wider audience, has moved toward the latter. This has increased the readership of Freemason and its appeal to advertisers.

R The quality of the articles has improved under the gentle guidance of the editor.

R The reputation of Freemason has improved in the eyes of the magazines published by sister constitutions, as evidenced by the messages of international admiration.

R Contributions from the brethren – especially for Regional Roundup – have increased in number and in quality.

Ted’s 75 years of experience as a journalist are too valuable to discard entirely and the Publication Committee will welcome his future advice; and attempt to emulate his high standards.

All who know Ted will wish him many years of ‘retirement’ as he bathes in the golden glow of the approbation of the brethren!

December 2019

5

Re-installation

By RW Bro Ted Simmons OAM

Grand Master re-installed The Grand Master, MW Bro Derek Robson, in welcoming members and distinguished guests, said the night effectively marked the end of the first year of his term of Office and it was an absolute honour for him to stand here again ready to serve another Masonic Year.

‘T

his has been an interesting and very productive year,’ he said. ‘At the Grand Installation in the Sydney Town Hall on 4 August 2019, and in front of the combined strength of our Australian and New Zealand Grand Lodges, I acknowledged that what we have right now is not ours to squander, but that now was the time to consolidate with what we have, and to start working toward providing for the future, with programs and thought processes which will ensure tomorrow’s Freemasonry. And I did more than that:

R I promised that through structured strategies, we would make a positive difference; R I promised that we would introduce programs to meet today’s priorities; R I promised to renew our interest, to open our doors to allow more generational interests, to better accommodate the views of our younger and contemporary members while also respecting our longer serving members, and to build better connectors between all of us; and R I promised to commit all of our assets toward the membership challenge.

I spoke of the interrelated and interconnected issues relating to buildings and their brand power, community activity and our openness, timely meeting practices to provide an enjoyable and memorable experience, interesting programs combining both education and ritual, charity and our promise to assist all in need, membership recruitment, retention and renewal and the obvious benefits that strength will offer, and importantly, I promised that all of these issues would be addressed.

Today, I can report that through the magnificent efforts of the Grand Master’s

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Task Team working closely with the Chairman of the Board of Management, we have already introduced many directional programs and thought processes which collectively will resolve the majority of our identified issues.

of supporting, nurturing, educating, mediating and growing the lodge. Shortly we will finalise contemporary courses for the Lodge Secretaries and Treasurers, and then other Lodge Officers will also benefit from our attention.

We have met these challenges full on.

The importance of a varied lodge program, where there is a healthy mix of Ritual and Educative work is important to maintaining the expectation of our generational membership. Accordingly, I am encouraging the appointment of District Education Officers who can work closely with the lodges and the DGIWs to promote this concept. I will shortly ask the Board of Managerment to reintroduce the old Members Board Time Management Program where lodge meetings effectively need to be planned and mapped out at the Lodge Management Meeting and Rehearsal night, so that the meeting itself moves steadily through the business of the evening, and then, along with a similarly constructed and managed South, the whole evening is efficiently conducted and members are left with a pleasant feeling of fulfilment, having enjoyed a wonderful and uplifting experience.

We have recognised that masonic buildings were built in the past for masonic activity, while in today’s society these buildings need to be made attractive to commercial and community use, so that the cost of their maintenance and upkeep can be assured. To assist in this process, we have introduced a new financial strategy which will provide a resource to those centres which have been identified as needing structural work to satisfy local Council Ordinances, and interior improvements to kitchens, bathrooms, floors, windows and security, all necessary if we are to attract casual tenants.

Brethren, it took only 12 hours to finalise the way ahead for an improved Narromine Centre, a similar timeframe was needed to provide for a revitalised West Wyalong Centre, the LED Square and Compass Logo mounted on the Guyra Centre is now regularly mentioned on the truckies’ radio network as a rallying point, and other Centres have similarly benefitted. The importance of buildings, their position in their local community, and the drawcard they offer in the streetscape is the first and most obvious step in improving upon our brand in that particular community.

The new and improved Mentor’s Course has been widely accepted. It is necessary that every new candidate has a Mentor, but these newly trained Mentors are also outfitted to support the whole lodge. If the lodge is to truly grow, it needs to use its Mentors for every aspect

The Grand Charity is undoubtedly a major asset in furthering our involvement with our local communities.

With a healthy mix of benevolence and Interaction Grants where both masons and the community genuinely work together to promote the understanding of each others needs, and then us genuinely following-up our involvement in these areas, this will always be to our benefit.

Moving to membership recruitment, renewal and retention, I can report that with my Leadership and Management Teams already promoting positive

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect Freemason

GM’s message inroads into these areas, we have made a positive difference to our retention percentages, and there is much more to come on this front.

In all of the above issues, brethren, the most important aspect is Commun­ ication. We must ensure that through the Freemason magazine, the Grand Master’s Newsletter, the Grand Lodge Facebook page, and other means, we are all kept informed of exactly where the Craft is at, and how we can be involved in its progression. We must take steps to upgrade our tired old Gestetner produced Notice Papers if we are to enlighten and attract the brethren. A simple computer generated modern looking Notice Paper with the Grand Master’s Newsletter as an insert will be a first step to keeping us informed of the range of activity available to us. The importance of keeping our email detail held in Grand Lodge up-todate so that we can receive early notifications is also most important. At the moment over 500 emails are returned every time there is a message sent from the Grand Secretariat, and we can correct this by simply visiting and correcting our own detail on the website. And of course, please don’t forget that there is a tremendous amount of information avail­able to all of us on our Grand Lodge Website.

Brethren, there is always much to do.

With your assistance and our perseverence, we will make further inroads and difference in the coming weeks. I look forward to working with our incoming Board of Management and its healthy mix of experience, vitality and enthusiasm. Our new RGCs, and the experienced DGIWs, will continue to represent

The GM’s Christmas message As Freemasons, we strive to live by the fundamental principles of brotherly love and truth. We promote self-development, charity, community service, and importantly, we encourage and support ourselves as individuals.

Our lodges, with assistance from the Grand Charity, have regularly supported worthwhile charities and offered a helping hand in our community, and they have always assisted our brethren in need.

It can easily be seen that whatever we have achieved, we have made a significant contribution to our well-being and also to our society. It has been a good year, and it has been exciting.

As we now approach the end of the year, and the Christmas period, we are given further purpose.

This is now the time for us all to reflect on our achievements, and to take a break.

It is time for us to spend time with our families and show them how much we

our interests in the field. Our Grand Officers will continue to provide the backbone of our administration in the Grand Secretariat, and similarly, our highly talented Ceremonial Team will continue to extol the virtues of a

have appreciated them allowing us to commit to our masonic agenda. Brethren, there is no way we could have reached this level of achievement without the direct support of our families, so take time for them, recharge your energies, and enjoy their company.

Please remember all those in less fortunate situations, those who are not in the best of health, those whose futures are less certain, those who are no longer with us, and of course, their widows and family.

Christmas is a special time for caring, and particularly so as we are all of one company.

It has been an honour to share in your good fortune this year, and in thanking you for the wonderful hospitality we have been shown during the past year, Gael and I also wish you all the very best for the festive season – and beyond.

principled and disciplined examplar, which is ever the aim of Freemasonry.

Ladies, gentlemen and brethren, as I said earlier in the Grand Commun­ication, Freemasonry is alive and it is exciting, and I am honoured to be a part of it.’

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December 2019

F OF 0* % 2 20 20 IN 7

Non-ritual duties

Get to know your

other roles

JUNIOR WARDEN R

Many brethren accept office without knowing what is expected of them outside the actual ritual duties attached to the office.

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he result is that frequently they either do not perform those duties or try to ‘pass the ball’ to another Officer! In one lodge the appropriate portions of the attached lists are pasted into the back of ritual books which are presented to the Officers-elect before they make a final commitment. Naturally minor amendments will need to be made to suit individual lodges, but the concept is applicable to all lodges. Why not try it? It may excite your Officers to improved performance.

Note: Your duty is NOT to physically do all of these tasks but to manage a team of your choosing to do the actual work. However, the responsibility is yours.

T

TYLER

DIRECTOR OF MUSIC

INNER GUARD R

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SENIOR WARDEN R

SECRETARY

R R

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December 2019

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Integrity – Loyalty – Respect Freemason

DIRECTOR OF CEREMONIES

MEMBERSHIP OFFICER

JUNIOR DEACON R

R R

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CHAPLAIN

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December 2019

9

The past 150 years

By VW Bro Dr Graeme Gwilliam

Did we get it right?

We know that Masonry came to the colony of Sydney Town with the military attendants attached to the First Fleet, and there are records of Masonry being established in regions outside of Sydney Town less than 100 years after the establishment of that colony.

T

hat was about 150 years ago, and in that time there have been some changes that have influenced this world in which we now live.

Whilst it was not known at the time, 1867 was well towards the end of the ‘horse-drawn era’ when the principal form of transport was provided by horses; venturing into the streets could be a health hazard in more ways than one, and the construction of the 4-stroke internal combustion engine motor car was attributed to the German

engineers Benz, Maybach and Daimler about 20 years later in 1885.

Thus it was that to attend his masonic lodge meeting a brother would travel to his meeting room in a suitable sulky or carriage drawn by his faithful horse ‘Dobbin’.

This was a period in which human values changed....

Horse-drawn vehicles crowd George Street, Sydney circa 1885–90.

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December 2019

We know that our 24 inch gauge has been around for a very long time, however the flexible tape measure is believed to have been developed about 1860. Our food aficionados will wonder in delight, knowing that our own Arnott’s Biscuits started business on 1867, Coca Cola was formulated in 1886, (but not as we know it to-day), journalists will smile to know that ballpoint pens were patented in 1888, and the first electric elevator was installed in New York City in 1889.

On the domestic scene, the ladies will be surprised to know that their electric flat irons for smoothing clothing came into existence in 1882. From drawings of the product it is doubtful if it would pass our current OH&S electrical safety standards.

Other than Icarus of Greek mythology, early gliding by man, in Europe, was done by the Frenchman Gaston Biot in 1879, and German flyer Otto Lilienthal in 1889. In Australia our own Lawrence Hargrave did some marvellous things flying box kites from Stanwell Park, NSW in 1894. He is recorded as being a Freemason, who resided at nearby Coalcliff, NSW.

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect Freemason

All of this work then stimulated the Wright Brothers to create the first powered flying machine in December, 1903 which, at Kittyhawk, NC, over 100 years ago carried one man a distance of 120 feet (35 metres) in an engine powered aircraft flying for 12 seconds. This is about 10 km/hour, (compared to an Olympic sprinter travelling at close to 40km/hour).

A far cry from the 750 or more seat international airliners of to-day, which can fly continuously for more than 16 hours at greater than 350 km/hour.

Very soon after that we had the great London to Paris Air Race of 1910, recorded somewhat comically, in the film ‘Those Magnificent Men in their Flying Machines’.

Madame Curie, a lady from Poland, working in Paris, made some very interesting discoveries with the element uranium in 1898. From the work by Madame Curie, Neils Bohr, in 1902 postulated a graphic design of the atom which to-day we regularly see on television when we watch Channel Nine Australian network. It was not until many years later that this model was verified as being possibly close to reality, however this is speculation as neither I, nor anyone else, has ever seen an atom dissected.

The second 50 year block of time saw some horrific worldwide warfare, with European internment camps and the Holocaust, coming to an end in the Pacific region when, from the work started by Madame Curie, two atomic bombs, ‘Little Boy’ and ‘Fat Man’ devastated the Japanese cities of Hiroshima

and Nagasaki. That same atomic energy remains a contentious subject even now, as we use nuclear material for generating electricity and medical isotopes, and yet we do not know how to safely dispose of many of the waste products.

This was a period in which human values changed, and in some ways we are still struggling with those changes today.

Starting in 1939, as part of the European war effort in Britain, a group of scientists, engineers and mathematicians

...we are still here doing what we believe...

Lawrence Hargrave, a Freemason, appeared on the $20 note from 1966–94, commemorating his aeronautical research

working in Bletchley Park, UK, built the first digital processing computer (‘A Thinking Machine’) called Colossus, and this was the subject of another film The Imitation Game, featuring the work of Alan Turin.

Approaching the third 50 year block, in 1947, working in the Bell Laboratories in America, William Shockley created the first germanium transistor. Transistors took some time to reach commercial production, and in 1957, as a student at UNSW in Sydney, I recall an engineering lecturer standing in front of our class holding up a 5mm diameter object which had three wires coming from it, and announcing ‘…this is our first transistor.

You students will not get to play with it because we know you will blow it up’.

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December 2019

11

The past 150 years

A Colossus being operated by ‘Wrens’ (Women’s Royal Naval Service) in 1943.

The transistor, possibly more than any other development of science in these 150 years, has changed the world in which we live. The use of this device in electronics has created the vast communications systems we now have, allowing satellites and rockets to be controlled from the surface of the earth, seeing an event as it happens from any location on the earth on a screen in your own home, and even allowing you to keep track of your pizza order being delivered to your front door.

