Freemason NSW & ACT – June 2020 by APM Graphics Management

v52 n2 June 2020

BLAZEAID VOLUNTEERS R TRAVELLING FULL-TIME R A BIBLICAL LOVE STORY

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect

Virtual Masonry – meetings beyond the lodge room

Contents

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

This issue of the Freemason is produced under the direction of: Editor & Chairman: RW Bro Richard Dawes Committee: RW Bro Graham Maltby (Secretary), RW Bro Ted Simmons OAM, Dr Yvonne McIntyre, VW Bro Andre Fettermann, W Bro Stephen Dally, W Bro Steve Lourey, W Bro Max Katz-Barber, Bro Simon Pierce and Lynne Clay

28 • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Editorial 3 Quarterly Communication

Concord takes off

Together, apart

Two new lodges

Stepping up in tough times

BlazeAid volunteers

Lending a hand

History of the Mint

Letters to the Editor

Kindling enthusiasm

Much obliged to you

Culture and science

Masonic etiquette

• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

From the Grand Chaplain

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

Keeping safe at RFBI

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

Zooming around

Log on, tune in

Moral Masonry

A biblical love story

Best foot forward

Travelling full-time

Famous mason

A ceremonial course

Regional Roundup

Initiates 44 Crossword 45 Service Certificates

WHO’S WHO ON THE COVER (L–R): RW Bro Khris Albano, RW Bro Les Hicks, RW Bro Rabbi Sam Tov-Lev, The Grand Master, RW Bro Richard Dawes, RW Bro Stephen Green and RW Bro Andrew Fraser.

COVER IMAGE:

Formal lodge activity is minimal but Freemasonry is active – like never before.

EDITORIAL POLICY

Aims of the Freemason magazine 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.

June 2020

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

The Secretary Freemason Editorial Committee The United Grand Lodge of NSW & ACT PO Box A259, Sydney South, NSW 1235 Telephone: (02) 9284 2800 Email: freemason@masons.org.au Published articles do not necessarily reflect the policies or opinions of The United Grand Lodge of NSW & ACT. Publication of an advertisement does not imply endorsement of the product or service by The United Grand Lodge of NSW & ACT. Advertising enquiries should be addressed to: Bro Simon Pierce APM Graphics Management 16 Springwood Street, Blackwall, NSW 2256 Telephone: (02) 4344 5133 Email: freemason@apmgraphics.com.au Freemason is proudly designed and produced by APM Graphics Management 16 Springwood Street, Blackwall NSW 2256 Printed by Ovato Distributed to all NSW & ACT brethren and sister Grand Lodges in Australia and Worldwide. Electronic versions of FREEMASON can be viewed or downloaded at www.masons.org.au ISSN 1836-0475 or ISSN 1836-0513 (Online) Print Post Approved 100007316 © 2020 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 Richard Dawes

Lodges are in recess – what an opportunity!

No gatherings. No degree work. No Ss, Ts & Ws. No tyled lodges. No point? NO WAY!

very situation has its upside so let’s make the effort to see what benefits we can accrue from this situation. Remember that this coronavirus is not going to go away for three, six or more months. So, we have time to plan and to make the most of the situation. By now we all know that we can meet electronically. That’s just the technical side and it is doable. It’s just a matter of training and it’s not rocket science. In fact, there are pages explaining the basics of how to use this virtual meeting technology later in this issue. So, what do we do with this technology? What follows is a list of opportunities that will keep the brethren interested and involved in Freemasonry while physical meetings are out of the question. Some of the items don’t relate to lodges but they are examples of different meetings and may trigger some novel ideas in your mind. Think about what can be done and then go for it! R Lodge Management Meetings: Even without formal meetings a lodge’s business continues and Zoom is an ideal way for a small committee to keep the wheels turning. R Social get-togethers of brethren: Keep us in touch and we can keep an eye on each other without constantly being on the telephone. R If UGL approved, we could hold tyled meetings as long as no ritual, or Ss and Ss etc., are involved: Of course, this is subject to constitutional constraints so don’t go down this path without written permission from the Board of Management. R Inter-lodge debates and competitions: These can replace the

www.masons.org.au

fraternals that bring us so much enjoyment and at the same time they can sharpen our minds and teach us to think on our feet! R Masonic Building Company meetings: Even if your local Masonic Centre is mothballed, the directors need to maintain the premises in a fit state so that when restrictions are lifted, we can carry on where we left off. R District Meetings: We can make these more interesting because we can enlist the help of top presenters from across the jurisdiction or even across the world. R Board of Management Meetings: Doubtless this is happening already. But it allows a board meeting to bring an outside specialist into the meeting at a moment’s notice – no matter where he lives or works. R GMTT Meetings: As above and the GMTT started using Zoom at the beginning of April. R Masonic Education Sessions using local, District, or Regional Education Officers: The big advantage is that a superb speaker does not have to travel across the city or across the state to spread the benefit of his knowledge. R Meetings with a high quality, perhaps overseas, speaker: Top speakers from overseas jurisdictions will relish the opportunity to speak to an Australian audience, and we will enjoy hearing them. R Delivery of Research Papers by local and/or overseas researchers: As above.

R Delivery of Prestonian Lecturer talks: When only the very best will do and at a minimal cost. R Presentation of ANZMRC Kellerman Lectures both in place of a face to face conference and as an attraction after the ANZMRC Conference. Lodges and districts will have the chance to hear the year’s best lecturers in the comfort of their own homes. R RGCs’ liaison meetings with DGIsW: This is one way to beat the tyranny of distance. Also, it provides an opportunity for DGIsW to meet each other and discuss best practices across the jurisdiction. R Training courses for Officers such as DGIsW, RGCs and perhaps lodge officers: Perhaps the most important advantage of all; this can materially assist us to raise our standards across the board. We have here a method of training that will allow us to deliver a standard product while maintaining the ability to assess a participant’s progress and achievements face to face. Trainers and DGIsW can use virtual meetings to follow up training courses with individual brethren and reinforce lessons learnt at previous courses. Is there a downside to this opportunity? Frankly the main delaying factor is inertia, we have to get moving and to encourage others to become active. Zoom-champions are emerging in some districts and lodges already. Some are almost messianic in their enthusiasm! Don’t leave the initiative to someone else: best of all make that someone else YOU.

June 2020

Quarterly Communication

MARCH COMMUNICATION The Grand Master MW Bro Derek Robson AM, welcomed members and visitors to the March Quarterly Communication and exhorted them to even greater efforts in the new masonic year

ast Grand Masters, and brethren, here in the Sydney Masonic Centre and across our jurisdiction in the streaming centres, thank you for your attention to this most important Quarterly Communication.

This Communication effectively sets the tone for our Grand Lodge for the coming masonic year. Following the election you’ve all been part of tonight, we next move to the June Communication where we call for nominations to be considered for the various Offices in Grand Lodge. With this broader exposure to our membership through the streaming process, I hope that we might encourage more of you to consider offering your skills to your Grand Lodge. Brethren, I trust that we can now go forward totally committed to enhancing

OUR NEXT

COMMUNICATION The June Quarterly Communication is postponed due to the COVID-19 meeting restrictions.

June 2020

the strong presence and purpose of Freemasonry. Tonight is not about long speeches. We all know what is required of us and we all know how we can get there, so let’s just move on. For me, these past few days have shown just what Freemasonry is about. Last Thursday, I attended the Installation meeting of The Discovery Lodge of Research here in Lodge Room Five, and witnessed a fine ceremony of masons totally committed to learning much more about our Craft, and isn’t this the principle behind lodge meetings having a healthy mix of ritual, educative, and social activity, such that we all gain more from the experience? On Saturday morning, I attended Bankstown Daylight Lodge for their Installation, and there at

Brethren, may I encourage you all to look after each other and support each other through this coronavirus and world health issue.

Padstow in a room filled to capacity, we again saw a ceremony with masons clearly striving to enhance their own personal development, beautify the Craft, and setting a challenge for each of us to raise our own levels of involvement. On the same evening, and again accompanied by our most competent Ceremonial Team, I attended Lodge Celebration of Fairfield in their very spacious lodge room, where we were gifted arguably one of the best programs of ritual and ceremonial I have witnessed, where the encouragement of one brother to another was clearly evident, and where Freemasonry at its absolute best was on display. To round off the week, Gael and I were honoured to be welcomed to the District 15 meeting in Maitland, where, on behalf of the District and Masonicare, we presented a cheque for $20,304 to Dr Matt Dun from the Hunter Medical Research Institute, for his work on childhood brain stem trauma. How wonderful it is that we can touch so many lives through our commitment to charity. Brethren, this is what Freemasonry is all about. We need to be out there promoting the ideals and tenets of the Craft, promoting the principles espoused in our own personal obligations, and above all, relating these concepts out in our local communities through kind acts of charity and social interaction. I have often said that Freemasonry is alive – and it is exciting. And believe me brethren, it is. Brethren, I don’t think that we should ever be criticised for being positive. I don’t think we should ever be criticised for talking up the Craft, and I certainly don’t think we should ever be criticised for wanting to improve upon the lot of our friends.

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect Freemason

One of the highlights for any Grand Master is speaking to the Masonic Secretaries Association, and I do this on a regular basis. At our last gathering, I again spoke of the full range of thought being put into our activity, and I was of course very pleased to see that this meeting was reported in the latest Freemason magazine. I was particularly pleased because it shows to you all the full extent to which we are trying to represent your best interests. It is important here to note that the Freemason magazine is an independent publication, and its journalists have complete autonomy on what they might report on and how that might be represented. Here I want to again highlight the article because it does mention many of the proactive thought processes being implemented right now. As Grand Master, I did make much mention of the membership situation at the moment, and while this has not been reported verbatim by the magazine scribe, and only noted as a precis of what I said, I did cover all aspects of it, and I stand by what I said. What I said was that our membership numbers will continue to decline to the extent well documented in a range of studies undertaken by the Board of Management over the past decade. These are very good studies, and I particularly like that done by RW Bro Colonel Stewart Grant who notes that with our age profile, we must continue to fall into at least the mid 6,000s at our present loss rate, unless we do something. Brethren, retention is the key. This is the reason why we are now spending so much effort to improve our meetings and their content and to ensuring that we promote the full range of our activities so that every mason gains from his experience, and maintains his membership. At that Masonic Secretaries Meeting, I again said that our retention numbers had improved from a loss of over ten per cent to the current position of around one per cent, and that, as a direct result, our age profile has decreased considerably. It is this most important aspect of both retention and a lower age profile that will reduce our overall loss rate. Brethren, we must continue to speak positively if any gains are to be realised. I congratulate the Board of Management for their positive efforts. I congratulate the Grand Master’s Task

www.masons.org.au

reminder that the health and welfare of our own is most important.

We need to be out there promoting the ideals and tenets of the Craft...

Team without whom there would be no direct contact between the lodges and our administration, and I thank all those lodges who have picked up on this positive movement and improved their own circumstance. I acknowledge that many lodges are now able to have some certainty that their future is assured through the availability of our new loans and grants criteria, and several of these are noted in the Board reports tonight. I note that our encouragement of district gatherings has exposed many more of us to the positives of the Craft and given us a wonderful opportunity to reach out to a far broader audience when proposing and implementing positive change. I am very pleased with the way our Leadership and Management Teams have worked together to improve our situation and I am encouraged that they will continue to do so. On behalf of the Masonicare Board, I thank all those brethren across the jurisdiction for the very generous donations of money, and time and effort in pulling together the many and varied fundraising events to assist the Grand Masters Disaster Relief Appeal. As lodges, individuals and districts combine, it is great to see how we can combine to make this difference to those affected in our community. A reminder please that I have indicated that the Disaster Relief Appeal will be in place until at least Christmas, and certainly until everyone has had their dignity restored. Brethren, may I encourage you all to look after each other and support each other through this coronavirus and world health issue. I am aware of a brother recuperating from a recent stroke episode in the Betty Thompson Home at Macquarie Fields, which remains in lockdown, and this is a

I now quote from an article by Joseph Fort Nelson, which was recently printed in the Installation Booklet for Lodge Celebration of Fairfield. The article was written in 1923 for the Masonic Service Association, and I quote: ‘Those sturdy men who set up the altar of Masonry on the frontier of the Common wealth were prophetic souls. They were men of faith who builded better than they knew, as men of faith always do. They believed in the future, in the growth of large things from small beginnings and in the principles of Masonry as the true foundation of society and the fortress of a free state. They knew that the Masonic Lodge is a silent partner of the home, the church and the school house, toiling on behalf of law and order, without which neither industry nor the arts can flourish, and that its benign influence would help us to build a Commonwealth in strength, wisdom and beauty. Therefore they erected their altar and kindled its flame; and having wrought in faithfulness, they died in faith, obeying the injunction of that master poet who said “Keep the young generations in hail, bequeath to them no tumbled house.”’ And so finally, may I encourage that wherever you are and whatever you do, you do it with Integrity, Loyalty and Respect. Thank you all for your most wonderful support of our Grand Lodge.

RAINBOW GIRLS 90th

...to be continued

The Rainbow Girls of Australia’s 90th anniversary event has regrettably been postponed. However, we would still like to make contact with past members so we can update our records, so if you know of any past members, please pass on our details! Email: rainbowaus90@gmail or call Lorraine on: 0417 082 631

Keep an eye on these pages for more details on the rescheduling efforts!

June 2020

Concord takes off

Together, apart

Concord is virtually

unstoppable The Yass Lodge of Concord held a virtual business meeting using Zoom on Wednesday 25 March

hese meetings are the most innovative and exciting step forward in embracing technology in the Craft. The meeting involved brethren from across the whole jurisdiction. This event establishes an initial, yet very convincing, first step in creating an agile solution and capability that our lodges may choose to replicate, or use as a baseline model to help mitigate many of the current COVID-19 challenges including maintaining continuity, inclusion, sustainment, safety and duty of care.

This is the kind of innovation that sees us lead the way...

Clearly we look forward to news of other lodges and masonic groups holding similar meetings. This is the kind of innovation that sees us lead the way during these challenging times.

Staying connected Brethren, as we continue to adapt to a new routine and way of life it is important that we remain positive.

s Freemasons we are to lead by example and support our communities any way we can. Our masonic duties don’t end when we leave the lodge room and now, more then ever, we need to put our principles to use. Please listen and adhere to the announcements from our governments and remain positive. Together we can make a difference and this is exactly what we will strive to do. I hope Freemason and my news–letters plus some new content on our website will help us all remain connected. Right now, the GM’s Task Team and the BoM are working hard to make this content available as soon as possible. But it is also important that we hear from you. Send us your stories and remain connected. So mote it be.

June 2020

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect Freemason

Special Need Freemason a new Offer suit? Mentionathis advert Receive 25% discount and receive a 25% on discount any fullonprice any fullsuit. price suitmade â&#x20AC;&#x201C; includes Includes to measure. made to measure.

Macquarie 9889 5750 | Warringah Mall| (02) 9939 5750 Mid City Centre (02) 9231Centre 5750 | (02 Macquarie Centre (02) 9889 5750 Warringah Mall (02) 9939 5750

Two new lodges

Lodge consecrations In February this year, no less than two very different lodges were consecrated to serve the needs of masons with very different interests.

Lodge Jerusalem No 1056 Lodge Jerusalem No 1056 was consecrated on 8 February 2020 at the Sydney Masonic Centre in the presence of the Grand Master, MW Bro Derek Robson AM. The Foundation Worshipful Master is MW Bro Jamie Melville, Past Grand Master.

Lodge Jerusalem will build bonds of brotherly love between its members based on these ideals.

Lodge Jerusalem is named after the Holy City in Israel, a place of significance to the three great monotheistic religions, Christianity, Islam and Judaism. The core principal of Lodge Jerusalem is Unity, and they believe that there is more that binds them than that which divides them. Jerusalem is a place which embodies the struggles of difference between peoples in the search for peace. As Freemasons and as people who feel a strong affinity with such a holy

city, Lodge Jerusalem will build bonds of brotherly love between its members based on these ideals.

city in the world is so revered and loved. In line with the fact that the name Jerusalem derives from the Hebrew words ‘city of peace,’ it focusses on friendship and brotherhood as the path to everlasting peace, so will Lodge Jerusalem be a sanctuary of peace and harmony.

Jerusalem has no equal anywhere in status, importance, beauty and symbolism. No city in the world has captured so much interest, for so long and of so many people. It can also be said that no

Lodge Canberra Daylight No 1057 The recognition of the need for a daylight lodge in Canberra has resulted in the formation of Lodge Canberra Daylight No 1057. On Saturday 15 February 2020, Foundation Members and visiting masons entered the main lodge room of the Canberra Masonic Centre, which was filled, and a second room was used to cater for the overflow where they witnessed the proceedings by video. A total of 101 masons from all over the Jurisdiction were present at the CMC. The Grand Master, MW Bro Derek Robson AM, not only consecrated the lodge in a manner befitting his position, but also performed the role of Installing Master with fervency and zeal.

June 2020

With its rays shining, it symbolises illumination and enlightenment... The symbolism of the lodge logo depicts the Black Mountain Tower which is the first and most recognisable structure seen from most viewpoints within and outside of Canberra. It is the second most visited structure in the ACT and overlooks Canberra with a 360-degree

view. From above it almost appears as a point in the centre of Canberra. The sun is at its meridian, situated at the Tower’s peak. With its rays shining, it symbolises illumination and enlightenment, alluding to daylight.

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect Freemason

Stepping up in tough times

By RW Bro Dr Graeme D Moller AM

Leadership in action VW Bro Roman Cholawinskyj, DGIW 47 and a member of the Grand Master’s Task Team, provides leadership in the introduction of Zoom in Canberra and surrounding areas.

t has been said that today’s life is impossible without communication. The changes forced upon us by COVID-19 have required us to find new ways to communicate. As masons some of the reasons include the need to remain and strengthen communication with our brethren, to maintain our fraternal relationships and our concern for our brethren and their loved ones at this difficult time. We also need to continue to manage lodges’ administrative work, to share ideas, learn, acquire knowledge and never stop communicating with each other. We are indeed fortunate, in Canberra and surrounding regions, to have VW Bro Roman Cholawinskyj to lead in the introduction of Zoom, one of the two preferred video conferencing tools that have now become our newest form of communication. Roman has taken up the challenge to ensure that all lodges across Canberra and the surrounding regions are introduced to all aspects of the power of Zoom and the use of this tool to meet our communication objectives. He has run, and will continue to run, a series of Zoom introductory meetings explaining and demonstrating this new way of communicating. He is regarded as one of the outstanding IT experts in the region and has put in an enormous effort in hosting and hands-on teaching of others in the features of Zoom and the ways it can be used in conjunction with the Grand Lodge approved Procedures for Digital Lodge Business Meetings. He has so far conducted five introductory

www.masons.org.au

A truly outstanding, voluntary effort...

sessions and has had a very good attendance at each, with participants actively involved in the learning processes and the use of the various features. Further meetings are planned. Some lodges in the region are now using Zoom for business meetings. The sessions have been very well received and have ironed out a number of issues with videoconferencing as well as giving confidence to a number of brethren planning to use this new approach to communication. He has, in a clear manner, addressed many of the concerns and difficulties others may experience

VW Bro Roman Cholawinskyj

with this method of communicating and also the difficult issues relating to concerns about privacy and security. A truly outstanding, voluntary effort by one of the leading masons in the area and one which will truly assist the fraternity throughout this difficult period of the pandemic with its required isolation for some, and social distancing for others. The benefits will be apparent for years to come. Well done Roman Cholawinskyj!

ED: The Grand Master’s Task Team are men of respect who can relate to lodges and hall committees; they stand face to face identifying, discussing and providing solutions to many local issues. The GMTT can point to many successes and this article is a good example. Congratulations to the GMTT for all that it and its members are doing. Let’s support the Team as it helps propel the Craft into the future!

Not happy with your current strata management company? It’s easier than you might think to change to a professional, proactive strata company like Mason Strata Management!

Call to find out how – just 3 easy steps. Quote this ad and the swap-over is risk free! We are so confident in our service that we offer you the first three months of strata management free!* That’s our service guarantee. *Offer includes management fee only and will be rebated after 90 days.

Call John Baylouni

 1300 770 598

 john@masonstratamanagement.com.au |  www.masonstratamanagement.com.au

June 2020

BlazeAid volunteers

Helping rebuild lives BlazeAid is a volunteer-based organisation that works with families and individuals in rural Australia after natural disasters such as fires and floods.

lazeAid works alongside rural families, with their volunteers helping to rebuild fences and other structures that have been damaged or destroyed.

Equally important, volunteers also help to lift the spirits of people who are often facing their second or third flood, or fire, even after years of drought, or devastating losses through bushfires. BlazeAid volunteers work in a disaster-affected area for many months, not only helping individuals and families, but also helping rebuild the local communities. BlazeAid’s credo: Not just rebuilding fences but helping rebuild lives. BlazeAid was started by Kilmore East farmers, Kevin and Rhonda Butler when out of the ashes of Black Saturday 2009 came an urgent need for fences to be rebuilt and communities restored. The Butlers were among those whose fences were burnt. Needing to quickly secure their 1,500 sheep, they sought assistance from family, friends and local volunteers to help rebuild their fences. Within a week, the fences were completed – a task that would have taken them months to do on their own. Grateful for the assistance they received, Rhonda and Kevin decided to try to help others in similar circumstances. Thus, BlazeAid was born. Since the devastation of the Black Saturday bushfires on 8 February 2009, thousands of long and short-term BlazeAid volunteers have come to help rebuild fences for bushfire survivors.

June 2020

“ We asked you to come help us rebuild our fences but you guys have done way more than that, you have helped us rebuild our broken community. For that, we are forever grateful to you and all the amazing volunteers.” – Maree Perkins, Monto, Qld, aftermath of the 2013 Flood

BlazeAid volunteers have come from all parts of Australia, as well as New Zealand, Switzerland, England, Afghanistan, Canada, Germany, Austria, the United States and France. Working tirelessly but cheerfully alongside the bushfire survivors, they have rebuilt over 400 km of fences in areas including Kilmore East, Kinglake, Kinglake West, Pheasant Creek, St Andrews, Strathewen, Flowerdale, Wandong, Mt Disappointment, Glenburn, Murrundindi and Clonbinane. In addition, they have helped to remove hundreds of kilometres of damaged fencing, removed fallen trees from fence-lines, helped with gardening projects, and even built the odd chook shed or two. By lending a hand in true Aussie style, BlazeAid volunteers not only built fences, but helped to restore the spirits of fire survivors who had lost family and friends, pets, stock, homes and property to the inferno. The assisted survivors are extremely grateful for the work, support and friendship of BlazeAid’s volunteers.

BlazeAid’s work over these many months could not have been achieved without the generosity of the many donors, sponsors, volunteer groups, individuals and businesses who have assisted with tools and equipment, food, accommodation and billeting, transport and hands-on support in the fire zones. BlazeAid are extremely grateful for their wonderful support and thank them most sincerely.

Real-life stories Here are a few of the more unusual situations where BlazeAid has helped people since its foundation: R A young farming couple with 2 kids under 4 were fully financially committed to their farm. They lost ALL their beef cattle and fences and were already working off-farm to cover their farm and stock mortgages. R An elderly couple battling Parkinson’s and dementia lost all their fencing, including a boundary with Crown Land, and needed urgent fencing so they could bring their cattle back from agistment.

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect Freemason

The old black

shoes

The old black shoes are looking glum, as I pass the lobby door, ‘What’s wrong with you?’ they seem to say, ‘we’re going out no more.’ Freemasonry doing its bit. RW Bro Peter Simpson, WM Leeton-Yanco (left) and VW Bro Barry Maples, WM Lodge Ibis (right) presenting a cheque to Bro Bob Bunbury.

R An orchardist who lost most of his hail-protection mesh, 30% of the trees, his cider production machinery, and most of his ready-for-sale stock of apples and cider, was desperately in need of fencing to stop wandering stock invading the orchard and eating the rest of his trees. R And an organic orchardist using miniature goats as weed control needing fencing to contain the goats to prevent a neighbour from shooting any that strayed onto his (bare, no stock) land!

R An American girl who took her annual leave from work, paid her flights to/from USA to Sydney and worked the full 14 days at Adelong! R Christine Male who is the current Adelong Coordinator has been working 16–18-hour days, looking after several camps, run jointly with her husband John. The list goes on but then the need for BlazeAid does not diminish.

BlazeAid has volunteers from all over, with very different backgrounds. Here are just a few examples of the volunteers they’ve had:

www.masons.org.au

‘It has’, I said, ‘by virus vile, we have to stay at home. Until such time the plague has passed, then once more we can roam.’ The masons’ halls are empty, regalia put away. Gavels now stay silent, DCs hold no sway. Volumes of the Sacred Law, on pedestals redundant, Now Brother Jim contacts his friends, by social posts abundant. No handshake, word or secret sign, no friendly Festive Board. No Tyler’s song to say goodnight, no organ’s well-loved chord. ‘Black shoes,’ I said, ‘do not despair, our chain is firm and strong. Our flag of love remains unfurled, we’ll sing again our song.’

Volunteer stories

R Over 150 Afghani refugees from Melbourne, Sydney and Shepparton communities who volunteered for 1–5 days over the Australia Day weekend. One of them continues to live in Sydney five days a week, travelling to Gosford daily for work, and traveling to Adelong Friday night to work Saturday, and returning home to get ready for Monday!

We’ve taken not a single step, not third or even first. And ne’er a sign we’ve seen you give, has masonry been cursed?”

And though our brethren may have passed, To grander lodge above, We’ll look upon their memories, with everlasting love;

If you or your lodge wish to help BlazeAid, you can find out more at their website blazeaid.com.au or email admin@blazeaid.com.au

And in their name, we’ll offer help, and soothe the burdened heart; We’ll comfort those who are distressed, thus masons play their part. And when this crisis is resolved, we’ll sing the old refrain, happy to meet, sorry to part, happy to meet again.”

June 2020

Lending a hand

Help for our farmers With an amount of drought relief donations to some charitable organisations going to overheads and administration costs, VW Bro Geoff Dryland from Lodge Sylvania No 853, and his wife Pat, decided to help our drought-stricken farmers directly.

n late September 2019 they organised a trip from their home in Towradgi to help the farming community in Western NSW. The original plan was to leave with a ute full of tinned food, toiletries and dog food. When friends were told of the plan, the idea grew and it seemed many were more than willing to help when they knew that 100% of donations would go directly to the farmers. Over a two month period donations of non-perishable foods were collected and stored in a shed donated by Fairy Meadow Self Storage.

Cash donations of $12,600 were made also, coming from family and friends as well as the Balgownie Fishing Club, Masonic Secretary’s Association,

As the shed filled, it became obvious help would be needed to transport the goods...

Lodge Sylvania, Lodge Helenburgh, Lodge Kirrawee, The Charity Committee of District 36, VW Bro Rob Coote and Bro Tim Sigley. As the shed filled, it became obvious help would be needed to transport the goods and Kennards Hire at Corrimal came to the rescue with a large trailer. Further help came from a friend who brought his ute and trailer. By then the idea had spread so much that extra drop off points were needed at Kiama (thanks Sam and John Howard) and Engadine (thanks Deb and Robert Kemp). The collection managed

L–R: Kel and Marie Ellicott with John and Ann Crossing, just some of the local farmers who received donations from the drive

June 2020

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect Freemason

to fill two utes and two large trailers and included long-life milk, cereals, tinned foods, tea and coffee, toiletries, cosmetics, pet food, water, tradie socks and jocks, work shirts ... the list goes on!