All of these innovations have had a lasting impact on our society. Masonry, in part, reflects society, and our members are very often contributors to that society, hopefully influencing it for the better.

Within our organisation we should always remain aware of the values, and attitudes, that society maintains from time to time.

Continuing our evolution of technology into the future, a major device of interest to many today, using GPS and other systems, is the driverless motor car which will follow a passenger’s spoken instruction. Just get in the car and tell it where you want to go. These cars are not yet on the roads in Australia, and recent experiences in California have resulted in them being suspended from road use there at the moment.

Casting our mind back 150 years, we can see our brother, following a most enjoyable evening of masonic hospitality, and, at the time, possibly a little the worse from the popular liquid beverages provided, staggering to his horse and sulky to be driven home.

And I can visualise 150 years ago, when our brother, having reached his sulky, climbed aboard and said in a loud voice ‘Dobbin, take me home’.

The first transistor ever made, built in 1947 and without which much of today’s technology wouldn’t exist!

Photo by Windell Oskay

Masonry has experienced some peaks and troughs in our fortunes in the past 150 years. Unlike some other organisations we are still here doing what we believe should be done, and I trust that this will continue for many years yet to come.

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December 2019

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect Freemason

Main: Interactive kitchens bring residents and employees closer together Below: Residents test out new all day dining menu

A new household living

model Whiddon is proud to have recently opened the doors to a new aged care home at Whiddon Redhead in the Hunter region of NSW. In an exciting evolution of Whiddon’s care offering, the home’s living environment has been designed to promote deep embedding of our holistic MyLife care model and awardwinning relationship based care approach.

The physical design of the new building supports Whiddon’s model of care by promoting independence, choice, continuity of care and quality of life for residents. The home offers small household living areas, each designed for ten residents and centred around a loungeroom, with access to a number of interactive kitchens, intimate dining spaces and a consistent team of employees caring for residents.

There has been increasing evidence that small scale living brings greater benefits for residents in aged care over the more traditional living arrangements in aged care, including improved wellbeing, improved satisfaction from families and better teamwork and job satisfaction for staff. Each household living area has access to a fully equipped kitchen, to bring residents and team members even closer together while cooking, creating and enjoying the dining experience together. This also allows residents to get involved in daily household activities like making a cup of tea and cooking activities if they wish.

The new two-storey home is the first stage of a $38 million project for Whiddon to provide additional residential aged care places for the region and enhance the existing facilities within our aged care community in Redhead.

The new home offers 80 single rooms with sea

All Day Dining Whiddon Easton Park residents are testing out a new All Day Dining menu where residents can choose from an extensive selection of delicious meals, snacks and beverages, served to them when, and where, they would like.

The round-the-clock service enables greater dining choice and flexibility for residents and includes menu options to suit all dietary needs and preferences.

views and direct outdoor access, a Café, allied health spaces, a hair salon, onsite community care and activities spaces.

The opening of the new building is a significant milestone, not only for Whiddon Redhead, but for the local community, who will have access to additional high quality aged care facilities to help cater for current and future aged care needs.

Once fully completed in mid-2020, the Whiddon Redhead project will bring an additional 115 residential aged care places, a new dementia specific wing, a new Clubhouse, bowling green, outdoor spaces and refurbishment and enhancement of the existing home.

Support Whiddon to continue improving the quality of life of older Australians through innovation, research and new approaches to care.

Make a donation today at www.whiddon.com.au/make-a-donation.

www.masons.org.au

December 2019

13

From the Grand Chaplains

By RW Bro Rabbi Dr Samuel Tov-Lev

Time to judge We always welcome the arrival of the New Year, whether the Jewish or the civil one.

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his year, we welcomed the Jewish New Year (Rosh Hashanah meaning ‘the Head the Year’) of 5780 which we celebrated on 30 September and 1 October (first and second month of Tishri ‫)תש˝פ‬, with prayers to the Almighty for the welfare of humanity.

Rosh Hashanah is regarded as the Yom Hadin, the Day of Judgement of the World and all therein, because of two main reasons: 1 The end of the creation of the world

with an attribute of judgement.

2 The judgement of Adam, his repentance and his forgiveness.

The sign of the zodiac related to the month of Tishri is Libra (represented by a set of scales). This was the month of the world’s judgement determined by the actions and behaviour of humanity as their lives and actions are weighed in the scales: the good deeds against the sins. King David says in Psalms 62.10 ‘Men of low degree are vanity, and men of high degree are a lie; if they be laid in the balance, they are together lighter

By RW Bro Bob Searle

Be kind to all The father of King Solomon, King David is attributed with having written many of the Psalms in our Volume of the Sacred Law, the Bible.

I

n Psalm 8 he wrote ‘When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?

You have made them a little lower than the angels and crowned them with glory and honour.

You made them rulers over the works of your hands; you put everything under their feet: all flocks and herds, and the animals of the wild, the birds in the sky, and the fish in the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas.’ Psalm 8:3-8

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December 2019

As we approach the end of another year and as Christmas looms it is timely that we thoughtfully consider these words of David. They form part of a great song of praise to the Creator.

Two matters especially impressed David: (i) the glory of God, and (ii) the astonishing condescension of God to be mindful of puny man and grant mankind lordly power over all creatures.

King David was a man for whom praise to God was a key essential of his life. The Psalms he wrote are filled with wonderful songs of praise. David could not imagine living life without God, likewise it is hard

than vanity.’ This is the message of Rosh Hashanah when good deeds are measured against bad deeds.

Later in the year, we celebrate the eight days of Hanukkah (the Festival of Lights) which will end on the evening of 30 December.

This year we are fortunate that the Lights of the Festival of Hanukkah will shine towards the evening of the next day, the eve of New Year 2020.

Though people’s happiness on these occasions is different in substance, a common factor is in the sincere hope for a better year for humankind; less suffering and fewer wars.

Everyone’s worldly life is limited.

Therefore, our task on earth is to be an example in practising and spreading happiness and help whenever and wherever it’s possible. We wish that this lesson be implanted in the hearts of all human beings which, no doubt, would make life more acceptable to all.

to imagine that any Christian person could, or would, live a life that is not filled with praise for their Creator.

The song the shepherds heard is surely one of the most important messages of the Christmas season: ‘Peace on earth and goodwill to all mankind.’

As a shopping centre Santa, I hear hundreds of requests from children and adults, but the most common, regardless of religion, is that peace on earth may prevail.

Christmas is celebrated by millions of people all over the world and one can only hope we might all play our part and strive for peace and goodwill.

As each of us approaches Christmas, let us pledge to make this a happy and holy time; to look for every opportunity to perform random acts of kindness whenever we can. Greet everyone with a happy smile and you will be pleasantly surprised at the response and how your day will be brightened.

May peace, love and joy be yours this Christmas and through the coming year.

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect Freemason

A white Christmas

By Rosemary Dawes

Once the tree was ready, the cooks were called to admire the handiwork: a tree reaching to the ceiling, beautifully arrayed with traditional ornaments with a carpet of real moss underneath sprouting real tulips. A fresh tree can have real candles – all were lit and reflected in the picture window, behind which fat snowflakes were slowly falling...

Christmas

in Cologne If you haven’t experienced a northern European Christmas, put it on your bucket list!

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ou will recognise it as the Christmas we antipodeans were brought up with – all the symbols of snow, sleigh bells, holly and reindeer that are nowhere to be seen except on cards and wrapping paper.

A Christmas in Cologne forty years ago exemplified a ‘proper’ Christmas!

Darkness fell about 4pm, but streets had illuminations and all the shops had Christmas trees outside with fairy lights.

A morning visit to the Christkindl­ markt for decorations showed us that nothing tinselly or trashy was used, only natural materials of wood, straw, wax; and glass at a pinch. The market was a feast for all the senses; we followed our noses from one delicious smell to the next: roast

Cologne in winter Photo by Superbass

pork rolls, sausage and mustard, doughnuts, toffee apples, candy floss and more.

Next, the tree that had been bought standing in the plantation, all the family went to chop it down and carry it home in the dusk. Adults then needed rewarding with some feuerzangenbowle, a conical sugar loaf supported over a bowl of mulled wine. The sugar is soaked in rum and ignited, so the wine can be ladled into mugs with the caramelising sugar still burning. It warmed the coldest fingers.

Fathers and children decorated the tree while mothers retired to the kitchen to prepare the evening’s Christmas dinner. Sadly, the traditional goose was not to be found, but Aussies would have recognised the ham and turkey.

But more excitement was to come – Santa Claus was expected any minute.

Children and adults gathered in the hall.

We could see red through the frosted glass. No, the rear lights of a car driving away! Then red came closer. Bang, bang, on the front doorstep. The door was flung wide and there was Santa with a huge wooden staff and a sack on his shoulder.

What’s more, there were no dads absent.

And what’s even more, as he handed out gifts, he spoke to each of us in our own language, German, French and English. Of course Santa Claus is real; I’ve seen him.

Finally, after dinner, off to midnight mass in Altenberg Abbey. All in German, but we sang Silent Night in our own languages and admired the life-sized nativity scene with the wise men, as yet far away down the church. They would be moved closer each day, reaching the Christ child at the Feast of the Epiphany.

Having said all this about Christmas ‘as it should be’, New Year’s Day now has to be spent eating watermelon in the shade while paying desultory attention to the test match!

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December 2019

15

Letters to the Editor Send your Letters to the Editor by: 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

Have your say Praise from afar Occasionally we receive a complimentary letter or email about an issue of the Freemason or an article.

We thought we might share the following with you from the United States.

Brother Editor, One of my duties here at the Masonic Service Association is to produce a monthly Short Talk Bulletin which is sent to every lodge in the United States and Canada whose jurisdiction is a member of MSA, together with Grand Lodge officers and committeemen.

I enjoy receiving your publication Freemason as I find wonderful articles and photos.

Your June publication contains an interesting article, Is Masonry Relevant? I would like to possibly reprint it with proper credit to your publication and the authors.

Thank you and the best of luck continuing your fine publication.

Simon R. LaPlace, PGM Executive Secretary

But we do NOT want to be the same as other people. We want to be better. We want to be an example that others can only wish to attain. This is not easy. Really worthwhile things are never easy to attain, so how can we go about it?

One step at a time of course.

R Let’s stop criticising our fellow brothers, let’s work on ourselves.

R Where another brother is struggling – with ritual or in his private endeavours – don’t make things worse for him. Jump in and give him a hand.

R Don’t complain about the direction a lodge is taking. Get genuinely involved in the management of the lodge and become part of the solution; not just a spectator, or even worse, part of the problem.

R Mentor a less experienced brother; both of you will benefit.

R Finally, don’t expect other people to be perfect, unless you are perfect!

Our Grand Master is not sweeping these concerns ‘under the rug’. Let’s support him by our future actions. It’s what masons (should) do.

Let’s work on ourselves

Yours fraternally,

At the June communication the Grand Master emphasised the following and we quote:

Dick Michaels Hornsby

‘Freemasonry can promote peace and prosperity, and what better way to prevent bullying and social violence in our community.

The Lunar Lewis

Brethren, I am particularly concerned about this inappropriate behaviour within our jurisdiction, and I encourage you all to call it out.’

I wanted to write and congratulate you on a very fine issue (September 2019). I especially liked the space article starting on page 24. Initially I thought it would be yet another article about the 50th anniversary of the moon landing, but it turned out to be so much more.

Many brethren do live by the principles inherent in Freemasonry, but equally many do not. The saying; ‘There are bad apples in every barrel’ applies to Freemasonry as much as to any other organisation.

Don’t get me wrong, I find the moon landing and space travel in general, fascinating but It had already been covered in the media quite a lot by the time I received Freemason.

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December 2019

ee tary The Secre Editorial Committ W & ACT on Freemas Grand Lodge of NS W 1235 d uth, NS The Unite Sydney So The Secretary PO Box A259, 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

The similarities you suggested between today’s science fact and the science fiction from the creative and literary mind of Jules Verne nearly 200 years ago, was fascinating and very compelling reading.

So much so it inspired me to find out more about both.

I remember reading Jules Verne’s Journey to the Centre of the Earth many years ago and I am now excited to search out some of his other works.

I also receive the Square magazine, published in England by Lewis Masonic. Their September issue also had a ‘space’ article entitled “A Lewis on the Moon” by wellknown masonic author Robert Lomas. The focus of the article was different to your magazine but it did include some interesting facts about the Apollo 11 mission from a masonic perspective.

For instance, you point out that Bro Aldrin was a mason but the Square also informs us that Neil Armstrong’s father was a mason (hence the title of the article) and so were many other key personnel involved in the mission.

Below are some extracts from the article that I believe may be of interest to some of your readers: The first man on the moon was a Lewis. The second man of the Moon was the personal representative of the Grand Master of Texas.

The Vice-President who recommended committing the US to reaching the Moon, was a Freemason. The Administrator of the Apollo Moon Landing Program was a Freemason and the Manager of the Apollo Program Command and Service Modules was a Freemason. And you may be surprised to know that the masonic authority to hold lodges on the moon has been formally assigned to the Grand Lodge of Texas.