Just one of the trailers delivering donations to farmers affected by the drought

The farming communities of Cobar also included about 104 children who didn’t have much to look forward to at Christmas, so hundreds of excellent quality gifts were added for these children and their parents. Special thanks to teacher friends Linda, Suzie and Steve for their huge contribution to the toy shopping. On Monday 2 December, Geoff and Pat loaded the vehicles with the help of friends and left early the next morning. By the afternoon they were in Tamworth and dropped off some of the products and purchased vouchers from local family businesses to be distributed to those in need. Many thanks to Rod from Hazell’s Farm and Fertiliser and Baden from Tamworth Lions Club for assistance with this distribution. Also purchased were 100 Christmas cakes and 25 puddings from the Lions Club, half of which were distributed in Tamworth and the other half added to the load for Cobar. Anthony and Sheree Painter from the Golden Grain Motor Inn were generous in providing a room for our overnight stay. The couple left Tamworth for the 600km drive to Cobar arriving late on the afternoon on 4 December. The drive showed what the drought is really like because they didn’t see any crops and barely an animal but many kilometres of dry brown dirt, countless willy-willies and cloudless skies. On arrival in Cobar they met with Sheena Geppert who is part of the Cobar farming community. She, with husband Paul and their four small sons, run their own farming properties. Sheena is also very active in Rotary and the CWA and has taken on many other responsibilities to help fellow farmers in need. Sheena, with volunteers Caden and Simone needed several hours to help unload the vehicles due to the quantity of goods! The next morning Geoff and Pat met with them again to shop locally, in an attempt to support Cobar businesses by buying vouchers for distribution to the

www.masons.org.au

farming community. They visited James the butcher who always donates to local fundraising initiatives and supports the local schools and Bec, who manages the local Shell service station from whom they purchased fuel vouchers to be distributed with all the other products. Sheena later contacted them to report that the products had reached over 90 landowners with only the Christmas presents left to be distributed. ‘The people of Cobar were very appre ciative of everything we provided and we feel that we have really made a difference to the farming community of Cobar. Many commented they appreciated our donations and were delighted with the knowledge that people in the city were aware of their plight and willing to contribute. They also appreciated that we took the time and drove the distance to help’, said Geoff. ‘It was a privilege to meet with so many people who are so devoted to their life on the land that they see the drought as some thing else to overcome. They work hard in

their communities to keep in touch with others, offer support and to make the most of what they have.’ The couple left Cobar at midday on the 5th with an overnight stop in Orange. On Friday 6 December they arrived back in Wollongong after a drive of 1,900 kilometres and a very rewarding experience.

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

June 2020

History of the Mint

By RW Bro Ted Simmons OAM

The many lives of the Sydney Mint Many buildings around the city of Sydney owe their existence to early masons who were involved in their construction but little is known about these builders.

he Sydney Mint in Macquarie Street is one such building and was originally designed and built as the southern wing of Sydney Hospital. It is next door to the Hyde Park Barracks and was built between 1811 and 1816.

Research has failed to discover the name of the architect but there have been suggestions that Governor Bro Lachlan Macquarie and his wife Elizabeth were involved in its design. What is known is that Govenor Macquarie paid the building contractors with a licence for the almost exclusive right to import 270,000 litres of rum into the colony between 1810 and 1814.

June 2020

It was later used for government offices and a divorce court...

The only other portion of the original hospital still standing is the north wing which became Parliament House. The southern building was first intended as quarters for assistant surgeons and a

medical storeroom but by the mid-20s many occupants had taken residence including the store master. There was much debate over the future of the hospital with some rooms being used as military wards, a dispensary was created in the southern wing in 1845 as well as a staff office for the military from 1848. After the reported discovery of gold in 1851 by Edward Hargraves who was initiated in April 1853 in the Leinster Marine Lodge of Australia No 266 Irish Constitution, the building became an Australian branch of the Royal Mint from 1853 until 1901 when, after

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect Freemason

The Sydney Mint, taken in 1872

A half-sovereign coin made by the Sydney Mint in 1914.

Federation it became the Australian Mint until 1927. It was also planned for this proposed branch of the Royal Mint to be used for coining gold sovereigns with intentions to create a Sydney branch on the corner of Bridge and Macquarie streets but to save time and cost it was changed to the southern wing of the hospital. It was later used for government offices and a divorce court and became a museum in 1982. The Sydney Mint was officially opened in 1854 after extensive remodelling with prefabricated materials being imported from England. However the

Sydney Mint stopped producing in 1926 and became part of the new Commonwealth Mint in Canberra. In 1975, the NSW Government decided to restore the Mint and Hyde Park Barracks with the Mint Museum closed again in 1997 and the buildings transferred to the Historic Houses Trust two years later. Buildings on the Mint site, including the former southern wing of the

hospital and the structures for the Royal Mint at the rear, were converted for use as the headquarters for the Historic Houses Trust in the early 2000s, and officially opened in 2004. The colonnaded verandas have simple yet elegant Tuscan columns which were cut by the stonemason Bro George Lane who became a Mason in October 1820 in the Australian Social Lodge No 260 Irish Constitution.

The Sydney Mint today

www.masons.org.au

June 2020

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 Funny memories

to virtue and dig dark and deep prisons to vice. There are no stops of any kind on this route. The universal construction site is always open and the future must be built.

The article by WBro Stephen Daly, ‘Humour in troubled times’ and the work of Bruce Bairnsfather certainly struck a chord with me.

So every night we think of our brothers and sisters who have moved to the eternal East and remember them with much affection. Their broken lives must be an example for us to take forward in order to build something beautiful in their memory. And let’s put the Bricks of Brotherhood on top of each other.

I can’t remember how long ago I acquired this small plate, but I found it in an antique shop somewhere and it had to come home with me! Old Bill, sitting in ruins, shells flying by is writing to his mother ‘At present we are staying at a farmhouse!’.

And, even though we cannot come together physically, let us do it virtually, in our minds and spirits. ‘Nothing will prevent the sun from rising again, not even the darkest night,’ Gibran wrote.

Fraternally, Roland Millbank Army & Navy 517

A moving meeting Thank you for arranging the Zoom meeting, Richard. It was good to meet up with some of the lodge members. The ANZAC poem In Flanders’ Fields, recited by the WM, was particularly moving for me. My grand uncle, Sgt David S Anderson, tragically lost his life in Fromelles (just south of Flanders) on 19 July 1916. My wife Wendy and I, and seven other relatives, including one who had given the DNA that proved a match with David, were able to attend his reinterment ceremony in Fromelles on 19 July 2014 and visit many other sites in the Somme area. A truly moving event. Regards, Graeme Robinson Lodge Wahroonga ED: This was emailed to me after Lodge Wahroonga’s April regular meeting – held by Zoom. It is newsworthy because the virtual lodge meeting initiative resulted in an inactive brother giving us the pleasure of his company!

June 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

Bro Millbank’s decorative plate featuring Old Bill, a character whose history is recounted in last issue’s article; Humour in troubled times.

An open letter from the Grand Master of the Grand Orient of Italy. (Kindly translated by RW Bro Toni Maiorana) These are very difficult times for everyone. The pandemic has closed our Temples, preventing us from working ritually as we should be doing.

This is also the Beauty and the extraordinary strength of Freemasonry which tells us to join forces and to look with expanding hope to a future – ready to give everything for our homeland, our brothers and for all Italians. Grand Master Stefano Bisi

Some old times

are new again

The coronavirus has killed thousands of people, has sneakily torn us apart from so many wonderful brothers, to whose families go our great condolences, but it has no power over our will and over our hearts as Freemasons. There is no virus with the strength to penetrate and to be able to subdue us and darken the flame of Liberty. Even if each of us is alone our initiatory work does not stop and goes on daily. We must all continue together to raise temples

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect Freemason

Meeting tips

Wisdom without words

A member of a certain lodge, who previously attended meetings regularly, stopped going. After a few months, the Worshipful Master decided to visit him.

t was a chilly evening and the Worshipful Master found his brother at home alone sitting before a blazing fire.

Guessing the reason for the Worshipful Master’s visit, the brother welcomed him, led him to a comfortable chair near the fireplace and waited. The Worshipful Master made himself comfortable, but said nothing. In the silence he contemplated the dance of the flames around the burning logs. After several minutes, the Worshipful Master took the fire tongs, carefully picked up a brightly burning ember and placed it to one side of the hearth, all alone. Then he sat back in his chair still silent. His host watched all of this in quiet contemplation. As the lone ember’s flame flickered and diminished there

was a momentary glow, and its fire was no more. Soon it was cold and dead. Not a word had been spoken since the initial greeting. The Worshipful Master glanced at his watch and chose this time to leave. He slowly stood up, picked up the cold, dead ember, and placed it back in the middle of the fire. Immediately, it began to glow again once more, with all the light and warmth of the burning coals around it. As the Worshipful Master reached the door to leave, his host said, with a tear running down his cheek, ‘Thank you so much for your fiery summons, my brother. I’ll be back in our lodge next meeting.’

As pubished in the Western Australia Freemason

Tips from the

front line

ere are a few recommendations from Lodge France to help you have a fun and successful virtual meeting:

R Have an agenda R Have a personally written piece of work as the centrepiece of the meeting and open with it (not just something read from another source) R Facilitate a discussion based on the work – ask everyone, individually, for their contribution so there are no silent participants And watch the conversation flow!

EVENTS AND NOTICES Lodge Mayfield Daylight No 493

Calling Newcastle masons Newcastle’s only daylight lodge welcomes masons unavailable for or cautious about night-time meetings! 2nd Tuesday of every month. Tyling at 9:30am. Lunch $10. New Lambton Masonic Centre. For details call 02 4968 4511.

International Order of the Rainbow for Girls

Meeting invitation

The International Rainbow Girls now meet at the OES Hall, 23 Railway St, Wentworthville. 3rd Friday of each month at 7.00 pm For further details please phone Talese on: 0401 213 800 or email: talese_s@hotmail.com Bathurst District Freemasons

175 Year Celebration

WHAT’S ON

Kindling enthusiasm

All masons are invited to celebrate 175 years of Freemasonry in Bathurst with a gala ball alongside other events. Saturday 5 December, 2020 This event may be subject to COVID–19 restrictions. Please check next issue for details.

Contact Chris Tillott on: 0437 768 603 or email: yetam@skymesh.com.au List your event or notice here! freemason@apmgraphics.com.au

www.masons.org.au

June 2020

Much obliged to you

Masonic obligations and their significance I wish to draw attention to the masonic obligations we have taken over the years, and their significance to Freemasonry. It is fitting that we pause and reflect upon their seriousness, purpose and effect, from time to time.

he word obligation is self-explanatory. It means a kind of restraint of a person’s absolute freedom of choice to do, or to refrain from doing, certain things. Such restraint can either be imposed without a person’s approval, or self-imposed of that person’s own volition. There are different types of obligations: a) Obligations imposed upon us all by the civil authorities to preserve law and order in society. b) Contractual obligations into which one enters of his own free will, in his everyday dealings, in order to promote his own interests.

Got old

regalia? The Hornsby and Ku-Ring-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

$2,350 raised so far! 18

June 2020

c) Obligations which are implanted by nature in the heart of every person to regulate their relations towards family and fellow creatures. d) Obligations into which one enters of his own free volition and accord because he considers them to be for his own moral benefit and advancement. The masonic obligations fall into this last category. They are freely accepted, self-imposed obligations, the binding strength of which lies not in the threat of punishment, material loss or penalty, but flows from the depth of a man’s conscience and from the value that he places upon his personal honour. They are, therefore, more binding and of greater personal significance than any other because there is no more valuable asset than a man’s personal honour, nor a more vigilant and infallible critic than a man’s conscience. What greater punishment can be imposed on a man than the constant remorse of his conscience (which will follow him to the grave) than that of being branded by his fellow-man with the stigma of being a person without honour. Another important aspect of masonic obligations is that they are not taken for a definite term, in respect of a particular country, or particular body of men. They are obligations taken as a man of the world and therefore are not confined within the limits of time, space or circle of men, i.e. ‘unfit to remain in this

worshipful lodge, or any other warranted lodge, or society of men who prize honour and virtue etc.’ These obligations are binding on him for the rest of his life, wherever he may be, regardless of what society he may be in from time to time, whether he continues to remain in the Craft or withdraw or is expelled from Freemasonry. In short, once taken, the obligations cannot be honourably forsaken. Generally, masonic obligations consist of a number of clauses, positive and negative in nature. They contain the things a mason should do, and refrain from doing, in other words, masonic do’s and don’ts. Each obligation is concluded with a final point which encompasses all of the previous points, including secrecy. This is not for any sinister reason, but because we treasure our teachings and principles, and do not wish them to become the subject of commonplace discussion and derision among people who do not understand or appreciate their value and importance. What then, is the reason for such solemn and serious obligations? The answer is simple. Masonry is an organisation, and as an organisation is a group of people with common aims and objectives, with a system of laws and rules which are designed to achieve such aims and objectives, the obligations are necessary to ensure that brethren are aware of those laws and rules. These laws and rules are regulated and policed

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect Freemason

by duly elected leaders and officers of any organisation. In order to achieve these aims and objectives, the members must respect those leaders and officers. Freemasonry being an organisation with a moral and spiritual mission, has its own code of ethics and behaviour which is expressed through its teachings, ritual, traditions, symbols and allegories. The strength of this worldwide organisation, its success in the face of many adversaries and adversities, and exalted reputation built over the centuries, are due to the strict adherence by its members to its code of ethics and behaviour, and also the discipline observed by, and to, the leaders who administer its laws and rules. However, an organisation as large and widespread as Freemasonry, will, from time to time, have some members who either inadvertently or deliberately breach that code of ethics and behaviour. In order to safeguard against these breaches (associated with obligations), Masonry has not only unwritten laws, but written laws contained in the Book of Constitutions. The latter contains our written laws, and prescribes the action to be taken and the punishment to be imposed against those guilty of such offences. Punishments are appropriate to offences and vary from a reprimand for un-masonic conduct of a minor nature, through short and long term suspension of masonic privileges for more serious offences; to total expulsion from the

www.masons.org.au

...in other words, ‘masonic do’s and don’ts’.