On May 25, 1961 President John F Kennedy made a statement which would result in a masonic flag traveling to the moon and back.

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect Freemason

President Kennedy said: ‘This nation should commit itself, before this decade is out, to landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to the earth. No single space project in this period will be more impressive to mankind or more important for the long-range exploration of space.’

John F Kennedy was not a Freemason but his Vice President, Lyndon B. Johnson was initiated on October 30, 1937 in Johnson City Lodge No 561, at Johnson City, Texas.

James Edwin Webb, the NASA Administrator from 1961-1968, was a member of University Lodge No. 408 Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

Kenneth S Kleinknecht, manager of the Apollo Program Command and Service Modules was a member of Fairview Lodge No 699 in Fairview Ohio.

Neil Armstrong Sr, the father of the Neil Armstrong the commander of Apollo 11 and the first man on the moon, was a Grand Officer in the Grand Lodge of Ohio.

Edwin ‘Buzz’ Aldrin, the co-pilot of Apollo 11 and second man on the moon, is a member of Clear Lake Lodge No 1417 in Seabrook, Texas.

The first moon landing involved many Freemasons, not because of a masonic conspiracy, but because all Freemasons are inspired by a powerful Masonic incentive to study ‘the hidden mysteries of nature and science.’ This means many become successful scientists and engineers.

When the Freemasons in NASA were given the chance to fly to the moon, they drew on their entire masonic heritage to make the most of the opportunity. The Craft’s way of showing them how to access the Platonic heaven of perfect forms that represent the thoughts of the Grand Geometrician of the Universe inspires many Freemasons to study science.

In November 1969, an edition of The New Age Magazine, (now known as The Scottish Rite Journal) published a special edition celebrating the success of Project Apollo and praising the masons involved in its success.

Writing in that issue Bro Kenneth Kleinknecht, the Manager of the Apollo Program Command and Service Modules; Deputy Manager, Gemini Program; Manager, Project Mercury member of Fairview Lodge No 699 said: ‘Note how many of the astronauts themselves are brother masons: Edwin Aldrin, Jr; L Gordon Cooper, Jr; Donn F Eisle; Walter M

www.masons.org.au

Schirra; Thomas P Stafford; Edgar D Mitchell, and Paul J Weitz. Before his tragic death in a flash fire at Cape Kennedy on January 27, 1967, Virgil ‘Gus’ Grissom was a mason, too.

Astronaut Gordon Cooper, during his epochal Gemini V spaceflight in August of 1965, carried with him an official Thirty-third Degree Jewel and a Scottish Rite flag. Via the lunar plaque, the masonic insignia and flag, and the masonic astronauts themselves – masonry already is in the space age. Can we doubt Freemasonry and its spiritual relevance to the modern era when even its material representatives have today made historic inroads into the infinite expanses of outer space?’

But that’s not the end of the story; a Masonic Grand Lodge has established jurisdiction over the moon. Buzz Aldrin was a member of Clear Lake Lodge No 1417, Seabrook, Texas. He carried with him a special deputation from the Grand Lodge of Texas, appointing him Special Deputy of the Grand Master and authorising him to claim Masonic Territorial Jurisdiction for the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Texas, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, over the Moon.

On his return Special Deputy Grand Master Aldrin certified that the Special Deputation was carried by him to the Moon and the jurisdiction established on July 20, 1969. Bro Buzz also took a Masonic flag to the Moon.

It is now in the Museum of the Supreme Council Scottish Rite in Washington.

The Grand Lodge of Texas has since warranted a lodge, that is authorised to hold Masonic meetings and teach the philosophy and symbology of Freemasonry on the Moon. It is named Tranquillity Lodge 2000 and is based in Texas, under auspices of the Grand Lodge of Texas until such time as the lodge may hold its meetings on the Moon.

It holds meetings four times a year at various cities in Texas. The apron of the lodge shows the earth, as seen from the moon. The famous Blue Dot image which symbolises the beauty of the Earth.

Arthur Bailey Umina Beach

We meet upon the level The words of our ritual emphasise that in the sight of the Great Architect we are all equal. Yet we are told that, ‘one picture is worth a thousand words’ and in lodge we adorn ourselves in such a way as to emphasise our differences – our rank – our role and what we

have done or what Order/s we belong to.

Does all our beloved ‘bling’ indicate how good a mason we are; how knowledgeable we are or how well we represent Freemasonry to the outside world?

Have we ‘gone too far?’ What are the alternatives?

I am comfortable with the blue and the gold and the spectacle that we see at a Grand Lodge Communication; but in our private lodges?

The wearing of regalia has evolved from a time when a mason’s regalia was homemade; before the rise of the regalia industry! We see the echo of such times in some of the other jurisdictions. In Scotland when I attended one lodge in Paisley, I was asked not to wear my NSW apron but was handed a plain white cotton apron with the comment, ‘you don’t want to wear that fancy Australian apron while you work in the quarry.’ I wore the cotton one.

At another lodge I learned that while in office a brother wore the apron of his office but after his term of office he reverted to his MM or PM apron.

I was also told that while in office a brother was addressed using the title associated with his office: RW Bro Senior Warden (in Scotland) for example. But once he was out of the office, he was plain brother. Very simple!

Simplicity and equality may be highly commendable but the UGL of NSW & ACT is not going to adopt such a radical change.

Although, apart from personal prestige I think that the main beneficiaries of the existing regalia system are the regalia makers.

Norman Hudson

The Knights Templar Preceptory of St John No 19 for Canberra invites all Master Masons and Royal Arch Companions in the Canberra area to further their masonic journey.

Email: dkw_nga@hotmail.com Or call: 0447 653 881

December 2019

17

The oldest chair

Oberon’s Chair The following article on the furniture of Lodge Oberon was written by JC Wilburd in May 1937 and supplied by the WM of Lodge Oberon, W Bro Terry Boyce.

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here is no written history, but I still maintain that it is the oldest masonic chair in NSW. It appears that when soldiers and sailors from England were on Foreign Service in any part of the world, an Independent Charter was issued by the Grand Lodges of England, Ireland and Scotland, to enable brethren of any Constitution to meet together.

It did not matter whether they were English Constitution, Irish Constitution or Scottish Constitution, they were united under an Independent Charter.

The Charge of the Charter was always held by some officer of note, sailor or soldier, who was held responsible for the Charter.

Charter No 8 Independent was issued to the men on service in NSW guarding the convicts and then in making a road over the Blue Mountains. No 8 Charter was used by the soldiers as far as Bathurst in 1848. The convict system ceased in NSW and the soldiers withdrew and left NSW to return to England.

No 8 Charter and the furniture of the lodge was left behind for the freemen to carry on.

No 8 Independent seemed to fade out of existence, or its members joined up with the two lodges then existing in Bathurst.

Some time after, Lithgow with its coal supplies, began to grow very fast, and some brethren of that town, wished to form a lodge there.

They made their desire known to the Bathurst brethren, and as it would have taken a long time in those days to make an application to the Old Country, and get a reply, it was decided [possibly by the last Master to hold No 8 Charter] that Lithgow could have the No 8 Charter, furniture, ballot box and squares to make a star, which they did, and called the Lodge No 8 Independent, which is now the name today. [1937] Some years after the Union in 1888, a new Masonic Temple was built in Lith­ gow, and new furniture replaced the old.

The old No 8 Furniture was put aside in an outhouse [Old No 8 Independent is my Mother Lodge, and I was speaking

to the original secretary VM Owens who held the job for 36 years] that we were trying to form a new Masonic Lodge in Oberon.

He said the old furniture they used was stowed away and I could obtain it very cheap if I wished. It was bought and I took it to Oberon and it was then that I saw the maker’s name and date on the Master’s chair.

The furniture consisted of one Master’s Chair, made of Spanish Mahogany, two Wardens Chairs, with Master’s and Wardens’ canopy over each chair, one double door knocker, a ballot box and about 40 cubes of black white wood, not marbles. The Master’s Chair was made by a man named Walker, Edinburgh, Scotland, 1842 so it is only five years short of 100 years old.

The Old No 8 Independent Charter is still to be viewed at Lodge No 8 Independent at Lithgow, and I am sure that Bro R Northey the Tyler, would be pleased to point it out to any visitor.

It has taken a lot of time and bother to get the information from the old Bathurst masons of whom I know so many, and being in the Post Office at Bathurst in 1879, I knew most of the masonic crowd by their notices being sent out, and seeing some of them trying to get home by rail all hours of the night or morning.

I did not know anything masonic then, but I had reason to know when and where they met. I think this is of interest to you and which very few are now acquainted.

Some years after, a group of men in Bathurst sent for and obtained a Charter from the Grand Lodge of Ireland and the Irish in No 8 Indep­ endent, left and joined the new lodge.

They held their meeting in a different room and had their own furniture and regalia. The Scots, not to be outdone, applied for and received a Charter from the Grand Lodge of Scotland, formed a lodge, met in their own room and had their own furniture and regalia.

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December 2019

Detail of the handiwork that went into the creation of the Master’s Chair at Oberon Integrity – Loyalty – Respect Freemason

RFBI wins Award

By RW Bro Ted Simmons OAM

RFBI is the top The RFBI has again shown its efficiency and innovation in being named as the 2019 winner of the Aged and Community Services Australia Provider of the Year Award.

A

CSA honours organisations, teams and individuals who have demonstrated excellent contributions and achievements in the aged care industry throughout the year.

As a leading not-for-profit aged care provider, RFBI is continually evolving; striving to incorporate new thinking, research, technology and building designs to improve outcomes for residents and clients.

Amongst the many initiatives introduced over the past year are: R ‘Pets Welcome’ program at their village in Dubbo, which allows residents to move in with their beloved pet R Personalised doors to help residents living with dementia to feel more at home

R ‘My Wish List’ program at their Village in Goulburn, making residents’ wishes come true R ‘Dine with Dignity’ program that provides invisible assistance to those with dexterity and eye sight difficulties The RFBI has also committed to a five year $250 million capital development program that will see almost all of their villages updated and expanded.

Work on a number of villages has already commenced and residents and local community members in Berry, Coffs Harbour, Glen Innes, Canberra and Bellingen are looking forward to being able to enjoy modernised living environments with new café and hair dressing facilities, revamped courtyard and garden areas as well as refurbished rooms and bathrooms.

CEO Frank Price said it was an honour to receive the award but it would not have been possible without all the great people working across RFBI sharing his passion for people.

‘Our team works very hard to ensure residents and clients live the best life possible. We all share a passion for people and I am delighted to have their hard work recognised by this prestigious award.

‘The Royal Commission has put a spotlight on instances where residents and families have been let down and not provided with the care and support they deserve. This is not the full picture though – most aged care workers are doing a wonderful and essential job to ensure our older population live the best life possible.’

The RFBI team celebrates winning this prestigious award

www.masons.org.au

December 2019

19

A trip on the Ghan

By VW Bro Graham Train

A rewarding train trip The Freemason printed an article in its December 2018 issue on the background of the train known as the Ghan from Adelaide to Darwin. This report is from a member who decided to make the journey.

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joined the Ghan at its home station Parklands on 3 February 2019, arriving by a chauffeur driven limousine. Rail staff delivered my luggage to the cabin five minutes later but I needed a golf cart to drive to the cabin as the train was 1½ kilometres long and was in two sections.

We departed at 12.15pm and travelled towards Perth on the main western line until we arrived at Tarcoola at about 10.00pm where we headed north. The dinner table in the dining car had the highest quality linen while the menu was a choice of Spencer Gulf Prawn and Pork Dumpling, Roast Chicken, South Rock Lamb, and other choices, plus dessert.

The Ghan arrived at Marla at 3.30am and at 6.00am we were invited

to disembark and witness the sunrise.

Marla was in the middle of nowhere with picnic tables, a shed and a large fire to ward off the morning chill. The train staff set up a drinks stall with tea, coffee and fruit juice as well as bacon and egg rolls and other breakfast delights. Thank goodness the sun did its thing and shed warm light on the gathered throng to fulfil our first off-train experience. Back at the cabin our room was fully prepared for travel together with a cup of tea, orange drinks and chocolate.

We headed for Alice Springs but first had to cross the border between South Australia and the Northern Territory which was marked by a large rock and small sign. Next

was the Finke River, which mostly is a river of sand, widely cited as the oldest river in the world and features rocky riverbeds that date back 300 million years.

The Ghan pulled into Alice Springs at 1.45pm with a departure time of 6.15pm so there was plenty of time to explore the Alice and we chose to do the helicopter flight. Well what a story! We were taken to the outskirts of town and divided into groups and when our turn came I was given the front seat next to the pilot but when I was fully strapped in I noticed there was no door! The helicopter flew over Alice and headed out to Stanley Chasm, then the pilot

The Ghan pauses at Alice Springs while passengers enjoy tours of the local area Photo by Bahnfrend

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December 2019

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect Freemason

What’s on

EVENTS AND NOTICES The Ghan makes its way across the desert

Lodge Mayfield Daylight No 493

Calling Newcastle masons

Photo by Bahnfrend

WHAT’S ON

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

2nd Tuesday of every month.

Tyling at 9:30am. Lunch $10.

New Lambton Masonic Centre.

For details call 02 4968 4511.

International Order of the Rainbow for Girls

Open Meeting invitation

banked left and I was looking straight out at the ground below, quickly switching my gaze to the front. The flight then proceeded towards home and on the way he banked hard left again to show us John Flynn’s grave. It was also a very windy day and the trip developed into a battle with the wind but we made it back to base safely. On the way I asked the pilot if he did this on a full time basis and he said ‘Oh no, I muster camels and cattle most of the time.’

We were flying with a legend!

Back to the comfort of the Ghan for a few drinks and we were off on our way to Katherine. Dinner that night was Venison Carpaccio, Crocodile Sausage, Pulled Pork Salad, Barramundi, Beef Rib, and others choices, plus dessert.

The next day breakfast was Juice, Cereals, Tropical fruit, Full Breakfast, Barramundi Benedict, White Chocolate and Lychee Pancakes.

We arrived at Katherine at 9.00am with a departure time of 1.00pm. We decided to stay on the train as the staff explained they had to help with the off-train passengers but added the bar was ours and we could help ourselves. I was lucky in finding a bottle of 12 year old single malt whisky.

At 1.00pm we were off to Darwin.

The land was quite green and lush, we saw buffalo, emus and kangaroos but no camels.

The Ghan pulled into Darwin at 5.30pm, our transport was waiting at

You are invited to an open meeting to welcome the Grand Representative from California to be followed by afternoon tea.

Sunday 5 January 2020 at 2.30pm OES Hall, Railway St, Wentworthville RSVP: rainbowgirls74@gmail.com International Order of the Rainbow for Girls

Open Installation

You are invited to the Cumberland Assembly Open Installation. Followed by dinner & entertainment by the girls.

Saturday 29 February 2020 at 2.30pm OES Hall, Railway St, Wentworthville RSVP: talese_s@hotmail.com List your event or notice here! freemason@apmgraphics.com.au

our carriage door and we were whisked off to our Darwin hotel.

To sum up, the trip on the Ghan was most rewarding and I will do it again one day.

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Complete membership application on our website

December 2019

21

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Rise of the Phoenix the birthplace of the Order in Kansas City, Missouri to attend the Centennial Sessions and place a brick in the newly built Centennial Courtyard on behalf of all Australian DeMolays to commemorate Australia’s place in the Order’s history.

Happy birthday

DeMolay This year, the Order of DeMolay celebrated its 100th anniversary.

I

n 1919 a group of nine young men were destined to form a great youth organisation which on its 100th anniversary is represented on five

continents and in 25 countries. The Order of DeMolay focuses on developing young men between the ages of 12 and 21 into leaders of high character, and teaching young men to live their lives by the seven core values of Respect, Reverence, Courtesy, Comradeship, Fidelity, Cleanliness and Citizenship.

In June 2019, the Supreme Grand Master, Dad Trevor Green, along with several Supreme Council members of the Order of DeMolay Australia, travelled to

On 24 March 2019, DeMolay officers, dignitaries and families Australia-wide had also celebrated the centennial in great style with reminiscences of times of old, and a lot of enthusiasm about future growth. The recent dedication and installation of a new chapter in Blacktown on the 28th July, saw over 120 familiar and new faces witness a performance of young and old that that brought tears to people’s eyes. Brother Joshua Francis Co was expertly installed in the chair as the Master Councillor of the newly formed ‘Phoenix Blacktown Chapter’ by Dad Ferdinand Pandes.

At this point, Ms Val London, a senior member of the Order of Rainbow Girls and heavily involved in support of the Order of DeMolay, donated to the chapter a Marshall’s Baton made by her late husband. (The current Marshall proudly carries it throughout his duties.) Another tearjerker was the ‘Tribute to Mother’ by Bro Ariel Becina PMC, dedicated to the many present and past mums. Dad Gene Capistrano gave us a fine rendition of the ‘Ceremony of Lights.’

The Supreme Grand Master Dad Trevor Green warmly welcomed the dignitaries and thanked them for their

Presenting the new Phoenix Blacktown Chapter’s warrant.

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December 2019

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect Freemason

90 years of Rainbow Girls

The Grand Master joined DeMolay dignitaries for the consecration of the new Phoenix Blacktown Chapter.

attendance and support. The welcome was appropriately responded to by the M W Grand Master, Most Worshipful Bro Derek Robson AM. In closing, Dad Frank Sherman Land repeated the fine motto that is often

quoted within and outside DeMolay circles; ‘No DeMolay shall fail as a citizen, as a leader and as a man.’

For more about the Order, see the website at www.demolay.org.au.

At the ceremony, Jayden Alexander Tayag presented Desiderata by Max Ehrmann. The poem reflects on DeMolay’s tenets and principles.

G

Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism.

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Rainbow!

T

he International Order of the Rainbow for Girls will celebrate 90 years in Australia at 2pm on 16 May 2020 with an ‘Open Celebration Meeting’ at the Grand Lodge of SA & NT, 254 North Terrace, Adelaide.

Desiderata o placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.

Celebrate with

Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.

Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.

And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.

Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

Past Rainbow Girls and Advisory Members are welcome to join the celebration.

On 5 January, the Jurisdiction of NSW & SA will welcome Sister Caitlyn Dawson, Grand Representative of Fallbrook Assembly in California and we extend an invitation for visitors to attend and support the girls at the OES Hall, Railway Street, Wentworthville at 2.30pm.

The meeting will be followed by a buffet dinner.

Our OPEN meetings give you the opportunity to bring along any young girl between 7 and 20 who you think may be interested in knowing more about Rainbow.

We hope to take part in a ‘tree planting and sports day’ on Saturday 4 January 2020 (to be confirmed).

To attend, or for more information contact Supreme Deputy Lorraine (Smith) Rayner: Phone 0417082631 or email rainbowgirls74@gmail.com

December 2019

25

Football history

By W Bro Daniel White

The history of the AFL The year 1897 was a seminal moment in Australian history that witnessed Victoria’s emerging game of Australian Rules football.

W

hile many may be unaware, Aussie Rules was formally established in 1858 with the original concept being organised by a small but professional group of cricket players.

The primary purpose was to maintain order, keep up good morale within teams and maintain physical performance during the cricket off season.

However, how the actual components of the game initially came into being is still part of a mystery, as many believe it exhibits elements of Gaelic Football, which was codified some 30 years later. Others have come to the conclusion it was loosely based on Rugby-football while many believe Indigenous Australians may have inspired many aspects of the game with their traditional game of Marn Grook.

As we celebrate the game in its modern incarnation, it is considered one

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December 2019

of the most physically demanding and elite sports played around the world.

Former three-time premiership player and captain of the Hawthorn Football Club, Don Scott said ‘Football is life in a microcosm, you’re going to have ups and downs all the time, but you’ve just got to weather it.’

Today the Australian Football League (AFL) is ranked as one of the most watched sports from around the world with an average crowd attendance of well over 30,000. Australia is fortunate to have a sport with such a strong following and a rich history and eclectic tradition.

While the game previously came under the Victorian Football Association (VFA) established in 1877, it was the Victorian Football League (VFL) that would have the greatest influence on the sport which commenced its inaugural season in 1897. The VFL initially comprised eight clubs which had broken

away from the VFA – Collingwood, Essendon, Fitzroy, Geelong, Melbourne, South Melbourne, Carlton and St Kilda.

Following this transition, the VFL incorporated another exciting element into the evolving game and league. This was the concept of an annual finals tournament that would ultimately decide the premier team and club for each season or better known today as the Grand Final.

Today the AFL Grand Final is revered for its intensity and pre-eminent level of competitiveness, highlighting players’ aptitude and physical capability. The outcome from the Grand Final is a highly celebrated occasion, show-casing the premiership team and its players, who rightly claim victory by earning their place in AFL history.

It is worthwhile to mention that during World War I and II, both the VFA and VFL were heavily affected by war casualties. The VFL continued to play

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect Freemason

throughout the war periods, but were restricted to clubs voluntarily participating and with their remaining members being available to play.

An interesting alteration occurred in 1915 with the St Kilda Football Club changing their traditional colours from red, white and black which mirrored the imperial German colours. Temporary changes were imposed to make the colours align with Belgium’s national colours of red, yellow and black, who were allies with Australia. This alteration was also made in part to support St Kilda players who were serving throughout Europe.

There have also been some fascinating accounts brought to light from Australian Prisoners of War (POWs) particularly during WWII, where competitions were held in Singapore and Germany.

One interesting account recalled from WWII was from Singapore, at the Changi prison. Numerous teams bearing VFL club names were organised by POWs and the teams played each other for a period over many months for a few years with their own equivalent Brownlow Medal, known as the ‘Changi Brownlow Medal’, being presented to the ‘Best and Fairest’ player. It is believed the final game decided between ‘Victoria’ versus the ‘Rest’ (remaining Australian team) at Changi attracted up to 10,000 spectators.

At the end of the game, the Changi Brownlow Medal was bestowed upon Peter Chitty, a player representing the Victorian side who had also played for St Kilda in the VFL before the war.

As the 160 year anniversary passes since the inception of Australian Rules Football, there has been an immense diversity of personalities, players and members identified throughout the various clubs. Many memorable players have belonged to the Craft and have made a profound contribution to the oldest Australian game and more recently, growing international sport.

Perhaps one of the most revered players and contributors to the game was Charles Brownlow. Following his short playing career for Geelong, Brownlow vested many of his finest years as an administrator for Geelong, the VFL and served as caretaker president of the VFL from 1918–19. He

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became president of the Australian Football Council in 1919, serving in that position until his death in 1924. Today, the Brownlow Medal which was established and first awarded in 1924 is regarded as the highest honour bestowed upon an AFL player/s for ‘Best and Fairest’ conduct throughout each football season. Charles Brownlow (1861–1924) was initiated into Lodge Unity and Prudence No 801 in 1885.

An entrepreneur from a renowned and successful family of Australian manufacturers, Tom Sherrin would continue to follow in the footsteps of his forebears and make a lasting impression on the modern game played today. Sherrin, great nephew of the legendary Thomas William Sherrin,

1947 - 2017

The front (left) and back (right) of the original ‘Changi Brownlow Medal’ Photo courtesy of the Australian War Memorial

inventor of the Sherrin football assumed control over the family business in 1942 and made the Sherrin brand a household name. Tom Sherrin devoted more than thirty years of

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December 2019

27

Football history service to the Collingwood Football Club, serving in numerous roles and had the privilege to serve as President of the Collingwood Football Club from 1963 to 1974.

round eleven is held in his honour, with the round bearing his title ‘Sir Doug Nicholls Indigenous Round’, highlighting the cultural influence and importance the Indigenous players have and continue to contribute to the AFL from all around Australia.

The Sherrin football was originally created from a rugby football by the original founder T W Sherrin in 1879.

He envisioned that by designing the ball with rounder points at each end, it would make it both easier to bounce and kick.

The outcome of this innovation and insight would revolutionise Aussie Rules football in its formative years and establish the acclaimed Sherrin brand that is still used at the top AFL competition level today. The creation and legend of the Sherrin football and complete family history can be traced back to its origins in 1879. While the original company would eventually be sold in 1972 to Spalding Australia by Sherrin’s heir Tom Sherrin, Russell Athletic would later take over Spalding Australia who continues to manufacture Sherrin footballs in Scoresby, Victoria. However, Syd Sherrin (fourth generation) has maintained family tradition and continues to craft the original Aussie Rules football in Williamstown, Victoria. The method includes hand sewing and personalising each football, using the same techniques T W Sherrin used to make his first football in 1879. Tom Sherrin (1917–78) was initiated into Lodge Bateman No 446 in 1943.

Nicholls was a Christian minister, social worker with Aboriginal people who pioneered for reconciliation and was Governor of South Australia.

Nicholls was named Victorian ‘Father of the Year’ in 1962 and was notably the first Aboriginal to be knighted. Sir Douglas Nicholls (1906-1988) was initiated into Lodge Antioch No 570 in 1954.

Sir Douglas Nicholls, the first Indigenous Australian AFL player

While another legendary player of the great game who would later become an inspirational figure in the annals of AFL history and a national treasure, was Sir Douglas Nicholls. Nicholls is regarded as one of the first Indigenous players to play VFA/VFL and was an altogether remarkable individual.

Nicholls despite being of a relatively small build was admired for his speed, energy and tenacious ability on field. He went on to play for Fitzroy at the VFL level and was the first Aboriginal player to be selected to play for the Victorian interstate team. Today, the Indigenous round being annually celebrated in

The VFL has celebrated 120 years since its establishment and today an ever exciting prospect and opportunity awaits as the game continues to expand and enter new dimensions.

References Kent Henderson, 300 Famous Australian Freemasons 2016 Syd Sherrin, Sherrin The Family Behind the Football 2010 www.awm.gov.au/collection/REL32808/ australianfootball.com Special Thanks UGL NSW & ACT, Grand Librarian, RW Bro Robert Taylor UGL VIC, Historical Collections Manager, Samantha Fabry UGL VIC, Education Officer, W Bro Iain Taylor

Got old

regalia?