Craft for very serious offences such as heresy, treason or murder. (Brethren will note that mention of these offences is made in our obligations). Although we are all familiar with the ancient penalties formerly associated with the violation of our obligations, there is no evidence there have been any corporal punishments in Freemasonry. Such actions would not only trespass upon the province of the civil authorities, but would also be in direct conflict with the tenets and landmarks of the Craft. Freemasonry, due to its high moral and spiritual mission, would never resort to the low level of inflicting physical pain and suffering on offenders. The supreme authority of our organisation which administers its laws, directs its functions and activities, and steers it on the proper path, is the Grand Lodge. The Grand Lodge is invested with the power to legislate new laws, modify, repeal or update existing laws, interpret and apply such laws, and adjudicate at

the trial of those who violate them. It sits as a proper tribunal, hears the allegation of the offence, hears the testimonies in support of and against the accused, allows the accused every opportunity to present his defence, arrives at its decision, and pronounces its verdict. When pronouncing the verdict, it fixes the punishment, and directs its officers to enforce it. As the elected leader of each private lodge, the Worshipful Master reinforces the lodge commitment and support of the Grand Master and his officers at Installations and at every meeting attended by Grand Lodge Officers. This, brethren, is briefly the system upon which Masonry is founded, and this is the machinery through which it functions. They form the focal point of, and the essence of masonic obligations. I sincerely hope that you will retain these points vividly in your minds throughout your masonic career, because we are all bound to them by our various masonic obligations. May those obligations, freely taken, without evasion or mental reservation, be the unerring compass guiding your every step and thought throughout your masonic journey, that is, the journey of the rest of your life.

This talk was delivered at Lodge Merrylands No 479 in March 2012.

June 2020

Culture and science

Changing the world Many people when faced with times of uncertainty choose to look at the future through the dark lens of resignation, putting themselves at the mercy of others.

s masons we need to react, because a Freemason can always find within himself and in relation to others the key to open the door to a brighter future.

Above: Flinders’ maps were so accurate that they were used for shipping purposes as late as the 1970s

The first tool needed is the ability to see beyond the pathos of our own daily lives. This enables us to find the inner strengths and solutions to our daily problems; to overcome the obstacles that life puts in the way.

Only in researching the depths of what it means to be human and of its grand mystery may be found the resources to look to the future with confidence, despite everything that seems to stand in our way. When Matthew Flinders, after becoming the first person to circumnavigate the Australian mainland, was imprisoned in Mauritius on his return voyage to England in 1803, he could have sunk into despair. Instead, he used his six years of imprisonment to write a book about his journey, illustrated by maps proving for the first time to a European audience, that Australia was a separate continent. When Flinders was finally able to return to England, poor in health, his

June 2020

Captain Matthew Flinders

book A Voyage to Terra Australis was published, and survived his all-too-brief life to become a widely-praised work. In 1824, the British Admiralty adopted the name Australia for the continent. Flinders’ maps of the Australian coast were so accurate that they were used for shipping purposes as late as the 1970s.

Being human is not like being an island, and you will find the best of it when you come out of the cage of solipsism and engage with others. Even Flinders recognised this, and used the opportunity of accidentally crossing paths with the French explorer Nicolas Baudin in April 1802 on the south central coast of Australia, to exchange ideas with his brother in science. Culture, Science and Brotherhood: three instruments with which man can still change the world and build the temple of humanity.

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect Freemason

Masonic etiquette

an after-dinner speaker in the South or the GM (or his representative) do him the courtesy of silence while he speaks.

Where to put the visitors? Should visitors sit together in the South? It makes good sense to mix host brethren and visitors on each table. It enhances the hospitality of the host lodge and it enables all brethren to meet and make new friends.

Where to put the ladies? Where should ladies be seated?

Glass or bottle? Is it acceptable for brethren to drink beer out of bottles in the South? From an overall perspective this is a decision for the individual lodge. Years ago, it was not polite to drink straight out of the bottle but now it is entirely normal and acceptable with younger folk. If the South is deliberately very posh you may adopt a glasses only policy but be prepared for some friction!

It makes good sense to mix host brethren and visitors on each table.

Ladies response Is it acceptable to invite a lady to respond to a toast? Yes, it is. But, whether a man or a woman, it is courteous to ask the potential responder before announcing that he or she will be responding.

That’s the ticket! Are there circumstances where a raffle is inappropriate? Common-sense is needed here. If the lodge is very late getting to the South it may be sensible to cancel the raffle. If the GM asks for no raffle then it’s polite to cancel it. Some lodges sell raffle tickets

Got an etiquette question? Mail it to: Richard Dawes, PO Box A259, Sydney South NSW 1235 email: richardmdawes@gmail.com

www.masons.org.au

The Grand Master’s wife or partner expects to be seated next to him. The same applies to all ladies – seat them next to their man; unless you feel particularly brave!

Cigaretiquette Can a lodge allow smoking in the South? No. State law forbids it. Smoke-free laws ban smoking and using e-cigarettes in all enclosed and certain outdoor public areas.

before the lodge opens and this leaves the South clearer for general conversation without the distraction of raffle sellers etc.

Heading home When is it polite to leave the South? The standard is after the Junior Warden’s Toast. If a brother needs to leave earlier it is polite for him to quietly apologise to the Worshipful Master.

South first? Can the South be held before the Lodge Meeting? Yes, some lodges do this already and report that there have been no problems. Grand Lodge does not need to be consulted. If there is going to be a Grand Lodge delegation you should discuss this with the Grand Director of Ceremonies well before the event.

Clearing up confusion Is serving or clearing of plates allowed while a speech is being made? During toasts and responses to toasts it is often inevitable – unless there is a block of time when all toasts and responses are made. However, if you have

June 2020

From the Grand Chaplain

By RW Bro Leon Carter OBE

A brotherhood of man The long-term future of humanity will ultimately depend upon an increasing acceptance of the concept of a brotherhood of man.

hen we consider the consequences of military action the past rises before us like a dream. Let us not forget the awful price of war: the wages of war is our youth, the finest of our tribes, our true keys to immortality. In peacetime sons bury their fathers, in wartime, fathers bury their sons. Nobody said it better than RWBro Alfred Lord Tennyson in his classic poem Locksley Hall where he expresses his hope for – a Brotherhood of Man. Till the war drums throbbed no longer And the battle flags were furled, In the parliament of man, The federation of the world.

Another great challenge for this generation is extreme poverty. John Lennon’s Imagine gives us plenty to think about

There are literally millions of men, women and children suffering, starving and dying, far removed from the scrutiny and conscience of the world; their

Once we accepted apartheid as the natural condition; why do we accept extreme poverty as the natural condition?

lives, hopes and fears – their suffering and chance of happiness – all intertwine with our lives, with what we say – and what we do. There are a billion people in the world who don’t have access to clean water, are malnourished, lack basic education – and have no adequate housing. $2.1 billion per annum is contributed to foreign aid including food by nations throughout the world but two trillion dollars, a thousand times greater, on the military. Once we accepted slavery as the natural condition. Once we accepted apartheid as the natural condition; why do we accept extreme poverty as the natural condition? Whilst righteousness between the peoples of the earth may never be fully achieved – the nearer we get to it, the better for mankind and the greater good. Above nationalities, there is an eternal ideal. Fairness between the earth’s people: to rise above injustice, economic repression, religious bigotry – and of course racism. Fifty years ago, John Lennon put this to music: Imagine all the people sharing all the world Living life in peace No need for greed and hunger, a Brotherhood of man You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one. I hope someday you’ll join us And the world will be as one.

June 2020

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect Freemason

Keeping safe at RFBI

By Frank Price, RFBI Chief Executive Officer

We are here for you As CEO of Royal Freemasonsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Benevolent Institution (RFBI), I appreciate that it is an uncertain time and many of you may be experiencing some difficulty.

e have amazing staff at our Villages and I am so proud of them. They have all gone above and beyond to make sure our residents are well looked after. As frontline health care workers, they come to work every day and care for our residents, even though they are experiencing the same emotional turbulence that we are all feeling and dealing with the same uncertainties. They are truly the heroes of aged care and are doing an amazing job. We are doing everything in our power to make sure our residents are happy and comfortable. As you can imagine, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tough and heart-breaking not being able to see your family every

...we have invested in technology to help everyone stay connected...

day and physically giving them a hug. I recognise that our residents and families are finding this especially challenging. Which is why we have invested in technology to help everyone stay connected through video calls. Not only

that, we have also encouraged families to come and visit their loved ones through our glass windows and doors. Nothing makes me happier than seeing our residents smile when they get a visit from their family. Our residents and staff are part of the RFBI family that we support. We want to support you too if you need it, so please reach out to us by emailing admin@rfbi. com.au. You are not alone. From our RFBI family to yours, stay safe, look after yourself, and together we will not only get through this but I believe that as a community we will be so much stronger. Frank Price Chief Executive Officer

John is enjoying his daily catch up with his loved one, thanks to the iPad provided by RFBI

www.masons.org.au

June 2020

Zooming around

How to Getting into Zoom host a meeting By now you have probably heard about online platforms where groups can meet. While there are many options available, Zoom is certainly amongst the favourites.

ere’s a quick and easy tutorial on how to create a free Zoom account and host your first meeting. Staying in touch with your brethren online has never been easier!

1. Login to your host account and click on ‘Host a Meeting’ in the top menu. You can then select from the dropdown whether or not to make it a video meeting.

Create a free account 1. Visit www.zoom.us using your web browser.

2. If prompted, install and open the zoom.us.app. You may be asked to allow access to your computer camera and microphone.

2 3

2. Enter your email address in the text box.

3. Invite your participants.

3. Click the button labelled ‘Sign Up Free.’ If successful, you will see a confirmation message. 4. You will shortly receive an email at the address you entered in step 2, asking you to activate your account. You may need to check you ‘spam’ folder if you can’t see it at first.

t may be best if the brother chosen to host is already somewhat familiar with Zoom’s functions, but here’s a quick guide to get you started!

4. You can also copy your meeting invitation and share it with your brethren. 4

5. On the right hand side you can manage your meeting participants.

5. Open the email, and click the ‘Activate Account’ button. This will take you back to the Zoom website.

6. Enter the details on the form; first name, last name and choose a password. 2

7. Click the ‘Continue’ button and explore the site! Note: Your free account will allow you to host an unlimited number of 40 minute meetings with up to 100 participants. You don’t need a host account to participate and join a meeting.

This guide was originally published in the Grand Master’s Newsletter on 2 April 2020.

June 2020

6 3 5

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect Freemason

Log on, tune in

Getting

2 1

online Become a member of the Grand Lodge website, and gain access to a myriad of digital resources to help your masonic career.

3 4

1. Visit www.masons.org.au using your web browser. This is the public page of the Grand Lodge website.

5 6

2. To access the Members Only section, you will need to create an account and a password first. Click the ‘Login’ button in the top right to begin.

3. To create an account you must enter your unique Membership Number (or Master Mason certificate number) in the login box. 4. Your initial password is your SURNAME. 5. Do NOT tick the ‘Remember Me’ box at this stage as you will be prompted to change your password in the next step. 6. Click the ‘Login’ button to create your account. 7. Choose a new password, and enter it in the box marked ‘Password’. You will also need to enter it again in the box marked ‘Confirm Password’. Don’t worry with the rest of your profile now. You can update it later.

7a 7b

8. Scroll to the bottom of the page and ‘Submit’ your new password. 9. Once you have changed your password, you must log out and log in again with your NEW password, to enable you to make full use of the member’s resources. Your current Masonic Rank will dictate the resources and content you will be able to access.

www.masons.org.au

June 2020

Moral Masonry

By VW Bro Neil Morse

Butterworth’s Instruments The Instruments of Freemasonry Moralized is a small pamphlet written by Mancunian James Butterworth, first published in 1801 and later in 1827 and 1829. Bro Neil Wynes Morse presents the first part of his research paper on the book.

he pamphlet gives an explanation of the Working Tools as tools of moral learning; however, the Tools mentioned are not those normally associated with current practice. One major difference is the inclusion of a hammer.

The document The following details taken from the bibliography [pp128–132] appended to the biographical essay by Giles Shaw on “James Butterworth, of Oldham” in the Transactions of the Lancashire and Cheshire Antiquarian Society [Vol. XXVI – 1908.] The Instruments of Freemasonry Moralized. By John Butterworth. Manchester: printed for the author, by G. Bancks, corner of St. Ann’s Square, 1801. 12mo, pp. 24 A History and Description of the Towns and Parishes of Stockport, Ashton-underLyne, Mottram, Longdendale, and Glossop, with some Memoirs of the late F. D. Anstey, Esq., of Dukinfield, and Extracts from his Poems. With an elegy to his memory. By James Butterworth. Manchester: printed by W. D. Varey, St. Ann’s Square. 1827. 8vo, pp. 375, 116, viii. [Also containing the following title pages to the separate sections: Some Memoirs of the late Francis Dukinfield Astley, Esq., with extracts from his Poems, and an elegy to his memory.