The Hornsby and Kuring-gai Masonic Association is collecting, reconditioning and on-selling spare and used Grand Lodge and Craft regalia.

Funds raised go to local charities!

Contact VW Bro Brian Samson: Email: bsamson@optusnet.com.au Mobile: 0414 704 807

$2,200 raised so far!

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December 2019

An iconic Sherrin AFL football Photo by HappyWaldo

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect Freemason

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Masonicare

MASONICARE

Your Grand Charity

interACTION in action Central Coast makes a difference On 14 October Central Coast Freemasons presented cheque donations to the value of $51,250. These donations were made possible due to the fundraising efforts of many Freemasons on the Central Coast during the year.

A presentation was conducted at the Gosford Masonic Centre, where representatives from The Glen, Headspace Gosford, Camp Breakaway, The Smith Family and Surf Live Saving Central Coast were on hand to receive their donations. This was followed by lunch hosted by the local Freemasons.

‘Fundraising activities get many Freemasons together who would otherwise not do so, giving them a wonderful sense of purpose’ said Central Coast Freemason Geoff Bown.

‘Freemasonry offers a unique and rewarding experience to men from all walks of life, regardless of race, religion or

Representatives from The Glen, Headspace Gosford, Camp Breakaway, The Smith Family and Surf Live Saving Central Coast gathered to recieve a combined total of $51,250 from Central Coast Freemasons.

social status. Freemasonry puts its principles into practice through its charitable activities, interacting and working closely

within our local communities to help all people in need and our communities,’ said Central Coast Freemason Andrew Kfoury.

Quality of life care W Bro Simon Haddad, the WM of Lodge Alpha at the October meeting of the lodge at the Blacktown Centre presented a cheque for $6,000 to Mr Rick Powell, the Chairman of the Board of Save Our Sons Duchene Foundation.

The money had been raised by the Brethren of Lodge Alpha and Masonicare and the presentation was made before around 30 brethren and their families in the lodge room.

Save our Sons Duchenne Foundation is an organisation that supports those diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), which is a degenerative muscle

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December 2019

condition that affects one in every five thousand males for which there is no known cure. It is a genetic disease that mainly affects males from the age of three.

Save our Sons Duchenne Foundation funds a specialist nurse in a Children’s Hospital in every state to support families with DMD, and funds research and clinical trials in Australia and abroad. Save our Sons also assists in bridging the gap in providing equipment that is not covered

by Government Funding Schemes. These items include Cough assistance machines, breathing machines, mobility scooters and stand-up wheelchairs.

Mr Powell thanked the brethren of Lodge Alpha and Masonicare for their generous donation and said the funds would be put to good use.

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect Freemason

A helping hand from Cessnock CanDo Cancer Trust The CanDo Cancer Trust has celebrated 10 years of assisting cancer patients attending the Mid North Coast Cancer Institute. Having initially donated $105,000 to get the Trust started in 2010 the Coffs Coast Freemasons Association continues to be the major sponsor.

This year’s annual CanDo Cancer Trust Charity Bowls Day held at C.ex Woolgoolga proved to be yet another popular fund­raiser.

‘We have a fabulous venue at C.ex Woolgoolga. The bowls day is open to everyone regardless of their ability to play bowls,’ said organiser Carolyn Boyden.

‘Every year visitors and locals look forward to a fun day of bowls and heaps of raffles including our Mega Raffle. Our

Presenting the record-breaking cheque for $14,288 to The CanDo Cancer Trust. Proceeds came from the Charity Bowls Day.

Under the leadership of their WM Max Katz-Barber, Freemasons from Lodge Cessnock and Masonicare recently donated $2,000 to assist Hunter Hands of Hope, a local charity that helps those in need, such as the local homeless community, those in distress, or those just having a rough time.

The donation will assist the Charity to continue providing a haven and meals for those in need with the dignity and respect they deserve.

local business houses and service groups are amazingly generous and most have been supporting us since the beginning.

This year was a record breaker and with a grant from Masonicare we were able to give $14,288 to the Trust.’

Chairperson, Ms Julie Jardine, said ‘The Woolgoolga Bowls Day is our biggest fundraiser of the year. Carolyn and Andy Boyden and the Coffs Coast Freemasons do an amazing job and we are really grateful for all they do for us.’

Lodge Cessnock donating $2,000 to Hunter Hands of Hope.

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

December 2019

31

Teaching the eager

By RW Bro Richard Dawes

The young seeker How do we meet the needs of the young initiate or Fellow Craft who wants to know more, a lot more, about Freemasonry?

W

e hear: ‘Wait, be patient.

You’ve got plenty of time; you’re not ready for that yet; memorise some ritual – that’s the way to learn.’

But what we are really saying is, ‘Get the information from somewhere else.’

And guess where the ‘somewhere else’ will be – the internet. Wherein lie all the facts, myths, fiction and fantasy that they could ever wish for.

How can we direct enquiring minds along genuine paths of knowledge?

A Worshipful Master is enjoined to ‘... employ and instruct the brethren in Freemasonry.’

How can we direct enquiring minds...?

R Invite knowledgeable lecturers to speak at a lodge meeting – ALL your brethren stand to benefit.

R Contact the Grand Librarian. He can select suitable books for the young mason. He can choose books to match the young mason’s interests.

R Arrange for Lodge of Research No 971 to visit. They focus on masonic knowledge and their members can encourage a young mason to learn more about our wonderful Craft.

R Most of all a Worshipful Master should balance his year’s work between Ritual, Masonic Instruction and Social Activities. This results in a year of variety and enjoyment by all his brethren.

Every Worshipful Master should remember that ‘The better he educates his new members the better will be the quality of the future management of our jurisdiction.’

An Aussie Quiz

How much do you know?

Do you call Australia home? Test your knowledge with this quiz on our nation’s history.

1

Who wrote the original lyrics of Waltzing Matilda?

2

In what year did decimal currency start in Australia?

3 4

Who was Australia’s first female Prime Minister?

What animal is pictured on the Western Australia state flag?

5

What is the longest river in Australia?

6

What is the better known name of a warrigal?

7

What was the issue voted on and rejected in the 1999 referendum held in Australia?

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December 2019

8

In what year did Vegemite first appear on grocery shelves in Australia?

9

Jumbuck is Australian slang for what animal?

10 Who was the founder of the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia?

11

In which Australian State is there a town called ‘Nowhere Else?’

12 Who was the shortest serving Prime Minister of Australia (8 days)?

13 In what year was Advance Australia Fair officially declared as Australia’s national anthem?

14 Who was the first Australian-born person to hold the position of Governor-General of Australia?

15 What is the reported reason for selecting the kangaroo and the emu to appear on the Australian Coat of Arms?

See answers on page 46!

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect Freemason

Questions and answers

By RW Bro Ted Simmons OAM

about masons and their valuable community work are always welcomed.

Why do you have any secrets at all?

In your daily life, you have secrets. Your bank or accountant cannot disclose your tax file number, your doctor is now allowed to disclose your medical records, you do not disclose your PIN details.

Being discreet about certain aspects of your personal business is obviously quite normal. Everyone is familiar with the phrase ‘Can you keep a secret.’

Therefore masons use ‘secrets’ to test and prove the good character of those who choose to join. This is because a mason requires a person to continually observe, with total sincerity, our high ideals of Integrity, Loyalty and Respect.

How is the organisation structured?

Each local lodge draws its members essentially from the local community.

I heard masons are some sort of secret society. Is that true?

Our policy in the past was to be rather discreet about ourselves, our community work and even our membership.

However, times have changed and so have we. Today, masons will talk freely about their work and their membership.

Lodge rooms are often opened to visitors and the public and enquiries

A regional group of local lodges will comprise a District. For administration purposes, there is a central organisation in each State known as the Grand Lodge.

What goes on in lodge?

A lodge meeting is run like any other normal business or social meeting.

Minutes and correspondence are read, financial statements, general business and membership proposals are considered and voted upon. Caring officers report on current charity work

and members who are ill, candidates are received, the meeting is concluded and the lodge is closed. Supper is then served.

Is it an advantage to a person’s career to be a mason?

This is a common held viewpoint but it is incorrect. Masons are under strict obligations to not use their connections to obtain any personal advantage.

There is, of course, a general belief that does come from being known as a mason, that is being known as a ‘person of integrity who can be relied upon.’

How much time do I have to devote?

As a mason, the time you devote to community work is entirely up to you.

You are asked to support your lodge by attending its regular meeting, once a month. No more is expected of you.

Are the masons some sort of religion?

Absolutely not. Our membership, in fact, is made up of people who belong to many different religions.

Every member is encouraged and is completely free to follow their own private, personal beliefs.

Religion, as such, is not permitted to be discussed in any lodge.

If you have any questions or would like further information, contact the Grand Lodge at 9284 2800.

Dr. Dion’s Brainteasers Q: How many masons does it take to change a light bulb?

A good lawyer looks beyond the surface!

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

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

Liability Limited by a Scheme Approved Under Professional Standards Legislation

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December 2019

33

Virtues and sins

By VW Bro Dr Graeme Gwilliam

A cardinal trilogy Continuing from last issue, VW Bro Dr Graeme Gwilliam presents parts two and three of his examination of the cardinal virtues and vices.

The Seven Cardinal Virtues The four Cardinal Virtues were known before the creation of the Christian church, however in the Middle Ages it was considered by the Church of Rome that these attributes of social and personal behaviour were inadequate, and needed to include other attributes.

As a result they were extended to become 7 Cardinal Virtues, using the initial Temperance, Fortitude, Prudence and Justice, to which were added Faith, Hope and Charity.

Again in our ritual there is advice that the original usage of the word Charity within Masonry included an acceptance and tolerance of our fellow brothers in their attitudes and behaviour. All that were worthy were accepted regardless of race, colour, creed, religion and nationality, thus giving a

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December 2019

...when one is aware of them it is easy to see how prevalent they are...

fundamental premise to our Craft which could live well in our present troubled world. Sadly, the emphasis on this usage of Charity seems to have become less relevant in time.

In the latter half of the 18th Century in London, Freemasons were among the first UK community organisations to provide social amenities, by way of housing for homeless mothers and

children. This was a most worthy initiative to address a serious deficiency in the social and community aid available at that time.

It should also be noted that at about that time Freemasonry in England was experiencing some very negative publicity from: 1. A claim that the participants in the Boston Tea Party were actually a group of drunken masons dressed as indigenous North American Red Indians to express their opinion on the high taxation (without representation) being levied on the US territories by Britain at that time.

2. The number of ‘Macons of France’ who were involving themselves in the social unrest leading to the French Revolution, where both of these activities could be seen by some as addressing social injustices.

Since then the meaning of the word, within its masonic usage, has moved more towards philanthropy, and to-day we have in NSW such organisations as Masonicare providing financial and other support to the needy in the community, more aligned with the common usage to-day of the word ‘charity’.

In the USA, Freemasons are recognised for their financial support of community hospitals providing free medical services for those in the community who are unable to pay the normal medical charges.

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect Freemason

The Seven Cardinal Sins The cultures of Eastern Asia have for a very long time accepted that there needs to be a balance in all things, both in our lives and in the community. In Western society this is normally referred to as the balance of ‘Ying and the Yang’.

In Masonry we see this as the black and white squares of the floor of the lodge, symbolising, among other things, the highs and lows, and the joys and sorrows that we experience in the balancing of our daily life.

In the minds of many at the time of establishing the seven Cardinal Virtues, this balance then required that, to maintain stability, there was also a need to identify the seven Cardinal Sins of Lust, Gluttony, Greed, Sloth, Wrath, Envy and Pride.

Considering that these words were originally promulgated by the Christian church to a society of nearly 1,000 years ago, having different values to those of to-day, an investigation of their usage and meaning in today’s society as provided in Wikipedia is worth considering.

1. Lust, or lechery, is intense longing.

It is usually thought of as intense or unbridled sexual desire, which leads to adultery, rape, un-natural sexual practices and other immoral sexual acts. However, lust could also mean simply desire in general; thus lust for money, power, and other things are sinful. In accordance with the words

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of Henry Edward Manning, the impurity of lust transforms one into ‘a slave of the devil.’

2. Gluttony is the overindulgence and overconsumption of anything to the point of waste. The word comes from the Latin gluttire, meaning to gulp down or swallow.

3. Greed, also known as Avarice, cupidity or covetousness, is, like lust and gluttony, a sin of desire. However, Greed (as seen by the Church) is applied to an artificial, rapacious desire and pursuit of material possessions. As defined outside Christian writings, Greed is an inordinate desire to acquire or possess more than one needs, especially with respect to material wealth. Like Pride, it can lead to not just some, but all evil.

4. Sloth refers to a peculiar jumble of notions, dating from antiquity, and including mental, spiritual, pathological, and physical states. The scope of Sloth is wide. Sloth is also defined as a failure to do things that one should do.