June 2020

By James Butterworth. Manchester: printed by W. D. Varey, St. Ann’s Square, 1828. 8vo, pp. 116, viii. (the Memoirs of Astley are sometimes found as a separate work.)] The Instruments of Free Masonry Moralized. By James Butterworth. Dedicated to John Crossley, of Scaitcliffe, in the Parish of Rochdale. Manchester: printed by W. D. Varey, St. Ann’s Square, 1829. 8vo, pp. 8. A thorough search of library catalogues, masonic and otherwise, has failed to find any copies outside of the Manchester area. The Oldham Archives holds one copy of the first edition and three copies of the second edition.

It is therefore our duty to act uprightly, to hold the scale of impartial justice equally poised...

The Masonic Special Collection of the Library of Manchester University holds one example of each of the second and third editions. The University’s copies were originally part of the Library of the Manchester Association for Masonic Research. It is from the third state that the following transcription is taken. All spelling, grammar and punctuation is as in the original.

The Instruments of Freemasonry Moralized Those different kinds of Instruments which we of this ancient order are in the practice of displaying, serve as a sort of memento to direct us in that line of conduct which we ought at all times, (as far as lies in our power,) invariably to pursue.

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect Freemason

The Rule This serves, (or ought so to do) to bring to our recollection the undeviating observance of the Gospel of our great Master and Redeemer, according to the tenets contained therein, in which Divine Rule, viz. the Revelation of the Almighty’s will, we ought to press onward with fervent zeal, neither deviating from one side or the other, for the sake of gratifying any of our sensual propensities, and thereby diverting us from the direct line of conduct chalked out for us in the Divine precepts which he not only inculcated, but uniformly practised. It forbids us to listen, lest we be drawn into the least curvilinear direction, to the “voice of the charmer, charm he never so wisely,” to avoid as much as possible every temptation, either of a carnal kind or otherwise, but hold to our course rejoicing; not to be warped aside either from his religious doctrine, or that true system of morality that he so plainly laid down for us, as an eternal guidance for our steps. And as politics (generally so called) is often preached up for self interested motives, he enjoins us not to meddle therewith, but to “render to Cæsar the things that are Cæsar’s, and to God, the things that are God’s.”

The Line Our heavenly Grand Master, the MESSIAS, left us a GOLDEN RULE, whereby to regulate the future works of all succeeding generations, especially those of his true workmen; he also appointed Stewards or Wardens, to assist and instruct the younger or junior branches of his workmen; and if they saw them deviating from that line, to advise and admonish them from time to time to abide strictly by the same, even that line which he had left them as an eternal guide. This line teaches us to avoid all sorts of equivocation, or what is commonly called double-dealing, both in our discourse and actions. It is a line which, if we unremittingly pursue, will lead us up to the summit of that immortal structure, where dwelleth in fulness of glory, the supreme and eternal Master Builder. This line resembles the ladder of the Patriarch of Israel, for by it we may ascend from this terrestrial abode, to a celestial one, and change this transitory line of time, for the glorious circular

www.masons.org.au

line of never ending joy and felicity in the mansions of his chosen workmen.

The Plumb-Line The Plumb-Line serves as a monitor also, representing to us that the Redeemer’s followers are admonished to conduct themselves always in an erect and upright manner, never to lean to this side or to that, for in doing so we do not obey the admonitions of our Master, for he said, “Let he who stumbleth” (or stoopeth to the gratification of any unlawful passion or desire.) “take heed lest he fall.” It is therefore our duty to act uprightly, to hold the scale of impartial justice equally poised, and to weigh every thing between ourselves and our neighbour with all due allowance, not suffering interest, or malice, or any other selfish motive to preponderate to his hurt or his annoyance. And let us always endeavour to sound the depth of our limited powers, and strive to make our several passions, foibles, and the bigotry or prejudices of our education, fall direct or plumb-in to the line of our duty, both to ourselves and to society in general. Still we should not walk so upright, and with that stiffnecked pride, as to forget that we are men, and look down with distain on the Menials or Apprentices of the same profession, but behold with charity and compassion all their several foibles and weaknesses.

uniformly coincide with the Divine Rule and Line, handed down to us for our observance, by the Principal Stewards of the great Master of the Works. If our actions should harmonize with those Instructions of our salvation, and correspond with the great Foundation Stone, on which we hope to build an eternal and imperishable Superstructure, then are they right, otherwise not. But it behoves us to try from time to time, if they are aptly connected to, or fitly adjusted to these said great Instrumental Directors, else we are building on an uncertain plan, and our Structure is unlikely to endure. We should also square all of our materials whereby we work thereby, whether in regard to our circumstances, capacities, expenses or otherwise, so as not to encroach on our neighbours’ energies, by adjusting every part of all our actions, by the Rule and Line aforesaid. ‘And always to our acres join our sense, ‘Because ‘tis use, that sanctifies expense.’

This is the first part of a multi-issue series. Check out our September issue for the next installment!

The Square By this right angular instrument, we are to adjust all our actions, that they may

June 2020

A biblical love story

By RW Bro John Andrews

Ruth and Boaz As masons we know much of our ritual revolves around the building of King Solomon’s Temple which occurred about 3,000 years ago. The story of Ruth took place three generations before the building of Solomon’s Temple.

n lodge, during the opening ceremony the Chaplain recites Ruth, Chapter 2, Verse 19. ‘And her mother in law said unto her where hast thou gleaned today? And Where wroughtest thou? Blessed be he that did take knowledge of thee. And she shewed her mother in law with whom she had wrought, and said the man’s name with whom I wrought today is Boaz.’

This story begins near Bethlehem. Two central characters are Elimelech and his wife Naomi who had two sons – Mahlon and Chilion. These people were farmers and they journeyed from their home near Bethlehem to the country of Moab seeking better land. The two sons married local women, one of whom was Ruth.

Ruth and Boaz were in love, but there was a problem.

The family lived in Moab for about ten years when Naomi’s husband Elimelech died and a short time later the two sons also died, leaving Naomi and her two daughters-in-law. Naomi decided to return to her family near Bethlehem. Ruth decided to travel with

Naomi while the other daughter-in-law remained in Moab. Ruth said to her mother-in-law ‘…for where you go I will go and where you live I will live. Your people shall be my people and your God my God, where you die I will die.’ And so Naomi and her daughter-in-law Ruth returned to Bethlehem in the land of Judea. Naomi had relatives in the area and she reclaimed her dead husband’s land. It was the beginning of the barley season and harvest was in full swing. Times were tough for Naomi and Ruth. Naomi’s deceased husband Elimelech had a brother who was a wealthy and influential person. His name was Boaz. Ruth went to Boaz’s barley fields to glean the barley which was a custom of the time whereby the

Ruth in Boaz’s Field, by Julius Schnorr von Carolsfeld, 1828

June 2020

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect Freemason

Ruth sleeping at Boaz’ feet, as illuminated by William de Brailes in a manuscript of Bible pictures, c. 1250

landowner ensured some grain was left by the harvesters to be collected by relatives and those less fortunate in station. Boaz noticed Ruth as she gleaned the barley fields and he was attracted to her – and so Boaz made inquiries regarding her background and was informed of Ruth’s devotion to her mother-in-law and her commitment to caring for Naomi. Obviously Boaz was impressed. He instructed his reapers to leave extra barley for Ruth to collect. Ruth in turn was attracted to Boaz – a fact which was noticed by Naomi. Naomi advised Ruth to dress in her best clothes, anoint herself with perfume and, late at night, to go to Boaz after the harvest festival when he is drunk and to hide herself quietly under his rug. When he wakes and discovers her there he will not be able to remember the events of the night before and might assume he has taken her unto himself. Which is exactly what happened. Ruth and Boaz were in love, but there was a problem. It was customary at the time for the oldest brother to take on the affairs of any younger brother who pre-deceased him in order that the name be preserved. The custom was for the older brother to buy the land of the younger brother and also to look after his wife and family. So there were three brothers involved in this story – Naomi’s deceased husband Elimelech, Boaz and the elder brother [name unknown] so according to custom the elder brother had first claim not only to Naomi’s land, but also to Naomi and Ruth. Boaz decided to see his brother with a view to claiming the inheritance of his brother Elimelech. Boaz knew his elder brother passed by the gate at Jerusalem at a certain time each day and that at that time numerous elders would be present as witnesses. As his brother passed by the gate Boaz presented himself and said to his brother ‘Ho, such a one! Turn aside, sit ye down here.’ And so Boaz and his elder kinsman negotiated the inheritance. When asked

www.masons.org.au

if he intended to redeem the inheritance the older brother declined, advising Boaz that he had his approval, as next in line, to redeem the inheritance himself.

can be confirmed by reading the Book of Ruth which is located in the Old Testament of the Holy Bible.

As was customary at the time, the deal being done, Boaz plucked off his shoe and gave it to his elder brother, thus sealing the bargain. Perhaps in a similar manner to sealing a deal by shaking hands in later times. This custom is referred to towards the end of the mode of preparation ‘Now this was the manner in former times in Israel con cerning redeeming and concerning chang ing, for to confirm all things; a man plucked off his shoe, and gave it to his neighbour; and this was a testimony in Israel.’ An ancient custom that explains the candidate’s slipshod shoe. And so the way was clear for Boaz to marry Ruth – which he did. Verse 13 of Chapter 4 of the Book of Ruth tells us ‘So Boaz took Ruth, and she was his wife’. Boaz and Ruth had a son called Obed. Obed later fathered a son called Jesse and Jesse had a son who he called David. David in turn had a son called Solomon. So the Bible reinforces the ritual of the first degree – and confirms that Boaz was ‘the great Grandfather of David, a Prince and Ruler in Israel.’ I believe this most interesting and ancient story enhances the ritual and symbolism of the First Degree. The story

June 2020

Best foot forward

Make the future what we want it to be Masonic knowledge is an essential ingredient to our success, and we need to strengthen our understanding of Freemasonry. To achieve this, we need to take personal ownership by engaging more in the activities of our respective lodges and within the District.

nity and combining our collective strengths to achieve results is fundamental to our success so we need to challenge ourselves to step out of the crowd and be seen to be doing creative and beneficial things! Be visible nationally and in your respective communities and let everyone know that we exist and that we are part of the community fabric. Let people see us for who we are and what our fraternity is. Be proud to be a Freemason. Be proud of our image and bring our community into our environment. As Freemasons and members of private lodges we need to know and understand our strategic direction for the next five years. It is simple and meaningful. Grand Lodge has developed a plethora of material to assist lodges to develop their own action plans; plans that will be particular to each lodge and

June 2020

its adjacent community. It’s not complicated and simply requires a commitment to do the best we can and to practice those virtues we all profess so much to admire.

We must be identified as Freemasons when we participate out of the lodge room in community projects and indeed on social occasions with our families.

We need to set goals over the next three years to facilitate the enhancement of individual masonic knowledge – not just our traditional ritual in the lodge room – but within our wider connections and philosophies. This is to ensure that when we speak to our family, friends and the community we speak with confidence and that Freemasonry is understood. We must all front up and engage with our lodges and commit to doing the best that we possibly can to grow our lodge. We must be identified as Freemasons when we participate out of the lodge room in community projects and indeed on social occasions with our families. And in conclusion we must create a visible presence both nationally and, in our communities, that enhances respect, attracts men of good standing and indelibly promotes the goodness in all that Freemasonry does.

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect Freemason

Main: Maurie Voisey-Barlin during a ‘window therapy’ session Inset: the team shipping out Easter eggs to Whiddon’s homes and services

An egg-citing Whiddon’s response to

COVID-19 The COVID-19 pandemic has been a challenging time for the aged care industry. When the crisis began to unfold, like many aged care providers, Whiddon made the decision to implement tight visitor restrictions to their care homes, to help prevent the spread of the virus. This was a difficult decision for the awardwinning aged care provider, as relationships are at the very heart of their model of care. For Whiddon, the health and safety of residents, clients, employees and visitors is their highest priority, and as a provider with a strong focus on wellbeing and tackling loneliness and isolation, their response to COVID-19 required a holistic approach. Whiddon implemented a range of innovative and creative initiatives to help ensure that residents and their families remain connected during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some of Whiddon’s much-loved wellbeing programs, such as the intergenerational program, Grandbuddies, have

been able to continue through the use of technology and a dedicated team of Leisure Officers. It is through the generous support of Whiddon’s donors that these types of wellbeing programs are offered to support the wellbeing and quality of life for older Australians. Whiddon aims to ensure that residents stay connected, supported, stimulated and entertained during this time and have applied technology as a tool to help achieve this. Whiddon has been using a range of video and chat platforms to connect residents to their loved ones, and have recently introduced a new app to further build on this. Whiddon has also been using technology to take residents on virtual trips. Armchair travelling to Morocco and Mexico has been popular amongst residents, with Care Home staff creating drinks and food to enhance the experience. The use of creativity and humour has been important in keeping residents’ and employees’ spirits up. An innovative program introduced to a number of Whiddon’s care homes in the Hunter region of NSW, affectionately known as ‘window therapy,’ aims to bring fun, joy and humour to residents during restricted visitation, with creative engagement specialists offering creative engagement sessions through the window.

donation! Whiddon partnered with iconic Australian Company, Darrell Lea, who generously donated around 5,000 Easter eggs to Whiddon’s team members in regional, rural and remote NSW and QLD, to lift their spirits during the COVID-19 pandemic.