5. Wrath can be defined as uncontrolled feelings of anger, rage, and even hatred. Wrath often reveals itself in the wish to seek vengeance. Feelings of Wrath can manifest in different ways, including impatience, misanthropy, revenge, and self-destructive behaviour, such as drug abuse.

6. Envy, like Greed and Lust, is characterised by an insatiable desire. It can

be described as a sad or resentful covetousness towards the traits or possessions of someone else. It arises from vainglory, and severs a human from his neighbour.

7. Pride is considered, on almost every list, the original and most serious of the seven deadly sins; the perversion of the faculties that make humans more like God – dignity and holiness.

Also known as Hubris, Futility, it is identified as dangerously corrupt selfishness, the putting of one’s own desires, urges, wants, and whims before the welfare of other people.

The seven cardinal sins are rarely the subject of community discussion today, except in some religious groups, however when one is aware of them it is easy to see how prevalent they are in the community.

To what degree does it behove us, as masons, to consider the situation when we see these characteristics in ourselves and others.

References: Wikipedia – Aristotelian Ethics: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aristotelian_ethics Wikipedia – Seven Deadly Sins en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seven_deadly_sins

Below: The seven deadly sins (L–R: Lust, Gluttony, Greed, Sloth, Wrath, Envy and Pride)

by Jacques Callot.

December 2019

35

A Lewis’ tale

By Bro Lachlan Rowe

A family affair My earliest memories of Freemasonry began when I was about five years old, trying to understand why Dad had to go ‘off to Lodge’ and I would be staying at home with my younger brother, mother and grandparents, with whom we stayed during an extension on our house in Adelaide.

A

s I grew older and more curious, I started to learn about Free­ masonry online although I never made the complete connection that my Dad was in fact a Master Mason until I found his briefcase as any curious young boy would! My interest sparked from here and only grew stronger.

I started doing my research and stumbled upon old photos of myself as a newborn on my very first outing, which was to Lodge Largs Bay in South Australia, of which my father was the WM. I even found a summons from the lodge with my name in it!

A few years later I found myself in Canberra at the Australian Defence Force Academy, mentioning the idea of joining a lodge to one of my mates, Beau Taylor, who is now an EAF alongside me. We made contact with the Grand Lodge and commenced the process immediately. We were very impressed with how smooth the process was and took every opportunity to attend events with members of various lodges in the region, making some wonderful connections early.

Before we knew it, our initiation was locked in for 2 April at Lodge Common­ wealth of Australia. I was in contact with my father throughout the process and he was more than pleased that I was following in his footsteps as he made his way from Adelaide to attend.

Beau and I were very eager during the lead-up to the night and very curious, right up until we entered the lodge. I remember feeling a great sense of pride the entire time knowing that

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December 2019

...he was more than pleased that I was following in his footsteps as he made his way from Adelaide...

my father was watching. I didn’t really know what to expect during the initiation and I am glad that I didn’t because it made it more special.

I was very pleased to know that at the last minute, my father did something which I considered to be very special. Unknown to me, my Obligation was made on a VSL that belonged to my great-grandfather and on which he was initiated on 12 July 1928 in Lodge Fitzroy, under the United Grand Lodge of Victoria. I told my grandmother, who was pleased to learn her father’s masonic belongings had been passed on and would have a safe home for years to come. My grandfather was also pleased, although he is not a mason but is in fact a member of the smaller Order of Free Gardeners, which survives today in one lodge in the Southern Hemisphere, in Melbourne. He is currently the Order’s longest serving member of 70 years and holds the rank of Grand Chaplain.

Keeping it in the family, my interest also encouraged my younger brother of 18, who is currently studying economics at university, to begin the process at Lodge University of Sydney. Now that I am a mason and my brother is eagerly awaiting his process to get underway, it looks as though my father may find his way back into Freemasonry as an active member again, with a close family friend looking to start a new lodge in South Australia.

In summary, my entrance to Freemasonry has truly been a family affair which has made it even more special to me and I am looking forward to my journey from here! I hope to witness my brother’s initiation, this time sitting alongside my father as the three of us all become brothers.

I must extend special thanks to RW Bro Graeme Moller and VW Bro Percy Fleming for being there every step of the way and to the brethren I have met and made a connection with for life. My time in Canberra will end this year as I return to Sydney for further Navy training but I have no doubt I’ll be moving around the country expanding my masonic network.

However, Canberra and Lodge Common­ wealth of Australia will always remain my masonic home.

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect Freemason

Nursery Rhymes

By W Bro Stephen Dally

The allegory of nursery rhymes

As Freemasons we are taught Freemasonry is based on allegory and symbols yet history is also based on legend and allegory. It is important to understand the difference between legend and allegory.

L

egend is a story coming down from the past, perhaps may not necessarily be true but it may have some substance. King Arthur’s Round table, Robin Hood and perhaps the Pied Piper of Hamlin.

Allegory simply put is a story in which the characters and events are symbols that stand for truths about human life The best of allegorical stories or rhymes would have to be nursery rhymes! That well illustrated book that many of us learnt to read and recite its contents at a very early age. Many nursery rhymes are quite innocent; on the other hand there may be a story or even sinister story behind the rhyme.

Many nursery rhymes were written in the early 18th Century; some in the 17th

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century and were based on putting into writing events that were folk stories and like many folk stories the story is rather like Chinese Whispers or the Fisherman’s tale that the more times it is told the longer or more bizarre it gets! Since nursery rhymes were put to paper researchers have endeavoured to investigate the real truth if any behind the dark side of rhymes.

Perhaps one of the earliest researchers was Lena Eckenstein who wrote in 1906 a book on the study of nursery rhymes. In the 1940s V Sackville-West and the Opies, Peter and Iona, carried out a study that resulted in The Oxford Dictionary of Nursery Rhymes. In 1952 Dorothy Mills Howard writing a review of The Oxford Dictionary asked whether all nursery rhymes were still current and that nursery rhymes published in

the many nursery rhyme books follow the findings of the Opies.

Since the Opies compiled their Oxford Dictionary a number of researchers have questioned the history and authenticity of nursery rhymes. The BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) produced a program, The Dark side of Nursery Rhymes’ where they offered an explanation for the origin of many rhymes. To give example of the dark side – ‘Mary, Mary quite contrary’ really relates to Mary Tudor who executed a number of senior Protestant clergy because they would not convert to Catholicism. Little Jack Horner was an officer appointed by Henry VIII to seize Catholic property; it seemed that Jack also helped himself.

Jack and Jill apparently is about a liquor tax introduced by King Charles I. The tax was rejected by Parliament so the volume was reduced on half and quarter pints called jacks and gills. Talking about taxes, Baa Baa Black Sheep is about a tax imposed by Edward I on the owners of black sheep to pay for his war with Scotland. The tax was not repealed for two hundred years!

Apart from nursery rhymes that were written for children, the black rhymes were a part of English history that in the 18th Century were bowdlerised so that they would be suitable for children.

Thomas Bowdlerise was also reported responsible for ‘cleaning up’ the works of Shakespeare.

December 2019

37

Saving a brother

A shining light At the September Quarterly Communication, the Grand Master spoke in emotional tones... ‘Brethren, tonight I will bring to your attention a worthy act performed by a Freemason, for a Freemason.’

If you don’t feel comfortable performing the ‘rescue breaths’ CPR technique, ‘compression-only’ CPR is easier, of comparable effectiveness and much better than no CPR at all! With that in mind, follow these steps to perform compression-only CPR.

S

Neville Simpson is well known at the Sydney Masonic Centre and anywhere west of the Divide. A wonderful mason, who with Pam, are absolute stalwarts of Freemasonry, having achieved over 68 years of masonic service to date.

W Bro Chris Morrall is a very fine young mason. He is currently a Roads Supervisor for the Bourke Shire Council, and I understand that they will shortly

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December 2019

CPR

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a system of chest compressions and sometimes artificial ventilation (‘rescue breaths’) to help keep vital systems functioning until help arrives.

hortly after RW Bro Neville Simpson from Central Australia Lodge (meeting in Bourke), celebrated his 90th birthday, he sadly lost his second son to cancer.

Neville, and his lovely wife Pam, have now lost both of their sons and their grandson.

At a family event following the recent funeral, Neville choked on a piece of meat, and stopped breathing. W Bro Chris Morrall, a young mason, immediately took control and commenced CPR on Neville. He continued the procedure for thirteen minutes, while a nurse regularly checked Neville’s pulse, until the ambulance arrived. Ambulance officers subsequently cleared the blockage, and Neville was transported to Bourke Hospital and then by Royal Flying Doctor Service to Dubbo Hospital, where he remained for nearly a week. Neville was left with several broken ribs (a sign of good CPR I’m assured) and is now nearly back to his old self.

Performing

1. Check for danger. Don’t become a second patient! Look out for things like live electrical cords, or dangerous spills.

2. Check to see if the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally.

W Bro Morrall (left) and RW Bro Simpson celebrating

sponsor Chris’s further civil engineering studies at university. I have the highest regard for any mason who, without hesitation, comes to the aid of a brother, in accordance with his First Degree Obligation. Brethren, this was a life-threatening situation, and it took a brave and calm man to take charge and provide life-saving assistance. Further, both masons are well known to me and I honour the enthusiasm and strength they both bring to the Craft.

We don’t have access to any kind of Bravery Award, but as Grand Master, I can, and will award W Bro Chris Morrall the Grand Master’s Distinguished Service Award, and I will nominate him for conferral of Grand Rank. I congratulate Chris for his very brave and individual act of kindness, and on your behalf, I wish him and his fiancée Kelly, and RW Brother Neville Simpson and his wife Pam, much happiness and good health for the future. You all do us proud.

3. Send for help. If there is another person with you, ask them to call 000.

If you are alone, shout for assitance.

4. Check their airway for blockages (e.g. food) and remove any foreign matter.

5. Check breathing. If they are breathing normally, place the person on their side if you can, and remain with them. If not, proceed to compressions.

6. Place the heel of your hand in the centre of the person’s chest. Place your other hand on top of your first hand and interlock your fingers. Using your body weight (not just your arms), press straight down on their chest, by one-third of their chest depth. Try to give 100 to 120 chest compressions per minute. To help give the correct number of compressions, use the beat of an upbeat pop song to time yourself.

Stayin’ Alive by The Bee Gees is an easy one to remember!

7. Continue until help arrives, the person recovers, or as long as you can.

If you’d like in-depth CPR training, please contact St John Ambulance Australia on 1300 360 455 or visit www.stjohn.org.au

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect 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

NSW S

Regional roundup

ACT

Lodge Pacific No 298

Ian hits sixty It was a big night for Lodge Pacific when member RW Bro Ian Mainwaring was awarded his 60 years membership certificate.

Ian joined Freemasonry in March 1959 while he was teaching at Farnham School, a school of only 15 pupils near Orange NSW. In 1973 Ian came to Tweed River High as Master and finished his teaching career as Deputy Principal of Mullumbimby High School.

Lodge Saratoga No 937

Saratoga celebrates To the exact date, Lodge Saratoga commenced its sixty-first year with the initiation of Bro Eden Cole. Equally, VW Bro Graeme Ingall commenced his third year as Worshipful Master. He was also the WM of Lodge Saratoga for its 50th year celebration.

The evening commenced with the initiation of Bro Cole. At its completion, the Senior Warden directed the Director of Ceremonies to present RW Bro Ian Griffith and VW Bro Graeme Ingall and then called upon RW Bro Lyndon Norgate to present their 50-year Certificate and jewel. Each spoke of their experiences which included

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He joined Lodge Pacific in 1973 and in retirement helped his wife Shirley with her local business as well as dedicating to helping the less fortunate of the Tweed Heads Area.

The brethren of Saratoga enjoying their hard-earned South

serving in numerous lodges, both as District Grand Inspector of Workings of their current District as well as continuing to serve their Districts 59, 18 and 21.

The lodge retired to a restaurant to celebrate the occasion where sixty years was marked by W Bro Fred Koch, the oldest member of Lodge Saratoga and the newest – Brother Eden Cole – cutting the cake.

Ian Mainwaring presented with his certificate by VW Bro Ray Weblin.

December 2019

39

Regional Roundup

Masonic News from NSW & ACT

Lodge Ethos No 963

Order of the Eastern Star

A different night for Ethos

A big night out It was a night of dancing and music for members and friends when the Grand Chapter of NSW & ACT, Order of the Eastern Star held their Annual Ball at the Catholic Club, Liverpool in August.

Lodge Ethos was anything but ordinary when it attracted 80 brethren, partners and friends at the Canberra Masonic Centre in July to celebrate Christmas in July, wine tasting, and a Christmas-styled feast.

Many distinguished guests from Associated Orders were present to enjoy the evening and it was notable how many Past Worthy Grand Matrons and Past Worthy Grand Patrons supported the event.

A fraternal of 12 from the Royal Empire Lodge including the Grand Master, MW Bro Derek Robson attending as an honorary member (and a Canberra local!), was a highlight of the meeting which featured a willing Fellowcraft, Bro Mitch Buckley as the candidate for an exemplification of an initiation.

After the lodge was closed, brethren were joined by partners, families and friends for a tasting of six different wines presented by Warrabilla Wines (Rutherglen, Vic) followed by a three course Christmas styled feast.

W Bro Simon Vanholland and MW Bro Derek Robson enjoying the Ethos Christmas in July celebrations

The evening featured two other highlights. First was guest speaker Russell Brice, a mountaineer who has climbed Everest twice, who spoke of the difficulty of mountain climbing, and how perseverance allows him (and those he leads on climbs through his business) to reach the summit.

Life, Mr Neil Robinson, by the WM, W Bro Simon Vanholland. Lodge Ethos has supported A Start In Life for many years, and the donation equalled 12 months sponsorship for three students.

Second was the presentation of a cheque for $1,800 to the CEO of A Start In

The evening also featured a raffle, a silent auction, and rounds of ‘joker poker’.

These activities raised $1,200 which will go towards supporting Lodge Ethos’ projects for the next 12 months.

Amongst those who attended was the Most Worthy Grand Patron of the United Grand Chapter of Australia for 2019–21, Brother Paul Smith. The Worthy Grand Matron, Sister Lorna Dunkley and Worthy Grand Patron, Brother Graham Smith expressed their appreciation and thanks to everyone for their assistance and support.

Order of the Eastern Star dignitries turned out in their finery

Lodge Resurgo No 223

An honoured tradition Lodge Resurgo continued an honoured tradition spanning the last 60 years when it held its Annual Remembrance Ceremony .

The meeting was conducted in a dignified and compassionate manner by the

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WM and Officers of the lodge and thoroughly appreciated by the members and by the visitors.

VW Bro Pracy of Lodge Burnside presented a paper on the effect the Japanese had on Australia during World

War II, W Bro Fraser Smith of Lodge Burnside piped us through the Lament and VW Bro Don Cobcroft of Lodge Epping provided the Last Post and the Reveille as well as the accompaniment for the hymns.

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect Freemason

Mobile Masons Caravan Club

Mobile masons drop by Narromine

For ten days, in another successful rally of the Mobile Masons Caravan Club, masons from all over the state converged on the Rockwall Caravan Park in Narromine to support the local community who are doing it tough due to the drought.

Sixty Mobile Masons started visiting the town and local areas and it wasn’t long before the Mobile Masons ended up on the front page of the local paper. Not only did the community welcome the masons with open arms but Freemasonry was promoted in the district. Everywhere you looked there was a Mobile Mason proudly wearing his or her blue shirt either in the chemist, baker or grocery shop.

It’s surprising how much the local shops in these small towns appreciated the purchase of a cuppa, a cake and even having a friendly chat. It doesn’t sound much but it keeps their business going.

A morning was spent at one of the local citrus orchards where the ladies were invited to pick one or two oranges and mandarins before the club was taken to the river where the Lions Club welcomed the masons with a barbeque lunch.

Apart from the usual activities of games, barbeques and happy hours, the club on a serious note dug deep into their pockets and over the ten days, spent close to $29,000 to support the community. Even the mayor of Narromine visited

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the group to thank the masons for their contribution. A tour of the old Narromine Masonic Centre was planned together with a visit to the Dubbo Masonic Centre to witness the streaming of the Communication and reinstallation of the Grand Master.

At the closing ceremony of the rally, the club also presented a cheque of $1,000 to the Narromine Cancer Support Group. Plans are already in progress for next year’s rally, so if there are any masons who wish to join the club and have a

caravan please contact Graeme Leer for further details – graemeleer@ozemail. com.au – 0414 792 789.

Lodge Wyong Tuggerah Lakes No 247

Come fly with me!

Lodge Wyong Tuggerah Lakes and Masonicare combine to present $1,000 to Angel Flight Australia.

Pictured are the WM, WBro Stuart Butler and Angel Flight’s Ms Cheryl Dally-Danaher.

December 2019

41

Regional Roundup

Masonic News from NSW & ACT

L–R: W Bro Norm Little, Bro André Picone and RW Bro Anthony Picone

The Association Regione Lazio

Westmead donation Lodge Horizons No 1032

First Lewis on the Horizons André Picone became the first Lewis to join Lodge Horizons on 26 September 2019.

RW Bro Anthony Picone conducted the ceremony with masterly precision and pride while young André couldn’t hide his excitement in joining the lodge that he saw being formed as a child.

Attending the meeting was W Bro Norm Little, grandfather of André. Norm has been a Freemason for 55 years and attends Lodge Morning Star. This makes André a fourth generation mason and Norm a very proud grandfather.

The Association Regione Lazio, at its Sep­ tember dinner dance, was honoured with the presence of Dr Luciano Dalla-Pozza, Head of Oncology at Children Hospital Westmead who accepted on behalf of the hospital a $5,000 donation from the Association President, V W Bro Rolando D’Arcangeli.

Other guests included many Freemasons and members and friends of the Association. They were entertained during the evening by the maestro Lucio Ventresca, and the three course meal served to guests on the night included an entrée, pasta, roast chicken and coffee.

All guests were thoroughly delighted with how the evening unfolded, with some overwhelmed (in a good way!) by with how well it all went.

Elysian Lodge No 418

A visit overseas

Lodge Milton No 63

Milton helps local charities Members of Lodge Milton accompanied by their wives provided the Masonic Widows of the district with a free Christmas in July luncheon at the Lodge Centre in Milton.

The meal was followed by dough balls donated by the Milton Donut Caravan with drinks as well as tea and coffee also available. The widows attending were most appreciative of the day conducted in their honour which it is intended will be an annual event.

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Lodge Milton presented $4,000 cheques to two local charities.

During the luncheon, RW Bro Brian Willis, the Regional Masonicare Manager for Region 3, presented cheques of $4,000 each to Mr Rodney Austin, President of Mollymook Surf Life Saving Club and to Mr Peter Still, Chairman of the Milton Cancer Outpatients Appeal to assist them in providing vital services to the community.

Both thanked Lodge Milton most sincerely for their continued support and ensured the donations will be put to good use.

A special licence was issued by the Grand Master, MW Bro Derek Robson to the Elysian Lodge to enable the brethren to travel to Manila, Philippines where they raised Bro Charbel Haddad.

The Special Licence enabled the lodge to attend the iconic Scottish Rite Temple in Manila where the Elysians were joined by brethren wearing the respective regalia from seven other Grand Jurisdictions to make the historic event a success.

Represented at the event were: UGL NSW & ACT, Grand Lodge of the Philippines, Grand Lodge of New York, UGLE, Grand Lodge of Scotland, Grand Lodge of Virginia, Grand Lodge of China and the Grand Lodge of California.

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect Freemason

The Mountain Lodge No 920

History making

Lodge Sylvania No 853

Sylvania welcoming It was a special August night to remember at Lodge Sylvania as Bro Dylan Wright was passed to the Second Degree in the presence of Past Grand Master, MW Bro Jamie Melville who delivered the Working Tools to the candidate.

Lodge Sylvania has been a Lodge of Excellence for three terms in a row and several members attend Lodge of Instruction on a regular basis, resulting in comments on its excellent work.

On the same night, Organist RW Bro Bill Sadler was presented with his sixtyyear certificate and it was good to see many brethren attend to witness Dylan take his important step in Masonry and to

Lodge Bland No 337

Diggin in

MW Bro Melville joined Lodge Sylvania in its celebrations of Masonry

acknowledge the great service given by Bill.

He adds solemnity to Lodge Sylvania, his musical talents are required at other lodges and he is always available to deliver a charge and to encourage and advise new young members of the Craft. The night was no different as Bill delivered a faultless final charge to the candidate. It was a night Dylan and Bill should remember for a long time and the future of Lodge Sylvania is in good hands with the new and experienced brethren.

The GM pulling weeds at Wyalong

On the Saturday observers caught the Grand Master on his hands and knees pulling out some weeds and making the building look more presentable.

The Grand Master and his delegation entered and witnessed a well-presented initiation ceremony.

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On 7 February 1890, the Mountain Lodge Number 190 was constituted under the UGL of NSW & ACT. The founding master was Hyam Moses Joseph who completed four terms as Master of 920 and four terms of 190.

On 12 October 2019, Hyam Moses Joseph's great-great-grandson, Robert Joseph, was initiated into the Mountain Lodge by RW Bro Russell Yelds. It would be difficult to find a candidate with stronger and deeper masonic roots than Robert Joseph. This was truly history in the making.

District 21

Cook and work It was a ‘cook and work’ day in August for Central Coast Freemasons from District 21 who staged a Bunnings BBQ to raise money for several Central Coast organisations.

Freemasons from around the Central Coast manned BBQs simultaneously at West Gosford and Tuggerah Bunnings.

The Grand Master and distinguished brethren attended West Wyalong for Lodge Bland’s centenary meeting and an initiation in October.

On the day before, the Grand Master, Gael Knox, Andy and Barbara Conlon attended a dinner at the Club Inn with a group of about 30 people.

On 23 August 1862, the Mountain Lodge, Bombala, was issued with Warrant No 920 under the UGLE with the founding master Charles Henry Baddeley and his Senior Warden Hyam Moses Joseph.

The sausage sizzles raised $2,260, matched by the Freemasons Masonicare Fund for a total of $4,520.

The ladies were taken on a mystery bus trip where they visited the hot glass gallery and an art gallery and joined the brethren at the Club Inn for the festive board.

A cheque presentation was conducted at the Gosford Masonic Centre in October where representatives from The Glen, Headspace Gosford, Camp Breakaway and Toukley Ambulance Station were present to receive their donations.

A 50-year certificate was presented and a certificate of appreciation was presented by the Grand Master to the Worshipful Master of Lodge Bland.

It was pointed out that Freemasonry puts its principles into practice through its charitable activities and works closely in local communities to help all those in need.

December 2019

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Initiates

United Grand Lodge of NSW & ACT

Welcome to our new members ABZACK, Janal. . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Beecroft 359 AGUILAR, Paulo. . . . . . . . . Lodge Theo Grey 234 AL-SHAMARI, Mo. . . . . . . . . . Lodge Axiom 1047 ANDERSON, Daniel. . . . . . . . Lodge Camden 217 ANDERSON, Craig. . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Canoblas Lewis 806 ARRANZ, Adrian. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Miguel De Cervantes 1038 BAGADIONG, Noel . . . . . Lodge Merrylands 479 BARRIGA, Ronald. . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Blacktown Kildare 393 BAUTISTA, Phillip. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Horace Thompson Ryde 134 BEAVER, Shane . . . . . Lodge Prince Leopold 87 BEHZADPOUR, Erfan. . . . . Lodge Vaucluse 266 BLACKER, Neal. . . . . . . . . . Lodge Cavanbah 231 BLAKE, Andrew. . . . . . . . . . .Lodge Liverpool 197 BONADEI, Jay. . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Queanbeyan St Andrew 56 BRADSHAW, Kirk. . . . . . . Lodge St Andrews 281 BROWN, Robin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Ibis 361 BROWN, Duncan. . . . . . Lodge Nowra Unity 60 BUNBURY, Bob. . . . . . Lodge Leeton-Yanco 313 CAMILLER, Rob. . . Lodge Edinburgh St John 38 CANTOR, John. . . . . . . The Schools Lodge 639 CHAPMAN, Joel. . . . . . . . . Lodge Cessnock 252 COBLE, Paul. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hunter United 246 COLE, Nathan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Hawkesbury Heritage Lodge 150 CONNOR, Braydon. . . . . . Lodge Livingstone 71 DALTON, Xavier. . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Oatley 381 DERBAS, Fadi. . . . . . . . . . Lodge Punchbowl 244 DERBAS, Wassim . . . . . . Lodge Punchbowl 244 DICKINSON, Robert. . . Lodge Morning Star 410 DODGE, Ian. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Bland 337

Regional

extra!

Coeur De Lion – Narooma No 84

Big 140!

Lodge Coeur De Lion – Narooma celebrated its 140th Installation at the Moruya Masonic Center in October with the Grand Master in attendance.

Pictured here are W Bro Sean Brogan IPM, The Grand Master and DGIW Robert O’Callaghan.