These have been well received, and this inspiring program was recently featured on prime time television. Other initiatives include a ‘positive pants’ campaign at Whiddon’s homes in Narrabri and Moree, which encourages the sharing of positive and inspiring messages on paper “undies” between residents and employees, and their local communities, and talent shows that have brought great fun for residents and employees. Throughout the pandemic, Whiddon has offered visits on compassionate grounds, and developed a way to enable other more frequent visits that are risk free, so families can enjoy spending time together and celebrate special occasions in a safe way during this time. To achieve all of this, Whiddon has needed to increase resources, including additional hours of Leisure Officers, and additional resources to support workloads in implementing new COVID-19 policies and procedures. As the pandemic continues to evolve, Whiddon teams, from Bourke and Walgett to Glenﬁeld and Grafton, are working hard to ensure residents and clients remain well, safe and connected, and Whiddon has also launched a number of initiatives to provide additional support to employees during this time.

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

June 2020

Travelling full-time

By Mark Anderson

Echidna Gorge, in the Bungle Bungle Range, Western Australia

Planning a (grey) nomadic lifestyle Mark Anderson and his wife Catherine describe how they made a round-Australia trip happen, and how it led to another two years of travelling full time!

e hope this article might inspire others to fulfil the Aussie dream of doing a big lap around this enormous country of ours, or like us, to port that idea to Europe and take to the road over there as well!

June 2020

We drove out of our driveway in Sydney on a stunning May morning in 2017, knowing it would be six months before we returned. As we left all that was familiar, my wife Catherine and I were full of excitement, mixed with a healthy dose of anxiety. We pondered

on all the planning and sometimes difficult decisions that had brought us to that moment. R How would we fund a long trip? R What would be the best mode of transport to meet our needs?

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect Freemason

One of our first free-camps in the Australian outback

R Where should we go in this enormous country of ours? How to fund a long term trip is an early hurdle to overcome. Many who heard our story have said they can’t afford to travel for months on end. When we explain we rented our house to fund our trip, a common response was they wouldn’t want strangers in their property: so they chose not to afford it. There is always a reason not to do something, and almost always a way around that obstacle which may take courage and involve some risks. We took the decision to rent our home and there have been some disappointments but overall, we value more highly the opportunity it has given us.

There is always a reason not to do something...

up and still have the tow vehicle for exploration. In Europe it’s much easier to explore without a vehicle, as the

distances to provisions and sights are small in comparison, so can be handled by bike, public transport or in many cases by foot. Funding a capital item like a caravan or motorhome is no easy feat. We took money from my super fund, and bought a quality caravan that would hold its value. It has worked out but everyone will make different choices. For some a visit to Aldi’s specials when the camping deals are on, load up the old ute, and they are set to go. A lack of money and a perception of what’s comfortable won’t

Deserted white sand beaches along Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia

Another key consideration is what is the best mode of travel? For many Australians, a caravan or motorhome makes an ideal choice given the lack of facilities between remote towns and being able to cook your own meals certainly saves money. Having access to our own kitchen wherever we stopped enabled a much better diet than the pies and sausage rolls that are sadly still the standard roadside cafe fare in outback Australia. We chose a caravan and tow vehicle over a motorhome for Australia, but not for a European road trip. In Australia we wanted to leave our caravan all set

www.masons.org.au

June 2020

Travelling full-time hold them back and we’ve met plenty of those people making it work on the road. The decision about when and where to go is largely governed by seasonal weather patterns, but changes to our climate add a new layer of complexity as summer temperatures soar and large areas of our national parks become dangerous tinder boxes. Winter means the tropical north of Australia becomes more accessible after the wet, so expect to be joined on the road by other travellers from all over the world in this window of opportunity. A key learning over our 45,000 km around Australia, is that many people go to the same places. The Gibb River road in the Kimberley for instance may be “Australia’s last great wilderness” but in high season everyone is on the same road at the same time! Planning how to best escape the crowds needs to be a key part of the pre-trip research, and that means planning to avoid school holidays. For instance, we looked for and found a house-sitting opportunity in this last summer holiday period. But why just see Australia we thought? The bug had bitten us, (literally

people and amazing food. What more could you ask from travel than change?

In Europe we invested in a 4G signal booster mounted on the motorhome, with a generous data plan which we wish we had done in Australia...

on many mosquito infested evenings). We started dreaming about a European road trip, and last year turned that dream into the memories we now have of a 17,000 km road trip through ten countries. The contrast with our Australian adventures was so incredible, neither better nor worse, just completely different. The wide open spaces were gone, but instead were crammed with sites, history,

We did the sums and worked out that buying a motorhome in Europe was cheaper than renting for longer-term travelling (3 months or more), as long as you buy second hand and a brand that retains its resale value. Travelling in Europe was relatively inexpensive once diesel was paid for. There’s a network of low cost and free camps in many countries and food and wine were cheaper than Australia. Once you have the budget and the transport sorted, the next question is usually how to plan a trip like this. This was our approach and the resources we found useful. Our first step was to set up a cloudbased spreadsheet (we use Google Sheets) showing the days/weeks we would be away, then set out a rough idea of locations we would like to see and when, and any fixed-by-time points (e.g. days you want to be somewhere special like birthdays or anniversaries). It really helps you see the big picture. Having it on a spreadsheet makes it easy to keep moving things around to cut and paste.

Mark with ‘Truffy the motorhome’ in Kranjska Gora, on the Slovenian/Italian/Austrian border

Lake Bled in Slovenia

June 2020

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect Freemason

Staying on a vineyard in the Loire Valley, France

Then we downloaded all the books to find out about the areas we plan to visit, such as the Lonely Planet guides, as well as any history or flora and fauna content. I used the Kindle Unlimited subscription. For $14.99 a month I have 10 titles I can rotate as I need to. Tracking expenses through your banking app also gives a sense of comfort in knowing where you are in your budget, even if you are over! Then there’s the important connectivity issue. In Europe we invested in a 4G signal booster mounted on the motorhome, with a generous data plan which we wish we had done in Australia where we spent so much of our time in remote areas off line. For some this would be a blessing but for us it meant no new recipes to look at, no new books to download, no weather forecast, no local information about markets or events etc. Travel becomes so much easier when you can answer any information need immediately. Finally there’s that all important app for finding your way around. We have given up with in-car GPS systems. The maps get out of date quickly, they are expensive and hard to integrate. Google Maps was our weapon of choice. From that first read of a guidebook, places of interest to us get added to Google maps’ ‘Want to Go’ feature, with a note as to why, as well as the important tips round the campsite from other travellers. Then when you are planning your itinerary you can see where they are clustered and plan accordingly. Check out the

www.masons.org.au

on-line guides to getting the most out of your navigation app and become a power user. It makes the trip go smoothly when you know how to easily add in additional destinations or search along your route for petrol stations or supermarkets for instance.

1947 - 2017

If you are interested to learn more, check out our blog whenthecatsaway.net (our adventurous Burmese cat travels with us in Australia). Perhaps we’ll see you on the road somewhere in the world!

MAKERS OF FINE REGALIA SINCE 1947

ghlilley.com.au

Australian Made Collars, Aprons & Gauntlets

All Degrees and Constitutions

Briefcases, Covers & Apron Boards

Past Master & Commemorative Jewels

Jewelery, Cuff Links, Jigger Buttons

Masonic White Eton Jackets

George H Lilley Regalia - 27 Anderson Rd Thornbury Victoria - 03 9484 6155 - ghlilley.com.au

Certified Australian Made Garments - Quality Craftsmanship - Exceptional Service Proudly servicing the Australian Masonic Community and Grand Lodges in all states since 1947

June 2020

Famous mason

By RW Bro Jim Ruxton immortality by relieving himself live-toair upon one of the large television cameras in the studio.

Graham was king An Australian radio, film and television performer, he was known in the 1960s as ‘The King’ and to a younger generation as ‘Gra-Gra’. He was a great star on Australian television, later rejecting fame and publicity, spending his remaining years in seclusion.

raham Cyril Kennedy was born in Melbourne in 1934 and grew up in Balaclava. His parents divorced and he was raised by his grandmother. His first job after leaving school early was as a news runner for the ABC on their Radio Australia shortwave service. His next was at radio station 3UZ, initially in the record library and later as a panel operator for ‘Nikky’, Cliff Nicholls, a popular radio personality, who was a big influence on Kennedy, who would later use Nikky’s style on his own television shows.

In 1950 Nikky put Kennedy, then a teenager, on air with him on 3UZ and following the death of Nikky in 1956 Kennedy was briefly partnered by Harry ‘Happy’ Hammond. By May 1957 Kennedy was appearing on television and in 1961–62 he presented a morning radio program on 3AK with Bert Newton. In 1970 he was on 3XY and from June to December 1975 he appeared on 3LO before going to 3DB from September to November 1976. He also recorded a series of eight 30-minute radio comedies for the ABC under the title, Graham Kennedy’s RS Playhouse, written by Gary Reilly and Tony Sattler and broadcast between 11 August and 23 September 1979. Tony Sattler was married to Noelene Brown, and they were close friends of Kennedy. Graham Kennedy also became involved in Sydney radio station 2DAY FM and owned 10% of the station when it was launched in 1980, and from 1981 presented a three-hour program of music and comedy on Sunday mornings.

June 2020

It is certain that Graham Kennedy is best known as a television performer and a product of the television era. When TV first came to Melbourne in 1957, he was chosen to present an evening show, In Melbourne Tonight, also called IMT, for GTV9 beginning a 40 year career on the box. In later years Kennedy claimed he was terrified for 40 years. On television he was bawdy, irreverent and iconoclastic. Bert Newton, in his book claimed that: ‘The blood would drain from the face of Pelaco shirt-wearing executives in television, advertising and business until they realised that instead of televisual suicide, this skinny little wise guy was commercial gold, and then they liked his brand of humour a lot.’ IMT was devised as a copy of the American Tonight Show format with the host presiding over sketches, star turns and reading advertisements live, but Kennedy turned the live reads into comedy, often deriding sponsor’s products. On one famous occasion a scheduled 20 second advertisement was turned into 33 minutes of improvised comedy. His humour had the touch of English music hall, vaudeville and he was undoubtedly influenced by Brother Roy Rene (Mo), in his innuendo, double entendre and sometimes camp style. He often brought his Labrador dog, Rover, on stage with him. In one instance during an advertisement for a certain brand of dog food, Rover showed absolutely no interest in the food so Kennedy then seemed to eat the food directly from the can. On another occasion Rover achieved television

For thirteen years Graham Kennedy ruled supreme as host of IMT and as Australia’s most popular television personality. He had a talented team of writers and it was a very punishing schedule, on air five nights a week. For several years he and Bert Newton hosted the morning shift on radio 3AK then owned by GTV9. In December 1969, thoroughly exhausted, he quit TV for two years, which he later described as ‘years of misery’. He made a special TV show in March 1972 and then returned with The Graham Kennedy Show in September that year. He sparked controversy when he broadcast the famous crow noise (‘faaaaaark!‘) in March 1975 and in March 1975 and he left GTV9 in April after the Broadcasting Control Board banned him from performing live on TV for an indefinite time. Several theories have been advanced about the show’s termination, among them that Kennedy engineered it because pre-recording would let him get home earlier, another that ratings were poor and this was a way to close the show. Graeme Blundell, Kennedy’s biographer, claimed it was a very political decision. At this time there was a very active ‘TV – Make It Australian’ campaign in action with personalities such as Gerard Kennedy and Bro Bud Tingwell involved. Three of Hector Crawford’s police productions were cancelled within months of each other during 1975 and it has been suggested that Kennedy was a victim of Nine’s sensitivity. His next appearance was on Channel 10 in 1977 for a show called Blankety Blanks. It dominated early evening television for two years between February 1977 and September 1978. Other players included Noelene Brown, Barry Creyton, Noel Ferrier, Bro ‘Ugly’ Dave Grey, Carol Raye and Stuart Wagstaff. Kennedy won a Gold Logie Award in 1978 for the most popular personality on Australian television. Kennedy returned to Channel 9 in April 1988 in Graham Kennedy’s News Hour with him reading the news. This ran until December 1988 before

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect Freemason

returning in February 1989 as Coast to Coast and continuing until December 1989. Once again he defied convention with remarks which were tasteless yet funny. His last program was Graham Kennedy’s Funniest Home Videos broadcast between March and November 1990 on the Nine Network. He presented the introduction segment to the Nine Network special 35 Years of Television in 1991 and his last television appearance was an interview by Ray Martin in 1994. He complained that he felt ambushed by Martin’s probing. In 1998 he was honoured with a Hall of Fame Logie but did not attend the ceremony and the award was accepted for him by Bert Newton. Kennedy won a total of 14 Logies and seven Gold Logies, more than any other entertainer in history.

Graham Kennedy died on 25 May 2005 from complications from pneumonia. His funeral was held on 31 May in a small community theatre in Mittagong. Claims he had died from AIDS were disproved when Blundell published Kennedy’s medical history including a recent negative HIV test. The Nine Network was offered the right to televise the event but declined despite the millions of dollars Kennedy had made for them. Channel Seven took up the offer free of charge and offered Channel Nine a free coverage which was accepted, meaning both channels covered the funeral. In his will he left most of his estate to Mission Australia.

In the 2006 Australia Day honours Kennedy was posthumously appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for ‘Services to the entertainment industry as an actor, comedian and presenter signifi cantly influencing the development of the radio, television and film industries in Australia and to the community.’ The award was made effective from 5 May, 2005. Graham Kennedy was initiated, passed and raised in St Kilda Lodge No 303, Victorian Constitution, on 5 October 1955, 4 January 1956 and 3 October 1956 respectively. He resigned on 31 December 1973.

Kennedy appeared in a number of films including: They’re a Weird Mob (1996), The Box (1975) playing himself, Don’s Party (1976), The Odd Angry Shot (1979), The Club (1980) and Travelling North (1987). In 1991 Kennedy retired to a rural property near Bowral, close to long standing friends Tony Sattler and Noelene Brown. He never married and in the 1960s Bob Dyer described him as ‘proba bly the loneliest young man in Australia.’ His health declined during the 1990s. A diabetic, heavy smoker and drinker, he fell down stairs in 2001, suffering a broken leg and skull. The property was sold and Kennedy moved into a townhouse and then a nursing home. Despite a career of high earnings his financial position was insufficient to fund his ongoing care. Shortly afterwards the sum of $150,000 was placed in his bank account, reportedly from Sam Chisolm, former Nine executive. On 2 February 2004 the Daily Telegraph said: ‘The King of Australian TV, Graham Kennedy will celebrate his 70th birthday next weekend with a few close friends. The low-key affair is expected to be at the Kenilworth Nursing Home at Bowral where Kennedy has lived since taking a nasty tumble a few years ago. Physically he is not in terrific shape. He can’t walk any more and gets around in a wheelchair as a result of diabetes and years of heavy smoking.’

www.masons.org.au

Statue of Graham Kennedy at Waterfront City, Melbourne Docklands Photo by Rexness

June 2020

A ceremonial course

By VW Bro Roman Cholawinskyj

Grand Director of Ceremonies course The Grand Director of Ceremonies, RW Bro Khris Albano, and members of the Ceremonial Team agreed to remain in Canberra following the Consecration of Lodge Canberra Daylight No 1057, to deliver a Grand Director of Ceremonies course.

he course was open to Master Masons and Past Masters who aspire to appointment as a Grand Steward, or Grand Officers who wish to make themselves eligible for selection by the Grand Master as the GDC at local Installations. The Grand Director and his team excelled with outstanding presentations of detailed instruction and examples during the morning and afternoon sessions. An unforgettable day, thoroughly well organised and presented with specific information for those wishing to

...everybody learnt something new and benefitted from the course.

aspire to Grand Director in the Districts and others who plan to be Installing Masters, Worshipful Masters, Wardens and Deacons. Quite fine points of

ceremony were raised and explained by the Grand Director and, as the GM has already said, “He is certainly the best we have seen.” Regardless of rank or experience everybody learnt something new and benefitted from the course. The Grand Master stayed all day and contributed to the discussions and to questions – an added bonus for all attendees. If you think that your District could benefit from such a course, speak to your DGIW – but be prepared to ‘make it happen’!

The Grand Master, Grand Director of Ceremonies and students.

June 2020

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

Regional roundup

NSW S ACT

District 21 – Central Coast

$26,600 for Central Coast kids Freemasons on the Central Coast together with Central Coast Bulldogs presented cheques to Central Coast Kids In Need (CCKIN) and Save Our Kids From Suicide (SOKS), each for $8,300 on Friday 6 March at the Wallarah Bay Recreation Club. This follows the successful fundraising event on Saturday 16 November 2019 attended by over 130 guests at the Wyong Leagues Club. The event organised by Freemasons on the Central Coast together with Central Coast Bulldogs (Masters Team) and Gosford North Rotary raised $16,600 (including a contribution of $6,000 from the NSW & ACT Freemason Grand Charity, Masonicare) to support Central Coast Kids in Need (CCKIN) and Save Our Kids From Suicide (SOKS). In addition, the Freemasons on the Central Coast themselves presented a cheque of $5,000 to each of the recipients. These are two well-known local charities and both provide an enormous contribution to the welfare of youth and their families on the Central Coast. The event was hosted by well-known local radio personality, Sarah King. A live auction was conducted by local identity, Rod Amos with many items, including a variety of raffle prizes, being donated by generous donors. The Jamie Lindsay Band provided live music.

www.masons.org.au

The fundraising organising committee

During the evening, guests heard from a young couple who had been the beneficiaries of assistance from CCKIN following the premature birth of their child. CCKIN put them up in accommodation near the Prince of Wales Children’s Hospital during the entire period their baby was receiving intensive care. Distance limitations meant that Government Health Care financial assistance would not cover these costs. Guests also heard from Gosford North Rotary about the work the SOKS program and Lifeline were providing to youth on the Central Coast in suicide prevention education.

The Committee was extremely grateful to the Wyong Leagues Club for providing the venue and assistance with artwork and programming. In a postscript to the event, a young boy from the Coast who is receiving treatment for cancer donated a signed Socceroos Jersey as an auction item for the event. As it happened the Wyong Leagues Club made the successful bid of $500 for the Jersey. As the ultimate act of generosity, the club had the jersey framed and donated it back to the young boy. Following its success, the committee has agreed to host another event at the Wyong Leagues club on Saturday 12 September 2020.

June 2020

Regional Roundup

Masonic News from NSW & ACT

Lodge Cessnock No 252

L–R: RW Bro Laurie Walsh, Coral Martin, W Bro Phil Wilkinson.

Lodge Riverina Thompson No 104

Finley woman thanks Freemasons Finley resident Coral Martin describes herself as a homebody, but a recent spate of falls left her virtually unable to leave her home due to pain and discomfort. Her only aid was a walking stick … until the Finley-Jerilderie Freemasons came to her rescue. They have loaned a second-hand scooter to the long-time local, who said she was dumbfounded at the generosity but glad to have some semblance of freedom back. ‘I had some falls, and I could not get up or walk properly,’ she said. ‘I still do have my car, but I have not been confident enough yet to get back into driving. I usually need a walking stick, but I have been house bound [since the fall]. With the scooter I will now be able to go out shopping, instead of relying on others to do it for me. I also have an interest in the garden and haven’t been able to get out there, but the scooter should make that easier too.’ Freemasons member W Bro Phil Wilkinson said that the group simply wanted to help ‘wherever we can. Coral had a need for the scooter, and we know the financial cost to purchase one of them, so we saw it as an opportunity to provide it to her free of charge,’ Phil said.

June 2020

‘She is able to use it for as long as she needs and when the time comes that she is no longer in need of it, we will collect it back off her and then provide it to someone else in the community that may need it.’

Great publicity Diligent effort and continual cooperation result in Freemasons Park in Cessnock. Yes! Visual proof that community effort results in recognition. Well done Lodge Cessnock.

Lodge Leeton – Yanco No 313

While Freemasonry is not your traditional service group or charity, W Bro Wilkinson said its members have a passion for their community and assist where possible.

96 and still going!

He said most members personally donate to assist local schools, provide scholarships and provide useful equipment like electrical scooters to those who might otherwise not be able to afford them.

W Bro Ian Cameron is 96 years old. He was born on 14 December 1923, and was initiated on 13 August 1947, so he was 24 years old at that time and has now been a mason for 72 years.

W Bro Wilkinson encourages more people to learn about Freemasonry and get involved.

He was initially a member of Lodge Barellan where he went through the Chair. When Lodge Barellan relinquished its charter in 2008, he joined Lodge Leeton – Yanco, and has been a member ever since. Ian cannot drive at night but his son Gordon who lives on the Victoria border has joined Leeton – Yanco so that he can bring his father to lodge every second month. Ian is still active in the lodge; he will stand in as Inner Guard or Deacon at a moment’s notice. His son Gordon is also an officer in the lodge serving as our Outer Guard.

‘I think there are people who don’t understand who we are,’ he said. ‘We are a fellowship of men. The Free– masons give you a chance to try to better yourself and directly contribute back into the community. ‘Where Freemasons can help, we will. ‘We might be called Jerilderie-Finley, but we are open to new members from Berrigan, Tocumwal and Blighty.’ For more information call W Bro Wilkinson on 0427 102 923.

Not the longest serving mason in NSW & ACT but certainly an example to the younger brethren!

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect Freemason

Lodge Forster – Great Lakes United No 994

The rise of the dolphin In March 2017 Forster – Great Lakes United was floundering as a daylight lodge and its secretary was struggling to put together an application for a building grant. The lodge decided to change from a Monday daylight lodge to a Thursday evening lodge. Some of the older members left as they could not drive at night, but by the same token we were able to retain our younger working brethren and in the process were able to Initiate three new members. After two years we were able to confidently install a young Master Mason into the Chair with Master Masons in all progressive offices (bar one) for the next three years, something this lodge had never achieved. This left the lodge in good stead for a series of young Master Masons to be installed as Worshipful Master.

With the assistance of the Regional Building Officer, VW Bro Bill Krantzcke, a building application for a masonic building grant which the lodge had been struggling with for two years was approved by Grand Lodge. Hiring documents were also prepared to protect the centre management from any litigation arising from the hall hire. The renovations were a challenge, but thanks must go to our local contractors, Vision Kitchens, Choose Flooring, Hawken Electronics and Electrodry. Special thanks to Angelo Sanchez Sojo at Grand Lodge for his understanding and cooperation without which we would have been struggling and we thank him for his help as we do the Grand Lodge Board of Management for their approval of the funding. Together we were able to bring it all together and achieve an excellent result.

L–R: MW Bro Derek Robson AM, W Bro Jim Lakin and W Bro Andrew Kfoury

In finalizing the building grant, we now have a revamped Lodge South with a 130 inch drop down screen plus a fully renovated kitchen and, last but not least, documentation in place to protect the centre from any litigation from hirers. I believe that we have left the lodge and masonic centre in a good position which will safeguard them into the future.

Lodge Canberra Unity No 465

The sixty year Cliff In December, the Worshipful Master of Lodge Canberra Unity presented Bro Cliff Craigie with a certificate marking his impressive milestone of sixty years as a mason.

The Central Coast Lodge No 2001

A visitor welcomed A visiting Freemason, W Bro Jim Lakin from the Worcester Lodge No 280 (UGLE) was welcomed by the GM, MW Bro Derek Robson AM, and his GStw W Bro Andrew Kfoury during his recent trip to Australia.

www.masons.org.au

‘I always try to include a visit to a NSW Lodge on every trip down under’ said W Bro Lakin, having previously visited Lodge Saratoga No 937 and other lodges on the Central Coast.

The most memorable moment of the afternoon was seeing Cliff’s face light up when he saw the motley bunch of his fellow masons walk through the front doors of the Fred Ward Gardens Nursing Home in Curtin.

The gang celebrates Cliff’s 60th year

June 2020

Regional Roundup

Masonic News from NSW & ACT Order of the Amaranth

Charity in action On 14 March our Grand Royal Matron HL Judith Prince presented cheques totalling $15,565 to Mr David Lester, Team Leader of Mission Australia Triple Care Farm at Robertson.

Celebrating the initiation of Bro Nickolai Kirpichnikov

Lodge John Williams No 148

A last minute Initiation At the March 2020 meeting of Lodge John Williams held at Kensington just prior to the COVID-19 social distancing regulations being invoked, the WM and his officers had the pleasure of initiating Mr (now Bro) Nickolai Kirpichnikov – in the presence of DGIW 37, VW Bro George Shenouda.

The Lodge’s Junior Deacon, Bro Anthony Spanakis, who owns a Greek restaurant, did a fine job both in his work in the lodge room and at the well attended festive board where he provided a sumptuous meal for the brethren.

These were made up of: $5,565 from the Grand Court of New South Wales, $3,000 from Central Lakes Court No 20, $500 from North Sydney Court No 7, $65 from the Royal Matrons and Royal Patrons and $6,500 from Masonicare. The Grand Court also presented a cheque for $500 with a cash donation of $1,250 to our Grand Secretary’s daughter, Mrs Catriona Cotterall, whose home was damaged in the bushfires at Conjola Park. Grand Court also forwarded to Diabetes NSW and ACT a cheque for $600 raised by saving our five cent pieces, from numerous donations and from Mrs Helen Wright’s sales of knitted little bear book marks made from her own sheep’s wool. Also a cheque for $500 was sent to Blue Haven Nursing Home in Kiama, where we held four very successful bingo days for the residents.

The Jubilee Southern Highlands Daylight Lodge No 162

In all we donated a total of $17,165.

Southern Highlands service

We thank each and every one, especially Masonicare, for their most generous support.

RW Bro Trevor Fenton was installed into the Chair of King Solomon for the tenth time, and the eighth time in The Jubilee Southern Highlands Daylight Lodge, on 14 March at Moss Vale Masonic Centre. On his left is RW Bro Ted Griffiths who received his 75 year jewel, on his right is W Bro Bob Munn who received his 70 year jewel.

June 2020

L–R: W Bro Bob Munn, RW Bro Trevor Fenton and RW Bro Ted Griffiths Presentation of cheques to Mr David Lester of Triple Care Farm

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect Freemason

Lodge Thespian No 256

Thespian’s unique evening The Gosford Masonic Centre

Supporting NSW farmers The Gosford Masonic Centre has been able to extend financial support to three farming communities in recent months. In January, $5,000 was presented to the Walcha CWA by RW Bro Kevin Andrews and his wife. This was in addition to funds provided by Terrigal Trotters Running Group which was distributed by the CWA to those most in need. Among the recipients were Walcha Race Committee and a further five local businesses. Several letters of appreciation were received in addition to copies of articles of appreciation from the local newspaper and photos of the presentation. ...but wait, there’s more! In February a further donation from the GMC of $10,000 was delivered by board member VW Bro John Rogers to the Bogan Gate community. John was accompanied by his wife for this long drive. Bogan Gate is a small village near Parkes with a population of 209. Bogan is derived from the local aboriginal word meaning “the birthplace of a noble headman of the local tribe”. The village lies in wheat and sheep growing country and is on the Sydney to Broken Hill rail line. The world-famous Indian Pacific still passes through the station four times a week on its way from Sydney to Perth and return. Mrs Ros Edwards of the Bogan Gate CWA, was willing to distribute the funds to those most in need, among them the local Hotel/Motel/General Store/ Garage and Take away Food Shop, which was due to close. They also have a public hall, school, Police Station and churches.

www.masons.org.au

Some of the 100 packages sent to farmers in the Uralla district.