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December 2019

DONALDSON, Chris. . . . . . Lodge Aviation 688 DOUGLAS, Chris. . . . . . . . . . Lodge Aviation 688 EL KESM, Firas. . . . . . . . . Lodge Punchbowl 244 EL MASRI, Michael. . . . . . . Lodge Liverpool 197 FARAH, Ahmad . . . . . . . . . . Bankstown Daylight Lodge 996 FARHAT, Joseph. . . . The Leichhardt Lodge 133 FEDERICI, Matthew . . . . . . . . . Lodge Dunblane Australis 966 FLOR, Rod . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Ballina United 112 FRAME, Peter. . . . . . . . . . Lodge Nambucca 271 GODKIN, Charlie . . . . The Lodge Of Australia 3 GOULD, Campbell. . . . . . . Lodge Trinitarian 978 GOUNARIS, Jonathan. . . . Bankstown Daylight Lodge 996 HAHN, Chris . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Kiama 35 HALOUSH, Peter. . . . . . . . . Lodge Beecroft 359 HASSARATI, Johnny. . . The Cedars Lodge 1041 HASSARATI, Julian. . . . The Cedars Lodge 1041 HEHIR, Michael. . . . . . . . . . . Lachlan Macquarie Lodge 1042 HOLBROOK, Paul . . . . . . . . . Forster Great Lakes United 994 HOLLOW, Michael. . . . . . . Lodge Cessnock 252 IHAKA, Richie. . . Lodge Eastern Suburbs 1050 JAROSZ, Wojtek. . . . . . . . Lodge Germania 1036 JONES, Tony. . . . . . Lodge Canoblas Lewis 806 JOSEPH, Spec . . . . . . The Mountain Lodge 190 KANNO, Kevin. . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Celebration of Fairfield 345 LAQUIAN, Jojo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Hawkesbury Heritage Lodge 150 LAURENDI, James. . . . . . Lodge Germania 1036 LEARMONTH, David. . . Lodge Commonwealth of Australia 633

LECCA, Joey. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Galileo 1019 LEGASPI, James . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Blacktown Kildare 393 LEITES DA COSTA, Everson. . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Woollahra 341 MALLIA, Michael. . . . . . . . . . Lodge Celebration of Fairfield 345 MARTIN, John. . . . . . . . The Queen’s Lodge 229 MAZARAKIS, Leon . . . . . . . . Lodge Wyvern 813 McINTOSH, Zac. . . . Lodge Bathurst United 79 McNAMARA, Chris. . Lodge Edinburgh St John 38 METCALF, Jean. . . . . . . . . . .Lodge Hornsby 262 MIRANDA, Junn. . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Celebration of Fairfield 345 MOORE, Declan. . . . . . . . . . . Lachlan Macquarie Lodge 1042 MORANDIN, James . . . . . . . Lodge Galileo 1019 MUHARREM, Jem. . . . . . . . . Lodge France 1021 MUJEZINOVIC, Ned. . . . . . . . . . . . . The Lodge of Tranquillity 42 O’CONNELL, Jamie. . . . . . Lodge Cessnock 252 ODDONE-BARIDON, Nic. . . . . . . . . Lodge Prince Leopold 87 OGILVIE, Rob . . . . Lodge Sir James Hardy 1046 PEARCE, Phil. . . . . . . Lodge Liverpool Plains 191 PETERSON, Gary. . . . . . Lodge Allan Stuart 416 PICONE, Andre. . . . . . . . . . Lodge Horizons 1032 PIGGOTT, Keiran . . . . . . . . . Lodge Queanbeyan St Andrew 56 PRATA, Joel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Hastings 69 PROVENZANO, Salvo. . . . . . Lodge Galileo 1019 RAMOS, Rex. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Ethos 963 REGO, Andrew . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Challenge 284 RIZVI, Abbas. . . . . . . . . . . . . Bankstown Daylight Lodge 996 RUSSELL, Adam. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Bega Remembrance 220 RYAN, Rhys. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Capitol 612 SAMIE, Sam . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Vaucluse 266 SEXTON, Andrew. . . . . . . . . . Lodge Ulmarra 186 SMITH, Chris. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge St James 45 SPIROGLOU, George . . . . . . Lodge Wyvern 813 TAN, Michael. . . . Lodge Blacktown Kildare 393 TORRES CUSTODIO, Lawrence . . . . . . . . Lodge Canoblas Lewis 806 URQUHART, Don. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Lodge of Tranquillity 42 VAN LEEUWEN, Shaun . . . . . . . Lodge Kiama 35 VERGARA, Jono. . . . . . . Lodge Novacastria 765 WATTS, Steven. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Burns Wentworth Tuscan 21 WEBB, Ronald. . . . . . . The Goldfields Lodge 40 WHITEMAN, Keith. . . . . . . Lodge Broughton 131 YILMAZ, Oguzhan. . . . . . . Lodge Woollahra 341

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect Freemason

v51 n4 December 2019

GM RE-INSTALLED R HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEMOLAY R THE HISTORY OF THE AFL

SUPPORTING THE RSPCA R WHO’S ON FIRST? R MENTORING FOR THE MASSES v51 n3 September 2019 VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER R EDWARD LARKIN R FEMALE FREEMASONS

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect

v51 n2 June 2019

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Integrity – Loyalty – Respect

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Thank You

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to all our sponsors who have helped made this edition possible:

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Acorn Stairlifts

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Bedz 2U

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Frank Whiddon Masonic Homes of NSW

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George H Lilley Regalia

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Hornsby and Kuring-gai Masonic Association

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International Order of the Rainbow for Girls NSW & SA

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Le and Peter Court

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Lodge Mayfield Daylight No 493

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Lodge St George and St Andrew No 7

NSW Masonic Club

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Rembrandt

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Royal Freemasons’ Benevolent Institution of NSW

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Terry McCallum Photography

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The Knights Templar Preceptory of St John No 19

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The Law Offices of Dr. Dion Accoto

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Truck Tech

SEPTEMBER SOLUTION

If you wish to become a sponsor: Phone: 1800 806 930 or email freemason@apmgraphics.com.au

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1, 11 down, 32 down & 17 across – A quadrivium medieval university course mentioned in the 2nd TB (7, 4, 3, 8) 5 Ten ewes stirred up will make it more palatable (7) 9 The French spiel about a sort of circle?

Stretching it a bit (7) 11 A ragman is correctly out of order (7) 14 Tony Blair does hide this position in his estate in Scotland (5) 15 Oddly premise the realms of the world (7) 16 Makes sense we’re told to save such small change (5) 17 See 1 across 20 Abandon deep purple reddish brown colour (6) 22 Leaned to one side to hear about a tradable security (6) 23 An example of 1 across et-al. (8) 27 Signor leaves some leering characters in a rowdy commotion (5) 28 A sobriquet for the pet I upset (7) 30 Ten clues set out to find a relative (5) 31 Granny and His Majesty in a port in China (7) 34 Plant pores woven into oat mats (7) 35 One toad cooked a dragonfly (7) 36 Another example of 1 across et-al. (7)

2 Several leave cavalier smiles for the Muslim faith (7) 3 An imposing building where I fed ice in another order (7) 4 Elisa finds a passage to say ‘I do’ (5) 6 Dawn upset the deacons rod (4) 7 Encourage someone with breakfast food (3) 8 Greek letter arrived at time anticipated (3) 10 Teresa resorted to a religious festival (6) 11 See 1 across 12 No time for acrimony in Australian Navy’s courage (7) 13 Reference to us found in Monica’s letters (7) 16 Greg or Ian’s medieval plain song (5) 17 See 26 down 18 Untidy nurse smiling with no germs at this pancreatic hormone (7) 19 Bonnie Celeste cuddles a relative (5) 21 They’re set in motion to put the plan into action (6) 24 Choose one mother as the best (7) 25 Apathy in irate raging (7) 26 & 18 down Monk loosing the plot about the wise and mighty prince (4, 7) 29 Fizzle out as an apostle (5) 30 Basic component in ammunition (4) 32 See 1 across 33 One’s family found in 31 across (3)

December 2019

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Service Certificates

United Grand Lodge of NSW & ACT

Congratulations to our masons

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YEARS SERVICE

BYRNES, Ernest. . . . . . . . . . . . . The Hawkesbury Heritage 150 CARPENTER, Ronald. . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Wagga Wagga 22 McBURNEY, John. . . . . . . . Lodge Beecroft 359 SWEATMAN, Noel. . . . . . . . Lodge Saratoga 937

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YEARS SERVICE

CRAIGIE, Clifford. . . Lodge Canberra Unity 465 CRONK, Kenneth. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Wyong Tuggerah Lakes 247 DONNACHIE, Matthew. . . . . Lodge Picton 258 FITZGERALD, Selby. . . Lodge Wagga Wagga 22 FRANCIS, Colin . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Dubbo 906 GAVEL, Richard. . . . . . . . Lodge Condobolin 185 GRAHAM, William. . . . . . . . Lodge Sliver City 141 HOGGAN, Ronald . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Burns Wentworth Tuscan 21 JEFFERY, Douglas. . . . . Lodge West Epping 731 LEHMAN, James. . . . . . . . . Lodge Silver City 141 LENNON, John. . . . . . . Lodge Wagga Wagga 22

Regional extra!

The Freemasons’ Association

Remember The Freemasons’ Association (NSW & ACT) held its annual Remembrance Day Commemorative Service on Monday, 11 November at the NSW Masonic Club.

Historian Darren Mitchell was the guest speaker and gave an interesting talk on the History of Sydney’s Dawn Service.

MACKINNON, Alexander. . . . . . . . Lodge Wagga Wagga 22 McDONALD, Thomas. . . . . . Lodge Toukley 933 McKENZIE, Ross. . . . . . . Lodge Enterprise 400 MUNN, Robert. . . . . . . . . . . . Macarthur Daylight Lodge 1009 PAYNE, Reginald. . . . . Lodge Wagga Wagga 22 RANDLE, Warren. . . . . . . . . The Hills Lodge1025 ROCK, Sam. . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Mark Owen 828 WERMAN, Leonard. . . . Lodge Mark Owen 828

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YEARS SERVICE

AITKEN, Murray. . . . . . Lodge Wagga Wagga 22 BREWER, Donald. . . . . . . Lodge Canvanbah 231 CAMPBELL, Douglas . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Wagga Wagga 22 DAVISON, John . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Burnside 729 DEZIUS, Michael. . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Como 738 DOUGHTY, Warwick. The Maroubra Lodge 725 EVANS, Alfred. . . . . . . . . Lodge Nowra Unity 60 GRIFFITH, Ian. . . . . . . . . Lodge Saratoga No.937 HALLS, John. . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Guildford 321 HARRINGTON, Timothy . . . . Lodge Trinity 666 HIGGS, Noel . . . . . . . . . Lodge Morning Star 410

HOGGAN, Ronald . . . Lodge Burns Wentworth Tuscan 21 HOWELL, Kenneth . . . Lodge Wagga Wagga 22 KANE, Douglas. . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Epping 390 KENNEDY, Noel. . . . . . Lodge Wagga Wagga 22 LOUIE, Trevor . . . . . Lodge Canoblas Lewis 806 MARSHALL, Harry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Hunter United249 McCORD, Keith. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Swansea Balmont 1030 MENZIES, Harold. . . . . Lodge Wagga Wagga 22 MORISON, Ian. . . . . . . . . Lodge Nowra Unity60 MUELLER, John. . . . . . Lodge Wagga Wagga 22 MUMMERY, Robert. . . . . Lodge Hurlstone Park United 288 MUNN, Robert. . . . . . Macarthur Daylight 1009 NELSON, Frederick. . . . . . . Lodge Balranald 214 OKELL, David. . . . . . . . . . . . . Macarthur Daylight Lodge 1009 PARR, Russell. . . . . . . . Lodge Wagga Wagga 22 SAINSBURY, Richard . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Wyong Tuggerah Lakes 247 SMITH, Graham. . . . . . . . . . Lodge Tomaree 878 STANLEY, Esmond. . . Lodge Fire Brigades 940 TRAYNOR, Anthony. . . . . . . The Prince Charles Edward Stuart Lodge 1745 WILLIAMS, Darcy. . . . . . . . . Lodge Beecroft 359

Lodge Mark Owen No 828

Welcome fraternal The Double Bay Masonic Centre had an almost capacity attendance when Lodge Mark Owen welcomed Lodge Fraternal No 603 from Victoria to witness the November Initiation of Mr Tianchen Wang.

MW Bro Derek Robson, Grand Master of the UGL of NSW & ACT, accompanied by Past Grand Masters MW Bro Greg Levenston (NSW) and MW Bro Hillel Benedykt (Victoria) and a big delegation watched an excellent performance of the Degree.

RW Bro Sam Rock conducted the evening in splendid fashion and issued a warm welcome to W Bro Ronen Jachimo­ wicz, the WM of Lodge Fraternal and his members from Melbourne who were witnessing a NSW initiation for the first time.

MW Bro Robson, after congratulating the candidate, also took time to present special long service certificates to RW Bro Leonard Werman and RW Bro Rock for their dedication and service to the Craft.

1 – Banjo Paterson. 2 – 1966. 3 – Julia Gillard. 4 – Black swan. 5 – Murray River. 6- Dingo. 7 – Should Australia become a Republic? 8 – 1923. 9 – Sheep. 10 – Reverend John Flynn.

11 – Tasmania. 12 – Frank Forde. 13 – 1984. 14 – Sir Isaac Isaacs. 15 – Neither can take a backward step.

Quiz answers 46

December 2019

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect Freemason

The Law Offices of

Dr. Dion Accoto WHAT WE DO: Dr. Accoto advises businesses large and small on how to maximise success.

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.

* Over 25 Years in the Legal Profession * A Member of the Auslex Law Group

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If you would like to support our Benevolence Program and help us help others, making a donation or bequest is easy. Simply visit rfbi.com.au and complete the form online or call Ray Vickers, RFBI Ambassador on 02 8031 3200.

December 2019 Freemason Ad v1.indd 1

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Photos by Nieto Photography

Grand Installation 2019