... and even more! In February an additional $15,000 was made available to the Uralla District to be distributed by VW Bro Bill Andrews, a resident of the area. These funds were to purchase household goods, to be delivered to farming families who had been affected by the recent drought. Bill is a well-known mason, accountant and taxation consultant and he has the support of his wife Rae, to carry out this substantial packaging and distribution operation. Additional help was provided by four ladies from the district who undertook the packaging of the many items and vouchers, into bags for the 100 deliveries of $150 value each.

At the regular February meeting of Lodge Thespian, an unusual event happened. A father and his two sons were initiated. This is indeed a very rare event. Raymond Younan and his sons James and Daniel took their first steps in Freemasonry by joining this unique lodge which has a proud history dating back to 1908. To show how enthusiastic they are about joining the Craft they, along with Bro Luke Spickler, SW of Lodge Thespian, promptly visited Lodge Antiquity No 1 at the SMC where they completed their first degree by receiving an explanation of the First Tracing Board delivered by a member of both Thespian and Antiquity, Bro Paul Wilson. Both James and Daniel are accomplished musicians so Thespian was the obvious lodge for them and they now join a long list of entertainers who have passed through the doors of Lodge Thespian over the past 112 years.

Mrs Jo Fletcher, the Manager of the Uralla Neighbourhood Centre identified families in the area who were in desperate need of assistance. The area which is all badly drought affected covers 9,497 square km. Each delivery was accompanied by a note explaining that the goods were provided by funds from the Central Coast Freemasons, which showed a truly charitable masonic spirit. Many letters of appreciation were received and in some cases in-depth questions were raised about Freemasonry. All of the recipients were very glad to know that others had been thinking about them, in particular those who, it was thought, spent all of their time on the beach!

Raymond, James and Daniel Younan were initiated into Lodge Thespian on the same night.

June 2020

Initiates

United Grand Lodge of NSW & ACT

Welcome to our new members ALVANDI, Adrian. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Loftus – Macleay 203 ANDREWS, Jamie. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wallis Plains 4 ATWELL, James. . . . . Lodge Southern Cross 91 AWAD, Zaid. . . . . . Lodge Sir Joseph Banks 300 BENT, Paul. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Picton 258 BLANCA, Delfin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Sydney St George 269 BOOTH, Lex. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Celebration of Fairfield 345 BUCASAS, Ariel. . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Blacktown Kildare 393 CAMERON, Steven. . . . . . . . Lodge Paxton 608 CAMPOS, Pedro. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge St David and St John 180 CHARMAN, Andrew. . . . Lodge Allan Stuart 416 DAILEY, Gregory. . . . . . . . . . . Lodge St James 45 DIERK, Bantu . . . . . . . . . Lodge Nowra Unity 60 DONOVAN, Luke. . . . . . Lodge Nowra Unity 60 DUNSTER, Andrew. . . . . . Lodge Broughton 131 ELLEM, Matthew. . . . . Lodge Fire Brigades 940 ENGLISH, Scott. . . . . Lodge Prince Leopold 87 FAROOQ, Umer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Sydney St George 269 FERNANDEZ, Henry. . . . Lodge Sutherland 585

Regional Roundup

FORBES, John. . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Toukley 933 FRANCIS, Tim. . . . . . . . The Lodge of Australia 3 GABRIEL, Liam. . . . . . The Glen Innes Lodge 44 GARCIA, Mark. . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Theo Grey 234 GIARDINI, Paul. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Como 738 GILBO, Robert. . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Beecroft 359 HANES, Stephen. . . . . The Queen’s Lodge 229 HENDERSON, James. . . . . . . . . . Lodge Morning Star 410 HILL, Paul. . . . . . . . . . Lodge Army and Navy 517 HINDI, Sam. . . . . . Lodge Sir Joseph Banks 300

O’BRIEN, Jerry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Sydney St George 269 O’CONNOR, Barry. . . . . . . . . Lodge St James 45 PETERS, Jordan. . . . . . . . . . . . Balmain Lodge 23 PETHYBRIDGE, Wade . . . . . . Lodge Picton 258 PETROVSKI, Robert. . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Sydney St George 269 PLAZA, John. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Gymea 796 RODGERS, Dennis. . . . Lodge Warragamba 541 ROGERS, Steve. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Horace Thompson Ryde 134

HOWARTH, Matt. . . . . . . . . Lodge Courallie 235

ROSSOUW, Paul . . . . . . . . . Lodge Queanbeyan St Andrew 56

KIDD, Quentin. . . . . . . . . Lodge Blackheath 370

SANDE, Phil. . . . . . . . . . . . . The Hills Lodge 1025

KING, Mark . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Challenge 284

SANDS, Chris. . . . . . . . Lodge Southern Cross 91

KIRPICHNIKOV, Nick. . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge John Williams 148

SHAKESPEARE, Richard. . . . Lodge France 1021

LEW, Steven . . . . . . . . . The Lodge of Australia 3

STA MINA, Ron. . . . . . . . . Lodge Balgowlah 392

MAHARAJ, Vimal. . . . . . . . The Hills Lodge 1025

WANG, Tianchen. . . . . . Lodge Mark Owen 828

MANSOUR, Badih. . . . . . . Lodge Macquarie 53

WEHBE, Joseph. . . . . . . . Lodge Sutherland 585

MEHTA, Sid. . . . . Lodge Sydney St George 269

WOODS, Woody. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Cowra 33

MITCHELL, Riley. . . . . . Lodge Bulli Thirroul 1040

YOUNAN, Raymond. . . . . . Lodge Thespian 256

MUNDAY, Jonathan. . . . . . . . . . Lodge Benjamin Pryor 709

YOUNAN, James. . . . . . . . . Lodge Thespian 256

extra!

NSW S ACT

SOLIMAN, Fady. . . . . . . . . Lodge Cavanbah 231

YOUNAN, Daniel . . . . . . . . . Lodge Thespian 256

NSW S ACT

Lodge Gowrie of Canberra No 715

Fraternal visitation Seven members of Lodge Gowrie of Canberra paid a fraternal visit to Lodge Queanbeyan St Andrew No 56 in mid-February to witness an Initiation followed by the First Degree Tracing Board. Congratulations to the newest member of the Craft on his initiation.

Lodge Gowrie visiting Lodge Queanbeyan St Andrew in mid-February this year

June 2020

A sucessful BBQ for bushfire relief

Lodge St George and St Andrew No 7

Bushfire charity

Brethren and families held a bushfire appeal barbecue in the St George Masonic Centre lounge to raise funds for the Grand Master’s Drought and Disaster appeal to help the victims of the recent bushfires.

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect Freemason

BLAZEAID VOLUNTEERS R TRAVELLING FULL-TIME R A BIBLICAL LOVE STORY

v52 n2 June 2020 TRAVELS IN ISRAEL R A RARE DISEASE R STAN AND OLLIE

v52 n1 March 2020

v51 n4 December 2019

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

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect

Crossword

June 2020

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect

truth

Brotherly love and

Rebirth from

Virtual Masonry – meetings beyond the lodge room

adversity

– GM’s Christmas Message – The GM’s Appeal

Thank You

Acorn Stairlifts

Bathurst District Freemasons

Cool Cuts Men’s Hair Studio

Frank Whiddon Masonic Homes of NSW

George H Lilley Regalia

Hornsby and Ku-Ring-Gai Masonic Association

Lodge Mayfield Daylight No 493

12 13

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

International Order of the Rainbow for Girls NSW & SA

15 16

19 21

23 24

5 & 17

Rembrandt

Across

Down 1 What are the T.B. R and R. P.A.? (9, 6)

Royal Freemasons’ Benevolent Institution of NSW

Terry McCallum Photography

The Knights Templar Preceptory of St John No 19

2 Some normal arm enables the Tyler to sound this (5)

The Law Offices of Dr. Dion Accoto

5 Change laciest clothing for something more stretchy (7) 9 A liberal art or science (5) 10 Dreadful blur Mason thinks he is when he can’t recite ritual (9) 11 Visit ideal resorts for lawful compliances (10) 12 Said about a Masonic podium (4) 14 Insectivorous bird picks off last Yeoman of the Guard (8)

MARCH SOLUTION

Mason Strata Management

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

15 Sign that Castor and Pollux arrive about 21st May (6) 17 Some token blocked when one ballot for two or more is taken together (2-4) 19 High priest denote numerical quantity (8) 22 Seat repositioned for the W.M.’s place (4) 23 A sad spirit intones ‘The biggest (?) in the world’ (10) 25 Ham peeler becomes transitory (9) 26 Onus Omega loses some fertiliser from Nauru

2 Poor Ab loves to be exonerate (7) 3 Con charade for a Bishop’s side-kick (10) 4 Lopsided Emu tests old bagpipes with bellows (8) 5 Brother leaves brothel member with a symbolic lodge item (6) 6 It takes a very long period to see some algae on wall (4) 7 Strangely many tip up a kettle drum (7) 8 An oily spectacle forms a covering of a Masonic Lodge (9,6) 13 Deceased campanologist is a look-alike (4, 6) 16 Replacement keyboard for 13 down (8) 18 The bias adjusts for a great shot at the ball park (4, 3) 20 One can’t use revamped style of 10 across (7) 21 Wide of the mark without centre of a smoker’s requisite (6) 24 Thomas lost two letters that upset the O.T. prophet of Judah (4)

27 Fulfill if stays are adjusted (7) 28 One leaves neurones for a TLC provider (5)

www.masons.org.au

June 2020

Service Certificates

United Grand Lodge of NSW & ACT

Congratulations to our masons

YEARS SERVICE

BEADSWORTH, Samuel. . . . . . . Lodge Morning Star 410

YEARS SERVICE

ALLEN, Keith. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Baden-Powell Lodge of NSW 1051

BRIGHTWELL, John. . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Burns Wentworth Tuscan 21

CAMERON, Ross. . . . . . . . . . Lodge St James 45

BURNS, Robert . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Edinburgh St John 38

COOPER, Ronald. . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Bland 337

GIBSON, Raymond. . . . . . . Lodge Beecroft 359 LITTLEWOOD, Vivian. . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Wagga Wagga 22 POTTER, Leslie. . . . . . . . . Lodge Gloucester 291 SANDERS, John. . . . . . Lodge Ku-Ring-Gai 1033 SNEESBY, Stephen. . . . . . Lodge Livingstone 71 SPEIGHT, Maurice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Hunter United 246 THOMSON, Ronald. . . . . . . . Lodge Paxton 608

Regional

CAUKILL, William. . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Balmain 23 MOULTON, Edward. . . . . . Lodge Theo Grey 234 WEBSTER, Robert. . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Bland 337

YEARS SERVICE

KERR, William. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Edinburgh St John 38 LEVESQUE, David. . . . . . . . . Lodge Toukley 933 NICOLAIDES, John. . . . . . . . . . Lodge Sir Joseph Banks 300 PIPER, Graham. . . . . . . Lodge Ku-Ring-Gai 1033 SHERMAN, Brian. . . . . . . . . . Lodge Barham 561 SIMPSON, James . . . . . . . . . Lodge Toukley 933 STEVENSON, David . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Riverina Thompon 04 WILSON, Allan. . . . . . . . . . . Lodge Sylvania 853

BULLOW, Stephen . . . . . . . . Lodge Chelmsford Technology 261 HANDLEY, Ian. . . . . . . . . . . . . Lachlan Macquarie Lodge 1042

extra!

Lodge Morning Star No 410

A family stars at Morning Star Family and friends were the outstanding features when W Bro Matthew Harrison was installed as WM of Lodge Morning Star at Gosford in March. His father, W Bro Bob Harrison was one of the sponsors along with long-time family friend W Bro Sam Anka while the Grand Master’s representative, RW Bro Ted Simmons OAM was one of his nominators into the Craft. A fraternal from The Leichhardt Lodge No 133 in Sydney headed the many

June 2020

visitors and its WM, W Bro Jano Toussounian was most impressive in his Address to the brethren. The Installing Master, W Bro Nathan Bacon rarely missed a beat leaving little work for the GDC, VW Bro Troy Gara. W Bro Bob Harrison was called to be the first to congratulate his son on becoming the new WM and presented him with a special gavel to mark the occasion. He also spoke of the earlier years when he was

The members of Lodge Morning Star along with distinguished guests

admitted into the Craft, became a WM and later nominated Matthew for admission. After the meeting, the members joined their ladies at a Baker Street restaurant to enjoy an evening of fine food and entertainment.

Integrity – Loyalty – Respect Freemason

The Law Offices of

Dr. Dion Accoto

Buying or Selling?

COURT LAWYERS

Our team of qualiﬁed lawyers and support staﬀ takes the pain out of the process.

* OVER 25 YEARS IN THE LAW *

Call (02) 9233 8888 Level 13, 111 Elizabeth Street Sydney NSW 2000

SYDNEY



MELBOURNE



We can even do most of the hard work over the phone! Visit our website to learn more. Call us: (02) 9188 2955 Email us: admin@earthconvey.com.au Website: www.earthconvey.com.au Liability limited by a scheme approved under professional standards legislation

BRISBANE

Liability Limited by a Scheme Approved Under Professional Standards Legislation *visit www.dionaccoto.com for further information

Stay safe and look after each other Head over to RFBI’s Facebook page or rfbi.com.au for easy and practical tips to stay connected, stay healthy, active and informed so you can keep yourself, the people you care about and your community safe.

Stay Connected

Stay Healthy

Stay Informed

Stay Active

140 YEARS OF SERVICE

2020 Freemason Covid-19 Ad May.indd 1

28/04/2020 1:50:26 PM

Freemasons staying together, apart

Freemason NSW & ACT – June 2020

Articles inside

Quarterly Communication

Famous mason

Letters to the Editor

Regional Roundup

Initiates

From the Grand Chaplain

Service Certificates

Editorial